IT was the sort of performance that exemplifies all that can be good about sport. Ten-year-old Joseph Smith arrived at Durham City Baths to take part in the Durham District Cub Scouts Swimming Gala expecting to be joined by his Belmont 1st Scouts team-mates.

But there was a surprise in store. No one else from his group had turned up, so the Pittington Primary School pupil WAS the team.

But that was not going to stop the keen swimmer, from Sherburn Hill, from giving his all and he swam back-to-back in 12 races - winning every heat and chalking up the points to win the team title single-handed.

Joseph's efforts deservedly earned him an honour in this year's Local Heroes awards, which celebrate all that is good about grassroots sport.

"He is not the best swimmer of his age group. It was sheer grit and determination,'' said his proud dad Paul.

Joseph says of his triumph: "I thought there would be loads of us there but as soon as I went through the door everything changed.

"When there was a relay we had to borrow a couple of people from Elvet and Gilesgate and we won that.''

Joseph's stunning achievement has already marked him out as something special.

Ian Thorpe, the Australian swimmer who currently dominates the sport, is only 18. To be truly great in the sport, you have to start young.

Joseph has his father to thank for his love of swimming for Paul, a local government worker, started teaching him from the age of six months in the pool at Durham's Aykley Heads police headquarters.

He has now joined Durham City Swimming Club where, Paul says, he is benefiting from good coaching.

"They have internal swimming galas and they have a league that takes place at different venues.

"He has taken part in a couple of them, in relays. He was in a medley relay at Newcastle City Baths and was doing the front crawl on the final leg.

"There was quite a good lad against him and you thought, is he going to hold him off, and he did.

"When he won, he turned round with two clenched fists and the beaming joy on his face was a picture to see.''

Joseph, who thinks the front crawl is his best stroke - "because I'm the best at it and I'm fast'' - trains twice a week, but Paul and mum say while they want to encourage him, they don't want to push him.

Sue said: "When we go on holiday he spends two hours in each pool.

"He is a real water baby.''

Swimming is not the be all and end all for Joseph. He also plays the euphonium in the school band - they have plenty of Christmas concerts coming up.

He shares his season-ticket holding father's passion for Hartlepool United FC and like just about every youngster, he loves his PlayStation.

The family has another reason to be proud. Joseph's step-sister Gill is getting her degree in community health studies this week.

* You can read all about Joseph's exploits on his web page at Durham City Amateur Swimming and Water Polo Club.

Log on to www.dcasc.co.uk