THE Local Heroes of grass roots sport were honoured at a prestigious ceremony watched by a 600-strong audience last night.

The Northern Echo's Local Heroes Awards 2002, powered by npower, took place at The Tall Trees Hotel, near Yarm.

And the overall Local Hero of 2002 was named as 67-year-old Norman Sturman for a lifetime of dedication to grass roots sport, most notably his devotion to Haughton Cricket Club in Darlington.

Norman, who started playing local league cricket as a 15-year-old, joined Haughton in 1965 and has been a star both on and off the field.

He has been a fast bowler, coach, fund-raiser, groundsman and he played a key role in helping the club rise from the ashes when the pavilion was hit by a devastating fire.

Other award-winners included ten-year-old Joseph Smith, of Belmont 1st Scouts in Durham City, who showed remarkable determination when he was the only member of his pack to turn up for the Durham District Cub Scouts Swimming Gala.

He swam in every race - front crawl, breaststroke, and backstroke - won every heat and clocked up enough points to win the team title single-handed.

Stars of professional sport - including Newcastle Falcons rugby stars Rob Andrew and Liam Botham, and Sunderland footballers Tore Andre Flo and Stephen Wright, turned up for the big night.

The awards, compered by Peter Barron, editor of The Northern Echo, have grown into the biggest event in the grass roots sporting calendar.