THE Local Hero of 2001 Kip Watson last night sent a good luck message to the contenders for this year's awards.

The Local Heroes Awards 2002 - powered by npower - take place at Tall Trees Hotel, near Yarm, on November 14.

Mr Watson was 83 when he won the overall award last year for his dedication in organising an over-40s football league in Sunderland.

He said last night: "I will treasure what happened last year for the rest of my life. The Local Heroes Awards are such a wonderful idea and gives people such a lift.

"They do it for the love of sport but to be recognised and appreciated in such a special way can't be put into words. This year's winners are in for a night they will never forget."

This year, there is a new award up for grabs with the search underway for the "leading light" in the world of grass roots sport.

Candidates are now being sought for the npower-sponsored Leading Light category - an award set up to honour an unsung Local Hero.

The winner would not have to be someone taking part on the pitch and could be a team bus driver, kit washer, groundsman or dedicated supporter.

Rose Gardner, npower community relations manager, said: "We are very excited about introducing a completely new category to the existing list.

"Through the npower Leading Light category, we hope to recognise the outstanding contribution made by one individual to their community, allowing grassroots sporting activity to flourish."

Nominations can be made through the Leading Light section on the Local Heroes entry form.

* Nomination form for 2002 - see Back Page.