JANUARY may seem a long way off but I've decided to launch a campaign to gain recognition for one of Britain's greatest success stories. By the time the dark nights come round, columnists all over Britain will be putting forward their suggestions for the New Year honours list, so I've decided to get in first.

My suggestion is fairly local (he was brought up in York) and you will certainly have heard, and no doubt admired, his work. A five times Oscar winner, he has written the film score for numerous box office hits and often his music is as memorable as the film itself.

You've probably guessed I'm talking about John Barry, whose credits include the music for various James Bond films, Out of Africa, Dances With Wolves, Zulu, Chaplin, Born Free and many, many others.

I'm baffled that the likes of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber have deservedly received knighthoods and yet John has not. Perhaps it's because the former are associated with the 'posh' theatre whilst Mr Barry slums it in the pictures.

Whatever the past reasons, it is time to recognise this modern day Mozart. He must be a genius because of all the music I possess, his is the only one I can put on without attracting groans of derision from my daughters.

I LOVE to see someone from this area do well, whether it is passing a job interview or winning an Oscar. I see them as flying the flag for the North-East. People like John Barry, Ridley Scott, Chris Rea, Gary Pallister or the local-born opera singer Suzannah Clarke, who I was delighted to meet the other day, are wonderful role models for children.

There are some people in this country who seem to delight in knocking those who are successful, branding their achievements as "lucky". That is rarely the case. I agree with the old adage that the secret of success is 90 per cent perspiration and ten per cent inspiration - the harder you work the luckier you get.

As mayor I have visited a number of schools and have been very impressed with the dedication of the teachers and the achievements of the pupils - some of whom have come from very challenging backgrounds. The message I hope to put across is that there is no limit to what youngsters can achieve if they have the will to succeed. Belief in your own ability and pride in what you do are vital attributes - whether it's emptying bins or filling stadiums.

I was reminded of this earlier this week when the High Commissioner of New Zealand visited the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum in Middlesbrough. Who could have forecast that a farmer's son from Marton would have made such a massive impact on world history? I wonder how many times James Cook was dismissively told to give up on his dream.

Of course some fools will dismiss others on the basis of their accent, the school they attended or the colour of their skin. But it is important that our youngsters follow their dreams and that adults encourage them to press on regardless and aim for the top whether they want to be a footballer or financier, doctor or dancer.