THE Northern Echo's latest recruit was officially unveiled yesterday.

Local Heroes a racehorse named after the paper's increasingly popular grass roots sport supplement was shown off to her new owners.

The two-year-old bay filly is the second thoroughbred to be owned by The Northern Echo Racing Partnership.

The partnership's first racehorse, Northern Echo, ran nearly 30 times and was placed several times without winning.

Like Northern Echo, Local Heroes is trained by Michael Dods at Denton, near Piercebridge, just outside Darlington.

Seventeen partners signed up for a share in Local Heroes during an open morning at the Dods' stable yesterday, leaving only three shares available.

The filly's father is First Trump, who was a top class racehorse, winning five races. Her mother was a top sprinter called Mortify.

Michael said: "She has a lovely, laid-back temperament and so far has done everything we've asked of her. She's started cantering and, although it's still very early, she's showing plenty of promise."

The filly is expected to make her debut in April and at the end of the season, partners will have the choice of either selling their share or continuing for another year.

The cost of a five per cent share is £250 plus £65 a month from March to November to pay for training and administration costs.

Shareholders will have regular visits to Denton Hall to see her on the gallops and a private telephone hotline will keep members fully updated on running plans.

Anyone interested in one of the remaining shares should contact Paul Clarkson on (01995) 605790 or 07802 764094.

* Don't miss Local Heroes this Friday.

It is your weekly guide to grass roots sport, sponsored by Darlington Building Society