PLANS are under way to build on the success of the Local Heroes Awards next year, with the first nomination for next year's honours already being submitted.

Youngsters from Longfield School in Darlington have been nominated for the junior team award in the "Oscars of Grass Roots Sport" after winning the Darlington Schools Cross Country Championships for the fifth year running.

The nomination was made within days of the Local Heroes Awards 2001 at The Tall Trees Hotel last week being hailed as a huge success.

The awards organising committee has met to start formulating plans for next year's event, which is intended to be even more prestigious.

Written nominations can be made any time and will be kept on file until judging takes place next year, although official nomination forms will not be published until next summer.

Meanwhile, swimmer Nicola Jackson, from Richmond, is celebrating a huge boost to her Olympic chances thanks to a surprise presentation at the Local Heroes Awards.

Simon Bailes Peugeot, which sponsored the Over-16 Outstanding Performance Award, has presented Nicola with the keys to a Peugeot 106 Zest.

The presentation was made by Simon Bailes on stage at the awards ceremony.

Nicola, who won a team gold for Britain in the 200 metres freestyle relay at the World Swimming Championships, said: "This will make a huge difference and I am enormously grateful for the support."

Nicola is living in Bath with her coach as she trains for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, and the fully-insured car will help with her travelling.