THE stage is set for "The Oscars" of grassroots sport in the North-East and North Yorkshire.
The Northern Echo Local Heroes Awards night will be held at the Tall Trees Hotel, Yarm, on Thursday.
From a bumper crop of nominations the judges have chosen a shortlist for each category in the awards.
The category winners will be announced on Thursday, along with the individual who has been selected as Local Hero of 2001.
Sports Aid Northern is to benefit from a charity auction at the awards dinner, held in association with Darlington Building Society and Century FM.
The charity helps fund grass roots sport in the region, with talented youngsters aged between 12-18 benefiting. It promises to be a really entertaining night.
Memorabilia from Middlesbrough FC, Darlington FC Hartlepool United FC, Durham CC, an Apollo Outrage Mountain bike from Halfords, a 'sell your home for free' package from Robinsons Estate Agents, a Dutton Forshaw Landrover Stockton's 'Jungle Track experience' for five people and a whole lot more will all be available in the auction.
The event will also feature a special version of A Question of Sport, hosted by Paul "Goffy" Gough, of Century FM.
The teams include Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper, England and Durham fast bowler Simon Brown, Darlington FC chairman George Reynolds and the face of sport on Tyne-Tees Television, Jeff Brown.
Don't miss Local Heroes next Friday to find out the identity of the award winners
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article