IN the week that footballer Rio Ferdinand moved clubs for a staggering £18m, last night it was the turn of amateur stars from the opposite end of the sporting echelon to take centre stage.

Local heroes from the North mingled with special guests John Hendrie, formerly of Middlesborough and Newcastle, and Durham County cricketer Michael Gough, at Darlington Football Club's Ambassador Suite.

They were all present to share in the joy of local sport, celebrated each week in The Northern Echo's Local Heroes sports supplement.

The awards, hosted by Century Radio breakfast DJ Paul Gough, were split into eight categories and the winners chosen from nominations sent in by Northern Echo readers.

Each individual winner or team picked up a special certificate and a millennium coin memento.

Winner of the first award, the under-16s outstanding performance award, went to Bradley Saunders, from Spennymoor Boxing Club. Bradley, 14, has been the British schoolboy boxing champion for two years and hopes to compete in the Olympics in 2004.

In the over-16s, the outstanding performance award top prize went to Nicola Jackson, from Richmond, North Yorkshire.

A Great Britain record holder, she was one of five swimmers from the British team who set a personal best at the Sydney Olympics, and was also part of a world record 4x200m freestyle team.

Special achievement awards were also handed out to the under-16s and over-16s.

In the first category, Richard Lawson emerged triumphant. Richard who suffers from haemophilia, has gained his black belt in Taisudo and represents the Northern region at roller hockey.

The over-16s special achievement award went to Steven Grey, who was also the overall winner.

The over-16s unsung hero award went to David Scott, who set up Darlington Spraire Lads Football Club 18 years ago.

There are now 20 teams, with Mr Scott in overall charge as club secretary.

The under-18s school team award went to Chester-le-Street Town Ladies FC and the over-18s team award was given to Middleton St George Cricket Club.

A special "game for a laugh" award was won by one of the characters of grassroots sport, Peter Lax, who has served local sport in Billingham for more than 50 years.

www.thisisthenortheast. co.uk/sport/heroes.htm