THE judging has taken place for what promises to be a memorable night for grass roots sport in the North-East.

The search for the Local Heroes of 2000 reaches an exciting climax next Friday night at Darlington Football Club.

The Northern Echo - in association with Darlington Building Society and Century FM - will be presenting the Local Heroes Awards 2000 to a host of deserving competitors in the world of grass roots sport.

Peter Barron, Editor of The Northern Echo, said: "This is a night devoted to those who play sport for the love of it and some fantastic stories have emerged from the nominations. All will be revealed on the night."

The awards evening in the football club's Ambassador Suite gets under way with a reception at 7pm, followed by an introduction to the night at 7.30pm and dinner at 7.40pm.

Dinner will be followed by "Sporting Questions" - a fun competition between "The Professionals" and "The Readers".

Former Boro and Newcastle footballer John Hendrie, Durham cricketer Michael Gough, and Northern Echo sports editor Nick Loughlin will comprise "The Professionals."

They will take on a team of Local Heroes readers, captained by local businessman Nigel Dowson, Cockfield Quoits Club secretary and committee member of the Zetland Quoits League.

Sporting Questions will be hosted by Century's breakfast star Paul "Goffy" Gough.

Goffy said last night: "I might not be as attractive as Sue Barker on A Question of Sport but no-one can expect any favours.

"It'll be a great laugh and I'm really looking forward to honouring the heroes of grass roots sport."

The awards will be presented from 10pm by Peter Rowley, Chief Executive of Darlington Building Society.

All those nominated by readers of Local Heroes will receive a commemorative certificate, the category winners will receive specially-commissioned trophies, and the overall Local Hero will win £500 of sporting equipment.

l Tickets for this special night cost £15 but there is limited availability because all those nominated are being invited free.

Anyone interested in attending should call Jayne O'Byrne on (01325) 505283.