THE stars will turn out in force tonight to pay tribute to the heroes of grassroots sport.

The Northern Echo’s Local Heroes Awards 2011 take place in a marquee at Hardwick Hall Hotel, near Sedgefield.

And the VIP guests include Newcastle manager Alan Pardew, Middlesbrough boss Tony Mowbray, athletics legend Steve Cram, and Durham’s record run-scorer Dale Benkenstein.

Sunderland Football Club are also expected to send two current players, although names have yet to be confirmed, and former Middlesbrough stars Gary Pallister and Craig Hignett will also be there.

From the world of horseracing, two of the region’s finest trainers, Ferdy Murphy and Michael Dods, will be attending, along with Olympic boxing medallist Tony Jeffries, and European tour golfer Graeme Storm.

The awards night has become the biggest celebration event in the grassroots sports calendar, with finalists covering a wide range of sports, and aged from 11 to 92.

The overall Local Hero of 2010, Yarm Tennis Club stalwart John Schofield, will be a guest of honour, and members of Deerness Valley Gymnastics Academy will open the show.

Event compere, Peter Barron, editor of The Northern Echo, said: “This is the 12th year of these special awards and it is wonderful that the event will be graced by so many famous faces paying tribute to those who compete for the pure love of sport.”

FINALISTS.

Senior Awards – Sir Bobby Robson Leading Light, sponsored by BMI: Dave Elderkin, for services to basketball in County Durham; Gerry Fuller, for services to gymnastics in Newton Aycliffe; Karl Wharton, for services to gymnastics in County Durham. Remarkable Achievement, sponsored by Northumbrian Water: Andrew Robertson, for achievements in long-distance running; Arthur Puckrin, for achievements in the decabiathlon; Mark Allison, for achievements in long-distance running. Unsung Hero, sponsored by SSI: Peter Jackson, for services to cricket in the Darlington area; George Simpson, for services to local football in Darlington; Alf Walsh, for services to athletics in Hartlepool. Sporting Excellence, sponsored by Darlington Building Society: Katherine Copeland, for achievements in rowing; Kieren Emery, for achievements in rowing; Danny Hart, for achievements in mountain biking.

Team of the Year, sponsored by Tees Active: Newton Aycliffe Football Club; Sedgefield Harriers Athletics Club; Deerness Valley Gymnastics Academy. Junior Awards – Sporting Excellence, sponsored by Hardwick Hall: Honor Clissold, for achievements in skiing; Jack Hermeston, for achievements in golf; Laura Robinson, for achievements in show-jumping. Most Promising New Talent, sponsored by Press Ahead: Michael Bleasby, for achievements in athletics; Amy Tinkler, for achievements in gymnastics; Beth Waite, for trials bike achievements. Team of the Year, sponsored by The Northern Echo: Esporta Wearside Under-18 Girls and Boys Tennis; Northfield School Under-13 Girls’ Table Tennis; Willington Cricket Club Under-13s. Most Inspiring Team Player, sponsored by R&B Group: Chloe Friebel, for achievements in gymnastics; Rory Gaydon, for achievements in tennis; James Quinn, for achievements in cricket. Remarkable Achievement, sponsored by Tees Barrage: Karina Bean, for achievements in gymnastics; Georgia Clayton, for achievements in tumbling; Stephanie Moore, for achievements in athletics.