THE TUC called it “the biggest strike in a generation”. The Prime Minister described it as a “damp squib”. Either way, it is a sorry state of affairs for Britain.

Against that depressing backdrop, tonight’s Local Heroes Awards event offers a welcome chance to celebrate some positive news.

The annual grassroots sport awards highlight the extraordinary achievements of ordinary people. The event produces remarkable stories of achievement and dedication, with the youngest finalist just 11 and the oldest 92.

Tonight it will be their turn to be honoured by professional stars such as Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew, Middlesbrough boss Tony Mowbray, North-East athletics legend Steve Cram, and Durham’s record run-scorer Dale Benkenstein.

We thank them and other VIP guests for their support because we passionately believe in the value of encouraging sport at the grass roots.

How many children would be at loose ends on the streets without the football, cricket, athletics, boxing and gymnastics clubs?

Where would we be without the exceptional people who keep those clubs going by giving hours of their time over decades without asking for a penny in return?

How much worse would the country’s health problems be without sports volunteers and facilities to keep people competing?

Tonight is a celebration of all that is good about grassroots sport and out congratulations go out to all the finalists.

It is a shame they can’t all be winners but we hope they all have a night to remember.