One NorthEast Business for Sport AwardMAGNET Trade took home the One NorthEast Business for Sport Award in recognition of their support of grassroots sport.
Over the past four years, the kitchen and joinery specialists has sponsored almost 100 grassroots sports teams up and down the county in their national scheme to get behind amateur football leagues.
Many of the sponsored teams are from the NorthEast, including Da rlington teams Middleton Rangers and the Highland Laddie as well as Newton Aycliffe Youth and Newlands FC from Middlesbrough who were winners of the best team performance at the Local Heroes Awards in 2006 for winning the English Schools Cup.
One NorthEast's Tanya Gray presented the trophy to Magnet Trade's Jessica Jones, and Tanya said: "Congratulations to Magnet Trade on their Business for Sport Award.
"People in the North-East are extremely 'Passionate about sport' so it is fantastic to see companies such as Magnet Trade supporting grassroots sporting clubs and giving youngsters opportunities.
"The 'Passionate People. Passionate Places' campaign is all about highlighting the region and its achievements and positively raising the profile of the North-East as an excellent place to live, work, study, visit, do business and invest. But above all, it's about celebrating the people who live here.
"It's organisations such as Magnet Trade who can help us spread the message about this fantastic region and the wealth of talent we have here.
"By supporting sporting clubs, Magnet Trade is helping to make a difference on a daily basis to lives of those involved and the communities in which they live and we are delighted to have been able to support the Local Heroes initiative with The Northern Echo."
The 'Passionate people. Passionate places' regional image campaign is promoting the North-East England as a great place to do business, live, work, study and visit.
Led by One NorthEast, the campaign features the best the region has to offer through its people and the key areas of history and heritage, coast and countryside, city culture and innovative business.
Youth Award for Remarkable AchievementTEENAGE rower Naiomi Wise took the Youth Award for Remarkable Achievement after fighting back from being told she had two days to live to go on to compete in a world championships.
The 18-year-old from Redcar was the only person from the North-East to represent Britain at the World Dragon Boat Racing Championships in Australia - but that was only half the story.
At the age of 12, Naiomi was diagnosed with the rare heart condition, mitral regurgitation.
When she was 16, Naiomi, a former pupil of Whale Hill Primary School and Macmillan's Academy, Middlesbrough, was struck down with endocarditis and meningitis.
She said: "I couldn't walk and was sleeping all the time and couldn't eat."
She was taken to Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital before being rushed to a specialist ward at The Freeman Hospital, in Newcastle.
"I didn't know at the time I had two days left - my mum kept it from me. But I came through - they said it was because I was so fit."
Despite being given only two days to live, she defied the doctors to recover and while she was convalescing, she went on the internet and found a website about dragon boat racing.
She got involved in the sport, fought back to fitness in the gym, started training four nights a week at Durham Rowing Club for the Three River Serpents and secured a place in the Great Britain squad.
As part of the 22-strong team Naiomi competed at the International Regatta Centre in New South Wales during September.
Such determination impressed the Local Heroes Awards judging panel, which is why Naiomi was selected as the winner of this category.
She received her trophy from Northumbrian Water's communications manager Alistair Baker and Newcastle Eagles basketball team's Fabulous Flournoy and Paul Blake.
Alistair said: "Naiomi chased her dream to recovery through dragon boat racing and fought back from the brink of death to represent her country at world championships and is truly a totally deserving, award-winning, water heroine.
"Northumbrian Water is a lot more than a company that just supplies drinking water and treats waste water. It is immersed in all aspects of community life.
"Water is vital for a healthy life and Northumbrian Water keenly promotes the benefits of good hydration by drinking tap water.
"It's important for everyone to drink the recommended eight glasses of water every day and if they are involved in sport more water is needed for peak performance and recovery - just a two per cent loss of body water can result in a ten per cent drop in physical and mental performance.
"The Local Heroes Awards is a natural partner for Northumbrian Water's support and fittingly the winner of the special remarkable achievement award is herself, like Northumbrian Water, immersed in the water 'business'."
Also nominated were swimmer Patrick Callan and golfer Peter Blackbourn.
Patrick, 14, is from Wear Valley and has made a remarkable comeback after an emotional year of injury and setbacks. He twice broke his leg and it seemed his chances of performing well this year were low.
But he worked harder than ever and became English schools 100m breaststroke champion before going on to represent the English Schools in the British Schools Championships, and claimed the top prize of British Schools 100m champion.
Patrick then completed a hat-trick in August by becoming the ASA National Age Group champion.
Peter pulled off every golfer's dream by scoring a hole in one - at the age of only 12. It came after playing at Darlington Golf Club for only 18 months as he competed in only his sixth tournament.
His ace came at the third, in front of the clubhouse, with everyone watching. His dad, Graham, gave him the money to buy the traditional round of drinks at the bar, but Peter opted to keep it to buy some new equipment instead.
Senior Award for Sporting ExcellenceTHERE were three strong candidates among the nominations for the Senior Award for Sporting Excellence, but Phill Nixon took the honours as his story epitomises what grassroots sport is all about.
Earlier this year, Phill - known as the Ferryhill Flyer - achieved his 30-year ambition of reaching the final of the World Darts Championship.
He got there as an amateur, playing County darts for Durham for 21 years and regularly playing for the Eldon Arms and for Ferryhill WMC.
When he was made redundant from his job making water coolers and de-humidifiers, he and his wife, Suzanne, decided to give his ambitions one last go and, instead of getting another job, father-of-eight Phill spent every spare minute praticising on the dart board in his kitchen.
Despite being a 100-1 outsider, at the beginning of this year, Phill somehow made it through every round before competing in what has been described as "the greatest final" in the history of the event, only losing out to the wolfman, Martin Adams, in a gut-wrenching final set.
There was Ferryhill Flyer hysteria across the NorthEast, with people even changing their shifts to watch him play at the Lakeside. Since his extraordinary experience, Phill has turned professional, but he still plays for his local workingmen's club.
The award was sponsored by Darlington Building Society and Phill received his trophy from chief executive Peter Rowley along with local athletics hero Steve Cram.
Peter was hugely impressed with Phill's achievements and he said: "What can be said about Phill Nixon that has not already been said a thousand times?
"A true local hero in every sense, Phill's phenomenal achievement in reaching the final of the World Darts Championship and then staging that memorable comeback of epic proportions will never be forgotten by thousands of people not only from the North-East, but also by hundreds of thousands from the rest of Britain and, indeed, the world.
"Phill has touched the lives of so many people, most of whom would never consider themselves to be darts fans, that he fully deserves to win the Senior Award for Sporting Excellence.
"Darlington Building Society has been a proud sponsor of Local Heroes and the Local Hero Awards from the beginning in 2000 and we are pleased that our support over the years has helped to raise the profile of grassroots sport in the region.
"We congratulate not only Phill Nixon on his achievements, but all the local sportsmen and women in the region who make the North-East such an exciting place to live and work."
Also nominated were young boxing sensation Bradley Saunders and cyclist Steve Davies.
Bradley, a 20-year-old Sedgefield light-welterweight, is one of the country's finest young amateur boxers.
He became only the second English boxer to secure his place at next year's Olympics by reaching the semi-finals of the World Amateur Championships in Chicago with a crushing victory against American Javier Molina.
Saunders was crowned ABA Senior Light-Welterweight champion in London late last year, but it was always his main goal to qualify for the Olympics and he has held off from turning professional so he can make a bid for a gold medal in Beijing.
Steve, a 56-year-old account executive with BIB Insurance in Darlington, brought glory to the town by pedalling his way to gold at the 2007 World Masters Championships in Australia.
He rides for the Ferryhill Wheelers and sprinted to victory in the 2km pursuit in Sydney, reaching speeds of 48 kilometres an hour. He also picked up a bronze medal in the 15 kilometre event.
The medals add to Steve's impressive tally of three bronze and four silver medals in previous World Masters Championships and 17 gold, 16 silver and four bronze medals in the British Masters track cycling championships.
He said: "You know that One NorthEast slogan about Passionate Places and Passionate People? Well, I'm passionate about cycling."
The judges felt this was one of the hardest categories of the night because all three finalists have brought a huge amount of pride to the NorthEast.
Award for Most Promising New Talent in SportCHLOE Liddle was jumping for joy after the young trampolining star was named the Most Promising New Talent in Sport.
Judges were impressed with the nine-year-old's immense dedication, commitment and determination to succeed.
In March, Chloe, from Chester-le-Street, rose to the challenge of her first international appearance at the prestigious Flowers Cup in Holland where she was delighted to achieve first place.
Among a string of titles, she is now National Schools champion, British champion and is tipped for future Olympics success.
"It has been unbelievable, " said her father, Bryan. "The year she has had is amazing."
In the Flowers Cup, an event for the elite in Europe, Chloe finished equal first, with the next youngest competitor aged 16.
Bryan added: "She was supposed to be 12 before she competed in Europe, so her achievement was even more special. Hopefully, she will represent Great Britain."
Chloe joined her local club in Washington when she was six where she met coach Bill Leach, who is part of the Great Britain team set-up.
The club has more than 200 members on their books, with Chloe as one of the brightest prospects.
For Bill, the chance to work with such a talent has been a privilege, with his hope that Chloe can go all the way to the top.
He said: "She has the potential to be a full British international and could well be one of the next Olympians for the country. I'm almost certain she can do that.
"She is very, very talented, she learns very quickly and is physically very strong for her age, and everyone down at the club is buzzing with her success so far."
The award was sponsored by BHP Sport, a division of Blackett Hart & Pratt LLP.
Chloe was presented with her trophy by former Liverpool, Middlesbrough and Sunderland striker, and three times Darlington manager David Hodgson, who now works for BHP Sport.
Bryan Hoare, director of marketing for Blackett Hart & Pratt, said: "As the sports management and representation division of Blackett Hart & Pratt LLP Solicitors, BHP Sport were delighted to support the Local Heroes Awards 2007.
"As sponsors of the Award for Most Promising New Talent in Sport, BHP Sport were looking to recognise an individual who is already excelling in their chosen sport demonstrating a commitment to develop their sporting prowess still further with the potential to become recognised at the hightest level.
"In any sport, success is dependent upon a combination of the skill of the individual or team, together with support from professional advisors to win at any level.
"Chloe has been chosen because of her dedication and determination to succeed in a sport which is both physically and technically demanding.
Her commitment to achieving success has been rewarded with a string of national and international trampolining titles and her drive and ambition is commended at such a young age."
Also nominated were football starlet Corey Denton and martial arts expert Sam Smith.
Seven-year-old Corey was rewarded for his outstanding ability last season by scooping three awards.
After netting 40 goals for Bishop Auckland St Mary's Juniors Under-8s, he claimed players' player of the year, player of the year, and top goalscorer in an eventful season.
Sam, 11, has gained 15 gold and three silver medals as well as 12 trophies, including best of grade, best attitude and overall achiever.
His greatest achievement so far is gaining his 1st dan blackbelt, making him the youngest blackbelt in kim chung do kwan.
Sam also teaches lower grade students, which shows a maturity beyond his years.
Award for Most Inspiring Team PlayerSARAH Blakey was crowned the Most Inspiring Team Player in recognition of her commitment to helping youngsters get into sport.
She attends Woodham School, in Newton Aycliffe where she is considered to be an inspirational member of the Woodham Warriors American Football team, the only all-girls team in the country.
Sarah is the brains behind the scheme having set it up and getting girls involved in a sport that many had little experience of.
Her enthusiasm and work for the team were key factors in the Local Heroes judging panel giving her the award.
She is seen as a pioneer in the sport and is credited with helping to take young people off the streets and getting them involved in sport.
Sarah's mum, Brenda Blakey, has witnessed the Warriors' rise from its early stages right through to competition level and is delighted at their progress.
She said: "The idea started at school through a teacher, and a few of Sarah's friends got interested. They began to get involved and then, as a group, they set up their own team, becoming the only girls team in the country.
"They were entered into the boys league, so they had tough competition, but I think it inspired them even more. They compete really well, discuss tactics, train every week and stick together as a team."
Away from playing the sport, Sarah has become involved in coaching both the Woodham Warriors boys and girls. She joined the boys team's recent success in competing in the World Championships, and within the team was Thea Walton, the only girl to compete with the boys.
She was introduced to the sport by Sarah, becoming her coach, mentor and inspiration.
Sarah's expertise soon rubbed off, as Thea got selected for Great Britain, the first girl ever to do so.
"Sarah got me into the sport and truly inspired me. She helped me on the field and gave me confidence knowing that there was another girl to relate to, and without her none of my dreams would have come true, " said Thea.
Sarah has helped people like Thea fulfil their dreams and get involved in sport. Now American Football has a home in the North-East and the girls at Woodham Warriors are loving playing the game.
This award was sponsored by Barclays and was presented by Karen Swainston, head of corporate affairs for the North-East as well as two of the region's football stars, Marco Gabbiadini and Craig Hignett.
Stella McRae, Community Relations Manager for Barclays, said: "Barclays are delighted to have supported Local Heroes again this year and in particular the Most Inspiring Team Player category.
"Sarah stood out among an elite group of nominees. We are delighted to be involved in an award, which recognises such true dedication and commitment of a true team player. Sarah is an asset not only to her sport but to her local community and may we take this opportunity to congratulate her on her wonderful achievements."
Barclays take a keen involvement in the community, and Stella added: "At Barclays, we take our responsibilities seriously. We're really proud of our leading community investment programme which added up to £46.5 million in 2006. Wherever we are, we're always part of the local community making a difference. We support a broad range of causes, from local schools to centres for older people, kids' sports facilities and local hospices. If it's close to home, whether large or small, and it really matters to the local community, we help through donations, skills and expertise.
"Barclays Spaces for Sports is our £30 million investment to create sustainable sports facilities in communities across the UK. It is the single biggest investment in grassroots sport by a company ever in the UK. To date we have already opened more than 200 community sports sites across the UK and awarded over 4,000 Coaching Packs.
This means that we have given more than half a million people across the country the opportunity to benefit through Barclays Spaces for Sports."
Also nominated were John Clark and Rochelle Petty.
John suffers from Tourettes syndrome, but has overcome his disability to take a leading role in the development of youngsters involved with Leven AFC junior football club on Teesside. He has undertaken a coaching role, guiding groups of nine and ten-year-olds and has passed his FA level 1 Coaching badge.
John is loved by the kids and is always there when needed.
Rochelle is a girl who is making a real name for herself in cricket. At 18, she is the only female member of Thirsk cricket team, playing in the York Senior League. She also plays for the Yorkshire women's team, has been selected for the England academy and made her debut in the European Women's cricket Championships.
Youth Award for Sporting ExcellenceTALENTED golfer Ellie Givens, of Darlington, took the Youth Award for Sporting Excellence.
She is considered to be one of the rising stars of ladies golf having already been picked to play for England and broken the course record at Blackwell Grange in Darlington.
Her biggest achievement came when she won the prestigious and highly competitive English Girls' Championship, beating Nottinghamshire's Katie Best 2 and 1 in a titanic final at Old Fold Manor, Hertfordshire.
Ellie's talent was recognised by Denver University in America where she is now studying after winning a golf scholarship and her experience on the US university circuit seems certain to see her develop into one of the best female golfers in the country.
After collecting her trophy, Ellie said: "I'm really excited.
I've been nominated before so it's good to win this time."
She received her trophy from Judith Rasmussen, regional director of award sponsors Sport England NorthEast, and Hartlepool-based European Tour golfer Graeme Storm.
Janice Foster, communications and knowledge manager for Sport England North-East, said: "Sport England is very proud to be part of the Local Heroes Awards and especially to be able to sponsor the Sporting Excellence Award.
"In judging this award we were looking for somebody who has progressed steadily, shown dedication and commitment and continuous improvement.
From the age of 11, Ellie has improved steadily each year and 2007 has finally seen her handicap reduce to +1 as well as becoming English Girls Champion in 2007.
"For the fifth consecutive year she has won her club's Ladies Championship at Blackwell Grange in Darlington and is also a member of the English Ladies Golf Association Elite Girls Squad and has represented England at the French Ladies Championship home internationals and the European Championship where she was the leading British player.
"Ellie is now continuing with her golf career and studies at the University of Denver, USA, having achieved a Golf Scholarship but continues to play in her native North-East and support the club she has always played at whenever she can.
"We are very proud to be able to award Ellie with the Youth Award for Sporting Excellence and wish her all the very best."
Also nominated were 17year-old Robert Newton, of Darlington, and Niall Flannery, of Cullercoats, North Tyneside.
Robert was nominated in recognition of his fantastic achievements in kickboxing.
On the back of hard training and dedication, Robert got his first big break in November 2006 in a match against the Indian champion who was 12 years his senior.
Unfazed, Robert triumphed in a dazzling display of skill to take the Intercontinental Amateur Kickboxing World title.
In February this year, Robert again triumphed and brought the European and Turkish titles to Darlington and in June, claimed the World Amateur title.
Niall is an extremely talented hurdler who has focussed his sights on the London Olympics after tasting victory in the 400 metres at the UK School Games in Coventry.
He crossed the line in a time of 52.57 seconds, shaving almost a second off his lifetime best.
npower Leading Light AwardTHE Leading Light Award, sponsored by npower, is always one of the main awards of the Local Heroes Awards ceremony and this year its recipient was Ian Brown.
The accolade always goes to an inspiring coach, manager or leader, who embodies the spirit of sport and is a constant source of encouragement and inspiration to all involved - and Ian is certainly that.
He has been actively engaged in grassroots sport for 62 years, displaying remarkable dedication in everything he has done. As a young man, Ian became involved with Billingham Rugby Club and Norton and Yarm Tennis clubs.
He won 36 county championship rugby caps for Durham and he played for the North of England against the New Zealand All Blacks in 1964. Since 1969, all his spare time and energy has gone into supporting grassroots sport.
He has been coach, team manager, and a key member of the committee helping with the development of the Billingham Rugby Club facilities. In 1989 he was elected County president and trustee and in 2000 made Life President of Billingham Rugby Club.
In 1970 he became an executive member of the Sports Council's grants and development committee.
At 73, and despite having a hip replacement, micro surgery on both knees and a back operation he still managers to play tennis twice a week at Yarm, where he has served nearly 20 years as club captain as well as odd job man, painter and fixing anything that needs repairing!
Ian is also trustee and chairman of the grants panel for Sports Aid Northern, raising money and awarding grants to the young sports stars of the future.
npower's Ray Charlton presented the award along with the stars of Sunderland's 1973 FA Cup-winning team, Jimmy Montgomery and Bobby Kerr, and Sunderland's current defender, Russell Anderson.
Gary Doig, npower's community involvement manager for the North-East, said: "The npower Leading Light Award aims to recognise and reward the talents, ambitions and achievements of outstanding local people who work to help grassroots sport to flourish in the community and provide opportunities for local people.
"Ian typifies what we were looking for in an npower Leading Light candidate, dedicating 62 years of his life to sport.
"His attitude, dedication and tireless work encouraging disabled and able-bodied sports men and women from grassroots to senior level to actively participate and enjoy sport has been an inspiration to many.
"Ian still managers to play tennis twice a week at Yarm where he has served nearly 20 years as club captain as well as odd job man, painter and anything that needs repairing!"
Also nominated were Dave Scott and Bernard Fairbairn.
In 1982, Dave formed the Darlington Spraire Lads Club and 25 years later the club encompasses 13 boys teams, as well as two senior teams and three girls teams.
The club was the first in the area to involve girls and women, resulting in the club now being called Darlington Spraire Lads and Lasses FC.
Bernard was nominated for his dedication to grassroots football. In May this year, he stood down after 46 years as secretary of Tow Law Town FC. His father had been secretary before him, and his grandfather before that.
It wasn't just the end of an era, but of a football dynasty - and all that time, he'd lived 25 miles away in Darlington, making the long journey day in, day out, to keep his club going.
Local Hero 2007PHILL Nixon was crowned the overall Local Hero of 2007 at the "Oscars of grassroots sport".
The County Durham darts player took the title after reaching the final of the World Darts Championship, where he only narrowly lost to the England captain.
But last Friday at the Local Heroes Awards ceremony, held at the Hardwick Hall Hotel, near Sedgefield, County Durham, Phill went one better when he took the top title.
In what was the eighth year of the awards, former England manager Steve McClaren presented the trophy to Phill, nicknamed the Ferryhill Flyer, who also won the Senior Award for Sporting Excellence.
At the beginning of this year, Phill achieved his 30year ambition of reaching the finals of the World Darts Championship.
He got there as an amateur, playing County darts for Durham for 21 years and regularly playing for the Eldon Arms and for Ferryhill WMC.
When he was made redundant from his job, father-ofeight Phill spent every spare minute praticising on the dart board in his kitchen.
Despite being a 100-1 outsider, at the beginning of this year Phill somehow made it through every round before competing in what has been described as "the greatest final" in the history of the event, only losing out to the wolfman, Martin Adams, in a gut-wrenching final set.
But simply reaching the World Darts Championship was a superb achievement and the Local Heroes Awards judges said: "Phill epitomises what Local Heroes is all about - someone who served his time in the amateur ranks, never giving up on his dream of making it to the top."
Phill said: "The Northern Echo gave me great support during the world title bid and I'm immensely proud to receive this honour."
McClaren, who has supported the awards since 2003 as both Middlesbrough and England manager, appeared at the ceremony for the fifth successive year.
Other sporting celebrities at the awards were NorthEast athletics legend Steve Cram, Hartlepool golfing star Graeme Storm, and Newcastle Eagles basketball playercoach Fabulous Flournoy.
Durham Cricket Club's cupwinning cricket coach Geoff Cook, and players Mark Davies and Neil Killeen were on hand to show off the Friends Provident Trophy.
The footballing celebrities included Boro boss Gareth Southgate, Darlington manager Dave Penney, Hartlepool's Danny Wilson and Sunderland defender Russell Anderson.
Other famous footballing names from the past included Gary Pallister, David Hodgson, Marco Gabbiadini and Craig Hignett.
Following the death of 1973 FA Cup Final goalscorer Ian Porterfield, it is a poignant year for the heroes of Sunderland's Cup-winning team and two of the heroes of that side, Bobby Kerr and Jimmy Montgomery, were special guests.
The evening traditionally raises money for Sports Aid Northern and last Friday's event raised £8,000.
The charity gives grants to local youngsters striving to make their way in sport, and one of the highlights was a fundraising darts match between Nixon and Steve "The Jarrow Arrow" Cram.
The evening was compered by Peter Barron, editor of The Northern Echo, with the help of TFM Radio's breakfast show presenter, Graham Mack.