The Judging has taken place for the Local Heroes Awards of 2009 - resulting for one of the strongest list of finalists in the 10 years of the event.
Judges met at Bannatyne's Hotel in Darlington on Wednesday and sifted through record number of entries from the wrold of grassroots sport. As well as the usual entries from football, cricket and athletics, there were also nominations ranging from water polo to kite surfing.
Peter Barron, editor of The Northern Echo, who chaired the judging panel said: "The hardest part of the judges is having to leave out so many worthy nominees.
"The judges agonised for hours over who should go through and who should be disappointed but the result is an exceptionally strong list of finalist.
"The ages of the finalist range from eight to eighty and there will undoubtedly be tears on the night when some of the inspirational and moving stories are told."
This year's awards night will be held before a 1,000-strong audience in a giant marquee at Hardwick Hall Hotel, near Sedgefield, on December 2.
Celebrities from the world of sport will be attending and their names will be revealed between now and the big night.
Local Heroes' overall winners from the past ten years will also be invited back to take part in a parade of champions.
The judges also agreed that the Ambassador for Sport Award to be renamed the Sir Bobby Robson Ambassador for Sport Award in memory of the England and Newcastle legend who died this year.