SPORT is an important element of North-East culture. We are a sporting region and our passions run high.

But once a year we like to turn the spotlight away from the professionals and shine it on the stars of grass roots sport.

Last night's Local Heroes Awards was the biggest yet, with around 900 people attending what has grown into the region's most prestigious celebration of amateur sport.

England manager Steve McClaren, just as he did when he was Middlesbrough manager, honoured us with his presence and he was joined by a host of other household names such as Gareth Southgate, Stewart Downing and Jonathan Woodgate.

Their aim, and ours, was to honour those who put so much of their lives into sport for the sheer love of it.

While politicians talk of the importance of tackling the region's health and anti-social behaviour issues, it is those dedicating their lives to coaching youngsters and helping them realise their full potential who are making a meaningful impact.

Last night's ceremony highlighted the contributions of a proud list of coaches, unsung heroes and competitors, and there were hundreds more nominees who didn't make the final line-up.

They are out there in large numbers, doing priceless work in North-East communities, and we salute them all.

We urge the region to come together to nurture the goodwill and the talent in the run-up to the 2012 London Olympics - because we believe that few things are more important.