FOR stormin' Norman Sturman it has been business as usual since being named The Northern Echo's Local Hero of 2002.

Sturman, who was also recognised as the Over-16s' Outstanding Achievever last year, was adjudged the most worthy recipient of the prestigious grassroots sport gong, after dedicating more than 50 years to his beloved Haughton Cricket Club - where he is president.

Despite now being aged 68, the Darlington man still takes to the field when called upon to boost numbers.

But not only that, Sturman has impressively continued to take wickets this summer - his best bowling figures being a superb three for 16 against Cliffe.

He may not be able to bowl as quick as he once could, but he said: "Fast? You must be joking. It's all line and length now.

"Anyway it doesn't really matter, you don't need to be fast if you know what you are doing with a ball.

"I only play when they are absolutely desperate, but I have taken a few wickets this season."

Sturman has taken charge of Haughton Under-18s, who he guided to second in the Durham County League, and he still enjoys umpiring.

And the keen Darlington Golf Club member insists he will try to play on and help Haughton every time they require his services.

"The day when I stop will eventually come," he said. "But when it does I will still umpire for as long as I can. I love the sport so you never really want to give it up."

As well as his age, what makes Sturman's achievements on the playing field so remarkable is the fact he has had a metal plate in his leg since being 23.

As a keen footballer in his younger days, he had a promising career ahead and had spells for North Skelton, Billingham Synthonia and Sheffield Wednesday reserves.

But a crunching tackle from a centre-back on the ex-forward broke his leg in 12 places and brought an end to his playing days.

That serious injury strengthened his love affair with cricket - a relationship which eventually was to lead to him lifting the Local Hero award last November.

And Sturman, who claimed he felt like he was 'walking on air' when he received the honour, has revealed he is not expecting to have an experience like he enjoyed at the Tall Trees Hotel, near Yarm, ever again.

"I was all full up. I can remember the night very clearly," said Sturman, who had commemorative badges printed on clothing to mark his special feat. "I have done a lot over the years but that has to be one of the highlights.

"I remember when I was 17 and 18 winning a lot of trophies for playing football. But they were all team awards and this one was an individual so it was extra special.

"It was a great night. My wife, Minnie, and our family all went along and it was an unbelievable evening. I was made up to receive the Over-16s award, but for me then to get the other one was just something else. To get something like that has never happened before to me and I would think it would never happen again."

As sponsor of The Northern Echo Local Hero 2002 award, Maureen Dixon, Regional PR & Sponsorship Manager for Orange said: "These awards are about recognising accomplishment and a determination to succeed.

"The lifelong endeavour and achievement demonstrated by Norman Sturman meant he deserved to be crowned The Northern Echo Local Hero for 2002.

"We applaud Norman for all that he has already achieved and wish him every future success."