TEN-year-old Joseph Smith, the scout who represented his whole troop single-handed in a swimming gala and won the team trophy - has won an award.

Joseph won the Under-16s Unsung Hero award at this year's Local Heroes sports awards, held by The Advertiser's sister paper, The Northern Echo.

The Advertiser was the first to tell the story in October of how Joseph arrived at Durham City Baths to take part in the Durham District Cub Scouts Swimming Gala expecting to be joined by his Belmont 1st Scouts team-mates.

However, no one else from his group had turned up so the Pittington Primary School pupil WAS the team.

That didn't stop the keen swimmer, from Sherburn Hill, from giving his all and he swam back-to-back in 12 races - winning every heat and winning the team title single-handed.

His dad Paul said: "He is not the best swimmer of his age group. It was sheer grit and determination."

He has now joined Durham City Swimming Club where, Paul says, he is benefiting from good coaching.

* Read about Joseph's exploits on his web page at Durham City Amateur Swimming and Water Polo Club. Visit www.dcasc.co.uk