IN her Christmas message, The Queen spoke of the value of sport in bringing communities together.

“It is as important as ever to build communities and create harmony, and one of the most powerful ways of doing this is through sport and games,” she said.

The 11th Local Heroes Awards, which I compered last week, underlined the point.

You have to be there to fully appreciate the power of the event as the extraordinary sporting achievements of ordinary people are celebrated.

People such as 74-year-old John Schofield, the overall Local Hero, who has dedicated his life to bringing the joy of tennis to young people and the disabled.

John, who is associated with Yarm Tennis Club, had tears in his eyes as he collected his award. He hadn’t sought recognition for his efforts, but knowing that they had been truly appreciated clearly meant the world to him.

THERE were more tears when Adrian Grayson, known as “Mister Cricket” in North Yorkshire, was presented with the Ambassador for Sport Award by his two famous sons – Leeds United manager Simon Grayson and former Yorkshire and England cricketer Paul Grayson.

For a moment, I felt like Eamonn Andrews.

THERE is nowhere near enough space here to acknowledge everyone I’d like to thank for making the night so special.

But the way sporting celebrities turn out to pay tribute to the stars of amateur sport always adds sparkle to the occasion.

Mr Great North Run, Brendan Foster, was a gentleman, as was the first winner of Tyneside’s iconic race, Mike McLeod. Middlesbrough manager Tony Mowbray also gave his time generously, along with Darlington boss Mark Cooper, former Boro stars Gary Pallister and Craig Hignett, and Alan Foggon.

My sincere apologies to Durham Cricket Club coach Geoff Cook for introducing him as “Geoff Coach” but he knows how much I appreciate his support.

BRENDAN FOSTER was locked in deep conversation with racehorse trainer Michael Dods for much of the night.

What are the odds of Dods training a racehorse for Big Bren, called “Great North Run” or “Nova International” I wonder.

It would have to be a dour stayer, not a flashy sprinter, of course.

BORO lad Adrian Bevington, now a key figure at the FA, was there and asked afterwards if he could come back next year.

Naturally, I told him he could – and that he was welcome to bring a guest.

“Fabio’ll do,” I said.

THE Local Heroes Awards raises money for grass roots sport charity Future Sport, formerly Sports Aid Northern.

This year, we had Sessay Village Cricket Club members – team of the year for winning the national village cricket cup at Lord’s – batting plastic balls into the crowd.

Every catch was worth £500 and £5,000 ended up being handed over to Future Sport.

Catch of the night went to Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon who flung himself – Collingwood-style – to his right for a spectacular one-handed take in front of Pam Royle, from Tyne Tees, and John Foster, from BBC Tees.

Only the Local Heroes Awards could create such a spectacle. My thanks to everyone who made it another unforgettable night.