ENGLAND manager Steve McClaren took a break from plotting the future of the national football team to be guest of honour at The Northern Echo's seventh Local Heroes Awards last night.
McClaren led a star line-up at the event, which has become known as the "Oscars of grassroots sport".
More than 900 people attended the ceremony in a marquee at Hardwick Hall Hotel, near Sedgefield, County Durham, as the stars of grassroots sport were honoured for their dedication and talent.
The England boss, who normally deals with such multi-millionaire performers as Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, turned his attention to North-East amateurs who indulge in sport for the sheer love of it.
The former Middlesbrough manager presented the biggest prize of the night to the overall Local Hero of 2006, record-breaking ultra-runner Sharon Gayter, from Guisborough, east Cleveland.
Sharon, 42, who suffers from asthma, broke the women's world record for running the 837 miles from Lands End to John O'Groats earlier this year.
The Editor of The Northern Echo, Peter Barron, who compered last night's event, said: "Sharon epitomises the true spirit of grassroots sport. She set out to make her mark in history, overcame personal difficulties to do so, and achieved something which no one else can match."
Sharon, overcome with the emotion of winning the night's top award, said: "This is a wonderful tribute and a night I'll never forget."
McClaren added: "It is always a pleasure to attend the Local Heroes Awards and put the stars of grassroots sport in the spotlight."
Other stars at the event included Boro manager Gareth Southgate with England internationals Jonathan Woodgate and Stewart Downing, athletics legend Steve Cram, and Durham cricketer Mark Davies.
The evening also raised vital funds for grassroots sport in the region.
The charity Sports Aid, which distributes grants to local sporting youngsters, was presented with a cheque for £5,000 by The Northern Echo and a further £3,000 by Barclays, sponsors of the Local Heroes supplement.
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