LOCAL hero Laura Whitfield was back in action in the swimming pool yesterday - hours after being crowned The Northern Echo's Local Hero of 2003.

Laura, 13, who has a condition called achondroplasia - otherwise known as dwarfism - received the award in front of a 600-strong audience at Tall Trees Hotel, in Yarm, near Stockton, on Thursday night.

However, yesterday morning, she was back showing her commitment to grassroots sport by competing in the Northern Region Disabled Gala at the Dolphin Centre, in Darlington, where she broke her personal best time.

And the cheerful youngster, from East Herrington, near Sunderland, was clearly still in high spirits after receiving a standing ovation when she was named the Local Hero of 2003 at the awards, sponsored by npower.

The ceremony was attended by star guests, including Middlesbrough Football Club manager Steve McClaren, Sunderland FC boss Mick McCarthy, and British swimming world record holder Mark Foster.

McClaren said: "It was a brilliant night and it was my pleasure to be there."

And McCarthy announced that Laura - a Sunderland fan - would be his guest and meet the players at a future match.

Orange, which sponsored the overall Local Hero award, presented her with a cheque for £500 and has arranged for her to train with swimming superstar Mark Foster.

"I'm so happy, I didn't expect to receive the award at all," said Laura.

Laura started swimming at the age of six and her obvious talent is strengthened with six training sessions each week.

She has to take painkillers and a mild anaesthetic every day because of her painful joints but has overcome the agony to win a string of gold medals in the pool.

Last November, Laura won five gold and two silver medals at the national junior disabled championships, setting a new record in the butterfly.

This year, she competed in the championships against the seniors and came home with gold, silver and bronze medals.

Yesterday's efforts at the annual gala were no different, with Laura beating her personal best in one of the six races she competed in.

And no one was more proud than father, Dave, who has found strength from Laura's determination to help him cope with the tragic loss of her mother from cancer this summer.

"She did well today, although I could tell she was tired from all the competing she has done recently and after the awards," said Mr Whitfield.

The Local Heroes night raised more than £5,000 for SportsAid Northern, which supports youngsters taking part in grassroots sport.

* Don't miss a souvenir supplement on the biggest night in grassroots sport next Friday.