THE entries are flooding in for the Local Heroes Awards 2001. Just a week after the launch of the region's biggest and best celebration of grass roots sport, it is already clear that the standard of nominations is going to be high.

Names put forward so far include youngsters who have achieved national success, and people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that grass roots sport flourishes in the North-East.

Editor of The Northern Echo, Peter Barron, who will compere the awards night at Tall Trees, near Yarm, on November 22, said: "It is clear that the awards will build on the success of the inaugural event last year.

"The nominations are already impressive within a week of the launch and we know there are many more to come."

Paul "Goffy" Gough, of co-sponsors Century FM, added: "These people are the real heroes of sport in many ways and it's going to be a fantastic night at the Tall Trees."

We have teamed up with Darlington Building Society and Century FM to stage the awards which are fast becoming known as The Oscars of grass roots sport.

Prestigious local companies such as Orange; Dutton Forshaw Landrover, Stockton; Simon Bailes Peugeot; JW Wood; and Sherwoods have come on board to help us ensure it is a night to remember.

Every day in The Northern Echo, you will find nomination forms, allowing you to put forward the names of those men, women and children who deserve to be honoured on the night.

You will also find the form on the back page of today's Local Heroes.

The Local Heroes Awards 2001 - ordinary people, extraordinary achievements. Be there!