JOSEF Craig, The Northern Echo’s joint Local Hero of 2012, was the first winner of a memorable night for the stars of London 2012 as he picked up the Young Sports Personality of the Year award.

Craig was Britain’s youngest gold medallist of London 2012, winning the S7 400 metres freestyle at the Paralympics at the age of just 15.

Two weeks ago, Craig shared The Northern Echo award with Olympic rower Kat Copeland.

The South Shields swimmer last night beat competition from gymnast Rebecca Tunney and Jessica-Jane Applegate to win the award at London’s ExCeL Arena.

After receiving the gong from three-time winner Tom Daley, Craig said: ‘‘I would just like to say a big thanks to everyone involved in getting my gold.

‘‘It was a big shock. I didn’t expect it. It was an amazing part of my life.

‘‘I would like to thank my mum and dad, along with the rest of my family and friends, and everyone at British Swimming.’’ Craig, who has mild cerebral palsy, was diagnosed with Graves’ disease in 2011 which causes rapid weight loss.

He had his thyroid removed but battled back to secure a spot at the Games.

Receiving the award sees him follow in illustrious footsteps, with previous winners including footballer Wayne Rooney, tennis star Andy Murray and diver Tom Daley.

A panel had to choose contenders who were aged 16 or under on January 1, 2012.

The Tyneside schoolboy made his international debut in London and broke the world record in qualifying before lowering that time again in the final.

His triumph followed two gold medals at the British International Disability Swimming Championships in Sheffield in April, where he won the men’s youth multiclassification 100m and 50m freestyle.