HE’S a hero to many, but today Saints’ footballing legend Matt Le Tissier is putting his support behind an awards scheme to find some very special heroes in the South-ampton region.

Matt, in his role as Flybe Sporting Ambassador, will be one of the judges in the first Flybe Local Heroes Awards that launch today.

The Southampton-based air carrier has generously provided £21,000 in bursaries to reward three worthy individuals, groups or organisations that are real heroes in their communities.

The three categories are: Flybe Sport in the Community, Flybe Charity in the Community and Flybe Education in the Community.

The successful final nominee in each category will receive a bursary from Flybe worth £7,000 made up of £3,000 in cash and a travel bursary of £4,000 to be used on the Flybe service network.

“It’s a marvellous project and I’m delighted to be involved,” commented Matt at the official launch yesterday when he met with Flybe staff.

“I have been involved with the Flybe Heroes campaigns in Jersey and Guernsey in the Channel Islands and it has been very worthwhile. It is so good to learn about so many people and organisations working to help their communities.”

Also at the launch was Flybe head of marketing Ian Taylor, who along with Matt and Southern Daily Echo editor Ian Murray will be one of the award judges.

“So many people and organisations who do so much good work do not get the support or profile they deserve and I’m delighted that these awards can help us to recognise them,” said Ian.

“I’m looking forward to hearing from Daily Echo readers who nominate their favourite groups or individuals. I hope lots of people will take the opportunity to nominate someone they know who deserves to be considered.”

FIND OUT MORE IN TODAY'S DAILY ECHO