Stories for 15 October 2007

The Northern Echo News

North-East Lib Dems praise Ming's contribution

LIBERAL Democrats in the North-East have tonight praised the contribution Sir Menzies Campbell had made to the party.   more...

Stars of the future take to the pitch

SPORTING youngsters yesterday turned out to emulate their national rugby heroes in a tournament named after one of England's World Cup heroes.Sixteen teams from across Durham, Northumberland, Yorkshire and Cumbria battled it out on the rugby pitches at Barnard Castle School, County Durham, for the Tait 10s Cup.The tournament, designed to discover the next generation of top flight rugby players, takes its name from England centre and old schoolboy Mathew Tait.In previous years, the 21-year-old has presented the awards at the day-long competition.But deputy headmaster Oliver Marlow said the school had let him off being here for "obvious reasons", as the festival was held the day after England defeated France to secure a place in the Rugby World Cup final.Speaking from France, Mathew, the youngest back to play in the Premiership, said: "I am really proud to have my family name associated with the school where I started my rugby career."It's great to see so many young people getting involved in rugby and I hope England's performance in the World Cup will spur them on even further."Trophies and medals were presented instead by Calum Clark, 18, who left Barnard Castle this year to join Leeds Carnegie as the youngest professional forward in the Guinness Premiership.Calum, who captained Barnard Castle's first 15 in this year's final of the Daily Mail Cup at Twickenham, is a member of the England development squad for the Under-20s World Cup to be held next June in Wales.He said: "The standard of rugby played today has been outstanding and I am delighted to be standing in for Mathew."Director of rugby at Barnard Castle School, Martin Pepper, said: "We are always keen to give opportunities to young players to help them develop their rugby skills."Mathew's younger brother, Finlay, played in this competition three years ago and has just been selected for the new South Durham District Rugby squad. The players we see on our pitches today, I am sure we will see representing their country in not too many years in the future."Barnard Castle featured the only girl in the tournament, Thea Thompson, 12, of Winston, near the town. The hard fought Tait 10s tournament ended with a final between QEGS Wakefield and Woodhouse Grove, Bradford.Woodhouse Grove took the honours 14-0. The plate was won by RGS Newcastle who defeated Terrington Hall, from North Yorkshire, 10-0.  more...

Police hunt knife-wielding robber

POLICE are hunting a hooded robber who threatened store staff with a knife.   more...

Woman banned after she threw guinea pig out of flat window

A WOMAN has been banned from keeping pets for ten years after she admitted throwing her guinea pig out of an eighth floor window.   more...

Nurse denies murder of four patients

A JURY has been sworn in for the trial of a hospital nurse accused of murdering four elderly patients.   more...

Teenager accused of lying in trial of murdered dad

A TEENAGE witness was accused of lying to protect a friend during the murder trial of a father-of-one.   more...

Wilkinson ready to give Boks the boot

THE father of one of England's Rugby World Cup heroes hailed his son's achievement last night as the team prepared for an unprecedented defence of the Webb Ellis trophy.County Durham-born Mathew Tait was an integral part of England's victorious semi-final side, which beat France in their own backyard on Saturday night.Brian Ashton's underdogs, written off before the tournament had even begun, secured a barely believable 14-9 triumph over the hosts to set up a final against South Africa's Springboks.The win, which featured Tait's Newcastle Falcon team-mates Jonny Wilkinson and Toby Flood, sealed a second-successive place in the final for England following on from their success in Australia four years ago.The finale to Saturday's game, which saw Wilkinson kick the winning drop goal, was watched by more than 12 million viewers - more than any sporting event this year and 51 per cent of the national television audience.That figure is expected to be dwarfed at next Saturday's final, with tens of thousands of other rugby fans heading across the Channel. As they left the stadium, disappointed French fans were selling their final tickets to jubilant England fans for more than 1,000 euros or £700 a pair.Bidding for others on eBay reached £4,000 for a pair and one seller offered two match and plane tickets for £9,999.At the heart of the victory was Wolsingham's Tait, the Newcastle Falcons player who had not even made his international debut when Martin Johnson lifted the trophy aloft in Sydney.The 21-year-old's performance in the Stade de France led coach Ashton to declare the former Barnard Castle schoolboy as possibly the fastest centre in the world.It is a rise to stardom that is quite literally a dream come true for Tait, who four years ago watched in awe as Wilkinson, drop-kicked England to glory against the Australians.At the time, he said the event inspired young players such as himself "to want to be there to defend the trophy next time."And now, presuming Ashton gives him the nod at the weekend, he will.Last night, his father, Alasdair, was travelling back from France with wife Julie and Mathew's brothers, Alex, 19, and Finlay, 13.He said he had managed to have a few words with his son after the game. "I saw him last night and he was really happy to be in the final," he said. "To get this far is a real achievement. Whatever happens, we will all look back at this time and be proud."He is just happy to be playing and we all hope he gets picked to play in the final. He has acquitted himself really well, but there is more to come from him in this World Cup and in the future."Martin Pepper, the rugby master who helped discover Tait while he was at school in County Durham, said: "I still don't think England have seen him at his best. I think that as they are improving, there will be more opportunities for him to show how good he is."By last night, England's win had shortened the odds of them retaining their title to 6/4.Captain Phil Vickery and his team-mates spent yesterday resting and had a few celebratory drinks on Saturday night. Vickery said: "It was one of those very special days when the underdog rises and manages to get through."  more...

Mayor's fury as town is branded country's 'worst town' label

THE mayor of a North-East town has launched a scathing attack on the makers of a television show after it was declared the country's worst place to live.Middlesbrough mayor Ray Mallon described Channel 4 as the "enemy" after researchers ranked the worst and best places in the UK to live for the show Location Location Location.The town was given the undesirable title of worst place to live because of its high crime levels, severe drug and health problems and poor education results.Middlesbrough is one of the top ten places in the UK for theft from a car, theft of a car and burglary.Its residents are paid on average an annual salary of £16,998 compared with a UK average £23,580, making it the 16th lowest salary in the UK.Just over a fifth (20.98 per cent) of the population rent from the council, compared with an England average of 13.21 per centEstimates also suggest that about 27 per cent of adults in Middlesbrough binge-drink, way over the 18 per cent England national average.And only 16 per cent of the adult population eat healthily and 10 per cent are physically active, compared with 24 per cent and 12 per cent national averages respectively.However, Mr Mallon said the statistics on which the survey was based, which were gathered from the likes of the Home Office and the Office for National Statistics, were out of date.He said: "Channel 4's motto is clear: don't let the facts get in the way of a good story."The real facts are that Middlesbrough is one of the most improving towns in the whole of the UK."Crime is down. We are involved in a large-scale housing market regeneration and on top of that Middlesbrough has become a destination to visit for the seven and a half million people who live within one hour and twenty minutes of the town. "As far as Channel 4 are concerned, their researchers will have spent either no time or just a few hours looking at research statistics which are completely out of date. "This is not evidence based, this is cheap journalism."Be assured I view them as an enemy of this town and I treat enemies accordingly. I find this really offensive. "I feel they have assaulted the town for no good reason, all for a cheap television programme which is not factually based."Channel 4 have never requested an interview with me and, being the elected mayor, I find that incredible and, therefore, there is no balance in this at all."Presenter Phil Spencer said: "Each year we seem to create a storm of controversy with this survey, but its all based on official data and all we do is tell you the results."The full results of the survey are announced on Location, Location, Location: Best and Worst Live show on Wednesday at 9pm on Channel 4.The top 20 worst list of towns in the UK, according to the show, are:1. Middlesbrough - North East2. Hull - Humberside3. Newham - East London4. Nottingham - East Midlands5. Merthyr Tydfil - South Wales6. North East Lincolnshire - Eastern England7. Islington - North London8. Blaenau Gwent - South Wales9. Mansfield - East Midlands10. Knowsley - Merseyside11. Blackpool - North West12. Hackney - East London13. Stoke-on-Trent - Staffordshire14. Barking and Dagenham - East London15. Doncaster - South Yorkshire16. Cannock Chase - Staffordshire17. Manchester - North West18. Haringey - North London19. Burnley - Lancashire20. Hartlepool - North East  more...

Families turn out to celebrate fatherhood

FAMILIES turned out in their droves during the UK's largest celebration of fatherhood, at the weekend. Celebration 2007 was held at Locomotion: the National Railway Museum in Shildon, County Durham.The event was organised by charity Children North-East to celebrate what dads, granddads, uncles and male carers can bring to children's lives. David Van Der Velde, project manager of Children North East's fathers-plus project, said: "Positive male involvement is associated with improved health, education and safety for children. "In 2005, more than 4,000 fathers and their families throughout the UK came to Beamish for the first event of its kind and they had such a great positive experience that we have decided to make the 2007 event even better and more exciting. "This event is an excellent opportunity for families to enjoy a day out together and for dads and male carers to really have a great experience with their children."Activities included street theatre, acrobatics, pipe band, arts and crafts, entertainers, story tellers, treasure hunt and steam train rides. Celebration 2007 is part of the Every Dad Matters programme, which supports the inclusion of fathers and male carers in schools and children's centres to improve children's lives.   more...

'We must all act to end child abuse'

A CHILDREN'S charity is urging more people to take an active role in the fight against child abuse.The NSPCC has drawn up a list of simple actions anyone can take, as part of its Be the Full Stop campaign.It says the drive is needed to reduce cruelty in the country, which stands at about 100 cases of assault, ill-treatment, neglect and abandonment of children reported to the police every week.There were almost 5,000 reported cruelty cases in 2006-7, compared with only about 1,500 in the first 50 years of the last century, which shows how society has paid the problem much more attention these days.But more could be done if everyone got involved, said Dame Mary Marsh, the charity's director and chief executive."Nowadays, people are more aware of cruelty as a crime against children and many will report concerns about a child to the authorities," she said."But there is still a great challenge to end child cruelty, full stop. Be the Full Stop makes it easy for everyone to play a role by showing them just what they can do."Children suffer daily from sadistic attack, abuse, violence or through indifference or apathy to their welfare."There is simply no excuse for standing by while awful things continue to happen to children."The campaign aims to encourage people to visit the bethefullstop.com website, which offers a list of 19 "deeds" to help end cruelty to children.It includes learning the signs of abuse, signing petitions to make the internet safer for youngsters and ensuring children are safe when they attend activities and groups.  more...

England go nuts as they conker France twice

England beat their French sporting rivals for a second time in two days yesterday - claiming the title of world conker champions.Less than 24 hours after England powered to the World Cup rugby final, beating France in Paris, another Englishman - train driver Ady Hurrell, took the World Conker Championships from his almost-French opponent.Because, despite leading the French team, and entering the arena draped in a tricolore, runner-up John Ingram - an antiques dealer based in the Dordogne - actually hails from Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire.Mr Hurrell, 36, from Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire, said the secret to his success was "hit it as hard as I can".A chorus of Swing Low Sweet Chariot broke out in Ashton, Northamptonshire, where more than 300 people gathered for the 43rd event.Mr Hurrell said: "This is brilliant, especially after the rugby. I just hope they go on to win the final, as I did."Mr Ingram, and wife, Jackie - the current French ladies champion - were part of a group of 30 French competitors and supporters.  more...

Shareholders could be the big losers in Rock takeover

SHAREHOLDERS at North-East bank Northern Rock could be in for further disappointment after it was reported the three suitors for the bank were offering virtually nothing for their stakes.Initial expressions of interest from Sir Richard's Branson's Virgin-led consortium, private equity group JC Flowers and hedge fund Cerberus were received by the Newcastle bank by Friday.While no price has yet been set, it is understood the bidders would not be offering any substantial sums for shareholders' interests, according to reports in the press yesterday.Meanwhile, it is understood that Virgin has begun the hunt for someone to take over as chairman should it reach a deal with the troubled mortgage lender.It has expressed an interest in the bank, along with insurer AIG, US restructuring specialist Wilbur Ross, international hedge fund Toscafund and Hong Kong-based investment group First Eastern Investment.Those on the shortlist are understood to include former Lloyds TSB chairman Sir Brian Pitman, former chief executive of the same bank and outgoing chairman of ICI Peter Ellwood and former Bank of Scotland chief Sir Peter Burt, according to reports.Another candidate is James Crosby, former chief executive of HBoS.The Virgin-led consortium would not offer shareholders cash, but would inject "substantial new equity" into Northern Rock, in return for discounted shares. This would dilute the value of the shares.It would keep the lender ''in its entirety'', rename and rebrand the firm as Virgin Money, and expand the business, rather than seeking a break-up of the group, which employs about 6,000 people.The Government believes about £30bn is needed to ensure the bank's survival without the Government's guarantee to cover savers' deposits. That promise is not thought to be transferable to a new lender under European law. Under EU law, the guarantee can only continue for six months.  more...

Region leads in renewal of the seaside

THE region's seaside resorts are leading the way when it comes to regeneration, but more investment is needed before their revival can be declared as complete, a study has revealed. The Mayor of Hartlepool, Stuart Drummond, yesterday welcomed the findings of a study, which praised his town for coastal regeneration projects.It was one of several areas in the region, including Seaham, in County Durham, and Whitby and Scarborough, in North Yorkshire, recognised by English Heritage for their efforts in revitalising seaside communities.But Mr Drummond said there was still a long way to go for smaller towns, such as nearby Seaton Carew, which have suffered a decline over the years.The English Heritage research revealed that more than three-quarters of people believe many seaside towns are shabby and rundown. The survey found that people wanted to see the Government invest more to preserve what is good about coastal resorts.Projects to revamp Hartlepool's marina and Seaham's once-thriving port have helped to attract big investment, but more funding was still needed.An English Heritage spokesman said: "Investing in the historic core of seaside towns is the essential first step in revitalising communities and giving residents a home with a soul. "It is clear that seaside towns need to adapt and evolve. The historic environment should be recognised as an integral part of the search for a strengthened identity and a better future."It is what makes them loved, welcoming and unique."In recent years, Seaham has seen £400m of public and private investment, which has included a clean-up of the town's coastline from the remnants of coal dumping, and a seafront promenade. "The Headland in Hartlepool has had significant investment in regeneration and the coastal regeneration has also led to Hartlepool winning the opportunity to host the Tall Ships Race in 2010."Whitby has been successful in generating year-round tourism and new business confidence, while Scarborough has sought to build upon its architectural and cultural assets." Commenting on the report, Mr Drummond said: "I am pleased the excellent work that has been going on over the past few years has been recognised. English Heritage has put a lot of money into regeneration in the town and we have shown an excellent track record of delivering these projects, and now we are reaping the rewards."We still certainly have a long way to go with the likes of Seaton Carew, which still needs a lot of work to bring back investment."I think it is indicative of tourism that it is just as cheap to have a holiday abroad, so smaller seaside towns have suffered over the years."The survey was published ahead of a two-day conference on England's seaside resorts tomorrow and Wednesday.  more...

Standard of Army homes 'a national disgrace'

Improvements to Army homes could take nearly half a century, the Liberal Democrats said yesterday.Party leader Sir Menzies Campbell branded the poor standard of armed forces accommodation a "national disgrace".The Lib Dems said that the Ministry of Defence spent £16m upgrading homes in 2006-7 - well short of the £50m of expenditure needed. If that rate of investment continues, they said, it would take almost 50 years to upgrade every property.According to research by the party, the housing stock is so bad that Army families made 400,000 complaints about their homes last year - equivalent to nine calls per property.Sir Menzies called for a ring-fenced fund to pay for investment and repairs. He also urged ministers to consider setting up a specific housing association to deal with forces' accommodation.Sir Menzies said: "Both the Conservative and Labour governments should be ashamed of their failure to provide decent housing for the brave and dedicated young servicemen and women of our armed forces."It is a national scandal. When people are risking their lives for their country in Iraq and Afghanistan the least that they can expect is decent housing."Instead they are provided with shabby accommodation that will take years to fix. It is no wonder that so many key posts in the forces are unfilled."  more...

MP gets behind race campaign

AN anti-racism campaign got under way at the weekend with the backing of Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson.The week-long initiative is being run in County Durham by the northern branch of the Trade Union Congress.The campaign, which The Northern Echo is supporting - is a response to an increase in activity in the region by the British National Party (BNP).Mr Wilson said: "These people want to spread discord where discord doesn't exist."There's no place in ex-coal mining communities for this where compassion and solidarity have been watchwords for generations."The BNP picked up support at the by-election. Someone has got to stand up and say what they really stand for."They denied the Holocaust ever took place. Last week, I went to Auschwitz and saw the gas chambers, saw the torture rooms - yet they called it Disneyland."I'm 100 per cent behind this campaign by the TUC."Mr Wilson said it was claimed that ethnic minorities were swamping the region.He said: "There are only about 230 non-UK nationals living in the Sedgefield constituency."Whatever the figure, it's minute."Companies and organisations across County Durham have signed up to the campaign, including Cummins, in Darlington, Astrum, in Stanhope, Sedgefield Borough Council and Durham County Council.An anti-racism guide is being distributed in a bid to dispel the myths upon which racism and prejudice thrive.  more...

Sixty years later the party's still on the go...

A COUPLE who celebrated their diamond wedding were joined by their full official line-up from 60 years ago - the best man, groomsman and two bridesmaids.Dick and Peggy Addison welcomed them all to a family gathering at their home at West Stoney Keld Farm, at Bowes, near Barnard Castle, County Durham.The couple, who were married at Cotherstone Methodist Church, have remained friends with the two men and two women throughout the past six decades.The best man, Jack Addison, still lives in Cotherstone. The groomsman, Billy Alderson, farms a few miles away at Howgill Grange, Baldersdale.One bridesmaid, Mary Watson, lives at Strand Foot, Bowes. Only the other bridesmaid, Mrs Addison's sister, Myra Gargett, had some distance to travel to the reunion from her home, 40 miles away at Thirsk.Mrs Addison, who is 82, said: "It is wonderful that all six of us are still on the go and able to get together to celebrate our diamond day."There can't be many couples who can welcome their complete official wedding party back after 60 years. We are fortunate to have all lasted so long."Her husband, who is 85, said: "As we stood there at our wedding in 1947, we couldn't imagine that we be alongside each other in 2007. We are grateful."The couple, who received a telegram from the Queen, have farmed at Bowes all their married lives. They have a son, a daughter and seven grandchildren. They are stalwarts of the annual Bowes Agricultural Show, of which he was chairman and she was secretary for many years. Mrs Addison is known as one of the best cooks in the dale. Her cakes and scones made her a champion at the show many times, and she won a number of prizes at the latest show in September.   more...

Tragic family's pen safety success

A FAMILY whose son choked to death on a pen top has achieved their first success in a safety campaign aimed at preventing another tragedy.Ben Stirland, who was 13, died two days after he slipped off his chair while doing his homework and swallowed the pen lid he had been chewing.After a coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death, Ben's mother Nathalie Watson, 38, from Castleside, near Consett, County Durham, vowed to do everything she could to make sure such a scenario could never be repeated.Mrs Watson and husband David Hodgson, Ben's stepfather, have had meetings with the British Standards Institute (BSI) and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.Now the BSI has proposed that all pen tops are redesigned to improved safety standards.The safety standard for pen tops was originally set 14 years ago, but the comprehensive BSI report sets out how this should be updated.Changes would include making the size of pen top lids bigger, improving air flow through making the hole larger and redesigning the clip.Mrs Watson said: "The draft is very technical, but it does appear they have completely altered the design of the pen lids."While we are pleased, we were looking for more than this. One issue is that currently pen tops don't show up on x-rays."We will also be pushing for public support to really look at whether pen tops are necessary."At Ben's inquest in March, Newcastle coroner David Mitford heard how he collapsed in the driveway of his neighbour's house after telling his sister Briony he was choking. The pair were at home on January 9 when Briony, 16, heard a bang and came downstairs to find Ben holding his throat.Paramedics attempted to revive Ben in an ambulance before transferring him to the University Hospital of North Durham, in Durham, where he later died.Mrs Watson had bought a multi-pack of the pens because the words "safety pen" were displayed on the pack. But when the safety holes in the pen were examined, it was discovered they had become blocked with traces of crisps.Mr Hodgson said: "Just the fact the standard is being reviewed is positive and we hope there will be a safer design in the future."  more...

Rugby club plans to celebrate Founders' Day

ONE of the country's oldest rugby clubs is to celebrate the anniversary of its founding with a family fun day.Darlington Rugby Club will hold its annual Founders' Day celebrations on Saturday at its base in Blackwell Meadows, Grange Road, which it moved to in 1994.The celebration will be the 144th anniversary of the club, which was formed when the town's cricket club held a meeting on October 18, 1863, at which members addressed the issue of members drifting away during the winter months. The result was the creation of a rugby club.Events planned for Saturday include touch rugby for youngsters, starting at 9.15am, bouncy castles and other stalls and displays, and the first team's home league game against Huddersfield, at 3pm.At 8pm, the club will be screening the Rugby World Cup final in its clubhouse, with curry and a pint costing £5.Club chairman Bill Jones said: "This event will give us a terrific opportunity to meet people. We hope to attract everyone from children to grandparents to see what happens at our club."We see Founders' Day as an opportunity for us to showcase what Darlington Rugby Club has to offer, not only to people who are committed and loyal to the club, but also to people who might be interested in helping or supporting us."For more details, call 07792-627945.  more...

Unsung hero's fond return

HE won the Victoria Cross and led the wartime "Dambusters" 617 Squadron - but legendary pilot Leonard Cheshire never forgot his ground crews' sweet-tooth.Along with other pilots, he regularly risked his life over German skies, but was always aware of the unsung heroes who kept his aircraft flying.Back on the ground, he and other pilots showed their gratitude by donating their precious flying rations of chocolate - a rare commodity in the Second World War - to the men who kept their planes in top condition.The forgotten generosity was remembered when one of those unsung heroes, Leslie Pearey, returned to the airfield where he served during the war.Now 88 and living in York, he was a fitter at Linton-on-Ouse and he went back to the base for the first time in more than 60 years to rekindle some memories.He began his service during the Battle of Britain as a Spitfire mechanic at Hawkinge, in Kent, where he would often spend up to three days without sleep in a bid to keep "The Few" in the air.He changed trades to become an airframe fitter with 35 Squadron, which flew Whitleys, and later, Halifax bombers from Linton. But despite its tranquil setting, Linton turned out to be no less dangerous than his Spitfire station."The German fighters used to follow the aircraft home," he said."One day while working on top of a Halifax fuselage I heard machine gun fire, so I jumped off the plane and landed in a bed of nettles."It stung for days, but I remember thinking that it was better than the alternative. That was a lucky escape."  more...

Police hunt flasher

POLICE are hunting a man who exposed himself to a group of north Durham schoolgirls.   more...

Wilkinson: Dreams of big game spurred me on

NORTH-EAST rugby ace Jonny Wilkinson admits his dreams of playing in big games again spurred him on while he was out injured.   more...

BREAKING NEWS: Man in court on money laundering charges

A MAN is due to appear in court this morning charged with money laundering offences, allegedly running into millions of pounds.   more...

N-E man accused of trying to take almost £70m out of the country

A 49-YEAR-OLD Jordanian living in the North-East has today appeared in court accused of trying to take almost £70 million in cheques and bank drafts out of the UK.   more...

Baby brought back from the dead

A BABY was brought back to life after being born clinically dead.   more...

Praise for artwork that is a tweak on the traditional

THE much-heralded Angel of North has made public artwork a "must-have" feature for planners around the country, according to the authors of a report.The report, by the Work Foundation think tank, said cities can reap vast economic benefits by making such daring commissions.But at the same time, there remained a danger of "too many copy cat developments" and the challenge was for towns not to imitate, but to innovate in a unique way, using their own distinctive qualities.The Work Foundation investigated the identities of the nation's towns and cities and found a growing backlash against unimaginative architecture and "cloned" high streets and housing.Neil Lee, a researcher at the foundation and author of the report Distinctiveness and Cities, said: "People are beginning to realise that local identity matters."The report praised the impact of the Angel of the North statue, next to the A1 at Gateshead, which was designed by Antony Gormley.Despite being variously described as a badly engineered totem pole and a rusting monstrosity, the Angel has become a much-loved symbol of Tyneside's cultural renaissance and celebrates its tenth anniversary in February.Iain Lynn, a spokesman for Gateshead Council, which commissioned the artwork, agreed with the sentiments of the report and pointed to the revamped Quayside and several other projects as an example of the effect the Angel had.He said: "We used art as a way of fostering regeneration and putting Gateshead on the national map."We wanted to raise the cultural profile of the area so that investors would seriously consider moving to the North-East."Mr Lynn said: "The sheer scale of the Angel amazed everyone and it surprised people in London that we were able to complete a project like this."People sat up and said, 'This is a major achievement, what else are you hoping to do?'"They came to us and said, 'let's talk and we will help you with funding for the regeneration process.'"The spokesman said that the blueprint adopted by the council, which also involved the creation of the Baltic art gallery on the Quayside, had since been copied by other areas, citing Middlesbrough as one example.However, Councillor Bob Kerr, deputy mayor of Middlesbrough, pointed out that in this respect it had actually come first.Coun Kerr said the town's Bottle of Notes sculpture, created by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Brugge was erected before the Angel of the North.He said planners in Gateshead had taken heart from the response received to the Middlesbrough artwork.Coun Kerr said: "Middlesbrough took the lead in the North-East in being bold and an advocate and champion of what many at the time considered to be controversial art."The Bottle of Notes came before the Angel of the North and caused a bit of a fuss initially, but now everybody accepts it as a famous landmark."Coun Kerr said he applauded efforts by towns to fight back against a sense of uniformity and to assert their regional identity. He said: "It is to do with giving people a sense of pride in their town and also wanting to be associated with certain ideas, such as openness, innovation and enterprise."People want a bit of character and a tweak on the traditional and I applaud that."While many public artworks have eventually been well received - Darlington's Brick Train being another example - this has not always been the case.When Durham County Council unveiled a 60ft illuminated tower as its answer to the Angel of The North, it was branded horrendous and a eyesore by councillors from neighbouring Sedgefield Borough Council.Made from steel and multi-coloured glass and bearing the words "County Durham" down its length, it was intended to be a waymarker and introduction to the county when it was placed next to the A689 at Sedgefield.The jury is still out on whether it has been a worthy addition to the county's skyline.Meanwhile, controversial plans for a "Sky Bowl", a 90ft diameter stainless steel bowl designed by Swedish artist Pal Svensson to sit on a small hill overlooking Durham City, have yet to come to fruition with the county council yet to fully commit to the project amid concerns over how much it will cost.Rosemary Laxton, Durham County Council's head of libraries, learning and culture, said: "High quality public art, placed in the right location, has a value in creating and reaffirming a sense of place for communities of all sizes, whether cities towns or villages. "The experience with Angel of the North and other pieces of public art show that it can strongly support regeneration.  more...

-It's despicable' - rustlers steal prize-winning sheep flock

SHEEP rustlers have struck at a County Durham farm, stealing a prize-winning flock which it is feared could be slaughtered.Trevor Walton believes that someone with shepherding skills took his 14 lambs from a field in Low Willington, near Crook.The one-year old Texel gimmer lambs were voted champions of Stanhope Agricultural Show, last month.The rustlers did leave one lamb behind, but the flock was Mr Walton's breeding stock for future shows. The 54-year-old said the stolen sheep were unlikely to be shown again and feared they will be slaughtered for meat."It's despicable. I can't believe someone would do this. If they wanted sheep for meat, then they could have picked them up fairly cheap at a market," he said."But these were pure-bred sheep and next year they would have been worth about £2,100." The distinctive white-faced sheep were grazing in a field next to Low Willington Industrial Estate, but, they were found to be missing early on Saturday, October 8.It is thought they were taken using a horsebox, after a trail of manure and straw was found in the field. The gate lock was broken and bales of hay were used to form a makeshift pen.Mr Walton said the thieves must be experienced shepherds, likely with a dog to herd the sheep.The married father-of-one has farmed in the area for 20 years, but has also taken to driving machinery since the decline in farming.He shows his flock at local shows, including Stanhope, Eastgate and Wolsingham, and has won many trophies in the past."I cannot see a show competitor stooping so low as to steal them, but the thieves must have had some inside knowledge of where I keep my lambs and how to herd them away," he said."I had only had them in the field for ten days - the movement restrictions caused by foot-and- mouth this summer prevented me from taking them there beforehand."Mr Walton is offering a reward of £200 for information which leads to the recovery of the sheep.Anyone with information can contact Mr Walton on 07855-781657 or call police on 0845-6060365.  more...

Alcohol abuse taking its toll on hospitals

ADMISSIONS to hospital through alcohol abuse have risen dramatically in the region, while funding for treatment remains at an all-time low.New figures have revealed the North-East has the highest number of people needing emergency treatment as a result of their or someone else's drinking.However, campaigners have said the region has some of the lowest amounts of funding for alcohol treatment. In some areas there is only one space for every 500 people needing attention.The NHS data reveals that the number of people who have had to be taken to hospital has risen in every region in the country over the past five years.The data, taken from the Hospital Episodes Survey data system, shows that nationally, the number of men taken to hospital has risen from 714 per 100,000 in 2001-2 to 909 per 100,0000 in 2005-6.Over the same period, the amount of women has increased from 396 to 510.In the North-East, the number of male admissions due to drinking in 2005-6 was 1,232 per 100,000. A total of 689 per 100,000 women were admitted.Middlesbrough had the third highest admissions rate for men in the country, where 1,539 men and 845 women out of every 100,000 needing emergency treatment were there for drink-related problems.Newcastle was also in the top ten worst-hit places for men, with 1,447 admissions out of every 100,000 being a result of alcohol.Kevan Martin, chief executive of the North East Regional Alcohol Forum, said it was time that people recognised the seriousness of alcohol abuse."We've been aware that this has been happening for some time and we're pleased that these documents have come out to say exactly how bad it is," he said."There's been a lot of discussion about the true effects of 24-hour drinking, and the worrying thing is that there is no sign that it's going to get any better."People aren't going out to have a few. They are going out to get mortalled and they are not looking at the long-term effects on their body. Until we see a massive change in drinking culture I can't see it improving."Mr Martin said he did not know the precise reasons why the North-East had such high figures. He believed that it was possibly because the region has always had a strong drinking culture.Mr Martin said one way of tackling it was by increasing taxation on alcohol to provide more funding for treatment.He said: "More and more people are turning up for treatment - the numbers are outweighing those for drugs. But the North-East has some of the worst capacity for treatment."Some people are waiting over a year. We have only the capacity to treat one in 102 cases, and in places like Sunderland it's only one in 500."In January last year, the North-East Public Health Observatory published a paper which highlighted the higher consumption of alcohol in the region compared to the relatively low level of alcohol services.It recommended that more services were provided.A Department of Health spokeswoman said: "Reducing the harm caused by alcohol misuse is a top Government priority."We are working hard to help people take personal responsibility for their drinking and its impact on their health."  more...

Livestock sales get under way after scare

THE UK's single biggest sale of livestock finally got under way yesterday, only weeks after its postponement left a multi-million pound hole in the local economy.For the first time in its history, Hawes Auction Mart, in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, opened on a Sunday to hold the largest sale of its kind in the country.The auction of 32,000 mule gimmer lambs was cancelled on September 16, the night before it was due to take place, due to increased restrictions brought in because of the foot-and-mouth outbreak.The cancellation meant the area's two biggest industries, farming and tourism, missed out on an estimated £2m.Most farmers were anticipating a loss of £50 per sheep. Prime lambs were expected to sell for just £20, when a decade ago they would have been sold for £80-a-head.The auction mart itself is also nursing a loss of £50,000, which it hopes to make up this month if there are no other farming crises. Andrew Pratt, mart chairman, said: "We are delighted to get the go-ahead at last."It has been a traumatic time for all concerned, we just hope that breeding sheep will achieve reasonable prices. "Farmers maintain the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, enjoyed by so many visitors each year. "It is imperative that their income this autumn is sufficient to enable them to continue farming."Sam Hudson judged the sheep and awarded James Porter with the prize for champion pen of mule gimmers, and Ken Fawcett with the reserve prize. "I've been coming here for 25 years. I've never missed it. These are the best lambs I've seen this year. The best lambs come to Hawes, and it's as simple as that," said Mr Hudson.His son, John, who was also at the event as an auctioneer, said: "It is the first one I've done and it has gone very well. I've enjoyed it."There have been a couple of quiet months so it is good to see it like this. We have got a good team here. "It is good to see it busy and back like it should be. There is a bit of a buzz about the place."  more...

BREAKING NEWS - Lib Dem leader Sir Menzies Campbell steps down

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell tonight stepped down as Liberal Democrat leader with immediate effect.   more...

Lib Dem deputy leader to take temporary charge after Ming resignation

Sir Menzies Campbell's resignation as Liberal Democrat leader tonight was announced by party president Simon Hughes.   more...