Stories for 20 October 2007

The Northern Echo News

Residents urged to report illegal firework sales

RESIDENTS in Middlesbrough are being urged to pass on information about people selling fireworks illegally via a special hotline.   more...

Bulletin on fight against crime issued to households

EVERY household in Middlesbrough is to be given information on what is being done to make the town safer in a bid to tackle crime.   more...

Town will not lose football pitches, council promises

DARLINGTON will not lose football pitches when Eastbourne Academy is built, the council has promised.   more...

Climber forced to turn back just 1,000 metres from summit

A CLIMBER was forced to admit defeat just 1,000 metres from the summit of one of the world's highest peaks.   more...

Trial bike owners forced off the road by thieves

AN AREA'S trial bike owners are being forced off the road by thieves.   more...

Man found stabbed to death is named by police

A MAN found stabbed to death in his flat has been named.   more...

Plans to install carbon monoxide detectors fall behind target

PLANS to install carbon monoxide detectors in all Richmondshire District Council-owned properties have fallen behind target.   more...

Teenager fighting for his life after hit-and-run

A TEENAGE boy is fighting for his life after being knocked down in a hit-and-run incident.   more...

'Sorry mum, Prince Harry wanted a photo with me'

WHEN Julie and Alasdair Tait travelled from their home in Wolsingham, County Durham, to Paris yesterday, the main reason was to watch their son, Mathew, play for England in this evening's Rugby World Cup final, writes Scott Wilson.For Julie, though, the trip also has an extra benefit. Seeing Mathew in the flesh tonight is the only way to guarantee she has his undivided attention."We were speaking on the telephone after last weekend's semi-final and Mathew said he would have to ring me back because there was a knock on the door," said Julie, who knows a thing or two about sporting achievement herself after performing at county level in hockey and sprinting in her youth."When he came back, he said, 'Yeah, sorry Mum. That was just Prince Harry wanting to have his photograph taken with me'. "I don't really suppose I can compete with that.'"For Julie, this weekend's trip is something of an unusual occurrence. She was in the Millennium Stadium when her 21-year-old son made his England debut against Wales in 2005, but admits that she finds it difficult to watch him lay his body on the line every time he makes a bone-crunching tackle.This will only be her second visit to France for this year's tournament - she also attended England's opening group game against the United States - and while she is justifiably proud of her son's incredible achievements, she is not exactly looking forward to the biggest game of his life."It's a mother thing I think," she explained. "I'm sure every mother understands what I mean when I say it's not exactly easy to watch him dragging himself up from the bottom of a pile of bodies."I'm going to be watching the final with my hands in front of my eyes, but I know how much it means to him and I wouldn't want to miss it for the world."Julie's husband, Alasdair, a local vet, is a more avid rugby watcher. He was in Paris last weekend, along with his younger sons, Alex (already an England Under-19 international) and Findlay, as Mathew helped England defeat host nation France in the semi-finals.He is expecting an equally close encounter this evening as England take on South Africa in the final, a game he missed four years ago."I remember missing that game because Mathew was playing for Barnard Castle School down at Hymers College, near Hull," said Alasdair. "We've had good luck cards through the door and phone calls from all sorts of people that we haven't heard from for years."I think we might have caught a bit of it in a service station, but it's obviously going to be quite a bit different this time around.  more...

Swing low, hero Jonny will carry us home

RAILWAY stations and airports throughout the region were alive with colour and song yesterday as fans headed for France hoping to witness history. All 13 flights leaving Newcastle Airport for Paris over the past three days have been fully booked as fans snapped up the chance to see England's showdown with South Africa in the Rugby World Cup final.Wendy Dawley, the airport's spokeswoman, said: "There was a gentle rendition of Swing Low, Sweet Chariot as I walked through the departure lounge at lunchtime."The fans were in good voice, but very well behaved, of course. I noticed a lot of fathers with their sons."It was a similar story on trains heading south on the East Coast Main Line.A spokesman for GNER said last night: "The trains are busier than usual as people head for London to make connections on to Paris and the World Cup final, but there are still a few tickets left."Eurolines, part of National Express Group, said it had been inundated with calls from hopeful fans looking to get to Paris ahead of tonight's match.John Gilbert, managing director, said: "We've laid on as many extra coaches as we can possibly manage to meet demand, with three times the number on the route."We wanted to get as many people to Paris as possible and had to scour the country for available coaches to meet demand."Thousands of fans are expected to watch the final on giant screens erected across the city.For those wanting to watch the final inside the Stade de France, tickets were yesterday selling on eBay for around £600 each - much less than earlier in the week.At home, the Queen will be among millions supporting the side on television, while her grandsons, Princes William and Harry, cheer the 2003 champions in the stadium.The Queen has written a good-luck note to be delivered by the Princess Royal, who is representing her mother, and read to the team before the match.Prince Harry, meanwhile, was said to be to confident of an England victory. A Clarence House spokesman said: "Like everyone else in the country, Prince Harry is right behind England and he can't wait for the final to kick off."It's been a fantastic achievement by the players to get this far, and he is quietly confident they can finish the job on Saturday night and ensure the World Cup stays in English hands for another four years."The Queen told visiting rugby league players from New Zealand earlier this week that she was hoping for an England win and singled out Newcastle Falcons star Jonny Wilkinson for praise.Yesterday, Wilkinson was temporarily granted a place in the pantheon of English war heroes with a statue in London's Trafalgar Square.A Madame Tussauds waxwork - showing Wilkinson going through his distinctive pre-kicking rituals - was placed on the famous empty plinth, an honour given to David Beckham during the 2002 football World Cup.Across England, supermarkets were braced for a 70 per cent spike in beer sales as well as surging demand for curry and pizza.Tesco reported customers snapping up champagne, lobster and steak as evidence of a rugby-fuelled feelgood factor.  more...

I owe it all to Barney Army, says rugby star

MATHEW Tait is not the only former Barnard Castle School pupil to pull on an England rugby shirt. He is not even the only Barney boy in his own family to play for his country.The school has been producing top class players for decades and several have reached the sport's summit.The most famous is probably Rob Andrew, the director of elite rugby at the RFU.Andrew captained the school's First XV in 1981, before going on to win 71 international caps between 1985 and 1997, scoring 369 points.Rory Underwood is another Barnard Castle old boy.He won 84 England and six British Lions caps between 1984 and 1996, scoring a record 49 tries for England and one for the Lions. He played for England in three World Cups - 1987, 1991 and 1995.In 1992, he was joined in the England team by his brother, Tony, who also attended the school. The pair were the first brothers to represent England at the same time since 1937.In the past ten years, Barnard Castle pupils have represented their countries more than 30 times.Last year, six played for their national sides - four for England, one for Ireland and one for Scotland.Among these was Mathew's brother, Alex, who plays for England U19 and Newcastle Falcons.Writing in his column in The Northern Echo, Mathew says he owes much to the school's director of sport, Martin Pepper.He said that if had not attended the County Durham public school, he would probably have ended up playing football instead. Mathew still keeps in touch with his old coach, who is highly complementary about his former pupil.He said: "Mathew is one of the most talented players I have had the privilege to coach and it has been fantastic to share in his World Cup experience."I don't think we have seen the best of him yet and can't wait for the final."Headmaster David Ewart is understandably proud of his school's rugby pedigree.He said: "Barnard Castle is a relatively small school blessed with a fine reputation nationally for its academic and rugby achievements."The aim here is to develop rounded individuals who go on to become happy, confident, but respectful citizens, with the confidence and ability to achieve their dreams."We have a very proud rugby programme at the school. "We believe the game breeds important life skills in those who play it. It's a civilising game and you need to be a gentlemen on the pitch, as well as off."However, deputy headmaster Oliver Marlow said: "We are as proud of the people who play chess for their house as we are of those who play sport for their country."Barnard Castle's First XV, nicknamed the Barney Army, has reached the final of the Daily Mail schools cup on three occasions, the most recent this year. Despite losing all three games, the amount of talent within the team's ranks means Mathew Tait could soon be joined in the full England team by other old boys.Among the promising youngsters is this year's captain, Calum Clark, who has left Barnard Castle to join Leeds Carnegie. He became the youngest professional forward in the Premiership.The 18-year-old is also a member of the England development squad for the U20s World Cup to be held next June in Wales.Other stars of the future include Alex Gray, the captain of the England U16 team who also recently played for England U18 in Australia, and Rory Clegg, Tom Catterick and Shaun Dougall.The chances are high that someone watching this year's final in the sixth form common room at Barnard Castle - as Mathew did in 2003 - could be on the big screen in four years' time.  more...

Rugby World Cup half-time: England 3 - South Africa 9

England's galant defence of the World Cup is on a knife edge at half-time.   more...

Maori's jet stone creation goes on display

MINED by the Romans and all the fashion following the death of Queen Victoria's consort, Prince Albert, Whitby jet has now found favour in New Zealand. Maori performance and adornment artist George Nuku, who is visiting Teesside, has fashioned a piece of the so- called black amber into a fertility pendant, which will passed down through future generations of his family.Visitors to the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum, in Middlesbrough, will remember Mr Nuku as the fully facially tattooed artist who worked at the museum last summer, performing the Maori hakka with local schoolchildren.He said: "I'd heard of this unique material and just had to get my hands on some. Stewart Ashcroft, museum documentation assistant, took me down to the jet shops, in Whitby, where I talked to the guys and managed to persuade them to sell me quite a large piece of the black stuff.''The Maori "hei tiki" pendant that he carved from his piece of Whitby jet is usually carved from a piece of jade or whalebone.It is traditionally thought to represent the first man and is a symbol of fertility and is passed from father to son or mother to daughter, or else made specially for the recipient. Mr Nuku has presented his handiwork to his partner, Maia, and she in turn was proud to add the trinket to an exhibition, running at the museum until October 28.The exhibition called Pacific Patterns, includes a selection of photographs of Pacific people, personal adornments, clothing and tattoos, as well as contemporary jewellery made by international artists and crafts people.The museum in Stewart Park, Middlesbrough is open Tuesdays to Sundays, from 10am to 5.30pm. Admission is free.  more...

Channel 4 defends 'worst town' verdict

CHANNEL Four last night defended itself in the face of condemnation of a show that rated Middlesbrough the worst place to live in Britain.Location, Location, Location based its damning verdict on five criteria - crime, environment, lifestyle, education and employment. But the town's high profile mayor, Ray Mallon, described the show as "a brutal, unjustified assault" and "a character assassination" of Middlesbrough.Town councillors Eddie Dryden and Barry Coppinger called the programme as bigoted and "a serious challenge to the credibility of television broadcasting".But last night, the programme makers insisted their conclusions were valid.Sarah Walmsley, executive producer of Location, Location, Location makers IWC Media Limited, said: "Middlesbrough has featured near the bottom of our countdown each year we've produced Best and Worst. "In 2005 it was, statistically, the fifth worst place to live in the UK. In 2006 it was sixth worst. "This year, our survey showed that conditions in the area - at least when compared to those in each of the UK's other 434 local authority areas - had worsened and that it was now, statistically, the worst place to live in the UK. "Clearly, this is not a status any elected official will welcome. At the same time, it's not something we target at any particular authority and it's certainly not based on prejudice or bigotry"Ms Walmsley added: "We simply analyse the most up-to-date and comprehensive data available across the whole of the United Kingdom and report the result. "I'm sure Mayor Mallon and councillors Dryden and Coppinger will now be working twice as hard as they were before to improve matters. On behalf of IWC Media I wish them, and the good, warm-hearted people of Middlesbrough, every success."The mayor could not be contacted for comment last night, but Coun Coppinger, a member of Middlesbrough Council's executive, said: "The fact there are 124 pages of comment on the Middlesbrough section of the Channel Four website - pages in overwhelming support of Middlesbrough - just shows how wrong Channel Four has got it."  more...

Community leaders take a stand against racism

POLITICIANS and union representatives gathered yesterday to demonstrate their commitment to stamp out racism.Durham County Council chairman Edna Hunter signed a declaration with Durham City MP Roberta Blackman-Woods and union officials at County Hall, in Durham.The meeting was held as part of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) anti-racism campaign taking place in County Durham this week.The initiative follows an increase in activity in the county by the British National Party.Councillor Hunter said: "We want County Durham to be the best place to live, work and bring up a family regardless of race or cultural differences."Everyone has the right to live in hope, not hate, and we will not tolerate racism."Kevin Rowan, TUC regional secretary, said the recent increases of migrant workers, particularly from Eastern Europe, had brought positive benefits, but had also been met with hostility in some areas. He added: "County Durham Against Racism week has been organised by the TUC to raise awareness and combat some of the myths which have grown around groups such as migrant workers, asylum seekers and refugees."The TUC campaigns for all workers to be treated fairly, equally and to live free from poverty, prejudice and exploitation."   more...

North-East jobs to go in BBC's cost-cutting drive

A FLAGSHIP BBC unit is to close a year after its launch, as part of a £2bn cost-cutting drive.The Open Centre, at the BBC Tees headquarters in Middlesbrough, will shut in April.The centre was launched in March by Middlesbrough football manager Gareth Southgate as part of a multi-million pound revamp of the station's offices.The venue runs classes, hosts live music performances and offers listeners the chance to contribute to output.The BBC said two jobs at the centre will go and the space will be used for other purposes.Also being axed are recently refurbished BBC community buses in Middlesbrough and Newcastle.Facilities on the buses, which are regulars at events and shows across the region, include outside broadcast equipment, computers and digital radios and cameras.In total, 15 jobs are due to go across the North-East.Three posts will be lost at Look North, with the rest of the job losses shared between the radio stations, buses and open centre. No jobs are due to go at the BBC in Yorkshire.A BBC spokesman said last night: "Tough choices have been necessary against the backdrop of a challenging licence fee settlement with the BBC required to make efficiency savings of three per cent each year."We will be reducing our staffing at our open centres and our small fleet of buses will be coming off the road next year."Its been a difficult decision but we have to protect our core radio, TV and online services."Director general Mark Thompson announced plans to make a "smaller, but fitter BBC" on Thursday.The corporation aims to shed 2,500 posts in total, with a proposal to make 1,800 redundancies. Yesterday, the BBC agreed to discuss its proposed job cuts with unions, averting the immediate threat of strike action.It also agreed to postpone plans to issue redundancy letters to staff.Broadcasting union Bectu and the National Union of Journalists said they had received a letter from the BBC saying the corporation would send letters asking for staff to come forward for voluntary redundancy in two weeks.Bectu general secretary Gerry Morrissey said: "We are pleased Mark Thompson and the board have seen sense and are honouring the joint unions' existing national agreement to consult the unions."The BBC issued a statement saying: "The BBC is committed to working closely with the unions in the best interests of staff."  more...

Magician doctor has finger on the pulse

A MAGICAL doctor had a few tricks up his sleeve when it came to raising funds to help heart patients.Consultant cardiologist and electrophysiologist Dr Stephen Murray, from The James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, performed a one-man magic and mind- reading show at a charity evening organised by The Wensleydale Round Table.More than 80 people enjoyed the event at the Kings Head, in Richmond, North Yorkshire, and thanks to Dr Murphy's showmanship and the generosity of the audience, the South Cleveland Heart Fund received a £1,000 boost.Dr Adrian Davies, South Cleveland Heart Fund chairman and consultant cardiologist, said: "Dr Murray is magic at work and at play. "We would like to thank both him and the Round Table members for their help and support. "We are always very grateful for donations, which we put to good use to benefit patients by improving facilities and providing equipment for the heart unit."  more...

Ex-rocker's purple passion

THE world premiere of a piece of classical music written by an international rock star is being held in the North-East today.Durham Concerto was created by Deep Purple's former keyboard player, Jon Lord, to promote Durham and its university around the world.It will be performed by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra to an audience of 800 in Durham Cathedral. The event, one of the highlights of Durham University's 175th anniversary celebrations, is being recorded for broadcast by the radio station Classic FM. The concerto paints a musical picture of a day in the life of Durham, and has seven movements with musical influences including jazz, ragtime, rock, and even Northumbrian folk music, featuring an old miners' lament. Lord, 65, has written acclaimed classical music pieces throughout his career and describes this musical genre as his first love. He first visited Durham when commissioned for the project six years ago, after leaving Deep Purple to take up classical music composition full time. He said: "When I first visited Durham, I was hugely impressed with all aspects of the city, especially the cathedral and the castle college, where the students live, eat and sleep. "I view myself as a painter of pictures, and I have given a very personal, idealised view of Durham in this piece. "Durham spoke to me very strongly, and I just hope some of the passion I felt for the city and its wonderful cathedral will come across."Lord is one of four soloists at the premiere, and will play the Hammond organ. Others include Northumbrian pipe player Kathryn Tickell. A CD has been recorded and will be available online soon, and in the shops in January. University Chancellor, the writer Bill Bryson, has described the concerto as "terribly exciting, not just for the university but for music fans everywhere". Durham University vice-chancellor, Professor Chris Higgins, is a Durham graduate who trained as a classical violinist before taking up an academic career.He said: "The Durham Concerto captures everything that is special about Durham and the university - the heritage of scholarship and education, sense of community and place, and long musical traditions. "It is a fitting celebration for our 175th anniversary which can be shared by music lovers around the world."  more...

Brother in charity tribute to fundraiser

THE brother of a man who died raising money for the Great North Air Ambulance has organised his own fundraising tribute for the charity.A motor show involving 600 vehicles - including a Paris-Dakar rally car driven by the late Colin McRae - is being held at Croft Circuit, near Darlington, tomorrow.It was organised by Colin Toner, of Acklam, Middlesbrough, whose brother, John, died earlier this year during a charity event.The 39-year-old, from Marton, Middlesbrough, was killed in a motorcycle collision, only ten minutes from the finishing line of the Boundary 500, an annual fundraising ride around the Great North Air Ambulance's boundary area.Mr Toner said: "My brother supported the air ambulance, and when they named their helicopter after him following his death, I thought I would take over from where he left off."The car spectacular will coincide with the culmination of the 2007 British Rallycross Championship season at Croft - giving race-goers a chance to get up close to monster trucks and drag racers as well as race, classic, vintage and sports vehicles."It's going to be unbelievable," said Mr Toner. "I didn't imagine the show would become as big as it has become. They are coming from as far away as Scotland and London. You name it, we have it."We have been lucky because a lot of people support the Great North Air Ambulance - it's a fantastic service and we need to keep on raising money to keep it in the air." The air ambulance will also be on call at the show, so visitors can meet the crew and look inside the helicopter. Access to the motor show is via the Rallycross event, with tickets costing £10 for adults, free for accompanied under-15s. Admission to the motor show costs £2 for adults. The circuit is open from 9am and the first race starts at 9.30am. For more Rallycross information, call Croft Circuit on 01325-721815. Mr Toner said yesterday he still needed performance cars, such as Ferraris or Lamborghinis, to complete the show. If you can help him source a performance car or wish to enter your car, call him on 07709-377741.  more...

Confiscated alcohol flushed down sewer

HUNDREDS of litres of alcohol confiscated from underage drinkers has quite literally been flushed away.Following a crackdown on underage drinking in the Darlington area, uniformed wardens were left with a headache after seizing about 200 bottles and cans.Normally, confiscated booze is tipped down a drain.However, the sheer volume of beer, lager, cider, alcopops and other inebriants made this impossible.With the help of local councillor Steve York, the council's anti-social behaviour team was given permission to pour it into the sewage treatment works at Stressholme, near Darlington.In future, all confiscated drinks will be disposed of in this manner.Coun York, who represents the village of Middleton St George and works for the Environment Agency, said: "We've had a problem in the village with anti-social behaviour and young people drinking."The wardens were struggling to get rid of the drinks that were being confiscated from Middleton St George and the rest of the borough."I spoke to some people at the Environment Agency and I was directed to Northumbrian Water."This sends a clear message about the health issues of these drinks and also to the people who supply them. It takes them off the streets and now we've got a way of getting rid of it."Cara Hall, of Northumbrian Water, said: "At Stressholme sewage works, we deal with 70 million litres of waste water a day. "The works are capable of treating lots of different things, although usually the alcohol has passed through someone before we get it. We're still asking people to think about what they put down sewers." Coun Bill Dixon, the cabinet member for neighbourhood services and community safety, said: "The council, working with the police and other partners, is committed to cracking down on under-age drinking and the anti-social behaviour that it often leads to."Coun Doris Jones, chairwoman of the neighbourhood services scrutiny committee, said: "It's horrendous that we've got so many underage drinkers."This shows that if the wardens continue to find anything they will pour it down the drain."The council will recycle all the bottles and cans emptied into the sewer.  more...

Army review after beef over using foreign meat

THE Ministry of Defence (MoD) will review its meat-buying policy after it was revealed only 55 per cent of beef it buys is British.The North-East beef industry had voiced its concern over the MoD's decision, which costs farmers, abattoirs and auction marts as much as £1.8m a year. Figures released to The Northern Echo showed 1,305 tonnes of beef are imported by the MoD each year for its, UK-based operations.But a spokesman for the Meat and Livestock Commission (MLC), a Government body, said it has been in lengthy negotiations with the MoD and that the situation was improving. MLC had already secured an exclusive deal from the MoD to buy British pork - and steps are being taken to increase the purchase of British beef up to 85 per cent within 12 months. Tony Goodger, foodservice trade manager at MLC, said: "The MoD is very clear that it wishes to support British farmers. They are spending taxpayers money and have to be aware of that." He said part of the problem was that the MoD demands frozen meats, and the British industry is not set up to freeze such quantities. Andrew Armstrong, auctioneer at Darlington auction mart, said that the shortfall in imported meat amounts to some 39 carcasses a week."It is huge business that would generate a lot of extra income for us and local producers."Why shouldn't they buy British? They are the British Army after all. "Our beef farmers are having a hard time because of cereal costs. "Everyone is being hit. The state of the British beef industry is not very good at all and every little would help."Sam Jones, industry development co-ordinator for the North-East red meat task group, said: "Any extra custom for UK beef can only be good, as long as the farmer is getting a fair price. "With foot and mouth and now blue tongue, the general mood within the industry is not that good."A spokeswoman for the MoD said: "We are always working to maximise the use of British products that can be supplied to our troops."  more...

VC recipient to be remembered at last

THEY were among the bravest of the brave, winners of the highest award for gallantry this country can offer, the Victoria Cross.Eight years ago, the people of Harrogate paid tribute to two locally-born VC winners, Donald Bell and Charles Hull, when they unveiled a plaque in their honour.But following recent research, a third has been discovered - and he will now be remembered with a similar ceremony later this month.Sergeant Robert Grant was 20 when he won one of the first VCs ever to be awarded.He was serving with the 1st Battalion, 5 Regiment of Foot - later the Northumberland Fusiliers - when he won the honour during the Indian Mutiny.His medal is on display in the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers Museum, in Alnwick, Northumberland.The local link was discovered following research by Royal British Legion Harrogate Victory Branch, and a new plaque will now be placed on the town's war memorial.Charles Hull was awarded the VC for his actions with the 21st Lancers at Hafiz Kor, on India's north-west frontier, in September 1915.He rescued an officer from certain death at the hands of tribesmen by taking him up on his own horse, under heavy fire, and galloping to safety.He later became a policeman in Leeds and died in 1953. His medal is now at the Queen's Royal Lancers Regimental Museum, in Belvoir Castle, Lincolnshire.Donald Bell, a former professional football player, was awarded the VC serving with the Green Howards on the Somme, in France, for leading a daring raid on a machine gun nest in July 1916.He was killed five days later. His VC can be seen at the Green Howards Museum in Richmond. The rededication parade, service and wreath-laying will take place from 11am on Sunday, October 28, starting at St Peter's Church.  more...

Race row scientist calls off N-E visit

A LEADING scientist has cancelled a planned appearance in the North-East after becoming embroiled in a race row.Dr James Watson, who won the Nobel Prize for his pioneering work on the structure of DNA, has pulled out of a planned debate at the Centre for Life, in Newcastle, tomorrow.It follows the publication of an interview in the Sunday Times in which Dr Watson was quoted as saying he was "inherently gloomy about the prospect of Africa" because "all our social policies are based on the fact that their intelligence is the same as ours - whereas all the testing says not really". The remarks, which the scientist insists were taken out of context, produced a furious reaction and a number of speaking engagements, including one at the Science Museum, in London, have been cancelled.Dr Watson's publisher said he had returned home to the US, where he was yesterday suspended by the board of his research institution, The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, in New York "pending further deliberation".Dr Watson was due to be interviewed in front of an audience at the Centre for Life by Robin McKie, science editor of The Observer.Linda Conlon, chief executive of the centre, said: 'We are extremely disappointed that James Watson has cancelled this event."She added: "A great many people felt that Dr Watson's remarks were outrageous and offensive, but we feel censorship is equally as abhorrent."We wanted a rigorous and open debate about his remarks. Many have been denied an opportunity to question Dr Watson directly about his views and that's disappointing."  more...

A year of clowning about for sick children

wacky entertainers who visit sick children in hospital are celebrating their first anniversary.The North-East Clown Doctors Programme lives by the adage that laughter is the best medicine.For the past year, the clown doctors have been providing laughter and therapeutic play to seriously ill children and young people in Newcastle and Sunderland.Now they are hoping to visit poorly youngsters across County Durham and Teesside. With the help of healthcare staff, the visitors have been brightening the wards and bringing fun and smiles to the children who need it most.Lead clown doctor John Quinn, aka Dr Aristotle Spaghettiyeti, said: "The biggest fear for many youngsters when they go into hospital is not understanding the situation."The clown doctors can help to explain medical procedures to minimise the distress and confusion of the children. We can also help them come to terms with their situation through humour and play."The clown doctors held a party on Thursday in The Joachim Room, College of St Hild and St Bede, Durham.Tin Arts, a regional arts development company, manages the programme. Director Martin Wilson said: "The clown doctors programme has been life changing for myself and for those of us who are privileged to be a driving part of its progression. It has presented us with a unique opportunity to make a large difference to young lives through the smallest of actions."  more...

Telling a wartime yarn

NEEDLES are clicking as volunteers help to create the sprit of the Forties - through knitting.They are celebrating National Knitting Week and creating items for an exhibition at the World of James Herriot centre, in Thirsk.Knit One, Purl One will celebrate one of the most popular hobbies of the Forties and which is now enjoying a resurgence.When the centre appealed for volunteers to knit for the exhibition, staff found themselves inundated with offers.The knitters are using wartime patterns of their own or patterns supplied by Wakefield-based company Sirdar, which is supplying wool. "Service knits" are being created - balaclavas, gloves, socks - as well as toys, underwear, tea cosies and hats, including the pixie hoods of the time."Knitting was one of the most popular hobbies of the 1940s and is certainly undergoing a resurgence now," said audience development officer Irene McNulty."The exhibition will have examples of patterns and knitting to help unravel its past, but we needed help in putting it together."When we launched our appeal for help we were not necessarily looking for experts, but wanting to give willing knitters a chance to knit up a piece of history. More than 80 ladies are going to be knitting something up for us making the exhibition bigger and better than we had expected." The exhibition will run from January 26 to April 25.  more...

England fall at the last

England 6 - South Africa 15   more...

MP calls for help for struggling hill farmers

A NORTH-EAST MP wants One NorthEast, the regional development agency, to provide emergency funding for struggling hill farmers.   more...

Decision expected on recycling centre for 'ghost ships'

PLANS for a controversial recycling centre for former US Navy vessels will be re-examined by councillors next week - despite an ongoing planning inquiry.Hartlepool Borough Council's planning committee meets on Thursday to reconsider four applications from Able UK seeking permission to begin dismantling work on the so-called ghost ships at its Graythorp site, near Seaton Carew, Hartlepool.All four applications were originally rejected by the council and one is the subject of a planning inquiry - after Able UK appealed against the refusal in October last year.Able UK wants to extend its yard and create the Teesside Environmental Reclamation and Recycling Centre (Terrc) to dismantle and recycle the unwanted ships.Following the council's announcement, company chairman Peter Stephenson said: "We welcome the fact that the planning committee is to meet again and we are not aware of any reason why our applications should not be approved. "The council have made their position very clear at the inquiry that they have no objections to our proposals."Their decision is absolutely critical to our ability to bring to Terrc major construction contracts, which will provide work for around 1,500 people in the Hartlepool and Tees Valley area."Yesterday, the inquiry heard from a marine expert who expressed concern that Able UK had not carried out sufficient pollution tests to justify carrying out their work.Marine pollution consultant Tim Deere-Jones spoke on behalf of Friends of the Earth.He said the firm's Environmental Impact Statement, regarding the level of pollutants in sediment at the Terrc site, was flawed.He added that not all the harmful pollutants found in the Tees estuary had been tested.Mr Deere-Jones said: "The final report is flawed because it is not based on enough information. "They have only measured for four out of nine polychlorinated biphenyls."If you are going to test for four as opposed to the nine that I have detected, that is not going to give the full picture."But Richard Kingston, who represents Able, said it was "irresponsible" for Mr Deere-Jones to comment, as he had not read all the data the company had supplied to the inquiry.The planning meeting will take place on Thursday, at 1pm, in the Sir William Gray Suite, in Hartlepool's Maritime Experience.The inquiry was adjourned until October 31 for the representatives to make closing speeches.  more...

Breaking news - Hartlepool United player killed in car crash

Hartlepool United player Michael Maidens, 20, has been killed in a car crash.   more...

Hartlepool United game postponed after player killed in car crash

A HARTLEPOOL United footballer has been killed in a car crash.   more...