Stories for 22 December 2007

The Northern Echo News

Fire chiefs to lobby for more cash

A DEPUTATION will travel to London in the New Year to lobby ministers for more money for North Yorkshire's fire and rescue service.   more...

Tips for Christmas leftovers

PEOPLE in County Durham are being urged not to waste food over the Christmas period.   more...

Domestic violence campaign

A CAMPAIGN has started to help victims of domestic violence over the Christmas period.   more...

Crafty youngsters

YOUNGSTERS are getting crafty this weekend with a special festive event at Spark - Stockton's children's arts centre.   more...

Decision on school's future is delayed

THE final decision about the future of a primary school earmarked for closure will be taken in the New Year.   more...

Teenager is unsung hero

A TEENAGER who gives up most of his spare time to help at a youth centre has been named a district's Young Person of the Year.   more...

Misadventure verdict on peanut allergy boy

A SCHOOLBOY died from an allergic reaction after eating a chocolate-covered peanut, an inquest heard.Mohsen Hussain had eaten the sweet, not realising it contained a peanut, while in his father's shop.Tragically, the youngster suffered a severe allergic reaction which caused him to suffer respiratory failure.Teesside Coroner's Court heard he had gone into his father, Asif's, shop in Brotton, East Cleveland, after playing outside on his bike.The nine-year-old, who suffered from asthma and had a nut allergy, had asked for chocolate raisins and grabbed a handful from a container.The inquest heard that the raisins had at some point been mixed with chocolate peanuts, but had been separated out again.After eating a handful of the sweets, the Breckon Hill Primary School pupil complained of feeling unwell and said he thought he may have eaten a peanut. He then complained of difficulty breathing. His terrified father rushed him to the East Cleveland Hospital, in Brotton, where staff began frantic attempts to resuscitate him.Mohsen was then rushed by ambulance to the accident and emergency unit at Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital where attempts continued, but failed to resuscitate him.Speaking at the time of his son's death, Mr Hussain, who is currently in Pakistan, said: "We never had an inkling that something could become so serious in just a few minutes."The family had lived in Brotton for the first few years of Mohsen's life, but had later moved to Middlesbrough, where Mohsen lived with his father, mother, Zahira, and younger brothers, Raeess and Salman.He was described by his family as an active youngster who was always on the go, and who especially enjoyed playing football and riding his bike.Mr Hussain said at the time of his son's death that his family planned to hold a funeral service in Middlesbrough, before taking Mohsen's body to Pakistan to be buried.Teesside Coroner's Court heard that the allergic reaction suffered by Mohsen had caused narrowing of his airways, which made breathing difficult and led to respiratory failure.Coroner Michael Sheffield recorded a verdict of misadventure.  more...

Drugs U-turn joy for cancer patient

HEALTH officials have given a North-East cancer patient the best Christmas present she could wish for after finally agreeing to pay for the life-giving treatment that has cost her £28,000.Pamela Smith, who is blind, has been forced to spend her savings on treatment after the local health trust turned down her consultant's plea for NHS funding.But officials relented yesterday when they were shown proof that the drug was helping extend the Darlington mother-of-five's life. The 62-year-old received a phone call from health officials confirming that, in future, her bills would be met by the health service.Mrs Smith said: "I am really pleased they are going to let me have this drug."But her happiness was tinged with bitterness - because she has been forced to use her savings to stay alive.The move is the latest in a series of U-turns by regional NHS officials after The Northern Echo highlighted the plight of other cancer patients being denied access to new drugs.In a funding application in April, Mrs Smith's consultant argued that using a combination of a drug called Erbitux and another chemotherapy treatment would be the best way to slow down the progression of her advanced bowel cancer.But because the English drug watchdog Nice had ruled that Erbitux used in this way was not cost-effective, it has been difficult to persuade primary care trusts (PCTs) to pay for the treatment.However, the PCT's exceptional circumstances committee had a change of heart when new medical evidence showed that Erbitux had reduced the size of Mrs Smith's tumour.Last night, a jubilant Colin Smith, Mrs Smith's eldest son, said the decision was "the best possible Christmas present for our family".He added: "When they turned our funding application down, I really wondered whether my mother would still be alive at Christmas."While the family are pleased at the decision, they are bitter that Mrs Smith has had to spend her savings to pay for a drug, which some experts argue should be widely available on the NHS.Her son added: "All her life savings have gone. In fact, she came off Erbitux and went on an older drug because she ran out of her own money and didn't want the rest of the family to have to pay."Mr Smith said he would be talking to the family's lawyers to explore ways of trying to recoup the money."During the time she has taken the drug privately, there has been a massive reduction in her tumour," he added.In the letter from the County Durham and Darlington PCT, the family were informed that the NHS was prepared to pay for six cycles of Erbitux, combined with another chemotherapy drug, provided there was continuing evidence the drug was working.The Bowel Cancer UK charity has been pushing for patients across Britain to be allowed access to Erbitux, which is widely used in European countries and in the US.The charity argues that there is clear evidence the drug - which works by blocking the spread of cancer cells after chemotherapy has failed - can prolong the lives of cancer sufferers. While the drug is not seen as a cure, specialists believe it can improve the quality of life for patients when all other options have failed.A spokesman for County Durham and Darlington PCT declined to comment on the case. Comment - Page 18  more...

Rok on! as school wins new play area

A SCHOOL has won a new play area worth tens of thousands of pounds after coming first in The Northern Echo's Rok Community Challenge competition.Pupils at Skerne Park Primary School, in Darlington, can look forward to spending their break times next year playing in a new garden.More than 100 community groups across the North-East applied to take part in the competition to win a free upgrade for their run-down buildings.Sports clubs, youth groups and church organisations all qualified to take part, but prize judges chose Skerne Park as the outright winner after school staff, pupils and parents got together to give their entry a boost.Steve Allen, Rok's area leader for the Tees Valley, said: "The response that we have had from community groups has been fabulous and it was a difficult job deciding who should be the winner."We decided on Skerne Park Primary School because of the obvious enthusiasm from all of the parents and the local community, who are very involved with the school."With the help of building experts from Rok, a team of volunteers from the school will now set about creating a sheltered "quiet zone" in the playground decorated with flowers and plants. All supplies for the project will be sourced by Rok.The school's headteacher, Diana Teasdale, said the prize was a "brilliant" early Christmas present for the pupils on their last day of term.She said the idea for the new garden came from the pupils."For a long time children have been asking for a nice quiet area in our great big playground," she said."We don't have anywhere for the pupils who want to have a quiet place to sit and read or chat with friends."Now, we're going to get a quiet seating area with potted plants and scented herbs."Were all really chuffed - it's been a brilliant surprise."Skerne Park beat tough competition from scores of entries from groups across the region, including Hunwick Community Centre, the 8th Darlington Scout Group and Leyburn Arts Centre.Mr Allen added: "We are particularly impressed that this is something the children themselves have obviously put a lot of thought into and decided their school would benefit from."We have visited Skerne Park Primary School and seen the work that the pupils would like doing and we are now looking forward to working with volunteers from the school to help them realise their dream of a sheltered area, where the children can sit and chat, read a book or play board games with their friends. "The challenge will be hard work, but great fun.  more...

MP support for man jailed after tag broke

A NORTH-EAST MP has taken up the case of an amateur footballer facing Christmas behind bars after his electronic tag came off during a match. The office of North West Durham MP Hilary Armstrong is investigating Neil Lowden's early return to prison.The Northern Echo revealed yesterday how the footballer was playing for Coundon Conservative Club when the ankle monitoring device broke in a tackle.The midfielder was released last month after serving about ten months of a two-year sentence for drugs offences.The tag was refitted by a technician hours after the match.However, police arrested the player the following day for breaking his tag conditions. He has now been told he must serve another four-and-a-half months in prison.Solicitor John Grierson, from Grierson, Shaw and Co, represents the player.He said the tag went for independent examination for evidence of tampering earlier this week - a process that could take more than two weeks. He added: "We've gone through the necessary stages and it's up to the Home Office to make a decision."A spokesman for Ms Armstrong said: "We have contacted the Home Office and made representations on the matter."We have requested further information."We're waiting to hear back on what the situation is."The spokesman said the MP's staff were in regular contact with player's family.Coundon Cons have launched a campaign to have their team-mate released.Defender Michael Heckley said: "I was watching the game because I was injured."He got tackled and it came off. He came off the pitch and rang the authorities straight away."I can't believe what has happened - I thought it was a joke at first."County Durham county councillor Phil Graham has also taken up the player's case.He said: "I'm not condoning what this lad has done before, but I would just appeal for a bit of common sense to come to the fore."Someone in authority, even up the Home Secretary, should intervene and get this young man released for Christmas."The Ministry of Justice said it does not comment on individual cases.  more...

Identity of man killed on rail tracks still unknown

ENQUIRIES are still ongoing to identify a male who was killed on rail tracks outside of Darlington.   more...

Health trust passes 'significant' milestone

A MENTAL health trust in the region has been given the go-ahead to become an NHS Foundation Trust.Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust - which provides mental health, learning disability and substance misuse services to the people of County Durham, the Tees Valley and North Yorkshire - was given the green light from the Department of Health this week.The trust will go through to the next stage of the approval process and hopes to become a Foundation Trust next year.Con Egan, who is due to retire this week from his post as chief executive, said: "This is a significant achievement for the trust and a major milestone on the journey to becoming a Foundation Trust.The trust is recruiting local people to become members of its foundation trust and has signed up more than 1200 people. Jo Turnbull, trust chairman, said: "This is a real opportunity for people to get involved with their local NHS and I am looking forward to working with the local community, our staff and partner organisations to improve services for the people we serve."Anyone interested in becoming a member can find out more at www.tewv.nhs.uk   more...

Final whistle as football club medical man retires

A FAMILIAR face will blow the final whistle on his medical career today having spent four decades caring for football fans.Throughout his distinguished pitchside career, Austin Queenan has been on duty for about 1,600 games at Middlesbrough Football Club.Although he has many happy memories of his time on the touchline, one horrific incident has remained with him - when a woman died in his arms after a wall collapsed at Boro's former Ayresome Park ground, after a match against Manchester United in 1980."That is one tragedy that certainly sticks in my mind," said the 73-year-old, from Acklam, Middlesbrough."At the end of a game, as people were leaving the ground, a wall collapsed and two people were trapped. I was treating the young woman, but sadly she died as a result of her injuries."He attended his first game as a St John Ambulance volunteer at Ayresome Park in 1968 and has been a permanent fixture at Boro games since then.Over the years, he has treated hundreds of supporters suffering conditions including broken bones, heart attacks, strokes and epileptic fits.He said: "I have seen plenty of characters at this club - Jackie Charlton, Willie Maddren, Raich Carter, Malcolm Allison - the list is endless."It's completely different these days. When I started out at Ayresome Park everyone was crammed in tight, but now in the new ground it is a lot safer for fans. "I can remember times when we had to pull young children out of the crowd to stop them getting crushed."I can definitely say I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a volunteer, but it is time to hand over to the younger ones."I think I'll put my feet up and relax, but I'll still be going to the home games though."Before today's kick-off, he is going to be on the pitch for a presentation to mark his 40 years of service to the club.Rob Nichols, of Boro fanzine Fly Me To The Moon, said: "People don't realise how important the St John Ambulance volunteers are. Without them, no games could take place."Keith Lamb, chief executive of the club, said: "Many thanks to Austin for all his hard work over the years, which is greatly appreciated. We wish him well in his retirement."  more...

Ex-theme park employee went on digger rampage

A DISGRUNTLED former theme park worker stole a digger and smashed the attraction's gates - then emailed his ex-boss to tell him what he had done.The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, went on a rampage at Diggerland, in Langley Park, County Durham, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage before bragging about it on a social networking website.His boasting led to his arrest, but after appearing in court, he did the same thing again and filmed himself using his mobile phone.Police recognised the hallmarks of the crime when the damage was reported and contacted the youth who admitted everything.The former park marshal caused at least £15,000 worth of damage and, as of yesterday, he was still using social networking sites to tell friends about his "theme park wrecking spree".One online entry read: "I did work for Diggerland but got sacked. "I mean driving a JCB through your employer's main entrance is not going to get you employee of the month."Under the "bad habits" section of his homepage, he also wrote: "My obsession with JCB machinery gets me nowhere but police cells."Weird, because I was sick of the sight of them when I worked at Diggerland. Now I love using them as dodgem cars. Ha Ha."The youth, who lives in Consett, admitted a string of offences at Consett Youth Court yesterday. David Bryson, prosecuting, said: "He wished to brag about what he has done. He sent text messages to staff and put it out on the internet."It is quite obvious that he is the culprit and he is accepting what he has done."The youth pleaded guilty to unlawfully taking a forklift truck and damaging it, as well as the park's gates, a shop window and receiving a stolen MP3 player on September 9.He admitted breaking into the park on October 12.The teen also pleaded guilty to taking an excavator and damaging it along with the steel gates, glass panels, electric doors and brickwork on December 4.The court heard a statement from Diggerland's general manager, Gary Johnson.He said: "What he has done at Diggerland has had a massive impact on our operation."The damage has affected our ability to run the park effectively."Adam Scott, mitigating, said the teenager was experiencing turbulent teenage years following the deaths of his mother and grandmother.He had gone to live with his father, but now lives alone in a flat after being asked to leave, the court heard.Mr Scott: "There is a reason for this extremely unusual behaviour. It is a cry for help from a troubled young man."The youth was sentenced to a 12-month referral order and banned from driving for 12 months.Chairman of the bench William Brown told him he had come close to receiving a custodial sentence. He said: "We have bent over backwards to ensure that you are someone that fits into society and does not do crazy things like this."  more...

Huge interest in statue campaign for footballer

ONE man's campaign to commemorate the world's first black professional footballer with a statue outside a North-East football club has gone nationwide.Since featuring in The Northern Echo earlier this month, Shaun Campbell, a Darlington artist, has appeared on Alpha Radio, BBC Tees, the BBC News, and in black community magazines.He is appearing on BBC Radio Sheffield tonight.Mr Campbell, who of is dual heritage, wants a statue of Arthur Wharton - a goalkeeper from the Gold Coast who played for Darlington in the 19th Century - outside the Darlington Arena. Mr Wharton also played for Sheffield United and Rotherham.Asked about the media's interest, Mr Campbell said: "It's just been huge. The interest has been phenomenal."When Radio Sheffield phoned, I asked how they had heard the story. "They said it had been across the black community magazines down there. I couldn't believe it."Although Arthur Wharton played in Sheffield, when I'm on Radio Sheffield, I'll made it clear I don't want them to hijack the campaign."Mr Campbell has received quotes from three prominent sculptors for the statue, ranging from £50,000 to £80,000.He hopes it will be funded by Darlington FC and Darlington Borough Council. The council has written to Mr Campbell, saying it will look to find funding if the football club grants permission.Darlington FC said it will meet Mr Campbell in the New Year.Fans can also pledge support to the campaign on Mr Campbell's business website, www.drumartfurniture.co.ukThe website says: "Over 100 years before Dyer, Jenas and Ameobi, the North-East had the world's first professional black football player."It asks people to support the plan to erect a statue at Darlington FC in his honour. Internet users must give their name and email address.Mr Campbell hopes to stage a match featuring Ghanaian, Scottish, dual-heritage, and Darlington footballers to mark the statue's unveiling, as Mr Wharton's parents came from the Gold Coast, which became Ghana in 1957, and Scotland.If the match goes ahead, those who registered support will have first refusal for tickets.Mr Campbell said: "People are asking me, 'Shaun, why are you doing this?' "Basically, I want the people of Darlington to be given a pat on the back."  more...

Time to ho-ho-go for longest-serving Santa

BRITAIN'S longest-serving Santa has given himself the sack. After 54 years of bringing Christmas cheer to generations of youngsters, John Gardner has decided it is time to end his ho, ho, ho-ing.As John, who first donned his homemade suit and beard in 1953, departed he left a word of advice for Santas of the future.The 89-year-old from Gateshead said: "I know of some Santas who used to stuff pillows in their suits, but I never bothered. I don't think being fat makes any difference to the children."Santa has been experiencing a politically correct nightmare before this Christmas.His diet of mince pies and his famous portly stomach have been criticised by health chiefs, who suggest he should opt for a bite of Rudolph's carrot instead.In Alnwick, Santa was banned from driving his sleigh through the town because of health and safety reasons."Some of these new rules are ridiculous," said John, a former police officer, who has been Santa at Goathland Primary School, in Longbenton, since he started out. He said: "They are taking the magic out of Christmas. What is wrong with him riding his sleigh through a town or saying Merry Christmas? No one would be offended by that."However, the great-grandfather, who has also appeared at the Freeman Hospital and former department store Farnons, admitted that some new regulations have benefits and reflect the "way of the world".He said: "I remember when the kids used to run up and sit on my knee and tell me what they wanted for Christmas. There's none of that now, but I think it's a good thing. "Before, anyone could be Santa, but you have to think of children's safety."One thing hasn't altered with the years though."Deep down the children haven't changed," he said. "Their faces are still the same when they see me come through the door. It's wonderful.  more...

UK Smartie production goes down the tube

A 70-YEAR tradition will come to an end in the next few weeks, with the final run of the children's favourite, Smarties.The popular coloured sweets will be produced in Germany from the new year.They are among York's most famous products and have always been made at the Nestle Rowntree factory, in Haxby Road.Smarties is the fifth big name brand whose production has been transferred elsewhere since the company's controversial restructuring a year ago, which saw 645 jobs axed.The production of Smarties is switching to Hamburg.The Nestle Rowntree shake-up has already seen Black Magic transferred to the Czech Republic and Dairy Box to Spain, while Drifter bars are now made in Castleford, near Leeds, and Matchmakers have been moved to Fawton, near Newcastle.A range of company favourites will still be manufactured at the York site, including KitKat, Aero and Polo.The company also plans to plough £20m into expanding its facilities in the city, and safeguarding the jobs of its 1,800 workers.York MP, Hugh Bayley, said he was sad to see Smarties go, but pleased that the company was keeping its biggest brands in York."The company is still investing millions of pounds in its Haxby Road site, and they would not do that if they did not see a long-term future for manufacturing in York," he said."We are still Nestle's biggest factory anywhere in the world, and long may that continue to be so. I am confident about the company's long-term commitment to York."Although I am sad about the job losses and the fact that some important brands have moved elsewhere, I am pleased that Nestle still sees York as its flagship factory."Nestle bosses said the changes, which include the job cuts and the sale of 40 per cent of the factory, were necessary to safeguard the company's position in York and fund an investment programme.A planning application to redevelop a section of the Haxby Road site, which could be turned into a housing development and conservation area, is expected to be submitted to the City of York Council by the spring.  more...

Greetings from our troops overseas

Corporal Dean Rusk, 2nd   more...