The Northern Echo : News, Sport, Business, Leisure from the North East and North Yorkshire

Stories for 8 March 2007

The Northern Echo News

Hero 'died doing the job he loved'

THE widow of a paratrooper who died saving seven colleagues from enemy fire yesterday collected the first posthumous Victoria Cross to be awarded since the Falklands War.Corporal Bryan Budd, of 3rd Battalion the Parachute Regiment, was killed in August when he single-handedly stormed a Taliban position in southern Afghanistan.His widow, Lorena, received his VC from the Queen in a private ceremony at Buckingham Palace.She was accompanied by Cpl Budd's stepfather, Trevor Girdham, his sister, Tracy, and brother Stephen.Mrs Budd said last night: "The award of the Victoria Cross recognises his conspicuous gallantry, inspirational leadership and supreme valour."Tragically, acting in the highest traditions of the Parachute Regiment, he made the ultimate sacrifice by laying down his life."However, he did so doing the job he loved serving in the regiment that meant so much to him."Cpl Budd left two daughters, two-year-old Isabelle and Imogen, who was born a month after her father died. Mrs Budd said: "He will always be missed, but his memory continues to live on."The VC is Britain's highest award for bravery in the face of the enemy and has been awarded only 13 times since the Second World War.Cpl Budd, who lived in Ripon, North Yorkshire, but was originally from Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, is the fifth paratrooper to win a posthumous VC.On July 27, while his section was on patrol, it became caught in a fight with Taliban gunmen on the roof of a building.Cpl Budd led an assault into the heart of the gunfire, allowing a wounded colleague to be rescued for lifesaving treatment.On August 20, his section was again caught in heavy fighting. Cpl Budd was wounded, but rushed the Taliban position, firing continuously. His actions inspired the rest of his section to push forward.His body was later found surrounded by three dead Taliban fighters.His VC citation described his behaviour as a "premeditated act of inspirational leadership and supreme valour". Seven other members of the 3rd Battalion the Parachute Regiment also received honours yesterday for their service in Afghanistan last year.The regiment's commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Tootal, who was awarded the distinguished service order, said: "It's what these soldiers go and do, and if necessary, they will do it day in, day out. Most importantly, they will go back and do it again."  more...

Even the sheep were moved to make way for classic Austen

TELEVISION viewers across the UK are about to step back in time at one of the region's stately homes - courtesy of Jane Austen and Dr Who's former assistant.Newby Hall, the 18th Century house near Ripon, will become familiar to millions as Mansfield Park in an adaptation of the Austen novel of the same name.And swapping her jeans and T-shirt for the crinolines is former pop singer Billie Piper, fresh from her inter galactic trips in the Tardis.But while film crews arriving at a historic house can be a blessing, they can also bring problems.The filming process involved considerable storing, covering, building and removal of fixtures and fittings - a flock of sheep had to be relocated for historical accuracy.The crew and cast of about 60 descended on the hall last summer and the six weeks of daily dawn-to-dusk filming - and often into the small hours - came at a price for those who live and work there.Administrator Stuart Gill said: "Although this is a beautiful 18th Century house it is also a major visitor attraction and a working family estate, so not everything you see is correct for the period the film crew wanted."An immediate problem was the flock of sheep in the grounds, which did not suit the period so they had to be rounded up and moved whenever the cameras were filming outside - often at a minute's notice.Even the grass and the length of it fell victim to the rules of historical accuracy."The east, west and south lawns flanking the house at that time of year are beautifully mown with bowling-green style stripes," said Mr Gill."This look was not suitable so all the grass had to be left to grow, and grow it did during an unusually wet, warm month."To cap it al,l our usual four-legged grass cutters - the sheep - could not be left in the parkland to graze because all the cattle grids had to be covered over to allow access to the horse-drawn carriages."Inside the house, the problems continued, with furniture being moved from one room to another to accommodate the set designers and some rooms were transformed to create new sets.The filming was eventually completed successfully with no damage."There is always an inherent risk in using historic properties for any activities whether they are weddings, corporate events or filming," said Mr Gill."But the risks need to be balanced against the positive benefits generated from being involved in a production with national coverage."* Jane Austen's Mansfield Park will be shown on ITV at 9pm, on Sunday, March 18. Newby Hall re opens for the new season on March 31.  more...

Inquiry to rule on pair's bid to block walkers peeking in

A COUPLE want to have one of the region's most famous footpaths diverted to stop strangers who admire their home and gaze through their front window.Adrian Blackmore and his wife want planning chiefs to move a 500ft stretch of the Teesdale Way to give them more privacy.They are facing opposition from walkers who object to any change being made to the path beside the River Tees at Cotherstone, near Barnard Castle.After councillors agreed to the changes last year, objectors took their fight to a public inquiry, which opened yesterday.Mr Blackmore said he spent a lot of money renovating former farm Cooper House into a smart, modern property, but is now worried about security.The couple asked Durham County Council to divert a 150-metre stretch of the Teesdale Way so it runs round the outside of their grounds instead of right through them.The Teesdale Way runs from the source of the Tees to Teesmouth, and is used by hundreds of walkers a week.Mr Blackmore told the inquiry: "People can walk very close to our house at any time of the day and night. A vast number of them stare into our windows and invade our privacy. Perhaps some are just admiring the property."But to have so many strangers doing this makes us feel very insecure. We would feel much happier if we could control the number of people who have such easy access."Walkers had been seen relieving themselves in outbuildings -one had been reported to police -and many others had trampled over the lawn.He said the diversion would make little difference to walkers, because they would still get good views of the Tees, but it would make his family feel much safer.Ian Martin, of Barnard Castle Ramblers, said the change would mean a loss of some beautiful views. He said the new route would be less convenient and less pleasant for walkers.Other objectors said there was little crime in the area and that there was no reason for Mr Blackmore to worry about the path.The inspector will make a recommendation to the Secretary of State, who will give a decision in due course.  more...

Disabled cricketer goes beyond the boundaries

A TEENAGE cricketer who has overcome disability to become one of The Northern Echo's Local Heroes is to appear in a gruelling reality television show in South America.Despite being born with no left arm below the elbow, 18-year-old all-rounder Gareth Walton regularly hits sixes for Willington Cricket Club, in County Durham.Now he will tackle boundaries of another kind, after joining nine other people with different disabilities from across the UK to take part in the BBC2 series Beyond Boundaries.Gareth, from High Jobs Hill in Crook, County Durham, will be filmed facing challenges in Ecuador, including trekking in the Andes, dense rainforests and volcanic landscapes.He suffers from a muscle deficiency called Poland syndrome, but now captains his under-18s side and regularly turns out for the club's second and first teams. His determination gained him the Orange-sponsored under-18 award for remarkable achievement at the Local Heroes Awards 2006.He said he was ready for his next adventure. "They haven't really told us much because they want to keep it secret, but I've seen the programme before so I have an idea of what to expect," he said. "It'll be hard, but it should be fun too."I've always wanted to explore and do other things. I've been on camping trips before but never anything this extreme."Gareth, who has just left Durham Gilesgate Sixth Form College and hopes to become a cricket coach, came through selection interviews in Manchester and Watford to secure his place on the programme. A crew from Diverse TV, who have been commissioned to make the show, have already filmed him bowling and batting with some of his team-mates at Bishop Barrington School, in Bishop Auckland, County Durham."It's an 11-hour flight and we get a day to acclimatise before the cameras start rolling," said Gareth."I'll miss my friends and family and my girlfriend, Melissa - I think I'll miss her the most - but I am really excited."He will return from the four-week expedition just in time for the new cricket season.The show, which is in its third series, is likely to be aired in the autumn.In 1992, The Northern Echo wrote about a campaign by Gareth's mother, Liz Ridley, to increase awareness about disabilities following taunts from other people.  more...

Helicopter crash first findings published

AN investigation into the events surrounding the helicopter crash which killed three North-East men has published its early findings.The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) report concluded there were no signs of pre-impact malfunction of any major mechanical component on the helicopter that crashed 24 miles off Morecambe Bay, Lancashire, days after Christmas.Among the seven dead were Keith Smith, 57, from Stockton, 48-year-old Leslie Ahmed, from South Shields and Alfred Neasham, 57, from Coxhoe, County Durham.They died when a Eurocopter AS365N crashed into the Irish Sea as it took the workers to a Centrica gas rig.Mr Smith's body has never been recovered.No analysis of the facts has been attempted and no safety recommendations are considered appropriate at this time, according to accident investigators.A detailed investigation of the wreckage is continuing along with further analysis of the recorded data, including voice recordings of the pilot and co-pilot.The report states: "A review of the recorded data has not indicated any problems of a technical nature and no helicopter manoeuvres have been identified which were not in response to flight control inputs."It also states that during the later stages of the approach to the platform, the helicopter was seen to slowly pitch nose down and started a slow roll to the right.The crew took evasive action, but decided to abort the first attempt to land and circle the platform before attempting a second landing.However, workers on the oil platform saw the helicopter's troubled approach before losing sight of it and hearing it crash into the sea.Emergency services were alerted and two rescue craft were at the scene of the accident within 12 minutes.The search and rescue operation, which was carried out by the Liverpool Maritime Rescue Centre, located six of the bodies during the first search of the wreckage site.However, dangerous weather conditions hampered the search for Mr Smith's body before a decision was made to call off the operation.The flight data recorder was found on January 16.A conclusive report will be published when the investigation is finished and the AAIB will also conduct a thorough assessment of the operational aspects of the incident.  more...

Fraudsters poised to escape justice

DETECTIVES hunting a father and son who fled Britain with £500,000 of their customers' cash admitted last night the pair might never face extradition from their sunshine hideaway.Gary Upson, 68, and his son, Ryan, 35, fled their Darlington horsebox business, Just Trucks, in 2004 to escape being arrested for fraud.The pair were traced to Portugal - and hopes were high that they could be extradited to face justice in Britain. But The Northern Echo can reveal that hopes of extradition are fading.A dossier of evidence about the businessmen was presented to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in the hope an extradition order could be obtained.But the CPS will not ask for the pair to be returned because it says the police case is not watertight.Detectives say they need to interview the Upsons before the case will be strong enough to go to trial. But any interviews carried out in a foreign country would not be admissible in a British court.Unless the Upsons return to Britain voluntarily, the case against them will have stalled.Last night, the detective in charge of the investigation said he had not given up, and hoped the pair would one day be brought to justice.The men disappeared in May 2004 with what is believed to be nearly £500,000 of customers' money from their business.Father and son are now living in the Algarve.Detective Constable Dave Sampson, of Durham Police's fraud squad, said: "It's disappointing, but the file is still open. It's still pending prosecution and we're still investigating."The problem with extradition is we have to provide the court (and the CPS) with sufficient evidence to go to the start of a trial."However, we can't interview them, as any information would be inadmissible and would be worthless. We need to do that."The pair disappeared leaving many horsebox orders outstanding.Their business partner, Karen Winks, was forced to sell her £115,000 home to help pay off creditors.Some clients were left up to £60,000 out of pocket. Victims of the Just Trucks fraud were paid 12p in the pound compensation.   more...

Miracle Fund approaches £20,000 mark

A FUND to help an eight-year-old boy whose family was killed in a road accident has been swamped by so many donations that staff can not keep up with sending thank-you letters.   more...

Family watches as car rolls over cliff

A FAMILY watched in horror as their car slowly rolled over a cliff and   more...

Outcry as student Territorials stage mock execution

SHOCKING images of British soldiers staging a cold-blooded mock execution sparked outrage after being posted on the internet.   more...

Seaside towns ‘locked in a spiral of decline'

SEASIDE towns along the   more...

Archbishop's Earth work raises Doodle Day cash

CELEBRITY doodles raised more than £13,000 after an online auction in aid of charity.They included a drawing by the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, of the Earth and a heart with a cross in the middle, a dove and the scales of justice, which went for £62.The top selling doodler was Raymond Briggs, of The Snowman fame, whose colour drawing of his most famous creation went for £1,300 - the highest amount ever raised by National Doodle Day. Second was Oscar-winner Helen Mirren's design, which went for £850. Also in the top ten were current James Bond, Daniel Craig, whose work raised £460, and Dame Judi Dench, who raised £322.The 281 doodles, including work by stars of film, television, music, sport, politics and fashion, raised money for Epilepsy Action and The Neurofibromatosis Association. Dr Sentamu, was yesterday installed as the first chancellor of York St John University.The ceremony took place in York Minster following a procession along Stonegate by staff, students and alumni of the university.  more...

Hotel may reopen bar and restaurant

A HOTEL at the centre of an unprecedented community campaign is in discussions to reopen its bar and restaurant, six months after its neighbourhood mourned the final pint being pulled.The bar and catering facilities at the White Horse Hotel, in Darlington, closed last autumn. Managers blamed dwindling trade.The hotel sector of the business was kept open, but the site had planning permission for apartments, and people living in the area had been expecting the business to close this year.Last December, community members who had fought the closure and proposed demolition of the hotel gave up the fight.The Save the White Horse group accepted it would be only a matter of time before the landmark building was replaced by homes.However, yesterday it emerged there could be yet another twist in the saga.A spokesman for the hotel confirmed that it was in talks with a third party to reopen the bar and restaurant, but said nothing would be finalised until the middle of next month.The spokesman said that the site had not been sold for homes yet and that discussions were ongoing.Although the bar at the White Horse closed in the September, the hotel was kept running. At first it was planned to close it around the Christmas period, but it is still operating.The hotel debate sparked a passionate campaign in the area. In January last year, the Save the White Horse group forced a parish referendum - with 400 people voting, 391 of whom were against the demolition of the pub.Since then, there have been many "reprieves" for the pub, but last night, the owner and manager were keeping their cards close to their chests.A spokesman said: "Discussions are going on about reopening. Nothing has been finalised. It hasn't been sold, but it could still happen."An application to convert the hotel into 55 apartments was approved by Darlington Borough Council last year.Yesterday, Mark Burton, who runs website www.harrow gatehill.co.uk, said: "I would like to appeal to local people to put their time, effort and perhaps a bit of money into using the place."  more...

Boy severely hurt in pyjamas fire

A TODDLER suffered severe burns yesterday when it is understood his pyjamas set alight.The two-year-old boy's mother rushed him into the bathroom of their home in North Yorkshire, where she managed to get him into a bath of cold water and remove the clothing.The boy suffered third degree burns to his legs and lower back -totalling about 30 per cent of his body.He was taken to hospital with his mother by air ambulance.Last night, the child, who has not been named, was recovering in the burns unit at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle.Because of the severity of the burns, he is likely to need skin grafts.The accident happened at about 10am at the boy's home in Dalton, near Thirsk. It is not known how his pyjamas were set on fire, but paramedics called the air ambulance because the boy was so badly hurt.They put clingfilm burns dressings on him at the scene.Terry Sharpe, a paramedic with the Great North Air Ambulance Service, which attended the incident, said: "His mum had done exactly the right thing, she had put him in copious amounts of cold water and got his pyjamas off."When we arrived, he was very distressed. At that age, when you are in pain all you want is your mum and dad to make it go away and you cannot explain to them what you are doing."The air ambulance had landed some distance from the boy's house.With the help of the road crew, the boy was loaded into the helicopter with his mother and they were flown to The James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough.The boy was stabilised before the air ambulance transferred him to Newcastle.Mr Sharpe said at that stage, the boy was feeling much better and was even pointing to things inside the helicopter.Full thickness burns, also known as third degree burns, are so severe that all layers of the skin have been affected. It means that the burn has gone through to the nerves, and is often less painful because of that.  more...

Cannabis gran defiant despite guilty verdict

A grandmother who cooked with cannabis to ease her depression, aches and pains has been ordered to carry out 250 hours' unpaid work after she was convicted of growing and possessing the drug.Patricia Tabram walked free from Carlisle Crown Court, despite being convicted for a second drugs offence which could yet see her evicted from her housing association bungalow in Humshaugh, Northumberland.Outside court, she said she would keep on using cannabis for medicinal purposes.Judge Barbara Forrester told the pensioner she must pay £1,000 costs as well as carrying out 175 hours' unpaid work for cultivating four cannabis plants and a further 75 hours for possessing powdered cannabis, which she stored in her kitchen and added to cakes, curries, casseroles and soups.The 68-year-old was in breach of a six-month suspended jail sentence when police, acting on a tip-off, found four plants growing in a wardrobe at her bungalow in September 2005. They also found powdered cannabis in a jar next to her cooker.Tabram claimed that she used cannabis to ease her depression, as well as aches and pains she suffers from as a result of two car crashes.The jury of six men and six women returned unanimous guilty verdicts for the two counts, one of possessing the drug and one of cultivating it.Tabram, who defended herself, told the court: "I am old and I am tired, and I am disappointed, not in the result by the jury, I am disappointed in the attitude of the court regarding someone my age with my health problems and the way I deal with it."I just want to go home and get some rest."In April 2005, Tabram was given a suspended six-month jail sentence at Newcastle Crown Court after she was found with plants and cannabis worth £850, which she used to make curries, casseroles, biscuits and soups for local people. The judge that day declined to make her "a martyr" by jailing her.Yesterday, she described the police who arrested her as gentlemen and warmly greeted Tom Moran, prosecuting, as he entered court.Afterwards, it was revealed how Tabram had smuggled a small amount of the drug into the court in her bra during the trial.But the case threatened to descend into chaos when the drug went missing and the judge said she would call the police.Tabram later found the drugs in her handbag.  more...

Sounds and sights of the Zulu tribe

ZULU warriors took over a Teesdale primary school yesterday.The Lions of Zululand, from Kwazulu, in South Africa, spent a day performing songs and dance and holding workshops at Montalbo School, in Barnard Castle.The group of 13 are spending six months touring schools across the UK.Group leader Mduduzi Mkize said: "We had a performance which was very lively and fast paced. We then did workshops where we shared traditional music, dance and art with the children."Their reaction has been excellent. Even the youngest children in the school were absolutely glued to the performance."Children are always really fascinated by something that's new and fresh, and when we dressed in our tribal attire I think some of them were a bit shocked," said Mr Mkize, who has previously worked with the leader of famous African band Ladysmith Black Mambazo.Headteacher Gillian Bainbridge said: "The group were absolutely amazing."When they were performing, some of the younger kids got a bit scared - because they holler and whoop - but by the end of it everyone was joining in and their voices are absolutely amazing."The 116 pupils were split into three groups and took part in singing, dancing and art workshops."It's interesting because part of our curriculum is dance, and some of the boys think it's for wimps - but when they saw these big, macho men dancing like they were, I think they were more encouraged to do it," said Mrs Bainbridge."Hopefully we build on the experiences the children have had here and work it into what they do in the coming weeks."  more...

Training operation will strengthen links

A MAJOR military training mission involving the Army and RAF was due to get under way this morning.Operation Swift Panther, an event for the military to test their skills, is using RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire, as its base.It is hoped the event will strengthen links between land forces and air support for work in Afghanistan and Iraq.Group captain Stuart Atha said: "This will take the form of a humanitarian mission. There will be troops caught in the middle of a wood and a convoy will have to get to them."It will be interesting to see what happens, as they will encounter 'refugees' and 'enemy' forces."The forces will go through the full range of operations, right up to firing bullets and dropping bombs."This type of exercise lets us see what are the things which need working on for when it's for real."The convoy was due to start on the east coast, near Newcastle, and head to RAF Spadeadam, in Cumbria. Air force support, in the form of fighters and fighter-bombers, is providing cover.The aircrews will be flying for seven hours and the force will face "enemy" troops and planes, as military chiefs have lined up a series of mock ambushes and air attacks to test the troops' skills.Captain Robert Futter, of the Royal Logistics Core, who is part of the land team, said: "The exercise is designed to show how we can work together in places like Afghanistan."We have found there is a lot of scope for using air support with ground troops and we are looking to develop that."Among the planes taking part are a squadron of Tornado F3s based at RAF Leeming.Pilot Mike Hearnshaw said: "The exercise is valuable as it allows us to practise what goes on in Iraq and Afghanistan. We will be providing air support and working with the ground troops just like we would for real."Group captain Edward Stringer, RAF Leeming station commander, said: "It has lots of uses, but is especially useful for active operations."The operation is not expected to interfere with normal traffic across the region.  more...

Ex-councillor is spared jail after benefits fraud

A COUNCILLOR has narrowly avoided jail for falsely claiming £6,500 in benefits after trying to save money for his retirement. Former Redcar and Cleveland borough councillor David Tomlin, who resigned after his shame was made public last month, failed to declare he had £14,800 in savings.Tesside magistrates heard how he claimed the benefits despite being given two chances to declare his savings.Gerard Tompkinson, prosecuting, said: "On June 3, 2003, he made an original application for council tax and housing benefit."In January 2006, he was asked to complete a review form with a signed declaration. Again, in October 2006, he signed a declaration review form."Tomlin also failed to mention three other bank accounts with thousands of pounds in savings.Mr Tompkinson said a benefits fraud officer contacted Tomlin about his other accounts, but he denied any wrongdoing. He finally provided details in December last year. The court was told that if Tomlin had declared his savings, he would have been refused benefit in June 2003.From June 2003 to November 2006, magistrates told Tomlin they believed he took the benefits intentionally and, by doing so, he breached the trust of the electorate he represented.During the sentencing hearing, it was said that Tomlin had repaid £1,500 of council tax benefit and must now pay £5,000 of housing benefit within 28 days.Tomlin pleaded guilty last month to three counts of false representation.David Dedman, in mitigation, said Tomlin was highly educated, with a history of working in British Steel and ICI. His lifelong job helped him save for retirement and resulted in his extra savings.Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council had warned that if he was sentenced to three or more months in custody, Tomlin would be removed as a councillor.Instead, the 63-year-old was sentenced to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work in the community.After the court case yesterday, a smiling Mr Tomlin told The Northern Echo he had already resigned as a councillor, and added: "I have no other comment."  more...

Head David collects OBE

THE principal of a successful sixth-form college received his OBE at Buckingham Palace yesterday.David Heaton, of Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, Darlington, received the award for services to further education.Last year, 99 per cent of students at the college passed their A-levels.Yesterday, Mr Heaton said: "We have had a lovely day, it was very exciting, but nerve-wracking."Your mouth dries up, and you wonder what the Queen will say to you. She asked what it was like working with 16 to 19-year-olds, and I told her what a pleasure it is."Mr Heaton, 58, will retire at the end of this academic year, after 14 years as head of the college.  more...