ARE you on board with a Hartlepool Mail campaign to improve fitness?

We want to hear from hundreds of people in the Hartlepool and east Durham areas who plan to spend this year improving their wellbeing.

Our Race For Fitness project aims to get 2,012 people doing something to change their life for the better.

Our supporters so far include Hartlepool Borough Council which has highlighted its excellent range of services for all the family, including the younger generation.

And as the details below show, there’s plenty to do for all ages.

A council spokesman said: “Our outdoor activities team offers a range of events across Hartlepool and the Tees Valley. They are fully inclusive and led by qualified instructors”.

But it is not just close to home that the council runs activities. It also takes teams of people – led by experienced staff – to scenic places such as the Lake District.

The fun includes mountain biking, walking archery, canoeing, orienteering, climbing and abseiling at the very scenic location of St John’s in The Vale.

Groups can enjoy some of the best views available of Skiddaw and Blencathra, while sleeping in comfort in dormitory style rooms with en-suite bathrooms.

Those who have enjoyed the outdoor activities programme have so far included school parties, adult walking groups and foster care teams.

Closer to home, the council is holding swim tots sessions at the Mill House Leisure Centre on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

And the Summerhill reserve off Catcote Road offers a huge variety of activities such as indoor climbing in the visitor centre, nature studies, archery, a hands-on look at archeology, boulder climbing and craft sessions for groups which can include making mini beasts;

There are charges for the activities and more details are available from the centre.

The council’s principal recreation officer, Maxine Crutwell, said: “We are committed to enhancing the lives of the people of Hartlepool. Our aim is to get more people participating in sport and physical activity.

“We work with many key partners to achieve our aim such as schools, colleges, clubs, the Primary Care Trust and voluntary organisations.”

More details are available from.hartlepool.gov.uk, on twitter HBC Sport, and by email to sport.recreation@hartlepool.gov.uk

And anyone wanting to find out about events at Summerhill should contact (01429) 284584.

A COMMUNITY organisation says a multi-million-pound scheme to help young people into work has “narrow scope”.

The Wharton Trust, in Hartlepool, agrees the £126m Youth Contract scheme announced by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg yesterday will help young people “move forward”.

But trust bosses say extra should be done to help more young people, as the fund only targets 16 and 17-year-olds who have no GCSEs at Grade C or above.

Mr Clegg has pledged to deal with the “ticking time bomb” of teenagers who are not in work, school, or training, or “NEETS” – not in education, employment, or training.

At least 55,000 16 and 17-year-olds are set to benefit from the scheme, which will see charities and businesses invited to bid for contracts worth up to £2,200 to take young people on.

Carl Crossman, access to employment co-ordinator at the trust, based in Wharton Terrace, said: “Of course we welcome the announcement that there is money to be made available to support specific groups of NEET young people to move forward and believe that it will help some young people which is a good thing.

“However, we have real concern that there are many young people who will not benefit from the scheme due to the narrow parameters announced so far.

“Equally importantly, the scheme will not enable small organisations, such as the Wharton Trust, to be part of the delivery of this work.

This age range has been singled out because evidence suggests that unemployment early on can have a permanent effect on earning potential, according to the Department for Education.

The Hartlepool Mail reported earlier this month that the Access to Employment course, which has helped 300 people into work over the past two years, is under threat due to funding cuts.

It came during the launch of our Work in Progress campaign, which aims to highlight the plight of the town’s unemployed and help them into work.

Mr Crossman added: “The nature of the contracting arrangements appear to be on a results basis, which means that only organisations with large reserves will be able to take a risk on working with the young people on what is essentially a no win-no fee basis.”

Under the Youth Contract scheme, young people would receive an initial payment up front and more money when they show good progress.

The announcement comes days after the latest unemployment figures showed the number of jobless 16 to 24-year-olds increased by 22,000 to 1.04 million in the three months to December.

Last month in Hartlepool, 4,633 people claimed Jobseeker’s Allowance, with 1,460 of claimants being young people aged 18 to 24.

Mr Clegg said: “This problem isn’t new, but in the current economic climate we urgently need to step up efforts to ensure some of our most troubled teenagers have the skills, confidence and opportunities to succeed.”

TOP UK Olympic prospect Andy Turner showed his support for the Hartlepool Mail’s campaign to get people fit.

We sent him details of our campaign, to get 2012 people in shape by the time the London Olympics opening ceremony is held, through social media site Twitter.

Andy, a 110-metre hurdler who took bronze at the last World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, was asked by the Mail if he would support the campaign.

He then re-tweeted the message to his 7,000 followers.

He is among a range of sportsman and women who have backed the campaign including Lord Sebastian Coe, former Olympic javelin thrower Fatima Whitbread and Hartlepool’s own Olympic hopeful, boxer Savannah Marshall.

The campaign has also won the support of Prime Minister David Cameron, Minister for Public Health Anne Milton, project director of the London 2012 Olympic Stadium, Tony Aikenhead, and Hartlepool-born Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling.

Why not follow their example and show your support?

We want to hear from at least 2,012 people in Hartlepool and east Durham who plan to spend this year improving their health.

You could quit smoking or drinking, take up exercise, or go on a diet.

Or do you have plans for a sponsored cycle, run, walk or swim?

It doesn’t have to be a Herculean challenge. The most important thing is that you take part in our Race For Fitness project.

Contact Chris Cordner by writing to him at New Clarence House, Wesley Square, Hartlepool, TS24 8BX, via email to chris.cordner@northeast-press.co.uk or by calling (01429) 239377.

A full list of people who are supporting the campaign and taking part can be found at www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk in the campaigns section.

Gary Fox admits he is playing a ‘frustrating waiting game’ as his Area title contest was rearranged for the second time.

After being lined up to take on Phil Boyle for the welterweight crown in December it was rescheduled to take place this month, but now Fox must be patient that little longer.

Training in Neil Fannan’s Brierton-based gym, the 26-year-old knows what is important if he wants to progress in the professional ranks.

Speaking exclusively to SportMail, he said: “I have to be calm and make sure I don’t let the put backs get to me.

“Being patient is very important when things like this happen so I will get a six round contest in and then move up to the ten round standard.

“I know I am fit enough to go the longer distance and I am good enough to fight the better fighters.

“It is frustrating but I am happy to wait around and take my time.

“If you have a national title under your belt then that opens doors.

“This could be the first one but that has been taken away from the time being.

“It is a matter of time so I just have to be patient and make sure I keep training hard with Neil and we will get there.”

After the disappointing news that he would not be fighting for the Area championship, Fox will be on show at Hartlepool’s Borough Hall on March 25.

Although unsure on who he will be matched against, Fox believes he is more than capable of putting on a good show on the same night that the town’s most successful boxer Michael Hunter makes his comeback.

“I have improved so much lately I can’t believe it myself,” he added.

“Neil has been inspirational and it is great to work with him and Michael Hunter who is a good friend of mine.

“I always try to put on a good show and this time it will be no different.”

Although disappointed with the way things have turned out on the title front, Fox still cut a confident figure as SportMail visited his ‘second home.’

Gary, who’s record now stands at six wins in seven contests, knows he must keep his feet firmly on the ground.

He added: “It is not the contest I wanted but I will go into it as confident and prepared as I ever do.

“I have to take every fight as it comes and whoever is put in front of me I have to beat.

“Neil has confidence in me so hopefully it will be a good night for the whole gym come March 25.

“With Michael making his return it promises to be a great show.

“Being part of that is a honour for me. He has been fantastic around the gym.

“He is always smiling and training hard and that pushes the others to do better.”

Last time Fox took on journeyman Billy Smith at Peterlee Leisure Centre in December and won over four rounds 40-38.

Next time out for the Fishburn fighter it will be over six rounds and Gary is confident he has the credentials to put himself in contention for bigger prizes.

“It was awkward last time because of the way Billy boxed,” added ‘The Fox.’

“He was much heavier and the opponent changed very late so it was a different bout I had prepared for.

“However a win is a win and I will move on from that fight into a six round fight which I know I am good enough to win.”

A RUGBY club has been awarded £2,000 to get young people at risk of crime and anti-social behaviour involved in the sport.

Peterlee Pumas have been given the cash by Sported which will enable the club to provide Rugby League sessions and also to provide an Active Listening service to help young people identify and tackle issues affecting their lives and behaviour.

STUDENTS got an insight into life at war as they welcomed a former child soldier and refugee into school.

The youngsters at St Bede’s Catholic Comprehensive School, in Peterlee, enjoyed the unique opportunity to speak to Bini Araia, an Eritrean who spent his childhood as a soldier before fleeing the country.

Bini was invited into the school in Westway, in Peterlee, to help the students with their citizenship programme and a recent Geography study on conflict.

Paul Dickson, assistant headteacher at the school, said: “We were delighted to welcome Bini into the school, he was excellent.

“It gave students the chance to explore how conflict occurs around the world and to look at how conflict can be avoided or resolved.”

Students also worked on a display to mark the annual Red Hand Day which took place earlier this month.

They joined millions of people around the world who took part in an activity to help draw attention to the fate of child soldiers.

Mr Dickson added: “At St Bede’s we place great emphasis on nurturing young people who can show compassion with other people around the world and in their immediate community.

“The work we do helps to make students aware of the world in which they live and, most importantly, empower them to participate in shaping a better future.”

THE future of two sheltered housing complexes is uncertain after a housing provider launched a consultation scheme.

Tremeduna Grange, in Trimdon Village, could be demolished as part of a housing review by livin, which was formerly Sedgefield Borough Homes.

Thurlow Grange, in Sedgefield, could also be demolished and redeveloped as bungalows under the scheme.

The complexes are two of 13 similar developments across the Sedgefield area, where residents are being asked for their views in a six-week consultation.

Bosses at livin say Tremeduna Grange, near Front Street, has a low occupancy rate, with nine units filled and 14 left empty.

Thurlow Grange, in Thurlow Road, has 10 occupied units and 21 standing empty.

Alan Boddy, executive director people and communities for livin, said on average, 30 per cent of livin’s sheltered housing schemes are empty, with some more than 50 per cent unoccupied and added this figure is expected to increase.

He added: “We fully appreciate the sensitivities when discussing the future of someone’s home and understand proposals may not be welcomed by all tenants.

“Rest assured, our team will be listening very carefully to tenants’ views and no decision will be made about the proposals until the consultation period has closed and all tenants will be given every opportunity to have their say on the proposals.”

Other options being considered include redeveloping the sites for new affordable homes.

Tenants and their families are being consulted on a one-to-one basis and are being given the chance to have their say and give feedback.

The consultation period ends at noon on April 20.

A final decision is expected at the end of May.

A COUNCIL is running courses in a bid to boost people’s job prospects.

Durham County Council’s adult learning and skills service offers a range of courses in subjects including customer services, retail skills, business and administration, team leading, first line management, IT, teaching and health and social care.

The local authority’s service also runs employability courses, giving people the chance to explore their career options.

Staff can also offer advice and guidance on choosing a course.

For more information email alss@durham.gov.uk or call (0191) 5862402.

It is your big day and everything should be perfect. and at the etc Wedding Show we have everything to make sure your wedding is just that.

Taking place on Sunday, March 25 at the stunning Rockliffe Hall, a five-star hotel in Hurworth, near Darlington, the day will feature 30 handpicked exhibitors as well as a spectacular catwalk showcasing the latest bridal gown trends, mother-of-the bride must-haves and men’s formal wear.

etc editor, Georga Spottiswood, said: “It is every girl’s dream to have a fairytale wedding and the etc team has waved its magic wand to help make that happen.

“Our event will feature the crème de la crème of the wedding industry and there will be everything from cars and cakes to beauty tips and wedding hair ideas – all the essential ingredients to make sure your big day is one to remember.

“I cannot wait for this event, it is going to be amazing.”

Brides-to-be and their families will be given five-star treatment at the wedding show with a glass of champagne on arrival.

They will then get to browse the stands, visualise their wedding ceremony taking place in the elegant Old Hall or glass-roofed Victorian Orangery – which will be set up as if to host a civil wedding – then sit back and relax while etc puts on a glittering catwalk show.

The event will take place from 11am to 5pm, with visitors being allocated one of three times slots.

etc director, Linda Burnside, said: “From stunning wedding jewellery to chair covers, hats, fascinators and honeymoon ideas, there will be something for every bride at the etc wedding show.

“This is an exclusive event and tickets are limited, so I’d advise people to book early.

“The etc Wedding Show will be a hugely enjoyable experience – it is no ordinary wedding event.”

Sponsors of the etc Wedding Show are: Poppy Bridal, Hooker and Young, Stan Seaton Photography and Simply Bows and Chair Covers.

All will be there showing brides and grooms how to add the special touches to their day.

etc has also teamed up with many of the exhibitors to offer one lucky bride and groom the chance to win some amazing prizes. They will include bridal make-up for the bride on her big day, courtesy of Eve Beauty Darlington, and a honeymoon at Rockliffe Hall worth more than £1,000.

Tickets cost £7 and are pre-paid only. Call 0191 501 7114. For more information {http://www.etcnortheast.co.uk/etc-wedding-show|Click Here|Click here for more details on the Etc Wedding Show}

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has admitted to frustration at Newcastle’s failed deadline-day move for Watford’s 25-year-old defender Adrian Mariappa – Shields Gazette

Having let 26-year-old Senegal international striker Demba Ba leave West Ham on a free transfer, co-owner David Sullivan thinks Newcastle risk losing him for as little as £3.5m this summer – BBC Sport

Kieran Richardson could head a summer clear-out at Sunderland as Martin O’Neill looks to cash in before the player is out of contract – Daily Mail

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has indicated he may be ready to open contract talks with the club over the next month – Daily Telegraph

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is keeping tabs on Ajax’s 17-year-old midfielder Viktor Fischer. The Reds manager is already considering a £15m summer move for Danish playmaker Christian Eriksen – Manchester Evening News

Meanwhile, United are willing to wait until 16-year-old IF Urædd goalkeeper Sondre Rossbach recovers from an ankle injury before deciding on whether to offer the youngster a deal – talkSPORT

Craig Dawson has signed a contract extension with West Brom keeping him at the club until June 2015 – Sky Sports

Arsenal were joined by representatives from Bayern Munich and Napoli in scouting 25-year-old Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud during the recent 2-2 draw with Paris Saint-Germain – Metro

Everton are close to sealing a deal for rookie midfielder Jake Adelson. The 16-year-old from Australia is ready to pen a three-year contract at Goodison Park having impressed the club’s scouts while playing for Blacktown City – talkSPORT

Cardiff City striker Jon Parkin has admitted that he would be prepared to extend his loan at Scunthorpe United beyond an initial month – Sky Sports

Liverpool may look to sign 23-year-old Sampdoria winger Jonathan Biabiany this summer, who has spent this season on loan at Parma – Caught Offside

{http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/sport/football/hartlepool-utd/match-report/transfer_rumours_monday_feb_20_everton_wolves_chelsea_liverpool_rangers_spurs_roy_keane_1_4265970|Yesterday’s rumours}

A HEROIN dealer who was twice caught selling drugs in the street has been jailed for four years.

Malcolm Bradley, 46, admitted selling the Class A drug in Hartlepool to fund his own addiction.

He was arrested on June 2 last year, when police saw four men acting suspiciously in Wynyard Road and suspected an exchange was taking place.

Bradley had 12 wraps of heroin between his buttocks, and five £10 notes were seized from him. A search of his home resulted in a list being found linking him with drug users.

Helen Masters, prosecuting at Teesside Crown Court, said Bradley initially denied dealing but admitted that he gave an unnamed friend a wrap in exchange for allowing him to use his house as a place to store drugs.

A man was then seen on October 9 last year, acting suspiciously in the town centre, making brief telephone calls and looking around. Bradley then appeared with a woman and a young child and the man walked towards him.

They stood close together and Bradley reached into his pocket and they swapped items.

When they were searched by officers, the man had three wraps of heroin, and Bradley had £125 in cash. Analysis of Bradley’s phone showed they had been communicating.

Bradley claimed that the cash had nothing to do with drugs and he said that he was going to the chemist with his girlfriend to collect methadone for her.

Paul Abrahams, mitigating, told Judge Howard Crowson that Bradley now accepts he was taking part in deals but has difficulty coping with emotions and problems in his life.

He added: “He acknowledges the problems from drugs of violence and acquisitive crime in the area where he lives.

“There is a far wider and greater impact not only to the community but also to his family.”

Judge Crowson told Bradley: “The finding of 12 wraps of heroin, some money and a list in your home led to the inevitable conclusion that you were involved in dealing at a low level, lastly because you were a user yourself.”

Bradley, of Wynyard Mews, Hartlepool, was jailed for four years after he pleaded guilty to supplying a Class A drug and possession with intent to supply.

POLICE chiefs have defended figures which show an increase in Taser weapon use by officers.

Durham Police has seen the number of uses of the high-voltage weapon rise from four in 2008-09 to 30 in 2010-11.

But police chiefs say the figure relates to the weapon being deployed to more officers last year and the Taser being used a number of times in a single incident last year near Durham City when a man barricaded himself in his home and attacked officers with a Samurai sword.

There were seven uses from 2007-08 and 13 in 2009-10.

Police say they do not accept Durham as having a higher than average Taser deployment.

A spokeswoman said Home Office figures covering a period between April 2004 and March 2010 show the force has having the 20th lowest usage out of 43 forces for Taser discharges.

She said the force was also the lowest of all the North-East forces apart from North Yorkshire.

Durham Police’s Acting Chief Constable Michael Banks said: “Initially the use of Tasers was limited to authorised firearms officers.

“But in 2010 Durham Constabulary followed the policy taken by many forces and extended their deployment to its road policing officers.

“Our officers are given specific training in the use of Tasers, to ensure that deployment is appropriate and proportionate under the circumstances and that it complies with national policy.”

Home Office figures show Cleveland Police officers fired Tasers six times from April to December in 2009 and once from January to March in 2010.

A MAN has been jailed for nine years for committing sex crimes against a child.

Andrew Pearson, 40, was convicted of two rapes and two counts of indecent assault after a Teesside Crown Court trial last month.

Pearson, of Sandringham Road, Hartlepool, has been locked up for nine years by Judge Tony Briggs.

The abuse is said to have happened when Pearson was living in Middlesbrough.

FUNDRAISERS are going flipping crazy today to mark Pancake Day.

Today is Shrove Tuesday and two Hartlepool businesses have been heating up their pans ready to cook up tasty treats for a £3 donation.

The Place in the Park Cafe, in Ward Jackson Park, and the Grand Hotel, in Swainson Street, are holding pancake feasts for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The events are being organised by the Rotary Club of Hartlepool and will run until 4pm.

Maria Harrison, who runs the park cafe, said: “Anyone can come along to both businesses and have a bit of fun.

“The £3 gets you a drink and a couple of pancakes and goes towards helping out an important charity.

“I’ve been told by about 30 people that they will pop in, and I hope they and more do. It will be interesting to see how busy it is.

“I’m sure I’ll be pretty good at flipping pancakes by the end of the day!”

Shrove Tuesday is the day preceding Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, which Christians observe up until Easter Sunday.

Pancakes are eaten as they are made out of sugar, fat, flour and eggs, whose consumption was traditionally restricted during the ritual fasting associated with the period.

During Lent, some people commit to a form of fasting or give up certain types of luxury such as chocolate or alcohol.

A DISTRAUGHT pet owner has offered a reward for information leading to the return of his beloved dog.

Digger the Patterdale Terrier has not been seen since last Monday, when he went missing down a rabbit hole at Crimdon Dene.

Her owner, Joe Hepworth, 63, is not sure whether the 18-month-old pooch is still underground or made her way out.

He says the breed is expensive and he hopes if Digger has made her way out of the hole, which leads to a maze of rabbit warrens, whoever has got her will return her.

Ex-miner Joe, from Cotsford Lane, in Horden, said he took Digger for a walk near the stables at Crimdon on Monday, February 13, around 2.30pm, and the dog ran away after he let her off her lead.

Joe, whose grandsons Alfie Robinson, five, and Callum Robinson, seven, are devastated that Digger is missing, added; “I blocked the holes up slightly with sticks and stones to see if there was any sign of her getting out.

“But when I went back the next morning and opened it up and shouted her she wasn’t there.

“She’s a working dog, you can’t keep them on the lead all the time.

“I let her off the lead and she ran down the hole.

“She must have got a whiff of a rabbit, I don’t know whether she got out or is still down there.

“The kids are devastated.”

Joe contacted the fire brigade on Wednesday to see if they could help.

A crew from Peterlee Fire Station attended the scene and used thermal imaging cameras, but to no avail, as reported by the Mail last week.

Joe contacted the RSPCA to see if they could help, but sadly they could not.

He said Digger had gone missing before and she had been involved in a road accident, leading to her ending up at a vet’s in Hartlepool.

“She’s a lovely little dog,” he added.

“She dug her way out of Cotsford Park dene before and made her way to my daughter’s.”

Digger is a black, long-haired variety with a short tail.

Anyone who knows Digger’s whereabouts can call Joe on (0191) 5869417 or 07515487035.

STUDENTS were warned of the dangers of kitchen-related fires as a campaign was launched to put a halt to alarming statistics.

During the three-year period between January 2009 and December 2011 Cleveland Fire Brigade raced to 102 fires in Hartlepool homes – 53 of which started in the kitchen.

The causes of the fires varied with 31 starting due to food being cooked unattended, six fires starting from a chip pan, seven from radiated heat, five appliance-related and four being caused by something other than those listed.

In an effort to raise awareness of the dangers of fires starting in the kitchen, Cleveland Fire Brigade launched Kitchen Safety Week.

Firefighters spent the day at Hartlepool College of Further Education yesterday where they carried out chip pan demonstrations and beamed a safety DVD on large screens around the building.

Fire chiefs chose the college as a venue to launch the campaign because they say it’s really important to get into safe cooking habits as early as possible.

Phil Lancaster, Cleveland Fire Brigade’s director of community protection, said: “The statistics are very clear.

“Over half of house fires start in the kitchen and of those fires almost two-thirds are caused by people leaving cooking unattended or using old-fashioned chip pans.

“This demonstrates that the kitchen is the biggest fire risk in the home and during the week we’ll be involved in a number of initiatives to help people stay safe.”

The week-long campaign which will last until this Sunday will also include competitions, the handing out of leaflets and radio advertising.

For free home fire safety visits call (01429) 874063.

People can also access an interactive kitchen safety house by visiting www.clevelandfire.gov.uk/kitchen.

LOVE had no bounds for Albert Thompson.

He was a Hartlepool man besotted with his wife, Ethel Kate Payne.

But there was one serious hurdle which stood in the way of love for Albert and Kate, as she preferred to be known. War broke out.

And because Albert was reported to have been of German birth, he was locked up in a camp somewhere in Hartlepool throughout the conflict.

The only time he ever got to see the woman he adored was when he was allowed out on day release.

He took full advantage of those precious moments of freedom. He would cycle through the streets of Hartlepool – taking nylon stockings and chocolates as treats for his sweetheart.

Sadly, no photographs remain of the loving couple. Every image, and most documents, were burned many years ago, said the couple’s granddaughter, Anne Thompson, 68.

But her own love of genealogy means the tale of romance can live on.

Anne admits: “I spend most of my time compiling my family tree.

“I have researched back to the 1600’s. We are mostly a family of seamen and that is how Albert met my grandmother”, said Anne.

It’s Anne’s grandparents who provide her greatest fascination.

Hopefully, with some help from Mail readers, we could be able to further build up Anne’s factfile on the doting couple.

Are there any photographs we could pass on? Can anyone provide us with precious memories that Anne may not know of?

Tell us more.

But first, let’s follow Anne’s research.

The story starts with Albert, who was born around 1881, sailing to Hartlepool from Germany years later as he reached adulthood.

Anne told the Family roots: “I have been researching my grandfather for 10 years. He was German so he was hush hush because of this.

“I have been told he sailed on the same ship as my great grandfather John Henry Payne. This was how he met my grandmother”.

The couple tied the knot on March 30, 1914. The details are confirmed on their wedding certificate, one of the few records which still remain of them.

In times of freedom, Albert lived in Windsor Street, West Hartlepool.

But in times of war, he was locked up, though few details remains as to where he was interred.

Anne added: “I have been trying to find out where he could have been interred during the Second World War and have been told that there is a possibility that there was a camp where Kingsley Avenue is today”.

Is she right? Let us know.

Albert and Kate had a son, Sydney, born in December 1914. He was their only child.

“According to my mother, no other member of the Thompson family spoke of my grandfather’s nationality because of the world wars”, said Anne.

“He was interred during both wars. During the Second World War he was allowed out and about on his bike. 

“He would travel to Lister Street to bring my mother stockings and chocolate.”

One other detail remains of Anne’s grandfather. He is known to have worked at Ward Jackson Park as a gardener until he retired and then did private gardening work.

Sadly, he died of a heart attack in Park Road, Hartlepool, on April 11, 1951, while he was cutting down a tree. “He had foolishly gone out with pneumonia”, said Anne.

We would love to find out more and help Anne with her research.

Do you know more about Albert?

Does anyone know where he was interred or more about his life.

And does anyone have a photograph of Anne’s grandfather?

Contact Chris Cordner by writing to him at New Clarence House, Wesley Square, Hartlepool, TS24 8BX, via email to chris.cordner@northeast-press.co.uk, or by calling (01429) 239377.

A WOMAN broke down in tears as she described how she cradled her dying boyfriend in her arms after he was stabbed by her brother.

Jade Blackburn, 20, told jurors how Cole Wilson said “I love you,” then kissed her moments before he died.

Her brother John Blackburn is being tried at Newcastle Crown Court for the murder of Mr Wilson in Peterlee, which he denies.

Prosecutor Mark Giuliani told the court Blackburn had warned he would stab Mr Wilson, before he delivered the fatal wounds to Mr Wilson’s head and chest.

Mr Wilson, bled profusely from both injuries and died within minutes.

The court heard the attack happened in the living room at Blackburn’s former girlfriend Kim McGuire’s house at Sledmere Close, last September.

Blackburn had brought his sister Jade Blackburn, and her boyfriend of three years Cole Wilson, who was also his friend, to spend the night.

After a “pleasant evening,” Blackburn and Miss McGuire went to her bedroom to watch a film while a “silly argument” broke out between Miss Blackburn and Mr Wilson.

The court heard the squabbling couple, who had been playing loud music, had been asked to be quiet but the noise and argument continued.

It was in the early hours of the morning Blackburn told Miss McGuire “I’m going to stab him.”

Miss Blackburn told jurors she saw her brother throw what she thought was a punch at her boyfriend, but that she never saw the knife and did not know where all the blood was coming from.”

She said her boyfried was later “on his knees and I was on mine, I had his head in my chest.

“I remember I was cuddling into Cole with his head in my chest and he looked at me, straight in the face and said ‘I love you’ and gave me a kiss.”

Despite efforts to save Mr Wilson, from Walker, Newcastle, he died as a result of blood loss.

Blackburn, of Holywell Avenue, Walker, denies murder.

Proceeding

RHYS Williams has handed Middlesbrough a massive boost heading into tonight’s game at Millwall after committing his long-term future to the club, writes CRAIG HOPE.

The 23-year-old Australian penned a new four-and-a-half year deal yesterday to end speculation linking him with a move away from the Riverside Stadium.

Williams has caught the eye for Tony Mowbray’s men this season and his ability to operate in both the middle of midfield and at centre-back had made him a target for Newcastle United and Bolton Wanderers, among others.

But the Australia international believes he can achieve his career goals on Teesside.

“I’ve always said I wanted to stay,” he said. “I’m happy here and that’s the main thing. I’m settled and get on well with the manager and the lads.

“I’ve no reason to leave except for my dream of playing in the Premier League – and I want to get there with his club.

“My fiancée has settled here, I know the town and have a lot of friends here. I couldn’t be happier, to be honest.”

Williams only returned to action towards the back end of last season after a long-standing pelvic problem had ruled him out of the 2010 World Cup.

But the Boro Academy graduate has not looked back since and is now one of the first names on Mowbray’s team-sheet.

And he added: “The manager knows what I’m capable of and what I’m not so good at.

“He sees me as a vital player. I don’t want to leave and be a squad player somewhere else. I want to be hopefully a major player for this club.

“He’s shown a lot of faith bringing in Jukey (Lukas Jutkiewcz) and trying to bring more players in. He’s trying to build something here and I want to be a part of that.”

]]> 1.4269310 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:07:49 +0000 http://www.peterleestar.co.uk/adam_boyd_set_for_reserve_team_action_1_4269309

ADAM Boyd will get another chance to prove his fitness when Hartlepool United reserves return to action tomorrow afternoon.

Pools entertain Rotherham United at Billingham Town’s Central Avenue (kick-off 2pm).

It is four weeks since Micky Barron’s boys won 1-0 at Gateshead, with Boyd on target that night.

Pools boss Neale Cooper confirmed last week that the 29-year-old striker was available for loan, having found first-team opportunity limited in recent weeks.

He was, though, a surprise inclusion on the substitutes’ bench ahead of Saturday’s visit of Notts County.

And Boyd, right, was introduced ahead of fellow substitute Colin Nish in the closing stages of the 3-0 triumph.

That pair could both feature for the second-string tomorrow and Cooper will be in attendance to check on their fitness.

But the Scot was pleased with Boyd’s contribution at the weekend.

“Adam showed some really good touches,” he said.

“But we were just saying how well he had done and then he gave the ball away!

“But he’s a quality player and has had a hard time in recent weeks with illness and stuff.

“We just need to get some game time into him and see how he responds to that because there’s no doubt he’s a player who can have an impact if his fitness is right.”

FULL STORY IN TUESDAY’S MAIL ...

]]> 1.4269309 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:07:44 +0000 http://www.peterleestar.co.uk/tony_sweeney_has_regrets_but_refuses_to_rule_out_play_off_push_1_4269308

TONY Sweeney admits there is a haunting feeling of “what if?” among the Hartlepool United squad – but has not ruled out a late assault on the play-offs.

Pools disposed of another mid-table rival on Saturday, as Notts County were sent packing from the Vic on the wrong end of a 3-0 scoreline.

The result lifted Neale Cooper’s men from 14th to ninth in League One, seven points off sixth-placed Stevenage.

But Sweeney cannot help pondering “what could have been” had Pools not dropped a club-record 24 points in succession on home soil.

“We are ninth now, but there’ll always be a case of what could have been,” the midfielder told SportMail today.

“We could be a lot closer to the play-offs than we actually are.

“To lose eight in a row at home in the league just wasn’t good enough and we’re paying the price for that now.

“But you can’t dwell on hard-luck stories and we’ve just got to carry on as we are now, which is a good place in terms of confidence and results.”

Sweeney believes the momentum gained by the arrival of Neale Cooper makes Pools the dark horses to gatecrash the promotion push as the season enters its final third.

“We have jumped five places after just one win,”he went on.

“So the play-offs? It’s not impossible and there might be one place up for grabs with seven, eight or even nine teams pushing for that.

“We just have to carry on in the manner we are and see where we end up.

“Finishing in the top 10 would be good in itself, but can we push for the last 15 games and surprise a few people? I think we can.

“The manager has come in and we’ve picked up massively and there’s no better way to get everyone buzzing than a play-off campaign, is there?”

FULL STORY IN TUESDAY’S MAIL ...

]]> 1.4269308 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:07:40 +0000 http://www.peterleestar.co.uk/man_admits_to_killing_dad_of_three_1_4266430

A GRIEVING family travelled to an Irish court to see the road rage killer of a much-loved dad finally admit his guilt.

Karl Donohoe, 30, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Peterlee construction worker Raymond Bates in September 2010 on the day he was set to stand trial for murder.

Raymond, 49, who had been in Ireland working on a gas pipeline, was beaten about the head with a hurley stick after a row in a leafy south Dublin suburb.

He died in hospital four days later.

Some of his relatives, including wife Brenda, 49, were in the Central Criminal Court in Dublin expecting to see Donohoe go on trial for murder yesterday.

But he entered a guilty plea to a lesser charge of manslaughter and Mr Justice Paul Carney remanded him in custody until he is sentenced on April 16.

Isobel Kennedy, senior counsel for the State, had said Donohoe’s plea to manslaughter was acceptable to the prosecution.

Senior counsel for Donohoe, Brendan Grehan, said his client wanted to take the opportunity to apologise to the Bates family, who were swamped by messages of sympathy after he died on September 30.

“He said it was a moment of madness on his part and he is sorry for his actions,” Mr Grehan added.

Raymond was attacked in the Sandymount area of the capital on September 26.

Both Raymond and Donohoe had driven away from the scene before a witness reported the assault to the Garda, the Republic of Ireland police force.

Raymond went to St Vincent’s Hospital the following day after becoming unwell, and was transferred to Beaumont Hospital where he fell into a coma before losing his fight for life.

Donohoe, a crane worker from Tyrellstown, west Dublin, was arrested and initially charged with assault causing serious harm.

The Director of Public Prosecutions later ordered that he should be charged with murder.

Brenda had just arrived back at the couple’s Dinting Close, Peterlee, home after a girls’ holiday in Benidorm when she got a call to say her husband was in hospital.

By the time she could get a flight, Raymond’s condition had worsened and he was already in a coma when she arrived with her three sons.

Raymond, who also has one grandchild, died two days later on September 30.

Brenda, who works as a childminder, told the Mail shorty after Raymond’s death: “He was a lovely man and was the best dad. I couldn’t have asked for a better husband.

“I have been with him since I was 15 or 16 and he has always provided everything I’ve ever wanted.

“He loved life, his family and he loved animals.”

Brenda, who could not get her husband’s body home for a funeral for four weeks, said the people of Ireland had been “fantastic” and had sent cards and gifts from across the sea.

Raymond, who went by the nickname Ginger, leaves behind sons Paul, 29, Mark, 27 and Karl, 24, and Paul’s two-year-old son, Leon.

He also has three sisters, Denise Brunwell, 49, Karen Bates, 41, Julie Taylor, 47, and a brother, Gary, 51.