Ammar Al-Beltagi: It took us three days to bury Asma due to the authority’s refusal to grant burial permit

Ammar Al-Beltagi, brother of the martyred activist Asmaa, narrated new details on the aftermath of her death.

“I was outside the Rabaa Square,” he told Al-Jazeera yesterday, “and I was not by sister’s side in her last moments, but I entered the square after she was martyred.”

Ammar confirmed that not all exits were safe, and that most exits were under heavy gunfire from police and army snipers.

Asked whether there were safe exits to transfer the corpse of his dead sister out of the square, Ammar said that he and a number of friends were not able to leave the square with his sister’s corpse until 5pm. He and another friend tried to carry her and leave from behind the Rabaa mosque only to be spotted by a sniper who opened fire at them until the corpse fell on the ground. They had to stand away from the corpse to escape the gunfire.

Moreover, while they were taking cover from the bullets, an armoured vehicle hit the corpse while it was lying on the ground. Soldiers disembarked from the vehicle and entered the square. Only then were Ammar and his friend able to carry Asmaa’s corpse and leave the square.

It took Asmaa’s family three days to bury her due to the authority’s refusal to grant them a burial permit, Ammar said.

Ron Paul: Governments deceive people over Ebola

Former US congressman Ron Paul says governments deceive people over the threat of the Ebola virus, although it is a very, very serious illness.

“I do know that governments deceive us and sometimes they hide things. I don’t think we are going to see in the next year a horrendous breakout of Ebola in this country,” Paul said on Thursday.

“That would be my suspicion. But in the same sense, we should not ignore the fact that it is a very deadly disease.”

The physician offered the chemical DDT as a “viable alternative for treatment,” Voices of Liberty reported

Some experts, however, say DDT is a controversial insecticide that may cause serious health effects.

“The absolute proof of the danger of DDT was never — as far as I’m concerned — proven,” Paul said.

“Instead, what we use is very expensive organic phosphates, which do kill people.”

“They are very dangerous to the human being. But I think if we try to put this in a better perspective, if DDT isn’t quite as dangerous as they said, and you could save a million people a year from getting this illness, maybe we should think about it.”

AGB/AGB

Eight green spaces in Middlesbrough given Green Flag Award for second year running

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Middlesbrough's Green Flag Awards

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Middlesbrough's gr-eight green spaces have once again been given the Green Flag Award.

The award, handed out by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country.

The Middlesbrough spaces recognised in 2014 are Thorntree Park, Stewart Park, Albert Park, Pallister Park, Fairy Dell, Hemlington Lake and Recreation Centre and Linthorpe Cemetery.

Additionally Stainton Quarry and Kell Gate Green, cared for by the Friends of Stainton and Thornton Green Spaces, has been given the Green Flag Community Award.

The same eight also won awards last year.

This year they are among a record-breaking 1,476 parks and green spaces recognised with the award nationally.

Middlesbrough’s deputy mayor Councillor Dave Budd said: “Retaining these awards is every bit as special as gaining them in the first place.

“It is testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff and volunteers who take such personal pride in maintaining high standards on behalf of the Middlesbrough public.

“It’s also particularly pleasing that the eight parks and green spaces highlighted in this award are spread right across the town, giving everyone the chance to enjoy them at their leisure.”

Alan Liddle, chairman of the Friends of Stainton and Thornton Green Spaces, said: “We are very pleased to retain the award this year and look forward to keeping it for many more years. It is a great reward for a lot of hard work by volunteers.”

Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “Quality green spaces are a vital resource for communities and that is why it is so significant that we have given out more awards than ever before.”

Billingham International Folklore Festival continues with Mexican tea dance

Dancers brought a bit of Mexico to Billingham when they held a special tea dance.

More than 150 people attended the event, which was part of the Billingham International Folklore Festival.

It was held at St Aidan’s Church Hall, in Tintern Avenue, Billingham.

A total of 11 Mexican dancers took part.

The Billingham Folklore Festival is now in its 50th year.

Festival director Joe Maloney said: “This is a huge year for us and so far it has been a huge success.

“This is the first year that we have done the tea dances and they have been a great success.

“The festival has been going on all week and it has been one of the best yet. There has been so much going on and the festival has been really well supported.”

In total there are 400 people taking part in the festival - from 13 different countries.

The festival continues today with a street concert, a farewell parade and then the festival will conclude with a fireworks display at 10pm.

Teen locked up for knife point attempted robbery

A teenager has been locked up after holding a taxi driver at knifepoint during an attempted robbery.

Daniel James Blackburn put the knife to the taxi driver’s shoulder before demanding money.

The 19-year-old only gave up when he was questioned about what he was doing by one of his friends who had been in the vehicle before the incident happened.

Blackburn appeared at Teesside Crown Court today in connection with the attempted robbery and having a bladed article in a public place.

He also appeared alongside 18-year-old Liam Christopher Harper for separate offences of burglary and two attempted burglaries.

Blackburn, of Pallister Avenue, Brambles Farm, was sent to a young offenders’ institution up for a total of two-and-a-half-years.

Harper, who was also sentenced for a theft and having a bladed article in a public place, was also locked up for a period 12 months.

The court heard that on June 12 this year, Blackburn and two friends had got a taxi from an address in Bankfields to Pallister Avenue in Middlesbrough.

During the course of that journey, the front-seat passenger gave the driver £5 for the £4.60 journey - telling him to keep the chance.

But when the car came to a stop and the two other passengers got of the car, Blackburn proceeded to put a knife to the driver’s shoulder and demanded his money.

“The driver then grabbed the knife and felt he was cut by it,” said prosecutor Rachel Masters.

“The defendant continued to repeat ‘give me your money’ and the driver then felt a sharp prick in his shoulder blade.”

It was only when one of the other passengers came back to the car and said ‘what are you doing’ that Blackburn left the car.

The police were then called and the teenager was later arrested.

While on police bail for this offence, Blackburn and Harper committed a burglary and two attempted burglaries at premises on Marshall Avenue on July 1.

They could be seen on CCTV trying to gain entry to the Hub Community Centre and a former tattoo studio before gaining access to the Ultimate Tanning Salon and taking a till.

Later on that day, Harper, of Moorcock Close, Middlesbrough, also went on to steal from Sainbury’s in Netherfields before threatening to stab a security guard to had chased him out of the store.

Both defendants were later arrested and admitted having taken drink and drugs.

Rachel Dyson, defending Blackburn, said: “He has demonstrated some victim awareness and remorse.

“He was also totally frank with police officers.”

Gary Wood, defending Harper, added: “The defendant feels he should be punished for what he did.”

He added the teenager had taken a “cocktail of substances” including cocaine, alcohol, sleeping tablets and Mcat before committing the offences.

Locking up the pair, the judge, Recorder Christopher Knox, ordered the pair to pay a victim surcharge of £120 each.

He went on to issue a warning of the seriousness of the offences and added that when a knife is involved in any crime it can easily lead to fatal injury.

Middlesbrough youngster left distraught after her pet rabbits were attacked

A youngster has been left distraught after her pet rabbits were savagely attacked in the garden of her home.

Jemma-Jane Wood, nine, who attends Yarm School, was looking forward to returning to school in September along with one of her favourite rabbits, Honey, who was going to be the class bunny.

However the youngster returned home from her cousin’s house on Wednesday afternoon to discover four of her six rabbits dead outside of their hutches.

Jemma-Jane said: “When I came home, I looked out of the window and I could see Beauty, Honey, Merlin and Fudge lying on the floor. I started to cry.”

The rabbits, all of which are German Lops, had been with the family for up to three years and were kept outside in the back garden in their individual hutches.

Jemma-Jane, who enjoys drama at school and is also part of the school choir, said: “Everyone was really excited to meet Honey. She was always up to mischief.”

Three-year-old Honey was set to be the new addition to the reception class at Yarm School.

She said: “Honey was one of my favourites and everyone at school is going to be really upset that Honey will not be there.”

Jemma-Jane will also celebrate her 10th birthday this Sunday which usually includes a celebratory party in the back garden.

She said: “I am really sad that all of my rabbits will not be here on my birthday. I don’t want to spend the day in the garden anymore with the empty hutches.”

It is thought the rabbits had been attacked by a large animal such as a dog.

Jemma added: “The two that are left, Frankie and Charlie, are going to get all of my love from now. I would also like to keep them in the house so I know they will be safe.”

Three arrested after drugs swoop on central Middlesbrough house

Three men were arrested on suspicion of drugs offences today after police swooped on a central Middlesbrough house.

Officers launched the lunchtime raid on a terraced house in Boswell Street - behind Borough Road - at about 1.15pm after executing a warrant.

Two police vans could be seen outside the property while officers spent more than two hours inside the house.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman confirmed a quantity of suspected heroin was recovered and three men, aged 26, 37 and 40, were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug.

All were taken into police custody while further inquiries continued.

Police probing Sir Cliff Richard sex assault claim reveal "a number of people" have come forward with information

Police have been contacted by "a number of people" with information following the widespread media coverage of a search of Sir Cliff Richard's home.

The singer's Berkshire penthouse was scoured for five hours yesterday by officers from South Yorkshire and Thames Valley Police as part of an investigation into an alleged sexual assault on a young boy at a religious event in 1985.

Sir Cliff, who was away in Portugal when the search took place, firmly denied any wrongdoing and hit out at the fact BBC journalists were apparently tipped off about the plan.

The broadcaster's head of newsgathering Jonathan Munro said today the information did not come from South Yorkshire Police.

In a statement, the force said: "When a media outlet contacted South Yorkshire Police with information about an investigation, we took the decision to work with them in order to protect the integrity of that investigation.

"Since the search took place a number of people have contacted the police to provide information and we must acknowledge that the media played a part in that, for which we are grateful."

Thames Valley Police said it had no contact with the media before the search warrant was executed.

The investigation is focused on an alleged assault claimed to have taken place on a boy under 16 at an appearance by American evangelist Billy Graham in Sheffield in 1985.

Officers took a number of items from the property for further investigation after yesterday's search.

In a statement Sir Cliff said: "For many months I have been aware of allegations against me of historic impropriety which have been circulating online.

"The allegations are completely false. Up until now I have chosen not to dignify the false allegations with a response, as it would just give them more oxygen.

"However, the police attended my apartment in Berkshire without notice, except it would appear to the press.

"I am not presently in the UK but it goes without saying that I will co-operate fully should the police wish to speak to me.

"Beyond stating that today's allegation is completely false it would not be appropriate to say anything further until the police investigation has concluded."

Conservative MP Nigel Evans, 56, referred to the case in reiterating his call for suspects in sex offence cases to get anonymity and said "questions have got to be answered" over Sir Cliff's claims the press had been notified about the search.

Mr Evans, who was cleared of a string of alleged sex offences at a trial earlier this year, told Good Morning Britain: "It appears the press knew what was happening before he did and the world's media were camped outside his doorstep.

"A press helicopter was up before the police even arrived - he is quite right to be angry about that. Questions have got to be answered.

"I believe in the vast majority of cases (suspects) should have anonymity. We have to recognise the impact this has on people.

"People have zero per cent of the facts and 100% of the opinions. It's quite wrong for people to pre-judge."

Former director of public prosecutions Keir Starmer has previously said that there should be "wriggle room" for naming suspects on arrest, as publicity can lead to more alleged victims coming forward.

Born as Harry Webb in Lucknow, India, in 1940, Sir Cliff has become one of the most enduring stars of his time, with hits including Devil Woman and Living Doll.

He was knighted in 1995, the first rock star to be so honoured, and performed at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace in 2012.

Kenneth Omeruo 'fit to start' for Boro against Leeds United at Elland Road

Follow Boro's game against Leeds on our new matchday live blog from 11.30am tomorrow

Kenneth Omeruo looks set to start Boro’s lunchtime showdown with Leeds United tomorrow after being rested for Tuesday’s Capital One Cup clash at Oldham Athletic.

The Chelsea loanee is still working his way back to full fitness after being given extra time off following his participation at the World Cup with Nigeria.

The 20-year-old was named on the bench by Aitor Karanka for last weekend’s Championship opener with Birmingham, but was called into action inside the first minute of the new season as Ben Gibson limped off with a hamstring injury.

However, despite fears about his fitness in the lead-up to the game, Omeruo put in another strong showing in the heart of Boro’s defence.

Ahead of tomorrow’s game manager Aitor Karanka hinted that Omeruo could start at Elland Road tomorrow - which could mean captain Jonathan Woodgate will have to settle for a space on the bench.

Karanka said: “Kenneth played in the last game for 93 minutes, other than the first 20 seconds, and he is ready.

“I gave him a rest for Tuesday’s game (at Oldham) and he’s fit to play on Saturday.”

New signings Adam Clayton and Damia Abella also look set to feature at Elland Road as Boro target a third successive win in all competitions.

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Chris was appointed editor of the Evening Gazette in January 2012. He is also a former Gazette news editor. Chris has more than 20 years experience as a journalist and has previously worked in senior positions in Newcastle, Exeter and Nottingham.

Woman fled Middlesbrough home in bare feet and begged for help to stop attack from boyfriend

A battered partner fled her home in her bare feet and begged a passer-by to save her from her brutal boyfriend.

The eyewitness bravely stood between the sobbing and bruised woman and her migrant worker boyfriend who was drunk on vodka.

A judge at Teesside Crown Court yesterday told the Polish man that domestic violence would not be tolerated.

Prosecutor David Crook said that the woman, who was also Polish, had not previously complained to police about her months of being assaulted at their Middlesbrough home by Wojciech Orchowski, 38.

He said that the couple had been in a relationship for one year and eight months, and after the first few months the woman had been regularly beaten when he had been drinking.

She said that in the morning he would be sorry and crying like a baby. He had also broken two of her mobile phones.

On June 30 at 10pm a neighbour was in the street having a cigarette when the woman ran up to her in her bare feet pleading “Help me please”.

Orchowski then appeared and he was drunk and angry. The neighbour pushed him away and she took the woman into her home where she saw the bruises on her arm and legs, and she called the police.

Orchowski was remanded on bail with conditions to stay away from her but on July 6 he went to her house, and he apologised for his behaviour and she allowed him to stay.

But the next day he went out drinking with a friend and he returned home drunk, kicked her in the legs and punched her in the face. She went to her bedroom and he followed her and punched her again. She told him that she loved him in order to calm him down, and eventually he fell asleep.

She did not report the assault to the police. But the next day he returned home drunk again and he threw a dinner plate at her head which hit her causing a bruise.

He had failed to return to a hostel and the manager called the police, who went to her address to speak to her. They noticed her multiple injuries and she explained in broken English that he had assaulted her again.

Mr Crook said that the woman was taken to the refuge hostel My Sister’s Place, but she left there and she had not been traced.

He told the judge: “She is a long term victim and vulnerable.”

Robert Mochrie,defending, said that Orchowski had spent the last two months in Holme House Prison, Stockton, and he accepted that he was probably an alcoholic after drinking considerable quantities of vodka.

He wanted help, and he was also prepared to accept that the relationship was ended.

Judge Peter Bowers told Orchowski through an interpreter: “Domestic violence is a serious matter.

“It’s grossly under-reported, usually because the victim hopes that you will change.

“Some of the comments you made to the probation officer are disturbing. You continue to deflect blame for your violence on your partner.

“There is not much indication in the report that you understand that this sort of violence is unacceptable. It’s time you faced your responsibilities and got a grip on your life. This is not an isolated offence, it’s a course of conduct over a number of days, a lot of it in breach of bail.”

Orchowski, lately of Borough Road, Darlington, was given a 15 months jail sentence suspended for 18 months with supervision after he admitted actual bodily harm assault and putting a person in fear of violence by harassment on dates in June and July.

Stockton 'street fight' stabbing victim released from hospital as hunt for suspect continues

A man who suffered two stab wounds and a punctured lung in a Stockton street fight has been released from hospital.

Cleveland Police have launched an appeal for information after the 32-year-old man was stabbed at around 10.50pm on Tuesday, on the corner of Bowesfield Lane and Westbourne Street, near the Drinks Express off-licence.

A spokeswoman for the force said the victim was released from hospital today.

One local man who arrived on the scene as the incident was ongoing said he heard from a friend that “one of the men bumped into the other, and the lass started screaming”.

“I don’t know whether they knew the other man,” he said. “They were fighting on the street, there was change all over the pavement. My friend called the police.

“There’s never fights on the street around here.”

Another eyewitness, Shorsh Ismael, 35, said he saw “police cars all over the place”.

“The ambulance was parked over the road, I think the guy was inside,” he said.

“Police officers were searching a patch of grass over the road.”

The suspect wanted by police is described as a white male, aged in his early 20s, about 5ft 10ins tall, of slim build and with blond shaved hair.

He was wearing a blue or black baseball cap with a round silver sticker on the peak with white writing on it, a blue Berghaus style jacket, dark jeans and dark trainers.

It is believed he may have been in company with a woman, described as white, in her early 20s, around 5ft 4ins tall, of slim build with bleached blonde hair and wearing a light blue top with darker blue long sleeves. They may have had a dog with them.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Major Crime Team on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Remember When - Redcar in pictures

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Gallery: Redcar in pictures

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Welcome to our Remember When archive gallery, which looks back at the more recent past the 1970s, 80s and 90s.

This week we take a look back at Redcar through the years.

Recap: Breaking news, traffic and travel across Teesside

The Evening Gazette's live breaking news blog brings you regular updates, pictures, video, tweets and comments covering the latest Teesside and North Yorkshire traffic, travel, weather, crime and council news for today, Monday 11th August, 2014.

You can contribute to the live blog by posting your comment below, and you can also tweet us @EveningGazette to share breaking news stories, pictures and opinions.

Our Teesside breaking news live blog begins at 07:00am every weekday and is updated throughout the day and into the evening.

Recap: Breaking news, traffic and travel across Teesside

The Evening Gazette's live breaking news blog brings you regular updates, pictures, video, tweets and comments covering the latest Teesside and North Yorkshire traffic, travel, weather, crime and council news for today, Tuesday 12th August, 2014.

You can contribute to the live blog by posting your comment below, and you can also tweet us @EveningGazette to share breaking news stories, pictures and opinions.

Our Teesside breaking news live blog begins at 07:00am every weekday and is updated throughout the day and into the evening.

Recap: Breaking news, traffic and travel across Teesside

The Evening Gazette's live breaking news blog brings you regular updates, pictures, video, tweets and comments covering the latest Teesside and North Yorkshire traffic, travel, weather, crime and council news for today, Wednesday 13th August, 2014.

You can contribute to the live blog by posting your comment below, and you can also tweet us @EveningGazette to share breaking news stories, pictures and opinions.

Our Teesside breaking news live blog begins at 07:00am every weekday and is updated throughout the day and into the evening.

Stockton man threw roof tiles at police and cars 'because of break-up with girlfriend'

A man ripped tiles from house roofs and hurled them at police and parked cars before a trained negotiator talked him down as a police helicopter hovered overhead.

Tony Harris blamed the siege on the breakdown of his relationship with his girlfriend.

The 42-year-old walked from Teesside Crown Court yesterday with an order banning him from contacting her for five years.

Prosecutor Rachel Masters said he damaged two roofs, four cars and a police van in the hours long incident on May 11.

Harris also took perfumes and cheese from Stockton stores before he caused a second affray two months later at his former partner’s home in Marley Close, Elmtree, Stockton, on July 11.

He told police that he had been suffering from depression and he had some sort of breakdown.

Duncan McReddie, defending, said Harris had a 15-year non-offending gap until he began the relationship with the woman.

He had then fallen back into drug taking and mixing with old associates.

Mr McReddie said: “He is not a violent man ordinarily and he has already received drug help while in prison on remand.”

Recorder Graham Cook said: “The rooftop affray must have been a terrifying experience for all those involved.”

Harris, of Radnor Close, Roseworth, Stockton, was given an 18-month jail sentence, suspended for two years with supervision for 18 months.

He was also sentence to 100 hours' unpaid work and a five-year restraining order banning him from contact with his former partner or approaching her home.

Harris pleaded guilty to two affrays, eight charges of criminal damage, two of shoplifting and possession of a bladed article.

He was also ordered to pay £100 victim surcharge.

Acklam daughter holding charity tea party with a strawberry twist following mum's cancer diagnosis

A Middlesbrough daughter will hold a charity afternoon tea party with a strawberry twist following her mother’s recent cancer diagnosis.

Nicole Wilson, 26, from Acklam, is to host the fundraising afternoon after her mum, Sarah Hodgson, 43, was diagnosed with breast cancer last month.

Sarah, who works as a sister in the cardio theatre at Middlesbrough’s James Cook University Hospital, is married to Tim. Together, they have four children and two grandchildren.

Despite having been given the all-clear when she was diagnosed with bowel cancer a few years ago, Sarah has recently had an operation to remove a tumour. She is also preparing to undergo another operation in the next few weeks.

Mum-of-two Nicole, a social care student, said: “I have decided to hold the tea party to raise awareness of breast cancer and to raise some money. I wanted to try and put a positive spin on an otherwise negative situation.”

Friends and family of Nicole and her mum are expected to pack Nicole’s home for the party, which will be held tomorrow from noon. The day will consist of the usual afternoon tea, scones, cakes and finger sandwiches with a twist of strawberry cocktails in teapots instead of the usual tea and coffee. There will also be plenty of strawberries and cream.

Games on the day will include “pin the cherry on the strawberry cupcake” and “guess the weight of the cake”’

There will also be a quiz, a raffle and auction. The prizes from each of the activities have kindly been donated by various local businesses, to which Nicole would like to say a huge thank you.

Nicole said: “Mum will be attending the tea party and thinks it is a great idea. She really is a true inspiration to us all and has never felt sorry for herself and has just got on with life.”

All proceeds on the day will be donated between Breast Cancer Research and the breast cancer unit at James Cook University Hospital.

To donate visit http://ift.tt/1pg7zQg

Man makes first Crown Court appearance in connection with death of lorry driver on A19

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A19 multi-vehicle collision

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A man has made his first appearance at Crown Court in connection with the death of a lorry driver on the A19.

John Kirk, 26, of Glen Drive, in Boston, Lincolnshire, appeared for a short hearing at Teesside Crown Court today.

He did not enter any plea to charges of causing the death by dangerous driving of 24-year-old Andrew Nimmo in August last year.

The offence relates to a crash on the A19 southbound near the Thornaby turn off, on August 6 2013, when Kirk was said to be driving a Scania Artic.

Mr Nimmo, of Murton in Seaham, County Durham, was killed when the lorry he was driving was involved in a crash with another HGV and a Ford Focus Zetec.

The crash happened at about 5.25am, just near the slip road from the A1130 Mandale roundabout.

Both northbound and southbound carriageways were closed for several hours due to the smash.

Kirk also did not enter a plea to a charges of causing serious injury by dangerous driving to Lada Khazanovych, and knowingly causing a false record to be created in respect of drivers hours, relating to the same incident.

The A19, one of the major routes into Teesside, was shut between Mandale roundabout and the A174 roundabout for Low Lane and Maltby, causing severe delays for motorists.

Mr Nimmo was due to marry his fiance and partner of two years, Janinne Lesley, this August and leaves a daughter, Laylah Hope, who was four at the time.

In a statement released shortly after his death, Mr Nimmo’s family - who packed the public gallery in court - said they were “devastated” by their loss.

Kirk will return to court on November 11.

He was granted unconditional bail until his next court hearing.

'We've achieved nothing yet', Aitor Karanka warns Boro players ahead of Leeds showdown

Aitor Karanka has warned his Boro side they have achieved nothing yet on the eve of the trip to Leeds United.

In their opening two games Boro have maintained their fine form from the end of last season, with wins against Birmingham City and Oldham Athletic now meaning the Teessiders have won eight out of their last 10 matches.

Scoring five goals and still yet to concede this season, a wave of optimism is flowing across Teesside and talk of a possible promotion push is rife.

However, as Karanka prepares to take his team to Elland Road tomorrow lunchtime, the Boro boss has urged his side to keep focused.

Karanka said: “I was delighted with the two performances and the players’ attitude in those games, but now two or three days afterwards we have to think that we have only won two games.

“One of the games was against Birmingham. I like their coach (Lee Clark) a lot and his work, but Birmingham were a team that was saved from relegation in the last minute of last season and Oldham are a team in a lower division than us.

“We haven’t done anything yet and we have to keep working in the same way.”

Heading back to Leeds this weekend will be an extra special one for Karanka, with his first game in charge at Boro last November being in a 2-1 defeat at Elland Road.

However, with a transformed squad that will include £2.7 million summer signing Kike Garcia, and new recruits Adam Clayton and Damia Abella, the Boro boss is confident of a good result and said he is still learning about the English game.

Karanka said: “I am learning every single day here because it’s an amazing league, I’m in a very good club and the day you go home thinking that you know everything, you’re finished. For that reason I have to learn every day to improve.

“I expect a very difficult game because Leeds are a very good club and have a very good crowd. When you’re playing at home you forget about your problems and they will have no fear at Elland Road.

“I’m sure our crowd is going to be there supporting us and I hope everyone enjoys the game, and finally we can beat them.”

Emmy Awards planning 'meaningful' tribute to Robin Williams

Robin Williams will receive a "meaningful" remembrance during at this month's Emmy Awards.

Awards show producer Don Mischer said plans for the Los Angeles ceremony's traditional "in memoriam" sequence were being discussed.

He said organisers of the Emmy Awards - the TV world's Oscars - were still coming to terms with the Good Morning, Vietnam and Mrs Doubtfire star's death, but intended to give him the tribute he deserved.

Williams, 63, was found dead in his home in Tiburon, in California's San Francisco Bay area, on Monday. Authorities said he committed suicide.

The actor's wife, Susan Schneider, revealed yesterday that Williams was in the early stages of Parkinson's disease when he died, but had not made the diagnosis public. He was also struggling with depression and anxiety.

Ms Schneider said: "Robin spent so much of his life helping others. Whether he was entertaining millions on stage, film or television, our troops on the front lines, or comforting a sick child - Robin wanted us to laugh and to feel less afraid.

"Since his passing, all of us who loved Robin have found some solace in the tremendous outpouring of affection and admiration for him from the millions of people whose lives he touched. His greatest legacy, besides his three children, is the joy and happiness he offered to others, particularly to those fighting personal battles.

"Robin's sobriety was intact and he was brave as he struggled with his own battles of depression, anxiety as well as early stages of Parkinson's disease, which he was not yet ready to share publicly.

"It is our hope in the wake of Robin's tragic passing, that others will find the strength to seek the care and support they need to treat whatever battles they are facing so they may feel less afraid."

The Emmy Awards will be broadcast on August 25 on NBC.

Middlehaven Festival set to be full of fun and Feeling

When it comes to making music, Brit Award nominated band The Feeling cite “fun” as their main reason.

And when they take to the stage to headline Middlesbrough’s Middlehaven Festival later this month that’s what will probably shine through.

The band, known for hits including Fill My Little World, are looking forward to meeting an enthusiastic North-east audience - and headlining the accessible-for-all festival which will be held across two open air stages looking out at Temenos, the Riverside Stadium and Middlehaven Dock on August 23.

“We regularly play in Newcastle, and we always have a great time there. The crowds in the North-east always seem enthusiastic, and that they’re there to enjoy and not to be cynical,” say the band.

The festival includes a line up of more than 20 acts across two stages. Other names appearing include Chloe Howl, fresh from supporting Ellie Goulding; Scottish synth-pop band Prides, multi-instrumentalist George Barnett; hip hop group Big Beat Bronson and grime artist Isaiah Dreads. Acoustic indie folk band The Lake Poets will also perform.

Care specialists Keiro are behind it. Keiro’s Alistair McDonald said: “In addition to the great line-up we wanted to be able to provide an event which is inclusive for everyone, but most importantly one which is accessible to all music lovers regardless of their age or ability.”

The band agree.

“It’s a shame that anyone should ever be excluded from going to see a live music event, simply due to poor access facilities. Everyone deserves the right to go and hear and experience live music, but not many festivals have the foresight to provide the necessary means for this to be the case,” they say.

They cite their influences as ‘too many musicians to mention.’ But there are also a few others in the mix too.

“Also Bruce Lee, and Richard Harris. People that worked hard, and remained themselves, no matter what the circumstances!

“At the moment, we are listening to David Mead, Damon Albarn, The Band of Gypsys, amongst others.”

“It seemed like good fun” is their answer to what inspired them to get together - and their biggest challenge?

“Trying to trust our own judgement, when many others were trying to steer us in other directions. We’re recording new material at the moment, and have a number of festival performances over the summer. Keeping busy, keeping busy.”

The Middlehaven Festival, Dockside, Middlesbrough takes place on August 23, gates 11.30pm. Tickets are £12/£10. £35 family (two adults, two children) and are two-for-one for those with disabilities and their carers. http://ift.tt/ViuvCx for more information.

Boro fans have until noon today to snap up remaining 100 tickets for tomorrow's clash with Leeds United

Boro fans have until noon today to snap up the remaining 100 tickets for tomorrow’s clash with Leeds United at Elland Road.

It has been confirmed this morning that tickets will no longer be available at the turnstiles ahead of the game.

Almost 1,900 away tickets have already been sold and the remaining 100 tickets are on sale at the ticket office at the Riverside Stadium until noon today.

The tickets are priced at £34 for adults, £23 for students, pensioners and young adults and £16 for juniors.

The Championship clash, which is live on Sky Sports, kicks off at 12.15pm.

Residents get chance to discuss plans to extend lifetime of Port Clarence landfill site

Residents are being invited to attend an open day to discuss a forthcoming planning application for a Teesside landfill site.

Augean PLC are putting forward proposals to extend the operational lifetime of the Port Clarence landfill site.

The forthcoming application will only seek to alter the time of operation, and will not increase the area of the site which is on the north side of the River Tees.

The current planning permission will end in 2016. However, it is hoped this new application will allow Augean to keep landfilling until the site reaches capacity.

Dr Gene Wilson, Augean Director of Corporate Stewardship said: “As part of the preparation of the planning application, Augean would like to hear what people who live in the area think about the landfill being open for a longer time.

“We have invited members of the local community to an open day and exhibition at the Port Clarence landfill site and Waste Recovery Park so that they can see the site, experience some of the site operations and talk to us about the application.”

The site, which provides a local, regional and national facility for the disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes, plays an important part in supporting other waste management facilities on Teesside. It is also co-located with Augean’s innovative Waste Recovery Park which provides an integrated range of hazardous waste technologies enabling the most efficient methods of recycling, recovery and reuse of waste materials.

The Port Clarence Landfill and Waste Recovery Park currently provide employment for 24 members of staff.

Planning permission for the landfill site was first granted in 1996. However, the first waste was not accepted on the site until four years later in 2000.

Augean began operating the site in 2004 and were given permission to create the Waste Recovery Park in 2008.

Another spokesman for Augean said: “The site won’t be complete by 2016 because of the recession and increasing methods of recycling in which Augean plays its part with the Waste Recovery Park.

“Augean will be asking that rather than set time limits – because the market fluctuates –that the time of operations is linked to the available capacity of the site.”

Stockton Council has acknowledged that the planning application has been received and is currently under consideration.

The open day will be held tomorrow from 10am until 3pm at the Port Clarence landfill site where members of the Augean professional team will be present to answer any questions.

A shuttle service to the site will leave every hour, on the hour, from outside the Londis shop in Port Clarence village.

For more information call 01904 629210 or visit www.augeanplc.com .

Northern League: No room for sentiment, insists new Marske boss Carl Jarrett

Marske boss Carl Jarrett says he cannot afford to be sentimental when the Seasiders host his old club Billingham Town in the FA Cup tomorrow.

Jarrett spent three enjoyable years keeping Town in the top flight on a limited budget before being dismissed at the end of the 2012/13 season.

But after being appointed at the GER Stadium over the summer he now only has eyes for his new club.

“I had a great three years at Billingham Town and I’ve got a lot of respect for a lot of people there who work so hard for the club,” he said.

“I wasn’t happy with how I left but I would never hold it against them and I’ve moved on.

“Marske is my current club and it’s a different coin flip for me - I’m aiming high and for where I always wanted to be.

“I want to beat Billingham Town, just like I want to win every game that we play.”

Marske have stormed to the top of the embryonic Northern League first division table under Jarrett, winning 3-1 at much-fancied Dunston on the opening day and pulverising Penrith 7-0 at home on Tuesday. The Seasiders also stuffed tomorrow’s visitors 8-0 in a pre-season friendly at Bedford Terrace, but Jarrett insists he is not expecting the extra preliminary round clash to be as straightforward for his side.

“I know we won 8-0 there in pre-season and missed a penalty with a couple of players out,” he said.

“But they had four or five lads out as well and won’t want to take a beating like that again. They will be right up for it so we are taking the game seriously.”

Marske also came roaring out of the blocks last season under Jarrett’s predecessor Ted Watts, going unbeaten in their first 17 games and reaching the FA Cup fourth qualifying round for the first time.

But Jarrett said this season offers a fresh set of circumstances.

“A few people have made that comparison already, but it’s a new season and I’m the new manager,” he said.

“Who is to say we won’t go as long unbeaten or go longer?”

Darren Trotter’s relegated Town side have posted 1-1 draws with Ryhope and Thornaby so far and the manager said their priority tomorrow must be to keep confidence intact.

“We want to keep the scoreline respectable so it doesn’t affect our confidence,” he said.

“Marske are flying at the top of the league and will have a taste for the FA Cup after last year.

“But our lads put in a really good shift on Saturday against Ryhope and although we didn’t start very well at Thornaby it’s hard work for young lads playing two and three games in a week.

“I think a draw was a fair result. Being realistic, it will be difficult at Marske, but we want to maintain our confidence.”

Marske winger Josh MacDonald will have a fitness test on an ankle injury.

Town centre forward Joel Callender could make his debut after missing their first two matches while goalkeeper Corey Smith should be back from a hip injury.

Wearside League: Wolviston hungry for more after opening their account

Wolviston are hoping to build on their midweek draw with Coxhoe when they picked up their first Wearside League point of the season.

The Villagers, who travel to Easington Colliery tomorrow, drew 1-1 at Metcalfe Park after defeats in their two earlier games.

They took the lead on 16 minutes when Karl Barry scored at the second attempt after a shot by Carl Kennedy had been blocked by the keeper.

Coxhoe earned a point from the penalty spot 10 minutes into the second half, however.

Nicholas Robinson was adjudged to have brought down Flynn Linklater-Johnson to concede a penalty which was confidently stroked home by Ross Morrow.

In the space of three minutes Wolviston keeper Chris Davidson made three outstanding saves before securing man of the match honours by pulling off two more gravity defying saves.

Missing for tomorrow’s match will be club captain and central defender Shaun Gregory.

However midfielder Ian Danby is back after a six-week stint working overseas.

Big-scoring title hopefuls Stockton Town and Redcar Athletic will be hoping to continue their eye-catching starts to the season.

Town, who entertain Ashbrooke Belford House tomorrow, lead the table with three wins from three matches - their latest a 4-1 triumph over Horden CW in midweek.

Adam Nicholson (two), Chris Stockton and sub Max Craggs were the men on target.

Athletic are also unbeaten although they have played one league game fewer.

They kept up their good form with a 4-1 victory at Hartlepool on Wednesday evening.

Adam Preston and Mike Woodhouse each weighed in with a brace to clinch the points.

Woodhouse, who has now struck seven goals in just three games, gets the chance to increase his tally when Sunderland West End visit Green Lane tomorrow.

NYSD League: Norton favourites to return to Premier Division after 15 year absence

One of the most successful NYSD League clubs from a previous era have become favourites to return to the Premier Division next season after an absence of 15 years.

Norton moved to the North-east Premier League on its inception in Millennium Year but decided to return to their old familiar hunting ground last season when admitted to Division Two.

They are now looking for their second successive promotion which would return them to the division in which they were champions on 10 occasions between 1898 and 1998, a period of exactly 100 years.

Now heading the division from which two clubs are promoted every season, they are vying with Blackhall, who are a single point behind in second place, Normanby Hall, a further 24 points adrift and Whitby, who are three more behind after dropping recently from top to fourth.

Club captain, Matthew Thomas, is overjoyed with the club’s position especially as they don’t have to play any of these four rivals again.

He said: ‘The whole club is buzzing and from the firsts right through to the fourth team the players are excited about our prospect of being promoted.

“We know we have some hard games still to come and we’ll need to keep our nerve in the run-in.’

Twenty-six-year-old Matthew, an outstanding opening batsman, explained how six of the team had scored over 250 runs apiece including his brother, Nick, six years his junior.

“We have, on several occasions, had a full team which has come through the club’s junior system,” hew said, “and if we do get promotion we’d love to think others, who were coached here in their teens and even younger, but currently play elsewhere, might return to play for us again.”

Matthew’s father, Chris, was a member of the Norton team which last won the NYSD championship in 1998. As well as giving support to both his sons he continues to be active within the club. A third generation of the family, Tony, who died five years ago, was third XI captain for 20 years.

Matthew, now in his second season as first XI captain, says he wants to emulate his grandfather’s record.

“I’m really enjoying the role and the responsibility it brings,” he said. “But we have a great bunch of players and I want to thank them all for their efforts.

“Altogether we field 44 senior players every weekend and whatever the team they’re playing in we consider them to be individually important.”

The team Norton could be replacing if they do win promotion is most likely to be Sedgefield, who are parting company with professional Nisal Randika after this weekend’s game at Hartlepool will be his last.

Chairman Dave Iceton said: “We have resigned ourselves to being relegated and will start now to rebuild the team to face life back in Division One where you are not allowed professionals.”

Sedgefield are bottom of the Premier Division, 74 points from safety having won just one game all season.

Tomorrow’s other games give championship hopefuls Stokesley home advantage against Seaton Carew. Leaders, Darlington, are at Guisborough.

Adam Clayton admits to frustration at waiting for Boro transfer saga to be resolved

Boro's new midfield general Adam Clayton admitted he faced days of frustration waiting for his long-running transfer saga to be resolved.

The 25-year-old penned a four-year deal at the Riverside on Wednesday, wrapping up his move from Huddersfield Town for a fee in the region of £1.5 million.

With the two clubs having shaken hands on the deal early last week Boro did expect to land their man in time for the season’s opener against Birmingham.

However, with Jacob Butterfield moving in the other direction - as well Brighton’s alleged hijack attempts - the deal was delayed for more than a week.

Now proudly wearing the Boro red, Clayton has shed light on the on-off transfer.

He said: “There were a number of factors involved and I’ve read a few articles in the press about me allegedly missing medicals or whatever. It is strange reading something that hasn’t actually happened but it was a complicated deal.

“I came up here last Monday about 10.30pm to speak with the manager and we were more or less agreed in principle within two hours.

“The next day I was up here at 9am on the Tuesday for a medical, waited for four hours and had to go home because the Butterfield deal wasn’t done.

“I then had to wait until Friday night, around 6.30pm or 7pm, for confirmation that I could go do the medical. Obviously by then it was too late for Saturday’s game [against Birmingham] so there was no real rush on anyone’s part to rush it through.

“Saturday and Sunday was making sure everything was perfect and done properly for the next four years of my career, and on Monday I’m not even sure what was going on with struggles getting the papers through.

“It was the same again on Tuesday with me sitting in the car park with my mate for about four hours ready to sign but the papers weren’t there.

“I then went to the [Oldham] game and said we would do it the next morning, so it’s been more or less done since Monday.

“There’s just been a lot of complicated procedure that has taken its course, but it was always going to get done and now it has I’m absolutely delighted.

“From Tuesday to Friday it was frustrating because I wanted to move in time for the game on Saturday, but once that was not going to happen I was quite relaxed.”

Clayton made 85 league appearances in two seasons with the Terriers after joining from Leeds - a team he could make his Boro debut against in tomorrow’s lunchtime clash.

And Boro’s new man revealed his desire to play in the Premier League was the main reason why he made the move to Teesside.

“When I wanted to leave Huddersfield I knew I wasn’t going to go anywhere that didn’t have a chance of getting into the Premier League”, Clayton said.

“I came to Middlesbrough and saw the set-up and the manager, and with how they finished last season there is a momentum with the club.

“You can’t guarantee anything in the Championship, but in terms of an atmosphere this is as good as I’ve ever been around.”

Morning news headlines: UK 'prepared to arm Kurd fighters', university places up for grabs

UK 'PREPARED TO ARM KURD FIGHTERS'

Britain is prepared to help ensure Kurdish fighters are armed to counter the threat of Islamic State (IS) jihadists, it has emerged.

Downing Street insisted that yesterday's Cobra emergency committee meeting resulted in David Cameron, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and other officials agreeing it was "vital" that Iraqi and Kurdish forces are able to stop the advance of IS.

It is expected the UK would provide weapons and equipment should the Kurdish leadership make a request.

UNIVERSITY PLACES UP FOR GRABS

Universities are today competing for bright students, amid indications that record numbers of people will be starting degree courses this autumn.

The day after national A-level results were published, the annual summer clearing process was already under way, with some of the UK's leading institutions taking part in a bid to snap up top students who are still looking for places, or seeking to trade their offer.

For the first time this year, the total number of people going to university could top half a million, Ucas said.

WOMAN HELD AFTER TOT'S POOL DEATH

A woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a three-year-old girl drowned in a hotel swimming pool.

The child, who was believed to have been staying at the seaside hotel with her parents, got into difficulty in the water at the Dalmeny Hotel, in St Annes, near Blackpool, at around 11am yesterday.

She was initially pulled from the water and taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital, but after being transported to Royal Manchester Children's Hospital in a critical condition, the girl, from Galashiels, Scotland, died at around 8pm yesterday.

MET NAMES 'UNDERCOVER COP LOVERS'

Undercover police officers who allegedly had relationships with women activists in groups they infiltrated have for the first time been named by the Metropolitan Police.

Last month High Court judge Mr Justice Bean ruled the Met could not use its policy of "neither confirm nor deny" (NCND) in response to damages claims brought by women who said they were tricked into forming relationships with undercover officers.

The force's long-standing NCND policy was designed to protect the identities and safety of officers working undercover.

CONCERN OVER YOUNG INMATES' SAFETY

A young offender institution (YOI) criticised for failing to support a 17-year-old boy who hanged himself after being bullied is still struggling to keep its inmates safe, inspectors have warned.

YOI Hindley, near Wigan, where Jake Hardy killed himself in January 2012, has seen bullying increase and fights and assaults rise to an average of one every day.

A number of failures at the YOI that contributed to Jake's death were highlighted at an inquest at Bolton Coroner's Court earlier this year.

NEW RULES TO HELP HOME BUSINESSES

Entrepreneurs will be given greater freedom to start up a business from their home as part of new measures announced by the Government.

These include legislation to make it easier to run a company from a rented property and new guidance on business rates clarifying that, in most circumstances, home-based firms will be exempt.

Planning guidance is also being updated to make it clear that planning permission should not normally be required to run a business from home.

DEWANI DUE AT COURT IN SOUTH AFRICA

Honeymoon murder-accused Shrien Dewani is expected to appear in court today in South Africa.

The millionaire businessman's new wife Anni Dewani died when she was shot in the neck as the couple travelled in a taxi on the outskirts of Cape Town in November 2010.

Dewani, from Bristol, is accused of paying three men to kill her during the couple's honeymoon, which he denies.

HUNDREDS FAIL POLICE FITNESS TESTS

Hundreds of police officers continue to fail new fitness tests which are set to become mandatory in a few weeks time, official figures show.

Some 352 officers fell short with 2% failing overall in more than 13,000 tests across 32 forces, latest results from the professional standards body the College of Policing said.

After taking part in the 15-metre "bleep" shuttle run test, some 138 of the 10,265 male officers who took part, an average of 1%, and 214 of 3,693 female officers, an average of 6%, were unsuccessful.

TRAIN FIRMS 'COULD IMPROVE TRUST'

Passengers do not feel the train companies are "on their side", according to a survey of thousands of rail travellers.

Many passengers do not trust their train company to provide a good day-to-day service nor do they trust them to be truthful, fair or communicate well, the survey from rail customer watchdog Passenger Focus found.

London and south east England train companies inspired the least trust.

GAMES ATHLETES IN GLASGOW PARADE

Scotland's triumphant Commonwealth Games athletes will receive the acclaim of fans once again as they parade through Glasgow later today.

Team Scotland set a new record by winning 53 medals during Glasgow 2014, adding to the overall success of the Games.

Many athletes praised the impact of the home crowd on their performances and they will be able to thank fans as they take part in the parade from Kelvingrove Museum to George Square in Glasgow city centre.

Retired Redcar nurse joins People's March for the NHS from Jarrow to London

A retired nurse from Redcar is joining the People’s March for the NHS on Saturday.

Cecilia Elliott worked for the NHS for 40 years and did her training at Middlesbrough General Hospital.

“We should try and save the NHS. It’s being fragmented quite stealthily and privatisation is creeping in,” said Cecelia, who is married to Adrian and is mum to Faye John, a community psychiatric nurse, and Lee John, who sadly died when he was 22.

Cecilia’s mum, Bridget Ginty, was a midwife, and her dad, John Ginty was on the management committee at the inception of the NHS in 1948. He was at the official opening of Middlesbrough’s South Cleveland Hospital - now James Cook University Hospital.

Cecilia, a volunteer for the charity, Homestart, and Adrian are taking part in the first leg and the last leg of the march.

The People’s March starts in Jarrow on Saturday and finishes in London on September 6.

Locally it will pass through Darlington and Northallerton on Tuesday and Wednesday.

It has been organised by the 999 Call for the NHS, a group of mums concerned about the future of the UK’s health service.

Among the marchers will be members of the Green Party including David Masterman, the prospective Green Party candidate in the Middlesbrough mayoral elections in March next year.

He said: “I have many personal reasons to be thankful for the existence of the NHS, as myself and several close family members have been the beneficiaries of the care and expertise of NHS staff in past years, and as such I will be showing my support by taking part in the march between Darlington and Northallerton on Tuesday.”

The NHS was founded by Nye Bevan in 1948 and was formed on three core principles:

1. The health service will meet the needs of everyone;

2. It will be free at the point of delivery;

3. Healthcare will be delivered according to clinical need, not the ability to pay.