One-third of Gaza’s mosques destroyed by Israeli strikes

The Israeli onslaught on Gaza demolished 73 mosques in 51 days, while 205 others were partially destroyed, a government report said.

According to a committee formed by the Palestinian Economic Council for Development and Construction, the damages caused by Israeli aggression on houses of worship, tombs, and charity offices amount to $40.4 million.

The only two churches in Gaza were also hit and partially damaged, while the gates of 10 tombs were destroyed.

The affected mosques represent one-third of Gaza’s mosques, the committee said.

Among the destroyed mosques were historical ones, particularly Al-Omari Mosque in Jabalya which dates back to 649 AD.

The mosque was built 1,365 years ago during the rule of the Muslim leader Amr Ibn Al-’As and was named after him. It is also called Manarat Al-Zaher.

It consisted of three floors and its area was greater than 3,000 square metres. It could accommodate more than 2,000 worshippers.

Al-Omari Mosque was previously hit by Israeli strikes in 2008 and 2009 and later renovated, but it was completely destroyed in the most recent assault.

The report added that most of Gaza’s mosques were built thanks to donations by citizens since donor countries exclude houses of worship from reconstruction aid.

The targeting of mosques by Israeli warplanes in the latest offensive was three times higher than in 2008 and 2009, the report said

Middlesbrough Street brought to standstill during rooftop protest

A teeside community was brought to a standstill after a man staged a rooftop protest.

Emergency services were called to Costa Street in Gresham, Middlesbrough, at 1.55pm today after the man scaled a house and refused to come down.

He could be seen hurling bricks and other items at the ground below.

A large police cordon was put in place around the scene where crowds gathered to watch the drama unfold.

Some people were shouting at the man to get down but this prompted him to moon the crowd and then go on to pull the famous Usain Bolt pose.

One onlooker told The Gazette that the debris, which could be seen on the floor, had earlier hit a police vehicle.

The man eventually came down following negotiations.

A Cleveland Police spokesman said the man was detained at about 5.30pm and was taken to a police station to be questioned over the matter.

Redcar chef wrongly claimed £17,000 in benefits while working for hotel in North Yorkshire

A hotel chef claimed more than £17,000 in benefits without telling the authorities he was working, a court heard.

When government investigators asked William McLuckie whether he was married, he said: “Nothing to do with you whatsoever.”

When he was shown a marriage certificate, he said: “Oh yeah, we got married. We don’t live together.”

Facebook had shown the couple socialising together, with their families and on holiday in Thailand.

McLuckie, 51, was sentenced at Teesside Crown Court for a benefit fraud spanning a two-and-a-half-year period between 2010 and 2012.

He claimed incapacity, council tax and housing benefits as a single man who did not work and did not have a partner living with him, said prosecutor Kieran Rainey today.

In fact, he worked as a chef for a hotel in Reeth, North Yorkshire.

He also worked for a hotel in Bainbridge, Wensleydale and for a leisure company in Cockermouth, Cumbria.

And he lived with his partner, whom he married in July 2012.

In total, he was overpaid £17,174 in benefits - £7,894 in incapacity benefit, £9,279 in housing and council tax benefits.

He said he worked only for short spells lasting a matter of weeks.

McLuckie, of Newcomen Grove, Redcar, admitted four charges of failing to notify the Department for Work and Pensions and Redcar and Cleveland Council of a change in his circumstances affecting benefits.

He is now repaying the money gained from the offences between March 2010 and November 2012.

He had a previous similar conviction from 2010.

Julian Gaskin, defending, said McLuckie worked for about 22 weeks during the two-year period.

He said McLuckie couldn’t work due to severe depression, but tried to get back into work without telling the authorities.

The offences happened as McLuckie thought he was fit for work but found he couldn’t continue.

Mr Gaskin added: “He tried to kid himself he could work.

“He should have declared it.”

He said McLuckie and his partner were separated and lived apart for some of the time.

He argued McLuckie, who had character references, was now working and the only way for him to pay back the money was to allow him to carry on.

Judge Tony Briggs said this was the “decisive” factor in passing sentence.

He told the defendant: “When I first saw these papers my immediate reaction was to send you immediately to custody, bearing in mind the previous conviction that you have.”

He did not jail McLuckie in light of his guilty pleas at the first opportunity and the fact he was making repayments.

He gave McLuckie a four-month prison sentence suspended for two years.

He added: “You have to understand it’s a very close run thing.

“It’s only because you seem to have turned a corner and are now in good work where others seem to depend upon you, and where you are now highly thought of.”

Redcar store manager jailed for secretly filming teen in the shower with his mobile phone

A store manager has been jailed for secretly filming a teenager in the shower with his mobile phone.

David Briddick, 42, videoed the girl on three occasions after asking to use the bathroom before her at her home.

She reported him to the police when she found the mobile propped up to catch her naked.

Prosecutor Sue Jacobs told Teesside Crown Court the girl said in a Victim Impact Statement that she was now wary of men.

Briddick, the father of two boys, who ran a food store in Redcar, made no reply when he was arrested and questioned.

Graham Silvester, defending, said Briddick could not explain why he had done it.

He added: “Why a man of his age and with his good work record and his obviously good points in being able to raise a family should do this is as bemusing to him as it is to the rest of us.

“He is disgusted with himself and has lost his self-respect.”

Mr Silvester said the offences passed the custody threshold, but he urged the judge not to impose an immediate prison sentence.

The girl had said in a letter to the judge that she wanted him spared from jail for the sake of his boys.

Judge Peter Bowers told Briddick: “What you did is shameful. You were spying on her, and although you say that there was no sexual motive, I can’t think of any other reason why you would want to do it.”

The judge added: “In the circumstances, she asks me not to send you to prison, and the probation officer asks me the same.

“I can’t accede to that, but I can reduce the two year sentence which is what I had in mind.”

Briddick, formerly of Loftus but lately of The Causeway, Darlington, was jailed for 15 months after he pleaded guilty to three charges of voyeurism and two of taking indecent photographs. He was also ordered to register as a sex offender for 10 years and given a 10 year ban restricting his contact with girls under 16.

Billingham House: Site of infamous demolished eyesore bought by neighbouring firm

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Billingham House demolition

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The site of the once infamous Teesside eyesore Billingham House has been bought by a neighbouring firm.

Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies has bought the land with a medium to long term view of further expanding its business and facilities on Billingham’s Belasis Avenue.

The move has been welcomed by Stockton Council, which stumped up £1.2m to demolish the building after its owners left it derelict for several years.

Demolition of the ten-storey former ICI-headquarters was completed in December 2012 - to the jubilation of long-suffering local residents who were sick of the sight of the decaying building.

The work was the culmination of a lengthy legal wrangle, which had previously prevented the council pressing ahead with demolition plans.

Stockton Council had been pursuing the building’s owners Bizzy B Management Ltd through the courts to recover legal and demolition costs associated with bulldozing the building.

The demolition cost had spiralled from the £500,000 originally estimated.

But after it emerged London-based Bizzy B had gone into administration the council started working with the liquidator for the land to be sold on the open market to recover the costs from its sale.

Stockton Council’s Leader, Councillor Bob Cook, said news of the sale to Fujifilm was “really encouraging”.

“We are very pleased the site has been bought by a local company and look forward to hearing more about Fujifilm’s ambitions for it,” he said.

Seimi Satake, chief operating officer at Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, said: “We are pleased to have been able to buy this land with a medium to long term view of further expansion of our business and facilities.

“Our current multiple R&D, manufacturing and support facilities are on a site on the other side of Belasis Avenue that is landlocked with limited room for further expansion.

“Being able in the future to develop the newly purchased land will be hugely beneficial in terms of logistics, communications and integration.

“We look forward to sharing the next stages of our exciting growth plans with the Council and local community in the near future, which we anticipate will not only contribute to the revitalisation of the immediate vicinity, but also benefit the wider area in terms of business development opportunities.”

Watch: Aitor Karanka discusses the visit of Reading to the Riverside

Boro head coach is not expecting an easy game against Reading at the Riverside tomorrow.

"It's a very difficult game, a very dangerous game and it's a very important game," he told the club's YouTube channel.

The match is the final game before the international break and Karanka is looking to go out with three points.

But he warned: "It's not going to be an easy game because they have got a very good team."

You can read all the information about injuries and likely line-ups at out pre-match pack here.

You can also follow the match through our live blog from 2pm tomorrow.

Boro's head coach has already said that Tomas Mejias is likely to start in goal.

Man assaulted by three men with pieces of wood in broad daylight Eston Square assault

Three men attacked a 33-year-old with pieces of wood in broad daylight on a Teesside street.

The man was in Eston Square, Eston, when he was assaulted.

Three males approached the man and an altercation took place, in which pieces of wood were used as weapons.

The victim suffered significant bruising to his face and body and was taken to James Cook University Hospital for treatment before being released.

Three men aged 28, 37 and 40 have been arrested on suspicion of assault and have been bailed pending further enquiries.

Police are now appealing for witnesses to the incident, which took place at around 3pm on Sunday August 24.

Any witnesses to the incident are asked to contact Detective Sergeant Amy Campbell on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Keep fit enthusiast celebrates 102nd birthday with fitness group members

A keep fit enthusiast celebrated her 102nd birthday in fine form yesterday.

Ruth Dawson, who never misses a Friday night at her local keep fit class, marked her big day with a party attended by family, friends and fellow fitness group members.

Ruth exercises and enjoys the social evening with other women who attend the group at St Margaret’s Church Hall in The Oval, Brookfield.

Brenda Hockney, who has been running the classes for 12 years said: “Ruth and her daughter, Kath, were two of the first members at my classes ,and Ruth has been coming ever since.

“She is overwhelmed by everyone here today.”

Ruth, who has led an active lifestyle said: “Today has been marvellous.

“I love going to the classes. I wouldn’t miss them for anything. I’m never giving them up.”

Barbara Taylor, 68, who also attends Brenda’s classes said: “Ruth is an inspiration to us all. She never misses the classes and always has a smile on her face.

“If I turn 102, I hope I will still go to keep fit.”

Nancy Chilber, 80 said: “Ruth is amazing. As well as the fitness classes, she enjoys bingo and going to the bowls club.

“We all love going to the keep fit classes. Brenda makes us work hard but we enjoy it.”

Ruth was born in Peebles, in Scotland, in 1912.

In 1938, she married Jimmy Dawson, from Edinburgh, and together they had two children, Kath and Douglas.

Ruth, who has four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, recently moved out of her home in Acklam to take residence in Dalby Court Care Home, in Coulby Newham.

Her daughter Kath, 75, who had to stop attending the fitness classes last year said: “My mum is wonderful. I think it’s great she still goes to the classes. You can’t stop her.”

When asked about the secret to reaching 102, Ruth laughed: “I have no idea but I used to have to go to bed at 7 o’clock every night until I was 14. I used to complain bitterly but it hasn’t done me any harm.”

Student veterinary nurses give up summer to care for mistreated elephants in Thailand

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Rebecca Hanley and Eleana Evans

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Two Teesside student veterinary nurses put their newly-taught skills to good use to care for mistreated elephants in Thailand during the summer.

Rebecca Hanley and Eleana Evans, who have been friends for the past five years, visited the Hutsadin Elephant Foundation in Hua Hin for a month after raising more than £1,000 to take with them.

The pair’s visit left a lasting impression on the Foundation which was recently targeted by thieves.

Rebecca and Eleana, who are students at Myerscough College, in Lancashire, were inspired to help after hearing that the Foundation compound had been broken into by thieves who had attacked two of the elephants in care by sawing their tusks off.

During their visit, Rebecca, of Coulby Newham, and Eleana, from Norton, cared for the two attacked animals along with the others living at the Foundation.

In total they cared for six elephants, the youngest being five years old and the oldest being 92, all of which have suffered hardship, with one being almost blind and another having no teeth.

After raising the money through donations and raffles held at the two veterinary practices where they both work, it was converted to 60,000 Thai Baht.

Relying solely on charitable donations to survive, the Foundation were extremely grateful for the gift.

During their visit, the money helped to buy an elephant shelter big enough for two elephants, 15 bags of horse food for the older elephants with no teeth, five months worth of protein, nine months worth of vitamin tablets, three giant food bowls, five buckets and five muck baskets. Rebecca, 20, who works at Rosslyn Veterinary Centre in Linthorpe said: “We learned a lot about elephants and their behaviour. We learned to trust and work with them which other students and veterinary nurses may never get the chance to do.”

As well as elephants, Rebecca and Eleana, who is part of the team of Vets4pets in Marton, also worked as part of a dog rescue team.

Visting many packs in Hua Hin, they helped to give the animals general health checks, cared for small wounds and bonded with some of the more nervous dogs to make it easier if they ever need to have treatment. Rebecca said: “It has helped us to learn to work without the resources that we have in our fully-equipped practices and to improvise with what he had to hand.”

Now they’ve had a taster, the pair want to go back to the Foundation next year. They also hope to inspire other veterinary nurses and animal lovers to follow in their footsteps and help similar animal foundations throughout the world.

Rebecca said: “We are both very pleased with the work we did and are proud of how much we raised and how far it went. It is a great feeling knowing you’ve made such a difference.”

Teen given community order for 'youthful episode' of sexual touching with underage girl

A teenager who sexually assaulted a younger girl when he too was underage has been punished with a community order.

Joseph Nellist affected the girl’s childhood after he kissed and touched her several years ago, Teesside Crown Court heard.

Judge Michael Taylor told the 19-year-old: “It seems to me that, whilst an adult might face a custodial sentence for this sort of behaviour, you’re in a very different position.

“I’m satisfied from what I’ve read that this came about as a result of childhood play and experimentation.

“It was wrong and you now know it.”

College student Nellist was a child himself when the offences started as “forfeits” while playing a game, the court was told.

It went from kissing to sexual touching and Nellist asked the girl to be his girlfriend. She said no.

She told friends at the time and the crimes came to light last year, said prosecutor Christine Egerton yesterday.

The girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told police what happened to her and Nellist was arrested.

He said he regretted what he did, describing it as “childish exploration” and “childish innocent behaviour”.

Nellist, of Central Avenue, Billingham, admitted two counts of sexual assault on a child under 13 and one of causing a child to engage in sexual activity. He had no previous convictions.

John Gillette, defending, said the sexual activity didn’t go beyond “kissing, sexual touching and mutual showing”.

He said Nellist owned up and took full responsibility several years down the line, and it would have knock-on consequences for him in the future.

“He hasn’t tried to hide it,” added Mr Gillette. “He’s been full and frank with his tutor at college.”

He said the college gave Nellist a reference as a hard-working student, he did voluntary work and had productive relationships and friendships.

The Probation Service assessed him as a low risk of committing further sexual offences.

Mr Gillette said: “This youthful episode with this youthful complainant seems to be entirely behind him.”

Judge Taylor told Nellist: “It had been preying on the mind of the victim for a period of time and has caused her various problems in her teenage years.

“This has been hanging over your head for almost 18 months.”

He said Nellist made a “positive contribution to society” since he committed the sexual offences.

“I could put you inside for only a very short period,” added the judge.

“It would undo all of the good work you’ve been doing in recent years.

“I’m satisfied it’s highly unlikely you’re going to trouble the courts again in the future.”

He gave Nellist a two-year community order with supervision and a citizenship programme for sex offenders.

Nellist will be on the sex offenders’ register for five years.

South Tees sickness absence levels on the rise costing health trust nearly £10m

Rising sickness absence rates among staff cost a Teesside health trust nearly £10m.

Between July 2013 and June 2014, South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust recorded a 4.2% rate, against a target of 3.9%. The rates rose from a low of 3.89% in August 2013 to a high of 4.63% in February 2014.

A report to the trust’s board of directors reveals that 9,938 episodes of sickness absence were recorded, resulting in 116,926 full-time equivalent days lost to sickness - costing the organisation £9.68m. That figure includes employers’ costs but not the expenditure associated with replacement costs, such as locum cover and overtime.

The highest rates come in two of the largest job categories - nursing and midwifery, and healthcare assistants and support workers.

Nearly a quarter of absences were due to “gastrointestinal complaints” but by far the highest number of full time equivalent days lost, 22,880, were down to stress and anxiety.

The South Tees figure is lower than the regional 4.43% absence rate, ranking it fourth out of ten trusts.

In a report, Andrew Thacker, the trust’s assistant director of human resources, concludes: “It is recognised that sickness absence rates in the organisation are increasing. Contributing factors can include workload and work pressures, and periods of uncertainty associated with organisational change; both of which are acknowledged as being evident in our organisation at this time.

“Staff engagement remains a key intervention through times of change to help minimise the impact on individuals.”

To promote a healthy lifestyle among its workforce, the report says, measures have included providing a back care service and sports injury clinic, a confidential counselling service, several “self-help and health promotion strategies” and access to complimentary therapies through the Trinity Holistic Centre.

A health needs assessment of staff was done in January, with Teesside University due to produce a report in the autumn.

The trust’s director of HR, Chris Harrison, said: “To continue to deliver high quality care, we need staff that are healthy, well and are able to work. We’ve already done a lot of work around managing sickness absence across the organisation, including reviewing our policies and the information we make available for managers, but it’s equally as important to look at how we can improve the health and well-being of our staff through initiatives such as ‘health promoting hospitals’ which we’re actively involved in.

“Sickness absence not only has far-reaching costs to the organisation, but ultimately our patients, and while our current rate is lower than the regional average, we know we need to do further work to bring this level down and are already looking at good practice in other organisations to help us achieve this.”

This year's Stockton Weekender music festival was last event, organisers confirm

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TRACY HYMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Stockton Weekender on Sunday

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This year’s Stockton Weekender music festival was the last, organisers Tees Music Alliance (TMA) has confirmed.

The annual festival saw Happy Mondays and Public Enemy headline what turned out to be the last weekender in July.

Though ticket sales have been lower than expected, more than 50,000 people have attended the event, held on the Stockton Riverside during the last four years.

Rising costs have made it more difficult to run the festival - yet TMA has only been 1,500 tickets away from breaking even each year.

TMA Director, Paul Burns, said: “We’ve given Stockton Weekender one heck of a go and it’s given us some fantastic experiences in return. We’ve had some world-famous names but it has also helped to develop local bands like Young Rebel Set and Cattle & Cane, giving them great exposure while their careers took off.

“The sheer scale of the event means that just making it happen is always a challenge in itself. We’re working in an environment of seemingly runaway costs - especially for headline artists, who tend to look towards the live circuit to recoup money they no longer get from record sales. “For the foreseeable future, costs are going to continue to increase and getting the right acts in place will become harder and harder; which has been the key driver behind our sad decision to call it a day on the festival.”

Paul said he has a number of highlights from past festivals, but that he can never look beyond the last event for his favourite moment.

“It’s a cliche, but the last one is always the best,” continued Paul. “To see Public Enemy in Stockton was incredible. To see the little boy who was brought up on stage with them was one of those magical moments you’ll always remember.

“We move on with no regrets and our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who has supported us, particularly our wonderful staff and volunteers who made running the event possible – and the ticket buying public who put their faith in the festival.”

Paul also said that the loss of the festival will give TMA more time to concentrate on the music scene across Teesside, its program at the Georgian Theatre and the Green Room in Stockton and joint hosted events such as Stockton Calling.

Stockton Weekender has been held as ticketed event since 2011, but its forerunner, the Stockton Riverside Fringe Festival, ran from 1991 as a free music event.

Stockton Council’s Cabinet Member for Arts, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Ken Dixon, said: “We have been pleased to help TMA, a local community focussed organisation, with this event.

"The Weekender has had every chance to stand on its own two feet and we think it’s had a fair crack of the whip. In many ways it has been very successful, bringing in tens of thousands of visitors and giving talented local musicians a phenomenal opportunity to increase their following.”

Redcar and Cleveland councillors claim more than £10k in travel expenses in a year

More than £10,000 was claimed in travel expenses by Redcar and Cleveland councillors last year.

Of the authority’s 62 elected members, 27 claimed expenses for car mileage, train or taxi fares in 2013/14.

Council leader George Dunning racked up the biggest bill - £1,581.76 - after clocking up nearly 4,000 miles attending official meetings and engagements on 208 occasions.

Among claims made by councillors were:

:: Two separate claims for travel for the visit of Prince Charles;

:: A claim for transport to the Redcar Beacon shortly before it opened;

:: A claim for travel to an Armed Forces flag raising.

All the claims are legal and in accordance with the rules.

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Peter Reimann

Prince Charles at Middlesbrough office of PD Ports

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Read: Council leader claimed travel expenses to attend 'Redcar walkabout'

The leader of the authority's Independent group, Cllr Mary Lanigan, claimed more than £1,300 for petrol.

There were trips from her home in Easington - close to the edge of the Redcar and Cleveland Council boundary.

Eight of those trips - with expense claims totalling £203.20 - were for Cllr Lanigan’s authority-issued mobile phone and IT equipment to be fixed.

They were made between April and August 2013.

Mileage was claimed for another 14 trips to the authority’s Belmont House in Guisborough between November 2013 and April 2014.

That is where the Independent group’s offices are based.

“You get 40p per mile, and I’m not sure whether that is enough or not, it does not really cover what you are doing," Cllr Lanigan told the Gazette.

“You will see councillors who do not claim for anything, but they will be the ones that do not go to many meetings.

"I sit on seven committees and as leader of the Independent group I am in and out all the time.

"The more you do, the higher your claim will be.”

Councillor Mary Lanigan

Read: Mileage claims details in full here

Responding to the bill for fixing her phone, Cllr Lanigan said: “The council stopped paying for laptops and IT, and issued councillors with a Blackberry phone.

"When there is an issue you can claim to go and have it fixed. That is what those claims will relate to.”

Cllr Lanigan also said she believes that councillors should only be paid allowances when they attend meetings.

The authority’s allowances are determined by the number of full-time equivalent daily sessions a councillor attends every year.

That is multiplied by a daily rate taken from the average full time adult wage for Teesside - as calculated annually by the Teesside Joint Strategy Unit.

Every councillor is paid the £9,550 basic allowance.

The leader, deputy leader, members of the cabinet and committee chairs are paid additional special responsibility allowances.

They are then entitled to claim for travel expenses, mileage or subsistence.

Children in parts of Teesside have among worst teeth in England according to shocking new figures

Children in parts of Teesside have among the worst teeth in England, shocking new figures show.

Figures released by Health and Social Care Information Centre show that the rate of children in Stockton, Middlesbrough and other parts of the region requiring dental work such as fillings and root canal surgery is among the highest in the country.

NHS data shows that children in Stockton were having a tooth filled every seven minutes on average last year and the rate in Middlesbrough was also one of the highest in England.

Public health chiefs say there is still much to do to reduce the inequalities in levels of dental decay.

Kamini Shah, consultant in dental public health with Public Health England in the North East, said: “High levels of tooth decay are linked to high levels of deprivation and unfortunately Stockton and Middlesbrough have both.

“Brushing teeth twice a day with a family strength fluoride toothpaste and cutting down fizzy drinks and sugary foods can certainly help - and we would urge parents to encourage this.

Councillor Jim Beall, Stockton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Health, said: “Poor dental health in children and young people can cause significant pain and can impact upon general wellbeing and even education.

“We know children and young people in some areas of Stockton Borough have poor dental health and significant inequalities exist between areas in the Borough so we are working in nurseries and schools to educate families, promote good oral hygiene and help those with dental concerns access treatment.

“In addition we have commissioned a universal programme for fluoride toothpaste and brushes for nursery aged children up to school entry age and further targeted work for preventing dental decay in those schools with the poorest dental health.”

Children in Stockton were also found to be more than twice as likely to have had teeth removed than in England as a whole. The rate in Redcar and Cleveland was also one of the highest in England.

In addition Redcar and Cleveland was found to have among the highest rates of children having root canal treatment in England.

Dentist Paran Nithiananthan, who practices in Stockton, said: “Tooth decay is preventable, there’s so much that can be done.

“Dentists get a snap shot once or twice a year. The most important thing is diet. A lot of it comes from education but it’s really the parents and carers that have the important responsibility.

“Making sure kids are brushing their teeth properly is key - parents and carers need to help with their children’s brushing up to the age of six or seven. Take your children to the dentist at least twice a year. Kids with decay should be coming four times a year.”

Tips to help reduce decay include:

• Spit out toothpaste, do not rinse after brushing

• Take your child to the dentist as soon as their first teeth come through (from the age of one)

• Ask your dentist about fluoride varnish.

Creative youngsters become animals for the day by designing their own masks

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Mask making at the Dorman Museum

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Youngsters in Middlesbrough were given the chance to go wild yesterday at a creative event held at the Dorman Museum.

Children and their parents who attended the free event could be an animal of their choice for the day by creating their own masks.

The free event was part of the Making a Mark Project, which is funded by Arts Council England to promote the use of museums by schools and families. The aim of the project is to try and develop the relationship with children and museums and encourage children to be creative.

For more information about events at the Dorman Museum visit http://ift.tt/1u3Hcx9 .

Former Middlesbrough councillor back on Teesside with new art display

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Artwork by Máire McSorley

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An artistic former councillor is returning to Teesside with a colourful new exhibition.

Máire McSorley, who now lives in Oxford but was a Middlesbrough resident for 30 years, is showing 31 artworks in a six-week solo exhibition, “Ahead - Art in Digital Media”, at the Python Gallery, Gosford Street, starting on Friday and running until October 10.

Máire (pronounced Mary) represented the Clairville ward in Middlesbrough, but moved to Oxford 25 years ago with her husband Robin and their three children. During her time on Teesside, she was a political agent and councillor before working in the town’s Law Centre.

But over the past few years in Oxford, she has turned to using digital technology to create eye-catching works of art.

Maire, whose images are frequently abstract, often quite surreal and focus heavily on colour, said: “I’ve painted images throughout my life and I’ve also been a very keen photographer.

“Over the past 15 years, I’ve put the two together, creating and presenting images and using digital media as my main tool. I now paint with pixels instead of watercolour or acrylics, and use a mouse instead of a brush.”

In Oxford, several exhibitions of Máire’s work have been held. Back on Teesside, her work hangs in several cafés, including Relish on Redcar high street, and her “Colours of Teesside” exhibition was a popular draw at the Heritage Gallery in Cargo Fleet, earlier this year.

Joan Rivers 'resting comfortably in a medically induced coma' after being rushed to hospital

Reports in America claim Joan Rivers is resting comfortably in a medically induced coma which doctors expect to bring her out of at the weekend.

Earlier on Thursday, it was reported that the 81-year-old comedian was rushed to hospital after she had stopped breathing during a reported throat procedure at a clinic in New York.

The hospital released a brief statement confirming Rivers was at the facility.

"Her family wants to thank everybody for their outpouring of love and support," said hospital spokesman Sid Dinsay.

"We will provide an update on her condition as it becomes available."

A family member, however, has reportedly said that her condition remains critical - although this has not been confirmed.

A spokesman for the NYPD said earlier today that the emergency call was made at 9.39am local time from an address in East 93rd Street, Yorkville, where there is an outpatient centre which describes its mission as to "serve as a community resource for digestive disorders".

Since 2010 she has co-hosted E! show Fashion Police alongside Guiliana Rancic and Kelly Osbourne.

She also currently hosts an online weekly talk show called In Bed With Joan.

Recently speaking about her new book, Diary of a Mad Diva, where over 100 celebrities get the Joan Rivers treatment, she said: "Just jokes, silly jokes."

Interviewer Fredericka Whitfield irked the notoriously controversial comic by calling the book “mean” and questioning Joan’s decision to wear fur on the front cover.

“I’m not mean, I tell the truth. I’m sure I say things that viewers say to their friends when they’re sitting on the couch,” Joan began, before getting seriously cross.

“Are you wearing leather shoes? Shut up! You’re eating chicken. You’re eating meat. Come to me with a paper belt and I’ll talk to you. You are not the one to interview a person who does humour,” Joan ranted.

“I’ve been making people laugh for 50 years. I was put on earth to make people laugh. My book is funny! I’m wearing fur from 15 years ago and I work with animal rights,” Joan continued, before walking out on the interview and leaving Fredericka gobsmacked.

Marske Cricket Club hopes people will bowl Wish Sport tokens their way

A group of Marske cricketers are hoping that plenty of tokens will be bowled their way in this year’s Wish Sport campaign.

Originally formed in 1869, Marske Cricket Club currently has around 600 members.

With a range of ages at the club, there are three senior teams as well as four junior teams.

The cricketers meet each week for practice sessions. The juniors meet every Tuesday and the seniors meet every Wednesday, both between 6pm and 8pm.

The current clubhouse opened in 1967. Since then the club has aimed to provide an attractive facility, not just for the members and the cricket supporters in the area, but for visitors too with regular social events being held there.

The friendly club also aims to provide good training facilities for the cricketers which will enhance their skills and performance to allow the younger ones to develop into the senior teams.

Having entered The Gazette’s Wish Sport campaign before, Markse Cricket Club have previously used their token help to fund a new sight screen. The money they received also helped towards the general running costs at the club.

Belinda Amos, of the club said: “Any money the club receives from this year’s Wish Sport campaign will be used to fund new cricket equipment such as balls.

“The money will also be put towards a new sight screen as well as training items for the younger members.”

The Gazette has teamed up with Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation, which is providing £30,000 to share between groups across Teesside.

Tokens are being printed in the Gazette every day for groups to collect. The more collected, the greater the share of the prize pot.

This year the tokens collected will be worth a share of £25,000, with the remaining £5,000 up for grabs during online bonus days.

All groups will be in with a chance during the bonus days to win a share of the additional money pot. The five groups which receive the most votes on http://ift.tt/1md60Qe will get the cash.​

Mark Ellis, chief operating officer of Middlesbrough Football Club, corporate patrons of the Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation said: “Sport brings individuals and communities together.

“At Middlesbrough FC, we do all we can to be right at the heart of the local community right across Teesside.

“Encouraging healthier lifestyles through participation in sporting activities is something we’ve always given great resource to, so we’re really pleased to back this great effort from the Philanthropic Foundation and The Gazette. I’m sure it will be a big help to some of our great local sports clubs.”

To help Marske Cricket Club, send your tokens to: 15 Grundales Drive, Marske, Redcar, Cleveland, TS11 6DG.

Morning news headlines: More will defect to UKIP says Farage, walk a mile a day to keep cancer at bay

FARAGE: MORE WILL DEFECT TO UKIP

Ukip leader Nigel Farage has predicted further defections should Tory deserter Douglas Carswell win a by-election and become the Eurosceptic party's first MP.

Mr Carswell will return to his Clacton constituency today flanked by Mr Farage as the pair plan a completely unexpected by-election campaign following the shock announcement yesterday.

Mr Carswell quit the Commons to re-stand under the Ukip banner and writing in the Independent, Mr Farage claimed there were other MPs among both Labour and Conservative rank-and-file who could follow suit.

RULING DUE ON BADGER CULL CHALLENGE

The High Court will rule today on an 11th-hour challenge to a government decision to let the latest badger cull go ahead without monitoring by a panel of independent experts.

The Badger Trust is seeking a ruling to block "controlled shooting" of free-roaming badgers in Gloucestershire and Somerset unless a panel is put in place.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is testing whether the shooting method can be rolled out to other parts of the country to tackle tuberculosis in cattle.

LEADERS HIT THE ROAD TO SWAY VOTERS

David Cameron and Alex Salmond are hitting the referendum campaign trail as the battle over the future of the United Kingdom intensifies.

After hailing the Union as the "greatest merger in history" in a speech last night, the Prime Minister will continue to make the case against independence as he campaigns in Scotland again.

Meanwhile the Scottish First Minister will be at soft-play centre in Edinburgh, talking to parents about how a Yes vote in the referendum could transform provision of childcare north of the border.

A MILE A DAY TO KEEP CANCER AT BAY

Breast and also prostate cancer patients could cut their risk of dying by walking just one mile a day, it has been suggested.

Walking for a mile at a moderate pace of around 3mph, or walking for 20 minutes a day could reduce breast cancer patients risk of dying from the disease by 40% while those with prostate cancer could reduce their risk by 30%, according to new calculations by Walking for Health, run by Macmillan Cancer Support and the Ramblers.

The estimates have been based on guidelines from the Chief Medical Officer of 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity a week, For walking this must be "brisk" or "fast" walking, typically 3mph or faster.

IRA MAN WHO FLED JAIL WAS PARDONED

An IRA man who escaped prison more than 50 years ago was given a royal pardon by Margaret Thatcher's government, official records from 1985 revealed.

Donal Donnelly fled Belfast's Crumlin Road jail - which he dubbed Europe's Alcatraz - on Boxing Day 1960 while serving a sentence for membership of the armed group during its 1950s border campaign.

Former Northern Ireland secretary Lord Hurd, part of a Conservative government scarred by republican violence, agreed to use the Royal Prerogative of Mercy in May 1985.

SIGNS OF HOUSING MARKET COOL DOWN

The gap between house sellers' asking prices and the amounts that buyers are willing to pay is widening in growing signs of a cool down in the market, property analyst Hometrack has reported.

Sellers in England and Wales typically achieved 95.9% of their asking price in August, falling back for the third month in a row from 96.8% in May.

House prices increased by 0.1% month-on-month for the second month in a row in August and the report said that weakening demand from buyers and an increasing supply of properties for sale means that properties are lingering on the market for longer and sellers are having to accept bigger discounts.

AFFORDABLE CHILDCARE 'DOWN TO LUCK'

Finding decent, affordable care for school-age children is down to luck for many families, according to a report.

It claims that there is "widespread shortages" in out of school and holiday care, and calls for more attention to be paid to the issue.

The study, published by the Family and Childcare Trust, looked at the current state of childcare for school-age children, drawing on its own surveys, a new poll of parents and an analysis of local council childcare sufficiency assessments.

GOVERNMENT 'NOT TRUSTED' OVER NHS

More than two out of five people do not trust the Government to protect the NHS, according to a study.

A further one in four said their trust had fallen over the past year, a survey of more than 2,000 adults for campaign group 38 Degrees showed.

The research was published ahead of a protest tomorrow against a trade deal being negotiated between the European Union and the United States.

NEW RULES TO IMPROVE HOSPITAL FOOD

Sloppy mashed potato and soggy vegetables will become a thing of the past for hospital patients and staff under new rules to banish unacceptable food in the NHS.

For the first time hospitals will have to meet mandatory food standards as part of a long-mooted drive to raise its standards of food across the country, the Department of Health (DoH) said.

They will also be ranked according to the quality of their food and will be required to meet legally-binding standards.

STARS RALLY ROUND COMEDY QUEEN JOAN

Comedian Joan Rivers is "resting comfortably" in hospital after a health scare, her daughter has said.

The 81-year-old star was rushed to the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York in a critical condition yesterday after undergoing what reports in the US claimed was a throat procedure at an outpatient unit in the city.

Melissa Rivers said: "I want to thank everyone for the overwhelming love and support for my mother. She is resting comfortably and is with our family.