India, Australia sign nuclear agreement

India and Australia have signed a nuclear deal, based on which Canberra will export uranium to New Delhi, Press TV reports.

On Friday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Australian Prime Minster Tony Abbot inked the agreement that will enable Australia to supply enriched uranium to the energy-starved India.

The two sides also discussed a range of bilateral, regional and international issues, including the situation in Ukraine and Iraq.

Addressing the reporters after signing the deal, Modi emphasized that both countries would work towards increasing their security cooperation and economic relationship.

Abbott, for his part, said his country signed the nuclear deal with New Delhi since it “trusts India.”

“We’ve signed a nuclear cooperation agreement because Australia trusts India to do the right thing in this area, as it has done the right thing in every area since independence almost 70 years ago.”

Australia had banned the sale of uranium in 1998, after India conducted a nuclear test.

Australia’s previous Labor government moved to lift a ban on selling uranium to India in 2011. The Indian government welcomed former Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s decision to reverse Labor Party policy on uranium sales to India.

According to reports, shipments to India are expected to take at least two years.

Analysts say Abbot’s visit will further enhance ties between the two nations as Australia is keen to explore a range of opportunities in India in future.

After India, Abbott will travel to Malaysia for talks with Prime Minister Najib Razak.

MSM/MHB

Israel arrests two Palestinian fishermen in Gaza, breaching truce

Israeli navy forces have arrested two Palestinian fishermen near the Waha area off the coast of Beit Lahiya, according to the head of the fishermen syndicate in Gaza.

Al-Amat Online news website quoted Niazar Ayyash as saying that by arresting the two fishermen, Israel was committing the first breach of the truce agreement which was recently signed in Cairo between the Palestinian factions and Israel.

The truce ended a 51-day military assault against the Palestinians in Gaza.

Ayyash noted that an Israeli military boat intercepted a small fishing boat at a distance of less than two nautical miles off the Sudaniya coast at Beit Lahiya in the north of the Gaza Strip.

Israel has not officially commented on the issue.

“The Israeli boat opened fire on the fishermen and deliberately dragged them toward the Ashdod Port, where they arrested two of them,” Ayyash added.

The two arrested fishermen are reported to be Mohammed Zayid and Moussa Al-Sultan

Four taken to hospital after car crash near Stockton

A car caught fire after two vehicles were involved in an accident near Stockton this evening.

Police, ambulances and the fire service were on the scene after the crash on the A135 Yarm Road southbound, between the A66 and Concorde Way, close to the the Citreon Garage at around 5.40pm on Friday.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Fire Brigade said that four people were taken to hospital by ambulance.

Two appliances and the emergency tender from Stockton attended the scene.

The road was closed for around an hour after one of the cars caught fire. The fire had been extinguished before firefighters arrived.

National Non-League Day: Boro fans urged to support local sides during international break

With Boro on an international break, Riverside regulars are being urged to support National Non-League Day.

The campaign aims to get football fans to take a break from the big boys and try a taste of the pride and passion on show in the local pyramid.

Teesside has seven teams competing in the Northern League - the second oldest league in the world - and another three playing in the Wearside League.

Northern League top flight tickets are £6 with many clubs doing cheap or free admission for kids.

The pick of the games this weekend sees Guisborough take on West Auckland at the KGV on Howlbeck Road.

Guisborough, who beat Boro’s development side to lift the North Riding Senior Cup last May, were Teesside’s top-placed team last season and have lost just once this term.

West Auckland have twice been FA Vase finalist in the last three years.

The only other top flight team in league action are Billingham Synthonia who travel to Crook.

In Division Two, slow starting Stokesley host Whickham at Broughton Road hoping to kick start their season after a year of consilidation.

The rest of the area’s Northern League outfits are in FA Vase action as the long road to Wembley in the minnows’ national knockout starts with the first qualifying round.

Top flight table-toppers Marske United - who have won four and drawn one of their first five - go to second division high-flyers Hebburn.

A trio of second tier sides are also on the road in their Vase ties.

Norton, in fifth place after a solid start, make a long trip to Barrow-in-Furness to face Holker Old Boys.

Third-bottom Billingham Town have a tough-trip to early high-flyers Ryton and Crawcrook while sluggish starters Thornaby go to mid-table Birtley.

Meanwhile in the Wearside League, reigning champions Stockton Town take on Harton and Westoe at their Bishopton Road West home.

Town have won all eight of their games this term.

Elsewhere Wolviston take on neighbours Seaton Carew at Metcalfe Park in the Shipowners Cup while Redcar Athletic travel to Prudhoe in the Monkwearmouth Cup after blasting 18 goals in their last three games.

Darlington travel to Droylsden in the Evo-Stik League First Division North.

Four arrested after crash which blocked both sides of Apple Orchard Bank in Skelton

Four people have been arrested after a crash which closed the A174 in both directions near Skelton.

Three men - aged 19, 23 and 27 - have been arrested on suspicion of vehicle taking and driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs.

A 20-year-old woman has also been arrested on suspicion of vehicle taking.

Two cars, a silver Vauxhall Corsa and a silver Ford Fiesta were involved in a collision at about 10.25am today at Apple Orchard Bank in Skelton.

Both lanes were blocked and the Vauxhall Corsa was reported to have been on fire.

Cleveland Police have confirmed that people from at least one of the vehicles fled the scene.

A 23-year-old man was taken to Middlesbrough’s James Cook University Hospital with a head injury, as did a 19-year-old man who complained of neck and back pain and a 20-year-old woman.

A police spokeswoman said that nobody is believed to have suffered any serious injuries.

Recovery work is still under way between B1268/Hob Hill Lane and A173 Marske Lane Skelton Castle Roundabout.

Council chiefs to discuss plan to spend up to £40k on magazine to boost image of Middlesbrough

Boosting the image of Middlesbrough in a magazine which will cost up to £40,000 is the latest idea from council chiefs.

Middlesbrough Council’s Executive will meet on Tuesday to discuss whether or not to approve a one-year pilot to deliver a quarterly magazine - Middlesbrough is Changing - to all residents.

There would also be an e-version, to be more widely circulated, and branded signs to be displayed across the town.

A quarter of the cost of the project has already been sourced from partners, says chief executive Mike Robinson in his report.

The total cost of production and delivery is anticipated to be £40,000 maximum and “unlikely” to reach that figure.

So far, £10,000 has been secured already and further contributions will be sought.

The balance of any costs of the magazine will be met from existing council advertising budgets.

It has been recommended that the Executive approves the pilot scheme.

And a report is brought back to Executive in 12 months to evaluate the result.

Mr Robinson said the reasoning behind the pilot is to “actively promote the town, assist in attracting investment, raise community awareness, improve accessibility to employment and deliver key messages i.e. Public Health advice to every home in Middlesbrough”.

He cited several recent developments in his report which could be promoted in the magazine.

They included the new STEM building at Middlesbrough College, work on Southfield Road, new Sainsbury’s supermarket at Middlehaven, and Jomast’s agreement to the renovation of Bedford Street to complement nearing Baker Street.

The new Middlesbrough is Changing brand has already been rolled out.

Several sites are exhibiting signs produced by the council.

The authority is also working with private sector house builders for the inclusion at locations such as Grey Towers Village and Brookfield.

Mr Robinson added that the university is “keen” to adopt the Middlesbrough is Changing information to assist with undergraduate recruitment and their wider publicity.

The four shopping centre owners have also agreed to use empty window spaces to put up displays demonstrating how the town is changing.

They are also keen to use the Love Middlesbrough brand within their centres, he adds.

Middlesbrough man jailed after New Year's Day assault left victim brain damaged

A drunken attacker who left his victim with brain damage after an assault on New Year’s Day, has been jailed.

Craig Gibson, 25, from Middlesbrough, who had a previous conviction for wounding, was told by the judge that he could not expect anything less than prison.

He felled a man with one punch as he walked home in the early hours of New Year’s Day, fracturing the base of his skull as he hit the ground.

Prosecutor Jodie Kidd told Teesside Crown Court that the victim had suffered speech and memory loss, had still not recovered and was feeling pain.

The man was detained for days in the neurology department at James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, after the 12.40AM attack in Saltersgill, Middlesbrough.

The pair had a disagreement in the past, and Gibson approached him and punched him in the face knocking him to the ground.

Duncan McReddie, defending, said that Gibson took immediate action to change his life, and he had quit drink, got a hard manual job and had impressed his employer, and he had become a good family man to his partner and their young son.

Mr McReddie added : “He has turned his life around as a direct result of this incident.

“He has looked back on this incident ashamed, embarrassed and appalled, and as a consequence he has put his life back in order.”

The judge said that Gibson had 29 convictions for 50 offences including wounding, and that a lot of it was drink-related.

Judge Peter Armstrong said that the victim was simply walking in the street on his way home when Gibson approached him and punched him in the face, knocking him to the ground and leaving him with a brain injury.

The judge told him: “There had been some previous trouble between you, and whatever had gone on.

“He was in hospital for some time and it has affected his speech, there was some form of brain damage, but it appears to be getting better.

“Had this been your first offence it might have been possible to follow the suggestion of the pre sentence report and your counsel to suspend the sentence.

“But there comes a time when the court simply has to send someone to prison to punish someone for what they have done.

“I’m afraid you can’t expect anything other than immediate custody.”

Gibson, of Brereton Road, Middlesbrough, was jailed for eight months with a £100 statutory surcharge after he pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm.

He was also given a five-year restraining order banning him from contacting the victim and his partner or approaching their home.

Hunt for suitcase thief after Stockton man is targeted on train

The hunt is on for a suitcase thief who targeted a Teessider on a train.

A 43-year-old man from Stockton was on a train travelling from Birmingham New Street to Newcastle when his luggage was stolen.

He had placed the suitcase in a luggage rack but when he got up to leave the train at Darlington, he saw that it was missing.

British Transport Police has released CCTV images of a man they want to speak to about the incident, which happened on Friday July 26.

The bag is a distinctive dark blue Quicksilver case with red lettering.

It contained specialist climbing shoes.

Police Constable Tony McGhin said: “After reviewing CCTV from on the train a man is seen taking the bag just prior to the train’s arrival into Darlington at 5.45pm.

“We have undertaken extensive inquiries in an attempt to trace this man but to no avail.

“We are now hoping that by issuing this image, someone may know who he is and come forward to assist our investigation.

“We are not sure where the man boarded the service or if left the train at Darlington, it may be that he continued on the service to Durham or Newcastle.”

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040, or by text, on 61016.

Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555111.

Two arrests made as A174 is closed in both directions following collision at Skelton

The A174 is closed in both directions at Apple Orchard Bank in Skelton following an accident.

Two cars, a silver Vauxhall Corsa and a silver Ford Fiesta were involved in a collision at around 10.25am today.

Both lanes were blocked and the Vauxhall Corsa was reported to have been on fire.

Cleveland Police have confirmed that people from at least one of the vehicles fled the scene.

A spokeswoman for the force added that a 27-year-old man and a 19-year-old man had been arrested.

One person has been taken to hospital.

Recovery work is still under way between B1268 / Hob Hill Lane and A173 Marske Lane (Skelton Castle Roundabout).

View: Part three of Gazette readers' back to school pictures

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Gallery: Gazette readers' back to school pictures - Part Three

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Proud Gazette readers have continued to send in pictures of their children and grandchildren at the start of the new school term.

Earlier this week we shared parts one and two and today we present our final collection.

Don't they all look great!

Cubs ace aims to shine on home track in British Youth Championships

Whizz kid Kyle Bickley goes looking for glory on his home track tomorrow as his days in the 125cc category come to an end.

The 12-year-old Redcar Cubs starlet has established himself as the most successful rider 125cc ever since the championship was launched.

His most recent moment in the spotlight came when he won the 125cc FIM Longtrack Gold Trophy Bad Hersfeld, Germany, last month.

Now he’s aiming to tound off his British 125cc Championship in style in tomorrow’s final round at South Tees Motorsports Park (2pm start).

Bickley steps up into the Under-16 250cc division next season so he’ll be looking to go out with a bang.

He’s already won three times and clinched two second places in the the five rounds so far to retain his crown.

Bickley has already ridden his last Northern Junior League match for the Cubs, as the NJL doesn’t cater for 250cc machines.

There’s plenty more action besides at the Bears’ lair tomorrow in the conclusion to the British Youth Championship.

Kelsey Dugard, son of former World Finalist Martin Dugard, currently leads the 500cc championship while the 250cc series has also been closely contested.

Supporter Paul Taylor will be at the track selling British Youth Speedway wristbands at £2 each.

Neil Vatcher, who runs the championship with Phil Morris, supports the idea and all proceeds will go towards helping British Youth Speedway.

For a report of last night’s Bears v Rye House match, visit inthepitsspeedway.wordpress.com - see tomorrow’s Gazette and http://ift.tt/1md60Qe for more from the meeting.

Relegated Middlesbrough take 'a step into the unknown'

Middlesbrough are “going into the unknown” according to skipper Rob Bellerby as they prepare for their upcoming Yorkshire One campaign.

After dropping out of North One East last season, Boro are ready to ply their trade in a new league and face an opening day trip to Bridlington tomorrow.

Captain Bellerby believes his side have the ability to compete at the top end of the division. He said: “We’ve kept a similar group to last season but we’re hoping a few of the younger lads will step up and really push on this year.

“Obviously being in a new league means we are going into the unknown a bit, but we’ve got ambitions to be successful this season and we want to be challenging at the top end of the division.”

Bellerby will start alongside Michael Thornburn in the centres, with Connor Foley at scrum half and Simon O’Farrell at fly-half. Matthew Helm will play at hooker while Iain Bradford is to start at No 8.

In National Three North Billingham kick-off their campaign with a home match against Lymm.

Chris Hyndman’s side endured a nervy end to last season after flirting with relegation - but beat the drop after scoring three late tries against Huddersfield.

After a summer of rebuilding the Durham County Cup winners are looking forward to a third successive season in national league rugby.

Hyndman said: “We don’t want to be involved in another relegation scrap. To set yourself a target of just staying up would be naive so we’re aiming higher than that.

“We’ve worked hard in pre-season but it’s not until you get out on the pitch in that first game that you know where you are. It’s a competitive league every week and we’re looking forward to getting going.”

Young Norton environmental activist to deliver climate change talk at London's O2

A young environmental enthusiast has been selected to speak in front of thousands of people at The O2 in London.

David Saddington, from Norton, will stand on the stage graced by many of his idols, to deliver a strong message about the issues of climate change.

The 21-year-old graduate hopes he can inspire other North-east youngsters to be passionate about their interests and act upon them.

He said: “Young people these days, especially from certain areas, often have a bad reputation.

“People think that we don’t care about serious issues like the environment but that is not true.

“I like to think that it is not about where you come from, but where you are going to that counts.”

David, was asked to speak at the TEDxTeen event on October 11 - which is the same day as his birthday - after completing a rigorous application form, detailing why his concerns are so important.

The annual conference is being held in the London for the first time this year and aims to bring people together to share what they are most passionate about - Technology, Entertainment and Design.

The programme includes TEDTalks video and live speakers, combining to spark deep discussions about a variety of topics.

The former Bede 6th form college student will be one of the speakers highlighting the problems of climate change.

He said: “I am really excited and can’t believe that I will be speaking at such a big event, in such a big venue.

“I have spoken at events before but not on this scale.

“It’s crazy to think that I will be standing on the same stage as some of the famous people who have been here.

“Having such a big audience will hopefully help me to spread my concerns about climate change even farther.”

The environment is an topic which has fascinated David since he was 13.

Having witnessed mass flooding during a family trip to North Yorkshire David was intrigued and inspired to join various environmental projects as a teenager.

Later, while studying at Durham University, he led a ground-breaking glacier survey expedition in Iceland and gave a talk about environmental issues in Paris.

The activist was also partly responsible for climate change being introduced on the National Curriculum in 2007, after convincing then Prime Minister Tony Blair that the subject should be tackled across schools on a national level.

Stockton shooting: Police eager to trace two people after family allegedly shot at

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Terry Blackburn

Pictures: Police on Kensington Road in Oxbridge area of Stockton

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Police are eager to trace two people after a family were allegedly shot at through the bedroom window of their home.

Armed police swooped on Kensington Road, in Oxbridge, after the incident at 10.30pm on Sunday August 31.

No one was injured during the incident but police are trying to trace two people who were seen in the area at the time of the shooting.

One person wore a dark hoody and the other a light hoody. It is believed that the offenders came from and left towards Sydenham Road.

Cleveland Police are requesting that anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area contact them.

A friend of the family who live in the house which was targeted told The Gazette: “Someone knocked on the front door of their property and while the occupants looked out of the top bedroom window to identify the person at the door, a shot was then fired up at the bedroom window.”

Previously a Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: “At around 10.30pm, police were called to an address in Kensington Road in Stockton.

“A window at the house had been deliberately damaged, possibly by a firearm. The house was occupied at the time however no one was injured.”

Detective Inspector Matt Murphy-King, speaking on Monday, said: “Investigations are ongoing with a dedicated team of detectives working on this incident. Local people will see an increased police presence and we hope this will reassure them. We believe this was an isolated and targeted incident and would once again appeal for anyone with information to contact police, or Crimestoppers anonymously.”

Police are asking anyone with information or who saw the anyone in the area at the time to contact them on 101. Alternatively please contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Jelle Vossen starts up front with Kike at Boro open training session

Boro fans got their first glimpse of Jelle Vossen in action this morning when he started up front alongside Kike during a practice match at an open training session at The Riverside.

Most of Aitor Karanka's squad are involved in the game, with only those on international duty not on show.

New signing Yanic Wildschut lined up on the same side as Vossen and Kike.

In the second half, Vossen paired up with Patrick Bamford for one side as Lee Tomlin joined Kike for the other.

More coverage and photographs to follow

Closure of two KP Snacks factories could lead to new jobs at Billingham site

The closure of two KP Snacks factories in the region could be good news for the firm’s operations on Teesside.

Up to 186 jobs are under threat after the crisp company said it had plans to close two of its factories in a move to streamline its business.

KP Snacks said it was considering closing factories in Consett in County Durham and Corby in Northamptonshire.

But the firm is also considering expanding operations at its site in Billingham, as well as Stanley, near Consett.

A final decision will be made after a 45-day consultation. Any closures are likely to be in the first half of 2015.

The manufacturer makes a number of well-known brands, including Hula-Hoops, Skips and Phileas Fogg, as well as the original KP brand.

The company employs around 685 people at its site in Billingham site, producing McCoy’s at the factory along with other snack brands including Roysters, Brannigan’s, Frisps, Wheat Crunchies and Discos.

In May, Teesside KP Snacks joined a national campaign to help young unemployed into work.

Starting this month the firm is offering skills training to help tackle youth unemployment on Teesside as part of the Feeding Britain’s Future initiative.

Young people from in and around Billingham will have the opportunity to gain the skills they need to get into work when they visit KP Snacks as part of the nationwide campaign.

The factory in Consett, the original home of Phileas Fogg crisps, has 103 workers, while the Corby plant has 83.

It is not yet known how many jobs could be saved or created by expanding operations at Billingham and Stanley.

The firm’s chief executive, Nick Bunker, said it was proposing the closures “in order to develop a sustainable and competitive manufacturing operation”.

“We operate in an increasingly competitive market and need to focus on our cost base in order to develop a sustainable business,” he said.

“We very much appreciate the hard work, commitment and focus on quality of our Corby and Consett colleagues during this difficult time.”

Woman arrested following police appeal over alleged £200 cashpoint theft

A woman has been arrested after a cash point user was shoved out of the way and £200 taken.

The 36-year-old is being held on suspicion of robbery following an incident on August 14 in Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough.

A group of women had been befriended by an unknown woman who walked with them from the Isaac Wilson, in Wilson Street, to the nearby cash point at Yorkshire Bank shortly before midnight.

When the victim attempted to withdraw cash, a woman pushed her out of the way and withdrew £200 which she stole after a struggle with the victim.

Police this week issued an appeal for help in finding the suspect.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or anyone who may know the identity of the woman, is asked to contact Detective Constable Alastair Crawford on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Stockton swimming pools won't allow children under 10 unsupervised

All swimming pools in Stockton will soon not allow children under the age of 10 to swim unsupervised.

Currently swimming pools run by Tees Active advertise that eight and nine-year-olds can swim without adult supervision.

Last night Stockton Council’s Cabinet decided that all swimming pools will have a minimum age of 10.

A sexual attack on a child at a community centre in the borough led to the authority changing its guidelines in 2012.

Parents were advised that children under 10 should not be allowed in swimming baths and other public buildings without adult supervision.

Tees Active pools still advertise that only children under eight need to be supervised.

The pools must now implement the new guidelines in January.

Stockton woman stole Patterdale puppy from house party - because she wanted it

A woman stole a puppy from a house party after repeatedly telling its owner “I want your dog.”

Natalie Stephenson, pleaded guilty to theft at Teesside Magistrates’ Court after she took the 15-week-old Patterdale terrier from a house in Stockton on May 23.

The court heard how the 24-year-old had “taken a liking” to the Patterdale pup and kept saying to its owner how much she wanted it.

David Mead prosecuting said the party ended at around 3am when guests went to sleep - including Alfie the dog.

He said: “The following morning the complainant saw Stephenson leave the house and said “bye” to her.

However when she got up she couldn’t find her puppy.

“She thought it was strange because the house was secure and the defendant was the only person left at the party.”

The court heard how a conversation took place over text messages between the two of them in which Stephenson told the complainant she did in fact have the dog.

However she later denied that texts had taken place.

The next day police forced entry in to Stephenson’s home on St Cuthberts Road, Stockton, where they found the puppy from a bedroom.

The defendant was arrested and admitted theft of the dog. The pup was returned to its owner.

Gary Wood defending, said his client felt the dog wasn’t in a suitable environment.

He said: “Ms Stephenson had foolishly taken the view she could perhaps do a better job looking after the animal.

“There was a degree of inevitability in the offending as it was so unsophisticated there would be only one outcome, that she would be found out.”

Magistrates issued Stephenson with a six-month community order with supervision. She was also ordered to pay £120 costs with a £60 victim surcharge.