Manufacturing group EEF wants more career opportunities for budding engineers

Manufacturing group EEF has urged businesses and education bodies to open up more career opportunities for budding engineers.

The organisation said the industry needed to tackle a crippling skills shortage by encouraging more young people to take STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects at school.

EEF also called for a skills and apprenticeships programme that would pave the way for more youngsters to take up “exciting and economically rewarding” careers in manufacturing.

The sector is one of Teesside’s economic powerhouses but has traditionally suffered from a large skills shortage, with older workers leaving the industry and not being replaced by sufficient quantities of young talent.

Liz Mayes, the new North-east regional director of EEF, said: “We need to think more carefully about how we sell the benefits of a career in science and engineering to the region’s young people and how we respond to what they tell us about their needs and aspirations for their future careers.

“It is vital that the exciting and economically rewarding careers now available in manufacturing are made known to all and that we make headway in recruiting men and women of talent to replace the existing ageing workforce and provide the increase in numbers needed for planned expansion.

“The work of both Middlesbrough College and Teesside University is pivotal in solving this issue of supply from within the area, while the City Deal helps to stimulate the creation of a work and living environment which will attract talent from outside the Tees Valley.”

Rubber-stamped last year by the Government, Teesside’s City Deal status will unlock several initiatives that will benefit the manufacturing sector, including an industrial carbon capture and storage (CCS) network that would transport emissions below the North Sea via a coal station and connecting pipeline.

The Government has already pledged £1m towards an initial feasibility study, although additional money will need to be raised from the private sector to bring the scheme to fruition.

The City Deal will also unlock £28m of private sector investment for the development of an innovative waste heat network, where waste heat from Teesside’s industries will be used to heat businesses, homes, hospitals and local authority buildings.

The move is likely to create jobs and a significant volume of work for the local manufacturing supply chain.

Ms Mayes said: “EEF welcomes the beneficial effect that the City Deal will have on manufacturing and engineering.

"Along with a jigsaw of other economic interventions, the programme provides an ideal opportunity to unite the strengths of private business, local authorities and central Government in a coherent and properly funded economic push.

“The City Deal is welcome news for the region and an important step forward in terms of meaningful economic development. With a focus on safeguarding and creating jobs, improving infrastructure and developing skills, the programme chimes with many of the campaigning themes which EEF has championed over the last few years.”

Stockton ex-rugby player's new 'care at home' firm could create 50 jobs

A Stockton ex-rugby professional has launched an elderly ‘care at home’ franchise - and wants to create 50 jobs in the next year.

Gavin Morrigan and his partner, Michelle Fairless, have started Home Instead Senior Care Cleveland.

The company will provide companionship, home help and personal care services to elderly clients across Teesside and the outlying areas.

Gavin, 48, played professional rugby alongside a number of English, Irish and Scottish International players for number of southern-based teams. He returned to enjoy his rugby at his native Stockton Rugby Club, but an injury forced him to retire.

After completing a degree in business and finance management, Gavin worked as a sales manager for Coca Cola and it was in this role that he learned the importance of providing top quality services alongside top quality products.

After returning to university to complete a Masters in HR Management, he worked in various private sector senior management positions.

He was successful in transferring business acumen to the public sector, leading major workforce developments across large NHS Trusts and helping improve Council run services before setting up his own business.

He said: “No matter where I worked, the goal for me was to provide the best possible product, service and support.

“I knew I wanted to set up my own very ethical business which would genuinely make a difference to local communities.

“But it was my passion for developing talented people and Michelle’s experience in caring for family that made us gravitate towards setting up Home Instead Cleveland, providing the type of care that we would want for our own parents.”

Michelle, 43, whose background is in financial services, was born on a farm in a small village in Northumberland where she helped care for her grandmothers.

It wasn’t until her parents recently became ill however, that she really began to understand the weight of the responsibility families have in caring for their loved ones at home.

The couple wants to find kind, compassionate individuals with a variety of different life-interests and experiences who share their passion for improving the lives of older people.

Michelle said: “Our caregivers receive full induction and ongoing training so do not need experience in the sector.

“What is more important is enthusiasm spurred on by a genuine desire to make a difference in another person’s life.”

Business interview: Evolution Forwarding director Terry Goldspink has the vision for success

Terry Goldspink's global award-winning logistics company in Middlesbrough has achieved £1m turnover in just a few short years

Terry Goldspink’s career path might have taken a vastly different direction had he not been diagnosed with colour blindness in his teens. That devastating blow grounded his aviation career before it had even got off the ground.

“I wanted to be an aircraft engineer in the Royal Air Force,” says Middlesbrough-born Terry, who now heads up award-winning logistics firm Evolution Forwarding.

“It was my chosen career back then.

“After leaving school I worked as a shipping clerk for a few months at a company called C Shaw Lovell. I thought it would just be a stop-gap before I joined the RAF.”

Little did he know it then, but his early work experience at CSL paved the way for a logistics career that has so far spanned more than a quarter of a century.

After CSL, Terry worked for transport giant Cenargo before moving to London to work for one of the world’s largest container shipping firms, French-owned CMA CGM.

His next move took him to Essex where he oversaw the sales function of freight forwarding specialist Woodland Group and met the woman who would become his wife, Mandy, who helped him launch Evolution.

He moved back to the North-east and, after taking a year out to pursue other interests, joined goods distribution firm Paramount Global Services in 2007. He oversaw the firm’s European operations before an epiphanic moment would once again change the course of his career.

“The workload was getting ridiculous,” he recalled.

“I was travelling away and spending far too much time away from the kids, missing out on seeing them grow up. That’s the main reason why Mandy and I decided to set up Evolution.”

He has never looked back since.

The Middlesbrough-based company may employ only four staff - soon to be five when the next new apprentice comes on board - but it’s on course to generate annual revenues of £1m and, according to Terry, is “extremely” profitable.

It exports to more than 60 countries, including 19 of the 20 fastest-growing overseas markets, and has ramped up international sales to around 90% of overall revenues. It has also been recognised by the business community, topping the Supporting Export category at this year’s North East Exporters’ Awards and picking up the Tees Valley Best New Business gong earlier this year.

Immediate aims are to ramp up UK sales, with Teesside’s strong

petrochemical and process cluster a key target, and grow overall revenues to up to £2m within three to five years.

In a crowded logistics market Evolution has carved a niche for itself as a reliable handler of dangerous goods, shipping by air, road and sea a whole host of products from nail varnish, perfumes and aerosols to paints and adhesives.

This specialism comes at a cost though; changes to dangerous goods tranportation laws have to be monitored constantly and that means regular retraining of staff to keep them up to speed.

But Terry believes the investment pays off in the long run.

“There aren’t many companies out there that will handle dangerous goods. Most of them shy away from it because they don’t have the expertise and aren’t willing to put the emphasis on staff training. That has left the door open for companies like us.”

There may be no cure for his colour blindness but, given Evolution’s stellar exporting performance so far, there’s clearly not much wrong with his entrepreneurial vision.

Questions & Answers

Who has inspired you most (could be real-life or public figure)?

Rags to riches stories always inspire me. I admire the Michael Caines of this world who have come from poor backgrounds and have had to fight to get where they are today.

Biggest achievement (personal or professional)?

Starting the business in the middle of a recession. Some people said it was the right thing to do but not necessarily the right time to do it.

What car do you drive?

During the week it’s a Toyota Hilux. At the weekend it’s a Carrera 4.

What’s your favourite restaurant?

Santoro’s in Yarm.

Favourite tipple?

Gin and tonic or a cream soda if we’re talking cocktails.

Favourite book?

I’m quite partial to autobiographies, particularly David Niven’s The Moon’s a Balloon.

Who or what makes you laugh?

My kids - Harrison who’s 13 and Lily, 9.

What’s your greatest fear?

Growing old.

What’s the best piece of business advice you have ever received?

“Go for it, start your business.” That was the advice from friends who had done it themselves.

And the worst?

Since starting the business I don’t think I’ve ever had a really bad piece of advice. Maybe I just got lucky!

What’s your business mantra?

Keep it simple. It’s amazing how many people over-complicate things.

How much was your first pay packet and what was it for?

It was £54.20 for working at the former Frankie Dee’s supermarket in 1985.

What’s your biggest extravagance?

Innovative gadgets - I love things that make life easier!

How do you relax and unwind?

Going to the gym and sitting down with a good box set.

Where is your favourite Teesside place?

Guisborough Woods. I spend a lot of time there with my kids.

Tears, devastation as Gaza children back to school

GAZA CITY (AFP) — As hundreds of thousands of Palestinian children returned to school in Gaza on Sunday, Azhar recited a poem eulogizing her father, killed by Israeli shelling in the enclave’s recent conflict.

“Daddy, what can I tell you, if I say I love you it’s not enough,” the nine-year-old, who was beginning the fourth grade, read to a classroom of teary children.

“Today is the first day of school, so even though my dad was martyred in the war — I’m happy,” she told AFP with a smile.

Azhar, her classmates and half a million other children in Gaza were going back to school after a three-week delay caused by the 50-day conflict that ravaged the enclave and left more than 2,140 Palestinians dead.

This year’s return to the classrooms, teachers and principals said, would focus first on dealing with the emotional trauma many of the children are still suffering.

“We listen to their experiences from the (summer) vacation, some stories make us laugh, some make us cry. We encourage them to talk as much as they can,” said Azhar’s teacher, Rima Abu Khatla.

Azhar’s father Tamer Jundiyeh was killed in an air strike on the Shujaiyeh neighborhood, orphaning her and her five younger siblings.

“I’m scared the war will start again,” she told AFP, recalling the missiles from Israeli aircraft that hit her house and killed her father.

Azhar’s classmate Isra shook as she spoke of the Israeli raid that killed her grandfather and aunt.

“The martyrs and wounded were lying in front of us, we were very scared,” the nine-year-old told AFP. “My grandfather and auntie Layla were killed, I saw them in our house.”

Another classmate, Doa, had lost her school uniform after her house was destroyed, and came to class wearing regular clothes.

“We left our house when it was being bombed and when we returned it had been destroyed,” she told AFP.

24 schools destroyed

The UN agency for aid to Palestinian refugees UNRWA, which runs 245 schools in Gaza, has provided specialized training to teachers, with the UN estimating that 373,000 children in Gaza will “require direct and specialized psycho-social support” this school year.

The latest conflict with Israel, which began July 8, was the deadliest since Israel’s 2005 withdrawal from the Palestinian territory, with more than 500 children killed, according to UN data.

Thousands of structures, including schools, were razed by the bombings.

Samia al-Zaalane, the principal of the Shujaiyeh school attended by Azhar, said many students had to be transferred to her school, where nine out of 18 classrooms were completely destroyed.

“We had to merge classes — instead of 35 pupils per class, we now have 60,” she told AFP.

Gaza’s education ministry says 24 schools were destroyed by Israeli bombardments, with another 190 partially damaged in the impoverished enclave, in which almost 45 percent of the population of 1.8 million is under 14 years of age.

Israeli rights group Gisha said that prior to the war, Gaza was already short 259 schools, due partly to Israeli restrictions on the delivery of construction materials.

And even as the school year begins, some 65,000 Palestinians are still living in UNRWA schools where they fled to escape bombardments that destroyed 20,000 homes, with solutions for alternative housing slow to come

Two killed in US drone strike in eastern Afghanistan

An airstrike by a US assassination drone has killed at least two people in Afghanistan’s eastern province of Kunar.

The attack by the United States took place close to the border with Pakistan on Sunday.

Afghan officials identified the dead as Pakistani nationals.

Other reports put the death toll at seven.

Washington claims the targets of the drone attacks are al-Qaeda militants, but local officials and witnesses maintain that civilians have been the main victims of the attacks over the past few years.

The US also carries out targeted killings through drone strikes in Yemen, Pakistan, and Somalia.

The US and its allies invaded Afghanistan in 2001 as part of Washington’s so-called war on terror. The offensive removed the Taliban from power, but insecurity continues to rise across the country, despite the presence of thousands of US-led troops.

NT/MAM/AS

Firearm shot marks found on overturned and abandoned vehicle near South Bank

Gunshot marks were found on a vehicle which was found overturned and abandoned, Cleveland Police has revealed.

The Vauxhall Vivaro was found on the eastbound carriageway of the A66 near South Bank at 11.45pm on Friday.

Detectives investigating the incident and hunting for the occupants have since said marks consistent with shots from a firearm have been discovered on the van.

“Following an examination of the scene by the crash investigation unit and forensic officers, including a detailed search of the vehicle, officers have found marks on the vehicle which they believe are consistent with shots from a firearm,” said a force spokeswoman.

As reported, witnesses have told police that two occupants of the van were spotted leaving the scene prior to the arrival of the emergency services.

It is believed that one of the occupants may have been injured in the collision.

But so far, the occupants have not been traced by officers.

Following the force’s initial investigation, it is believed that the Vivaro may have been involved in a high-speed pursuit with another vehicle prior to the incident.

Police are continuing this line of inquiry but have not yet been able to conclude if another vehicle was involved.

Cleveland Police’s Collision Investigation Unit has examined the scene and police are continuing to conduct a number of inquiries in the local area, including viewing CCTV.

Detective Inspector Matt Murphy-King said: “A team of detectives have been dedicated to the investigation to find out the circumstances of the collision.

“We are conducting a number of lines of inquiry in the local area.

“I’m appealing for anyone with information to come forward, no matter how brief the information is as it could assist in determining what has happened.”

The eastbound carriageway was closed while police investigated the scene on Friday night into Saturday and recovered the vehicle.

Anyone who has information is asked to call Cleveland Police on the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

US use of Malaysia base may be a coup

American political analyst Scott Rickard believes that it may be a “coup” if the United States starts partnership with Malaysia in South China Sea.

“It would be a bit of a coup for the Americans to begin partnering with Malaysia in South China Sea and using airbases in Malaysia to conduct surveillance,” Rickard, former Intelligence Linguist, told Press TV on Sunday.

He made the remarks when asked about a report that Malaysia has offered to let the US use one of its airbases to fly military spy planes over the South China Sea.

Admiral Jonathan Greenert, the US Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), has said that the Malaysian government recently asked the US to operate the P-8 Poseidon aircraft from the country’s most eastern area, giving the Americans greater proximity to the South China Sea.

However, Rickard said “either bases certainly are not required, either bases, I would say would be more of a political move, the Americans can conduct all surveillance they want.”

He said the US is already present in the region. “The US Navy has a great presence in southeast Asia.”

“So at the end of the day, this may just be a political move and discussions and they never happen or unfortunately it also maybe that Malaysia is making a mistake and then really making ties with the American Navy that it really should not be getting into,” he opined.

Analysts say the move seems likely to intensify China’s anger at American surveillance of the strategic waterway.

China, under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, has increasingly contested the right of the United States to conduct surveillance flights over its territorial waters.

AT/AGB

Three arrested after Stockton man hospitalised with head injuries after falling down stairs

A man was left with serious head injuries after falling down the stairs of a flat in Stockton.

Three people were arrested in connection with the incident which happened in King Street on Saturday.

The 36-year-old man remains at Middlesbrough’s James Cook University Hospital with serious head injuries.

A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of wounding and has been released on bail pending further investigation.

A 35-year-old woman and a 27-year-old man were also arrested on suspicion of wounding and have been released with no further police action.

Teenage away fan needed surgery after being punched in the face after Boro match

A teenage football fan suffered a fractured cheekbone after he was punched at the Riverside Stadium.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which happened at about 5pm on August 23 after Boro’s match against Sheffield Wednesday.

The incident happened under the Shepherdson Way bridge as fans left the stadium following the match, which ended 2-3.

The Sheffield Wednesday fan needed surgery in hospital for a fractured cheekbone.

Anyone with information should contact PC Christopher Hilton at Middlesbrough Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Haematology unit at the University Hospital of North Tees is set to close

An inpatient unit which treats Teesside cancer patients is set to close its doors.

The haematology unit at the University Hospital of North Tees is being axed as a result of an ongoing struggle to recruit new consultants.

The facility, which has eight beds, treats patients with malignant and non-malignant diseases of the blood including cancer and leukaemia.

It is likely to be phased out by November and the Trust’s management is now in talks with two other hospitals, including the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, to see if they can take new patients who would previously have been treated at North Tees.

Medical director of North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust Dr David Emerton said: “Most of our haematology patients are treated as outpatients and as day patients. These services on both sites are unaffected.

“However in the past few years we have been unable to recruit the number of consultants we need to meet the complex needs of patients requiring care as an inpatient at the unit at the University Hospital of North Tees. In the future different arrangements will be needed for the small number of patients with the most serious haematological conditions who need to be admitted as an inpatient to a specialist haematology unit.

“Patients currently in our unit will continue to be looked after there but we are in discussions with the hospitals north and south of us to ensure that any new patients can be admitted to hospitals near to their home.”

Stokesley Show: A quick guide to what's on

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Roll up, roll up!

The North’s largest one day agricultural show takes place on Saturday - and we have the line up so you can plan ahead.

From stunt teams to a taste of yesteryear with vintage tractors, here is a taste of what you can enjoy throughout the day.

Main Ring

9am

Equestrian sections -

Hunter Breeding

Hunter Riding

Cleveland Bay Riding

11.30am

Driving (equestrian)

1pm

Jamie Squibb Freestyle Stunt Team - a team of motorcyclists who perform jumps and stunts

1.30pm

Parades -

Cleveland Foxhounds

Stokesley Farmers’ Beagles

Bilsdale Hunt

2pm

Vintage Tractors

2.30pm

Jamie Squibb Freestyle Stunt Team

3pm

Cattle Parade & Horse Parade

4pm

Show Jumping

The Best of the Rest:

:: Ring two will include pony riding, coloured horses and mounted fancy dress

:: Other special attractions throughout the day will include a brass band, GT Group Band, the Preston Gavioli steam driven organ and performances by the Pauline Reader Dancers.

:: A dog show, farm produce and trade stands will also be on offer.

Stokesley Show will take place from 9am until 4.30pm.

Entry costs £10 for adults, £6 concessions and family tickets are £25. Car parking is free on the day.

Peter Maltby death: Appeal to trace Teesside passengers of taxi driver who died in crash

Police investigating the death of a taxi driver who died in a collision are looking to trace his final passengers in the Teesside area.

Boro fan Peter Maltby was found dead at the scene of the crash just off the A19 at the A172, Ingleby Cross on Sunday, September 6.

Officers believe the 59-year-old dad-of-two took a fare from Thirsk to Teesside on the night he died.

It is unknown whether the trip included one passenger or a number of passengers.

He had been reported missing from his Northallerton home the day before when he had last been seen at around 9.30pm in his Ford taxi on the A19 at the Tontine.

Peter's family paid tribute to him, saying he was an avid Boro fan and that his death had left "a huge gap" in their lives.

Officers believe that his Ford C-max travelled down the A19 and into the Stokesley, Nunthorpe, Marton and Hemlington areas before travelling back towards Thirsk, where he was due to pick up another fare at 10.15pm.

It was then that Peter was involved in a fatal collision as his taxi left the road on the A172 near Ingleby Cross.

Traffic Sergeant Andy Fraser of North Yorkshire Police’s major collision investigation team, said: “It is important that we find Peter’s final passengers as they could be of great help to our investigation.

“If you took a taxi from Thirsk to the Cleveland area on the night of Saturday 7 September, I ask you to please get in touch with us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for the major collision investigation team or email mcit@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

View: Pictures of Motown legends The Jacksons at Hardwick Hall gig

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Delighted fans boogied the night away and watched Motown legends The Jacksons perform at their only UK gig this year.

The band were on the bill at a festival in the grounds of plush hotel Hardwick Hall on Saturday night.

Hundreds of fans of all ages were treated to a variety of big name acts at the Hardwick Live Garden Party, in Sedgefield, County Durham - including pop rockers Scouting for Girls and headliners Simple Minds on Friday night.

Pop royalty The Jacksons on Saturday night topped the line-up also featuring Adam Ant and a host of up-and-coming North-east musicians.

Stockton Town through to Shipowners Charity Cup quarter-finals after win at Silksworth CW

Stockton Town bulldozed into the quarter-finals of the Shipowners Charity Cup as they maintained their 100% start to the season with an emphatic 6-0 win at Silksworth CW.

The Wearside League leaders and reigning champions will now visit Seaton Carew in the last eight of the competition on October 11 after taking their goal tally to 53 in 11 league and cup games.

Seaton will be no pushovers as they beat second-placed Easington 3-2 on Saturday to keep Stockton top of the league.

But Stockton are rolling over everyone they face at the moment and remain two points clear of Easington with two games in hand.

Their latest win came courtesy of a Kallum Hannah first-half hat-trick and goals from James Ward, Tony Johnson and Matty Garbutt.

It took them only took two minutes to break the deadlock as Hannah pounced following a Chris Stockton corner.

Hannah made it two with a chip from Carlton McCabe’s pass and crossed for Ward to make it three with Town’s 50th goal of the season.

Hannah completed his hat-trick with a header as half-time approached, and his replacement Johnson got in on the act as he scored the fifth.

Garbutt added the sixth at the second attempt from the penalty spot after Adam Nicholson was sent sprawling.

Redcar Athletic are sixth after being held to a 1-1 draw at 10-man Gateshead Leam Rangers.

Redcar failed to create a chance for the first hour but Adam Preston rescued a point when he equalised two minutes after missing a penalty.

Wolviston were denied a second league win of the season as they conceded a last minute equaliser in a 2-2 home draw with Boldon.

The Villagers led 2-1 going into the closing stages through goals from James Rowe and Dwaine Brown.

Wolviston’s Christian Selby and Boldon’s Andy Hall were then sent off for an alleged stamping and pushing incident, and Liam Clark slid in Boldon’s late second.

Marske set to take on Dunston in FA Cup replay

Marske will visit Dunston in an FA Cup first qualifying round replay tomorrow night after playing out an action-packed 2-2 draw with the Northern League leaders.

The Seasiders won 3-1 on the opening day at Dunston and looked on course for another victory thanks to Darren Hollingsworth’s left foot cracker from outside the box.

Dunston levelled through Michael Dixon’s header and swiftly went ahead with a Scott Fenwick penalty.

Marske striker Jamie Owens completed the scoring at the end of a belting first half with a sweetly-struck free-kick.

Dunston’s goal led a charmed life in the closing minutes as Owens went close twice and Josh MacDonald had a smart shot saved after visiting defender Dan Halliday was sent off, but the pace-setters clung on.

Free coach travel is available to Marske fans who want to go to the replay.

Guisborough have now scored 13 goals in their last three Northern League Division One games after sinking second-bottom Sunderland RCA 4-1 at the KGV Stadium.

Anthony Hume helped himself to a hat-trick and central midfielder Tommy Marron also netted to move Guisborough up to ninth.

Both sides finished the game with 10 men as Guisborough midfielder Adam Gell was sent off before Gavin Barton did the walk of shame for RCA.

Michael Sweet’s hat-trick was in vain as Billingham Synthonia lost 5-3 at home to Whitley Bay, their second successive defeat since putting seven goals without reply past Crook.

Synners led 3-2 at half-time but were pegged back following the interval and Peter Watling got Bay’s decisive last two goals.

Norton made it four wins out of four at Station Road in Division Two as they obliterated Alnwick 8-0.

The Ancients were two up inside five minutes through a Rocky Andrews penalty and Harrison Davies lob, and Michael Jameson added their third before half time.

Karl Charlton kept the goals coming as he struck twice either side of another Andrews effort and substitutes Gary Mitchell and Matthew Hawkins did the final damage.

Thornaby ended a decent week with four points as they drew 1-1 at Tow Law, but manager Paul Edwards felt they should have come away with victory.

Well-travelled striker Jamie Clarke, 41, scored again for the Teesdale Park side, but they conceded a second half equaliser.

“We had eight or nine clear-cut chances in the first half alone,” Edwards said.

“Six points would have been a great week for us and although we haven’t been beaten, it’s still frustrating.”

Depleted Stokesley were hammered 9-2 by mid-table Washington with Connor Hood and Gez Richardson goals providing the only positives for the home side.

Billingham Town still need their first league win after going down 2-1 at Birtley. Town created numerous chances but trailed 2-0 by the time Daniel Ballantyne pulled a goal back.

Redcar Bears wrap up Premier League campaign with defeat to Edinburgh

Skipper Aaron Summers paid tribute to No 1 Richard Lawson as Redcar Bears wrapped up their Premier League campaign.

Already out of the play-off picture, the Ecco Finishing Bears went down 59-37 to title favourites Edinburgh at Armadale to end a largley disappointing campaign.

However at least Summers and Lawson headed home with the distinction of being the first duo to secure heat advantages in both heat 13 - which features each side’s strongest pair - and 15 - the nominated riders’ race - against the Monarchs this season.

“We have ridden a lot of heat 13 and 15s together and we know how one another rides,” explained Summers.

“We have plenty of confidence in each other when we are racing closely.

“To get two heat advantages in both of our last heats was great, and big wins for us both.

“Edinburgh are a strong team, and if we were to get something we would have needed seven riders all to be firing at once.

“Every team has to go their but the Edinburgh side are all so good around their and they are all so dialled in that it makes it so difficult.”

The Bears were 15-3 down after the opening three heats but managed to add some respectibility to the score by the end.

The Bears’ final meeting of the season is this Thursday’s South Tees Silver Helmet individual contest.

MONARCHS: Justin Sedgmen 12+2, Max Fricke 10, Sam Masters 10, Craig Cook 8+1, Aaron Fox 7+1, Steve Worrall 6+4, Derek Sneddon 6.

BEARS: Aaron Summers 15, Richard Lawson 12+1, Carl Wilkinson 5, Jan Graversen 3, Hugh Skidmore 2, Mark Lemon 0, Rafal Konopka 0.

Vote now in the official Redcar Bears Rider of the Year poll.

Log on and visit http://ift.tt/1qYVgtc and make your choice.

Plan to spend almost £500,000 to develop superfast broadband in Middlesbrough is approved

Plans to spend almost £500,000 on further developing superfast broadband in Middlesbrough have been approved.

A national roll-out of pahse one the high-speed internet project was launched three years ago aimed at delivering the service to least 90% of homes and businesses by 2015 in phase one.

Superfast broadband has download speeds of more than 20 mega bits per second (mbps), compared with just eight mbps for standard services.

Work is due to start in Middlesbrough at the end of this year on phase one, with about 93% of homes and businesses set to benefit.

A decision on developing phase two of the project, which runs up to 2017, was taken by Middlesbrough Council this week.

Deputy mayor Dave Budd backed a proposal to spend £197,000 of council cash on phase two, which will deliver the service to at least 500 businesses in the town.

The money will be matched by the Government while a further £99,000 will be put in by telecoms giant BT - taking total investment to £493,000.

A report prepared by council officer John Polson set out the advantages to the town of the project.

He said: “The economic benefits of fast, reliable broadband internet access are well documented.

“The quality of telecommunications and technology infrastructure is considered one of the most critical factors driving inward investment decisions.

“This is particularly important for digital and creative industries, which Middlesbrough has been successful in growing.

“However it is increasingly important across all business sectors.”

The national target for phase two is to bring superfast broadband to 95% of premises by 2017.

The authority has been granted £590,000 but Mr Polson’s report recommended against taking the up the full allocation, which would then have to be matched by the council.

He said there were concerns over value for money for the taxpayer and a possible lack of control over how the money is spent.

He added: “It is suggested that one third of the available grant is used and matched by the council, with a requirement that at least 500 business premises gain access to superfast broadband and that the council is able to prioritise the areas that benefit from the investment.

“This would increase the proportion of business property with access to superfast broadband to around 75%.”

Cllr Budd also backed a recommendation to ask BT to provide proposals on what would be done if the council were to take up its remaining allocation.

Parents in consultation over plans to convert Billingham special school to academy

Parents are being consulted over plans which would see a Billingham special school become an academy.

The governing body of Ash Trees School has agreed that it should become a sponsored academy as part of the Ascent Academies’ Trust on November 1.

The Sunderland-based trust, which was established in 2012, currently consists of Barbara Priestman, Portland, Springwell Dene and Castlegreen academies who work in partnership to provide support and education for pupils with special educational needs.

The consultation period - which ends on September 26 - is designed to help parents, carers and the community find out more about the trust and proposed partnership.

Becoming an academy will see the Bowes Road school remain publicly funded but self-governing. Academy status allows schools the freedom to be creative with the curriculum, timetabling, staffing and governance.

Ash Trees will continue to be accountable to the local community, be inspected by Ofsted, and comply with the same rules as other schools on special educational needs, exclusions and admissions.

The chair of the Ascent Academies’ Trust board of directors, Dame Dela Smith said: “The Trust aims to provide outstanding education for pupils with special educational needs. We use the strengths and skills of our highly trained staff to support other schools to develop their practice.”

The move will give the school access to top quality staff including a Trust leadership team and offer the chance to share expertise and services.

Admissions, the school day and term dates would remain unchanged but the name of the school would change to Ash Trees Academy.

Written responses should be sent to Mick Little, director of Corporate Services, Ascent Academies’ Trust, Portland Academy, Weymouth Road, Chapelgarth, Sunderland SR3 2NQ by September 26.

15 Gazan migrants drown near Egypt coast

At least 15 Palestinians from the Gaza Strip have drowned near the coast of Egypt’s Alexandria city after a boat boarding dozens of migrants sank en route to Italy, a local newspaper reported.

Palestinian daily Al-Quds quoted a number of Palestinian families in the Gaza Strip as saying they have received phone calls from Egyptian authorities Saturday evening telling them that a boat boarding their relatives has sunk near Alexandria’s coast.

Egyptian authorities, however, have yet to comment on the incident.

At least 72 others have been rescued and taken to Alexandria by Egyptian Coast Guard forces as the search for other survivors continued, sources told Al-Quds newspaper.

According to the report, the sources said the sunken boat had boarded 160 Palestinian migrants, including children, from the southern Gaza Strip’s Khan Younis and Rafah cities.

A well-placed source has told Anadolu Agency that dozens of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip have recently left the blockaded enclave for next-door Egypt through cross-border tunnels in a quest to migrate to Europe via sea.

The source also said that the number of Palestinians seeking emigration has increased in the wake of a recently-ended devastating Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip which left over two thousand Gazans dead and thousands of homes destroyed.

Israeli Knesset deputy speaker storms Aqsa complex

Deputy Speaker of the Israeli Knesset Moshe Feiglin forced his way into Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem on Sundayunder the protection of Israeli forces.

“Feiglin accompanied by 20 settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa compound through the Al-Mugharbi gate,” eyewitness told Anadolu Agency.

According to the witness, Israeli forces restricted the entry of Palestinian worshippers into the holy site during Feiglin’s visit, banning those under 40 from entering the mosque compound.

“Feiglin is notorious for calling for the demolition of the Al-Aqsa Mosque to build a Jewish temple in its place,” Sheikh Azzam al-Khatib, director-general of the Organization for Muslim Endowments and Al-Aqsa Affairs, told AA.

Al-Khatib called on the Arab and Islamic world to act on the daily storming of the Al-Asqa Mosque compound by Jewish settlers.

In recent months, groups of extremist Jewish settlers, often accompanied by Israeli security forces, have repeatedly forced their way into the Al-Aqsa complex.

The frequent violations anger Palestinian Muslims and occasionally lead to violent confrontations.

For Muslims, Al-Aqsa represents the world’s third holiest site. Jews refer to the area as the “Temple Mount,” claiming it was the site of two prominent Jewish temples in ancient times.

Israel occupied Al-Quds during the 1967 Middle East War. It later annexed the holy city in 1980, claiming it as the capital of the self-proclaimed Jewish state.

Since 1967, Israeli authorities have banned Jews from praying in the Al-Aqsa compound, citing fears that such a move could provoke Palestinian Muslim sentiments and potentially lead to bloodshed.

Indeed, in September 2000, a visit to the site by controversial Israeli politician Ariel Sharon triggered what later became known as the “Second Intifada” – a popular uprising in which thousands of Palestinians were killed

Morning news headlines: Bid for anti-IS coalition steps up, Cameron in last-ditch Scotland trip

BID FOR ANTI-IS COALITION STEPS UP

The brutal murder of one British aid worker and threat to kill a second will add urgency to efforts today to form a substantial international coalition to mount an assault on Islamic State (IS) extremists.

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond will attend a summit in Paris as Washington seeks military commitments from more regional and global allies for the fight to push back the jihadist advance.

David Haines, whose beheading by an English-accented militant was shown in a video posted by IS on Saturday, was apparently killed by the same cell which took the lives of two American journalists in recent weeks.

CAMERON IN LAST-DITCH SCOTLAND TRIP

David Cameron will today make a last-ditch trip north to urge Scots to vote No in the referendum and keep the United Kingdom together.

The Prime Minister, who campaigned in Edinburgh last week, will be back in Scotland ahead of Thursday's crucial vote, which could lead to the break-up of the UK if there is a majority for independence.

With just three days of campaigning left, political leaders on both sides of the debate will be intensifying their efforts in a last-gasp attempt to win over undecided voters.

PHONES 4U TO GO INTO ADMINISTRATION

Phones 4u is to go into administration - placing more than 5,500 jobs at risk - after network operator EE joined Vodafone in cutting ties with the retailer.

The company said its stores will be closed today pending a decision by the administrators on whether the business can be reopened for trading.

Phones 4u said the decision by EE not to renew its current contract, which is due to end in September next year, was a "complete shock" and meant it would be left without a single network partner after Vodafone said earlier this month that it would not extend its agreement.

NHS FUNDING MUST INCREASE - DOCTORS

The next government must increase NHS funding to avoid a financial crisis, leading doctors have warned.

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) said that hospitals are "under-resourced and under pressure" adding that a "crisis in care can only be avoided by a significant increase in health funding".

Ahead of the party conferences, the RCP also urged MPs to pledge not to perform another top-down reorganisation of the health service.

WARNING OVER CARE OF HEART PATIENTS

Many heart attack patients are missing out on potentially life-saving aspects of care, a new study suggests.

Researchers examined more than 100,000 heart attack victims and looked at whether or not they received nine key aspects of care.

Of the 31,000 eligible for all nine steps, just over half missed out on at least one key aspect of care.

ATTACKS ON FRONTLINE WORKERS 'RIFE'

More than 400 frontline workers in the health, emergency service and transport sectors are attacked on duty each week across the UK, fresh figures have revealed.

Freedom of Information data from hospital trusts, emergency services, the transport sector and Government departments show 65,970 workers were attacked on duty in the last three years, equal to around 420 incidents a week.

A new report from the Greater London Authority (GLA) Conservatives, which collected the data, calls for the transport sector and emergency services to begin trials of affordable wearable technology, such as wearable panic buttons and body worn cameras.

HARRY CELEBRATES HIS 30TH BIRTHDAY

Prince Harry's 30th birthday celebrations began last night with a "beer" as he marked the end of his hugely successful Invictus Games.

Harry, who has been the driving force behind the sporting event, said he would have a drink with Britain's Invictus team captain and double amputee Dave Henson who, like the Prince, turns 30 today.

The prince will have earned a pint after staging the Invictus Games which ended last night with a triumphant pop concert in the former Olympic Park featuring the Foo Fighters, Kaiser Chiefs and Ellie Goulding.

ASHYA TO START PROTON THERAPY

Five-year-old Ashya King is set to start a proton therapy treatment plan in the Czech Republic to help him beat brain cancer.

His parents Brett and Nagmeh King sparked an international police pursuit after they removed Ashya from Southampton General Hospital without doctors' permission in a bid to take him abroad for the specialist treatment, which is not available on the NHS.

The Proton Therapy Centre (PTC) in Prague released a schedule for the first day of the youngster's treatment for a brain tumour, which will see him leave the University Hospital Motol this morning and then undergo irradiation.

STRICTLY ROLE 'WASN'T REAL BRUCE'

Outgoing Strictly Come Dancing host Sir Bruce Forsyth has told how he found the show restricted his talents as an entertainer and did not allow him to be himself.

The veteran star, who fronted the show for a decade, also admitted he had "very mixed emotions" about leaving the dance series and would miss the team.

In an interview with Hello! magazine, he said he was enjoying his freedom following his departure from the show and said: "The world is my oyster."

INQUEST INTO TIGER WORKER DEATH

An inquest into the death of a wildlife park worker mauled to death by a tiger will begin today.

Sarah McClay, 24, was attacked by a Sumatran tiger at South Lakes Wild Animal Park in Dalton-in-Furness, Cumbria, on May 24 last year.

Miss McClay, from Barrow-in-Furness, was going about her routine duties in the big cat enclosure at the park when the incident happened.

Live: 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 15th September, 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.

Evolution Forwarding plans to double £1m turnover after new contract wins

An award-winning dangerous goods specialist is going for growth after breaking into new export markets.

Evolution Forwarding hopes to double its £1m annual turnover after securing contracts worth £250,000 a year in the last six months.

The wins have seen the Middlesbrough-based firm strengthen its presence in key export markets. Evolution has been appointed by a Lancashire firm to ship a consignment of perfumes to Bolivia, while an automotive customer has awarded it a contract to send paints to Morocco.

Headed up by logistics entrepreneur Terry Goldspink, the Teesside company now ships goods to more than 60 countries including 19 of the 20 fastest-growing overseas markets. Specialising in the handling and transportation of dangerous goods, it ships by air, road and sea a whole host of products including nail varnish, perfumes, aerosols, paints and adhesives.

With international sales accounting for about 90% of overall revenues, the company wants to win more work from the UK market - in particular from Teesside’s burgeoning petrochemical and process sector which generates millions of pounds a year for the local economy.

Mr Goldspink, who launched Evolution in 2011 with his wife Mandy, said: “There are 96 companies on the Wilton site and we only deal with one of them. Our aim is to get ourselves better known in the local marketplace as there’s plenty of scope to work with these companies,

“We’re in discussions with a number of companies - across the North-east, not just in Teesside - and we’re hopeful of winning more contracts. We’re still looking at other export markets too.”

The company’s products are used in Germany, France, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Spain, Italy and Russia, as well as further afield in Bolivia and Morocco.

Mr Goldspink said the company’s success in the competitive logistics market was due to its willingness to specialise in hazardous materials.

He said: “There aren’t many companies out there that will handle dangerous goods. Most of them shy away from it because they don’t have the expertise and aren’t willing to put the emphasis on staff training. That has left the door open for companies like us.”

Evolution’s achievements have been recognised by the business community. The company topped the Supporting Export category at this year’s North East Exporters’ Awards after picking up the Tees Valley Best New Business gong.

New areas for housing opened up at prestigious Wynyard Park development site

New areas for housing have been opened up at the prestigious Wynyard Park development site.

Work has already begun at the 700 acre mixed-use site to pave the way for the construction of new homes, starting with creating the infrastructure.

Lumsden & Carroll, the specialist civil engineering business which is part of Esh Group, has been appointed to carry out extensive infrastructure works to open up the Pentagon phase of Wynyard Park for housing.

Tasks include building a new dual carriageway which will be the principal link road and hub into the site, and installing a new sewerage system and pumping station.

Matt Johnson, development director at Wynyard Park, said: “We’re very pleased this important phase of works on the Wynyard Park site is underway.

“The new road and sewerage system are a vital part of the development process as they ensure flexibility and provide capacity for growth.

“We have worked many times with Lumsden & Carroll and Esh Group and following the tendering process we were delighted to be able to appoint them to carry out these works on our behalf.”

The twin-piped sewerage system will have an initial capacity to carry sewage from 200 homes and ultimately can be commissioned to accommodate waste from around 600 homes.

The development of new homes is a key element of the overall Wynyard Park masterplan, which first began in 2005.

Wynyard Park Ltd – a joint venture between JC Musgrave Limited and Helios Properties plc – set out a vision for the creation of a mixed -se community set in attractive woodland where people can live, work, rest and play.

Director of Lumsden & Carroll, Michael Henderson, said: “We have completed the first phase of these works – the new dual carriageway – which has enabled us to access the north-west point of the site and route of the sewerage pipelines.

“Work is progressing well to install the pipelines and pumping station and if the current good spell of weather continues we expect to be completing well on schedule.”