Redcar and Cleveland Council meeting descends into farce

Squabbles from rival political groups forced the mayor to abruptly end a meeting.

A motion by Redcar and Cleveland Cllr Tristan Learoyd, to tackle the problem of pavement parking in the borough, became the centre of a huge argument.

Labour Cllr David Walsh had proposed an amendment to the motion which angered opposition councillors.

A further amendment by Cllr Bill Suthers, proposed to alter the wording to bring it closer to Cllr Learoy’s original.

This was eventually passed by 18 votes to 15.

But furious exchanges between councillors on both sides of the chamber at Redcar’s Civic Heart building caused Mayor Cllr Carole Simms to close business early.

Some independent councillors left the chamber early, while others shouted at each other “out of order”.

When Mayor Simms left the chamber, East Cleveland Independent Cllr Steve Kay refused to stand.

Initial confusion over whether Cllr Suthers’ amended motion had passed was cleared up after the meeting by Council Leader George Dunning, who confirmed that it had passed.

Billingham School raises thousands for little boy with rare blood condition

Samuel Cumpson is a superhero.

The brave little boy has battled a rare blood condition since he was a baby.

And now after years of regular blood transfusions and difficulties, a bone marrow match has been found for the seven-year-old.

This means he and his family will have to leave their life in Billingham behind for up to six months and now face a race to raise funds to support them during this time.

But Samuel’s schoolfriends, their parents and teachers at Prior’s Mill Primary School have given a helping hand - raising £3,000 after hosting a superhero day in his honour.

“I am totally overwhelmed,” said his mum Rayanne Durnion, 35. “We can’t thank everyone enough for their support.

“We need to raise £15,000 to £20,000 for our time in London as both me and Samuel’s dad will need to take career breaks.”

Samuel, who appeared on the ITV series, Kids With Cameras: Diary of a Children’s Ward, has Diamond Blackfan Anaemia (DBA) - a rare blood condition whose sufferers fail to produce red blood cells properly.

Samuel with mum Rayanne Durnion and grandfather Patrick Durnion.

As well as regular blood transfusions, he also has a permanent portacath in the side of his chest - a small appliance under the skin connected to a vein where medicine or blood can be given. This controls the iron levels in his blood.

Samuel, whose father Anthony, 39, is an engineer, has been on the waiting list for a bone marrow transplant since January.

This April, a match was discovered and it is hoped that he will have the transplant operation in the spring. If successful, it will put a stop to the regular transfusions Samuel has to endure.

“He has had a really tough time recently as he has been in and out of hospital with infections,” said Rayanne, a specialist chemotherapy nurse at the Sunderland Royal Hospital and also mum to two-year-old Corey-Ray.

“What he is facing is not going to be easy but people’s generosity will help his journey.”

Jessica Harrison, Samuel’s class teacher, said: “We think of Samuel as a superhero and it is his favourite theme so we thought it would be great to do something with that at school.

“People could donate or as little as much as they wanted and we are so pleased to have raised £3,000 to help Samuel and his family.”

To donate, click here.

Redcar and Cleveland councillors facing possible deselection refuse to discuss issue

Councillors said to be facing deselection from the Labour party refused to discuss their position at a full council meeting.

It’s believed that five Redcar and Cleveland councillors have been told by Labour North they are not allowed to stand for re-election in May.

Cabinet members Steve Goldswain and Norman Pickthall, the current Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland Carole Simms and Brian Hogg batted away questions over their position on Thursday. Cllr Brian Briggs was not in attendance.

While debating health issues after deputy council leader Shelagh Clarke presented a report on her health and wellbeing portfolio, Independent Cllr Tristan Learoyd asked: “How come we are not allowed to speak about issues surrounding the future of councillors in the leadership?

“The constitution says we can. It is surely a pertinent issue in the public interest.”

And after being unhappy with an answer from Cllr Pickthall about council finances, Cllr Steve Kay asked: “How do you justify your position when you have been deselected?”

None of the councillors said to have been deselected made any comment on the matter during the meeting.

Council Leader George Dunning confirmed to The Gazette last week that he had been contacted by a number of councillors who had told him they had been de-selected.

It’s believed their future could be in doubt following interviews conducted by party officials over the past month.

It is not currently known publicly why the quintet are facing deselection.

But Cllr Dunning added that he was unhappy about the situation - and agreed that it had caused “turmoil” within the party.

He is advising those involved to appeal against the decision.

Should the councillors decide to appeal, they will be interviewed by different regional board members alongside a representative from another region.

Cllr Goldswain represents Eston and is cabinet member for community protection, while Cllr Pickthall, the cabinet member for corporate resources, represents Teesville.

Cllr Simms, Cllr Briggs and Cllr Hogg represent Normanby, Skelton and Brotton respectively.

Cllrs Pickthall and Goldswain told The Gazette they could not comment.

Cllr Briggs confirmed he had been deselected and was planning to appeal.

The remaining councillors were unavailable for comment when contacted last week.

Interviews of Linthorpe pub brawl accused read to jury

Police interviews with people alleged to have caused violent disorder in a mass pub brawl were read to a jury.

Seven men and one woman are on trial at Teesside Crown Court in connection with the fight at the Park Hotel, in Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, last October.

Benji Bolsenbroek, who was out wetting his baby’s head, was involved in the incident and died shortly afterwards.

The prosecution do not seek to attribute responsibility for Mr Bolesenbroek’s death to any of the defendants.

The jury has been told that on Saturday, October 7 a group of friends were out celebrating with Mr Bolsenbroek.

Trouble erupted between Mr Bolsenbroek’s group and another group in the Park Hotel. Mr Bolsenbroek is seen on CCTV fighting with Paul Kime.

Benjamin Jones, who was out with Mr Bolsenbroek said in his interview that his group saw Kime and his brother Michael earlier on in the evening.

He said the Kime brothers had congratulated Mr Bolsenbroek and shook his hand.

Benji Bolsenbroek

Jones, 24, admitted throwing two bottles during the fight because he “got hit with a chair or table and then a glass”.

He said: “At the end of the day I couldn’t just stand there getting glasses and that thrown at me. What if I was hit in the neck and died? I would be in the same situation - my kids wouldn’t have a dad.”

Anthony Conway, 24, said he saw Mr Bolsenbroek in the Park Hotel and he “had never seen him so happy”.

Conway said he tried to pull two men apart during the fight before striking two punches to get one of the men to stop.

Justin Heward, 24, who was with Mr Bolsenbroek’s group said he threw a glass at the floor before he left the pub.

He said Mr Bolsenbroek, who had a bump on his forehead, was breathless after the fight.

The four accused in the Bolsenbroek group are Blaine McCarthy, 22, of Blackhall Sands, Benjamin Jones, 24, of, Hesleden Avenue, Acklam, Justin Heward, 24, of Harrow Road, Linthorpe, and Cain Conroy, 37, of Slaley Close, New Marske.

The four accused in the other group are Paul Kime, 26, of Daleville Close, Beechwood, Michael Kime, 28, of Lambton Road, Grove Hill, Vicki Kilpatrick, 25, of Woodville Avenue, Beechwood and Anthony Conway, 24, of Barberry, Coulby Newham.

Sponsored: Six taxi tips for getting home safely this Christmas and new year

The Christmas night out.

Getting glammed up for food, drink and dancing followed by the less fun part of the evening.

Standing on a freezing street, in shoes that ceased to be comfortable hours ago hitting redial and hoping that a taxi company picks up before the last dregs of battery escape your phone.

We asked feature partners Boro Taxis and Front Line Taxis to share with us their tips to avoid getting stranded and ensuring that you make it home safely this Christmas.

1. Book in advance

Christmas is one of the busiest times for taxi firms in Middlesbrough - so plan your journey ahead of time.

Arrange your taxi over the phone, online or using a taxi app.

The Boro Taxis’ app can be downloaded here for both Android and Apple phones.

2. Ensure your taxi is fully licenced and identifiable

Booking ahead also allows you to choose a firm who you know only uses cars and drivers that are both fully licenced with the correct authorities and have undergone criminal record checks and vehicle examinations.

Drivers for both Front Line and Boro Taxis are fully licensed and vetted with the relevant licensing authorities.

3. Choose a firm you trust with your safety

A car that isn’t properly maintained is a danger to its passengers.

Boro Taxis founder Mohammed Bashir explains: “We take safety and quality very seriously.

"As well as regularly replacing vehicles, with Boro Taxis being a registered private hire business, our fleet has to undergo stringent safety checks.

“Our reputation is built upon trust - and that is why passenger safety is our priority.”

Boro Taxis are constantly renewing their fleet - and spent more than £1m on 50 four-door family saloons and 15 minibuses between April and October.

At Frontline Taxis customer and driver safety is also a primary concern - which has led the firm to fit all of their cars with CCTV.

4. Ask about the vehicle that will be picking you up

Avoid being picked up by an unlicensed car by knowing about the taxi that will be picking you up.

Front Line taxis offers a ringback service. The firm will call you when your taxi is approaching the pick-up point.

When you order a taxi with Boro Taxis the firm will text you the details of the car that is going to pick you up including the registration.

Alternatively you can track your taxi using the app .

5. Look after your friends and travel together

Both Boro Taxis and Front Line Taxis have vehicles that can carry up to 16 people.

So book ahead and arrange to travel home together and ensure no one is left behind saving you money and staying safe

6. Know your local taxi firm number

Keep the number of your local taxi firm on you whenever you go out.

Save it in your phone, keep a card in your pocket or download the app.

You can book a car or minibus with Boro Taxis’ via the mobile app online at the website or by calling 01642 22 22 22.

Among other areas, Boro Taxis serve Middlesbrough, Stockton, Billingham, Hartlepool, Yarm, Stokesley, Darlington, Durham and Stokesley.

You can book a car or minibus with Front Line Taxis by calling 01642 49 42 42 for Redcar, Marske, Saltburn and surrounding areas.

Alternatively, call 01287 62 62 60 for Guisborough, Skelton and surrounding villages visit the website for more information .

Frozen: Catch blockbuster on Middlesbrough Centre Square big screen AND see characters perform

Frozen fans are set for a treat.

They can catch the Disney blockbuster on the big screen at Middlesbrough’s Centre Square not once - but twice!

Lovers of the film should grab their place in front of the screen on Saturday, December 13 at 2pm and Saturday, December 20 at 2pm.

Four Frozen characters will also be providing entertainment at the Middlesbrough Christmas Lights Switch On on Sunday, November 30 from 3pm.

These are just a couple of the many festive events organised by Middlesbrough Council this year with highlights also including Middlesbrough College Reindeer Parade and Community Carnival, Christmas markets and festive performances.

Key dates include:

• Christmas Fairground, Centre Square

Saturday November 29 and Sunday, November 30

Friday, December 5 until Sunday, December 7

Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14

Saturday, December 20

• Christmas Lights Switch On following the Middlesbrough College Reindeer Parade and Community Carnival Sunday, including entertainment from four characters from Disney’s Frozen

Sunday, November 30, from 3pm

• Middlesbrough Food Craft and Gift Market, town centre

Sunday, November 30 and Friday, December 5 and Saturday, December 6

• Small Business Saturday

Saturday, December 6, all day

• The Big Boro Busk and the Big Sing near Spectra-txt

Saturday, December 6, 3pm

• Stewart Park Frost Fair

Sunday, December 7, 11am - 4pm

• Groovy Babies Christmas disco at Middlesbrough Town Hall, entry £3

Saturday, December 13, 2pm - 4pm

• Frozen on the Big Screen in Centre Square.

Saturday, December 13, 2pm, and Saturday, December 20, 2pm

• Santa’s Grotto at the Dorman Museum, Linthorpe Road. £2.50 per child including gift

Sunday, December 14, noon - 4pm

:: For full details of the Christmas programme in Middlesbrough and to search for an event visit this link.

Stalker bombarded his ex-girlfriend with hundreds of calls and text messages

A man has been fined for stalking his girlfriend after the breakdown of their relationship.

Carl David Ayre harassed his ex-girlfriend by following her repeatedly around Billingham and bombarding her with hundreds of calls and text messages.

The 23-year-old regularly visited her home, Teesside Magistrates' Court heard, banging on her windows, turning up at her gym and on one occasion, at a friend’s home.

He also offered her flowers in a bid to win her back.

The court heard how his former partner had been forced to “restructure her life” to avoid him as no matter where she went “he appeared to be there.”

She had also tried to change her mobile phone number in a bid to cut off contact with him.

The couple were together for three years and their relationship had been “non-harmonious” but not violent.

Police had been called on one occasion.

Dominic Tate, defending, said Ayre had struggled to accept the end of the relationship in June this year.

“This was the break-up of a relationship and it’s fair to say he didn’t take it very well,” he said.

“He accepts he would have caused her harassment by his actions.

“The messages weren’t threatening in any way and some where being responded to.

“There has been no further communication.

"He is employed and now just wants to move on from his previous life and the problems that it caused.”

Ayre, of Chiltons Avenue in Billingham, pleaded guilty to the stalking offence and was fined £265.

Aitor Karanka: 'Our fans are amazing and they continue to surprise me'

Aitor Karanka has heaped praise on Boro’s loyal supporters and admitted their passion continues to surprise him.

Boro will once again be backed by a massive away support on Saturday, with around 5,000 Teessiders set to make the pilgrimage to Wigan.

Losing only once in their last 13 matches, Karanka’s side are in a rich vein of form and remain in touching distance of top spot in the Championship.

The Riverside welcomed back nearly 23,000 fans for the Bournemouth match a fortnight ago, and Boro have also enjoyed big away followings at a number of away matches this season, including Huddersfield, Bolton, Liverpool and Leeds.

“Every single game it’s increasing away and at home, and it’s a good thing for us because they trust the team and are supporting the team,” Karanka told the club’s official website.

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka

“We have to keep working in the same way to make sure they keep the same feeling.

“It was a surprise last season when we played far away from here and we always had a lot of support.

“In Spain it’s different, and for me it’s a very good surprise and our crowd is amazing.

“I can’t say how grateful I am for their support and it gives me more energy.”

Fire crews and ambulance called after kayaker encounters difficulties in River Tees

Cleveland Fire Brigade were called by the ambulance service to assist after a kayaker got into difficulties in the River Tees.

Several fire engines and a boat were called to an area close to the Princess of Wales Bridge in Stockton at 3.43pm today.

A male casualty was handed over to the care of the ambulance service.

Police and crime commissioners take complaint against Teesside judge a step further

A complaint by the three North-east Police and Crime Commissioners about a Teesside judge’s sentencing of domestic abusers is being taken to the ombudsman.

Cleveland PCC Barry Coppinger, Northumbria PCC Vera Baird and Durham PCC Ron Hogg jointly wrote to the Judicial Conduct and Investigations Office (JCIO) about Judge George Moorhouse, claiming he had “let down” victims of domestic abuse.

They initially complained after a 34-year-old man was given a 12-month suspended sentence, even though he had bitten and throttled his wife, held a knife to her throat and shot her in the foot with a pellet gun.

But after the JCIO said there was no evidence of misconduct, the three produced a dossier of Judge Moorhouse’s sentencing history, detailing four more cases in which he gave domestic violence perpetrators suspended sentences.

The JCIO replied to the PCCs’ letter, saying it was unable, under its terms of reference, to investigate complaints about sentencing.

However, the PCCs have now taken their case a step further by writing to the Judicial Appointments and Conduct Ombudsman, expressing their “dissatisfaction” at the JCIO’s “erroneous rejection of our judicial complaint.”

Mr Coppinger said: “We will continue to seek accountability for the decisions made by Judge Moorhouse to ensure that the satisfaction and safety of victims is at the forefront of any sentencing decisions made in regards to domestic abuse.

“It is important that victims are not discouraged from reporting and here in Cleveland we have excellent specialist provisions in place to provide the much needed support that domestic abuse victims often require.”

Vera Baird - formerly Redcar’s MP - said: “The JCIO is saying that no matter how much misconduct he commits, as he disregards the law and the guidelines, the fact that he can call the outcome “a sentence” means his misconduct can’t be dealt with.

“We will see this case through to the end to get some satisfaction for the thousands of women who are let down, having been rightly encouraged by the police to report domestic violence, when judges free violent perpetrators and their victims are forced into hiding.”

Aitor Karanka: 'It's good for us that Ken will be available in January and February'

Nigeria’s loss is Boro’s gain as Aitor Karanka admits Kenneth Omeruo’s availability during January and February is a huge boost for the club.

Boro faced the prospect of tackling such a vital stage of the season without a key member of the first team squad had Nigeria qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations.

But the tournament’s defending champions came up short in qualifying, only drawing 2-2 with South Africa last night when they needed a win to book a place at the finals.

Karanka admits Boro’s on-loan defender will be disappointed to miss out on such a major competition but admitted it was a welcome boost for the club going into the Christmas period.

Kenneth Omeruo

"It’s good for us that Ken will be available in January and February," he told the club’s website.

"I think about my team and the club, and thinking selfishly is good for me and the club.

"Ken will be disappointed because it’s important for players to be involved in these kind of major tournaments, but I’m sure he’s going to be happy being here because the team is playing really well and he’s the kind of player who likes to be involved with the team."

As reported on GazetteLive, Karanka confirmed Omeruo is likely to miss out on Boro’s trip to Wigan this Saturday after a long trip back from Africa.

But Ben Gibson has recovered from a knock picked up on international duty and is expected to be fit to start.

Bernie Slaven: 'Wigan is a rugby town. It doesn’t have the passion of a real football club'

Wigan away on Saturday will be a tricky game for Boro now they have appointed a new boss.

The players will have to up their game and try to impress Malky Mackay - although others will maybe be spooked and fear for their places.

And there is a bit of a row going on around the new boss too as he arrives with some baggage.

What’s going on in the Wigan camp could inspire them or it could distract them, we don’t know.

But Boro have to go there with no fear and be totally ruthless.

They finished the last run of games in fantastic form and have made a bit of a habit so far this season of coming roaring out of international breaks with all guns blazing.

And they will have a big crowd behind them too.

With 5,000 Teessiders there it will feel like a home game for Boro.

That’ll be almost half of the crowd and Wigan has never been a great home support anyway.

Wigan Athletic's Jordi Gomez scores against Boro in August 2013

I remember them as a lower league club with crowds of just a few thousand for games and always in the shadow of the rugby league side.

Yes, they’ve had a good few years and owner Dave Whelan has put a lot of his own money in to lift them up, and credit to him for that.

But Wigan is a rugby town and I’ve never liked going there.

It doesn’t have the passion of a real football club. That comes with a long history and generations of support.

I’d like to think Boro can get the 5,000 travelling fans roaring from the off by starting on the front foot, going for the jugular, get an early goal and set the tone of the game.

Boro need to win the game.

It is the start of a series of big games in the run up to Christmas and if Boro have any realistic promotion ambitions they need to go into the festive fixtures still up at the top of the table.

It is a crucial period.

We know a lot of Boro fans will be worried about the traditional post Christmas slump.

We know "Boro come down with the decorations".

But I don’t think we will do that this year.

Karanka didn’t allow that last year and I think we were unbeaten in January. We need to do that again and push on.

But first we need to get to Christmas still as a force to be reckoned with - and to do that we must come out of the blocks after the break starting by beating Wigan.

The Gazette's matchday liveblog returns on Saturday! Follow it here from 2pm

Early season report: Boro U21s locked in four-horse race for title

Boro’s youngsters remain in a prime position to launch a title charge over the festive period.

Sitting three points off leaders Newcastle, one away from the Gunners in second place and level with West Brom, the Barclays Under-21 Premier League Second Division is a four-horse race with plenty of furlongs left to run.

From the ecstasy of a last-minute winner against Newcastle to despair against Arsenal, this season has already offered plenty of food for thought for Under-21s coach Jenkins.

“If you said at the beginning of the season that we would be where we are now then we’d all have been delighted”, the long-serving Boro coach said.

“There have been some really good performances and some really tough games, but even in this first third of the season the players have experienced matches that are realistic to first team football.

“In some games we haven’t played well but have picked up all three points, while in others we’ve played really well and come away with nothing.

“That experience is what we’re trying to offer at Boro and bring this dimension to our Under-21s football.

Boro Under-21s boss Paul Jenkins.

“At this level you have to learn to win football matches, but you can’t detract from what the Under-21s is about.

“It’s about developing and producing players for the first team, and if we can get one or two training with them or breaking into the team then we’ll have done our job.

“It’s not all about winning leagues at this level, it’s also about producing players and preserving the future of the football club - but of course we want to do the best we can.”

After losing their opening league game at Derby, Boro’s young guns hit back and went on an incredible eight-game unbeaten run in all competitions, which included a dramatic late comeback to draw at Reading despite finding themselves 3-1 down with 10 minutes to play.

That was followed by another remarkable late show against Newcastle three weeks ago, with James Husband and Callum Cooke netting in the dying seconds to seize the Tees-Tyne bragging rights.

Sitting top of the league, a clash with title rivals Arsenal awaited in London - and despite Scott McCarthy grabbing an 88th minute equaliser Jenkins’ side were sunk by an even later goal for the Gunners.

But can Boro’s young guns bounce back from that disappointment?

Boro winger James Husband battles it out with Newcastle's Kevin Mbabu

“At Arsenal we had a taste of our own medicine. We were made to feel how Reading and Newcastle would have felt,” Jenkins admitted.

“I’ve never heard a dressing room so quiet after a game. It was eery because none of the lads had been in that position before.

“Everyone was emotional and disappointed that they didn’t make the right decisions at the end of the game to secure a point, but we’ll learn from that.

“You can’t go through life with just positive experiences because you’ll never learn. Hopefully the result hitting the lads so hard will mean they’ll make better decisions when they find themselves in that position again.”

Boro’s priorities now turn to the cup competitions before the league restarts with a trip to Bolton on December 1, meaning Teesside’s rising stars have plenty of time to reflect on what has been a hectic start to the season.

Defeat in the capital may have left a sour taste in everyone’s mouths, but that shouldn’t detract from their achievements to date.

Having now played all of the league’s top seven teams, Boro can kick-start a title charge next month.

“I can’t praise the players enough for what they’ve achieved so far this season,” Jenkins said.

Emmanuel Ledesma in action for Boro Under-21s against Hartlepool United at Hurworth

“An eight-game unbeaten run was a little achievement for us, but now it’s all about how we approach the next game.

“It’s a bit frustrating that we don’t have another league game for a while, but the cups offer a good opportunity for our lads who haven’t been playing to stake their claim for a shirt.

“There’s different challenges for each player but they can’t just look what’s in front of them, they also need to look at what’s underneath them.

“What’s underneath is a talented group of Under-18 players who are doing fantastically well at the moment and are top of their league, so everyone needs to be on their toes.”

Last week goals from Emmanuel Ledesma and Ryan Brobbel helped Boro Under-21s to a 2-1 win over Hartlepool United in the Final Third Development League Cup.

Having won three out of three in the group stages, Jenkins’ side know a point at Scunthorpe in January will be enough to qualify for the semi-finals.

The Under-21s are next in action on Monday against Hull City in the Under-21 Premier League Cup. Kick-off at the Riverside is scheduled for 7pm.

Sponsored: Eight ways you can get your home ready for Christmas

Christmas is coming - but is your home ready for the visit of family and friends?

Maybe your property requires some essential maintenance to keep it warm and comfortable.

Or perhaps a bit of decorati9ng is required to get it ready for the festive season?

Alternatively, you might need to make way for all the new stuff which will arrive this year.

Here's eight points from our featured partners about what you may wish to do!

1. Make sure your home is ready for all the British weather can throw at it

PM Roofing

With this winter predicted to be one of the wettest on record, it's important to ensure that your roof and guttering is secure and able to handle the great British weather.

Get any lingering storm damage, blocked guttering or other areas of weakness with your roofing sorted now to avoid having a leak ruining your Christmas.

When getting any work done it is important that you use a tradesman that you can trust.

And, with plenty of online testimonials attesting to its reliability, PM Roofing is a well-established company which is happy to help get your home ship-shape for Christmas.

Call PM Roofing on 07963 452 145 if you require gutters cleaning, unblocked, replaced or repaired.

Tile or slate work, pointing, cowls fitted, chimney work, storm damage is also completed or any insurance work or visit the website for more information.

2. Add some indulgent finishing touches about the house

Inspire Home Products

Christmas is a time for indulgence - so why not treat both yourself and your home?

Inspire home products recently launched its new website which is full of those finishing touches that can make a house a home this Christmas.

Rooms can look transformed with a little touch of luxury.

An indulgent duvet set, some cushions and throws are all little things that can dazzle your guests this Christmas.

With an exclusive range of designers showcasing the season's top trends if you are feeling in the giving spirit then Inspire Home Products can help you find the perfect gift for family and friends.

Visit its website for their full range of of snug bed linen, throws, cushions, towels and home accessories or call 01642 307 120 or get in touch using Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

3. Sort out that room that you have put off painting all year

Paul the Painter

It’s almost Christmas and that room that you promised you would decorate last January is still calling out for a fresh paint job.

The problem is that time is running out. Perhaps it is time to call in an expert.

Paul the Painter is a family-run decorating firm based on Teesside which is ready and waiting with brushes at the ready to help you get the job done before the family comes over this Christmas.

Owner Paul McArdle works on both interiors and exteriors on all kinds of jobs.

Offering fixed pricing you can be sure jobs won't run over budget.

If you need any advice or require a free quotation then call Paul on 07578383179 or visit his website.

No job too big or small. Commercial and domestic painting, wall papering and covering work all undertaken.

4. Get your home spotlessly clean for Christmas

Spot on Domestic Cleaners

The whole family is coming round, the presents are bought, the dinner is planned - but time is your enemy and it doesn’t look like you are going to be able to get that Christmas deep clean done.

Tick the job off the list without any stress by hiring in a professional to ensure that this year even the pickiest of old aunts won’t have a comment to make.

Spot on Cleaning offers the full domestic cleaning service.

It all starts with a personal visit to discuss exactly what you want from your clean.

Then Gail and her team of reference-checked, fully insured, cleaners will put in the work to help you keep your home spick and span.

Call Spot on Cleaning on 07919 377598 to arrange your personal cleaner and let them “clean and shine to free up your time”.

Visit their website for more information or email spotonstockton@gmail.com

5. Keep the family entertained over the festive period with a new telly

Richer Sounds

As always there is a lot of good telly over Christmas.

With a mountain of sport, Christmas specials, blockbuster movies and of course the soaps this year get your home ready to keep the family entertained with a new TV and home cinema set up.

With so many options available choosing the right setup for your home can be a daunting prospect.

The experts at Richer Sounds can help out.

In store you will be guided through the options finding the right system for you in terms of both cost and performance.

But what sets Richer Sounds apart is its expert fitting serve - with installers ensuring the perfect picture to suit your home environment and work with you to ensure all unsightly wires are hidden away.

Call in to the Borough Road store or call 0333 900 0096 to discuss your requirements.

Their full range can be viewed online.

6. Clear out the old waste and appliances to make way for the new

Shift and Dispose

Christmas means new things. Lots of new things. All requiring lots of space.

So it’s probably time to have a clear out before Santa drops his latest load.

Shift and Dispose are here to help - and with 20 years of experience in commercial and residential clearances they are ready to do what it takes to clear your unwanted waste or large appliances that are making way for newer models this Christmas.

Shift and Dispose can get your home ready for Christmas by helping with house, garage and garden clearance, garden tidy ups, white goods removals, tradesman’s waste and small demolition work including walls, sheds and concrete.

Call 07929617307 to discuss your requirements.

7. Soft furnishings such as curtains and blinds can complete the look

Linthorpe Interiors

Quality curtains and blinds can transform the look and feel of a home.

And shutting out those winter nights and bringing warmth, colour and that luxury feel to a room.

Taking you right through from consultation to completion Linthorpe Interiors highly experienced staff work with luxurious fabrics all made to measure to ensure that your curtains and blinds give any room an excellent finish.

Established in 1998, Linthorpe Interiors are based on Ross Road, just off Portrack Lane in Stockton, where you can see its extensive range of floor coverings, wallpapers, accessories, made to measure soft furnishings and enquire about the re-upholstery service.

For more information, including the free interior design advice service, call in to the shop, visit the website or call 01642 350 955

8. Ensure your boiler is ready to take the strain of winter - and that your home is energy efficient

Gas North East

A boiler that gives up over Christmas can be an expense as well as a huge inconvenience.

If your boiler is older or is becoming unreliable then you may wish to get it checked or replaced before disaster strikes.

Offering everything from boiler repairs to underfloor heating Gas North East’s team of fully qualified, time served tradesmen includes plumbers, builders and Gas Safe engineers.

If you are wanting to make your home more energy efficient in 2015 and make savings that could give you a bumper Christmas in 2015 then Gas North East can also help.

They can provide energy efficient boiler repairs, solar panels or ground source pump installations.

Gas North East can also help you with all forms of plumbing and heating, bathroom renovations and shower installations as well as boiler replacements and technical advice on heating system design and installation.

For more information, call 07887651091 or visit their website.

Teesside fighters make big impact at the Unified Kickboxing World Championships

Top fighters from two Teesside gyms were among the stars who shone brightest as the area enjoyed a sensational debut at the Unified Kickboxing World Championships.

Cleveland Gym’s Steve Raybould celebrated a hat-trick of world title wins this year as the recently crowned IKF and WKA world champion struck cadet lightweight gold in Tuscany, Italy.

And Caitlin Chapman claimed four of the six gold medals which Impact Martial Arts won in their superb 10-medal haul in Carrara.

Raybould stopped opponents from Belgium and Ukraine to celebrate his latest success, as the World Kickboxing Association brought together around 4,000 fighters from 38 different world federations over six days of ring and mat-based action.

The 18-year-old’s teammate Amy Cookson was a cadet lightweight silver medallist, while their younger clubmate Francis Conlin, 14, lost in the first phase to a Russian who went on to win 45 kilo silver.

Cleveland Gym coach Ron Gray said: “Steven’s gold put the finishing touch to a fantastic year for him.

“He stopped the Belgian lad with an uppercut and won the final with a left high kick.

“Amy had a straight final and it was a case of what you preferred. She was pressing forward, and the Irish girl was countering on the back foot.

“The judges seemed to like her long jab and front kick.”

He added: “Francis was very unlucky with the draw.

“I watched the rest of the group and he would have won a medal with a different draw, without a doubt.

“The Russian was all arms and legs and went on to lose to a Welsh lad in the final.

“But it was a great experience for us all to go to a tournament that size.”

South Bank gym Impact’s double digit return was also a family affair for most of those involved.

Caitlin Chapman’s four light contact golds arrived in two weight divisions (50 & 55kg) in both the ring and on the mats.

The 15-year-old’s father Alan struck 89kg light contact gold in the ring, as did Paul Morris in the 80kg division.

Caitlin’s sister Casey, 13, won 55kg light contact silver in the ring.

And there were bronze medals for 16-year-old Ben Exley (54kg light contact in the ring; 54kg full contact) and 10-year-old Macauley Morris, Ben Morris’ son (30kg light contact, mats).

Senior club coach Alan Chapman said: “We couldn’t have asked for any more than 10 medals and six golds on our Unifieds debut.

“We didn’t expect to do so well to be honest.

“A couple of our kids qualified through the South Tyneside Open and we didn’t know what to expect because of the calibre of people who were there.

“So for the six of us to come back with medals is fantastic for our club.

“We will definitely be back for more in future.”

Alan also thanked everyone who helped make Impact’s trip to Tuscany possible.

He added: “You name it, we organised it to raise enough funds to go to the World Championships.

“We did discos, raffles, tombolas the lot and owe a big thanks to everyone who helped and supported us.”

Caitlin Chapman will try to continue Impact’s roll when she fights for a WTKA world title on December 6.

Middlesbrough Thai boxer Steven Long vows to rebound from stoppage setback

Middlesbrough martial artist Steven Long has vowed to return to the Thai boxing arena with renewed strength and focus in 2015 after suffering a first round stoppage loss to Salah Khalifa on the Yokkao 10 show.

The 27-year-old got stopped inside the opening minute at the Macron Stadium in Bolton after being put on his back by a clean counter left hook.

The defeat means Long slips from third place to fifth in the British 68 kilo rankings, but he is already working hard ahead of his expected comeback on the next Yokkao event in Bolton in March, and a possible outing in Sedgefield at the end of April.

“Stoppages are something that can always happen in this sport, and unfortunately I was on the end of one before we had even got going,” Long said.

“We had only exchanged a couple of kicks and he swept me once before he caught me probably cold.

“At the time I thought I’d only gone down on my knees, but looking back on the video it’s obvious the punch put me on my back.

“I got up and wanted to continue but the referee is there for our safety and he obviously thought I wasn’t in shape to carry on.

“But fair play to Salah, he is a top fighter and had been stopped in his last fight himself.

“All of my favourite fighters have been stopped as well. It’s part of the game you have got to learn from.”

The Khalifa defeat was Long’s first inside the distance setback apart from being stopped on cuts, and he is putting in the hours in the gym to try and ensure it is a one-off.

“Defeats can pick up your faults, and I’m already changing a lot of things,” he said.

“I’m doing a lot of strength work and it’s given me a kick up the backside to go that bit further and not put too much pressure on myself.

“Bigger shows bring more pressure, but I’ve just got to get my mindset right and get back to loving it.”

Netpark: Science bosses unveil plans to bring 10,000 jobs to Sedgefield-based science hub

A major science hub is set for large-scale expansion with the creation of more than 10,000 jobs.

Business Durham is spearheading a project with the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI), Durham University and Durham County Council to bring more than 200 companies to Sedgefield-based Netpark by 2025.

Bossess behind the scheme said it would create around 3,500 jobs on the site and a further 7,000-plus jobs in the local supply chain.

If it comes to fruition, the scheme would kick-start exponential growth at Netpark, which currently hosts 23 companies employing almost 400 people.

Dr Simon Goon, managing director of Business Durham, said: “This is a big, bold, ambitious plan to build on the work of Netpark over the last 10 years. We’ve gone from nothing to nearly 400 employees in that time, which is a four hundred-fold increase.

“Now we’re looking at a ten-fold increase in the next 10 years.

“The aim is to accelerate the growth of the companies that are already on the site, as well as bringing in new companies with potential for growth.

“We are hoping to make Netpark a global hub for materials integration.”

The new jobs will include high-value technical, science and engineering roles, supported by operational, administration and finance positions. Research and development specialists will also be recruited to explore the commercial potential of new ideas and innovations.

Project bosses are currently exploring a range of funding options to fast-track the development of their plans.

They are also looking at the viability of setting up a university technical college on the site to train the next generation of technicians.

Dr Goon said: “Clearly, funding is going to be a challenge in this age of austerity but we’re looking at several sources including Europe, the Regional Growth Fund, Local Growth Fund and other innovation funds.

“On the skills side, we’re looking to engage and connect local schools and businesses. It’s difficult to say which skills we’ll need in 10 years’ time because technologies that will be around then don’t exist now. The iPad didn’t exist 10 years ago and look how popular that has become.”

Officially launched 10 years ago by former Prime Minister Tony Blair, Netpark is already home to businesses that have developed breakthrough innovations - such as a mask that can cure diabetic blindness and security scanners which protect ports and airports.

It is also home to the CPI’s National Centre for Printable Electronics, which explores the potential of exciting new products from bendable sheet lighting to wafer-thin portable TV screens. The CPI, which employs 60 people at Netpark, hopes to double that figure with the launch of its Graphene Applications Innovation Centre (GAIC) and Formulations Innovation Centre (FIC) - both due to open by 2016.

The £14.4m FIC will explore the commercial potential of complex formulated products used in household goods, while the GAIC will help firms fast-track graphene-based applications to the marketplace.

Guisborough boxer Josh Leather spars old foe ahead of Fergus Taylor test

Josh Leather has been sparring his last opponent Tommy Carus in preparation for his sixth professional contest in London on Monday night.

The Guisborough light-welterweight, 22, was given his toughest test to date by Scouse southpaw Carus at Newcastle in June before emerging a 58-56 winner over six rounds.

And the former ABA champion has been back for more in the gym ahead of his BoxNation bout against fellow unbeaten prospect Fergus Taylor at the Hilton Hotel in London’s Mayfair, with the pair getting through 24 keenly-contested rounds.

Leather believes the attributes which led to him to ABA lightweight gold will also take him to success in the pros.

He said: “I’ve got fast hands and I train very hard.

“Boxing’s my job and I take it very seriously.

“After 10 fights, I want to be contesting titles.”

Middlesbrough ABC made a long away trip to box on Ledbury Boxing Club’s dinner show in Hereford.

Fourteen-year-old flyweight Danny Neill won a unanimous points decision against Kevin Riley from Maes G ABC in Wales, his fifth victory in seven bouts, but welterweight Morgan Guest, 15, lost a unanimous verdict to Ledbury’s Kevin Florence

“It was the best Danny has ever boxed,” said Middlesbrough ABC coach Tony Whitby.

“And he gave a chunk of weight away in the two he lost.”

“Morgan was a tad unlucky,” Whitby added.

“He got a point taken off for holding but the lad kept coming in with his head under his chin and never got warned for it once.”

Wellington’s Muneeb Akram avenged his split decision defeat to Ali Mohammed (Dunston Teams) on the Middlesbrough club’s November 3 show at the Buffs Club as he won their rematch by the same outcome on the Dunston show at the Lancastrian Suite.