US sending two servicemembers to Mars: Report

A new report says the United States is sending two American servicemembers to Mars, saying they are willing to spend the rest of their lives on the planet.

Stars and Stripes reported on Friday that the servicemembers are a Naval Reserve flight test engineer and an Air National Guard cybertransport specialist.

The servicemembers are among one hundred candidates competing for 24 spots to travel to the planet through Mars One that is a Dutch-based company, according to the report.

Despite all difficulties for living on Mars, the company expressed hope to land four people on the red planet in 2025 in order to establish the first extraterrestrial colony.

The atmosphere on Mars is not breathable and the average temperature is minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

The planet, which is on average about 50 million miles from Earth, is not known to have food and water is not easily obtained.

Officials wrote on the Mars One company’s website that a one-way trip to Mars is currently “the only way we can get people on Mars within the next 20 years.”

One of the servicemembers, Lt. Cmdr. Oscar Mathews, who is a test pilot at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., said he was suitable for the mission.

“If you’re going to go to Mars, you may as well stay on Mars because the whole reason to go to Mars is to do science and to live and to establish a habitat,” Mathews said.

He added that the plan to get humans to Mars by 2025 is “an aggressive schedule but not an impossible schedule.”

The other servicemember was Tech. Sgt. Carmen Paul, who serves with the California Air National Guard.

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Ben Gibson loving life at the top of the Championship and relishing Leeds test

Ben Gibson believes Boro have what it takes to win promotion but isn’t prepared to look beyond today’s home clash with Leeds (12.15pm).

The England Under-21 defender is loving life at the top of the Championship and is relishing the prospect of playing in a Yorkshire derby at the Riverside Stadium.

He said: “We’re at the top now and there’s no clubs with any games in hand on us. It’s up to us to defend that position now.

“If we do what we should do, and what we know we can do, we’ll go on from here and win the league.

“But there’s a hell of a long way to go and we won’t look past Leeds because it’s a massive game. It’s a good opportunity for us to get three points.

“As a Middlesbrough fan, it’s always massive to play against Leeds.

“If I’m selected, it’ll be something I’m really looking forward to. Whatever team the gaffer puts out, I’m sure we’ll let them know in no uncertain terms that it’ll be an aggressive, high-tempo game.

“It’ll be tough – every time we play Leeds it always is. They’re not always nice affairs to watch, but they’re normally tight, tense games. We have to make sure we come out on top.”

Wednesday’s battling 1-1 draw at Birmingham moved Aitor Karanka’s men back to the top of the table, one point ahead of Bournemouth and Derby in second and third respectively.

If Boro can beat Leeds in today’s lunchtime fixture, they’ll open up a four point lead before the day’s other games kick-off at 3pm.

On sitting top of the pile, Gibson said: “It’s fantastic. We’re just in the thick of it – we’re leading the pack at this stage of the season. It’s in our hands.

“It’s good not needing anything from anybody else – we know it’s down to us and what we do.

“I’d rather have it like that. Some people might think there’s more pressure on you when you’re at the top of the table, but I’d much rather be in this position.

“We’ve got good players, a fantastic squad and great staff. The onus is on us to go and take the league away from other people. We can start doing that by going four points ahead on Saturday.”

As a Middlesbrough lad and boyhood Boro fan, Gibson has noticed the feelgood factor is returning to Teesside after a few fallow years.

“You can sense that the town is really buzzing about Middlesbrough at the minute,” he explained.

“The whole focus is on the team pushing for promotion, and you can feel there’s a good feeling and a real buzz around the town just now.

“People think we can achieve something this year, and that’s great. The excitement is back, and if we’re honest, we haven’t really had that feeling for a long time. I can’t really remember it since we’ve come down – it’s never felt as good as this. People really believe that this could be our year, and it’s up to us to make it happen.”

Karanka: 'No one needs to explain to me the passion and excitement about this game'

Aitor Karanka is well aware of the special buzz of derby games.

He was relishing today’s TV tussle with Leeds, Boro’s closest Championship neighbours and is well aware of the traditional intensity of battles against the West Yorkshire outfit.

“No one needs to explain to me the passion and excitement about this game for our supporters,” he said.

“I have known about this from the very beginning because Leeds was my first game in charge of Boro,” he said.

“That was at Elland Road and from the moment I walked on the pitch you can tell it is a special atmosphere and it was the same again when they came here to the Riverside.

“I know Leeds is a special game because they are one of our biggest rivals and there is always a big crowd and a big noise.

“When it is a big rival there is an extra pressure to win because our crowd is very excited and because local pride is at stake for the fans as well as the points.”

But he is no stranger to the intensity of a battle for bragging rights.

As a youngster he grew up with the side he supported and played for - Athletic Bilbao - involved in an on-going struggle to be the kings of the Basque region.

“In Spain we also call these games ‘derbies’ and there is the same intensity,” he explained.

“My team was Bilbao and our biggest rivals were Real Sociedad and Alves when they were in the first division and also Osasuna. They were all very big games.”

As a player at Madrid he also played in “el classico” - Real against Barcelona - so he knows what is at stake and what it tales to win.

“Derbies bring a special pressure,” he said.

“But if we want to win promotion, then we have to be able be able to perform in these kinds of games and the games against top of the table rivals when there is a big expectation or a big pressure.”

Al-Qudra: Qatar is greatest supporter of health care in Gaza

Qatar is an important supporter of health services in the besieged Gaza Strip, Palestinian Ministry of Health spokesman Ashraf Al-Qudra said.

He added: “We are confident that God, followed by Qatar, who has made clear contributions in various fields, including construction, services, relief, and medicine in Palestine, especially in Gaza, will support Gaza’s health sector.”

With regards to the health situation in the Gaza Strip after the intensified blockade on Gaza, Al-Qudra stated that the health sector is suffering from the blockade, noting that the closure of the crossings caused the increased suffering of patients and the shortage of basic medications and medical supplies.

Al-Qudra also noted that the national unity government has not fulfilled its responsibilities regarding the health sector or any other services level. “We are still demanding that the government fulfil its obligations and uphold its responsibilities,” adding that the power outage is still ongoing.

He stated that the during its wars on Gaza, the Zionist enemy used weapons that amputate limbs and dissolve tissue, explaining that the mechanism of healthcare is based on a contingency plan, which allows Gaza, with the help of God, to continue to provide health services to the people.

Yarm's oldest pub The Ketton Ox re-opens after a quarter of a million investment

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Ten new jobs have been created following a near-quarter million pound investment into a Yarm High Street pub.

The Ketton Ox is the oldest pub in Yarm, and it’s re-opened its doors today – where brand new stylish and modern surroundings are ready to greet its customers, following its £248,000 refurbishment.

A special reception, hosted by general manager Gill Bell and her team, was held to let guests have a sneak preview of the newly-refurbished place.

The pub, operated by the Stonegate Pub Company, dates back to the late 17th century and Ms Bell said the original features are still intact.

She said: “We have maintained the traditional feel to the pub with the refurbishment, taking care to enhance its original features such as its parquet flooring.”

Real ale enthusiasts will be pleased to know that The Ketton Ox, named after the famous bull of its name, will be expanding its range of beers, with the introduction of three additional hand pull pumps at the bar.

Both nationally and locally-sourced cask beers will be on offer for punters – from brewers such as Greene King and the Tyne and Wear based Jarrow Brewery.

Ms Bell, said: “Our regulars love the real ales. We will be introducing three guest beers each week as well as hosting regular real ale tasting and ‘Meet the Brewer’ nights.”

Police helicopter base at Durham Tees Valley Airport to close

The police and crime commissioner for Cleveland has defended the decision to shut Teesside’s police helicopter base.

The National Police Air Service (Npas) confirmed today that the helicopter base at Durham Tees Valley would close from the 2016/17 financial year as a result of government funding cuts.

Pcc Barry Coppinger, who is a member of the board for Npas, confirmed he had backed the move - despite a statement earlier in the day in which he said he was “disappointed” that they had decided to close the Durham Tees Valley base.

In his initial statement he said: “Responsibility for police air support lies with the National Police Air Service, and while I’m disappointed that they have chosen to close the base at Durham Tees Valley, I am only too aware of how funding cuts mean that difficult decisions have to be made.”

Speaking tonight he confirmed he was on Npas. He said: “At the end of the day we have had to make savings of £18m.

“We are paying £1.4m for the air support at the moment and I want to negotiate that down quite substantially.

“We can’t afford the subsidies on the current level of air support.

“We are not losing air support, air support is being reorganised.

“We will get air support when we need it. We can call on it 24/7.”

Barry Coppinger and the police helicopter

Read more: Cleveland Police helicopter: Anger at announcement aircraft is to leave base

If Cleveland Police required a helicopter, they would call on the nearest available aircraft, he said.

While this could be from the base in Newcastle is might possibly be as far away as Leeds or York.

When asked if he felt community safety could be put at risk by this move, he said: “It’s important to bear in mind that air support is only one type of policing.

“Depending on the type of incident we are dealing with, we will still have other services on the ground.

“There are only a very small number of incidents where air support is called upon.

“It doesn’t mean we will lose out on all levels.”

In June 2008, Mr Coppinger, then the Executive Middlesbrough councillor for community safety put forward a motion calling for the council to back Cleveland Police Authority’s move to keep the force helicopter on Teesside.

At the time, he said: “The community safety interests of Teesside are best served by a helicopter based at Durham Tees Valley Airport.”

Peter Reimann

Barry Coppinger

Speaking today, Mr Coppinger said things had changed “substantially” since 2008.

“In 2008 public services were growing. We are in a very different situation today.”

The decision comes less than a year after DTVA opened a new purpose-built hangar for the Npas aircraft. The facility was provided under a five-year agreement between the airport and the NPAS.

The accountable manager for the NPAS said “difficult decisions” had to be made because of funding cuts.

Chief Superintendent Ian Whitehouse, said: “There is no easy way of doing this and difficult decisions have to be made.

“This move will help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the service and mean that every base supports police forces 24 hours a day.

“It is a move based on an analysis of potential threat, risk and harm to the public we serve.”

A little boogie woogie from brave Redcar five-year-old Ruby Hodgson

Little Ruby Hodgson is full of beans - and a bit of boogie woogie woogie!

A video posted on Facebook by Ruby’s dad Wayne shows the Redcar youngster, who has battled a recurring brain tumour in formidable style, in fine vocal form.

Usually, like many little girls her age, Ruby’s repertoire revolves around songs from the Disney movie Frozen. But now she’s back at school full-time, after months of disruption caused by her treatment, she’s picking up other tunes too.

And a three-verse rendition of kids’ song Down in the Jungle (Jungle Boogie) shows how well she’s recovering from all that gruelling treatment.

She even makes up the third verse herself, deciding to include a dog in the list of jungle animals doing their washing.

Wayne, who was accompanying Ruby today for her monthly medical check-up, said: “She’s doing really well.

“She’s back at school properly now, enjoying herself, and she even had a little friend round for tea for the first time the other day.”

Wayne, who posted the video on “Ruby’s Page” on Facebook, says it’s lovely to hear Ruby in such good form, even if Frozen features almost all the time!

He said: “Even when she goes to see the specialist and there’s half a dozen of us in the room, she has to “freeze” us all first. It takes 10 minutes before anything gets done!

“But it just shows she’s back to her normal, lively self, which is what we’ve all hoped for.”

Wheatlands Primary pupil Ruby, five, last year underwent a gruelling six weeks of draining radiotherapy after a brain stem tumour showed signs of returning for a third time, despite proton therapy in the USA.

However, she was given the three month “all clear” last month and continues to thrive.

Redcar Bears in 11th hour rider search as Richard Hall quits

Redcar Bears have begun the hunt for a new rider after Richard Hall announced he was quitting a month before the start of the season.

Hall, who had a brief spell at South Tees Motorsports Park last year, was seen as a potential trump card for the Ecco Finising Bears as there was genuine belief he could significantly increase his average of 4.28.

But just as last year when visa issues prevented Kozza Smith from taking his place in the team as the start of the season approached, the club find themselves looking for a replacement at the 11th hour.

“I was informed by (promoter) Brian Havelock that Richard had contacted him to say he no longer wished to ride for Redcar,” said Bears team manager Jitendra Duffill.

“I assume that means he won’t be riding speedway at all because he said he didn’t have any bikes or any money to get equipment. It’s disappointing because I feel he is a good rider who could have increased his average, which is what you need if you are going to challenge for honours.

“We will have to find another rider, which isn’t going to be easy given the points we have to play with - there aren’t many riders about who could do the job Richard was capable of on his average.

“Also other clubs have been in a similar situation because of the visa problems with Australian and American riders and we’re playing catch-up now because they will have got to the available riders before us. It’s a big blow.

“But I’ve given the names of three riders - all of them foreign - to Brian and they’re all riders we could fit in and I believe could do a good job for us.

“It’s getting late now but hopefully we will be able to find a suitable replacement and go to the tapes with a competitive side.”

The Bears will be hoping the new addition comes in on an average that would keep 2014 South Tees Silver Helmet winner Jan Graversen at reserve.

Cleveland Police helicopter: Anger at announcement aircraft is to leave base

Gazette readers have reacted angrily at news that Cleveland Police's helicopter is to be moved from its current base in the force area.

Comments including "shocking", "shameful" and "disgusting" were being used on the Gazette's Facebook page today.

It comes after Cleveland's Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger said seven years ago that the "community safety interests of Teesside" were best served by a helicopter based at Durham Tees Valley Airport (DTVA).

"So as usual only Newcastle exists when it comes to any decisions about the North-east," wrote reader Carl Andrews on Facebook today.

"The Cleveland area gets ignored yet again!"

The National Police Air Service (Npas) confirmed this morning that Teesside will no longer have a helicopter base from the 2016/17 financial year as work is done to make savings.

The aircraft is currently housed at DTVA - with The Gazette reporting in October 2013 that a new deal for a tailor-made hangar meant that it would stay there for the next five years.

Durham Tees Valley Airport

Newcastle International Airport’s base has survived the cull, which will see Npas reduce its operating bases by 10 to a 15-base model.

It is not yet clear if the DTVA aircraft and staff will move to Newcastle.

The Gazette reported in April 2013 that the aircraft - previously under the control of the Cleveland force - was to switch to Npas.

At the time, Assistant Chief Constable Sean White said he believed the transfer would bring benefits for Teesside.

“The helicopter is not cheap to run and we would have had to look at air support as we are doing with other areas of spending," he said.

"However, the savings we are making in being part of the Npas and getting at least the same level of service mean it is win-win for this area.”

Assistant Chief Constable Sean White

The Gazette reported at the time that the helicopter cost Cleveland Police about £5.1m.

That was made up of a grant from the Home Office of about £2m and a part exchange on the force's old helicopter of £1m.

Cleveland did not borrow money specifically for the helicopter, but was being fully reimbursed by the Npas for the cost of purchasing the helicopter after deducting the first two years the aircraft has been owned by the force.

Cleveland Police bosses have previously hailed the fact the force had its own helicopter.

In 2009, then Deputy Chief Constable Derek Bonnard said: “The fact that we have one helicopter solely covering Cleveland means that we can further improve our effectiveness in responding to incidents, locating people and gathering evidence.”

In 2010 when the plans to switch to a national service were raised, the then chairman of Cleveland Police Authority, Dave McLuckie, raised concerns over the potential impact on Cleveland Police.

He said the transfer must be “examined very carefully given past experience of the difficulties involved in a regional service.”

And in June 2008, Barry Coppinger - now Cleveland's PCC - put forward a motion calling for Middlesbrough Council to back then Cleveland Police Authority’s move to keep the force helicopter on Teesside.

Mr Coppinger, then the council's Executive councillor for community safety, said: "The community safety interests of Teesside are best served by a helicopter based at Durham Tees Valley Airport.”

Regarding the prospect of the force helicopter moving out of the force area, Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon responded: "If this issue was not so serious it would be laughable."

Barry Coppinger

Labour PCC Mr Coppinger said in a statement today: “Responsibility for police air support lies with the National Police Air Service, and while I’m disappointed that they have chosen to close the base at Durham Tees Valley, I am only too aware of how funding cuts mean that difficult decisions have to be made.

“I will be working with police colleagues to closely monitor plans for what the closure means in terms of level of service to Teesside and should the service reduce, I will be renegotiating a better deal for our area so that we are able to put money back into local policing.

“Budget cuts are impacting every area of policing and air support is no different.

"We currently pay £1.4million per year for the helicopter and it’s my role to ensure that we are not paying more than we should be during these changing times.”

Meanwhile, back on the Gazette's Facebook page today, Brian Land added: "I thought the Government would have closed Newcastle, being as Cleveland has a nuclear power station in the county and Newcastle doesn't. Very poor decision."

Some comments were posted about the noise of the helicopter flying over residential areas at night.

But James Watson responded: "All these people moaning about a good night's sleep and flying at daft o'clock - it's out for a reason and good to know its there.

"What happens if your car got nicked? Or your family member went missing? Would you think about a good night sleep then?"

Rick Redd added: "It's been nothing but cutbacks and hit the ordinary people since this poor excuse for a government got in."

"Just do away with the police force," said June Fearn, sarcastically.

"The Government won't be satisfied until there's nothing left. But they will be full of surprises when the crime rate goes up."

Doug Moody

The Cleveland Police helicopter

Terry McKee noted that Cleveland Police's mounted section had already gone.

"It's a total disgrace," he added. "We pay taxes aswell!"

Meanwhile, others looked at the plight of Durham Tees Valley Airport.

"What's left to fly from Teesside Airport now?," asked Paul Ramsey.

The decision comes less than a year after DTVA opened a new purpose-built hangar for the Npas aircraft.

The accountable manager for the NPAS said “difficult decisions” had to be made because of funding cuts.

Chief Superintendent Ian Whitehouse added: “There is no easy way of doing this and difficult decisions have to be made.

“This move will help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the service and mean that every base supports police forces 24hours a day.

"It is a move based on an analysis of potential threat, risk and harm to the public we serve.”

Jonathon Taylor: 'Victory against Leeds would be a major milestone for Karanka's Boro'

When Aitor Karanka steps out at the Riverside tomorrow he will be a man on a mission.

Victory over Leeds United will see Boro go four points clear at the top of the Championship, ahead of the 3pm kick-offs.

But the three points would also end Karanka’s own personal drought over Boro’s Yorkshire rivals.

It may only be a minor detail, but one that the meticulous Spaniard will be eager to rectify.

Since he arrived on Teesside in November 2013, Karanka has transformed Boro from a lethargic, mid-table scrapper to a title-chasing machine.

Aitor Karanka after being appointed Boro manager in November 2013

It’s been a phenomenal campaign to witness so far and it’s a long time since Teesside has been so proud of its team. And most excitingly of all, the final chapter - the glorious final part- is yet to be written.

But underneath that bubbling excitement, there’s no doubt that Karanka will be irked by his personal record against Leeds.

Rewind to his first game in charge and 10-man Boro, crippled by the dismissal of goalkeeper Jason Steele, limped to a 2-1 defeat at Elland Road.

The new Boro boss put on a brave face afterwards, claiming his team had “shown a good attitude” and “performed well in the second half”.

But deep down, he will have been unhappy. Anyone who spends two years at Real Madrid and rubs shoulders with the giants of world football do not tolerate defeat.

Anyone who graces the corridors of football’s pantheon, the Santiago Bernabeu, has a winning mentality drilled into their subconscious. Karanka’s acceptance in defeat was merely a face - in reality, he knew his work on Teesside was just about to begin.

Aitor Karanka urges Boro on during his first game in charge

Then came his first home match against Leeds in February 2014. It was only 12 months ago, but that match seems a distant memory.

It was a defining moment in Karanka’s Boro stewardship. Another goalless draw at the Riverside stretched the team’s goal drought to six games - and broke a club record in the process.

The 0-0 draw meant Boro passed the 10-hour milestone without scoring. Karanka remained calm - but was already counting down the days until the summer.

From his starting line-up that day, only three are likely to feature tomorrow - Kenneth Omeruo, George Friend and Grant Leadbitter.

Aitor Karanka was left frustrated as Boro drew 0-0 with Leeds in February 2014

As soon as Boro kicked the final ball of the season at Yeovil back in May, the Spaniard had already turned over the page. A summer clear out was needed. He had sorted out the team’s leaky defence - now extra firepower was needed.

Boro’s summer transfer dealings did frustrate Karanka in some ways. It was his first real experience of the hustle and bustle of a summer window, and some transfers proved to be long, drawn-out affairs.

He landed his number nine, bringing Kike Garcia to the Riverside for £2.7m, while Lee Tomlin’s loan deal was made permanent.

But with youngsters Bradley Fewster and Luke Williams as back-up, it was clear that Boro were woefully short in the final third.

After starting the season with a 2-0 win over Birmingham, during which Kike and Tomlin impressed, Boro travelled to Elland Road. For Karanka, it was a return to the ground where it all started.

Nine months had passed since tasting defeat in his opening game, and Boro were a completely different animal.

They bossed the game for large periods against their Yorkshire rivals, and Albert Adomah wrongly saw his acrobatic effort ruled out.

But Boro toiled in front of goal, and a late mistake from Spanish stopper Tomas Mejias allowed Billy Sharp to clinch a last-gasp victory for Leeds. It was another defeat at Elland Road for Karanka.

Action Images / John Clifton

Billy Sharp scores a late winner against Boro in August.

That result sparked Boro’s recruitment drive into life. Back-to-back home defeats against Reading and Sheffield Wednesday only confirmed the Spaniard’s stance - the team were still short of options up front.

By the time the transfer window closed days later, Boro had recruited Patrick Bamford, Jelle Vossen and Yanic Wildschut.

And Boro haven’t looked back ever since - remaining unbeaten at home since August.

Karanka’s side have been transformed in his image, evolving into a promotion-chasing machine that shows no sign of stopping.

Three points over Leeds tomorrow would be Boro’s sixth straight victory at home. Karanka’s side are unbeaten in their last nine league matches, losing only two of their last 18.

If you look at the list of current Championship teams that Karanka has yet to taste victory against, it is rapidly diminishing.

Karanka’s record against Leeds remains his worst - with two defeats and one draw.

Aitor Karanka

Bournemouth (two draws), Wigan (two draws), Blackburn (three draws), Watford (one defeat and one draw), Sheffield Wednesday (two defeats) and Wolves (one defeat) make up that list.

So when Karanka steps out at the Riverside against Leeds, he will be a man on a mission.

Not only because Boro could go four points clear at the summit, but because the Spaniard will want to right the wrongs of his previous matches against the Yorkshire side.

If Boro do win, it would be a special milestone. Not only because we could cross Leeds off Karanka’s ‘to do list’, but because we can also start to believe that this may be the year.

Boro have been away from football’s top table for too long. It’s time to put that right.

Nightlife in pictures: Party people pictured in Middlesbrough and Stockton

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Photographers Eddy Maynard, Sam Edge and Nicola Thompson provide you with a snapshot of Teesside nightlife.

This week features nights from two Middlesbrough venues and a Stockton venue.

We have scenes from a night at The Empire alongside others from Atik & Kubar.

Take a look and see if you are one of the many captured on a night out.

Find dozens more nightlife pictures on our About Town page .

Redcar couple celebrate diamond wedding anniversary after living life to the full for past 60 years

When one Redcar couple met on the dancefloor, little did they realise their life would become a whirlwind of many happy memories together.

Basil ‘Bas’ and Maureen Gunn, of Redcar, celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary last weekend.

Bas, 81 and Maureen, 77, first set eyes on each other in 1954 at the Coatham Hotel on Redcar sea front.

Maureen, who was 16 at the time, said: “I am the dancer. I still dance today.”

However, Bas, who was 20 when they met, said: “I was looking for girls.

“I think it was her red hair that I liked.

“I asked her for a dance at first and then I asked her out to the Palace cinema but she wouldn’t sit on the back row.”

Maureen said: “We fell in love with each other. He was a nice looking young man. He was very well dressed. I think it was his suit. I like my clothes.”

The couple exchanged their wedding vows on February 15, 1955 at Guisborough Register Office after which they visited some of Bas’ family in Birmingham for their honeymoon.

Within the year, the couple who have three children - Linda, 60, Susan, 55 and Ian, 49 - had their first child.

In 1956, Bas began his two years National Service during which time, Susan stayed with Bas’ parents.

Following Bas’ return home in 1958, the couple bought their first house in Lingdale - their first of six properties which they have so far owned.

Bas spent his working life as an industrial chemist having started at ICI in 1964. Then in 1967, after the birth of their third child, he was given the chance to go and work in South Africa. As a result, the family lived there for three years before returning to Teesside.

In 1977, Bas got a job working for Pullman Kellogg, an American company which built chemical plants all over the world. As a result, over a period of around 35 years, Bas worked in countries such as Libya, Algeria, Syria, Russia, Indonesia, Nigeria, Thailand, Romania and Pakistan.

Since Bas retired in 2001, the couple who have eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, have continued to enjoy travelling with plans to visit Italy later this year.

Maureen still enjoys dancing and Bas loves photography.

Maureen said: “I can’t believe how old we are and where the years have gone. It has been like a whirlwind.”

When asked the secret to 60 happy years, Bas joked: “I don’t believe anyone who says they don’t argue. We have been fighting for the last 60 years.”

Maureen added: “You have to give and take.

“We kiss every morning and we never go to bed on a row until we have made up. We have always said sorry.”

The couple are now looking forward to their anniversary celebrations with family on February 28 at Lemon Grass restaurant in Redcar.

Council tax rise of almost 2% recommended for Stockton residents

A council tax rise of almost 2% has been recommended for Stockton residents.

The council’s Cabinet recommended the budget for 2015/16 as part of its draft Medium Term Financial Plan for the next four years.

And as part of plans to balance the budget, a council tax rise of 1.9% was agreed.

Full Council will discuss the Cabinet’s recommendation on Wednesday.

The authority said it faces a 43% cash reduction in Government funding from £120m in 2010/11 to £68m in 2015/16.

Council leader, Councillor Bob Cook, said: “The plans set out a realistic and robust approach not just for the coming year but also for the longer term.

“It’s never easy to propose an increase council tax - even by the small amount of 32p per week for the majority of residents.

“But I believe it is in the best interests of the borough that we do. And the proposed increase in council tax is just part of what we need to do.

“We will also be developing further plans to achieve the additional savings that we need to make by 2018/19.”

For a Band A property the 1.9% increase would mean an extra 32p a week on the current £875 annual bill.

The increase in Band D would be 49p a week.

Menace who hounded four ex-girlfriends made 50 to 60 calls a day in phone and text blitz in latest case

A menace who hounded four ex-girlfriends when their relationships finished was given jailed today for his phone and text blitz in the latest case.

Matthew Waller, 30, from Stockton, now has convictions for harassing all of the women.

A judge at Teesside Crown Court imposed a restraining order banning him indefinitely from contacting the most recent ex by any means.

Prosecutor Paul Abrahams said that she was in an 18-month on-off relationship with Waller until August last year.

On August 29 she obtained a non-molestation order against him through the civil courts.

But he ignored it by bombarding her with 50 to 60 calls a day on his mobile phone and 30 texts.

The Stockton woman accepted that she contacted him in response to some of them,but the court order meant that he should not have contacted her.

She reported him to police and it emerged during questioning that in mid April last year when they were still in a relationship he had attacked her when she was in the bath.

He pulled down the shower curtain and he began beating her with it.

She also said that in June he thumped her in the face after calling her a an abusive word because he did not want her to continue working in a bar.

He was arrested on September 29 and he accepted that he had contacted her and her parents.

Mr Abrahams told the judge: “He has a long history of matters relating to domestic violence.

“He has convictions following the breakdown of three other relationships.

“This series of text messages show how he conducts himself when his relationships hit rocky ground. Clearly the Crown have concerns, which is why we seek a restraining order.”

Duncan McReddie, defending, said that the latest woman’s statement had shown that she had been willing to contact Waller on occasions.

He added: “I anticipate that the court will have some concern after what the prosecution describes as a pattern of behaviour.”

Mr McReddie said that Waller had been remanded in custody for the equivalent of a 10-month sentence.

The judge Recorder Michael Slater told Waller: “I am satisfied that the relationship is over and to make sure that it remains so in your head I am going to impose a restraining order that you are banned indefinitely from contacting her in any way or you are liable for up to five years jail.”

Waller, of Wembley Way, Stockton, was given a 10 month jail sentence and the restraining order and ordered to pay £100 victim surcharge after he pleaded guilty to three breaches of the non-molestation order and harassment.

The judge told him that he should be released from prison within the next three days because of the time he had already served.

Paul Kerrison: Family make further plea over Eston dad who vanished without trace 17 weeks ago

“The last 17 weeks have been torturous for us. It is difficult to carry on with normal daily life, we are struggling with not knowing if he is safe and well.”

Those were the words from the family of missing Eston dad Paul Kerrison who vanished without trace 17 weeks ago, as they appealed again for him to return home this afternoon.

Paul Kerrison

Dad-of-one Paul, has not been seen since the evening of Saturday, October 25, in the Birkdale Road area of New Marske.

His mother Susan reported the 30-year-old missing after he failed to return to their home on Jubilee Road after a night out.

At the time of his disappearance leaflets were handed out by Cleveland Police - who said they believed Paul may have attempted to seek refuge in a garden or outbuilding within the New Marske area.

At a press conference at Ladgate Lane Police Station a family statement read: “We are touched by the responses we have had from well wishers and would like to thank those people who have taken the time to contact Cleveland Police with possible sightings of Paul since his disappearance.

“Sadly none of this has led to finding him and getting him home to us.”

The Kerrison family appealed at Cleveland Police Head Quarters

Paul had been released from prison three weeks prior to his disappearance. He is also epileptic and requires daily medication.

A former St Peter’s School pupil, he is described as around 6ft 3ins tall, of slim build with short, with brown hair and was last seen wearing a black tracksuit top and bottoms and Nike Air Max trainers. He also has distinctive tattoos on his upper arms.

The statement added: “Paul is a loving brother and son, he is partner to Sarah and doting dad to their five-year-old son Kieren. We all miss him, we are all worried about him and we all want him home with us.

Georgina Carr

Middlesbrough family are concerned about their missing family member Paul Kerrison

“He is very outgoing and friendly, he’s the sort of person who would stop and talk to anyone.”

Anyone with information as to his whereabouts are urged to call Cleveland Police on 101.

Aitor Karanka: 'People had doubts about Tomas Mejias but I never had any'

Aitor Karanka insists he never had any doubts that Tomas Mejias would prove to be a top class keeper.

The Boro boss was forced to leave his compatriot out of the starting line-up after he made a shaky start to the season back in August.

That opened the door for Dimi Konstantopoulos, who has started 26 consecutive Championship fixtures.

However, the Greek goalie was sent off at Birmingham on Wednesday and is suspended for tomorrow’s Yorkshire derby against Leeds.

Former Real Madrid keeper Mejias, who has played outstandingly well in three FA Cup ties this year, is expected to start in place of Konstantopoulos.

Tomas Mejias in action against Arsenal

“It’s a big opportunity for him,” said Karanka. “In the past a lot of people had doubts about him but I never had doubts about him.

“Three or four months ago everybody was a little bit concerned because Jason Steele was out and Tomas was here and now, after the games that Tomas has played, everybody is calm and confident because he has shown he is a very good keeper.”

Karanka says Konstantopoulos is still his first choice but only as long as he continues to produce the goods.

“People can’t assume that Dimi is going to be my keeper for the rest of the season," he said.

"Goalkeeper is like every other position as far as I’m concerned and if the keeper who is playing is not in good form then I have another keeper but I am very happy with all of them, not just Dimi and Tomas but also Connor Ripley so things are very good.

Philip Tallentire: Everything about Boro defender Ben Gibson screams 'leader'

It takes a big man to say sorry and Ben Gibson is a giant.

Everything about him screams ‘leader’.

Just a few weeks past his 22nd birthday, he speaks with great maturity and is developing at a remarkable rate.

He’s already being talked about as a future Boro skipper and an England international.

But it’s in adversity that you find out the true measure of a man.

Dimi is helped up by Ben Gibson after being shown the red card

On Wednesday night at Birmingham City, Gibson made an uncharacteristic error that resulted in a penalty and a sending-off.

Anyone who has played team sport at any level knows some players will avoid taking the blame no matter what the circumstances are.

We all remember that annoying team-mate who would point the finger at anyone but himself when an unmarked player he was meant to be watching scores a soft goal.

Gibson isn’t that sort of player.

He didn’t look to make excuses for the under-hit pass that was intercepted by Clayton Donaldson, he didn’t blame an uneven piece of turf or accuse a team-mate of playing a poor ball in his general direction.

The Teessider held his hand up, apologised to his team-mates and vowed to use the experience to make him an even better player.

Speaking to the Gazette less than 24 hours after the game, Gibson said his team-mates had been “amazing” about the mistake, which led to Dimi Konstantopoulos conceding a penalty and being sent off.

Arguably the best player on the pitch at St Andrew’s before his mistake, Gibson confirmed that he said sorry to his team-mates in the changing room.

“I apologised to the lads but the lads were amazing.

Ben Gibson leads the salute to the fans at the final whistle at Arsenal

“They said a lot of positive things, they said that I’d had a great season and it was the first major mistake I’d made this season; they said I’d played a large part in us getting where we are so I should keep my chin up and forget about it, it’s gone and that it’s no use crying over spilt milk.

“It would rather not have made the mistake that led to the goal that’s cost us,” he added, “but it’s something that I will learn from.

“I’ve got a strong personality and I am a firm believer that if you don’t make mistakes you can’t learn from them.

“I haven’t made that mistake before and I will learn from that and become a better player because of it.

“I didn’t get enough on the back pass really, I let the ball run across my body to try and keep it in play rather than just hoof it out and obviously should have dealt with the ball before it bounced.

“It’s just one of those things and I will make sure I am a better player.”

Aitor Karanka: 'Being top of the league doesn't put us under any more pressure'

Aitor Karanka insists table-topping Boro won’t find it tough at the Championship's summit.

Boro clawed from behind at Birmingham in midweek to draw 1-1 and nudge one point clear of rivals Bournemouth and Derby .

“I don’t think that puts us under any extra pressure,” said Karanka.

“The pressure came on Wednesday at Birmingham and at Blackpool the week before. The pressure is getting to the top position.

“All the players have worked very hard for six or seven months to get to first position - now we have to defend it.

“Now we have to be confident and play the way we can and make sure we stay here. But it is only February and there is a long way to go in the season.”

Boro kick off in their televised tussle with Leeds tomorrow and could open a four point gap before their rivals play.

“I am not thinking about that,” Karanka said.

“The other teams play after us and we can take a lead but that is not in our thinking. We have to just go out and play in our won style and forget all the other teams.”

Leeds are one of the few Championship teams that Karanka has yet to beat with a draw and two defeats in his previous meetings.

Earlier this season Boro felt aggrieved as what looked a good goal by Albert Adomah was ruled out but Karanka says a quest for revenge will not be a factor.

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“We were a bit unlucky at Elland Road,” Karanka said.

“There was a goal disallowed for Albert and then they scored very late on.

“But that is in the past now and we are not thinking of that.

“Revenge is not the incentive for us - the three points from winning is the incentive.

“We know it will be difficult because Leeds are a team in good form and it is a derby game too and there will be a big atmosphere.

“But we have to forget all that and play our game and try to win.”

Durham Tees Valley Airport police helicopter base to shut as result of government funding cuts

Durham Tees Valley Aiport’s police helicopter base is to shut, it has been announced.

The National Police Air Service (Npas) confirmed this morning that Teesside will no longer have a helicopter base from the 2016/17 financial year as a result of government funding cuts.

Newcastle International Airport’s base survives the cull, which will see Npas reduce its operating bases by 10 to a 15-base model.

It is not yet clear if the Tees Valley aircraft and staff will move to Newcastle.

The decision comes less than a year after DTVA opened a new purpose-built hangar for the Npas aircraft.

The accountable manager for the NPAS said “difficult decisions” had to be made because of funding cuts.

Chief Superintendent Ian Whitehouse, said: “There is no easy way of doing this and difficult decisions have to be made.

“This move will help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the service and mean that every base supports police forces 24hours a day. It is a move based on an analysis of potential threat, risk and harm to the public we serve.”

The decision comes less than a year after the airport opened a new purpose-built hangar for the Npas aircraft.

The 320 square metres facility was provided under a five-year agreement between the airport and the NPAS.

Cleveland was previously part of a regional air support unit with Durham and Northumbria. There were two helicopters based at Durham Tees Valley Airport and Newcastle Airport.

But Durham and Northumbria wanted to reduce it to just one aircraft. Cleveland opposed that idea, fearing the helicopter would be based at Newcastle.

In 2009 Cleveland then launched its own air service.

John Powls: Bernie was right - Boro need to rely less on guts to get the glory

In the last round of the top trio tussle the Rams and Cherries opened the door to the top of the division with two points apiece dropped.

Boro could only match them with a down-to-ten-men comeback one-all draw at Brum but now deservedly top The Championship by a point.

As Special K has said, it’s now about staying there.

I’m with Bernie in thinking that’s going to mean his charges playing a good deal better than they have recently and relying less on the guts for the glory.

Despite mostly coming out on the right side of narrow margins, grind it out Boro haven’t been at their best of late with the return of ‘only play one half’ and no clean sheet so far in February.

Karanka said as much about Wednesday’s game and Leadbelter confirmed there’d been ‘harsh words spoken’ at half time.

The ten men that played like eleven improved after the break and forced an equaliser with the best piece of football in the match.

The magic moves were conjured by a skipper and scorer one-two with a neat BamBam finish.

Now usually error free, Big Ben must be sick of the sight of St. Andrew’s after conceding a pen in each of Boro’s last two visits – both draws when they should have won.

Dimi is helped up by Ben Gibson after being shown the red card

Dimi did down Donaldson who’d latched on to Gibson’s loose back pass but it was a pen and a yellow card, not the red flourished by Mr Coote and that was far from the only inconsistent and incorrect decision from the ‘Karankagate’ ref.

Having been tail end Charlie in the last sequence, the Sky schedules give Boro the chance to set the Saturday agenda.

Can they enjoy their newly won status and use it to help craft a win in front of a big and partisan crowd and the cameras?

They could then relish a feet up table-topping afternoon knowing that the best the chasers can do is hold station and improve their relative goal difference.

Boro owe Redfearn’s recently improved Leeds one after the late Elland mugging in August.

With little time for R&R or tactics work on the training ground I think that a go with what you know 4-2-3-1 is best.

With Dimi suspended, Mejias will start again and, unless Woody is available or Kalas considered, it’ll be Ben and Ken ahead of The Spaniard.

Karanka has choices for both full back flanks, though Fredericks’ form is strong and Gorgeous won’t want to give way.

Clayts will return against an old club to partner Leadbelter in the engine room and BamBam’s goals get him the start.

If Tomlin is in the side from the off, it has to be on the basis that he delivers 90 minutes as well as service and strikes and that means he has to be at ten, not out wide.

Karanka’s Men are at their best with true width in the attacking midfield three.

With Adomah – who needs to get goals - and Reach – who needs to hit the line and cut back - rested last time both should start for the league leaders.

Yes, that’s the Mighty Reds!

C’mon Boro!!!

Party time at care home as resident who has lived in Eston all her life celebrates 101st birthday

Birthday girl Mary Hasnips has baked hundreds of delicious cakes in her time.

But to celebrate her 101st birthday, she tucked into one she didn’t have to make.

Born Mary Gill on February 19, 1914, and raised in Eston’s Talbot hotel, which her parents ran, Mary has lived in Eston all her life.

The eldest of three children - she had a brother, Colin, and sister Nancy - home until last June was The Cottage in Jubilee Road.

But since then, she has settled in well at the Astune Rise Nursing Home on Eston High Street, where a fun party was held in her honour yesterday.

Mary with husband Bill.

After cutting the cake and enjoying the music, Mary recalled her first job - at Blackett’s Bakery in South Bank.

She said: “It was a small family bakehouse. We baked the stuff at the back and sold it at the front - it was really popular.

“Whatever was on the go, we’d make - pies, small cakes, large cakes.

“I’ve made hundreds of cakes for other people. They used to bring the stuff to me and say ‘do this for us Mary!’”

Married for more than 60 years to her late husband Bill, a crane driver at British Steel, Mary recalls he was a shy fellow at first.

She said: “His mother used to come to a house next door to ours. He wanted to ask me out but didn’t want to do it himself, so he asked his mother to do it instead.

“For our first date, we walked to Kirkleatham and back. He had a big bag of sugared almonds but I hated them, so I had a pocketful when I got home!

“We did a lot of walking and had lots of picnics. But we had a wonderful time - we travelled all over.”

Mary with husband Bill

Mary and Bill had a son, the late Kenneth, who emigrated to South Africa and who Mary used to love to visit.

She said: “It’s wonderful out there. The Kruger National Park - if anyone wants a good holiday, that’s the place to go.”

And the keen member of Eston Congregational Church, who puts her longevity down to not drinking or smoking, is full of praise for Astune Rise. She said: “It’s wonderful here - the food, the staff, everything.”

Home manager Joan Newmarsh said: “Everybody loves Mary - the staff and residents think she’s marvellous.”

And after blowing the candles out, with a little help, on her 101st birthday cake, Mary smiled: “I’ve had a wonderful life.”

Woman fended off and chased mugger who tried to snatch her bag for Christmas money, court heard

A woman fended off and chased the mugger who tried to snatch her purse for Christmas money as she walked to a beautician’s appointment.

David Mohan, 46, followed the woman on a bike down an alley between Stockton High Street and West Row, reached over and grabbed her purse.

He pulled her to the floor but she kept hold of the purse and he pedalled off empty-handed, as shown in CCTV footage played to Teesside Crown Court.

She said he attracted her attention saying “excuse me” and struggled with him after he made a grab for her purse at about 5pm on December 19 last year.

She defended herself and screamed to attract attention as she was pushed to the ground.

Prosecutor Sue Jacobs said today: “She picked herself up off the floor and pursued him.

“She was in a state of shock. She was determined to find him but couldn’t.”

In a victim personal statement read to the court, the woman said: “This whole incident has left me angry and violated, and wondering why I should be the victim of this crime.

“I went to have a relaxing treatment as a treat just before Christmas.

“Needless to say, the treatment was not relaxing.”

Mohan was jailed for 18 months today.

Arrested shortly after the failed mugging, Mohan told police: “I just tried to make some money for Christmas.

“I crashed into her on my bike and grabbed her purse. I didn’t do it on purpose.”

He said he had not planned the crime and confessed that it was a “moment of madness”.

Mohan, of Ashbourne Road, Primrose Hill, Stockton, admitted attempted robbery, in breach of a community order imposed last May for another street attack on a woman.

He followed an ex-partner, threw her to the floor and punched her in the back.

The court was told of his long criminal record stretching back to an assault with intent to rob in 1980. His longest sentence was two years for a house burglary in 2001.

Duncan McReddie, defending, said: “It was an outlandish and shameful attempt to acquire some money when he had none.”

He said it was opportunistic and “impromptu” without targeting or planning, with no loss to the victim.

He told how Mohan lived a chaotic lifestyle since he was a child, had been addicted to Class A drugs and still struggled with alcohol, but behaved for long periods with three and four-year gaps in his offending.

“He’s reverted to using Class A drugs. He clearly needs some assistance with that,” added Mr McReddie.

He argued a short prison sentence would dry him out and sober him up but would not tackle the underlying causes of his offending and would do little good.

He said: “Perhaps in his case the need to have him supervised, in treatment, in programmes, is a greater need than the need to punish him.”

The judge, Recorder Michael Slater, told Mohan the courts did try to help him with a community order last year, before the attempted robbery.

He said: “I accept that it was not premeditated in that you were not hanging around looking for somebody to rob.

“But at the end of the day this appears to have been a middle-aged lady walking through the town centre alone at 5pm to go to a beauty salon.”

He said it was so serious it could only be met with prison, jailing Mohan for 18 months.

Fabrizio Ravanelli and Mikkel Beck set to make Riverside returns for charity football matches

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Former Boro star Fabrizio Ravanelli is set to make a comeback to the Riverside for a charity football match

The “White Feather” will join a star-studded line-up, including former strike partner Mikkel Beck for the match.

Joining Rav and Beck are other fan favourites - Neil Maddison, Gary Hamilton, Andy Campbell, Colin Cooper – and Saltburn singer James Arthur.

Over two days, there will be three games of football, in aid of three charities – Happy Hands, the Finlay Cooper Fund and James’s Journey.

The event, now in its fourth year, is co-organised by Dave Gibson and the Boro Walkers’ Association, who will be looking to build on 2014’s total, where more than £20,000 was raised.

Ravanelli joined Boro in 1996 after Steve Gibson shocked the football world with the £7m signing. He is believed to have been one of the top earning English footballers at the time. He scored 31 goals in all competitions for Bryan Robson’s side, including 16 in a Premiership campaign that ended in relegation. He joined Marseille in 1998.

The Boro Walkers’ Association will be swapping their walking boots for football boots, as they emerge from the changing rooms to challenge the collection of football heroes from the 80s and 90s.

Boro Walkers’ Association Club Secretary, Peter Livingstone, said: “We played last year and it wasn’t really advertised properly, this year, I’d love to see 5,000 people turn up!”

Peter commented on one of the charities in particular: “The Finlay Cooper Fund is obviously really close to Colin’s (Cooper) heart, and it’s great that’s he’s going to play in the games.”

The Finlay Cooper Fund was set-up in 2006 by ex-Boro centre-back Colin Cooper and his wife Julie, following the tragic death of their two-year-old son in January 2002, donations received by the fund go to several causes including children’s hospices and cancer wards.

James’s Journey is for the benefit of a family friend of Dave Gibson’s – a young boy born with cerebral palsy, who requires 24-hour care, and ABR therapy, which costs £5000 a year.

Happy Hands is a new charity, based in Stockton, to help build a day centre in the area for deaf and disabled children.

The chance to be a mascot at one of the games was advertised via Facebook, costing £10, with all of the money being equally split between the three causes.

The entrance fee for each day is just £2 – 100% will be equally split amongst the threee charities.

Gates open on Sunday 24th May at 10am (for a 10.30am kick-off), and again at 7pm (for a 7.30pm kick-off), Monday 25th May at 7pm (for a 7.30pm kick-off).

More than £1,000 raised at Valentine's Ball in honour of heart transplant youngster Evie Clasper

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Love was in the air as a special Valentine’s Ball was held in honour of a brave young Teesside heart transplant girl - making the “hearts” theme doubly appropriate.

The ball, held at the Thistle Hotel in Middlesbrough, was organised by Yvonne Hall, of Ingleby Barwick, a family friend of little Evie Clasper and her mum Dawn, and Yvonne’s friend Sam Ingram.

Evie, four, also of Ingleby Barwick, underwent a transplant in April last year after being born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a condition where the left side of the heart does not develop properly.

The Barley Fields Primary School pupil was the inspiration for Yvonne’s event, and cash raised on the night will all go to CHUF, the Children’s Heart Unit Fund at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle where Evie was treated.

Yvonne also recently organised a Winter Wonderland-themed children’s Christmas Party held at Crazy Corner in Ingleby, where Evie was the guest of honour.

Among those there to enjoy the Valentine’s Ball was Evie’s mum Dawn.

Yvonne said: “The ball was brilliant. We’re still collecting in the money but we’ve raised £1,100 up to now. I think it’s going to be around £1,240 in the end.

“There were lots of companies that donated prizes and they were all amazingly generous. Simon Ereira from Ultimate Disco Solutions did our disco for free which was amazing.

“We are already thinking of doing the same event again next year.”