No need to panic after disastrous start, says Redcar Bears boss

Shell-shocked Redcar Bears team manager Jitendra Duffill says he won’t be hitting the panic button despite a disastrous start to the season.

The Ecco Finishing Bears crashed 56-36 at home to Workington Comets in the first leg of their A66 Trophy challenge.

They head across the country for the concluding leg at Derwent Park tonight (7pm start) and they’ll have to travel without captain Stuart Robson who was taken to hospital after a heavy fall when his chain snapped in heat seven on Thursday. Robson was left with concussion plus leg and arm injuries - he reported yesterday that he could put no weight on his left leg - but hospital tests revealed no breaks, so he is eyeing a swift return to the saddle.

Duffill will also be hoping Hugh Skidmore is quickly over the bout of tonsillitis that affected him on Thursday and that Jan Graversen is able to show his best form after blowing his first choice motor first time out.

“We got a really good beating on Thursday,” reflected Duffill. “It’s not nice to get beaten at home and especially to get beaten by so many. It was a tough start.

“But we’re not going to press the panic button just yet - it was the first meeting of the season.

“Obviously losing Stuart so early on was a big blow to us and we couldn’t really cover his rides - we didn’t pull any points back from that.”

It wasn’t all doom and gloom, however, and new No 1 Lasse Bjerre notched 14 points - including a tactical ride win - on his Media Prima Arena debut.

The highlight of his night, and that of the Bears supporters too no doubt, was when he came from behind to beat Rene Bach - the only time his fellow Dane failed to win all night.

Now Duffill is hoping Bjerre can keep it up at Derwent Park and beyond.

“Lasse was absolutely outstanding,” said the Bears boss.

“If he can carry that sort of form on for the rest of the season then we’re going to have an outstanding No 1 for the rest of the year.

“Matej Kus was on it all night as well, and Rafal Konopka did alright in his first meeting back and took a good scalp in Rusty Harrison.

“So there were some bright spots but certainly we’ve got a lot of work to do and we need to do a lot better than that.”

The big Derwent Park track hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for the Bears in recent years and tonight’s visit becomes even more daunting after the first leg.

“To be fair, Workington were absolutely superb at our place,” said Duffill, “and we can’t make too many excuses.

“We just need to take the opportunity now to get a bit of practice, take these rides and make sure we get all of these gremlins out of the way so we can hit the ground running when the League Cup starts next week.”

The Bears will operate rider replacement for Robson tonight while Workington could have Kenneth Hansen back.

Hansen missed the first leg after being told he probably had testicular cancer - but further tests have revealed nothing more serious than a cyst.

COMETS: Rene Bach, Nicki Barrett, Nathan Greaves, Kenneth Hansen, Rusty Harrison, Kyle Howarth, Ricky Wells.

BEARS: Lasse Bjerre, Jan Graversen, Rafal Konopka, Matej Kus, Ben Morley, Hugh Skidmore, R/R for Stuart Robson.

George Friend backs striking quartet to fire Boro back to the Premier League

Boro’s loan swoop for Jordan Rhodes may have come to nothing - but George Friend has every faith in the club’s current attacking quartet.

The passing of Thursday’s Football League loan deadline means Boro will assess the Blackburn striker’s situation again in the summer.

Aitor Karanka’s side looked set to land the prolific Championship forward earlier this month, with cash-strapped Rovers considering a loan bid with the view to a permanent summer switch.

However, with an FA Cup quarter-final replay against Liverpool looming, Rovers’ Indian-based owners decided against sending Rhodes out on loan.

That means Patrick Bamford, Jelle Vossen, Kike Garcia and Lee Tomlin will be tasked with providing the ammunition to fire Boro back to the Premier League

And that’s no problem for fans’ favourite Friend, who has backed his striking pals can finish the job.

“They’ve all coped brilliantly with the pressure this year because at times people have been on them,” Friend said.

“I suppose that’s why strikers get paid the big bucks.

“But our lads are all fantastic finishers and good creators of goals.

“Hopefully they’ll keep putting the ball in the back of the net for us between now and the end of the season.”

Despite drawing a blank at Bournemouth, Boro’s striking woes have been swept away in recent weeks.

Chelsea loanee Bamford, now Boro’s top scorer with 16 goals, hit a brace against Ipswich before netting the winner against his former club Derby.

Tomlin’s defence-splitting pass led to Bamford’s winner at the iPro Stadium, while Vossen and Kike both found the net against Millwall this month.

Assistant head coach Steve Agnew says the quality of Boro’s recent goals are testament to the hard work being undertaken at Rockliffe Park.

“Although we were frustrated a few weeks ago not to be scoring as many goals as we’d like, we still continued to create chances,” Agnew said in his latest column for Boro’s principal sponsor Ramsdens.

“We kept practicing every day and the quality of goals we’ve seen recently is partly as a result of all that hard work.

“But the humility and unselfishness we have in the team has also helped create the type of team goals we’ve been scoring.

“To be winning games, playing good football and scoring some very good goals gives us confidence going into the final (seven) games.”

Nosh Healthy Kitchen in Middlesbrough welcomes family and friends to launch night

Ever fancied a parmo without feeling guilty about the calories?

Well a new Middlesbrough eaterie could be the place to visit.

Nosh Healthy Kitchen, on the corner of Southfield Road and Linthorpe Road, held a VIP event on Friday ahead of its grand opening to hungry Teessiders on Sunday.

And with a skinny parmo just one of the dishes on offer, it should prove popular with health-conscious eaters.

Jason Jahangiry, 25 and his chef dad Shari Jahangiry are behind the new venture - and Jason is looking forward to welcoming locals into his restaurant after gaining huge interest on social media.

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“We wanted to create something different and healthy. People are more health conscious now, and want to go somewhere that caters to the type of diet they are following, whether that is slimming or building muscle,” said Jason, who moved from Durham to study product design at Teesside University.

“While it is going to be healthy, fast food, we still want people to identify with it so we are including dishes like the skinny parmo - which is baked, has half fat cheese and reduced fat bechemel sauce - so that people feel comfortable.”

More than 7,000 people have ‘liked’ the eaterie on Facebook ahead of it opening to the public at 11.30am on Sunday.

Jason said: “The response has been fantastic and shows that it is something Middlesbrough wants.

“Especially after seeing the article about Middlesbrough having one of the unhealthiest High Streets last week, I think healthy food is something to be welcomed.”

Firefighters tackle large blaze at Billingham storage building

Firefighters spent more than an hour tackling a large blaze in Billingham.

Cleveland Fire Brigade say the blaze broke out at a storage shed near the Billingham Ecology Park, just off the A19.

Emergency services received a call at 4.40pm and sent three pumping appliances to the scene.

A storage shed, measuring 40m by 60m, was damaged in the fire.

The brigade say that the roof suffered 50% fire damage.

The contents of the shed were said to be “severely charred”.

Two firefighters using breathing apparatus, one jet and a thermal imaging camera were used to tackle the blaze.

The fire was under control by 5.30pm, with the last appliance on scene until 6.16pm.

Teen threatened to kill policeman in Middlesbrough Christmas Day fracas

A teenager who brandished a knife in the street and threatened to kill a policeman on Christmas Day is waiting to learn his fate today.

The PC feared for his safety and thought he might be stabbed on the night of December 25 last year, Teesside Crown Court heard.

But a judge said he wanted to learn more about the mental health problems of the young knifeman, 19-year-old Luke David, before sentencing him for his first offence.

David repeatedly shouted racial abuse at the officer called to reports of violence and damage on Fairfax Court, Hemlington, Middlesbrough.

The officer heard him shouting and saw the teenager running from his home on the street at about 7pm.

David was brandishing a knife with a six to eight-inch blade, prosecutor Emma Atkinson told Teesside Crown Court today.

When David saw the PC he became racially abusive and said: “I know you... Come near me I’m going to got kill you.”

The policeman told him to put down the knife but he refused, said “come on”, said he would stab the PC if he came near him and repeated the racial abuse and threats to kill the officer.

He jumped over a wall and ran towards Earls Court Road with the knife in hand, the court was told.

Fairfax Court in Hemlington where a disturbance took place and a 19 year old man has been arrested.

The officer pursued him and found him on Enderby Gardens where he made the death threat again and hit the knife against a wall, breaking it, before he was detained.

The victim later said he regularly encountered abuse and animosity in his job, but he genuinely believed David might have carried out his threat to stab him.

He said he feared for his and others’ safety and felt there was a high risk of someone being hurt.

In his police interview, David said: “I just want to say I was spiked and I’m saying nothing else.”

He later admitted affray and possession of a bladed article, and could face a prison sentence.

He had a reprimand, warning and caution on his record, but no previous convictions.

Fairfax Court in Hemlington where a disturbance took place and a 19 year old man has been arrested.

Alex Bousfield, defending, said David apologised to the officer and shook his hand the day after the incident.

He said David seemed to have long-standing issues with anxiety and depression.

The judge, Recorder Jamie Hill QC, said: “The references I’ve read, the certificates and articles show a very different Luke David to the Luke David that was offending on the night of December 25.”

He told David, who appeared upset during the hearing: “I’m not going to pass sentence today.

“I’m not giving you any promises as to the outcome. What you’ve done well and truly crosses the custody threshold.

“Set against that, you’ve not been to court before and I’ve read a lot about you now.

“What gives me cause for concern is the mental health problems you appear to have been suffering with over the last months.

“I want to know a bit more about that before I decide what the sentence is.

“I make it plain, there may be no option but to impose a custodial sentence. I’m not making that final decision now.”

David was bailed until sentencing on April 17.

Sponsored: Five things to do with the kids this Easter

Butterfly World - Eaglescliffe, Stockton

Visit the magical butterfly world at Preston Park where over 100 species of butterfly are housed in a tropical environment that has been carefully recreated to ensure a healthy progression throughout the life cycle of the butterfly.

Staff hope to give an insight into the magical world of butterflies stroll at your leisure past beautiful trees and flowers, sit beside the splashing waterfalls and pools and enjoy watching the vibrant wing beats of a multitude of the world’s most exotic butterflies.

Entry is £4.00 for adults and £3.50 for children & OAP's.

It’s open between 10am until 4.30pm Monday until Sunday.

For more information about Butterfly World, based at Preston Park on Yarm Road, Eaglescliffe. Find out more at their website or contact 01642 791414.

Kirkleatham Museum - Redcar

At Kirkleatham Museum you will find a wide range of activities to suit the whole family, including hands on craft activities, local artist exhibitions, seasonal events and much more!

On display are some of the rarest Anglo-Saxon finds ever discovered, shedding light on the extraordinary life on the Anglo-Saxon princess.

The stunning collection found in Loftus, contains pendants and beads that have enabled a reconstructed Royal bed burial dating back to the 7th Century.

Call 01642 479500 to find out whats on this Easter or visit their website.

Opening times

Tuesday - Sunday 10.00 - 17.00 Closed Mondays except Bank Holidays.

RSPB Saltholme

The Shetland Sheep at RSPB Saltholme are expecting so get along this Easter and see the newest arrival to the Saltholme family.

Join the team at their fantastic lambing shed from the 28 March until 12 April and get close to the lovely little lambs!

There will be plenty of woolly crafts and fun activities throughout the Easter holidays too.

Saltholme has everything to bring your family closer to nature.

There’s adventure play, pond-dipping, boat-building and events and activities during every school holiday. Discover Saltholme together and get face-to-face with all kinds of butterflies, ducks and monsters of the not-so-deep.

Saltholme is open every day, from 10 am to 5 pm. The cafe is open 10am - 4pm all year round.

Tel: 01642 546625 or visit their website for more information.

National Railway Museum - Shildon

This Easter The National Railway Museum at Shildon welcomes The Super D locomotive.

The Super D is the sole survivor of the London North Western Railway G2 Class. It was built in 1931 and is a great example of a 20th century steam locomotive built for freight work.

Super D will be on display within the Collection building as part of a freight train made up of vehicles from the collection.

Also this Easter their will be free arts and crafts activities between 10am and 4pm where you can get creative and work together to design the ultimate freight train!

Passenger steam train rides are available (for a small charge) Sunday 5 and Monday 6 April.

Call 01388 777999 for more details or check out their website.

Lightwater Valley Theme Park - North Yorkshire

Escape to Lightwater Valley and discover the excitement of five unique attractions set amidst 175 acres of glorious North Yorkshire countryside, along with thrilling seasonal events that are guaranteed to keep the whole family coming back for more,

With over 40 rides and attractions for thrill seekers of all ages, Lightwater Valley Theme Park is bursting with mini, mega and ultimate adventures for the whole family to enjoy.

For tickets and details special offers and easter events visit their website.

Wearside League: Town strengthened by returns as they eye up title bid

Top scorer Kallum Hannah will join Tom Coulthard in returning to the starting line-up as Stockton Town bid to move three points closer to winning the Wearside League title with a win at Whitehaven.

Hannah and Coulthard missed Town’s midweek trip to Harton and Westoe, but Michael Dunwell’s side still emerged victorious with first half goals from Chris Stockton and Macauley Longstaff sealing a 2-0 win.

Stockton gave the visitors the lead with a sixth minute penalty after Matty Garbutt was brought down inside the Harton area.

Longstaff pounced on a loose ball to double the lead with a volley at the end of the first half, and the victory means Town now need to win five of their remaining 10 games to retain the title.

Town have a plus-100 goal difference and have kept 26 clean sheets in 39 matches after doing their 10th double of the season.

Sixth-placed Redcar Athletic are at the opposite end of the form spectrum to Stockton Town having taken just one point from their last five games.

And with suspensions biting it looks like being a tall order to break that cycle tomorrow at home to a Horden side in third.

Redcar defenders Lee Blackburn and Jamie Lee and winger Sam Webster all miss out through bans.

Robbie Farrier and Chris Bivens are favourites to step in at the back if fit and available, while Joe Blackburn and Adam Hartnett are the options for replacing Webster.

Wolviston play their third home game on the trot when they entertain Silksworth CW hoping to keep their mini unbeaten run going.

Missing for the home side are stand-in goalkeeper Jon McLone and midfielder Christian Selby, but utility player Nathan Summersgill, defender Dwaine Brown and goalkeeper Ryan Hodgson all return.

Northern League: Home win will bolster Guisborough's title push - and do Synners a favour

Guisborough can maintain their title push and do Billingham Synthonia a favour at the bottom with an 11th home win of the Ebac Northern League Division One season tomorrow.

Goals from Danny Earl and James Risborough gave Guisborough a 2-0 home win against Crook on Wednesday night which moved them four points clear at the top of the division.

Tomorrow’s visitors to the KGV Stadium are Newton Aycliffe, who are locked in survival battle with Synners and West Allotment Celtic at the foot of the table.

By contrast, Guisborough are enjoying a sensational 18-game unbeaten league run dating back to November.

And although manager Chris Hardy is sticking with his stance that Shildon remain title favourites with games in hand in third, he has every confidence that his young side can stay in contention for the silverware.

Hardy said: “I’ve always said that Shildon are title favourites and that hasn’t changed.

“If we win every single game between now and the end of the season we still aren’t favourites.

“That’s the way it is. All we can do is maintain what we are doing and hope other teams slip up.

“I would say it’s maybe a five-horse title race now which includes us and Marske, but it’s still wide open and the unbeaten run we are on is incredible.

“We didn’t have a great start to the season, but we were still out-creating teams.

“Now we have found a bit of form with goalscorers and the results have fallen into place.

“Winning breeds winning and the lads are going into games confident..”

Fourth-placed Marske have seven games to go - two more than Guisborough - and are at home in the first part of a double header against Sunderland RCA.

The visitors are still down in the basement but have vital games in hand, although a Marske win would give them something to think about and do Synners another favour.

Marske have a fully-fit squad but must decide whether to include key midfielder Austin Johnston, who is one yellow card away from a ban.

Synners are at sixth-placed Dunston with manager Conrad Hillerby believing they need to win at least two of their remaining four games to stay up.

New midfield signing David Edwards is back but Stevie Huggins is still injured and Dan Dillon sits out the penultimate game of a six-match ban.

Norton need to get their promotion bid back on track at Northallerton after missing out on the chance to go second in Division Two in Wednesday’s 1-0 home defeat to Hebburn.

The Ancients hit the post in the first half through Rocky Andrews, but Channon North’s header ended Norton’s unbeaten home record with just one more game at Station Road to go.

After beating Ryton 1-0 at home with a Nathan Porritt goal on Tuesday, top six chasers Thornaby are back at Teesdale Park tomorrow against Ryhope.

Defender Michael Joseph is re-signing for the club from Norton.

Billingham Town have Michael Dalton, Ian Bishop and Alan Taylor back for their home game against bottom side Brandon. Stokesley are back out again next weekend, when they visit Birtley.

Rugby preview: Redcar handed double fitness boost as they look to keep the heat on promotion hopefuls Acklam

Redcar Rugby Club stalwart Neil Young will make his first start of the season tomorrow as the Seasiders’ plot a last-gasp promotion coup.

Young has not featured since suffering a knee ligament injury in August, but is set to start at second row against Whitley Bay Rockliff.

Meanwhile coach Richie Young, Neil’s younger brother, will start at fly-half - his first appearance since breaking his arm in October. The Mackinlay Park outfit sit third in Durham and North Two, four points adrift of rivals Acklam who occupy the second promotion spot behind runaway leaders Ponteland.

Five wins in their last six has given Redcar plenty of momentum, and with Acklam still to travel to champions-elect Ponteland, Redcar are confident that three wins will see them promoted.

“It’s going to be a massive match,” Neil said, days after also taking over as club chairman.

“We are in between a rock and a hard place really, as we know we’re good enough to get promoted but we also know we will struggle at the level above if we do.

“We’ve finished third for the last two seasons and you can’t keep throwing away the opportunity when it comes along.

“So we’re looking to win the last three matches and capitalise on any slip-up above us.

“When you’re at the top and in the driving seat for promotion, every week is stressful. We know that from the beginning of the season.

“But we’re now going into matches without that pressure, and with the ability to play freely. It’s out of our hands.

“Hopefully I can be an experienced head on the pitch.

“If we’ve already scored four tries then we don’t need to be running around looking to score 60 points.

“It will be great to play with Richie for the first time this season. We’ve got nothing to lose and we’re going to enjoy it.”

Keeping a close eye on the Redcar match will be Acklam, who know three victories will definitely see them promoted.

Johan Otker’s side have won six out of their last seven matches, and tomorrow host Barnard Castle at Talbot Park.

With influential forward James Ffitch ruled out through injury, Acklam are relying on their squad so step up to the mark.

Patrick McCann and Patrick O’Brien both start for the Teessiders, but Dean Roberts is unavailable.

Acklam will be looking for maximum points on home soil, before facing Ponteland on April 11.

Rugby preview: Billingham, Guisborough and Stockton on the road, while Boro look to cement third place

Guisborough face the first of three “cup finals” as they close in on the Durham and North One title.

The Priorymen were in scintillating form last weekend as they wiped the floor with fourth-placed Consett, running out 78-0 winners.

It’s now the final away match of the season for Trevor Edwards’ side, as they head to struggling Blyth knowing any slip-up could be fatal.

A bonus point victory is crucial for Guisborough, as they remain above Morpeth only on points difference. Their Northumbrian title rivals face a tough trip to third-placed Durham City.

In the same division, Stockton head to Gosforth keen to make amends for the 29-25 home defeat in November’s reverse fixture.

Last weekend’s win over Ryton saw Stockton cement sixth spot, but they will be without quartet Liam Healy, Martin Dixon, Matt Austen and Tom Nelson this weekend.

Full-back Jonny Horner and centre Joel Simpson are also unavailable, so Dan Phinn and Ritchie Brown return.

In National Three North, Billingham can edge closer to the top five with a victory at Huddersfield YMCA.

Last weekend saw the Teessiders beat Cleckheaton at Greenwood Road, and captain Peter Evans has demanded three wins to round off a successful season.

Middlesbrough host Yarnbury in Yorkshire One looking to cement third place, while Yarm host Chester-le-Street in Durham and North Three’s mid-table battle.

Kenneth Omeruo says he's ready for Premier League football with Chelsea

His appearances for Boro may have been limited of late, but on loan defender Kenneth Omeruo is confident he is ready to play Premier League football for Chelsea.

The Nigerian has been on Teesside since last January and played in the World Cup for his country in the summer.

He has found himself out of favour under Aitor Karanka in recent months but says he is excited to return to Stamford Bridge.

Omeruo told BBC Sport: "I've gained great experience and wait for the chance to be in the Premier League next season.

"I'm confident I can break into Chelsea's first team at some point. Chelsea knows that too, if not I wouldn't have a long-term contract."

The 21-year-old has enjoyed playing in the Championship and believes he has gained valuable experience.

Middlesbrough's Kenneth Omeruo

"If you look at the teams who were relegated last season from the Premier League, they are struggling to get to the play-offs positions. So that tells you how hard the league is. It is a strong, physical league and you have to always be mentally ready," he said.

"I still have to take things step by step," he said. "I have to stay focused on Middlesbrough and help the team the best way I can."

Omeruo will hope to play a part in the run-in as Boro face a critical seven games in their bid to seal an automatic promotion place.

He added: "We have been doing good the past few weeks. There are some games we could have done better but we are still in third place.

"We are looking forward to the next game and giving our best. Everyone knows in the club the target is to win the league or be second.

"I am confident we will get promotion."

Man and woman arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment as police probe Middlesbrough stabbings

Detectives investigating two stabbings in Middlesbrough have made two arrests.

Cleveland Police has arrested a 46-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman on suspicion of false imprisonment.

It comes after two men were discovered with stab wounds in separate properties in central Middlesbrough this morning.

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One, a 41-year-old, was found an address on Park Lane at around 7.10am. The second man, a 35-year-old, was located at an address on nearby Myrtle Street.

Both men were taken to James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, and the University of North Tees, in Stockton, respectively for treatment.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said that “the injuries are not believed to be life threatening”.

Cordons were put up around Park Lane in central Middlesbrough, close to the university, and on nearby Myrtle Street while inquiries were carried out this morning.

One female resident of Myrtle Street, who did not want to be named, said: “All I know is a man was brought out with cuts on his arm, and a lady was taken out, but not in handcuffs or anything.

“We are quite friendly with the neighbours really, most of us know each other. We don’t know the people in that house though.

“We don’t usually get any trouble.”

Another resident said: “It’s nearly all old age pensioners on the street.

“They’ve only been in maybe about eight months so we don’t know them.”

Police cordoned off a large area around the Park Lane address, restricting access through surrounding Aubrey Street and Egerton Street, and officers were also knocking on doors in nearby Victoria Road.

The incident comes just three weeks after another stabbing on nearby Errol Street.

Police were called at 10.20am on Friday, March 6, after a 33-year-old man was been stabbed in the buttocks.

The victim was taken to James Cook University Hospital but left without receiving treatment.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman, who confirmed no arrests have been made in connection with the Errol Street crime, said they are not linking the two incidents at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Can you identify the missing men from ten more Boro line-ups?

Earlier this week thousands of Boro fans racked their brains to try and remember famous line-ups in our first missing men quiz .

We've made this one slightly harder - we hope - and take in famous wins over top sides in the Premier League as well as the last game at Ayresome Park and the club's last game before relegation.

Over to you to identify the player who's missing from each XI.

Cleveland Police force implements body worn video to capture evidence of crimes as they happen

Cameras worn by police officers to capture crime are being implemented throughout Cleveland Police force.

The cameras are expected to capture evidence of crimes as they happen and reduce confrontations while enhancing accountability, increasing public confidence and reducing complaints.

Body worn video, which has been funded by the Ministry of Justice Competed Fund through the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland, Barry Coppinger, will primarily be used to capture evidence at scenes of domestic abuse, however, it will also be available to the support the investigation of other crimes.

The Reveal Media RS3SX cameras are already being used by 30 of the 42 forces up and down the country.

They record audio and video which gives officers an immediate and exact record of anything they are dealing with as well as the effects that an incident can have on a victim and others present at the time.

Cleveland Police acting deputy Chief Constable, Simon Nickless, said: “Body worn video has been used for some time in several other forces across the country and it has been shown to be very useful operationally. For example, it has been seen to moderate the behaviour of some people who are acting aggressively, both in domestic abuse and public order situations.

“It will provide strong additional evidence for use in court and it is hoped that it will help increase public confidence. In addition, our officers face threats of danger on the streets every single day and body worn video will go some way to protect them from harm.

“As police officers we aim to protect members of the public and their property, and prevent, detect and investigate crime and prevent public disorder. I am confident that body worn video will assist us further in doing so.”

Body worn video will be highly visible on an officers’ uniform and recordings will only be activated when an officer considers that this is necessary in the circumstances.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Barry Coppinger, said: “As part of a joint effort in tackling violence against men and women with PCC for Durham Ron Hogg and PCC for Northumbria Vera Baird, we applied for the funds to implement body worn video in Cleveland.

“The cameras will assist the police in dealing with potentially dangerous incidents and it could help bring more criminals to justice.”

Footage can be used as evidence to assist with the grounds of an arrest and can be shared with the Crown Prosecution Service, defence professionals and the courts to support a prosecution.

All recorded footage will be subject to legal safeguards and guidance set by the Information Commissioner and the Home Office. Non-evidential recordings are automatically deleted after 31 days.

Charity party to mark 40 years since Radio Tees hit the airwaves

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It's the radio station which helped launch the broadcasting careers of people like Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling.

And now, 40 years after Radio Tees first hit the airwaves, former presenters, staff and listeners are reuniting for a party.

When Les Ross hosted the first Radio Tees breakfast show on June 24, 1975, it heralded a new era for radio on Teesside.

Broadcasting from old water board offices in Dovecot Street, Stockton, Radio Tees - 257m on the medium wave, 95VHF - was our area’s first commercial radio station. And over the years, through its Radio Tees and Tfm guises, it has helped give several top brodcasting names a springboard to success.

As well as Jeff Stelling, behind the microphone in those Radio Tees days were the likes of news man Mark Mardell, who now presents on Radio 4 and was the BBC’s Europe editor, Alex Lester, who found fame as the “Dark Lord” of BBC Radio 2, Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Roger Lewis, Peter Bowes, who is now the BBC’s correspondent in LA, former Walt Disney Company senior vice president Paul Robinson and Boro announcer Mark Page, who had a stint with Radio One from 1983-86.

Others included Kevin Keatings, now a TV football commentator, Alastair Pirrie, who presented hit TV kids’ pop show Razzmatazz with Lisa Stansfield, former breakfast TV weathergirl Wincey Willis, Recognition PR founder Graham Robb and John Simons, now a respectednational radio executive.

By 1988 the station relaunched as Tfm 96.60, with popular names like Les Gunn, Mark Matthews, Nick Piercey, John Foster, Mark Powell, Tom Davis, Judie McCourt and more.

And even though the Tfm name still lives on, broadcasting moved from Teesdale to Newcastle in 2013.

The party organisers are John Foster - now a presenter on BBC Tees - and Richard Kell, who fondly recall working for the station.

Richard said: “Down the years, former employees have been in touch, wondering if there was going to be a reunion and because we both love the history and heritage of the stations, we decided to go for it.”

The party will be held on Friday, June 19 at the Thistle Hotel in Middlesbrough. Tickets are £10, including a donation to the Butterwick Hospice.

For more information, visit www.tfm257.co.uk

View: Take a look around the new £4.5m Barker and Stonehouse store at Teesside Park

It’s ready!

And the £4.5m flagship Barker and Stonehouse store is sure to wow customers when it opens its doors to the public tomorrow.

Legendary cook Mary Berry is set to do the honours alongside managing director James Barker, whose grandfather founded the store.

The store is on the site of the old Springs gym at Teesside Park - a gateway to the retail destination.

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James, 48, who lives near Northallerton, said: “It’s been a lot of hard work - and a lot of hard work from the team.

“The staff have done a fantastic job.

“It’s been excellent to work with them and get that extra bit from the experience that makes it all worthwhile.

“We are all very excited about what we have achieved.”

Glass frontage and sides allows the 48,270sq ft store to be flooded with light.

Strand out features include a living wall - with a self sufficient water irrigation system coming from a 9,500 litre tank from the roof top - a cafe headed up by the former owner of renowned Norton eatery Cafe Lily and exposed steel girders weighing 270 tonnes.

In the near future there will also be a grassed roof terrace, overlooking the nearby Thornaby Golf Club course.

Much of the decor within the store has a reclaimed theme - with one wall covered in wood from ships in India.

Eye catching columns made from vintage books are another talking point along with gleaming polished concrete floors to tie in with the industrial theme.

The store is full of nods to the past - with the founder Charles Barker’s motorbike taking centre stage.

It signifies a full circle for the company - which now has stores nationwide - that has now ‘returned to its roots’ according to its sales blurb.

Barker and Stonehouse - which will have its new head office at the Teesside Park site - was formed during the second world war.

RAF men Charles Barker and Alex Stonehouse opened the first Barker and Stonehouse store on Bishopton Lane, Stockton, in early 1946.

They were joined by Charles’ brother, Frank Barker, in late 1946 when the first Middlesbrough store opened in Newport Road.

Customers will have the opportunity to attend Q&A sessions with Mary, win signed copies of her latest book and browse the new store throughout the day tomorrow, with the grand opening starting from 10am.

Mum and four children left homeless after devastating fire at Grove Hill house

A mum and her four children have been left homeless after a devastating fire at a house in Middlesbrough.

Hayliegh Venis managed to flee to safety from the property on Deal Court in Grove Hill after a fire in the outhouse.

Fortunately no-one was injured. But the 25-year-old tearfully told how her newly-decorated home and all its contents have been left covered in soot from the flames.

“Everything is ruined,” she said. “All the kids clothes, shoes, it all stinks of smoke.

“I’d been decorating, I’d just done the passage and stairs and painted the front room. But everything is black.”

The fire is believed to have started in an outhouse at about 8.20pm last night.

Hayliegh was at home with her three eldest children, Harvey, eight, and his friend Bailey, five-year-old Marshall and three-year-old Dawson.

Left to right: Marshall, Bella, Harvey and Dawson

The mum had quickly ran over to her friend’s house opposite when she noticed the smell of smoke in the air.

“It was like burnt toast. It wasn’t strong and I didn’t think anything of it,” she said.

“Then someone who I didn’t know was shouting there was a fire at the back of my house.

“I could see lots of black smoke and started screaming trying to get the back door open. I was going to try and put it out but I’m so glad I couldn’t open the door or I’d have had no face left.

“The two little ones were in bed and Harvey and my friend’s little boy Bailey was round playing in the front room.

“My daughter Bella was out.

“The boys ran out and I ran upstairs and grabbed Dawson and Marshall. They were hysterical because I’d dragged them out of bed.

“By the time I got the kids down there were flames coming through the door.

“I was in a such a panic, shouting for someone to call the fire brigade.”

Two fire engines from Middlesbrough and one from the Marine Fire Station rushed to the scene and extinguished the flames.

The outhouse was destroyed by the fire and the flames also damaged the kitchen and hallway. The rest of the house was left severely smoke-logged.

Scene of a fire at Deal Court, Grove Hill

Hayliegh is at a loss as to how the fire started.

“I’ve no idea. It’s filled with my ex-partner’s crap - I’d been waiting to get a skip to get rid of it all.

“I never go in it, last time I opened it was last Friday.

She is unable to return inside the house to start until a fire investigation is complete.

The children have been staying with her mum and she has been with a neighbour while the investigations take place.

Despite the devastation, brave Hayliegh says she will battle on and is determined to stay at the property.

“This is my home,” she said. “I’ve been here for four years and five months and I’m not moving.”

“I want to get back in to see what is left but I don’t think much there is much.

“All the kids shoes are ruined, my little girl’s white coat is black.”

The community of Grove Hill is already rallying round for her.

People have offered to help with washing and redecorating and donations of clothes, toys and furniture are being taken to the Community Hub on Bishopton Road.

Donna Marshall from the Hub said: “One thing about Grove Hill is, in a crisis this community pulls together and we help each other out so i’m asking for help.”

Stockton paedophile John Rudd jailed after vigilante group set trap to catch him

A Stockton man who thought he was meeting a 14-year-old girl but was being tricked by a group of internet paedophile hunters has been jailed for a year.

John Rudd, 57, from Appleton Road contacted a fake profile set up by the group Dark Justice and arranged a meeting even after being told the “girl” was under-age.

When Rudd travelled to Newcastle for the illegal rendezvous, he was shocked to find two men in their 20s armed with a video camera waiting for him on the Millennium Bridge.

Rudd was arrested minutes later, and Dark Justice made statements to the police.

The sex offender was charged with attempting to meet a child after secular grooming.

He admitted the offence and was sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court, just yards from where Dark Justice’s sting operation took place in November.

John Rudd leaving Newcastle Crown Court

Judge Penny Moreland jailed him for a year and placed him on the Sex Offenders’ Register for 10 years.

The vigilantes, who describe themselves as concerned citizens, set up a profile on the site Badoo in the name Donna.

When Rudd was caught, Dark Justice filmed him saying: “I just feel stupid.”

Dark Justice revealed outside the court that members wear bullet-proof vests for their meetings.

They hope publicity might make paedophiles reconsider trying to meet children, and raise awareness among parents.

How weekly stroll along Redcar's South Gare led to a life-saving phone call

When Peter Collins took his weekly stroll along Redcar’s South Gare, he never imagined how his day would turn out.

As he braved the beach in cold and blustery conditions, he witnessed a giant wave sweep a fisherman into the water.

Peter played a vital part in the man’s rescue, who thankfully made a full recovery.

Peter was with his brothers Andrew and Steven when he noticed three men walking towards the lighthouse at the end of the gare on Saturday.

Feeling uneasy about how close the men were to the water’s edge, Peter - from Normanby - kept watching to see where they were heading.

As he looked back, he saw a giant wave smash onto the concrete edge, sweeping the men’s feet from under them and dragging them into the water.

“Two of them managed to get out and came running towards me screaming ‘Help, Help’,” said the business administrator.

“I think they were in complete shock because I tried to ask them if they had phoned for help, but they weren’t making much sense at all.

“I knew that I had to act quickly and ring the coastguard because within a couple of minutes, the man in the sea was already about 30 metres out.

“He was on his back shouting and screaming, heading towards the windmills.

“Luckily I always carry my phone in my hand, it’s a habit of mine, so I rang 999 and tried not to lose site of him.

“The coastguard kept telling me not to lose him because if we did it he would be in trouble.

“I had a pair of binoculars and he had a fluorescent jacket on which made it easier for me to see him, but at one point it looked like he went under.”

Peter stayed on the phone for 12 minutes and 55 seconds - the time it took the Hartlepool RNLI lifeboat - to reach Michael Soley and rescue him.

Ian Cooper

Michael Sorley was fishing with his father Michael (left) and brother Rory (right) when he was washed off the South Gare

Michael, from Darlington, spent three days in James Cook University Hospital, after doctors worked on him in resuscitation for two and a half hours but luckily escaped with only scratches and bruises.

Peter, who works for Coast and Country Housing, said: “I am just glad he is Okay.

“Afterwards I kept thinking about him and wondering how he was, so when I read in The Gazette that he was Okay, I was relieved.

“It really is a miracle that he was rescued because at one point I was terrified he had gone under.

“Even when they pulled him out, I wasn’t sure if he would make it as it didn’t look good.

“The lifeboat got to him so quickly, another five minutes and I think it would have been a different story.

“I read that they were in the water on a training mission which I guess is lucky for him.

“I played my part in helping to rescue him but really I was just in the right place at the right time and did what anyone else would have done.

“To me, the lesson to be learned is always have your phone on you as you never know when you might need it and you could end up saving someone’s life.”

Person spotted towing boat through seaside town - with an electric mobility scooter

A person has been seen towing a boat behind an electric mobility scooter through a seaside town.

The unusual incident was captured by Nigel Swinburne, a plasterer from Hartlepool, who could not believe his eyes as the person drove past him.

The scooter has a trailer attached to the back of it and a boat on top of the trailer.

Mr Swinburne, who was working on the outside of a house on Sheriff Street at the time, said: “I thought there’s a boat coming towards me and then ‘oh it’s being towed by a mobility scooter’.

“Obviously I was a bit shocked, that’s why I only got the picture when it had passed me. The person didn’t seem that old.”

Other pictures of the strange event have also appeared on Facebook, as well as a video of the person towing the trailer without the boat in it.

When asked, Cleveland Police said it was legal for the boat to be towed by the scooter.

Heavy defeat for Redcar Bears to Workington Comets on opening night

Looking on the bright side, things can only get better.

As opening nights of the season go, this was the exact polar opposite of what Redcar Bears had been hoping for as they ushered in the 2015 campaign at the Media Prima Arena with a thumping 56-36 defeat by Workington Comets.

A heavy home defeat, a nasty crash which led to skipper Stuart Robson being taken to hospital, Jan Graversen blowing his first choice motor in his opening ride and double Bear of the Year Hugh Skidmore struggling to make an impact due to suffering from tonsillitis… It really was one of those nights.

Robbo’s crash came in heat seven of the Ecco Finishing Bears’ A66 Challenge match when he lost a chain going into the first turn on lap two and he banged into the fence. Rafal Konopka looked like he was going to end up on the wrong side of the fence trying to avoid him but avoid him he did – although he took a closer look at the air fence too, severely damaging his frame in the process.

Robson, who had won his opening ride, was loaded into the ambulance and after a lengthy hold-up, taken to hospital with concussion, leg and arm injuries. He’ll definitely miss the return leg at Workington tomorrow although the Bears management hope he’ll be fit for next Thursday’s Premier League trip to Sheffield.

By the time Robbo came to grief, the Bears were already 23-16 down and facing an uphill battle. They’d conceded 5-1s in the first two heats and already used the black and white tactical double helmet colour.

New No 1 Lasse Bjerre had taken the tactical ride and earned the Bears a rare race win but that heat six 6-3 proved to be the only time they got the better of their visitors.

Without Robson the task was made so much more difficult and the Comets steadily extended their lead as the night went on.

It wasn’t all doom and gloom for the home fans though. Bjerre came from behind as he became the only man to take a point from Rene Bach all night and looks to have all the hallmarks of a fine No 1 while Matej Kus scored well on his return to Teesside.

Both were up for a battle too. In a cracking heat 12 Kus used every inch of the track, inside and outside, as he fought his way past Nicki Barrett to lead, only for Bach to come surging through for one of his four race wins.

And next time out, in another contender for race of the season, early leader Bjerre suddenly found himself back in third place before fighting his way past Kyle Howarth and you could have thrown a tea towel over the first three as they crossed the line.

Comets No 1 Kenneth Hansen missed the meeting (his team-mates scored a paid maximum from rider replacement in his absence) after being told there was a 90% chance he had testicular cancer. However further tests revealed he doesn’t after all have cancer which is excellent news.

BEARS: Lasse Bjerre 14, Matej Kus 9+2, Rafal Konopka 5, Stuart Robson 3 (w/d), Jan Graversen 2, Hugh Skidmore 2, Ben Morley 1.

COMETS: Rene Bach 14, Ricky Wells 13, Kyle Howarth 11+2, Rusty Harrison 7+2, Nicki Barrett 7+1, Nathan Greaves 4+2, R/R for Kenneth Hansen.

Stockton Calling organisers reveal their 'ones to watch' at multi venue event

The countdown has started to Teesside one day music fest Stockton Calling.

And organisers have revealed their ‘ones to watch’ at the multi venue event set to span eight stages across the town next weekend.

Now in its sixth year, the event returns after four consecutive sell-outs with headliners including the likes of The Ordinary Boys and ska legend Neville Staple and his band, both set to play the stage at Arc.

Rising talent is also key part of Stockton Calling - ones to watch are Liverpool’s Tea Street Band and Mod revivalists The Sherlocks and The Spitfires.

Avant Garde sounds comes to of The Georgian Theatre in the shape of headliner Clinic who don attire that’s more suited to the operating theatre than music stage. Sunderland’s Slug also join the stage bringing their mix of funk-rock- electronica.

The Green Room’s highlight is Birmingham’s quirky collective Misty’s Big Adventure and The British IBM visit The Vault with their geeky computer inspired set list.

The Sun Inn stage will be outputting a heavy dose of rock with Allusondrugs, Forever Cult and The Storyteller’s headliners Fatherson return to play to their army of fans on Teesside.

Acoustic acts feature across all stages, big ones to catch are the harmony heavy five-piece Lilliput, hotly tipped Seafret and front-man of Dodgy Nigel R Clark who headlines the intimate stage at The Vault.

Homegrown talent also features - sets comes from Billy The Kid (of Young Rebel Set), Avalanche Party, Goy Boy McIlroy, Weird Shapes, Girl Sweat, The Broken Broadcast, Dinnernanny, Abel Raise The Cain and Kingsley Chapman & The Murder.

The event kicks off at 1.30pm on Saturday April 4. Tickets are £15 advance, £18 on the day. Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult. http://bit.ly/1wDAhRg for more information.

Jonathon Taylor: 'International break not much fun for fans, but Aitor Karanka and Boro will be delighted'

Does anyone else feel that shudder of despondency every time an international break comes along?

The most exciting Championship season in years has been put on hold and replaced by the monotony of yet another qualifying campaign.

It’s not a case of being ‘anti-England’ or not wanting the national team to do well. Some of football’s most treasured memories have come in international football.

But the timing of this particular stoppage in the domestic season has come at an irritating time for many football fans.

Aitor Karanka

The Championship promotion race has never been tighter. Every weekend throws up something different - the unnerving unpredictability of the division is glorious.

But all of that now goes on hold as England host Lithuania tonight in Wembley’s latest dead-rubber, before Tuesday’s friendly with Italy.

I will be the first to cheer Roy Hodgson’s men on at the European Championships, and I know how the qualification process works. These matches have to be played at some time.

But does it have to fall at the most exciting part of the domestic season? It’s like a theatrical production leading up to the grand finale, and then cutting for a 15-minute break.

Boro are one of eight teams with a genuine chance of clinching promotion to the Premier League. There’s only seven games to go and fans are daring to dream.

But now we must put all of those emotions, those hopes, those dreams to one side. It’s all a bit inconvenient.

But make no mistake, Aitor Karanka and Boro will be delighted.

Three gruelling matches against play-off rivals inside a week has taken its toll. Boro are on their knees.

After grinding out the three points against Derby, you could tell Boro were struggling at Bournemouth. The Cherries were excellent on the day, but Karanka’s side were far from at their best.

When you speak to any Boro player this season, one thing is always consistent - what they say about Karanka.

The meticulous Spaniard leaves no stone unturned in terms of the team’s preparation.

George Friend in training

“The manager prepares every aspect of the game and gives you detailed information and instructions,” George Friend recently revealed.

“He covers all the bases, all the possibilities. We watch clips and know what to expect from every player in every game, every set-play.

“He is the most meticulous manager I have ever worked with and that’s probably why he is also the best manager I have ever worked with.”

That preparation has been pushed to the limit in recent weeks with Boro having only a couple of days between matches.

But the international break has fallen at a perfect time for Boro’s walking wounded, and Karanka now has vital time to focus his troops ahead of the final push.

There’s arguably no better tactician in the Championship than Karanka. If you look at how Boro have fared after international stoppages this season, the trend is clear to see.

After back-to-back home defeats against Sheffield Wednesday and Reading in August, Boro had a fortnight on the training ground.

They won the next three games against Huddersfield, Cardiff and Brentford, scoring seven goals in the process.

The next stoppage was in October after the 2-0 home win over Fulham. Boro had an extra week of training at Rockliffe Park, and followed that up with a win at Brighton, and lost only one of their next six.

After that? The goalless draw with Bournemouth was the last match before another stoppage - and that extra little bit of time saw Boro go on an incredible run of only one defeat in 15, including wins against Derby, Brentford and Man City.

Daniel Ayala will benefit from extra time off

Boro’s recent so-called ‘fixturebomb’ saw them play nine games in 29 days, a run that brought four wins and four defeats.

The team received a much-needed seven days of respite after the 2-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest, and with a whole week on the training pitch, Boro came back firing and put Ipswich to the sword at the Riverside.

So this international break has come at the perfect time.

Daniel Ayala, Jonathan Woodgate and Patrick Bamford should all benefit from the extra time to shake off knocks, and be fit and firing for Boro’s home clash with Wigan on Good Friday.

But as fans settle down to watch England tonight, that familiar feeling of despondency will be there.

The international break has come at a good time for Boro - but certainly not for the fans.

Police make inquiries after two men found with stab wounds in Middlesbrough houses

Two men have been taken to hospital with stab wounds after they were found at separate Middlesbrough houses.

Cordons remain in place around Park Lane in central Middlesbrough, close to the university, and on nearby Myrtle Street while inquiries were carried out this morning.

Cleveland Police said officers were called to a terraced home on Park Lane at around 7.10am where a 41-year-old man was found with stab injuries.

VIEW GALLERY

A second man aged 35 who had also suffered stab injuries was located at a house on Myrtle Street.

Both men were taken to hospital for treatment, although the injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

One female resident of Myrtle Street, who did not want to be named, said: “All I know is a man was brought out with cuts on his arm, and a lady was taken out, but not in handcuffs or anything.

“We are quite friendly with the neighbours really, most of us know each other. We don’t know the people in that house though.

“We don’t usually get any trouble.”

Another resident said: “It’s nearly all old age pensioners on the street.

“They’ve only been in maybe about eight months so we don’t know them.”

Police cordoned off a large area around the Park Lane address, restricting access through surrounding Aubrey Street and Egerton Street, and officers were also knocking on doors in nearby Victoria Road.

Family fun: 20 things to do with the kids on Teesside this Easter

Two weeks of school holidays - so much time to keep the kids entertained. There’s lots going on around Teesside when it comes to a spot of family fun this Easter.

Here’s a lost of 20 things you can do with the little ‘uns:

1. Take in a show at Arc, Stockton

The classic Swiss tale of Pitschi, The Kitten With Dreams takes to the stage on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 April - an endearing story about a little feline who wants to leave kitten-play behind and become a different, less boisterous animal. She soon finds out she can be happy just being herself thanks to the help of some animals including a friendly goat, a rooster and a duck.

The shows are followed by a free arts and crafts workshop for the chance to get creative and make face masks. Arc will also host two screenings of the Shaun the Sheep Movie on Saturday March 28 and Saturday April 4. www.arconline.co.uk for ticket prices and info - and more on Arc’s event line up.

2. The circus is coming to town. Paulo’s Circus brings its 2015 tour to Stokesley Showground from March 31 to April 12 with clowns, acrobats, aerial straps, magic, wire walkers, jugglers and more. Perfomance times daily at 3pm and 6pm, http://on.fb.me/1ID3Tjz for more info and ticket prices.

Gareth Southgate

3. Take in a footy match at the Riverside. Gareth Southgate’s England U21s take on Germany’s U21s at the Boro stadium on Monday March 30, tickets are £1 for under 18s, £10 for adults.

4. Hillstreet Shopping Centre, Middlesbrough is hosting an Easter Eggstravaganza. Visitors can cast their vote for a local worthy cause on the centre’s facebook page and be in with a chance of winning a giant luxury Easter egg and there will be an array of Easter events between March 30 and April 4 including a balloon artist and face painter.

5. Go for an Easter adventure on the moors.

Children’s craft activities, adventure days and Easter trails are on offer at The Moors National Park Centre, Danby where little ones can make everything from bunny ears to birds and kites or learn how to use a compass. The National Park Authority has teamed up with East Barnby Outdoor Centre to offer older children (aged nine to 16) three adventure days with activities such as canoeing, sailing, orienteering, mountain biking, bushcraft and more. Booking is required for all events apart from the Easter Trail, http://bit.ly/1ID3VYB for more information.

6. Be an ‘Eggsplorer’ with the National Trust this Easter - the Cadbury Eggsplorers Easter Egg Trail takes place at Ormesby Hall, Middlesbrough on April 5 and 6. Follow the clues, answer the questions and complete the challenges to find your way to a prize, cost £2.

Alice in Wonderland family events weekend at Kiplin Hall

7. Hurry down to Kiplin Hall this Easter weekend and join in the Alice in Wonderland themed fun for families in the house and gardens.

Follow the White Rabbit and Playing Card trails, meet the Mad Hatter, bring some grown-ups for a pot of Mad Hatter tea and enjoy a cake whilst the Dormouse is asleep at the hall near Richmond, North Yorkshire.

www.kiplinhall.co.uk for opening times and prices.

8. An Easter farmyard fun party will be held at North Ormesby Community Hub, Derwent Street 3pm-5pm, Monday March 30 with disco, fancy dress, games, face painting, Easter themed arts and crafts, a tombola, raffle, a visit from the Fire Brigade - and the farmyard bus with its animals. Tickets are £1 per child from the community centre on 01642 726190 or 01642 207271. All children under the age of nine must be accompanied by an adult.

The Gazette

Captain Cook Birthplace Museum

9. Middlesbrough's Captain Cook Birthplace Museum reopens to the public on March 21 for its 2015 season. The Stewart Park museum will have a new exhibition Pacific Predators looking at the lifestyle of three ‘real life’ sea monsters and their significance to the traditional cultures Cook encountered.

Also on show will be objects including a replica of an 18th century New Zealand Maori carving and one of the few surviving examples of a rare book assembled from pieces of tapa cloth actually brought back from Cook’s voyages. Adult admission is £2, children/concessions £1.

10. Join the Easter bunny for the first ever Billingham Town Centre Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday April 4. Children and their families are invited to join the free event which starts at 10am in the heart of the town centre - and if you’re lucky enough to spot a chocolate treat hidden in shop windows around the town centre, it is yours to keep.

11. Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum opens its doors for 2015 on March 30 and there will be family events at Easter too including:

March 31: 1-3pm: Easter crafts - Make your own bird nest and eggs and April 7: 1-3pm: Blooming marvellous - spring scavenger hunt and flower model making.

12. Enjoy some thrills and spills.

Flamingo Land theme park and zoo, Malton, North Yorkshire and Lightwater Valley near Ripon both open their doors.

There will be an Easter Egg Hunt in Dino Dig over the Easter weekend and across every day of the Easter school holidays there will be an Easter Zoo Trail at Flamingoland, for more information and park opening times visit flamingoland.co.uk. http://bit.ly/1ID3VYI for opening times, prices - and a list of all the rides.

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13. Go down on the farm at Newham Grange, Coulby Newham. The farm has a host of new arrivals just in time for Easter - see the chicks, piglets and lambs and the baby wallaby too. Complete the Easter Egg Trail around the farm or have a go at feeding the lambs. 01642 515729 for opening times and prices.

14. Enjoy Egg-cellent Egg and Spoon at Preston Park Museum, Eaglescliffe, Stockton - decorate a spoon and egg, then take them away with you to have a go at the classic ‘egg and spoon’ race game! Try not to drop your egg! March 30, 12.30pm - 3.30pm http://bit.ly/1ID3VYL

15. Forest fun comes in the shape of an April Fools Trail with craft session at Guisborough Forest & Walkway on April 1, 1pm-3pm, £2 and on April 8, Guisborough Forest & Walkway host an Easter Egg Trail with craft session, 1pm-3pm, £2

16. Hop over to Egglescliffe Library take part in their Annual Easter Egg Decorating Competition, suitable for children aged between four and 10, under 10s must be accompanied by an adult. Free but places are limited - to book contact Egglescliffe Library 01642 527959.

17. Frozen fever comes to town with Singalonga Frozen at Middlesbrough Theatre on Tuesday April 7 with a full screening of the hit Disney movie with lyrics on screen to help fans sing along with Anna and Elsa. http://bit.ly/1ID3WeY for more information and ticket prices.

18. Smash hit musical Wicked takes to the stage at Sunderland’s Empire Theatre from Tuesday March 31 to Saturday April 25. http://bit.ly/1ID3TQn for more information and tickets.

19. Lee Latchford Evans, Dani Harmer and Bobby Davro take to the stage for some Easter panto fun at Darlington Civic Theatre in Beauty and the Beast on Wednesday April 1 and Thursday April 2. http://bit.ly/1ID3Wf3 for more information.

The Farmyard Flyer

20. Visit the Farmyard Flyer when it stops in at Teesside Park on Thursday April 2.

The Flyer – a farm on a specially adapted double decker bus - will be parking up outside Costa from 10am until 3.30pm with April with its unusual crew of piglets, lambs, rabbits, calves, chickens and other farmyard favourites together with some alpacas in a horsebox beside the bus.