Stockton Calling: More than 60 bands will be performing in eight venues across the town

Calling all music fans - Stockton is the place to be today.

More than 60 bands will be performing in eight venues in the town centre as part of Stockton Calling.

Headline acts include The Ordinary Boys - famous for their chart-topping hit Boys Will Be Boys - who are performing at The Point in Arc at 9.30pm; The Pigeon Detectives - who will be on at the Ku Bar at 10.15pm; and Nigel R Clark - the lead singer of Dodgy - who will be on stage at Vault at 11pm.

McCormick kicked off the festival at The Storytellers on Prince Regent Street.

Middlesbrough singer-songwriter Steve McCormick - who uses his surname as his stage name - said after his set list: “It’s my first time here. It was brilliant.

“The Storytellers is fantastic, great people to work with.”

McCormick has been a singer for about five years and performs all over the North-east.

Over at The Point in Arc, friends Scott Hastings, Simon Gledwin and Ben Thompson were having a drink waiting for Andy Jones followed by Jamie Farrell to come on stage.

Ben, 23, an IT technician from Stillington, said: “This is our second year and we’re here for the night.”

Scott, also 23, a business travel consultant from Eaglescliffe, said: “We’re starting in the Arc and then going to all the different venues depending on who’s on.”

Simon, 23, who is about to start a new job in accounting and lives in Hartburn in Stockton, said: “It’s a good music scene in Stockton.”

Stockton Calling started in 2010 and has grown from three venues and 30 acts to eight venues and 70 acts.

Watch: Highlights from Boro's 1-0 win over Wigan at the Riverside

One down, six to go and Boro are back to the top of the pile.

Patrick Bamford's goal against Wigan was enough to give the hosts all three points in what was a nervous, scrappy affair at the Riverside.

Wigan never threatened in the first half but took a few more risks in the second after the introduction of Marc Antoine Fortune.

Aitor Karanka admitted the display was far from Boro's best but said all that mattered was the result, while Malky Mackay claimed the Latics deserved something from the game.

Here's your chance to watch the moments that mattered.

Redcar Bears deliver haul of Easter eggs to poorly kids at James Cook University Hospital

The Easter Bunny was busy so the Easter Bears dropped in to drop off these eggs and goodies for poorly kids in Middlesbrough.

The Redcar Bears Speedway have collected about 100 Easter eggs for the Children’s Ward in James Cook University Hospital.

For those too young or too poorly for chocolate, the bighearted bikers brought cuddly toys.

There was even a hamper packed with goodies for the ward to raffle off to make a bit of extra cash for the ward.

Four-year-old Jack Atkinson, from Redcar, got first choice and went straight for one of the smallest - until his mum and dad Linsey and Ian nudged him in the direction of a bigger one.

Redcar Bears Speedway racers stopped by the Childrens ward, Ward 21 at James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough to deliver Easter Egg Treats for the kids on the wards

Snuggled into his dad, he held tight to his extra egg on the way back to his hospital bed.

His mum Linsey said: “I think it’s brilliant that they do this.”

Little 20-month-old Annie Nicholson, from South Bank in Middlesbrough, was chuffed to bits with her teeny Milkybar Buttons egg as she ran off to her room pulling mum Emma Sharkey alongside her.

Laura Coyle, seven, from Redcar, said: “This is my second Twirl egg. I’m going to save it for Easter Sunday.”

When her mum, Melissa, asked her if she’d eat it as soon as she got back to her bed, she insisted she was definitely saving it!

Six-year-old Cole Gibson - with his mum Lauren, from Thornaby, - was also thrilled to have a choccie treat and to meet one of Redcar Speedway’s riders Rafal Knopoka, 22, who is originally from Poland but now lives in Stockton.

Redcar Bears Speedway racers stopped by the Childrens ward, Ward 21 at James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough to deliver Easter Egg Treats for the kids on the wards

Redcar Bears boss Brian Havelock said: “We found £50 on the track and no one claimed it so we bought some eggs with it.

“The rest have been donated by our members.

“This is our third year doing this. It’s nice to see the kiddies’ faces when they get the eggs.”

Redcar Racecourse to kick off 2015 season with Mad Hatter's Easter Bonnet parade

Redcar Racecourse’s greatly anticipated first meeting of the 2015 season is set to whip the crowd into a frenzy.

On Easter Monday, more than 5,000 people are expected to attend the Teesside racecourse to enjoy the seven races - along with a Mad Hatter’s Easter Bonnet parade featuring the man himself, the Easter Bunny, and Alice in Wonderland.

The annual event, sponsored by racehorse syndication company Pinnacle Racing, from Wynyard, and Market Cross Jewellers, is a family affair which attracts people from all over the North-east.

Caroline Smith, sales and marketing assistant at Redcar Racecourse, said: “This bank holiday promises plenty of fun for friends and family.

“You can expect lots of chocolate eggs, fancy dress, stilt walkers and a treasure hunt.”

After last year’s success, the racecourse has teamed up with local performing arts company Page2Stage, to help deliver another wonderful Easter Monday.

Director and lead tutor of Page2Stage, Kelly Fairhurst, said: “We’re really pleased to be working with Redcar Racecourse again.

We’ve themed the activities around Easter and there will be lots of familiar faces for the children, including Alice in Wonderland, who will help the children find the Easter bunny.”

On the day of the event, the front cover of the official racecard will feature the art work of one lucky young artist as part of Redcar Racecourse’s “egg-cellent” colouring-in competition.

The winner and their family will experience VIP treatment, a three-course meal, behind-the-scenes tour and an Easter egg for all the family.

For the 8th year running, Redcar Racecourse has frozen its general admission fees, making it the most affordable paid admission racecourse in Britain.

Amy Fair, general manager at Redcar Racecourse said: “It’s no secret that Teesside is facing economic challenges and that’s why we’re providing a family day out for £10 or less, for two adults with children aged 17 and under.”

Over the winter months, the racecourse has continued to invest in its facilities.

Many of the improvements will not be obvious to visitors, however keen-eyed racegoers may spot that the Parade Ring fencing and Petch Stand windows have been replaced.

This Easter bank holiday marks the first of 18 feature race days throughout the season, from April to November.

Admission prices start from £5 per adult and can be bought by calling 01642 484068 or at http://bit.ly/1C0IT0x.

Middlesbrough X Factor auditions: Low turnout at auditions for ITV1 hit show

It was a bit of a damp squib compared to the X Factor fever that has hit Middlesbrough on previous occasions.

Compared to the hundreds queueing for their turn to audition for the ITV1 show in previous years, it was more of a trickle of people arriving on Saturday morning of the auditions for their bid at stardom.

But it didn’t put off those that did turn up hoping to see their faces on the singing show.

Tom Jackson, a shop assistant from Redcar, said he was “surprised” to see the low turnout as he auditioned last year when it was “packed”.

The 26-year-old sang Ben E King’s Stand By Me and The Police’s Every Breath You Take and accompanied himself on the guitar.

“It went really well,” said Tom, who used to be in a Queen tribute act and studied music at Middlesbrough College and Teesside University.

“I auditioned last year and got through to the final stages of the auditions. Hopefully I’ll get further this time.”

Siblings Marina-Josephina and Asa Gears from Stillington, near Stockton, supported each other for their individual auditions.

Marina, 18, a drama and theatre studies student at Egglescliffe Sixth Form, went first and sang Justin Timberlake’s Cry Me A River and Birdie’s Skinny Love.

“It’s the first proper audition I’ve done,” said Marina, who sings in her sister Cherie’s group, Scarlet Street as well as on her own.

Asa, 16, also a student at Egglescliffe Sixth Form, said: “I sang Last Request by Paulo Nutini.

“I like sport more than singing but I come from a family of singers. It went alright.”

It was hopefully 10th time lucky for Antonio Marchellio Plutino, from Nunthorpe in Middlesbrough.

X Factor auditions at Hillstreet Centre, Middlesbrough - Antonio Marchellio Plutino

The 29-year-old horse psychologist has auditioned for X Factor every year since it began but hasn’t got past the audition stages.

He sang The Fugees’ Killing Me Softly in the audition pod. He said he’ll “never give up while the show is still running”.

Zak Weller, 18, a musical theatre student from Fairfield in Stockton, sang George Ezra’s Blame It On Me and Passenger’s Let Her Go.

“It went well hopefully,” he said. “It’s the first time I’ve auditioned for X Factor.”

Ronnie Bowman, 30, from Park End in Middlesbrough, was walking through the Hillstreet with his wife Ashley and three-week-old daughter Eva when he spotted the X Factor signs.

“I thought why not? I’ve never sang in my life except karaoke. I’ll probably sing something like Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

They won’t find out until “sometime before August” whether or not they have been successful in getting through to the next stage.

And who knows they may be joining their fellow Teessiders James Arthur - who won the show in 2012, Amelia Lily - who came third in 2011, Abi Alton - who reached the live shows in 2013 and Kerrianne Covell - who got to the Judges’ Houses stage last year.

Veteran Boro fans enjoy Good Friday football treat at the Riverside

A pair of veteran Boro fans enjoyed a special Easter treat when they were invited to the Riverside.

Maureen Dampier, 85, and Molly Martland, 97, were special guests at the stadium for the crunch match against Wigan yesterday.

The friends were given front row seats but as the weather was cold and wet, Molly decided to watch the game from the comfort of the lounge.

The 97-year-old has been a fan since she moved to Teesside from Essex in 1963.

Speaking just before kick-off, she said: “We used to go to Ayresome Park but my husband died 28 years ago and I’ve never been to watch them again since.

“The stadium is fantastic - it’s a vast improvement! I never dreamed I would be here in a million years!

“I would have loved to have gone out and if I’d been younger I would have done but I’m quite content to watch it here.”

The friends have followed every Boro result watching TV, listening to the radio and reading newspapers.

And each Sunday Molly, who lives in Saltersgill, Middlebrough, gets a taxi to Maureen’s Acklam home and they have lunch together.

This gives them the chance to discuss the previous day’s game.

They met two years ago at a lunch club run by the Tees Valley Royal Voluntary Service in Grove Hill and discovered a common interest in the team.

Maureen and Molly were helped by Jacky Johnson (left) and Ann Barker (right) from Tees Valley Royal Voluntary Service

It was there the chance to bag some tickets came about.

“They asked us if we had any ideas about where to go,” said Maureen.

“I said I would like to go to the Riverside because I’d never been.

“I’d seen it from the outside obviously but that was it. Next thing, Jane said she had some tickets and would we like to go.

“I’ve always enjoyed watching the game. I lived in Redcar when I was a young girl and used to go and watch Redcar Albion. My husband had a season ticket and used to go the games.

“I listen to Alastair Brownlee every Saturday. No-one comes to see me on a Saturday because they know I’m too busy listening to the radio!”

Maureen and Molly were accompanied at the game by Tees Valley Royal Voluntary Service manager Jane Hore and volunteers Jackie Johnston and Anne Barker.

Jackie visits Molly and Maureen regularly as a Royal Voluntary Service ‘befriender’ with the Tees Valley Good Neighbours scheme as well as helping in the kitchen at the Tuesday lunch club where Anne is also a helper.

Billingham teenager heads to Russia to represent the UK at UNESCO youth forum

Two teenage friends brought together through sport and a shared health challenge are heading to Russia to represent the UK at an international youth forum.

Ross Beall, 15, from Billingham, and Aidan Hewitt, 17, of Darlington, both suffer from type 1 diabetes, but it has not stopped them hosting international visitors at an annual World Youth Exchange – and playing their favourite sports ice hockey and football.

In fact, their strength of character and resolve in coping with their condition on a daily basis contributed to them being chosen as the only young people from the UK to join the UNESCO Youth Forum in St Petersburg this month.

The boys have already raised £1,000 towards the trip after regional legal practice BHP Law donated £500 from its grassroots fund with County Durham Community Foundation. Their friends and families have organised fundraising activities and Ross’s school, St Michael’s Academy in Billingham, and his mum’s work colleagues have also made donations.

The boys met at the Most Education World Youth Exchange at Durham University and instantly connected through their shared condition, which sees them having to monitor their blood sugar levels and self-administer insulin regularly every day.

The boys will be accompanied by Michael Briton, of North-east charity Youth World Foundation, and will live with host families in St Petersburg during their five-day trip. Ross, who plays for Billingham Stars U16s, wants to go to an ice hockey game and Aidan is hoping to watch FC Zenit Saint Petersburg play.

Ross, who was diagnosed with diabetes when he was three, said: “I’m most looking forward to the experience of being able to represent the UK, to give the best impression and also to make young people from other countries see that having a condition like type 1 diabetes doesn’t have to hold you back. If there is anyone else there with diabetes it would be good to get to know them and find out how they handle it.”

Aidan, who was diagnosed nine years ago, added: “I expect Russia to be very different but that’s what’s exciting - I’m going there to experience a different way of life.”

Claire Hewitt, business development manager at BHP Law, said: “The boys are an inspiration in how they overcome their conditions on a daily basis. The trip is a fantastic opportunity and they are amazing ambassadors for the UK – we were delighted to be able to support them.”

X Factor star Kerrianne Covell signs music management deal - and is jetting off to Dubai

X Factor star Kerrianne Covell has signed an international management deal - and is jetting off to Dubai.

The 24-year-old from Norton is “really excited” about the “amazing opportunity” she has been given.

Kerrianne has joined artist management company RU Listening Ltd and is heading east next week.

The talented singer - who reached the Judges’ Houses stage in X Factor last year - has been busy performing around the UK since her time on the ITV1 show.

“It’s really exciting,” said Kerrianne, who has amassed a loyal army of fan - who she affectionately calls Kerriettes - with almost 36,400 followers on Twitter and more than 17,100 ‘likes’ on her Facebook page.

“I’ve never been to Dubai before. I’ve never performed out of the country before. I can’t wait to get there and get in the studio.”

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Kerrianne, who will be in Dubai for around a month, will be performing two shows a week, spending some time in the recording studio as well as working with fellow RU Group company, RU Active, to get fitter.

“I’m also going to be working on my image over there,” she said. “If I’m going to be one of those artists that sings and dances for a couple of hours I need to be fitter.”

She admits she doesn’t “feel comfortable” currently with her body image and believes “toning up and getting fitter” will give her confidence the boost it needs.

“I can’t give 100% if I don’t feel 100% comfortable in myself,” she said.

Kerriane joins Middlesbrough singer-songwriter Samantha Durnan, whose career is soaring at RU Listening.

“I’m so excited to be joining Samantha at RU Listening,” said Kerrianne.

“Samantha is a good friend and a fantastic performer, and I just know I’m in great hands there. I’m thrilled at the possibility of working with the RU Active team in Dubai - what an opportunity.

“The management team is so nice. I feel like I’ve known them forever.”

Kerrianne is going to be working with a team of songwriters for her first original single.

“I don’t write at the moment but it’s something I’d like to do,” she said.

Once her single is finished, the next step will be working on her debut album.

RU Group executive chairman Richard Upshall said: “I’m really excited to announce the addition of Kerrianne Covell to the RU Listening team, and I want to welcome her into our family.

“She is such a talented performer and by working with RU Listening and RU Active I know she’s really going to flourish.

“There is some unbelievable talent coming out of the North-east region at the moment, and with Samantha Durnan already on board, there are definitely exciting times ahead for RU Listening.”

Norton man jailed after assaulting girlfriend, her mother and brother and ramming brother's car

A hot-headed young man attacked his girlfriend and her mother and brother and rammed the brother’s car, a court heard.

Christopher Stych, 26, was jailed for two years after he committed crimes in the face of a suspended prison sentence.

Revelations of a medical condition which might explain his violent episodes did not save Stych from jail.

Upset and emotional after he was unable to see his son on his seventh birthday, he kicked an alley gate at the back of his partner’s Stockton home.

When her mother told him to pull himself together and act his age, he punched her to the head, prosecutor David Crook told Teesside Crown Court.

He threw things about in the home, jumped on a glass coffee table and slashed a door with scissors.

When his girlfriend challenged him, he bit her right hand, punched her “several times” to the head and pushed her before he left on July 16 last year.

Stych’s girlfriend got into her brother’s car in tears, saying she could not deal with her relationship with Stych anymore, on September 1.

Stych followed in his car, bumping it at traffic lights then ramming the back bumper while it was moving.

With “inches” between the cars, Stych overtook then stopped in front, halting the two vehicles.

He shouted at his girlfriend, threatened her brother to “kick your head in” then threw punches at him.

They traded blows then, when the brother had him in a partial headlock, Stych bit his right thumb.

He got back into his car and accelerated into the front of the brother’s car at 30 to 35mph, forcing its owner to step out of the car’s path.

Stych drove off spitting blood at the other car, leaving an estimated £1,300 damage.

Stych, of Brinkburn Road, Norton, admitted dangerous driving, assault causing actual bodily harm, two common assaults and criminal damage.

He was given a four-month suspended prison sentence in April last year for possessing cannabis with intent to supply, three months before he started offending again.

Simon Walker, defending, said: “He is entirely ashamed of himself and wishes he could turn the clock back but he can’t.

“He can’t offer any explanation for why he did what he did.”

He said it recently emerged that Stych had changed since he was attacked himself in Stockton High Street on New Year’s Eve 2011. His criminal record started in 2012.

A doctor’s report of “an undiagnosed problem which ought to have received treatment before now” could offer some explanation for his over-the-top loss of control, added Mr Walker.

He said Stych had already served the equivalent of 242 days in custody for the first time and on curfew, and would not get psychological treatment in custody.

“Had he had it before, it’s arguable that he might not be here now,” said Mr Walker.

Judge Howard Crowson jailed Stych for two years and banned him from driving for 18 months.

Billingham fire: Electrical fault sparks fire in attic of house on Cambrian Road

A family escaped their Billingham home after an electrical fault sparked a fire in a converted loft.

Four fire engines attended the blaze at 7.15pm last night - two from Stockton Fire Station and one each from Billingham and Middlesbrough.

The fire had started in the converted loft of a house on Cambrian Road causing 30% fire damage and 50% smoke damage to the attic area.

No one was hurt in the incident and fire crews confirmed the family - grandparents, their daughter and a grandchild - were out of the property on arrival.

Fire crews spent an hour at the house extinguishing the fire.

The roof void of a neighbouring property also received smoke damage.

Stockton Fire Station watch manager Stuart Simpson said: “The fire was in a converted loft room which had stairs going into it.

“It was an electrical fault which caused the fire.

“No one was hurt. The family were outside the property when we arrived.”

Mum-of-four thanks Grove Hill community for helping rebuild her life after devastating blaze

A mum-of-four whose Middlesbrough home was devastated in a fire has thanked the community who are helping to rebuild her life.

Hayliegh Venis and her children were left with only the clothes on their backs after the mystery blaze last week.

Smoke from the fire in a outhouse had quickly swept through her house in Deal Court, wrecking furniture, carpets, curtains and her children’s clothes and toys.

The 25-year-old had only recently decorated and was left in tears by the damage caused to her home.

Hayliegh, who is currently living in temporary accommodation on Eden Road, said: “I went back in on Friday night and I took everything I could.

“I sat and went through it all for two days but everything was covered and I can’t get rid of the smell.”

News of the fire quickly spread and people came forward to help Hayliegh and her little ones.

Offers of help with washing and redecorating were made and piles of clothes, toys and furniture were taken to the Grove Hill Community Hub on Bishopton Road.

Scene of a fire at Deal Court, Grove Hill where a fire started in an outhouse before spreading to the house causing smoke damage to all mum, Hayliegh Venis (pictured) and her children's belongings.

“I went in on Monday - people have brought all sorts in for us. Clothes, lots of toys and shoes for the kids,” said Hayliegh.

“Anything that we don’t need or doesn’t fit is going to charity - it won’t go to waste.

“We’ve also got a three-seater sofa and a chair, cabinets and an oven.

“People have even brought Easter eggs for us.”

Hayliegh said she wished she could thank each and every person who had donated.

“They have been really lovely. It’s picked me up so much,” she said.

“There are so many people I want to say thankyou to - people who helped looked after the kids and took me in.

“I didn’t realise how many friends I had - people I didn’t even realise were friends.

“I am just so grateful and thankful.”

Hayliegh Venis

Hayliegh was at home with her three eldest children, Harvey, eight, and his friend Bailey, five-year-old Marshall and three-year-old Dawson when the fire started. Her one-year-old daughter Bella was not there at the time.

After noticing a smell of smoke, Hayliegh and the children had fled to the safety of the street.

No-one was injured but 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.

Investigations are continuing into the cause.