Shiv Sena backs forced ‘nasbandi’ for Muslims

In a potentially controversial statement, the Shiv Sena came out in support of forced sterilisation of Muslims in a bid to check their burgeoning population, here on Wednesday.

The party supported the recent call by All India Hindu Mahasabha vice-president Sadhvi Deva Thakur demanding forced ‘nasbandi’ (sterilisation) of Muslims and Christians to restrict their numbers in the country’s population.

“What she meant was family planning…She should not have uttered the word ‘nasbandi’. But family planning and population control are one and the same thing,” the Sena said in an editorial in the party mouthpiece Saamana on Wednesday on the sensitive issue.

However, it lamented that in our country, such forced sterlisation cannot be carried out even on stray dogs who rule the streets, courtesy support from animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi.

Targetting All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Asaduddin Owaisi, the Sena said that if he is so concerned about the plight of the Muslim community, he must first come out in support of family planning and ban on burqas (veil) for women.

“When we raise the demand for performing ‘nasbandi’ — sorry, family planning — it is in the best interests of the country and the Muslim community… With family planning, they will be able to feed and educate the children and live better lives…” the Sena said.

The Sena dismissed Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan’s statements that Muslims are poor so they produce more children, and then say poverty lures the Muslim youth to terrorism — “they should be clear once and for all about what exactly are the community’s problems and their increasing numbers.”

However, the Sena acknowledged how some Muslims have voluntarily adopted family planning for their own betterment — “It is not as if they incurred the wrath of Allah or that he crucified them… they are leading contented lives.”

“We are wasting time engaging in a useless debate on ‘nasbandi’ versus ‘family planning’… If nothing else, the Muslim leaders can at least sterilise (‘do nasbandi’) their communal ideology and save the country,” the Sena urged.

This is the latest attack by the Shiv Sena on the Muslim community. Two days ago, the party kicked up a controversy by reportedly demanding disenfranchising Indian Muslims from the country’s polity.

Following a nationwide furore, Saamana executive editor and MP Sanjay Raut has now claimed he was ‘misquoted’ as he had said “Muslims would not be used for political opportunism if they are not allowed to vote.”

–IANS

South Cleveland Heart Fund hits £500k milestone in latest fund-raising campaign

Help save Teesside lives . . . donate to the SCHF scanner appeal HERE

A charity dedicated to keeping a hospital unit at the leading edge has reached a milestone in its £1m fundraising appeal.

The South Cleveland Heart Fund (SCHF) has raised £500,000 since its campaign to improve the Cardiac MRI service was launched in June last year.

“We are all delighted,” said chairman Dr Adrian Davies.

“It would not have been possible if it was not for the fantastic donations we have had from generous people and the unit’s grateful patients and their relatives.”

Kind-hearted individuals, community groups and families are among those who have thoughtfully given to the SCHF since it launched its biggest appeal yet.

The charity, which helps to support the heart unit at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, needs to raise £1m to keep the centre at the forefront of cardiac medicine.

It plans to upgrade an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scanner and replace another at the hospital.

Graeme Souness at a cardiac scanner fundraiser at James Cook University Hospital

Currently there are four MRI scanners in the trust but only one is equipped to do cardiac scanning - an important technique which allows cardiac consultants to view the moving heart in high definition, from any angle, and without exposure to X-rays.

And now more than £500,000 is in the bank.

This is made up of cash the SCHF had already raised and money that charitable people have thoughtfully donated.

There are also things in the pipeline which will hopefully give the charity another big push.

A raffle has been launched by Middlesbrough Erimus Rotary Club with the aim of raising £100,000.

The club, with the support of almost 30 Rotary clubs across the region, has organised the Loving Hearts Raffle in the aim to raise one tenth of the money the charity is aiming to raise.

Some of the prizes on offer so far include a Skoda Citigo car, a home cinema system, a stay and a meal at Crathorne Hall, family days out and a “money can’t buy” opportunity to name an Eddie Stobart truck.

“This could well take us a big step further towards our goal and I am delighted that some of Teesside’s great industries are contributing to this vital appeal for the regional heart centre at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

“I am looking forward to reaching the target soon and getting the Cardiac MRI service up to where it should be.”

For more information, or to help, click here or send a cheque, payable to South Cleveland Heart Fund and marked “scanner appeal”, to treasurer Keith Robson, 117 Roman Road, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, TS5 5QB.

To find out where you can buy tickets for the raffle call 07954 689662.

#OnThisBoroDay 1997: Heartbreak for Boro in the Coca Cola Cup final replay with Leicester

What looked to be the dream season took its first twist when Steve Claridge broke Boro hearts in the 100th minute at Hillsborough.

It was on this day in 1997 when Boro, still smarting from conceding that last gasp sickener at Wembley, went in search of silverware at the second time of asking against Leicester.

But while Robson’s superstars had dominated the game underneath the Twin Towers and were only denied by that cruel late goal, fatigue caught up with them when the sides went at it again in Sheffield in the replay.

Boro gave their all, scrapped and battled until the very last second, and stood firm at the back throughout 90 agonising minutes but struggled to find the spark to cause the Foxes any problems at the other end.

For the first time in a unforgettable roller-coaster season, Boro were starting to show signs that their relentless fixture programme was catching up with them.

Just like it had been at Wembley, the Boro end was a sea of red at Hillsborough.

But while Boro had launched a wave of attacks in the capital, they were frustrated by Martin O’Neil’s well thought out tactical approach in the replay.

That said, Robson’s side weren’t exactly subjected to a barrage of attacks themselves and it wasn’t until 10 minutes into extra time when Leicester struck the matchwinning blow.

“We are disappointed to lose,” admitted Robson.

“You need a little bit of good fortune to win a cup and we didn’t get it.

“But it’s over, it’s gone, and we have to concentrate our thoughts on other things.”

Robson was referring to an FA Cup semi-final replay with Chesterfield and a relegation run-in, starting with the home game against Sunderland just three days after the cup final.

“It doesn’t matter how you get beat, it still hurts,” added Robson.

“The desire has always been there. The lads want to win and they want to achieve things.

“They did their best in the cup final but they didn’t get the run of the ball around the box.”

The long wait for major silverware went on, the heartbreak at Hillsborough the start of a disastrous end to the campaign.

Euro chief's show of support for Teesside steel

A top Euro official has offered a ray of hope for Teesside’s struggling steel sector.

European Commission Vice President Jyrki Katainen claims the EU is looking “very carefully” at fair trade rules to stop the dumping of cheap imports.

His comments came as it emerged steelmaker SSI UK has frozen pay and bonuses for its 2,000 staff following more global drops in the price of steel.

China has flooded world markets with cheap steel imports in a process known as “dumping” under rules that give non-Euro countries an unfair advantage - and could render investments such as SSI on Teesside “worthless”.

North-east Labour MEP Jude Kirton-Darling raised the issue at a meeting of the Committee on International Trade.

She said: “In the North-east, we managed to save our last blast furnace in the midst of the crisis through good inward investment.

“That investment is now in danger because of the price of steel on international markets and the slowdown globally, which means the Chinese economy is sending its excess into the world market.

“How do we ensure the European investment fund and all the infrastructure building is benefiting our industries and workforces?

“It’s a primary concern, particularly in regions like mine, one of the poorest in the UK. There is a big foundation industry at the heart of the community. If that is put under threat in globalised markets, it calls into question the whole regional economy.”

Mr Katainen, who is former PM of Finland, said: “I believe we need a single market in Europe and a fair trade agreement within Europe and other parts of the world - because the same logic is there.

“This is a good example of how things could go wrong if there aren’t common rules.

“There has been good investment into the steel industry.

“When other countries are dumping or subsidising the same industry heavily, it creates problems - in this case, your part of the UK.

“Investment can become worthless. We need trade agreements that are fair to tackle this in an organised manner, to make it impossible for our competitors to use unfair ways to compete - and by doing so destroy our jobs here in Europe.

“The Commission is looking at it very carefully to see if there is anything we can do.”

Ms Kirton-Darling told the Gazette: “The issue of China exporting large quantities of cheap steel isn’t going to be solved overnight. I was pleased to see the Commission acknowledge the problem and that they are looking at what can be done in the meantime. This follows anti-dumping action in March this year on Chinese undercutting in stainless steel prices. Steel making is truly global and it’s important we work at a European level to support our steel industry.”

SSI UK boss Cornelius Louwrens outlined plans to freeze staff pay and bonuses despite an “improving performance throughout 2014”, after an unexpected “traumatic fall” in steel prices delayed the company’s plan to move into net profit.

TTE Technical Training Group turns 25 and celebrates training thousands in the North East

The TTE Technical Training Group is celebrating its 25th birthday - and has helped more than 6,500 young people climb the career ladder.

The group, which was originally established as a joint venture company by ICI and British Steel to develop apprentices for Teesside industry, has grown substantially since it became independent in 1999.

It holds charitable status - and as well as its Middlesbrough training centre, has also established several international training facilities supporting local workforce development in countries including Oman, Azerbaijan and Ghana.

Over the last 25 years, more than 3,500 local young people have been trained by TTE through vocational training programmes including apprenticeships.

TTE trainees learn with industry experts, who also deliver programmes to technicians for global businesses - so they benefit from the latest engineering skills and working practices.

TTE works closely with local businesses in the engineering, oil & gas, process and manufacturing sectors through an innovative sponsorship arrangement. This allows apprentices to gain invaluable on-the-job experience and qualifications over two years, while supporting employers’ future workforce development commitments.

TTE’s apprenticeships are supported by publicly-funded Engineering and Process Study Programmes, which are delivered at the organisation’s Middlesbrough training facility through workshop and classroom activities.

The Study Programmes provide the foundation for a career in engineering and supports students’ ambitions to secure a sponsored apprenticeship.

These programmes have become increasingly popular - as more and more young people are choosing vocational training options. In 2014 the organisation welcomed more than 300 young people onto its training programmes, a record intake in its 25 year history.

TTE’s successful commercial training division enables TTE to increase availability of places on the study programmes - and any surpluses generated re-invested in the training of young people on Teesside.

In the last quarter of a century, TTE has trained more than 5,000 UK and international technicians through its commercial business. TTE regularly welcomes technicians to its training centre from regions such as the Middle East and Africa as well as through its international facilities. It also provides in-country training and consultancy at customers’ premises.

Steve Grant, Managing Director of The TTE Technical Training Group, said: “As TTE has grown we have retained the core principles of the organisation from when it was established in 1990 to ensure local industry has the skilled personnel it needs to remain competitive and successful and we provide opportunities for young people.

“Our Company Mission is ‘to deliver training that improves industry’s performance and enhances lives’ and that is exactly what we do at TTE.

“The growth of our international business has always been driven by our commitment to North-east industry and local young people.

Steve added: “I would also like to pay tribute to our talented and dedicated workforce that has played an invaluable role in the success of TTE, a number of which have been with the organisation for much of our 25 year history. “They have always been excellent ambassadors for TTE and helped arm young people and technicians with the skills and competencies to take them on exciting career journeys in the UK and around the world. They are extremely dedicated and professional, and passionate about training”.

Watch: Ed Balls discusses Labour's position on football with Anthony Vickers

Shadow Chancellor and Norwich City fan Ed Balls visited Teesside to throw his support behind Labour’s candidates for the Redcar and Stockton South seats.

But he also took time out to sit down for a lengthy chat with Anthony Vickers ahead of Friday's clash between Norwich and Boro at Carrow Road.

The match could well determine who will be playing in the Premier League next season, with Canaries boss Alex Neil admitting: " I don't think any game is going to get any bigger than this one ."

We'll show you what Ed and Anthony had to say about the Norwich-Boro clash on Thursday, but the Gazette's Chief Boro Writer also managed to ask about Labour's position on the future of football.

The chat includes his back story as a football fan, ownership models and his views on safe standing.

Man 'attacked by neighbour and held prisoner for two-and-a-half days', court hears

A man was allegedly attacked and held prisoner in his own flat by a neighbour for two and a half days, a court heard.

Barry Hatcher appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court today accused of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, false imprisonment and criminal damage.

He allegedly held a man living in the same block of flats against his will from 5pm on Saturday until yesterday morning.

Hatcher is also accused of attacking and injuring him during the alleged two-and-a-half-day imprisonment.

Flanked by two security guards, Hatcher, who has shoulder length black hair and was wearing a grey T-shirt in court, spoke only to confirm his name, age and address.

He did not enter a plea to the charges.

Hatcher's solicitor Colin Sleeman made no application for bail and Hatcher was remanded in custody by the magistrates.

The 46-year-old, of Coverdale, is due to appear next before Teesside Crown Court on April 29.

Hatcher was arrested following a three-hour armed police siege on Coverdale in Hemlington, Middlesbrough, yesterday.

Police were called at about 8.30am by a man reportedly having been assaulted by a man with a weapon inside an address on the street.

Armed police and Cleveland Police’s dog unit were then called to the scene and surrounded a flat.

Cleveland Police made the arrest at about 11.35am and took the man into custody for questioning before being charged with the three alleged offences.

A man was taken to hospital following the alleged incident.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said he remains in hospital and his condition was described as “stable”.

UK sees no need for ban on Laws

The British government is refusing to join the international campaign aimed at banning lethal autonomous weapons system (Laws), commonly known as ‘killer robots’.

“At present, we do not see the need for a prohibition on the use of Laws, as international humanitarian law already provides sufficient regulation for this area,” the Foreign Office told the Guardian.

Representatives from 120 countries, including Britain, have gathered in the Swiss city of Geneva to attend the Convention on Conventional Weapons.

Rights groups including Human Rights Watch and the Campaign to Stop Killer Robots have already called for an international ban on lethal autonomous weapons system.

A spokesman for Campaign to Stop Killer Robots which is a coalition of scientists and human rights groups, told Press TV that the development of Laws should be internationally banned.

“Machines cannot value human life. They cannot make legal decisions. They cannot make ethical decisions or have human reasoning. So we think that there needs to be a very clear international law negotiated by the states now that prevents the development of these systems before they end-up on a battle field or domestic policing situation,” Thomas Nash told Press TV on Tuesday.

“We are here at United Nations in Geneva at a meeting for all governments and the world to consider the problem of autonomous weapon for killer robots. As a part of the campaign to stop killer robots we have a fundamental moral concern with the idea that the machines could be programmed to take people’s lives, to fire missile, to drop bombs without a human being pressing a button or pulling a trigger. That is beyond existing system, like armed drones. There is a human being looking at a target. We already have enough problems with the drone strikes in like Afghanistan, Yemen, Pakistan etc,” he added.

HA/HH

Football hard man turned Hollywood star Vinnie Jones to kick off new tour in Middlesbrough

Football hard man turned Hollywood star Vinnie Jones is heading for Teesside.

The former Wimbledon, Leeds and Wales player will kick off his new spring UK tour at The Venue, Middlesbrough on April 29 - telling it like it is to the audience in ‘an evening with’ style performance.

Footie fans will know Vinnie started his football career in 1984 and was renowned for his hard man image on the pitch - he holds the record for the quickest ever booking in a football match being booked after just three seconds for a foul on the opposition player.

Success in Hollywood followed after he made his film debut in Guy Ritchie’s gangster movie, Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

He has since starred in a second Guy Ritchie film, Snatch, as well as Gone in 60 Seconds, X Men: The Last Stand and Mean Machine.

The 10 date tour takes in venues up and down the country and follows on from a similar event held in Leeds in March.

Vinnie is expected to reveal more about his colourful and sometimes controversial personal life which has seen him move to LA, become a contestant on Celebrity Big Brother, be convicted for an air rage incident and beat skin cancer in 2013.

Speaking ahead of the event Vinnie said: “I am really looking forward to coming back to the UK in spring for my tour, I cant wait to share untold stories with fans in different areas of the country. I had an amazing time last year at the dinner in Leeds with Olexy Productions so it will be fantastic to be back in England again.”

Olexy Productions are behind the tour, Teesside company Loose Cannon Events are the promoters for the Middlesbrough leg.

“Vinnie Jones is a fantastic speaker and huge hit with the audience. He is outspoken, ballsy and not afraid to tell like it is – which always makes for great entertainment,” said an Olexy spokesman.

“Few other celebrities have had a career as fascinating and successful as his, so attending the events is a brilliant opportunity to hear from Britain’s favourite bad boy.”

Tickets start at £35. For more details click here .

Teesside Manifesto: Ed Balls on how Labour would respond to YOUR election demands

Read more about The Gazette's Teesside Manifesto here

Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls took time out to speak to The Gazette today about how a Labour government would meet the election demands raised in YOUR Teesside Manifesto.

Mr Balls visited the Gazette's office in Middlesbrough, in between enjoying a lemontop on Redcar seafront and meeting students at Conyers School in Yarm.

It came days after Prime Minister David Cameron gave us his take on what Teessiders want from the next Government.

The Shadow Chancellor was on Teesside to throw his support behind Labour’s candidates for the Redcar and Stockton South seats, Anna Turley and Louise Baldock ahead of the General Election.

In between his visits, Mr Balls took the time to address the key points raised by Gazette readers.

Peter Reimann/The Gazette

Ed Balls with Anna Turley

In our Teesside Manifesto the priority issue is support to bring big businesses to Teesside. How would a Labour government achieve this?

We will back the Teesside Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), the local authorities working together, with a devolution of economic power which goes well beyond anything the Tories have done.

We will back the Teesside LEP and the leadership from here with devolution on skills, on business support and devolving business rates as well.

What we’re not going to do, which is what George Osborne has been doing, is saying ‘I’m only going to give you full devolution if you sign up to an elected mayor’.

There will be no second-class deal under Labour, so long as the LEP is up and running and the authorities are working together - the full devolution package from us.

Decisions about skills, infrastructure and business support which work best for Teesside, we think those decision should be made by the people who know what’s going on in Teesside - that means the people of Teesside, the businesses, the council leaders.

The Regional Growth Fund, if we’re honest, is a way in which Teesside bids so civil servants decide in Westminster what’s best for Teesside, and I think that’s the opposite of devolution.

The LEP is our starting point but I don’t think they are fit for purpose at the moment.

I think the LEP has not got the clout, resources or the support.

But the idea of a business-led LEP working really closely with the local authorities in the area as a partnership is the right approach and that’s what we’re going to back.

The Teesside Manifesto election demands

People want greater investment in major Teesside routes like the A19 and A66 - what would Labour do about this?

What we want to do is to get a long-term strategic approach to infrastructure planning which stops politicians making decisions and then changing their minds.

We’re not going to rip up the plans which are already on the table from the current Government.

The Road Investment Fund, which we’ll inherit, has the A19 in it. We will go ahead with the A19.

I think the A19 is the first priority for Teesside and therefore the A19 will be our first priority too.

We’re happy to sit down and talk with the local authorities and the LEP and the business community about the next priority after that - and if that’s the A66 let’s talk about that.

The A19 Tees flyover is built in 1988

Teesside wants fair treatment over council cuts, with the feeling that our area has suffered more than elsewhere.

The thing which frustrates me about the Conservatives is that they abolished the Regional Development Agencies, imposed a funding formula on local authorities which is deeply unfair to councils across the north of England.

Then they come along at the end of the parliament and say we want a Northern Powerhouse - I think most people think well if you wanted a Northern Powerhouse why have you made things so much harder for us over for the last five years?

We will have an immediate review in the first year of the funding formula to get us to a fairer settlement, more based upon need and what needs to be done economically - and that will definitely mean fairer treatment for local authorities here.

Peter Reimann/The Gazette

Ed Balls and Anna Turley at the Gazette's offices

What we’re not going to do is do what the Conservatives seem to be doing and is saying were going to be carrying on with even deeper cuts in the next three years. That is just not deliverable, it will be a disaster. From potholes to social care, it won’t work for Teesside to have even bigger cuts in the coming years.

We can get the budget down every year and we can do so in a fair and balanced way without piling huge cuts on local authorities - it won’t work.

On Monday David Cameron told the Gazette that the figures didn’t back up the perception that North-east Labour councils are getting hit harder than South-east councils. Do you disagree with that?

I think David Cameron is trying to take people for fools and nobody believes a word of it.

Everybody knows what the truth is, it’s all there in black and white - not just from what the local councils say but the independent experts agree the cuts disproportionately hit Labour councils, northern councils, councils with greatest need.

That includes Middlesbrough and Stockton too and it's not fair and it’s got to change.

Keep the private sector out of the NHS.

I think that the NHS ethos since the start has always been a service that is free at the point of use and it depends upon your needs and not whether you can pay.

There have always been some services supported by the private sector, but if you start to put the private sector at the centre of delivering health care it doesn’t work because you lose that ethos.

James Cook University Hospital

It’s more expensive.

The reality is part of the reason the NHS is going backwards at the moment is because the top-down reorganisation and all the confusion and chaos that comes from the decentralisation just costs more money.

Our readers want the next government to cut the benefits bill by helping people off welfare into work that pays.

At the centre of a good welfare state has got to be work and I think one of the huge frustrations I have with the last few years is the Government abolished the Future Jobs Fund, didn’t put anything it its place, and therefore you have got people on benefits and not working because there aren’t the jobs there which they can take up.

So we’re going to repeat the tax on bank bonuses for one more year and we’re going to guarantee every young person, 18-25 who has been out of work for a year a minimum wage job for six months with training, but it will be a minimum wage job they will have to take.

So there will be a job guarantee from Labour and it will be compulsory.

Peter Reimann/The Gazette

Ed Balls in Middlesbrough

And were going to do the same thing for people who have been long-term unemployed over-25.

For over-25s we’ll have the same policy but it will be two years rather than one year.

When it comes to people who are sick or disabled, if people can work they should work but you have got to have a fair way of making these assessments, and what has happened with the Work Capability Assessment has been completely incoherent, there has been no consistency.

It only has the public confidence if its fair and consistent and that’s what we need to sort out.

We’ll get the benefits bill down by getting people back to work, by making sure we reform the hideous Work Capability Assessment and by building more affordable homes - and we are going to abolish the Bedroom Tax just because it’s so unfair

Louise Baldock is fighting a very tight seat in Stockton South (recent polls have put her five points ahead of Tory candidate James Wharton) - are you confident she can win it for Labour?

I am. We need to win that seat, for us it’s a really important seat.

Redcar and Stockton South are the seats which will unlock our investment in the National Health Service, the rise of the minimum wage - we can only abolish the bedroom tax if we have a Labour Government and that means we need to win Stockton South.

Read all of our General Election coverage HERE

Stewart Park robbery: Man arrested in connection with 'knifepoint theft' released on bail

A man arrested in connection with the alleged knifepoint robbery of a 14-year-old boy’s bike has been bailed.

The 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of robbery after the incident at Stewart Park, Marton, on Saturday evening.

Alex Bowman, 14, was riding with a friend just inside the park entrance on Marton Road and told The Gazette he was told he would be killed unless he handed over his £600 Cube bike.

The bike - a lime green mountain bike with black mudguards - had been a Christmas treat and allowed Alex to go on rides with friends to Great Ayton and Redcar.

Green Cube moutain bike with blue writing and black mud guards was stolen from the teenager

Mum Marie Stuart, 36, of Marton, said: “It is frightening and upsetting that our children can’t just go out and play.

“The bike cost a lot of money and I worked hard to get it.”

Alex’s uncle Ross Wilson, 24, from New Marske, set up a fund-raising page to try and replace the bike.

The page has now closed for donations at £405.

Marie said: “The support is fantastic and is the one good thing to come out of this. We’ve had lots of messages of support and I’d like to thank them, people are angry about what happened.”

Anyone with information about the attack should contact police on 101.

Alex Neil: 'I don't think any game is going to get any bigger than the one on Friday night'

As two promotion candidates prepare to collide in a game that could well determine who will be playing in the Premier League next season, Norwich boss Alex Neil admits: "I don't think any game is going to get any bigger than the one on Friday night."

Boro's trip to Carrow Road is certainly perfectly poised. The Canaries, in second, have won five on the bounce and will have one foot in the top flight with a win over their rivals.

But Boro, buoyed by two impressive displays this week and six points better off, will look to halt Norwich's momentum in a crunch six-pointer at the top.

Former Hamilton boss Neil, who has done a sterling job since replacing the axed Neil Adams in the Norwich hotseat, is calling on the Canary Road faithful to give Boro a raucous welcome.

"We need to make sure the place is rocking for the players, and hopefully we'll go and give a real good account of ourselves," he said.

The Norwich gaffer praised his side for overcoming two tricky away ties at Bolton and Leeds and, like Aitor Karanka and Eddie Howe, is targeting a maximum points return from the remaining fixtures.

Boro players celebrating against Norwich in the reverse fixture earlier this season

"Anybody looking at the last two games for us, especially with them being so close together, we knew it was going to be tough," Neil told the club website after the 2-0 win over Leeds on Tuesday night.

"The run they've been on since I came in, it's really difficult to replicate.

"We've got three left and we've got to try and win them as well.

"If we do, I'm more than confident that we'll be in the Premier League."

Leeds held the in-form Canaries until the break at Elland Road and Neil said his side showed "real bottle" to come out on top.

"How we won the game speaks volumes about their squad, their togetherness and how much it means to them," he said.

"We weren't at our best in the first half, but the response in the second half was excellent.

"I posed a few questions to them in terms of how much we actually wanted it. You've got to ultimately do enough.

"I think they answered the questions and more, all the credit should go to them."

Norwich are two points ahead of Boro in second place and three in front of Watford, who take on Nottingham Forest tonight.

Thornaby schoolgirl raises more than £1,600 after getting hair cut short for children's wig charity

A real life Rapunzel hopes to raise more than £1,600 after donating 25cm of her hair to make wigs for children suffering with cancer.

Eight-year-old Erin Robinson, from Thornaby, had her long locks chopped for the Little Princess Trust.

The charity provides free wigs made from real hair to boys and girls across the UK and Ireland who have lost their own hair because of cancer treatment.

Brave Erin followed the example of another girl she saw in a magazine who had set herself the same challenge.

Erin’s hair was left in the capable hands of stylist Mark Williams, at Jalz Salon in Thornaby.

Alongside donating her hair, which is long enough to make one wig, Erin also pledged to raise £1,600 - enough to buy five more.

Erin said: “I wanted to donate my hair because I thought a young girl or boy would appreciate my hair much more than I do. When I saw another girl who had done it, I wanted to do it too as I know mine will grow back but someone else’s won’t.”

Mum Lisa added: “Erin is a lovely little girl and it came as no surprise to me when she said she wanted to raise money for charity.

“At first I was a little taken a back when she said she wanted to donate all her hair but I am so proud of her and just want her to raise as much money as she can.

“She has always been a kind girl and has fundraised in the past. She once made loom band bracelets at a wedding and sold them to the guests for the Butterwick.”

“I want to say thank you to everyone involved and to everyone who has donated and helped Erin raise so much.”

Salon owner Allan Iveson, said: “It was a lovely day and such an admirable thing for a girl of Erin’s age to want to do.

“We had a shop full of people who all came to see Erin have her hair cut and our stylist, Mark, did a fantastic job.”

To make a donation, visit Erin’s Just Giving page at: http://bit.ly/1J2ZTII.

Pictures: Filthy conditions that led to hefty fine for 'slacking' Middlesbrough takeaway owner

VIEW GALLERY

These pictures show the filthy conditions which led to a Middlesbrough takeaway owner being fined.

Akib Ahmed, 22, admitted he was “slacking” in his business after he was fined for breaching food hygiene regulations.

Luciano’s Pizzeria was inspected by environmental health officers on six occasions between October 2012 and April 2014.

The owner of the Linthorpe Road takeaway, was given a report on food hygiene concerns after they found the premises to be unsatisfactory in respect of cleanliness, repair and food handling practices.

He appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court On Tuesday where he admitted four food hygiene offences.

James Ethrington for Middlesbrough Council said Ahmed had been given several opportunities to improve hygiene standards but failed to do so, despite regular visits from food safety officers.

After an inspection in April last year, he said officers found “poor standards of cleaning” and observed that walls could be “wiped of grease with ease.”

The court was told there were no cleaning products in sight and a member of staff was asked to go to a nearby shop to buy disinfectant. Food equipment in use was also found to be worn, damaged and unclean.

Personal hygiene conditions were also found to be poor. A sink in the food preparation area was “dirty” and there was no soap, paper towels or hot water.

Akib Ahmed

Ahmed also failed to provide a record of waste management for the takeaway.

Representing himself, Ahmed said: “I was slacking in the business when I first had it but I have now asked for a re-visit and have organised hygiene courses for my staff.

“My premises will not be found dirty again.”

Teesside magistrates fined Ahmed £1,160 and ordered him to pay the council costs of £720.

Middlesbrough Council Environmental Health Manager Judith Hedgley said: “This case demonstrates the poor standard of management of Luciano’s by Mr Ahmed.

“In relation to the food offences, Mr Ahmed was given every opportunity to improve the food safety and the standards of hygiene in his premises.

“Despite receiving several warnings, he still failed to achieve the required standards.

Middlesbrough Council’s Enviro Crimes Unit carried out an investigation into waste from Luciano’s being dumped in a nearby alley.

Mr Ahmed was also charged under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 with failing to supply Middlesbrough Council with copies of waste transfer notes to show where waste from his businesses had been disposed of.

70 years on from liberating hell-on-earth concentration camp, Eddie Straight's story is to be told

Seventy years ago today, British troops liberated the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in northern Germany.

One of those was Saltburn war hero Eddie Straight, now 94, whose military service took him from his seaside home into the blitz, Buckingham Palace, Bergen-Belsen and the Burmese jungle.

Now, on the anniversary of the liberation of the camp where around 70,000 people died during the Holocaust, Eddie’s story will be told in a new documentary by acclaimed Saltburn film-maker Craig Hornby.

Mr Hornby said: “Stories like this don’t come along everyday and Eddie’s had to be recorded.

“One of the most defining events in global history suddenly has a unique local dimension and it really brings it home.”

Eddie now enjoys a quieter life in a Saltburn retirement home, but after joining the army aged 19 he was in command of 60 convicts from Dartmoor Prison within a year, pulling people from burning buildings during the blitz.

He was then transferred to guard Buckingham Palace, and during air raids chaperone one Princess Elizabeth down to the shelter beneath.

Eddie went on to join the 11th Armoured tank regiment, rising to the rank of Company Sergeant Major.

In June 1944, he landed at Normandy with his company and for nine months they fought their way towards Germany.

On April 15 1945, Eddie was ordered to help liberate a prisoner of war camp outside Hanover.

The Saltburn man became one of the first outsiders to witness the horrors that within days shook the world.

60,000 people were imprisoned in a camp built for 10,000, mostly starving and with no water supply.

Epidemics of typhus, typhoid and dysentery had broken out, with some 13,000 corpses rotting around the camp.

He helped to capture the remaining SS officers and guards and forced them to begin burying the dead in mass graves.

When the relief effort was fully underway, Eddie was ordered to push on but before he left, he entered the private quarters of captured commandant Josef Kramer aka ‘The Beast of Belsen’.

There he also liberated a few souvenirs including Kramer’s ceremonial sword which he still has - and is included in an exhibition featuring the first screening of the 30 minute film, ‘Eddie Straight: To Hell and Back’ at Middlesbrough’s Dorman Museum from 7pm-9pm.

After German surrender a few weeks later, Eddie was sent on another mission - to the Burmese jungle to fight the Japanese.

He was given command of a hundred Nigerians of the Royal West African Frontier Force.

For three months, they experienced brutal fighting in stifling jungle conditions.

When Japan surrendered in August ‘45, Eddie delivered his men back to Nigeria and flew back to Britain and to his Skelton sweetheart Ina Bennison.

Despite being wounded by German and Japanese bayonets and bullets, Eddie survived the war and lived to tell the tale 70 years later.

Back home, Eddie got a job with Middlesbrough steel-making giant Dorman Long, later British Steel and worked there until retirement in 1985.

In the late 40s and 50s, Eddie returned to Nigeria, with wife Ina, on a number of occasions for holidays all paid for by his Nigerian ‘Burma Boys’.

He was also invited back to Buckingham Palace a number of times for functions by the Queen.

Hemlington car flip crash: Motorist released from hospital following accident

A man who was involved in a crash in which his car flipped has been released from hospital.

The 41-year-old was driving along Stainton Way, in Hemlington, when the incident happened at about 6.30am on Sunday.

The black Peugeot 206 was the only vehicle involved in the incident.

Other motorists stopped to check on the condition of the driver before police came and closed the road from Hornsea Road to the roundabout with Low Lane.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police had said the man sustained head injuries and was taken to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough for treatment.

She confirmed today that he has since been discharged.

Bank holiday: When are the bank holidays in May and August 2015?

We’ve already enjoyed a bit of well-deserved time off over Easter.

But when is the next long weekend on the national calendar?

There are two bank holidays in May and there is another one in August.

Here are the bank holiday dates for your diary:

Monday, May 4: Early May bank holiday

Monday, 25 May: Spring bank holiday

Monday, 31 August: Summer bank holiday

Keep an eye out our bank holiday coverage for ideas about what to see and do.

We will also be providing other useful information.

Anthony Vickers: Why Boro fans shouldn't fear a Financial Fair Play penalty - despite the bleak accounts

Boro's accounts are out and they paint a bleak picture of the financial landscape the club are working in.

However you look at it, a pre-tax operating loss of £20.4m is not good news for a Championship club in the era of Financial Fair Play.

Three clubs have already been hit with a transfer embargo for breaking the ceiling for allowed losses.

But beyond the headline figures, the accounts also suggest some of the austerity measures of the post-Strachan years have created some headroom - and we are now seeing that on the pitch in the shape of Aitor Karanka’s team.

First some basic maths: the club’s basic income in the year to the end of June 2014 was just £3.8m through the gate, £3.4m in commercial activity, sponsorship and advertising, £4.3m as part of the Championship TV deal and £1.2m on shirt sales, club retail and other merchandising. That is £12.7m.

But the wage bill was £14.4m and other costs - running the stadium, rates, utilities, insurance, security and a host of other everyday expenses - came to £7.325m.

There are some allowable tweaks but the bottom line is that Steve Gibson and the parent company Gibson O’Neill pick up the tab for the deficit, in this case the deficit is the £15.58m - the most expensive season ticket in town.

But it must also be said that was a particularly bad year.

It was the financial year when plummeting form in the back year of one season and a rocky one in the next got Tony Mowbray sacked and saw average gates by over 1,000 with the hit that had on income.

Boro also went out of both cups in the first round so were denied a slice of the prize pool and gate money.

And there was meagre income from player sales, just £683,000.

And there will also be the costs of axing the boss and his staff - and hiring Karanka and Co - to be factored in.

But behind the scenes Mowbray was doing some important and largely unseen remedial work with dramatically increased investment in the recruitment department and medical side which had fallen into disrepair, which fed into the increased costs but are now bearing fruit.

And he also managed to cut the wage bill by over £4m, from £18.5m to £14.4m as he finally cleared the toxic bump in the wage curve from the disastrous Strachan tartanisation project.

Tony Mowbray

That £4m - and a bit more beside, possible nudging the wage bill close to £20m - has been put on the pitch this season in the shape of wages, fees and loan fees for the current far more successful team.

And Boro will also see the benefit next year of increased revenue through the gate - crowds are up on average by about 4,000 - and the cup runs and big days out at Manchester City and Arsenal will also be felt on the bottom line next year.

But, of course, a still significant loss is far from good news.

There are naturally fears that should Boro fail to be promoted they may struggle to meet the FFP targets next term.

That is not the case. The Football League figures are audited on a different basis.

The limit for allowable losses goes up to £13m next year as the League moves to a three-year accounting period and there are allowable spending expenses that can be set against that.

Chief of those is the £2.5m cost of running a category one Academy at the level of the Premier League giants.

That and the increased gate money will leave Boro safely under a strict FFP limit that they had to limbo under this term.

Patrick Bamford: Chelsea fans react to Boro loanee's reported contract talks

Patrick Bamford can return to Stamford Bridge this summer and become a Chelsea star.

That seems to be the overwhelming view of Chelsea fans who reacted positively to this morning’s revelations that the on-loan Boro hitman is set for a new long-term deal at Stamford Bridge.

Bamford netted his 19th goal of the season last night during Boro’s 2-1 win over Wolves, and his stock continues to rise after a scintillating campaign in the Championship.

His eye-catching displays for Aitor Karanka’s side have led to him being shortlisted for the Football League Young Player of the Year award - and many Chelsea fans now hope he can enjoy a fruitful career in West London.

Here’s a collection of tweets from Chelsea fans reacting to Bamford’s scintillating recent form.

Tributes to journalist whose North-east newspaper career spanned more than 30 years

A respected journalist who served North-east newspapers superbly for more than 30 years has died, aged 61.

Tony Locke’s career spanned the Evening Despatch in Darlington, the Hartlepool Mail - where he worked as a sub-editor for more than 25 years - and The Gazette.

Such was Tony’s talent, he easily took the newspaper industry’s transformation from “hot metal” to full page computer design in his stride, becoming the Hartlepool Mail’s head of design. And despite only working for The Gazette’s sub-editing team since 2013, his wit, warmth, knowledge and journalistic skill quickly made him a popular and respected presence in the newsroom.

Ian McNeal, Daily Content Editor at The Gazette, said: “Tony was a hugely dedicated and professional journalist.

“He cared deeply about newspapers and about ensuring they had the best possible page design and highest quality writing.

“He was always a warm and friendly presence in the newsroom and his sense of humour will be very much missed at The Gazette.

“Our thoughts and condolences go to his family and friends.”

A Stockton man who attended Grangefield School, Tony was a keen Boro fan and held a season ticket for three decades. With his sharp mind, he also loved quizzes and appeared on Channel 4 show Fifteen to One.

He is survived by wife, Pauline, and daughters Zoe and Hannah. He was also a proud grandad of Lucy and William.

Tony’s funeral service will be at St Hilda’s Chapel, Teesside Crematorium, on Tuesday at 2.15pm.

Aimee Willmott still upbeat after opening day bronze at British Swimming Championships

Aimee Willmott refused to be downcast despite finishing third in the final of the 200m butterfly at the British Swimming Championships at the London Aquatics Centre.

Willmott admitted her primary focus remains the medley events at the back end of the week but after pushing fellow Brits Hannah Miley and Jemma Lowe close in London – the Middlesbrough swimmer was far from disappointed.

Miley took top step on the podium with a time of 2.08.63 minutes, with Hartlepool’s Lowe second and Willmott third in 2.09.66.

It was not the time Willmott had hoped for but with her preferred events still to come, the North-east athlete is promising to peak at the right time in London.

“It’s nice to get the first races of the meet out of the way – I’m quite chuffed with that but it would have been good to go quicker obviously,” she said.

“I had mixed feelings going into the race – I wasn’t treating it as a warm-up but with indifferent preparation going into the race, I would have liked to have performed better but I’m still quite happy with what I have produced.

“I didn’t have a particular plan in mind; I just wanted to get out there and see what happened but it hurt down the final length but I guess it was always going to though.

“The medleys towards the end of the week are the main focus but I can’t really complain about what I have achieved so far.

“Hopefully everything will fall into place during the week and by the weekend for my main events I will be feeling very sharp and ready to deliver.”

Meanwhile, Lowe admitted she was left scratching her head after her opening gambit left her with more questions than answers.

All is not lost for Lowe, however, as she still has the 100m butterfly to contend on Friday, and she is adamant she will put on a better showing when she gets back to action in the capital.

“I’m disappointed with that if I am honest, I would have liked to get a little bit closer to her in the end but I just didn’t have it,” Lowe said.

“I am disappointed because I thought I would have gone a lot quicker, I don’t really know why that’s the time I’ve done.

“I think it was the last length where I lost it quite a bit but there was nothing I could do about it really.”

She added: “I set myself high standards and goals so I’m disappointed with the race. This morning I felt good so I don’t know why I’ve raced like that.

“It’s a case of looking forward now and I’ve got the 100m on Friday and it’s a shorter event so hopefully I’ll do better there.

“There is extra motivation when you don’t do as well as you would like but it’s not straight away, it’s complete disappointment at the moment though.”

To keep up to date with all the action of the swimmers in the lead up to Rio, follow British Swimming on Twitter Facebook and Instagram.

Stokesley Primary School building once under threat of collapse reopens after two years of work

A primary school building which was once under the threat of collapse has reopened following two years of conservation work.

Stokesley Primary School’s Edwardian Foundation Stage building was condemned suddenly in 2013 after joists in the floor and roof were found to be severely decayed and on the brink of collapse.

As a result, the school was left with no home for two classes of reception children and its nursery, so prefabricated temporary units were brought in as a temporary measure.

But now, two years later, the building has undergone a structural makeover and has reopened.

“It on occasion felt like a very long two years,” said Scott McFarlane, headteacher at the school.

“The teaching staff have worked incredibly hard to improve our provision in both the temporary accommodation and in preparation for the renovation.

“I must thank all people involved with the process for their commitment and patience in developing the building into an exemplary environment for learning whilst maintaining the historical ambience of the original.”

Sue Wynne having a look around with head Scott McFarlane

Initially the work was scheduled for just six months but this time frame had to be extended when complications were unearthed.

Mr McFarlane added that the move into temporary units “had taken its toll on the quality of the environment” and as a result, in the same term as the condemnation, Ofsted judged the provision in Early Years as “Requiring Improvement”.

“It took time for the staff to return the provision to the high quality we and the community had come to expect,” he said.

“More recent reviews made of the provision by North Yorkshire and Middlesbrough Local Authorities, have judged the Foundation Stage to be at least “Good” and we are confident of that judgement coming from OFSTED in our next inspection which is due at any time.

“Our confidence has been increased further by our move back into the Edwardian building.”

To reopen the building, the school invited former teacher Sue Wynne to cut the ribbon. Also in attendance were members of the building contractor, Walter Thompsons, and the local authority’s strategic services.

Man dragged naked from Hemlington flat after armed siege to appear in court

The man who was dragged naked from a flat after a three-hour armed siege was appearing at court this morning.

The 46-year-old has been charged with section 18 wounding, false imprisonment and criminal damage following yesterday’s incident on Coverdale in Hemlington.

Police were called at about 8.30am by a man reportedly having been assaulted by a man with a weapon inside an address on the street.

Armed police and Cleveland Police’s dog unit were then called to the scene and surrounded a flat.

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A stand-off then commenced until the doors to the flat were brought down just after 11am.

More than 20 officers in a dozen vehicles could been seen around the flat and a cordon was in place around the property.

However, nobody in adjoining houses was evacuated by police.

Residents described seeing snipers laying on the ground with their guns pointed at a flat.

One woman, who asked not be named but lives opposite the scene, said: “The snipers were there for a while.”

She added: “The other armed police were just walking round and there was a negotiator there as well.”

Cleveland Police made the arrested at about 11.35am and took the man into custody for questioning.

A spokeswoman for the force has since confirmed the man has been charged with three offences.

The other man was taken to hospital with injuries but his current condition is not known.

'With Bamford in this form Boro have every chance of automatic promotion': What the nationals are saying about the win over Wolves

It was impossible not to have been impressed by Boro on Tuesday night.

And although Karanka's side didn't close the gap on the top two, they'll travel to Carrow Road full of belief after picking up six points in two crucial home games and playing Wolves off the park in a thrilling first half display.

With three games to go and just four points separating the top four sides, it's no surprise to see the national media taking interest in the intrigue at the top of Championship.

They were out in force at the Riverside, here's what they made of Boro's win over Wolves:

The Guardian

By the end they had sustained a couple of worrying casualties but a tense night on Teesside left Aitor Karanka's Middlesbrough celebrating three potentially invaluable points as Wolves’ play-off hopes hit a wall.

Boro and Wolves players before the Championship clash at the Riverside

Although four will not go into two, Boro’s trip to Norwich on Friday night could go a long way towards determining the automatic promotion places.

Mail Online

Thanks to Blues loanee Bamford – creator of one for Jelle Vossen and scorer of the other - the Teessiders remain on course for what would be a deserved return to the top division.

Boro were relegated in 2009 and even the play-offs have been beyond them in the years since. This maximum at least guaranteed post-season participation, but they will want to avoid that scenario.

And with the likes of Bamford in this kind of form they have every chance of going up automatically. Friday’s trip to Norwich, however, will go a long way to determining their fate in that respect.

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The Independent

There was a quick two-fisted salute and then Aitor Karanka was mobbed by his back-room staff. Middlesbrough achieved their preliminary aim last night, when they reached the end-of-season lottery that is the Championship play-offs.

Perhaps the most pertinent message, however, came at half-time, over the Riverside Stadium public address system: “Fingers crossed, our final home game of the season will be on May the second, against Brighton.”

There are three more games to find the nine points that might end six years in the wilderness. It will not get any easier. The prize is now even greater.

The Daily Star

Middlesbrough don’t know where they will be playing next season but it’s a racing certainty Patrick Bamford will be mixing it with the big boys.

Middlesbrough's Patrick Bamford during the Sky Bet Championship match at the Riverside Stadium

The on-loan Chelsea striker oozes Premier League class and at the Riverside last night he produced another dazzling display which keeps Boro’s promotion flame burning.

Whether Boro go up or not, Jose Mourinho will want him playing in the top flight in August and at this rate, he could even find him a place in his own star-studded squad.

What did the opposition make of it? Express and Star:

Perhaps mindful of the limp way they performed at Molineux earlier in the season, Boro showed they weren’t prepared to let the same happen again.

And helped by a third-minute goal and a partisan crowd, they tore at Wolves to gain the crucial advantage, then doubled it.

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In the end and despite ending the game on the front foot, Wolves left themselves too much to do after Boro’s early onslaught.

But they should be encouraged by the determined and spirited way they ended the game and it was the home support that was the more relieved to hear the final whistle.

'In her all too short time, she filled her life with love': Tears flow at funeral of Amanda Booth

“In her all too short time, Amanda filled her life with love.”

Those were the words spoken at the funeral of tragic mum-of-three Amanda Booth, in which family and friends gathered to celebrate her life.

Tears flowed during the service at Teesside Crematorium as Amanda’s husband David and her children Demi-Lee, 11, Leon, eight and Lucas, five, laid a final bouquet on her coffin.

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The 28-year-old mum, who lived in Longlands in Middlesbrough, passed away in hospital on Good Friday after a battle with cervical cancer.

Amanda had told the Gazette she had been too frightened to go for a smear test before she was diagnosed with the disease last year.

She was determined to complete a “bucket list” before her death, which included a holiday in Flamingo Land with family, and renewing her wedding vows with David at St Francis of Assisi Church in Acklam on Valentine’s Day.

Amanda told The Gazette at the time: “I just want to make as many memories as possible now,”

Canon John Loughlin, who led the service, said: “Many of you here will also have been gathered at church not too long ago, to see David and Amanda renew their vows and also to see two of their children be baptised.”

“Something I Need” by Ben Haenow played as family and friends filed out of St Bede’s Chapel at the crematorium.

The poem “I Live On” was included in the order of service, along with a picture of Amanda and David renewing their vows.

Amanda Booth, pictured on her wedding day with husband David and son Lucas

Following her death, Amanda’s cousin Anne Marie Stanwick, 29, who lives in Eston with her husband Andy and children Abby, 10, Emily, six, and Max, three, said she wants the age limit for smear tests to be lowered from 25 to 16 so it is the same age as consent.

“No one should be dying this young of cervical cancer,” she said.

“You just don’t realise how important it is to get a smear. I always think this story sounds like something you’d read in a magazine.

“I was scared to have a smear - I’ve had two now - and it can be painful and it is degrading for someone who’s shy but it’s so important.

“I had my last one just after Amanda’s diagnosis and she was over the moon when I got the all clear. She was just happy more people were having them.”

Amanda’s family had asked for donations to be made to Ward 14 at James Cook University Hospital in lieu of flowers.

The funeral party gathered at St Peter’s Social Club in South Bank after the funeral to remember Amanda.

View: TJFA Game of the Week - Cleveland Juniors Jaguars v Marton FC Blues

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TJFA Under-8s North Riding Division One

Cleveland Juniors Jaguars

Marton FC Blues

CLEVO and Marton played out a competitive development league match at Mill Hill playing fields in Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Both sides showed just how far they have come this season as they continue to grow into the game.

We are unable to present scores or scorers of matches at development level (Under-8s-Under-10s) due to TJFA regulations.