Picture gallery: Boro fans at Carrow Road for the game against Norwich

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Boro's brilliant win at Carrow Road will live long in the memory for the fans who made the long trip.

It was simply must win for Boro and Karanka's side did exactly that, clinging on to the lead gifted to them by Alexander Tettey's early own goal.

The superb Boro faithful made a racket throughout and stayed in the Carrow Road stand long beyond the full time whistle as they continued their celebrations.

Back on top with the pressure firmly on Bournemouth and Watford.

Were you there cheering on the lads? Have a flick through to see if you can spot yourself in our match gallery.

Aitor Karanka: 'This was an amazing performance, nobody can be more proud of the players than I am'

Aitor Karanka has spoken of his pride in his players following Boro's table-topping victory at Norwich City.

The hard-fought 1-0 win means Middlesbrough have given themselves a genuine chance of claiming one of the two automatic promotion places.

Boro took the lead in the ninth minute courtesy of Alexander Tettey's own goal and then defended magnificently to limit the hosts to just a handful of goalscoring chances.

Both Bournemouth and Watford can leapfrog Boro if they win their fixtures on Saturday but the victory at Carrow Road means Boro are ideally placed to take advantage of any slip ups those two teams may make in the final straight.

A delighted Karanka paid tribute to his players , saying: “This was an amazing performance against a team who I think are a Premier League team.

“I said before the game that Norwich have Premier League players so nobody can be more proud of the players than I am. All the team was brilliant.

“We started really well, we knew we had to be better than we were in the games at Bournemouth and Watford and we even had chances to score a second goal.

“They put us under pressure but I don't recall them creating too many clear cut chances.”

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Norwich's best chance fell to Jonny Howson, who headed wide from close-range in the 20 minute.

The hosts also had two penalty shouts turned down but the referee was right to wave away the appeals do so on both occasions.

Karanka's focus is now on making sure Boro take maximum points from their two remaining games.

“We haven't done anything yet,” he warned. “We are top at the moment but we could be second or third on Saturday night.

“So we have to keep going until the end but I just want to say again everything this team does is amazing,” he added.

“I was speaking with my staff today and saying that since we went to Marbella last summer to work, there are now just six players from that trip in the squad.

“All the players who have come in since there are helping us.

“Winning at Norwich means the players can feel they are capable of winning any game.”

Karanka confirmed that two players, Jelle Vossen and Patrick Bamford, were injured in the game and will be assessed over the weekend.

Picture gallery and Philip Tallentire's five observations on Boro's win at Norwich

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Brave Boro battled for 97 minutes and held on for a brilliant victory to leapfrog rivals Norwich City.

Alexander Tettey's early own goal gave Boro something to cling on to and they dug deep for three crucial points.

The Gazette's Boro editor Philip Tallentire offers five observations from the game:

1. Boro started incredibly well, pushing forward from the whistle and holding a high line. As a result, Norwich found themselves on the back foot and struggling to cope. If only Boro had shown similar attacking ambition in the early stages at Bournemouth and Watford. Still, better late than never.

2. No one can question Boro's ability to play in a hostile atmosphere anymore. At Derby, Aitor Karanka's men performed well at a bouncing iPro Stadium and, if anything, the noise levels were even greater at Carrow Road but Boro were mentally strong, shutting out the noise and concentrating on taking the game to City.

3. Skipper Grant Leadbitter demonstrated his importance to Boro after missing two games through suspension. He was an inspirational presence in the engine room, leading by example.

4. Fair play to referee Robert Madley, who managed to ignore the often hysterical home supporters cries for justice and apply the law fairly virtually throughout. A pivotal moment came in first half stoppage time when Wes Hoolahan fell to the turf following a challenge from Tomas Kalas. The home fans were screaming for a penalty but Madley coolly whistled for a free-kick to Boro and booked the midfielder for diving.

5. Patrick Bamford was injured in the first half and received treatment from the Boro physio but Aitor Karanka opted to leave him on until the 84th minute, even though he was clearly feeling pain from the knock. The Boro bench will have been concerned to see Jelle Vossen limp off in the 59 minute.

5ive fever hits Middlesbrough at the Venue

The crowd kept on moving when Nineties chart toppers took to the stage on Teesside

Five performed at The Venue in Middlesbrough tonight as part of their eight-date spring tour entertaining fans with their classic hits.

But even before the band, which is now a three-piece, took to the stage, there was excitement in the air.

Donna Steel and her friend Caroline, 31, were at the front of the queue before the doors opened.

Donna, 28, said: “We arrived about an hour early.

“I have loved the band since I was young but never got to see them first time round.

“We have been to Birmingham, Newcastle, Blackpool and Manchester to go to two of the Big Reunion gigs and then to two of Five’s own concerts.

“I just love their music.”

Also at the gig were friends Vicky and Becky.

Boy band Five (5ive) at the Venue, Middlesbrough, Teesside. 17.04.15.

Vicky, 30, who lives in Stockton, said: “We loved them when we were young.

“For me they stood out as one of my favourites.”

Becky, 35, said: “I liked all their music.”

Fellow fans, cousins Kelly and Kirsty, agreed.

“We got our tickets as soon as they came out,” said 32-year-old Kelly from Skelton.

“They were our favourites.”

Kirsty, 31, from Middlesbrough, said: “We would listen to them together when we were younger so I was really looking forward to tonight.”

Five, now consisting of Scott Robinson, Ritchie Neville and Sean Conlon, decided to hit the road again after a number of successful appearances as part of the ITV series The Big Reunion and their own sell-out Greatest Hits tour.

Five’s hits include When the Lights Go Out, Slam Dunk Da Funk, We Will Rock You, Keep On Movin’ and Got the Feelin’. But as well as classic hits, Five also performed stripped back, acoustic songs.

Also performing on the night was Brighton-born singer songwriter and guitarist Mi’das, who will release his EP Stronger later this month.

Superb team performance but who was the best on the night? Rate Boro's players after the win over Norwich

Every one of Boro's players put in a shift, every one of them played their part.

Here's your chance to rate each individual on their display as Boro picked up three massive points at Carrow Road to move back to the top of the Championship.

Unfortunately you can't give Alexander Tettey a rating, the Norwich player whose own goal ensured Boro brought an end to the superb run the Canaries have been on in the Championship recently.

Give us your verdict on Boro's marvellous result and rate the players who took Boro back to the top of the pile.

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  Dimi Konstantopoulos

  
  

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  Tomas Kalas

  
  

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  George Friend

  
  

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  Daniel Ayala

  
  

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  Ben Gibson

  
  

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  Adam Clayton

  
  

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  Grant Leadbitter

  
  

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  Albert Adomah

  
  

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  Patrick Bamford

  
  

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  Jelle Vossen

  
  

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  Lee Tomlin

  
  

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  Adam Forshaw

  
  

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  Kike

  
  

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  Fernando Amorebieta

  
  

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• Submission / Results

Norwich 0 Boro 1: Full time match report

SCROLL DOWN FOR MATCH OVERVIEW (desktop website only)

Battling Boro went back to the top of the Championship table in a pulsating victory at Carrow Road.

They showed skill and steel to see off one of their main promotion rivals and gave themselves a realistic chance of grabbing an automatic spot.

In a sprint start Boro stunned Norwich with an blistering start as they peppered the home goal with shots and had them pinned down with seven corners in the first 10 minutes.

Then they forced an opener as a Leadbitter corner clipped defender Alexander Tettey and flew in for an own goal.

They had chances to stretch that lead in a commanding lead but after the break they had to dig deep and defend en masse as Norwich threw everything at them.

Boro made two changes for the big clash, Daniel Ayala returning from injury against his former club in place of Jonathan Woodgate and with Grant Leadbitter back from a ban, Adam Forshaw dropping to the bench.

There was a pulsating atmosphere as the game kicked off to a sonic boom.

Boro showed first in the third minute as Albert Adomah weaved diagonally through the middle to send Tomas Kalas down the right and when he crossed a Jelle Vossen header was tipped over.

From the corner Daniel Ayala's looping header was fumbled over y keeper Ruddy and then after the second Leadbitter flag-kick was only half-cleared Adomah collected and carried forward on six minutes then chipped into the still crowded box for Vossen at the far post to volley over.

And Boro almost got the opener on eight minutes as Lee Tomlin won a tackle and pushed down the left for Patrick Bamford to dart behind the defence then square towards the run of Vossen but defender Bassong stretched to cut it out and turn it behind.

But Boro did snatch the lead from the corner on nine minutes as Leadbitter's whipped ball to the near post for defender ALEXANDER TETTEY to glance a header that looped inside the far post and although Adomah stretched it was already in.

Norwich threatened on 10 minutes as Johnson sent Jerome into the box but Ben Gibson hit in with a firm but feisty sledgehammer tackle that had the home fans screaming for a penalty.

Then Boro surged forward again and almost had a second as an Adomah ball into the box was scrambled away wide at the back post but Bamford sprinted to collect on the byline then drilled a low ball across the face of goal that squeezed under the keeper and rolled invitingly before being hacked clear.

And Boro went close again on 17 minutes as a Leadbitter ball sent Bamford down the inside-left channel to beat the offside trap and break into the box, cut inside and rifle in a low shot but it was weak and Ruddy saved comfortably.

Norwich went close on 20 minutes as a deep cross to the far post was nodded back into the middle by Johnson and Howson powered a header wide from eight yards.

Then a long range Tettey free-kick was nodded behind for a corner that was untidily scrambled away.

There was a scare on 25 minutes as Bamford, who had not been moving freely, went down for a second time needing treatment.

Norwich had a scrappy spell of pressure as a ball into the box caused chaos and first Ayala and then Gibson tried to head clear but it came back in again and almost fell to Jerome but Kalas stepped in to hoof it away.

And the Canaries went close on 30 minutes as a ball into the box was nodded across the face of goal towards Hoolahan but alert Gibson was on hand to head it into the on-rushing midfielder and it bounced harmlessly out for a goal-kick.

Boro broke out and went close on 35 minutes as Tomlin played a ball forward and Vossen back-heeled it on for Adomah to beat he flag and send a first time 20 yard effort just over.

Norwich built up the pressure again as Basson headed wide from a corner then Hoolahan rifled a low 22 yard shot that sent keeper Dimi Konstantopoulos full length to save and soon after Dorrans broke into the box but was robustly shepherded away by Ayala.

Jerome won a dangerous free-kick on the left of the box on 43 minutes but Konstantopoulos came out to punch Dorrans effort away then from a corner soon after Ayala headed clear.

City won another free-kick in a similar position and Konstantopolous came to punch but missed and the ball bounced around dangerously at the far post before Friend pumped it away.

Boro had a scare in stoppage as Hoolahan broke into the box and went down under a tackle by Kalas and the ref whistled but with the home fans screaming for a penalty the ref booked the Norwich man for diving.

HALF-TIME: NORWICH 0 BORO 1

Boro showed first after the break on 48 minutes as Clayton knocked a ball over the top for Bamford to chase into the box but his angled 10 yard low shot was well saved.

Norwich threatened on 50 minutes as Hoolihan sent over-lapping full-back Whittaker down the right but his cross landed on the roof of the Boro net.

There was a hold up as Vossen needed treatment after landing heavily in a tangle with Bassong.

Boro then had to dig deep and put in some brave blocks and tackles as frantic Norwich knocked the ball forward quickly but outstanding Ayala and Gibson were heading everything away and both full-back weighed in as well closing down crosses.

Boro were forced into a change on the hour as Vossen again went down injured with Adam Forshaw coming in in his place.

On 62 minutes Norwich made a change, striker Grabban coming on for midfielder Dorrans.

There was a furious scramble on 62 minutes and first Ayala blocked a Grabban shot then Tomlin charged down a Johnson effort with the crowd howling for a penalty.

Adomah was booked on 64 for barging aside Hoolihan just outside the box on the left but the free-kick in was headed clear by Ayala.

Norwich launched another frantic attack but Boro dug deep to keep them at arm's length then when a ball bounced free towards Grabban 10 yards Kalas beat him to the drop and hooked away.

But Boro broke out and almost plundered a second on 71 minutes as Kalas sent Forshaw away and he pushed a diagonal ball into the feet of Tomlin who carried it forward then sent a 20 yard sizzler curling a foot wide of the top corner.

On 75 minutes Clayton was booked as Hoolahan threatened to break through and the midfielder wrestled him to the ground.

On 78 minutes Redmond and Hooper came on for Hoolihan and Johnson.

Norwich again piled forward and Boro were on the back foot.

The home fans were again screaming for a penalty on 81 minutes as Friend went sliding in to block a cross from the right by Jerome and it appeared to hit his raised hand but again play was waved on.

Boro should have sealed it on 84 minutes as Whittaker tried to clear but it hit Tomlin who slotted it forward for Bamford.

The striker played a one-two with Tomlin to break into the box but under pressure he screwed his shot just wide when Tomlin was unmarked and screaming for the return.

On 85 minutes Boro put Kike on for Bamford.

Norwich almost grabbed a freak equalier as a ball into the box was cleared and Hooper cracked in first time low effort that deflected off the inside of Ayala's legs and squirted just wide of the far post with Konstantopolous rooted.

There was a hold up as the keeper went down for treatment, again with the home fans howling and chanting 'cheat'.

In a final assault Gibson headed a cross away then Kalas could only scramble it away to Redmond but before the ball could be put back in Ayala went down injured sparking furious protests from the Norwich players and a 10 man melee.

In stoppage time Norwich almost grabbed a leveller as Martin unleashed a rocket from 10 yards but Leadbitter threw his way in front of it to deflect it over the bar.

Boro put on Fernando Amorebieta for Tomlin in the third minute of added time.

Boro were forced to dig deep through seven minutes of added time but held on for a fampous victory.

BORO: Konstantopoulos, Kalas, Ayala, Gibson, Friend, Clayton, Leadbitter ( c), Adomah, Tomlin (Amorebieta 90+3), Vossen (Forshaw, 60), Bamford (Kike 85). Subs: Ripley, Whitehead, Reach, Nsue.

NORWICH (4411): Ruddy; Whittaker, Martin (c), Bassong, Olsson; Howson, Tettey, Dorrans (Grabban 62), Johnson (Hooper 78); Hoolahan (Redmond 78); Jerome. Subs: Rudd, Bennett, O'Neil, Odjidja-Ofoe

Ref: Robert Madley (Leeds) `

Att: 26,933

Recap: Boro beat Norwich 1-0 to go back to the top of the Championship

Aitor Karanka’s side have won three of their last four games, but they will have to rediscover their away form if they have genuine hopes of finishing in the top two.

Boro have won only one of their last seven on the road in all competitions, and lost three of their last four.

Norwich head into tonight’s match in second place, one point behind Bournemouth and on the back of five straight wins in the league.

The Norfolk side win 14 of their 19 games since Alex Neil took charge in an incredible run of form.

Teessiders sleep rough for charity at the fifth Big Tees Sleepout

Charitable Teessiders are braving a cold spring night by sleeping rough to help fight local poverty and homelessness.

More than 100 hardy souls are taking part in the fifth Big Tees Sleepout tonight.

It is taking place at Durham University’s Queen’s Campus in Stockton for the first time.

Organised by charitable movement Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation, the sleepout aims to raise as much money as possible for those suffering poverty or homelessness, whilst shining a light on the issues.

The fourth sleepout, held at Middlesbrough College in November last year, saw 160 big-hearted Teessiders raise a record-breaking £20,000, meaning the four events have smashed through the £65,000 mark.

Aaron Bishop, 22, from Yarm, took part in the fundraiser.

Aaron, a volunteer at Preston Park Museum, said: “This is the first time I have taken part in this. I volunteered because I wanted see what homeless people go through. It helps raise money for vulnerable people and they can use the money to spend on food and necessities.”

Anna Mockler, 29, a student from Thornaby, said: “This is something I feel passionate about. People can be homeless for many reasons and I want to do what I can to help.

Doug Moody Photography

The 5th Annual Big Tees Sleep Out took place at Durham University's Queens Campus in Stockton on Friday night to raise funds for the Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation

“This is the first time I have taken part in this event. I am doing it with my friend Natasha Holmes. It has been pretty cold.”

The Philanthropic Foundation’s Mandy Shields said: “This is a night for cold feet but warm hearts.

“We’re so grateful to all the brave people who gave up their comfortable beds for a night on the streets, and we’re grateful to Durham University for stepping in to give us a new venue.”

Among those taking part are staff from Tesco Express in Billingham.

Customer assistant Jasmine Davies, who was joined by manager Paul Rowe and staff Tammy Hopwood and Hayley Tait, said they had been prepared for a sleepless night.

“Our customers have been very generous in sponsoring, though they think we’re mad for doing it,” said Jasmine.

Another staff team sleeping rough will represent Yarm’s Thomas Rea Funeral Directors, while homeless lads and staff from Stockton’s Bridgehouse Mission will also be there.

Among the causes set to benefit from the sleepout are local food banks, Middlesbrough Sports Academy for those in recovery from addiction or homelessness and the Stockton-based Moses Project that provides meals for addicts, homeless and struggling families.

For more details about the Big Tees Sleepout, visit http://bit.ly/1aCT4Ss

For more details about the foundation visit http://bit.ly/1b5sj9I

East Cleveland cadet is named the Lord Lieutenant Cadet for North Yorkshire

An East Cleveland cadet has become the first from the Guisborough unit for 10 years to be named the Lord Lieutenant Cadet for North Yorkshire.

Able cadet Joe Gibbs, 17, from Grinkle, was awarded the accolade - also becoming the first Able Cadet to receive the award, as leading and petty officer cadets this is a phenomenal achievement.

AC Gibbs received his award from Ken Gillance, an ex barrister and immigration judge who has been the unit vice president for 15 years.

Joe is congratulated by Robert Fielden

Robert Fielden, commanding officer at the Guisborough and East Cleveland Unit, who meet at Belmangate, said: “AC Gibbs is doing his A-Levels and hopes to go in the Navy as an Air Crew Officer.

“He is an outstanding Sea Cadet. He is an enthusiastic, hardworking, trustworthy, loyal, mature and a polite well-mannered young man and is a credit to the unit. I was extremely proud of AC Gibbs when he was awarded his bronze and silver wings from the Sea Cadet aviation scheme and he is hoping to achieve his gold later this year.”

Stockton receives colourful treats from across the globe at a three day market

Shoppers have been tucking into some exotic treats from across the globe at the latest specialist market to hit Stockton High Street.

The three-day World Village Market offers delights from a wide range of countries, a huge selection of delectable tasty goods, handcrafted authentic gifts and clothing.

The themed street market, organised by Market Square Group, runs until Sunday and feature products unique to particular regions from around the globe such as crafts, homewares, bags, clothing and shoes from places as diverse as Ecuador, India, Nepal, Turkey and Thailand.

There is plenty to tempt the tastebuds too with traditional Spanish paella, olives, baklava, Turkish delight and nuts.

Or for those with a sweeter tooth, Churros with chocolate sauce, raspberry puree and whipped cream or handmade almond cakes.

The Market Square Group has also created a street food festival area with seating and a beer festival which runs until 9pm Saturday evening.

A live music programme from Apollo Arts will keep people entertained over the weekend.

Admission is free to the market.

Live: Norwich v Boro at Carrow Road

Aitor Karanka’s side have won three of their last four games, but they will have to rediscover their away form if they have genuine hopes of finishing in the top two.

Boro have won only one of their last seven on the road in all competitions, and lost three of their last four.

Norwich head into tonight’s match in second place, one point behind Bournemouth and on the back of five straight wins in the league.

The Norfolk side win 14 of their 19 games since Alex Neil took charge in an incredible run of form.

George Friend: 'We want to play in the big games, we want to be fighting until the end, we want to be part of Boro history'

As Boro prepare for a nerve-jangling Championship crunch at Carrow Road that could decide their promotion fate, George Friend insists Boro are ready for it.

The top of the table is incredibly tight and even more tense as the nip-and-tuck chase reaches a climax, and Boro have a chance to seize the summit and dent title rivals Norwich in the high-stakes televised clash.

Fourth placed Boro are just one point behind the Canaries and two behind leaders Bournemouth – and with just three games left, this result could be pivotal to the final positions.

But full-back Friend said Boro can flourish in the heat.

“Yes it is very tense at top, and every single game now feels massive,” he said.

“Carrow Road will be bouncing. There will be an incredible atmosphere because they need it just as much as we do.

“But we will be right up for it rather than scared of it.

“It is turning out to be quite an exciting finish, and I know that has piled the pressure on everybody, fans and players.

“But that’s what we want. If you are fighting at the top there’s always a lot of pressure.

Middlesbrough's George Friend celebrates with Ben Gibson after the win over Wolves

“You could be fighting relegation and be facing a different pressure, or already on your holidays and relaxed, but I think this is where you want to be

“You want to play in the big games, you want to be fighting for something right to the end and you want to hopefully be part of history at Boro.

“Yes, there may be some nerves but that can be a good thing and it can fire you up and drive you on. If you don’t feel some nerves going into a game like this then there’s probably something wrong with you.”

Fan’s favourite Friend says the clash is a massive test of the skill and steel of the squad but insists they can cope.

“We’ve had tough tests before,” he said. “We’ve been to Manchester City under pressure. We went to Brentford. We went to Derby. We are no strangers to pressure this season.

“Back in March we had that ‘Week of Destiny’ and because we lost the last game everyone was a bit down, but actually we had a very good week, and we took six points from nine and beat two of our rivals. Our last two away games at Bournemouth and Watford have been very disappointing, but we want to put that right, we want to go to Norwich and win and take control again. We can’t wait. We want to go there and prove we deserve to be in the top two.

“Yes, it will be tough but if you want to get into the Premier League – and believe me, we do – then you have to win these games, it’s as simple as that.”

Griffiths Photographers

George Friend celebrates with Patrick Bamford at Derby

Even victory though may not guarantee promotion as both Bournemouth and Watford could overhaul Boro if they win on Saturday. It looks like it is going down to the wire.

“Yes, it is going to be tight,” said Friend. “There are four good teams battling it out, it is very close and that is a very exciting situation to be in.

“It’s a shame that other teams can have a say in our fate, but we have a say in their’s too.

“It will be tight, but it is about who can be the most professional, organised and clinical and finish off teams now.

“Just have to try and win our games now and not worry about other things and other games we can’t influence.

“We can only do our job and win our games, We can do this. We know we’ve got power, strength, mental strength, unity, and a good squad, and after two wins at home and the display against Wolves we will go there with confidence.”

Boro have already sealed a play-off place but while Friend doesn’t want to take that route he is confident of success should Boro need to win promotion the hard way.

“We’ve got that top-six spot nailed down now, and in some ways that takes a bit of the pressure off,” he said. “

“But that is not something we are thinking about just yet.

“Yes that was the minimum target when we started, but we are all pretty ambitious and we’ve had a taste of things and its always nice to be flirting with the top two – but yes; I’d have taken it back in August.

“Would I take it now? No. Not yet. We still have the automatic spots to play for. That’s all we are thinking about right now.

“But I’d back us against anyone in the play-offs if that is the way it has to be.”

In-form Jonny Taylor is king of the roads again as he scorches to a big win in Brighton

In-form Jonny Taylor is targeting some “significant PBs” this summer after another superb display on the roads.

Just three weeks after storming to victory in an exhibition in solo front-running at the Thirsk 10 mile, 27-year-old Taylor ran away from a stacked domestic field to win the Brighton 10k.

The Morpeth Harrier is hitting form at the right time.

After enduring the frustration of an injury that led to a below-par showing in the World Cross Country Championship trials in Birmingham, he’s back to his very best with the track season just around the corner.

And although Taylor’s rapid winning time on the south coast of 29.13 took him to the top of the UK rankings in 2015, the Middlesbrough-based athlete believes he’s capable of breaking the 29 minute barrier when he toes the line at the notoriously fast Greater Manchester 10k next month.

Another impressive display there would set him up perfectly for the summer season on the track, where Taylor is looking to revise his personal bests and wants to knock on the door of 13:30 for 5,000 metres.

“I was really pleased with the win in Brighton,” Taylor told the Gazette.

“There was a group of us until around 5 or 6k and then I pushed it on and broke it up a bit.

“To be honest, I thought we were on for a faster time but I felt comfortable. If I had a bit more confidence I would have gone earlier.

“Obviously with it being such a strong field it was just good to get the win, hopefully I’ll go faster in Manchester.”

Jonny Taylor on his way to winning the Thirsk 10 mile last month

Taylor admits it’s been an “up and down” winter, the frustration of a niggling knee injury forcing him out of the race he’d targeted all season, but he’s bounced back in excellent fashion.

“It was frustrating to pick up an injury at that stage of the season, it probably cost me a place at the World Championships,” he said, reflecting on the winter.

“But I think I’m in a good place now to go on and hopefully set some significant PBs this summer.”

Meanwhile, Taylor’s training partner Richard Morrell, from Hartlepool, anchored Morpeth Harriers to National 12-stage glory in Birmingham last weekend.

Stockton athlete Andrew Wiles ran a superb long leg to take Morpeth into pole position, helping the Tyneside club to national 12-stage glory for the first time in their history.

Devastated mum urges awareness after Doctor Who-loving son, 10, died just 36 hours after falling ill

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A mum is urging awareness of a rare genetic condition after her 10-year-old son died within 36 hours of falling ill.

Having learned to cope with his autism, popular Stockton schoolboy Matthew Kilvington had everything to live for.

But just hours after he was struck down with AVM - a tangle of blood vessels in the brain - Matthew’s mum, Julie Newbold, had to make the heartbreaking decision to have his life support machine switched off.

Now devastated Julie wants to celebrate his short life - and encourage people to watch for the possible symptoms of AVM (arteriovenous malformation).

Matthew, a pupil at Oak Tree Primary School, was diagnosed with autism at the age of five. And despite some early behavioural issues, Julie says Matthew - with his blonde hair, blue eyes and loving nature - had become a “a gorgeous little boy with everything to live for.” And yet on March 28, unimaginable tragedy struck.

The previous day, Matthew - who was rarely ill - awoke complaining of a headache. As the day progressed, his condition worsened and he began vomiting, became drowsy and sluggish and complained of bright lights.

Worried it might be meningitis, Julie says he was taken to North Tees Hospital, but was initially diagnosed with possible viral gastro-entiritis because he was vomiting and didn’t display other signs such as neck stiffness.

He was kept on a drip overnight but at 3.30am, when Julie took him to the toilet, he collapsed. The next few hours saw his condition deteriorate further and later that day, after a CT scan, he was transferred to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary.

Tragically, his life support machine was switched off around 8pm that evening.

Julie, 45, said: “I didn’t want to prolong things any longer - he wasn’t with us any more. There were no signs of brain activity.

“We couldn’t do anything - we couldn’t bring him back.

“Apparently AVM is congenital. He would have been born with it but because he didn’t display any symptoms over his 10 years, and he was a healthy boy, we had no concerns.”

Dave Charnley Photography

Funeral of Matthew Kilvington at Stockton Parish Church

Matthew, who would have been 11 on April 6, loved Dr Who and Transformers so much, his favourite Tardis and Transformers models were put alongside him in his coffin. Even his ashes will be put in a Tardis-shaped casket, such was his love for the sci-fi programme.

His funeral, at Stockton Parish Church, saw mourners and even the horses drawing his carriage in blue - the colour of autism awareness. More than £540 was raised for the autism centre Matthew attended, Daisy Chain at Norton.

Julie said Matthew loved “tormenting” dad John to take him round looking at demolition sites, which he had a fascination for.

Indeed, a piece he wrote at school on the subject is now a treasured memory - and showed his caring side too.

It read: “My name is Matthew and when I am 22 years old, I want a job demolishing buildings. I would have to be able to build fences around it to keep people safe.”

Julie said Matthew adored his family - dad John and his partner Dee, sisters Emily, 21, and Jasmine, 18, Julie’s partner Shaun and particularly the niece he saw as a sister, two-and-a-half year old Jasmine.

Julie, of Roseworth, added: “In the last year of his life, he had learned to overcome his autism and became a contented, happy little boy.

“He wasn’t a social child. He just used to sit here, playing on his tablet for hours or watching TV, but he was happy with what he had in his life. And he was starting to develop into a really loving boy.

“He was a gorgeous little boy who was loved by everybody and had everything to live for. We’re all devastated - we just can’t comprehend why he’s gone.”

Future of Billingham Synthonia junior teams secured by £50,000 Sport England grant

The future of a well-known local football club has been secured after a community group saved the pitches they play on from being sold.

Ten teams from to Billingham Synthonia Juniors FC train and play at Central Avenue in Billingham, which could possibly have been sold by land owners Coulby Capital Ltd.

But a new group - Phoenix Community Services CIC ran by club chairman Nicky Brown and Malcolm Deighan - stepped in to help.

Nicky and business partner Malcolm, both Billingham residents who already run their own training company and have worked with young people for many years, lead the bid to Sport England’s Protected Playing Fields fund, to secure the land for generations to come.

Mr Brown said: “We are pleased to say that following a lengthy bid process, competing against 97 other similar projects, Sport England have awarded £50,000 to secure the land for 25 years, not only for the teams that currently play and train on the ground but for the wider community too.”

The Phoenix Community Services grassroots project has now secured Billingham Synthonia Juniors future for the 10 teams, including a new girls team, playing and training on the seven pitches at the ground.

Mr Brown continued: “I am absolutely overjoyed. We are not experienced bid writers, our skills are working with the young people themselves.

“The thought of losing this fantastic facility spurned us on to find funding that would help us secure and, potentially enable us to further develop the land for future generations too.

“I would especially like to thank Steve Bagshaw and Bridget Hall at Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, both were great in their support to us as we pursued our National Lottery Sport England bid.”

Mr Brown also thanked the company on behalf of the juniors for their continued sponsorship for the last six years and Tony Williamson, the club welfare officer, for his time securing sponsorship.

He also said that he hoped that more people in the community, as well as local sports clubs, would become involved and use the facilities in the future.

Woman taken to hospital after Nunthorpe crash

A woman was taken to hospital after a crash in Nunthorpe.

Police were called to The Avenue at 12.45pm today to reports of a two-car collision at the junction of Clarence Road.

It involved a Volkswagen Passat and a black Skoda Rapid.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said two women were involved in the incident. One was taken to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

Middlesbrough Council cleared debris from the road.

Boro kick off two-year Leeds Bradford Airport deal with exclusive offers for fans

High flying Boro has announced that Leeds Bradford Airport is now the ‘Official Airport’ of the club.

The two-year deal will see the airport offer Middlesbrough fans and their families exclusive offers, competitions and chances to win flights.

David Gornall, commercial director at the airport, is a lifelong Boro fan.

He said he was thrilled to announce “this exciting new relationship and look forward to making it a success for all involved, especially for fellow fans”.

“There are numerous reasons why we think Boro supporters will like Leeds Bradford Airport, such as our free unlimited superfast Wi-Fi, our luxury Yorkshire Premier Lounge, contemporary bars and restaurants, and convenient on-site parking,” he added.

Boro midfielder Adam Clayton was on hand to launch the new partnership saying: “This is great news for the club and the fans.

“I’ve used Leeds Bradford Airport a lot over the past few years – it’s my local airport - and people don’t realise how good the facilities are and the wide number of destinations that are available.

“This is a great opportunity for Boro fans and the people of Teesside to learn more about what’s on offer and maybe even win a great prize. I know the club is very excited about partnering with LBA.”

Mark Ellis, chief operating officer at Middlesbrough FC, said: “The teams at LBA and the club are committed to a successful long term partnership that will provide tangible benefits to Middlesbrough fans as well as achieving growth in passenger numbers through increased usage of the airport by the residents of the Teesside region.”

To kick off the partnership, the airport is offering exclusive flight prizes to Middlesbrough supporters through #goalsforflights.

Every time Boro scores a goal between now and the end of the season, another pair of flights from Leeds Bradford Airport will be up for grabs, to destinations like Menorca, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Dublin, Nice and London.

Number of drivers caught using mobile phone at wheel drops dramatically

The number of people caught using a mobile phone while driving has dropped dramatically.

In the Cleveland Police force area, more than three times as many drivers were caught by police in 2010 than in 2014.

The force gave out 1,713 fixed penalty notices in 2010, a figure which has dropped annually every year since.

Only 545 notices were handed out in 2014.

Inspector Ed Turner from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit said that increased awareness of the law since it was introduced in 2007 and education by police is a factor in the reduction.

Insp Turner said: “We work all year round to keep our roads as safe as we possibly can using both education and enforcement.

“Our focus is very much towards education and we deliver many schemes and packages, often we advise and warn members of the public or refer them to a driver improvement scheme, but there are also many occasions where using enforcement is warranted.

“If road users are made aware of the dangers that they can put other motorists, their passengers and themselves in then our aim is that it will make them think twice about their actions.”

Throughout England and Wales there has been an even more significant decline in the number of people being fined for this offence in recent years - working out as a 58% drop between 2011 and 2013.

A major crackdown on motorists using mobile phones was launched by roads policing officers in the Cleveland and Durham force areas in January.

The campaign aimed to target distracted drivers and reduce the number of casualties on Teesside’s roads.

Chief Inspector Alison Jackson from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit, said at the time: “Driving any vehicle requires and deserves your full attention.

“To do anything else puts your life, the lives of any passengers and other road users at risk.

“You could become involved in a serious or even fatal collision as a result of your poor judgment.

“Over the next week our officers will be making this offence a priority and will stop anyone they see either using a mobile phone, or for some other reason not having full control of their driving.”

Those caught receive a £100 fine and three penalty points on their licence. It can lead to disqualification and a maximum fine of £1,000.

Drivers of buses or goods vehicles could get a maximum fine of £2,500.

Brothers who made nearly £2m from drugs agree to pay back £100,000 from illicit cash

Two brothers who made nearly £2m from a huge narcotics conspiracy have had confiscation orders totalling £100,000 made against them.

Raja Arshad, 33, and Murthaza Arshad, 31, from Middlesbrough, agreed to the figures when they appeared at Teesside Crown Court after completing prison sentences.

The pair who lived with their father, a Middlesbrough taxi driver, were jailed in 2008 for a conspiracy involving Class A drugs.

The brothers were part of a major drugs gang jailed for their part in a plan to flood Teesside with heroin.

The high-level network was smashed after a chance sighting of a drug deal. Police later swooped on a home in Oxford Road, Linthorpe in July 2007.

This led officers to a drugs factory on Ayresome Street, a shuttered disused property ideal for avoiding detection.

The raids on the two addresses resulted in the seizure of 11.68kg of heroin worth £1,168,354, as well as cocaine and crack cocaine.

At the time Cleveland Police said it was the biggest haul of heroin the force had recovered.

In 2008 four men were sentenced to a total of 42 years in prison.

Detective Constable Jim Devine said at the time of sentencing: “The recovery is the biggest in Cleveland and clearly the quantities and volumes involved demonstrate that this was an organisation with national, if not international, links.

“It was going to ruin the streets of Middlesbrough and the surrounding areas of the North-east.”

Raja Arshad was jailed for 10 years in 2008, his brother Murthaza 12 years for their part in the conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

Two other men Amin Younis, then of Brafferton Road, was also jailed for 12 years and Shazad Majid, then of Westbourne Grove, North Ormesby, was jailed for nine years.

At yesterday’s Proceeds of Crime hearing prosecutor Peter Makepeace said the elder Arshad brother’s drugs benefit was put at £916,651 with recoverable assets of £50,079, and Murthaza Arshad’s benefit at £854,671 and the amount available was £53,792.

Mr Makepeace said that in the original case the police recovered £107, 976 and the benefit between them was £103,118.

The police have been holding the cash, and Judge Peter Armstrong ordered that it should be paid over within two weeks.

The brothers, of Oxford Road, Middlesbrough, agreed the prosecution’s figures before the court hearing.

Watch: 'We definitely needed that' says Jitendra Duffill as Redcar Bears clinch first win of season

The Bears are back!

After a torrid start to the season, Redcar’s Ecco Finishing Bears bounced back to record a well deserved first victory of the season.

There was a mid-meeting wobble when a 14-point lead was slashed to just to just three, but they stuck firm then ended with a flourish to take three Premier League Cup points from their Media Prima Arena clash thanks to a 53-40 triumph.

Once again No 1 and stand-in skipper Lasse Bjerre led by example, missing out on a six-ride maximum by the narrowest possible margin after being pipped on the line at the end of heat 11 by Theo Pijper following a valiant race-long battle to reel him in. One more lap and he’d have been past!

But it was a good effort from top to bottom. The two reserves still have work to do but it was much better from both of them – Rafal Konopka looking more composed and comfortable than he ever has and storming from third to first as he won heat two, while Ben Morley was on the pace and in the mix.

Hugh Skidmore was back to the Skiddy who won our hearts – and the Bears Rider of the Year award – in 2013 and 2014 while Matej Kus is always good for a couple of wins and more, and didn’t let us down in that score.

Jan Graversen was outstanding in his first three heats and provided one of the highlights of the meeting in heat six as he fought a determined and ultimately successful rearguard action to fend off the advances of ex-Bear Josh Auty, a rider who will battle until the end and never knows when he is beaten.

After sitting on a paid maximum with three rides done he tailed off as the track began to slicken off and failed to score in his last two but he did his job early doors.

With six races gone the Bears were sitting pretty at 25-11 up, having provided every heat winner up to that point.

But the black and white tactical double helmet colour so often seems to contain mystical qualities and when former Bear of the Year Carl Wilkinson wore it in heat seven, he and team-mate Alex Davies slashed the deficit to 26-19 with a big 8-1.

When Theo Pijper and Nike Lunna followed up with an unexpected 5-1 over Morley and Graversen the score was suddenly 27-24 and what had been a commanding position had been almost completely eroded.

Which way was it going to go? Were the Bears going to capitulate completely?

Three drawn heats stopped the rot and a run of three successive 4-2s made sure of victory before Bjerre and Skidmore combined for a final heat 5-1 over Auty and Pijper to end the night in style and brought home a maximum points haul.

There’ll be tougher tests ahead but this was a definite improvement - a big step in the right direction - and will bring confidence and belief into the team ahead of their Premier League opener against Peterborough next week, when injured skipper Stuart Robson is set to return.

BEARS: Lasse Bjerre 17, Hugh Skidmore 11+1, Matej Kus 9+1, Jan Graversen 7+2, Rafal Konopka 5+1, Ben Morley 4, R/R for Stuart Robson.

SCORPIONS: Carl Wilkinson 11+1, Josh Auty 9, Theo Pijper 7+1, Alex Davies 6+1, Nike Lunna 4+1, David Howe 3, Ellis Perks 0

Unemployment on Teesside falls for second month in a row

Unemployment on Teesside has fallen for a second month in a row.

Official figures show that 15,312 people in the area claimed Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) in March, down from 15,998 a month earlier.

The 4.3% drop will add to hopes that a 2.1% rise in January - the first increase in 10 months - was a blip in an otherwise downward trend that has seen the jobless rate on Teesside fall steadily over the year.

The Office for National Statistics data showed all five local authority areas enjoyed a year-on-year fall in the claimant count.

The improving picture on Teesside was mirrored across the wider North-east, although the region still has the highest jobless rate in the UK.

The latest figures show that 7.7% of the region were out of work between December last year and this February, with the jobless total at 100,000 in the three months to February.

The jobless rate has come down from 9.2% during the same period a year earlier.

The North East Chamber of Commerce welcomed the further drop.

NECC policy and research manager Mark Stephenson said: “Yet again the North-east jobs figures provide much to be positive about, albeit with the caveat that the pace of improvement seems to have eased.

“In our most recent Quarterly Economic Survey figures showed an easing of employer confidence with particular relation to hiring intentions.

Taken together with anecdotal feedback it appears the uncertainty of a general election is impacting on investment whether in people or equipment.

“Nevertheless the North-east yet again breaks the record for numbers in employment while unemployment is at a seven-year low. The claimant count figure is also at a seven year low.”

Nowhere else in the country has more than 7% of the adult population unemployed. The UK jobless rate now stands at 5.6%.

Gaizka Mendieta's man bag: Style hit or fashion flop for former Boro midfielder?

Fashion goal or fashion flop?

That’s what former Middlesbrough footballer Gaizka Mendieta was asking after taking this couture risk.

The 41-year-old retired Spanish midfielder - who saw his football career out at Boro - asked his Instagram followers what they thought of the ‘man bag’ on social media network Instagram.

Mendieta - who sported the look in London - said: “My outfit for today has been debated, let’s put it to the vote!”

And he's not the first person with Boro connections to follow the trend...

Some gave their thumbs up to Mendieta's outfit, but were unsure about the purse.

“Remove the bag and perfect,” said one Instagram user.

Another said: “All good part from the ladies handbag bro.”

But others loved the look.

“You look cool Mendi!” said sports journalist Claire Bloomfield.

Adam Carruthers said: “Too stylish Mendi...”.

Mendieta finished his time with Middlesbrough in 2008.

Last summer he was linked with a possible return to Middlesbrough as coach to the youth team squad.

He was quoted as saying: “Middlesbrough was one of the best times of my life, the town, the fans were fantastic.

“I live here, it’s my life now and I would love to go back if Aitor wanted me too.”

His Wikipedia page says he settled in Yarm with his family after retirement but it’s believed he moved out of the area in 2012.

Boro striker Patrick Bamford shortlisted for Championship Player of the Year award

Boro's top scorer Patrick Bamford has been shortlisted for the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Year award.

The Chelsea loanee has been in scintillating form for the Teessiders during his season-long loan from Stamford Bridge.

The 21-year-old was last week nominated for the Football League’s Young Player of the Year, but his eye-catching displays have also earned him a place on the senior shortlist.

The Player of the Year nominees were voted for by managers of all 24 clubs in the Championship.

Each manager was asked to list their top five players from this season in order, with the scores added up to get a shortlist and an overall winner.

Patrick Bamford celebrates against Rotherham

Bamford, who has become a focal point in Boro’s promotion push this season with 19 goals, has been nominated alongside Watford captain Troy Deeney and Ipswich top scorer Daryl Murphy.

Previous winners of the award include Burnley’s Premier League sensation Danny Ings, Watford front man Matej Vydra and England international Rickie Lambert.

Bamford will learn if he has won either accolade at a gala ceremony at The Brewery, London, on Sunday night.

Boro have also been shortlisted in the Family Club of the Year category.

To celebrate the tenth anniversary of The Football League Awards, there will be a special announcement of the Football Manager Team of the Decade.

The gong recognises 11 outstanding players and one manager who have excelled in the competitions of The Football League during the last 10 years.

The first ceremony was held on March 5, 2006, with England defender Phil Jagielka among those to come away with awards.

A live stream of the awards will be available on Boro’s club website.

Business Interview: Lorna Jackson of Real Meals cafe and deli in Saltburn

It’s safe to say that food has been a major influence on Lorna Jackson’s life. At 15 she’d earn extra pocket money by flogging ice-creams to hungry punters on Saltburn beach. Then she’d tuck into mouthwatering dishes cooked by her mother Sheila, who religiously grew fruit and vegetables in her back garden.

Now Lorna heads up the family-owned Real Meals cafe and deli, based a stone’s throw from Saltburn’s famous Victorian pier. And when she’s not serving customers and looking after her 11 staff at the £180,000-a-year turnover business, she’s busy organising farmers’ markets at Saltburn and Stockton - a pastime which generates wealth for local businesses and the economy.

According to research commissioned by Lorna, the farmers’ markets attract an average of 35 traders who rake in around £600 each. And when she organises a food festival - the next one in Saltburn is scheduled for August 2 - around 70 traders set up their stalls and make about £800 each.

In a nutshell, 20 markets a year at Stockton and Saltburn generate £420,000 of local business, with an extra £56,000 pulled in for each festival hosted. But the economic impact is much greater than that because the research doesn’t account for the people who buy and sell from each other.

Lorna says: “You might get a trader who sells some produce to the public and then comes to us at Real Meals and buys a sandwich. Then you might get two traders who buy something from each other as well as selling directly to the public.

“It’s all about bringing people together and getting them to buy local. The internet has its place but there really is no substitute for meeting people face-to-face.”

Lorna Jackson of Real Meals, Milton Street, Saltburn

Not that Lorna has ignored the power of the worldwide web. She actively promotes Real Meals via Facebook and is preparing to launch a dedicated online store that will allow customers to buy goods directly from their PCs or mobile phones. They’ll have a wide range of tastebud-tempting dishes to choose from, such as chorizo and walnut salad in a pea and ginger dressing, spiced lentil soup and feta and beetroot tart with sautéed potatoes. While local produce remains the company’s staple diet, Lorna has sourced food from Shropshire, Cornwall and even further afield from her native Germany and South Africa.

Born in Paderborn, where her father was based in the armed forces, she moved to Halifax when she was two and then to Teesside when her mother took up a teaching role in Redcar. Even by then she was being eaten up by the food bug.

“My mum used to make 20 Chelsea buns and we used to eat four and put the rest in the freezer. Later on in the week, me and my two brothers would take them out and eat them - still half frozen!”

At 16 she found weekend work in a hotel restaurant in Keswick and combined that with her A-level studies in maths, biology and chemistry. After working in various coffee shops in the Lakes, she studied ecology at university before working as a farm manager in Maidenhead and then South Africa. It was a steep learning curve but gave her a better understanding of how to manipulate the environment to maximise crop yields. A stint at the Warwickshire-based Henry Doubleday Research Association - now called Garden Organic - followed before Lorna joined the family business in Teesside.

Initially Real Meals was run out of a small outlet on Saltburn’s Station Street before a second outlet was opened in Guisborough. But the expansion plan didn’t work out and instead the company consolidated its position in Saltburn by moving to its current home on Milton Street. With steady growth once again on the menu, Lorna ends our interview to prepare for a busy lunchtime shift. To her, food is a lifetime passion and not just a day job.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Who has inspired you most (could be real-life or public figure)?

My mum Sheila. She taught me a hell of a lot about food.

Biggest achievement (personal or professional)?

Developing the farmers’ markets in Saltburn and Stockton.

What’s your favourite food?

Vanilla ice-cream.

What car do you drive?

A Volkswagon but I’d love to get a Jaguar.

What’s your favourite music?

A mix of reggae, jazz and upbeat blues.

Who or what makes you laugh?

People and their sense of community spirit.

What’s your biggest strength?

My boundless optimism. I like to take ideas from other places and see if I can implement them locally.

What is your most irritating habit?

I talk too quickly and my natural optimism sometimes makes me attempt things that are unrealistic.

What’s the best job you’ve ever had apart from the one you’ve got?

Selling ice-cream on Saltburn beach when I was 15. I was paid in candy floss!

What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received?

Listen to your customers. Without them, you don’t have a business.

What’s your business mantra?

Be true to what you believe in. I only sell things that I would eat myself.

How do you relax and unwind?

By spending time with my partner Craig and two daughters Florence, 5, and Eirinn, 11.

Where’s your favourite Teesside place?

Saltburn woods.

Which person would you most like to dine with?

Award-winning Michelin chef Michel Roux Junior.

Philip Tallentire: Boro can beat Norwich, but they MUST start match on front foot

Boro can beat Norwich tonight, but to do so they must start the game on the front foot.

At Sheffield Wednesday, Bournemouth and Watford, Aitor Karanka’s team were far too reticent in the opening exchanges, allowing the home team to dictate the pace and pattern of the game.

The head coach made exactly that point on Tuesday in his post match press conference.

To get a result at Carrow Road, he said, the players must perform as they did in the early stages against Wolves not like they did at the Goldsands and Vicarage Road.

Against Derby, in a game similar to tonight’s in terms of importance and white hot atmosphere, Boro were superb.

They quietened the raucous Rams fans by getting about the home team, denying them space to play and pushing forward when possible. Boro were extremely unlucky not to be ahead at half-time.

Griffiths Photographers

George Friend celebrates with Patrick Bamford at Derby

Against Wednesday, Bournemouth and Watford, however, Boro were all but beaten once they fell behind.

The inability to respond after going behind in away games has been a problem all season. Boro did come from behind to win at Bolton but haven’t done so since.

The best they’ve done is equalise at Wigan and Birmingham after going 1-0 down.

What Boro can’t afford to do is shoot themselves in the foot, like the have on too many occasions in recent weeks.

At Bournemouth, when the first goal was always going to be crucial to the outcome, the hosts were gifted a penalty when Tomas Kalas dragged back Callum Wilson inside the penalty area.

The incident was symptomatic of a woeful opening quarter of an hour from Karanka’s men, who played like strangers.

Yes, Bournemouth are a good side, but they’re not that good.

Boro players at Bournemouth

Boro weren’t quite as bad at Watford. There was little to choose between the sides for the opening half hour or so.

Then, the visitors switched off, allowing Adlene Guedioura a free cross which Jonathan Woodgate misread, allowing Troy Deeney to bring the ball down and fire it home at the far post.

There can be no repeats tonight.

The game is a genuine cup tie. Win, and Boro live to fight another day, lose, and it’s the lottery of the play-offs.

Chicago Rock Cafe: Inside the boarded-up bar that once entertained tens of thousands

Now take look around the old Lava Ignite nightclub upstairs...

Remember the Chicago Rock Cafe in Middlesbrough?

It looks a bit different to how you probably remember it.

Having been closed for several years, the town centre venue on Wilson Street has been boarded up.

But property tycoon Umar Hussain, a director at London-based Southmill Property Group, the new owner of the nightclub has given the Gazette a sneak preview of it.

He hopes that his plans - which have been submitted to Middlesbrough Council - to turn it into a multicultural wedding venue are given the go-ahead this month.

Katie Lunn / The Gazette

The former Chicago Rock bar and Lava nightclub

His company bought the premises - which includes the two floors above Chicago Rock - in January.

He plans to spend a quarter-of-a-million pounds “tarting it up” to make it ready to reopen in the summer.

Inside the silent club today, little has changed in the fixtures and fittings - but the happy hordes of clubbers and booming tunes are now just a distant memory.

A small, unplugged ghetto blaster looks like the only thing able to cough up any music.

The odd plastic glass lies scattered on the floor - maybe waiting for the bottle of Moet in the glass case to finally be opened?

The scant reminders of parties gone-by include a lonely, yet to be inflated, balloon and the odd flyer promising “free entry and £1.50 drinks all night!”

The new proposals include plans for the premises to be used as a centre for “various related functions” which include: a banqueting suite, weddings, parties, concerts, nightclub and events.

“We plan to call it The Grand Estoria Venue,” said Umar, 38.

“There will be a ballroom suite on the ground floor, a millionaire’s suite on the first floor and a VIP lounge on the second floor.

“Middlesbrough was a second home to our family and I still have some family living here. There is a big Asian community here.

“I thought there is a lot of potential here. We have a property portfolio and buy and sell mainly in London but we are expanding nationwide.”

The site opened as a Chicago Rock Cafe in 1999 after £2.9m was spent renovating the club formerly known as the Venue.

VIEW GALLERY

It boasted an island bar in the middle of the building and another underneath a raised stage with an 800-person capacity. An American-style restaurant seating 80 was also opened in the building.

The upstairs of the premises was originally known as Liquid but a £500,000 investment saw it reopen in 2005 as Lava and Ignite.

In 2007, Chicago Rock Cafe and the upstairs nightclub, then known as Love2Love, was the first in the region to use swabs to test for cocaine use.

After the premises closed, Middlesbrough Council turned down an application in 2011 to reopen the closed Chicago Rock after concerns about the applicant’s criminal history.

The premises have been closed ever since.

Katie Lunn/The Gazette

Umar Hussain is planning to re-open the bar as a wedding venue

Read more about pubs and bars in our region here

Inside Lava Ignite: Video from the derelict former nightclub in Middlesbrough

Now take a look at our pictures from the former Chicago Rock Cafe downstairs...

Tens of thousands of revellers passed through its doors over the years - but this is how a well-known former Middlesbrough nightclub looks now.

The Gazette was give access to Lava Ignite on Wilson Street by the developers who hope to turn it into a wedding venue.

Our photographer also took pictures and video in the former Venue and Chicago Rock Cafe bar downstairs.

You can take a look at them by clicking here.

VIEW GALLERY

The video in Lava Ignite - which had previously been known as Liquid and Time - is shot by torchlight because the electricity is currently turned off.

However, the building could soon return to life.

Plans have been submitted to Middlesbrough Council to turn it into a multicultural wedding venue.

A company bought the premises - which includes the two floors above Chicago Rock - in January for £150,000.

It now plans to spend a quarter-of-a-million pounds “tarting it up” to make it ready for reopening in the summer.

Ian McIntyre/The Gazette

The dancefloor at Lava Ignite in 2005

Rugby preview: Billingham bring the curtain down on successful season, while Boro and Yarm also target winning end

The curtain comes down on a successful season for Teesside’s three other rugby sides tomorrow afternoon.

Last season, Billingham were left sweating on their national league status - but the story couldn’t be any different this time out.

The Greenwood Road outfit have secured their place in National Three North for a fourth consecutive season, and are looking forward to next year.

Sitting safely in seventh, captain Peter Evans will lead his side out at Lymm tomorrow - the team they beat 41-24 on the opening day of the season.

Middlesbrough end their first season in Yorkshire One with a home clash with Bridlington at Acklam Park.

Ian Heslehurst’s side are comfortably in the top four, and will be looking to lay the foundations for a promotion push next year.

Six wins out of their opening nine fixtures meant Boro were on course for the top two this time out, but a blip in form during January and February scuppered their chances.

In Durham and North Three, Yarm will bring their domestic season to an end at home to Jarrovians.

A victory could see the club finish in the top four - which would constitute an impressive return.

It would also mark Yarm’s fourth straight win as they look to end their domestic season on a high.

Stockton Town can retain Wearside League title with victory over Ashbrooke Belford House

Stockton Town will retain the Wearside League title if they beat Ashbrooke Belford House tomorrow.

Wednesday night’s 1-0 home win against Hartlepool means Town only need to win one of their remaining six league games to keep hold of the champions’ cup.

Sonni Coleman’s second half goal proved decisive and put them on the brink of a first-place finish as Hartlepool kept the score down to 1-0 at Bishopton Road West for the third year running.

Stockton had most of the play before the break and hit the woodwork twice through Stephen Roberts and Kallum Hannah.

But young goalkeeper Liam Jordan pulled off the save of the game when he tipped Samuel Cook’s shot over the bar shortly before the interval.

Stockton improved after the break and scored the decisive goal after 67 minutes.

Coleman hit defender Paul Moore with two shots, before the third one found its way through and nestled in the back of the net.

Goalkeeper Michael Arthur is back for the trip to Silksworth Welfare Park to play Ashbrooke.

Redcar Athletic hope to make history against Harton and Westoe at Green Lane.

The visitors are one of only two Wearside League sides that Redcar have yet to beat under Steve Connolly’s management.

Redcar’s form is good however - they made it two home wins in a row on Wednesday with a 3-1 success against spirited Seaton Carew.

Robbie Farrier gave them the lead with a towering header and two late goals from Adam Preston and Lance Skelton sealed the deal.

Keeper Matthew Berry is Redcar’s only absentee tomorrow, leaving Connolly with his biggest pool of players to choose from since the start of the season.

Wolviston will look for an instant response at home to Gateshead Leam Rangers after their five-match unbeaten run ended in a 2-0 midweek defeat to Easington Colliery. Shaun Gregory and Ian Danby are back in the squad.

Norton need a favour from Thornaby with Northern League promotion push on knife-edge

Norton central midfielder Rocky Andrews is hoping derby rivals Thornaby can do his side a favour tomorrow with the Ancients’ promotion push hanging in the balance.

Norton need Thornaby to beat third-placed Washington at Teesdale Park and secure three points of their own at home to Esh Winning to keep their dream of returning to Northern League Division One alive.

Andrews said: “Hopefully Thornaby can help us out against Washington, and we have to win our last two games ourselves.”

Norton have won two and lost two since manager Andy Campbell was hit with a five-match stadium ban, which ends tomorrow ahead of their final day trip to Tow Law.

Andrews added: “Obviously it’s better when your manager is about, but we all know what we are doing.

“We are an older team and have got lads with sensible heads.

“We all love Andy to be fair, he has been top drawer and hopefully we can get up for him.”

Thornaby will secure a sixth-place finish if they can take at least a point, so there is plenty on the Washington game from their own point of view.

Paul Edwards’ side have only lost three of their 19 home games.

They blew a gasket at Washington in November – losing 5-1 – but have won four out of their last five.

Billingham Town manager Darren Trotter has warned some of his players that they will be left out of the club’s cup final derby against Norton unless they buck their ideas up in their two remaining league games.

Town have lost their last four fixtures by a single goal, and Trotter said certain individuals have to improve if they want to be involved in the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup final on May 4, starting in tomorrow’s trip to Darlington RA.

“I think some members of the team already have their eyes on the Cup Final,” said the former Hartlepool United youth team coach.

“But they should be aware that places in the team for the final are still up for grabs.

“Unless they perform in the interim, they won’t be in the team for the final.”

Stokesley will finish fourth-bottom regardless of their result at Ryhope if Esh Winning fail to win their final game at Norton.

Greg Upton has started playing cricket for Shildon and is one of several players who are unavailable, but main striker Jack Bradbury travels.

First division leaders Guisborough and second-placed Marske know three points is a must with the title still very much up for grabs.

Guisborough will be going for it in their final game at in-form Morpeth with a fully fit squad.

Boss Chris Hardy said: “Even if we win I don’t think it will be enough to tilt the title in our favour.

“I could be wrong, but that’s my gut feeling.

“But we will be going for it full bore.”

Marske entertain Bishop Auckland with Liam O’Sullivan and Darren Hollingsworth out, but Thomas Bott will step back into the home defence.