Stockton's £180m Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme proposes Blakeston School, pictured below, Norton School and Thornaby Community School should be replaced with two new academies, one in North Stockton and one in Thornaby.

Last week, Stockton Council's Cabinet agreed to issue statutory public notices proposing the closures.

As reported, the lead sponsor of the academy in North Stockton would be NHS Stockton-on-Tees. This academy would specialise in science, with a strong health and wellbeing theme.

The lead sponsor of the academy in Thornaby would be Teesside University and would specialise in business and enterprise with a strong digital creativity theme.

Both academies would also be co-sponsored by a consortium of Stockton Riverside College, Stockton Sixth Form College and Stockton Council.

Councillor Alex Cunningham, the council's Cabinet member for children and young people, pictured, said:

"The academies, if given final approval by the Secretary of State, will make a real positive difference to the lives of our young people, raising their aspirations and improving their employability."

The decision to issue the statutory public notices follows a two-month consultation where pupils, parents, staff, governors and the public were invited to express their views about the idea of closing the three schools.

There will now be a further six weeks in which the public has a second opportunity to submit written representations.

The final decision about whether to establish the academies will be made by the Secretary of State and the lead sponsors in January 2010.

If the proposals are progressed the Academy in Thornaby would open in the existing Thornaby Community School, pictured above, building in September 2010 until a new building is built on the same site.

The academy in North Stockton would open in the existing Blakeston School, pictured below, and Norton School buildings in January 2011 before moving to a new building created through BSF on a site off Norton Road. The new buildings for both academies are likely to be ready be September 2013.

The statutory public notices relating to the closures will be published on November 14 and copies will be available to download at www.stockton.gov.uk/bsf.

Drunken Shane Roberts, 23, ignored police orders to put down three knives inside his home and instead he burst out into the street in Stockton in front of the police with their Heckler and Koch weapons.

One officer took aim with a Taser stun gun and immobilised him causing him to drop the knives, said prosecutor Patricia Mancina.

Earlier Roberts had threatened to cut his mother's throat if she entered the living room where he was raging.

His parents had gone to bed because of his drunken behaviour but she returned downstairs to check on him.

She found him sitting in an armchair with three knives, Teesside Crown Court was told.

Roberts shouted: "Don't come in here, I'll stab you in the neck and anybody who comes in here."

His father shut the door and phoned for the police. The armed response unit arrived and they shouted for him to leave the knives and to go outside.

Miss Mancina added: "He ignored that, and he ran out of the front door holding all three knives in his right hand shouting 'I'll stab someone'.

"He was gritting his teeth and breathing heavily. An officer took aim with his Taser, and the Taser was fired and all three knives were recovered."

Roberts said later in interview that he did not remember threatening his mother, and that he had no intention to hurt anyone.

Rachel Dyson, defending, said Roberts had been drinking heavily after being told that his parents were to separate.

Judge Michael Taylor told Roberts: "You behaved in a disgraceful manner in that house and the police had to send an armed response unit.

"You are fortunate that you are standing in the dock because despite their insistence that you handed over the weapons you refused.

"You are lucky that they discharged a Taser and not a weapon."

Roberts, of Wrensfield Road, Stockton, was jailed for 18 months after he pleaded guilty to the July 30 affray.

Tees Valley Music Service (TVMS) now boasts Sound Pod, the only state-of-the-art multi music-making and learning venue in the UK - with only one similar facility in the USA.

The Sound Pod is at the TVMS base on Bishopton Road West, and is made up of 12 area pods where musical instruments, consisting of an electronic drum kit and percussion pad, keyboard, bass guitar and lead guitar, are linked to a central console control desk.

From there, the teacher can instruct students on an individual or group basis through headphones.

There is also a facility where web-based images are projected on to a wall to show, for example, the exact fingering patterns for guitars and keyboards.

Now schools across the Tees Valley can take advantage of the exceptional facility, as well as members of the community. There are even plans for family sessions.

Students will not only be able to learn to play musical instruments, but also to read music and progress through music grades.

The inspiration for Sound Pod came from Dan Jones, the Stockton and Hartlepool area development co-ordinator for TVMS and the current UK peripatetic music teacher of the year.

He said: "Sound Pod is a dream teaching and learning environment, with it come more opportunities for everyone to learn how to play a musical instrument.

"Not only that, but it offers the opportunity for youngsters to meet and make music together."

Dan said Sound Pod has also caught the imagination of global session musician and clinician Craig Blundell. "We are delighted this tremendously inspiring musician is coming along to show his support," he said

Craig is currently recording in the studio with Rebel MC/Congo Natty as well as holding down the drum seat with David Cross from King Crimson.

An enthusiastic Cllr Alex Cunningham, Stockton Council's Cabinet member for children and young people, said: "Sound Pod has to be seen to be believed."

The bespoke wiring system was installed by Bandland Music store of Portrack, Stockton.

Alternatively, if you're a fan of the pantomime season then visitTeesvalley is giving you the chance to win a family ticket to the enchanting adventure of Aladdin at the Darlington Civic Theatre, which is running from the 5th December to 17th January.

For more on how to enter either competition then visit www.visitteesvalley.co.uk.

Mum-of-two Victoria Baines, 38, of Stockton, suffered serious injuries in a two-car crash while she and her fiancé Lee Arundale were visiting the Lake District. She was badly hurt in the collision and had to be airlifted to the Newcastle General Hospital, where she later died.

Carlisle Crown Court heard this week that Arundale, 35, from Fairfield, Stockton, had lost control of his Jaguar when it hit a puddle on the A591 near the summit of Dunmail Raise near Keswick on the afternoon of November 11 last year.

His car careered across the road into the path of a BMW coming in the opposite direction.

The family of Victoria said they were too upset to speak when the Gazette approached them yesterday.

But around the time of the incident they issued a moving statement in which they called Victoria an "inspiration" and the "life and soul of the party".

Arundale pleaded guilty to causing her death by careless driving.

The court heard Arundale, who suffered a wrist injury in the accident and was taken to the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle by ambulance for treatment, admitted driving too fast for the wet conditions.

The driver of the BMW was taken to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary suffering from whiplash injuries.

Arundale, who is a staff sergeant in the Royal Engineers, was remanded on bail for background reports to be completed. He was ordered to return to court to be sentenced on November 27.

The Guisborough-based civil engineers diversified from their traditional Home Office prison work to give staff at Abbey Hill School and Technology College a better environment in which to take a break from the classroom, pictured below pupils at Abbey Hill in front of their teachers' new staff room, along with the school's Business Manager, Edwin Thorman, works manager, Philip McHale, and Henderson Campbell's site Manager Mick Cole.

The school's business manager, Edwin Thorman, said: "I have managed a lot of projects for the school in the last 10 years and I can honestly say that this was one of the best."
Abbey Hill special school caters for children aged 11 to 19 years with a very wide range of learning difficulties.

Located close to the University Hospital of North Tees, it was built in 1991 and then had fewer than 130 pupils. That has increased to almost 300. The number of staff has also increased but while new buildings were constructed to meet the needs of the additional students, staff accommodation remained the same.

Now, they not only have a much larger rest area they also have three new side rooms in which they can meet privately with students or parents.

Mr Thorman added: "Although our primary focus is the education and care of children, the staff matter too. It was our concern for their welfare that led to this latest building project and it has given them a real boost."

The job was also a boost for Henderson Campbell. It was the first time in five years that they had tendered for a project in the education sector.

Managing director Antony Henderson said: "It has made us much more confident about diversifying.

"We have been fortunate in recent years to have been a preferred contractor for the Home Office but we are well aware of the problems of being reliant on one employer and want to prove that our experience and skills from prison work are equally appropriate for other sectors. I think that is evident from the Abbey Hill project and hope it will lead to other local authority work."

Class 2, at Harrowgate Primary School, Hardwick, smile for the camera with teachers Jo
Scotter and Rebecca Arnold.

To purchase your childs school photograph call 01642 234224 or you can log on to Evening Gazette Photosales

Reception Class 1, at Harrowgate Primary School, Hardwick in Stockton are sitting smartly ready to have their photograph taken with teachers Elizabeth Dickinson and
Angela Vernon.

To purchase your childs school photograph call 01642 234224 or you can log on to Evening Gazette Photosales

Now, as a calendar star, she can check off those days and help raise money and raise awareness for the disease that so nearly killed her.

Lisa said: "The calendar is to raise money for Claire's Message, a charity set up after the death of Claire Walker-Everett.

"Claire was from Sunderland and died last September from cervical cancer. She was just 23, and had a little boy and had just got married.

"Now, her husband Colin and other women who've been touched by cervical cancer have got together to produce this calendar."

Sales from the calendar will go to the upkeep of the Claire's Message website.

The charity is lobbying to lower the cervical cancer screening age from 25 to 18 - a move that could save lives of young women every year.

Administration Officer Lisa, 33, was diagnosed with cancer in 2007. She is now in remission, but dedicates hours of her spare time to raising money for cervical cancer charities.

She said: "It's so important the screening age is lowered, and Claire's message is a charity I'm very proud to support.

"The response so far has been great, with all of the first print run of 100 calendars already sold.

"They'll make a great gift for people, and give money to charity," added Lisa, of Bracken Road, Stockton.

To order your calendar and find out more about Claire's Message, go to www.clairesmessage.org

Rebecca and Abbie Etherington, from Roseworth, met Johnny Vegas at Primrose Valley Holiday Camp in August.

Sheila McCue, pictured, had gone to the Post Office near her home in Roseworth, Stockton, when the mugger struck.

What the thug didn't know was his actions could have had far more serious consequences for Sheila, 52, and tot Casey Bush. She had a pacemaker fitted last year and suffers from blackouts.

The little boy, meanwhile, was on oxygen for the first six months of his life due to lung problems - something that still keeps the family at a state of alert.

Retired cleaner Sheila said: "When it happened, I just went straight to check if the baby was all right.

"If he gets upset and cries too much his lips can go blue."

She added: "I've not been badly hurt, but am shaken up and worried about venturing out again."

The tracksuited thief got away with the £220 disability living allowance Sheila had in her purse when he stole from her at about 9.45am yesterday.

Sheila had been walking through an underpass between Redhill Road and Rudyard Avenue when the yob struck, pushing her to the ground and snatching her purse.

Casey's pushchair toppled to the floor as the man ran off.

The gran of four went round to see daughter Kendra Smith in nearby Rishton Close, where the police were called.

Sheila regularly goes to Kendra's house from her own home in nearby Rolleston Avenue because her medical condition can make it dangerous to be alone.

Taking her grandson out for a walk was one of life's pleasures - now it will be fraught with anxiety.

"I think whoever did this was watching me and knew I'd been in the Post Office.

"You can understand when this sort of thing happens late at night, but in broad daylight?

"I'm glad we weren't hurt - it could have been much worse," said Sheila.

Also in the purse were cards and a picture of Sheila's late mother.

"It's the picture my mother used to have on her bus pass. When she died, I didn't want to throw the picture away so I cut it out to put in my own purse," she said.

Last night John, Shelia's husband, called for better security for the shopping precinct on Redhill Road.

"You see police occasionally, but I want CCTV cameras to be installed, we need them, we live in a funny world," said the 55-year-old labourer, who is looking for work.

The mugger is described as male, 5ft 6ins, wearing a dark woollen hat, black tracksuit top with white piping along the arms, black tracksuit bottoms and white trainers, which squeaked when he ran.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Stephen Williams-Reader of Cleveland Police on 01642 302226.

The starting exchanges were nervous as each side tested each other, but following an attack from Seaton, the ball was gathered by the Stockton keeper, David Tooke. His following kick upfield found its way past the Seaton keeper and into the net.

The game settled into a pattern of good passing play and strong defence from both sides. Stockton worked hard, and their persistence paid off as they doubled the lead through striker Nathan Walls.

Seaton weren't ready to lie down though, as some nice footwork from Lewis Porritt allowed him to come inside from the wing and release a strike to find the back of the net. Stockton showed strength of character and pushed back; through some neat passing from Stockton, the ball was put through to Tom Baker who calmly put it past the Seaton keeper.

Stockton retain their unbeaten record.

Final score: Stockton 3 (Tooke, Walls, Baker) - Seaton Carew 1 (Porritt)

BOSS Graham White, raved over his young guns after a 5-1 demolition over Hunwick Juniors, as only five players and one injured player turned up for the Sunday morning clash as the rest of the squad reported in sick.

Six-man PH went straight for the win with three goals in three blistering minutes, the first goal scored by new signing Liam Swan, the second scored straight from the kick off by Liam Allison and the third was a wonderful move for Lewis Lyons to rifle home.

Shellshocked Hunwick did not know what was hitting them at this time.

More passing moves by Ryan Begg saw Hunwick keeper pull off numerous saves, this began to settle the Hunwick players slightly and they managed to attack the Primrose Hill goal and a wonderful shot by Freeman saw the score line 3-1.

This spurred Hunwick on and had several chances at the Primrose Hill keeper but were denied by captain Graham White.

PH were relieved to hear the half time whistle.

PH went on the attack once again with renewed gusto and gained a penalty, but was brilliantly save by the Hunwick keeper.

PH pressed on and they were rewarded with another goal by Liam Allison 4-1.

As time ticked on a lovely run by Man of the Match Nathan Wilson rifled home.

PH 5th 5-1.

Manager Graham White said: "We showed unbelieveable resilience with over half the squad off sick, and full credit to the team who played today".

The game was played in great spirit.

Primrose Hill Under-10s A team

PH did a smash and grab raid over high flying Newton Aycliffe, running out 1-0 winners with a pass from Man of the Match Blake Burliston to Paul Ainsworth to blast home and give PH their first win of the season.

Primrose Hill Under-12s

PH entertained high flyers Coulby Newham, with a convincing 5-2 win with four goals from top scorer Dixie Powell and the other by new boy Alfie Coleman.

This keeps PH within touching distance of the teams above them in the league.

Fairfield Primary School, Stockton reception class 2 with teacher Sue Bates and teaching assistants Sandra Prowse and Helen Watson.

To purchase your childs school photograph call 01642 234224 or you can log on to Evening Gazette Photosales