Redcar - TS10

Time to remember

2009-11-09T11:41:10Z

LIGHT a candle to remember someone at a service in St Peter's Church, Lord Street, Redcar, on Saturday, November 22 at 6pm. Proceeds to Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Redcar reign despite rain

2009-11-07T12:02:12Z

REDCAR Race Walking Club enjoy a 40-point lead at the top of the Northern Winter League after gritting it out in atrocious conditions in the second round on Redcar seafront.

Gale force winds and pounding rain led to many of the male entrants failing to show, and the host club turned out a mixed group of just eight walkers against four athletes from other clubs.

But the home majority ruled, sweeping the top three places to open up a healthy gap on second-placed Yorkshire Race Walking Club of Bradford in the overall standings.

Paul Evennett came home a soggy first over the 10 kilometres in 51 minutes 11 seconds, followed by Karen Wears (59min 57sec) and Angela-Maria Paddick (62.28).

Tokyo Olympian John Paddick finished fifth in 64.18, with Mark Byrne seventh in 67.24 and Laurayne Readman eighth (67.24) ahead of 11th-placed Emma Syson (69.03) and Vince Starling in 12th (77.13).

Readman also picked up her first league medal with second place in the handicap.

Times were four minutes slower than usual.

The next round of the league takes place in York on November 22.

Round is shaping up nicely

2009-11-07T12:01:05Z

JESSICA Round's remarkable rise continues apace.

The Redcar starlet marked her first England Under-17 appearance with a debut goal despite being still aged just 15.

England were in Strumica, Macedonia, playing three UEFA Women's Under-17 Championship qualifiers.

Jessica, a member of Middlesbrough Girls' Centre of Excellence, scored against Macedonia. She was one of six scorers in a 7-0 rout which came just 48 hours after a 7-0 victory over Belarus.

A remarkable sequence of results was completed when England beat Wales 3-0 to reach the second qualifying round at a canter. The draw for the next round takes place next month.

Jessica earned her first Under-15 cap against Germany in August.

She has been with the Middlesbrough Centre of Excellence since the age of 10.

She joined the centre from Middlesbrough Ladies Juniors five years ago and has been involved in the England set up for just under a year.

Redcar man is jailed for raid bid

2009-11-07T11:36:34Z

A BANK robber's nerve failed after a brave cashier challenged him with "Are you joking?", a court heard when the gunman was jailed for more than seven years yesterday.

The cashier was shocked when she saw Peter Inseal, 43, pointing a handgun at her over the counter of the HSBC Bank in Redcar and he demanded "Give me the money".

When she did not respond immediately he shouted "Give me all the money now", and that time he was heard by all the customers and staff in back offices.

The cashier made her "joking" remark, but Inseal continued to point the gun at her at an angle to her face and shoulder. She tried to jump out of the line where the gun was pointing, despite the bulletproof glass between them.

Then when another member of staff came across the cashier shouted to her: "He's got a gun".

One male customer who was pushed out of the way by Inseal told police that he also thought it was a joke.

Other staff on duty on October 2 at the bank in West Dyke Road, Redcar, were able to ring the police and Inseal fled.

Police conducted a video interview with the cashier and she was later given counselling by the bank, said prosecutor Clodagh Maguire.

The raid was captured on CCTV and a detective sergeant recognised Inseal, pictured, who was not masked. He had been arrested before for shoplifting, Teesside Crown Court was told. The gun, which he dumped, turned out to be a toy.

When he was questioned the next day he gave a "no comment" interview. But in a third interview he went on to make full admissions.

Christopher Knox, defending, said that it was a harebrained scheme by drug-addict Inseal who wanted money to help his sick partner.

He added: "It was a child's gun and he allowed himself to be clearly photographed, there was no question of a mask. The whole enterprise was really ill thought out.

"He accepts entirely that the fear which is engendered by a weapon such as this is enormous. It was really rather a harebrained effort in order to proceed with what he thought was an immediate need for money."

Judge Michael Taylor told Inseal: "What you did in a pre-planned way was to go to a bank in Redcar in possession of an imitation firearm.

"It may be that an experienced police officer could see that it was a toy gun and nothing more than that. But it was taken by you to frighten and threaten people in the bank. I have to have regard to the effect that these sort of offences have."

Inseal, of Charlotte Street, Redcar, was jailed for seven years and nine months after he pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

Kids dig in to raise vital charity funds

2009-11-07T11:34:53Z

A HOST of golden daffodils will be springing up in Redcar school grounds in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Pupils at Ings Farm and Wheatlands Primary schools have supported the charity's Fields of Hope campaign by getting sponsored to plant daffodil bulbs.

Marie Curie Cancer Care wants people to be sponsored to plant one million bulbs across the UK this autumn.

And come next spring they will burst into bloom in time for the charity's Great Daffodil Appeal to bring a bit of sunshine into people's lives.

About 120 bulbs went in at Wheatlands, where the school's eco-committee joined Redcar and Cleveland Council's Clean and Green team in doing the spadework.

Science subject co-ordinator Kay Coverdale said: "Fields of Hope gives the children a better understanding of the issues involved with raising funds for charity, what the money's used for, that sort of thing, but the daffodils will also brighten up our yard.

"We've had staff who have been affected by cancer, so it's a cause close to home for us. In fact, a team of 20 staff did the Race for Life at Ormesby Hall last year. It's a charity that's really close to our hearts."

Laura Hambleton, North Yorkshire/South Tees community fundraiser for Marie Curie Cancer Care, said: "The £200 donated from Wheatlands is the equivalent of ten hours of nursing care for us.

"So by planting these bulbs and getting sponsored, the children have provided more than a whole night's worth of care for someone in their own home."

The charity will also benefit from a "Light to Remember" service in St Peter's Church, Lord Street, Redcar, on November 22 at 6pm.

Charity calls for volunteers

2009-11-07T11:30:45Z

THE Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is looking for volunteers to organise fundraising activities in the Redcar area.

Nicola Wilson, District Fundraiser for Guide Dogs said: "It costs £10 a day to breed, train and support each of the 4,600 Guide Dog partnerships in the UK. We rely entirely on the generosity of the public and our network of dedicated volunteers." Call Nicola on 07500 993184, email Nicola.Wilson@guidedogs.org.uk or call the office on 0845 372 7353.

Street attack on man probed

2009-11-07T11:18:49Z

A MAN is recovering after suffering a fractured eye socket in a vicious attack on Teesside.

Detectives are investigating the serious assault on the 36-year-old at around 3am on Sunday, November 1, in Redcar. The attack took place at the J & P taxi rank on Lord Street. The victim, who has not been named, was rushed to James Cook University Hospital where he was treated for his injuries. Anyone with details call Detective Constable Ryan Scott at Cleveland Police on 01642 302626.

Teesside Athletic round up

2009-11-06T15:17:29Z

LAST Saturday teams from Teesside Athletic were in league action with the Under-10s going down by a single goal to nil at home to Darlington Spraire Lasses.

The Under-12s were at home also and suffered a heavy 8-0 defeat to California Ladies while the other Under-12 team travelled to South Park Rangers Red and earned a well deserved point in an enthralling 2-2 draw.

South Park dominated the first half, leading by a single goal scored by Katie Thwaites.

Athletic took control early in the second half thanks to two quick goals from Lois Harkin, but with five minutes to play, South Park scored their second of the match.

Katie Thwaites was on target again to make the final score 2-2.

It was a well-earned draw for Teesside and Lucy Stirk was named girl of the match for her outstanding performance in goal.

The previous week Athletic had a fine 2-2 draw against FC Kader with goals from Lois Harkin and Chloe Copeland. Girl of the match was Hollie Patchett.

The Under-14s travelled to Beechwood Youth and in a close game just edged the match thanks to a fine lob over the keeper by the outstanding Gabrielle Wordsworth to secure the 1-0 win.

Teesside Athletic round up

2009-11-06T14:52:44Z

THE start of November brought with it the first signs of winter and Athletic had very few teams in action due to the ferocious wind and rain.

Under-9 As won 6-0 at Marton, a fantastic result that sends the team into the semi-finals of the League Cup. Woodall grabbed a hat-trick, Lyth got his double and Breckon added the other in an emphatic victory.

Under-12 As lost 3-2 at Cleveland Juniors. Goals from Treloar and Tribick were not quite enough to keep them in the cup.

Under-12 Bs won 2-0 at Dormanstown. Goals from Jones and Shellard put them in the draw for the next round of the Challenge Cup.

Under-13 As won 9-1 at New Marske. Metcalfe hit a hat-trick, Green and Kostarelos bagged a brace each, with Brown and Roberts also getting on the score sheet as they sailed through to the next round of the League Cup.

Firsty Class: Wheatlands Primary School, Redcar

2009-11-06T13:44:18Z

The pupils of reception class at Wheatlands Primary School in Redcar, above, are pictured with teacher Melanie Sanderson, on the right, and teaching assistant Natalie Wales, and below, their pals pose for a snap with class teacher Zoe Beach, on the left, and teaching assistant Deborah Johnson.

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

Pair cheated benefits system

2009-11-06T11:27:49Z

A COUPLE who fraudulently claimed more than £17,000 in benefits have escaped a jail sentence.

Teesside Magistrates' Court heard how David Porteous and Michelle Jackson had swindled income support, housing benefits and council tax between June 2005 and June 2008.

Prosecuting solicitor John Constable said that the incidents began in 2003 when 41-year-old Porteous bought a property on Glaisdale Avenue in Dormanstown, which he wanted to rent out.

Jackson, 31, now a mum-of-three, moved in with her one child - and one on the way - later claiming she had heard about the property through a friend.

Mr Constable said: "That was an untrue statement and the truth of the situation subsequently came to light.

"He is the father of one of her children, maybe two."

Mr Constable said in total £17,510.19 had been fraudulently obtained, however £1,205.21 in council tax has been repaid.

"Both parties came clean and there was also an agreement to pay back the housing benefit of £40-a-month - that was to be done by direct debit. That is going to take nearly 30 years to discharge and that fails to take into account income support."

But John Nixon, defending the couple, said: "These claims are claims that were initially legitimate; they were not living together at all.

"They had both been in relationships beforehand. Those relationships had broken down and they were both very wary of embarking on new relationships.

"But a relationship began and at some stage he moved in and that was not disclosed to the local authority."

Jackson, of Glaisdale Avenue, pleaded guilty to three charges of failing to notify a change in circumstances. Porteous, of the same address, pleaded guilty to two.

Chairman of the bench Keith Barker said: "Looking at the guidelines and everything else, if you had been more than first-time offenders you would have been looking at a jail sentence today.

"We are not going to do that, we are going to give you a community penalty."

Jackson was given a two-year supervision order while her partner Porteous was given a community order with 250 hours of unpaid work and 12 months' supervision. He was also ordered to pay £250 costs.

Redcar man, 79, in 120ft cliff top drama

2009-11-06T10:42:33Z

A PENSIONER was left clinging to rocks above a 120ft drop for more than two hours after a terrifying fall during an autumn walk.

The 79-year-old Redcar man, who has not yet been named, plunged into an icy waterfall as he went for a stroll in the Lake District.

Cumbria Police today said that he clung precariously to the rocks for more than two hours while rescue teams battled to save him on Wednesday.

Police, fire and Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team worked together to eventually pull the man from the freezing water at Aira Force, north of Ullswater.

When rescuers arrived, they saw the man clinging on desperately close to the steep drop into the main pool.

He was eventually pulled from the water, put on a stretcher and then hoisted by ropes up the sides of the gorge, suffering from hypothermia.

Inspector Mike Gibson, of Cumbria Police, said today: "He was a very lucky man - there's been quite a lot of rain recently in this area and conditions underfoot can be treacherous.

"A lot of agencies were involved in the rescue, which has had a satisfactory outcome. But it could have been a lot different."

The man was flown to Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle by air ambulance, but was later released.

A Patterdale mountain rescue team spokesman said the man was very cold and holding on to a crack in the vertical rock on the side of the gorge when they arrived at the scene.

Members found the rescue "particularly difficult" due to the casualty's location just above the 120ft drop of the main waterfall.

Win tickets to two of the best events this Christmas

2009-11-05T16:18:55Z

VisitTeesvalley is offering you the chance to win tickets to the Living North Christmas Fair and this year's must see pantomime, Aladdin at the Darlington Civic.

The Living Christmas Fair takes place at Wynyard Hall from the 13th to 15th November and visitTeesvalley has ten pairs of tickets up for grabs.

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.

Message as appeal aims for record

2009-11-05T11:12:45Z

ORGANISERS of Redcar and Cleveland's Poppy Appeal 2009 have £20,000 in their sights.

Last year, donations in the borough totalled more than £19,000 - a record.

So for 2009, and with the conflict in Afghanistan at the forefront of people's minds, it's hoped locals will once more fill collecting tins in record-breaking numbers.

The street collection for the Redcar area was launched by Redcar and Cleveland Mayor, Councillor Brian Briggs.

Redcar Royal British Legion branch spokesman, Councillor Eric Howden, said: "The past 12 bloody months of conflict have increased the need for our help both today and for years to come.

"Despite the current economic hardships, we trust people of the Redcar area will show their sympathy and support for those who have sacrificed on behalf of their country".

David Blissett, Redcar RBL Poppy Appeal organiser, said: "I was amazed last year how generous the people of this area were when we reached a record collection of over £19,000. We would love this year to break the record and reach £20,000.

"The people locally have shown their support year after year, and we have a group of dedicated people and the local Navy, Army and Air Cadets who do us proud, giving their time to go out in all weathers to collect or deliver poppies for us to many outlets. Our thanks go to these many unseen supporters.

"This area has many families whose sons or daughters are serving in trouble spots, or know someone who is there or have just returned, so we feel close to the action in one way or other. We ask that people help us to help them and support the area's Poppy Appeal."

Poppy Appeal events in Redcar and Cleveland, other than the usual Remembrance Day services, include:

Saturday, November 7 - Veterans' afternoon concert, featuring a standard bearers' march, the Cleveland Police band and Norman Evans MBE, at Redcar Community College, off Kirkleatham Lane, doors open 1.15pm, start 2pm.

Wednesday, November 11 - Short service of remembrance to commemorate Armistice Day will take place near the main Redcar High Street clock at 10.55am, with two minutes' silence at 11am.

Sunday, November 15 - Mayor's XI v British Legion XI charity football match at Marske United's Mount Pleasant Ground, kick off 2.30pm. Admission £2.

Bike owners sought by police

2009-11-05T10:51:06Z

POLICE in Redcar are hoping to reunite stolen bikes with their rightful owners.

The bikes include a
Mongoose 350 full suspension adult mountain bike, a Kona Kahuna full suspension adult mountain bike, a Marin Northside trail front suspension youth mountain bike and a SM500 front suspension mountain bike.

Contact PC Peter Lillie on 01642 302626. Owners will need proof of purchase.