07/03/2012 Look North (Yorkshire)

Welcome to a special edition of Look North. Tonight we are in

Halifax, the historical home of 3 Yorks - which today lost five of

its own in Afghanistan. Here in Yorkshire and across the

country, communities are morning. Tributes have been paid by those in

power, and by ordinary people. think it is dreadful. For their

families, it is awful. And so many and ones. Our thoughts are with the

family and friends of these are brave is -- brave servicemen. This

is the largest loss of life in a single incident since to that does

Tonight we will investigate how this happened, reporting live from

Helmand province, and with soldiers who have been on the front line.

And, what's it like the troops about to start their tour? We hear

from members of the Yorkshire regiment preparing to head to

Afghanistan. Plenty of sunshine around today,

but particularly heavy showers this Welcome to the programme. We are

live tonight from the historical home of the regiment which has

suffered such a great loss in Afghanistan. It has had a long

association in this wonderful Town, which has been so proud - a 300

year history. Today, five of the six British soldiers who we know

died in that explosion in Helmand Province came from 3 Yorks. They

had any just started their tour of duty. They flew out on Valentine's

Day. They were on a mounted patrol 40 kilometres north of Lashkar Gah

in the Helmand area of southern Afghanistan yesterday when their

Warrior armoured fighting vehicle hit a roadside bomb. In a moment we

will cross live for the latest to Afghanistan. First, Nicola Rees

reports on the regiment. A week ago I was invited to

Wiltshire to meet soldiers of 3 Yorks as they made their final

preparations for Afghanistan. These men are due to deploy in the next

few weeks, but today they face the news that five of their comrades

are dead after their armoured vehicle was caught in a roadside

explosion in Helmand. The soldiers were carrying out a patrol in a

Warrior tank in an area around Highway One, of the main arterial

route between Lashkar Gah and Kandahar. It is grim news for the

three York -- 3 Yorks such as back home. 12 days ago, they told me

about their fears. Any person who says they are not nervous is a liar.

You have got to have nerves. Even getting shot, every day will be a

risk out there. I have just had a friend who lost his brother out

there. It is not good to hear of, but you were out there doing a job.

It is just a case of getting on with it. A 6th soldier from first

Battalion the Duke of Lancaster as is also thought to have died in the

blast. If confirmed, it will take the British death toll in

Afghanistan to 404. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of

these brave servicemen. This would be the largest loss of life in a

single incident in Afghanistan since 2006. We owe them and all of

those who have lost their lives in Afghanistan an immense debt of

gratitude, and our thoughts are with their family, friends and

colleagues at this terrible time. It underlines the Daily dangers as

soldiers still face in Afghanistan more than 10 years after the

campaign began. Yesterday, an inquest at plays into the death of

27-year-old and two from Whitby who was killed in a bomb blast last

year. The coroner said the cause was more sophisticated explosive

devices that are being used by the Taliban. Today in Wiltshire, the

Battalion's flag was at half mast, and a candle was lit in memory of

the soldiers. Their families have been informed.

We seem to have lost communication with her. We will get back to her

in a moment. The Yorkshire Regiment has paid a high price out in

Afghanistan. Well, the Yorkshire Regiment has paid a high price for

its service at in Afghanistan. These latest deaths bring the total

number to 14 for this one regiment alone. And, of course, the history

of the 3 Yorks regiment is based firmly here in Halifax. It was

formed out of the Duke of Wellington's which was stationed

here at Wellesley barracks. And indeed, the town every year saw

troops march from the barracks to the Minster. We will be talking to

the Cannon in a moment. First, this report from Emma Glasbey.

The pride of Yorkshire. Formed in 2006, its main reflecting the fact

that it is made up of some of the finest Yorkshire regiments,

including the one reeling from the tragic news today - the third

Battalion, formerly the Duke of Wellington's. A museum in Halifax

now recognises the regiment's links with the town dating back more than

300 years. Nine members were awarded the Victoria Cross. Adored

by the town, the battalion and even had a train named after it. Since

operations began in Afghanistan more than a decade ago, nine

soldiers from the newly formed Yorkshire Regiment have been killed

in action there. Following yesterday's explosion, that number

rises to 14. In 2009, rifleman James Backhouse from Castleford was

killed in Helmand province. He died in a explosion alongside four of

his fellow soldiers and friends. Today, his mother said her thoughts

are with the families of those killed in Kandahar last night.

take that news in, when you first find out that your son has been

killed is devastating. You're just not functioning right. It is like a

fog. It is just like a dream. Not a nice drink, but you feel like

you're floating and it is not really happening. It is so hard.

When the soldiers of the Yorkshire Regiment parade through our towns

and cities, the affection for them is always clear. Today is a

reminder of the huge dangers they face.

M moment, we will talk to the canon of the Minster behind me, and also

a man proud to have started his military career with the Duke of

Wellington's that became the third Battalion. Now, let's cross live to

Kabul and our correspondent Quentin Sommerville. What do we know about

this explosion? I am sorry. We are having problems.

You can understand it is difficult getting that a line from Kabul.

Let's now talk to our two guests. David Pinder, you are proud of your

association with the Duke of Wellington's. This down lives and

breathes the regiment, doesn't it? Absolutely. Halifax has always been

the home of the regiment for several hundred years. I suspect

for most people here, even though it is now the third Battalion the

Yorkshire Regiment, it is the Duke's. It seems incredible that it

is such a big tragedy for the regiment, isn't it? Regiments are

not very big. To lose six, well five and unattached young chap as

well, is a blow. Everybody will know everybody. Indeed, some as a

joint with fathers and brothers joined. Yes, and cousins in

different companies. And still continued until this day.

absolutely. This was the regiment of choice. What does it mean to you

to hear this news? Well, I started as a Duke back in 1965. For me it

has always been the regiment I started my military career in. You

stay in contact, do keep watching. I served in all the different

battalions of the Yorkshire Regiment. You feel great affinity.

I don't know if our camera can move towards the Cenotaph there, but

those two nearest reef so there are the Duke of Wellington's and the

Yorkshire Regiment. Yes, the one on the left ifs at the Duke of York

regiment -- Duke of Wellington. great sense of tragedy. Bringing in

now the canon of the parish church. This has always had a long

association with the Duke's. There is a special chapel there, isn't

there? Yes, in the Minster we have -- house the chapel for the Duke's,

now the Yorkshire Regiment, and we are proud that the colours that are

carried come to rest here as a safe place, where people can come and

visit them. And a candle is always looked for those serving? We have a

perm and candle that was let in 2009 at the beginning of the Afghan

war as a constant reminder of those who are serving for their families,

and for those who have lost their lives, both today and it during

this conflict. Tomorrow a book of condolence will be opened. In the

Minster we will have, from tomorrow onwards, a book of condolence

available for people to sign. Also candles for people to light. On

Sunday we will host a special service at 4pm as we remember those

who have lost their lives today, and all those who have died during

this conflict. This town will fill it greatly. Thank you. Back to the

studio. Sorry about the technical problems

there. Well, the regiment also has strong

links across the region. Its regimental headquarters are in York.

Indeed, the army is part of the fabric of the city. Today, the

flags outside HQ were flying at half-mast. The Archbishop of York

summed up that close relationship by paying tribute to those who had

paid the ultimate sacrifice. He said that our soldiers were the

best in the world. In the middle of York this afternoon, the tragic

loss has reinforced support for the forces doing a dangerous job. But

also brought up something else - a feeling that now is the time to

pull out. I don't think they should be there,

personally. I think it is a terrible shame. We have got family

members going out shortly and it will be a big worry. I honestly

don't know what for animal. I think it is dreadful, for them and their

families, of course. It is awful, but so many at once. I just wish we

could bring them out of the country and stop this awful war. Well, you

can't fault their commitment, but it is time to get the troops back

home. They have possibly done as much as they can, and now the time

is to let the Afghans get on with it and look after themselves.

I'm joined now from Westminster by Dan Jarvis, MP for Barnsley.

I hope he managed to hear what the people in York said today. They

were supporting the troops, but also said it is time to pull out.

think the most important thing I want to say is that it is

devastating news from Afghanistan today. Tragic for the families and

incredibly tough for those who will have to continue to serve under the

most difficult circumstances. I completely understand why people

think now is the right time to extract our troops from Afghanistan,

but the reality is that whether you think it is right or wrong to be

involved, we are now committed. The right thing to do is to stick it

out, continue with the mission, and get the Afghan national security

forces to a point where we can safely withdraw, hopefully in 2014.

Can you give me some perspective on what morale will be like for the

soldiers who have only been out there for three weeks? Those

soldiers who have already gone are extremely well trained, it very

well equipped and highly motivated. The reality is it will be extremely

tough, and they will be Feeney -- feeling Keeley the loss of their

comrades. But the Yorkshire soldier has never let this country down and

they will continue to do the most difficult job under the most

difficult circumstances. I know that the events that have taken

place over the previous 24 hours will only serve to harden the

resolve to continue to do this amazingly difficult job. What help

will be given to the bereaved families? All our thoughts are with

the families. Sadly, in many respects, the army is now well

practised in looking after those who have been bereaved. There are

systems in place, but I know those will work but the reality is that

families will need constant support for the coming days, weeks, months

and years. It is tragic for them. It is incredibly tough as well for

those soldiers who have not yet deployed, but will be deploying

over the coming days and weeks. Thank you for joining us this

evening. We will have more on the news from Afghanistan before the

end of the programme. Before then, all the action from

the promotion race with all our teams in action.

Other news now, and a 25-year-old man from Doncaster has been charged

in the United States with two counts of computer hacking. Ryan

Ackroyd from Mexborough is one of five people charged with

involvement in a wave of high- profile cyber attacks. He faces two

charges, which each carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Four Remploy factories employing disabled workers across Yorkshire

are to close. Staff have been protesting against the proposals,

but sites in Chesterfield, Worksop, Leeds and Pontefract will close by

the end of the year. About 140 jobs will be lost.

The future of another 130 workers in Sheffield and Huddersfield is

still being considered. Two men aged 32 and 25 have been

arrested on suspicion of the murder of restaurant worker Amjad Hussain

in Bradford and genuine. -- in January. Mr Hussain was found dead

in his home in Undercliffe after a fire. But inquiries revealed he had

died from neck injuries caused by a heavy bladed instrument. The

200 jobs are to be cut at Rotherham Council. They met today to discuss

the next financial year and they need to make savings of �20 million

in the next year. Kirklees Council have approved

plans for the development of more than 22,000 homes including one of

1500 on green belt. Controversial plans were voted through after a

heated meeting in Huddersfield. They include plans to open 240 Hex

tears for business use, some of which could be on the green belt. -

- heck tears. We have listened to those people in favour and those

are objecting. They have expressed their concerns at the lack of

employment land for the future. We have changed our position from

35,000 houses to 22,000 houses and using 1% of the green belt to

create the jobs for the future. Sport now and a cracking win for

Doncaster Rovers last night. It was against another team trying

to get away from the relegation zone, Nottingham Forest.

The first came from the new hero who only arrived yesterday. He

smacks that one in there. Kyle Bennett popped up once again.

He celebrated with the manager. This could be the one that they

looked back on when they turned it around. You can hear the noise that

they were making, it was incredible. I really enjoyed that call from 30

yards. The rest of our Football League

teams were in action last night. Sheffield United are the leaders of

the League One Yorkshire pack. The Blades equalised for a second time

but Alex Nicholls found a gap where a defender should have been.

Over to Wednesday who got off to a strong start. The Owls went on to

win 4-1. Huddersfield broke through

Hartlepool's resistance thanks to this class retouch and strike.

It is tighter than at that at the One more match in League One and

Chesterfield drew Neil to nail. -- At Hull, it was no goals there.

This mess led to this goal. Rotherham's Ryan Taylor gave them a

penalty and they later scored. Bradford took the lead after a fine

piece of finishing. Accrington Stanley levelled to make it 1-1.

Doncaster Knights, Rotherham Titans and Leeds Carnegie of a poem to

start the rugby union championship play-offs this weekend. The whole

region has been given great news. The City of Leeds has been chosen

for one of the World Cup match venues for 2015. What we can't be

sure of his which stadium it will be. It could be Headingley but it

could be Elland Road. It depends on which World Cup match Leeds is

allocated. France against New Zealand would be nice.

Next, it is the brush up that has cost �15 million. The renovation

work at Chatsworth House is complete. The rest of the

scaffolding has come down and it new rooms have been opened up for

the first time. We take a look in the company of the Duke of

MUSIC PLAYS It is the jewel in the peak now with added sparkle.

Where there was scaffold and tarpaulin, now they scheming

stonework. Chatsworth hasn't been seen this way since it was built

300 years away -- 300 years ago. needed to redo the pointing and

clean it. Some of it needed to be recast. There was a lot of

scaffolding and it took a long time to get it up. It wasn't allowed to

touch the walls. Every generation has made his mark on this house.

The 12th Duke is no exception. He has revealed a few secrets. If it

wasn't for the visitors, we couldn't do this. We get so many

visitors and their support means we can do this a necessary restoration

work which we are proud of. Them masterplan hasn't just been about

cleaning and repairing the fabric of this grade one of Grade 1 listed

buildings. �15 million has been spent to open up new rooms. This

isn't a war, it is a door into one of the guest bedrooms built for the

6th Duke of Devonshire on display for the first time. For an Olympic

year, there is a lot of gold and silver on show. Even more exotic

treasures are promised through this year to mark the completion of the

masterplan. Well, I say completion. If you look at the top, you see how

filthy it is up there. There is a nasty black flame when it should be

a clean one. There is still the I think you'd is yours for �15 in

the end. There is nothing wrong with chip

paper. Here are some photographs. We have the three main power

stations here. This is Barnsley The headline of them for the next

24 hours. Tomorrow is not looking to bed. Mostly try with some

sunshine. The main thing is high pressure will build over the next

two or three days. There is quite a lot of cloud. We could have highs

of 15 Celsius across eastern parts of our region. You can see the

speckled cloud that followed this morning. Some of these are quite

wintery. They will be confined to the Pennine areas as we work our

way through the night. Temperatures Not a bad start. There will be a

few showers running into the Pennines. Later, drizzle for the

Yorkshire Dales but most of Yorkshire or looks set to have a

pleasant day. Cloud will gradually increase from the West through the

course of the day. It will still be quite breezy with temperatures

expected to be close to average values, nine Celsius. The further

out to look, we have more cloud and drizzle. The best of the sunshine

drizzle. The best of the sunshine in the east. Temperatures rising by

the end of the weekend. Let's go back to Halifax now.

Joining me is Niccolo Reiss who has spent a lot of time with the

regiment but also can bring us with the latest. This was a heavily

armoured Warrior tank that was carrying six soldiers in Helmand

province. This was a serious explosion, attributed to the

Taliban. An explosive device there was developed and well placed. The

wreckage of that vehicle and the remains of the bodies has been

taken back to Camp Bastion. We are talking about and isn't that is the

worst enemy attack on British forces since operations began out

there. A sad time for the country but felt here where five of those

soldiers were recruited. You have formed an association with that

regiment. You have been training with them as they prepare the other

soldiers going out to Afghanistan. I have spent some time in Wiltshire

where three -- where they are based. They are all recruited from

Yorkshire bed based in Wiltshire. I had an opportunity to see them

training and getting ready for deployment to Afghanistan. Today,