21/10/2013 Look North (Yorkshire)

Welcome to Monday's Look North. Tonight, new hope for finding Ben

Needham. His mother believes he will be found alive after the discovery

of a young girl on a gypsy site in Greece.

I do believe he is out there and it is just a matter of time. With this

press coverage we have had in the UK and in Greece, we could get a

breakthrough now and get some more information.

We'll hear more from Ben's mother Kerry later in the programme. Also

tonight. A 25`year`old man's held by police

in York after the murder of a woman in the city last night.

More than 6,000 runners take part in the first Yorkshire Marathon in

memory of Jane Tomlinson. In sport, Sheffield United still

want Nigel Clough as manager, but are no closer to a deal.

And, we'll have the key action from the weekend's football, including

one of the best individual goals you'll see all season, which helped

Barnsley to victory. This is the same this afternoon,

once the morning rain cleared, it brightened up nicely. I will have

the details later. Hello, thank you for joining us.

First tonight, the mother of missing Sheffield toddler Ben Needham has

told Look North she believes it's only a matter of time before he's

found alive. It follows the discovery of a four`year`old girl at

a gypsy camp in Greece. Ben, who is from Sheffield, was just 21 months

old when he vanished on the island of Kos in 1991. In the latest

incident, the girl, known only as Maria, was abducted and found at a

camp between Farsala and Larissa. Some witnesses claim to have seen

Ben in that area shortly after he disappeared. In a moment, we'll hear

from Kerry, but first, here's our reporter, Emma Glasbey.

Missing for more than two decades, but after years of appeals, there

could be new hope for the family of Ben Needham, from Sheffield. He

disappeared on the Greek island of costs when he was just 21 months

old. His mother always believed he may have been abducted by gypsies.

Now, the search for him could have fresh momentum. This is the Roma

camp in central Greece where a blonde girl known as Maria was

discovered. Tests confirm she has no DNA link to the couple she was

living with. The camp is near Larisa, and every that has been

linked to Ben's disappearance. There have been sightings of blonde

haired, blue`eyed children, but the police never wanted to go in there,

so it has given us hope that the authorities will go in and

investigate the sightings that we had over the years. Now, they are

not scared to go in there, so this will open some doors, hopefully, and

get something done. Roma experts say the community is often involved in

illicit activity, but the case of Maria has shocked them. It is very

unusual, but until now, we have seen scores of Roma families selling

newborn children to Greek families that do not have children and cannot

adopt because of the Greek law. Those Roma families came from dog

area and Romain yet, most of them. This is the first case that we know

where a child lives for years in a Roma family. A year ago, police

officers searched the land. South Yorkshire police say no

investigation is being carried out by them in light of this recent

case. Ben's family remained certain he will be found. Ben's mother Kerry

has always thought his abduction was gypsy`related.

I spoke to her earlier this afternoon and asked Kerry Needham

what she first thought when she'd seen the footage.

Mixed emotions for myself and all of my family. Extremely happy that this

girl has been saved from a life with gypsies and can be reunited with her

parents, but a lot of frustration and anger, because we have been

asking the Greek police to investigate the Gypsy theory, we

have had lots of information that Ben has been missing that he was

taken by gypsies and kept in the camp, and the police have insisted

that gypsies do not steal children because they have enough of their

own and it would be impossible to keep a blonde haired, blue`eyed

child within these encampment. Now Maria has been found, it puts the

theory to bed again, we want the investigation regarding the gypsies

investigated again now. You now want your family's DNA to be tested as

part of the investigation, why? It has been blown out of proportion by

the Greek media, this part of it. I was asked if I thought that Maria

bore any resemblance to myself or Ben. I said, apart from having

blonde and blue eyes, I do not know, I find it unlikely, but it would not

hurt to do a DNA test just in case she could be Ben's child. I have not

insisted there be a DNA test, I just said it would not hurt, just to be

on the safe side. These Roma camps, did they feature in 1991 as part of

the police investigation? No, not in the particular area where Maria was

found. It was in Larisa, the main town, and there are many other

little towns within it. We have had alleged sightings and information in

Larisa that then could have been in the Gypsy divinity there. Do you

think he is still alive? Absolutely. I do believe he is out there, and it

is just a matter of time now, with this massive press coverage we have

had, I believe we could get a breakthrough and get some more

information. South Yorkshire Police said they are not linking the two

investigations, ID satisfied? That is fine, we are not saying there is

a link or that the Gypsy people that had Maria took them as well. All we

are doing is putting the pieces together, and we have had

information about them being with gypsies in Larisa and the

surrounding areas. Corrie `` we just want the Gypsy investigation opened

up again and gone through more thoroughly.

We keep our fingers crossed. Later on Look North.

Put through their paces. We're given access to the South

Yorkshire Police training centre as controversial fitness tests come

into force. Tonight, a man remains in police

custody on suspicion of the murder of a 32`year`old woman in York. A

second woman, aged 23, is in hospital with stab wounds following

the incident in the city last night. Still sealed off today, the murder

scene in York, police have been called to an apartment just before

8pm last night. A local woman was found dead at the scene. The younger

victim of the alleged double attack remains in York district Hospital,

where police are waiting to speak to her. Six and a half hours after

police were first alerted, the man was arrested in a flat here in

central York. He is being held on suspicion of murder and attempted

murder. It is understood the man may have been known to at least one of

the women. As police insisted it had been an isolated incident, their

enquiries were including the examining of CCTV cameras outside

the National Railway Museum around the corner from the scene of crime,

a modern set of apartments, where residents say the few known the

neighbours. It is a transient population, we do not know each

other. It is a quiet shriek, you never hear anything going on. Such a

lovely area, the flats look so lovely. Tonight, the survivor

remains in a stable condition. Police say despite the arrest of the

suspect, they still need more information from anyone who can help

them build up the defence of what happened last night.

Some other news from around Yorkshire now. The family of Keith

West from Sheffield, who drowned saving a swimmer in trouble, have

returned home from Cyprus. Keith was on the island with his fiancee

Julie, finding a venue for their wedding next year. He's been

described as a hero after managing to rescue the older man from the sea

before being dragged back under by the current.

Ten people have been arrested and six people have been charged after

police officers were assaulted in Scarborough. They were kicked,

head`butted and spat at while trying to break up disorder around the town

early yesterday morning. Police say the incident raises questions about

the levels of drinking in the resort at weekends.

Leeds City Council's issued ten times as many fines for littering

since it began a zero`tolerance approach in April. The council's

employed enforcement officers from a private security firm to patrol the

streets. More than 1,300 fines have been issued in a five`month period,

compared to just 136 in the same period last year.

Now, police officers across Yorkshire are being subjected to a

controversial new fitness test. Some have failed the test, others have

been injured. If officers repeatedly fail it, they face being sacked. So,

how difficult is it? Our police officers are having to

swap their black boots for the trainers. Running up and down in a

gym in what the rent is different from jumping over fences, chasing

criminals, but now every police officer has two prove they are fit

enough to do their job. This test makes officers run faster the longer

it goes on. They have got to time their vans to the bleeps, three and

a half minutes of running in total. It is too tough for some, but others

want to push themselves. When I finished, I was out of breath. It is

a key part of the role. We are expected to catch criminals, and how

are you going to catch them if you do not have a certain level of the

this? Most officers are passing. In September, South Yorkshire posted

380, and only eight withdrew, a failure rate of 2%. The organisation

representing officers think the tests are a good idea, but they are

concerned everybody needs to meet the same standard. It has got to be

taken whether you are 18 or 55. Other countries discriminate and

give extra time to perform the test according to gender and age. We do

not agree with the method we are using at the moment, the title is

job`related fitness test, I have yet to see any officer have to do a shot

or one whilst out on the street in full kit, not many villains double

back on themselves. It is not the most gruelling challenge, but South

Yorkshire says people expect their officers to have a certain level of

the days. Even the chief constable has done the test, twice. What about

a lazy journalist? It starts pretty easily, just above walking pace. It

is a bit tougher. You are soon running faster, but the test does

not last long. That is it. It gets the heart going. I cannot imagine

wearing a full body kit, doing that every day.

Before 7pm. We'll have a round`up of the weekend's football action.

The Yorkshire Awards honour the county's finest, including garden

designer Chris Myers, who's now found countrywide fame.

And, 26 miles of endurance for the 6,000 runners of the first ever

Yorkshire Marathon. On to the sport now. Tanya's here,

and Sheffield United seem no nearer to getting a new manager.

It depends who you believe! Maybe, maybe not. Former Derby boss Nigel

Clough remains favourite for the job, but is still sorting out

compensation for himself and his staff with his former employers, and

we understand will sit tight until that happens. But on the pitch, the

Blades got their first win since the opening day of the season, lifting

them out of the League One relegation places.

The ball bounced Sheffield United's way for once when this header went

in off the post. Then, Port Vale's player was sent off, and it should

have been easy from then on. It was not, Port Vale got an equaliser

before half`time. Sheffield United only got back in front with a

quarter of an hour left. A very worthy winner. They are working hard

to get a manager in, and we just have to make it an easier

transition. For him to come in on the back of a couple of good results

is better. This is quality, Barnsley's player taking on six

defenders before scoring as good an individual goal as you will see all

season. The second one was less sophisticated but just as important,

a deflection. Barnsley hung on to beat Middlesbrough 3`2. They move

off the bottom of the league and go above Sheffield Wednesday. They were

helped out by a candidate for own goal of the season. Baptiste gave

the goal keeper no chance, a clinical finish! The teams were on

level after the red card. The referee did not pause for thought

before reaching for red. The match finished 1`1, Sheffield Wednesday

still without a league victory. Leeds United got back on track

yesterday. The Birmingham keeper went walkabout, and then two more

before half`time. Smith got his second after the break to make it

4`0, Leeds United climb to ninth place.

Huddersfield's Tom Sykes has become the World Superbike champion. His

third place in the first race in Jerez was enough to see him over the

line. It was an emotional victory for the 28`year`old after he missed

out on last year's title by half a point. He becomes just the fourth

British winner of the title, a list that of course includes Sheffield's

James Toseland. The England rugby league coach Steve

McNamara says his side underperformed and maybe took Italy

for granted after their shock defeat at the weekend. He was speaking at

the launch of the World Cup, which kicks off in Cardiff at the weekend,

with England facing the far greater challenge of Australia. Losing to

one of the rank outsiders in their final warm`up match wasn't ideal

preparation. We were not good in that game, we

are aware of that, the conditions were extremely tough. The main focus

was we did not prepare right. We did get it right at the end, and the

players did not perform as well as we would have expected.

It was a good weekend for the Sheffield Steelers, who picked up

two wins, including victory over top`of`the`table Belfast. They had

to come from behind, but goals from Stefan Meyer and Jonathan Phillips

secured the 2`1 win over the Giants. Frank Doyle was man of the match,

making two second`period penalty`shot saves. The Steelers are

up to third in the league, but have games in hand over Belfast and

Dundee above them. The goalkeeper was something else!

I have always thought they were absolutely bonkers!

On Friday night, the great and the good of Yorkshire came together to

celebrate some of the people that make our county what it is. The

Yorkshire Awards, now in their 25th year, were hosted by myself and

Harry in Leeds. Among the winners was triple amputee Craig Wood, a

soldier from Doncaster, and former Corrie actress Katherine Kelly.

The champagne was flowing on Friday night and for a very good reason.

The 25th annual Yorkshire of warts were held in Leeds, celebrating

people from our region who have done great thing for their home county.

To the local people realise how lucky they are? The community heroes

of the first of the first award to be announced, going to Mike Collins,

who spent 25 years volunteering. Including rescuing people from last

year's floods. Actor and comedian Billy Pierce received the arts and

entertainment award. And Sue Smith added the Yorkshire sport award to

her list of achievements. It is all systems go, everybody works hard. We

are all very keen to win. The business and enterprise award went

to Morrisons. The lifetime achievement award was given to Linda

pollard, chairman of Leeds Teaching Hospitals and the former pro`Vice

Chancellor of Leeds University. I will say to anybody who works with

me, do not say you will do anything if you are in doubt, you have to

deliver, and your reputation is built on delivery. A statement true

of our next winner, former Coronation Street actress Katherine

Kelly. Comedy starring in the period drama Mr Selfridge. 2013's Yorkshire

woman of the year. I feel like I am so lucky to do something that I love

so much. Yorkshire man of the year also looks rather familiar. Harry

Gration, massive congratulations, we love you. Chris Myers took home the

Countryside Award. But it was the special award which received a

standing ovation. Going to soldier and triple amputee Craig Wood, from

Doncaster. The close network of Yorkshire, you are all clapping,

thank you very much. Well, another of the award winners

is with us now. Chris Myers won the Countryside Award. They do not come

much more Yorkshire than you. Do you reckon! In the peace that we

watched, you said, no way! You were talking about meadows. I got a phone

call from the Yorkshire Dales trust, 90% of our Yorkshire Dales, the wild

flowers, have gone. I need to help! The trophy is a beautiful ball, how

did you feel? It seems bonkers. When I am out in the countryside, I see

so many people that love the place, just like I do. I have got an award

for living the Yorkshire countryside! I am lucky, through the

show gardens I produce and through the TV show that I did, I have had

the opportunity to shout about how gorgeous Yorkshire is. We can see

some of your programme. Mother nature was like an extra member of

the family, was she? Yes, we went up onto the moors and picked Bill Bruce

in the summer holidays, something to do with the kids, and then have jam

making and pie making sessions. Nobody has planted the berries, they

are just growing, doing their own thing. You get back home, we had a

little plot in the garden and we would have competitions, Roman

strawberries and vegetables. We have always been into it. You had the

chance to trade elsewhere, but you always stayed true to Yorkshire, and

you like coming back? It is where I was born, I have spent all my life,

especially out in the countryside, so it is in death. Whenever I go to

a big city, I am like, I need to go home! You have created high profile

gardens, including full Boris Johnson. You managed to sneak a lot

of Yorkshire in. What was his reaction? He thought it was a bit

messy! There were three of us, and mine were supposed to be a natural

environment with things that you could eat and grow. He was a bit

like, this is just a lot of wheat! A lot of people react like that, but

some people will say, that reminds me of home! You know they are from

Yorkshire! They love to see something that reminds them of home.

We are really proud of you, congratulations, you really deserve

it. And if you want to see a full list

of winners, you can go to bbc.co.uk/leeds.

Now, we've had marathons in Yorkshire's major cities for many

years, but never one called the Yorkshire Marathon. Well, all that

changed in York yesterday, and more than 6,000 people took part. The

event was in memory of Jane Tomlinson, who raised nearly ?2

million for charity while she was suffering from cancer. Yesterday's

race looks set to do the same. Here's a look back at the day.

it is amazing, the feedback has been phenomenal, everything we could have

hoped for, and a million times more. Normally, we do events, and it is

thousands, but this time, it will be over a million, and probably 2

million. Come on, Harry! Are you all right? Yes, I do? No! Well done,

Harry! First Yorkshire Marathon, first time in York, four Mike and

Jane, I am glad I have done it. I wanted to put an event on that

Yorkshire could be proud of, and people could sit back and think, I

want to do that one day. I went down to York Minster and I

watched them, and Harry was like a racing snake! It gave me goose

bumps, watching that. Next year, signing up?

Maybe just a bit of it! Probably not! I have got a couple of pictures

to start us off. The first one is sent from York. This is what it

looked like today, very bleak, lots of rain, but it brightened up. This

was after a shower yesterday. We had some sharp showers. You can keep

your pictures coming in. You can also tweak me. As we go

through into the next couple of days, it will stay mild, it will be

windy and unsettled. The air is holding a lot of moisture. A lot of

rain came up from the south`west, fairly heavy and persistent bursts,

or that brightened up quite nicely for some of us. One or two showers

in places. Overnight, we are looking out for this band of rain. Some

heavy spells of rain into the early hours of tomorrow morning. It will

be a mild night. We hold onto the breeze from the south. Tomorrow

morning, we hold onto the southerly air. There will be rain around at

times, especially through the morning. The wind will be

strengthening, but like today, it brightens up for some of us.

We are going to hold onto the mild air as we go through into the next

couple of days. As we go into Wednesday, blustery showers

overnight. It will hopefully turn try for a time on Thursday.

Not bad for the end of October. I will look forward to the delights of

the late bulletin. Well done if you are struggling with

aching limbs today, we are proud of you all. Good night.