07/02/2012 Look North (North East and Cumbria)

Welcome to Look North. In tonight's headlines: The two-year-old girl

missing for 30 years - her parents are told the case will be re-

examined. The Minister for Employment visits

the North East as news comes of more job losses.

Six months of scrutiny - the owner of two York nurseries investigated

by police speaks out for the first time.

And, a young heart patient who doctors operated on when she was

less than a day old. Obviously, everything is fine. It

was probably the best news we have ever heard.

In sport, Martin O'Neill defends David Meyler as Stoke have their

red card appeal turned down. And, going undercover - Carlisle's

secret weapon in the battle to beat She went missing and her family say

vanished off the face of the Earth. 30 years ago, Katrice Lee

disappeared from a supermarket in Germany near a military base. She

was just two years old. Her father, from Hartlepool, was based there

while working for the British Army. For years, her family have

campaigned for the investigation to be reopened, claiming the initial

police inquiry was a disgrace. Now, following an investigation by BBC

Tees, which revisited the scene of Katrice disappearance, the Royal

Military Police has this afternoon confirmed it will re-examine the

toddler's case. Katrice's family have always been

clear about what happened to their daughter. They always believed she

was abducted, but say no one ever listened to their concerns. They

have spent the last 30 years campaigning and criticising and

raising questions about that initial police investigating. Until

now, nothing happened. This afternoon, the news they wanted to

here - they were told the case of their daughter's disappearance

would be re-examined. Katrice, a happy, smiling toddler,

was about to celebrate her second birthday on the day she disappeared.

She had gone with her family to the supermarket to buy things for her

party. Walking down the aisles with her mother, all of a sudden she was

gone. That was 28th November 1981. Katrice has not been seen since. 30

years on, as part of an investigation into the family's

story, BBC Tees went back to Paderborn in Germany with Katrice's

mother, and visited the place where her daughter went missing. Standing

there, I am back on 28th November 1981. And I have a small child in

my arms. That small child is my daughter. And I should be a grand

mother now. But to me, in my memory, she is still that small to-year-old

child. When I stand over there, I can see her quite clearly.

The police always believed that Katrice had drowned in the nearby

river. But she was terrified of water and would have had to have

walked 250 yards down a busy road and then climb over bushes to get

to the river. No body was ever found, but within hours of her

disappearance, the police were saying this had been a tragic

accident. The family say border patrols were not warned about a

missing child for the first 24 hours. And, it was six weeks before

staff at the shop where Katrice went missing were actually

questioned. We are confident that we will get her back. I have always

believed that we as a family could not go through what we have gone

through for the last 30 years if we ever doubted it, and if we never

saw an end to it. It has been a long and painful journey. Computer

technology shows how she may look today. Every morning, the family

break-up and wonder where their daughter is. The Ministry of

Defence has offered a statement with its heartfelt sympathy to the

family. They also point out that a number of advances have been made

in DNA and offender profile, and those techniques will be used in

the hope of offering some answers to the family. Katrice's story is

one of the number of cold cases being reopened as part of a special

week of programming on missing people on BBC Tees this week.

The employment minister Chris Grayling was visiting the North

East Today with a positive message about the prospect for local job

seekers. Within hours of his arrival came news that neither he

nor the local region wanted to hear - Lloyds Bank announced that

disclosing its processing centre in Newcastle with the loss of 135 jobs.

It is another blow for the north- east where unemployment stands at

12% - the highest in the country. This single mum tells her story to

the minister. The victim of two generations of unemployment, she

does not want to pass on this unwelcome family tradition to her

children. I grew up in the west end of Newcastle and there weren't many

jobs about. My mum and dad never worked, so whenever got any advice

and they never taught me how to look for a job. I never went to

school, well, not much. Like others in this project, she is being given

advice on jobs and training. So, where will that implement come

from? Well, not here at these offices down the road. Lloyds Bank

has announced the closure with the loss of 135 jobs. A size of bad

news minister Chris Grayling could have done without. Any announcement

that causes doubts over employment, particularly in the north-east, is

unwelcome. I hope that it will not mean the scale of job losses that

has been suggested. We will only know as time goes by. I would also

say that there are positive happening as well. I have just come

from one of our work programme Imperva -- pride as he has been

involved in a jobs fair at the City today where there were lots of job

recruiters. That upbeat message about grub -- job creation was also

a theme at this meeting whether minister talk to local businesses

and students. According to the Government's critics, warm words

can't hide reality. We have seen a massive increase in unemployment.

We have now got a 12% unemployment rate in the region and very few

jobs being created. It is all right giving people training

opportunities, but if there are no jobs for them to go to, or that

will do is undermined their aspiration and optimism. And a

pyramid in the north-east, the highest in the country and rising,

what you say to the claim that that is proof that the Government's

approach is failing? There is no doubt that the north-east faces a

challenge. In the last quarter there was a small increase in

employment. I don't underestimate the challenge we face in the north-

east. That is why we are putting money into the north-east from the

regional growth fund, into manufacturing, research and

development. It is why we took the decision to put investment into

upgrading the Newcastle Metro. The north-east matters. And, in the

north-east, it is tackling unemployment that matters most of

all, not just to the politicians, but the growing numbers of voters

experience if it for themselves. Accident investigators say a plane

which crashed killing six people, including the co-pilot, from

Wearside, had engine problems. The Manx2.com flight from Belfast

crashed on its third attempt to land in thick fog at Cork airport

in Ireland last February. Co-pilot Andrew Cantle, who was 27 and from

Sunderland, was among those who died.

A record number of people were rescued by lifeboat crews in the

North last year. A total of 1237 people were helped in some way -

that is an increase of 22%, compared with 2010. And, Sunderland

was the busiest lifeboat crew in our region. It launched its two

inshore lifeboats 111 times, and rescued 135 people.

The owner of two York nurseries investigated by the police has

spoken for the first time about the inquiry. Lynn Dyrdal says she has

endured six months of hell which has left her and her businesses

ruined. Six staff at the nurseries, Heworth House and Little Joe's,

were arrested in August. While the police action has been dropped, an

Ofsted and York Council investigation is continuing.

It was in August last year that six staff members at you with her --

she would house and Little Joe's nurseries were arrested. Concerns

had been raised about the quality of care and welfare of the children,

and a joint investigation by police, council and Ofsted and York

safeguarding children board was launched. The nursery's owner Lynn

Dyrdal was not told what the allegations were, but defended her

staff and reputation. In October, to staff were told no police action

would be taken against them. One month later, Ofsted asked for some

procedural issues to be tightened up. That has now been done. Last

month, the remaining staff were also told they would face no police

action, but the other agencies continued investigating. Six months

on, it is no clearer if there was any truth behind the allegations.

The effect on the nurseries has been devastating. Nearly half the

places are now vacant. In August, they were full.

Well, today, the nurseries' owner, Lynn Dyrdal, broke her silence over

the investigation which she says has left her a broken woman. She

says the allegations against her staff came out of the blue and were

a total shock. I went to the police station and a

was told that two of my nurseries were under investigation, but a

list of allegations had been made against my nurseries and that two

of the allegations could be construed as criminal. How did you

react at the time? I was angry. Total disbelief. I asked what the

allegations were and I was told that I could not be told. I said

somebody had made a very big mistake because I love the children

and so do my staff. The staff I employ are just wonderful and

genuine and they love children. that stage, when you what the

allegations were, and some were very fearful, weren't they, that

sexual abuse was at the root of this. What was the reaction from

parents? The next day was dreadful. I was lucky, I was not a sort of. I

had a lot of people here. One man had to lean against the war to hit

stop himself from hitting me. Another man said that if anyone had

abused his daughter there would be murder. It was dreadful. I have

never experienced anything like that in my life. I was absolutely

beside myself. What is your reaction, now that the police are

not going to take action against the staff that they arrested?

always said that might staff were innocent and I was behind them one

Hutcheon 10%. Have you had any complaints like this in the past?

Nothing like this, no. I think anybody who owns a business will

say you can't give 100% satisfaction to everybody, but I

have no serious allegations, no. 32 years.

The city of York council declined a request for an interview but issued

a statement saying that it would be inappropriate to comment on a case

whilst an investigation is ongoing. They have a duty to investigate

where there is a concern that the needs of children are not being met

and a risk that the children may suffer harm as a result.

You're watching Look North. Still to come, all the sport. We meet a

monster of the deep - that is just a bit of a softie. And, coming up

in your forecast - could it be the coldest night of the winter for

some of us? This spring, the Freeman Children's

Heart Unit in Newcastle learns its fate - whether it is too close or

not. And here is one family who say they can't find the surgeons who

work there enough. Last night, we brought you the news that doctors

at the Freeman performed open-heart surgery on little Jasmine Carr when

thought to be the youngest baby to undergo such a procedure. Sharon

Barbour has been to meet Jasmine and her parents.

Little Jasmine Carr from County Durham. She doesn't know it just

yet, but she has made medical history and national headlines. She

is thought to be the youngest person in the world to undergo

open-heart surgery. Jasmine's serious heart condition was picked

up in the womb. It started on my 20 weeks GAM. We were told that she

had the left side of her heart had not developed. My mind was blown

away. When it came up that there was a problem with the blood going

through the heart, it was like your heart had stopped for a second.

Hang on, is the baby actually going to be OK? It was a really big shock

to be told that. Her chances were not good, were they? No, 15% of

surviving. When she was born, doctors could confirm that only

half of her heart had developed properly. Faced with that 15%

chance of survival, the surgeons here at the Freeman Hospital in

Newcastle had no choice. They needed to get her into theatre

immediately. She was less than a day old. But intricate and

complicated operation took 11 hours. Surgeons work to rebuild, to the

plum jazzman's tiny heart, which was only the size of a walnut.

she finally came round and the surgeon said everything is fine, it

was the best news we have ever heard. So important. They have

managed to keep her with us. I can't thank them enough. It means

everything to me. There are still hurdles ahead. Two more operations,

and Jasmin has a tracheostomy, which means she can't be heard when

she cries. But, for mum, holding Jasmin, the baby she did not think

would survive, has turned her tears It is amazing getting smiles off

her every day. Just amazing. Fingers crossed for the heart unit

at the Freeman. Scarcely has the excitement of the BBC's Strictly

Come Dancing died down, than it's flared up all over again! Most of

the top contestants - AND the big name judges from the latest TV

series are taking part in a nationwide Strictly tour. And it

reaches our region tonight. Gerry Jackson sashayed to Newcastle's

Metro Radio Arena for us. But you're not inclined to have a dance

yourself, Gerry? I cannot, I should not, I will not. But like for

millions of people, it became required viewing for me because of

the television phenomenon. This is what the tour organisers are trying

to recreate in arenas around the country. Come backstage. It helps

enormously if you can get the stars. Here is one of the revelations of

the last series. It has been a bit surreal has since September. It has

changed quite a bet, it has been ski but amazing at the same time.

This is CBBC, I am not supposed to mention money but having gone

through all that pressure, of what on Earth makes you want to do it

all again? I have not got a clue. It is the adrenalin of it. The

dancing, I enjoyed it so much. Everything about the whole

experience makes you want to come back and do it all again. As do

characters like Robbie Savage. This is the show man, he says he is the

comic. The people do come to see you. They say because I am on telly.

They are all doing their here. have got the same judges. It is not

the real thing, surely? Honestly, it is the real thing. Harry is so

good. What about yourself? You were a revelation. Harry is amazing, it

he supports Sunderland I should say! And died the nerves kicking

in? No! I am always full of nerves before the show. At the minute I am

not too bad but five minutes before I have to go on stage I will be

really scared. I should let them get on, just to remind you, it is

sold out tonight but there are still tickets left for tomorrow and

the day after. He is enjoying that, isn't he? There is some controversy

in the sport tonight, isn't there? Sunderland manager Martin O'Neil

has defended David Meyler after the midfielder was accused of play

acting to get Robert Huth sent off. Stoke, who lost the game 1-0,

appealed against the red card, but had that appeal rejected this

afternoon by the FA. One tackle - but its yielded two very different

opinions. The challenge earned the former Middlesbrough defender a

straight red card. But Stoke manager Tony Pulis accused David

Meyler of acting up to get Robert Huth sent off. Not so says

Sunderland. It is a reckless challenge. It is reckless. People

and say referees should take conditions into consideration but

maybe the players should take conditions into consideration. The

man who was red-carded is himself just after returning from injury.

You would think he could get out the way. You can see in the

training ground that he has got ability. The game also marked

another stand-out performance from match-winner James McClean. The 22-

year-old is expected to be called up into the Ireland squad on Friday,

further proof of his rapid rise in just 2 months under O'Neill. Who

was in a jovial mood at this morning's press conference. And

O'Neill will hope he can also boast a place in the FA Cup 5th round

when his side take on Middlesbrough tomorrow. Well, Sunderland take on

Middlesbrough again tomorrow night in the FA Cup fourth round replay

with a tie against Arsenal the prize for the winners. Boro's

former Sunderland midfielder, Julio Arca, will be back for the game at

the Riverside after being suspended for the clash at the Stadium of

Light. But Tony Mowbray's side are struggling with injuries - Marvin

Emnes and Faris Haroun are the latest casualties after suffering

hamstring problems against Crystal Palace at the weekend. The Boro

boss is now looking to the loan market to bolster the squad.

think there are funds available for us just now to go and find some

footballers, if we can find the right ones to help. I have always

been a manager who tries to balance his team. I would not to bring in

someone that is not required, we tried to bring in exactly what is

required. If we can find the right name and made the right call we can

get the players to help. Carlisle United have been showing off their

secret weapon in the battle against the freezing weather - a huge

fleecy blanket that insulates the pitch and keeps the match ON.

Carlisle were one of just a few lower league clubs to play at the

weekend beating Chesterfield 2-1. Mark McAlindon has been to see how

it works. Just over 4,000 fans may have shivered their way through a

home win for Carlisle last weekend, but at least the game was on and

United maintained their play-off push. And this is how - long white

takes temperatures as low as -9 whereas the normal stuff only

manages to take around minus three. If we can save one game, I know it

is a negative way of looking at it, but that saves �30,000.

Temperatures are forecast to ease before the next home game. But

winter may have a sting in its tail yet. At least Carlisle feel

prepared. Sadly no fleecy blanket big enough for Carlisle Racecourse

- their first meeting of the year planned for tomorrow has been

abandoned. And Gateshead's third round FA Trophy tie against

Alfreton Town at the International Stadium tonight has been postponed

for a second time due to a frozen It's one of those monsters of the

deep with a reputation second only to Jaws. But scientists at the Sea

Life Centre in Scarborough say their latest arrival - a Giant

Pacific Octopus - is in fact highly intelligent and extremely playful.

The creature could grow to nine metres in length - but likes

nothing better than a good tickle. Peter Lugg reports. Caught off the

coast of Japan. Flown 300 miles to the UK. Driven six hours up the M1.

Quite a journey for a Giant Pacific Octopus. One of the rarest and

intellegent marine animals you'll ever likely to see in captivity.

They do love the sense of touch. It must be quite a weird sensation for

them for us to grab their tentacles. They use our toys. One of their

favourites is Mr potato Head. To get you an idea, we cooked food

India and the octopus has to figure out how to get into it. The Giant

Pacific's set to become the star attraction of the Sea Life Centres

new Cephrapod collection.They aren't endangered but are thought

to live only a maximum of two years. Now the weather. This afternoon I

said it was spring-like, but then it changed. You are absolutely

right. This cold spell is well embedded. If things did melt off

for a while you can bet it will be frozen up again. We cannot get away

from warnings of ice at the moment. We have another one tonight. A

harsh frost region-wide tonight. Under clear skies temperatures will

dip to minus sex Celsius. Minus six. In places it could drop to minus 15

Celsius tonight, in rural areas, that would make it the coldest

night of the season so far. Tomorrow temperatures will stay

pretty uniform across the region at around three Celsius. Tomorrow we

have got settled weather under a high pressure but on Thursday the

Atlantic Systems start to push in from the West so it will be

slightly milder, cloudier, windier and wetter. As the rain comes in it

could turn to snow over the hills. Thursday and Friday will see that

wet weather coming straight end of the Atlantic. The north-east will

have a chilly day tomorrow and the rain coming across again on

Thursday and Friday. I East will continue to be a risk right through

the week. -- ICE WILL BE A RISK. Now for a final look at tonight's

headlines. It's emerged the Metropolitan Police knew the names

of people whose phones had been hacked by the News of the World but