19/03/2012 Look North (North East and Cumbria)

Welcome to Monday's Look North. And 84-year-old woman dies in a

house fire despite her daughter's efforts to save her.

David Rathband remembered, the service is held to celebrate his

life. Hail the heroine, the netball coach

who saved her team-mates after their bus driver blacked out on the

And we reveal the villages, towns and cities in the region where you

could see the Olympic torch this summer.

In sport, York City booked their place in a Wembley final and

Sunderland are still in the hunt for a semi-final after a battling

draw. First, and 84-year-old woman has

died in a house fire in County Down. Fire crews say an intense blaze

swept through Nora Bell's home in the town of Quaking Houses. Her

daughter tried to rescue her but was beaten back by the heat.

All that remains of Nora Bell's small home in third Street,

shattered windows and smoke- blackened walls, a complete scene

of devastation. Neighbours heard the shouts and screams just after

11pm last night. There was smoke and fire everywhere. Our house was

covered in smog. We saw the fire brigade and things. It wasn't very

nice. Was it quite scary? It was. Fire crews using breathing

apparatus managed to battle their way in and found Nora Bell lying on

the living room floor. They were too late to save her. When they

arrived, they were confronted with a severe fire. It was confirmed

that there was a lady trapped. There was some difficulty gaining

access because of the severity of the fire. We committed two

breathing apparatus teams to search for her and we found her in the

living Room on the ground floor. Mrs Bell's daughter, who also tried

to save her mother, is being treated at the university hospital

for smoke inhalation. Police say there are no suspicious

circumstances. Northumbria Police have had a

memorial service for PC David Rathband in Newcastle today. The

traffic officer shot and blinded by Raoul Moat in 2010 was found hanged

at his home in Northumberland three weeks ago. He was buried in

Stafford on Saturday. Today's service was a celebration of his

life and was jointly organised by his police and his widow.

-- by the police. Taking strength from each other,

Kath Rathband grips the hand of Chief Constable Sue Simm as they

enter the cathedral together. This was the service they started

planning when PC Rathband was found hanged on Friday 29th -- 29th

February. A funeral was held in Stafford on Saturday but this was

an opportunity for the forced to say goodbye. Uniformed officers

fill the cathedral with many having to stand in the aisles. The chief

constable pay tribute to the officer she first met seven years

ago. He never stops telling me how the force should be run. That is

how I will remember him, lively, determined and with a passion for

policing that his colleagues and I share. In 20th July 10, Rathband

was sat in his patrol car when he was shot through the window by

Raoul Moat. His recovery, followed by the setting up of a foundation

for injured 999 personnel, gave him a high profile that he was never

looking for. But recovered to cope with. Ness and when he separated

with his wife last summer, he had entered a downward spiral. It was a

simple service. We heard from a man who lost his wife and daughter in a

car crash. But the police liaison officer who broke the news was

David Rathband. Five months later, he was shot and winded but he still

went through with the inquest for that other grieving family. We

heard from Sue Simm, Chief Constable of Northumbria Police,

who talks about his passion for policing. Above all, this was a

police family paying their last respects to one of their own.

Graffiti has been left on a memorial garden dedicated to the

former Newcastle United manager Sir Bobby Robson. A crude drawing was

found at the site near the Sports Direct Arena. It has brought an

angry reaction from people in the city. If you're going to pot but

the establishment, fair enough, but not about Sir Bobby Robson. That is

not on. I am disgusted. They should cut the hands off whoever has done

it. It is terrible. He was well respected, for someone to do

something like that is just disgusting. She has been hailed a

hero when after saving the lives of her team-mates and colleagues on

the M1. 13 players and staff from the netball team were making their

way to their first Super League game on Sunday. Lisa Stanley

steeled the bus to safety when it lost control. The head coaches used

to steering Hirst -- steering her team to safety. But on Saturday,

that had a double meaning when the team bus driver blacked out on the

M1. I saw his head slumped to the right, and then he collapsed. We

had the barrier and I reacted. I got my leg over the driver because

he was still slumped in his seat. I managed to get two hands on the

wheel, and I slid my other lake in. I put the brakes on and the clutch

on and best of the bus. At 60mph, it was over in a matter of seconds.

It was a lucky escape. 300 yards further back, there was no barrier.

That gave me time to get to the driver, because it would not have

had time, especially if we had gone the other way. Her quick reactions

potentially save the lives of 17 friends. How she feeling? Well, I

don't know, I don't really want to think about it. They are there and

nobody was hurt so I am just so pleased. Everybody has been sending

Facebook messages and they're proud of what I have done. So it is nice.

Fantastic. Could the North East's economy be on the verge of

expansion? A report carried out for the BBC suggests that the region

has the highest proportion of firms with growth potential anywhere in

Britain. While unions welcome the chance of new jobs, they are not

convinced there will be enough of them to absorb those lost elsewhere.

How are we going to grow the region's economy? It is a question

many people are grappling with at the moment. But there have been

positive signs recently. Nissan's decision to build a new model at

Sunderland brings up to 2000 jobs. The region has come down with a

bump with a number of new redundancies, 500 at Alcan and 450

at Sanofi pharmaceuticals. But good things be brighter in the future?

According to this report there is at least potential. They have

identified what they call business champions. These are firms set up

in the last decade with less than 50 workers, involved in overseas

markets. The report says that Middlesbrough up as one of the

highest proportions of these businesses in Britain. It is ranked

4th in the country, higher than Oxford and the Isle of Wight. But

will that potential become a reality?

It is a niche business in Middlesbrough producing adverts for

shop shutters. According to Experian, it is the kind of firm

that will help the economy grow. It has been identified as a business

champion. We have secured a contract in Europe, and we have a

major company looking at taking us into 15 other countries across the

world. Two years ago, Middlesbrough was one of the least likely places

to withstand public spending cuts. What is happening now? The North

East has had a challenging environment over the last few years.

What we are finding is that these Business Champions, which tend to

be small, young countries -- companies with entrepreneurial

directors, show a really good potential for future growth. They

are highly represented here. Up the road, 25% of the shops on the High

Street are empty. The report suggests this place has more new

businesses and the rest of the region. Janet set up a sweet shop

here after getting support from the council. I do not know what the

recession is, for my business. It has been absolutely phenomenal.

People come back, and it takes him back to their childhood. -- it

takes them. Childhood is always happy times. Economists urge

caution. The smaller business based in the North East mean that it is

always likely to be sweeter territory for business champions.

We have seen that the private sector are not creating enough jobs

to cope with the losses in the public sector so why am not

convinced that it will create the jobs we expect them to. -- I am not

convinced. There are absolutely no guarantees.

Mark joins us now. More on the economy in a special TV debate

tonight, but the Big Issue debating -- brewing is regional pay.

Speculation is mounting that the Chancellor will introduce its

regional pay structure in his Budget. Supporters of that idea say

it will help the economy and help the private sector in the region to

recruit workers because of the moment, public sector workers get

on average �67 a week more than those in the private sector.

Opponents say that is unfair to say that a nurse in Shildon should get

more than one in Sevenoaks. All sides of the debate will be aired

in the programme tonight with Victoria Derbyshire, 'Our Economy:

The Look North Debate'. Joining her are a Darlington family relying on

food stamps, and a Maryport woman who has lost a business. One

Tyneside man, showing just how hard it is to get a job.

I worked here for 37 years and I never thought that I would be

finished at the drop of a hat. There was another 125 people on the

same day. All those years, and it just took a minute. It knocked me

for six. All of a sudden, I am on the other side of the fence. What I

want to know, my now on the employment scrapheap?

-- am I now. That programme, 11:05pm tonight.

The full details on the route of the Olympic torch through a region

has been announced today. It will rival the 14th June and more than

800 Torch bearers will take it on its journey through villages, towns

and cities. Today, we can reveal where you will see the torch as it

passes through. The Olympic torch will make a very

dramatic entrance here to the Newcastle and Gateshead quayside.

At the end of its first full day in the North East, it will move from

the Tyne Bridge down to the Gateshead quayside. We will be

talking to two lovely people from the North East who were among 1000

carrying the Olympic torch around the British Isles. First, let us

look at the root that the torch It will be the 24th day of the

torch's journey and the first of around 100 towns and villages in

our region. Berwick, the runners will come under here, towards the

junction, turning right and then going across the bridge and on

towards the one and the way. The flame will head south, sometimes by

vehicle and sometimes hand to hand. -- A 1. Each runner will carry

their own torch an average of 300 metres. Mainly through built-up

areas. The route will be kept secret until today. This is one of

those streets, just off Morpeth Town Centre. It is residential and

busy. When the torch comes down here, will people turn out? This is

a very patriotic part of the country. It will make you feel part

of the home -- part of the whole thing? It will make me feel good

for us not we should all support it. Friday the 15th sees the torch go

through Northumberland towards Tyneside. In Newcastle there will

be a ceremony in Chinatown. And then one lucky, brave torch-bearer

will get to zip wire from the very top of the Tyne bridge arch right

down to the Gateshead quayside. The next morning starts with the flame

at sailing from the roof of this building, taking in the finishing

point of the Great North Run, and dropping in at the aquatic centre.

It is here that the torch-bearer will run in through one door, carry

the flame across the water, and then run out through another door.

We are not at liberty to reveal how they will do it. The route will

pass through regular neighbourhoods and passed the most iconic one

Bart's in the region. The third day will end and Durham racecourse. --

monuments in the region. By evening, middles Brough. During the day, the

big screen will follow the progress of the torch. After that, it will

be another evening celebration. -- Middlesbrough off.

On the 5th day, it crosses the transporter bridge towards Whitby,

rides on the rail Blay towards Scarborough and the Humber. --

railway. One day six, it returns to the region through York and

Harrogate. On the morning of June 20th, the Scots guardsmen, the

engine that pulled the 1936 Night Mail, will carry the Olympic flame

from here up the East Coast wine to first. -- -- east coast line to

first. And the compilation of that journey

will be here. -- cumulation. A sound stage will be erected over

there and the last runner of the day will light the call for an

overnight, and then it will be anything of musical celebrations.

There are built-in locations with special resonance for local people,

like the Workington bridge on the spot where PC Bill Barker lost his

life during the floods. And here, Cockermouth, where so many homes

and businesses were affected by that awful flooding. On the day the

torch comes through, what we be doing? I will be standing outside

my shop, waving the torch on and hoping it does not blowout! And if

you want to show you support, it all starts on June 14th.

Around 800 lucky people have been chosen to carry the torch when it

visits our region. There is lots of excitement already building here in

Newcastle. One of the chosen few is William Hardy. He had severe

meningitis when he was two years old. He lost both his legs below-

the-knee and his lower arm. In spite of that, he has become a

talented athlete and he will be carrying the torch in Newcastle.

The end of another school day for will Hardy, a pupil in Newcastle.

An ordinary teenager who has overcome extraordinary challenges.

I had meningitis when I was two. Basically, I lost my legs. And my

arm and a couple of fingers. That is pretty much it. It could be

worse. I just get on with it. do his friends think he has been

chosen? I think he has got quite a lot to get through. He has done a

lot. He is a really good swimmer. He likes sport. I think it is the

fact that he is still active than doing all these activities, even

when other people who might be the same this hidden might not bother.

-- same as him. He is really good at sports, like swimming. It is not

just women that he is good at. He has got the determination to pick

up almost any sport. As an athlete, he is one of our most talented

students. He can turn his hand to almost any sport. He is absolutely

dedicated to improving everything he attempts.

Back at home, William's mother share his passion. They are

thrilled he has been picked to carry the torch. I think it will be

an emotional time. It is a huge thing for him. It is very thrilling

and a great honour. Newcastle is his city. He was born here and he

grew up here. It is an exciting thing to have a home nation

Olympics. It will happen once. For him to be able to look back and say

he was involved in the Paralympics, to do something towards that is

fantastic. The Olympic flame will be carried

by an average of 110 Torch bearers every day. I am joined by two of

them. Nigel, you will be carrying the Olympic flame. How do you feel?

It is a massive honour. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

will be running about 300 metres, but you're used to that because you

have actually completed 10 1/2 marathons for charity. Yes. I did a

big thing last year for the hospice in Manchester and raised a lot of

money for them, which is why ago nominated I think. But this will be

the toughest run! Every torch- bearer has a personal story. So we,

you have achieved so much in 18 years. I have tried to take every

opportunity has been given. -- I have been given. I have helped fund

raised four at the Battle of Britain and the hospice. I have

tried my best to help. Why do you do so much fund-raising? I don't

know. I just want to help as much as I can. I take that opportunity

when it is given. How do you feel about carrying the flame? I am

honoured and privileged. I know that it is a once-in-a-lifetime

opportunity. I am really excited but quite nervous. Nigel, what

preparation would you put in between now and then? I will keep

running. I run three times a week anyway, but I have never run

holding anything in my hand, and especially not a live flame ex-it

will be a challenge. -- Live Flame! It will be a challenge. Best of

luck for June. And you can find a more about where

the Olympic flame will be travelling through the region and

the British Isles by logging on to your local BBC news websites.

The main topic of conversation around the Football World Cup

remains the condition of the Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba, reported

to be moving in speaking tonight. Let's hope his improvement

continues. He collapsed during the Cup tie at

Tottenham and there was a touching show of support yesterday before

Newcastle's home game with Norwich. Let's hope he makes a full recovery.

On the pitch, Newcastle won it. What a piece of skill. A very

important three points. Back on track with the help of the

saved by Tim Krul. A couple of good saves coming up in the Sunderland

game. It was a tight quarter-final game. It was a tight quarter-final

and Everton -- at Everton. Phil Barnsley, with a fine strike.

He has done that sort of thing before.

He very nearly broke the camera. Everton equalised, with Tim Cahill,

who has not scored for ages. The replay is one week tomorrow. If

they win, it is Liverpool at the semi-final.

And they're only still in the Cup thanks to that double save by Simon

thanks to that double save by Simon Mignolet.

It became a war of attrition in the second half. We saw it through.

Thanks to the double save by Mignolet. We have a chance at our

place with the home crowd behind us. Everton are very durable. They have

got a great sense of commitment themselves. It will be very tough.

Sunderland still fighting. 1 team definitely going to Wembley on New

York City. Matty Blair was the hero in their semi-final with Luton.

Bowside cancelled out the 1-0 lead from the first leg when he headed

home in the last minute. They will play Newport County in the final.

And well done to Hetton Lyons, through to the semi-final for the

4th time in three years. Not much to shout about in the end

power league, though. Middlesbrough went down 3-0 at Birmingham. There

is a battle now to make sure they play -- finished in the play-offs.

They are 11 points behind Reading. One of 16 teams -- six teams

separated by one point. separated by one point.

Lee Miller gave Carlisle an early lead at Bournemouth. But they were

pegged back near the end. The Blues are now only outside the play-off

zone on goal difference. Notts County keeping them out.

Stevenage, another contender, were held to a goalless draw at

Hartlepool. Jack Baldwin had the Hartlepool. Jack Baldwin had the

best chance. Unbeaten ate six games. -- unbeaten in six games.

Katie Maclean from South Shields, the women's rugby captain, had a

great weekend. She had a tremendous game with Darlington Mowden Park

Sharks, touching down for the vital breakthrough try against Ireland.

She scored 15 of England's 23 points, securing a 7th successive

Six Nations crown. Stuart Lancaster now must be

considered favourites to take over as new England manager after his

side beat Ireland to come second in the Six Nations, having lost just

once to Wales. He must get the job.

And in basketball, Newcastle Eagles beat Leicester Riders to tighten

their grip at the top of the championship. They did not so --

they did not do so well in the Trophy final, losing to Plymouth

Raiders in the first leg. Lifting their hopes of lifting a

Lifting their hopes of lifting a Lifting their hopes of lifting a

second piece of silverware. second piece of silverware.

What have you got for us with the weather? A combination of blue

skies and fair weather. Some interesting clouds over the

Pennines. Up above the temperature inversion, clear blue skies. The

cloud will play its part in tonight's forecast. After a frosty

night in places last night, there is more cloud around. It will be

dampen miles. The cloud is gradually thickening up during the

north-west. Heading through the evening, there will be patchy rain

for Cumbria and Northumberland and then, later, towards the end of the

night, some of that rain will make it further east and south. It will

be a damp end to the night but the temperatures will be better than

last night. Most places staying above five Celsius. It will be a

damp start for many tomorrow, certainly cloudy. The cloud should

lift and break any drizzle -- Lifton break. Sunny spells

developing, the best towards the east coast. Cumbria and Kazik

should see some breaks and some sunshine. Over the next few days,

subtle changes in wind direction. subtle changes in wind direction.