07/11/2013 Look North (North East and Cumbria)

Hello and welcome to Thursday's Look North. Tonight: all the people are

cheering for the car. Police investigating the death of a

three`year`old boy in a hit`and`run incident say they want to trace a

van seen in the area. The owners of a Lake District

tearoom hit back at claims they're running "the rudest cafe in

Britain." She had 12 different pension books.

And the BBC sitcom which put a Tyneside town on the map is back.

Look North's been given exclusive access behind the scenes.

In sport ` free entry to the Falcons cup match for serving Forces

personnel this Remembrance Day. And a quarterfinal against Chelsea's

the reward for Gus Poyet's men as Sunderland beat Southampton in the

League Cup. It's been Sunderland's big day on

the world stage. The launch of the car that promises work for thousands

here in the North for years to come. Before an audience of media

representatives from around the globe, the new`look Nissan Qashqai

went on show at a glitzy event in London. And while it involved plenty

of hype, it does mean one big thing for Wearside ` jobs. Our news

correspondent Peter Harris sent this report from the capital. The report

contains flashing lights. It was not undersold.

This was Sunderland's they may. It is quite remarkable. I have been

with Nissan for 28 years. It is very thrilling for me. We were awarded

the original vehicle seven years ago and to launch the next generation is

fantastic. At this point many reporters will tell you about the

features of this model. Unfortunately I have not the

slightest idea what I am talking about. But what this means for the

region is jobs. Production of this vehicle started in 2006. Within five

years 1 million had ruled out. Now they work around the clock. All the

people in Sunderland are cheering for the car. This ensures a lot of

jobs in Sunderland. The competition. Russia will also build

the vehicle. One Russian journalist thinks they prepare at the cars from

Sunderland. People will try to buy the first cars that are made in

Britain instead of the ones made in Russia. This week it was revealed

new car sales are at a five`year high. Perhaps the hype for this car

is justified after all. Police investigating the death of a

three`year`old boy in a hit`and`run incident in Darlington say they want

to trace a van seen in the area. Danny Wake was killed three days

ago, as he was crossed Falmer Road in the town. Our Correspondent Mark

Denten has been following developments and joins us from our

newsroom. Mark, Danny was killed on Monday but the police now want to

find this particular vehicle don't they?

They do. Danny who was three was struck by a vehicle as he was

crossing Falmer Road in Darlington just off Neasham Road in the town on

Monday morning at about 10.35. He was walking home from the shops with

his mum, brother and another child. Police told us yesterday that they

were returning home to choose Christmas presents from a catalogue.

Durham police have already issued CCTV of Danny seen here in the green

jacket moments before he was hit by a vehicle. It appears he somehow

strayed away from his mother and was hit by an oncoming vehicle but that

vehicle did not stop. Now police have been combing hours of CCTV

footage and have already appealed for anyone who saw anything

suspicious to contact them. They've asked for passengers on board two

Arriva buses passing along Neasham Road at the time to contact them.

But tonight, Mark, a very specific appeal to find a particular vehicle.

Yes. Police want to trace a light coloured Mercedes Sprinter style

van. The vehicle is described as having red markings along the side

and rear and possibly a red logo as well. Police say they are really

keen to speak to the driver of that van and they hope that the

description of the vehicle, a light coloured Mercedes Sprinter van with

red markings, seen in the Neasham Road area of Darlington on Monday

morning may jog someone's memory, or that the driver of that van will

come forward. A man accused of killing PC Keith

Blakelock during the Broadwater Farm riots in the 1980s has denied the

charge. PC Blakelock, who was originally from Sunderland was

stabbed as he tried to protect fire crews during a night of rioting in

North London. Nicholas Jacobs, who's 45, appeared at The Old Bailey today

where he pleaded not guilty. And a 48`year`old woman has died

after apparently choking on food in a restaurant. Paramedics were called

to Frankie and Benny's at Teesside Park in Stockton. Police say other

diners and ambulance staff tried, unsuccessfully, to resuscitate the

woman, who's believed to have collapsed, suffering from an

obstructed airway. A spokesperson for the restaurant said their

condolences go to the family. A search for a man who'd gone

missing in Northumberland has had a happy ending. The 34`year`old hadn't

been seen since walking out of his home in Longhorsley on Tuesday

morning. Police, including mounted officers and an underwater unit,

were involved in the search. A mobile police station was also set

up in the village, as volunteers from Northumberland Mountain Rescue

scoured the adjoining countryside. The man was eventually discovered

three miles away. The courage of 25 inspirational

children was recognised at a special ceremony this afternoon. The

youngsters, from around the North East and Cumbria, were all given a

"Brave Heart" award in recognition of the extraordinary courage and

strength each of them has shown, coping with illness or adversity.

The children were presented with their awards at the ceremony at St

James' Park by Josef Craig, the North East Paralympic gold medal

winner, and our own Carol Malia. The owners of a Lake District

tearoom have hit back at claims they're running "the rudest cafe in

Britain." One customer wrote on the Trip Advisor website that a member

of staff at Temporary Measures in Keswick, "made them feel so

unwelcome, it was like he was having to work on his day off." That

prompted a response by one of the owners that, "the North is a place

that still maintains a healthy respect for a good, old`fashioned

surly disposition." Mark McAlindon has the story.

I am sure the chef knows how to fix a Waldorf salad. Find out if he

knows how to fix me a Waldorf salad. When we think of Brewer

customer service many of us will picture John Cleese as Basil Fawlty

daring his customers to criticise him. And according to some of our

newspapers, this little tearoom in Keswick has inherited Basil's mantle

after the owner's brother was criticised in an online review `

prompting a riposte. Just because somebody is quiet looks distracted

does not mean anything bad towards you. It seems there was only one bad

comment on the website. In the last few minutes a TV

programme has been asking the owner to take part. I mentioned the

northern thing. It was turned into something it was not. It was never

intended that way. If somebody takes the time to write about your

business that is rude to ignore them.

One tabloid even called this "the rudest cafe in Britain." But

customers today were giving the whole affair short shrift. So, if

this is another north`south divide, it's clear which side Emma and her

customers today are on. We have had a warm welcome. We have to come up

north just to encounter friendly people. Mark McAlindon, BBC Look

North, Keswick. It's back! The BBC sitcom which put

an unassuming Tyneside town on the map. Hebburn stars Gina McKee, and

Jim Moir ` who's better known, of course, as Vic Reeves. Initially, it

divided local opinion. But now the cast and crew have returned to film

a second series. So will they be welcomed back with open arms? In

tonight's Look North report, our entertainment reporter Sharuna Sagar

was given exclusive access behind the scenes, to find out if the new

series is really "Hebburn sent." Hebburn really is a place on earth.

It's seven miles outside of Newcastle. It's the hometown of

standup Jason Cook and it's gone international thanks to his BBC Two

sitcom of the same name. It is being shown in America and Australia.

Canada is showing it. There is also an airline showing it as

entertainment. The production's returned to the

place where they do understand every word to film the new series. With

the first series getting a peak audience of more than twho million,

South Shields comedian Chris Ramsey is enjoying his new found fame. It

is lovely in A.D.. I was at a gig once and everyone was shouting lines

from the show. She had 12 different pension books on her. How is it

going in the nursing home? You want to find out what happened to me,

don't you? And wildcat Denise, one of

careworkers at the home, is about to embrace motherhood. She stops

drinking and smoking for the pregnancy. Then she gets back on the

tequila almost immediately. It's like one big family filming in

Hebburn. But only the exteriors are actually shot here. It is a cross

between going to work and going to your mothers for Christmas.

And this is the interior of that house recreated on a film set in

Salford. As you can see the Christmas special has been filmed

and Nana appears to have got herself a stair lift.

But it's not her health viewers were worried about at the end of the last

series. Were you this nervous on your wedding day?

Wait there. You are looking very well considering how we last saw

you. I have got a loose arm that slowly gets better. The aim is that

I can get to the pub. I am trying. Meanwhile back on location at do

locals feel about the return of the show? There is a sense of humour. If

you are from the area you appreciate it more. It is spot on.

And the new series of Hebburn starts on Tuesday night at ten o'clock on

BBC Two. It's stood in the centre of

Harrogate for even longer than the famous Betty's Tearooms. But a

dying, hundred year`old tree, is now being given a new lease of life ` as

an icon of the Tour de France, when it visits North Yorkshire next year.

The elderly elm, on Harrogate's Montpellier Hill, had come to the

end of its natural life so the council decided to let loose a

chainsaw artist, to work on its stump. And now he's creating

something a bit special to mark the massive cycling event next July.

Phil Chapman went along to see him at work.

A simple brush and some canvas will usually do the trick for most

artists, but this artist uses something more powerful. This

particular work in progress will be at the heart of the Tour de France

next summer when it rolls into Harrogate. I have done a little

fairy door at the bottom so far. I will fit in the Yorkshire rules. ``

Yorkshire rules. The idea is to mark the Tour de France celebrations. It

is a wonderful legacy. Just up there is the finish line for the first

day. When I was given the chainsaw it was like being given a big

penknife. I use a variety of chainsaws. This has a carving bar. I

can get into all the fine details. There is no kickback. It is safe to

use. Examples of this work can be seen up

and down the country. This means that the legacy of the Tour de

France will be there for all to see.

She's devoting her life to a sport that most of us probably don't even

know is a sport. She's coaching World, European and Commonwealth

medallists. And the sport is life`saving. Her club is Blyth. And

the woman is Michele Weedy. Michele is the first of our regional

nominations for this year's Unsung Hero Award ` which is part of the

BBC Sports Personality of Year event. Andrew Hartley's been to meet

her. It's a unique sport. They tow the

orange mannequins, swim underwater, they throw ropes. It is a multi

disciplined sport but there is something for everybody.

And Blyth Lifeguard and Swimming Club is one of Britain's best. Much

of the credit for that goes to the club captain, our first regional

nominee for the BBC's Unsung Hero Award.

Michele has a very happy personality which goes down well with the

children. Children love this. They are pleased to be coached by her.

Michele was once an international athlete herself ` but now her

motivation is to pull others to the top. She has been my coach for ten

years. She has trained me tonight every week. She has always been

there. She encourages you before the races. She makes sure you are

enjoying it. Michele badly injured her ankle

during a real`life rescue two`months ago, but she remains dedicated to

her sport. There is a lot of planning and preparation. I am the

one that coordinates it. I have got a good team behind me.

We will hear from our other nominees in the next couple of weeks.

Sunderland defeated Southampton 2`1 last night.

Seven changes for Sunderland ` three of them enforced and a whopping ten

for in`form Southampton who fielded a much less experienced team. 16,000

turned out on a chilly night ` the ground only a third full and with

first half chances at a premium it seemed a good decision for those who

stayed away. But a scrappy game did improve in the second half, with

Sunderland trying to play the possession football, their head

coach aspires to. Craig Gardner tested former Black Cats keeper

Kelvin Davis. And with nearly an hour gone, the breakthrough. A goal

for the home side ` stabbed home by a man ostricised by former boss

Paolo di Canio. Phil Bardsley continuing his long rehabilitation

with the fans. Jack Colback survived a half`hearted penalty shout here.

And making his first start since January last year, Wes Brown showed

what the club have been missing. Vito Mannone nearly undid all the

good work with a clearance that might have gone horribly wrong. But

the late second goal just about made the game safe ` unselfish work from

Joze Altidore setting up Seb the sub and a nice finish from Swedish

international Larsson. Southampton's fringe players were disjointed but

never gave up and Yoshida's header near the end gave the home side a

few nervous moments. But they held on to reach the last eight. Playing

Chelsea will be special. We need to keep believing. Manchester City,

though, will prove a much sterner test on Sunday. Mark Tulip, BBC Look

North. Middlesbrough's caretaker boss says

he does not know how long Steve Gibson wants him to stay in charge.

Home victory over Watford this Saturday will not do any harm at

all. A big crowd would help as well. If you have a big crowd in the

stadium it is brilliant. It creates a great atmosphere. People want to

see winning football teams. We have to bring the crowds back.

Newcastle Falcons take a break from the Premiership this weekend for

their LV Cup clash with London Irish. And as it's Remembrance

Sunday the club is giving free entry to the game for Armed Forces

personnel and their families ` a move that's gone down well with one

of the coaches in particular. At six foot five and 19 stone,

strength and conditioning coach Andy Perry spent more than a decade in

the Marines including tours in the Gulf and Northern Ireland before

becoming a professional rugby player. He's proud of the club's

affiliation with the Forces. We had Afghanistan. We had Iraq. They are

in the public eye. This is a wonderful gesture. Bring the

families. They will get three entry. `` free entry.

The Falcons will make a number of changes to the squad for the cup

game against Irish to give some of their key players a rest after their

heavy defeat against Premiership leader Saracens last weekend ` a

result that was sobering. In an effort to bolster his squad

Dean Richards has signed big Argentinian centre Gonzalo Tiesi.

The 28`year` old who has 37 international caps will be on the

bench for this weekend's test match against England and played for

Richards at Harlequins. And in Rugby League Workington have

signed two former Superleague players. Ex Warrington Wolves

second`row Lee Mitchell and former Bradford winger Shaun Ainscough join

the club after a season in Australia.

Meanwhile former Durham County cricket captain Phil Mustard has

signed a two year contract extension at the club. The Sunderland born

wicketkeeper batsman who's Durhams' leading T20 run maker has signed

until the end of the 2016 season. He made his first class debut in 2002

and has won three championships since. Keaton Jennings who also

played a key role in this year's Championship win has signed an

extension to his contract until 2015.

Here is the weather. If you want to buy your calendar in

question join as next week. We will be in Penrith on Monday. Watch out

for the double`decker bus. Full details on the website.

Blustery showers in many places. Some breaks in their cloud as well.

The show early theme continues as we head towards the weekend. `` the

theme of showers continues. The wind will be strong at times. There have

been showers in Western areas today. Most Eastern areas should stay dry.

The showers become more widespread in the West tomorrow morning.

Further East there may be some frost. It will be brighter in the

East. South westerly winds will be dusty

at times. On Saturday there is a change in the wind direction. The

showers become less widespread. Largely dry for much of the

weekend. Saturday most places dry. It will not feel warm. Many places

dry on Sunday. We will see you at 10:25pm.

Goodbye.