22/01/2014 Look North (North East and Cumbria)

Sunday. Make the most of Saturday because Sunday looks pretty

To Hello and welcome to Wednesday's Look North. Tonight. The new

Quashqai rolls off the production line. Will it bring even more jobs

to Nissan? Caught on tape ` the fake policeman who tries to con traders

out of cash. The Princess Royal visits a family butcher and takes

away a tasty treat for her father. And another VIP comes North as

America's ambassador to the UK arrives on a tour of duty. It is

important to get out of the capital city and saw my first trap for 2014

is a peer. And we are at Old Trafford.

Will it bring more success and more jobs for Sunderland's Nissan car

plant? This morning, the first of the new version of the Qashqai

rolled off the production line on Wearside. Its predecessor helped

push employment and production at the factory to record levels. The

plant now employs 7,000 people. And produces half a million cars a year.

And, remarkably, a Quashqai is produced every minute. But as

Richard Moss reports, the plant's future will depend on the new car's

success. His report does include some flashing images.

There may have been a flashy countdown on offer to VIPs. But on

Nissan's shop floor, real work was taking place. Business as usual

perhaps. But this was different. Because workers were assembling the

first of the second generation Qashqai. And the world's media were

keen to get a look. For all Europe. Even Russia. We all

want this car. And I think the new Qashqai has a big future for all

markets, especially in Russia. And it was a big day for this man

too. Trevor Mann was the Sunderland plant manager when the first Qashqai

launched in 2006. He's now based in Japan, but is excited to see

Wearside get so much attention. It's a hugely important day for the

plant here in Sunderland. This represents a huge investment, ?534

million investment in the UK. We tipped the 7000 mark in terms of

employees here. Around 2500 of them in this factory are dedicated to

producing Qashqai. The new Qashqai has already won an

industry award. The key now though is to enthuse drivers as much as the

media. Around 500 Qashqai will roll off this prediction line today.

There are only a thousand of these vehicles in existence at the moment.

This plant produced 1.7 million of the old model. But in 2006 the

original Qashqai was seen as a gamble by Nissan. One though that's

paid off. We have more than doubled the sales volume compared to our

original is expectations. The Sunderland plant was giving quick

reaction, moving quickly to allow the supply base to increase the

production volume and meet demand. One Qashqai is produced here every

61 seconds. It'll be a little longer before we know whether this car will

bring even more success and jobs to Wearside. It's an extraordinary tale

of attempted fraud. A man pretending to be a Cumbrian police officer

trying to con businesses out of money. He claims they owe him cash

for adverts they've placed in a police magazine and even threatens

them with court action if they refuse to pay up. But the scam

didn't work when the fake police officer tried to cheat an optician

from Longtown near Carlisle. Alison Freeman explains.

It was a scam Eric Hagan managed to see through. A caller claiming to be

a police officer rang his Longtown shop and tried to con him out of

money. He claimed he owed him more than ?100 for placing an advert in a

community policing magazine. But Mr Hagan acted extremely quickly,

making this recording of the conversation. We should have

received that payment from you four and a half weeks ago. You are

definitely a policeman? I'll tell you what. You can pop into the local

station now. I will serve you with a County Court proceeding.

It was very stressful, and I must admit I did have a few sleepless

nights. I had two phone calls. One was just before Christmas and one on

Saturday just gone. He was absolutely convincing. For the first

few minutes, I would have sworn he was a policeman. He sounded like he

was in an office, he mentioned his colleagues, his files. It all seemed

to work out at first and then gradually everything just fell

apart. This was the second time Mr Hagan

had been targeted by the conman, so he put his telephone in speaker mode

and pressed record on the memo mode on his mobile. The optician also

asked police in Carlisle, where the man claimed to be an officer, if he

existed. He didn't. The phone call lasted more than seven minutes. The

scammer becoming aggressive when challenged.

I'll pop into the local station then. Your sergeant will be very

interested in talking to you. I am recording this conversation. Are

you? Oh! Are you just pleased that you

smelled a rat? Yes, definitely. I know it's not a lot of money, but

anybody to get one over on you, it's just something you don't want to

happen. Mr Hagan says he hopes his actions

will help people see they need to be wary of cold`callers and to check

anyone asking for money is genuine. So, Alison, what action are the

`` So, Alison, what action are the police taking and what's their

advice to people faced with this kind of scam? Cumbria police have

said they do not investigate this sort of crime, but they have passed

the recording on to the National fraud office. The advice from police

and trading standards is do not pay cash to anyone who cold calls you.

A lorry which crashed on the A697 in Northumberland yesterday afternoon

was carrying radioactive waste. A stretch of the road near Thrunton

has been closed while the waste is cleared. The Environment Agency and

police are working together to deal with what they say is low`level

radioactive material from the oil and gas industry.

The body of a woman has been recovered from the south side of the

Tyne close to the river mouth. The Tynemouth lifeboat was launched at

12.30 this afternoon after a report of a body in the sea close to South

Shields pier. The RAF Boulmer helicopter was also scrambled. The

woman was declared dead on arrival at hospital.

Unemployment in the North has risen slightly despite a big fall

nationally. 134,000 people are now jobless, that's 1,000 more than in

the previous quarter. Our unemployment rate of 10.3 per cent

remains the highest in the country. In Cumbria, there was a rise of just

six people claiming job seekers' allowance between November and

December. There are now 6,363 claimants in the county.

However, an unlikely part of the economy is being tipped to create

jobs and ease unemployment. Our Business Correspondent Ian Reeve

reports. It may not look like an economic

powerhouse, but this Newcastle film maker is part of the country's

fastest`growing industrial sector. This is where work is coming from.

The recession was tough but jobs in film, television, music, advertising

and software grew by nearly nine per cent in 2012. Creative industries

outstripping all others. We certainly feel like it is getting

better. We did have a rough ride, a lot of people had a rough ride and

did not survive that, but I think they are through the worst. And the

figures for the creative economy are impressive. The sector accounts for

one in 12 jobs. That's more than two and a half million people. And

creativity is worth billions. In the North East, there are about 1,800

so`called creative ventures. A figure that hasn't fluctuated much

over the last three years. But growth is now expected. We are doing

better than we have ever done before. There is lots of work out

there. Think we will go from strength to strength as a sector.

This film about Manchester United's 1958 Munich air crash was part`shot

in the North East and created real jobs. 118 crew members were needed,

as well as 216 extras. Sean's Newcastle investment company put

money into that film. He's looking to invest in more, and says jobs

will be created. Do you ever sit through a credit list at the end of

a film? There can be hundreds of people involved. That might just be

for 56 weeks, but it can take a year to make a film from start to finish.

And given today's slight rise in unemployment in the north east,

that's a sentiment that will surely be echoed right around the region.

`` for six to six weeks. I'll be the only region to see a

rise and unemployment. Now, in the south`west, and in Northern Ireland

has seen an increase as well. The overall unemployment rate

remains unchanged. People in employment in the North East has

risen by 22,000. At the moment, 1 million, 173,000 people in the

north`east in work. You're watching Wednesday's Look

North. Still to come. We're live at Old Trafford as Sunderland prepare

to take on the Premier League champions, Manchester United, in the

second leg of their Capital One League Cup semifinal. Plus two

special visitors ` Princess Anne on Tyneside and America's ambassador to

the UK leaves London for a trip to the North. No shortage of whether

either. Overnight tonight, clear, dry and I see before the next band

of heavy rain spreads in from the west. Join the litre for more

details. `` join me later. The North has welcomed two special

visitors today. America's Ambassador to the UK no less fulfilled a number

of engagements including a visit here to the BBC. More on that in a

moment. First, the Princess Royal's visit to Tyneside. Among her ports

of call a family butcher's in South Shields. Peter Harris was there.

The Princess apparently makes her own sausages and it was one product

in particular that intrigued her. We told her how famous we were for the

saveloy We gave her a hamper, there were no saveloys in the hamper and

so she specifically asked for a packet of saveloys to take and try

because she thought her father would be very interested in them. They

might be having saveloys at Windsor Castle? Maybe. We may have a new

customer. I only found out the other day that she breeds her own pigs,

which I wasn't aware of. But she was really interested in the whole

aspect of what we do. Dickson's butchers has been in the same family

for 60 years. And the Dicksons' grandchildren got to meet the

Princess. She asked for some sausages for her

daddy. The Princess was here as well to ask

about the contribution family businesses make to the economy.

Although she did pass up on the food until she got to the, now by Royal

appointment, saveloys. It was a pleasure to join you, to celebrate

60 years of a family firm and to recognise the way in which you

maintain the business. It is a challenging area. This was a special

day for South Shields as a whole with the Princess Royal also

visiting the refurbished mission for seafarers and opening the town's new

health and well`being centre. Well, also in the North today, a VIP

from across the Atlantic. Matthew Barzun is the American Ambassador to

the UK and arrived at Durham Sixth Form Centre amid fairly tight

security to address students. He then went on to Durham University

before popping into the BBC in Newcastle. He says his visit to the

North East is his way of getting to know the country outside London.

Phil Chapman reports. The security motorcade might not have been quite

as impressive as President Obama's, but the students here were pleased

for the visitor. I've always been interested in government and how the

world is run and it will be interesting to find out where we can

go with the relationship between the United Kingdom and America. Think

it's a great opportunity for the north`east, it pinpoints us on the

map. He decided to come here of all places, it's a nice little boost for

the region. We do have students who are very aspirational but going to

university in America. Why has the ambassador come to the

north`east? We need the help of the UK, and of the citizens as we try to

grow our economy. We are also asking for help in a

more basic way. I herewith our specialist in exchange programmes.

Come and visit the United States, have a gap year. He also took time

to see the sights around Durham. But he is not keen on our weather. How

do I put this weather diplomatically? It reminds me of

home. It was great to see the cathedral here, and the connection

to George Washington, are first president. Celebrating the past and

working to the future. He reminded the students in Durham about

Churchill coined the phrase special relationship.

Sport now and it's D`day for Sunderland who stand on the brink of

their first major Wembley Cup final for more than 20 years. They're at

Old Trafford tonight defending a 2`1 lead against Manchester United in

the semifinal of the Capital One League Cup and Jeff's there live for

us now. Jeff. I'm not alone. More than 100 coach

loads of fans made the journey here. This evening, Sunderland full have

the backing of 9000 fans. The club laid on free travel for fans and

these were the scenes this afternoon at the Stadium of Light as dozens of

coaches left for Manchester. And there was plenty of optimism to be

found among the travelling support. Quietly confident, but it should be

a good atmosphere. I hope we win. But I'm pregnant, and two March is

the final at Wembley, and the baby is due at the end of February. So

there will be a silver lining if we don't get through. They're playing

better than they have been. I feel more confident than I did a few

weeks back. The team is doing well and on the bus with Gus, let's go.

So a huge army of fans will descend on Old Trafford tonight. Manchester

United, of course, without key men like Robin Van Persie, who's

injured, and captain Nemanja Vidic, who's suspended. Wayne Rooney has

been out for the last three weeks with a groin problem but might play

a part tonight. Looked at the headlines in tonight's Manchester

evening News. It is not going to be easy for Sunderland. For Sunderland,

it's all about keeping their heads on during what's sure to be a

nervous 90 minutes with the possibility of extra`time and

penalties. But Head Coach Gus Poyet says he's looking forward to seeing

how his players react. I like it. This is a special

occasion. But be calm enough to play. There is a tension, but not

more than normal. Or it will be difficult to play. It will be a

great game for me, to keep learning, to see the reaction of players. Gary

Bennett is here, he played for Sunderland almost 30 years ago. What

is the attitude amongst the players? We are talking about conceding an

early goal, and it was the same year. People are talking about

Manchester United, but they cannot concealed and other `` they cannot

concede another goal. It is evenly balanced. I think Sunderland will

get a result. What does it mean as a player to play the? It is a boyhood

dream. But you look forward to following the football club, it is

excellent for me. Hopefully we can do it tonight. What is the

difference between the league and the cup? Is of a different attitude?

I think the cup helped us. A good cup run does you no harm. If you can

get to Wembley, you can build on that. Thank you for joining us.

Sunderland are defending `` Sunderland are 2`1 up from the first

leg, so if they avoid defeat tonight, they'll be through to the

final. But they could lose and still go through! Away goals count double

if the scores are level after extra`time, so only a 2`1 win for

United will take the tie into penalties. Sunderland could lose

3`2, and go through on the away goals rule! Let's hope it doesn't

come to that! There's full match commentary on BBC Newcastle, of

course. Highlights on BBC One at 11.15 tonight. And I'll be live from

Old Trafford in our late news bulletin at 10.25.

Time now for the final film in our Sportskids series. Over the last few

weeks we've been meeting youngsters from all over the North East and

Cumbria who are mad about sport and this week a teenager from Workington

takes centre stage. As Stephanie Cleasby found out, he's making a bit

of a splash. Hi, I'm Connor Joyce, and I'm 13

years old and my sport is swimming. Connor is more at home in water than

on land. He started swimming at the age of four, now he's Workington

Amateur Swimming Club's most successful swimmer ever. I'm really

competitive. It's just like having that edge over people. When you go

to higher competitions, knowing you've done that extra bit of

training that could help you win. He's currently ranked fourth in the

north west and hopes one day to be just like his hero. Mikaeel Phelps.

Winning 18 or 19 Olympic gold medals, breaking lots of world

records as well. Going five years without missing one day of training

is a big deal. His greatest achievement so far has been winning

the 100m breast stroke in the Scottish Nationals, making him the

fastest 13`year`old in Great Britain. This is all the more

impressive considering the pools he competes in are twice the size of

the one he trains in. Connor is one of the top prospects in Cumbria and

the North West region. He is on a par with a best in Great Britain at

the present time. He should be really proud of what he has

achieved. We are at the swimming pool. Connor is powering ahead to

reach the top of his sport. But there are times when the going gets

tough. I've wanted to quit a lot. But they've told me, you've trained

really hard for this, don't throw it away. I just wasn't enjoying it at

times. It is hard getting up in the mornings.

Back in the fast lane and a successful 2013 resulted in being

selected for the England talent team.

I would like to see him achieve what he wants to do, and that is to get

to the Commonwealths. And you'll be there cheering him on. Connor may

come from a small club, but is determined to make a big splash.

Good luck to him. And to Sunderland as well. What will the weather be

like? We start of tonight with a very

quiet weather picture. A misty January morning. The weather is

anything but quiet overnight tonight. It starts off mostly dry

tonight, just a passing shower. But there will be some patchy frost

under clear skies. There will be some showers around at first this

evening, but they will die away. Under the clear spells, that is

where we could see some frost and icy patches before this band of

heavy showers starts to move across Cumbria. But brain could be heavy

and boundary. `` that rain. The wind will pick up as well, gusty. The

rain quickly moves away and behind it, we have got brighter spells. The

showers will have sleet and snow in amongst them. There could be a

covering of snow on the cheap yet is `` the Cheviots. It will feel colder

despite the sunshine for Merry tomorrow afternoon. `` for many. On

Friday, at the next frontal system comes in from the west, bringing

another spell of wet and windy weather. That clears away, but by

Sunday, another active system moves across. Heavy rain and gusty wind

for the second part of the weekend. Heavy rain on Friday for parts of

Cumbria, dryer on Saturday, more wind and more rain on Sunday. A

similar picture for the north`east. Feeling cold as well.

Thank you. And we will be back with the late news at 1025. Bye`bye.

We all have hopes and fears for the future

and for the lives our children and grandchildren will lead.

I want to build a Britain where everyone feels secure,

so our long-term economic plan is building a stronger,

more competitive economy and securing our country's future.

We're reducing the deficit so we deal with our debts,