14/08/2014 Look North (North East and Cumbria)

and on our website, but that is all for now. It is

two people arrested as the nationwide search for this reason

brothers missing from their foster home continues.

Thousands of our A`level students get the results which could decide

their future. That's... There are no words, are they?

Also, the motorcyclist's widow joining the campaign to prevent

other people suffering the same loss she did.

This business is inside a prison and is helping its inmates to go

straight. We look ahead to the new Premier

league season with the help of two very different men. A 99`year`old

season ticket holder and the sports writer coming to the end of an era.

First tonight, police searching for three missing boys have arrested

two people in connection with their disappearance.

15`year`old Remus Matloch, and his two younger brothers,

vanished from their foster home in Sunderland on Monday.

Our correspondent, Peter Harris, is here with the latest.

This has all happened in the last hour, hasn?t it?

The boys have family in the Birmingham area and the two held a

34 and 39, a man and a woman and they are being questioned in

connection with the disappearances. Officers are on their way down to

timing. However, there is still no sign of the boys and to that end,

the police released more CCTV pictures of the boy `` boys at the

Metro where their journey began at around 530 on Monday but we don't

know where the journey ended. Police are still searching across the

country. Yes and they are trying to jog memories here so they released

the video today and handed out leaflets at Newcastle station and

that the coach station because they are convinced somebody must have

seen these boys at half past five or six o'clock on Sunday. They still

want help on that and they are still the king in the Edmonton area in

North London. The upshot is `` they are still looking. They have got two

arrests but this is still moving apace.

It can be the best of days. It can be the worst of days.

Whatever the outcome, today was the day the waiting ended for thousands

This year has seen some significant changes to the pattern of results.

There's been an increase in the number of A`star grades,

but a FALL in the overall pass rate ` the first in 32 years.

However, there is a record number of university places up for grabs.

One place celebrating success is Stockton 6th Form College.

Two years ago, Ofsted ruled it needed to make improvements.

Since then, the college has appointed a new principal,

and this year it's one of the best performing in the area.

Phil Connell was with some of the students as they opened

I've been stressed but I've got into university. To see grades a D grade

and an E grade. Nervous. I got one A* and three B grades. I'm pleased.

The grades could determine their future and possibly change their

lives. At Stockton sixth form college this morning A`level results

they had the usual mix of emotions. I was predict to D and E grades were

everything and I got an A. I am going travelling this year so it is

not too hectic. I'm still not very happy `` happy. It's... There are no

words, are they? It is just amazing. For students going on to further

education, this year there are a record number of university places

available. It is effectively a wires market so students with grades lower

than expected could still be offered a place of their choice. One girl

was holding an offer to read biology at Newcastle and she needed the a

grades. She got there were grades but they are still taking her. ``

Agrades. Stockton sixth form colleges now one of the best

performing in the region. Last year, 99% of A`level students passed

and this year is similar grades are expected. It follows an Ofsted

report two years ago which said the college needed improving so what is

their secret to their success? Hard work, dedication and a real concern

for our students and real individual support because they are what it is

all about. There was a double celebration at the college this

morning for identical twins who collected between them one A* and

three C grades. In Cumbria, more than 2000 students

have been taking up their results. Alison Freeman spent the morning at

Ullswater immunity college with the guest catchment area in the country.

What a way to find out your A`level results live on national television.

To A* grades. Darling! Sally got even better results than expected

and will be studying nursing in London after a difficult few years.

My grandparents were ill and my mum was caring for them. I failed to and

my others were low grades so I took the decision to reset the year and

then most debt father was diagnosed with cancer. So it has been quite

difficult. For Flora it was an emotional new `` moment as she found

out she had exceeded expect nations with the support of her boyfriend.

It's brilliant because we helped each other through it. It's great to

know all the hard work paid off for me and both of us. For schools ``

this goal is hailing today's results as a success with only three out of

100 students not being offered their first choice place at university.

Footer community college the largest catchment area in the country with

600 square miles of mainly rural, small villages, agricultural and

tourist industries. So many youngsters start their working day

on a farm or working in some capacity in the family business.

When they finish school at night they go back and they carry on doing

their duties. For Joe it was another successful day getting into Oxford

to study physics. I needed three, no two eight grades and one A*. That is

pretty good. I think I'm in. Ford twin brother Jack it was more

uncertain with one grade lower than he had hoped for but the University

of his choice still offered him a place. I'm relieved. Happy, yeah.

Surprised! Most of the students here got the results they wanted and said

they would head home for a well earned rest before the celebrations

begin. As we said, it can be the best

of days or the worst. Miss your grades

and your plans can be in tatters. Thousands of students in that

situation have spent their day ringing around universities, trying

to find themselves a new offer. Our political editor, Richard Moss,

is at one of the places handling This is Northumbria's call centre

and they have been on the go since seven o'clock this morning. They

have taken 3500 calls in that time and that is up around 65% on last

year. Some of that may be down to the fact that grades are down this

year but what do you put the surge in interest down to? We have had a

great year with great students coming through. There are limited

have been licking at excellent have been licking at excellent

candidates today. We see that as a measure of popularity. You have two

handle this with skill and tact because some can be upset but you

can offer hope? Yes, some plans haven't gone the way students have

hope that we can offer some brat `` advice and support and, if possible,

a place. We have had anecdotal is evidence that some universities are

offering a place even with lower grades. We really feel we should

focus on quality and we want to make sure we have an outstanding

experience for our students said there are fewer places in clearing

them in the past. Tuition fees doesn't seem to be a factor putting

people off? A couple of years ago it was something that people talked

about but students really see education as an investment and a lot

of students are willing to make that investment. If you want some

inspiration, one student was in this position two years ago and very

upset. She called Northumbria and hasn't looked back. It is still

horrible to think about because it was a horrible day. But I am so

grateful I am here. I've had same any more opportunities I wouldn't

have had if I had gone to my original first choice. The proposed

`` placement is in the Institute of neurology across the road and there

are semi`opportunities here I didn't know about before.

Alan is still with me. You are winding down now but is it worth

people calling you tomorrow? Absolutely. We will be open at half

past eight tomorrow. Give us a call and we would love to hear from you.

There is still hope if you slipped those grades today.

The RNLI had to rescue two cars in less than two hours at Redcar

after their owners were caught out by a fast`rising tide.

They received a number of 999 calls yesterday afternoon,

reporting a car stuck in the sea with two people on its roof.

The driver and passenger made it to safety and an RNLI tractor pulled

Then the lifeboat was called to another

driver who got into difficulties trying to put a speed boat

It's thought the drivers were caught out by yesterday's tides which were

Motorcyclist Neil Hamilton from Sunderland was killed

when a reckless 4x4 driver pulled across the road into his path

The 60`year`old biker didn't stand a chance.

The car driver was jailed for 16 months after admitting

Now, Neil's widow is supporting the Think Bike safety campaign to

help prevent similar tragedies. Stephanie Cleasby reports.

Schoolteacher and motorbike infuse yes Neil Hamilton was killed in a

crash in April 2013. `` enthusiast. Today, his widow, Christine, faced

the agony of returning to the stretch of road where her husband

lost his life. It would've been my 37th wedding anniversary and I can't

put into words what it means that I have to go on with the rest of my

life without him. Neal was an experienced motorcyclist who passed

his skills on to others. Now, his loved ones are helping to promote

road safety. My husband wasn't the only one to be killed that year. 313

other bikers were killed or serious `` seriously injured that year. That

is why I have asked for these bikes signs to be erected. If it prevent

another tragedy happening to another family it has been worthwhile. This

is the junction where Neill was killed. Since 2011 in the Durham and

Cleveland police areas, 209 motorcyclists have been killed or

injured near junction is because the other driver failed to look Rob Lee.

Campaign macro signs have been deployed on routes across County

Durham favoured by bikers `` Think I.

In A Split Second, There World Was Turned Upside Down But They Hope

This Message... Will help prevent more deaths. My sons knew I would be

worried about them on the roads because it doesn't matter how safe

you are as a white rider, it is about other people on the roads.

The director of a threatened West Cumbria factory says he hopes

A consultation is to be carried out surrounding the future of

64 people work at the factory on the Glasson industrial estate

The company has lost around ?4 million in three years,

and faces the possibility of closure.

Newcastle United and Sunderland football fans joined

a national protest in London today over the cost of

attending Premier League matches. The Football Supporters Federation

says nine out of ten fans think ticket prices are too expensive.

It organised a march to the Premier League headquarters and

the Football League calling for the game to be made more affordable.

We see a lot of normal people struggling to make ends meet and

stretching themselves at times to pay for tickets and that is a

problem in itself full. Maybe parents can't afford to take their

kids. Also, it is a very captive market. If you go to a supermarket,

there is always another supermarket down the road but if you are a food

all found what is the option? `` a football fan.

It's hoped the Tall Ships Race could come to Sunderland in 2018.

The event has been hosted by Hartlepool and Tyneside in the past,

bringing in thousands of spectators and providing a significant boost to

But it's never been held in Sunderland.

Now a bid is being put together to bring the race to Wearside.

Up to 100 ships from around 20 countries take part in

Coming up: The shop where staff can't leave at closing time. And we

talk to the 99`year`old and his lifelong love affair with the

Magpies. When with the showers and full of

tuning shortly for the weather forecast.

A prison on Teeside has revealed an unusual method of trying to guide

prisoners into work after they have completed their sentence.

Kirklevington Grange provides qualifications for prisoners meaning

that three out of four find employment.

A hive of industry on Teeside but not where you might expect. This

Kirklevington Grange is, a resettlement prison for those coming

to the end of their sentences. You can get your car washed here or eat

in the cafe. Ten businesses all services are here within the prison

gang `` ground and giving work to the inmates. The aim is to get the

qualifications which would show potential employers they can do a

job on release. We are creating a work ethos and the idea that

prisoners can do paid employment and be trusted to do it. We are building

confidence and delivering employability skills. It is the

biggest collection of businesses in a prison in the country. For Peter,

working in the cafe should help him into a full`time job on the outside

nine to five job. I have gained food nine to five job. I have gained food

and hygiene qualification so it increases my chances of getting a

job in the community. Danny's job is car washing and valeting but it

gives him more than that. I've been out of work for quite a long time so

working with the public, because I haven't well `` dealt with them for

so long, it is a way of integrating myself back into the community and

learning new skills for working outside. Eventually, getting on

parole and being released and getting a job. And that is pretty

much what all the prisoners want. A job and a chance of normality, a

working life beyond the fence. A great idea and good luck to them.

Time for sport and almost time for the return of the big boys. Team

Talk is back on Monday. The wait is almost over for the

region 's Premier league fans and Newcastle kick off their campaign on

Sunday. We went to meet one rather special supporter who, at 99, is as

if using a stick as ever about his beloved team.

James Errington is Newcastle United mad. He is the club 's oldest

season`ticket holder and he has been going to Saint James 's Park since

the late 1920s. Back then, a goal celebration looked a little

different. Oh, the men all wore hats will stop you didn't get the same

hat rack when they scored a goal. Over the decades, he has seen many

Newcastle United greats but his favourite remains Hughie Gallacher

who has the club 's best ever strike rate of 82%. He was just a star. You

would say, Hughie Gallaher and we Scots lad the best player you ever

had because of the dozens glory goal you put on the dole and sent back to

Scotland in the morning? `` if he doesn't score a goal. What does

James think the coming season will bring? With the foreign players and

One football writer can't claimed to you know,

have followed Sunderland'sfortunes for quite so long. But the Black

Cats visit on Sunday we'll be... The chance to spend more time with

his family was a major factor in his decision to leave Sunderland Echo

after almost 20 years. When he was appointed, he was the paper 's

fourth sports writer in a century. It has been a privilege. I've had a

really exciting time for top some of the characters I've covered have

been fantastic. The managers like Steve Bruce... I had a great

relationship with. Roy Keane and relationship with. Roy Keane and

others weren't so easy but when I first started reporting, this was a

derelict colliery. The new manager was a promising young manager called

Peter Reid. There has been a lot of water under the bridge. When I

started I was a kid and now I am older than the manager and the

chairman, which is not great! The biggest changes the stadium. While

Graham is impressed by the summer signings he is more impressed by the

manager himself. I think that he is an excellent manager. If it wasn't

for him Sunderland would be playing championship for this season. If he

can do something like that with the resources he had, it relies to team,

they will do so much better with the new signings. He is working to a

plan and there is no reason why they can't have a good season. He will

still covered home games but his new`found freedom will give him the

chance to reflect on a career that has never been down. It is a great

pleasure to cover the club every season month in month out and I will

miss it. Sunderland have confirmed the

signing of the Brighton winger tonight. Sunderland and new ``

Newcastle both have away ties. In cricket, Durham beat Surrey in

the one`day cup so they are still in with the chance of reaching the

quarterfinal and joining wrought `` Yorkshire.

Time for the weather. A bit hit and miss?

Yes, we had half a dozen lightning strikes income rear and it has been

unsettled across the region `` in Cumbria.

A few days ahead of the peak, this shooting star was snapped streaking

across the skies. Thank you for that. Tomorrow's headline though is

that it isn't great for spotting meteors. Stein cloudy. This evening,

more thunderstorms around in places and heavy showers are indicated by

bright yellows and greens. Drier weather as well though full top by

dawn, many parts are clear. Mostly light winds by Friday

morning. First thing tomorrow, quite a different day as we are in for

more sunshine and fewer showers. Where they do fall they are likely

to be lighter and shorter so nowhere near as unsettled as today. Still if

you showers spilling from the North in the afternoon. Some sunshine,

especially further east. Cool northerly breezes and north`easterly

breeze is so temperatures will be disappointing. Temperatures possibly

attach higher in Cumbria in sheltered inland areas. Most places

will not be that mild tomorrow. It may even feel autumnal. On Friday

evening, a high`pressure to the South and West tries to hang on and

it is that reach that makes things less showery tomorrow. But still the

dominant area of low pressure to the North pushes its way across the UK

again through Saturday, Sunday and into Monday full. The tight white

lines indicate strong winds on Saturday and Sunday. Lighter for a

time on Monday possibly. Unsettled, especially in the West. Showers over

Cumbria in the West. Sunday will sleep right spells but it is likely

to be breezy and feeling cool. In the north`east, a better chance of

paying drive through the day on Saturday. Sunday will be sunny in

places but also some showers. A last look at the headlines: Sir

Cliff Richard has dismissed as completely false and allegation that

he sexually assaulted a young boy in the 1980s. He issued a statement

this afternoon as release searched home in Berkshire. The alleged

incident is said to have taken place in South Yorkshire.

Two people have been arrested as a nationwide search continues for

three boys missing from their Sunderland foster home.

More on that at 10:25pm I hope you can join me for that.