31/03/2017 Look North (Yorkshire)

and on BBC One we now join the BBC's news teams where you are.

Hello and welcome to Friday's Look North.

On the programme tonight: helping primary school children understand

How youngsters in Rotherham are to be taught special lessons

Can the training help prevent a repeat of the town's

Six people are jailed after a fight involving iron bars,

knives and chairs at a community centre in Leeds.

As the railway reopens, we are on board the legendary flying Scotsman.

And Leeds-based Opera North turn the spooky sounds

of the Humber Bridge in to a musical masterpiece.

And we have enjoyed some warm sunshine over the last couple of

days. Will there be warm and bright conditions over the weekend? I will

be back with all the details on that and you look into next week later on

in the programme. Children at every primary

and secondary school in Rotherham are being offered extra lessons -

to help them understand the dangers BBC Look North has been

given exclusive access to one of the sessions -

where children are encouraged An estimated fourteen hundred

children in the town were abused It's hoped the training

will help to prevent Here's our Home Affairs

Correspondent Spencer Stokes. Child sex exploitation, grooming,

abuse - words that in 2014 became It's a reputation the borough

is desperate to shake off, so it is actively working to prevent

a repeat of the scandal that saw If you have sex under

the age of 13... For 18 months now, experts

from the children's charity Barnardo's have been

going into schools and talking openly about the

dangers of being groomed. This group at Wales High in Kiveton

have had several lessons. We have done CSE since year

seven, cos it's such a big issue. You have got to be able to know

how to keep yourself Without the education of it,

you don't know what you are doing. You don't know what you could get

yourself into sometimes. Could you have been

at risk, do you think? So this really has

made a difference? A decade ago in Rotherham,

knives and guns and gangs Child sex exploitation

wasn't even on the agenda. Today, it is firmly part

of the school curriculum. Rather than it being a one off,

20 minute lesson, it happens They do they do certain subjects

around certain areas each year. I do think that helps prevent young

people being exploited. Watching the latest session

at Wales High, CSE victim, Emma. She was groomed whilst visiting

Meadowhall as a teenager. She says with education could have

prevented what happened. I would have recognised that

grooming process quite early on and I would have raised that

with somebody, my mum or my dad, somebody in school and they would

have known that is not right. And at that point, I could have

walked away from that situation unharmed, and that would

have changed my life. Very often a head teacher

standing up in front of an assembly and informing the students

about the dangers of child sexual exploitation is something

can be forgotten quite As they walk out

and go to their next lesson they think,

that is just another assembly. For our students, we wanted to make

sure they hear real stories and be aware of some of the incidents

that have taken place. In Rotherham, children now

have an understanding of how But preventing another

scandal will also involve the authority is listening

to those who speak out, so this time can move

on from a shameful two decades. Joining us now is Ian Thomas,

who is Rotherham Council's strategic director of children and young

people's services - He was brought in to turn around

the council after the CSE scandal I have these lessons really going to

stop it from happening? Absolutely, I think we will. You heard from

young people how they were received and also Emma, who has been to hell

and back, and your family. She was the survivor that opened up our

brand-new multi agency service. When she did it, she said she was proud

to, from Rotherham. The very emotional moment that I will never

forget. How young or the youngest children who are getting these

lessons? The Government has said it would be mandatory in all schools by

2019 and will start from early as the age of four. That is going to

happen anyway. It is already happening in some of our schools. So

you are ahead of the game's we are ahead of the game. Our parents happy

with that, that grooming will be discussed with children as young as

four years old? Will be a polarisation and children will be

able to remove their children from those lessons. -- parents. When we

compare rates to Scandinavia countries, it reveals that people

are having early conversations about healthy relationships and sponsors

to the science that might put the young person in a vulnerable

situation. -- responsive. They might say that it is people who work for

the Council, it is the police who have failed these children in the

past. I think that is the word in point there, Ian, it is the past.

Since the commissioners came in in February 2015, lots has changed with

the council. The council has had two elections since then. There has been

a 50% churn in our elected members. The current councillors in place are

elected by the people. We have the democratic mandate. The whole

readership has changed and we are driving forward change and Ofsted

have recently... So you are saying now that authorities will not turn a

blind eye, like they did. Children did come forward and they did report

child sexual exploitation and they were ignored. We have a positive

organisational culture and that is not through serendipity, that is

through lots of hard work. It is testament to our staff, who are

amazing. They have shown tremendous resolve over the past two and a half

years and I am incredibly proud of them. And you have full confidence

in the staff now? I have full confidence. If you read the most

recent Ofsted report, it says we are making progress and more direct work

with children. We are starting to see good work emerging. There is

always more to do. We know that. We are to years into what we describe

as a five-year transformation programme in Rotherham. You can see

through our unparalleled success in bringing perpetrators of abuse to

account. We have 26 of the most dangerous child sex criminals

serving 350 years behind bars because of what the police and

voluntary sector and the council has done. That has instilled a renewed

confidence in the council. Thank you very much. Thank you.

Next tonight; police have released images of a fight

at a community centre in Leeds - in 2015 - in which a man

Six people have been jailed after a fight involving iron

bars, knives and chairs at the Bangleshi Community

There were a number of serious injuries.

Dozens of men attacking each other, armed with chains, iron bars and

The footage, which was used by evidence, has been released

by police following a successful prosecution of 32 people.

Tensions had been running high in the lead up

to the annual general meeting at the Bangladeshi Community Centre

Despite the presence of community police officers, arguments

Six people, including this man, have been jailed

At one point, Hussain can be seen repeatedly hitting his victim

In a statement, superintendent Pat Twigg, who led the inquiry,

described what happened here as appalling.

He went on to say West Yorkshire Police will not tolerate

anyone who wants to settle their differences with violence and will

take robust action against anyone who does.

He also said that he hopes the conclusion of this case will

reassure the community and provide it deterrent against those who act

We have a basketball double header. We will be catching up courtside.

Some good news now. Five North Yorkshire

libraries threatened with closure have been saved,

thanks to volunteers stepping in. From tomorrow they'll work alongside

a professional librarian, paid for by the county council,

to keep services running. Our News Correspondent

John Cundy reports. Saying goodbye last night to Liz,

Sandra and Leslie, three long-serving librarians

who are having to leave The heartbeat of the community

for more than 30 years, Volunteers will keep

Pickering library going, The difference here,

the volunteers will be working alongside a professional librarian

who the county council will pay for. The so-called hybrid libraries

are also being introduced in Whitby, And though Pickering library has

been saved under the hybrid system, originally there had been anger

at the cuts. I'm a foreigner, I'm from the south

but I love the warmth of it, the generosity of the people,

the kindness and it is Taking the library away

is just scandalous. Keep the library open because it

would be a shame if it did close. As you can see, it is a very vibrant

library, it's lovely. The community are confident their

efforts will ensure the future for years to come. Cuts or no cuts.

In other news from around our region, and a woman has appeared

in court charged with abducting a toddler in Leeds.

23-year-old Jade Mellars from Beeston

is alleged to have snatched the child from its mother

She denies the offence and will appear in

A cyclist from North Yorkshire has been killed during

Mike Hall - who was from Harrogate - was competing in the Indian

Pacific Wheel Race when he was involved in a crash

with a car in the early hours of this morning.

The event was cancelled after the crash.

Organisers say his death is a "great loss to the global

Dozens of classic Minis formed a procession today at the funeral

of a teenager who was a big fan of the cars.

18-year-old Bradley Parish died of a heart

The cars drove past his coffin at St Luke's Church

Many were driven by mini enthusiasts who didn't know Bradley but read

Next, an update on a story we broadcast two weeks ago -

about the alleged disposal of copies of the Quran in a skip outside

The owners of the Book Centre have denied that copies of the Quran

Police were called to the store on White Abbey Road two weeks ago

The Book Centre no longer occupies the building in question,

but its owners have made it clear that no copies

We should have asked the owners of the Book Centre to reply

to the protestors' claims when we broadcast them two weeks ago

The Settle to Carlisle railway line was reopened today,

more than a year after winter storms caused a huge landslip.

?23 million of repair work followed, and thousands of people lined

the route today as the famous Flying Scotsman hauled a special

Waiting for a train isn't usually much fun. They have been waiting for

this one for over a year. The legendary flying Scotsman is well

worth it. This event reopens one of the iconic railways of Britain. The

flying Scotsman is the iconic train of the country. A 5000 town landslip

block the line last year. Now, ?23 million worth of repairs are

completed. The flying Scotsman is based at the National Railway Museum

in York. Today it hold a special train along the Keighley and railway

and then onto the Carlisle line. Thousands turned out to watch. A

lucky few got on board. What a way for the rat and Brian to celebrate

their 60th wedding anniversary. -- the rat and Brian. It has cost a lot

of money for it to keep going but it has been worth it.

The flying Scotsman was built in Doncaster in 1923 and was the first

UK locomotive to court over 100 mph. For the clouds out here, you can see

how much it means to people. -- crowds. It is brilliant. I remember

when we took it over the first time between London and your and there

were people at every bridge, every crossing. Phenomenal. Network Rail

say the to line were at their most challenging ever. After more than a

year 's work, they are pleased to have things back on track. Have you

ever been on the settle to Carlisle line? It is amazing, you should

definitely do it. The views are a magnificent.

You have to go back a fair few years to find the last time Sheffield's

men's and women's basketball team played in a double header.

The Hatters are currently in action in a top of the table clash

with Nottingham Wildcats, the Sharks will follow them on court

She can tell us more about it. Hello. The team have just won the

most incredible game. It was fantastic. With me is the founder

and a legend. And the Court of the sharks. They are warning up behind

us. They are up shortly. What a game. What a finish from your girls.

Absolutely and it is always better when we win. I was nervous watching.

What is it like for you? Your daughter is the coach and a

granddaughter was out there. It is awful really. I am saying they are

putting me into an early grave with my heart. These are the games that

make basketball great. What a great advert, being on the BBC. I think

so. This is an opportunity for us to show women's basketball and how

exciting it can be. How good to be a double-header with the guys. It's

been brilliant today. Everyone has involved the atmosphere. Everything.

It was a cracking game. You have something to live up to when you

take on Glasgow. Third for you and forced for them. A head-to-head this

year, 1-1 ready. It is going to be an exciting game. They have

definitely set the bar high. We are going to try and follow on their

path. Glasgow is a very strong team this season. We have split with them

this year but hopefully be can get ahead. You are warming up nicely for

the end of the season. Everything you did last year seems to becoming

good. Yes, we are getting it together. We have been playing with

revolving players a bit because of injuries and unforeseen

circumstances. Now we are settling in and the guys are enjoying playing

each other. It's a great atmosphere and we are going to try and enjoy it

as long as we can. How great to have the double-header with the women.

The teams are working well together. Hopefully going forward. It was loud

and energetic in here and the women put on a great display of

basketball. We could really work together and try to bring some more

fans to the sharks and the Hatters. I bet he would agree with that. We

are at a stage in basketball where everybody has got to be working

together. You know, it is such a great sport that it is amazing what

we will be able to achieve. I hope that is the first of many. Good luck

for your game. Congratulations to the girls for years. I'm amazingly

could do an interview after that. My nerves were rattling. -- it's

amazing you could. After their international break,

our Championship clubs hit the home And a quick

glance at the table is enough Huddersfield Town still have

the top two in their sights. Leeds United play the team

right behind them, Reading. And Sheffield Wednesday are under

pressure in more ways than one. Fulham are breathing

down their necks. And Barnsley happen to be

their hosts tomorrow lunchtime! I think every game in this league is

so hard. It does not matter who you play, you have to be 100% or you get

punished. If it was Barnsley, if it was Newcastle, anyone, you're going

to have to be 100%. The boys know what we have to do and we're giving

it our all. Well, the game is live on the BBC sport website. They get

underway at 730. If it is anything like the other match, tune in. Great

excitement. Great excitement. Do you think she looks like the test card

where? It before my time. Now, Opera North - based in Leeds -

is featuring in a brand new work to celebrate the majestic Humber

Bridge. As part of Hull's year

as UK city of culture, the opera company has commissioned

a piece of music - to accompany people

as they walk across the bridge. Here in Leeds, something

magical is taking place. Musicians from Opera North

are putting the finishing touches to a recording which will evoke

the essence of one of Yorkshire's most iconic

sites, the Humber Bridge. Many of us will have

driven across the bridge, taking in the sights

of the Humber River, but this unique project is hoping

to inspire people to walk along its mile long length and get

lost in incredible sounds. Opera north is working

with Norwegian composers Jan Bang and Arve Henriksen to create this

musical guided walk. It's a fantastic construction and

it's so much bigger than I expected. It's been interesting to walk

across the bridge together with Arve and to actually hear the sound

of the bridge itself. Meanwhile, the Opera North orchestra

is a recording its part. It's a truly beautiful sound

produced by top-class musicians. How could we blend different

instruments into that and then building melodies on top of it

or chords or sounds? The music just felt

like it was a natural blood these musicians are using their

instrument in a very unusual way. The chorus also has a part to play

in creating the soundscape. It was very atmospheric and part of the

problem is we only know our pets and there are seven other layers, as far

as I can tell. I have no idea what the end product is going to be. The

finished piece will be heard in headsets. It makes you look at

everything differently when you are listening as well. You look at

everything much more carefully. It is really great. People who have

managed to get tickets will be able to take their musical walk across

the bridge from tomorrow. You will be lucky if you get tickets.

Well, unfortunately all the tickets for this month-long event

are currently sold out - but there's a chance

it could be extended, so keep an eye on the Hull 2017

I am not surprised that they have sold out. It looks amazing.

Now everyone recognises his pictures - they're entirely unique,

and millions of us have grown up with his illustrations

Now an extensive collection of the work of Sir Quentin Blake -

is on show at the Artworks gallery in Halifax.

Sir Quentin has the knack of capturing character

in his drawings, illustrating the work of Roald Dahl,

Michael Morpurgo and David Walliams -

He's been in Halifax today to check on his show.

They conjure up the innocents and exuberance of childhood, full of

life and character. The simple drawings of Quentin Blake is a

poignant territory. The artist is 84 and interested in using art to

improve health. He is exhibiting here at the artworks gallery, it

also held workshops for patients. I'd put something on Kobe

nightingale project in London at works in hospitals. -- cold. I did

some paintings for an elderly patients ward and you have got it, I

have done it. His methods are decidedly low tech, just pen and ink

mostly. In his hands, the lines he draws speaks volumes. I just feel I

am doing it and it comes like that. And then you are also very conscious

of... I like scratchy nibs or where you can feel the marks on the paper,

so you are getting that as well. It is not just the process of drying

that can be therapeutic, but the results can, too. These colourful

painting of children and aliens is designed for a children's hospital

aimed at comforting the children. This is for a unit treating eating

disorders. You go into that situation and you think, what is

their problem? What would be suitable and what would help them?

Having pictures on the wall of a hospital help somebody because it

humanises it, it is not a health factory. The patients are on show

for 20 months. True inspiration for artists everywhere.

I might have to go and see that. I love his paintings. Here is someone

who can paint the weather picture for us. A nice introduction. It does

not look too bad for the weekend. We have some April showers in the

forecast. A good deal of dry weather but

temperatures will climb once again. This weekend is probably the better

day of the two. A mixture of sunshine and showers on Saturday.

The showers can be quite heavy in places. It will feel pressure but in

the sunshine it was still feel full pleasant. Sunday is the better day

of the two. We do have rain early next week. Most of that is going to

fall on Monday and Tuesday. A lot of dry weather to come. It has been

beautiful out there this afternoon. This was the satellite picture not

too long ago. Some sunshine to end the afternoon. Singe showers edging

eastwards this evening. -- some showers. It may well remain damp but

dry conditions with clear spells. Temperatures cooler than last night.

Back into single figures. Eight or nine Celsius below. The sun will

rise in the morning at 6:40am and setting again at 7:41pm. The high

water will be seven minutes past seven in the morning. A little bit

of a mixed bag. I do not want to paint a dreary story. It will not be

a wash-out that there will be a cute showers around. In between the

showers, dry and bright weather and some sunshine as well. They tend to

fade little bit from the west in the afternoon. The odd shower and the

odd rumble of thunder. Because the breeze is quite light, the breeze

will be quite slow moving when you catch one. Temperatures are cooler

than today. In the spring sunshine it will feel pleasant. 13 or 14

Celsius. We will not have the breeze from today either. A cooler start to

the day on Sunday. In general, Sunday will feel cooler but it will

be dry and bright with some spells of sunshine and a good deal of dry

and bright weather through next week. Any rain will be overnight

Monday and into Tuesday. Back to you for the final time, Lyra. That is

our last handover. It is her last programme after 18 months with us.

We have really enjoyed having you here with us and you have made loads

of friends. I would like to say thank you very much. Thank you for

your kind messages. I have enjoyed every minute. We will miss you. Good

night.