17/11/2011 North West Tonight

Good evening. Welcome to North West Tonight. I'm Ranvir Singh. Tonight:

Manchester will rock to the sound of pop stars from throughout the

world in aid of Children in Need. It's one of the biggest events of

its kind in the North West and we have a ring side seat.

And I'm Roger Johnson in the studio. Also in the programme tonight:

On swine flu alert - one of the country's critical care centres is

based in the North West. When Mike's laptop was stolen, who work

-- they were and banking on this man's computer skills. Find out how

he tracked it down from thousands of miles away.

And where there's money, there's brass. How a legacy has brought

Hello and welcome to the MEN Arena where 10,000 fans are waiting to

see Lady Gaga kick-off this concert in half an hour. We cannot take you

in here because it is a closed set. Lady Gaga is still rehearsing.

Anyway, hopefully, we will be in a very soon, but later on I will be

telling you all about a fund- raising dinner with Gary Barlow,

and also find that Howard is one of the most faint -- famous faces in

music was snubbed by Stuart Flinders. I kid you not.

Wythenshawe Hospital has been chosen to be the specialist centre

in the North of England for patients needing intensive

treatment for swine flu. Last year the hospital became an emergency

centre because of a surge in cases of the virus. Today it's been named

as one of five hospitals which will now provide the highly specialist

treatment called ECMO. Our health correspondent Laura Yates reports.

January this year and the cardiac ward at Wythenshawe Hospital is

full of seriously ill patients. All have swine flu. All are on ECMO

machines. The team looking after them and this unit set up with just

24 hours notice when cases of swine flu soared. There in that ward when

we were filming was Michael Smith from Macclesfield. Today he's fit

and healthy again. But when he fell ill with swine flu, doctors told

his family he was going to die. He spent 11 days on ECMO, three months

in hospital. From collapsing on the drive outside it and waking up in

hospital six weeks later, there was nothing in their apart from

nightmares and things going on within my head. I am very grateful.

Extremely grateful for all the hard work that was put in and the fact

that there was actually a ECMO machine available to me without

that we wouldn't be having this conversation. Two years ago, there

was just one specialist ECMO centre in England in Leicester. Today,

there are five including this one in Wythenshawe. Each ECMO machine

costs �30,000. But it's the specialist treatment and 24 hour

care that really costs. Which means ECMO beds are four to five times

more expensive as an ordinary bed in intensive care. Because the

lungs are infected with a very severe pneumonia and they are

stiffened don't work properly, they are unable to get oxygen into the

blood. Are we trying it out, put oxygen back into the blood, put it

back again and the lungs don't need to be doing anything. The hospital

has space to look after five patients on ECMO. But they hope

that this flu season will not be as bad as the last.

A soldier killed yesterday in Afghanistan's been named as Lance

Corporal Peter Eustace from Liverpool. He died from an IED

explosion during a joint patrol with the Afghan National Army. In a

tribute, the army says his "depth of character, selflessness and

cheerful disposition" will be sorely missed.

The Morecambe Bay Trust has admitted that over 800 patients

failed to get urgent follow-up hospital appointments because of a

problem with the bookings system. The Trust also admits there are

less urgent cases on top of this number who have yet to be offered

their new appointments. A club in Preston which hosted a

cage fighting event involving children has not had its licence

revoked. Pictures of two eight- year-old boys cage-fighting while

adults cheered them on was posted on the internet. At the time,

Preston Council said it would review the club's licence. The club

must now give notice of any event which would involve contact between

children under 10 years old. Detectives investigating the theft

of a number of poppy collection boxes across Cheshire have made an

arrest. Around ten tins with money in were taken from shops in

Warrington and Frodsham. A 33-year- old man is being questioned.

When Mike Birtwistle had his company laptop stolen abroad, he

thought he'd never see it again. The computer contained photos as

well as sensitive work data. But Mike from Chorley, and whoever took

it, reckoned without the computer skills of Mike's friend and

business partner Dave Duffy. Dave accessed the laptop from thousands

of miles away, opened the webcam and took a photo of the alleged

thief. The police have now recovered it. Here's Abbie Jones.

Mike Birtwistle had been enjoying a family holiday in Tenerife when he

was broken into. I was gutted. We thought the chances of it turning

up again when male. -- won nothing. But Mike's colleague, Dave, from

Wigan, an IT expert, had other ideas. Using remote control

software, he tracked down the stolen laptop in England, while it

was being used in Tenerife, taking control of it. Every second going

connection to die or the computer to be disconnected or something.

But it didn't. I said, that is brilliant. It as the information

and send it out to Tenerife. He said, I am honoured. I am using it.

But then they've got cleverer. He turned the webcam on on Mike's

stolen laptop and was looking at the man on the other side of the

Computer for a stop it was unbelievable that this man was

sitting in Tenerife and I was in England and I had control of the

computer. The funny thing is the guy turned around, realised his

computer had come to life and started battling with Dave with the

cursor trying to shut it down. didn't win and Dave e-mailed it to

Mike. Dave says he is proud but isn't keen on the headlines his

skills have generate it. I will take being called a peak for a

while. It is great to have won over the criminals, for a change. There

is only one ticket in town tonight. All four Children In Need.

Back to Ranvir now and her vantage point over looking the MEN Arena

for the concert they're all talking about. We were both kicked out! As

were all these fans. The funny thing is, who did you bump into

twice in the last half-hour? Lady Gaga! We have been trying to find

her all day. She walked past you? said hello and she blanked me.

can you expect? We have had such a great day to day. We have been dry

to chase all these stars around today and it is such a big thing

for Children In Need. Last night, there was this charity dinner that

Gary Barlow hosted. It was amazing. That Bentley was up for auction

last night. The bidding ended a few minutes later with a bidding war

between Gary Barlow and a businessman sat at a table in front

of me. It ended at �214,000. The business Saul Zadka. But he did it

on the proviso that Gary Barlow delivered the Bentley to him. All

sorts of a rising money. -- amazing money. Today you have been

accosting people. You know what it is like. Stars are very charming

for the most part, sometimes grumpy. And then all these people around

them. I love watching them. They are trying to protect the talent

etc. Here is what happened today when we were out into the backyard.

It is all about who is in and out. Gary Barlow is in, it is his show.

How was it going? Not too bad. Everyone in good spirits? Yes.

Thank you for coming for. Hugh Laurie was in. Coldplay are in.

They're out. They were in making sure everything would be all right

on the night. They queued from early morning to make sure they

would get a good view. We were in as well. We are at the Arena's back

gate, which is not as bad as it sounds because all the big names

have got to come past us. James Morrison was in. Competition for

the best dressing room? I don't think so. I haven't felt that,

anyway. Maybe I need to up my game and say, whether Heller's my mind

that so for?!. I was talking to James Morrison and he said he

didn't like to -- his dressing room. His battle word? It is going to

kick-off! You could take him. he looks handy and wiry. What do

you do? Choreography. And they made to carry your own back in? I must

admit I missed a couple of the big names. That is me and the producer

talking while Kenny Rowland strolls in. I may not have got every man

and his dog but I got the dog. What you doing? I am a PA. What is the

dog called? Lola. Those that borrow in are going to have a great night.

-- those that are in. It is Jamie come. We are thrilled

to see you. I am thrilled you are thrilled. You on very shortly.

Last night you were at this dinner and you did an amazing performance

with a standing ovation. What was a lie? Gary asked me to do it

personally so you don't turn down a request from Gary Barlow. It was a

great event and everyone had a great time. The food was great.

What more do you want? It was a great night. Those things cannot

not be that fun but that was a really fun won -- one. And what

about tipping in the North West? is very important that there is

life beyond London and Manchester proved that last night. What are

you planning for tonight? What can people expect? On television it is

on at 8pm. I am performing with Hugh Laurie. He is doing his New

Orleans thing. He asked me to come down and sing with him so I am here

because of him. I am happy about that. Last night, he breezed on and

it was like it was as easy as breathing to you, singing. Do you

get nervous or anything? Yes, there are a little bit of nerves. If you

don't get nervous, you are not excited. When you have done it a

lot, you know how you are going to do it and it is important it feels

like a part of you. Who are you looking forward to see? There are

so many people. Pick a name in the book. I cannot wait to see Elbow. I

have seen quite a people in rehearsal and it is going to be a

great show. Did you know we got booted out when Lady Gaga came on?

Crikey, I guess I am looking forward to that, too. It is going

to be brilliant and weird as usual. I know tonight is going to raise a

lot of money, so enjoy it. Thank you.

Later on, we will be hearing from Gary Barlow, the man himself, there

is only one man that came -- that can get all these people to get the.

Diane has been speaking to him, this is a sneak preview. If Lady

Gaga wants to come out of a birthday cake, she can do that.

are hoping for that. Exactly for. More of that to come, but back to

Premier league clubs across the region have built a reputation for

working closely with local communities through sponsorship and

coaching. But Everton FC is going one step further - it's going to

open a high school. It's part of the government strategy to develop

free schools - free to attend, and free of council control. But what

can Everton bring to teenagers in Merseyside? And what's in it for

them? Nina Warhurst's been at Goodison Park.

You heard right - a Premier League Football club running a school.

Details are under discussion but the club says it plans to enrolled

those who were expelled or chose to leave mainstream education. What is

in it for us is that our fans come here weekly to supporter club and

many young people who come here require somebody to intervene and

support them at times where it is hard. Our football club wants to

reach out and do that. It is all true mystic. Up to 200 pupils from

local area are said to be given opportunities they may not have

otherwise enjoyed. Some parents are concerned at three schools may not

be available to all and that may prove divisive. Plus, free schools

walkout side of council control and as long as they meet government

standards, teachers do not need to be qualified. The best thing for

all schools and Liverpool is that education is organised with

oversight. Free schools and academies undermine that. If Ged

has worked across state schools in Merseyside. We have too many young

people in Merseyside who are on the streets and not able to be in

schools. This is not about politics, it is about need. Everton's school

gates are set to open in September of next year.

Staying with Everton for a moment and midfielder Marouane Fellaini

has given the club a huge boost by signing a new five year contract.

He's become a vital part of David Moyes's team since arriving for �15

million in 2008. Everton say they're delighted by Fellaini's

decision to commit his future to the club.

Across the city, Liverpool's Luis Suarez returned to training today

as he faces racism charges brought by the Football Association. Suarez

was charged yesterday with racially abusing Manchester United defender

Patrice Evra during last month's Premier League match. He's always

denied the allegation and his Manager Kenny Dalglish has

reiterated that he has the club's support. Before we go back to the

megastars of the pop world, a more sedate story for you. Brass and

Military bands are an important part of the region's cultural

heritage and one man's generosity will help keep that tradition alive.

William Higham ran a successful florist business in Wigan and he

left almost �2 million to the town in his will. But with a clear

stipulation, as Yunus Mulla explains.

The historic sight and sound of a brass band will for many of us

evoke fond memories of a not too distant past. It's the same for

William Higham, who lived near Mains Park in Wigan. The Victorian

bandstand would attract him and other crowds, but in the years

before his death in 2008, performances were rare because of

cost and with that in mind he left money to restore this proud

tradition. We are extremely excited that his generosity, putting aside

some money to pay for bands, so music will be coming back here

which is something that was very A handwritten note. It meant a

lengthy court battle before his wishes could be carried out. He

spent many of his boyhood weekends at the bandstand. Before he died,

he donated another sum of money which helped trigger this

restoration programme currently ongoing in the park. The former RAF

pilot flew with Lancasters and had a soft spot for military bands.

There is a lot of support and we used to get hundreds of people

listening to the band and Wigan. next summer, Billy will as he

promised put the bands back in Wigan.

From melodious sounds of that brass-band back to the MEN Arena.

We can see the crowd starting to pylon.

They keep screaming and I keep turning around but nothing seems to

be happening. I am joined by the Chief Executive of BBC Children in

Need. How much of a coup is this for the north-west and Children in

Need? It is great to be able to bring a night like tonight to

Manchester. Further 30 years this has been going, we have had

incredible support from people on the north-west. We have a galaxy of

stars tonight to say thank you and to encourage people to do their own

fund-raising. It is important for us to be here. How big and ask

visit to get international stars like this? To get them to come away

from London and come to Manchester. It has been really important to

have had Gary Barlow's support. He has been critical and making it

happen. When you say it is Children in Need and it is for the

disadvantaged and disabled and the neglected and abused children of

the UK, that get people here and that is why everyone is here

tonight. I am sure donations will flood into night as well. Tomorrow

night as well, the big night. We were both at this Dalal last night

and so Terry Wogan went on stage last night. There was a real

Northern feel to the whole thing. That is quite unusual. It was

important because we're really proud of Children in Need's roots

in the heart of communities across England and the UK. People in the

auditorium and on BBC won the war watch tonight. You said earlier

that Kelly role and was heartbroken by her snub earlier. I am sure he

will make a personal apology. think he has ordered the flowers.

Enjoy the show tonight and tomorrow, I wish you all the best. We should

you a tiny bit of Gary Barlow earlier on. Here is more of that

He is the man with the Midas touch. With this huge concert, he hopes he

has. I often ask the question myself, who am I to get all these

people together? Someone has to do it and we're going to make two or

three million pounds tonight. I love it. I love being involved with

all the acts. There are a few small names - Lady Gaga. Coldplay.

Michael Buble. Elbow. As soon as people hear the words, Children in

Need, they are on. They will do whatever you what. Coldplay are

doing three songs tonight. One thing I always try and do when

putting on an event like this is to sit face-to-face with the artists.

They will tell you what they want to do and if Lady Gaga wants to

come out of a birthday cake, that is what she will do. That is what

we're hoping for. Everyone has a three rain tonight and I think

we'll see some amazing performance since. -- performances. Anything

could happen and it usually does. Behind every great man it is a

great woman taking at least half the strain. I have done one before

and learnt my lesson at the time. I learned to be honest with the acts

and you have to be strict about them getting off the stage.

actually did do that? I did do that because he started playing his back

catalogue and everyone was happy to sit and listen to Paul McCartney

play but we had another 20 acts to rehearse. I went over and put the

piano lid down. I think it is unlikely she will cut Gary's

performance. I am going to perform and am really looking forward to it.

I have to remind myself I am a sinner so I am going to do a song

tonight. The best bet is that is in Manchester. It is up north, north-

west you become. -- here we come.

What an absolute gentleman. You're in trouble because what was

happening outside? All these vans pulled up... One pulled up with

darkened windows and my cameraman said it was empty. It turns out it

was was MT. It was very funny but great fun. You can really says that

everyone has really embraced this tonight and it will be amazing.

These people have been queuing up so is very early to get in. You're

off to go and write you're sorry not to Kelly Rowland. Gary Barlow

remembered me from a long time ago, 20 years ago. He walked in and said

you have taken me back 20 years, Over the next couple of days, a

very mild. No problem in terms of temperatures falling a way. Tonight

will turn wet for some and windy for most of us. A very nice day in

most places with plenty of sunshine. Over my shoulder you can see the

line have been working its way in. The 6pm picture does not look

threatening but over the next couple of hours, it will become

more active and try to move into parts of the north-west. Over the

Pennines, it will slow down a little bit. Some of the bursts of

rain for parts of Cumbria and Lancashire could be heavy. Not a

huge amount of rain everywhere else but the ground could be damp

tomorrow morning. Maybe not too much rain but the wind will

gradually start to pick up towards the early hours. Towards the dawn

period, it could touch gale force around coasts and Hell's so it

could be windy in the early hours. -- hills. No worries about frost

and temperature should be around double figures. Tomorrow morning,

not a pretty start as you can still see some do is Olli Rehn hanging

around. It will move north and leave the region. We are looking

for an improvement and here it comes. By late morning, it should

have left most places and the cloud cover both in and break and the

sunshine will work its way through it. Still a pretty nice day. A

little more cloud around the Pennines but it will not spoil the

day. Even though it is blustery, the wind will come from the south

and south-west so towards the middle part of the day, the

temperatures will peak at around 13 Celsius. That will feel nice with a

couple of hours of sunshine. Over the next couple of days, and mixed

bag. Most days will be dry up and as I said before, temperatures will

stay in double figures. For those with a ringside seat at the MEN

Arena, at the Aaron for the night of their lives. I great event for

Manchester. You will get to enjoy Manchester. You will get to enjoy

it live on the BBC. I hope Lady Gaga is not wearing meet because