Hardship in the fells of 1930s County Durham and intrigue at a Second World War munitions factory are just two compelling new books from Quercus this September.
Nobody’s Child by Elizabeth Gill
Two traveller sisters from the wild countryside of County Durham face hardship, hunger and an uncertain future when they lose their parents and their home.
Consumed with grief and surrounded by hostility, can the teenagers survive the tough times ahead in 1930s England and hold tight to the family ties that bind them together?
Elizabeth Gill, author of over 30 books set in and around her native Tyneside, works her storytelling magic in a moving and gritty family saga of adversity and hope and love and loyalty that will delight her army of devoted fans.
On Christmas Day in 1930, Kath and Ella Watson are living with their parents in an empty house close to Castle Bank Colliery on snow-covered Durham Fell tops. They have been forced to take shelter there from their travellers’ wagon because their mother is gravely ill.
Kath is seventeen and her father believes she should have married long ago, particularly as she has been courted by the likes of rich traveller Will Hern. But Kath has seen the chaotic life of traveller women with babies, forced to raise their youngsters inside a cramped wagon.
Their mother Rose wants a better life for her two daughters but when she dies on Christmas Day morning, their father is overcome by grief and sets fire to the family’s wooden wagon, reducing it to a heap of ashes.
When the police arrive to tell them that not only has their father died in an accident after riding off on his horse but also that they must leave the house where they have been sheltering, the two sisters are left bereft and virtually penniless.
With winter closing in around them, and facing the hostility of locals who are suspicious of Gypsies, the girls strike out to find their way in a harsh landscape which sets them on a collision course with the wealthy Banks family of nearby Golden Hill Hall, local farmer Jake Sutherland and Will Hern, the man who would still have Kath as his wife.
Using her trademark warmth, experience and wisdom, Gill captures the essence of the hardy folk of the north-east in a story brimming with drama, romance, rich period detail and vivid characters.
Written from the heart and with a seductive sense of time and place, Nobody’s Child is the perfect read for autumn nights…
(Quercus, hardback, £19.99)
The Factory Girls by Rosie Archer
Friends in need, flying bombs and explosive revelations… it’s time to head back to the adventures and misadventures of Gosport’s ‘canary girls.’
The real-life munitions workers at Priddy’s Hard, the Royal Navy Armament Depot in Hampshire, who helped to arm the Allies’ D-Day invasion fleet, are the inspiration behind this compelling series from Gosport author Rosie Archer.
In the follow-up to The Munitions Girls and The Canary Girls, Archer sweeps us away again to England in 1944 and into the hearts and minds of the women who packed shells and bullets with sulphurous chemicals that made their skin and hair turn yellow.
Archer pays tribute to the dangerous and dirty work undertaken by the 2,500 women at the factory during the Second World War in stories that prove no matter how hard the times, despite bombing, short rations, cruel men and unwanted pregnancy, friendship will pull you through.
In autumn of 1944, V-1 flying bombs, known as doodlebugs, are the latest threat to war-battered Gosport. And at Priddy’s Hard munitions factory, Em Earle is about to suffer a threat to her livelihood that comes from much nearer home.
Meanwhile, local crook and black marketeer Samuel Golden is back and up to his old tricks as he tries to find ways to exploit the hardships of local people for his own gain.
As well as Samuel’s unwanted attentions, Em has to deal with some huge revelations from within her own family. Her daughter Lizzie is pregnant, and a strange woman has turned up on Em’s doorstep claiming to be her sister.
Em is excited but cannot help feeling wary. Could this woman be too good to be true? Once again it will be up to the girls from the bomb factory to rally round and support one of their own.
The triumphs and disasters of this entertaining, close-knit group of friends spring to life in a nostalgic story packed with drama, tension, passion and the grim realities of life in wartime England.
Archer has her finger firmly on the pulse of the munitions workers… their hardships, their struggles and the determination to win wars in both their personal lives and on the bigger stage.
Romance with a gritty edge…
(Quercus, paperback, £6.99)

Book reviews: Cosy up with two family sagas from Quercus Books


Hardship in the fells of 1930s County Durham and intrigue at a Second World War munitions factory are just two compelling new books from Quercus this September.


One of the borough’s biggest landlords is offering to help tenants make their money go further and calling on its residents to make use of its free and confidential money advice service.
Adactus housing association says its trained staff can help people access benefits they may not be claiming, with successful claims for unclaimed benefits running into several thousands of pounds.
Their service also offers budgeting advice, can access trust funds and assist people in making their income go further.
Adactus money adviser Christine Wigham said: “The benefits system is not easy to navigate and people are not always given the full facts about what they can claim.
“The number of forms that need completing can put people off, especially if they are disabled or elderly and need to appeal against a decision.
“I’ve recently dealt with a case concerning a gentleman in Atherton who suffers from a very rare disabling condition. We applied for personal independence payments on his behalf back in January of last year but the application was refused. We then went on to appeal this decision at a tribunal, and I’m pleased to say that the appeal was successful, meaning he was awarded almost £4,000 in backdated benefits.”
Adactus stresses the service is both free and confidential for any of its thousands of borough tenants.
Government estimates are that, nationally, £13bn of benefit entitlement goes unclaimed.
The Adactus and CCH money advice service can be contacted on 0300 111 1133.
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One of the borough’s biggest landlords is offering to help tenants make their money go further and calling on its residents to make use of its free and confidential money advice service.


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Super Saturday: Rio 2016 day eight highlights


Watch our round-up from day eight at Rio 2016.


Pokemon GO players who are found to be cheating will have a permanent ban slapped on them, it has been announced.
The game’s developer, Niantic, has altered the terms and conditions to include the condition that a life ban will ensue for anyone caught using trickery to bag Pokemon.
The new clause prohibits: "Falsifying your location, using emulators, modified or unofficial software and/or accessing Pokemon GO clients or backends in an unauthorized manner including through the use of third party software."
It has been reported that some users have managed to fool the app into thinking they were at a different location. Some Pokemon are region-specific, although taken to extremes, a player could play the game without leaving their home.
"Our goal is to provide a fair, fun and legitimate game experience for everyone,” Niantic said:
"We will continue to work with all of you to improve the quality of the gameplay, including ongoing optimization and fine tuning of our anti-cheat system."
Anyone believing that have been unfairly banned can access an appeals system.
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Pokemon GO players who are found to be cheating will have a permanent ban slapped on them, it has been announced.


Drinkers at a pub have been helping one of the biggest charities in the borough by quite literally spending a penny for a good cause.
The Ellesmere Inn at Hindley has raised more than £900 for Wigan and Leigh Hospice (WLH) by asking visitors to make a donation each time they visit the facilities.
“We used to send donations up to the hospice every two to three months when the tin was full but now it’s more like every two to three weeks.” Andy Sharrock
Landlord Andy Sharrock started the unusual charity fund-raiser after a couple of customers came up with the idea and put posters up in the gents and ladies asking regulars to give some money to the hospice each time they visited.
Drinkers at the Lancaster Road pub ensured their intentions to help the Hindley-based hospice were not flushed away, coming up with an impressive total of £902.16 in six months.
Andy, 54, said: “One of my customers, Mark Boardman, suggested it and another customer, Barry Halliwell, takes the donations up to the hospice.
“Mark just came up with it one night and I thought it was a brilliant idea. We used to have one collecting tin on the bar but now that donations are coming in from the ladies and gents as well we’re getting a lot more.
“We used to send donations up to the hospice every two to three months when the tin was full but now it’s more like every two to three weeks.
“We’ll definitely be continuing to do it and I think it would be great if other pubs did the same.”
Donations of spare change were left in small boxes on the windowsills in the toilets, with all the proceeds going to WLH to help provide state-of-the-art palliative care to Wiganers in their own homes and at its Kildare Street headquarters.
WLH community fund-raiser Christine Edwardson said: “Andy has come up with a unique wayof fund-raising and it’s certainly proving very effective. It’s surprise how those coppers and coins can quickly mount up.
“We’re very grateful to Andy and those pub-goers whob are paying a penny - or even more - every time they spend a penny.”
The Ellesmere Inn is a regular supporter of the hospice and boosted its fund-raising efforts for this year further by hosting a fun day on Bank Holiday Monday.
Activities included a bouncy castle, games and stalls and refreshments, while cue experts battled it out for honours in an elimination pool tournament.
For more information about the charity and how to get involved with fund-raising, visit www.wlh.org.uk
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Drinkers at a pub have been helping one of the biggest charities in the borough by quite literally spending a penny for a good cause.


Pub’s toilet donation scheme raises hundreds for hospice


We’ve teamed up with Nickelodeon to give you the chance to attend the first-ever UK SLIMEFEST in Blackpool on Saturday September 3rd.
Featuring performances from Alesha Dixon, Conor Maynard, Diversity, The Tide and appearances from Nickelodeon stars Jack Griffo and Kira Kosarin, it’s set to be the slimiest music concert of the Summer.
Slimefest 2016
We’re giving away a VIP family prize package which includes:
4 x General Admission Switch On wristbands on Friday 2nd September 2016
4 x Tickets for the 11am SLIMEFEST concert on Saturday 3rd September 2016
4 x Wristbands for Blackpool Pleasure Beach for Saturday 3rd September 2016
2 x Exclusive official SLIMEFEST Hype® Bag (kids only)
1 x Apple iPad mini 2 7.9” 16gb
Or if you want to guarantee your ticket to the coolest kids’ event of the year, we have an exclusive 2for1 SLIMEFEST ticket offer for you. Just visit nick.co.uk/slimefest and enter FEST02 to get your exclusive 2for1 discount.
All you have to do to have the chance to win this fantastic prize is answer the following question:
Q: Which Britain’s Got Talent judge is performing at Nickelodeon’s SLIMEFEST?
Email your answer with Slimefest in the subject field, adding your name, address and daytime telephone number to competitions@lep.co.uk to arrive by midnight August 31st. Standard competition rules apply, entries merged across JP north west titles.
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We’ve teamed up with Nickelodeon to give you the chance to attend the first-ever UK SLIMEFEST in Blackpool on Saturday  September 3rd.


Win tickets to Nickelodeon's Slimefest and Illuminations Switch On


The English Beat - starring original songwriter and lead-singer of The Beat, Dave Wakeling - have announced their UK tour heading to 53 Degrees in Preston on Thursday September 22nd.
Dave Wakeling – the songwriter and lead-singer of The Beat - returns to the UK this September for a full UK tour, where he will be showcasing new material due for release in 2017.
The singer, songwriter and guitarist behind the biggest 1980’s 2-Tone Band, The Beat, known in the US as The English Beat, Dave Wakeling is the consummate showman, touring the world with an all-star line-up, performing all the hits of The Beat, General Public and a host of new songs.
The English Beat will play an extensive run of UK dates including shows in Liverpool, Newcastle, Cardiff, and London, and Dave’s hometown and the birthplace of many Beat lyrics and classics, Birmingham.
The band has been busy in the studio working on their first new album in 30 years, due for release in February 2017, titled ‘Here We Go Love’.
With a unique energy, pure melody, passion and politics, it’s impossible to forget the genius of UK Top 10 singles, ‘Mirror in the Bathroom’, ‘Hands Off She’s Mine’ and ‘Too Nice To Talk To’, before The Beat disbanded in 1983.
“I am very excited to be coming back to the UK to play shows and to get to introduce the songs from our upcoming new album. We have been in summer training, with shows with ub40, b52’s, culture club and train, and the band is in tip top form and ready to rock, steady!” Dave Wakeling.
SEPTEMBER TOUR DATES:
Friday 16th September – Concorde 2, Brighton
Saturday 17th September – Skabour Festival, Folkstone
Sunday 18th September – The Forum, Tunbridge Wells www.twforum.co.uk
Tuesday 20th September – Fibbers, York
Wednesday 21st September – The Magnet, Liverpool
Thursday 22nd September – 53 Degrees, Preston
Friday 23rd September – Robin 2, Wolverhampton
Saturday 24th September – The Windsor, Fife
Sunday 25th September – Volunteer Hall, Galashiels
Tuesday 27th September – Think Tank, Newcastle
Wednesday 28th September – Trades Club, Hebden Bridge http://thetradesclub.com
Thursday 29th September – Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff
Friday 30th September – Crauford Arms, Milton Keynes
OCTOBER TOUR DATES:
Saturday 1st October – Birmingham O2 Institute, Birmingham
Monday 3rd October – Ruby Lounge, Manchester
Tuesday 4th October – Komedia, Bath
Wednesday 5th October – Rescue Room, Nottingham
Friday 7th October – The Zone Night Club, Redruth http://broadbeat.co.uk
Saturday 8th October – The Garage, London

Dave Wakeling’s The English Beat skanking their way to 53 Degrees


The English Beat - starring original songwriter and lead-singer of The Beat, Dave Wakeling - have announced their UK tour heading to 53 Degrees in Preston on Thursday September 22nd.


The RSPCA is appealing for information after a starving puppy, thought only to be about six weeks old, was abandoned in a cat carrier in a supermarket car park.
The female dog, thought to be a springer spaniel or pointer crossbreed, was found by a passer-by quivering in the carrier outside Tesco in Derby Street, Leigh, on Wednesday August 10.
Lilian
As well as being underweight, the puppy - who has been named Lilian - was dehydrated. Her abandonment comes just weeks after the RSPCA released figures showing animals are more likely to be dumped during the summer months, with one found every hour from June, to August.
RSPCA inspector Helen Smith, who is investigating, said: “Poor Lilian was absolutely terrified when she was found and, although she is learning to trust people now, she is still a little scared of everything. She was not in a good way when she was found but thankfully she is on the road to recovery. It must have been very scary and distressing for her to have been dumped in the callous way that she was.
“We don’t know for certain how long she was there for before she was found, but she would have been very vulnerable out there on her own. We are urging anyone who has any information about how Lilian came to be how she was to please contact us in complete confidence on 0300 123 8018. It is very important we find out more information.
“The carrier which Lilian was dumped in is very distinctive as it had a number of stickers of flies on the top of it. Somebody must recognise this carrier as it is unusual.”
We don’t know for certain how long she was there for before she was found, but she would have been very vulnerable out there on her own Helen Smith
Lilian is now being cared for in a foster home. It is hoped that she will be available for rehoming soon.
Insp Smith added: “Every year the RSPCA sees an increase in the number of young animals that come into our care at this time of year after unplanned pregnancies result in unwanted litters - which is why we always advise people to get their pets neutered. We also think it is very important for people to research thoroughly when they take on a new pet - whatever that animal may be they do need to research it, make sure it will suit their lifestyle and that they will be able to provide for it for the entirety of its life - however long that may be.”
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The RSPCA is appealing for information after a starving puppy, thought only to be about six weeks old, was abandoned in a cat carrier in a supermarket car park.


Starving puppy dumped in supermarket car park


Last night at the MTV VMAs, Drake admitted he’s been in love with Rihanna since he was 22 years old. In case you weren’t counting, Drake is 29, so that’s seven years of public pining, sexy duets, oblique lyrical references and general will-they-or-won’t-they vibes.
There are a few different Drake-Rihanna (Drihanna?) origin stories. In an interview with Elle magazine, Drake explained that they met at a birthday party. But last night at the VMAs, he told a different—and far more Toronto-centric—story. According to Aubrey, the two met in 2005 at the shoot for Rihanna’s “Pon de Replay” video at Republik.
The duo connected again and again through the 2000s: going on dates, fighting with each other’s exes (okay, well, Drake starting things with Chris Brown), referencing each other in their lyrics (okay, well, Drake referencing Rihanna a lot) and collaborating on more videos.
Looking back, it’s hard to believe the two were just friends, especially when you watch the video for “What’s My Name.” (Then again, it’s not so hard to believe that Rihanna might not have been super into someone who wrote the lyric “the square root of 69 is 8-something, right?”)
This year, Drake and Rihanna both released new albums and new collaborations with each other. In a perfect encapsulation of their dynamic, Drake’s single was all about how Rihanna doesn’t appreciate him enough, while RiRi’s was just sexy and fun.
“Work” had two videos—both by Toronto’s Director X—but the infinitely better version was shot at T.O’s legendary Real Jerk restaurant. We wonder if Drake was having flashbacks to their first meeting while he was grinding on Rihanna.
Then, this past August, RiRi made an appearance during Drake’s set at OVO Fest, where she she performed a few of her own songs, and then, naturally, joined Drake on “Work” and “Too Good,” complete with some swoon-worthy choreography.
After their OVO performance, rumour has it Drake took Rihanna on a midnight date to the aquarium (!) where they had a fancy midnight dinner in front of one of the tanks (!!!).
The rest is (recent) history. There’s the billboard Drake bought for Rihanna in Los Angeles to celebrate her Video Vanguard award:
When he extra ❤🏆!!! A photo posted by badgalriri (@badgalriri) on Aug 26, 2016 at 3:43pm PDT
And his VMAs speech, which sounded more like a marriage proposal than an award presentation:
"She's someone I've been in love with since I was 22 years old." #VMAs https://t.co/tw6eGKEPsx — MTV (@MTV) August 29, 2016
And this picture, which Drake posted last night:
This is a night for us all to be thankful for what you have done for us! You have affected so many of our lives in the best way possible. Tonight we celebrate you! @badgalriri A photo posted by champagnepapi (@champagnepapi) on Aug 28, 2016 at 11:41pm PDT
Congratulations, Drake. If the two of you are actually dating, you are going all out. And if you’re still not, then you are trying very, very, very hard.

A brief history of Drake's immense and very public love for Rihanna


VIDEO - AP Poll: The Anomaly Of Starting, Finishing No. 1


AC board will meet in closed door session


Bellmont vs South Adams, football webcast


Less than week to vote on new license plates


Sept. 27 auction benefits Swiss Heritage Village


Election board sets meeting for Sept. 12


Daryl Murphy has become Newcastle United's 10th summer signing.
The striker has joined from Ipswich Town for an undisclosed fee.
Murphy – who scored 67 goals from 225 appearances for the Portman Road club – has signed a two-year deal at St James's Park.
The Republic of Ireland international said: "I'm absolutely delighted to get it over the line and really looking forward to it.
"When I knew the club was interested, it was a no-brainer for me so I'm happy it's all done.
"I think with the squad of players that the club have now, there's no reason why we shouldn't be there or thereabouts come the end of the season."
United manager Rafa Benitez added: "Daryl has experience, and has proven that he can score goals in the Championship.
"He gives us another option in attack, and we could see from this weekend's game against Brighton that we needed more bodies up front.
"Daryl has a good attitude, and he can be very important for us this season."
Newcastle are also close to a deal for Palermo defender Achraf Lazaar, who was at St James's Park to see yesterday's 2-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion.
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Daryl Murphy has become Newcastle United


Daryl Murphy reacts to his surprise move to Newcastle


Most people think it’s the end of the world if they have a garden that’s in shade and give up on the idea of gardening at all.
However, more and more of us in urban or suburban homes have this to contend with – sunlight not blocked by trees but by other buildings.
Meconopsis, the Himalayan blue poppy.
You can have a lush garden in semi shade or shade – most people think of hostas, which thrive in light-medium shade but will not tolerate dry conditions – and there’s the slug/snail problem, so I haven’t listed them.
The amount of sun/shade will change with the seasons – really examine where the sunshine hits as the days wear on.
We see ‘full sun’, ‘partial sun/shade’, ‘dappled sun/shade’ and full shade on plant labels – this is what they mean.
Full sun: six full hours or more of direct sunlight at any time of the day.
The shield fern.
Partial sun/shade: Three-six hours of sunlight each day, usually morning and early afternoon sun.
Dappled sun: Similar to partial shade, only the light is filtered through a deciduous tree.
Light shade: Shadow cast by a building, wall, hedge, or tree on a site exposed to the sky and open to light.
Full shade: Less than three hours of direct sunlight, best if it’s morning light.
Deep shade: Dense kind of shade found under evergreens or shrubs that do not allow any direct light to penetrate.
Suitable plants:
Light and dappled shade: Campanula, Stachys, golden rod, Aquilegia, foxglove, bleeding heart, Pulmonaria, Brunnera, Ajuga, Tiarella, forget-me-nots.
Full shade: Pachysandra terminalis, box, ivy, ferns, Hebe rakaiensis, Phillyrea angustifolia, Ajuga, Bergenia x schmidtii. Griselinia littoralis, Hydrangea quercifolia, Mahonia, Pittosporum tenuifolium, Sambucus, Epimedium, Galium odoratum, Luzula, Euonymus fortunei Emerald Gaiety, x Fatshedera lizei Variegata, Lonicera nitida Baggesen’s Gold, Hydrangea seemannii, Lonicera henryi, Pileostegia viburnoides, Schizophragma integrifolium.
Deep shade: Butcher’s broom, Iris foetidissima, wood spurge, spring bulbs, snowdrops, winter aconites, Vinca.
Dry shade: Alchemilla mollis, barrenwort, cranesbill geraniums, Hellebores, masterwort, Astrantia, ivy, Cyclamen, Viola labradorica, sweet rocket, Convallaria, Pulmonaria, Rubus tricolor, Symphytum, Vinca, Waldsteinia ternata, ferns such as Dryopteris filix-mas, Polypodium vulgare or Polystichum setiferum, Fatsia japonica.
Damp shade: Bleeding heart, Monarda, Astilbe, Actaea, Solomon’s seal, toad lily, Himalayan blue poppy, Heuchera, Deinanthe caerulea, Maianthemum racemosum (American spikenard), Saxifraga stolonifera (strawberry saxifrage), Gentiana asclepiadea (willow gentian), Rheum, Rodgersia.
JOBS TO DO THIS WEEKEND
Sow hardy annuals directly into borders. They will overwinter and flower next summer.
Propagate perennials by dividing once they have finished flowering, but only in areas with some rain and duller weather, to avoid drying out problems.
Don’t be worried by bright green, heavily-armoured looking insects on your plants – these are harmless shieldbugs, which do not require control.
Get in qualified tree surgeons to remove large shrubs and trees that were casualties of winter waterlogging and summer drought. Remove stumps wherever possible, as rots could spread to other plants.
Ventilate conservatories to their maximum to prevent soaring temperatures. Use shading if necessary. Damp down greenhouses on hot days to maintain humidity levels.
Clearing out fallen leaves and debris regularly from ponds will help to keep down algal growth, as there will be fewer nutrients available from rotting organic matter. Barley straw pads or extract may also be beneficial.
Don’t cut off the flowerheads of ornamental grasses. These will provide winter interest.
Remove and destroy any Nicotiana showing signs of downy mildew. This shows up as yellowish blotches on the upper surface of the leaves.
Take cuttings of herbs such as rosemary, sage or mint now to bulk up supplies. Put cuttings in moist, well-drained potting compost (one part grit to one part compost) and place in a cold frame. Established chives can be divided now.
GET IN TOUCH
For more on these topics, plus cook what you grow, traditional recipes, North East information, environmental news and more, log on to www.mandycanudigit.co.uk (now smartphone friendly), www.sunderlandecho.com/gardening, follow me on Twitter @MandyCanUDigIt or you can like me on Facebook at Mandycanudigit

GARDENING: Getting the best from a plot in the shade


Most people think it’s the end of the world if they have a garden that’s in shade and give up on the idea of gardening at all.


Newcastle United midfielder Gael Bigirimana has rejoined League One side Coventry City on a permanent deal.
The 22-year-old Burundi international originally moved to the Magpies from the Sky Blues in July 2012 and also had a loan spell back at the Ricoh Arena last season.
Bigirimana made 25 appearances for United in all competitions during his four years on Tyneside but hasn't featured for the first team since a League Cup tie at Morecambe in August 2013.
An NUFC spokesman said: "Everyone at Newcastle United wishes Gael all the best for his future at Coventry."

Newcastle midfielder rejoins Coventry on permanent deal


Newcastle United midfielder Gael Bigirimana has rejoined League One side Coventry City on a permanent deal.


On this day in 1994, Mancunian rock band Oasis released their debut album ‘Definitely Maybe’.
The band had previously put out three singles - ‘Supersonic’, ‘Shakermaker’ and ‘Live Forever’, which all appeared on the 11-track long-player - but this was to be the moment that they properly made it into the mainstream. ‘Definitely Maybe’ sold 86,000 copies in the first week of release, making it the UK’s fastest-selling debut album.
It could also be seen as the birth (or rebirth) of Britpop itself, with the term entering into the nation’s vocabulary alongside “Cool Britannia”. With their debut album coming out the week after rivals Blur released their single ‘Parklife’, it would pave the way for future rivalry between the bands and make both acts household names.
The band - Liam Gallagher, Paul Arthurs, Paul McGuigan, and Tony McCarroll - had formed as The Rain in 1991, and were joined by Liam’s brother Noel, a former Inspiral Carpets roadie and aspiring songwriter.
They were signed by Alan McGee of Creation Records following their blagging their way onto the bill at an 18 Wheeler show in Glasgow in 1993.
As well as spawning two more hit singles in ‘Cigarettes & Alcohol’ and ‘Rock 'n' Roll Star’, the album’s sleeve took on iconic status - detailing the band’s influences and interests, such as Manchester City footballer Rodney Marsh, Burt Bacharach (one of Noel’s favourite songwriters) and a TV showing a scene from the film The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.
‘Definitely Maybe’ would go on to sell over 2.1 million copies in the UK and 15 million worldwide. NME ran a poll 10 years later where it was voted the best album of all time.

It’s 22 years to the day since Oasis released debut album ‘Definitely Maybe’


On this day in 1994, Mancunian rock band Oasis released their debut album ‘Definitely Maybe’.


Classic game show Blankety Blank is returning for a one off special - with David Walliams as host.
ITV has confirmed that it will be making a Christmas episode of the show, 14 years after it was last on air.
Blankety Blank was previously presented by Terry Wogan from 1979 until 1983 and Les Dawson until 1990.
Paul O'Grady and his alter-ego Lily Savage revived the show on the BBC in 1997, before it moved to ITV for a year in 2001.
Britain's Got Talent judge Walliams, 45, said that he hoped the Christmas special would introduce the show to younger viewers.
"I have some very big shoes to fill as presenter of Blankety Blank, I loved Terry Wogan and Les Dawson as a child, and Paul O'Grady was absolutely hilarious," the funnyman said.
"I hope I can bring this much-loved show to life for a new generation."
There is speculation that the show - which saw contestants have to fill in the missing word in a sentence - could return for a fuller series if the one-off is a success.
Peter Davey, ITV's head of comedy entertainment, said: "Blankety Blank is a much loved classic game show and this Christmas special on ITV will delight fans of the original whilst bringing it to life for a whole new generation.
"David Walliams is the perfect host for this, he'll bring his comedic talents and warm personality to the show."
Suzy Lamb, head of entertainment for production company Thames, said: "After 14 years off air, we are very excited to be bringing back such an iconic game show."
Walliams previously appeared on a Comic Relief charity edition of Blankety Blank as part of a 24-hour panel show marathon in 2011.

David Walliams to host one-off Christmas Blankety Blank


Classic game show Blankety Blank is returning for a one off special - with David Walliams as host.


A pilot scheme to prevent children in Hartlepool from going hungry during the school holidays has been extended after it ran out of food early due to demand.
Hartlepool Borough Council launched the £13,000 Holiday Hunger food parcel scheme on July 25 and had been intended to last until Friday, September 2.
Items on the shelf at the Hartlepool Foodbank.
But demand proved so high that all 480 food parcels had been handed out this week.
The council has confirmed the scheme, which is run in partnership with the Trussell Trust charity and Hartlepool Foodbank, will continue until the original end date.
Councillor Alan Clark, Chair of the council’s Children’s Services Committee, said: “I’m delighted we are in a position to continue the scheme which is vital to the well-being of our local community.
“We are aware that there are high levels of deprivation in parts of our town and this scheme is intended to help the most hard-pressed families with children.”
There are high levels of deprivation in parts of our town and this scheme is intended to help the most hard-pressed families with children Councillor Alan Clark
The scheme is open to families with children who would normally be entitled to free school meals during term time, but face going without during the holidays because of pressures on families finances.
It is funded from the council’s Child and Family Poverty Reserve and means families can apply for a food parcel once a week at one of three venues across the town.
The scheme restarted on Friday afternoon and resumes from Tuesday, August 30, to Friday 2 September.
Food parcels will be available at West View Advice and Resource Centre, Miers Avenue, 9am–5pm; Chatham Children’s Centre, Chatham Road, 9am–5pm and Owton Manor Community Centre, Wynyard Road, 10am–2pm.
The parcels include staple foods such as rice, pasta, tinned vegetables and tinned meat and fish.
They also include information to recipients how they can access advice and information for residents, including other support services available such as money advice and healthy recipes.
Youngsters have also benefited from healthy meals and snacks provided by 18 community groups after applying for a share of a new £25,000 council grant fund.
For further information about the food parcel scheme, contact Steven Carter, Health Improvement Practitioner at steven.carter@hartlepool.gov.uk or phone (01429) 523583.

Hartlepool holiday hunger pilot scheme continues after supplies ran out


A pilot scheme to prevent children in Hartlepool from going hungry during the school holidays has been extended after it ran out of food early due to demand.


American actor Gene Wilder has died at the age of 83.
Famous for his collaborations with actor/comedian Richard Pryor and director Mel Brooks, Wilder was perhaps best known for his performance as the titular character in 1971’s Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.
Before that he had starred in Brooks’ Broadway spoof The Producers, for which he was Oscar nominated and went on to become one of the biggest comedy actors of the 70s and 80s.
He worked again with Brooks on the likes of Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein - earning another Oscar nod - and teamed up to huge success with Pryor for Silver Streak, Stir Crazy and See No Evil, Hear No Evil.
As tributes from co-stars, celebrity fans and ordinary cinema-goers poured in from around the world, pop culture blog i09 put together this compilation of some of Wilder’s greatest on-screen moments.

Gene Wilder’s greatest on-screen moments


American actor Gene Wilder has died at the age of 83.


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Birthday boy was given an extra treat from charity


Fundraising schoolboy Lewin Tubuna was given a special surprise as his reward for supporting a charity.


Torrential rain and muddy fields failed to put a dampener on Leeds Festival 2016, as rock legends Red Hot Chili Peppers added the exclamation point to a dazzling weekend of live music.
Their entertaining set featured songs from across a spectacular 30-plus year career, closing the show in style on Sunday evening and living up to lofty expectations.
Scottish rockers Biffy Clyro were on top form at Leeds Festival. Pic: Katy Blackwood.
Thousands from the region were there to see their performance plus four other headliners, including the impressive Biffy Clyro and Fall Out Boy on Friday night.
The slightly less triumphant double bill of Disclosure and Foals took to the main stage on Saturday, with music fans drenched by the worst weather at Bramham Park in years.
An all-star feast of alternative, rock and electronic music heroes - including indie pop band The 1975, hip-hop collective Boy Better Know and punk duo Slaves - also appeared across the three days.
Teesside band Mouses impressed a sizeable audience on Friday afternoon, winning over new fans before an appearance at sister festival Reading two days later.
Fall Out Boy put on an excellent show, complete with pyrotechnics. Pic: Katy Blackwood.
Maxïmo Park and Coquin Migale also flew the flag for the North East, with two new tents including a wildly popular dance stage adding gloss to an already ambitious bill.
Yet most eyes were on the main stage, and for the first time Leeds featured five co-headliners, starting with Biffy Clyro and Fall Out Boy on the alt-rock-heavy first day of the festival.
The Virginmarys were the pick of the early performers and The Vaccines their usual entertaining selves in the early evening, but A$AP Rocky had to cancel a rare UK appearance due to traffic.
Billingham duo Mouses also made the most of the opportunity to play at Leeds, entertaining a good-sized crowd on the BBC Introducing stage at 3.30pm.
Courteeners performing at Leeds Festival. Pic: Katy Blackwood.
Frontman Steven Bardgett was less lively than usual - he didn't want to break his guitar ahead of Reading Festival - but the appearance won over many new fans to their cause and impressed the assembled national press.
US pop-punk heroes Fall Out Boy are one of the defining bands of their time, and their latest appearance at Leeds was a sparkling visual spectacle featuring dancers, acrobats and pyrotechnics.
It could have easily upstaged Biffy Clyro, but the Scottish rock band are A-list in their own right, and their catalogue of alt anthems doesn't require a flashy stage show.
With songs including Many Of Horror, Mountains and The Captain all on the set list, it was a headline performance of the highest quality, and local fans will be able to catch them at their newly-announced Newcastle Arena date on 2 December.
A rare spell when it wasn't raising at Leeds Festival. Pic: Katy Blackwood.
Both bands gave Saturday's headliners Foals and Disclosure a lot to live up to, with neither highly accustomed to topping the bill on such an illustrious stage.
The weather, which was at its worst and had many clamouring for cover in the evening, failed to help their cause and tempted many to favour the covered stages for Twenty One Pilots, Crystal Castles and Maxïmo Park.
But conditions were better earlier in the day, with Frank Turner opening the main stage with a typically raucous folk rock set, and Die Antwoord providing a curious, sweary twist in the afternoon.
Newcastle band Coquin Migale also headlined the BBC Introducing stage, hot on the heels of the release of their debut album Cargo.
Synthpop band CHVRCHES were their usual cheery selves in the early evening, just as the skies started to pour, with Foals following them onto the stage for their first headline spot at a top level UK festival.
Foals are always a brilliant live band, and this was no exception to that rule, although Yannis Philippakis' cries for "dirty pits" and crowd disorder seemed less well-heeded than usual.
An atmospheric shot of Crystal Castle at Leeds Festival. Pic: Katy Blackwood.
Electronic duo Disclosure, meanwhile, unleashed the sort of set that would usually headline one of the supporting stages, not the festival's largest platform.
Their performance was assured enough and featured all of the hits, but as producers that often utilise guest vocalists, it felt like something was missing when - for example - a fill-in and not Sam Smith himself performed on Latch.
It was the weekend's only real misfire, and perhaps an experiment with a more commercial style of headline attraction that, on the day, just didn't quite work.
Sunday was a welcome return to form, with Red Hot Chili Peppers the most anticipated headliner ever since their appearance was announced.
Much earlier in the day Sundara Karma had opened the main stage, although their performance felt distant and bland, with Skindred and punk duo Slaves faring far better.
Promising bands including VANT - whose frontman Mattie Vant hails from Redcar - The Hunna offered an alternative elsewhere to a US rock-oriented main stage during the day.
Eagles of Death Metal were the biggest of those names, with their kitschy mixture of balls out rock-'n'-roll and lewd commentary from Jesse Hughes, before The Courteeners brought it back to British with a massive set greeted by dozens of flares.
It gave Imagine Dragons a hard act to follow, but their triumphant pop hit the mark and kept a growing crowd happy as the rain thankfully stayed away.
But it was Red Hot Chili Peppers that were always going to steal the headlines, making the latest stop on a world tour that has already checked into the UK this summer for T in the Park.
Reviews for that set were mixed, but this was a different show, featuring all the classics right from the opener of singalong hit Can't Stop.
Californation, Under The Bridge and By The Way was as good a trio of set closers as any band will ever be able to call upon, and all were performed with aplomb and energy.
And a two-song encore closed the show and Leeds Festival itself in inimitable style, matching the similar success of Metallica at Bramham Park in 2015.
As well as the headline names, the weekend was also a chance to catch the stars of tomorrow, with bands on the brink including Blossoms and Clean Cut Kid.
And Manchester band Cupids, sultry duo Lion Babe and rock bands Transviolet and Judas all impressed enough to suggest they could be the next big thing.
You Me At Six also returned to perform a not-so-secret set on the final day, having done the same at Reading earlier in the weekend, with Slaves one of a number to play more intimate sets on the BBC Introducing stage.
But the weekend belonged to Biffy Clyro, Fall Out Boy and the Chilis - and the Reading and Leeds organisers will find them tough acts to follow when booking the bands for 2017.
Disclosure were high up the bill at Leeds Festival. Pic: Katy Blackwood.
The crowd getting into the spirit of things during Imagine Dragons' set at Leeds Festival. Pic: Katy Blackwood.
Teesside band Mouses were down a storm on the BBC Introducing Stage. Pic: Katy Blackwood.

REVIEW: Red Hot Chili Peppers help fans forget the mud at Leeds Festival


Torrential rain and muddy fields failed to put a dampener on Leeds Festival 2016, as rock legends Red Hot Chili Peppers added the exclamation point to a dazzling weekend of live music.


Middlesbrough winger Albert Admoah has left the Riverside Stadium to join Championship side Aston Villa.
Villa chairman Tony Xia confirmed the move on his Twitter account earlier today after Adomah was reported to have been undergoing a medical with the Villains.
The 28 year-old has attracted interest from several Championship clubs having been deemed surplus to requirements, but the Villa Park outfit have won the race for his signature for a reported fee of £8million.
Admoah has made 130 appearances since moving to the Riverside Stadium in 2013, but has found first team football hard to come by in recent months.

Albert Adomah leaves Middlesbrough and signs for Aston Villa


Middlesbrough winger Albert Admoah has left the Riverside Stadium to join Championship side Aston Villa.


Jordan Pickford is set for an extended run in the Sunderland side after the elbow injury suffered by number one Vito Mannone.
The 22-year-old Washington-born keeper will start against Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium tomorrow afternoon.
And Pickford is looking to build on his first clean sheet picked up on his home first-team debut at the Stadium of Light against Shrewsbury Town.
The Sunderland fan admits it was a dream come true to play in front of the fans he used to sit alongside.
“It is a dream to play at the Stadium of Light, as a young lad I used to come to games all the time,” said Pickford.
“Finally, to have achieved that dream is great.”
Last season, Pickford played against Arsenal in the FA Cup and Tottenham Hotspur and Watford in the Premier League - but those were all away from home.
Wednesday’s win over League One Shrews was his first game on home soil.
His catching and distribution - which helped lead to Adnan Januzaj’s winner - stood out, while he made a superb save from Newcastle United loanee Ivan Toney.
“It was great moment, for me,” said Pickford.
“A good result and I am happy to get my first clean sheet.
“The other games [against Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Watford] were hard and this was a tough test too.
“We got there in the end, though, and it is really good to get into the next round of the cup.”
Pickford looks set for an extended run in the side, with Mannone out with a troubling elbow injury.
There were fears that he had suffered a suspected fractured elbow after injuring his arm in training on Tuesday but the full extent of his injury is yet to be determined.
He is set to see a specialist, with Mannone suffering from a lot of swelling.
Paul Bracewell, assistant manager, said: “In terms of the bone, they said it wasn’t a fracture, but there’s still a lot of swelling there, so the scan will probably give us a good indication in terms of if there is any ligament damage.”
Jordan Pickford and Duncan Watmore have been selected for England Under-21 duty. They will face Norway in an U21 Euro qualifier against Norway at Colchester United’s Community Stadium on Tuesday 6 September (KO 5.45pm).

Jordan Pickford aims to build on ‘dream’ home debut for Sunderland


Jordan Pickford is set for an extended run in the Sunderland side after the elbow injury suffered by number one Vito Mannone.


A North East festival is shaping up for a weekend of live music.
Headliners Reef and British Sea Power are topping the bill at this year’s Lindisfarne Festival, which takes place in the shadow of Holy Island from September 1-4.
Also performing at the festival at Beal Farm, Northumberland, is C Duncan, The Cuban Brothers, Fatherson, Beardyman and Pinact while Sunderland’s Social Room, Cattle and Cane, Beth Macari, Little Comets and Kathryn Tickell and Superfolkus will be flying the flag for local music.
Jack Bessant from rockers Reef said: “Reef are going to really enjoy the Lindisfarne festival this year in September. I have visited this place before and it has such beautiful nature and interesting history, it’s really inspiring. I can’t wait to be playing there with Reef and hopefully ride some waves on some of the Northumberland beaches.”
As well as a host of live music, the festival will feature food stalls, creative arts and a range of workshops.
Conleth Maenpaa, founder at Lindisfarne Festival, said: “With only a week to go until Lindisfarne Festival 2016 gets underway, we are really excited with how plans are shaping up as it promises to be our biggest and best event yet. We are certainly putting in plenty of graft behind the scenes to make it something special.
Fatherson
“With a diverse range of music across different genres, quality entertainment and refreshments, there really is something for everyone and we encourage people to come along and join in the fun.
“There will certainly be no shortage of party vibes with our acts including headliners Reef and British Sea Power tearing up the stage.”
The over-18s festival, which is in its second year, will also provide a showcase for up-and-coming North East talent through partnership with BBC Introducing.
On Saturday, September 3, between noon-6pm an eclectic mix of up-and-coming local acts, specially selected by the BBC, will also take to the stage to showcase their musical talent.
Nick Roberts, presenter at BBC Introducing in the North East, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that BBC Introducing is going to be a part of this year’s Lindisfarne Festival. The inaugural event last year was a huge success. This year, with ‘BBC Introducing in the North East Presents’ we bring the best emerging artists from the area to the festival.
“Headlining our Saturday afternoon take over we have Coquin Migale. Recently signed to Fierce Panda, the band have received Radio 1 plays and amazing reviews from their stint at The Great Escape. We also have super producer and re-mixer Dom Zilla playing his new material. Other acts include A Festival, A Parade, RnB/ Pop band SoShe and the North East’s rap and beats band The Great & The Magnificent.
“It’s a great line-up from across the genres and will make ‘BBC Introducing in the North East Presents’ one of the highlights of another amazing Lindisfarne Festival.”
Conleth added: “Out of all the festivals taking place in the region we are privileged to be one of the only few to have this platform at our event. Putting the North East on the map and showcasing local talent has always been a key part of Lindisfarne Festival.”
•Weekend tickets are available to buy at £85 for a weekend ticket and £50 for a Saturday ticket. Ten tickets for the price of eight are also on offer for group bookings and all tickets include free camping. The festival runs from the Thursday evening, September 1, to the early hours of Sunday, September 4.
Lineup and information about ticket sales can be found via http://www.lindisfarnefestival.com/

Which acts to look out for at this year’s Lindisfarne Festival


A North East festival is shaping up for a weekend of live music.


Hartlepool United have signed ANOTHER striker after bringing in Tom Heardman on loan from Newcastle United.
Barely had the ink dried from Bradley Fewster's signature on a half-season deal for the Middlesbrough forward when Pools announced the switch of Heardman.
The 20-year-old Geordie joins Pools until the turn of the year and will come into contention for Saturday's League Two trip to Stevenage.
Heardman has enjoyed good reviews at Newcastle with local media pundits saying the last man of his height to bang in goals in a black and white jersey was Andy Carroll.
The young prospect, from Gosforth, stands 6ft 4in and has scored goals at youth and reserve level for the Magpies though he has recently recovered from a hip injury.
Heardman, who will have the No 34 shirt in the squad, spent last week training with Pools at Maiden Castle, where he impressed Hignett and his right-hand-man Curtis Fleming.
“I’m really pleased that Tom is coming into the club,” Hignett told the Pools website.
“He’s come back to fitness in good form and has scored a few goals for Newcastle’s Reserve side this season so we want him to come here and kick-on.
“He’s a big lad who can put himself about and he’s something a little bit different to the other forwards we have in the squad at the moment."
Like Fewster, Heardman will not be eligible for the Checkatrade Trophy tie \at Notts County tomorrow night.

Hartlepool sign Newcastle's ‘next Andy Carroll’ Tom Heardman on loan


Hartlepool United have signed ANOTHER striker after bringing in Tom Heardman on loan from Newcastle United.


Hartlepool United have signed a young forward prospect Bradley Fewster on loan from Middlesbrouh for the rest of the year.
The 20-year-old will be familiar to Pools fans having scored eight goals in 24 appearances for York City last season.
It was not enough to save the Minstermen from the drop but it was evidence the Teessider knows his way to goal.
Fewster trained with Pools this morning at Maiden Castle and has been handed squad number 32.
Ineliible to play tomorrow night in the Checkatrade Trophy at Notts County the England Youth international will come into contention to play at Stevenage in League Two on Saturday.
“He’s a finisher who comes alive in the box," Pools boss Craig Hignett told the club's website.
"His movement is good and he’s a bit different from the other options we have in the squad so I’m delighted to get him.”

Hartlepool United sign Middlesbrough striker Bradley Fewster on half-season loan


Hartlepool United have signed a young forward prospect Bradley Fewster on loan from Middlesbrouh for the rest of the year.


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Which of these TV shows would you most like to see return?


The news that Crystal Maze is to return to our TVs more than two decades on since its last appearance set our brains whirring.


A driver pulled over on to the hard shoulder of the A19 after his car caught light.
The 4x4 stopped on the northbound carriageway, just after Seaham, at around midnight after smoke began to filter into the car.
Firefighters from Peterlee and a crew from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service were called to the scene, and found the fire had taken hold of the vehicle.
The fire was put out using hose reels, with one lane of the road closed off while the area was cleared.
The driver of the car, who is from South Shields, was not injured in the incident.


A driver pulled over on to the hard shoulder of the A19 after his car caught light.


Achraf Lazaar has signed a five-year deal at Newcastle United.
The defender has joined from Italian club Palermo in a £3million deal.
Lazaar was at St James's Park on Saturday to see his new club beat Brighton and Hove Albion 2-0 in a Championship fixture.
The 24-year-old Morocco international said: "I am very happy to be at Newcastle United.
"I'm proud to sign here because Newcastle is a great team in England."
Lazaar will compete with Paul Dummett for a place at left-back.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez added: "Achraf is a good, young player with international experience who has grown his game in Italy.
"He gives us width on the left, has a good left foot and will add great competition to the squad."
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story Achraf Lazaar tells of his 'pride' at Newcastle move Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


Achraf Lazaar has signed a five-year deal at Newcastle United.


Achraf Lazaar tells of his 'pride' at Newcastle move


A mistake from the otherwise excellent Jordan Pickford meant Sunderland had to settle for a point against Southampton at St Mary's Stadium.
Jermain Defoe had given Sunderland the lead 10 minutes from the end from the penalty spot but the Black Cats couldn't hold on.
Their lead lasted less than five minutes as sub Jay Rodriguez saw his effort from 25-yards squirm under the body of Pickford.
The England Under-21 international had been excellent up to that point too, making several good saves to keep Sunderland in the game.
In the end David Moyes' side had to settle for their first point of the season.
Everton-target Lamine Kone returned to the starting line-up after recovering from a back injury that had kept him out of the last two games.
Adnan Januzaj in action
Moyes has been adamant he will be staying on Wearside this summer and it now looks increasingly likely that will be the case.
He partnered Papy Djilobodji at the heart of Sunderland's defence, with Javier Manquillo making his debut at right-back.
Steven Pienaar and Fabio Borini recovered from knee and toe injuries, respectively, while Jeremain Lens was back on the bench after a foot injury.
Jordan Pickford, in for Vito Mannone who faces three-months out with elbow ligament damage, was wiped out by Charlie Austin in the opening few minutes.
Jordan Pickford in action
It was a lively start, with Pickford twice called upon to deny Austin, first diving at his feet six-yards from goal before producing a flying save to palm away an Austin toe-punt 10 minutes in.
In between, Dusan Tadic saw his fine effort sail just over the top left-hand corner after another promising Saints attack.
It was a breathless opening 15 minutes on a balmy day on the south coast. Sunderland weathered the early storm, with Pickford by far the busier of the two goalkeepers.
Twenty five minutes in and Sunderland should have taken the lead through Kone.
A Patrick van Aanholt corner - the best one produced so far this season - found Kone inside the area but the ball just didn't fall to him.
It was cleared to the Dutchman, who whipped in a pinpoint cross but Kone nodded his free header wide.
Fabio Borini was pushed to the floor in the same passage of play but referee Lee Mason waved it away.
Moyes' side showed far more attacking intent as the half wore on, with debutant Manquillo providing width down the right-hand flank.
Jack Rodwell headed a Januzaj free-kick wide 36 minutes in, the midfielder arched his neck to connect but his effort sailed wide.
Two minutes later, Pickford was forced into another save; Cedric with a low effort, from the edge of the area comfortably saved by the England Under-21 international.
Steven Pienaar was again dictating play for Sunderland, with Borini and Manquillo willing runners.
Half-time: Southampton 0 Sunderland 0
Manquillo, who impressed on his full debut since arriving on a season-long loan from Atletico Madrid, was hacked down by Steven Davis moments into the second half.
The Saints midfielder booked.
Borini conceded a needless free-kick five minutes into the half, barging Redmond off the ball but it came to nothing.
Up the other end, from a van Aanholt free-kick, Djilobodji's acrobatic attempt flew wide of the post, with offside flag having already gone up.
Pickford was again called upon to save at the feet of Austin 54 minutes in but again the offside flag had been raised.
The linesmen had their work cut out on the south coast, with Austin again flagged offside as he bore down on goal.
The second half was panning out the same way as the first 45 minutes, with Southampton dominating the opening 15 minutes but Sunderland held firm.
Sunderland's first attempt on target came from a tame Borini free-kick just past the hour mark.
The Italian forward seemed to grimace as he took it and was replaced by Duncan Watmore moments later, with Jeremain Lens on for Pienaar shortly afterwards.
Pickford was then called upon again to deny sub Shane Long from giving Southampton the lead 70 minutes in, the England Under-21 international getting a strong hand on his effort.
Redmond then chanced his arm from a similar distance, Pickford turning his effort from the edge of the area round the post.
Moyes made his third and final sub 76 minutes in, Donald Love replacing Lynden Gooch in central midfield.
Sunderland had been under pressure for much of the second half but took the lead twelve minutes from time.
Lens played in Defoe, who turned Saints skipper Jose Fonte, his trailing leg caught Defoe and referee Mason had no hesitation pointing to the spot - despite strong protests.
Defoe dispatched it high past Fraser Forster to give Sunderland the lead.
Sunderland couldn't hold onto their lead though, with the hosts hitting back after less than five minutes.
Sub Jay Rodriguez shot from 25-yards squirmed under the body of Pickford - who had been excellent in goal.
It was a poor mistake and he punched the floor in disgust as the ball nestled in the back of the net.
Matt Targett then whistled a free-kick inches wide of Pickford's right-hand post as they pressed for a winner.
The game ended all square.
Full-time: Southampton 1 Sunderland 1
Southampton (4-2-3-1): Forster, Cedric, Fonte (C), Van Dijk, Targett, Emile-Hojbjerg , (Ward-Prowse, 82), Davis, Tadic (Long, 67), Romeu, Redmond, Austin (Rodriguez, 74).
Subs Not Used: McCarthy, Yoshida, Clasie, Bertrand.
Booked: Redmond (28), Davis (47)
Goals: Rodriguez (85)
Sunderland AFC: Pickford, Manquillo, Djilobodji, Kone, van Aanholt, Rodwell, Pienaar (Lens, 67), Gooch (Love, 76), Borini (Watmore, 64), Januzaj, Defoe (C).
Subs Not Used: Stryjek, Khazri, McNair, Asoro.
Booked: Pienaar (65)
Goals: Defoe (80, penalty).
Referee: Lee Mason (Greater Manchester)

Southampton 1 Sunderland AFC 1: Late heartbreak on the south coast costs Cats first win


A mistake from the otherwise excellent Jordan Pickford meant Sunderland had to settle for a point against Southampton at St Mary


Pruning apple and pear trees is confusing – why do it in summer and winter?
Well, it depends on the type of tree and its age. Summer pruning is mainly for trained trees: cordons, espalier, fan, pyramid, or spindlebush, or if your space is restricted and it is grown in a container.
This Red Falstaff tree benefits from summer pruning.
Trees grown as standards or bushes are managed with winter pruning.
The time to summer prune is when the bottom third of the new shoots is stiff and woody.
In North East England, that’s generally August for pears and the beginning of September for apples.
Summer pruning is to cut back new shoots to allow light to reach the fruit.
Autumn-fruiting raspberries.
Winter pruning is mainly for apples and pears grown as bush or standards. Restricted forms are managed with summer pruning, although winter pruning is used to train them initially.
Apple and pear trees should be pruned every winter to ensure a good crop the following season. The aim is to create an open goblet shape with a framework of about five main branches.
How to summer prune:
Cut back new shoots (laterals) more than 20cm (8in) long growing from the main stem to three leaves above the basal cluster of leaves. Do not prune new shoots that are less than 20cm (8in) long as they usually end in fruit buds.
Cut back new shoots growing from existing sideshoots (sub-laterals) to one leaf above the basal cluster.
Remove any upright, vigorous growth completely and any stems that are diseased or dead.
JOBS FOR THE WEEKEND
Keep picking autumn-fruiting raspberries and prune out fruited canes on summer-cropping varieties.
Put grease bands on fruit trees to catch wingless winter moths.
Plant out rooted strawberry runners and pot some up to bring into the greenhouse later in winter for early fruits.
Vegetables to sow now include lettuces, spinach, land cress, purslane, beetroot, radishes, coriander, spring onions, calabrese, spring greens, turnips for their green tops, Swiss chard, winter spinach and hardy Japanese onions.
Sow hardy annuals to provide early spring blooms - pull up hardy annual plants if you don’t want them to set seed everywhere.
Harvest cucumbers regularly to promote further flower development.
Stop watering begonias and gloxinias so they die down after flowering.
Start watering dormant cyclamen to bring them back into growth after their summer rest.
Catch earwigs in upturned pots crammed with newspaper or straw on canes among dahlias, and destroy any you find.
Prune pyracantha and train shoots to supports.
Prepare soil to plant evergreen shrubs and conifers by digging it over and incorporating lots of organic matter.
Prune lavender to maintain its shape, and take lavender cuttings by pulling off sideshoots and inserting them in trays of gritty compost.
Prune rambling roses, removing shoots that have finished flowering.
Plant conifers, shrubs and hedging.
Remove suckers from roses, shrubs and around the base of trees.
Trim box topiary and hedging
Improve soil ready for sowing a lawn from seed during showery autumn weather.
Hoe and hand weed borders.
Pinch out the tips of wallflowers to promote bushier growth.
GET IN TOUCH
For more on these topics, plus cook what you grow, traditional recipes, North East information, environmental news and more, log on to www.mandycanudigit.co.uk (now smartphone friendly), www.sunderlandecho.com/gardening, follow me on Twitter @MandyCanUDigIt or you can like me on Facebook at Mandycanudigit

GARDENING: The best time to prune those fruit trees


Pruning apple and pear trees is confusing – why do it in summer and winter?


Jermain Defoe will find out on Sunday whether he has done enough to earn an England recall.
Defoe has scored twice in three Premier League games for Sunderland this season ahead of former Black Cats boss Sam Allardyce naming his first England squad on Sunday.
The 33-year-old put Sunderland 1-0 up from the penalty spot in the 80th minute before Jay Rodriguez equalised five minutes from time for Southampton.
Moyes said: "I wouldn't be surprised at all, because Jermain Defoe is a goalscorer.
"He has that ability to score out of very little.
"And Sam knows him, he knows him better than me because he has worked with him for longer than I have.
"From what I've seen, he is a really good pro and that's what I like about him.
"He wants to do things right, and he wants to stay in good condition.
"He is certainly not someone who is just playing out the latter days of his career.
"I'd love to have a Sunderland player in the England squad.
"We started at Everton like that, then I hoped to have two players in the England squad, then three, and build it up into a squad of top international players.
"If Jermain Defoe gives us the start we need, I will be thrilled."
Defoe was tripped by Jose Fonte for the penalty.
Moyes added: "He had one or two sniffs of chances as well, and he put one away against Man City the other week as well.
"He took his penalty kick terrifically well, and we are going to need his goals.
"I haven't seen it [the penalty] yet. But some people say yes and some people say no, so if it is a split decision the referee has to call it one way or the other.
"He's a really good finisher, and we just need to keep a check on him because he is carrying a bit of a thigh strain."
New signing Javier Manquillo, 22, made his debut for Sunderland after arriving on a season-long loan from Atletico Madrid.
Moyes added: "I thought the right-back played very well today on his debut, so there were some pluses.
"I thought Adnan [Januzaj] had some great moments for us, and there were moments where you could see what a great player he is.
"We have to raise our quality and make sure that we are winning games, not drawing or losing them."

David Moyes: 'I'd love to have a Sunderland player in the England squad'


Jermain Defoe will find out on Sunday whether he has done enough to earn an England recall.


A life-size statue of the late Motorhead frontman Lemmy will be unveiled at one of Los Angeles' most famous bars.
The 6ft bronze sculpture of the British rock star is being installed at the Rainbow Bar and Grill on West Hollywood's Sunset Strip following his death in December.
Members of Motorhead are expected to join fans on Wednesday for the unveiling of the monument, which was built after a crowd-funding campaign raised more than 22,000 dollars (£16,600).
Lemmy's girlfriend Cheryl Keuleman said the Rainbow Bar was a fitting location to honour the Ace Of Spades singer because it was his "favourite place in the world".
She told the Press Association: "The Rainbow was Lemmy's home.
"One of Lemmy's worst fears was that when he died, the world would forget about him. He's now immortal. No one ever will forget about him because he was a god. He was a man, but he was a god."
Artist Travis Moore, who created the sculpture, said about 20 people worked on the statue and it took around five months to build.
"I think it looks a lot like him. It's a compelling image," he told the Press Association.
"The fans are going to be really excited to see this. We really have worked hard on this. There were times when we were riding people pretty hard because we wanted it to be perfect.
"I think it will offer some closure. I think Lemmy is finally home."
Lemmy, whose real name was Ian Kilmister, died just two days after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer on Boxing Day. The Stoke-born musician had celebrated his 70th birthday on Christmas Eve.
He died at his Los Angeles home on December 28, little more than a month after the death of Motorhead's first drummer Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor.
Some of rock's biggest names lined up to pay tribute to Lemmy at a star-studded Hollywood funeral in January.
Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl, Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash and Metallica members Lars Ulrich and Robert Trujillo attended the service, which was broadcast live on YouTube and watched by more than 280,000 Motorhead fans around the world.

Life-size Lemmy statue to grace his favourite LA bar


A life-size statue of the late Motorhead frontman Lemmy will be unveiled at one of Los Angeles


Families in the North East were greeted with glorious sunshine as they awoke this morning - and will be hoping it lasts through the weekend.
But forecasts suggest it might be better to get your dose of outdoors early in the weekend, as it isn't expected to last.
After fine and sunny start this morning, there may be some fair weather cloud later in the day, but it is expected to remain dry and be less humid than it has recently.
Tonight is expected to remain clear and turn chilly, with patches of mist and fog possible by dawn tomorrow.
Saturday will be another fine day with sunny spells, light winds and patchy cloud. The odd shower is possible, but most places will remain dry. The maximum temperature is forecast to be 21 °C.
Sunday will see scattered showers among some sunny spells. Further showers are forecast for Monday, heavy at first, but easing later.
Tuesday is expected to be mostly dry, although winds will strengthen and cloud thicken later in the day.

Will the sunshine last through Bank Holiday weekend?


Families in the North East were greeted with glorious sunshine as they awoke this morning - and will be hoping it lasts through the weekend.


David Moyes has been forced to add another goalkeeper to his transfer wish-list after Vito Mannone was ruled out for three months.
The club’s number one keeper ruptured ligaments in his elbow in training, with England Under-21 international Jordan Pickford now set for an extended run in the side.
Vito Mannone
Moyes has backed Pickford, who kept a clean sheet in the EFL Cup win over Shrewsbury, ahead of today’s game at Southampton.
But he will have to add another keeper to his squad, with Under-23 keeper Max Stryjek the only other option.
It was originally feared that Mannone had suffered a fractured elbow, but, after the Italian saw a specialist, it has been confirmed as ligament damage.
“Football has lots of trials and we have another one with Vito – he has ruptured ligaments in his elbow,” confirmed Moyes.
That is disappointing for Vito, more importantly, but means we need to bring in another goalkeeper David Moyes
“We are having a second opinion to see whether it will go in a brace or need an operation, but either way it is a minimum of three months.
“That is disappointing for Vito, more importantly, but means we need to bring in another goalkeeper.
“It is part of a footballer’s life isn’t it, unfortunately. It was the last cross in training, Joel [Asoro] just caught his arm as he was pushing the ball away.
“It is always the way, it is really unfortunate.
“We will do everything we can to get him back as quickly as we can.
“As one door closes, another opens for Jordan to show his worth.
“He has to now show he is capable of wearing the gloves and carrying it off.
“I think it can be difficult for young goalkeepers because there is a lot of responsibility and at the moment we are doing more defending than I would like as well, our goalkeeper will be relied upon and needed.
“We have confidence in him – everyone likes him.
“Can he develop from the boy everyone is talking about into the top goalkeeper everybody believes he is going to become?”
One possible option is England goalkeeper Joe Hart, who is free to leave Manchester City on loan.
But the reported £7million loan fee wanted by City, plus his £125,000 a week wages would prove a major stumbling block for Sunderland and likely price them out of a move.
Moyes refused to be drawn on Hart, adding the club needs to assess what is available in the market over the coming days.
Moyes added: “I will need to wait and see what is available in the next few days.
“We will give Jordan the jersey just now and see how it goes, it is more a case of seeing what can and can’t be got.”

Sunderland forced to hunt for another goalkeeper after Vito Mannone is ruled out for three months


David Moyes has been forced to add another goalkeeper to his transfer wish-list after Vito Mannone was ruled out for three months.


Summer signing Steven Pienaar is one of the elder statesmen at Sunderland – and he is looking to pass on his experience to the club’s youngsters.
David Moyes has given youth a chance in his opening three games in charge at the Stadium of Light.
Donald Love, Lynden Gooch, Paddy McNair, Duncan Watmore and Joel Asoro have all been handed starts, with England Under-21 goalkeeper Jordan Pickford set for an extended run in the side too after Vito Mannone’s elbow injury.
Pienaar, who worked under Moyes at Everton, is enjoying the added responsibility of being one of the senior players and the 34-year-old believes the first league win isn’t far away.
Sunderland travel to Southampton tomorrow after back-to-back Premier League defeats to Manchester City and Middlesbrough.
“To come into so many young players you are thinking ‘wow’,” said Pienaar, who has signed a one-year deal.
“It is good for me, though, I can pass on my experience and tell them to be calm, in the circumstances we have only lost two games.
“Keep your head, keep going, keep putting a shift in and the hard work will pay off.
“For them, it is a good opportunity and they are doing quite well.
“We have a lot of experienced players out at the moment, so for them to get this opportunity they can only get better.”
The former Ajax star added: “The manager has given a lot of young players an opportunity to play, the manager believes in the young players.
“It is a good opportunity for them, they have to believe and know the win is not far away.”
The South African, who joined Sunderland after a successful trial, came on as a first-half sub against Boro and then started the second round EFL Cup win over Shrewsbury Town.
He admits he didn’t expect to be thrown in quite so soon given his lack of games over pre-season but injuries have forced Moyes’ hand.
“I didn’t expect it to happen so quick but I have been working hard to get up to speed,” added Pienaar.
“For me to come on in the derby, it is always good to get a feel of the club, the supporters and the stadium,.
“I enjoyed every minute of it, but it wasn’t a great result for us.
“It was a good feeling.”
Pienaar made almost 200 appearances for the Toffees over two spells and he is enjoying working with Moyes again.
“I have worked with him for so many years and I am grateful he has given me this opportunity,” added Pienaar.
“I was back home, keeping fit, training with the guys in Amsterdam and my agent phoned me up and said ‘do you fancy training with Sunderland for a few weeks?’
“I said, ‘yeah, why not’.
“I was out of contract so for me to train with a club in a professional environment was great.
“He wanted to see how fit I was too, as I hadn’t played many games the last two years.
“To work with him again is good, it is always good to work under someone you have known so long.”

Pienaar hopes to pass on his experience to Sunderland’s youngsters


Summer signing Steven Pienaar is one of the elder statesmen at Sunderland – and he is looking to pass on his experience to the club’s youngsters.


Have you noticed what a bad year for butterflies it is? There’s been a ‘perfect storm’ of a sunless summer, cool spring and mild winter, which may make 2016 the worst year for butterflies since records began in 1976.
On the other hand, there are loads of moths – apparently diamondbacks – which have appeared in 100 times the normal numbers from continental Europe in June.
Time to prune rambling roses that don't repeat flower or have hips.
They are resistant to many insecticides and feed on brassicas and oil seed rape. Their offspring should be appearing about now, so net your cabbages.
Another migrant to look out for is the silver Y moth, spotted in its thousands in the Euro 2016 final (one landed on Cristiano Ronaldo’s face). They will be blown into Britain by southerly winds.
Sir David Attenborough is urging people to take part in the Big Butterfly Count, a nationwide survey which ends tomorrow.
It’s the world’s biggest survey of butterflies, with more than 52,000 people taking part in 2015, counting over 580,000 individual butterflies and day-flying moths across the UK.
Many common species, particularly the small and large whites, the common blue and the small copper are scarce this year. There’s also been a dip in the number of meadow browns, which was third in 2015.
Experts fear that mild winters are harming populations – caterpillars which usually hibernate were seen emerging last December and were then killed off by cold weather or starvation.
All you have to do is count butterflies for 15 minutes during bright (preferably sunny) weather.
There’s an identification chart to download to help you work out which butterflies you have seen.
You can submit separate records for different dates at the same place, and for different places that you visit – and the count is useful even if you don’t see any butterflies or moths.
Send in your sightings online at www.bigbutterflycount.org or by using the free big butterfly count smartphone apps available for iOS and Android.
JOBS FOR THE WEEKEND
Rambling roses can be pruned now, once they have finished flowering.
Cutting back the foliage and stems of herbaceous plants that have already died back (e.g. Dicentra) is starting to be a priority.
Prune climbing and rambling roses that do not repeat flower or produce attractive hips, once the flowers have finished.
Take cuttings of tender perennials such as Pelargonium and Osteospermum, as soon as possible. A greenhouse, cool conservatory or a light windowsill are ideal to bring them on until they are established.
Feed containers, and even tired border perennials, with a liquid tomato food to encourage them to bloom into the early autumn.
Collect and store seed of hardy annuals and perennials for sowing later in the autumn. Good plants to try include Calendula, Nigella, Cerinthe,Papaver, Aquilegia and hardy Geranium.
Thoroughly soak drought-stressed plants and shrubs, especially newly planted ones. Use grey, recycled or stored rain water wherever possible.
Keep early-flowering shrubs such as Camellia and Rhododendron well watered during dry periods to ensure good flower bud initiation.
Top up water where necessary in ponds and water features. Aerate the water in hot sticky weather by leaving fountains on overnight.
Continue to remove blanket weed and duckweed using a net or rake.
Limit the fruits on a squash plant to about three, but make sure these fruits are established before pinching out the surplus.
Spring-sown carrots and beetroot will be ready to harvest now although they can be left in the ground to keep growing.
Continue to harvest second early potatoes now – perfect for salads.
Lift and dry onions, shallots and garlic once the foliage has flopped over and yellowed. Store them in onion bags to prevent moulds developing.
Harvest french and runner beans little and often to prevent them from setting seed.
Pick runner beans regularly to prevent them becoming stringy and to make room for developing pods. Leaving mature pods to set seed can prevent further flowers developing and reduce your crop.
CONTACT
For more on these topics, plus cook what you grow, traditional recipes, North East information, environmental news and more, log on to www.mandycanudigit.co.uk (now smartphone friendly), www.sunderlandecho.com/gardening, follow me on Twitter @MandyCanUDigIt or you can like me on Facebook at Mandycanudigit

GARDENING: ‘Perfect storm’ makes a bad year for butterflies


Have you noticed what a bad year for butterflies it is? There’s been a ‘perfect storm’ of a sunless summer, cool spring and mild winter, which may make 2016 the worst year for butterflies since records began in 1976.


There will be a vast array of vintage vehicles on display in Sunderland this bank holiday Monday.
The 32nd annual vehicle rally organised by the North East Bus Preservation Society will be held at Seaburn Recreation Park.
A vintage bus.
Vintage vehicle owners from around the country will be descending on the seafront.
It is estimated there will be around 200 vehicles on display, including vintage and veteran cars, commercial transport, fire engines, buses and coaches.
As well as the transport display, visitors will be able to ispect sales stands selling toys, models, books, photographs and transport related items.
Refreshments will also be available throughout the day, along with children’s rides and inflatables.
The event is now regarded as one of the most prestigious on the rally calendar, with many different types of vehicles represented.
It is traditionally attended by in excess of 2,000 people on the day, ranging from enthusiasts to families of all ages.
And anyone visiting rally in the past may have made use of the popular free bus service provided, travelling on both old and new vehicles.
The circular tour usually runs via Fulwell Mill, Cleadon and Whitburn, returning to Seaburn along the seafront.
The event is not just for enthusiasts, but also the family.
The event is backed by Sunderland City Council and admission is £3 for adults and £2 concessions. For more information, visit www.nebpt.co.uk

Vintage vehicles rally set for Seaburn seafront in Sunderland


There will be a vast array of vintage vehicles on display in Sunderland this bank holiday Monday.


A man is being hunted after he exposed himself before urinating down the side of the counter and on the floor of a busy McDonald's.
The incident took place at around 4.40pm on Saturday at the branch in Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough
The incident happened in full view of the restaurant, with several children there.
The suspect is described as a white male, of slim/medium build, aged in his early thirties, with fair, receding hair.
He was wearing a black jacket with a black polo shirt underneath which had white detailing on the collar and a white logo.
The man was in company with another man at the time of the incident.
Any witnesses or anyone with information regarding the identity of the man is asked to contact PC Andrew Anderson on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

A man exposed himself and urinated in front of children in town centre McDonald's


A man is being hunted after he exposed himself before urinating down the side of the counter and on the floor of a busy McDonald


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A fridge on fire in a Hartlepool home sparked an emergency repsonse from firefighters.


I laughed, I cried, and my heart swelled with pride as the true story of the Dolly Mixtures was brought to the stage.
This is the amazing tale of eight extraordinary women who came together to raise £100,000 for cancer research.
For 15 years throughout the 1970s and 1980s, they toured the male-dominated social clubs of the North East putting on shows and donating every single penny to the cause.
It started when Margaret (Patricia L Whale)’s husband and Hilda (Angela Hannon)’s brother, Ken (Steve Halliday) was diagnosed with cancer, and continued after his tragic death.
To put it into perspective, the £100,000 they raised is worth more than £1million today. That on its own is enough to make you proud of these homegrown heroes.
But this Customs House production goes so much further than that. It takes you on an overwhelming emotional rollercoaster.
The remaining Dolly Mixtures.
The Dolly Mixtures is a poignant, heart-wrenching story that really hits home.
We’ve all been touched by cancer, and this show, penned by South Tyneside duo playwright Tom Kelly and musician John Miles, is something that we can all identify with.
Right from the outset, as the on-stage band played the overture and black and white pictures of the real-life Dolly Mixtures flashed up on a giant screen, I was hooked.
Margaret and Hilda joined forces with pals Betty (Sarah Boulter), Joan (Christina Dawson), Liz (Kylie Ann Ford), Sylvia (Victoria Holtom), Jean (Samantha Phyllis Morris) and Doris (Georgia Nicholson), and did something truly amazing.
A group of ladies from South Shields, dubbed the Dolly Mixtures, raised �100,000 for cancer research by touring working men's clubs in the North East throughout the 1970s.
Each member of the strong female cast was incredible. They captured the heart and humour of the girls and their story, as well as raising plenty of laughs when they donned coats and caps to play the men running the social clubs, calling the bingo, and agents trying to profit from what they were doing.
Halliday too was wonderful as Ken. After his character’s sad passing, he stepped in to narrate the show, and every time he appeared on stage, I was overcome with emotion – simultaneously sad about his loss and happy to see him.
The show’s soundtrack is incredible. The girls had us in stitches with numbers like Squawk, Rattle and Shake and The Pheasant Plucker’s Song and fighting back tears to the likes of The Fight, Love Is A Four-Letter Word and Making A Difference – something that they really did.
But it was the touching duets from Margaret and Ken that had me in bits. I cried flood of tears as Halliday and Whale performed Always You and Say Goodbye.
The Dolly Mixtures were invited on stage with the cast to be presented with a liftetime achievement award from Cancer Research.
The infectious soundtrack had everyone tapping their toes and clapping along as the cast sung out memorable numbers like One More For The Road and One Hundred Thousand Reasons – and there really is that many reasons to love this show.
The static set was put to great use. The cast used chairs to transform the social club stage into tiny dressing rooms that they squashed into together and Hilda’s living room, where they sat together to make costumes and discuss ideas for their shows.
The musical, directed by Ray Spencer with help from choreographer Mina Anwar, is an absolute sensation that brought the packed audience to their feet in a rapturous and thoroughly-deserved standing ovation.
If I wasn’t already emotional enough, I cried even more as the surviving Dolly Mixtures were invited on stage to be presented with flowers and awards, and recognised by Cancer Research for what they did.
Hilda’s grandson, South Shields X Factor champ Joe McElderry joined them in a touching and special moment to present their prize.
This is a heart-warming true story that deserves to be shouted from the rooftops.
The Dolly Mixtures is at the Customs House.
I’ve never been so proud to be from South Tyneside.
Get tickets while you can – and take a tissue!
The Dolly Mixtures runs until Saturday, September 3. Click here to book tickets.
The Dolly Mixtures is at the Customs House.
The Dolly Mixtures is at the Customs House.
The Dolly Mixtures is at the Customs House.
The Dolly Mixtures were invited on stage with the cast to be presented with a liftetime achievement award from Cancer Research.

REVIEW: The Dolly Mixtures, The Customs House, South Shields, Until September 3


I laughed, I cried, and my heart swelled with pride as the true story of the Dolly Mixtures was brought to the stage.