Byker Grove

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Byker Grove, the ground breaking children's programme set in Newcastle, has been axed by the BBC after 17 years, 18 series and 344 episodes.

The final series of the show will be broadcast on CBBC One in September 2006.

In the North East there's great sadness about the announcement, especially as the series is the region's only 'Geordie soap opera'.

Stars of the future

Byker Grove was created in Autumn 1989 and has been the breeding ground for many future TV stars including Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, who played the characters PJ and Duncan.

Ant and Dec made their TV debut in the series before moving on to become two of television's most popular presenters.

Other future stars who got their break on the show were Donna Air and Jill Halfpenny.

There were also many favourites amongst the cast including Andrew Hayden Smith, Paul Meynell (Stumpy) and the Beebe twins.

The show was unusual for its time because it tackled serious issues such as teenage pregnancy, abortion, drug addiction, and child abuse.

But children's television is changing, and it's time to say goodbye to the cast of Byker Grove for good.

But before we do, Inside Out goes behind the scenes of the show and talks to Andrew Hayden Smith, one of Byker Grove's most popular stars talking about life behind the scenes of the show.

Chris Jackson's Byker Grove memories...

Inside Out presenter Chris Jackson has his own Byker Grove memories - he made a fleeting appearance on the show in 1989.

For the first time Chris reveals all...

"What started as an innocent gesture to help out a friend ended up with me in a clown suit.

"A friend working on Byker Grove mentioned they were short of extras for a scene being filmed and would I be interested.

"In Ricky Gervais style it seemed like a good opportunity to see how TV is made and earn a few bob.

Recognise this clown? Chris Jackson on his Byker debut

"You'll just be told to stand somewhere and look busy," I was informed - what could possibly go wrong?

"It wasn't until I was asked to go to make-up that it dawned on me - all was not as it seemed.

"Once the red nose was painted on I knew I was in deeper than I wanted.

"Baggy pants - size 20 shoes and a rainbow wig.

"If that wasn't bad enough the producer who didn't know I'd literally been dragged in off the street asked if I could juggle and ride a unicycle.

"To be honest I was too ashamed ever to watch the episode go out - so I don't even know if my moment of glory appeared in the final cut."

Links relating to this story:

• BBC Tyne - Byker Grove
• BBC Inside Out Photo Gallery - Byker Grove
• BBC Byker Grove
  
• BBC CBBC - End of Byker Grove

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Durham Miners' Gala

Gala day - mining families enjoy the atmosphere in Durham

Inside Out revisits the Durham Miners' Gala and looks back at a great North East institution.

Coal was once king in the North East of England, fuelling heavy industries like steel and engineering.

Away from the pit face, miners' galas were a great social occasion in the region, providing a chance for the workers to enjoy a day out with their families.

The miners met everyone from the surrounding villages, many of whom they only saw once a year.

The biggest of all was the Durham Miners' Gala which became a national institution, and remains an important date in the North's calendar.

The Durham Miners’ Gala was first held in Wharton Park, Durham in 1871 by the Durham Miners’ Association.

Often called 'The Big Meeting' or the 'Durham Big Meeting' by Durham miners and their families, the Gala featured an impressive parade of brass bands and colourful banners.

The Durham Miners' parade

The Gala reflected the solidarity and culture of the miners who toiled hard and long hours underground.

It also took on a political slant, incorporating speeches by prominent Labour politicians.

Today the coal mining industry is almost extinct in the North with only a handful of pits still producing what was once called 'the black diamond'.

Watch miners enjoying a day out at the Durham Gala in the film Like A Candyman's Trumpet, which also features scenes of miners relaxing with their families at Durham Racecourse.

Play video clips of the miners and the crowds at the Durham Miners' Gala in 1967 in the BBC documentary Like A Candyman's Trumpet.

Links relating to this story:

• BBC Nation on Film
  
• BBC Wear - Durham Miners' Gala 2006
• Durham Miners' Gala
• Durham Mining Museum

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites

The Meadowell Riots

Up in smoke - the Meadowell riot. Image - AP Press.

Today Meadowell estate in North Shields looks much healthier than it did a decade and a half ago when it was devastated by some of the worst rioting ever seen in the UK.

Since the riots in 1992, the Meadowell estate has received substantial amounts of government regeneration money, but many of its residents are still on low wages or benefits.

With the 15th anniversary of the riots in September 2006 looming, Inside Out asks how life has changed for the residents.

In particular we look at how young people are dealing with life on the estate, and we ask if the future looks brighter for a new generation of teenagers?

Links relating to this story:

• BBC Tyne - Meadowell Riots
• North Tyneside Council

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites