Iain was impressed to see a new sculpture this week based on Hartlepool's history and legend.

The sculpture entitled The Hartlepool Tale is a bronze sculpture of a stag with a monkey on its back that is holding a cod.

The sculpture is currently on diplay at Hartlepool Art Gallery, in Church Street and creator Julia Wager is hoping that a larger life size version could be built and installed at a location somewhere in the town.

Iain is supporting the idea and said

"I think the sculpture is great and it is an interesting take on what is our civic symbol.

"We have to appreciate in the current climate, there will be no public money available for this sort of thing, but I hope private and corporate sponsors may be able to assist."

Judging took place this weekend of the annual Miss Carnival Queen Competition at a packed Headland Social Club.

Iain was part of a panel of five who had a tough job of judging the ten young women who took part. The panel also comprised of Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council, Cllr Carl Richardson, Carnival King, Mark Lupton, his daughter and Carnival Queen 2009, Chelsea Lupton and Hartlepool Mail reporter Emma Greenhalgh.

They gave points out of 10 for looks, personality and appearance which were added up to reveal the overall winner.

A delighted Adele McFarlane, 18 walked away with the crown and a £50 cash prize.

Iain said

"I thought it was very competitive and very close this year. All the contestants conducted themselves with real panache and dignity and it's a great event on the Headland".

Iain was on hand on Saturday morning to open the Town Centre Communities Family Fun Day held at Burn Valley Gardens.

The free event was planned by a sub-committee comprising representatives of the Burn Valley North Residents’ Association, Oxford Road Residents’ Association and committee members from St Matthew’s Hall, with support from Irene Cross, Hartlepool Council’s Central Neighbourhood Development Officer.

There was a variety of attractions and activities, including children’s rides, a bouncy castle, a climbing wall, Punch and Judy shows, arts and crafts, face painting, cake stalls, a tombola and raffles.

A range of organisations such as Cleveland Police, Cleveland Fire Brigade, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Community Safety Team and the Health Trainers were also represented on the day. Also supporting the event were a number of businesses from the area and local charities.