They're behind you ...

Hull New Theatre is hoping to smash box office records this Christmas with the return of Cannon and Ball.
The comedy double-act will be starring in Jack and Beanstalk which runs from Thursday December 13 to Saturday January 12.
And during that time the theatre is expecting audiences from as far afield as Scarborough, Grimsby, and West Yorkshire.
Two years ago Hull New Theatre achieved record sales for a pantomime season when Cannon and Ball starred in Dick Whittington, with more than 45,000 tickets being sold during a month.
And last year's panto which was Cinderella starring the Chuckle Brothers sold even more than that.
Now the theatre team hopes this year will be even bigger.
"The quality of pantomimes in Hull has gone from strength to strength," says theatre marketing manager Marie Burkitt.
"Audiences love the sets and the performances from everybody involved."
"Cannon and Ball have been here a number of times over the years and have quite a rapport with the people of Hull."
Hull is a popular destination for the double act, who met while working together as welders in an Oldham engineering factory in the 1960s.
In those early days they played pubs and clubs in Hessle Road, before going on to become the biggest names in British show business in the 1980s and packing out venues such as the London Palladium.
"Back then we used to do the lunchtime show then wander around Hull all day waiting for the evening show," said Tommy, who lives just 40 miles away in the village of Kelfield, in between Selby and York.
"There were some tough old places to play, I can tell you! Hull's changed totally now.
Princes Quay is great and my wife and kids think The Deep is brilliant."
Joining them on stage this time round, and playing the lead role of Jack, will be Dan O'Connor who is currently starring as Ned Parker in the Australian television soap Neighbours.
For tickets and booking information please contact the Hull City Council box office on 226655

United by music

A special day-long youth music festival to combat racism will be held at Hull City Hall on December 22.
At the time this magazine was going to press, emerging Dundee-based talents The View (pictured) were confirmed as one of the headline acts along with Hull band The Paddingtons.
It is hoped more 'big name' national bands will perform at the festival for which tickets are expected to be around £5.
Up and coming local bands will also be invited to take the stage.
"Even though the festival is just a couple of days before Christmas we are still hopeful of a good turnout," says event organiser Stewart Baxter, arts development worker at The Warren youth centre.
"We're approaching well-known national bands and we hope they confirm, even if it is at short notice.
"This is just the starting point - we want to arrange more anti-racism events next year and do what we can to fight racism and celebrate diversity in Hull."
The doors open at 12 noon for workshops, stalls and gigs by local bands before the headline acts perform in the evening after 7pm.
The event has been organised in association with national campaigning body Love Music Hate Racism, and is being held with the support of Hull City Council, Hull Youth Parliament and the Wilberforce 2007 commemorative trust.
For more information call The Warren on 218115 or visit www.lovemusichateracism.com