However, it wasn’t just the acts that were impressive, it was the cars parked in the car park too, with Lamborghinis and Ferraris not out of place in the club’s heyday. 

Originally built as a country residence, Tall Trees began life far from the world of dancefloors and DJ decks.

By the 1960s, it had evolved into a small hotel, and over the decades that followed, its ambition and size grew dramatically.

Yarm Tall Trees (Image: ARCHIVE)

By the late 1980s and into the 1990s, under the ownership of businessman Javed Majid, Tall Trees had been transformed into one of the largest and most iconic entertainment complexes in the North East.

What started as a local hotel became a 120-bed leisure hub, complete with bars, lounges, event rooms, and, most famously, Club Macmillans, affectionately known as Club M.

At its peak, Club M was a 7,000-capacity dance mecca, the stuff of legend among clubbers.

It hosted the biggest DJs and events of the era, from Pete Tong and Paul Van Dyk to Eddie Halliwell, with nights curated by brands like Retro, Gatecrasher, and Goodgreef.

Home to Club Macmillans, also known affectionately as Club M, the venue attracted many big names throughout the noughties. 

This included Pete Tong, Girls Aloud, Chesney Hawkes, and many more along the way. 

Who was the owner of Yarm Tall Trees?

Javed Majid owned Tall Trees in Yarm – seeing it transform from a venue to a big hotel and nightclub, where people enjoyed a great night. 

Mr Majid was also behind another project on the Tall Trees site in 2013, when he sought planning permission to build a luxury living complex on the site, including a five-star hotel, apartments, houses, aparthotels, a restaurant, and a swimming pool. 

He later gained permission for 330 homes on the site.

What happened to Yarm Tall Trees? 

After becoming a popular place during the 90s and early 00s – in 2010, indications of the venue struggling started to come out, and it eventually closed, leading to a loss of 50 staff.

The venue was then derelict and was hit by a fire. 

Girls Aloud at Tall Trees (Image: ARCHIVE/NORTHERN ECHO)

After it was levelled to the ground, several proposals were explored for the former club site, but it was decided to use the land for houses.

The patch of land then gained planning permission for 330 homes, where Avant, Bede Homes, and Mulberry Homes are currently building. 

The former Tall Trees site is now a building development.

Retro Nights, helmed by DJ Paul Taylor, became particularly iconic.

They drew crowds not just from across Teesside but from Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, and even Scotland, a journey for house music lovers who wanted to be part of something bigger than a local night out.

Hotel and nightclub Tall Trees partly demolished (Image: ARCHIVE/NORTHERN ECHO)

Outside, the car park gleamed with Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and Rolls-Royces, while inside, the atmosphere was pure energy, strobes slicing through haze, bass reverberating through walls, and a sea of hands raised in rhythm, according to those who remember it, according to those who attended the events there.

Girls Aloud performed there during their TFM Sweet Night event, Chesney Hawkes made regular appearances, and even former Prime Minister John Major was once spotted under its lights.

By the late 2000s, the UK’s clubbing landscape was shifting.

City-centre venues in Newcastle, Manchester, and Leeds began drawing crowds away.

Housebuilding on the former Tall Trees site (Image: ARCHIVE/NORTHERN ECHO)

The golden age of superclubs faded, replaced by smaller, boutique venues or festival culture.

In 2010, after decades as the jewel of Teesside nightlife, Tall Trees closed its doors.

Fifty jobs were lost, and an entire generation mourned the end of an era.

Soon after, tragedy struck.

The empty building suffered a devastating fire, leaving it derelict.

A second fire in 2017 sealed its fate, and the once top nightclub was finally demolished.

Tall Trees in Yarm (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Javed Majid wasn’t content to let the site fade quietly.

In 2013, he proposed an ambitious redevelopment, a five-star hotel, apartments, restaurants, and a swimming pool, but plans evolved, and ultimately, permission was granted for a 330-home housing estate.

Today, the site is home to developments by Avant Homes, Mulberry Homes, and Bede Homes.

The crowds in Tall Trees in Yarm (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Though Tall Trees no longer stands, its legend continues to thrive online.

Social media pages like Knights of the Turntable are filled with grainy videos, flyers, and stories of unforgettable nights.

A resurfaced MTV Dance video from 1998, featuring June Sarpong alongside DJs Kenny Carpenter and Angel Moraes, recently reignited those memories, with comments pouring in from former clubbers recalling the coaches lined up in the car park and the electric buzz of anticipation before the doors opened.

As one fan put it: “It wasn’t just a club, it was an institution. The best in the country at the time.”

A really busy week cosmically with the aftermath of Valentine’s, a New Moon in Aquarius plus a solar eclipse and the start of Pisces season, which is the finale of the astrological year.

Relationship echoes and reflections, closure and final conclusions, invigoration and innovation of thought and ideas.

Your mind might be whirring and stirring, working overtime to keep up with all of this mental processing.

So… let’s use the tarot to ask what is ending and what is beginning for you in this pivotal week ahead.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

Tarot card for Aries for this week: Seven of Swords

Meaning: The end of the age of innocence when it comes to a person or situation that you truly hoped was going to treat you well, but deep down you’re realising it is not. Don’t panic or stress because this is a good thing.

Once you see this whole game clearly, you realise the role you’ve been designated, and you know it is simply not for you. This is something to step back from. And the even better news is that you can now divert and refocus your precious, wholesome, high-vibration energy into more aligned things that will bring you the rewards you deserve. Transfer your power consciously and deliberately.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

Tarot card for Taurus for this week: Knight of Cups

Meaning: One romantic or deep friendship connection withers on the vine, while another one takes root and starts to grow to the point it becomes visible. So, don’t linger where your affections aren’t wholly reciprocated. You’re ruled by Venus and too loving and precious to waste being used in a dead-end relationship.

Know your worth. Know your needs and deal breakers. If this is a flawed romantic bond, move back from it. Others are queueing to get to know you. If it’s a friendship, simply invest with a different circle for a while. See what happens when your attention is elsewhere — that’s the real acid test.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

Tarot card for Gemini for this week: King of Wands

Meaning: The end of one wild adventure and the beginning of another. You always have a million things on the boil so you’re not fazed by the decline of a project or purpose, because it only means there’s room for one more.

A goal you held is ending, maybe nearing completion or you’re realising it’s not as relevant or resonant as it once was. You adapt, you flex, you shift and pivot. A new adventure is calling, possibly linked to travel, creativity, education or lifestyle. Tune in, take charge, draft a plan and take a first step this week. One in, one out.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

Tarot card for Cancer for this week: The Hanged Man

Meaning: A major blockage is going to move the heck out of your way, at long last! And the key to it is not forcing things any longer, not even looking at it. Go off, do something else, be distracted… and magically not only will you care much less and think differently about this whole thing, but things will change without your glare of attention on it.

The limbo is over. The stagnation is done. So, get ready to leap into action because you’re making up for lost time and energy, it feels good to be moving again.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

Tarot card for Leo for this week: Eight of Cups

Meaning: You are ready to admit defeat. You are going to pull out of something that has not panned out. Your pride is dented ever so slightly, hence why you kept pretending all was well, but enough is enough. And, Leo, I applaud you because it takes guts to admit you’re wrong… and the Universe agrees.

The minute you cut off this dead wood, you will feel nothing but relief and liberation, and that renewed vibration will attract a slew of new opportunities, invitations, attentions, and attractions. You will end the week glowing and vibing on a high level! So get to it. Chop and change.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

Tarot card for Virgo for this week: Five of Cups

Meaning: A period of mourning, grieving or regretting is coming to a close, and with it a sense of peace and ‘it is what it is and it’s okay’. You’ve changed, absorbed, processed, and accepted what has happened. This may have been something from long ago even — after all, the grief cycle is circular and eternal, right?

What starts now is a renewal of optimism, faith and self belief. You know you’ve endured a hardship, survived, and thrived. You feel stronger, wiser, more capable, and ready to flex those new muscles and test them out. Life doesn’t faze you. Get busy living.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

Tarot card for Libra for this week: Eight of Wands

Meaning: One social circle or connection, that has served you well and provided ample events, gossip, intrigue and opportunity, is withering on the vine. You sense things have shifted, the mood is different, the attention level is not what it was. All relationships and circles have a season… and many don’t last beyond it.

Recognise this and start to look about for a new circle or person or activity or hobby… keep your eyes peeled for where you’re being intrigued and called to next, because it’s already going to be in sight. Within two months, you will be firmly and happily embroiled in a new group, feeling wanted and rewarded, and that is just what you deserve. Accept nothing less.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

Tarot card for Scorpio for this week: The Lovers

Meaning: This card often signals a love triangle, a temptation, a distraction from the straight and narrow that is proving impossible to ignore. So, perhaps this week you will act on this impulse and find out whether the attractive new option is better, or not, than where you’re at. This might be in a relationship setting, might also be in work, family, home, or money.

Be mindful of what you’re trading or swapping, be aware of the consequences of disloyalty to any degree, act with fairness and integrity. What you do here will impact others. This is about where you fit in and serve, and maybe something is ready for refreshing or renewal, but maybe that is best done within the current parameters rather than escaping to new ones!

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

Tarot card for Sagittarius for this week: Page of Cups

Meaning: A fledgling friendship, flirtation, project or creative idea is moving from your imagination and fantasy realm into real life. The wondering is over… and the finding out is beginning. Will it stand up to pressure? Is it real? Can it work? Don’t stay in fantasy mode, move into action mode and answer these questions.

You are a unique character able to manifest your ideas and visions easily and with flair and style. You move effortlessly from the mental to physical realm, always armed with good fortune and optimism. Start this new ‘thing’ enthusiastically, breathe life into your imaginings…

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 21

Tarot card for Capricorn for this week: Two of Coins

Meaning: The end of a dry spell, a fallow period, a time of lack and abstaining. Abundance is back! You can have it all. So, stop worrying and focusing on what you haven’t got (enough of) and welcome in what there is in your vicinity. Be open-hearted and expansive. Say yes.

Suddenly, the tables turn and you find all manner of new invitations, openings and opportunities are coming at you, like a green light has been switched on (spiritually, it has). This is a week to build, prosper and achieve. Say yes to life.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 22 to February 19

Tarot card for Aquarius for this week: Queen of Coins

Meaning: You are pivoting from apprentice to master. You are stepping up and taking responsibility and leaving behind the phase where you got to ask all the questions… now you’re the one who has to answer them!

This might manifest as a promotion, new role, change in relationship or home dynamics, shift in a family bond. It’s like moving into adult/parent mode after childhood. That’s an empowering thing, and you’re ready to use your newfound confidence and accountability to make the decisions you think are shrewd and positive. Show them what you can achieve when you’re in charge.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

Tarot card for Pisces for this week: Two of Cups

Meaning: The end of singledom, feeling isolated or lonely, being estranged from someone or losing the thread of your most important relationship’s core. You are back in business.

The Two of Cups sees you falling in love, healing the rift, coming back together stronger than ever, and creating a lasting bond, mutually adoring, with someone dear to you. This is truly, possibly, your best ever Valentine’s aftermath. Lean in and be romantic and loving! Fall (deeper) in love and revel in Cupid’s afterglow of celebrations.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Kerry King has been reading, teaching and creating tarot for 30 years. Join her magical, exclusive Tarot Club for forecasts, predictions, lessons and readings straight to your inbox. Enjoy one month free for all Metro readers (no lock-in or commitment) over on Patreon.

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

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The character will be joining the likes of Moth and Toastie, in the hopes of being crowned the next champion of the comical ITV singing show.

The trio will be performing for one last time in front of judges Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, Mo Gilligan and Maya Jama.

Whoever claims victory, will be following in the footsteps of Frozen musical star Samantha Barks, who won last year’s series as Pufferfish.

All the reasons Conkers on The Masked Singer is this ITV star

However, in the final moments leading up to The Masked Singer final 2026, viewers have been sharing all the reasons they think Conkers is none other than an ITV legend.

Taking to Reddit, many have said that the finalist could be This Morning presenter Ben Shephard.

Someone wrote in the subreddit r/themaskedsingerUK: “Conkers is probably the most divisive finalist we’ve ever had in terms of guess variety. Tom Daley, Ben Shephard, Perri Kiely, Sam Thompson, Mat Baynton, Mark Owen, someone from Corrie (and knowing this sub, Shearsmith, Farnaby and Le Bon).

“I thought I’d make a compilation – a conkilation, if you will – about why I think Conkers could be Ben Shephard.”

Just some of the suggested clues leading to their confident guess included:

• Keys – Ben was a guest on Through the Keyhole
• Tripped over – he has also been the host of Tripping Point since 2012
• Heart made of Lego – Ben has a cameo in The Lego Ninjago Movie
• Drumsticks – hosted Phil Collins: One Night Only
• Set the bar low – a link to his friendship with Gary Barlow, climbing Kilimanjaro with him and appearing in his ITV Wine Tour series
• Sam’s Tavern songs – Ben has presented many music TV and radio shows, plus his son is called Sam

The profile added: “To Conclude, the biggest pointers towards Ben for me are the Tipping Point terms, and references to Friends, Jenni Falconer, Cold Feet, Bigger Breakfast, and Heat Radio. All too niche to be red herrings for someone the panel haven’t guessed yet.”

This person agreed: “I’ve been shouting “it’s Ben Shepard!” at the tv since Conkers first came on. And the panel guesses are seriously winding me up.”

Another wrote: “Ben did a Christmas Day in the sea of Cornwall in 2024, that might explain the splash clue. The Wheel of Fortune ‘getting cold feet’ also fits.”

However, many argued it could also be Tom Daley or Mark Owen from Take That.

As one account said: “It’s Tom Daley, the stars on screen for 1 gold, 1 Silver and 3 Bronze are what he’s won at the Olympics.”

Meanwhile, a user commented: “I think it’s Mark Owen from Take That. I get your points though.”

Recommended reading:

Who do you think Conkers is on The Masked Singer? There’s not long to go until we find out.

Let us know if you think the clues so far hint at the identity of Ben Shephard, Tom Daley or Mark Owen, by leaving a comment below.

The Masked Singer 2026 final airs on ITV1 and ITVX from 7pm tonight.

The winner of the competition will be crowned UK Town of Culture 2028 and receive a £3 million prize

Locals in a Cambridgeshire town say “it would be a real boost” if their town was chosen as the UK Town of Culture.

St Neots has recently announced its campaign to become the first UK Town of Culture in 2028. The programme will be led by Neotists CIC, a local cultural organisation, who aim to work with partners across St Neots and the wider local region to develop a bid that reflects the town’s identity.

Sir Phil Redmond, the UK Town of Culture Chair will lead an expert panel, judging towns on the way they’ll tell their unique story, how they’ll bring everyone in a community together, and how towns will deliver on their vision. The strongest bids will progress to a shortlist, with each shortlisted town receiving £60,000 to help deliver their full bids for the competition.

Three finalists with one small, one medium, one large town will be chosen and the winner will be crowned UK Town of Culture 2028 and receive a £3 million prize. The two runners-up will also each receive £250,000 to deliver elements of their bid.

We spoke with some locals to find their views on the bid, and what it could mean for the town.

Peter Alsop, who is 82-years-old lives in St Neots. He said: “I think it helps the town to progress, and also that it’s nice for the youngsters and people to be proud of their town.”

He added: “It is a nice little town, it has got most things that you want, and a lot of elderly people, and they seem to be putting more and more elderly people into this area.”

Peter said that once a new dual carriageway opens -which is currently under construction near St Neots and towards Cambridge, he thinks “people will move out of Cambridge, and they will come this way because it is cheaper for them and secondly if they can get into Cambridge, it will be as quick as if they lived in Cambridge.”

A 40-year-old lady who wished to remain anonymous has lived in St Neots for over 20 years and works at a local business. She said: “The town has loads of character. It has got lots of nice little independent shops, and I think it would be a real boost for the town.”

She continued to say that she hopes it will make an impact on the town, and be “just another thing to make it nice.” Her favourite attribute about the town is “how friendly the people are”.

David Horry, who is 82, has lived in St Neots for over two years. He said that he believes it could make a big difference to the town, and said that “it might bring more shops in, and might bring them [people] in.” If St Neots win, he said it would make him proud to live there.

David said that the town is “lovely compared to what we were used to, because we were out in the country and when we wanted to do something, we had to get in the car, and now we don’t.”

He continued: “It’s perfect. Everything is all here together. There’s a lovely market – it’d rather be a big market, but it’s winter.”

Mohammed Hussan, who is 39-years-old and runs a business in St Neots said that he is unsure whether they can win but if so “it would make me proud and would be good.” He continued: “The people are nice, and the customers are friendly.”

Is pre-rinsing plates really necessary?

The dishwasher can be a genuine source of debate in households. From what’s suitable to put inside, to how frequently it should be run, there’s plenty to argue about.

One of the recurring questions that arises is whether plates and dishes require rinsing beforehand, with families often divided on the matter. That’s why I approached the experts to settle the debate definitively.

Ian Palmer-Smith, appliance repair expert at Domestic & General, revealed that pre-rinsing is “one of the biggest myths” surrounding the dishwasher, reports the Express.

He explained: “In reality, this uses extra unnecessary hot water and typically won’t improve the results.

“Modern dishwashers use high temperatures designed to break down stubborn stains with little trouble so pre-rinsing plates is a bit like hand washing your car before taking it to the car wash.

“You can save water and skip the pre-rinse; pre-rinsing dishes before putting them in the dishwasher can waste around 1,115 litres of water each year!”

The cleaning products and detergents used in dishwashers perform more effectively on dirty dishes because the enzymes in the detergent are formulated to latch onto grime and be washed away. Ian said: “If dishes are thoroughly rinsed, they have nothing to attach to.

“However, if you have a pan with some burnt-on food residue it can be a good idea to give it a soak beforehand. Not scraping away any food before putting items in the dishwasher can cause clogs and eventually need a dishwasher repair.”

David Miloshev, an appliance technician at Fantastic Services, concurred that pre-rinsing is unnecessary for most modern dishwashers.

He explained: “Most current dishwashers and detergents are designed to work with food residue, using sensors that detect how dirty the water is and adjust cycle length, temperature and water usage accordingly.

“When the dishes are rinsed, the dishwasher can assume the load is lightly soiled and shorten the cycle, which can result in not fully removing the grease or dried-on residue.”

He agreed with Ian that dishes should be scraped rather than rinsed.

He added: “Large food scraps, bones, toothpicks or fibrous leftovers should be removed to prevent clogging the filters and spray arms, which is a common service issue with dishwashers. In cases where the food is likely to harden for many hours before a wash cycle runs, a light rinse can help prevent stubborn buildup, but it should be minimal.”

If you’ve ever wondered, you’re not alone – and the answer might surprise you.

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The dishwasher often sparks debate in households, from what items are suitable for cleaning to how frequently it should be used.

A particularly divisive question is whether crockery and dishes require rinsing beforehand, with families frequently divided on the matter. To settle this once and for all, I consulted the experts.

Ian Palmer-Smith, appliance repair specialist at Domestic & General, described pre-rinsing as “one of the biggest myths” surrounding dishwasher use, reports the Express.

He said: “In reality, this uses extra unnecessary hot water and typically won’t improve the results.

Modern dishwashers use high temperatures designed to break down stubborn stains with little trouble so pre-rinsing plates is a bit like hand washing your car before taking it to the car wash.

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“You can save water and skip the pre-rinse; pre-rinsing dishes before putting them in the dishwasher can waste around 1,115 litres of water each year!”

The cleaning products and detergents utilised in dishwashers perform more effectively on soiled dishes because the enzymes in the soap are formulated to latch onto grime and be washed away. Ian explained: “If dishes are thoroughly rinsed, they have nothing to attach to.

“However, if you have a pan with some burnt-on food residue it can be a good idea to give it a soak beforehand. Not scraping away any food before putting items in the dishwasher can cause clogs and eventually need a dishwasher repair.”

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David Miloshev, an appliance technician at Fantastic Services, concurred that pre-rinsing isn’t needed for most contemporary dishwashers.

He explained: “Most current dishwashers and detergents are designed to work with food residue, using sensors that detect how dirty the water is and adjust cycle length, temperature and water usage accordingly. When the dishes are rinsed, the dishwasher can assume the load is lightly soiled and shorten the cycle, which can result in not fully removing the grease or dried-on residue.”

He shared Ian’s view that dishes ought to be scraped instead of rinsed.

He added: “Large food scraps, bones, toothpicks or fibrous leftovers should be removed to prevent clogging the filters and spray arms, which is a common service issue with dishwashers. In cases where the food is likely to harden for many hours before a wash cycle runs, a light rinse can help prevent stubborn buildup, but it should be minimal.”

At least 32 people have been killed after gunmen launched simultaneous attacks on three separate communities in northern Nigeria, police have said.

Tunga-Makeri, Konkoso, and Pissa, all located in the Borgu area of Niger state, were targeted in dawn raids on Saturday.

Six people died in the assault on Tunga-Makeri, Niger State police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun said, adding that it was not clear how many people had been abducted.

Mr Abiodun said that Konkoso was also attacked, but gave no other details.

He did say that security teams have been sent to the scene and a rescue operation for those who were abducted was under way.

Abdullahi Adamu, from Konkoso, said 26 people were killed in the attack there, describing how the attackers were “operating freely without the presence of any security”.

Security is deteriorating in the northern part of the West African country, where killings and kidnappings for ransom have been carried out by both Islamic militants and armed gangs.

Earlier this month, 162 people died in an attack in neighboring Kwara State.

In recent months, the US government has accused Nigerian authorities of not protecting Christians, although attacks affect both Christians and Muslims.

The two nations have set up a security partnership which saw Washington carry out strikes on armed groups in Nigerian territories in December, and a US military force being deployed to the country.

Now, one resident of Chassen Road, Bolton, has received an update from United Utilities saying the issue will not be fixed until November of this year – more than a year since the problem first appeared.

Residents have also experienced problems with the plastic barricade surrounding the sinkhole, which has been blowing into the road and people’s gardens, leaving the area exposed.

Resident Dominic Parmenter said: “The stuff they put around it is always flying off and blowing away.

“The hole isn’t even completely covered.

“We’ve already had quite a bit of wind and rain this year, so the plastic has been blowing into the street.”

A recent sinkhole on Mytham Road, Little Lever necessitated the digging up of a significant portion of the road (Image: David Meehan)

The problem first appeared on the road around September/October 2025, according to Dominic.

The issue was reported, and around two days later workers from United Utilities came to dig up the road, putting the plastic barricade around the site of the collapse.

But no work took place until Wednesday this week. On Wednesday, United Utilities workers came to investigate the issue on Chassen Road.

A United Utilities spokesperson said: “This is a complex issue, and we have carried out extensive investigations.

“The position of the highway gully and a water main means that repairs are required to reposition the infrastructure.

“We are in touch with the highways authority to agree next steps for this – we apologise to residents for the inconvenience.”

An email was erroneously sent to one resident that stated the work would not be completed until November 12, 2026, but it should have read February 12, 2026.

A nearby manhole was checked and found to be flowing as usual and the sewer water was clear with no signs of blockage.

The work has now been passed back over to the Bolton Highways team.

Airbourne Colours, based at the airport, painted an Airbus A320-200 for Brussels Airlines donned with the Belgian favourite Tintin.

The project, which took 14 days to complete, marks the sixth “special livery” job Airbourne Colours has completed for Brussels Airlines. It is also the first project the company has caried out from Teesside.

One side of the aircraft features Tintin and the Moon, while the other shows Snowy and Captain Haddock.

The aircraft’s inaugural commercial flight was scheduled yesterday (February 13) to Milan, which is hosting the ongoing Winter Olympics.

Airbourne Colours Chief Executive Steven Darbyshire said: “We have built a strong and trusted relationship with Brussels Airlines over the years, and we are extremely proud to have delivered another bold and eye-catching special livery for the airline.

“It’s fantastic to see our Teesside team rising to the challenge on a project of this scale and profile. It shows the skill, precision and passion we have here, and we look forward to continuing with our partnership with Brussels Airlines on future projects.”

After establishing its first site at Teesside in 2024, the company expanded its operations at the airport late last year, opening a second 27,000sq ft facility and creating more jobs.

Teesside Airport Managing Director Phil Forster said: “This is another fantastic example of the work Airbourne Colours do.

“To see such a striking aircraft painted here underlines the capability and expertise we host.

“The company has made a big commitment to Teesside Airport, and this is another great example of the kind of high quality, global work now happening here day in, day out.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen added: “To see Airbourne Colours and their trainees work on this aircraft at Teesside is another feather in the cap for both the firm and our brilliant airport.

“Airbourne Colours has been a great addition to Teesside – creating jobs, training new staff and welcoming aircraft from around the world.

“We’re looking forward to the firm having even more names from across Europe and worldwide landing and flying off from Teesside.”

The two other boys were charged with conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm. They appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court and Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court respectively on Saturday, 14 February. They have been remanded into youth detention and will both appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday, 17 February.