LOOKING back to the week that was December 11 to 17, ten years ago...

A FIVE-YEAR-OLD snooker prodigy tipped as a future world champion was to take on legends of the game in a showcase match, in December 2013.

Beau Thirsk may have picked up a cue for the first time only a year previously, but he was already potting balls at will, wowing seasoned professionals and club players alike.

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The youngster was preparing to team up with seven-time world champion Steve Davis for a challenge match against the Jimmy 'The Whirlwind' White and a lucky member of the audience at Spennymoor leisure centre, in County Durham.

The Snooker Legends match, on Thursday, January 23, 2014, held no fear for the little left-hander, as he had already taken on Davis and world number five Stephen Maguire.

Beau, of Belmont, Durham City, and a pupil at St Joseph's RCVA Primary School, in Gilesgate, said he enjoyed potting balls, using his specially made cue – which was inscribed with his name.

His father, Jonny Thirsk, said: "He started playing pool last year.

"I realised he had quite a talent. I could see he had a good queuing action."

A woman who completed a charity trek across the Sahara raised more than £2,000, in December 2013.

Jane Thornton, 22, from Bedale, prepared for the walk by covering miles on foot on the rural roads near her family's farm.

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She had been working for the Co-op store in Bedale for four years and decided to embark on the four-day North African challenge to raise money for the store's adopted charity, the Carers Trust.

She said: "It provides support and aid for those who have to care for others, especially younger people who look after a disabled parent or sibling. The trust also helps them have a childhood too."

Ms Thornton covered a variety of terrain during the trek, including huge sand dunes, and visited a Nomad school.

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A firefighter was injured when masonry fell on him as he tackled a major blaze following an arson attack on a Victorian building, in December 2013.

A row of shops in Stanley, County Durham, was severely damaged by the fire, which police believed was started deliberately just before 7am in December 11, 2013.

The injured firefighter was treated at hospital for severe bruising to his leg after debris fell on him.