Youngsters step in to help with Tall Ships countdown YOUNG sailing enthusiasts had to step into the breach to unveil the countdown clock for the arrival of the Tall Ships Races 2010.

Hartlepool-born Countdown and Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling was scheduled to undertake the honour, but had to pull out at the last minute.

Consequently, organisers called on members of the Orcel Sea Training group to unveil the screen.

The clock marks 400 days until the town hosts the Tall Ships event, when up to 100 ships and a million visitors are expected to visit the town.

Hartlepool Mayor Stuart Drummond, who assisted with the switch-on, said: “Jeff got in touch to explain that his ten-year-old son, Robbie, fell badly while at school and suffered a broken nose and other facial injuries.

“Yesterday was the first day he could be operated on and obviously Jeff wanted to be by his side.

“We fully understand the situation and sincerely hope that Robbie makes a speedy and full recovery. We were delighted that the young people from Orcel Sea Training agreed to step in.

“The Tall Ships Races is all about creating sail training opportunities for young people, so it is great to have them on board.”

The countdown came on the eve of the town’s two-day Dockfest event.

Highlights of the festival, at the marina, will include performances by The Lightning Seeds and comedian Sean Lock.

The event is a dry run to see how the town will cope with the Tall Ships event.

Tickets are not needed for today’s event. For free tickets for tomorrow’s shows, call 01429-890000 between 10am and 4.30pm.

All remaining tickets will be released tomorrow at Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience – from noon for the 4.30pm show and from 3pm for the 7.30pm show.

The town will welcome the Tall Ships fleet between August 7 and 10, next year. The vessels will have sailed from Kristiansand, in Norway, in the second and final race.

The town’s Tall Ships website is at hartlepooltallships2010.com.