From this newspaper 100 years ago. - A singular accident happened at Redcar on Wednesday to a boy, aged 15, named Harry Boyle, of Leeds, a visitor staying at the Swan Hotel. With his sister he was digging holes in the sand, and when they had got three or four feet down they resolved to join the two holes by a tunnel. This completed, the lad crept down to go through it, when the mass of sand fell on him, and he was practically buried, with his feet sticking out. An alarm was quickly raised, and with assistance the lad was got out, but in an unconscious state. Sergt Mennil happened to be near, and by artificial respiration managed to restore his breathing before the arrival of Dr de Legh, who, with Dr Mackinlay, attended to him. The boy, nevertheless, remained in a dangerous state for over an hour. During the excitement whilst the boy was dug out, a lady lost her purse containing £10.

From this newspaper 50 years ago. - The medical officer of health to the Leyburn Rural Council, in his report for the year 1952, describes the abattoir at Leyburn, in spite of minor improvements, as "totally unsuitable for the killing and inspection of meat." His report adds: "It appears that very little improvement can be hoped for until the central administration decides what its slaughtering and meat distribution is going to be."

From this newspaper 25 years ago. - The story of the 1978 cricket season is the dramatic introduction of the Darlington batsman John Lister to first class cricket. A month ago he was playing with his club in the North Yorkshire and South Durham League, one of several youngsters in the local competition showing promise. Then, out of the blue, Derbyshire contacted him, tried him out, and they have now offered him a contract for next season. He has been pushed into county cricket without even experience at Minor County level, played three championship matches and one John Player League game, and had scored 137 runs, including 48 against Warwickshire and 41 off the Essex attack. He hit England pace man Bob Willis for a couple of fours when opening, and took 13 in an over off the international Essex speed bowler John Lever. Now he is back home working again for his father in Darlington Market, and will sign the contract with Derbyshire. "It will be a tough life with the county, but I'm determined to make a go of it," he said.