OF all the stories I've covered over 35 years in newspapers, there are two which cry out for an ending more loudly than any others I can think of.

The first is the murder of 44-year-old Ann Heron while she sunbathed at home on the outskirts of Darlington on August 3, 1990. The second is the disappearance, and suspected murder, of 35-year-old chef Claudia Lawrence, who was last seen on March 18, 2009, in Heworth, York.

Over the past few years, I've become friends with Claudia's mum Joan, who was born in Darlington and married to Claudia's father Peter at the town's All Saints Church.

I have come to marvel at how Joan, the Mayor of Malton, in North Yorkshire, is trying to live as normal a life as people despite being lost in the tragedy of her unbearable situation.

I know how much it helps Joan to know that she is doing her best to keep the memory of Claudia alive, hoping that someone, somewhere, will remember something which leads to a conclusion. And she finds particular comfort from the people of Darlington, her home town, to which she regular returns to meet up with friends.

I received a card from Joan last week after she had been my guest at a choral evening, featuring Northern Voices and Darlington Operatic Society, to raise awareness of the importance of St Cuthbert's Church in Darlington.

"Thank you so much for a wonderful concert. I felt so privileged to be there in that very special church which must be preserved for the people of Darlington and for generations to come.

"The music was so uplifting. Thank you all for your love and support - it gives me strength and courage to get through each day. I will never give up hope."

Plans are now afoot to arrange a special Christmas service for Claudia at All Saints Church in Darlington. Details will be announced soon but it is my sincere hope that the people of Darlington turn out in force.

Imagine what it must be like to wake up every day for six years, not knowing what has happened to a loved one - and keep Claudia and her family in your thoughts.

RICHARD Critchlow is a proud dad - and he has every right to be.

Richard, of Borrowby, near Thirsk, got in touch to tell me about his 12-year-old son Jack's efforts on behalf of Syrian refugees.

When he saw that heartbreaking image of three-year-old Aylan Kurdi, lying lifeless on a Turkish beach, Jack went into his room and composed a moving song.

Richard posted a recording onto Facebook and such was the response that it was properly recorded and used to raise money. You can watch Jack sing his brilliant song on www.northernecho.co.uk and make a donation at www.justgiving.com/JackCritchlow/ At the time of writing, Jack has raised £770 - and that makes him my star of the week,

LOCAL Heroes, our annual event aimed at celebrating the stars of grass roots sport, was launched at the weekend and takes place at the Dolphin Centre in Darlington on December 10.

In 16 years, it has never failed to move and inspire people and this year will be no different.

If you know someone who deserves recognition for their contribution to sport at the grass roots, please get in touch with me.

THANK you to those who got in touch to point out my mistake when I sang the praises of Brendan Foster in an editorial comment last week.

In calling for Brendan to be given a knighthood for his vision in creating the world's greatest half-marathon, the Great North Run, I got carried away and claimed he'd won a gold medal in the 1976 Olympics in Montreal. It was, in fact, a bronze.

No medals for accuracy for me but bronze, silver or gold, it should still be Sir Bren.

A HUMBLE apology is owed to this fine body of athletic, young men.

The Northern Echo:

There may not be a Sir Bradley Wiggins amongst them but the Darlington Rotary Club cyclists deserve huge credit for completed a gruelling 250 miles from Glasgow to Penrith.

Under the leadership of Nigel Little and Peter Philips, and with an average age of 62, they raised £10,760 for local and international causes - and that is a magnificent effort.

Some took the wrong road at times, a couple ran into the back of the support vehicle, and one or two took a tumble, including Mike Airey, who broke his hip and ended up in hospital.

Sadly, news of their fundraising efforts somehow went astray amid the snowstorm of press releases which overwhelm our offices each day and, up to now, The Northern Echo has failed to give them due credit.

Hopefully, it is a case of better late than never in recycling old news.