TEN years ago, this week, the Northern Echo reported on an investigation into how a paedophile used council and lottery grants to gain access to vulnerable children.

Richard McGuire used thousands of pounds in funding for his Dragon House Training, based at the Middlesbrough Council-run TAD Centre to take boys on out-of-school activities.

The 44-year-old bought drink and drugs to lure boys to his home where he paid them to do chores. He had a video library of him sexually abusing unconscious teenagers in his bedroom.

He also funded trips to London and other cities, where he shared hotel rooms with the youngsters.

The former scoutmaster pleaded guilty to 33 charges of attempted rape, sexual activity with a child, making indecent photos and fraud.

A Middlesbrough Council spokesman said: "The serious case review will establish whether there are any lessons to be learnt about the ways in which local professionals and organisations work together to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

"It will identify clearly what those lessons are, how they will be acted on, and what is expected to change as a result and, as a consequence, improve inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the wellbeing of children."

Speaking after the hearing, Inspector Jason Dickson, of Cleveland Police, described McGuire as an "intelligent and manipulative individual".

Also, that week, a North-East couple dubbed the Burger King and Queen won a massive £4.5m on the Lottery.

Gary and Ann Henry from Coronation, near Bishop Auckland, were thrilled to share their good news with customers on the morning shift at their snack bar.

Friends and colleagues said the win could not have happened to nicer people.

Mr Henry and his wife have six children between them and used birthdays for lottery numbers.

The couple's first purchase was a £38 dog waste bin for a man in South Church who had been asking for one outside his house for ten months.

Also that week, a couple known as two of the nicest people to pull a pint, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.

Pat and Amy Kilfeather, from Darlington, ran the Britannia pub in Darlington from 1969-94.

The pair celebrated with family and friends.