STEELWORKERS on Teesside had feared the worst, not because they are naturally pessimistic people but because years of experience have made them realistic.

When the announcement was made to the City at breakfast time yesterday, the news was a little more digestible than it might have been - but only just.

Corus workers at the Redcar plant have been handed what appears to be a mission impossible: Survive alone in the global business jungle or die.

It is a clever strategy by Corus. It avoids the outright doom and gloom headlines of a closure, and creates a situation in which it can claim credit for creative restructuring if the Redcar plant does meet the challenge, or say "we gave you your chance" if it fails.

Of course, the people of Teesside have had to get used to facing the challenges brought by industrial decline. An area with an existence and character forged out of steel has had to get used to coping with mass job insecurity.

But the steelworkers of Teesside have little option but to try to make the best of their stay of execution - and no one could try harder.

They have a reputation for skill, efficiency and hard work. They are, quite simply, world-class.

Whether their truly excellent products can compete successfully in a market awash with heavily-subsidised steel from the likes of China and Russia has to remain in doubt.

But survival has become a way of life for many on Teesside and we wish the workers of Corus every success.

End this shame

FOR the ninth year running, this region has been branded with the shameful title of the capital of animal cruelty.

Alongside our report highlighting disturbing cases of cruelty and neglect are details of our Animal Watch campaign, urging readers to play their part in ending the suffering.

If you know of a case of animal cruelty, don't let it continue - call one of the published hotlines without delay.