Here’s a look back at the past 12 months. We’ve picked one story from each month for a glimpse of what went on in 2019. They might inspire, annoy or amuse you.
9. SEPTEMBER: Diane just glad to finish the Great North Run
It's Diane Stephens again. The Heugh Battery manager raised money for the museum by completing the Great North Run. She admitted to not being a serious athlete and said: 'There’s a bus that picks people up who can’t finish: and the driver was taunting me.' But she didn't need help and finished the half-marathon. Photo: Hartlepool Mail
10. OCTOBER: Harry and Meghan get to meet Lyla
Hartlepool six year-old Lyla O'Donovan was given a WellChild Award at a glittering ceremony in London. Lyla, diagnosed with a brain tumour when she was three, won in the Inspirational Child category. Before collecting her award, she kindly granted an audience to Prince Harry and his wife Meghan. Photo: Hartlepool Mail
11. NOVEMBER: Cricket World Cup comes to Hartlepool
England don't often win a world cup, so when cricket's version came to town it was a great moment for fans at Hartlepool Cricket Club, including Blackhall Cricket Club junior players Alfie and Tommy Laing, aged nine and seven pictured here. Photo: Hartlepool Mail
12. NOVEMBER: Film legend Loach in Hartlepool
The director of I Daniel Blake and Kes, Ken Loach, gave a free screening of his latest film Sorry We Missed You in the Golden Lion pub. He was also electioneering for the Labour Party and supporting Hartlepool MP Mike Hill. Mr Hill was returned at the general election, but with a 15% drop in votes. Photo: Hartlepool Mail