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.
1. JANUARY: Missed hospital appointments cost us £1.5m
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS trust had lost more than £1.5million in a year, due to thousands of patients not turning up to appointments. It was later revealed that missed GP appointments were also costing £168,000 per MONTH. If you can't make it - ring and rearrange! Photo: Hartlepool Mail
2. FEBRUARY: Michael Rice is the UK's Eurovision star
The British public has voted for Hartlepool's Michael Rice to sing Bigger Than Us to represent the nation at the Eurovision Song Contest in Israel in May. For clearly absurd reasons the song comes last. It's a TRAVESTY and nothing to do with our Micheal's wonderful singing. Not that we're bitter. No way. Photo: Hartlepool Mail
3. MARCH: Love Hartlepool? Who wouldn't?
The Love Hartlepool campaign is launched to ‘sing the town’s praises and promote its successes far and wide’ following a backlash over the Channel documentary 4 Skint Britain: Friends Without Benefits, which was filmed in the town. Many felt the programme was misrepresentative. Photo: Hartlepool Mail
4. APRIL: Traditional fancy dress for Pools' last away game
Hartlepool United fans wore knight costumes for the last game away of the 2018-19 season at Barrow. The match was played on April 22, the day before St George's Day and the 'knights' inspired Pools to a ... 1-0 defeat. But this season they've gone at least two more rounds in the FA Cup than Sunderland. Photo: Hartlepool Mail