Plus there was also the curious tale of another prospective arrival in town who never quite made it – Eric the Pangolin.
Today we travel back in time to what was making the news in Hartlepool at the end of the last century in 1999.
Remember to log on to www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk for even more trips along the town’s Memory Lane.
1. Netball nostalgia
Hartlepool Sixth Form students were on the ball in January 1999 when they picked up certificates for gaining level 1 netball coaching awards. Photo: National World
2. Borough boy
Did you go and see rock star Morrissey at the Borough Hall in late 1999? Photo: TC
3. Boxing clever
All smiles at the Hartlepool Boxing Day Dip at Seaton Carew in 1999. Photo: National World
4. Hat'll do nicely
Pupils at Hartlepool's Eldon Grove Primary School wear Victorian costumes back in 1999. We are not sure why. Photo: National World