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.
5. Cold comfort
An scaly ant-eater native to Tanzania was offered to Hartlepool in 1999 as a token of the town's growing links with the African country's Kilimatinde area. Animal experts decided that Eric the Pangolin might not survive in our colder climate. Photo: ....
6. Boys together
Hartlepool Boys Welfare boxing members pictured just before the start of the ABA Championships in 1999. Photo: National World
7. Peter the Great
Newcastle United legend Peter Beardsley, second right, in action for Hartlepool United in 1999 after his winter signing. Photo: National World
8. 'Oh you handsome devil'
Another Tom Collins picture of Morrissey at the Borough Hall in 1999. Photo: TC