Archive
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Football day for winning youngsters
A GROUP of children have proved they are on the ball when it comes to answering questions about good behaviour. As a reward, a dozen children from Nunthorpe Comprehensive, Middlesbrough, will watch the town's team in action against Chelsea this weekend
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Fair Trade lobby meets Mr Curry
CAMPAIGNERS against world poverty have lobbied David Curry, MP for Skipton and Ripon, in Ripon last week. The protestors from Oxfam and CAFOD want an urgent reform of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy. They claim the average cow in Europe receives more
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Sir Donald to talk about dales pilot scheme
SIR Donald Curry is the guest speaker at the annual meeting of the Barnard Castle branch of the NFU, to be held at the Moorcock Inn at Eggleston on Monday. Sir Donald, who chaired the Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food, will talk about
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Son makes trip to honour hero father
THE Redcar son of a Second World War pilot has travelled south to see his hero father honoured. Wing Commander Richard Bunker's final action was to steer his out-of-control Stirling bomber away from a Surrey village so saving the community. Windlesham
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Betts wants to spoil party
Darlington provide the opposition for the last ever league game at Hull City's Boothferry Park tomorrow and defender Simon Betts is hoping he and his teammates can play party-poopers for the day. With a full-house expected - 15,000 - the stage is set
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Sow fertility survey
A MAJOR survey is under way to assess levels of sow infertility on British pig units, a serious new threat to the industry. On some units, sow fertility has dropped by as much as 40pc causing a huge rise in producer costs. An informal survey has been
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Harsh words leave Railway heroes fuming
FURY has erupted among North Yorkshire soccer fans after part-time heroes Harrogate Railway were branded the "lowest life-form ever to surface in the second round of the FA Cup." While the soccer world rose to the achievements of the club in reaching
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Success for science teacher
A TEACHER has won an award for passing on her love of science to Redcar youngsters. Science coordinator Kay Coverdale, who works at Wheatlands Primary School, is one of five outstanding primary teachers to win a Teacher of the Year award, winning the
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Angling
Tri Cast Whizzo expert John Allerton notched up a remarkable weekend double on the carp scene, writes Jeff Herbert. First off John gave a sizzling performance hauling out a magnificent bag of 61.1.0 during Saturday's Open at the Woodland Lakes on a day
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Wearside League: Two sides reach quarters
Birtley Town or Wolviston will fly the flag for the league in the semi-finals of the prestigious Durham Challenge Cup. The pair have been drawn against each other and the quarter-final tie will go ahead at Birtley on Saturday, January 4. "Wolviston are
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Beacon supporters try again to sway park planners
DANBY Moor beacon supporters are resubmitting a plan with an additional model, enhanced artwork and an example of stainless steel. The North York Moors National Park Authority controversially rejected the plan earlier this year but Danby Group Parish
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Wardens' role to be reassessed
THE role of community safety wardens across East Cleveland is to be reassessed. Over the last ten years, 41 wardens have been based across the borough to deal with minor incidents of anti-social behaviour and to keep neighbourhoods neat and tidy. However
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Councillors at odds with police over 'flashing' consent at fair
CLEVELAND police's apparent power to ban Yarm Fair's traditional display of gipsy horsemanship, known as flashing, was challenged by councillors this week. Alleged consent for road closures and traffic diversions through Ingleby Barwick was also questioned
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Council gets a good score in first audit
DURHAM County Council has been given the second best rating in the first independent assessment of council performance. Audit Commission inspectors said the Labour-run authority was good - the other ratings are excellent, fair, weak and poor. The council
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Landowners told to check 'right to roam' maps
LANDOWNERS are being urged to check draft land access maps, published this week, or face living with the consequences. As the leading authority on access to private land, the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has issued the reminder following
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Stanley Sunday League
THE Bell tolled for South Moor Sports when they became the latest side to fall foul of the Chester Garden Farm fire power. Russell Bell called the tune with a well taken hat-trick as unbeaten Garden Farm boosted their already impressive goals tally with
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Tragic soldiers 'did not commit suicide'
A NORTH-EAST soldier who was found shot at Deepcut barracks did not commit suicide, a leading forensics expert said last night. Independent consultant Frank Swann said that, according to his initial findings, the injuries to Private Geoff Gray, 17, formerly
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Eco-friendly holiday village will attract upmarket visitors
A GREEN holiday village, which could attract affluent holiday makers to Richmond, is on the drawing board. The scheme involves building environmentally-friendly timber lodges and creating a woodland conservation area for plants and wildlife. The venture
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Easterby stable leads the way in big Wetherby race
OLD maxims die hard, or there's no clich like an old clich. Tim Easterby's one-two in the Cumbrian Challenge Handicap Chase at Wetherby on Saturday was a prime example of the back one, back both principle when a trainer sends out two. This race ought
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Offiong at the double as Cup dream lives on
THE draw for the third round of the FA Cup failed to provide Darlington with a money-spinning tie against a Premiership giant, but they were handed a golden opportunity to make further progress. After easing through with a 4-1 win over Stevenage Borough
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Youth club members honoured
YOUNG people from youth clubs across Weardale and Teesdale rounded off a year of achievement by collecting a host of awards at the first Education in the Community presentation night. An audience in the Auckland Youth and Community Centre, Woodhouse Close
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Tow Law Bass League
David Dixon of Tow Law New Market A maintained his excellent singles form when he won at Hamilton Row Black Horse to remain unbeaten in any match this season. His performance also inspired his team to record a five points victory over their fourth-placed
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Hospital signs Dutch ops deal
A PRIVATE hospital in the region has signed a deal to operate on Dutch patients while thousands remain on North-East waiting lists. The private Woodlands Hospital, in Health Secretary Alan Milburn's Darlington constituency is treating the patients as
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Burluraux's island of dreams
There's a little triangle of land opposite Redcar sea front which locally was known as Titty Bottle Park, the place the young mums would sit in order to drip feed their offspring. Now they call it Bog Island. It's where the public toilets are and, marooned
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Cleveland League
In week ten Guisborough TA chalked up their first victory of the season when playing away to Redcar Lakes B. Stewart Briggs got Guisborough off to a flier when winning both of his games against Graham Marshall by 66-52 and 44-35. Brian Norris leveled
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Jenas meets SportsAid youngsters
Newcastle United have lent their support to SportsAid, the charity which helps raise money for youngsters. The charity aims to encourage raising much-needed funds for Britain's aspiring young sport stars across the country and at St James' Park recently
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Skating in family's footsteps
A TEENAGER is skating to success as part of the England ice hockey team. Steven Pritchard, 15, from Sacriston, followed in his cousin and brother's footsteps to take up ice hockey at the age of six. After initially watching and playing games in Durham
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Crackdown on seasonal crime
SHOPPERS are being urged to 'protect their presents' in a major police operation launched this week. Both uniformed and plain-clothed officers are taking to the streets in a bid to protect people visiting Bishop Auckland, Crook and Barnard Castle, from
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North Hockey League
Premier Division: Sheffield Hallam 3, Oxton 3; Timperley 1, City of York 1; Ben Rhydding 5, Wigan 2; Brooklands Man U 1, Durham Uni 3; Warrington 1, Sheffield U Bankers 2; Harrogate 3, Southport 3. Division One: Alderley Edge 3, Leeds Uni 1; Durham Uni
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Women on the verge of direct action
UNTIL recently, the layby outside the US listening station at Menwith Hill was full of the ramshackle caravans of a peace camp. Today, it's virtually empty - just a couple of lorries and a mobile caf selling bacon butties. In the distance, the enormous
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Grain report
Grain report by Robin Twizell RMD Agriculture WHEAT prices have fallen back a little despite news that UK wheat has been sold to Morocco. This sale is now assumed to be biscuit wheat so does not indicate additional sales for feed wheat. Oilseed markets
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New college ready to welcome 7,000 students as work finishes
A NEW £16m college is preparing to welcome 7,000 students after the Christmas holidays. Terrace Hill, developer of the Stockton Riverside College, at Teesside Business Park, has handed the keys for the building to college governors. College principal
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Youngsters rewarded
TWELVE youngsters received VIP tickets to see Middlesbrough versus West Ham on Saturday, after showing they were community-minded. The year nine children from Freebrough Community College wrote about anti-social behaviour and answered questions on their
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Tragedy survivor was high on drugs
A MAN was so high on drink and drugs that he had no memory of the car crash that killed his friend, a court heard. David Medcalf, 21, of Pendower Street, Darlington, was involved in a collision that left him with multiple injuries and caused the death
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'Right to roam' maps drawn up in national park
DRAFT maps showing proposed access land in the Yorkshire Dales National Park have been published, launching consultation on defining areas to which the public will have access rights from 2004. The Countryside Agency has produced a map of the whole park
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North Hockey League
Premier Division: Sheffield Hallam 3, Oxton 3; Timperley 1, City of York 1; Ben Rhydding 5, Wigan 2; Brooklands Man U 1, Durham Uni 3; Warrington 1, Sheffield U Bankers 2; Harrogate 3, Southport 3. Division One: Alderley Edge 3, Leeds Uni 1; Durham Uni
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Council leader sets out benefits of £3m school
PLANS for a £3m school in Middleton St George were hailed as "more good news" for Darlington's education provision this week. But in Sadberge furious villagers on Monday accused the council of holding a gun to their head over plans to close their school
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Wellock's World: Football's cold heads to rubgy's cold comfort
WHY do footballers take the field on a bitterly cold evening wearing gloves but with their heads shaven? Perhaps it's for the same reason that a Newcastle player is caught napping when supposedly guarding the back post on a low-key occasion in a somnolent
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Cowboy's too quick on draw for most rivals
A few bright sparks have already rushed out and backed Rhinestone Cowboy for the Champion Hurdle, even though his connections have not yet decided which race he's going to contest at next year's Cheltenham Festival. Rhinestone Cowboy, who is just as likely
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Bedale
Presentation Night 2002: A full clubhouse for this annual awarding of the many trophies earned by Ladies, Gentlemen and Junior golfers over the previous 12 months with the evening commencing with the Juniors followed by the Ladies and finally the Gentlemen
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The Northern Echo Darlington Sunday Invitation League
Few games survived the weather this weekend, with only 11 of the scheduled 20 games taking place, and seven of those were in Division Three. In Division One, East End WMC racked up the biggest scoreline of the day as they brushed aside an under-strength
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Acclaimed musicals and powerful drama for new Civic season
CALAMITY Jane, starring Toyah Willcox, Fame and Moscow Ballet are waiting in the wings to entertain audiences at Darlington's Civic Theatre next year. As the last curtain goes down on the pantomime in January, teams will move in to prepare the stage for
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Call for extra measures at Moors road blackspot
A HUSBAND is calling for extra traffic calming measures on a notorious Moors road after numerous serious accidents, one of which involved his wife. Norman Wood lives at Lockwood Beck Reservoir and told the D&S Times the reservoir junction and one
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Church likely to be pulled down
COUNCILLORS will meet next week to discuss plans to demolish a church. Bishop Auckland's former Trinity United Reformed Church, in South Church Road, could be pulled down to make way for homes. Worship at the church ended three years ago and the building
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Darlington RA attract new shirt sponsors
DARLINGTON Railway Athletic, one of the region's more prominent and successful local football clubs for many years, have secured a shirt sponsorship deal with the Darlington Building Society for the next three seasons. The club won the Auckland and District
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Christmas comes to town
NORTHALLERTON'S late night festive shopping spree was a huge success. More than 3,000 people packed into the High Street last Friday evening to make the most of shops staying open longer. For children the highlight was the arrival of Santa on a horse-drawn
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The Albany Northern League Today
Consett striker Colin McLeod is all set to become the second player from the club in the space of a few weeks to reach the 500 appearance milestone. Weather and injury permitting, McLeod, who signed for the First Division club in 1989 from Spennymoor,
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Santa steps in to help
DARLINGTON Bondgate Round Table has enlisted the services of Santa to help raise cash for needy people. The group's annual Christmas float, featuring Santa and his helpers, is travelling around the town, collecting money for worthwhile causes, until December
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Flats bombshell for struggling village centre
A VILLAGE community centre which can no longer pay its way may be replaced by a block of flats. The management committee at Middleton St George has had two offers from developers, one for flats and the other for eight homes. The favoured option is the
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Double delight for barn owls
BARN owls have been in the news during recent weeks. Numbers of this once common bird fell to the point where it was considered endangered, but it seems there has been an improvement over the past five years or so. Two fascinating stories have just emerged
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Women's Hockey: Sunday Invitation League
Richmond 4 v 2 Stockton The visitors had a tough task ahead from the start with only nine players available. They battled hard only to go two goals down early in the game with goals from Colleen McGourley and Sam Dunne. Undaunted Stockton retaliated and
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Durham Super League
The super league singles knockout took place at Daisy Hill, Sacriton and proceedings did not start well when a mix up prevented the ladies of the super league from entering the competition. There was £100 guaranteed prize money to the winner and 42 players
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Santa's school cabin houses memories and future hopes
A STOKESLEY restaurant family who have raised £35,000 for medical research since their young son died from a brain tumour have supported a Christmas fair at his primary school. Alan and Catherine Thompson, of Chapters Restaurant and Delicatessen, gave
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News in brief: Nursery ready for opening
A NURSERY opened yesterday at Viewley Hill School, Hemlington, with places for 30 children. Headteacher Andrea Williams said: "The new nursery is an excellent environment for the children of Hemlington and no less than they deserve. We are very proud
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Duo celebrate musical triumph
TWO talented teenagers have pitched their musical skills against young theatre organists from across the country. Mark Thompson, 16, and Tom Atkinson, 13, who regularly practice on a Wurlitzer organ in Howden-le-Wear, saw off stiff competition in The
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Billingham SC
On Saturday Billingham Swimming Club held their Annual Club Swimming Gala with members taking part ranging in age from infants to pensioners. All ages were able to partake, with races for the little ones swimming a width to older ones 400 metres. A few
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GAMES: Bishop Auckland and District CIU Winter
Tindale Crescent kept up their hopes of landing the darts championship when they only dropped one point to the visiting Horndale. The home side had wins from W. Percival, A. Whaling and K. Spencer to add to the team game, whilst the only point for the
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Hathaway and Cope Stokesley League
Black Horse 0 v 9 Coulby Newham LF A hat-trick in each half from Mark Sowerby helped inflict another heavy defeat on the Black Horse. With Neil McGloughlin providing a constant supply of crosses, the Coulby forwards were only too pleased to be getting
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Car classics cruise through
CLASSIC car fans enjoyed a treat as 100 vintage motors passed through the region. A host of vehicles from as far back as the 1930s set off from Land's End on in an endurance rally that would see them get to John O'Groats late on Tuesday. On Sunday morning
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Looking Back
FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - Squire Tomlinson has, with his usual generosity, given a load of coals to each of the poor people of Aysgarth this week. Entertainment was given in the Wesleyan Schoolroom on Wednesday evening, presided over by Mr
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Grants to help develop region
A RAFT of grants worth £1m are to be channelled into Wensleydale and Swaledale in an effort to improve the quality of life for people in the area. The regional development agency, Yorkshire Forward, has pledged the cash over three years, investing in
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Freed charity worker back in Britain
FREED charity worker Ian Stillman returned to Britain today, vowing to clear his name. Ian Stillman, 53, who is deaf, has an artificial leg and suffers from diabetes, was greeted by cheers from his tearful family as he arrived at Heathrow airport after
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More flights needed from North-East
A NATIONAL policy that encourages the development of Newcastle and Teesside airports is critical to the North-East's future economic prosperity. The robust statement has been sent to Government in response to the paper on the future development of air
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Junior round-up
Darlington GSYB Barnard Castle held firm against early Darlington pressure and found themselves 1-0 up when Young Boys failed to clear their lines. Darlington levelled through Mark Cubitt, only for sloppy defending to allow Barnard Castle a second. After
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Brompton Juniors
Brompton A team Under-9s controlled their game at Barnard Castle which was played mostly in Barny's half of the pitch. Captain, George Austic, scored three goals to take Brompton into a 3-0 half time lead which could have been doubled with some better
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South Cleveland Garages Teesside League
Division One: Bedale FC 5 v 0 Mackinlay Park Second placed Bedale inflicted the twelfth defeat of the season on Redcar side Mackinlay Park, who went behind after half an hour when Paul Taite was on target, two minutes before half time Taite was on target
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WATER POLO: Durham City
Durham City ASC won the first ever Under-13 Northumberland & Durham Counties water polo championship in the Catterick Garrison Pool on Sunday. After drawing 7-7 with Catterick Cobras and beating Sedgefield District 11-7, the mixed Durham boys and
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No headpine
With just days to go before the big day NIGEL BURTON offers some top tips for the games you should be hoping to buy or receive this Christmas... PlayStation Two BMX XXX (Acclaim) Definitely not a game to ask your granny to buy. BMX XXX (geddit?) combines
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£1.3m to promote healthy living
A sports organisation was awarded £1.6m to promote healthy living in local communities today. Durham Sport, which covers County Durham and Darlington, was awarded the sum from the Sport England Lottery Fund to develop its Active Sports Programme over
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SQUASH: Hambleton Ales North Yorkshire League
A week after being knocked off the stop spot Bedale have bounced back as leaders in Division One. Bedale's swift return came when they beat Harrogate-based Harlow 3-0 to regain the leadership by just one point over nearest rivals Harrogate Squash first
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Plunge pledge
A MAYORESS has thrown down a Boxing Day dip challenge to the mayor. Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's mayor Coun Eric Jackson is willing to take up mayoress Coun Brenda Foster's challenge - but only if she takes the plunge too. The civic pair want
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Mowden defeated at Pool
Darlington Mowden Park Mowden Under-14s were beaten by the narrowest of margins when they visited West Hartlepool on Sunday. They started well with an early chip through West's defence, but were unable to touch down before the dead ball line, but they
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Artwork on display
ARTWORK from the brush of local enthusiast Anne Wallace can be viewed by users of Chester-le-Street Library on the run up to Christmas. The fruits of Anne's prolific work, an array of 40 landscapes, sketches and floral studies produced in under a year
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National success for talented teenage rider
A KEEN horsewoman from Crook has achieved success in a national event. Sandie Minto, 18, has scooped a top award in her first Pony Club National Championship. Competing against 30 teams of riders from all over the UK and Ireland, Sandie and her team finished
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Plans for cricket academy approved
AN INDOOR cricket academy is to be built at the Riverside stadium, which could help nurture the cricketing talent of the future. The new facility is to be built at Durham County Cricket Club in Chester-le-Street for professional cricketers and the public
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Tyne Tees Girls Youth League
Under-12s - Cup semi-finals S'land 24/7 6 v 1 Spraire Lasses The first quarter saw both teams battling and scoring. SAFC added two more goals in the second quarter and then took control int he third quarter, scoring one more, although the Spraire keeper
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Thirsk and Sowerby Harriers
Harriers rounded off the 25th Anniversary of their formation on Friday with the last special event of the year, a meal with guest speaker Tanni Grey-Thompson. About 120 past and present members, guests and sponsors attended the evening, and all were welcomed
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Letters: One town
Sir, - For a man who took the trouble to put pen to paper complaining about Northallerton Town Council Mr Parminter (D&S letters, Dec 6) seems to know little about local government hereabouts. He writes that "if the town council had been a bit more
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ATHLETICS: Evenwood Road Runners
At the Richmond Castle six mile road race, Neil Douthwaite returned first club member home in 104th position in a time of 45.40. An ecstatic Donna Douthwaite earned a well deserved second member to finish in 51.30 for 181st with Kenny Sams sharing the
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Christian George not ready to turn other cheek
BORN-again Christian George Boateng last night warned he is not about to turn soft in his bid to help Middlesbrough back into the top six. The Boro midfielder has been in trouble with the Football Association twice this season after incidents against
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Cherie lends her support
CHERIE Blair has added her support to an appeal to help disadvantaged people in Darlington. The Prime Minister's wife has posted a message on the website for the town's Giving Tree appeal. It reads: "The Prime Minister and I send our very best wishes
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Lawyer 'overcharged clients by thousands'
AN expert in the assessment of legal costs told Teesside Crown Court that a solicitor had overcharged the beneficiaries of ten estates by thousands of pounds. Law costs draftsman Nicholas Shelley was giving evidence in the trial of Thirsk solicitor and
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Disabled transport scheme is just a start
A TAXI voucher scheme for disabled people in Hambleton is to be introduced - even though councillors themselves branded the initiative "abysmal." One member claimed the scheme was "too little and too late" and attacked an element which excludes people
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The karate kids
A BROTHER and sister fought off tough competition to triumph in a kickboxing tournament. Lewis Garside, 12, came top of his category in the national Free Style Karate competition, in Manchester, recently. His sister Rebecca, who is eight, came second
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Lottery boost for walled garden
THE team behind an ambitious restoration project were yesterday given the best Christmas present they could have hoped for. A grant of £505,000 was announced by the Heritage Lottery Fund for the Helmsley Walled Garden, one of the fastest-growing attractions
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Northallerton and District League
Division One: Football Club pld 12, pts 31; Green Tree 12, 30; Wheatsheaf 11, 30; Duke of Wellington 11, 27; Workingmens A 12, 27; Nags Head A 12, 26; Workingmens C 12, 25; Cricket Club B 12, 24; County Arms 12, 23; Masons Arms 12, 22; Elders A 12, 20
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Bear puts the bite on benefit cheats
A GREEN teddy bear called Clive was unveiled yesterday as one of the Government's latest weapons against benefit cheats. The undercover bear is equipped with a hidden spy camera to provide damning film evidence of fraudsters. Clive, who stands only eight
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Redundancy led to suicide
A 54-YEAR-old man killed himself because of his struggle to find work, an inquest heard yesterday. Arthur Raymond Henry, of Lime Grove, Shildon, hanged himself three months after he was made redundant and his hopes of re-employment were dashed. A week
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Spotlight on schizophrenia
Rethink, formerly the National Schizophrenia Fellowship, in Newcastle, will be staging a national conference on severe mental illness today to tackle people's concerns about schizophrenia. The association has teamed up with South London and Maudsley NHS
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Comment: Why fines are not the answer
NO one disputes the impact of truancy and indiscipline on our schools. A child's long-term absence from the education system severely limits future employment prospects. And disorder in the classroom by a small minority disrupts the standard of teaching
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Women on the verge of direct action
A group of women peace campaigners are today beginning a second day of protests outside a US spy base against a space defence system. Women's Editor Christen Pears reports. UNTIL recently, the layby outside the US listening station at Menwith Hill was
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Police plea over accident 'cover-up'
OFFICERS have issued an appeal to anyone withholding information about a serious hit-and-run accident. More than a week after 11-year-old Katie Scales was knocked down in Blossom Street, York, police are still searching for the driver of a black Fiat
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Dales holiday log cabins idea welcomed
PLANS to build luxury holiday lodges on the edge of a market town have been welcomed. Eco Build has asked Richmondshire District Council for permission to construct 18 log cabins in the lower reaches of Swaledale, on the edge of Richmond, North Yorkshire
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Graffiti plea issued after area cleaned
AN appeal is being made for residents to stand up for their area and not to give in to vandalism. The plea came as council workers cleaned up the approach to Middlesbrough Football Club's stadium. They had to repaint the North Ormesby underpass twice
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News in brief: Vanessa wins safety prize
A SCHOOLGIRL was rewarded after winning a firework safety competition. Vanessa Raine, ten, was among 1,000 Sunderland children who entered a competition to design a poster promoting firework and bonfire safety in the run-up to Bonfire Night. Vanessa's
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Pool caught up in compensation row
A BITTER row has erupted between Hartlepool United chairman Ken Hodcroft and two fellow Third Division supremos. The war of words stems from Pool's £50,000 compensation demands for putting back next week's fixture with Scunthorpe United by a day. The
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Water bills to rise - warning
HOUSEHOLDERS were told yesterday to expect higher water bills from April after regulator Ofwat reviewed price limits imposed on a supplier in the region. Yorkshire Water bills will rise by £6 next year and £8 the year after. Despite the increase, Ofwat
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Emmerdale star takes turn behind pub's bar for charity night
PUBGOERS got more than they bargained for when they dropped into their local for a quiet drink on Saturday and were greeted by one of Emmerdale's barmaids. Emily Symons, who plays Louise in the soap, was behind the bar at the Annandale Hotel, in Skelton
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Phone mast turned down
A BID to build a phone mast which provoked more than 500 letters of protest has been rejected by councillors. Campaigners fighting a proposal by communications company Hutchinson 3G UK to erect a mast at Pelaw Grange, are celebrating a decision by district
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Tragedy survivor was high on drugs
A MAN was so high on drink and drugs that he had no memory of the car crash that killed his friend, a court heard. David Medcalf, 21, of Pendower Street, Darlington, was involved in a collision that left him with multiple injuries and caused the death
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Letters
CHERIE BLAIR THE Cherie Blair case was not so much a trial by the media as a trial of the media. Having carefully considered the evidence, I find said media guilty, and their charges against the lady are dismissed as nonsense. But then, living in the
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Cricket academy for Test venue
AN indoor cricket academy is to be built at the Riverside stadium, home of Durham's county club. Chester-le-Street District Council and Durham County Cricket Club, who are building the stadium in partnership, are hoping to create a world-class indoor
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Cricket academy for Test venue
AN indoor cricket academy is to be built at the Riverside stadium, home of Durham's county club. Chester-le-Street District Council and Durham County Cricket Club, who are building the stadium in partnership, are hoping to create a world-class indoor
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Decision over police chief is postponed
THE new chief constable for Cleveland Police will not be decided until February to allow more time for applications to be received. Cleveland Police Authority chairman Ken Walker said members had been encouraged by the quality of application they had
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Foundations hitch causes reopening to be put back
THE reopening of a theatre has been delayed for five months after problems were encountered by contractors working on a £1.1m restoration project. Richmond's Georgian Theatre Royal was supposed to reopen in January after an extensive refit and the construction
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Carpet firm's £500,000 launch of new brand will mean more jobs
A DARLINGTON carpet and flooring company has begun an expansion programme with the £500,000 launch of a new brand. Createcity, the parent company of Maguires Wholesale Carpets and Frank's Factory Flooring, says it will mean new jobs and the need for a
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Recycling appeal
HOSPICE fundraisers have joined forces with council bosses in a drive to turn hi-tech trash into cash to help patients. Sedgefield Borough Council is urging all its residents to post off old printer cartridges and mobile phone equipment to help the Butterwick
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News in brief: Nursery ready for opening
A NURSERY opened yesterday at Viewley Hill School, Hemlington, with places for 30 children. Headteacher Andrea Williams said: "The new nursery is an excellent environment for the children of Hemlington and no less than they deserve. We are very proud
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Jab is not to be sniffed at
PENSIONERS living in the Richmondshire and Hambleton districts are being urged to arrange a flu jab. Uptake of the free vaccination has been much the same as last year but still above the national average. Nevertheless, health chiefs are keen to see as
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£935,000 sports hall planned for comprehensive school
PUPILS at Ferryhill Comprehensive School are to get a new sports hall. The school has been without PE facilities for the past 18 months after the dilapidated swimming pool and gymnasium were condemned. Durham County Council is to discuss proposals for
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Thief took cards, cash and car
A MAN who stole credit cards from a leisure centre and used them to make purchases in a nearby high street has been targeted by Crimestoppers. Six months ago, a man stole credit cards, money and Land Rover keys from four lockers at the Hambleton Leisure
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BASKETBALL: Durham League
Middlesbrough College Academy A and Hartlepool HQ Engineering Hornets served up something special this week, a superb, drama filled game of basketball with a breathtaking finish and a 103-101 Durham League first division victory for Academy. Robert Shanks
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Catterick gets in the festive mood
CATTERICK'S meeting on Thursday provides racegoers with the last opportunity to go racing in Yorkshire before Christmas. The seven-race programme begins at 12.15, with the feature races being the goracing.co.uk Handicap Chase over the extended three miles
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Cowboy's too quick on draw for most rivals
A few bright sparks have already rushed out and backed Rhinestone Cowboy for the Champion Hurdle, even though his connections have not yet decided which race he's going to contest at next year's Cheltenham Festival. Rhinestone Cowboy, who is just as likely
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Standiung firm against the threat of the 'first slum of Europe'
A FEW years ago a critic of the National Trust called it "a kind of holding company of the nation's dead past". The phrase sticks because it contains a grain of truth - or perhaps more than a grain. The dustsheets that climax an end-of-season event popular
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Work on roads to stop until January
SHOPPERS have been given an early Christmas present in a city centre blighted by roadworks in recent months. Work on pavements and roads in the heart of Durham have been suspended until the New Year. And, as a bonus, Durham County Council has revealed
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Trams could return to streets by 2008
STREET-RUNNING trams could reappear on North-East streets - more than five decades after they last saw service here. Nine routes to be considered in detail will be put to members of the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority (PTA) next week. The
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Women launch spy base protest over Iraq
Dozens of women descended on a top-secret spy base yesterday for two days of protests. Campaigners from across Britain and Europe were taking part in the demonstration outside the Menwith Hill base near Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Organisers said they
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MP's opening of factory marks success
THE success of a 12-year-old plastics company has been underlined by the opening of a factory. The Vale of York's Tory MP Anne MacIntosh was the special guest at the function on the outskirts of Easingwold Industrial Textiles and Plastics Ltd was founded
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Architecture's clear to see in development
THE glass making heritage of Newcastle is to be celebrated in a £500,000 quayside office development. Stefan Lepkowski, managing director of Karol Marketing, is turning the former Fighting Cocks pub in the Ouseburn Valley, into the headquarters for his
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Last Night's TV: The Crucified Soldier (C4)
A true story of the brutality of war IN the aftermath of the battle of Ypres in 1915, the story of a Canadian soldier, crucified to a barn door by bayonets, caused outrage around the world. It became a symbol of German brutality, used by the Allies as
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Shoptalk
CRISPS have gone posh. Once they were pub food, just there to soak up the lager. They came with flavours to knock your socks off. Cheese and onion, and salt and vinegar were strong enough to fight back, to compete with the pickled onions and pork pies
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News in brief: Village centre is all lit up
Sedgefield village centre is now lit up by a £6,000 scheme. Electricity is supplied to five of the Village Green trees, and strings of lights. Councillor Ellen Robinson raised £1,000 towards the cost of the lights during her year as Mayor. The present
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Boddy Printers Sunday League
Priestfields, away to Big W found themselves a goal down on 15 minutes, Andy Evans doing the damage but once Priestfields got back on terms Big W buckled then caved in. They conceded seven goals before half time then a further six before Dougie Arnold
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Richmond and District League
Croft WMC 3 Comrades Club B 5; Comrades Club A 1 Bay Horse (Middleton Tyas) 7; The Board Inn 6 Cricket Club 2; King William (Brompton) 2 The Crown (Brompton) 6; Half Moon (Barton) v bye; King William (Barton) v The Ship Inn (no result yet in). Northallerton
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Bishop Auckland Bridge Club
Results for December 5 1st P Lisle & J McCourt 66.25% 2nd J & E Blackett 61.46% 3rd M Wiles & I Burns 57.19% 4th D Latner & M Clark 55.31% 5th A Mawston & A Race 54.51% 6th I Gordon & J Dobson 54.17
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Letters: Disappointing day
Sir, - I rarely write letters to newspapers but the Bedale Christmas Fun Day held on November 30, I feel most certainly warrants it. What a disappointment. It was basically a children's playground - shuggy boats, fairground stalls and Sumo wrestling.
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Upland farmers -have no choice'
THE Yorkshire farming personality of the year launched a scathing attack on Government ministers and their officials. Phillip Holden was addressing the Yorkshire County Milk recording herds competition in York. He accused ministers and their senior officials
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A Hoggarth and Sons Eskvale and Cleveland League
Goldsborough 4 v 1 Lingdale Utd Goldsborough started the game against a strong wind and few chances were created in the first 20 minutes. Lingdale took the lead after 25 minutes when a disputed penalty was awarded after Sanderson and Hololob tussled for
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Farmers back plan for new co-operative
FARMERS have pledged support for a new co-operative which, they heard, could help restore prosperity to a depressed dale. A steering group could meet before Christmas in Weardale, where major job losses have followed last year's foot-and-mouth outbreak
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Bowes purchases now on display
A PAIR of Svres vases has gone on show at the Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, after being acquired by the trustees. The vases, entitled Adelaide after Madame Adelaide, the sister of the French king, were commissioned in 1849 by an Englishman, Samuel Scott
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Resignation row embroils council's Labour members
A LOCAL authority was last night embroiled in a row with one of its councillors. The leader of Durham County Council has asked for the resignation of Keith Murray-Hetherington, who has attended only eight out of 78 council meetings in the past two years
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13/12/02
CHERIE BLAIR: THE Cherie Blair case was not so much a trial by the media as a trial of the media. Having carefully considered the evidence, I find said media guilty, and their charges against the lady are dismissed as nonsense. But then, living in the
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Darlington RA secure shirt sponsorship deal
Darlington Building Society have set-up a sponsorship deal with a fourth local football club with Darlington Railway Athletic becoming the latest to come under their wing. Wearside League side, Darlington RA, have secured a shirt sponsorship deal with
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Petch and Richardson charge to Grizedale win
FOLLOWING a successful De Lacy victory on home ground a month previously, Scorton motor dealer Steve Petch made it two wins in succession when he crossed the Pennines to take an easy victory on the Hargreaves Garages Grizedale Stages Rally last weekend
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Bishop Auckland Area League
League leaders Spennymoor Voltigeur visited last season's champions, Bishop Auckland King's Head and, with wins from Dean Mains, Ronnie McAloon, Tony Biddle and Darren Briggs, looked worthy of their top spot, opening up a 4-0 lead. However, the King's
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TENNIS: Brown Shipley North East Premier League
Invicta Sunderland beat Yarm 4-0 to keep top spot in the North Division and have six points lead over Tennis World Middlesbrough. The Teessiders also had a comfortable victory over North Yorkshire. David Lloyd Stockton and Academy Harrogate are jointly
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Durham Alliance
Belford House continue in top form earning another three points away to Cockfield. They won 2-1, taking the lead when Ken Taylor saw his 20 yard shot dip into the net over the keeper's head. John Holborn put Belford further ahead but Cockfield were rewarded
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Football's cold heads to rubgy's cold comfort
WHY do footballers take the field on a bitterly cold evening wearing gloves but with their heads shaven? Perhaps it's for the same reason that a Newcastle player is caught napping when supposedly guarding the back post on a low-key occasion in a somnolent
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Rent arrears soar
RENT arrears owed by former tenants to a council slated by inspectors rose by a staggering 1,300 per cent in six years. The Government is poised to send in managers to take over the housing department at Labour-run Chester-le-Street District Council.
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Anger at 'dull and drab' town slur
TORY councillors in Darlington have accused the Labour council of allowing the town centre to fall into decline. Highlighting the number of empty shops in the Cornmill Centre and main shopping streets, they have called upon the Labour group to do more
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Family's housing hopes dashed by national park
A DALES councillor has criticised a planning decision that left a young family's hopes of moving to a suitable affordable home in tatters. Authority member Coun John Blackie was outraged and saddened at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority planning
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Ice Hockey: Junior round-up
All three North-East teams in the English Under-19 North A League were in action at the weekend, but only Billingham Wolves came out winners. The Teessiders had home advantage against Sunderland Tomahawks and were 8-2 victors. Tomahawks without a point
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Tyne Tees Girls Youth League
Under-13 - Cup semi-finals Norton & S'ton Ancients 2 v 3 Lumley After leading 1-0 and then 2-1, NASA fell to a Lumley side whose attackng play just about deserved to win a very good end-to-end game. Goals for NASA came from Andrea Tomkins (2) and
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Basketball: Durham League
There was a thrilling finish to an excellent fixture between Willington Wasps and Nissan when Wasps held on for a 82-81 win despite a desperate finish by their guests. Sam Scorer hit six points for Wasps in a 12-6 seven minute start another 15 points
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Talks over closure of maternity hospital
NHS managers held talks with a council yesterday over the controversial closure of a maternity hospital. The meeting between South Tees NHS Trust and Redcar and Cleveland Council, to explain the closure of Guisborough Maternity Unit, lasted for more than
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North East Christian Fellowship League
Metro Church Sunderland extended their lead with a home win over Stranton Saints Hartlepool. Gareth Hern opened the scoring for Metro with Chris Barlow scoring a penalty to square the match. Noel Harrison's first goal of the season gave Metro a 2-1 win
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A mighty fine welcome in Darlington, Wisconsin
RICHMOND historian and author David Morris has recently had his book about emigrant Swaledale leadminers The Dalesmen of the Mississippi River reprinted. During research for the book he made a number of trips to the United States and came across a town
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Fairs Software Tyneside Junior League
Redheugh had an easy 5-1 victory at home to North Tyneside College whose only goal was scored by Ian Graham. Chris Laws struck a hat-trick and other scorers for the Reds were David Jeffers and Danny Olusaja. In midweek Chester-le-Street staged their game
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Don't let the doom merchants get us down
IT'S not everyday you discover you are on the same wavelength as an intergalactic Star Fleet commander, but that's what happened to me yesterday. William Shatner - know universally as Captain James T Kirk - is in Britain as part of a Star Trek convention
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Don't let the doom merchants get us down
IT'S not everyday you discover you are on the same wavelength as an intergalactic Star Fleet commander, but that's what happened to me yesterday. William Shatner - know universally as Captain James T Kirk - is in Britain as part of a Star Trek convention
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County 'cop-out' over bus cuts infuriates passenger
A BUS passenger who is dismayed at the proposed cuts to Stokesley services and closure of a depot claims North Yorkshire County Council is unconcerned about the controversy. Val Metcalfe, of Hutton Rudby, feels the authority is failing to take the initiative
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Poppy day at new-look theatre
DRAMA students from Prior Pursglove College, Guisborough, are this week performing the musical, Poppy, at the campus' redesigned theatre. The musical explores Victorian values, hypocrisy, racism, drug dealing and sexual repression in the Far East, said
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Dismay as toxic burner 'reborn'
OPPONENTS of a controversial toxic waste incinerator were last night dismayed to learn that work on the plant could start within 12 months. Cory Environmental Ltd won permission to build the £35m incinerator at Seal Sands, near Billingham, Teesside, a
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Authority praised by inspection team
INSPECTORS have praised Darlington Borough Council, declaring it one of the best in the country. The council is celebrating after it was given a high rating in a review carried out by the Audit Commission. Assessors examined every aspect of management
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Joint effort for hospice
STUDENTS braved the December chill yesterday to bring a little colour to a Darlington park. Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College students donned fancy dress for a three-legged walk around nearby Stanhope Park, in aid of St Teresa's Hospice. The fundraising
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Young stars put on a show
DRAMATIC productions starring heroes, witches and magical lakes were played out yesterday. The Cascade Celebration took place at Haughton Community College, in Darlington, and brought together some of the town's most talented young performers. Cap-a-Pie
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The UniBond League
Bishop Auckland have released full-back Craig Lake after three months at the club. Lake joined Bishops from Durham City in September, but the former Middlesbrough player has failed to find top form and he left the club by "mutual agreement" earlier in
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Meeting to be told of hope for steel firm
Steelmaking in Weardale has been handed a lifeline with the news that a 140-year-old business might be saved. Weardale Steel in Wolsingham was facing oblivion after a disastrous takeover left more than 80 workers facing a bleak future. But a meeting of
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Poom's inside knowledge can aid relegation fight
MART POOM knows all about relegation battles - he's endured more than most goalkeepers. And the Sunderland goalkeeper, currently halfway through a two-month loan deal, is hoping he can use his experience to help the Black Cats stave off the threat of
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Shola wants to pick up Shearer's mantle
SHOLA AMEOBI admirably shouldered the weight of being Alan Shearer's stand-in at the Nou Camp - then revealed his aim to become the next legendary No 9 at Newcastle United. England Under-21 international Ameobi was a revelation for the Magpies as he scored
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Children get their very own library
TOTS near Chester-le-Street now have their own library, complete with toys, 'bug seats' and a range of new books. The Early Years section of Pelton Library was opened on Tuesday, after the existing area was given an overhaul with the help of Sure Start
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Father makes appeal for accident witnesses
The father of an 11-year-old girl who was seriously injured when she was knocked down by a hit-and-run driver today made an emotional appeal for the motorist to come forward. Jeff Scales, 38, of Haxby, York, said his daughter Katie had lost her memory
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Junior leagues round-up
Rohm and Haas JOC Hetton Youth League Lumley move to the top of the table with a 4-1 victory over Ryhope who conceded their first points of the season. There was no stopping the Cestrians and they were three goals up at the halfway stage when Craig McManus
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Letters: Roads irony
Sir, - News of Government plans for large scale road widening schemes comes as no surprise to the people of Thornborough. Well, West Tanfield and Nosterfield. We have witnessed concerted efforts by quarry companies and related bodies to publicise the
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Shop Talk: Crunch time for posh crisps
They used to be just a pub snack or a child's lunchbox treat but now crisps are coming into their own as the sophisticated snack of choice, with prices to match. But which are whorth shelling out for and which should be consigned to the rubbish bib? CRISPS
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Festive lights hit by vandals
VANDALS have destroyed a town's Christmas lights. This was the first time Loftus has had a Christmas tree and lights for more than 20 years - but they lasted just two days. The tree, donated to the town, is still standing but badly damaged and the more
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Sunderland Catholic Club Over-40s League
Ferryhill Greyhound are the new leaders of the Premier Division, they defeated Penshaw Catholic Club at home. Stan Cummings scoring a hat-trick at Stephenson one. In second place are Killingworth Arms, they won 4-2 at home against second bottom club Grindon
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Darlington Mowden Park
The Mowden Park thirds faced Thirsk firsts and eight minutes into the game Andrew Tonkin burst through a gap in the Aycliffe defence, sprinting 20 metres on a very wet and heavy pitch before giving a well-timed pass to Dave Liddle to score under the post
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Charity cycle ride
CYCLISTS are being asked to get on their bikes once more to help the country's biggest cancer charity next year. One of 12 national Cycle for Life events was staged by Cancer Research UK in the Durham area in the summer when a field of more than 200 competitors
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Durham City
Marton came from behind to beat Durham City Ladies 3-1. City had taken the lead in the first half from a brave header from Julie Campbell from a Helen Lackenby cross. However, Durham could not hold their lead until half time and conceded three in the
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The answer to village flooding problem lies beneath the soil
HURWORTH Green should stay flood-free from now on thanks to a determined effort by borough council engineers to solve the problem. Last month, Darlington Council highway manager John Ray and his team moved into the village to begin investigations to solve
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Village views
LABOUR politicians attacking the media for doing its job has been the theme of the week, be it in Downing Street or Darlington's council's cabinet. Last week we highlighted the way Darlington Borough Council's intention to close the village school at
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More soccer success for Wensleydale girls
A NORTH Yorkshire school is celebrating the outstanding success of its under-16 girls' football team. The team from Wensleydale School, Leyburn has won the area championships for three consecutive years and two of its members have been selected for the
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ATHLETIICS: Shildon
Two athletes competed at the Blyth Sands Race, which is a five mile handicap race along the sands from Blyth Harbour to Sleaton Sluice and return, conditions were very difficult on the outward run with the runners heading into gale force winds and icy
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Planting for the future
YOUNGSTERS donned their wellington boots and rolled up their sleeves to celebrate National Tree Planting week. The children from Escomb Primary School, near Bishop Auckland, planted 30 trees in the grounds of their school with the help of Groundwork South
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Third tax break hope
TAX-PAYERS look likely to have a break for the third year running. At an executive meeting on Tuesday Redcar and Cleveland Council's chief executive Colin Moore said the authority has once again 'a good chance' of not increasing it's part of the council
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Banner to be unfurled
A COMMUNITY is developing ideas for a new miners' banner as it goes back to its roots to celebrate its heritage. The banner will be born out of a unique partnership between Willington Community Partnership, National Union of Miners' Durham area and Thompson's
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ATHLETICS: Quakers
On Sunday, December 1, 14 members competed in the Leeds Abbey Dash. Newcomers to the club, Katrina Todd and Beverley Snook, ran their first 10K race and both completed the course in under one hour, finishing 2043rd and 2038th respectively. Other runners
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Special livestock sales
BARNARD CASTLE. - Wed. Christmas show & sale 1,653 lambs, 219 cast sheep. Lambs lt to 85.6p av 84.2p; med to 119p av 98.2p; hvy to 103p av 97.2p. Cast sheep: Cont ewes to £45.50; Suff to £36.50; Mule to £35.50; horned to £26. Prizes: Tex lambs: 1
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Bowman Anderson Accountants Spennymoor Sunday League
THREE of the League Cup favourites made no mistakes in their second round clashes last week. Newton Aycliffe, Old Shildon and Thorns all skipped into the quarter-finals of the competition comfortably, with Tudhoe United and Second Division Victoria also
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Darlington Simply Lasses
Darlington opened their game strongly against Barnard Castle when Sophie Dowson scored just two minutes after the kick-off, slotting the ball home after it had bounced around the area from a corner, and giving the home side a very early lead. Sophie Dowson
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Darlington Monday Night League
Results: JUC B 4, Darlington Snooker C 0; Darlington Snooker B 1, Northgate 3; Railway Institute 3, Darlington Snooker A 1; Darlington Cricket Club 3, JUC A 1; Hopetown 2, Railway Athletic 2. Positions: Railway Institute 37 points; Hopetown 36; Darlington
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Women's Football: Durham City
Marton came from behind to beat Durham City Ladies 3-1. City had taken the lead in the first half from a brave header from Julie Campbell from a Helen Lackenby cross. However, Durham could not hold their lead until half time and conceded three in the
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Worthington Durham County CIU Winter League
Old Shildon, the reigning champions, went down to their second defeat of the season when the visiting leaders, Spennymoor A twice came from behind to win in the decider and go four points clear at the top of the table. Michael Pratt put Old Shildon ahead
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New controls and records needed to meet NVZ rules
THE hot topic of NVZ regulations and their effect on farmers was the subject of a talk and farm walk at a County Durham farm last week. About 30 people gathered at Richard Hodgson's Middleton House Farm at Ingleton, near Darlington, to find out more about
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Childrento light up the town
CHILDREN from across the Darlington borough are getting ready to light up the town in one of the area's most spectacular festive shows tonight. The annual Lantern Parade, a traditional Christmas favourite, will bring much of the town centre to a standstill
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Bishop Auckland Schools Cups
RESULTS - Year Seven: Parkside beat Staindrop; Tudhoe beat Woodham; St Johns v Sunnydale; Durham Johnston beat Sedgefield; Spennymoor beat King James; Ferryhill beat Teesdale; Belmont and Barrington received byes. Year Eight: Barrington beat Sedgefield
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Police hunt fireball attackers
A SECURITY GUARD is recovering at his Bishop Auckland home after being set on fire on his own doorstep. The 43-year-old told of the horror of being doused in flammable liquid and set alight after he answered his front door. The attack left him with burns
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Too many cooks?
THINKING, with self interest, of presents for cooks, I turned first to the slimmest stocking filler, a little heartwarming hardback called Cooks for the Seasons: Autumn and Winter by Jenny Bristow (Blackstaff Press £11.99). This has comely comfort factor
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The best console games for Christmas
With just days to go before the big day Nigel Burton offers some top tips for the games you should be hoping to buy or receive this Christmas... PlayStation Two BMX XXX (Acclaim) Definitely not a game to ask your granny to buy. BMX XXX (geddit?) combines
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Engineer says farewell after 30 years
DARLINGTON'S most senior engineer is retiring at the end of the month after more than 30 years with the council. During that time, Jim Gordon has been involved in major projects such as the construction of the inner ring-road, the riverside revival, the
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Consett Sunday League
THERE was delight for the Peacock Inn who gained a shock win at rivals Tantobie, but their success also stopped their neighbours going top of the Second Division. Despite second bottom taking on second top, the form book was thrown out of the window as
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Did patient see his appendix removed?
A HOSPITAL is investigating claims that a patient was awake during surgery and watched his appendix being removed. Aged in his thirties, the man was taken into South Tyneside General Hospital at South Shields, for an emergency operation. But he has since
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Pool caught up in compensation row
A BITTER row has erupted between Hartlepool United chairman Ken Hodcroft and two fellow Third Division supremos. The war of words stems from Pool's £50,000 compensation demands for putting back next week's fixture with Scunthorpe United by a day. The
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Clear-the-air talks rejected by council
FACE-TO-FACE talks have been ruled out between a council and a resident whose complaints are said to have cost the authority over £100,000 to investigate. Bernard Borman, of Leyburn, North Yorkshire, has hotly denied allegations made in July by Richmondshire
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'Sex abuse confession was false'
A FORMER Newcastle United coach told a court yesterday that he was forced to make apparent child abuse confessions because he was being held at knifepoint. George Ormond, who faces sex allegations involving seven males, appeared to apologise to a man
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Museum buys vases
TWO 19th Century vases are have taken pride of place in the entrance hall of a Teesdale museum. The Bowes Museum has acquired the two vases, commissioned in 1849 by Englishman Samuel Scott. They were designed to a drawing that stills survives in the factory's
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Top award for car factory
A CAR plant has won an award for its training excellence. Sunderland car maker Nissan received the award from comedian Rory Bremner as part of the 2002 Special National Training Awards. Also at the ceremony was Charles Clarke MP, Secretary of State for
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Prices at the auction marts
DARLINGTON. - Mon. Fwd: 68 store cattle, 18 rearing calves, 565 store sheep. Young bulls, Simm £470 Hillcross; Lim £418 Skipbridge. Blks. - Lim £635 Sunniside, £630 Rise Slowly, £610, £600, £588, £560, £540 all Bogmahall. Simm £490 Black Hall £475, £458
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Transport scheme wins £27m from Government
THE success of a multi-million pound bid has allowed a major breakthrough for transport in the region. Nearly £27m from the Government will be spent on modernising road systems and easing traffic congestion. The cash will allow two park and ride systems
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'Put up or shut up on Cherie'
Tony Blair last night directly challenged critics of his wife Cherie to put any evidence they had of "criminal, illegal or improper" behaviour to the proper authorities. Otherwise, said the Prime Minister: "I think everyone's had their pound of flesh
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Town council votes for tax rise of £7
BEDALE Town Council has voted for an average £7 increase in its share of the council tax bill next year. Councillors approved the budget which will see £27 - a rise of £7 - added to the average band D council tax bill in Bedale. Members, who were reminded
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Spotlight on schizophrenia
Rethink, formerly the National Schizophrenia Fellowship, in Newcastle, will be staging a national conference on severe mental illness today to tackle people's concerns about schizophrenia. The association has teamed up with South London and Maudsley NHS
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Pints and post
THE historic Bull Inn at Gristhorpe, near Scarborough, is to double as the new village post office. The previous sub-post office closed earlier this year but now pub landlord Alan Scotting has stepped in and the post office is to be run at the pub each
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They're going to party like it's 1929
AS the party season gets under way, the glamour and glitz of uppercrust wartime fashion has been put on show. Gold sequins and diamante trimmings will catch the eye of any style enthusiast - and the sparkling evening outfits from the 1930s and 1940s are
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Talks over closure of maternity hospital
NHS managers held talks with a council yesterday over the controversial closure of a maternity hospital. The meeting between South Tees NHS Trust and Redcar and Cleveland Council, to explain the closure of Guisborough Maternity Unit, lasted for more than
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Mother killed by aerosol can
A YOUNG mother died from solvent abuse, an inquest heard yesterday. Mother-of-two Sarah Louise Richardson, 19, died after inhaling gas from an aerosol can on July 4. Her boyfriend, Martin Porter, had pleaded with her to stop abusing solvents minutes before
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Champions wary of low-profile opponents
Joe Calzaghe and Ricky Hatton defend their world titles in Newcastle tomorrow night against two late opponents who insist they are ready to upset the champions' best-laid plans. Calzaghe still has his eyes on a money-spinning showdown with undisputed
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Students' art to be printed in calendar
CHILDREN are giving grown-ups lessons in crime-fighting. Judges were impressed with the quality of posters and crime prevention slogans entered into a competition by the youngsters. The work, by Middlesbrough pupils attending Breckon Hill Primary and
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Search continues for sex attacker
DETECTIVES are continuing to hunt for a man who indecently assaulted two women in Darlington town centre. Police said they had received a number of calls from the public after the search for the attacker was highlighted in The Northern Echo. One of the
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School cook Christine is top of the form
SCHOOL cook Christine Underwood has finished top of the class. The 44-year-old, who works at Willington CE Primary School, near Bishop Auckland, has been crowned number one employee of Compass Group (Government Services Division), beating 17,000 entrants
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Range of food and drink courses offered
ASPIRING chefs could soon be trained in North Yorkshire, where Darlington College at Catterick has launched a range of catering and hospitality courses. The college, which has just taken over the running of The Bistro at the campus, is offering part-time
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Teenage girls are found safe
TEENAGERS Sarah Sandcaster, 14, and Laura Ivenson, 16, have been found safe after going missing for a week. The pair had been last seen leaving their home in Wallsend, Tyneside, on Monday last week. * Meanwhile, Cumbria Police are concerned for the safety
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Teenage girls are found safe
TEENAGERS Sarah Sandcaster, 14, and Laura Ivenson, 16, have been found safe after going missing for a week. The pair had been last seen leaving their home in Wallsend, Tyneside, on Monday last week. * Meanwhile, Cumbria Police are concerned for the safety
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New coin to be hidden in monument
A NEW secret will lie beneath the ball at the top of Richmond's historic obelisk. It is thought a silver threepenny piece is already hidden between the stone base and the sphere which usually rests at the pinnacle of the historic monument. Richmond resident
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Open verdict into girl's handbag death
THE death of a student found hanging by the straps of her handbag after a night out remains a mystery, an inquest heard yesterday. Joanne Forrest's body was found tangled in the straps of her bag in a stairwell. The inquest heard she had enjoyed a night
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Trains are less punctual - study
TRAIN punctuality is getting worse and the number of complaints by passengers is soaring, according to official figures published yesterday. The industry faced "a massive challenge" to improve performance, said the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA), which
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£100,000 cost of crash patients
A SENIOR doctor has said serious road crash injuries are costing the NHS up to £100,000 a patient. Consultant Andrew Simpson gave the figure as he backed a campaign on Teesside to persuade drivers to drop their speed. Dr Simpson, head of Accident and
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Santa to visit sailing museum
SANTA will be in his grotto next week to hear what youngsters want for Christmas at the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum, in Stewart Park, Middlesbrough. Admission is £1 and he will be there from 11am to 3pm on Thursday and Friday. On Saturday, December
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Safe car parking awards
A TOWN has received a double award for cutting car crime. Security measures have led to a 40 per cent reduction in crime in council-run car parks in Middlesbrough this year. The steps include security patrols, security cameras and telephones linked to
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Pupils are learning of drugs dangers
CHILDREN as young as six are being warned about the dangers of taking drugs. The warning comes from schools worker Sarah Robinson, who has been working with children in Middlesbrough. She and colleague Sarah Lawrence have been working with pupils from
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News in brief: Vanessa wins safety prize
A SCHOOLGIRL was rewarded after winning a firework safety competition. Vanessa Raine, ten, was among 1,000 Sunderland children who entered a competition to design a poster promoting firework and bonfire safety in the run-up to Bonfire Night. Vanessa's
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Court dodgers get warning
SUSPECTS who have skipped court appearances risk facing Christmas in jail if they don't give themselves up. Officers of Newcastle West Area Command have spent the past four weeks running Operation Katch-em, targeting people who are wanted on warrant after
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Court dodgers get warning
SUSPECTS who have skipped court appearances risk facing Christmas in jail if they don't give themselves up. Officers of Newcastle West Area Command have spent the past four weeks running Operation Katch-em, targeting people who are wanted on warrant after
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Party for all the wildlife champions
YOUNGSTERS are getting a Christmas party as a thank-you for the help they give local wildlife. The Durham Wildlife Trust is holding the event at its Rainton Meadows reserve and visitor centre, near Houghton-le-Spring, tomorrow for children in its Wildlife
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Party for all the wildlife champions
YOUNGSTERS are getting a Christmas party as a thank-you for the help they give local wildlife. The Durham Wildlife Trust is holding the event at its Rainton Meadows reserve and visitor centre, near Houghton-le-Spring, tomorrow for children in its Wildlife
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Burton's Bytes: The best console games for Christmas
With just days to go before the big day Nigel Burton offers some top tips for the games you should be hoping to buy or receive this Christmas... PlayStation Two BMX XXX (Acclaim) Definitely not a game to ask your granny to buy. BMX XXX (geddit?) combines
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Panto stars launch SOS for more air volunteers
HUNDREDS of volunteers are needed to enhance the work of a vital airborne 999 crew. Pantomime stars descended on Teesside Airport yesterday to help the Government-backed Experience Corps scheme launch a recruitment drive to find more than 2,000 Ground
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'Mental illness is not a life sentence'
Carers who struggle to cope with mental illness in their family have a new friend in the region. Health Correspondent Barry Nelson talks to a carer turned campaigner who has just won a national award. VALERIE'S phone started ringing after the first article
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Brochures promise to draw the visitors
RYEDALE'S tourism industry has got off to an early start in the campaign to attract visitors for next year by being the first district in Yorkshire to launch its new holiday guide. During the next few weeks, 60,000 brochures and 300,000 promotional leaflets
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Authority provides a natural blueprint
A MOORLAND land management project has proved so successful it could now be extended to other parts of England and Europe The North York Moors National Park Authority's Farm and Rural Community Scheme was held up in Brussels last week as a model for integrated
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Rugby league begins to take root in the north-east
NOVICE rugby league players braved the cold to display their new-found skills under the gaze of a regional rugby league development officer. Lisa Jagger has spent the past three years spreading the word about the 13-a-side game beyond its traditional
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Airport shows how security has intensified
POLICE yesterday demonstrated the intensive security measures which are to be installed at a North-East airport in the wake of international terrorist attacks. High-visibility patrols are being carried out at Teesside Airport, with specially-trained dogs
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News in brief: Police hunt for sneak thieves
TWO women entered the home of a Richmond pensioner on Wednesday and stole her purses. The incident took place in Ronaldshay Drive at 1.10pm. One of the intruders talked to the elderly woman, while the other searched her house and took two purses. The
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Chemistry workshop experiment produces a satisfactory reaction
THE secrets behind fingerprint techniques, laundry detergent and chip-pan fires were revealed to teenagers yesterday in a chemistry event designed to boost interest in the science. The two-day workshop, Chemistry at Work, held at Durham University's biological
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News in brief: Railway death was suicide
A MAN who was depressed about losing his mother and getting lung cancer killed himself on a railway line. Keith Robinson, 56, stood in front of a GNER Glasgow to King's Cross express travelling at 115mph on the East Coast mainline, near Kimblesworth viaduct
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News in brief: Vanessa wins safety prize
A SCHOOLGIRL was rewarded after winning a firework safety competition. Vanessa Raine, ten, was among 1,000 Sunderland children who entered a competition to design a poster promoting firework and bonfire safety in the run-up to Bonfire Night. Vanessa's
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Burglar targets nursing home
A burglar walked into a North-East nursing home and stole Christmas presents. The man took a gift set from the staff room at the Birchdale Nursing Home, in Felling, Gateshead, on Wednesday at about 11am. The burglar is described as aged 28 to 29, 5ft
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Cockfield play TOTAL football
Darlington-based domestic heating oil provider, Charters, has teamed up with TOTAL to sponsor local football team, Cockfield FC. Tim Holle, the company's General Manager is also a regular Cockfield player so he was able to persuade TOTAL and Charters
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The church where one Christmas tree is not enough
A SPECTACULAR Christmas tree festival is taking place over the next three days at St Mary's Parish Church in Barnard Castle. The church is home to 50 trees, all of which are lit and decorated, with many carrying a theme depicted by local sponsors, which
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Celebration at hospital
A HOSPITAL celebrated its first Christmas by inviting friends and patients to a tree lighting ceremony. Staff at Bishop Auckland's new £67m hospital wanted to do something special to mark the festivities so trust chairman Angela Ballatti invited everyone
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Fast food plan gets lukewarm reception
PLANS for a hot food takeaway on a Newton Aycliffe Industrial Estate are likely to be turned down. Sedgefield Borough Council has received an application to change an industrial unit in Burtree Road into a takeaway restaurant. But planning officers have
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Liam lasts the course to become a marine
A FORMER Newton Aycliffe schoolboy has received a coveted Green Beret. Liam McKenna, 17, who went to Woodham Comprehensive School, has successfully completed 30 weeks of training to become a Royal Marine Commando. The Green Beret is the distinctive hallmark
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Inquiry after blaze hits seafront hotel
A SUSPECTED arson attack, which led to more than 300 guests being evacuated from one of the region's best known hotels, is being investigated. No one was seriously injured, but two people were taken to hospital for check-ups and the seafront hotel, The
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Tim Wellock writes...
WHY do footballers take the field on a bitterly cold evening wearing gloves but with their heads shaven? Perhaps it's for the same reason that a Newcastle player is caught napping when supposedly guarding the back post on a low-key occasion in a somnolent
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JUNIOR FOOTBALL: Round-up
Richmond Town THE Under-11s played away to Thirsk Falcons and lost 1-0, writes Ben Posser. Despite having the majority of the play in the first half Richmond were unable to turn possession into goals. G Hill had a couple of chances that he put wide and
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Victorian memento returned
A BEAKER handed to a four-year-old boy to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897 has returned to the North-East thanks to a former Mayor of Barnsley. Cath Evans, Barnsley's Mayor last year, officially returned the beaker, which was given to
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Business in brief
University issues award A former managing senior partner of North-East property consultants Sanderson, Townend and Gilbert has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate for his contribution to Northumbria University. Peter McKendrick, of Slaley, Hexham, served
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Handing over power
A CHAIRMAN is retiring after more than four decades in the power industry. Dr Malcolm Kennedy, 67, is stepping down as head of consulting engineers firm, PB Power, of Newcastle, at the end of this month. He was president of the Institution of Electrical
