Archive
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GSK plans appeal against US ruling
DRUGS firm GlaxoSmith- Kline (GSK) is to fight a judge's ruling that could dent sales of its leading product. Last year, the anti-depressant treatment Paxil recorded sales of £2.055bn worldwide, but its reign could be endangered after the US District
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Why there may be a price on progress
AFTER dragging on for 15 months and culminating in a series of strikes it would appear the fire dispute is nearly over with a reported 16per cent rise in the pipeline. If this is the outcome then it is good news on several fronts. The dispute has shown
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Pupils help to promote fair trade products
PRIMARY school pupils are helping to encourage shoppers to choose foods that provide third world growers with a fair deal. Children and staff from Red Rose Primary School, in Chester-le-Street, will be setting up stands in the town's Co-op supermarket
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Theatre opening delayed after firm goes under
RICHMOND'S Georgian Theatre Royal will re-open four months later than expected after setbacks involving the original contractors. Restoration work costing £1.4m is now due for completion in June with a formal re-opening ceremony pencilled-in for September
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Bus station
DEVELOPERS are queuing up for the right to rebuild a much-maligned bus station. Derwentside District Council this week unveiled a £1m design brief for the demolition of Stanley's 30-year-old bus station on the A693 and its replacement with a new station
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Building may reveal secrets from past
THE building of a single bungalow in East Cleveland could unlock secrets from the past, according to archaeologists. Members of Tees Archaeology have requested the right to observe work on building the new home at the village of Yearby, near Redcar, in
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Healthy Arriva profits set to rise further
ARRIVA'S growing love affair with continental European public transport looks likely to continue after glowing preliminary results for last year. The transportation group said pre-tax profits were up 11 per cent, to £102.1m, and earnings per share had
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Increase in single parents
The number of single parents in the North-East has risen dramatically. New research carried out at Durham University for the GMB union shows that around a quarter of all household with children in Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Sunderland are now single
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School sign makes home from home
PARENTS and pupils got a first look at their new school yesterday - and their old school sign - a week after their classrooms were destroyed by fire. Since Middleton St George Primary School was wrecked by arsonists last Wednesday, teachers and council
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Games: Bishop Auckland & District CIU Winter Games
Cockton Hill only need one point to clinch the darts league after they won by three points at Evenwood, where Mick Holmes win for the home side prevent an early title celebration for the Hill. The visiting winners were Tommy Ward, Keith Morton and John
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Second interest rate cut rejected
The Bank of England kept the cost of borrowing at 3.75 per cent after voting against a back-to-back cut in interest rates. Economists said the recent weakness in sterling had been a factor in the monetary policy committee's decision to keep the interest
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Tories attack council tax rises
The Tories have launched their campaign for May's local elections with an attack on council tax increases. But party chairman Theresa May stopped short of promising to reverse any increases if the party was voted back into office. Local authorities in
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Mystery of pals who died together
DETECTIVES were last night trying to piece together the final movements of two pals whose bodies were found in a smoke-filled car in an apparent double suicide. The two men, believed to be good friends, were found in a Vauxhall Astra parked in the yard
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Beware bogus prize draw offers in latest mail scam
CONMEN are targeting homes in number of bogus prize draws. Trading Standards officers have been inundated with calls from people who fear they've been caught out by scam mail. Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's chief trading standards officer Jeff
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Bowman Anderson Accountants Spennymoor Sunday League
HORNDALE and Brawns Den progressed to the final of the Second Division Cup last week. Horndale were made to work for their prized final as a stubborn Victoria side wouldn't give up the tie. Goals by Michael Connolly, Scott Mason and Wayne Pratt gave the
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Burglars strike
POLICE are seeking information following three break-ins which have taken place at homes in the Stanley area. The thieves broke in through the rear patio doors of a house in Meadowfield Way, Tanfield Lea, on the evening of Thursday, February 20. The following
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Firm fined after worker lost finger tip in accident
A COMPANY was fined £4,000 for a health and safety breach after a court heard how a worker lost the tip of a finger on unguarded machinery. Mountstar Metal Corporation admitted failing to ensure effective safety measures were in place to prevent such
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Teasing out the spirit of the Dales
CHILDHOOD memories of helping her father bring sheep down from the moors in upper Wensleydale provided a textile artist with her greatest inspiration. Andrea Hunter, who opens her studio and gallery at Hardraw, near Hawes, on Good Friday, believes it
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Unbeaten Durham maintain high flying start
County Super League: Durham B continued their good start to the season and remain unbeaten after winning their third game by overcoming the strong visiting Crook B by two points. The home side had two wins from Michael Rhodes, Dave Hodgson and Trevor
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Dale launches pilot for entry-level environment plan
A PILOT agri-environmental scheme for the Barnard Castle area was launched this week when 188 farmers within the scheme's 10,500 hectare boundary were invited to a meeting at Greta Bridge on Tuesday night. The new entry level agri-environment scheme is
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The UniBond League
Spennymoor did themselves and Bishop Auckland a power of good with a 3-0 win at Trafford on Saturday. Moors hit Trafford with three goals inside the first twenty minutes to put them into seventh place, just a couple of points away from the play off zone
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Horror as sister finds girl stabbed to death
Detectives were last night questioning an 18-year-old youth in connection with the murder of a 12-year-old girl found stabbed to death at her North-East home. Natalie Ruddick was discovered by her 15-year-old sister, Emma, lying in a pool of blood in
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Alert on choking danger from toy
PARENTS are being warned of the dangers of a new toy craze that has resulted in children starting to choke after they got it wrapped around their necks. The Yucky Yo Ball is made from an elastic material and filled with a liquid. An elastic string is
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Darlington U 13s at the Gosforth Festival
To celebrate 125 years of rugby at Gosforth they hosted a mini and junior festival. The under 13's tied with the host club 0-0 in the final. Apart from the finalists Middlesborough, West Hartlepool, Northern, Selby and Carlisle battled it out for the
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School cricketers in finals
YOUNG cricketers have bowled over rival schools to win a place in the finals of a major tournament. Pupils at Stanley Comprehensive School are through to the last 12 in the under-16s, six-a-side cricket tournament, held at Headingley, Leeds. They won
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Chris returns to conquer Everest
A FARMER and councillor who conquered Everest four years ago is returning to the world's highest mountain to lead an expedition celebrating the 50th anniversary of its first ascent. When Councillor Chris Brown takes part in a 19,000ft-high base camp celebration
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Shame of vice warden caught kerb-crawling
A COMMUNITY warden appointed to spearhead a crackdown on prostitution has resigned - after being caught kerb-crawling. Ronald Gray, 55, of Walington Court, Billingham, was employed by Stockton council to work with the police to reduce soliciting on the
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Spraire Lads
With the weather improving Spraire managed to get more games played. The under 9 kept up their title challenge with a good 1-0 win at title chasing Cleveland. The first half was dominated by the defences with both keepers not having much to do. The second
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FA Cup on show at school
ONE of the world's most famous footballing trophies took pride of place in a Chester-le-Street school last week. The nation's most talented footballers have sweat blood and tears for the chance to hold the FA cup - but pupils at The Hermitage School in
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Grain report
by Robin Twizell RMD Agriculture WHEAT prices have risen a little on the back of a generally weaker pound and reports of crops generally suffering, because of bad weather. Barley prices have remained unchanged, despite higher values to intervention Oilseed
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Shop Talk: Eat chocolate... you could change the world
Should you need an excuse for eating chocolate and buying jewellery, here's the perfect reason - Fairtrade goods mean you can help people across the world while you fill your shopping basket. BRING some justice to the world - sit down, have a coffee and
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Rohm and Haas JOC Hetton Youth League
Lumley, who lead the table and have lost just once in the league, made their exit from the Sunderland Eye Infirmary Cup at the hands of Herrington. Simon Dolman, a regular scorer for the Cestrians, found the net in the first half when Michael Hedley was
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Tanni takes to the road
PARALYMPIC gold medallist Tanni Grey-Thompson will be competing in the 21st Somerfield Redcar Half Marathon this Sunday. Tanni, 33, who lives in Redcar with husband Ian and one-year-old daughter Carys, will use the race as preparation for the London Marathon
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Burton's Bytes: Command game a little too close for comfort
COMMAND & CONQUER: GENERALS, Format: PC CD RoM, publisher: Electronic Arts; price: varies. SETTING ASIDE whether or not it's a good idea to publish a game about a third world war when we are so perilously close to the real thing, this latest installment
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Manilow musical to raise charity cash
A CHARITY performance of Barry Manilow's musical Copacabana will be held to raise money for one of the region's hospices. Tickets have gone on sale for Darlington Operatic Society's production at Darlington Civic Theatre on Thursday, May 1. A donation
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Big day at Ripon for Tennis World stars
RIPON Tennis Centre hosts the Brown Shipley North-East Premier League regional final between Tennis World Middlesbrough and Invicta Sunderland tomorrow. The final is the culmination of five months of matches played throughout Yorkshire and the North-East
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Women's Football
Chester-le-Street Ladies Womens Northern League Cup Semi Final Marton 1 v Chester Le Street 2 A fiercely competitive semi final saw the Cestrians edge this game, packed with incidents and excitement. Chester Le Street, , with seven players under 16 years
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Comic Relief stars outshone by learners
CELEBRITIES including pop star Gareth Gates and Big Brother star Jade Goody have been put to shame by a group of learner drivers from Darlington. The celebrities have been learning to drive for the cameras in Comic Relief's Celebrity Driving School show
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Teenager tucks in for charity
AN 18-YEAR-OLD cancer victim is doing his bit to promote the treatment that saved his life - by scoffing Britain's biggest all-day breakfast. Jimmy Griffiths of Redcar, who is in remission after successfully fighting the disease last year, is hoping to
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Sewage station decision delayed
PLANNERS have deferred a decision on a plan to build a new sewage treatment pumping station after receiving more than 150 letters of protest. But Redcar and Cleveland borough councillors agreed an existing pumping station in Marske can be extended. Northumbrian
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Taking a jump
THE Meningitis Research Foundation is offering volunteers a chance to take part in a record-breaking parachute jump. The charity wants people to take part in an attempt to carry out the most tandem skydives at three airfields in one day. Anyone wanting
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Support for pregnant teens
Health Secretary Alan Milburn is in his constituency today to give his official blessing to Darlington's local teenage pregnancy strategy. Women's Editor Christen Pears looks at the some of the work being done in the borough. BRITAIN has the highest rate
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Wellock's World: End of the World is nigh
CRICKET World Cup RIP. It is hard to know whether to feel more sorry for England, South Africa or the game itself after politics, the weather and poor organisation have reduced the tournament to a shambles. Even allowing for the lamentable fact that we
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Table Tennis
Sunderland and District Table Tennis Association. Closed championships to be held at the Seaburn Centre, Whitburn road, Sunderland on Sunday March 2 2002. Play commences at 9.30am and finishes by 5.30pm. Events are: 1 Under 11 singles (born on or after
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Men die in apparent suicide pact
Two men who were found gassed to death in a car in an apparent double suicide have been named. The bodies of Paul Williams, 38, of Hart Crescent, Blackhall Rocks, near Hartlepool, and his friend Christopher John Howe, 32, of East Street, Blackhall Colliery
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Woman in hospital after mugging
A PENSIONER was taken to hospital suffering from minor injuries after she had her handbag snatched. Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which took place on Wednesday at 3.20pm in Sedgemoor Way, Billingham, Teesside. The 62-year-old woman
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Geremi future in doubt
THE clock was ticking on Geremi's Middlesbrough career last night as the Riverside derby hero confirmed he has not discussed a permanent move to Teesside. With just two months to go before Geremi's season-long loan spell from Real Madrid expires, Boro
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Change of rules may help exports
LIVESTOCK producers were given hope, at the conference, that the ban on British beef exports could soon be over. NBA chief executive, Robert Forster, said a return to exports would be a major boost to farmers. He said the continued decline in BSE in Britain
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Protest at rail line upgrade cutbacks
A COUNCIL is protesting at plans to scale back a planned £4bn upgrade of the East Coast Main Line. Durham County Council is seeking a meeting with the head of the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA), Keith Bowker, over the authority's decision to spend only
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Trade Dispute seals double success for Tuer
A TRAINING and riding double by Grant Tuer was the highlight of the West of Yore meeting held at Hornby Castle last Sunday. Tuer completed his double when the classy hunter chaser Trade Dispute (West of Yore) easily justified odds-on favouritism in the
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Conservationist delights in dispensing good news for a change
CONSERVATIONIST Bill Oddie was in attendance when local MP Derek Foster officially opened a new business park near Bishop Auckland on Friday. The park at High Etherley is home to a successful brand of milk and, as vice-president of the Wildlife Trusts
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Moors hunt stalwart hangs up his horn
COUNTRYMAN Joe Tindall retired yesterday as Glaisdale Hounds huntsman after 40 years' service. The Cleveland, Farndale, Goathland, Saltersgate and Staintondale hunts met at Ainthorpe's Fox and Hounds pub, to pay tribute to his work. A special dinner in
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Durham Alliance
A thrilling League Challenge Cup Semi Final between the two leading Sunderland clubs in local football ended with Belford House grabbing a late, late smash and grab with a 1-0 win over Sporting coming in the latter stages of 'Golden Goal'. A well worked
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Sacked doctor wins back her post
A hospital doctor fired after being told she was limited because she was a black woman has regained her job after a five-year legal battle. Dr Feyi Awotona, a highly qualified consultant, won her case for unfair dismissal and will get back her job despite
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Prices at the markets
BARNARD CASTLE. - Tues. Fwd: 290 store cattle. Feeding bulls. - Char: £568 D Smith; £545 JW Dent & Sons; £445 J&K Metcalf. Lim: £540, £538, £462 G Williamson; £525 JW Dent & Sons; £470 I Spedding; £450 JW Heslop; £440 J&JM&DIBuck.
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Restaurant staff get wet for Comic Relief
Restaurant workers found themselves in deep water today. Some were really out of their depth as they took on competition in dragon boat races on the River Tees near Stockton, for Comic Relief. Fifteen workers left waiting on tables at TGI Friday's on
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Hospital delay setback for mental health
MENTAL health bosses have defended a decision to delay plans to replace an obsolete hospital. Officials agree that the County Hospital, near Durham's railway system, no longer meets modern requirements for psychiatric care. But they argue that the current
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'A baby almost put paid to my plans'
As the campaign to cut teenage pregnancy takes a major step forward today with the launch of an action plan aimed at the young, Women's Editor Christen Pears talks to one teenage mum about her experiences. EVERYTHING was perfectly planned. With ten GCSEs
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Bellamy faces more disciplinary trouble
GARY SPEED waved the Premiership white flag last night by confessing Newcastle United's title challenge was over as Craig Bellamy was left staring at the possible consequences of displaying his hair-trigger temperament. Speed, 33, wrote off Newcastle's
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Basketball: Durham League
Steve Whitehead Joinery and Double Glazing Middlesbrough Mavericks scored a crucial 75-64 win in this weeks top of the table first division shoot-out with hosts Nissan and in doing so leapfrogged above them into the coveted first spot. The first half
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Cash tonic for mum's treatment in Texas
THOUSANDS of pounds have been raised to help send a young mother to the US for urgent medical treatment. Supporters of Ann Teasdale have been amazed by the response to their appeal from the community, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham. Mrs Teasdale, who
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Appeal to thief - keep the car but return our puppy
A PET owner has told a car thief he can keep her vehicle - as long as he returns her puppy, which was on the back seat. Jill Geiser has been frantic with worry after a thief took her Renault Clio, containing 12-week-old Betty, from outside a village post
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Steelworks waiting for rescuer
HOPES are still high that a new owner will emerge soon for a troubled North-East steelworks. Amid speculation and rumours, administrators who have been handling the affairs of Weardale Steel, at Wolsingham, County Durham, for the past few months said
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County ambulance service 'not serving rural areas'
A HARD-hitting report on North Yorkshire's ambulance service was unveiled this week. The service has been attacked for focusing more on urban populations than rural communities and for lack of training in some areas. Other damning criticisms are spelled
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Comment: Time to end this dispute
NO one comes out of the long-running fire service pay dispute with much credit. The local authority negotiators and Government ministers have been too prepared to alternate responsibility between each other. Instead of a united voice on the employers'
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Command game a little too close for comfort
COMMAND & CONQUER: GENERALS, Format: PC CD RoM, publisher: Electronic Arts; price: varies. SETTING ASIDE whether or not it's a good idea to publish a game about a third world war when we are so perilously close to the real thing, this latest installment
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Craig is still putting the boot in
Since Craig Johnston is more or less Australian, readers may scarcely be surprised to learn that his voice mail begins "G'day." G'day from us and g'day from him, it is as close to a conversation as we have been able to hold. Tyne Tees Telly did a bit
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Why there may be a price on progress
AFTER dragging on for 15 months and culminating in a series of strikes it would appear the fire dispute is nearly over with a reported 16per cent rise in the pipeline. If this is the outcome then it is good news on several fronts. The dispute has shown
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Durham County
THE Durham County Under 20s squad to take on Northumberland Under 20s at Ashington on March 9 has been announced. And the squad is: 15. Jonh Feinborg (Castle College); 14. Max McAllister (Durham Uni); 13. Jimmy Atkinson (Barnard Castle); 12. Gert Viljoven
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North East Christian Fellowship League
The North Easy Christian Fellowship league first round matches got under way with Stakeford Methodist Church posting the most significant win of the round. Stakeford went behind in the first half at Airport Church Newcastle with a goal by David Donaldson
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Letters - Council move
Sir, - Quite recently (Feb 5), while crossing an ungritted road, I fell and break a bone in my ankle. Since then I have been hobbling around on crutches with my foot and leg in plaster. Only people who have broken a limb at sometime will realise the pain
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£6,500 flower bed is a waste of money: councillor
A GUISBOROUGH Conservative councillor claims a £6,500 demolition and construction scheme for a new flower bed as a memorial to the Queen Mother is an act of vandalism. That claim was this week rejected by some of those involved in the scheme, including
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Battle to replace damaged bridge won by villagers
CAMPAIGNERS have won their fight to replace and widen an eighteenth century flood-damaged bridge despite persistent objections from English Heritage. Residents of Kirkby Malzeard kept up the pressure to widen Creets Bridge despite several setbacks and
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Hathaway and Cope Stokesley League
North Riding Challenge Cup Semi-Final Thornaby Mandale 3 Ennis Square 2 Thornaby Mandale booked a place in the North Riding Challenge Cup Final when they overcame fellow Stokesley League side Ennis Square with the decisive goals coming late in the game
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Musical day
Musician George Hetherington and soprano Delia McNally will perform music by Gershwin at Bishop Auckland Town Hall, on Sunday, at 7.30pm. The concert follows a Gershwin workshop from 2pm to 6pm. Participants will be invited to play in the concert that
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Raising funds with breakfast at hospital
PHARMACY staff at a hospital will be starting their day with a hearty breakfast while helping a good cause. The workers will today be joining thousands nationwide taking part in Britain's Biggest All Day Breakfast to raise funds for Cancer Research UK
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Market worker jailed
A teenage market worker was jailed yesterday for two separate attacks. David Kemp, 18, assaulted his first victim, Kevin Warburton, with a crook lock on November 18 last year. Newcastle Crown Court was told how Mr Warburton was left with a 3cm wound to
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Council fights claim of unfair exclusion
NORTH Yorkshire County Council yesterday defended its stance over claims it unfairly "excluded" a councillor from a key planning meeting concerning sand and gravel extraction near Ripon. The county council came under fire in London's High Court for allegedly
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Roadworks to start tonight
RESURFACING work to a busy road junction in Teesside is to start tonight. The work will take place at the Yarm Road/Concorde Way roundabout on the A135, between Stockton and Yarm, as part of the scheme to make Concorde Way a dual carriageway. The main
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Double jobs blow at estate
WORK-hungry east Cleveland has been hit by a double jobs blow. Nearly 300 redundancy notices have been issued to employees working for two firms on the same industrial estate. Council officials are working frantically to head off the job losses at Texon
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Car park closed to allow for revamp
MOTORISTS are being warned of the temporary closure of a town centre car park in Hartlepool while improvement works are carried out. The 106-space Roker Street car park will close from Sunday evening until March 31. The £100,000 scheme will include a
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Boxers take to the streets
YOUNG boxers are taking to the streets in a bid to raise money for the trip of a lifetime. About 40 members of Spennymoor Boxing Academy are taking part in a sponsored run to boost funds for a training week in Canada in May. They are collecting sponsorship
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Chief takes over hospice
A man has been appointed to take over the reins at one of the hospices serving North Yorkshire. Martyn Callaghan has been appointed as the chief executives of St Leonard's Hospice in York and will take up his post in May. He is the chief executive of
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Derelict land transformed into attraction
VOLUNTEERS are transforming a derelict stretch of land into an attractive countryside feature. Members of the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) are hard at work in the heart of the village of Oswaldkirk. Unsightly vegetation and overgrown
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Cash boost for community projects
GROUPS in the Ferryhill and Chilton area have been awarded grants for projects designed and developed by residents. The Resource and Services Project (Rasp) is funded through the Government's Single Regeneration Budget programme. It has been designed
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Applications sought for magistrates' jobs
CANDIDATES are being sought for possible appointment as magistrates in North Yorkshire. Vacancies are expected to arise shortly on the benches of Harrogate, Scarborough and York. Magistrates are responsible for hearing the majority of all criminal and
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Grassroots: Washington
MARTIAL ARTS: Tai Chi for Health classes are held from 10am until noon on Fridays in the Biddick Arts Centre. For details call 0191-219 3455. YOUNG PLAYERS: A junior drama club meets from 5pm to 6.30pm on Wednesdays in Springwell Village Hall. FAMILY
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Private or public: how to handle complaints
A PRIVATE system to deal with potential complaints by Yarm residents about councillors' conduct or their handling of controversial planning matters is under consideration. If agreed, the Press could be excluded and residents would apparently be advised
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News in brief: Pub licence bid turned down
AN application to open a pub in Middlesbrough has been rejected by licensing magistrates because police fear it would lead to more town centre violence. Magistrates heard there had been a 46 per cent rise in crimes in pubs in the town between 2001 and
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FA to make logo decision
AN FA hearing later this month will decide whether women footballers will be banned from wearing their new sponsorship logo. Chester-le-Street Ladies Football Club thought its funding worries were over when they received sponsorship from author Keith
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'Brilliant' young self-starter triumphs over tragedy
A YOUNG Northumberland farmer who took over and expanded the family business after the tragic death of his father has won through to the last stage of a national competition. Ralph Thompson, 21, from Silvermoor Farm, Alnwick, is one of only two finalists
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Find out more about your town
A SERIES of walks in Darlington town centre and the surrounding countryside are taking place this spring. The borough council arranges the walks with volunteers. They are designed to help participants learn more about the town. Proposed walks include
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Minister faces more accusers
DETECTIVES in Consett are investigating seven more complaints of sexual abuse against the disgraced church minister Neville Husband who was jailed last month. Police confirmed this week that seven men had come forward following the publicity surrounding
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A. Hoggarth & Sons Eskvale and Cleveland League
Whitby Benevolent Cup Lingdale Utd v Grosmont After a bright start from Grosmont, they took the lead when Kelly chipped the Lingdale keeper from ten yards. Five minutes later Lingdale equalised when Evans crossed the ball into the box, Iseton brought
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Action group appeals for people to get involved
A DARLINGTON action group is looking for more members to get involved in its decision making process. The Cockerton Area Action Group (CAAG), which has campaigned on behalf of residents since 2001, needs more volunteers to be involved in its committee
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Dinner lady says goodbye after million meals
DINNER lady Freda Walker is hanging up her apron - after serving more than a million meals. She was presented with gifts to mark her retirement, after 33 years, from Corporation Road Primary School, in Darlington. Pupils handed over flowers and sang songs
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Big guns fight it out for Sorensen
THOMAS SORENSEN is at the centre of a £4m tug of war between Arsenal and Manchester United after Sir Alex Ferguson made the Sunderland goalkeeper his No 1 choice to replace Fabien Barthez. After being on Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's wanted list for
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Sterling's weakness against euro throws Corus a lifeline
THE relative weakness of the pound has given steelmaker Corus a much-needed lifeline only days before it is expected to deliver a poor trading statement to the City, a leading economist said. The possibility of war with Iraq coupled with failing stockmarkets
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Anti-burglary drive may be implemented across county
AN anti-burglary initiative which ran for four months across Sedgefield borough has delivered excellent results, police have said. Operation Lancelot was designed to combat burglaries during the long winter nights. Statistics show there is a rise in the
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Ceramic art will ease transition
MORE than 370 children from schools in Ferryhill and Chilton have taken part in an arts project using ceramic tiles. The schools approached Sedgefield Borough Council last Easter and asked it to support the idea which aims to ease the transition for pupils
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News in brief: Two injured in accident
Two people were taken to hospital with whiplash following a road accident in Burnhill Way, Newton Aycliffe, at just after 8.30am yesterday. Three other people, including a child, were also taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital following the accident which
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Grant aid for business
A BANK has signalled its support for rural regeneration with a donation to a holiday firm. Barclays has awarded £5,280 to the Durham and Its Dales Farm Holiday Group from its £1m rural regeneration fund, set up in April 2001 in response to the foot-and-mouth
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Figures show crime drops by 18 per cent
CRIME on Teesside has fallen by 18 per cent, compared to this time last year, figures released by Cleveland Police Authority show. The number of offences in February was 5,670, down from 6,929 during the same month last year. The figures do not specify
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School celebrates improved report
PUPILS and staff at a Stockton school are celebrating after it transformed itself in only two years. An Ofsted report in October 2000 judged St Cuthbert's RC Voluntary Aided Primary School to have serious weaknesses in its leadership and management, teaching
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Contemporary work at new gallery
HARROGATE'S latest gallery unveils its second exhibition of contemporary art this weekend. The Gillis Browne Gallery in Parliament Street is putting the final touches to Over Land and Sea which will contain work by Carol Tyler as well as new pieces from
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Higher tax will pay for housing
CHESTER-le-Street District Council has announced the biggest tax increase in the county, as it pours money into its housing services. Tax payers in the district will pay 9.7 per cent more than last year. The district council's charge for the average Band
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Raising funds with breakfast at hospital
PHARMACY staff at a hospital will be starting their day with a hearty breakfast while helping a good cause. The workers will today be joining thousands nationwide taking part in Britain's Biggest All Day Breakfast to raise funds for Cancer Research UK
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Mandelson: Jobs threat if no euro
JOBS will be lost in the North-East if Britain does not join the euro, Hartlepool MP and former Cabinet minister Peter Mandelson has warned. In a speech to campaigners seeking early entry to the single currency last night, Mr Mandelson argued it was time
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Pupils could enjoy water cooler moments to beat tooth decay
CHILLED mineral water could become part of daily school life as health and education chiefs look towards improving youngsters' diets. On Tuesday, a representative from Northumbrian Spring of Darlington was invited to talk to members of the oral healthcare
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Conlon notches vital winner
DARLINGTON virtually banished any lingering relegation fears this week, following up last Saturday's battling 2-2 draw at home to leaders Hartlepool United with a crucial 2-1 win over promotion-chasing York City at Feethams on Tuesday night. The two derby
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Games: Magnet League
The third round of the five and threes Individuals KO competition will be played on Friday, 14 Mar 2003, Deadline 8.30pm. (Games may be re-arranged by mutual consent). Results to be forwarded to C Holmes within seven days of the deadline, otherwise both
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Swimming
Billingham SC Six Billingham swimmers qualified for the Northumberland and Durham Counties Championships which took place over the last two weekends. All swimmers excelling themselves against very tough opposition. 10 year old Glen Martin was outstanding
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FA to make logo decision
AN FA hearing later this month will decide whether women footballers will be banned from wearing their new sponsorship logo. Chester-le-Street Ladies Football Club thought its funding worries were over when they received sponsorship from author Keith
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Athletics
Middlesbrough AC Rob Cole celebrated victory in the penultimate round of the North Yorkshire and South Durham Cross-Country League at Hartlepool on Sunday. Rob took command on the testing, five-and-a-half mile course at Summerhill to win by 16 seconds
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Durham County Cup Semi-Final
Westoe Under-16s 12 Darlington Mowden Park Under-16s 10 A clear but blustery day saw Mowden Park meeting a strong Westoe fifteen on their South Shields ground. Westoe chose the wind advantage for the first half, without significant gains until around
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Emergency Services League
The League took a breather this week, as all teams competed in the League Cup and all matches were completed with two of them requiring penalties to resolve them. Saints and Tyne and Wear met for the third time this season. In the end it was Tyne and
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Sharon tackles 1,000 miles - it's the ultimate challenge
A whole new meaning to sleep walking, ultra athlete and former Teesside bus driver Sharon Gayter has embarked upon the craziest event of her life. This one endureth for ever. Sharon, occasionally known by her husband as the Wicked Witch of the South but
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Letters - Farm payments
Sir, - The CPRE (Council for the Protection of Rural England) in the North-East is supporting the new entry level agri-environment scheme being piloted in our area. The beautiful upland landscape in Teesdale around Barnard Castle has been shaped and maintained
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Moors hunt stalwart hangs up his horn
COUNTRYMAN Joe Tindall retired yesterday as Glaisdale Hounds huntsman,after 40 years' service. The Cleveland, Farndale, Goathland, Saltersgate and Staintondale hunts met at Ainthorpe's Fox and Hounds pub, to pay tribute to his work. A special dinner in
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Couple's ID idea could be a life-saver
A DARLINGTON couple who suffer from severe allergies have come up with a potentially life saving idea for those with serious medical conditions. Diabetes and asthma sufferer Douglas McCullim and his wife, Alice, who suffers from multiple allergies, devised
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07/03/03
ASYLUM SEEKERS: THE Government has allowed hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers into this country while they close down nursing homes throughout Great Britain and leave many of our elderly citizens, many of whom who fought for this nation, on the scrapheap
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T M Disco Crook & District League
West Auckland Queens Head are through to the semi final of the Durham Minor Cup after another good performance saw them beat Sunderland Hendon Grange 4-0. Queens Head never looked back after Anthony Bailes gave them the lead. Further goals from Matthew
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EU critic off to France
WHETHER they were banning curvy cucumbers, renaming bars of chocolate, straightening our bananas or renegotiating British fishing rights, in Andrew Spence's view the European Union could not do much right. Mr Spence, a farmer and haulier from Leadgate
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Rail academy may locate in North-East
A rail academy could be set up in the North-East to nurture engineering talent and cure a chronic skills shortage in the industry. The academy, which is being backed by One NorthEast, is the idea of Newcastle based engineering consultants Railway Performance
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Home Front: Synners' future looks bright
ONCE a Synner, always a Synner. It maybe obvious, but down one side of Billingham it's a saying that they're more than happy to claim as their own. Billingham Synthonia are a club that get into the blood and, according to manager Stuart Coleby, once they're
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Stepy's Coaches Durham Sunday League
Premiership Leaders Meadowfield Brancepeth Castle returned to winning ways, to maintain the top spot in the Premiership by one point from Burnmoor Cricket Club. Brancepeth beat visitors Fatfield North Biddick 3-2. Leading marksman Tony Hanson bagged two
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Couple escape gas explosion
A HOUSE was severely damaged on Monday when a gas boiler exploded. Smoke from the explosion and resulting fire could be seen three miles away and the walls of the house were cracked. The explosion, at about 10.30am in Campion Drive, Guisborough, shook
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Skeletons unearthed by contractors
ARCHAEOLOGISTS were examining human remains yesterday that were uncovered by electricity company workers. Two skeletons were discovered close to Holy Trinity Church in Micklegate, York, by NEDL staff who were excavating the road to carry out repairs.
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New blow as 70 more jobs go
MORE North-East workers are facing the dole queue after administrators moved to close another factory in the region. The move will make more than 70 staff at electrical components firm Ohmega Electronics in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, jobless. The
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Sedgefield meeting with a Festival feel
SEDGEFIELD racecourse is offering racegoers the chance to enjoy all the action from the Cheltenham Festival, plus a free pint of beer. The County Durham course hosts the first of three March fixtures on Tuesday, the same day as the Champion Hurdle at
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Two grand hats are always better than one
Headgear caused a laugh at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Saltburn, when retired headteacher Rita Proudler was presented with a papal award by Bishop John Crowley. He told the packed church that before the special mass, Mrs Proudler had asked if he was to
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Dale rail on track
QUIETLY beavering away at a myriad range of tasks, the volunteers of the Wensleydale Railway Association are not far from seeing their dream realised. A few bureaucratic regulatory hurdles remain to be cleared before they take control of the line and
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Blackfyne
The Under 8s beat Whickham Fellside 3-1. Goals from leading goalscorer Jonathan Telford, a left foot drive from MoM Kieran Martin and a fine overhead shot from Calvin Hillary. The Under 9s Blackfyne Gold drew 1-1 with Felling 'A'. Connor Burns scored
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WI news
Consett Afternoon MEMBERS held their Christmas party at the January meeting. Everyone brought lots of food for an excellent buffet. The Derwentside Singers entertained with a wonderful selection of lively and amusing songs. The trophy for the most competition
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Squash
Harrogate Squash and Otley will battle for supremacy in the final of the Hambleton Ales North Yorkshire Squash Cup on April 4. Holders Harrogate defeated Ripon 3-2 in last year's final. But when Harrogate take to the courts this season they will find
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Auckland and District EBAC Youth League
Willington under-18s will not be able to repeat last season's feat of winning three trophies. They lost 2-1 away to Coundon & Leeholme in the semi final of the Auckland and District EBAC Youth League Cup on Saturday, but the Hall Lane lads are already
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Life for bully who killed his partner
A DOMINEERING boyfriend who murdered his partner after years of abuse was jailed for life yesterday. Kelly Risborough, 23, was battered to death during a row with Leslie Purvis. During a two-week trial at Newcastle Crown Court, Purvis had claimed that
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Town looks to future
RESIDENTS of Guisborough are being invited to have a say in its future. The people of the town and its surrounding villages are being invited to make their views known to the Government-backed partnership, Market Town Initiative, on Saturday morning in
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Angling
A fortnight of low levels quickly changed following overnight rain to a 2ft flood and Northallerton & District's end of season 'hoped for bonanza' was never going to happen. Staged between Scruton to Far Fairholme on the River Swale, Brotherton's
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End of the World is nigh
CRICKET World Cup RIP. It is hard to know whether to feel more sorry for England, South Africa or the game itself after politics, the weather and poor organisation have reduced the tournament to a shambles. Even allowing for the lamentable fact that we
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Passenger died on first day of new job
AN Iraqi asylum seeker was killed in a car accident while travelling to work on his first day, an inquest was told yesterday. Farid Jalel was travelling with two other Iraqi nationals when their car lost control on the B1257 Stokesley to Helmsley road
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Beaumont and Murphy stars face Gold Cup battle
WHAT a feast lies ahead next week as the Cheltenham Festival gives National Hunt racing its annual three-day treat. Plans are in train to make it four days, too. Tuesday's entries for us are Bobby Grant (Peter Beaumont) and Historg (Ferdy Murphy) in the
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Council welcomes A19 safety report but more needs to be done
POOR visibility and complicated markings at a notorious A19 crossing require further action from highway authorities, Hutton Rudby parish councillors believe. They are worried that specific difficulties at the Black Swan crossing have not been fully addressed
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Wearside League
Not even the most ardent supporter would have forcast that Boldon CA would be in pole position at any stage of the season but the South Tyneside club currently proudly sit at top of the table. In the early weeks of the last campaign the team was second
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Newell expects Pool to bounce back
MIKE NEWELL is seeking a quick reaction from his players tonight. Just 72 hours after suffering a 3-0 reverse at Lincoln, table-toppers Hartlepool United have a chance to consign the defeat to the bin as they entertain Bury at Victoria Park. Pool's lead
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Bus accident victim dies
A PENSIONER who stepped out in front of a bus in a busy high street has died. Edith Murphy, 81, from Stockton, was crossing the High Street on Wednesday near the Swallow Hotel when she was in collision with the bus. resulting in her sustaining serious
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Millionaire denies kerb crawl charge
A NORTH-EAST millionaire has appeared before magistrates charged with kerb crawling. Keith Schellenberg, 73, was not at his pre-trial review hearing yesterday, but is expected to appear for his trial next month. He was arrested by police in a red light
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News in brief: Olympic star sponsored
TRAINING provider IMS UK is to sponsor North-East Olympic gold medalist Jared Deacon, 27. The South Tyneside athlete will wear the Middlesbrough firm's logo when he takes part in the European Cup and World Championships, in Paris, and the 2004 Olympics
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Funeral for dentist to be held today
THE funeral of a North-East dentist will be held today. Dennis Neville, who worked at the Victoria Road dental practice, in Darlington, was found dead on February 27. Neighbours in Greta Bridge, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, found the 43-year-old
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Clock campaign ticks along nicely
CAMPAIGNERS attempting to restore Redcar's Town Clock have raised more than £1,500 in just a few weeks. The Friends of Redcar Town Clock raised the bulk of the money at a stall at Morrisons Supermarket. They also hope to raise hundreds of pounds more
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Last Night's TV: Taking a rather perfunctory look at the Iron Lady
Maggie - The First Lady (ITV1); Lionheart - The Crusade (C4) What do we really know about her?," asked the narrator at the start of this four-part TV biography of Margaret Thatcher. By the end of the hour, we didn't know much more than when we started
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Boddy Print Sunday League
Boosbeck St Aidens pulled off a good victory away to Jack and Jill by 3-1. Star man for Boosbeck was Dane Breckon, a 16-year-old making his first appearance and scoring twice. His speed was just too much for Jack and Jill as all three goals came from
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Train now standing at Leeming Bar
IT IS hoped that trains can start running between Leeming Bar and Leyburn later this year. Local railway campaigners have taken delivery of one third of a three-car diesel multiple unit which will eventually be used for the first passenger trains along
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Sunderland Catholic Club Over 40s League
The Premier championship is still wide open only six points separate the first five clubs so that it is a case of any one from five to win it. Killingworth are the new leaders winning 3-1 at home against Seaton Delaval. The champions Billingham lost 0
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Fairs Software Tyneside Junior League
There is no change at the top of the table after both leaders Chester-le-Street and second placed Redheugh both won. The Cestrians visited third from bottom Consett and went nap, completing a 5-0 victory in the second half after establishing a three goals
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South Cleveland Garages Teesside League
DIVISION ONE Whitby Town Res 0, Nunthorpe Ath 3 Ian even first half Whitby town fell behind on 24 minutes to a goal from Anthony Roberts. In the 70th minute Dominic Ingram added a second. Whitby battled on and pushed for a goal to get back into the game
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Willow wonderland for little ones
A GROUP of schoolchildren proved to be busy beavers as they constructed a willow tunnel and dome to improve their garden last week. The work was carried out on Friday by pupils of Consett Infant School and Nursery Unit in Consett, in their Early Year's
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Richmond Town
Richmond Town U12s are through to the final of the R&D Cup for the second successive season. Against a talented Thirsk,who had home advantage, Richmond had to work hard with victory only being secured in the final minutes of the match by B.Whiteside
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All change on the CAP reform playing field
FARMERS have been strongly advised to wait for details of the mid-term Cap reform before making any decisions. At the National Beef Association's major conference on the reform, held at Skipton mart on Friday of last week, Robert Forster, chief executive
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Sir Peter chosen for new award
SIR Peter Vardy, chief executive of motor retailer Reg Vardy, has been honoured for his contribution to the motor industry. At a ceremony in Birmingham, Sir Peter was announced as the inaugural winner of the AM Industry Personality of the Year award.
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New County North Durham Youth League
Birtley extended their lead at the top of the U16 division to 11 points when they were held to a draw by mid table Leam Rangers. David Dixon, John Storey, Seb James and Robert Dixon all scored for Leam Rangers with Ian Taylor (2), Ross Preston and Shaun
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Bishop Auckland Bridge
North/South scores: B Seery and E Dobson 58.25 per cent; D and I Muse 40.2 per cent; S Goldstraw and M Hook 50.00 per cent; P Hall and J Mansfield 42.50; G Spence and D Howe 51.88; O Blenkinsopp and M Dexter 56.63; M Clark and B Thompson 60.31; I Burns
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Security stepped up at park
INFRA-RED close circuit television cameras are to watch over a Chester-le-Street park in a bid to catch vandals and cut car crime. Seven cameras are to provide 24-hour coverage of the Riverside Park in Chester-le-Street to monitor the car-park and the
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Worthington Durham County C.I.U. League
League leaders, Spennymoor A came from behind to beat their hosts at Fishburn A and hold on to a four points lead at the top. Wayne Oliver put the home side ahead with a good win over Eddie Rhodes, but Karl Welsh levelled with a black ball win over John
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Nicola beats the big 'uns
WHEN Nicola Jackson's grandfather taught her a few chess moves over Sunday lunch, little did he know just over a year later the primary school pupil would be outsmarting opponents nearly twice her age. Eight-year-old Nicola, from The Avenue, Chester-le-Street
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Film maker to record demonstration
AN independent film maker is to record the views of protestors at a peace vigil in Sedgefield tomorrow. The Sedgefield Against War group is holding its sixth peace vigil on the village green, outside St Edmund's Church, between 11am and noon. This will
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Trio on top of the world
THEY are best friends and also disco-dancing world champions. Proud trio Amy Walker, nine, Sophie Dickson, nine, both from Marske and Aimi Birkbeck, eight, of Redcar have been taking their trophies to school each day since they won them on Sunday. And
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Double blow as 300 workers receive redundancy notices
OFFICIALS are battling to save jobs in east Cleveland, which has been hit by a double jobs blow this week after two firms annnounced cuts. Nearly 300 redundancy notices have been issued to employees working for two firms on the same industrial estate
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Gang of five hunted after biker attack
A GANG of five youths are being hunted by police for an unprovoked attack on a 41-year-old man with speech and hearing disabilities. He was about to get on his motorbike near his home at Fleet House, in Brambles Farm, Middlesbrough, when he was approached
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Library pulls in the crowds on first day
A NEWly-opened library has proved a big hit with readers. Trimdon's £180,000 library issued more than 200 books on its first day of operation. The library, run by Durham County Council, was built in partnership with the North Eastern Co-op and has about
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Subsidised taxis aid disabled
A scheme offering subsidised taxi fares to disabled people with severe mobility problems is being launched in Hambleton. Vouchers will be issued - the value of which is dependent on where residents live - which will enable users to receive half-price
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Students' aims now higher
A TOWN'S pupils are being encouraged to go on to higher education. The Department of Education and Skills-backed Aimhigher campaign took to the streets of Middlesbrough yesterday. Graduate Emma Horsman, from Tyneside, is with the Aimhigher roadshow, talking
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Police crackdown reaps early success
A crackdown on rogue bikers is being hailed a success after a stolen motorbike worth almost £5,000 was recovered. During its first week of full-time operation, a motorcycle team at Peterlee police station has dealt with about 20 incidents involving nuisance
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News in brief:Teacher chalks up 25 years
George Tremain, one of Ryedale's best known primary school teachers, is celebrating 25 years at the same school. During his career, Mr Tremain has educated 800 pupils from Thornton-le-Dale. He is also chairman of the Inter-School Sports Committee, which
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Rent rises are part of a ten-year restructuring programme
COUNCIL tenants in Teesdale are facing a rise of as much as £1.38 a week from April. Chris Carveth, finance officer for Teesdale District Council, said the 2.53 per cent increase was part of a ten-year restructuring programme. He said that the Government
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Work starts on bridge as plans for beck come together
PLANS by residents to create a wildlife haven on their doorsteps are beginning to take shape. North Billingham Residents' Association is working with Stockton Borough Council and the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust to produce a package of measures that will
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Retailers quick off the mark for shopping complex units
A MULTI-million pound shopping complex being developed on a former pit site is already being hailed a success. A month before Dalton Park's scheduled opening, at Murton, developer ING Real Estate estimates that more than 90 per cent of the retail outlets
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Man took bottles after falling into pub's cellar
WHEN Daniel Taylor was pushed down a flight of steps into a pub's cellar, he decided to turn the misfortune to his advantage, a court heard yesterday. Taylor, 19, picked himself up, gathered six bottles from the cellar's stock in his arms and climbed
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Double delight for four star hotel
STAFF at a four star hotel are celebrating after winning two industry awards. Redworth Hall Hotel, between Darlington and Bishop Auckland, dates back to the 16th Century. It has been awarded an RAC Blue Ribbon for superior standards in comfort, hospitality
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Staff celebrate after passing help courses
MUSEUM and library staff have received training certificates at a presentation by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's Mayor, Eric Jackson. Four of the 80 customer service staff who passed one-day courses provided by the North-East Museums, Libraries
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News in brief: Time to put on walking shoes
GUIDED walks covering nearly 500 miles of County Durham's outstanding countryside will start next month. Durham County Council's new programme includes more than 70 walks ranging from two to 14 miles. Included in the programme is a mini festival of walks
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Denise is a fundraising champion
BANK employee Denise Lee has been praised for her part in raising more than £50,000 for charity. Ms Lee, of Stanley, was presented with a charity champions award from the Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID), for her fundraising work through Lloyds
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Sacked doctor wins back her post
A hospital doctor fired after being told she was limited because she was a black woman has regained her job after a five-year legal battle. Dr Feyi Awotona, a highly qualified consultant, won her case for unfair dismissal and will get back her job despite
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Leagues round-up
Crook League The first half of the League Singles and Doubles Championships were held at Crook Jelly's Bar with two players going through to the Finals Night from the singles and two pairs from the Doubles. The successful players in the singles section
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Association's milestone year
THE North Eastern Counties Welsh Pony and Cob Association, which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, raised more than £300 when it began 2003 with its annual meeting and auction of promises. The association holds a winter show at Richmond equestrian
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Darlington Church & Friendly Football League
League programme was depleted slightly due to cup commitments but nevertheless we had plenty of goals in the fixtures that took place. After the heavy overnight rain the teams had to contend with pitch conditions deteriorating as the game progressed.
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Search is on for this year's junior first citizens
ENTRIES are being invited for the annual Junior Mayor and Mayoress for a Day competition, which is open to youngsters between nine and 11 years old who live in the Darlington borough. Two winners will be invited to wear the chains of office for the day
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Schools to get traffic calming
TRAFFIC on busy roads near three schools is to be slowed by new speed measures. Darlington Borough Council has just completed a consultation with residents, police and bus companies to decide on a traffic-calming scheme for the area around Corporation
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Tackling the diabetes epidemic
IT was all smiles as Alan Milburn opened the new regional headquarters of Diabetes UK in Darlington last week. But behind the mutual expressions of admiration between the Health Secretary and the charity there are real concerns about how the Government
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Footpath refusal provokes protest
FED-UP residents could stage a protest against a local authority's refusal to create a footpath between two villages. Parish councillors in Neasham fear that somebody could be struck by a vehicle while walking along the road between the village and neighbouring
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Village divided on centre's future
A PLAN to save a village community centre has angered a resident who says it would be better to sell the land for development. Ian Kirkbride says not all villagers in Middleton St George, near Darlington, want the community centre to stay open. On Monday
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Working together makes all the difference
OPERATION Lancelot has succeeded because of the determination of various agencies and organisations to work together. Under the umbrella of the Sedgefield Partnership, members of the Burglary Action Group have been working to reduce burglaries. The group
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Benefits cheat put mother as landlady
A MAN got away with a benefits scam for more than two and a half years by claiming his mother and stepfather were his landlady and landlord, a court heard yesterday. Craig Steele defrauded Harrogate Borough Council out of housing benefit totalling £3,096.52
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First aid group will widen services with HQ extension
A VITAL first aid group is to widen its range of services following work to extend its headquarters. A 1,200sq ft extension is being built at the Thirsk base of the North Yorkshire and Teesside St John Ambulance, the first aid service and training organisation
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Festival of Discovery launched
A TWO-WEEK festival to promote science has been launched by television presenter and scientist Professor Heinz Wolff. The Festival of Discovery, which runs until March 19, aims to "demystify" science and showcase it as a rapidly-growing sector of York's
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Pupils make notes for school curriculum
MORE than 80 youngsters have been proving there is more to school than just maths and English. Youngsters from Sowerby Community Primary School joined forces with the Royal British Legion training band for a concert at the school. Parents and others were
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Stalled engine costs Craven second place
REDCAR driver Dave Craven saw his hopes of the runner-up spot disappear by the narrowest of margins when a stalled engine cost him second place on last weekend's Robin Hood Stages Rally in Nottinghamshire. Craven and co-driver Ian Jackson, from Hartburn
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SSAFA seeks volunteer
A CHARITY which offers help to the families of ex-service personnel is looking for a volunteer office administrator. The Durham County branch of the Soldiers', Sailors' and Airmen's Families' Association (SSAFA) is looking for someone able to work for
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Council admits it mishandled sale of school fields
DARLINGTON Borough Council has admitted it mishandled an attempt to sell off playing fields at the town's Longfield School. A complaint from a Longfield resident was upheld following an internal inquiry by senior council officers. The woman, who does
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Households face increased tax bill
PEOPLE in east Durham will pay at least £63 more for council services and policing from next month. The total council tax bill for Easington District Council, Durham County Council and Durham Police Authority is rising by 9.1 per cent. This equates to
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News in brief: Time to put on walking shoes
GUIDED walks covering nearly 500 miles of County Durham's outstanding countryside will start next month. Durham County Council's new programme includes more than 70 walks ranging from two to 14 miles. Included in the programme is a mini festival of walks
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Park mugging appeal issued
TWO good Samaritans could have vital information about a park mugging. A 15-year-old boy was beaten up for his bicycle by a gang of youths as he made his way home from visiting his sister at about 9pm on Monday. He had been making his way through Middlesbrough's
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Mining past inspires pupils' community mosaic
CHILDREN have brightened up a popular community venue with their artwork. Twenty-five year nine pupils at Greencroft School, in Annfield Plain, near Stanley, worked with artist Andrew Mckeown to design and create a mosaic for the Communal Rooms in nearby
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News in brief: Time to put on walking shoes
GUIDED walks covering nearly 500 miles of County Durham's outstanding countryside will start next month. Durham County Council's new programme includes more than 70 walks ranging from two to 14 miles. Included in the programme is a mini festival of walks
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Ice Hockey
Junior round-up Billingham Wolves came out on top in their derby match at Hillheads against Whitley Braves in English Under 19 North A League. For different reasons both teams required victories. Wolves in third place and looking to catch Sheffield Steelhawks
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Letters - Who knows best?
Sir, - Reading the D&S last week I was amazed. What do other residents think about councillors that decide they know best when it comes to the question of regional government? Hambleton District Council has decided that support for a referendum is
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Pope's medal for work in education
A PIONEERING head teacher, Rita Proudler, has been presented with the Pope's medal, the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, by Bishop John Crowley, of Middlesbrough, for her exceptional dedication to Catholic education, particularly in the ten years since
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Crook Ladies League
The battle for the runners-up awards tightened when Crook jelly's bar B closed the gap on Tow Law New Market B to just one point. Jelly's B only dropped four points on their visit to Tow Law Station, whilst the New Market B dropped five at Willington
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Market worker jailed
A teenage market worker was jailed yesterday for two separate attacks. David Kemp, 18, assaulted his first victim, Kevin Warburton, with a crook lock on November 18 last year. Newcastle Crown Court was told how Mr Warburton was left with a 3cm wound to
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Bishop fired up for challenge
A BISHOP was among the brave souls who took part in a fire walk last night. The Bishop of Jarrow, the Right Reverend John Pritchard, joined 29 volunteers for the challenge, at Durham Sixth-Form Centre, in aid of St Cuthbert's Hospice, Durham. Following
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County veterans earn a place in top flight
DURHAM and Cleveland men's over-35 team defeated three other counties in the inter-county championships division one north play-off group in Pontefract last weekend to claim a first-ever promotion to the premier division. Regulars Neil Harrison, Ian Williams
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Bishop Auckland Area League
Table toppers Spennymoor Voltigeur did their title chances no harm with a home win over Bishop Auckland Grand A this week. Dean Main and Tony Biddle got the hosts off to a good start before Steve Gardiner chalked one up for the Grand. The Volti took the
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EU critic off to France
WHETHER they were banning curvy cucumbers, renaming bars of chocolate, straightening our bananas or renegotiating British fishing rights, in Andrew Spence's view the European Union could not do much right. Mr Spence, a farmer and haulier from Leadgate
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Hopes for hall as new committee takes over
HOPES of saving a flagging village hall were raised this week after a new management committee was formed in a bid to safeguard its future. Fears that Middleton St George Community Centre would be sold off to housing developers grew following a meeting
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Fear of chemical weapons leaks - 60 years on
A LOCAL man wants to know if a site near Bedale, where hundreds of wartime chemical weapons were said to have been buried, poses any danger almost 60 years later. Lol Daniel said this week that he had spent the past 30 years trying to find out exactly
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Quakers keen to pick off Cherries
Draw specialists Darlington travel to the south coast tomorrow hoping to complete an impressive week when they take on Division Three high-flyers Bournemouth. Quakers followed up last Saturday's draw with table-toppers Hartlepool - their 16th of the season
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Alzheimer's Society opens day care centre
A NEW centre for people with Alzheimer's and dementia was opened last Friday. Chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society, Harry Cayton OBE, travelled from London to open The Green, in Nettlesworth. Staff, carers, volunteers, Chester-le-Street District
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Thirsk youngsters lift county cup
THIRSK School's under-13 footballers have become Coca Cola county cup champions after beating Huntington School 2-0 in an enthralling game. Thirsk started the game well and went close to scoring within minutes of the start when a good shot by Duncan Padget
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Tourists may see red well spring forth once more
CAN an important mineral spring, once revered for its medicinal properties, be restored to its former glory and marketed as a tourist attraction? This query was put to Barnard Castle Town Council on Monday by the mayor, Coun Margaret Hamilton. She told
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Michelle's posh frock ball gave charity boost
MICHELLE Anderson wanted to go to the ball so much that she organised her own event. Now, thanks to the enterprising 24-year-old from Lanchester, County Durham, a North-East charity appeal is £2,241 better off. "It's a wonderful achievement. We didn't
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Priced out of the market by degrees
The number of students renting accommodation in Durham City has spiralled over the past ten years, putting massive ppressure on the property market and forcing others out. Sarah Foster reports on the increasing tension between an expanding university
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Brother and sister deny livestock cruelty
A BROTHER and sister, charged with cruelty to animals on their farm, denied they had done anything wrong yesterday. Dorothy Tinkler, 57, and her brother, William, 58, face seven charges of failing to feed cattle properly at Goulton Holme Farm, Faceby,
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US firm's second bill for tax-payer
A US electronics firm that closed its North-East factories has left the British taxpayer with a second multi-million pound bill. Union bosses and MPs last night slammed circuit board manufacturer Viasystems, after it emerged that the firm would not have
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Tigers target a hunt for summer league success
Durham Tigers' build up for the 2003 Rugby League Conference season is already well planned. With the start of the Rugby League Conference season only two months away, Durham Tigers have announced that pre-season training will start on Monday March 10
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Career's not over, insists Oliphant
KEVAN Oliphant is planning to play for Darlington Mowden Park again next season following what he hopes has been a successful knee operation. After three years as a player/coach, the former West Hartlepool fly half said at the end of last season he wanted
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The Northern Echo Darlington Sunday Invitation League
AT THE top of Division One of The Northern Echo Darlington Sunday Invitation League, Coundon Foresters maintained their 100 per cent league record as they strolled to a 4-1 away win against relegation candidates Central Club. Meanwhile, East End WMC took
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Lucky escape as bus hits shop
A SERVICE bus carrying children from school among its passengers crashed into a Chester-le-Street town centre charity shop last week. Glass shattered into the bus and on to the pavement when the Go North East double-decker hit the PDSA shop as the vehicle
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Apollo Doors Gateshead Youth League
Blackfyne moved to within a point of Heworth in the U11 division when they defeated Beamish 2-0. Heworth, though, stay out in front as a result of their 9-1 defeat of Consett when the goals flowed from Jeff Mulholland (4), James Hall (3) and Jacob Kirtley
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Stolen car hits man at junction
A MAN was seriously ill last night after being hit by a suspected stolen car. The 37-year-old suffered head and leg injuries when he was knocked down crossing a busy Darlington road. Traffic was brought to a standstill as emergency crews dealt with the
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Looking Back
FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - Railway smash. On Tuesday morning, at about twenty minutes to three, a goods train was proceeding northwards from Darlington, and when near the north cabin the engine came into collision with that of another train
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Stanley League
BARRY WOOD was the star of the show as Grange Villa WMC hit South Moor Sports for six to lift themselves up into third position. Sharpshooter Woods struck five goals in an emphatic 6-1 win to take his tally to 32 for the season. Ian Pinchen scored the
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The Albany Northern League Today
Marske United defender Michael Kinnair makes history tomorrow when he becomes the first player from his club to reach 500 appearances. Kinnair, who was signed by the club when he was a raw teenager over a decade ago, will reach the milestone when he steps
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London showing for pictures by pastel artist
NORTH Yorkshire artist, Elizabeth Smith, has again had work accepted for a major London exhibition. Two of her pastel paintings, both of Spanish villages, are on show at the Mall Galleries in the Pastel Society's 104th annual exhibition which opened last
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Longhorn Hardware Darlington and District League
DGSOB 0, Hole in the Wall 3 Wall created several chances early and on eventually took the lead after 35 minutes when Andrew Wedgewood side-footed home a Robbie Dodsworth cross. Andrew Mackintosh entered the fray on 48 minutes replacing the injured Wedgewood
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Millionaire question gets good response
A BUSINESSMAN who asked: "Who wants to be a millionaire?" has attracted scores of would-be entrepreneurs. Marketing specialist Jeff Fitzpatrick launched the initiative as his "contribution to the regeneration of the region", in The Northern Echo's Business
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Discovering how the minster was built
SOME of the secrets of the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe are about to be revealed. As part of National Science Week, York Minster's Centre for School Visits is organising sessions to try and explain just how the spectacular Minster was built
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Royal Navy gun briefing
TWO major defence procurement firms are expected in the region next week to brief industry on a new gun system for the Royal Navy. United Defense and Raytheon are hoping to win a contract to replace the aged and outdated 4.5-in Mk 8 gun, which has been
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Fighting to save an amazing bird
I AM told, on good authority, that bitterns used to live around Thirkleby Beck, a tiny stream running between the small villages of Great Thirkleby and Little Thirkleby, a few miles south-east of Thirsk. The distinctive booming voices of the males could
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Call to firms to join online business club
A virtual business club goes online this month as part of an initiative led by chartered accountant Horwath Clark Whitehill. The Hartlpool firm was the first principal member at teesvalley.eb 4b.co.uk, working as part of a national network of eb4b referral
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Books come to life
HEROES and villains from popular children's stories have been brought to life in a fundraising fancy dress day. Pupils at St Patrick's RC School in Consett came to school dressed as their favourite characters. The youngsters and staff who took part each
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Library given rooftop lawn
ARCHITECTS Browne Smith Baker chose grass over glass when they were asked to transform part of a college. Darlington's Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College has an environmentally-friendly library and information technology (IT) suite with a grass roof following
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Pie, peas and stewardship
UTASS has arranged for the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group to give a presentation on the options available under the 2003 Countryside Stewardship Scheme. This will be held at the Bridge Inn, Ramshaw, at 7.30 on Wednesday, and will be followed by a
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Charity trek triggers teenager's wanderlust
NINETEEN-year old Anna Saxby of Darlington has caught the travel bug after returning from a gruelling 80-mile jungle trek in memory of her father. The ten-day South American challenge organised by Macmillan Cancer Relief saw the former Hummersknott School
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Officers probe fireplace fall
TRADING standards officers are planning to visit the house where a little girl was critically injured when a marble fireplace fell on her. The three-year-old suffered serious head and chest injuries after being crushed by the fire surround that had been
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Gangsters to spark a double for Parker
TRAINER Andrew Parker and jockey Paul Robson should not leave Ayr empty-handed in view of the fact that both Gangsters R Us and Workaway are strongly fancied to win their races at the popular Scottish track. Gangsters R Us (3.50) is first on stage in
