Archive
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Barker all set to take on British Open challenge
PAUL Barker has been invited to compete in the British Open Show Jumping Championships at the Hallam FM Arena in Sheffield in April. The Northallerton rider, currently 12th in the BSJA national rankings, made a successful debut last year in an event which
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Teesside, Tees Valley, Tees City ... confused?
AMID all the ballyhoo this week accompanying the launch of the Stockton-Middlesbrough Initiative, the concept of a "Tees City" was lurking in the background. There was much talk of the creation of a "city-region" with Stockton and Middlesbrough as the
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'Phenomenal success' of home-produced goods leads to new appeal
A SUPERMARKET is appealing for local food producers to supply their products for its shelves. Following the success of an earlier regional appeal, the Asda store in Darlington wants to find more home-produced products to sell. Steve Mckenna, trading team
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Dynamic approach to medicinal marketing
A LEADING academic is setting up a company to help more cancer-fighting drugs reach the market. Cancer Dynamics will be established in Newcastle. It will offer the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries help in getting more anti-cancer drugs to clinical
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Food's great but Croft's too cool
IF you were in the steamy heat of Singapore, the shady palms and the constantly turning fans would, no doubt, be something of a blessing. But in northern England on a typically damp January evening, the cavernous coolness of The Croft and its recently
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Double trouble
Bone idle council workmen painted double yellow lines on either side of a parked car rather than wait for the owner to turn up. Regulars at a social club thought they'd had a few too many when they spotted the gaff. But the gap in the lines was proof
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Court summons . . . for 1p of council tax
A WOMAN has been sent a court summons for an outstanding 1p of council tax. Ann Gwilliams, 59, of Easington, east Durham, has been landed with an £11.01 bill for allegedly failing to pay all her council tax between May 2000 and March 2001. But £11 of
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Skelton's debut brace keeps Town in the hunt
Marske Utd 1 Northallerton Town 3 NORTHALLERTON'S new signing Craig Skelton, a striker picked up from first division club Thornaby, became an instant hit with the large band of Town fans who made the trip to Marske last Saturday. The new boy hit two stunning
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Guilty verdict on sex attacker
A MAN who pounced on a terrified teenager and subjected her to a sex attack as she walked through an unlit pathway has been found guilty of indecent assault. Kevin Thompson, 41, had followed the 17-year-old girl as she walked home in Middlesbrough, before
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Fears for future of pit villages
FEARS have been voiced that the region's development blueprint could hit the regeneration of former pit villages. Many communities across County Durham are still fighting to secure their future, decades after collieries closed. The Regional Spatial Strategy
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'Cannabis' trials for 21 MS patients
VOLUNTEERS at a North-East hospital have been testing a cannabis-based medication for multiple sclerosis. The 21 guinea pigs were given up to five gel-filled capsules a day containing either cannabis extract, a synthetic version of cannabis or a dummy
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No driving ban for farmer
MAGISTRATES yesterday agreed not to ban a farmer from driving after he admitted speeding. Robert Dennison, 59, of Crowtree Farm, Thornton-le-Beans, Northallerton, told South Durham Magistrates' Court, sitting in Darlington, that his business would collapse
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'We don't want to lose maternity services'
HEALTH chiefs have revealed the extent to which maternity services at the Friarage Hospital have been under threat due to staffing problems. But senior staff said solutions had been found and that there was a strong commitment to keeping the services.
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Projects 'will not harm each other'
THE man behind four developments to revive the fortunes of the Tees Valley last night said the projects would not be detrimental to each other. North Shore, in Stockton, was unveiled last week as the fourth site to be developed by Tees Valley Regeneration
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Call for 'degree of urgency' on double jeopardy changes
A HOME Office minister yesterday criticised her own officials over the failure to implement the scrapping of the so-called "double jeopardy" rule. Baroness Scotland departed from her brief because she was unhappy with the suggested response that long-delayed
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Companies form strategic alliance
ENGINEERING companies from across the Tees Valley joined forces yesterday in a bid to win contracts upon which thousands of jobs will depend. The Tees Valley Engineering Partnership (TVEP) is creating a strategy for the next three years to win a share
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Kilbane is fine by me, admits McCarthy
MICK McCARTHY last night admitted he felt sick the day Kevin Kilbane was offloaded to Everton in a bid to ease Sunderland's financial troubles. Kilbane will be in the Toffees' starting line-up tomorrow when the Black Cats travel to Merseyside for the
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A case of the biter bit
An apple a day may keep the doctor away but, in Northumbria, it seems a surefire way of attracting the police. The case of the nursery nurse pulled over and given an on-the-spot fine for holding an apple while negotiating a left-hand turn has provoked
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Three arrested after stopcheck
Three men are helping police with their inquiries following the discovery of drugs worth an estimated £300,000 concealed in the boot of a car. The arrests followed a routine stopcheck by officers on two suspicious vehicles in Borough Road, Middlesbrough
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Special livestock sales
BORDERWAY (Carlisle). - Mon. Show & sale of reg Blue-faced Leics females. Judge: Alex Bisset, Middle Dukesfield. Champion: Sophie Ann Harding, Shrewbridge flock, Nantwich, 1-crop ewe by Lydbury Marcus Elite Plus, 1,000gns to Janice Brown, Kylieford
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Wensleydale come up just short in final
WENSLEYDALE School, Leyburn went down 3-1 in a competitive North Yorkshire under-13 girls' county cup final against Rossett School of Harrogate earlier this month. A sizeable crowd attended the match at Thirsk School, where the two teams battled for the
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Shop Talk: Cheap and cheerful or posh and pricey?
We put Netto, the Easyjet of food retailing, and its much posher cousin Waitrose, to the trolly test. NETTO and Waitrose represent the two extremes of supermarkets. Until now, Waitrose has been available only in the south - their most northerly outpost
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Is it time for cross to move after more than 600 years?
POSSIBLE solutions to traffic problems in Bedale could involve moving the market cross. North Yorkshire County Council and its consultants, Mouchel Parkman, held a second workshop as part of consultations on a proposed five-year traffic management strategy
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Help for school branded as having serious weaknesses
EDUCATION officials are helping staff at a North-East school after it was criticised by inspectors for having "serious weaknesses". An Ofsted inspection of Bishopton Redmarshall Primary School, between Darlington and Stockton, found standards to be unsatisfactory
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Milk campaign targets girls - and their mums
THE Milk Development Council is to launch a £3m campaign to persuade teenage girls of benefits of milk, cheese and yoghurt. The European Commission has given £1.5m towards the two-year project, which begins in March and includes cinema, radio and magazine
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Reiziger will wait before going Dutch
MICHAEL REIZIGER has put a return to the international arena on hold. The 31-year-old defender quit playing for his country shortly after his move to Teesside in the summer, so he could concentrate on giving his all for the Middlesbrough cause. His last
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Quad bike crackdown: Is it too late?
A PLANNED crackdown on the use of quad bikes, motorcycles and four-wheel drive vehicles on green lanes has been welcomed by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority. However, landowners say the Government move may be too late to protect fragile areas
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Borough honours Dame Tanni
DAME Tanni Grey-Thompson has been granted the Freedom of Redcar and Cleveland Borough. The paralympian, from Wales, has lived in Redcar for six years. During Tuesday's ceremony Tanni said she loved living in Teesside as Redcar's roads were the best in
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Man stole bus to go for spin
A TOURIST who went on a drunken driving spree after stealing a bus with three friends has been jailed. Richard Holmes visited the North-East in July for a weekend of drinking, but his drunken antics soon him and his friends in trouble with police. Teesside
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Gemma has spring in step after latest triumph
A YOUNG athlete is through to the final of a national trampolining contest. Gemma Proud, 13, of Shield Row, Stanley, County Durham, came first in the recent under-15s zonal schools competition in Manchester. She also won the same category in a regional
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Curtain up as school stages Wizard Of Oz
PLENTY of heart, courage and brain has been needed to produce this year's show at St Michael's RC School, in Billingham. Young actors at the specialist science school are staging a version of the Wizard of Oz. Tickets are already selling for the production
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Inspector disciplined for breaches
A POLICE inspector has been disciplined for breaches of regulations. Steve Bakewell, a control room inspector with Cleveland Police, has been reprimanded and fined. He faced six disciplinary charges following a four-year long independent investigation
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£9m boost is excellent news
TWO centres for excellence in music and healthcare studies are to be established in the North-East following an injection of £9m in Government cash. Hundreds of future musicians and health professionals will be trained using the very latest methods at
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Grain report
by Robin Twizell RMD Agriculture DESPITE last week's announcement that Brussels is to allow export credits for up to 2m tonnes of wheat on to the world market, our market has not moved. Most of these exports are expected to come from France, as we do
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Move to ease fear over flat for homeless
HOUSING officers have stepped in to address residents' fears over accommodation for the homeless. The district council wants to convert a flat in Broadway, Colburn, into a four-bedroom unit, providing temporary housing for homeless families. But local
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Cricket club's bid to catch up
VOLUNTEERS are teaming up to transform a cricket club in time for the summer season. Crook Cricket Club has set aside the weekend of April 2 and 3 to give its clubhouse and ground a makeover and is recruiting skilled and unskilled helpers. The initiative
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Cricket club's bid to catch up
VOLUNTEERS are teaming up to transform a cricket club in time for the summer season. Crook Cricket Club has set aside the weekend of April 2 and 3 to give its clubhouse and ground a makeover and is recruiting skilled and unskilled helpers. The initiative
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Homes plan for derelict land
COUNCILLORS have approved a housing development on derelict land last used by travellers. Redwood Homes North-East wants to build 22 houses and flats, create parking and an access, at Commercial Road East, Coxhoe. The site, at the north-western entrance
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Folk singer resting after heart scare
TEESSIDE folk singer Vin Garbutt is continuing to recover after being taken to hospital with heart problems. Mr Garbutt is in James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, after being admitted to the cardiac care unit last week where tests showed he
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Charity abseil in aid of research
A COMMUNITY bobby is abseiling off the Tyne Bridge this weekend in aid of charity. Malcolm Barnes, a police community support officer in Catchgate, near Stanley, will abseil from the Gateshead side of the bridge on Sunday. He is on course to raise about
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Young competitors get set to raise funds for hospice
HUNDREDS of children at a County Durham school are taking part in cross-country runs for charity. Barnard Castle School's Barney Bash cross-country event is raising money for the Butterwick Hospice this year. All 500 students at the school are taking
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Refuge will go ahead despite objections from neighbours
PLANS to build a women's refuge on the outskirts of Durham have been approved despite residents' objections. The Three Rivers Housing Group wants to build eight self-contained and supported flats for women and children fleeing domestic violence on a site
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Jail threat for pub burglar
A PUB burglar is facing jail after telling a court he would continue to defy a curfew. Harrogate magistrates imposed the 8pm to 7am curfew on Gary Clegg, 46, on December 16 after he had pleaded guilty to trespassing on the premises of the Hornblower Tavern
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Disruption in town as roads are built
MAJOR roadworks have been announced for the centre of a Teesside town. Serious disruption is expected for the centre of Stockton as roads are built to service the £300m North Shore project. Other works are planned to replace the junction at the end of
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Barron in exclusive Pool club
MICKY Barron is to join an elite club at Hartlepool United - by reaching ten years' service and qualifying for a testimonial season. The Pool skipper yesterday signed a new contract at Victoria Park, which will take him to a decade at the club he joined
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Beer barrel race offers a chance to make amends
A TOWN'S rival breweries have backed a beer barrel race for youngsters who are trying to make amends for anti-social behaviour. The sponsored race around Masham Market Place was organised after residents packed a public meeting to unite in protest at
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28/01/05
EUROPE: WITH the publication of the Parliamentary Bill to approve the new European Constitutional Treaty we can now look forward to a proper debate on the treaty and the proposals it contains. The parliamentary debate will provide - for the first time
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Hard-working students rewarded with accolades in ceremony
PRESENT and former pupils from Hummersknott School and Language College were rewarded for their hard work at an awards ceremony last night. The event included music from school band Black Liquor and a speech by pupil Lucy Madden, who won a recent public
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Call for bird-watchers
PEOPLE in Darlington are being asked to take part in a bird-watching survey. The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch takes place this weekend and residents are encouraged to help provide an up-to-date overview of the kinds of birds in the borough. People are invited
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School donates its cash reward to victims of the Asian tsunami disaster
STAFF and students at a Derwentside school have donated nearly £1,100 to victims of the Asian tsunami disaster. Schools in County Durham were awarded £1,000 for helping Durham County Council achieve 'excellent' status for their efforts last year. But
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Jail sentence extended for man guilty of indecent assault
A MAN serving six years in prison for indecently assaulting a young girl had his sentence extended yesterday by 18 months. The additional time was imposed after Michael Davies, 38, was convicted of indecency charges, involving two sisters, at Durham Crown
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Probe into care home after abuse allegations
POLICE and social services chiefs are investigating a case of alleged abuse at a care home for elderly people, The Northern Echo can reveal. They are understood to have launched the joint inquiry after an inspection body raised fears about the care of
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Ousted Tory hits back at claims by party chairman
A DE-SELECTED Tory councillor has denied claims by her association chairman that she swore and screamed abuse at him on the telephone and made an inappropriate comment about terminally ill people. Coun Marjorie Simpson was deselected by Stockton Conservatives
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Machinery sale
CARLISLE. - First monthly implement sale. Prices: £3,600 Marshall bale trailer; £2,200 Grahams Edward cattle trailer; £1,250 Ifor Williams trailer; £1,000 slurry tanker; £700 generator; £680 flotation tyres; £580 Tullan muckspreader; £520 SR Holland feeder
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Blaydon defeat extends Mowden's poor run
THE alarm bells are ringing for Darlington Mowden Park after a fifth successive defeat raised prospects of joining their neighbours in a battle against relegation from National Three North. The revival of Dudley Kingswinford, who won at Mowden three weeks
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End gripping now, says advisory committee
AN INFLUENTIAL committee has called for an immediate end to moorland gripping. The Government used to encourage the practice, which involves digging drainage channels, known as grips, in upland areas and farmers and landowners received grants to carry
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Doncaster's good ground will suit Captains Table
THE promise of some faster ground at Doncaster could be the answer to the prayers of Captains Table (3.55) in the skybet.com Handicap Chase. As a result of the recent wet weather it's been hock deep at most racecourses, but Doncaster's highly efficient
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Clean-up aids children
RESIDENTS can support children as they clean up the environment. Changes to refuse collections will improve recycling rates and donate £1 for every tonne collected to the Save The Children Fund. Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's refuse workforce
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Parking restrictions are hard on residents
PROPOSALS for new parking arrangements in Barnard Castle are concerning councillors. Plans include restricting parking time to a maximum of two hours on street parking bays and the cobbles. Standardising the no waiting restrictions is also proposed. The
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Northern Sinfonia, the Sage Gateshead.
THE creation of the Sage Gateshead, conveyed in a gripping combination of music and film, enraptured an audience in the building's Hall One. A composer with a love for building sites, Jonathan Dove donned his hard hat to soak up atmosphere as the building
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Students stage great escape
A GROUP of students are going on the run in a bid to raise money for charity - by seeing how far they can travel in 36 hours. Students from Durham University will join their counterparts from Oxford and Cambridge in a sponsored jailbreak next Friday.
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Police on hunt for training venues
A POLICE force is appealing for locations where it can put the skills of its four-legged recruits to the test. Northumbria police's dog section is desperately in need of derelict or unused buildings such as factories, schools or warehouses to train its
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Fury as killer looks forward to trips out
THE brother of a murdered council official has reacted angrily to news that killer Albert Dryden is looking forward to his first visit outside prison in almost 14 years. The 64-year-old was jailed for shooting Harry Collinson when council officers moved
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Police to cut costs by £1m
A POLICE force last night warned of "difficult decisions" ahead after revealing it would make cuts of £1m over the next financial year. The warning from County Durham police came as the Home Office confirmed how much each police authority would receive
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Groom injured as wedding turns into brawl
A groom spent his wedding night in hospital after a guest kicked his head "like a football" when the reception erupted into a mass brawl. What should have been the happiest day of Trevor McDonald and his bride Kerry O'Rourke's lives turned into a real
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Appeal to protect moors stones
INSCRIPTIONS on scores of historic stones on the North Yorks Moors are being lost because of bad weather and thieves, according to leading historian and teacher. Eric Frisby, of West Cornforth, County Durham, believes many stories relating to stones may
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MP protests after firm hedges bets over sewage on beach
THE MP for Redcar, Vera Baird, has sent a strong letter of protest to Northumbrian Water about sewage deposits on Marske beach. Following an "equivocal" reply when she demanded to know why sewage was deposited on the beach when the company had just put
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Falcons keep faith with Wilkinson senior at 10
INJURY-HIT Newcastle Falcons will again have Mark Wilkinson at fly half for tonight's Zurich Premiership match against Saracens at Vicarage Road. Jonny Wilkinson, Dave Walder and Academy fly half Toby Flood all have knee injuries, so the England captain's
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Burton's Bytes: A rally game that reeks class
World Rally Championship 4. Publisher: SCEE. Format: PS2. Price: £39.99: Family friendly? Likely to prove difficult for the under tens. WITH its insanely fast cars, beautiful scenery and prospects for spectacular crashes, you'd think rally driving would
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'Pivotal' wind farm inquiry nears start
A CAMPAIGN to stop 27 giant wind turbines being erected between the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District national parks has moved up a gear. Each turbine would stand higher than St Paul's Cathedral and the wind farm would straddle 7km of open countryside
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Developer says rejigged plan has 'quality feel' to homes
RESIDENTS have raised concerns over plans to build 29 houses in Egglescliffe. Last week, Mark Wilson, from property developer Charles Church, presented plans for the homes in Aislaby Road to the parish council. A proposal to demolish four houses and replace
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Doncaster's good ground will suit Captains Table
THE promise of some faster ground at Doncaster could be the answer to the prayers of Captains Table (3.55) in the skybet.com Handicap Chase. As a result of the recent wet weather it's been hock deep at most racecourses, but Doncaster's highly efficient
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We develop people
IT WASN'T one of the St James' Park hierarchy who said this week: "We don't develop players at Newcastle. We develop people." It was the Falcons' fitness coach Steve Black, who once worked for the Magpies but probably wouldn't wish to waste his time on
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Diversity the flavour of arts festival
ONE of the region's major arts festivals will boast an international array of talent this year. Leading artists from Japan, South Africa, Italy will be taking part in the two-week long event which opens at Settrington House, Malton, on July 15, and runs
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Fears for future as job cuts confirmed
WORKERS were last night fearing for the future of a North-East factory as the US-owned company announced further redundancies. Two years ago, Black & Decker shed more than 1,000 jobs in Spennymoor, County Durham, in an effort to reduce costs by moving
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Council takeover set to end sorry saga of seafront building
AN END might be in sight for the saga of the trouble-hit seafront building near Saltburn Pier. Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council is expected to take over as owners from Saltburn Improvement Company soon. Coun Dave Fitzpatrick, the council's cabinet
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A rally game that reeks class
World Rally Championship 4. Publisher: SCEE. Format: PS2. Price: £39.99: Family friendly? Likely to prove difficult for the under tens. WITH its insanely fast cars, beautiful scenery and prospects for spectacular crashes, you'd think rally driving would
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A walk among the victims and survivors of nature's savagery
IN THE aftermath of ferocious storms earlier this month, we took a winter walk in one of the coniferous forests close to our home. Being winter, the wind was strong and chilling, albeit not blowing at gale force, but the ground was frost free and there
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We still have the most forward-thinking sheep industry in Europe - NSA chief executive
SHEEP farmers have plenty of reasons to be optimistic. John Thorley, chief executive of the National Sheep Association, gave this upbeat message at the fair, which he described as a landmark occasion. It was the first major sheep event of 2005 and in
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Heathy options on offer
A SHOW for people who want to get in shape is coming to the North-East. The BBC Big Challenge Roadshow will be at Gateshead's MetroCentre on February 5. It will offer consultations with a dietician, advice on simple steps towards a healthier lifestyle
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GNER denies reports
TRAIN company GNER has shrugged off reports that it may have to pay £100m a year to the Government should it win the right to continue running services on the East Coast Mainline. Last year it paid about £25m to the Treasury in premiums and is among just
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More get the better breeding message
THE most progressive sheep breeders in England were announced at the Sheep Fair. They were singled out for a series of new Eblex Better Returns Programme Progressive Flock Awards. BRP joined forces with MLC Signet Breeding Services to identify the winners
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Shoptalk
NETTO and Waitrose represent the two extremes of supermarkets. Until now, Waitrose has been available only in the south - their most northerly outpost was Newark in Nottinghamshire - but with the takeover of some of the old Safeway stores, they have now
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Hodgson hopes for Petta deal
FORMER Celtic winger Bobby Petta will hold talks with David Hodgson in London this afternoon to discuss a move to Darlington. Leeds United have also expressed an interest in the Dutchman who left Celtic last month, but spent the final five months as a
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Police launch murder inquiry
THE death of a Loftus man who was attacked in the street is being treated as murder. Bakery owner John Carr was rushed to hospital last weekend after a fight outside the White Horse pub on Saturday evening. He died the following day from severe head injuries
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Operations called off in bed shortage
More than 60 operations have had to be postponed at a North Yorkshire hospital because of a shortage of beds. Scarborough General Hospital spokeswoman Gilly Collinson said the reason was more people being admitted with flu and similar illnesses. Some
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Region pays tribute to Holocaust dead
A MAN who lost three members of his family during the Second World War paid tribute to the fallen yesterday. Pensioner Alf Heimbach's grandmother starved to death in the Warsaw Ghetto, an aunt perished in the Stuthof concentration camp, while an uncle
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Historic house increases its visitor attractions
A RESTORED medieval town house is creating a gallery and schoolroom. Barley Hall in York dates back to the late Middle Ages, when it was home to goldsmith and lord mayor of the city, William Snawsell. York Archaeological Trust acquired the site in the
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Huge increase in incidents where police carry guns
THE soaring number of incidents requiring police officers to carry guns across the North-East and North Yorkshire was revealed yesterday. Home Office figures show that the number of armed operations authorised by Cleveland Police rose by 166.5 per cent
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Talent from around the region
AN EXHIBITION of work by North-East artists opens on Tuesday at Scissors Paper Stone, an independent contemporary gallery in East Durham. Many of the artists are showing there for the first time; others are back by popular demand. The owner, Angela Forsyth
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Erica celebrates national title
NORTHERN side-saddle rider Erica Williams has won the national side-saddle junior performance rider of the year award. Erica, from Barnard Castle, had to ride side-saddle in direct competition with astride riders in classes including show jumping, dressage
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Falcons keep faith with Wilkinson senior at 10
INJURY-HIT Newcastle Falcons will again have Mark Wilkinson at fly half for tonight's Zurich Premiership match against Saracens at Vicarage Road. Jonny Wilkinson, Dave Walder and Academy fly half Toby Flood all have knee injuries, so the England captain's
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House plan likely to be approved
OUTLINE plans to build three houses on the site of a former County Durham slaughterhouse look likely to be approved. The application, by Philip Thompson, at Hamsterley, in Teesdale, has been recommended for approval by planning officers at Teesdale District
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Flowers, vegetables and landscapes all vibrantly portrayed
AN exhibition of vibrant ink paintings is opening in Stokesley. The exhibition at Bianco Nero Gallery features artist Elda Abramson's depictions of flowers, vegetables and landscapes. Many of the original paintings were commissioned for a recent book
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On TV
Trisha (ITV1) Trisha Goddard (five) The Truth About Kate Moss (five) THE announcer who introduced her as "five's very own Trisha Goddard" was being economical with the truth. The presenter may have switched her Jerry Springer-style agony-and-ecstasy relationships
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Pablo is returned to the wild
TEENAGER Nicole Rowley didn't flap when a teacher asked her to help with an injured owl. For the 14-year-old's mother, Sally, runs Weardale Animal Rescue Centre in Stanhope and Nicole knew exactly what to do. "We've had a few owls in before and I knew
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Young sportsmen uphold tradition
BUDDING sports stars at a North-East school are on a roll. Patrick Dias and Michael Turns are the latest young sportsmen to uphold Durham School's fine traditions on the playing fields. While Patrick has been earmarked for great things on the rugby field
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Wanted man on police list
POLICE have released details of a man they want to talk to about a drugs inquiry.. Local people are being asked to be the 'eyes and ears' of Cleveland Police, who are appealing for help in finding a number of men in connection with a variety of offences
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Prices at the marts
BARNARD CASTLE. - Wed of last week. Fwd: 2,226 sheep. Lt lambs to 128p av 106.9p; std to 119p av 112.4p; med to 118p av 111.8p; heavy to 112p av 108.3p. Cast sheep: Suff to 40.5; Cont £47; Mule £34; Swale £23. DARLINGTON. - Thurs of last week. Fwd: 485
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Fury as killer looks forward to trips out
THE brother of a murdered council official has reacted angrily to news that killer Albert Dryden is looking forward to his first visit outside prison in almost 14 years. The 64-year-old was jailed for shooting Harry Collinson when council officers moved
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Shipyard sails into a political storm
A SHIPYARD boss was last night caught up in a political row following Tory claims that his company had been handed a "secret" £84m lifeline. The Northern Echo reported last month how the Ministry of Defence had agreed to pay the cash to Tyneside company
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Twitchers urged to watch the birdies
BIRD lovers in the North-East have been asked to form flying squads this weekend to watch out for and report any unusual species they see in their gardens. As part of Big Garden Birdwatch, RSPB is asking people to help to find out more about garden bird
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£1m of drugs are seized
POLICE have seized drugs with a street value of about £1m as part of an ongoing operation. A large quantity of ecstasy tablets, cocaine and cannabis were found at an address in Easington Lane, near Easington, County Durham, on Wednesday. Two people were
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Oster axed by Sunderland
SUNDERLAND last night announced the termination of John Oster's contract. The 25-year-old midfielder recently returned to the Stadium of Light after his loan deal at Leeds United was terminated following a breach of club rules. Complaints had been made
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Politician backs school's bid for specialist status
A HIGH-achieving school struggling to raise cash to secure specialist status won the support of a visiting MP. Shadow Education Secretary Tim Collins said that under a Conservative government, the £50,000 schools had to raise to gain specialist status
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Opportunity for firms to forge links
A BUSINESS event is being held next week to help companies in Hartlepool access markets at home and abroad. Representatives from the town's business community have been invited to attend a free Access to Markets event, at Hartlepool Historic Quay, on
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Police on hunt for training venues
A POLICE force is appealing for locations where it can put the skills of its four-legged recruits to the test. Northumbria police's dog section is desperately in need of derelict or unused buildings such as factories, schools or warehouses to train its
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Initiatives offer work to the under-25s
Initiatives offering opportunities for out-of-work young people are starting. The Prince's Trust is launching a 12-week programme offering 17 to 25-year-olds the chance to learn skills, earn nationally-recognised qualifications, build self-confidence
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Teenagers' fundraising role
YOUNGSTERS blamed for anti-social behaviour and vandalism have launched a fundraising project to say sorry. Rival breweries stepped in to back a beer barrel race by the youngsters, in Masham. A sponsored race around the Market Place has been organised
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Remarkable year's trade in pedigree Limousins
A REMARKABLE year's business in the UK is highlighted in figures released this week by the British Limousin Cattle Society. Official society sales saw pedigree stock break through the £6m barrier to record an overall gross total of £6,006,530. As a consequence
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Pilot scheme shows benefit of sorting lambs before selling
A PILOT scheme has shown that sorting lambs before selling can bring significant financial benefits for producers. Overall, sorted lambs averaged an extra £2.10 a lamb in the project, run by the English Beef and Lamb Executive's Better Returns Programme
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Scotching rumours
NEVER underestimate the power of the rumour mill. That's a message clearly taken to heart by the managers responsible for providing services at Northallerton's Friarage Hospital. If you believed the rumours, the Friarage has been on the point of imminent
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Villagers' fears grow over £56m expansion of airport
FEARS over the £56m expansion of Durham Tees Valley Airport are growing in a village south of Darlington. More than 100 people have already written to planning bosses at Darlington Borough Council expressing concerns. Many are from Long Newton, near Stockton
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Charity abseil in aid of research
A COMMUNITY bobby is abseiling off the Tyne Bridge this weekend in aid of charity. Malcolm Barnes, a police community support officer in Catchgate, near Stanley, will abseil from the Gateshead side of the bridge on Sunday. He is on course to raise about
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Prison for teenage driver
A TEENAGER fled the North-East to start a new life on the South coast to avoid being sentenced for drink-driving. Richard Liam Rogerson was committed for sentence at Durham Crown Court last May, after admitting dangerous driving, driving while disqualified
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History fair celebrates heritage
A FAMILY history fair is helping to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Organised and hosted by Durham County Council, Yesterday Belongs to You 7, is to be held at County Hall, Durham, on Saturday, May 14. The last fair
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Homes plan on vacant site is rejected
CONTROVERSIAL plans to build 41 apartments on a former care home site have been blocked by councillors. A planning committee meeting yesterday refused the application to redevelop the vacant Nessfield care home, in Nunthorpe. Redcar and Cleveland Council
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Scott Trial cash handed over to charities
THE world's toughest one-day motorcycle trial, which is held annually in the Dales, has raised £8,000 for local charities. Last week, Richmond Motor Club presented the money to local charities and organisations, including schools, nursing homes and playgroups
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Bigger phone mast to be built
A MOBILE phone mast will be increased in size despite opposition from residents. The mast already towers over homes in Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, and a planning application granted yesterday will increase the height by five metres. The planning committee
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Get-tough policy on football yobs is paying off
A CRACKDOWN on football hooligans in the wake of the violence that marred Middlesbrough's Uefa Cup match in the Czech Republic is starting to pay off. The man in charge of rounding up the thugs who clashed with Czech fans claims it has led to a definite
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Clampdown on dog fouling
TRADERS and councils are appealing to people to dish the dirt on dog owners whose pets foul the streets of Ferryhill. Alarmed by reports of children falling into mess left behind by pets, Ferryhill Town Council, Ferryhill Chamber of Trade and Sedgefield
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Castle gets tourist role
A CASH-STRAPPED council is to let English Heritage take over a tourist information centre in Helmsley. Ryedale District Council is trying to make savings to balance its budget. Under proposals to be discussed next week, the centre would be moved to a
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Building plan backed
A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build six houses in a Teesdale town has been recommended for approval. Several neighbouring residents have complained that the proposed site at Harmire Close in Barnard Castle would become overdeveloped if the application is given
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£1m of drugs are seized
POLICE have seized drugs with a street value of about £1m as part of an ongoing operation. A large quantity of ecstasy tablets, cocaine and cannabis were found at an address in Easington Lane, near Easington, County Durham, on Wednesday. Two people were
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Memorial fund set up for man left paralysed by spinal injury
A MEMORIAL fund has been established in the memory of a man who spent the last years of his life needing round-the-clock care. Keith Murgatroyd, of Middleham, near Leyburn, died in hospital on Sunday after living with damage to his spinal cord for the
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'Pool could be built at fraction of quote'
AN opponent of plans for a multi-million pound development is convinced that an Olympic-size pool could be built for a fraction of the price quoted by councillors. But developers behind the £55m plan say Chris McGlade's sums do not add up for the Redcar
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'Region could be home to a new industry'
THE boss of the world's largest commercial electric vehicle manufacturer believes the North-East could be home to a new industry thanks to growth in the market. Smiths Electric Vehicles (SEV), on the Team Valley industrial estate, Gateshead, yesterday
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Ink paintings on display
AN exhibition of vibrant ink paintings is opening in Stokesley. The display, at Bianco Nero Gallery, features artist Elda Abramson's paintings of flowers, vegetables and landscapes. Many of the original paintings were commissioned for a recent book, called
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Owner promises change at country house hotel
A MAN with over 40 years' experience in the leisure industry is now the owner of a Georgian country house hotel. John Furnish, from Wensleydale, has bought Solberge Hall Hotel at Newby Wiske, near Northallerton, after securing a seven-figure funding deal
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Former Hummersknott pupil in line for Bafta
AN up and coming actress in line for a top award says she has much to thank a Darlington school for. Heather Craney, nominated for a Bafta for her part in the new hit movie Vera Drake, says her time at the town's Hummersknott School did a lot to fuel
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All change for new model Rod
A Rod Stewart look-a-like is asking 'do ya think I'm sexy?' after having his trademark locks shaved off in aid of the Asian tsunami appeal. For as long as he can remember, Paul Fenwick, of Challener Way, West Auckland, has been known as Rod because of
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Johnson pair on top form to land Haydock double
GRITTY and determined would fit both Howard Johnson's horses and his rider, Graham Lee, who again chalked up a big double for the Crook trainer at Haydock, where the ground was more than testing. Inglis Drever landed the Haydock Champion Hurdle Trial
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Police respond to rise in car crime
A PURGE on car criminals is being stepped up to combat smash and grab attacks in Middlesbrough town centre. A specialist team of officers using surveillance equipment have focused on known hotspots to drive the crooks off the streets. Detectives want
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Reprieve for swimming pool as council agrees to rethink
A TOWN'S swimming pool has been given a reprieve after a council agreed to think again about its closure. Councillors at Sedgefield Borough Council have been persuaded to rethink their decision to close Shildon's only swimming pool. The turnaround comes
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Bogus callers offer road kerb work
HOUSEHOLDERS in a Teesside town are being warned to be on their guard against doorstep callers offering to install dropped kerbs on roads outside their homes. The alert has been issued by Hartlepool Borough Council after a resident was approached by bogus
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Collins relishes chance of clash with Ferguson
ONLY THREE years ago the youthful figure of Danny Collins was appearing for his local Buckley Town in the Huws Gray-Fitlock Cymru Alliance League. Now, after one of the biggest weeks in his short Football League career, Collins is preparing to feel the
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Hockey pitch homes up for approval
PLANS for flats and houses on the former convent hockey pitch in Richmond go before councillors on Tuesday. Wimpey's proposals would see 48 apartments and terraced homes on the three-acre site in Reeth Road, vacant since the former convent school closed
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Please release me, let me go!
Trisha (ITV1); Trisha Goddard (five); The Truth About Kate Moss (five): THE announcer who introduced her as "five's very own Trisha Goddard" was being economical with the truth. The presenter may have switched her Jerry Springer-style agony-and-ecstasy
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Mayor hoists flag for anniversary
A COMPANY that helps people with physical and mental disabilities into work has celebrated its 60th anniversary. The Mayor and Mayoress of Spennymoor, Councillor John Culine and his wife Davinia, helped the Remploy plant, on Merrington Lane Industrial
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Comment from The Northern Echo: Crying out for us all
"IT seems as if we can still hear the dead crying out." These were the words of Israeli President Moshe Katsav yesterday as the world marked the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. Two-thirds of all European Jews were among those murdered
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Men remanded over theft attempt charge
FOUR foreign nationals have been remanded in custody until Monday charged with going equipped to commit theft. The men were arrested on Monday night after allegedly being caught on security cameras tampering with a cash machine in Middlesbrough and being
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All change for the new model Rod
A Rod Stewart look-a-like is asking 'do ya think I'm sexy?' after having his trademark locks shaved off in aid of the Asian tsunami appeal. For as long as he can remember, Paul Fenwick, of Challener Way, West Auckland, has been known as Rod because of
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A case of the biter bit
An apple a day may keep the doctor away but, in Northumbria, it seems a surefire way of attracting the police. The case of the nursery nurse pulled over and given an on-the-spot fine for holding an apple while negotiating a left-hand turn has provoked
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Our beautiful baby just wasted away
In a poignant ceremony next week, a bereaved North-East couple will plant a tree to remember the child they lost. Health Editor Barry Nelson tells Matthew's story. MATTHEW Chad was "a most wanted, precious, beautiful baby with lovely big blue eyes," according
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Wellock's World: We develop people
IT WASN'T one of the St James' Park hierarchy who said this week: "We don't develop players at Newcastle. We develop people." It was the Falcons' fitness coach Steve Black, who once worked for the Magpies but probably wouldn't wish to waste his time on
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Will Iraq vote for order or chaos?
On Sunday, the people of Iraq go to the polls. Nick Morrison looks at whether this is the start of a democratic revolution in the Middle East - or the prelude to chaos and civil war. MILLIONS of ballot papers have been printed, around 19,000 candidates
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Friend tells of fishing trip tragedy
AN angler relived the moment his friend was swept to his death at Redcar by a rogue wave, despite his frantic rescue attempt. The wave knocked Stewart Simpson, 41, of Kirkstone Grove, Redcar, off the short pier where he was fishing into the North Sea.
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School experiment may end in tears
"IT'S simply a case of engendering a mutual co-existence where synergistic innovators survive." Got that? If so, here's another bit of modernspeak to consider: "I want to give employees responsibility for, and ownership of, their own learning. I want
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Council tax rise aims to balance cost and service
COUNCIL tax payers in Darlington can expect a rise of 4.8pc in the coming year. The local authority's budget proposals are for a £44.77 increase for a Band D property - up from £932 to £977 - and a rise of £29.85 for a Band A property, owned by most residents
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Quakers put Shrews to flight
DARLINGTON fans will be hoping Southend United are not as motivated by thoughts of revenge tomorrow as their own side were when beating Shrewsbury Town 3-0 last Saturday. The Shrews were made to pay for a 4-0 win at Gay Meadow in December as Quakers extended
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Food fest promises more than before
PLANS for this year's Dales Festival of Food and Drink are well in hand, say organisers. The event, first held in 2002, takes place over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend, in Leyburn, Wensleydale. Gerald Hodgson, spokesman for the organising committee,
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Bad-boy Bellamy is under fire
CRAIG BELLAMY has been labelled 'arrogant and obnoxious' by a former Coventry teammate as the temperamental Welshman prepares to spend the rest of the season in the cold at Newcastle United. With the transfer deadline looming on Monday, the chances of
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New hospital will be up and running in just two years
DETAILS of a £6.5 million purpose-built community hospital in Barnard Castle were revealed on Wednesday. Durham Dales Primary Care Trust plans to demolish the Community Health Centre in Victoria Road and use the site for a brand-new 48-bed hospital to
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Parents backed in fight for fresh Deepcut inquest
A FAMILY fighting for justice for a North-East soldier killed in mysterious circumstances at the controversial Deepcut barracks last night won new political backing. Shadow defence minister Gerald Howarth said in the light of new evidence on the death
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Looking Back
FROM this newspaper 150 years ago. - A gentleman who had taken rather too much wine at a party the other evening and who had to pass through Cotcliffe wood on his way home suddenly came into contact with a tree. "Schuze me shir," he said, "I 'shure you
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Tell tales and revive an ancient art
TALL tales will be taking place across the North-East next week as a campaign to revive an ancient art gets under way. The Society for Storytelling has organised a festival from Saturday to February 5 to encourage people to enjoy ripping yarns. National
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We musn't sulk, warns Hughes
MILD-MANNERED Aaron Hughes has urged Newcastle United's under-the-spotlight stars to forget about 'sulking' and concentrate on helping the club through its latest crisis. As they prepare to confirm the return to St James' Park of Terry McDermott as coach
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Sedgefield crowds on the up
NEWCASTLE and Sedgefield racecourses bucked a national trend by enjoying increasing attendances in 2004. The average crowd at Britain's 1,300 horse racing fixtures across 59 racecourses fell slightly, largely due to all-weather tracks holding additional
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Delay at A66 junction will cost lives, says Raid
CAMPAIGNING residents of Long Newton, protesting against the delay in building a new junction at an accident black spot on the A66, have formed a campaign group - Raid, Residents Against Interchange Delay. Raid was formed last week by members of Long
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New homes idea to keep key workers in the Dales
A PILOT scheme to provide affordable homes for key workers in the Yorkshire Dales could be expanded if it succeeds. The national park authority has joined forces with Skipton Building Society and Craven District Council in a bid to ensure workers are
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Freedom to rock
A TRIBUTE band to 1970s rock group Free is performing in Derwentside. Freeway is playing at the Lamplight Arts Centre, Stanley, on February 26, at 8pm. Published: 28/01/2005
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Shortwalkers team continue meteoric rise
THE Harrogate and Ripon Shortwalkers have won their way into the first division of the National Women's Water Polo League, even though the average age of the team is just 16 years. They completed a momentous season by winning the second division title
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'How I finally gave up smoking'
Being a smoker involves a huge amount of self-deception, says Dan Jenkins, who had his eyes opened at a course which has proved hugely successful in helping people to quit. MY grandmother on my mother's side was a warm-hearted woman, with the most infectious
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Pony dates
Bedale & West of Yore PC. - Feb 6 and fortnightly thereafter: games practices at Catterick. Contact Rowan, 01748 832829. Feb 10: indoor rally for ten and under at Catterick indoor school. Feb 11: indoor rally for 11 and over at Catterick indoor school
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Exact costs lead to proper returns
SHEEP farmers must know their costs of production in order to argue for proper returns. Mike Keeble, Wensleydale farmer and newspaper columnist, said that, armed with accurate information, they could go to supermarkets and buyers and demand a proper price
