Archive
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Out of hours, but not out of mind, as new GP service overcomes problems
IT WILL be business as usual for the out-of-hours GPs' service in North Yorkshire, despite the recent financial difficulties of North Yorkshire Emergency Doctors. Since the end of last month, management of out-of-hours services across North Yorkshire
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Searching for right way forward
The North-East said a resounding 'No' to an elected assembly last year. So where does the region go from here? Tomorrow evening, The Northern Echo is hosting a fringe meeting at the Labour Party Conference in Gateshead to discuss the future. Before we
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Tactical blundering
WE wait for ages for an exciting North-East talent, then two come along at once only to have their England debuts spoilt by the coaches' tactical blundering. Neither had much chance to express his attacking skills, although there was some small consolation
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Rail engines perfect for party
A CHARITY ball staged at the North-East's first national museum has paved the way for more events of its kind. Sedgefield Borough Council's annual Mayor's ball was such a success that chiefs at Locomotion: National Railway Museum, in Shildon, County Durham
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More rotten apple than Big Apple
A Life Of Grime New York (BBC1); Blood On Our Hands: The English Civil War (C4): I HATE to think what the viewing public's fascination with programmes about dirty houses and rat-catchers says about the state of the nation, but the BBC isn't about to let
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Inquest opens into cyclist's road accident
INVESTIGATIONS into the death of a cyclist fatally injured in front of his son in a road accident are ongoing, police said yesterday. David Sayers, 58, was run over by several vehicles after he was knocked from his bike by a car on the A689 between Hartlepool
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Burton's Bytes: Back to the golden age of gaming
MERCENARIES: Publisher: Lucasarts. Formats: PS2, Xbox. Price £39.99. Family friendly? Teens only. WHILE every other games publisher is going crazy for the first-person shooters, it's good to see Lucasarts sticking with the traditional third-person action
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Lee continues winning run with Sandown double
IF IT'S Saturday it must be a Graham Lee double day - and so it proved again at Sandown. But, for once, not both were for trainer Howard Johnson and owners Graham and Andrea Wylie. Lee donned the now familiar black and beige silks to land the first race
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Feed firm is first in Britain to get non-GM certification
A NORTH Yorkshire animal feed mill has become the first in Britain to be officially non-GM certified. I'Anson Brothers of Masham has received the Non-GMO Cert ID Standard for its manufacture of compound feeds, coarse rations and ingredients. The company
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It'll be all right now with a blast of classic 60s rock
THE sound of legendary rock band Free is coming to the region. Tribute band Freeway will perform songs from the band's career at the Lamplight Arts Centre, Stanley, County Durham, on Saturday, February 26, at 8pm. Free are considered one of the country's
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Petta an instant hit to give Quakers a lift
BOBBY Petta followed the example of Craig Hignett and Clyde Wijnhard this season by endearing himself instantly to the Quakers faithful with a debut goal. The former Ipswich Town and Celtic player made himself even more popular as his 29th-minute effort
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Relegation fears grow for Darlington clubs
BOTH Darlington clubs lost at the weekend and, with nine games left, they are locked in a battle with Cleckheaton to avoid the third relegation place in National Three North. The West Yorkshire club remain third from the bottom after a 17-15 home win
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MP is calling it a day after 26 years
ONE of the region's longest serving MPs is stepping down after 26 years in Parliament. Derek Foster's surprise announcement yesterday led to speculation about who will take over the Bishop Auckland, County Durham seat he has held for Labour since 1979
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Call for inquiry if closure continues
COUNCILLORS have called for a public inquiry if a controversial closure in the central reservation of the A19 is made permanent. A gap across the dual carriageway at the Black Swan Crossroads, near Hutton Rudby, North Yorkshire, was shut last July after
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Development wins
BALANCING much needed economic development with the interests of the environment, conservation and amenity is the challenge of 21st century Britain. We are a small country and this seemingly ever-present conflict is made worse by our compact dimensions
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National Park says no to house with grass roof
A GRASS-roofed house described by a parish council as totally alien to the Yorkshire Dales has been rejected by planners. Howard Buffett, of Hardraw, near Hawes, wanted to build the concept home at Croft Farm, Hardraw, but the national park authority
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Women's cancers: the causes and cures
In the latest in a series of articles on cancer, Dr Chris Wheatley, a County Durham GP who specialises in gynaecological cancers, writes about them. GYNAECOLOGICAL cancers, i.e. cancers of the ovary, womb, cervix, and vulva (outer genital area), are much
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Band to support banner appeal
A LEADING brass band will play a concert for a mining village's fundraising appeal. The Bowburn Banner Group was formed recently to restore the village colliery's 1959 banner and produce a new one featuring a modern design on one side and a picture of
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Council legal team wins quality award
A COUNCIL legal team has secured a national quality award for the fifth year running. Sedgefield Borough Council's legal team has been awarded Law Society Lexcel Accreditation for the provision of quality legal services. Each year, the department has
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Tough targets set in bid to improve health
HEALTH bosses in Darlington have set themselves tough targets to reduce disease rates in the town by 2010. In an ambitious report, Darlington's Primary Care Trust sets out plans to reduce heart disease and strokes among under-75s by 40 per cent, cancer
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Women's day of pampering
LAZY aerobics, hand massage and workshops in making your own salads were on offer at a pampering day in Stanley yesterday. A group of 20 young women were at Stanley Youth Centre yesterday for the healthy living event, arranged by the centre's education
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Sir Don to chair red meat seminar
SIR Don Curry is to chair a meeting about the future of red meat production in the North-East. A Northumberland far-mer and chairman of the Government's Sustainable Farming and Food Implementation Group, Sir Don will attend the last in a series of special
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Pensioner renews plea to fell tree
A PENSIONER has appealed against a decision not to let him cut down a sycamore tree he says puts his house at risk. Roots from the 80-year-old tree outside Richard Lamming's house in Aiskew, near Bedale, have caused his 6ft garden wall to lean and crack
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Crown court date set as taxi colour row steps up a gear
A CLASH over a council's taxi colour code rule is to be settled at crown court later this year. The scheduled hearing at Durham Crown Court was yesterday delayed to allow taxi drivers time to rebut evidence put forward by the city council in support of
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This little piggy has no problems
PATIENTS suffering problems with their feet can now get an improved service at their local clinic. David Pike, based at Bedale Health Clinic, is Hambleton and Richmondshire Primary Care Trust's (PCT) head of podiatry, dealing with prevention, diagnosis
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It'll be all right now with a blast of classic 60s rock
THE sound of legendary rock band Free is coming to the region. Tribute band Freeway will perform songs from the band's career at the Lamplight Arts Centre, Stanley, County Durham, on Saturday, February 26, at 8pm. Free are considered one of the country's
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Wildlife haven for industrial estate
A haven for wildlife is being created in the heart of a busy industrial estate. A thousand trees have been planted on a field at manufacturer 3M's site, in Newton Aycliffe, to support native flora and fauna. Half of the field, next to the company's Heighington
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Cash incentive for residents to go green
THREE green-minded residents have been rewarded for recycling their household waste with a £50 cash prize. Elizabteh Ord, from Murton, and Nancy Frater and Margaret Moore, from Seaham, are the first to cash in on a recycling incentive scheme that has
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Rolls-Royce profits take off
JET engine maker Rolls-Royce said profits lifted 21 per cent last year on the back of a better-than-expected recovery in the civil aerospace market. London-based Rolls, which has a factory in Sunderland employing 350 people, said underlying pre-tax profits
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Work to start soon on £500,000 flood wall work
A £500,000 PROJECT to strengthen Neasham's flood defences is expected to be carried out this spring. Coun John Weighell, chairman of Neasham Parish Council, said he had received confirmation from the Environment Agency that the work had been approved.
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Award for pair who saved life
A POLICE officer and a member of the public who stopped a man from bleeding to death have been rewarded for their actions. PC Tony Slaney, of Northallerton Police, and Gareth Hare, from Northallerton, have won certificates of commendation from the Royal
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Ring of destiny
ROYAL bride-to-be Camilla Parker Bowles said last night she was "just coming down to earth" after the Prince of Wales went down on one knee to propose to her. The newly-engaged couple made their first public appearance together since the announcement
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4,635 signatures, but council tries to belittle petition
A PETITION of 4,635 signatures objecting to the removal of historic features in Darlington town centre may not be taken into consideration by the council. On Wednesday, members of the civic trust formally handed in the petition objecting to the proposed
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VIiking longboats seen in city again as artist projects work across river
IT has been centuries since Vikings last sailed up the Ouse and into the settlement they called Jorvik. But last night, their image appeared again as Viking ships cast their reflections across York. Technology is being used by local artist Nigel Sandor
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Back to the golden age of gaming
MERCENARIES: Publisher: Lucasarts. Formats: PS2, Xbox. Price £39.99. Family friendly? Teens only. WHILE every other games publisher is going crazy for the first-person shooters, it's good to see Lucasarts sticking with the traditional third-person action
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Jessica picks up overall points trophy
JESSICA Russell, who is based at Lynn and David Barker's Northallerton stables, has received the Edward Robinson Memorial Trophy as the overall points winner in the BSJA Area 15 with the six-year-old Lord Brockett. The presentation took place at The Old
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Schools unite in the name of art
PRIMARY schools are being invited to contribute work to a forthcoming arts festival. Following a similar successful event last year, Teesside High School, in Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, will host the festival, showcasing art by primary school students
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Artist reveals his creative ordeals
A LANDSCAPE painter prepared to suffer for his art will give a talk about his work as it goes on show at a North-East gallery on Saturday. Robert Perry will discuss some of the battlefields and other landscapes that feature in his display at Durham's
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Man jailed for intimidating witnesses in murder trial
A MAN who tried to force witnesses in a murder trial involving his son to change their evidence was yesterday jailed for ten years. Thomas Harrison, 62, was told by a judge that the sentence for his part in the conspiracy was designed to "loosen the grip
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Parking controls unlikely yet after wide-ranging survey
PARKING restrictions are unlikely to go ahead in the early phases of a traffic management programme for Leyburn. Measures such as dropped kerb crossings, bus stop improvements, lower speed limits near schools and secure racks for cycles have attracted
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Teachers strike up the music at town's own school of rock
PUPILS at a Darlington comprehensive school saw a different side to their teachers - as they took to the stage for a version of Pop Idol. Tickets were quickly snapped up for the Staff Idol competition at Longfield School, in which teachers imitated an
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Protestors hope to stall plan for homes
PROTESTORS are hoping to stall a decision by councillors on a plan to build houses in a village near Darlington. Planning officers recommended the proposals for ten homes in the grounds of Thorntree House, Middleton Lane, Middleton St George, for approval
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Ring of destiny
ROYAL bride-to-be Camilla Parker Bowles said last night she was "just coming down to earth" after the Prince of Wales went down on one knee to propose to her. The newly-engaged couple made their first public appearance together since the announcement
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Farewell to young sportsman
More than 300 people packed into a County Durham Church today to say a sad farewell to a 24-year-old sportsman who died suddenly during a game of football. Family, friends and sporting colleagues gathered into St Batholomew's Church at Sunderland Bridge
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Dark play, and cue controversy
ONE of Shakespeare's most controversial plays, Measure for Measure, will be staged at the Arc in Stockton later this month by the Boss Theatre Company, a Teesside theatre group, which will also offer a pre-show workshop for budding actors. Some critics
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ShopTalk: Is romance on the cards?
Sickeningly slushy or cartoon cop-outs? We look at the cards on offer for this Valenine's Day. LOVE is in the air. Well no, let's be honest - LUST is in the air. Horny handcuffs, naughty knickers, blatant boxers, and chocolates and lollipops in eye-watering
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Who does what across the region
OUR family tree is very much open to interpretation. It does not include the structures in Northumberland and Tyne and Wear, and it does not include such semi-democratic organisations as primary care trusts or police authorities (interestingly, only yesterday
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Looking Back
FROM this newpaper 150 years ago. - The Public Health Bill of 1855 - Sir B Hall's Bill for the removal of public nuisances has been followed by the introduction of a Bill to amend and alter the Public Health Act of 1848, which is endorsed with the names
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Battered Stewart aims to toughen up
STEWART DOWNING'S bruises from a memorable England debut have made the Middlesbrough winger realise a gruelling gym programme could be key to more success on the international stage. Downing's first cap for his country may have lasted only half an hour
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May 16 is deadline for most important form on the farm
DETAILS of the most important form farmers will complete over the next eight years have been released. Local rural consultants were among a group invited to London for a briefing on the new single farm payment SP5 form, which replaces the IACS form and
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Bakery counting the cost after fire
ABOUT 30 bakery workers face an uncertain future after fire gutted their premises yesterday afternoon. Managers at the Tindale and Stanton bakery are assessing the cost after the company's bread plant on the Hobson Industrial Estate, at Burnopfield, near
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Tsunami funds
AN event to raise funds for the Asian tsunami appeal will take place at Newcastle United Football Club's St James' Park on February 26. The event will include an auction of prizes, including a signed Newcastle United shirt, golf for four people at Slaley
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Burglar granted final chance to get her life back on track
A WOMAN burglar was given a last chance by a judge yesterday for the sake of her baby. Teesside Crown Court was told that Nicola Leonard, 22, was a heroin addict who had been introduced to crime by her alcoholic mother. Leonard, of Brentford Court, Brotton
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Police object to mix of cyclists and shoppers
POLICE have objected to plans to allow cyclists into the proposed pedestrianised parts of Darlington town centre. They are also opposed to them riding against the flow of traffic in some one-way streets without segregated cycle lanes. Police say the mix
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Exercise plan to help appeal
Fifty members of Springs health club, Hartlepool, will test their fitness levels next Saturday when they tackle a strenuous all-day sponsored challenge in aid of the Asian tsunami appeal. In groups of four, they will complete four 15-minute exercises
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University's student debt solution
STUDENTS from poorer backgrounds are being offered a financial incentive to keep them in education. The University of Teesside is offering a package of bursaries and scholarships, worth as much as £6,900 over three years, to eligible students starting
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Scheme to relieve elderly's loneliness
AN adopt-a-gran scheme is being launched by a town's churches to keep an eye on elderly residents. The Helping Hands project, in Redcar, similar to a scheme in neighbouring Middlesbrough, supports elderly people living on their own and has won a grant
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Tara the golden eagle is new attraction at arboretum
HOPES are high that North Yorkshire could soon be only the third county in England known to have a breeding pair of golden eagles. Tara, a three-year-old female who weighs 14lbs and feeds on raw flesh, is now one of the attractions at the Falcons of Thorp
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Council likely to oppose quarry expansion scheme
DEVELOPMENT plans for a quarry in a North Yorkshire beauty spot are likely to be opposed. Planning officers have recommended that Harrogate Borough councillors oppose the plan by Hanson Quarry Products Europe Ltd for Coldstones Quarry, Greenhow, Pateley
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Study to begin on renewable energy
A study is to start next week into the prospects of turning a former colliery village into one of the greenest communities in the region. The study will determine how much energy in the village of Edmondsley, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham, can
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Interest rates held for sixth month
THE Bank of England left interest rates on hold for the sixth consecutive month yesterday - despite mounting evidence of a stronger economy. Business leaders and homeowners welcomed the Monetary Policy Committee's (MPC) decision to freeze rates at 4.75
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Wellock's World: Tactical blundering
WE wait for ages for an exciting North-East talent, then two come along at once only to have their England debuts spoilt by the coaches' tactical blundering. Neither had much chance to express his attacking skills, although there was some small consolation
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Camilla fares better than the ancestor who got in the royal bed
SHE was a minor socialite who became the semi-official escort for the Prince of Wales. She was also one of the few people who could defuse her lover's mood swings. This is not a description of the relationship between Camilla Parker Bowles and Prince
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Glaxo shows profit despite copies of drugs hitting sales
DRUGS group GlaxoSmithKline said it had lost £1.5bn in sales to copies of its flagship drugs, but still managed to grow the business last year. Glaxo, which employs 1,100 people at its factory in Barnard Castle, County Durham, said sales of medicines
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Another blow to mining as next pit set to close
ONE of the country's few remaining coal mines is to close - just weeks after the North-East's last mine was shut by owner UK Coal. Production at Welbeck Colliery at Mansfield, in Nottinghamshire, will be phased out over the next 12 months, UK Coal said
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How the North-East is going to be run
THE Northern Echo is stepping into the debate about how the North-East is to be run in the future by hosting a fringe meeting at the Labour spring conference. Alan Milburn, the Darlington MP who is Labour's election supremo, will be one of our key speakers
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A shelter from the storm
SPECTATOR reckons that a decision is long overdue on that busted down bus shelter lurking beside the A1 northbound slip road at Scotch Corner. Its distressed timbers, faded paintwork and broken glass are an appalling advertisement for Darlington-bound
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Record performance is announced by Barclays
BARCLAYS Bank yesterday unveiled profits of £4.6bn as part of the first slice of a £30bn haul expected from the UK's five biggest banking groups. The record annual performance from Barclays was 20 per cent higher than 2003 and included profits of £2.47bn
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Rolls-Royce profits take off
JET engine maker Rolls-Royce said profits lifted 21 per cent last year on the back of a better-than-expected recovery in the civil aerospace market. London-based Rolls, which has a factory in Sunderland employing 350 people, said underlying pre-tax profits
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Another setback rules out Kyle for the season
KEVIN KYLE looks to have played his last football of an injury-plagued season after suffering another setback. The 23-year-old Sunderland striker had surgery five months ago after complaining his movements were being restricted by an excruciating pain
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Chance to quiz minister
CHIEF Secretary to the Treasury, Paul Boateng, is expected to use a lunchtime session with North-East businesses to flesh out Labour's economic stance. More than 70 guests are expected to attend the event jointly hosted by the North East Chamber of Commerce
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Comment from The Northern Echo: A considered compromise
IT was always going to be an announcement which would divide the nation. To some, the idea of Charles marrying Camilla is offensive, largely because of the lasting affection for Princess Diana. To others, it is a cause of celebration. And, of course,
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Blair to unveil pledges as shoppers told to stay away
A SERIES of election pledges will be unveiled today by Tony Blair as the Labour Party spring conference gets under way in the North-East amid tight security. The pledges will include guarantees on the national minimum wage and help for first-time property
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'Encouraging' welcome from the princes
A North-East psychologist said last night that the statement by Prince William and Prince Harry welcoming their father's engagement was very encouraging. But Dr Alan Bradley warned there could still be problems ahead. William, 22, and Harry, 20, said:
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Political dog-fight over plan to borrow £60m
A POLITICAL feud has erupted over council proposals to borrow millions of pounds as part of its budget plans. Conservatives said Darlington Borough Council's plans to borrow £60m over four years to fund "idealistic schemes" would hit taxpayers hard. The
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Official wants her accusers to resign
A TOWN clerk cleared of misusing council resources after being sacked by a panel of Labour Party members is calling for her accusers to resign. Leanne Plant lost her job at Thornaby Town Council, near Stockton, after she gave permission to the Thornaby
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In training for the top
A YOUNG cyclist from Northallerton has won a place in a national cycling team after being talent-spotted at a competition. Jessica Roberts, 15, has been chosen from 3,000 riders across Yorkshire and the North-East to join the British Cycling Talent Team
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Woodhouse lands four in a row at Witton Castle
JOCKEY Ben Woodhouse won four consecutive races to land a brilliant four-timer at the Old Raby Hunt Club meeting held at Witton Castle last Sunday. His first win came when Mr Mahdlo (Middleton) took the men's open. The favourite travelled well in third
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O'Brien anxious to continue revival
ANDY O'BRIEN is hoping solid displays for his country will be enough to convince Graeme Souness he deserves a regular place in Newcastle United's starting line-up. O'Brien has been enjoying a revival at St James' Park, despite the threat of leaving during
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New Chapter for Mr Bell's empire
THE man behind the Bells Stores chain of convenience stores is to add an hotel and restaurant to his business empire. Steven Bell, who sold his shops to Sainsbury's for a reported £22m a year ago, is about to complete the purchase of Chapters, in Stokesley
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Harewood ride should be a pleasure
THE British Horse Society have planned a fundraising pleasure ride round the Harewood Estate on Sunday, March 13, starting between 10.30 and 11.30. The event will offer a chance to ride routes not normally available to riders. Routes will be approximately
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Safety fears in new homes plan at Eaglescliffe
CONCERNS have been raised over pedestrian safety and the environmental impact of revised plans to build 13 houses and 30 flats in Eaglescliffe. Last week, Egglescliffe Parish Council considered the revised proposal to demolish Copsewood, in The Avenue
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Patrols to be increased as habitats suffer
POLICE have vowed to clamp down on off-road drivers and bikers in a bid to protect wildlife at the Tees estuary. Cleveland police have received complaints from English Nature about damage to the habitats of birds and plants at Bran Sands, near Redcar.
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Let's be proud of our heritage
For a region which has contributed so much to the national economy, the Tees Valley has been strangely silent about its industry. To some extent that's the nature of the people here. They prefer getting on with the job to talking it up. That's a pity,
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SFP paid in euros could be an advantage
ENGLISH farmers may be able to receive their single farm payment in euros. At a briefing in Westminster the Rural Payments Agency told Barclays it was its intention to provide such a facility. It will, however, depend upon the agreement of the European
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Wet or dry, it was mild and wild
JANUARY, across the region, was warm and windy, especially on both counts during the first ten days or so. South-westerlies dominated the month except between the 22nd and 29th when there were cool, mostly dismal, northerlies. Rainfall varied enormously
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Businesses praised for military role
PRIME Minister Tony Blair has commended North-East businesses for their support of Army reservists. Thirteen companies from the region were among 170 from across the UK to be invited to a ceremony in Downing Street. All the companies that attended had
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Dinner heralds the start of regiments' merger
YORKSHIRE'S three army regiments held a joint dinner for the first time as a prelude to becoming battalions of the new Yorkshire Regiment next year. The Green Howards, the Prince of Wales's Own Yorkshire Regiment and the Duke of Wellington's Regiment
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Rain joins thieves as the biggest enemies of moorland history
INSCRIPTIONS on scores of historic stones on the North York Moors are being lost because they have suffered generations of rain and wind, says a leading historian and retired Durham teacher As a result says Eric Frisby, of West Cornforth, the stories
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11/02/05
PETER MULLEN: HOW could such a biased and misinformed article as Peter Mullen's column (Echo, Feb 8) be published? My daughter has had an eating disorder for 13 years, and you did a full page article focusing on the problem just a few weeks ago. It was
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Honours for the music man
THE man behind some of the most evocative sounds in movie history will be taking centre stage this weekend. John Barry, from York, the man behind the music of many cinema classics, will be honoured by his peers when he receives the Academy Fellowship
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North-East pair head for top Hungary event
TWO young women from the North-East, Anna Richardson and Charlotte Hanson, have been selected to play in the Hungarian national water polo cup competition this month. This is one of the most prestigious domestic water polo competitions in the world and
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RNLI's golden thanks
A MAN who has supported the Staithes and Runswick Lifeboat for more than 60 years is to be presented with one of the RNLI's highest honorary awards. Clem James, 85, of Seaton Garth, Staithes, will receive a bar to add to the gold badge he already owns
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Services and jobs saved with £6m grant for police
CLEVELAND police will receive an extra £6.3m from the Government to plug a financial gap and save jobs. Home Office officials have agreed to the unprecedented move following talks with senior officers and police authority leaders. The deal will provide
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Large retail warehouses set for Northallerton
PLANS to build two large retail warehouses on the Willowbeck Road site in Northallerton were recommended for approval yesterday. The application by Wm Morrison Supermarkets for the two 20,000sq ft non-food retail units was recommended for permission by
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Ground to help Rhythm get back in swing
SOFT ground should ensure Rebel Rhythm (2.15) restores his slightly tarnished reputation at Bangor today. Having hardly put a foot wrong on his first three starts, Rebel Rhythm then forgot to read the script when, despite being heavily backed, he folded
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Study to begin on renewable energy
A study is to start next week into the prospects of turning a former colliery village into one of the greenest communities in the region. The study will determine how much energy in the village of Edmondsley, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham, can
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Village anger as BT blocks path outside church
THE erection of a telegraph pole outside a village church has stunned residents. For British Telecom has put the pole in the middle of the footpath outside Hurworth Methodist Church in West End. "Parents are encouraged to walk their children to school
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Warning issued on credit card fraud
A NEW warning has been issued about the dangers of e-mails used by fraudsters to get people's bank and credit card details. The Durham Agency Against Crime, a partner of Durham Police, said more devious ways were being devised by criminals to obtain such
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Claims firefighters drove revellers to blaze scene
AN investigation was under way last night into claims that moonlighting firefighters drove a group of partygoers to the scene of a blaze in which a pensioner died. The firefighters, who could be dismissed, were said to have arrived only hours after the
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'Talking shop' funds are cut
COUNCILS have voted to cut their subscriptions to the "bureaucratic" Yorkshire and Humber Assembly by half. The decision by the Association of Local Authorities (ALA) means the assembly will lose £750,000. Harrogate Borough Council leader Mike Gardner
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Telstar, York Grand Opera House
NOBODY should mistake this for one of those endless tribute shows that fill theatres these days. This is a proper play, not a song catalogue. Joe Meek, whose "music, mayhem, madness" story it tells, had a relatively short career but produced one of the
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Erratic drink-driver sparked Army base alert
A SECURITY alert was sparked at a North Army base when soldiers saw a car careering towards the guardroom, a court heard yesterday. Simon Ostler, prosecuting, told Harrogate magistrates how guards on the main gate at Claro Barracks, in Clotherholme Road
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Pietersen owes it to Nasser
Kevin Pietersen returns to his home ground at Durban today with a place in the English record books thanks in no small part to Nasser Hussain. If it had not been for encouragement from former captain Hussain during the 1999-2000 tour, Pietersen might
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Court threat over town revamp
A CIVIC trust is threatening to take a council to court for failing to recognise a petition opposing plans to revamp an historic area. The row between Darlington Borough Council and Darlington Civic Trust, over the preservation of the town's High Row,
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Royalist 'chuffed to bits'
Royalist Anita Atkinson, of Weardale, County Durham, has a listing in the Guinness Book of Records for having the largest collection of royal memorabilia. She is delighted with the announcement. "I'm chuffed to bits. I wish them all the best and will
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Speaker stresses that regional payment figures are only estimates
A SERIES of meetings on the new Single Farm Payment scheme attracted a huge turnout last week. More than 500 of the 600 farmers invited attended the three venues, organised by W E Jameson & Son, the Masham animal feed manufacturers and featuring Neil
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Children will be splash hit on stage
Children have spent their half term break bringing one of their favourite stories to life. The group of 21 youngsters is retelling Hans Christian Andersen's classic tale of The Little Mermaid on stage in Bishop Auckland Town Hall this afternoon. Their
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Scaffolding collapses on to street in high winds
THOUSANDS of pounds worth of damage was caused when scaffolding and a temporary roof crashed into a town's main shopping street early yesterday. Engineers will this morning begin assessing the damage caused to Middle Street, in Consett, County Durham.
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Youngsters on path to success
Youngsters have led the way in improving a path that links Bishop Auckland town centre with their estate. Damaged fencing has been replaced, seats installed and litter and dog waste bins provided as part of a £14,500 clean-up of the Black Path. SureStart
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MP helps launch village website
A WEBSITE set up to bring information to residents of a Teesdale village has been launched. Derek Foster MP attended the launch of the Gainford Online website in Gainford Village Hall last night. The website offers online information that may be useful
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Benefit fraud mother jailed
A SINGLE mother-of-two who pocketed more than £27,000 worth of benefits in her former partner's name was jailed for six months yesterday. Jacqueline Topping, 42, continued to claim Michael Topping's mobility allowance after he started working in Holland
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Health bosses outline how extra £23.3m will be spent
HEALTH care bosses in Sedgefield have vowed to use a multi-million pound boost to tackle the area's high rates of heart disease and cancer. Sedgefield Primary Care Trust plans to use its share of £7bn NHS funding to prevent and treat two of the borough's
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Extra mile for charity
Coach trips are being organised to raise money for Teesdale Cancer Research UK. On Saturday, April 23, there is a trip to the 25th International Classic Bike Show and Auto Jumble. Tickets, including admission, are £21 for adults, £17 for senior citizens
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Drug-dealing biker's profits confiscated by the courts
MONEY seized from a convicted drug dealer was yesterday ordered to be confiscated under the Proceeds of Crime Act. A judge at Durham Crown Court ruled that £3,320 recovered from Malcolm Scott, following his arrest twice last year, should go into central
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Two baby abduction attempts are foiled
PARENTS are being warned after a bogus social worker called on two mothers and attempted to abduct their babies. The mother of a two-month-old girl said the middle-aged woman knew her baby's first name and date of birth. Even after the 33-year-old, from
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Street robbery caught on CCTV footage
POLICE are hunting the victim of an apparent street robbery after the incident was caught on security camera. Two men, aged 24 and 30, were arrested by officers alerted by CCTV footage, but the pair were released without charge after the victim failed
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Woman who stole £235 bag is spared jail
A WOMAN was spared a jail sentence yesterday because of the efforts she had made to reform her lifestyle. Darlington Magistrates Court heard how Lisa Jayne Wilson, 21, of Arthur Street, Darlington, admitted stealing a handbag worth £235. She also admitted
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Special livestock sales
MIDDLETON in TEESDALE. - Tues. Fwd for Feb show & sale; 331 store cattle. Judge: E MacPherson, Oban. Overall champion: JC&J White, Rigg Farm, Lim X hfr, £4,000 to A Phillips, Milton Keynes (mart record & equals Harrison & Hetherington's
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Teenager scoops Army trophy
A TEENAGER has gained recognition for her hard work only weeks into her Army career. Former Richmond School student Katherine White, 17, won the best endeavour trophy in her platoon after completing a rigorous 17-week training course. Katherine was presented
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Husband's 'threat to strangle and drown wife'
A HUSBAND threatened to strangle and drown his wife during a furious row at their home, a court has heard. David Hunter, 44, of South View, Ushaw Moor, pushed Tracey Hunter to the floor and then forced her into the shower to wash away the blood from a
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Artists combine forces
MORE than 20 artists have met to discuss the prospect of a regional collective. A meeting was held at the Scissors Paper Stone, an art gallery in Hutton Henry, and was attended by artists across County Durham, Teesside and Sunderland, and represented
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Kevin sets out his manifesto
A TEENAGER, who has been elected as the UK Youth Parliament member for Darlington, has pledged to strengthen links between young people and the elderly, and destroy the negative image of youngsters. Kevin Nicholson, 16, from Barden Moor Road, Darlington
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Scheme acts fast against anti-social behaviour
A TOWN'S scheme hoping to nip anti-social behaviour in the bud was launched yesterday. Run by children's charity Barnado's, alongside local voluntary agencies, the scheme in Hartlepool will focus on responding to low level incidents of anti-social behaviour
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Court is shown video of brawl outside club
A COURT was yesterday shown video footage of a late-night brawl outside a North-East nightclub. Darlington Magistrates saw how a fight broke out between three men outside Club 2K, in Beaumont Street, Darlington, at about 2.30am on September 24. Graham
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'Officer gave prisoner verbal abuse'
AN inmate found hanged in his cell was met with verbal abuse from a prison officer when he asked to see a priest, an inquest was told yesterday. When Paul Day, 31, said he was going to hang himself, an officer told him to "do it properly", according to
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On TV
A Life Of Grime New York (BBC1) Blood On Our Hands: The English Civil War (C4) I HATE to think what the viewing public's fascination with programmes about dirty houses and rat-catchers says about the state of the nation, but the BBC isn't about to let
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Dinner table compliments lead to business venture for dale couple
IT IS often said that, when one door closes another opens, and that has certainly held true for one Teesdale couple whose business venture was sparked by compliments over the dinner table. Dorothy and Richard Ritzema have lived at Wildon Grange, near
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Downing delay has Christie fuming
MALCOM CHRISTIE last night spoke of his disbelief that Stewart Downing was given only half an hour to prove his international credentials. Downing and fellow debutant Andrew Johnson had been expected to be given the second period at least in the dour
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Interest rates held for sixth month
THE Bank of England left interest rates on hold for the sixth consecutive month yesterday - despite mounting evidence of a stronger economy. Business leaders and homeowners welcomed the Monetary Policy Committee's (MPC) decision to freeze rates at 4.75
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A romantic tradition owing more to a pagan feast than St Valentine
MONDAY is one of the most famous milestones of the year, not only in rural Britain, but also further afield in both town and country. It is the feast day of St Valentine, now widely known as Valentine's Day, which has become associated with human love
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Council gives computer gift to cadets
SETTING forth on a voyage of cyber-discovery are the Sea Cadets of land-locked Northallerton. To help cut down on the amount of paperwork the group generates, North Yorkshire County Council has given it four computers. The authority is currently standardising
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Playground due to get £4,000 revamp
PUPILS have discovered their playground is in line for a £4,000 makeover. Brandon Infants School, near Durham City, has become one of the first schools to benefit from the Supergrounds programme, which was launched six months ago by NatWest. The school
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Football club's idea to kick out smoking
FOOTBALL fans who smoke are being urged not to light up during a home game next month. Middlesbrough supporters are being asked to mark National No Smoking Day by keeping their team's fixture with Southampton, on March 19, smoke-free, to build on last
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£30,000 of funding enables more crime patrols at night
CRIME prevention patrols are being stepped up in a town, in response to calls from residents. An extra £30,000 is being spent on funding more street warden and police patrols in an area of Middlesbrough over the next six weeks. The money will be used
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Ross keen to help create history
JACK Ross is relishing the chance to make history tomorrow. The Scot will be part of the Hartlepool United back line seeking a place in the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time in the club's history when they take on Brentford at Victoria Park
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Heritage scheme will be extended
A THREE-YEAR project that rejuvenated crumbling buildings in North Yorkshire market towns has been extended for another year. Hundreds of thousands of pounds have been pumped into restoration projects in Kirkbymoorside, Malton, Norton and Pickering, through
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'City has too many homes already'
PLANNERS considering a scheme to build new homes have said that a city already has too many. A plan for five homes with garages, landscaping and vehicle access on greenfield land next to the Wheatsheaf Inn, Harrogate Road, has been submitted by Richmond
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Youngsters urged to try rock climbing
IF you go down to the woods today, rock climbing could be a healthy surprise. Dr Tim Thornton, a member of the 2020 Town Team in Pickering, North Yorkshire, is urging young people to take advantage of the town's Newbridge Woods as a way of getting fit
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Play depicts storm of 1861
A play will recount the history of a huge storm that hit the region's coastline last century, causing scores of shipwrecks and untold deaths. The Museum of Hartlepool and Cleveland Theatre Company have collaborated to produce a drama about this significant
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Restructure and price rises lift ICI
CHEMICALS group ICI said that price rises and a business shake-up had helped it lift annual profits and sales. The group, which employs about 350 people through its Uniqema division on Teesside, said price increases and benefits of its restructuring had
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Buses to bypass green after problems
A BUS service is to cease calling at stops on a village green following ten incidents in the area during 2004. Members of Gainford and Langton Parish Council heard that Arriva had applied to vary the route of its 75 and 76 service between Darlington and
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Scaffolding collapses on to street in high winds
THOUSANDS of pounds worth of damage was caused when scaffolding and a temporary roof crashed into a town's main shopping street early yesterday. Engineers will this morning begin assessing the damage caused to Middle Street, in Consett, County Durham.
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Sheep statue may greet the visitors who now flock to Masham
A LIFESIZE model of a sheep could be set up in the market place at Masham to welcome the growing number of visitors to the town. The parish council is to approach an artist with a view to having a Masham sheep sculpture to symbolise the town's connection
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North-East takes look at renewable energy in China
THE man in charge of renewable energy in the Tees Valley region seized the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a hydrogen-powered vehicle in China. Dermot Roddy, Renew Tees Valley chief executive, is pictured, left, in the vehicle while taking part
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A marriage made on earth
Prince Charles is finally to make an honest woman of the love of his life, but Nick Morrison looks at how the Prince of Wales's second marriage also signals the end of the fairytale. IT was the ultimate fairytale wedding: the dashing soldier-prince and
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Two baby abduction attempts are foiled
PARENTS are being warned after a bogus social worker called on two mothers and attempted to abduct their babies. The mother of a two-month-old girl said the middle-aged woman knew her baby's first name and date of birth. Even after the 33-year-old, from
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Procter's late charge not enough to retain title
COUNTY Durham businessman Barry Johnson at last overcame his Riponian Rally jinx to secure his first victory after a day of high drama on the stages around Thirsk and Helmsley last Sunday. Driving the ex-Petter Solberg Subaru Impreza WRC S9 on the annual
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Teddy is poignant reminder of tsunami disaster a century ago
A TEDDY bear that belonged to a little girl orphaned by Europe's worst tsunami disaster is to be auctioned to help victims of the Asian disaster. The tiny kilt-wearing teddy survived a tidal wave caused by an earthquake almost a century ago. Like the
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Boy in 100ft fall airlifted to hospital
A boy was recovering last night after he fell down a 100ft cliff. Callum Littlejohn, 11, was airlifted to the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, after he slid and fell down Blackhall Rocks, east Durham, on to the beach on Wednesday. He underwent
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Fresh idea for smokers
SMOKE-filled staff rooms could be a thing of the past thanks to a novel North-East company. A smoke and weather shelter company is to create ten jobs in its first 18 months. Bill Harris launched Smoke and Weather Shelters UK in Washington after he read
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Actors recreate Greek legend
WOULD-BE young actors will turn the clock back more than 2,000 years at a Durham museum tomorrow. The Old Fulling Mill Museum of Archaeology, on the banks of the River Wear, near Framwelgate Bridge, is holding an exhibition of ancient Greek ceramics,
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Can you really bottle the power of love?
IT'S a novel thought that, for £25, you can send a man weak at the knees this "valentine's". Not St Valentine's Day, not plain Valentine's Day or St Valentine's, but just valentine's. Not even a capital letter to its name. It would seem that the writer
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Pony dates
Bedale & West of Yore PC. - Feb 18: achievement badges, Newton le Willows Village Hall, ring Wendy Irvine 01677 460410. Mar 27: team SJ competition at Northallerton EC. Details 01845 526185. British Eventing. - Feb 13 & 22, Mar 20 & 30: cross-country
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Blair to unveil party's pledges at conference
Tony Blair will step up the pace of Labour's campaigning today, as he unveils the party's new ''pledge'' card for the forthcoming general election ahead of the party conference in Newcastle. The Prime Minister will announce the six key pledges - one more
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Council asks BT not to scrap payphones
Council officials are to make a fresh plea to British Telecom not to scrap payphones in rural areas, saying the proposals could put lives at risk. The company is planning to remove 297 of the 1,805 payphones in North Yorkshire as part of a national programme
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Skelton brace keeps Town in the promotion race
NORTHALLERTON Town consolidated third place in division two with a comfortable victory at mid-table Alnwick Town last Saturday. Manager Paul Burton is now looking for his side to continue their recent good form, which has seen them win 12, draw one and
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Mart prices
BARNARD CASTLE. - Wed of last week. Fwd: 1,905 sheep. Lt hoggs to 119p av 104.9p; std to 119p av 1105p; med to 121p av 109.7p; heavy to 109p av 104.8p. Overall avs: Cont 113.3p; Suff 110.4p; Mule 105.8p; Swale 103.2p. Cast sheep: Cont to £48; Suff to
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School may be saved by new partnership
A troubled school which has one highest exclusion rates and worst exam results in the region could be saved by a partnership with a successful college. Education chiefs are looking at the possibility of a federation between the highly-acclaimed Macmillan
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Bridleways group grateful for help
SALTBURN and District Bridleways Group have expressed their gratitude to the people of Marske and Saltburn who supported their coffee morning and table top sale on Saturday, January 22. The event at Marske Leisure Centre, which raised £178 for group funds
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Stylish Sunday lunch at Mr Pease's old home
IT'S something of a cliche hereabouts but Duncan Bannatyne has come a long way since the days he was selling ice cream on the streets of Middlesbrough. Since those formative years in the school of the hardest knocks, the Scotsman from Glasgow's Clydebank
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Ground to help Rhythm get back in swing
SOFT ground should ensure Rebel Rhythm (2.15) restores his slightly tarnished reputation at Bangor today. Having hardly put a foot wrong on his first three starts, Rebel Rhythm then forgot to read the script when, despite being heavily backed, he folded
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Market Place toilets set to close as costs are cut
THE public toilets in Richmond Market Place are set to close in a cost-cutting exercise. Richmondshire District Council has been asked to lop £30,000 from its public conveniences budget and closure of the town centre ladies' and gents' would save £29,000
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Falconer standing by for Guthrie
BLAYDON skipper Dave Guthrie rates his chances 50/50 of playing in tomorrow's National Three North match at home to Darlington Mowden Park. He suffered a buttock muscle injury towards the end of last week's game at Tynedale, which provided Blaydon's sixth
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Let's be proud of our heritage
For a region which has contributed so much to the national economy, the Tees Valley has been strangely silent about its industry. To some extent that's the nature of the people here. They prefer getting on with the job to talking it up. That's a pity,
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Winter haven for travellers
WILDFOWL provided much of the interest for local birdwatchers in January. This included good numbers of pinkfooted geese, with 110 seen at Nosterfield and 34 joining the resident greylag flock at Bolton on Swale. This flock also attracted 13 barnacle
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Proctor is full of praise for Liddle
MARK Proctor has heaped praise on Craig Liddle for the way in which the skipper has put his recent injury problems to bed. Darlington's assistant manager insists Liddle's return to fitness could not have come at a better time as seventh-placed Quakers
