Archive
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Donachie resigns from Newcastle post
WILLIE DONACHIE quit Newcastle United tonight - just hours after it was revealed he had been suspended for allegedly striking a player. The Magpies' Under-21s team manager is reported to have hit young defender Remie Streete in the immediate aftermath
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New restraint proposals risk repeat of Adam Rickwood tragedy, warns Howard League for Penal Reform
NEW proposals risk a “scandalous” repeat of the Adam Rickwood tragedy, the Howard League for Penal Reform warned. The organisation raised the alarm over the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill, published this week, which will allow children to be
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Cleveland Fire Brigade called to two house blazes
CREWS from Cleveland Fire Brigade attended two kitchen fires tonight (Thursday, February 6). In the first incident, at 5.26pm, two fire crews from Thornaby were called to a bungalow in the town's Lancaster Way, where a fire left a pan damaged and
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Hartlepool man airlifted to hospital after A68 road crash
A DRIVER was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries after a two-car crash in Northumberland today (Thursday, February 6). The 30-year-old man, from Hartlepool, was trapped in the wreckage of his car and had to be cut free by firefighters.
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No winners in William Roache's acquittal
ON the steps of Preston Crown Court, after being cleared of rape and sexual assualt charges, Coronation Street star William Roache was right when he declared: "In these situations, there are no winners." The actor, who plays Ken Barlow, is a free
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Six arrested after raids on suspected illegal 'puppy farms' in Shotton Colliery area
DOZENS of dogs and puppies were rescued following a series of dawn raids in a crackdown against suspected illegal 'puppy farms' today. In a joint operation involving 70 police officers, 26 RSPCA officers and several vets, officers searched six
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York nursery worker Sophee Redhead cleared of manslaughter of Lydia Bishop, three
A NURSERY worker wept today as she was cleared of all charges in relation to the death of a three-year-old girl who got her neck caught in a rope on a slide. Sophee Redhead, 25, burst into tears as she was found not guilty of the manslaughter of
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Record crowds flock to see the attractions of Beamish Museum
A RECORD number of people visited the museum dedicated to the North-East’s industrial heritage. The award-winning Beamish Museum, near Chester-le-Street, attracted 589,474 visitors, from the region and beyond. The number is 19 per cent higher
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Student died after stairs fall in Magdalen College, Oxford, inquest told
A POPULAR Oxford University student who survived two brain tumours as a child died after falling down stairs, an inquest heard. Conor Robinson, from Shotley Bridge, near Consett, County Durham, fell at the Longwall Annexe of Magdalen College following
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Oscar winner headlines Durham student film festival
IT’S curtain up for a student film festival this weekend (February 7-9). The Durham Film Festival 2014, organised by Durham University’s Student Film Society, will run from Friday to Sunday. There will be film screenings, workshops and talks
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Holly chosen to represent country at naked sledding championship
A FIREFIGHTER from the North-East is swapping heat for cold after being named one of two winners in the race to represent the UK in the world naked sledding championships. Holly Garshong, 29, from Barnes, Sunderland, whose parents were nudists,
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Trimdon farm shop brings home the bacon at regional pork awards
ALL that sizzles is gold at an award-winning North-East farm shop. Dropswell Farm Shop and Cafe, near Trimdon Village in County Durham, scooped gold awards for five of its homemade pork products at the British Pig Executive’s regional road show
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Satellite Tour visits York and Durham
A TOUR showcasing up-and-coming artists will visit the region next week (February 10/15). Satellite Tour will be at The Duchess, York, on Monday, February 10, and The Fishtank, off North Road, Durham City, on Saturday, February 15. It will
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MP intervenes to ensure road safety in Yarm
AN MP has personally intervened to ensure parking restrictions are implemented on a busy street in his community. James Wharton, Conservative MP for Stockton South, raised his safety concerns about Worsall Road in Yarm with Stockton Borough Council
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Bacon factory bigamist claims 'I'm the victim' after third wife abandons him
A BIGAMIST who married two of his wives at the same register office brazenly bleated today: "I'm the victim." Self-pitying Steven Smith claimed HE was duped by his latest bride - an African beauty less than half his age. The 52-year-old bacon
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Petrol station worker who rushed to the aid of an unprovoked attack victim receives police award
A PETROL station worker who rushed to the aid of a disabled customer who was the victim of an unprovoked attack on the forecourt has been honoured by the police. A man in a wheelchair was buying wine and cigarettes from the night counter at Snax
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Talk on DLI's part in liberating Bergen Belsen
A NORTH-East regiment’s part in liberating a Nazi concentration camp will be discussed next weekend (Saturday, February 15). Retired colonels John Heron and Ted Kemp will explore the Durham Light Infantry’s (DLI) role in the liberation of the infamous
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Flood protection schemes announced across the region to protect thousands of homes
FLOOD defences are to be improved across the region to protect homes devastated by recent deluges from future misery. After suffering the worst tidal surge in more than 150 years before Christmas, Port Clarence, Stockton, and Greatham, Hartlepool
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Foster blasts Gove for saying running should be a punishment
OLYMPIC medallist Brendan Foster has blasted Michael Gove for "demonising" running. The athlete turned commentator, who founded the Great North Run, criticised the education secretary for suggesting running should be a punishment for bad behaviour
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Durham cricket stars take on 900ft zip wire challenge for North-East autism charity
TWO cricketers will be launched from the roof of the Stadium of Light in Sunderland to raise funds for charity. Durham cricketers Gordon Muchall and Gareth Breese will reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour when they take on a 900ft Zip Wire challenge
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Tributes paid to former footballer
TRIBUTES have been paid to a former miner turner professional footballer. Andy Graver, who was born in Craghead, near Stanley, County Durham, died last month, aged 86. He signed for Newcastle United a few weeks before his 20th birthday and
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Teacher takes up marathon running to help prisoners
A YOUNG teacher hopes to help prisoners by running her first marathon. Amy Brown, a trainee teacher at Darlington’s Carmel RC College will run the Edinburgh Marathon in May in a bid to improve the education of prisoners by raising funds for the
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Council probe after complaint
A COUNCIL has launched an inquiry after being accused of failing a vulnerable elderly woman. Durham County Council is carrying out an internal investigation following a complaint from the family of a 69-year-old woman with dementia. It stems
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Workers take action at Teesside power plant
HUNDREDS of workers building a Teesside power plant have staged an unofficial strike in a row over pay. About 250 workers, including pipe fitters, welders and scaffolders have walked out at the Air Products' factory, in Billingham, near Stockton
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Body of man found in search for Gateshead man Michael Mawson
POLICE searching for missing Gateshead man Michael Mawson have found the body of a man. "The body was recovered from the Lintzford Village area, a few miles from Blackhall Mill, on Thursday afternoon, February 6," a Northumbria Police spokesman
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Money for flood prevention work at Port Clarence
MILLIONS of pounds of Government money has been allocated for flood prevention work at Port Clarence and Lustrum Beck. Stockton Council and the Environment Agency submitted the bids for Flood Defence Grant in Aid funding to enable flood defence
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Hotel launches James Bond-inspired guestroom
A BOUTIQUE hotel and restaurant in the Yorkshire Dales is now offering guests the chance to experience the life of a secret agent. The Wensleydale Heifer, in West Witton, near Leyburn, has unveiled a new room with a James Bond theme and includes
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Controversial plans for more than 200 homes in Ryedale town rejected
CONTROVERSIAL plans to build more than 200 homes in a Ryedale town have been turned down. Ryedale District Council planning committee has voted to reject the Gladman Developments application for 225 homes on land at Westfield in Kirkbymoorside.
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Dealer who sold drugs near two schools is jailed for three and a half years
A DEALER who sold drugs on the streets close to two schools is today staring a prison sentence of three-and-a-half years. Stephen Swainston was snared during Operation Eros where an undercover police officer posed as an addict to bust heroin and
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CCTV operators foil Darlington cable theft
CCTV camera operators helped foil the theft of electric cable from a Darlington building site. Darlington Magistrates’ Court heard today (Thursday, February 6) that 50-year-old Anthony Morgan and an accomplice slipped through a gap in the perimeter
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Residents urged to have their say about mental health changes
RESIDENTS of South Tyneside are being encouraged to have their say on proposed changes to the way some mental health services are provided in their borough. As part of a public consultation into the future of specialist mental health services in
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Love your library
BOOKWORMS are being asked to show their appreciation for their local library this weekend. Libraries across County Durham will host special activities and events for National Libraries Day on Saturday, February 8. Durham County Council is urging
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Police hunt Durham bleach thieves
POLICE are hunting a pair of bleach thieves. Crooks stole a metal chest containing sodium hypochlorite from a car park on Old Elvet, Durham City, between 10.30am and 10.50am on Wednesday (February 5). Police are looking for two men who were
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Creatures of the night at library
CHILDREN can get up close to creatures of the wild at a free library event during the spring school holiday. Ferryhill Town Council has organised for Billingham-based Animal Story to visit Ferryhill Library on Thursday, February 20, 2pm to 3pm.
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Consultation on affordable homes to meet local need
Residents in Aislaby, near Whitby, will have the chance to air their views about an affordable housing proposal for their local area on Wednesday, February 12. A parish housing needs survey carried out in July 2013 showed local people were in need
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Campaigners welcome move to criminalise possession of 'rape porn'
TWO North-East critics of extreme pornography have welcomed the Government’s announcement that the possession of so-called “rape porn” is to be criminalized. The change in the law follows a campaign to #banrapeporn led by Rape Crisis South London
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Young people make donation to women's refuge
A YOUTH group has donated hundreds of pounds worth of computer game equipment to a women’s refuge in Yorkshire. The Fire Place in Stokesley recently took delivery of a new games console and after discussions with its young members, it was decided
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New history marks 600 years of Durham School
A NEW history of Durham School has been launched to mark the institution’s 600th anniversary. Floreat Dunelmia: 600 Years of Durham School was written by the school’s archivist John Malden, who is also a former pupil, and designed and illustrated
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Airport cuts parking charges
DURHAM Tees Valley Airport is introducing new parking arrangements, including no charge for those staying up to three hours. Peter Nears, Airport Strategic Planning Director, said that the new scheme, which will also allow parking for up to eight
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Singer performs charity night at Crakehall village hall
MUSIC NIGHT: Local singer Steffi Gold, also known as Alison Williams, will perform at Crakehall Village Hall on Friday, February 14 as a one-off Valentine's evening event to raise funds for the village Hall and Crakehall Guides. Doors open from 7.30pm
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Conditional discharges for shoplifters
A CONDITIONAL discharge has been imposed on a man who stole from Morrisons to feed himself. Fred Patterson, 46, of Gladstone Street, Darlington admitted stealing £21.59 worth of meat from the supermarket when he appeared at Darlington Magistrates
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South Burns pub rock night
Rock band Stone Idols will play at the Market Tavern, South Burns, Chester-le-Street, tomorrow night (Friday, February 7). The gig starts at 9pm and admission is free. For details call 0191-388-4749. Dance session: A 50/50 dance for singles and
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Plebgate police officer Keith Wallis jailed for 12 months
A POLICE officer who lied about witnessing the Plebgate row was jailed for 12 months today. Keith Wallis, 53, of West Drayton, west London, sent an email to Conservative deputy chief whip John Randall, who was his MP, wrongly claiming that he had
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Homeless brothers stole to eat, court told
TWO brothers who found themselves homeless and penniless after a spell in prison stole sandwiches to feed themselves, a court heard. Defence solicitor Sonny Lawson said Nathan Young, 23, and Philip Young, 22, were sleeping rough and had no source
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Houghall students putting down roots
STUDENTS have been helping plant trees around Durham Cathedral’s picturesque riverbanks. Around 20 East Durham College students based at the Houghall campus, near Durham, worked with the cathedral’s woodlands and riverbanks team to improve the
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Newcastle suspend coach for disciplinary reasons
NEWCASTLE United have suspended reserve team manager Willie Donachie for allegedly striking a player. Remie Streete is reported to be the player struck by 62-year-old Donachie during an incident immediately after a 2-0 defeat to Sunderland at the
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Students stage Mozart's The Magic Flute
STUDENTS will stage a production of Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute next week (February 12-16). The Durham Opera Ensemble adaptation is set in 1940s London and will be staged in Durham Castle’s Great Hall from February 12 to 16. Charlotte La
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Similarities between human and insect brains could be behind our liking for tea
SIMILARITIES between human and insect brains could be the reason why humans are attracted to plant-derived chemicals, such as tea, coffee, tobacco and drugs, according to a new book. Professor David Kennedy, of Northumbria University, believes
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I do, they do, a whole lot of people do
A NORTH-East church is joining a nationwide attempt to set a new world record for the number of couples renewing their wedding vows. Sunderland Minster is thought to be the only church in the region taking part in Marriage Week UK, which runs from
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Concern at number of pubs being turned into supermarkets
CONCERNS have been raised about the number of pubs being turned into supermarkets. Research by the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) revealed that two pubs a week were turned into supermarkets during 2012 and 2013. Three North-East and North Yorkshire
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Euro lottery prize goes unclaimed
A LOTTERY win of more than £94,000 has gone unclaimed. The 180-day deadline for claiming the EuroMillions prize passed on Wednesday (February 5). The £94,551 prize, which was won on Friday August 9 with a ticket bought in the Durham City/Chester-le-Street
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Army's 21-gun salute to the Queen
THE blast of artillery thundered across York today (Thursday, February 6) as the Army wheeled out some big guns to pay tribute to the Queen. As the clocks struck midday a 21-gun Royal Salute boomed out across the city – the only official saluting
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Pupils warned they are "too clever" for apprenticeships or vocational education
YOUNG people are being told by teachers and parents that they are too clever apprenticeships in industries such as manufacturing and construction. A survey by the Edge Foundation found that youngsters are being actively discouraged from opting
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Dead horse removed from River Wear at Durham
A DEAD horse has been removed from the River Wear between Prebends Bridge and Framwelgate Bridge in Durham city centre. The animal was removed on Wednesday (February 5).
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Stockton bows out of Britain in Bloom due to budget concerns
A MULTI-AWARD winning finalist in the Britain in Bloom competition has pulled out due budget cut backs. Stockton Borough Council has participated for many years and won gold and special award in last year’s national finals. However the Teesside
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Poyet and Johnson in running for monthly award
SUNDERLAND pair Gus Poyet and Adam Johnson have been nominated for the Barclays Premier League Manager of the Month and Player of the Month respectively. Poyet joins Jose Mourinho, Manuel Pellegrini and Tony Pulis in being nominated for the January
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Public invited to help shape future of health care
HEALTH chiefs are calling on local people to get involved in plans for future health and social care services. The NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group is now working on practical plans for the next five years. Using local evidence
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Healthy eating and exercise classes in Shildon
A PILOT scheme to help make Shildon residents healthier and more active could be rolled out into other areas. The Health Express is being run by Bishop Auckland and Shildon Area Action Partnership. At present the project is operating a weekly
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Challenge set for Ferryhill residents
FERRYHILL residents are invited to pit their wits against each other at a quiz night in aid of a charity appeal. The Mayor of Ferryhill, Coun Ken Campbell, will host the quiz at St Luke’s Church Hall on Saturday, March 1, at 7pm. Teams will
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Drug user beat his former partner
A WOMAN was left badly bruised after being pinned to the ground and repeatedly punched by her former partner, a court heard. Prosecutor John Garside told Darlington Magistrates’ Court today (Thursday, February 6) that Christopher Gunnell’s partner
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Smooth Radio sold as part of regional deal
EIGHT regional radio stations, including one in the North-East, with more than 2.5 million listeners were today sold as part of changes that will signal the end of the Real brand. Heart and Classic FM owner Global Radio is to sell Smooth in the
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Parking ban bid to ease Durham Johnston School traffic issue
A PARKING ban is to be imposed in a bid to ease traffic problems around Durham Johnston School. Residents of Redhills Lane, Durham City, first complained of parked cars making their street dangerous and difficult to negotiate more than a year ago
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Teenagers threatened by robber and forced to hand over mobile phone
A 16-YEAR-OLD boy and 16-year-old girl were threatened by a robber who took their mobile phones. The pair was in the Market Place, North Ormesby, Middlesbrough, at about 12.45pm on Tuesday, February 4 when a man approached them. The youngsters
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Rare comic book collection found in North-East home expected to net thousands at auction
A COMIC-BOOK stash found in a North-East man’s bedroom by his widow is expected to raise thousands at auction next week. Some of the world’s rarest and most collectable comics will go under the hammer on Tuesday February 11. The sale, to be
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Improvements to football pitch thanks to lotto windfall
A VILLAGE is celebrating after winning £50,000 in lotto cash for major improvements to the playing field. The playing field at Carlton Miniott, near Thirsk, is run by a committee of residents as a local charity and they have secured the funding
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Valentine's dance in aid of scanner appeal
A Valentine’s dance is being held at the Village Inn, Brompton, from 7pm on February 8 to raise funds for the Friarage Hospital’s MRI scanner. Tickets are £25 to include a three course meal and welcome drink. Come along and enjoy a romantic night out
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Marking up a century
‘People who say acts of dissent are pointless and achieve nothing are nothing more than lazy *********.’ A QUOTE from Mark Thomas demonstrating that he’s lost none of the edge or urgency that propelled him to fame in the 1990s as one of the nation
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Time for Bard lovers
SHAKESPEARE’S classic tale of teenage passion, Romeo And Juliet, will be given a new slant in this summer’s Barnard Castle outdoor spectacular by The Castle Players, who are seeking volunteers both on and off-stage. Romeo and Juliet is the community
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Kenny’s tidy investment
IT was the all-important first Saturday night for award-winning chef Kenny Atkinson’s long-awaited new restaurant on Newcastle Quayside and the timing could have been so much better. The Magpies had lost 3-0 to arch rivals Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear
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Chance to tour iconic 1930s building as restoration work continues
THOSE interested in the ongoing restoration of an iconic 1930s building have been invited to tour the site. A limited amount of people have been offered the opportunity to get a glimpse of the work going on in the former Majestic cinema in Darlington
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Plan to revitalise North Yorkshire's county town following closure of major employers
A PLAN to fill the void left in Northallerton by the closure of two of the town’s biggest employers is to be unveiled later this month. The closure of Northallerton Prison and the Government’s Rural Payments Agency (RPA) in quick succession last
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Country by Brian Clough
Vince Gill and Paul Franklin: Bakersfield (MCA Nashville) THERE’S already great talent combining guitarist singer/songwriter Vince Gill and pedal-steel musician Paul Franklin. Add to that the songs of Merle Haggard and Buck Owens, and there’s a brilliant
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Classical by Gavin Engelbrecht
WHAT’S ON: Pianist/composer Ryan Wigglewsorth with Royal Northern Sinfonia, The Sage Gateshead, 7.30pm tonight. 0191-443-4661. Durham Singers, Winter Serenade, Elvet Methodist Church, Durham City, 7.30pm, Saturday, French and English songs. Tickets
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Folk by Jez Lowe
WE HAVE a typically varied week ahead of us around the local folk scene, starting tonight when the much-respected and classy songwriter Allan Taylor comes to Darlington’s Copper Beech. Tomorrow, Tyneside guitarist Michael Wood is launching his
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Jazz by Peter Bevan
WHAT’S ON: Sunday, Saxophonics, Forum Music Centre, Darlington, 01325-363135; Wednesday, Djangologie, Bishop Auckland Town Hall, 0300-269-524. CD REVIEWS: Oscar Peterson/Second Set (Avid AMSC1109) This further collection complements the first admirably
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Police and pupils join forces to tackle Shildon bike thieves
BIKE SECURITY: Children and police are joining forces to tackle bike thieves. The police are to visit Thornhill Primary School, in Shildon, on Friday, February 14 for a session to mark bikes with a security code. The event is for school pupils only
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Going for a song
WRITER Rachel Wagstaff has a message for anyone who has read and admired the Sebastian Faulks novel Birdsong and think they’ll be disappointed by a stage adaptation. “Tell your friends that the people adapting it feel just as strongly about the book
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Thief at Middlesbrough electric station thought to have received serious injuries
POLICE believe a thief may have seriously hurt himself while stealing from an electrical substation. The burglar tried to take expensive electrical components, but it thought to have received a substantial shock likely to have severely injured
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Road cleared after four vehicle collision on A66 near Darlington
POLICE have re-opened the westbound carriageway of the A66 between Stockton and Darlington after a multi-vehicle collision earlier today. The collision happened close to the Akhbar Dynasty Indian restaurant, which lies off the A66, near Sadberge
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‘Kiss me quiche Ja’mie’
Aussie comedy creator Chris Lilley, 39, takes on the starring role of a teenage temptress IT’S the type of role that many young actors hanker for – a pivotal part in a hotly-tipped new TV series playing opposite an attractive, young starlet.
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New principal appointed at successful Tees school
A NEW principal has been appointed at one of Teesside’s best performing schools. The board of directors at Nunthorpe Academy, near Middlesbrough, rated outstanding by Ofsted, have appointed Lee Brown to head the school. Mr Bown is currently
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Horror lovers
The League Of Gentlemen’s Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton are back with Inside No 9. Jeananne Craig discovers why the spooky show was right up their street THEY’RE responsible for some of TVs darkest creations, from the grotesque villagers
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Newton Aycliffe school children make musical memories
MUSIC and morals proved a harmonious combination when primary school children embarked on a week-long singing workshop. St Francis Church of England Primary School in Newton Aycliffe joined forces with music education charity PopUK for the project
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Dorien’s Hot Flush!
Steve Pratt discovers why Lesley Joseph loves comedy on tour (and on TV), but is ready for birds of a more serious feather LESLEY Joseph is telling me how much she loves one night stands. “You just rock into the town, do what you do, hopefully
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‘Robbed on my best N-E day’
DON’T mention the appeal of instant fame from a TV reality show to Stu Francis, who cut his teeth as a comedian on the club circuit… and almost had his act wrecked in the North-East. “You’re judged by people before you can do anything these days. It
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Why Brassed Off is in Clara’s blood
THE themes of Brassed Off, the story of a brass band at a Northern colliery threatened with closure, resonate with cast member Clara Darcy for a special reason. She’s named after Clara Vale, the small Tyneside mining village where her grandfather
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Dallas Buyers Club
RELEASED outside the awards season, Dallas Buyers Club might have slipped through the net as just another lowbudget indie picture. Coming out surrounded by the hoopla and publicity that comes with the Oscars and other awards, the film gets all the
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Drunk crook caught wheeling away stolen fridge freezer given final chance by judge
A BOOZED-UP crook who drank 14 pints of cheap alcohol a day walked free from court after a judge heard that he is seeking help for his problem. Mark Campbell, 37, was caught with a stolen fridge-freezer, a carpet cleaner and a bike at his home
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Mr Peabody & Sherman
FEW movies, let alone animated ones, can claim to offer a history lesson as well as be entertaining. Mr Peabody & Sherman, a father and son story, does just that as it time travels to the French Revolution, Troy and the Italian Renaissance.
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Robocop (12A, 118 mins)
JOSE Padilha directs this glossy remake of Paul Verhoeven’s influential 1987 sci-fi thriller, about a futuristic society that meddles with technology and pays a hefty price for its transgressions. Detroit police officer Alex Murphy (Joel Kinnaman
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Captain Phillips
CAPTAIN Richard Phillips (Tom Hanks) takes charge of his cargo vessel, the Maersk Alabama, bound for Mombasa, Kenya, where he is aided by a hard-working international crew including chief mate Shane Murphy (Michael Chernus). Somali pirates led
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Turbo
TURBO (voiced by Ryan Reynolds) is a garden snail who yearns to put a pedal to the metal like his hero – French-Canadian Indianapolis 500 champion, Guy Gagne (Bill Hader). A freak accident allows Turbo to perform bursts of death-defying speed and
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Enough Said
MASSAGE therapist Eva (Julia Louis- Dreyfus) is separated from her husband Jason (Phillip Brock) but still lives with their beautiful daughter, Ellen (Tracey Fairaway), who is heading to college. At a party organised by best friend Sarah (Toni Collette
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Le Week-end
NICK (Jim Broadbent) and Meg (Lindsay Duncan) choose to celebrate 30 years of marriage by revisiting old haunts in Paris. Strolls are accompanied by occasional bickering and one evening, the couple crosses paths with Nick’s university pal Morgan (Jeff
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Bombay Bicycle Club: So Long, See You Tomorrow
POLISHED is the word to describe Bombay Bicycle Club’s fourth album, which embraces the London quartet’s dalliance with electronica. The record was mostly written while frontman Jack Steadman went travelling and Bollywood provides an exotic influence
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Glenn Tilbrook: Happy Ending
FORMER Squeeze man Glenn Tilbrook may be 56, and a father-of-four, but he certainly hasn’t lost his mojo. Indeed, he may well just have made the best album of his long and illustrious career. Tilbrook is in fine voice throughout, but it is his
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Katy B: Little Red
THE radio-conquering crossover star Katy B, full name Kathleen Brien, returns with a more confident and refined take on the bass-smudged electropop that characterised her debut LP, On A Mission. Featuring club-ready tracks like 5am, Aaliyah (featuring
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Frankie Goes to Hollywood: Frankie Said
FRANKIE Goes To Hollywood played a big part in my teenage years. My mother didnt like them, at least that's what she said in public anyway, and probably because of that I liked them even more. Essentially a greatest hits album, there is more than
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Kickshaws: Ghosts of Panama EP
THOSE with an ear for the likes of the Deftones should find an instant liking for Darlington outfit Kickshaws. While the vocals are softer and more accessible, the construction of the songs on this six-track offering does owe something to the Sacramento
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Finding the right tones
FIVE-piece vocal harmony group The Overtones have just released their third album, Saturday Night At The Movies. Reportedly spotted by a talent scout from Warner Brothers, while working as painters and decorators, their previous two albums have notched
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Clear the desk, Danny’s got work to do with Lucy
OH Danny boy, what have you been up in EastEnders (ITV1)? Walford residents aren’t exactly known for their true and honest ways but Danny is one of the worst offenders. He’s had his fingers in the till at Butcher’s Joints and now he has his hands
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Durham county hall hosts book fair
CABARET NIGHT: Durham Indoor Bowling Club, in Pity Me, is to hold a cabaret and dance night on Saturday, February 22, starting at 7.30pm. The night will include entertainment from singer David Walton as well as sequence and ballroom dancing. Tickets
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Five minutes with... The Answer
You’ve got a lot of touring coming up. Are you looking forward to it? I can’t wait. Each tour begins as a work in progress. We’re rehearsing now, and I know after we play the first show we’ll still be making changes. It’s ongoing until you’ve done
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Ascription on track for the Lincoln at Doncaster
HUGO PALMER’S talented miler Ascription is likely to kick off his campaign in the £100,000 William Hill Lincoln at Doncaster on March 29. The five-year-old won over the course and distance on his penultimate start, one of three career victories
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Brighter things are ahead for Beckett
RALPH BECKETT has much to look forward to in 2014 with the return of two classy fillies but it felt an awfully long way away from high summer as he watched his 1-4 favourite Like A Prayer scrape home at Lingfield. It was unfortunate for Beckett
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Hopes remain high for big meetings
THE feature meetings in Britain and Ireland this weekend are on course to beat the weather at present but officials from both Leopardstown and Newbury are eagerly watching ever-changing forecasts. Leopardstown stages four Grade Ones on Sunday,
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Parr eager to enjoy Olympic experience
MATT PARR might have the smallest workload of Britain’s figure skaters at the Winter Olympics but he’s determined to have a big impact off the ice in Sochi. Despite being a four-time British men’s champion, the 23-year-old’s involvement in Russia
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Jamaica’s cruel runnings
JAMAICA’S preparations for the two-man bobsleigh event at the Winter Olympics suffered a setback when their luggage went missing on route to Sochi. Driver Winston Watts and brakeman Marvin Dixon were due to take part in training yesterday, but
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White to avoid the slopestyle event
UNITED STATES snowboarder Shaun White has elected to skip the Olympic slopestyle event in Sochi in order to focus on the halfpipe discipline. The reigning two-time Olympic halfpipe champion was seeking to extend his dominance in the debuting slopestyle
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Dawson is ‘perfect’ appointment for Tykes
JASON GILLESPIE has described former team-mate Richard Dawson’s arrival at Headingley as Yorkshire’s new second-team coach as the perfect appointment. Former Ashes rivals Gillespie and Dawson played together for the White Rose in 2006 before the
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England can handle mud bath
ENGLAND prop Joe Marler is unconcerned by the alarming state of the Murrayfield pitch and says he has played on far worse surfaces. A parasite infection that has been treated with garlic, combined with a wet winter, has seen the ground cut up badly
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Barnard Castle School team reaches national final of netball competition
A NETBALL team is going for glory after qualifying for the finals of a national schools’ competition. Barnard Castle School’s under-19 netball team qualified for the U19 National Netball Final after it won the competition’s county tournament last
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Tea party to be hosted by breastfeeding group
TEA PARTY A tea party with coffee and cakes will be hosted by Skerne Park breast feeding group on Thursday, February 27. The event will take place from 1pm until 3pm at Skerne Park Children’s Centre. PEPPA PIG Peppa Pig’s Big Splash will provide
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Italian in line for Leeds as Flowers ends takeover bid
MASSIMO CELLINO appears to once again be the frontrunner to buy Leeds after Andrew Flowers confirmed he had ended his bid – the second time the club sponsor has done so in a week. As chaos continues to reign at Elland Road, Flowers – who on Tuesday
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Beckham seeing stars in Miami
DAVID BECKHAM promised to bring the world’s top players to Miami after taking up the option to buy a new Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise in the Florida city. The former Manchester United and England midfielder appeared at a news conference
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Big Ballet (C4, 9pm)
THE movie Billy Elliot may have taught us that you don’t have to be posh (or a girl) to pirouette, but it seems there is still one very big barrier in the ballet world – and it involves weight. Most dancers are slender, but is that because tutus
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Inspector George Gently (BBC1, 8.30pm)
THE last series ended with a shootout at Durham Cathedral but George Gently and sidekick Bacchus are back. However, things are changing as the Swinging 1960s give way to the more cynical 1970s. Following the shooting which nearly cost both men
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The Big Reunion (ITV2, 9pm)
THE last series of The Big Reunion proved that being in a pop group in the 1990s and Noughties was definitely not as much fun as it looked. Yet that has not discouraged another batch of former pop idols, including Eternal, 3T and A1, from signing
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The Hotel Inspector (Channel 5, 9pm)
ALEX POLIZZI returns as The Hotel Inspector and, in the opening episode, has to tackle one of her most trying hoteliers yet. She is in Liverpool, at Epstein House, where hotel owner Patrick Duggan is struggling to keep his business afloat.
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Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Newcastle Theatre Royal
I forget that there are adults who never saw the film when it shrieked onto our cinema screens 20 years ago. If you were busy that year, then you might have an inkling that this show is unusual. It isn’t. Priscilla is from Planet Camp in the
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New Darlington veterinary clinic opens for business
A NEW veterinary practice which hopes to offer training to the next generation of vets has opened in Darlington. Darlington Vet Clinic, in Alverton Drive, Faverdale, opened earlier this month and vet, Rebecca Bradley, hopes the practice will soon
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Cleared Coronation Street star William Roache who plays Ken Barlow: "There are no winners"
CORONATION Street star William Roache said there were no winners after he was cleared of all charges of sexually abusing five youngsters. Mr Roache was found not guilty by a jury of two counts of rape and four counts of indecent assault following
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Some Girl I Used To Know, West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds
DENISE VAN OUTEN’S new stage offering, being premiered in Leeds before touring, is a play with music – a label that hints at schizophrenic tendencies. The piece, co-written by the former Big Breakfast presenter and Strictly contestant with Terry
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Blurred lines of feminism
WHEN I first heard the Robin Thicke song, Blurred Lines, on the radio my body started to make strange, involuntary movements. It is one of the few pieces of music that instantly fills me with an overwhelming urge to dance. I had to stifle this
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Youth theatre group seeks youngsters for Dirty Dancing show in Shildon
A YOUTH theatre group is searching for young actors and choreographers for its next musical show. The Tearaways team is to perform its version of Dirty Dancing at Shildon Civic Hall in June and it is looking to begin auditions and rehearsals.
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Anti-depressant medication needed to ppp-pick up penguins suffering from the winter blues
PENGUINS at a Sea Life Centre in North Yorkshire are having to be picked up with medication after suffering a case of the winter blues. The Scarborough centre's resident penguins are so cheesed off by the relentless rain and wind, they have all
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Plan to transform Burnhope wasteland
A PIECE of waste ground in north Durham is to be transformed for community use. Durham Agency Against Crime and Groundwork North-East are working on the scheme in Burnhope, near Stanley, on a piece of land off a track behind the Ivy Leaf Club.
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Bowled 104
BOB Murton, who not unreasonably we had supposed to be Britain’s oldest active sportsman, has died. He was 104 and still playing bowls at 100 – at which point, no less unreasonably, they gave him life membership. The rub of the green, as it were.
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Train builder remains committed to North-East despite £1bn Crossrail blow
A NORTH-EAST train builder says it remains totally committed to the region, despite missing out on a £1bn contract. Hitachi Rail Europe, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, had bid to make trains for the Crossrail commuter line across London, which
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VIP referee
FAMOUSLY as fit as a butcher’s dog, former World Cup referee George Courtney – coming up 73 – was still matching the young ’uns last Saturday. Assisted by father and son Anthony and Lee Harbottle from Chester-le-Street, the retired headteacher
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Lights fantastic
IT was the autumn night that Darlington outshone the Illuminations, that they really did like to be beside the seaside, that they travelled to first division Blackpool in the third round of the League Cup and beat them 2-1. Blackpool included England
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Are two yolks en'ouef?
EGG yolks, I love em, but you can have too many, personally I’ve had en’ouef. This morning I had a double yolked egg with my bacon, nothing unusual, except that it was the last of a dozen in a row that have been blessed with two yolks. What
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Horse play?
REGARDING your story about the young woman who rode a horse through a supermarket (Echo, Feb 5) for a dare. I run a counselling business working with children and young people in schools in North Yorkshire, County Durham, Sunderland and Redcar
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Devilish argument
I SOMETIMES wonder where CT Riley (HAS, Feb 1) gets his information. Thus, he says: “The Bible barely mentions the devil.” What? There are, in fact, numerous references to him - usually under the name Satan - throughout both the old and new
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School daze
MICHAEL GOVE, the education secretary, wants schools to stay open longer (Echo, Feb 3). The proposed school times, from 9am to 6pm, could be a danger in dark winter months for pupils leaving school to go home. After a long day not having much
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Smoking in cars
RECENT proposals concerning banning smoking when children are passengers in cars (Echo, Jan 29) has caused a widespread debate. It’s not hard – smoking kills, so why would any decent parent expose precious children to such risk? Enforcement
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Memory error
THE day after we are told that Durham County Council’s Care Connect Administration has lost a computer memory stick containing the details of thousands of elderly people – including the combination numbers of outside key safes and medication details
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Who will police our politicians?
IF you believe MPs can be trusted to make our laws without someone watching over them, you should have been in the Commons last Thursday. That was the day our elected representatives rammed through a change so breathtakingly authoritarian it would
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'Abuse turned me from a naughty boy into a violent criminal'
Rod Jones, once an armed robber and minder to some of Britain’s most notorious gangsters, says it was the abuse he received in institutions, including the Medomsley Detention Centre, that set him on the road to serious criminality. Chris Webber heard
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Sunderland firefighter wins vote to take part in naked sledding contest
A NORTH-EAST firefighter will be swapping heat for cold after being named one of two winners in the race to represent the UK in the world naked sledding championships. Holly Garshong, 29, from Barnes, Sunderland, emerged victorious from the last
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Police are appealing for witnesses after Shildon allotment break-ins
ALLOTMENT THEFT: Police are appealing for witnesses after burglars broke into several allotment sheds in Shildon. The break-ins took place overnight between Monday, February 3 and Tuesday, February 4 at Waverley Terrace. Untidy searches of the sheds
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Ellie Givens hits first hole-in-one
DARLINGTON’S Ellie Givens hit the first hole-in-one of her 18 years playing golf this morning - and she chose the perfect platform to deliver. After back to back bogeys at the first and second, Givens aced the 160-yard Par 3 fifth hole in style
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No place is safe, Robinson admits
Jordan Robinson has been at the heart of Darlington's drive for promotion in recent weeks, but even he acknowledges his place is not safe. He is one of six players to start each of their matches during an 11-game unbeaten run - ten of them victories
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Hitachi loses out on £1bn contract to rival Bombardier to supply Crossrail trains
A NORTH-EAST train factory has lost out on a £1bn contract to supply Europe’s biggest construction project. Hitachi’s factory in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham was told this morning that rivals, Bombardier, had won the deal to make trains for the
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Poyet could be forced to fast-track Scocco debut amid Fletcher injury concerns
NEW Sunderland striker Ignacio Scocco could get his first taste of Premier League action earlier than anticipated after it was revealed the extent of Steven Fletcher’s injury is worse than first feared. INJURY CONCERN: Steven Fletcher
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Roper not looking to bow out after bright start at Q-School
IT was a day of contrasting emotions for the North-East contingent at European Senior Tour qualifying school yesterday – with Darlington’s Roger Roper in sight of securing a full card for 2014. While Eaglescliffe pro Graeme Bell struggled his way
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Magpies' midfield frailties exposed
NEWCASTLE UNITED’S midfield frailties could be further exposed at the weekend with Cheik Tiote struggling to be fit for this weekend’s trip to Chelsea. The Magpies are still coming to terms with Yohan Cabaye’s departure after he sealed a big-money
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Hall loving life as a world champion
Six weeks after claiming the IBF World Bantamweight title, Stuart Hall is preparing to return to the ring to defend his crown at the end of next month. Chief Sports Writer Scott Wilson caught up with Darlington’s first world champion to discuss life
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Hall determined to retain his world title as all-North-East showdown is launched
STUART HALL is determined to hold on to his IBF World Bantamweight title when he makes North-East sporting history against Martin Ward at the end of next month. Having claimed the world title when he beat Vusi Malinga in Leeds in December, Darlington
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Golf shorts: Ellie looks to continue promising start
DARLINGTON’S Ellie Givens will look to build on a confident start to her Ladies European Tour season today when she starts her first professional appearance in Australia. Givens impressed with a solid 33rd place finish at the ISPS Handa New Zealand
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Vengeful dad put relatives' lives at risk in caravan arson attack, court told
A VENGEFUL dad who put the lives of seven relatives at risk in an arson attack was behind bars last night (Wednesday, February 5) - as his family revealed they have forgiven him. Jason Robbins recruited friend Shaun Cliff to set fire to his sister
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Drugs firm reiterates North-East commitment
A DRUGS company has reiterated its commitment to bringing wonder vaccines to the North-East. GlaxoSmithKline, in Barnard Castle, County Durham, says it will keep challenging the firm's global bases to develop new products. The company employs
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Energy firms hope to create new jobs
TWO North-East firms hope to create about 30 jobs in a partnership to deliver energy efficiency improvements. Energy Friend and Whitfields Energy Solutions, both based in Durham City, have pooled their skills to help roll out the Government Green
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'Talking therapy' shown to be an effective alternative to drug treatment
FOR people with schizophrenia who can’t or won’t take drug treatment, cognitive therapy could be a viable therapeutic alternative, according to a groundbreaking trial published in The Lancet. The research, involving scientists from the Universities
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Vulnerable man died after taking overdose of prescription medication
A CORONER has expressed concern over the storage of drugs in hostel accommodation after a vulnerable man took an overdose of prescription medication. Richard Phillip White died after taking more than 100 anti-sickness tablets and seven sleeping
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Electric vehicle firm targets Chinese growth
A NORTH-EAST electric vehicle firm is targeting China as it aims to capitalise on increasing revenues and profits. Sevcon, in Gateshead, has launched a joint venture with a branch of automotive company Risenbo Technology. Operating as Sevcon
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Tomlin keen to strike up perfect Boro pairing
MIDDLESBROUGH new-boy Lee Tomlin has been backed to hit it off with fellow deadline day recruit Danny Graham when the attacking duo eventually partner each other in attack. Tomlin has had his first couple of training sessions with his new team-mates
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Drink-fuelled bet could cost golf-lovers £20,000
WHAT started out as drink-fuelled Christmas bravado could end up costing three golf-loving businessmen a whopping £20,000. While comparing putting skills during the festive season, business partners Paul Downs and Edward Lennie began throwing around
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Fears people will die after lifeboat launches in latest NekNominate alert
FEARS were last night growing over a Facebook craze sweeping the country after a teenager triggered a lifeboat alert by threatening to jump off Saltburn pier. The Redcar lifeboat launched into stormy seas after concerned friends contacted Cleveland
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Teesdale YMCA teams up with police in new bid to tackle anti-social behaviour in Barnard Castle town centre
A NEW effort is being made to tackle anti-social behaviour among young people flocking to the centre of a market town on Friday nights. Teesdale YMCA officials say there has been a marked increase in the number of teenagers from outside the area
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Driving ban for Bishop Auckland roundabout crash motorist
A MOTORIST who refused to give a breath sample after colliding with a car causing injury to two teenagers at a roundabout has been banned from driving for 16 months. Steven Thomas Moss collided with a car containing a female driver and two teenage
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Bishop of Durham moves into new home on Etherley Lane
DURHAM’s new Bishop has set himself two big challenges as he moves into his new home – tackle poverty and improve the garden. Bishop Paul Butler and his wife Rosemary slept in their new home in Bishop Auckland for the first time last night (Wednesday
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'Inspirational' peace scholar addresses Rotary meeting at Teesdale School, Barnard Castle
THE plight of people displaced by ethnic violence in Burma was highlighted by a peace envoy during a visit to the region. Rotary Peace Scholar Sang Luaia and his family were guests of Barnard Castle Rotary Club. During their visit, Mr Luaia
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Comedienne Jenny Eclair returns to former home town for Barnard Castle gig
AN award-winning comedienne is returning to her former North-East home for a one-off show. Stand-up Jenny Éclair, who made waves during her recent stint on ITV diving show Splash, lived in Barnard Castle as a child before pursuing her dream to
