Archive
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Ainsley praises character of his players after win at Leek.
Spennymoor manager Jason Ainsley paid tribute to his team’s character following their excellent 1-0 win at Leek Town tonight. Moors went to Staffordshire without three regulars, and they withstood some strong pressure and fierce tackling in the
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Student blocks built and let without council-ordered management plan
RESIDENTS are demanding urgent action after a £17m student digs scheme went ahead apparently in contradiction of a key council condition.When Durham County Council granted developer Connislow permission to build 223 student bedrooms on the former Fred
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Shields go second in table
North Shields went second on goal difference in the ENL First Division by beating Dunston UTS 2-0. Shields took the lead on 36 minutes when Gareth Bainbridge was tripped in the area by Luke Gilhespy and Bainbridge tucked away the penalty for his
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Late own goal puts battling Moors through in Trophy
An own goal just five minutes from the end put battling Spennymoor into the last qualifying round of the FA Trophy at the expense of Leek Town tonight. Despite missing three regulars, Moors improved as the game went on, and the winner gives them
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Police trying to trace missing man Paul Crussell, 44, from Stockton
POLICE are appealing for information on a missing man. Paul Crussell was last seen just before 4pm today in Stockton. The 44-year-old, who lives in Wallington Road, Stockton, was wearing a brown/orange woollen hat and a grey camouflage ‘Togg
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Council plans to build 12 flats on Cocker Beck site refused by its own planning committee
CONTROVERSIAL plans by Darlington Borough Council to build 12 affordable flats on green space have been refused by its own planning committee. The proposals to build the three storey buildings close to Cocker Beck, off Eggleston View, in Darlington, were
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Radio times
THE other day I was at the opticians when a young family entered the waiting area - a mother, father and young child in a buggy. Without acknowledging anyone, the two adults starting to play with their mobile phones while the child watched CBeebies
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Talking tough on Ukip
THE Labour Party has resorted to trying to out-Ukip Ukip. Yvette Cooper’s announcement of a Labour “promise” to crack down on immigration is, frankly, desperate. It was Labour which opened the door to the whole of Eastern Europe, by its own
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Snow
TEESSIDE branches of Jobcentreplus are advertising for patrolling nightwatchmen and porters based at Chamonix, a ski haven in the heart of the French Alps. One of the duties is making sure all areas around the hotel are kept clear of snow.
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Women Bishops
I support the Church of England General Synod's decision to approve legislation enabling the introduction of female bishops as early as next year (Echo, Nov 17). It indicates that the Anglican church is finally moving into the 21st Century and,
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Research
JIM TAGUE'S letter to HAS (Nov 17) suggest that he has more time on his hands than I have to research the fine details of issues which arise. However he also needs to state the major facts as well. His most recent letter omits the fact that
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Crunch time
ONE of the reasons I read Hear All Sides is sometimes a letter will bring back fond memories as did VJ Connor’s letter about potato crisps (Echo, Nov 17). I can remember every Sunday lunch time my father would come in from the club with a couple
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Town centre wasteland site owned by Tesco put up for sale eight years after planning permission for supermarket was refused
SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has signalled it has given up any hopes of developing a store in Darlington town centre after putting the land it owns in the area up for sale. The small patch of overgrown wasteland to the rear of the Dolphin Centre, on
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Mental health street team is strengthened
A PARAMEDIC has joined a team working to help reduce the number of people detained under the Mental Health Act.The Scarborough street triage team, run by Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust and North Yorkshire Police, has been joined by a
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People urged to get into festive spirit with Santa fun run
PEOPLE who need some help getting in the Christmas spirit this year are being urged to take part in a charity’s Santa fun run.Santas of all ages and abilities can take part in the 5k fun run in aid of Herriot Hospice Homecare.The run will be held at 11am
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Tributes paid to much-loved chairman of Sedgefield Village Veterans
TRIBUTES have been paid to a veteran who was instrumental in ensuring fallen servicemen and women are honoured in the region. Tim Spearey, chairman of Sedgefield Village Veterans, died at his home in Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, on Wednesday
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Loss of night marshals triggers fears in market town
TRADERS have spoken of their dismay about the end of a night marshals scheme in a market town, after a series of violent incidents sparked concerns over public safety and property.Hambleton and Richmondshire Community Safety Partnership said the initiative
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Sunderland boss Poyet given a boost as Fletcher fit and duo return to full training
GUS POYET has been handed a triple injury boost ahead of Sunderland's game at Leicester City this weekend – with the best news of all being that Steven Fletcher will be available. Fletcher has been Sunderland's most potent striker with four goals
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Warning over counterfeit vodka
MORE than 300 bottles of counterfeit vodka have been seized during recent raids in the North-East. Tests are being carried out on the fake alcohol to establish whether it may be harmful following operations at two properties in Consett, County Durham.The
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Thakrar case prompted prisons crackdown - POA
A GOVERNMENT crackdown on violence in prisons was triggered by the case of a notorious killer, it has been claimed.At the weekend, the Ministry of Justice said inmates who assault prison officers would be prosecuted unless there was a good reason not
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Mobile guide to North-East city
A MOBILE phone application to unearth the strange, unknown and forgotten history of Newcastle has been launched. The app contains more than 75 weird and wonderful stories of things that have happened in the city over the past 800 years that will entertain
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Joseph brings colour to Darlington Civic Theatre
X-FACTOR and Dancing on Ice finalists are among the talented cast performing a record-breaking musical in Darlington.Lloyd Daniels, who was the youngest contestant in 2009’s X-Factor competition, takes the lead role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor
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Fans' stories needed for project
SUNDERLAND fans are being urged to tell the story of their support for the club.The club’s charity arm, Foundation of Light, is taking part in a digital storytelling project.Supporters will work with digital storytelling expert Alex Henry at the Stadium
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Blow for Labour as poll suggests target seat in Stockton may remain in Tory hands
LABOUR was plunged into gloom when a shock poll suggested it will fail to win its key Westminster target seat in the North-East. Conservative James Wharton is poised to cling on in Stockton South, the Survation survey found – despite his wafer-thin
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Poorly baby inspires Darlington College students' fundraising trek
STUDENTS joined forces for an intrepid march to raise much-needed cash for a hospital unit that saved the life of a newborn baby.Darlington College student Abbie Taylor enlisted the support of colleagues on the uniformed and public services extended diploma
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Man who said home had been invaded by 10,000 flies told hen sheds on farm near Darlington are not to blame
A MAN who said his home had been invaded by more than 10,000 flies was told there was no evidence linking the infestation to nearby hen sheds.The owners of Piercebridge Farm, on the edge of Piercebridge, near Darlington, had applied for retrospective
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Crisis summit held to find new ways to keep young families in Yorkshire Dales
A CRISIS summit has been held to call upon leading figures in housing, business, education and transport to find workable solutions to stem the flow of young people leaving rural North Yorkshire.Richmondshire District Council leader John Blackie organised
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How I love thee... American Pale Ale
A BEER from a North-East microbrewery has been endorsed by a leading pub firm.From December, the American Pale Ale produced by Sonnet 43 Brew House, in Coxhoe, County Durham, will be included in a list of recommended beers from Mitchells and Butlers –
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Festive post box will collect letters for Santa
VILLAGE traders have joined forces to make this Christmas extra special for children visiting Weardale. The owners of Fondant and Apron Strings and Woollyback, in Stanhope, have created a festive post box for youngsters to post their letters to Father
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Sports Awards: Longthorne honoured as Thirsk wins three awards at Hambleton sports awards ceremony
THIRSK were very proud to win three awards at The Hambleton District Council (HDC) Sports Awards for North Yorkshire. They were presented by Councillors Bridget Fortune and John Prest, and Danny Hart, who was the 2011 Downhill Mountain Bike World
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Pool: Henknowle Manor shocked by Volts
Auckland Area League (Sponsored by ATAG Cable Solutions & B.S.& P. Bearings) SPENNYMOOR Voltigeur kept up their unbeaten start to the season by inflicting a second defeat on their visitors, reigning champions Henknowle Manor. Peter
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'No worries' over target opening date change for leisure development
A COUNCIL leader says he is unconcerned by the apparent slippage in the target opening date for a multi-million pound cinema currently under development.Terrace Hill is building the Feethams Leisure development in Darlington town centre, which includes
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Panto duo mark ten years at the top
A FATHER and son double act is celebrating a decade of entertaining the North-East at Christmas. Clive Webb and Danny Adams, are preparing this year for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, their tenth pantomime at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle.Since they
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Runners old and young tackle trails and...mud!
Shildon R&AC IN the first Winter Stockton Trail Race, two of Shildon’s young athletes were competing at the Wynyard Woodland Park venue. First up was Callum Darby in the 2k race finishing in a time of 9:09 in overall 22nd position.
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Museum almost top of the pops
THE North-East’s Beamish Museum is one of the country’s top three favourite places funded by the National Lottery.Social media users voted for the attraction, near Stanley, County Durham, in the National Treasures poll held to mark the game’s 20th anniversary
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Police officer tells how she tried to shield mother from seeing medics battling to save life of son, three, after showground tragedy
A POLICE woman has recalled how officers attempted to shield a mother from the heartbreak of seeing medics try in vain to save her son’s life at an agricultural show. Three-year-old Ben Craggs, from Sedgefield, County Durham, died after a concrete
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Redcar girls overcome Lionesses for victory
Spraire Lasses SPRAIRE Lasses U10s beat St Cuthbert’s Divas 2-0 with two goals from Elisha Wright,who also won girl of the match, awarded by the opposition. This was a team effort and a well done goes to, Sofia, Lilly, Scarlett, Lauren, Amelia
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Chancellor Osborne speaks of his Northern Powerhouse initiative
THE region’s universities will receive a pre-election investment boost as part of plans to create a ‘Northern Powerhouse’, the Chancellor has hinted.George Osborne sought to stress that his flagship project aims to do more than improve transport links
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Durham teenager's constant health battle
THE mother of a teenager who has gone from fit and healthy to severely disabled has spoken of her daughter's fight for treatment.Jade Wormald-Gadd, 14, from Newton Hall, near Durham, was diagnosed with the rare Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) in August,
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Sports apprentices a success in Weardale
TWO teenagers are over the moon to be working as a sports apprentice in Weardale.Since Jack Brown and Lewis Milner became involved in the breakfast club at Stanhope Barrington CofE Primary School, the number of pupils turning up has doubled.Headteacher
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Bryant grabs two but Spraire's run comes to an end
Spraire Lads WITH Spraire Under 7s not having a game it was the under 8s that opened the fixtures for the Spraire development teams. The Under 8s enjoying a good season hosted a very determined Bishop Auckland Kings team and the visitors put
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Mazda unveils a CX-y little number
MAZDA has unveiled its Nissan Juke rivalling CX-3.The all-new crossover SUV, revealed at the Los Angeles Motor Show, is the fifth model in Mazda’s line-up to feature SKYACTIV technology along with the company’s KODO – Soul of Motion design. Set for launch
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Martial Arts: Five-star Sophie Ward claims another British title
By Mark Ramsay YOUNG Darlington fighter Sophie Ward was crowned British Champion for the fifth time at the Taekwondo National Championships at Manchester. Ward’s club, Darlington Taekwondo, sent three fighters to the event with the 16-year-old
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Campaigning youngsters raising political awareness
YOUNG people in the North-East are making a video to show other teenagers the importance of voting.Students at North Durham Academy in Stanley are taking part in the campaign to raise political awareness as part of Parliament Week, this week.Sixth formers
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RAF reunion prompts rocking horse gift
A REUNION with a former RAF comrade prompted an octogenarian to donate a rocking horse to a cathedral.Derek Thorp travelled to Durham from his retirement home in Blackheath, London, last year to see the Lindisfarne Gospels.While in the North-East, he
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Twelve held after early-morning drugs raids
A DOZEN people were arrested in a series of drug raids on the North Yorkshire coast earlier today, November 19.Specialist officers swooped on a number of addresses in Scarborough in the early morning and arrested 11 men and one woman.Police said all 12
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Meter reader stumbled across cannabis crop, court hears.
A GAS worker inadvertently discovered a cannabis crop when he called to read a household meter, a court heard.Twenty-seven small cannabis plants were found in a cupboard under the stairs at the home of Ryan Kelsey, in Rugby Street, Hartlepool.Police were
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Hero to help launch school's new look
SUNDERLAND footballing legend Niall Quinn will officially re-open a school after its £7.6m refurbishment.Quinn, who has played for, managed and been chairman of, the Black Cats, will do the honours at Wellfield Community School in Wingate, County Durham
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Funding secures future of traveller-friendly site near Barnard Castle
A PROJECT to improve a site used by travellers passing through Teesdale is set to go ahead.The Teesdale Area Action Partnership (TAAP) agreed in principle to fund £8,000 of the project which will be match-funded by Durham County Council.The funds will
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'What Labour will do' about NHS
DEBBIE Abrahams MP, a member of Labour’s shadow health team, is due to speak at a public meeting in Stockton on Saturday afternoon. Mrs Abrahams, who is parliamentary private secretary to Shadow Health Secretary Andy Burnham, will talk about the
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Bugle tour starts on rain-soaked note
FINEST military planning could not prevent a marathon 18-month charity fundraising effort setting off on a damp note today (Wednesday November 19).Ex-soldier Barry Dixon completed a soggy 17-mile cycle ride, the first of potentially hundreds of legs on
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Public meeting to discuss future plans for £300m hospital at Wynyard
A PUBLIC meeting to discuss the future of a hospital that has already caused uproar will be held next week. Civil leaders were prompted to organise the meeting after plans for a new £300m hospital at Wynyard were halted last month. The Department of Health
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Free school meals 'should be extended'
FREE school meals should be offered to all children in their first years of secondary school, according to one of the leading nutrition experts in the UK.New research by experts at Newcastle University has shown that despite improvement in school lunches
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Cat dies after being attacked by dog outside its home
RSPCA inspectors are trying to find a Darlington dog owner after a cat was attacked outside her owner’s home. The cat, a two-year old female tabby called Lexie, died at the vets following the incident which happened at about 9pm on Haughton Road on November
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Girls given chance to watch footballing history
CHILDREN from four schools will witness a piece of footballing history this weekend when they watch England Ladies play their first international at Wembley.On Sunday (Nov 23), England Ladies play Germany Ladies at Wembley Stadium in front of 55,000 fans.Local
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Council approves compulsory purchase orders to help regenerate Peterlee industrial estate
COMPULSORY purchase orders could be used to force businesses to leave an industrial estate as part of a £30m scheme to build 390 homes. Durham County Council’s regeneration and economic development service has had its plans approved for the homes
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Thousands to benefit from Durham's 'local living wage'
THOUSANDS of low-paid workers are in line for a pay rise, with the North-East’s biggest council poised to introduce a “local living wage”.Labour-led Durham County Council is expected to adopt a minimum wage of £7.43 an hour next month (December) – meaning
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Yarm Indian restaurant named as one of Britain’s best
AN award-winning Indian in Yarm has been named as one of Britain’s best. Raj Bari, on the High Street, won Best South Asian restaurant in the North-East at the 2014 Asian Curry Awards. The event was hosted by Sky News presenter Lukwesa Burak and held
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Durham Crime Commissioner backs 20mph school zones
DURHAM Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg is backing calls to introduce 20mph limits around the region's schools.Mr Hogg is in favour of introducing the limit to help keep more young people safe and has raised the point during National Road Safety
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Councillors back plans to merge Durham infant and junior schools due to funding fears
A NEW village school will be created next year by merging the separate infant and nursery schools.Durham County Council’s cabinet committee today (Wednesday, November 19) agreed plans to open a new primary school in Leadgate, near Consett.Councillors
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Organ builders construct Lego model
WORLD-renowned organ builders turned their skills to a tiny plastic model today (Wednesday, November 11).Experts from Harrison and Harrison - more used to working on huge instruments for the likes of Westminster Abbey, King’s College, Cambridge and London
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Safely home - after 200-mile walkies...
A MUCH-loved dog that disappeared when she was spooked by a firework two weeks ago has turned up safe and well – 200 miles away. Darren Yates, a 27-year-old joiner, was walking his Springer Spaniel, Tia, near York’s Millennium Bridge when she was
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More than 800 treated in A&E
HOSPITAL bosses have released new figures which show the intense pressure A&E departments are under as winter approaches.Yesterday , The Northern Echo revealed that things got so bad at Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital’s accident and emergency
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Major cycling event Etape Pennines that takes in Teesdale and Weardale is axed
A MAJOR cycling event has been axed because it has not generated enough interest to continue. Today, (Wednesday, November 19) sponsors and organisers IMG Challenger World (IMG), confirmed The Marie Curie Cancer Etape Pennines Event would not be
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Barnard Castle's sheltered housing residents hatch baby chicks
FOUR baby chicks have found a new home - in sheltered accommodation.The Orpington chicks are the newest addition to the Charles Dickens Lodge, in Barnard Castle, after residents took part in an egg incubation scheme.It involves hiring an egg incubator
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Celtic art journey on offer at Bishop Auckland exhibition
ART lovers are being taken on a journey in to Celtic art in a new exhibition. William Mills is displaying 60 pieces of his work at Bishop Auckland Town Hall until Saturday, December 6. This is the first exhibition he has done and although all
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First World War exhibition proves popular
A FIRST World War exhibition has proved so popular a school is making it into a film to provide a lasting legacy for years to come. Pupils from St John’s School and Sixth Form College, in Bishop Auckland, spent weeks into the run up to Remembrance
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Tickets to slide
TICKETS to ride on the first public giant water slide to be mounted in the North-East go on sale on Saturday (November 22).The inaugural WearSlide event will take place at Herrington Country Park, near Penshaw Monument, on Saturday, April 25.A water slide
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Frosty the reindeer is coming to school
PUPILS got a pre-festive season treat when a real live reindeer was brought in to school.Youngsters at St Godric’s RC Primary School, in the Framwellgate Moor area of Durham City, met Frosty who belongs to the parents of one of their classmates.Alessia
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Warning over bogus callers
THE public are being warned not to be fooled by a bogus phone scam where the caller uses false claims to get people to reveal financial information.The alert has been issued by the Hambleton and Richmondshire Citizens’ Advice Bureau, which is urging anyone
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A show of note - choir turns to acting
A CHOIR will turn to acting for the first time in its history next month (December).Members of the Bishop Wearmouth Choral Society are used to focusing all their attention on hitting the right notes.But for their next show they are taking on a musical
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The fight against retail crime
POLICE are urging local retailers to join a Shop Watch scheme as they increase patrols in the lead up to Christmas. Officers are visiting every shop in Northallerton to encourage those who are not already members of the town’s Shop Watch to sign up.The
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Call for 20mph limit near schools
A POLICE and Crime Commissioner has called for the introduction of 20mph speed limits near schools.Speaking during National Road Safety Week, Durham Crime Commission Ron Hogg called for more widespread use of lower speed limits to protect children.Mr
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Time marches on for Middlehaven regeneration with latest snow centre plans
A CLOCKTOWER with only three sides - so dockers couldn’t wish their time away - is an iconic reminder of the mighty Middlehaven during the industrial revolution. But the multi-million pound regeneration zone in Middlesbrough is now attracting workers
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Farm worker who told paedophiles he fantasised about raping children is told to get treatment
A MAN who told fellow paedophiles he fantasised about raping children as young as seven was given a community order and told to get treatment for his sexual deviancy. Stephen Midgley had spent on remand the bulk of whatever jail sentence he might
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Teesside company honoured at international Green Awards
A COMPANY that has cut carbon emissions in Teesside by 300,000 tonnes has been honoured at an international ceremony.Community Energy Solutions (CES) was awarded the Environmental Best Practice Award by The Green Organisation at its 18th annual event.The
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Driving the road safety message home
THOUSANDS of leaflets are to be distributed in schools as part of a renewed campaign to improve road safety and protect pupils.The leaflets, which aim to highlight the congestion caused by parked cars outside almost every school in Hartlepool, call on
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Do you want Santa's address?
SANTA has made it even easier for you to get your Christmas lists to him. With a little help from some elves he has released his address and is expecting your letters soon. The Royal Mail, which has helped get letters to his Grotto for more
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Volunteers honoured for hospice work
VOLUNTEERS who have clocked up more than 100 years’ service between them have been honoured for their work at a hospice.The 38 volunteers attended a ceremony at St Benedict’s Hospice, in Ryhope, Sunderland, where they were awarded certificates for their
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North-East football star to speak at business event
SUNDERLAND AFC favourite Kevin Ball is to speak at an event organised to inspire young people to pursue apprenticeships and businesses to invest in them. Peterlee Business Park Steering Group and SAFC charity Foundation of Light has organised the
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Councillors back plans to boost learning by joining Shildon and Newton Aycliffe schools
PROPOSALS to join a struggling college with a nearby successful secondary school has won the backing of senior councillors. Sunnydale Community College in Shildon, which was heavily criticised by Ofsted, will close on December 31 and re-open on
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Tickets to slide
TICKETS to ride on the first public giant water slide to be mounted in the North-East go on sale on Saturday (November 22).The inaugural WearSlide event will take place at Herrington Country Park, near Penshaw Monument, on Saturday, April 25 next year.A
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Soroptimists raise funds at literary lunch
GUESTS at an annual literary event hosted by Darlington Soroptimists have raised hundreds of pounds for charity.The Literary Lunch, held at Headlam Hall Hotel, saw more than 100 people gather, including Neerja Bajaj and Renu Bhardwaj from the Soroptimist
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'Good Citizen' snapped and pointed imitation firearm at unruly youths
A GENERALLY "good citizen" became exasperated at the activities of youths outside his home and made a threatening motion with what appeared to be a firearm, a court heard. One of two teenagers using scooters near the property, in Newton Aycliffe
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Stained glass vehicle points to future of driverless cars
A STAINED glass car designed to demonstrate the future of driverless technology has arrived in the North-east.Sunderland-born artist Dominic Wilcox designed the remarkable vehicle after taking inspiration from Durham Cathedral.Mini Cathedral, which was
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Police hand out fines to people who supply drink to under-18s
FIFTEEN people have been fined since the launch of a crackdown on adults buying alcohol for under-age youngsters. Durham Police launched Operation Aries in the simmer and have handed out the penalties to people including grandparents. The multi-agency
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Stockton students smell sweet success with jam business
STUDENTS from Stockton have been selling jam after setting up their own business. The 13 to 16-year-olds, who are all from Redhill Education Centre, celebrated Global Entrepreneurship Week by selling preserves, which they have been making since
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Avoiding ugly divorce battles
Getting divorced does not have to mean going into battle, says solicitor Elizabeth Gallagher ahead of family dispute resolution week. Raymond Crisp reports There was a time when divorces were almost always settled in court, often at the end of
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Five doctors' surgeries in the North-East at "high risk" of providing inadequate care
FIVE doctors’ practices in the region pose such a concern they will have to be investigated by the NHS health care watchdog. Moorlands Surgery, in Darlington, Woodbridge Practice and Thornaby and Barwick Medical Group, both in Thornaby, and McKenzie
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New jobs on the way to Ripon
NEARLY 50 new jobs could be created in the spring with work now underway on two new industrial units.The two 5,000 sq ft units are being built as an extension to the Canalside Business Park on Boroughbridge Road, Ripon,The work is being carried out by
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Theatre Review: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Darlington Civic Theatre
By A.C. Holmes, journalism student, Darlington College THE rainbow-coloured cast of Bill Kenwright's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat received a standing ovation after their opening performance at the Darlington Civic Theatre. The
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School celebrates success with new £1.5m building
A SCHOOL celebrated the achievements of students past and present with the opening of a new £1.5m classroom development.CBI director general John Cridland officially opened the new humanities and languages building at Ripon Grammar School ahead of the
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Pay growth lowest since 1997
AVERAGE weekly pay for full-time workers went up by just £1 in the year to April to £518, the smallest growth since 1997, new figures have shown.Annual increases averaged around 1.4 per cent a year between 2009 and 2014, but the latest figure represents
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Christmas begins in Peterlee
A TOWN shopping centre’s Christmas lights will be switched on this week (Friday, November 21).The lights at Castle Dene shopping complex, in Peterlee, will be switched on by children from Cotsford Infant School, with help from Sun FM mascot Sunny the
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'Business as usual' at primary school after headteacher's sudden illness
GOVERNORS at a faith school insist it is 'business as usual' after two headteachers were drafted in to help when members of the senior leadership team absented themselves. Chris Metcalfe, headteacher of Cockerton CE Primary School, in Darlington
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Media firms launch revolutionary digital platform
BRITIAN'S leading local media publishers have launched a digital advertising platform called 1XL designed to revolutionise local media buying.Newsquest, the company behind The Northern Echo and its sister newspapers, has collaborated with news groups
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Darlington nurse who branded colleague "gollywog" and another a "ginger whinger" is thrown out of profession
A NURSE who branded a colleague a 'gollywog' has been thrown out of the profession. Neil Robertson made the offensive remark at Darlington Memorial Hospital and called another member of staff a 'ginger whinger'. He was suspended last year after
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Students pull together to help service families
STUDENTS, charities and the British Army have pulled together to raise funds in support of armed forces personnel and their families.Youngsters from Risedale Sports and Community College at Hipswell challenged pupils at Richmond School to heave an Army
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Autistic youngsters' outdoor learning experience was a success
By Karl Bainbridge PUPILS from a specialist school in Darlington got the thrill of a lifetime as part of an outdoor learning experience in the Lake District. The pupils, from Beaumont Hill Academy, in Darlington, travelled with their parents
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Victims of crime invited to join scrutiny panel
CRIME victims are being asked to consider joining a panel which will scrutinise the use of police cautions and other penalties in North Yorkshire.Police and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan and Jonathan Mortimer, the independent chairman of the Out of
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Bedale Festival to stay small and friendly
ORGANISERS of Bedale's Music Festival say it has become recognised as one of the friendliest in the country. The event brought more than 500 visitors to the town over May's festival weekend. Organiser Pam Knighton told Bedale Town Council that this
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Flower society's final show of the season
THE Darlington Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Society held its final show of the season in Bondgate Methodist Church hall on Saturday, November 8.During 2014, the society has been celebrating 75 years of growing and showing in Darlington.The recent show was
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Schizophrenic man battered friend with car tyre lever in bloody rampage
A PARANOID schizophrenic battered a stranger with a car tyre lever because he thought he was a friend who had turned his back on him.James Baxter launched the sustained attack on the 62-year-old after assaulting another man in the Middlesbrough street.Earlier
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1 in 6 employers plan EU expansion
ONE in six UK employers plan to expand into Europe in the next two years, meaning that almost a third could be working internationally by 2016, according to a new report.The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) said its survey of 200 employers
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Five-figure payout over docker's asbestos death
THE daughter of a former docker says justice has been done after she won a five-figure payout for her father’s death from an industrial disease.Jacqueline Hall’s father John Raymond Carter died in November 2011, aged 91, following a long illness.It was
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No surprises in the nation's greatest Queen song
IT wasn't hard to predict the nation's favourite Queen song on ITV recently (Nov 11) .Of course it had to be Bohemian Rhapsody which spent nine weeks at Number One in 1975 and, after the death of Freddie Mercury, a further five weeks in the top spot in
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Jack Taylor cycling workshop memories
A MEMORABLE pleasure during my cycling days was visiting the Jack Taylor workshop at Church Road, Stockton, to buy lightweight parts for my bicycle. The brothers were always welcoming and helpful in meeting my needs, and were always ready to order
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Inspired by the last man on the moon
Experts from a North-East university have played a major role in a new film about Apollo astronaut Gene Cernan's journey into space. Barry Nelson reports The Last Man on the Moon is a documentary which shares the memories of the space traveller
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Democracy - do you really believe in it?
HERE’S the vital thing about democracy. You either believe in it or you don’t. So when five elected leaders of local councils get together you would suppose that, whatever their purpose, democracy would underscore it – would be its bedrock.
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Gig Review: Bigelf, O2 Academy, Newcastle
In most bands the keyboard player is more often than not banished to the side of the stage out of harm’s way, but not so in American Prog Rock band Bigelf where Damon Fox takes centre stage imprisoned on both sides by an impressive array of vintage keyboards
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Sarah shines live at Apollo
Live At The Apollo (BBC1, 10.35pm) SOUTH Shields stand-up Sarah Millican is given another chance to shine as the host of this comedy caper with the Tynesider engaging her “nearer the knuckle” side and revealing more about a phone conversation with
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Labour's economic record
IF THERE is a second global recession – as David Cameron fears – then will that, too, be blamed, at least domestically, on the British government and its millions of employees? If not, why not? Until the crash in 2008, the British economy was
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Theatre Review: Testing Times, People's Theatre, Newcastle
WITH around 20,000 people in the North East affected by the HIV virus and ten per cent of those developing the full-blown AIDS virus, this is a topic as relevant today as it was back in the 1980s. Straight or gay, male or female, this horrendous disease
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Beds blocked up
RECENT reports show that more than 1,000 patients a day are taking up beds in NHS hospitals because nobody is available to look after them at home. The solution to this NHS crisis is more than just throwing money at the problem – it is about careful
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Immigration goal
IMMIGRATION is an issue which is likely to have great salience in the General Election and Peter Mullen’s cautionary note on the delivery of promises is very pertinent (Echo, Nov 18). Political parties are prone to make promises to obtain votes
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Disability parking
AT the age of 76 I had my right leg amputated below the knee due to a double aneurysm. I attend James Cook disability centre, in Middlesbrough, for care and adjustments of my prosthetic limb. Until today, I have always had transport to get
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Meat is murder
IN reply to Harriet Barclay (HAS, Nov 17), while I don’t agree with factory farming of animals, the complete banning of meat would see the demise of all of them. No farmer can afford to keep animals for fun. Pigs especially would disappear
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Ancient astronaut
I FOUND Chris Wardell’s letter about ancient astronauts (HAS, Nov 18) very interesting. People believe many things. Some believe in astrology, ancient astronauts, Government and alien conspiracies, faked moon landings, the Loch Ness Monster, Bigfoot
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Attitude change
LAST Friday evening I attended a remembrance event at the Town Hall in Brancepeth. The main message was that conflict can be resolved without fighting if people are willing to change their attitudes. Those who attended the event were already committed
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Bank rate-setters fuel rise fears
BANK of England rate-setters have dampened expectations of a first hike not taking place until the end of next year after revealing increasing concerns over rising inflation.Members of the monetary policy committee (MPC) voted by a seven to two majority
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RSPB Saltholme set to expand thanks to Sembcorp
ONE of the North-East top nature reserves is set for expansion.RSPB Saltholme, near Stockton, Teesside, is taking over management of an additional six hectares of land opposite the reserve.Sembcorp Utilities UK, an industrial energy company based at the
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Ptit Zif the Warwick banker
PTIT ZIG is already a leading light in the ante-post betting for the Arkle and if he is to hit those sort of heights, he really should be winning the Highflyer/Million In Mind 4 & 5yo Novices’ Chase at Warwick. Paul Nicholls’ runner was classy
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Henderson returns to Spennymoor fold after two-game suspension
SPENNYMOOR Town welcome striker Liam Henderson back into their side when they go to Leek Town tonight in their FA Trophy second qualifying round replay. Twelve-goal Henderson has missed the last two games because of suspension, and he will go straight
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3 priorities for the North-East: innovation, innovation, innovation
WE often think of innovation as being the preserve of the high tech sector, but this week I found a great example on an industrial estate in the back streets of Darlington. Our leading business story today looks at the bold plans to grow the Netpark science
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Ward Thomas export style from our country to USA
WARD Thomas are Hampshire sisters Lizzy and Catherine. Touted as one of the first genuine British country acts, the pair play the Empire in Middlesbrough on November 24. Matt Westcott spoke to Lizzy ahead of the gig. Their debut album From ‘Where We Stand
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Hospital sends patients 22 miles to find beds after Saturday night A&E overload
ONE of the largest A&E departments in the region was so busy it was forced to ferry patients to another hospital 22 miles away, officials have revealed.Bosses at the 1,000-bed James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough said the sheer volume of patients
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Tickets details released for England Under-21 friendly at the Riverside Stadium
TICKETS details have been released for the England Under-21 friendly against Germany at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium next year. The Young Lions will host their German counterparts on Teesside on Monday, March 30, 7.45pm kick-off. The fixture
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Gray wants to strengthen Darlington's defence
DARLINGTON are looking to bring players in to fill the holes in their defence after two red cards in as many games left them light on numbers. Gary Brown’s dismissal in the Doodson Sport Cup last Wednesday against Whitby was followed by three days
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Public sector expert joins Ward Hadaway.
A LEADING national authority on the public sector who has advised on more than £1bn worth of projects has joined law firm Ward Hadaway.Tim Care is acknowledged as a key figure in the legal industry for his experience and expertise on projects, procurement
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Robots and supersonic cars inspire young engineers
A HOST of activities aimed at opening primary school pupils eyes to engineering careers, using bridges, robots and supersonic cars have been taking place.Foundation for Jobs has been working with primary schools on two projects, one involving civil engineering
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Filter firm aiming to clear up
A DETERMINED boss is celebrating a remarkable turnaround after becoming a key supplier to his former employer. Six years ago, David Franks and his colleagues faced redundancy when Pentair Water closed its Billingham factory and shifted plant and
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Leathers happy to be home
AN accountancy firm has returned to offices in Durham City where it was first established almost 25 years ago, after a twist of fate saw them temporarily housed there. Leathers LLP, founded in 1990, moved into premises at 19 1/2(CORR) Old Elvet in Durham
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Spotlight on employees' pay
THE implications for North-East businesses of a ground-breaking ruling on employees' holiday pay entitlement will be under the spotlight at an event this week.Specialist employment law firm Collingwood Legal is holding a free breakfast seminar at the
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Sintons promotes six
SIX lawyers at Sintons have been appointed as associates.Andrew Carser works within the Corporate Recovery and Insolvency department. He acts predominantly for Licensed Insolvency Practitioners during their appointment and advises on a wide range of corporate
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Brady double defeats USA
Republic of Ireland 4 United States 1 ROBBIE Brady helped himself to a superb double as the Republic of Ireland bounced back from their Euro 2016 disappointment to put the United States to the sword. Brady produced a deft 55th-minute finish
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Showdown talks with Ecclestone
Formula One's band of small teams are demanding showdown talks with supremo Bernie Ecclestone in Abu Dhabi this weekend after suggesting a "questionable cartel" is being created within the sport.On Monday a letter from Force India, Sauber and
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Path To Pyeongchang: McNeill lays down an early marker for the next Winter Games
IT is three-and-a-half years until the next Winter Olympics, but the path to Pyeongchang, in South Korea, starts this winter and Mica McNeill has laid down an impressive early marker that suggests she is ready to take on the best in the world.The Consett
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Road To Rio: Winter training might not be glamorous - but it's a crucial part of any Olympian's life
DURHAM Olympian Jess Eddie writes exclusively for The Northern Echo as she continues her winter training a year-and-a-half out from the 2016 Olympics “WHEN'S your next race Jess?” A question I’m asked a lot, and the response is often surprising
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North East Innovation - a 21st century star in the making
Innovation expert Professor Roy Sandbach considers the significance of a major conference on satellite technonolgy being held in the region I AM old enough to remember James Burke and his ground-breaking Connections television series, so here’s
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Government urged to promote family mediation
ONE of the region’s lawyers is concerned that family mediation is not being sufficiently promoted, to the detriment of families in the region, and is calling on the Government to make efforts to raise awareness about it.Trish Craggs, family mediator at
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Anger as tax office houses asylum seeker reporting centre
A FORMER tax enquiry centre is to be converted into a reporting facility for asylum seekers, The Northern Echo has learnt. The centre will open next year in the HMRC building in Russell Street, Middlesbrough, which is now closed to the public.
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Netpark - looking towards the next 10 years
Business Editor Andy Richardson takes a detailed look at a 10 year master plan to create thousands of jobs at the Netpark science and technology hub WHAT is Netpark? That was the question I put to shoppers in Sedgefield, County Durham last
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Doha to host 2019 World Championships
Doha has been awarded the right to host the 2019 World Championships after beating off competition from Eugene and Barcelona.The IAAF council voted in favour of Doha following final presentations from all three cities at the Fairmont Hotel in Monaco.
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Council education chiefs 'out to cause chaos' - MP
AN MP has accused a council of being “determined to cause chaos” in education in his constituency.Kevan Jones, Labour MP for North Durham, hit out at Labour-led Durham County Council amid rumours the authority is to quit as sponsor of the flagship North
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Haskell: We must produce results
JAMES Haskell insists Stuart Lancaster's cultural revolution will be rendered meaningless if England fail to produce the results that demonstrate they are a genuine force. Lancaster has been praised for his realignment of the squad's ethos following
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Science park unveils 10,000 jobs expansion plan
BOSSES at a North-East science park have announced dramatic expansion plans to create more than 10,000 jobs and make the region a global leader in high tech innovation, The Northern Echo can reveal. Durham Council Council wants to triple the size
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Policing Don's 84th birthday party cost cash-strapped council £1,200
A COUNCIL spent more than £1,000 on “policing” a former headteacher’s 84th birthday party at its last care home, it has been revealed. Great-grandfather Don Robson staged a seven-day sit in at Stanhope’s Newtown House before being forced to leave
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Energy firms 'failing customers' on best deals
ENERGY suppliers are failing to explain to customers how to accurately compare tariffs, leaving them potentially unable to choose the best deal, a watchdog has warned.Which? carried out a mystery shopping exercise by calling 13 suppliers six times each
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Clothing-maker's £150,000 job investment
A CLOTHES-MAKER has secured a £150,000 investment to create more jobs and continue its expansion.The AMA Group, in Peterlee, east Durham, is being supported by the Finance for Business North East Angel Fund.The backing has come from fund managers, Rivers
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Skill provider's training boost
A SKILLS provider says it has secured new accreditation to help youngsters into work.Baltic Training Services, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, has revealed it is delivering Tech Industry Gold apprenticeships, which are employer-designed technology
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Scheme helps 60 into work
BOSSES behind a pre-employment training scheme say it has helped more than 60 people into work in just six months.The Intu Academy, launched in May, is a joint venture between Intu Properties, which operates the MetroCentre and Eldon Square, and Gateshead
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Frances sets sail for dream role
A BEAUTY therapy student is setting sail with her skills after securing place on a luxury cruise liner.Frances Boyle, from Consett, County Durham, will work in the spa on a ship destined for the Bahamas and Caribbean.The 19-year-old Derwentside College
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Audit Office slams Government for failing to properly assess effects of further council cuts
FURTHER council cuts are being rammed through with no assessment of whether libraries and youth services will be culled, a watchdog warns today (Wednesday, November 18). The Government comes under fire for failing to properly examine the impact
