Archive
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-Laughing Boy' loses right to hide identity
A TEENAGE thug dubbed "Laughing Boy" because of his arrogance has been identified in a bid to help a community protect itself. Daniel Sayers is just 16, but he has been arrested 139 times in five years, and has 16 convictions for 67 separate offences.
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Denise digs deep to become golden girl
Denise Lewis helped make it a double golden day for Britain's Olympics team in Sydney yesterday Lewis, 28, shrugged off a nagging calf injury to claim our fifth gold medal of the championships in the heptathlon. Earlier yesterday, Britain won gold for
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-Mismatch' heart gives baby a fighting chance
A three-month-old baby has undergone a unique heart transplant using a donor with a different blood group. Michael Crawford is the first in Britain to undergo the mismatched transplant, giving hope to the dozens of others like him. A team of surgeons
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-Little miracles' saved by surgery in mum's womb
TWINS Samantha and Stephanie Wilson are thriving after undergoing a life-saving operation while they were still in their mother's womb. Sleeping peacefully, side by side, it is hard to imagine that the tiny bundles of joy were given just a 20 per cent
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Agonising wait for gift of life
A LITTLE girl was back at home last night, waiting for the heart transplant her parents hope will save her life. Hannah Pudsey, 12, a patient at the regional transplant centre at the Freeman Hospital, in Newcastle, has been on the waiting list longer
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Fireworks raiders -dicing with their life and limbs'
THIEVES are being urged to surrender a lethal haul of stolen fireworks - before someone is maimed or killed. Concerned pyrotechnician Jitu Desai is appealing to crooks who stole between 30 and 40 boxes of professional fireworks, destined for organised
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Fireworks raiders -dicing with their life and limbs'
THIEVES are being urged to surrender a lethal haul of stolen fireworks - before someone is maimed or killed. Concerned pyrotechnician Jitu Desai is appealing to crooks who stole between 30 and 40 boxes of professional fireworks, destined for organised
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Sorensen super save earns point
ALL EYES at Anfield were on England rivals Michael Owen and Kevin Phillips, who both duly demonstrated their goal-scoring credentials. But it was Sunderland goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen who stole the show with a superb point-winning performance, capped
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Labour rejects accusation over consultation forums
LABOUR councillors in Durham have been accused of gerrymandering over proposals for new consultation groups. The Liberal Democrat opposition on the city council claims the controlling Labour group has engineered the composition of four planned area forums
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Relatives' anger over free meals blunder
COUNCIL bosses wrote to a dead pensioner to tell him that he could no longer claim free school meals. The blunder occurred in a letter sent to Roly Cooper after his death from heart failure at the age of 77. It also said his housing benefit had been cancelled
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Paint-strip prank scars man for life
A MAN almost died when his friends covered him in paint stripper as a drunken prank. John Robson, 20, was left scarred for life when he was doused in the toxic liquid as he lay asleep in his flat. Unemployed John was drinking at a pal's flat in Millfield
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Family tribute to farm victim
THE family of a farm worker killed by falling bales earlier this month have paid tribute on the eve of his funeral. Paul Murtagh, a 35-year-old father-of-two from Teesdale, in County Durham, died nearly two weeks ago in an accident at Wycliffe Grange
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Package of measures aims to make life easier for cyclists
EFFORTS to improve the lot of cyclists have been given a boost in the Hambleton area. Taking to two wheels has long been promoted as a healthy and pollution-free alternative to taking the car. Now, making the switch is to become safer and easier through
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24 quizzed after -violence' on coach
TWENTY four people were released by police last night after an incident in which a coach was allegedly smashed up after breaking down. They were arrested after trouble broke out on the coach as it headed back to Sunderland from Liverpool on Saturday night
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Quakers look for cup glory
DARLINGTON manager Gary Bennett is backing his players for another cup shock when they go to Bradford City tonight. Quakers head for West Yorkshire a goal down after last week's first leg, but Bennett believes his side are capable of pulling off another
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Call for action to stop play site pests
PEOPLE on a Newton Aycliffe estate are demanding action to stop unruly youths congregating at a nearby play area. Residents of Bluebell Meadow say they have had enough of anti-social behaviour at the playground. They say they no longer let their children
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Racing Week, by Jo Scott: Father and son's big race glory
EIGHT-STRONG in the Ayr Gold Cup, David 'Dandy' Nicholls duly landed the valuable sprint race, but few foretold the victor - 33-1 shot Bahamian Pirate. Yorkshire runners filled the first four places in the race, with Richard Whitaker's Lago Di Varano
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Early outing for Father Christmas
WITH Christmas only three months away, that jovial gentleman in red - Father Christmas - dropped into a North-East high street to give hard-up mothers and fathers the timely reminder. Though the leaves have not yet fallen from the trees, a shop selling
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Problem-hit river sculpture may
THE country's first piece of floating sculpture could be on the move from its North-East home. The £250,000 Ambit, installed in the River Wear at Sunderland a year ago, has been dogged with problems. The 70ft ring of steel's flourescent electric lights
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Online payments system looming
COUNCIL leaders are hoping to establish a system allowing online bill payments to be made 24 hours a day through the authority's website. Hambleton District Council is considering a proposal from banking giant Girobank as part of a bid to meet Government
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South Durham shine at Malvern
SOUTH Durham Saddle Club rounded off a successful season in style at the British Riding Club's National Championships at Malvern this month. Five teams and two individual members qualified this year and Steven Wright on Baboushka was runner-up in the
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Victory in sight for justice campaign
THE Government is on the verge of changing the law to make it possible for someone to be tried twice for the same offence, a senior Home Office advisor has revealed. Lord Mackenzie of Framwellgate, a former senior policeman from the region, told The Northern
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Never forget the Angels
IF IT weren't for the nightly fog that engulfed Aycliffe and prevented German bombers pinpointing the munitions factory, that area of County Durham may look very different today. For night after night bombs dropped all around but, thanks to the mist,
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Campaign highlights drugs menace
SHOPPERS and visitors to a coastal resort found life-saving messages between the candy floss stalls and kiss-me-quick hats. Led by the mayor, Councillor Arthur Dobson, Redcar spearheaded a drug awareness campaign at the weekend, organised by the Teesside
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Hunt for killer is stepped up
POLICE hunting the killer of Freddie Knights have set up a mobile police station near the spot were he was gunned down. The temporary base is at the Arndale Shopping Centre, Longbenton, North Tyneside, 200 yards from where he was shot in the face last
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Volunteers bin 644 crisp bags from beach
BEACHCOMBERS are likely to find more crisp packets than shells on a North-East beach. Twenty volunteers bagged 644 crisp packets in a two-hour sweep of a quarter of Saltburn beach, in east Cleveland. "We just do not know where they all come from, although
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All Sweetness and Light for Kirsty in dressage
KIRSTY Semple from Stokesley, riding Sweetness and Light, took the closely-fought Yuill Homes Elementary Championship at the Yorkshire Riding Centre, Markington on Sunday, September 10. Kirsty, who took over the ride from owner Jane Barker only nine months
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A happy lot at the mart
THE HARVEST, or most of it, had been sold at auction a few days earlier - 36,200 sheep, two day sale, still bidding and buying as the clock turned 10 at night. Now the folk of Hawes, in Wensleydale, were back at the spit and sawdust auction mart for their
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Five workers hurt in crash
A ROAD crash cast a shadow over one of the region's biggest agricultural shows at the weekend. Five catering workers were injured in the accident, which happened at a road junction while they were travelling to Stokesley Show, in North Yorkshire. Four
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Former Echo features writer dies at 80
A FORMER features writer for The Northern Echo has died, aged 80. Ken Calcutt joined the newspaper in 1964 after a distinguished career in the armed forces. He stayed for 20 years. Born in Normanton, West Yorkshire, Mr Calcutt was a commissioned officer
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Good entry at Forest Moor show
DESPITE a day of low cloud and continuous drizzle, Forest Moor Riding Club had a huge turnout of almost 400 entries for its annual show at Wetherby racecourse. Championship honours went to Anne McTiernen of Middlesbrough with her mountain and moorland
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Pony dates
Bedale Hunt. - Oct 1: Fun ride, Jervaulx, details 01677 450229. Oct 22: Bedale novice hunter trial at Maunby Hall, Thirsk. For details send sae to Mrs S Pounder, Greengate Farm, Crakehall, Bedale, 01677 422700. Bedale & West of Yore PC. - Oct 14:
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Families step back in time
DISABLED youngsters and their families enjoyed autumn sunshine during a free visit to Beamish Museum. Almost 300 people took advantage of the offer to have a free day at the open air museum, near Stanley, on Saturday. The event was organised by the Durham
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Regeneration work shortlisted
EFFORTS to breathe new life into the centre of Sunderland could earn the city an award. The city council has been shortlisted by the Government for Beacon Council status in the culture, sport and tourism category because of its regeneration initiatives
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College tops nightlife bill
NEWCASTLE'S famous night-life is a big draw for students across the country. The city's reputation as the North-East's party capital is spreading among the nation's undergraduates. Newcastle University is rated second for nightlife, after Leeds University
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Keep on moving
LAST week's events demonstrated the perils of being stuck in a traffic jam. Although petrol is now flowing smoothly again, there's nothing more frustrating than coming to a standstill. Until recently the best weapon a motorist had was the humble radio
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abseilers take the plunge for charity
A FUNERAL director overcame his fear of heights to take part in a charity abseil in Darlington yesterday. Bryan Shepherd and his staff, from Darlington, joined 40 others who abseiled 150ft from the roof at Darlington Memorial Hospital. Those taking the
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Minister gives pledge to aid crime victims
HOME Office Minister Paul Boateng has pledged new measures to help victims of violent or sexual crimes in the wake of schoolgirl Sarah Payne's murder. The proposals will pave the way for more information about known violent or sex offenders to be made
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video suite will fast forward hopes of area's youngsters
A NEW project has launched a video suite for use by youngsters and community groups in Derwentside. Metro Radio presenter Kenny D was the guest of honour at the opening of the Consett Churches Detached Youth Project, Medomsley Road, Consett. The facilities
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celebrities tee up boost for charity
A STAR-spangled golf day will raise thousands of pounds to help North-East stroke victims and their families. The Tim Healy Golf Classic was played yesterday at the Ramside Hall Golf Club, near Durham City, in aid of the Stroke Association. The fomer
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Turner fury as Pool
LAST week Hartlepool United bewildered their fans as they threw away a two-goal advantage. This time, they somehow managed to do even worse to turn a 3-1 advantage into a 4-3 defeat. And after this heartache don't be surprised to see a steady stream of
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Date set for shotgun murder trial
The murder trial against a man alleged to have gunned down a man in a Middlesbrough street will take place next year. The date of February 5 was fixed yesterday for the three-week hearing against Keith McQuade, 45, at Teesside Crown Court. McQuade, of
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Story contest focuses on
AN annual story-writing contest which attracts entries from across the region and further afield will this year take the theme of The Family. The 14th Sid Chaplin Short Story Competition has been organised by Shildon Town Council, in conjunction with
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Buy now - Merse
TEESSIDE hate figure Paul Merson delivered a damning verdict on Middlesbrough's defence and predicted a season of struggle for his old club unless manager Bryan Robson acts now to strengthen his rearguard. Robson plans to do just that and is awaiting
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Boksic fury as Boro struggle
THE PENT-UP fury and frustration finally erupted as Alen Boksic made his way out of the Riverside Stadium. In words not suitable for a family newspaper, the Croatian striker cursed and slammed his fist down on a nearby table. His body language during
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Shearer sets new goal for Magpies
BOBBY Robson is too wily and too wise to panic, but he knows he has problems at the moment. Not only are his side going through a bad patch with two successive league defeats against teams they should beat, Southampton and now Charlton. But then there's
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Please don't go Mo, say the voters
"PLEASE don't go - I beg you don't go." The strains of singer Donald Peers's classic could almost be heard reverberating on the Teesside air as Redcar MP Mo Mowlam bowed out of politics at the Brighton Conference yesterday. It came as no surprise to her
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Outrage as graves targeted by thugs
VANDALS who went on the rampage in a churchyard at the weekend have desecrated dozens of graves. Among final resting places wrecked by the mindless thugs was the grave of a young leukaemia victim. The attack, believed to have been carried out by drunken
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Outrage as graves targeted by thugs
VANDALS who went on the rampage in a churchyard at the weekend have desecrated dozens of graves. Among final resting places wrecked by the mindless thugs was the grave of a young leukaemia victim. The attack, believed to have been carried out by drunken
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Marks and Spencer shop closure fears
FEARS have emerged for the future of Marks and Spencer stores as the company considers a property shake-up. The group has confirmed it is looking at the closure of some stores, but last night stressed no decisions have been taken. The review comes as
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Arrogance before a fall
THESE are tortuous times for Tony Blair and his Government. Under seige from fuel tax protestors, under attack for the Millennium Dome, and under pressure from pensioners, Labour is now trailing the Conservatives in opinion pools. At the beginning of
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Teenagers to get run of town
TEENAGERS are to be given a fact-finding tour of their area. Senior figures in local government are to brief 30 youngsters from ten schools across Teesside on how their community works. The move is part of a drive to instil good citizenship, one of the
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Weather delays dog show repairs
ORGANISERS of the region's biggest dog show say continued bad weather could hold up repairs to the show field. Stretches of South Park in Darlington were left badly churned up by heavy vehicles which had to plough through the mud during the recent Darlington
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pupils in the frame for a lasting memento of the new century
YOUNGSTERS have helped to create a lasting memory of their time at school. A group of 170 pupils from Holy Rosary RC infant and junior schools, Rievaulx Avenue, Billingham, posed for a group photograph as part of The Northern Echo's Millennium School
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Paving slabs man dies after wall collapses
A MAN has died after the wall of a back yard fell on him while he was laying paving slabs. The accident happened at Cranford Street, South Shields, Tyneside, on Saturday. The 63-year-old, who comes from the Burnopfield area of County Durham, was pressed
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Vicars have a blast on TV
VICARS who trained in the North-East took part in a TV challenge to build a remote-controlled bomber. Former engineers Jeremy Andrew, Chris Stebbing and Steve Johnson, who met at St John's College, part of Durham University, appeared on Channel Four's
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Campaigners praise justice fight
THE Northern Echo launched its Criminal Injustice campaign last year after discovering the shocking neglect of innocent families whose lives are devastated by violent crime. We learned there are more than 50 organisations that exist to help the criminal
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You can build a career and be a good mum
A new book which claims to be a survival guide for working mums gives realistic advice on how to successfully juggle domestic and professional life. Author and mother Lindsay Cook reveals the winning formula to GABRIELLE FAGAN AUTHOR Lindsay Cook would
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Former Echo features writer dies at 80
A FORMER features writer for The Northern Echo has died, aged 80. Ken Calcutt joined the newspaper in 1964 after a distinguished career in the armed forces. He stayed for 20 years. Born in Normanton, West Yorkshire, Mr Calcutt was a commissioned officer
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Pupils aid battle against litter
YOUNGSTERS have been helping to encourage tidier habits. A four-pronged project, involving children from Laurence Jackson School, Guisborough, working with countryside wardens from the Guisborough Branch Walkway and artist Jim Roberts, has created two
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Classic cars catch eye at museum
FIFTY years of motoring history went on display when a North-East museum hosted the region's biggest gathering of classic cars. About 200 vehicles produced between 1920 and 1970 were the star attractions at Beamish Museum, near Stanley, County Durham,
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Council to consider pest control fees
COUNCILLORS in the Sedgefield borough are to consider charges for pest control. Sedgefield Borough Council does not charge for dealing with domestic pest infestations, but a review of environmental health services has resulted in councillors being asked
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Students log on for help from Black Cats
STUDENTS can get an insight into the world of football by logging on to a website launched for them by a top North-East club. Premiership club Sunderland has set up the site to help school, college and university students with their homework. The project
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Brown vows no 'spending sprees'
Chancellor Gordon Brown said today he would not be be forced into panic pension increases and fuel tax cuts the country cannot afford. He said the Government would not take short term taxation decisions on "wildly fluctuating" world oil prices - neither
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Childcare scheme stays
A CHILDCARE scheme that helps parents find work has become a permanent feature on a run-down estate. The scheme was run as a pilot at Pennywell, Sunderland, during the school Easter and summer holidays. It was set up by Pennywell Neighbourhood Centre
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Residents' route fears
RESIDENTS are worried about the route delivery lorries will take to a new supermarket in Durham City. Tesco has received permission from the city council to build a store on the site of the old Hugh Mackay carpet factory at Rennys Lane, Dragonville. The
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Pilot's dream grounded by lack of cash.
A MAN who has harboured an ambition to fly a jumbo jet for more than 35 years is a step closer to his dream. Mark McManus, has spent more than £25,000 to date on financing his dream to fly a Boeing 747. He has sold his car and given up his job so that
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Olympic gold for Jonathan
North-East triple jumper Jonathan Edwards took the gold in Sydney today. And his success means Britain has achieved it's best gold medal haul at a games since the 1956 Olumpics in Melbourne. Edwards,34, who had to settle for a silver medal in Atlanta,
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Circus protest -peaceful'
ANIMAL rights protestors staged a peaceful demonstration but failed to deter people from attending a circus in County Durham. Martin Lacey's Great British Circus ended its run in Darlington yesterday after its annual visit. Farmer Marcus Nimmo and his
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Website focuses on the new subject of citizenship
Teachers are being offered some online help with citizenship teaching thanks to a web service from Schoolsnet.com. from today. The subject is being taught in schools for the first time this term and covers a variety of issues that have previously been
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Residents assured over home plan fears
RESIDENTS have been assured that a former residential home will not be used to house paedophiles. The former Queensmead residential home, Greens Lane, Hartburn, Stockton, has been bought by ARC Healthcare, a company based at Colchester. The company plans
