Archive
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Darlington - On track for festival of fun
CELEBRATIONS to mark the 175th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway take place this weekend with thousands of visitors expected to enjoy the fun. The Darlington Railway and Arts Festival takes place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with music
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Hardwick enjoys an emotional return to scene of 10-0 win
George Hardwick, 80 and active, has been revisiting the scene of one of English football's most memorable triumphs - the 10-0 victory over Portugal in Lisbon, May 25, 1947. "England played steady football," observed the Echo, a little unenthusiastically
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Mutual admiration society
FAMKE Janssen and Jon Favreau are chuckling over the interrogation technique of the previous interviewer. He'd arrived armed with cue cards bearing questions written in large capital letters. The card visible on top of the pile on the coffee table invited
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Guild's gift: a town in seven panels
A LABOUR of love has gone into an embroidered history of Darlington which will be handed over to the town tomorrow. It will be a celebration of the 21st anniversary of the Darlington branch of the Embroiderers' Guild and will also mark the millennium.
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'Come along and have your say'
PEOPLE in the Hambleton district are being invited to the first area committee meeting set up by North Yorkshire County Council under its new structure. Area committees are a key feature of the new structure, and the meeting will address how they will
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Now I can relax - Edwards
OLYMPIC champion Jonathan Edwards was given a hero's welcome when he returned to the North-East yesterday with the first individual gold medal won by one of the region's athletes. And after the Gateshead Harrier was given the freedom of the borough, he
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Restful memorial to a couple of park's fans
VISITORS to a Spennymoor park are being invited to take the weight off their feet in a tribute to one of the town's former couples. Madge and Tommy Harle had a great love of sitting in the window of their home, overlooking Jubilee Park, and watching the
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YMCA sex offender claim
POLICE and social services have discussed allegations that a sex offender was living in YMCA premises on Wearside. Magistrate Chris Jones, leader in charge at Herrington Burn YMCA, in Sunderland, was suspended over claims the known offender was living
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The Albany Northern League
Crook Town were the first club to benefit from the Albany Northern League Cup's new golden goal rule when they beat Peterlee on Wednesday night. The two teams were level 1-1 at the end of ninety minutes, with Carl White scoring for Peterlee, and Chris
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Football's first ladies launch health campaign
A FIERCE sporting rivalry was set aside as the first ladies of Newcastle United and Sunderland launched Breast Cancer Awareness Month at a North-East shopping centre. In the black and white corner was Lorelle Shepherd, wife of Magpies chairman Freddie
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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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Past Lives: Legacy of a North Riding colossus
WITH the topical focus on the turn of the century, a look back at 1900 locally highlights the emphatic election victory, after a strongly-waged contest, of the sitting Richmondshire MP, John Hutton of Solberge Hall, for the Conservatives over the Liberal
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Mugger guilty of killing little Vera
A DRUGS dealer was jailed for seven years yesterday for causing a frail pensioner's death by mugging her. Jason Scott Jones, 29, was found guilty of manslaughter and attempted robbery by a jury at Teesside Crown Court. The court heard how Jones, who has
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Youngsters mix with political elite
CHILDREN from Prime Minister Tony Blair's constituency rubbed shoulders with top politicians at the Labour Party conference this week. Pupils from St William's RC School, Trimdon, and Sedgefield Community College, also listened to Mr Blair's keynote speech
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Autumn livestock sales
BARNARD CASTLE. -Tues of last week. Show & sale of 5066 Mule gimmer lambs for NEMSA. Prizes: 1 D Alderson, East Lowfield, £58; 2 NB&R Hird, Gillfield, £82; 3 JW Dent & Sons, Naby View, £63. Prices : £82, £48 NB&R Hird; £63, £53, £45, £42
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We're searching for Local Heroes
We have begun the search for the Local Hero of 2000 - the outstanding performer in grass roots sport in the North-East. Since The Northern Echo launched Local Heroes over a year ago thousands of people's sporting achievements have been recognised. So
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Campaign highlights the dangers of drugs
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, Coun Arthur Dobson, Redcar spearheaded a drug awareness campaign at the weekend, organised by the Teesside Health
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Riding holiday staff saddle up for qualifications
STAFF who run riding and trekking holidays can take examinations which qualify them to work throughout the UK and Ireland. The governing bodies of equestrian tourism in all four countries have worked closely together to develop recognised standards at
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Wear Valley - Go-it-alone councillor criticises party leader
A COUNCILLOR has quit the Liberal Democrats after becoming disillusioned by party politics and 'poor local leadership.' Coun Stephen Gregory has split from the group at Durham County and Wear Valley District councils to represent Bishop Auckland as an
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Meet the dedicated team saving our yesterdays for tomorrow
MORE and more people are becoming interested in local history and find collections of past papers, maps and records fascinating. But too many realise too late that they have let their own family contributions to past history be thrown away. An organisation
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The Northern Echo Darlington Sunday Invitation League
The weekend saw the first cup competitions of the season with the first division cup, sponsored by the Darlington and Stockton Times, mirroring the teams' league form and therefore there were no shocks. Holders Busters beat Brinkburn 5-0 with Weller,
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Diploma day for probation officers
THE first students to complete a new training course for probation officers will graduate today. The 17 graduates will be presented with a diploma at Durham County Cricket Club, Chester-le-Street. The diploma was launched in 1998 by Durham, Northumbria
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Morris group needs dancers
A GROUP of Marske-based morris dancers is on the lookout for new members. The group, Jet-Set, was formed a year ago with members drawn together from various dance backgrounds. They practise at the Zetland hotel in Marske most Monday evenings. Members
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Lottery boost for after-school centre
The National Lottery is helping youngsters to get on with their homework after awarding their school almost £40,000. Oaklands School, in the Acomb area of York, is being given the cash to pay for an expansion of its after-school study centre over the
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Letters: Market soap is hand-made
Sir, - I am astonished that two market traders can try to be amusing about something quite serious. I refer to the letter "Woolly thinking" (D&S, Sept 22). I can only assume that they feel threatened by what they call a dozen stalls. Perhaps woolly
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Football: Town floored by late blow after vintage display
League Challenge Cup Whitley Bay 4 Northallerton Town 3 NORTHALLERTON Town were unfortunate to go out of the Northern League Challenge Cup after putting on a brilliant display at Hillshead against First Division high-fliers Whitley Bay. The home side
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Houses can be built in village conservation area
COUNCILLORS are to allow the building of two houses in a dales conservation area following a site visit on Tuesday. Perpendicular Homes wishes to erect the houses on land to the west of Woodbine Cottage at Low Side in Mickleton. Members of Teesdale District
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Trucker dies after France crash
A FATHER-OF-THREE has been killed in a lorry crash in France only three years after escaping with his life in an horrific accident in Spain. John Desmond Ward, of Montalbo Road, in Barnard Castle, was killed after his lorry left the road, near the French
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Decision on school
SUNDERLAND'S new Church of England Secondary School could be operating by September 2002, following a decision on where to site the development. Plans have been drawn up to build the school on part of Ryhope Golf Course, in Tunstall. The decision, to
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Head of new Catholic school tries to calm disco fears
A HEAD teacher has dismissed suggestions that he is looking to transform his new school into a community centre. Mr Peter Griffin, head of the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic school in Northallerton, has spoken out after residents voiced concerns about his
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Warehouse shops plan agreed
PLANNING permission has been given for the former Blackett Hutton site in Guisborough to be used for retail warehousing. It allows for uses such as offices, industry and a car showroom. There was one letter of objection, from Yorkshire Co-operatives,
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All is greatly gathered in
THE vicar of Christ Church, Great Ayton, has reaped a great reward - by asking his congregation to enact the biblical parable of talents. One Sunday in March, the Rev Paul Peverell offered everyone a £5 note and asked them to go forth and multiply the
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Stokesley boosted by Tait hat-trick
Roseberry Ladies Hockey Club Sunday Invitation League STOKESLEY, last season's runners-up, missing the title by two points, started the new campaign in fine form with a 3-1 win against Mackinlay, Becky Tait scoring a hat-trick. Tait scored her first goal
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Defendants warned of crackdown
MAGISTRATES in County Durham are launching a crackdown on people who do not turn up at court. More than 1,000 warrants have been issued for the arrests of defendants who have not turned up to the courts at Durham, Chester-le-Street, Consett, and Easington
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Toxic ash inquiry called off
A COUNCIL investigation into the Newcastle toxic ash incinerator has been scrapped. The five-strong inquiry team was disbanded this week without calling a single witness. A working group of the city council's environment and public protection select committee
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Chester le Street - Heat is on at fire training base
FIREFIGHTERS are being put through their paces in hot house conditions in new state-of-the-art facilities at a brigade's training base. County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Brigade is now able to provide realistic blaze-like conditions for its
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Motorsport: Coates pulls out all the stops to clinch title
NORTH Yorkshire teenager Steven Coates is celebrating after clinching the Formula Euro First championship at Castle Combe in Wiltshire last weekend. A strong third place in the closely-contested race gave the 19-year-old from Scorton, near Richmond, enough
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Engines reel back the years for rally
THEY MAY have chugged into retirement many years ago, but that will not stop about 20 magnificent old jalopies turning out for a rally this weekend. Shiny old fire engines, distinctive double-decker buses and long-forgotten recovery trucks will be making
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Laser pen danger revealed at school
UNION chiefs fear a new generation of children could be bringing potentially-dangerous laser pens into schools. It comes after a teacher was injured by a small, hand-held laser pointer in the classroom. The Darlington teacher, who has not been named but
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Letters: The tyranny of secret meetings
Sir, - I was appalled to learn this week that Stockton Borough Council had held a further meeting to discuss the future development of The Garth, 689 Yarm Road, Eaglescliffe. Appalled because, not for the first time in my own personal experience the meeting
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Christmas appeal launched
AN annual appeal to help impoverished children enjoy Christmas is about to be launched in the region. Operation Christmas Child will swing into action on Teesside when its roadshow visits Redcar on Tuesday, October 17. Organised by the Samaritans' Purse
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Label for London brew brings bronze to North
AN AWARD winning self-adhesive label has brought a bronze award to a Northallerton firm. SE Sparkprint of Yafforth Road, beat 650 competitors from throughout Europe to win bronze in the Golden Label awards. The company printed the label for Brakspear's
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Regions to get £150m boost
Trade and Industry secretary Stephen Byers has today revealed plans to boost regional economies. He said £150M would be available to aid regional development in a plan aimed at improving the productivity of small and medium-sized businesses. And every
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Bus drivers' pay protest averted
A PLANNED strike by bus drivers has been averted after they accepted a revised pay offer from company bosses. Drivers with Go Northern - part of North-East transport firm Go-Ahead - voted to accept the 3.8 per cent rise at a ballot on Thursday. But drivers
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It's Oliver at last for Elliott
A TEENAGER is a step closer to seeing his acting dream come true. Elliott Francis, 13, from Ingleby Barwick, near Middlesbrough, saw a feature on Blue Peter, about auditions for the West End production of Oliver, when he was eight. He persuaded his parents
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Let's all go loco - as festival steams ahead
FIREWORKS lit up the skies last night for a blazing opening to a three-day festival to mark the 175th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. Hundreds of people turned out to watch the fireworks display, which was staged at the Darlington
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Volunteers rally to save agricultural show from closure
ONE of the oldest agricultural shows in the region has been saved from closure. The North Yorkshire County Show, which traces its roots back almost 160 years, was in danger of folding because of a lack of interest. Within days of last year's event, the
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Robson salute for young guns Hughes and Griffin
NEWCASTLE United boss Bobby Robson yesterday hailed the young guns who are helping him through an injury crisis. Central defender Aaron Hughes and full-back Andy Griffin have been instrumental in holding together a rearguard ravaged by the loss of key
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Ricard and Boksic ready
MIDDLESBROUGH boss Bryan Robson reckons he has potentially one of the most potent strikeforces in the country in Alen Boksic and Hamilton Ricard. Colombian hitman Ricard returned to form with a hat-trick in Tuesday's Worthington Cup win at Macclesfield
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Outfitters plan £1.5m expansion
HIGH-class country and city outfitters Cordings, which made the character Turkish's coat for the gangster film Snatch, is aiming to raise £1.5m to expand outside its London base. The 161-year-old group, which makes hunting, shooting and fishing clothes
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Sorensen aims to be world's best keeper
GIANT Sunderland goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen makes no secret about his footballing ambition. "I aim to be the best in the world," he says simply. It seems only a matter of time before the supremely confident 24-year-old replaces Peter Schmeichel, the man
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Store
AROUND 100 permanent jobs across the North-East and North Yorkshire are set to be created by supermarket giant Asda as part of its recruitment programme to deal with the Christmas rush. The announcement was made as part of a nationwide programme by the
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harry potter is magic for bloomsbury publishing
HARRY Potter continued to cast his magic spell over Bloomsbury Publishing, as the group reported a big jump in sales and profits. The release of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in paperback in April meant J K Rowling's series continued to be
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Turner's lament as Pool injury troubles deepen
HARTLEPOOL United boss Chris Turner last night reflected on his side's injury woes and admitted: "It's a nightmare.'' Turner leads Pool into action with York at Victoria Park with seven players out through injury and illness. He has snapped up Middlesbrough
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Patience is a virtue Quakers will need to crush Carlisle
Darlington skipper Martin Gray will be telling his team-mates to be patient as Quakers try to bounce back against Carlisle today. Gray, who was made captain at the start of the season, is expecting Carlisle to provide difficult opposition, despite their
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Hodgson glad to be home after being lost in Forest
Darlington midfielder Richard Hodgson is enjoying a new lease of life at Feethams. Hodgson, who was signed by manager Gary Bennett just before the start of the season, has started just one league game for Quakers but has caught the eye with impressive
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Concern as mystery illness hits hedgehogs
A MYSTERY illness which has killed dozens of hedgehogs in a North-East village has baffled animal lovers. Brenda Angus says at least 24 of the prickly creatures have fallen ill and died in the past month at the haven she runs from her home in Woodham,
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Guisborough duo bag a brace of goals
Morpeth 0 Guisborough Town FC 4 On Saturday Guisborough travelled to Division One rivals Morpeth and comfortably eased their way into the last 16 of the Albany Northern League Cup, with both Darren Mowbray and substitute Richie Storr bagging a brace of
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Komatsu workers bound for Japan
A TEAM of factory workers have been rewarded for their ideas to improve performance at their plant, with a trip to Japan. The staff at Komatsu UK in Birtley, won an in-house competition, which looks at pooling the ideas of staff to identify areas which
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Youngster's road sign is adopted
A YOUNGSTER'S slogan has won a competition for pointing the way to a safer route to school. Sam Smallwood's "Go Slow" message, with a picture of a crossing patrol officer, now adorns 20mph speed limit signs around the Lakes Primary School, at Redcar,
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Children get chance to show their metal
A TOUCH of animal magic is coming to part of Hartlepool. Lively-looking metalwork designs of a cow, a shoal of fish and a cat, will shortly be installed in Owton-Rossmere as part of a project to improve and regenerate the area. The designs are the work
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Pupils' green hopes blossom in wildflower meadow project
PUPILS from one of Teesside's primary schools have adopted a new marshland which they will help to cultivate. The youngsters from Tilery Primary School, Stockton, visited Portrack Marsh, for the first time last week to start a series of activities to
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Ofsted report is primary cause for celebration
CHILDREN and staff are celebrating an "excellent" report from Government inspectors. The Ofsted inspection found that parents were most pleased with the "very high" standards and the pupils' "high expectations" and "good behaviour" at St Andrew's RC Primary
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Aycliffe now lead the way
Darlington and District League Both East End WMC and Cleveland Bridge lost their 100 per cent records when they met in the top of the table clash. A Shaun Collins penalty and a Darren Whinfield strike saw the match end 1-1. Newton Aycliffe took over the
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Durham - Campaigning miner's daughter sounds note of caution
MINERS campaigner Pat Daglish last week took her fight for justice to London where she met Government Energy Minister Helen Liddell. Ms Daglish's father Thomas died from chronic bronchitis and emphysema and she collected more than 10,000 petition signatures
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Rare species highlighted
A report commissioned by protestors has identified a number of rare plants living in the wooded grounds of Greystones, Darlington. Campaigners asked Darlington-based David Green to conduct the survey. The most significant finds were among 78 types of
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Isabel's plea - join me on the fairway
NORTON schoolgirl Isabel Foley, aged 12, a member of Woodham golf club, is appealing for more girls to join her in what she considers a great game. She is the only junior girl member of the ladies' section, and although she loves playing with the women
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Boro Chat
PROGRESS in the Worthington Cup gave Boro a timely lift this week. Now the task is to take something from the long journey to Southampton tomorrow before the Premiership takes a break for World Cup qualifiers. Hamilton Ricard hit a hat-trick at Macclesfield
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Airport chauffeur service takes off for a regional first
A NEW service to air travellers heading into or out of the region has led to the creation of a dozen new jobs. Chauffeur driven luxury cars are set to become a regular sight at Newcastle Airport after a North-East firm became the first in the UK to land
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Pronto is top for oilseed rape yield
THE hybrid oil seed rape variety Pronto has given the top yield in demonstration plots at Croft, near Darlington. The 35-acre demonstration site was visited by many local growers during an open day held by Farmway earlier this year. Mr David Hamilton,
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Swimming News
Three of the area's top young long distance swimmers, Tara Johnson and David Proud of the Chester-le-Street club and Christopher Philpott (Peterlee) were members of a 20-strong England open water development squad which competed in Brittany, France, recently
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Questions on sport
REDCAR Racecourse is to host an edition of Any Sporting Questions in the Voltigeur Restaurant on Thursday. Presented by Clare Balding, the show will be broadcast on BBC Radio 5 Live. To book a free ticket, call (08700) 100 500
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North Yorkshire - Play fair, say traders
CIVIC and business leaders are preparing to step up a campaign against the number of charity shops invading a market town. Members of Thirsk chamber of trade are planning to take action after learning that another charity organisation was poised to set
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Chef died after choking on vomit
A HOTEL chef died after choking on her vomit, an inquest heard yesterday. The hearing at Bishop Auckland, County Durham was told that Susan Bishoprick awoke just before 7am on September 14 and began vomiting and struggling to catch her breath. Her fiancee
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New era dawns for top college
APUBLIC school is to unveil a new multi-million pound facility which aims to enhance its business and science teaching. The new Bamford Centre at Ampleforth College, the leading Roman Catholic school in North Yorkshire, is to be opened next week by its
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Killjoys scorn 'junket' opening of Loftus Bank
A FIERCE community backlash has stunned and angered a Cleveland council on what has been billed as a landmark day surrounding the re-opening of Loftus Bank to traffic. Some traders and residents have poured cold water on today's reception to mark the
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Consett & Stanley - Volunteers needed for children's care scheme
A SCHEME that provides respite care for sick and disabled youngsters across County Durham has issued a desperate plea for volunteers. Durham and Darlington Shared Care helps youngsters with physical and learning disabilities or serious illnesses. Its
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North-East Olympic hero arrives home
Olympic triple jump gold medallist Jonathan Edwards returned to a hero's welcome today. The 34-year-old athlete flew back to the region and was then bestowed the freedom of his home borough of Gateshead. Edwards told a press conference that he had yet
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Countryman's Diary: Know your chatter from your trembling
TODAY is Michaelmas Day, more formally known as the Feast Day of St Michael the Archangel who was a spirit, not a human being. Nonetheless, mass was said throughout the world to celebrate the occasion, but here in the North-East of England, it was always
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Miracle water cure for boy's condition
TODDLER Joseph Gibson has enjoyed his first night's sleep after the waters of a French spring healed the skin condition that has blighted his life. Three-year-old Joseph had never been able to sleep through the night because of the misery caused by a
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Refuse collectors plan strike ballot
BINMEN will consider strike action if a council goes ahead with its plan to impose new contracts. Refuse workers in Redcar and Cleveland are planning a strike ballot after being notified that their terms of employment are to change. Under new agreements
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Prize garden is Roy's pride and joy
GREEN-fingered Roy Forrest loves his garden - as did a panel of judges from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, who voted his pride and joy as Council House Garden 2000. "I'm shocked," said Mr Forrest, of Westfield Avenue, Redcar. "I don't do my garden
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Mart sees £3.25m in six days
HARRISON and Hetherington's farmstock division has seen a turnover of £3.25m over six days in both cattle and sheep in one of the busiest weeks of the auction company's sales calendar. With three special store sales, including the regular weekly sales
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Pennies are for a Heavenly cause
FUNDRAISERS ran rings around a church - well, almost. A plan to encircle the inside of Guisborough Parish Church with coins fell just 6ft short. When added up, the coins totalled £194. St Nicholas's Church has still a long way to go to reach its £30,000
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Angry father's £500 reward after son's motorbike is stolen
AN ANGRY father has put up a £500 reward to find the thief who stole his nine-year-old son's motorbike. Mike Crawford, who owns the ARC garage, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, discovered the theft when he opened up on Tuesday morning. The Yamaha RT
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Milburn steps up the war on waiting lists
HEALTH secretary Alan Milburn yesterday vowed to win the war on waiting lists - for the sake of his friend Ian Weir and thousands like him. In an emotional speech at the Labour Party conference in Brighton, Mr Milburn announced more detailed plans to
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Parents play a part in plan
PARENTS are being given the chance to help revamp an estate play area. Two public meetings are to be held for residents in the Clavering area of Hartlepool to give their views on how their local playground should be refurbished. Hartlepool Borough Council
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Towns plan bid to bring slice of railway history home
MUSEUM chiefs in the region are hoping to bring part of the North-East's history home. A document which sheds light on the site of the Stockton and Darlington Railway before it became a rail line is going up for auction next week. The vellum manuscript
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Comment from The Northern Echo: A chance to make a change
ALAN Milburn said it: "There was no one quite like Ian Weir. But there are far too many people waiting just like Ian Weir." The campaign in this newspaper, inspired by the Ian Weir tragedy, has been well documented. Ian was our friend and our colleague
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West end army ready for battle of Greystones
RESIDENTS in the west end of Darlington are bracing themselves for what they hope is the final round in the battle with developers dubbed "the neighbours from hell". Darlington council planners are due to meet on Wednesday to consider a revised application
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Work of art inspires donations
A MONEY box with a difference is tempting visitors to make donations at Harrogate's Royal Pump Room Museum, next to the Valley Gardens. The striking glass model of the Royal Pump Room has been described by museum officials as a work of art in its own
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Potato prices
Yorkshire and North-East. - Thurs. Grower's bags: Estima, Nadine, Marfona and other whites, main range £80-£100 a tonne, best quality £110-£120. Light supplies of Maris Piper £90-£125. Bulk: white varieties main range £70-£100 (whole crop for bagging
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A woman's crime against women
WHEN Natalie Knighting was sentenced this week to six months in a young offenders' institution for falsely claiming she was raped by a tramp on her way home from a Newcastle funfair, Judge David Hodson told her she had wasted precious police resources
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Shearer warning for City
Manchester City will be put on red alert on Saturday as Newcastle striker Alan Shearer vows to end his barren run. Shearer completed nine games without a goal from open play in the 1-1 Worthington Cup draw at Orient. Joe Royle's side will need no reminding
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Vandals destroy ancient tombstones
A COUNTRY church was the victim of vandalism at the weekend when dozens of graves, some of them almost 300 years old, were desecrated. Members of St Agatha's church at Easby, near Richmond, were distressed to discover on Saturday that tombstones, some
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Leading article: Great White hope
THE long-awaited rural White Paper is due to be published next month. It is the government's chance to answer those critics who question its commitment to the countryside. Speculation about its contents has centred on what it might do to regenerate rural
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School protest could go to Downing Street
ANGRY campaigners fighting plans to close three schools are threatening to take their campaign to Downing Street. Middlesbrough Borough Council wants to close St Anthony's RC School, Middlesbrough, along with the neighbouring secondary schools of Langbaurgh
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Letters: A fine building worth saving
Sir, - We note that Darlington Homes, a section of Darlington Building Society has submitted a planning application to Darlington Borough Council to develop the Chesterfield site on Stanhope Road. The site is in the middle of Stanhope Road Conservation
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Formula is not answer to milk pricing
THE results of the Milk Development Council investigation into milk pricing have shown that the most practical and useful solution to the pricing issue is unlikely to be a formula. Instead, the research proposes the introduction of a system to provide
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Nominations sought for Lifetime Achievement award
TWO high-profile businessmen will be in Teesside next month to address a prestigious business event. CBI director general Digby Jones will be the principal speaker at The Business Show, an event being backed by The Northern Echo. While he made his name
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Athletics News
City of Durham Duathlon The newly named City of Durham Duathlon produced a gripping duel between eventual winner Andy Swales (Durham Trio Club) and challenger John Bent (Northumbria Police) over an extended course at Meadowfield on Sunday. Previously
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Racing Week, by Jo Scott: Flossy gives Thornton a boost
THE Doncaster November Handicap looks on the cards for last year's winner Flossy following a popular Newmarket win this week for this consistent daughter of Efisio. Chris Thornton, whose long history at Spigot Lodge will come to an end at the close of
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Paradox of a caring society
HUMAN nature is very peculiar. A boy drowns tragically off Seaham. Police appeal for information, but are disappointed with the public's response. A dog is killed horribly in Coundon. Police appeal for information, and are inundated with calls offering
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Festive lighting appeal launched
FERRYHILL Town Council has launched a £15,000 fundraising appeal to replace its dilapidated Christmas lights. Town council members were stunned to learn that this year's festive lights display was under threat because Durham County Council would not issue
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Father took own life after split from wife
A FATHER-of-two took his own life following a temporary split from his wife, an inquest heard yesterday. Graham Wilkinson, 51, was found in Hamsterley Forest, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, in his white Bedford van on Tuesday, September 19. A post-mortem
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Looking Back: news from 100, 50 & 25 years ago
FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - The Ripon City Bench on Wednesday received a complaint from Capt H H Oxley, of Bishopton Grange, with regard to the danger attending furious cycle riding in the city. It has been obvious for some time that some restraint
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Hardwick enjoys an emotional return to scene of 10-0 win
George Hardwick, 80 and active, has been revisiting the scene of one of English football's most memorable triumphs - the 10-0 victory over Portugal in Lisbon, May 25, 1947. "England played steady football," observed the Echo, a little unenthusiastically
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Snooker News
Worthington CIU Singles Championship Paul Atkinson of Willington landed the CIU Singles Championship when he beat Michael Pratt of Old Shildon in the deciding fifth frame at Spennymoor having never being in the lead until the end. The first frame was
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Arts News: Ark opens its doors to draw in children
A NEW project that will encourage children to enjoy the arts in all its forms is launched in North Yorkshire next weekend. Sowerby Music, an extremely active organisation in the Thirsk area, has already done much to attract children to musical events.
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Hill sheep project due for launch
A £300,000 project to improve the quality of hill sheep is about to be launched. Leaflets explaining the scheme and calling for 120 volunteer producers to take part will shortly arrive at eligible farms. Dr Jenny Anderson, MLC sheep scientist, explained
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Smith goal earns win
Darlington Boys THE U-15s got their campaign in the Teesside Alliance off to a flying start with a hard-fought 2-1 victory at Hartlepool's Mulgrave Athletic. Despite falling a goal behind in the early stages, the Boys played some intelligent football
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Wear Valley - Campaign launched to cut down fire fatalities
A CAMPAIGN has been launched to encourage householders to draw up a plan for escaping a house fire. The campaign urges people to develop a fire action plan so that they are prepared in the event of a house blaze. Welcoming the campaign, County Durham
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Meetings to outline new anti-flood options
THE Environment Agency will be holding two public meetings next week to discuss flood defence options for two hard-hit communities. South Church, near Bishop Auckland, and nearby West Auckland, both in County Durham, were devastated by the floods in June
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Golf: Ace is the perfect start
EDWARD Boynton, owner of the Nags Head at Pickhill, made a dream start to the Suzuki (GB)/Batchelors of Ripon Am Am at Ripon City Golf Club by holing his very first tee shot. The course was in magnificent condition for the stableford competition, which
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Olympic stars return to light up Witton Castle
THREE of Britain's Olympic three day event riders have returned from Sydney to compete at the fourth Witton Castle Horse Trials this weekend. Spectators will be able to see team silver medallists Leslie Law and Jeanette Brakewell, along with Barnard Castle's
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Teacher's injury raises laser fears
UNION officials fear that a new generation of children could be taking potentially-dangerous laser pens into schools. Their concern came after a teacher was injured by a small, hand-held laser pointer in the classroom. The Darlington teacher, who has
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Architects lambast building society over demolition
DARLINGTON Building Society has come under fire for proposing to demolish an imposing 20s' house to build three-storey flats. Architects in the town cannot believe the society wants to raze Chesterfield House to the ground and replace it with 31 flats
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Fire chiefs to lobby minister over 'perverse' funding rules
A GOVERNMENT drive to cut house fire deaths could put firefighters' jobs at risk. Under current rules, as crews aim to hit lower blaze death targets, the cash they receive to do the job is reduced. Now fire chiefs in County Durham and Darlington are calling
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It's indoors for sheep this winter
WHEN a grouse shooting syndicate set their sights on Mr Maurice Hall's farm they made him an offer he couldn't refuse. And, too young to retire, he invested the money on a smaller neighbouring farm which came on the market at the same time. Last week
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Artist paints brighter future in stone barn
ARTIST Mrs Anne Lang is painting a brighter future for herself and her neighbours. Her new art studio in a beautifully converted ancient barn is expected to attract students from around the country, and that will be good news for local farmhouse bed and
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Prices at the markets
BARNARD CASTLE. - Tues. Fwd: 185 cattle & show & sale of 223 store lambs. Breeding cattle. - Lim cows & calves: £660, £635, £620, £590, £540 F&P Stephenson. Lim hfrs & calves: £400 F&P Stephenson. Sim hfr & calf: £560 Mrs M
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Durham - City ready to welcome university freshers
DURHAM is bracing itself for an influx of students when the university's freshers arrive in the city on Sunday. More than 3,000 extra cars are expected on the city's roads as parents drop-off the first-year students. A series of events has been planned
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Stage is set for rail heritage festival
THOUSANDS of people will converge on the North-East today for a celebration of the region's railway heritage. It was the 175th anniversary of the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, the world's first passenger railway, on Wednesday. The three-day
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Sage's magnificent seven earns win
Wensleydale Creamery League Catterick Garrison hit the highest score of the season so far when they were at home to struggling Redmire and scored 13 goals without reply. Marl Sage managed a magnificent seven goals while Gary Bellwood grabbed a hat-trick
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Jewel in the crown more a place of shame
A ROW has erupted over use of Guisborough's community centre. A town councillor says Sunnyfield House could be a tourist gateway to the entire area. "But it is as if we are almost ashamed of it," said Coun Dave Punshon at last Thursday's meeting. Angry
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Positions sought for redundant trainees
NEW places are being sought for work trainees after their training company went into voluntary liquidation. Action Community College, in Waldridge Lane, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, made the move last Friday which means more than 20 people are on
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Quinn kicks off city drive
SUNDERLAND FC ace Niall Quinn had his shooting boots on yesterday to kick off his adopted city's biggest-ever marketing campaign. The giant Dubliner launched the £100,000 publicity drive that is designed to boost local pride and focus attention on the
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Hammer Cole is surprise England call-up
West Ham's teenage sensation Joe Cole was the surprise inclusion in the England squad named for the World Cup qualifiers against Germany and Finland. The talented midfielder's call was based on his stellar early season form. And he is joined by former
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Safety first at the Unicorn
RIDING instructors have been saddling up for expert medical training. Ten members of staff and NVQ trainees at the Unicorn Centre in Hemlington successfully completed a first aid course run by the Nutec Centre for Safety. The course was specially adapted
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Spectator's Notes: Time to end this petty council secrecy
INCREDIBLY, there are still some members of North Yorkshire County Council who think it is a good idea not publish how much money they claim from the public purse to do their duties. Despite moves towards greater openness by many local authorities, despite
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Down under 'trip' brings technology to life
PUPILS visiting a museum had their own satellite link-up to Australia this week - but the Olympic Games were far from their minds. Youngsters from St Wilfred's School, York, were more interested in railway tracks than running tracks when they arrived
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Chester le Street - Triple jumper Edwards basks in golden glory
JONATHAN Edwards' Olympic gold medal success this week added another notch on the sporting roll of honour of former students of Durham University. The new Olympic triple jump champion, Britain's sixth gold medallist of the Sydney games, was an unknown
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Environmental improvement in running for award
A SCHEME that has transformed a run-down east Durham shopping centre is in line for a national award. The Wood Terrace enhancement scheme, at Murton, has been shortlisted by the British Council of Shopping Centres (BCSC) for one of its town centre environment
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Building society proposals are dubbed as 'vandalism'
THE demolition of a Victorian building will be one of the worst examples of commercial vandalism in Darlington in 20 years, it has been claimed. Darlington Building Society wants to build flats on the site of its former premises in Stanhope Road. It submitted
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Sunderland urged to
SUNDERLAND manager Peter Reid, delighted with the point-winning performance at Liverpool, said last night: "We have turned the corner." But the Wearsiders' progress will be put to the test at the Stadium of Light tomorrow when Leicester City, joint top
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Will the real Billy Elliot please take a bow
IT could have been a scene from a very British film. There's a knock on the door of a house in the heart of the industrial north. It's the man to repair the arm of the settee. As he works away under the watchful eye of a little girl, he spots a large
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Vintage working day beats weekend weather
THE 27th annual working of the North Yorkshire vintage machinery society had mixed weather fortunes at the weekend. Cars, lorries, vans, fire engines, tractors, military trucks and motorcycles representing bygone eras converged on Hornby Castle park,
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inky irritation signals the last round for Keith
AFTER nearly 60 years delivering the daily news to the residents of a County Durham village, it wasn't the freezing mornings, heavy bags or early starts that forced Keith Urwin to retire - he became allergic to newspapers. The 69-year-old newsagent and
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Ooh . . . they're still awful
THEY'RE as much a part of the British seaside holiday as sticks of rock and sandcastles. Saucy postcards - you either love 'em or hate 'em. Depending on your point of view, they are either sexist relics best consigned to history or good old-fashioned
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Consultants call for better service for rail travellers
A RAILWAY consultancy has unveiled a vision for grassroots train services across the North. Transport Research and Information Network (TR&IN) has called for a high-quality passenger service using new trains. In a strategy document, titled Northern
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Blair's leading - but don't put your shirt on election victory
AS he heads for the dry-cleaners this weekend, with his blue shirt in his hand, Tony Blair will be in a moderately happy mood - unless there happens to be a Danish pastry shop on his route from Downing Street. This week, his party has done enough to regain
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Your festival needs you
WHATEVER the weather, today the festival at Darlington's North Road Railway Museum really gets going. It is on this weekend to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. The S&DR has many claims to fame - principally
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Clothing firm back in the black despite difficult trading
THE troubled textile industry was again hit by uncertainty as clothing supplier William Baird revealed that trading conditions remained difficult, despite turning in a half-year profit. The company is currently fighting for compensation from Marks &
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Enjoy the bath of a lifetime
FOR some reason, when flicking through the endless pages of holiday destinations in the travel brochure the section on Turkey is usually overlooked by us Brits. It has never really managed to attract the devoted hordes who flock to Greek and Spanish resorts
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Inquiry pledge as volunteers quit charity
AN inquiry was promised by a charity's North of England chief as 50 volunteers resigned en masse last night. The entire 50-strong East Cleveland Quad of St John Ambulance walked out after first pulling off their order insignia, pullovers and caps before
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Celebration to be a real feast of fun
A SPECIAL programme has been lined up to mark the millennium celebration of a festival which originated in Medieval times. Additional support from the Millennium Celebrations Fund has allowed a wider-than-usual range of entertainment and activities to
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Keeping God alive
DEVIL'S advocate, it seems from here, is an entirely proper role for a churches columnist occasionally to essay. So when a country church with an average congregation of 20 or so spends getting on £200,000 on restoration, when there is a no less beautiful
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North Yorkshire - Council tax dodgers face legal action
COUNCIL chiefs have launched legal action in a bid to recover over £100,000 in unpaid tax. Around 140 people and 17 businesses are facing court action by Richmondshire District Council after failing to pay council tax and business rates bills. The latest
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Animal rights protestor wins case
AN animal rights campaigner who staged a bloody protest outside a bank was exercising his democratic human rights, a judge said yesterday. Andrew Kirk,41, was convicted by magistrates on Teesside of using threatening words and behaviour. But Judge Michael
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Kick-off close for shirt auction
TIME is running out for football fans to put their shirts on a piece of prized Newcastle United memorabilia. The black and white striped shirt worn by United legend Jackie Milburn in the 1955 FA Cup Final - left - is up for grabs in an on-line sale. In
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Campaigners rally against flats scheme
CAMPAIGNERS fighting plans to build flats in the West End of Darlington say they have fresh ammunition for their battle. Shepherd Homes wants to build 41 flats in the wooded grounds of Greystones, a Victorian Villa in Carmel Road North. A similar application
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Olympic hopeful looks abroad for success
BRITISH efforts in the swimming pool may have attractedsevere criticism at this year's Olympics, but teenage star Sharon Read hopes to restore national pride in Athens. The talented 15-year-old has already competed at the highest level regionally and
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England call Chris
Christopher Hogg is about to get his chance to impress on the international stage when the England U-15s take on Northern Ireland in Belfast next month. He has been plucked from 50 hopefuls who attended a training session in August but only 20 were adjudged
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Football: Harsh lesson for Quakers
AN INEXPERIENCED Quakers' side were given a sound thrashing by Premiership outfit Bradford City in the Worthington Cup on Monday. The 7-2 scoreline, which meant an 8-2 aggregate win for the Bantams, could have been worse. Benito Carbone's penalty was
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Boro stars help launch soccer school
A GROUP of students have swapped their school uniform for a football kit as a new soccer academy kicks off. The 25 boys are the first intake to Middlesbrough College's new Soccer Academy - a joint initiative with Middlesbrough Football Club. The aim of
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Councillors urged to come clean on their expenses
NORTH Yorkshire councillors have been urged to open up their expense accounts when they meet on Monday. The new standards committee of the authority will be asked to decide whether travelling and subsistence expenses should be published after the full
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On your marks for new complex
LONG-held hopes for a major sports complex in East Cleveland have moved forward as plans were submitted for a £1m project at Skelton. Plans are also being prepared for facilities at Saltburn that would incorporate a special running track for athletes,
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Council under fire for fence round park
COUNCILLORS in Guisborough have been accused of turning a flagship children's play area into a prison. A furious resident was at last Thursday's town council meeting to vent his anger over the new skate park at King George V field. Mr Stuart Burns attacked
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In-control Marske move into next round
Rossington Main 0 Marske United 2 MARSKE United travelled to South Yorkshire to meet Rossington Main in the FA Vase and had little trouble in progressing to the next round. United struck in their first attack after nine minutes when John Woods crossed
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Lucy in running for training scholarship
A COUNTY Durham rider is on the long list for a £2,000 training scholarship offered by Armathwaite Hall in Cumbria. Lucy Bell of Darlington is one of 42 riders throughout Britain competing for the training grant. The Armathwaite Hall Rider of the Future
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Children help litter campaign
YOUNGSTERS have been helping to encourage tidier habits. The project, involving children from Guisborough's Laurence Jackson School working with countryside wardens from the Guisborough Branch Walkway and artist Jim Roberts, has created two large, sculpted
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Almshouses join the age of technology
ANCIENT almshouses have been transported into the present thanks to a website. The 300-year-old Sir William Turner's almshouses may still bear a safety rule banning the placing of candles under beds, but they are now part of the age of technology, thanks
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Special sheep sale
LEYBURN. - Fri of last week. Second special catalogue sale of 3,883 Mule & Masham gimmer lambs. Mule judges: Raymond Johnson & Charles Ashbridge. Mule lambs av £28 (up £2.80 on year). Prizes. - Mules: 1 F Dinsdale & Son 2nd W.M. Iveson £46
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Project gets hold on crime
FIRST they tried fishing, now North-East youngsters are being urged to get active and keep out of trouble by going rock climbing. The new project, initiated by a detective in Durham Police, is being backed by the Durham Agency Against Crime (DAAC), mountaineer
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Tenants receive a helping hand
A NEW savings and loans scheme specifically for housing association tenants has been launched by Darlington Building Society. The Helping Hand scheme has been developed through a partnership between the society and five local and national housing associations
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Footballers cheer donation
A TOP youth football club has netted a donation from the Northumbria Police charity fund. Officers have presented 11 footballs to Walker Central Football Club, which has helped groom a number of stars, such as ex-Sunderland and Newcastle United midfielder
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Don't raise precept to fund annexe, council told
COUNCILLORS are being urged to think carefully before raising the precept to pay for a new town hall annexe. Mr Don Norfolk, from Thirsk, said: "For a number of years Thirsk's precept has been close to the top if not at the top, and we don't like it.
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Drowning investigation gets "disappointing" response
THE officer leading a 20-strong team of detectives investigating the drowning of five-year-old Tony Faulkner has today expressed his disappointment at the public's response to appeals for help. The little boy fell into the sea from Seaham's North Pier
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Mr Hague heads growing campaign to keep BT jobs
RICHMOND MP Mr William Hague has stepped in to help save a threatened depot and 180 jobs in Northallerton. Workers and union bosses at the BT depot in Northallerton have stepped up their campaign to keep the site open as its future hangs in the balance
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The shape of things to come
I THINK I might just have paid £2,600 for Senior Son to sleep in a dustbin. And it's all to do with the shape of his bum. He is hopeless with plastic cards - bank cards, cheque cards, guarantee cards. In the three years since he's had his own cash card
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"My friend who shouldn't have died"
STERN-faced, lips pursed, voice choked, Health Secretary Alan Milburn had a grim tale to tell. The National Health Service, his National Health Service, had let a patient down - not just any patient, but his friend - and he knew in the most painful way
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Monsters spike dog on a fence
THE bloodsoaked body of a little dog was discovered impaled on church railings minutes before children passed by on their way to two primary schools. A shocked headteacher lifted off the corpse, while other staff from St Joseph's RC, in Coundon, County
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Grain prices
Thursday's prices Kenneth Wilson, Thorpe Arch.- Wheat: Oct £60; Nov £61; Dec £62. Barley: Oct £62; Nov £63; Dec £64. Oilseed rape: Oct £126; Nov £127; Dec £128. GrainCo, Tyne Dock.- Wheat: Oct £60; Nov £61; Dec £62. Barley: Oct £60; Nov £61; Dec £63.
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Housing scheme prompts objections
PLANS to build a detached home in the centre of a North Yorkshire village have sparked 40 letters of protest and brought objections from the parish council. Protests centre on an outline planning application to build a single-storey property at Broadlands
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Bank road set to open
A FAMOUS bus will be the first vehicle to set wheel on a newly reconstructed road today. The vintage vehicle used in the Heartbeat series will help to launch the Loftus Bank road when work on it is completed nine days ahead of schedule. It will stop three-quarters
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Darlington - Former council leader denies sex charges
A leading Labour Party activist denied a string of sex charges against teenage boys when he appeared in court this week. Martyn Locklin, 40, pleaded not guilty to six allegations of indecent assault, two of rape and one of serious sexual assault against
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Staying ahead of revolution
SUNNYDALE School is driving forward plans to reinforce its position at the forefront of the technological revolution in education. It is a pioneering role not unfamiliar to Shildon, where the school is located. News stories about the town in the 19th
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Celebrating a first class sporting year
SOUTH Hetton Primary School's sports teams have had an excellent year of sporting achievements. For as long as anyone can remember, the school has never had a trophy-winning football team. However, with the help of parents and staff at the school they
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Wolves' double win takes them top
Billingham Wolves head the English U-19 North A League following two wins at the weekend. On Saturday they won a closely contested clash at promoted Nottingham Leopards although the Teessiders had to overcome from a three-goal deficit to take the points
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Rugby: Giant-killers ready for next challenge
DARLINGTON will be able to use their next Tetley's Bitter Cup opponents, Wharfedale, as a case study in how far it is possible for them to progress. Judging from the ease with which they beat National Division Three visitors Aspatria in the first round
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Consett & Stanley - Author returns to the classroom
author Terry Deary gave school children a Horrible History lesson when he visited Beamish Museum to pro-mote a new learning scheme. The popular author of the Horrible History children's books dropped in on the museum's Victorian school to highlight its
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Networking event is a success
A UNIQUE networking event organised for businesswomen from the Tees Valley area was hailed a success by all who attended. Organised by Barclays Bank Tees Valley Small Business team, the event was held in Enron's Phoenix Conference Centre at Wilton International
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Angling News
THE first ever Don McMasters Trophy was staged on the Tees at Over Dinsdale & Sockburn to mark Don's many years of outstanding dedication to the NYSD Federation, writes JEFF HERBERT. Fittingly, the fish on his beloved venue turned up in numbers although
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£50m Teesside chemical plant to go ahead
A NEW £50m petro-chemical plant is to be built on Teesside. Huntsman Tioxide this week announced the go-ahead for the new titanium dioxide pigment plant at Greatham, near Hartlepool. It will create up to 400 construction jobs at its peak. The move marks
