Archive
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Sports college given cash boost
A BUILDING society has helped a Durham school become the county's first college of sporting excellence. The Newcastle Building Society donated £3,000 from its community fund towards the £100,000 raised by Durham Gilesgate Sports College and Sixth Form
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Darts News
Cleveland Men's Super League Guisborough lost 4-3 at home to Billingham Green. Man of the match Gary Stephens (27.83) beat Lee Smith (24.09) 3-0 and Norman Stringer (20.50) beat Ian Greenwood (19.24) 3-0, putting the visitors two up. But the teams were
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North Yorkshire - Beware of card scam
TRADING standards officials are warning consumers across North Yorkshire not to expect riches and gifts from allegedly free scratch cards or similar competitions. Every year the Northallerton-based consumer watchdogs receive many complaints from disillusioned
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Time to rise above the scandals and forge a positive future
THE new chief executive of Northallerton health services NHS trust faces a tough challenge as he strives to regain the public's confidence in the Friarage hospital. But, speaking to the D&S Times, Mr Bruce Skilbeck reveals he is not daunted by the
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New chairman makes a pledge
ARABLE and livestock farmer Mr John Rider was elected chairman by the NFU North Riding and Durham County committee at its annual meeting on Thursday of last week. Mr Rider, who is 62, farms to the west of Guisborough on the edge of the Eston hills, and
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A roofless performance by Boks, or is it Becks?
DID you know that Becks has now been with Posh for free and a half years? Perhaps when he's finished being the master of right-footed crosses and free kicks he can become a cricket commentator. I'd love to hear him give the score as free hundred and firty
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Local Heroes 2000 Roll Of Honour
UNDER-16 OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE AWARD Highly commended: Paul Horsley : a 15-year-old pupil at Eastbourne School in Darlington, Paul has developed from a regional children's champion in Taekwondo to become the current national junior number one seed.
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Darlington - Residents consulted on road safety plans
RESIDENTS are being urged to give their views on proposed traffic calming measures in part of their town. The proposed measures would be in the Woodham area of Newton Aycliffe. Durham County Council is planning to make the improvements in light of mounting
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Racing Week, by Jo Scott: In-form Reveley lands double
THE FIGHTING Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle saw a triumphant return to the track by Barton. In his first race for 596 days, Tim Easterby's unbeaten stable star made it eight wins from eight runs despite the long lay-off for his leg problem. Tony Dobbin was
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Letters: Why encouraging cycling is sensible
Sir, - I have had cause in recent years to travel to most countries in Europe. As a regular commuting cyclist, I never cease to envy the public provision made by our continental neighbours for this form of transport. Even in rural areas, where there is
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Junior Football
Hetton Youth League Bottom team Springboard made their exit from the North East Durham Youth Cup when they were swamped 12-2 at Jarrow St Bedes. Gavin Cogden and Stuart Duncan scored consolation goals for Springboard. Ryhope played well, defeating Hebburn
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Drug dealer may have been the wrong target
AN off-duty police officer alerted colleagues to a killing within minutes of hearing gunshots as he watched television, a court was told yesterday. Sergeant Nick Lynch looked out of his bedroom window after hearing two bangs, and saw a figure fleeing.
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Entrepreneur's firms score double top
A DARLINGTON-BASED group of nurseries is top of a league table of the country's fastest growing businesses. Just Learning was established by former Darlington MP, Mr Michael Fallon, and entrepreneur, Mr Duncan Bannatyne in 1995. It now has 18 nurseries
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Children are 'still in danger' after abduction attempts
POLICE are warning parents that their children are still at risk despite a man being arrested in connection with attempted abductions. Officers arrested a 33-year-old man on Monday, a week after they first urged parents to be on their guard after eight
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Refuse row continues
REFUSE workers are threatening legal action against a council in the latest twist to a row over contracts. Despite several weeks of negotiations between Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and the refuse staff's unions, both sides remain locked in a
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Volunteers getting ready to save lives
THE first batch of North-East volunteers who will become First Responder lifesavers have started their training. The initiative aims to recruit and train volunteers who can attend heart attack victims and keep them alive while awaiting an ambulance. North-East
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Switch on to festive fun in Redcar
SADDLE up for a great Christmas - that's the word straight from the horse's mouth for the residents of a seaside resort. Cleveland Police horse, Huntcliffe and his rider, PC Mark Humble will lead Redcar's Christmas parade through the town on Sunday. Boro
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Aidan - a true hero
THERE were lots of moments to savour on Local Heroes Awards night - but there was one which particularly captured the spirit of the event. Aidan Dees, an 11-year-old footballer from Durham Johnston School, had been highly commended in the Under-16 Special
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Drivers snub security offer
A POLICE officer has criticised motorists for turning their backs on a free offer of help. Sergeant Glynn Bass of Cleveland Police is "disgusted'' that only six people have taken advantage of a Force invitation to motorists to have the metal casing of
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Refuse workers threaten legal action over contracts dispute
REFUSE workers are threatening legal action against a council in the latest twist to a row over contracts. Despite several weeks of negotiations between Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, and the refuse staff's unions, both sides remain locked in a
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Rowing: Tees rowers celebrate fine season
TEES Rowing Club has enjoyed one of its most successful seasons for many years, winning no less than 48 trophies. At the club's annual meeting on Monday, president Ian Godman congratulated retiring captain Paul Buckworth, who had led the club for the
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Force is with chef in top cooking event
A RICHMOND chef can boast he is among the best in the Royal Air Force. Neil Martin was among 50 taking part in a Combined Services Culinary Competition, in Hampshire, and left with two medals to pin to his chest. A silver came for his chicken breast,
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In search of true spirit of Christmas
TWO shopping incidents rammed home the message for a top clergyman of just how far Britain has moved away from the true meaning of Christmas. When the Dean of Ripon, the Very Rev John Methuen, asked to see crosses on chains for a family gift, the assistant
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Looking Back: news from 100, 50 & 25 years ago
FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - Of the many stories just now in local circulation in ridicule of War Office "red tape", the most amusing are not always the most probable. For instance, the following anecdote seems to require authentication. An officer
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Council gives pupils a voice
A SCHOOL devastated by floods this year has managed to restore normality again. Henknowle Primary School, near Bishop Auckland posed for its Northern Echo Millennium Schools photograph. After flooding in June, the school required new floor coverings in
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Time to fight back, says forgotten end of Northallerton
ENOUGH is enough, say residents who are tired of living in an area they have labelled "the forgotten end of Northallerton". Now, those living near the derelict site that used to be Great Mills and next to boarded-up houses opposite Somerfield supermarket
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Nostalgic memories on CD
A CD evoking memories of an east Durham beauty spot is to be launched in time for Christmas. Memories of woodland picnics in Castle Eden Dene and legends told by grandparents are blended with birdsong and sounds of the sea on the recording. The disc is
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Awards hailed a success
THE first Local Heroes Awards have been voted a huge success - and now the event is destined to become even bigger and better. Plans are already in place to stage the Local Heroes Awards 2001 after the inaugural ceremony turned into an emotional triumph
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Debts put Christmas misery on the cards
CHRISTMAS has been cancelled for another year in homes across the region. For scores of Teesside families there will be misery under the mistletoe as people struggle with crushing debts. Council officials offering free advice are helping people struggling
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Football: Jackson turns back on move to Quakers
DARLINGTON manager Gary Bennett's attempts to sign a striker to boost his side's goal shy attack were frustrated when Kirk Jackson turned down a move to Feethams this week. A fee of £30,000 is understood to have been agreed with the 29-goal striker's
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Sue Ellen captures Welsh championship
AN outstanding palamino filly was judged overall supreme Welsh champion at the North Eastern Counties Welsh Pony and Cob Association Foal show. The homebred Welsh mountain pony, Waitwith Sue Ellen, is owned by Mr and Mrs Tom Farrow of Richmond. It also
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Magical day at Holmside as Annelise hits top form
ANNELISE Larsson and My Touch of Magic were on top form at Holmside Park Equestrian Centre, Edmondsley. They took the 51-starter Hadrian Equine Discovery ahead of Stephen Smith on King Gunner and Shaun Bowden riding Gideons Gold. Victoria Naughton and
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Rising star in the sporting field
A TALENTED young athlete from Cleveland set out this week on a course that could take her to the Olympics. Liz Adams, aged 17, of Marske (above), joined the Olympic development modern pentathlon squad at a two-week training camp in Bonn, Germany. She
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Publisher of new book asks for the full picture
TIME is running out for people in Redcar who want their memories of the area to be included in a new book about the town. Publishers Penhaligon Page are compiling a series of books about different localities early next year and are asking anyone in the
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Murdered dealer 'in trouble over debt'
A murdered drug dealer was in trouble over a drugs debt and desperate to receive money from a cocaine shipment to London, a court was told yesterday. Bryan Scott, 26, who was shot dead on the Kirkleatham Showground, near Redcar, had previously been threatened
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Medal tribute to elephant charge hero
A HERO who put himself between a charging elephant and his wife has been honoured with an award for bravery. Stephen Street, of Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, made the headlines after saving the lives of his wife, Margaret, and her two friends, during a trip
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Well, what's the alternative then?
WE live in extraordinary times. Yesterday, the Prime Minister brought the French President into the heart of his Sedgefield constituency - a constituency where 70 per cent are opposed to the single currency. Probably the same percentage will not have
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Victims' savings kept conman in luxury
A FINANCIAL advisor who conned elderly people out of their life savings to support his lavish lifestyle was jailed for 30 months yesterday. William Gibson, 54, persuaded clients to part with large sums of money which he claimed, once sensibly invested
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So who will take over hot-seat from reluctant Robson?
BRYAN ROBSON is today the most reluctant football manager in the country. Robson leads crisis club Middlesbrough into a crucial game at West Ham, knowing he is only keeping the hot-seat warm for his successor - whoever that may be. England's one-time
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Venables no leaves Boro in turmoil
THE crisis at Middlesbrough Football Club deepened last night after news that internationally respected coach Terry Venables will not become its new manager. Former England boss Venables had been talking to Boro over a move which would have seen him take
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Parents set up fund in memory of tragic skydiver
THE devastated parents of a business executive killed in a skydiving accident have pledged that his death will not be in vain. Colin Graham, 23, was killed when his parachute failed to open on only his third jump. His family said they were determined
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Children in bus with no tax, insurance or MoT
A TRAFFIC commissioner yesterday told a rogue bus operator who repeatedly flouted regulations he should consider becoming a double glazing salesman. Tom Macartney said Lesley Frazer was a danger to the public who should be taken off the road and not be
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Anglo-French talks latest coup for N-E
THE summit between Tony Blair and Jacques Chirac is not the first important meeting to take place in the North-East. In September 1972, Willie Whitelaw visited Darlington to host an Ulster "peace conference" in the town's Blackwell Grange Hotel. The Grange
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Prime Minister welcomes Metro Mail's bid to boost employment
PRIME Minister Tony Blair forecast a bright new future for the North-East when he opened a state-of-the-art mailing centre in East Durham. And as if to endorse the Prime Minister's rosy prediction bosses at the giant £6m MetroMail House in Peterlee revealed
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Country towns to receive £37m for economic revival
THE importance of market towns - and the D&S Times campaign to highlight their plight - has been acknowledged in government plans to revive the rural economy. One hundred disadvantaged country towns will get £37m over three years and the Countryside
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Mike prepares for magic moment in top contest
A MASTER magician is keeping a few tricks up his sleeve after being chosen for a top competition. Mike Smith, a professional magician, of Sandringham Road, Redcar, is one of only eight in Britain to be selected for the British Magical Close Up Championships
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Football kids to wear town shirt with pride
A FOOTBALL team made up of primary schoolchildren has been set up to represent the whole of Darlington. The Darlington Primary Schools Football Team is believed to be the first of its kind in about 25 years. Sponsored by Darlington Borough Council and
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Sex charges priest for trial
A CATHOLIC priest charged with ten counts of indecent assault on boys is to have his case heard in Newcastle Crown Court. Father William Jacks, of Carmel Road South, Darlington appeared before Gateshead magistrates for the fourth time yesterday, where
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Why the circus will not be coming to town
A CIRCUS featuring wild animals has been refused permission to perform on land in a market town next year. The Great British Circus wished to stage Freddy's Family Funtime Show on the upper Demesnes in Barnard Castle but Miss Elaine Minnighan, Teesdale
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Children take on community role
CHILDREN have been learning how to play a useful role in society as part of a new partnership. Fifty ten and 11-year-olds from Marton Grove Primary School, Middlesbrough, took part in a course organised by Cleveland Police, Middlesbrough Borough Council
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Crackdown on the car park crooks
THIEVES who carry out smash and grab raids on cars are being targeted by police. Crooks looking for easy pickings, such as Christmas presents, briefcases and handbags left on car seats; are to be picked up themselves, by dedicated police teams. A special
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Everything is lovely in the garden scheme
A FREE gardening service for elderly and disabled people has received a boost courtesy of the Council's Pride in Hartlepool campaign. The Voluntary Initiative Project (VIP), run by Owton Fens Community Association, has been awarded grants totalling £5,135
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Easing of restrictions fails to lift misery on railways
RAIL passengers are facing continued delays, despite a decision to ease speed restrictions across the network. Railtrack announced yesterday that some of the speed limits introduced in the wake of the Hatfield crash six weeks ago would be increased, following
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Verdict time as corruption probe finishes
A MARATHON investigation into allegations of corruption among members of Cleveland Police is over. Decisions on whether disciplinary action should be taken against eight suspended police officers, including Detective Superintendent Ray Mallon, head of
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Lesbian raped after kissing row, court told
A MAN raped a lesbian after she accused him of kissing her lover, it was alleged yesterday. Abdirashid Said, 33, is said to have attacked the woman after the lovers had an argument at his flat in Toward Road, Sunderland, on May 8. Newcastle Crown Court
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Carers who let girls go clubbing are sacked
TWO social workers have been dismissed from their jobs following claims they allowed teenage sex abuse victims to go night-clubbing and get drunk. Ann Pennels and Michael Boyle were suspended in August after the allegations, relating to a seaside trip
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Untenable role for Robson
FOR the second successive Saturday morning, we find ourselves fretting over Middlesbrough FC. Just as last weekend, we wish Bryan Robson, and whoever remains fit at the club, all the good fortune in the footballing world. And, just as last weekend, we
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Blair delivers 'work hard' message at opening of school library
PRIME Minister Tony Blair opened a new chapter in the history of a village school during a tour of the North-East yesterday. Mr Blair visited Hurworth Primary School, near Darlington, to perform the official opening of its Millennium Library. The library
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Tennis: Yarm boys chase national title
YARM School's under 13 boys tennis team are preparing to compete in the HSBC British Schools' Tennis Team national finals this weekend after becoming Northern area champions. Great Britain under 13 international Daniel Wise, captain Tim Purdy, Matthew
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Documentary on cannibal killer attacked
THE family of cannibal killer David Harker's dismembered victim have branded a television documentary about the psychopath "disgraceful". Harker was given a life sentence by Teesside Crown Court last year, after admitting the manslaughter and bodily mutilation
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Fears of flooding jeopardise village sports centre hopes
A VILLAGE'S long-running campaign for a sports centre looks likely to end in failure, because of concerns that the facility would be prone to serious flooding. Councillors are expected to throw out plans for the centre, at Brompton sports field, near
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Civic watchdog fights plans for listed cottage
PLANS to add a conservatory to a listed cottage, in Boroughbridge Road, Bishop Monkton, near Ripon, are being opposed by the Georgian Society. The civic watchdog said that introducing a conservatory would spoil the former cornmill's appearance. A planning
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Flotation to make Comeleon a market leader
COMELEON plc has published its prospectus for admission to the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange. Comeleon, based in Tanfield Lea, near Stanley, County Durham, is an imaging technology company targeting the rapidly developing
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Police hold cash talks
following a meeting with a Home Office minister Cleveland Police Authority is hopeful of Government help to offset the costs of long-running corruption inquiry Operation Lancet. A delegation from Cleveland Police Authority met Home Office Minister Charles
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Wardens in Brotton before Christmas
COMMUNITY patrols are to be drafted on to the streets of Brotton. Anxious residents got the good news at a public meeting called to hammer out the problem of anti-social behaviour in the village. The Methodist church hall was packed as more than 100 residents
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Darlington - Angela takes swimming honours
A Woodham schoolgirl has been named swimmer of the year. Sedgefield District ASC swimming and water polo star Angela Winstanley-Smith, 15, was presented with the Northumberland and Durham ASA's Swimmer of the Year award. She beat off strong competition
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A street by any other name
BRITAIN'S most famous street could have been known by a completely different name had it not been for the intervention of a Granada Television tea lady. For the past 40 years millions of viewers have tuned in each week to catch up with the goings on in
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Rise in heroin addiction feared
COUNCILLORS fear a rise in alcohol and cannabis abuse in Teesdale could lead to a growing number of heroin addicts. The warning was made by Teesdale District Council's community services committee, after a report on substance misuse in Teesdale. Although
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Anger at 'green' tax on post offices
Trade Secretary Stephen Byers vowed to intervene yesterday, after it emerged that electricity giants are passing new "green" tax bills on to North-East rural post offices. Mr Byers, MP for North Tyneside, promised to investigate after Vale of York Tory
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Children's row led to assault
A MAN appeared in court yesterday after a playground scuffle between two children erupted into an assault. Stephen Roberts, 41, slapped his neighbour, Norma O'Callaghan, across the face in a "moment of temper" after a row between their daughters could
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Drink-drive officer jailed four months
A DETECTIVE who was four times over the legal limit was jailed yesterday - in the very week his force launched their Christmas drink-drive purge. Teesside magistrates heard how it was Detective Constable Steve Pennington's second drink-drive offence in
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Durham - Police target 'potential killers'
POLICE will hold the region's biggest ever blitz against drink drivers as part of a hard-hitting campaign this Christmas. Officers from the Durham, Cleveland and Northumbria forces will breath test thousands of drivers at roadside stops during December
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Council presses for power to return tax
A LOCAL authority has taken the unusual step of voting to press the Government for permission to pay back thousands of pounds in business rates to firms. The controversy began earlier this year when Westminster ordered Richmondshire District Council to
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Pony dates
BCTG. - Dec 4: Training evening rally with Jane Graham. Tel: Corinne 01325 332685. Braes of Derwent South PC. - Dec 9: Indoor hunter trial, Holmside Park, novice, intermediate and open classes. Sae for schedules, Sue Forster, Derwent Dene House, East
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Praise for Reid Street scheme to help dyslexic pupils
A DARLINGTON primary school is leading the way in its efforts to recognise, support and teach dyslexic children. New starters at Reid Street primary school are now routinely assessed for signs of dyslexia and, if testing proves positive, support is on
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Fears on future of warden service prompt protest
ELDERLY residents of sheltered accommodation are protesting after a family was moved into a vacant warden's flat. Thirty-two of the 34 pensioners living at Matfen Court, in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, signed a petition against the move by their
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Arts News: Tour brings back memories for playwright
SOMEWHERE deep in the hills of ancient Northumbria, gold, frankincense and myrrh lie hidden. Dawn of the Firefawn, the title of NTC's Christmas play, is the story of a quest to find the treasure. The play, described as strange and magical, is by Shaun
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Wear Valley - Good news for heart patients
A NINE-year campaign ended this week with a major £175,000 boost for heart patients in the south of County Durham. The final task for members of Bishop Auckland's echocardiography appeal committee before it was wound up was to present a top-of-the-range
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Young riders in line for scholarship
A SHORTLIST for the Armathwaite Hall Rider of the Future Scholarship was announced recently. It will provide the winning junior rider with £2,000 of funding for approved training. In the North East, Oliver Townend of Huddersfield and Emma Barr-Young from
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Education the key to success, forum is told
MAJOR educational initiatives are being set up to tap into the region's home-grown talent. The proposals were unveiled at the launch of the Regional Education and Learning Forum at Shotton Hall Business Centre, in Peterlee. Intended to promote an inclusive
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Lamenting the man who fell to earth
I GREW up in awe of David Bowie. His moody, distinctive tones wafted through our house as my older brother and sister played his Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane albums over and over. They and their friends worshipped him. They wore clothes like him, dyed
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Unplugged and live in the staff room
MUSIC students are planning to give hit rock and pop songs the acoustic treatment at a series of unplugged sessions. The Live and Unplugged concerts - based on the highly popular format pioneered by MTV - will be performed by second year students on the
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Letters: Independence must be retained
Sir, - I was most interested to read your leading article "Toothless Lapdogs" (D&S, Nov 24), about the proposed closure of Community Health Councils, which are independent, in favour of Patient Advocacy and Liaison Services, which would be located
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Wensleydale victory
With matches in hand on their rivals Wensleydale are coming up on the rails to challenge for the First Division title in the Hambleton Ales North Yorkshire Squash League. The Leyburn-based side are among six sides with a real chance of taking the silverware
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Wear Valley - Janet tastes freedom
A MUSEUM cook dubbed the Queen of the Pasties by colleagues at an award-winning tourist attraction rolled out her pastry for the last time at the weekend. Janet Ward, home cook supreme at Killhope, the North of England Lead Mining Museum, hung up her
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Hall sets sights on title belt
Darlington boxer Michael Hall has said he wants a title win by the end of next year as he celebrates maintaining his 100 per cent record after winning the 15th professional fight of his career. The light-welterweight made his long-awaited home bow at
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Concern for flora and fauna may scupper studios plan
CAMPAIGNERS have won a second skirmish in a row at Saltburn over plans to develop artists' studios at a local beauty spot. In the face of heartfelt pleas from the community, Redcar and Cleveland planning committee agreed to wait for a report from Tees
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Farewell to Jasmine number two
THE move to the new house was an exciting time for all of us - the rabbits included. Oh, it was sad leaving the old house behind. The kids went round every room to say goodbye: "Goodbye lounge. Goodbye dining room. Goodbye kitchen." I couldn't help feeling
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Celebration as school gets arts cash bonus
A SCHOOL in Darlington could start producing some of the country's most talented designers and performers after being selected as one of 38 new specialist schools. Haughton Community School has been awarded a Government grant of £100,000 and arts college
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Crawley hat-trick
Hathaway and Cope Stokesley League B & H Kings Head maintained their three point lead at the top of the league table with a 5-2 win over Tanfield Bros. In a lively opening, Michael Jones put King's Head in front on five minutes firing home from the
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Consett & Stanley - Wife endured brutal assault
A FORMER police officer beat his wife and threatened to slit her parents' throats. Roger Nelson, 32, a former constable with Durham police, subjected his wife to two years of married hell, Newcastle Crown Court heard. Nelson resigned from the force last
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Angling News
Pat Adams gave a perfect display of maggot feeder fishing scooping Sunday's Woodland Lakes Open in convincing style, writes JEFF HERBERT. The RSPS member pulled out unfancied Kestrel 29 and left both anglers either side over 20.0.0 adrift as pin point
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Second home owners may face full tax bill
YOUNG couples struggling to find a toe-hold in the rural housing market could benefit from proposals in the government's rural White Paper announced on Wednesday. There was a widespread welcome throughout the Yorkshire and Durham dales for consultation
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Get set for switch-on
A POWER firm has taken a real shine to a seaside resort. Enron, which markets electricity and gas, called on one of its subcontractors to string up more than 10,000 Christmas lights above the centre of Redcar. Retiring Redcar MP Mo Mowlam will switch
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Rugby: Novices welcome in new ladies team
A FLEDGLING ladies rugby team take a step into the unknown this weekend when they experience competitive action for the first time. Darlington Ladies travel to Durham City on Sunday to play in a triangular match with Kirkby Lonsdale and the host club.
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Basketball News
Teesside League The top clash between unbeaten sides Middlesbrough Mavericks and Norton 1 failed to materialise as a contest when the visiting north of the Tees side failed to turn out a strong squad resulting in a 71-41 defeat. The home side started
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Snooker News
Worthington CIU Winter League Cockton Hill moved up to share second place with Wheatley Hill A after they only dropped one point to the visiting Fishburn A. Old Shildon still lead the table by four points. Fishburn A went one ahead in the first frame
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Why the grass was always Greener down at Feethams
THE answer's that chap in the photograph - friendly, chatty, but not (as they say) getting away over clever. The question - answered by a veritable flotilla of Backtrack readers, only one of them off target - sought the identity of the player who has
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Why the grass was always Greener down at Feethams
THE answer's that chap in the photograph - friendly, chatty, but not (as they say) getting away over clever. The question - answered by a veritable flotilla of Backtrack readers, only one of them off target - sought the identity of the player who has
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Boro Chat
AFTER a week of Venables speculation Boro must focus on a very important game this weekend as they travel to West Ham in a bid to climb out of the bottom three. Boro battled hard after a disastrous start last Saturday to gain a point against lowly Bradford
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Leading article: Laudable if limited
THE Rural White Paper released this week is the proverbial curate's egg - good in parts. The parts to be welcomed are the initiatives on market towns, the proposed ending of the 50pc council tax discount on second homes and the small amounts of new money
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Guide aims to cut fuss and delay
AN ESTATE where 24 redundant farm buildings now support 30 businesses was the venue for the launch of a unique farm diversification guide. The Escrick Park estate at Escrick, near York, is a shining example of what diversification is all about. The developments
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North Yorkshire - Planning chiefs hand out cash for tree planting
VILLAGES are about to take on a greener hue following cash handouts to a number of landscaping schemes. Members of Hambleton's planning committee have approved grants totalling almost £2,000 from their tree-planting fund. Two new woodlands are to be created
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Council prepares for role in healthcare
RICHMONDSHIRE'S health goes under the spotlight at a new forum proposed by the district council. It is hoped that a wide range of professionals from the health service will be at an open meeting in Richmond, next Thursday. Issues up for debate include
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Consett & Stanley - Library dedicated to daughter's memory
PARENTS who recently lost their daughter to breast cancer have helped to establish a new lending library on the subject. Bill and Eileen Ferguson, of Stanley, donated a sum of money to the Stanley Breast Cancer Support Group to start the library. The
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May fair can use car park despite fears
AN ANNUAL Meet fair will take over a market town's car park as usual next May, despite fears about health and safety. Mr John Newsome applied to Teesdale District Council community services committee, on behalf of the Showmen's Guild, to stage the fair
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Display space grows
A MULTI-MILLION pound exhibition hall which will almost double the Great Yorkshire showground's indoor exhibition space is starting to take shape . The hall is expected to be finished by spring next year, in time to house Harrogate spring flower show
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Swimming News
Newcastle club members, representing Northumbria University, won titles and broke records at the British Universities national short course championships at Darlington, writes ERIC WILKINSON. Julie Fort scored a double success in the women's 50m and 100m
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Plans for rural lifeline launched
A GOVERNMENT lifeline is being thrown to the North's rural communities. A White Paper sets out a package of measures and aims including £15m to be spread out nationally over three years to support and help to re-establish vital village services such as
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It's no Grey day as Steven is crowned
Just over a year after The Northern Echo launched its special weekly supplement dedicated to grass roots sport, the first Local Heroes Awards were held at Darlington Football Club to honour those who compete for the sheer love of sport. It turned out
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Letters: No politics in local councils
Sir, - I hope that you will allow me to reply to Coun S. Parsons' letter "This is personal" (D&S, Nov 10). I do not have a personal crusade against Coun Anne Frizzell, However, I do have a personal crusade against party politics in parish/town councils
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Stranton on march
North-East Christian Fellowship League Ithe Christian Publicity Organisation (CPO) National Cup Second Round First Division Stranton Saints Hartlepool hosted Saint Peter's Shipley who beat Jesmond Parish Church on their patch 3-2 in the previous round
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Past Lives: Artist who abandoned life amid the London literati
NO, give me Byron with all his spite, hatred, depravity, dandyism, vanity, frankness, passion and idleness, rather than Wordsworth with all his heartless communion with woods and grass. The words are not mine but caught my fancy partly because they indicate
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Countryman's Diary: Tis the season to be superstitious
A RECENT survey conducted on behalf of a web site called Future.365.com has shown that, in spite of living in the 21st century, some two-thirds of us continue to be very superstitious. We believe in things which might prevent bad luck, or which might
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Protest over conservation area proposal
BUILDINGS in Ripon's conservation area could be demolished and replaced with 24 new homes. The existing buildings are said to have no architectural merit and detract from the appearance of the area. Ripon area planning committee of Harrogate Borough Council
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Academic condemns student top-up loans
CALLS for top-up fees for university students were attacked at the start of a graduation ceremony this week. Teesside university's vice-chancellor, Prof Derek Fraser, spoke of the commitment, dedication and, in some cases, sacrifice that students graduating
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New man at the Bowes
A NEW director at the Bowes museum in Barnard Castle has been appointed to succeed Mrs Elizabeth Conran, who retires in the new year. Mr Adrian Jenkins joins the Bowes from Bolton museum and art gallery where he is senior keeper of fine and applied art
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The Albany Northern League
Guisborough player-manager Mark Forster has vowed to clear his name after being reported to the North Riding FA for an alleged incident after the recent game against Billingham Town. Tempers flared after a penalty to Billingham Town was awarded, and two
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Cycling strategy highlighted
COUNCIL officials are asking cyclists how County Durham can be made a better place for them. The county council is seeking views on its draft cycling strategy, which aims to encourage more people to get on their bikes. The county has 100 miles of off-road
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Sometimes, life's a drag
There's neigh doubt about it - horse sense and strength still have their place. Tees, a massive 17-year old Clydesdale, has shown this week how horse-power can triumph when the going gets tough. With tractors and trailers bogged down in trying to tidy
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Chester le Street - Sex case charity director resigns
THE director of a Sacriston-based charity providing after-school care for children has resigned after being accused of child sex offences. Philip Hemmans resigned from his position at the Julie Graham Children's Charity following his arrest earlier this
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Wolves defeated - but remain at top
Junior round-up BILLINGHAM Wolves suffered their second loss at the hands of Kingston Predators in the English Under-19 A league. The teams met at the Forum Ice Arena on Sunday and Wolves went a goal up through Dale Taylor on the powerplay at 5.36. Predators
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Sun mosaic unveiled in park
WINTER'S icy tendrils may be encroaching on us, but visitors to Chester-le-Street can enjoy a taste of summer with a new mosaic in the town's sun temple. The colourful design at the Riverside Park is the work of local artists Jane Hufton and Annette Poulson
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Teacher dies in stabbing
TRIBUTES have been paid to primary school teacher Lesley Grant who was found stabbed to death in her kitchen. Police went to her home in Whitby Road, Loftus, after receiving a 999 call just after 9pm on Friday. There they found Ms Grant, 43, lying in
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Tackling the rabbit problem
FARMERS and landowners are urged to help control rabbits which are wreaking havoc on some of the most important wildlife sites in the Yorkshire dales. English Nature warned that damage by vast numbers of rabbits affected 75pc of the area's best ash woods
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Motorsport: Payne roars back to make his mark in the big one
IN one of the toughest events in recent years due to the wet and slippy conditions, the region's crews enjoyed mixed fortunes when the final round of the World Rally Championship was played out on the Network Q Rally of Great Britain last week. Ripon
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Children come from outside the catchment area - and they come by car
A PUBLIC meeting will be held in January to find ways of reducing traffic and improving child safety at Carlton Miniott primary school. The head teacher, Mrs Kath Greaves, says part of the problem is caused by the school's success. Pupils at the school
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Durham - Monk blesses restaurant
BUDDHIST monks blessed Durham City's first Thai restaurant when it officially opened its doors last week. The city's MP Gerry Steinberg cut the ribbon on the Numjai restaurant in Millburngate Centre. Local business leaders, civic dignitaries and valued
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Athletics News
New Marske Harriers THE third fixture of the NYSD cross county league took place on a fine day, heavy but flat course at Thirsk. Penny Wilson started the flag flying for Harriers by again finishing second in the Under-13 girls. Geoffrey O'Grady was 19th
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Nissan decision on hold
A DECISION on where the new Micra will be built has been put back to the new year, with Nissan bosses awaiting the outcome of an EU inquiry into the legality of a proposed £40m grant. The European Commission this week sent a team to investigate claims
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Town must not lose parking spaces
BUSINESS people in Richmond hope they have persuaded a government inspector that no parking places should be lost from the town centre. The town's business and tourism association was the first objector to give evidence at a public inquiry into a review
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Call centre staff blamed for bills 'misinformation'
YORKSHIRE Water came under fire this week from Ofwat's Yorkshire customer service committee for the lack of information given to people forced out of their homes due to flooding. Members of the committee were concerned that press reports stated householders
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It's standing room only as furious Brompton villagers threaten to sue
ANGRY villagers have threatened to sue their county council for negligence following the recent floods. Flood victims from Brompton, near Northallerton, told the parish council that they felt they had been abandoned when floods devastated their school
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Have a tree on me, says mystery donor
NORTON is to have a Christmas tree after all - thanks to an anonymous donor. The village faced the bleak prospect of no tree on the green for the first time in years, because the firm which sponsored it each year it has changed hands. But a resident,
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Billiards News
CIU Individual League Ithe final round robin at Hunwick Norman Greener of Thornley made a good start against Peter Laverick of Coxhoe but was steadily overhauled. However he held on to take the first frame by only six points. Laverick then found more
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Cabbies claim loss of business
TAXI drivers want Darlington Borough Council to take action to stop drivers from parking at a town centre rank. The cabbies say they have been abused by people who park at the East Row rank, opposite the covered market, without permission. Darlington
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Robson set to battle it out as TV sticks with TV
BRYAN ROBSON last night vowed to fight on as Middlesbrough manager until the end of the season after the Teessiders' ambitious move for Terry Venables dramatically collapsed. Boro, third bottom of the Premiership with a boss whose position looks increasingly
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Heart girl Sally's card success
HEART transplant girl Sally Slater's artistic talents have ensured a dream Christmas that her parents once feared she might never see. A Christmas card designed by the youngster, whose plight touched the hearts of millions earlier this year, will soon
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Mystery of man's death near deserted railway crossing
POLICE are hoping pub-goers may be able to shed light on the suspicious death of a man found lying on a deserted railway track. The body of Peter Evans, 47, of the Owton Manor Estate, in Hartlepool, was found on the railway line behind the Royal Vaults
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El Tel is lined up for ITV stardom
ITV will reward Terry Venables with a lucrative new contract and boost his screen profile next season following the former England manager's decision not to become Middlesbrough manager. Venables is contracted for this season as an expert summariser for
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Loss of licence spells end for jobs and mercy run - haulier
A HAULIER whose firm stands to go under, leaving 50 workers without jobs and hundreds of Romanian orphans without Christmas presents, plans to appeal to the Court of Human Rights. John Heads has had his operator's licence revoked - which means the end
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Crews in the line of fire
FIREfighters across the region are facing ambushes from children when they are called out to blazes, it has been revealed. Youngsters in Thornaby, Teesside, have been caught climbing on fire engines, emptying water tanks and pelting crews with bricks
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Top doctor condemned for lying
ONE of Britain's leading gynaecologists escaped being suspended yesterday - even though he lied to the General Medical Council (GMC). Professor Kyprianos Nicholaides faced a disciplinary hearing, in May 1998, into allegations he had made insulting and
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Aid worker's mercy run plea
A CHARITY champion is urgently trying to raise £400 to save Christmas for a town of Romanian children. Hundreds of orphans and children with poor families in the town of Iash, on the Russian border, were eagerly awaiting the arrival of a lorry load of
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Last-minute offer saves charity in the North
AN eleventh hour offer by a mystery backer has saved the marriage guidance service Relate's operation in the North. As reported in yesterday's edition of the Northern Echo, a series of financial problems looked to have left the organisation's trustees
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why sarah spoke of major achievement
FORMER prime minister John Major joined some of the country's most senior education workers recently - in order to listen to the views of a 16-year-old North-East girl. The determination of Sarah Thompson, from Sunderland, in dealing with her life-time
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RSPCA's desperate hunt for refuge
AN animal welfare charity says it is desperate to find a new venue after plans for a £3m regional centre for hundreds of abandoned animals were dashed by town planners. The RSPCA was hoping to build the facility on the site of a former community college
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Hammer attack on pensioner
A FEUD erupted when a 61-year-old man attacked a pensioner with a hammer and his own walking stick in a betting shop. Hashi Dualeh hit Mohammed Ahmed, 65 with a hammer wrapped in a carrier bag, Newcastle Crown Court heard. Dualeh assaulted the disabled
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Trio fly the flag for N-E
Hartlepool, Thornaby and Concordia (Cramlington) will be flying the flag for the North-East next Saturday in the fifth round of the All-England Inter Club knockout tournament for the Canada Life Denny Cup. Thornaby, following a nerve-wracking one-shot
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Sharing the pain
HANDS fly skywards, faces eager, the group of eight-year-olds visiting The Northern Echo offices fight to answer questions. On the editor's wall are some of the paper's front pages, famous images framed for posterity, and the children are challenged to
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Fire offender hit by panic attacks
A STUDENT refused to complete a community service order because he said going to the probation office gave him panic attacks. Mark Crozier, 28, was made the subject of a combination order after he set fire to a bin at the home he shared with his ex-partner
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Determined Guisborough celebrate home success
Guisborough Town 2 Newcastle Blue Star 0 A BUOYANT Guisborough underlined their determination to finish in the top three this season with a hard-fought home success against Albany Northern League division one strugglers Newcastle Blue Star. Their breakthrough
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Keeper's fitness battle
BRAZILIAN defender Emerson Thome admitted last night he will never forget the over-the-top tackle which left him requiring hospital treatment and resulted in a first-ever red card for Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke during Sunderland's thrilling
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Robson not planning any more favours for Gregory
Bobby Robson yesterday revealed how he helped keep John Gregory in a job at Aston Villa 12 months ago. Robson takes Newcastle back to Villa Park today exactly a year after a 1-0 win by the Geordies dumped Gregory right in it. The Villa boss's position
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Boro players frustrated by Venables hold-up
ANXIOUS Middlesbrough players last night pleaded with the club to shed more light on the ambitious attempt to bring Terry Venables to the Riverside Stadium. Only 48 hours before a crucial game against West Ham, Boro's first-team squad were yesterday in
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Carols help celebrate gift of life for baby Kyle
A baby was the guest of honour at a carol concert with a charitable theme. Nine month old Kyle Sheekey was at the TAD Centre's Christmas Carol Service last night, along with Councillor Kath Bevington, the Mayor of Middlesbrough, local schoolchildren and
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All systems go
SUNDERLAND yesterday launched a £10m academy project which chairman Bob Murray believes will provide the best facilities in British football. Work has started on landscaping 19 football pitches and building a new training ground at Whitburn, just a few
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Bennett won't panic buy as search for striker continues
Darlington manager Gary Bennett yesterday insisted he won't be rushed into signing new players as Quakers try to end a run of five straight league defeats at home to Mansfield today. Quakers have thrown points away in recent weeks because of their inability
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Appeal for help as potholed road becomes no-go area
A SMALL east Durham community is appealing for help as its only link road to the outside world gets more impassable. Deliveries to homes in the rural hamlet of Heath View, near Station Town, have already stopped and taxi drivers will neither drop off
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West tells Pool to learn from costly late errors
HARTLEPOOL United assistant manager Colin West has told his players to start learning from their costly mistakes - kicking-off this afternoon against Southend. Pool are back on home soil after the traumas of last week's trip to Cardiff, when they conceded
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Darlington gains accreditation
THE INSTITUTE of Financial Services has accredited a new scheme by Darlington Building Society to monitor the development of its mortgage specialists. The accreditation allows the society to mentor staff on their continuing professional development. Those
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Cosmic carnival with a million celestial swans
TROMSO, 200 miles beyond the Arctic Circle, is about as far north as you can get without enlisting the help of some trusty huskies. It's a busy little port built on an island, with a barren backdrop which reminds you this is on the edge of things. For
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Specialist denies lying to GMC
GYNAECOLOGIST Professor Kyprianos Nicolaides yesterday denied that he had lied to the General Medical Council's disciplinary committee enquiring into allegations of sexual misconduct against him. At a new hearing of the GMC's professional conduct committee
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Referee under fire from Shearer
ANGRY Newcastle United skipper Alan Shearer has accused Kent referee Steve Bennett of costing the Magpies a possible Worthington Cup quarter-final spot. Shearer was brought down in a one-on-one by Birmingham keeper Ian Bennett in an incident which tipped
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School's budding stars take to stage
A NEW school in a small town produced a show equal to and copying the television show Stars in Their Eyes. It even had a Matthew Kelly look-alike. The pupils of Tow Law Millennium Primary School had lots of help from adults to make the show successful
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Such a good season
Tees RC Club president Ian Godman was in excellent humour at Monday's annual meeting - and with good reason. The club have enjoyed one of their most successful seasons, winning 48 trophies. He congratulated retiring captain, Paul Buckworth, who has led
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Passengers back women's call to re-nationalise railways
ANGRY commuters launched a campaign in Darlington yesterday to re-nationalise the railways. Led by two Darlington women who regularly use the train to commute to Newcastle, the campaign is claimed to be the last throw of the dice for passengers fed up
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Chester le Street - Star pictures on show
THE best pictures captured by the region's local newspaper photographers have gone on display in Durham. The photographs, taken from 1999 entries for the North-East Press Awards, are on show at the University Library at Palace Green until December 15.
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Welcome for river barrage review
FIVE farmers, and two wildlife conservation groups are celebrating after the Environment Agency agreed to review whether a tidal barrage on the River Derwent was affecting rare ancient hay meadows. In an out of court settlement, the agency said it did
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Museum event will be magical
THE magic of Christmas will become a breath-taking reality thanks to a local magician. Steven Ashcroft, who became the youngest president of the Middlesbrough Circle of Magicians two years ago, will entertain queues waiting to see Santa at Kirkleatham
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Charity focus on hospice
THIS Christmas will see the start of fundraising efforts for a hospice at a Darlington shopping centre. Money donated at the Queen Street Centre, in Darlington, during its Christmas and Easter animations, will support the work of St Teresa's Hospice in
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Spectator's Notes: Just what we need, another talking shop
THE government's long-awaited Rural White Paper arrived this week with one or two good things in it (notably the market towns initiative - see our front page report). However, there was a great deal of window dressing too and a fair bit of announcing
