Archive
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S&N reports on a busy half year
BEER and trains will be things on investor's minds next week as a slew of high-profile companies post their figures. It has been a busy half year for brewing and pubs group Scottish & Newcastle, after agreeing the sale of Center Parcs and Pontins,
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Sharing the pain and the passion
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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Playing yesterday's games
HAVE you just bought a bang up-to-date computer? Does it sport the very latest Intel pentium III processor? Then I've got some bad news. It's already yesterday's technology. Stung by criticism that it held back new models until after Christmas, CPU giant
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Inquiry into regeneration programme
A INQUIRY has been launched into the management of a town's regeneration programme. South Bank Community Forum, a partnership team handling Single Regeneration Budget cash and plans for the renaissance of the town, on the edge of Middlesbrough, has launched
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Inquiry into regeneration programme
A INQUIRY has been launched into the management of a town's regeneration programme. South Bank Community Forum, a partnership team handling Single Regeneration Budget cash and plans for the renaissance of the town, on the edge of Middlesbrough, has launched
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Wardens or cameras weighed up
COUNCILLORS may increase monitoring of CCTV cameras in Hartlepool, or employ neighbourhood wardens to stamp out minor crimes. There are 39 CCTV cameras in Hartlepool, which are continuously videoed and monitored by council staff. Hartlepool borough councillors
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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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builders bring christmas cheer to elderly mugging victim
KIND-HEARTED builders have brought some Christmas cheer to the life of a pensioner, whose purse was stolen as she was shopping. Murial Jefferson, 74, was outside Argos, in Bishopton Lane, Stockton, at 4pm on Thursday, when she was approached from behind
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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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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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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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Football funding bid has £2m goal
FOOTBALLERS in Hartlepool could soon benefit from a £2m funding boost. The borough council has submitted a bid to the National Football Federation for money to revitalise facilities in the town. If it is successful, the money will be spent on improving
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Man jailed for his part in heroin tragedy
A MAN has been jailed after he admitted helping to provide heroin for an addict who died from a drugs cocktail. Michael Redhead, 22, telephoned a drug dealer and arranged for addict David Marks to pick up a £20 fix of heroin. When Redhead returned to
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Visitors make a bee-line for castle attractions
A castle has bucked the national trend for declining tourism by reporting rising visitor numbers. The 850-year-old Scarborough Castle has seen a ten per cent increase in visitors so far this year, despite flooding, the fuel crisis and a decrease in the
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Tackling the North-South divide with
Government support for England's regions is to be tailored to reflect the economic challenges each of them face. In what was billed as signalling a major shift in the way the Government funds regional economic policy, Trade and Industry Secretary Stephen
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Jodie and Ambleside set sights on big prize
RISING star-of-the-saddle Jodie Mogford stands on the brink of yet more big-race success aboard Ambleside (2.35) in the most valuable race of the day, the £35,000 Tote-sponsored John Hughes Memorial Chase at Chepstow. The majority of the ten-runner line-up
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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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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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Wash house thief escapes jail term
A BURGLAR who admitted a raid on the home of a former neighbour yesterday (Fri) escaped jail because a court heard he got no further than the wash-house. Christopher Haithwaite, 29, was spotted by a neighbour coming and going from Jacqueline Johnson's
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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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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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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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Appeal 'saved hundreds of lives'
A SMALL fundraising team led by South Durham GPs saved the lives of hundreds of heart patients, said a hospital specialist. Members of the Bishop Auckland Echo Cardiography Appeal met for the final time to hand over the last of three heart machines bought
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Can I claim benefit if I move overseas?
Q I am thinking of moving to the sun of the Canaries for my health. Will I be able to keep my Incapacity Benefit and Disability Living Allowance? A Not if your absence abroad is to be a permanent move. If it is only to be a temporary move you could get
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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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Colourful past captured
A TREASURE trove of memories has been collected to portray the colourful history of an East Durham town. Entitled "Memories of Seaham'', the book is published by County Durham Books, the publishing arm of Durham County Council's Arts Libraries and Museums
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Youth raped and abused cousin
A TEENAGER repeatedly raped and indecently assaulted his young cousin for more than two years, starting when she was just six. The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was found guilty yesterday. Newcastle Crown Court heard how the teenager
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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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Thanks Bobby, but I won't last as long as you
Aston Villa manager John Gregory has thanked his Newcastle counterpart Bobby Robson for the support and words of advice he gave him when his job was on the line. But he doesn't believe 67-year-old Robson could put up with 15 years of managership in the
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Angry Ginola recalled by Villa to face old Newcastle pals
David Ginola yesterday pledged his future to Aston Villa, and dismissed claims that he wants to quit the club. Ginola is fuming at reports that he wants to leave because of his lack of first team opportunities under manager John Gregory since his £3m
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End of the line for ailing chamber
A LEADING business organisation in County Durham is to close because of lack of interest. Members of Consett Chamber of Trade have not held a meeting for more than 18 months, and now president Billy Gowland has been charged with winding it down. The 80
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Crook look to Styles for help
Crook Town manager Dennis Pinkney is hoping to add some much-needed strength to his side before they travel to Peterlee today. Crook suffered their worst defeat since the war when they were thrashed 10-1 at Billingham Synthonia in midweek, and now Pinkney
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Cricket ground hotel scheme
DURHAM County Cricket Club plan to build a luxury hotel at their Riverside ground to help attract international matches. Following two one-day internationals this summer, the Chester-le-Street based club are planning to join the big hitters of the cricket
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City switches on to festive weekend
DURHAM City centre became a blaze of colour last night when the Christmas lights were switched on. The ceremony, in the Market Place, was performed by Mayor George Wharton and was preceded by pupils from St Godric's Primary School and Framwellgate School
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Crash driver could face prison
A MOTORIST responsible for a head-on crash, badly injuring another driver, was warned yesterday that he could be facing a prison sentence. Kenneth Raine pulled out in his Ford Scorpio to overtake two cars approaching a blind brow of a hill and collided
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Attacked landlord 'suffers anguish'
A NEWLY-WED father launch-ed a "savage and cowardly" attack on a pub landlord, a court heard. Adam Trotter, 20, attacked the licensee of the Queen's Head pub in Crook, County Durham, while another man pinned him down. The attack happened on April 9 after
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Shadow minister in car ban debate
A CONSERVATIVE MP was in the region yesterday, to listen to the concerns of public transport users over a controversial experiment. Bernard Jenkin, MP, the Conservative front bench spokesman on transport, arrived in Middlesbrough to speak to those affected
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Unsettling news for ale lovers
A GREAT day for the North-East and a great day for The County pub in Aycliffe. The leaders of two of the most powerful countries in Europe popped in for a swift half or two. But as befits visiting dignitaries not necessarily used to every local custom
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Unsettling news for ale lovers
A GREAT day for the North-East and a great day for The County pub in Aycliffe. The leaders of two of the most powerful countries in Europe popped in for a swift half or two. But as befits visiting dignitaries not necessarily used to every local custom
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College site housing scheme attacked
PLANS to build houses on a college site look likely to be approved, despite fierce objections from nearby residents. A proposal to build 51 homes on the site of Prior Pursglove College, in South Bank Avenue, Normanby, will be recommended for approval
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Flood defence work delayed by vandals
RESIDENTS' hopes of urgent flood defences have suffered a setback after thugs vandalised diggers brought in for the work. The communities of West Auckland and South Church fought hard to get emergency defences built along the River Gaunless. Work was
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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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Campaigners demand action over 'forgotten' area of town
A CAMPAIGN to clean up an area dubbed "the forgotten end of Northallerton" has been greeted with overwhelming public support, according to organisers. Residents and traders at the North End of the town have formed a pressure group to demand action is
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Playing yesterday's games
HAVE you just bought a bang up-to-date computer? Does it sport the very latest Intel pentium III processor? Then I've got some bad news. It's already yesterday's technology. Stung by criticism that it held back new models until after Christmas, CPU giant
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Club mates turn back the clock, with dramatic results
FORMER boys club friends have reunited to stage their own production. Bill Fellows and David Evans first worked together during the early 1970s at the Grangetown Boys' Club, which was then led by the late Bert Woolley MBE. They were room mates at drama
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The great good morning wake-up guide
THERE'S nothing good about the morning when it's dark and cold outside. Hedgehogs and tortoises have the right idea - hibernation is just the thing when winter draws in. It's so easy to snuggle back down under the duvet. But you know you're just putting
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New website launched by county council
A LOCAL authority expanded its accessibility to the public yesterday by launching a new website. North Yorkshire County Council's new site, designed locally and developed by staff in the authority's IT unit, provides details on everything from committee
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Celebrating £1.7m revamp
Local Government Minister Hilary Armstrong visited Wolsingham School and Community College yesterday, to mark the end of a £1.7m revamp. Part of the two-year scheme to upgrade and extend the school's accommodation involved demolishing, and rebuilding
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Tenants demand cash for estate
ANGRY council tenants who believe their estate has missed out on vital regeneration cash are demanding more money for facilities. People living in the Hardwick area of Stockton claim the borough council has repeatedly ignored their needs, while ploughing
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Artist michael bridges gap left by destruction of landmark
A DALES artist has paid his own tribute to a well-known landmark, which was wrecked during recent floods. Michael Bilton, of Grinton, Swaledale, has painted a 6ft canvas illustrating the collapse of the Reeth swing bridge. Both Mr Bilton and his partner
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PM 'rings a bell' at ceremony to mark
THE Prime Minister was the guest of honour at a celebration to mark the completion of Trimdon Millennium Green. Mr Blair, who is patron of the project, planted an oak tree, donated by East Durham and Houghall Community College, watched by guests and schoolchildren
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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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Santa floats around on charity mission
AN annual festive fundraising float will begin its tour around the Darlington area on Wednesday. Santa's Float, run by the Darlington Bondgate Round Table, is hoping to raise more than £9,000 for various charities in the area. On Wednesday, the tour visits
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Kind hearts and coronets
WHATEVER theatricals say about not working with children and animals, has never really applied to the church. Suffer them, the good book says - the bairns, if not the beasties. So Jemima Ridgeway became queen for the day, and queened it magnificently.
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Pupils provide charity boost
PUPILS at a County Durham comprehensive school brought their non-uniform day forward to raise money for Children In Need. Teacher Alan Fuller said: "We usually have a non-uniform day near the end of term, but I was approached by year ten students who
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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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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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Murdered dealer was in 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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Lib Dems choose election candidate
BISHOP Auckland Liberal Democrats have selected Chris Foote Wood as their prospective parliamentary candidate for the next general election. Mr Foote Wood is group leader on the Wear Valley District Council and is president of the Northern Region Liberal
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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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Selling games equipment is capital idea
A BUDDING North-East entrepreneur who is selling his much-in-demand Playstation2 is switching the sale to London. The Northern Echo told yesterday how the man from Middlesbrough, who wants only to be known as Paul, became the first in the region to advertise
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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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Witness tells court of his sex abuse shame
A SECOND witness in the trial of former Southampton soccer boss David Jones broke down in the box yesterday as he told of his confusion and shame at being abused as a youth. Liverpool Crown Court heard Boy B, serving a seven-year prison term for two robberies
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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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Police launch inquiry into man's death
POLICE have opened a "murder-style" investigation after a man was found dead in a street not far from his home. Anthony Muirhead, 25, was found on a pavement in Elgin Grove, East Stanley, County Durham, early yesterday morning. A post-mortem examination
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Police launch inquiry into man's death
POLICE have opened a "murder-style" investigation after a man was found dead in a street not far from his home. Anthony Muirhead, 25, was found on a pavement in Elgin Grove, East Stanley, County Durham, early yesterday morning. A post-mortem examination
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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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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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Kind hearts and coronets
WHATEVER theatricals say about not working with children and animals, has never really applied to the church. Suffer them, the good book says - the bairns, if not the beasties. So Jemima Ridgeway became queen for the day, and queened it magnificently.
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Green belt candidates proposed as car parks
LAND earmarked as green belt could be used as car parks for a park and ride scheme designed to reduce traffic congestion in the city of Durham. Durham City Council and Durham County Council have identified sites on the outskirts of the city that could
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Golightly forced to sit out cup clash
COUNTY cup rules have scuppered Darlington Mowden Park's plans to give Jonathan Golightly his debut at Consett today. Anyone playing in the Durham Challenge Cup must have appeared at least once for the club and Golightly was unable to play for the second
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Outcome in the balance as Pakistan battle back
PAKISTAN'S multi-dimensional attack provided a late but clinical response to another encouraging display by England's batsman to leave the outcome of the second Test in the balance at the Iqbal Stadium. For the best part of two months England have been
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Trade Secretary pledges more cash for North-East
TRADE and Industry Secretary Stephen Byers last night continued his campaign to boost spending on the North-East by promising extra cash for the region. Speaking at the North CBI dinner in Gateshead, Mr Byers said increases in spending on regional development
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Teacher faces retrial over rape claim
A TEACHER, found guilty of raping a 19-year-old student, had his conviction overturned by three judges yesterday. However, Mark Trevor Calvert, 27, of Doncaster Road, Newcastle, must face a retrial. Mr Calvert was convicted of the rape at Newcastle Crown
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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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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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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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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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Bishops need to be tough
Bishop Auckland manager Tony Lee has warned his side to expect a tough game at Altrincham today as they bid for a third-round place in the FA Umbro Trophy. Bishops go to their UniBond League rivals with an unbeaten run of nine games behind them - including
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Crook look to Styles for help
Crook Town manager Dennis Pinkney is hoping to add some much-needed strength to his side before they travel to Peterlee today. Crook suffered their worst defeat since the war when they were thrashed 10-1 at Billingham Synthonia in midweek, and now Pinkney
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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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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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Coroner's insulin injections warning to bodybuilders
BODYBUILDERS have been warned by a coroner of the dangers of injecting insulin to enhance their physique. Speaking at the inquest into the death of Paul Ward, 35, Sunderland coroner Martin Shaw warned of the deadly effects that dabbling with insulin or
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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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Nurses get to heart of the matter
TWO nurses have been appointed to help fight heart disease in Durham and Chester-le-Street. The area's primary care group has given Carol Ruddick and Paula Dailey the job of improving the treatment of sufferers and identifying people at risk. The pair
