Archive
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Reassurance as sister firm axes 240 jobs
WORKERS in the problem-plagued textile industry received more bad news yesterday when it was revealed that Courtaulds would be axing jobs, this time in Yorkshire. Staff at the firm's West Auckland factory, in County Durham, were told by management that
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Sainsbury reports a record Christmas
SUPERMARKET chain Sainsbury's had a record Christmas despite showing only a modest pick-up in sales in the past three months. The group said like-for-like sales, excluding income from new stores, had risen by 0.7 per cent in the 12 weeks to January 6.
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Store revamps help House of Fraser to sparkle
REVAMPED stores on London's Oxford Street and in Guildford helped boost sales at House of Fraser over the Christmas period, the department stores group claimed yesterday. In the seven weeks to January 6, the group, which includes House of Fraser, Army
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Paying the price for a personal pension
Q Some years ago I took out a personal pension because my employer had no scheme. Now I hear that it will be deducted from my State Pension leaving me no better off. Is this right? A It will not affect your basic State Retirement Pension. It is your additional
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Clear case of mistaken identity
ELECTION fever is running high at Westminster and William Hague hasn't got a prayer... or has he? Labour are obviously nowhere near as confident as the opinion polls suggest. How else do we explain this bizarre complaint of political bias by a Labour
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Christmas bonus for charities
A TEESSIDE club is celebrating a successful fundraising period over Christmas, which will help local charities. The Middlesbrough Teesside Lions Club, which covers Middlesbrough, Redcar and east Cleveland, has raised more than £1,500 through various events
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Businesses hit by petrol leak at superstore
SUPERMARKET chain Morrisons could face compensation claims from small businesses closed yesterday by a petrol leak from one of its filling stations. Pubs, shops and takeaways in part of Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, closed after almost
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The future's all in the cards
CHANCES are you've never heard of Jen-Hsun Huang. If you are into playing games on the PC, however, he is the genius who helps your beige box out-perform a PlayStation II. Huang is the chief executive officer of graphics chip company nVidia. His personal
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Sex charge prisoner starving himself
A PRISONER who has been on hunger strike for 39 days was said to be giving cause for concern last night. A close watch is being kept on 44-year-old Durham jail inmate Paul Jones, who has gone without food and water since December 4. He has been moved
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Restaurateur offers reward for carving
A RESTAURANT is offering a substantial reward for the return of a wood sculpture stolen by thieves. A hibiscus wood carving of a number of dolphins was taken from Sunderland restaurant 11 Tavistock Place while staff were working in the lower level of
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Business needs placed in spotlight
THE needs of the modern businesses will be examined at a national conference to be held in the region. Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council is organising the event, on Thursday, January 18, on behalf of the British Urban Regeneration Association, at UK
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Mouchel sees massive profits rise
PROPERTY agents Mouchel, has seen its profits boosted by 50 per cent after extending the services it offers and improving its operational and commercial management. The company's Northallerton office became the base for engineering and land and property
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Power walk your way to fitness
WALKING is one of the easiest and cheapest forms of exercise; it's a good de-stresser and good for general well-being. But forget leisurely strolls through the countryside. For maximum benefit you should be out of breath, red in the face and sweating.
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Shop raids heighten concern over knife menace
POLICE are increasingly concerned about the number of incidents involving the use of knives after a third off-licence raid in just four days. In the past week, three shops in Hartlepool, Teesside, have been targeted by thieves armed with weapons. There
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Doctor in teenager's death inquiry replaced by locum
A DOCTOR arrested in connection with the death of a teenage patient has been replaced at his surgery. Dr Thomas White was questioned by detectives in Skipton, North Yorkshire, about the death of a 19-year-old female patient earlier this week. Yesterday
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Pub teen disco plan to tackle youth boredom
A partnership between the police and a local publican is being launched next week to tackle the problems of youth boredom. Bishop Auckland Police and Sylvia Shaw, landlady of the Queen's Head, in the town, will be holding discos for young people at her
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Hunt for driver
POLICE in Consett are trying to trace a driver suspected of deliberately crashing into four parked cars. A witness told how he saw a lorry plough into four cars in Front Street, Leadgate, near Consett, early on New Year's Day. Anyone with information
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Greater concessionary travel choice on offer
THE 16,000 people eligible for concessionary bus fares in Darlington are to get more choice in how they use their discounts. Presently, local authorities are free to implement whatever type of concessionary travel scheme they wish, with statutory limits
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Transport partner resigns over roads
A MEMBER of the County Durham Local Transport Plan Partnership has resigned because of the number of new road projects approved by the Government. Paul Worsnop was the representative from the Local Agenda 21 Sustainable Communities Initiative on the partnership
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Fresh upset over cash prize letters
A FORMER councillor is still being plagued by letters addressed to his late wife from a company inviting her to enter a cash prize draw. The Northern Echo reported a week ago how Jim Smith, of Sunnybrow, near Crook, County Durham, had been inundated with
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Doctor accused of force tells GMC -birth is painful'
WOMEN'S expectations of pain-free birth are artificially raised in today's society, a doctor accused of using undue force to deliver babies said yesterday. In reality, labour is "painful and bloody" and fathers should not be present during an instrumental
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Hospice facility awaits consultant
A HOSPICE in-patient facility has been closed until a new consultant can start work. Hartlepool and District Hospice has cancelled its in-patient department while it awaits the arrival of a new consultant next month. The facility, which offers respite
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Sex pest's appeal fails
A SCHOOLBOY'S detailed description of a man with a red face netted a sex pest, a court heard. The 15-year-old spotted him in a Transit van parked at Redcar. The young cyclist phoned police saying the man was indecently exposing himself behind the wheel
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Teesside team in fine form
STOKESLEY will be hoping to continue where they left off last week when they visit Ryhope CW this afternoon. The Teessiders rattled in ten goals last Saturday but they will find today's opponents a different proposition. Despite losing to leaders Nissan
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Harsh jibe helped Sharp to live up to his name
HARTLEPOOL United defender James Sharp has said a big thank you to coach Colin West - for hitting him with some harsh words. Sharp is in the Pool line-up this afternoon as his club aim for a club record-equalling seven games in a row at Cheltenham. And
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Harsh jibe helped Sharp to live up to his name
HARTLEPOOL United defender James Sharp has said a big thank you to coach Colin West - for hitting him with some harsh words. Sharp is in the Pool line-up this afternoon as his club aim for a club record-equalling seven games in a row at Cheltenham. And
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Bennett wants Quakers to become pass masters
DARLINGTON manager Gary Bennett is hoping that Quakers will turn the Division Three corner at Plymouth this afternoon. Quakers, who are 17th in the table, go into this afternoon's game against their 1996 play-off conquerors with increased confidence after
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Darlington cruise through to final clash with Shields
PAST winners Darlington meet South Shields in the zone final of the Women's Inter-Club Championship for the Yetton Trophy. Darlington, who triumphed in 1989, had a comprehensive 52-shot victory over Hartlepool, while South Shields progressed after a much
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Falcons' try count vital to Euro Shield progress
RELYING on the boot of Jonny Wilkinson will not be enough for Newcastle in their European Shield group decider at home to Benetton Treviso tomorrow. To oust the Italians from top spot, the Falcons must win by a two-try margin, or by one try plus an overall
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The new heart beats strong
THEY call it a church plant, but really it's a transplant. Melsonby Methodist chapel had only four or five members, its condition critical, when the graft was carried out. Inarguably it's taken; now the little community may be in for another shot in the
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Ear sewn back on firefighter
POLICE have found part of an ear which was bitten off a firefighter. Chris Williams, 27, had a lump of flesh torn from his right ear as he dealt with a car blaze at Rushyford, near Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, on Wednesday night. Police found the missing
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Bronzed off over soccer star's statue
A CITY'S bronze statue of one of its greatest footballing sons was revealed yesterday to be sculpted from inexpensive fibreglass. The tribute to the late Len Shackleton has stood in Sunderland for ten years and was admired by countless visitors to Shackleton
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Food and cars in the spotlight
FOOD will feature heavily in the minds of market watchers next week, as updates are due from supermarket chains Tesco, Safeway and Somerfield. Tesco will kick off the week with its trading statement on Monday, coming hot on the heels of arch-rival Sainsbury's
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Footballers are fibre side champions
A NORTH-EAST school is the latest to take part in a scheme to encourage people to eat more fruit and vegetables. Darlington footballers and food experts visited the town's Eastbourne Comprehensive School yesterday. The players refereed a game of five-a-side
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New round in bail hostel fight
PROTESTORS facing a second battle to stave off bail hostel plans in Chester-le-Street town centre are holding a public meeting next week. The Greenbank Club, scene of many heated meetings during the first campaign to block plans for the 25-bed hostel,
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Man accused of attack on women with baseball bat
A MAN appeared in court yesterday on charges relating to an alleged baseball bat attack on three women. Michael English is accused of two offences of wounding, one of assault causing actual bodily harm, and a public order offence, following the incident
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Weather and transport problems hit bodyshop
ETHICAL cosmetics retailer Body Shop International has blamed the weather, transport difficulties and poor sales of some new lines for a disappointing Christmas and warned it would see a ten to 15 per cent decline in profits this year. While worldwide
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TV pop group hopefuls are dreaming of life at the top
TWO North-East men hope to be one step closer to fulfilling a musical dream of becoming pop stars on national television this evening. David Wilson, from Gateshead, and Stuart Pawley, from Dipton, near Stanley, County Durham, have made it to the last
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British Midland set to reveal new look
BRITISH Midland, the UK's second largest airline, is set to announce a new name and livery for its fleet next month. The airline is taking the step to help it break out of the European market and into the more lucrative US long-haul market. A spokeswoman
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WEARMEN GO SECOND
WEST HAM 0, SUNDERLAND 2 Sunderland hoisted themselves to second place in the Premiership with a battling display in front of new England coach Sven Goran Eriksson at Upton Park. Peter Reid's men survived early West Ham pressure to take the lead in the
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Hospital death rates revealed by guide
A GOOD hospital guide, which claims to provide an insight into medical standards, is published this weekend. The league table shows that hospitals in Newcastle and in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, have below-average death rates compared with the rest
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The future's all in the cards
CHANCES are you've never heard of Jen-Hsun Huang. If you are into playing games on the PC, however, he is the genius who helps your beige box out-perform a PlayStation II. Huang is the chief executive officer of graphics chip company nVidia. His personal
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Murder and mayhem on a killer weekend
WE HAD barely sat down for our starters when the killer struck. A man few of us had even noticed in the cocktail bar walked through the door into the dining room and promptly collapsed, clutching his throat and groaning in agony. The other 70 or so diners
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Pound of bananas landed trader in tonnes of trouble
THE colour-coordinated racks of fruit and vegetables in greengrocer Steve Thoburn's market stall present an unlikely frontline for a legal battle of constitutional importance. But defiantly displayed signs advertising the wares in imperial pounds and
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'I almost died on my desert island'
AT THIS precise moment, Hollywood star Tom Hanks wishes he was back on his desert island in the South Pacific. He has emerged from a photocall with dozens of photographers at London's Dorchester Hotel for yet another interview on a seemingly endless promotional
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Vote to keep town show
A town show has been saved after councillors voted to let it carry on into its 47th year. It had been suggested that the Hartlepool Show was out-of-date and should be shelved, because of falling attendances. Complaints had also been received about the
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diamond couple celebrate
AN Irish couple who moved to Darlington in 1954 celebrated 60 years of marriage this week. Although Ann and Patrick Sheehan moved to England in 1939, they came from different parts of Ireland and lived in different towns in this country. Mrs Sheehan,
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Heart patient is a happy chapati
WHO says hospital food is always boring? At one North-East infirmary meal times are about to get a touch of spice. Grateful curry house boss Abdul Latif thanked Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary staff who nursed him through a heart scare with 1,000 packets
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Mother sought for pups abandoned to die in the cold
THESE tiny two-day old puppies were dumped under a hedge before their eyes had even opened. The three bitches were rescued by the RSPCA, which is looking after them at its Great Ayton centre, North Yorkshire. The tan and white puppies, which should still
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residents soothe worries with spot of tai chi
A SHELTERED housing complex is offering older people the chance to try a range of courses. Albany House in Southwick, Sunderland, is running courses in subjects such as tai chi, aromatherapy, gentle yoga and crafts. The complex, which is run by Sunderland
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Eagle lands honours
A MARKET town pub is the toast of real ale drinkers for the second time in three years. The Spread Eagle, in Stokesley High Street, has been voted pub of the season by the Cleveland branch of the Campaign for Real Ale. Licensee Jean Adlington's pub has
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Boksic double delight
Middlesbrough 4 Derby County 0 Croatian ace Alen Boksic led the way with a double strike as Middlesbrough stretched their unbeaten run under Terry Venables to a magnificent seven matches. Boksic slotted home his eighth goal of the season with a 42nd-minute
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Lee plans to inflict giant-killing act on Clough junior
BISHOP Auckland manager Tony Lee is planning on adding yet another big name to his impressive list of scalps in the FA Trophy. And he has Burton Albion firmly fixed in his sights, the brewery town club managed by Nigel Clough and aiming for the Nationwide
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Gray with an early chance to impress
SUNDERLAND captain Michael Gray gets the chance at West Ham this afternoon to ressurrect his England career by impressing the man who'd never heard of him - Sven Goran Eriksson. The new England coach admitted when he was appointed ten weeks ago that he
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Inquiry after fatal fall
HEALTH and safety officials have launched an investigation into the death of a man who was killed while carrying out urgent repairs to a primary school roof yesterday. The man, who has not been named, was removing unsafe coping stones from a peak at the
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Vision of how world sees us
THE image of the region around the world, and how it can be improved, is being investigated. The North-East Regional Assembly and the regional development agency One North-East have joined forces to develop a regional image strategy. As part of the work
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Baby . . . just look at you now
TEENAGER Katy Pearn has battled back from cancer to be signed up as a model. The 13-year-old, from Wingate, in County Durham, was struck down with a rare form of the killer disease when she was only three. But she recovered and is now waiting for her
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Fire crews cut free trapped driver
FIREFIGHTERS had to cut free a young man trapped for an hour in a wrecked car. Paramedics administered painkillers while rescue crews worked to free the 20-year-old from the crashed BMW. It went out of control and hit a lamppost at Loftus, east Cleveland
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'Nightmare' job no task for young man - Robson
VETERAN boss Bobby Robson reckons a younger man would have buckled under the "nightmare'' strain of managing Newcastle United. Robson, 68 next month, has spent almost half his life as a manager. And since he took charge at St. James' Park 16 months ago
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Police warn of bogus officials
POLICE officers have repeated a warning about bogus officials after money was stolen from two Hartlepool pensioners. In the first incident on Thursday, a 93-year-old man allowed a man and a woman, claiming to be from the water board, into his home in
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Teesside team in fine form
STOKESLEY will be hoping to continue where they left off last week when they visit Ryhope CW this afternoon. The Teessiders rattled in ten goals last Saturday but they will find today's opponents a different proposition. Despite losing to leaders Nissan
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Bennett hopes to carry on good work against Plymouth
DARLINGTON manager Gary Bennett is hoping that Quakers will turn the Division Three corner at Plymouth this afternoon. Quakers, who are 17th in the table, go into this afternoon's game against their 1996 play-off conquerors with increased confidence after
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Darlington cruise through to final clash with Shields
PAST winners Darlington meet South Shields in the zone final of the Women's Inter-Club Championship for the Yetton Trophy. Darlington, who triumphed in 1989, had a comprehensive 52-shot victory over Hartlepool, while South Shields progressed after a much
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Brian's Pining for glory
GREAT Britain international Brian Rushworth, who won the North-East Cross Country Championship for a record tenth time, now has his sights set on the Durham Pine North-East Harrier League senior men's title. The 38-year-old college lecturer was not expected
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The new heart beats strong
THEY call it a church plant, but really it's a transplant. Melsonby Methodist chapel had only four or five members, its condition critical, when the graft was carried out. Inarguably it's taken; now the little community may be in for another shot in the
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Welcome for cyclists' guide
CYCLISTS in north County Durham have a new guide to help them navigate the cycle paths of Derwentside. The publication, called Cycling in Derwentside, aims to promote cycling to riders of all abilities. The guide promotes the seven cycle paths in the
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New saucy show rocks spa town
Full Monty-style male strippers are invading a spa town already reeling from the introduction of controversial lap dancing sessions. There was uproar late last year when a nightspot in Station Parade, Harrogate, announced it would be featuring lap dancers
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Calm doon, court tells Toon fanatic
SOCCER fanatic David Pattison ended up in court after his wife had him arrested for over-exuberant goal celebrations. Football widow Marie Pattison saw red when her Newcastle United fan partner refused to calm down after his side's late FA Cup equaliser
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Help for Eriksson but points priority for Reid
PREMIERSHIP Manager of the Month Peter Reid last night promised Sven-Goran Eriksson "every co-operation" at today's key game at West Ham - but he will not allow the presence of the new England coach to distract his team from the main objective of winning
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Rowing effort hit by illness
A CHEST infection stopped a police officer's effort to raise funds for charity. Inspector Harry Simpson was ordered by his doctor to quit halfway through his 600-mile stint on a gym rowing machine, after suffering a chest infection over Christmas. However
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Walkers urged to help hunt for killer
DETECTIVES investigating the murder of a man whose body was found in a North-East field are urging walkers to help find his killer. The body of Mark Corley, 22, was found with a gunshot wound near the village of Bolam, near Darlington, last month. A well-known
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Boy road victim dies
A TEENAGER who was hit by a car while crossing a road lost his fight for life in hospital yesterday. Jamie Colin Sanders, 16, of Bullamoor Road, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, had been in intensive care at York District Hospital since suffering serious
