Archive
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Durham - Company abandons plans for hostel
VILLAGERS are celebrating after plans to convert a nursing home into a hostel for asylum seekers were abandoned. Durham City Council revealed that Gateshead-based G and J Houghton had withdrawn its planning application for the former Appletree Nursing
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West end anger as power fails for fourth time
HOUSEHOLDERS in the west end of Darlington this week experienced their fourth power cut since Christmas. Monday morning's electricity failure affected about 2,000 customers, including homes in Tower Road, Fife Road and Woodland Terrace. The cut lasted
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Pensioners angry at wait for bus passes
PENSIONERS have accused a council of stupidity for making them queue for more than an hour to receive a bus pass. There have been reports of elderly people fainting while waiting for concessionary passes in Darlington Town Hall. This is the time of year
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Children set bench mark
CHILDREN have been setting the bench mark in seat design by creating an eye-catching feature in their village. For the past year, Billy Row Community Association has been working to improve the appearance of the village near Bishop Auckland, with help
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North Yorkshire - 'Vaccine is needed now'
THE owner of a tiny smallholding in Richmond is urging the Government to rethink its polices on foot and mouth disease. Susan Robson owns a handful of sheep which she keeps on a small parcel of land off Quaker Lane. She's among thousands who have powerlessly
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Driver escapes unhurt in rail embankment crash
A DRIVER escaped injury in a crash that left his Land Rover only yards from a railway line. Firefighters were called to an accident at Kirkleatham Lane where a Land Rover had slipped down an embankment. The driver had turned out of Kirkleatham Street
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Thorp Perrow cricketer takes his sporting message to Taiwan
A YOUNG teacher from Snape is hoping that he will score 100 not out in spreading the message of cricket in Taiwan. Mr Andrew Carrick left Britain to teach English in Taiwan nine years ago but his love of cricket brought him home for holidays so that he
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Builders' green initiative has a sting in the tail
GUESTS will be making flying visits to a new chain of "hotels" being opened across the region in the near future. However, the visitors will not be paying guests - but swarms of bees searching for homes. As part of its Gardening for Wildlife project,
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Making right connections
ELECTRICAL components manufacturer Mechetronics is bringing its Far East connections back home to offer international opportunities to overseas students training in the region. The Bishop Auckland company is working with partner Freewood Industries, which
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Farmer's wife speaks of strain of isolation
A FARMER'S wife this week spoke of the strain of living in the vicinity of five outbreaks of foot and mouth disease. "It is extremely frightening, I really can't explain how terrifying it is," said Mrs Angela Thompson. She and her family have lived in
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Villages may act together about flood defences
A VILLAGE regularly affected by floods wants reassurances from Darlington council that it will be protected in future. Neasham Parish Council was not amused to hear that fears that surface water from a proposed 28-acre business park at Morton Palms would
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BHS re-issues advice on foot-and-mouth
HORSES cannot get the disease, and they are not "carriers" of the disease in the medical sense, the British Horse Society has emphasised. Horses would not have to be slaughtered on an infected farm, a society spokeswoman said this week. This has been
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Plea to government for small abattoirs
THE government has been urged to implement fully measures to save small and medium-sized abattoirs. Concerned that many rural abattoirs have closed, the Country Land and Business Association, along with 21 other organisations, including RSPCA, RSPB, Soil
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North Yorkshire - Toilet debate is over
A LONG-RUNNING saga over where to site Northallerton's toilets has finally ended after plans were unveiled for a 'superloo.' A site has been agreed by members of Hambleton District Council, which favours demolishing the Applegarth toilets to develop a
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Rob comes through the trial of his life
IN his mid-20s, Rob Edwards was among Britain's top motor cycle trialists, number one rider for a Spanish works team and winner of 20 national events including the celebrated Scott - up and over Swaledale - and the British Experts. His trials, however
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Reynolds and Hodgson clash on air
Darlington chairman George Reynolds today challenged former Quakers boss David Hodgson to a 'head to head' discussion after an early morning appearance on a local radio station. Speaking to Century's breakfast show host 'Goffy', Reynolds once again lifted
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Grandma's mint jelly goes down well in US
A SMALL company which makes preserves at Healey, near Masham, is managing to tap into the lucrative American market after redesigning its labels. Rosebud Preserves is enjoying particular success with its mint jelly, made to a recipe handed down to the
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Want some Euro cash? Now turn to page 378
ANYONE asking for money from Europe had better be prepared for some paperwork... all 378 pages of it. Mr Ian Crowther, chief executive of Business Solutions Bedale, found himself surrounded by even more paper than usual when he downloaded the contents
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Shoppers back Women's Aid
SHOPPERS in Stanley signed a petition to help a campaign against domestic violence yesterday. Members of Derwentside Women's Aid collected signatures in the town's Asda store to help combat violence against women and children. All signatures collected
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Spennymoor Sunday League
Spennymoor Sunday League S and ice put paid to the fixture list and mow the league faces a chaotic run-in with some clubs having 18 league games to fulfil. But the league is adamant that, despite the atrocious weather which has dogged the season, they
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Chester le Street - Shot mum scared stiff after attack
A MOTHER who was gunned down by one of the North-East's most notorious gangsters is in fear of her life after being stabbed. Heather Honey, 28, has spoken at length from her secret hideaway for the first time since she testified against violent criminal
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Rothmans hold on for victory
Darlington and District League Frozen pitches caused several postponements but four games did go ahead. Conditions were tricky at Rothmans and played a part in two of their opening goals against Cricketers, although keeper Andy Rea should have done better
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Basketball
Durham League First Division Middlesbrough Mavericks suffered a Durham County Cup quarter-finals shock, losing 101-88 to Second Division Hartlepool Hornets A who opened a 9-2 fourth-minute lead. A time-out settled Mavericks and by the end of the first
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First Test lessons to be learnt
WE'VE all heard of the Indian karaoke enthusiast, Gerupta Singh, and perhaps even the Iranian Elvis Presley impersonator, Amal Shuckup. But what about all these other Singhs suddenly bursting on to the sporting scene? I can almost hear Gerupta bursting
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Football: New signings prove worth
QUAKERS gave themselves a fillip ahead of tomorrow's derby game with high-flying Hartlepool United by winning away for only the second time this season. The 2-0 victory over Carlisle United lifted Darlington to 18th place in the Nationwide Third Division
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Cash boost for computer suites
RESIDENTS in Hartlepool are to benefit from almost £750,000 as part of a fund set up by the Government to improve computing facilities. Eight community organisations teamed up with Hartlepool Borough Council to submit the bid for cash to the New Opportunities
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Farmers urged to report unfair prices amid accusations of profiteering
THE NFU is urging farmers to report slaughterhouses paying unfair prices for animals, after accusations of profiteering on the back of the foot-and-mouth outbreak. According to the National Beef Association, the big English slaughterhouses have mystified
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Police step up crime up crime battle with 'station on wheels'
A NEW police station on wheels is about to hit the roads of North Yorkshire as the force takes crime fighting to people's doorsteps. The new project, which is costing £187,000, will see "white van man" take on a whole new meaning across the highways and
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Chester le Street - Business bid lands ex-bobby in court
A FORMER police officer's bid to market a defence spray left him 'a broken man' after falling foul of the law, a court heard. Ex-Durham Police sergeant Bob Gardiner, who quit the force on medical grounds after 18-years' 'exemplary' service, ploughed much
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Wear Valley - Disease breaks out at another farm in county
A FURTHER case of foot and mouth disease hit the region this week as the outbreak continues to sweep the country. Marshall Green Farm is the second business at Witton-le-Wear to be have been officially confirmed as having the disease. Farmer Joseph Johnson
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Darts
Tow Law Bass League SUNNISIDE Comedian caused a major upset when they beat the visiting title-chasing Tow Law New Market A by three points. The home side took both trebles' points and then had Jeff Ridley, Harry Bowes and Robert Wilkinson as singles winners
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Group to help people with bone disease
A support group has been set up for those who suffer from fragile bone disease. The first meeting of the National Osteoporosis Society support group (NOS) will be held in the Golden Lion Hotel, on Northallerton's High Street, on Wednesday, at 7.30pm,
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Squash
Hambleton Ales North Yorkshire League There might be a chasing pack but it looks odds on Harrogate Squash to take the First Division title in the League. Squash served up their 13th win of the season, beating Thorp Perrow 2-1 away to keep well ahead of
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'Come clean' over school's future
THE row over East Cleveland's new school deepened this week. Amid controversy over hours at Freeborough community college, Redcar and Cleveland council has been urged to "come clean" on the scheme. Coun Steve Kay, Independent, said the sums did not add
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romanov family say thanks - in russian with love
STAFF at a supermarket who were sent an unusual thank-you letter have turned to The Northern Echo to find out what is says. The letter from Belarus was sent to the workers at Asda in Stockton after they took part in the Operation Shoebox appeal last year
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Past Lives: Don Bradman: my part in his downfall
WE'RE down to one or two survivors of the Titanic now, very old women who, as toddlers on the fatal night, were handed down into lifeboats which did not have room for "one of England's greatest men" - as editor W T Stead is described on a plaque attached
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Lord Zetland closes mill with loss of four jobs
THE crisis in agriculture, high diesel costs and winter floods were blamed for the closure of the sawmill on the Zetland estate, near Richmond. The operation closed, with the loss of four jobs, after a number of factors conspired to render it unviable
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The UniBond League
Bishop Auckland's slim hopes of winning the Premier Division were extinguished when they lost 3-1 at leaders Emley on Tuesday night. Bishops never recovered from a three-goal blast by the home side in the first half hour. Bishops improved in the second
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Schools survey will help to make travel healthier
NEARLY 50,000 youngsters from across North Yorkshire have taken part in one of the largest surveys ever carried out into school transport. The county was the biggest participant in a regional study in which children were asked the simple question "How
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Hi-tech printing firm brings 50 jobs to Thirsk
FIFTY new jobs will be created in Thirsk this month when one of the UK's fastest-growing book publishing and printing companies opens new premises. Stratus Holdings plc are opening a 15,000 sqft digital printing facility and office accommodation on Thirsk
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Police step up pressure to stop night spot
POLICE have submitted extra evidence to back their claims that a planned night spot will increase city centre trouble. Senior officers fear an increase in drink-fuelled disorder if the Robins Cinema, in North Road, Durham, becomes an Australian theme
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Round-the-clock shopping wins fans in Northallerton
A FEW eyebrows were raised in Northallerton when the town's Tesco supermarket announced it was opening 24 hours a day. Just over a week into the new hours, the D&S Times made a late-night visit to find out who was shopping there in the dead of night
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The Albany Northern League
The league has asked every member club to nominate someone to participate in the Great North Run on September 16. The league's initiative is in aid of charity, and chairman Mike Amos - who will also be doing the run along with league president George
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Church dogged by fouling
DOG fouling is becoming a problem at St Margaret's Church at Brotton. The church has been the target of vandals several times during the past few months but now it is dog owners who are being blamed for the latest outbreak - because they won't clean up
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Ex-officer's long wait to clear his name
AN ex-police officer, jailed for a crime he says he did not commit, has spoken of a frustrating wait to clear his name. An investigation into claims that Cleveland traffic officer Sultam Alam, 39, was wrongly jailed for 18 months may be ready in May,
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Spectator's Notes: Rail museum braces itself for tough decision
VIZ magazine has never been required reading in the Spectator household. Spectator's no prude, readers should understand. It is just that after initial brilliance its humour quickly lost its novelty and descended into clich-ridden rudeness. Brands of
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Junior Football
Darlington Boys A DRAMATIC winner deep in extra-time finally put paid to the Under-15s run in the Teesside Alliance Alternative Cup, beaten 2-1 by Grangetown. The Boys again raised their game against higher league opposition and led 1-0 through a direct
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Business grinds to a halt in the hills
AN economic catastrophe is poised to strike the Yorkshire dales and moors as foot-and-mouth begins to rip the heart from rural businesses. As thousands of visitors obey requests to stay away, tourism-related businesses this week stared disaster in the
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Children draw on ideas for play area
CHILDREN are helping to create their own playground, with art work, which will transform a grassland. Artist Graeme Hopper hopes to inject a splash of colour into land opposite Kwik Save, Bishop Auckland, when he helps create a play area. He is creating
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'Over the top' calming scheme goes ahead
TRAFFIC calming measures to be introduced to slow speeding traffic in Great Ayton have been described as over the top. In a letter read out to members of North Yorkshire County Council's area committee for Hambleton, Coun June Imeson likened the proposals
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Marske in replay
AN EQUALISING goal 35 seconds from the end of normal time denied Marske a place in the semi-finals of the FA Carlsberg Vase on Saturday. Marske were on the verge of knocking out one of the competition favourites until Bedlington's Robert Cockburn made
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Wearside League
A Plain are hoping that last week's outstanding victory at Whitehaven will be the springboard for a successful end to the season. The North-West Durham club were very much the underdogs but confounded the critics when they gave their best performance
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Swimming
There are several notable absentees from the first of this year's four Northumberland and Durham championship galas, which is staged at Newcastle tomorrow and Sunday (9.30am and 2.30pm), writes ERIC WILKINSON. They include Olympians Sue Rolph, who has
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Letters: Farmers caught in an armlock
Sir, - I am sure the very supportive British public will be pleased to hear that the meat they will be able to buy next week should be cheaper than before the recent foot-and-mouth outbreak. The price received for beef animals by farmers over the past
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Chance to meet your local councillors
REDCAR and Cleveland councillors are holding surgeries this weekend in the following wards: Today: Guisborough, Guisborough Library, 6-7pm. Tomorrow: Belmont, Anchor Inn, Belmongate, 9.30-10.30am; Brotton, Brotton Library, 10.30-11.30am; Guisborough,
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Credit union finds new home
A DARLINGTON credit union is to open up in shop premises. Cockerton churches group has taken over the now empty Smyths bakery shop in West Auckland Road. Volunteers are cleaning it in readiness for opening in a couple of weeks' time. Mr Michael O'Hickey
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Funtastic fundraiser
TWO Redcar boys are organising a spring fair to raise money for charity. Last year, Michael Philo and Tom Neal, both aged 11, sat through 18 James Bond videos in a Bond Aid marathon and raised more than £600 for the Katie Trust. The charity was set up
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Lifesaver offer to smokers
SMOKERS are being given an extra reason to quit and possibly save their lives by the Tees and Durham Energy Efficiency Advice Centre. Next week, anyone who wants to quit the habit will be able to exchange 20 cigarettes for two life-saving carbon monoxide
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Eleven miles, one hour, but worlds apart
JOHN Prescott was in an irritable, irascible mood. He kept chuntering to himself about the inanity and the stupidity of dunderheaded journalists asking what he regarded as silly and trivial questions about the Mandelson circus. That circus was being held
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Aspin relishes return to Feethams in derby clash
NEIL ASPIN is expecting a rough ride at Darlington this afternoon. But Hartlepool United's former Feethams favourite is hoping for a touch of leniency. Six weeks ago, Aspin joined a select band of first-team players to make the short trip along the A66
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Tait's derby experience could benefit Quakers
Darlington manager Gary Bennett is backing his charges to make a better impression against Hartlepool today than when they last met. Quakers lost 2-1 at Victoria Park on October 7, a below-par performance which saw them slip from fifth to eighth. Assistant
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Rugby Union
Coach Paul Ponton takes a Royal Grammar School, Newcastle, side to the semi-finals of the Daily Mail Cup Under-18 against Campion (Hornchurch) tomorrow believing they are better than the team who lost the 1994 final. Their captain seven years ago was
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Mandelson cleared - but what a mess
THE Government was last night facing mounting pressure over its handling of the Hinduja passport affair after former Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Mandelson was cleared of any impropriety. The Hammond Inquiry into the granting of naturalisation applications
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Gloves are off in radio interview
George Reynolds: Our position now is better than it was in 1996-97 when we were six off the bottom with 38 players and in 1997-98 when we were fifth from the bottom. Nobody can argue with the facts. Paul GOUGH: So are you saying that Hodgson did a bad
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Town starting waste paper recycling
PEOPLE have been given the chance to go green and recycle their waste paper. In the coming months, homes will be given a blue bag by Stockton Borough Council to collect their old newspapers, magazines, junk mail, white paper and catalogues. The bags will
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Racing Week, by Jo Scott: Racing returns but the big one falls victim to FMD
RACING IS on again - but Cheltenham is off. The Festival cannot take place because there were sheep grazing the course too recently for the new precautions implemented by the British Horseracing Board (BHB) and Jockey Club (JC). The Irish had already
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HEAR ALL SIDES
FOOT-AND-MOUTH IS it really necessary or logical to slaughter and burn thousands of healthy animals, or even infected ones, which pose no risk to humans? Isn't it time for a re-think? Vaccines are available to stop the spread of foot-and-mouth disease
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Action to be taken over eyesore house
WORK is to be carried out on a derelict house in east Cleveland despite the owner's reluctance to sort it out. Villagers in Skelton have complained to Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council about the state of the property, in William Street, since 1995.
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Linda takes the chair
Linda Bell, a 51-year-old grandmother, part-time farmer and member of the Loftus Business Group, is to chair the Loftus Priority Group which is responsible for overseeing the six-figure Single Regeneration Budget programme for isolated east Cleveland
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Firm in hot water over state of grass verges
WATER chiefs faced a grilling from angry councillors about problems caused by refurbishing pipes. Northumbrian Water has been replacing or upgrading pipes in Aycliffe and Chilton since June of last year. Great Aycliffe Town Council invited water company
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Pub closure means youngsters can have a ball
DRINKERS may mourn the closure of a large Chester-le-Street pub, but local children are sure to benefit. When the Brass Castle, at Chester Moor, near Chester-le-Street, closes on Monday, the soft toys from its Wacky Warehouse are being donated to under-privileged
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N-E health campaigners' joy over landmark mast ruling
A decision by Government inspectors to refuse the building of a mobile phone mast on health grounds, could have implications for similar plans in the North-East. Mobile phone company Orange wanted to erect the 30ft mast in a residential area of Harrow
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Bolton-bound Campbell still has future at Boro - Robson
BRYAN ROBSON yesterday insisted that striker Andy Campbell's loan move to Bolton Wanderers does not signal the end of his career with Middlesbrough. The England Under-21 international has linked up with the First Division promotion chasers for a month
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Police warn motorcyclists
POLICE are warning motorcyclists in east Cleveland that they face prosecution if they are caught biking on off-road areas. A meeting of Loftus Road Safety Committee was told that a number of bikes have been checked in the Wood Road area, which is used
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Hospital office extends hours
CANCELLING hospital appointments has been made easier after an office extended its hours. The central appointments office for Darlington Memorial Hospital and Bishop Auckland General Hospital is now manned from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday. Last year,
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Legal eagles are flying high with quality mark
A COUNCIL'S legal section received a quality mark from the Law Society yesterday. For the past 18 months, staff at Darlington Borough Council's legal services department have been working towards the Lexcel standard, which is the Law Society quality mark
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Customer kicked door off frame
A CONSTRUCTION company worker embroiled in two rows took his anger out on a pub door, kicking it so hard he knocked its frame away from the wall, a court heard yesterday. Sarah Tyrer, prosecuting, told Harrogate magistrates how Paul Marlow had been arguing
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Fisherman rejects 'hero' tag after reeling in human catch
A fisherman dived into the sea to rescue a drowning pensioner - then carried on fishing. Angler Rodney Dennis was determined not to let the 70-year-old get away after he plunged from a pier. The 35-year-old reacted after the pensioner took off his clothes
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Hepatitis sufferers -were kept in dark'
A HAEMOPHILIAC was told he had a deadly virus five years before the test was made available to other sufferers, The Northern Echo can reveal. Campaigners claim the news supports their case that they were deliberately kept in the dark when they agreed
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Interesting exercise in ecclesiastical democracy
WHEN Norman de Bretteville gave Yafforth a church in 1208 it was "to celebrate divine service, every day for ever". Forever's a pretty long time, of course, and, over 900 years, Yafforth's not got much bigger nor the times more manifestly god-fearing.
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Public rallies after wind power blow to hostel
THE manager of a Teesdale youth hostel that was denied planning permission for a wind turbine says he may appeal against the decision, but first wants to know what local people think. Langdon Beck youth hostel near Forest-in-Teesdale last week had an
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Mother's fears over 'death row' tragedies
A NORTH-EAST mother believes four members of her family have died because their homes were in the shadow of electricity pylons. Dawn Erickson's mother, brother, sister and cousin have all been killed by cancer at a young age. Her family had lived in Chaucer
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Tees rowers win at York Head of River race
Rowing like other sports has been affected by the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease. The field at the Yorkshire Head of the River Race on Saturday was depleted by clubs from affected areas who, on the advice of the Amateur Rowing Association, had stayed
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Tinted view of the world helps Craig focus on a brighter future
THROUGHOUT his childhood, teenager Craig Chadwick has struggled with reading and writing but now he has been handed a lifeline through coloured filter lenses. Throughout his early childhood and school years, the 13-year-old from Catterick showed no interest
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Women's Hockey
Roseberry Sunday Invitation League Leaders Stokesley suffered a blow when they were defeated 5-0 at Thirsk - the only game to survive the weather in the last two weeks, playing on an artificial pitch. Thirsk's young trio of Caroline Hayworth, Natalie
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Friendship scheme to help young disabled
DISABLED youngsters in Darlington are looking for buddies who will help them live more interesting lives. Sixth formers or students would be the right age group to join a volunteer befriending scheme called Darlington Inclusion, which the children's charity
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Wear Valley - Chance for volunteers to have their say
VOLUNTEERS in County Durham have a chance to air their views at a series of lunchtime seminars planned for next week. The sessions are organised by One Voice Network, a collective of community organisations raising awareness of the voluntary sector and
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Consett & Stanley - Running up charity cash
OXHILL Central Great North Runners do it again, raising £1,612 for the Derwentside Macmillan Appeal. Pictured are Korin Elliott and Donna Catermole, two of the runners, presenting a cheque to Dave Williamson, the Macmillan representative. The runners
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Andrew's Mongolian mission
ANDREW Magowan is getting in shape for an Asian adventure of a lifetime. The 21-year-old Durham University graduate is in training for a sponsored rowing marathon tomorrow, a gruelling event designed to raise cash for his Mongolian Operation Rally adventure
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Pony dates
BCTG. - Mar 12: Flat work with Corinne, tel: 01325 332685. Bedale Hunt SC. - May 6: Maunby hunter trials, tel: 01845 587258. June 23: Kennels open day, Little Fencote, tel: 01325 378259. July 21: Summer dance. Cleveland PC. - Mar 11: Senior rally, 10-
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High-fliers get a taste for fundraising
AIRMEN and women have been tucking into toast and marmalade to raise money for charity. Staff at RAF Leeming's personnel services flight organised a special all-day breakfast to raise funds for the Cancer Research Campaign. Denise Whitehead persuaded
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The Northern Echo Darlington Sunday Invitation League
The Northern Echo Darlington Sunday Invitation League ONLY two Second Division beat the big freeze. Northern Spirit RA defeated The Green Dragon 3-1 to move within two points of the third promotion place. The Dragon adapted well to the cold conditions
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Scenes to savour
WORKS by the Staithes group of painters feature largely in the first picture sale of the year to be held at Phillips of Leeds. Tuesday's sale, at 11am, also includes a collection of oil paintings, watercolours and prints ranging from the 18th to the late
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Leisure centre hits out over danger gas closure rumours
FEARS of leaking methane gas have sparked rumours that a village recreation centre is closing. Mike Readman, manager of Loftus Leisure Centre, hit out at the "whispers and rumours" which have hit daytime attendances at the centre - the nearest building
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Ice Hockey
Junior round-up Billingham Wolves started their English Under-19 North championship play-offs with an 11-3 victory over Kingston Predators at the Forum Arena. It was a welcome win for Eagles over Kingston as they had lost to them twice in regular league
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Plea for help in 'kidnap' puzzle
BOSSES at a Darlington cinema are appealing for help in solving a "kidnapping". Ema Jolliffe, marketing coordinator at the ABC Cinema, in Northgate, has not been seen since going missing yesterday. However, The Northern Echo can solve the mystery, by
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Table Tennis
Darlington Schools THE first Darlington primary schools' festival takes place at the Dolphin Centre tomorrow, the winners going through to the Durham County final in June hoping to win the Sportsmatch Trophy. The event has been organised by Darlington
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Conservatory firm takes top prize
FOUR Darlington companies have scooped major prizes in this year's Tees Valley business awards. Conservatory manufacturer Amdega walked away with two awards, including the biggest prize of all - Tees Valley company of the year. The company, on the Faverdale
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Youth centre gets the bird
YOUNGSTERS have risen to the challenge of choosing a name for a parrot who will be joining them at their activities. The brightly-coloured bird will become the children's new friend at the De Brus Youth and Community Centre, Skelton, part of the East
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Leading article: Market madness
THERE'S something fundamentally wrong with a market which, when temporarily starved of its principal product, promptly lowers prices when that product is made available again. It is doubly so when prices faced by consumers rise in the shops. This was
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Athletics
Mandale Harriers Cleveland Finals Sportshall Athletics There were again some fine performances in the Cleveland finals at the Sportshall Athletics at Thornaby Pavilion. In the Under-15 boys section John Baines was in top form with three victories in the
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'I drank ten pints but was not driver'
A MAN accused of being the driver of a car which crashed, seriously injuring two passengers, told police he had drunk about ten pints that day. Both passengers, Donna Walker and Scott Leather, told Durham Crown Court yesterday that their friend, Graham
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Diary source for Cook drama
A NEW play about Captain Cook, Pacific, is staged at Middlesbrough theatre this month by one of a young Welsh company, Theatr Y Byd. It was written by the award-winning Welsh playwright, Ian Rowlands, based on a journal kept by the Welsh surgeon, David
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Snooker
Cleveland and Billiards League President's Cup Final The final was played between Carlin How A and eventual winners Guisborough Cons. A at the Saltburn Conservative Club. The scratch competition comprises four singles and two doubles frames. Andrew Shelley
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Looking Back: 'We in Darlington can't understand these cubes'
From this newspaper 50 years ago. - A criticism of modernistic art contained in the Secretary of Art's report, which called upon members to beware of "these queer, self-styled artists" caused some resentment at the Darlington Arts society's annual meeting
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Grain prices
Thursday's prices Kenneth Wilson, Thorpe Arch.- Wheat: March £70; April £70; May £70. Barley: March £68; April £69; May £70. Oilseed rape: March £129; April £130; May £131. GrainCo, Tyne Dock.- Wheat: March £70; April £70.50; May £71. Barley: March £70
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Consett & Stanley - Soccer complex plan gets go-ahead
AN INDOOR soccer complex at Durham City football club has been given the go-ahead. Work on the £3.5m Soccarena scheme involving 14 six-a-side indoor soccer pitches on the latest artificial turf will start this year after detailed planning permission was
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Angling
The rivers' Coarse fishing season has closed around the region early following the foot-and-mouth outbreak and local trout reservoirs due to open for the new season are following in line with Government recommendations, writes JEFF HERBERT. Northumbrian
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Drivers lift threat of strike action
BUS drivers lifted their strike threat at the eleventh hour yesterday, after managers put forward a new pay offer. Services operating from Go Northern's Bishop Auckland depot would have been disrupted today and on future Fridays, if a series of planned
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Theatre safe in spite of cash blow
MANAGERS at York Theatre Royal say there is no fear of closure despite missing out on the largest increase ever in public money to theatre in this country. Executive Director Elizabeth Jones said she was "deeply disappointed" at not getting any additional
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Operation beach-clean
A GROUP of young volunteers carried out a beach-clean at Saltburn at the weekend as part of a scheme encouraging volunteering in the new Millennium. The youngsters are all part of the Middlesbrough Millennium Volunteers Project who are taking part in
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Half a century up there in the spotlight
NEEDING just two or three prompts throughout a 50-year career in amateur dramatics is no mean feat, but one which a Masham man has achieved. Mr Bob Taylor, aged 72, has performed in more than 100 productions with Masham Players since he joined the group
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Farmers who saw forage maize trial are invited back to see results of feeding it to dairy cows
A FAMILY dairy farm has managed to increase its margins by £90 per cow through a carefully-balanced diet. The Threlfell family from Plumpton Head, near Penrith, increased their rolling annual milk yield by more than 1,000 litres thanks to co-operation
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Libraries aim at dads and lads
A CAMPAIGN has been launched to encourage more men and boys to visit libraries in Hartlepool. When it comes to library membership, they are a traditionally under-represented group - but the "lads and dads" promotion aims to change that. Displays of selected
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MP opens health HQ
HEALTH Secretary Alan Milburn will open the new offices of the Darlington Primary Care Group (PCG) today. The Primary Care Group was formed in April 1999 as part of the Government's health reforms. It brings together GPs, community nurses, social services
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Decision over top council job
A COUNCIL hopes to find a new chief executive next week when six candidates line up for a two-day selection conference. They are all on a shortlist drawn up by Wear Valley District Council from applicants around the country. It hopes to announce the name
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A serious case of plastic surgery and bad wigs
EVERYONE was so busy watching the return of wobbly-walled British soap Crossroads this week that an old American favourite slipped back on screens virtually unnoticed. The return of Knots Landing to Channel 5 was only temporary, in the form of a two-part
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Leading councillor backs 1am licence
A "FAST track" drinking culture could be beaten by more flexible licensing hours, a leading councillor claimed this week. Speaking out in favour of longer opening hours, Coun Dave McLuckie said this could be one way to cut drunkenness and street trouble
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Gold medal haul for Darlington taekwondo stars
Darlington Taekwondo students saw more success over the weekend showing that they can compete with the best. The individual competition held in Doncaster, saw teams from all over Britain compete in both the sport and the traditional aspects of Taekwondo
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Fit to drop
IT'S my little girl's wedding day. I'm walking her up the aisle, and I'm a bald, fat man, struggling to catch my breath. This is a nightmare I have from time to time and it's one I'm determined will not become a reality. Baldness, I can't help. Fatness
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Darlington - Craig is British champion
A DARLINGTON martial arts expert has become a British champion for the third time. Craig Shaw, 19, lifted the World Muay Thai Council's British title in the 63.5kg weight category at a bout in Carlisle. The Darlington man beat local favourite Alan Reed
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VIP day as part-time soldier receives MBE
GUISBOROUGH soldier, WO Phillip Hayes, rubbed shoulders with celebrities when he received an MBE from the Prince of Wales. Well-known names such as Harry Potter author J K Rowling were at the ceremony at Buckingham Palace at which WO Hayes was honoured
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Woman killed in car crash
A YOUNG woman died yesterday when her car left the road and overturned in the early hours of the morning. The 21-year-old driver died after her purple Ford Fiesta went out of control on the crest of a hill, on the A64, at Crambeck Bridge, near Malton.
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Letters: Countryside protection
Sir, - For many retired people and keen walkers, the loss of access to the footpaths in the open countryside around our towns as a result of the threat caused by the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease is bad enough. Ramblers have been reduced to walking
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Drumming up course interest
SINGING classes for adults are proving to be such a hit that another musical extravaganza is about to start at Stockton Sixth Form College. Drumbeat is a free ten-week course which covers basic percussion and group drumming techniques. Martyn Cresswell
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Countryman's Diary: Mind your language, it's our heritage
THIS morning's walk, which is part of my ritual before I settle down to hammer out my daily stint on the word processor, was blessed by the singing of two skylarks. As I crested the hilltop I could hear them; they were somewhere beyond my vision high
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Motorsport: New autograss and vintage events lift the gloom
WITH the escalation of the foot-and-mouth epidemic, the majority of both local and national motorsport events continue to be suspended until further notice whilst the situation is brought under control. The opening round of the Yorkshire Dales Autograss
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Who are you kidding, Mr Jackson?
MICHAEL Jackson is in Britain this week, lecturing us all on how to bring up our children. This, from a twice-divorced man who employs more than a dozen nurses and nannies to care for his two children, Prince and Paris, and who, seven years ago, faced
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'Second wave' of farm epidemic
Government measures to get foot-and-mouth under control quickly look to have failed last night as a "second wave" of the disease spread through cattle. It had been hoped that the nationwide ban on moving livestock, brought into force two weeks ago, would
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Now the penitent Coun Fletcher is booted off the planning committee
A COUNCILLOR who caused havoc in Stockton town hall has been thrown off the authority's planning committee. Coun John Fletcher's own Liberal Democrat group acted in a bid to head off any further trouble over his outburst on a planning decision. The group's
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Durham - Tesco gives unemployed candidates a chance
A SUPERMARKET chain's plan to get unemployed Durham people into work is getting under way with an interview technique training programme. Retail giant Tesco has signed up 340 jobless locals as potential employees for the multi-million pound supermarket
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Theatre stages musical weekend
A SILVER and Song weekend is being staged at Middlesbrough Theatre. The British Steel Band and Teesside Apollo Male Voice Choir feature on Friday, March 23, at 7.30pm. Redcar Operatic Society will perform on Saturday, March 24, at 7.30pm. Tickets, costing
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Agencies get more freedom on spending
REGIONAL development agencies One NorthEast and Yorkshire Forward are to be strengthened by a package of measures unveiled in the region yesterday, which will give them more flexibility over how they use their funding. But in return, the agencies - RDAs
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Caption competition
'WELL, so much for global warming, love," the reluctant swimmer may be saying to her braver companion as she dives into the icy water. Can you do better? Try your hand and you could win a set of Pilot Pens, provided by our sponsor, manufacturers of fine
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Reynolds and Hodgson in radio bust-up
DARLINGTON FC chairman George Reynolds was involved in a heated live radio exchange with former manager David Hodgson yesterday. The Quakers supremo was a guest on Paul "Goffy" Gough's Century Radio breakfast show. He questioned Hodgson's record during
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Camerons Teesside League
Camerons Teesside League For the second time this season the entire programme was wiped out due to the freezing conditions bringing the number of postponements to over 60. Acklam Steelworks are on course for the championship. They have played 23 matches
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Comic star unveils £800,000 pantomime
TV STAR Jim Davidson arrived at Sunderland's Empire Theatre yesterday to declare panto war on rival productions. The four-times married comic, 47, was keen to promote his company's £800,000 version of Peter Pan. But all eyes were on Jane Hardy, of Cramlington
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Quality of pe lessons earns national gold award
HIGH quality PE provision has earned a Durham City primary school a national accolade. St Godric's RC Primary School has been presented with an Activemark Gold Award in recognition of its commitment to promoting the benefits of physical activity. The
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Double triumph for young Stacy
THE junior affiliated show held at Northallerton Equestrian Centre on February 17 produced a double win for Stacy Lincoln from Crook, writes Malcolm Bewsher. Stacy won the junior open riding Bowes King Edward ahead of Sarah Cana on Milligan Hill and Brad
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Use pensioner power, urges rally
TONY Blair's father-in-law has urged pensioners to unite and fight the Government to reinstate the link between earnings and the state pension. Tony Booth was the principal speaker at a recent rally organised by the East Cleveland Pensioners' Forum. A
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Council urged to fix it for children
BOB the Builder could fix it for youngsters to dig a new adventure theme park planned for the North-East. County Durham planners have recommended councillors give approval to a plan for a £2m theme park called Diggerland, which will feature the children's
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Horse ride in honour of cancer victim
A horse ride is to take place in memory of a horse breeder killed by cancer, at the age of 23. Andrew Moody died of bowel cancer at the end of last year and, next month, a sponsored horse trek takes place through Hamsterley Forest, County Durham, in his
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Dad who battered baby gets five years
A father who battered his baby to death and then tried to frame a group of youths for the attack has been jailed for five years. Trevor McDonald, 25, left his five-month-old baby son with severe brain injuries after beating him in a flurry of punches.
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Medics pass quality test
HOSPITAL staff are celebrating after becoming the first in the North-East to scoop a quality award. Newcastle's Nuffield Hospital, in Clayton Road, has been given full accreditation by the Health Quality Service. Recognised as one of the health sector's
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Poverty talk treat for professor
A PROFESSOR is marking his 65th birthday by taking a hard look at Government policy. Newcastle University professor John Veit-Wilson, is one of the country's leading experts in minimum income levels. As a birthday treat, his colleagues have organised
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Not such a plumb role
Royal Engineers Lance Corporal Andy Murray is helping to bring some home comforts to people manning a radar site in the Falkland Islands. L Cpl Murray, 25, from Hurworth, near Darlington, joined the Army in 1996 and has served in Germany, Canada and Northern
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Guide dogs get £500 grant aid
THE Middlesbrough branch of Guide Dogs for the Blind has scooped a £500 grant from financial service Pearl. The cash will pay for a puppy for the first 12 months of its life, when it will be housed with a walker. Pearl became involved after dog walkers
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A Hoggarth and Sons Eskvale and Cleveland League
A Hoggarth and Sons Eskvale and Cleveland League A Inn have found fielding a settled team difficult and secretary Mark Baty has worked hard bringing in several new players. Their scoring record is poor with a heavy dependence on Mark Iseton who has netted
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Darlington - Village gets beat pledge
POLICE have assured residents that there are plans for a new beat officer in Chilton. Villagers have expressed concerns about rising levels of youth disorder and anti-social behaviour. One woman, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisals, says
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Centre reaches out to carers
A SUPPORT group for carers of people with mental health problems has been established. The Grange Day Care, in Eston, opened its doors to carers from Redcar and Cleveland last month, to provide them with space to share their experiences and support each
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Top shopping survey leaves N-E mall in the cold
SHOPPING centre chiefs were left puzzled last night after a survey on booming retail areas appeared to have left them out. Bosses at the MetroCentre, in Gateshead, look to have been omitted from a survey by researchers Experian Retail Ranking, listing
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Gridlock feared as homes approved
PLANS for homes on the outskirts of Durham City have won approval despite fears they will cause traffic chaos. Developer IDS has won city councillors' approval after revising its proposals to build on former allotments and grazing land between Potterhouse
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Letters: We play fair by our staff
Sir, - I was very concerned to read Mr Atkinson's letter, "Poor incentive to work for the Park" (D&S letters, Feb 23) that questions the value the national park authority places on its information assistants who work in our national park centres.
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'We pray to God it has not spread to our neighbours'
DAIRY farmer Mr William Lambert thought he had taken every precaution to stop foot and mouth getting on to his farm. But on Wednesday his worst fears were realised when he was told his 60-cow dairy herd and 150 ewes would all have to be slaughtered. Raygill
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Most of Teesdale now classified
MOST of Teesdale was yesterday classed as an infected area, with no movement of livestock allowed. Durham County Council will not issue any more animal movement licences until further notice. However Standing Stones Farm, Egglestone, was yesterday expected
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Hathaway Auckland and District League
Hathaway Auckland and District League The only game to survive last week's snow and frost was the Auckland Charity Cup semi-final between Darlington RA and Cockfield. RA got off to a great start when they scored three times in the first 15 minutes through
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Fears aired over school
AN education authority has been accused of not coming clean over the future of a controversial school due to open in September. Freebrough Community College, an amalgamation of three secondary schools - Warsett in Brotton, De Brus in Skelton and Rosecroft
