Archive
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Salute to grandmother as ship visits home city
A 101-YEAR-OLD grandmother will take the salute when the crew of a gunboat exercises its freedom of Newcastle today. Florence Knight, from Whitley Bay, will join the Lord Mayor, Councillor Mary Carr, when HMS Newcastle's crew marches past. It will be
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Ice Hockey News
Junior round-up - Sunderland Scorpions opened their women's premier league account with a 4-3 victory over Billingham Wildcats on Sunday at the Newcastle Telewest Arena. Wildcats went ahead in the fourth minute with a Zoe Bayne strike. Scorpions five
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Hauliers still feeling pinch
IT started quietly enough, as a handful of farmers mounted a token blockade of an oil refinery in Cheshire over the high cost of fuel. However, within days it had snowballed beyond their wildest expectations, with blockades at fuel depots nationwide,
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Farmers warn of red box turmoil
FARMERS' leaders claimed last night that a Government clampdown on animal movements could send the farming industry spiralling into a fresh crisis. A total ban on animal movements was imposed in a 6,100 square mile "red box" zone covering the North-East
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Horticulture centre reaps reward for natural healthy cooking
A HORTICULTURE trials centre has harvested an award. Middlesbrough-based Nature's World, has scooped a healthy eating award; their winning ingredient - home grown food. A spokesman said: "It's picked out in the morning and used that day, lettuce, cauliflower
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Prison for woman who battered mother with shoe
A WOMAN who inflicted serious facial injuries on a young mother with a platform shoe was jailed for 30 months yesterday. Karen Bilton, 27, hung her head as a judge told her he had no choice but to jail her since she had committed the same crime before
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Firefighters battle rubbish tip blaze
FIREFIGHTERS are tackling a rubbish blaze that has been burning for five days at a landfill site. The fire at Marks Quarry, in Pithouse Lane, Leamside, Durham, has created a plume of smoke visible for miles. The tip has been closed and workmen are using
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After 450 years, school gates open to girls
CENTURIES of tradition came to an end yesterday when girls were admitted to a top public school for the first time, in a move dogged by controversy. The Royal Grammar School in Newcastle has been boys-only for more than 450 years and the decision to allow
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The Northern Echo Darlington Sunday Invitation League
Three weeks into the season and it is business as usual for Spraire. Last night they beat Brinkburn 3-2 in the first round of the First Division Cup and on Sunday they beat Second Division champions Nestfield Club. Spraire may be the early pacesetters
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New scheme at Guisborough 'is just a ploy'
THE people of Guisborough are once again gearing up to fight to save a farmer threatened by development. In another massive show of support, more than 130 people were at a public meeting called to consider the latest salvo in the battle for Guisborough's
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Battle to save farm steps up
CAMPAIGNERS have stepped up a fight to save a Guisborough farm from development. More than 120 people attended a public meeting in Guisborough Parish Hall last week to hear how Southlands Development Company plans to clad 19th-Century Dutch barns at Home
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Wear Valley - Surgeon 'ignored screams'
A SURGEON pressed on with an operation - even though his patient was still conscious and screaming in pain, a General Medical Council hearing was told. The 49-year-old woman had been admitted to Bishop Auckland Hospital for treatment on a spine injury
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Travel agents step it out
STAFF at two travel agents in the region are donning their best holiday gear as part of a national sponsored walk. Workers at the Durham and Chester-le-Street branches of Travelcare will be putting on their walking boots and dressing up in swimming costumes
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Letters: Corporate ugliness
Sir, - I suspect that if the controversial sculptures proposed for Saltburn were the logos of fast food corporations or petrol companies, they wouldn't excite anything like the same impassioned comment we have seen on this page in recent weeks. How is
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Premiere for Phantom ballet
SOME might say that being transformed from magician's assistant to artistic director of a ballet company is a trick beyond even Houdini, but for Debbie McGee it is simply going back to her roots. She first shot to fame as TV magician Paul Daniels' assistant
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Manx contract brings jobs to market town
A STOKESLEY engineering design firm is recruiting additional staff after winning a major contract to build a power station. Nepco Europe, on Stokesley industrial estate, is to design and build an electricity generating station on the Isle of Man. The
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Council takes to the road to show tell of leisure services
DURHAM City Council is launching a roadshow to tell residents what it is doing to improve their lives. The Labour-run council's Lifestyle exhibition will tour leisure centres this month and next, to promote the services and facilities its community services
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Hospital unit may be moved
PLANS to move a hospital's orthopaedic unit to a neighbouring town could be unveiled at the end of the month. Potential changes at the University Hospitals of North Tees and Hartlepool will be put under the spotlight at a board meeting of the Tees and
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'Win-win' with farmers' markets
FARMERS' markets across the North-East are staging special promotions and events during September as part of Fall in Love with Local Food month. North-East co-ordinator Cathie Tinn, said: "We have some great quality produce available in the region, from
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At last, we're really getting fruity
YOUNG mum Barbara Gash says it is obvious why we don't eat enough fruit-and-veg as a nation - it's just too expensive. "We all know its good for you, but it costs too much. That's why people aren't eating enough," says Barbara, who is a regular at water-based
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Invitation to panto audition
ASPIRING thespians in east Cleveland are being invited to audition for a winter pantomime. Guisborough Pantomime Group is in the process of holding auditions for its 2002 production of Sleeping Beauty. The latest round of auditions take place at the Church
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Drive to provide dental treatment in remote areas
FEARS that people in remote areas are missing out on NHS care have prompted health bosses to provide a new generation of mobile dental surgeries. The Government is keen to ensure that everyone has equal access to NHS dental care. However, some rural areas
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Start getting excited
AT 3-1 John Motson ventured to suggest that people back home might be starting to get excited. At 5-1 he said: "This is developing into one of the most memorable England displays of recent years." Presumably, as they didn't score again it didn't quite
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Keeping up with the Penry-Joneses
STEVE John Shepherd and Rupert Penry-Jones first worked together in unusual circumstances. The latter was stark naked and strapped to a billiard table at the time. The pair were filming a scene for Virtual Sexuality which, like many a British film comedy
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Couple in protest over school choice
A COUPLE are refusing to send their daughter to school because they fear for her safety. Andrew and Bridget Craven, of Geneva Terrace, Darlington, are keeping their daughter, Melissa, 11, at home until a dispute with the education authority is resolved
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King of Sedgefield returns
BE sure to check out Sedgefield specialist Milan King (2.50) if you're thinking of having a bet at the County Durham track today. Regular readers of this column will recall the slick-jumping gelding has done us a good few turns in days gone by, notably
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Ward surgery times
REDCAR and Cleveland councillors are holding surgeries in the following wards: Today: Coatham, 156 High Street West; Dormanstown, Park Court Community Centre; Guisborough, Stumps Cross Community Centre; Redcar, Laburnum Road Library. All 6-7pm. Tomorrow
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Barker in great form at Preston Park carnival
THERE was some top class show jumping at the Preston Park summer carnival, with competitors travelling from many parts of the country. Paul Barker from Northallerton excelled in the Geoffrey Robinson Heating National Grade C qualifier, claiming his ticket
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Bowls News
Durham and District League - Leeholme landed the League Championship for the second consecutive time and the fourth in six years when they beat their hosts at Mainsforth by two points. Ever Ready/Craghead fought to the end with a maximum home win over
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Matchwinner Gary enjoys ten wicket haul
Gary Shaw celebrated taking all ten wickets when Hospitals played Belford House in the First Division of the Roseberry Group North-East Durham League. The paceman finished with the magnificent figures of 10-39 from 20.5 overs leading his side to an emphatic
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Consett & Stanley - GP surgeries shut to allow for training
FAMILY doctors will close their practices for half a day every month across Derwentside. The GPs will take the time for training but promised full medical cover for emergencies and urgent cases will be maintained. The plan has been developed by Derwentside
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Boldon are back on the right track
The fortunes of Boldon CA have swiftly changed after failing to score a goal and conceding nine in the first three games. But new management duo Graham Bond and Dennis Massingham were not deterred and they have been rewarded with two 4-1 victories and
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Shelves stacked with farming memories in miniature
TRACTORS have been a way of life at two different levels for Mr Malcolm Gill ever since he was a young man. While he is the proud owner of four full-size machines, including a little grey Massey Ferguson made in 1956, the development of the tractor over
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Riding club delighted to be back in action
NORTHALLERTON Riding Club held a one-day event on August 26 at Richmond equestrian centre. After months of little activity, it was the club's first mounted fundraiser since the beginning of the foot-and-mouth outbreak. The excellent facilities at Richmond
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Third bomb on beach
AN unexploded wartime bomb was found on Saltburn beach on Monday. It was the third time in as many weeks that police have been called to the beach by members of the public after a weapon has been discovered. The three inch trench mortar bomb was found
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Performers wanted
BUDDING thespians are being invited to audition for a winter pantomime. The Guisborough Pantomime Group is holding auditions for its 2002 production of Sleeping Beauty. The latest session will take place at the Church Hall in Guisborough on Sunday at
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View creates lots of interest
AN early 19th century painting of Richmond market place is expected to fetch up to £2,000 when it goes under the hammer in Nottingham later this month. The pen and watercolour picture, entitled Market Day, Richmond, Yorkshire, is by Julius Caesar Ibbetson
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Sheep sales go national on internet and phone
A NATIONAL sheep sales service has been launched on the internet and telephone. Sheepfinder.com is open to all pedigree breeders, commercial breeding ewes, store and prime lambs. Buyers and sellers may specify the breed, sex, age, performance records,
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North Yorkshire - Cash secures charity's future
THE future of a charity that provides vital support for people with learning difficulties has been secured by a major cash injection. Chopsticks community gardening scheme, based in Northallerton, is planning to buy a new van to improve its service throughout
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Durham - Old people's homes face closure threat
THE region's biggest local authority plans to close 17 old people's homes with the potential loss of more than 350 jobs. But Durham County Council is planning five new-style 'extra care schemes,' four homes for mentally ill pensioners and an increase
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Suspended surgeon quits hospital post
A SUSPENDED NHS surgeon has resigned from her post. Breast care specialist Diana Reinbach, 43, was investigated by the Royal College Surgeons (RCS) after concerns were raised about her work at Scarborough Hospital. While the RCS found her breast care
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Wilks survives near miss to take class win
DARLINGTON driver Guy Wilks took maximum points in the Ferodo Ford Puma Championship when he recorded a memorable victory on the Speyside Stages Rally last weekend. Level on points and sharing the championship lead going into the Elgin-based event with
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Fuelling the fires of hatred
I HAVE heard countless people here, in the North of England, say over the last few days that they cannot comprehend what is happening outside the Holy Cross school in Belfast. Of course, it is difficult for anyone to understand such barbaric behaviour
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Wear Valley - Shearer makes Ian's day
A YOUNG footballer could not believe his luck when he was given a once in a lifetime chance to train with footballing legend Alan Shearer. Nine-year-old Ian Briggs, from Rectory Lane, Wolsingham, won a day with Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer in
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'I'll be right back' says Arnie
HARTLEPOOL United's Paul Arnison could be handed his first start of the season against Scunthorpe United tomorrow. And if manager Chris Turner does give Arnison the chance to impress, the right-sided defender is determined not to let his boss down. It
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Long time, no see for memorial
A FORGOTTEN relic of a town's war heroes has turned up more than 50 years after it was taken away to be cleaned. The first war memorial in Loftus, which was hung on the side of the town hall in 1919, was taken down in 1949 because the wood was rotting
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Cutting play time has helped to cut vandalism
LATE night problems at a Great Ayton playground appear to have ended, following boundary alterations and closure of the area at night. However, some concerns remain about younger children climbing on top of play equipment. The area next to Yatton House
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Historical novel is a spin-off from researching town records
AN AUTHOR who once rode circus horses, ran a stud and spent much of her life around Stokesley will be signing copies of her first novel at a bookshop in the town tomorrow. Mrs Daphne Franks' new book, Quest, is a romantic, historical novel, set around
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Letters: Hands off
Sir, - If the government implements some of the suggestions made by Mr Andy Wilson, the chief executive of the North York Moors national park authority, it risks a legal challenge under the provisions of the Human Rights Act. According to your report
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The reinvention of Mr Beckham
IF ever one person illustrated the short distance between triumph and disaster it is David Beckham. Three years ago, after one moment of impetuosity saw him blamed for England's exit from the World Cup, he became a national villain, booed wherever he
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Darlington - Festival is brewing up
ORGANISERS of an annual music and beer festival have promised that this year's event will be the biggest ever. Darlington's Rhythm 'n' Brews festival runs every September and draws hundreds of people from around the country to the town. The festival is
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Writers to pen verse for World Sight Day
BUDDING poets are being asked to put pen to paper to join in World Sight Day. The Darlington Lions have joined forces with The Northern Echo to launch a poetry competition to mark World Sight Day on October 11. The day aims to raise awareness of preventable
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Is the price right?
MIDDLETON St George faces a problem many other villages close to urban areas encounter - rapidly growing populations but poor local facilities. Situated almost equidistant between Darlington and Stockton and very handy for the A66, Middleton has seen
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Cash frees beds but won't solve hospital problem
THE hospital bed blocking crisis in North Yorkshire has been eased by a £700,000 cash injection from the health authority. The move follows a D&S Times story in July which highlighted the plight of elderly people stuck in acute hospital beds for months
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Pony dates
Bridleway meeting. - A BHS bridleway mapping evening is being held at 7pm on Tuesday at The Crown, Grewelthorpe, near Masham. £2 entry charge. BHS Durham. - Oct 4: Ernest Dillon FBHS, show jumping for fun or glory lecture demonstration at Stainsby Grange
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Cooper backs boss to succeed
FORMER England centre-back Colin Cooper yesterday defended Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren against claims that his international duties are undermining his new club. McClaren is back with Boro after helping to mastermind England's crucial World Cup
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Controversy-hit Arriva reports lift in profits
TRANSPORT group Arriva, at the centre of controversy over plans to cut rail services due to driver shortages, has seen pre-tax profits in the first six months of the year rise to £42.4m. The Sunderland group, which runs Transpennine rail services in Yorkshire
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Reading the Riot Act in pioneers' city
IT was a battle to get to the A1 at Boroughbridge. But the damage as we stewed in bank holiday traffic after a trip to Leeds - the radiator boiled over - did not compare with that inflicted during another attempt, nearly 250 years ago, to reach the Great
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Sports stars rally to Olivia's cause
CELEBRITY golfers have helped to raise more than £13,000 to make life easier for the family of a Northallerton two-year-old suffering from a terminal condition. Helped by prominent figures from the sporting world, 21 teams took part in the special day
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Flooding fears put stop to fishing lake
PLANS to create a wildlife pond on land at Great Langton, near Northallerton, were rejected yesterday after fears were expressed that it could increase the risk of flooding to local properties. Hambleton development control committee also agreed to take
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Better by a third at Mowlem
THE Teesside operations of John Mowlem and company have helped the business to a 30 per cent rise in interim profits. The company saw pre-tax profits rise to £11.8m in the six months to June 30. Mowlem has an order book of £1.8bn, a rise of 36 per cent
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Farmers upset over funfair in food-and-mouth zone
FARMERS fearing a fresh outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease have expressed disquiet that a funfair is being staged on their doorstep. The fair, which starts this evening and goes on over the weekend, is only a few hundred yards from one of the new disinfectant
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Coach crash injures more than 30
SEVEN people have been seriously hurt and at least 30 more injured in a coach crash near York this morning. Police believe the bus was involved in a collision with a lorry on the A64 near the city's racecourse before it left the road and ended up in a
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Inquest opens on museum fall victim
A PENSIONER who slipped on a kerbstone at a popular North-East attraction has died. An inquest was opened yesterday at Post Office House, Crook, on Beatrice Westby, 83, who died on Wednesday after slipping while on a visit to Beamish Open Air Museum at
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Ladies Darts News
The women's darts team of the Welcome pub in Bishop Auckland had their dominance confirmed when they were given a special award. As part of the St Helens and Evenwood Ladies Darts and Dominoes League, Welcome have won the darts section for the last six
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Milk with a name to its bottle
A NEW brand of milk to be launched next month will give a boost to both dairy farmers and wildlife. White & Wild will sell at a 6p a litre premium over the average market price, with 2.7ppl going to the producer and 2.3ppl to the Wildlife Trusts.
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Expansion scheme for hospital site
HEALTH officials have started recruiting staff for the next development at a private psychiatric hospital near Darlington. Trees Park Healthcare, shortly to change its name to Middleton St George Hospital, is expanding its psychiatric facilities on its
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'Red box' blow to feed crisis
A FARMERS' representative has described the introduction of a red box area preventing the movement of animals across the North of England as an extremely serious situation. Mr David Maughan, NFU committee livestock chairman for Durham and Northumberland
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Jobs bonus as Nissan gears up for Primera
The UK's largest car producer, Nissan, is looking to recruit an extra 300 temporary manufacturing staff to start work from next month. The staff are needed as the Wearside plant gears up for production of the new Primera model, due to start in early 2002
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The UniBond League
Cambridge United manager John Beck was an interested spectator when Bishop Auckland lost to Gateshead on Tuesday night. Beck, who raided the North-East non-league scene when he signed Steve Holmes from Guisborough a decade ago, has been alerted to the
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Athletes show off Olympic medals
MEMBERS of the victorious Northern Region team from the National Summer Olympic Games showed their haul of 24 gold, 28, silver and 37 bronze medals to Coun Vilma Collins, Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland, when they visited her at the Mayor's Parlour in Eston
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Stunning discoveries on display for first time
AN array of stunning archaeological discoveries are to go on public display for the first time - seven years after they were revealed. Excavations carried out in the neighbouring towns of Malton and Norton, North Yorkshire, yielded a bounty of rich finds
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Road rage against the scorchers
FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - That the practice of scorching on the highways by those who drive motor cars or ride bicycles is of frequent occurrence, is proved by the persistent complaints and a constant crop of fatal and serious accidents. The
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Trainee teachers in Scotland left without cash
STUDENT teachers have been left distraught after learning they do not qualify for the Government's much trumpeted £6,000 training salary if they go to university in Scotland. Many started courses this week unaware they would not receive the cash - which
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Better care for babies on move
INTENSIVE care on the move will soon be available for sick newborn babies who need to be transported urgently to an alternative hospital for specialist care. A neonatal ambulance was presented by Marie Millett, chairwoman of Bliss, the national charity
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Shoes may have caused man's death
A WAR veteran's specially-built shoes may have inadvertently led to his death, an inquest was told yesterday. Lawrence Holliday, 81, went for brisk walks every day by the River Tees in flat shoes designed to aid his shattered left leg. But the smooth
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Fashion model hurled down stairs in jealous rage
A FASHION model was attacked by a jealous stable owner as passions boiled over at an equestrian centre, a court heard. Christine Tate accused model friend Gina Sassetti of flirting with partner Stephen Gair as he sat in his bathrobe and slippers
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Bogus policeman is handed jail term
A CONMAN, who disappeared during his trial, hid miles away from home and told locals he was a policeman searching for a prisoner on the run, a court heard. Yesterday, Malcolm Moore, 40, was finally brought to justice and jailed for two years. York Crown
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Historic sites open doors
HISTORIC sites and unusual buildings in Darlington are opening their doors to the public from today. The Heritage Open Days are being held as part of a national initiative. Sites including the Grange Road Baptist Church, Darlington Arts Centre and Mowden
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Shops plan for old store site
THREE shops are to be built on the site of a former supermarket in Darlington. The Kwik Save store, in Yarm Road, was demolished by owners Grantchester Properties (Darlington) after the store ceased trading in August. The developers want to build three
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Dream prize for football fan
A YOUNG Newcastle United fan won the chance to train with football star Alan Shearer. Ian Briggs, nine, from Rectory Lane, Wolsingham, won a day with the Magpies and former England striker in a national competition run by the children's satellite station
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Quilt may offer clues to killer
Detectives investigating the murder of teenager Leanne Tiernan have released details of the quilt cover used to wrap the youngster's body. Detectives believe the floral-patterned cover was used by the killer as he carried the 16-year-old's body into isolated
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Raiders net odd haul from garage
POLICE are appealing for help to trace unusual items stolen from a private garage in Sedgefield. The garage in Milburn Court was raided between 9.30pm on Tuesday and 7.30am on Wednesday. Among the items taken were a sail for a wind-powered three-wheel
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Burgers eat into returns at Diageo
DRINKS firm Diageo saw profits at its Burger King fast food chain fall by 12 per cent as the economic slowdown and foot-and-mouth hit the business. A lower number of restaurant openings hit US sales, while fears about the foot-and-mouth crisis hurt the
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£1.5m to advertise county for holidays and day trips
A MAJOR television advertising campaign featuring well-known Yorkshire personalities is to spearhead a drive to attract visitors back to the region. The adverts, due to be broadcast in January and February, will be backed by a radio campaign and a massive
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Manufacturing worst hit as output slumps
THE manufacturing sector received more bad news as official figures showed industrial output slumped during July. Data from the Office for National Statistics showed production fell by 1.3 per cent in three months to July and by 2.5 per cent compared
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Home study pays off for Martyn
AN EXCEPTIONAL GCSE success in maths looks like adding up to a bright future for a 12-year-old Yarm boy. Martyn Moxen, a pupil at Conyers School, achieved an A* in the recent exam results. He sat the exam early after gaining an intermediate pass while
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Collingwood in fine touch for Zimbabwe
PAUL Collingwood can leave for Zimbabwe with the England one-day squad at the end of the month with no fears about his form. After his brilliant start to the season, the Durham all-rounder had travelled the route of many before him in suffering as a result
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Town will not spend a penny on Victorian conveniences
THE future of a market town's underground Victorian lavatories was under threat on Monday as a town council refused to spend a penny on them. The question of upkeep of the toilets, on the cobbles in Barnard Castle, was discussed by the town council following
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A behind-the-scenes look
VISITORS can enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most historic buildings in Darlington this weekend. Darlington Borough Council has joined forces with the civic trust to organise the heritage open days. Seventeen properties in the area will
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North Yorkshire - Farm payouts targeted
FARMERS who have received foot-and-mouth compensation payouts are being warned to be on the look out for dodgy insurance deals. The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) is urging its members in the North-East and North Yorkshire to be cautious
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Cheers to new bridge
TO many awestruck visitors the Tyne's newest bridge is a truly intoxicating sight - so intoxicating that a local brewer has named a new beer after it. Garry Fawson came up with his latest tipple after casting his eyes over the Gateshead Millennium Bridge
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Brother cleared of sword attack
A MAN accused of attacking his brother in the street with a Samurai sword as a family feud escalated out of control was cleared by a jury yesterday. Paul Ditchburn, 31, of Durham Road, Brotton, east Cleveland, had been standing trial at Teesside Crown
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Hear All Sides
Letters from The Northern Echo ASYLUM SEEKERS WHY is all the criticism levelled at Australia about the so-called refugees? Most of whom are certainly not. They hoped to land undetected but,unfortunately, their boat began to sink. All credit to the ship
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Doddie passes on expertise to Yarm
Training began in earnest for Yarm School's senior rugby players when they returned to school this week as they've got a notable fixture lined-up. They are preparing for a three week tour to South America next August and former British Lion, Doddie Weir
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Wensleydale Creamery League
The League started the new season with a packed programme of 21 games in which only two teams emerged with maximum points. Spennithorne head the table on goal difference after three successive victories. On Monday evening they won 4-1 at newcomers Kirkby
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Bennett snaps up young pair
Darlington made a surprise double transfer swoop last night when they added two promising youngsters to the squad. Eighteen-year-olds Clarke Keltie and Andrew Grainger were both being chased by other League clubs but manager Gary Bennett fought hard to
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Respected community worker mourned
A North-East man who was highly regarded for his involvement in conservation and community projects in Cleveland and North Yorkshire has died at the age of 43. John Jewitt, of Great Ayton, worked for Cleveland Council for Voluntary Service and the British
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Injured horse rider rescued from wood
CLEVELAND Search and Rescue was called to the aid of a rider who had been thrown from her horse. The woman rider, from Redcar, was thrown backwards to the ground when her horse reared last Thursday afternoon in Errington Woods, Marske. The Search and
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Chester le Street - Pals sing to remember Nicola
FRIENDS of a 14-year-old girl who died tragically following a road crash have banded together to stage a kareoke night - to raise cash for her gravestone. Nicola Wiggins died in hospital ten days after the crash on a road between Stanley and Chester-le-Street
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Ex-bookmaker on abduction charges
A FORMER Darlington man is expected to appear in court in the US today, accused of offences relating to an attempted abduction of his son. Douglas Vick Frawley, a former bookmaker, was arrested by detectives in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The 55-year-old
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Chance to own soccer history
DIE-HARD fans are being given the chance to buy their very own piece of North-East footballing history. Two 15-carat gold FA cup winners' medals which belonged to one of the region's top Victorian soccer stars are going on sale. The medals were presented
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Oil man relives machete ordeal
A NORTH-EAST oil rig worker has spoken of his ordeal after being held captive by machete-wielding African tribesmen. Paul Nellist believes he and 16 other Western hostages only got out alive after relatives contacted the British embassy in Nigeria. Paul
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Dancing to her tuna
THERE are many disadvantages to having lots of kids. But, occasionally, the benefits of reckless family planning come to the fore. Take the special offer on tuna at Safeway - 19p a can instead of 55p. That's a deal no self-respecting, bargain-obsessed
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Keeping up with the Penry-Joneses
STEVE John Shepherd and Rupert Penry-Jones first worked together in unusual circumstances. The latter was stark naked and strapped to a billiard table at the time. The pair were filming a scene for Virtual Sexuality which, like many a British film comedy
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Countryman's Diary; The uses of lavender are legion
IF THERE is one plant which epitomises the calm atmosphere of cottage gardens along with a peaceful life in a quiet, rural retreat, it is surely the lavender. I am not sure whether the scent of this distinctive plant does genuinely have any kind of soporific
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Jesters chairman quits with "light at the end of the tunnel"
NEWCASTLE Jesters Ice Hockey Club chairman Paul Smith has resigned from the post seven months into a pay dispute which has threatened the club's future. The former Durham Wasps owner's decision will bring mixed reactions from fans already concerned over
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Police issue warning to motorists
POLICE have reissued a warning to motorists after a car was broken into after being left for five minutes. The owner of the blue Fiat Bravo left the vehicle in Westmoor Road, Darlington, between 6.45pm and 6.50pm on Wednesday. A thief used that time to
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Firm gets own back after being shown the door
A COUPLE came home to find their front door and French windows missing after a row with the company fitting their double glazing. Darren Burnham and Caroline McCourt, who live in Springwell Close, Langley Park, near Durham City, were having new windows
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Fuelling the fires of hatred
I HAVE heard countless people here, in the North of England, say over the last few days that they cannot comprehend what is happening outside the Holy Cross school in Belfast. Of course, it is difficult for anyone to understand such barbaric behaviour
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Delivering Satisfaction
ONLY the lucky few can boast they've never had to wait in for a home delivery or a repairman who didn't turn up. On average, we each waste two days a year waiting for companies that don't show up. It all adds up to lost time and, sometimes, pay - a fact
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Wardens ready to go on patrol
MORE community safety wardens begin patrolling the streets next week. Four teams of two wardens are lined up to work in Coatham, Skelton, South Bank and Grangetown and West Dyke and Newcomen in Redcar. The scheme is the brainchild of Redcar and Cleveland
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Pool News
Willington League - Tony Atkinson of Willington Football Club became the League Singles Champion when he beat Tony Leighton of Oakenshaw Club 2-1 in the Final played at the Prospect Club. In the semi-finals Atkinson beat Dale Wilson of Oakenshaw Club,
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Group puts spotlight on moors buses
A NEW group to improve recreational bus services to and through the North York Moors is being proposed this weekend. A Moorsbus passengers group could be one thing to come out of an open meeting at Sutton Bank visitor centre on Sunday. Bill Breakell,
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The Albany Northern League
Billingham Synthonia came from behind at Thornaby to go top of the League on Tuesday night. Synners were in the lead after 26 minuets through a Glen Corkain penalty for a handball offence, but three minutes later Kevin Newall burst through and equalised
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Drivers quizzed over man's body find
POLICE carried out road checks on Teesside yesterday in a bid to shed more light on the death of Edward Anderson. The 54-year-old's body was found lying at the side of the A172, near Poole roundabout, Nunthorpe, a week ago. Drivers were stopped and questioned
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Crimefighters in call for help to trap shoplifters
A CRIMEFIGHTING charity is seeking help to trace two people in relation to shoplifting incidents. The first offence being targeted by Crimestoppers happened at Asda, in St Andrews Road, Spennymoor, on Friday, April 27. A man walked into the store at about
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Rail company says sorry for train problems
RAIL operator Arriva has blamed a shortage of drivers for disruption to its services in the region. In a letter to regional MPs, local authorities, rail user groups and business leaders, the company's chief executive, Mr Bob Davies, apologised for the
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Green belt group meets
A GREEN campaign group is holding a meeting in Redcar tonight as part of a scheme to establish a green belt around the urban fringes of Teesside. Earlier this year, the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) together with residents forced
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At last - fitting recognition for eleven men of courage
THE exceptional deeds of 11 brave servicemen are to be permanently recognised at their regiment's museum. All 11 Durham Light Infantry soldiers honoured with the highest military decoration, the Victoria Cross, feature on a lasting tribute to be unveiled
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Racing Week by Jo Scott
FLOSSY, still the star in Chris Thornton's much reduced string since his move from Spigot Lodge last winter, has ended a long losing streak for the respected Middleham trainer in the finest possible way. The Efisio mare landed the Bet Direct on Channel
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Vaccinate now, say anxious animal sanctuary owners
THE owner of an animal welfare sanctuary is facing an anxious wait to find out if her neighbour's culled stock were infected with foot-and-mouth disease. Sally Rowley looks after 150 animals, including goats, sheep and ducklings, at the Weardale animal
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Table Tennis News
The new season started with a rush of action as Darlington's four senior British League teams began the campaign with mixed results. The major new rule change, all matches now the best of five sets to 11 instead of three to 21, is certainly exciting.
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A new era at Yarm
THE first day of autumn term at Yarm school was particularly exciting this week, because, for the first time in its history, girls of all ages were admitted. On Wednesday morning, 130 girls aged between four and 18 arrived at the independent school, smartly
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N-E grain to make German beer
THE REGION'S farmers have established a reputation as suppliers of export-quality barley with the first of two ship-loads leaving Hull docks this week. The first consignment of grain is destined for a leading European maltster and will be used to make
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Police hunt for teenage thug
AN e-fit picture of the teenage thug who hit a school meals supervisor on the head three times has been released by police. Sandra Hope needed 20 staples in three head wounds after the attack, which occurred near Crook on Wednesday morning, as she took
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Fire fighting team bids to spread awareness
AN ARSON fighting team of counsellors hopes news of its existence spreads like wild fire. It is about to blitz hospitals, doctors' surgeries and chemists throughout Teesside with posters and leaflets making parents aware of an advice service on offer
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Survey offers chance to air views
A SURVEY has been commissioned to ask a community how their environment can be improved. Derwentside District Council has commissioned the poll for Annfield Plain, near Stanley. A model village has also been made, to be taken around several venues in
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Athletics News
It was a busy day for the junior athletes from Darlington Harriers at the recent Tartan Games at Gateshead International Stadium. Nine athletes took part in the competition and recorded a string of personal best performances and Daniel Purdie ran a very
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Quakers keep good run going
QUAKERS kept their encouraging start to the season going with a 1-1 draw at Lincoln City last Saturday, a result which kept them in third place in Nationwide Division Three. But there was a slight sense of disappointment as Darlington were only 11 minutes
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Project offers a sporting chance
A PROJECT offering learning and physically disabled youngsters in Redcar and Cleveland the chance to take part in weekly sports activities is to kick off next week. A consortium consisting of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's Sports Development team
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Unlucky Chester
Chester-le-Street Town Juniors - The team were knocked out of the AXA FA Youth Cup with a last gasp goal at Emley. An away game at Emley was a very tough draw for the club who were making a return to the Youth Cup after a few years absence. Half of the
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National success for teenage riders
TWO teenagers and their horses were double winners at the recent British Dressage under 21 national championships. Anne-Marie Perry, 14, of Elwick, Hartlepool, won the pony dressage derby final and Sophie Barker, 15, of Yarm, did the same in the junior
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Dream prize for football fan
A YOUNG Newcastle United fan won the chance to train with football star Alan Shearer. Ian Briggs, nine, from Rectory Lane, Wolsingham, won a day with the Magpies and former England striker in a national competition run by the children's satellite station
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Open day puts army on show
WHAT makes a modern armoured infantry regiment tick will be revealed in Redcar tomorrow. The Green Howards are holding an Open Day in the Memorial Hall, where they will present show weaponry alongside displays and photographs of soldiers at work and leisure
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Young mothers have their say as play debate continues
YOUNG families have joined forces to express their dismay at a poorly-equipped village play area, now dogged by controversy. The swings were taken away at Middleton St George after a chain broke and a child broke her arm. Safety experts ordered the swings
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Start getting excited
AT 3-1 John Motson ventured to suggest that people back home might be starting to get excited. At 5-1 he said: "This is developing into one of the most memorable England displays of recent years." Presumably, as they didn't score again it didn't quite
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Delivering Satisfaction
ONLY the lucky few can boast they've never had to wait in for a home delivery or a repairman who didn't turn up. On average, we each waste two days a year waiting for companies that don't show up. It all adds up to lost time and, sometimes, pay - a fact
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Consett & Stanley - Special service will pay tribute to Battle of Britain pilots
FORMER airmen and women will pay tribute this weekend to the pilots who saved Britain from Nazi tyranny in the Second World War. The Durham Region of the Royal Air Forces Association will hold its annual Battle of Britain Memorial Service in Durham Cathedral
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Sew satisfying for inmates
PRISONERS are helping to make sure that Eastern European orphans are well dressed. Women in the drug-free unit at Low Newton Jail in Durham normally make towels and sheets for the Prison Service. But they have turned their hand to making clothes for young
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A tasty little earner for bakery
FAMILY baker Warburtons is "pipping" the competition to top spot as it squeezes fresh sales out of its products. The company, which has a bakery in Newcastle covering the whole of the region, has launched a new fruit loaf with orange and has had to dramatically
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Firms merge
CARR'S Milling Industries and Edward Billington and Son have merged to form Carrs Billington Agricultural (Sales). The businesses of Billington Agriculture and AF Feeds have been combined with those of Carrs Agriculture, other than fertiliser blending
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Strong progress sees upbeat Orange still rising
MOBILE phone firm Orange delivered upbeat half-year results as it added detail to one of the City's worst kept secrets. Some interim figures were published a week ago after a computer error sent a draft document to financial analysts. Shares rose seven
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Wearhead top table
Crook And District League Wearhead United top the table after a win at Crook White Swan. The dalesmen took a 2-0 lead and though White Swan came back to 2-2, a goal from a penalty turned the game back in favour of Wearhead. Michael Coulthard (2), Michael
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Magpies keen on Distin
NEWCASTLE United were last night tipped to tie up a deal for Paris St. Germain defender Sylvain Distin before the end of the week. Southampton, where former United head coach Mick Wadsworth is now right-hand man to first-time manager Stuart Gray, have
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Blair opens Hartlepool learning centre
A STATE-OF-THE-ART education facility was officially opened by the Prime Minister today. The £1.2million City Learning Centre at Dyke House School in Hartlepool, houses an impressive computer suite with 51 workstations, cyber-cafe, recording studio and
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Snooker News
Worthington CIU Summer League - Langley Park saw their chances of promotion to Division One fade rapidly when they only picked up one point from their home match against challengers, Brandon. This result leaves the Park six points behind the leading Ferryhill
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Patrick wins return to the Theatre of Dreams
A PROMISING young footballer's skills have won him a dream trip to Old Trafford for the second year running. Ten-year-old Patrick Crewe, who lives at Hurworth, will visit the famous home of Manchester United for a Premiership match later this season.
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Further arrest in death inquiry
Police have arrested another man in connection with the death of Freddie Knights in Longbenton, Newcastle, on September 28 last year. The man, who has not been named, was arrested in Sedbergh, Cumbria, after an armed siege and taken to a police station
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Half 999 response times hit target
AMBULANCE crews have been reaching just half of all life-threatening emergency calls within their target times, according to latest figures. Response times published by the Government show the North East Ambulance Service reached just 50.8 per cent of
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Plea to make parking a priority
THE £1m worth of funding available to regenerate Thirsk must be spent on sorting out the town's parking problems, say leading businessmen. Their ideas include building a multi-storey car park just off the market place and introducing parking charges.
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Hopes high for laser show at Christmas
A MARKET town looks set to have its best festive display in years, with funding for a £25,000 laser show looking ever more hopeful. This was the news given to members of Barnard Castle Town Council on Monday as they heard further details of how a planned
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Durham - Dancer earns a TV awards slot
A TEENAGER beat off competition from 500 other youngsters to win a place as a backing dancer at a TV awards ceremony. Andrea Clifford, 15, was one of only 20 dancers chosen to appear at the Disney Channel Kids' Awards ceremony in London later this month
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Defra workers step up strike action over pay differential
WORKERS at a Northallerton government agricultural office are stepping up their action for higher pay by holding two more strikes next week. About 200 civil servants at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs office are due to strike on
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Chester le Street - Model plane club silenced by council
MODEL-PLANE enthusiasts from a Chester-le-Street club have come crashing down to earth after a district council imposed a no-fly zone on them. Members of the club are furious after Derwentside District Council gave them permission to fly radio-controlled
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Boy stays home over blond ban
A YOUNGSTER started his new school term by being sent home because his hair was dyed blond. Keith Everett was told he would be welcomed back to English Martyrs School in Hartlepool when the extreme colour had been removed. Deputy headteacher Danny Corey
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Comment from The Northern Echo - A mission of mercy
THERE were those who doubted the wisdom of sending troops into Sierra Leone. They questioned our national interest in intervening in a country tucked away in a corner of west Africa, thousands of miles from our shores. They may change their view when
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Angling News
There was some outstanding performances in the Woodlands North-East Junior Championships Final sponsored by York based Tek Neek UK Distributors for Italian Tackle Giants Trabucco, writes JEFF HERBERT. All the youngsters had successfully come through tense
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Dancing to her tuna
THERE are many disadvantages to having lots of kids. But, occasionally, the benefits of reckless family planning come to the fore. Take the special offer on tuna at Safeway - 19p a can instead of 55p. That's a deal no self-respecting, bargain-obsessed
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Letters: No more homes
Sir, - I refer to your front page report about our playing field (D&S County Durham edition, Aug 24). I cannot believe the rumours are now in black and white. The parish council seems intent on selling off anything it can lay its hands on, turning
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Jazz man Melly bids artist a fond farewell
JAZZMAN George Melly was one of many mourners who turned up to give artist Anthony Earnshaw a fine send-off at his funeral. Mr Earnshaw died last month, aged 76. At his funeral in Saltburn last week mourners, including Mr Melly, lined up to scribble farewell
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Bowling along nicely, thanks
A DARLINGTON college student is back at his studies after competing in the finals of a national bowls competition. Martin Whitfield, aged 17, is a second year student at Queen Elizabeth sixth form college. He played alongside Ian Serginsson in the pairs
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Beware the perils of corporate sponsorship
WELL you read it here first. Back in June Spectator told you that a name change for Middlesbrough football club's stadium was on the cards due to BT's decision to ditch the Cellnet brand. So it has come to pass. This week it was announced that the BT
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Wildlife agency counts cost of crisis
Durham Wildlife Trust says the foot-and-mouth outbreak has had such a devastating effect on visitor numbers it is now £24,000 in debt. The trust depends on school trips and visitors to its nature reserves bringing in money. However, visitor centres at
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Anger as North actor takes film crew on to moors
Angry parish councillors and farmers in the Esk Valley area of the North York Moors National park have hit out at movie-makers headed by Tyneside star Jimmy Nail, filming close to foot-and-mouth infected areas. Danby Parish Council, which covers a large
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Darlington - Play areas face closure
PARK chiefs have been accused of giving in to vandals after six Darlington play areas were earmarked for closure. As part of its new strategy for outdoor play areas, Darlington Borough Council has written to residents asking for their opinions on the
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Search is on to unearth disc jockey raw talent
BUDDING disc jockeys have the chance to make a name for themselves with a new management and promotions company. The company, called Raw Talent, has been set up in Darlington by an amateur disc jockey. Shane Fairham, 28, came up with the idea after realising
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Guest houses gain top approval
THREE County Durham hotels have made it into the Good Hotel Guide 2002, with a further four from the region being shortlisted. Homelands, in Barnard Castle, is described as "the epitome of an excellent guest house" and "close to perfection in the small
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Crimefighters in call for help to trap shoplifters
A CRIMEFIGHTING charity is seeking help to trace two people in relation to shoplifting incidents. The first offence being targeted by Crimestoppers happened at Asda, in St Andrews Road, Spennymoor, on Friday, April 27. A man walked into the store at about
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Village anger over 'rat run' motorists
SPEEDING drivers and drunken youths have turned a quiet village into a "rat run", according to villagers. People living in Whorlton, near Barnard Castle, are calling for urgent action before someone is seriously injured or killed. They say that hundreds
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Bike bookings begin
Booking has now opened for places at the 20th Teesside Classic Bike Show at Redcar Leisure Centre on Sunday, October 7. The categories are veteran and vintage up to 1930, post vintage 1931-1945, post war 1945-1965, competition up to 1972, vintage Japanese
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Drivers quizzed over man's body find
POLICE carried out road checks on Teesside yesterday in a bid to shed more light on the death of Edward Anderson. The 54-year-old's body was found lying at the side of the A172, near Poole roundabout, Nunthorpe, a week ago. Drivers were stopped and questioned
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Army medics step out to raise nursery funds
ARMY medics take on one of the toughest tests set by the Parachute Regiment next week and all to help raise money for a nursery. Playtime for the youngsters is limited, as an area outside the building in Catterick Garrison has been deemed unsafe. So the
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Windows show view of future
THE public can sneak a preview of work on Redcar's new £26m shopping development. Two viewing windows were opened on Tuesday by Dr John Bridge, chairman of regional development authority, One NorthEast, Coun Vilma Collins, Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland
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Family's holiday hope for daughter
A FAMILY from Scotland are hoping North-East folk will dig deep to help make their daughter's dream come true - before cancer claims her life. Four-year-old Emily Guiney has a malignant tumour which has resisted all conventional treatment and, after two
