Archive
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Double success for school
A DARLINGTON school is enjoying a double celebration. Longfield School reached its target of raising £50,000 to fund its bid for sports college status - with just one day to spare. And on the same day last week a team of Longfield students were announced
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Support needed for crisis solution
THE driving force behind a solution to the Dales battle with the aftermath of the foot-and-mouth crisis has warned its grants could be in jeopardy if it does not win more support from local businesses. DigitalDales.co.uk won financial backing from Yorkshire
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Rolls-Royce tight-lipped about future of Vickers
Aero-Engines to defence business Rolls-Royce was remaining tight-lipped about the possibility of a sale of its Vickers tank business yesterday, as it reported a nine per cent rise in pre-tax profits. Rolls has been linked with a sale of the firm, employing
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Traders potty for mayor's charities
MARKET traders have presented the pick of their produce to Durham's mayor. To mark Tuesday's return of the pottery fair to Durham Market Place, its traders presented gifts to the city's mayor, Coun George Cowper, for his chosen charities. On previous
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False disability claim lands man in jail
A businessman who went jogging three times a week and built a brick wall while claiming to be wheelchair-bound was today jailed for falsely receiving more than £40,000 in benefits. John Moses, 50, was given 18 months following a two-year investigation
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Providing energy from other sources
THE region is being warned that it has a contribution to make to Government plans for ten per cent of electricity to come from renewable energy sources by 2010. A new report, commissioned by the Government, provides estimates of the renewable resources
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Keegan backs campaign
ONE of the North-East's all time football heroes has backed an Advertiser campaign to remember those who died in the northern coalfields. Former Newcastle manager and player Kevin Keegan has lent his name to the campaign to mark the mass burial trenches
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The writing is on the mat for dealers
A campaign to crack down on drug dealers in a North-East town has moved into pubs and clubs. About 10,000 beer mats have been produced with the Rat on a Rat logo emblazoned on them and are being distributed throughout Darlington. The initiative, which
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A mother's place is in the wrong
JUST when you think you've got life sorted... The trouble with living in the country is that it keeps your children dependent on you for that much longer. When the midwife gives you that list of post-natal exercises and the days for the clinic, they might
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Second refusal for caravans scheme
COUNCILLORS have refused planning permission for a travellers' caravan site for a second time. At a meeting of Darlington Borough Council's planning committee, the proposal, which was identical to one submitted last July, was rejected. Council officers
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Guided health walks
A SERIES of guided health walks around Newton Aycliffe continues next week. The Pioneering Care Partnership's walking scheme, run in partnership with Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre, resumes on Tuesday, at 10.30am. The walk will start and finish at
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Aussie theme cinema bar plan rejected
CONTROVERSIAL plans to open an Australian theme nightspot in Durham's only cinema have been rejected by magistrates. The North Durham Licensing Committee has refused to grant a drinks licence and late opening certificate for the Walkabout Inn planned
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Couple await permission to have baby which may cure sibling
A County Durham mother is waiting for permission to have a baby which, thanks to genetic engineering, can save her son's life. Chester-le-Street woman Michelle Whitaker and her husband Jayson want to follow in the footsteps of a Leeds couple who have
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Join Our Appeal
The Advertiser - with its sister paper The Northern Echo - has launched an emotional campaign to remember the dead of the North-East's worst ever pit disaster. We believe that marking the graves of the 168 men and boys who died in the West Stanley pit
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Grant is boost for hospice garden plan
A Hospice has been awarded a £1,500 grant from Hartlepool Borough Council's Pride in Hartlepool scheme. The grant has been awarded to help fund gardens at Hartlepool and District Hospice's proposed new building. It is hoped that the gardens will provide
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All-out push for Lottery
DARLINGTON is gearing up to bid for its share of £169 million worth of Lottery money set aside by the Government for disadvantaged areas. Darlington Borough Council is to appoint a Lottery Officer, who will start work next month, with the task of bringing
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Heart disease killed man, 20
A KEEN footballer died from a heart abnormality, an inquest heard yesterday. Glen Jenkins, 20, from Woodham, died on July 26 last year because he had suffered an undetected narrowing of the main artery leading into his heart. The inquest at Bishop Auckland
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Council tax rises by
COUNCIL tax rates in Wear Valley are the seventh highest of any district in the country, even though this year's increase has been pegged back to nine per cent. Cuts of £450,000 in the authority's £10m budget were agreed last week and a report from directors
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Students fear axe may fall on courses
STUDENTS at a top university fear a major review could lead to courses and even departments being axed. Students at Durham University say up to ten departments - including politics and Middle Eastern studies - could be at risk of closure. But the university
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Army bosses cook up challenge for chefs
MILITARY chefs will clash saucepans in a cookery competition at the weekend. Territorial Army chefs from the north of England, and Scotland, will make mouth-watering meals on a camp fire stove in the bid to be named best Combat Caterers. Taking place
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Environment information
PEOPLE in Darlington will be able to find out more about how they can help the environment with a new information pack. The pack, called A Helping Hand for Our Planet, has been produced by Millennium Volunteers from Northallerton College with help from
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Youngsters show off their basketball skills
YOUNGSTERS from six schools took part in the first Darlington Primary School Basketball Tournament yesterday. The event, at the Dolphin Centre, followed six weeks of coaching provided by Darlington Borough Council. Taking part were pupils from Whinfield
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Hospitals criticised in patient deaths
A North-East hospital has been criticised after the deaths of eleven psychiatric patients. An independent probe was launched after the deaths of two patients under the care of Cherry Knowle Hospital in Ryhope, Sunderland between 1999-2000. During the
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Big plans mooted for library centre
DETAILS of plans for a major new library for Stanley have been revealed. The Advertiser last year disclosed Durham County Council wants to built a library worth tens of thousands of pounds at the old Stanley Board School on Front Street. Now a spokesman
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£3.7m grant will create 600 nursery places
MORE than 600 nursery school places could be created in the most deprived areas of County Durham. Durham County Council is getting £3.7m from the Government's Neighbourhood Nurseries Initiative, which aims to help people and groups set up nurseries in
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Churchgoers' recollections are wanted
MEMORIES of of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, are wanted to create a potted history before it reopens as a resource centre. A book is to be placed in Bishop Auckland Town Hall library for former members of the church
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Ruling blow over junk mail deliveries
THOUSANDS of North-East householders will continue to be the target of junk mail, despite a landmark legal ruling. The selling of electoral register details by local councils to junk mail companies was challenged successfully in the High Court, last year
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Chance to see youth art
Time is running out to see an exhibition of youth art in Middlesbrough. Launched in November at The Main Hall of The University of Teesside, the exhibition runs until Saturday March 16. It includes photography, poetry, and sounds reflecting the young
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Access work to begin at town library
THE conversion of Darlington's town centre library to accommodate disabled people has been given the final go-ahead. Darlington Borough Council's plans for the historic listed building, in Crown Street, were passed to the Secretary of State for the Environment
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Ex-TDC boss will not give up title
THE former chairman of the controversial Teesside Development Corporation (TDC) last night fended off calls to give up his knighthood. Sir Ron Norman OBE said he was unwilling to be drawn into an argument with his accusers, but criticised "personal attacks
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Marion makes a great start
IT has not taken Marion Cavagin long to ring the changes in her new job. For the Consett woman has just been awarded train company Great North-Eastern Railway's Best Newcomer of the Year for her work at its Newcastle telesales centre. Marion joined the
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Facing the desert heat to aid
A DARLINGTON man is hoping to raise £2,500 for Mencap after completing a gruelling Sahara Challenge last week. Graham Orange, 31, who works as an aircraft technician at RAF Leeming, spent a week in the north African desert, where he ran half marathons
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Advice for pop wannabes
WANNABE pop idols are to be offered professional advice to help them on the road to success. Music makers on Teesside are being invited to a five-day event of seminars, workshops and gigs in a collaboration between The Georgian Theatre, Stockton, and
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Gun-toting robbers hit Co-op store
TWO supermarket workers were severely traumatised after being assaulted by two armed robbers in a quiet village store. The masked men struck at the Co-op in The Leazes, Burnopfield, at 7.30pm last Thursday. Police said the robbery, the fourth in the Derwentside
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Phoenix rises to bring hope for future
THE plight of Phoenix the calf had thousands of people holding their breath at the height of the foot-and-mouth crisis after it was found alive among a culled herd. Pictures of the creature were flashed around the world, and the calf became a symbol of
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Family's shock over trial news
THE family of a plane spotter spoke of their shock yesterday after learning that he could face five years in a Greek prison. Andy Jenkins, of York, was one of a dozen enthusiasts arrested last November at the country's Kalamata air base, for allegedly
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Council meetings online - at a cost
RESIDENTS may be able to view council chamber proceedings from their homes, if a North-East council's plans to introduce web broadcasting get the go-ahead. There is little public attendance at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's meetings, but the authority
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Comment from The Northern Echo; Foot-and-mouth whitewash
WE remain bemused by the Government's refusal to hold a public inquiry into the foot-and-mouth crisis. It beggars belief that a national catastrophe, which cost the country billions of pounds, is not worthy of a thorough and independent investigation.
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Health step that could save 8,000 lives a year - report
EIGHT thousand lives might be saved every year if heart disease death rates in our region could be reduced to the level of the English health authority with the lowest rate. That is the shocking conclusion of a report which says the amount of specialised
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Granny's anger at five-year snail mail
A GREAT-grandmother found herself embroiled in a long-running rift with her granddaughter - after a Post Office blunder. Alice McFadyen mailed a congratulations card and £20 to her granddaughter on the birth of her son in November 1996, but never got
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Collectors ready to stake a claim on Dracula book
THE novel was originally called The Un-dead, and in publishing terms remains one of the longest-lived successes in horror history. First issued in 1897, the book has sold millions and is still in print. It has been translated into 44 languages and countless
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Green group shames factories
ENVIRONMENTAL campaigners have named the UK's worst factories for pollution - and say two of the top ten are in the North-East. Friends of the Earth has released figures for the plants which release the most cancer-causing substances, and names two of
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Pal who's Noah where to be found
A PARROT is pining for its mate, which has escaped. Noah, a tame grey bird was perched so gently on the shoulder of owner Karen Barrett that she did not realise it was there until she opened the patio doors of her home, in Kirkleatham Lane, Redcar, and
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'Backlog to blame for poor display' - Turner
CHRIS Turner believes a heavy schedule has hit his side's hopes of reaching the play-offs. Pool stuttered to a 1-1 draw with Lincoln City on Tuesday night, a result which leaves them 11th in Division Three, seven points away from the top seven with just
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'Town is richest in N-E'
STOCKTON is the richest place in the North-East, according to new research by Barclays Private Clients. The wealth management arm of banking company Barclays, estimates the average annual income of households in Stockton is £21,833, beating Northumberland
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Arts on the timetable
CHILDREN are to be transported for free to arts venues in an attempt to improve their artistic appreciation. Derwentside Leisure Services hopes schools will take advantage of its Free Buses For Schools pilot scheme which begins in this month. Although
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Teenager admits murder of drug addict
A TEENAGER pleaded guilty to murder yesterday, after the daylight stabbing of a drug addict in the street. On the sixth day of his trial at Teesside Crown Court, the youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, changed his plea to guilty to murder of
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Baby's parents agree to op
The parents of a 12-week-old baby with a disfigured face yesterday climbed down from a conflict with hospital officials and allowed emergency medical treatment to be given to their child. Maria Aziz Al-Rafi needed an urgent tracheotomy to open up her
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Jury told of rival's shotgun attack
A SECURITY firm boss told a court yesterday how he was gunned down by a business rival when they met in a park. Martin Manderville, 39, said he anticipated there might be violence in the meeting with his former business partner, George Doneathy, at Preston
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Vice-girl weeps as she tells of killing
A PROSTITUTE broke down as she told a court about the moment a client was dragged from her bed and thrown through a window to his death. Claire Burgess said Kalvant Singh was beaten and then pushed through the window as she looked on in horror. Newcastle
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Business news in brief
Textiles group profits blow TEXTILES group Coats has failed to reap rewards from a restructuring plan after being left frustrated by economic conditions. The company, which employs 100 staff at its Coats Crafts business, in Darlington, said underlying
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Pub refused permission to build on site
OWNERS of a landmark pub have been refused planning permission to develop homes on the site. Outline permission for development at the Bay Horse Inn, Burnt Yates, Nidderdale, was turned down by members of Harrogate Borough Council's area planning committee
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Driver 'took ill at the wheel'
A DRIVER who died on a North Yorkshire road is thought to have been taken ill at the wheel, an inquest was told. A verdict of accidental death has been recorded on John Leworthy, 77, of Kendrew Close, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, the driver of a car
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Possible end to toilets dispute
THE row over the future of public toilets in moorland villages near Whitby has taken a big step on the way to being resolved. Scarborough Borough Council, which wants to close the toilets at Egton, Commondale, Ruswarp, Aislaby, Westerdale, and Bank Top
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Young musicians get chance to shine
THIS year's Music for Youth regional auditions will be held on Saturday and Sunday, March 16 and 17, at Egglescliffe School. Music for Youth is an educational charity, providing free access to educational and performance opportunities for young musicians
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Fishermen's tall tale
HARTLEPOOL will get a theatrical bad apple tonight. Bad Apple Theatre Company brings its latest production - Fighting the Tide - to the Town Hall Theatre. The new musical drama, written by Kate Bramley, tells a survival story, with original songs from
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Centre seeks homes for tadpole and sasha
CAN you find a home for these two pets? Sasha, right, and Tadpole are at the RSPCA Animal Centre at Great Ayton, North Yorkshire, but are in need of new homes. Sasha is a small to medium-sized cross-breed, who has been at Great Ayton since the end of
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Corus to join the FTSE-100
STEELMAKER Corus, which employs thousands of people on Teesside, is due to become a member of the FTSE-100. It will take its place among the elite shares on Monday, March 18. Despite the news, its shares still ended the day down p at 79p, following the
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Murphy shines to dim Newcastle's title hopes
IT WAS Murphy's Law at Anfield last night as the lights all but went out on Newcastle's Premiership title challenge. Everything that could go wrong did go wrong for the Magpies as they discovered a new Liverpool Nemesis in midfielder Danny Murphy. A floodlight
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New home found for County Show
A NEW home has been found for the Durham County Show, which was left without a permanent venue in recent years. The agricultural show will this year be held at a former colliery site in the shadow of the North-East landmark Penshaw Monument. It is hoped
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'We did not deserve Ray Mallon'
The full speech about Operation Lancet and Ray Mallon by Stuart Bell, Middlesbrough MP, in a House of Commons adjournment debate on Wednesday night Mr Deputy Speaker By my reckoning, this is the fifth adjournment debate on Operation Lancet, but it is
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School hopes to take lead in science
A COUNTY Durham school could be among the first in the country to attain specialist science status if its bid proves successful. Following the Government's launch of the specialist science college initiative, allowing schools to bid for extra funding
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Memories of church wanted
FOND memories of a vibrant church are needed to create a potted history before it reopens as a resource centre. A book is to be placed in Bishop Auckland Town Hall Library for former members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church on Newgate Street, to jot down
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Festival features ways of keeping abreast of artistic development
FEMALE creativity is being celebrated at one of the region's universities, which is staging a women's festival. A series of events, including exhibitions, workshops and seminars, began yesterday at Teesside University's Centre for Enterprise in Middlesbrough
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Another chance for Bob
TOWCESTER specialist Sir Bob (2.40) looks worth another chance in the Betfair.com Novices' Chase today. It's fair enough to forgive Sir Bob's most recent flop at Uttoxeter, where the ground was like glue. Not too many horses go on that sort of surface
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Darlington and South Durham news in brief
Pupils join in Chinese party PUPILS at a Newton Aycliffe school have had a rare opportunity to participate in the Chinese celebrations to mark the advent of the year of the horse. More than 20 year ten GCSE dance pupils from Greenfield Community and Arts
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Lottery funding blow to sports pitches proposals
PLANS to improve sports pitches in Derwentside have been shelved after a knock-back from the National Lottery. Derwentside District Council had bid for £100,000 from Lottery agents, the New Opportunities Fund, in January, to upgrade sports facilities
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Police warning over bogus cash deals
POLICE are warning organisations in County Durham to beware of bogus cash offers after the area was targeted by fraudsters. During the past few years, several organisations in the area have received letters, faxes or emails promising large amounts of
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£133,000 for botched op
A WOMAN who was scarred for life and ended up five stones heavier after a botched slimming operation was awarded £133,000 compensation yesterday. When Stephanie O'Neill, 42, had the surgery she was an active 10st 4lbs and enjoyed a full social life. But
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Trio spring into finals
THREE athletic youngsters from a village primary school are tumbling to the top in their chosen sport. Simon Peart, Robert Agar and Sophie Chambers have put Esh Winning Primary School, in County Durham, on the map in the world of acro-gymnastics. Backed
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Greek medics to face court
A FAMILY has welcomed news of the planned prosecution of Greek hospital staff who they believe neglected their son prior to his death. Three doctors and two nurses have been accused of homicide as a result of negligence in connection with the death of
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Glass company workers are aiming for polished results
STAFF at glass merchants and processors Pilkington are improving their skills with help from the North-East Chamber of Commerce. Through its Sunderland Training Centre, 18 staff at Pilkington's Middlesbrough site are working towards an NVQ level two in
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Dance festival for pupils
Primary and secondary pupils in the Wear Valley will take part in a two-day dance festival next week. Six hundred youngsters, aged five to 14, will be involved in the event at King James I Community School, Bishop Auckland, on March 13, and at the Spectrum
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Musical celebration of town's history
POP Idol Aaron Bayley, former Doctor Who Colin Baker, and a castle ghost will come together for a time-travelling musical. Celebrate, a new musical commissioned by Chester-le-Street District Council, tells the story of the town's eventful history including
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Campaign targets drug underworld
A MAJOR crime-busting initiative designed to tackle 'vermin' drug dealers has been launched in Darlington. The Rat on a Rat campaign will encourage residents to spill the beans on dealers in the town by calling a crime-fighting hotline. By ringing the
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Mother reassured on double jeopardy Bill
A TEESSIDE mother campaigning to see her daughter's killer brought to justice met a Home Office minister yesterday to discuss changes to the double jeopardy law. Ann Ming, of Stockton, whose 22-year-old daughter Julie Hogg was murdered in 1989, feared
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Minister visits RAF base
THE region's front-line RAF fighter base had a VIP visitor this week, with the arrival of the Minister of Defence from the Czech Republic. During a trip to the UK, Jaroslav Tvrdik visited RAF Leeming near Bedale, North Yorkshire. He met a Czech pilot
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Tour pushes quit message
A VINTAGE bus will tour part of North Yorkshire next week in a bid to promote national No Smoking Day. The Harrogate and District Tobacco Control Alliance has arranged for the vehicle to travel through the area on Wednesday. It is expected to stop at
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London date is a high note
MEMBERS of Stockton Vocal Union will be helping to raise the roof by performing with the Parliamentary Choir in London, later this month. Stockton South MP Dari Taylor is patron of the vocal union and also sings with the choir. The choir will be performing
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Army chaplain buried in home town
Britain's leading Roman Catholic army chaplain will be buried tomorrow with full military honours in his home town of Hartlepool. Monsignor Kevin Vasey died on Monday (March 4) aged 52 after an illness. He was born in Hartlepool, the third son of a fireman
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Ten taken to hospital in Durham chemical spill
Ten people including a policeman have been rushed to hospital and a busy city centre closed after a chemical spill this afternoon. Three fire appliances were called to the Durham University Student Union building in New Elvet, Durham City. Fire chiefs
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Safety reward helps hospital
the children's unit at a Teesside hospital's casualty department has received a cash boost, thanks to a company's excellent safety record. Workers at the Cassel Business, Ineos Acrylics at Billingham were given £500 to donate to a local charity by managers
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'In Bloom' contest gets under way
THE Northumbria in Bloom competition is being launched on Teesside next week. The launch is taking place at the Oakwood Centre, Eaglescliffe, on Monday. Local authorities and groups from across the North-East will be sending delegates to receive details
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Knowing your place in history
WHAT'S in a name? An entire history of County Durham, that's what. And that history has at last been laid bare in a place name dictionary, which will finally lay to rest pub debates on how Snotterton got its name, just where No Place is and why Quebec
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School opens doors on a great deal more
A COUNTY Durham school has opened its doors again, almost four years after a blaze ripped through the building causing extensive damages and disruption. Tanfield Comprehensive School, near Stanley, has undergone a £400,000 facelift in the wake of the
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Teenager locked up for school gym blaze
A TEENAGER who thought it was 'funny' after starting a fire which destroyed a school gym, will spend the next nine months behind bars. The PE block at Chester-le-Street's Hermitage School was demolished as a result of the blaze, which caused £1.2m worth
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Dance test for youngsters
MORE than 150 youngsters aged between four and 17 will take part in a dancing competition at Evenwood and Ramshaw Community Centre tomorrow, from 6.30pm. The contest has been organised by Durham County Council's education department and is designed to
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Dine in style at Gala
THEATRE-GOERS can now dine in style before and after performances at Durham's new Gala Theatre. Catering facilities are up and running two months after the curtain went up at the new arts venue in the multi-million pound Millennium City development. A
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Memories of instant chips at the flicks
PENSIONER Douglas Grey has got a bit of a chip on his shoulder over a US company's plans to set up a network of vending machines selling bags of "fries". For the 79-year-old claims the company is more than 25 years behind him, as he was using one of the
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North Yorkshire news in brief
Retired teacher is new mayor SCARBOROUGH'S new Mayor is to be Councillor Sheila Kettlewell, a retired deputy headteacher. Miss Kettlewell, an independent member of the borough council represents the Scalby ward. She beat Labour's candidate, the current
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Probe into estimates for flood defences
AN investigation into the cost of providing flood defences in two Ryedale towns has been launched. Council officials are looking at how much it would take to install defences along Priorpot, in Malton, and Mill Becks, in Norton. The price is likely to
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To market, to market, no trouble at all...
Ferryhill Town Centre IT hopefully goes without saying that all invitations to visit towns locally are gratefully received. I will respond to these by aiming to visit them all wherever possible over the coming months. Such an invitation arrived from Jamie
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Ring-a-Ride wants advisors
POTENTIAL users of a new service to replace a charity, which has closed, are being urged to join an independent panel of advisors. Gordon Pybus of Darlington Association on Disability hopes the panel will become a useful tool in the development of Ring-a-Ride
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Plea to dog owners after sheep killed
AN ELDERLY farming couple have made a plea to dog owners after their sheep were savaged for a second time. Norman and Norma Wilson, of Low Doctor Pasture Farm in Wolsingham, said they have been sickened by the attacks, which left 14 of their sheep dead
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Huskies and hounds in sled contest
ALASKAN malamutes, Siberian huskies and "Euro-hounds" will be straining at the leash this weekend as the Forestry Commission hosts the UK Sled Dog Championships in Dalby Forest, near Pickering. Ninety teams from as far afield as Dorset and northern Scotland
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Former councillor dies at 93
A FORMER county councillor and parish councillor of 50 years' standing has died at the age of 93. Robert Close, who served the village of Pittington, near Durham City before retiring from politics at the age of 89, died peacefully on Friday. He began
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Store given rap over sexy advert
A department store has been rapped over sexy adverts that outraged train passengers. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) upheld complaints over posters on the Metro system for Dolce and Gabbana perfume. The pictures showed a muscular young man peeling
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Profits boost for Arriva
Strike-hit train company Arriva has posted a nine per cent rise in pre-tax profits and increased its annual payout to shareholders. The rise in profits has angered members of the Rail Maritime and Transport union (RMT), which has called for fresh strikes
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New arrivals are bright spot in farming gloom
ELEVEN small lambs have brought new hope to a farming community devastated by the foot-and-mouth disease epidemic. Multiple births of six are rare among sheep, but two ewes at Hargill Farm, in Howden-le-Wear, produced a litter of six within days of each
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Touching story of troll romance
A CAST of puppets will be used to tell a captivating story of friendship between a troll and a girl later this months. The Lempen Puppet Theatre will be visiting Crook on Thursday, March 28, as the company tours Britain with a production called The Last
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Deserving youngsters receive awards
YOUNGSTERS who bravely overcame a robbery and who created a youth shelter were among those recognised with awards this week. The sixth annual Shrievalty Awards were presented by the High Sheriff of Durham, Thomas Swan OBE, at Durham Castle. Due to the
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Graham takes Sahara in stride
AN aircraft technician at RAF Leeming is hoping to raise £2,500 for Mencap after completing a gruelling Sahara Challenge last week. Graham Orange, 31, spent a week in the African desert, where he ran half marathons and took part in 40km cycle rides. The
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Bid for extra travel funding
PARISH councillors are looking to local people for support as it makes a bid for transport funding. If successful, Dene Valley Parish Council will have access to £10,000 which local people can tap into for travelling costs. The money would not be used
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Firm moves to bigger site
A FAMILY business that had its beginnings as a milk round has marked the latest stage in its success story by investing half a million pounds in new premises. Rowbotham Ltd's move to a 15,000 sq ft purpose-built production facility on Consett's Park Road
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New award for Gold medalist Edwards
Olympic Gold triple jumper Jonathan Edwards has been presented with another accolade for his collection - Honorary Freeman of the City of Newcastle. In a ceremony at the city's Civic Centre, Mr Edwards joined the prestigious club whose roll call includes
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Assurance from baby charity
A NATIONAL charity has moved to distance itself from Teesside-based Baby Assist. Baby Assist, set up to raise funds for hospital equipment for premature babies and those with defects, is being wound up following criticism from the Charity Commission.
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In-depth research for safer bridges
Research by a North-East university has devised ways to make the UK's road bridges safer, amid concerns that it is too easy for vehicles to plunge on to railway lines. A project headed by Professor Brian Hobbs, director of the school of science and technology
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Girls make bit of space history
A GROUP of schoolgirls are making their own little bit of history today - with the help of the orbiting International Space Station. The North Yorkshire youngsters will become the first in the UK to have a scheduled amateur radio contact with the astronauts
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PC prepares for marathon fundraiser
A POLICE OFFICER is swapping her truncheon for trainers as she prepares for a marathon effort. PC Caroline Davies is running 35 miles a week in training with three of her colleagues at Darlington police station, before they attempt the Flora London Marathon
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Inquests are opened and adjourned
FOUR separate inquests were opened and adjourned on Teesside, this week. The first was into the death of 32-year-old factory worker Annette McCubbin, who was found at her home in Oliver Street, South Bank, near Middlesbrough, on March 3. Another inquest
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A magic way to learn about poetry
CHILDREN at a Stockton school had a magical day, thanks to local poet Nick Toczek. Mr Toczek visited Tilery Primary School to help pupils write poems. Deputy headteacher Liz Miller said: "He performed some of his poetry in front of the whole school, but
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Jury may find lack of care for 'river walk' students
An inquest jury considering the deaths of two girls who were swept to their deaths in a fast-flowing stream was told today they may come to the conclusion that some individuals "failed in certain respects". Assistant North Yorkshire coroner John Sleightholme
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Store staff is all in the family
STAFF at a Darlington supermarket will not have far to go to send greetings on Mothers' Day. Seven staff members at Morrisons, in Morton Park, work alongside their mothers. Keith Rogers, the store's general manager, said: "When people say that their work
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Brothers named on the rich list
TWO North-East brothers have been named among the richest Asians in the country. Saghir and Zahir Ahmad, who own Tyne Tees Cash & Carry, appear at 118 in the Asian Rich List 2002 with an estimated net worth of £15m. The pair, along with brother Munir
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Recycled creatures on show at museum
A LEADING art gallery has been invaded by a horde of tiny tin creatures intent on exploring every nook and cranny. The inquisitive little beings, at the Mercer Art Gallery, in Harrogate, are all made from recycled materials and are the work of renowned
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Ford's call for clarity as walk-out row continues
DARLINGTON midfielder Mark Ford has called on Susan Reynolds to come clean as the fall-out from last week's fans forum continues. At the Feethams meeting on Thursday night, Mrs Reynolds claimed it "isn't unknown for games to be thrown deliberately". That
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Warming advice on board the bus
A WARM Front Bus designed to promote heating grants for the most vulnerable people in society will be in Chester-le-Street next week. The bus is encouraging people to take up the Government's Warm Front grants for the installation of home heating and
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Aiming for suite success on business site
LINGFIELD Investments has invested in a dedicated marketing operation at the rejuvenated Lingfield Point complex, in Darlington. Shaw Property Concepts will move into a suite to work with letting agents Jones Lang Lassalle and Sanderson Townend and Gilbert
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Teenage school arsonist locked up
A TEENAGER, who thought it was "funny" to start a fire which destroyed a school gym, will spend the next nine months behind bars. The PE block at Chester-le-Street's Hermitage School was demolished in the blaze, which caused £1.2m worth of damage. A 16
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Hot run will help mercy aircraft
TWO marathon runnerss are setting themselves the challenge of a lifetime to help raise funds for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. They plan to tackle the Comrades Ultra Marathon, an epic 52-mile race in South Africa, which competitiors have just 11 hours
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Hear all sides
HOMING PIGEON BOY I READ with interest your article on Shaun McKerry (Echo, Mar 1). I feel that you and the magistrates who allowed your application to name him, must take some of the blame for his criminal behaviour. When I was chairman of the Bishop
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Domestic violence support highlighted
DARLINGTON Domestic Violence Forum held a conference yesterday to raise awareness of the issue of technological advances which can help victims. The conference, at Darlington Arts Centre, was attended by more than 200 people and featured speakers who
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Wardens given lessons in caring
A TEAM of Darlington car park wardens have been improving their customer care skills. Eight wardens took part in a course tailored to their needs at Darlington College of Technology. The course, designed to give them a broad introduction to customer care
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Darlington and South Durham news in brief
Top director visits school MEDIA students at Darlington's Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College enjoyed a visit from North-East film director and writer Murray Martin yesterday. Mr Martin spoke to second year A-level students as part of their preparations
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Mallon slammed for 'lies and fraud'
THE extraordinary details of the charges admitted by Ray Mallon were revealed to the House of Commons late last night by Middlesbrough MP Stuart Bell. Mr Bell used a Parliamentary debate to accuse the former detective superintendent dubbed "Robocop" of
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Inquiry chairman accused of snubbing protestors
PROTESTORS last night accused the chairman of the foot-and-mouth Lessons Learned inquiry of snubbing them. While community leaders said they had had their say, residents living next to the controversial foot-and-mouth burial site in Tow Law, County Durham
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Museum's search success
A search for a home for a collection of thousands of photographs and artefacts has resulted in success. After being given a year by Scarborough Borough Council to raise about £500,000 to stay in its Grape Lane premises, Whitby Archives and Heritage Centre
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North-East exports unlikely to be hit
WORKERS at the Corus steel works on Teesside are unlikely to feel the impact of the US action immediately. Only a tiny amount - less than 250,000 tonnes a year - of British-produced steel is exported to America. However, MPs and union officials fear an
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Indoor camper cooks up a disaster in the kitchen
A CALAMITOUS camper nearly destroyed his own home when he decided to test an old stove indoors. He made the mistake of using petrol instead of paraffin - leading to a massive explosion and a fireball that blew out the ground floor windows. The man, who
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No charge for body parts burial
BEREAVED families who want to bury retained body parts in the graves of their loved ones will not be charged for the service, councillors in Teesdale agreed yesterday. Teesdale District Council's community services committee voted in favour of waiving
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Doctor on the bottle
Doctors (BBC1) THIS daily medical series has returned in a later, post-lunchtime slot and I wouldn't be surprised to see it promoted to peak time before long. The BBC has often talked of turning Casualty into a more-than-once-a-week soap but never quite
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Hail to our friends in the North
POP band Travis made a triumphant return to the North-East with a sell-out concert at Newcastle's Telewest Arena this week. On Tuesday night, the four-piece band underlined their status as one of the biggest bands in Britain at present, with a two-hour
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Homes sought for Sasha and Tadpole
CAN you find a home for these two pets? Sasha and Tadpole are living at the RSPCA Animal Centre at Great Ayton, North Yorkshire, but are desperately looking for new homes. Sasha is a small to medium-sized cross breed bitch, which has been at Great Ayton
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Barney is back
FORMER track record-holder Barney The Bold, winner of last year's All-England Cup, returns to Brough Park on Friday in pursuit of the William Hill Gold Cup. The Scottish raider, trained at Shawfield by Janis Carmichael, was unbeaten in the three rounds
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A case of misspent sympathy
IT is a strange world. At the weekend, just for a minute - well, a little less, if I'm strictly accurate - I found myself feeling sorry for Prince Edward and Sophie. They renounced the business ventures for which they'd been so heavily criticised, and
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Long-running battle over tree preservation ends
A battle over whether a woodman should spare two 30ft willow trees has been settled by a compromise. A rumpus erupted over the two trees which are 70ft apart on Masham Recreation Ground, when Harrogate Borough Council slapped a provisional tree preservation
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Match played in memory of crash victims
A TEENAGER is staging a charity fundraising match in memory of his friend who died in a four death crash between two cars on the Yorkshire Coast last October. James Raw regularly played football with Gary Westwood, 17, and now a game has been arranged
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New contracts will create jobs at tools firm
MANUFACTURING business Fin Machine is creating 30 jobs after winning new contracts. The Sedgefield machinery and tool manufacturer is increasing its workforce of 180 as a result of winning an order to supply equipment to automotive parts supplier Visteon's
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A shellfish thing to do
GOURMETS are being invited to take part in tasty trials at a university. The University of Teesside, Middlesbrough, is looking for well-heeled volunteers to look at marketing techniques for new shellfish products. The university's food technology centre
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Gipsies to stay despite concerns
TRAVELLERS are likely to be allowed to stay on council land - despite a string of objections from residents. The travellers arrived at Warrenby, Redcar, a few months ago and signed a temporary agreement with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, which
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On track for fresh round of rail strikes
RAIL passengers are facing further misery with a fresh bout of strike action on the Arriva Trains Northern network. The Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) workers' union announced that conductors would stage a 24-hour strike on March 28 and 48-hour strikes
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Family's joy as sisters are found
THE family of an asthmatic toddler who disappeared with her 13-year-old half-sister were overjoyed last night when the pair were found safe and well. Clair Smith had been missing in the past for up to ten days, but had never taken her two-year-old sister
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Festa a sinner but Boro take point from Saints
MIDDLESBROUGH missed the chance to climb into the top half of the Premiership for the first time this season last night. Defeat for Fulham at west London rivals Chelsea meant both Boro and last night's opponents Southampton could have leapfrogged the
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Wear Valley win 22 gold medals
WEAR Valley ASC swimmers won a massive total of 22 golds at the first of this year's Northumberland and Durham ASA swimming championship galas at Darlington, Scott Hathaway leading the way with a huge haul of nine title wins in the boys' 13 year age group
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War graves may have to make way for airport
THE graves of hundreds of First World War soldiers from the region could be dug up and moved to make way for a multi-billion pound airport. The French government wants to build an inter-Continental airport on a ten-and-a-half thousand hectare site, near
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Teesside news in brief
Fire threat at Scouts' store VENTURE Scouts from Redcar were lucky not to lose equipment in a fire. The blaze broke out at the rear of a garage in Zetland Road, Redcar, yesterday morning, because of an electrical fault. The building was damaged by fire
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Young footballers show off new strips
A SCHOOL'S football team is looking the business thanks to the North Eastern Co-op. The trading organisation gave Blue Coat Church of England Aided Junior School, in Durham, £200 to buy a new blue strip for its players. The school, in the Newton Hall
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Chocolate lovers sought to help centre
The Unicorn Centre at Hemlington, is appealing to all chocolate lovers to join them at a Thorntons Chocolates evening at Springs Health Club at Teesside Park on Thursday, March 14. This will be the perfect opportunity to indulge your sweet tooth and buy
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Brave pair take up royal baton
TWO teenagers battling against the odds in life have a special date - by royal appointment. Amputee Paul Mann and fellow 15-year-old Jonathon Osborne will carry the Queen's Jubilee Baton through their home town of Hartlepool on July 7, when it is returned
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Stadium group reports losses
ELECTRONICS group Stadium has revealed its first annual results since announcing a shake-up of its business. The Hartlepool group, which earlier this week sold its plastic injection moulding business to a management buy-in team for £7m, reported a pre-tax
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A diamond day as couple celebrate 60 years
A COUPLE have marked their diamond wedding. March 2 had a special significance for Saltburn couple Tom and Gladys Shotton - it was the day they married in St Oswald's Church, Durham City, 60 years ago. The anniversary was marked by cards - including one
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£1.6m school scheme starts
WORK has started on a £1.6m development to transform a Sunderland school. Over the next few months, a new sports and community facility will be built at Hylton Red House School. It will include a sports hall and dining facility incorporating a modern,
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Villagers to consider ways to access cash
VILLAGERS in Castleside, Cornsay and Lanchester have been asked to consider how they can access a new European cash fund. The Leader+ programme, which aims to improve life in rural communities in the North Pennines area, has received £2m from the European
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North Durham and Tyneside news in brief
Mobile mast bid rejected COUNCILLORS in Sunderland have refused plans for a mobile phone mast because it would be a blot on the landscape. BT Cellnet wanted to put up a 20-metre high mast in the grounds of the Fulwell Pumping Station, a Grade II listed
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New life for old industry area
AN industrial area of Darlington could be redeveloped to provide apartments. Councillors are hoping that Weir Street, off North Road, could become a desirable address after a decision to convert a former warehouse into a residential home. An application
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Bid launched for fair share of Lottery cash
DARLINGTON is gearing up to bid for its share of £169m of National Lottery money set aside by the Government for disadvantaged areas. The Fair Share initiative, announced this week, is a joint Community Fund and New Opportunities Fund scheme. It will
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Staff helped by a model patient
HOSPITAL staff can put their latest patient through hours of life-saving treatment without a single ache or pain. League of Friends supporters in south-west Durham have bought a £7,000 training model for Bishop Auckland's new hospital, due to open next
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Panto actors revealed
THEATRE bosses have unveiled the two big attractions it hopes will pull the crowds in for another record-breaking pantomime season. Former glamour model-turned actress Linda Lusardi and her husband, former Brookside and Coronation Street star Sam Kane
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Searchlight turned on internees of war
AN award-winning museum devoted largely to the Second World War is about to put the spotlight on the story of civilian internees. Eden Camp, which is housed in a prisoner-of-war camp, near Old Malton, in Ryedale, North Yorkshire, is refurbishing one of
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Former pupils get chance to catch up
A REUNION is being planned for former pupils of a County Durham school. Pupils who started at Ferryhill Grammar School in 1970 and left in 1975, or 1977, are meeting for the reunion, in June. The event, which will be held in Sedgefield, is being organised
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Rodents problem forces closure of classes
CHILDREN have been sent home after mice infested part of a school. School is out for 152 youngsters at Linthorpe Infants, Middlesbrough, until Monday, allowing pest controllers time to move in. The nursery and two reception classes - areas of the school
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Council set to boost museum
HUNDREDS of thousands of pounds have been ear-marked for a project that will place Shildon on the national tourist map. Plans to build a satellite of the National Railway Museum in the town are gathering steam. Already £4.75m of National Lottery money
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Holiday win celebrated
STAFF at an insurance brokers got into the holiday spirit by wearing fancy dress to celebrate when one of their customer's won a national competition. Derek Eales won £500 of holiday vouchers after entering a competition through the Bishop Auckland branch
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Chance to appear in classic musical
WORK has started on one of the North-East's biggest youth theatre productions. Dionysis Theatre Company was launched last September with the aim of promoting young talent in the region. It is now working towards its first production. Organisers hope to
