Archive
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Homes 'underpaid' by £100 for care of elderly
THE true cost of looking after elderly residents is about £100 more than North-East care home owners are currently paid, according to a report. Home owners have for some time claimed that fees do not match the real costs of caring for elderly people in
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Irish charity challenge
VOLUNTEERS are wanted to take part in a charity trip to Dublin. Teams of four are needed to travel from The Old Farmhouse pub, in Darlington, to the Wanderers Football Ground in Dublin in 24 hours, using whatever transport they can. Each team must raise
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Murder trial jury fails to decide
THE jury in a murder trial has been discharged after failing to agree whether a man deliberately killed his wife during a sex game. Newcastle Crown Court heard how Norman Heaton, 42, strangled mother-of-three Jacqueline Heaton, 32, before hiding her body
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New homes sought for stick insects
A WILDLIFE centre is in a sticky situation after its insects bred out of control. As part of its tropical bugs section, Durham Botanic Gardens keeps a collection of stick insects. But with the onset of spring, their numbers have multiplied at an unprecedented
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Grants bring jobs to town
A SERIES of new jobs have been created in Darlington thanks to an offer of money from the Borough Council. The jobs are in a variety of businesses which have been encouraged to locate and expand in the town through financial incentives. In total 87 new
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Fabulous faberge under the hammer
PRECIOUS objects smuggled out of Russia after the 1917 revolution will go under the hammer in the North-East. Work by the famous royal jeweller Peter Carl Faberge will be featured in a three-day sale by Newcastle auctioneers Anderson and Garland next
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Woman loses recycled fuel battle
A WOMAN has failed in her last-ditch challenge to prevent a minerals firm burning recycled fuel. The House of Lords has upheld a decision made last year by three Appeal Court judges to dismiss the challenge by Elaine Lowther. Mrs Lowther lives a mile
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Naylor on comeback trail
Glenn Naylor continued his comeback from a year on the sidelines while Darlington gave a run-out to three triallists during their reserve 2-0 defeat to Doncaster Rovers last night. Chester-le-Street midfielder Steve Leadbitter, forward John Ryan and Cameroon-born
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Planners block phone antenna
THE march of the masts bringing mobile phone technology to far-flung rural communities has come to a grinding halt in North Yorkshire. Planners have rejected Vodafone's bid for an antenna on the tower of St Margaret's Church in Hawes - despite the company
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City's regeneration plan approved
THE Government has officially authorised Newcastle's strategic partnership - unlocking £15m for regeneration projects in the city over three years. The accreditation releases the city's allocation of the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (NRF). This means neighbourhood
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Steven follows dad into Green Berets
A FORMER Durham schoolboy is celebrating after passing what is said to be the hardest military training in the world. Steven Kitching, 19, a former pupil of Framwellgate Moor School, has the Green Beret after 30 weeks training to be a Royal Marine Commando
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Ballet returns to N-E theatre
AN acclaimed ballet production is returning to a North-East venue four years after it first appeared there. Birmingham Royal Ballet will present Kenneth MacMillan's version of Romeo and Juliet at the Sunderland Empire Theatre, from April 3 to 6. A spokesman
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Pupils ready for sleepless night ahead
A GROUP of children will be taking part in an all-night bedtime reading session tomorrow to celebrate National Bedtime Reading Week. More than 50 youngsters from Egglescliffe School, Eaglescliffe, will take part in a range of activities to help them keep
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JPs throw out theme pub plan
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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Leader pulls out of Mallon debate
THE chairman of Cleveland Police Authority backed out of a radio debate with Ray Mallon yesterday. Councillor Ken Walker was billed to appear on BBC Radio Cleveland's Alan Wright show for a head-to-head debate about Operation Lancet with the former head
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Stage is set for folk students
STUDENT musicians will take a bow alongside one of the world's best fiddlers at an international music festival tomorrow. The group of first year students, who are taking degrees in folk and traditional music at Newcastle University, will be taking to
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Sizeable souvenir of pub visit
Regulars at the Ship Inn, in Middlestone Village, have taken up landlord Graham Snaith's challenge of visiting all 5,000 pubs listed in the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) Good Beer Guide in 12 months. Everyone has to bring back proof they have visited
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Call to ex-servicemen
RADIO operators, dispatch riders or wireless operators who served in the Second World War are being sought by an association dedicated to keeping their memories alive. The Spennymoor Royal Signals Association was set up six years ago to look after the
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Residents' panel has its first member
AN 82-year-old woman has become the first to sign up for a new residents' panel. Elizabeth Hetherington, from Sulgrave, in Washington, is one of more than 20,000 Wearside residents to be invited to join Sunderland's panel, Community Spirit. It is being
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Trouble is seeking double Cup glory
DEFENDING champion Looks Like Trouble (3.15) is a very confident choice for this afternoon's £300,000 Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup. The foot-and-mouth epidemic put paid to the Festival in 2001, but no one should lose sight of the fact that Looks Like Trouble
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Coining it in as hobby pays off for enthusiasts
A GROUP of amateur treasure hunters was celebrating last night after two hoardes of Roman coins they stumbled upon fetched more than £16,000 at auction. More than 1,800 coins and an earthenware pot that contained one of the hoards were sold for a total
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Social services serve city well, reports conclude
SUNDERLAND'S social services are serving the city well, according to two Government reports. The reports, published yesterday by the Department of Health's social services inspectorate, cover children's services and areas such as older people's care and
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Headteachers: Why funding must change
The postcode which delivers our letters and forms the databases for many companies and organisations is the means by which we fund our education system in England. Education is funded from central government and locally raised taxes. You would imagine
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Classes call dogs to heel
FREE dog obedience classes are being launched in New Brancepeth to promote responsible ownership. The seven-week course will be held at New Brancepeth Community Centre, on Saturdays, between 10am and noon, from next week. They are aimed at people in the
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The high price of democracy
IN Britain, our leaders are so desperate to encourage us to exercise our democratic right that they are offering polling booths in supermarkets so that we don't have to break our routine to vote. They are offering us postal votes so we only have to walk
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Drink-driver gets four years for fatal crash
A MOTORIST who caused the death of his friend after driving him home from a pub while almost three times over the limit has been jailed for four years. James Hardman, 30, suffered cuts and bruises in the smash when his Vauxhall Cavalier crashed head-on
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Troupe shows off new kit at panto
A THEATRE group will be showing off their new lighting and microphones with their latest production. The Cockerton Family Theatre Company is performing Aladdin at the Holy Family Social Centre in Prior Street, Darlington, this week. The group of adults
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Couple defiant after vandalism
A COUPLE have vowed not be driven from their home by vandals. Janet McDonagh and her husband, Gabriel, of Haig Street, Ferryhill Station, woke yesterday to find white paint covering their car and the house windows. She said: "The paint was all over the
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You write...
Time for people power SIR - We know Durham city and county councils are increasing the council tax by approximately 15 per cent. Did you receive a 15 per cent rise in your pay packet this year? Did benefits increase by 15 per cent? I don't think so. How
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Anglo-French vision helps stroke victims
SPECIAL glasses that can help stroke victims have been developed by researchers in the region. The glasses are one of the first fruits of work by Durham University scientists, in collaboration with colleagues in France. It is hoped that other inventions
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Clubs may have to welcome women
FOR years women have put up with drinking in the lounge instead of the bar or teeing off in the half-light. But all that could change under plans to put women on an equal footing to men at working men's clubs (WMCs) and golf clubs in the region. In a
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Council seeks better deal on insurance
COUNCIL officials are holding talks with an insurance company after the authority received an unexpectedly inflated bill. Darlington Borough Council was shocked last week to receive a quote from Zurich Municipal stating its premiums had increased by £400,000
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School desks beckon to Myson staff
THE UK's leading manufacturer of radiators, Myson, is investing in the development of its staff by sending them to the University of Durham Business School. The Gateshead company sent ten members of its team on an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration
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Teacher sues ex-pupil for libel
A teacher bidding to make legal history by suing a former pupil for comments he made on the Internet won the first round of his court fight yesterday. Jim Murray, 68, launched an unprecedented libel action against Jonathan Spencer, who now works at a
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Turnover up but builders' profits down
CONSTRUCTION and development company, S Harrison has reported a 40 per cent increase in turnover. The Malton, North Yorkshire, business saw turnover top the £31m mark in the year to December 31, compared with £22m in 2000. But despite the rise in turnover
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Henderson hits the goal trail
KEVIN Henderson got back on the goal trail yesterday with a gee-up from Colin West. Henderson netted 19 times for Hartlepool last season, but has just a single strike to his name this season in a campaign wrecked by injury. Henderson returned to action
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Cameras will tell the tale on deeds most foul
UNDERCOVER spy cameras capturing proof of the criminal antics of those who believe they are above the law - it sounds like something from The Bill. But in the sleepy rural district of Hambleton, North Yorkshire, the latest alarming crimewave to warrant
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Upbeat future promised in forward order record
SUPPORT services-to-construction group Carillion was upbeat about its future after unveiling a record forward order book. Carillion, originally part of aggregates group Tarmac, said the order book had leapt by 30 per cent to £5.2bn. More than 80 per cent
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Publican calls for action on drugs
A PUBLICAN has called on police and fellow landlords to unite to combat what he says is a growing drug culture among youngsters. Chris Burns, secretary and former president of the Bishop Auckland and District Licensed Traders, says unless more is done
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'We call him Uncle Albert'
Some see what he does as supernatural, but Gary Fowler prefers to see it as supernormal. Nick Morrison meets a man who claims to be more than just a medium. G ARY Fowler got a bit of help setting up his Internet site - from Albert Einstein. He writes
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1,450 engineering jobs axed as Smiths tightens the belt
ENGINEERING group Smiths is to cut another 1,450 jobs, a large number of which will be in the UK. The group said the cuts, which follow 1,600 job losses announced last year, would be made in the second half of its current financial year, from its worldwide
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Drivers call for school run help
THE death of a 12-year-old boy has prompted renewed calls for "guardians" to be present on buses when there are large groups of schoolchildren on board. Jamie Lee Wells died on Friday, after slipping as he tried to get down through the open doors of a
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Spotlight on work of dog 'whisperer'
DOG "whisperer" Aileen Clarke will feature in a television documentary today about her work. Miss Clarke set up Fellandale Dog Training last year, and has already attracted more than 100 owners. Her work with dogs is based on the teachings of Norwegian
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Too much punch for Judy
YOUNG people are being warned about the dangers of drink-driving through a hard-hitting play. Ape Theatre Company has been performing Too Much Punch For Judy at the Oakwood Centre, in Eaglescliffe. The play tells the tragic story of a girl who killed
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Local lad made baddie
JOHN "Basher" Alderson, the young man who went Wild West, is back for a last visit to home, hearth and Horden. He is welcomed with both warmth and wonderment. "I used to watch Boots and Saddles with me mam and she tellt us she went to school with Sergeant
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Flood heroes recognised
THE efforts of a community and a local authority to rebuild a village in the wake of terrible flooding has been highlighted at a national awards ceremony. Skinningrove, east Cleveland, was devastated by floods twice last year but thanks to help from Redcar
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Town to lose ship but may gain sub
A SUBMARINE could be Scarborough's next adopted ship following the decommissioning of warship HMS Fearless later this year. It had been hoped Fearless, adopted by the resort for the past 12 years, would make a final visit to the town, but its decommissioning
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FA reject Wearside for Tyne-Tees tie
NORTH-East rivals Newcastle and Middlesbrough stand to share an extra £1m windfall - despite being denied the chance to settle a potential FA Cup semi-final on their own doorstep. Manchester United's Old Trafford was last night revealed as host for one
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Last few days for exhibition
THERE are just a few days left to view the exhibition At Home With Art, at the Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, County Durham. Works by nine national and international artists - including Angel of the North creator Antony Gormley - are featured in an exploration
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Trainer and his pet plan charity hike
DOG trainer Ian Young will be following in his canine companion's paw prints when he embarks on a 900-mile sponsored walk from Germany to County Durham. Sally, a two-year-old black labrador, will lead the way when Ian from Chester-le-Street makes the
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Long-lost icon of steam era ready to return to the track
A LONG-LOST part of the North-East's industrial heritage will be seen again next week - more than 160 years after it vanished. The standard gauge steam locomotive will make its debut at the Beamish open air museum, near Stanley, County Durham, next Thursday
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Police warn Blair: We've had enough
THE Government's plans to reform the police service appeared to be in disarray last night after more than 10,000 officers descended on Parliament to protest about controversial reforms. Off-duty officers from across the UK, including hundreds from the
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Pub's packing them in with smoke-free session
A PUB landlord called time on smokers last night as part of National No Smoking Day. At 9pm last night Ernie Chapman, landlord of the Maynard Arms, in Carlin How, in east Cleveland, declared the pub to be a smoke-free zone for one hour. Punters cashed
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Workers' absence rate falls by 29%
EFFORTS to cut absenteeism among social services staff have reaped rewards. Concern at the high levels of sickness at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council prompted Councillor John Simms, lead member for human resources, to investigate it further. In a
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Council told to get skates on for park
A LEAD must be taken by Thirsk Town Council to create a skateboard park for youngsters in the town. Councillor Jo Salmon, speaking at a meeting of the council's amenity committee, said it had failed to achieve its aim after six years of trying. "The town
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US terror attacks hit hotels' revenue
HOTELS group Millennium & Copthorne has reported a sharply decline in profits after the September 11 attacks on the US wrecked demand and shut a key New York hotel. Annual pre-tax profits more than halved from £129.1m to £54.2m, although the company
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Local lad made baddie
JOHN "Basher" Alderson, the young man who went Wild West, is back for a last visit to home, hearth and Horden. He is welcomed with both warmth and wonderment. "I used to watch Boots and Saddles with me mam and she tellt us she went to school with Sergeant
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Hear all sides
SMOKING ANOTHER year, and another No Smoking Day. Once again we are told that one (or is it five?) million smokers will attempt to give up. In our experience No Smoking Day plays very little part in people's decision to stop smoking. Quite the opposite
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North Yorkshire news in brief
Crackdown on fraud cheats A NEW partnership has been launched in Richmondshire to clamp down on benefit fraud. The district council has linked up with the Benefits Agency, using Government money to cover the costs of a new officer appointed to lead the
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Scruffy, a dog who's definitely not man's
A foul-tempered terrier called Scruffy has been sent on an anger management course after a string of attacks on postal workers. It looks a harmless, if bedraggled, family pet but Scruffy's loveable looks mask a dangerously short fuse. Last year, it took
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In step with charity
A DANCE school is hoping to raise £5,000 for charity with a show at the Civic Theatre, Darlington, in April. Pupils at The Tiffany School of Dance are busy rehearsing for the show on Saturday April 13. The show will include almost 200 children performing
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You write...
Time for people power SIR - We know Durham city and county councils are increasing the council tax by approximately 15 per cent. Did you receive a 15 per cent rise in your pay packet this year? Did benefits increase by 15 per cent? I don't think so. How
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Teesside news in brief
Parking boost for museum THE Tom Leonard Mining Museum, Skinningrove, is to get a new car park and access road thanks to funding secured by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council. The museum, which honours east Cleveland's mining heritage, needed to develop
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Junior footballers celebrate kit sponsorship
A JUNIOR football team has a new kit thanks to a Premiership sponsorship deal. Barclaycard, which sponsors the Premiership, has donated a set of kit to the newly reformed Darlington Primary Schools Association football team. The club, made up of junior
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Call for fish quay festival to be axed
A TOWN'S traders have called for a showpiece festival to be cancelled after it emerged that taxpayers were footing a huge bill. North Tyneside Borough Council spent £321,000 on last year's Window on the World event, and this year's budget has been set
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Ancient yew tree 'a jewel'
A 500-year-old tree discovered in a comprehensive survey at a nationally important landscape has been described as 'a jewel of a find.' The 45ft (14m) high yew, with a diameter of more than 3.5ft (112cm), is among a number of historic trees at the Grade
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Car park crime cracking praise
EFFORTS to make Hartlepool's town centre car parks safer have won national recognition following the introduction of a range of security measures. The basement and multi-storey car parks in Middleton Grange Shopping Centre, along with Eden Street car
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Shrub 'grenade' sparks drama
A SPOT of gardening in the early spring sunshine became a drama for a North-East family. Daffodils and crocuses have added a splash of colour to verges and flower beds in Patrick Brompton, in Wensleydale - but found nestling in the leafy debris under
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Beaches are among UK's best, says study
BEACHES throughout the region have been hailed as some of the country's finest by an environmental charity. Clean sands and top-notch facilities have helped land a string of awards for local authorities responsible for managing coastal areas. Next year
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Pedestrian subway 'is a disgrace'
A NEIGHBOURHOOD Watch co-ordinator has criticised the state of a Newton Aycliffe underpass which is regularly used by children. Dorothy Bowman, secretary of the newly-formed Dales Residents' Association, says the underpass at the top of Silverdale Place
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Reader travel service wins national award
THE reader travel service offered by The Advertiser has won a national award. Newsquest North-East, whose holiday service is also offered to readers of The Northern Echo and The Darlington and Stockton Times, was voted publisher of the Best Reader Travel
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Road works
DRIVERS in Hartlepool are being warned of a series of roadworks to be carried out in the town later this month. Resurfacing work will be carried out by Hartlepool Borough Council in Brenda Road, Huckelhoven Way, Ingleby Road, in Seaton Carew, Westbourne
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Dry disco nights are a hit with teenagers
TEENAGERS are flocking to a night spot which keeps its bar closed for 'dry' disco sessions. Once a month, Spennymoor's The Cube nightclub opens its doors to young people between 11 and 16, under an initiative set up through a partnership of police, council
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Village arts project hit by youth vandalism setbacks
A £500,000 scheme to establish a base for youth arts is being hampered by those it aims to help. Work is under way to transform the former Co-op, in Front Street, Dipton, into a theatre workshop, information technology suite, healthy living centre and
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Benbyas ready for fight
BENBYAS has a "fighting chance" of winning the County Hurdle at Cheltenham today, according to trainer Les Eyre. Shock 33-1 scorer Peter Beaumont's Hussard Collonges flew the flag for the north yesterday and there could be more joy for the region if Benbyas
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Interactive open evening
YOUNGSTERS will have a chance to go interactive at Stockton Sixth Form College tonight during a special open evening. The evening, which will run from 6.30pm to 7.30pm, is open to all Year 11 pupils, and is aimed at giving them "hands-on" experience of
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North Durham and Tyneside news in brief
Students' skills to be rewarded TWO students have been rewarded for their work in communication, business and job search skills. Tracy Draper and Marianna Kovacova will receive their Open College Network Certificates of Accreditation at Chester-le-Street
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Change hoped to attract european visitors
TOURISM chiefs are urging traders to embrace the euro after one of York's smallest museums started accepting the currency. The Richard III Museum, in Monk Bar, is taking euros and is giving change in sterling. The move follows the drive by tourism bosses
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Pigeon sale to help hospital
PIGEON fanciers are staging a fundraising charity auction. North-East enthusiasts have donated young birds for an auction to be held at Middlestone Moor Workingmen's Club, near Spennymoor, on Sunday, March 24. The event is for the neurology unit at Middlesbrough
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Student leader gains society's fellowship
A STUDENTS' union president has joined Nelson Mandela, Sir Richard Attenborough and a host of other leading figures in gaining a fellowship. Emily Fieran-Reed, 23, president of Durham Students' Union, has been awarded a fellowship of the Royal Society
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German beer festival sets scene
A RURAL primary school was transformed into the unlikely setting of a German beer festival for a major production. Parents were treated to traditional sausages and Black Forest gateau while youngsters at Woodleigh School, near Malton, performed songs
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Opinions sought on six-term school year plan
PEOPLE in east Cleveland are to be asked for their opinions about a change to the school calendar that could be introduced as early as next year. Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council looks likely to adopt the six-term year at some point, but it is waiting
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Park authority acts after criticism
A NATIONAL park authority, warned by the district auditor for its planning procedures last year, has agreed a raft of new policies to stave off further criticism. Members of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority's planning committee insisted they
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County is one of the safest in UK, says partnership
A NEW report has concluded that Richmondshire is one of the safest areas to live in and North Yorkshire is one of the safest counties in England. The findings are based on a study by the district's Community Safety Partnership, which has examined crime
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Calling all songwriters
THE winning song from Darlington Song Search Competition will be recorded by Circulation Recordings and played on Alpha radio. For anyone who needs help with their entry, there is a creative writing workshop next Tuesday, run by Shirlie Stone, of Circulation
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Boro star backs essential health campaign
BORO star Gareth Southgate took time out from training yesterday to back a campaign aimed at raising awareness about testicular cancer. More than 50 Premier and Football League clubs have teamed up with cancer charity The Garland Appeal to promote Check
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Good fun and no murder on dance floor
A DISCO dancing competition has been hailed a success after attracting more than 150 youngsters from around the region. The competition, organised by members of the Evenwood and Ramshaw Community Centre Committee, involved children from Derwentside, Sedgefield
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Winner loses out this time
A LOTTERY winner turned racehorse trainer has been denied the chance to go for the second big jackpot of his life at the Cheltenham Festival. Edwin Tuer, who scooped £4m on the National Lottery five years ago, was to have two runners at the premier horse-racing
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Council to decide on rink
A DECISION will be made soon whether to install another ice-rink in Spennymoor this year. Sedgefield Borough Council said the ice-rink and German market, set up in the town centre for four weeks over Christmas, attracted 4,190 skaters and boosted trade
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Outrage over bid to free killer
GRAND National winning jockey Richard Guest has outraged the family of a murder victim by planning to use this week's Cheltenham Festival to further the freedom bid of a self-confessed killer. Supporters of Irish-born jockey Christy McGrath, who is serving
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L-driver jailed for girlfriend's death
A TEENAGE motorist has been jailed for causing the death of his 14-year-old girlfriend when he took to the roads without passing his test. Kevin Parker, 19, drove his automatic E-reg Escort Ghia into the path of a Citroen Xantia on the A693 between Chester-le-Street
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Festival brings hope that time will be healer for Dales
DETAILS have been announced of a new festival which organisers hope will help kick-start the tourist season in the Yorkshire Dales. The area has been hit hard by the foot-and-mouth crisis during the past 12 months and many businesses will be relying on
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Tribute paid to town's first Tory councillor
CONSETT'S first-ever Conservative Party councillor, who managed to hold on to his seat in the Labour stronghold for 33 years, has died. Welshman Larry Thomas, MBE, who was 83, served on Consett Urban District Council and its successor, Derwentside District
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The number's up
IT'S the day before my English A-level exam and I haven't even started reading King Lear. Panic grips my stomach. Shakespeare was always a foreign language to me, so learning it in 24 hours is impossible. I wake up in a cold sweat, sitting bolt upright
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The number's up
IT'S the day before my English A-level exam and I haven't even started reading King Lear. Panic grips my stomach. Shakespeare was always a foreign language to me, so learning it in 24 hours is impossible. I wake up in a cold sweat, sitting bolt upright
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Officers head out on mall patrol
BEAT bobbies stepped out on patrol for the first time yesterday at the region's largest shopping centre. Each mall at the MetroCentre, in Gateshead, now has a community beat manager. They are Gateshead West PCs Steve Oliver, Sonya Hudson, Lee Stevenson
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Petition protest over bus service
PEOPLE who fear that a new bus service is a safety hazard in their narrow street have sent a petition to the bus operators and the council. Residents in Bedford Street, Darlington, fear that buses on Arriva's new 40 and 41 services, which run every half
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Villagers create wildlife haven
A GREEN charity is helping villagers create a little haven for wildlife near their community centre. Tantobie Community Centre, Stanley, called on the expertise of the Delves Lane-based Acorn Trust to help plant a hedge near the building. At the weekend
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Chorus ready for curtain up
FINAL rehearsals are taking place for Polam Hall School for Girls production of A Chorus Line in Darlington. The show will be staged at the school's Liddiard Theatre, in Grange Road, from today until Saturday. The musical tells the story of a group of
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Union president awarded top fellowship
A STUDENTS' union president has joined Nelson Mandela, Sir Richard Attenborough and other leading figures in gaining a fellowship. Emily Fieran-Reed, 23, president of Durham Students' Union, has been awarded a fellowship of the RSA - the Royal Society
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College to be sold
MAJOR redevelopment plans have gone on show for a prime site in Durham which has housed a teacher training college for the last 80 years. Planning approval permitting, New College Durham plans to sell off its Nevilles Cross campus and concentrate all
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North-East to host European trade fair
THE North-East will host the Young Enterprise European Trade Fair this weekend. On Sunday, more than 300 students from 19 European countries will set up their market stalls at Gateshead's MetroCentre. The entrepreneurs will compete for awards against
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The melody lingers on
IT'S outlived the closure of two major theatres and even survived a cultural shift from Gilbert and Sullivan to S Club 7. But as Chester-le-Street Operatic Society prepares to enter its 100th year there's one thing it still needs - fresh blood. Next year's
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Inspectors full of praise for school
A SCHOOL that exceeded its national tests target for seven-year-olds has won praise from Government inspectors. Leadgate Infant School and Nursery Unit, near Consett, provides a 'very good quality of education which enables pupils to reach very high standards
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Surprise breakthrough for harness racing
A £4,000 grant has brought plans to create a centre of excellence for harness racing a step closer. Secretary of the North-East Standard Breed Association Richard Wigham, from Wolsingham, has been campaigning for more recognition of harness or sulkie
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Intruder alerts fitted to homes of elderly
PERSONAL intruder alerts have been fitted to more than 50 homes to help protect against burglars. The elderly residents living in the Stump Cross area of Guisborough, east Cleveland, have been issued with the alerts which remind householders to lock and
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North workers' anger at 'different pay' plan
HUGE gaps in pay between public sector workers in the North and the South could be introduced by the Government. The Treasury wants to pay teachers, nurses and police officers more to reflect the high cost of living in the south and help ease recruitment
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When grandmother knows best
MARIE Nickell was just 17 when she had her first child, but there was never any question of her bottle-feeding her baby. "I was quite young and it was my mum who told me to give breastfeeding a go. She thought it was something I should try and, even if
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Pupils with grasp of news
A GROUP of youngsters became newshounds for the day yesterday. Year ten and 11 pupils at Grangefield School, Stockton, got together to create a 16-page tabloid called The Students Grasp. Each of them took on roles of journalists, sub-editors and the editor
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Feline friends seek home for three
THREE cats are looking looking for a new home. Otis, Ariadne and OB are described by staff at the RSPCA Great Ayton Centre in North Yorkshire as "really affectionate, they love each other and humans". The three ended up at the centre after their owner
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Resting in peace among the trees
AN eco-friendly burial ground is to be set up in a corner of Guisborough Cemetery. Woodland burials are becoming increasingly popular with people who want a less commercialised form of burial and who have concerns relating to sustainable environment issues
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Michelle gets to the root of the problem with 'Green' shampoo
A HAIRDRESSER has gone back to her roots after learning all about the latest organic shampoos being used in London hair-stylists. Michelle Costello is using the latest "green" hair products to help transform the twin set and pearls image of the North-East
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Business news in brief
Glasses raised to beer results BELGIAN beer giant Interbrew has toasted the performance of its enlarged UK business after seeing full-year profits surge. The integration of Bass Brewers' interests in Scotland and Northern Ireland helped the group almost
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Pubgoer denies making kill threat
A PUB bet of £2,000 over a man undergoing sex change treatment sparked a midnight mugging, a court was told yesterday. Katarina Gillham, 26, who was formerly called Stephen, was followed out of the bar by Ian Galvin and forced to hand over a mobile phone
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Report says foot-and-mouth pyres pose no lasting risk
THE risks posed by foot-and-mouth pyres are to be discussed in Richmond. Members of Richmondshire District Council's foot-and-mouth working group meet today to debate the impact the disease has had on the area. Smoke from the burning carcasses of livestock
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Teachers behaving badly
Teachers (C4) Rockface (BBC1) TEACHERS might just as well, and perhaps more accurately, be called Teachers Behaving Badly. For Summerdown Comprehensive is the school where the teachers conduct themselves more disgracefully than the pupils. They're the
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Council grants support companies' investment
DOZENS of jobs are being created thanks to financial support from a local council. Almost 90 jobs will be created during the next three years as a variety of businesses either relocate or expand in Darlington, after grants of £30,036 were awarded from
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It might be clever to chew, by gum
CHILDREN could soon be given the go-ahead to chew gum in class after boffins discovered it increases brain power. Tests by psychologists showed chewing can improve people's memory ability by up to 40 per cent. The amazing results could mean teachers may
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Grassroots news
Middleham Town Council JUBILEE FUN: Live music, a magician, a bouncy castle and lots more are being organised so that the town can celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee from June 2 to 4, the council was told. The council has selected a jubilee gift, which
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Farmer is bucking
A FARMER is hoping to buck the trend of the industry's failing fortunes with the help of new mechanical rodeo bull. Andrew Spence, who hit the headlines 18 months ago when he was at the forefront of the fuel protests, will take his portable machine to
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Health review to be given public airing
AN independent review set up to make a decision on a major overhaul of orthopae- dic and cancer services in a North-East area will hold its first meeting at the end of the month. The North Tees and Hartlepool Health Trust originally proposed the controversial
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Surfacing gang wins accolade
A TEAM has been praised for carrying out a planned two-week road closure in less than half the time. It means the stretch of road on the A174 between the junction for Cowbar and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's boundary at Staithes opened at the
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Opposition to footpath plan
CONSERVATIONISTS in Harrogate have vowed to fight schemes to turn footpaths along disused railway lines into "dangerous strips of environmentally unfriendly black tarmac." Harrogate Borough Council's plans for improving the lot of cyclists include multi-purpose
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Success at the double
TWO teenagers have helped a Dales school add to an impressive array of sports awards. Wensleydale School, in Leyburn, already has runners in this year's county cross-country squad, while the girls' football team are the area champions. However, badminton
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FA fail to see the Light over possible Cup derby
AT first glance it would appear to defy all logic. A potential Tyne-Tees FA Cup semi-final clash - the biggest game the region has seen for decades - to be played, where else, but Manchester. Apart from having the largest capacity of England's football
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Free trips on offer to pensioners
FREE excursions for senior citizens living in Newton Aycliffe and Aycliffe Village are being organised by the town council. Great Aycliffe Town Council is offering a choice of destinations to the Scottish Borders, including a visit to Floors Castle, Blackpool
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Comment from The Northern Echo; Listen to the warning sirens
THE five-year milestone of the Blair administration is little over a month away and the pressure is undoubtedly mounting. The May 1 anniversary will present a mid-term opportunity for the country to reflect on New Labour's performance and, for many, the
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Footballer's jaw 'broken by rival fan'
A PROMISING Darlington football star has had his jaw broken after he was allegedly punched in the face by a rival fan who ran on to the pitch during a game. Police are investigating the attack on former Quakers striker Garry Williamson, which left him
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Library service placed in top ten in country
A NORTH-EAST library service has been praised in an independent report which places it in the top ten per cent in the country. Inspectors from the Audit Commission gave Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's service a two-star rating for being very customer-focused
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Saving whale and other marine gems
AN initiative was launched yesterday to protect some of the region's most precious coastal wildlife. Among species targeted by the 23 Durham Biodiversity Action Plans (Baps) are basking sharks, baleen whales, a rare orchid and endangered species of lichen
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Coining it in as hobby pays off for enthusiasts
A GROUP of amateur treasure hunters was celebrating last night after two hoardes of Roman coins they stumbled upon fetched more than £16,000 at auction. More than 1,800 coins and an earthenware pot that contained one of the hoards were sold for a total
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Schoolboy admits to warehouse blaze
A SCHOOLBOY arsonist has admitted sparking a warehouse blaze that caused damage worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. The 14-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, yesterday admitted starting a fire at Briggs Roofing and Cladding, Blackett
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Fight against drug dealing continues
PEOPLE are continuing the fight to get drug dealers off the streets of Darlington by passing vital information to the police. The Rat on a Rat campaign in the town is into its second week and scores of people have already called a special hotline to pass
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Rock legends to play
GEORDIE rock legends Lindisfarne will celebrate the 30th anniversary of their biggest hit with a gig at Durham's Gala Theatre. The group will play at the theatre on Sunday, March 31, as part of their 40-date national tour to promote their latest album
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Tunnel queue jumpers face fines
POLICE are preparing to stop Tyne Tunnel queue jumpers in their tracks with prosecutions. Traffic police have teamed up with Nexus to take enforcement action against motorists who flout traffic regulations and jump the queues on the Tyne Tunnel's southern
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Neglected park to be transformed
PEOPLE living in east Gates-head have been invited to help transform a rundown five-hectare park into a nature reserve. The scheme at Windy Nook forms part of Gateshead Council's Next to Nature project to turn several small areas into community-run nature
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Trio tumble to victory
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 on the acro-gymnastics map. The trio have won through to the British
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Protest over new refuse collection rules
COUNCIL officials have defended a decision to stop refuse collectors emptying people's bins in Darlington. The decision to ask residents to put their rubbish on the roadside, in front of their homes, was criticised by some people, who said they had not
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Operatic group prepares to mark century
IT has outlived the closure of two major theatres and even survived a cultural shift from Gilbert and Sullivan to S Club 7. But as Chester-le-Street Operatic Society prepares to enter its 100th year there is one thing that the County Durham group still
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Sampling African life
STUDENTS and teachers are spending three days sampling the music, dance and food of South Africa. Sunnydale School, in Shildon, is hosting workshops led by Raymond Takalani Otto, who grew up in the township of Soweto. Mr Otto has built a career out of
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Lottery cash puts museum on track
EXCITING new plans to turn the railway town of Shildon into a national tourist attraction were yesterday given their biggest boost yet. The Heritage Lottery Fund confirmed a £4.9m grant for a £7.7m rail museum, which could bring massive economic benefits
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Overdose teenager was drugs user at 12
AN 18-year-old who died of a heroin overdose had been using drugs since he was 12, an inquest heard yesterday. Simon Conley was found dead at his uncle Kevin Dowson's home in Vine Street, St Hilda's, Middlesbrough, on April 16, last year. Mr Dowson told
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Grease still a hit at the box office
YOUNG performers are looking forward to Summer Nights in their latest production. A cast of 22 Durham School students, with additional band members and behind-the-scenes helpers, are staging the Seventies' blockbuster musical Grease. The American Fifties
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Alarm alert as fire hits three times
THREE fires in the same city within 24 hours have prompted the fire service to warn the public of the risks they could be taking in their homes. A woman was lucky to escape with her life after she was woken by her smoke alarm at home in Ailcey Road, Ripon
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Chance to drive Thomas
YOUNGSTERS in Darlington are being offered the chance to become Thomas the Tank Engine's driver. The Early Learning Centre, in the Cornmill Centre, Darlington has a special pop-up Thomas in store to promote its latest competition. Youngsters are being
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Soccer star opens new hospital unit
Newcastle United player Craig Bellamy marked the opening of the children's x-ray department, at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) by cutting a ribbon yesterday. He then met children at the hospital during a ward tour. The visit was arranged as
