Archive
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Fun farm to open year after epidemic
ONE of the region's most popular children's show farms will reopen its gates to the public this Saturday - one year to the day after losing its animals to foot-and-mouth. Hall Hill Farm, near Lanchester, will be re-opened by farmer Jack Gibson and his
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Boost for hospitals
A GROUP of friends have raised more than £2,000 to help provide better facilities at two County Durham hospitals. The women, from the White Swan, in Evenwood, managed to raise £2,200 to help the Diabetes Laser Appeal at Bishop Auckland General Hospital
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Lee takes his second title
A 14-YEAR-OLD County Durham boy with cerebral palsy has set his sights on the Paralympics after claiming a second national title. Lee Maddison, from St Catherine Close, Fishburn, surpassed all expectations by winning the CP Sports National Boccia Championships
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Sudden gallery move decision leaves art society fuming
DARLINGTON Council has been accused of "cynical manipulation" of objectors to the proposed closure of the Crown Street Art Gallery. On Wednesday, representatives of organisations which use the gallery were told that the now empty rates hall at the town
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£2.5m scheme gives town library and sheltered flats
A £2.5m library and sheltered flats complex is planned for Stokesley, to replace Springfield House residential home and the Manor House library. North Yorkshire County Council this week announced plans for a modern development at North Road, the site
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Letters: Animal issues
Sir, - After the spectre of foot-and-mouth disease raised its head recently on a farm near Thirsk (thankfully a false alarm), farmers throughout our region are living in dread of this disease striking again. Yet it seems, since last year's devastating
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North-East is leading way to China
ONE NorthEast has become the first regional development agency to open an office in Shanghai to build strong working relationships with China. Dr John Bridge, chairman, officially opened the office earlier this month, highlighting the fact that about
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Swimming
Darlington Town Cup Hannah Fay won the Darlington Town Cup for the second year in succession with victory in the girls 100 metres freestyle at the Darlington Dolphin Centre. James Carter of Darlington ASC, 15, won the boys trophy for the first time but
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Tsarina's faded letter in safe hands
A LETTER sent by the last Tsarina of Russia, one of history's most tragic figures, was delivered to the region for safe-keeping yesterday. The faded document - sent more than 90 years ago - reveals more about the unlikely connection between the Princess
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Young soldier breaks into railway signal box
A model soldier has been fined £1,000 for endangering lives. Paul Jarvis, 18, from Barnaby Close, Marske, broke into a railway signal box near his home and changed signals and points. Prosecuting solicitor Yvonne Taylor told Teesside Magistrates the teenager
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The Graduate stays on to edge out firm favourite
THE Graduate upset the odds-on favourite Silver Groom to land the members race at the Holderness point-to-point at Dalton Park last Sunday. Pulling hard, the 33-1 shot (Mrs C Robertson) was soon in front under Simon Walker and he made almost every yard
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Last cobbler's to close next month
RICHMOND'S only cobbler's is due to close at the beginning of April, leaving people to travel to Darlington or Northallerton for shoe repairs. Gulliver's, in Trinity Church Square - part of the Mister Minit chain - closes on April 6. The one member of
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Officers hurt in court escape
A TEENAGE defendant made a run for it from the dock as it emerged he was about to go to jail for two serious assaults yesterday. Darren Waugh escaped from court one at Durham Crown Court, leaving two people injured in the process. Waugh, 19, got away
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A Viking with no time to be Idol
HER angelic voice was music to the ears of millions who watched Pop Idol, the TV talent contest that gripped the nation. His snarling voice will greet visitors to a new display at one of the region's tourist attractions, which was unveiled yesterday.
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Film puts city in the spotlight
A £1M visitor centre featuring a film about St Cuthbert, will be launched this Saturday in the city he helped establish. The centre in Durham, within the £30m Millennium City complex, will be launched with a procession of monks, Vikings, horses and deerhounds
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Door is opened to career in football
A project allowing soccer hopefuls the chance to pursue a career in the sport without abandoning full-time education was launched last night. The Football Association (FA) recognised the Football Development Centre, at Darlington College of Technology
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High hopes for the summit of Victorian engineering
BATTLING up the western slopes of the Pennines, the double-engined train ground to an unscheduled stop. It was late on a raw winter's night, and the second of the two locomotives had run out of steam. During the ten-minute halt while the boiler was furiously
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Looking Back
From this newspaper 100 years ago. Mr A F Hogg, Principal of Darlington Technical College, said an extension was needed to provide better provision for more advanced work. Vigorous canvassing for subscriptions was necessary so as not to put further burdens
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Lesson in danger of bin fires
PRIMARY school pupils looked on as two youngsters were arrested by police after setting fire to a wheelie bin. This was the scenario created by Durham County Fire and Rescue and Durham County Police authority to show year four pupils from schools in Shildon
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Snooker; Walker and Hall in semis
Worthington CIU Team Knock-out Cup Third Division, Fishburn B ended the Cup hopes of First Division title challengers from Wheatley Hill A in a closely contested quarter final match. The home side had 34 points start but this was cut by three after Jack
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Cabbies meet needs
SOME taxi drivers are streets ahead when it comes to providing a service for disabled people. Special training sessions geared to making cabbies more aware of disability issues are being held in Middlesbrough. Plans are in place to issue drivers who pass
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Life after the NHS
MOST estate cars are used for golf clubs, labradors or bringing back that awkward flatpack furniture box from Ikea. But Dr John Apps is - as in so many other ways - different. His powerful Subaru Impreza 4x4 estate car is kitted out as a mobile medical
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North Sea search called off
The search for a missing canoeist was called off late today as hopes of finding the man alive began to fade. John Darwin, 51, of Seaton Carew, near Hartlepool, is an experienced canoeist who took his kayak into the water at Seaton Carew at about 8am on
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Raising the issues of inequality
TRADE unions in the North-East are today launching a new initiative to draw attention to the inequalities faced by women in the workplace. The TUC's All Different, All Equal conference takes place at Newcastle Civic Centre and key speakers will include
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School hits top form
HOCKEY players at Queen Mary's School, Topcliffe have been celebrating after winning the under 14s trophy at the area rally last week. In the competition at Allertonshire School, Northallerton, the girls played six matches, winning five and drawing one
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The Albany Northern League
The two FA Vase semi finalists, Whitley Bay and Durham City, both have plenty to think about ahead of their big game at Hillheads tomorrow as each team has been hit by injuries. Durham boss Brian Honour has the bigger headache. He decided to field a strong
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The ugly side to the beautiful game
MY football-mad eight-year-old son is an enthusiastic Manchester United fan. His bedroom is covered in Man U posters, he regularly writes letters to the club and players, he has read every book ever written about his team and would wear his Man U strip
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George earn shock point
Bowman Anderson Accountants Spennymoor Sunday League A DEPLETED Royal George grabbed a shock point from the Huntsman when their 10 men ground out a 2-2 draw. A determined George, with six regulars missing, took a first-half lead when goals by Dave Leighton
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GPs in the dark over impact of hospital's single jab clinics
A PRIVATE Darlington hospital is to meet health chiefs to discuss the impact of a single vaccination clinic. GPs in Darlington are concerned that they are being kept in the dark over which of their patients have received single jabs for mumps, measles
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Husband to face second murder trial
A HUSBAND accused of murdering his wife with a length of washing line during a kinky sex game will face a second trial. Norman Heaton, 42, strangled mother-of-three Jacqueline Heaton, 32, before hiding her body under the stairs at their home in Anderson
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Junior Rugby
Several Semi Finals in the Durham County Junior Cups have been played with West Hartlepool featuring in three of the games. On Grayfields, Hartlepool, in the semi-final of the County U15 Cup Darlington ran out winners by 37-10 in a game where they were
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£250,000 raised for children
CHILDREN'S charity NCH announced this week that pupils at 500 North-East primary schools have raised £250,000 for its work with vulnerable children over the past ten years. NCH schools fundraiser Jean Jones began working in schools ten years ago and since
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Lesson in danger of bin fires
PRIMARY school pupils looked on as two youngsters were arrested by police after setting fire to a wheelie bin. This was the scenario created by Durham County Fire and Rescue and Durham County Police authority to show year four pupils from schools in Shildon
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Ale accolade gives country pub a boost
A COUNTRY pub is toasting success after receiving an award for the quality of its real ales. The Fox and Hounds, in Neasham, near Darlington, has won a Cask Mark award after being nominated by Masham's Black Sheep Brewery. The pub's beers were tested
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Television forum tackles self-rule
A TELEVISED debate tackled the hot potato of regional government last night. The discussion, broadcast live nationwide on BBC News 24 and on the region's local BBC stations, came on the heels of a poll commissioned by the broadcaster that showed almost
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Tonic for hospice after thieves take raffle prize
FUNDRAISERS have had their faith in human kindness restored after an anonymous donor replaced a stolen raffle prize. Thieves put the raffle in doubt after they stole a new mountain bike being offered as main prize in a draw at the Teesside Hospice shop
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Primary youngsters create wall plaque
PRIMARY school pupils have created a wall plaque for their school entrance, with help from a design student. All 93 children from Croft Primary School, near Darlington, were involved in the project, assisted by Becky Griffin, who is studying fashion and
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I wasn't even there, murder charge man tells court
A MURDER suspect yesterday denied being at a house where a man was killed during a visit to a prostitute. Kalvant Singh died after he was thrown from an upstairs window of a house in Errol Street, Middlesbrough, by Jonathan Crossling - known as Bam Bam
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Youngsters jump at chance to raise cash
A GROUP of children at a Teesside nursery had an energetic time this week - running around to raise money so they can have some outside play equipment. The 60 three and four-year-olds from Teesville Infants School were sponsored to complete as many PE
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Fire chief warns of school death trap
A FIRE chief has warned that children could die in a derelict school used by youngsters as a play house if parents did not take action. Station Officer Ron Carr made his prediction last night after crews put out two fires at the building in Walpole Street
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Warm welcome provided for Edward and Sophie
THE Earl and Countess of Wessex visited the North-East yesterday on one of their first full official engagements since they announced they would devote their time to Royal duties. The couple were spending the day supporting the Duke of Edinburgh Award
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McClaren backing Ince to be ready
MIDDLESBROUGH boss Steve McClaren is backing skipper Paul Ince to throw off the effects of a virus and lead his side out against Manchester United at Old Trafford tomorrow. Former United midfielder Ince trained yesterday for the first time this week since
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Boost for cabbie in fight to avoid £24,000 repayment
A TAXI driver who was overpaid almost £24,000 by the DSS has won the latest round in his seven-year battle to avoid being forced to repay the cash. Jeffrey Oram claimed Income Support benefit in February 1992 following an accident at work, after which
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Jury told of killer's abnormal mind
A man who admits killing his girlfriend's baby told a psychiatrist that he was evil and that he deserved to die, a court heard yesterday. The psychiatrist said that Richard Baxter, 30, who is on trial for murder, suffers from a severe personality disorder
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Billiards; Heppell takes John's Bate
South West Durham League John Bate of Hunwick recovered from a poor start in his home game against Heppell Hodgson of Tow Law to edge through to a 17 points victory. Hodgson had built up a lead of almost forty points but then seemed to completely lose
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Fast-track for patients
A NEW fast-track chest pain clinic in Newcastle is helping people with potential heart disease get quicker access to hospital services. The clinic, at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, aims to guarantee an appointment with a specialist within two weeks for
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Residents force U-turn over lane segregation
LOCAL opinion has forced a U-turn on a proposal to segregate lanes on a notorious accident blackspot road. The downside of the Birk Brow dual carriageway on the A171 Teesside to Whitby road is extremely narrow, steep and has a sharp hairpin bend in it
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Blitz on tax dodgers starts with clamp
A REGIONAL blitz on tax-dodging motorists has claimed its first offender. Earlier this week, drivers were warned they risked having their vehicle clamped and towed away if it is found without a valid tax disc. A 23-year-old Teesside office worker was
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Junior football, Lasses claim championship
Darlington Spraire Lads and Lasses This week pride of place goes to Spraire Lasses Under-11s who secured the Tyne Tees League championship with a 6-1 win over South Durham Royals. Racheal McNight getting a hat-trick, Jordan Atkinson one and two for girl
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BASF confident of good recovery
A CHEMICAL company with plants in the North-East is, poised to be one of the first to benefit from an economic recovery, say bosses. Dr Jurgen Strube, chairman of German-owned BASF, said that while order books had still to show signs of a strong recovery
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Town split by travellers' arival in car park
THE arrival of a family of travellers has split the business community of Hawes. While some traders fear the caravan and Dormobile on the car park near the Dales Countryside Museum will deter visitors, others say they are decent people who cause no problems
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Group heads from brass to silverware
Langbaurgh Brass has landed a place in the National Brass Band Championship finals to be held this September in Torquay. The group was was awarded first prize in the North of England Brass Band Championships Second Section, held in Darlington last week
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North Durham and Tyneside news in brief
Heading for the heights STUDENTS bidding to climb to the top in the tree surgery world face a daunting ascent on a charity challenge this weekend. A party of 14 staff and students from East Durham and Houghall Community College's arboriculture department
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Darlington and South Durham news in brief
Police appeal over theft Police have appealed for help from health workers after a spare wheel was stolen from the back of a black Land Rover Discovery parked in a medical centre car park. The wheel was taken from Escomb Road, Bishop Auckland, between
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There's no place like No Place
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 major 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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Basketball; Durham League
Nunthorpe Boro Bruins and University of Teesside played out a tremendous women's battle last week which netted Nunthorpe victory by the narrowest of margins at 57-56. This week those same two teams lined up against each other at Peterlee in the semi-final
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Family plan pilgrimage to remember their son
THE family of the only North-East victim of the September 11 tragedy broke their silence last night to reveal plans for an emotional pilgrimage to Ground Zero to remember their son. Speaking from their home in Chester-le-Street, Gavin McMahon's parents
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Tanni back in business
COMPETING in a ten-mile race just six weeks after giving birth is not the average mother's idea of relaxation. But Paralympic champion Tanni Grey-Thompson lived up to her reputation as the world's top wheelchair racer by taking part in Sunday's 20th Redcar
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Hear all sides
POLICE REFORM I AM not given to seeking publicity and would much rather concentrate on providing the best possible service to the people of County Durham and Darlington. However, I would like to put the record straight about police reform so far as the
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Elephant's roar to be heard once more
A CHANCE find at a car boot sale led yesterday to the official unveiling of a £400,000 replica of a piece of railway history. Beamish Museum took delivery of the 1815 Steam Elephant - a coal steam engine which pre-dates the first passenger locomotive
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Donkey work for Romulus
THERE was no surprise when a donkey wandered in to Villa Real Special School this week. For staff at the Consett school for youngsters with learning difficulties were recreating Palm Sunday to help get across the message of Easter. Assistant headteacher
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Business news in brief
Sales surge in High Street Retail sales surged last month as shoppers returned to the High Street in force. Data released by the Office for National Statistics yesterday, showed retail sales volumes jumped 1.5 per cent in February, the strongest monthly
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Dales park may escape nitrates rule
MEASURES which would exempt farmers in the Yorkshire Dales from limiting their use of nitrogen fertiliser have been backed by the national park authority. In its response to a Government consultation paper on the implementation of the 1991 Nitrates Directive
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Fire chief warns of school death trap
A FIRE chief has warned that children could die in a derelict school used by youngsters as a play house if parents did not take action. Station Officer Ron Carr made his prediction last night after crews put out two fires at the building in Walpole Street
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Lacking cow urine and an Egyptian mummy ...
HARROGATE art conservator, Andrew Stewart, has spent four weeks painstakingly peeling back layers of dirt to restore two valuable narrative paintings. Going North and Coming South, by the Victorian artist, George Earl, belong to the National Railway Museum
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Shock as Labour club is shut down
LABOUR social club regulars were left angered and shocked when party officials walked in late in the evening and demanded the club's immediate closure. They have claimed the Chester-le-Street Labour Social Club was shut last Friday and its steward Steve
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Echo's Internet scheme reaches milestone
An innovative Internet scheme set up by The Northern Echo to help community groups in the region has already helped more than 1,000 organisations create their own website. The popular CommuniGate scheme became an instant success when it was launched in
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Rugby; Longfield School
Last week the school's Under-15s and Under-16s both won their respective County Rugby Plates. The Under-15s played Emanuel College from Gateshead at Haughton-le-Spring Rugby Club and it was a very close game played in poor conditions. Longfield started
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Driver in car accident 'distracted'
A DRIVER who was at the wheel of a car which struck a man as he lay on a grass embankment said he may have been "distracted" at the time of the collision. Trevor Kellett, 22, said he was driving his friend's Ford Fiesta when it hit Paul Rumney, although
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Pensioner beaten in his own home
PENSIONERS are living in fear in a Derwentside village after a 70-year-old man was savagely beaten in his home. The victim was attacked when he awoke to find two men stealing property at his home in Leadgate, Consett. Det Insp Simon Orton, who is in charge
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Region's fighters eye international scene
SEVERAL North-East fighters put themselves in line for international honours after the final round of selections for this year's UK taekwondo team. The Dolphin Centre in Darlington hosted the national competition in which more than 200 fighters competed
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Internet radio station broadcasting for rural listeners
An Internet-based radio service for rural communities has been launched in the heart of North Yorkshire. Radio Ryedale is aiming to keep residents of the scenic district informed of events and happenings in the area's towns and villages. The service was
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Off-road and on to the web
A TEESDALE dairy farmer who set up a successful off-road driving school is now welcoming customers from all over Europe. Since setting up a web site, he is getting bookings not only from across the UK but from abroad. Graeme Gill established Deepdale
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Young swimmers battle for glory
YOUNGSTERS from 13 Darlington primary schools made a splash in the second of two annual swimming galas in the town last night. The Darlington Primary Schools' Swimming Gala (Larger Schools) took place at the Dolphin Centre, with prizes going to the top
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Keeping shoppers in stitches
Blame it all on Lawrence Llewellyn Bowen and Carol Smillie. The craze for changing rooms and home make overs had driven many young women back to a girl's best friend - the sewing machine. "I think it's something to do with the price of curtains," says
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Important message to DIY fans
HOME owners are being warned to take care when considering loft conversions. Building control officers at Darlington Borough Council say work carried out by cowboy builders or over-enthusiastic DIY fans could bring homes crashing down or trap families
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Funding boost for volunteers project
A SCHEME which encourages young people to give a helping hand in the community has been awarded a major Government grant. The Millennium Volunteers project, based at Northallerton College, was given £178,000 to allow it to continue for another two years
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Village treasure has rotting fungus
AN UNUSUAL cherry plum tree at Hutton Rudby, described as a treasure by one expert, has a butt-rotting fungus and is not worthy of special protection, Hambleton Council has declared. The 200-year-old tree has been in blossom over recent weeks and Rudby
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Fears for safety as yobs take revenge
Yobs subjected a neighbour to a bitter hate campaign after he stepped in to stop their mindless acts of vandalism. In the latest attack, thugs threw a brick through the man's window as a police van was parked outside while officers investigated a previous
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Council workers pay visit to No 10
TWO members of Darlington Borough Council's social services department enjoyed a treat when they were invited to a reception at 10 Downing Street. Helen Armstrong and Mary Sweeney were among hundreds of employees from various authorities who joined Prime
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999 Lottery winners
THE latest winners of a weekly lottery draw have been announced. Every Wednesday, the Great North Air Ambulance Service draws 11 numbers to win cash prizes. The £200 top prize goes to the holder of ticket number 10751. A further ten winners, who each
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Court banishes gang of teenage thugs from the streets
A GANG of teenage thugs who brought terror to a North-East housing estate were named and shamed yesterday as a court banned them from the streets. The court decision is Britain's biggest single banning order. Members of the mob, the self-styled Wallsend
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Ex-farmer frustrated over diversification bid
A FORMER pig farmer has criticised a "lack of support" for farm diversification schemes after spending years trying to establish a go-kart track. Robert Bulmer was denied by planners when he tried to set the project's wheels in motion four years ago.
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Drugs crackdown proves a success
A BIG crackdown on drugs in Washington has led to more than £200,000 worth of drugs being recovered in the past six weeks. Officers from Northumbria Police used a £7,000 grant from the Communities Against Drugs Initiative to help them arrest 17 people
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Champion pet was groomed for its success
AN award-winning pet named top dog at Crufts this year owes much of its success to a Malton veterinary practice. That is the view of breeder Sheila Amos, whose two-year-old Clumber Spaniel Maggie won first prize in the post-graduate section of its breed
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Tonic for hospice after thieves take raffle prize
FUNDRAISERS have had their faith in human kindness restored after an anonymous donor replaced a stolen raffle prize. Thieves put the raffle in doubt after they stole a new mountain bike being offered as main prize in a draw at the Teesside Hospice shop
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Pensioner, 76, faces jail over sex assault
A PENSIONER was warned he was facing a prison sentence yesterday after admitting molesting a girl under 14. Mark Jefferson, 76, of The Square, East Cowton, North Yorkshire, appeared before magistrates to plead guilty to four counts of indecent assault
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Boro boss spots talent on the pitch
MIDDLESBROUGH FC boss Steve McClaren has been talent spotting at a Teesside school this week as he opened a sports facility. The Middlesbrough FC manager was visiting Yarm School on Wednesday to open the school's sports surface. He watched as pupils gave
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Defra pay dispute settled after workers offered 10pc
GOVERNMENT workers in North Yorkshire responsible for paying out subsidies to farmers have called off further strike action after an agreement was reached over a wages dispute. Staff at the Rural Payment Agency's offices in East Road, Northallerton, will
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Doran powers to impressive victory at Croft
KENT driver Pat Doran won the opening round of the BRDA Rallycross Championship, organised by Darlington and District Motor Club and held at Croft last weekend. The 42-year-old triumphed despite a day of problems in his Ford RS200 Supercar. An intermittent
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Seahorses or City? Neal's on Baywatch
Neal Walton has lived for over 20 years on Stanley Hill Top, generally said to be the coldest place in Christendom, though some reckon Baffin Island still closer to absolute zero. "It was a fearful spot to play football," he recalls. "I used to wonder
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Dominoes; Draw purs club in line for the title
Willington Area League Willington Club edged a little closer to landing the title after they fought back at Willington Brewer's Droop to force a draw. The Club made an excellent start when Alan Walker and Bobby Jackson put them two up by winning the first
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Sport from the Darlington & Stockton Times gets updated here every Friday
Other content from the Darlington & Stockton Times includes : Great North Country Fare. Farming news. Equestrian news. Weekend Times. Opinion. Auctions.
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Scorton hospital to close after 120 years serving area
THE St John of God Hospital at Scorton, near Richmond, is set to close and the building will be sold. The Hospitaller Order which runs the 120-year-old unit confirmed that services would be relocated elsewhere in Richmondshire, with the monks also moving
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Cigarette causes fire
A 86-year-old woman was examined by paramedics yesterday after a fire in her kitchen in Havilland Road, Thornaby, Teesside. Firefighters were called to the house at about 10.30am after the woman emptied an ashtray into a bin, not realising it contained
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We are not prepared to let horns fall silent, say hunts
THE Government's announcement of a further six-month consultation period on the drafting of new legislation could still lead to an outright ban on fox hunting. It has also warned that it is ready to use the Parliament Act to overrule any opposition from
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Sheep show may fall victim to FMD aftermath
THE impact of the foot-and-mouth crisis is on the agenda for the Swaledale sheep show committee's annual meeting at Tan Hill on Tuesday at 8.30. The show, held at the end of May, would have celebrated 50 years last year, but was cancelled for the first
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Cancer charity funds research
A YARM-based charity is funding genetic research at the University of Durham to help fight bowel cancer. Against Bowel Cancer (ABC) donated £30,000 to researchers who are designing what is known as a DNA chip, used to detect the different genetic changes
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Defeat in court for former MI5 agent
RENEGADE MI5 agent David Shayler has lost his battle in the highest court in the land for the right to use certain defences in his forthcoming Old Bailey trial on secrets charges. The House of Lords unanimously rejected his human rights challenge. Mr
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Football
Darlington Church and Friendly League The game of the day took place between SCA and The Three Tuns which was won 5-4 by The Tuns. This game had everything but looked all over at half-time as the Tuns had raced into a 5-0 lead and were comfortably holding
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MG Rover looks east to develop
THE FUTURE of Britain's last major motor manufacturer - MG Rover - was secured last night when bosses announced a deal with a Chinese firm. The move paves the way for a new range of small and medium-sized cars to replace the aging 25 and 45 series. MG
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What? Why?
SPENDING £2m on a regional image campaign seems a strange use of public money. At a launch of the initiative this week, its promoters, One NorthEast, the regional development agency, and the North-East Regional Assembly, said research had identified that
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Treasure hunters share proceeds of Roman find
A GROUP of amateur treasure hunters are celebrating after two hoards of Roman coins they found 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 of £16,502 at the
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Hats off to Graeme
A YOUNG Chester-le-Street soldier is proudly wearing his green beret after enduring 30 weeks of the hardest initial training in the world. Former Heritage Comprehensive school pupil Graeme Carr, 23, has now become a Royal Marine Commando. An Army spokesman
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News from the Darlington & Stockton Times gets updated here every Friday
Other content from the Darlington & Stockton Times includes : Great North Country Fare. Farming news. Equestrian news. Weekend Times. Opinion. Auctions.
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Comment from The Northern Echo; Running away from the chase
THE Government has a duty to listen to all sides and consult widely before taking major decisions - particularly one as controversial as a potential ban on fox hunting. But it is difficult to see what will be gained by the six-month consultation period
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Quay in television spotlight again
A MARITIME attraction is the setting for a Channel Four documentary next week. Hartlepool's Historic Quay - a full-size recreation of a Napoleonic seaport and home to Britain's oldest floating warship, HMS Trincomalee - draws in thousands of visitors
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Centre uses heritage for activities
THE history of east Cleveland will be recounted as part of a series of Easter activities taking place at the Margrove Heritage Centre. The centre, near Guisborough, re-opens on Easter Sunday with a series of events for the school holidays. There will
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Funding will help guide school leavers
NORTH-East school leavers will be able to benefit from a £2.6m fund to help them with education and jobs. The cash, provided by the New Opportunities Fund, will help youngsters make decisions about their future. Summer activity centres to help bridge
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County stalwart honoured by Queen
ONE of County Durham's best known citizens has talked of his joy at meeting the Queen to collect his MBE. Alderman Joe Walker, former chairman of Durham County Council, received his MBE for his work as a councillor on the now-defunct Stanley Urban District
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Joy at £45,000 grant for Witham Hall design study
THE prospect of a giant party in Barnard Castle in December 2004 took a step nearer reality this week with the announcement of a £45,000 grant for the town's Witham Hall. Jill Cole, chairman of the Witham redevelopment project sub-committee, said the
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Friends celebrate big fundraising success
SUPPORTERS of the Friarage Hospital at Northallerton are celebrating after raising £700,000 in just two years towards a new children's ward. The success of the effort by the League of Friends represents more good news for the Friarage following the announcement
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News from the Guilds and WI's
Cestria Afternoon WI THE president welcomed all to our March meeting. The Golden Thread was read by June Ritson. Prior to the AGM in April, nominations were taken for committee. All officers have agreed to stand for another year. Details were given for
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Nicholls the one to watch as new Flat season begins
THEY'RE off! The turf Flat season started yesterday afternoon at Doncaster, the annual sign for racing people that spring has arrived at last. Today on the Town Moor, David "Dandy" Nicholls has his usual strong band of attackers and, to judge by previous
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Library service praise
A TEESSIDE library service has been praised by 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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Kind-hearted readers help Meg to see again
AN unwanted blind dog that touched North-East hearts can see again. Meg, a four-year-old whippet-cross, developed sight problems two years ago and needed an operation to correct her eyes. She is being cared for at a foster home for the National Animal
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News from the Guilds and WIs
Satley WI Satley WI held its meeting on March 11 in the Parish Hall. M Bell presided over 16 members. S White read the minutes from the February meeting and then went on to the correspondence including the county newsletter. Speaker for the evening was
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Angling
Hartlepool and District AC's Annual Charity Match on Co Durham's Crookfoot Reservoir delivered nine double figured nets as the 60 competitors spread around three of the banks enjoyed some great roach sport, writes JEFF HERBERT. The maggot feeder at distance
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Mary Ann Cotton still rotten
Mary Ann Cotton, long regarded as one of the North-East's most notorious killers, has become the subject of modern police attention. FEW killers have intrigued more amateur sleuths and experts than Mary Ann Cotton, whose very name has become synonymous
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Orange call centre jobs safe claim management heads
EXECUTIVES at communications firm Orange believe the jobs of call centre staff in the North-East are safe, despite the maturity of the mobile phone industry. While the majority of calls to helplines are made during the initial stages of mobile phone ownership
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Residents force cut in speed limit
RESIDENTS' pleas for a reduction in the speed limit on the road outside their homes have been answered. Durham County Council's highways committee has voted to seek a 40 mph limit on the B6302 between Esh Winning and Ushaw Moor. People living in Deerness
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More to see at mining centre
A MINING centre reopens at the weekend after a £1m transformation. New displays at the Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre trace the history of the lead industry which once dominated the North Pennine Hills of Upper Weardale and Cumbria. They centre on the
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Blockbusters recovered at boot sale bust
Trading standards officers who raided a car boot sale recovered hundreds of bootleg blockbusters, a court heard yesterday. Copies of Lord of the Rings and the soundtrack album from Moulin Rouge were among the items seized. And Harrogate magistrates yesterday
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Flood-risk area to test early warning system
FOLLOWING last year's floods in East Cleveland, a high-tech weather warning system using e-mails and telephones is being piloted in the area. The Meterological Office, Environment Agency and Redcar and Cleveland Council are handling the £3.9m scheme,
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Sport briefs
SNOOKER: The Durham CIU Individual Snooker Final takes place at Darlington WMC on Tuesday, March 26, between M Pratt of Chilton and Windlestone WMC and W Robson of Murton Victoria Club. BOXING: Darlington Boxing Club' Argie Ward is just one fight away
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Wilson triple puts Shuttle out of cup
The Northern Echo Darlington Sunday Invitation League The quarter finals of The Northern Echo league cup dominated this week's fixtures, with only Newton Aycliffe Sports Club's tie against Nestfield Seconds falling foul of the weather. However, the tie
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Prescription scam woman awaits fate
A WOMAN who admitted tearing up prescriptions and pocketing patients' cash at a doctors' surgery will have to wait until next month to discover her fate. Magistrates sitting in Richmond, North Yorkshire, yesterday decided they wanted the probation service
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Lessons to ensure a healthy future
GIANT snakes and ladders, a dustbin derby and an anti-smoking quiz were part of the fun for youngsters in Hartlepool yesterday. Year five pupils from four primary schools in the town were invited to take part in an event called Environment Roundabout,
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Mother's struggle following tragedy
THREE people have been charged with drugs offences following the death of a North-East teenager earlier this year. Two men and a woman are due to appear before Teesside Magistrates' Court today, charged with supplying drugs. Lilli Brown, of Stockton,
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Keeping shoppers in stitches
Blame it all on Lawrence Llewellyn Bowen and Carol Smillie. The craze for changing rooms and home make overs had driven many young women back to a girl's best friend - the sewing machine. "I think it's something to do with the price of curtains," says
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Cheltenham glory for North Yorkshire family
A NORTH Yorkshire family scooped the biggest piece of silverware at the Cheltenham Festival on the final day of last week's famous meeting. Fiona Needham rode Last Option, owned, trained and bred by her father Robin Tate, to win the Christie's Foxhunter
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Schools to recycle their way to funds
EVERY school in the Hambleton district could soon recycling facilities. The district council is urging all 63 schools in the area to sign up to a scheme which would see paper and can banks installed in their grounds. In a joint venture with Richmondshire
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Shops lose out to bootleggers
BOOTLEG cigarettes and alcohol are costing North-East shopkeepers on average £56,000 each a year in lost sales, new figures have claimed. The illegal trade is hitting the region the hardest and confirms its position as Britain's biggest market for smuggled
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Haughton back on right track
Haughton Cricket Club have come a long way since 1996 when they had just one side and were being plagued by vandalism and thefts, writes MALCOLM PRATT. Far from being discouraged, however, members rallied round the Darlington and District League club
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Technology firm makes staff cuts
NINETEEN redundancies were announced yesterday at a North-East technology company with an international market. Mechetronics, which employed about 130 people at its plant in St Helen Auckland, near Bishop Auckland, makes solenoids which are used for vending
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Life and soul of the hall for two decades
A BIG personality is needed to fill the shoes vacated by Millie Scaife, former chairman of Sadberge Village Hall Association. A devoted and loyal chairman for 20 years, she has organised dozens of concerts and plays, set up hundreds of community activities
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Saltburn statues welcomed, if a little grudgingly
SALTBURN is to get its controversial modern art statues. Councillors have agreed to the two stainless steel sculptures being sited in the town - ending months of wrangling over the issue. It is hoped to have them in place in time for the spring judging
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City back in the brewing business
THE evolution of brewing has seen a return of the long-standing tradition to a North-East city. Two-and-a-half years after the demise of the famous old Vaux name, a new, much smaller brewery has begun production in Sunderland. The Darwin Brewery has relocated
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Arriva publishes customer charter
Trouble-hit Arriva Trains Northern has published a new customer charter for its beleaguered rail passengers. The charter sets out the company's commitment to deliver and continually improve services. Passenger groups say they welcome the good intentions
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Cooking with sauce at New-Look store
A Savoy chef and a fashion guru were on hand yesterday to help a major supermarket launch a new look. Daniel Cartwright will be the in-house chef at the refurbished Sainsbury's store at Monks Cross, in York. He will be giving customers recipe ideas, cooking
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Darlington and South Durham news in brief
Warning on building work Changes to building regulations mean local authority building control departments must be informed of all new building work, Darlington Borough Council has warned. Boilers, hot water cylinders and windows can only be installed
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Free tickets on offer for awards ceremony
FREE tickets for Monday night's Positive Young People Awards 2002 ceremony are being made available to the public for the first time today and tomorrow. About 400 tickets are available for the event, which is being held at Darlington Civic Theatre, and
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Pupils' promotion success
FOUR students at a Darlington school have won a competition after designing a poster promoting a French market. Leanne Hopkins, Katharine Holdstock, Jessica Vicars and Adam Harrison designed their winning entries at Longfield Comprehensive School, where
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Animal incinerator backed
PLANS for a controversial animal incinerator plant are likely to go ahead on the edge of a popular North-East tourist spot, despite health fears. The development, an extension to an existing knacker's yard, would place two 50ft chimneys on a hillside
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High-tech warnings to help beat floods
THE latest high technology is to be harnessed to give flood victims a fighting chance to beat the elements. In the £2.7m scheme, up-to-the-minute satellite weather forecasts will be beamed directly to the mobile phones and home computers of residents
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Armed police swoop in robbery probe
ARMED police sealed off parts of two villages yesterday when they moved in to arrest three people in connection with a robbery. Officers arrested a man and a woman in Crook, County Durham, then later apprehended a man in his 30s in Tow Law, following
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Report pinpoints lack of investment at youth prison
A GOVERNMENT report has highlighted a lack of investment in a young offenders' institution. Deerbolt, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, is said to provide a "decent and safe" environment for its current 478 inmates. However, because of a lack of resources
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Lose your cool - then you'll make my day
Make My Day (C4) Weird Nature (BBC1) Without knowing it, Joanne Leggett became the star of her own TV show in Make My Day. This new hidden camera show has been called a real life Truman Show, a reference to the movie in which Jim Carrey's character discovered
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Village homes scheme protest
PROPOSALS to build 14 houses on a conservation area will obliterate a green landscape and ruin their view, villagers fear. People in Witton-le-Wear, near Bishop Auckland, are also concerned at the possible impact of the development on nearby Witton House
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Skiing; Plumbers boost Ravens
It was all downhill for Wearside Plumbing Supplies when members of Ravens Ski Racing Club turned up at the new showroom in Monkwearmouth, Sunderland. Ravens Ski Racing Club were presented with a £500 cheque generously donated by WPS and Barry Sanderson
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Plans to turn deprived area into tourist spot
A HIDDEN gem could soon be developed to become the tourism mecca of the region. While most people in the North-East and North Yorkshire head to the North York Moors, the Dales, Durham or Whitby for a day out, plans are afoot to develop rural east Cleveland
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Workers to learn fate on Monday
THE fate of electronic components firm SMK will be revealed to workers on Monday. Staff at the Newton Aycliffe operation face an anxious weekend while they await an announcement of the results of a global review of operations. The Japanese business manufactures
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Youngsters are on track to help improve life of young victims
EAST Durham school pupils took to the running track yesterday in a bid to give two sick children a holiday away from their polluted home near Cheronbyl. The students at Easington Community School competed in a sponsored fun run to help fund a five-week
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Volunteers' nature mission
CHARITY workers are gearing up to help improve a wildlife project. Vritish Trust Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) based at Kiplin Hall, start work tomorrow on a scheme to enhance a wildlife walk at Northdale Horticulture, in Yafforth Road, Northallerton
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Messias takes his place among the elite
THE head of PE at Thirsk School is giving up his post at Easter to embark on a new career as a full-time professional soccer referee. Matt Messias, 36, became one of the youngest heads of departments when he joined the school 11 years ago. Headteacher
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£2.7m scheme to beat weather
THE latest technology is to be harnessed to give flood victims a fighting chance to beat the elements. Under the £2.7m scheme, up to the minute satellite weather forecasts will be beamed directly to the mobile phones and home computers of residents most
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Jan and Gemma combine skills with style
A PAIR of County Durham hairdressers proved they have a good head for business by combining their styling skills. Just over a year ago, Jan Barras extended her home next to the Ushaw Moor Sports Centre, near Durham City, and launched Vail Hairdressing
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The Judge looks ready to compensate Cole
PAUL Cole has made a habit of winning the Lincoln in recent times and Nimello's victory last year was the third win of the Flat's first big handicap in five renewals for the Whatcombe handler. However, The Judge, Cole's main hope for this year's event
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Baroness opposes closure of court
A campaign to save a North Yorkshire court from closure at the end of the year has won an influential ally in the House of Lords. Baroness Harris of Richmond is a former chairman of the North Yorkshire Police Authority and also served on North Yorkshire
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North Yorkshire news in brief
Council staff join roads firm ABOUT 350 council workers are to transfer to a highway maintenance firm next week. Staff from North Yorkshire County Council's direct labour organisation (DLO) are joining Raynesway Construction Southern (RCS). The move follows
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A constable's lot was a busy one
MY morning walk over the past few days has been graced by the wonderful music of a thrush. Many consider this bird to be our finest songster and certainly it ranks among the very best, but in recent years numbers of thrushes have been declining. To hear
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It's healthy up North
NORTHERN women are more health-conscious than their Southern counterparts, according to a new survey. The survey of British women aged between 16 and 55, commissioned by herbal medicine company Lanes, revealed that 90 per cent of women in the North considered
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LOCAL people living with diabetes could take home an award
Two local men, Brian Hunter, of Sedgefield, and Peter Wood, of Colburn, North Yorkshire, both won Lilly Outstanding Achievement and Recognition awards last year. People with diabetes who have achieved personal success in their day-to-day lives, despite
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Safety fears over riverbank restoration work
EXPENSIVE flood damage restoration work has been labelled an eyesore and a potential death trap for children at a North Yorkshire river. The work, carried out by the Environment Agency at Scalby Beck, Newby Bridge Weir, Scarborough, has left gabion baskets
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Take true pride in region's glories
SOMETIME before Ken Livingstone went respectable and became a mayor, Spectator took the chance while on a visit to London to see that Darlington-created elegant and efficient piece of engineering called the Thames Barrier. Alongside the viewing area was
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Letters: Contradictions
Sir, - Regarding the proposal for a replacement GPs' surgery in Aldbrough St John I read with interest comments made by the chairman of Aldbrough St John Parish council (D&S letters, Mar 15) where he appears to question the judgment of Richmondshire
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Support for 'eyes and ears'
RURAL Neighbourhood Watch schemes are receiving good public support. Following the success of a group in Masham, North Yorkshire Police have turned their attention to villages in the Kirkby Malzeard area. Thirty-five people attended a meeting called by
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Pool; Bishop Auckland and District League
Witton Park Rose and Crown pulled off a very good victory when they visited Spennymoor Weardale. The home side had two singles wins from Shane Casen with Terry Irvin and Lou Cooper adding one each. The Rose and Crown replied with two points from Dean
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Grassroots
STAR EGG: The Easter Egg Roll of the Virago Star Owners Club will start from the Lambton Worm at 2.30pm tomorrow. TOWN QUIZ: A quiz night followed by a pie and peas supper and bar is being held by the Twin Towning Association, at 7.15pm on Tuesday, in
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Silkmen end Pools play-off hopes
HARTLEPOOL United have never enjoyed taking on Macclesfield at Victoria Park. Four previous meetings had brought two draws and two defeats for Pool - but few have been as costly or important as Tuesday night's reverse. Because with the defeat came the
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Youngsters hone table-tennis skills
PUPILS are turning their attention from the tradition sports of football and netball to concentrate on table-tennis, thanks to a National Lottery grant. Warwick Road Primary School, in Bishop Auckland, has received a £2,000 grant to pay for table-tennis
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Free tickets on offer for awards ceremony
FREE tickets for Monday night's Positive Young People Awards 2002 ceremony are being made available to the public for the first time today and tomorrow. About 400 tickets are available for the event, which is being held at Darlington Civic Theatre, and
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Going for more at growing Morrisons
ONE of the north's biggest supermarket chains announced yesterday that it will create 4,500 jobs in the next two years, as part of a huge expansion drive. Bradford-based Wm Morrison is looking to open more stores in the south of England and Wales, to
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Hunwick enjoy ten-point cushion at the top
Willington League Hunwick Club moved ten points clear at the top of the table when they only dropped three points on their visit to Willington Brewer's Droop A. The home side started in style with singles wins from Alan Lee and Michael Pickles. Robert
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Feeling the heat
His illustrious royal predecessor, Alfred the Great, King of Wessex, reputedly burned the cakes. So when Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, was spotted with "cooking burns" on his left hand during a visit to the North-East yesterday, the question had to be
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'Confidence is very low in Quakers camp' admits Clark
Darlington's Mr Versatile, Ian Clark, admits a crisis of confidence has hit the squad and players are beginning to wonder when they will win next. Quakers have not won since Tuesday, February 5 when they were 3-1 victors at Carlisle, but since then nine
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Wind farm mast plan approved
THE first stage of one of the world's biggest wind farms, which is being built in the North-East, has been given the go-ahead by planners. The £30m farm will be based both offshore and on the former steel sites at Redcar and Lackenby, on Teesside, and
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Court hears of elderly woman's horrifying ordeal
An 87-year-old widow was woken from her sleep and subjected to a terrifying sex attack by a naked intruder, a court heard today. Frances Doran was so traumatised by her ordeal that she later had a heart attack. Her attacker Michael Rochester admitted
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Bright future as police keep in touch
POLICE have hooked up with a telephone firm to help victims of crime keep in touch. Crime victims in Washington will be a phone call away from their named officer thanks to a gift of mobile phones from Orange. After Northumbria Police detectives visit
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Frankland make light work of crunch clash
Emergency Services League Frankland ran out easy winners in their table top clash with Newcastle West, when West turned up with ten men and in the course of the game had two sent off. Ian Gibson bagged a hat trick and there was a goal each for Phil McVay
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Pool are hoping for Friday frolic
HARTLEPOOL United are hoping a bout of Friday night fever will push them to the edge of the play-offs. Tenth-placed Pool entertain Macclesfield tonight as they look to build on the four points picked up on the road in the last week and put some pressure
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Radio duo tipping this for cult hit
TWO radio presenters are hoping to make it to the top of the charts by providing backing vocals on a cult singer's new record. Bob Fischer, 29, and Mark Drury, 23, presenters of BBC Radio Cleveland's Saturday lunchtime programme Gobstopper, will appear
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College set to double intake
A DISABLED people's training college has unveiled £10m expansion plans to cater for twice the number of students. Finchale Training College, based at Brassside, on the outskirts of Durham, launched the proposals at an all-party presentation in Westminster
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Power company bought out by German firm
The UK's largest electricity supplier Innogy, which took over Northern Electric's domestic supply business, is being bought by German energy giant RWE in a £3.1bn takeover. The move, widely expected in the City, comes a month after the Swindon-based firm
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Post worker 'petrified' by raiders
A postAL worker accused of staging a £100,000 armed raid on his van denied it was set up yesterday. Robert Johnson, 31, said he was petrified when he was approached by two men, one of them armed with a gun, as he sorted the mail in a Newcastle street.
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£500,000 church centre revamp
A PARISH has raised enough cash to get a half-million pound community centre project started. The parish of St Hilda and St Columba, in Darlington, needed to raise £491,775 to get the community centre redevelopment work off the ground. The congregation
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Tally hopeless!
THE Government last night stood accused of a feeble fudge as critics ridiculed another failure to take a final decision on hunting with hounds. Ministers announced that a further six-month consultation period would be used to try to narrow the gulf between
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Donor gets raffle back on track
FUND raisers have had their faith in human nature restored after an anonymous donor replaced a stolen raffle prize. Thieves horrified staff at the Teesside Hospice shop in Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, when they stole a new 15-gear mountain bike being offered
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N Yorkshire farmers face worst crisis in 50 years
NORTH Yorkshire farmers face their biggest crisis for 50 years, according to the Hon Michael Willoughby, the new chairman of the Country Land and Business Association. Mr Willoughby, heir to Lord Middleton, is director of the Birdsall Estates Company
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Sex case ends
A man accused of forming a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl was cleared yesterday John Taylor, 38, of Ormond Street, Sunderland, was said to have carried out sex acts with the girl after their friendship blossomed due to their mutual love of
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More than 26,000 desperate callers ring charity's line
A CHARITY helpline set up for farmers during the foot-and-mouth crisis has received 26,344 calls to date. The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution has helped more than 10,500 families and has paid out about £10.5m in grant aid. A RABI conference
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Out of the riot van into the fire
THE colourful language thrown at riot police may not have been too realistic - "I only wanted a cup of tea" being the most feeble - but otherwise it was the authentic riot experience. Petrol bombs exploded, bricks rained down and rioters mocked when their
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Feed supplier appeals for organic crops
A SHORTAGE of UK organic cereals has led to an appeal from an animal feed supplier. Ian Proctor, a director of Hi-Peak Feeds in Derbyshire is reluctantly having to make up the shortfall with organic crops from Italy and Germany but, with the average premium
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Riot of colour marks spring and grim past
AN explosion of colour signals the dawn of spring and more prosperous times ahead for York. The sea of yellow beneath Clifford's Tower is a poignant symbol of hope for the city, which, a year ago, was suffering miserably from the effects of the foot-and-mouth
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Milburn to celebrate direct health success
HEALTH Secretary Alan Milburn is due to cut a giant birthday cake in the region today, to mark the fourth anniversary of the NHS Direct helpline. The Darlington MP will share the cake with staff and patients at the North-East NHS Direct centre in Newcastle
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Darts; Atkinson's final victory
Tow Law Bass Kenneth Atkinson of Tow Law New Market became the League Singles Champion after he beat John Smythe of Sunniside Comedian in the final of the competition held at the Comedian. Quarter final results: John Smythe (Comedian) beat Bob Peacock
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Wellock's World
NOTHING to do with the arrival of Spring, but my body heat has been steadily rising this week to the point where I had to fall back on disbelieving laughter to prevent my blood boiling. It began gently enough on Monday with the news that a professor at
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The ugly side to the beautiful game
MY football-mad eight-year-old son is an enthusiastic Manchester United fan. His bedroom is covered in Man U posters, he regularly writes letters to the club and players, he has read every book ever written about his team and would wear his Man U strip
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Washer-up treks back to business
AFTER 12 months of helping to wash up in the local pub to make ends meet, the owner of a pony trekking centre is re-opening on Good Friday. Sheila Ashby, who runs the centre at Johnston Arms, Boltby, is hoping to welcome old and new riders of all ages
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New venture for rock lovers
Rock lovers Paul Scott and Adam Sayers have turned their love of music into a business. Castlegate Quay in Stockton no longer rocks once a year with performers at the Riverside Festival, but daily now thanks to recording studio Sanity Multi-Media. Adam
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SOS plan to be set up
AN emergency plan is to be drawn up to tackle any future outbreak of foot-and-mouth in County Durham. The move was agreed by members of the county council's cabinet last week and follows a request from councillors representing the west of the county,
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Hartlepool eight scrum down to reverse rugby's decline
THE eight rugby clubs in Hartlepool are exploring means of reversing the game's decline within the town. Hartlepool has a long tradition as a rugby hotbed, but the rise of West was accompanied by Rovers' decline, and now West have suffered four successive
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Girlfriend's appeal for missing man
THE girlfriend of a missing man, believed to be in the North-East, has made an emotional plea for the public's help. Matthew Hutchinson, 30, has not been seen since leaving his home in Stockwell, South London, two weeks ago. His most recent bank transaction
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Bike reward for good attendance
EVEN a badly injured arm did not prevent a student helping his tutor group win a prize for attendance at school. Year seven tutor group 7AR held a party to celebrate being top attenders at Woodham Community Technology College, in Newton Aycliffe. Headteacher
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Chicks aid hospice
EASTER has arrived early at Teesside Hospice in Middlesbrough where toy chicks and lambs have gone on sale for £1 each. The toys, sold to raise funds for the hospice, can be bought at any of the hospice's shops on Teesside. Any organisations willing to
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Spying threat may sink meeting place for young
SPYING on youngsters could wreck a scheme to create a meeting area in Yarm. This was the view of a town councillor as it emerged police could seek to observe such a place for trouble. Thinking of the project as the start of a mini-crime wave was the wrong
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Pony dates
BCTG. - Mar 25: Patsy Bartram dressage clinic, open to non-members, 01325 332685. BSPS Area 3a. - Mar 24: Winter show, Yafforth. Tel: 01642 452439. Cleveland Hunt PC. - Mar 26: Senior rally, Unicorn Centre, ring Shirley Hockney 01642 723577. Mar 27 &
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£13,800 bid for Tolkien book
IF YOU had told the elderly owner of an original copy of The Hobbit that it would fetch £13,800, she would have thought you were Tolkien a load of nonsense. But that dream came true for the mystery North-East owner of a 1937 first edition of the classic
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Pupils head for day out at theatre
An all-girl cast from Durham High School is performing the first school production at the Gala Theatre. They are staging Wor Day Out, a North-East version of Willy Russell's Liverpudlian play Our Day Out. Scouse accents have been changed to Geordie and
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Fun way of learning aimed at the family
A NEWTON Aycliffe school was a hive of activity when it held its fifth family learning event. Children from primary schools in the town converged on Woodham Community Technology College, many with their families. Based on the theme of learning is fun,
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Toothless Quakers fall to Minstermen
TOMMY Taylor's patched up troops go into battle against Swansea City at Feethams tomorrow desperate to halt a run of nine games without a win. Although Quakers are still 11 points clear of bottom club Halifax Town, last Saturday's 2-0 defeat at York City
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National hero graces open day
RED Marauder, winner of last year's Grand National, will be making a guest appearance at the Middleham stables open day on Good Friday. He was the first owner-trained horse - belonging to Norman Mason - to win the National since Grittar in 1982. A further
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Dancing role
A SPENNYMOOR choreographer has been chosen to work on the National Youth Music Theatre's latest production, Late Sleepers. The theatre group is staging the show on August 16 and 17 at the Theatre Royal, Newcastle, and has chosen Joanne Banks, from Middlestone
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Bringing books to life
THE magic of fairy tales came true for the children of St Patrick's RC Primary School, in Consett, recently. For pupils and staff alike dressed up as story book characters to celebrate World Book Day and to raise money to send books to children in the
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Empire looks set to be saved
A £500,000 RESCUE package to save the Consett Empire looks set to be granted. Derwentside District Council has revealed that more than £500,000 is needed to pay for the Victorian museum described as 'a jewel in the crown for County Durham.' The Empire
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Woman's handbag snatched
An elderly woman was knocked to the ground when a bike-riding robber grabbed her handbag. The pensioner, in her seventies, was attacked in Thornhill Gardens, Hartlepool, on Wednesday. A passing motorist gave chase but the thief got away with the bag,
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Letters: Hope for hostels
Sir, - YHA members who remain faithful to its object (to help all, especially young people of limited means, to a greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside, particularly by providing hostels or other simple accommodation for them in their travels
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Jeers as home plan unveiled
RESIDENTS of a market town where work on a housing development is under way, have reacted angrily after plans for another 30 homes were unveiled. Developer Persimmon has presented early proposals for a central estate of 30 houses to Easingwold Town Council
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Waste scheme
A RECYCLING and waste disposal business is to be set up at a farm near Crook. The owner of Constantine Farm, North Bitchburn, has been given planning permission by Durham County Council to operate a skip hire, recycling and waste transfer business from
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Youngsters honoured for their courage
YOUNGSTERS from the region have been praised for their achievements at an awards ceremony in honour of people battling to cope with cystic fibrosis. Two children from the region picked up top awards at the Cystic Fibrosis Trust Awards held in London yesterday
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Timetables face cuts if congestion is not tackled
STAGECOACH has warned it might have to cut its bus services because of traffic congestion in Darlington. The company was fined £50,000 by the Traffic Commissioners before Christmas, after a public inquiry into its failure to meet its targets in Hartlepool
