Archive
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Youth stripped boy, six, naked
POLICE are still hunting the teenager who stripped a six-year-old boy naked in a sinister attack which has sparked fresh fears about child safety. Detectives have described as 'bizarre' the incident in which the unnamed boy was undressed in allotments
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Soldier decorated for bravery
A female soldier who braved a blazing aircraft to rescue a trapped colleague has been decorated for bravery. Bombardier Helen Burnley, 29, helped to pull out a trapped crewmember from the Puma helicopter, as smoke poured from the exhausts and fuel leaked
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Overdue, overcrowded but still functioning
OUR railways are in crisis, we're often told, just like our monarchy. But the last week suggested reports of the monarchy's demise were premature, and anyone from the North-East venturing south for the funeral will have noticed that the railway is not
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Football legend on the mend
ONE of football's all-time greats was recovering at home yesterday after being taken ill at a speaking engagement. Soccer legend John Charles was rushed to hospital after becoming unwell at the Civil Service Club in Scarborough earlier this week. But
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Rare lottery ticket to be auctioned
A lottery ticket is set to hit the jackpot - almost 200 years after it was issued. The draw was held in 1816 for shares in a famous Iron Bridge of the River Wear, in Sunderland. The shares were held by County Durham MP Rowland Burdon and the winner would
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Fall renews skate debate
AN ACCIDENT has prompted renewed pressure for a skateboard park in Richmond. A 13-year-old boy was still seriously ill in hospital in Middlesbrough yesterday after falling 20ft through a skylight at Colburn Primary School. He was among a group of children
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New learning disability centre to open
A NEW learning disability day centre will be opened in Chester-le-Street next week. County Durham Care will launch Empower 2 at Waldridge Road, Chester-le- Street, on the site of the former Clarence Day Nursery, next Thursday, at 2pm. The unit moved to
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Cash award good news for cinema
A LEADING independent cinema is to benefit from part of a £6m package. City Screen in York is to receive enhanced technical equipment and will upgrade to digital projection. The cinema has already installed an improved box office system as part of the
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Bellway builds on positive forecast
HOUSEBUILDER Bellway continued to strike an upbeat note after forecasting results ahead of expectations. Bellway, of Newcastle, said sales prospects appeared extremely encouraging as the group looked to build on an 11 per cent rise in interim profits.
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Teesside news in brief
Trees planted for Queen Mum SIX deciduous trees have been planted at a North-East beauty spot in memory of the Queen Mother. Councillors Barbara Harpham, Joan Sands and John Robinson, who represent Saltburn on Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council planted
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Security upgrade at base is put on hold
DEFENCE chiefs face an anxious wait over plans to step up security at a military base after they were ordered to stop building work. Extra security measures were being brought in at RAF Fylingdales, on the North York Moors - reportedly a major part of
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A marathon effort by PCs
FOUR police officers aim to raise thousands of pounds for charities this weekend at the Flora London Marathon. Caroline Davies, Dave Barker, Will Cousins and Karl Lowe have been preparing for the run since last August. The officers, from Darlington, are
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Distin sets sights on a double
ON-LOAN Newcastle United defender Sylvain Distin is chasing a double goal - a permanent move to Tyneside and a return to the Champions' League. Distin is desperate to play again in Europe's elite competition after tasting the big-time with Paris St. Germain
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Swimathon charity call
Rotary clubs in South Durham have joined forces to organise a swimathon at Spennymoor Leisure Centre on Sunday May 12, and teams of up to six people are needed to take part. Money raised will go to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and Murphy Crescent
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Praise for housing workers
A HOUSING association in the North-East has been praised in an inspection report. Endeavour Housing in Teesside was given a vote of confidence by the Housing Corporation, the Government agency that supervises the standards of service provided by associations
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Praise for housing workers
A HOUSING association in the North-East has been praised in an inspection report. Endeavour Housing in Teesside was given a vote of confidence by the Housing Corporation, the Government agency that supervises the standards of service provided by associations
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Business news in brief
£3.11bn loss for Lloyd's THE Lloyd's of London insurance market has broken with decades of tradition to report its results on an annual rather than three-yearly basis, for the first time. Under the new proforma accounting system the world's oldest insurance
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Darlington and South Durham news in brief
Blaze at caravan park PEOPLE were evacuated from Witton Castle Caravan Park, near Bishop Auckland, yesterday, while firefighters tackled a blaze fuelled by gas from butane cylinders. The fire destroyed storage sheds and 500 square metres of trees. It
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Trucker 'drove into road crew without braking'
TWO road workers were killed when an HGV ploughed into them without even braking, a court heard. John Corkin, 29, and Kevin Barker, 40, died in the accident after a juggernaut hit the back of their flat bed maintenance truck as they laid out cones for
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Father tells of fire-bomb horror escape
A FATHER spoke of his horror as fire destroyed his home only days after he moved his three children to safety. Arsonists are suspected of being behind the fire which ripped through the family home in Pemberton Avenue, in the Bridgehill area of Consett
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Medical receptionists get to grips with lingo
SPARE a thought for the doctor's receptionist. Not only do they have to try to decipher the average GP's handwriting, they then have to try and fathom the medical language. No mean task and that is why 23 receptionists from the Chester-le-Street and Durham
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Frank receives award for a lifetime of devotion to the Scouts
FRANK Willis joined the Scouts when he was eight years old - and he has been hooked ever since. Now the 72-year-old, from Middlestone Moor, near Spennymoor, is to receive one of the Scouting movement's highest accolades after more than 50 years' service
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Regional crime fighters receive boost
Crime-busting groups in the region are to benefit from a £1m fund to cut crime further. The Home Office has pledged the cash to the Safer Communities Initiative, which will filter the award to 23 Crime and Reduction Partnerships in the North-East. Those
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Village revamp is under way
SIGNS that a £50,000 regeneration programme is finally under way have started appearing in a village. Following years of decline, the cash has been secured for Ushaw Moor and the surrounding area as part of the Lower Deerness Valley Settlement Renewal
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Artist's skills on show at shopping centre
A DARLINGTON artist tipped to become one of the North-East's most sought after painters has been working on her latest creation in a shopping centre. Megan Burford, 36, is close to completing a watercolour of Richmond Falls, which has so far taken 500
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Ancient tiles now on display
Thousands of monastic tiles, regarded as the finest in Europe still in their original setting, have been unveiled for visitors after spending the winter under protective covers. Every year English Heritage takes the precaution to prevent frost from damaging
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Inquiry into garages blaze
A DUSK blaze at a row of garages is being investigated. Seven lock-ups were damaged in yesterday's fire at Thornaby. One garage was destroyed and two others were severely damaged. A car in a fourth garage was damaged by smoke. The garages are at the rear
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Vandevelde confident as M&S recovery continues
MARKS & Spencer has revealed further evidence that it is turning itself around, as it reported a jump in sales for the past three months. The group, which is recovering from a period of slumping sales and profits, said comparative sales for the 11
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Orders 'not the answer' to disruptive tenants
GOVERNMENT calls for property landlords to make greater use of measures against anti-social behaviour have been criticised by a senior councillor. Gateshead councillor Peter Mole, who heads the national campaign for a licensing scheme for private landlords
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Child in court on railway charges
A TWELVE-YEAR-OLD boy accused of luring a younger child on to railway tracks appeared in court yesterday. The boy, from Hartlepool, was brought before the town's magistrates to answer allegations that he forced a five-year-old on to the tracks against
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Roadshow aid for farmers hit by epidemic
SMALL rural firms across the region are being offered expert advice on how to develop their businesses following the foot-and-mouth epidemic crisis. Regional development agency Yorkshire Forward is holding a series of roadshows to offer advice to farmers
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Comment from The Northern Echo; Can Powell bring peace?
A YOUNG Palestinian yesterday demonstrated the futility of the current state of affairs in the Middle East. By killing himself and eight people on a crowded bus, the suicide bomber showed that acts of terrorism only harden attitudes in Israel. And he
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A true Parent of Courage
Jacqueline Wilbor recovered from a brain tumour to have a second child and win a national award. Women's Editor CHRISTEN PEARS reports AFTER six years and three failed IVF treatments, Jacqueline Wilbor was finally able to hold her baby daughter in her
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Dales players take drama double on road
A LOCAL theatre group is taking to the road in North Yorkshire later this month. The Ryedale Theatre Group has put together a performance of two plays. One, Strindberg's The Stronger, is a rarely-performed psychological piece while the other, John Carpenter
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Woodgate beaten up during night out
DISGRACED Leeds United star Jonathan Woodgate was in hospital last night after suffering a fractured jaw in a vicious street attack while out drinking in his home town of Middlesbrough. The 22-year-old, convicted of affray on Asian student Sarfraz Najeib
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Help available for entrepreneurs
A unique event to encourage more people to think about starting their own business is being held in the region tomorrow. The Start Your Own Business event, organised by Business Link Tyne and Wear on behalf of all the region's Business Links and regional
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Barbershop sounds for spring
A BARBERshop quartet performs later this month as part of Northallerton Operatic Society's non-stop selection of music old and new. Members of the quartet, pictured from left, are Howard Wilkinson, Martin Donnelly, Christopher Donnelly and Dan Young (
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Prison blow as man is found hanged in cell
A PRISONER was found hanged in his cell yesterday at a North-East jail renowned for its efforts in cutting the number of suicides among inmates. John Andrew Cliff, 36, of Bishop Auckland, County Durham, had been in Holme House prison, Stockton, Teesside
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Footballers' bus target
AN amateur football club is fundraising for a minibus. Skerne Park FC, in Darlington, has junior and adult 11-a-side and five-a-side teams. They are trying to raise enough money to buy a minibus to travel to away games and have already held a variety
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Full-time showbiz for Zoe
TEENAGE Pop Idol sensation Zoe Birkett has confirmed she's given up her A-Level studies at Carmel Technology College in Darlington to concentrate on showbiz. The news came just before the release of the Pop Idol Big Band Album, on which she sings on five
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Scouting honour for Frank
FRANK Willis first joined the Scouts when he was eight years old and has been involved with the organisation ever since. Now the 72-year-old, from Middlestone Moor, near Spennymoor, is to receive one of the Scout movement's highest accolades after more
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Extra copters taking to skies
THE RAF has warned there will be some extra flight activity over the region later this month as helicopter pilots continue their training. From Thursday, April 25, to Friday, May 3, Chinook helicopters from RAF Odiham will be operating from Teesside Airport
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'Bullied at school because I'm gay'
While many schools now trumpet their anti-bullying policies, it seems one group of victims are being left largely unprotected, as Nick Morrison discovers. STEPHEN'S school days ended as they had begun - blighted by bullying. Almost without exception,
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Two hurt by race bike
A FOUR-YEAR-OLD boy and his uncle were seriously injured when a motocross rider lost control and careered into them. David Robson suffered a crushed leg and his uncle Darren Robson, 31, has severe pelvic injuries following the pile-up, as they watched
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Renewable energy project launched
An exciting renewable energy project of the future has been developed thanks to help from accountnacy firm, Keith Robinson and Co. Nature World, in Acklam, has built a state-of-the-art Eco-structure incorporating a futuristic garden where plants are grown
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Historic hall with plenty of friends
THE launch of a new organisation to safeguard the future of one of the region's stately homes is off to a good start. A bid to found the Friends of Kiplin Hall was only announced last month and a meeting was held on Monday night to give the public an
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Arson feared as couple flee from burning home
A MAN has told of his horror after police said they strongly suspect arsonists set fire to his house while he and his wife slept upstairs. Michael Thompson, 32, had already had fears about his family's safety after their neighbouring home was burnt out
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Store chain offers reward after raids
A £5,000 reward is being offered to help catch crooks who have stolen goods worth £500,000 in shop raids across the North-East. Seven Woolworths stores in an area from Bishop Auckland, County Durham, to Blyth, Northumberland, have been targeted by the
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Drugs cash bid for safer streets
MONEY recovered from drug dealers could be used to make parts of Darlington safer if a bid for £250,000 of Government grant aid is successful. More security cameras and extra uniformed wardens are among the measures expected to be introduced in Darlington
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Students' business venture puts them in line for award
A STUDENT business venture could win four teenagers a national award aimed at budding entrepreneurs. The group from Sunnydale School in Shildon will travel to London at the end of this month to compete in the televised final of the Big Zipper Student
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Plan to flatten old pub leads to protest
HUNDREDS of people have voiced their opposition to the proposed demolition of one of York's best-known pubs. Jonas Homes is hoping to build 19 houses on the site of the Gimcrack Hotel, in Fulford Road. But City of York councillors are being urged to throw
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Knife-threat store raid is captured on camera
POLICE now have a clearer picture about a robbery at an off-licence. Two thugs who grabbed a security guard and threatened store staff with a knife may have been unaware that the raid was being filmed on security cameras. A camera installed at Bell's
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Asbestos found in garden site skip
A SERVICE enabling allotment holders in Ferryhill to get rid of their rubbish could be in jeopardy after asbestos was found dumped in a skip. Every year Ferryhill Town Council places skips on each of the seven allotment sites it manages. The scheme allows
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Song tribute to Queen Mother
A NORTH-EAST man has offered his own unique tribute to the Queen Mother. Creighton Carvello, from Middlesbrough, who is in the Guinness Book of Records for his record-breaking memory feats, put his thoughts about the royal grandmother down on paper and
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Ground Zero volunteers are guest speakers
VOLUNTEERS who worked with victims' families after September 11 are to address a major conference in the region. Cruse Bereavement Care is organising the meeting next month in Darlington to explore how people can be best supported after major traumatic
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Work on animal incinerator halted
COUNCIL planning officials have ordered building work on an animal incinerator to stop until conditions governing its final appearance are agreed. Enforcement officers from Durham County Council visited the site at Hamsterley, near Bishop Auckland, after
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Bike shop to shut as result of epidemic
THE foot-and-mouth epidemic which ravaged much of Britain's holiday and leisure industry last year has proved a mountain too high to climb for businessman Ian Perrin. Thirteen years ago Mr Perrin had the distinction of starting the first specialist mountain
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North Yorkshire news in brief
Wheelie bin fee dropped HOUSEHOLDERS on the Yorkshire coast are not to be charged for wheelie bins which are damaged, lost or stolen. Scarborough Borough Council's cabinet overturned its previous decision to make a charge after protests from residents
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Danny ready to take on the big boys
A YOUNGSTER has been awarded a unique licence to take part in BMX bike competitions despite being a year younger than the rules stipulate. Ten-year-old Danny Hart raced in the Scottish Downhill event at the weekend after organisers made a mistake by allowing
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News in brief
PLANT SALE: Dobbies Garden Centre will be the venue for a plant sale being held by the Chester-le-Street Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Society. It will take place at 10.30am on Saturday and Sunday. DICKENS WALK: A three-mile Tale of Two Villages walk, Beamish
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North Durham and Tyneside news in brief
Pair deny car-jacking TWO men yesterday denied charges of robbery and assault relating to an alleged car-jacking incident. Wayne Kenneth Metcalf, 20, and Paul Anthony Stirman, 19, also denied taking the Suzuki Vitara in east Durham, on January 29. The
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Crews rescue man from blazing house
FIRE crews rescued an injured east Durham man from his blazing home in the early hours of Monday. The semi-detached house, in Fairbairn Road, Peterlee, was well alight when two appliances from Peterlee fire station and one from Seaham arrived just after
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Fund can help local schemes
YOUNG people and community groups across County Durham are being encouraged to become involved in a scheme which promotes good citizenship. The Millennium Volunteers group aims to do a total of 200 hours of voluntary work in a year. It is supported by
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TUC funding for learners
UNION members who return to learning could soon benefit from a new cash fund. The Northern Trades Union Congress (TUC) launched the fund, which will help encourage and promote wider access to learning in the work place. The fund, worth about £500,000,
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Parents have chance for pampering
PARENTS of tiny tots are being invited to an event at which they will be pampered. The event has been organised by Sure Start West Redcar and takes place at Redcar Youth Centre, Coatham Road, Redcar, on Wednesday, April 24, from 10am until 2pm. Sure Start
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Mayor's weight loss aids charity
A MAYOR who lost weight has converted pounds into pounds for charity. Councillor Barbara Punshon, mayor of Guisborough Town Council, decided to do something about her weight when she learned she was going to be mayor 15 months ago. She has lost three
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An aresting time was had by all
THE Coundon Society for the Prevention and Prosecution of Felons, known hereinafter as the Felons, held its 148th annual dinner on Monday night. The column proposed the toast to the polliss. The Society was formed in 1854, a sort of early doors Neighbourhood
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Citizens sign up to have their say
A citizens' panel which gives residents a say in local affairs has been launched in Sunderland. The panel, called Community Spirit, has been set up by the city council and has attracted 1,000 members. However, the council hopes to have a panel of 20,000
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Move to new hosptial postponed
HOPES that a new £67m privately-funded hospital will be opening two months ahead of schedule were dashed last week as moving plans were postponed. Earlier this year hospital bosses announced that the new hospital at Bishop Auckland would be opening two
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Young vandals banned from
FIVE teenagers whose vandalism, rowdiness and theft are said to have made people's lives an absolute misery have been banned from a community. Two of the five youngsters, who have not been identified for legal reasons, were the first in Derwentside to
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Engineers allay gas vent fears
ENGINEERS have reassured residents in the Crook area that work to allow gases in old mine workings to vent into the atmosphere does not pose a danger. Durham County Council civil engineers confirmed that the Coal Authority was sinking boreholes in the
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Volunteer group seeks more helpers
YOUNG people and community groups across County Durham are being encouraged to get involved in a scheme which promotes good citizenship. The Millennium Volunteers is geared to provide 200 hours of voluntary work a year. It is supported by charity funding
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Energy-saving groups hailed by minister
ENERGY Minister Brian Wilson will recognise organisations' efforts towards power efficiency at a North-East awards ceremony. The awards, run by Transco and The Northern Energy Initiative, encourages better use of energy across all sectors in the region
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Chance to be part of royal visit
PEOPLE have been reminded they have the chance to be part of the royal opening of the Gateshead Millennium Bridge in early May. The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh will open the award-winning bridge on Tuesday, May 7. Gateshead Borough Council would like
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Pub plans for former bank
A BUSINESSMAN is hoping to cash in on a former bank building by turning it into a top nightspot. The prominent building in Bishop Auckland Market Place has become a run down eyesore since Barclays Bank closed it down in November 1999. Now it is set to
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How the Time Team turned up trumps
EXHILARATED archaeologists have unearthed a Roman settlement which they say could be evidence of the start of industrial activity in the region. A large village making quality products for discerning military personnel on Hadrian's Wall is the most likely
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Litter pick
Volunteers are asked to help with a litter pick along the town centre section of the old Guisborough branch railway on Tuesday. People should meet wardens and volunteers of Guisborough Forest in Somerfield supermarket car park for the effort phased over
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Creskeld to the rescue
MUSSELBURGH-BOUND Creskeld (2.50) is fancied to spark life into Les Eyre's stable after an unusually slow start to the season. Eyre's runners are normally out of the blocks in double-quick time during the spring, but for some reason they are just not
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New careers centre opens
A NEW careers centre has been opened in Darlington to help people of all ages plan their futures. Staff and services from the former Gladstone Street premises have been moved to the new centre in Houndgate. Although aimed primarily at young people aged
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On track to build £850,000 centre for pre-school pupils
A centre aimed at giving Washington children a good start in life is being built at a cost of £850,000. The building, opposite the site of the demolished Stile Inn in Concord, once the haunt of drug dealers, will be the base for two Government initiatives
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Brave Barry recovering from fire
A BOY suffering from spina bifida is still recovering from horrific burns sustained during a house fire. Ten-year-old Barry Laing was rescued from the Darlington house fire by his sister Kirsty, 12. The pair were staying at a friend's house in Darlington
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Agent claims Ince still in demand
MIDDLESBROUGH'S Paul Ince is being tracked by a number of English clubs, according to the midfielder's agent Steve Kutner. Influential Ince is currently in talks over a new deal at the Riverside, with his contract ending this summer. The 34-year-old is
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Junk Mail makes for truly terrible telly
TV Mail (BBC1) THIS is a bad idea even by the less demanding standards of daytime TV. Two celebrities travel the country delivering special messages on behalf of viewers who, presumably, have no faith in the postal service offered by Consignia or can't
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Head injury care concern caused by nurse shortage
PATIENTS with serious head injuries cannot be treated in the casualty department of a Government showpiece hospital. Modern care standards demand that head injury patients should be cared for by accident and emergency doctors. But a shortage of casualty
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Couples have chance to renew marriage vows
COUPLES will soon be able to renew their wedding vows at Darlington's register office. Darlington Borough Council is considering approval for renewal ceremonies at the register office and other premises which are approved for marriage services. A spokesman
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Brain-damaged boy wins long fight for damages
AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD boy who suffered brain damage hours after he was born has won his long fight for compensation from a hospital. A judgement obtained in the High Court in Newcastle against the city's Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) opens up the way to
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Cameras target car tax dodgers
THE latest phase of a crackdown on car tax dodgers will be launched this month - as officials aim to recover £3m in lost revenue from the cheats. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) believes there are 30,000 untaxed vehicles in North Yorkshire
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Guidelines aim to make farms safer
FARMERS have been urged to take greater safety precautions on their premises following an alarming rise in the number of deaths and injuries resulting from agricultural accidents. One person dies in a farming accident every week, according to figures
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Road closure ahead
A COUNTRY road will be closed and a diversion in place from next week to allow bridge strengthening work to be carried out to meet European regulations. Work begins on the C11 at Wardles Bridge, Edmondsley, near Chester-le-Street, to bring it into line
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Football shirt lots aid charity
SIGNED football shirts are to be auctioned to raise money for a children's charity. Billy Hall, of Bishop Auckland, County Durham, has organised the auction of signed Hartlepool, Newcastle and Sunderland shirts to raise money for UK-based charity, Whizz
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Fundraiser faces accusations of cheating
A MAN described as a professional fundraiser appeared in court yesterday accused of offences which were said to have netted more than £50,000 Dean Russell White, 35, pleaded not guilty to 12 charges of having a collection tin and badges, for use in the
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North's shocking legacy of homeless children
THOUSANDS of vulnerable children faced the grim prospect of life on the streets last year, according to shocking new figures. Shelter, the homeless charity, revealed yesterday that more than 4,500 youngsters were left homeless in the North-East during
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Foreign forays pay off for Tesco
TESCO, the UK's largest supermarket chain, showed how its foray overseas was paying off, when it posted a surge in full-year profits. Tesco has been focusing on developing its international operations in the face of increasingly tough competition in the
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Brave Barry recovering from fire
A BOY, who with spina bifida is still recovering from horrific burns sustained during a house fire. Ten-year-old Barry Laing was rescued from the Darlington house fire by his sister Kirsty, 12. The pair were staying at a friend's house in Darlington in
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Jubilee display -should fly the flag'
Organisers of a late-night firework display to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee, in Knaresborough, have been told to make it patriotic and to curb high volume explosives. Eileen Ferguseon, co-ordinator of the celebrations around the castle grounds on June
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Song and verse to aid children
CELTIC music, traditional and contemporary songs and poetry combine at a fundraising concert at Swinton Park, Masham, on Saturday. Ian Scott Massie and friends provide the entertainment at 7.30pm, for Save the Children. Tickets are limited and cost £5
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Darlington and South Durham news in brief
Pub raided by thieves Thieves broke into the Burtree Inn, on the A68 near Darlington, and stole £100 from a fruit machine between 2am and 2.30am yesterday. Anyone with information can call police on (01325) 467681 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. INQUEST
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Player sued over 'trashed lodgings'
A NORTH-EAST footballer is being sued by his former club for £24,000 for allegedly trashing his luxury lodgings. Sunderland-born Stephen Halliday, who began his career with Hartlepool United, is facing legal action by Scottish Premier League club Motherwell
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Waiting lists success hailed
HEALTH Secretary Alan Milburn yesterday hailed success in hitting key waiting list targets as evidence that the NHS Plan is on course. Mr Milburn used the week before the Budget to showcase both falling waiting times and increased NHS activity, which
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Two injured in car crash
Two people were hurt in a three-vehicle accident at the junction of Kenton Lane and Crossway, Newcastle, at noon yesterday. A police spokesman said a Ford Mondeo had collided with the back of a stationary Nissan Micra, which was pushed into the back of
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Iran's rulers lose their hearts to Aidensfield
HEARTBEAT, the TV hit about life in the fictional North York Moors village of Aidensfield during the Sixties, has become a top-rated show - in Iran. There is tight control over what people can watch in the Islamic state. But Iran - accused by America
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Aiming to impress judges
A TOWN is hoping for a big clean-up this weekend ahead of judging for a competition. Judging for Northumbria In Bloom takes place in Saltburn next week, and ahead of that there will be several clean-up operations run by volunteers who are hoping more
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Providing a picture of fire service history
A DISPLAY of old photographs and memorabilia charting the history of a fire service was launched this week. The collection including items dating back to before the First World War, has been amassed by County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Brigade's
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JJB ties up United merchandise deal
SPORTSWEAR retailer JJB Sports has clinched a deal giving it exclusive rights to a range of Manchester United products. Under the six-year agreement, JJB will sell a range of specially-designed products across its 430 UK stores. These will be displayed
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Patient restrained in attack, court hears
A one-legged patient went berserk in a hospital kicking out at a nurse and throwing a phone before being restrained by security guards. Teesside Crown Court heard how it took six people to over power disabled Keith Jones after he flew into a rage at Middlesbrough's
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Flower show ready to bloom
THOUSANDS of people will converge on one of the largest flower shows in the region at the weekend. The Gateshead Spring Flower Show will be held at Gateshead Council's Central Nursery, Whickham Highway, Lobley Hill, Gateshead from 10am to 5pm on Saturday
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Fun event to boost work of hospice
TFM radio presenter Greg Upwards launched the St Teresa's Hospice Family Fun Day at Darlington Rugby Club yesterday. The fun day takes place on Sunday, August 18, and if it is anything like the last three events, it will be a big success for the hospice
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Inventor brothers buoyant about soap
AN idea for floating soap, that turned out to have healing properties, has put its inventors in line for an innovation award. Albert and Eric Rutter, from Fishburn, in County Durham, developed a solid, naturally buoyant soap, but manufacturing restrictions
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Healthy eating scheme starts
PUPILS are to be encouraged to take up school meals with the introduction of a card scheme. The school meal card scheme will be launched in June at Pennywell School, in Sunderland, after £22,000 was secured from the Government's Single Regeneration Budget
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In bed with George Clooney
THIS isn't easy to write about. I've just hit 40, which is bad enough in itself, but to make matters worse, there's a new man in my wife's life. In fact, there are two. The first is called George - George Clooney - and it's all my own fault. You see,
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Exhibition focuses on Royal links
AN EXHIBITION marking the Queen Mother's links to a top North-East museum has opened following her funeral. The Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, County Durham, remained closed on Tuesday until 2pm as a mark of respect. But when it reopened it was with
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Art students help council
THE corridors of power at a council administrative centre are much brighter thanks to help from art students. Hartlepool Borough Council approached English Martyrs School to see if students would produce artwork for public interview rooms at Bryan Hanson
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Decision soon on building link road
A NEW £6.2m road expected to help economic regeneration in County Durham looks set to win planning approval. The Wheatley Hill to Bowburn link road has been planned by Durham County Council and won Government funding last year in the council's five-year
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Snack firm undergoes big relaunch
THE savoury snacks that put Consett back on the map are undergoing a major re-launch. The Phileas Fogg brand is ditching its existing flavours and bringing out a new range designed to tickle consumers' taste buds and take it 'from the 20th to the 21st
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Campbell off in sad ending for Darlington
Darlington's reserves ended their season in miserable fashion yesterday as they were thumped 5-0 at Walsall and had Paul Campbell sent-off for two bookable offences. After playing 30 minutes for the second-string last week, Simon Betts was given his first
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Litter accusations led to street attack
A MAN who was head-butted and had a spade thrown at him was left with two black eyes, a court heard yesterday. Ian Johnston, 29, of Moray Road, Norton, admitted a charge of assault, occassioning actual bodily harm to Niall Mansoor, at Teesside Crown Court
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Judge's warning over car offences
THREE people yesterday admitted involvement in a hit-and-run accident which left a motorist fighting for his life. Kulvir Singh, 33, suffered serious head injuries after his Peugeot car was shunted from behind, forcing it into the path of an oncoming
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Police seek help in tracking down football derby yobs
Police yesterday issued a rogues gallery of football hooligans who brought terror to a city after a Premiership grudge match. The thugs were captured on film as trouble flared outside the away supporters' exit at Sunderland's Stadium of Light after the
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Thieves prey on returning sightseers
CRIMINALS are preying on the tourists returning to parts of rural North Yorkshire after the foot-and-mouth crisis, say police. Sgt Kevin Thornton, of Northal*erton, said crime was back on the increase in well-known tourist traps. Some sightseers had been
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PCs on the 'getting to know you' beat
POLICE have gone on the beat in Wear Valley with an open invitation to local people to make themselves known to them. Eight officers from Crook will be spending their working days and nights tackling community issues in towns and villages from Weardale
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French market is a big hit
A FLAVOUR of France was on offer to shoppers in Darlington for a four-day Gallic market experience over the weekend. French market traders made their first journey to the town to offer tempting wares from across the Channel. Shoppers flocked to buy culinary
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Helping out in Poland
A GROUP of Darlington students have returned from Poland, where they have been working with disadvantaged families. The group of six students from colleges in the town spent a month working at a children's home and a women's refuge near Warsaw. The 18
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Cemetery ruined, say mourners
MOURNERS who regularly visit East Cemetery in Geneva Road, Darlington, say they believe it is being neglected. Pauline Swales, 60, who has been visiting the cemetery every other day since her six month-old daughter, Allison, died 35 years ago, said it
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Wait goes on to improve barriers
A HOLD-UP to repair work on a crumbling railway bridge was no closer to being resolved yesterday. North Yorkshire County Council is hoping to carry out urgently-needed improvements to the bridge barrier at Dalton-on-Tees, near Darlington, after it was
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No bones about it - these dancers are tough to Tango with
DIVAS the world over who cancel their gigs at the slightest hint of a sniffle might do well to follow the example of a team of determined dancers from the North-East. Confronted with broken bones, serious ailments and even car crashes, the girls of the
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Grand ball at the Gala
THE Mayor of Durham's Ball will be held for the first time in the city's new Gala Theatre. The multi-million pound venue, which opened at the start of the year in the Millennium City complex, is due to take place on Friday, April 19. The current holder
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Family seek witness to shed light on diver's death
The family of a diver who died in an industrial accident are hoping to trace a man from the region who may have information which could be vital to an 18-month investigation into what happened. Gary Miller was an experienced, ex-Navy man who was working
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Post office pub to open
RICHMOND'S old post office reopens on Monday as the town's newest pub. The Ralph Fitz Randal, in Queens Road, replaces the old counters and sorting office. The Wetherspoon's chain had aimed to open its newest venture at Christmas, but complications during
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Youngsters needed for castle show
THE hunt is on for young hopefuls to star in a musical extravaganza planned for County Durham this summer. Celebrate, written by former Dr Who, Colin Baker, and composer George Hastings, of Chester-le-Street, will be staged on the lawn at Lumley Castle
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Hip patients to get own support group
A NEW support group has been set up for patients who have had hip or knee replacements. The group at the University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton, is to be patient-led and the hospital would like to encourage patients to attend the first meeting, to
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One-legged patient denies attack on nurse at hospital
A HOSPITAL patient with one leg had to be restrained by six people after kicking one nurse and throwing a phone at another, a court heard yesterday. Keith Jones, 31, became aggressive and agitated at South Cleveland Hospital, Middlesbrough, after being
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Lumb leaves Durham bowlers glum
IT didn't happen in Fred Trueman's day, of course, but the need to safeguard against injuries means Durham now have nine seam bowlers on their staff. Including all-rounder Marc Symington, all bowled in the two-day practice match against Yorkshire yesterday
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Museum takes modern slant on prisoners' cooking aid
A device which proved invaluable for prisoners of war has been recreated decades later. The "blower", which was first made in camps in Germany, was a fan-assisted gadget made out of old tin cans and used to help fire up cookers. A modern-day version of
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Schools sign up for Government road safety drive
HUNDREDS of children are to be drilled in road safety in a town's effort to reduced road accidents. Fifteen Middlesbrough primary schools have signed up to the scheme and the council is appealing for grown up volunteers to help it cope with the demand
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Body found in abandoned car
A routine report about an abandoned car led to the discovery of the body of a 38-year-old North-East health worker who had been stabbed to death in her home, police said last night. Police were called out by a resident concerned about a green R-registered
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In bed with George Clooney
THIS isn't easy to write about. I've just hit 40, which is bad enough in itself, but to make matters worse, there's a new man in my wife's life. In fact, there are two. The first is called George - George Clooney - and it's all my own fault. You see,
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New tenants in Durham park announced
The first tenants for a new leisure and retail park for County Durham have been revealed. Work on London and Amsterdam's £50m Dalton Park scheme, near the former pit village of Murton, is now underway and is scheduled to open in March next year. Four
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That's for starters, mum
MOTHER Lorraine Thompson said she was bursting with pride as she received a running commentary over the phone of her daughter's victory in a major dancing competition. Her daughter, Vikki Peacock, 14, of Moorside, Consett, won her category in the three-day
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£20m Vickers bridge order
TANK builder Vickers has won a £20m deal to provide temporary bridging systems to the Malaysian Army. The Asian country will become the first export customer for the Vickers modular bridging system, which has been in service with the British Army for
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West frustrated as Pool's second-string flop
HARTLEPOOL United's assistant manager Colin West was left frustrated after his reserves side handed Macclesfield Town the Avon Insurance League championship yesterday. Macclesfield's second-string knew three points would clinch the title at Moss Rose
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Optimism over campaign to reduce town burglary rates
A SCHEME to reduce burglaries has seen a big fall in the number of raiders re- offending. The Dortrecht Scheme, which was pioneered in Holland, aims to break the cycle of re-offending through a partnership between the police, probation and health service
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New era for health care
A NEW era in health care has begun with the formation of Primary Care Trusts (PCTs). The new organisations took over from Primary Care Groups (PCGs) on April 1. Sedgefield PCT holds its first board meeting, chaired by Alan Gray, this afternoon at the
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Gas-fuelled trucks are ready to roll
A HAULAGE company launched the UK's first liquid gas powered fleet yesterday, unveiling four new trucks in the North-East. County Durham firm WA Glendinning Ltd is the first mainstream transport company to use the new zero emission vehicles. They will
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Top-level ticking off ends in sack
A NORTH-EAST councillor has been sacked from a standards watchdog committee following a damning Ombudsman's report. Coun Thomas Crowley, who represents the Deneside Ward in Seaham, east Durham, has been removed from his position on Easington district's
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An arresting time was had by all
THE Coundon Society for the Prevention and Prosecution of Felons, known hereinafter as the Felons, held its 148th annual dinner on Monday night. The column proposed the toast to the polliss. The Society was formed in 1854, a sort of early doors Neighbourhood
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Then crew moves to Brideshead territory
THE Time Team crew will be trying to unearth the remains of a long lost Viking village when they visit Castle Howard later this month. The team of Tony Robinson, Mick Aston and Phil Harding will be running about the world famous stately home looking for
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Hear all sides
AFGHANISTAN FIRST, we were told that the Taliban's main income was from heroin, but later we learn that the Taliban had all but eradicated heroin production, and that almost all the heroin exported from Afghanistan came from areas held by our new-found
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Pub plan challenge is dropped
A BUSINESSMAN has dropped his legal challenge to a council's planning approval of a controversial Durham night spot. Steve Anderson, a director of Caf Rock Ltd, was seeking a judicial review of Durham City Council's decision to allow Regent Inns to convert
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Lunches serve up £1,674 aid
MORE than £1,674 has been raised by churches in mid Wensleydale for Christian Aid thanks to Lent lunches held in various villages and towns. In Leyburn, lunches were organised jointly by St Matt- hew's and the Methodist chapel and £350 was raised. At
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Council attacked over incinerator decision
ENVIRONMENTALISTDavid Bellamy has attacked a council's decision to approve plans to build an animal incinerator close to a beauty spot. Professor Bellamy said he was 'appalled' that planners at Durham County Council had passed proposals to build two 50ft
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Time to save for bus
A REPLACEMENT Upper Wensleydale community minibus will be needed within the next two-and-a-half years, organisers have said. Treasurer Bob Hall told members that in the past year the minibus had travelled more than 13,000 miles. It was agreed to start
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Region fails to pull in investors
THE North-East has lost its appeal to overseas investors, according to a new survey. The report by business advisors Ernst and Young revealed that the region won 11 projects last year, a fall of 35 per cent on the 17 recorded in 2000. This puts the North-East
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New role for 'Reverend Regeneration'
A VICAR dubbed Reverend Regeneration, for his community work, has been appointed Archdeacon of Sunderland. The Reverend Canon Stuart Bain, vicar of Spennymoor and area dean of Auckland, will succeed the Venerable Frank White in the role. During his ministry
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Appeal clears the way for riding school
PLANS for a major outdoor leisure facility in Newton Aycliffe are back on track after a successful appeal by developers. The proposal for a riding school, golf driving range and fitness trail, together with a putting green and pony trek trail, looked
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Shopping centre to be no-smoking zone
A TOWN shopping centre is stubbing out smoking from next month. The Queen Street shopping centre in Darlington will become a no-smoking area from Wednesday, May 1. Rory Butler, of St Martins, which runs the shopping centre, said: "We want Queen Street
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Driver denies falling asleep at the wheel
A lorry driver accused of causing the death of two road workers denied falling asleep at the wheel, a court heard yesterday. Asda lorry driver Brian Smith, 57, is standing trial at Teesside Crown Court where he denies two charges of causing death by dangerous
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Crossbow fired into house
A 12-INCH bolt from a crossbow was fired through a window in the dead of night in a motiveless attack. The bolt embedded itself in the living room wall of the two-bedroomed terraced house in the Moorside area of Consett. Police can establish no reason
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Boy band's boost for Rainbow
CHART-TOPPING boy band A1 are to perform in the region for charity later this month. Their army of teenage girl fans who already have tickets, have the opportunity to see the boys in concert while at the same time raising cash for The Rainbow Trust Children's
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Tribute to parachute hero
AN RAF hero who gave the only parachute aboard a doomed training plane to a teenage cadet was remembered at a ceremony on Sunday. Flight Lieut John Quinton was posthumously awarded the George Cross for his selfless act, which followed a mid-air collision
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Planners reject new homes plan
VILLAGERS are celebrating after forcing a developer to re-think plans for a town house development in their village. Residents were protesting against proposals to site 64 houses and 45 flats in Romanby, near Northallerton. Hambleton District Council
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Rubbish scheme to be expanded
KERBSIDE recycling looks likely to be expanded in the city of York, following a successful trial of 900 households. The local authority has committed itself to increase the scheme so that it covers 25 per cent of the city, or about 20,000 households.
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Quiz teams rise to school challenge
THREE quiz teams stepped up their examination revision by going online for a national computer challenge. The final-year students at Sunnydale School, Shildon, joined more than 1,000 schools across the country in the Letts School Challenge 2002, to answer
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Spring arrivals mark fresh start for park
SPRING is well and truly in the air at a countryside attraction which was hit by the foot-and-mouth crisis last year. Murton Park, home of the Yorkshire Farming Museum, saw visitor numbers drop by 40 per cent last year. But now things are on the up -
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Creative talents on display
ONE of Darlington's thriving office complexes is giving young artists a chance to show their talents. A-level students from Darlington College of Technology entered the Lingfield Point art and photographic competition earlier this year and now have their
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Centenary concert
DURHAM Johnston School, at Crossgate Moor, Durham, is celebrating 100 years since its foundation with a centenary concert featuring the school orchestra and soloists. The event, which will be combined with a photograph exhibition, will be held at the
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Vicar's idea good news
A FORMER North Yorkshire vicar's dedication has ensured that hundreds of cancer patients will no longer have to travel to Middlesbrough for treatment. The Reverend Ted Spiller was among those who had to make a regular journey to South Cleveland Hospital
