Archive
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The real pawns in the mayoral game
As Middlesbrough's Labour group leader was toppled yesterday, the battle to elect a mayor is becoming increasingly like a game of chess. Political Editor Chris Lloyd examines the moves. THE battle to be king in Middlesbrough has become a grand game of
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Science festival provides Ryan with a skull encounter
VISITORS to Durham are coming face to face with a variety of scientific material at the four-day Durham Festival of Science, Engineering and Medicine. They include 14-year-old Ryan Davey, above, of St John's RC School, Bishop Auckland, County Durham,
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Boots to demerge from Halfords
Health and beauty chain Boots is set to demerge its garage business Halfords. Speculation had been growing in the City for some time that Nottingham-based Boots would spin out the car parts and bicycle chain, which it has always said was not a core part
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Pioneering centre is still flourishing
ON August 27, 1992, crowds gathered outside a centre that was to dramatically alter the experience of shopping in Darlington. From its two main entrances, the Cornmill Centre looks like a small mall - but that impression belies the spacious nature of
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Lottery boost for sports
IT will be announced today that a sports facility will be transformed, thanks to a National Lottery windfall. Sport England Lottery has awarded £417,000 towards the redevelopment of the King George V Recreation Ground at West View, Hartlepool and work
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Safety plan's aim is to get tough on crime
SIX key areas of crime fighting have been highlighted in a new Community Safety Plan published by the Safer Stockton Partnership. The plan will direct anti-crime strategy in the borough of Stockton until March 2005. It has been drawn up by the partnership
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Muggings crackdown
POLICE are celebrating an early victory in a battle to make a town's streets safer. Seven people have been arrested in connection with muggings in Middlesbrough, within days of the start of a Cleveland Police operation, launched in the wake of a spate
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Is love in sight for the optician?
Cutting It (BBC1) I Saw You (ITV) TWO new series but the people behind them alert you to what to expect. I Saw You comes with a label proclaiming "from the makers of Cold Feet". One of the stars, Fay Ripley, is even the same to make you feel even more
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Parents on new committees
PARENT governors from three County Durham schools have been appointed to a body overseeing the work of Durham County Council. They will serve on the council's new overview and scrutiny committee and a committee for developing lifelong learning. Anita
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Key role for parents in council work
PARENT governors from three County Durham schools have been appointed to a body overseeing the work of Durham County Council. They will serve on the council's overview and scrutiny committee and a committee for developing lifelong learning. Anita Atkinson
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Drop-out Dan lands stand-up comedy chance
A FORMER politics student, who left university to pursue a career in comedy, has been shortlisted in a national talent hunt. Dan Nightingale, 21, dropped out of Newcastle University to try his hand as a stand-up comedian. After only a month of entertaining
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Fall-out costs friend £520
BAD luck and an old football injury combined to land Michael Evans with a bill for £520 yesterday after a fall-out with a friend. Evans, 47, was in court at Harrogate to admit causing actual bodily harm to Michael Hall after the pair had a "slight disagreement
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Budget update: Tax breaks for low polluters
Gordon Brown has unveiled a £55 cut in the licence fee for the least polluting vans. There will be a £30 cut for the least polluting cars and £35 for the least polluting motorcycles. During his Budget speech, the Chancellor added that capital allowances
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Budget update: Child tax credit
The child tax credit is to be made available to families with incomes of £58,000 and below. It will be available for the first year of a child's life. Families earning up to £66,000 will also receive some help, said the Chancellor. Mr Brown said he was
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Budget update: NI increases
Taxes will rise to boost the National Health Service, Chancellor Gordon Brown has announced. National Insurance payments will rise by 1% on all earnings above £4,600, the chancellor told a packed House of Commons. He said the extra money for the NHS would
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Blind auction
A blind auction will take place at Wilton Golf Club on Friday in aid of Teesside Hospice. All items will be on show before bidding begins, but will then be moved out of sight. The event also features a raffle, bingo and pie and peas supper. Tickets, costing
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Friendly Jason in need of a loving family
JASON the labrador-cross is a dog whose story is typical of all too many animals. The six-year-old black and tan dog is in need of a new home after its owners' circumstances changed and they were no longer able to devote enough time to look after him
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Pub's Sunday hours plan
A Hartlepool pub wants to stay open longer. Bar Paris, in Victoria Road, is open from 11am to midnight, Monday to Saturday, and from noon to 10.30pm on Sundays. It wants to stay open from noon to 12.30am on Sundays and noon to 2am on Sundays preceding
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University alters course for future
A RADICAL blueprint for the future of a North-East university has been unveiled. Professor Kel Fidler, vice-chancellor of Northumbria University in Newcastle, is to overhaul the structure of the organisation to boost income and strengthen its academic
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Trial told of threat to rape victim's daughter
A TEESSIDE woman was raped by a masked intruder after he threatened to hurt her daughter, a court heard yesterday. The mother-of-two, who cannot be named, sobbed as she told how she woke to find the balaclava-wearing man beside her bed, where her young
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Taylor astonished by Quakers' show of support
Darlington boss Tommy Taylor has thanked the club's fans for their support. After Monday's defeat at home to Plymouth Argyle when the visitors clinched the Division Three title with a convincing 4-1 win, around 500 fans remained after the game and chanted
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First of 14 new technology centres opens
THE first of 14 technology centres aimed at making communities more computer literate opened in Durham City yesterday. Durham County Council has secured £500,000 from the Government and the New Opportunities Fund to set up 14 UK Online Centres, mainly
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Salvation Army pair's diamond celebration
A COUPLE who have devoted their lives to the Salvation Army are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary. Joe and Ruby Bradwell met as teenagers through the Salvation Army in Birmingham. Mr Bradwell, 82, who was born at Eldon, near Bishop Auckland
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Wildlife haven
A VILLAGE'S allotments are to undergo a transformation to include community gardens and a wildlife area. A sensory garden is also planned by South Church Lane Allotment Association, near Bishop Auckland. The association is working with Groundwork West
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Bike business gets language boost
AN innovative motorcycle business is hoping to carry out a sustained assault on the French motorsport market after receiving two grants. Darlington firm Adrenalin Moto, a one-stop shop for motorbike parts and accessories, has received an award to help
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New leader extends olive branch to Mallon as Walker is ousted
AN olive branch was last night offered to Middlesbrough mayoral hopeful Ray Mallon by the politician who deposed one of the former detective's biggest critics. Councillor Paul Thompson, 55, who was elected leader of Middlesbrough Council's ruling Labour
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Patience certainly a virtue for Arabian Moon
DARRYLL HOLLAND'S patient style of riding should suit hold-up specialist Arabian Moon (2.55) in the £15,000 Babraham Handicap at Newmarket. In order for Arabian Moon (2.55) to be persuaded to put his best foot forward everything has to fall into place
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Lock your doors, warn police
POLICE are urging people to be on their guard after a series of burglaries. The thieves took advantage of people leaving their homes unlocked in the Stanley area. Police issued a warning after an incident in Mitchell Street at South Moor, near Stanley
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Housing plan for children's home site
A DISUSED children's home will be demolished to make way for 20 homes. Shepherd Homes has submitted plans to Darlington Borough Council for the site of the former Beech Rise Young People's Centre, in Darlington. The home, in Barmpton Lane, was closed
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Cabbies threaten strike action
TAXI drivers in Darlington are threatening strike action over plans to force them to take a specialised cab driving test. While no strike date has yet been finalised, they warn that a Saturday night stoppage would cause most disruption. Drivers say that
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News in brief
Inquests adjourned INQUESTS into the deaths of two pensioners were opened and adjourned at Darlington police station yesterday. Margaret Mitchell, 67, of Birch Road, Barnard Castle, died in Darlington Memorial Hospital on April 12. David Wellburn, 68,
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Negligence alleged over death of mother
A MOTHER-of-six died from cervical cancer after a hospital failed to act - despite three smear tests showing signs of the disease, a court heard. The family of Christine Stothard has launched a battle for damages, claiming negligence. Mrs Stothard, a
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Hugs as teacher escapes war zone
A TEACHER who escaped the battle-scarred streets of Bethlehem flew back to her North-East home last night for an emotional reunion with her relieved family. Claire Theret, who witnessed the bloody fighting for the holy town after Israeli troops fought
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McClaren back for Morten
MIDDLESBROUGH were last night back on the trail of Tromso's Norwegian Under-21 star Morten Gamst Pedersen. The left-sided midfielder, valued at around £1m, had a successful week-long trial with Boro late last year and manager Steve McClaren is keen to
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Spanish nurses herald new era
THE first in a new wave of foreign health workers have arrived in the region. Ten Spanish nurses landed at Teesside Airport last night on their way to start a new life at the South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust. They could be the advance guard for dozens of
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I'll be back after op, Chubby assures fans
BLUE comedian Roy "Chubby" Brown has postponed a visit to the North-East due to ill health. Mr Brown was scheduled to bring his Stocking Filler tour to the Sunderland Empire, where shows were planned for June 10 and 11. They have now been put back to
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Hear all sides
THE EURO HOW reassuring that the masses of the great British public showed so much appreciation of the Queen Mother's devotion to her beloved Britain and her unwavering belief in its people. I ask any true British person not to be swayed by propaganda
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Sanaz wins battle of sopranos
SEVEN youngsters did vocal battle in the final of the Young Soprano of the Year competition. A live audition final was held on Monday night to determine the winner. Seven youngsters sang in front of a panel of judges in the final of the competition, which
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It's time to tax foreign hauliers
WITH a fuel bill of almost £80,000 a year, the last thing haulier Karen Lawson needs is another hike in fuel duty. Mrs Lawson, 36, who owns C and N Transport Services, in Spennymoor, County Durham, said: "The fuel is so much cheaper abroad. Over here,
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Worries over cash for NHS
HEALTH professionals would feel badly let down if Chancellor Gordon Brown fails to deliver funding increases for the NHS. That's the verdict of leading North-East medic, Dr John Canning. While the Middlesbrough GP is pleased at the extra resources which
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Five hoping for champagne day
CALL centre entrepreneur Chey Garland has been shorlisted for the Veuve Cliquot Businesswoman of the Year Award. She is one of five high flying businesswomen from industries ranging from aviation to magazines who are in the running for award to be presented
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Alvis contract for Askaris
NETWORK security company Askaris has won a major contract with armoured vehicle builder Alvis. Askaris was the first company to move to Aske Stables, on the Zetland Estate near Richmond, North Yorkshire, in 2000, after they were revamped for business.
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News in brief
Network set up for disabled A NEW network to help families who have relatives with learning disabilities will be launched in Gateshead next week. The Gateshead Network of Adults with Learning Disabilities has been set up to help people and their carers
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Bishop reveals theft attack on volunteer in castle home
ONE of the region's most senior churchmen has revealed an incident of crime at his home. The Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Michael Turnbull, described yesterday how an elderly volunteer was pushed aside by a young thief at his residence, Auckland
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0001 - licensed to inspect and enforce
PAT DUCE is licensed to inspect - having been bestowed with the number 0001. The Stockton Borough Council enforcement officer has become the first in the country to be awarded a new environmental inspection qualification. She can inspect premises classed
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Scrap dealer traded in stolen cars
A SCRAP dealer who traded in stolen cars was jailed for 12 months yesterday after police raided his yard. Frederick Walton, 44, started by recovering vehicles abandoned on an east Durham beach but he admitted to officers that some of the parts on his
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North's Wurlitzer king dies, aged 72
WURLITZER organ enthusiast Jack Nesbit has died, aged 72. The retired engineer, of Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, had a passion for music - playing the accordion, the Wurlitzer theatre organ and piano. He was an early member of the Langbaurgh Theatre Organ
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Parents' vigil over Aleisha memorial
PARENTS are mounting a vigil to ensure vandals stay away from a £20,000 play park dedicated to the memory of a three-year-old road accident victim. Michelle and John Ord, whose only child, Aleisha, died after being struck by a bus near to her grandmother's
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News in brief
Ten arrests follow raids TEN people were arrested yesterday following a morning raid on a number of houses in Hartlepool. About 40 officers swooped on six houses in the Oxford Road area of the town at about 8am in a crackdown on suspected drug dealers
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Vagabond oliver curls up in comfort again
TREASURED tomcat Oliver can look forward to a few weeks of pampering after living a life echoing the Charles Dickens classic for the past seven months. Dave Keenleyside and Maureen May feared the worst when their eight-year-old pet disappeared last August
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Gus gearing up for good times
RETAIL group Gus has reported a 13 per cent rise in sales at its Argos catalogue arm in the past half year as shoppers snapped up electricals, furniture and toys. Gus said it had driven the sales rise through increasing choice, offering low prices and
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Business news in brief
Chips opens tenth store INDEPENDENT video games specialist Chips opened its tenth store today. The Middlesbrough business, which has franchises across the UK, opened the store in Norwich. It is run by franchisee Keith Foster, who has completed an intensive
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Tributes paid to tragic teacher
TRIBUTES have been paid to a teacher who died in a road accident on Monday night. Barbara Ramshaw's Dihatsu Charade car hit a lamppost on the A689, in High West Road, Crook, as she drove from her home in Fir Tree to visit her sister, Joyce Charlton, Police
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'Lottery win' conmen targeting the elderly
TRADING standards officials have issued a warning about fraudsters targeting elderly people. The deception begins with an unsolicited phone call which purports to have been made from Canada. The caller informs the recipient that they have won a substantial
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Mystery rucksack sparks search
A MAN who sparked a five-hour search on moorland after abandoning a rucksack, has turned up safe and well at home. North Yorkshire Police and Cleveland Search and Rescue Team scoured the Gribdale area of the North York Moors, above Great Ayton, on Monday
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Why should we pay for smokers?
SMOKING is not an illness. So why are we treating it on the National Health? Smokers could soon get anti-smoking drugs and patches on the NHS in a bid to help them stop smoking. It will cost the NHS £50m a year. Granted, it could be said to be cost effective
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Crucial vote on bid to switch ownership of 2,000 homes
A VOTE tomorrow night could prove crucial as the fate of almost 2,000 council houses in the Richmondshire district hangs in the balance. The local authority has spent the past few months consulting tenants on proposals which would see their homes transferred
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Why should we pay for smokers?
SMOKING is not an illness. So why are we treating it on the National Health? Smokers could soon get anti-smoking drugs and patches on the NHS in a bid to help them stop smoking. It will cost the NHS £50m a year. Granted, it could be said to be cost effective
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A mill town worth its salt
SALTAIRE is in the old West Riding, a former model village - though, of course, it was full scale - built by mill owner Sir Titus Salt so that his workers could get the hell out of Bradford. "Every other factory town in England is paradise compared to
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Disciplinary hearing for fraud GP
A GP who served a nine-month prison sentence for fraud could be struck off when he appears before a professional misconduct hearing next week. Dr Ashok Bhagat, who practised in Shildon, County Durham, helped to defraud a health authority of at least £20,000
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Addict's identical theft from store
A DRUG addict stole two bottles of vodka from a Harrogate store after he had been given a conditional discharge for an identical theft from the same shop, the town's magistrates heard yesterday. Stuart Singleton, 21, pleaded guilty to the theft of £19.98
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Warning over bogus vodka additives
DRINKERS are being warned to steer clear of bogus bottles of vodka which could contain harmful additives. A bottle of liquid labelled Voronov was handed to police in Middlesbrough and tested by food safety experts, who found it contained excess water
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Police encouraged with response in pensioner murder case
Police investigating a pensioner's murder for a fish supper have received "encouraging" information, it emerged today. Detective Superintendent Derek Storey, who is leading the hunt for 77-year-old Marie Watson's killer, praised the public for its response
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Bowel unit to treat 500 patients a year
A SPECIALIST unit to treat patients with bowel problems has been built in the North-East. The £148,000 colorectal unit has opened at the University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton, and can treat patients with ailments from Crohn's disease and colitis
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Trial told of threat to rape victim's daughter
A TEESSIDE woman was raped by a masked intruder after he threatened to hurt her daughter, a court heard yesterday. The mother-of-two, who cannot be named, sobbed as she told how she woke to find the balaclava-wearing man beside her bed, where her young
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Nightclub revival proposal sparks wave of objections
PLANS to reopen a nightclub in Billingham have been opposed by more than a hundred residents and police following concerns it would increase anti-social behaviour in the area. The last licence for K2, in the town's West Precinct, expired four years ago
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Deadline looms for royal visit tickets
MORE than 700 people have applied for tickets to see the Queen on her jubilee visit to Sunderland. But with the deadline for applications looming, Sunderland City Council is urging those who still require them to get in touch. Within days of the application
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Union seeks members' views in pay dispute
The Rail Maritime and Transport workers union is to seek the views of its members on the continuing pay dispute with Arriva Trains Northern. The union, which represents hundreds of striking conductors, has been stung by recent criticism from Ray Price
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Legal row baby leaves hospital
A DISFIGURED baby who was at the centre of a legal row over her treatment has left hospital and is extremely well, her family said last night. Maria Rafi, who was born with half a face, was the subject of court proceedings after her parents, Suzanne Taylor
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Turner pays glowing tribute to hat-trick hero Clarke
CHRIS Turner last night saluted Darrell Clarke as Hartlepool United gear up for a play-off assault. Pool go to Exeter on Saturday needing three points in the hope that Rushden or Shrewsbury slip-up. And after Clark bagged a hat-trick last Saturday to
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Fatal crash shuts road for six hours
A MOTORCYCLIST has died in a road accident which closed both lanes of a busy main road for almost six hours. Paul John Stead, 36, of Lilac Avenue, York, collided with a car at the Towthorpe junction of the A64 yesterday. The accident took place at about
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Part of car park closed
TWO floors of a multi-storey car park in Stockton will be closed next week as part of ongoing improvement works. On Monday and Tuesday, floors two and three of the multi-storey car park at the Castlegate Shopping Centre, in High Street, Stockton, will
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Secondary pupils get a taste of Cambridge life
PUPILS from six North-East secondary schools visited Cambridge to get a taste of life at a top university. Thirty-six Hartlepool students visited Kings College, where they stayed overnight, were given a tour and took part in a project. Karen Adams, from
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Course fined over race meet late call-off
A NORTH-EAST racecourse has been fined £3,500 after an inquiry ruled its last-minute abandonment of a race meeting was against the rules. Now, Redcar Racecourse may have to compensate owners, jockeys and trainers following the incident last year. A two-day
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Grace the amazing football star
KEEN footballer Grace Pattison has earned a string of player-of-the-match awards, even though until recently she was the only girl in her team. Sterling performances by Grace, seven, for Darlington's Skerne Park youth team frequently earned her the end-of-match
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Whipping up win was labour of love for Jean
MINCE and crusty dumplings and hot chocolate fudge cake are just two of the delicious dishes which have helped Jean Wheatman win the UK's Best Dinner Lady award. Mrs Wheatman, from Peterlee, in east Durham, beat off competition from all over the country
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West defeat sets up all-Darlington affair
FOR the second time in three years the Durham Cup final will be an all-Darlington affair at Durham City on Saturday. With a strong contingent from final opponents Mowden Park in the large crowd, holders Darlington overwhelmed West Hartlepool in the first
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Health service is still playing catch-up
READING about tomorrow's Budget, you could be excused for thinking that the NHS has not had a great deal of extra money already - but it has. In the past couple of years - after the Government decided it was safe to lift spending targets inherited from
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Schools' progress marked in report
A GOVERNMENT scheme has ploughed more than £31.5m into North-East schools, with an extra £8.9m earmarked for this year, a report reveals. The report on Excellence in Cities, aimed at improving education in UK cities, highlights its positive impact on
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Now rail passengers can go under cover
A PACKAGE of improvements has been unveiled for passengers who use one of North Yorkshire's commuter railway stations. The £73,000 scheme at Poppleton has provided an enclosed glass canopy for passengers using the York-bound platform and an enlarged and
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Accidental death verdict on drifter
A HOMELESS drifter fell into the path of a taxi manoeuvring in a crowded market square during Christmas revelry, an inquest heard. Onlookers saw 64-year-old Dennis Gillespie "teetering" across Durham Market Place while worse the wear for drink late on
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Safeway sales slow
Supermarket chain Safeway said it had successfully completed a year of transition despite seeing sales growth ease in recent months. The group has reformatted about one hundred of its stores to win back customers under chief executive Carlos Criado-Perez
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Business boss loses cancer battle
A POPULAR North-East businessman has died of a brain tumour, aged 74. Alan Wadkins, founder of the Darlington tool firm which carries his name, died at his home in Mordon, County Durham, with his family by his side. He had battled with cancer for nearly
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Teenagers help cystic fibrosis funds
TEENAGERS at a Teesside school have helped raise more than £1,000 towards treatment for children with cystic fibrosis. The 13 and 14-year-olds from Egglescliffe Comprehensive School decided to raise the cash for young sufferers at the University Hospital
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Unravelling the threads of castle's link with royalty
Last week on Alpha Radio, Echo Memories was asked about the precise connection between the Queen Mother, Streatlam Castle in Teesdale, and Bowes Museum. A vague flim-flam of an answer was given for, in truth, we did not really know. But we set about finding
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Bowls club celebrates Lottery gain
A BOWLS club was celebrating a National Lottery success yesterday after being awarded a grant towards the cost of a new pavilion. The Castleton, Danby and District Bowls Club, on the North York Moors, has been awarded more than £12,800 from the Sport
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Smiths in a slump
Newsagent and distribution group WH Smith posted a slump in half-year profits after being dragged down by tough trading in the US. The group, which operates shops in hotels and airports in the US, has been rocked by the country's economic slowdown. It
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Hit-and-run suspect held in police swoop
A MAN suspected of driving a car involved in the hit-and-run killing of six-year-old North-East girl Leonie Shaw was being questioned by detectives last night. Handcuffed and flanked by two police officers, Colin Meekwas arrested in a morning police raid
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Planning applications
SEVERAL homeowners in Darlington have applied to the council for planning permission to extend their houses. In Southwell Green, permission is sought for a bedroom and en-suite bathroom over an existing garage, and a ground floor extension to the rear
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Looking for a bold solution
IF all the leaks prove to be true - and we're sure they will - today is the day that the Government becomes really bold. It is the day Tony Blair and Gordon Brown take their biggest gamble by asking the electorate to pay higher taxes for a better National
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Campaigners in drive for thin blue line
A CAMPAIGN to provide a continuous motorway link between the North-East and London to revive the region's economic fortunes is being stepped up a gear. The North-East Chamber of Commerce is calling for public support for the Blue Line campaign to improve
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Foursome heading for band finals
FOUR teenagers with only two weeks of rehearsals under their belts have gone through to the final of Richmond's Battle of the Bands. No Fouling won the first heat of this year's competition, at Richmondshire Cricket Club on Saturday - earning them the
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North needs a bold Budget
WHEN Gordon Brown unveils his Budget this afternoon, businesses across the region will be anxious to see what measures he produces to aid an economic recovery. Many believe the Chancellor must be bold in order to create a high-value economy that encourages
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Anniversary couple set the seal on church centre's £600,000 appeal
GEORGE and Alice Hewitson cemented their love with the exchange of marriage vows 60 years ago. Yesterday, they spearheaded a £600,000 appeal to build a social centre next to the church where they married. A glass brick inscribed with their names launched
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Man tried to entice boy into car
POLICE are warning parents to be on their guard after a man attempted to entice a teenager into his car. The 14-year-old was walking along Hambleton View, in Bedale, North Yorkshire, when a car drove up slowly and stopped alongside him. The driver asked
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Youngsters taking on mayoral role
TWO youngsters will be treated as VIPs for a day after winning a competition to become Darlington's junior mayor and mayoress. Each year, a competition is held by Darlington Borough Council to give two young people a day to remember. Sean Kelly and Laura
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Bishop tells of theft at residence
ONE of the region's most senior churchmen has revealed an incident of crime at his home. The Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Michael Turnbull, described yesterday how an elderly volunteer was pushed aside by a young thief at his residence, Auckland
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Bonus for art group
A VILLAGE art group has been awarded a grant to distribute framed artwork to the community. Fishburn Art Group has been given £1,385 by the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, which will cover the running costs of the group. Secretary Bob Waller said he was hoping
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Students have designs on fashion cash
STUDENTS at a Weardale school have created their own designs for a fashion show. Year ten textile students from Wolsingham School and Community College have been putting the finishing touches to their outfits ahead of the show today. About 15 models will
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Band changes sound to secure its future
A MUSICAL group originally launched as a brass band is changing to attract new musicians. By relaunching itself as Shildon Community Band, the group is hoping to encourage a variety of musicians, not just brass players, to join up. Band founder Graeme
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Supply teachers recruitment scheme expanding
AN in-house system for recruiting temporary teachers is to be extended in County Durham. Like almost every other local education authority in the country, Durham County Council was having serious difficulties finding suitable supply teachers for its schools
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Factory staff help to spread fire safety message
FACTORY workers have dug deep into their pockets to buy firefighters a community fire safety van. Members of a staff charity group at the Black & Decker plant in Spennymoor raised £8,670 to buy the Vauxhall Corsa van for County Durham and Darlington
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Tributes paid to tragic teacher
TRIBUTES have been paid to a teacher who died in a road accident on Monday night. Barbara Ramshaw's Dihatsu Charade car hit a lamppost on the A689, in High West Road, Crook, as she drove from her home in Fir Tree to visit her sister, Joyce Charlton, Police
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Reyna to captain USA in World Cup
SUNDERLAND midfielder Claudio Reyna has been told he will skipper the United States in their opening World Cup group match against Portugal this summer. American coach Bruce Arena has included the 28-year-old former Glasgow Rangers player in his squad
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Dorothy scents success with new career
A DARLINGTON woman has launched herself into a new business career. Dorothy Cormack had worked for years around the area as a support worker, with businesses such as Darlington College of Technology, Darlington Association on Disability and Mind. Now
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Clothing shop's shirts are out of the ordinary
A DARLINGTON outfitter is hoping to kit out the town's men in some of the most stylish shirts around. Bill Gillow, of Geoffrey Gillow, in Grange Road, has been travelling far and wide to bring a range of extraordinary men's shirt designs to the town.
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Soccer club crackdown on website 'nasties'
A FOOTBALL club has slapped an immediate ban on people posting "nasty suggestions" on its official website amid fears they could spark crowd trouble. Ahead of non-league Harrogate Town's home match against Ossett Town on Saturday, a message marked for
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News in brief
Inquests adjourned INQUESTS into the deaths of two pensioners were opened and adjourned at Darlington police station yesterday. Margaret Mitchell, 67, of Birch Road, Barnard Castle, died in Darlington Memorial Hospital on April 12. David Wellburn, 68,
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School put up for sale
Durham County Council is putting North Road Junior School, Spennymoor, up for sale. The buildings will be redundant at the end of the summer as a new school is opening in the town. Government consent is needed for the school garden to be sold off
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Gazza comes home to help football club
PAUL 'Gazza' Gascoigne was back in the North-East last night helping to secure the future of his home-town football club. The future of Gateshead FC was in the balance after Cameron Hall Developments cut short its sponsorship deal with the UniBond League
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Plans for £1.4m bypass poised for approval
CROOK'S £1.4m bypass looks likely to be given planning permission by Durham county councillors today. The council says the road will help regenerate the west of Crook, open new development sites and provide traffic relief for local people and in the Market
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Libel court told of sex expert's evidence
THE approach by an expert who reported seeing sexualised behaviour in nursery children suspected of being abused was "about as scientific as reading tea leaves", a barrister said yesterday. Adrienne Page, for former nursery workers Christopher Lillie
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Former newspaper director and naval officer dies at 99
A FORMER managing director of the former publishers of The Northern Echo and its sister papers, died on Monday a month after his 99th birthday. In 1950, Shannan Stevenson took on the position at The North of England Newspaper Company's Priestgate offices
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Now Aaron aims to be panto idol
FORMER Pop Idol Aaron Bailey will join the cast of a North-East pantomime this Christmas. The train driver-turned-celebrity, from Newcastle, will play the role of Prince Aaron of Danilo in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, at the Sunderland Empire, from
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VIPs head for food and drink festival
ONE of Britain's leading actors, a TV chef and a popular author are among the celebrity guests to attend a celebration of Yorkshire's culinary traditions over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend. Robert Hardy, revered for his role in television's All Creatures
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Arson theory as fires sweep area
POLICE are hunting suspected arsonists after a series of minor fires in one evening culminated in a serious blaze. Firefighters in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, were called to a number of minor incidents on Monday, believed to have been caused by children
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Speaker to focus on problems facing minnows
HIGH-profile business commentator Justin Urquhart Stewart plans to outline the problems facing businesses seeking funds for expansion, when he speaks at a County Durham business event next month. The former barrister and market commentator for BBC television
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Debenhams keeps pace
DEPARTMENT store group Debenhams is keeping pace with its rivals on the high street as profits surged 14 per cent. The retailer, which confirmed plans to create 1,000 jobs this year at four new stores in Basingstoke, Redditch, East Kilbride and Inverness
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BAT low sales fears
CIGARETTE group British American Tobacco unsettled investors after revealing sales volumes were running below forecasts. The Lucky Strike-to-Dunhill group, which employs more than 600 staff in Darlington, first said in December volumes were likely to
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Cable firm's finance shake-up
TROUBLED cable company ntl has announced a life-saving financial restructuring, which will see £7.4bn of its debt converted into equity. The group, which has more than 150,000 customers in the Tees Valley, has been struggling under a debt mountain of
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Prince renews his backing for Dales trust
THE Prince of Wales says he is delighted to continue in his role as the patron of a Dales trust for a further five years. In a message in the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust's annual review, he wrote: "The Dales are a very precious part of our country
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Blunkett horror at murder of Marie, 77
HOME Secretary David Blunkett has described a pensioner's murder for a fish supper as "horrendous." The minister reacted yesterday to the death of Marie Watson, 77, after she was mugged for a piece of fish and a few personal items near her home in east
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US exchange success
STUDENTS from an east Cleveland college have completed a successful exchange visit with its twin college in the US. The main reason for the visit was to allow the youngsters from Redcar and Cleveland College to study for a City and Guilds certificate
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Grassroots news
SILVER MUSIC: Mike Silver is appearing at 8.30pm on Wed-nesday, April 24, at the Beam-ish Mary Folk Club, No Place. Tickets are £2. ANNIVERSARY SERVICE: The Reverend Linda Williams will lead the anniversary service of Birtley Methodist Church Women's
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News in brief
Sports centre for school AN all-weather floodlit sports centre can be built at Northallerton's Allertonshire School. The development, accommodating hockey, football, netball, tennis, basketball and cricket, will take up part of an existing school playing
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Job cuts will not hit new plant - SSL
A PHARMACEUTICAL business preparing to welcome the Princess Royal to its County Durham plant, has announced plans to cut 300 jobs. Durex-to-Scholl group SSL International plans to close its head office in Knutsford, Cheshire, and restructure its European
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'Let your daughters follow their dreams'
THE family of murdered backpacker Caroline Stuttle has left a bouquet beneath the bridge from which she was hurled to her death - and a poignant message to parents of other children to let them follow their dreams. The printed message, from the 19-year-old's
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Spreading the butter too thinly
PENSIONER Kathleen Dodd is not expecting Mr Brown to hand her a great deal in the Budget. But she says it would be nice not to be last on the list for a change. "We're not getting a fair crack of the whip," said Mrs Dodd, 74, who lives on Bishop Auckland's
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Grassroots news
Speed camera 'guinea pig' THE council wants Castleton to be a "guinea pig" for a speed camera scheme. Members are still trying to resolve the issue of traffic-calming in the village, and have agreed to make another bid to be involved in a new scheme which
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A mill town worth its salt
SALTAIRE is in the old West Riding, a former model village - though, of course, it was full scale - built by mill owner Sir Titus Salt so that his workers could get the hell out of Bradford. "Every other factory town in England is paradise compared to
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Sir Jim fixes it . . .
NEARLY 3,000 people headed by veteran DJ Sir Jimmy Savile - walked four miles around Scarborough's seafront to raise hundreds of pounds for charity. The Walk for Life attracted many people in fancy dress, from toddlers to pensioners and a number of disabled
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Medical school scheme turns into reality
A SCHEME to create a medical school in the North has turned into a reality with the launch of the centre's first prospectus. The school, which will be based at the universities of York and Hull, will serve 1.4 million people when it opens next year. It
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Families tell of inquest ordeal
GRIEVING families have spoken of the torment of waiting up to two-and-a-half years for inquests into their loved ones' deaths. The families said the lengthy delays to the inquests at Teesside Coroner's Court have added to the trauma of their loss. Yesterday
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A wacky way to get healthy eating message across
A GIANT chicken has been helping to spread the healthy eating message in the region's schools this week. Wacky Chicken has been visiting primary schools in the Darlington area to teach children about healthy eating, as part of National School Meals week
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Magpies given opportunity to fly to the East
NEWCASTLE United duo Steve Caldwell and Brian Kerr have been handed the chance to book their places on Scotland's Far East tour. Defender Caldwell and midfielder Kerr were yesterday named in a pre-tour party which will play a practice match against Dundee
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Lingfield Point expands
A new tenant has taken possession of its premises at Lingfield Point. South Durham Healthcare NHS Trust has taken a 15-year lease on a 28,000sq ft building within the Darlington complex. It will use the new premises to house a new health records centre
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Princess to grace jubilee event
PRINCESS Anne will be the guest of honour at a County Durham event to celebrate the Queen's jubilee. The British Horse Society (BHS) North Region will celebrate its patron's jubilee with a horse extravaganza, The Voice of the Horse, at Houghall College
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Clubs left reeling by register fees rise
WORKING men's clubs and voluntary organisations in the North-East fear they could face financial ruin due to a huge rise in registration fees. The Registry of Friendly Societies, which registers groups such as voluntary organisations, credit unions and
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Reform must be taken seriously
TODAY, the Chancellor will deliver his so-called Budget for public services, and in particular the National Health Service. A Budget on public services is certainly needed and greatly welcomed. High quality public services at a local level rely on a strong
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Want-to-work mums offered helping hand with neighbourhood nursery
YOUNG mums are being given a helping hand in their efforts to get back to work. The seaside town of Redcar has become the first in the UK to open a Neighbourhood Nursery. Thirty full day care nursery places are being offered from this month by the Redcar
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The day a 19th century rail king went online
THE Railway King discovered a new way of bringing visitors to his home city yesterday - and it was a world away from the steam-driven communications of his day. George Hudson, who brought the railways to York in the 19th Century, came back to life briefly
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999 services bid to draw women recruits
POLICE and fire services will join forces for a female recruitment event this month. For the first time, Durham Constabulary and Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Brigade are organising a joint surgery to recruit more women. Only one in five of Durham
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School makes mark
A DARLINGTON school is celebrating an award marking the quality of service it offers. Carmel RC Technology College has been awarded a Charter Mark after a string of initiatives introduced in recent years. This year, the school is offering a Master of
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Main highlights from Wednesday's budget
Families and single parents: Extra £2.5 billion to help families. Working single parents to be guaranteed £179 a week. Minimum income for working families of £237 a week. Working disabled single people guaranteed £194 a week. Working Families Tax Credit
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Vandals target school for third time
A SCHOOL has been subjected to its third attack by vandals in a fortnight. Three windows were broken in the latest incident at Alderman Leach Infant School over last weekend, leaving staff with a clean-up job on the morning they were preparing to welcome
