Archive
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Show tribute to Leonie
A charity show will be held next month to raise money for a lasting tribute to road accident victim Leonie Shaw. Leonie died after being struck by a car on the A688 near her home in Bishop Auckland. The show, featuring Third Time Lucky, will be held at
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Green passion the key to a long life
A LIFELONG love of gardening and of dancing are the key ingredients for long life, according to Eleanor Armstrong. Mrs Armstrong celebrated her 100th birthday on Friday, with a buffet lunch and sing-song with family and friends at Eastbourne Nursing Home
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News in brief: Severe damage to blaze house
A house in Darlington was severely damaged by a fire at the weekend. Firefighters were called to the house in Norton Crescent, at about 10.45am, on Saturday. They wore breathing apparatus while fighting the fire, which left the first floor of the house
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John Wesley rides again
The spirit of Methodist leader John Wesley returned yesterday to the gnarled thorn tree under which he first preached in a tiny dales village. The Reverend Les Hann, Methodist minister in Weardale, County Dur-ham, re-enacted the great missionary's journey
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Cathedral's stitich in time
TREASURES depicted in beads and embroidery from one of the region's most important landmarks will be on display at Durham Cathedral. The exhibition has been created by adults with learning difficulties and mental health problems from the group Craft Works
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Parents' sorrow over son
THE parents of a teenager who died from a rare form of cancer have spoken of their sorrow at losing a "bright, intelligent and incredible boy". James Hurd died last week after losing a six-week battle against what doctors said was an extremely aggressive
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Banners under discussion
THE merits of "sausage banners" around Darlington to promote the town centre are to be discussed at a meeting of the Town Centre Forum this week. The unusual banners first appeared in the town as part of a trial run in May last year, and were put up on
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School celebrates soccer double
YOUNG footballers from a Darlington school have managed to emulate Premiership giants Arsenal this season - by winning a league and cup double. The talented team from Heathfield Primary School managed to win the town's primary school football cup and
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Experts to probe shooting tragedy
BALLISTICS experts have been called in to solve the case of a young North-East soldier who died in mysterious circumstances. Geoff Gray, 17, from Seaham, County Durham, was shot dead while on guard duty at the Royal Logistics Corps headquarters in Deepcut
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News in brief: Street parties clear-up call
Stockton Borough Council is urging residents to plan properly for jubilee street parties, by contacting the authority about arrangements and tidying up afterwards. The council will provide rubbish bags and their collection. PUB RAIDED: More than £100
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Cadets on form
Air Cadets from 2505 Bishop Auckland Squadron won an the annual Wing Drill competition. The branch came out on top of 21 squadrons in the contest, winning by two points. They will perform in a regional display this weekend to celebrate the Queen's Golden
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Give public a say on gallery move - councillor
A COUNCILLOR is pushing for a petition to be launched to gauge the public's view on plans to move Darlington's art gallery to a new venue. Councillor Sheila Brown is angry at Darlington Borough Council's plans to convert the town's existing gallery at
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Sharing experience of tragedy
SPECIALIST counsellors who helped the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks have visited the North-East to talk about their experiences. Four volunteers at Cruse Bereavement Care attended a conference of the Darlington and Tees Valley branches
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Estate blaze
Fire crews were yesterday still tackling a blaze at an industrial estate which began on Friday morning. At its height, 50 firefighters were battling the blaze, on a jetty at Hebburn, south Tyneside. Last night, ten officers were told that the jetty was
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Green passion the key to a long life
A LIFELONG love of gardening and of dancing are the key ingredients for long life, according to Eleanor Armstrong. Mrs Armstrong celebrated her 100th birthday on Friday, with a buffet lunch and sing-song with family and friends at Eastbourne Nursing Home
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Big day looms for N-E section of cycleway
THE latest move to place tourism back on track following the foot-and-mouth crisis will roll into action tomorrow when the North-East section of a national cycleway is officially opened. The National Byway - which uses existing public highways - was founded
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Clothing company to move into supermarket premises
SUPERMARKET Morrisons is to close one of its stores in the region. The branch in Darlington is to make way for cut-price clothing company Matalan. The announcement means all 159 of its workers at its Morrisons Neasham Road store will be offered jobs at
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Brother watch: The house funnyman
SATURDAY, 00.18 The firefighter was making the most of the alcohol flowing in the house. A little bit tipsy, Jonny just couldn't stop talking and it did not take long for him to turn his attention to Lee's bodybuilding magazine. Stunned by the muscular
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Key role tackling race issues in justice
A COUNTY DURHAM woman has been appointed as the first race issues co-ordinator for the North-East's criminal justice system. Fiona Linney, of Shotley Bridge, will look at how ethnic and minority groups are represented in the criminal justice system and
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Eppleton lead is reduced
Eppleton lost ground and had their lead reduced to four points when they were unable to capitalise on bowling themselves into a potentially winning position at Burnmoor. And the drawn outcome allowed South Hetton to move into second place after their
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Rejected asylum seeker on the run
AN asylum seeker who duped factory bosses into giving him a job is on the run. The unnamed man, who had been working at Grampian Country Foods - the former Malton Bacon Factory - in Norton, North Yorkshire, fled as immigration officers prepared to arrest
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Hospital hit by bug outbreak
ADMISSIONS to one of the region's hospitals are thought to have been halted over the weekend following another stomach bug outbreak. One person at the Cross Lane Hospital, in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, developed symptoms of the airborne virus Norwalk
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Children learn tapestry skills
YOUNGSTERS got weaving at the weekend in learning the skills of a traditional craft. Children aged eight to 14 years were taught the art of creating pictures in tapestry at a full-day workshop at Middlesbrough. Expert Dot Seddon led the workshop providing
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Students parade winning designs
YOUNG fashion designers are showing off their collections in Northumbria University's annual fashion show. The show, which takes place on Thursday, June 6, will give North-East people a sneak preview of the designs before the students take them to London
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Car park into hotel scheme is scrapped
DEVELOPERS have abandoned a scheme to transform a city centre car park into a four-star hotel. Thistle Hotels had gained planning permission to pull down the 255-space car park in the former Presto building on the corner of Tanner Row and George Hudson
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Warning over summer quarry danger
A WARNING has been sent out to children to avoid playing at the region's quarries as the summer holidays and warmer weather approach. In an attempt to highlight the perils of playing near quarries a major campaign has been launched called Play Safe, Stay
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Flying high at the age of 74
A GRANDMOTHER who starred in a television show about ageism has vowed that the next adventure is just around the corner. Channel 4 documentary Working With Dinosaurs followed Dorothy Morton as she became an air stewardess at the age of 74. It was a career
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Vandals urged to think twice
Vandals have been condemned for a spate of attacks on a popular children's play area. Thousands of pounds worth of damage has been caused and several pieces of equipment wrecked at the Derwent play area, in Norton, in recent months. Community leaders
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US pilot revisits base for war bombing missions
AN American pilot who joined the Canadian Air Force during the Second World War returned to the region at the weekend to visit his former base. Joe Hartshorn, 79, was stationed at Middleton St George, near Darlington, from 1944 to 1945, from where he
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Simon's coffee is just champion
A COFFEE shop owner has been named the pick of the national crop. Simon Robertson, who owns Leoni The Coffee House, in Wheelgate, Malton, was chosen as the Barista Champion of Great Britain. The accolade brought Mr Robertson the prize of a coffee-making
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News in brief: Homes plan wins backing
PLANS to build homes on a field in Masham have been approved despite opposition. Two homes are to be built at Rodney Terrace, despite parish council fears over visibility at a road junction. Members of Ripon area planning committee of Harrogate Borough
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Pupils have healthy outlook under their hats with launch of campaign
YOUNGSTERS at a North Yorkshire school certainly are not going to let the weather go to their heads. Lady Lumley's School in Pickering has launched a Stay Healthy in the Sun campaign, reminding pupils, and teachers, of what to do. The campaign follows
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Jeffrey takes top role in first term
AN east Durham councillor made history when he took over at the helm of the District of Easington authority. Councillor Jeffrey Gray is the first member of the council to be selected as chairman during his initial term in office. Coun Gray, who represent
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Cathedral's stitch in time
TREASURES depicted in beads and embroidery from one of the region's most important landmarks will be on display at Durham Cathedral. The exhibition has been created by adults with learning difficulties and mental health problems from the group Craft Works
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David has his law in order
A FORMER Tyneside apprentice has been admitted to the bar after completing a law degree in New Zealand. David Beck, 43, from Gosforth, left Gosforth High School, Newcastle, with six CSEs in 1975 and embarked on an engineering apprenticeship, working as
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Opportunity to have work published
ASPIRING writers are being offered the chance to have their work published and performed as part of a new project. For anyone over 14 who is interested in play-writing and the theatre - and dreams of seeing their work being performed - City of York Council
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Plans to speed up retail park application
PLANNING officials are recommending the removal of a potential delay to a multi-million pound commercial development. A huge redevelopment is proposed at Cannon Park, Middlesbrough, with a 109,000sq ft foodstore, a furniture shop, filling station and
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Lorry firm expansion
A MOVE into a larger vehicle depot is set to lead to an improved service for a company. Union Trucks, distributor of Scania heavy goods vehicles, has increased working space, technical equipment and a larger yard area on Thirsk industrial park, North
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No place like home for soldier
A STANLEY man is dreaming of the green valleys of home after being stationed at Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands. "Back home in Stanley is somewhat different to Stanley in the Falkland Islands. It is an unforgiving and bleak landscape from what I've
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Joker Geordie housemate
After only 48 hours in the Big Brother house, the North-East's laugh-a-minute fireman is already proving a favourite with the millions of viewers who tune in to the hit show. Johnny Regan is not scared of being the centre of attention - there's nothing
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Show tribute to Leonie
A charity show will be held next month to raise money for a lasting tribute to road accident victim Leonie Shaw. Leonie died after being struck by a car on the A688 near her home in Bishop Auckland. The show, featuring Third Time Lucky, will be held at
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Grant cash will benefit village park
Improvements are on the horizon for a village park thanks to a series of grants. Since a multi-purpose ballcourt was created at Coundon Grange recreation ground, near Bishop Auckland, community groups have looked for ways to develop the site further.
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Soldier on African healthcare mission
A SOLDIER is working in the desert as part of the Army's effort to provide healthcare to remote Kenyan villages. Craftsman Stacy Firby, 20, a former pupil of Deerness Valley Comprehensive School, Ushaw Moor, Durham, is serving as an aircraft technician
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RSPCA plea for unwanted clothing
FAMILIES are being urged to remember the RSPCA when planning a spring clean. Organisers say an animal's life could depend on a decision to throw out unwanted clothes or furniture. Alan Wolinski, the charity's regional manager for Yorkshire and the North-East
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Photographs of Duke's visit to go on show
A COUNCIL is planning to keep all its residents in the picture following the recent visit of the Duke of Edinburgh to the North-East. It was during the Queen's Golden Jubilee visit to the Easington district of County Durham that Prince Phillip travelled
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Bar regulars adopt Katie's cancer fund
A NIGHTCLUB is planning a series of summer events to raise money for a charity founded after the death of a Redcar schoolgirl. Katie Neal was six years old when she died from a form of brain cancer, three years ago. Since then, the Katie Trust has been
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MP shown forest transformation
AN MP has seen for himself how an industrialised area is turning over a new leaf. Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP Ashok Kumar toured Lingfield Farm Countryside Centre, on the edge of Middlesbrough, before moving on to the grounds of Cleveland
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Candle blaze
A 20-year-old woman was treated in hospital for smoke inhalation following a fire at her flat in Navigation Road, off Walmgate, in the centre of York. The blaze is thought to have been caused by a candle left unattended in a bedroom. A neighbour raised
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Comment: Making crime pay...for itself
PUNISHMENT is not wholly about value-for-money. If it were, we wouldn't spend thousands of pounds each year on every one of the 70,000 people we lock up in our prisons where their output is negligible. If the Government really believes that its idea of
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Grassroots: Redcar
WI BIRTHDAY: The Cleveland Accordionaires provided lively entertainment at Worsall WI's 80th birthday party, held in Worsall Village Hall. The event was compered by Arthur Metcalfe and led by veteran accordionist, Les Kerridge. The WI has enjoyed 80 unbroken
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Two flee scene of car crash
AN investigation is under way after two people were seen to run away from a vehicle which had been involved in a crash. Seven people were slightly injured in the two-car incident on Friday night. Four young men were travelling in one car - a Rover - and
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Rescue teams find body of fell walker
The body of a walker was found on the Pennine Way at the weekend. Three search and rescue teams were called out after the man in his 40s, from London, went missing as he walked between Dufton and Alston, in Cumbria, on Friday. His body was discovered
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Wildlife wake-up call for rail users
PASSENGERS will be sent to work in a chirpy mood this week after being serenaded with bird song as they wait for their train. Passengers on the Tyne and Wear Metro will be stopped in their tracks from today by the unexpected strains of some of the region's
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Culture bid boss is North's new Arts chief
A MAN who helped bring the Angel of the North to Tyneside has been appointed chairman of Northern Arts, and the North-East's voice on the London-based Arts Council. Paul Collard, a father-of-four from Barrasford, near Hexham, Northumberland, is currently
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Regatta joins in jubilee celebrations
ONE of the biggest sailing events in the North-East will get under way on Saturday. Hundreds of sailors, from novices to champions, will be going for gold at the Derwent Regatta Week, featuring a series of special events to celebrate the Queen's Golden
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Police trainee suspended
A trainee detective from Northumbria Police has been suspended after nightclub staff found a suspect white powder in her handbag. The off-duty officer was on a night out with friends when she was stopped by staff at Grey's nightclub in Newcastle on Friday
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Town hall strike looms
COUNCIL workers across the country are to be balloted for strike action, unions announced last night. Unison, the largest trade union representing local government workers, is calling for industrial action among office staff, refuse collectors and other
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Former colliery land to be turned into nature reserve
FORMER colliery land is to be transformed into a nature reserve thanks to funding from landfill tax credit scheme. The County Durham Environmental Trust (CDENT) is giving £45,000 to the Five Villages Waste to Wildlife Project to buy 34 acres near Quarrington
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Museum to celebrate Golden Jubilee
A museum plans to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee by giving visitors free admission. Charges at the dli - formerly the DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery - will be scrapped next Monday, saving £6.25 on a family ticket. A jubilee picnic will be held
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Circatex plan 100 job cuts
UNION leaders are holding urgent talks with electronics firm Circatex over plans to cut 100 jobs. The AEEU/Amicus is meeting with management at the South Shields firm tomorrow afternoon, over the proposed job losses. Bosses at the business are blaming
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Falla secures win
Nehemiah Perry hit an unbeaten century for fancied Blaydon, but Tynemouth, and Wayne Falla in particular, rose to the occasion and produced the shock result of the day. The Seasiders went into the game in bottom position and when they faced a target of
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Win for Birchfield Harrier
GREAT Britain international Michael Openshaw stepped out of the shadows yesterday to score a runaway victory in the 7 mile Pier to Pier race between South Shields and Sunderland. The 30-year-old Birchfield Harrier, who competed in last summer's World
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Flying the flag for the World Cup and Jubilee
IT'S set to be one of the most eagerly anticipated weekends in decades, with homes and streets across the country awash with patriotic colour of the royal and sporting kind. As the Queen marks her 50 years on the throne in unprecedented style and England's
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Yorkshire look to groom Lehmann successor
Yorkshire captain Darren Lehmann's increased involvement with Australia could lead to him having insufficient time to play county cricket next season. Yorkshire coach Wayne Clark said he would be discussing the Lehmann situation with club officials once
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Decline of black grouse halted
THE black grouse, one of Britain's most endangered species, is making a dramatic comeback in the region after years of decline. A new survey has shown a three-fold increase in numbers of males on land which has been specifically managed over the past
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Bids in for hospital sites
BIDS have been received for the Middlesbrough General Hospital and North Riding Infirmary sites, which were marketed by Lamb and Edge for the South Tees Hospital NHS Trust. The hospitals will be moving into the new, purpose built James Cook Hospital in
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Police launch crackdown on troublesome teenagers
A POLICE crackdown on troublesome teenagers resulted in the seizure of a large haul of alcohol, and letters being sent to dozens of parents. In a bid to rid the streets of gangs of youths indulging in anti-social behaviour, Sedgefield police launched
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Work started on Swan House makeover
WORK is underway on the £14m makeover of one of Newcastle's most high profile sites. Architects Ryder has been selected by developer Crown Dilmun to provide 150,000 sqft of residential apartments and 20,000 sqft of office space as part of the redevelopment
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Racing Prospects
EFFIE GRAY (4.00) should be in her element at Leicester this afternoon where stamina will be at a premium following a fairly wet weekend. Fast ground fettled Effie Gray at Redcar last time out because she simply didn't have the finishing speed to keep
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Burning Questions - Getting on the wrong bike
Q WHO was it who said: "Get on your bike and go and look for work". My son says it was Margaret Thatcher, I say it was Norman Tebbit. - Mrs A Shields, Darlington. A AS far as I know, neither Margaret Thatcher nor Norman Tebbit ever said this. However,
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Poison puzzle of dead fish in river dead
SCORES of fish have been found dead in a small stretch of the River Skerne, leaving environmental experts baffled. Officers from the Environment Agency were called to Darlington at the weekend to examine fish found dead on the river bed between Skerne
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Cadets on form
Air Cadets from 2505 Bishop Auckland Squadron won an the annual Wing Drill competition. The branch came out on top of 21 squadrons in the contest, winning by two points. They will perform in a regional display this weekend to celebrate the Queen's Golden
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Grant cash will benefit village park
improvements are on the horizon for a village park thanks to a series of grants. Since a multi-purpose ballcourt was created at Coundon Grange recreation ground, near Bishop Auckland, community groups have looked for ways to develop the site further.
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Call for traffic lights renewed
TOWN councillors are calling on Durham County Council to back their 30-year fight for traffic lights on a busy road. Drivers using Binchester Lane Ends to travel towards Bishop Auckland or Spennymoor have long complained about dangerous congestion during
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Estate gets a welcoming new feature
YOUNGSTERS will get a sneak preview of a new entrance feature they helped design for their housing estate. Children from Watergate Estate, Crook, will watch as the feature, which will welcome visitors and create a sense of identity for the estate, is
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Youngest mayor steps into office
DAVID Newell has become the youngest ever Mayor of Sedgefield Borough Council. Councillor Newell, 39, a social worker with Durham County Council, replaces the outgoing Andy Gray. He has picked the Pioneering Care Partnership at Newton Aycliffe and St
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Hopes and dreams can make wishes come true
Young shoppers have been invited to support a charity campaign helping to educate children with speech and language difficulties across the UK. Sales assistants at Marks and Spencer, in Bishop Auckland, launched the store's Rainbow Appeal with a sponsored
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Heartbreak for couple over council request to move greyhounds
A FAMILY has been forced to put their home up for sale and part with some of their beloved pets after neighbours objected to their 40 greyhounds. John and Jackie Kerss moved to the outskirts of County Durham village Willington in October 2000. "The main
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Cyclist injured
A cyclist was recovering in hospital after he was involved in a collision with bus which had broken down. The accident happened on the A684, from Morton-on-Swale to Leeming Bar, near Northallerton, North Yorkshire, at about 6.20pm on Friday. Witnesses
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Shops blaze 'was arson'
A BLAZE at a city centre business is being treated as a suspected arson attack, police have confirmed. Fire crews were called to Camera Mart, in Church Street, York, on Friday afternoon after a fire was discovered on stairs leading up to a first-floor
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Just call me Big Sister
HIS every move may be under the most intense scrutiny but Jonny Regan is not scared of being the centre of attention - there's nothing he likes better than appearing in drag or '70s flares. After only 48 hours in the Big Brother house, the laugh-a-minute
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Call for traffic lights renewed
TOWN councillors are calling on Durham County Council to back their 30-year fight for traffic lights on a busy road. Drivers using Binchester Lane Ends to travel towards Bishop Auckland or Spennymoor have long complained about dangerous congestion during
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Free tickets offer for farm visit
A DAY of family fun is on offer at a farm attraction. Families and groups with a young member who has a disability can apply for free tickets for the day at Hall Hill Farm, between Satley and Lanchester, County Durham, on Sunday, July 14, from 11am to
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Free tickets offer for farm visit
A DAY of family fun is on offer at a farm attraction. Families and groups with a young member who has a disability can apply for free tickets for the day at Hall Hill Farm, between Satley and Lanchester, County Durham, on Sunday, July 14, from 11am to
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North-East population dropping
TENS of thousands of people have left the region following the decline in traditional industries. The population of the North-East has dropped dramatically over the past ten years, while it has risen in every other part of the country. The number of people
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Town takes to the streets in celebration of carnival time
THERE was something for all of the family when Shildon held its annual summer carnival and street parade at the weekend. This year's carnival was a right royal affair as the theme for the event was kings and queens, in celebration of the Queen's Golden
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Health meeting
A meeting of Bishop Auckland Community Health Council will be held tomorrow afternoon, at Clairmont Family Centre, Princes Street, in the town.
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Grave ordeal
FIREfighters had to free a man after he was trapped for an hour under a gravestone. The man was taking a short cut through Thorntree Cemetery, Middlesbrough, when he put his weight on the headstone and it toppled over on to his left leg, pinning him to
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Big day looms for N-E section of cycleway
THE latest move to place tourism back on track following the foot-and-mouth crisis will roll into action tomorrow when the North-East section of a national cycleway is officially opened. The National Byway - which uses existing public highways - was founded
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Shoppers' £1.85m dividend
SHOPPERS across the region are celebrating a cash windfall of £1.85m. The payout marks the relaunch of the Co-op Dividend scheme, which will also help raise money for local good causes. The money will be shared among shoppers who are members of the North
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Readers Durham County League
Evenwood kept their unbeaten start to the season thanks to a crushing eight-wicket win over Shildon Railway on Saturday, writes Ray Simpson. The match was over in double-quick time thanks to Evenwood professional Deighton Butler, who conceded only 11
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Ouch 600 times, as Kam pins his hopes on piercing record
A NORTH-EAST hairdresser turned himself into a human pincushion when he was given 600 piercings to break the world record last night. In a stomach-churning exercise lasting more than eight-and-a-half hours, Kam Ma barely flinched as he far surpassed the
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On brink of world cup glory . . .
WITH hundreds of enthusiastic football-loving players to choose from and injury-free selections, it was enough to make England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson green with envy. However, youngsters on Teesside were involved in their own world cup - thousands
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Cadets get off the ground
A TOWN'S Air Training Cadet corps, which five years ago was struggling to survive, will this week open a £165,000 headquarters. Whitby ATC had only ten members, but today has 42 said the commanding officer, Flight Lieutenant Heather Shardlow. The new
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Aiming for eye-catching glasses design
DESIGN students are hoping for some spectacular suc- cess. A national opticians chain has thrown down a challenge for eye-catching designs for glasses. Designs have been requested for both men and women, children, and also in prescription sunglasses.
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Celebrating quality of education
HUNDREDS of youngsters from across North Yorkshire are taking part in an event to celebrate the quality of education in the county's schools. Over two days at The Pavilions, Harrogate, the showcase conference will show off skills in drama, gymnastics,
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Opportunity to tag your dog
RESPONSIBLE pet owners are being urged to take a lead to others in an area where stray dogs are a problem. Councillor David Walsh, leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, is appealing to owners to have their animals fitted with micro chips. The
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Girls enjoy tea at No 10 with Cherie
THREE teenagers had tea with Cherie Blair and toured Westminster, thanks to the efforts of their MP. Redcar MP Vera Baird was asked by the Prime Minister's wife to nominate three pupils from schools in her constituency to meet her and Mr Blair and have
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Academic wins coveted Fellowship
A NORTH-EAST academic has been named one of the best university lecturers in the country. Peter Hughes, a senior lecturer in the University of Sunderland's School of Humanities and Social Sciences, is one of only 20 lecturers in the country to win a coveted
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'We fight on' say tribute cyclists
CYCLISTS are planning a tribute to a safety campaigner who was killed in a collision with a lorry. Karl Briggs died last October when he was involved in the accident on the A168 at Asenby, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire. Last week, at an inquest into the
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Town council foots the bill for play area
HELMSLEY Town Council is having to pay out the biggest part of a £14,000 bill to refurbish its play area after the National Lottery said its community fund had run out of cash for the time being. The town clerk said the council would use money set aside
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News in brief: Search on for ex-colleagues
AN East Durham school has clocked up a record it believes is unique in the area. Shotton Hall School, Peterlee, revealed that it has four members of staff who have all given more than 30 years of uninterrupted service. Mike Metcalfe, Brian Holmes, Barry
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Men rescued from river
Two young men were treated for cuts and bruises in hospital after being rescued from the River Tyne, in Newcastle, at 1am yesterday. A spokesman for the fire brigade said one of the men fell into the river from the High Level Bridge, while his companion
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Germans are in fine voice to establish links with town
GERMAN singers, above, performed a concert at Durham Cathedral as part of a packed programme in the region. The Gerlingen Ecumenical Church Choir, from just outside Stuttgart, are singing at a number of venues during their visit to establish friendship
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Village green battle could set a precedent
VILLAGE green campaigners could set a legal precedent if their House of Lords appeal is successful. For the past five years, the Washington First Forum has been fighting to block plans for a new sixth form college on the site of the sports arena at Princess
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Draws the order of the day with victories elusive
Only two games produced a winning result on Saturday and Bedale were the first to finish when they bowled out Redcar in 26.3 overs with only 75 runs on the board. Guy Darwen was their matchwinner with superb figures of 7-41 from 13.3 overs. The Bedale
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It's euro turn to buy drinks
A PUB has shown its determination to embrace the future by accepting euros. The Blue Bell, in Fossgate, York, is accepting the currency in an effort to attract tourists. Landlady Sue Hardie, who runs the business with husband Jim, believes it is the first
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Blue Peter's Matt joins in the fun
BLUE Peter presenter Matt Baker dropped in at a young farmers' fun day at the weekend to help judge a range competitions. The event, staged at Houghall College, in Durham, was aimed at giving farmers a boost following the foot-and-mouth crisis. Events
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Foster's Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League
High-flying Sacriston came down to earth with a bump when they lost for the first time to Benwell and Walbottle. Despite struggling since being promoted, they were more than a match, however, for their illustrious opponents and in the end had 22 runs
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Director of education is appointed
A NEW director of education has been appointed to oversee schooling in Sunderland. Barbara Comiskey, the current corporate director of education for Middlesbrough Council, has been appointed to the post by Sunderland City Council. She began her career
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Bike show bid to draw back visitors
THE guardians of a stately home have changed up a gear in a bid to encourage more visitors. The 15-room Georgian mansion, Ormesby Hall, Middlesbrough, is maintained by the National Trust, which was badly hit by last year's foot-and-mouth restrictions.
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Boy hit by bus very ill
A young boy was fighting for his life in intensive care last night after being hit by a bus. The accident happened just hours before a man was killed on the roads in County Durham. The five-year-old boy, who has not been named by police at the request
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Echo's reminder of day war broke out
AN edition of The Northern Echo dating back to the day the First World War broke out has mysteriously surfaced in a house near Manchester. Wednesday, August 5, 1914, is a date imprinted on the memory of the nation as the day the war began. The Northern
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Space-age garden ready for launch after problems
EVERYTHING is blooming in a space-age garden - despite a rocky start. A sub-contractor pulled out of the building of the futuristic eco-centre and hydroponicum on Teesside, which was also hit by funding delays and construction problems, but it will be
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Quiz night boost for hospice
A CHARITY quiz night has provided a tonic for a hospice. The quiz organised by Lloyds TSB Commercial raised £275 for the Butterwick Children's Hospice in Stockton, while the same bank's charity foundation matched the figure, resulting in a cheque for
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News in brief: Call for bridge daredevils
DAREDEVILS are being urged to take part in an abseil from Newcastle's Tyne Bridge to raise funds for cancer nurse services. The event, to raise cash for Marie Curie Cancer Care, will take place from the 120ft bridge on Sunday, June 9. There will be spaces
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Young dancers step on to West End stage
THE Magnificent Seven rode again yesterday - but this time with a more delicate touch. Teenager Toni Guillot and her six friends have been given the name - taken from the Western movie which starred Yul Brynner - by families and friends in recognition
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Landlord dies
RETIRED pub landlord Frank Hugill has died in hospital four weeks after being knocked down by a van. Mr Hugill, 76, and his wife, Maisie, ran the First in, Last Out pub at Whitby for many years. The road accident happened in Brunswick Street, Whitby.
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Huge interest forces hold-up of meeting
A RIVERSIDE development plan has sparked so much controversy that a council has had to postpone a public meeting - to look for a bigger venue. Nearly 4,500 people have objected to plans to build 150 houses and commercial developments including call centres
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Safety work welcomed after near-miss on road
WOMAN, whose granddaughter was almost killed in a frightening near-miss, has welcomed plans to improve a dangerous stretch of road. Caroline Harper has gathered more than 120 signatures on a petition demanding that the road near her home in Ings Lane,
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Tim Wellock's Durham Diary
DURHAM will find themselves up against West Indian Phil Simmons in the Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy on Wednesday, and they might reflect that in the past he has done them far more harm than good. Now 39, Simmons plays club cricket in Derbyshire
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Racing legend backs N-E play
ONE of Britain's leading sporting figures has given his public backing to a new play written by two of the North-East's most promising playwrights. John Francome - the former National Hunt champion jockey who is now a Channel 4 television presenter -
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Bill honoured for fan-tastic support spanning 50 years
DEDICATION to his home town's amateur football club has earned Bill Aisbitt one of the league's top off-field accolades. The 71-year-old was awarded the Albany Northern League's Unsung Hero award after almost 50 years service to Shildon Football Club,
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Hear all sides: GIBRALTAR
THROUGHOUT the whole of the last century, Spain has endured attacks from terrorists/freedom fighters (whichever side you take) from the Basque country, who demand their own country/government and still with no result, so it may continue. If Britain hands
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DJ Sasha is booked for trust concert
ONE of Europe's leading DJ's, Sasha, will be making a rare North-East appearance at the first Galaxy Out There Concert in aid of The Prince's Trust. Sasha will entertain the crowds as he joins other big names such as Mis-teeq, Blue, Sugababes, Daniel
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University nets top sports manager
SUNDERLAND University has attracted one of the region's leading sports development managers to help further improve the institution's sporting facilities and student teams. Former basketball star Ivan Whitfield has had a successful career as both a sportsman
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Guisborough maintain their unbeaten record
The Guisborough bandwagon rolls on and their unbeaten record, which stretches back to August 2000, was extended yesterday against Saltburn. But they were forced to hang on for much of their innings as their visitors threatened to topple them from pole
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Division over health revealed
A NEW way of calculating life expectancy has underlined the massive North-South health divide. For the first time, the Office for National Statistics has calculated how many years the average person endures poor health during their lives. Where people
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Basement fire sparks pub evacuation
A PUB was evacuated and a neighbourhood plunged into darkness when fire knocked out a power supply. The blaze in a fuse box filled the basement of a three-storey terraced house converted into six flats and the pub next door - The Bank - with smoke. The
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News in brief: Street parties clear-up call
Stockton Borough Council is urging residents to plan properly for jubilee street parties, by contacting the authority about arrangements and tidying up afterwards. The council will provide rubbish bags and their collection. PUB RAIDED: More than £100
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Still thinking about my baby
Giving a baby up for adoption can lead to a lifetime of guilt and neglect. But just as hard for some mothers is the uncertainty over the fate of their child, as Nick Morrison discovers. WHEN Fran passes a man of a certain age in the street, she takes
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MP shown forest transformation
AN MP has seen for himself how an industrialised area is turning over a new leaf. Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP Ashok Kumar toured Lingfield Farm Countryside Centre, on the edge of Middlesbrough, before moving on to the grounds of Cleveland
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Weekend TV: Secrets Of The Palace (C4)
Untold wealth - in more ways than one JOURNALIST Norman Luck realised the hosts of the royal visit to Abu Dhabi were generous when cases, containing watches worth £2,500, were put by each breakfast plate. "I spent ages trying to get this little bit of
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Confessions of a football widow
With the World Cup just days away, husbands and wives are already fighting about who will have control of the television. Women's Editor Christen Pears speaks to one couple about bridging the great football divide. WHEN her husband Kevin is ensconced
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Waste fridges to be shipped out for disposal
PART of the North-East's fridge mountain is on its way to being moved to the continent for disposal. Durham County Council is spending almost a third of a million pounds on exporting thousands of clapped-out appliances to Europe. The mountain is building
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Hooray for hero Henry
MIDDLESBROUGH winger Wes Henry finished as he began for Durham when he raced 50 metres to snatch victory in the third minute of injury time against Northumberland at Darlington. The high-speed Henry, who scored two tries on his debut against Yorkshire
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Memorial plea to mark Blitz anniversary
A CAMPAIGN has been launched to mark the moment the Blitz came to a small Teesside community after its anniversary passed unnoticed by all but a few eyewitnesses who remain. It was 62 years ago this weekend that South Bank was hit by the first German
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Burning Questions - Getting on the wrong bike
Q WHO was it who said: "Get on your bike and go and look for work". My son says it was Margaret Thatcher, I say it was Norman Tebbit. - Mrs A Shields, Darlington. A AS far as I know, neither Margaret Thatcher nor Norman Tebbit ever said this. However,
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Rain hits Tykes match
Yorkshire managed only ten overs batting against Hampshire on a wretched day at Headingley yesterday but they were sufficient for them to reach three landmarks. Craig White completed a cleanly struck half-century before being dismissed for a fluent 67
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They may look odd - but Linda and Cloud have struck a real bond
AN incredible bond has been born out of a double tragedy on a North-East farm. When just a few hours old, Appaloosa foal Penny Cloud Surprise lost her mother, who suffered serious injuries during birth. Sharron O'Neil's treasured mare Vasty, a four-year-old
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Smooth Silk go to top
Silksworth are back on top after Michael Kearney and Graeme Weeks led them to an eight-wicket victory at Houghton. The target of 159 melted away once Weeks (59 no) joined Kearney in a second-wicket partnership after Phil Smailes had been dismissed without
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Durham taking command
DESPERATE to beat the weather as well as demoralised opponents, vastly-improved Durham took full advantage of the time available between showers yesterday. They made Gloucestershire follow on a massive 338 runs behind, then Ian Hunter knocked out Craig
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Criminal benefit curbs cost a fortune
A FLAGSHIP Government scheme to slash the benefit of criminals who skip community service is costing taxpayers a fortune, it was revealed last night. Red tape and administrative costs mean the scheme is costing ratepayers £1,340 for every £100 of benefit
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Jailed woman vows Belgian ruling is madness
A devoted mum who rescued her son from the clutches of her brutal husband has been jailed for two years. Lorraine Somers, 42, fled to England to shield her seven-year-old son from her Flemish husband Marc. She and Vincent started a new life in Hebburn
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Racing bird lured towards victory by a little romance
A LITTLE sexual intrigue is to be used to persuade Northern Echo the racing pigeon to fly a little faster. The blue hen has completed four races since taking up her new name, but - despite some encouraging showings - has yet to register a win. However
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New train stations planned
PLANS for a string of new train stations along the Durham coast and into Teesside are taking shape. A study was last year commissioned to investigate the viability of building new stations at Hart in Hartlepool, Old Billingham and Roseworth in Stockton
