Archive
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MP calls for probe into theatre 'debacle'
AN MP last night demanded an investigation into the financial crisis surrounding a £14m theatre, to discover the fate of hundreds of thousands of pounds. Durham City Labour MP Gerry Steinberg said the "debacle" surrounding the city's flagship Gala Theatre
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Distant care prompts fears
PEOPLE from outlying areas could face long journeys to hospital under a proposed health shake-up. Councillors are worried about the impact that plans to merge County Durham's North and South NHS trusts will have on people without cars. The hospitals -
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Softly does it for Shaw
MIXING up Flat and jump racing is a popular ploy with trainers trying to rekindle the flagging fortunes of low-grade staying handicappers. The theory is very simple. Some horses become bored simply performing under one code or the other, so to maintain
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Museum can buy paintings says Church
THE Northern Echo's campaign to keep a valuable collection of paintings in the region is one step closer to victory. The Church of England is looking to sell artworks by 17th Century Spanish artist Francisco de Zurburan, which hang in Auckland Castle,
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Museum can buy paintings says Church
THE Northern Echo's campaign to keep a valuable collection of paintings in the region is one step closer to victory. The Church of England is looking to sell artworks by 17th Century Spanish artist Francisco de Zurburan, which hang in Auckland Castle,
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Real ale drinkers honour pub
DURHAM real ale drinkers have voted The Woodman Inn in Gilesgate as their pub of the year. The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) Durham and District branch chose the pub for its range and standard of ales under the careful stewardship of publicans Peter and
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Farmers create green burial plot
DAIRY and wild-boar farmers Maralyn and Alan Willey are turning a remote field on their Medomlsey land into a ground for 'green burials.' Alternative, ecologically friendly burial has become a growing business. The first dedicated green burial field was
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Mum At Large: They're really losing it now
WELL, I blame their father. I usually do. Many years ago, when we were young and in love, I knitted him a twelve foot long reversible Arsenal scarf. I don't know who was dafter - me for knitting it or him for wearing it. It was red and white on one side
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Adding to image in gift market
IMAGING company Com-eleon plc is preparing to take the US corporate gift market by storm after a share placing raised £4.2m from institutional investors. The business, in Tanfield Lea, County Durham, is best known for its imaging technology for mobile
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Family of missing Rachel Wilson make emotional appeal
THE family of missing prostitute Rachel Wilson today made an emotional appeal for her to get in touch. The 19-year-old was last seen in Southfield Road, Middlesbrough, at about 11.30pm a fortnight ago. Her family say despite her problems, Rachel never
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City council caned over Gala's £700,000 debts
THE firm responsible for running Durham's £14m Gala Theatre amassed debts of almost £700,000 within four months of opening. And creditors have been told by Alan Marlor, liquidator for The Entertainment Team (Durham) Limited, that it is unlikely any of
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Could it be Sir Bobby of St James?
Former England manager Bobby Robson - one of the most respected figures in British football - was keeping quiet last night after being tipped for a knighthood in the Queen's Birthday Honours this weekend. The veteran Newcastle United boss declined to
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Station plan approved
RAIL enthusiasts are jubilant after their ambitious plans to rejuvenate a neglected stretch of line were given the green light. The Wensleydale Railway Association last week won approval for their scheme to put Leeming Bar station back on line as a working
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Church celebrates jubilee with flowers
CHURCH communities will unite this weekend to present a festival of flowers and music to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee. St. Agatha at Easby is the setting for the celebrations of the churches of St Paul, Brompton on Swale, St Agatha, Skeeby and
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MP acts over dental treatment dilemma
AN MP is calling on health officials to improve efforts to attract more NHS dental treatment for North Yorkshire residents. Ryedale MP John Greenway has written to the Ryedale, Scarborough and Whitby Primary Care Group after receiving complaints from
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Student sells his soul
A hard up student is selling his soul over the internet to pay off his debts. Graham Malham, 26, who lives in Newcastle, is desperate to pay off the £10,000 debts he accumulated while studying at Sunderland University. Mr Malham, who describes himself
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Tribute to war women
A FITTING tribute to the courage and dedication of women who served their country during World War Two was honoured by a leading aviation museum this week. Forces sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn sent a message of support to the scores of women who were at the
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George reigns for a day
THE bravery of a fighter pilot was honoured by villagers at Catterick who welcomed him to their Jubilee street party. George Bennions, who flew Spitfires in the Second World War, had a street was named after him in the late Nineties. And on the Saturday
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Recruits given the chance to meet a war hero
INFANTRY training came briefly to a halt yesterday as soldiers honoured a hero who has a wing at Britain's largest Army garrison named after him. Captain Rambahadur Limbu, the only surviving former Gurkha soldier to hold the Victoria Cross , visited Catterick
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Plans for 'national guard' unveiled
Plans for a 6,000-strong force to come to the aid of the civil authorities in the event of a major terrorist attack, were unveiled yesterday. Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon said the forces' volunteer reservists could play an important role in meeting the
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Summer stroll
A Midsummer stroll will take ramblers on a picturesque route along one of the North-East's reclaimed railway lines on Sunday. Countryside rangers will lead walkers on the former railway path between Ryhope and Seaton, on the Sunderland/County Durham boundary
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Beer festival helped online
A BEER festival has become the first event to take advantage of a promotion. Information on the Tynedale Beer Festival 2002, taking place tomorrow and Saturday, is linked to a central network through the Internet as part of Northumbria Tourist Board's
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Personal MOTs in health campaign
EAST Durham residents are being given the chance to undergo a personal MOT in a keep healthy campaign. Free health checks will be available today to coincide with British Heart Week. The body MOTs are on offer at the Glebe Centre, in Murton, where people
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Elderly care home schemes aproved
PLANS for two 60-bed care homes for the elderly have been approved by Darlington Borough Council. Gary Lewis Care Homes, which owns three homes on Tyneside, plans to transform the council-owned plots into modern care facilities for the elderly. Darlington
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World Cup TV
TODAY: Costa Rica v Brazil and Turkey v China - BBC1 0715; Mexico v Italy and Ecuador v Croatia - BBC1 1210; Match of the Day: World Cup 2002 - BBC1 1900; World Cup 2002 - ITV1 2230. TOMORROW: Belgium v Russia and Tunisia v Japan - BBC1 0715; Portugal
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Students set sports challenge
SPORT students from Darlington encouraged younger children to get active at a sports day yesterday. Dozens of infant school children took part in a series of sporting events organised by students from Darlington College of Technology. Children from Heathfields
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Young artists' success
YOUNG artists in Darlington have been taking part in a competition with a Royal theme. Darlington Lions Club organised a Queen's golden jubilee art competition for school pupils to mark the special event. Children submitted artwork with a jubilee theme
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Home is where the art is
From pornography to photographs of toilets - the shortlist for this year's Turner Prize upholds its controversial reputation. Nick Morrison meets the market trader judging the leading award in British contemporary art ONCE it housed a team of bookmakers
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Bikers 'on pub crawl' before accident
THREE bikers had been on a pub crawl before one of them careered off the road into a tree, an inquest heard. Neil Eyles, who had drunk more than three times the legal alcohol limit, died from head and chest injuries after his powerful Yamaha R1, borrowed
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Top officer in hunt for missing prostitute
A POLICE force's most senior investigating officer has been appointed to head an inquiry into the disappearance of a prostitute from a red light district. An incident room has been opened at Middlesbrough police station and Detective Superintendent Tony
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Hotel's jubilee efforts give boost to hospice
JUBILEE celebrations at a hotel have raised £1,061 for the Butterwick Hospice. Chris Swain and wife Rachel, owners of the Walworth Castle Hotel, Darlington, held a variety of fundraising events. As well as a street party for the Queen's golden jubilee
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Call for public consultation over electoral boundaries
A COUNCILLOR is calling for people to have their say on which MP has responsibility for their area. Darlington Borough Council Conservative group leader Councillor Tony Richmond wants public consultation to be held over the future of the Sedgefield and
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The show goes on...
THEATRE-GOERS have been reassured that it's business as usual at the Gala for the foreseeable future. A spokeswoman said that all advertised shows, including next week's Woman in Black, would go ahead and that the theatre was already planning future performances
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Pub chain toasts success
PUBS and bars group Yates has outlined plans for expansion after reaping the rewards of a business overhaul. The group, which owns the Bolton-based Wine Lodge chain, has turned around its fortunes with a strong finish to its financial year. Yates plans
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One for the collectors
TREASURE hunters are in for a treat when a charity shop holds an antiques and bric-a-brac day. Help The Aged, in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, is holding the collectors' corner event next Thursday. Over the past few months, staff and volunteers have
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Board will help promote wildlife
THE final piece of a wildlife project is due to be installed. During the past year, Stockton Borough Council has been working closely with people in Norton to redevelop marshland at Norton Grange. Now an information panel designed and illustrated by local
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Playing a supporting role
THE new chairman of Manufacturing Challenge in the Tees Valley has called for a "better balance" between attracting inward investment and supporting North-East home-grown businesses. Bill Bates says there is a need to improve the co-ordination in the
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Coach company pulls out of school run
A COACH company which pulled out of a school run has revealed its drivers were terrorised by pupils. As reported in The Northern Echo earlier this week, J&C Coaches of Newton Aycliffe pulled out of the route between Aycliffe Village and Woodham Comprehensive
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News in brief: Appeal for teenager
Police have appealed to 16-year-old Louise Maxine Sarah Clerkson of West Denton, Newcastle, to get in touch with her parents. She has not been seen since June 3, when she was believed to have been in a white Mercedes van, registration number D488PUK.
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The man who made the Queen's eyes water
THE first ten paragraphs could be consumed with puns: Shildon lad makes Jubilee go with a bang, Shildon lad puts a rocket under Her Majesty, the fireworks genius to whom no one can hold a Roman candle. The next 200,000 words would be bright biographical
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Court date for reflexologist
A MAN yesterday appeared in court over allegations of indecently assaulting women. Reflexologist Stuart James Hill, 50, pleaded not guilty to three charges of indecent assault, said to have taken place between December 1999 and May 2001. He denied a further
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Detective Nick heads for Heartbeat country in fundraising effort
TOURISTS visiting television's Heartbeat country this weekend can expect to be waited on by a real life police officer. Drug squad member Detective Constable Nick Edgar will be swapping jobs to serve cuppas, scones and cakes in his own tea room. Nick
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Renewed call for inquiry into surgeon
A FORMER mayor who wants the authorities to use health and safety legislation against disgraced surgeon Richard Neale has vowed to fight on after officials ruled out an inquiry. John Bacon, who was mayor of Northallerton in 1983, believes that the Health
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Resort's repairs hit businesses
ANGRY hoteliers on Scarborough's North Side say they are losing hundreds of pounds worth of business because of the noise of contractors working through the night to build a new sea wall of rocks around the Marine Drive. The £26m scheme involves huge
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Still a cut above the rest
A hairdressing training company in County Durham continues to top the national league. The Durham Training Academy (DTA), led by hair stylist Janet Maitland, has received the highest grades from the Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI) for the second year
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Miner's forgotten grave found
THE forgotten grave of a miner who was finally given a burial 24 years after dying in the North-East's worst pit disaster has been found by The Advertiser. Sue Coults had searched for years for the final resting-place of her great grandfather William
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Journalist dies aged 103
A SCARBOROUGH man who spent several years as a Fleet Street journalist has died at the age of 103. David Sowray, of Greylands Park Drive, Scarborough, originally worked for Marconi the radio company. He found fame as the first person to send a Morse code
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Extra time for football exhibition
FOOTBALL fans in the North-East have been given an extra week to see an exhibition focusing on their passion. The Homes of Football, at South Shields Museum, will now run until Sunday. It features photographs by Stuart Clarke of football fans and stadia
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Extra time for football exhibition
FOOTBALL fans in the North-East have been given an extra week to see an exhibition focusing on their passion. The Homes of Football, at South Shields Museum, will now run until Sunday. It features photographs by Stuart Clarke of football fans and stadia
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Museum's £500,000 appeal is launched
ONE of North Yorkshire's leading tourist attractions has launched an appeal to raise nearly £500,000 to carry out extensions and renovation work. Curator Martin Watts said Ryedale Folk Museum, which was named the National Museum of the Year four years
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Boat builders on crest of a wave
CANAL boat builder Riverside Narrowboats has set sail for success after fulfilling its first order. The Thornaby business has transported a 57ft long vessel from the Tees Valley to a customer in Berkshire. When managing director Graham Morrow established
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Council criticised over theatre debts
THE firm responsible for running Durham's £14m Gala Theatre amassed debts of almost £700,000 within four months of opening. And creditors have been told by Alan Marlor, liquidator for The Entertainment Team (Durham) Limited, that it is unlikely any of
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Cathedral agrees to stage degree ceremonies
A DECISION to hold degree ceremonies in one of the region's most historic buildings for the first time this year has been welcomed as "an historic step". Durham Cathedral will stage 12 ceremonies for nearly 3,000 Durham University graduates over three
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Long fight for skate park won at last
YOUNGSTERS are on the verge of securing a long-awaited skateboard park - just a month after councillors rejected the scheme. Plans to create the feature in Ronaldshay Park, Richmond, were initially greeted by opposition from residents of nearby homes.
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Dynamite used to blast vault on site
WORKMEN had to use dynamite to shift a 7ft metal vault door they stumbled upon while constructing a housing development. While working on Bowey Homes' latest development in Washington Village, on Wearside, builders found a vault with a metal door in the
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Crisis over as parish council is replaced
A PARISH council which sparked an unlikely political crisis when members resigned en masse has been replaced without an election. The parish of Arkendale, Coneythorpe and Clareton, near Boroughbridge in North Yorkshire, made national headlines when its
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Carry on soldiering - for a worthy cause
A CHARITY is giving all those who have ever wondered if they have what it takes to be a soldier the chance to find out. Marie Curie Cancer Care is holding a Carry On Soldier challenge at Catterick Garrison on July 13. Teams will get the chance to try
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Competition winners well on the way to the garden of their dreams
WORK is under way to transform a garden as part of a competition run by The Northern Echo. Keen gardeners Gerry Cox and his wife Marjorie, who had already spent hours cultivating their garden in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, won The Northern Echo
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Green efforts earn praise for council
A BUSINESS support group has praised North Yorkshire County Council for its efforts to deal with environmental issues. Business in the Environment, which studied the environmental performance of organisations across the region, found the authority had
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Partnership to help combat crime in town
A COUNCIL has formed a partnership with Crimestoppers in a bid to combat crime in a town. Peterlee Town Council approached the Chester-le-Street agency, which allows people to report crimes anonymously, after deciding the town could make better use of
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Air freight depot is approved
PLANS to build a new freight warehouse at Teesside Airport, bringing 28 new jobs to the area, have been approved by borough councillors. LV Shipping, which has its origins in Holland, intends to build the warehouse and offices on a 2.7-acre site opposite
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Panto season is on the way... oh yes it is!
TWO of Britain's favourite funny men, John Inman and Stu Francis, teamed up yesterday to put a little magic into the launch of Newcastle Theatre Royal's Christmas pantomime. It may be six months away, but the pair rolled out the flying carpet for a quick
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Comment: Buying a way out of trouble
IT is rich for the Labour Party chairman Charles Clarke to accuse the media of 'manufacturing' stories about sleaze and spin. It was not the media, but the Labour Party, which accepted donations from Bernie Ecclestone and Lakshmi Mittal. It was not a
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Woman tells of 'rape' ordeal
A FORMER prostitute was raped by a man who held her prisoner and threatened her with a screwdriver, a court heard yesterday. The woman, a former drug-addict, told a jury at Teesside Crown Court that accused Anthony Curran said to her: "In six days it
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Sally backs donor appeal
Heart-swap schoolgirl Sally Slater has teamed up with football presenter Gabby Logan in an effort to give others the chance of life. In March 2000, Sally was rushed into Newcastle's Freeman Hospital after a virus attacked her heart. She was suffering
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French taught techniques of 'le morris'
A GROUP of Teesdale morris dancers have been introducing the French to the tradition. Members of Black Sheep Morris, who organise the Teesdale Thrash in Barnard Castle each May, were invited to Poix in Picardy to take part in a folk festival. Karen Tranter
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Newcastle decide against taking up Ronaldo option
Newcastle have turned down the chance to sign Ronaldo after Inter Milan offered the striker to them for £15m. Inter approached Newcastle, who are interested in buying Ronaldo's Brazil teammate Rivaldo, within the last month after announcing that he was
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Village fun weekend
A QUOITS match begins Cotherstone's Fun Weekend, which opens on the East Green at 6.30pm tomorrow. The main events on Saturday start with a procession from the Fox and Hounds pub at 1pm, led by Teesdale Pipes and Drums, Jubilee Queen Kelly Kettlewell
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Cruelty charges 'lies', court told
A MAN accused of indecent offences against children and child cruelty yesterday told a jury that the allegations against him were a "load of nonsense". Geoffrey Dempsey, 59, of Moorcock Close, Eston, Middlesbrough, is on trial at Teesside Crown Court
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Awards for officers who braved blazes
FIVE police officers are to receive bravery awards from a national body. The officers, based at Durham City and Seaham, east Durham, will receive commendation certificates from the Society for the Protection of Life from Fire for their actions at two
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Awards for officers who braved blazes
FIVE police officers are to receive bravery awards from a national body. The officers, based at Durham City and Seaham, east Durham, will receive commendation certificates from the Society for the Protection of Life from Fire for their actions at two
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Arts and crafts on show
ARTISTS and craftspeople will be displaying their work at a summer fair at Greta Bridge, near Barnard Castle, later this month. Thorpe Farm Peel House will host the event from June 22 to 23, between 10am and 5.30pm. Half the £1 entrance fee will be donated
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News briefs: Food group feels the chill
FROZEN and chilled foods group Uniq has reported a slump in profits over the last year, but said it would sell its St Ivel yoghurts and spreads businesses in order to cut debt. The group, formerly known as Unigate, is to sell the businesses to concentrate
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News in brief:Karting aids Red Cross
Staff at the Asda store in Stockton raised more than £1,000 for the Red Cross when they took part in a charity karting night at Durham Karting Centre. They competed against teams from Barclays Bank and Somerfield. Temporary closure: Railtrack will be
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Heather's dad tells of agony
THE father of Heather Mills hid a secret agony from her as she prepared for her wedding to Sir Paul McCartney. Mark Mills, 61, was rushed to hospital after suffering a stroke but refused to tell his daughter because he did not want to blight her big day
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Council likely to continue as homes' owner
THE ownership of 35,000 council homes is likely to remain with a city council. A report before next week's Newcastle City Council cabinet meeting recommends further investigation into two options which both involve the authority retaining ownership. During
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Defeat for owner of arson-hit building
A FARMHOUSE set on fire by vandals in 1997 looks likely to remain a burnt out shell after its owner lost his battle to complain against the planning authority. Edward Barker sought to bring a complaint against Hambleton District Council after it refused
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Fond tribute paid to brave medal winner
FOR Sergeant Mandy Hart, a visit to her regiment's museum is always something to look forward to. As well as showing cadets more about the Green Howards' traditions, she can show them the Victoria Cross won by her grandfather. Sgt Hart, 35, helps run
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News in brief: Chaos as lorry overturns
MOTORISTS faced traffic chaos last night after a scrap lorry overturned. The driver of the tipper lorry, William George Dawson, of Spennymoor, was cut free from the vehicle after the accident on the A61 Harrogate to Ripon road, in North Yorkshire, at
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Newcastle United offer online betting
WITH World Cup interest at its height, a football club has just launched an online betting service on its official website. As England prepare to take on Denmark on Saturday, Newcastle United is tempting Magpie fans to bet on the game with a special introductory
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Takeaway opposition
PARISH councillors in Saltburn are supporting residents' opposition to plans for a hot-food takeaway. They agreed that it may cause extra noise and smells and recommended to Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council rejected the application for 23 Milton Street
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Hear All Sides: COUNCIL SERVICES
DURHAM county councillors have voted themselves a new computer, chair and desk with all Internet bills taken care of. No mention has been made of what happens to this equipment when these councillors are inevitably voted off the council. We all thought
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River monster that will ease congestion on region's roads
IT IS a motorist's nightmare - stuck behind a huge load that trundles along at about five miles an hour. But a £9m project could make such highway misery a thing of the past - or at least make it less frequent in the North-East. Vast pieces of machinery
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Tired doctors putting lives at risk
TIRED doctors are putting lives at risk on the roads at the end of draining 30-hour shifts. Junior doctors also claim that over-tired doctors are unfit to treat patients and fear that without proper breaks, mistakes will put patient's lives at risk. Doctors
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Insurance jobs on way to N-E despite closures
INSURANCE company Norwich Union is to close 11 claims centres with the loss of 750 jobs. However, about 425 jobs will be created elsewhere with the expansion of a further 11 centres, including one on Tyneside. The moves are part of a restructuring due
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Police to protect vital bus service
POLICE officers are to travel aboard buses to protect a vital service targeted by vandals. Last month, Compass Royston said it had no other option but to withdraw the evening 505/555 service after a series of incidents left drivers feeling threatened
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Bakery closed after cockroach found
A LONG-ESTABLISHED family bakery has closed down with the loss of 25 jobs following a cockroach infestation at its premises. Environmental health officers took out a court order against James Stephenson bakery in Blackhall, east Durham, this week, but
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Seats for park
TWO new seats have been dedicated in a Darlington park to commemorate the Queen's Golden Jubilee. The money to buy the seats was raised by the Friends of Stanhope Park through membership subscriptions, sales of Christmas cards and events such as a Christmas
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NHS merger raises fears
PEOPLE from outlying areas could face long journeys to hospital under a proposed health shake-up. Councillors are worried about the impact that plans to merge County Durham's North and South NHS trusts will have on people without cars. The hospitals -
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Girls stride out to help little Rebecca
JOGGERS are going the extra mile to raise money for a girl in need of a new wheelchair. Parents Kerry Deery and Christine Scott will be embarking on a 12-mile run to help Greenland Community Infant School, in South Moor, Stanley, in its bid to raise money
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Up with larks to cheer the boys on
THOUSANDS of people across the region were up and running before breakfast to cheer England to a place in the World Cup's knockout stages. Schoolchildren turned up early to watch the match in classrooms with their friends while workers had permission
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They're really losing it now
WELL, I blame their father. I usually do. Many years ago, when we were young and in love, I knitted him a twelve foot long reversible Arsenal scarf. I don't know who was dafter - me for knitting it or him for wearing it. It was red and white on one side
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Borough plans to test postal voting
SEDGEFIELD is considering adopting a full postal vote for borough and parish council elections next year. The borough council is looking at ways to increase turnout at local elections, which has been extremely low in recent years. Postal voting has proved
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Village pilots fire campaign
FIRE chiefs have launched a major safety campaign designed to cut down on one of the major causes of blazes in North Yorkshire. Chimney fires accounted for almost ten per cent of the call-outs in the county last year - and firefighters spent an astonishing
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Mobile skate park backed
THE first mobile skateboard park in the country is set to tour the Sedgefield area later this summer. The idea, based on a scheme in Canada, is set to visit each town in the borough on at least one day a week over the summer. The £52,000 project has been
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It's business as usual for priests' training college
TRAINEES will continue to be prepared for the priesthood at a long-standing North-East seminary - at least for the next two years. Governors of Ushaw College, near Durham, have announced that they will "take all steps necessary" to ensure business remains
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Vandals may force bowls club to close
A BOWLS club dating back more than 60 years is facing closure due to the constant abuse of its green, according to its secretary. Last year, members of the Brandon Bowls Club were forced to play most of their home matches elsewhere due to their green,
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You write: Council greed nauseates
SIR - I find this Labour-run county council and their greed for themselves absolutely abhorrent - especially in the case of the computers. I presume this is why the council tax has risen 14.8 per cent this year, which is way above inflation and also the
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Hollywood legend sponsors landlord
A YORK landlord was shocked on opening his post to find a cheque from Hollywood acting legend Paul Newman. The movie star donated $1,500 (£1,027) to Jim Hardie, landlord of the Blue Bell in York. The 42 year-old plans to cycle 240 miles from London to
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Negative reaction belies positive result
From the sublime to the ridiculous. Have you ever known such a brainless reaction to a football match? It's in the nature of England fans, of course, to lurch from the delirious to the depressed with no middle ground. But why, less than a week after there
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Tribute paid to former Newcastle student
TRIBUTES have been paid to a former North-East student who is believed to be the first female pilot or observer to die while serving with the Royal Navy. Lieutenant Jenny Lewis, 25, who studied at Newcastle University, was acting observer to pilot Lieutenant
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You write: Council greed nauseates
SIR - I find this Labour-run county council and their greed for themselves absolutely abhorrent - especially in the case of the computers. I presume this is why the council tax has risen 14.8 per cent this year, which is way above inflation and also the
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More student homes in the pipeline
DURHAM University and a housing association have joined forces to provide extra student accommodation in a £2.5m scheme. The university and the Three Rivers Housing Group have started talks aimed at accommodating about 80 more students in and around the
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Girlfriend's plea to region as Jonny faces early exit
THE girlfriend of Big Brother contestant Jonny Regan has called for people in the North-East to rally round and not vote for her boyfriend to be evicted from the house. The 29-year-old firefighter from Trimdon, in County Durham, has been nominated for
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You write: Council greed nauseates
SIR - I find this Labour-run county council and their greed for themselves absolutely abhorrent - especially in the case of the computers. I presume this is why the council tax has risen 14.8 per cent this year, which is way above inflation and also the
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Fears aired over effect of NHS merger
PEOPLE from outlying areas could face long journeys to hospital under a proposed health shake-up. Councillors are worried about the impact that plans for County Durham's hospitals will have on people without cars. Health managers are considering merging
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Report reveals near-miss at Teesside Airport
A passenger plane bound for Teesside Airport had to take evasive action to prevent a mid-air collision with a military aircraft, a report revealed today. The pilot of the KLM UK Fokker 50, carrying 37 passengers, had to dive and then climb to avoid a
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England must beware Tyneside 'flop' Tomasson's goal threat
A shiver still goes down the spine of Newcastle fans when they hear three little words. No, not "12-point lead" - instead, the mention of Jon Dahl Tomasson's year at Newcastle revives miserable memories of anaemic displays and unfulfilled talent. Four
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Equine event's royal guest of honour
THE Princess Royal was the guest of honour at an equine event yesterday. Princess Anne met winners of a children's art competition, presented prizes and watched displays at the British Horse Society's (BHS) Voice of the Horse event, at Houghall College
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Rogue traders to be targeted
THERE is to be no let up against rogue retailers who sell potentially harmful products to children. Enforcement action in Middlesbrough has so far resulted in fines and court costs of up to £4,000. The problem of shops selling alcohol, solvents, fireworks
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Public to have say on traffic plans
THREE options have emerged from debate on the future of traffic management in Richmond - but none will be implemented until the public have had a chance to comment. North Yorkshire County Council has spent much of the year so far considering possible
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Einstein proves it - he is no sucker
AN octopus has stunned his handlers by learning to unscrew jars to get at the food inside. Workers at the Blue Reef Aquarium in Tynemouth, Tyneside have nicknamed the ingenious creature Einstein, who they say has shown signs of intelligence since he was
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Sailor remembered on anniversary of Falklands War
A TOWN will remember one of its sons as it marks the 20th anniversary of the end of the Falklands War. John Caddy from Dormanstown, Redcar, was acting chief weapons engineer artificer on board the British destroyer HMS Coventry serving with the South
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Hamilton horror show has Tykes reeling
Gavin Hamilton went through a recurring nightmare at Headingley yesterday as Yorkshire had another shocker on the opening day of their Frizzell Championship match against Sussex. Poor bowling allowed Sussex to recover from 70 for four to 375 for six by
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School receives timely accolade
A SCHOOL has marked its 90th anniversary in style by winning a coveted award. Hetton Lyons Primary School, in Hetton-le-Hole, has received the Schools Curriculum Award for the quality of its relationship with the community. To mark the achievement, two
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Dog walk aids church
A CEREBRAL palsy sufferer who took his dogs for a 40-mile fundraising walk has raised £3,275 for his church. Ian Kirkbride, of Middleton St George, near Darlington, was sponsored by fellow villagers and local businesses, friends and family, for his effort
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Top officer in hunt for missing prostitute
A POLICE force's most senior investigating officer has been appointed to head an inquiry into the disappearance of a prostitute from a red light district. An incident room has been opened at Middlesbrough police station and Detective Superintendent Tony
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Football star in court over coma crash
A FORMER Middlesbrough soccer star has escaped a driving ban after leaving a young mother in a coma following a 75mph collision. Caroline Robinson, 28, suffered brain damage when former Middlesbrough striker Paul Wilkinson's car ploughed into her friend's
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Business park is booming on jobs front
A BUSINESS park for high-tech firms on Teesside employs more people than in its heyday as the site of engineering company Head Wrightson. Latest research for Stockton Borough Council and the Teesdale Business Association has revealed that the Teesdale
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Council defends plan to shut care homes
A LOCAL authority which plans to close 17 of its 25 residential care homes has defended its decision. Durham County Council has been criticised by angry relatives over its proposals. Families of elderly people living in Stoneleigh residential home, in
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Council defends plan to shut care homes
A LOCAL authority which plans to close 17 of its 25 residential care homes has defended its decision. Durham County Council has been criticised by angry relatives over its proposals. Families of elderly people living in Stoneleigh residential home, in
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News in brief:Roman statue under hammer
A ROMAN statue, which forms the centrepiece of one of England's most important ancient sculpture collections, is expected to fetch up to £3m at auction today. The Jenkins Venus, which was an original part of the Barberini collection, is being sold to
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Cabbie's eye damaged in rock attack
A TAXI driver lost part of his sight after being showered with glass when a rock was thrown through the window of his vehicle. Thugs hurled the rock from a footbridge as Ivan Denton's Peugeot 406 travelled along the A6072 South Church bypass, near Bishop
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Cathedral agrees to stage degree ceremonies
A DECISION to hold degree ceremonies in one of the region's most historic buildings for the first time this year has been welcomed as "an historic step". Durham Cathedral will stage 12 ceremonies for nearly 3,000 Durham University graduates over three
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News in brief: Hopes high for show
PREPARATIONS for the Malton Agricultural Show are well under way. The show takes place on June 27, at Scampston Park, Rillington, near Malton. Show secretary Jenny Bird said she was looking forward to a successful show, despite the lack of a traditional
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Entries sought for award
A NORTH Yorkshire branch of an international organisation has announced a hunt for young people who have made a selfless contribution to their community or put their own lives aside to help those less fortunate than themselves. The Soroptimist movement
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Workshops scheme supported
SIX new workshops have been given the go-ahead in Reeth, which national park chiefs hope will reinforce the community's reputation as a centre for rural crafts. Almost 30 people signed a petition objecting to the proposals submitted by Richmondshire District
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Extension of quarry wins OK
VILLAGERS have lost their fight to prevent an extension to a quarry. Ripon City Quarry has been granted permission to extend its site next to the city's racecourse in Boroughbridge Road. The application will allow the quarrying of an extra 850,000 tonnes
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Crisis over as parish council is replaced
A PARISH council which sparked an unlikely political crisis when members resigned en masse has been replaced without an election. The parish of Arkendale, Coneythorpe and Clareton, near Boroughbridge in North Yorkshire, made national headlines when its
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Celebration of learning and skills at hotel
A MIDDLESBROUGH hotel held a celebration of learning in the Tees Valley last night. The Learning and Skills Council staged the event in the Marton Hotel and Country Club, in Stokesley Road. As well as celebrating education in the Tees Valley, the event
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Competition winners well on the way to the garden of their dreams
WORK is under way to transform a garden as part of a competition run by The Northern Echo. Keen gardeners Gerry Cox and his wife Marjorie, who had already spent hours cultivating their garden in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, won The Northern Echo
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Centre's access for disabled
ACCESS for people with disabilities has been improved at a leisure centre. A stairlift has been installed at the Mill House Leisure Centre, Hartlepool, enabling people in wheelchairs to access the cafeteria and pool spectator area. Hartlepool Borough
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Site boosts culture bid
A WEBSITE has been launched as part of Newcastle and Gateshead's bid to be named a capital of culture. To launch the site, an electronic postcard of the Gateshead Millennium Bridge is being e-mailed to friends of the North-East throughout the world, enabling
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Recycling scheme will help children
IT'S in the bag - money for a charity and a new recycling scheme. At least that is the hope of an environment friendly council. A wastepaper recycling scheme has been launched in east Cleveland covering 30,000 homes in Redcar, Guisborough, Saltburn, Marske
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Cruelty charges 'lies', court told
A MAN accused of indecent offences against children and child cruelty yesterday told a jury that the allegations against him were a "load of nonsense". Geoffrey Dempsey, 59, of Moorcock Close, Eston, Middlesbrough, is on trial at Teesside Crown Court
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Lessons in valuing animals
CHILDREN and staff at a village primary school have been praised by the RSPCA for taking part in a national scheme. Escomb Primary School, in Escomb, near Bishop Auckland, will take part in the charity's Education Week next week, as part of its continuing
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Last night's TV: The Law (ITV)
LIKE ITV's recent The Jury and BBC2's current Murder series, The Law attempts to spin a fresh take on the all-too-familiar police series. So, we not only get a maverick cop and his young sidekick, the basis for many a cop show, but also go behind-the-scenes
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Friendly woodman gathers top title from real ale drinkers
A PUB that promotes traditional beer has earned a top title. Durham's Woodman Inn has become a haven for traditionally-brewed beers and has attracted local members of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra). Run by Peter and Mary Collins, the Gilesgate pub
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Planning schemes to be debated
WEAR Valley District Council's development control committee will meet today, at 6pm. The following items are to be discussed at the meeting: * Councillors are expected to approve outline plans for a residential development at land south of Park Terrace
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Dog that was left behind at the shops
RSPCA inspectors have appealed for the owner of a collie-cross dog to collect the pet after it was found waiting patiently outside a supermarket. Kind shoppers took the loveable dog home with them after it spent five hours tied to railings outside Morrisons
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Ten years of volunteering recognised
A STUDENT group is celebrating ten years of volunteering in the community. Durham University's Student Community Action (SCA) group aims to encourage university members to help with a range of projects within the community. With more than 700 volunteers
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Golden jubilee honour for North-East sailor
A YOUNG sailor from the North-East was given the honour of taking part in the Queen's golden jubilee parade in London. Christopher Parker, 18, from Newton Aycliffe, was selected to join other Royal Naval personnel in providing the guard of honour for
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Heather's dad tells of agony
THE father of Heather Mills hid a secret agony from her as she prepared for her wedding to Sir Paul McCartney. Mark Mills, 61, was rushed to hospital after suffering a stroke but refused to tell his daughter because he did not want to blight her big day
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The World Cup Bit on the side: ENGLAND WATCH
We all knew England only needed to draw with Nigeria, didn't we? Well, everyone seemed to - apart from Garth Crooks. As the nation celebrated at the final whistle, safe in the knowledge that England were through no matter what the result of the Argentina
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Pupils revive old custom
SCHOOL pupils from Chester-le-Street helped to revive an old Methodist custom at Beamish Museum. Youngsters from Red Rose Primary School took part in the annual Sunday school anniversary in the museum's Wesleyan Methodist Chapel. The anniversary was one
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'Apart from the heartbreak, it's the best job in the world'
We may be a nation of animal lovers, but the North-East has a poor record of animal cruelty. Julia Breen joins two RSPCA inspectors for the day to watch their work first-hand ALMOST 30 pairs of green eyes are fixed on me, watching my every move. The stench
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Why we don't want to be goddesses any more
Women are sick of superwoman role models, according to a new survey. Women's Editor Christen Pears reports PICTURE the scene. Self-styled Domestic Goddess Nigella Lawson is cooking up a culinary masterpiece in her kitchen. She breaks off to read a bedtime
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Rescue team looks for help
A CASH-STRAPPED search and rescue team has launched a fundraising drive to buy a new Land-Rover. Last year's foot-and-mouth outbreak reduced the number of visitors to the countryside and led to the cancellation of a number of fundraising events for the
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Truant boy's dad 'risks jail'
A SINGLE father has been warned he could be jailed if he continues to keep his 13-year-old son from school. Consett magistrates gave the caution as they fined the 48-year-old father £50 for his second offence of failing to ensure his son attended a County
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The show goes on...
THEATRE-GOERS have been reassured that it's business as usual at the Gala for the foreseeable future. A spokeswoman said that all advertised shows, including next week's Woman in Black, would go ahead and that the theatre was already planning future performances
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Priest college wins two years' grace
TRAINEES will continue to be prepared for the priesthood at Ushaw College for at least two years. Governors of the seminary, near Durham, say they will 'take all steps necessary' to ensure business remains as usual until September 2004 at the earliest
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Hatch bounces back to open up Worcestershire
THE bigger they come the harder they fall, but 6ft 8in Nicky Hatch bounced back with impressive resilience for Durham yesterday. After his mauling in the National League farce at Edgbaston last week, 23-year-old Hatch produced his best spell for the county
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Moves to stem big postal losses
POSTAL group Consignia has reported a pre-tax loss of £1.1bn for the last financial year. The group, which employs 2,500 staff at its offices in Darlington, Durham and Teesside, has already put in place a three-year renewal plan to stem the losses and
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Priest college wins two years' grace
TRAINEES will continue to be prepared for the priesthood at Ushaw College for at least two years. Governors of the seminary, near Durham, say they will 'take all steps necessary' to ensure business remains as usual until September 2004 at the earliest
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Parents act over school bus seat belts
PARENTS are threatening to keep their children away from school if seatbelts are not provided on their bus. A new contractor was brought in for the first day back at school this week to cover the bus route from Aycliffe Village to Woodham Comprehensive
