Archive
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Journey from anorexic to athlete took in four corners of world
AFTER spending much of her young life in hospital, with tubes up her nose, or on psychiatrists' couches, Suzy Degazon now leads a much more exciting life-to the full. She lives in a Puerto Rico, and competes in the toughest of sports, the ironman triathlon
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TUC calls for extra funding to tackle pockets of poverty
THE TUC has called on the Government to provide more funding to urgently tackle what it calls "pockets of poverty" in the North-East. A report out next month highlights areas of high unemployment in the region said to be among the worst in the country
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First season success at the Royal for Pippa
PIPPA Allen was delighted to win the 128cm championship at the Royal Highland Show, Ingliston, Edinburgh at the weekend. Pippa, who is the daughter of Paula and Peter Allen, proprietors of Stainsby Grange Equestrian Centre, Thornaby, is in her first season
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Tennis: Borough' look to the future
Slazenger Harrogate and District League Newly-promoted Boroughbridge are looking ahead to a brighter season following some new signings. Their First Division side has been boosted by the arrival of Graeme Campbell and Ian Grasby who have followed John
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Spennymoor League
Spennymoor Penny Gill made a good home win over Spennymoor Hillingdon, who occupy a better position in the league table. The home side took four of the first five points with singles wins from J. Diaz, S. Brown, R. Appleby and K. Ball with P. Fox taking
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A policeman's lot - lessons in survival
Whilst it may not truthfully be said that it was the first time we'd seen a ball bowled all season - rather, the first time we'd attended a cricket match - the column pitched up myopically on Wednesday at the second teams cup game between Willington and
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Promotion confirmed
PLAYERS at Ripon Ladies WRUFC celebrated this week after learning the club's promotion to the premiere league had been confirmed. The club trounced all opposition in North National Division One last season to finish clear winners. But a proposed shake-up
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Flat track bully preys on depleted Durham yet again
DURHAM picked up two bonus points yesterday, which was probably slightly flattering in view of the fact that Graeme Hick scored 315 not out as Worcestershire built a first innings lead of 523. Amazing though it may seem, Durham actually bowled well with
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Games: CIU League
Despite hitting two maximums for Crowtrees, Gary Galloway failed to see his darts team score a point on their visit to Ferryhill. The home side replied with maximums from Kenny Nicholson and Phil Nixon. Cockton Hill moved two points clear in the darts
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Appeal for longer sentence
The brother of a man killed as part of a sick "game" is to make a radio appeal for the killer's sentence to be lengthened. Father-of-two Paul Simpson died last year after being punched in the face - causing him to fall backwards and hit his head on the
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Prices at the markets
BARNARD CASTLE. - Tues. Fwd: 83 cattle. Rearing calves: Lim bulls to £235 T Denham. Breeding cattle. - AA cows & calves: £770, £620 T Littlefair & Son; £650, £620 JW Wall & Son; £570, £555 R Hutchinson & Sons. Lim cow & calf: £540
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Green, but not pleasant: that could be our town
A WARNING has been given that Northallerton could have a "grass only" culture if vandals continue to attack children's play areas, trees, seats and tables used by the public. Coun Jack Dobson, the mayor, was speaking after what he called "atrocious vandalism
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Quoits: Zetland League
League positions at halfway. Division A: Barnard Castle CC 39 points; Staindrop A 30; Barnard Castle QC 27; Buck Hotel 24; Croft 22; Hunton 16; Smallways 10. Division B: Richmod CC QS 29; Aldbro' St John 28; Boldron A 24; Barningham 24; Staindrop B 22
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Bend it like Shantha
DESKS were out, dance was in at Broomfield Primary School in Northallerton this week. Pupils were thrilled to join in routines led by Shantha Rao from the Annapurma Indian Dance Company. The haunting music and movement even had staff wanting to join in
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Maccarone aims to embarrass Italians
ITALIAN Massimo Maccarone has insisted he will be aiming to prove a point as he aims to fire Middlesbrough to glory next season. Maccarone, understood to have already signed a five-year deal with the Riverside outfit, admitted that a move to England was
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Stop-go madness
THIS week's announcement about the upgrading of the A1 in North Yorkshire to three-lane motorway standard is overdue - by about six years. It was a previous Tory Government which pulled the plug on the upgrading in 1996 - having put it into the roads
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Wear Valley Schools Commonwealth Games
HUNDREDS of North-East youngsters were united in the true spirit of grassroots sport yesterday. They showed their paces in the Wear Valley Schools Commonwealth Games Festival of Sport at Maiden Castle in Durham. The colourful event was organised as part
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Time for a fresh look at Beamish Run
CHANGES are to be made to next year's Beamish Run to reduce the amount of time spent behind the wheel. Organiser George Jolley is to streamline the 150-mile route which winds its way through some of County Durham and North Yorkshire's toughest terrain
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New social services chief named
MARGARET Asquith has been appointed as director of social services for Darlington Borough Council. With more than 20 years experience in social services, Mrs Asquith worked in Blackpool and Lancashire before joining Newcastle City Council in 1999 as head
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Theatre group wins building society backing
A THEATRE group which specialises in performing open-air plays has gained the support of Darlington Building Society. The award-winning Castle Players, from Barnard Castle, stage summer events at Bowes Museum, in the town. This year the group will perform
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Friendly pair of canines in need of a new home
TWO German shepherd dogs are in need of a new home. Rusty and Sheba are being cared for at kennels on behalf of the RSPCA after their elderly owner became too ill to care for them. Sheba, the livelier of the two, is believed to be about four. Rusty, aged
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Corus rethink saves 350 jobs
HUNDREDS of North-East steel jobs have been saved following a dramatic turnaround by Corus. Steel bosses have decided against awarding rail work to an outside contractor, following hard lobbying by unions. A decision by Corus to keep the work in-house
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Nightclub boss on drug charge
A NIGHTCLUB boss has been charged with possessing cocaine and CS spray following a police raid on his home. Officers swooped on the home of Keith Gibbon, 59, of Montagu Avenue, Gosforth, Newcastle, in March. The businessman, who is a partner in Lazi Leisure
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Retiring dean honoured
THE outgoing dean of Durham Cathedral was among those receiving honorary degrees there yesterday. After 13 years in the post, the Very Reverend John Arnold will take his last service in the cathedral in September, retiring to Canterbury, where he will
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Retiring dean honoured
THE outgoing dean of Durham Cathedral was among those receiving honorary degrees there yesterday. After 13 years in the post, the Very Reverend John Arnold will take his last service in the cathedral in September, retiring to Canterbury, where he will
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Diamond celebration
A ROMANCE that blossomed during the black-out in the Second World War has led to 60 years of married bliss for a couple who are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary. Jack and Edna Rudd, who live in the Aged Miners Homes, High Jobs Hill, Crook
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Mother gave drug user cash for habit
A DRUG abuser was given up to £800 a week by her mother to feed her addiction, a court was told. Hazel Hill said she gave increasingly large sums to daughter Melanie Storey from insurance settlements she received after flooding and a fire at her home
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Scandal of dying patient's ordeal
A NORTH-EAST family's anger at the "appalling" treatment of their terminally-ill father has been backed by the Health Service Ombudsman. Two unnamed daughters complained to the Ombudsman after their father, who was dying from lung cancer, was deprived
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Historical archives opened up
A £90,000 National Lottery grant will ensure the public gets full access to electronic archives on the history of the Yorkshire Dales. The cash from the Heritage Lottery Fund is to be invested in the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority's Out of Oblivion
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Bradley honoured at awards night
Bradley Saunders of Spennymoor Boxing Academy won a special award at the club's presentation evening after fighting his way to a fifth national title. Gary Reay was also honoured after winning a national title. Other awards went to Robbie Davison (best
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Tractor staff in strike ballot
Workers at a tractor factory yesterday agreed to ballot for industrial action over the decision to shut the plant with the loss of 900 jobs. US firm Agco announced on Tuesday that the former Massey Ferguson site, in Coventry, would close in June next
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Hear All Sides: SEX SHOP
I AGREE with your correspondent Richard Davison (HAS, June 24). What a disgrace it was that the council's licensing committee should see fit to grant a third sex shop licence in Darlington. Sadly, as the law stands, the committee is not obliged to take
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MP backs plan to help haemophiliacs
A NORTH-EAST MP has endorsed a plan to compensate haemophiliacs who contracted hepatitis C from NHS blood products. Bill Etherington, the MP for Sunderland North, is supporting the plan by the Haemophilia Society, which would provide financial assistance
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Letters: Right to know
Sir, - I read with interest the report regarding the purchase of Leyburn's Thornborough Hall "Queries cost town £3,000" (D&S, June 21) and the fact that some residents have complained to the District Auditor. I had to go through the same procedure
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Children get taste of centenary
SCHOOL meals staff in Hartlepool put their culinary skills to the test to bring a week of centenary celebrations to a tasty conclusion. They helped staff and pupils to celebrate Jesmond Road Primary School's 100th birthday by making a giant cake. Sixteen
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High Street opinions
RESIDENTS of an east Cleveland village are being asked for their views on pedestrian facilities. Officers from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's development department will be at Brotton Library next Thursday, from 2pm to 7pm, to listen to what people
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North East Conference
Durham Tigers made it three wins in a row and recorded their first over inter-divisional victory when they beat Northern Division side Derby City 48.4 at Framwellgate Moor. Durham Tigers hunt for a play-off place continues following a comprehensive Round
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N-E parliament wins a welcome
THE North-East is broadly in favour of a regional assembly but most people have only the "haziest idea" of what it might do, according to new research. The research, which will be discussed at a meeting in Darlington today, concludes that because of the
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Institution hosts RAFA day
A YOUNG offenders' institution has joined forces with the Royal Air Forces Association to hold an aviation day. Deerbolt Young Offenders' Institution, near Barnard Castle, will hold the event in the institution's memorial garden next Wednesday. The event
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Loving pair of canines in need of a new home
TWO German shepherd dogs are in need of a new home. Rusty and Sheba are being cared for at kennels on behalf of the RSPCA after their elderly owner became too ill to care for them. Sheba, the livelier of the two, is believed to be about four. Rusty, aged
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School switch talks confirmed
COUNCIL officers have confirmed their intention to fully consult residents on plans to relocate a school for children with educational and behavioural difficulties. Chilton West Residents' Association members said at a recent meeting they were appalled
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End funding in run-down areas - report
THE Government should pull the plug on regeneration schemes in no-hope run-down communities, a report says. The Royal Chartered Institute of Surveyors says the money would be better spent on areas that have better prospects of pulling themselves out of
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News in brief: Bridge work gets under way
A £60,000 contract to strengthen a County Durham bridge at the boundary with Stockton started this week. The work on Stillington Bridge, on the C92, involves replacing the reinforced concrete deck slab and is expected to take ten weeks. A temporary road
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Scientific approach to attract job seekers
BOSSES on Teesside hope there will be instant chemistry when they meet hundreds of potential job seekers. More than 700 secondary school pupils have been invited to attend a summer school hosted by the University of Teesside in Middlesbrough, geared to
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Glowing praise is heaped on school
A COMPREHENSIVE school has received a glowing report following an Ofsted inspection. Shotton Hall School, in Peterlee, has been described by inspectors as "an improving school which is well thought of by the local community". Both teaching and learning
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Plans for food takeaway shop rejected
PLANS to create a hot-food takeaway in Saltburn have been rejected because it would affect neighbouring homes. Planning officers had already recommended refusal of the application to turn a shop, in Milton Street, into a takeaway with caf. Members of
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Ray Mallon: the second coming
Ray Mallon, once "Robocop" and now the first directly-elected mayor of Middlesbrough, is re-joining The Northern Echo. In his first despatch, he outlines his plans to rebuild the town now under his control. A FEW eventful weeks have passed since I last
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Heartbreak mother's plea over missing son
THE mother of a young man who disappeared after going to a nightclub with friends has made an emotional appeal for him to get in touch. Christopher Shaw was last seen in Stockton High Street at 2am, on Sunday, waiting for a taxi. He had been in the Zanzibar
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Roads revamp views sought
THE public will be given a say over options for a revamp of roads through Hawes. The parish council and the business community have already given their views - coming down against the closure of Main Street and the re-introduction of two-way traffic from
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Stepping in
Post office facilities will be available again in the Borrowby area later in the year. The Wheatsheaf Inn is the latest pub to diversify to help the community, after the village's sub-post office closed suddenly some months ago. A Post Office spokesman
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Grassroots: Derwentside
SONG AND DANCE: Beamish Museum will host a festival of traditional music, song and dance, sponsored by the North-Eastern and Cumbrian Co-ops, on Sunday. LAUGHTER NIGHT: Stanley Civic Hall is staging a comedy night with Alvin Springstein at 8.30pm on Friday
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Volunteers sought for charity shop
A CAMPAIGN to attract more volunteers to help at Thirsk's British Heart Foundation charity shop has been launched by the Mayor, Andrew Robinson. Volunteer coordinator Susan Brown said that although the foundation had 430 shops nationwide with 6,000 volunteers
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Government calls in homes scheme
A DECISION on plans to build homes on a scrapyard at Harmby, near Leyburn, will be decided by the Secretary of State. The application by Merewood Homes was called in by the Government after Richmondshire District Council said it was minded to approve
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Contractor acts over building site safety
A BUILDING contractor is working with police to keep children safe near one of his sites - thanks to The Northern Echo. John Richardson, who runs a firm in Darlington, is joining forces with Richmond police to dissuade children from playing on building
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News in brief: New chairman takes charge
A new chairman has been appointed by Chester-le-Street District Council. Councillor Bill Laverick, who has represented the Pelton ward since March 1997, takes over from Councillor Jim Tinnion. The charities he will be supporting include the Durham Area
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Johnston forgets script in Royal Ascot triumph
WHO DIDN'T read the script, then? Didn't Mark Johnston know that the Irish, in particular a certain Aidan O'Brien, were supposed to sweep the board at Royal Ascot? Instead, the Middleham trainer topped the score by landing four Royal winners including
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Woman jailed after causing terror on plane
A drunken woman passenger who spread "fear" and "terror" on board a packed holiday jet in the wake of September 11 has been jailed for four months. Charlotte Davies, 31, Knocked back a bottle of rum before going beserk on the JMC flight to Tenerife. She
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Venue vaulted but not vaunted
HUTCHINSON-Scott had a nice little auction in Northallerton. I say "little" because, although there were 400 mostly valuable lots, the venue, the town hall, though vaulted, isn't large enough for a tonnage of furniture. Just to check out the hall, I looked
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Fears of clearance of old terrace homes quashed
FEARS of a massive clearance of houses in the North Road section of Darlington were quashed this week. Streets of terrace private housing dating from the nineteenth century have been identified as a priority for regeneration in the council's housing strategy
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Whitehall orders emissions clean-up
THE Government has ordered a sewage works emissions clean-up in three areas of the North-East. The areas are among 33 stretches of river and coastal areas in England newly-identified by the Government as being highly polluted by effluent. Northumbrian
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Spanish doctors arrive in region
The first of a new wave of Spanish GPs arrive in the region on Monday as part of an NHS recruitment drive. The influx of foreign GPs follows a high-level agreement between the British and Spanish Governments to boost the NHS medical workforce. It follows
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Sticking the boot in on sporting scapegoats
THE final whistle hadn't been blown half an hour before the male voice further back in the post office queue said venomously: "I hope that Seaman gets ulcers. I hope he gets double ulcers." The female voice offering the heretical comment that "it's only
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Champions Newhouse bounce back and move third
Tow Law Bass League The reigning champions, Newhouse Club recovered from a poor start to the season and were able to move up to third place in the table after they only dropped one point to the visiting Tow Law Station. George Hope took the only singles
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Heading for the Horse of the Year Show
A TEENAGER from the Barnard Castle area has qualified for the Horse of the Year Show with the horse she originally bought for Pony Club activities. Jill Waiton, aged 15, of Hutton Magna, and her 11-year-old Welsh Section D pony, Dyffrynceiriog Tywysog
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'Growing evidence' of autism link to jab
THE controversy over the safety of the MMR jab was reignited last night when a North-East researcher claimed he had found evidence of a link with autism. Autism may have been triggered by the triple vaccine in as many as one-in-ten sufferers, according
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Foot-and-mouth farmer banned
The farmer believed to be at the centre of last year's foot-and-mouth outbreak was today banned by a court from keeping farm animals for 15 years. Bobby Waugh, 56, was also ordered to be electronically tagged for three months and keep an overnight curfew
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Mutual help group grows to 300 members in three years
A THRIVING smallholders' society is doing its best to promote local produce. The 300-plus members of the North Yorkshire Smallholders' Society are keen to supply a wide range of products to local pubs, hotels, restaurants and the general public. Among
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Stafford Place pair share wickets at Scruton
Langbaurgh League Stafford Place enjoyed an eight wickets victory when they visited Scruton, who they dismissed in 39 overs for just 94 runs. Opener Steve Greensit top score with 23 recording three boundaries for Scruton, but most of the time the Stafford
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Court hears how farmer shot dogs
The former wife of racehorse owner David Cecil watched in horror as her dog was shot dead at her doorstep by a farmer who claimed it had attacked his sheep, a court heard. Venessa Cecil said she was left numb with shock when Raymond Flintoft blasted her
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Grain prices
Thursday's prices Kenneth Wilson, Thorpe Arch. - Wheat: July £61; Aug £62; Sept £58. Barley: July £53; Aug £54; Sept £55. Oilseed rape: July £133; Aug £133; Sept £136. GrainCo, Tyne Dock. - Wheat: July £63; Aug £55; Sept £57. Barley: July £54; Aug £54
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Coxhoe stars shine bright
Roseberry Group North East Durham League There were good performances from Robert Maddison and Philip Adsett when Coxhoe defeated Littletown by seven wickets in Division One. Maddison bowled 15 overs, four of them maidens and claimed six wickets for 32
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GIifted youngsters allow imaginations to flow by publishing book
A SPELL-BINDING book has been created by five children, who can now boast they have had their first novel published before even leaving primary school. The pupils, at Cestria Primary School, in Chester-le-Street, who have shown a gift for imaginative
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Scarborough Beckett League
Division A: Brompton 200 (D Woodward 79, P Gibson 51; P Bowes 4-26), *Foords 336-1 (P Bowes 154 no, S Gormley 107, A Bowe 39 no). *Cayton 217-9 (S Glew 65 (S Smith 73, I Dennis 30; M Jepson 3-44, D Russell 3-51), Whitby 158 (D Russell 44, P Housen 46;
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Dealer is jailed for four years
A NORTH-EAST drug dealer was caught after one of his customers died, a court heard yesterday. Michael Verrall was jailed for four-and-a-half years at Teesside Crown Court. The court heard that Verrall was arrested when a man died after taking a cocktail
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Falcon Motocross Club
Falcon Motocross Club fire off a round of the NETT Quad championship at Castleside on Sunday with a full supporting solo cast on the long broad acres of Long Edge Moto Parc where all the main four wheel exponents will perform in championship and support
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Letters: Criminal justice
Sir, - I have been working exclusively in the area of criminal law in the magistrates courts and police stations of the north of England for a year. I believe: (1) Most of the robberies are being committed by a very small number of muggers and robbers
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Scrap the council that is as popular as plague, says MP
AN MP last night called for the abolition of a council he dubbed "about as popular as a dose of the plague" at a packed public meeting. North Durham Labour MP Kevan Jones, who was referring to Derwentside District Council, told more than 200 people in
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Merger bid to create 999 'super services'
Plans emerged last night for a radical restructuring of the North's ambulance service, in the second major change in just three years. The three separate services which cover the Yorkshire and North-East regions now want to merge to create two new super-authorities
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Athletics: Quakers led in by Tatham
Quakers Four members travelled to Ripon on Wednesday, June 19 to compete in the annual Midsummer 10K. Alisdair Tatham was first Quaker home and third overall out of 216 runners in a time of 34:11, followed by Graham Park 19th, 38:59. Dawn Richardson was
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Barton's title push continues at Witton
Darlington and District League Barton maintained their challenge for the title of Division A with an emphatic ten wickets victory at home to lowly Witton-le-Wear. The visitors battled through 25.4 overs scoring 59 which included 21 by Pinfold. Ray Headon
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Last night's TV: Secret History: Magic At War (C4)
How magic and mystery helped win the war. Jasper Maskelyne came from a family of illusionists and inventors. One of them invented the coin-operated toilet door, the origin of the phrase "spending a penny". By the 1940s Jasper himself was Britain's most
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Table tennis: Wilson's season ends in style
Fifteen-year-old Claire Wilson brings the curtain down on a long season when she lines up for England Under 18s in the home international championships in Cardiff this weekend. The 2001/2002 season has been one of non stop success for Darlington, and
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Proud day for daughter as soldier's heroism is honoured
A MOVING ceremony to mark one of the most daring exploits of the Second World War was held yesterday on the anniversary of one man's bravery in the North African desert. Members of the Durham Light Infantry presented a framed replica of the Victoria Cross
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Court of Appeal turns down late call for public inquiry
CAMPAIGNERS have failed in last-ditch bid to win a public inquiry into the Richard Neale scandal. It means after a lengthy fight for justice the campaign group will have to rely on the findings of an internal NHS inquiry, rather than the full public inquiry
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Frater keeps up good form
Boddingtons Durham Coast League Under-18s Gary Frater was again in outstanding form for Boldon CA but despite scoring 68 he was unable to secure victory for his side in the home game with Peterlee. Boldon ended on 113-4 with Winter taking 2-20 in the
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Sunderland and District Table Tennis Association
Annual general meetings: At the recent A.G.M. of the association, all of the outgoing Officers' and the Executive Committee were elected for a further year. There were a number of changes agreed to our Constitution, the main and certainly the one that
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A little less conversation, a little more action please
TEENAGERS frustrated by a lack of facilities in Teesdale have called for more action and less talk from a group set up to obtain access to funds for the area. About 60 youngsters attended a meeting called by the Teesdale Market Towns Partnership at Witham
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Region's rail services condemned
The official rail passengers' watchdog for the North-East has condemned the quality of local rail services in the region. It told MPS that a lack of staff, trains and other facilities has made services unreliable and punctuality poor. The regional Rail
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County council accused of -gerrymandering'
PROPOSALS to merge town and country in the same electoral areas have come under fire from a Richmond councillor. Coun John Harris accused North Yorkshire County Council of "gerrymandering" in its attempts to redraw the boundaries between its electoral
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Burton's Bytes: Picture this... transform your photos instantly
THE old adage that the camera never lies is no longer true. To be honest, I'm not so sure it was ever true. Almost from the moment photography was invented nearly 200 years ago people have been looking for ways to improve the pictures they take. Before
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Smart stroll for front-runner Predator
NEWCASTLE'S Gosforth Park Cup is always a fiercely-competitive contest, but Smart Predator could turn the race into a procession if he steals a march on his rivals once the starting stalls fly open. Always happiest when allowed to bowl along in front,
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Nursery continues to blossom
THE owners of a Stokesley nursery have received a top trophy at a BBC gardening show. Flowers grown by Helen and Mark Bainbridge, of Fir Trees Pelargonium Nursery, were judged the best in the flower marquee at BBC Gardening World Live. The event was held
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Voting is close but park says -no' to fencing on Moors
CHAIRMAN of the North York Moors National Park Authority, Helen Schroeder, made a casting vote on Monday following a lengthy discussion on whether fencing should be allowed on the Moors. She put her vote behind members who did not wish to see fencing
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Picture this... transform your photos instantly
THE old adage that the camera never lies is no longer true. To be honest, I'm not so sure it was ever true. Almost from the moment photography was invented nearly 200 years ago people have been looking for ways to improve the pictures they take. Before
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A1 upgrade must go back to square one with plans
THE Highways Agency is having to start all over again with revived plans for a three-lane A1 motorway between Dishforth and Barton. Transport minister, John Spellar, this week unveiled Government plans for a £263m upgrade stretching from Bramham, in West
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Defender Bramble all set to join Newcastle in £5m deal
ENGLAND Under-21 defender Titus Bramble is poised to become the seventh centre-back on Newcastle United's books as Bobby Robson fashions a side for the future. Bramble, 21 next month, travelled to Tyneside yesterday to discuss personal terms and undergo
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Man's body pulled from River Tees
Police looking for a missing 18-year-old reveller have pulled a body out of the River Tees. A spokesman for Cleveland Police said: "We can confirm the body of a male has been recovered from the River Tees in Stockton this afternoon. It was spotted by
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Nightclub haunt of soldiers to close
A NIGHTCLUB, which has become legendary among soldiers serving at Catterick Garrison, is to close its doors for the last time next week. Invitations to a party next Saturday are being sent out around the area, but the evening will be Staxx's swansong.
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Bowls: Crook robbed by Gragshead
Durham and District League Crook Glenholme missed the chance of closing the gap on the First Division leaders when they only took points from two drawn rinks at home to Ever Ready/Craghead. The visitors won by 76 shots to 62. Rink scores (Glenholme names
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This cruel killer must be stopped
SOMEONE is poisoning the rare red kites which have been released into the wilds of Yorkshire from the grounds of Harewood House near Leeds over the past couple of years. A national programme to rear and re-introduce the red kite was started in 1989 with
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Busy A19 crossing may close in bid to cut accident toll
A CROSSING on the A19 near Hutton Rudby could be closed, following a recent fatal crash and other serious accidents over the years. The Black Swan crossing requires commuters and farmers to negotiate four lanes of high-speed traffic. Many say it is simply
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Tyneside and Dukeries class wins for local rally aces
DESPITE them contesting events nearly two hundred miles apart, the region's two 1400cc rallying stars Jonny Brownand Mark Constantine came away with a resounding class win apiece in their respective events last weekend. Great Broughton student Jonny Brown
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Allotment land use under review
THE possibility has been raised of allotment land in Yarm being turned over to recreation. At Tuesday's meeting of the town council, Coun Gwen Porter said a referendum would show up support for the idea. And chairman Coun Liz Marsden agreed such a move
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Running to represent his country
WITH just weeks to go, a Guisborough soldier is training hard to represent his country in the Commonwealth Games. L Cpl Kevin Sheppard is competing in the 1500m and steeplechase events at the 2002 Games in Manchester at the end of July. L Cpl Sheppard
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Bishop Auckland and District League
In the top match of the week Spennymoor Ashtree just failed by the odd point when they lost the deciding doubles to fellow title contenders, Crook Coach and Horses. The home side had two singles points from Tony Biddle and one each from Harry Baillie,
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Wool cheques should be at least as high as 2001
SHEEP farmers should find their wool cheques are on a par with, or slightly up, on last year. Although problems resulting from the foot-and-mouth crisis still dog the market, the 2002 wool price schedule indicates an average payment of 48p/kg, compared
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Darlington Gymnastic Club
The annual Championships were held on Saturday and Sunday at the Eastbourne Sports Complex and these highlighted the continuing success of the Club at every level. Awards and Presentations were made by the Mayor Councillor Doris Jones, who stressed the
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Richardson and Westgarth Sports and Social Club Pro-Am Invitation
Mike Dunn showed why he became the first player from the North-East to qualify for the Embassy World championships with a clinical display. He moved into the quarter-finals beating Steve Burnett 5-1 with breaks of 43, 47, 50, 54 and culminating in a 127
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Town's secret hiding place revealed
A SECRET hiding place which could have protected the takings from Richmond market nearly 300 years ago has been uncovered during maintenance work at the town hall. The wall safe, with a wooden door and distinctive butterfly hinges, was discovered when
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Look at winter oilseed rape as a managed crop
GROWERS have been urged to take a fresh look at winter oilseed rape this coming season. Yorkshire grower Clifford Spencer believes they should realise that it is no longer just a break crop and treat it as a managed crop. "Oilseed rape now has the profit
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Travellers face more railways misery
RAIL users will face fresh misery today because of a 24-hour strike by conductors. Arriva Trains Northern said 75 per cent of its network would be covered, despite the walkout by members of the Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union in a long-running
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Arts boost for school
A NEW performing arts classroom has been opened at a Darlington school. Actress Mary Tamm, who is appearing at Darlington Civic Theatre in Living Together, opened the room at Abbey Junior School. The classroom will be used for arts and information and
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Museum warehouse opens its doors for a glimpse of the past
GIANT machines from an age when mobile phones and computers were the stuff of fantasy have been put on display in a new £1.6m warehouse. Boats weighing 24 tonnes vie for space beside an array of historic cars, buses, trams and trains at the centre in
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Free diabetes screening at town carnival
PEOPLE in Darlington are being offered free diabetes screening tomorrow. Darlington Lions has arranged the screening, by volunteers from St John Ambulance. The session, which coincides with Darlington Community Carnival, will be held in a caravan in Stanhope
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Specialist bidders
AN auction to raise funds for Hurworth Comprehensive School's bid for specialist status takes place tonight. The parent teacher association has organised the auction of promises, with Look North's John Lawrence as auctioneer. Lots include a week in Tuscany
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National success for karate fighters
MEMBERS of a Darlington karate club have excelled in national championships. Ryan Dillon and Chris Wardell, of the Kyokutan Karate Club, competed in the English Karate Organisation national championships in Birmingham. Nine-year-old Ryan, who attends
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Dale's triple triumph
THE all-conquering girls of Sunnydale School in Shildon have lifted another trophy - their third in less than 12 months. They took on teams from neighbouring comprehensive schools in the Sunderland AFC in the Community South West Durham Cup competition
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TUC appoints new man in the North
THE TUC has appointed Kevin Rowan as its northern regional secretary. He joins the TUC from the GMB union's regional office where he was the education, research and legal officer. He worked in shipbuilding for ten years and over the past 20 years has
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Comment: End the MMR confusion
CONCERN over the MMR vaccine shows no sign of going away. It is clear that many of those parents persuaded to opt for the triple jab for their children are not fully convinced of its safety. They are swayed more by the balance of probability than by the
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Theatre group wins building society backing
A THEATRE group which specialises in performing open-air plays has gained the support of Darlington Building Society. The award-winning Castle Players, from Barnard Castle, stage summer events at Bowes Museum, in the town. This year the group will perform
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Pub anti-violence initiative success
EFFORTS by licensees in Newton Aycliffe to unite against violence in their premises have proved a resounding success. The formation of Newton Aycliffe Pub and Club Watch two years ago has resulted in a large fall in the number of reported incidents of
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Mallon's plea for investment
A MAYOR has called for more investment for a corner of the North-East. Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon told a meeting of more than 100 Teesside businessmen: "It is crucial to lever more investment into the Tees area." He said there were three strands to
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Store's Spa Water deal
A FIRM is hoping to tap new demand when its newly-launched spa water goes on sale across the country. Harrogate Spa Water is to get its first big test of consumer support when it goes on sale from this week in 61 Morrison's supermarkets. The brand, which
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Drink-drive lawyer given two-year ban
A barrister who failed a breath test while on a mercy mission to save his suicidal friend has been banned from driving for two years. Former policeman David Robinson-Young, 50, ferried Jane Cooper less than a mile from her home to hospital after a dinner
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Inquiry begins into man's mysterious death
AN investigation has begun into the death of a man whose body was discovered by two teenagers. Detectives are trying to discover the last movements of Dean Timms, 23, whose body was found shortly after 7pm last Saturday, a few streets away from his home
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Harker keen to do well in road run
KEEN athlete Adam Harker was the first to get his application in to run the Darlington 10k road run for charity. Adam, 16, of Newton Aycliffe, filled in the entry form in the Northern Echo two weeks ago - and his entry was the first to arrive at Darlington
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Graham's first ton after three decades
It's every batsman's dream to score a century, but when you're 46 years of age and you've waited 33 years it is especially satisfying. That's why Graham Dalton was wearing a big smile on Saturday after batting at number three for North Bitchburn against
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News in brief: Bridge work gets under way
A £60,000 contract to strengthen a County Durham bridge at the boundary with Stockton started this week. The work on Stillington Bridge, on the C92, involves replacing the reinforced concrete deck slab and is expected to take ten weeks. A temporary road
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Award-winning director warms to challenge
THE director of a project to help people out of the fuel poverty trap has received an award for her work in Stockton. Becky Brown collected the title of manager of the year in the awards run by the Institute of Gas Engineers and Managers and the Society
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Angling
The lower Tees just gets better and better. Dave Smiddy generated plenty of excitement when he raised the top bream haul to a sensational 44.6.0 during Saturday's opening round of the Yarm Individual Summer League, writes JEFF HERBERT. The Newman Scott
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Counsellor joins team
A COUNSELLOR dedicated to obstetric and gynaecology patients has joined the family health team at the University Hospital of North Tees. Sarah Cummings moved to the hospital in February and since then has supported more than 30 women and their partners
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Extra funding to be used for recycling
COUNCIL officials in Hartlepool are celebrating after being awarded more than £700,000 by the Government to improve recycling in the town. The money is to be used at the civic amenity site, in Burn Road; to introduce a new kerb-side waste collection service
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Youngsters given taste of school life to come
PRIMARY school youngsters have been given their first experience of "big" school by being shown what fun learning can be. More than 100 youngsters from the Northallerton area cluster of primary schools spent a day at the town's Allertonshire School. After
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Athletics: Bell back, and in form
Newton Aycliffe: Stewy Bell has made a triumphant return to competitive running by beating around 200 entrants to win the Club's 10k 3M Centenary Road Race. The 34-year-old British international from Chester-le-Street had been out of competitions since
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How courting peacocks could help treat strokes
Fighter pilots and computer game fans could be among those to benefit from research into what makes the human brain work. Health Correspondent Barry Nelson reports. SO what is the human brain for anyway? That mind-boggling question is going to be taxing
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Exit annoys Shotton boys
Worthington Durham County CIU Knock-out Cup First Division, Shotton Palms were disappointed to see the re-spotted black disappear in the final frame at Second Division Wheatley Hill B for it meant their exit from the competition. The home side received
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Vintage vehicles prepared for big weekend
MORE than 400 vintage vehicles will turn out over the weekend for an annual vehicle rally. As well as the classic cars at Preston Park, Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, there will also be a selection of fire engines, a funfair and stalls, while James Dylan's
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Assembly welcomes A1 upgrade
NEW stretches of motorway through the North have been welcomed by a regional assembly - but the Government is being urged to do even more. The Yorkshire and Humber Regional Assembly is pressing for more bold moves on both the road and rail networks in
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Wellock's World: Conspiracy theories...
IN this era of conspiracy theories, it's surprising no-one has suggested Wimbledon is fixed to allow Tim Henman to win. How else can we explain Sampras, Agassi and Safin, three of the top six seeds, departing in the second round? It is not a theory likely
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Help needed or museum could face cut in hours
A SHORTAGE of volunteers could spark a cutback in opening hours at Guisborough Museum. More helpers are needed to act as stewards at the town's attraction. But a management committee member stressed this week: "There is no way we will close." However,
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Free diabetes screening at town carnival
PEOPLE in Darlington are being offered free diabetes screening tomorrow. Darlington Lions has arranged the screening, by volunteers from St John Ambulance. The session, which coincides with Darlington Community Carnival, will be held in a caravan in Stanhope
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Arts education accolade given to schools
THREE schools have shown they are top of the class when it comes to arts education, by winning awards. King James I Community College and Bishop Barrington School, both in Bishop Auckland, and Staindrop Comprehensive School, in Teesdale, have gained silver
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Sporting way to combat crime
DOZENS of youngsters can look forward to a fun-packed summer thanks to local police. Officers from Bishop Auckland police station will team up with professional sports coaches to repeat last year's Summer of Sport scheme. Last year, youngsters from Coundon
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Pensioners' golden keep-fit display
MORE than 30 pensioners celebrated a belated jubilee with a keep-fit demonstration. The keep-fit class, with members aged up to 89, is held every Tuesday at the Broadacres sheltered housing scheme at the Hollygarth Centre, Great Ayton, and is funded by
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Private care cash system welcomed
A SCHEME that allows disabled people to buy private care is proving popular, according to Durham County Council officials. More than 120 social services clients have taken advantage of the direct payments system introduced by the council in January. Under
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Sunderland and District Table Tennis Association
For the first time in their very long history, Sunderland and District Table Tennis Association, had competitors in the National Under 10/11 and 12 Table Tennis Championships which was organised by the ETTA and supported by Halton Borough Council. These
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Death law crusader thanks his supporters
THE husband of right-to-die campaigner Diane Pretty is bringing his campaign to Teesside. Brian Pretty wants a change in the law so that terminally ill adults can choose medical help to die. His wife died at a hospice from motor neurone disease in May
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Museum puts live sharks in spotlight
A MUSEUM has drafted in its own version of Jaws as part of a summer exhibition. A life-size model of man's most feared predator, the Great White Shark, landed at the Hancock Museum, in Newcastle, yesterday. It has been specially made for the museum's
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Kids stage their own Games
MORE than 2,000 North-East schoolchildren will take part in their own version of the Commonwealth Games next month. Youngsters from 45 primary schools from all over County Durham will arrive at East Durham and Houghall Community College, in Peterlee,
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Moors railway plan wins support
PLANS to develop the Esk Valley railway, which could mean an hourly service between Grosmont and Whitby, are being backed by the North York Moors National Park. It is hoped the proposals of the new limited company created earlier this year will result
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Council back in business
A PARISH council left in limbo for five months is due to swing into action again. Residents of Burton Leon-ard, near Ripon, have been without a voice after four of the five councillors stepped down, leaving only the chairman, Councillor David Mellor.
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News in brief: Bus station work started
WORK has started on redeveloping Whitby's town centre bus station. When the work, due to last eight months, is completed the station will have four new bus bays, toilets, shelters and a covered walkway. John Fort, North Yorkshire County Council's cabinet
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Grassroots: Chester-le-Street Birtley and District
FLOWER DISPLAY: The Cestrian Flower Club is holding a flower demonstration, at 6.30pm, on Thursday, at the Park View Community Association, Chester-le-Street. MUSIC DATE: Celebrate, an open air musical to mark the history of Chester-le-Street, is being
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Shoptalk: It's not just parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
NEED a rare herb? The chances are that David Potts has got it. What's more - in the nicest possible way - he'll tell you what to do with it. David runs The Herb Patch and sells over 120 different sorts of herb plants for you to grow in your garden or
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Pupils end up on the plus side
BUDDING young Einsteins at a North Yorkshire prep school have proved their mathematical prowess in a national competition. The 13-year-olds from Aysgarth School, near Bedale, took part in the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust (UKMT) junior challenge contest
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News in brief: Fete avoids a fixtures clash
The start of a fete at St Mary's Church, Newton Aycliffe, has been changed to avoid a clash with the World Cup final. The fete, on Sunday, will start at 3pm. It will include stalls, a tombola, dancing and a prize draw with a £200 first prize. CASH BOOST
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George Mann Cup
Eastgate Cross Keys won the battle of the unbeaten teams in League A when they came through against Weardale Steel to guarantee a quarterfinal tie against the lowest qualifier from League B. The Steel works batted first and made steady progress with Ian
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Fives and Fifties
Darlington and District League Saturday, A Division Rory Wood 83 not out for Aldbrough St John against Eryholme Ray Headon 5 for 21 for Barton against Witton-le-Wear Dylan Wood 5 for 23 for Ingleton against Spennymoor Mel Groves 6 for 30 (including hat-trick
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CCTV on wheels to catch reckless riders
A MOTORCYCLE fitted with a CCTV camera is planned to track dangerous young bikers riding recklessly over Darlington's parks and green spaces. Andy Errington, head of community safety and youth offending, told the D&S Times that another crackdown on
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Bull scores away win
A NORTH Yorkshire pedigree breeder is celebrating a major success at the Royal Highland Show. Gordon Brooks and family took the champion bull title and reserve overall title with Johan of Bonlea, their home-bred Aberdeen Angus bull, seen, above, with
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Football finances are still looking just champion
FOOTBALL finances in England's top flight are continuing to grow at record levels, a new report reveals. Accountants Deloitte & Touche's annual review of football finance which examines club's accounts in 2000/1 shows the Premiership's turnover grew
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Discussion continues on conscientious objectors
A public meeting is to be arranged to give the public an opportunity to have their say on the decision to dedicate shrubs to the memory or 16 conscientious objectors who refused to fight in the First World War. The topiary shapes were unveiled when English
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Frenchman Bernard rules out Newcastle return
Olivier Bernard is adamant he won't return to Newcastle United whatever the Premier League ruling is on his decision to sign a pre-contract with West Ham. All parties will learn today whether a tribunal has cleared the Frenchman to join the Hammers on
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Bedale Rouse Cup
The oldest competition in the club played for since 1894 was this year won by David Munton. The best gross a 75 was returned by Roger Parry against a standard scratch for the day of 72. Division One: 67 David Munton (10); 69 Ian Morris (7). Division Two
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Coach crash driver charged
The driver of a coach which crashed, killing a 15-year-old schoolgirl and injuring several others, was last night charged with manslaughter by French prosecutors. The decision was announced as the family of Katherine Fish, 15, from Largs, Scotland, paid
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Sweet smell of success for orchid lover
FLOWER power triumphed over military might for veteran peace campaigner Anne Lee yesterday. Magistrates in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, had to balance the wellbeing of a patch of rare orchids with the security of a top-secret US spy base. And the 61-year-old
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The fans done good
THE North-East's police chief who headed England's fight against World Cup football thugs has praised fans for their good behaviour in Japan. But Ron Hogg, who led the team of officers that helped the Japanese police the tournament, says it is too early
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Development of Moors Centre is top priority
REDEVELOPMENT of the Moors Centre at Danby is high on the list of priorities of the North York Moors National Park. It is hoped to develop the centre to attract more visitors and, with this in mind, a site meeting is to be held next month at which members
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Dream come true for Everest marathon man
AN ATHLETE is still on a high after completing a full marathon down the slopes of Mount Everest. Geoff Watson, of Sedgefield, first heard of the race, which takes place every 18 months, six years ago and has wanted to take part ever since. This year he
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Bishop Auckland Captain's Charity Golf Day
A total of 41 four-man teams entered the Golf Charity Day to donate money to the Children's Cancer Fund, the, charity chosen by the club captain, Clive Auld. Various businesses and individuals from the area, which was very much appreciated, sponsored
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Gough set for comeback at Feethams
DARREN Gough is poised to make his comeback at Darlington today. The Yorkshire and England paceman has been sidelined with a knee injury and is due to play for Yorkshire seconds against Durham in Darlington before joining up with England again at Lord's
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Help provide land for locals, farmers urged
FARMERS and landowners in Yorkshire and the North-East are being urged to help provide land to ease the shortage of affordable housing in the countryside. The Country Land and Business Association is asking members to consider providing small building
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Literary figures converge for book festival
DURHAM's Literature Festival starts this weekend and brings a number of well-known and distinguished writers to the region over the next two weeks, including Dannie Abse, the celebrated reggae poet, Linton Kwesi Johnson and Germaine Greer. It starts on
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Pony dates
BCTG. - Today: Unaffiliated dressage at Aske, Richmond. Prelim 6 and novice 21. Telephone 01325 244403. Catterick Dressage. - July 27/28 at Richmond EC. Affiliated and unaffiliated. Schedules sae Mrs Riley, Stable Flat, Clifton Castle, Ripon HG4 4AB.
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Station rise to pole position
Tow Law Area League Tow Law Station made themselves the early leaders after beating their hosts at Newhouse Club by the odd point. Only John Gilchrist and Eric Rowland took singles wins for Newhouse, whilst Ray Kitching, George Hope, Joe Hope and Michael
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Mum gets 18 months after trying to poison baby
A North-East mother has been sentenced to 18 months in jail after being found guilty of trying to poison her baby with salt. Rebecca Graham added salt to her daughter's bottles hoping to have the baby admitted to hospital so she would not have to look
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Looking Back
FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - On Wednesday morning an accident occurred at the South Dock, Sunderland. It appears that while the Hendon Bridge was open to allow the SS Alpha to proceed to sea, one of Sir John Jackson's locomotives attached to 21
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How to avoid the pregnancy police
LONDON mayor Ken Livingstone has been reportedly angrily remonstrating with his pregnant girlfriend for smoking a cigarette at a party. And expectant model Kate Moss was recently vilified in the Press after being pictured drinking in a club. Glamour girl
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Success at Toad Hall show
CLEVELAND rider Helen Dobbin was reserve supreme champion and winner of the Georgian shield at the Coloured Horse and Pony Society UK Northern Region Show at Toad Hall, Thirsk. She won three firsts in the novice working hunter class, style and performance
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Ray Mallon: the second coming
Ray Mallon, once "Robocop" and now the first directly-elected mayor of Middlesbrough, is re-joining The Northern Echo. In his first despatch, he outlines his plans to rebuild the town now under his control. A FEW eventful weeks have passed since I last
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Ice-cream eaters put firm at the top again
FOR the fourth consecutive year a North Yorkshire company has produced the retail product of the year in the British Frozen Food Federation awards. A UK-wide consumer judging panel nominated Milfina Temptations, a premium honeycomb crunch ice cream which
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Elland Road split is no real surprise - Leeds were far from United
For all his bluster, despite the perceived mutual affection and respect between David O'Leary, his "babies" and his chairman, the Irishman's departure from Leeds was a long time coming. No manager can spend more than £96m in the transfer market, win nothing
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National firm considers setting up taxi school in Darlington
A NATIONAL taxi firm whose vision is to make sure all cabbies are professionals is looking at Darlington as a possible location for a driver training school. Taxibank, which recently bought Station Taxis, based at Bank Top railway station, is looking
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Riverside Chester-le-Street
It was trophies galore as Riverside Football Club enjoyed an amazing weekend at local football tournaments. The Under-8s won the tournament at Redhouse Sunderland whilst the Under-9s were successful at the Whitburn Festival. The under tens RAR also won
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Consiracy theories...
IN this era of conspiracy theories, it's surprising no-one has suggested Wimbledon is fixed to allow Tim Henman to win. How else can we explain Sampras, Agassi and Safin, three of the top six seeds, departing in the second round? It is not a theory likely
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Darlington Spraire Lasses
SINCE reforming Spraire Lasses two years ago we have gone from strength to strength. 2000-2001 Tyne Tees Girls League champions U10s Rachel McKnight was awarded player of the year for the whole of the league from opposition manager votes. The U12s and
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Victorian spa bubbles forth again in village
A VICTORIAN relic from a village health spa has been restored to its former glory. The riverside spa fountain at Gainford is back in full working order thanks to the efforts of members of the parish council. The work, which cost £8,000, was funded by
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Lamb trade can continue says France
THE French yesterday postponed their threat to Britain's lamb trade. It had been feared that from Monday they would unilaterally demand the removal of the spinal cord from all imported lambs over the age of six months. But, following intensive work by
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Watr Polo: Durham City
Durham City played three games on Sunday, using 28 players in all. Although City lost all three matches, their young players gained valuable experience against older sides. Augmented by some players from Sunderland, Durham's junior men lost 18-9 away
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Flood study -based on flawed maps'
A LONG-awaited Environment Agency report on flooding at Northallerton and Thirsk was criticised yesterday for being inaccurate and lacking in solutions to the recurring problems. Flood risk studies were undertaken by the agency following widespread inundation
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Letters: No town pride
Sir, - I read with interest that a meeting is to be held in the Town Hall, Richmond, in September to discuss Pride in Richmond (D&S, June 21). Oh how I wish there was. How can you have pride when the town centre is such a disgrace. It is dirty and
