Archive
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Mum At Large: Why stockings are vital for my boy
DO you want to know what the fashionable young man about town is wearing these days? How about knee length white surgical stockings, shorts, crutches and a seven inch scar... Senior Son has been in hospital again. Has it stopped him going out on the razz
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Insure yourself with a flutter on Hammond star Minster York
Micky Hammond has wasted no time in getting back among the winners since his return to the training ranks. And Minster York, who has already been on the scoresheet for the Middleham handler at Market Rasen last time, can be on the mark again in the Weatherbys
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Referendums expected for regional assemblies
The prospect for a regional elected assembly for the North-East is to be taken a step further next week. Regions Minister Nick Raynsford is expected to make a major announcement on the referendums process during a visit to Newcastle on Wednesday. In a
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Council's wardens declare war on the litter nuisances
LITTER louts are being targeted by Darlington Borough Council's team of uniformed warden in a big crackdown on rubbish dumping. In the past three weeks, 33 people in the town centre have been issued with fixed-penalty fines for dropping litter or fly-tipping
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They're bee-eautiful and they've got babies
THEY defied all the odds - they are not supposed to be in the North-East, no one really expected them to nest and no one in their wildest dreams ever expected that they would produce young. But yesterday, history was made with the announcement that a
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Revamp for Darlington nightclub
A DARLINGTON nightclub is set for a £1m overhaul - despite ongoing talks that could see it razed to make way for a shopping centre extension. The Plastered Parrot in Commercial Street, is undergoing major refurbishment in a bid to attract older people
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Study boost for victims of breast cancer
A COMPUTER programme which could help save the lives of breast cancer patients has been developed in the region. Dreamt up by two scientists at Newcastle University, the programme can identify which patients are more at risk from the disease spreading
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Encouragement for Orange after latest figures
MOBILE phone group Orange yesterday drew encouragement from figures showing it had added 415,000 new UK customers in the first six months of the year. The company employs around 5,000 people in the region and recently announced it was seeking to recruit
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Grassroots: Yarm And Eaglescliffe
GARDEN SHOW: The Egglescliffe Garden Club annual show was held last Saturday, at Egglescliffe Primary School. The show was a great success with more than 300 entries and the standard in each of the 79 classes was excellent. The main awards were: shield
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John North: Making tracks to Mr Pirelli's motor museum
THOUGH the sum of this column's knowledge of cars and things could be inscribed in three inch capitals on the back of a long expired tax disc, Ken Vipond from Durham has written urging us to visit Newburn Hall Motor Museum. The place was a gem, said Ken
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Jumbo turnout expected at local airshow
HUNDREDS of thousands of people are expected to converge on Wearside this weekend to enjoy an action packed programme at Europe's biggest airshow. Now in its 14th year, the Sunderland International Airshow at Seaburn and Roker will feature many old favourites
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Planning inspector to decide on footpath
A PLANNING inspector will decide whether the controversial closure of a local footpath should be reversed. Durham City Council shut the 74-metre route that runs between Lowland Road and Sawmill Lane in Brandon three years ago, claiming it was in a bad
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Hospitals raise their game to earn three-star ratings
PATIENTS are getting a better service from the region's hospitals, if the Government's star rating system is to be believed. The number of high-performing hospitals and ambulance services in the region has increased from four to seven. Later this year
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MP stands his ground after council's demand for apology
OPEN warfare has broken out in a constituency Labour Party over comments made by their MP. Kevan Jones, MP for Durham North, hit the headlines last month when he called for Chester-le-Street and Derwentside district councils to be abolished - adding that
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Will to win is Lynch's driving force
CLARE Lynch has shed blood, sweat and tears in her pursuit of Commonwealth Games glory. The blood and sweat has been produced by the bucket load - a consequence of the judo player's punishing training and fitness schedule. But the tears have also flowed
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Ex-PoW camp preserved for posterity
A FORMER prisoner of war camp in County Durham is now rated alongside Stonehenge and Blenheim Palace in terms of historic importance. Harperley POW Camp, in Weardale, last week became the first ever prisoner of war camp to be awarded scheduled monument
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Scheme to reduce speed on roads 'should be extended'
A SUCCESSFUL scheme to reduce traffic speeds at an accident blackspot has prompted calls for the idea to be expanded across the Stockton borough. Residents and councillors had been campaigning for years to have the 40mph speed limit on Mitchell Avenue
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Batting woes continue
Yorkshire's brittle batting soon put them under the cosh at Guildford yesterday as Surrey took another big step towards dispossessing them of their Championship title. On a pitch which required some early care against the seamers, Yorkshire slumped to
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Oldest library is gone but not forgotten as legacy lives on
BOOKS from Britain's oldest subscription library have been found permanent homes as a unique piece of social history. The bulk of the 3,000-plus books, which remained largely untouched for the past 20 years in the library at Westgate, in Weardale, County
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Landowner threatens legal action over pylons dispute
THE long-running saga surrounding the construction of high-voltage power lines across the region took a new twist yesterday when a landowner threatened fresh legal action. Rosalind Craven has told National Grid and its contractor, Balfour Beatty, that
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Claire guns for gold
SURE-shooting champion Claire Griffin is aiming to beat the best shots in the Commonwealth next week. Claire, 22, still flushed with the success of becoming the women's English champion with a small bore rifle, will be representing England at the Commonwealth
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Rail line step closer
HERITAGE and train enthusiasts are a step closer to realising their dream to reopen one of England's most picturesque railway lines. Plans to restore passenger services along the scenic Weardale line overcame a major hurdle last week when they received
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Council takes boy to court
A COUNCIL has vowed to take a hard line against problem tenants. Housing managers at Wear Valley District Council have already moved to keep out nuisance neighbours by tightening up tenancy agreements and changing the system for allocating homes. This
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Tributes to headteacher
Tributes were paid today to a headteacher at a top Tyneside school who died on Monday. Dave Coyne, 55, was head of Monkton Junior School, South Shields - named as one of the top performing schools in the country last year - for 24 years.. Deputy headteacher
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Fingerprint expert takes on police over sacking
ALLEGATIONS of sloppy practices, bullying and sexual harassment at the heart of the North-East's fight against crime surfaced at an industrial tribunal yesterday. Gail Hunter, a civilian fingerprint expert, made the claims against Durham Constabulary
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Manufacturers more cautious
BRITAIN'S manufacturing industry is becoming more cautious and now expects a slow climb out of recession, a survey showed yesterday. The quarterly survey by the CBI of 916 manufacturers showed firms expected a slower recovery in orders and output over
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Comment: Losing faith in our leaders
IF you were very, very observant you would know that someone called David Davis has been replaced by someone called Theresa May as chairman of something called the Conservative Party. We have no comment to make on whether this is a good or bad thing because
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Police officer died of alcohol abuse
A POLICE officer drank herself to death because of the stress of the job, an inquest heard yesterday. Katrina Wallace, 38, was found by a colleague slumped over the arm of her sofa after a neighbour raised the alarm. A post-mortem examination revealed
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Miners' pay-outs speed up
MORE than £100m has been paid out to ex-miners in the region who have suffered agonising respiratory and vibration white finger problems. The figures were released yesterday as Brian Wilson, the Government's Minister for Energy, said that he was on track
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Thomas pulls in crowds
A RECORD number of people came to the region last weekend to meet children's hero Thomas the Tank Engine. The famous train was the special guest at Darlington Railway Museum at a special themed fun weekend. He was joined by some of his well-known friends
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Coming up smelling of roses
It's been a turbulent start for the manager of Durham's new theatre, but in his first interview since news of the financial crisis broke, Rob Flower tells Nick Morrison why the Gala still has a bright future. 'ARE you here to interrogate me?" Rob Flower
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News in brief: New role for Vale MP
VALE of York MP Anne McIntosh has been handed a new role on the Conservative Party's front bench transport team. She was moved from her old post as a Culture spokeswoman during the reshuffle in which leader Iain Duncan Smith made Theresa May the party's
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Marina ready for challenge
RECEPTIONIST Marina Metcalf is staging a 12-hour squash marathon for a leading cancer charity. On Saturday, she aims to play 48 games to raise money for Cancer Research UK and celebrate the memory of a friend who died of cancer. Marina, of Gateshead,
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News in brief: Upset man in seaside drama
A DISTRESSED man was helped to shore by police and coastguards after entering the sea at Redcar on Monday evening. Rescue workers feared the young man was suicidal after he was spotted on the rocks. Two lifeboats attended the scene, at 10pm, and the man
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Grassroots: Derwentside
HOLIDAY TREATS: Sports coaching, survival days, day trips and outdoor activity play days are just some of the activities organised by Derwentside Leisure Services during the school holidays. For further details, call (01207) 218014. EASY RIDING: Breaks
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Trip to boost charity
THE Teesdale branch of Cancer Research UK is encouraging people to join a trip to the Jaguar factory, at Halewood, near Liverpool. Each year, members of the charity raise thousands of pounds for its work by organising trips and tours to various attractions
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Radio station to get new licence
LOCAL radio station Alpha 103.2 has been given the go-ahead to apply for a further eight-year licence to broadcast to Darlington, Sedgefield and Newton Aycliffe. The Radio Authority, which registers all commercial radio stations, announced last night
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Strange pair need home
TWO unusual looking brothers are in need of a new home after their owner died. River and Dodger are 18-month-old Chinese crested dogs which are bald except for tufts of hair on their heads. The dogs were taken to Ramshaw Rescue Centre, near Bishop Auckland
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Emma finds less is more
A SUPER slimmer is discovering a new world after halving her dress size and shedding more than five stone. Emma Meek, 21, of Wood Vue, Spennymoor, launched her weight loss campaign after seeing holiday photographs from a trip to France last summer. Following
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News in brief: Delays warning to motorists
ROADWORKS could mean delays for drivers travelling through Bishop Auckland on Sunday. One side of Bob Hardisty Drive, between Newton Cap viaduct and the bus station roundabout, will be closed for eight hours while workmen lay 50 metres of anti-skid surface
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Bowling green unveiled
SUNNYDALE Leisure Centre's bowling green, in Shildon, is holding an open day to show off its £15,000 laser-levelled green. The launch ceremony, which is open to everyone, will take place on Friday, August 2, at 10am, followed by a speech from Councillor
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Cadet force on move
THE Chilton Army Cadet Force has proved so popular that it needs to move into bigger premises. But leaders of the group, which has members from Chilton and Ferryhill, fear there may not be anywhere suitable in the village. The group has 23 members, boys
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Animal centre plan may be axed
A NATIONAL animal charity could be forced to cut its welfare services including plans for an animal centre in the region. Due to recent falls in the stock market and controversial spending decisions, the RSPCA has found itself in financial crisis. It
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Rest stop provided for charity walker
FERRYHILL Town Council has agreed to provide an overnight stop for a bilingual dog and its owner during a gruelling sponsored walk. Sally, a two-year-old black labrador, was seriously hurt in a road accident before being rescued by a Sedgefield Borough
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Magistrate stepping down after 29 years
MAGISTRATE James Wayman has seen considerable changes during his 29 years on the bench. Mr Wayman, 70, who retired from the bench this week, became a magistrate in 1974 when a new bench was formed for the Sedgefield Petty Sessional Division. He has achieved
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Turbine plan site visit
A DECISION on whether to approve plans for a wind turbine at Langdon Beck Youth Hostel, in upper Teesdale, will be made after councillors have visited the site. Trevor Watson, a planning officer at Teesdale District Council, had recommended approval,
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Prison for man who raped at knifepoint
A MARRIED man who raped a prostitute at knifepoint was jailed for six years yesterday. Geoffrey Chapman, 46, from South Bank, Middlesbrough, remained impassive as he was convicted and jailed for the attack on the 19-year-old heroin addict. He had picked
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Student helps Poppy Appeal through climb
A STUDENT has scaled Ben Nevis in aid of The Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal. Politics student Tom Oliver, 19, from Darlington and two friends from Lancaster University, battled their way through a four-day, 100-mile march along the West Highland
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Prize guy provides cash tonic for Hospice
THE winner of a Father's Day competition has nominated a Darlington hospice to receive part of his prize. Ian Thompson was the winner of the competition run in conjunction with The Northern Echo and bakers Warburtons. Mr Thompson, from Darlington, was
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Strange brothers need a new home
TWO unusual looking brothers are in need of a new home after their owner died. River and Dodger are 18-month-old Chinese crested dogs which are bald except for tufts of hair on their heads. The two dogs were taken to Ramshaw Rescue Centre, near Bishop
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Turbine plan site visit
A DECISION on whether to approve plans for a wind turbine at Langdon Beck Youth Hostel, in upper Teesdale, will be made after councillors have visited the site. Trevor Watson, a planning officer at Teesdale District Council, had recommended approval,
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Show aiming to be the best
ORGANISERS of Ryedale's biggest agricultural event are hoping to put on their best show next week. Ryedale Show, will be held on Tuesday at Nawton, and is one of the few country shows allowed to exhibit livestock after the foot-and-mouth crisis. Organiser
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Plans for new school approved by council
A TEN-YEAR campaign to replace a village's outdated, 126-year-old school building has ended in success after planning permission was granted for a new school in Grewel-thorpe, near Ripon. The Community of Grewelthorpe School (Cogs) group was set up to
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Overseas students targeted by thieves
THIEVES have targeted a group of teenagers visiting the North-East to do volunteer work with children. Youths in Stanley stole clothes and sleeping bags from a 19-year-old Polish student and an 18-year-old Spanish man. The items were taken from a washing
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29 years of service end for magistrate
MAGISTRATE James Wayman retired this week after 29 years service. Mr Wayman, 70, became a magistrate in 1974 when a new bench was formed for the Sedgefield Petty Sessional Division (PSD). In almost three decades' service, he has been a member of the County
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Address gas plant fears, urge residents
VILLAGERS are demanding answers over plans for a power plant to be built near their homes. People living in Thornton-le-Dale, near Pickering, have already expressed concerns about proposals for the gas-powered electricity station on the Caulklands landfill
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Builders of the future
TEENAGERS from three comprehensive schools have proved they have the talent to become the planners and builders of the future. The schools were set the challenge of establishing their own construction company in a bid to redevelop Bishop Auckland Football
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Rabbits target hill fort
A HILL fort that survived tribal skirmishes, Roman invasion, and 2,000 years of wear and tear is under threat from rabbits. The Iron Age monument, which overlooks the Coquet Valley in Northumberland, has become riddled by burrows. Newcastle University
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Homes in line for investment
A NEW landlord has taken control of 11,625 homes from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council. More than 10,000 tenants have been transferred to Coast and Country Housing, which will manage and maintain the homes. Coast and Country Housing is made up of
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Former Boro star helps out
EX-Boro footballer Jim Platt is holding coaching sessions for youngters at Saltburn Athletic Football Club. The former Middlesbrough Football Club professional is supported by the Rotary Club of Saltburn and Cleveland Police to coach the boys' under-
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Emma finds less is more
A SUPER slimmer is discovering a new world after halving her dress size and shedding more than five stone. Emma Meek, 21, of Wood Vue, Spennymoor, launched her weight loss campaign after seeing holiday photographs from a trip to France last summer. Following
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Disabled get say in store
A GROUP looking after the needs of disabled people has been given a say in the design of Bishop Auckland's £16m Asda store. Staff from the company will be holding talks with members of Wear Valley Disability Access Forum, which represents people with
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Operating on the language barrier
A TOP surgeon has been accused of racism and threatened with disciplinary proceedings after stopping an operation because the foreign nurses he was working with could not understand his requests. To someone like me, facing the possibility of a caesarean
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Cash goes to the dogs
THE police dog section at RAF Leeming has done its bit to help some of the region's least fortunate dogs. They have become the proud sponsors of a new puppy pen at the Jerry Green Dog Sanctuary near Thirsk. The section donated £200 to help to fund the
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Lewis and Hodge spark Riverside revival
A FOOTBALL reporter would have asked the manager at close of play: "What did you say to your players at half-time?" Durham coach Martyn Moxon is not given to loud verbals; in any case under the latest nonsense from the European Court of Human Rights he
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Inspectors back after report finds low morale at council
A FOLLOW-UP to an inspection that uncovered low morale among council staff will come to a close during the next few weeks. A report shown to The Northern Echo reveals that last year, inspectors from the Audit Commission found staff morale and motivation
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City flies flag for our future
When the Commonwealth Games kick off today with the promise of a spectacular opening ceremony at the City of Manchester Stadium, Britain goes on sporting trial. If the nation which gave the world so many of its major sports is to stage a football World
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Spurned chances cost Pool unbeaten tag
HARTLEPOOL United lost their unbeaten pre-season campaign record last night as they went down to Stockport at Victoria Park. After wins over Berwick, Seaham Red Star and Dutch outfits Theole and Sv Nootdorp, and a draw with Spennymoor, a single goal was
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Youngsters take part in literary link-up
SCHOOLCHILDREN have become international authors through a four-way partnership with European students. Sixteen youngsters left Howden-le-Wear Primary School last week with their own prized copies of the book they wrote with other ten and 11-year-olds
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Quakers face Terriers test
Darlington have been paired with Huddersfield Town in the first round of the Worthington Cup, meaning the two sides will play each other twice in as many months. The Terriers, managed by former Carlisle and Scarborough boss Mick Wadsworth, travel to Feethams
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Family seeks justice for dead son
A family are raising money to take their fight for justice for their dead son to court in Greece. Pam Cummings has fought for two years for action to be taken against the medical staff she believes failed to save the life of her son Chris Rochester, from
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Sports day given a colourful lift
A SPLASH of colour was brought to the skies when hundreds of brightly coloured balloons were sent on a fundraising journey. Children at St Cuthbert's RC Primary School in Crook, released 450 balloons to launch the school sports day. Each balloon brought
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Afzaal emerges from shadows to show class
ENGLAND'S forgotten batsman Usman Afzaal emerged from the doldrums with his first championship century of the season against Durham at the Riverside yesterday. It was a classy knock from the 25-year-old left-hander, full of effortless strokes, as Nottinghamshire
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Why stockings are vital for my boy
DO you want to know what the fashionable young man about town is wearing these days? How about knee length white surgical stockings, shorts, crutches and a seven inch scar... Senior Son has been in hospital again. Has it stopped him going out on the razz
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Tributes to an officer and a gentleman
THE exploits of a Second World War veteran were recalled at his funeral yesterday. Lieutenant Colonel Robert Cant RASC (retired), who died last week aged 88, served his country with distinction throughout his long Army career. He was a professional soldier
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Fish restaurant staff are hooked on Jonny's antics
STAFF at a fish and chip shop have cheered on Jonny from the start - and are now preparing for the biggest weekend in their campaign so far. The walls and windows of Clem's Fish Restaurant, in Clyde Terrace, Spennymoor, County Durham, are covered in posters
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Pupils win award for green projects
GREEN-spirited youngsters have landed an international award for their school. Timothy Hackworth Primary School, in Shildon, has been presented the International Eco' Schools' Award by Encams, formerly the Tidy Britain Group. Leading the school's environmental
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Last Night's TV: Just Married (Tyne Tees)
Tale of John and Louise's love match. Judged against what usually happens during soap weddings - births, deaths, recriminations and even terrorist attack (Dynasty, remember?) - the nuptials of John and Louise from Gateshead were amazingly straightforward
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Quakers cancel 'friendly'
Darlington's pre-season friendly at Barrow, scheduled for next week, has been cancelled after the Cumbria side were responsible for hospitalising two Stenhousemuir players at the weekend. On Saturday, the teams played just 17 minutes of a so-called pre-season
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Louis is the best in town
A RETIRED school caretaker has achieved a personal ambition by clinching an award for his gardening. Richmond's Louis Neasham decided two years ago he wanted to take the overall top spot in the town council's annual competition. And, after a concerted
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Blomqvist handed chance to shine
TRIALIST Jesper Blomqvist will be given another chance to seal a move to Middlesbrough today when the club play their second pre-season friendly. The Swedish winger is hoping to earn a contract at Boro and manager Steve McClaren will include the 28-year-old
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Fresh claims of bullying at British Army camp
A former soldier has come forward with fresh claims of bullying at a British Army camp where four young privates - including a North-East soldier - died in mysterious circumstances. Trevor Hunter, 27, said that he tried to protect his friend Sean Benton
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Trip home cost the life of a loving dad
A DEVOTED family man who was among 11 people killed when a helicopter crashed into the North Sea had chosen to come home a week early to spend more time with his wife and sons, it was revealed last night. Hard-working Douglas Learwood had taken a last
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Don honoured for fine innings
THE man who helped to put North-East cricket on the map has been honoured by one of the region's universities. Don Robson, former leader of Durham County Council, has been given an Honorary Doctorate of Laws by Sunderland University. Mr Robson, 66, of
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Shoppers have their say
THREE years after it was branded one of the worst town centres in Britain, Bishop Auckland's shopping area has been given a new look with a £750,000 facelift. Seating, bollards and wider paving have all made the Newgate Street pedestrian-friendly, while
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Missing falcon is spotted
A BIRD of prey that disappeared during a falconry display at the Lanchester Show has been spotted by readers. Since the story appeared in The Advertiser, falconer Rob Allott has been inundated with nearly 300 phone calls from people. He has travelled
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Schoolboy takes council to task
A SCHOOLBOY has proved he is a chip off the old block by starting a campaign group. But while he shares his parents' passion for politics, he is calling for the opposite course of action to their own organisation. At the tender age of 12, Philip West,
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Metro strike is suspended
Strike action planned on the Tyne and Wear Metro today has been suspended. A spokesman for Nexus - the firm behind the Metro - said that after extensive negotiations with trade union Unison, it had agreed employees would be consulted on a revised offer
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Local boys drop in
TWO local servicemen will be back on home turf for an airshow this weekend. Sergeant Steve Forster and Corporal Ritchie Evans, both from Darlington, will return to the North-East for the Sunderland International Airshow, on Saturday and Sunday. They will
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Children learn a rural skill during farm's family fun day
CHILDREN and parents yesterday enjoyed the chance to milk Jersey cows as part of a series of family fun events being held at Newham Grange Farm, Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, this summer. Today, the farm is hosting a scarecrow-making event, where prizes
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Teenager hurt
An 18-year-old man was admitted to Sunderland Royal Infirmary with whiplash injuries after his car overturned into a field near the cemetery in Ryhope Road, Sunderland, at about 3.40am yesterday. Ambulance crew released him from the car.
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Partially-deaf widow latest example of violence against the vulnerable
A PARTIALLY-DEAF pensioner suffered shocking injuries when she was attacked in the street by muggers. As reported in yesterday's Northern Echo, Margaret Kent, 61 - who cares for her blind son - was left with a broken cheekbone and nose after the vicious
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Fundraising efforts give Rosie a helping hand
A FURNISHINGS store has been raising money for a girl who suffers from a neurological condition. CB Furnishings, in Northallerton, asked customers to pay £1 for a balloon in a fabric competition At a recent open day £125 was raised to help five-year-old
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Fourteen years for drivers who kill 'a step in right direction'
TOUGHER jail sentences for drivers who kill were last night welcomed by the North-East families of two women mown down by a drink-driver. The Government announced yesterday that the maximum jail term for death by dangerous driving, including causing death
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Museum throws party in honour of Bullet train's first year
EVERYTHING is turning Japanese at the National Railway Museum. The NRM, in York, is celebrating the first anniversary of the Bullet train with an extravaganza of all things Oriental. The train, also known as the Shinkansen, became a permanent feature
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Nursery workers libel trial decision
A JUDGEMENT is expected next week in a marathon libel trial brought by two nursery workers acquitted of child abuse charges. Christopher Lillie, 37, and Dawn Reed, 31, are suing Newcastle City Council and four members of a review team which claimed in
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Lord's launches security alert
Lord's security bosses will be on full alert at today's first Test after a fan tried to smuggle a knife with a 12-inch blade into the recent NatWest Series final, writes STEVE BAKER. The spectator ran off and avoided arrest after having the object confiscated
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Pensioners who are owed £1m
A CAMPAIGN which warns 1,000 Middlesbrough pensioners that they could be missing out on benefits started yesterday. Councillor Brenda Thompson, Middlesbrough Council's executive member for social care, posted the first letters to the pensioners, explaining
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Windfall for museum
BEAMISH museum has been awarded a Government grant after being named among the best in Britain. Beamish will share a windfall of almost £750,000 with Bowes Museum, which will be spent making them more accessible to visitors. The award was announced by
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Domino's delivers great returns
PIZZA delivery chain Domino's Pizza yesterday reported a 46 per cent jump in profits as it began to reap the benefits of its expansion drive. The group, which is the franchisee in the UK and Ireland for US group Domino's, said it opened 18 new stores
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Ex-Enron team secures Tees jobs
FIVE former Enron directors have established px limited, a company based in Stockton, which will operate and manage the £100m Teesside Gas Processing Plant and the nearby £800m Teesside Power Station in the UK. The launch of px keeps the operation of
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Healthy results for drug firm GSK
DRUGS company GlaxoSmithKline reported a seven per cent rise in profits over the past quarter, in what it described yesterday as a challenging period for the pharmaceuticals industry. The group, which employs about 1,500 people at Barnard Castle, County
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Nicotine Patch the dog-end addict
A POOCH named Patch is driving his mistress crazy with his addiction to dog-ends. The Jack Russell's owner - the appropriately-named Yvonne Stubbs - took on the 14-year-old dog six months ago when a friend's mother went into a hospice. But on the first
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Man jailed for kidnapping 'cheeky' teenager
AN angry father who kidnapped a teenager after he was cheeky to his partner has been jailed for 18 months. Former soldier Ian Jobling, 29, bundled the 17-year-old into the back of his car before driving him to a country road, telling him he was going
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Hear All Sides: INTOLERANCE
I HAD ambivalent feelings regarding your article on the Darlington lesbians Samantha and Kirsty (Echo, July 16). I admired them standing up and being counted, but was appalled that they should have had to endure such anti-social behaviour. Due to poor
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Scams the target for new post campaign
A GOVERNMENT campaign warning people about postal scams is launched today. The Rip Up Postal Rip-Offs campaign, devised by the Department of Trade and Industry, aims to raise awareness of the problem and help people recognise warning signs and avoid becoming
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Big Brother Watch
THE tension mounts as the day of the big eviction approaches and for joker Jonny, it's all getting very serious and giving him sleepless nights. He was awake in the early hours, eventually slipping out of bed after failing to get back to sleep and into
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Lesbian appeals over decision to refuse benefits
LESBIAN Claire Taylor was refused benefits after being accused of living in sin with her gay male flatmate. The 19-year-old was forced to "come out" to her parents because she was so desperate for money after being turned down for benefits. Her nightmare
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Jonny's pledge to family
THE first person kind-hearted Jonny Regan will think of if he walks out of the Big Brother house with the winner's cheque tomorrow night will be his dad. The 29-year-old firefighter, of Trimdon, County Durham, recently revealed to housemates his heartache
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Teenager 'lucky to survive' cliff plunge
AN 18-YEAR-OLD was recovering in hospital last night after plunging 40ft down a seaside cliff. The teenager, who fell while trying to climb down the cliff at Frenchman's Bay, South Shields, South Tyneside, was rescued in a tricky operation by ten members
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It's a boy - after 42 years of baby girls
A FAMILY has welcomed the addition of a fifth generation and baby Bradley Stuart Markwick already has a special place in the family history - he is the first boy to be born to the family in 42 years. Grandmother Margaret Morton, 42, said: "My mum had
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Tetley tea folk deny slump
TETLEY tea bosses are stewing after figures showed sales had fallen since axing their popular Tea Folk adverts. Monthly sales figures published in The Grocer trade magazine claimed the decision to pension off Gaffer, Sidney, Clarence and Archie had backfired
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Delight as ship's crew forge links during trip
SAILORS from County Durham's newly-adopted warship are in the area to cement the fledgling friendship. A two-day visit by HMS Bulwark's commanding officer, Captain Keith Winstanley, and a small number of the ship's company, yesterday and today, is the
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Retailer won't reveal next move
FASHION retailer Next is refusing to say whether it is moving to a site left empty by a North-East business. The clothes chain would only confirm that it is in talks with developer Terrace Hill for the former Dressers stationery shop in High Row, Darlington
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Winning partnership on and off the pitch
DURHAM County Cricket Club and a local firm have announced a three-year partnership link-up, which will benefit young players. The players who will benefit from the partnership between the club and Rutherford Financial Management are at the English Cricket
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Show about to bloom
THE finishing touches are being put to a popular annual flower show. Gateshead Council is hoping for another record attendance at the Gateshead Summer Flower Show, due to open tomorrow at 10am, for three days of family fun and entertainment. The show
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Silver medal for garden commemorating the mining past
A COLOURFUL nod to Chester-le-Street's mining heritage has netted council gardeners a silver medal in a national contest Using a mining wheel and a coal tub, Chester-le-Street District Council's horticultural team created a flower display for the Royal
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Thousands prepare for another great summer of family fun
CROWDS of more than 30,000 are expected to attend the seventh annual Orange Darlington Festival. There will be a variety of free entertainment in Darlington town centre during the August bank holiday weekend. Tribute bands and musicians from around the
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Pub landlords threaten to quit over village hall events
THE landlords of a village pub say that a neighbouring village hall has driven them out of business. Ann Seed and John Nettleton, who run the Blacksmiths Arms, in Mickleton, Teesdale, said last night that entertainment nights at the village hall had affected
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Disabled get say in store
A GROUP looking after the needs of disabled people has been given a say in the design of Bishop Auckland's £16m Asda store. Staff from the company will be holding talks with members of Wear Valley Disability Access Forum, which represents people with
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Grassroots: Weardale
WILDLIFE TALK: A talk on wayside verges in Weardale will be given by Keith Bowey, of the Durham Wildlife Trust, at the monthly meeting of the Weardale Society, at Rookhope Village Hall next Monday, at 7.30pm. Non-members are welcome. SUPPER PARTY: A supper
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Grassroots: Crook
School Reunion: A reunion of pupils who attended St Cuthbert's School, in Crook, will take place at Crook Football Club on Friday, September 6, at 7.30pm. The reunion is being organised by former pupil Harold Stephenson, and anyone wishing to attend should
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Hospital workers join race for life
HOSPITAL workers raised more than £780 for cancer charities at Darlington's Race for Life event. Female staff from Middleton St George Hospital and Care Homes, near Darlington, took part in the five kilometre event in the town's South Park. It was one
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Blitz Bus service extended
A BUS service offering advice to Darlington youngsters has increased its service during the school summer holidays. Thanks to funding from the community safety group, the youth offending team and police, Blitz Bus 2 is extending its service to operate
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War veteran is honoured after 60 years
A GREAT grandmother who spent the Second World War nursing sick and injured soldiers in the Middle East has finally been honoured. Edith McLain, an 86-year-old former Army Nursing Sister, received her Defence Medal and 1939-45 War Medal at a surprise
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Slide continues as nervy investors steer clear
BLUE-CHIP shares tumbled yesterday as investors endured another dismal session on the London market. With just under an hour's trading left, the FTSE 100 Index of leading shares was off a hefty 111.5 points at 3746.5. The session closed with the index
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Radio station to get new licence
LOCAL radio station Alpha 103.2 has been given the go-ahead to apply for a further eight-year licence to broadcast to Darlington, Sedgefield and Newton Aycliffe. The Radio Authority, which registers all commercial radio stations, announced last night
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Civil claims to blame for massive bill say Police
A POLICE force that forked out more than £125,000 in civil claims in just three months has blamed the massive figure on Britain becoming a more litigious country. Between April 1 and June 30 this year Cleveland Police Force spent £125,369 settling 188
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Trip to boost charity
THE Teesdale branch of Cancer Research UK is encouraging people to join a trip to the Jaguar factory, at Halewood, near Liverpool. Each year, members of the charity raise thousands of pounds for its work by organising trips and tours to various attractions
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Cast a critical eye over art exhibition
VISITORS to an exhibition in Ripon Cathedral are being invited to become art critics for a day - and organisers are hoping the city's schoolchildren will also become involved. Checklists will be available to help the observers' task and it is hoped they
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Celebration concert marks the end of year-long partnership
A PARTNERSHIP that has brought cathedral music to a small rural community ends with a celebration concert tomorrow. For the past year, St Anne's Church, Catterick, has paid towards the cost of a scholarship which enables church musicians to work in Ripon
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Disabled man mugged
A MAN with Down's Syndrome has been mugged as he walked through a town centre park. The 42-year-old was at the entrance of Albert Park, in Park Road North, Middlesbrough, when he was approached from behind by two men. They stole his wallet which contained
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News in brief: Be on alert for bogus workmen
Police have warned people to be on their guard after reports of bogus house callers in Northallerton. Two men, claiming to be from the water board, attempted to trick their way into a house in the town last Thursday. It is thought to be connected to a
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News in brief: Upset man in seaside drama
A DISTRESSED man was helped to shore by police and coastguards after entering the sea at Redcar on Monday evening. Rescue workers feared the young man was suicidal after he was spotted on the rocks. Two lifeboats attended the scene, at 10pm, and the man
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Villagers vow to continue bypass campaign
Villagers may resort to a hard-hitting campaign to secure a bypass for their community after suffering another major setback yesterday. North Yorkshire county councillors ruled out making a bid for £2m of Government cash for a scheme to divert the A19
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Blitz continues on drug dealers
THE Dealer a Day campaign to cut drug activities in Middlesbrough saw another seven raids in the week up to last Sunday. In total, eight people were arrested, four were bailed pending the outcome of forensic tests. The remaining four were all charged
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£350,000 aids epidemic-hit small firms
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) announced yesterday it had given almost £350,000 in interest-free loans to members hit by the foot- and-mouth crisis. The announcement came on the day of a Commons statement by Margaret Beckett, Secretary of State
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News in brief: Delays warning to motorists
ROADWORKS could mean delays for drivers travelling through Bishop Auckland on Sunday. One side of Bob Hardisty Drive, between Newton Cap viaduct and the bus station roundabout, will be closed for eight hours while workmen lay 50 metres of anti-skid surface
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Memory lane next stop on the moors
IT may be more than half a century since it rolled off the production line, but a Leyland PS1 coach is to clock up thousands more miles as the focal point of a service on the North York Moors, offering visitors a trip down memory lane. The bus was the
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US deal is a dream for apprentice
A TWO-WEEK trip and the responsibility of running a mini-business for his employer have given 20-year-old modern apprentice Michael Lee his dream job. Mr Lee, from Durham City, joined Thermal Resources Management in Washington, Wearside, as a modern apprentice
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Crane to start building work on footbridge
WORK on a new footbridge linking two towns will begin this weekend. The New Blacks Footbridge, from the Mickledales estate in Redcar to Marske, will cross the Darlington to Saltburn railway line. On Saturday, after a year of planning, a 300-tonne mobile
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Trio take to the sea on big adventure
THREE youngsters from Middlesbrough have been chosen to take part in a tall ships race. Craig Dastidar, Michael McMahon, and Jamie Jolley will sail in one of the legs of the Cutty Sark Tall Ships event next week. The trio were nominated by the West Middlesbrough
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Student gives technicians a useful insight
TECHNICIANS who visited an open day at the University of Teesside were told about a degree created with them in mind. The chemical technology foundation degree, introduced at the university last year, is aimed at process industry workers without academic
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Jobs fair as store creates 350 new posts
A FOUR-DAY jobs event is being held to recruit workers for hundreds of positions at a new supermarket. The event at Redcar Job Centre will take place from tomorrow. Morrisons has 350 jobs on offer for its store, which opens in the town in November. The
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Mourners weep for victim of stabbing
TEARS were shed for a young father when friends and relatives packed into a village church for his funeral yesterday. Stab victim John Love-green, 34, died in "brutally tragic circumstances", the vicar of St Cuthbert's, in High Etherley, near Bishop Auckland
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Elle dances to victory
FIVE-year-old Elle Baister's dancing talents have won her trophies galore including four national titles. Elle, from Kirk Merrington, swept to victory recently at the Nationwide United Kingdom Alliance competition in Blackpool. The multi-talented youngster
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Pub chain celebrates appeal win
A REAL ale pub chain has overturned a council's refusal to let it convert a former building society. Now J D Wetherspoon is seeking a drinks licence for the former Cheltenham and Gloucester Building Society in North Road, Durham. The firm, which is opening
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Public have chance to put council to the test
PEOPLE who moan about their council in newspaper letters pages are being invited into the council chamber. But so far there have been no takers for Durham County Council's offer to let council taxpayers ask questions of cabinet members at its quarterly
