Archive
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North construction building on a boom
CONSTRUCTION firms in the region are leading the way as a survey shows the industry is optimistic about business prospects in the next 12 months. The Construction Confederation's latest Construction Trends Survey (CTS) shows output balance figures for
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A cuppa and a Leg Over
CHINESE restaurants, a survey claimed last week, have regained their once unassailable position as Britain's favoured eating out venue. Probably this doesn't reflect the inventive, almost indigenous fare served (for example) in George Street, Manchester
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Middlesbrough introduces first alcohol-free zone
Shopkeepers and elderly residents who live in terror of drunken youths have welcomed Middlesbrough's first alcohol-free zone. Middlesbrough MP Ashok Kumar yesterday declared the grassy square outside the Broughton Avenue shops, on Broughton Avenue, Easterside
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Chance for a link to world's aid agencies
NORTH-East firms can learn how to compete for lucrative multi-billion dollar contracts from the world's premier aid agencies. Trade Partners UK and Business Link County Durham is holding free seminars on the opportunities available from the Asian Development
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Sport for all at summer camps
CHILDREN from Darlington have been taking part in two sport summer camps. The tennis and hockey camps are being held this week at the Eastbourne Sports Complex. Sport England, through the National Lottery, funded the two-day hockey event which began yesterday
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Just wild for the countryside
OUTDOOR pursuits store Wildtrak has added two new members of staff to its team. Since the countryside was declared foot-and-mouth free and open for business, Wildtrak has seen a dramatic increase in the number of customers who want to get out into the
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Minstrel waits to be rehomed
A YOUNG cat found two weeks ago with an injured back leg is in need of a new home. The black-and-white cat, named Minstrel by staff at Wilson's Veterinary Surgery, in Bishop Auckland, where it is being treated, was discovered in a garden shed in Billy
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Enterprising mum shows she means business
MOTHER-of-two Geraldine Cocker is not being allowed to keep mum about her latest pioneering enterprise. She has reached the national finals of a business awards competition with the Redcar, east Cleveland software and IT solutions business she formed
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Ventriloquist Phil entertains shoppers during centre visit
A VENTRILOQUIST was in Darlington yesterday to entertain shoppers and their children. Among those to meet Phil Haze and his puppet friends in the Queen Street Shopping Centre was two-year-old Nathan Hegerty. The performances were part of the centre's
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News in brief: Smoke-free areas listed
BUSINESSES are joining a drive to provide smoke-free areas on their premises. More than 150 firms have signed up to the latest edition of a guide by Sunderland City Council and the city's Teaching Primary Care Trust. It lists hotels, restaurants, sports
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Branson airline in £92m nosedive
Sir Richard Branson's airline Virgin Atlantic has announced it made a pre-tax loss of £92m for the 12 months ending April 2002. Virgin, which first announced the results in unaudited form in May this year, said yesterday it was aiming to return to profitability
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An ornithological cliff-hanger
IT'S what the region has been waiting to see - the first appearance of the birds that have made history. Ever since the bee-eaters arrived at Bishop Middleham Quarry nature reserve, in south Durham, at the start of June, they have attracted thousands
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Region's first woman chief constable appointed
THE region's first woman chief constable has been appointed. Della Cannings, currently Acting Deputy Chief Constable of Cleveland Police, is to head North Yorkshire Police. The 49-year-old leaves the hot seat as head of discipline with the beleaguered
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Shuttle bus proves just the ticket
A new shuttle bus serving Durham's famous peninsula was launched yesterday. The peninsula, home to the cathedral and castle World Heritage Site, is to become a £2 toll road in the next few weeks. Durham County Council, which is behind the scheme, launched
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Travellers facing renewed misery
RAIL passengers face fresh travel misery over the next few days because of new strikes by conductors in a long-running pay dispute. Members of the Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union on Arriva Trains Northern will walk out for 24-hours tomorrow and
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A night to remember
THOUSANDS of people crowded into the grounds of one of the region's top stately homes for a spectacular musical feast. The Castle Howard Proms event - attended by 12,000 people - brought an array of classical music performers to the grounds of the estate
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Charity's excellence recognised
A CHARITY offering complementary therapies and help to disabled people has been recognised for its good work. The charity, the Pioneering Care Partnership, manages the Pioneering Care Centre, offering services and support to people in County Durham. Services
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News in brief: Charity auction of Boro gear
AN auction of official Middlesbrough Football Club merchandise is included in a charity night for Teesside Hospice. It has been organised by Mary Ellis in memory of her husband who died recently and who was cared for by the hospice's Macmillan nurses.
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News in brief: Smoke-free areas listed
BUSINESSES are joining a drive to provide smoke-free areas on their premises. More than 150 firms have signed up to the latest edition of a guide by Sunderland City Council and the city's Teaching Primary Care Trust. It lists hotels, restaurants, sports
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Village that gave shelter as families fled war
THE Germans lined up men from the town in the market place. They counted along the rows: One, two, three. Number three was shot, numbers one and two had to bury the body. Joannes Peeters was a number three. His wife, Theresia, naturally gathered up what
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Message in a bottle gives gift firm reason to party
THE first North-East business to get a licence to sell alcohol on the Internet has got business booming with a simple message and a bottle. After just a year in business, South Shields-based Internet gift service, Gifts 2 Drink, is now taking on extra
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Children book in to promote literacy standards on housing estate
A FUN day proved a novel approach to a campaign to raise literacy standards among a housing estate's youngsters. Representatives of Middlesbrough's Library Service busied themselves with stories and craft activities at a fun day at Easterside, one of
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Future is sweet as the Queen's favourite expands toffee empire
A FATHER and son who rescued a famous toffee firm from obscurity just over five years ago are extending their empire even further. Gary Marston and his son, Peter, bought the Farrah's toffee firm, in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, after news of its impending
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Companies urged to join tournament
COMPANIES from around Teesside are being encouraged to enter a team in this year's Teesside Hospice's five-a-side football tournament. The tournament is due to take place on Saturday, October 13, between 1pm and 5pm, at Vida Teesside, Preston Farm Industrial
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Bite injury surgeon may sue holiday island attacker
AN experienced surgeon who was bitten on the finger by a drunken British tourist today said he was considering suing his attacker. Frank Stafford faces weeks of uncertainty over the damage caused during the savage attack after performing a long operation
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News in brief: Charity auction of Boro gear
AN auction of official Middlesbrough Football Club merchandise is included in a charity night for Teesside Hospice. It has been organised by Mary Ellis in memory of her husband who died recently and who was cared for by the hospice's Macmillan nurses.
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Villagers turn out i force for Queen's Golden Jubilee year 'family' picture
AN entire village gathered to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee by having a "family" picture taken on the village green. Scorton is midway through its annual feast week, arranged this year as a tribute to the Queen's 50 years on the throne. A junior
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Millennium group's work done
THE final meeting of Thornton Watlass Millennium Group has taken place following the successful completion of its projects. They included production of a book, entitled Millennium History: Thornton Watlass, Thirn, Rookwith, Burrill with Cowling and Clifton-on-Yore
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999 service hit by power problem
POLICE insisted yesterday that there would be no repeat of problems which left 999 callers unable to get through to a main switchboard. People making emergency calls to North Yorkshire Police at the weekend could not get through to the force control room
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Pool's 'just perfect'
YOUNGSTERS enjoying their school holidays have found the ideal way to stay cool. Dozens of children and their parents have been taking part in fun sessions at Norton public baths, near Malton. A pool spokesman said: "The weather has been quite hot in
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Conservationists to recruit wildlife detectives
A CAMPAIGN is being launched in the region today (Tuesday) in a bid to stamp out wildlife crime. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Traffic are launching their Eyes and Ears Campaign calling on people to help stamp out the illegal wildlife trade, which
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Compromise reached over major roadworks
A COMPROMISE has been reached in a bid to allay fears surrounding plans for an overhaul of a trunk road which is a town's only through route. Ward councillors have welcomed news that work which threatened to close stretches of the A174 at Loftus for a
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'Your life is never the same again'
As the parents of Cambridgeshire schoolgirls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman struggle to come to terms with their grief, Women's Editor Christen Pears speaks to the grandfather of 11-year-old murder victim Wesley Neailey about he pain of losing a child
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Sisters are doing it for themselves
With increasing numbers of women buying their own homes, they are also becoming less reliant on men to do their DIY. Women's Editor Christen Pears reports. FORGET Handy Andy, these days it's more likely to be Handy Angela as women get to grips with DIY
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Suffragette reveals history of abbey
EDWARDIAN suffragette Amelia Utterthwaite will be on hand during the bank holiday weekend to help visitors shed some light on the history of Whitby Abbey. The costumed character will be joined by her friend and keen amateur photographer Dr Henry Appleby
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Driver's lucky escape as car plunges 20ft
A DISABLED motorist had a lucky escape yesterday after her car crashed through a sea wall and plunged onto a walkway. The driver, who has not been named, is thought to have been involved in a collision with another car, which led to her veering off the
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60,000 visitors signal success
MORE than 60,000 people have flocked to a new £5.7m visitor centre in only five months - signalling a major success for a law firm. Ward Hadaway worked with English Heritage to secure land interests at Whitby Abbey headland, in North Yorkshire, where
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Dancers to open show
THE show must go on for two dancers forced to change rehearsal rooms. Shrugging off chaotic preparations, the two dancers from the Robson School of Traditional Irish Dancing have been selected to take part in the Grand Fireworks Concert at Tees Barrage
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Murder charge
Steven Parker, 42, of Oxclose, Washington, appeared before Houghton-le-Spring magistrates yesterday charged with the murder of Jean Charlton, 71. Mrs Charlton was found dead in her home at the weekend. Mr Parker was remanded in custody to appear at Newcastle
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News in brief: Crack cocaine warning
CRACK cocaine could soon take over from heroin as the greatest drug menace in Ryedale, police have warned. Illegal use of the drug is already established in Scarborough and York, according to Detective Constable Garry Ridler. "Everything that happens
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News in brief: Prison death invesigated
A PRISON SERVICE investigation is to be launched after a woman serving a life sentence for murder was found hanged in her cell yesterday. Diana Schooling, 52, originally from Kent, was found in her cell at Durham Prison during routine rounds yesterday
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Agency hunting 'business champ'
REGIONAL development agency One NorthEast is looking for a "business champion" to increase companies' growth, bring in inward investment and deliver strategies and results for the region. The departure of George Cowcher as head of the business team at
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Saints concede as Reid calls tune on Piper move
SUNDERLAND are poised to land Leicester City's Matt Piper after Southampton conceded defeat in the race for the £3m-rated winger. Saints chairman Rupert Lowe is convinced Piper is destined for the Stadium of Light, and yesterday revealed that Rangers'
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New skateboard and BMX park planned
Work has started on a £22,000 skateboard and BMX park for youngsters in Chester-le-Street. Enthusiasts worked with Chester-le-Street District Council on the plans for the facility at the town's Riverside Sports Complex - due to open on Saturday August
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Earth Alert weekend looks at dinosaurs
DINOSAURS will invade Europe's largest festival of geology when it opens in North Yorkshire during the bank holiday. Earth Alert 2002 will be held in Scarborough's Spa Complex between Saturday and Monday and feature major exhibitions from the extractive
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'Inconsistent' figures for river's salmon defended
THE Environment Agency has defended itself after being accused of having inconsistent figures for salmon numbers in the River Tees. Agency officers calculate the fish numbers in the upper reaches of the river from the amount caught in a fish trap at the
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MS sufferer tackles sailing challenge
A MULTIPLE sclerosis sufferer has braved a sailing challenge to help raise cash for others with the condition. The Darlington and district branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society needs to raise £135,000 to pay for a minibus and static caravan to help
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Eating Owt: A cuppa and a Leg Over
CHINESE restaurants, a survey claimed last week, have regained their once unassailable position as Britain's favoured eating out venue. Probably this doesn't reflect the inventive, almost indigenous fare served (for example) in George Street, Manchester
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New safety warning after bikers killed
POLICE have admitted they are beginning to dread sunny summer days because so many bikers are losing their lives in accidents across the county. Fatalities on a country lane near Boroughbridge and on the A661 near Spofforth on the same evening last week
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'Golan has edge over Nayef in York rematch'
NOTHING quite captures the public's imagination like a good old-fashioned rematch and on day one of York's Ebor festival Golan and Nayef again go head-to-head in what promises to be one of the races of the season in the £450,000 Juddmonte International
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Teesport loaders provide welcome lift for grain firm
IN a year when many are predicting a large grain surplus, Dalgety Kenneth Wilson has negotiated exclusive use of a deep-water loader at Teesport, Middlesbrough. The exportable wheat surplus from this year's harvest is estimated to be approaching five
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Faye carves out a career for herself
A YOUNG cabinet-maker has carved out a name for herself after being crowned North Yorkshire trainee of the year. Faye Pearson, 20, who works at Treske in Thirsk, received the award from the Guidance Enterprises Group. Faye is the first female trainee
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Banner is team effort
ARTISTIC volunteers have been working together to help to brighten up their local community hall. Rural Arts North Yorkshire has been co-ordinating the project which has almost completed the creation of a colourful new banner to be displayed at East Thirsk
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Hard-working community group wins £15,000 award
A community charity has been awarded a £15,000 grant to employ a part-time manager to build on its success. The money will help Middleton Plus, in Middleton-in-Teesdale, recruit someone to fill the two-year post, which has been advertised. It is another
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Job Search: Vacancies
MORE details about the jobs below are available from Jobseeker Direct on (0845) 606 0234. Sales ledger clerk, Leeming. £7,171pa, 26hrs pw, Mon-Fri. Must be numerate and PC literate. Experience working in accounts function preferred. Team working and willingness
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Job Search: Vacancies
MORE details about the jobs below are available from Jobseeker Direct on (0845) 606 0234. Driver, Stockton. £6.25ph, 7am to 4pm, Mon-Fri. Required for multi-drop deliveries of tools and plant. Must have HGV 1 or 2 licence, HIAB licence and experience.
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Northallerton carnival set for long weekend
A long-running charity carnival, which looked set to be abandoned only a year ago, is returning on the Bank Holiday weekend for one of its best events yet. Hopes of the popular event being staged ever again in Northallerton were fading last year after
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First arrests made in police clampdown on prostitution
A HIGH-profile police campaign to clamp down on prostitution on Teesside has made its first arrests. Police swooped on three people, two men and a woman, during their blitz on prostitutes and kerb crawlers in Stockton and Thornaby. Officers have hardened
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Robson hails his striker
SIR Bobby Robson hailed Lomano LuaLua's finest game for Newcastle United last night after the striker scored twice in their 4-0 thrashing of West Ham United. LuaLua, who took 37 matches to open his goal account for Newcastle, has now hit the target five
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Taylor on the defensive over tactics
Tommy Taylor has defended his tactics after coming under-fire from small sections of the Darlington crowd during Saturday's defeat to Oxford United. Some fans were frustrated by Saturday's performance as Darlington enjoyed most of the possession but just
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Warning to firms over use of downloaded software
THOUSANDS of North-East organisations could be operating illegal software without even knowing it. The warning comes from CPA Systems Limited, the Stockton provider of business IT solutions. Two national surveys have recently confirmed CPA's own experience
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Fight to stop gallery move will continue, council told
A COUNCILLOR has made a final appeal for plans to move Darlington's historic art gallery to be dropped. Darlington Borough Council's cabinet is expected to pass the library plan for 2002 to 2004 when it meets today. Part of the plan refers to the council's
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Youngsters bowled over
BUDDING cricketers were put through their paces by the experts last week as part of a leisure centre's summer of fun activities. Fifty youngsters from across the region were given top tips by Yorkshire Cricket Club coach Phil Staves at a three-day school
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Police piece together victim's last movements
Police hunting the killer of a North-East woman are trying to piece together her last movements. Lorraine Turner, 37, originally of Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, was found dead with head injuries by her son Jordan, ten, and daughter, Jasmine, eight.
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Shearer sets the standard for rivals
IT was the perfect postscript to a faultless evening for Alan Shearer and the St. James' Park congregation. An unerring swing of the right boot sent the ball fizzing into the back of the West Ham United net and Shearer raced away, arm aloft, to take the
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Title race will go to the wire, Turner
PROMOTION-SEEKING Hartlepool United boss Chris Turner believes no side will storm ahead in the race for the Third Division title. The eventual champions in both of the last two seasons - Plymouth and Brighton - clinched a place in the Second Division
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Anger over jobs threat
THE proposed loss of jobs among maintenance workers re-opened a bitter political feud last week. Labour councillors reacted angrily to the news that seven jobs are likely to be lost at a workshop run by Balfour Beatty Fleet Services at Leeming Bar, near
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Marathon effort for cancer care
LADIES in a pub darts team have held a 12-hour marathon darts session to raise money for a cancer care service. The Angel Inn ladies team at Gilling West, near Richmond, raised £674 for the Holistic Cancer Care Project, which provides complementary therapies
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New brewery says cheers for serving up funding
STAFF at a town's new brewery have raised their glasses of real ale to thank South Tyneside Council for its business support. The Robin Hood pub, in Primrose Hill, Jarrow, now has a small brewery on the premises after undergoing a £220,000 transformation
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Murphy aims for speedy return to first-team duty
MIDDLESBROUGH'S teenage full-back David Murphy last night revealed his determination to regain full fitness in double quick time. The 18-year-old's full Premiership debut had to be cut short at Southampton on Saturday after sustaining medial knee ligament
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Group will support parents on drug issues
PARENTS whose children turn to drugs are being urged to turn to a support group for help and advice. Liberty from Addiction has been set up to help families in the Durham and Chester-le-Street areas who are affected by the problem. The group, whose volunteers
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Police get final 36 hours to question suspect
Police investigating the deaths of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman were last night granted another 36 hours to question college caretaker Ian Huntley. Magistrates were still considering whether to grant a similar application to continue the questioning
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Boy guilty of killing friend with air gun
THE grieving parents of a schoolboy shot dead by his friend last night made a heart-felt plea for the law over the sale of air guns to be tightened. The call came as his friend was convicted of manslaughter yesterday. Daryl John Allison was 13 when a
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Minstrel waits to be rehomed
A YOUNG cat found two weeks ago with an injured back leg is in need of a new home. The black-and-white cat, named Minstrel by staff at Wilson's Veterinary Surgery, in Bishop Auckland, where it is being treated, was discovered in a garden shed in Billy
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Boss found solution with the 'angels'
AN event and hospitality management company is celebrating an event of its own - winning a package of investment and business advice from the "angels". In the past four years, Exclusive Events, in York, has built up a reputation for a variety of events
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Rescuers thanked by kite surfer
A KITE surfer plucked from the sea has thanked the lifeboat team who saved him. Steven Wood, of Kensington Gardens, Darlington, was surfing off the coast of Coatham Bay, Redcar, when he got into trouble on Saturday afternoon. Coastguards were called and
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Workmen save dog attack boy
A 12-year-old boy faces skin grafts and having a metal plate inserted in his arm after being savaged by a frenzied dog while playing football with friends in a field. Sean Young was bitten 23 times by the Staffordshire bull terrier and was only saved
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Town blueprint threat to Soccerdome dream
PLANS have been submitted for a multi-million pound Soccerdome development for the North-East, creating a regional football centre with 20 pitches and bringing up to 400 jobs. Retailer JJB Sports is hoping to build the 180,000 sq ft development - with
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Electrical goods target of raids
BURGLARS raided a Darlington house and then made off with the owners' van. The thieves broke into the house in Milton Street between 7pm on Friday and 1pm on Sunday, after forcing open a back door into the kitchen. They stole a Goodmans television and
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Dog had lost almost half its ideal weight, court told
A MAN was yesterday banned from keeping animals for five years after a dog in his care lost almost half its ideal weight. The German shepherd dog rescued by RSPCA inspector Gavin Butterfield from a kennel outside the house of James Howe, in West Lane,
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News in brief: Party ahead for group founder
ONE of the founders of a branch of the Parkinson's Disease Society will celebrate his 80th birthday on Sunday with a party for more than 100 family, friends and colleagues. Leonard Palmer, of Strawgate Grove in Darlington, helped form the Cleveland branch
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Parents disappointed by prospect of creche closure
PARENTS have reacted with disappointment over the news that Darlington's Safeway store may lose its creche. The supermarket in Victoria Road is undergoing a 30-day consultation period, during which the company will decide how best to use the space within
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Gateway to new homes
CLEARANCE work is complete at a former garage and pub site which is being transformed into a residential development. Barratt site manager Rob Scarce and his team have moved on to the site, in Layerthrope, York, to begin construction work on Merchants
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Hear All Sides: TONY BLAIR
SOME of the remarks made by people questioned over whether Tony Blair should support the bombing of Iraq (Echo, Aug 10) were very worrying. I'm not referring to the belligerent "blow Saddam up" and the like. What really concerns me are the replies which
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Car crash officer to face court
A POLICE officer is to face magistrates over a road accident which has left a mother-of-three in a coma for the past four months. Linda Donaldson, 51, was injured in a collision with a patrol car as she crossed Welbeck Road, near her home in Walker, Newcastle
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Jonny draws a crowd . . .
BIG Brother local hero Jonny Regan drew thousands of shoppers when he appeared at a supermarket yesterday. Jonny, 29, of Trimdon Station, County Durham, a runner-up in the popular Channel Four show, spent several hours greeting his fans at Asda, in Peterlee
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Workers put safety first
Contractors working at Huntsman Tioxide, near Hartlepool, have clocked up a safety milestone. The Core Contract Group has achieved 1.5m accident-free man hours. The group includes Aker Kvaerner, DB Industrial, Eurest, Garlway, G Abbott and Co, Harfab,
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Beat bobby to hold surgery
AN east Durham beat bobby is hoping residents will turn out in force when he holds a surgery. The last time PC Malcolm Pugh held a session in Easington Colliery no one turned up - even though residents were complaining about anti-social behaviour caused
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Building ahead of schedule
A NEW student accommodation block has been handed over to Durham University well in advance of the forthcoming academic year. The team behind the 96-room development at Van Mildert College completed the construction programme five weeks ahead of schedule
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Teenager denies robbery and murder charges
A TEENAGER has appeared in court to deny murdering and robbing a partially-sighted great-grandmother who died after she was allegedly mugged for her £2 fish supper. Trevor Cook, 19, appeared before Newcastle Crown Court to deny murdering and robbing 77
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Helping companies to broaden appeal
A campaign designed to get North-East businesses to make more commercial use of the region's broadband internet infrastructure has got off to a flying start. One month after launching the North East Broadband Initiative, scheme partners One NorthEast,
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Dancers make good use of holidays
A TEAM of young dancers has been making good use of the summer holidays. The girls have been visiting the Evelyn Witcombe Dance School, at York, to learn a variety of dance forms. Evelyn Whitcombe, who runs the school, said she had been surprised by the
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Focus on homes
COUNCIL chiefs will unveil plans for consultation over the future of the York's 8,500 council houses and flats tomorrow. City of York Council is having to review the man-agement and ownership of the public housing stock as part of a Government pro-gramme
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Theatre chief bowing out
A THEATRE chief who played a key role in steering a theatre from threatened closure is leaving his post. Rob Swain, who was appointed artistic director of Harrogate Theatre in June 1998, took over when average attendances were only 38 per cent. They have
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Real ale drinkers to tackle the mystery of the vanishing clock
A LANDLORD is hoping that real ale buffs will lend a helping hand in solving the mystery of a missing landmark clock when they raise their pints at the weekend. A special brew celebrating the old Potts' Clock of Consett will feature in an annual beer
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Police launch shop-a-cop hotline
A HOTLINE for police to report corrupt colleagues has been set up by Durham Police. The confidential phone line will enable officers or police staff to raise concerns about unethical or dishonest behaviour. Before the installation of the new service,
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Campaigners attack Indian court ruling
CAMPAIGNERS fighting to free a deaf charity worker from an Indian jail have criticised a ruling which prevents him being transferred to another prison to be closer to his family. Ian Stillman, who is serving a ten-year sentence after being convicted of
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Which Face will be the one?
The final of a competition to find The Face of The House is being held this week. Women's Editor Christen Pears introduces the hopefuls. THE bright lights of the catwalk are beckoning for wannabe models hoping to launch their careers this week. Four men
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Group changes constitution
BILLINGHAM Regeneration Partnership has been renamed The Billingham Partnership and has adopted a new constitution. It is now a voluntary organisation able to attract funding for regeneration projects that will improve the quality of life for people in
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Force appoints new police chief
A NEW chief constable has been appointed to head the police force in England's biggest county - and for the first time a woman has been given the role. Della Cannings, currently the Acting Deputy Chief Constable for Cleveland, will take over the top job
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Summer school proves hot stuff
A TEESSIDE summer school has proved a hit with youngsters. The two-week scheme at Abingdon Primary School, in Abingdon Road, Middlesbrough, has been judged to be so good that funding has already been approved for next year. About 125 children, aged between
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Why this madness should shock us all
THE most flabbergasting story of the week was the resignation of Pat Bottrill, chairman of the Royal College of Nursing's governing council, for making a remark about "ten little niggers". There was no reason at all for her to resign. What did she do
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Tramp Mel loses support from her Ladyship
AN unlikely alliance between a lady and a tramp appeared last night to have come to the end of the road. Lady Bolton, whose family own the Castle Bolton estate, became a public champion of "gentleman of the road" Mel Bird when Leyburn Town Council first
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Football centre gets mixed reaction
Plans to develop a major centre for the development of football on the outskirts of Darlington have created a mixture of excitement and controversy since being unveiled by The Northern Echo today. The excitement comes from the potential for a host of
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Five months for brawling brothers
TWO brothers who attacked a bus driver and then turned on an inspector who intervened were behind bars last night. Harrogate magistrates heard how Matthew Chandler, 21, and Steven Chandler, 19, told the Harrogate and District Travel employees: ''We're
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Time to act on air guns
A SCHOOLBOY is found guilty of manslaughter after shooting a friend dead with an air gun here in the North-East. On the same day that this harrowing trial comes to a conclusion, a woman is killed by a single air gun pellet in Hull. If any further evidence
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£1,700 owed in unpaid fines
A MAN who appeared in court for failing to pay fines totalling more than £100 has admitted owing ten times that amount. Stephen Taylor, of Frances Terrace, Bishop Auckland, appeared before the town's magistrates yesterday for failing to pay fines of £107
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Rising to the ton up challenge
MORE than 100 energetic people are on their way to completing a 100-mile challenge to boost their health and fitness. Participants of the Wear Walking for Health Ton Up Challenge aim to walk, jog or run 100 miles around Peases West Athletics Track, in
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Sex case pensioner warned to expect jail
A PENSIONER was facing jail last night for sex attacks on two schoolgirls that took place 30 years apart. David Colin Weall, 69, pleaded guilty to indecently assaulting a girl of 14 in 1971, and an 11-year-old girl in March this year. Weall, of Bolckow
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Voters asked to give their verdict on councillors
RESIDENTS of a town are to be asked to give their opinion on the effectiveness of their councillors. The people of Middlesbrough will be given performance indicators to help them assess the work of their elected representatives, and of mayor, Ray Mallon
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Mast plan discussion
PLANS for a telecommunications mast in Hartlepool are to be discussed at a meeting. Councillor John Lauderdale, cabinet member for town management, has called the meeting to consider a proposal for the Pink Domino pub, in Catcote Road. The public are
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Illegal blood sport remains a problem in the North-East
POLICE have launched an investigation after badger baiters carried out a sickening attack on a sett. The bodies of one, possibly two, badgers were found in woodland close to a sett which was excavated near Bishop Auckland, in County Durham. Badger baiting
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It's back to the past as vintage cars are rolled out
CAR lovers took a trip back in time at the weekend when a number of old-timers made an appearance at a vintage car event. Among the favourites on display at Seaton Holme, Easington Village, were a 1929 Humber Tourer, a 1961 Ford Consul; a 1946 Austin
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Donations plea
STAFF at a building society are appealing to customers to help raise funds for starving people in Africa. The Northallerton and Bedale branches of Skipton Building Society are asking customers to make donations to Y Care International's Southern Africa
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Strollers celebrate funding boost
A £45,000 Countryside Agency grant to Hambleton Strollers will pay for a field worker to promote and plan its health walks. Formed earlier this year, the Strollers promote walking in a bid to combat rising heart disease figures. Members want to establish
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Company puts its virtual assistants on the Internet
A COUNTY Durham company is helping meet demand for off-site business support by being part of a network of "virtual assistants", or VAs. Widely accepted in the US, the concept of virtual working is beginning to gain recognition in the UK. A virtual assistant
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Police provide activities
POLICE in west Gateshead are ensuring young people have plenty to do this summer holiday. Cash from Westhelp, set up in the area command to help community projects, and the Home Office Community Cohesion Fund is being used to support a number of initiatives
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News in brief: Smoke-free areas listed
BUSINESSES are joining a drive to provide smoke-free areas on their premises. More than 150 firms have signed up to the latest edition of a guide by Sunderland City Council and the city's Teaching Primary Care Trust. It lists hotels, restaurants, sports
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Tea party for dogs aims to raise cash for rehoming charity
A TEA party is being held next month for toy dogs and their owners from across the region. The Yorkshire Terrier Rescue and Rehoming charity in the North-East is hosting the event to raise money for its work. Owners of small dogs from throughout the region
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Increase childcare provision, urges TUC
THE region's development agencies have been urged to help increase the number of childcare places in their areas. Leaders of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) are calling on the country's regional development agencies, such as One NorthEast and Yorkshire
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Accountants join up for tax conference
CHARTERED accountants in the region are joining forces with colleagues north of the border for a tax conference in the autumn. It marks the first joint event by the Institute of Chartered Accountants' Northern region and the Institute Members in Scotland
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Cheese supplier's new range
AN award-winning North Yorkshire business is adding another product to its range after being awarded full organic status. Shepherds Purse Cheeses has won formal recognition from the Soil Association in time for the launch of it Shire Blue - an organic
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On a wing... and a prayer
Helen Tempest, the world's most experienced wingwalker, will be performing at the Yorkshire Airshow this weekend. She talks to Women's Editor Christen Pears. THE bright yellow bi-plane swoops low over the crowd, trailing plumes of white smoke in its wake
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Obese boy's mum calls for more weight loss camps
The mother of an obese teenager who lost nearly seven stones has urged the NHS to fund more weight loss summer camps across the UK. Thirty-three stone Colin Ord from Seaham, County Durham, is now down to 26 stones and three pounds after attending a unique
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LuaLua the star as Hammers hit for four
LIVEWIRE Lomana LuaLua provided the spark for Newcastle as Sir Bobby Robson's side hit the top of the Premiership and reached a triple milestone at St. James' Park last night. LuaLua, who is only in the Magpies' line-up because of Craig Bellamy's lengthy
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Funding for sterile supplies unit OK'd
HEALTH care along the North Yorkshire coast has been given a boost with the announcement of a £3.9m development. The Department of Health has approved funding for the sterile supplies unit, which will make the Scarborough and North-East Yorkshire Healthcare
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A cuppa and a Leg Over
CHINESE restaurants, a survey claimed last week, have regained their once unassailable position as Britain's favoured eating out venue. Probably this doesn't reflect the inventive, almost indigenous fare served (for example) in George Street, Manchester
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Cutting out the paperwork
A NORTH-EAST company is bringing the benefits of information technology to the legal profession, law enforcement agencies and many other case investigation bodies. Solicitors, police forces, ombudsman schemes and local authorities are all turning to Litigation
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Job Search: Vacancies
MORE details about the jobs below are available from Jobseeker Direct on (0845) 606 0234. Cook/chef, Durham City. £4.10ph dep on exp, 15hrs pw, Mon-Sun. Must have catering experience and City and Guilds or equivalent, or working towards one. Ref: DUR
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Murder inquiry over N-E woman
POLICE were last night hunting the killer of a North-East woman. Lorraine Turner, 37, originally of Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, was found dead with head injuries by her son Jordan, ten, and daughter, Jasmine, eight. The children, nephew and niece
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Amy makes the grade
COURAGEOUS Amy Livesey has overcome a painful skin condition to achieve success in her studies. Amy, 18, of Tunstall, near Richmond, suffers from epidermolysis bullosa, which means her skin blisters with the slightest knock. Amy has to wear dressings
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Bannatyne puts plans on hold as Soccerdome is planned
Darlington businessman Duncan Bannatyne has put plans for a new £6m head office and health club on hold in a row over plans for a Soccerdome complex. The chairman and founder of Bannatyne Fitness last night revealed exclusively to The Northern Echo how
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Job Search: Vacancies
MORE details about the jobs below are available from Jobseeker Direct on (0845) 606 0234. Chef, Barnard Castle, £200-£250 pw. Full time. Hygiene certificate essential. To cook bar meals and for functions. Ref: BAJ 4457. Load planner goods-in clerk, Darlington
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Last Night's TV: Neighbours (BBC1)
Memories, everybody needs good memories... AS A TV critic you need to keep your head when all around are losing theirs. This was brought home as I settled down to watch a preview tape of C5's new series Ancient Murder Mystery. The episode was called Headless
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Council criticised over jobs scheme
A SCHEME designed to give long-term unemployed people fresh hope in the jobs market has been launched by North Yorkshire County Council. The council will be taking on at least 30 people a year under the Government's New Deal scheme. But the move only
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We're sent to Coventry and suffer on road to nowhere
On the day that the A-level results came cheerfully, tearfully, to light, the column found itself at the University of Warwick in search of further education. Warwick University is, in fact, on the immodest skirts of Coventry and before anyone else observes
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Mayor stands firm despite conviction
A DEFIANT mayor, who was convicted for his part in selling contraband cigarettes, has insisted he will remain in his post. Coun Ray Calvert - who became the civic leader of Bedale only three months ago - said he had done nothing to harm the town and would
