Archive
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Mum At Large: Truly, these boys are the lights of my life
WHAT is it about boys and lights? Why do they always switch them on and never, ever switch them off again? I could probably save myself a fortune with the amount of needless electricity they burn. Enough for some new boots, a holiday, a flat in town..
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Man died in prison after 'error'
A NORTH-East prison governor has condemned as a "managerial error" a decision by one jail to send a suspected bully and his victim to the same prison on the same prison bus. An inquest has heard how 21-year-old Adam Larder complained of being bullied
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Horse crash tragedy
A WOMAN is fighting for her life after the car she was travelling in collided with a loose horse near Bishop Auckland on Sunday. The 23-year-old, from Woodham, is being treated for multiple injuries in the intensive care unit at Newcastle General Hospital
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Scheme blazes a trail for youths with problems
A GROUP of teenagers has been given a fire engine in a pilot scheme aimed at correcting behaviour problems. The youngsters, aged 13 and 14, and who have behavioural problems including truancy and bullying, lined up at Peterlee fire station, in County
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Brother's will to live applauded
WILF Dobinson could not have been prouder as he watched his younger Downs Syndrome brother Peter make the bravest walk of his life across the council chamber in Crook. Just a few months ago 43-year-old Peter was sent home to die when surgeons gave up
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Waugh fans the Ashes with a fine century
Australia's captain Steve Waugh warmed up for the forthcoming Ashes series with a century at Yorkshire's expense in the final Championship match of the season at Headingley yesterday. Waugh held Kent together with an unbeaten 136 - his best knock since
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Legal bid over effects of drug
PHARMACEUTICALS company GlaxoSmithKline is facing legal action from hundreds of people who say they are hooked on the anti-depressant drug Seroxat. A firm of solicitors has already gathered a dossier of evidence from more than 850 clients - including
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Make a lucrative Bond with Becks
BACKERS of Bond Becks seem sure to get a good run for their money on day one of Ayr's Western Meeting. Brian Smart's speedy youngster has done nothing but improve all season, winning with any amount in hand in maiden sprint at Beverley in July. And he's
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Bell's battle to win anonymity delayed
A bid by lawyers acting for child killer Mary Bell and her teenage daughter to win them permanent anonymity was today adjourned. No new date was given for the resumed hearing. The announcement was given in open court after a morning of discussions behind
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Truly, these boys are the lights of my life
WHAT is it about boys and lights? Why do they always switch them on and never, ever switch them off again? I could probably save myself a fortune with the amount of needless electricity they burn. Enough for some new boots, a holiday, a flat in town..
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Father inspires running double
A YOUNG athlete is so determined to raise money for a the cardiac unit which saved his father's life he has decided to complete the Great North Run - twice. Adam Harker, 16, is to compete in the Junior Great North Run, a 4km lap around Gateshead and Newcastle
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Last Night's TV: The Bill (ITV)
Making over the Old Bill O man has been caught on CCTV snorting coke. Another faces a rape charge. A third is pursued by a riotous mob who think he's a paedophile. Then there's the one responsible for an arson attack in which half a dozen people died.
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News in brief: Rape trial told of girl's ordeal
A GIRL told a court she was hiding naked in a darkened room when she was dragged to a bedroom by her hair. The 17-year-old, speaking over a video link, said teenager Michael Grey then forced her to have sex. Michael Bosomworth, defending, told her that
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Industry's fears for assembly
LEADERS of the UK's manufacturing sector have called for greater business representation at a regional level should the Government press ahead with plans for elected regional assemblies. The call comes amid fears that the proposals could lead to the vital
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Free electric blanket checks offer
ELDERLY people in Darlington can sleep sounder thanks to free electric blanket checks next week. Trading standards officers will be working with Age Concern to run the checks after a successful campaign last year, when only 28 per cent of electric blankets
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Anger over refuse wrangle
PEOPLE have criticised Darlington Borough Council's new waste collection system because workers will not collect bags unless they are on the kerb. The council's new rules will cut costs and produce more funds for recycling schemes, but residents are angry
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Businesses in protest over waste plant
BUSINESSES near the site of a planned waste disposal and recycling plant have criticised the scheme. Companies on the Stainton Grove Industrial Estate, near Barnard Castle, in Teesdale, say they were not consulted by Durham County Council, and found out
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Housing plan for addicts in the pipeline
PLANS for a big housing scheme to accommodate people recovering from drug and alcohol addictions have been revealed. Darlington Borough Council is working with charities and health groups to provide a £1m facility in the town. A lack of housing for people
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Talent show
AN annual talent show is to be held in Darlington next week. The Stars in Your Eyes show is organised by Darlington Borough Council's community education service and it is designed to highlight the wealth of untapped talent in the town. It will be held
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Advice on Lottery grant bids
VOLUNTARY and community groups in Darlington are being offered the chance to find out how to get a fair share of National Lottery money. Fair Share is to hold an event in the town to tell people how they can apply for financial help for projects which
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News in brief: Talks on new school scheme
AN open evening is being held to discuss plans to build a £2.9m replacement for Alderman Leach Primary School, Darlington, which will accommodate 315 pupils and 52 nursery children. Parents of children at the school, and Cockerton and Faverdale residents
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Comment: An obligation to tell the story
THERE is no suggestion, from The Northern Echo at least, that Sergeant Nigel Miller has done anything wrong. The insinuation by other newspapers may well be different, but when Mr Miller ran the line at Elland Road on Saturday, he had a certificate from
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Battle looming for best cheese title
CHEESEMAKERS from across North Yorkshire will be battling it out with others from all over England later this month. They will be taking on all-comers in an effort to find the best in the land at the annual Cheese Awards. Shepherd's Purse, from Thirsk
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Library doors opened wider
WHEELCHAIR users celebrated yesterday after a £150,000 lift, which gives them access to Darlington Library for the first time, was officially opened. Disabled people and mothers with pushchairs have campaigned for years to have better access to the town's
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£40m initiative gives youngsters better access to the arts
A £40m creative initiative was launched yesterday which will give hundreds of youngsters across the region better access to the arts. The North-East has been awarded £4m after securing two of 16 Creative Partnerships which will see schools forging contacts
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Health trusts' public meetings
Two health bodies hold annual meetings next week. North Durham Health Care NHS Trust, which runs the University Hospital and sites at Chester-le-Street and Shotley Bridge, holds a meeting on Wednesday, at 4pm, in the education centre at the University
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Computers boost for school
A £25,000 computer suite is giving school language students a window on to the rest of the world. Investment in new technology at Sunnydale School, Shildon, means that teachers and students have software packages which give them direct communication with
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Car parking info online
CITY car parking information is now available online with the launch of a website. Newcastle City Council has created the website at www.newcastle.gov.uk/parking to make car parking easier for visitors. It includes a downloadable map pinpointing car parks
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Bus services promise
RESIDENTS of Kirkbymoorside may get a better bus service as a result of plans to convert buildings on the town's industrial estate. Stephensons of Easingwold wants to change the use of buildings and storage sheds at Dove Way, Kirby Mills, into a coach
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Find the best in the business
THE Best New Business Awards returns for a third year to celebrate the rising stars of the Tees Valley business world and the region's future entrepreneurs. Already more than 115 entries have been received for the event and organisers Business Link and
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Focus on foiling thieves and villains
The most up-to-date security systems were on display at the region's largest crime prevention exhibition yesterday. Crimex 21, taking place at Hartlepool Historic Quay, was officially opened by Cleveland Police district commander Chief Superintendent
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Independents lead call for identity issue to be resolved
THE thorny issue of the cultural identity of Redcar and East Cleveland has forced its way on to the agenda of a high-powered council meeting later today. The East Cleveland Independents group of councillors will argue that all Redcar and Cleveland Borough
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Juninho drops in for show preview
MIDDLESBROUGH footballer Juninho took time out from his post-operation rehabilitation programme to meet the cast of the musical Copa Cabana. The Boro star dropped in to watch rehearsals by members of Redcar Operatic Society at the Tall Trees Hotel, Yarm
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Talent show
AN annual talent show is to be held in Darlington next week. The Stars in Your Eyes show is organised by Darlington Borough Council's community education service and it is designed to highlight the wealth of untapped talent in the town. It will be held
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Newly-wed wins honeymoon cash
A NEWLY-WED is planning a belated honeymoon after winning £5,000 in a radio competition. Claire Thompson, 21, from Gateshead, married her husband, Alan, in July but did not have a honeymoon. Now, after presenter Paul Gough read out two digits from her
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Marking mining heritage
PUPILS at a County Durham school have been learning about life at a former colliery through art. The project at Cassop School, near Coxhoe, is to teach pupils about the village pit, which closed in 1983 but which many children do not even know existed
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Row as dental patients face trip
HEALTH bosses have promised to take action after it was revealed that dental patients are having to travel up to 35 miles for NHS treatment. People in Wensleydale are forced to make the long journey to seek treatment, even though £18,000 of public money
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Teachers welcome A-Level inquiry
Teacher unions today welcomed Education Secretary Estelle Morris's decision to hold an independent inquiry into the A-Level grades row. She faced calls from classroom teachers to reduce the number of exams in the wake of the affair from those who believe
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Education award for Roman site
A NORTH-EAST museum that has captivated thousands of schoolchildren with its insight into Roman life has been handed an award. Segedunum Roman Fort, in Wallsend, North Tyneside, is one of 19 organisations in the country to receive the Sandford Award for
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Fire chiefs back escape initiative
THE region's fire chiefs threw their weight behind a Government initiative yesterday. The Make Your Plan - Get Out Alive campaign is urging people to form their own fire action plan to ensure they can escape their home in the event of a blaze. Five people
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Grassroots: Yarm and Eaglescliffe
Senior citizens: Yarm Senior Citizens Club meets on Thursdays, 2pm to 4pm, in the Fellowship Hall in West Street. This year's free trip is to Skipton. Additional members aged over 55 are welcome. For information, please phone (01642) 648574. Quiz night
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Action call over centre's future
THE future of a stately home used as an adult education centre should be taken out of limbo quickly, says a leading North Yorkshire county councillor. Carl Les, cabinet member for corporate resources, said a decision about the future use of Grantley Hall
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It was billed as the great Lancet showdown
THE last time the pair appeared in public, Chief Constable Barry Shaw was on the attack. He bitterly denounced Ray Mallon as "a liar at the head of an evil empire", as one of the most bilious investigations in police history came to a rancorous end. So
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Calls may go unanswered during firefighters' strike
The Army today admitted that some calls could go ignored in the event of a national strike by firefighters. Plans have been drawn up to provide emergency cover across the region should no breakthrough be found in a dispute over pay. But reservations have
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Town to fight for all A66 to be dualled
CIVIC leaders in Darlington are to press for the notorious A66 road to be fully dualled along its route around the town. The Government pledged last month to fully upgrade the notorious stretch from Scotch Corner to Penrith, in what represented a major
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Jury told of terror attack by crazed knifeman
A CRAZED knifeman stabbed a trainee rabbi at least 20 times on the top deck of a bus, the Old Bailey heard yesterday. Screaming passengers scrambled to get off as Algerian Nabil Ouldeddine, 28, plunged a kitchen knife into Mayer Myers, 21. The driver
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Andrew's night out for charity
THE managing director of a North Yorkshire IT firm will spend a night under the stars this week to help tackle youth homelessness in the UK. Andrew Griffiths, of software consultancy Ortia, of Richmond, will be sacrificing a night in the comfort of his
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Police officer is cleared of swindling club
A senior detective accused of swindling over £12,000 from his police social club walked free from court yesterday. Ian Smith - a former fraud squad inspector - was charged with stealing £9,045 in l998 and £3,514 in l999 from Mill Bank Station Club, South
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Pensioners protest over radio man's departure
PENSIONERS plan to take to the streets in protest at a radio presenter being taken off the air. Alan Wright was told on Friday that his contract with BBC Radio Cleveland would not be renewed - after 30 years with the station. Tomorrow, a group from the
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Flagging up a hidden illness
Police Sergeant Nigel Miller has come under fire for officiating at a Premiership football match while on the sick through stress, but sometimes keeping busy can be the best therapy. Nick Morrison reports. STANDING in front of a class of seven-year-olds
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News in brief: Charity issues plea for help
THE RSPCA charity shop in Langley Moor near Durham has issued an urgent appeal for volunteers to help out at the shop for a few hours a week. Anyone interested should contact the shop on 0191-378 2645. The charity is also in constant need of new people
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Repair work under way on town's bridge
REPAIR work on a North-East bridge is well under way after part of the structure was struck by a lorry earlier this year. Stonemasons have been busy replacing damaged brickwork on the medieval County Bridge, in Barnard Castle, County Durham, part of which
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News in brief: South America adventure
TRIMDON solicitor Margaret McManners has been selected to join an expedition to Chile with Earthwatch in the autumn, to monitor the behaviour of otters. Her husband, James, headteacher at Cassop School, near Coxhoe, worked with Earthwatch on a project
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Residents protest sex shop plan
Plans to open a sex shop close to a primary school and Brownies centre has prompted a large scale protest from local people. The application to open the shop on West Dyke Road, Redcar, has come from a Sheffield businessman. Councillors on Redcar and Cleveland
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Daughter's tears as hero is honoured
THE daughter of a D-Day hero who single-handedly thwarted two German attempts to halt the British advance, filled up with tears as her father was officially commemorated in his home town yesterday. Pauline Armistead was surrounded by her family as the
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Residents protest sex shop plan
A Christmas market and ice rink which was a big hit with shoppers in Spennymoor will not be repeated this year. Sedgefield Borough Council hailed last year's town centre attraction as a success, claiming it drew 25,000 visitors and boosted the local economy
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Our Highland gains
REFULGENT in the September sunshine, Achnasheen invites explanation. It's 45 miles north-west of Inverness, a molehill among the massifs. There are just 44 people, of whom seven daily attend the village school, and several thousand sheep who are generally
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Morrisons unveils expansion plans
Supermarket giant Morrisons has unveiled further expansion plans in the North-East after announcing big profits. The firm revealed pre-tax profits for the first half year of 2002 of £114.5m - an increase of 16.1 per cent on last year. And its development
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Pupils inspired by visit
TEENAGERS who won a South African holiday by helping their community found inspiration for a new campaign among impoverished township youngsters. The group from Wolsingham School and Community College were so moved by the few hours they spent among the
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Hospital merger approval gets mixed reception
GOVERNMENT backing for the Darzi Plan means some people will lose their district general hospital, it is claimed. Health bosses in County Durham are pleased Health Minister Jacqui Smith has backed the merger and has given an extra £3.5m to make the plan
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Wages league table shows North-South divide
AVERAGE wages in the North-East region are among the lowest in the country, according to a survey. The GMB has released a league table of average earning figures for the UK, which is based on figures in the New Earnings Survey. Workers in Darlington and
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New attack on reliability of Army's main assault rifle
CRITICISM of the British Army's main assault rifle continued yesterday, despite the Ministry of Defence (MoD) claims that an upgraded version has proved more reliable. A question mark has hovered over the SA80 ever since it replaced the .762 SLR, with
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Richmond clean-up planned
It is hoped a clean-up set for the first week in November will kick-start a fresh drive to shake of years of malaise in Richmond. Some have complained the market town at the foot of Swaledale has been looking a little world-weary and could benefit from
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Police hunt for bogus officials
POLICE are making a desperate plea to elderly householders to be extra vigilant after a series of burglaries by bogus utility officials. Detectives are investigating a spate of distraction thefts across the area but have said that they need the public's
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Greek trial blow to grieving family of North-East tourist
The family of a British tourist who bled to death in a Greek hospital were told yesterday they must wait until next May to see five medical staff stand trial accused of killing their son. Relatives of Christopher Rochester were in Rhodes yesterday ready
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Queen Street will bounce back
Business chiefs are confident that one of Darlington's main shopping areas will bounce back from the loss of a major store. Supermarket giant Safeway confirmed earlier this week that it was planning to shut down its store in the Queen Street Arcade, in
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Take a walk to better health
THE season of mists and mellow fruitfulness is almost upon us - and now is the time to get out and enjoy that crisp autumnal air. In an attempt to promote healthiness, the Ramblers' Association is encouraging more people to put their best foot forward
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Chance to win a home . . . we guess
MILLIONS of TV viewers will watch as a North-East couple attempt to win their dream home after overcoming a string of disasters. Tracy and Craig Million ended a run of bad luck when they were chosen to take part in Channel 5's popular programme, Hot Property
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Village celebrates with flowers
A VILLAGE made a blooming marvellous recovery from the devastating affects of foot-and- mouth disease at the weekend. Tow Law hosted a flower festival as a celebration of the community's determination to bounce back from the epidemic. The three-day event
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Relieved Liddle targets Orient for return to action
Darlington skipper Craig Liddle has targeted a return to action at Orient next week after being stretchered off at Bootham Crescent on Tuesday. It was feared the centre-back would face a lengthy spell on the sidelines after badly gashing his leg in a
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Hodge shines through the gloom for Durham
THERE is to be no happy ending for Durham. Against the second worst team in the country, the only bright spots at Bristol yesterday, prior to a dramatic last six balls, were championship best scores of 73 for acting captain Brad Hodge and 27 for Ian Pattison
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Exporting opportunity in Germany
NORTH-EAST firms have just over a week to join a programme that will help them export to Germany. Export Explorer to Berlin, organised by Business Link Tyne and Wear for Trade Partners UK, is a four-step programme aimed at novice exporters, culminating
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Ready to DIY for his country
WHEN Darlington soldier Mike Younghusband joined the Army he did not expect to appear on television. But the 18-year-old had to brush up on his DIY talents to appear on a make-over programme to be broadcast on the British Forces TV channel next month.
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New work to promote wildlife
PLANS to help endangered water voles in Darlington have been welcomed. Members of Darlington Borough Council's Environmental Forum heard that the Westbrook Villas Residents' Association had approached the authority about land in Brinkburn Denes. Sandwiched
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Enterprise support helps nursery to grow
A NURSERY set up by a group of mothers is thriving thanks to backing from a community enterprise programme. Business Link County Durham is encouraging more projects to follow in the footsteps of the Little Tykes Nursery, in Trimdon Village. The nursery
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Search for housing management board volunteers
DARLINGTON people eager to have a voice in the town's housing issues are being encouraged to volunteer for positions on a management board. The Darlington Housing Association is looking for new members for its management board. The association wants to
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Prized bike was 'stolen to order'
A BIKER whose £8,000 machine was stolen yesterday says he is close to giving up his hobby. Mark Stephenson has given up hope of recovering his ten-year-old Harley-Davidson machine, which was taken in the early hours from a shed at his home in High Street
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Audience participation show
AN internationally acclaimed theatre group will be visiting Teesdale later this month. The Highlights Rural Touring Scheme will perform at Cotherstone Village Hall on September 28, as part of a national tour. The group has recently worked with the National
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Search for owner of horse killed in road accident
POLICE have renewed an appeal for information about the owner of horse involved in a road accident in County Durham which left a young woman critically ill in hospital. The 23-year-old front-seat passenger is still fighting for her life at Newcastle General
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Technology bus launch
A TECHNOLOGY bus bringing computer access to the people of Darlington has been launched. Paralympian athlete Tanni Grey Thompson attended the launch of the BBC vehicle, which has six computers on board and an expert tutor from the town's technology college
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Jury ponders sex accusation
THE jury considering the case of a man who is alleged to have crept into the bed of a sleeping woman before indecently assaulting her was sent home last night after failing to reach a verdict. Christopher Gill, 19, left behind a pile of clothes after
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£2,000 of cannabis in garden shed
A 58-YEAR-OLD man caught growing cannabis in his garden shed has been sent for trial at Teesside Crown Court. Peter Stabler, of The Porch, Barton, North Yorkshire, yesterday admitted producing 28 plants and possessing cannabis with intent to supply, but
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Court told PC lied about injuries
A POLICE officer lied about a crash with a drink driver so he could claim £1,000 compensation, a court heard. PC Jeffrey Sidhu, 34, was on duty in an unmarked car when a driver, who was over the alcohol limit, crashed into his Ford Mondeo. Newcastle Crown
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GCSE prize is shared
A PRIZE for the pupil with the best GCSE results at a Darlington school has been shared this year. Gemma Roberts and Alison Galpin, both 16, have been jointly awarded the Lloyds Bank Trophy at Hurworth Comprehensive School. Alison gained most A*s in her
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Centres struggle to keep employees
CALL centre staff turnover is increasing despite pay rising in the growing industry, a study claims. Annual turnover is now almost 25 per, three per cent up on last year, employment researchers Incomes Data Services found. Half of firms have problems
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Hear All Sides: War on Iraq
I FIND it laughable and insulting to hear Tony Blair and George Bush claiming no decision has been made on whether to go to war on Iraq. That decision has been made and we are now being subjected to propaganda telling us this action is necessary. However
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Football club scores for wildlife
SUNDERLAND's new football academy was praised yesterday at a conference aimed at persuading landscape designers to protect flora and fauna. Architects and landscape designers from all over the North-East attended Living Landscapes - Biodiversity by Design
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Grown-ups for a day
PUPILS from six primary schools were given an early taste of adult life at a two-day event aimed at encouraging them to work hard and raise their aspirations. Parkside Comprehensive School, Willington, organised the event, called The Sky is the Limit,
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Anger over refuse wrangle
PEOPLE have criticised Darlington Borough Council's new waste collection system because workers refuse to collect bags unless they are on the kerb. The council's new rules will cut costs and produce more funds for recycling schemes, but residents are
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Jury ponders sex accusation
THE jury considering the case of a man who is alleged to have crept into the bed of a sleeping woman before indecently assaulting her was sent home last night after failing to reach a verdict. Christopher Gill, 19, left behind a pile of clothes after
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New order for High Street traffic
EXPERIMENTAL restrictions to close Stockton High Street to cars and lorries are introduced this weekend. From 9.30am on Sunday, the new Traffic Regulation Order comes into force. It allows only buses and cyclists to enter the central section of High Street
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Bill for penny thrown in name of romance
A SCAFFOLDER'S bungled attempt at a reunion with his ex-girlfriend ended in a broken window, violence and a bill for more than £400. Magistrates in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, heard how drunken Asa Sutcliffe remembered a week-old invitation to go to see
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Government doubles cash for North's cycling schemes
THE Government is more than doubling the amount of funding available to projects encouraging people to ditch four wheels in favour of two. Schemes across the North-East and North Yorkshire are among those that will benefit from the move, with grants ranging
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Advice on Lottery grant bids
VOLUNTARY and community groups in Darlington are being offered the chance to find out how to get a fair share of National Lottery money. Fair Share is to hold an event in the town to tell people how they can apply for financial help for projects which
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How to cope with this new girl power
HAZEL is a stunning, dark-haired Irish teenager with an amazing voice. She appeared on ITV's Popstars: the Rivals this week, auditioning for a place in an all-girl pop band. Although the judges - record producers Pete Waterman and Louis Walsh and former
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Gymnast Greg gives demonstration of his very special skills
Youngsters from a Hartlepool school watched a gymnastic performance by a world champion yesterday. Greg Silvester, the Special Olympics World Gymnastic Champion, who has Down's syndrome showed the youngsters from Catcote School what they can achieve.
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Former mine site opens as wildlife haven
A FORMER mine site has reopened as a wildlife haven thanks to a trust's investment. The 40-hectare Crow Trees Local Nature Reserve, at Quarrington Hill, was bought with funding of £45,000 from County Durham Environmental Trust (Cdent) to be transformed
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News in brief: Charity issues plea for help
THE RSPCA charity shop in Langley Moor near Durham has issued an urgent appeal for volunteers to help out at the shop for a few hours a week. Anyone interested should contact the shop on 0191-378 2645. The charity is also in constant need of new people
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Pupil refused bus place over religion issue
A CATHOLIC pupil faces a daily struggle to reach school after being refused a place on the school bus because her parents are Protestant. Lauren Loan's parents have been left wondering how to get their daughter to and from their home in Perkinsville,
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Prayers for jailed charity worker
A SPECIAL church service is being held to highlight the case of a deaf charity worker who campaigners say has been unfairly imprisoned in India. Ian Stillman has spent two years in prison in India after being accused of possessing cannabis. The 52-year-old
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Grassroots: Redcar and East Cleveland
SQUEEZING IT: Cleveland Accordionaires took their rousing music to Guisborough Salvation Army Citadel, entertaining the Golden Years Club. The Accordionaires can be booked on (01642) 590781. GOOD VOICE: Redcar Male Voice Choir welcomed Margaret Barron
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Filmmakers' festival helps students
A YOUNG Filmmakers' Festival is being held to introduce students to the celluloid art - with the help of Thirsk's Ritz Cinema. The week-long event will cater for 24 students from Thirsk schools who have applied to join the workshop run by professional
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Jo takes up challenge of a lifetime for charity
A CATTERICK nursery nurse has been pedalling the district's roads with her partner in preparation for one of the biggest challenges of her life. Jo Adams will join more than 100 others on a gruelling, 254-mile cycle ride across the Egyptian desert to
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Miners to remember union great
AN annual service of remembrance to honour the founder of the first miners' union takes place on Saturday. Thomas Hepburn was born in 1795 in Pelton, County Durham and began work at Urpeth Colliery at the age of eight to support his widowed mother's family
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Lecturer's social care mission
A COLLEGE lecturer is on an international mission to examine the development of social work in a former Eastern bloc country. Dave Sugden, who lives in Wolsingham, is one of only three people in the UK to be chosen by international development agency
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Consultant cleared over allegation of misconduct
A HOSPITAL consultant who admitted failing to take a patient's symptoms seriously has been cleared of serious professional misconduct. Dr John Paterson, a consultant physician at Scarborough General Hospital, was said to be "delighted" to have been vindicated
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Charities celebrate boost to funds
TWO worthy causes have been presented with cheques by the former chairman of Richmondshire District Council, Jane Metcalfe. Most councillors who take on the role nominate charities to benefit from any fundraising events they arrange during their year
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David takes up health trust role
A NEW man has joined the team running the hospitals of Northallerton and Middlesbrough. David Dobson has been appointed as a non-executive member of South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust. Mr Dobson, who has lived in Sowerby, Thirsk, for more than 26 years, will
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Landlady's 'terror' as bailiffs call
A LANDLADY whose family has run a village pub for nearly 50 years faced the bailiffs yesterday following a disagreement with her brewery. Sheila Suddick, landlady of the Crown and Crossed Swords in Shotley Bridge, County Durham, said she had been terrified
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Child experts not to appeal over libel loss
A PANEL of child experts who wrongly accused two nursery nurses of sexual abuse yesterday conceded they will not appeal against a libel action they lost. In July, Mr Justice Eady ordered the four authors of a council-funded report to pay Dawn Reed, 31
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Call for power to N-E assembly
AN influential think-tank today calls on the Government to give some clout to a North-East assembly - particularly in the field of transport. The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) warns that the Government's proposals as they stand risk devolving
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200,000 reasons to jail child porn pervert
POLICE who arrested a man suspected of copying computer games stumbled across the biggest paedophile porn collection ever seen in the UK. Officers thought Clive Cairns was making money selling copied games on the black market. Instead, they uncovered
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It's the end of the road for AA phones
WE HAVE all known that sinking feeling. A long journey, a recalcitrant car, fractious passengers and an odd and ominous noise coming from somewhere in the engine compartment. Heart-in-mouth you carry on through grey and drizzly weather, cursing the fact
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Chest specialist shortlisted
A CHEST specialist at a North-East hospital has been shortlisted for a national award. Dr Sunshill Bansal's team at Sunderland Royal Infirmary has set up a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease service for the elderly. The service has resulted in reduced
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Region to host major boat event
A MAJOR European watersports event is to take place in the North-East. Stockton has been chosen as the venue for the European Dragon Boat Championships in 2004, with competitors from nine European countries, including Switzerland, Poland, Italy and the
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'Shaming' of strike-breakers condemned
ARRIVA Trains Northern has condemned the "naming and shaming" of staff who are defying strike action by conductors. It emerged last night that a list of staff continuing to work on strike days is being circulated on the Internet. Arriva says the move
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Sunshine crowns a 'brilliant' show weekend
GLORIOUS sunshine helped make a Weardale village's agricultural show held at the weekend one of its most successful yet. This year's Stanhope Agricultural Society Show was about much more than winning trophies - people turned out in droves to show their
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Campaign hails Welsh progress
CAMPAIGNERS urging devolution for the North-East have welcomed the progress made so far by the Welsh Assembly, on the fifth anniversary of their referendum vote. Peter Sagar, vice-chairman of the Campaign for a North-East Assembly (CNA), said: "It is
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TV chef gives students recipe for success
CELEBRITY chef Jamie Oliver went back to his roots to visit North-East catering students yesterday. The television star, who began his career as a City and Guilds student in London, spoke to the next generation of chefs at the City of Sunderland College's
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Sick leave sergeant misses big game
PREMIERSHIP chiefs have stepped in to stop a police sergeant officiating at the Tyne-Wear derby on Saturday following a national furore over his football role while off work with stress. They say they do not want media attention surrounding the part-time
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Musical launch for teenagers' advice service
AN advice and guidance service for teenagers is being launched in musical style. Two free club nights are being offered to youngsters to celebrate the launch of Connexions York and North Yorkshire, the Government's service for 13 to 19-year-olds. Connexions
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News in brief: OK urged for poultry unit
A FREE-RANGE poultry unit for 12,000 hens on a 30-acre site looks likely to win the go-ahead, despite protests from a council. Councillors at an area planning committee of Harrogate Borough Council in Knaresborough on Tuesday are being recommended to
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Farm hit by suspicious blaze
POLICE are appealing for information after a farm building and its contents were destroyed in a suspected arson attack at the weekend. Firefighters spent all Sunday battling the fire in a large barn at Fitches Grange Farm, on the A68, between Toft Hill
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Inquiry demanded into exam scandal
Headteachers last night demanded an independent inquiry into the growing A-level scandal - despite the exam boards being ordered to re-mark disputed papers. Education Secretary Estelle Morris also stepped into the row. She said those papers suspected
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Teesdale economy benefits from enterprise fund cash
AN enterprise fund set up to soften the blow of job losses at a North-East pharmaceutical company is already paying dividends. The Teesdale Enterprise Fund was launched in Barnard Castle, County Durham, in March with a £750,000 donation from GlaxoSmithKline
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Homeowners demand to be compensated
HOMEOWNERS who face losing thousands of pounds when their defective council-built properties are bulldozed say they will refuse to move out unless they are paid compensation. Wear Valley District Council could face a lengthy legal battle with 30 owner
