Archive
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Dealer gave up bags of heroin and cash
DRUGS worth almost £10,000 and more than £5,000 in proceeds from sales were recovered in a police raid on the home of a wholesale heroin supplier. When police armed with a search warrant called at Paul Griffiths' former home, in Pallister Park, Middlesbrough
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Training aid to find jobs for engineers
UNEMPLOYED engineers in South Durham are being thrown a lifeline by a software company. Cadconnect, in Newton Aycliffe, which sells computer programmes to design engineers, is offering to train redundant engineers - such as workers from the former Black
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Mother convicted of killing husband launches appeal
A MOTHER given a life sentence for murdering her husband takes her case to appeal next week. Donna Tinker told a judge and jury she "flipped" when she killed her partner Richard at their home in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, in 1999. At first, she told
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Echo Memories: Among the inferno of Bakehouse Hill's ovens
POOR George Swalwell's innards were sliced from his body, boiled in a large cauldron which he could see bubbling away from his vantage point on the gibbet, and then thrown on to the baker's dungheap. All this happened in Darlington Market Square in 1594
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Master of the sleight of hand (and head)
Harry Potter would have been proud of illusionist Daniel Hunt when he visited his old school to pass on his magical powers. The 24-year-old magician left dozens of youngsters at Staindrop Comprehensive School, in Teesdale, County Durham, in awe as he
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Mother love, career girl or both?
SO, once again, the question is not 'can women have it all?' but rather 'do we want it all?' Lisa Gordon, corporate affairs director of Chrysalis and the youngest woman appointed to the board of a Stock Exchange listed company, is stepping down to spend
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Not-so-sweet taste of a real con scheme
ON October 23 we wrote of a company called Sweet and Tasty, and specifically about its improbable offer of 500g - about 1lb - of beef dripping in a German beer mug. It was also the outfit, it may be recalled, which for £50 offered four bottles of wine
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Outrage at threat to 11,000 fire jobs
HOPES of an early end to the firefighters' strike were dashed last night after Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott hinted at 11,000 job cuts in the fire service. Mr Prescott told MPs that early retirements in the service provided "ample opportunity" to
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Swing death inquest opens
AN inquest opened yesterday after a teenage boy died in an accident when he fell from a makeshift swing. Newcastle coroner David Mitford opened and adjourned an inquest into the death of Peter David Lane, 13, of Roker Avenue, Sunderland. Peter is understood
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News in brief: Tolkien artist to reveal all
AUSTRALIAN artist Dr Graeme Anthony, who recreates J R R Tolkien's fantasy characters in pewter and glass, will demonstrate how the pieces are made when he visits Market Cross Jewellers, in Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough, tomorrow. He has designed Royal
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CCTV scheme nearly complete
THE final stage of a £200,000 scheme to expand Darlington town centre's closed-circuit television (CCTV) security system is nearing completion. Earlier this month, six cameras covering the Stanhope Road area of the town were linked to the town hall's
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Plane crash may have been caused by fatigue
A TIRED and overworked pilot may have made the fatal error that sent an RAF jet crashing into a village, an inquest heard yesterday. Squadron Leader Mike Andrews was regularly seen "cat-knapping" during work in the days leading up to the flight which
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"I think we're alone now"
Ever since man has looked at the stars, one question has dominated his thoughts: are we alone? Nick Morrison speaks to one man who says he knows the answer. "INNUMERABLE suns exist; innumerable earths revolve around these suns in a manner similar to the
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News in brief: Widower to contest seat
A WIDOWER is to contest his late wife's council seat in a by-election this week. Walter Armstrong is the Labour candidate for the Burnopfield and Dipton seat on Durham County Council. It was formerly held by his wife, June, who died earlier this year.
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More time to plan rebuild of marina
The development company selected by Scarborough Borough Council as its partner for the multi-million pound re-development of Whitby Marina yesterday had its exclusivity period extended by two years. Evans of Leeds, an international development company
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Naturalists find new hope for endangered water voles
NATURALISTS near Darlington have made a remarkable discovery which offers hope for one of the country's most endangered animals. They have found one of the North-East strongest colonies of water voles - a creature predicted to become extinct in Britain
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City is mobilised to tackle stress
IN an unusual move, a North-East city is being mobilised in a bid to reduce workplace stress. More than 150,000 UK employees are so stressed-out at work that they take at least a month off a year. Now health experts in Sunderland have called a meeting
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Brother's cancer fight inspired Chris to become half the woman she was
A hospital cook who shed almost half her weight after being inspired by her brother's courageous fight against cancer has been named slimmer of the year. Christine Tonge, 41, had yo-yo dieted since being a teenager and was a size 32, weighing over 21
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Launch of new centre for school
A MODERN learning centre opened its doors this week at a Catterick Garrison primary school. Housing a suite of 16 computers, the resource centre cost more than £30,000 and will greatly benefit the education of children at Le Cateau school. Cynthia Welbourn
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Lung disease charity urges winter help
KEEN runners are being asked to take part in a winter challenge for charity. Breathe North, part of the British Lung Foundation, is asking people to take part in the Great Winter Run, at Newcastle's Town Moor and Exhibition Park. The event, on January
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On parade
THREE Roman soldiers will be entertaining visitors to the Discovery Centre, in Bishop Auckland, on Saturday, to mark the climax of The Romans exhibition. They will demonstrate use of weaponry and artefacts. Armour, a religious altar and various costumes
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Tributes paid to devoted daughter
A FUNERAL service will be held on Friday for a leading member of the Richmond community, who died suddenly at home last week. Fay Campion was the youngest daughter of Lady Serena James, of St Nicholas, Richmond, who died in 2000. The longest-serving member
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Great catch for air ambulance
ANGLERS have reeled in hundreds of pounds for the region's air ambulance service. Fishermen from throughout the North-East took part in a charity competition organised by Northumbrian Water at Fontburn reservoir, in Northumberland, which raised £630 for
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Families plant ahead
GREEN-fingered residents gather this weekend to plant 30,000 bulbs and make sure their park is a riot of colour next spring. Derwentside District Council holds its Bountiful Bulbs, Beautiful Blooms event in Consett Park on Saturday, from 10am to 1pm,
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Poster win for Jack
DOG owners could learn a thing or two from Jack Jamieson. Posters drawn up by nine-year-old Jack, urging owners to clean up after their pets are to be displayed in parts of Middlesbrough. His poster came first in a competition at Ayresome Junior School
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They'll be back, yeah, yeah, yeah
THE Beatles are returning to the region. Homegrown tribute band The Beatle-Maniacs, including musicians from Teesside rather than Merseyside, will provide entertainment in the build-up to Redcar's Christmas lights switch-on, on Sunday. Brothers Richard
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I'll prove my psychic powers, vows medium Gary
MEDIUM Gary Fowler has thrown down the gauntlet to renowned sceptic James Randi over predictions for the outcome of Celebrity Big Brother. US-based Randi, who appears on BBC's Horizon tomorrow to challenge the authenticity of homeopathic medicine, has
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Anguish of pensioner as plea for help ignored
A PENSIONER mugged in the street was left distressed after her pleas for help were ignored by a man walking his dog. The 75-year-old and her daughter could not understand why the man did nothing but watch yesterday's incident unfold. Cleveland Police
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Now pub can host weddings
A WELL-known pub in the Yorkshire Dales has added another string to its bow - after winning the right to host weddings. The Black Bull, in Reeth, has become the latest site in the county to be licensed to hold civil marriage ceremonies. It means North
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Referees' course is hailed a success
A LEADING referee says a new generation of North-East whistle-blowers is destined to make the big time. That is Jeff Winter's prediction after 15 teenagers passed a pioneering training course for football referees. He says they have potential to be Premiership
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Play focus on wartime love
RELATIONSHIPS and romances during wartime are at the subject of a drama production taking to the stage this weekend. The powerful drama being staged by All You Can Eat looks at how it felt to be aged between 16 and 25 in 1946 - the highs, lows, laughter
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Comment: Losing their grip on reality
A WEEK ago, in the run-up to the current eight-day firefighters' strike, we called for reality to dawn and common sense to prevail. Since then, reality has retreated into the far distance and common sense has gone with it. As every day goes by, the crisis
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Mental health art on display
PAINTINGS created by people with mental health problems have gone on show at Chester-le-Street Civic Centre. They were created at a World Mental Health Day workshop at Alnwick Castle, Northumberland, by people with mental health problems, children from
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Caring pupils support charity
PUPILS are helping their under-privileged counterparts in eastern Europe by providing Christmas aid packages. The children from Whinfield Junior School, in Darlington, packed more than 120 shoe boxes full of presents to eastern Europe by the Samaritans
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Young cooks ready for taste test
HEALTHY dishes served up by two young cooks will be testing the tastebuds of a junior jury drawn from primary schools around the country on Friday. Megan Hutchinson and Melissa Carr, 13-year-old pupils at Parkside Comprehensive School, Willington, have
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City life goes on show
YOUNG people's experiences of living in a city form the basis of a new exhibition. The Our Lives exhibition, which runs at Newcastle's Discovery Museum until Sunday, was created by 11 young people who live in Newcastle but are originally from other countries
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School governor denies sex abuse
TWO women broke nearly 30 years of silence about their child sex abuse when they found their alleged tormentor had become a school governor, a court was told yesterday. They went to the police after reading a letter published in a newspaper from Norman
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Cyclists hit form at tribute meeting
CYCLISTS from the North- East put in some good performances at a race meeting. Competitors met on the Stone Cross playing fields in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, for the fifth round of the sport's Yorkshire Championships, at the weekend. Professionals
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Poppy needs a home
A TWO-year-old mongrel bitch is in need of a new home. Poppy's owners decided after having her for a year that they no longer wanted a pet, so gave her to the National Animal Sanctuary Support League, in Darlington. Pauline Wilson, from the National Animal
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Public to get say in plan debates
THE public are about to be given more of a say in the decision-making process when it comes to planning applications. From January, objectors, developers and parish councillors will be allowed to speak at Hambleton District Council planning meetings.
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Red tape stifling success, says Jones
Red tape and growing taxes are stifling the UK's hard-earned economic success, according to the director-general of the Confederation of British Industry Digby Jones. On the eve of Chancellor Gordon Brown's Pre-Budget Report, Mr Jones warned that any
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Mine detector explodes myths about war role
DURING the Second World War the mine detector played a crucial role in clearing the way for advancing troops and armour. Now one of those veteran detectors is helping tell the entire story of bomb disposal work at a museum dedicated to the wartime years
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Historic family house could become conference centre
THE future of one of Hartlepool's most historic buildings will be discussed by councillors next week. Tunstall Court and its grounds was the home of the Furness family during the late 19th and early 20th Centuries and has strong connections with Hartlepool's
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News in brief: School seeks to expand
An application to build an extra classroom and lavatories at St Teresa's RC Primary School, in Harris Street, Darlington, has been received by Darlington Borough Council. VOLUNTEERS CALL: The Darlington Association on Disability group is looking for volunteers
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Racial abuse never a problem for new star Chopra
Newcastle striker Michael Chopra insists he has never been the victim of racial abuse and now wants to inspire a generation of young Asian footballers. At a time when instances of racism in the English game are on the increase, Chopra says his remarkable
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New hotline launched in litter purge
RESIDENTS are being asked to shop litterbugs and fly-tippers who dump rubbish around Darlington. A special phone-line has been set up at Darlington Borough Council for people to report the names of fly-tippers and areas of the town that are plagued by
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Families get to the root of pond project
FAMILIES showed their support for a pond project by helping plant a hedge. Over the past few months, work has been under way to revamp Grove Ponds, a site created on part of the formerConsett steelworks. Grants from the Sita Environmental Trust and New
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Art tutor's work takes centre stage
PAINTINGS produced by an art tutor are to take centre stage over the next few weeks. Denise Heanes, of Hartlepool, works as a part-time art tutor and assistant arts development officer in Middlesbrough, which involves setting up workshops in everything
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News in brief: Widower to contest seat
A WIDOWER is to contest his late wife's council seat in a by-election this week. Walter Armstrong is the Labour candidate for the Burnopfield and Dipton seat on Durham County Council. It was formerly held by his wife, June, who died earlier this year.
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Public asked to give views on services
PEOPLE living in Ryedale have been asked to give ten minutes of their time to make a difference to their future. Councils, agencies and organisations have joined forces with the view of developing the area, by improving service delivery and contributing
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Heart transplant survivor's tonic for hospital
A HEART transplant recipient helped others who are awaiting treatment by holding a fundraising fair. Stuart Watt, 56, who had a heart transplant seven years ago, has since devoted himself to showing his gratitude for his life and the chance to see his
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News in brief: Missing woman search widens
The search for missing Harrogate woman Jo Paines continues, with police now carrying out extensive searches around ponds, quarries and becks in surrounding rural area. Police have asked the public to help by looking in sheds or garages, and to notify
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Denise's work takes centre stage
PAINTINGS produced by an art tutor are to take centre stage over the next few weeks. Denise Heanes, of Hartlepool, works as a part-time art tutor and assistant arts development officer in Middlesbrough, which involves setting up workshops in everything
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Team formed to promote culture
A team has been created to promote culture in Middlesbrough. The town's Dorman Museum reopens in the New Year following a £3m modernisation and extension programme. A modern art gallery is also being planned as the centrepiece of what Middlesbrough Borough
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Victims to get screen advice at hospitals
POLICE are hoping to reach victims of domestic violence by targeting hospitals. Offers of support and advice for patients affected by crime are to be beamed to hospital bedside screens and televisions following the launch of a police initiative. Messages
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Tot choked on screw - inquest
The two-year-old son of a North-East Premiership footballer died after choking on a screw, an inquest heard today. Finlay Cooper died despite desperate attempts by his father, Middlesbrough defender Colin Cooper, to dislodge the screw which had fallen
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Grand National winning trainer Mason accused of 24 tax offences
THE North-East trainer of Grand National winner Red Marauder has been accused of tax offences. Millionaire businessman Norman Mason owns Brancepeth Manor Farm stables, near Durham. Mr Mason, who received a hero's welcome at a victory parade through Sunderland
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Horseback Santa brings village gifts
FATHER Christmas is due to arrive on horseback when he attends the Christmas Festival at St Michael's Church, Heighington. His entrance will be made on the village green at about 10.30am on Saturday, December 7, when presents will be handed out to local
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Vidmar gamble starts to pay dividends
STEVE McCLAREN last night congratulated Tony Vidmar on the gamble he took to resurrect his career with Middlesbrough. The Australia defender faced the prospect of joining the dole queue in the summer after being released by Rangers. But McClaren threw
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Bright idea helps nannies to find work
A NANNY with more than eight years experience has set up her own agency. Karen Waite, from Ingleby Barwick, has set up the Bright Stars Nanny Agency, which serves Teesside and Darlington, as well as other areas of the North-East. She has three nannies
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Haircut challenge
A FORMER mayor of Darlington has pledged to lose his trademark locks for charity. Coun Bill Dixon has not had his hair cut since he was in office as mayor three years ago. Even then he only had a few inches cut off but he has promised to lose his ponytail
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Pressure piles up for Cuper
Inter Milan coach Hector Cuper will be fighting to salvage his job as the Italian giants look to shake off their derby blues against Newcastle United tonight. Cuper, the highly-respected Argentinian, who steered Valencia to the Champions' League finals
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Dyer warns Inter of Magpies backlash
KIERON DYER has dispelled the suspicion that Newcastle are now only in the Champions League for the fun of it - by warning Inter Milan they face a St. James' Park backlash tonight following the Magpies' 5-3 mauling at Manchester United. Midfielder Dyer
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Pupils get set to light up the town
BRASS bands, stilt walkers and drummers will join this year's Darlington Lantern Parade on Friday, December 13. Schoolchildren from Gurney Pease, Sadberge, St Augustine's, Corporation Road, St Bede's and Beaumont Hill schools are busy making their lanterns
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Bomb hoax shame of RAF airman
A PROMISING young airman's career was in ruins yesterday after he sparked a bomb scare at one of the region's airports. Kenneth Peter Drummond, originally from Cowshill Green, Stockton, joked that he had explosives in his hand luggage as the British Midland
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Backing for skate parks bid put forward by youngsters
TWO £30,000 skate parks for Derwentside look set to get the go-ahead next week. A report to Derwentside District Council published yesterday earmarks Belle Vue Leisure Centre, in Consett, and the King's Head playing fields, in Stanley, as venues for the
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Lecturer cleared of sex photos blackmail
EX-CIVIC leader Rod Hills walked free from court yesterday after being cleared of blackmailing a former prostitute lover. The 55-year-old York University lecturer smiled jubilantly as he emerged and told waiting reporters: "I am glad it is all over."
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Railway exhibition to open
A railway museum's star exhibition is open to the public once again after a major refurbishment. The North Road Locomotive Works exhibition, at Darlington Railway Centre and Museum, has been re-launched with a bigger and brighter format. The display outlines
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Cyclists conquer Mexican ride
A DOCTOR and a sports official from Sedgefield were among 20 cyclists who braved the swamplands and jungles of Mexico to raise up to £100,000 for the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust. GP Peter Jones and Geoff Hughes from Sport England believe their contribution
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Free parking at Cornmill
THE Cornmill car park on Crown Street, Darlington, is offering free parking on Thursday evenings after 4.30pm until 8.30pm from tonight until December 19 and every Sunday until the end of the year between 10.30am and 5.30pm. The offer supports the Cornmill
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High-flier Interdit sure to hit the heights at Wetherby
SLICK-JUMPER Interdit (12.35) has the power to run his rivals ragged in the Go Racing In Yorkshire Handicap Chase at Wetherby this afternoon. The headstrong six-year-old put in some really spectacular leaps when towing along a useful-looking field for
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Solicitor charged thousands to deal with will
A family were charged £18,000 by a solicitor who was helping them deal with their mother's £250,000 estate, a court heard today. Kathleen Bentley, and her brother and sister, Brian and Doreen, of Old Byland, Helmsley, North Yorkshire, turned to their
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To the beginnings, middles and ends
DRAWING capacity audiences for his one-man tribute to Philip Larkin at West Yorkshire Playhouse, Tom Courtenay admits to having only recently "discovered' the late poet. Just a year younger than the 65-year-old actor, I can claim a rather longer liking
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Balcony fall 'was accident'
GLOWING tributes were paid to quick-thinking leisure centre staff last night after they came to the aid of a man who fell from a second-floor balcony. The 32-year-old man was seriously ill in Darlington Memorial Hospital last night, following the incident
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Wilko expected to reward Macho
Sunderland manager Howard Wilkinson is poised to reward Jurgen Macho for a string of outstanding performances by taking the goalkeeper off the transfer list. Macho has been up for sale ever since Peter Reid decided the Austrian was surplus to requirements
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Harsh lesson for Newell
MANAGEMENT was looking so easy for Mike Newell. Two minutes to go last night and Hartlepool United's new boss was heading for his second victory since being installed at Victoria Park. Then a double disaster struck as the siblings of two Newcastle United
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Seeking clues to van crash
POLICE have appealed for witnesses to an accident which happened on Monday when a large van overturned near a busy roundabout. The white VW Transporter van tipped on to its side as it approached a roundabout on the Binchester to Spennymoor stretch of
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Third of court fines go unpaid
MORE than a third of court financial penalties imposed in the North-East go unpaid, according to an official report. The Commons Public Accounts Committee revealed that Cleveland performed even worse, with only 54 percent of orders for fines, court costs
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Prescott urges approval for assembly Bill
REGIONAL assemblies for England would end a historic "devolution deficit" and help boost economic performance, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott told MPs yesterday. He was opening a debate on a Bill which paves the way for referendums on assemblies.
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City has an -over supply' of homes
A CIVIC society is questioning the need for a housing development in Ripon. Responding to a second move to build five homes on the Tower Garage site, in Palace Road, Harrogate Civic Society says the city is already heading for a 35 per cent oversupply
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TV hotel gives former coal town star billing
A FORMER coalfield area has become a tourist magnet following a television appearance. Seaham Hall Hotel, which overlooks the sea in the former mining town, featured in Monday night's episode of BBC 1's Holiday programme. The series, which advertises
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Court told of shortfall fears in £95,000 will
A WOMAN who inherited £95,000 went to the police when she saw that a coroner had been accused of overcharging people thousands of pounds for handling relatives' wills, a court was told yesterday. Gloria Jackson received the windfall in 1993, but a year
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News in brief: Widower to contest seat
A WIDOWER is to contest his late wife's council seat in a by-election this week. Walter Armstrong is the Labour candidate for the Burnopfield and Dipton seat on Durham County Council. It was formerly held by his wife, June, who died earlier this year.
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Campaign pays off as school is rewarded for exam success
A SCHOOL in a deprived former mining village which has seen a big improvement in exam results received a pat on the back yesterday. The school's Standard Assesment Test scores rose for 2000-2001, making it the 71st most improved centre in England. Officers
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University celebrates plan for creation of new college
THE controversial Private Finance Initiative (PFI) scheme will be used to create Durham University's first new college in 30 years. The scheme will add more than 600 study-bedrooms to the university's stock, relieving the pressure on its other colleges
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Officer is moving to new side of the law
A RETIRING police officer is switching careers from arresting people to offering them legal advice. Detective Constable Ian Snowdon, 56, leaves Derwentside CID at the end of this week to pursue a career as a legal representative. It means he will be returning
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Netting healthy profits
North-East entertainment firm Vimac Leisure has been vindicated for its decision to add successful business titles to its group. In the past year, Vimac snapped up North Yorkshire gourmet seafood restaurant and hotel combo, the Crab & Lobster and
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On course for equality
A university has launched an equal opportunities policy. The initiative was formally unveiled at the University of Teesside, Middlesbrough, yesterday, and there will be information stands, workshops and events on equality and diversity to mark the milestone
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Welcome return
The Carol Andrew Singers return to Richmond by request for a concert next Wednesday. Aske Hall hosts the show from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10, including wine and mince pies. For more details, call (01748) 850208.
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Groups celebrating after green awards
ENVIRONMENTAL champions were honoured at the Hartlepool's annual Pride in Your Neighbourhood Awards last night. Schools, residents' associations, youth groups and a girls' brigade group were all among the award winners. The awards are part of Hartlepool
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German car plant salutes British Army with friendship gifts
AN Anglo-German partnership, founded in the aftermath of the Second World War, was strengthened yesterday when three new people carriers were presented to the British Army. There was not much left of the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg, north Germany, when
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£11.5m pay deal is shelved
SHAREHOLDERS have claimed victory after drugs giant GlaxoSmithKline shelved an astonishing £11.5m pay deal for its chief executive. But Glaxo, which employs around 1,500 people at its Barnard Castle site, said it remained committed to aligning boss Jean-Pierre
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Local Hero Joseph has a day to remember
Swimming sensation Joseph Smith yesterday enjoyed another day to remember as he led his footballing heroes in to action. Joseph, who earlier this month won a Northern Echo Local Heroes award for his antics after single-handedly winning a Cub Scout swimming
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Quarry firm hopes for life-saving extension
A SAND and gravel firm will extend the life of its North Yorkshire quarrying activities by up to 20 years if it can secure planning approval for a two-phase proposal. Tarmac Northern supplies a quarter of the county's aggregate needs from the Nosterfield
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Wainwright calls for ruthless streak
NEIL Wainwright is calling on his teammates to add a ruthless streak to their game in order to pull themselves away from the Third Division basement. In the five league games under caretaker boss Mick Tait, Quakers have suffered just one defeat. However
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Among the inferno of Bakehouse Hill's ovens
POOR George Swalwell's innards were sliced from his body, boiled in a large cauldron which he could see bubbling away from his vantage point on the gibbet, and then thrown on to the baker's dungheap. All this happened in Darlington Market Square in 1594
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Autism help group in volunteer appeal
A PROJECT is seeking volunteers to provide respite care for autistic children. Barnardo's Shared Care North-East helps children with physical and learning disabilities or serious illness to form friendships outside their families and gain experience of
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Healthy approach to exercise helps school gain award
YOUNGSTERS at an Ingleby Barwick primary school have been jumping for joy after being awarded an Activemark from Sport England. The award is given to schools which promote the benefits of physical activity and sport throughout the school day and beyond
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Leisure sites close for checks
LEISURE centres across the Hambleton district will be closing next month for their annual maintenance checks. Each of them will be shutting their doors to the public for several days while maintenance and cleaning work is carried out. The centre in Bedale
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12 arrests in drug swoops
TWELVE people, including six teenagers, have been arrested for drugs offences following the latest police swoops on homes in the North-East. After the raids, in Middlesbrough, a 16-year-old girl was arrested for a drug offence, but was later released
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Sarah skis back to the top
A STAR skier has reclaimed her crown as queen of the slopes. After being named overall best female in the North-East Ski Association Championships two years ago, Sarah Howes, 17, has scooped the title again. The A-level student, from West Rainton, County
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Cinema firm's own website
UGC Cinemas, which has a complex in Middlesbrough has finally launched a website, www.ugccinemas.co.uk It will give cinemagoers comprehensive film and programme information, as well as online booking facilities where customers can search for screenings
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Last Night's TV: Holby City (BBC1)
Through the hospital keyhole NO wonder the NHS is in trouble. As this long-running (or should that be never-ending) hospital series shows, staff are far too busy sorting out their love lives to treat patients. Occasionally, as in this episode, the two
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Star attractions
MARY, Joseph and baby Jesus travelled from America to be star attractions in a Christmas light spectacular in Durham. Raymond and Margaret Lauder turned to the Internet to help them find the crucial pieces for the Nativity scene in their garden. The couple
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Maximus effort pays
A company has helped to bring a school's robot to life. Aycliffe Fabrication created the aluminium and stainless steel body for Maximus - a robot made by pupils and staff at St. John's RC Comprehensive School, in Bishop Auckland. Maximus will soon be
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Wine merchant's charity boost
A WINE merchant who narrowly escaped death after a skiing accident has raised the biggest ever sum of money for brain injury charity Headway. Simon Wrightson, from Manfield, near Darlington, raised more than £26,000 for the charity by taking part in this
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Public inquiry halted because of ill health
A PUBLIC inquiry, which had been postponed twice and was expected to last days was halted after half-an-hour yesterday. The inquiry, which had been postponed twice because of the poor health of appellant Brent Stephenson, was expected to last at least
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Magistrates court cases
DRINK-DRIVING: Stephen Dickens, 21, of Regents Court, Darlington, appeared before the town's magistrates yesterday and admitted drink-driving, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, and having no insurance. The case was adjourned for reports
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Freedoms at last for 'flagship' councils
Top-performing councils will be free to spend money and run their affairs without interference from central government, ministers have announced. They will be allowed to decide locally where cash goes, rather than the current "ring-fencing" system, limiting
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Defective taxis taken off road
ONE in ten taxis stopped and checked in a clampdown had serious defects and were taken off the road. About 50 taxis in York were examined under a joint operation by police, the Benefits Agency, City of York Council taxi licensing department, the Vehicle
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Cash helps volunteers
A GRANT of £4,000 is to fund events for volunteers in the Chester-le-Street area. Chester-le-Street and District Council for Voluntary Service and Volunteer Bureau has been awarded the money to provide regular get-togethers where people can meet other
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Christmas party to get bunny message across
THE region's leading rabbit refuge is hoping a Christmas party will help get its message across to the public. Gwen Butler, of Bunny Burrows, at Richmond, North Yorkshire, said rabbits did not make good presents. They were cute and fluffy, but rabbits
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Towns to get access boost
A SCHEME to improve streets and parking in Barnard Castle and Middleton-in-Teesdale will benefit disabled people and those with young children. Teesdale District Council has joined forces with Durham County Council and the Countryside Agency to improve
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Man told to stop using partner as 'punchbag'
A MAN who attacked his partner in front of her five-year-old daughter was ordered by a magistrate yesterday to stop treating her like a "punchbag". Philip Robert Vickers, of Rothbury Drive, Darlington, headbutted and punched Deborah Corrie at their home
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Warning over 'get rich' schemes
A WARNING about money scams has been issued following scores of complaints from local businesses and residents. A council's trading standards team has been inundated with calls about dubious e-mails from foreign countries offering lucrative money transfer
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Journalists get it write with cash for charities
TWO charities in the region have received £3,000 donated by a group of journalists. Trust funds in North Yorkshire and Teesside will benefit from the shared amount handed over by the Northern Group of Motor Writers. The money has lifted the Rosie Henry
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Northumbrian trails
AFTER spending 12 months walking around almost every town and city in the North-East, Mark Reid, The Northern Echo's walks writer, is visiting bookshops signing copies of his latest publication. Following the success of his book about North Yorkshire,
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Backing for clampdown on 'drug tourists'
A CAMPAIGN to stop "drugs tourism" in the North-East has won more support. Dave McLuckie, lead member for community safety for Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, has backed a petition calling for the Government to clamp down on landlords who let their
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Backing for clampdown on 'drug tourists'
A CAMPAIGN to stop "drugs tourism" in the North-East has won more support. Dave McLuckie, lead member for community safety for Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, has backed a petition calling for the Government to clamp down on landlords who let their
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Raiders steal video games
THIEVES stole an estimated £15,000 worth of video and computer games after forcing their way into a store. Thieves broke into Woolworths, in Gosforth High Street, Newcastle, between Sunday night and Monday morning. The games are for the Sony PlayStation
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Coalfield project in national research
A PARTNERSHIP to regenerate a former coalfield area will be studied by academics as part of a national research project. East Durham's Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) is the only one in the North-East, and one of only nine in the country, to be chosen
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Local people to help pick £5m park centre design
PEOPLE in County Durham are to play a vital role in the future of a planned £5m heritage centre. Local people will be asked to help choose the final design of the proposed resource centre at Hardwick Park, near Sedgefield, which Durham County Council
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Association considering solar power for community centre
ENVIRONMENTALLY conscious residents have turned to solar power for their new community centre. The New Shildon Residents' Association is seeking funding for the group's energy-efficient project, which will incorporate a grass roof, solar power for heating
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Pub group's 3,200 houses
Hartlepool group Pubmaster continued its spending spree yesterday after agreeing to buy smaller rival the Heritage Pub Company for £18.9m. The deal will add a further 55 pubs to the Pubmaster portfolio and take its total estate to approximately 3,200
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Drivers use computers to avoid tickets
Motorists desperate to avoid a speeding ticket are turning to computers in order to avoid speed cameras. A national online database of permament speed camera sites is proving a big hit with drivers fed up of falling foul of speeding fines. Thousands have
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Funding will help youth services
RESEARCH projects have been given an extra £50,000 to give young people across North Yorkshire a voice. An innovative service was recently set up to identify new ways of working with 13 to 19-year olds across the county, to raise their aspirations, listen
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One-stop support network pledge
BUSINESSES across the region are set to benefit from an overhaul of the support system established to help them. In the first project of its kind in the country, regional development agency One NorthEast has set up a support network with a single point
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Gifts collected
STAFF at a travel shop are appealing for Christmas gifts for deprived youngsters. Workers at Travelcare, in Front Street, Stanley, are collecting unwrapped gifts, which will be given to local youngsters by the Derwentside Children's Charity. Travel agent
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Cathedral appoints director of music
RIPON Cathedral has a new director of music to replace Kerry Beaumont - one of the senior staff said to have left after clashes with the Dean over his management style. Simon Morley, 38, takes over in May, arriving in North Yorkshire from Lincoln Cathedral
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Helicopter draught saves men
A police helicopter has used the down draught from its rotors to blow two men drowning in a freezing river to safety. The men, aged 19 and 22, had been in the River Tyne in Newcastle for about 20 minutes and were ''severely fatigued'' by the time the
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Scientists bank on plan to protect sheep breeds
SCIENTISTS are working to protect the region's sheep breeds from any future foot-and-mouth epidemics by using an innovative genebank. The genebank was set up at the height of the foot-and-mouth crisis after breeders became increasingly concerned about
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Public alert over medicines bill
HEALTH officials fear they may go £1m over budget unless patients help them reduce spending on prescribed drugs. Patients are ticking all the boxes on repeat prescriptions whether they need the drugs or not, while others are stockpiling unnecessarily
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Robson unbowed by Old Trafford loss
SIR BOBBY ROBSON has read the riot act to his defence after Saturday's shambolic showing at Manchester United. But the Newcastle manager maintains the 5-3 Old Trafford defeat was "no great setback''. Robson believes his side's defensive solidity at home
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Heminigway set to judge aspiring artists
Style guru Wayne Hemingway will be among the judges in a new competition for aspiring artists. The founder of the Red or Dead fashion label recently launched The Hanging Jury, described as a cross between Pop Idol and the Turner Prize. It will be run
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Pupils aid design of subway mural
YOUNGSTERS have made their mark on a subway by helping to design a mural. The artwork was designed on a water theme, complete with mermaid-lollipop ladies, with input from pupils at Mill Hill Primary School, in Sunderland. It came about after beat manager
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News in brief: Tea tour for two in auction
THE mayor of Stockton, Councillor Jean O'Donnell, received a special invitation to join a supporter of her charity auction for tea. A tour of Tetley's manufacturing plant at Eaglescliffe and a year's supply of tea was one of the lots for auction at the
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College composer to tour Canada
A CLASSICAL music composer from Stockton Sixth Form College will be touring Canada this week. Dr Geoff Palmer, a contemporary classical music composer, who teaches A-level students, is undertaking a lecture tour of Ottawa and Toronto. Dr Palmer, 51, whose
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Discussion to be held on centre's plans
A PUBLIC meeting will be held today to discuss plans for an extension to a Stockton community centre. Plans for a new community building for people in the Hardwick area have been in development since July. Hardwick Residents' Association, Hardwick in
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Sharon Griffiths: Mother love, career girl or both?
SO, once again, the question is not 'can women have it all?' but rather 'do we want it all?' Lisa Gordon, corporate affairs director of Chrysalis and the youngest woman appointed to the board of a Stock Exchange listed company, is stepping down to spend
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Four times fun for birthday quads
MORE than 50 excited children crammed into a community hall to help a set of quads celebrate their sixth birthday. Simon, Adam, Jonpaul and Hannah Moss-Carbert were joined by family, friends and fellow Corporation Road Infants School pupils. The quads
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Toon cryer Bellamy off as Magpies slip to Euro defeat
CRAIG BELLAMY was crying tears of despair at St. James' Park on Wednesday night as the hero of Newcastle's Champions League campaign suddenly became the villain in one moment of madness. With his side trailing to a goal in only 65 seconds by Inter midfielder
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27/11/02
REGIONAL ASSEMBLY: A FEW years ago we saw the rise and fall of the Tyne and Wear Council, and, in my opinion, the same thing will be repeated with a regional assembly - only much more expensively. The original estimated cost of the Scottish assembly building
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Team formed to promote culture
A team has been created to promote culture in Middlesbrough. The town's Dorman Museum reopens in the New Year following a £3m modernisation and extension programme. A modern art gallery is also being planned as the centrepiece of what Middlesbrough Borough
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New competition in hairdressing capital
DARLINGTON'S title as the hairdressing capital of Britain has been confirmed with the opening of another salon. The town already has 97 hairdressing salons - more per head of population than anywhere in the country. It will have 98 by the end of next
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Gadfly: Not-so-sweet taste of a real con scheme
ON October 23 we wrote of a company called Sweet and Tasty, and specifically about its improbable offer of 500g - about 1lb - of beef dripping in a German beer mug. It was also the outfit, it may be recalled, which for £50 offered four bottles of wine
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Bishop joins in youth event
A SENIOR church leader greeted hundreds of youngsters at a special event in Darlington at the weekend. The Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle, the Rt Rev Ambrose Griffiths, pictured, visited St Teresa's Church for a diocesan Youth Sunday event. About 400
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Drivers' defender is found dead
A RETIRED photographer, who went on national television to champion the cause of drivers caught out by obscure parking laws, has been found dead at home. Bill Robson, 74, was awarded an MBE for his services to journalism in the 1980s, after 30 years with
