Archive
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Cost of policing set to rise
Policing bills are set to soar in England's biggest county following a disappointing cash settlement from the Government. For the second year in a row council tax payers in North Yorkshire face a big increase in their police precept just to maintain the
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Girl, 12, bought by stars for sex
THE shocking extent of child prostitution will be revealed today by a North-East girl, describing how she was paid £500 to have sex with celebrities when she was only 12. The girl, from Middlesbrough, was hawked around Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds
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Quakers' caretaker continues to press claims
Unbeaten in four matches, Quakers can do no wrong at the moment as caretaker boss Mick Tait continues to press forward his case to become the next Darlington manager. It's almost two months since Tommy Taylor vacated the Feethams hot seat and was replaced
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Burning Questions - The spies who went into the cold
Q WHAT is the difference between MI5 and MI6, and were spies such as Guy Burgess and Anthony Blunt members of these organisations? - J Anderson, Houghton-le-Spring. A MI5 and MI6 are British security intelligence services and agencies of the British government
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Passengers face holiday train strike
RAIL passengers were braced for fresh travel chaos last night with Arriva conductors almost certain to go ahead with strike action over the Christmas holiday. Officials from the Rail Maritime and Transport workers' union (RMT) are expected to meet during
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National park's £1m cash injection
A £1M cash boost should help national park chiefs plan their way clear of the aftermath of last year's foot-and-mouth crisis. It has been almost 12 months since the Government confirmed the outbreak was at an end - although its legacy is still being felt
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Ameobi inspired by Asprilla
FAUSTINO ASPRILLA's fabled Newcastle United hat-trick against Barcelona five years ago is the inspiration for Shola Ameobi here at the Nou Camp tonight as he attempts to replace the "irreplaceable'' Alan Shearer. With skipper Shearer and strike partner
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Sex, soaps and Carry Ons
A FEW months ago Amanda Barrie would never have spoken to me. The few interviews she granted were conducted along strictly-controlled guidelines barring any intrusion into her personal life. Barrie was one of the country's most familiar faces as Alma
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Car crash victim named
An amateur footballer coached by a prominent North-East mayor has been named as the man killed in a fatal road smash. Scott Stevenson, 18, died from serious head injuries after the Ford Fiesta he was driving hit a central reservation and slammed into
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Grand old park will be restored
The Victorian splendour of one of Teesside's finest parks is set to be restored under ambitious plans revealed today. For 20 years or more Stockton's Ropner Park has been left to the vandals and the ravages of time, but a £2.5m Heritage Lottery grant
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The spies who went into the cold
Q WHAT is the difference between MI5 and MI6, and were spies such as Guy Burgess and Anthony Blunt members of these organisations? - J Anderson, Houghton-le-Spring. A MI5 and MI6 are British security intelligence services and agencies of the British government
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Comment: Curbing a vile business
WE may like to think that such a sordid trade does not exist in our midst. But child prostitution appears to be thriving in the North-East. The latest research has found that 142 boys and girls are working as prostitutes in Cleveland alone. They are the
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Charity wrap
Marie Curie Cancer Care is providing a gift-wrapping service at the MetroCentre until Sunday, December 22. For a £2 donation to Marie Curie, volunteers outside Oasis, near Town Square, will wrap two gifts. Visa has pledged to make a donation to the charity
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Health checks being offered to the homeless
HELP is on the way for people sleeping rough on Teesside this Christmas. People sleeping out in the open in Middlesbrough, those sleeping in hostels and Big Issue sellers will be targeted by health visitors and encouraged to attend sessions at the John
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Body found in ditch is missing man
THE two-month search for missing man Ian Turner has come to an end after the discovery of a body in a ditch. Two women out riding their horses found the body in an isolated area near Norton, Malton, on Sunday afternoon. A post-mortem examination has been
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Fishermen in demonstration over cutbacks
NORTH-EAST fishermen are holding a day-long demonstration on the River Tyne tomorrow to protest about the state of their industry. The show of solidarity comes as cuts of up to 80 per cent in fishing levels are being called for in an effort to prevent
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Armed raid on roadside cafe
STAFF at a roadside restaurant have been left shaken after being threatened by armed robbers. Wearing balaclavas and carrying weapons including a gun, two men entered a restaurant on the A19 in North Yorkshire and made the staff lie on the floor. The
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Sports event to promote equality
A SCHOOL sports festival this week aims to promote racial equality. Eight schools will participate at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre on Thursday, in an event hosted by Darlington and Durham County Racial Equality Council. Schools taking part will be Willington's
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Fireball attack on security guard
A SECURITY guard told last night how he was saved by passers-by after being set on fire on his own doorstep. The 43-year-old was left with burns to his hands, neck and chest after the attack as he answered the door. Recovering in his County Durham home
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Young artists see their work in print
Young artists saw their work in print yesterday, as a school launched its own range of Christmas cards. Greencroft School, near Stanley, County Durham, ran a competition to design festive greeting cards. The winners, chosen from 110 entries, have been
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Regrets, but no Barca bitterness from Bobby
WHEN Sir Bobby Robson steps back into the capacious environs of the Nou Camp this evening, he could be forgiven for wondering what might have been had he allowed his heart to rule his head nigh on six years ago. Robson, plain old Bobby in those days,
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Woman choked on breakfast, inquest told
A PERSON with Down's Syndrome died after choking on her breakfast, an inquest was told yesterday. Freda Jackson, a resident at the Middleton Hall residential home, Middleton St George, died on December 1. The 59-year-old had been fed a liquidised cooked
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Motorist dies from injuries after accident
A MOTORIST has died from his injuries following a road accident yesterday. The man, believed to be in his late teens, died when the Ford Fiesta he was driving hit a central reservation on the A689 near Owton Lodge, in Hartlepool. Two passengers were also
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Work begins at school
WORK is under way on a £400,000 project to boost a village's sports and arts facilities. Ebchester CE Primary School is to get an art room, a hall and a music room. Headteacher Richard Coombes said: "This is a really important award for the small village
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Accused 'wept over death of addict'
A MAN on trial for the murder of a homeless drug addict told a court yesterday that he wept over his death. Steven Small, 33, said that he gave the kiss of life to drug addict Robert Parkin, nicknamed Swampy, when he lapsed in and out of consciousness
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Photographic show success
A PHOTOGRAPHIC exhibition has proved so popular with visitors that organisers have extended it. People and Places shows life in Bishop Auckland through the eyes of people who live there. Residents of all ages joined professional photographer Louise Taylor
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Colleagues pay tribute to doctor killed crossing A19
TRIBUTES have been paid to a County Durham doctor who was killed on the A19 last week. Colleagues were shocked by news of the death of Dr John Zuk, described as "highly valued and respected". Dr Zuk, 42, of Durham City, a pathologist at the city's University
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Road schemes 'good news for N-E business'
A WIDENING of the A1 north of Newcastle is expected to be announced today as a key part of the Government's plan to boost business and transport links with the North-East. The scheme is seen by local business leaders as playing a vital role in helping
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Reward offer after theft of motorcycles
A REWARD is being offered after two children's motorcycles were stolen from a store. Police are appealing for witnesses after the bikes were taken from Mill House Motorcycles, in Tow Law, early on Sunday. One of the vehicles is a Kawasaki KX65 model,
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Vandals destroy a town's Christmas
VANDALS have destroyed the Christmas lights of a Cleveland town. This was the first time the town of Loftus has had a Christmas tree and lights for more than 20 years - and they lasted only two days. The tree, which was donated to the town, is still standing
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Youngsters prove they're model pupils
YOUNG model makers are flying high after scoring a double success in a national contest. Teams from St Leonard's RC School, in Durham, and St Joseph's RC School, in Stanley, took part in the BAE Systems Model Aircraft Challenge at RAF Cosford, near Wolverhampton
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Safer car park wins police praise
A PARKING scheme aiming at cutting crime has won police approval. The Gate, a £75m development in Newgate Street, Newcastle, has been recognised for the design of its multi-storey car park. Built to police-approved specification, the car park serves the
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Athlete backs citizenship scheme
OLYMPIC silver medallist Steve Cram returned to his roots to help launch a citizenship scheme. Mr Cram, a Sunderland Association Football Club Foundation trustee, returned to his old school, Springfield Comprehensive, in Jarrow, to meet children who will
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Inspectors give school top marks
A VILLAGE school has been given top marks by a team of Government inspectors. The Church of England primary school at South Otterington, near Northallerton, was praised by the Ofsted team, which said pupils of all abilities reached high standards. Inspectors
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Taxi checks reveal faults
TRAFFIC police said they were disappointed after spot checks uncovered a high number of defects on taxis and private hire cars. One vehicle in Whitby had to be taken off the road immediately when a serious steering fault was discovered during Operation
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Council overtime bill could be met by sale of furniture
A COUNCIL may have to find up to £349,000 to pay for overtime to clear a housing benefit backlog of up to 4,000 claims. The build-up of housing benefit claims, plus a further 2,000 council tax refund claims, has been reported by Redcar and Cleveland Borough
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Job Search: Vacancies
Restaurant supervisor. £4.44ph, 5 days from 7, some split shifts, lunch/evenings. Experience essential, plus willingness to train for supervisory role. Ref: DUR 34139. 2nd chef. £11,000 to £13,000pa, 48hrs pw, 5 days over 7, split shifts, between 10am
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More sailings lift container trade
FINNISH shipping group Containerships has increased sailings from Teesport to twice a week, by adding a new vessel to its fleet. MS Containerships VII, registered in Finland, will work on the Helsinki-Teesport-Rotterdam route. David Robinson, managing
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Breaking into Middle East export market
A County Durham firm is set to break into the Middle East export market. CADserve, one of the UK's leading innovators in computer-aided engineering, travelled to Tehran to break into markets in Iran. The Newton Aycliffe-based firm used Trade Partners
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Creative types relocate to premises with charm
ADVERTISING agency The Creative Type has moved up in the world with a relocation to premises set in the grounds of the Durham Miners' headquarters at Redhills in Durham. The agency had been aware for some time that its previous location in Claypath did
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Ahead of the rest - says DTI survey
The North-East is leading the UK in the adoption and use of new technologies, according to the Government. The Department of Trade and Industry's latest Business In the Information Age survey shows that the region leads the country in terms of business
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Territorials welcome new commanding officer
IT'S all change at the top for the region's part-time soldiers in the Territorial Army. The commanding officer of the Tyne Tees Regiment - Lieutenant Colonel Duncan Hopkins of the Green Howards - is leaving the post this week. His successor in the role
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Agency warning to salmon poachers
POACHERS are being urged to resist the tempation to bag a salmon as an illegal Christmas treat. The warning from the Environment Agency comes after two alleged poachers were arrested last week after a tip-off from the public. Because of the tip-off, agency
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Side effect of money laundering crackdown
The Government's attempts to stop money laundering could affect small and medium-sized businesses, according to the region's accountants. The Proceeds of Crime Act, due to be introduced in June, was criticised because it will effectively require accountants
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News in brief: Footballers seek lighting
A GROUP of young footballers are meeting councillors to try to get lighting for their football pitch. Gateshead councillor Kevin Dodds has arranged a meeting with the group tomorrow to discuss "the cage" in Bensham. Coun Dodds said: "I have arranged to
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Pioneering group aims to strike gold and keep it here
A crack team of business brains has been pulled together to mastermind an innovative push to create wealth. Calling themselves The Alchemists, interim chief executive George Heydon told Business Editor Mike Parker how he and his colleagues plan to make
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Oh, you pretty things...
What started as a hobby is now a full-time job for jewellery designer Emma Lodge. Women's Editor Christen Pears meets her. AS far as design philosophies go, "Every girl should own something sparkly and glamorous" seems like a good one, and Emma Lodge's
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News in brief: Footballers seek lighting
A GROUP of young footballers are meeting councillors to try to get lighting for their football pitch. Gateshead councillor Kevin Dodds has arranged a meeting with the group tomorrow to discuss "the cage" in Bensham. Coun Dodds said: "I have arranged to
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Youngsters compete for a trip to Disney world
SIX young artists have come top of the tree in a Christmas card competition. Moss Pharmacy in Sacriston, near Durham, ran a competition with local schools to find the best Christmas card design. The winners were Phoebe Bradley, six, Liam Wind, six, Alexandra
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Warnings over end of free NHS
A LEADING figure in the region's health service has predicted that a universally-free NHS will be abandoned within a decade. Ken Jarrold, the chief executive of County Durham and Tees Valley Strategic Health Authority, made his remarks in an address to
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New goal for ex-footballer
FORMER Middlesbrough and Darlington footballer Don Burluraux has a new goal - promoting Redcar. Mr Burluraux, who played for Middlesbrough from 1968 to 1972, has become Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's Tourist Information Centre manager. He has
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News in brief: Meeting to discuss closure
A public meeting to discuss the closure of Guisborough maternity ward will be held at Eston Town Hall on Thursday, at 10.30am. The meeting has been called by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's special scrutiny committee set up to investigate the closure
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News in brief: New goal for ex-footballer
FORMER Middlesbrough and Darlington footballer Don Burluraux has signed up to seek promotion for Redcar. Mr Burluraux, who played for Middlesbrough from 1968 to 1972, then Darlington, has been appointed Redcar and Cleveland Council's Tourist Information
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Protect your buildings and parks
RESIDENTS have been asked to help update a council's list of buildings and gardens of special architectural and historic interest. There are more than 300 listed buildings in Gateshead which have statutory protection, such as Gibside Chapel, built in
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News in brief: Footballers seek lighting
A GROUP of young footballers are meeting councillors to try to get lighting for their football pitch. Gateshead councillor Kevin Dodds has arranged a meeting with the group tomorrow to discuss "the cage" in Bensham. Coun Dodds said: "I have arranged to
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News in brief: Club death: man charged
A man has been remanded in custody, charged with murder. Unemployed Robert Ian Asprey, 54, of Sunnyside, Coulby Newham, near Middlesbrough, was remanded in custody by Teesside magistrates, yesterday. He is charged with the murder of 40-year-old Mark Thirsk
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Fun challenge
RUDOLPH the Red-Nosed Reindeer and his friends have gone into hiding in shops in Bishop Auckland town centre for a competition. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph can be found in a number of stores. Shoppers can
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Grassroots: Crook
PARTNERSHIP MEETING: At a meeting of the Crook Community Partnership, it was reported that £1,000 had been received from the Friends of Crook Town FC to help with this year's Christmas lights. The money was donated by the group after the success of Michael
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10/12/02
UK ECONOMY: INFLATION is low. Unemployment is well down. Bank rates are low, and have not changed for a year. In comparison with most of the post-war years, the British economy is in good shape. There are adverse conditions in many parts of the world.
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The serious lies we're so good at telling
A new survey shows North-East women have no qualms about telling lies. Women's Editor Christen Pears reports. British women can't stop lying and those in the North-East are most likely to tell big lies. A new survey, commissioned by That's Life! magazine
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Van Gaal praises Robson
BESIEGED Barcelona boss Louis van Gaal yesterday paid a warm tribute to the man he replaced at the Nou Camp - and who tonight could deal a potentially deadly blow to the Dutchman's reign. Sir Bobby Robson leads his Newcastle side into Champions League
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Patients' charity aid is threatened by cash shortage
A North-East charity which helps brain-injured people get back to work is facing possible closure because of under-funding. Rehab UK, which opened a Brain Injury Centre in Newcastle only three years ago, said that the public sector was failing to properly
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Newspaper in buy-out bid
The American-owned parent company of The Northern Echo and Darlington & Stockton Times is seeking to buy a major Scottish newspaper publisher. The bid by Gannett UK Limited - owners of Newsquest (North East) Limited - for the Scottish Media Group's
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The buck stops here for rabbit sanctuary
AN animal sanctuary, which was founded in a suburban semi six years ago, is facing an uncertain future after running into trouble with the neighbours. Following complaints from residents, officials have discovered that Bunny Burrows, in Richmond, North
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Eco holiday homes will boost business
A NEW concept in environmentally-friendly tourism could soon bring affluent holiday-makers to the region. The sustainable scheme, which is already being seen as a template for others elsewhere in the country, has been designed to bring ecological, social
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Macho misery adds to Black Cats' woes
ON a bitterly cold night on Wearside, Sunderland demonstrated why the relegation flames are licking at their coat-tails. Marc-Vivien Foe and Sun Jihai were the unlikely Manchester City executors as they seized on mistakes by goalkeeper Jurgen Macho to
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Report calls for appreciation of rural concerns
THERE have been claims that vital rural services could face severe cuts if the Government pushes through controversial new reforms to the local government finance system. Officials at Richmondshire District Council fear the reforms could leave them with
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Jobs hope in York development
Up to 3,000 jobs could be created by a major new £45m development that was today given the go-ahead by the Government. Vangarde, the York Business Quarter, will be created on a 30-acre site on the north-eastern outskirts of the city. The work will begin
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Transport boost for region
The North-East will receive a major funding boost for transport. £101m will be spent to improve transport in the region. The largest project will be an £11m accessibility project in North Middlesbrough - including major changes to the Hartington interchange
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Festive safety warning
ENVIRONMENTAL health chiefs are encouraging people to have a safe Christmas - by playing safe with their decorations. "We don't want to spoil the party but we do need to get the safety message across," said Hambleton's environmental health officer Richard
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Forest plans start to take root in town
THE hope of increasing tree cover in and around Thirsk is fast becoming a reality following two public meetings . More than 80 people have so far shown an active interest in the community forest concept. The Thirsk Community Woodlands Group has been established
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Recording team preserves the final words of Campbell
THE last words of speed record-breaker Donald Campbell have been preserved thanks to the latest technology at a North-East college. Paul Evans was the last person to hear Campbell's voice as he made his attempt to break the world speed record in 1967
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Ex-patients voice anger
MORE than 40 victims of Richard Neale staged a noisy protest outside the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton, last week as a controversial private inquiry met patients for the first time. The demonstrators, including several in wheelchairs, braved the rain
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When sorry seems to be the hardest word
A wonderful meal at a restaurant with a very appropriate name was only marred by a lack of vegetables and ice-cream (not together) and a distinctly frosty table atmosphere. You know how this column incorrigibly eavesdrops, how readers may be regaled not
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Public to have a say in planning decisions
MEMBERS of 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 planning meetings. Parish
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Captains's Corner
The FA Cup draw was a bit of a let-down for us at Darlington. I was sat at home watching the draw hoping we would be paired with a Premiership side but it wasn't to be. One of the Big Three in the North-East would have been great for our supporters and
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Extra night of comedy
A COMEDIAN has announced an extra theatre date after his one-man show sold out. Newcastle-born Ross Noble, who brings his stand-up show Sonic Waffle to the Theatre Royal, Newcastle, in the spring, has announced another performance on March 17. Originally
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Sports event to promote equality
A SCHOOL sports festival this week aims to promote racial equality. Eight schools will participate at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre on Thursday, in an event hosted by Darlington and Durham County Racial Equality Council. Schools taking part will be Willington's
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Frantic search for missing boy
POLICE searched frantically for a boy with special needs yesterday who went missing after he was sent home from school in a taxi. The ten-year old returned to his home at about 10am after he was told there was no special needs teacher available. Hours
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Job Search: Vacancies
Chef, Bedale. 40hrs pw. Required for public house. Experience and qualifications are an advantage but not essential as training provided. Ref: NOE 17955. CAD technician, Northallerton. Up to £24,000pa dep on exp, 8.30am to 5pm, Mon-Fri, plus overtime.
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Accountant will be council's top man
A 54-YEAR-old accountant is to be a North-East council's new chief executive. Brian Dinsdale, currently chief executive of Hartlepool Borough Council, was favourite for the £135,000-a- year job at Middlesbrough Borough Council. He replaces John Foster
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Schools pick up record sports awards
A RECORD number of County Durham schools have picked up a national sports award. Ten schools in east Durham - all partners in the Easington District School Sport Co-ordinator programme - have been awarded Sport England's Activemark or Activemark Gold.
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Pupils stage party
PUPILS at Hurworth Comprehensive School held a Christmas party for pensioners yesterday. About 80 people were entertained by year seven students. The guests, who included many of the youngsters' relatives, were treated to an afternoon of music and dancing
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Vase brings late flowering
Before another word is written, an ecstatic note on Saturday's memorable match. Played off the park in the first half of their FA Vase tie against Shirebrook, Northallerton Town trailed 2-0. Wondrously invigorated by the half-time tea and by manager Mulcaster's
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Historical winter walk
PEOPLE have been invited to get into the Christmas spirit with a festive walk around the Gateshead Quayside and town centre. The walk will be led by Anthea Lang, Gateshead Council's local history librarian, who will be telling people tales of Christmas
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Hospital date for choir boys
A GROUP of choir boys brought Christmas cheer to children in hospital yesterday. The group, aged between eight and 13, including musicians, from Bow School, in Durham, visited the children's ward of the University Hospital of North Durham. Mary Tyers,
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Forest trail leads straight to Santa
A WOODLAND wonderland greeted children and parents visiting Hamsterley Forest. Adventure beckoned hundreds of youngsters who flocked to see Father Christmas in his forest grotto. Volunteers from The Butterwick Hospice, in Bishop Auckland, spent two hours
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Grim jobs news no one wants
HUNDREDS of North-East jobs were under threat last night after two discount retailers went into administration. Footwear chain The Famous Brunswick Warehouse and clothes retailer What Everyone Wants were placed in the hands of administrators Ernst &
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Art student praised for creative help
STUDENT Javed Miah has been praised for his work for a Darlington crime prevention group. Darlington Rural Watch turned to him for help after Joseph Dent, 13, who lives on a farm at Morton Tinmouth, near Darlington, won a competition to design the group's
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Mayor and mayoress greet first resident
TEES Valley Housing Group's latest development in Saltburn has been opened with the unveiling of a plaque for the scheme's first resident. The group has developed 12 two-bedroom apartments in Milton Street, on the site of a disused garage. When the garage
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32 jobs go but future is still secure, says Perlos
SUNDERLAND plastics component firm Perlos yesterday confirmed plans to make 32 employees redundant. The company has now started the consultation process with the works council. Perlos' announcement followed the loss of a major production contract in the
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Cigarette smugglers jailed
THREE cigarette smugglers who lost their nerve when they were challenged by Customs officers were jailed yesterday. Officers swooped when ten suitcases were left uncollected on the luggage carousel at Teesside Airport, after a flight arrived from Gran
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Fur protest at shop
PROTESTORS held a demonstration outside a Darlington sports shop yesterday to oppose the sale of coats trimmed with raccoon fur. People Against the Fur Trade (Paft) supporters waved banners and placards outside all:sports in Northgate, Darlington. The
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Shops may be bulldozed to make way for station
A NUMBER of town centre shops could be demolished as part of a £1m regeneration plan. Derwentside District Council yesterday unveiled its proposals for a bus station in Mary Street, Stanley. Plans due to be the subject of public consultation suggest knocking
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Have a go at Victorian decorations
A MUSEUM has invited people to try their hands at making traditional Victorian Christmas cards and decorations. A special Christmas crafts workshop will be held at Beamish Museum, near Stanley, County Durham on Saturday and Sunday. Several of the shops
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Tanya's dreams take flight thanks to contest
A 21-YEAR-OLD has the chance of a jetset life as a model after her boyfriend entered her in a national competition to find the High Street Honey of 2002. Tanya Robinson of Richmond, North Yorkshire, was voted the sexiest girl next door by Sky One viewers
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Teenager named
A 14-year-old cyclist, who was killed in a collision in Chillingham Road, Heaton, Newcastle, on Friday, has been named. He was Edlin Jull, but known as Edlin Williams, of Richardson Street, Newcastle.
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Playing a farewell to choir
TWO musicians are to conduct their own swan songs, when they perform a last concert with a North-East choir. Conductor Matthew Grehan-Bradley is leaving Dur-ham County Youth Choir after five years, to spend more time with his family. He will conduct his
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Councils urge rubbish re-think
FORGET buying big this Christmas, residents are urged to give gift vouchers and theatre tickets in a bid to save on rubbish. Bin liners inevitably become stuffed with wrapping paper, packaging, and bottles during the festive season, as household waste
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Under-fire force gains ethnic recruits award
A Police force has won national recognition for its work to recruit and retain officers from minority ethnic backgrounds. Yesterday's good news for the Northumbria force comes in the wake of accusations of racism levelled against senior police officers
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Lager deal gives Camerons more fizz
Camerons Brewery has clinched a crucial deal with Scottish & Newcastle. The Hartlepool firm was chosen to brew ScotCo's premier product, Kronenbourg 1664, for the forseeable future. Kronenbourg is seen as the jewel in the crown of the Scottish &
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Results continue to improve
IMPROVEMENTS in Key Stage Two results in Hartlepool's schools are continuing, according to the latest figures. In 1996, only 48 per cent of pupils achieved level four in English. This has increased to more than 70 per cent. In maths, 72 per cent of pupils
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Lack of Christmas spirit as thieves take lights
LIGHTS which adorned a village Christmas tree have been taken by thieves on three successive nights. Now the parish council at Spofforth, near Harrogate, North Yorkshire, has decided not to replace them, after spending more than £100 on new ones. The
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Crackdown on truancy under way
A CRACKDOWN on truancy is taking place in Hambleton this week. The district council is taking part in the Government's national Truancy Sweep programme. The blitz follows on from a series of truancy awareness days held in the area's market towns during
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Are we being tempted into debt?
Isn't Christmas tempting enough without encouraging debt-ridden students to spend themselves into trouble, asks Sharon Girffiths, mother of an undergraduate. IS Barclays Bank really that desperate? Students already have a debt problem. The average student
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Panto preview wows shoppers
YOUNGSTERS got into the Christmas spirit as they treated shoppers to a sneak preview of their pantomime. The pupils from Bowesfield School, Stockton, entertained customers in the town's Asda store with a variety of Christmas songs and pieces from their
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Riverbank work given approval
APPROVAL has been given for the shoring up of 100m of riverside at Easby, near Richmond. The Easby Footpath Restoration Committee, which has raised more than £25,000 towards the £75,000 project, wants to protect the popular footpath from further erosion
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News in brief: £25,000 to improve lights
Lighting in Tollerton and Danby Wiske will be upgraded in a £25,000 project. In Danby Wiske, 16 streetlights will be installed and 11 lights upgraded. In Tollerton, three streetlights will be erected in Forge Lane. Both schemes will be finished by February
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Athlete backs citizenship scheme
OLYMPIC silver medallist Steve Cram returned to his roots to help launch a citizenship scheme. Mr Cram, a Sunderland Association Football Club Foundation trustee, returned to his old school, Springfield Comprehensive, in Jarrow, to meet children who will
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Deepcut deaths: Murder not ruled out by police
MURDER has not been ruled out of an investigation into the deaths of four soldiers found shot at a controversial Army barracks, relatives were told by police last night. Following a meeting with senior detectives from Surrey Police, the family of Geoff
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Cameron shows there is more to his home village than coal and football
WEBSITE designer Cameron Gordon is keeping his home village at the forefront of the modern world of communications. The former colliery community of Langley Park, in County Durham, is heralded on what Cameron says is "probably the best village website
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News in brief: Meeting to discuss closure
A public meeting to discuss the closure of Guisborough maternity ward will be held at Eston Town Hall on Thursday, at 10.30am. The meeting has been called by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's special scrutiny committee set up to investigate the closure
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News in brief: New goal for ex-footballer
FORMER Middlesbrough and Darlington footballer Don Burluraux has signed up to seek promotion for Redcar. Mr Burluraux, who played for Middlesbrough from 1968 to 1972, then Darlington, has been appointed Redcar and Cleveland Council's Tourist Information
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Preview wows shoppers
YOUNGSTERS got into the Christmas spirit as they treated shoppers to a sneak preview of their pantomime. The pupils from Bowesfield School, Stockton, entertained customers in the town's Asda store with a variety of Christmas songs and pieces from their
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Boxer is jailed for three years after savage attack on couple
A BRITISH amateur boxing champion has been jailed for three years after a savage street attack on a husband and wife. Cruiserweight James Dolan attacked the couple after an argument over their Jack Russell dog. The 25-year-old, who won the Amateur Boxing
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Needy children land a jumbo donation
SANTA had a preliminary visit to an air museum yesterday to help a cheque to wing its way to the BBC Children In Need Appeal. He helped present a cheque for £507 to the huge charity at the Yorkshire Air Museum, Elvington, York. It was raised through a
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Seeking to shatter world singing record for children's charity
YOUNGSTERS in Darlington hope to have helped set a world record by taking part in an international simultaneous sing. About 220 pupils at Firthmoor Primary School sang a specially written tune, Tell Me Why, along with more than 100,000 children worldwide
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Whelan wants a new contract
NOEL Whelan last night begged Steve McClaren to grant him the chance to win a new contract as he pledged his long-term future to Middlesbrough. Whelan, a £2.2m signing from Coventry City in 2000, has not started a Premiership game since the opening day
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Grassroots: Weardale
WALK TOTAL: Organisers of this year's Frosterley Walk in aid of Cancer Research UK report that £5,888 was raised through sponsorship. The walk was the 14th to be held and is established as one of the premier fundraising events in Weardale. CHURCH SERVICES
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Last Night's TV: Tainted Love (C4)
Let's talk about sexually transmitted diseases, baby AT last a documentary that puts paid to the notion that people will do anything to get 15 minutes of TV fame. Usually, celebrities and ordinary people can't wait to get in front of a camera for a reality
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Arts agency launched
THE arts have been given a boost thanks to a newly formed agency bringing entertainment to people's doorsteps. In a district that already has a strong creative reputation and boasts a number of successful festivals, residents can expect to see even more
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News in brief: Footballers seek lighting
A GROUP of young footballers are meeting councillors to try to get lighting for their football pitch. Gateshead councillor Kevin Dodds has arranged a meeting with the group tomorrow to discuss "the cage" in Bensham. Coun Dodds said: "I have arranged to
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Job Search: Vacancies
RGN matron/manager, Trimdon Station. £23,000pa, 37.5hrs pw on rota. Must be 1st level RGN with relevant managerial qualification or at least two years' experience in management care setting. Ref: WIQ 2723. Laundry assistant, Trimdon Station. £3.60ph,
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Abusive boyfriend jailed
A boyfriend from hell who terrorized a family was jailed for two years today. Health club worker Guy Hellewell admitted putting the Taylor family in fear of violence for two years until his arrest in August this year. Hellewell, 25, traumatised his girlfriend
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Eating Owt: When sorry seems to be the hardest word
A wonderful meal at a restaurant with a very appropriate name was only marred by a lack of vegetables and ice-cream (not together) and a distinctly frosty table atmosphere. You know how this column incorrigibly eavesdrops, how readers may be regaled not
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Minister signals upgrade of RAF missiles-warning base
DEFENCE Secretary Geoff Hoon has confirmed that the Government wants to upgrade RAF Fylingdales' missile defence capability - in advance of a US "Son of Star Wars" programme. In a discussion paper published last night, the minister steamrollered over
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Sir Ruscott can out-stay rivals
SIR RUSCOTT is strongly fancied to take charge of today's top race at Sedgefield, the Dickie Dods Memorial Handicap Hurdle. The marathon will test the mettle of an excellent 14-runner field to the limit in the sticky ground. Such conditions are not unfamiliar
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College has formula for success
THE £1m expansion of Northallerton College was celebrated last week - in a mathematically-appropriate style. The new classroom block is dedicated mainly to maths teaching, so the cake cut to mark its opening symbolised one of the best known mathematical
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Phone mast bed defeated
A bid to build a phone mast, which provoked more than 500 letters of protest, has been rejected by councillors. Campaigners fighting a proposal by communications company Hutchinson 3G UK to erect a mast at Pelaw Grange, near Chester-le-Street, are celebrating
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Lacking style behind the door of No 10
SO Cherie Blair is attended by a person with the title "style guru". Well, I can imagine such a person being employed by Kylie Minogue, but the idea that a senior barrister like Cherie Blair - who aspires to be a high court judge - should go in for this
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A national tour - and home thoughts too
Someone up there was smiling on me last week, because the speaking diary worked out in just the right order. Usually, and it's probably happened to you too, there's a zig-zag effect, but my route of Leicester, London and then Bristol was ideal. My hosts
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Community raising a banner to mining past
A COMMUNITY is developing ideas for a miners' banner as it seeks to celebrate its heritage. The project is part of a partnership between Willington Community Partnership, the National Union of Mineworkers' (NUM) Durham area and Thompson's Solicitors of
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Partnership bid may be best option for church
A MUSEUM and a local authority could soon be working together to find up to £150,000 to cover the cost of repairs to one of Richmond's oldest buildings. That is the estimated cost of restoring Trinity Church in the market place - a figure well beyond
