Archive
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Grassroots: Crook
PARTNERSHIP MEET: The next meeting of the Crook Community Partnership is on Thursday, at 7pm, in the partnership office, 79 Hope Street. Christine Budd, action plan manager, will be present. Partnership secretary David Neil said: "Ms Budd is working from
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Estate residents opposing builders' tree felling plans
PEOPLE on a Darlington estate are opposing plans by a building developer to fell trees near their homes. Families living in Clowbeck Court, on the High Grange estate, close to a strip of woodland, are angry at plans by Barratt Homes to fell 33 trees on
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Van occupant killed as black ice and snow cause danger on roads
Driving conditions were made treacherous at the weekend when black ice compounded problems on the region's snow-affected roads. One person died and police reported a large number of minor accidents as many vehicles slid off the road. The fatal crash happened
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Backing sought for meeting
A STAMMERER who cured himself of the condition hopes to help others at a free open day in the North-East. Stephen Hill, 28, whose story has been featured on national television, radio and in newspapers since he cured his own bad stammer, will hold the
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Appeal follows street assault
Police are appealing for witnesses to an attack on a 41-year-old man in Front Street, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland, which left him with a fractured skull. The man was detained overnight in hospital following the incident, between 5pm and 6.30pm
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UniBond League: Bishops still struggling after yet another defeat
Bishop Auckland are still in the bottom two of the UniBond League First Division after they were beaten 4-2 at Matlock on Saturday. But even though manager Brian Honour was disappointed with the result, he was still reasonably happy with the performance
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Pupils get chance to explore universe
YOUNGSTERS can explore the wonders of the universe as part of a new university programme. Durham and Sheffield universities, along with selected schools in the region, are developing a public outreach programme on particle phy-sics and astronomy - From
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Feeling good
MATHS wizard Carol Vorderman won't be doing any calorie-counting as she works off the Christmas excesses - because some serious detoxing should do the trick. The Countdown presenter, who has published a revised edition of her book Detox For Life to coincide
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Police force passes inspection by auditors
SYSTEMS to ensure that a police force is cost-effective and efficient have been endorsed by independent experts. An annual audit by PricewaterhouseCoopers examined key aspects of Durham Constabulary's corporate framework, including its financial well-being
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Story contest deadline looming fast
THE deadline is nearing for a writing competition that attracts budding authors from across the country. Entries for the Sid Chaplin short story competition, which is run by Shildon Town Council, in County Durham, should be completed by January 31. It
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Mobile help centre visit
A GROUP for visually impaired people is sending a mobile resource bus to Redcar later this month to offer advice. Teesside and District Society for the Blind is using the bus to help visually impaired people who cannot get to the charity's centre in Middlesbrough
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Gory find reveals 2,000-year-old deadly deeds
Human remains have been unearthed in a field behind a hamlet in the region. Experts are studying the two skeletons, both male and thought to be 2,000 years old, which workmen found in a shared rough grave. Examinations of the bodies, found near Newton
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News in brief: Free fitness advice on offer
Wear Valley District Council's Wear Fit Programme and Willington Medical Group have joined forces to offer free advice and consultation sessions for anyone wishing to get fit. The 20-minute consultation will be with a qualified and experienced health
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Family's dilemma over housing estate conditions
A RESIDENT fears she is stuck in a "living hell" because her housing estate has deteriorated to such a level that no estate agent will sell her home. Chris Grimwood, a mother of three, liked the Whitehill Estate, in Pelton Fell, near Chester-le-Street
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Under-fire housing service's staff reject plan of action
STAFF at a council that has been criticised by the Government for its poor housing service are in revolt against an action plan proposed by Whitehall. Chester-le-Street District Council's housing staff are opposing a proposed strategy which has been put
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Estate residents opposing builders' tree felling plans
PEOPLE on a Darlington estate are opposing plans by a building developer to fell trees near their homes. Families living in Clowbeck Court, on the High Grange estate, close to a strip of woodland, are angry at plans by Barratt Homes to fell 33 trees on
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Oster to take his chance
JOHN OSTER admitted last night that he thought his Sunderland career was over before Howard Wilkinson threw him a Stadium of Light lifeline. Oster, 24, was on loan at Grimsby Town for two months and expected never to play for Sunderland again when he
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Magpies crash out in thriller
WHO said the FA Cup has lost its glitz and glamour? This game was living proof that there's life in the old dog yet. A below par Newcastle may have to wait another year to try to get their hands on the prestigious trophy, but they contributed to a third
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Albert flies nest to original owner
A talkative parrot which has entertained a hotel's guests for more than a decade has flown the nest. Albert, the blue-fronted Amazon parrot, has made hundreds of friends all over the world during its 16 years at Walworth Castle in Darlington. Every birthday
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Funding boost
A SCHEME to provide better and safer play opportunities for youngsters in deprived areas has been boosted by £60,000. Play Opportunity Works (Pow), was set up for children aged from five to 16 living in the 12 former coalfield areas of Durham City, which
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Smith aims to deliver video gift to parents
JEFF SMITH, the Bishop Auckland postman turned Premiership player, is desperate to show his parents what they missed when their car trouble denied them the chance to see his big day. Former Hartlepool United midfielder Smith impressed in making a rare
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Cash shortage may force bird sanctuary to close
AN animal rescue sanctuary is facing a cash crisis that could force it to turn away injured birds of prey. Neil and Juliana Fowler, who run the Scotton Owl and Raptor Rehabilitation (Soarr) sanctuary from their back garden, have not ruled out closure
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Gardening: Leylandi, lilies and a look back
I AM in my typical post-Christmas no-mans land. Over the last fortnight I have rested, feasted, partied and generally let my hair down. Apart from the occasional flick through the wonderful mountain of gardening books I received as gifts, I have paid
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Carlo off, but yet more away Blues for Boro
FOR one fleeting moment, Middlesbrough's travelling fans thought their interminable wait for an away goal was finally over. Then, a linesman's flag and the referee's whistle brought them back to reality. Had skipper Gareth Southgate's close-range effort
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Hunt for Northumberland Bigfoot
It may sound like a fishy story, but something strange is said to be lurking in a North-East country park. And according to investigators, the fishermen's tale may point to the existence of the region's version of the half-human-half-ape Bigfoot. The
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Wearside League: Shields ahead
North Shields worked tirelessly on Saturday morning to make their Ralph Gardner Park pitch playable for the top-versus-bottom match against Jarrow. Their efforts were rewarded with a handsome victory which enabled them to open up a clear lead for the
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Man who had unlawful sex walks free
A man who was warned that he would go to jail for having unlawful sex with a 13-year-old girl walked free from court today. Mark Cochrane was instead handed a £2,500 fine at Teesside Crown Court after he admitted having unlawful sex with the girl whom
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The grandfather of New Labour
APPEARANCES deceive. A polished accent, Oxford education, supreme intellect and a love of claret suggest Roy Jenkins was ill-at-ease in the Labour movement. In fact, it was his natural home. Where else was there to go for a young man with political ambitions
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North-East communities fattest in UK
Two North-East communities have been branded as among the UK's fattest cities. Sunderland and Durham City feature in the first three places in a new league table compiled by Muscle &Fitness magazine from mostly official Government statistics. The
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End of the long, long wait for a bus
WAITING at a bus stop and not knowing if the bus will turn up could become a thing of the past. Satellite technology will keep the region's passengers informed of delays and expected arrival times. Information will be sent to display units at key stops
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Cup gets the thumbs down as fans stay away
THE FA Cup, RIP (1872-2003). It had been unwell for some time, but its demise was confirmed at a deserted Reebok Stadium on Saturday. Of course, reports of its death may be greatly exaggerated, to paraphrase Mark Twain. But the hardy 10,123 souls present
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Professor urges action on railway bridges
A LEADING expert in rail safety has repeated calls for improvements after a second Selby-style disaster was avoided by seconds at the weekend. Professor John Knapton, of Newcastle University - who conducted a nationwide survey into rail bridge safety
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Harris is on a Shore thing
FREEZING temperatures are set to play havoc with the National Hunt fixtures scheduled for this week, but the likes of Wolverhampton should be OK provided the dreaded fog stays away. The Fibresand track at the Midlands venue is designed to withstand virtually
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06/01/03
PETER MULLEN: PETER Mullen's tragedy (Echo, Dec 26) is that he was born too late to know that great man, Archbishop Michael Ramsey. His dismissal of him as an amiable buffoon who went about apologising for his poor memory is wide of the mark. Michael
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Sir Bobby is left sick after Molineux defeat
ANGRY Sir Bobby Robson last night sympathised with Newcastle United supporters after his side's FA Cup exit at First Division Wolverhampton Wanderers. And Robson admitted that he hopes his under-performing team are feeling as depressed about the result
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Paddington display at Seaton Holme
A much-loved bear has provided the inspiration for a new exhibition. Children's favourite Paddington Bear is the focus for the display at Seaton Holme, Easington Village, which runs until January 23. Provided by Mavis Sherwood from Easington, items include
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News in brief: Pair held in drugs raid
POLICE have recovered £40,000 worth of drugs in a house raid. Uniformed officers and the Wallsend Tactical Action Group, set up recently to tackle problems in the area, responded to intelligence to raid the house in Wansbeck Road, Dudley, North Tyneside
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News in brief: Surgery date is changed
Councillor Francis McIntyre's first ward surgery of the year has been rescheduled because of refurbishment work at Linthorpe Community Centre, Middlesbrough. The surgery for Park Ward residents will now be held on Friday, from 11am to noon, and not today
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Walker recovers after hill rescue
An injured fell walker was recovering today after a dramatic air rescue from isolated, snow-covered hills. The woman, who has not been named, was plucked to safety by the Great North Air Ambulance crew after they battled freezing conditions to reach her
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Woman, 74, found dead in pond
AN elderly woman has been found dead in a pond after disappearing from her home at the weekend. The 74-year-old, of Manfield village, near Darlington, who has not been named, was discovered yesterday following a search by police. She was last seen on
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Offering free taste of pilates
FREE taster sessions in the fitness art of pilates will be available this week. The classes will be held at Southlands Leisure Centre, Ormesby Road, Middlesbrough, today from 10am to 11am, Wednesday from 6pm to 7pm, and Sunday from 6pm to 7pm. The full
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£1m scheme to boost city night venues
PLANS have been unveiled to boost a city's night life through a £1m investment . Vimac Leisure has announced it will spend the money on its Durham City venues,Caf Rock and DH-1. The £500,000 work on DH-1 will begin in early summer. The North Road nightclub
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Outburst as leaking tap leads to closure of toilets
A COUNCILLOR has called for auditors to investigate his local district council - in a row prompted by a leaking tap. Durham county councillor John Shuttleworth has written to Minister of State for Local Government Nick Raynsford about Wear Valley District
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Man remanded over death crash
A MAN appeared in court on Saturday in connection with the death of a six-year-old girl in a road accident. Ian Carr, 27, of Ashington, appeared before South East Northumberland magistrates, in nearby Bedlington, to face a string of motoring offences.
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One-stop shop picks up award
A ONE-stop shop for more than 90 council services has won an award. Newcastle City Council's first customer service centre, based at the Sandyford Road entrance to the Civic Centre, has won the Government's Charter Mark for customer service excellence
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Demolition of former school set for approval
PLANS to demolish a former infant school to make way for housing are expected to be approved when councillors meet this week. Chilton County Primary School, near Ferryhill, has been closed since Durham County Council amalgamated it with the old Chilton
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Inquest hearings due
THREE full inquests will be heard at Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court tomorrow. The first, at 2.30pm, will be into the death of John Robson, 47, of North Drive, Middlestone Moor, near Spennymoor, who was found dead at his home on January 12 last year
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News in brief: Men queue up to shed pounds
OVERWEIGHT men are queuing up to shed the pounds at the UK's first all-male slimming club. Weight expert Mary Reed decided to launch the group in Hexham, Northumberland, for men who might be embarrassed to join a class full of women. Mother-of-two Mrs
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Hamper joy for Margaret
IT was a particularly pleasant Christmas for Margaret Emmerson when she received a hamper after winning a competition. Mrs Emmerson, of Greatham, Hartlepool, won the £200 Fenwick's Christmas Hamper, from Granite Worktops Direct, a Durham manufacturer
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Village halls 'facing end of the road'
THE Government is being urged to scrap proposed changes to licensing laws which campaigners say could mark the end for troubled village halls. A Bill going through the House of Lords proposes that village halls, which are currently exempt from fees for
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Objections are raised to farm workshops plan
THE Government's communications centre, GCHQ, has stepped into the dispute over plans to convert farm buildings into six workshops. Minster Industrial Properties wants to carry out the development at Betton Farm, East Ayton, near Scarborough. However,
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Approval for £25m riverside project
A £25M riverside development has been given the go-ahead by Stockton's town planners. The plans, from developers HJ Banks, should transform the banks of the River Tees at Bowesfield Farm and could create up to 1,500 jobs. However, environmental campaigners
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Customer scoops a tasty treat
IT was a particularly pleasant Christmas for Margaret Emmerson when she received a hamper after winning a competition. Mrs Emmerson, of Greatham, near Hartlepool, won the £200 Fenwick's Christmas hamper, from Granite Worktops Direct, a Durham manufacturer
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Cup shock brings Tait crashing back to earth
Not so long ago this management lark was a breeze for Mick Tait. The assistant boss's ascension to caretaker just over two months ago had brought with it a new air of optimism to a beleaguered Quakers side at its lowest ebb. Tait instilled some much-needed
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Former smoker helping others to quit the habit
ANNIE Pluse smoked her first cigarette when she was 14 years old. Soon she was up to 20-a-day and was still smoking when she fell pregnant at 26. Even that was not enough to persuade her to quit. She said: "I smoked all the way through my pregnancy and
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Projects get share in £40,000 handout
ARTS projects across the county will benefit from a share of more than £40,000. The region's arts development agency, Yorkshire Arts, has given grants to 21 organisations in the Yorkshire and Humber area. The cash will fund artworks for hospitals in Whitby
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Projects get share in £40,000 handout
ARTS projects across the county will benefit from a share of more than £40,000. The region's arts development agency, Yorkshire Arts, has given grants to 21 organisations in the Yorkshire and Humber area. The cash will fund artworks for hospitals in Whitby
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Clare's chocolate company success
A DALES entrepreneur is celebrating successfully overcoming a series of disasters. Clare Gardiner opened a caf in Wensleydale in July 2000 and faced poor summer weather, the fuel crisis and poor autumn weather. It meant the former garden designer from
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Extra staff for nursery
SEVEN child carers have been employed at a North-East nursery which is being inundated with demand for places by parents. Ashfield Nursery and Early Learning Centre, at Low Fell, Gateshead, is one of the newest nurseries in the region. But it has already
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News in brief: Pair held in drugs raid
POLICE have recovered £40,000 worth of drugs in a house raid. Uniformed officers and the Wallsend Tactical Action Group, set up recently to tackle problems in the area, responded to intelligence to raid the house in Wansbeck Road, Dudley, North Tyneside
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End of the long, long wait for a bus
WAITING at a bus stop and not knowing if the bus will turn up could become a thing of the past. Satellite technology will keep the region's passengers informed of delays and expected arrival times. Information will be sent to display units at key stops
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Harris is on a Shore thing
FREEZING temperatures are set to play havoc with the National Hunt fixtures scheduled for this week, but the likes of Wolverhampton should be OK provided the dreaded fog stays away. The Fibresand track at the Midlands venue is designed to withstand virtually
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Bid launched for £39m to regenerate town
A BID to win £39m of funding for a deprived former mining town will be launched today. A report by the director of Derwentside District Council, Mike Clark, highlights bids for cash from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund for a range of projects, aimed at
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Focus on plight of water vole
AN organisation which highlighted the alarming decline in water vole numbers is to publish a detailed report into their plight later this year. The Vincent Wildlife Trust (VWT) compiles research from naturalists all over the country, including a number
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Grassroots: Crook
PARTNERSHIP MEET: The next meeting of the Crook Community Partnership is on Thursday, at 7pm, in the partnership office, 79 Hope Street. Christine Budd, action plan manager, will be present. Partnership secretary David Neil said: "Ms Budd is working from
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£100,000 facelift given to village
THE fishing village of Staithes, on the North Yorkshire coast, is to get a £105,000 facelift. Work starts later this month to provide ornamental railings and street lights, cobble Church Street and Seaton Garth, improve the stone steps leading from the
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'No need for the return of old shires'
A CAMPAIGN to bring back the old shires and redraw the map of Great Britain have been met with scepticism in the region. If the proposals to recreate the country's 86 historic counties of Great Britain are successful, it could mean places such as Stockton
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Students' Orient expression
CONTEMPORARY textiles inspired by the Orient are on display at a museum. Following the success of their exhibition in September 2000, BA (Hons) textiles and surface design students from Cleveland College of Art and Design have returned to the Oriental
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Mum seeks sponsorship for Great Wall mission
A MOTHER is planning a walk along part of the Great Wall of China to help raise money for research into the disease suffered by her father and young son. Jacqueline Trainor, 38, wanted to do something positive to help deal with the heartbreak of watching
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Football club sheds light on grass problem
A NORTH-EAST football club is leading the way in using technology to develop the perfect pitch. Sunderland recently played host to a conference looking at the concept of using ground-breaking technology to stimulate grass growth by using artificial light
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Lifeboat cashes in on company's good luck
A LIFEBOAT charity is reaping the rewards of a company's good fortune. Richard Longworth, owner of Executive Dry Cleaners, in Sunderland, was entered into a prize draw after completing a questionnaire from Northumbrian Water. Given out with the company's
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Lifeboat cashes in on company's good luck
A LIFEBOAT charity is reaping the rewards of a company's good fortune. Richard Longworth, owner of Executive Dry Cleaners, in Sunderland, was entered into a prize draw after completing a questionnaire from Northumbrian Water. Given out with the company's
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Funding boost
A SCHEME to provide better and safer play opportunities for youngsters in deprived areas has been boosted by £60,000. Play Opportunity Works (Pow), was set up for children aged from five to 16 living in the 12 former coalfield areas of Durham City, which
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News in brief: Business given grants boost
TOURISM businesses on the Yorkshire Coast are being offered grants of up to £5,000 in an effort to boost the industry. The funding is being provided by regional development agency Yorkshire Forward to the Coastal Tourism Initiative. More than £355,000
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News in brief: Surgery date is changed
Councillor Francis McIntyre's first ward surgery of the year has been rescheduled because of refurbishment work at Linthorpe Community Centre, Middlesbrough. The surgery for Park Ward residents will now be held on Friday, from 11am to noon, and not today
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News in brief: Pair held in drugs raid
POLICE have recovered £40,000 worth of drugs in a house raid. Uniformed officers and the Wallsend Tactical Action Group, set up recently to tackle problems in the area, responded to intelligence to raid the house in Wansbeck Road, Dudley, North Tyneside
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News in brief: Free fitness advice on offer
Wear Valley District Council's Wear Fit Programme and Willington Medical Group have joined forces to offer free advice and consultation sessions for anyone wishing to get fit. The 20-minute consultation will be with a qualified and experienced health
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North tapping into Europe's cash fund
THE Government Office for the North-East has made headway in tapping into European cash fund for deprived communities. Objective 2 cash, from the European Regional Development Fund, is used for projects which contribute towards economic regeneration.
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TV review
This sailor's all at sea on land Hornblower (ITV1) My Uncle Silas (ITV1) THE year is 1803. The uneasy peace between the British and the French has lasted a year. But beware, Napoleon Bonaparte is stirring (not a word to Josephine) and C S Forester's naval
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Wainwright 'devastated' by defeat
Dejected Neil Wainwright revealed his 'absolute devastation' after crashing out of the FA Cup. The Darlington winger was inconsolable after Quakers slipped to a hugely disappointing 3-2 defeat at the hands of non-league Farnborough Town on Saturday. "
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Under-fire housing service's staff reject plan of action
STAFF at a council that has been criticised by the Government for its poor housing service are in revolt against an action plan proposed by Whitehall. Chester-le-Street District Council's housing staff are opposing a proposed strategy which has been put
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Leylandi, lilies and a look back
I AM in my typical post-Christmas no-mans land. Over the last fortnight I have rested, feasted, partied and generally let my hair down. Apart from the occasional flick through the wonderful mountain of gardening books I received as gifts, I have paid
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Burning Questions: The city with a stainless reputation
Q HOW old is the city of Sheffield? A friend says it only came into existence in the 19th century. - Jeff Wilkinson, Stanley. A SHEFFIELD traces its origins to ancient times. Celtic forts exist at Wincobank, now a Sheffield suburb, at Carl Wark and Scholes
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Van occupant killed as black ice and snow cause danger on roads
driving conditions were made treacherous at the weekend when black ice compounded problems on the region's snow-affected roads. One person died and police reported a large number of minor accidents as many vehicles slid off the road. The fatal crash happened
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Southgate vows to maintain home comforts
SKIPPER Gareth Southgate last night insisted that Middlesbrough will preserve their proud home record to ensure their season doesn't fall apart. Southampton visit the Riverside Stadium this Saturday for a game that could shape the remainder of Boro's
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Hoon tries to allay fears about Fylingdales
Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon has sought to allay the fears of concerned residents living close to Fylingdales which may be used as part of America's missile defence programme. Mr Hoon said it was highly improbable that National Missile Defence (NMD) would
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How many times does this have to happen?
AN investigation was under way last night after another Selby-type disaster was narrowly averted on one of the region's railway lines. Pressure was growing on the Government to act after a van plunged onto a line. Saturday's accident, on the outskirts
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Blaydon's power pack earns brace for Harper
BLAYDON prop Dan Harper took his season's try tally to ten when he was twice driven over in the 26-15 win at Hull Ionians. The 19st powerhouse has become the cornerstone of a pack whose National Three North opponents find their driving maul almost unstoppable
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Clarke a glutton for goals
DARRELL Clarke is aiming for a repeat showing after finally finding his scoring boots this season. After waiting 24 games for his first goal, the Hartlepool United midfielder now has two in three games following his match-winner at Boston on Saturday.
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Newell happy with battle of Boston
AS far as entertainment goes this was up there with the worst of them, it was about as pleasing on the eye as Gail Tilsley or Mandy Dingle. Yet for Mike Newell the performance meant so much, in fact it was his favourite display to date. A single Darrell
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The city with a stainless reputation
Q HOW old is the city of Sheffield? A friend says it only came into existence in the 19th century. - Jeff Wilkinson, Stanley. A SHEFFIELD traces its origins to ancient times. Celtic forts exist at Wincobank, now a Sheffield suburb, at Carl Wark and Scholes
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Prison for men who were cruel to goats
Two men are facing prison for their part in an illegal and ''cruel'' goat-slaughtering operation. A district judge heard how 10 goats were killed in a barn at Londonderry, North Yorkshire, using a blunt knife. Tony Kelbrick, prosecuting for the RSPCA,
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Clothing saves girl who was dragged under car
A two-year-old girl who was dragged along under her mother's car was saved by her thick winter clothing and snow which helped her slide along instead of being crushed, a neighbour said today. The mother had dropped her four children off at their grandmother's
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Pioneering role for youth hostel
ONE of the smallest youth hostels in the region is about to make a giant stride for the concept of sustainable tour-ism - at a cost of £100,000. It is to become one of the country's first "eco-hostels" and by 2004, sheep's wool insulation and electricity
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Former policewoman becomes priest
A former policewoman and funeral arranger has finally found her vocation by training as a priest. Kim Thomas, a 44-year-old grandmother from Shropshire, began her working life as a Kent policewoman in 1977. A knee injury forced her to retire in 1990,
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Weekend TV: Hornblower (ITV1): My Uncle Silas (ITV1)
This sailor's all at sea on land THE year is 1803. The uneasy peace between the British and the French has lasted a year. But beware, Napoleon Bonaparte is stirring (not a word to Josephine) and C S Forester's naval hero Horatio Hornblower has fallen
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News in brief: Pair held in drugs raid
POLICE have recovered £40,000 worth of drugs in a house raid. Uniformed officers and the Wallsend Tactical Action Group, set up recently to tackle problems in the area, responded to intelligence to raid the house in Wansbeck Road, Dudley, North Tyneside
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Prison is being let down by failure of others, says report
A DETENTION centre near Yarm that deals with the resettlement of inmates is being let down by other prisons, an independent report has revealed. Kirklevington Grange, used as a resettlement centre for prisoners coming to the end of their sentences, is
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Pair in court after hunting demonstration
A kennel worker and student were due in court today following last month's demonstration outside the Houses of Parliament over the controversial Hunting Bill. David Sherwood, 46, from Whittonstall, Northumberland, was due to appear at Bow Street Magistrates
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Married to a life in the fast lane
IT is the second year running that 27-year-old Will Beveridge has spent Christmas away from his North-East family in a bid to chase his dream of becoming a world champion. The postal worker, who lives at St Helen Auckland, near Bishop Auckland, County
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Child run over by her mother
A TODDLER was lucky to be alive last night after her mother accidentally reversed a vehicle over her. The two-year-old girl was playing outside her grandmother's house in Dornoch Crescent, Windy Nook, Gateshead, on Saturday. Without noticing her, her
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Former smoker helping others to quit the habit
ANNIE Pluse smoked her first cigarette when she was 14 years old. Soon she was up to 20-a-day and was still smoking when she fell pregnant at 26. Even that was not enough to persuade her to quit. She said: "I smoked all the way through my pregnancy and
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Caddick leads the charge
Andrew Caddick found inspiration from the defeat in Melbourne to keep England on course for a famous victory over Australia in the final Test. The Somerset fast bowler attracted his fair share of criticism as England slumped to an Ashes series defeat
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Taking over as new police force director
LANGBAURGH'S police chief, John Kelly, is to become Cleveland Police's most senior detective. After two years as divisional commander, Chief Superintendent Kelly is moving to become Cleveland's director of crime. He will be replaced by former Middlesbrough
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SDP founder Jenkins dies aged 82
Tony Blair last night led tributes to the former Labour Home Secretary and Chancellor Lord Jenkins of Hillhead, who died yesterday at the age of 82. Lord Jenkins, who as one of the "gang of four" broke away from Labour to found the Social Democratic Party
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Eastern influence on park restoration
A NORTH-EAST attraction will benefit from Oriental ideas following a two-week fact-finding trip. Keith Pimm, secretary of the Exhibition and Brandling Parks Community Trust, in Newcastle, has returned from Japan, where he saw examples of how to regenerate
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Community strategy to be revised
A CONSULTATION period looking at a vision for Darlington's future will end this month. The Darlington Partnership is devising a community strategy aimed at creating opportunities and key issues for the town over the next ten years. A consultation draft
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Demolition of former school set for approval
PLANS to demolish a former infant school to make way for housing are expected to be approved when councillors meet this week. Chilton County Primary School, near Ferryhill, has been closed since Durham County Council amalgamated it with the old Chilton
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Comment: A politician of mighty stature
FEW politicians, other than those who were Prime Minister, have had a bigger impact on modern Britain than Roy Jenkins. It is a mark of his contribution to his country that news of his death yesterday was met with genuine words of affection from all shades
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Inquest hearings due
THREE full inquests will be heard at Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court tomorrow. The first, at 2.30pm, will be into the death of John Robson, 47, of North Drive, Middlestone Moor, near Spennymoor, who was found dead at his home on January 12 last year
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Polar explorer caps perfect day
POLAR explorer Robert Swan has taken his new wife to warmer climes after their wedding in the North-East on Saturday. The first man to walk unaided to both the North and South poles tied the knot with Nicole Gallacher at St Mary's Church, in Wycliffe,
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Protest over closure of lavatories
RESIDENTS are protesting over the state of their public lavatories. They complained after the lavatories were closed while the local authority waited for parts to carry out a repair. Now local Durham county councillor John Shuttleworth has written a scathing
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Protest over closure of lavatories
RESIDENTS are protesting over the state of their public lavatories. They complained after the lavatories were closed while the local authority waited for parts to carry out a repair. Now local Durham county councillor John Shuttleworth has written a scathing
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Crew may close ambulance station
Angry crew members have threatened to close a North-East ambulance station on safety grounds unless 'inadequate' gritting is improved. Ray McDermott, secretary of the North-East Ambulance Service branch of Unison, called for action after ambulances slid
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New hall challenge
VILLAGERS in Hinderwell, near Whitby, have set themselves the challenge of raising £500,000 to build a village hall. Resident Anthea Ellis said it was difficult to comply with health and safety regulations in the 70-year-old timber building. She said:
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Repairs scheduled for tourist attraction
Plans have been put forward for a major repair project at one of North Yorkshire's most important heritage sites. A £100,000 scheme has been earmarked for the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal estate, near Ripon, which many regard as the jewel in the
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Hunt for guard's attackers
A SECURITY guard was beaten up after he was ambushed by three thugs during his night shift. The 42-year-old victim, who was guarding a Hartlepool factory, was set upon at about 8.45pm on Saturday. In an apparently motiveless attack, he was beaten about
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'PE helps improve academic results'
AN experiment which puts PE at the centre of school life appears to improve academic results, according to experts. Increased academic scores and improved behaviour are just two of the results of the scheme in County Durham. Two unidentified primary schools
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Theatre group puts the spotlight on communication skills
PUPILS at Roseberry Junior School, Billingham, were encouraged to talk in class when they had a visit from a theatre company. The Muddles and the Crystals - two fictional families played by award-winning company CragRats Limited - showed youngsters the
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Recycling target could cost £350,000
EFFORTS to improve Harrogate's green image in response to Government pressure will cost the borough council at least £350,000. In a letter to the council leader, Councillor Michael Meacher, Environment Minister Michael Meacher has asked what the council
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Sacked for failing to report scream
AN Australian police radio operator has been sacked after he was accused of ignoring the report of a woman's scream the night York backpacker Caroline Stuttle was killed. Police Minister Tony McGrady said the man was dismissed following an internal investigation
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Port bosses resume talks with tugboat crews over pay dispute
FRESH hopes have emerged of averting a strike at Teesport following lengthy talks between union officials and tugboat bosses. Union negotiators for tug- boat crews want a three per cent basic pay increase extended to bonuses and other benefits, and current
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Aspiring young actor Elliott chosen for Shakespeare role
YOUNG actor Elliott Francis is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Billy Elliot star Jamie Bell after his long locks helped him get a place with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). Fresh from a local production of Kes in which the 15-year-old played
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Car parking charges introduced at hospital
PATIENTS and their visitors will have to pay to use the car parks at Scarborough General Hospital from this week. Officials of Scarborough NHS Trust said that part of any profit from the pay-and-display system will be used to provide patient care. The
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Era comes to an end as Ian bids farewell to post office life
MORE than a century of family service will come to an end when Ian Topham retires later this month. The 64-year-old will be swapping the counter for the potting shed when he retires from Boroughbridge Post Office after four decades. The business, which
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Melly is latest attraction to appear
THE New Year has brought a welcome new arrival to one of the region's top attractions - and like little babies everywhere, she's the apple of her mother's eye. Young Melly is the is the first Brazilian tapir to be born at Flamingo Land Zoo, near Pickering
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Letters
PETER MULLEN PETER Mullen's tragedy (Echo, Dec 26) is that he was born too late to know that great man, Archbishop Michael Ramsey. His dismissal of him as an amiable buffoon who went about apologising for his poor memory is wide of the mark. Michael Ramsey
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Patients to be given more say
A PIONEERING service aimed at giving the public more say in the way health care is developed will be discussed by health professionals this week. Aims and objectives of The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (Pals), a key element in the modernisation
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Fundraising cyclists provide hospice tonic
FUNDRAISERS from a North-East police force braved torrential rain to raise more than £1,000 in a tough cycle ride. For the past five years, a squad of charity riders from Cleveland Police has undertaken an annual cycle ride from coast to coast to raise
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Cinema screens its final film
STAFF and customers said their final farewells as a cinema shut for the last time yesterday. The closure of The Robins cinema, Durham's only venue showing mainstream films, brought almost 70 years of history to an end. Although local people fought to
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Couple appeal for help in tracing four workmen
A COUPLE are appealing for help in tracing four Darlington workmen whose names were inscribed inside a desk. The inscription was discovered by David McLean, 51, a joiner for Kirklees Metropolitan Council, in West Yorkshire, when he was renovating oak
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£4m facelift
SCORES of council houses in Scarborough are being modernised in a £4m scheme. Work being carried on homes in the Sandybed, Gildercliffe, and Briercliffe includes rebuilding external walls, installing central heating, and providing new roofing and double
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The grandfather of New Labour
Lord Jenkins of Hillhead, who died yesterday, will be remembered as the man who led the breakaway SDP and split the Labour Party. Colin Tapping reflects on a career spanning five decades and his legacy to modern British politics. APPEARANCES deceive.
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Work starts on road for Euro lorries
TRAFFIC will be diverted while strengthening work begins on a weak culvert in east Durham later this month. Demolition and replacement of the reinforced concrete culvert will take place at Brackenhill, on an unclassified road near Peterlee's South West
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Panto star Linda grants Andrew's wish
A YOUNG boy's dream came true when he met up with pantomime star Linda Lusardi for a second time. Andrew Hutchon, seven, of Darlington, was only a few months old when he met the actress in July 1995. She was in Darlington to open the Friends of the Hospital
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Locked up and left to starve
RSPCA inspectors are hunting the owners of two dogs which were locked up and left to starve to death over Christmas in a stable on an allotment. A ten-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier was huddled next to a dead Doberman and could barely lift its head
