Archive
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Ready for take-off
A TEAM of experts is seeking to prove that anyone is capable of starting a business. Individuals are invited to enter a competition, called the Enterprise Island challenge, from which ten people will be chosen for a fast-track introduction to becoming
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Bus passes and car permits
CORRECTION: A story in The Northern Echo yesterday headlined Auditor Orders Authority to Examine Free Passes Policy was incorrect. We would like to make it clear that Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council does not issue free parking permits and bus passes
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Wild evening of performance poetry
FRINGE poets and musicians are planning a wild evening of lively entertainment. The Speechpainter has been at the forefront of performance poetry for over ten years. He brings his eccentric style of entertainment to the Hambleton Forum in Northallerton
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04/03/03
Saturday's game was one of the better derbies I have played in over the years. I thought Darlington came out and dominated the first-half and never let us settle or play our football. But in the second half we played much better and in the end should
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Factories' fortunes still at low ebb
JOB cuts in the manufacturing sector have hit their highest levels for more than a year. According to the latest figures from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS), the fortunes of UK manufacturers showed no signs of improvement as job
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Birthday girl's operation setback
BIRTHDAY celebrations for a North-East girl who was born without kidneys have been marred by news that an urgent operation might have to be put on hold. Brave youngster Alice Skinner, of Hartlepool, is two years old tomorrow, but last week doctors told
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Purse thieves on the prowl
POLICE are warning shop staff and customers to be on their guard against purse thieves in a town centre. Cleveland Police said there have been more than a dozen thefts in Redcar, in the past month. They say the purse snatches are carried out by "mean,
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Burning Questions: Chicken and egg tale of cross in the road
Q IS the Battle of Neville's Cross named after the suburb or vice versa? The leader of the English forces in 1346 was Sir Ralph Neville. The County Council battlefield walk leaflet, issued for the 650th anniversary of the battle, said that after the battle
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Families seek help to pay for soldiers' parcels
The families of soldiers preparing for war have hit out at the "extortionate" postage costs to send morale-boosting parcels to their loved ones. Relatives yesterday begged the military to scrap the charges which are double those paid by U.S families.
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Neighbour rewarded for foiling burglars
A RESIDENT who helped track down two men who tried to burgle his neighbour's house was given a reward yesterday. The neighbour was praised for his actions by the Recorder of Middlesbrough Judge Peter Fox, at Teesside Crown Court. The part played by the
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Would it be a bit of a performance?
GALA THEATRE - DURHAM: JUST off Claypath, near the heart of Durham City, is the new Gala theatre, a venue "...designed to be fully accessible to all members of the community". My wife and I were encouraged by the early signs from the brochure and the
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Job Search: Vacancies
Mechanical fitter, Northallerton. £10,000pa dep on exp, 8.30am to 6pm, 7 days, 3 days off per fortnight. Must have experience in fitting trade to fastfit tyres etc and have driver's licence. Ref: NOE 18483. Training advisor, Northallerton. £14,040 to
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Profits fall after BPI's hard year
TOUGH global trading conditions have hit profits at British Polythene Industries. The company, which employs about 350 staff at Visqueen in Stockton, saw pre-tax profits fall from £16.2m for 2001, to £13.3m, in the year to last December. Despite the fall
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Derby hero Collett seeks a repeat
Darlington goalkeeper Andy Collett believes every game between now and the end of the season should be treated in the same manner they approached Saturday's 2-2 draw with Hartlepool United. Quakers take on York City tonight still hovering precariously
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Help needed to get best out of the Net
IF businesses in the North-East are going to realise the benefits of going on-line and keep a long-term competitive edge they are going to need extra support, according to an e-business expert. Professor Feng Li, of Newcastle University's Business School
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Win proved launch pad for fruitful export mission
A company which won an award last year has invested the winnings in its export drive. Millenniumpore, of Sunderland, invented a hand-operated pump filter which purifies and disinfects polluted water - an invaluable tool in developing countries. The firm
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School days are driftin' away - to those summer nights
A TRADITIONAL all-American ritual has been adopted by teenagers reaching the end of their school days on this side of the Atlantic. The annual end-of-term prom, the glitzy ball for school leavers across the US and the subject of many plots for Hollywood
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Chicken and egg tale of cross in the road
Q IS the Battle of Neville's Cross named after the suburb or vice versa? The leader of the English forces in 1346 was Sir Ralph Neville. The County Council battlefield walk leaflet, issued for the 650th anniversary of the battle, said that after the battle
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Crash kills soldier
A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after a soldier was killed in a car crash. Lee Maxwell, a 23-year-old based at Catterick Garrison, was killed on Saturday morning in a single vehicle accident on the base. He was
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Court learns of victim's injuries
A WOMAN allegedly attacked by her boyfriend died from injuries usually seen following high speed road accidents, a court heard yesterday. Newcastle Crown Court was told that Kelly Risborough, 23, died after a "prolonged, violent assault". Toby Hedworth
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Thornton needed by Irish
SEAN THORNTON is set to miss more than half of Sunderland's remaining Premiership fixtures after Irish football bosses indicated they would not grant Howard Wilkinson's request for the midfielder to miss the World Youth Championship. Thornton, 19, could
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Carelink scheme praised
The Association of Social Alarm Providers has presented Sedgefield Borough Council with a code of practice compliance certificate for its Carelink scheme. The scheme links thousands of elderly residents in sheltered housing to a central control. The council
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Man found stabbed to death
A PENSIONER was found stabbed to death in his home at the weekend, it was revealed yesterday. Kenneth Scott, 66, was found in his ground-floor flat, in Gray Street, Hendon, Sunderland, early on Sunday. Police were called to his home at 4.30am after his
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Holiday homes plan withdrawn
CONTROVERSIAL plans to create six holiday homes - which sparked protests from residents in a small village - have been withdrawn on the eve of a planners' meeting. But people living in the one-road village of Mickley, near Ripon, look likely to face a
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Carelink scheme praised
SEDGEFIELD Borough Council has joined an elite group after receiving praise for its Carelink scheme. The Association of Social Alarm Providers (Asap) presented the council with a code of practice compliance certificate by for its scheme, which links thousands
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Villagers' green light for land
THE green, green grass of home is to take on a whole new meaning for residents in a North Yorkshire village. Residents of Dishforth, near Ripon, have successfully campaigned to have an area of grassland given village green status by North Yorkshire County
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News in brief: Police appeal to relatives
Police have renewed their appeal for family members to contact them following the death in hospital at the weekend of 32-year-old Kenneth John Smart. He was in collision with a car on February 11 as he ran across Borough Road, Middlesbrough, to catch
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Healthy note to fundraising efforts
HEALTH-CONSCIOUS pupils revealed their enterprising side yesterday. The children from Whinfield Junior School, in Darlington, visited the nearby Asda supermarket to collect a donation of 700 pieces of fruit. They are planning to sell the fruit in school
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Schools' playgrounds given funding boost
CHILDREN at two primary schools will soon have new equipment to play on thanks to a National Lottery award. Chilton and Fishburn Primary Schools have won grants from the Awards for All group to create outdoor play areas. Chilton has been given the maximum
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Man admits riding stolen motorcycle
A DARLINGTON man admitted he knew a motorbike he was riding must have been stolen. Gary James Benson, 20, was ordered to complete 180 hours community service after admitting a charge of handling stolen goods. Newton Aycliffe magistrates heard that Benson's
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Covert operation is hailed a success
WILDLIFE enthusiasts are celebrating after being awarded a conservation award. Foxglove Covert, at Catterick Garrison, was the first site in Richmondshire to be given Local Nature Reserve status two years ago. Now, thanks to the hard work of a dedicated
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Stephen takes top job at institute
A COUNCIL officer from Teesside has been voted into the top position at the northern branch of the Royal Town Planning Institute. Stephen Barker, head of planning and environment at Stockton Borough Council, has been elected as the group's chairman. He
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Workers offer concrete help
WORKERS on Teesside have helped turn life around for students attending a special needs centre. A team of four working for Enron Teesside Operations Limited (ETOL) Asset Management, in Wilton, has built an extended concrete turning circle on which the
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Chance of a future in past
A CHARITY with its roots in the past is looking for someone to help guide its future. The Jacobean, Sir William Turner's Almshouses at Kirkleatham, Redcar, were founded in 1676. Managed by Sir William's family and their successors, the Newcomen, Vansittart
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Drivers warned about leaving vehicles untaxed
CAR owners who leave their untaxed vehicles unattended in Middlesbrough are likely to have them crushed. Middlesbrough Council is seizing five times as many cars, which are on the road illegally, than before it was given power to remove them. The council
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Couple emigrate for sake of baby
A NORTH-EAST couple have sold their home and emigrated to South Africa claiming their local hospital cannot give their baby the care she needs. Lisa and Fintan O'Rourke flew to Pretoria at the weekend after selling their £200,000 Hartlepool home to start
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Schools' play areas given grants boost
CHILDREN at two primary schools will soon have new equipment to play on thanks to a National Lottery award. Chilton and Fishburn Primary Schools have won grants from the Awards for All group to create outdoor play areas. Chilton has been given the maximum
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Motorists before the magistrates
Cases dealt with by Darlington Magistrates' Court yesterday. DRIVER DISQUALIFIED: Alan James Glazier, 20, of Maple Avenue, Shildon, was disqualified from driving for six months, fined £290 and ordered to pay £35 costs after admitting driving otherwise
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Residents to have say
RESIDENTS in a busy market town can have their say on plans to improve the lot of pedestrians this week. An uneven surface has made walking along Yarm High Street something of an obstacle course. Stockton Borough Council wants to flatten some of the uneven
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Darts and dominoes
A DURHAM pub is launching a darts and dominoes competition. The Gilesgate Moor Hotel has set up the Jennings Tuesday Night Darts and Dominoes League and is looking for teams from the area to sign up. Landlady Lynne Huggins said: "It is a fun night out
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Going 'green' to cut carbon dioxide emissions
DURHAM County Council and the Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Brigade are to use "green'' electricity. From next month npower major business accounts will supply the council and the brigade with electricity produced from sustainable natural sources
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Women-only as writers sparkle at celebration
SPORTING and literary events are planned for International Women's Day on Saturday. Female writers from across the North-East will be meeting for Sparkler: A Celebration of Writing, on Newcastle Quayside. Crime writer Andrea Badenoch and journalist, author
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Wacky hat day
A Grand Hat Day is to be held on Friday. People are asked to wear a wacky hat to raise cash for the Stroke Association. For a fundraising pack, call (0208) 6956557.
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Award-winning station 'is confusing and a let down'
A RECENTLY-opened branch line station has come in for criticism just days after scooping a national award. Thornaby Station, which opened in January after a £500,000 revamp, was last week declared the winner of HSBC's Station Excellence of the Year Award
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Riding centre opens suite
ORGANISERS have opened an education suite at a riding centre for the disabled. The facility at the Riding for the Disabled Unicorn Centre at Hemlington, Middlesbrough, was funded by the Community Fund and the Tees Valley TEC. It consists of a 60-seat
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Comment: More jaw before war, Mr Blair
BRITAIN and the United States, it appears, will be at war with Iraq within a matter of days. The arrival of B-52 bombers in Britain and increased airborne 'patrols' in the Gulf suggest military action is imminent. All that remains to be seen now is whether
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Schools get cash to tackle difficulties
SELECTED schools in North Yorkshire are to receive help in a £250,000 scheme designed to provide extra support in areas with particular difficulties. Although the county boasts among the highest educational standards in the country, it is still expected
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Rent rise shock hits small snooker club in the pocket
MEMBERS of a small sports club are desperately searching for new premises after a hefty rise in rent left them snookered. The Northallerton snooker and billiards club, which was established in 1924, now faces an uncertain future after its rent in the
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Action over parking in disabled bays
COUNCIL chiefs are to crack down on motorists who have been abusing a new set of disabled parking bays. Three disabled bays have been installed by the sheltered accommodation in Newsteads, at Aiskew, near Bedale. However, they have been set up on an advisory
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Boarders could hold key to inquiry
POLICE are appealing to three skateboarders seen near a primary school just before it was attacked by arsonists to come forward. Darlington police officers believe the youths could hold vital information about the blaze, which caused extensive damage
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News in brief: Surgeons offer view of work
Surgeons at The James Cook University, Middlesbrough, perform about 1,200 coronary artery bypass grafts every year. A behind the scenes look at work in the cardiothoracic theatres is being arranged for young people thinking about a career in nursing or
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Bus passes and car permits
CORRECTION: A story in The Northern Echo yesterday headlined Auditor Orders Authority to Examine Free Passes Policy was incorrect. We would like to make it clear that Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council does not issue free parking permits and bus passes
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News in brief: Witnesses to crash sought
POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a road accident yesterday. A 20-year-old Spennymoor man was driving along Long Lane, Binchester, towards the A688 at about 6.30am when his silver Renault Clio car careered off the road into a nearby field and overturned
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Council increases tax in bid to improve housing services
CHESTER-le-Street District Council yesterday announced the biggest tax increase in the county, as it attempts to turn around its housing service. Taxpayers in the district are to pay 9.7 per cent more than last year as the district council's charge for
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Police inquiry into thefts
TWO women's watches, a man's bracelet and cigarettes were stolen from a house in Birch Avenue, Bishop Auckland, on Saturday between 12.30am and 6am. Detectives are also investigating the theft of a Hotpoint tumble drier, worth £202, from a garage in Raby
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Garage burgled
THIEVES escaped with thousands of pounds worth of cigarettes and phone cards after forcing their way into a store room at the Texaco garage in Catterick Village, some time between 11pm on Friday and 5am on Saturday.
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It's Quest at the double
A COUNCIL is celebrating a double success as two of its leisure facilities achieve Quest registration - the UK Quality Scheme for Sport and Leisure. Gateshead International Stadium and Dunston Swimming Pool have both undergone rigorous assessments against
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Very model of a fire engine fan
WHEN Phil Ashlee sees a fire engine drive past, he views it with more than a passing interest. The reason is that Phil, from Heighington village, near Darlington, has one of the region's best collections of model fire engines. The 42-year-old has about
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News in brief: Surgeons offer view of work
Surgeons at The James Cook University, Middlesbrough, perform about 1,200 coronary artery bypass grafts every year. A behind the scenes look at work in the cardiothoracic theatres is being arranged for young people thinking about a career in nursing or
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Super-slimmer sheds more than half her weight
Suzanne Bland has every reason to be celebrating after her steady dieting led to a spectacular success. The 30-year-old, from Hoxton Road in Scarborough, succeeded in losing a massive 16 stones. Mrs Bland decided to go on her marathon diet after her 11
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Tizzard to continue winning run
AFTER being sidelined with a broken back for nearly a year, Joe Tizzard has made a pleasing return to the fray by booting home a handful of winners over the past four weeks. Tizzard gets most of his opportunities from the leading west country handler
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Last Night's TV: Still top of the cops
A Touch Of Frost (ITV1) YOU could be forgiven for thinking you'd stumbled across the sequel to Close Encounters Of The Third Kind as Detective Inspector Jack Frost's latest case got under way. There were strange lights in the night sky, appearing to show
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Stage set for late relaunch at theatre hit by problems
THE relaunch of a theatre has been postponed until September after building work on an extension was delayed a second time. Construction firm Walter Birch won the tender to pull down a crumbling annex at the Georgian Theatre Royal, in Richmond, North
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War hero and wife lived in fear
A VULNERABLE war hero and his wife were forced out of their home after enduring months of harassment from their next door neighbour, a court heard last week. Second World War fighter pilot Kenneth Trelfer, who is now partially deaf and blind, and his
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Villagers preparing for ball game
POLICE are warning motorists to steer clear of Sedgefield village today. The Shrove Tuesday ball game, which has taken place in the village for almost 1,000 years, gets under way at about 1pm. Hundreds of local people will be taking part in the event
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Court learns of victim's injuries
A WOMAN allegedly attacked by her boyfriend died from injuries usually seen following high speed road accidents, a court heard yesterday. Newcastle Crown Court was told that Kelly Risborough, 23, died after a "prolonged, violent assault". Toby Hedworth
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Anglers hook pounds for charity
ANGLERS showed they were first-class catchers when they reeled in more than £1,500 to help a rescue service to stay in the air. More than 50 competitors from across the North of England took part in a charity angling match organised by airmen from the
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Bid for leisure group rejected
THE hostile bidding war brewing around Six Continents heated up yesterday with the pubs-to-hotels group firmly rejecting a £5.5bn bid from entrepreneur Hugh Osmond. Mr Osmond tabled an offer through Capital Management & Investment (CMI), which valued
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Shortage of properties keeps market on boil
The UK's booming property market showed little sign of coming off the boil after the Halifax reported a 1.7 per cent increase in prices in February. In a month when interest rates fell to 3.75 per cent, the mortgage bank said uncertainty over developments
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Stop war march
AN ANTI-WAR demonstration and rally will take place in the North-East this weekend. The Sunderland Stop The War Campaign march will begin at Mowbray Park at 10.30am, on Saturday, and finish at Sunderland University with a rally.
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Tragic car crash couple laid to rest
HUNDREDS of people gathered on Friday to pay tribute to a couple killed in a road accident 11 days ago. Friends, family and colleagues filled St Radegund's Church, Scruton, near Northallerton, to remember the lives of Adrian Baldwin, 34, and his 29-year-old
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Retirement after 36 years of service
THE man in charge of the urban operations training complex at Catterick Garrison has retired after a 36-year army career. WOI Graham Prince has handed over the reins of the operations in built up area complex at Whinny Hill, where he has served since
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The mine worker who became a matchstick man
MATCHSTICK models created by a former mine mechanic went on display in the region yesterday. After leaving his job as a mechanic at South Hetton pit, Ron Henry, of Murton, east Durham, took up the hobbies of model making and cross stitch. Now a selection
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Practice run in the North
The announcement of a catastrophe exercise came as leaders of the UK's emergency services were gathered in Harrogate to witness a staged "terrorist attack". A section of the Majestic Hotel in the North Yorkshire town was transformed into a decontamination
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News in brief: Support for people in debt
A CREDIT union has launched a scheme to help those in debt to loan sharks. Cestria Credit Union, which serves Chester-le-Street district and Birtley, specialises in offering loans for small amounts over short periods of time and now is hoping to expand
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Hornblower frigate to steer course back to North-East
THE spectacular star of the ITV1 series Hornblower is to return to the region in the summer. The three-masted frigate Grand Turk will be sailing into Scarborough for the annual Seafest celebrations, in July. The vessel will then sail to Whitby for an
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Green tourism opportunity
A PARTY of 16 delegates from "green" tourism companies is to represent the North-East in Europe's top outdoor tourism show - Op Pad Beursfestival. More than 27,000 consumers will visit the three-day show which opens in Amsterdam on Thursday. Companies
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'Hospital patient in CJD scare is a child'
ONE of 24 North-East patients caught up in a CJD scare is a child, it was revealed last night. However, because of patient confidentiality, bosses at South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust said they could not comment on the report. Until now it was assumed that
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Big rent rise snookers club
MEMBERS of a snooker club are desperately searching for new premises after a hefty rise in rent has left them out of pocket. The Northallerton-based club, which was established in 1924, faces an uncertain future because its rent in the town's Central
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Couple escape as gas boiler explodes
A HOUSE was severely damaged when a gas boiler exploded yesterday. Smoke from the explosion and resulting fire could be seen three miles away, and the walls of the bungalow were cracked. The explosion, in Campion Drive, Guisborough, east Cleveland, shook
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N-E targeted by smugglers
CUSTOMS officers have confirmed they are taking a tough new line with criminals who buy cheap tobacco on the Continent to sell illegally in the North-East. Because the British Government imposes higher taxes than countries such as France and Belgium,
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Mother and son injured
AN ELDERLY woman and her son were taken to hospital after a vehicle collided with their parked car. The accident occurred at 6.20pm on Sunday when a red Nissan Micra veered into a green Peugeot 306 while it was parked at the junction of Dutchy Road and
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Doctors focus on charity cycle ride
TWO doctors are planning to test themselves to the limit in an effort to raise more than £5,000 for Guide Dogs for the Blind. John Waldron and Duncan Rogers have pledged to cycle 235kms in ten days across the South Island of New Zealand. They work together
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Swimming for charity
OLYMPIC swimmer Nicola Jackson and younger sister Joanne, tipped as a star of the future, will be leading a charity marathon at Richmond Pool. The sisters are helping to promote the Butlins Swimathon, which challenges entrants to complete a variety of
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Mayor pays tribute to historian friend
TRIBUTES have been pouring in for one of Northallerton's best-known and best-loved personalities. The town's official historian Michael Riordan, who was known as Mick, died at his home after a long illness. He was 69. Mayor and close friend Jack Dobson
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Application for a new life, please
If work makes you miserable, it may be time for a career change. Women's Editor Christen Pears reports. WE all know that Monday morning feeling, the dread in the pit of our stomachs when we know the weekend is well and truly over and there are five days
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Job Search: Vacancies
Telemarketing/telesales person, Stockton. 35hrs pw, 9am to 5pm, Mon-Fri. Will be selling Broadband etc to business. Any sales experience an advantage but not essential as training provided. Ref: STL 36818. CNC machine operator, Stockton. £4.92ph, 7.30am
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Pilot scales new heights
A LYNX helicopter pilot soared into the record books lasr week, flying in the wake of a real-life James Bond. Army Warrant Officer Barry Jones flew his open cockpit gyroplane 584 miles from Culdrose in Cornwall to Wick in Scotland in seven hours and 23
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Families seek help to pay for soldiers' parcels
A motorist is recovering in hospital after his pick-up truck swerved off a busy dual carriageway into a flooded beck and disappeared under murky water. Passing drivers watched in horror as the Vauxhall van and trailer left the northbound carriageway of
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Johnny on the ball with opening of school science laboratories
NEW school laboratories have been opened by children's TV science presenter Johnny Ball. The father of radio DJ Zoe Ball unveiled the £250,000 facilities at Pennywell School, in Sunderland. After giving the youngsters a short science lesson, he said:
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Job Search: Vacancies
Cook, Blackhall Colliery. £5ph, 30hrs pw over 4 days and alt weekends. Required for 46-bed residential home. Experience and current food hygiene certificate essential. Ref: PEV 19622. Van driver, Peterlee. 3 days pw, 9am start, Mon-Fri. With own Transit-sized
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New web site for the young
A NEW web site for Richmondshire's young people went live yesterday. The project is led by the district's Community Safety Partnership, and supported by the Government's communities against drugs scheme and Richmondshire District Council. The Fence has
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Griffin revels in hardman tag
NEWCASTLE UNITED hardman Andy Griffin has vowed to show no mercy to Juninho when the Brazilian is thrown into tomorrow's grudge derby at the Riverside. Griffin admitted last night that he revels in his image as a tough-tackling defender who has endeared
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Access All Areas: Would it be a bit of a performance?
GALA THEATRE - DURHAM: JUST off Claypath, near the heart of Durham City, is the new Gala theatre, a venue "...designed to be fully accessible to all members of the community". My wife and I were encouraged by the early signs from the brochure and the
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Seminar will showcase skills
GLOBAL science company Synetix is showcasing its skills in Poland on Thursday. The Billingham-based catalysts business, part of Johnson Matthey Chemicals, is holding a one-day seminar in Warsaw, following the conclusion of the annual Nitrogen 2003 conference
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04/03/03
EUROPE: THE number of people who show more than a passing interest in politics is low throughout the EU. Very few people could tell you how the institutions of this country work, let alone those of the EU, yet without the work of those institutions the
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'Just a fraction of a second to decide'
A rising tide of armed crime means there is more pressure than ever for police officers to be routinely armed. But carrying a weapon also carries a heavy responsibility in the name of protecting the public. Nick Morrison looks at who takes on this burden
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Band marches out to join forces preparing for war
A MILITARY band marched out of Catterick Garrison last week, on its way to the Gulf to join British and American forces preparing for war with Iraq. Bandmaster Captain Kevin Roberts and the men and women of The Normandy Band of the Queen's Division were
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Trader hits out at lottery loss
A RICHMOND newsagent has criticised National Lottery organisers Camelot after her ticket machine was removed because of falling sales. Yvonne Leathley agreed a six-month improvement campaign last year to boost ticket sales. She thought she had done enough
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Boss criticises region's 'call centre' tag
POLITICIANS and town planners must look to build better executive housing if they are to shake off the "call centre" reputation of the North-East, it was claimed yesterday. A lack of prestigious homes means the region holds less appeal to management and
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North hots up with sexy salsa
How do you have fun, keep fit and make new friends all at the same time? Women's Editor Christen Pears visits a salsa session. IT'S a cold, rainy night in Sunderland but inside the SR1 caf and bar, things are hotting up. Around 80 people are packed into
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Struggling Flo given Norway lift
TORE ANDRE FLO, Sunderland's £8.2m flop, was last night given the backing of Norway assistant coach Harald Aabrekk. Flo, the club's record signing, has not scored this year and spurned two glorious chances to hit the target at Fulham on Saturday. But
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Man found stabbed to death
A PENSIONER was found stabbed to death in his home at the weekend, it was revealed yesterday. Kenneth Scott, 66, was found in his ground-floor flat, in Gray Street, Hendon, Sunderland, early on Sunday. Police were called to his home at 4.30am after his
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Distribution centre for McFarlane
MANUFACTURING and distribution business McFarlane has begun work on a new regional distribution centre. The company's 35,000sq ft building at Newburn Riverside, Newcastle, represents the third stage of work at the waterfront development. McFarlane is
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04/03/03
Saturday's game was one of the better derbies I have played in over the years. I thought Darlington came out and dominated the first-half and never let us settle or play our football. But in the second half we played much better and in the end should
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A soaking on the waterfront
AT weekends, at any rate, Hartlepool's miraculously reborn marina may be the hang-out of the Beautiful People. This was Wednesday evening, however, all quiet on the waterfront and when we spilled a third of a bottle of Budweiser down the trousers it threatened
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Why there's no time to lose in war on Saddam
The other morning I was listening to Radio Baghdad - sorry, slip of the pen: I meant, of course, the BBC. The producer gave five minutes to a speaker who spent his time saying that America's and Britain's coming war on Saddam would "...kill tens of thousands
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Plea for help in curbing shortcut yobs
A DARLINGTON couple say they are being terrorised by youths who hurl objects over their fence and jump on their garage roof. The elderly husband and wife - who have asked not to be named - say yobs regularly cut through Polam Lane, frightening residents
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Tree planting
People are invited to take part in a tree planting day at Stanhope Park, Darlington, on Saturday, from 11am. The trees have been bought by the Friends of Stanhope Park with the help of a grant from Agenda 21. Volunteers are asked to take a spade and wellingtons
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Stop war march
AN ANTI-WAR demonstration and rally will take place in the North-East this weekend. The Sunderland Stop The War Campaign march will begin at Mowbray Park at 10.30am, on Saturday, and finish at Sunderland University with a rally.
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Church asks for help with roof repairs
A DARLINGTON church is in the running for a heritage grant to restore its roof. Church workers at St James the Great, in the town's Albert Hill area, have applied to English Heritage for a grant of £196,000. They hope to use the money to restore the church
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Bearing the pain in aid of charity
SOLDIERS have raised £80 for charity with a hair-raising sponsored event. Four soldiers from Catterick Garrison and two youngsters from the Prince's Trust Volunteers took part in a sponsored hair waxing in Darlington's market place, on Saturday. A beautician
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Nuclear veterans reject risk findings
NORTH-EAST men who witnessed nuclear explosions in the 1950s and have suffered a lifetime of ill health have rejected Government claims they were not exposed to a high cancer risk. The British Nuclear Test Veterans' Association has called a study into
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Revamp of flats gets under way
A FLATS complex is undergoing a £300,000 revamp as part of Darlington Borough Council's modernisation programme. Work at Bramall House, on the town's Red Hall estate, includes improving security. The improvements include fitting replacement locks to doors
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Facelift for Victorian building
A VICTORIAN town hall is to get a facelift later this year. Nearly £70,000 is to be spent revamping Thornaby Old Town Hall, which was built in 1892. A grant of £50,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, coupled with £19,000 from Stockton Borough Council's
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New boards are all white for pupils
DUSTY old blackboards have made way for modern whiteboards at a West Auckland school thanks to fundraisers. The Friends of Copeland Road Primary School raised more than £300 to have boards fitted in five classrooms and the library. Pam Alderson, the group's
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Motorists before the magistrates
Cases dealt with by Darlington Magistrates' Court yesterday. DRIVER DISQUALIFIED: Alan James Glazier, 20, of Maple Avenue, Shildon, was disqualified from driving for six months, fined £290 and ordered to pay £35 costs after admitting driving otherwise
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News in brief: Support for people in debt
A CREDIT union has launched a scheme to help those in debt to loan sharks. Cestria Credit Union, which serves Chester-le-Street district and Birtley, specialises in offering loans for small amounts over short periods of time and now is hoping to expand
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Mill saved by Lottery grant
THE future of a tourist attraction in Wensleydale has been guaranteed by a grant of more than £500,000. The grant means the North East Civic Trust can buy and restore Gayle Mill, near Hawes. The building's future has been uncertain since it closed as
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Help for visiting drivers
A HELPING hand is on offer to overseas motorists unfamiliar with UK rules of the road. Durham County Council is distributing 5,000 booklets called THINK! Keep Left, written in English and four other European languages. Compiled by the Department of Transport
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Late-night river rescue
A MAN had to be rescued by police and firefighters after jumping into the River Ouse at York. Police were called after reports that the man, thought to be in his 20s, had leapt into the river near the centre of the city at about 11pm on Friday. Sergeant
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Cestrians Streets ahead
CHIRPY Chester-le-Street continued their run of top form by winning two team gold medals in the Gosforth Harriers Ernie Thompson Memorial Road Races at Gosforth Park. Chester-le-Street's men's squad carried off the trophy in the main event, the senior
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News in brief: Support for people in debt
A CREDIT union has launched a scheme to help those in debt to loan sharks. Cestria Credit Union, which serves Chester-le-Street district and Birtley, specialises in offering loans for small amounts over short periods of time and now is hoping to expand
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Mosaic launch
The launch of the mosaic at Catchgate Communal Rooms, near Stanley, County Durham, will take place at 2pm tomorrow. There will be a display of work in progress and refreshments will be provided. Historian Hylton Marrs, who has written several books on
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Attack blinded man in one eye
A SPENNYMOOR man was unable to complete a community punishment order after losing the sight in his right eye, a court heard yesterday. Magistrates at Newton Aycliffe were told that Shaun Ryan Freeman, of Oxclose Crescent, had a broken bottle forced into
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Couple escape as gas boiler explodes
A HOUSE was severely damaged when a gas boiler exploded yesterday. Smoke from the explosion and resulting fire could be seen three miles away, and the walls of the bungalow were cracked. The explosion, in Campion Drive, Guisborough, east Cleveland, shook
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Council and fire brigade turn to 'green' electricity
DURHAM County Council and the Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Brigade are to use "green" electricity supplies. From April npower major business accounts will supply the council and the brigade with electricity produced from sustainable natural sources
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Helen's talents are rewarded
A KEEN rower is making waves in the sporting world after winning an award. Helen Blevins, 15, of Horden, was nominated by her PE teacher at Easington Community School for Easington District Sports Council's Junior Sportswoman of the Year award. The talented
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Squaddies go through the pain barrier
SQUADDIES raised £80 for charity with a hair-raising sponsored event on Saturday. Four soldiers from Catterick Garrison and two young Prince's Trust volunteers agreed to have their legs waxed by shoppers in Darlington's market place. A beautician from
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Roseberry's knight to remember...
Michael Roseberry, consummate county cricketer and lifelong Sunderland football fan, has been talking of the night he went over to the other side. Though he retired from Middlesex two summers ago, the county has granted him a testimonial year in 2003
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Company fined for breach
A COMPANY was yesterday fined £4,000 for a health and safety breach after a court heard how a worker lost the tip of a finger on unguarded machinery. Mountstar Metal Corporation admitted failing to ensure that effective safety measures were in place to
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Fraud forum to promote change
Fraud will come under the spotlight during a joint initiative involving police forces from Cleveland, Northumbria and Durham at a conference at St James' Park, Newcastle, on March 18. Detective Inspector Bill Matthews, head of Cleveland Police fraud investigation
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Showman's Show is back in town
ONE of the country's top exhibitions for trade event organisers - The Showman's Show North - is coming to Harrogate tomorrow . More than 84 stands will be at the town's Yorkshire Event Centre, providing an opportunity for industry professionals to assess
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Voters still unsure on N-E assembly
THOUSANDS of people have yet to make up their minds about whether to support regional devolution for the North-East, according to a survey. Durham County Council's postal survey of 32,000 residents - answered by more than 7,000 - found that 25 per cent
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Neighbours find body of dentist in field
COLLEAGUES and patients are mourning the death of a dentist whose body was discovered in a North-East field. An inquest into the death of Dennis Neville, who worked at the Victoria Road dental practice, in Darlington, will open shortly, after his body
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Job Search: Vacancies
HGV trailer fitter, Middleton St George, 37hrs pw, must be time served with experience. Ref: DAE 33511. Cleaner, Darlington £4.78phw, 12.5hrs pw, no experience required as training given. Ref: DAE 32784. Coach driver, Staindrop, £200pw, 48hrs pw plus
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Eating Owt: A soaking on the waterfront
AT weekends, at any rate, Hartlepool's miraculously reborn marina may be the hang-out of the Beautiful People. This was Wednesday evening, however, all quiet on the waterfront and when we spilled a third of a bottle of Budweiser down the trousers it threatened
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Minister faces more accusers
DETECTIVES are investigating seven more complaints of sexual abuse against disgraced church minister Neville Husband who was jailed last month. Police confirmed last night that seven men had come forward following the publicity surrounding the trial of
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Burglar banned and jailed
A BURGLAR who stole a man's car and wrote it off in a crash was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in jail and banned from driving for five years. Sean Nelson, 18, entered a house in Kielder Drive, Darlington, and stole a set of keys from the hall table
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Fire victim is named
A DISABLED pensioner who died after a fire at her home was named by police yesterday as Ellen Hamilton. The body of the 67-year-old woman was found by a care worker on Sunday morning, at her flat, in Barden Moor Road, Firthmoor, Darlington. Police said
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Ambulance trust is told to improve rural area services
AN ambulance trust has been told to improve its services to people living in rural areas. In the first inspection by the Commission for Health Improvement (CHI), the Tees, East and Yorkshire Ambulance Service (Tenyas) is criticised for focusing too much
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Football legend's FA Cup medal to be auctioned off
A medal won by Newcastle United legend Jimmy Richardson in one of the most contentious FA Cup finals played at Wembley is to be auctioned. Richardson - the longest-serving club man in Newcastle's history - won the medal in 1932. He played a key role in
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Closure fear puts 234 jobs at risk
A TWO-PRONGED bid hopes to head off a factory closure which could result in the loss of 234 jobs. Ninety-day redundancy notices have been issued to workers at the Texon UK plant at Skelton, Teesside, which makes insoles and linings for the shoe industry
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Death crash pensioner faces prison
A PENSIONER was warned he could face a prison sentence after being found guilty of causing the deaths of two people by dangerous driving. William Green, 67, of Pemberton Crescent, Middlesbrough, pleaded not guilty at Teesside Crown Court to two charges
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Watch me go, says Italian
MASSIMO MACCARONE believes his Middlesbrough career will be given a much-needed boost following the return from injury of Brazilian star Juninho. Juninho made his first appearance in a Boro shirt this season when he made a goalscoring comeback as a half-time
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Father calls for public Deepcut enquiry
The father of a North-East soldier shot dead at a controversial Army camp said last night he will not rest until a public inquiry is held into his death. Private Geoff Gray, of Seaham, County Durham was found with two bullet wounds to the head at Deepcut
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Hostel gets last minute reprieve
A POPULAR youth hostel, which was threatened with closure in a swathe of cuts a year ago, has been given another stay of execution. Aysgarth, in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, was among ten premises earmarked for the axe when the Youth Hostel Association
