Archive
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Feeling blue... or should that be purple?
Emily Flanagan speaks to one North-East woman who teaches people more about the energy that surrounds them. WE can feel blue, be green with envy or 'see red,' but there are some people who believe your mood and personality can be seen as a coloured energy
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Staying out in front in the bra game
This year, lingerie shop Lady J celebrates its 20th anniversary. Women's Editor Christen Pears meets owner Jean Walker. Jean Walker knows everything there is to know about bras. She's so passionate about the lingerie business, she even wears a gold brooch
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Two quizzed over spate of robberies
TWO men have been arrested in connection with three robberies in the region. The men, aged 28 and 24, were arrested yesterday and were last night being held by police in Stockton. The arrests followed three robberies in Teesside and County Durham on Sunday
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First horse to fall at the Iraq hurdle
Chris Lloyd looks at the life of Robin Cook, the racing tipster and Labour Cabinet minister who resigned over Iraq last night IN THE end, Robin Cook's departure proved to be a better bet than one of his horses. A former racing tipster on a Scottish newspaper
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Assault charge
A MAN has been charged with assaulting a police officer in St Helen Auckland, near Bishop Auckland, at the weekend. The officer, who has not been named, had his nose broken in an incident on Sunday night and is on sick leave. Police said yesterday that
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Woody to leave hole
JERMAINE JENAS confessed last night that Jonathan Woodgate's absence from tomorrow's do-or-die Champions League meeting with Barcelona would leave a huge hole in the Newcastle United defence. Woodgate, who is ineligible for Newcastle's European ties after
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Schoolboy spared jail after classmate's savage beating
A PUBLIC schoolboy who admitted giving a savage beating to a friend which left him fighting for his life was spared jail yesterday. James Slade, 18, who pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm to Lloyd Pickering, 18, on their final night at Durham
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McCarthy willing to give kids a chance
MICK McCARTHY has vowed to give youth its head as he begins his Sunderland revolution. The new Black Cats manager insists he will not be afraid to put his faith in the talented crop of young players he has inherited. Sean Thornton, 19, has impressed in
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Patrol ready to keep Upson bowling along
TRAINER John Upson's good record at Sedgdefield has a good chance of being upheld by Bowles Patrol (3.35) this afternoon. Bowles Patrol, who won over course and distance in November 2001, has been lightly campaigned so far this season, running just three
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N-E woman victim of axe murderers
A NORTH-EAST woman and her husband have been murdered with axes at their home in Zimbabwe. Hilary and Ken Allanson had been missing from home since January 8, with police baffled by their disappearance. Mrs Allanson, 58, and her stamp-dealer husband's
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Nissan chief steps down
THE man who was instrumental in securing the future of thousands of motor manufacturing jobs is to retire. John Cushnaghan has decided to take early retirement from his role as managing director of the Nissan car plant in Sunderland. His successor, deputy
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Comment: An 'ethical' resignation
ROBIN Cook portrays himself as a man of deep-rooted political and moral conviction. When he became Foreign Secretary in 1997, he set himself very high standards. Famously, he promised to give British foreign policy an "ethical dimension". Even the disclosure
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Union says its staff face physical abuse each day they go to work
THE boisterous youngsters boarded the Number 24 bus in the Acklam area of Middlesbrough and their presence was felt immediately. Half of the 30 young passengers did not pay. One repeatedly banged on the panel behind the driver, Deborah White, 41, while
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Job Search: Vacancies
Administrator, Northallerton. £5.60ph, 8.30am-5pm, Mon-Thurs, and 8.30am-4.30pm, Fri. Must have experience of MS Word and Excel and Access and current valid driving licence. Ref: NOE18614. Administrative assistant, Northallerton. £11,193-£12,666pa. 37hpw
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Well worth seconds
A second attempt to visit a much recommended Dales cafe not only paid dividends but also earned the highest accolade. IT'S Middleton-in-Teesdale and the bush telegraph's humming. Word has travelled from the paper shop to the grocer's, from the grocer's
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Pair arrested after stabbing released on bail
Two people arrested following a triple stabbing have been released on police bail. Cleveland Police say police will be interviewing the 18-year-old woman and 22-year-old again. About 30 officers are involved in a hunt for a mixed white and black gang
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Well-known walk route slipping into sea
Part of one of the most famous walking routes in the country may have to be diverted because of landslips. The North York Moors National Park Authority has been told diversions may be necessary to the Cleveland Way on the coast. National trails officer
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Buy-out plan for Hamleys
ONE of the world's most famous toy stores is on the verge of going back into private ownership. Hamleys confirmed two of its directors were planning a management buy-out (MBO) to take over the Regent Street toy store group. John Watkinson, chief operating
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'We all live on bravadao, but our stomaches are churning'
Bill Cook knows better than most what his soldier grandson David must be going through while he waits for war to begin. Private Cook, 24, is on the borders of Iraq with his Signals regiment, having been away from home for two months and unable, in the
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Sponsor blow for summer festivals
TWO of the region's biggest summer events have been left without their main sponsor after mobile phone company Orange pulled out. But organisers of the Peterlee Show and the Darlington Festival have vowed that this year's events will go ahead, despite
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'I want your job, Tony Blair'
As war against Iraq becomes increasingly imminent, a North-East teenager tells Women's Editor Christen Pears why young people speak out against the conflict. ON Saturday morning, Florrie Darling stood up in front of a crowd of 2,000 anti-war demonstrators
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Fight for peace steps up
Peace campaigners are stepping up their action in North Yorkshire. Council staff in York are being urged to walk out of work on the day that war breaks out, while students in the city are also planning action. The walk-out, which is not an official trade
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Pool are happy on the road
WHEN it comes to away days, Hartlepool United have never had it so good. Gone are the times when a mini bus was the order of the day for away games and fish and chips all round at Wetherby, washed down with a couple of cases of Strongarm, ended off the
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New strategy focuses on six key issues
AN updated blueprint for the future economic success of the North-East was unveiled yesterday. Thousands of people and businesses were given the opportunity to contribute to the document which will stand as a revised regional economic strategy. The document
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Newspaper storm peer to appear in public
LORD Mackenzie, the peer accused of having sex with a prostitute he met in the House of Commons, today makes his first public appearance since the scandal broke when he launches a major North-East crime-busting initiative. Brian Mackenzie, a Labour life
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Trip of Norman's lifetime
Felicitations firstly to the splendid Norman and Mavis Pearson, whose golden wedding celebrations last Friday were marred by an unfortunate accident on darts night and whose anniversary holiday has had to be postponed because of the dominoes. "I made
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Gough has three months to prove fitness to Tykes
Darren Gough, fighting to get fit again after serious knee problems, has been put on a three-month trial by Yorkshire. If he stays fully fit after that time, he will remain with the club under the terms of a new contract, the length of which has not been
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18/03/03
WAR AGAINST IRAQ: BEFORE the UK is driven into an aggressive and disastrous war by the Bush administration, we need to consider seriously whether Iraq's weapons are a truly valid reason for war. Isn't it probable that they are no more a threat to Western
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Desert Rat veterans search for Normandy hero
VETERAN Desert Rats have mounted a search for the family of a North-East hero who was mortally wounded in the fight from the Normandy beaches nearly 60 years ago. The call to trace relatives of Sergeant John McConnachie comes as the Desert Rats prepare
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Bus driver cleared of blame in death of passenger Jamie
A JURY took five minutes yesterday to clear a bus driver of causing the death of one of her schoolboy passengers. Deborah White broke down in tears as the not guilty verdict was announced at the end of an often distressing five-day trial at Teesside Crown
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Last Night's TV: Escape To The Sun (BBC1)
Florida is known as the sunshine state but the BBC have managed to find the most dreary, lifeless people in the whole of America to star in this latest fly-on-the-wall documentary. Pop Idol judge Nicki Chapman presented Escape to the Sun (BBC1) which
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Job Search: Vacancies
General maintenance fitter, Hartlepool. £9.50ph, 8am to 4pm, Mon-Fri, temporary, one month. Must be time-served and have worked in chemical plant. Ref: HAQ 21856. Cake decorator, Hartlepool. £5.50ph, 3-11pm, Mon-Fri. Must have experience in similar environment
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Hunt for missing winners of famous ball game
A PUB landlord is appealing for help filling in the names missing from a list of winners of an ancient village game. Peter Leigh Hamilton is preparing a comprehensive list of winners of the Sedgefield Ball Game, which is reckoned to have been played in
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First horse to fall at the Iraq hurdle
IN THE end, Robin Cook's departure proved to be a better bet than one of his horses. A former racing tipster on a Scottish newspaper, he has been regarded as the custodian of the Labour Party's conscience since the New Labour project was in its infancy
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Cook mementoes are brought home
A MEMENTO of a famous explorer's happiest day will soon be on show for everyone to see. Middlesbrough Council has bought a handbag made from a piece of silk from the wedding dress worn by the bride of Captain James Cook, and two pieces of cloth brought
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Next round of work at golf club
ANOTHER round of building work is about to start at a Darlington golf course. The clubhouse kitchens at Stressholme Golf Course are being refitted and a new balcony is planned, to overlook the 18th hole. The improvements are being made by Darlington Borough
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Police act to seek out drug dealers
POLICE are cracking down on drug dealers in an area of Darlington after repeated complaints from residents. An operation targeting Gladstone Street and surrounding roads resulted in drugs being recovered by officers at the weekend. The police decided
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No headpine
PLUCKY volunteers took to the water in a sponsored swim that raised £600 for charity. The event, which was held at the Dolphin Centre, in Darlington, on Sunday, was organised by Darlington Association on Disability (DAD) to mark the European Year of Disabled
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Operatic success
Northallerton's Amateur Operatic Society annual meeting earlier this month reported on a busy year. Its autumn production Annie played to a full house and the profit on the Christmas entertainment helped the society make a small surplus this year of more
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Plea for volunteers
VOLUNTEERS have warned that a community centre will remain dated and under-used unless more people lend their support. Cockfield Community Association is appealing for volunteers to help provide more activities in the centre, which hosts meetings, dance
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Trials rider has £3,000 bike stolen
YOUNG trials bike rider Jonathan Cousins has had his chances of competing wrecked by thieves. His off-road bike was stolen from the shed at Jonathan's home in Valley Terrace, Howden-le-Wear, last Thursday. Now the 21-year-old is offering a reward for
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Safety campaign targeting child car seats
POLICE have mounted a safety campaign after discovering that 80 per cent of children's car seats and other restraints were incorrectly fitted. The statistic emerged at clinics held by police and car seat manufacturer Britax in supermarket car parks in
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What a load of rubbish
A COUNCIL'S new kerbside recycling scheme has collected 50 tonnes of paper, glass and tins in the fortnight since its launch. Gateshead Council's innovative service has already exceeded initial expectations for the amount of recyclables collected, with
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News in brief: Farce used to mark occasion
Bedale Dramatic Society is celebrating its 50th anniversary and one 100th production in spring and will mark the occasion by staging a farce. Rehearsals for Will You Still Love me in The Morning? by Brian Clemens and Dennis Spooner are going well and
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Worker lucky to survive fireball
A WORKER was lucky to survive when he was hit by a fire ball following an electrical explosion, a court heard. Electrolux Household Appliances was fined £3,000 and ordered to pay £1,028 costs after directors admitted three charges relating to safety negligence
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Sales award
STAFF at Specsavers, in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, came top of the company's 20 stores across the North-East to claim the company's regional safety eyewear sales title. The store supplies 48 employers, including Hydram Engineering and Solaglas
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New officers prepare for a walk on the wild side
NEW wildlife officers have been appointed to encourage interest in a county's flora and fauna. Jennie Garrod and Ian Armstrong hope to spread the word and generate enthusiasm in the wealth of wildlife and scenery on people's doorstep in County Durham.
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Man jailed eight years after burglary
A BURGLAR was finally jailed yesterday for breaking into a house eight years ago. Alan Fletcher, 47, still has a scar where he cut his hand breaking into a house in Northallerton in 1995, said his lawyer. Scene of crime officers kept a piece of the bloodstained
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Enrolment day
People can enrol for courses run by East Durham and Houghall College at Chester-le-Street Community Centre, on Thursday, between 10am and 2pm, and 5pm and 7pm. Courses include digital photography, basic computing, musical keyboards, tai chi, holiday Spanish
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Police pledge crackdown on child car seats safety
POLICE have launched a safety campaign after discovering that 80 per cent of children's car seats and other restraints were incorrectly fitted. The statistic emerged at clinics held by police and car seat manufacturer Britax in supermarket car parks throughout
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Police hunt bogus caller
A BOGUS caller left empty-handed after he was challenged by pensioners. The man talked his way into a home in Sherburn Villas, Consett, last Tuesday, claiming to be working on the water supply. The occupants became suspicious and the man ran off. He is
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News in brief: Club to aid baby hospice
Eston Labour Club has adopted Zoe's Place baby hospice at Normanby as its adopted charity this year, but it needs prizes of any kind for tombola, raffle and auction. Zoe's Place, based in a converted convent, hopes to raise £11,000 for a bereavement unit
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It's time we woke up to reality, warns Liddle
DETERMINED skipper Craig Liddle last night warned his relegation-threatened Darlington teammates: "We're all playing for our futures." The former Middlesbrough man was at the heart of the Quakers defence when they only drew at home to lowly Exeter City
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Club tonic for medical centre
THERE were celebrations at a cricket club recently when it emerged that more than £25,000 has been raised for local charities. Marske Cricket Club horticultural section donated more than £1,800 to community groups and organisations a presentation evening
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Concern over drivers who continue to flout speed law
THOUSANDS of motorists are continuing to speed on Teesside's roads, despite an increase in cameras and warning signs. An estimated 55,000 drivers are flouting the law by ignoring pleas to slow down. Members of the Cleveland Safety Camera Partnership comprising
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Cabbie waits on ban ruling
A TAXI driver who could lose his licence after assaulting another man will have to wait until next month for a decision by councillors. Stuart Foster, 33, of Haughton Road, Darlington, struck the father of a child who had allegedly bullied his daughter
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Grassroots: Crook
APPEAL THANKS: Michael Manuel would like to thank the people who responded to the items in The Northern Echo last week regarding a copy of the 1959 FA Amateur Cup Final programme for Crook Town centre forward Brian Keating. Arthur Mounsey, of Lister Terrace
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Pair give good account
A DARLINGTON accountancy firm is celebrating the achievements of two of its team members who have recently been successful in their accountancy examinations. John Woolnough, from Eaglescliffe, and Kevin Shotton, from Washington, have excelled in their
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Work of art documenting the past thousand years comes home
AN incredible work of art, depicting the past 1,000 years has returned to its district of origin and will remain on show in Hambleton until tomorrow. The nationally renowned Madeira Millennium Tapestry is taking pride of place in the Hambleton Forum,
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Meet the latest addition at owl conservation centre
HE'S the very latest - and smallest - addition to one of the North's biggest owl sanctuaries. The Turkmanian eagle owl, hatched on Sunday, is one of more than 100 birds at the Kirkleatham Owl Conservation Centre, at Kirkleatham, near Redcar. And the chick
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Probe after teenager dies in custody
AN internal investigation was under way yesterday after a teenager died in police custody. Seventeen-year-old Martin Dakers, of Pendle Close, Lambton Village, Washington, Wearside, was arrested on Friday night and taken to Washington police station. An
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Elderly couple conned out of their life savings
APPEALS are being made to the criminal underworld on Teesside to turn in two women and a girl who stole an elderly couple's life savings. The gang bluffed their way into the Redcar home of the housebound couple who are in their eighties. One of the women
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News in brief: Seeking clues to hit-and-run
A 44-year-old man is recovering after being knocked down in a hit-and- run incident near his home. The man was walking along the B6278 road, west of Snods Edge, near Shotley Bridge, when he was struck by a grey Ford Fiesta. He was treated in hospital
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Nursing assistants improve their prospects
FIVE former nursing assistants have returned to work in medical centres across County Durham after qualifying as nurses. Catherine Lee Cowan was a learning disabilities health care assistant at Earls House Hospital, in Durham, but after studying for a
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Job Search: Vacancies
Administrator, Stanley. £14,000pa, Mon-Thurs. 8am-5pm, and Friday, until 1pm. Must have previous admin experience. Duties to work in control department, including planning, costs, stock, scheduling or work, creating and updating production plans to client
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Schools' plea for governors
SCHOOLS in Hartlepool are on the lookout for people to become governors. Applicants do not need to be an expert in education, but they do need interest, enthusiasm, commitment and the ability to work in a team. A governing body's main responsibilities
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Public appearance for Mackenzie after sex scandal claims
A Labour peer caught up in a sex scandal made his first public appearance today. Former senior police officer Brian Mackenzie was at the launch of an international anti-fraud initiative in Newcastle. The scandal centres around allegations at the weekend
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News in brief: Seeking clues to hit-and-run
A 44-year-old man is recovering after being knocked down in a hit-and- run incident near his home. The man was walking along the B6278 road, west of Snods Edge, near Shotley Bridge, when he was struck by a grey Ford Fiesta. He was treated in hospital
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Job Search: Vacancies
Care assistant, Darlington, £4.20ph, 18-27hrs pw, required for residential home seeing to personal needs of residents, experience not essential. Ref: DAE 33575. Kitchen/bathroom fitter, Darlington, £270pw plus bonus, 40hrs pw Mon-Fri, must have driving
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Exclusive views of locos on offer to mark Beeching anniversary
FORTY years after Dr Beeching's landmark report on railway reform, the National Railway Museum, in York, is celebrating the British Rail (BR) dynasty with a Cab It event. This weekend, the museum is offering rare access to the cabs and footplates of 15
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Eating Owt: Well worth seconds
A second attempt to visit a much recommended Dales cafe not only paid dividends but also earned the highest accolade. IT'S Middleton-in-Teesdale and the bush telegraph's humming. Word has travelled from the paper shop to the grocer's, from the grocer's
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City site chosen for first rail academy in country
THE country's first rail academy, providing training in railway and signalling engineering, will open its doors later this year. The Yorkshire Rail Academy (YRA), in York, will be developed jointly by the National Railway Museum (NRM) and York College
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'The Number 24 was a ghastly experience'
Sam Strangeways experienced first-hand the problems bus drivers have to cope with. She says it is not the fault of the companies or the drivers... but the children. THE Number 24 bus. The very words fill me with a deep sense of dread. For years, while
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Notice board 'damaging town's image'
BUSINESSES objected yesterday to the latest message posted on a board outside Darlington Football Club's new stadium. They say the message - aimed at one of the main objectors to the 25,000-seater stadium being built in Neasham Road - is damaging the
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Probe after teenager dies in custody
AN internal investigation was under way yesterday after a teenager died in police custody. Seventeen-year-old Martin Dakers, of Pendle Close, Lambton Village, Washington, Wearside, was arrested on Friday night and taken to Washington police station. An
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Body pulled from river identified
The body of a man pulled from the River Tees at the weekend has been identified as that of a 60-year-old man who went missing a month ago. John Hanley, of Thornaby Road, Thornaby, had not been seen by his family since Monday, February 17. Believed to
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Parnaby facing spell on sidelines
CROCKED Stuart Parnaby suffered the biggest set-back of his burgeoning career last night when he was ruled out for up to six weeks of Middlesbrough's Premiership run-in. A scan yesterday revealed the right-back has a torn hamstring and is now bracing
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The legal case for war - by the Attorney General
A series of United Nations Security Council resolutions provides the legal basis for military action against Iraq, the Government's top law advisor argued yesterday. The Attorney General, Lord Goldsmith, said in a written Parliamentary answer that the
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Appointment sparks criticism
THE regional development agency One NorthEast last night announced a successor to outgoing chief executive Mike Collier. Alan Clarke, chief executive of Northumberland County Council, will replace Mr Collier at the head of the agency charged with furthering
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Worker lucky to survive fireball
A WORKER was lucky to survive when he was hit by a fire ball following an electrical explosion, a court heard. Electrolux Household Appliances was fined £3,000 and ordered to pay £1,028 costs after directors admitted three charges relating to safety negligence
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Cartoon favourites help entertainment firm to huge profits
THE entertainment company that owns the rights to children's TV favourites Bob the Builder and Pingu saw pre-tax profits soar 67 per cent in the past six months. Hit Entertainment, which brought Thomas the Tank Engine and Guinness World Records into its
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Twickers dream for rugby team
MEMBERS of a high-flying school rugby team will be living out every player's dream when they run out on to the hallowed turf of Twickenham later this month. Barnard Castle School, in County Durham, has won through to the final of the Daily Mail Cup after
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Saddam gets 48 hours to flee Iraq
US President George Bush this morning gave Saddam Hussein 48 hours to leave Iraq with his sons or face the "full force and might" of Allied military force. Starting the countdown to probable airstrikes early on Thursday or Friday, a grim-faced Mr Bush
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Teenager who died in custody may have taken drugs
A teenager who died after collapsing in police custody following his arrest on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly could have taken drugs, police said today. An independent investigation has been launched into the death of 17-year-old Martin Dakers
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Deprived areas of North-East to share £53m
THE North-East is to receive a £53m cash injection from the Government to tackle deprivation. Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott announced yesterday that £400m worth of Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (NRF) money is to be allocated to the 88 most deprived
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'We all live on bravado, but our stomachs are churning'
BILL Cook knows better than most what his soldier grandson David must be going through while he waits for war to begin. Private Cook, 24, is on the borders of Iraq with his Signals regiment, having been away from home for two months and unable, in the
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School yard skeletons hailed as missing link in religious history
ONE of the most northerly outposts of early Christendom has been uncovered under a North-East school yard. Archaeologists are hailing the discovery of 80 Dark Ages skeletons in the grounds of a special school in Stockton, Teesside, as one of the most
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Now the fruit and nut cases ban the bun
First they banned Christmas lights in some towns and cities and now they ban hot cross buns and pancakes - because these traditional and harmless opportunities for enjoyment "might offend non-Christian minorities". In the London borough of Tower Hamlets
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Spice solution earns £500m deal
A SOFTWARE firm has won a £500m contract to help a top spice company revolutionise its business across Europe. Indigo Software, based in Durham, supplied two supply chain management solutions packages to McCormick, the company behind the Schwartz Spices
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18/03/03
Saturday's performance wasn't one of our best of the season, but we came out with three valuble points and everyone will agree that it is the most important thing at this time of the season. Obviously we would like to play great football every week, but
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Four sentenced for car scam
A CLASSIC car once owned by comic Bobby Pattinson was at the centre of a deception trial yesterday. In 1992, the Geordie entertainer sold his £8,000 Mercedes 350SL to Roy Faulkner, 60, who let it go to "wrack and ruin" until it was worth just £100 - and
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Sales and profits are up for Morrisons
SUPERMARKET group Morrisons said it had overcome the distraction of a high-profile takeover battle to deliver further strong sales growth. The Bradford group, which is at the centre of the bidding war for Safeway, lifted total sales 13 per cent during
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Frantic parents' plea to 'human shield'
THE parents of would-be "human shield" Antoinette McCormick have pleaded with their daughter to return to Britain. Terrified for her safety now that diplomacy has failed, they believe she has made her point and should come back to York. Antoinette, 38
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Doctor is hopeful of treatment success
A DOCTOR says he is ready to start the treatment which he hopes will save a North-East woman's leg as soon as she lands in the US. Dr Donald A Rhodes, in Corpus Christi, Texas, is confident his revolutionary treatment will prevent Ann Teasdale from needing
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Safety fears raised as Shell decides to axe offshore jobs
THE Shell oil company was yesterday accused of leaving its workers wide open to a disaster of Piper Alpha proportions after cutting 350 jobs. Question marks were raised over safety by Roger Lyons, joint general secretary of the Amicus union, who said
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Sssshhh! It's the book club
The Clayport Library in Durham celebrates its first birthday this week. There's Indian head massage, sugar craft, Middle Eastern art for children and even one or two sessions about books. On Tuesday evening, the column joined Durham County Cricket Club
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Teen in court on Natalie murder charge
A TEENAGER has made his first appearance at Crown Court charged with the murder of a schoolgirl. Ronald Pattinson, 18, is accused of killing 12-year-old Natalie Ruddick at her home on the new Mills Estate, Newcastle, on March 5. No plea was taken during
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Soldiers are bailed on attack charges
FIVE soldiers from the North-East were granted bail yesterday after appearing before Lincoln Crown Court following an incident in which a man suffered serious injuries. Neil Pentland, 19, is accused of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent and violent
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Age Concern launches help for elderly gays
AGE Concern is setting up a service for gay and lesbian pensioners. It has admitted that elderly gays have been left isolated without the support that elderly people with other problems have received. The charity has said that in the past there have been
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Charity fun
PUPILS and staff at Hunwick Primary School collected £898 for BBC Television's Comic Relief appeal on Friday. They held a talent show, had their faces painted and sold pop and cakes, as well as organising other activities. Teacher Damian Hassan had his
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Extra security after cemetery vandalism
SECURITY is to be stepped up after a vandal attack and the theft of £2,000 worth of gardening equipment from Rock Road Cemetery, Spennymoor, last Wednesday night. After cutting through chains at the cemetery gates the thieves drove over flower beds and
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Vote allows women to become bishops
CHURCH leaders across North and West Yorkshire have voted by a large majority to allow women to become bishops. Members of the Ripon and Leeds Diocesan Synod met in Harrogate over the weekend and voted 70 to 18 in favour of legislation permitting women
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He's in the commandos
A CHESTER-le-Street man has just completed some tough Army training to qualify as a Royal Marine Commando. Michael Graham, 22, has received his Green Beret, after passing tests of endurance. To qualify for the beret, Royal Marines must complete an endurance
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Safety campaign targeting child car seats
POLICE have mounted a safety campaign after discovering that 80 per cent of children's car seats and other restraints were incorrectly fitted. The statistic emerged at clinics held by police and car seat manufacturer Britax in supermarket car parks in
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Leading school appoints head
A NEW headteacher has been appointed for one of the region's leading independent schools. Robert McKenzie Johnston will take up the appointment in September at Queen Mary's, Baldersby Park, near Topcliffe, North Yorkshire. He and his wife, Kate, are joint
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Sporting accolade for school
A PRIMARY school's dedication to fitness has brought it a sporting award. Children at Copeland Road Primary School, West Auckland, are celebrating this week after winning the Sport England Activemark Gold. The school is one of 177 throughout the country
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Sales award
STAFF at Specsavers, in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, came top of the company's 20 stores across the North-East to claim the company's regional safety eyewear sales title. The store supplies 48 employers, including Hydram Engineering and Solaglas.
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News in brief: Seeking clues to hit-and-run
A 44-year-old man is recovering after being knocked down in a hit-and- run incident near his home. The man was walking along the B6278 road, west of Snods Edge, near Shotley Bridge, when he was struck by a grey Ford Fiesta. He was treated in hospital
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Pair quizzed by police after Afro-Caribbeans are stabbed
POLICE investigating a triple stabbing last night extended their town centre search for clues. Three Afro-Caribbeans, two women and one man, were stabbed in the back, early yesterday and are reported to be stable in Middlesbrough General Hospital. Police
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Minibus operator threatens legal action against council
A MINIBUS operator is threatening to sue a council which he says failed to tell him he needed an operator's licence. Bruce Hyde set up MSG Taxis, in Middleton-St-George, near Darlington, two weeks ago, but was ordered by the Vehicle Inspectorate to stop
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Youths with knife flee empty handed
A MAN suffered a two-inch cut to his hand after refusing to surrender his bracelet to thieves. The 21-year-old was walking in the Hawthorn Terrace area of Shotton Colliery, at about 5.15pm on Saturday, when he was approached by two youths. They demanded
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'I'm on the train can you see me?'
Tired of boring phone calls and predicable text messages, reporters Hayley Gyllenspetz and Liz Lamb try out the latest mobile phone technology. AS the office mobile phone junkies, it was inevitable that we would be asked to test the new Nokia photo phones
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Strategy to outline district's key transport improvements
COUNCIL chiefs are expected to outline their key transport improvements for the coming five years in a North Yorkshire district. The Draft Transport Strategy sets out Hambleton District Council's (HDC) position on transport policies, proposals and actions
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Night ended in violence for brothers
A NIGHT out for two brothers - both new fathers - ended in violence, Harrogate magistrates heard yesterday. Benjamin Lee Ross, 22, of Aismunderby Road, Ripon, and Philip Christopher Ross, 26, of Moorside Dale, had been in Edison's bar in Station Square
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Internet joy for boys with the Midas touch
THREE Durham youngsters have proved they are made of the write stuff. Young authors Robert Hepworth, William Bradshaw and Alex Chazot, all 13 and pupils at Framwellgate School, have had their work published on the Internet. The youngsters, members of
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News in brief: Club to aid baby hospice
Eston Labour Club has adopted Zoe's Place baby hospice at Normanby as its adopted charity this year, but it needs prizes of any kind for tombola, raffle and auction. Zoe's Place, based in a converted convent, hopes to raise £11,000 for a bereavement unit
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Cook mementoes are brought home
A MEMENTO of a famous explorer's happiest day will soon be on show for everyone to see. Middlesbrough Council has bought a handbag made from a piece of silk from the wedding dress worn by the bride of Captain James Cook, and two pieces of cloth brought
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Clothing firm to cut 27 jobs in North-East
A clothing manufacturer is to shed 27 jobs at a North-East factory, it emerged last night. Sara Lee Courtaulds, of the North West Industrial Estate, Peterlee, County Durham, announced the cut to its staff yesterday after revealing last week that the firm
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Shearer was in my plans, says Sven
SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON confirmed last night that Alan Shearer was on the verge of a sensational England comeback before the striker decided not to end his international retirement. Eriksson admitted Shearer would have forced his way into the England reckoning
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Bikers raise funds with auction night
MOTORCYCLE racing fans are expected to flock to Northallerton tonight to attend a fundraising auction in honour of one of biking's most flamboyant characters. The evening will raise money in memory of Simon "Ronnie" Smith, who was killed in a road accident
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Landmark Victorian school must make way for housing
ONE OF Spennymoor's landmark buildings is to make way for new homes. Thousands of children have learned in the classrooms of North Road Junior School. But the sad decision to demolish the 120-year-old building has been reluctantly made by councillors
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Swimmers line up to splash out for charity
DOZENS of people will be taking the plunge at Darlington's Dolphin Centre next weekend when the leisure centre hosts the local leg of Swimathon, the largest sponsored swimming event in Europe. The challenge takes place on March 22 and 23, with about 200
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Swimmers line up to splash out for charity
DOZENS of people will be taking the plunge at Darlington's Dolphin Centre next weekend when the leisure centre hosts the local leg of Swimathon, the largest sponsored swimming event in Europe. The challenge takes place on March 22 and 23, with about 200
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Flower club awards
MEMBERS of Darlington Flower Club were presented with awards for their displays at the organisation's annual meeting. Patricia Baty, Elsie Ramsdale and Morag Whitehead shared the advanced class award. Janet Garlick won the intermediate class award. Rita
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New arrival at botanic gardens causes quite a flutter
VISITORS to a garden attraction will be surrounded by butterflies as they emerge from their pupae. Durham University's Botanic Gardens has received deliveries of 50 Filipino butterfly pupae and about 30 moths. Over the next three months, further batches
