Archive
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Gardening: A trip to gardening heaven
I HAVE travelled well this week. I have visited the steamy jungles of South and Central America, and walked among the meadows and prairies of California, South Africa and Australia. I have wandered through the mountains and forests of Indonesia, West
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What not to buy
IT was supposed to be making history as the first home put under the auctioneer's hammer on British TV, but if all property really is theft then ITV1's House Auction was akin to sacking Iraq's Museum of Antiquities. The Tuesday night hour-long extravaganza
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Police success
A DRIVE to recruit more special constables by Durham Police has proved successful. The personnel department has had many inquiries for the roles following a nationwide campaign. Open nights held in Sedgefield and Tees Valley have also proved successful
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Lippizaner show horses thrill the crowds during Arena performance
One of the most graceful and popular equine shows to tour the world is thrilling audiences in the North-East. A show starring the Lippizaner Stallions opened at the Newcastle Telewest Arena last night, with further performances today and tomorrow. as
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Consultant appointed after appeal success
THE success of the Macmillan Cancer Relief County Durham Appeal means that the first of two new Macmillan consultants has been appointed ahead of schedule. Dr Jenny Skinner, a specialist in the care of cancer patients, started work at the Butterwick Hospice
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Housing group's £12m project
A HOUSING association is to embark on a £12m property development programme after securing £5m in grants. Tees Valley Housing Group is to carry out building work to provide houses for rent across Teesside and Yorkshire after winning Housing Corporation
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Balloon's 19-month journey around the globe at 100mph
OFFICIALS thought a charity balloon race competitor was full of hot air when he returned a reply slip to a college 19 months after the closing date. But then they realised the helium-filled balloon, launched from Darlington College's Catterick Garrison
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Delays on defence contract rejected
TWO companies which have won a massive defence contract guaranteed to pump millions of pounds into the North-East economy have rejected claims that the project could be delayed by at least a year. Speculation has been rife in the City of London that BAE
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Robson shoots warning to misfiring strike duo
SIR Bobby Robson last night ordered Alan Shearer and Craig Bellamy to rediscover their shooting boots and fire faltering Newcastle United into the Champions League. Shearer and Bellamy have scored just once in Newcastle's last four matches and have failed
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Vow made by family of crash victim
THE family of a man who died in a hit-and-run accident last night vowed to continue their fight for justice, despite a second snub which means the driver may never face court. Home Office Minister Lord Falconer ruled out any action over the death of Jimmy
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Glory days are back for revitalised Humphreys
Remember August 1996? On the back of England's Euro 96 display, the nation was football crazy, football mad in fact. And no sooner had the new season kicked off than the nation had a potential new hero as Ritchie Humphreys arrived on the scene with a
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Sweets auctioned off
THE contents of two sweet shops are up for grabs in an auction on Thursday. Auctioneers G H Edkins and Son, of Bishop Auckland, County Durham, are selling off hundreds of lots taken from the former Chocolate Box shop, in Jesmond, Newcastle, on the instructions
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Gazza is suffering, says pal
PAUL GASCOIGNE is not drinking again he is suffering from depression, according to close friend Jimmy Gardner. Gascoigne has booked himself into an Arizona clinic in a bid to sort himself out before his next match for Chinese club Gansu Tianma. It has
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Better security
A £4,000 grant has helped people sleep easier in their beds. Easterside and Saltersgill Community Council, in Middlesbrough, was awarded the money from the Community Support Fund to spend on security equipment for homes. Items include dusk-to-dawn lights
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News in brief: New courses being offered
Four new courses are starting at Chester-le-Street Community Association. Lessons in the Japanese martial art of Aikido begin on Tuesday, April 29. Courses in Yoga for beginners and improvers start on Tuesday, May 13. Musical workshops for pre-school
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Tory mayor resigns and vows to fight porn allegations
CHRIS Morgan - one of the North-East's first directly elected mayors - resigned last night and immediately vowed to fight the child porn allegations that have driven him from office. Mr Morgan said he had decided to step aside because he could not continue
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Emergency scenarios put services to the test
A series of fictitious incidents has been used to test emergency planning preparedness of the NHS and other agencies. The event was hosted by the Harrogate and Craven Primary Care Trust, which has responsibility as the lead health agency for emergency
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Complex 'would create 200 jobs'
THE companies behind plans for a retail park say it could create 200 jobs and safeguard others. Sunniside Properties and Mono Containers want to build on 101,500sq ft of land in Dragon Lane, Dragonville, Durham City. It would include stores selling electrical
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John conquers his fear of heights to fly planes
PARAMEDIC John Pawelec refused to let his lifelong fear of heights jeopardise his ambition of learning to fly. The 50-year-old had always assumed his phobia would prevent him realising his dream of taking to the skies. But after a chance visit to Rufforth
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Intelligence expert takes capital job
POLICE intelligence specialist Jeff Watson has joined a national team pioneering the latest crime-busting technology. Detective Chief Inspector Watson, of Durham Police, was approached by the Association of Chief Police Officers to become part of a team
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Sweet gift for special school
Disabled employees at Remploy, in Merrington Lane, Spennymoor, collected more than 50 chocolate Easter eggs for children at Rosebank School, at Ferryhill, to mark 2003 European Year of Disabled People. Organiser Iris Pickford said: "We are trying in various
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Cancer group get cash lift
A NEW bowel cancer support group is to benefit from a donation from fundraisers at Sedgefield's Inner Wheel and Rotary Club. Members presented a cheque for £867 to the colo-rectal unit at the University Hospital of North Tees, in Stockton. They were inspired
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Rural grant call electioneering, says council leader
A PLEA for a £25,000 grant to be restored to Darlington's rural areas has been condemned as an election gimmick. Conservative councillors are arguing that the annual grant aid, which was recently withdrawn by the borough authority, should be reinstated
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Award night to recognise volunteers
Sedgefield Borough Volunteer Bureau is holding its first Volunteer Award Evening on June 5, at Spennymoor Town Hall. Volunteers nominated for an award will be invited to the event, which will include dinner and entertainment. Organisations are asked to
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News in brief: Probation help for allotments
PEOPLE on probation could soon be helping to dig allotments in Middleton St George. The parish council has been approached by the Probation Service suggesting offenders who need to work in the community could spend time at the allotments. Discussions
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Lippizaner show horses thrill the crowds during Arena performance
One of the most graceful and popular equine shows to tour the world is thrilling audiences in the North-East. A show starring the Lippizaner Stallions opened at the Newcastle Telewest Arena last night, with further performances today and tomorrow. as
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Community family centre
HUNDREDS of families are set to benefit from an £850,000 community centre in Washington. The Rainbow Family Centre was built by Sure Start. Rachel Putz, of Sure Start, said: "We hope the Rainbow Family Centre becomes the heart of the community and provides
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Free access to business help
A local access point for people hoping to start up businesses has opened in Northallerton. In a joint venture with Business Link, Hambleton District Council has set up the access point at its Civic Centre headquarters. It is the latest in a series of
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Taxi company founder dies aged 81
THE founder of one of Darlington's oldest cab companies, which introduced radio taxis to the town, has died aged 81. War veteran Bob Ibbotson, who came from a farming family in Farndale, North Yorkshire, moved to Darlington with his wife, Minnie, 50 years
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The dogs want a home . . .
LIFE has not been good to some of the region's unluckiest dogs. All have been involved in accidents and are recovering in a kennel. Lady has only three legs, Henry has arthritis, Alf has cataracts in both eyes and Katy is recovering from being hit by
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Gough's back in style
STEPHEN HARMISON last night welcomed Darren Gough's return to form and fitness as he vowed to form a devastating England pace attack with the Yorkshire talisman. Gough celebrated his recovery from the long-standing knee injury that ruined his 2002 by
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Historical month for youngsters
LOCAL history will be celebrated in Durham throughout next month. Events ranging from a tour of a Durham University college to themed children's story times are being drawn up by staff at Clayport Library, in Durham. The events are part of a national
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Estate plans depend on negotiations
A HOUSING chief has warned that plans to transform a troubled estate could founder if negotiations with homeowners fail. Sunderland Housing Group chief executive Peter Walls has said a few "difficult" private residents could ruin housing replacement plans
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Wild Bunch to meet every week
A ONE-OFF clean-up by an environmental task force has been such a success that it has now been set up on a permanent basis. The group, called the Wednesday Wild Bunch, was set up by Tees Valley Wildlife Trust to carry out small conservation assignments
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Hard work and £15,000 transforms area
AN OUTDOOR garden and entertainment centre has opened in Middlesbrough. Youngsters treated guests attending the opening of the £15,000 project to songs by pop group Steps. The performance was given by two members of the Newport Settlement's Youth Club
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Landlord defies critics with karaoke nights application
A LANDLORD is determined to go against the wishes of regulars and hold late-night karaoke sessions at his pub. Older customers and neighbours are opposed to Derek Wilkinson introducing karaoke nights at his Stockton pub, The Rimswell. They say the increase
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Academy plan 'is vital for future'
CAMPAIGNERS for and against plans for a football training academy will have the final chance to argue their case next week. A Government planning inspector arrives on Tyneside on Tuesday for the start of a public inquiry into Sunderland AFC's Academy
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Getting the message across
VOLUNTEERS served up tasty treats with an Easter message yesterday. Churches Together handed out free hot cross buns at the crossroads in Leadgate, near Consett - with paper napkins bearing a Gospel message. Organiser Lynne Edwards, of Leadgate Salvation
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Warm welcome for Easter visitor
THE Easter Bunny has taken time out of his busy schedule to visit a children's hospital ward. Children in the Treetops ward at University Hospital of North Durham received a visit from Warren the rabbit when he made a delivery of Easter eggs from a local
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News in brief: Bus service improvements
New contracts should lead to improved bus services around Ripon and Harrogate. More frequent buses are promised along the routes taken by Harrogate and District Travel's 56 and 57, between Arkendale and Knaresborough, and the 23 service around Markington
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Exhibition offers a journey through Northern history
MUSEUM visitors will be able to explore the history of the North-East in an exhibition that opens this weekend. The exhibition, called William Bell Scott: A Northern Pre-Raphaelite, is on show at the Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens and includes the
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News in brief: New courses being offered
Four new courses are starting at Chester-le-Street Community Association. Lessons in the Japanese martial art of Aikido begin on Tuesday, April 29. Courses in Yoga for beginners and improvers start on Tuesday, May 13. Musical workshops for pre-school
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Cancer group get cash lift
A NEW bowel cancer support group is to benefit from a donation from fundraisers at Sedgefield's Inner Wheel and Rotary Club. Members presented a cheque for £867 to the colo-rectal unit at the University Hospital of North Tees, in Stockton. They were inspired
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Rural grant call electioneering, says council leader
A PLEA for a £25,000 grant to be restored to Darlington's rural areas has been condemned as an election gimmick. Conservative councillors are arguing that the annual grant aid, which was recently withdrawn by the borough authority, should be reinstated
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Fans walk to match
TWO Teesside charities are to benefit from a night-time trek by about 50 Sunderland fans. Every year, the Billingham and District Branch of Sunderland Association Football Club Supporters Association (SAFCSA) completes the walk in aid of local charities
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Hot property
Once our TV screens were dominated by makeover shows. But now, having tired of the interior, programme makers have climbed onto the property ladder and have cashed in on our fascination with buying and selling homes - preferably someone else's. The experts
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The Reporter is on its way
DELIVERY of North Yorkshire County Council's newsletter, The Reporter, to 280,000 homes, offices and businesses across the county has got under way. Published in magazine style, it contains information about the county council, including a full list of
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On route to a fitter life with taster session
A HEALTH and fitness class is being launched at Stokesley Leisure Centre next month and a free taster session is on offer. Simply Fitness is a circuit training session that uses a range of equipment. But assistant manager David Earl said it was much more
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Grassroots: Chester-le-Street, Birtley and District
GET ORGANISED: Durham Business Club is running an organisational workshop from 7.30am to 10am next Thursday, at Durham Cricket Club. A light breakfast is provided. For details, call 0191-388 4488. PRESIDENTIAL NIGHT: Sacriston and District Everyman's
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Anniversary to be remembered
EX-SERVICEMEN will join other members of the public in commemorating the sixth anniversary of Thornaby's Airman Statue. Erected in Thornaby Road in 1997, the statue is a tribute to airmen from Thornaby who lost their lives. Thornaby Town Council has organised
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Guide dog pup finds a name
A Northern Echo reader has earned herself a crust after coming up with a winning name for a guide dog puppy sponsored by bakers Warburtons. Margaret Liddle, of Ushaw Moor, County Durham, has won a month's supply of bread and a soft toy puppy after suggesting
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Stables' open day is a clear favourite with the public
THE crowds flocked in their thousands to enjoy a sun-drenched day rubbing shoulders with some of the greatest stars of the racing world, both two and four-legged. The annual Middleham Stables open day has become firmly established as one of the most entertaining
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Anti-abortion rally planned
ANTI-abortion campaigners are bringing their hard-hitting message to Teesside. To mark the 35th anniversary of the introduction of the Abortion Act, pro-life campaigners will form a silent chain in Stockton, Teesside, next Saturday. Supporters of the
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Moors bank on spirit
Spennymoor assistant manager Jason Ainsley is hoping that Moors' team spirit will carry them to promotion, writes Ray Simpson. Moors start a hectic end-of-season schedule today, when they play the first of four games in eight days at home to Rossendale
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Vicar adds shopping centre to her ministry
THE Reverend June Robson has been appointed chaplain to the region's largest shopping centre. Mrs Robson, vicar of St Marks Church, Darlington, succeeds Canon Lyn Jamieson at the Gateshead MetroCentre. As well as caring for the spiritual welfare of staff
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Slice of 1970s hocus pocus
DUTCH group Focus will be hoping to rock their fans when they appear in the North-East next month. The group, formed in 1969, will be playing the Customs House, South Shields, on May 9. Focus made their name in this country in the 1970s with hit singles
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Wood ton crowns perfect day for Yorkshire
Yorkshire were as sizzling as the weather on the opening day of the Frizzell Championship season at Headingley yesterday, when they took a firm grip on their game with Northamptonshire. Everything went right for new captain Anthony McGrath and his enthusiastic
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Premiership players face spitting ban
Council chiefs are set to enforce a by-law making it illegal for Premiership stars to spit during matches. They have dusted off legislation which states it is an offence to spit in a public building or place of entertainment - with a £20 fine for offenders
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Police officers get extra help
POLICE chiefs have revealed a plan to recruit more civilian custody assistants. Durham Police is appointing 20 civilian assistants, with the first ten being taken on in October and the rest in autumn next year. At present, only custody sergeants in Darlington
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Under starter's orders for £300,000
A North-East punter was last night studying the form books, looking for the horse that could win him another £140,000. Norman Evans, a mature student at Durham University, is still celebrating after scooping £163,000 with a £4 bet when he picked six winners
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Moxon still has unfinished business
THE fruits of Martyn Moxon's labours need to show significant signs of ripening this season, if only for the Durham coach's self-esteem. After agreeing a two-year extension to a contract which was due to end this year, Moxon has no worries about his immediate
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High draw helps to make Muhareb value bet
Muhareb, who has the physical scope to improve this year, looks the value bet at around 12-1 in the competitive Coral Roseberry Showcase Handicap at Kempton this afternoon. Clive Brittain has made a good start to the year on both turf and sand and his
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Another epidemic that didn't exist
'THE conduct of the people of Sunderland was more suitable to the barbarism of the interior of Africa than to a town in a civilised country." Where Sunderland stumbled in 1831, China is following in 2003. Much to the dismay of diarist Charles Greville
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In My View: What not to buy
IT was supposed to be making history as the first home put under the auctioneer's hammer on British TV, but if all property really is theft then ITV1's House Auction was akin to sacking Iraq's Museum of Antiquities. The Tuesday night hour-long extravaganza
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Where there's a will, there's a way to help
PEOPLE are being reminded of a one-off chance to get their wills drawn up free next month. Several North solicitors are giving their time and expertise free during May to anyone wishing to draw up a will. Butterwick Hospice, in Stockton, Teesside, and
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Advice for household security is welcomed
A SUCCESSFUL initiative is making people's homes more safe and secure. In an effort to help residents in Hartlepool combat house crime, the New Deal for Communities (NDC) has employed a former police crime prevention officer to give advice. Colin Hopkins
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Footpath will benefit disabled
A WHEELCHAIR-friendly footpath giving disabled people access to the countryside will be opened on Monday. People with mobility problems will be able to use the pathway along the River Wear, near Wolsingham, in Weardale. The "wheelchair walk" has been
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Time to put the sizzle back into a Scouting tradition
IN a sylvan hollow with a beck babbling by, a small group of Cub Scouts sizzled sausages yesterday over an open fire, fulfilling a Good Friday tradition that stretches back generations. But yesterday, apart from the deer, they were the only ones in the
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Warnings to horse owners on tack theft
POLICE have urged horse owners to save thousands of pounds by taking simple steps to protect their equipment from thieves. Northumbria Police's mounted section is giving people the chance to have their saddles, bridles and other tack security-stamped
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Blue gig date announced
A NORTH-East venue will play host to one of pop music's biggest names this summer when chart-topping band Blue come to the region. Organised by Teesside radio station 96.6TFM, the boy band will be appearing at Ormesby Hall, Middlesbrough, on July 4. Their
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Digger driver uncovers live bomb
A DIGGER driver has spoken of his shock after his machine uncovered a live bomb. John Eddon was building a garden wall for householders in Mallard Close, behind Goslipgate in Pickering when he made the find. He twice struck something solid with his JCB
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Government criticised by watchdog
Tthe chief officer of a health watchdog which is to be abolished has questioned the Government's commitment to patient involvement. Writing in the final annual report of South Tees Community Health Council, Peter Johnson said: "Few, if any, still believe
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McLeod following father
TEENAGER Ryan McLeod followed in the footsteps of his illustrious father, Olympic 10,000m silver medallist Mike McLeod, by clocking the fastest time in the annual Elswick Harriers Good Friday Road Relays on a new course at Newburn Riverside. McLeod Snr
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Teachers earn their rewards
A SCHOOL is celebrating after two of its teachers were jointly awarded a prize for advancing the teaching of science at primary level. Joni White and Diane Buckle, from Framwellgate Moor Primary School, County Durham, won a cheque for £100 to spend on
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At Your Service: Saints alive
Taking the traditional trappings out of religion seems to be working very well indeed for a thriving North-East church. THOSE who say the last rites over the Church of England, who lament its age-bound inertia and self-serving sanctimony, who predict
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Warnings on firms issued by officers
HOUSEHOLDERS are being urged not to succumb to high- pressure salesmen who have been operating in part of the North. Two companies have been operating in North Yorkshire's Harrogate district recently, says the local Community Safety Partnership. One has
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England lock-out backed by Beckham
DAVID Beckham stunned North-East football fans last night when he said it may be necessary for England's next crucial Euro 2004 qualifier to be played behind closed doors. The England captain said such a drastic move - which would see 35,000 fans locked
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Comment: Ban will not tackle problem
MIDDLESBROUGH Football Club, and the wider community of the Tees Valley, will be hugely disappointed if the next England game at the Riverside Stadium is to be played behind closed doors. The match against Slovakia will be the first time since 1937 that
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Charity match draws soccer stars
SOME of the region's football stars will line up for a charity match next weekend. A Sunderland Football Club and Darlington Football Club Select team will face a guest team. The match will be played at Durham City Football Club next Sunday. Players appearing
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Wilkinson set to sign Falcons deal
NEWCASTLE Falcons received a huge boost yesterday when skipper Jonny Wilkinson agreed in principle a two-year extension to his contract. The contract has been on the table for most of the season, but Wilkinson has delayed signing. There has been speculation
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In The Picture: Hot property
Once our TV screens were dominated by makeover shows. But now, having tired of the interior, programme makers have climbed onto the property ladder and have cashed in on our fascination with buying and selling homes - preferably someone else's. The experts
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A trip to gardening heaven
I HAVE travelled well this week. I have visited the steamy jungles of South and Central America, and walked among the meadows and prairies of California, South Africa and Australia. I have wandered through the mountains and forests of Indonesia, West
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Heat's on as the getaway begins
THE last day of the Spring mini-heatwave yesterday left motorists hot under the collar as they sat in long queues, and saw firefighters struggling to contain moorland blazes sparked by the tinder-dry weather. It turned out to be a long Good Friday for
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Mobile unit joins fight against red tape
CHAMBERS of Commerce from across the region are joining forces in the battle against bureaucracy and red tape. They will launch a mobile advice unit in the Market Square, Ripon, North Yorkshire, next Friday. The city, which lies on the edge of the Yorkshire
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Post vote forms sent
NEW-STYLE voting forms have started arriving on the doormats of thousands of homes in a North city. Sunderland City Council is among the authorities that are using postal voting in a bid to increase turnout. The system is designed to make voting easier
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Travel staff give helping hand to Shelly
A FUNDRAISING drive by travel agent staff has helped the family of a sick child to collect the money they needed to build her a sensory room. A race night organised by Hays Travel, on Cheapside, Spennymoor, raised the final £1,000 needed to create the
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Welsh tale told in dance
A WELSH folk story will be told on stage in Bishop Auckland next week. Llyn y Fan, The Lady of the Lake, is a tale of love and loss that has been turned into a full-length ballet by Independent Ballet Wales. The performance at Bishop Auckland Town Hall
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Village fun with ducks and dogs
A DOG show and duck race are among the Easter activities being held in a Weardale village throughout the weekend. The recently-reopened Rookhope Inn, in Rookhope, which is the base for the St Aidan's Community Trust, will host most of the events. From
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Internet site offers GPs drug awareness
AN INTERNET service offering doctors access to the latest information on drug abusers has been launched. Newcastle company ThinkMedicine, which provides on-line training for GPs, nurses and pharmacists, has added a course on the misuse of drugs to its
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Welsh tale told in dance
A WELSH folk story will be told on stage in Bishop Auckland next week. Llyn y Fan, The Lady of the Lake, is a tale of love and loss that has been turned into a full-length ballet by Independent Ballet Wales. The performance at Bishop Auckland Town Hall
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Live music event 'growing bigger and stronger every year'
ABOUT 100 groups and singers will be converging in the North-East next month for a free music festival. Danish duo Junior Senior, whose single Move Your Feet is at number four in the UK charts have confirmed they will appear in the fourth Middlesbrough
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Award night to recognise volunteers
Sedgefield Borough Volunteer Bureau is holding its first Volunteer Award Evening on June 5, at Spennymoor Town Hall. Volunteers nominated for an award will be invited to the event, which will include dinner and entertainment. Organisations are asked to
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Ad campaign turns spotlight on drug dealers
A campaign targeting drug-dealing is about to be launched across Yorkshire. The advertising campaign is intended to challenge the public's perceptions about the illegal trade. The initiative is a partnership project between the Government Office Regional
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Plans to slow down traffic
PEOPLE living in Ripon are being asked for their views on traffic-calming plans. The scheme for Harrogate Road, near Moorside School, includes moving speed cushions closer to the centre of the road to prevent people driving between them. Other measures
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19/04/03
WAR AGAINST IRAQ: WE are told that the war with Iraq is effectively over. Only time will reveal the consequences of Saddam Hussein's removal and in doing so decide who was right and who was wrong. However, in the here and now, Iraq is not the only country
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Protests over estate extension proposal
PLANS to extend an industrial estate have sparked protests. Plans by plumbing and electrical supplies firm Abacus Direct to erect a storage building at the estate at Jubilee Mills, Copgrove, near Knaresborough, is strongly opposed by two parish councils
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Vicar adds shopping centre to her ministry
THE Reverend June Robson has been appointed chaplain to the region's largest shopping centre. Mrs Robson, vicar of St Marks Church, Darlington, succeeds Canon Lyn Jamieson at the Gateshead MetroCentre. As well as caring for the spiritual welfare of staff
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News in brief: Probation help for allotments
PEOPLE on probation could soon be helping to dig allotments in Middleton St George. The parish council has been approached by the Probation Service suggesting offenders who need to work in the community could spend time at the allotments. Discussions
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Community learning centre aims for early opening date
A LEARNING centre should be running by September - ten months after the idea was proposed. The first meeting concerning the £110,000 project for Thirsk was held in the town in November. But already most of the cash is in place. Planning permission has
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Sweet gift for special school
Disabled employees at Remploy, in Merrington Lane, Spennymoor, collected more than 50 chocolate Easter eggs for children at Rosebank School, at Ferryhill, to mark 2003 European Year of Disabled People. Organiser Iris Pickford said: "We are trying in various
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News in brief: Motorcyclist dies in crash
A MOTORCYCLIST, who has not been named, died when he was in collision with two cars on the Washington Highway, Wearside, 400 yards west of the junction with the A19, shortly after midnight yesterday. Police have appealed for witnesses to the crash, which
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Teenagers give up holidays to study
HUNDREDS of teenagers will give up part of their Easter holiday next week in the quest for exam success. About 240 pupils, aged 16, from across County Durham have volunteered to spend Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at a GCSE revision conference. The
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Young patients given Easter egg treat
Members of a Slimming World's class in Northallerton have given their Easter eggs to young patients in the children's unit of the town's Friarage Hospital. The unit was presented with the chocolate eggs by slimming consultant Emma Jane Selby She said:
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Shoppers entertained by a return to the early days of slapstick
SHOPPERS were treated to mimes and magic when a Charlie Chaplin look-alike visited Middlesbrough. He entertained children and adults at the Cleveland Shopping Centre, in Albert Road, yesterday. Complete with trademark moustache, bowler hat and cane, his
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Keep fit and learn a little history
A HISTORY tour with a difference will take cyclists on a heritage ride through Stockton. The road safety team at Stockton Borough Council is running the first in a series of guided cycle rides next week. The rides, which are in conjunction with sustainable
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News in brief: Survey to look at young lives
YOUNG people across Teesside are being given the chance to have their say in a survey. Connexions Tees Valley is sending out more than 80,000 questionnaires that will cover issues such as relationships and bullying. Martin Barrett, of Connexions, said
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Exhibition offers a journey through Northern history
MUSEUM visitors will be able to explore the history of the North-East in an exhibition that opens this weekend. The exhibition, called William Bell Scott: A Northern Pre-Raphaelite, is on show at the Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens and includes the
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Date
Village fun with ducks and dogs
A DOG show and duck race are among the Easter activities being held in a Weardale village throughout the weekend. The recently-reopened Rookhope Inn, in Rookhope, which is the base for the St Aidan's Community Trust, will host most of the events. From
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Date
Boost for home safety
A £4,000 grant has helped to make people feel more secure in their homes. Easterside and Saltersgill Community Council, in Middlesbrough, received the grant from the Community Support Fund to spend on security equipment for residents' homes. The equipment
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MP joins fight for pharmacy
A TEESSIDE MP has backed calls for a pharmacy to be built in a Middlesbrough supermarket. Redcar MP Vera Baird is supporting shoppers and staff at Asda, in South Bank, who back the Office of Fair Trading's (OFT) stance on competition among pharmacists
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Fighting family claims silverware
WINNING trophies is a family affair for one group of martial arts enthusiasts. In fact, the Silk family won eight of the 11 trophies brought back from the Tang Soo Do European championships by Teesside enthusiasts. Andrew Silk, 16, won three trophies,
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Forestry stalwart George bows out
AFTER helping to harvest about four million tonnes of timber, one of the Forestry Commission's longest serving workers is hanging up his axe. George Hodgson, 65, has retired as works supervisor on the North York Moors after joining the Forestry Commission
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Warning to companies
BUSINESSES in Hartlepool are being urged to make sure they are not dumping their rubbish illegally. Council bosses keen to clamp down on fly-tipping have issued a reminder to local traders of their duty of care under the Environmental Protection Act 1990
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Tasty exhibits have passed their sell-by date
FOOD well past its sell-by date has gone on display in a Richmond supermarket - but shoppers need not worry. The Co-op on the town's Friary Field has linked up with the Richmondshire Museum in an initiative it hopes will help generate interest in the
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Children to get in touch with nature
A PROJECT to get children more in touch with nature is launched next week. The Exploring the Great Outdoors (Ego) scheme will help youngsters aged five to 16 take a fresh look at the environment through nature activities, outdoor games and crafts. Pupils
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Radio station makes a hit with the listeners
A TEMPORARY radio station says it has won the approval of the people of Durham. DLR (Durham Local Radio) 107 went on air for a month earlier this year as part of its preparations for a bid for a permanent licence. The Radio Authority plans to give the
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Nightmare of relegation yet to sink in, says Poom
FOR Mart Poom, the enormity of Derby County's relegation last season did not sink in on the day that their fate was sealed. Instead, the full impact was only felt when the fixture list for this campaign was published - and he discovered Derby's first
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A weekend of fundraising fun is offered
STAFF and locals at a high street pub have pulled out all the stops for a fundraising extravaganza this weekend. The Wheatsheaf pub, in High Street, Spennymoor, County Durham, has planned a full schedule of entertainment to raise money for Durham and
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Pumping station opens doors to public
VISITORS to a tourist attraction are being given a chance to discover the history of water supplies this weekend. The Tees Cottage Pumping Station, in Darlington, opens its doors to the public tomorrow and Easter Monday to take people back to the days
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Timeshare fraud victims seek compensation in High Court
A NORTH-EAST victim of a timeshare fraud could meet the man who conned him in court. William Stoker, of Darlington, is among hundreds of victims from across the country who have launched a multi-handed High Court claim against fraudster John Palmer for
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News in brief: Survey to look at young lives
YOUNG people across Teesside are being given the chance to have their say in a survey. Connexions Tees Valley is sending out more than 80,000 questionnaires that will cover issues such as relationships and bullying. Martin Barrett, of Connexions, said
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Work service
A SERVICE of worship in honour of people who have died as a result of work-related accidents will take place in Saltwell Park, Gateshead, on Monday, April 28, at 1pm. The event is organised by the Amicus union.
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Bridge designer honoured by statue
THE engineer responsible for some of the North-East's most familiar landmarks has been honoured in a ceremony. A bronze bust of the late Sir Ove Arup was unveiled at Kingsgate Bridge, in Durham, this week. The ceremony was performed by his daughter, Karin
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Tait demands a winning edge as season closes
Darlington boss Mick Tait is determined not to allow the season to fizzle out quietly - and that could spell bad news for some of the club's fringe players. With four games remaining and safety assured after last week's 5-1 demolition of Shrewsbury, Tait
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Royal connection between gipsy caravan and a shared passion
THE curious tale starts in the early 1970s with a gipsy caravan lying derelict in a field near Beverley, North Yorkshire. Caravan company boss Jim Robson and his brother, Clifford, spotted the bow-top van, made by William Wright, of Leeds, in 1900 - and
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Teachers are serving to raise funds
TEACHERS from across the region will swap their classrooms for fast food restaurants next month to raise money for their schools. On Saturday, May 3, teachers from at least four schools will be helping serve customers in McDonald's restaurants. The challenge
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Fergie demands title favour of McClaren
SIR ALEX FERGUSON has demanded a title-race favour from Steve McClaren to make up for the devastating blow Middlesbrough dealt to Manchester United's ambitions last season. Boro's 1-0 triumph at Old Trafford just over a year ago cost United pole position
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Premier Commentary: Wenger's turn to fall into psychological trap
CAST your mind back almost seven years. The scene is Elland Road and Newcastle have just beaten Leeds 1-0 to maintain their challenge for the Premiership title. Kevin Keegan, the Magpies' Messianic manager, is being interviewed by Sky Sports when mention
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Sports funding plan revealed
SPORT will be made more accessible to children thanks to a £459m Government scheme. The PE Sport and Club Links Strategy is a Government initiative that will result in five partnerships in County Durham implementing a three-year development plan. Each
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Westwood is calm in the title storm
HARTLEPOOL United's promotion dream is within touching distance - but there will be no signs of nerves in the dressing room this afternoon. Pool go Scunthorpe with everything to play for. Promotion is all but assured, all they need is a point, and the
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The Albany Northern League Today: Wake-up call for Brandon
Brandon manager Kenny Lindoe is looking for a lively start from his players in their title showdown at Bedlington this afternoon. Brandon will lift their first Northern league title this afternoon by taking a point from their final game of the season
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Mick keen to build his own squad
MICK McCARTHY insisted last night that he is relishing the challenge of revamping Sunderland's squad - even though he will be working in a financial straitjacket. McCarthy knows he must embark on a clearout this summer to alleviate the club's £26m-plus
