Archive
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Wearside League: Weekend wins cranks up the pressure
Tonight's game between Birtley Town and Stokesley SC has taken on an added significance after both teams maintained their challenge for the championship on Saturday. Despite being forced to field a weakened side, Birtley had no difficulty seeing off the
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McCarthy offers no excuses for 'hopeless' side
MICK McCarthy last night branded Sunderland "hopeless" as the club's season of shame came to a miserable conclusion. The Sunderland manager refused to condemn the fans who booed his players after they had been destroyed 4-0 by Arsenal. McCarthy said:
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Conference will address bereavement by suicide
The difficult task of helping those who have been bereaved by suicide is the subject of a regional conference this week. Organised by the Tees Valley branch of the Cruse Bereavement Care group the one-day event in Darlington has attracted speakers from
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News in brief: Art drop-in at museum
Durham Light Infantry Museum and Durham Art Gallery will hold drop-in print-making sessions during half-term, from Tuesday to Friday, May 27 to 30. "It's a chance for families to get involved in an enjoyable, creative activity which might even result
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Dunn total not enough as Blackhall triumph
Darlington Building Society NYSD League Premier Division Blackhall went into their game against champions Guisborough without a win and bottom of the table, but despite Richard Dunn making the highest score of the day, the Colliery side celebrated. Their
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Concern rises over damage to beaches
QUAD-BIKERS, motorcyclists and owners of four-wheel drive vehicles are being warned to stay away from several beaches. Concerns about public safety and damage to wildlife-rich areas between Teesside and east Durham have prompted a clampdown by police
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Zoe in console game
COMPUTER game fans will soon have the chance to follow in the footsteps of Darlington pop princess Zoe Birkett. A Pop Idol game for the PlayStation, based on the hit television show that made Darlington teenager Zoe a star is being launched in October
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Comment: Fans deserve a brief respite
FOOTBALL, for all it means to so many here in the North-East, is not just a funny old game - it is stark raving bonkers. Sunderland fans who spend their hard-earned wages week in, week out, supporting the club, have suffered the humiliation of seeing
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Brinkburn Lass brings past to life at engine rally
FOR years it lay in bits but now the Brinkburn Lass is helping keep alive the magic of steam in the 21st Century. The traction engine, built by the Mann's Steam Cart and Wagon Company in Leeds in 1919, spent its working life on the Fenwick and Brinkburn
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Headteacher is shortlisted for award
A TEACHER who has led her school to success in five award schemes has been shortlisted for a national honour. Jo Frost, headteacher at Ox Close Primary School, in Spennymoor, has been nominated in the leadership and management category of the BT Teacher
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Trip back to Sixties
A SWINGING Sixties street party attracted scores of visitors to a Darlington shopping area on Saturday. The event, organised by shopkeepers in Grange Road, featured vintage 1960s cars and an Alpha Radio roadshow. Psychedelic fashions were worn by staff
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Estate residents call for 20mph speed limit
PEOPLE plagued by speeding motorists on a Darlington estate are calling for a 20mph speed limit. A traffic study has already been carried out on the Firthmoor estate and thousands of pounds set aside by Darlington Borough Council for speed-calming measures
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Shoppers taken back to Sixties
A SWINGING Sixties street party attracted scores of visitors to a Darlington shopping area on Saturday. The event, organised by shopkeepers in Grange Road, featured vintage 1960s cars and an Alpha Radio roadshow. Psychedelic fashions were worn by staff
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Armed siege: man questioned
A 39-YEAR-OLD man was being interviewed by police last night after an armed siege at a house on Scarborough's South Cliff. Officers were called to a domestic dispute on Saturday night and were confronted by a man with a kitchen knife who was threatening
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Musician in harmony with Australian culture
SOUNDS more familiar in the Australian Outback could soon be echoing across the Yorkshire Dales in the wake of one man's arrival in the area. John Ramji may never have been Down Under, but not only does he teach the skills needed to play the didgeridoo
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Bingo bridges generation gap
A GROUP of teenagers is hoping to prove to pensioners in Darlington that young people really do care about them. The youngsters have written to every old people's home in the town to invite residents to take part in monthly bingo sessions at Firthmoor
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Officers' burning issue
HOUSEHOLDERS in Hartlepool are being urged not to light bonfires in their gardens. Environmental health officers say such fires pose a threat to health and safety, while also causing a nuisance. Adrian Hurst, Hartlepool Borough Council's principal environmental
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Residents to decide on future of shelter
RESIDENTS are being given the chance to have their say on the future of a fire-damaged shelter on Hartlepool Headland. A letter from Hartlepool Borough Council is being delivered to all residents on the Headland asking them what they would like to be
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Floating restaurant planned for Hartlepool
A businessman is planning to convert a 100ft boat into a floating shop and restaurant. Dave Howe, who owns the maritime heritage shop Nauticalia on Hartlepool Marina, wants to move his store onto a tug moored in the marina. If given planning permission
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Wildlife Trust artwork unveiled
PUPILS joined Redcar and Cleveland Mayor Councillor Eric Jackson to unveil a sculpture at the entrance to Coatham Marsh. Youngsters from West Redcar School were at the opening ceremony yesterday along with residents who worked with Tees Valley Wildlife
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Vice girl murder suspect released
A 57-YEAR-OLD man arrested on suspicion of murdering a missing North-East prostitute has been released on bail. The man, from Sunderland, was arrested early on Thursday after detectives investigating the disappearance of Rachel Wilson, 19, swooped on
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Canadian teacher pays a visit
A SCHOOL has welcomed a new teacher from across the Atlantic. Nicole Forshaw, from Vancouver, in Canada, will be working at Hurworth Comprehensive School for two months teaching history. Ms Forshaw, 29, answered an advertisement for teachers to work in
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News in brief: Willing you to help hospice
SOLICITORS in the North-East are giving up their time and expertise this month to draw up wills or update new ones free of charge. Anyone interested will be asked to make a donation of £50 to the Butterwick Hospice at Bishop Auckland or the Butterwick
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Writers sought
WRITERS who dream of having their work published or even made into a film can make their bid for the big time by entering a national competition based in the North-East. A Novel Approach 2003 is open to anyone over 14 and winning entries will be read
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Prime Minister backs recycling initiative
A NEW household recycling scheme in County Durham is being backed by the Prime Minister. By the end of August, all 100,000 homes in Sedgefield, Chester-le-Street and Durham City districts should have kerb-side recycling. The Kerb-it scheme will replace
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Teacher is shortlisted for award
A TEACHER who has led her school to success in five award schemes has been shortlisted for a national honour. Jo Frost, headteacher at Ox Close Primary School, in Spennymoor, has been nominated in the leadership and management category of the BT Teacher
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Mother and baby provide hospital tonic
A TINY patient, who survived thanks to the special care baby unit at Northallerton Friarage Hospital, returned with a thank-you gift of £2,500. Jack Wilson's mother, Annette, raised the money through a number of events including raffles, auction and a
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Villagers shaping up
RESIDENTS have responded enthusiastically to questionnaires about the future of their village. Sheriff Hutton Parish Council has asked villagers what they see as the main priorities for the future. Councillor Alan Farnaby, parish clerk and Ryedale District
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Police to carry out roadside tyre checks
POLICE have warned drivers that roadside checks will start next week for vehicles with defective tyres. The campaign coincides with similar spot checks across the region, supported by the Tyre Industry Council, which will provide experts to assist police
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Six charged over Metro stabbings
SIX people were due to appear in court today after two men suffered stab wounds in an incident on board a Metro train. The incident happened at 11.45pm on Friday as the men - among a group of four Iranians - were travelling to Newcastle from North Shields
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Evenwood pull clear at the top
The Readers Durham County League Evenwood opened up a clear lead on top of the table but it was a close call before they saw off bogey team Etherley by 12 runs. At the halfway stage it looked as if Evenwood's 200-plus total would be sufficient until Carl
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Labour loses its grip on council
A COALITION group has taken control of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council from the Labour party. The council will be ruled by Liberal Democrats, Conservatives and Independents. Before elections Labour was in charge of the council, but suffered setbacks
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News in brief: Gardening challenge
Entries for Bishop Auckland in Bloom 2003 close on Saturday, June 14, and judging starts on Friday, July 4. Forms are available wherever posters are displayed, as well as from Bishop Auckland Town Hall library, Cockton Hill library, Trimmers hairdressers
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New mayor chosen for town
FERRYHILL Town Council has appointed Councillor Doreen Greenwell as mayor. Coun Greenwell took over the office from Councillor Ken Campbell at the local authority's annual meeting. Her husband, Ronnie Greenwell, will be her consort. Coun Greenwell's chosen
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Memories wanted for website
THE quest to keep the history of one of south-west Dur-ham's mining communities alive continues as former residents are being asked to record their memories. Witton Park History Group has embarked on a project that aims to gather the spoken memories of
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Memories wanted for website
THE quest to keep the history of one of south-west Dur-ham's mining communities alive continues as former residents are being asked to record their memories. Witton Park History Group has embarked on a project that aims to gather the spoken memories of
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Lost property sold at auction
CHILDREN are to benefit from the proceeds of the latest lost property auction held by a North-East transport service. The sale of items left on Metro trains and unclaimed by passengers was held at Park Lane Metro station recently, with Sunderland Mayor
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Sign up to communicate
Tyne Tees Television has launched a new Internet service to teach people how to use British Sign Language (BSL). The SignADay service - at www.signpostbsl.com - introduces a new BSL word or phrase every day. The service is free to anyone with access to
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Double record-breaker Ferguson hits top form
GREAT Britain junior international Gemma Fergusson was in brilliant form as she broke two records in the North-East Track and Field Championships at Shildon. The 18-year-old Tynesider, who now runs for Manchester club Sale Harriers, defied the blustery
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Aid worker Rod sells family heirlooms to save orphan
A CHARITY worker is selling his family heirlooms to fund lifesaving heart surgery for a ten-year-old Romanian orphan. Rod Jones, who runs the charity Convoy Aid, is selling two gold watches and a gold ring left to him in his father's will to help pay
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Promising Allan is likely one to follow at Redcar
David Allan, one of the most promising five pound claimers around at the moment on the Flat, could be the rider to follow at Redcar this afternoon. Allan takes the ride aboard Tim Easterby's Raphael and the combination can click in the Tote Exacta Fillies
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Removal of brains sparks dad's outrage
A North-East father of a baby whose organs were secretly kept by a hospital has branded as " barbaric" the illegal removal of thousands of mentally ill people's brains after their deaths. The man, who asked not to be named, spoke out on the eve of a Government
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Blue Star make appointments
Newcastle Blue Star, who were relegated from the Albany Northern League Division One at the end of last season, have appointed Warren Teasdale and Dean Gibb as their new management team, writes Ray Simpson. The pair have been part of the championship
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Moves to help new mothers
MOVES to improve facilities for breastfeeding mothers in a town centre are to be discussed on Wednesday. The meeting, which is open to the public, takes place at Sure Start (North), Miers Avenue, Hartlepool, from 1pm to 2.30pm. Members of breastfeeding
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Rowing throws elitism overboard
ROWING may still have an elitist image in some people's eyes but in the North-East it is a growing sport, popular with all walks of life. Durham City has a long rowing tradition and its annual regatta pre-dates the more well-known event at Henley. Over
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No life without a mobile phone
Losing a mobile phone would be similar to a bereavement for almost half of young people, says a report out yesterday. Research by Henley Management College found that 46 per cent of 25 to 34-year-olds cent "could not live without" their mobiles. They
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Workers' hopes for MP's meeting
FARMERS and 300 workers hit by the recent closure of a turkey factory in the region will be pinning their hopes on a meeting between their local MP and the Trade and Industry Minister Alan Johnson. Brandons went into receivership last week blaming cheap
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Appeal as robbers raid club
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man brandishing a shotgun stole money from a club. Two men, one with the gun, entered the ex-servicemen's club, in Queen's Avenue, Thornaby, Teesside, on Friday, at about 10.30pm and demanded money from a member
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Dyer hit with driving ban
Soccer star Kieron Dyer was handed a six-month driving ban today for clocking up his fourth speeding offence in just two years. The 24-year-old Newcastle United and England midfielder was caught doing 63mph in a 50mph zone in his flash £40,000 black Mercedes
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Five injured in two-car crash
FIVE people were taken to hospital after a two-car crash on Saturday. The accident happened on the A689 at Sedgefield, County Durham, near to the Total garage. A woman was taken to North Tees University Hospital, in Stockton, by air ambulance. Four other
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12/05/03
LEGAL SYSTEM: I THINK that the Prime Minister should stop all the reforms and modernisations he is carrying out at the moment and immediately start to reform the legal profession. The people who are responsible for law and order in this country are completely
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Game on for rural festival
LOVERS of rural pursuits found plenty to keep them entertained at a two-day celebration over the weekend. The seventh Teesdale Game Fair attracted 15,000 people to the grounds of Witton Castle, near Bishop Auckland, on Saturday and Sunday. The event drew
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A year to cherish for Pool after promotion
IT was a job started by Chris Turner at 10.40pm on Tuesday, April 30, 2002, and completed by Mike Newell a little under a year later. After Ritchie Humphreys' penalty crashed against the Cheltenham Town crossbar and consigned Pool to another campaign
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A parton saint of uncertain provenance
Q Who was St George? He seems to have been mixed up with a crusader who fought against the Muslims. - M Perry, Darlington A Very little is actually known about St George, but he was certainly not an Englishman. In fact his status as patron saint is not
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Oily evil can't quite banish the spectre of Rodney
Murder In Mind: Landlord (BBC1) See Nicholas Lyndhurst's face on the screen and one word springs to mind: "Plonker!". It's nothing personal, just that the sight of him conjures up the image of him playing Del Boy's brother Rodney in hit comedy Only Fools
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Wargamers gather for annual military extavaganza
A MILITARY extravaganza involving models, demonstrations and wargames took place over the weekend. Spring Offensive 2003, at Stockton Sports Centre, included displays of modern warfare and battles from the past. It is organised by David Clement and Tom
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Director is final model for artwork
A WATER company boss has become the final part of a contemporary art exhibition. John Cuthbert, the managing director of Northumbrian Water, was the last of the 250 volunteers to be covered in plaster for Angel of the North-artist Antony Gormley's latest
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Combat medal hopes offered in Suez veterans' fight with MoD
FORMER soldiers fighting for official recognition for their part in the 1950s Suez campaign could be offered a fresh glimmer of hope, it has emerged. The Northern Echo reported on Friday how ex-serviceman Arnold Dunning, of Darlington, had been presented
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Police and fire teams working together
AN initiative aimed at helping police officers investigate suspicious fires has been launched. The four-day course on Teesside brought together CID, scenes of crime and Fire Brigade officers in a partnership project. The project is led by Detective Constable
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Course offered to help people find work
JOBSEEKERS from ethnic minorities are being urged to take part in a course to help them find employment. Stockton Adult Education Service has launched the course, which teaches people how to write CVs, personal statements, improve job-search skills and
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Explosion cuts power
HOMES near the centre of a North-East town were hit by a power cut yesterday afternoon after an electrical fault caused an underground explosion. Police closed Princes Street, in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, for 90 minutes after flames and smoke were
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Life never dull as fans bid farewell to Feethams
As long as chairman George Reynolds is at the helm, there will never be a dull moment at Darlington Football Club. And the 2002/03 season was no exception. It was a campaign which saw the last ball kicked at Feethams, the brief appearance of a World Cup
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Stockton stroll past poor Norton
Foster's ECB North East Regional Premier League It was not the happiest of days for Norton against old rivals Stockton. After struggling in the field for 60 overs during which Stockton amassed a big total, Norton were all out before reaching three figures
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Weekend TV: Oily evil can't quite banish the spectre of Rodney
Murder In Mind: Landlord (BBC1) See Nicholas Lyndhurst's face on the screen and one word springs to mind: "Plonker!". It's nothing personal, just that the sight of him conjures up the image of him playing Del Boy's brother Rodney in hit comedy Only Fools
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Pioneering jobs and training shop opens
THE region's first one-stop shop for jobs and learning has opened. The Learning and Job Shop was opened in Durham City's Market Place on Friday with the help of the holder of one of Durham's most ancient legal posts and someone who has just taken on a
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Famous pianist 'christens' castle's new baby
A renowned concert musician gave a North-East music society's magnificent new piano its first public airing on Friday. Anglo-Australian pianist Piers Lane was the first person to perform on Bishop Auckland Music Society's £43,000 Steinway piano, in the
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Dobie's double puts paid to points target
CHAMPIONS League football assured again next season and third place in the Premiership. The only negative was that relegated West Bromwich Albion ensured Newcastle United's wish of equalling last season's 71-point tally was not granted yesterday. A Dobie
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Reynolds proposes land swap deal for stands at Feethams
FOOTBALL chairman George Reynolds wants to swap two stands at Darlington's Feethams ground for a plot of land next to the club's new stadium. Mr Reynolds says he wants to turn the land next to the new stadium, in Neasham Road, into an international football
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Black times at Stadium of Light
SUNDERLAND are so bad that their 6ft 3in centre-forward cannot even win a header against a 5ft 8in left-back. If one needed a vignette to sum up why this is the worst team in Sunderland's history, then surely the sight yesterday of Kevin Kyle beaten in
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Tykes fail to impress Marsh
England selector and Academy coach Rodney Marsh was at Headingley on a tour of duty yesterday but the Australian saw nothing from Yorkshire that would fire his imagination as Derbyshire tightened their stranglehold on the Championship match. Derbyshire
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Robson's praise for duo
NEWCASTLE UNITED'S stars were last night praised by Sir Bobby Robson for never resting in their final Premiership game of the season. The Magpies had to work hard to claim a point at West Bromwich Albion yesterday - but nothing rested on the outcome of
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Nurses queue up to work in specialist baby hospice
THE first baby hospice in the North-East has sparked a surge of interest from specialist nurses and could be treating seriously ill youngsters within weeks. Zoe's Place Hospice for Special Babies has received applications from 15 registered children's
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News in brief: Art drop-in at musuem
Durham Light Infantry Museum and Durham Art Gallery will hold drop-in print-making sessions during half-term, from Tuesday to Friday, May 27 to 30. "It's a chance for families to get involved in an enjoyable, creative activity which might even result
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'My vision of the big picture'
In the 12 months since his election, Ray Mallon has won widespead admiration for the way he has thrown himself into the job of Mayor of Middlesbrough - so why isn't he enjoying it? Nick Morrison reports on his first year in office. MAYOR Mallon has a
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Students find their way to navigation award
PUPILS at a Darlington school have proved they can find their way around by picking up a national navigation award. The eight youngsters from Branksome Comprehensive School have been learning navigational skills as part of the Duke of Edinburgh silver
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Singer backs hall revamp
POP legend Sir Cliff Richard has added his support to the £11m restoration of the Royal Hall, in Harrogate. In a letter to the Royal Hall Restoration Trust, Sir Cliff recalls performing there almost 45 years ago when he took to the stage with The Drifters
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Plea for inquiry into barn rejection
A SHIFT towards new policies has not been enough to stave off another twist to the row over affordable homes. The Association of Rural Communities has asked the Local Government Ombudsman to investigate if rules were broken when the Yorkshire Dales National
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Taste test in store
A NORTHALLERTON store is challenging the public to throw convention to wind when they buy their sandwiches this week. Lewis and Cooper is marking British Sandwich Week by challenging its chefs to produce more adventurous fillings. Cheese and tomato and
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Bingo bridges generation gap
A GROUP of teenagers is hoping to prove to pensioners in Darlington that young people really do care about them. The youngsters have written to every old people's home in the town to invite residents to take part in monthly bingo sessions at Firthmoor
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Taking steps to embrace multi-cultural society
A MULTI-CULTURAL day was held at a Teesside library at the weekend. South Bank Library held the event as part of Adult Learners' Week and there were numerous activities including tai chi, a sari workshop, healthy eating advice, and an Asian dancing session
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Councillors raise fear over closure of road
ROADWORKS that will close a busy road on the edge of Thirsk for three months have been challenged by Sowerby Parish Council. North Yorkshire's highways department is to replace the river bridge at World's End and use traffic lights to divert vehicles
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Flying at night
An RAF base has warned residents that student pilots will be night-flying aircraft this evening until Thursday, and between Monday and Wednesday next week. Tucano aircraft will be taking off and landing at Linton-on-Ouse, between 9.45pm and midnight as
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Council tenants face ballot over transfer of ownership
MORE than £99m could be invested in council homes in Hartlepool if tenants opt to transfer to a housing organisation. This week, council tenants in the town will receive the formal consultation document about the proposal to transfer the ownership and
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Mark sends walkers on a treasure hunt
A COLUMNIST for The Northern Echo is throwing down another challenge for hikers who enjoy walking the footpaths around the region. Last year, Mark Reid, from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, who is famous for his Inn Way walking guides, did his bit to attract
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Sign up to communicate
Tyne Tees Television has launched a new Internet service to teach people how to use British Sign Language (BSL). The SignADay service - at www.signpostbsl.com - introduces a new BSL word or phrase every day. The service is free to anyone with access to
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Canadian teacher pays a visit
A SCHOOL has welcomed a new teacher from across the Atlantic. Nicole Forshaw, from Vancouver, in Canada, will be working at Hurworth Comprehensive School for two months teaching history. Ms Forshaw, 29, answered an advertisement for teachers to work in
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Funding boost for early years learning
A NEW primary school is the first in east Durham to become a centre of excellence for early years learning. Eden Community Primary, at Peterlee, will use £100,000 a year of Surestart funding to offer integrated education and daycare. The school, formed
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Children in final of anti-crime project
INNOVATIVE young people from Hartlepool have won £1,000 and earned a place in the final of the National Crimebeat Competition. High Tunstall School came up with a talking alarm to warn old and vulnerable people about bogus callers. The school was one
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News in brief: Complex venue for conference
HARROGATE'S Pavilions complex, at the Great Yorkshire Showground, is to host the North Yorkshire Community Development Partnership's annual conference on Wednesday, June 4. The meeting will examine the value of finding local solutions to local problems
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Car firm creates jobs
A car parts manufacturer is expanding and creating more than 20 new jobs with the help of a £240,000 grant from One NorthEast. The Regional Selective Assistance cash will also safeguard 79 existing jobs at VC UK LP on the New York Industrial Estate at
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Robbed of his bravery medal
A WAR hero is pleading with pensioners to be on their guard after he became the victim of opportunist thieves. Pensioner Cyril Jones, from Middlesbrough, was asleep in his armchair when thieves crept into his home and stole £1,000 in life savings, a collection
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Expansion of town centre business brings jobs boost
BOSSES at a Bishop Auckland opticians have demonstrated their commitment to the town by investing £250,000 and creating nine jobs. Directors at the Newgate Street branch of Specsavers say business is booming since it trebled the size of the store with
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Housing plan at garage
A FILLING station and depot on the edge of a Wensleydale village could be demolished to make way for housing. Richmondshire District Council has been asked to examine plans for 14 cottages at the garage at Patrick Brompton. However, the proposals are
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World Cup ref helps new sport kick-off
A FORMER international football referee yesterday unveiled sports equipment that will enable disabled people in his home town to enjoy a new hobby. George Courtney, whose career saw him take charge of matches in the 1986 and 1990 World Cup finals, joined
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MP welcomes new Euro report
YORK Labour MP Hugh Bayley has welcomed a report that warns of the consequences of Britain rejecting the Euro. The independent survey compiled by a panel of experts indicates the UK's trade could be damaged, foreign investment could evaporate and Britain
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Cash-hit library service rescued
A SERVICE for people with special needs that was in danger of folding because of a lack of money, has been saved at the 11th hour. The Learning Library, a registered charity based in Spennymoor loaning out toys and specialist equipment to people with
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Gym steps in to help charity bike ride
A SPONSORED bike ride to raise money for the British Red Cross was well on course - until intense pedalling broke the exercise machine that women from Commercial Training, in Northallerton, were using. But the charity challenge was saved when a local
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ICI reunion date
A reunion is being held for people who worked in any of the ICI offices on the Billingham site, including ADO, Chilton House, process or research. The event will take place on Friday, May 23, from 7.30pm, in the Synners Bar, Belasis Avenue, Billingham
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Entries sought for gardens competition
gardeners are being urged to enter a competition to find Peterlee's best gardens and allotments. The town council-run competition is open to all residents of Peterlee except councillors, council staff and their immediate families. There are ten cash prizes
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Focus on work of unsung heroes
A NEW volunteer organisation plans to sing the praises of Durham's unsung heroes and their good work. The Durham City District Volunteer Bureau, above the Durham Clayport Library, Millennium Place, plans to hold a volunteers fair on Saturday, June 7.
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News in brief: Inquest verdict on pensioner
A pensioner died after developing bronchial pneumonia following a fall in a residential care home. Retired postman Francis Broderick, 73, fractured his leg when he fell outside his room at Kirkdale Care Home, in Radcliffe Crescent, Thornaby, on January
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Support scheme hailed a success
ORGANISERS of a scheme for elderly people living at home and in need of support have been delighted by its success. The floating support scheme was launched by Endeavour Housing Association, in partnership with the charity Adult Placement Service, which
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Girls make connections to enter engineering
YOUNG women hoping to break into a traditionally male-dominated industry have been out to see the job at first hand. Ten girls from Southmoor and Pennywell schools in Sunderland went on a tour around two specialist engineering companies. Sunderland ITEC
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Year-long death probe ends
A CORONER has concluded that Hartlepool man Edgar Shepherd died of natural causes following a year-long investigation. Mr Shepherd, of Mullroy Road, died on February 9 last year, three days after he was admitted to James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough
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Joy as otters make a return to areas
ENGLAND'S otters are returning to areas they were driven from nearly 50 years ago, according to a national survey published today. Research carried out by the Environment Agency, Wildlife Trusts, water companies and English Nature has confirmed that areas
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Prime Minister backs recycling initiative
A NEW household recycling scheme in County Durham is being backed by the Prime Minister. By the end of August, all 100,000 homes in Sedgefield, Chester-le-Street and Durham City districts should have kerb-side recycling. The Kerb-it scheme will replace
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News in brief: Art drop-in at museum
Durham Light Infantry Museum and Durham Art Gallery will hold drop-in print-making sessions during half-term, from Tuesday to Friday, May 27 to 30. "It's a chance for families to get involved in an enjoyable, creative activity which might even result
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Fire crews' long wait for terror attack suits
NORTH-EAST fire chiefs are still in the dark about the arrival of life-saving equipment for use in a terrorist attack. Government officials have admitted that problems delayed the roll-out of £56m worth of equipment, including decontamination units and
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Terminally ill teen weds
A terminally ill teenager has married the woman he hopes will carry his test-tube baby. Leukaemia sufferer Martin Black and Susan Smith, both 19, held an emotional service in front of 100 family and friends one month ahead of schedule because his condition
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McClaren ponders as Bolton party
AS Bolton last night celebrated Premiership survival at the Reebok Stadium, Steve McClaren was left to ponder on the improvements he must make this summer to turn mediocre Middlesbrough into a genuine top-flight force. Battling Bolton outfought and out-thought
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Plunkett's hopes take a dive with knee injury
LIAM Plunkett's hopes of following his first-class debut with a championship bow on his native Teesside have fallen foul of Durham's injury jinx. The England Under 19 all-rounder was in contention to take Dewald Pretorius' place in the side to face Worcestershire
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Scheme to speed up hospital treatment
PATIENTS in the region should receive faster treatment after the NHS backed a pilot scheme to improve plastic surgery services. A team at the South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust, in Middlesbrough, will look at ways of improving patient referrals. The Teesside
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Knopfler is back playing after crash
NORTH-EAST rock star Mark Knopfler has revealed he is back making music after a motorbike accident. The former Dire Straits singer, who had to cancel a tour because of the accident in March, said that his injuries mean he is unable to stretch his arm
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Queudrue sending off very harsh, says Middlesbrough boss
Read more about Middlesbrough here. MIDDLESBROUGH boss Steve McClaren last night accused referee Rob Styles of "over-reacting'' with his controversial sending-off of left-back Franck Queudrue in the closing stages of yesterday's 2-1 defeat at Bolton.
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Hero pilot praised for action
A PILOT who saved his life and that of a glider pilot he was towing has been praised by air safety chiefs. Robert Cassidy, 55, of Cleadon Close, Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, was runner-up in the 2002 Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) General Aviation Safety
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Six charged over Metro stabbings
SIX people were due to appear in court today after two men suffered stab wounds in an incident on board a Metro train. The incident happened at 11.45pm on Friday as the men - among a group of four Iranians - were travelling to Newcastle from North Shields
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Charity cyclists aid neonatal unit with ride
A REGIONAL special care baby unit is thousands of pounds better off today thanks to the efforts of charity cyclists. The Neonatal Unit at James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, will be able to place an order for equipment to provide intensive
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'In Korea, I'm bigger than Pavarotti'
Big in Korea and a popular voice at big games, North East opera singer Suzannah Clarke has set her sights and sounds on helping the region's music students. Women's Editor Christen Pears reports. WITH minutes to go until the curtain goes up, the crowd
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US crash victim flies home from Iraq
A SOLDIER seriously injured by a US military vehicle in Iraq will be flown home today to be reunited with her parents. Military Police Corporal Jane McLaughlin suffered severe head injuries, a punctured lung, broken leg, ribs and pelvis, and a damaged
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Innovative Public Defenders legal aid scheme launched
A PIONEERING legal service has been opened in Darlington. The town is one of only eight places in the country to be selected to have a Public Defender Service (PDS) office. Public Defenders are solicitors employed by the Government through the Legal Services
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Admission fee rethink urged
THE Dean and Chapter at one of the region's cathedrals have been urged to reconsider the decision to introduce admission fees. Spiralling costs forced the introduction of the fees at York Minister earlier this month, obliging visitors to pay admission
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Ann gets national award for her work
A NORTH-EAST woman has spoken of her joy after winning an award for helping school governors. Ann Turner, from Hartlepool, was named North-East winner of the National Association of Governors and Managers' Award for Outstanding Clerks. The award recognises
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Smiling faces make up exhibition to mark town's 150th birthday
PEOPLE have been helping celebrate a North-East town's 150th birthday. Shoppers at the Cleveland Shopping Centre have launched an exhibition called This Is Middlesbrough - What Makes You Smile. The idea is to capture the face of Middlesbrough, which will
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Tree rescue of ten-year-old
FIREFIGHTERS rescued a ten-year-old boy who was stuck up a tree on Saturday afternoon. A crew from Bishop Auckland, County Durham, put a ladder up the tree, next to the Vicarage, in Collingwood street, Coundon, and helped the boy climb down. A fire brigade
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Paramedic Mark joins Rotarians
PARAMEDIC Mark Inman has become one of the youngest members of the Rotary Club of York Vikings after impressing the organisation with his community spirit. The 39-year-old, who responds to emergencies in the city by bicycle, will also benefit from the
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£400,000 reward for improved schools
SCHOOLS in a North-East town have come top in the North-East for improving standards - and have won nearly £400,000. Staff at 40 schools, close to half of the schools in Gateshead, have been given the Government's Achievement Award, to mark improved test
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Artist is on the ball with new exhibition
THE images may reflect the emotions felt by thousands on the terraces all over the country - but artist Mackenzie Thorpe insists he chose football as the subject of his latest exhibition for a broader purpose. The Game of Life is in the middle of a 95
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A parton saint of uncertain provenance
Q Who was St George? He seems to have been mixed up with a crusader who fought against the Muslims. - M Perry, Darlington A Very little is actually known about St George, but he was certainly not an Englishman. In fact his status as patron saint is not
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Dying teen marries sweetheart today
A TERMINALLY ill 19-year-old leukaemia sufferer will today marry his fiancee. Martin Black, of Gateshead, and Susan Smith, also 19, of Washington, Wearside, had planned to marry in June. But they have moved their wedding forward because Martin's condition
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Hylton and Murton setting the standard
Durham Coast League Hylton and Murton continue to set the pace, but while the former had nine wickets to spare meeting a target of 126, Murton found it a lot more difficult when they were required to overtake an almost identical score. Seaham Park's James
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Doctor faces misconduct hearing
A FAMILY doctor who faked prescriptions to steal painkillers faces misconduct charges today. Dr William Richardson, of East Herrington, Sunderland, is due to appear before the General Medical Council's (GMC) professional conduct committee in Manchester
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Website launched to support rare brain disorder sufferers
A MOTHER-of-two who survived major brain surgery is dedicating herself to help other patients suffering from the same rare condition. Jan Harrington, 32, was told she would go blind and die without an operation after specialists at Newcastle General Hospital
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Damages fight goes on after ruling success
LAWYERS fighting for hundreds of North-East asbestos victims have won a partial victory in the High Court. But the fight for compensation is not over and could still leave them emptyhanded. The UK's largest law firm Thompsons Solicitors, which is acting
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Refuse collector Steve delves through rubbish to find bag
A REFUSE collection driver has come to the rescue of a woman who lost her handbag in a wheelie bin. Wendy Grainger, who lives on the Newham Grange Estate, in Stockton, Teesside, lost her bag after accidentally putting it in the bin. She called Stockton
