Archive
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Father's bid for club peace costs his life
A GOOD Samaritan who stepped in to diffuse a drink-fuelled fight at a Darlington workingmen's club has died. John Lacy, a father-of-three, suffered a suspected brain haemorrhage and died in Middlesbrough General Hospital on Tuesday, nine days after he
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Reprieve for doctor who faked prescriptions
MEDICAL authorities have decided against striking off a North-East GP who faked prescriptions after he became addicted to painkillers. Dr William Richardson, of East Herrington, Sunderland, appeared before the General Medical Council's (GMC) professional
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£50,000 boost for girls' football
GIRLS across North Yorkshire are being encouraged to go football mad with the announcement of a £50,000 boost for the female game in the county. The cash, from the UK's largest sports charity, the Football Foundation, will fund a development officer to
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FBI trace North-East mother and son
A MASSIVE FBI hunt for the mother and son of a Teesside man has been called off after they were found safe and well. Amanda Jones, 29, and 18-month-old Justice Gallon sparked a nationwide search in the US after they went missing from their home in the
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John North: The Front that looks like a backside
SEATON Carew may be perceived as the last resort, the original holiday from hell. An exhibition this week marks, they hope, the turning of the tide. Some of that Hartlepudlian suburb is pretty spectacularly horrible, not least the part by perverse inversion
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Bidding for maritime memorabilia
TELEGRAMS, menus and passenger lists are among memorabilia from the RMS Queen Mary's maiden voyage 67 years ago being auctioned next week. The material collected from the liner's journey from Southampton to New York on Wednesday, May 27, 1936, has already
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Vaughan warms up for Test in style
Michael Vaughan scored his first century of the season for Yorkshire at Northampton yesterday in conditions very similar to those he may find in the first Test against Zimbabwe at Lord's in a week's time. And the power and grace of many of his strokes
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Platt's plot
For months Martin Platt has been wandering around Weatherfield looking like a lost soul, only cheered up by knowing that his ex-wife, Gail the hamster, deserted him for a serial killer. At long last the Soapland scriptwriters have noticed that Martin
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McCarthy predicts a rush for goal ace
SUNDERLAND manager Mick McCarthy last night insisted that Kevin Phillips' availability will signal a stampede for "the bargain buy of the summer''. Phillips announced this week that he is quitting Wearside after six goal-laden years. Confirmation that
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340 textile workers' future looks bleak
HUNDREDS of textile workers face a gloomy future after the region's economy was dealt another blow yesterday. Clothing manufacturer Sara Lee Courtaulds has announced it expects to close its factory in Tindale Crescent, Bishop Auckland, County Durham,
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FBI joins search for mother and toddler
A MASSIVE search involving the FBI has been launched after a mother and her toddler son went missing - following the arrival in the US of her estranged husband from the North-East. Amanda Jones and 18-month-old son Justice Gallon have not been seen since
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Make claim now, urge solicitors
THOUSANDS of lung disease victims could face delays in winning compensation under a Government scheme for former miners and their families unless they lodge claims now. Solicitors last night warned that they were expecting a rush of last-minute claims
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Museum's help plea
ONE of North Yorkshire's museum's is planning to expand - and to do so it needs more volunteers. Bedale Museum is bidding for National Lottery cash for a new building this summer. The scheme will see the 30-year-old facility move from its base in Bedale
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Soldiers march in to aid clean-up
AN army of volunteers will take part in the latest clean-up project organised by the Richmond Pride initiative. Up to 100 young soldiers from the Infantry Training Centre (ITC) at Catterick Garrison will be marching into the Temple Grounds this morning
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Businessman denies tricking customers out of cash
A MONEY lender accused of swindling millions from investors told a court he would not touch a crooked venture with a barge pole. Darlington businessman George Steen, 54, allegedly targeted desperate money-seekers by offering good value multi-million pound
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Man to face crown court
A man accused of stealing money from Railway Pensions Management Limited is being sent to Teesside Crown Court for trial. Leonard Spedding, 62, of Wakefield, West Yorkshire, appeared at Darlington Magistrates' Court yesterday accused of three counts of
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Rylstone goes to Cannes
THE inspiring story of how 11 Women's Institute members posed naked to raised thousands of pounds for charity is being launched at one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. The film "Calendar Girls," based on how members of Rylstone and
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News in brief: Pensioner is robbed of bag
A 93-year-old woman is recovering after being robbed on Scarborough's South Cliff. The woman, who has not been named, was sitting on a bench on The Esplanade when her handbag was stolen. Police said the man, aged between 18 and 20, snatched her bag and
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Trading standards seize £170,000 worth of counterfeit goods
Counterfeit goods worth more than £170,000 have been seized in a raid on a car boot sale. In a joint operation, Durham County Council's Trading Standards and Durham Constabulary recovered pirate CDs, DVDs, MP3s and computer games from the car boot sale
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Amicus backer is dabs.com
A CALL centre bringing more than 100 jobs to South Tyneside has been opened as bosses revealed the Internet company behind the operation. Last week Amicus Outsourcing unveiled its new £1m call centre operation in the former Co-op office, in St Bede's
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Carnival drops floats for safety
THE annual tradition of parades of floats at summer carnivals could become a thing of the past if organisers follow advice on health and safety. Shildon Town Carnival organisers have dropped plans to use floats in their annual parade after speaking this
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Solicitor faces being struck off at tribunal
A SOLICITOR who swindled more than £300,000 from the Legal Aid Board faces being struck off today when he appears before a disciplinary tribunal. Three months ago, John Tate, 50, was jailed for five years for submitting 8,000 false claim forms for fees
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University staff and students plan protest
STAFF and students are to join forces to protest against a proposal to close its counselling studies centre. On Tuesday, Durham University's senior decision-making body will formally decide whether to shut Cesco, the counselling studies faculty, near
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Man denies attempting to rape girl, 14
A 50-year-old man has appeared in court accused of attempting to rape a teenage girl he allegedly met through the Internet. Sephton Allen, of Derby, denies the offence, as well as one count of indecent assault and one of indecency with a child. Newcastle
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Clean fuel plant may be built in North-East
A GROUNDBREAKING production plant that converts farm crops into diesel could be built in the North-East. A number of sites on the continent are being investigated by the Biofuels Corporation as potential locations for what would be the world's largest
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Police launch investigation after peacemaker dies
DETECTIVES have confirmed they are investigating the death of a Good Samaritan who died after stepping in to diffuse a fight. John Lacy, a father of three, suffered a suspected brain haemorrhage and died at Middlesbrough General Hospital on Tuesday. He
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Money makes a boy's head go round
M is for MONEY and MOTHER, often sadly confused in the young adolescent mind. It's also for MISTAKES, which is what adolescence is for. How else will they learn? When they wanted to show me how much they'd grown, the boys would rest an elbow nonchalantly
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Tributes paid to operatic star
A SINGER who played leading roles in musical shows for more than four decades has died. Baritone Vincent Vickers was a firm favourite with audiences around the North-East. He performed at Newcastle's Theatre Royal and Gateshead Empire as well as appearing
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Former ref kicks off new sport
A FORMER international football referee has unveiled sports equipment that will enable disabled people in his home town to enjoy a new hobby. George Courtney MBE, whose career saw him take charge of matches in the 1986 and 1990 World Cup finals, joined
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Village to lose its post office
A COMMUNITY is to lose its post office next month. The post office in St Helen Auckland, near Bishop Auckland, will close on June 16 as part of changes by Post Office Ltd to safeguard the future of urban post office branches in the area. It follows an
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No money yet for proposed racecourse
A PLAN to build one of the best racecourses in the world near a North-East town will go ahead despite no money being in place, its creator pledged yesterday. Lord Zetland conceived the idea to build a new racecourse near Redcar two years ago. Despite
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Woman recovering after attack
AN ELDERLY woman was recovering at home last night after being robbed of a shopping bag by a young street mugger. The 85-year-old widow, described as 'active for her age', was returning home to Thorntons Close, Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, from a shopping
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Town in line for £50,000 skate arena
A GRANT of £50,000 could provide top skateboarding facilities for young people in Darlington. The equipment will be made available for the town's youngsters if a bid by the Tees Valley Leisure Group to the New Opportunities Fund is successful. The money
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Teacher and pupil are a winning team
A TEACHER and his star pupil have been named as teacher and student of the year. Les Dobson, 60, and 16-year-old Danielle Taylor, from Sunnydale Comprehensive in Shildon, have both come out tops in the national awards hosted by the National Foundation
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Major alert as police are handed bomb
A GOOD Samaritan sparked a major alert when he walked into a police station carrying a bomb. Police officers sounded the alarm when the well-meaning member of the public handed over the 2ft device. The man said he had picked up the device after watching
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Pharmacy ruling backed
Plans for a pharmacy in a supermarket were supported only after objections from other traders were carefully considered, Darlington Primary Care Trust has said. The trust's board has allowed Lloyds Pharmacy to open in the Morrisons supermarket at Morton
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Open-cast mine inquiry to hold an evening session
AN evening session of an inquiry into a proposed opencast coal mine is to be held, to allow more residents to attend. The public inquiry into plans to mine 735,000 tonnes of coal from a 144 acre site between Coxhoe, Bowburn and Old Quarrington went into
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Benefits help boost
A SUPPORT team is being established to help Darlington Borough Council's housing benefits work after the authority successfully bid for £32,000 of Government funding to improve customer service. The money, from the Department of Works and Pensions Performance
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New mayor and deputy take up chains of office
A NEW Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Sedgefield are to be installed tonight. Sedgefield Town Council has elected Councillor Linda Maddison to be this year's mayor and Councillor James Wayman as her deputy. They will installed in their roles at a mayor-making
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Pupils see IVF in action
PUPILS from one of the UK's leading independent schools were welcomed on a science trip to the North-East yesterday. The 25 children from the fee-paying St Paul's School in London watched human egg fertilisation at a Darlington clinic. Headteacher Geoff
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Net sessions
THE Pioneering Care Centre in Newton Aycliffe is offering free taster sessions on the Internet.as part of the BBC WebWise Campaign. Called WebWise, the session is an hour-long Internet experience to sample the web and see what is available online. The
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Racism warning issued after fight
POLICE last night pledged not to tolerate racism in Darlington only days after a street fight between ethnic groups. Chief Superintendent Michael Banks was speaking after a second youth was arrested in connection with the fight and released on police
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Burglar traced by dog
A POLICE dog led officers straight to the door of a man who had just carried out a burglary, Teesside Crown Court heard yesterday. Adam Lowe, 24, of Grange Road, Darlington, was sentenced to nine months in prison after he admitted the offence. Jonathan
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Grant money offer to firms
SARAH Jack has a pot of money to be distributed to companies and organisations in Teesdale. She is project manager for the Teesdale Market Towns Partnership, which aims to improve life in the district. Companies can apply for up to £500 to promote their
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News in brief: Blueprint for town's future
A blueprint for the future prosperity of Darlington has been published. Darlington Partnership's community strategy sets out a long-term vision for the town and will be discussed at an assembly in the Dolphin Centre on June 20. CAR OVERTURNED: A four-mile
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Reprieve for doctor who faked prescriptions
MEDICAL authorities have decided against striking off a North-East GP who faked prescriptions after he became addicted to painkillers. Dr William Richardson, of East Herrington, Sunderland, appeared before the General Medical Council's (GMC) professional
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Council leader's vision
A COUNCIL'S first female leader has laid out the authority's vision for the future. In her first speech as leader of Chester-le-Street District Council, Councillor Linda Ebbatson set out tough, new aims and objectives for the council at its annual meeting
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School's Adventure trail gives children something to jump about
CHILDREN at an infants school can let off steam with an adventure trail installed at their school. After months of fundraising, youngsters at Ouston Infant School have even more opportunities to climb, jump, clamber, run and swing, with the development
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Denis takes the reins at parish council
DENIS Southwell is the new chairman of Belmont Parish Council in Durham following the Liberal Democrats' election night success. The party took 14 of the 15 seats, leaving Labour without a single seat in the parish. Councillor Southwell was also elected
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Proposals for fitness centre extension
FITNESS entrepreneur Duncan Bannatyne has submitted the proposals he hopes will play a major part in revitalising his home town. He has made an application to Darlington Borough Council for a major extension of the Bannatyne Health and Fitness Club, on
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News in brief: Students to play concert
Talented young musicians Isobel White, on harp, and cellist Anna Menzies can be heard in concert at Durham's DLI Museum and Art Gallery at Aykley Heads, on Sunday, at 2pm. Isobel, from Durham, and Anna, from Newcastle, are studying at Chetham's School
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Gazza shirt to be auctioned for charity
A SIGNED shirt from a North-East footballing hero is one of the pieces of sporting memorabilia being auctioned at a charity event tomorrow night. The shirt, from Paul Gascoigne, was a gift to Century FM DJ Paul Gough, who donated it to the organisation
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15/05/03
TONY MARTIN: THE question under the picture of Tony Martin (HAS, May 13) deserves an answer. Yes, I value the possessions I have worked hard over many years to accumulate, certainly more than the life of a scummy little burglar. You get nothing in this
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Pupils improve creative skills
YOUNGSTERS in Norton have got together to make a film with a little help from the town's mayor. The 40 youngsters, from five different schools, have already developed the characters and written the screenplay and are now acting, directing and shooting
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Sporting incentive to deter offenders
TEENAGE offenders are more likely to give up a life of crime if they take up sports, according to new research. Instead of punishing youngsters who end up in trouble, youth offenders should be encouraged to kick a ball, pick up a tennis racquet or take
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Vaccination warning
PUBLIC health experts fear mass vaccination may become less effective as increasing numbers of parents fail to have their children protected against mumps, measles and rubella (MMR). The warning to a meeting of Darlington Primary Care Trust's board follows
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Auntie Rosie honoured
ONE of Kirkbymoorside's most colourful characters has been given the market town's most prestigious honour - an eminent citizen award. Rose Magson, 89, known locally as Aunty Rosie, has been honoured for her community and charity work. Her efforts for
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Sorting out a bit of business brothers' bother
I'll Show Them Who's Boss (BBC2) The story of brothers Angus, Alan and Alistair was more than a storm in a coffee cup. This was sibling rivalry at its most antagonistic as the three argued over the future of their company. Business guru Gerry Robinson
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A sponsored walk on the wild side
PEOPLE will be challenged to take a walk on the wild side when the Children's Foundation's annual Yellow Brick Walk is launched tomorrow. The sponsored walk will take place at the Washington Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre, Wearside, on Sunday, June 22.
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Men quizzed over raid
Four men were still being questioned by Scarborough Police tonight after being arrested following an armed raid on a petrol filling station on Tuesday on the outskirts of the resort. Streets on the South Cliff were sealed off for nearly four hours after
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A66 plans go to public inquiry
A PUBLIC inquiry is to be held into an improvement scheme on one of the North-East's most dangerous roads. The Secretary of State for Transport has ordered the inquiry into proposals for the improvements to the A66 at Long Newton, between Stockton and
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Crossley in demand
MIDDLESBROUGH manager Steve McClaren has assured goalkeeper Mark Crossley that he is still needed at the Riverside, writes Clive Hetherington. The 33-year-old Welsh international is back with Boro after an extended loan at Stoke City. Crossley's inspired
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Sporting incentive to deter offenders
TEENAGE offenders are more likely to give up a life of crime if they take up sports, according to new research. Instead of punishing youngsters who end up in trouble, youth offenders should be encouraged to kick a ball, pick up a tennis racquet or take
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Teacher in line for honour
A TOP 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, is nominated in the leadership and management category of the BT Teacher
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Family centre expands its childcare services
A FAMILY centre is preparing to expand its childcare services after moving to new premises. The Lighthouse Family Centre has moved to School Aycliffe Community Centre and an application for funds to start after-school care is being considered and could
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Hotel makes fitness offer
HOTEL health club bosses have come up with a lifechanging offer for three Wear Valley 'fatties.' Staff at the Manor House Hotel in West Auckland, want to help them lose weight and get fit by giving them free personal training and a six month membership
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Robert risks Robson wrath again
LAURENT ROBERT has rocked the boat at Newcastle again - by declaring his interest in joining Manchester United or Arsenal. The controversial Frenchman reckons he has a better chance of being a Premiership title winner with the two sides who finished above
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Critics: Ex-Street star beautiful in blue
The Blue Room - Darlington Civic Theatre IT is hard not to want to be kind about Tracy Shaw and Jason Connery in David Hare's adaptation of Arthur Schnitzler's La Ronde. After all, their courage can hardly be questioned in taking on a controversial, challenging
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Mum appeals for missing son
THE mother of a missing student has broken her silence for the first time. Sandra Flintoft's son Craig Hetherington disappeared after leaving Middlesbrough's Cornerhouse pub after a night out with friends. The Guisborough family have not heard from Teesside
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Village gets ready for medieval celebrations
MEDIEVAL knights and birds of prey will be some of the attractions at Sedgefield's 33rd Medieval Fair. The fair, organised by the Sedgefield Community Association, will be held on the village green and in the grounds of Ceddesfeld Hall on Saturday. The
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A Beethoven celebration
MUSICIANS from a North-East orchestra are holding a double celebration this month to commemorate their 21st anniversary and their founder member's recovery from cancer. Cleveland Chamber Orchestra is teaming up with Cleveland Philharmonic Choir for a
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Ordeal of taxi driver who was garrotted by robbers
A TAXI driver was garrotted and left for dead by two passengers in a late-night robbery. James Graham was left with severe bruising around his neck and chest following a vicious attack in which he was choked with a belt or piece of rope. He picked up
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Anger at killer's open jail transfer
THE parents of two friends killed by a drink driver are furious that he is being taken on trips from prison after serving only two years of his sentence. Allan Jackson was jailed for eight years in December 2000 for killing Susan Briggs and Angela Ovington
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Festival celebrates country pursuits
LOVERS of rural pursuits found plenty to keep them entertained at a two-day celebration of the countryside over the weekend. The seventh Teesdale Game Fair attracted 15,000 people to the grounds of Witton Castle, near Bishop Auckland, on Saturday and
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News in brief: Police probe gun incident
POLICE are investigating a shooting incident in Maple Terrace outside the Newcastle College at 7.30pm on Tuesday. The people involved left the scene in two cars - a white H-reg Nissan Sunny, believed to have been damaged in the gunfire, and a red VW Golf
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Racing punter wins £20,000 with £4 bet
A PUNTER'S racing knowledge cleaned out a bookmaker's shop with an inspired triple selection. The middle-aged man, who wishes to remain anonymous, is more than £20,000 better off after a £4 bet came up trumps. The punter is a regular at Reuben Page's
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Soap Watch: Platt's plot
For months Martin Platt has been wandering around Weatherfield looking like a lost soul, only cheered up by knowing that his ex-wife, Gail the hamster, deserted him for a serial killer. At long last the Soapland scriptwriters have noticed that Martin
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Estate wants 20mph limit
PEOPLE plagued by speeding motorists on a Darlington estate are calling for it to be turned into a 20mph zone. A traffic study has already been carried out on Firthmoor and thousands of pounds have been set aside for speed calming measures by Darlington
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Star treatment for Grace
A CAT received VIP treatment at the opening of a veterinary centre in Darlington. Grace was the first patient at Vets4Pets in Grange Road on Monday. Veterinary director Tim Buck treated the cat and also gave Grace's owner Mrs Dickinson, of Cumberland
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Mass vaccination warning to trust
PUBLIC health experts fear mass vaccination may become less effective as increasing numbers of parents fail to have their children protected against mumps, measles and rubella (MMR). The warning to a meeting of Darlington Primary Care Trust's board follows
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Pupils see IVF in action
PUPILS from one of the UK's leading independent schools were welcomed on a science trip to the North-East yesterday. The 25 children from the fee-paying St Paul's School in London watched human egg fertilisation at a Darlington clinic. Headteacher Geoff
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Former mayor is named Citizen of the Year
A FORMER mayor was honoured for her tireless community work yesterday by being named Darlington's Citizen of the Year. Beatrice Cuthbertson, former Mayor of Darlington and former chairwoman of Sadberge Parish Council, won the accolade for her extensive
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Firm was 'front for cannabis trade'
CUNNING smugglers set up a bogus company to ship £1m of herbal cannabis into the UK from abroad, a court heard. The firm, Andalusite UK at the Riverside Road Industrial Estate in Sunderland, used a front of importing minerals from South Africa. But Newcastle
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NHS debate
The problems of getting the public involved in deciding changes to the National Health Service were discussed at a recent meeting of Darlington Primary Care Trust. Section 11 of the Health and Social Care Act makes it the responsibility of health bodies
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£1.7m homes scheme planned
A £1.7 million investment to regenerate part of Darlington could be approved by council officials next month. Developers are hoping to secure permission for 18 family homes in the Lascelles Park area of the town. Darlington Borough Council has received
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Chance for community say
PEOPLE living in Hartlepool's New Deal for Communities (NDC) area are being urged to go to a meeting. The next meeting of the NDC's Community Forum is on Monday at Belle Vue Community Sports and Youth Centre, in Kendal Road, at 6pm. As usual, the forum
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Tasty lessons
YOUNG people are being offered the chance to learn to cook at Darlington College of Technology. The course is not only for prospective chefs but for any pupil in years nine to 11 who are interested in food. The classes are at the Cleveland Avenue site
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News in brief: Blueprint for town's future
A blueprint for the future prosperity of Darlington has been published. Darlington Partnership's community strategy sets out a long-term vision for the town and will be discussed at an assembly in the Dolphin Centre on June 20. CAR OVERTURNED: A four-mile
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Village invests in own minibus
VILLAGERS can look forward to better transportation with the arrival of a community bus. Coundon and Leeholme Community Transport Initiative has obtained grants totalling more than £30,000 to pay for a 15-seater minibus. The funding has come from a £20,000
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Soldier tells of Iraq mercy drive
A CARING soldier drove for ten hours to save the life of a boy injured in the war with Iraq. Private Steven Simpson, from Castletown, Sunderland, was serving as an ambulance driver when he found two-year-old Hassan al-Khaibir in Safwan. The town had been
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Breath of fresh air for Sophie
A YOUNGSTER born with a rare condition yesterday celebrated her third birthday with a special present. Sophie Perren was born with the rare immune disorder, cyclical neutropenia, which means her white blood cell count can drop suddenly. Approximately
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Pupils help keep troops' moral high
PUPILS have brought comfort and cheer to troops serving in the Gulf. Youngsters at Durham Johnston School raised £624 by holding a non-uniform day to buy items for parcels. Sixty-eight parcels, containing things such as sweets, toiletries and socks, have
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Friends scheme for elderly gains cash
A BEFRIENDING scheme for elderly people in hospital has received a £5,846 cash boost. Friends in Deed, based at Chester-le-Street's Highfield Hospital, was launched by Bessie Hall a year ago after she had a spell in hospital. Volunteers visit people who
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News in brief: Students to play concert
Talented young musicians Isobel White, on harp, and cellist Anna Menzies can be heard in concert at Durham's DLI Museum and Art Gallery at Aykley Heads, on Sunday, at 2pm. Isobel, from Durham, and Anna, from Newcastle, are studying at Chetham's School
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Jonathan's loss proves to be hospice's gain
IN his quest to lose weight a teenager has so far managed to raise £1,000 for charity. Last month, 16-year-old Jonathan Wallace was told by doctors that if he did not trim down from 31 stone to 17 stone, he would only have between one to five years to
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City centre sealed off as water main bursts
PART of a city centre was sealed off yesterday as water from a burst main engulfed a road. Hundreds of Durham City residents woke up to find themselves without water after the main at New Elvet, near Scruffy Murphy's pub, began leaking. The problem was
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£32,000 for benefit team
A SUPPORT team is being set up to improve Darlington Borough Council's housing benefits work - thanks to a major Government grant. Staff in the borough council's housing benefits section are celebrating after a successful bid for £32,000 to improve customer
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Comment: Shamed for football's sake
IN the days of Wembley's Twin Towers, the people of the North-East faced a long and expensive journey to the capital if they wanted to see the England football team in action. The demise of Wembley, and the long-running wrangle over a national stadium
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Hick's exit silver cloud as rain proves winner
ON an otherwise frustrating return to soggy Stockton, Durham did at least manage to see off Graeme Hick yesterday. Two years ago the former England batsman thrashed 200 at Riverside and last season he amassed 315 not out against Durham at Worcester. It
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Cycle route features joys of spring
THE sights and sounds of the North-East in bloom promise to be the highlight of a guided cycle ride through Teesside. The route, organised by Stockton Borough Council, will take riders along the Castle Eden Walkway to Hurworth Burn Reservoir via the new
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Drugs raids continue
POLICE have warned there will be no let up in their war on drugs. Detectives made their pledge following a raid on a house in the Marske area of east Cleveland. They seized cannabis resin with an approximate street value of £500, more than £6,000 in cash
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Children make the news
Reporters, editors and sub-editors at a primary school have made a real splash in an international competition. The children of Northgate Junior School in Guisborough were one of 46 schools out of 2,500 to receive a distinction for their school newspaper
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Company seeks to improve bus safety
A BUS company is hoping a pilot scheme to improve safety for children travelling to school may be used across the region. Go North-East is introducing a number of yellow buses with increased safety features on the route to Green Croft Comprehensive School
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Firm gives town vote
BOSSES at a Bishop Auckland opticians have demonstrated their commitment to the town by investing £250,000 and creating nine new jobs. Directors at the Newgate Street branch of Specsavers say business is booming since they trebled the size of the store
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Students' design work goes on show
AN exhibition of glasswork and ceramics created by students has gone on display. The University of Sunderland's Dry Run exhibition opened on Tuesday at the Arts Studio, in the city. The undergraduates have used techniques such as hot glass, kiln glass
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N-E still paying highest council tax
The North-East is still paying the highest levels of council tax in England, despite London's equivalent bills rising by 18.2 per cent this year. The average band D household in the North-East is paying £1,161 this year - an increase of 8.7 per cent,
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PM drops in at arson-hit school
PUPILS at a school that was almost destroyed by arsonists had a special visitor last week. Prime Minister Tony Blair, who was in the region to visit his Sedgefield constituency, called in to see how the youngsters at Middleton St George primary school
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Hospitals bring back matrons
THE traditional role of matron has been revived at two south Durham hospitals to drive up standards in everything from cleanliness to patient care. Durham Dales Primary Care Trust has appointed two modern matrons to run Weardale Community Hospital in
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DocQwise buys city branch
ONE of the region's leading document services companies has bought a city centre branch of The Color Company. DocQwise Business Services, in York, has taken the first step towards building a national branch network by purchasing the Leicester branch of
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Finding the voice of the North
The release of a unique CD collection marks the high note of a research project which re-discovered hundreds of long-forgotten North-East folk songs. Chris Lloyd reports. As me and me marra was gannin' te work We met wi' the Devil, it was in the dark
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Choosing from three mayoresses
A mayor has named the first of several mayoresses during his new civic year. Councillor David Parnaby, a bachelor, decided to opt for several official escorts during his term of office in Ripon, North York- shire, so he can choose whoever suits the occasion
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Cook replica ship on course for return to spiritual home
THE replica of Captain James Cook's ship, Endeavour, is to make a return to its spiritual home. HM Bark Endeavour, on a European tour, is preparing to sail into Whitby, North Yorkshire, next Thursday. Its arrival, at about 8.30pm, will herald two weeks
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Inquiry into fireplace fall continuing
TRADING Standards officers are continuing their investigation into a company which sold a fireplace that toppled on to a young girl. The investigation was launched after the three-year-old was crushed by the mantlepiece which had been supplied and fitted
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New uniforms for fighting crime - and the weather
FRONT-LINE officers are putting new kit through a six-month trial. If accepted, the uniform being worn in Stanley, County Durham, could become standard for officers throughout Durham Police. About 40 officers have been selected to put the kit through
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Operatic society stalwart mourned
A SINGER who played leading roles in musical shows for more than four decades has died. Baritone Vincent Vickers, of Bishop Auckland, performed at Newcastle's Theatre Royal and Gateshead Empire as well as doing seasons on the North Pier at Blackpool,
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Marina donated latest life-saving device
LIFE-saving equipment has been installed at a North-East tourist attraction. The £2,500 "talking" defibrillator could help save lives at Hartlepool Marina. Donated by Tees, East and North Yorkshire Ambulance Service, the device is expected to be the first
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Burglary at home where body found
POLICE have turned to the public for help following the theft of items from a house where a woman was found dead. Susan Reed McVicar was found at her home in Brewerton Street, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, on May 1. All efforts to identify the cause
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Eight year old shot
AN eight-year-old youngster needed emergency surgery after being shot in the face last night. The youngster was hit as he played with older children on a recreation ground in Thornaby, Teesside. Police said the weapon used was an air pistol or rifle.
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Last Night's TV: Sorting out a bit of business brothers' bother
I'll Show Them Who's Boss (BBC2) The story of brothers Angus, Alan and Alistair was more than a storm in a coffee cup. This was sibling rivalry at its most antagonistic as the three argued over the future of their company. Business guru Gerry Robinson
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Dales guide is back in print
DALES traders are fighting back from heavy job losses by backing an official guide aimed at promoting the area and its beauty. The Official Guide for Weardale Rural District has been released this week more than 30 years after the last booklet was circulated
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New farm food website
A VIRTUAL market place is the latest initiative unveiled by the National Farmers' Union (NFU) to put food suppliers in the region directly in contact with buyers. NFU SourceDirect, which is expected to be operational by summer, will allow retailers and
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Eric can follow up Leger win
THIS afternoon on the Knavesmire Bollin Eric (2.30) bids to add the Yorkshire Cup to his portfolio of big-race victories following last year's heroic win in the St Leger. The new darling of the Yorkshire racing public, Bollin Eric put his first foot on
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Hospitals progress in bid for new status
THREE North-East hospitals have moved a step closer in their quest for foundation hospitals status. Health Secretary Alan Milburn announced 29 candidates to become the first wave of Foundation Trust hospitals in a written ministerial statement. The 29
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Setback for family's fight over son's balcony death
The family of a North-East holidaymaker who fell to his death from a balcony on a Greek island face a further wait after a court case against hospital staff accused of negligence was adjourned until September. The relatives of 24-year-old Christopher
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News in brief: Barbeque for spinal patients
A barbecue is being held at the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, for present and former patients tomorrow - Spinal Cord injuries Awareness Day. Every year, between 30 and 50 people throughout the North receive a spinal cord injury, many
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New-look to chamber takes shape
A NEW-LOOK Richmondshire District Council has begun to take shape in the wake of the local elections on May 1. The Conservatives have now taken over as the dominant force on the authority - previously led by an association of independents - and all the
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Council tenants 'happier'
THE findings of a survey suggest more tenants than ever in Richmondshire are happy with their council homes, says the local authority. Richmondshire District Council says its latest research has shown 85 per cent are satisfied with the service they receive
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Mike faces mountainous feat
CHARITY worker Mike Palfreman has set himself a gruelling fundraising challenge - following an ancient route of pilgrimage. Without any back-up and carrying everything he needs, he plans to cycle 850kms from France to Spain, crossing the Pyrenees. He
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So proud of mum
MATURE student Julie Goddard has won a prestigious award for her learning excellence. Ms Goddard, a single mother from York, has been awarded the National Adult Learners Award for North Yorkshire and Humberside region, as part of the Adult Learners Week
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Notes From Planet Zog: Money makes a boy's head go round
M is for MONEY and MOTHER, often sadly confused in the young adolescent mind. It's also for MISTAKES, which is what adolescence is for. How else will they learn? When they wanted to show me how much they'd grown, the boys would rest an elbow nonchalantly
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Lottery windfall answers
TWO churches in lower Wensleydale are among half a dozen in the Yorkshire region to benefit from a £600,000 cash windfall from the Heritage Lottery Fund and English Heritage. St John The Evangelist Church, in Bellerby, near Leyburn, has been earmarked
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Elizabeth Gate plan 'not dead'
A SCHEME to build a national monument in the region to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee is far from dead, said the project's co-ordinator. Historian Malcolm Neesam, who played a key role in bringing the project to Harrogate, rather than London, said: "
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Soldier tells of Iraq mercy drive
A CARING soldier drove for ten hours to save the life of a boy injured in the war with Iraq. Private Steven Simpson, from Castletown, Sunderland, was serving as an ambulance driver when he found two-year-old Hassan al-Khaibir in Safwan. The town had been
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Students' design work goes on show
AN exhibition of glasswork and ceramics created by students has gone on display. The University of Sunderland's Dry Run exhibition opened on Tuesday at the Arts Studio, in the city. The undergraduates have used techniques such as hot glass, kiln glass
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City centre sealed off as water main bursts
PART of a city centre was sealed off yesterday as water from a burst main engulfed a road. Hundreds of Durham City residents woke up to find themselves without water after the main at New Elvet, near Scruffy Murphy's pub, began leaking. The problem was
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Firm was 'front for cannabis trade'
CUNNING smugglers set up a bogus company to ship £1m of herbal cannabis into the UK from abroad, a court heard. The firm, Andalusite UK at the Riverside Road Industrial Estate in Sunderland, used a front of importing minerals from South Africa. But Newcastle
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Corus workers told to improve their skills
THE head of one of Britain's most powerful business groups last night gave a stark assessment of the future of steelmaking on Teesside. Digby Jones, director general of the Confederation of British Industry, said crisis-hit Corus operations in the region
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Why it takes more guts to come last
IT wasn't until I got to the starting line that I realised entering a ten-mile road and moorland race in the Yorkshire Dales might have been a mistake. There wasn't even anyone dressed up as a chicken, or wearing a deep sea diving suit. The London Marathon
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Widow's farewell to hero of skies
The most decorated airman of the Second World War was finally given a military send-off yesterday - after being missing in action for almost six decades. The body of North-East-born Wing Commander Adrian Warburton DSO DFC was found in December when the
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Abseil at church for charity
FRIENDS of Sedgefield St Edmund's Church are organising a sponsored abseil from the church tower. The Norman tower is the tallest church tower in the county only surpassed by Durham Cathedral. Two years ago sponsored abseilers raised over £4,000 which
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Pupils earn national award
Teenagers at a Darlington school have proved they can find their way around by picking up a national navigation award. The eight Year 11 pupils from Branksome Comprehensive School have been learning navigational skills as part of the Duke of Edinburgh
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Care worker admits thefts from elderly
A FORMER care worker admitted stealing from two elderly clients to help pay off her own mounting debts. Lynn Pattinson, 42, of Ferryhill, County Durham, pleaded guilty to two charges of theft and three of obtaining property by deception when she appeared
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Woman accused of waitress attack
A WOMAN accused of attacking staff at an exclusive restaurant on Valentine's night will face trial at Teesside Crown Court. Karen Taylor, a 31-year-old welder from Church Street, Toronto, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, is charged with using or threatening
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Region has second-highest unemployment rate
JOBLESS rates fell by 13,000 in the North-East during the January to March period, the latest figures have revealed. However, the North-East still has the UK's second highest unemployment rate at 6.4 per cent - with 72,000 people recorded as being out
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Red carpet for young dignitaries
TWO children from Darlington got a taste of civic duties when they stepped into the Mayor's shoes for the day. Amy McAlister and Rebecca Johnson, both 11, joined Mayor Doris Jones on her duties after winning the annual Junior Mayor and Mayoress competition
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Training helps LNP workers to break the mould
WORKERS at LNP Engineering Plastics on Teesside are learning to break the mould. The company, which produces long fibre thermoplastic composites used in automotive, leisure, industrial, building and home appliance markets, is benefiting from bespoke training
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Toddler rescued from garden pond
A TWO-YEAR-OLD girl is recovering in hospital after falling into a garden pond. The toddler, who has not been named, almost drowned at her parents' home, in Monkend Gardens, Croft, near Darlington. It is believed her parents rescued her from the water
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Cook replica ship on course for return to spiritual home
THE replica of Captain James Cook's ship, Endeavour, is to make a return to its spiritual home. HM Bark Endeavour, on a European tour, is preparing to sail into Whitby, North Yorkshire, next Thursday. Its arrival, at about 8.30pm, will herald two weeks
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Another blow for textiles industry
NEWS that a County Durham clothing factory faces closure later this year has come as the latest in a long line of crushing blows to the region's troubled textile industry. Losses in the clothing sector during the past five years have led to economic hardship
