Archive
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Avocets enjoy a paddle in Neasham's shallow pools
APRIL had plenty of interest for local birders even if lacking in major rarities. Summer migrants continued to flood in, the first swallow I've heard of was at Nosterfield on the 6th and an early cuckoo was near Kirby Fleetham on the 9th. A nice flock
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'We got a bit carried away' admit manhunt police who called FBI
POLICE who were criticised for calling in the FBI to help a search across the US for a North-East man and his "missing" family have admitted: "We got carried away." The small police department in the town of Rainier, Oregon, asked federal agents to help
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Teams compete on the river
A SUMMER of major rowing competitions got under way on the River Wear in Durham last weekend. The city has a long rowing tradition and its annual regatta, coming up in June, is the country's second oldest, pre-dating the more well-known event at Henley
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Man beaten, robbed and abandoned
A man was beaten and robbed before being dumped in the street in just his trousers and socks. Kevin Campbell was attacked during a drinking session with Stuart Little, 20, and Michael Green, 20, on November 15, last year. Newcastle Crown Court heard how
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Crackdown to protect beauty spots
POLICE have launched a crackdown on bikers and off-road drivers to safeguard beauty spots. Following the introduction of legislation making it an offence to damage a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Northumbria Police officers are targeting
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Former pupils invited to school reunion
FORMER pupils of a Spennymoor school are being invited to a reunion disco to take a trip down memory lane. Students who left Rock Road Secondary Modern School in 1963, and teachers who worked there at the time, can celebrate their time at the school on
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Kenco finds new home
A JACK Russell terrier has found a new home at the National Canine Defence League (NCDL) in Darlington. Kenco, the rescue dog, will live at the Rehoming Centre in Sadberge as one of the charity's sponsored dogs. Three-year-old Kenco arrived at the centre
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Post office branches to be closed in shake up
TWO Ferryhill post office branches are to close as part of a national shake-up of the service. The Post Office Ltd has agreed with the subpostmasters of the Cleves Cross branch on Brancepeth Road, and the Broom branch on Dean Road, that they should close
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Winning team prepare for nationals
PRIMARY school youngsters are hoping to continue their winning streak as they head for a national swimming contest. The four girls from St Wilfrid's Primary in Bishop Auckland swam to victory in the Northern Divisional Championships and will now travel
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News in brief: Expensive cars are targeted
THIEVES are heading to a Cleveland town to steal quality cars from driveways. Police said nine quality cars, including BMWs, have been taken from Guisborough housing estates since February. They believe that criminals are stealing the keys from homes
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TV presenter shows the fun of science
CHILDREN'S television presenter Johnny Ball showed pupils how science can be fun when he visited a Middlesbrough school yesterday. He was at Newlands School, in Saltersgill Avenue, to launch its bid to become a specialist science college, and spent time
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Biker's challenge - with maggots
INSPIRED by the bush tucker challenges on TV's I'm A Celebrity - Get Me Out Of Here, a Teesside man thought of just the thing to raise the profile of his friend's charity motorbike ride. Ron Gordon and Derek Bales have pledged to spend 24 hours in a concoction
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Thousands expected at youth arts and music celebration
MORE than 2,000 youngsters from across Teesside are to take part in a celebration of youth next month. Young people are to perform music, drama, dancing, films and art during Hartlepool's first youth arts festival. The town will be taken over by performances
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Day out with the Romans
THE private life of the commander of a North-East Roman fort will be revealed today. Re-enactment society Cohors Quinta Gallorum are taking over the recently-constructed Commanding Officer's house at Arbeia Roman Fort, South Shields. From 1pm to 4pm,
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Workshops on pottery design
FAMILIES are urged to gather up potatoes and old sponges for a series of art workshops. The free sessions are being run by Durham County Council throughout the half-term holiday at Durham Light Infantry Museum and Durham Art Gallery, at Aykley Heads,
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Secrets of family trees
A LIBRARY is offering people the chance to learn the secrets of their family tree. The event is being held at Blackhall Library, from Monday to Friday. Organiser Bea Manghan said: "We'll be able to help people get started and give them useful hints, addresses
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News in brief: New mayoral election bid
A NEW attempt is to be made on Monday night to elect a mayor and deputy mayor of Whitby by the crisis-hit town council. Only six people were nominated for the 19 seats on the council at the recent elections and the authority ceased to be quorate when
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News in brief: New mayor to be elected
Spennymoor Town Council will hold its annual meeting at the town hall on Tuesday at 6.45pm. A town mayor and deputy mayor will be elected and retiring mayor Councillor Ross Hawkes will present his charity appeal proceeds to his nominated charities Spennymoor
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Stepping out along cliffs and dunes
COUNTRYSIDE wardens at Saltburn Valley Woodland Centre are planning two long walks next week. On Tuesday, May 20, starting at 9am from the Ship Inn, the National Trust will join wardens to explore the cliffs and dunes on a seven-mile walk to Skinningrove
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Rambling on about fact and fiction
A Call My Bluff-style walk around Hartlepool's Summerhill site takes place this month. Led by Summerhill manager Tony Davison, the guide will lead ramblers on a tour of the 100-acre site - but he will not always be providing the genuine facts. Mr Davison
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At Your Service: A saint for Today
Look out, St George. A poll has revealed support for St Alban as England's patron saint. The congregation of a church bearing his name agrees. And what's more, he really did exist. THERE are several problems with St George, England's patron saint, chief
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Weekend of walks and cycle events
THE longest day will be full of action for walkers and cyclists in east Cleveland. A total of 10,000 leaflets have been distributed promoting the Nevisport Walking and Cycling Festival on Saturday, June 21. There will also be events across the district
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Play area protected as part of
RESIDENTS of a market town cul-de-sac are celebrating the news that a children's play area will be kept as it is. Councillors yesterday approved plans by Broadacres Housing Association and Yuill Homes to build 75 homes on an old prison garden site in
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On yer bikes for a sight-seeing tour of cultural Tyneside
A GROUP of leather-clad bikers acted as tour guides for Dutch writers on the culture trail. The motorcycling journalists arrived by ferry from Holland and were greeted by bikers from the Westgate Hill Traders' Association in Newcastle. The media group
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Resort's farewell to former mayor
ALDERMAN Tom Young, one of Scarborough's best known personalities, has died at the age of 87. A former Mayor of Scarborough, he was a member of the former Scarborough Rural District Council before joining the borough authority when it was established
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Hands-in experience as hygiene chiefs call at school
YOUNGSTERS at a Middlesbrough School were taught yesterday by environmental health officers about the importance of hand-washing. Three classes at Abingdon School joined in the sessions designed to reduce the risks of illnesses such as cold, flu and food
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Pupils taking to the streets
ALMOST 11,000 Middlesbrough schoolchildren are expected to take to the streets for Walk to School Week on Monday. The town's 31 primary schools will be involved in the event, which aims to encourage parents and children to walk to school in an effort
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Pensioner's sight saved by spur of the moment eye test
A PENSIONER, who took his grandson for a routine eye test, ended up owing his life to the optician who discovered that he was the one in grave danger. Brian Lansdell took the casual decision to have a check-up while he waited for 11-year-old Daniel's
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Top Irish folk band on their way
A MULTI-AWARD winning folk band is on its way to Wensleydale for a live performance next month. Irish band Danu are bringing their brand of traditional music to Wensleydale School, Leyburn, on Thursday, June 12, at 8pm. Voted Best Live Band at BBC Radio
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Festival fever about to take a grip
THOUSANDS of young people are expected to take part in a big festival in North Yorkshire this summer. The month-long Celebration of Youth, in Ryedale, will see workshops, training sessions, and activities for youngsters aged eight and over. The festival
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Recycling calendar to be issued soon
NEW calendars giving details of a kerbside paper recycling scheme in the Hambleton district are about to be issued to all residents. However, until they arrive, people are urged to continue putting out their blue bags on collection day - unless it falls
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Half-term fun for children
CHILDREN are being offered a range of activities to keep them entertained during the school half-term. Sessions are being held in Darlington Art's Centre. Children can take part in different arts and crafts events from Tuesday to Friday, May 27 to 30.
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Emma follows in family's political footsteps
A NEWLY-elected North-East councillor is keeping it in the family by following her mother, father and grandfather into politics. Emma Vasey-Smith, 23, attended her first full council meeting in Darlington along with parents and fellow Labour councillors
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Tykes aim to check their one-day slump
Yorkshire have a great chance to end their slump in form tomorrow when they take on bottom-of-the-table Leicestershire Foxes at Grace Road in Division One of the National League. But there was dismay among the players yesterday upon hearing that their
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News in brief: Religion expert to give lecture
A RELIGIOUS education expert Professor John Hull will speak at County Hall, in Durham, on June 5, when he addresses Durham's Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education. Dr Hull was the first professor for religious education and is based at Birmingham
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Firemen raise cash on a Tour de France
FIREFIGHTERS who tackled the French version of the coast-to-coast cycle ride have returned to Britain. Peterlee firefighters are now collecting their sponsorship after completing an exhausting journey from Calais to Monte Carlo in five days. The party
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Promoting effective use of medicine
DOCTORS are being given a taste of their own medicine as part of a national project to promote effective use of medication. Health workers working for Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trust recently took stock of a project that has been running
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college students take to the catwalk
STUDENTS took to the catwalk on Thursday night for a college fashion show. The event at New College Durham's Nevilles Cross site was organised by the beauty therapy department and was a concerted effort by students. Some modelled clothes, while others
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Medieval village protected by ruling
A MEDIEVAL settlement will be preserved after it was recognised as a scheduled monument. The settlement, adjacent to the ruins of Coxhoe Hall, in Coxhoe, has been included on the schedule of ancient monuments and archaeological areas compiled by the Secretary
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Scepticism over university jobs reassurances
DURHAM University staff have reacted with scepticism at reassurances that no jobs will be lost if their counselling faculty closes. Staff and students at the Centre for Studies in Counselling (Cesco) are preparing for a demonstration next week in protest
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Hotelier leads regeneration
A TOP hotelier has been appointed to spearhead the regeneration of Scarbrorough. Nick Taylor, general manager of the resort's prestigious Royal Hotel, has been named as the new town renaissance manager in a multi-million pound initiative being funded
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Old classics are still the best read
HARRY Potter mania may still be sweeping the nation, but when it comes to their books, the people of North Yorkshire still go for the classics. Tradition ruled when library-users across the county took part in a poll to find what was their favourite book
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Salute to the Anzac who saved hundreds of lives
HUNDREDS will gather this weekend to honour the North-East war hero who saved hundreds of lives in one of the bloodiest conflicts of the First World War. John Simpson Kirkpatrick is a national hero in Australia, for his sacrifice and heroism during the
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Taking a new look at The Mikado
A NEW show is taking a fresh look at one of the great Gilbert and Sullivan shows. The exhaustingly-titled Farndale Avenue Townswomen's Guild Operatic Society's Production of The Mikado is a comedy operetta by David McGillivray and Walter Zerlin Jnr. Staged
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County's bid for national tea-making crown is brewing nicely
THE search is on for the best cup of tea in the country - and North Yorkshire is one of the hot favourites for the title. Three of the county's tea-rooms have made the national finals of the Tea Guild's annual contest. Mystery tasters will be visiting
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Big guns are rolled out
THE big guns are to roll into a medieval manor house later this month as part of an Army presentation weekend. Visitors to Seaton Holme, in Easington Village, County Durham, will be given a glimpse of the modern Army during a series of displays and demonstrations
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Return from Saddam's golden lair
A soldier who became the North-East face of the war on Iraq has returned home. Liz Lamb met him. STUART Lawley had never seen such ostentatious wealth. He was surrounded by beautiful gold-painted walls, hand-crafted decorations, expensive works of art
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More fun on adventure playground
CHILDREN at an infants school can let off steam thanks to a new adventure trail. After months of fundraising, pupils at Ouston Infant School, near Chester-le-Street, have more opportunities to climb, jump, clamber, run and swing, with the creation of
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New chairman
The new chairman of Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council, in east Cleveland, is Joan Guy of Saltburn. Coun Guy was elected at the council's AGM earlier this week. The council has deferred the election of a vice-chairman.
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Cocaine dealers will be deported
JAMAICAN crack-cocaine dealers arrested during a North-East drugs raid are to be sent home after serving lengthy jail terms. Deportation notices have been served on the five illegal immigrants who Judge Peter Bowers told: "The sooner this country is rid
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The Pearl in the crown
It's one of the most famous tunes in cinema history and one guaranteed to get people singing along - even though it's nothing to do with the actual films THE lights in the auditorium dim. As the curtains part, you settle back in your seat clutching a
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Popular female priest dies aged 88
ONE of the first women to be ordained as a priest in the North-East has died. Margaret Kane was one of 38 women to be ordained at Durham Cathedral during an historic ceremony in 1994. She led an active church life until her death, aged 88, last week,
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Children sing and dance for Europe
HUNDREDS of youngsters from County Durham have tried a little taste of Europe. Almost 350 pupils from 40 primary schools joined in Europe Day celebrations last Friday at County Hall in Durham. They sampled a continental breakfast and conversed in foreign
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How to catalogue your CD collection
CD Box Labeller Pro, Format: PC CD ROM, Publisher: Greenstreet Software. Sure Thing CD Labeller, Format: PC CD ROM, Publisher: Sure Thing Press It 2.0 SE. Free download Neato CD Label Designer, Publisher: Neato ALMOST every PC these days comes with a
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News in brief: Religion expert to give lecture
A RELIGIOUS education expert Professor John Hull will speak at County Hall, in Durham, on June 5, when he addresses Durham's Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education. Dr Hull was the first professor for religious education and is based at Birmingham
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Promoting effective use of medicine
DOCTORS are being given a taste of their own medicine as part of a national project to promote effective use of medication. Health workers working for Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trust recently took stock of a project that has been running
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Washing protest over tuition fees
STUDENTS sent a delivery of dirty washing to the Prime Minister's Sedgefield home - after accusing the Government of taking the shirts off their backs with proposed tuition fees. Durham University students led a protest march through the city last Wednesday
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When no news is bad news for the Congo
THERE is no news today from the Congo. This may not surprise anyone, given the 30 or so US citizens killed in Saudi Arabia, the couple of hundred or so people who have died of Sars in the Far East, and the couple of thousand or so bodies found buried
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Ex-wife's ashes prove she didn't park illegally
A divorced father-of-two was forced to take drastic action to prove his ex-wife was dead when he was threatened by bailiffs over unpaid parking fines she had allegedly run up. John Walker, 40, of Willow Rise, Thorpe Willoughby, near Selby, North Yorkshire
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Letters: Decline in shops
Sir, - Mr Hallard was quite right (D&S letters, May 2) to proclaim the virtues of shopping around the trading estate on Gallowfields, and I am pleased to hear he stocks grate polish. However, shoppers come to Richmond to shop in the Market Place,
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17/05/03
WATER SUPPLIES: I AM alarmed at the Government's proposal to amend the Water Bill in favour of re-introducing fluoride to drinking water. While there appears to be a scientific case that fluoride is beneficial to dental health, there are serious concerns
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Councillor set to forfeit seat
A COUNCILLOR faces losing his seat because he has not attended enough meetings. Labour man Keith Murray-Hetherington, who has represented Stanley on Durham County Council since 1997, has attended only eight meetings in the last two years. He now stands
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In My View: Reality cheques
SO 13m of us watched the final of I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here (ITV, Monday). It wasn't exactly riveting stuff away from the increasingly dangerous Bush Tucker Trials - or Bush Tucker Telegraphs as hosts Ant and Dec kept saying by mistake. The highlight
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Cars put to the test
ROADSIDE checks on vehicles are being carried out in the county. Durham Police are staging a two-week safety campaign to make motorists more aware of the need to maintain cars, vans and motorcycles. At a series of roadside checks this month police will
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Day out with the Romans
THE private life of the commander of a North-East Roman fort will be revealed today. Re-enactment society Cohors Quinta Gallorum are taking over the recently-constructed Commanding Officer's house at Arbeia Roman Fort, South Shields. From 1pm to 4pm,
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Boss cites 'proof' of Saddam's weapons
A BUSINESSMAN claims an attempt was made to trick him into shipping equipment to Iraq for treating victims of weapons of mass destruction. Roland Hudson, managing director of Interpower International, of Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire, believes last
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Stars brought to life in showtime
POP stars from Will Young to the Village People will be brought to life in a special tribute concert this week. The Stars in Your Eyes-style show, organised by Moveable Feast Arts of South Moor, near Stanley, will star dozens of contestants, including
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Feethams squad has real designs on title
Darlington Building Society NYSD League Darlington, who would have clinched the title last season had they defeated arch-rivals Darlington RA on the final day of the season, are confident they can again make an impact in the race for honours. "We were
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Lessons in road safety for child cyclists
A CYCLING proficiency course designed to keep youngsters safe on the roads has proved a success. The first two courses held by special constables in Chester-le-Street were fully booked. The courses, held on successive Sunday afternoons, are for riders
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Man accused of taking part in shop raid
A MAN appeared in court yesterday accused of taking part in an armed raid on a village sub-post office. Paul Solomon, 22, is alleged to have been one of a duo who robbed a convenience store in Ludworth, near Durham, on Monday afternoon. Mr Solomon, of
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Headlines you thought you'd never see
HIGH on the list of candidates for headlines you thought you'd never see was an offering on Wednesday which read: "Wembley way ahead of schedule." This is a bit rich considering that it took three years between playing the final match in the old stadium
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Dambuster tribute
A WAR hero was remembered in his home town yesterday, on the 60th anniversary of the legendary mission that claimed his life. Navigator Tom Tucker Jaye, from Crook, County Durham, was one of the few selected for the secret attack which would later be
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Is this the start of a leadership challenge?
During the days of the Cold War when the Soviet media was a branch of its government, a band of people emerged to interpret for the West the real meaning of the most minute developments in Soviet corridors of power. Known as Kremlin watchers, they could
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Burst pipe brings city to standstill
HUNDREDS of people woke up to find themselves without water after a burst main. At around 7am on Wednesday, Northumbrian Water received a report that the main water pipe at New Elvet, Durham City, near Scruffy Murphy's pub, was leaking on to the road.
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Air ambulance appeals for volunteers
VOLUNTEERS are needed to help the Great North Air Ambulance Service stay in the air. The charity, which offers an emergency rescue service to people who can not be reached by a road ambulance, relies on donations to fund its work. New area fundraiser
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Caitlin, four, comes to mother's aid
A MOTHER who collapsed at her home said how she was saved by the quick-thinking of her four-year-old daughter who dialled 999. Lisa Robson, 24, said she had just made breakfast for daughter, Caitlin, on Tuesday, when she passed out at the house in Chester-le-Street
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Search launched for girl band members
THE search is on to find talented girls with attitude for a new North-East band. Genius Entertainment, in Stanley, is looking for feisty female singers, drummers, guitarists and keyboard players for an all-girl group in the style of Canadian punk pop
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Showing that Mum's is best
MOTHERS staged a mass feed to draw attention to the benefits of breast milk. About 20 mothers took part in the event, the culmination of National Breast Feeding Week, in the Cornmill Centre, Darlington, yesterday. "We have had a great week," said midwife
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Gymnasts bring back a clutch of medals
A WORLD-CLASS gymnastics centre that opened this year has already proved its worth. Deerness Leisure and Gymnastics Centre in Durham, was designated an Institute of Sport High Performance Centre in January. The club sent 24 youngsters to Stoke-on- Trent
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Pitch invaders step forward
NINE people wanted in connection with the pitch invasions during England's football clash with Turkey in Sunderland have come forward. Northumbria Police and the Football Association came together on Wednesday to launch a hunt for 29 fans who ran on to
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Comment: Worthy of the spotlight
THE glitz and the glamour of the movie industry in the South of France is a world away from North Yorkshire. But no one can begrudge the members of Rylstone Women's Institute their VIP status at the Cannes Film Festival. Let us not forget how their international
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Cars put to the test
ROADSIDE checks on vehicles are being carried out in the county. Durham Police are staging a two-week safety campaign to make motorists more aware of the need to maintain cars, vans and motorcycles. At a series of roadside checks this month police will
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Schwarz calls it a day
MIDFIELDER Stefan Schwarz, released by relegated Sunderland, has announced his retirement after admitting defeat in his battle with a knee injury. The 34-year-old Swedish international revealed that Sunderland club doctor David Gough had advised him to
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Geremi beats a hasty retreat to Spanish sun
GEREMI has flown back to Spain with his future still up in the air. Middlesbrough are battling to secure a permanent deal for the Real Madrid midfielder, who was a major success during his season-long loan at the Riverside. Deposed European champions
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24 arrests in hunt for paedophiles
POLICE have arrested 24 people as part Operation Ore, the worldwide hunt for paedophiles. The announcement by Cleveland Police completes the first phase of one of the biggest investigations into Internet child abuse, which started when the FBI passed
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Flats plan for spa hotel marks the end of an era
A hotel in the childhood village of Alice in Wonderland author Lewis Carroll faces closure and conversion into flats, bringing 200 years of history to an end. The Croft Spa Hotel, near Darlington, may be converted into 39 flats and houses. Peter Featherstone
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Russia honours Arctic Convoy heroes
BRITISH veterans who braved Arctic conditions and enemy attacks to carry vital supplies to Russia in the Second World War have been honoured for their bravery. Forty men who served in the famous Arctic Convoys of 1941 to 1945 received commemorative medals
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Island death trial off again
A FAMILY'S agonising wait for justice over the death of a young Chester-le-Street man in a Greek hospital has been prolonged. Relatives of Christopher Rochester, 24, were in Rhodes, this week hoping to see five Greek medics stand trial accused of killing
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Stock up now, because nanny doesn't always know best
'USE it or lose it" doesn't always apply. Not when nanny knows best and nanny lives in a tangle of red tape in an ivory tower in Brussels. We used to dust flowers of sulphur on our dahlia tubers to prevent them rotting in winter storage and dip our brassica
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On yer bikes for a sight-seeing tour of cultural Tyneside
A GROUP of leather-clad bikers acted as tour guides for Dutch writers on the culture trail. The motorcycling journalists arrived by ferry from Holland and were greeted by bikers from the Westgate Hill Traders' Association in Newcastle. The media group
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It's been a long and winding road that's led to these Arms
WHEN Barbara Johnson and Peter Phillips set out to fulfil their dreams, the last thing they expected was to end up running the Morritt Arms Hotel. The devious route which led them to Greta Bridge traced a path from Switzerland, where they met and fell
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Teenagers fly the flag in Europe
YOUNGSTERS from Consett YMCA will be forging international links when they travel to Europe this summer to represent the region at two separate events. One group will travel to Prague in August to take part in the YMCA Europe Youth Festival, while young
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Pensioner dragged during robbery bid
A 21-YEAR-old woman who tried to rob a pensioner in a shopping arcade was jailed for 18 months yesterday. Claire Sansum, of Romanby Road, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery when she appeared at Teesside Crown Court. Christine
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Revitalised Ryhope seek a return to glory days
Durham Coast League Murton, who share the leadership with Hylton, face their most difficult game to date when they host rejuvenated Ryhope. The Wearsiders, once one of the strongest clubs in the North-East, are determined to return to the glory days and
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Tragic war tale is an inspiration to actors
WHEN North-East soldier Henry Taylor Clark said goodbye to his infant son before he boarded a troop ship bound for the Mediterranean, he knew it was for the last time. Pte Clark, back on leave from the front, had spent a few precious days at home in Consett
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Crackdown to protect beauty spots
POLICE have launched a crackdown on bikers and off-road drivers to safeguard beauty spots. Following the introduction of legislation making it an offence to damage a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Northumbria Police officers are targeting
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Accountant celebrates 20 years of steady expansion
A CHARTERED accountant who has built his one-man band into a firm employing 70 staff is celebrating 20 years in business in Darlington. Clive Owen decided to go it alone after working for Peat Marwick and Mitchell in the town, and in industry. He started
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Free checks on offer for your pet's teeth
PET owners are being encouraged to give their pets gleaming gnashers as part of an awareness month. Abbey Veterinary Centre, based in Durham and Chester-le-Street, and Vets4Pets, situated in Framwellgate Moor in Durham, are urging owners to take more
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Stroke victims to get revolutionary drug
A "MIRACULOUS" drug that can reverse the devastating effects of a severe stroke is likely to be given to more North-East patients. It follows a decision by licensing authorities to allow a powerful clot-busting drug normally used on heart patients to
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Children sing and dance for Europe
HUNDREDS of youngsters from County Durham have tried a little taste of Europe. Almost 350 pupils from 40 primary schools joined in Europe Day celebrations last Friday at County Hall in Durham. They sampled a continental breakfast and conversed in foreign
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Reality cheques
SO 13m of us watched the final of I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here (ITV, Monday). It wasn't exactly riveting stuff away from the increasingly dangerous Bush Tucker Trials - or Bush Tucker Telegraphs as hosts Ant and Dec kept saying by mistake. The highlight
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Former pupils invited to school reunion
FORMER pupils of a Spennymoor school are being invited to a reunion disco to take a trip down memory lane. Students who left Rock Road Secondary Modern School in 1963, and teachers who worked there at the time, can celebrate their time at the school on
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Kenco finds new home
A JACK Russell terrier has found a new home at the National Canine Defence League (NCDL) in Darlington. Kenco, the rescue dog, will live at the Rehoming Centre in Sadberge as one of the charity's sponsored dogs. Three-year-old Kenco arrived at the centre
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Tributes paid to councillor
TRIBUTES have been paid to John Dormer, who has stepped down from Great Aycliffe Town Council after more than 40 years. Mr Dormer, who is continuing as a member of Durham County Council, first moved to Newton Ayclffe in 1958 and joined the former parish
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Sexual health promoted
YOUNGSTERS throughout Sedgefield borough have been learning about sexual health during National Condom Week. Teenagers from Newton Aycliffe were just one of a number of groups to take part in projects designed to raise awareness of the benefits of protected
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Sexual health promoted
YOUNGSTERS throughout Sedgefield borough have been learning about sexual health during National Condom Week. Teenagers from Newton Aycliffe were just one of a number of groups to take part in projects designed to raise awareness of the benefits of protected
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Long-serving newspaper man dies
WARM tributes have been paid to a long-serving newspaper man, who has died at the age of 67. Grandfather Norman Alderson, of Leyburn Road, Darlington, died suddenly on Thursday. He worked for North of England Newspapers for more than four decades, mainly
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Long-serving newspaper man dies
WARM tributes have been paid to a long-serving newspaper man, who has died at the age of 67. Grandfather Norman Alderson, of Leyburn Road, Darlington, died suddenly on Thursday. He worked for North of England Newspapers for more than four decades, mainly
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Second cash boost allows centre to fund manager
VOLUNTEERS have secured National Lottery funding for the second time so they can place a new manager at the helm of the community centre they fought so hard to get. Residents living on the Jubilee Estate in Shildon campaigned and fundraised for years
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George takes over borough's reins
COUNCILLOR George Gray has been installed as the new Mayor of Sedgefield Borough Council. Coun Gray, from Newton Aycliffe, received the chains of office from outgoing mayor Coun David Newell at the council's annual meeting yesterday. A member of Great
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Commitment to sport is rewarded
A SCHOOL'S commitment to sport and physical education has been recognised with the national Sportsmark award. Parkside School, in Willington, has added orienteering and outdoor pursuits to its PE timetable but pupils still excel in traditional games such
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News in brief: Planning decision goes to public inquiry
A public inquiry is being held to determine whether an amusement arcade can open in Darlington town centre. The Noble Organisation wants to turn a shop and offices in Northgate in the town into an amusement arcade and tanning centre. A decision was not
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New chairman
The new chairman of Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council, in east Cleveland, is Joan Guy of Saltburn. Coun Guy was elected at the council's AGM earlier this week. The council has deferred the election of a vice-chairman.
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Forest's sponsored events
The Guisborough Forest and Walkway at Pinchinthorpe is hosting two fundraising events for Macmillan Cancer Relief on bank holiday Monday, May 26. A 3.5-mile sponsored cycle ride starts at 10am and a one-mile walk sets off at 1pm. People should take sponsorship
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Cycling course success
A CYCLING proficiency course designed to keep youngsters safe on the roads has proved a big hit. The first two courses held by special constables in Chester-le-Street were fully booked. The courses, held on Sunday afternoons, are for riders aged nine
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News in brief: Expensive cars are targeted
THIEVES are heading to a Cleveland town to steal quality cars from driveways. Police said nine quality cars, including BMWs, have been taken from Guisborough housing estates since February. They believe that criminals are stealing the keys from homes
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Police report fall in thefts from vehicles
POLICE have reported a drop in thefts from cars in Durham and Chester-le-Street. In the past two weeks, police say there have been 11 thefts from cars - down from 30 the previous fortnight. Detective Sergeant Max Newby said the reduction was down to the
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Mascots in the charity running
A RACE day with a difference has been organised to raise money for charity. The Mascot Three-Legged Derby will be held on Butterwick Hospice Care race night at Sedgefield Racecourse today. North-East celebrity H'Angus the Monkey, mascot of Hartlepool
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Fake football shirts seized at airport
A PLOT to swamp the region with hundreds of fake Newcastle United football shirts has been smashed - a week before the real thing hits the shops. Made for pennies in the Far East, the shoddy copies were destined for car boot sales, market stalls and pubs
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Postman stole cash from mail
A POSTMAN who stole money has been given community punishment. Moez Dardouri, 35, stole £15 out of one of the five packages he was supposed to deliver. Dardouri was employed by the Post Office for more than five years and was responsible for the Castlefields
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Greeting card project wins enterprise award
A GREETING card company founded by 15 students has been recognised with an award. The group of 17 and 18-year-olds from Framwellgate School, Durham City, started their handmade greeting card company, trading under the name Freestyle. Now it has made a
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Survey shows importance of a high-visibility police force
A MAJOR survey has been carried out to help police in North Yorkshire increase their visibility to the public. The results reinforced the need for high-visibility policing - with 60 per cent of respondents considering it more important that officers are
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Children brighten up centre
YOUNGSTERS have brightened up their village community centre after a £10,000 revamp. Children in Tanfield Lea, near Stanley, worked with local artist Mick Brown to create murals inside the young people's community room, next to the village junior school
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Water coolers to protect pupils teeth
WATER coolers have been installed in schools across Darlington to encourage youngsters to turn their backs on fizzy drinks and look after their teeth. Darlington Borough Council is so concerned at the high degree of tooth decay among children that it
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Scuba dive to boost charity
THE Darlington branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society is holding a sponsored scuba dive at the Dolphin Centre today. More than 25 people are taking the plunge in aid of the charity from 10am to 4.30pm. The public are welcome to join in for a donation
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Police issue warning of car crime to motorists
POLICE are warning motorists to be vigilant following a spate of car crime in Darlington. On Wednesday, two cars were stolen and five vehicles were broken into in the North Road area of the town. In the past month, three cars have been stolen from Colorado
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Website launch for benefit of patients
A NEW interactive website will give patients the chance to obtain medical information at the click of a mouse. Darlington Primary Care Trust's (PCT) web pages are to go live within the next few weeks The site will feature news stories, information on
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Homeowners told of plans for £34m 'education village'
HUNDREDS of homeowners are to be made aware of plans for a £34m "education village" to be created on their doorsteps. Darlington is at the forefront of Government proposals to use private funds to establish super-schools, which will take children aged
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Island death trial off again
A FAMILY'S agonising wait for justice over the death of a young Chester-le-Street man in a Greek hospital has been prolonged. Relatives of Christopher Rochester, 24, were in Rhodes, this week hoping to see five Greek medics stand trial accused of killing
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Man accused of taking part in shop raid
A MAN appeared in court yesterday accused of taking part in an armed raid on a village sub-post office. Paul Solomon, 22, is alleged to have been one of a duo who robbed a convenience store in Ludworth, near Durham, on Monday afternoon. Mr Solomon, of
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Adult learners enjoy their slice of success
ADULT learners have been recognised for their achievements. Principal and chief executive of Darlington College of Technology, Sarah Farley, presented 11 mature students from the Catterick area with certificates for their commitment, dedication and work
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Soldier who captured the images of Iraq war
PICTURES of the war in Iraq were taken by one of the region's soldiers and seen by millions on the front pages of newspapers across the UK. The work of Corporal Paul Jarvis, of Ripon, North Yorkshire, included the well-published picture of US Lieutenant
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cough sweet success
A NORTH-EAST student is getting on her bike to tour the country as the new face of a cough sweet. Finola Wennekes, 21, of Sunderland, is representing Halls Mentho-Lyptus and supporting Sean Emmett, the company's rider in the British Superbike Championships
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Fake football shirts seized at airport
A PLOT to swamp the region with hundreds of fake Newcastle United football shirts has been smashed - a week before the real thing hits the shops. Made for pennies in the Far East, the shoddy copies were destined for car boot sales, market stalls and pubs
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Cost of learning fraud up to £38m
THE real cost of a massive learning fraud could reach almost £38m, police revealed yesterday. Cleveland Police has launched what is believed to be the biggest fraud investigationt involving the multi-million pound abuse of Individual Learning Accounts
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Looking Back
FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - Church discipline and attendance down. At a meeting at Ripon Cathedral on Thursday it was put forward that there never was a time when the clergy were less popular than today. This statement came from one of their
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Eight cleared in perjury inquiry
EIGHT police officers accused of playing a part in setting up a former Asian officer for a jail sentence have been cleared of any criminal wrongdoing. But Government lawyers may recommend charges are brought against four other Cleveland officers following
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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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Gymnasts bring back a clutch of medals
A WORLD-CLASS gymnastics centre that opened this year has already proved its worth. Deerness Leisure and Gymnastics Centre in Durham, was designated an Institute of Sport High Performance Centre in January. The club sent 24 youngsters to Stoke-on- Trent
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Payroll savings proposed
DURHAM's new credit union hopes to boost membership by organising payroll deductions. The Durham City and District Credit Union has attracted more than 70 members since it started life at the turn of the year. It now has three collection points - it hopes
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A day in the life of a nude model
Writer Gavin Engelbrecht was one of the people chosen to be a model for Anthony Gormley's latest work, Domain Field, an experience that brought back a surprising memory. STANDING on the porch with a hot African sun beating on my face, I can feel the wind
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The Gospels come home
HE long-awated arrival of a replica of the cherished Lindisfarne Gospels was celebrated in ecclesiastical pomp in the North-East yesterday. An accurate facsimile of the early medieval manuscript was presented to the Dean and Chapter of Durham Cathedral
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Gardening: Chelsea gardens will inspire
IT'S that exciting time in the gardening calendar when all attention is focused on the activities taking place in the grounds of the Royal London Hospital in Chelsea. Right now there will be thousands of frantic designers, landscapers, artists, big buck
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Family battles over special teaching rule
A BOY with special needs is facing a 12-mile taxi ride to nursery school every day, after council officers ruled it was better than teaching him at his village school. Isaac Cain, three, of Lanchester, near Consett, has been diagnosed with global developmental
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Invitation to view replica gospels
DURHAM Cathedral is inviting the public to join in weekend celebrations marking the arrival of a facsimile version of the Lindisfarne Gospels. The high-tech replica of the 1,300-year-old manuscript, produced by experts in Switzerland, was commissioned
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Openshaw leaving it late
TOMORROW'S Pier to Pier race from South Shields to Sunderland is rapidly establishing itself as one of the North-East's most popular events. A limit field of 700 runners is expected - 550 have already entered - and all finishers will receive an Avia watch
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Barron seeks sprint double
DAVID BARRON has long been a brilliant trainer of sprinters and this afternoon he sends out a couple of his flying machines, Thirsk-bound Paradise Eve (4.55), plus Impressive Flight (3.20), in line for big-race success at Nottingham. Barron, who quietly
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Cars put to the test
ROADSIDE checks on vehicles are being carried out in the county. Durham Police are staging a two-week safety campaign to make motorists more aware of the need to maintain cars, vans and motorcycles. At a series of roadside checks this month police will
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In a spin over historic Quakers turnstiles
FOR as long as Quakers' fans can remember, the ornate old turnstiles had been the gateway to their beloved football club. But now the turnstiles, which stood beneath the "twin towers" of Darlington's Feethams ground for generations, are at the centre
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WI news
Leadgate WI: MRS Walker presided over the April meeting of the group and extended a warm welcome to all those present. Members who had been suffering through ill-health were remembered. The theme was read by Mrs Buchan. In the absence of secretary Mrs
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In The Picture: The Pearl in the crown
It's one of the most famous tunes in cinema history and one guaranteed to get people singing along - even though it's nothing to do with the actual films THE lights in the auditorium dim. As the curtains part, you settle back in your seat clutching a
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Off mapping the border country
THIS week's Diary comes from Hereford, which is close to the Welsh border. It is a small but delightful city containing a wealth of history in its setting among lush and beautiful countryside. It is a former Saxon capital of West Mercia and remains a
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Diamond Ace ready to shine
A horse once put through it's paces by the Queen's trainer, is ready to show he has the potential to be a star again. Ken and Heather Saddington, of Carlton Bank Stud, near Stokesley, North Yorkshire, have been told they have a real prize in their stable
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Domedriver can outshine star performers
CRACK French miler Domedriver (3.00) will be a tough nut to crack in this afternoon's top race at Newbury, the £200,000 Group 1 Lockinge Stakes. It's a glittering prize full of star-studded performers including northern powerhouse Desert Deer from Mark
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Party at the theatre
SUPPORTERS of one of County Durham's oldest theatre celebrated the venue's new look. The Empire Theatre in Consett, re-opened in March after a nine-month closure and a major £700,000 refurbishment. Last weekend, groups who had raised funds for the revamp
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Employment relations can give firms an edge
GOOD employment relations are the new competitive edge, according to Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) chief executive John Taylor. Mr Taylor, from Chester-le-Street, County Durham, was speaking at a Confederation of British Industry
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Keeping final heroics in the region
THE REGION'S affinity with the FA Cup Final is long-established, dating back to the glories of both Newcastle United and Sunderland in the early part of the last century. That was followed by the Magpies' superb 1950s hat-trick of wins, including back-to-back
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Chelsea gardens will inspire
IT'S that exciting time in the gardening calendar when all attention is focused on the activities taking place in the grounds of the Royal London Hospital in Chelsea. Right now there will be thousands of frantic designers, landscapers, artists, big buck
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Iraqi-Kurd denies murder attempt
A 21-YEAR-old Iraqi-Kurd denied the attempted murder of another asylum seeker when he appeared at Teesside Crown Court yesterday. Hemen Abdullah Fetah pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of Shakawan Ali Muhammed on February 23 and denied a second
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Man beaten, robbed and abandoned
A man was beaten and robbed before being dumped in the street in just his trousers and socks. Kevin Campbell was attacked during a drinking session with Stuart Little, 20, and Michael Green, 20, on November 15, last year. Newcastle Crown Court heard how
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Calendar Girls have a day to remember
Women who dared to bare all for charity were the toast of the Cannes Film Festival last night after the movie depicting their journey from cake stand to calendar was hailed a triumph. The first official screening of the film, Calendar Girls, wowed critics
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Westwood takes top honour
HARTLEPOOL UNITED'S Chris Westwood has capped a memorable season by becoming The Northern Echo's Player of the Year. The 26-year-old defender has been a major part of the club's Third Division promotion success story and his performances have been reflected
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Morrisons overcomes takeover fever to deliver profits
SUPERMARKET chain Morrisons last night said it had overcome the distraction of a high-profile takeover battle to deliver booming sales. The Bradford group, which is bidding for Safeway, said that like-for-like sales had risen 8.4 per cent in the 14 weeks
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Bravery of boy who saved his mother
WHEN Joshua Harris-Cox's mother collapsed at home the four-year-old knew exactly what to do. He followed his rehearsed 999 training session to the letter, dialling the emergency number immediately. Then, keeping calm, he explained to the operator his
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Scarecrows join in the family fun
POPULAR scarecrowWorzel Gummidge and his many look-a-likes were enjoying the fun at a community day in Coxhoe last Saturday. Youngsters from Coxhoe donned their best scarecrow outfits and arrived at the fun day dressed as the famous character, played
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Lifeboatman celebrates his 102nd birthday
THE oldest lifeboatman in the country celebrated another milestone birthday yesterday - his 102nd. Sid Arrowsmith, from Darlington, was surrounded by family and friends as he marked the occasion with a party at Elderwood Nursing Home. He has been a member
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Blair backs kerbside recycling
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 should have kerbside recycling. The Kerb-it scheme will replace the paper
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Northern Retail expands
THE retailing arm of a major energy provider has doubled in size after acquiring a similar business. The purchase of ShopElectric makes Northern Retail Limited the UK's fourth largest electrical retailer, with a £100m turnover. The company, which was
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For Your Benefit: What happened to my money?
Q As my wife has Attendance Allowance, I understood that I had an underlying entitlement to the Carer Premium of £25.10 a week. All I got, however, was Council Tax Benefit of 36p a week. What happened to the £25.10? A Carer Premium is not a benefit in
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Bridges that span years of city's railway heritage
In last week's Durham Memories we found that by the year 1844 Durham was served by three railway stations. Only one of these was located in the city, at Gilesgate, which was built in 1844 and linked to the Leamside line by a branch line running from Belmont
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Evenwood skipper confident
The Readers Durham County League Despite having won all four games, Evenwood will be taking nothing for granted against Kimblesworth even though the visitors have made an inauspicious start to the season. "We only just pipped them for the championship
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16/05/03
TONY MARTIN: HOW bizarre can the British justice system be when it so often seems to consider the welfare of the criminal and then stamp down hard on the victim? Tony Martin lived in a remote farmhouse and if he called the police when burglars broke in
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Tips for jobseekers
TIPS on making a good impression at job interviews were handed out by a beauty therapist in Chester-le-Street this week. What outfit and colours to wear and make-up tips were offered by Caroline Mason, 32, at a seminar at the Red Lion Hotel in Chester-le-Street
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Beekeepers are vigilant for spread of resistant mite
BEEKEEPERS across North Yorkshire and the North East are keeping a close eye on their hives. The Varroa mite which invaded bee hives up and down the country in 1992, wiping out thousands of honey bees, may be growing resistant to insecticides which control
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Children sing and dance for Europe
HUNDREDS of youngsters from County Durham have tried a little taste of Europe. Almost 350 pupils from 40 primary schools joined in Europe Day celebrations last Friday at County Hall in Durham. They sampled a continental breakfast and conversed in foreign
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Terror on the seafront
Secret History: Brighton Bomb (C4); Club Reps: The Workers (ITV1) THE plan was a fiendishly simple one. Weeks before the Tory Party Conference, an IRA explosives officer booked into room 629 in the Grand Hotel on Brighton seafront. He planted a bomb in
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Man injured on crossing
Surgeons yesterday operated on a man who suffered serious head injuries in a collision with a bus on a pedestrian crossing. Cleveland Police said the 62-year-old, from Ferryhill, County Durham, stepped out just as the single decker bus reached a crossing
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Cough sweet success
A NORTH-EAST student is getting on her bike to tour the country as the new face of a cough sweet. Finola Wennekes, 21, of Sunderland, is representing Halls Mentho-Lyptus and supporting Sean Emmett, the company's rider in the British Superbike Championships
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Leader gives first speech
THE first female leader of Chester-le-Street District Council set out the council's new vision for the future at her first meeting this week. In her first speech as leader, Linda Ebbatson set out new aims and objectives for the council. Unlike other councils
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Smith stalls on two-year Pool contract
MIKE Newell last night hinted Paul Smith may not be staying at Hartlepool United, as the likelihood of a move to Sheffield Wednesday increased. The Hartlepool United chief offered new contracts to four players this week, Smith included, but admits tying
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Opera singer Suzannah puts Czech tribute into words
A NORTH-East diva is hoping she has not bitten off more than she can sing. Opera singer and ambassador for Teesside, Suzannah Clarke, has been invited to sing the British National Anthem at the England versus Slovakia match which will be played at the
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Chairman appointed
A FORMER East Durham pitman is the new chairman of Durham County Council. Father-of-seven Alan Fenwick, 72, of Seaham, will perform the ceremonial role for the next two years. He takes over from Charlie Magee, councillor for Ferryhill, having spent the
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Island death trial off again
A FAMILY'S agonising wait for justice over the death of a young Chester-le-Street man in a Greek hospital has been prolonged. Relatives of Christopher Rochester, 24, were in Rhodes, this week hoping to see five Greek medics stand trial accused of killing
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Turnaround in fortunes at Stockton
Foster's ECB North-East Regional Premier League How times have changed for Stockton who last season finished second from bottom and with just one victory, won fewer games than any other side. Twelve months on and they visit Gateshead Fell with high hopes
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News in brief: Two hunted after attack
A MAN is recovering after he was attacked and robbed by three youths while walking home. The 40-year-old was taking a shortcut to his home in Darlington at about 7pm on Tuesday when he was attacked in the car park behind the former Blacketts pub. He was
