Archive
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News in brief: Chance to feel African vibe
A Middlesbrough pub is holding an evening of African music with live performances from five artists. The Dickens Inn, in Southfield Road, is hosting the Middlesbrough Music Live Goree Festival in its gold room on Saturday, between 8.30pm and 2am. Admission
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Stephanie is top of the taps
SUCCESS is on tap for a dedicated young dancer who can't get enough of her favourite pastime. Eleven-year-old Stephanie Lund, who goest to Belmont School, was bitten by the dancing bug when she began lessons at the age of six. Although the Lund family
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Upbeat mm02, despite £10.2bn loss
Mobile phone group mmO2 revealed losses of £10.2bn today, after writing down the value of third generation licences bought at the height of the telecoms boom. The exceptional charges of £9.66bn cover operations in the UK and Germany and the recent sale
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City gets new Lib-Dem mayor
DURHAM'S first Liberal Democrat mayor hopes to give a boost to the city's army of volunteers. Former policeman Ray Gibbon, of Witton Gilbert, became the first citizen when he accepted the office at Durham City Council's annual meeting on Tuesday. He and
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In the kitchen at parties
AN ENGLISHMAN'S home is his castle. Except when he's a dad... For 12 years, I've been kicked out of my bed by a succession of restless children. I've found it increasingly difficult to get into the bathroom because the kids have gradually taken over with
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Honour for hero forced out by gangs
A MODEST hero who was forced out of his home by gangs of yobs was honoured for his bravery yesterday. Ritchie Whitfield's life was threatened after he helped police tackle a youth disorder problem on the Biddick Hall estate in South Shields, South Tyneside
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Staffing shortage at heart hospital
A HOSPITAL which will play a vital role in speeding up heart surgery in the region is battling to overcome recruitment problems. Filling specialist medical and nursing vacancies is proving a major headache for the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough
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Dog cannibalism worst case in Cleveland
A woman could be sent to jail after starving her dogs so severely that one began to eat the other. RSPCA inspectors have described the rare case of canine cannibalism as the worst they have come across in Cleveland. When they visited the home of Marie
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Pupils send cheer to troops
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 items such as sweets, toiletries and socks, have
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Date set for inquest into 'nerve gas' death
A CORONER set a date yesterday for a new inquest into the death of an airman who took part in secret military chemical warfare tests 50 years ago. The coroner for Wiltshire and Swindon, David Masters, made the decision at a pre-inquest review yesterday
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Gospel copy attracts thousands
THOUSANDS of visitors are clamouring to view the replica version of the Lindisfarne Gospels at Durham Cathedral. The long-awaited arrival of an accurate facsimile of the early Medieval manuscript was celebrated at the cathedral on Friday, when the jewel-encrusted
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New cancer scanning equipment for region's hospitals
Health Secretary Alan Milburn has named the region's hospitals which are to receive new cancer scanning equipment. Seven months ago the Darlington MP told the Britain Against Cancer conference that an additional 100 scanners would shortly be installed
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I'll fight on for Mary Bell justice
A GRIEVING mother last night vowed to fight on for justice after seeing child-killer Mary Bell win her battle for lifelong anonymity. The High Court's Family Division in London granted the lifelong injunction for Bell and her 18-year-old daughter because
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22/05/03
OLYMPICS BID: BRITAIN is ridiculously over-centralised and like many people, I get fed up of most of the available goodies going to London, leaving the rest of the population to help pay the bills. For example, there was the Millennium Dome fiasco. Then
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'No change' in water takeover
A WATCHDOG has reassured customers that a water company's takeover will not affect its service levels. On Sunday, French firm Suez announced the sale of 75 per cent of its holding in Northumbrian Water to a group of mainly British investors. The £2.2bn
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Councils meet for the first time
TWO newly-formed parish councils met last week for the first time. Villagers in Eldon and West Auckland gathered after both won campaigns to have their own parish council. The two communities made bids to form the councils because they felt they needed
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Staff fail to save centre
STAFF and students failed to persuade Durham University's ruling body to give a reprieve to a centre which helps to train people in counselling. Durham University's governing senate this week ratified the earlier decision of its School of Education to
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Jewellery thief will not make an appeal
A DECORATOR found guilty of the theft of £60,000 worth of exclusive jewellery from a couple's bedroom will not appeal against his conviction. Anthony McCormack's defence team had been examining new information which came to light following his trial at
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Man gave gifts and cake to boy
A MAN bought champagne for a boy's 16th birthday after they met in a gay teenage Internet chat room, a court was told yesterday. Michael Britton, 51, told detectives he also supplied a birthday cake for the boy to share with his family, said Detective
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Home rule may be killed off by apathy
DEVOLUTION for the North-East could be scrapped if voter turnout in the referendum is derisory, the Government has admitted. Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott will decide next month which regions are to be allowed to hold referendums on setting up their
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John North: Ground force
NEVER mind all this acclamatory stuff about grass roots journalism, it is a matter of real regret that we are unable to accept an invitation from the Rosedale and Victoria Allotments Association in Willington. Part of the annual open day, May 31, the
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Dad At Large: In the kitchen at parties
AN ENGLISHMAN'S home is his castle. Except when he's a dad... For 12 years, I've been kicked out of my bed by a succession of restless children. I've found it increasingly difficult to get into the bathroom because the kids have gradually taken over with
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Nuclear fallout shelter sale offering boom with a view
ON a clear, sunny day, Beacon Hill, above Pickering, offers sweeping views over the North Yorkshire market town and across to the green fields of Ryedale beyond. But anyone who takes a stroll to the crest to enjoy the view may not realise that beneath
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Free PC for group
A COMMUNITY group is surfing the Internet after being given a free PC. Crookhall Community Association, near Consett, County Durham, won a computer through the BT Community Connections award scheme. Association member Kathy Bailey said: "The use of this
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Gang used taxis to steal from shops
A GANG fleeced shops by ordering goods by phone on other people's credit cards and sending couriers to collect them, a court heard. The callers arranged a codeword with shopkeepers for the handover, and got taxis to deliver jewellery to them, said Stephen
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Quakers' future black and white after all
DARLINGTON chairman George Reynolds last night announced that the club will stick with its 120 year tradition next season and play at home in black and white colours. Just three weeks ago, the Quakers chief caused controversy when he displayed a shirt
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Museum gets up steam
VISITORS to Darlington Railway Centre and Museum can ride behind a steam locomotive during the Bank Holiday weekend. The North Road museum's Peckett steam locomotive will be in action between 11am and 4pm on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday. The Blue Peter
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Youngsters get insight into robotics
YOUNGSTERS from the North-East spent yesterday learning about robotics on a school trip to encourage them to consider engineering as a possible career. Year ten pupils aged 14 and 15 from Carmel Technology College, in Darlington, learnt how to program
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Self-portrait awarded place in nationwide tour
AT the age of 81, Dennis Dawes would be forgiven if he took it easy and enjoyed life's simpler pleasures. Instead, the aspiring artist from Darlington has got to grips with technology to produce a piece of art that is touring the country. Mr Dawes produced
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Charity football game to help MS sufferers
A CHARITY football match has been organised to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. The match takes place at the Hall Lane ground, Willington, on Sunday, May 25, kick off 7.15pm and has been organised by Chris Russell, an employee of the Marks
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Darts test
A PUB darts player is to take on the professionals at the UK Open Darts Championships. Keith Wright will join 128 players from across the UK, including ten times world champion Phil Taylor and reigning world champion John Part, at the Reebok Stadium,
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Neighbours rallied against crime
AN American who has settled in Darlington is urging residents to join her fight against crime. Dawn Bickerstaff, 50, had the tyres of her car slashed by vandals just months after moving into Victoria Embankment with husband Edward last year. Now she has
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MP to launch cycle park
A CYCLE park at a Darlington school will be opened tomorrow by Health Secretary Alan Milburn. The town's MP will open the facility and a safe bike and walking route at Eastbourne Comprehensive School. The park, which has 100 spaces for bikes and lockers
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Man charged following raid on post office
POLICE investigating a raid on a rural post office which netted thieves thousands of pounds worth of cash and travellers cheques have made two arrests. Thieves used cutting equipment in the raid on Barnard Castle post office, County Durham, in December
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Community law officers go on patrol
NEW-style law enforcers will take to the streets of County Durham in the autumn. The Home Office has agreed to pay £128,000 for 25 community safety officers (CSOs) in Chester-le-Street, Derwent-side, Durham City and Sedgefield. The officers will have
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Learning is for all as mainstream and special schools link up
FACILITIES that allow children from mainstream and special schools to work together in the same classroom were unveiled yesterday. An event which focused on the message Learning is for Everyone was held at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary School, Billingham
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Children offer insight into wind turbines
STUDENT Ben Gill was the quizmaster of a game show which aimed to give residents in Marske an insight into plans for a wind turbine at Bydales School. Year eight student Ben and three-a-side teams, representing the Downwind and Upwind ends of the argument
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Flag find revives memories of dramatic rescue
FORMER lifeboatman Dave Phillipson has been reunited with a souvenir which evokes memories of a dramatic rescue 30 years ago. He helped to salvage the national flag of the Netherlands from the Dutch coaster Hendrika on May 4, 1973, with fisherman the
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Grassroots: Chester-le-Street, Birtley and District
COFFEE TIME: Christ Church in Lumley is having a coffee morning from 9am next Saturday, in the Lumley Community Centre. ARTS AND CRAFTS: The Chester-le-Street parish centre is hosting a craft fair from 10am to 3pm next Saturday. LIFE SAVERS: Blood donor
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Restoration work begins on historic church
PARISHIONERS are pulling together to raise funds for the restoration of a church. Four years ago, the St John's Tower Fund was established to restore St John's Church, in Seaham. Since 1840, it has attracted worshippers from throughout the town, providing
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Proud day for new chairman
A NEW face has taken over as the chairman of North Yorkshire County Council. Councillor Clifford Wilson was been elected to the post yesterday, taking over from Councillor David Ashton. Coun Wilson, who lives in Boroughbridge, has been a member of the
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Familiar look to new chiefs
THERE is a familiar ring to the new leadership on Richmondshire District Council, following the authority's annual meeting on Tuesday night. Scorton Conservative Councillor Michael Heseltine faced competition for the post of chairman from Richmond Liberal
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Crime-busting team toast early success with arrests
A TEAM of crime-busters in north-west Durham is proving a success after only two weeks. Derwentside police set up its six-man Divisional Response Unit (DRU) to tackle crime, in partnership with Derwentside District Council. The team specialises in revisiting
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Exemplary behaviour earns students a prize
SPORTING students have won an accolade for their exemplary behaviour. Youngsters at Woodham Community Technology College, Newton Aycliffe, were awarded the Group of the Season honour by school ski operator Interski. It came after their trip to the Hotel
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Allotment owners to be made offer
ALLOTMENT holders will be offered a compensation and transfer package as they make way for new homes. The plots in Scott Street, Shildon, are situated in the middle of a site that has been earmarked for 100 semi-detached and detached properties. The area
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Physics teacher receives award
A PHYSICS teacher has been presented with an award for his outstanding work. Dr David Dodds, head of physics at Stockton Sixth Form College, was presented with the Institute of Physics 2003 Teachers Award at a ceremony in London. Dr Dodds is the only
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Ballet for all levels
BALLET has returned to Stokesley Leisure Centre and the new courses are suitable for beginners. They follow hot on the heels of a series of classes earlier this year that saw more than one hundred visits over the ten weeks. "This new class will cater
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Town shows culture
World cultures will be in the spotlight next week with a range of events which have been lined up for youngsters at the Museum of Hartlepool, at the town's Marina. To help children explore the cultures of different countries the museum has lined up a
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Gang used taxis to steal from shops
A GANG fleeced shops by ordering goods by phone on other people's credit cards and sending couriers to collect them, a court heard. The callers arranged a codeword with shopkeepers for the handover, and got taxis to deliver jewellery to them, said Stephen
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Body found in Darlington
THE body of a man was found in a house in Darlington last night. Detectives were called to the semi-detached private house in Oakdene Avenue - in the Grange Road area - at about 6pm, where the 47-year-old local man's body was discovered. An investigation
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New heart for Aycliffe
WORK starts next week on a £25m development that will give Newton Aycliffe a huge new supermarket before Christmas. Developers CTP, of Manchester, move on to the former Avenue comprehensive school site next week after Durham County Council completed its
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Fun centre finds a new home
A FAMILY centre is preparing to expand the range of childcare services it offers after moving to new premises. The Lighthouse Family Centre has moved into School Aycliffe Community Centre after the cost of improving facilities at Greenfield Meeting Hall
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Singh is not quite on song
Dreary English weather and an awkward Headingley pitch combined to make it a difficult debut yesterday for Yorkshire's 21-year-old overseas signing Yuvraj Singh. The Indian left-hander managed only 11 in the Championship match against Glamorgan, but he
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Celebration honours charity work
A NEW organisation for volunteers plans to sing the praises of Durham's unsung heroes and their good work. The new Durham City District Volunteer Bureau, above Durham Clayport Library, plans to hold a volunteers' fair on June 7. The event, which coincides
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Real ale festival date
THE first pint will be pulled tomorrow at a trial Bank Holiday weekend beer festival. During the weekend the bar and restaurant complex Cathedral's, in the former city police station in Durham, will be offering 20 real ales, including some from Durham's
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Postmaster quits over payments
A POSTMASTER has resigned from his job over controversial plans by the Post Office to introduce electronic pension payments for customers. Bob Wilson, who runs Heighington post office, near Darlington, said he has been forced to close the branch because
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Anne to visit
The Princess Royal is set to visit the North East next week to open a prestigious new quayside development. The Staithes area of Blyth in Northumberland has been transformed in recent years and she will see for herself the spectacular redevelopment of
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O'Leary joins McCann chase
ASTON VILLA have joined Leeds United and Everton in the race for Sunderland midfielder Gavin McCann. New Villans boss David O'Leary is a keen admirer of the 25-year-old, and the Irishman tracked the player while in charge at Elland Road. O'Leary was appointed
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Tribunal backs Spa raid worker
A MOTHER-of-two who was held at knifepoint during an armed robbery has won a case for constructive dismissal against her employers. Sharon Watson was assistant manager of the Spar shop and sub-post office, in Haughton, Darlington, when the premises was
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Agency joins golf event bid
REGIONAL development agency One NorthEast has joined the bid to bring the Seve Trophy golf tournament to the North-East. Discussions are taking place with event organisers to secure the 2005 three-day series of matches pitting the cream of mainland Europe's
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Centre wins lottery cash to fund new manager
VOLUNTEERS have secured 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 to build
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Standards role for racism dispute officer
A FORMER council officer who said he was racially abused has a new role promoting high standards of conduct for councillors. Abiodun "Mac'' Williams alleged he endured a catalogue of remarks about his colour while working as Durham City Council's principal
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Botham victim as Falcons trim squad
LIAM Botham's three-year stay with Newcastle Falcons is over with the club deciding not to renew his contract. It will not be a popular decision with the fans, who voted him Player of the Month three times last season. But Director of Rugby Rob Andrew
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Hall echoes playtime's past
GAMES of yesteryear will help entertain visitors to a medieval manor house next week. Crook Hall, off Frankland Lane, Sidegate, Durham, is inviting children to try some of the pastimes that amused former generations. Playing in the Past will feature hopscotch
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Photographer snaps up bodyguard job
VETERAN photographer Frank Bilton found himself on the other end of the lens when he joined Durham's mayoral bodyguard. Mr Bilton, 70, of Whinney Hill, became one of the most well-known faces in Durham during his 48 years with The Advertiser series, sister
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Boxers fly flag in Canada
A TEAM of young boxers are jetting off to the other side of the world tomorrow to train and fight with one of the world's top clubs. Spennymoor Boxing Academy will visit heavyweight champ Lennox Lewis' amateur club - Waterloo Regional Police Boxing Club
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Town council leader steps down, and up
Great Aycliffe Town Council leader Bob Fleming received a standing ovation after handing over the reins to his deputy after ten years as leader. Although continuing as a council member, he is moving aside to concentrate on his new role as leader of Sedgefield
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School scraps German after teacher shortage
A SCHOOL which faced accusations of failing its pupils last month has been forced to scrap German lessons from its curriculum. Some pupils at Eastbourne Comprehensive School, in Darlington, are having lessons after regular hours because a full-time German
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Investigation launched into custody death
OFFICERS from the Police Complaints Authority have launched an investigation after a man collapsed in police custody and later died. Police were called to an incident in West Lane, Forest Hall, Newcastle, at 1.30am yesterday. They arrested a 42-year-old
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Soldiers march out of sale for £125,000
TOY soldier enthusiasts took part in a North-East auction to bid for pieces from the world's largest collection. Bidders from around the world paid a total of £125,000 for miniatures from the Potsdam collection, which went under the hammer at Vectis auction
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New people lead borough and village
COUNCILLOR George Gray has been installed as the new Mayor of Sedgefield Borough Council. Coun Gray, of Newton Aycliffe, received the chains of office from outgoing mayor Coun David Newell at the council's annual meeting on Friday. A member of Great Aycliffe
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Thieves take massive camera haul
Thieves have stolen cameras worth thousands of pounds from a Newcastle city centre store overnight. They burgled the shop in Grainger Street, Newcastle after removing a security grill between it closing on Wednesday night and Thursday morning. Northumbria
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Caldwell rethinking United future
NEWCASTLE United defender Steve Caldwell last night conceded he could be forced to sign a new one-year contract with the club after initially rejecting the deal. Caldwell, out of contract this summer, is hoping a shop-window opportunity with Scotland
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Bypass closes
THE northbound carriageway of the A1 Western Bypass, past Gateshead MetroCentre, will be closed from 8.30pm tonight until 6am tomorrow. The closure is because of building work.
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Rustlers take three lambs
SHEEP rustlers appear to have struck at a farm in Wensleydale. Three Suffolk Cross lambs were taken from a field near Spennithorne at the weekend. Initially, the owner thought they may simply have wandered on to neighbouring land. However, a search has
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Police to put more bobbies on patrol
DEMANDS for more bobbies on the beat have been answered in Richmondshire where three new beat officers have joined the ranks of the local force. The recruits' role will be to forge links with local communities, working with parish councils, schools and
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News in brief: Break dance opportunity
A four-week taster course in break dancing for youngsters aged nine and over will be held on Mondays from June 2 at Cooper Hall, Witton Gilbert, between 4.30pm and 5.30pm and on Fridays, from June 6, at the Chester-le-Street Community Centre, Newcastle
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Bypass closes
THE northbound carriageway of the A1 Western Bypass, past Gateshead MetroCentre, will be closed from 8.30pm tonight until 6am tomorrow. The closure is because of building work.
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Inquiry into why roads were closed - and no work done
AN investigation has been launched into why rail bosses cut part of a Teesside community off from the outside world. Allens West level crossing which lies between Eaglescliffe and the A66, was closed during two consecutive weekends for engineering work
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Grassroots: Yarm
Country Walk: All Saint's Church, Crathorne, holds a country and woodland walk and treasure hunt on Monday, from Park House, at 10am. One of the two walks is approximately three miles, is suitable for families, and includes a treasure hunt, drinks and
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Wartime pictures of men who lost lives on show
A POSTER from 1918 showing some of the Consett men who gave their lives during the First World War is to go on display. The page, taken from the Consett Guardian newspaper, has pictures of 68 soldiers that died during the conflict. It is to be framed
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Making plans for reunion of former pupils
EX-PUPILS of a former secondary modern school which served a number of villages to the west of Durham City are invited to a reunion. The reunion is planned for former pupils of Waterhouses Secondary Modern School, on Friday July 18, at 7pm. It will be
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Grassroots: Derwentside
TALENT CLUB: Genius Entertainment is presenting the semi-finals of the Talent Star live auditions at 7pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, next week, in the Lamplight Arts Centre, Stanley. ARNSIDE WALKS: N Colwell and K Reavley will be leading two walks
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News in brief: Break damce opportunity
A four-week taster course in break dancing for youngsters aged nine and over will be held on Mondays from June 2 at Cooper Hall, Witton Gilbert, between 4.30pm and 5.30pm and on Fridays, from June 6, at the Chester-le-Street Community Centre, Newcastle
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Sam's a policeman for a day
LIKE many little boys, six-year-old Sam Johnson dreams of racing after criminals in a shiny police car. But after contracting an extremely rare eye disease, he has already undergone more operations than most adults. Durham police made his dream come true
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Station crime at all-time low level
REPORTS of crime at Darlington's Bank Top railway station are at an all-time low, to the delight of the town's community safety chiefs. Train operator GNER installed 25 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at the station, one of the main stops on
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Town hall rings the changes
THE outgoing Mayor of Darlington performed her last official function last week before stepping down. Doris Jones handed over a cheque for £5,000 last Thursday to the local branch of the Alzheimer's Society, money which came from the mayor's charitable
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Freed Sharp wants Quakers switch
ADOPTED northerner James Sharp last night issued a come-and-get-me plea to Darlington after being released by Hartlepool United. The Reading-born centre-back has been told his existing contract, due to expire on June 30, at Victoria Park will not be renewed
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Crime cut at safe station
REPORTED crime at Darlington's Bank Top railway station is at an all-time low. Train operator GNER installed 25 CCTV cameras at the station, one of the main stops on the East Coast Main Line, in 2001. And since then, both the police and local council
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ScS celebrates record results
A NORTH-EAST furniture company is hoping to become the most profitable in the country after celebrating record results. Sunderland's ScS yesterday announced a 14 per cent rise in pre-tax profits to £5.9m in the six months to the end of March. The company's
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Train offloaded in Boro reshuffle
CHIEF scout Ray Train is the latest casualty of a backroom shake-up at Middlesbrough. Train, who has been with the club for 13 years, is to be axed as manager Steve McClaren makes key changes behind the scenes. The departure of head physio Bob Ward, appointed
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Mallon to fight grime
Former Robocop Ray Mallon is switching his focus from tackling crime to fighting grime. The one time head of Middlesbrough CID, now Mayor of Middlesbrough, has created rapid response dirt buster teams to make a clean sweep of the town. The four mobile
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Man on brothel charges sells hall
THE owner of a North-East sex shop accused of running a brothel has sold his remote eight-bedroomed hall. John Middleton, who will appear in court next week charged with living off the earnings of prostitution, owns the Pleasure Zone sex shop, in High
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Dancing champs
A TEENAGE dancing duo from the North-East have won an international competition. Joanne Pearson, 14, of Darlington, and her dancing partner Adam Duffie, 14, of Gateshead, won the Junior British Classical Sequence and Modern Sequence Championships in Blackpool
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Man of 77 set upon by gang
YOBS have carried out a horrifying attack on a pensioner, leaving him with three broken ribs, a fractured cheekbone and severe bruising to his face and body. The 77-year-old was attacked by three thugs in Lindisfarne Road, Middlesbrough, Teesside, as
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Reg Vardy moves into the corporate fleet business
REG Vardy is about to become a force in the corporate fleet business with the launch of Vardy Group Fleet. The venture is based at the group's Houghton House Centre, in Sunderland, and will supply vehicles to the daily rental, bodyshop and courtesy car
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Surviving the bad times
SURVIVING and thriving in the business world during difficult times is the focus of a one-day workshop to be held in Northallerton. The one-day Marketing Survival Kit for Businesses seminar, at Sundial Hotel, on Tuesday, June 10, will encourage owners
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Swimmers in final
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 School in Bishop Auckland swam to victory in the Northern Divisional Championships and will now
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Kim and Aggie's clean sweep
How Clean Is Your House? (C4) WE'VE had people on TV decorating homes and designing gardens. Others tell home-owners how to make their homes more attractive to buyers, while experts reveal how to de-clutter houses. Now comes How Clean Is Your House? which
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Trio plan leap for charity
AN all-girl parachute team have waited two years to make their first jump and raise hundreds of pounds for cancer and children's charities. Nicole Ward persuaded her aunt Alyson Bell and best friend Sarah Nevins to join her in the stunt but had to wait
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Ricky Tomlinson steps in the pay N-E actors
ACTOR Ricky Tomlinson has dug into his pocket to pay three furious cast members of a film made four years ago. The Scouse star sent £100 each to three extras from the film, who had written to him complaining that they had not been paid. Tomlinson starred
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Photographers make mark at awards
TWO Darlington photographers have won awards. Lynne Brereton, of Studio 81, and Ann Simmons, of Camera A, won awards at the Master Photographers Association North-East dinner. Ms Simmons won the trophy for the avante garde wedding photography, and two
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Talks on new town centre store
DISCUSSIONS are continuing to secure a high street department store for Darlington's new shopping centre. Developers had hoped to be able to announce which store would be opening in the £45m redevelopment of the Queen Street shopping centre this month
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Family council double
A COUNCIL chairwoman completed a family double yesterday when she became the first woman to follow her husband into the post. Councillor Margaret Douthwaite, who has represented West Auckland for six years, was elected as chairwoman of Wear Valley District
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Police to step up car crime patrols
POLICE have pledged to step up patrols in a town centre street after a spate of car crime. Officers in Darlington say a number of vehicles in Brunswick Street have been broken into or vandalised in recent weeks. One woman returned to her car to find £700
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ScS celebrates record results
A NORTH-EAST furniture company is hoping to become the most profitable in the country after celebrating record results. Sunderland's ScS yesterday announced a 14 per cent rise in pre-tax profits to £5.9m in the six months to the end of March. The company's
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Court case hearings
THE following cases were considered by South Durham Magistrates in Bishop Auckland yesterday: CHARGE DENIED: Anthony Etherington, 37, of Crawford Close, Bishop Auckland, denied failing to supply a specimen of blood and behaving in a violent manner at
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Ricky Tomlinson steps in the pay N-E actors
ACTOR Ricky Tomlinson has dug into his pocket to pay three furious cast members of a film made four years ago. The Scouse star sent £100 each to three extras from the film, who had written to him complaining that they had not been paid. Tomlinson starred
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Surgeries to fight poverty among elderly
A TRIAL period of benefits and pensions surgeries is being held to help combat poverty among elderly people. The surgeries, aimed at people in the Easington district, have been organised by Edenhill and Chapel North Residents' Association. The Wednesday
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Florists make a mark at top show
TALENTED florists have scented success in their first trip to the country's premier flower show. Shildon Flower Club has received a bronze medal at this week's Chelsea Flower Show. For the first time in its 23 year history, the club was represented in
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School-leavers of achievement
HARD-working and bright pupils have been rewarded for their achievements as many of them enter the final weeks of their school careers. Peter Barron, editor of The Northern Echo, presented year 11 pupils at St John's RC Comprehensive School with their
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Retiring leader urges blueprint for town's future
THE market town of Helmsley needs a blueprint to more effectively plan its future, says the town council. Members say that the issue of a Town Plan was imperative if Helmsley is to win funding from outside agencies and influence its future. Lord Feversham
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Missing teenager
Police have appealed to John Paul Sweeney, who is missing from home, to contact his parents. The 14-year-old was last seen early on Saturday at his mother's home in the Cowgate/ Blakelaw area of Newcastle. It is believed he could be in the Gateshead or
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Darts test
A PUB darts player is to take on the professionals at the UK Open Darts Championships. Keith Wright will join 128 players from across the UK, including ten times world champion Phil Taylor and reigning world champion John Part, at the Reebok Stadium,
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Wells and Pratt make their point for Durham
JUST when it seemed that a Durham collapse could be added to death and taxes as one of life's great certainties, it was averted yesterday by Gary Pratt and Vince Wells. The pair who made one run between them in the last championship match at Riverside
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Move may lift town's economy
HUNDREDS of jobs could be created if plans to build a supermarket on the site of a manufacturing company go ahead. Pickerings Lifts, of Stockton, Teesside, announced plans yesterday for a multi-million pound move to a new site, which would allow them
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Fag ends provide cosy nest for bird
A BLUE TIT has betrayed a bizarre fondness for ash by building its next among stubbed-out cigarettes. Maintenance staff at St Aidan's College, Durham, were astounded to spot the bird flying into the metal grid of a cigarette box on the college's main
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Battle against mini-store continues
RESIDENTS who lost their fight to stop a mini-store and food takeaway from being opened opposite their homes have launched a campaign to restrict opening hours. People living in Collingwood Street, Coundon, are asking Wear Valley District Council to reject
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Restraining order made against man
A MAN who admitted harassing his former girlfriend was made the subject of a restraining order yesterday. David Alec Brown, of Abbey Road, Bishop Auckland, admitted he sent Alison Douglas text messages and made abusive telephone calls in April. Bishop
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Over-50s health drive extended
A PROGRAMME helping the over-50s to stay well by taking more exercise has been extended to Tow Law. A Wednesday morning Physically Active Life Seniors (Pals) course has opened in the Baring Court sheltered accommodation through a joint venture with Wear
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Gardens with railway theme open to public
A COUPLE open the gates to their three-acre cottage garden with a railway theme added to the attractive surroundings on Bank Holiday Monday. Christine and Mike Liddle have lived at Birkheads, in countryside north of Stanley, County Durham, for a quarter
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Youngsters fight to save mill heritage
YOUNGSTERS have joined forces with conservationists in a race against time to save the last surviving remnant of what was once a thriving industry. Years ago, linen-making was a major employer in the Northallerton area of North Yorkshire, with a number
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Night session gives workers inquiry chance
A SPECIAL evening session of an inquiry into a proposed opencast coal mine is to be held to allow more people 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, is
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Missing teenager
Police have appealed to John Paul Sweeney, who is missing from home, to contact his parents. The 14-year-old was last seen early on Saturday at his mother's home in the Cowgate/ Blakelaw area of Newcastle. It is believed he could be in the Gateshead or
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Breaking point
Marriage break-ups are nothing new in Soapland, where they're as common as Kat Slater. Once policewoman Emma Watts told lies in the witness box in Coronation Street (ITV1), her already-shaky marriage was destined to become even more fragile. She may be
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Girder girl rescued
A YOUNGSTER had to be rescued by firefighters after getting stuck on a wooden girder 15ft above the ground. The 12-year-old girl was playing with friends on the beach beside Old Cemetery Road, Hartlepool on Tuesday night. She decided to climb one of the
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Stressed by SATs - and that's only the parents
BY rights, our home should have been a seething mass of tangled nerves and anxiety this week, since two of the boys have been taking SATs tests at primary school. One head teachers' spokesman described the Standard Assessment Tests, now being cut back
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Thunderbirds rescue for GNER
Train company GNER has turned to the Thunderbirds in a bid to improve the speed and reliability of East Coast Mainline services. GNER has signed a contract with freight operator EWS for the hire of 125mph Thunderbird rescue locomotives. Four high speed
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Textile workers thrown lifeline on jobs
HUNDREDS of textile workers could switch from manufacturing high fashion to making public service uniforms in a bid to save their jobs. Last week, clothing manufacturer Sara Lee Courtaulds said its factory at Tindale Crescent, Bishop Auckland, County
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Last Night's TV: Kim and Aggie's clean sweep
How Clean Is Your House? (C4) WE'VE had people on TV decorating homes and designing gardens. Others tell home-owners how to make their homes more attractive to buyers, while experts reveal how to de-clutter houses. Now comes How Clean Is Your House? which
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Workers rush for jobs
BISHOP Auckland workers are queuing up for jobs at a new home and gardens store, even though it is not due to open for another three months. Fast-growing retailer Wilkinson has already taken 1,500 applications for the 70 jobs on offer at its new development
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Flag find revives memories of dramatic rescue
FORMER lifeboatman Dave Phillipson has been reunited with a souvenir which evokes memories of a dramatic rescue 30 years ago. He helped to salvage the national flag of the Netherlands from the Dutch coaster Hendrika on May 4, 1973, with fisherman the
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Toll road scheme in two award finals
BRITAIN'S first toll road could bring the area some European glory next month. The £2 charging scheme to use the narrow roads on Durham City's peninsula is one of 11 projects shortlisted for the European Public Transport Award. The scheme, which has cut
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Jobs at risk as factory loses work
HUNDREDS of textiles workers face a gloomy future after bosses at a Wear Valley factory announced it faces closure. Clothing manufacturer Sara Lee Courtaulds could close its factory in Tindale Crescent, near Bishop Auckland, with the loss of 340 jobs,
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Missing teenager
Police have appealed to John Paul Sweeney, who is missing from home, to contact his parents. The 14-year-old was last seen early on Saturday at his mother's home in the Cowgate/ Blakelaw area of Newcastle. It is believed he could be in the Gateshead or
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Soap Watch: Breaking point
Marriage break-ups are nothing new in Soapland, where they're as common as Kat Slater. Once policewoman Emma Watts told lies in the witness box in Coronation Street (ITV1), her already-shaky marriage was destined to become even more fragile. She may be
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Tragedy as woman falls from window
A WOMAN'S body was found lying in an alleyway yesterday after she apparently fell 40ft from the fourth-floor window of a block of flats. The woman, aged 34, was discovered by passer-by Danny O'Malley in an alleyway in the centre of York at about 5.30am
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Museum goes back in time as resorts brace themselves for heatwaves
WRAPPED up warmly in his woollen jumper and scarf, the Jolly Fisherman is one of the most famous symbols of the British seaside. But, as the effects of global warming take hold, he could be swapping his sou'wester for a sunhat. Celebrating the 160-year-old
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Irtahal subject of positive thinking
THERE'S not a stable in the land with their three-year-olds in better form than those housed at Marcus Tregoning's yard so it would be dangerous to dismiss the prospects Irtahal (1.45) in the opener at Goodwood today. At this relatively early stage of
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Church towers may host phone masts
Phone masts could be installed on church towers across the region in the wake of a decision by an ecclesiastical court. The Chancellor of the Diocese of Ripon and Leeds, His Honour Judge Simon Grenfell, has ruled in favour of the Vodafone equipment being
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Cash bid to ensure bridges are safe
COUNCIL bosses are launching a bid for £1m of Government money in a move that will go a long way towards ending the region's railway bridges scandal. North Yorkshire County Council will ask for the money that would complete its long-running programme
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News from the Guilds and WIs
Belmont TG: BELMONT TG held their May meeting in Belmont Comprehensive School. Margaret Parker chairman opened the meeting. Secretary Thelma Harrison read the minutes of the previous meeting and treasurer Edna Stobart gave the financial report. The birthday
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Sven's men will be out of sight
SOCCER fans in a North-East village will be denied a chance to see England football stars in action, it was confirmed yesterday. The Football Association said there were no plans for members of the public to watch training sessions at Hurworth Place,
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City's first Lib Dem at the helm
A city's first Liberal Democrat mayor hopes to give a boost to the city's army of volunteers. Former police officer Ray Gibbon, of Witton Gilbert, County Durham, became Durham's first citizen when he accepted the office at the city council's annual meeting
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Super surgery planned
HEALTH officials are finalising details to lease a former pub premises and turn it into a £1m super surgery. The disused Blacketts public house will become the new headquarters of the Darlington Primary Care Trust (PCT) as well as a medical practice.
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Initiative to stop illegal labour cheats
BENEFITS bosses are to crack down on unscrupulous employers exploiting illegal labour in the fresh food processing industry. The Northern Echo has learnt that a series of raids are being planned in the North-East aimed at targeting the so-called "black
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Town honours Beatrice
Former Mayor of Darlington Beatrice Cuthbertson is the town's Citizen of the Year. Mrs Cuthbertson, 83, earned the title for her voluntary work in Sadberge, where she is a former parish council chairman. She is still involved in the Sadberge Pensioners
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Bid to boost creche funds
DANCE-GOERS are being invited to enjoy a night of their favourite sounds, overseen by celebrity DJs to boost facilities at a Durham creche. A dance event, aimed at 13-18-year-olds, will be staged at Abbey Sports Centre, Pity Me, on Saturday. Backed by
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Comic book heroes on mission to fight evil in parallel dimension
A ride that features comic book superheroes battling against evil will be unveiled in the North-East this weekend. The 3D simulator ride, called the 7th Portal, will open at the Life Science Centre, in Newcastle. It was devised by Stan Lee, co-creator
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Mallon gets his chain - but he wants an arrest
MAYOR Ray Mallon has got his civic dignity back after his £40,000 ceremonial chain was found following an anonymous tip-off. The solid gold chain was discovered only yards from where it was thought to have been stolen last week following a function at
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Farmers come to sell wares
THE county town of North Yorkshire will be hosting another farmers' market tomorrow. The Northern Farmers' Co-operative will be manning stalls on the Applegarth in Northallerton, from 8am to 2.30pm. District councillors have agreed that the market can
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Iraq fallen remembered at service
THE Richmond branch of the Royal British Legion will be among the first to hold a service to pay tribute to servicemen and women who fought and died in the recent war with Iraq. The town's Friary Gardens will host the open-air ceremony next Thursday,
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News in brief: Backing for junction work
A scheme to speed up road improvements at one of Ripon's most notorious junctions has been backed by councillors following a near 700-strong petition from residents. People using the Coltsgate Hill-North Street junction presented their petition to North
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Building's history deemed worthy of saving
DESPITE being a constant target for vandals, a piece of Hartlepool's heritage has been restored. Hartlepool Borough Council has spent £56,000 renovating and securing the former coach house in Burn Valley Gardens after deciding its history made it worth
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Make a date for the dance
A FORMER prisoner of war camp will turn the clocks back to recreate the 1940s with a military show and midsummer dance. The event, to be held at Harperley POW Camp in Weardale next month, is thought to be the first of its kind in the region. Camp 93 was
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Sale talk dismissed by Corus as rumour
STEELMAKER Corus yesterday dismissed reports that it is considering selling its Teesside plant to competitors from abroad. Bosses at the troubled Redcar plant were said to be considering offers from LNM, a group run by Indian businessman Lakshmi Mittal
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New director to run troubled housing service
A COUNCIL has appointed a temporary director to run its troubled housing service. During the next six months Bernadette Marjoram will work on improvements to Chester-le-Street District Council's service, which in 18 months received two damning reports
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News in brief: European school summit
Delegates from five member countries of the Network of Europe Oriented Schools met at Carmel Technology College, in Darlington, for an annual teachers' conference. Officials from Poland, Germany, Finland, Italy and France took part in workshops. DRIVING
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News in brief: Chance to feel African vibe
A Middlesbrough pub is holding an evening of African music with live performances from five artists. The Dickens Inn, in Southfield Road, is hosting the Middlesbrough Music Live Goree Festival in its gold room on Saturday, between 8.30pm and 2am. Admission
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How parents get away with murder
A North-East MP is hoping to close a legal loophole which is allowing parents to escape conviction for killing or abusing their children. Women's Editor Christen Pears reports. A CHILD is killed and, although they both vehemently deny any involvement,
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News in brief: Break dance opportunity
A four-week taster course in break dancing for youngsters aged nine and over will be held on Mondays from June 2 at Cooper Hall, Witton Gilbert, between 4.30pm and 5.30pm and on Fridays, from June 6, at the Chester-le-Street Community Centre, Newcastle
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Top billing for young actors
A YOUTH amateur dramatics club is celebrating national acclaim as six of its members are set to star in professional shows across the country. The aspiring actors from Spennymoor Youth Theatre Group are following in the footsteps of film stars Jude Law
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Straining the right to privacy
THE decision to grant Mary Bell and her daughter lifelong anonymity is right. Whatever the past crimes of a parent, a child should not suffer because of it. By allowing Mary Bell to be identified, her daughter would not be able to enjoy the normal life
