Archive
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River boy, 12, dies despite frantic efforts to save him
A BOY of 12 drowned yesterday after getting into difficulty while swimming in a North-East river with friends. The boy was playing in the River Browney, a tributary of the River Wear near Sunderland Bridge, between Durham and Croxdale at lunchtime. A
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Royal awards given to airport fire and rescue team members
FIREFIGHTERS at a North-East airport were rewarded for their long service at an award ceremony yesterday. Nine members of Teesside International Airport's Fire and Rescue Service, all of whom have served with the service for more than five years, were
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Yorkshire shot down
The Bradford Mafia, assisted by South African paceman Nantie Hayward, sent title-holders Yorkshire crashing out of the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy at New Road yesterday as Worcestershire toppled them by 67 runs with 8.1 overs remaining. The man-of-the-match
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Comment: Hard lessons to be learned
IT is inevitable that the reorganisation of schools in County Durham will be controversial. It is inevitable that there will be closures and it seems highly likely that rural areas, where schools are smaller and the population is ebbing away, will suffer
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Nine-year-old boy mugged while on errand
A YOUNG boy was pulled off his scooter and mugged while he was carrying out an errand for his mother. The nine-year-old was walking to the Spar shop, in Colburn Lane, Colburn, near Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, when he was attacked by an older
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Anguish of grieving widow as blaze destroys her home
A GRANDMOTHER fought back tears last night as she told of how 30 years of memories had been destroyed when two fires swept her home. Maria Cossins lost everything - including possessions belonging to her husband, Raymond, and daughter, Maria, who both
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Sorensen's Nationwide fear
THOMAS SORENSEN confessed for the first time last night that he fears becoming a Nationwide League goalkeeper next season, writes Steven Baker. After last week accusing Sunderland of pricing him out of a move by valuing him at £4m, Sorensen admitted he
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Crime fear unjustified
POLICE say fear of crime in County Durham is disproportionate to offences committed. The British Crime Survey ranks the county second in the country for fear of crime, but recorded crime is seventh lowest and has been falling.
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Farmer's legacy lives on with show trophy
THE legacy of dales farmer Arnold Jopling lives on this weekend at the sheep show he helped found 18 years ago. For the first time a trophy for the winner of the Blue-faced Leicesters classes will be presented at the show being held in the Weardale village
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School health awareness lesson
A NEWTON Aycliffe school has hosted an event to raise awareness of local health services. Greenfield School's first ever Health Carousel for Year 11 pupils was jointly organised by Key Stage Four and school nurse Julie Rogers. She is seconded to the school
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Trust seeks views on its services
HEALTH chiefs in Sedgefield borough have already made some changes to services after listening to residents' views. Members of Sedgefield Primary Care Trust (PCT) are getting closer to the local community by meeting people to discuss their needs. The
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News in brief: Church licence bid deferred
A CHURCH has had its public entertainment licence application deferred. Darlington Borough Council's licensing committee heard yesterday that when officers went to inspect St Augustine's Parish Centre, in Larchfield Street, Darlington, they could not
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News in brief: Home needed for Murphy
AN abandoned dog which was handed in to a rescue centre after having its leg broken by a car is looking for a home. Murphy the labrador/collie cross was handed to Saltburn Animal Rescue Association (Sara). Sara chairman Anne Prosser said: "He's a lovely
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The stalls are alive with music
A BROADWAY show that launched the career of Julie Andrews is coming to the North-East. Sandy Wilson's musical The Boyfriend stars Liliane Montevecchi, Oliver Tobias and Roy Barraclough and runs from June 10 at Darlington Civic theatre. The original production
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Cabbie given a warning
A TAXI driver who assaulted another cabbie has been warned by councillors. George Jenkinson was fined £100 and ordered to pay £100 costs and £15 compensation by magistrates in Darlington after being found guilty of assault and criminal damage. Jenkinson
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Father wins apology after a 16-month wait for treatment
AN angry father has won an apology from health bosses after he discovered an NHS unit providing child therapy had virtually no staff. Nearly 200 South Durham children who need therapy to help them overcome developmental problems have not been seen for
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Fears over stolen weedkiller
Police are concerned that unmarked weedkiller has fallen into the hands of small children. Officers believe that a group of children may have been involved in stealing the bottle of weedkiller and two hammers from two sheds at allotments in Wilton Lane
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Youngster hit by bike
A FIVE-YEAR-OLD child is in hospital after being knocked down by an off-road motorbike. The youngsters was crossing Ormesby Road, Middlesbrough at around 7.30pm on Wednesday when he was hit by the bike, which then left the scene. The boy was taken to
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Black Cats sweat on windfall
SUNDERLAND will miss out on a £500,000 windfall if Basle fail to retain their Swiss title on Saturday. After Sheffield United ditched plans for a move for Jody Craddock following their play-off final defeat, Bernt Haas' proposed transfer to Basle could
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The man who pictured a generation of rockers
SOME of the greatest names in the rock world have brought visitors flocking to one of the region's imposing stately homes. The National Trust-owned Nunnington Hall, near Helmsley, North Yorkshire, is hosting an exhibition by one of the world's top rock
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Passenger numbers soar
A PUSH by budget airline Ryanair to increase its customer base in the North-East has seen its market share soar 188 per cent. The Irish carrier introduced two flights a day to Dublin from Newcastle to complement its route from Teesside. The move raised
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Stores plan
BARGAIN clothing retailer Peacock plans to create more than 1,000 jobs by next March as it expands across the UK. The group, which runs the Peacocks chain and bought Bon Marche last summer, said it plans to open 60 stores under the two brands. With a
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Promotions announced
MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company (MEHC) yesterday announced promotion for senior officials at Northern Electric Distribution Limited and Yorkshire Electricity Distribution Limited. Eric Connor, president and chief operating officer of UK operations
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Reunited couple slashed vice-girl
A JEALOUS partner and her pensioner boyfriend attacked a prostitute he had had sex with, a court was told. The 22-year-old's left breast was cut as her clothes were hacked off with a knife, before she fled into the street. Detectives found clumps of her
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John North: On the friendly buses
A TRANSPORT of delight, or at least of the utmost nostalgia, the Eden Bus Company will soon be back on the road. For almost 70 years, until being bought by Arriva in 1995, the red and ivory coloured fleet was familiar throughout south Durham and beyond
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Darley's day
WITH a stack of fancied rides to look forward too at Ayr this afternoon, Kevin Darley should not leave the Scottish course empty-handed. The former champion jockey regularly cherry-picks the cream of what is on offer in the north and trainer Michael Dods
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Northern Foods issues profits warning
GROCERIES and ready meals maker Northern Foods has warned that profits are continuing to be dogged by problems with its Fox's biscuit business. The biscuit arm was responsible for dragging down annual results below expectations, a scenario which is expected
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Last Night's TV: Journalism job goes south
Apply Immediately (BBC2) "VERY surprising people do succeed. I don't think he's one of them," was the opinion of George Brock, managing editor of The Times, after interviewing would-be journalist Pierre South. This was not a good start for salesman South
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Agency to tackle health threats
A streamlined health protection group is being launched in the region today. Officials say a more co-ordinated approach is needed to meet the increased threat of hazards such as the deliberate release of chemical, biological, nuclear or radioactive agents
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Cycling book is a tour de force
THE history, the heroes, the drugs scandals and the media coverage of the world's greatest cycling race, the Tour de France, are scrutinised in a forthcoming book by two North-East academics. Tour de France, 1903-2003: A Century of Sporting Structures
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No club decision
A DECISION on whether to grant a variation to a public music entertainment licence for the Mardi Gras nightclub, in Darlington, was deferred yesterday. Darlington Borough Council agreed that more information was needed on plans to renovate the club.
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Martial arts training centre given grant aid
FORMER supermarket manager Stuart Baillie has swapped his overalls for boxing gloves to set up a centre for martial arts training. The North-East of England Business and Innovation Centre helped the 25-year-old to start his own business, called Combat
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Wardens win award for legal advice
A TEAM of uniformed street wardens covering parts of south Durham is the first to win an award for giving sound legal advice. The Street Wardens Scheme was launched by Wear Valley District Council in November last year to tackle anti-social behaviour
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Handing over the chains of office
A FORMER shop steward and a showman have been installed as Spennymoor Town Council's new mayor and deputy mayor. Councillor Elsie Summerson took the chains of office from retiring Mayor Ross Hawkes, at the council's annual meeting. Coun Summerson, who
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Festival celebrates young people
YOUNG people in Hartlepool are forging ahead with preparations for the town's first youth festival next month. From Saturday, June 21, to Sunday, June 29, more than 2,000 young people will be taking part in performances, exhibitions, street displays and
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News in brief: Benefits advice for pensioners
ADVICE on accessing benefits and full pension entitlement is being offered to elderly people in Easington. The local council has joined forces with patient advice and liaison staff at Hartlepool General Hospital for the initiative. The council's benefit
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Crime fear not in line with fact
POLICE say the fear of crime among people in County Durham is out of proportion to the number of offences committed. According to the last British Crime Survey, the county ranks second in the country for the level of concern about the risk of falling
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Fears over stolen weedkiller
Police are concerned that unmarked weedkiller has fallen into the hands of small children. Officers believe that a group of children may have been involved in stealing the bottle of weedkiller and two hammers from two sheds at allotments in Wilton Lane
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Agency calls for flood survey
PLANS to redevelop a site for housing are being opposed by the Environment Agency because of flooding fears. The scheme to create nine homes at Hammond's Mill, in Magdalens Road, Ripon, will be decided by Harrogate planning committee on Tuesday. The Environment
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Multi-million pound education scheme unveiled
ADULTS, especially those living in remote areas, will be given extra help with a multi-million pound learning programme. A host of ideas are included in an education service package worth almost £5m. More than 22,000 people are taking advantage of the
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Woodgate in the clear over attack allegation
ENGLAND football ace Jonathan Woodgate has been cleared of an alleged attack on a drinker in his favourite pub. The £9m Newcastle United defender was said to have punched teenager Anthony Strange after the staunch Middlesbrough fan joked with the star
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News in brief: Court awarded Charter Mark
YORK Crown Court has been awarded a Charter Mark in recognition of its commitment to serving the community, one of eight across Yorkshire to win the accolade. Courts Minister Yvette Cooper said: "I am delighted that so many Yorkshire courts have achieved
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Quarry death court action
A WASTE company is to face prosecution after an 11-year-old boy plunged to his death in a former quarry. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has announced it is prosecuting waste disposal firm Biffa, for an alleged breach of health and safety legislation
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Plans for eco-estate 'not green enough'
PLANS for an eco-village in a North-East town could be blocked because objectors claim it will not be green enough. Councillors have backed residents who say plans for the environmentally-friendly estate in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, are not sustainable
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Virtual village
A 'VIRTUAL village' is to appear in Chester-le-Street for a day, when people can wander around a sustainable garden and take part in demonstrations. The village will be created at Chester-le-Street Riverside on Sunday, June 22, in and around a number
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More cash for run-down areas
COMMUNITY groups in run-down areas are being urged to tap into a fund to help them get projects off the ground. The Community Project Development Fund provides support for schemes that improve local people's quality of life. The fund, financed through
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Gifts from home cheer up soldiers
SOLDIERS in the Gulf have sent their thanks to Durham pupils who brightened up their lives in the war zone. Youngsters at Durham Johnston School raised £624 for comfort parcels by holding a non-uniform day. Sixty-eight packages, containing sweets, toiletries
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Centre minibus appeal
YOUTH workers are aiming to raise £43,000 for a minibus to help more disabled young people take part in its activities. Chester-le-Street Youth Centre, based on Cone Terrace, is trying to raise the money to buy the bus and adapt it for wheelchair users
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Former lawyer found hanged
A RETIRED solicitor has been found hanged at his home. An inquest has been opened and adjourned into the death of John Atkinson, 72, who was in practice with Drivers in Market Street, Malton. Police said Mr Atkinson was found in the garage at his home
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Protests heeded as company submits new waste site plan
A COMPANY hopes that its revised plans will be supported by campaigners who, for months, have opposed the building of a waste transfer site near their homes. Hundreds of residents and business people wrote letters of complaint over plans to build the
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'Improve the roads to help economy'
BUSINESS leaders say major road improvements are needed to help regenerate the economy along the North Yorkshire coast. The call is made in an economic blueprint, produced for Scarborough Borough Council, which will go before its cabinet next week. The
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Plenty of summer fun promised as events programme starts
SUMMER is here and the lure of the great outdoors is once again encouraging people to take to the highways and byways. In the Ryedale area of North Yorkshire that means the local cultural services unit is preparing for a busy season. Staff are now distributing
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Healthcare course to help patients
PATIENTS living with long-term health conditions are being invited to attend a six-week course which starts tomorrow. The course, called The Expert Patient Programme, will give patients the chance to learn more about managing their illnesses and getting
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Mobility group is helped by lotto cash
A NATIONAL Lottery grant has proved a lifeline for residents suffering from mobility problems. People in Redcar and Cleveland will be able to use wheelchairs and scooters to get out, thanks to £88,141 from the Community Fund. The money will be used to
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Shopping area's new look revealed
A project to revamp the area outside a shopping precincts has been completed. Costing £150,000, the scheme at Colburn, near Richmond, has been a joint effort between Richmondshire District Council, the town council and retailers. The pedestrian area on
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Deal set to widen Internet access
A DEAL has been struck that could see wireless Internet services in offices, restaurants, hotels and on public transport across Europe. Nomad Digital has joined forces with Evesham Technology to enable WiFi hot-spot kits to be marketed and installed.
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Study of entrepreneur successes
A £30,000 bursary is on offer to a PhD student who researches the workings of entrepreneurs. The North East Entrepreneurs Forum has agreed to grant the cash to support one full-time University of Teesside student for three years, starting soon. The student
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Awards to honour those who give blood
UNSUNG heroes who save North-East lives through their gift of blood are to be honoured in a new awards scheme. The National Blood Service (NBS) is launching the NBS Special Awards, which aims to recognise the blood donors, supporters and members of staff
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Celtic set to offer Solano lifeline
CELTIC are planning to kickstart Nobby Solano's career by making a £3m move for the Newcastle United winger. After five seasons on Tyneside, Solano's Newcastle prospects look bleak following the arrival of Lee Bowyer. And the Peruvian has further antagonised
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When it's cool not to be a hotspot
AN American academic has declared Sunderland the bottom of Britain's creative league because it does not have hip and gay areas or a big enough arts scene. According to Prof Richard Florida - and yes, that's his real name - this is the way our towns and
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'War on poverty' protest
A NORTH-EAST charity worker is flying to France to urge world leaders to declare war on poverty instead of war on terror. Oxfam's Newcastle and North-East campaigner, Kim Tan, flies to Evian today on the trail of world leaders, including Tony Blair, for
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Vicar jailed after affair with schoolgirl
A perverted vicar began an affair with a 13-year-old schoolgirl who turned to him for help after being bullied at school. Married Kevin Conway, 37, was jailed for three-and-a-half years after a court was told her plea for help turned into a "boyfriend
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Friends and name games
WHAT'S in a name? Quite a lot if it's four in the morning and your wandering boy's not home... You pace the floor, you call curses down upon his name, then you just want to know he's safe and hug him. You convince yourself you're worrying about nothing
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Soap Watch: Warm welcome
THE removal van pulls up outside Mark Fowler's old home at No 55 Victoria Street as Soapland's newest arrivals set up home in Walford. The Ferreiras are the first Asian family in EastEnders (BBC1) since dearly departed but not sorely missed Sanjay and
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Notes from Planet Zog: Friends and name games
WHAT'S in a name? Quite a lot if it's four in the morning and your wandering boy's not home... You pace the floor, you call curses down upon his name, then you just want to know he's safe and hug him. You convince yourself you're worrying about nothing
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Collectors are ready for their big day
COLLECTORS of antique bottles will display their wares at their 29th annual North-East gathering. The event, which is staged by the Northumberland and Durham Bottle Collectors' Club, is the main forum for enthusiasts of Victorian and Edwardian bottles
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Hopes dashed for worktops employees
HOPES that production could restart at a North-East factory have been dashed, three months after it closed leaving more than 100 people out of work. Kitchen worktops manufacturer Vertex made the 120-strong workforce at its plant in Shildon, County Durham
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How genteel boat trips have roared into the 21st Century
BOATING lakes in parks have been popular since Victorian times but a North-East town is bringing the pastime up to date. Albert Park, in Middlesbrough, is offering youngsters the opportunity to try out power boating on the recently-refurbished lower lake
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Will Paul get by with a little help?
As Sir Paul McCartney and wife Heather announce they're expecting their first child together, Women's Editor Christen Pears looks at the phenomenon of older fathers. AT an age when most men are looking forward to bouncing grandchildren on their laps,
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Community cash call
COMMUNITY groups in run-down areas are being urged to tap into a fund to help them get projects off the ground. The Community Project Development Fund provides support for schemes that improve local people's quality of life. The fund, financed through
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Primary schools battle for football honours
HUNDREDS of young soccer stars took part in the Darlington Primary Schools Festival of Football. Twenty-six schools took part in the annual cup final and there was also a girls' competition and league champions final. North Road school beat Hurworth Primary
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Schools to go in £300m shake-up
SCHOOLS will close as part of a £300m education shake-up in part of the North-East over the next 15 years. Durham County Council unveiled plans yesterday to secure Private Finance Initiative (PFI) cash to stem the hundreds of thousands of pounds lost
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Opera lessons
OPERA stars visited music students at a Darlington school to give them an insight into their profession. Members of the English Touring Opera Company performing at Darlington's Civic Theatre, held a workshop at Eastbourne School yesterday. Pupils aged
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Taxi boss's vehicles investigated
A TAXI proprietor in Darlington is being investigated by council officials after repeatedly presenting faulty vehicles for inspection. The man, who has not yet been named, will be asked to attend a licensing committee meeting next month to explain why
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School merger debate
VILLAGERS are being urged to take part in a consultation over school merger plans. In the next few weeks, people in Sadberge will be sent questionnaires on plans to shut the village school and transfer pupils to a new £3m Middleton St George school. When
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Action to stop illegal tippers
FLY-TIPPERS are being hunted by Darlington Borough Council after a clean-up operation saw more than three tonnes of illegally dumped waste cleared in a week. The council's environmental response team has mounted a campaign against offenders who dump waste
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Shopworker jailed after lottery scam
A SHOPWORKER who stole hundreds of pounds of lottery cash after discovering how to identify winning scratch cards was jailed for four months on Thursday. John Mazur was told by magistrates in Darlington that he had cheated the public, threatened the reputation
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Posthumously honoured hero says: Hang on, I'm still alive
His name was cast in metal 60 years ago, along with other fallen heroes of the Second World War. But George O'Key is very much in the land of the living. Chris Brayshay reports on the man who went to find his dead brother's name - and found his own instead
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Keep safe message to cyclists
YOUNG pop stars are urging their North-East fans to take extra care when out on bikes. S Club 8, formerly S Club Juniors, are backing the national Think! road safety campaign. Latest figures show that 177 cyclists aged 11 to 16 were killed or injured
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Quarry death court action
A WASTE company is to face prosecution after an 11-year-old boy plunged to his death in a former quarry. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has announced it is prosecuting waste disposal firm Biffa, for an alleged breach of health and safety legislation
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Bank keeps growth goal in its sights
A BUOYANT remortgaging market has helped Northern Rock stay on course to achieve a 20 per cent growth in lending. Despite a slowing in the number of first-time buyers looking for mortgages, the Newcastle-based bank said net residential lending was up
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Lack of entries threatens future of famous fell race
ONE of the biggest events in the fell-racing calendar is in danger of being cancelled because the number of people wishing to take part has plummeted this year. Only six people have so far signed up for the world-famous Lyke Wake Race, due to take place
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Quorn manufacturer Marlow agrees £70m sale
THE company behind the Quorn branded vegetarian products has been bought for £70m. Marlow Foods was acquired by Montagu Private Equity from its parent company, AstraZeneca. Marlow, of Stokesley, North Yorkshire, employs 340 people and has a turnover of
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Record Argos sales boost GUS figures
GUS has unveiled annual pre-tax profits ahead of expectations at £642m and announced a partial flotation of its South African retailing business. The Argos-to-Homebase company, which yesterday announced the sale of its catalogue home shopping business
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Pregnancy shock for campaign
THE shocking image of what appears to be a heavily pregnant boy is part of a poster campaign to cut unwanted teenage pregnancies in the region. This novel approach is being used to grab the attention of young people in Wear Valley, an area which has one
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29/05/03
MOTORBIKES: I AM nine years old and I live in Whinfield Park, Darlington. I like to play in the park beside my estate. I like to play football but I can't. I can't because a bright green motorbike keeps on circling us around the goals, and I can't blast
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Accident inspires student's glove design
A TEENAGER who was knocked off his bike by a car drew inspiration from his accident to design safety equipment for cyclists. Christopher Roe, 17, from Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, was wearing a fluorescent jacket and had rear and front lights on his bike
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Journalism job goes south
Apply Immediately (BBC2) "VERY surprising people do succeed. I don't think he's one of them," was the opinion of George Brock, managing editor of The Times, after interviewing would-be journalist Pierre South. This was not a good start for salesman South
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Warm welcome
THE removal van pulls up outside Mark Fowler's old home at No 55 Victoria Street as Soapland's newest arrivals set up home in Walford. The Ferreiras are the first Asian family in EastEnders (BBC1) since dearly departed but not sorely missed Sanjay and
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Will loses out in pie fight to bloke from Blackburn
THE region's Pie Idol champion has lost the race to become the new face of a leading pie manufacturer. Marine engineer Will Gordon, of Windy Nook, Gateshead, beat off competition from 50 hopefuls to win the North-East heats of the Fray Bentos Real Bloke
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News in brief: Man rescued from harbour
A SEAFRONT restaurant manager and his cook risked their lives and jumped into Scarborough Harbour to rescue a drowning man. Richard Johnson and cook Richard Jones, of The Golden Grid Restaurant, on Sandside, were alerted by calls for help from holidaymakers
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Man charged over death of trap driver
A 26-YEAR-OLD man has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving following a road crash in which a pony-and-trap driver died. Father-of-one Wayne Walker, 33, was on a regular trip along a stretch of road in Washington, Tyne and Wear, when a
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Factory safety commended
A NEWTON Aycliffe factory has been commended for its outstanding contribution to health and safety. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has awarded a gold medal to 3M Aycliffe. The award was presented by RoSPA president Lord Faulkner
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Outdoor drama planned
THE curtain is ready to rise on a season of outdoor drama in east Cleveland. There will be performances at Gisborough Priory, Guisborough, and in the grounds of Kirkleatham Museum, near Redcar. Oddsocks will bring Romeo and Juliet to Kirkleatham for four
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Friends praised for war effort
A MOTHER is saying thank you to friends and colleagues who supported her soldier son during the Iraq war. Tank driver Paul Emmerson's family waited anxiously at home in Crook during his three-month posting to Bazrah with the Scots Dragoon Guards. In Iraq
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Cycling book is a tour de force
THE history, the heroes, the drugs scandals and the media coverage of the world's greatest cycling race, the Tour de France, are scrutinised in a forthcoming book by two North-East academics. Tour de France, 1903-2003: A Century of Sporting Structures
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Mixed results for pool king
THERE was joy and sorrow for the first wheelchair world pool champion Gary Nicholson. The father-of-three, from Guisborough, east Cleveland, lost his title at the national wheelchair snooker championship at The Crucible, Sheffield. But the 40-year-old's
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Police say crime fear out of proportion
POLICE say the fear of crime among people in County Durham is out of proportion to the number of offences committed. According to the last British Crime Survey, the county ranks second in the country for the level of concern about the risk of falling
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Support for driver facing ban after 999 journey
AN ambulance driver from the North-East who was fined for speeding said people in his profession were in a no-win situation. Steve Gray, of Ashwood Close, Hartlepool, spoke out following uproar over an ambulance driver who faces losing his licence for
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Mixed results for pool king
THERE was joy and sorrow for the first wheelchair world pool champion Gary Nicholson. The father-of-three, from Guisborough, east Cleveland, lost his title at the national wheelchair snooker championship at The Crucible, Sheffield. But the 40-year-old's
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Former club heroes gather for football exhibition match
THOUSANDS of people are expected to attend a Victorian-style football match to celebrate Middlesbrough's first football match in 1877. A packed funday will culminate in a re-enactment of the club's first recorded game against Tees Wanderers, with former
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Cocktails for health
THE juice and dip bar in the Lamplight Arts Centre, Front Street, Stanley, was a big draw for visitors at the start of a three-day festival to promote healthy living. Staff blended cocktails from melons, strawberries, bananas and other fruit for visitors
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Pair in court over racial abuse case
TWO women appeared in court yesterday accused of shouting racial abuse at an Asian police officer. The women targeted PC Parvez Khan when he was with another officer in an unmarked police car in Stockton, said Ray Priest, prosecuting. Michelle Govan,
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Man charged over death of trap driver
A 26-YEAR-OLD man has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving following a road crash in which a pony-and-trap driver died. Father-of-one Wayne Walker, 33, was on a regular trip along a stretch of road in Washington, Tyne and Wear, when a
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Red tape help offered
farmers hoping to diversify are being baffled by complex planning policies, landowners have said. The Country Land and Business Association believes that farmers are becoming entangled in red tape as they seek new opportunities. Now the organisation is
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Residents establish group to fight village link road plans
WORRIED parents fear a proposed link road between two villages on Teesside will turn a residential country lane into a danger zone. Residents in Elton have formed an action group in a bid to stop the development, between the village and Long Newton. The
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Will loses out in pie fight to bloke from Blackburn
THE region's Pie Idol champion has lost the race to become the new face of a leading pie manufacturer. Marine engineer Will Gordon, of Windy Nook, Gateshead, beat off competition from 50 hopefuls to win the North-East heats of the Fray Bentos Real Bloke
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Sculptures heralding two-year arts project
SCULPTURES are being put up around County Hall in Durham as part of a two-year public art project. The work of artists Stephen Cox, Nigel Hall and Charles Hadcock will be sited by Durham County Council's headquarters and the DLI Museum and Durham Art
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Grassroots: Washington
SLIDE SHOW: Keith Hildreth is presenting a slide show called An Indian Experience to the Washington Camera Club tomorrow, at 7.45pm, in Harraton Community Centre. SCHOOL NEWS: Class 8NI of Usworth School held a bring and buy sale which raised £160 to
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News in brief: Benefits advice for pensioners
ADVICE on accessing benefits and full pension entitlement is being offered to elderly people in Easington. The local council has joined forces with patient advice and liaison staff at Hartlepool General Hospital for the initiative. The council's benefit
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News in brief: Home needed for Murphy
AN abandoned dog which was handed in to a rescue centre after having its leg broken by a car is looking for a home. Murphy the labrador/collie cross was handed to Saltburn Animal Rescue Association (Sara). Sara chairman Anne Prosser said: "He's a lovely
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Children lead town clean-up
Pupils from Moorside Comprehensive School, Consett, local councillors and workers from the McDonald's fast-food chain will take part in a community clean-up in High Street and Heritage Park on Friday, June 6, from 9am to noon. Restaurant manager Ed Robinson
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Pupils taught about alcohol
SECONDARY school pupils from Stockton have taken part in a roadshow highlighting the dangers of alcohol. Year eight pupils at Grangefield School were visited by Stockton's Healthy School Programme team to pilot the roadshow, called Drinkweiser. It aimed
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Love's injury deepens sad Durham's despair
THE nightmare goes on for Durham. Saturday's win against Derbyshire provided only a brief respite as they lost Martin Love for at least three weeks yesterday on the way to a 143-run defeat by Lancashire. Batting as though utterly demoralised by the broken
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County recalls gory days of yore
TWO leading tourist organisations have joined forces to give an authentic glimpse of a county's colourful, and often violent, past. English Heritage has teamed up with the Royal Armouries to bring the past back to life at some of its sites in North Yorkshire
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Friends launch sky-high school fundraiser
A FRIENDS group is hoping that the sky is the limit for its fundraising bid after releasing more than 1,000 balloons. The Friends of St Benet's organised the balloon launch last week to raise money for St Benet's RC School, Urpeth Grange, Ouston, Chester-le-Street
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News in brief: Church licence bid deferred
A CHURCH has had its public entertainment licence application deferred. Darlington Borough Council's licensing committee heard yesterday that when officers went to inspect St Augustine's Parish Centre, in Larchfield Street, Darlington, they could not
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New rules for children who go swimming
NEW national guidelines governing admission of children to swimming pools are being introduced at leisure centres operated by Hambleton District Council. The safety improvements for children during public swimming sessions come into force from July 1.
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So proud of my 999 hero
A SIX-YEAR-OLD boy was praised by police yesterday for helping to save his dad's life. Matthew Johnson remained calm and managed to contact the emergency services after his father, David, who has diabetes, became ill. The youngster was at home with Mr
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The flags are out as a Gulf war soldier returns to his family
A FAMILY put the flags out to greet their serviceman son on his return home from Iraq. The Gelders adorned the family home and approach roads in Langley Moor, near Durham City, with bunting and Union flags to welcome back son Bernie. He came home yesterday
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Woodgate in the clear over attack allegation
ENGLAND football ace Jonathan Woodgate has been cleared of an alleged attack on a drinker in his favourite pub. The £9m Newcastle United defender was said to have punched teenager Anthony Strange after the staunch Middlesbrough fan joked with the star
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Giant attraction is a revolution for funfairs
IT is said to be the largest mobile Ferris wheel in the world and you need a head for heights to ride it. Part of the Thunder Theme Park fair, which opens today on York's Knavesmire, it towers over other rides. It stands 45 metres tall, weighs about 180
