Archive
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Youth forum launched at Arts Centre
A FORUM giving a voice to young people in Darlington has been launched. The Darlington Youth Assembly, a council initiative, aims to give young people the opportunity to take part in and influence decisions which may affect them. Earlier this week, 80
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Week of fun lined up to reward area's carers
MEN and women who look after relatives or friends and rarely get any time to themselves, are to have a week dedicated to them in Teesdale. An event has been arranged for them on each of five days starting on Monday, by staff of the Carers' Centre, in
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Partnership on health talks prove a success
A NEW programme of health talks are under way in sheltered housing across Sedgefield borough. The Pioneering Care Partnership and Sedgefield Borough Council's Carelink sheltered housing co-ordinators are working in partnership to deliver the programme
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Grant helps to secure hall
A VILLAGE hall's future is more secure after organisers were awarded a grant. Fears had been expressed about Aycliffe Village Hall since the start of the year, when it became clear that funding was in doubt. The concerns followed Government changes in
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Legal threat made by tenant over condition of property
A YOUNG mother who says she has had to live in appalling conditions for more than eight months plans to take her landlord to court. Kirsty Savage said her landlord has failed to carry out any repairs on the house in Loraine Walk, Newton Aycliffe, since
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Minister turns his nose up at shorts, but not at volunteering
HEALTH Secretary Alan Milburn rolled up his sleeves to help volunteers in a charity shop yesterday. The Darlington MP was in the town's Cancer Research UK shop to encourage people to give up some free time as part of National Volunteers' Week. He lent
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Grant helps secure future of village hall
A VILLAGE hall's future is more secure after organisers were awarded a grant. Fears had been expressed about Aycliffe Village Hall since the start of the year, when it became clear that funding was in doubt. The concerns followed Government changes in
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Man stole £18,000 of goods for £200-a-day cocaine habit
A 35-YEAR-OLD man who burgled a string of Darlington houses to fund his drug addiction was jailed for almost six years yesterday. Appearing at Teesside Crown Court, Edward Gill, of no fixed address, admitted four counts of burglary, one of handling stolen
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MP celebrates lifelong learning during visit
FORMER Tory leader William Hague visited one of learndirect's most popular centres yesterday and met its 1,000th student. The Richmond MP went to the organisation's computer learning centre in Northallerton, took a look around and met some of the hundreds
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Pride of tourism
AWARDS will be handed out to the North-East's leading tourism businesses at the Pride of Northumbria Awards 2003. Developed by Northumbria Tourist Board and backed by One NorthEast, the awards reward excellence in tourism practice and recognises outstanding
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Restaurant chosen for rebrand test
A LITTLE Chef restaurant in the region has been chosen to test pilot a major investment. The motorway restaurant chain has chosen its outlet on the A168 at Thirsk as the testing pad for what could lead to a multi-million pound refurbishment programme
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Security cameras to target disorder
HARROGATE Borough Council's new administration has announced key moves in the battle against anti-social behaviour and disorder. The council's Conservative leader, Councillor Mike Gardner has announced a range of initiatives to help tackle the growing
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Club hopes to raise £10,000
RIPON Runners' Club is hoping to raise £10,000 for charity during a two-day, 100-mile relay fun run in the Dales. Fifty members will set off from Reeth at 8am on Saturday, June 21, and follow the Centurian Way circuit. The route takes in Aysgarth, Kettlewell
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Housing application turned down
A PLAN to build two houses on land formerly used as a coach depot in Sowerby, Thirsk, has been blocked. Hambleton development control committee considered a plan to build two detached houses and garages in an amended plan. But although several councillors
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Curfew for drinker who crashed car
A HarD-drinker was yesterday handed a curfew and an electronic tag by a judge. Alan Thurston, 20, who downed 16 pints a session, was also ordered to pay £400 compensation after he pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking on November 4. Judge David
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Mallon's care tribute
MIDDLESBROUGH Mayor Ray Mallon will be paying tribute to the work of carers next week. He is taking part in a week-long programme of events in the town to highlight their role and the training opportunities open to them. It is estimated one in five people
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Opportunity to puruse a 'green' career
GRADUATES interested in working in a green environment are being offered the chance of summer work and possibly a full-time job. Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has places in its countryside section for three recent graduates or students of environmental
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Bus cards to help people prove age
YOUNG people in County Durham can now prove their age to bus companies. Free under-14 bus cards are to be issued by the county council to young people who look older than their years. The card, which can be used any time, any day, proves they are entitled
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Clean hands the aim for hygiene event
HOUSEHOLDERS in Hartlepool are being reminded of the importance of basic hygiene in a bid to reduce the risk of food poisoning. Officers from Hartlepool Borough Council have issued the appeal to coincide with the 11th National Food Safety Week, which
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News in brief: Association to hold barbecue
Shadforth Community Association is holding a barbecue on Saturday, June 21, at 8pm, in Shadforth Community Hall, near Wheatley Hill, east Durham. Music will be provided by Rick and the Commandments. Tickets are £7.50 for adults, and £4 for children under
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Regimental Ferret Major brings troops' mascots to attention
A YORKSHIRE regiment has unveiled its own weapons of mass destruction - and it hopes to have them recognised as mascots. Ferrets Imphal and Quebec have already been adopted as pets by the troops from the Prince of Wales's Own Regiment and are serving
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Ban for man who pestered company
A MAN who pestered an entertainment company that turned down his idea for a TV gameshow with Robbie Williams has been ordered to leave the firm alone. Sean Stimson, 29, of Angle Street, Middlesbrough, was jailed for six months and made subject to a restraining
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Volunteers needed to help partially sighted
VOLUNTEERS are needed to help a charity for blind and partially sighted people. This month is Blind Awareness Month and the County Durham Society for the Blind and Partially Sighted is looking for people to help with the charity's home visiting service
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'Walking miracle' in region
A MAN dubbed the walking miracle for the endless fundraising ventures he embarks on while suffering a debilitating condition, is to visit Durham. David Paterson, 47, has suffered from arthritis since he was a child, which left him crippled until pioneering
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Lord lieutenant opens first joint police and fire station
THE county's first joint Police and Fire and Rescue service building was opened yesterday by Lord Crathorne, the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire. Lord Crathorne unveiled a plaque placed between the two entrances of the building, which is near Bedale
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Five nature reserves to be designated through project
FIVE new nature reserves will be designated in north-west Durham, through a project aiming to get more people out into the countryside. Karen Fisher, 31, has become the first local nature reserve officer for Derwentside District Council. Her first job
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Play it again gran
"SO what did Connie Francis sound like?" asked my wife as an over-confident 12-year-old from Liverpool called Laura Jenkins easily won Stars In Their Eyes Kids Final (Saturday, ITV1). I wasn't sure whether I was expected to break into song at this point
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News in brief: £400,000 for the community
VOLUNTARY and community groups are being offered a share of more than £400,000 to help children and young people in the county. Ten groups in the Ryedale district have successfully applied for grants totalling £50,000 from the Local Network Fund, through
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Two days of family fun
TWO fun days for families with young children have been organised in east Durham. The events, in Horden and Easington Colliery, will involve face-painting, free rides on a fire engine, children's entertainers and a soft play area and have been organised
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Football coaches scout for talent
COACHES from Sunderland Football Club have been scouting for soccer talent in Bedale. Forty youngsters took part in a two-day coaching course run by the club in conjunction with Bedale Leisure Centre. It is the fifth year the club has ventured down the
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Taxi boss in court over driver's fiddle
THE operator of a North-East taxi firm has been sentenced by magistrates after one of his employees was caught fiddling a benefit claim. Leslie Rogan, 42, of Scott Street, Stanley, County Dur-ham, owns South Moor Taxis. Anti-fraud officers from the Department
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Terrorist swoop men get payouts
FOUR North-East men arrested in the region's biggest anti-terrorist swoop have received out-of-court cash settlements, The Northern Echo can reveal. Durham and Cleveland police forces, who led Operation Icebolt, have awarded the terror suspects pay-outs
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News in brief: Redevelopment discussion
Stockton Borough Council bosses yesterday met representatives of Thornfield Properties to talk about the redevelopment of Thornaby town centre. During the meeting the company set out its vision for the future of Thornaby. There will be public consultation
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News in brief: Association to hold barbecue
Shadforth Community Association is holding a barbecue on Saturday, June 21, at 8pm, in Shadforth Community Hall, near Wheatley Hill, east Durham. Music will be provided by Rick and the Commandments. Tickets are £7.50 for adults, and £4 for children under
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Barn plan challenges policy for rural area
A NATIONAL park authority, which is divided over its planning policies, is on the brink of another controversial decision. Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority has already rejected a Wensleydale couple's bid to convert a barn into a home to accommodate
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Healer called in to help injured dog
A PEDIGREE dog which almost died after being run over by an off-road motorbike is being nursed back to health by a healer 400 miles away. Five-year-old Flame, an Irish red setter bitch, was left in a critical condition with a broken ankle and chipped
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Pride of tourism
AWARDS will be handed out to the North-East's leading tourism businesses at the Pride of Northumbria Awards 2003. Developed by Northumbria Tourist Board and backed by One NorthEast, the awards reward excellence in tourism practice and recognises outstanding
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Harmison makes his mark
STEVE HARMISON raised his arms to the skies in triumph. So what if his first Test victim at Riverside hadn't been bowled by a 90mph missile, or caught fending off a vicious lifting delivery? After seeing Richard Johnson steal his Chester-le-Street thunder
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Athlete appeals for sponsorship
A YOUNG athlete is looking for sponsorship to enable him to compete for his country. Mark Richardson, 17, has been selected to represent Great Britain in the sport of biathle in an international event in Italy on June 29. The event comprises a 1,500 metre
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News in brief: Anyone for volleyball?
Entries have opened for a beach volleyball festival in the region. The July 12 festival, to take place in Redcar, between Leo's Pub and the Regent Cinema, has been organised by Redcar and Cleveland Council. The age group categories are for four-a-side
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On track for a place in rail history
A CEREMONY attended by 150 civic dignitaries marked the handover of 22 miles of railway to a company. Councillors, mayors and council chairmen were among those celebrating with Wensleydale Railway plc at Leeming Bar station, North Yorkshire, yesterday
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Sidelined ace Collingwood keeps off Riverside beer
FROM the comfiest seat in the house, Paul Collingwood surveyed the sun-kissed Riverside - and rued his bad luck. "It'd be great if I could sit here and drink beer all day," the Durham all-rounder smiled. "But I'm sure people wouldn't be too happy if they
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City reward Brar faith
Foster's Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League: Newcastle City captain Bob Brar is not in the least bit surprised that his side is riding high in the first division. "I said last year that if we won promotion we would hold our own and if we signed
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American dream for football star Becky
PELE, George Best and Rodney Marsh did it at the end of their careers but for teenage sensation Becky Angus, the razzmatazz of the US will mark the start of her football career. The 17-year-old from Redcar, east Cleveland, is already dreaming of stepping
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2,500 unseen medals to be put on display
MEDALS won by local heroes in conflicts spanning generations will go on display for the first time, thanks to funding of almost £50,000. A Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant of £49,900 will allow The Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Museum, at Aykley Heads,
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Frustrated Moxon wants new role for substitutes
DURHAM coach Martyn Moxon insisted yesterday it is time to consider allowing substitutes to do more than merely field in cricket. With play on the third day of the match against Hampshire at the Rose Bowl washed out, Moxon also wrote off any hope of seeing
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Places at infertility event are going fast
AN infertility charity says it has been overwhelmed at the response to its first information day in the North-East. More than 100 out of 150 free places at next Sunday's event, at the Centre for Life, Newcastle, have been snapped up, according to the
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'Reduce speed to save animals'
WITH the arrival of light, warm summer evenings the RSPCA is urging motorists on the region's roads to slow down for wildlife. The charity sees a dramatic rise in the number of wild animals, from hedgehogs to deer, killed on the roads during the summer
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Truant's dad went on hunger strike
A FATHER went on hunger strike in a desperate attempt to make his daughter attend school. The man and his wife faced a possible prison sentence when they appeared at Hartlepool Magistrates' Court. They were charged with failing to ensure their daughter
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In My View: Play it again gran
"SO what did Connie Francis sound like?" asked my wife as an over-confident 12-year-old from Liverpool called Laura Jenkins easily won Stars In Their Eyes Kids Final (Saturday, ITV1). I wasn't sure whether I was expected to break into song at this point
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Dog owners fall foul of the law
A COASTAL town council has successfully prosecuted dog owners this week over nuisance offences. Offences ranging from keeping a dangerous dog, failure to keep a dog on a lead in areas covered by by-laws and dog fouling have been dealt with by Scarborough
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Charity workers assured over pay
WORKERS were last night assured that they would receive overdue wages from a cancer charity, despite it being plunged into financial chaos. The Charity Commission has taken control of Breast Cancer Relief, freezing more than £1m in its bank account after
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For Your Benefit: Must I produce statements?
Q My council has refused to allow me any Council Tax benefit because I have refused to show them the bank statements they demanded. Can they do this? A Yes. The council has the power to request any certificates, documents, information and evidence that
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McCarthy considering Boro reunion
SUNDERLAND manager Mick McCarthy has been alerted to the possibility of pairing Middlesbrough defender Colin Cooper with former Riverside teammate Steve Vickers. McCarthy has already had talks with ex-Millwall colleague Cooper, who is out of contract
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Shola backs Robson to reform 'bad boy' Bowyer
SHOLA AMEOBI last night hailed Newcastle United boss Sir Bobby Robson as the manager to turn bad-boy Lee Bowyer into a new man. Eyebrows were raised around Tyneside when Robson swooped to sign controversial Bowyer on a four-year deal after the midfielder
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Sweet start to hospice celebrations
CATERING students helped a charity birthday party by baking two huge cakes. Aspiring bakers from Middlesbrough College made the 4ft by 2ft cakes to celebrate the 21st anniversary celebration of Teesside Hospice. The first cake was taken to the Cleveland
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Rose blooms in pensioners' Pop Idols
A NORTH-EAST supergran has been crowned the North-East's most talented popstar pensioner. Rose Bottomley, 64, won top prize at the Silver Stars Talent Contest, proving that age is no barrier when it comes to showbiz. Rose was one of 15 battling it out
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Centre of excellence gives a lift to engineering sector
EMPLOYERS in the North-East's engineering sector can now take advantage of a centre of excellence when training staff. South West Durham Training, at Newton Aycliffe, has been named a North-East Centre of Vocational Excellence for advanced engineering
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Comment: Labour's own loose cannon
WHILE his boss was discussing matters of world importance such as weapons of mass destruction with The Northern Echo on a flight between London and Newcastle, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott was scuffling in the gutter with the media again during
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Hall of fame
TV financial guru Alvin Hall recently packed a York bookshop with customers eager to buy his new publication. But he says he's often surprised by the impact he has had on people's lives. Anyone doubting the popularity of BBC TV financial guru Alvin Hall
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New career for vet who had to quit after smash
A VET who had to quit after suffering a spinal injury in a road accident has started a new career in law. Madeleine Forsyth will be one of a handful of vets able to provide a service to the legal profession and the public on animal issues. She has returned
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David Brown named chief executive at Go-Ahead
PASSENGER transport firm Go-Ahead has announced that David Brown will be the chief executive of its London Buses unit. London's congestion charges have driven more passengers on to Go-Ahead's buses and the company has been working to improve the reliability
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Passenger numbers rise for easyJet
BUDGET airline easyJet enjoyed good business last month, with passenger numbers rising to more than 1.75 million. The May total was 95.9 per cent up on the same month last year, but the May 2002 figures did not include passenger numbers for low-cost carrier
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Centre will reduce wait for hip ops
THE region is getting another so-called "hip factory", a fast-track surgical centre which runs alongside the normal hospital system. Plans for the Diagnostic and Treatment Centre (DTC) were approved in principle by Northumberland, Tyne and Wear Strategic
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Zimbabwe can find no answer to Johnson's polished performance
AFTER waiting almost eight years to make the progression from England squad member to Test player, Richard Johnson took just 62 minutes yesterday to write his name into Riverside folklore. Aided by a hopeless Zimbabwean batting display on a placid Chester-le-Street
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Death leap caught on film
IT was to have been one of the most romantic gestures in one of the world's most romantic cities. Tony McElwee, 22, had spent weeks planning to propose to his girlfriend at the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. But the moment was shattered when a Frenchman
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Visits by MPs help launch projects
TWO community projects were launched yesterday with visits from their local MPs. North Durham MP Kevan Jones opened the first dedicated drop-in centre in Derwentside for people suffering from dementia and their carers. The Alzheimer's Society was able
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Health trust's new deal clears way for operations
HEALTH officials have struck a multi-million pound deal with hospitals to provide a host of operations during the coming year. For the first time, Darlington Primary Care Trust, which is responsible for 70 per cent of local health spending, has formalised
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Places at infertility event are going fast
AN infertility charity says it has been overwhelmed at the response to its first information day in the North-East. More than 100 out of 150 free places at next Sunday's event, at the Centre for Life, Newcastle, have been snapped up, according to the
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Church to host musical event
A CONCERT will take place at a Norton church tomorrow night It will be the first time the choir and music group from St Mary's Church will have performed together, in a programme to include hymns and classical pieces. There will also be a jazz interlude
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Report proposes renovating church destroyed in blaze
A CRUMBLING town centre church that residents want demolished could be maintained at a cost of £145,000. The distinctive remains of Stockton's Holy Trinity Church have become a feature on one of the main approaches to the town. But a survey of people
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Drop in crime but concerns remain
FIGURES released this week show crime continues to fall on Teesside, but there are more victims of violence. Statistics compiled by Cleveland Police for May reveal a significant drop in house burglaries and vehicle crime. They show crime down by nearly
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News in brief: Redevelopment discussion
Stockton Borough Council bosses yesterday met representatives of Thornfield Properties to talk about the redevelopment of Thornaby town centre. During the meeting the company set out its vision for the future of Thornaby. There will be public consultation
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Plan for home in farm field rejected
A RESUBMITTED planning application to build a farm worker's home in a village near Ripon. At an earlier meeting, councillors voted to approve the application, in a field at West View Farm, Winksley. But because they voted against planning officers' advice
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Shortage warning on foster carers
A LOCAL authority has warned that it is facing a shortage of foster parents because there is almost full employment and increasing competition from independent fostering agencies. North Yorkshire County Council's bid to find 100 more foster families has
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School's commitment pays off with accolade
A SCHOOL has rounded off a successful year by being recognised for its commitment to staff. Browney Primary School, in Durham, has won an Investors in People award after demonstrating its training and development opportunities. The recognition is the
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New bookshop owners have great expectations
TWO of North Yorkshire's most popular bookshops are starting a new chapter. Castle Hill Books, in Richmond, and The Northallerton Bookshop in Barkers Arcade, have been acquired by Yorkshire Books Limited. Nina Cline, who opened Castle Hill Books in 1975
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Pressure group warns of more congested skies
PLANS could be under way for a new flightpath which would see planes flying over the North York Moors. The news has been forecast by the Council for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE). Its new publication, Flying to Distraction, highlights how, within
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Jail for mother-of-two who smuggled 600,000 cigarettes
A 47-year-old woman was jailed for 18 months yesterday for her part in a "highly organised and premeditated" smuggling operation that sought to bring about 600,000 cigarettes into the UK illegally. Susan Johnson was stopped with her brother, Michael,
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News in brief: Travel grants for students
STUDENTS coming to Darlington from out of town could soon receive extra cash towards their travel costs. Government legislation came into effect in January, meaning that, from September, extra grants will be paid to those who travel into Darlington to
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Grassroots: Washington
FOLK NIGHT: The Davy Lamp Folk Club will be entertained by the Hokum Hotshots at 7.30pm next Saturday at Biddick Arts Centre. DONOR SESSION: A blood donor session will take place from 2.30pm to 7pm on Thursday, in Oxclose Church. SCHOOL GRANT: The Local
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MP praise for student marks
A-LEVEL students have been praised by their MP for achieving a higher-than-average pass rate. Results in Ashok Kumar's Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland constituency last year showed a 29.9 per cent pass rate among youngsters taking four or more
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Scheme in final of national awards
A SCHEME aimed at combating rogue traders, bogus callers and distraction burglaries is in line for a national award. Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's Homeguard scheme is being considered for the Brindley Medal, awarded by the Trading Standards Institute
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Volunteers praised for their work
VOLUNTEERS were rewarded for their efforts at a celebration hosted by a mayor. Sunderland City Council's social services directorate organised the event, at the Seaburn Marriott Hotel on Wednesday, as part of National Volunteers' Week. More than 200 guests
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Anger grows over schools shake-up
EDUCATION chiefs were last night criticised over their handling of a controversial schools closure announcement. Earlier this week, Durham County Council revealed the names of 23 schools which could be shut, and a further 94 facing mergers, as part of
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Price not right for Emerton
BRETT EMERTON'S agent has admitted his fear that Feyenoord could price the Australia star out of a move to Newcastle United. As exclusively revealed in Northern Echo Sport this week, the Magpies have been given permission to open talks with long-time
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It's a master, it's worth millions - but you can borrow it for a day
THE nearest most of us get to great works of art is a postcard or two from a gallery gift shop. But that will not be the case for one lucky winner of a competition designed to encourage public interest in art. The Bowes Museum, at Barnard Castle, County
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Toll road scheme narrowly misses awards
A TOLL road scheme has narrowly missed out on national and European awards. The initiative by Durham County Council, in which motorists are charged to access the Market Place and Saddler Street in Durham, was among 11 shortlisted for the 2002 European
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Fines go unpaid as courts struggle
THE region's courts are writing off hundreds of thousands of pounds in fines because officials are failing to enforce them. Now finance chiefs say there is an urgent need to improve the information available on offenders so that they can be tracked. In
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Roads closed for runners
POLICE are taking steps to ensure the safety of runners and spectators during the 23rd annual Blaydon Race on Monday. More than 3,500 runners will take part in the road race, which starts in Collingwood Street, Newcastle, at 7pm, and finishes 5.7 miles
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Skipper issues warning
Darlington Building Society NYSD Premier League: Redcar captain Martin Hood is delighted with his side's form in the early weeks of the season, but cautions against complacency ahead of the double programme. "This is my second spell with Redcar and I
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Employee who stole tools gets jail term
KEEN DIY fan Stuart Gamble had all the tools to do jobs for friends and neighbours, a court was told yesterday. But he had stolen the equipment, worth £108,000, from the Black and Decker factory in Spennymoor, County Durham, where he worked. When police
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Going through the motions of time
IT may only have taken a pot of glue and a steady rubber-gloved hand, but it proved a job of historic proportions for Gill Snape. For the student conservator succeeded in restoring what is believed to be the world's largest complete example of fossilised
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In The Picture: Hall of fame
TV financial guru Alvin Hall recently packed a York bookshop with customers eager to buy his new publication. But he says he's often surprised by the impact he has had on people's lives. Anyone doubting the popularity of BBC TV financial guru Alvin Hall
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Rose blooms in pensioners' Pop Idols
A NORTH-EAST supergran has been crowned the North-East's most talented popstar pensioner. Rose Bottomley, 64, won top prize at the Silver Stars Talent Contest, proving that age is no barrier when it comes to showbiz. Rose was one of 15 battling it out
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Hylton and Murton battle for top spot
Durham Coast League: There is a double programme during the weekend which gives Hylton the opportunity to topple Murton. Other sides though are too far adrift of the leaders to have a realistic chance of moving into pole position. Murton begin with the
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Paceman Dunn back to boost Esh
The Readers' Durham County League: The game of the day is between third-top Esh Winning and leaders Tudhoe, who are the only unbeaten side in the league. The teams have played the same number of games but Tudhoe have a 21-point lead over their rivals,
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'A funeral service was said... then they were bricked into their cells
A little-known church building, where volunteers were bricked into a cramped stone cell to spend their life in holy contemplation, should reel in the tourists when a County Durham town launches its first heritage trail. Emily Flanagan takes a look round
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Jamie's latest release
NORTH-EAST actor Jamie Bell is due to hit the big screen again in a production of Dickens' Nicholas Nickleby. The youngster is keen to show he is not a one-hit wonder following the success of Billy Elliott, three years ago. Then, the 13-year-old schoolboy
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Christie rewarded
BRILLIANT teenage pole vaulter Mark Christie has been rewarded for his superb start to the season with a Great Britain Under-20 international debut at Loughborough tomorrow. Now the 18-year-old Wearsider, who competes in the British League for leading
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Hefty fines imposed after chairs failed safety tests
HUNDREDS of settees and armchairs bought by a council for asylum seekers failed fire safety checks and had to be destroyed, a court was told. More than 230 items of furniture were sold to Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council for £14,200 by Precision Manufacturing
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Anger as governors back school name change
PARENTS in a village last night claimed it was losing its identity after controversial plans to re-name its school were revealed. A new £3m school in Middleton St George, near Darlington, will be called the St Andrew's and St Laurence's Voluntary Aided
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Anani cannot be ignored in Epsom opener
DERBY day at Epsom always serves up a feast of star-studded action and this afternoon is no exception. I've already made a strong case for supporting Unigold (4.00) in the big race and neither should his classy stable-mate Anani (1.40) be ignored in the
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Entertainment: Sketching a comic future
It's been a journey from screen to stage and back again for comic Tim Vine. Viv Hardwick reports HALFWAY through our interview award-winning TV comic Tim Vine breaks off and says, by way of apology, "I'm not being very funny am I?" He was being given
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Blair vents his anger on Iraq war critics
PRIME Minister Tony Blair last night spoke of his anger at critics of the war against Iraq, accusing them of insulting British servicemen and women who risked their lives in the conflict. Speaking exclusively to The Northern Echo to mark 20 years since
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07/06/03
IRAQ: THE Allied forces secured a brilliant military victory in the war against Iraq. As things turned out, Saddam Hussein was removed from power and the Iraqi people were given their freedom. Before the war was started, I remember an American military
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Hussain's advice keeps England's new hero on straight and narrow
RICHARD JOHNSON followed Nasser Hussain's advice to the letter yesterday to bowl England to the verge of another crushing Test victory over Zimbabwe. Johnson took six for 33 on his England debut to force the Zimbabweans to bat again on a day when 16 wickets
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Exams go to wrong address
AN investigation is under way after students' GCSE exam papers meant for a marker ended up at the wrong address. Barbara Keating opened the package before realising it was not addressed to her. Inside were 15 completed exams scripts for a Government and
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Unigold offers good value for money
BIG-PRICED outsiders have won the Derby before so don't be afraid to snap up the 100-1 on offer with some bookmakers for Unigold (4.00) in this afternoon's £1.47m showpiece at Epsom, writes Colin Woods (Janus). It might sound like a pipe-dream, but 29
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Many happy returns on election day
As Tony Blair celebrates 20 years as MP for Sedgefield, he talks exclusively to Political Editor Chris Lloyd on the flight north about Fishburn Cokeworks, Labour's traditional values and the worst plane journey of his life. THE Blairs are used to planes
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PO closed for security
A NORTH-East post office was closed yesterday for security reasons. Darlington's main post office, in Crown Street, remained closed all day due to technical difficulties. It is understood the problems were connected with the post office safe. Customers
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Elusive otters make surprise return to town centre
A BUSY town centre is the unlikely new home of one of Britain's most elusive animals. For the first time in 20 years, otters have been spotted in the River Tees at Stockton. Conservation groups see the sightings as proof that the river has finally cleaned
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Nissan announces closure of final salary pension scheme
CAR manufacturer Nissan last night announced it is to close its final salary pension scheme to newcomers later this year. The company has looked at ways to plug a £121m shortfall in its pension fund to ensure workers receive their entitlement when they
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Boy in hospital
A seven-year-old boy was recovering last night after being knocked down as he crossed the street. The accident happened in Tay Road, Thorney Close, Sunderland, shortly after 5pm. Paramedics took the child to Sunderland General Hospital, where he was treated
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Pupils to sample life in the Army
THOUSANDS of North-East schoolchildren will march their way to the UK's biggest outdoor Army careers exhibition later this month. More than 18,000 pupils will visit the Army Exhibition for Schools (North) at Marne Barracks, Catterick, North Yorkshire.
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'King' Edwards fears the pretender
REIGNING champion Jonathan Edwards last night predicted that Great Britain have a ready-made replacement to claim the Olympic triple jump crown when he finally retires. The 37-year-old Gateshead Harrier will finally bring an end to a highly-successful
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Fundraisers aim high
TEENAGERS will walk across the top of the Transporter Bridge on Teesside to raise money for a hospital. Staff and 16-to-18-year-olds on the City Centre Training Lifeskills programme, in Hartlepool, will carry out the challenge on Tuesday, at 2pm, in aid
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Sewage spillage kills thousands of fish
Thousands of fish have died after raw sewage spilled into a country stream - three years after it was restocked. All life along a three-mile stretch of Howl Beck at Guisborough, Teesside, was wiped out after a Northumbrian Water sewer tank overflowed.
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Tough task for Norton
Foster's ECB North-East Regional Premier League: Norton go in search of their first win of the season, but they will not find it easy against South Northumberland, the only unbeaten side in the league. The Tynesiders toppled Chester-le-Street from pole
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Tribunal defends workers' right to take toilet breaks
SECURITY guards are entitled to toilet breaks, an employment tribunal has ruled. Gavin Ruddick, 41, claimed he was expected to work 12-hour shifts without breaks and was victimised when he made a complaint. The tribunal heard that employees of Reliance
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Hamilton back for Phoenix
Gavin Hamilton is back in Yorkshire Phoenix's squad for their National League game against Kent Phoenix at Tunbridge Wells tomorrow and will feature solely as a batsman if selected. Craig White also returns as he continues his recovery from pre-season
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Artefacts exhibition sheds light on the Dark Ages
A NEW exhibition opens today to showcase the most impressive of more than a million artefacts recovered from 25 years of archaeological excavation. Turning back the clock to 5000BC, specialists have provided information on the Dark Ages and brought to
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Students are heading for Hungary
A GROUP of Darlington students are heading to Hungary to run a summer holiday camp. Elm Ridge Methodist Church, in Darlington, has arranged for students from Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College and Darlington College of Technology to travel to Nyiregyhaza
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Row over felling of ancient yew tree
A ROW has broken out in a village over plans to fell a 200-year-old yew tree. Residents in Cleasby, near Darlington, are furious that work has already started to pull down the tree, without any consultation. The village hall committee authorised a worker
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Pigeon fanciers get cash to boost club
PIGEON fanciers are hoping that National Lottery cash will encourage more people to come forward and take up the sport. Evenwood Workingmen's Club Homing Society has been awarded £4,175 from the National Lottery's Awards for All scheme. The money is helping
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Landmark for Babes and Bumps
A GROUP formed to give advice and support to people expecting a baby has celebrated its first anniversary. The Spennymoor Bumps and Babes group, started last year by local health visitors, also provides support to parents with babies under 12 months.
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Children are taught about fire safety
SCHOOLS from rural areas will spend days with firefighters in a bid to learn more about health and safety. It will be the sixth year that Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Brigade will host the Carousel Safety event for schools in Wear Valley and
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Youngsters are flag-raising throughout dale
A FESTIVAL is being held this summer to show primary school pupils and other groups in Teesdale how to design flags and banners. It is run by the Artworks project, which has received a grant from the Arts Council National Lottery fund, along with support
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News in brief: Travel grants for students
STUDENTS coming to Darlington from out of town could soon receive extra cash towards their travel costs. Government legislation came into effect in January, meaning that, from September, extra grants will be paid to those who travel into Darlington to
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Daisy Day dancing is a hit with crowds
THE increasing population of people aged over 50 in Darlington was treated to a day of activities yesterday. Music, advice stalls and guest speakers entertained crowds in the market square as part of the town's third annual Daisy Day, launched by Health
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Hospice bike ride around town
FUNDRAISERS are being asked to get on their bikes to raise money for St Teresa's Hospice in Darlington. The Border Bike Ride, part of Darlington's popular annual Cycling Festival, will take place tomorrow. There will be two rides, one is 25 miles, the
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News in brief: Association to hold barbecue
Shadforth Community Association is holding a barbecue on Saturday, June 21, at 8pm, in Shadforth Community Hall, near Wheatley Hill, east Durham. Music will be provided by Rick and the Commandments. Tickets are £7.50 for adults, and £4 for children under
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Picture competition deadline draws near
AMATEUR photographers have only two weeks to get their entries in for a regional competition. Tees and North East Yorkshire NHS Trust has invited amateur photographers in Teesside, north-east Yorkshire and east Durham to enter the competition and see
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Drug den man is sent to jail
A PENSIONER'S self-styled social club where pals enjoyed card games and cannabis came to an abrupt end when police raided his premises. And yesterday, in the same week as 65-year-old Brandis Ewing qualified for his pensioner's bus pass, he also received
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Schoolchildren enjoy tennis with a difference
YOUNGSTERS at several of Hartlepool's primary schools took part in a special mini-tennis event yesterday. Thirty-two pupils from Kingsley, West Park, Stranton, and Jesmond Road primary schools competed in the local finals of the Spring Health Mini-Tennis
