Archive
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News in brief
A SUSPECT has been arrested by police investigating an assault on a middle-aged man outside a pub. The 55-year-old victim is fighting for life in Middlesbrough General Hospital following the attack outside the King Oswy pub, in King Oswy Drive, Hartlepool
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Numbers up for town
ITS residents may not realise it, but a North-East town is one of the luckiest in Britain. Washington is at number three for the biggest bingo cash wins in the UK. The town's residents had five big wins, with the winning players picking up £407,000. The
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He was 'wrong on Iraq threat'
Former Cabinet ministers Robin Cook and Clare Short revealed yesterday they were told by MI6 in the run-up to the war with Iraq that Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction did not pose any immediate threat. At the opening session of the Commons
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Man jailed in India for arms trading may be freed
The mother of a British man jailed for life in India for supplying arms to a revolutionary group said today she was ''hoping and praying'' for his return following reports that a request for his release had been successful. Peter Bleach, from Howdale,
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Letters
CAPITAL OF CULTURE THE last few days, since Newcastle-Gateshead was pipped at the post for the Capital of Culture title, have been a revelation. It's timely now to say a heartfelt thank you to the hundreds of thousands of people across the North-East
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Michael is putting on the glitz
LIFE is far from being a drag for one of the region's performers, who takes to the stage wearing glamourous costume for the first time this week. Ruby Diamond will make her theatre debut during a variety show on Friday, but the woman on stage will be
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Nicholls's future is at Quakers, Reynolds
Darlington chairman George Reynolds is confident young midfielder Ashley Nicholls will be at the club next season. The 21-year-old has struggled to settle in the North-East since joining the club on a free transfer from Ipswich Town last summer. However
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Arrest in fatal crash probe
POLICE have arrested a man in connection with a road crash that killed a great-grandmother and seriously injured her son and daughter-in-law. Dominic Gavin Huggett, 34, attended Stockton police station, Teesside, with his solicitor following an appeal
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Double tragedy as body found
POLICE have started an investigation into the death of a teenage girl who attended the same school as a boy suspected to have committed suicide after he was bullied. The body of 15-year-old Gemma Dimmick was discovered at her home in Ashington, Northumberland
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Amnesty joins campaign for urgent Army deaths inquiry
HUMAN rights organisation Amnesty International is demanding an immediate independent inquiry into allegations of bullying and sexual abuse at Army bases. A report by the group says there is "a legitimate perception that there has been institutional collusion
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Medical students celebrate success
THE first medical students to complete their training at a North-East university for 40 years have attended a ceremony. Sixty-nine students who enrolled on the Durham course will continue their studies at the region's main medical, school in Newcastle
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Deputy district judge says allegations are -ludicrous'
A DEPUTY district judge who is facing trial accused of being drunk and disorderly said yesterday that the allegations were "ludicrous". David Messenger, 49, will appear before magistrates in September for a two-day trial accused of being drunk and disorderly
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Gran's narrow escape
GRANDMOTHER Mary Jones has told how she was planning to hide in a cupboard to escape the storms, then realised her house was on fire. The terrified 81-year-old was on her way downstairs when she heard banging at her front door. Neighbour Graham Marshall
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People still waiting for working tax credit
The working tax credit fiasco -- where thousands have been unable to contact the constantly-engaged special helplines -- has taken a new twist. The new scheme is already under fire for the huge delays many are facing in getting the money they are rightly
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No drinking water in heat of the night
THOUSANDS of households which were left waterless on one of the hottest nights of the year were yesterday reconnected to the supply. Problems at the Harlow Hill treatment works at Harrogate, North Yorkshire, hit premises throughout the town centre and
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Time for Wills to stop hiding behind dad
HOW old will Prince William be on his birthday this Saturday? Ah yes, 21. Hasn't he yet got a tongue in his head? Can't he speak for himself? How long will Dad have to do it for him? The Prince's disregard of the speed limit on Lord Bathurst's estate,
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Bottles of goat's milk for hare of the dog
MISSY the springer spaniel's guilt was too much after she caught and killed a hare. For the unfortunate victim was mother to a leveret, and now Missy has turned surrogate mum to help rear the tiny creature. Three-year-old Missy's owner, Sue Riggs, 37,
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Sharp team steps in with care to cut hospital stays
BEFORE the introduction of the Sharp scheme, Alan Hopper would probably have faced lengthy stays in hospital following both of the falls he has had in recent years. But the 78-year-old from Newton Aycliffe has been able to remain at home thanks to help
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Family's plea to town clerk
The wife of missing Spennymoor town clerk Terry Robson last night made an emotional appeal for him to return. The 55-year-old has not been seen since Saturday night, when he left his Kirk Merrington home. His car was later found in Alnmouth, Northumberland
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TV review
Will we ever hear the name Queen Camilla? Camilla - The Uncrowned Queen (five) THIS documentary conjured up intriguing images - not least the thought of a future Queen carrying out official duties with a fag hanging from her lip. Camilla was a 20 a day
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The Real deal as Beckham moves on
England captain David Beckham is leaving his beloved Manchester United and heading for Real Madrid in a £25m deal, it was announced last night. As the midfield superstar jetted off yesterday for a promotional tour in the Far East, the club and player
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Johnston's choice
Here's what the Middleham maestro had to say about the pick of his Royal Ascot raiders in today's card in an exclusive Northern Echo interview. 3.05 Gr 3 Queen Mary Stakes (5f) ATTRACTION has annihilated the opposition in all three starts. She's always
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14 in years jail - but innocent
Two men who have fought for nearly 14 years from inside prison to clear themselves of murder had their convictions quashed by the Court of Appeal yesterday. Gary Mills, 43, and Anthony Poole, 41, who had already been freed on bail last week pending yesterday's
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MI5: Deadly terror attack -will happen'
A biological, chemical or nuclear terrorist attack on a Western city is "only a matter of time", the head of MI5 said yesterday. Eliza Manningham-Buller said: "We are faced with a realistic possibility of a form of unconventional attack that could include
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Students in the front line at army open day spectacular
TEENAGERS descended on Army barracks yesterday to learn more about life in the services. Catterick Garrison's annual Army Open Day is held at Marne Barracks, by the A1 in North Yorkshire, on Saturday, and includes displays of skill and military discipline
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Families celebrate opening of £250,000 childcare centre
A £250,000 training and childcare facility was officially opened in east Durham yesterday. The Bracken Hill Education Centre and Positive Steps Day Nursery was established on Peterlee's Bracken Hill Park to help local people gain employment while meeting
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Villagers prepare for US gospel choir's arrival
VILLAGERS have rallied to give a welcome to 35 members of a gospel choir who are flying to Britain from the US next month. The singers will all be put up by generous families in and around Gainford, County Durham, when they arrive from Durham, North Carolina
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Two officers injured as van rammed
TWO police officers were injured yesterday when their van was rammed by youths driving a car. One officer was taken to the University of Hartlepool Hospital suffering from whiplash and a bruised leg, while his colleague suffered a sprained wrist. They
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Prince's Trust announces year of success
THE North-East branch of the UK's largest youth charity has reported record growth, helping more than 4,000 youngsters in the past year. The Prince's Trust in the region, which helps youngsters aged from 14 to 30 into business and work, has announced
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Winner Winston proves worth
ROBERT WINSTON'S career is firmly back on track following a 21-1 double at Thirsk yesterday. The former champion apprentice jockey was badly injured in an ugly fall at Haydock just over a year ago and ever since he has struggled to re-establish himself
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Celebrations in honour of Wesley's life
THE 300th anniversary of the birth of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, will be celebrated at a museum this weekend. Celebrations will be held in the chapel vestry at Beamish Museum, County Durham, from 1pm on Sunday. The Reverend Kingsley Barrett
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N-E tests health worker scheme
A NEW type of healthcare worker is being deployed in the region in an effort to take the pressure off emergency services. County Durham and Darlington has been chosen as one of six sites in England to pilot the Emergency Care Practitioners (ECP) scheme
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Nurses pledge backing for cancer appeal
NURSES at Darlington Memorial Hospital are taking part in a national fundraising initiative for Macmillan Cancer Care. The charity has designated tomorrow as Bring £1 to Work Day and is hoping more than 100 organisations will take part. The nurses at
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Boxers back after trip of a lifetime
A TEAM of 14 young boxers have returned home after a trip to Canada. Spennymoor Boxing Academy did the town proud when they visited the town of Kitchener to step into the ring with boxers from world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis' amateur club, the
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New driver loses licence
A NEW driver has lost his licence after pleading guilty to driving without due care and failing to stop after an accident. David Scholes, 22, of South Church Road, Bishop Auckland, appeared at Darlington Magistrates' Court yesterday. The court heard that
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Mother raps hospital for injury errors
THE mother of a teenage boy who was attacked by thugs has criticised a hospital for passing the wrong information about his injuries to police. The 16-year-old boy,who is not being identified, was head-butted after being attacked by four youths as he
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Geordie Olympics day
MORE than 200 young people will take part in a Geordie version of the Olympics this week. The Geordie Games will be held with the emphasis on fun at Oliver Henderson Park, in Leam Lane, Gateshead, on Friday. As well as traditional sports-day favourites
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Anger as funeral family is 'banned'
THE grieving family of a man found dying in a country lane say they were banned from his funeral by the wife accused of his murder. Council electrician George Button was cremated in a low-key service organised by the family of his wife, who is accused
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Presenters lift charity hopes
TWO northern television presenters will be welcomed today as key players with the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) charity. Harry Gration has accepted an invitation to become the chairman of the charity and Christa Ackroyd has become a trustee. The helicopter
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European conference role for youth assembly member
A MEMBER of Darlington's Youth Assembly has been chosen to represent the country at a European youth conference. James Gilbey, 18, a peer mentor at Darlington Borough Council, was selected as one of two young people to represent the country at the five-day
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High note for school as choir releases its first CD
PUPILS have released their first single with the help of a professional sound recordist. The choir at Pelton Junior School has released a CD containing two songs written by the school's music co-ordinator Edward Jackson. A temporary recording studio was
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Thieves admit raid on home
TWO burglars have admitted stealing from an 84-year-old Darlington woman. Daniel Gordon, 30, and Anthony Tomlinson, 21, both of Newton Lane, Darlington, admitted entering the pensioner's house when they appeared before Darlington Magistrates' Court yesterday
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Priory backdrop for music and fun
A MUSIC and activity festival will be held at Gisborough Priory, in Guisborough, later this month. Daytime highlights on Saturday, June 28, will include a teddy bears' picnic, live music, traditional games, and other family activities. The event will
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Bankrupt man faces jail term
A BANKRUPT businessman who failed to disclose that he had nearly £250,000 in a Spanish bank was told yesterday that he faces a prison sentence. Trevor Iveson, 48, from Middlesbrough, whose fruit and vegetable business collapsed in the 1990s, pleaded guilty
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Beat bobby invites residents to visit surgeries
A POLICE officer is inviting people to raise issues at advice surgeries. PC Tracy Sanderson, beat officer for Ushaw Moor, Bearpark and Broompark for the past two years, hopes to establish Wednesday morning surgeries, starting next week. PC Sanderson is
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N-E tests health worker scheme
A NEW type of healthcare worker is being deployed in the region in an effort to take the pressure off emergency services. County Durham and Darlington has been chosen as one of six sites in England to pilot the Emergency Care Practitioners (ECP) scheme
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Wayne presents
WAYNE HEMINGWAY, the founder of the Red or Dead fashion label, presents the annual awards at East Durham and Houghall Community College, in Peterlee, tonight. It is hoped that Mr Hemingway, who started in business with a market stall, will inspire the
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Club to introduce speed dating service
A MEMBERS-only club in Darlington is bringing "speed dating" to the town. The Atlantic Bar and Club for the over-25s market will begin the regular sessions next month. Speed dating offers participants the option of meeting up to 40 potential dates in
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News in brief
Darlington Civic Trust is inviting colleges and art groups to enter a competition to design a logo. The trust, which was set up to ensure places of public interest in the town were preserved, first met in March. The logo will be seen across the country
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From picture framing to setting the wedding scene
A FORMER picture framer has started a business offering matching bouquets and invitations for brides. Barbara Raw ran Framecraft, a picture framing service at Morton Park, Darlington, with her brother until recently, but has now transformed her shop,
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Thousands of Harry Potter books stolen
Police were last night hunting thieves who stole a lorry packed with copies of the new Harry Potter blockbuster. A trailer containing 7,680 copies of Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix was stolen from a trading estate at Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside
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Families in new battle to preserve green
FAMILIES who spent thousands of pounds in legal fees to save a patch of grass are facing a new fight to preserve it for future generations. Seven households in The Hollow, near Crook, were so desperate to claim the half-acre field as their village green
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Health debate
A public meeting about proposals to improve mental health services for adults in Gateshead will be held in Chopwell Community Centre, Derwent Street, Chopwell, on Saturday, at 10am
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Interactive artwork on display
A piece of art that will have shoppers talking about it was unveiled on Monday. Called Threshold, it resembles a huge mirror in a finished stainless steel doorframe. The five-metre high piece, which has been installed at the southern end of Gateshead
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Householders urged to 'kerb' their rubbish
THE drive to recycle household waste is spreading across the North-East. Only days after three district councils in County Durham launched a Kerb-it rubbish recycling scheme, delivery of collection boxes began in Sunderland. People living in the area
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Providing help with pensions
PEOPLE who are worried about their pensions can have their questions answered by experts. The Government's new Pension Service is sending specialists out into communities in Teesside to provide advice on pensions and entitlements. Advisors will answer
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Band returns to tapas bar
The Clarksdale Brothers will be performing at The Grange Tapas Bar in Norton, near Stockon, this weekend. The trio play jazz and blues, as well as "general drinking music" and have proved popular since taking up residence at the bar three weeks ago. Singer
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School festival celebrates the arts
STUDENTS tried their hands at arts activities from dance to tie-dying at a schools arts festival. Belmont Comprehensive School in Durham held a three day arts festival on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (13th) last week, with more than 200 students and
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Model Jordan to visit club
CLUBBERS will have the chance to get up close and personal with one of Britain's most infamous party girls later this month. Zanzibar nightclub, in Stockton, has invited glamour model Jordan to get pulses racing on Friday, June 27. As well as an appearance
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Tributes are paid to parish priest, 61
TRIBUTES have been paid to a Catholic priest who served on Teesside for more than 20 years. Father Ian Stewart, 61, parish priest at Yarm, died on Friday after a long illness. Fr Stewart was originally from York, but moved to Teesside after he was ordained
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Tory MP learns about Dales' issues
THE Conservatives' rural affairs spokesman has spent time in the Dales learning more about the issues that really matter to people in the rural communities. David Lidington, the Shadow Secretary for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, spent yesterday
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Governors rethink village school's name after protest
GOVERNORS have announced that they are to reconsider a controversial proposal to change the name of their village school. Parents of pupils attending the school in Middleton St George, near Darlington, were furious at a proposal for a new £3m school to
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Road safety bid to protect children
CHILD safety has been put under the spotlight in a new campaign by the county council. The road safety team is putting out the simple message "Accidents happen in seconds... but the results can last a lifetime" to help prevent serious road incidents involving
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Supplier to expand
A MARBLE and granite supplier is making solid progress after announcing it is moving to new premises. F. Jones (Cleveland) Ltd is expanding to a new unit at Riverside Park Road, in Middlesbrough, as a result of a £1.5m investment. The majority of the
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MP backs charity fun race
FORMER Health Secretary Alan Milburn has given his support to the Cancer Research UK Race for Life taking place in his constituency. South Park, in Darlington, will host the 5km race on Sunday, July 13. Women of all ages are invited to walk, jog or run
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Youth hostel campaigners pressed to make final effort
CAMPAIGNERS who fought for more than a year to save a Wensleydale youth hostel from closure have been urged to join a final push to save it from the axe. The Youth Hostel Association (YHA) announced the demise of its Aysgarth premises in April - a year
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Youth hostel campaigners pressed to make final effort
CAMPAIGNERS who fought for more than a year to save a Wensleydale youth hostel from closure have been urged to join a final push to save it from the axe. The Youth Hostel Association (YHA) announced the demise of its Aysgarth premises in April - a year
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Comment: Throw us a lifeline now
THE grave situation at the Rothmans factory in Darlington highlights the plight facing North-East manufacturing. Those in the Home Counties may be judging the health of the economy by the spiralling value of their properties. And to a large extent, house
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No losers in Becks' Spanish switch
SO Sir Alex Ferguson has won the day and David Beckham, the darling of Old Trafford, is the loser. Don't you believe it! There are no losers in this contest. Fergie made up his mind that it was time for Beckham to go - whether the England captain liked
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Jerusalem, jam ...and nudity
JAM, Jerusalem and naked ladies. Yes, it could only be the WI. As Women's organisations go, you'd be hard put to beat the Women's Institute. Practical, sensible, down to earth - and, as that calendar showed - with a sense of humour and a social conscience
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Market report
LONDON'S FTSE 100 Index edged closer to the 4200 barrier after benefiting from improved sentiment in New York. The upbeat tone was set early on by the Dow Jones Industrial Average's strongest close in 11 months following positive US economic news. The
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His party funds face loss
The Labour Party was last night facing the loss of £700,000 in financial support from the country's largest trade union and the prospect of strikes by millions of council, health and education workers. The twin threats from the country's biggest union
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Cigarette factory closure confirmed
Cigarette manufacturer British American Tobacco has confirmed it will close its last North-East plant. The company intends to shut its Rothmans factory in Darlington, County Durham, and transfer work to a larger operation in Southampton. The Darlington
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Durham set to name Pretorius replacement
DURHAM could again go into tonight's Twenty20 Cup tie at home to Leicestershire without an overseas player. But they hope to make a decision tomorrow about the replacement for Dewald Pretorius. "We are looking at three or four possibilities and a lot
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Cheap cinema: We're snubbed
Stelios Haji-Ioannou, who opened his easyCinema in Milton Keynes last month offering no-frills cinema seats for as little as 20p, told the Commons Culture, Media and Sports Committee inquiry into the British film industry yesterday that his business was
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Gadfly
THE Rolling Stones, it's said, demand backstage Marmite sandwiches as part of their contract. So does a singer called Dido, not to be confused with Dido and Aeneas. This one's Dido Armstrong, though she's actually Florian Cloud de Bounevialle Armstrong
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Sleeping couple alerted by alarm
A SMOKE alarm alerted a couple to a fire after their house had been struck by lightning. Phil and Helen Dodd, of George Street, Craghead, Stanley, County Durham, were woken by a loud bang at about 5.15am yesterday. Mr Dodd said: "I would have gone back
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New blows to Blair
PRIME Mininster Tony Blair appeared to be increasingly besieged last night. His "botched and shambolic" reshuffle was savaged by MPs in the Commons. And former Cabinet ministers Robin Cook and Clare Short dealt a further blow when they said they were
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Park's tranquillity is untouched by vandals
IN JUNE 1899, The Northern Echo was gearing itself up for a campaign. If necessary, it said, one penny would have to go on the rates to pay for its proposals. And how could anyone gainsay them? "All lovers of the beauties of Nature would view with sincere
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Sport Briefs
RUGBY UNION: Battered, bruised and stitched together, full-back Josh Lewsey is excited to be back in England colours for the clash with Australia this Saturday and has not let the experience of having his head trampled on affect his preparations. Lewsey
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Business Brief
ANGLO-Dutch steelmaker, Corus, yesterday announced a futher 136 jobs are to go as it reorganises its UK Construction and Industrial business. The West Midlands will be worst hit under the latest round of redundancies. A total of 102 people will lose their
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Fears fade of house price crash
FEARS of a significant fall in house prices in the south, and the effect this may have on the housing market nationally, are receding as confidence in the London market strengthens, according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. In its latest
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Fall in petrol prices help inflation rates
FALLING petrol and oil prices helped the annual underlying rate of inflation to ease slightly in May, data showed. The figure, which excludes mortgage interest payments, fell 0.1 per cent to 2.9 per cent after spending the previous three months at three
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Hamleys due to change ownership
HAMLEYS, one of the most famous names in toy retailing, could be set to change hands in a multi-million pound deal. Icelandic retail group Baugur said the board of Soldier, a company created to make the offer for the 200-year-old Regent Street group,
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Nissan breaks its record for new model
CAR maker Nissan's Sunderland plant has broken one of its production records by building its 100,000th Micra in just over six months. On average, nearly 4,000 Micras have rolled off the line every week since Tony Blair and Nissan president Carlos Ghosn
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Supplier to expand
A MARBLE and granite supplier is making solid progress after announcing it is moving to new premises. F. Jones (Cleveland) Ltd is expanding to a new unit at Riverside Park Road, in Middlesbrough, as a result of a £1.5m investment. The majority of the
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His reshuffle 'a botched shambles'
Prime Minister Tony Blair last night fought to regain control of the political agenda with a speech on public service reform, as his "botched and shambolic" reshuffle was being savaged in the Commons. Mr Blair delivered his familiar message on the need
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The joys of motherhood
The mystical stork must be limbering up for a busy six months with three visits planned to my group of close-knit friends before the end of the year. Up until very recently, we have managed to avoid the patter of tiny feet, apart from an old school friend
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Woman is critical
A WOMAN was seriously ill in hospital last night after her car collided with a lorry. The accident happened as the 24-year-old was driving east along the A181 near Wheatley Hill, east Durham, at 9.20am yesterday. At the junction with Cemetery Road, her
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Biker admits doing 157mph
A motorcyclist caught riding at what is thought to be the fastest speed recorded by police on a British road yesterday pleaded guilty to driving dangerously. Andrew Osborne, 29, of Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, was clocked by a speed camera doing 157mph
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Club to host radio favourite
ONE of radio's favourite shows will arrive in the North-East next week. BBC Radio 4's Gardeners' Question Time will be recorded at Durham County Cricket Club's Riverside Stadium, at Chester-le-Street, on Monday. The show first took to the airwaves in
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Schools closed after strikes
HUNDREDS of children enjoyed a day off yesterday after storms left them without power. Five schools across the south of County Durham were without power, but all are expected to reopen today. They were Ferryhill Comprehensive, Staindrop Comprehensive,
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Disruption across region
THOUSANDS of homes in the region were left without power early yesterday when thunderstorms brought chaos to the North-East and Yorkshire. Commuters faced disruption after lightning strikes caused delays to tens of thousands of people. Lightning bolts
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New screening success
The first UK pregnancy from an embryo screened using a new IVF technique which can spot abnorm-alities within a single cell was announced yesterday. The breakthrough is set to benefit women aged over 36, those who have suffered recurrent miscarriages
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Killer went on to shoot youth
A GANG member who killed a man went on to shoot a teenager in the eye while on bail, a court heard yesterday. Carl Wesley Mason, 23, was one of a group of people who chased Mick Brolly through York and joined in a fatal attack. Only six weeks later, in
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Zara's 'modest' split decision
Royal rebel Zara Phillips turned racegoers' heads yesterday as she sported a daring split skirt at Ascot. The feisty 22-year-old fashion icon, daughter of the princess royal, flashed her left leg in a Gharani Strok black outfit decorated with a pattern
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Harry Potter and the keeping of secrets
SOMETIME on Friday afternoon, an unmarked van will pull up at the loading dock at Ottakar's bookshop in Darlington. Three pallets will be unloaded, each holding a stack of boxes. Each box will be numbered, but otherwise unmarked. The boxes will be locked
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Albania idea for seekers
A Conservative government would cut the number of asylum seekers arriving in Britain to a provisional 20,000 a year, Shadow Home Secretary Oliver Letwin said yesterday. Mr Letwin told the Home Affairs Select Committee that the huge reduction - there were
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Former speaker released in chain probe
A COUNCILLOR has been questioned over the disappearance of a mayoral chain. Former council speaker Ken Hall was arrested on Monday by police investigating how the £40,000 Middlesbrough chain went missing. He was interviewed and then released unconditionally
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X-ray specs 'almost a reality'
British scientists have developed an "x-ray specs" radar that can peer through walls. The machine can spot and track terrorists hiding in a building or seek out buried earthquake victims. Gordon Oswald, associate director of Cambridge Consultants, the
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18/06/03
CAPITAL OF CULTURE THE last few days, since Newcastle-Gateshead was pipped at the post for the Capital of Culture title, have been a revelation. It's timely now to say a heartfelt thank you to the hundreds of thousands of people across the North-East
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Action team is offering course
COUNTY Durham Drug Action team is offering families who live with drug addicts and alcoholics the chance to gain a qualification in coping with their situation. The course also helps people put their experiences to good use by helping others. A qualification
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University in search of animated work
ASPIRING animators are being encouraged to take part in a competition organised by a North-East university. The University of Teesside's Animex Student Animation Awards is aimed at recognising and rewarding student animation produced in the UK and abroad
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Crisis talks as N-E leaders link up to save industry
LEADING figures from across the spectrum of North-East business will meet today to thrash out a blueprint for saving manufacturing in the region. Crisis talks will take place against a backdrop of shock news that British American Tobacco plans to close
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Hunted: Doctor suspected of murdering his family
French police were in the Western Islands, Scotland, yesterday to solve the mystery of what happened to a family who set sail aboard a yacht from St Malo, France, three years ago never to be seen again. French authorities searching for doctor Yves Godard
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Will we ever hear the name Queen Camilla?
Camilla - The Uncrowned Queen (five) THIS documentary conjured up intriguing images - not least the thought of a future Queen carrying out official duties with a fag hanging from her lip. Camilla was a 20 a day woman (cigarettes, not men), famous for
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Ronaldinho still keen on a move to Madrid
RONALDINHO last night warned Newcastle and Manchester United that his ambition is to play for Real Madrid - despite David Beckham's impending arrival at the Bernabeu. Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd is due to have talks in London with Ronaldinho's
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Shops win £5.8m boost for security
CUSTOMERS of small shops in rundown North-East communities are to benefit from a share of £5.8m to help improve security, Home Secretary David Blunkett announced last night. The region is to get almost £500,000 to help dozens of shops pay for improved
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Amnesty joins campaign for urgent Army deaths inquiry
HUMAN rights organisation Amnesty International is demanding an immediate independent inquiry into allegations of bullying and sexual abuse at Army bases. A report by the group says there is "a legitimate perception that there has been institutional collusion
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Jerusalem, jam and the Bridget Jones generation
JAM, Jerusalem and naked ladies. Yes, it could only be the WI. As Women's organisations go, you'd be hard put to beat the Women's Institute. Practical, sensible, down to earth - and, as that calendar showed - with a sense of humour and a social conscience
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Spreading magic or spreading muck?
THE Rolling Stones, it's said, demand backstage Marmite sandwiches as part of their contract. So does a singer called Dido, not to be confused with Dido and Aeneas. This one's Dido Armstrong, though she's actually Florian Cloud de Bounevialle Armstrong
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Company fined after grinder accident
A KEEN sportsman can no longer carry out most of his pastimes after an industrial accident in which his hand was caught in a machine. Sam Ellwood suffered severed tendons in the fingers of his right hand, which was cut to the bone after threads on a glove
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Vic faces storm to tackle roof fire
A DARING neighbour climbed on to a friend's roof and used a hosepipe to put out a fire after the house was struck by lightning. Vic Tonner, who was wearing only his dressing gown, ignored the storm raging overhead and climbed on to the roof of Paul Hook
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Cobblers join chase for Cats striker
SUNDERLAND striker Michael Reddy is at the centre of a three-club chase after Northampton emerged as rivals to Sheffield Wednesday and Hull for the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international. Northampton, who have joined Hull in Division Three following
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Health visitor shortlisted for national award
A HEALTH visitor has been shortlisted for a national award for her work in raising the awareness of health needs among the travelling community. Jill Salkeld was nominated for the Association of Health Care Communicators award under the category of Health
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Rise in healing services
More churches are holding healing services, a report has revealed. In the Ripon and Leeds Diocese newsletter for July results of a church inquiry show only 31 parishes ran healing services five years ago. Last year 45 churches were involved with 12 having
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Stolen car is found crashed at bridge
Crooks stole a silver Honda Civic from a house in Medomsley Road, Consett, at about 10pm on Tuesday, June 10. Two men were seen, one dressed in black. The second is described as in his early 20s, stocky, with short, dark hair. He was wearing a white top
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Gardeners fume over thefts
YOUTHS are leaving gardeners fuming by stealing plant pots and ornaments. The teenagers have struck four times in the past week in the Stanley area. The latest incident was on Monday afternoon, when four youths - three boys and a girl - were seen in Heather
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Village waits to hear fate over waste station
A NORTH Yorkshire village, which has been fighting a number of bids for a waste transfer station, seems due to discover its fate next month. Yorwaste claims it needs a new operation to replace the facilities lost when the Scorton landfill site closes.
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Plans to extend pub hours deferred
PLANS to extend the opening hours at a pub have been put on hold. The Hydro, in West Terrace, Redcar, was seeking permission to open until 11pm from Monday to Wednesday, and until 1am from Thursday to Saturday. Pub owners The Punch Pub Company also applied
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Acts get ready for battle of the bands
Tomorrow is the day music fans and acts across the region have been waiting for. The Northern Echo will host the Revolution Big Chance final, in partnership with TFM Radio. The event will see three of the best unsigned pop and rock acts battle it out
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Fascinated pupils watch Ramon clown around in the classroom
CHILDREN were encouraged to clown around at a Billingham school yesterday when they received a special visitor. Ramon the clown took time off his day job - entertaining families at Uncle Sam's Great American Circus - to tell youngsters about his life
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Dettori's desertion to Moon
FRANKIE DETTORI'S decision to desert Grandera in favour of Moon Ballad may prove very costly for the Italian in the day's feature at Royal Ascot, the £345,000 Prince Of Wales's Stakes. Twelve months ago Dettori romped home unchallenged aboard Grandera
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Village pub owners plan conversion
THE owners of a village pub which opened 170 years ago are hoping to convert the property. Mike and Barbara Allison, owners of the Raby Hunt Inn, at Summerhouse, have applied to Darlington Borough Council to modify the premises to form a pub and a house
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Help on offer to people affected by adoption
A DROP-IN session is being held to offer advice and support to people affected by adoption. Durham Family Welfare is hosting the session next Wednesday, from its Darlington centre, which has been open for 18 months. The session, which will run from 4pm
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Centre is expanding therapy services
COMPLEMENTARY therapy services are being expanded at the Pioneering Care Centre, in Newton Aycliffe. A podiatrist and osteopath are now available, regular counselling sessions have been introduced and, in response to demand, another aromatherapist has
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Thanksgiving service
A SERVICE to recognise and give thanks for the achievements of a former headteacher, who died in April, is to be held at a Darlington school next week. The tribute to Helen Hamilton, who worked for 20 years at Polam Hall School for Girls will take place
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Post offices to offer credit cards and personal loans
POST offices are to start offering personal loans and credit cards as part of the "sweeping commercialisation" of the network. Unsecured loans will be offered across the country from October, in direct competition with banks and supermarkets. Changes
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School team celebrates netball trophy success
A SPORTING mother and daughter team has helped young netball players win a coveted trophy. Coach Sarah Gamblin and her daughter, Alex Worth, are part of the Mowden Junior School team which won the Darlington primary schools' netball tournament last month
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Improvement scheme
FERRYHILL Town Council is asking people for their opinion on a proposed improvement scheme at the entrance to the town. The centrepiece of the scheme, on a triangle of land where Darlington Road joins the A167, is a 6ft Davy Lamp representing the town's
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Golfers on the tee for charity
GOLFERS in north-west Dur-ham will tee off in aid of charity next month. Teams from 20 businesses will take part in the tournament at Slaley Hall, Northumberland, on Friday, July 4. The event has been organised by Consett accountants, Murray and Lamb
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Appeal for return of lost pets
A FAMILY is appealing for the return of a pedigree dog and its puppy which went missing last week. Dawn Myers says her seven-year-old son Tom is distraught at the loss of the family pets. Mrs Myers' husband, Paul, was walking their German wire-haired
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Brothers and sisters rewarded for talent
THREE talented brother and sister teams are proving to be the cream of the crop when it comes to music and sport. They are among 17 youngsters from across the Hambleton area who have been picked for grant aid from the district council. The youngsters
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News in brief
A PENSIONER was left badly shaken after she was mugged. The woman in her mid-60s was on her way home from a post office in The Avenue, Seaham, when the incident happened, at about 9.15am on Monday. She was walking along Laurel Avenue when she was approached
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Firewalk held to raise funds for city club
FOOTBALL fans are being offered the chance to take a daring walk through fire for their club. A firewalk is being held at Bootham Crescent in aid of York City by local company Exclusive Events. Chief executive Fiona Sidwell said: "As a York company, we
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500 jobs lost in tobacco disaster
BRITISH American Tobacco is to close its last North-East plant with the loss of more than 500 jobs - plus hundreds more in associated businesses. The company has decided to pull the plug on its Rothmans operation in Darlington after a global review of
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Ascot extra for racing fans
A LARGE screen will beam live action from Royal Ascot during a meeting at Redcar Racecourse on Friday and Saturday. Ascot will be shown on the screen opposite the main stand. On Saturday, the Aintree Simulator will enable race-goers to experience the
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Vicar's plea for some hall nostalgia
AS a church centre for the future takes shape on Teesside, a vicar is calling for a nostalgic look at the past. The £760,0000 needed to build a community centre next to North Ormesby's Holy Trinity Church was raised in only seven months. The Right Reverend
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Solution sought to street's rat-run
A CONTROVERSIAL revamp of roads used as a short cut to a Richmond industrial estate has been scrapped while engineers look for a less radical solution. People with homes on Quarry Road have been lobbying North Yorkshire County Council to come up with
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Nissan breaks its record for new model
CAR maker Nissan's Sunderland plant has broken one of its production records by building its 100,000th Micra in just over six months. On average, nearly 4,000 Micras have rolled off the line every week since Tony Blair and Nissan president Carlos Ghosn
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Agent says office lets running at record levels
MORE office space has been let in Darlington this year than ever before, according to a local estate agent. Sanderson Townend and Gilbert has let 150,000 sq ft of office space in the past year - three times more than the annual average for the whole Tees
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Warning to 'dirty dozen' as police continue crime blitz
POLICE using battering rams smashed their way into homes in the hunt for a town's "dirty dozen" most prolific criminals. The co-ordinated raids on addresses in central Middlesbrough and South Bank targeted what Cleveland Police describe as prominent "
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Pupils head outdoors for holiday
PUPILS from two North Yorkshire schools were able to pit their wits against a series of challenges during a week-long adventure holiday in the Dales. Fifty-two students from Bedale High School and Ripon Technology College made the trip to the Bewerley
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News in brief
Police are hoping the public can help trace a quad bike stolen from a farm near Gayle, Upper Wensleydale, over the weekend. The black and green Kawasaki, worth about £2,500, went missing on Saturday. Anyone who may have seen strangers in the village or
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Bruno applies for licence
Former world heavyweight champion Frank Bruno has officially applied for the re-instatement of his British Boxing Board of Control licence. The 41-year-old has not fought since losing to Mike Tyson for the second time in Las Vegas over seven years ago
