Archive
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Motorsport: Jowsey is first again
Seventeen-year-old Edwin Jowsey, from Whitby, continued his successful season by taking the chequered flag last Sunday at Mallory Park. After missing out on the HSCC championship race in Dijon, France - due to the engine dying at Brands Hatch a fortnight
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Bucket-loads of fun as seaside comes to town
THE seaside came to Darlington yesterday with the arrival of 15 tonnes of sand. The Market Square was transformed into a seaside resort complete with pirates, a giant whale and a mermaid as part of a council-run initiative called Darlington by the Sea
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Paying tribute to staff nurse
A MEMORIAL service will be held next month to commemorate the life of a nurse. Sheila Ransom was a staff nurse at Darlington Memorial Hospital until her death from cancer on May 20. The 61-year-old, who lived in Darlington, began her nurse training in
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Zeus needs a home
A DOG with a placid nature and a name fit for a king is in need of a new home. Zeus, an eight-month-old boxer-terrier cross, is living with a family in Newton Aycliffe, but they are about to move to rented accommodation which does not allow pets. The
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School health advice service wins award
A SCHOOL'S confidential system for addressing the health concerns of its students has won a national award. Earlier this year, Ferryhill Comprehensive School became the first in the county to provide a permanent, drop-in centre on the campus. Students
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Wheatley Hill enjoy last ball joy at Brandon
Worthington CIU Team Knock Out: The final black gave Wheatley Hill B a great win over their hosts, First Division Brandon, whilst the black at Willington cost Crowtrees victory. Brandon were conceding 55 points start to the visiting Wheatley Hill B, from
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Help us before this town dies, trader pleads
THE chairman of Yarm Chamber of Trade fears businesses will fail unless local councils tackle issues deterring customers from visiting the town. In a letter to the D&S Times, Stephanie Richardson, owner and manager of the Strickland and Holt department
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News in brief: Inquest opened and adjourned
AN inquest has been opened into the death of a retired civil servant in a Teesside care home. Middlesbrough-born Thomas Wells, 83, died in Castle Dene Retirement Home on July 19. The inquest was adjourned by Anthony Eastwood, assistant deputy coroner
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Record-breaker Lee
A SPRINTER from Redcar has struck gold three times at the under-17 Disability Sport England Championships in Blackpool. Sixteen-year-old Lee Hunter, of Kirkleatham Lane, took gold in the 100m and 200m in the competition last summer. This year, he returned
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Chef and team raise £3,000 for charity's work
SCHOOL chef Carl Thompson helped cook up a treat for a leading children's charity. Mr Thompson, unit manager for educational catering firm Scolarest at Easington Community School, helped raise £3,000 for ChildLine and has been thanked for his efforts
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Coroner welcomes inquest
A CORONER criticised for a backlog of 200 inquests has welcomed a Government inquiry into the delays. As revealed in The Northern Echo yesterday, Lord Falconer, The Lord Chancellor has ordered an investigation into the performance of Teesside Coroner
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Sneak thief jailed
A SNEAK burglar who crept into a doctor's home after the door was left unlocked for workers, was yesterday locked up for two years. Steven Gill, 20, took a watch and £20 in cash from the house in Westoe Village, South Shields, South Tyneside. Newcastle
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Heritage pays price of North-South divide
ENGLISH Heritage says a large number of the region's historic buildings are at risk because of a North-South divide in prosperity. The organisation warned that fewer buildings and monuments in the North-East have been removed from its Register for Buildings
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Surprise treat for youngsters
CHILDREN living with the aftermath of the world's worst nuclear accident have been treated in Consett. Twenty six youngsters affected by the radioactive fallout from the Chernobyl disaster are spending a month in the region. Three children celebrate their
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News in brief: Police website wins award
A WEBSITE has won a national award for being user-friendly for blind people. The Northumbria Police website was given the See It Right award from the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB). Anne-Marie Blackburn, lead designer on the force's e-Policing
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Operator to change bus routes and times
A BUS operator has made changes to a number of its services in Durham and Chester-le-Street. Go North East has axed some services, while adding others, according to demand. In Chester-le-Street, evening journeys on service 720 will cease, while the evening
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Five and Fifties
Division A D Keen 54 not out & 3 for 45 for Haughton against Aldbrough St John M Bean (17-year-old) 41 for Haughton against Aldbrough St John S French 7 for 33 for Barningham against Ingleton S Ayubi 89 for Middleton St George against Cockerton Steven
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Teacher ends a 36-year stint
A MAN who has spent 36 years teaching generations of youngsters in the Teesside area has retired. Peter Limon, vice-principal of Stockton Sixth Form College, joined the college in 1986 and was previously head of biology and a senior tutor at Prior Pursglove
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Madonna painting - still doubts over future
EARLY hopes that a Raphael masterpiece may be kept on British soil have been dashed after it emerged the North-East owner may still refuse to sell it to the National Gallery. The Duke of Northumberland - one of the richest men in the country with estimated
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Sneak thief jailed
A SNEAK burglar who crept into a doctor's home after the door was left unlocked for workers, was yesterday locked up for two years. Steven Gill, 20, took a watch and £20 in cash from the house in Westoe Village, South Shields, South Tyneside. Newcastle
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Drinking bans will give
HAMBLETON councillors are likely to impose public drinking bans in three areas at Great Ayton and Northallerton. Measures being considered today by the licensing committee are designed to give increased powers to the police to tackle nuisance and disorder
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Warship is special guest at air show
MORE than a million people are expected to attend Europe's biggest air show this weekend. The 15th Sunderland International Air Show, at Seaburn and Roker, will be marked with a guest appearance by HMS Ocean - the city's adopted warship, just returned
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Drama at the National
PERFORMING Arts students from Stockton Riverside College were invited on stage at the National Theatre, London, this week to put on Christopher William Hill's play, Multiplex. The 16 to 19-year-old students were among 14 successful groups in the Shell
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Tribunal condemns council's 'laddish culture'
A COUNCIL where a "laddish culture" led to a highly qualified woman being passed over for promotion has been found guilty of sex discrimination. Durham County Council said it would learn lessons from the case and warned that employees could be disciplined
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Last Night's TV: Beware the bottom pinchers
Loose Women (ITV1): IT'S a dirty job but someone's got to do it. I spent the morning with loose women, talking about bottom-pinching and office affairs. The format of Loose Women, promoted from early afternoon to late morning to fill part of the gap left
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Protest gathers pace over housing plan
RESIDENTS have joined a protest over plans to knock down 22 garages and replace them with seven homes. Home Housing Association wants to develop the site just north of the Gallows Hill estate at Ripon for a terrace of four three-bedroomed and three two-bedroomed
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Relics are uncovered in quay dig
ARTEFACTS dating back to the 15th Century have been uncovered during an archaeological dig on Newcastle's Quayside. The dig, which precedes work on the Merchants Quay housing development and forms part of the planning consent, has unearthed an unusually
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£50,000 park on rubbish tip site
RESIDENTS of a market town are delighted with the results of a £50,000 project that has provided them with a much-needed recreational area. Children have been given a place to play safely, adults can sit down and relax and wildlife now has a natural safehaven
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Do we need to test 'chemicals' we put on our fish and chips?
IF YOU are in farming or a small business or are trying to complete your self-assessment income tax return, I'd put this column down now, if I were you. We're in red tape wonderland again this week. If you're still with me, just be careful next time you
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Why it's best to button your lip
R IS for restraint and boy, will you need it. If you thought dealing with a two-year-old was bad, wait until that two-year-old is towering above you awash with hormones, sulkiness, stubble and a disdainfully curled lip. I love my boys dearly, would kill
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Kay honoured after triple win
Pool wizard Tony Kay has been honoured with a prestigious award after winning a fiercely competitive championship for the third time - making him only the second person to achieve the feat. The Darlington cue king chalked up wins in the Durham County
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It's festival time at the Riverside
ONE of Europe's largest street festivals gets under way today as performers from around the world converge on the region. The 16th Stockton International Riverside Festival is split into two distinct phases this year. The Hits Music Weekend takes place
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Estates crime blitz success, say police
A CRACKDOWN on rowdy behaviour on a town's council estates, is being hailed a success. Extra police patrols sent into the Brambles Farm and Pallister Park estates in Middlesbrough have led to 51 stop checks being made, the recovery of cheap alcohol and
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Handing down puppet skills to his son
YOUNG Jordan Hunter is following in his father's footsteps by joining the family Punch and Judy business at the age of seven. The youngster, who attends Whale Hill Primary School, in Eston, has already got his own theatre and full set of puppets to perfect
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Paint your face just like Harry Potter
HARRY Potter fans from across the region are invited to visit a North-East shopping centre today to get their face painted like the teenage wizard. Children can be made up to look like their magical hero at Hill Street Shopping centre, in Middlesbrough
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Fundraiser's cancer care garden invite
FANS of gardening can turn the TV off and see the real thing this weekend. Fundraiser Caroline Peacock is throwing open her picturesque country garden on Sunday to raise cash for the County Durham Macmillan appeal. The appeal, which aims to raise £600,000
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Road calming delays
THE decision to delay road safety action near a school has angered a former mayor. North Yorkshire county councillors voted by eight votes to seven that no action should be taken over a calming scheme near Greystones School, in Quarry Moor Lane, Ripon
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Centenary celebrations
As part of EBA celebration of the Centenary the bowling world will converge on Saltwell Park at Gateshead on August 5 and 6 as part of a five-match Test Series beginning on July 30 and concluding at Worthing on August 10. Many of the best competitors
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Jail for man who dabbled in child porn
A MAN who admitted "dabbling" with child pornography from the Internet has been jailed for six months. Michael Richards was caught during Operation Ore, which led police to subscribers of US child sex sites. When police raided Richards' home in Shildon
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Family's kitchen knife horror
A DAUGHTER watched in horror as her mother bled to death yesterday after a freak accident in a care home. Linda Hayes, 51, was carrying a large knife, balanced on a chopping board, across the kitchen when she slipped. The blade plunged into her neck,
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Grant will restore pride
A SUCCESSFUL environmental campaign, which aims to make Hartlepool a cleaner and more attractive place, is to be relaunched and expanded following a bid for European money. The Pride in Hartlepool initiative, which was originally launched in early 2000
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Love tangle man hanged himself
A MAN hanged himself after his girlfriend walked out on him. An inquest in Middlesbrough heard that Darren Rutherford and girlfriend Gemma Hind argued after he confessed to having a brief relationship with another woman. The 24-year-old unemployed labourer
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Grand gift from masons
THE sight of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance on a life-saving mission has led to an unexpected gift. The York Lodge of Mark Master Masons has donated £1,000 to the charity. Mason Roland Flint said: "We all greatly admire the work of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance
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Bid to encourage recycling stepped up
EFFORTS to encourage more people in Hartlepool to compost waste, as part of a campaign to protect the environment, have been stepped up. Hartlepool Borough Council has appointed Clare Belcher, 26, as the authority's first community composting and recycling
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News in brief: Heritage group grant boost
Chester-le-Street Heritage Group has received a £5,000 Awards for All National Lottery grant to help piece together the town's history. The group is now hoping to stage its biggest exhibition yet and is seeking the loan of old photographs and memorabilia
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Principal's This is Your Life event
A This is Your Life event was held for a Stockton college principal who retired after nine years. Old photographs, video clips and special guests helped piece together the life story of Margaret Armstrong who had been principal of Stockton Riverside College
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School revamp proceeds apace
A SLICE of daily life has been captured outside a Hartlepool school. The railings have been put around the front and side of Barnard Grove Primary School, and feature silhouettes of figures representing daily activity at the school. They have an important
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Cash for space mission wanted
FUNDRAISERS are needed to help boost a £6,000 project to bring two Russian cosmonauts to Teesside in October for a series of educational visits to schools and colleges. The Out of this World 2003 project is being jointly organised by Stockton Sixth Form
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Who has the most questions to answer?
THE tragedy of apparent suicide is not merely the pointless loss of a life but the lasting pain it leaves behind for family and friends. For the family of Dr David Kelly the days will pass like slow torture and I fear it will be a long time before their
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Apartments project transforms derelict site
A derelict site in a conservation area has been turned into a multi-million pound apartment complex. The former Josephine's nightclub in Commercial Street, Harrogate, stood empty for nearly ten years and was once seriously affecting the conservation and
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Home plan sparks opposition
RESIDENTS are protesting over plans to build a detached house on land in a World Heritage site. People living in the village of Studley Roger, near Ripon, claim the home would not be in keeping with nearby houses and would be too large for the plot. Six
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Long service of bureau volunteers recognised
VOLUNTEERS who have clocked up 281 years with a free advice service have been honoured. Durham Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), next to Durham Clayport Library, Millennium Place, provides advice and advocacy on problems ranging from evictions to claims for
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OK urged for school parking scheme
PROPOSALS to create additional car and bus parking at a school are likely to be approved, despite opposition from councils and local people. Planning permission is being sought to provide a dedicated bus area and car park in the grounds of Easingwold
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News in brief: Heritage group grant boost
Chester-le-Street Heritage Group has received a £5,000 Awards for All National Lottery grant to help piece together the town's history. The group is now hoping to stage its biggest exhibition yet and is seeking the loan of old photographs and memorabilia
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Council will consider other sites for temporary car park
A COUNCIL is looking for alternatives to a controversial proposal for a temporary car park on recreation land. Residents in one of Durham's most sought-after areas are angry at city council proposals to use The Sands, next to the River Wear, as a car
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Royal seal of approval for village hall group
A VILLAGE hall association which has worked tirelessly to provide facilities for sports and activities in a former pit village has been given a royal seal of approval. The Quaking Houses Village Hall Association was one of a handful of groups in the North-East
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Operator to change bus routes and times
A BUS operator has made changes to a number of its services in Durham and Chester-le-Street. Go North East has axed some services, while adding others, according to demand. In Chester-le-Street, evening journeys on service 720 will cease, while the evening
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Grassroots: Washington
CHOICE VIEWS: Landscape photographer Frank Bewick will give a talk entitled Printers Choice at 7.45pm tonight at Harraton Community Centre. YOUNG POETS: A regional anthology of poetry contained work by 19 pupils of John F Kennedy Primary School. NEW COURSES
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Exhibition provides a showcase for self-taught artist
THE work of a self-taught North-East artist has gone on display. The Long Gallery, at Seaton Holme, Hall Walks, Easington, east Durham, is hosting an exhibition of Stuart Wright's work until Tuesday, August 26. Mr Wright, a member of Hartlepool Art Club
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The sun never sets on this beauty
THIS week's Diary comes from the Arctic Circle and fjords of Norway where we spent a fortnight enjoying breathtaking sights like the midnight sun, huge blue glaciers, white and blue icebergs, mighty waterfalls, wild reindeer, a solitary Arctic fox, the
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£2.1m grant to safeguard industrial heritage
THOUSANDS of pieces of the region's industrial heritage in danger of decay are to be rescued and stored at a North-East museum - thanks to a £2m National Lottery grant. Beamish Museum, near Stanley, County Durham, learned yesterday it had been successful
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Firm fined for sewage spills
A WATER company was fined £15,000 after raw sewage seeped into a County Durham beck twice in three days. Northumbrian Water was also ordered to pay £568.15 costs after admitting two offences under the Water Resources Act of 1991. Durham magistrates were
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Foster's Tyneside Senior League
Under-18s: Annnfield Plain rose to the occasion when they were required to score 119 runs for victory at Lanchester. Harrison struck three sixes and four boundaries in an unbeaten 50 leading Annfield Plain to a six wickets win. Nick Ridley took two of
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Alcohol ban in areas may help police
POLICE are likely to be given more powers to deal with alcohol-induced behaviour in three parts of Hambleton. District council members are being asked to agree to an order that will have an affect on Bullamoor Park and the Applegarth in Northallerton
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Awards reveal depth of sporting talent
TALENTED young sportsmen and women from Richmondshire had their achievements recognised at the recent district sports council junior awards. The sixth annual awards ceremony, run with the district council, was held at the Wensleydale School, Leyburn.
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Family affair for mayor
THE family of Durham's mayor were out in force at the Gala Theatre for opening night of West Side Story on Tuesday. Not only was Coun Ray Gibbon performing his civic duty, he and his family were there to watch Matthew Gent, who is taking part in the Gala
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Wellock's World: Major blemishes
THERE were two major blemishes on a wonderful Open. The first was Mark Roe's lamentable disqualification; the second was that a player who clearly choked over the closing holes still managed to win. To deal with Roe first, I know and respect all the arguments
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Grassroots: Yarm and Eaglescliffe
Wool and buttons: The members of Yarm Mothers' Union knit clothes for the premature babies being cared for in the special unit of North Tees Hospital. If anyone has any spare wool they no longer need or small, coloured buttons the members would be grateful
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Barratclough leads the way with semi-final berth
Hastings Direct Tour: Wearsider Adam Barratclough was the best performer from the region on the British circuit tournament in Frinton. This national standard player reached the semi-finals, unseeded, after disposing of two higher ranked seeds. These were
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Club v country dilemma for student team
A TEAM of football-loving students from Malaysia are in a quandary as to who they will support when Newcastle United takes part in the FA Premier League Asia Cup, which kicks off today. The Malaysians, who are studying at Newcastle University, regularly
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Motorists warned of major delay
MOTORISTS are being warned of several months of disruption on a major dual carriageway as work begins installing a roundabout. The £1.5m project is designed to improve safety at the busy A167 junction with the B6312 road outside the Red Lion at Plawsworth
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Who has the most questions to answer?
THE tragedy of apparent suicide is not merely the pointless loss of a life but the lasting pain it leaves behind for family and friends. For the family of Dr David Kelly the days will pass like slow torture and I fear it will be a long time before their
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Morgan finally hits century mark
Andrew Morgan hit the first century of his career as a seven-man North Bitchburn CC team beat Benwell Hill 3rds by 116 runs in the North-East Durham League Division One. Morgan, 24, who hit 98 not out the previous week when the Bitchburn team made a club
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Durham pair add to strugglers' woes
DURHAM took remorseless advantage of demoralised Derbyshire's woes yesterday when a record fifth-wicket stand of 197 between Vince Wells and Nicky Peng carried them to 434 for seven. On a day when the umpires had given Derbyshire nothing, the only blemish
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Games: Belle Vue go top in style
No 11 CIU League: Crook Belle Vue whitewashed the visiting Victoria to move four points clear at the top of the darts section. Ferryhill remained in second place after they only dropped one point at Middlestone Moor and now lead Cockton Hill by six points
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£135,000 grant for activity scheme
A SCHEME to keep youngsters active during the summer holiday has won government funding to expand and improve. The Cop-a-lot initiative, in Scarborough, is the only such scheme in North Yorkshire to win cash under the Government's Positive Activities
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Internet woe of teenagers
NORTH-EAST teenagers lack confidence on the Internet, new research has shown. The study, by Northumbria University, has found that teenagers across the region lack the skills needed to gather information from the web. Lecturer Dr Alison Pickard based
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Ringtons take team trophy
The St Oswald's Golf Tournament took place at De Vere Slaley Hall on Wednesday, July 2 and was won by the Ringtons team. Mrs Doreen Mallon, Director of DNG Group who were sponsors of the event presented the winning prize to the team which comprised of
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MP takes up trees fight
RAIL chiefs have come under fire from a town's MP for chopping down trees along a train track. Alan Milburn, MP for Darlington, has told residents of Wederly Close, off Brinkburn Road, he will ask Network Rail to replace the trees the company felled behind
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Ice Hockey: Junior round-up
Sunderland were competing at the Telford tournament at the weekend in both the U16 and U19 events. There were four teams in each age group and Sunderland finished in third in both events. In the U16 event Sunderland Arrows started with a 6-1 defeat at
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Virgin defends performance
RAIL firm Virgin Cross Country has launched a defence of its North-East services following criticism of its performance in recent surveys. The company has already been named by the Strategic Rail Authority as the worst performing of any operator, only
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Hospital admits its staff have been aggressive
A hospital trust admitted it has a problem with its own staff - on the same day a health union called for action to reduce violence. A fact-finding tour of portering and security services at the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust uncovered instances of aggressive
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Dismay at plans to cut youth funds
A COUNCIL is proposing to take £500,000 allocated for children and young people and spend it on other schemes. Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council cabinet will decide next week whether to approve officers' recommendations to take the cash - which had
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Farmers' market moves to its 'ideal site' in High Street
LIVE music greeted the monthly Northallerton farmers' market on its first day on a new site on Wednesday. Months of negotiations with local authorities to secure a better position for the event paid off as 18 stalls were set up beside the town hall, on
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Commandant helps to show off military training centre's caber-bility
HUNDREDS of soldiers and civilians were battling it out yesterday in their own version of the Highland Games. All four battalions at the Infantry Training Centre at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, were taking part in the athletics competition for
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The George Mann Cup
Eastgate Cross Keys needed a six off the final ball to put a new name on the 1928 George Mann Cricket Cup but just failed and Wolsingham Mill Race were able to retain the trophy they won last season. The Mill Race batted first and made a promising beginning
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Musical is an action-packed family affair
A VISIT to the theatre was more than another civic engagement for a city's mayor. For the family of Durham's first citizen, Councillor Ray Gibbon, were out in force at the city's Gala Theatre for opening night of West Side Story. They were there to support
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Capita confident of long-term expansion
OUTSOURCING specialist Capita unveiled a 27 per cent jump in first half profits and said it was on course to drive turnover above £1bn in 2003. The company, which runs London's jam-busting congestion charge scheme, said pre-tax profits increased to £51.1m
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Leeholme take charge after Glenholme slip
Durham League: It was a bad day for the leaders of the top two divisions as both crashed to defeat. In the First Division this meant Crook Glenholme losing the top spot to last season's champions, Leeholme. Things were not as bad for Nevilles Cross in
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Men of steel are forged in print
THE proud steel-making heritage of a County Durham community has been celebrated in a new book. Douglas Vernon, 84, who was employed at British Steel's Consett Works for 25 years, has published Thread of Iron. The book looks at the history of Shotley
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Sales boost at Boots
WELL-known brands like Nurofen, Strepsils and Clearasil have spearheaded strong growth for high street pharmacist Boots. The company has seen sales of health and beauty products push like-for-like sales up by 4.6 per cent in the first quarter. The company
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Prince bishop who left his mark on city
In last week's Durham Memories we found that Bishop Flambard built Framwellgate Bridge, the oldest bridge in Durham City, in about 1128. Flambard was one of the most powerful figures in England but the builder of Elvet Bridge was an equally powerful man
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Lord dies at 87 after life of success
FORMER Jockey Club steward, sportsman and soldier Lord Grimthorpe has died at the age of 87. He had a distinguished military career, retiring from the Army in 1968 as a brigadier after serving as a deputy commander of Malta and Libya. Lord Grimthorpe,
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Dermot relishes recycling challenge
A CHEMICAL industry specialist has been chosen to spearhead the drive to expand renewable energy and recycling. Dermot Roddy was appointed chief executive of Renew Tees Valley, which aims to help start up new businesses and create jobs. The company is
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Darlington Veterans League
Last year's champions Brinkburn Dene continue to dominate the A Division with a lead of 7 points and have accumulated one point more than at the same stage of last season. Woodland A head the closely grouped chasing pack, South Park A are at last striking
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Forging US links
AN initiative to develop links between businesses in County Durham and counterparts in the US has taken its first steps. It comes after County Durham played host to Michael Olivier, executive director of the Development Commission of Harrison County,
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Shipment heads for New York
FOUR thousands tonnes of steel will leave Teesside today bound for New York to be used in the rebuilding project at Ground Zero. A vessel laden with steel sections from the Corus Beam Mill at Lackenby will leave the docks at Redcar as the first instalment
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Colin does the honours for bowls club
ONE of the region's leading bowlers has urged others with disabilities to join a new club. Colin Morton, captain of the County Durham carpet bowls team, visited the community centre in Tyne Road, Stanley, yesterday to launch its bowling facility. Mr Morton
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Help Ruth raise cash for her world tour
WEST End stars have steered a North-East teenager towards realising a dream. Professional singers such as David Fawcett, Andy Reiss, Amanda Leigh Smith and Katie Leeming - all from the musical Les Miserables, came to Middlesbrough last month to give a
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Pubmaster's offer for rival pubs
PUBMASTER hopes to pull off the biggest deal in the company's history by snapping up Scottish & Newcastle's pubs stable. The Hartlepool group has enjoyed rapidly grown its pub portfolio - capped by the £500m deal for 1,200 Inn Partnership pubs last
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Slazenger Harrogate and District League
Boroughbridge could be heading for their first top flight title. Their 7.5-1.5 away win in Division One over fellow title challengers Thirsk was just the tonic Boroughbridge needed as they head into the final lap of the season. Boroughbridge top the table
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Prize pupils go sky high
SIX young designers got more than they bargained when they claimed first prize in a regional competition. The group, from Tanfield School, near Stanley, turned up at Newcastle Airport expecting a ride in a helicopter - and found they were getting a flying
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Huntsman prepares bid for Tees chemical plant grant
CHEMICALS company Huntsman is on the verge of bidding for millions of pounds of grant aid to help build a specialist plant. The firm's aspirations to build a polyethylene plant would take a giant leap closer to fruition if it can secure important Regional
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Quiots
Zetland League Individual league wins - Division A: M Hedley 14, T Cooper 13, T Watson 13, I Spence 12, B Dutton 12, T Flett 12, M Abbott 12, K Fawcett 12, S Bainbridge 12, J Bainbridge 12, T Turner 12, A Birkbeck 11, D Atkinson 11, G Sergant 11, J Needham
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Premier send-off for festival team
YOUNGSTERS travelling from the region to attend a major international festival next month are taking with them a personal message from Tony Blair. The Prime Minister recorded a video message for young people from County Durham to take to the YMCA Europe
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Pub damaged after car crashes through wall
A DRIVER escaped serious injury after his car ploughed into the front of a pub. The 29-year-old man, believed to be from the Bishop Auckland area, suffered only minor injuries in the accident in the early hours of Monday. Shocked landlord of the Fir Tree
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Expenses tightened up
DURHAM City Council is to tighten up on councillors' expenses. The Liberal Democrat-controlled authority's cabinet has agreed a new scheme for claiming for meals and travel. Currently councillors get paid flat rate allowances when they are on council
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Scene is set for a winning chance
A RUGGED coastline, moorland and valleys - the North-East and North Yorkshire provide some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Now, The Northern Echo is encouraging amateur photographers to capture our region on film or memory card. Presented
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Free on technicality - man who twice confessed to killing
POLICE have pledged to review their methods after a man who twice confessed to a killing won his freedom on a technicality yesterday. Three days of legal arguments at Leeds Crown Court ended when the prosecution entered no evidence against 20-year-old
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Investigation ordered into coroner's inquest backlog
THE Lord Chancellor has ordered an investigation into the performance of a North-East coroner amid complaints of a huge backlog of inquests. Michael Sheffield, the coroner for Teesside, has already faced criticism from relatives and the deputy chief constable
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Woman's drowning remains mystery
THE death of a woman, whose body was found on a North-East beach two years ago, remains a mystery, an inquest heard yesterday. Debra McNicholas drowned in the North Sea, off Redcar, east Cleveland, in September 2001 and police launched a murder-style
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A hat trick of excellence in Barny
Now here's something to celebrate: beautiful scenery, a unique theatrical experience, and superlative accommodation - and all here in County Durham. The drive over to Barnard Castle on a beautiful summer's evening was a real pleasure, and even those of
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Appeal in memory of Katie-Leigh
THE family of a youngster who died of cancer shortly before Christmas have launched a charity campaign on what would have been her fifth birthday. For almost two years little Katie-Leigh Tones repeatedly amazed doctors by battling against the disease.
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Athletics: Chester-le-Street
Morag McDonnell had her first race since running for England in Cork over 3,000m last week. The English Teacher lead the Tyneside league 1500m race from start to finish gradually pulling away from Chester-le-Street teammate Ruth Brown. The win was even
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Family's kitchen knife horror
A DAUGHTER watched in horror as her mother bled to death yesterday after a freak accident in a care home. Linda Hayes, 51, was carrying a large knife, balanced on a chopping board, across the kitchen when she slipped. The blade plunged into her neck,
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Rush for new air services
ALMOST 3,000 people have booked with a low cost airline which starts operating in the region this autumn. Bmibaby flights will begin from Teesside Airport in late October to Belfast and Malaga, and, from December, Geneva. Tickets went on sale this month
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Cleveland County
Cleveland County Women's Bowling Association played their final divisional matches of the year with some success. Both teams won well against Northumberland; the Donald Steward 146-128 (18 points) and the Silver Jubilee Vase 130-125 (16 points). The Donald
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Neale victims may sue medical council
VICTIMS of disgraced gynaecologist Richard Neale say they may sue the General Medical Council over a mix-up which allowed the surgeon to injure more patients. The blunder meant that Mr Neale was able to work at the Friarage Hospital for a decade even
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Opportunity beckons for artists
A SHOP showcasing the talents of County Durham artists aims to help talented people with learning difficulties. The Pace Shop, which stands for People Accessing the Community and Environment, has officially opened. It was formally opened by Councillor
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Shoppers go for lamb
AWARD-winning Yorkshire lamb processed through Craven Cattle Marts' new Dalesfresh meat processing unit at Skipton mart was in great demand when sold at butchers' shops at the weekend. Members of the Yorkshire Lamb Producers' Group, an initiative run
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Ryan is champion
Ryan Riley of Yarm is the 2003 Eaglescliffe golf club champion after finishing four shots ahead of Euan Waller, his nearest rival, in the 36-hole championship decider last week. Competing against over 40 of the club's top golfers with nine or under handicaps
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Donation gives Emma welcome independence
SOLDIER'S wife Emma Dunks-Lunn has been given a new lease of life. The mother-of-one, from Leeming, near Bedale, North Yorkshire, suffers from muscular dystrophy, which restricts her body movement from the neck down. When her husband, Lance Bombardier
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When pots of cash is not enough to give you class
Young, Posh And Loaded (ITV1); Confessions Of A Cad (C4) LAST year's documentary about young folk with expensive tastes and money to burn provoked jaw-dropping horror among the poor people who watched it. Now ITV is giving this posh lot their own series
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In-form Market and Newhouse stay ahead of the rest
Tow Law Coors: The top two teams maintained their good form when both only dropped one point in their matches. Tow Law New Market A beat their B team when only Tom Hauxwell managed to take a point for the B team, whilst Newhouse Club only dropped one
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Young offenders unit praised by inspectors
A NORTH-EAST secure unit for young offenders is one of the best of its kind in the country, a top level inspection has found. The 43-place unit at Aycliffe Young People's Centre, run by Durham County Council, was visited earlier this year by a team from
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Top prizes in a year to savour for Tintony
SUCCESS at the recent Great Yorkshire Show was the latest triumph in a wonderful season for Anke Robinson and her coloured horse Tintony. The French-bred gelding by Boir de Isles was first and reserve champion at the Great Yorkshire. He also won his class
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Six-a-side football
Go Sport League: Legionnaires struggled against an impressive Wathgill, McDees fried the Hill Giftware lads and the yo-yo teams Mean Machine beat the other yo-yo team Spoons. The Ferrets keep up a decent run with victory over Each Other. Colburn A struggled
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Invitation to run
To encourage would be and novice runners in the Newton Aycliffe area to take their first steps in running, Newton Aycliffe Athletics Club are launching a novice runners group. Starting on September 1, using qualified coaches and experienced runners, complete
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RAF training flights increase
THE number of hours of low-flying by the RAF over the North-East has increased for the fourth year running. It takes the total increase in low-flying over the last four years to more than 500 hours and is the highest figure since 1998. A total of 3,430
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Durham Memories: Prince bishop who left his mark on city
In last week's Durham Memories we found that Bishop Flambard built Framwellgate Bridge, the oldest bridge in Durham City, in about 1128. Flambard was one of the most powerful figures in England but the builder of Elvet Bridge was an equally powerful man
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Woman saved from bed fire by neighbours
AN elderly woman was rescued from her burning bed by neighbours who spotted smoke coming from her house. The 76-year-old, from Hartburn, Stockton, who is bed-ridden, suffered severe burns and was taken by paramedics to the University Hospital of North
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Major blemishes
THERE were two major blemishes on a wonderful Open. The first was Mark Roe's lamentable disqualification; the second was that a player who clearly choked over the closing holes still managed to win. To deal with Roe first, I know and respect all the arguments
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Councils' battle over shares adjourns
A HIGH Court judge said a multi-million pound fall-out between two North-East councils was not a "straightforward matter". Durham County Council and Darlington Borough Council have been involved in a battle over money caused by local government reorganisation
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Letters: Not so sure
Sir, - As the Government prepares to highlight its flagship Sure Start Scheme, Rosemary Phillips, a prominent pre-school leader in London, is pointing out the numerous anomalies in the present system of awarding grants guided by a simplistic points scheme
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Peg leads field at Skipton summer
A 50-STRONG entry at the summer sale of working sheepdogs at Skipton Auction Mart on Tuesday saw a fine field headed by Peg, a 3-year-old tri-coloured bitch, at 1,960gns. Peg, by D W Lloyd's Bru, impressed at trial. She was sold by Richard Briggs, of
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Royal Navy tanker ship adopted
THE people of the North Yorkshire coast are to forge new links with one of the newest additions to the British fleet. The borough of Scarborough has officially adopted the Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker ship the Wave Ruler. The 30,000-tonne vessel is one
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Magic day as Fell is Hexham champion
RACKWOOD Magic, a three-year-old black Fell pony filly, was judged supreme Mountain and Moorland show champion at the Hexham Native Horse and Pony Show held at Linnel Wood, Slaley last Sunday. It was the pony's first outing of the season and she delighted
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Katich hits century
Yorkshire could probably have had their match against Hampshire almost sewn up now but for Australian left-hander Simon Katich, whose batting was on a different plain to that of anyone else at Scarborough yesterday. Katich, who played in one Championship
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Thai visit will help cultural link-up
A HIGH-POWERED delegation from Thailand was treated to a celebration banquet in the North-East last night. Durham City Council hosted the event in the city for a party of Thai officials visiting the region to promote their country's culture. The group
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Corus strikes deal to sell disused mill
CORUS is to sell its Teesside coil plate mill to China as part of a multi-million pound deal. The mill, which has been closed for two years, is to be dismantled and shipped out to the Far East. Bosses of the Anglo-Dutch company are yet to reveal who they
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South Park debate backed
CALLS for a town-wide debate on plans to redevelop South Park in Darlington were supported by a borough councillor yesterday. Coun Cyndi Hughes and fellow Park East councillors Glen Reynolds and Joe Lyonette have backed residents who had complained about
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People fear reprisals as youths disrupt estate
PROBLEMS caused by youths drinking and intimidating other residents on a Guisborough estate are to be tackled. Residents on the Wilton Lane Estate are said to be so intimidated by the youths they are unwilling to report incidents to the police, because
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Getting to know customers through business intelligence
Heads of supermarkets, conference centres and museums will be able to find out more about their customers with the help of new business intelligence technology. The hi-tech 3dCRM (Customer Relationship Management) product was developed by York-based company
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Town church icon appears on 'at risk' register for first time
A 12TH century tower in the centre of Richmond has been included in English Heritage's Buildings at Risk register for the first time. Trinity church tower, a grade I listed building, is said to be in poor repair with unsafe parapet stonework and falling
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Our long awaited baby joy
Irene and Andrew MacGregor, who underwent IVF treatment to have their daughter Jade, helped celebrate the 25th birthday of the first test-tube baby yesterday. Barry Nelson reports. WHEN the midwife told Irene MacGregor that the baby she had longed for
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Council faces equal pay bill
A COUNCIL is facing a bill of up to £4.5m because the former Labour administration was underpaying women. Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council cabinet member Dave Fitzpatrick said he and his colleagues were looking closely at the previous administration's
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Juninho seeking a seasonal best
JUNINHO has set his sights on beating his best seasonal goal haul for Middlesbrough. The mercurial Brazilian bagged 15 goals seven years ago during his first spell at the Riverside. Last season he hit three in only ten appearances after returning from
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New owner has the right credentials
THE new owner of Swaledale Woollens couldn't have better credentials - her family produces tonnes of the wool from the hardy hill sheep. Kathleen Hird has just taken over the running of the business, established in Muker nearly 30 years ago to inject
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Kylie playing beach volleyball? Dream on...
Beach Volleyball: Summer Heat. Publisher: Acclaim. Format: PS2. Price: £39.99. SEMI-NAKED babes, sunny locales and beach ball action; hang on haven't we been here before? If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery then the guys who created Dead or
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Council set to close crime alleys
A NORTH-EAST council has been granted new powers to seek the closure of a number of crime plagued alleyways. Redcar and Cleveland Council is among 11 councils across the country who provided sufficient evidence to the Government to close rights of way
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Councillors lead post office fight
A SPENNYMOOR community faces a fight to keep its post office which is due to shut down under a shake-up of the national branch network. Councillors say they will lead the battle to save the Mount Pleasant branch, which Post Office Ltd has earmarked for
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Roseberry Group North East Durham League
East Rainton maintained their position at the top of the table when they defeated basement side Littletown by 59 runs. The home side were far from disgraced, however and after losing the wickets of the first two batsmen for a combined total of only five
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School wins 'leading edge' bonus
A DARLINGTON special needs school is to receive £180,000 over the next three years after being named one of the best in the country. Beaumont Hill School is one of just three special needs schools in England and Wales and the first in the borough of Darlington
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Tetrathlon joy for Zetland
THE novice boys and girls teams from the Zetland Hunt Pony Club both won at the recent Area 3 tetrathlon competition to qualify for the national championships in Warwickshire next month. The club also had individual successes in the event, held at The
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Embrace the river
THE prominent Yarm businesswoman's pleas on behalf of the town's traders will strike a chord with many of her colleagues in the High Street and also many residents. Like any number of towns Yarm is choked by traffic, most of which seems to be looking
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Sex case employee moved to new post
A CHILDREN'S home worker has been moved from his post after being caught kerb crawling in a notorious red light area. Timothy Guy Whitfield, 39, was fined by magistrates after being caught in the red light area of Middlesbrough as part of a police crackdown
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A Close call for Etherley duo
Blasted from the firing line on Saturday, Etherley batsman Lee Gowland tentatively sticks his head above publicity's parapet. "What do you do next time you play Evenwood?" we ask. "Consult Brian Close beforehand," says Lee. As Tuesday's column reported
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Book marks royal visit
A BOOKLET marking the 500th anniversary of a royal visit will be launched today. Margaret Tudor, daughter to Henry VII, stopped off in Newcastle on July 25, 1503, on her way to Edinburgh to marry James IV. The wedding led to the unification of the Scottish
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'Aussie' jets in for school reunion
A FORMER North-East schoolgirl has organised a reunion with classmates from the other side of the world. Jennifer Dodds (nee Wilkinson), who now lives in Victoria, Australia, decided earlier this year that she'd like to catch up with old friends from
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Probe ordered into coroner's backlog
THE Lord Chancellor has ordered an investigation into the performance of a North-East coroner amid complaints of a huge backlog of inquests. Michael Sheffield, the coroner for Teesside, has already faced criticism from relatives and the deputy chief constable
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Arcade's appeal victory appals church protesters
CONTROVERSIAL plans to turn a former caf on Cockerton Green, Darlington, into an amusement arcade have been approved following an appeal to the Secretary of State for the Environment.. The application by Count Cash Amusements, of Middlesbrough, was turned
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Museum attraction provides peephole to past
VISITORS to a North-East museum are being offered a fresh insight into the area's history with the launch of a new attraction. A Recent Acquisitions Case has been set up at the Museum of Hartlepool to display some of the diverse and fascinating items
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Family's distress after air rifle attackers target their cats
A FAMILY have spoken of their horror after their two pet cats were shot at close range with an air rifle. One of the cats lost its leg and the other had to have part of its stomach removed after separate incidents in the Crook, County Durham area. A third
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Hunting fight will go to Lords
THE Countryside Alliance has revealed plans to fight for the freedom to hunt in the House of Lords and, if necessary, in the courts. The Alliance, which launched its Democracy Going to the Dogs campaign at the Great Yorkshire Show, will seek to persuade
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Cafe to be converted into amusement arcade
A LAST-ditch attempt by a gambling firm to open an amusement arcade in Darlington has been successful. Count Cash, of Middlesbrough, had tried and failed twice to get planning permission to convert a former Cockerton Green caf into an arcade due to local
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Trophies incentive for pupils
A FACTORY is helping to encourage excellence among primary schoolchildren in the area by presenting their schools with awards. Eleven primary schools in the town have been presented with trophies or other awards of their choosing by 3M Aycliffe, in Newton
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Friends' leisure meeting
A Friends and Leisure Club meets on Wednesday afternoons in Henknowle Community Centre, Cumbria Place, Bishop Auckland. Organisers plan a varied programme including activities and crafts. Sessions start at 1.15pm and cost £2. Contact Pat Shepherd (01388
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Planners revise housing scheme
COUNCILLORS are being asked to consider a compromise in a row over a homes plan which residents claim would swamp a former pit village. Dozens of people from Witton Park, near Bishop Auckland, posted letters to Wear Valley District Council objecting to
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Blooms contest makes village a blaze of colour
RESIDENTS have put some extra colour into their community by holding their own village in bloom contest. More than 60 people entered the Coundon and Leeholme Community Partnership contest, which was judged at the weekend. The competition was launched
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Blooms contest makes village a blaze of colour
RESIDENTS have put some extra colour into their community by holding their own village in bloom contest. More than 60 people entered the Coundon and Leeholme Community Partnership contest, which was judged at the weekend. The competition was launched
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Setback for objectors over plan to build flats near club
CONTROVERSIAL plans to build 32 flats in Darlington look likely to be approved, despite dozens of objections. More than 40 residents in Cockerton raised fears over plans to redevelop a large area behind Cockerton Club saying it would lead to more traffic
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News in brief: Guided walks for the blind
BLIND and visually impaired people in Darlington can take advantage of a new scheme to help them enjoy the local countryside. A programme of guided walks, organised by Darlington Borough Council, will each be centred on a specific theme such as wildlife
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Active summer for youngsters
A RANGE of summer activities have been organised to keep Darlington youngsters occupied during the holidays. The town's youth offending and community safety service has arranged a programme of events with the help of Darlington's youth partnership. The
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Kinnaird to make mark
PATRICK HASLAM generally unearths at least one decent juvenile per year and this season Kinnaird comes pretty near the top of the pile. Haslam's smart filly won her first two starts at Hamilton and as a result had to shoulder top-weight in a white-hot
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Gambling firm wins appeal for arcade
A LAST-ditch attempt by a gambling firm to open a controversial amusement arcade in Darlington has been successful. Count Cash, of Middlesbrough, had twice tried and failed to get planning permission to convert a former Cockerton Green caf into an arcade
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Beware the bottom pinchers
Loose Women (ITV1) IT'S a dirty job but someone's got to do it. I spent the morning with loose women, talking about bottom-pinching and office affairs. The format of Loose Women, promoted from early afternoon to late morning to fill part of the gap left
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Children pull strings for a colourful show
YOUNGSTERS yesterday made last-minute preparations for a puppet show. The children, from Derwentside, have been working with community arts group, Busy Ape Arts, to form the Gobby Base Puppet Club. The club makes its debut performance of When Puppets
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Two charged over road death
Two men have appeared in court charged with causing the death of a motorcyclist by dangerous driving. Newcastle Crown Court heard how Derek Miller, 59, of Doxford Park, Sunderland, was killed when his moped was in collision with a Citroen Saxo and a Toyota
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News in brief: Police website wins award
A WEBSITE has won a national award for being user-friendly for blind people. The Northumbria Police website was given the See It Right award from the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB). Anne-Marie Blackburn, lead designer on the force's e-Policing
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Off-duty police officer run over during struggle
AN off-duty police officer was run over as he tackled a raider who had burgled his neighbour's home, a court heard yesterday. Norman Tennet was hit by the stolen Ford Focus while he grappled with Paul Clancy, 31, one of two men he caught fleeing through
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Surgery change
Middlesbrough councillor Shamal Biswas is holding his ward surgery at Acklam Library instead of Acklam Education Centre next month, because the venue is closed. It will be held on August 4, between 5pm and 6pm.
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Skaters roll in medals at contest
A NORTH-EAST roller skating club almost swept the board at the recent national championships. The Durham and District Roller Skating Club, which attracts skaters from across the region, claimed five gold medals at the tournament. The club, in Shildon,
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Clocking up the miles for Rwanda
A SPONSORED exercise bike marathon has raised more than £600 for a Christian project in Africa. Members of Chester-le-Street's Christian Youth Fellowship cycled a total of 540 miles, the land perimeter of Rwanda, on Saturday and Sunday at St Cuthbert's
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Swimmer sparks rescue alert
A young woman has been rescued after getting into difficulties in the sea. Redcar Lifeboat, east Cleveland, was called at 5.45pm on Wednesday after Humber Coastguard received a 999 call to say that the 19-year-old, from Middlesbrough, was in difficulties
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Memorial to be moved
A MEMORIAL commemorating men who died in a town's worst colliery disaster is being moved to safeguard its future. Willington Community Partnership became concerned about the condition of a plaque left to deteriorate in a boarded-up leisure centre. Marking
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Car park life
I had a most curious moment at a local hotel yesterday (stop it at the back) and I'd be grateful for your help with an explanation. I was meeting a business colleague who was en route from the deep south to Scotland, so we agreed our venue as the Swallow
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Man admits theft to get van back
A DEALER in reclaimed goods admitted a theft charge yesterday. Sean Devaney, 41, pleaded guilty to stealing dressed stone, worth £135, from a building site. James Littlehales, in mitagation, told Harrogate magistrates the admission was so he could get
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Record as auction tops £1m
A NORTH auctioneer has broken its £1m target for its summer sale. Bidding at the two day International Summer Catalogue Sale at Tennants in Leyburn, North Yorkshire, was brisk with the piece de resistance an oil painting that sold for £52,000. Auctioneer
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The Readers Durham County League
Under-18s: Haughton, who joined the league this season, were in fine form in their home game with Sedgefield. Batting first, they realised 136 for four and two players made half centuries. Max Ripley struck one six and three boundaries in 56 and Warren
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Durham pair add to strugglers' woes
DURHAM took remorseless advantage of demoralised Derbyshire's woes yesterday when a record fifth-wicket stand of 197 between Vince Wells and Nicky Peng carried them to 434 for seven. On a day when the umpires had given Derbyshire nothing, the only blemish
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Athletics: Archer achieves world class status
Crook & District veteran athlete Kevin Archer crossed the Atlantic to gain a magnificent silver medal at the World Masters Athletics Championships in the blue riband 1500 metres event. The championships, which came to Gateshead in 1999, are held every
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Attacks on rail staff up by 58%
THE region's busiest train company is grappling with an alarming rise in assaults on its staff. Arriva Trains Northern has seen physical assaults on staff increase by more than 58 per cent in the past six months. Reports of verbal abuse have also shot
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Woman's death 'not suspicious'
POLICE say the death of a woman whose body was found at her home is not being treated as suspicious. The 62-year-old was discovered by her sister in Warwick Square, on Darlington's Branksome estate, yesterday. The sister had become concerned after being
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University unveils health research unit
A health research department has been launched at the University of Teesside. The Department for Emergency Medicine will be based at the James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough. "This new department will complement the school's increasing research
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Drug addict banned from keeping pets
A DRUG addict who admitted causing unnecessary suffering to his dog has been banned from keeping animals for ten years. At Teesside Magistrates' Court yesterday, Shaun Handley, 20, of Grange Road, Thornaby, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to his
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Motorists warned of major delay
MOTORISTS are being warned of several months of disruption on a major dual carriageway as work begins installing a roundabout. The £1.5m project is designed to improve safety at the busy A167 junction with the B6312 road outside the Red Lion at Plawsworth
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Video to focus on disability services
A VIDEO was launched by Hartlepool Social Services yesterday to help improve facilities for people with learning disabilities. More than 200 people in the town with learning disabilities receive help and support from Hartlepool Borough Council's Social
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Shed the pounds and save pounds
A series of workshops have been organised in the Scarborough district advising people to eat more healthy food and save money. The sessions in Whitby, Scarborough and Filey will consist of talks on menu planning and food ideas, followed by cooking and
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News in brief: Inquest opened and adjourned
AN inquest has been opened into the death of a retired civil servant in a Teesside care home. Middlesbrough-born Thomas Wells, 83, died in Castle Dene Retirement Home on July 19. The inquest was adjourned by Anthony Eastwood, assistant deputy coroner
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Enjoy free trip on new bus route
PASSENGERS can sample a new rural bus service free of charge for a week in August. The five-day-a-week bus service in Harrogate has been set up following a successful bid by the County Council to the Government's Rural Bus Challenge Competition. The South
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Esh Stag's Royal appointment turns into disater
Tow Law Area League: Cornsay Royal Oak sent the league leaders, Esh Stag's Head down to their second defeat of the season when they pulled off a good recovery to win by the odd point. The singles were shared when Sonia Windsor, Joe Close and Steve Witherspoon
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Landmark cross restored to former glory
THE prominent cross on a town's landmark was yesterday put back in place after being restored. The 14th Century market cross in Bedale has undergone four weeks of intensive restoration work after years of erosion and weathering from the wind, rain and
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Business park plan making progress
PLANS for one of the North-East's most important business developments have taken a step forward. A planning application has been submitted to Darlington Borough Council for two office buildings at Morton Palms business park, on the eastern edge of the
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Flats bid despite locals' protest
A COUNCIL has received a formal planning application to build a block of apartments in Eaglescliffe. Earlier this year, 1,400 local people signed a petition to save the Orchard Filling Station, on Durham Road, after hearing rumours that an undisclosed
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Issues to be resolved before council houses can transfer
Questions are being asked about plans to transfer a town's council housing stock to a non-profit housing organisation. Middlesbrough Council proposed handing over all its 13,000 council houses to Erimus Housing. But two months after Erimus mounted a roadshow
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Group to offer fathers support
AN organisation that provides crucial support for fathers is expanding into the North-East. Families Need Fathers (FNF), a nationwide organisation which started in London, provides legal advice, parenting support and help for fathers - and for mothers
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MP 'disappointed' as post office closure goes ahead
AN MP has announced his disappointment over a decision to close a post office and claimed that the public consultation was a mere paper exercise. Protestors fighting the closure of Picktree Lane Post Office, in Chester-le-Street, have reacted with dismay
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Police clampdown on off-road motorcyclists
A POLICE operation has taken place to stop off-road motorcyclists causing a nuisance to residents in Stockton. Operation Green Belt last week resulted in five youths receiving warnings under the Public Nuisance Act and one being arrested for failing to
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Name mascot competion
YOUNGSTERS are being urged to take part in a summer competition to win a mountain bike. They are asked to suggest a name for Stockton Borough Council's new dolphin mascot for Splash in Church Road, Stockton. There is also a colouring competition in the
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Letters: Planning gain
Sir, - Mr Miller is right to draw attention to the unacceptability of developers offering what he calls "inducements" to local councils when submitting planning applications (D&S, July 18). I understand the system under which these payments are offered
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Quiz machine casts a spell over shoppers
A MAGICIAN conjured up some fun for shoppers when they were asked questions by a floating head. The illusion was the work of North-East magician David Diamond who was performing street style magic at Hillstreet in Middlesbrough. His wife Angelique played
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Talk on guide dogs at library
A SERIES of free talks about guide dogs will be held at libraries across the borough of Stockton this summer. The talks will be presented by Val Hydes and Robin Winney, from Guide Dogs for the Blind, and focus on the charity's work, as well as providing
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Church repair work gets under way
A programme of repairs is about to begin at a church which dates back to Saxon times. Experts will today start to remove the four bells from the tower of St Andrew's Church at Middleton, near Pickering. They will then begin a complete overhaul of the
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News in brief: School's joy over award
A VILLAGE school has won an award and £300 in the Guidance Enterprises Group's competition for recycling waste. "We are absolutely delighted," said headteacher Rachel Wells, of West Heslerton Primary School, near Scarborough. "The children themselves
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Man forms policy on medical care
AN engineer's views on how age should affect medical treatment will help form national policy. Brian Brown, an electrical engineer from Chester-le-Street, is a member of the Citizens Council of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) The
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Keep your little squirts in check this summer
OK squirt, make my day - this water pistol is loaded. If you want to get the kids away from the computer or television these holidays and out into the garden, then give them water pistols. If it's hot and sunny, it's wonderfully refreshing, and if it's
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Fears over police radio system
POLICE in County Durham will soon be using a digital radio system at the centre of health fears. The force said the £3.26m Airwave network will give clearer communications, without dead spots, that cannot be intercepted by criminals with scanners. It
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Alaina puts feelings in verse to save school
A YOUNG girl has made a poetic plea to save her primary school from the threat of closure. Like fellow pupils at Browney Primary, near Durham, nine-year-old Alaina Ramsay was distraught to learn that it was among 23 schools selected for closure as part
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News in brief: Police website wins award
A WEBSITE has won a national award for being user-friendly for blind people. The Northumbria Police website was given the See It Right award from the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB). Anne-Marie Blackburn, lead designer on the force's e-Policing
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Grassroots: Chester-le-Street, Birtley and District
CRAFT SHOW: An exhibition of traditional North country quilting will be on display on Saturday and Sunday, August 2 and 3, at Beamish Museum. ANNUAL MEETING: The Waldridge Village Millennium Green Trust will hold its annual meeting at 6.30pm on Monday
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Newbury winners keep Fahey and Easterby happy
BROTHERS-IN-LAW they are, but rivals on the course: Richard Fahey and Tim Easterby had a great weekend and were well worth backing. Both won at Newbury, Fahey with Definite Guest and Easterby with his smart Somnus, who took the Listed race. Easterby also
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Grassroots: Derwentside
MUSIC NIGHT: Derwentside Accordion Club will be entertained by Wayne Robertson, from Arbroath, Scotland, at 7.45pm on Thursday, at Castleside WMC. SALE DATE: Devles Lane Village Hall is holding a sale of gifts organised by Wot Nots, of Blackhill, from
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Six sixes in an over - again!
Adrian McLaren wrote his name into the record books when he crashed six sixes in an over playing for Astrofade Wallsend against Stocksfield in the Three Counties Northumberland League joloring.com Premier Division. "It was a magnificent achievement,"
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A taste of university
MORE than 100 teenagers were being given a flavour of further education this week as the University of Teesside hosted a higher education summer school. Pupils aged 15 and 16, from 39 secondary schools across the North-East, who are awaiting their GCSE
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Where do we lay the blame for this death?
WHO was responsible for government weapons expert Dr David Kelly's death? Was it Alastair Campbell, Geoff Hoon or Tony Blair? Was it the faceless bureaucrats at the Ministry of Defence or the reporters who hounded him after he was exposed as the source
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News in brief: History trip around town
Anyone interested in finding out more about the archaeology of Hartlepool's Headland is invited to join a free guided walk around the area on Sunday. The walk, which will explore the development of the Headland from the foundation of the Anglo Saxon Monastery
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Cricket Round-up
City of Durham Under-15 Cup Murton had five wickets to spare at the end of a low scoring tie. Batting first, Hylton managed only 42 as Bobby Elliott claimed two for 11 in four overs, Gary Logan took two for 12 and Karl Rich two for six. In reply, Murton
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Kay honoured after triple win
Pool wizard Tony Kay has been honoured with a prestigious award after winning a fiercely competitive championship for the third time - making him only the second person to achieve the feat. The Darlington cue king chalked up wins in the Durham County
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Police consider murder inquiry
POLICE may launch a murder inquiry today following the death of a man who was found lying in the street severely injured five days ago. Andrew Hickox, 42, died at about 2.20am yesterday at York Hospital, where he had been critically-ill since being discovered
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Langbaurgh League
There is no change at the top of the table with Kirby Sigston and Maltby still neck and neck with Broughton and Kirby and East Harlsey in close contention. Kirby Sigston enjoyed a nine wickets victory when they hosted Ingleby Greenhow. Batting first the
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Show date as greyhounds seek owners
A CHARITY devoted to providing for retired racing greyhounds is seeking to recruit more helpers. The North Yorkshire branch of the Retired Greyhound Trust will be at Borrowby Show, near Thirsk, next Wednesday, to raise funds and find potential new owners
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Biker Ron goes back to college
VETERAN biker Ronald Owen-Smith has gone back to college in his 80th year to keep his classic machines on the road. After scouring the country for spare parts for his 1918 and 1919 Rover motorcycles, the 79-year-old drew a blank. So he decided to enrol
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New rules revealed in dispute handling
DELEGATES in the North-East have been told of new procedures for dealing with disputes at work. From October next year, employers and staff will be required to follow a minimum three-stage process to ensure disputes are discussed at work. Representatives
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Grants to tidy up town
A GRANT of £80,000 has been made available to businesses in Redcar High Street to renovate their premises. They have until next March to apply for the money, which is to be used for door and window replacement and roof and structural repairs. Successful
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Free - after killing confessions
POLICE have pledged to review their methods after a man who twice confessed to a killing won his freedom on a technicality yesterday. Three days of legal arguments at Leeds Crown Court ended when the prosecution entered no evidence against 20-year-old
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Gamekeepers to be honoured
TWO of Yorkshire's most experienced gamekeepers are being honoured for their long service to the countryside. Harold Carr, of the Garrowby Estate, near York, and Mike Richardson, of the Duncombe Park Estate, near Helsmley, each have more than 40 years
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School's PE lessons will include golf
A COLLEGE is offering its students a wider choice of sporting activities next term - including golf, horse riding and self-defence. The programme will be available during the compulsory PE classes for 14 to 16-year-olds at Northallerton College from September
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News in brief: Two injured as cars collide
Two drivers were taken to hospital after a collision between a Renault Clio and a Land Rover Defender on the A689 between Toronto and High Grange, on the outskirts of Bishop Auckland, yesterday afternoon. Neither was seriously injured. They were taken
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Twenty-five years of IVF - the joy and the frustration
THE world's first test-tube baby Louise Brown is 25 today. To mark her birthday and celebrate the success of IVF treatment more than 30 children and their parents from all over the region gathered in Newcastle. But as parents swapped stories, a leading
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News in brief: Demonstrator denies charges
A demonstrator who protested at top secret US spy base on American Independence Day pleaded not guilty to two charges yesterday. Anthony Dickinson, 34, of Pontefract Road, Purston, Featherstone, West Yorkshire, is accused of failing to remove an Arab-style
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Craftsman with a 'hot' line to the White House
MANY visitors to Hawes this summer will stop a while to watch Mark Alder blowing glass that has a truly international flavour. In the film Ransom, Mel Gibson was seen posing beside one of the craftsman's pieces. "It was a hell of a shock to see my work
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Hot sales
THE hottest June since 1976 helped retail sales grow at their fastest pace for more than a year during the last month. Consumers splashing out on barbecues, food, drink and new clothes pushed sales up 1.9 per cent compared with the previous month, according
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Onyx creates 140 lab jobs
A RESEARCH company's rapid expansion is set to continue after it announced it was planning to create a further 140 jobs. Onyx Scientific started out with six staff three years ago before growing to its present day 45-strong team. It now intends to employ
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Greaves rewarded for a great first year
Kevin Greaves, earned Barnard Castle Glaxo some silverware in their first season in the Wearside League when he picked up the Secretary of the Year accolade at the League's annual presentation night. The award, voted for by Kevin's peers, marked a great
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Region's jails among country's best - survey
JAILS across the region are among the best in the country, according to the first performance tables compiled by the Prison Service. Frankland Prison, in Durham, was among only five jails placed in level four - the highest category - and said to be "high
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Grain report
by Robin Twizell RMD Agriculture WHEAT prices have been going up £1 a day following lower yield estimates, but good quality, across Europe and good demand from importing countries. On Tuesday the markets took a rest and fell back a little as its fine
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Teesdale Soccer Sixes
The sixth annual Teesdale Soccer Sixes was held earlier this month with 151 teams travelling from as far a field York, Chester le Street, Gateshead, Teesside and Darlington to compete in the competition. The junior competition was held on the Saturday
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On the ladder of success
A STUDENT has been given a step up with a programme designed to team undergraduates with small businesses. In place of the traditional student summer employment in bars or supermarkets, Leigh Wilkinson, 20, found herself working on an important finance
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Praise for fire rescue officers
TWO policemen have been praised for saving a woman's life by dragging her from a smoke-filled flat. PCs Michael Woolston and Richard Laviolette, based at Darlington police station, carried out the rescue on Sunday night after a neighbour raised the alarm
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News in brief: Anyone for tennis fund?
Alwent Hall Gardens, in Winston, near Barnard Castle, will host a plant sale on Sunday, from 2pm to 5.30pm. The event, which will offer cream teas and a range of other attractions, including pony rides, face-painting, games and various stalls, will raise
