Archive
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News in brief: Stage school's big day looms
MEMBERS of Durham's Gala Theatre Junior Stage School will put their new-found skills to the test with a performance of the specially-written children's musical, Ocean World, on Wednesday, at 7.15pm. Described as "a magical musical for children", it features
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Grant award to fund gipsy site revamp
A GIPSY caravan site in Darlington is to be refurbished with more than £800,000 of Government funding. The site, in Honeypot Lane, Cockerton, will have its kitchen and bathroom facilities for settled families upgraded. An area will also be created for
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Eco-village plans recommended for approval
CONTROVERSIAL plans for the North-East's first "eco-village" will come under scrutiny next week. A planning application for the green urban village of more than 100 environmentally friendly houses will be determined by Sedgefield Borough Council at a
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Shield is sure sign of a good pint
TWO Teesdale landlords are toasting their success in an award scheme to help drinkers find a good pint. Tony Leete, who runs the Ancient Unicorn, in Barnard Castle, and Richard Robinson, from the Red Lion, in Cotherstone, which both serve Jennings beer
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News in brief: Health website proves popular
A HEALTH website for people in Darlington has had nearly 8,000 visits in its first week online. The Darlington Primary Care Trust site at www.darlingtonpct.nhs.uk features news and information on health services in the town. Andrea Jones, from the trust
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Bus roof ripped off in bridge collision
AN investigation was under way last night after a double-decker bus had its roof ripped off when it crashed into a low level bridge - weeks after a similar accident at the same spot. It is the fifth time a bus has had its roof torn off after trying to
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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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Marinelli poised to stay put
OUT-OF-FAVOUR Carlos Marinelli looks set to start the new Premiership season at Middlesbrough, despite plenty of interest from Italy. The 20-year-old attacker is surplus to requirements at the Riverside but manager Steve McClaren has been unable to move
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Arrest warrant for fire starter
A WARRANT was issued yesterday for a teenager who started a fire which caused £15,000 damage at a village cricket club. The scorebox and a large amount of stored equipment were badly damaged in the blaze at the Colliery Welfare ground used by Durham Senior
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Bid to cut pregnancies
YOUNG people are now able to sign up to a new scheme giving them access to free condoms. The C-card scheme has been set up by the Derwentside and Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trusts to meet the health needs of young people in their areas.
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Budding sport stars receive expert support
BUDDING sports stars have enjoyed top level coaching in a professional environment during the first week of the school summer holiday. The elite training week was offered to 150 hand-picked primary school pupils from east Durham, each with prowess in
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Policeman retires after 38 years with the force
TEESSIDE'S longest serving policeman has called it a day. Superintendent Peter Dale, 55, has seen the introduction of police radios and Panda cars in his 38 years with Cleveland Police. But one change he is relieved not to have seen before leaving the
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Chef shows he is hot stuff in the kitchen as he scoops top curry title
CHEF Mohammed Sultan serves up a treat when it comes to curries. At least, that is what judges choosing the Middlesbrough Curry Chef of the Year thought when they munched just a mouthful of his chicken royale. They said Mohammed's chicken dish had just
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Rough with the smooth
BHAVING had my usual feast of Golf: the Open (BBC1 and BBC2) put under somewhat of a handicap this year, I've found myself seeking less sporting entertainment. It felt a little like watching Frank Spencer putting with a plastic child's nine iron when
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Undertakers prepare for visit of Magpies, again
NEWCASTLE United face the nightmare prospect of a return to Partizan Belgrade's "Stadium of Death'' in the third qualifying round of the Champions League. Sir Bobby Robson yesterday readily acknowledged that his side have been handed a "tough draw'' in
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Comment: GMC called into question
THERE is an inherent danger in self-regulation. It can lead to a complacency and weakness that puts the public trust in the process in jeopardy. The General Medical Council's inadequacies in this respect have been demonstrated by its handling of the case
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26/07/03
HOUSING: THE Public Accounts Committee of MPs has concluded that the transfer of 750,000 council houses to new landlords across Britain was undersold to the value of billions of pounds. Apparently, the calculations used by councils to work out how much
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News in brief: Youths sought in rape case
Police investigating the rape of a 16-year-old girl in Washington would like to speak to a group of five youths aged about 15 who were seen playing football around the Dene Court area at the time of the attack. The attack happened at 9pm on Tuesday as
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Boy airlifted
A TEN-year-old boy was airlifted to hospital yesterday after suffering severe leg injuries in a car accident. The boy was hurt when two cars collided at Thorpe Road, Littlethorpe, Peterlee, at 4.45pm. Five others, including two children, were also taken
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Lift rescue
Sixteen people were rescued by firefighters after they were trapped in a lift at York station for 40 minutes. The fire crew prised open the doors and then helped the passengers down from the lift, which had stopped a foot above ground level, yesterday
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Festival line-up complete
THE final line-up for the tfm Live event this Sunday at the Stockton Riverside Festival has been announced. Gareth Gates, Girls Aloud, Mark Owen, Busted, Junior Senior, Lemonescent, and Kym Marsh will all be taking part in the live concert as part of
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News in brief: Free places at computer class
Youngsters from the Eston and Redcar areas can sharpen up their computer skills on a summer school programme. Ten and 11-year-olds can enjoy a free place on a week's course doing computer work in the morning and a range of activities in the afternoon,
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The Trouble with Belfast
MOST people would perhaps classify Belfast with Sarajevo, Beirut, Kabul or even Baghdad. But, although it has its Troubles, to cross Belfast off the list of destinations for a break is to miss a chance to experience a community with a strong sense of
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Church conversion exciting news for young people
A YOUNGSTERS' summer playscheme will be the first group to enjoy a community centre created by the £268,000 conversion of a church hall. The St Cuthbert's Youth and Community Project, in the West Lane area of Middlesbrough, has been made possible through
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Juniors give Seaham much-needed fillip
Durham Coast League: Seaham Park are second-bottom but it is far from doom and gloom according to spokesman Billy Giblin. This week saw both the U11s, managed by John Watson, and U18s, who are looked after by Stephen Sutherland and Graeme Jobes, clinch
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Your chance to win top prizes
The Northern Echo online features an excellent range of competitions this month. Prizes include copies of the novel The Whale Rider, now a a major film, and chocolates from Thorntons. We have UGC movie tickets, CDs, and a coffee-table book on the history
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Team players wanted for lifeboat event
TEAMS of daredevils are needed to take part in a fundraising challenge. Hartlepool Lifeboat Station is looking for teams of six people with a sense of fun and adventure. Three members of the team will try to reach a bottle at the end of a greasy pole,
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Turner's Pool return sees reserve teams run out
CHRIS Turner's return to Hartlepool United will be a low key affair this afternoon. Turner's Sheffield Wednesday side visit Victoria Park, as part of the arrangement when the Pool boss left Victoria Park last November to take control of his boyhood favourites
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Murder case lifer in bid for appeal
A CONVICTED murderer is preparing to launch the legal bid that that he believes will clear his name. Martial arts instructor Tony Bottrill is serving life in Durham's Frankland Prison for shooting cocaine-dealer Bryan Scott in the back at Kirkleatham
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Kimblesworth desperate to seize chance
The Readers' Durham County League: The outcome of the match of the day between Kimblesworth and Evenwood is crucial to both side's title hopes. "Victory would be a tremendous boost to our chances," declared Evenwood captain Craig Rutherford, who led his
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Housing group earns backing
tenants of a North-East housing association have given the service they receive a vote of confidence. A survey commissioned by Endeavour Housing showed that 90 per cent of those who responded were satisfied with the overall standard. The survey, by Northern
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Bugs workshop aims to draw youngsters
YOUNGSTERS can design their own creepy-crawlies in a new workshop at a North-East attraction. Children visiting the Life Science Centre, in Newcastle, are creating mega bugs using washing-up bottles, kitchen roll tubes and scraps of paper, all supplied
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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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Pepik uses Smart solution to track visitors
BOSSES 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 3dCRM (Customer Relationship Management) product was developed by York company Pepik
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De Beers looks forward to sparkling results
THE company which masterminded the centrepiece diamond exhibition at the Millennium Dome has seen the sparkle return to its global sales. De Beers, the world's biggest diamond miner, said the market had suffered because of the conflict in Iraq and the
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Rubbish dumped in site protest
Protestors dumped their household rubbish outside a council's doors yesterday to highlight their campaign against a proposed waste transfer plant. Their action won a stay of execution until Tuesday for the proposed site, a wood at Stainton Grove, near
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'North's heritage sites are at risk'
UP to 7,000 historic archaeological sites in the North-East and Yorkshire could be at risk as a result of present-day farming, English Heritage has warned. The warning coincided with the launch of its campaign aimed at protecting valuable heritage. Ripping
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Planning ruling on incinerator 'flawed'
A FRESH application to build a controversial animal incinerator might be made after the North Yorks Moors National Park conceded that the original scheme was defective in law. The authority has withdrawn from a two-day hearing in London's High Court into
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Theatre's new line-up
MUSICALS, comedy and drama will be on offer at a North-East theatre later this year. Darlington Civic Theatre has announced its autumn season of shows. Productions will include disco dancing classic Saturday Night Fever, the popular Rocky Horror Show,
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For Your Benefit: Will we get Pension Credit?
Q I am 75, looking after my wife, aged 70, who has Disability Living Allowance (DLA) including the higher rate for care. My State Pension is £95.95 a week, hers is £46.35. My company pension is £175.57 a month and our savings come to £25,000. Will we
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Protection of wildlife tops the agenda
A MEETING has been held to discuss the protection of wildlife sites on Teesside. The Environment Agency teamed up with English Nature and the Billingham-based Industry and Nature Conservation Association (INCA) to provide information to businesses on
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Bus roof ripped off in bridge collision
AN investigation was under way last night after a double-decker bus had its roof ripped off when it crashed into a low level bridge - weeks after a similar accident at the same spot. It is the fifth time a bus has had its roof torn off after trying to
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Leaflet drop in bid to trace man's last steps
DETECTIVES who have drawn a blank over the last movements of a critically-ill pensioner last night mounted a leaflet-drop appealing to the public for help. Brian Sykes, who is still on a life support machine following a fall at his Darlington flat, told
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At Your Service: Swing and a prayer
Pickering Methodist Church got into the spirit of an annual jazz festival by staging a toe-tapping service. JAZIZ was King David's chief herdsman. It's possible that after his job interview the king took the new man, his collie and his bait box up unto
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Award for charity stalwart
A DARLINGTON pensioner has won an award for being one of a national charity's longest-serving volunteers. Elsie Wylie, 78, who has been a volunteer for Nightstop in Darlington for the last ten years, picked up her award in Newcastle last night. There
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Cash stolen in raid on club
BURGLARS forced their way into a working men's club and stole nearly £1,000 early yesterday. The thieves smashed a window at Elm Road Club, Shildon, County Durham, and ransacked fruit machines and the snooker table before the burglar alarm alerted the
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Dead reveller 'was killed by hit-and-run driver'
A BUILDER who died from head injuries suffered while on a night out in York with friends may have been killed in a hit-and-run incident. Detectives now believe that Andrew Hickox could have been hit by a vehicle rather than been attacked. Having ruled
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Mine's a winner as Bethell warms up
JAMES BETHELL stands on the brink of his most valuable training success courtesy of Mine (3.10), who lines up for Europe's richest seven furlong handicap, the £150,000 Tote International at Ascot. Bethell's stable-star came within an ace of winning the
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More corpses make less news
MOST eyes this week have been focussed on - or, perhaps more accurately, averted from - the pictures of Uday and Qusay Hussein, the men responsible for many of the 300,000 bodies in mass graves in Iraq. And so most eyes missed what has happened in Liberia
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Bollin Eric offers brilliant value
BOLLIN ERIC looks fantastic value at around 20-1 for this afternoon's big race at Ascot, the £750,000 King George & Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes, writes Colin Woods. Tim Easterby's 2002 St Leger hero has yet strike this term, but at least he showed
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Dancer Anna wins national title
A YOUNG dancer has become an all-England champion in three separate categories. Seven-year-old Anna Reed, of Darlington, competed in front of hundreds of people at the Peacock Theatre in London's West End recently and became All England champion in the
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In My View: Rough with the smooth
HAVING had my usual feast of Golf: the Open (BBC1 and BBC2) put under somewhat of a handicap this year, I've found myself seeking less sporting entertainment. It felt a little like watching Frank Spencer putting with a plastic child's nine iron when my
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Coroner favours backlog inquiry
A CORONER criticised for a backlog of 200 inquests has welcomed a Government inquiry into the delays. Lord Falconer, The Lord Chancellor has ordered an investigation into the performance of Teesside Coroner Michael Sheffield. His intervention follows
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Turner's Pool return sees reserve teams run out
CHRIS Turner's return to Hartlepool United will be a low key affair this afternoon. Turner's Sheffield Wednesday side visit Victoria Park, as part of the arrangement when the Pool boss left Victoria Park last November to take control of his boyhood favourites
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Digging the dirt on history TV
Archaeaologist Max Adams has a pretty uncompromising view of TV history programmes - and that's one reason why he's presenting his own. Archaeologist and historian Max Adams doesn't own a television set, but that doesn't stop him having strong views on
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Tess earns top cat title for a spirited recovery
A cat has used up most of its nine lives surviving a sickening shooting incident. But a spirited recovery earned six-year-old Tess the title of the North-East's Pet Survivor of the Year in a competition run by the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals
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Tynedale eye lead
Foster's Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League: It is extremely tight at the top with just one point separating newly-installed leaders Newcastle City from Lanchester, who led the table for most of the season until last weekend. Tynedale, who inflicted
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Council given powers to close crime-hit alleyways
A NORTH-EAST council has been granted powers to seek the closure of crime-plagued alleyways. Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council is among 11 across the country which provided sufficient evidence to the Government to close the rights of way. The aim is
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Muscling in on politics
They are three little words that threatened to haunt Arnold Schwarzenegger and hamper his political ambitions. "I'll be back," was the catchphrase uttered by the bodybuilder-turned-movie star as his most famous screen incarnation, the Terminator. Ten
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Phoenix's unwanted record
Yorkshire Phoenix must beat Kent Spitfires at Scarborough tomorrow if they are to avoid equalling the club's worst run of seven consecutive National League defeats which occurred in 1992 and again in 1999. And Yorkshire's attempt to get off the bottom
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Biology student Toju takes her place in Britain's top five
A STUDENT has struck gold for the second year running in an international Olympiad and has become one of the top five biology students in Britain. Toju Sillo, 19, from Prior Pursglove College, Guisborough, east Cleveland, won gold earlier this year in
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News in brief: Stage school's big day looms
MEMBERS of Durham's Gala Theatre Junior Stage School will put their new-found skills to the test with a performance of the specially-written children's musical, Ocean World, on Wednesday, at 7.15pm. Described as "a magical musical for children", it features
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Council given powers to close crime-hit alleyways
A NORTH-EAST council has been granted powers to seek the closure of crime-plagued alleyways. Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council is among 11 across the country which provided sufficient evidence to the Government to close the rights of way. The aim is
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Crime-busting friends win national award
A CRIME fighting duo's efforts to clean up a neighbourhood have won a national award. Pensioner Les Fawcett and security guard pal Alan Roberts, both members of Southfield Community Council, Middlesbrough, decided to act as crime spiralled in their neighbourhood
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Councils to discuss improving services
A MEETING for town and parish councillors in the Hambleton area is being held next week to discuss draft plans for the future of the county. Tuesday's consultation meeting, organised by North Yorkshire County Council, will provide an opportunity for councillors
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Pupils' 20/20 safety vision
TWO youngsters have shown they have what it takes to keep others safe on North Yorkshire's roads. The pupils from Stokesley Primary School won a competition organised by the county council to design road safety signs. Every pupil in the school entered
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Degree award for PE teacher
A TEACHER has received a masters degree after completing a correspondence course. Richard Meacher, a PE teacher at Richmond School, was awarded an MSc in Sports Sociology at a ceremony at the University of Leicester earlier this month. Mr Meacher, 36,
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Short cut drivers face crackdown
A PLAN to stop drivers taking short cuts through a residential area has been proposed. Residents in the Spring Bank Road area of Ripon will be asked about making their streets one-way so traffic can only exit on to Palace Road. It is hoped the move willstop
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Top planning puts service in elite group
HAMBLETON'S planning service has been ranked one of the best in the country following an independent report by the Audit Commission. The report classed the district council's planning policy, development control and building control services as good,
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Muscling in on politics
Screen action hero Arnold Schwarzenegger is big again in the movies but now he's set his sights on a political career. Film Writer Steve Pratt reports. They are three little words that threatened to haunt Arnold Schwarzenegger and hamper his political
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Rose promises sweet smell of success for air ambulance fundraisers
AIRBORNE lifesavers believe they have come up with this summer's must-have car accessory. The team which keeps the Yorkshire Air Ambulance flying has launched the Yorkshire Car Rose to raise funds. Members have joined forces with communications company
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Ray's new skills will benefit former pit village
MORE than 100 people have taken training to help former coalfield communities. About 120 residents of former pit areas received Millennium Commission money, channelled through the County Durham Foundation. It has allowed them to learn skills that will
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Biology student Toju takes her place in Britain's top five
A STUDENT has struck gold for the second year running in an international Olympiad and has become one of the top five biology students in Britain. Toju Sillo, 19, from Prior Pursglove College, Guisborough, east Cleveland, won gold earlier this year in
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Olympic success a tall order for rower Harry
A TEENAGE rowing prospect is living up to expectations after being chosen for selective coaching purely because of his size. Less than a year since his selection for the World Class Start programme, 6ft 8in novice oarsman Harry Scarr is starting to enjoy
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Bus company opens fifth ticket centre
BUS timetables and tickets can now be obtained from a new travel centre in Chester-le-Street. Bus operator Go North-East has opened the centre in Front Street, near the Market Place, and the town's main bus stops. Travellers can obtain information on
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Bureau faces cash crisis in wake of move to new office
THE future of Durham Citizens' Advice Bureau (CAB) could be in doubt unless it secures more funding to meet rising costs. CAB provides free, independent advice on issues ranging from consumer problems to benefit wrangles and legal disputes. But it is
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Grassroots: Chester-le-Street, Birtley and District
DONOR DATE: A blood donor session will take place between 2.30pm and 7pm on Thursday at Barley Mow Village Hall. CHARITY NIGHT: The Vigo Inn is hosting a pie and peas supper fundraising night with a raffle and entertainment by Alan Knight in aid of the
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Marinelli poised to stay put
OUT-OF-FAVOUR Carlos Marinelli looks set to start the new Premiership season at Middlesbrough, despite plenty of interest from Italy. The 20-year-old attacker is surplus to requirements at the Riverside but manager Steve McClaren has been unable to move
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Parking bay mystery
AN unofficial parking bay which mysteriously appeared in a Darlington street is to be painted out by the borough council. The bay, which has clearly been painted in by hand, is outside a house in Selbourne Terrace, a street where there are already several
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Waiting list for homes
A WAITING list has been set up for a housing development close to Darlington town centre. Scholar's Park, to be built by Barratt on land formerly belonging to Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, will consist of two-bedroom apartments and three and four-bedroom
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Footballers help ease hospital stay
YOUNGSTERS can enjoy the latest films during hospital stays thanks to the help of footballers. Money that has been raised by the Bishop Auckland Lady Eden Youth Cup has helped to buy two 14in televisions with built-in digital videodisc (DVD) players and
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Windmill plan appeal is lost
PLANNING officers have pledged to find a use for a derelict windmill on the outskirts of Ferryhill. An application to convert the mill tower at Dean Bank into bedrooms and a lounge, with the addition of a two-storey cottage and garage block, was turned
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Delight as council names reserves
FIVE nature reserves have been officially designated in Sedgefield borough. Formal documents to launch the project, aimed at bringing people closer to wildlife, were signed by the Mayor of Sedgefield borough, Councillor George Gray, this week. The five
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News in brief: Stage school's big day looms
MEMBERS of Durham's Gala Theatre Junior Stage School will put their new-found skills to the test with a performance of the specially-written children's musical, Ocean World, on Wednesday, at 7.15pm. Described as "a magical musical for children", it features
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Fifty years of golden memories
A COUPLE have renewed their wedding vows 50 years to the day after they first said "I do". Friends and family travelled from across the world to celebrate Frank and Maud Newton's golden wedding. The couple's son and his family flew in for the occasion
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News in brief: Stage school's big day looms
MEMBERS of Durham's Gala Theatre Junior Stage School will put their new-found skills to the test with a performance of the specially-written children's musical, Ocean World, on Wednesday, at 7.15pm. Described as "a magical musical for children", it features
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More playtime fun for pupils
PUPILS returning to Skerne Park Primary School in Darlington next term will have more play equipment. Staff at communications company Orange raised £2,000 to pay for the new play area, which features a log train. Headteacher Diana Teasdale said: "An attractive
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£50 pay cuts rejected by council staff
HOUSING maintenance workers being asked to take a £50-a-week drop in pay have twice rejected a council deal which, it says, would have helped it compete against private companies. The 58 men came out overwhelmingly against the cuts in both secret ballots
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Patients and nurses take road to health
NURSES and patients in Darlington are hoping to make huge strides towards fitness by walking their way to health. Darlington Primary Care Trust has signed up to a national trial which encourages people to monitor and increase the amount of walking they
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Grant for church
A £30,000 grant has been donated to a church for building work. Marske Methodist Church will have its main windows upgraded, disabled toilets fitted and the hall will be re-roofed. Members of Marske Parish Church successfully applied to Biffaward, a multi-million
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Gardening: When Mother Nature knows best
ANYONE who has had an allotment or has squeezed a vegetable patch into a corner of the garden will know the frustration and heartbreak of losing part or all of a crop. You have invested so much loving care in nurturing the plants from seed, gingerly planting
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Youngsters dive in for free swim
A GRANT of £22,688 will allow all under-16s on Teesside to swim for free during the school summer holidays. The scheme, at Eston Sports Academy pool was launched by Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth athlete, Allison Curbishley. She said: "It will
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Grassroots: Yarm and Eaglescliffe
Show results: Egglescliffe Gardening Club held its annual show on Saturday, July 19, at Egglescliffe CE Primary School. There were more than 290 entries in 78 classes and the standard of the entries was excellent. The cups and shields were awarded as
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Judge on call to stop man being extradited
A HIGH Court judge has been put on 24-hour call to try and stop a County Durham born businessman being extradited to Singapore. Financial advisor Michael McCrea was arrested in Melbourne, Australia, after going on the run only days before two decomposing
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Guisborough skipper Towse's final warning
Darlington Building Society NYSD Premier League: Captain David Towse reckons Guisborough have ten cup finals to play between now and the end of the season. "This is how I see it. We have got to treat every match as a one-off, hopefully win and then prepare
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Girl cadets pull together
Army cadet girls teams competing in national Army Cadet Force championships have gone for gold winning medals in hockey and tug-of-war competitions. A girls team of Cleveland Army Cadets showed real determination when representing the North-East in the
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In The Picture: Digging the dirt on history TV
Archaeaologist Max Adams has a pretty uncompromising view of TV history programmes - and that's one reason why he's presenting his own. Archaeologist and historian Max Adams doesn't own a television set, but that doesn't stop him having strong views on
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News in brief: Man facing rape charge
A 21-YEAR-OLD man appeared in court at Harrogate yesterday charged with rape. Christopher Ernest Scott, of Thompson Way, Green Hammerton, near York, will appear before Leeds Crown Court on Friday. Mr Scott, who is accused of raping a woman in Harrogate
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Digging the dirt on history TV
Archaeologist and historian Max Adams doesn't own a television set, but that doesn't stop him having strong views on the current boom in history programmes on the box - or fronting his own shows. The latest has been made for The Hothouse, the Tyne Tees
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Shy Cameron is the Big Brother winner
Scotsman Cameron Stout last night won Big Brother 4 and the £70,000 first prize. The 32-year-old fish trader from Orkney looked shocked and was momentarily speechless as Davina announced he had won. "I can't believe it," he said as he was embraced by
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'Grandfather' gives up crossing patrol role
A 'grandfather' to hundreds of schoolchildren has retired after helping keep thousands of youngsters safe on their way to school. After a career in the Royal Navy and 20-plus years as a postman, Peter Johnson turned his hand eight years ago to being a
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Chimney-top skimming is on the increase again
THE number of hours of low-flying by the RAF over the North-East has increased for the third year running. It takes the total increase in low-flying over the past four years to more than 500 hours and is the highest figure since 1998. A total of 3,430
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Water campaign may be a lifesaver
A LEADING North-East charity is organising water safety sessions for children, after drownings in the region. In the first week of this year's schools holidays five youngsters drowned - including three in the North-East. As a direct response to the accidents
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Mortgage lending shows no sign of slowing down
MORTGAGE lending showed no sign of slowing down last month as the traditional summer upturn helped boost the number of approvals for home loans. The British Bankers' Association (BBA) said the value of loans approved for buying a property reached £9.43bn
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Chimney-top skimming is on the increase again
THE number of hours of low-flying by the RAF over the North-East has increased for the third year running. It takes the total increase in low-flying over the past four years to more than 500 hours and is the highest figure since 1998. A total of 3,430
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Bible reading marks museum anniversary
ONE of the region's award-winning museums celebrated its 30th anniversary yesterday with the help of one of its oldest exhibits. The Bible once used by Oliver Cromwell is one of the artefacts that has pride of place at the Green Howards Regimental Museum
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£250,000 price tag for draft of novel
THE astonishing success of vicar Graham Taylor's debut book is continuing with the original manuscript on the market for £250,000. Shadowmancer, a children's tale of 18th Century sorcery, has been one of the publishing sensations of the year, rivalling
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Economy still sluggish
THE UK economy remained in the doldrums in the second quarter of the year after official figures showed weaker than expected GDP growth. Estimates from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) put quarter on quarter growth at 0.3 per cent in the three
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PC hopes to link up Bosnia pen pals
A POLICE officer pounding the beat in Bosnia is hoping to set up pen pal links between youngsters in Sarajevo and his home town in the North-East. PC Barry Dixon is one of 32 British bobbies who flew out for a 12-month tour of duty, swapping his traditional
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Frustrated Mustard is held back by washout
THE washout at Derby yesterday spelt frustration for Durham wicketkeeper Phil Mustard, who was hoping to convert his 33 not out into his first substantial score. While unveiling an impressive range of flamboyant strokes, he has reached 20 in seven of
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Man home after near-fatal attack
A MAN left unconscious on a life-support machine after a street attack has returned home. Father-of-seven Keith Carter has been released from hospital and is being nursed back to health by his wife, Cathy, at their home in Hartlepool. Mr Carter, 55, suffered
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McCarthy's frustration at slump
SUNDERLAND manager Mick McCarthy last night bemoaned the transfer market meltdown which has cost his club millions. Midfielder Gavin McCann this week joined Aston Villa in a £2.25m deal, roughly half the valuation Sunderland would have placed on him two
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GMC blunder 'let botched ops go on'
VICTIMS of disgraced gynaecologist Richard Neale say they may sue the General Medical Council over a mix-up which allowed the surgeon to continue injuring patients. The blunder meant that Mr Neale was able to work at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton
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Budget airlines in price war
TWO budget airlines are to battle it out in an online summer holiday price war on flights from the North-East. Last night, bmibaby and Ryanair launched fare cuts, to coincide with the peak summer holiday period. Bmibaby is selling half-price flights to
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Graham is on a mission
Foster's ECB North-East Regional Premier League: South Northumberland skipper John Graham is confident his side can finally end Sunderland's title chances today and turn the the championship into a two-horse race with Durham Academy. Graham believes his
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Time to get ruthless, says Tait
WITH the season just a fortnight away Darlington manager Mick Tait has called on his players to add a ruthless streak to their game. Quakers, unbeaten in pre-season, continue preparations for the coming campaign, which kicks off at Hull City on August
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Murder case lifer in bid for appeal
A CONVICTED murderer is preparing to launch the legal bid that that he believes will clear his name. Martial arts instructor Tony Bottrill is serving life in Durham's Frankland Prison for shooting cocaine-dealer Bryan Scott in the back at Kirkleatham
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Rental firm to double in size
COMMERCIAL vehicle rental firm Northgate is planning to almost double its presence in the region. The company will create more than 40 jobs which will be based at its headquarters in Darlington. The recruitment follows a decision to move part of its operations
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Youths blamed for killing birds with axe
YOUTHS have been blamed for the death of three chickens after the birds were discovered by their owner covered in blood. It is thought the chickens, which belonged to Laurence Sharratt, from Hartlepool, had been tortured using an axe and garden fork.
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Artistic help for campaign
TALENTED youngsters in Hartlepool are spearheading a campaign to improve the health and fitness of local people. Hundreds of pupils from across the town entered a competition to design a poster promoting mayor Stuart Drummond's healthy eating and living
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Woman's knife death still a mystery
A POST-MORTEM examination was last night being carried out on a woman who bled to death after a knife she was carrying severed a main artery in her neck when she apparently slipped on a kitchen floor. Police and environmental health officers are trying
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Frustrated Mustard is held back by washout
THE washout at Derby yesterday spelt frustration for Durham wicketkeeper Phil Mustard, who was hoping to convert his 33 not out into his first substantial score. While unveiling an impressive range of flamboyant strokes, he has reached 20 in seven of
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Passengers recover after head-on crash
TWO men who were pulled clear from a crashed car seconds before it burst into flames are recovering in hospital. Driver Michael Hopper, 35, from Harmire Road, Barnard Castle, County Durham, died in the head-on collision which happened as he travelled
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When Mother Nature knows best
ANYONE who has had an allotment or has squeezed a vegetable patch into a corner of the garden will know the frustration and heartbreak of losing part or all of a crop. You have invested so much loving care in nurturing the plants from seed, gingerly planting
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Nexus hits back at service criticism
METRO operator Nexus has hit back at criticism of services to this weekend's Sunderland International Air Show. Brian Milnes, chairman of the Tees Valley branch of pressure group Transport 2000, has accused Nexus and rail operator Arriva of not using
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Hunt for driver after dog walker hurt
POLICE were trying to trace a driver last night after a pedestrian was badly injured in an accident. The dog walker, who has not been named, suffered injuries including a suspected broken leg, when he was pinned to a wall by a parked car in Easington
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Undertakers prepare for visit of Magpies, again
NEWCASTLE United face the nightmare prospect of a return to Partizan Belgrade's "Stadium of Death'' in the third qualifying round of the Champions League. Sir Bobby Robson yesterday readily acknowledged that his side have been handed a "tough draw'' in
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Fish safe after anglers' protests
A COUNCIL has now decided not to "evict" fish from a pond after protests from furious anglers. Fishermen using Brinkburn Pond, in Darlington, were told by council workers last week that the fish were to be removed in order to protect other species. After
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Air strike misery of dream holiday couple
A DISAPPOINTED couple are demanding their money back after their dream holiday failed to get off the ground. Ann Brown and partner Terry Holden missed their Heathrow flight to Portugal by just minutes due to delays caused by the British Airways strike
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Fledgling Jedi warriors show the force of their light sabre skills
THE force is with a group of fledgling Jedi warriors who are becoming skilled in the art of light sabre duelling. Young Star Wars enthusiasts were yesterday given a chance to learn the art, as seen in the science fiction films and spin-offs of the George
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Judges reduce rapist's sentence
A sentence imposed on a man who raped a middle-aged woman in her home was reduced by Appeal Court judges yesterday. On the night of the attack last year, Ian Edward Cavanagh's victim woke to find him sitting on her bed, after which he raped her, said
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US golf trip is wish come true
GOLF-mad teenager James Paterson will be packing his bags next month to go on the trip of a lifetime. The 17-year-old heart transplant patient from Bedale, North Yorkshire is to be taken to the US by the Make-a-Wish Foundation UK, to watch the USPGA championship
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Time to get ruthless, says Tait
WITH the season just a fortnight away Darlington manager Mick Tait has called on his players to add a ruthless streak to their game. Quakers, unbeaten in pre-season, continue preparations for the coming campaign, which kicks off at Hull City on August
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Delight as council names reserves
FIVE nature reserves have been officially designated in Sedgefield borough. Formal documents to launch the project, aimed at bringing people closer to wildlife, were signed by the Mayor of Sedgefield borough, Councillor George Gray, this week. The five
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College studios host TV shows
ONE of the world's biggest Christian satellite channels has been making use of a college's studios. God TV screened 40 half-hour chat shows at Darlington College of Technology, hiring the studios, which were recently opened by the director general of
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Susie beats injury as big run nears
DARLINGTON'S top female 10km athlete tried out the course for the town's annual road run yesterday. Susie Rutherford, who ran the Darlington 10k Road Race in just over 35 minutes last year, timed herself around this year's route before heading to the
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Eco-village plans recommended for approval
CONTROVERSIAL plans for the North-East's first "eco-village" will come under scrutiny next week. A planning application for the green urban village of more than 100 environmentally friendly houses will be determined by Sedgefield Borough Council at a
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Mixed fortunes as councils' court hearing comes to end
DURHAM County Council yesterday won part of its High Court fight against Darlington Borough Council, but suffered a setback in its bid to keep shares worth £13.5m. The councils were locked in a legal dispute in front of Mr Justice Blackburne, which dated
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Cash puts cycle project wheels in motion
EXTRA cycling lockers will be made available to staff at two Teesside hospitals after North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust scooped a £24,000 grant. The money, from the Department of Transport's Cycling Projects Fund, will be used to fund the trust's Cycling
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Volunteers ask for help with model
A HERITAGE centre is looking for a model to help bring its latest exhibit to life. Wheatley Hill Heritage Centre opened in September last year in the village's redundant chapel of rest. It developed out of an idea instigated by villagers, who wanted to
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Plans unveiled for railway station revamp
PROPOSALS for the redevelopment of Richmond's Grade II-listed station building have been unveiled. Two approaches have been put forward, and either one could cost more than £2m. York consultant Stephen Parry outlined the possibilities at a meeting in
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News in brief: Free places at computer class
Youngsters from the Eston and Redcar areas can sharpen up their computer skills on a summer school programme. Ten and 11-year-olds can enjoy a free place on a week's course doing computer work in the morning and a range of activities in the afternoon,
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Chance to keep dales craft alive
TRAININg has been offered to encourage people to take an interest in the art of dry-stone wall building in the Yorkshire Dales. The taster training day is being run on Sunday, August 3, in Nidderdale and volunteers will be able to try some of the techniques
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Patients will take notice of x-ray board
PATIENTS visiting the x-ray department at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton will be better informed thanks to members of the Women's Institute. Superintendent radiographer Janet Townend and senior radiographer Katy Birch were presented with a cheque
