Archive
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Calling time on bigamy
Characters in Soapland are giving a new meaning to the phrase "two-timing" as they carry on the dishobourable tradition of living double lives. Perhaps there's something in the water in Weatherfield or in the beer at the Rovers Return. Whatever the reason
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Beamish strikes it rich
BEAMISH Museum is celebrating a near £1m windfall from the tax man. The museum, near Stanley, has received a £961,181 payment for overpaid VAT dating back as far as 1990. Museum treasurers are now trying to recover interest on the sum, but are awaiting
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Why Brits love Blaine bashing
DAVID Blaine's starvation stunt has provoked quite a reaction in Britain, but it wasn't quite the one the illusionist had in mind. Far from people coming to gaze in awe at the star's latest death- defying escapade, Blaine has become a figure of fun on
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Selby disaster inquest jury returns verdicts on deaths
A JURY at an inquest into the Selby rail disaster has concluded that all ten victims were unlawfully killed. After deliberating for two-and-a-half-hours yesterday, the foreman read each verdict one at a time to a hushed room at Harrogate's Majestic Hotel
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Bloomin' lovely
THE fruits of months of hard work by the region's gardeners have gone on show. The four-day autumn Harrogate Flower Show, at the Great Yorkshire Showground, effectively brings the flower show season to a close. The warm dry summer has not been kind to
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Reebok return to start Ricketts' Boro revival
MICHAEL RICKETTS has been assured he can force his way back into the England reckoning if he rediscovers the form that once earned him a 20-goals-a-season tag. The Middlesbrough striker is ready to face former club Bolton today at the Reebok Stadium,
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Inspiration from TV botanist
ADULTS with learning difficulties and primary school youngsters followed in the footsteps of methodist John Wesley by celebrating harvest at the world's oldest chapel that is still in continuous use. Children from a number of schools performed a harvest
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Eight-goal Pool leave Mariners all at sea
THEY might now share an English record, but even Manchester United couldn't manage what Hartlepool United achieved last night! A thumping 8-1 win over Grimsby took Pool's unbeaten home League run to 18 games; the same number the Premiership champions
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Down-to-earth fundraising
ADVENTUROUS Harry Burn is accustomed to scaling great heights for charity - but his next fundraising feat will ensure he remains firmly on the ground. Mr Burn is competing in the Bupa Great North Run on Sunday, September 21, to raise money for the Leukaemia
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Shopping aid for disabled launched
A HOME Independence Shop will be opened in a Newton Aycliffe care centre next weekend. The shop, in The Pioneering Care Centre, will offer for sale a variety of goods that promote independent living, ranging from bathing aids to personal care. The unveiling
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Abandoned dog needs new home
A GERMAN shepherd and bull mastiff-cross dog is in need of a home after its owners abandoned him by a roadside. The dog was tied to a post with electric cable and chains near Ramshaw Rescue, in Bishop Auckland. It had become tangled in the chain which
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Coffee morning
Macmillan Cancer Relief is organising the World's Biggest Coffee Morning on Friday, September 26, and Roseworth Library, in Redhill Road, Stockton, will have the kettle on from 10am until noon. For more information, call Claire Pratt on (01642) 397604
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News in brief: Drivers can expect delays
Motorists are warned of roadworks taking place in South Shields this weekend. Delays can be expected today at Beach Road, next to the Town Hall, from Fowler Street to Anderson Street roundabout, from 7am to 5pm, while the road surface is removed. On Sunday
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Cash support for aid groups
FUNDING is being offered to community and voluntary groups which help young people in Darlington. The Connexions Partnership is planning to allocate a pot of £33,000 to organisations in the town. Projects which can benefit must offer young people information
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Student in dramatic contest
A DARLINGTON student bidding for stardom has won a place in a national drama competition. Jodie Taibi, 19, will travel to London today to take part in the Lamda (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts) Examinations and Allied Irish Bank Awards in communication
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Demolition of hotel is backed
PLANS to bulldoze a seaside hotel and build 42 flats in its place look set to go ahead. Councillors had asked the businessman behind the scheme to demolish the Regency Hotel in Coatham Road, Redcar, and build two blocks of flats, to modify the plans.
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A real angel of the North
To commemorate the fifth anniversary of The Butterwick, the North-East's only children's hospice, Chris Webber spoke to the woman who made it all happen. SITTING in the hospice that she sold her own home to create, Mary Butterwick remembers the first
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Shopgirl's gun terror
A MASKED robber pointed a gun at an 18-year-old shopgirl before handcuffing her and escaping with hundreds of pounds. The terrified girl was not injured but was treated for severe shock after the robbery on Thursday. She was opening up a newsagent in
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Finger on the pulse of jobs in the NHS
ANYONE looking for career advice or a job working for the NHS should not miss job shops that open today. The shops are designed to inform people of job vacancies available at the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, and about the variety of
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Asylum seeker's 'death warrant'
AN asylum seeker is asking Teessiders to support his bid to stay in Britain because he fears being killed if he is sent back to Iran. Ashkan Goudarzi, 30, has been living in Middlesbrough since being smuggled into the UK in the back of a lorry last October
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Railway project to help pupils learn on the move
A RAILWAY has launched an initiative to offer educational train trips for children. The Wensleydale Railway, at Leeming Bar, lets pupils learn while they travel by completing a workbook, linked to the national curriculum. The Learndays project, which
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Concert raises £650 for hospital
A CHARITY concert by Richmond Operatic Society raised more than £650 for an appeal to buy hospital equipment. The Friends of the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton are attempting to raise £150,000 to equip an endoscopy unit being planned as part of the
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Major art projects planned to mark railway heritage
MAJOR works of public art are planned for Stockton to celebrate its historic connections to the railway. The move by the borough council has been announced following pressure from Bob Harbron, of the Norton Heritage group. Mr Harbron said that a council
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Literature festival draws the stars
SOME of the literary world's brightest stars will be making their way to Durham for its annual literature festival. A range of readings, workshops and performances are lined up for the five-week event. It begins at 6pm tomorrow with a storytelling session
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Police day on forced marriages
ISSUES surrounding forced marriages have been discussed at a regional conference. The one-day conference, held at Northumbria Police headquarters in Ponteland, Northumberland, looked at differences between forced and arranged marriages and their cultural
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University shows off its N-E -Atlantis' finds
Stone Age finds discovered by chance off the North-East coast that rocked the world of archaeologists will be on show tomorrow. Divers have uncovered two settlements under the sea off the coast of Tynemouth, dating back to up to 10,000 years. They were
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News in brief: Search is on for local talent
A NEW course at Greenfield Community and Arts Centre, Newton Aycliffe, is aimed at creating a star of the future. John Melvin will lead the course throughout the ten weeks. Mr Melvin is responsible for the success of Kindle, an all-girl trio formed when
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Rovers stand in the way of Arena hat-trick
Darlington manager Mick Tait is determined to make the most of all the players he has at his disposal this season. While the likes of big-spending Hull and Northampton set their sights on promotion, the Quakers boss is realistic and knows that, not by
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School playing fields sell-off is approved
COUNCIL officials will apply to the Education Secretary for permission to sell some of Darlington's school playing fields to fund a tennis centre. Darlington Borough Council's Cabinet backed the plan to sell land at Longfield Comprehensive School at a
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Shopping aid for disabled launched
A HOME Independence Shop will be opened in a Newton Aycliffe care centre next weekend. The shop, in The Pioneering Care Centre, will offer for sale a variety of goods that promote independent living, ranging from bathing aids to personal care. The unveiling
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News in brief: £1,000 boost from golfers
Northallerton Mowbray Golf Club has presented cheques for £1,000 to the charities Chopsticks and the Alastair Bullen Aromatherapy Fund. The money was raised by a successful tournament at Bedale Golf Club. TWIN ADVICE: Families expecting more than one
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News in brief: Man's child porn admission
A JUDGE yesterday adjourned the case of a Stockton man who confessed to 14 charges of making indecent images of children, for the preparation of psychiatric reports. Teesside Crown Court heard that Nigel Berryman had previously sustained a blow to the
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Eight flee house after arson attack
A FAMILY of eight people escaped inury after an arson attack on their home. The family dog alerted George Waters when what police called an incendiary device was thrown through the front window of his house in Peel Street, Hendon, Sunderland, shortly
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Gardening: Chilling out about heat
I HAVE been reading in the papers about parks and gardens down south having to close to the public as a result of the extended hot weather. The National Open Garden Scheme is alleged to be 50 per cent down on predicted visitor numbers. They have been
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BBC chief to face inquiry -
Lord Hutton yesterday failed to end speculation over whether Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon will face another grilling at the inquiry into the death of David Kelly. The law lord announced the witnesses called to give evidence on Monday but left pundits
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100,000 expected as popular dog show gets underway
BRITAIN'S second biggest dog show opened its doors yesterday, with organisers confidently predicting record crowds. About 100,000 animal lovers are expected for the "Crufts of the North" in Darlington this weekend. Champion canines of every shape and
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Emergency summit over -cash for guns'
A POLICE chief has been called to an emergency meeting to explain the collapse of a lengthy drugs case which could cost taxpayers as much as £20m. Cleveland Chief Constable Sean Price has been asked to prepare a report to present to the special meeting
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Garlic: It's great for Italians but deadly for garden pests
IT was worshipped by the ancient Egyptians, was just the ticket for keeping Count Dracula at bay, and is great for keeping you fit. And now scientists reckon they have found a new use for that most pungent of plants, garlic. According to researchers,
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Glynis backs cancer campaign
THEATRE star Glynis Barber has taken time out from her latest role to promote a North-East charity. The 47-year-old star of The Graduate, being performed at Newcastle Theatre Royal, posed in pink to raise awareness of Cancer Research UK's latest campaign
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British Energy to sell US stake
TROUBLED nuclear power group British Energy is to sell its 50 per cent stake in AmerGen Energy in an effort to ease its debt crisis. The group, which owns Hartlepool power station, will make £174m from offloading its interest in the US company to FPL
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Road to Leger success
THE route to St Leger glory could well lay in the direction of Westmoreland Road (3.35) for this afternoon's final Classic race of the season at Doncaster. Westmoreland Road's rider, the eleven-times former champion jockey Pat Eddery, has vowed to hang
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Comment from The Northern Echo: Sexing-up trivialities
THE fall-out from the decision to go to war with Iraq continues to blind us with its trivialities. The latest one is that Tony Blair "over-ruled" or "ignored" security advice that attacking Iraq and collapsing Saddam Hussein would make it easier for terrorists
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All-star line-up for climax of folk date
AN all-star line-up will bring the curtain down on a highly successful folk festival tonight. Now in its fourth year, Trimdon Festival is becoming an established event on the folk circuit in the region, attracting big name stars including Lonnie Donegan
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Militia may earn their Sunderland stripes
FRONTLINE troops in Iraq want to kit out local militia in North-East football shirts so they can tell them from potential attackers. The idea for the makeshift uniforms came from a Sunderland fan, so the civilian guards are wearing the distinctive red
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Vandals with 'rights' on their side
THERE has been an outbreak of vandalism near where I live. In fact, it has been a two-year-long vandalistic campaign. Not nasty vandalism. Not offensive words scrawled on walls. Not yobbish bricks hoyed through windows in the dead of night, not drunken
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Hornblower to get a makeover
One of a North city's leading attractions is to get a makeover. Ripon hornblower Alan Oliver, who has been carrying out the nightly task for almost 20 years, will soon be wearing a new made-to-measure ceremonial frock coat. The fawn, knee-length coat,
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Eight-goal Pool leave Mariners all at sea
THEY might now share an English record, but even Manchester United couldn't manage what Hartlepool United achieved last night! A thumping 8-1 win over Grimsby took Pool's unbeaten home League run to 18 games; the same number the Premiership champions
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Rovers stand in the way of Arena hat-trick
Darlington manager Mick Tait is determined to make the most of all the players he has at his disposal this season. While the likes of big-spending Hull and Northampton set their sights on promotion, the Quakers boss is realistic and knows that, not by
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Christine sends strips to Africa
A WOMAN has kitted out an African village's football team after seeing children playing with a paper ball while on holiday. Christine Douglass, from South Pelaw, near Chester-le-Street, visited the remote village of Mukuni, in Zambia, on holiday last
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Traders relieved as work on car park revamp is delayed
DURHAM traders are relieved that a city centre parking "catastrophe'' in the run-up to Christmas has been averted. It is believed that work to develop the Walkergate site, currently a 350-space car park, will not start until January. The site is to be
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Support for families
FAMILIES from the Richmondshire area affected by Alzheimer's disease now have three support groups to fall back on. Each is made up of current and former carers who share social events and outings. The Askrigg group meets at 11.30am on the first Tuesday
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In The Picture: Calling time on bigamy
Characters in Soapland are giving a new meaning to the phrase "two-timing" as they carry on the dishobourable tradition of living double lives. Perhaps there's something in the water in Weatherfield or in the beer at the Rovers Return. Whatever the reason
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Students on top form
CLASSMATES have proved they have some of the best brains in Britain, after scoring four of the country's top five marks in GCSE English. The pupils, Laura Warwick, Rachael Barnwell, Anna Button and Mark Atwill were all in the same Year 11 English class
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Residents to help rid river of rubbish
AN EYESORE in a secluded area of Pickering's picturesque river is to be tackled with help from the public. Because of mounting workload and costs, the Environment Agency is asking residents in the Vivis Lane area to help clear the river of rubbish dumped
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Sir Ridley reveals all
HOLLYWOOD director Sir Ridley Scott has revealed his new film mirrors his own life. The North-East born Oscar-winning director said that just like the character Nicholas Cage plays in his new blockbuster, Matchstick Men, he has become an obsessive. Matchstick
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New bid to block 'Ghost vessels'
PROTESTORS last night delivered "damning evidence" of the environmental threat posed by the US "ghost fleet" bound for the North-East. Friends of the Earth said documents obtained from the US Marine Adminstration (Marad) showed three of the 13 vessels
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Hidden gem gets £900,000funding
FOR centuries, an imposing fortress has dominated a North town and its surrounding countryside. But while the castle at Helmsley, North Yorkshire, was a forbidding sight guaranteed to strike fear in the heart of marauders, it has now become a honeypot
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Church filled for soldier's funeral
MOURNERS packed a church yesterday for the funeral of a Coldstream Guard found shot dead in his barracks. Nearly 300 people attended the funeral of 21-year-old Coldstream Guard Dean Troy Eddy, in his home town of Billingham, near Stockton. The soldier
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Yorkshire left to rue two strange decisions
Yorkshire axed Darren Gough and then put Worcestershire in to bat at New Road yesterday, two decisions which they were left to ponder as the Championship's Second Division leaders rattled up 309 for five on a good pitch. The day's play strengthened Worcestershire's
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See region's treasures on compact disc
A VIRTUAL tour of the region's treasures, including Lord Byron's marriage certificate, will be launched this weekend. The Hearts and Heartaches CD-Rom includes photos and documents housed in Teesside Archives, Durham Record Office, Tyne and Wear Archives
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For Your Benefit: 'No one tells us what to claim'
Q My Incapacity Benefit and my wife's State Pension add up to £125 a week. I also have Disability Living Allowance for mobility and savings of £4,000. We get Council Tax Benefit but we have struggled for a while and no one tells us what we can claim.
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News in brief: Drivers can expect delays
Motorists are warned of roadworks taking place in South Shields this weekend. Delays can be expected today at Beach Road, next to the Town Hall, from Fowler Street to Anderson Street roundabout, from 7am to 5pm, while the road surface is removed. On Sunday
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Worker's industrial tribunal claim won
A WORKER at pharmaceutical firm Glaxo SmithKline has won his case for sexual discrimination. The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, took the company to an industrial tribunal over claims that he was the victim of sexual harassment at its plant
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Rooney urged to learn from Gazza errors
On the eve of the 15th anniversary of Paul Gasgoigne's England debut, Chief Football Writer Clive Hetherington reflects on the emergence of Wayne Rooney, the biggest English-born talent to hit the big stage in this country since Gazza. IF Sven-Goran Eriksson
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We're suffering, firms tell store
TRADERS say a multi-million pound supermarket has created havoc for them. Businesses on South Burn, next to the new Tesco supermarket, say they have lost parking and trade since work on the store began. One firm, ABA Taxis, said it has even lost its taxi
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BNP to stand in by-election
A FAR right candidate has put himself forward for a ward by-election. British National Party candidate Scott Morrison is to stand in a forthcoming by-election for the Chester North seat on Chester-le-Street District Council. The vacancy was created by
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Premier Commentary: Redknapp refuses to gloat at West Ham's demise
AS West Ham United flounder, Harry Redknapp - the manager they disgracefully dumped - is flourishing. Football's foremost wheeler-dealer refuses to gloat over the demise of the club that treated him so shabbily after he had served them with distinction
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Walder recovers to fill Wilkinson's boots
NEWCASTLE Falcons are happy to kick off their Premiership campaign at home to Saracens tomorrow with David Walder deputising at fly half for Jonny Wilkinson. Walder missed almost the whole of last season after breaking a leg, but recovered well enough
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Magpies XI play match in Mary's memory
CLUB footballers were overcome by a Newcastle United XI in a well-supported charity match. The experienced United team, which included reserve team coach Tommy Craig, first team physio Derek Wright,, reserve and youth team members and other backroom staff
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Doctoring remarks
ANN Maurice is far closer too Witch Doctor than House Doctor (C5, Thursday) for comfort. There was an open-mouthed moment this week as she trampled over the memory of Pearl's dead husband Harry by calling his over-enthusiastically decorated home in the
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Fitness fan prepares for rowing challenge
A FITNESS fan is to complete a marathon on a rowing machine to raise money for a cancer sufferer. David Horan, a member of the Lifestyle Fitness Suite in Sunnydale Leisure Centre, Shildon, is to complete the challenge for the Pam Aston Flight For Life
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Racecourse staff fear for safety of 'mascot'
A STRAY dog which has been roaming a racecourse for the past month has not been seen for a week. Staff at Sedgefield Racecourse have taken the black and white collie to their hearts and are becoming increasingly concerned for its welfare. The dog has
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Abandoned dog needs new home
A GERMAN shepherd and bull mastiff-cross dog is in need of a home after its owners abandoned him by a roadside. The dog was tied to a post with electric cable and chains near Ramshaw Rescue, in Bishop Auckland. It had become tangled in the chain which
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Town's history is told in pictures
A NEW book will offer people in Shildon a trip down memory lane. The collection of photographs, called Memories of Shildon, has been published by County Durham Books. This week, dignitaries and the public gathered to see the book unveiled at Shildon Town
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Huge clean-up campaign is launched for town centre
THE town which inspired the launch of The Northern Echo's Shopping For A Future campaign is having a big clean up. Traders from Bishop Auckland joined forces with the newspaper earlier this year to promote a better future for town centres. Now they are
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Match day parking opposition rejected
COUNCILLORS have agreed to set aside an objection concerning a proposed residents' parking scheme to cope with football match day traffic in Darlington. The scheme was one of the planning conditions tied to Darlington Football Club's new stadium. Now
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Roll of honour launched to reward success in business
A BUSINESSMAN has launched a Yorkshire Roll of Honour to reward innovative ideas and achievements. Paul Law has devised the scheme to honour the unsung heroes at four ceremonies throughout the year. The winners' stories will also feature in a glossy magazine
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Marriage milestone for couple
A FORMER mayor and mayoress of Darlington will celebrate 50 years of marriage this weekend. Joe Anderson, 74, and his wife, Margaret, 76, met in the early 1950s when they were both working in London. The couple married on September 14, 1953, but returned
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News in brief: Search is on for local talent
A NEW course at Greenfield Community and Arts Centre, Newton Aycliffe, is aimed at creating a star of the future. John Melvin will lead the course throughout the ten weeks. Mr Melvin is responsible for the success of Kindle, an all-girl trio formed when
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Fun day for air ambulance
A FUNDRAISING event to boost the coffers of the Great North Air Ambulance takes place on Sunday. Darlington Rotary Club is staging the fun day at Hummersknott School and Language College from noon to 6pm. Emergency services and the armed forces will have
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Pair locked up after robbing teenagers
TWO muggers held up three teenagers with a screwdriver before forcing them to strip and robbing them of their clothes and mobile phones, a court heard yesterday. The three youngsters, aged 15 and 16, were celebrating the Easter break on April 11 when
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News in brief: Raid to target pirate CD ring
TRADING Standards officers and police seized thousands of pounds worth of equipment in a raid on a suspected music counterfeiter in Newcastle. A man was questioned after the operation at a house in the Lemington area, from where it was believed an Internet
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Student cashed in £900 of flatmate's cheques
A TEESSIDE student ripped off his best friend and banks for almost £5,000, a court was told yesterday. Matthew Murphy, 23, stole £900 from Jack Kirby, with whom he shared a house, along with Mr Kirby's girlfriend, who were on the same university course
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Naming tearaway a victory, say police
POLICE said a court decision to name and shame a teenage tearaway was a victory for the public. Teesside magistrates yesterday made Shaun Lindo, 16, of Lincoln Place, Thornaby, the subject of an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (Asbo). He is now banned from
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Man's double reason for half-marathon
A LAW firm worker is to take part in the Great North Run to enable two Durham students to join projects across the world. Probate executive Alan Oliver, who works for the Durham firm Blackett, Hart and Pratt Solicitors, will be running his 14th consecutive
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Hosts to outshine guests
THE REGION'S cross country season opens today with the Farringdon Relays, when host club Sunderland Harriers will be bidding for their 18th senior men's victory in 21 years. Last year the Wearsiders, fielding one of their youngest-ever teams, including
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Extra large shirt signings
THE region's rugby fans can show their support for the England team at the Gateshead MetroCentre on Monday. An 18m by 15m England rugby shirt will be in the centre's Exhibition Square as part of a nationwide tour leading up to the Rugby World Cup in Australia
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Safe-raider trapped by his thirst
A pub safe-raider was caught - thanks to a bottle of cola. Alan Johnson had been recruited as look-out man by a gang who targeted the Turk's Head, in Tynemouth, North Tyneside. The team spent hours knocking out the built-in safe, containing £6,000 takings
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Borough turns on the Victorian style for twin town visitors
GERMAN visitors were welcomed to east Cleveland this week. The 45 guests from the area's twin town, Troisdorf, are enjoying a week-long visit, which has included trips to Whitby, Pickering and York, as well as a tour of the borough. They also enjoyed
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Teenage motorbike rider dies in crash
A TEENAGE motorcyclist has died and his brother has been seriously injured after their bike was involved in an accident with a car. He was named yesterday as Karl Allison, 16, of Stanhope Gardens, Annfield Plain, near Stanley, County Durham. He died after
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In My View: Doctoring remarks
ANN Maurice is far closer too Witch Doctor than House Doctor (C5, Thursday) for comfort. There was an open-mouthed moment this week as she trampled over the memory of Pearl's dead husband Harry by calling his over-enthusiastically decorated home in the
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Cab drivers in protest at new airport rules
ANGRY cabbies caused travel nightmares for passengers using Newcastle Airport yesterday. Taxi drivers from across the region held a protest after airport bosses moved their pick-up and drop-off points. The changes, introduced earlier this year, mean only
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Pupils learn the ways of the Aborigine
ABORIGINE Francis Firebrace gave Darlington children a fascinating insight into another culture yesterday. He paid a visit to the town's Heathfield Primary School to teach pupils about the Aboriginal way of life. Mr Firebrace spent the first seven years
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Council accused of unfair trading
DARLINGTON Borough Council could be investigated by a Government body over allegations that it is being anti-competitive. A businessman who runs the Property Search Group (PSG), which carries out local information searches for house buyers, made a complaint
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Woman scores golf success
A FERRYHILL golfer has finished runner-up in a national charity golf competition. Liz Nelson took part in the grand final of the Marie Curie Cancer Care Queen Mother's Cup at the Wentwood Hills course in Wales. Competing against 19 other finalists she
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Students pass dance examinations
STUDENTS from a dance school have passed their examinations with flying colours. Pupils from the Rachel V Harrison School of Dance, which is based at St Mark's Church Hall, in North Road, Darlington, achieved the following results in their Royal Academy
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New public health director
A NEW director of public health has taken up her post in Sedgefield borough. Dr Alyson Learmonth will work with Sedgefield Primary Care Trust staff, local neighbourhoods and communities on programmes to improve health and well-being and reduce inequalities
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Literature festival draws the stars
SOME of the literary world's brightest stars will be making their way to Durham for its annual literature festival. A range of readings, workshops and performances are lined up for the five-week event. It begins at 6pm tomorrow with a storytelling session
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Campaign to stop far-right election win
A COALITION of trade unions, religious groups and political parties are joining forces to stop a far-right party winning a by-election. Groups have put aside varying opinions to try to keep the British National Party (BNP) out of Chester-le-Street District
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Club steward is jailed for stealing £8,500
A STEWARD who plundered £8,500 from a Wearside social club was yesterday jailed for 15 months. Graeme Ruddick, 44, of Thompson Terrace, Sunderland, admitted stealing the cash from Ryhope's Sea View social club. The theft was said to have been catastrophic
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News in brief: Drivers can expect delays
Motorists are warned of roadworks taking place in South Shields this weekend. Delays can be expected today at Beach Road, next to the Town Hall, from Fowler Street to Anderson Street roundabout, from 7am to 5pm, while the road surface is removed. On Sunday
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News in brief: Man's child porn admission
A JUDGE yesterday adjourned the case of a Stockton man who confessed to 14 charges of making indecent images of children, for the preparation of psychiatric reports. Teesside Crown Court heard that Nigel Berryman had previously sustained a blow to the
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Upgrade to road results in changes
PEOPLE are being warned to watch out for major changes to a road layout. Roadworks at the south end of the Tyne Bridge, Newcastle, are expected to be completed on Monday, which will mean an end to delays, but some important changes to the road layout.
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At Your Service: Alderson's Ascot
FRUSTRATED by the ones that got away, the Diocese of Durham placed a now famous situations vacant advertisement a couple of years ago in the cloistered columns of the Church Times. It sought a "house for duty" priest for the parishes of Gainford and Winston
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Be enchanted by Chantress
FOLLOWING in-form fillies at this time of year is a tried and tested formula for success so make sure you don't miss out on Chantress (2.50) in the ladbrokes.com Stakes at Doncaster. Burn-out is a big problem for thoroughbreds, consequently with only
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Onion triumph leads to tears of joy
TEARS of joy greeted a national championship-winning onion's triumph at Harrogates' Autumn Flower Show. When Louis Hunt's onion won the National Onion Championship - weighing 11lb 15oz - his girlfriend Catherine Henshaw burst into tears. "Normally it's
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Durham continue to chase their lost cause
DURHAM battled gamely but only when the game was almost up did they muster serious resistance during the evening session at Bristol. It still looks a lost cause as they ended the third day on 171 for four in their second innings, still 273 behind. Taking
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Fears raised over missing father
POLICE are growing increasingly concerned for the safety of a 50-year-old man who has been missing from home since early on Thursday. Michael Henry Todd was last seen at his home in Byland Grove, Bilton, near Harrogate, North Yorkshire, by his son at
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World's biggest green fuel project for N-E
THE North-East is to become home to the world's largest biodiesel producing complex - creating up to 275 jobs. Biofuels Corporation has chosen Seal Sands, on Teesside, as the base for the £25m project. The site will be used to develop renewable and greener
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Stewart tips strike partner Kyle to make major impact
KEVIN KYLE has not made the most perfect of starts to life in Niall Quinn's legendary No 9 Sunderland shirt. After 31 appearances - 17 as substitute - Kyle is still searching for his first League goal in a red and white shirt. Quinn was never the most
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Why men in skirts have big swords
The critical and commercial success of Gladiator has given new life to a one-moribund movie genre. Steve Pratt looks at Hollywood's latest love affair and reveals... why men in skirts have big swords. Hollywood's leading men are abandoning designer suits
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Family prepares for medics trial
THE family of a holidaymaker who fell to his death from a balcony in Greece, are hoping a stalled court case looking into accusations of medical negligence will be heard this month. The relatives of 24-year-old Christopher Rochester will travel to Rhodes
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Town's tallest office building rebranded
ONE of the region's business landmarks has been rebranded. Centre North East, Middlesbrough's tallest office building, has been subject to a £4m investment programme to provide its business community with the space, design, facilities and telecommunications
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WI members out in force for Calendar Girls party
HUNDREDS of Women's Institute members packed a cinema last night as they finally got the chance to see the film about the Rylestone WI Ladies who bared all for charity. Nearly 900 arrived at the Harrogate Odeon for the special screening of Calendar Girls
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Great, great grandmother dies
ONE of east Durham's oldest residents has died this week at the age of 105. Sarah Jane Bryson, who lived in the Easington District all her life, passed away peacefully in her sleep at Ridgeway House residential home, in Station Town. Mrs Bryson, who was
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Join the shoebox appeal
INDIVIDUALS, schools, churches and other groups across North Yorkshire will be taking part in the 2003 Operation Christmas Child Appeal. The appeal calls on people to fill shoeboxes with gifts which are sent to needy children in eastern Europe. Last year
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Restaurant enjoys double helpings of awards
A RICHMOND restaurant is celebrating its second award in as many years. The town's MP, William Hague, presented Tandoori Nights, on Castle Hill, with a certificate to mark its inclusion on the Master Chef Five-Star Roll on Honour, compiled by the Association
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Abstract art will challenge the mind
ART lovers are being challenged to let their minds roam when they interpret abstract work by two local artists. Peter Hibbard, owner of the Old School Art Workshop in Middleham, North Yorkshire, is showing some of his own sculptures in alabaster stone
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Town hall rent costs go up 227 per cent
A CITY council is facing an inflation-busting 227 per cent rise in rental charges for its town hall accommodation. Ripon City Council has been asked to pay Harrogate Borough Council, owner of Ripon Town Hall, an annual rent of £7,272 - from its present
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Struggle for funds to improve disabled facilities
FOLLOWING failed attempts to secure funding for urgent development work on a Grade II listed building, a council has been forced to dip into money already set aside for other projects. Richmond Town Council clerk Peter Clarke said the council was struggling
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Teacher top of the diet class
A teacher is top of her class after shedding the pounds to reveal a more confident, slimmer person. Amy Malone, of Malpas Drive, Northallerton, has managed to drop seven dress sizes. The slender 26-year-old has had her success recognised by becoming Class
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Biggest green fuel project
THE North-East is to become home to the world's largest biodiesel producing complex - creating up to 275 jobs. Biofuels Corporation has chosen Seal Sands, on Teesside, as the base for the £25m project. The site will be used to develop renewable and greener
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Further acquisition for South Cleveland Garages
MOTOR group South Cleveland Garages (SCG) has hit the acquisition trail for the third time in 18 months. Three months after acquiring the business and assets of two Peugeot dealerships on Teesside from transport group Arriva, SCG has bought the MPC Citroen
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13/09/03
LOCAL GOVERNMENT: YOU report that Durham County Council is concerned about the county's loss of identity should it be replaced by three unitary authorities. I submit that this concern is 35 years too late. The dismemberment of County Durham began in 1968
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Chilling out about heat
I HAVE been reading in the papers about parks and gardens down south having to close to the public as a result of the extended hot weather. The National Open Garden Scheme is alleged to be 50 per cent down on predicted visitor numbers. They have been
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Emergency summit over 'cash for guns'
A POLICE chief has been called to an emergency meeting to explain the collapse of a lengthy drugs case which could cost taxpayers as much as £20m. Cleveland Chief Constable Sean Price has been asked to prepare a report to present to the special meeting
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Silentnight founders to take control
THE founders of troubled bedmaker Silentnight are planning to take the group private to concentrate on restructuring "without stock market distraction". Soundersleep, which comprises members of the firm's founding Clarke family and management pair Antonino
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Cautious Guisborough in line for a third successive triumph
It is top against bottom on the final day of the Darlington Building Society NYSD Premier League season - but champions-elect Guisborough will take nothing for granted against Thornaby at Fountains Garth. They are just one win away from clinching a third
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Baroness makes top offer for store chain
THE takeover battle surrounding high street department store Debenhams heated up yesterday as the company received a £1.66bn offer. The cash offer, by Baroness Retail, a bid vehicle for investment groups CVC Capital Partners and Texas Pacific, beats an
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British Energy to sell US stake
TROUBLED nuclear power group British Energy is to sell its 50 per cent stake in AmerGen Energy in an effort to ease its debt crisis. The group, which owns Hartlepool power station, will make £174m from offloading its interest in the US company to FPL
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Blues revitalise I'Anson's ambitions
UP until a week ago, striker Chris I'Anson had all but given up hope of becoming a professional. But, after a week of Roy of the Rovers-style tales, the Hartlepool teenager is on the verge of realising that dreams can come true. After impressing for Albany
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Wearside League: Marske take control
New Marske will aim to consolidate their position at the top of the table when they host Harton and Westoe this afternoon. The Teessiders moved into pole position for the first time last Saturday and are strengthened by the return of Richard Booth and
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Rooney's the man to fill Shearer's boots, Robson
SIR BOBBY ROBSON last night hailed Wayne Rooney as the answer to England's prayers in the search for a new Alan Shearer. Newcastle manager Robson, whose struggling side face the threat of a rampant Rooney at Everton this afternoon, is more convinced than
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Police appeal after woman is attacked
POLICE are appealing for a man who came to the aid of a young woman being attacked yesterday morning. The 20-year-old was walking to work in Marton Road, near the Highfield Hotel, Middlesbrough, shortly before 6am. She was approached by a woman who demanded
