Archive
-
Date
Mother's bid to demolish death flats
A mother is campaigning for the flats where her 17-year-old son died of stab wounds to be pulled down. Theresa Cave collected 480 signatures in one night for a petition demanding the flats in Burnmoor Close, Redcar, be demolished. She hopes a tree or
-
Date
Mobile park bench with a bright future
KARL BENZ probably had no idea he had come up with something that would change the world for ever when he designed what looked like a park bench on wheels. In 1886 his Motorwagen was something of a novelty and no one believed it would really catch on.
-
Date
Blame lies with me, vows Mick
MICK McCARTHY last night took the blame for Sunderland's embarrassing Carling Cup exit to Third Division Huddersfield Town. McCarthy refused to condemn referee Mark Cooper for his part in their downfall - even though Huddersfield manager Peter Jackson
-
Date
Internet expert casts doubt on chatroom closures
AN expert on so-called Internet grooming has cast doubt on computer giant Microsoft's move to shut down its chatrooms in a bid to protect youngsters from harm. Alisdair Gillespie, senior lecturer in criminal justice at Teesside University and a member
-
Date
Development's high hopes
FORTY of the region's leading commercial property agents have gathered to launch the next phase in a development in Gateshead. The 152,000sq ft Maingate, in the Team Valley, by UK Land Estates, will include an eight-storey hotel and a seven-storey office
-
Date
Reynolds defiant on car boot sales plan
DARLINGTON Football Club chairman George Reynolds vowed last night to defy council officials over plans to hold weekly car boot sales at his new stadium. Darlington Borough Council is seeking a court injunction to stop the first sale from taking place
-
Date
Bellamy anxious for net gains
CRAIG BELLAMY has confessed he is "desperate" for a goal as he aims to breathe life into Newcastle United's season against NAC Breda tonight. Bellamy has not scored in any of his last 12 appearances for Newcastle and Wales, a run that stretches back more
-
Date
Frank's toughest fight yet
THE annals of boxing are littered with tales of champion fighters falling on hard times once the ravages of age had withered their razor-sharp reflexes. Muhammad Ali, labelled The Greatest, was a pathetic shadow of the magnificent sportsman who was idolised
-
Date
Judge explains why he swore at police
A COUNTY court judge told magistrates that he swore at two police officers because he was shocked and frightened about being frogmarched out of a kebab shop. Deputy district judge and solicitor David Messenger, 49, said he could not believe what was happening
-
Date
MP backs bid to protect shopworkers
A NORTH-EAST MP is supporting a campaign to help protect shopworkers from becoming the victims of violence and abuse in the workplace. City of Durham MP Gerry Steinberg announced yesterday that he is backing the shopworkers' union Usdaw in its bid to
-
Date
How the Mental Health act works
Every year thousands of people in England are ''sectioned'' or detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act 1983. For most, it is a relatively private affair - in the case of celebrities such as Frank Bruno, their admission can receive the full glare
-
Date
Gough falls out of love with cricket
FORMER England Under 19 captain Michael Gough has shocked Durham by telling them he does not wish to play first-class cricket next season. The 23-year-old opening batsman says he has stopped enjoying the game and wants to play football and club cricket
-
Date
Snobbery behind school run
THE first time I experienced the local school run, I couldn't believe it. I encountered it at the home-time collection. Cars were everywhere. Overflowing from a purpose-built layby, the parked vehicles reduced the road to single-file for a quarter of
-
Date
Lab building is earmarked as home for N-E parliament
A BUILDING which is home to librarians and laboratory technicians could become the home of the North-East assembly's first parliament. Durham City has emerged as firm favourite to become the capital of devolution, if voters opt for regional government
-
Date
Muffin to make comeback in £2.1m share deal
TELEVISION group Maverick Entertainment is issuing £2.1m in new shares, to fund a comeback by a former children's favourite. The company is raising funds to bring back Muffin the Mule. The puppet is set to return to screens as a cartoon character in autumn
-
Date
TV review
Can't Take It With You (BBC2) THE scale of litigation over the late rock musician Jimi Hendrix's estate was illustrated by learning that a staggering 40m dollars has been spent in legal fees alone, fighting over his legacy. Here was a story showing what
-
Date
Course and draw point to change of luck for Stretton
LUCKLESS Stretton (5.30) deserves a change of fortune in the mile-and-a-quarter Littlewoods Bet Direct Handicap at Chester. Stretton's story of near-misses stretches back a full 18 months to the occasion of his last victory, achieved over track and trip
-
Date
New name for Abbey National
ONE of the most familiar banking names on the UK high street could be about to disappear in a re-branding exercise to be unveiled today. Former building society Abbey National is poised to reveal details of a relaunch, as part of a drive to revive its
-
Date
Appeal after pub raided
A PUB landlord was targeted by burglars who stole hundreds of pounds from a game machine. Ray Harker, who has been landlord of the Shuttle and Loom, on Whinfield Road, Darlington, for just over a week, was burgled early yesterday while he was asleep in
-
Date
Rowing machine marathon raises cash for cancer patient
FITNESS fanatic David Horan has completed a marathon challenge to raise money for a cancer sufferer. Mr Horan, 35, from St John's Road, Shildon, rowed 26.2 miles on a rowing machine at the Lifestyle Fitness Suite, in Sunnydale Leisure Centre, to raise
-
Date
Artistic celebration at Town Hall
ART lovers are being invited to play their part in celebrating a decade of Bishop Auckland Town Hall by adding the finishing touches to an exhibition. Young artist Lady Kitt has spent six months preparing for the display, which opens in the McGuinness
-
Date
Dreams turn to reality for Lisa
BORN 14 weeks premature and weighing only 1lb 7oz, specialists feared the worst for Lisa Carter. She was christened after three days in hospital and her parents were told she may never walk or talk. Clinging to life in an incubator, her body's skin was
-
Date
Ref's blunder adds to Sunderland woes
SUNDERLAND were knocked out of the Carling Cup before Newcastle United had even entered it last night after an incredible decision from referee Mark Cooper. In front of just 13,516, the Stadium of Light's lows crowd for a senior match, Cooper awarded
-
Date
Woman's payout wait after tribunal victory
A HIGHLY-QUALIFIED woman who was sexually discriminated against by a council is awaiting a final figure on her settlement. A remedies hearing was started yesterday at an employment tribunal hearing, in Newcastle, into the case of Barbara Miller, 50, of
-
Date
Views from afar . . .
PICTURES by photographers from around the world are being displayed in Hartlepool. More than 150 photographs by members of the Royal Photographic Society will be on show until November 2. The travelling exhibition contains work from some of the society's
-
Date
Appeal for clues over fire attack on house
DETECTIVES investigating an arson attack which has left a man in intensive care are trying to piece together the victim's movements before the blaze. Police have been able to establish where David Walker was until about 5pm on the day a fire was started
-
Date
A-boards issue tackled by council
A CRACKDOWN on A-board advertising by traders in a busy town centre has had a positive response. Of the original 250 A-boards regularly on display in Harrogate, only a handful remain following action by the local authority. And legal proceedings have
-
Date
Mayor helps to raise funds for charities
ALMOST £1,000 is on its way to causes supported by Richmond's mayor after two events in the town recently. Councillor Stuart Parsons has sent his sincere thanks to all who helped or attended a coffee morning which he hosted in the town hall at the weekend
-
Date
£90,000 playground project in spotlight
PLANS for the £90,000 redevelopment of a play area in Seaton Carew will be discussed by councillors on Friday. Earlier this year, a survey by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents was carried out on all playgrounds in the Hartlepool area.
-
Date
Water reward for pupils
PUPILS are raising a glass to their success in a healthy lifestyle project. Acklam Grange, Acklam Whin, Corpus Christi, Beverley, Lingfield, Newport, Prior Woods and St Clare's schools, in Middlesbrough, have all achieved the National Standard for Healthy
-
Date
MPs discuss Dales matters
Tory MPs William Hague and David Curry along with the national park chief executive, David Butterworth, will discuss the impacts of a regional assembly for Yorkshire and a review of the national parks at a meeting on Friday. The event takes place at the
-
Date
Meeting about plan to revamp gardens
RESIDENTS in Hartlepool are to be given the chance to find out more about plans to breathe new life into historic gardens in the town at a meeting later this week. Draft proposals for regenerating the Burn Valley Gardens will be unveiled at the meeting
-
Date
Rapper is jailed for six years
A RAPPER who turned to drugs when his bid for fame failed was jailed for six years yesterday. Duane Humphreys made it through to the last nine in this year's Unsung Music of Black Origin (Mobo) national competition. He was the star performer in heats
-
Date
Traders back campaign to market town
TRADERS have backed a £100,000 marketing campaign that could boost business and bring jobs to Bishop Auckland. Newspaper, radio and bus advertisements, combined with a programme of promotional events, were key elements of a strategy presented by business
-
Date
Grandparents can visit museum free
A MUSEUM has planned a thank you for some of its best customers. Middlesbrough Council believes many grandparents encourage youngsters to visit its museums. And as National Grandparents' Day falls this weekend, grandparents are being offered free admission
-
Date
Residents consider vigilante action to stop unruly youths
FED-UP residents are threatening to take the law into their hands in a town threatened by unruly youths. Tension in Eston, near Middlesbrough, has been described as a "powder keg, ready to blow'' by ward Councillor Anne Higgins. "I think the police and
-
Date
Crackdown has speeded up arrest of known criminals
A CRACKDOWN on crime across the Richmondshire district has been successful, police said yesterday. Although it was launched on September 8, North Yorkshire Chief Constable Della Cannings only announced the details of Operation Delivery, in York, last
-
Date
Quakers take the local waters
PLAYERS and supporters at Darlington Football Club's new stadium are having their thirst quenched by a local mineral water business. Northumbrian Spring has an established relationship with the club, supplying water over the bar, in the offices, and in
-
Date
'Drunken judge squared up to officers'
A DRUNKEN judge who was arrested by police in a late night kebab shop said their behaviour would "cost them £5,000" as they marched him away, a court heard yesterday. Deputy District Judge David Messenger, 49, was arrested at a takeaway in Scarborough
-
Date
Fans' boss issues warnings over Turkey-England game
A FOOTBALL fans' chief has warned England supporters of the risks of travelling to England's European Championship qualifier in Turkey next month. Kevin Miles, from Wallsend, North Tyneside, who is international co-ordinator with the Football Supporters
-
Date
Cancer mum's son stole her benefits
A PENNILESS man stole his sick mother's benefits so he could go motor racing, a court heard yesterday. Harrogate magistrates court was told that Alastair Packham wanted to go to the British Grand Prix, at Silverstone, but could not afford the trip as
-
Date
Volunteers' research leads to recreation of 1909 lecture
A HOARD of forgotten images detailing the history of a North-East town has been rediscovered. Hundreds of images on glass slides, many taken by local historian Michael Heavisides between 1863 and 1912, were found in Preston Hall Museum, at Eaglescliffe
-
Date
Mother's dread over courtroom ordeal in Greece
THE mother of a North-East holidaymaker who died in a Greek hospital after he fell from a hotel balcony said last night that she is dreading facing five medics blamed for his death. Christopher Rochester died in a hospital in Rhodes after he fell 30ft
-
Date
Playgrounds inspector may be hired
A COUNCIL is aiming to cut down on the number of compensation claims it receives by improving its inspections of children's playgrounds. Although Hartlepool Borough Council staff carry out daily inspections on all 13 of its playgrounds, the number of
-
Date
Teenagers to set sail on tall ship
TWO teenagers from Teesside have joined 48 other youngsters on a tall ship journey to France. Chris McCabe, from Stockton, and Michael Phillips, from Hartlepool, are taking part in the five-day Tall Ships Experience. The intiative is run by the Sail Training
-
Date
Getting ready for Annie
FELLING Stage Society, which attracts amateur actors from across the North-East, is staging Annie in October at The Dryden Centre, in Low Fell, Gateshead. Annie will be played by Fiona Burns and Stacey Dagg, who are alternating the role. Stacey is pictured
-
Date
Jobs on offer in run-up to Christmas
EMPLOYERS in Durham are looking to take on workers for the pre-Christmas rush. Shops, hotels and restaurants gearing up for the seasonal spending boom have vacancies that will be on offer at a jobs fair in the town hall tomorrow. The event will be launched
-
Date
Anniversary run . . .
A COUPLE enjoyed a double celebration as they marked their fifth wedding anniversary by completing the Great North Run at the weekend. Gavin and Meimei Quiney, from Durham, were part of the 803-strong Team Macmillan, which joined the 47,000 runners in
-
Date
Broadband campaign dedication rewarded
A BUSINESSMAN'S efforts to bring the broadband Internet service to a County Durham town have won him a national award. Colin Devonport campaigned tirelessly to bring the Internet facility to Shildon through his company, Shildon Net. His move was supported
-
Date
Would-be bus drivers get to have a go
PEOPLE are being urged to consider a career as a bus driver. Operator Go North-East is launching a recruitment drive with Jobcentre Plus by holding a jobs fair at Gateshead Stadium on Sunday. The company is looking for drivers for routes in County Durham
-
Date
Ken Dodd to make return at theatre
ONE of Britain's best loved comedians returns to the region next month. Ken Dodd will appear at Darlington's Civic Theatre from Thursday, October 16, to Saturday, October 18, with his Happiness show. Renowned for the length of his performances, Dodd was
-
Date
Award 'is a credit to commitment'
COUNCIL bosses are celebrating after winning an Investors in People award. The business and community services directorate of North Yorkshire County Council is the first in the authority to win the award. The directorate is responsible for the libraries
-
Date
Open day talk aims to cure stammering
A MAN who cured his stammer following years of unsuccessful therapy will share his method with others at a free open day in Richmond next month. Stephen Hill will describe his technique during a talk in the town on Saturday, October 11. The venue will
-
Date
Addict in prison after 81-year-old foils robbery
AN 81-year-old man fought off a knife-wielding drug addict who tried to force his way into his home. Newcastle Crown Court heard how Paul Burton, 30, fled empty-handed after he took on George Bell. Mr Bell was confronted in his garden by Burton, who was
-
Date
Cadets launch a new force
A NEW army cadet force has opened its doors to the public for the first time. Durham Army Cadet Force AFC launched its detachment at Shotton Hall School, in Peterlee. The Detachment Commander is Lieutenant Mike Anderson, from Hartlepool. Recruiting has
-
Date
Paying homage to the hunks
AND all because the lady no longer likes grand romantic gestures... Cadbury's Milk Tray Man in Black is hanging up his helicopter, speed boat, moving train and cable car and stopping the spectacular leaps, jumps and dives. From now on, I guess, he'll
-
Date
Banned driver crashed 'after swerving to avoid cat'
A BANNED driver smashed his car into one parked near his home following a row with his partner, a court heard yesterday. Alistair Armour, 34, of Tennyson Avenue, Harrogate, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified, failing to report an accident and
-
Date
MP Hilary quizzed by children
SHE keeps MPs in line at Westminster but Chief Whip Hilary Armstrong was put on the spot by children when she visited a local school this week. The North West Durham MP was quizzed about decision-making, the life of an MP and the work of the Government
-
Date
Janet's big leap raises £900 for debt service
A WOMAN has taken the plunge from 14,500ft to raise money for the debt counselling service where she works. Janet Adams, manager of the Christians Against Poverty centre in Framwellgate Moor, Durham, completed the tandem skydive at Hibaldstow Airfield
-
Date
Blocked bed crisis is 'set to worsen'
BED-BLOCKING in the NHS will worsen unless the Government cuts the amount of red tape "strangling" the independent care sector, a North-East expert has warned. Nigel Fielding, managing director of Darlington firm Abacus Care, which supplies nurses and
-
Date
24/09/03
BRENT EAST: THERE will no doubt be a flood of letters commenting on the Brent East by-election. Thousands of Labour voters stayed at home in protest over the Iraq war. The lesson for the Government is quite simple. Abandon the policies on tuition fees
-
Date
Course and draw point to change of luck for Stretton
LUCKLESS Stretton (5.30) deserves a change of fortune in the mile-and-a-quarter Littlewoods Bet Direct Handicap at Chester. Stretton's story of near-misses stretches back a full 18 months to the occasion of his last victory, achieved over track and trip
-
Date
Holiday rep says antics ruined her life
Tearful club 18-30 rep Zara Goodwin has told how her sordid antics on a Greek beech have ruined her life. Zara was one one of five reps who resigned after they were caught on camera performing sex acts in front cheering holidaymakers. Yesterday it was
-
Date
Fighting over the family fortune
Can't Take It With You (BBC2) THE scale of litigation over the late rock musician Jimi Hendrix's estate was illustrated by learning that a staggering 40m dollars has been spent in legal fees alone, fighting over his legacy. Here was a story showing what
-
Date
Green grants are going to waste
PEOPLE in the region are missing out on thousands of pounds of Government grants. Under the Warm Front Grant Scheme, up to £2,500 per household is available to help keep homes warmer and more energy-efficient. In Darlington, 2,171 out of 11,080 eligible
-
Date
Time runs out on Pool's hopes of Cup progress
It's a case of what might have been for Hartlepool United this morning because last night they bowed out of the Carling Cup in both dramatic and controversial circumstances. Neale Cooper's side were in command - and well in command at that against First
-
Date
Charity 'hero' kept children's £10,000
A FORMER police officer was facing jail last night after he admitted stealing almost £10,000 from a charity for sick and terminally ill children. The Dream Foundation was set up to bring joy into the lives of chronically ill youngsters in the region.
-
Date
Tory bid to raise birth-rate slated
A NORTH-EAST expert has criticised the Tory Party's claims that the way to combat the pensions crisis is for people to have more babies. The Conservatives yesterday urged British people to have more children, saying a high birth-rate was the answer to
-
Date
Wine firm awarded rail drinks contract
A FIRM of wine merchants from the region has secured a contract worth more than £500,000. Playford Ros, of Thirsk, North Yorkshire, has won the contract to supply train company GNER with wine until 2005. Managing director Andrew Firth said: "We have been
-
Date
Water firm says more needs spending on infrastructure
THE region's biggest water company has warned that more spending is needed to meet tough new standards, despite improvements in water quality. Northumbrian Water chairman Professor Sir Frederick Holliday said the company needed further investment to meet
-
Date
The dream wrecker
A FORMER police officer was facing jail last night after he admitted stealing almost £10,000 from a charity for sick and terminally ill children. The Dream Foundation was set up to bring joy into the lives of chronically ill youngsters in the region.
-
Date
Rail budget cuts spark safety fear
NETWORK Rail's plan to cut its maintenance budget by £5bn will compromise safety and could lead to services being scrapped, unions warned last night. The successor to Railtrack said it was to spend £24.5bn over the next five years, compared with the £29.5bn
-
Date
Medics on trial over death of holidaymaker
Five Greek medics went on trial today over a British holidaymaker who was allegedly left to die in a Rhodes hospital after falling from a hotel balcony. The three doctors, one male nurse and one female nurse were charged with manslaughter by negligence
-
Date
School head dies
THE HEAD of Thornton-le-Dale primary school in North Yorkshire, Colin Babister, has died suddenly at the age of 57. He had been head of the school for some 20 years after previously being deputy head of Catterick village school. Mr Babister suffered a
-
Date
Homage to hunks
AND all because the lady no longer likes grand romantic gestures... Cadbury's Milk Tray Man in Black is hanging up his helicopter, speed boat, moving train and cable car and stopping the spectacular leaps, jumps and dives. From now on, I guess, he'll
-
Date
Filtronic's long-term future secured by winning contract
ELECTRONICS company Filtronic has won a contract that will secure the long-term future of its North-East operation - and bring it back into the black. The firm spent three years and ploughed millions of pounds into developing leading products for the
-
Date
Students 'must see gas safety certificate'
STUDENTS are being warned about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, as the new academic year starts. Transco, the gas pipeline company, is issuing advice to students, as many are living away from home for the first time and may not be aware of the
-
Date
Payday treat for region's workers
NEARLY half of all workers in the region celebrate pay day with a spending spree, according to a new survey. About 41 per cent of the workforce in the North take a trip along the High Street the day they get paid, spending more than £188m on feel-good
-
Date
Window cleaner robbed at knife-point
A WINDOW cleaner was threatened with a knife for his takings after four youths forced their way into his home. The incident happened earlier this month, when the 66-year-old man who lives in Etherley Walk, Stockton, answered his front door at 11.45pm.
-
Date
Retailer heads back to roots
A RETAILER has gone back to its North-East roots to launch a chain of stores. Penny Plain, which began life as a small specialist gift shop in Newcastle more than 30 years ago, is now one of the UK's leading women's wear mail order companies. It is now
-
Date
Addict in prison after 81-year-old foils robbery
AN 81-year-old man fought off a knife-wielding drug addict who tried to force his way into his home. Newcastle Crown Court heard how Paul Burton, 30, fled empty-handed after he took on George Bell. Mr Bell was confronted in his garden by Burton, who was
-
Date
Zoe confirms her second single will be released
NORTH-EAST Pop Idol finalist Zoe Birkett will release self-penned material before the end of the year. Fans of the Darlington singer have been waiting since her debut single hit the charts in January to hear news of her next record. Back then, she reached
-
Date
Development's high hopes
FORTY of the region's leading commercial property agents have gathered to launch the next phase in a development in Gateshead. The 152,000sq ft Maingate, in the Team Valley, by UK Land Estates, will include an eight-storey hotel and a seven-storey office
-
Date
Market report
A FIGHTBACK by London's FTSE 100 Index was not enough to haul top flight shares into positive territory as worries over the weakness of the US dollar hammered stock markets around the world. After enduring a bumpy ride for much of the day, the benchmark
-
Date
Share of £10m still available for training
TIME is running out for North-East firms to claim a share of £10m earmarked to boost skills in the workplace. The eQ8 scheme, in Tyne and Wear, is one of 12 pilot projects throughout the UK, working with employers to provide tailor-made training for staff
-
Date
FP Tyres to become leading producer
A NORTH-EAST factory will become the leading car tyre producer for Goodyear Dunlop, after the firm announced the end of tyre production at its Wolverhampton plant. The company revealed yesterday that it is to axe up to 420 jobs at the Midlands factory
-
Date
Reynolds plans car boot sales at stadium
DARLINGTON football chairman George Reynolds vowed last night to defy council officials over plans to hold weekly car boot sales at his new stadium. Darlington Borough Council is seeking a court injunction to stop the first sale from taking place at the
-
Date
Rae sinks gallant Quakers
Darlington lost their taste for the Carling Cup as Wolves' Premiership hangover failed to spill into last night's second round clash at Molineux. It may not have been the backlash Mick Tait's men were anticipating from Wolves, with just one point recorded
-
Date
Footballing fundraisers
FIVE members of staff from Beaumont Hill School and Darlington College of Technology dressed up for a five-a-side match at the school's fun day on Saturday. They played a team from the Glittering Star pub, who won the game 4-2. Despite the weather, £550
-
Date
Parking plan opposed
ENVIRONMENT campaigners yesterday spoke of their concerns about the development of a key part of Darlington. Plans have been submitted to Darlington Borough Council for an increase in the number of parking spaces at Bannatyne Health and Fitness Club,
-
Date
A warm welcome
TWO events within 24 hours last weekend showed the parochial Church of England at its energetic, admirable and always honest best. Two headlines suggested why best just won't be good enough. In Ferryhill, they're celebrating the 150th anniversary of St
-
Date
Comment: An ideal home for assembly
FROM the moment the North-East was chosen to lead the debate over regional government, The Northern Echo has called for Durham City to be at the heart of any North-East parliament. It is the only acceptable answer to the suspicions and rivalries which
-
Date
Youngsters voice fears about dangers on road
HUNDREDS of children from the region have voiced their fears about roads, in a survey designed to coincide with Road Safety Week. Road safety charity Brake organised the research with the help of government departments, including the Department for Transport
-
Date
Arson attack man still unconscious
A MAN who was left on a life support machine after an arson attack on his home is still unconscious. Detectives had hoped to interview David Walker today but doctors ruled he was not well enough to be taken from his hospital ventilator. Mr Walker, 37,
-
Date
Delegates visit region with view to future partnerships
DELEGATES from the economic heart of China are coming to the North-East, to examine the region's potential as a future business partner. A dozen members of the powerful Shanghai Federation of Industry and Commerce will spend two days casting their eyes
-
Date
Goodwill messages pour in for Bruno
Boxing hero Frank Bruno saw his former wife and their children yesterday as he continued to undergo tests after being sectioned under the Mental Health Act. Hospital staff were deluged with hundreds of goodwill messages for the former world heavyweight
-
Date
Gough falls out of love with cricket
FORMER England Under 19 captain Michael Gough has shocked Durham by telling them he does not wish to play first-class cricket next season. The 23-year-old opening batsman says he has stopped enjoying the game and wants to play football and club cricket
-
Date
Baby hospice nearly ready to open doors
BOSSES at the North-East's first baby hospice are hoping it will open within a fortnight. Work on Zoe's Place Hospice for Special Babies, in Normanby, Teesside, is close to completion. Final checks to ensure that the building conforms to national care
-
Date
Workers mark National Blood Pressure Week
SCORES of workers have had their blood pressure checked around the region as a reminder to look after their health. This is National Blood Pressure Awareness Week and teams of health professionals are checking blood pressure around the North-East. In
-
Date
Carer in court explains actions
A SENIOR carer has begun to explain his dealings with autistic children which led to allegations of ill-treatment. Laurence Donkin, senior house parent at a residential unit, part of Thornhill Park School, Sunderland, denies seven charges of cruelty against
-
Date
Bell rings out after 70-year absence
THE chime of the old school bell has tolled a landmark in the history of two villages. Cleasby and Stapleton Village Hall, on the border of North Yorkshire and County Durham, used to be a school, but the bell which rang at the end of class has been missing
-
Date
Thieves steal lorry load of lightbulbs
THIEVES escaped with a lorry load of lightbulbs after they broke their way out of a compound. The intruders are thought to have scaled a chain link fence to get into the Gatherley Road industrial estate, in Brompton-on-Swale, near the A1 in North Yorkshire
-
Date
Review on business
THREE business experts have been questioned on how Hambleton council can improve relations with firms in the area. They were questioned by members of the council's finance and resources overview and scrutiny committee as part of a review into how the
-
Date
Maud's big day
CONGRATULATIONS came flooding in yesterday as great-grandmother Maud Beesley celebrated reaching her centenary. Messages from the Queen and council chiefs arrived at the Cherry Garth residential home in Thirsk, along with tributes from family and friends
-
Date
Energy conscious pupils win £1,000 boost for school
CARING for the environment helped youngsters scoop a £1,000 prize for their energy efficiency efforts. The Allertonshire School, in Northallerton, was one of more than 15,000 schools across Britain to take part in this year's British Gas 'Think Energy
-
Date
Burglar accidentally switches camera on
A BURGLAR set off an alarm inside a house he broke into, a court was told yesterday. Teesside Crown Court heard how John Rowbotham, 28, sent police to the scene when he set off the intruder alarm and activated a video camera at the Hartlepool address.
-
Date
Tour starts with sell-out gig
VETERAN band Lindisfarne look likely to start their 30-date national tour with a sell-out at Durham's Gala Theatre. The Geordie band, chart-toppers in the 1970s, will play the 500-seater venue next Wednesday and there are only a few tickets left. The
-
Date
College is centre of excellence for travel
A DURHAM college has been named as a centre of excellence for its travel and tourism training. New College Durham is one of seven colleges nationally to have received Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) status in Travel and Tourism Services and is
-
Date
Man jailed for life after fatal fight over lost keys
A MAN who stabbed his neighbour to death after a row over lost keys was jailed for life yesterday. Mark Gorringe, 21, and Kenneth Scott had a row in the street after the pensioner lost his keys. Newcastle Crown Court heard that Gorringe brooded over the
-
Date
Next step in battle to block refuse site
CAMPAIGNERS are planning an auction night as their next step in a battle to stop a refuse depot near their homes. Lots will go under the hammer to boost a fighting fund set up at Stainton Grove, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, to pay campaigners'
-
Date
MP calls for urgent decision after inquiry on retail park
AN MP has urged the swift approval of planning applications set to breathe new life into a derelict corner of Durham City. A local development company has been granted permission to create a 170,000sq ft retail park, including a B&Q store, on a site
-
Date
Golf course plans go on public view
PLANS for a nine-hole golf course in Ingleby Barwick are now available for public inspection. The course, which would include a shop, clubhouse, restaurant, green-keeper's store and driving range, is planned for Church Road. After initial planning objections
-
Date
Fund in memory nears £10,000
FRIENDS of a popular teenager stabbed to death seven years ago have raised another £650 in his memory, boosting their total to almost £10,000. Sheila Gamble, whose son, Ian, died in the tragedy at Barnard Castle, County Durham, said yesterday: "It is
-
Date
Police concern over stolen pills
A HOARD of stolen pills could have been dumped by thieves following a break-in at a doctor's surgery. Cleveland Police are concerned that the tablets, stolen from the Coatham Road surgery, in Redcar, may have been discarded when the thieves realised they
-
Date
Festival fun on offer at 11th event
A FORMER pit area is gearing up for its 11th music festival. The festival will be held at venues in and around Easington, County Durham, from Friday, October 3, to Tuesday, November 4, and will feature a variety of styles. Among the highlights are North-East
-
Date
Record number contest election
COMMUNITY groups have fielded a record number of candidates for the forthcoming Billingham Partnership elections. The Billingham Partnership is leading efforts to regenerate the Billingham area, including Wolviston and the Clarences. Nine candidates will
-
Date
Juninho on bench again
JUNINHO is facing up to a heavier dose of bench duty at Middlesbrough than he would expect after becoming the biggest casualty of the club's poor early season form. The out-of-sorts Brazilian will be among the substitutes for the second match in a row
-
Date
Drums help beat out peace message
MORE than 500 children have helped mark World Peace Day. The international event was celebrated by children from County Durham's primary schools, who yesterday gathered at the Gala Theatre, in Durham, for an afternoon of events. They performed dramas
-
Date
A warm welcome amid troubled times
TWO events within 24 hours last weekend showed the parochial Church of England at its energetic, admirable and always honest best. Two headlines suggested why best just won't be good enough. In Ferryhill, they're celebrating the 150th anniversary of St
-
Date
Travel in style on luxury buses
Luxury bus travel is coming to one of the busiest commuter routes in North Yorkshire. Passengers on the route between Ripon, Harrogate and Leeds have been promised a touch of airline-style travel when the twin deck vehicles are phased in next month. Harrogate
-
Date
Recruitment scheme has big impact
A RECRUITMENT scheme has had a significant impact since its introduction, helping 20 young people on to the employment ladder in six months. Earlier this year, the County Durham Development Company (CDDC) invited the Sedgefield Borough Business Service
-
Date
Boy is awarded £3.1m after medical blunder
A SIX-year-old boy has won a £3.1m award for a medical blunder. The money will be spent on the cost of caring for Keiran Hall, who can neither talk or walk. The near record payout was awarded after the youngster's parents, Joe and Jean, took South Tees
-
Date
Tragic case may threaten school trips
SCHOOL trips are under threat after a teacher was jailed for the manslaughter of a ten-year-old pupil who drowned on an outing, unions warned last night. But the region's biggest education authority insisted it wants schools to allow children to take
-
Date
Head could win cash
THE headteacher of a North-East school has been shortlisted for a national award. David Ackroyd, of Whinfield Junior School, Darlington, is on the list for an honour in the ICT in Practice Awards, in the headship category. Each winner will receive £2,500
-
Date
'Missing' family bemused by fuss
A FAMILY whose disappearance led to a nationwide alert have been found safe and well. The Allens contacted police following national appeals for information and were said to be bemused by all the fuss. Christine Allen, who was thought to be suffering
-
Date
Water firm says more needs spending on infrastructure
THE region's biggest water company has warned that more spending is needed to meet tough new standards, despite improvements in water quality. Northumbrian Water chairman Professor Sir Frederick Holliday said the company needed further investment to meet
