Archive
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Biker's death stays a mystery
MYSTERY still surrounds the cause of an accident in which a 40-year-old man died on a Weardale road, despite an inquest hearing yesterday. Robert Ian Davies died of multiple injuries sustained when his motorbike crashed on the B6278 road between Eggleston
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Aristocratic housing for humble pigeons
Dovecotes are ancient structures that have been used by man over the centuries to provide a variety of products from food to gunpowder. But how many are still lurking around? IN the 17th Century there were 26,000 dovecotes in England. In the past few
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Fiddling while the pulpit burns
ALMOST to a man, especially in the US, slave owners were conscientious churchgoers. Pillars of society, they saw nothing wrong in the source of their wealth and social position. And the Christian church not merely condoned but upheld their belief that
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BIGStudio reflects on success
A GLASS firm is on target to treble its turnover in only its second year of business. BIGStudio Glass Design, of Hartlepool, was set up in April last year by decorative glass experts Andy Burt and Suzi Dear, with help and financial support from Business
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Recruitment drive
A SERIES of open days is being held to recruit 350 staff for a Morrisons supermarket. The store, in Hartlepool, is due to open in the spring of next year. Jobcentre Plus, Hartlepool Action Team and Hartlepool Council, have arranged four open days, from
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Comment from The Northern Echo: Our captain to the bridge
THE tide has definitely turned against the so-called "ghost ships" being allowed to enter British waters. But when it comes to leadership on what has become an internationally significant issue, the Government is giving a good impression of being rudderless
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Bridge idea 'poses threat to woodland'
PLANS to build the world's longest suspension bridge in the North-East have hit an unexpected snag. Teesdale District Council gave the £4.5m River Tees plan the go-ahead last week. But now Barnard Castle Town Council has expressed serious concerns about
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Action demanded against knife culture
Tough new legislation is being demanded to fight back against Britain's growing knife culture and prevent children getting their hands on potentially lethal weapons. Just a day after a teenager was killed in an horrific school stabbing in Lincolnshire
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'Redundancies likely by the weekend'
THE fate of hundreds of Northern Electric retail workers is expected to be revealed later today. Staff at Northern Electric stores were sent home on Friday after holding company Shop Electric Group went into administration. An announcement on whether
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Butcher leads support for club
BUTCHER Brian Stoker is urging residents in his home town to get behind Shildon on the FA Cup trail. As a show of support for Sunday's game, Mr Stoker has decked out his shop window with the team colours and a banner to wish them luck. He said: "There
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M&S seeking Christmas staff
ABOUT 40 temporary jobs are being created at the Darlington branch of Marks and Spencer for Christmas. Applicants can undergo a 20-minute telephone interview by calling a hotline. Elaine Smith, manager of the store, said: "Marks and Spencer is an amazing
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Army chefs launch recruiting business for catering workers
TWO FORMER Army chefs who met while posted in Germany have set up a catering recruitment company in Darlington. Lee Coutts and Bill Johnston, who both served as military chefs with the 2nd battalion Light Infantry, are directors of North-East Chefs, which
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Now come and show me your worth, McCarthy
MICK McCARTHY has urged Sunderland fringe men to make the most of John Oster's up-coming spell on the sidelines. The talented right winger, who grabbed the Black Cats' final goal in last night's 3-1 win at Gillingham, will miss the next three matches
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Scott's View to a Musselburgh thrill
SCOTT'S VIEW, one of the highest-rated horses ever to run at Musselburgh, can look forward to bagging some more silverware by landing the Willie Park Trophy at the east of Scotland track. Having won no less than eight races in 2002, Scott's View (3.30
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Sunderland pay the price for Premiership relegation
SUNDERLAND fans were last night warned of the prospect of more pain ahead after the club revealed a record debt of £36m. It also incurred losses of almost £21m in the financial year to July 31, following relegation from the Premiership, with a record
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05/11/03
GHOST SHIPS: MIKE Childs of Friends of the Earth is very careless in his case against the disposal of redundant American naval auxiliaries at Hartlepool (Echo, Nov 4). He claims that the 13 ships are carrying over half a million tonnes of oil and fuel
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Beware, dreams can come true
A dream about the death of Princess Diana just hours before her fatal car crash sparked a five-year quest by a North-East writer to find out more about premonitions. Dan Jenkins reports on his remarkable discoveries. THE death of Princess Diana in the
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Nurses honour elephant attack victim
A BRITISH nurse killed by stampeding elephants during a visit to Malawi was honoured last night with a top award. Pauline Stratton, 54, of Carlisle, Cumbria, died in May while on a trip to the Liwondi National Park to train other nurses. Last night, her
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Brittany has stars in her eyes
AN 11-year-old Darlington singer has been selected to appear in a stage version of the TV show Stars In Their Eyes. Brittany Knowles, who also won a talent contest in Gateshead's Metroland at the weekend, is a member of Stagecoach Theatre Arts and hopes
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Student procession backs safety call
DURHAM University students have staged a candlelit procession to highlight their call for better security. The event, involving 50 students, ended on Prebends Bridge, a spot well used by students and notorious for attacks and muggings. It was previously
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Ben beats bullies to win award
A TEENAGERS' success in overcoming a bullying problem has earned national acclaim. Fourteen-year-old Ben Flynn was the winner of the first Craig Peart Award for youngsters combating bullying. The accolade was made in memory of a Northumberland schoolboy
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Creative children win prizes for seasonal interpretation
A GROUP of schoolchildren have been given awards following a project about autumn. The winning pupils at Bishop Ian Ramsey School, in Medomsley, near Consett, were presented with Manor House Care Home's Dr Mukherjee Award for excellence. Their paintings
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Staff step out to aid hospital cancer unit
STAFF at a Bishop Auckland travel agents completed a 13-mile walk in fancy dress to raise money for charity. Workers at Hays Travel, in Newgate Street, raised more than £1,000 in sponsorship from the event on Sunday. The money will go to the Mara Unit
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Villagers declare war on litter
RESIDENTS have declared war on litter in Sedgefield. A meeting held at Sedgefield Community College attracted representatives from the school, town, borough and county councils, police and community force. Three ideas were debated to reduce littering
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Students star in basketball test
THREE students from a Newton Aycliffe school have represented the North-East in a basketball competition. Philip Knox and twin brothers Daniel and David Halford, from Woodham Community Technology College took part in the English Schools Basketball Association
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Man fined for swearing
WOMEN and children were forced to cross the street to avoid a teenager using abusive and insulting language, a court heard yesterday. Adam Farr, of Jedburgh Drive, Darlington, was arrested by police in Darlington at 5.30pm on October 25. He admitted using
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Jeweller hurt as robber escapes
A JEWELLER was injured after fighting a robber in his shop. The robber entered the store in Dovecote Street, Stockton at 11.10am on Saturday before grabbing hundreds of pounds worth of jewellery. He was stopped by the shop-owner's son but the shopkeep-er
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Villagers prepare to burn mystery sea creature in annual event
A SEA monster will be burned on Skinningrove beach tonight to celebrate bonfire night. This year's bonfire at the coastal village, near Saltburn, is a large lobster which appears to be emerging from the sea. Thousands of people are expected to arrive
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Store will offer 350 jobs at open days
A TOTAL of 350 jobs are on offer at a supermarket. Morrisons in Hartlepool is to hold a series of open days this week in a recruitment drive. The supermarket is working with the Jobcentre Plus and Hartlepool Borough Council to employ staff ahead of the
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Racial chants denied
THREE football fans yesterday pleaded not guilty to racial chanting. The trio's plea means that now seven Hartlepool United fans have denied chanting racist abuse in a second division league game against Oldham Athletic at Hartlepool's Victoria Park ground
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Garages warned after team reveals car servicing 'lottery'
MOTORISTS are facing a lottery when they take their cars to be serviced, trading standards officers have warned. Half the garages tested by the North Yorkshire County Council officers failed to service vehicles in accordance with manufacturers' schedules
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Fence could be torn down in plans row
A WOMAN could be forced to take down a new £700 fence at her home after council planners said it was not in keeping with the area. Fiona Whitby, 43, had the 6ft fence built at her home in Malton, at the end of June. The 43-year-old claimed she only did
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Support us all the way
THE North-East footballers at the centre of a fairytale FA Cup story are urging fans to travel with them to show support for their David and Goliath battle at the weekend. Shildon Football Club is hoping to take as many fans as possible for the game on
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Residents raise £10,000 to fix landmark clock
RESIDENTS have successfully raised a target of £10,000 to repair their town clock. Now plans are being made to apply to the Heritage Lottery fund for another £100,000 to fully restore the Grade-II listed, 1913 clock and building. Former teacher Vera Robinson
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Swimmer died of natural causes
A FATHER-OF-TWO who died at a swimming pool could have collapsed anywhere, an inquest heard yesterday. Coroner David Morris praised pool staff for their efforts to save Alan Richardson, a recovering alcoholic. The 42-year-old, of Whinlatter Place, Newton
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War plaques restored for service
NAMES of the war dead on a town's memorial have been given a brighter look in time for the Remembrance service on Sunday. Plaques on Harrogate town centre's war memorial had become grubby, sparking complaints from the public who found it difficult to
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Pupils start online lessons in the home
ONLINE homework is now on the timetable for pupils at a North-East secondary school. Hetton school yesterday became the latest comprehensive to be switched on to a Virtual Learning system which has been introduced by the City of Sunderland Education Directorate
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Inspiration Downing is Black Cats' hero
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE? Who needs it? At the unglamorous surroundings of the Priestfield Stadium, Sunderland last night proved life can be just as exciting in the First Division. As Manchester United went head-to-head with Rangers and Chelsea hammered Italian
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Cup crazy fans set for big game
CUP fever has taken hold in Shildon as the team gets ready for the big day on Sunday. The FA Cup first-round tie away to Notts County has raised pulses all over the town, with many showing their support in novel ways. It is the first time that Shildon
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Golf in question
North-East golfers will pit their wits against other players in the regional final of a national quiz this weekend. Darlington Golf Club will compete against West Lancashire, Crossland Heath and Warrington golf clubs in the Great Britain and Ireland Rules
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Sweep scoops top therapy dog award
A BORDER Collie who helped a man in his recovery from a serious accident has been recognised with a national award. At the Pets As Therapy Awards (PAT), held recently in London, Sweep was named Dog of the Year. Sweep, whose owner Anne Quarrie lives in
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Pam leaves on flight of hope
A WOMAN who is battling breast cancer flew off to Mexico on Monday to receive specialist treatment. Friends and family of Pam Aston have been campaigning since June this year to raise £20,000 to send her for Issels treatment at the Oasis of Hope Hospital
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Gallery exhibition celebrates sculptor's work
THE life and work of a little- known sculptor is the basis of a new exhibition at the Mercer Art Gallery in Harrogate. Frances Darlington (1880-1939) was the daughter of a Harrogate solicitor. She studied sculpture at the School of Art in London and went
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How Hague stays in tune with life
LET'S hear it for William Hague. He is an example to us all. Relax. This has nothing to do with Tory party leadership, or even with politics. Especially not politics. Instead, it's all to do with never being too old to learn. The day after he resigned
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How Hague stays in tune with life
LET'S hear it for William Hague. He is an example to us all. Relax. This has nothing to do with Tory party leadership, or even with politics. Especially not politics. Instead, it's all to do with never being too old to learn. The day after he resigned
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Wear poppy with pride
ACROSS Britain this weekend people will pay homage to those who gave their lives or suffered injury in conflict while serving their country. Remembrance services will be held all over south Durham. New Shildon: On Saturday, 10.45am Redworth Road to the
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Your vote: Keep the Ghost Fleet away from our region
As Hartlepool Borough Council wrote to Transport Secretary Alistair Darling asking for the controversial US "Ghost Fleet" to be sent back to the US, Gavin Havery asked residents for their views PLANS to scrap obsolete US naval ships at the yard on the
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Book art goes on display at exhibition
AN exhibition of contemporary book and magazine illustrations opens on Saturday. The Images 27 exhibition at the Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, includes original artwork from the UK Images annual published by the Association of Illustrators. The popular
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A fair cop as chief collars suspects
TOP police officer Della Cannings is the toast of her force after collaring two drunken yobs single handed. Control room staff leapt into action when they received a call from Mrs Cannings, 51, who said she had arrested the youths outside a pub. A young
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Move to merge forces in big police shake-up
POLICE forces in the North could merge in an effort to give them more muscle to tackle thugs and vandals, the Government announced yesterday. Home Secretary David Blunkett signalled in a consultation paper published yesterday that smaller forces lack
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Warehouse turned into an island home
The story of a curious corner of Darlington that was once an island in the river Skerne, and its links to a butcher noted for his culinary skills in ox-roasting... IN yesterday's NE magazine, which accompanied The Northern Echo, there was an article about
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Pupils have fun with Rubbish - The movie
Pupils from two schools have had fun after joining forces with their parents to produce an amusing 25 minute video film on the unlikely subject of rubbish. The scriptwriting, acting and special effects were done by children from St Mary's Primary School
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Work begins on £250,000 revamp
WORK began yesterday on a £250,000 refurbishment project at Derwent Pool, in Norton, North Yorkshire. The project involves extensive improvements and re-modelling of the changing areas. The new layout has been designed to improve facilities and make them
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Hunt for driver who left Beverley to die
POLICE were last night hunting a hit-and-run driver who knocked down a 20-year-old secretary in front of her mother. The speeding car left Beverley Smith dying in the road, only 15ft from her front door. Beverley was revived twice, first by a police officer
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Man sent to prison for killing club-goer
A FORMER Royal Engineer, who beat a grandfather to death for dancing too close to his daughters, was last night jailed for six years. County Durham man Alan Sirrell, 36, followed club patron Patrick Ronan, 61, into the toilets, knocked him out and stamped
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Silver season lined up by Bach choir
THE Yorkshire Bach Choir is celebrating its 25th anniversary by holding its most ambitious concert season yet. Its anniversary season opens on Saturday at the choir's regular home, the church of St Michael-le-Belfry, in York. And this season sees a particular
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Victimisation claim denied by council
A UNION is claiming that a steward sacked by Sunderland City Council may have been victimised. Keith Hodgson, who worked in the Labour-run council's computer department, was dismissed for gross misconduct following a disciplinary hearing over alleged
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Echo Memories: Aristocratic housing for humble pigeons
Dovecotes are ancient structures that have been used by man over the centuries to provide a variety of products from food to gunpowder. But how many are still lurking around? IN the 17th Century there were 26,000 dovecotes in England. In the past few
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Confident Hodgson knows things will get better for his club
DAVID Hodgson isn't fazed about the size of the task ahead; he is relishing it. The new Darlington boss knows he needs to bring in fresh faces to lift his side away from the foot of the Division Three table. And despite sitting in an uncomfortable second-bottom
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Franchise couple cut a slice of the action
CUSTOMERS have been flocking to a new O'Briens sandwich bar in Darlington town centre. Local couple Charlie and Melanie Pitchford have made their first venture into franchising by opening the shop in Prebend Row. O'Briens, which built its name in Dublin
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'Interest rate rise will not stop North-East firms growing'
MANUFACTURERS last night urged caution ahead of an expected interest rate rise tomorrow. The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is expected to increase the cost of borrowing for the first time in three-and-a-half years from its current
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Gadfly: A bum note for the Cockfield Bandsmen
THOUGH it is by no means to say that they know nowt, few of this column's acquaintances may be considered academics. We bumped into one of the few, a part-time university lecturer who once had a dog called Fidel and still has a gold-topped cane, in Durham
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Pub firm eyes up law office
A NATIONAL pub chain hopes to move into a listed building in Bishop Auckland town centre. JD Wetherspoon has applied for planning permission to convert offices in the Market Place into a bar and restaurant. The Watford company, which runs more than 600
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Chemicals cluster welcomed by MP
CHEMICAL companies from across the North-East were at Sunderland's Stadium of Light yesterday for the launch of the Pharmaceutical and Speciality Chemicals Cluster (PSCC). Based at technology transfer company RTC North, the cluster is the first organisation
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Survey finds toddlers are not having fun
TODDLERS in the region are designer clothes-wearing sophisticates who spend more time looking at TV and PC screens than playing outside, according to research published today. The 21st Century Toddler Survey, commissioned by Mother and Baby Magazine,
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Appeal for more band venues
YOUNG musicians in Darlington are calling on the council and local venues to give them more support. Bands in the town say Darlington Borough Council could do more to promote young musical talent and offer financial assistance. They also say the town
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Work starts on college expansion
THE latest phase of redevelopment work at Darlington's Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College got under way yesterday. Architects Browne Smith Baker are working with construction firm Clugstons to provide new facilities at the college. A four-storey building
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Arrest in hit-and-run case
Police hunting a hit-and-run driver who killed a hospital secretary today arrested a man they found hiding under a van, a force spokesman said. Beverley Smith, 20, was hit as she crossed Cass House Road, Hemlington, Middlesbrough, at about 11am yesterday
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Parents' fury at nursery closure plans
FURIOUS parents last night declared that they would fight any attempts to close a popular nursery school in Darlington. Senior councillors have approved a six-week consultation period over the possible shutting down of the Eastbourne and Heathfield nurseries
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Warning to avoid festive debt dangers
CONSUMERS in Sedgefield borough have been warned not to fall into the Christmas debt trap. Debt accounted for almost 40 per cent of all inquiries dealt with last year by the Sedgefield and District Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB). The service in the borough
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Stage set for drama festival
COMPETITORS from the Tees Valley will meet at a school in Eaglescliffe later this month to take part in a drama festival. Competitors from Barnard Castle to Saltburn will be at Teesside Preparatory and High School for Girls to take part in the 57th Annual
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Children show singing talents
SCORES of youngsters will be showing off their stage skills in Stanley tomorrow night. Sixty children from nine youth clubs across County Durham will be singing and dancing in the Stars in Your Eyes talent contest, organised by Youth Clubs County Durham
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Plan to revive empty buildings
PLANS to regenerate Sunderland's East End could win £900,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The fund has given approval for a bid by Sunderland City Council under its Townscape Heritage Initiative. It has awarded a £25,000 development grant for the council
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Behind the wheels of misfortune
Dumb And Dumber (five): Britain's Worst Celebrity Driver (five): Presenter Tommy Vance calls them "life's losers caught in the camera's unforgiving eyes". Most will regard them as stupid, silly or lucky not to have done themselves real harm. Dumb And
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Revamp for saved public lavatory
PUBLIC toilets which were saved from closure following a campaign four years ago have been given a new lease of life. The Hole in the Wall gents toilets, one of the best-known landmarks in Hawes, have been modernised. They were scheduled for closure by
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Residents' village green bid is likely to be turned down
A BID to have a college playing field registered as common land may be defeated when it comes under consideration next week. Residents living in 40 homes surrounding New College Durham's Nevilles Cross site are backing an application to have the rugby
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Footballer to present awards at old school
SHEFFIELD United star Michael Brown is returning to his former Hartlepool school as guest of honour this week. Brown will be at High Tunstall School's ninth annual awards evening tomorrow at 7pm. The school will celebrate the schools pass rate at GCSE
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Silver season lined up by Bach choir
THE Yorkshire Bach Choir is celebrating its 25th anniversary by holding its most ambitious concert season yet. Its anniversary season opens on Saturday at the choir's regular home, the church of St Michael-le-Belfry, in York. And this season sees a particular
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Mothers' joy as maternity unit reopens
PREGNANT women will once again be able to give birth at an east Cleveland hospital after a successful recruitment drive. Campaigners formed a "Mums' Army" when the South Tees NHS Trust closed the maternity unit at Guisborough Hospital in November last
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Search begins for squadron's propeller trophy
AN author has appealed for help to find a fighter plane propeller blade which was signed by war hero George Bennions. Ken Chester said the location of the blade, which appears in a photograph of members of the 41 Squadron at RAF Catterick in 1940, was
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Christie suffers a bad break
MIDDLESBROUGH have been rocked by the news that striker Malcolm Christie is facing months out after breaking his leg. The former Derby County man was rushed to Darlington's Memorial Hospital yesterday after suffering the injury to his right tibia during
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Staff go travelling for good cause
STAFF at a Bishop Auckland travel agents completed a 13 mile walk in fancy dress to raise money for charity. Workers at Hays Travel in Newgate Street raised more than £1,000 in sponsorship from the event on Sunday. The money will go to the Mara Unit at
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Tourist's sea death was an accident
A GERMAN holidaymaker drowned while on holiday on the North coast, an inquest heard. A verdict of accidental death was recorded by North Yorkshire East coroner Michael Oakley on 64-year-old Ferdinand Rwe who had been staying at a Whitby guest house, North
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Horror of dying birds in chicken farm raid
POLICE and immigration officers who raided a North-East chicken farm yesterday were horrified to discover hundreds of dead or dying birds. More than 2,000 dead, dying or diseased chickens were found in three rearing sheds in the early morning swoop at
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Watchdog attacks proposed rise in water bills
Consumer watchdogs last night attacked a proposed rise in water bills for North-East customers. Northumbrian Water was yesterday provisionally granted the go-ahead for a 9.6 per cent increase in bills by industry regulator Ofwat. Bills will rise by £19
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Blair told to sort out ghost ships row
PRIME Minister Tony Blair was last night challenged to sort out the confusion surrounding the outcome of four disused US naval ships heading for the North-East to be scrapped. Shadow Environment Secretary David Lidington called on Mr Blair to intervene
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A bum note for the Cockfield Bandsmen
THOUGH it is by no means to say that they know nowt, few of this column's acquaintances may be considered academics. We bumped into one of the few, a part-time university lecturer who once had a dog called Fidel and still has a gold-topped cane, in Durham
