Archive
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Police plane helped catch kidnapper
A POLICE spotter plane helped catch a kidnapper who snatched his former girlfriend and her toddler, a court heard yesterday. The crew of Cleveland Police's spotter plane ended an eight-hour drive by Timothy Speed, 20, with terrified Nicola Freeman,22,
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Slimmers taught how to eat more and still lose weight
A SCHEME that has helped patients eat more and still lose weight could be the way forward for overweight people in the North-East. The success of the Trim and Slim programme, pioneered in the Redcar and Cleveland area, could be a model for the rest of
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Crash tragedy after driver stops to answer his mobile
A new law banning drivers from using mobile phones, which came into force only days ago, has led to a fatal road crash. Margaret Constance Mullings, 80, of Alderside Crescent, Lanchester, County Durham, died when her husband's car ran into the back of
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Timber frame manufacturer opens £5m facility
A £5M east Durham factory opened yesterday, bringing 40 jobs to an unemployment blackspot. One of the UK's leading timber frame manufacturers and suppliers, Roberston Timberkit, has set up a base in Seaham, marking the firm's expansion of its operations
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'Blair pressed Bush on tariffs'
PRIME Minister Tony Blair's special relationship with US President George Bush was instrumental in the scrapping of damaging steel tariffs, Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt has said. The pair's closeness, reinforced during the recent state
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Liverpool the target for Magpies
SHAY GIVEN last night insisted that Newcastle must overhaul Liverpool if they are to end the hurt of their Champions League exit. Goalkeeper Given, who makes his 106th consecutive Premiership appearance today when he faces Gerard Houllier's side at St
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Rare porcelain is stolen by raiders
POLICE are anxious to talk to collectors of valuable Lladro porcelain who may have come across an unusual item which was stolen in one of two burglaries. Intruders forced their way into a home in Station Road, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, and a number of
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Region's reservoirs recover in downpour
THE recent spate of wet weather has finally raised the level of the region's reservoirs, which were depleted after the long hot summer. Yorkshire Water's reservoirs have risen for the third consecutive week and now stand just over half full at 52.8 per
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Themed evening will help war veterans make emotional visit
VETERANS of the Second World War are to receive a helping hand in their bid to return to the Normandy beaches for an anniversary next year. A party of ex-servicemen from the North-East will head to north-western France for the 60th anniversary of D-Day
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Teacher is 'lucky to escape' French flooding disaster
A NORTH EAST teacher was back at work yesterday only days after she escaped the treacherous floods that have blighted areas of southern France and claimed six lives this week. Firefighters had to rescue Sarah Graham, of Hurworth, near Darlington, from
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Mendieta takes credit for Juninho's return
STEVE McCLAREN last night credited Gaizka Mendieta with helping to spark Juninho back to his best at Middlesbrough. Manager McClaren expects the Brazilian to return for today's home game against Portsmouth after he was forced to miss the Carling Cup shoot-out
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Dargie threat to Allen
NEW RECRUIT Alison Dargie could make a winning debut in this afternoon's Norman Woodcock Memorial Road Race at Gosforth Park. The 28-year-old Tyneside journalist, who joined Elswick Harriers after moving from Aberdeen, has shown great potential since
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Opposition faces Heartbeat television crew's plan to use layby for parking
A ROW is brewing in Heartbeat country over the planned use of a layby by television film crews. Yorkshire Television has applied to the North York Moors National Park Authority to park its service vehicles in the layby, which is 1.5km from Goathland,
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Pool's Aussie star relishes Cup magic
THE MAGIC of the FA Cup stretches across the globe. Hartlepool United's new Australian striker Joel Porter can vouch for that. After making his debut in last week's win over Swindon, he is in line to keep his place for tomorrow's second round tie at Burton
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Bullying theory over death of paedophile
POLICE believe a murdered paedophile may have been killed in a confrontation with local bullies. Arnold Hartley, known as Robbie, was found dead in his home in Queen Street, Redcar, Teesside, in the early hours of Saturday. Investigations by police over
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Bargain buy Mendieta happy with his life at the Riverside
Middlesbrough's track record with foreign imports is littered with ill fortune. Sports writer Paul Fraser chats to Boro's newest foreigner and discovers a superstar content with life down by the Riverside. THE paella may not be the same and his siestas
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Gardening: From east to west, Britain is best
IT'S not until you spend time away anywhere that you realise just how localised the floral landscape can be. There are just so many influential factors that can have an effect on growing conditions. The first one is location. Even here, in a relatively
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Fans help is essential for Quakers, Hodgson
Darlington need their fans more than ever, according to manager David Hodgson. Second bottom Quakers play host to York City today, aiming to bring to an end a disastrous run which has seen them fail to win in their last 12 games. Hodgson's men came agonisingly
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Quick-thinking driver traps pervert on board his bus
A PERVERT was trapped inside a bus by a quick-thinking driver after he committed a sex act in front of two frightened schoolgirls. John Wheldon, of no fixed address, was locked inside the bus when the terrified girls told the driver what was happening
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Only the names have changed
Absolute Power is the latest radio programme to move to TV but the transition isn't always easy. The Monday Comedy Night slot on BBC2 sounds familiar for a very good reason. All the three shows - Room 101, Little Britain and Absolute Power - began on
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Nissan 'ignored offer of talks'
UNION leaders are still hoping to meet Nissan bosses in the hope of averting a strike. The Japanese manufacturer's plant in Washington, Wearside, has an 18-year strike-free history. But that could be about to change. Nissan angered staff by announcing
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Shortage to push turkey price up
A KILLER disease that has struck the turkey population means Christmas dinner could be more expensive this year, farmers have warned. Although fears that the disease could spread from the continent have subsided, North-East suppliers said a scarcity of
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Quality field leaves Tingle Creek wide open
SANDOWN'S Tingle Creek Chase invariably produces a nail-biting finish and this afternoon's re-run promises to be no exception given not one of the seven top-class two-mile contestants can be ruled out of the £100,000 Esher showpiece, writes Colin Woods
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Doors open to show houses
THE Mayor of Darlington has opened two show houses to mark the latest stage in the development of a 400-home site. Councillor Ron Lewis cut the red ribbon at Moorfields, part of a regeneration programme on Firthmoor. The houses belong to developers Haslam
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Surprise the key element in town centre's new look
A FACELIFT for an ageing town centre will leave people surprised at the result, a council official has pledged. Work begins next year on a £2m regeneration of Chester-le-Street town centre, the first of six towns in County Durham to benefit from a £13m
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Bullying theory over death of paedophile
POLICE believe a murdered paedophile may have been killed in a confrontation with local bullies. Arnold Hartley, known as Robbie, was found dead in his home in Queen Street, Redcar, Teesside, in the early hours of Saturday. Investigations by police over
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Mayor's allowance could rise by £5,000
A NORTH-EAST mayor could see his allowance boosted by £5,000 after an independent panel recommended he was underpaid. Middlesbrough's Mayor, Ray Mallon, is being recommended to receive an 11 per cent increase in his basic and mayoral allowance, taking
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Revamp soon for town's main road
A MAIN road which runs through Ferryhill is to be transformed. The scheme was developed following concerns about the deteriorating environment of the town's Dean Bank estate. As a result, Sedgefield Borough Council's regeneration section and the Dean
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National honour for drug worker
AN anti-drugs crusader has received a national award. Antony High, 20, who helps run a weekly drug treatment clinic in Middlesbrough, won the Neighbourhood Renewal Unit's Personal Achievement Award, presented by Parliamentary Under Secretary of State
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Villagers in favour of parish council
A VILLAGE's residents have voted overwhelmingly in favour of establishing a parish council. Two public meetings were held in Aycliffe Village this week to gauge the level of support for a council. The first meeting, in The White House sheltered accommodation
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Selfless teenager earns accolade
AN award-winning teenage volunteer has been praised by the people he has helped. Paul Dodsworth, 17, from Tweed Place, Darlington, won £1,000 at the Tees Valley Celebration of Learning Awards at the Tall Trees, in Yarm. He was nominated by the Darlington
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Homes given award chance
THE search is on to find Sunderland's healthiest nursing and residential homes. Last year, 18 homes won the Healthy Home Awards for performing well in key areas which related to health and hygiene. This year, the scheme is organised by the city council's
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Soldier's talk inspires students
A SOLDIER who served in Iraq returned to his former school to reward youngsters for their achievements. Sgt Andrew Carr went back to King James I Community College, in Bishop Auckland, for its annual prizegiving. He left the college in 1991 and joined
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Jonny gets his skates on . . .
FORMER Big Brother star Jonny Regan got his skates on yesterday to promote the ice rink at Gateshead's Baltic Square. The former fireman took time out from pantomime rehearsals at Newcastle's Theatre Royal to show off his prowess on ice. Jonny proved
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Highways teams step up programme to keep winter roads clear
NEW gritters and weather forecasting equipment should ensure the roads stay clear in North Yorkshire this winter. North Yorkshire County Council and the county's highways department have teamed up with the city council in York to increase winter maintenance
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All council's services to be located in one-stop office
DURHAM City Council is planning to build a one-stop shop to put all its services under the same roof. The Liberal Democrat-controlled authority plans to replace its ageing benefits and revenue office in Meadowfield. The 70 staff will move to premises
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Ex-bus driver changes his career course
A FORMER bus company employee is on the road to a new career following a visit to his local library. Wesley Hopper, 36, had worked for a transport company for 18 years when he decided he needed a career change. "I realised that to change my career I needed
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Christmas shoppers promised a taste of Magyar magic at event
SHOPPERS seeking gifts with a difference are in for a magical Magyar treat today. A group of Hungarian craftspeople, from the county's twinned area of Jasz-Nagykun-Szolnok, are bringing their goods to the region. The exotic shopping opportunity will take
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Man holds a rooftop siege after row
A MAN who had a row with his girlfriend staged a rooftop siege for two-and-a-half-hours, a court was told yesterday. Alan Williams, 32, went home to collect his belongings but ended up locking himself in with a female neighbour in Lanchester Road, Grangetown
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Collieries caused a population explosion in farming villages
Coal mining was carried out near the old farming village of Brandon in the 1830s when records describe a man raising coal from a mine using a whim-gin operated by a bull. However the area was largely agricultural and there was no major colliery. Things
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MP launches tool lending library
MP Alan Milburn visited Branksome Community Centre, in Eggleston View, Darlington for the launch of a tool library. The library will allow members to loan tools free of charge. It is hoped the idea will promote community spirit in the Cockerton and Branksome
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Shame of drunken soldiers' aircraft rampage
Five North-East soldiers caused panic on a packed passenger aircraft with their drunken and rowdy behaviour Their antics included shouting, abusive language and touching the bottom of a young air hostess, Newcastle Crown Court heard. The pilot of the
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From east to west, Britain is best
IT'S not until you spend time away anywhere that you realise just how localised the floral landscape can be. There are just so many influential factors that can have an effect on growing conditions. The first one is location. Even here, in a relatively
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Miriam adds another string to her bow
GIFTED young musician Miriam Davis has won the right to deputise for the leader of the country's most prestigious young people's orchestra. The Durham School sixth-former has won through auditions to become co-leader of the National Youth Orchestra of
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Wilkinson and Beckham meeting placed on hold
NEWCASTLE Falcons declined to play a part in the wish of their Spanish hosts to set up a meeting between Jonny Wilkinson and David Beckham today. The Falcons have been based about 100km from Madrid since Wednesday as they prepare for their European Challenge
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For Your Benefit: What benefit are we due?
Q My husband, aged 61, has Incapacity Benefit of £144.30 a fortnight. When I retire in two years, my State Pension will be about £50 and works pension £18 weekly. With savings of £2,000, what benefit will we be due? A At today's rates, £15.65 a week Pension
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Water becoming the drink of choice
HEALTH initiatives promoting the restorative properties of drinking water has helped the bottled water industry beat its forecast for the year. The market for bottled water is on target to achieve year-on-year volume growth of more than 20 per cent by
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Call centre industry is thriving, says Minister
A FRESH row over the loss of call centre jobs to India was raging last night after the Government said it was a myth that the sector was in decline in this country. Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt visited a call centre in Bristol and maintained
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Football match for legal fund
A FOOTBALL match is staged today to raise money for a family facing a continuing Greek legal battle after the death of their son. Three Greek doctors were each sentenced to three years in jail in September over the death of Christopher Rochester, from
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Alarm at menace of ultimate 'superbug'
THE battle against hospital superbugs has taken an alarming twist with the discovery of an infection resistant to all forms of antibiotics, experts in the North-East warned last night. Professor Adrian Walmsley said the world's first confirmed case of
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The mystery of Hercule Poirot
Hercule Poirot and his 'leetle grey cells' make a welcome return to the screen this month. Steve Pratt talks to the man who has made the role his own. COME December 20, the day filming ends on the TV adaptation of Death On The Nile, actor David Suchet
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Theatre cash crisis deepens
AN MP has expressed fears for a city's flagship theatre - opened less than two years ago - which has accrued huge debts. Gerry Steinberg, Labour MP for Durham, spoke out after it emerged the Gala Theatre's latest losses had run up to £445,733 from April
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At Your Service: An attraction without pier
On its 75th anniversary, the church of Our Lady of Lourdes, in Saltburn, remembered some of the colourful characters of tits past. BEING neither spa, bar nor end of the pier show, the church of Our Lady of Lourdes may be among Saltburn's lesser known
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Cast get ready for 25th pantomime season
CHRISTMAS is an added complication for a band of thespians from Ripon. For, as well as planning for the festive season, the cast and crew of this year's Ripon Charity Pantomime are having to find time to rehearse for a show. The 25th production is Cinderella
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Air ambulance receives £5,800
A LIFE-SAVING charity has received £5,800 in donations. Yorkshire Air Ambulance trustee, and legendary cricketer, Freddie Truman was presented with cheques from the regional branch of the Association of Car Fleet Operators and the Durham and Yorkshire
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Couple celebrate 50 golden years
A COUNTY DURHAM couple have celebrated 50 years of marriage. Bob and Mary Fairhurst, of South Acre, Oakenshaw, near Willington, enjoyed a party at the KGH Club, in Spennymoor, last night, surrounded by family and close friends. The couple, who were married
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Wolviston begin Cup defence
Wolviston begin their defence of the Sunderland Shipowners' Cup when they play host to Jarrow at Metcalfe Park. Manager Graham Howard will be without at least three players with John Patterson, Gareth Murphy and Paul Edwards out. He is hopeful that goalkeeper
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Keeper number six for Bishop
Bishop Auckland field their sixth keeper of the season when promotion chasing Leek Town visit Dean Street in the UniBond League First Division this afternoon, writes Ray Simpson. Bishops boss Brian Honour has signed keeper Marc Riches from Whitby, and
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Comment from The Northern Echo: No magic wand for the Gala
THE curtain goes up tonight on Cinderella at Durham's Gala Theatre - but it is no laughing matter behind the scenes. Figures released by Durham City MP Gerry Steinberg reveal that there is increasing cause for concern about the theatre's future. The Gala
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Soccer player had end of his nose bitten off by attacker
A SEMI-PROFESSIONAL footballer lost a tooth and had part of his nose bitten off after he was attacked in a pub by a drunken man. Michael Robson, who plays for Spennymoor Football Club, in County Durham, had to give up playing football for several months
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Tanker deal at risk of collapse
THE company which wants to scrap a toxic fleet of rusting US Navy ships in the North-East has warned it may lose out on more lucrative work should the deal collapse. Able revealed that construction work to bring two part-completed oil tankers back into
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Review: Iron Maiden, Telewest Arena, Newcastle
THE Dance of Death is Iron Maiden's biggest-selling album in a long time and those who have seen the band on their latest world tour know it proves Bruce Dickinson and co still have what it takes to stay on top. Dickinson is every inch the entertainer
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Reveley can edge closer at Sandown
MARY REVELEY, just fifteen short of amassing a combined total of 2000 flat and jumps' winners, has the opportunity to edge ever closer to that magical figure via My Line (12.40), Overstrand (2.55), and Robbo (3.30) at Sandown this afternoon. Mary has
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Fuming smokers try to end ban
RESIDENTS on a Darlington estate hope to overthrow a decision to ban smoking in a new £1.2m community centre. The trustees of the building.on the Firthmoor estate decided to make it non-smoking after a meeting last month. But members of the estate's community
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Crowds treated to festive parades
HUNDREDS of youngsters took to the streets dressed as angels and kings as two towns launched their hospice fundraising Christmas celebrations. More than 600 people joined Bishop Auckland's Christmas procession on Thursday evening and a further 400-plus
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Crowds treated to festive parades
HUNDREDS of youngsters took to the streets dressed as angels and kings as two towns launched their hospice fundraising Christmas celebrations. More than 600 people joined Bishop Auckland's Christmas procession on Thursday evening and a further 400-plus
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Public asked for views on the re-opening of railway
A CONSULTATION exercise is under way to find out if there is public backing for the reinstatement of a rail link which closed more than 40 years ago. Thousands of questionnaires are being distributed by consultants to people in the Ripon area of North
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Residents in the dark as Christmas illuminations fail
A CITY'S Christmas lighting display has lost its sparkle. Some of the illuminations in Ripon have failed to light up, causing complaints from visitors, residents and traders. One of the key displays in High Skellgate, which should proclaim Merry Christmas
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Taxi firm's drive for Children In Need funds
A TAXI firm is selling two signed football shirts to the highest bidders in the hope of raising its funds for Children in Need to £1,000. Station Taxis, based at Bank Top Railway Station, Darlington, has two Middlesbrough shirts - one home shirt and one
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Christmas plea for gifts and toys
THE Salvation Army launched its Christmas appeal in the North-East with a festive concert. The event at Lumley Castle, Chester-le-Street, featured the Northern English Singers, Riverside Brass and Summer School Timbrelists. Gifts and toys have been requested
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Skaters reach out for festive competition
Organisers of a mobile skateboard centre have announced their first Christmas Jam. The Airtime action gets under way at Ferryhill Leisure Centre next Saturday, at 5.30pm, with competitions for skaters, in-line skaters and BMXers. The Skate Jam mix master
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Ryan aims for global Quidditch domination
WITCHES and wizards have been clashing broomsticks ever since the Harry Potter books first introduced us to Quidditch. Now schoolboy Ryan Quinn, ten, has won the chance to represent his country in the International Quidditch World Cup. As UK champ, Ryan
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Musician Kate to perform at Albert Hall
A MUSICIAN from the region will draw on her Celtic roots to perform at the Royal Albert Hall on December 17. Horn player Kate Chisholm, from Stirling Road, Redcar, received her Master of Arts degree in Music performance last month and is now studying
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Search for female decorator ends in success for Sadie the Bra Lady
A LINGERIE shop owner unable to find a female decorator has been helped by The Northern Echo. Sadie Ayton, more popularly known as Sadie the Bra lady, needed a woman to paint her premises, because she feared a male decorator would be bad for business.
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Speeding drivers face tough action in blackspot villages
SPEEDING drivers in part of North Yorkshire are more likely to find themselves caught from next week. Richmondshire's Community Safety Partnership (CSP) has purchased a pro-laser speed gun and matrix board and will take to the district's roads on Monday
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Views sought on parking
RESIDENTS will get another chance to give their views on the siting of a possible park-and-ride site on the northern edge of York. The city council and transport and planning advisory panel have agreed that people with homes in the area should be consulted
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Team will tackle abuse in the home
A team has been appointed to develop a county-wide response to domestic abuse. Working with the North Yorkshire's community safety units, three co-ordinators will cover domestic violence in Scarborough, Ryedale, Craven, Hambleton, Richmondshire, and Harrogate
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Oliver out to revive Crook
Crook's new manager Alan Oliver is hoping to revive a sleeping giant at the Millfield. Crook, with a glorious history, go into today's game at Second Division leaders Consett precariously close to the relegation zone. Oliver, who quit West Auckland during
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Man faces court on death of teenager
A MAN appeared at crown court yesterday accused of causing the death of a teenager who was hit by a car on a playing field. Dean English, 22, is alleged to have struck Ian Gourley on grassland off Eden Lane, Peterlee, County Durham, on the evening of
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06/12/03
BEHAVIOUR IN SPORT: YOUR Comment (Echo, Dec 1) that football managers like Graham Souness should go and watch a rugby match as he 'might learn something' once again propagates the myth that this public school game creates gentlemen and soccer is merely
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A good clean fight
AS Christmas approaches, the question of what to do with mothers-in-law takes on a whole new meaning. "If your mother says 'it's a very nice present... but' again this year I might just stab her," threatened my other half as she wrapped the 2003 offering
