Archive
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Boro star returns
MIDDLESBROUGH skipper Gareth Southgate should be fit for the trip to Blackburn Rovers on Boxing Day after being the only winner to fall out from Saturday's postponement. Southgate would not have played at Birmingham City - had the match not been controversially
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Naughton's double
Conditional jockey Michael Naughton, who is based near Middlesborough, enjoyed some early Christmas cheer and a welcome change of luck when completing a 168-1 double on Indy Mood and Darnley at Newcastle on Saturday. Indy Mood just got the better of Gary's
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Eat your heart out, Mark
HUNDREDS of butter-fingered fans of ITV's Pop Idol almost brought a North-East restaurant to a standstill as they attempted to register their telephone votes during Saturday night's grand final. Staff at Oldfields restaurant in Jesmond, Newcastle, spoke
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Helen does the honours as cathedral marks start of Christmas week
A THREE-YEAR-OLD girl took centre stage to perform a symbolic gesture that marked the start of the busy Christmas week at a North-East cathedral. In one of the shortest, but most popular services on Durham Cathedral's calendar, the lighting of the Christmas
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Chopsticks at the ready
THE sun is shining and there isn't a fairy light or Father Christmas in sight. In fact, the only thing I have to remind me that Christmas is just around the corner is an advent calendar sent from home. This year I'm spending Christmas with a difference
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Campaign to end doorstep calls gains momentum
THE campaign for a ban on doorstep cold-calling is gathering momentum in Westminster's corridors of power. Calls for legislation to halt cowboy property repairs has won cross-party support following an adjournment debate in the House of Commons. The Northern
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Ambersong set to prove liking for the fibresand
With early inspections planned at both jumping fixtures due to snow and frost, Wolverhampton's fixture could be the final race meeting until Boxing Day. The course has had severe problems with heavy rain on its fibresand surface but extensive drainage
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University to display Indian crafts work
AN exhibition of decorative Indian textiles is coming to the North-East. Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Mirror, Bead and Thread display is said to contain "stunning examples" of textiles, from the Gujarat region, featuring mirrorwork, applique
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How dieting makes you fat
Fourteen million people in Britain are currently trying to lose weight. In the second of a thee-part series on women and body image, Women's Editor Christen Pears explores the nation's obsession with dieting. MARILYN Monroe: screen icon, sex goddess and
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The Proctor gamble pays off
THE FIRST signs of insurrection on Wearside this season were quickly quelled by a local boy who has been little more than a bit-part player since Mick McCarthy took charge at the Stadium of light. Sunderland-born Michael Proctor has certainly had his
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Generous Sophie aids shop scheme
A NINE-YEAR-OLD who wanted to help her neighbours raise money for their Shopmobility, has sold some of her best-loved toys. Sophie Rogers, who lives near Ron and Jo Foreman, who both use mobility scooters, first learned about their quest to raise money
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Security reminder after card fraud bid
TRADING standards officers in the North-East are urging people to be on their guard when using credit cards to pay for Christmas presents bought on the Internet. The warning follows the case of a Hartlepool man who bought a camera with his credit card
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Union equality campaigner loses bid to be its president
A MAN who is taking the Working Men's Club and Institute Union to court over the rights of women members has been narrowly defeated in his bid to become its president. John Bacon, 51, of Richmond, North Yorkshire, believes women should have the same rights
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Calls for debate on wind energy
AN environmental campaigner has published a hard-hitting attack on the windfarm industry. Elizabeth Mann, 70, from Darlington, has been supported by former television presenter Noel Edmonds in her call for more debate on the technology. But the organisation
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Tributes to school head and fundraiser
A KEEN Salvationist who died from cancer last week will be remembered at a funeral service today. Tributes have been paid to former headteacher David Snell, 59, who lived with his wife, Joyce, in Redworth Road, Shildon. Born in Bristol into a Salvation
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Storytime from glass to Finnish
A festive feature is adding seasonal warmth to an exhibition of decorative glass from Finland. Storyteller Chris Bostock is giving children a flavour of Finland as part of the Christmas events programme at the National Glass Centre, in Sunderland. The
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Scholarship for talented Suzanna
A DARLINGTON girl will be studying for her GCSEs at the town's Polam Hall School after winning a scholarship. Suzanna Millar, 11, has been awarded the Simon Bailes scholarship. She is the first person to benefit from the scholarship sponsored by the Peugeot
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Shoppers get stark warning about thefts from vehicles
CHRISTMAS shoppers in Darlington have been given an alarming insight into how quickly thieves can ruin their festive season. Police set up a display stand in the town's Cornmill Shopping Centre to demonstrate the perils of leaving goods on display in
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Calf-rearing business planning bid rejected
A CALF-REARING business near Darlington could be in jeopardy because of a planning decision. Darlington Borough Council's planning committee refused a retrospective application for a caravan on land at Killerby Bridge and rejected plans to build a stable
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Flagship project funding in place
WORK on a flagship industrial development in a market town can get under way after £2.35m in funding has been secured. A series of incubator-style units will now be built on a 0.7 acre plot in the centre of Stokesley Industrial Park to house a variety
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City fireworks spectacular
SEASONAL festivities should go with a bang in parts of the North-East thanks to several grants. The centre of celebrations on Tyneside this year will be a New Year's Eve fireworks spectacular, simultaneously set off from four sites on both sides of the
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Tributes to school head and fundraiser
A KEEN Salvationist who died from cancer last week will be remembered at a funeral service today. Tributes have been paid to former headteacher David Snell, 59, who lived with his wife, Joyce, in Redworth Road, Shildon. Born in Bristol into a Salvation
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Phil plays last tune
SELF-TAUGHT harmonica player Phil Irving is to retire after decades of entertaining audiences. Mr Irving, a Second World War veteran, started playing the instrument when he was just eight-years-old with a harmonica he bought for 6d. He went on to join
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Calls for store to stand by promise
FED-UP traders and residents have handed a 1,700-name petition to a food store chain in an attempt to get it to commit to its promise to open a store in their town. Shopkeepers in Eston have endured vandalism, arson attacks and break-ins for more than
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Change of dates for rufuse collections
CHANGES to refuse collection from wheelie bins in the borough of Stockton have been announced over the festive season. Collections due on Christmas Eve remain the same, but Christmas Day collections will now be on Saturday. Boxing Day refuse will be collected
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Houses are targeted by sneak thieves
POLICE are warning householders to be on their guard against sneak thieves and burglars who have been targeting houses in Eaglescliffe and Hartburn, in Stockton, over the past two months. Since November 1, 15 burglaries have been reported in the area,
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It's a great life, thanks to a visit from Rudolph and his mates
SANTA'S reindeer took a break from the hectic festive build-up by calling into a North-East visitor attraction to bring some Christmas cheer to visitors. Children were able to get up close to the reindeer during the brief stop-off at the Life Science
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Respect earned for Ritchie
RITCHIE Humphreys believes Hartlepool United have earned the respect of Division Two. Pool have now gone 28 games without a League defeat at Victoria Park, the longest stretch in English football. On Saturday they drew 0-0 with Colchester, but suffered
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Helen does the honours as cathedral marks start of Christmas week
A THREE-YEAR-OLD girl took centre stage to perform a symbolic gesture that marked the start of the busy Christmas week at a North-East cathedral. In one of the shortest, but most popular services on Durham Cathedral's calendar, the lighting of the Christmas
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Boost for hospice
CALOR gas users in Bishop Auckland have been supporting hospice patients by returning their unwanted empties. Spoors, in Railway Street, encouraged people to return their used gas cylinders and gave £5 to the Butterwick Hospice in Bishop Auckland for
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Villagers pledge to fight on over waste depot proposals
PEOPLE living on a Teesdale estate have vowed to continue fighting against plans for a waste depot being sited near their homes after their latest appeal was refused. Eight residents from Stainton Grove, near Barnard Castle, travelled to the High Court
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Former mayors honoured at reception
TWO former mayors of Sedgefield, John Robinson and Derrick Lofthouse, were honoured at the borough council's wine and cheese reception, in Sedgefield Parish Hall after the annual civic carol service in the methodist church. Councillor Robinson was made
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Shoppers warned about car criminals
CHRISTMAS shoppers in Darlington have been given an alarming insight into how quickly thieves can ruin their festive season. Police set up a display stand in the town's Cornmill Shopping Centre to demonstrate the perils of leaving goods on display in
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Region hit by snow storms, icy roads
Heavy snow brought parts of the region to a standstill today but the cold snap is due to come to an abrupt end today. The east coast was the worst affected part of the region as blizzards swept in on Sunday night and into Monday morning. Cars and lorries
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Presents stolen out of Santa's sack
ANGRY office workers were left with an empty space under their Christmas tree after a thief snatched their presents. Four bags of gifts were stolen from the offices of chartered accountancy firm, Hunter Gee and Holroyd, in York, as workers gathered them
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Headteacher bids farewell after 15 years
A HEADTEACHER who has seen many changes in education is retiring after 15 years in charge. John Jefferson, headteacher at Westlands School, in Thornaby, has seen the introduction of Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) reports, local management
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Bell bides time to lead Chester's haul
GREAT Britain international Stewy Bell led Chester-le-Street to a clean sweep of medals in yesterday's Saltwell Harriers 10K at Gateshead. Bell conceded the £25 special prime prize on the notorious Chowdene Bank to clubmate Chris Lamb, but went on to
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Tykes' axe falls on Arnie
Arnie Sidebottom is a front line casualty of Yorkshire's revamped coaching structure, which has been put in place by the club's new director of cricket, David Byas. The former fast bowler has been released from his job as bowling coach, so severing a
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Plan for quarry expansion is blocked
DEPUTY Prime Minister John Prescott has rejected a quarry firm's plans to extend its workings. Following a public inquiry in January, a planning inspector recommended that the Sherburn Sand Company be allowed a half-hectare extension to the Crime Rigg
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Suitcase of toys to bring hospice cheer
A TRAVEL agents has handed over a Santa's Suitcase of presents for seriously ill children. Travelcare, of Front Street, Chester-le-Street, has been collecting toys for the Butterwick Children's Hospice, in Stockton, since early last month. Staff presented
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Wearside League: Johnson on the spot to give Markse win
New Marske made the best possible response to a seven-goal drubbing the previous week when they shocked high-flying North Shields in the second round of the League Cup at Ralph Gardner Park. Not even an 11th minute goal for the home side could stop the
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Wartime fighter pilot dies
A SECOND World War fighter pilot who flew more than 30 missions over Germany has died aged 81. Kenneth Trelfer, of Catterick Village, North Yorkshire, died in hospital last Monday. Mr Trelfer, who also trained others to fly during the war, was married
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Comment from The Northern Echo: A nice start to the holiday
IT was Harold Wilson who famously observed that a week is a long time in politics. For Tony Blair, the past week has made a huge difference. The Number 10 garden hadn't been looking rosy. On-going public disquiet about the war against Iraq and the failure
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Darlington turn tables on Blaydon
WHAT a difference half a season makes. Blaydon beat Darlington 34-18 in the Powergen Cup in early September, but their powerful pack was out-manouevred by the superbly-drilled and committed home eight in the second half of Saturday's National Three North
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Martin loses fight against cancer
A YOUNG leukaemia sufferer who had been trying for a baby with his new wife has lost his battle with the disease. Martin Black, 20, was diagnosed in November 2000 but thought he had beaten cancer when he went into remission for 18 months. In April, doctors
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Chopsticks at the ready
At the age of 33, Bridget Gardner gave up her nine to five job to teach English to schoolchildren in Hanoi. The former Teesdale School pupil writes about her experiences. THE sun is shining and there isn't a fairy light or Father Christmas in sight. In
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Toys aid sick children
YOUNG hospital patients are to receive extra Christmas presents thanks to the generosity of leisure club staff and members. During the past few months, the staff and members of Bannatyne's Health Club, in Ingleby Barwick, Stockton, have collected toys
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Will the earth move for you?
Among all the gimmicks to get people to the movies, Sensurround was on of the most bizarre. Now, this fad from the 70s is making a comeback, as Steve Pratt discovers. FILM-MAKERS have come up with a variety of gimmicks to entice people into the cinema
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Mark Henderson released
British TV producer Mark Henderson, who has been held hostage in Colombia by Marxist rebels since September, has been released. The kidnapped backpacker from North Yorkshire has been taken to an undisclosed location in the Sierra Nevada mountains where
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UniBond League: Early cup exit for Moors
Spennymoor manager Tony Lee blamed his side's poor defending again as they went out of the League Cup 4-2 at Burscough on Saturday. Lee reckons that bad defensive play is becoming more and more costly for Moors, and he said: "Our defending is a big, big
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No room at the sanctuary
A HEDGEHOG sanctuary is full this Christmas after it was inundated with homeless and injured creatures. Hedgehog Rescue Topcliffe, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, has an official capacity of 16 animals, but this year it is caring for 19 hedgehogs. Their
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Shoppers caught up in mass street brawl after pub row
MEN brandishing baseball bats and snooker cues took part in a mass brawl in a busy street on Saturday. Terrified shoppers were forced to run for cover as bricks and pint glasses were thrown during the violent skirmish. A witness told The Northern Echo
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Best of region's photographers come together to promote guide
THE Christmas dinner has not even been eaten, but already thoughts are turning to the balmy days of next summer. Not letting the grass grow under its feet, Scarborough Borough Council has launched its holiday guide for next year. And some stunning images
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Boss finds consolation in defeat as Darlington rue missed chances
David Hodgson's refusal to lambast his players on Saturday suggests all is not lost after all. You could forgive loyalty for getting in the way of the truth when a manager offers his post-match synopsis. But as the Darlington manager demonstrated seven
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TV review
Louis And The Nazis (BBC2) Promoted To Glory (ITV1) LOUIS Theroux's recent documentaries focusing on showbiz celebrities have made us forget that his line of seemingly-nave, bumbling questioning can yield great results in more serious circumstances. There
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Falcon numbers still on increase in North
THE peregrine falcon, the fastest bird on earth, continued to increase its numbers in northern England last year, according to recently published statistics. The peregrines' success story is remarkable because, by 1961, they almost became extinct nationwide
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Fish landing values break £2m barrier
THERE have been mixed fortunes for two North ports this year. Fish landing values at Whitby, North Yorkshire, have reached £2m in the past seven months, about £250,000 up on the same period last year. However at Scarborough, they have fallen £700,000,
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McAteer feared boss would do something stupid
SUNDERLAND skipper Jason McAteer revealed that Mick McCarthy was so incensed with the bizarre sending-off of Kevin Kyle he thought his manager "was going to kill someone''. McCarthy had to be physically restrained by Wimbledon counterpart Stuart Murdoch
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Terrorists planning Christmas US blitz
The US government warned last night that the nation faced the threat of a wave of terror attacks over Christmas greater than at any time since the September 11 outrages. Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said: "Information indicates that extremists
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Calf-rearing business planning bid rejected
A CALF-REARING business near Darlington could be in jeopardy because of a planning decision. Darlington Borough Council's planning committee refused a retrospective application for a caravan on land at Killerby Bridge and rejected plans to build a stable
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Pool tragedy pupils are questioned
POLICE investigating the death of a teenager at a school swimming session have spent the weekend questioning pupils who were with him at the time. Daniel Readshaw was one of two dozen students in the pool at St John's Roman Catholic School, in Bishop
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Why does Christmas turn women into tarts?
WHAT are retailers of women's wear thinking this Christmas? I went shopping last week to give myself a seasonal boost and was deeply offended by what greeted me on the high street's clothes rails. All the nice outfits had been taken away to be replaced
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Hip replacement patient back on his feet in hours
THE first patient in the region to undergo revolutionary surgery was on his feet hours after his operation. Brian Fenton, 68, had his hip replaced using a new technique developed in the US and carried out by consultant surgeon Mr Tony Nargol. The former
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'Wishing well' to seek views of residents
PEOPLE living in two parts of Darlington are being invited to make a New Year wish for their communities. Residents of the Cockerton East and North Road areas of the town can make written contributions to a "wishing well" that will be available in Cockerton
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Smoking ban imposed by council
SMOKERS are being sent out into the cold after a council declared all its buildings tobacco-free zones. A shelter being provided outside Wear Valley District Council's offices in Crook could be the only place for smokers to feed their addiction now that
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Tribute to lecturer
TWO graduates have paid tribute to an inspirational lecturer after achieving an academic prize awarded in his name. The Steve Baldwin Memorial Prize is given in memory of the psychology lecturer, who died in the Selby train crash of February 2001. Catherine
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School's hospice tonic
youngsters from Yarm Primary School have raised about £1,000 for the Butterwick Children's Hospice. Last week, families and friends donated cash to the hospice while watching pupils taking part in the school's Christmas productions and a sing-along. Staff
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Skateboarding facility opens ahead of schedule
skateboarding facilities have opened in Middlesbrough, two months ahead of schedule. The Park End skateboarding centre and multi-use sports court for football and basketball will be open over the Christmas holidays. The initiative has been led by environmental
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Open meetings about proposed council tax rise
THE leader of North Yorkshire County Council is going on the road to consult people about his pledge to keep any proposed council tax rise to half that of last year. Councillor John Weighell will be holding open meetings with communities during January
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Leanne is at the peak of fitness
THE fitness regime of leisure centre regular Leanne Seymour has helped her scoop a top prize. She took part in a challenge laid down by staff to people who use the centre, in Bedale, to tackle five of the largest man-made structures in the world. But
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Security reminder after card fraud bid
TRADING standards officers in the North-East are urging people to be on their guard when using credit cards to pay for Christmas presents bought on the Internet. The warning follows the case of a Hartlepool man who bought a camera with his credit card
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Football starts visit hospitals
Soccer stars scored off the pitch when they dropped in at hospitals on Teesside. The goal of Middlesbrough Football Club's first team was to bring Christmas cheer to children's wards at the University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton, and the James Cook
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Young adventurers seeking sponsorship
YOUNG adventure-seekers have appealed for support to help send them on an adventure of a lifetime in the Central American rainforest. Fifteen sixth form students at Durham Johnston School have been given the opportunity to take part in Operation Wallacea
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Village in shock after two teenagers killed in crash
A COMMUNITY was last night trying to come to terms with the shock of a double death tragedy on a village road. The accident, at Annfield Plain, near Stanley, County Durham, claimed the lives of two local teenagers and left two other young men from the
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Police and council pitch in with football contest
A TOWN'S teenagers kick off a new football tournament today, following an early Christmas gift from local police and council leisure staff. Seven-a-side teams from across Chester-le-Street and surrounding villages take part in the competition organised
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Storytime from glass to Finnish
A festive feature is adding seasonal warmth to an exhibition of decorative glass from Finland. Storyteller Chris Bostock is giving children a flavour of Finland as part of the Christmas events programme at the National Glass Centre, in Sunderland. The
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Darlington could receive transport funds
Seven English towns are in the running to receive funding through the Government's multi-million pound Sustainable Transport Town initiative, it was announced today. The Department for Transport has set aside £7.5 million to help develop plans for sustainable
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Falcon numbers still on increase in North
THE peregrine falcon, the fastest bird on earth, continued to increase its numbers in northern England last year, according to recently published statistics. The peregrines' success story is remarkable because, by 1961, they almost became extinct nationwide
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Arts theatre set for Barnard Castle
A £6 million scheme was unveiled yesterday to upgrade and expand a market town's biggest public building to make it suitable for all sorts of activities. The plans will revitalise the 150 year old Witham Hall, which looks imposing in the centre of Barnard
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When chessy balls are just not enough
THE festive period is the perfect time for having friends over for drinks and a light bite to eat. A finger buffet or canape party is ideal - you want to invite more than ten people and you don't really feel like cooking a three-course meal. But what
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Crafty days out at DLI museum
A military museum is encouraging people to take part in free art and craft workshops. Fun events for all ages are on offer in a series of family workshops over Christmas at the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Museum and Durham Art Gallery. Organised by museum
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Frustration sets in as Pool can't find a way through
THE f-word was on everyone's lips at Victoria Park on Saturday. Neale Cooper, Chris Westwood, Micky Barron and Ritchie Humphreys were all quick to say it; 4,000 Hartlepool United supporters came out with the same and, despite the time of year, it wasn't
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Albany Northern League: Four-midable Shotton returns to boost Crook's survival bid
Late replacement John Shotton lifted the Second Division relegation gloom for struggling Crook with a four-goal blast against neighbours Willington on Saturday. Shotton hadn't played a league game for several months, but Crook boss Alan Oliver signed
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England slump to third biggest defeat
England crashed to their third-heaviest defeat in Test history as Sri Lanka completed a series-deciding victory inside four days at Colombo. England lost by an innings and 215 runs, and only Australia in Brisbane in 1946-47 and the West Indies at Lord's
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It's a great life, thanks to a visit from Rudolph and his mates
SANTA'S reindeer took a break from the hectic festive build-up by calling into a North-East visitor attraction to bring some Christmas cheer to visitors. Children were able to get up close to the reindeer during the brief stop-off at the Life Science
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Firm find after death of work
A firm was fined £20,000 for safety breaches leading to the death of a worker. Paul Greenwood, 51, was crushed to death when he fell into a moving conveyor belt at a factory in Cramlington, Northumberland, in October 2001. A jury at Newcastle Crown Court
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Councillors vote for pay increase
DURHAM county councillors have voted themselves a £1,200 increase in their basic allowance just months after getting a £1,000 rise. But the Labour-run authority says the move will not cost council taxpayers more money as it is being funded by abolishing
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Quakers captain confident that victories will come
Darlington skipper Neil Maddison is confident that results will change for the better - providing they continue to create opportunities in front of goal. Quakers squandered a host of chances to score and they paid the ultimate price in Saturday's defeat
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Love is all you need...
Steve Pratt catches up with two of the many stars from Love Actually. Keira Knightly talks about the enjoyment of melting hearts by playing a marriage scene, while Bill Nighy admits his scene-stealing antics might earn him a No 1 hit single. EVEN tough
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Mowden survive late drama as try ruled out
DARLINGTON Mowden Park admitted that Christmas had come early as they escaped from a scrappy game in the Tynedale mud with a 14-13 win. Home flanker Grant Rastall appeared to have squeezed in for a try in the last minute, but the referee ruled that he
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22/12/03
CHRISTMAS CARDS: ARE we losing the plot in this great nation? The Scottish Parliament, for fear of incitement, did not wish to send out "nice" Christmas cards. The same stance was taken by the Culture Department, whose card had "goal" in the centre. Own
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Award for boy's football courage
A FOOTBALL-LOVING youngster who plays in goal for his school football team - despite having an artificial leg - has received an award for his courage. Ten-year-old Michael Peel had his leg amputated in order to save his life when aged four after contracting
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North-East's retail centres report a bumper weekend
RETAILERS in the North-East last night said they were having a bumper Christmas, confounding gloomy predictions that rising interest rates and economic worries would deter shoppers. Shopping centres across the region reported a surge of bargain-hunters
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Review: The Wind In The Willows, West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds
IN the past, the Playhouse has celebrated Christmas not with a pantomime but a musical. This year it's a play - and I hesitate to categorise it as a children's play because Alan Bennett's adaptation of Kenneth Grahame's novel and Ian Brown's production
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The serious side of Louis
Louis And The Nazis (BBC2); Promoted To Glory (ITV1); LOUIS Theroux's recent documentaries focusing on showbiz celebrities have made us forget that his line of seemingly-nave, bumbling questioning can yield great results in more serious circumstances.
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North-East's retail centres report a bumper weekend
RETAILERS in the North-East last night said they were having a bumper Christmas, confounding gloomy predictions that rising interest rates and economic worries would deter shoppers. Shopping centres across the region reported a surge of bargain-hunters
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Residents are warned of cold-call cowboys
A warning is being given about doorstep callers who drop leaflets through the door, then call back later to offer repairs. The warning is part of The Northern Echo's Doorsteppers campaign, which was launched last month to try to stamp out the menace of
