Archive
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Peter gives a Manley display
Public enemy number one Peter Manley produced a top-class display to clinch his place in the quarter-finals of the Ladbrokes.com World Championship at the expense of Keith Deller. The Circus Tavern crowd made their feelings known to Manley following his
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Anger over cash for dangerous bridges
THE Government was last night accused of ignoring pleas for cash to prevent another Selby-type rail disaster. Local authorities in the region carried out checks on railway bridge barriers following the disaster in which ten people died. The results revealed
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Theft from hotel safe fails to disturb guests
THIEVES stole more than £4,000 from a country hotel at the weekend after unlocking an office door and opening the safe. They entered and left the Jersey Farm, a 20-bedroom hotel on the outskirts of Barnard Castle, on Sunday without being disturbed. It
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Me and My Health
BORN in London on July 12, 1964. Leah Bracknell is best known for her role as Zoe Tate on Emmerdale. She is currently promoting her health video Leah Bracknell Yoga & You, which is now available priced £12.99 video and £17.99 DVD. Bracknell is married
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Young ice star's selection headache
A YOUNG ice hockey star has been called-up to play for his country but is hoping a Father Christmas-type figure will come forward to help make his dreams come true. Twelve-year-old Andrew Finn was handed an early Christmas present after being selected
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All aboard for a glimpse of how railway heritage is the shape of things to come
A GREAT North-East tradition will get the celebration it deserves later this year, with the long-awaited opening of a multi-million pound railway village. The interactive Shildon Railway Village is far from finished, but a sneak preview tour of the site
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Bird heads them home in repeat of 2002
DESPITE a time-consuming spin on the opening stage, Penrith's Paul Bird (Hyundai Accent WRC) successfully defended his Specsavers Christmas Stages title. After a day-long battle around Croft Circuit he led home Scotsmen John Bogie/Davie Paterson (MG Metro
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Tow Law and District League
Positions and points in the Captain's Table: 1st equal Newhouse Club and Tow Law Dan's Castle B 21 points; 3rd Tow Law Football Club; 4th equal Hamilton Row Black Horse and Tow Law Station 16 each; 6th Sunniside Comedian 15; 7th Tow Law New Market B 14
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Ballet for Jimmy
THE latest series of Auf Wiedersehen Pet very nearly wasn't set in Cuba. That country had been suggested as a setting for the latest escapade by Whitley Bay-born Ian La Frenais, co-writer of the series with Dick Clement. Nail was among those who visited
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Noel fits Pet
THE newest member of the Auf Wiedersehen Pet gang was more nervous working on the latest series than when he joined the British brickies on their return to TV screens last year. Noel Clarke was brought in as Wyman, son of missing Wayne, when the series
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Theatre's restoration not so ground-breaking
IT seems a touch ironic that Richmond's Georgian Theatre Royal is in line for a major design award. The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors has singled out the £1.5m refurbishment as one of the most remarkable and innovative buildings in the world.
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Worthington CIU League
Top Ten breaks in the First Division are: 1st Andrew Aisbitt (Cockton Hill) 75; 2nd and 3rd Paul Atkinson (Spennymoor A) 62 and 61; 4th, 5th and 6th Andrew Aisbitt (Cockton Hill) 54,51 and 50; 7th equal David Waites (Old Shildon), Paul Nord (Witton Gilbert
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A clear case of glass houses and stones
AS something of a break from tradition, I thought I would suggest a New Year's resolution I wish everyone would make. In 2004 I hope people look at their own performance before criticising others. Certain individuals are far too quick to throw stones
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Barn restoration brings back old-style haymaking
THE restoration of a ramshackle 200-year-old field barn has allowed a Dales farmer to re-start traditional haymaking. Richard Greenwood, who farms near the remote hamlet of Foxup at the head of Littondale in the Yorkshire Dales, successfully applied to
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Comment from The Northern Echo: Simple solutions
NORMALLY, this leader column discusses the world's weightier matters, like how US President George Bush and UK Prime Minister Tony Blair can bring peace to the Middle East. Or whether reform of the public services can work, or whether the Government's
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Learning how to be sporting leaders
SEVEN former pupils from Bedale High School have successfully completed their Community Sports Leadership Award (CSLA) course. The students, who all left the school last year and are currently studying in year 12 at Richmond School and Northallerton College
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Offer of help in tracing family history
PEOPLE who want to find out more about their family history can get help at the library. The Darlington Centre for Local Studies, in the town's Crown Street Library, has information and advice about tracing ancestors using information from censuses, church
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Sea holds no fears for charity dippers
IT takes nerves of steel and an ability to smile in the face of adversity, but one plucky band of fundraisers proved they have just that yesterday. While most people stayed snugly indoors as winter held the region in its grip, they not only went out to
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New Year sees a flurry of arrivals
MATERNITY staff were rushed off their feet yesterday as a hospital experienced a New Year's Day baby boom. The first arrival of 2004 was Kieran Matthews, born an hour into the New Year in the maternity ward at the University Hospital of North Durham.
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Community centre brings hopes of a healthier future
WHEN a health survey was carried out on Darlington's Firthmoor estate four years ago it made for depressing reading. More than 12 per cent of residents were claiming incapacity benefit, compared with 7.6 per cent nationally. The rate of teenage pregnancies
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Head thanks businesses for support
THE headteacher of a primary school spared from closure last year has thanked local businesses for their support. Chris Young, of Ferryhill's Dean Bank Primary School, said he had been overwhelmed by the community support shown during the past term. The
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Nursery is accredited with quality
A NURSERY is celebrating after receiving national accreditation. The Just Learning nursery, in Ingleby Barwick, has been given Quality Counts accreditation by the National Day Nurseries Association. The association is dedicated to the provision and promotion
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Hospital appeal reaches £10,000
A HOSPITAL appeal to provide a tranquil retreat for patients has reached £10,000. The University Hospital of Hartlepool fund reached the milestone following a £1,000 donation from the now disbanded St Aidan's Bingo Club. Nurses launched the appeal in
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Broadcasters wanted for radio station
ANYONE who has ever dreamed of becoming the next Terry Wogan is being invited to volunteer to help run a new community radio station. For four weeks, starting next month, Radio Teesdale will broadcast to Barnard Castle and the surrounding area. The station
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Building gets Army makeover
SOLDIERS have been lending their talents to a project to help young people learn valuable skills for the future. Spotlight Training and Media, which runs courses for students aged between 14 and 16 who may not be in school education, has taken over premises
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Party season is ideal time to recycle
RESIDENTS in Wearside are being urged to build on the success of a recycling project. The Kerb-it recycling scheme has been a success in Sunderland, and staff are hoping for a bumper start to 2004. Wearsiders are being asked to put aside their extra empty
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Council staff boost charity
COUNCIL workers, who brought some fairytale magic to the office, have raised £570 for a children's charity. Staff in Newcastle City Council's business development unit dressed up as pantomime favourites such as Cinderella and Prince Charming. They collected
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Ready for celebrations
CHINESE New Year celebrations in Newcastle will be marked by firecrackers and colourful dances later this month. In Chinese tradition, each New Year is linked to an animal and 2004 is the Year of the Monkey. The Chinese New Year is on Sunday, January
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Black cats fans can snap up memorabilia
RARE Sunderland Football Club memorabilia will go under the hammer next week. The collectors' pieces include a 1937 FA Cup Final programme and cigarette cards featuring star players from the glory days of Roker Park. They will be on sale at a public auction
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Rotarians boost garden funds
CROOK Rotary Club is helping primary school children create an environmental garden. President Ken Davison presented a £1,000 cheque to Howden-le-Wear Primary School, which is creating a study area for children and villagers. Half the money was collected
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Lindisfarne go back into top 40 after decade
NORTH-EAST musical legends Lindisfarne have a song back in the music charts 13 years after their last hit. Almost two months after their farewell gig at the Newcastle Opera House, a previously unknown Dorset schoolgirl has entered the top 40 with a track
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Hambleton leading the way in county NVQ standings
MORE adults in the Hambleton area are qualified to NVQ Level Four or its equivalent than anywhere else in North Yorkshire, figures reveal. Some 23.7 per cent have such a qualification - compared to an average of 21.6 per cent across the county as a whole
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Police seek attackers
POLICE are hunting youths they believe are using a car to target vulnerable people. A 74-year-old Skelton woman, who was unloading shopping from a trolley into a car in the Somerfield car park off Milton Street, in Saltburn, at about 12.10pm on Monday
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Villagers admit defeat as developer buys church
MIDDLETON St George Methodist Church is likely to be turned into a luxury home instead of a village hall. The church, which was built in 1869 and still retains many original features, had fallen into disuse owing to a lack of support and went on to the
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Town rugby club merger talks collapse
DARLINGTON chairman Bill Jones has confirmed that amalgamation talks with Mowden Park are off. In the club's newsletter, Jones writes: "I know from discussions with Darlington club members that Mowden's link-up with Newcastle Falcons is viewed with some
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Manufacturing jobs in crisis
THE jobs crisis enveloping the manufacturing sector was highlighted by research showing a manufacturing job was lost every two minutes of the working day last year. More than 73,000 jobs were axed across the UK in 2003, more than in the previous year,
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Jackson Anderson Accountants Spennymoor Sunday League
A POSSIBLE title deciding game will be held this Sunday when Old Shildon take on Loves. Weather permitting, the two top favourites for the league championship will do battle in a game that could suggest who'll lift the title come May. Old Shildon dropped
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Engineers continue restoration
ENGINEERS continued to battle to restore electricity supplies to homes across the North-East and North Yorkshire last night. Supplies were expected to be completely restored to all customers by midnight after New Year's Eve blizzards and gales left 51,000
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Positive action
Sir, - The letter from Nic Best (D&S, Dec 26) only adds to my personal outrage at how commercial aircraft (passenger and cargo) continue to pollute this planet's fragile atmosphere without being charged a sufficient levy to repair the damage in some
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Man held over hit-and-run
Just before 8pm a 21-YEAR-OLD man was arrested yesterday after the death of a cyclist in a hit-and-run accident. Window cleaner Kevin Frater, 38, had been riding a bicycle along a rural road not far from his home in Ushaw Moor, County Durham, on New Year's
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Joy for South Durham
South Durham Amateur Boxing Club finished the 2003 strongly and go into 2004 hoping for more of the same. Paul Warnet got to the semi-finals of a Novice championship while Mark Davies reached the finals of the same championships where he came a close
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BHS news on-line
THE British Horse Society has launched its first ever e-newsletter, British Horse online. Created to tie in with the society's membership magazine, British Horse, it offers up-to-date information, including campaigns and news from head office and around
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Curry Cup
Quarter finals draw: Andrew Aisbitt (Co. Hill) v Jimmy Evans (Shotton Palms); Steve Armstrong (Crowtrees A) v Ian Renwick (Witton Gilbert); Dave Walker (Wheatley Hill A) v Scott Mallaburn (Sherburn Vill.); Willis Joynes (Witton Gilbert) v Paul Atkinson
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Pony dates
BSPS Area 3a. - Jan 25 and Feb 22: Novice winter shows at Northallerton EC. Mar 13: Novice winter show at Richmond EC. All starting at 9am. Entries and information from Linda Ransome 01642 714928. The annual show is moving from Driffield to Stokesley
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Mother makes plea after son goes missing
THE mother of a teenager with mental health problems who disappeared shortly before a family Christmas dinner is pleading with him to get in touch. Michael West, a long-term patient at Middleton St George Hospital, in Darlington, had been allowed to return
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A clear case of glass houses and stones
AS something of a break from tradition, I thought I would suggest a New Year's resolution I wish everyone would make. In 2004 I hope people look at their own performance before criticising others. Certain individuals are far too quick to throw stones
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The Northern Echo Darlington Sunday Invitation League
Only four games were played on Sunday but significantly Killinghall Arms went to the top of division one after a 6-3 victory away to the Shuttle and Loom. Newton Aycliffe Sports Club kept up the pressure at the top of the table with a 6-1 victory bottom
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Liverpool hold no fears for the King of Latvia
For most Third Division managers a third round FA Cup tie against Liverpool would represent the most daunting challenge of their careers. Not for Yeovil's Gary Johnson. In two-and-a-half years as Latvia's national coach and technical director, Johnson
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02/01/04
EARTHQUAKE AID: THE earthquake in Bam, Iran, has killed over 20,000 people, leaving many thousands injured and destroying 80 per cent of the city. In the aftermath of this disaster children who survived are now in a desperate situation, traumatised, without
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Market closed
Sir, - I applaud all the hard work which has been undertaken in Darlington recently to promote late-night opening on the four Thursdays running up to Christmas. The extra events and markets on High Row provided a particularly festive feel. However, having
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£500,000 revamp for hotel which seemed set to close
A HOTEL which seemed destined for closure six months ago is to be refurbished at a cost of £500,000. Plans to convert the Croft Spa Hotel, near Darlington, into houses and apartments were withdrawn in June following objections from residents who feared
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Jailed vicar barred by Church
A VICAR jailed for having sex with a 13-year-old schoolgirl has been barred by the Church. Married Kevin Conway was jailed for three-and-a-half years after he admitted two specimen charges of indecent assault, one of indecency and three of having unlawful
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Ship race promises records
THE return of the Tall Ship's Race to the North-East looks set to be a record-breaker. Next year, the event is coming to Newcastle and Gateshead -the only UK port that will host the race, along with Waterford, in Ireland, Cherbourg, in France, and Fredrikstad
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Little terrors
SOAP children are meant to suffer, but little Bethany, the unfortunate child of schoolgirl mum Sarah, is going to be a bundle of neurosis when she grows up. Hardly a week goes by without someone abducting her. This week it's the turn of psycho-granny
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Keep counting the calories
Fat Friends (ITV1): Carrie's War (BBC1); JUST when you've stopped feeling guilty about over-indulging over the Christmas period, along comes Kay Mellor's slimming club comedy-drama to remind everyone to keep counting the calories. This was a large, jumbo-size
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Fire service share of council tax bill set to soar
A MASSIVE increase in fire service costs is on the cards for council tax payers in North Yorkshire. The fire and rescue element of the annual charge is set to rise by about 30pc. Brigade managers, who are setting up special meetings to explain the rise
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More than good enough in a village at the centre of the D&S universe
I'VE had a soft spot for the Grange Arms at Hornby ever since, in a strange exercise of mindless irrelevance, I'd worked out that it was the pub at the very centre of this newspaper's circulation area. There was no serious geographical justification for
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Shoptalk: How good was your smoothie?
Making sure you get your vitamin quota has never been easier, thanks to the range of fruit smoothies on the market, but which will really set your tastebuds tingling? Shoptalk investigates. RIGHT, that's it. Wake up your system in the nicest possible
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Kall Kwik Harrogate League
First Division champions Harrogate Squash, who finished five points ahead of Ilkley to take last season's title are finding the going tough this term. At half way they are 30 points adrift of leaders Chapel Allerton. The current title holders are four
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Shop cannot stay in the pink, but lack of vote angers owners
THE owners of a greetings card shop have been ordered to tone down the colour of their listed building, despite the support of a 1,500-name petition. Peter and Ann Lown have run Castle Cards in Barnard Castle for 12 years but fell foul of Teesdale District
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Hambleton Ales North Yorkshire League
Neighbours Thirsk and Northallerton are battling to avoid relegation from Division One at the season's half-way stage. Pateley Bridge are currently bottom with just 35 points while Thirsk are second bottom and Northallerton just one place above them.
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Ice hockey: Junior round-up
Sunderland Cherokees were convincing 8-1 winners at Blackburn Sparrowhawks in the English U12 North A League. Cherokees began the scoring after two minutes through Ashleigh Holland and a brace from Callum Davies gave Sunderland a 3-0 lead at 08.25. By
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Tow Law Coors
The Captain's League Championship looks likely to go down to the final match as Tow Law New Market A only hold a single points advantage over Billy Row Club. Full positions and points: 1st Tow Law New Market A 18 points; 2nd Billy Row Club 17; 3rd Cornsay
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Crook League
Positions and points in the Captain's Table: 1st Willington Market 8 points; 2nd equal Surtees, Coach & Horses B and White Swan B 7 each; 5th equal Royal Sun and White Swan A 6 each; 7th equal Belle Vue Club, Spitfire Club, Queen's Head A, Brewer's
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There's a Belle of the Wolverhampton ball worth following
Course specialists are invariably horses to have on your side when it comes to betting at tracks like Wolverhampton. And Ashtree Belle, who has notched three wins at Dunstall Park (two over this trip) looks to have decent claims in the Littlewoods Bet
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Fakes forcing shops to close
counterfeiting operations are forcing shops to close because of lost business. Trading standards bosses across the region are reporting huge rises in black market copies of music CDs and films on DVD. Investigators have uncovered mini factories in houses
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Worthington CIU Winter Team Knockout
Hunwick A recovered from a 44 points deficit going into the final frame to pull off a giant-killing act when they beat the visiting First Division team, Old Shildon. Third Division, Hunwick received 48 points start but this was changed to a five points
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Artist opens school's £85,000 studio
THE artist Mackenzie Thorpe officially opened a new art studio at Mowbray School, Bedale. Designed by architect Robert O'Brien, its internal features incorporate a vaulted ceiling with open wooden beams and large windows giving views across the countryside
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Bedale pupils are 'capped'
Two Bedale High School pupils have received their Yorkshire caps for cricket. Year nine pupil Bradley Elsworth who represents the school, Hambleton and Richmondshire Area, North Yorkshire, Bedale Juniors and Bedale 2nd XI played twice for the Yorkshire
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Consett Sunday League
The weather severely affected the league programme and the only matches to take place were all in Division Three. And, both the top two sides - who are both unbeaten - widened the gap with their other rivals by claiming maximum points. Burgoynnes made
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Shops lose trade as lights go out
MANY High Street shops and businesses in Northallerton were hit by power cuts on two of the busiest days of the year this week. The lights went out on Monday and Tuesday, forcing many stores and firms to close. Angry traders could only look on as shoppers
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Riding school boss claims 'they're trying to force us out'
THE owner of Saltburn Riding School says people are trying to force his business out of town. Residents living in Howard Drive and Marske Road, in Marske, no longer want a line of about 20 horses trekking past their homes on the way to the beach. They
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Favourite bag has Echoes of home
ON the catwalks of Milan it might not quite cut it as a glamorous accessory. But for a reader of The Northern Echo who lives in the Italian fashion capital, a bag bearing the name of his favourite newspaper is absolutely de rigueur. For the past 15 years
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Worthington CIU Team Plate
First round draw, to be played on or before January 26: Belmont v Fishburn A; New Durham v Wheatley Hill B; Leeholme A v St. Central; Old Shildon v Wheatley Hill A.
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Dairy cows' dry matter intake is major challenge in winter
KEEPING dry matter intakes at a level which will sustain dairy cows' full production potential through a long winter is a perennial challenge for North-Eastern dairy farmers. This winter, with unusually stemmy and fibrous grass silage and maize which,
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Message to the meet: we'll be back for years to come
THE Zetland Hunt gathered on the green outside the Stanwick Arms at Aldbrough St John for its Boxing Day meet watched by a crowd of people from Aldbrough and surrounding villages. All the riders, young and old, male and female - and their horses - were
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When I'm a dictator, I'll get back the PC
THE COLUMN'S been a near-run thing this week, I can tell you. Santa brought Sir some build-and run-your-own-train-set software for Christmas and getting a turn on our PC while he's been running Sir Nigel Gresley, hauling coal trucks inexplicably backwards
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Sing-along player call
A SMALL community has been given a Wurlitzer organ - and has now launched a hunt for someone to play it. The instrument has been installed in a new common room at the Sir William Turner's Almshouses at Kirkleatham. Peter Sotheran, chairman of the board
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Now you see them . . .
A MAGICIAN is offering a reward after more than £2,000 worth of his props vanished into thin air. Raiders who broke into Daniel Hunt's garage in Butterknowle, County Durham, made off with a haul which included a samurai sword and a box in which he chops
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Jane enjoys high drama
Steve Pratt talks to actress Jane of Arnfield about her decison to visit Everest during research for her new play Geneva. SOME actors are prepared to go further than others in researching a role. Jane Arnfield's latest theatrical venture took her a long
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New-look Georgian theatre in line for major design award
RICHMOND'S Georgian Theatre Royal has been shortlisted in an international building of the year competition. The eighteenth century venue is one of two buildings in Yorkshire to be chosen to battle it out in the final of the Royal Institute of Chartered
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Ambulance crew call-outs on increase over the New Year
AMBULANCE crews in the North-East dealt with more than 2,500 calls between New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. The North-East Ambulance Service control room, which covers Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and County Durham, received 548 calls between noon
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Spectacular glimpses of forgotten history
LIFE-size painted figures go on display at the Hatton Gallery in Newcastle this month in an unusual exhibition by the artist Lubaina Himid. This new collection, entitled Naming the Money, was commissioned by the gallery and will feature 100 figures, making
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Campaign to cut heart disease
A CAMPAIGN to cut the number of sudden deaths among young people will get high-profile exposure next week. North-East MP Dari Taylor will outline her proposals to improve detection and treatment of rare heart conditions to the House of Commons. She is
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Johnston heads the field
MARK JOHNSTON must be the lead as we review the year, for he swiftly cracked his tenth successive century of winners, rushed through both the £1 million prize money mark and then the £2m level, and produced the finest batch of juveniles yet. He has live
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Fakes forcing shops to close
Counterfeiting operations are forcing shops to close because of lost business. Trading standards bosses across the region are reporting huge rises in black market copies of music CDs and films on DVD. Investigators have uncovered mini factories in houses
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Work starts on restoration of museum's collection
IN the hidden corridors of a North-East museum, work has started to restore one of the largest collections of textiles in Britain. In the maze of stairs and store rooms behind the exhibition rooms of the Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, County Durham,
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New year, new diet
SAY goodbye to flab - and ring in the New Year with a new diet. Dr Atkins may have revolutionised the way we ate and drank last year, but there are many alternative diets for 2004 which may tip him off the popularity scales. There's the new GI Diet, the
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Blizzards usher in New Year
SNOW brought a seasonal start to the New Year - but high winds and ice meant it was a miserable beginning to 2004 for many people. But despite the atrocious weather conditions, police reported one of the quietest days for accidents on the region's roads
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Why it's no longer an honour
As the New Year's Honours List reveals the usual mix of celebrities, sports stars and civil servants, Glen Reynolds argues that an honours system based on snobbery and hierarchy has no place in 21st century Britain. THERE is something very British about
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Not so bad
Sir, - After reading your leading article, "Reviving Death Valley" in last week's edition, I came to the conclusion that if I was a resident of, or a business on, Long Street, Thirsk, I would be deeply offended by your remarks, especially the one that
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Coffee shop could be lost in hospital revamp
THE Friends of the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton may lose their popular coffee shop as part of a massive revamp of the hospital site. The main catering area will serve coffee and tea, taking over the service from volunteers. The Friends say their
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Road safety tops spending priority
JUST over £28m is to be spent on transport projects in North Yorkshire this year following an improved financial settlement from the Government as part of its council tax "cushion.'' It has been announced that the authority administering England's largest
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King of the comic book
Steve Pratt meets the real Harvey Pekar who has inspired one of the most original movies in years with his animated creations of ordinary US life. HARVEY Pekar is an original. A hospital filing clerk and jazz lover who found a cult audience through his
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This year will see return to 'real farming' in UK
UK FARMERS will experience a return to "real farming" in 2004, according to Andersons, the farm business consultants. The company predicts a rapid reorganisation of the industry when the final shape of the Fischler reforms to the CAP becomes clear during
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New To Rent
Roger Dodger (15) Stars: Campbell Scott, Jesse Eisenberg, Jennifer Beals, Elizabeth Berkley, Isabella Rossellini. Advertising executive Roger Swanson (Scott) is fast approaching the big 4-0 and has just been rudely cast aside by his boss and lover, Joyce
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Blizzard victims get helping hand
PEOPLE across the North-East and North Yorkshire rallied to help each other after New Year's blizzards caused thousands of homes to lose power. As engineers worked to restore supplies, community spirit was in evidence in towns and villages across the
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Auckland Area League
Top 15 places in the quest for the Individual Player of the Year: 1st Ritchie Turner (Voltigeur B) 14 wins from 16 games; 2nd Steve Jones (Voltigeur B) 13 from 16; 3rd Malcolm Parry (King's Head) 13 from 18; 4th David Baird (King's Head) 13 from 19; 5th
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The perils of a severe winter for the little bird with a big voice
WRENS were particularly active in my part of the world during the weeks before Christmas. Not only were they singing in their unusually loud voices, they could also be seen popping in and out of hedgerows and exploring garden borders, seeking food or
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Fire crews rescue dog from icy pond
A DOG was rescued by firefighters after he fell through ice on a frozen pond. Zak, a springer spaniel, was minutes from being overcome by the cold after he was trapped in the ice while out walking with his owner at Hebburn, Tyneside. As the seven-year-old
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Storms cut power to thousands of homes
EMERGENCY teams were still battling to restore power supplies last night after gales, blizzards and freezing temperatures brought New Year misery to tens of thousands of the region's homes. The Arctic blast brought down miles of power cables across the
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CIU Branch Individual Championship
Quarter-final draw: B. Shaw (Chilton & Windlestone) v D. McGuire (South Hylton); A. Aisbitt (Old Shildon) v W. Robson (Murton Victoria); C. Harrison (Corporation Welfare) v S. Mallaburn (Sherburn Village); P. Atkinson (Spennymoor) v A. Craig (Stanley
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Matthews leveller gives Quakers hope
DARLINGTON fans will be glad to see the back of 2003, although the year ended on a slightly more encouraging note with last Sunday's 1-1 draw at Carlisle United. A goal from on-loan striker Lee Matthews earned Quakers a vital point from the clash between
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Tow Law Scottish Courage League
The Individual Player of the Year is decided on the percentage of games won provided the player has played more than half of the team's fixtures. Current top 15: 1st Dave Walton (Comedian) played 31, won 25, lost 6, average 80.65%; 2nd David Murray (Dan's
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Silver Knight provides a easy Boxing Day present
SILVER KNIGHT gave us our Boxing Day present as he smoothly took the novice chase at Wetherby by 21 lengths under Russ Garritty. Tim Easterby said afterwards, "He loves jumping but he's still a bit green." He will probably stay in novice chases this season
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Richardson gets an extended opportunity
DARLINGTON Mowden Park will be without Mark Bedworth for three more weeks because of his hamstring injury, giving Dave Richardson the chance of an extended run at fly half. The former Stockton No 10 played at fly half and full back during his time with
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Police pursue who took car after camping trip
POLICE patrol officers from two forces were led on a lengthy pursuit after two young men took a car in a bid to get home from a camping trip. Steven Bellerby and a friend took the Vauxhall Astra from outside the owner's home in Crook, County Durham, intending
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The music man
So many musicians are crying out for space to rehearse, play and perform that North-East businessman Dave Cox decided to create a sound investment for them called The Forum. Viv Hardwick talks to the music man of 2004. NORTH-EAST businessman Dave Cox
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Pilot honoured for bravery under fire in Iraq conflict
A NORTH-EAST pilot has been honoured for his bravery under enemy fire in the recent Iraq conflict. Flight Lieutenant Steven Forster, 35, was awarded the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service, for his pioneering work testing an aircraft in battle conditions
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North Yorkshire site sees round-the-clock operation on 11 production lines
THERE have been so many developments at what is now the biggest ice- cream factory in Europe that it is difficult to keep track of them. The pace of growth has been such that the North Yorkshire operations of Richmond Foods, whose latest annual sales
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A long ball team? Not us, says Cooper
NEALE Cooper has been left bemused by Sunderland's pre-match opinion of Hartlepool United. The sides meet at the Stadium of Light tomorrow in the third round of the FA Cup, with Pool more than hopeful of causing an upset. Sunderland believe they are in
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Singing Santas stop burglars in their tracks
A TEENAGER is counting the cost of a burglary in which thieves fled after being startled by seven plastic Santas. Thirteen-year-old Chris Hoskin, who lives with his father on the Hunter's Hill Estate, in Guisborough, had returned home just before Christmas
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New Year Day joy for mother
FIVE proud brothers are celebrating after their mother gave birth to a girl on New Year's Day. Denise Khan was visiting her parents in Middlesbrough with her husband, Mohammed, and their five sons, when she experienced labour pains at about 12.50am yesterday
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Energy experts offer tips on keeping out the cold
A display aimed at raising awareness of the effects on health of cold and damp housing attracted more than 100 people. The exhibition, in Thirsk, was staged by Hambleton and Richmondshire Primary Care Trust (PCT), in conjunction with National Energy Action
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Christmas trees can aid recycling efforts
PEOPLE in Darlington are being urged to do their bit for the environment and recycle their Christmas trees. Darlington Borough Council is asking people to take real trees to collection points in the town from Sunday until Friday, January 16. The trees
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More recruits wanted for fostering
A COUNCIL is seeking more people to join its pioneering foster care scheme. Sunderland City Council launched its innovative Foster Care Worker Scheme in 1999. It offers ongoing training and extra funding for people looking after children. Recruits to
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Broadcasters wanted for radio station
ANYONE who has dreamed of becoming the next Terry Wogan is being invited to volunteer to help run a new community radio station. For four weeks, starting next month, Radio Teesdale will broadcast to Barnard Castle and the surrounding area. The station
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Increase in calls to police as snow falls
A COMBINATION of heavy snow and drinking led to an increase in calls to Darlington police on New Year's Eve. Sergeant Graham Charman said officers received a huge number of reports of people throwing snowballs on Wednesday night. Police also attended
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£1.58m investment to help bridge industry skills gap
efforts are being made to help close the skills gap in North Yorkshire. More than £1.5m is being invested in the county to help train people in areas including science, creative and marketing. The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is to be given £1.58m
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Green Howards crowned boxing champions for second year running
THEY may be far from home, but that has done nothing to dampen the sporting prowess of soldiers from the region. For the second year in a row, the Green Howards are the Army's Northern Ireland boxing champions. It is the first time any battalion has won
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20,000 shoppers enjoy centre's pantomime
A FREE pantomime has proved a hit once again with shoppers. The MetroGnomes, mascots at the Gateshead MetroCentre, took to the stage before Christmas and have been drawing in the crowds throughout the festive season. The three-week run of The MetroGnomes
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Chairman moots idea of festival for Stokesley
THE chairman of Stokesley Parish Council has revealed his vision of a town festival in 2005. Coun George Carter wants to see the entire town involved in a three-day celebration over the August bank holiday. Suggestions include events on the showfield,
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Young skaters and bikers show off skills
YOUNG skateboarders, BMX bikers and Inline skaters competed for cash prizes at an event staged by Airtime, Sedgefield Borough Council's mobile skatepark. Tthe contest was over two rounds and entrants had the ramps, grind rails and quarter pipes to themselves
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Longhorn Hardware Darlington and District League
Barnard Castle 4, East End WMC 5: Lewandowski and Robert Fell were both unlucky not to score in the opening minutes as they took the game to the more experience opponents. Nick Coverdale had a free kick well saved before Robert Hudson was brought down
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Trouble fears as estate is revamped
RESIDENTS and workers on a rundown and in places derelict housing estate have expressed fears over new anti-social behaviour problems. For the past few months, gangs of youths have congregated at Loftus Road, on the Mandale Estate, in Thornaby, causing
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Rotarians welcome first woman into their ranks
A ROTARY club has its first female member after 76 years as a men only organisation. Stockton Rotary Club, which was founded in 1928, has welcomed Christine Heap, 63, as their newest member. Ms Heap, from Stockton, taught at Haughton School, in Darlington
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Creative youngsters take part in award
CREATIVE young people in the North-East are to benefit from a new Government award. Arts Minister Estelle Morris has launched the Young People's Arts Award (YPAA) with 15 pilot projects around the country, including in Durham, Sunderland and Northumberland
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Mike's harbour role
ONE of the region's busiest ports has appointed a new harbourmaster. Captain Mike Nicholson takes up the post at the Port of Tyne. Capt Nicholson, who was born in Lanchester, near Consett, said one of his earliest memories was of crossing the River Tyne
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Students get a taste of working life
TWO students from Bishop Auckland college are putting their sports science course to practical use. Stephen Hanson and Dean Wilson are working part time in semi-professional football as sports therapists, under the guidance of lecturer Barry Dawson. Many
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Ship race promises records
THE return of the Tall Ship's Race to the North-East looks set to be a record-breaker. Next year, the event is coming to Newcastle and Gateshead -the only UK port that will host the race, along with Waterford, in Ireland, Cherbourg, in France, and Fredrikstad
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Redevelopment schemes win clearance from Prescott
DEPUTY Prime Minister John Prescott has cleared the way for the redevelopment for a derelict corner of Durham. He has approved four different planning applications for retail park developments on the Dragonville Industrial Estate that could create hundreds
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Students create textile display
STUDENTS from a college for the visually impaired are taking part in a colourful community project. The four second year students from Henshaws College, Harrogate, are creating three panels for a 12ft-square textile hanging that will eventually be given
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Workingmen's Club stalwart vows to help ensure their survival
A LEGEND in North-East workingmen's clubs has vowed to support the organisation through what he called its toughest time. Jack Amos, who became famous across the region for his Jack of Clubs column in the Sunday Sun newspaper, has left the national executive
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Parish's clergy dilemma continues
A parish has been without a vicar for eight months. Since Canon Ian Fox left in April, the parish of All Saints' Church, in Northallerton, with St James's, in Romanby, and St Lawrence's, in Kirby Sigston, has not had a vicar. At full-strength, the area
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Call to residents over £17m town centre redevelopment
RESIDENTS are being urged to view plans for a controversial redevelopment of their town before a planning application is discussed by councillors. Stockton Borough Council has submitted a full planning application for the £17m Billingham Gateway scheme
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Willington and District League
Willington New Inn are in a strong position to land the title in the Captain's League as they lead the table by three points with three matches remaining. Positions and points: 1st Willington New Inn 11 points; 2nd Willington Cottles A 8 points; 3rd equal
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A Gym'll Fix It
JOINING a gym may seem the perfect way to fight the post-festive flab but once your New Year resolve has crumbled it can prove an expensive option. And for a fraction of what it costs to join a gym, you can equip yourself with a basic home gym, tailor-made
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Little festive cheer for Antarctic team
AN ELECTRICIAN who went off to work in the Antarctic had a white Christmas but little cheer during the festive period. Allan Thomas left his job at Express Creamery, in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, to work at the British Antarctic Survey's immense
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Order of the boot
POTENTIALLY life-saving projects in Africa will benefit from the determination of a Richmond woman. Melony Gibb, 21, has signed up to complete a trek up Mount Kilimanjaro in February. She has to raise £2,800 to take part in the ten-day expedition, which
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Blizzards usher in New Year
SNOW brought a seasonal start to the New Year - but high winds and ice meant it was a miserable beginning to 2004 for many people. But despite the atrocious weather conditions, police reported one of the quietest days for accidents on the region's roads
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It's Auf to Cuba
Steve Pratt finds out how Tim Healy worked up the stamina to play Captain Hook in panto in Newcastle after months of filming Auf Wiedersehen, Pet in the tropics. The actor talks honestly about facing up to the gossip about his marital problems involving
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'Farmers being let down by system'
FARMERS are failing to get the help they need as they try to survive financially by diversifying into other businesses, an association has said. The North-East has seen a surge in farmers turning their backs on traditional farming methods following a
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Warning despite delays in licensing changeover
PLANS for Hambleton to take over licensing functions have been further delayed. The district council is not likely to take full control of the new premises licensing system until 2005. However, it will take over some of the responsibility for licensing
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Scientist given honorary professorship
SCIENTIST Robert Lamb has been awarded an honorary professorship by Heriot-Watt University, in Edinburgh. Mr Lamb, who specialises in laser technology, has received the title from the school of engineering and physical sciences. The 42-year-old is originally
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Sunderland Catholic Club Over-40s League
The League have a break until Saturday, January 10 when a full league programme will be played. With half the league matches completed a clearer picture has emerged as to promotion and relegation. In the Premier Steels Social are the clear leaders and
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Classical date for music fans
CLASSICAL music fans in the North-East have a summer date to pencil in their 2004 diaries. Durham County Cricket Club stages its annual promenade concert on Saturday, July 31, at the Riverside ground, in Chester-le-Street. A Last Night of the Proms atmosphere
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£4.5m rope bridge could open to public next year
A PROPOSAL for the longest pedestrian rope bridge in the world is to be taken to its next stage soon, and there are hopes it can be opened to the public as a tourist attraction next year. But the project to install the 550ft structure over the River Tees
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Feline four put £700 in kitty
THE coffers of Saltburn Animal Rescue Association have been boosted by four recent donations - £534 from a coffee morning held in Sunnyfield House, Guisborough; £38 from the Liverton Mines gala and £180 from a "dog viewing" event at Saltburn bandstand
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A prince among games
PRINCE OF PERSIA: SANDS OF TIME. Publisher: UbiSoft. Formats: PS2, PC, Xbox. Price: £39.99 or less. THE Prince of Persia was an absolute classic. As with the Broken Sword adventures I wrote about before Christmas, Prince of Persia was one of those games
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Price right for Hodgson as Collett stays sidelined
Darlington goalkeeper Andy Collett is facing more frustration on the sidelines after manager David Hodgson vowed to stick with current first-choice Michael Price. Despite returning to training at the start of the month, Collett has failed to reclaim the
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Norton in championships
Christmas came early for four of Norton Squash Club's junior players. Two consecutive weekends saw four exciting young and talented performances from Daniel Hockborn, Mathew Setterfield, Sarah Setterfield and sister Laura Setterfield. The first weekend
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Brave Gavin earns a place in last 16
Sixteen-year-old Gavin Robinson of Bishop Auckland has secured a place in the last 16 of the EASB National under-16 finals. With only one place available from the North-East he turned in some top quality performances at the recent preliminary play-offs
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Partners can leave their attic offices for new building
PARTNERS at a local firm of solicitors have been liberated from the attic over the Christmas break by a move to purpose-built premises. Hewitts Solicitors has expanded so much over the last 12 months that partners at the head office in Bishop Auckland
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Brand-name shop robbed
DETECTIVES were today hunting the thieves who raided a top-of-the-range clothing shop - and made off with up to £30,000 worth of stock. Staff at Geoffrey Gillow, in Darlington, returned to work yesterday to find that a vast array of exclusive clothing
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Richmond and Zetland Harriers
All being well, Richmond and Zetland Harriers will have nine runners competing in the London Marathon on Sunday, April 18. Four Club members, Mike Brooks, Ian Hepworth, Tony Hewson and Mark Mullin, out of seven who applied for places were accepted; two
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Mart prices
DARLINGTON. - Tues of last week. Fwd: 98 cattle, 185 sheep. Hfrs lt to 109.5p a kg or £410.63 each av 109.5p; med to 122.5p or £569.63 av 108.4p; heavy to 121.5p or £626.60 av 106.4p; young bulls med to 110.5p or £613.98 av 96.4p; heavy to 114.5p or £767.68
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Power station takes its first bio-fuel
THE massive Drax power station in Yorkshire will soon take delivery of its first consignment of home grown bio-fuel. It will be made up of more than 160 tonnes of short rotation willow coppice, harvested from the farm of NFU president, Sir Ben Gill. The
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Burton's Bytes: A prince among games
PRINCE OF PERSIA: SANDS OF TIME. Publisher: UbiSoft. Formats: PS2, PC, Xbox. Price: £39.99 or less. THE Prince of Persia was an absolute classic. As with the Broken Sword adventures I wrote about before Christmas, Prince of Persia was one of those games
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Fisheries scheme to improve river
LIFE will become much easier for fish battling their way up one of the region's most important rivers thanks to a £76,000 scheme. The Environment Agency has joined forces with British Waterways to improve the fish passage over Boroughbridge Weir, on the
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Hunt called off after icy weather conditions pose danger
IT has been a New Year tradition for many years, but if campaigners get their way, such gatherings could soon be a thing of the past. A crowd of more than 100 turned out yesterday to watch the spectacle as the Derwent Hunt gathered at Thornton-le-Dale
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Danyelle's drawing wins first prize again
AN ARTISTIC teenager has put everyone in the picture about where her priorities lie. Danyelle Woodmansey focused on people and relationships rather than material acquisitions when she entered a calendar painting competition on the theme of The Things
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£700 for the kitty
A GROUP of women have collected more than £700 for an appeal to build an animal sanctuary. Dressed as cats, Cathy and Helen Southall, Gina Oliver and Joanne Harris visited pubs at Saltburn, Marske, Guisborough and Redcar to raise funds for Saltburn Animal
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County loses a fifth of its farmers
A STARTLING 2,000 Yorkshire farm businesses have quit the industry in just five years. In 1997 there were nearly 10,000 full-time farm businesses in the region but in June 2002 there were only 7,876 - a fall of 21pc. These figures are contained in the
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Cruise family's race to get home
A NORTH-EAST family who became trapped on a cruise ship in Greek waters were last night facing a race against time to make their flight home. Mel and Joan Mason and their 14-year-old son Christopher, from County Durham, were among 100 Britons stuck on
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Looking Back
FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - A motor car rider, Mr R Armstrong, of Northallerton, complains that farmers are ignorant of the fact that if a rider holds up his hand against a motor car rider, the latter is bound, by law, to stop, and it is the
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Killing renews gun debate
A POLICE watchdog chairman says there is an urgent need for the Government to consider arming officers, after the Boxing Day shooting of West Yorkshire traffic patrolman Ian Broadhurst. Coun Ken Walker, chairman of the Cleveland Police Authority, says
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Sea holds no fears for charity dippers
IT takes nerves of steel and an ability to smile in the face of adversity, but one plucky band of fundraisers proved they have just that yesterday. While most people stayed snugly indoors as winter held the region in its grip, they not only went out to
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Ready for full-time challenge
A NEWLY-appointed rector will ring in a new year full of fresh challenges as she takes over church duties in three villages. The Rev Michelle Ferguson has been appointed rector of All Saints' Church, Hurworth, and St John's Church, Dinsdale, and vicar
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Hathaway and Cope Stokesley League
The League took a weekend off last Saturday which gives an opportunity to reflect on the season so far and look forward to what promises to be an interesting second half of the season. Last seasons league champions and North Riding Cup winners Thornaby
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The cold light of day
UNTIL the administrator has unravelled the full extent of the mess at Darlington Football Club, its true plight will not be entirely clear. But what is apparent now is that there is no future for George Reynolds as chairman. His investment in the new
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Workingmen's Club stalwart vows to help ensure their survival
A LEGEND in North-East workingmen's clubs has vowed to support the organisation through what he called its toughest time. Jack Amos, who became famous across the region for his Jack of Clubs column in the Sunday Sun newspaper, has left the national executive
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Dale blow
Sir, - I was saddened, dismayed and angry to read (D&S, Dec 19), that Upper Wensleydale had failed to attract funding from Sport England for a small swimming pool. The swimming authorities recommend no one should live further than 20 minutes travel
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Spate of thefts from filmgoers' cars
POLICE have appealed for motorists to be more vigilant after a spate of thefts from cars at Teesside Park over the weekend. Five cars parked outside the Showcase Cinema were broken into on Boxing Day. Thieves smashed their way into two more cars outside
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£2m college investment shows faith in future of farming
"THESE are exciting times," said Prof Gareth Rees, principal of Askham Bryan Agricultural College, near York. Not every college can express such sentiments but, having invested nearly £2m in the past two years and being given a £600,000 hand-out from
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Record numbers turn out to take Boxing Day dip in sea
HUNDREDS of brave swimmers splashed out for charities in an annual Boxing Day dip. Middlesbrough-Teesside Lions Club say a record number of hardy souls entered the sea at Redcar. Spokesman Chris Taylor said: "It went extremely well. "We had a record number
