Archive
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Can we afford to lose 120 years of history?
Darlington's next home game against Rochdale on January 31 is arguably the most important in their history after the administrators warned fans they must come out and support the club if they want Quakers to stay in existence. Every day leading up to
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Stun guns seized by police in house raid
POLICE are concerned that high-powered electric stun guns are appearing in County Durham. The weapons, which are illegal, deliver a temporary disabling electric shock of between 50,000 and 100,000 volts. Nationally, there is concern among police forces
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Man faces wounding charge
A MAN has appeared in court accused of wounding another man in Catchgate, near Stanley. Police found Graham Rafferty, 42, unconscious in Langdon Gardens at about 10pm on Sunday. Mr Rafferty, of nearby Harelaw Gardens, was taken to University Hospital
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Seeking sanctuary in the shed
"EVERY man should have a shed," said my husband pointedly on his return from his weekly Italian class. He was repeating what he'd overheard one of his fellow students saying. It's not the first time I've heard that view. It makes sense really, especially
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School opens fruit tuck shop
PUPILS queued up on Monday for the launch of a new tuck shop that only sells fruit. Consett Junior School opened a fruit bar to encourage youngsters to adopt a more healthy lifestyle. The pilot scheme was only open to Year 3 pupils, but more than half
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Jungle out there
Steve Pratt looks at the programme that millions claim wthy're not going to watch... until it gets interesting. I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here returns for a third series with a hotch-potch of celebs. THE format is getting repetitive. First come
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Castle setting for pupils' TV debuts
PRIMARY children were filmed for their television debut yesterday. The youngsters, from Lambton Primary School in Washington, Wearside, were all taking part in the BBC children's television programme, Crush, which was filmed at Lumley Castle, near Chester-le-Street
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Villagers doing it for themselves
Some dales communities have chosen to take their future into their own hands. At St John's Chapel's Barrington Hall, for example, a cinema and theatre project is backed by £300,000 of Lottery cash. Wolsingham School and Community College is earmarked
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Gran At Large: Seeking sanctuary in the shed
"EVERY man should have a shed," said my husband pointedly on his return from his weekly Italian class. He was repeating what he'd overheard one of his fellow students saying. It's not the first time I've heard that view. It makes sense really, especially
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'Good' school earns praise
INSPECTORS have praised a Derwentside school, but told teachers that pupils must be encouraged to become more independent. Leadgate Community Junior School in Alder Grove, Leadgate, near Consett, has been classed as 'good' after its Ofsted inspection
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Scaring the celebrities
Pamela Anderson, Simon Cowell and, possibly, even Michael Jackson make appearances in Scary Movie 3. Steve Pratt talks to the spoof movie makers. SOME people ask Airplane and Naked Gun director David Zucker how he managed to persuade Michael Jackson to
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Pressure builds for interest rate rise
THE likelihood of a rise in interest rates has increased after the latest figures showed a surge in homeowner borrowing. With the Bank of England anxious to prevent people becoming even more burdened by debt, the cost of borrowing is expected to rise
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New To Rent
American Pie: The Wedding (15) Universal Pictures Video, DVD £19.99/VHS £14.99) Stars: Jason Biggs, Seann William Scott, Alyson Hannigan, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Thomas Ian Nicholas, January Jones, Eugene Levy, Molly Cheek, Deborah Rush, Fred Willard AFTER
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Witnesses to crash have lied, court told
AN 18-year-old man accused of killing a schoolgirl in a car crash was not driving dangerously, a court heard. Naomi Ashman, from Stokesley, North Yorkshire was a rear seat passenger in Lee Leonard's Citroen Saxo car when it left the road and crashed into
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Exploits of a war hero retold in exhibition
THE exploits of the only man to win a Victoria Cross on D-Day are to be highlighted in an exhibition. Stan Hollis, a sergeant major with the Green Howards, showed astonishing bravery on June 6, 1944, when he landed on the beach at Normandy. A Middlesbrough
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Design team celebrates early victory in the 2012 Olympics
IT is the dream of every designer to have their work splashed across billboards and advertising hoardings worldwide. That dream is about to become a reality for the former Darlington man who designed the logo for Britain's Olympic bid. As Prime Minister
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Winds of change bring new hope to devastated dale
SLOWLY but surely, a dale devastated by job losses is getting back on its feet. Two years after isolated Weardale, in County Durham, learned that it was losing 147 well paid posts at Lafarge Cement's Eastgate plant, new projects are getting under way
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Students lap up cycling event
STUDENTS had a go on a circular cycle as part of a roadshow aiming to promote cycling as a safe and healthy means of transport. The circular seven-seater cycle is steered by one person while the other six provide pedal power, which drives the back wheels
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'Manufacturing sector is driving regional renaissance'
THE manufacturing sector is driving an economic renaissance in the region, according to a report. Business confidence is high and growth of new business was at its sharpest for 20 months, The Royal Bank of Scotland reported. Its latest Purchasing Managers
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Gran At Large
EVERY man should have a shed," said my husband pointedly on his return from his weekly Italian class. He was repeating what he'd overheard one of his fellow students saying. It's not the first time I've heard that view. It makes sense really, especially
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US musician to give free city concert
ONE of the world's finest whistlers is to give a free concert at the weekend. American Michael Barimo, who has performed at New York's Carnegie Hall, will be at Walker Parish Church, Newcastle, on Saturday, at 7pm. The event is part of an exchange between
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The Shell Seekers, Newcastle Theatre Royal
SET in the mid-eighties, this is an adaptation by Terence Brady and Charlotte Bingham of a best-selling Rosamunde Pilcher novel. Brady and Bingham are responsible for numerous hit TV series, including Upstairs Downstairs, and this play includes frequent
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A Major overhaul and an operpriced oven
Grand Designs (C4): SEVERAL questions occurred while watching the return of the house-building show. If I had £1m would I spend it doing up a building in the middle of London without a decent view? Could I face negotiating with the seven neighbours I
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How proposals are shaping up - the story so far
IN the months after the Lafarge closure announcement, the Upper Weardale Task Force identified seven key projects which still form the cornerstone of their multi-million pound development plan to restore prosperity. With a target of 2020 and beyond, the
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Land battle may go to public inquiry
THE long-running battle to preserve two green spaces in Blackhill, Consett, will be settled once and for all later this year. Residents have been fighting for 18 months to prevent a developer building on two sites they consider to be parkland. The future
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Accolade for estate security
A POLICE officer will present an award to a housing development for its high level of security. Chief Superintendent Adrian Roberts, Langbaurgh District Commander, will present a Secured by Design award to the developers of an estate that includes homes
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Crackdown on littering
A COUNCIL that has vowed to clean up its streets has stepped up the campaign by issuing fixed penalty notices to offenders. Wear Valley District Council had its first successful prosecution last week, when a woman from Coundon was fined £75 with costs
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Advice on tip top toes
ASPIRING beauty therapists have been receiving tips from a pedicure expert. Ten students on the NVQ level two beauty course at Darlington College of Technology were given a pedicure masterclass in Sixtus training by Jica Beauty Products expert Joanna
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Police record big fall in burglaries
A DRAMATIC reduction in the number of burglaries in Sedgefield borough has been recorded this month. Statistics for January show that the number of burglaries has dropped by 27, compared with the same time next year. PC Neil Langthorne, crime prevention
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Success leads to volunteer appeal
A YOUTH charity is looking for more volunteers due to the popularity of one of its projects. Thirsk Clock Youth Caf and Community Centre helps young people and the community in many areas, including life skills and IT. The trustees particularly need someone
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Castle setting for pupils' TV debuts
PRIMARY children were filmed for their television debut yesterday. The youngsters, from Lambton Primary School in Washington, Wearside, were all taking part in the BBC children's television programme, Crush, which was filmed at Lumley Castle, near Chester-le-Street
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Scheme to sell town is unveiled
A marketing campaign to boost the fortunes of Bishop Auckland will start in the next few weeks. Consultants Walker Hall have been appointed to head a year-long, £75,000 strategy to promote special events and advertise the town in newspapers, on local
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Special constables recruitment drive
A RECRUITMENT drive for special police constables has been launched in Darlington. Police chiefs are hoping to recruit as many volunteers as possible to support the town's regular officers. People who sign up will be given six months' training, after
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'High Street is just a huge bus stop'
THE heart of a Teesside town centre was described as little more than a "huge bus stop," at a public meeting about the future of the town last night. The comment was made about Stockton's High Street by one of the experts overseeing a project to potentially
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Wardens crack down on foul nuisance
OWNERS who fail to clean up after their dogs could fall foul of an initiative launched in Richmond. Eight of Richmondshire District Council's ground maintenance staff have been given extra powers to reduce the amount of dog fouling they have to deal with
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Pupils tickle tastebuds with fruit as part of healthy eating drive
YOUNGSTERS took part in an event yesterday to encourage them to eat more healthily. West View Primary School, in Hartlepool, held a fruit and vegetable promotion day aimed at Key Stage One and foundation youngsters. The event was organised by Hartlepool
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Firearm offences on the increase
Latest crime figures were being published by ministers today. The last set of quarterly figures, issued in October, showed gun offences had reached a record 10,250 in 2002-2003. Poignantly, today's batch of data will cover last September - the month when
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2,000 tickets sold as more stars help in survival bid
MORE than 2,000 tickets had been sold last night for Sunday's two crucial fundraising matches in aid of troubled Darlington Football Club. The encouraging figure was revealed as more stars pledged their backing for the fight to rescue the Quakers from
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School wins fight to put up security fence after attacks
A SCHOOL has won a long-running fight to put up a security fence after a spate of attacks on children and staff. Dozens of residents living near Brierton Community School, in Hartlepool, had tried to block plans by headteacher Craig Weaver to install
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Seeds of doubt continue
The doping storm created by Greg Rusedski's positive nandrolone test remains the number one topic in tennis as the Australian Open refuses to produce an upset. Guillermo Coria's defeat remains the only major surprise in the tournament as the the major
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Quakers given car boot sale go-ahead
DARLINGTON Football Club was thrown a potential lifeline last night after plans to hold car boot sales at the Reynolds Arena were finally given the go-ahead. But residents reacted with fury to the councillors' decision, claiming they had moved the goalposts
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£400,000 bus cash moves
EXTRA cash could be pumped into vital bus links for remote communities. The Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority (PTA) is planning to add £400,000 to its bus budget for secured bus services - services which commercial operators have stopped running
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Making a monkey out of you
On the first day of the Year of the Monkey, Nick Morrison looks at the origins of the Chinese New Year celebrations - and how the year we were born in can influence our character. ACCORDING to legend, Buddha called all the animals of China to his bedside
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Church secures funding for £45,000 hall revamp scheme
A THRIVING church hall which is proving the focal point of village life is to get a £45,000 makeover. St Barnabas Church hall, in Bournmoor, near Chester-le-Street is used by people of all ages in the community. It is home to karate clubs, exercise classes
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Families' play area is 'filthy'
PARENTS claim a children's play area in Darlington has been ruined by solvent-sniffing youths who leave litter lying around. They say the area in the Denes has become a no-go area for families because of broken glass, discarded gas canisters and old play
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Cash crisis puts festivals in doubt
TWO free festivals will not go ahead this summer unless new funding is found. The future of the Stanley Blues Festival and the Allensford Festival became doubtful after Derwentside District Council decided not to back the events. The festivals budget
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Pub regulars give boost
REGULARS enjoying their favourite tipple have been helping to make life better for patients at their local hospital. Drinkers at the Leeming Bar Hotel have raised more than £825 over the past two years for the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton. They
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Eco award for school
CHILDREN at Abbey Infant School in Darlington are reaping the benefits of voluntary work by parents, backed by industry. The school has achieved Eco School status with a green flag award, partially thanks to three donations of £250 from Exxon Mobil and
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New co-ordinator for violence forum
DARLINGTON Domestic Violence Forum has a new co-ordinator after ten months without anyone in charge. Joy Easterby has taken over from Claire Seymour, who stepped down when funding for the post ran out last year. Ms Easterby, who has worked with the forum
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College help for disabled
A DURHAM college is supporting efforts to encourage employers to take on disabled workers. Finchale College, which helps disabled adults to return to work, is helping JobCentre Plus organise a seminar at Sunderland Football Club's Stadium of Light on
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Boss backs mature Mills for England
MIDDLESBROUGH boss Steve McClaren has told firebrand Danny Mills he must exercise the restraint he showed in the Carling Cup victory at Arsenal if he is to win back his England place. Mills caused a storm when Boro suffered their recent 4-1 Premiership
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Jenny finds living rough the quickest way to become a fat cat
JENNY the black and white "Felix" cat may have been living rough but she did not go hungry. The cat toured old people's bungalows in Dunelm, Sacriston near Durham, where pensioners were only too happy to provide her with tasty morsels. Diane Jackson,
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Ex-miner's plate collection boosts pit disaster fund
A FORMER coal miner has made his own tribute to the men and boys who died in the area's worst peacetime disaster. Billy Johnstone, who has a stall in Durham City Indoor Market, has spent £1,430 making 100 commemorative plates in memory of the 1909 West
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Agency denies wasting £250,000 on paper mountain of reports
ONE NorthEast last night rejected claims that it had not done enough to reverse the decline of Weardale. The regional development agency was responding to fresh criticism from outspoken Weardale county councillor John Shuttleworth. It has agreed to a
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Let women have a laugh
IT was a definitely a happy new year for me with December 31 spent disguised as Daisy Duke at a fancy dress party with friends. But if latest reports are to be believed I should be hanging my head in shame, along with the rest of female population, for
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World's largest toy collection sale under hammer in region
THE world's largest collection of toys sold in one event is to go under the hammer in the region. Vectis Auctioneers is to sell nearly 8,000 toys at a mammoth three-day sale in Thornaby, near Stockton, Teesside, next week. It is expected the sale will
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Museum's glittering displays
TWO exhibitions aimed at challenging people's perception of jewellery have opened at a North-East museum. All that Glisters and Native Adornment go on show at the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum, in Middlesbrough's Stewart Park. All that Glisters is the
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Bags of talent
Viv Hardwick talks to Wendy Craig about returning to her home town of Darlington. The famous TV actress will use the Civic's beautiful stage as the redoubtable Lady Bracknell in Oscar Wilde's The Importance Of Being Earnest. WENDY Craig is positive there
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Grant helps stonemason perfect skills
STONEMASON and carver Matthias Garn has won a scholarship to perfect his skills in his native Germany. The 31-year-old, from York, has won a £2,750 Queen Elizabeth Scholarship to attend a master course in stonemasonry. The scholarships are designed to
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House scam solicitor jailed
SOLICITOR David Gatherer was jailed in disgrace last week after being found guilty of ripping off an elderly widow in a house sale scam. Victim Joan Fort instructed the lawyer to sell a converted former shop she owned in Esh Winning, Durham, in the summer
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Giant rods sculpture proposal rejected
CONTROVERSIAL plans to spend £120,000 on public art for a business park have been scrapped. Councillors have refused for the second time an application to put up eight 50ft steel rods at the gateway to the multi-million pound industrial site at Queen's
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Kelly's fears on weapons revealed
THE BBC last night disclosed a previously unscreened interview with the late weapons expert Dr David Kelly in which he said Saddam Hussein could deploy weapons of mass destruction (WMD) within "days or weeks". Dr Kelly said he was convinced Saddam was
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Two airlifted in river drama
TWO men had to be winched to safety by an RAF helicopter when their work van was stranded in the raging River Wear on Monday afternoon. The men were trapped in their delivery van for an hour and a half after trying to cross the river at Stanhope ford
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Firm appointed to promote town
A BRIGHT new marketing campaign to boost the fortunes of Bishop Auckland will hit the media over the next few weeks. Consultants Walker Hall have been appointed to head a year-long, £75,000 strategy to promote special events and advertise the town in
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Comic love
SHELLEY, the woman behind the bar of the Rovers Return who had the misfortune to marry Peter "Two Wives" Barlow, starts dating again in Coronation Street (ITV1). While I wish her all the luck in the world, I can't help thinking she could have chosen someone
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Dracula show takes to road
COUNT Dracula is getting ready to make a bloodthirsty tour of rural villages, with the aim of spreading laughter instead of fear. The Castle Players, from Barnard Castle, who are renowned for their open-air Shakespearean productions, are staging a new
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TV review
Grand Designs (C4) SEVERAL questions occurred while watching the return of the house-building show. If I had £1m would I spend it doing up a building in the middle of London without a decent view? Could I face negotiating with the seven neighbours I needed
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Supporters' Trust appeal aims to raise £250,000
Darlington Supporters' Trust is launching a campaign this week to raise a £250,000 crisis fund. Trust member Tony Taylor said: "I really do believe that there can be a viable future for Darlington Football Club at the new stadium, but it is going to take
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Burglar with machete jailed
A machete-wielding burglar was jailed for eight years last night after he forced his way into an elderly woman's home and threatened to kill her. Sheila Walton was left terrified and distraught when 26-year-old Stephen Nagy pulled out a machete on the
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Act of escape
Acting was the ideal escape route for Jody Latham, even if it meant playing a down-at-heel hero from a Manchester housing estate in C4's Shameless. Steve Pratt reports. JODY Latham loves where he comes from, Burnley and Nelson in Lancashire, but believes
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Speed latest fan to join Woodgate's Euro club
GARY SPEED has thrown his weight behind the campaign to convince Sven-Goran Eriksson that Newcastle birthday boy Jonathan Woodgate is the answer to England's defensive poser. Magpies midfielder Speed joined the chorus of approval after Woodgate's outstanding
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Call centre boosts recovery from devastating job losses
A NORTH-EAST rural community was celebrating last night after the announcement of a new call centre development - almost two years to the day after a devastating cement factory closure. Businesswoman Maureen Stanton said the call centre for On-Net Communications
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Debate goes on line
THE campaign for a North-East assembly is spreading its message on the internet. Yes4theNorthEast, which is based in Durham's Market Place, has launched its own web site, which features arguments for a yes vote in October's referendum. There are statements
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'Manufacturing sector is driving regional renaissance'
THE manufacturing sector is driving an economic renaissance in the region, according to a report. Business confidence is high and growth of new business was at its sharpest for 20 months, The Royal Bank of Scotland reported. Its latest Purchasing Managers
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Boyd's days at Pool appear numbered
THREE Hartlepool United players have extended their stays as one edged closer to the exit door. Days after goalkeeper Jim Provett pledged his future to Pool after signing a new contract, Gavin Strachan has signed a long-term deal, while Joel Porter and
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Naturalist may have been victim of attempted robbery
Police in India have told the family of murdered wildlife artist David Green that he may have been the victim of a botched robbery. The body of the 53-year-old Darlington nature lover was expected to arrive back in the region last night. The freelance
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Tax rise fear over women's pay fight
A BITTER battle between women workers and their council bosses could cost tax payers in the region millions of pounds. Thousands of low-paid female local authority staff are due to receive rises to bring them in line with male colleagues, and compensation
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Come on, Darlington
AN art shop is dedicating its entire front window display to Darlington Football Club to help fundraising. Ian Hughes, owner of the Art Shop, on Bondgate, has adorned his shop window with pictures of the club's last game at the old Feethams ground. The
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Falling numbers could lead to school closure
EDUCATION chiefs have tried to quash rumours that a Darlington secondary school will close in five years. Hurworth Secondary School has been considered for closure, along with Darlington's other secondary schools, education officials confirmed. They said
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Police hunting deadly arrow thieves
Police are hunting thieves who have stolen a quiver of deadly arrows capable of piercing armoured plate. The deadly arrows are similar to the type used by English archers to defeat the French army at the battle of Agincourt almost 600 years ago. They
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People to be consulted on future car parking charges
SHOPPERS and traders will get a chance to have their say as a council reveals details on future car parking charges. Many traders have been campaigning for years against the idea of car parking charges in Bishop Auckland. The issue has been the subject
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Comment from The Northern Echo: Pull out of this tour now
ONLY with courage and conviction will Robert Mugabe's brutal regime in Zimbabwe come to an end. The same courage and conviction that was shown during last year's Cricket World Cup by Henry Olonga and Andy Flower, who wore black armbands in protest at
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Somerfield still recovering
Supermarket chain Somerfield said the pace of its recovery had continued to improve after announcing a sharp rise in half-year profits. The successful refurbishment of stores and a tight control on margins helped the performance, as profits before tax
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Study will assess need for centre
A STUDY is to be carried out to assess the need for a creative digital and arts centre in York. Regional development agency Yorkshire Forward agreed to fund a feasibility report into the proposed initiative. Working in conjunction with Science City York
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Recruitment campaign at warehouse
A RECRUITMENT campaign has been launched find staff for the new Walkers Crisps warehouse in Peterlee. Up to 45 jobs in a range of positions are unfilled at the £5m building. JobCentre Plus, in Durham, is working with the snack food company to fill the
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22/01/04
TRAFFIC LAWS: EVERY week I read in your newspaper about the paltry fines that are dished out in magistrates' courts in our area for traffic offences. I have read of people driving a car without a licence, no insurance and no test certificate and receiving
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Balaclava joke backfires
A MARKET trader has landed himself in hot water over a cheeky advert that targeted goods at robbers. Police ordered Alan Rutherford to take down a sign on his stall that advertised his £2 balaclavas as 'ideal for banks, post offices and building societies
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Trinculo to confirm Nick's change of luck
Nick Littmoden, who broke a long losing run at Lingfield in the middle of last week, can be on the mark again in the Littlewoods Bet Direct Showcase Handicap over five furlongs with Trinculo at Southwell this afternoon. The gelding put up one of the best
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Breast op mother suspended from midwife course
UNIVERSITY bosses have suspended a trainee midwife who wants to have the biggest breasts in Britain, after she appeared topless in a national newspaper. Louise Wilkinson, 24, has been told to stay away from Teesside University following publicity about
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John North: The monk on the mount
Fr Peter Davis, who left Australia for the wilds of Windy Ridge, near Stanley, was joined by his bishop friend as he made his promies as a monk. IF Peter Davis had a dream, all those years ago in Australia, it probably wasn't that on Martin Luther King
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Trinculo to confirm Nick's change of luck
Nick Littmoden, who broke a long losing run at Lingfield in the middle of last week, can be on the mark again in the Littlewoods Bet Direct Showcase Handicap over five furlongs with Trinculo at Southwell this afternoon. The gelding put up one of the best
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Football coaching
PARENTS in east Cleveland can learn to become soccer bosses in a ten-week course. They will do a level two course in FA coaching, following the success of a ten-week level one course before Christmas, when 17 parents received certificates and a tour of
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Accolade for golf club
A JUNIOR golf club has won a national accolade for its hard work and dedication to the sport. The Oakleaf Golf Club, in Newton Aycliffe, has been awarded the Junior GolfMark by the English Golf Union and English Ladies' Golf Association. The initiative
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Hunt for bag snatcher
POLICE are appealing for information after an elderly woman's bag was snatched by a youth on a bike. The woman was walking in Wesley Grove, Bishop Auckland, on Tuesday afternoon, when her bag, which containing cash and personal items, was stolen. As she
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Parents start petition against schools merger
PARENTS at two Darlington schools have started a petition to protest at an amalgamation that would create the biggest primary school in the area. Objectors, who include the junior school's governors, say the merger of Whinfield infant and junior schools
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Poet pays tribute to three icons
A DARLINGTON poet will stage her tribute to three female icons next week. Jo Colley has mixed poetry and music to create Electric Ladyland, a 45-minute show that she will perform at the Garden Bar, in Darlington Arts Centre, Vane Terrace, on Tuesday,
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Consumer advice
A SERVICE offering advice on consumer issues has been launched in Darlington. The Consumer Support Network, which is the first of its kind in the area, will serve to raise public awareness of fraudulent consumer offers received through the post, by text
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Cable puller defied driving test order
CABLE puller Sean Wilson, spotted by police defying a driving ban, reversed his Renault for 200 yards before getting out and running away, a court has been told. Stephanie Waite, prosecuting, told Harrogate magistrates it was the second time in a week
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Advice sessions to help pensioners claim cash
PENSIONERS in east Durham are to be given the chance to find out more about the Pension Credit system. Four sessions are to be held in a campaign, called Pick it up, it's yours, which is being run by the Pension Service to encourage over 60s to collect
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Town centre parking charges approved
CONTROVERSIAL plans to introduce parking charges in the centre of Barnard Castle were approved yesterday. Teesdale District Council supported proposals for the introduction of a pay-and-display system on the cobbles. Residents, traders and a councillor
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School wins award
A SCHOOL has won an award for helping its pupils lead healthy lifestyles. Witton Gilbert Primary School received the County Durham and Darlington Healthy School Standard. The standard, which is nationally accredited and backed by the Durham and Chester-le-Street
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Bunnies need new homes
ANIMAL rescuers are searching for new homes for dozens of bunnies after a sanctuary was flooded with new arrivals at the weekend. Sally and Dave Rowley at Weardale Animal Sanctuary in Stanhope, took in 25 homeless rabbits, taking their total up to 45.
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Museum's glittering displays
TWO exhibitions aimed at challenging people's perception of jewellery have opened at a North-East museum. All that Glisters and Native Adornment go on show at the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum, in Middlesbrough's Stewart Park. All that Glisters is the
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Gifts appeal success
AN APPEAL to help underprivileged children has been hailed a success. Figures released yesterday revealed that the Salvation Army's Light up a Child's Life appeal, at the Gateshead MetroCentre, brought in a record number of gifts and cash. The campaign
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Wildlife artist shot in the back in India
THE family of a man who was shot in the back as he sketched wildlife in India have been told he may have been killed over money. Illustrator David Green, 53, of Darlington, was found dead in a forest by a tourist last Thursday night in the northern town
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Money won't bring back dead children
WHAT will the poor, grieving parents of more than 2,000 dead children, whose body parts were removed without consent, gain by dragging the NHS through the courts now? They are launching a legal battle to win more compensation than the £1,000 payouts they
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Clarke applauds Quakers' loyal fans
DARLINGTON defender Matt Clarke last night paid tribute to the fans who will be vital to the club's survival in the coming months. Administrators have warned the 120-year-old Quakers could fold if they fail to attract bumper crowds for Sunday's charity
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Children explore life choices at workshop
YOUNGSTERS with behavioural and social problems have been taking part in a workshop. The Arc, in Stockton, with support from Connexions Tees Valley, is working with the 12 youngsters from the Bishopton Centre, Stockton, on a two-week scheme. The children
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Dragonfly habitat planned
Visitors to a North-East nature reserve will be invited to help create a new habitat for dragonflies. The World Wetlands Day Wetland Challenge at Washington Wetlands Centre will be held from 10am-3pm on Sunday February 1. There will be free refreshments
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Backing for land trust option
CAMPAIGNERS fighting to preserve pasture dating back to the Middle Ages from developers may form a charitable trust, even though another is already backing their aims. Richmond residents have backed a trust formed to save the town's former train station
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Grant will improve home security
A £100,000 grant is helping improve security for up to 1,000 east Durham homes. The money, approved by the Government Office North East (Gone), will provide security products for homes in the Dawdon Village and Ropery Walk areas of Seaham. The award is
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Face to face with the great and good
ART lovers can come face to face with some of the country's greatest achievers in an exhibition that opened this week. Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens is presenting Claim to Fame, which features pictures from the National Portrait Gallery, in London
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Team wins prize for bouncers research
A STUDY about the role of pub bouncers in the modern nightlife scene has won a Durham research team a national award. Durham University criminologist Professor Dick Hobbs led an investigation into the pub and club policing role of door staff. The team's
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Garry's work for disabled wins award
WORK for disabled people in Wensleydale has won a man the first monthly fundraising award to be presented by a national children's charity. Garry West, 51, has already raised £5,000 for Children Today with a host of money-spinning stunts. School discos
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Ofsted report praises school for results
INSPECTORS have praised a Derwentside school, but told teachers that pupils must be encouraged to become more independent. Leadgate Community Junior School, in Leadgate, near Consett, has been classed as good by Ofsted inspectors. The report found that
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N-E branch for think-tank
ONE of the country's most influential think-tanks will today open a branch in the North-East. Prime Minister Tony Blair will be at St James' Park in Newcastle for the launch of the northern Institute of Public Policy Research (ippr). The new body promises
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Drivers livid over crawl home in snow
HIGHWAY engineers have blamed incorrect weather forecasts and a rush-hour panic for last week's road chaos. Heavy snowfall in County Durham led to grid-locked roads across much of the county on Thursday at tea-time and left dozens of minor accidents in
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Clean up or face fine
A COUNCIL that has vowed to clean up its streets has stepped up its campaign by issuing fixed penalty notices. Wear Valley District Council said it is prepared to take people to court if they do not pick up their litter or clean up after their dogs. The
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Young Eve becomes a familiar face at city museum
A FOUR-YEAR-OLD girl who is captivated by a museum has visited the exhibitions every week for the last three years. Eve Wheeler, from Fishergate, York, visits York Castle Museum so often with her mother, Jo, and father, Martin, that she has made friends
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Gough quits Tykes for pastures new
Darren Gough has quit Yorkshire but has no intention of retiring from county cricket just yet. Gough, 32, cited "family reasons" for his decision, and says he still has hopes of winning back his one-day place with England. Yorkshire agreed to terminate
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Two men arrested after £7,000 robbery
POLICE investigating a robbery in which more than £7,000 was taken from a pensioner have arrested two men in connection with the theft. A 67-year-old man was driving to a bank with takings from Tindale Crescent Working Men's Club, near Bishop Auckland
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Staff left shocked at theft of rare birds
WORKERS at a North-East wildlife centre described their shock yesterday at discovering the theft of some of the rarest birds in the world and the senseless killing of others. A breeding programme for the endangered white-winged ducks, from Sumatra, has
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Face to face with the great and good
ART lovers can come face to face with some of the country's greatest achievers in an exhibition that opened this week. Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens is presenting Claim to Fame, which features pictures from the National Portrait Gallery, in London
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Seminar to tackle problem of fraud
INVESTIGATIONS into company fraud in the North-East total more than £250m, it has been revealed. The extent of business crime will be highlighted at a seminar to be held in the region next month to make managers and workers more aware of it. The seminar
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'Victim was in fear for her life'
A TEENAGER befriended a woman on her way home from a night out and tried to strangle her before raping her, a court heard. His terrified victim believed the 16-year-old attacker was going to kill her so she agreed to go along with his sexual demands in
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Visitors vote for animated favourites
A SELECTION of Britain's newest and most innovative animations is to be shown at a North-East venue later this month. The music videos, television advertisements and short films will be presented at the Arc, in Dovecot Street, Stockton, on Wednesday,
