Archive
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Unicorn suffer home defeat
Willington League: League leaders, Willington Lion and Unicorn suffered a decisive shock home defeat when Willington Black Horse Inn won by three points. The home side's only points came in the singles, where Arthur Goldsborough and Kevin Bake won. The
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Jane keeps on running
TERMINAL cancer sufferer Jane Tomlinson yesterday announced that she is to take on another gruelling challenge, despite being seriously ill. After a tough Christmas and New Year coping with the cancer, the 39-year-old mother-of-three plans to run the
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Asbestos related illness ruled out in inquiry
A PENSIONER suffered a heart attack and collapsed, dying, as he spoke to a neighbour and her child. The 11-year-old ran to a nearby doctor's surgery to get help as his mother, Mrs Leigh Suggett, tried to catch 80-year-old Tony Rambow as he collapsed at
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Patrols will target gangs of youths
SPECIAL patrols are being launched to target anti-social behaviour hot spots in parts of East Cleveland. Over the coming weeks, Cleveland police's five-strong neighbourhood task group will concentrate its work around Marske, New Marske and Redcar East
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Cup kings Cestrians aim to deliver Hammer blow
Andrew Muxworthy has backed his Chester-le-Street Town team to come up trumps when they visit West Ham United as underdogs next week. After taking a string of League scalps in the FA Youth Cup, Chester-le-Street Town Juniors take on the Hammers at Upton
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Kodak jobs hit by digital revolution
UNCERTAINTY is hanging over hundreds of jobs in the UK following Eastman Kodak's decision to cut 15,000 staff worldwide. The US company blamed the popularity of digital cameras for the lay-offs, which represent about 20 per cent of its workforce. It follows
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Rare sheep lost in dog attack
A WOMAN who lost a rare sheep at the weekend believes the animal died following a dog attack. Caroline Ward, of Cleveland Lodge, Great Ayton, discovered the body of the two-year-old Soay ewe on Saturday. A neighbour reported seeing torches in the vicinity
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MP gets latest on project to build replica steam locomotive
MP Alan Milburn yesterday checked on the progress of a replica locomotive built by North-East volunteers. The former Cabinet minister paid his first visit to the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, in Hopetown Lane, Darlington, to learn about the creation of the
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How to get Better Returns
A NATIONAL scheme to help producers meet buyer specifications enjoyed a huge response when it was launched at the sheep fair. More than 250 producers signed up for the two-year Better Returns programme, run by the English Beef and Lamb Executive. "The
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Double dads and multiple mums
Making Babies The Gay Way (C4): THE title made it sound like a particularly blue episode of Blue Peter in which an old washing up liquid bottle and some sticky back plastic was used to make something useful. Indeed, at one point lesbian Katie and gay
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Animal feed becomes a bestseller
A FEED for horses and ponies is helping animal feed manufacturer I'Ansons set export records. Speedi-Bett, developed by I'Ansons Masham Micronized Feeds (MMF), is ready for use in ten minutes, compared to traditional sugarbeet products, which must be
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Campaign to cut underage sales
TWO months after a North-East shopkeeper was left brain damaged after a row over cigarettes, a campaign has been launched to curb underage sales. Eight out of ten North-East shopkeepers said they had been abused after refusing to sell cigarettes to people
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North East Christian Fellowship League
With the start of the League Cup first round the weather took it's toll as only three matches survived, with the rest going by the wayside to waterlogged pitches. The big shock was at Saint John's Snods Edge where Michael Ogle put them in the lead over
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Allstars fight back to earn draw
Darlington Allstars: The bad weather last weekend saw all but one of the Allstars' matches postponed. The Under-15s were away to South Bank Juniors for this week's league fixture. The Allstars started well in the first half and pulled off some good chances
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Dairy farmers must break through veil of mystery
DAIRY farmers should and must be more involved in the way the industry is run. The industry was "shrouded in a veil of mystery and smothered by a mist of secrecy" said Drew Sloan, chief executive of Semex. "We are all being separated from each other by
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Regional assembly review 'unwanted and too costly'
UNDEMOCRATIC, unwanted and far too costly was the unanimous verdict on Monday evening of Leyburn's town councillors about the way the Government is pushing for regional assemblies in the North. They, like Middleham town councillors, believe that the costly
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Club raises cash for sick children
REGULARS at a village social club have raised more than £5,000 for children. Grange Villa Workmen's Social Club in Grange Villa, near Chester-le-Street, has spent nine months raising the cash. There were social evenings, raffles and customers raised sponsorship
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Can you solve the mystery of Eaglescliffe Hall?
WHEN one of Spectator's colleagues finally got round to looking through all the clubs' and societies' magazines and newsletters which had poured through the letterbox, and been put by, over the holiday period, an item in the RNLI's journal The Lifeboat
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Katie may add extra dates
TEENAGE singing sensation Katie Melua will be visiting the region during her debut UK tour, which kicks off next month. The 12-date tour starts in her former home town of Belfast on February 29 and takes in York's Barbican on Friday, March 5. More venues
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Fight to save pool launched
A CAMPAIGN to save Guisborough swimming pool is to be launched. The pool has been earmarked for closure under budget cuts proposed by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council. The proposal has yet to be agreed by councillors. Dr Ashok Kumar, MP for Middlesbrough
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Shoptalk: The battle for the bathroom cabinet
With discount stores and supermarkets stocking cheap toiletries and cosmetics, Boots is at risk of being edged out of the market. Shoptalk checks out the cost differences between the high street stalwart and its competitors. THERE'S a war going on in
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Roll up to see the stars - or see Quakers die
LET'S make something clear before I start - I hope this is the shortest-lived column in newspaper history! Until Darlington are back on an even keel it's my role to inform the town what's going on at the club. I'll continue as an aspiring scribe until
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MP in rail cuts talks
AN MP is to meet Government transport chiefs in a bid to save services from being cut on a rail route. Ashok Kumar, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, will meet Transport Minister Kim Howells on February 2 to discuss plans to slash trains
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Execution most horrid of 'insolent fellow'
ESH WINNING lies in the valley of the River Deerness four miles west of Durham. It is one of the larger mining communities of the valley and is often described as a mining village, but there is no longer a colliery here and with its own market place it
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Hockey
Wilton 2nds played host to division two strugglers Morpeth 1sts in what was their first game after the festive break. Both teams were a little edgy at first but it didn't take long for Wilton to stamp their authority on the game, as they took an early
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Bishop Auckland
Bishop Auckland 2nd XV produced an excellent all-round performance to defeat a bigger, more experienced Chester le Street side 19-5 in the Quarter Final of the Durham County Fourth Teams Shield. At the outset, it looked as if Bishop's young forwards would
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Salmonella outbreak report says bacteria was new type
AN outbreak of salmonella that affected 138 North-East people was a new strain unlike any previously detected, health officials said last night. The bug, which was traced to the former Lau's Buffet King, in Durham, in May last year, left 13 people needing
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Stepy's Coaches Durham Sunday League
The hard overnight frost took it toll on the fixtures with 17 games postponed. In the games that did take place in the Premiership goals from Jon-Paul Tallentire, Daniel Lennon and Liam Clough gave Spennymoor Quinns a well-deserved share of the points
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Wearside League
Ryhope CW weren't exactly singing in the rain last week but nevertheless they were delighted with their victory over Barnard Castle Glaxo which propelled them into seventh position - their highest rating for a long time. Last season, the Wearsiders struggled
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Top ten finish for Nicholson in Winter run
Evenwood RR: At the Great North Winter runs in Newcastle Nathan Nicholson finished a fabulous eighth in 5.32 with Helen Pounder 7.00 for 56th. Times were tight for all as D Douthwaite and Alice May Johnston both dashed at the line in 7.56 and 7.58, 108th
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The future is bright for sheep farmers
THE sheep industry has a bright future with plenty of opportunities - but it is vital that the Government announces its decision on the mid-term CAP reform as soon as possible. "There is going to be reform. It is going to happen," said Peter Morris, policy
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Cestrians line up another Cup shock
Cup giant-killers Chester-le-Street Town Juniors have produced some memorable victories against the odds this season - and now they have West Ham United in their sights. In reaching the last 32 of the FA Youth Cup they've already knocked out the juniors
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Members back plan for cobbles pay and display
COUNCILLORS have thrown their weight behind a proposal for pay and display car parking on the cobbles in Barnard Castle. The scheme was described as an "emotive subject" by Mark Ladyman, Teesdale District Council's director of community services, at a
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Factory opening brings hope to hundreds of redundant workers
A FACTORY opening today will give hope to the hundreds of workers in the region recently hit by redundancy. The factory, a former Sanyo site in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, is home to manufacturer Balmer Lindley Group (BLG). The opening will give encouragement
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Club staff tied up in armed raid
MASKED robbers tied up three people during an armed raid on a working men's club before fleeing with cash. Two women cleaners and the manager of the club in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, were confronted by two men who burst in as they began work at
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Bardy freezes out rivals to celebrate Jack Frost glory
AFTER ten years of trying, part-time rally driver Tony Bardy finally secured an outright victory by winning the Digital Office Solutions Jack Frost Stages rally at Croft circuit. Driving his Nissan Sunny GTI-R on the Darlington and District Motor Club
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Cole has no plans to move
A TOP target in Middlesbrough's search for a striker has declared he wants to see out his current contract. Former Newcastle United and Manchester United striker Andy Cole was on manager Steve McClaren's list of possible targets during this month's transfer
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Roll up to see the stars - or see Quakers die
In his first column for The Northern Echo, Darlington manager David Hodgson appeals to the people of the town to show their support for the club by turning out in their thousands for Sunday's All-Stars games. LET'S make something clear before I start
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Administrators can see no way back for George
THE administrators of Darlington Football Club admitted last night that it was highly unlikely former chairman George Reynolds would reclaim the Quakers. Mr Reynolds stepped down earlier this month after nearly five years of drama on and off the pitch
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New home for 100 years of film history
A FILM archive cataloguing more than 100 years of history has re-opened to the public. The Yorkshire Film Archive at the Fountains Learning Centre premises in York St John College were opened on Wednesday. It is open to the public and academic researchers
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Willington win takes them to County Final
Willington: THE Under-18s have reached the final of the coveted Durham County Youth Cup for the second time in three seasons. They defeated Redheugh 3-2 with a golden goal after the sides had shared four goals. John Cunningham and Christopher Hodgson
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McCarthy has eyes on the big prize
MICK McCARTHY claims Sunderland's chances of returning to the Premiership will never be as strong as they are now. The Black Cats are sitting fourth in the Division One table - just four points adrift of an automatic promotion place with 18 games to play
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'Support church as you do takeaway outlets'
PEOPLE should support the church the same way they support their local McDonald's, a church official has said. The appeal for greater generosity was made by Canon Keith Punshon after it was revealed that an £85,000 grant to Ripon Cathedral, in North Yorkshire
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Pony Dates
Braes of Derwent PC. - Feb 1: Indoor dressage at Holmside Arena. All classes open to non-members. For details send sae to Linda Middleton, Grange Farm, Sunnyside, Bishop Auckland DL13 4LZ. BSPS Area 3a. - Jan 25 and Feb 22: Novice winter shows at Northallerton
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Is Big Brother watching ever closer?
SMILE. Somewhere today you will be captured by a closed-circuit camera at least once, and probably more times than you ever imagined possible, in streets, car parks, shops and even at the office. The innocent, they always say, have nothing to fear and
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Hostel needed to cope with homelessness
AN emergency hostel is needed to cope with the rising tide of homelessness in Darlington. A working group has already identified a building and is negotiating to buy, relying on raising money through trusts and other benefactors. The Rev Dr John Elliston
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Why I said no to Labour and to Parliament
One of the constant criticisms of politicans is that they cannot be trusted to tell the truth, that what they say one day they will happily change the next if it helps them. It is a condition that affects MPs of all levels. Just recently we have seen
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Mike Gough Sports Hartlepool Sunday League
Premier Division: Welfare Cosmopolitan 1 Blackhall Hardwick 1: Both teams played a physical and well-played game in which the home side took the lead when Chris Lennon scored his first of the season as he met a Charlie Coates corner at the far post. Chris
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Search for missing mum
POLICE were last night trying to trace a mother of three, last seen by her family in the early hours of Tuesday. Elizabeth Armstrong, 31, left her home in Markington, North Yorkshire, at the wheel of her red Rover car, but has not returned since. Concern
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Why I said no to Labour and to Parliament
One of the constant criticisms of politicans is that they cannot be trusted to tell the truth, that what they say one day they will happily change the next if it helps them. It is a condition that affects MPs of all levels. Just recently we have seen
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Local Leagues
Newfit Services Willington: Hunwick Quarry produced a major shock when they travelled to Sunnybrow Brown Trout, who had led the table for most of the season, and won by three points. The Trout had singles wins from Jason Martin, Stephen Longhorn and Trevor
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Blair in N-E to open Newton Aycliffe's Balmer Lindley factory
TONY Blair put his foot in it during a whistle-stop tour of his North-East constituency today. The Prime Minister was being shown round a new factory which manufactures lighting columns when he stood in some paint - red paint, as the Labour Party leader
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The Northern Echo Darlington Sunday Invitation League
With the weather conditions taking their toll on Sunday's fixtures only two games went ahead and both were in Division Three. The game of the day involved the impressive MN All Stars who played hosts to Aruba and it was the visitors who took the lead
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Detectives get extension in death inquiry
DETECTIVES were yesterday granted more time to question a suspect arrested in relation to the death of a man at his North-East home. Colin Johnson was found dead in the living room of his house in Pickering Road, Pennywell, Sunderland, when his girlfriend
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Rugby trio's county honours
THREE students are celebrating winning county recognition for rugby. The pupils all attend Teesdale Comprehensive School, Barnard Castle, and play for Mowden Rugby Club, in Darlington. Luke Edwards has been selected at under-15s level and made his debut
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Town centre shopping centre plans backed
PLANS for a multi-million pound shopping and car parking complex in Darlington have been approved. Investream Limited has been given permission to redevelop the car park to create the three-storey building. The development will include two retail or leisure
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Meetings planned to help set tax level
A SERIES of meetings to help to determine the level of council tax set by Sedgefield Borough Council are to be held next week. A report to the council's cabinet last week said the borough's residents had been facing the prospect of a double figure percentage
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Deputy is appointed new chief executive
DURHAM City Council has appointed a new chief executive - the predecessor's deputy. Brian Spears, who has worked for the authority for 16 years, will take over from Colin Shearsmith who left at the end of last year. Mr Spears, who became deputy last year
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Rowing: Durham given a prestigous honour
Durham Amateur Rowing Club celebrates the start of the New Year with the award of Sport England's Clubmark. This is a National kite marked accreditation, which signifies Durham ARCs commitment to being a safe, effective child friendly club. After the
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Loss of festival could cost town £1m, warn organisers
AN international festival which attracts stars from around the world has warned that the withdrawal of a £23,000 council support grant could cost the local economy £1m in income. Harrogate International Festival has previously welcomed classical performers
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A Hoggarth & Sons Eskvale and Cleveland League
Highland Laddie v Lingdale Tavern: With the weather taking it's toll on most of the fixtures this game attracted a lot of spectators. It took both sides time to settle and with Lingdale missing their top scorer, Shane Breckon, it was up to young Dane
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Village GP surgery to close despite residents' concerns
A WEEKLY village surgery held in the former changing room of a community hall is to close within weeks. Despite opposition from residents in Quarrington Hill, near Durham, Monday surgeries are to be cancelled following a decision by Durham and Chester-le-Street
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Hathaway and Cope Stokesley League
M'brough PO 4 British Steel Sp 1: Middlesbrough Post Office went back to the top of the table despite the best efforts of British Steel Sports who defied their lowly league position to the Post Office a run for their money particularly in a very even
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Area Three National Competitions
Over-60s pairs area final: K Lamb/B Metcalfe (D'ton) 17, J Gibson/D Bell (H'pool) 16 (extra end). Father and son area final: M and K O'Riodan (Thornaby) 31, B and P Mosley (Thornaby) 8. Pairs: Jenkins/Jones (Thornaby) 7, Mnasfield/Wells (H'pool) 24; Moseley
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Railway walk
Countryside wardens from Guisborough Forest and Walkway will lead a six-mile walk on Wednesday, February 4, from 10am to 1pm. The walk is free, but places must be booked. For details, call (01287) 631132.
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Study group donates material to library
POSTCARDS, photographs and the results of private research are part of a large donation of historical material that has been given to a library. The material, from Stokesley Local History Study Group, will be added to the collection already in the town's
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Building scheme is approved on appeal
A PLANNING inspector has given approval for an outbuilding to be demolished and rebuilt following an appeal. North York Moors National Park's planning committee had rejected the scheme at 40 North End, Osmotherley, because it was in a conservation area
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Dinner served with football memories
TICKETS are available for a sportsmen's dinner staged by the Chester-le-Street and District branch of Sunderland AFC Supporters' Association. The event, traditionally a sell-out night held at the Stadium of Light banqueting suite on Maundy Thursday, takes
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Stop running down estate, critics told
A COMMUNITY worker says he is tired of people running down an estate when he and many others are working hard to improve it. For many years, Hardwick estate, in Stockton, has suffered at the hands of vandalism, neglect and anti-social behaviour. However
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Dial-a-ride scheme wins cash backing
RURAL communities have been granted £425,000 for dial-a-ride buses to improve access to hospitals. The Government grant to people living in the Stockton and Hartlepool areas comes days after a separate £730,000 grant was awarded to Stockton Borough Council
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Police launch crackdown on young yobs
POLICE are to increase patrols in Thornaby in an effort to crackdown on yobs. Patrols will be targeting Saltburn Road, Loftus Road, Eston Close and Scalby Square, where nuisance behaviour and vandalism is rife. Inspector Ian Coates, head of policing in
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Lottery awards for community groups
FOUR groups have secured a cash boost from the National Lottery's Awards for All scheme. The grants programme was set up to help small groups fund projects which involve people in their local community, bringing them together to take part in a range of
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Housing plan for town's bypass
A housing developer is seeking permission to build homes alongside a road that is expected to open this summer. Miller Homes North-East hopes to build almost 200 homes on a former brickworks site next to Crook bypass. It has made two applications, which
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Shoptalk
THERE'S a war going on in your bathroom cupboard. We are changing our shopping habits, getting pickier about where we buy our toothpaste and toiletries, lotions and lozenges. No longer do we automatically think of Boots. Instead, we're as likely to pick
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Shopkeeper thwarts armed hold-up
A ROBBER brandishing a crowbar was overpowered by a brave shopkeeper who recognised him as a regular customer. The 33-year-old trader reacted instantly when the raider burst in to the off-licence, banged the iron bar on the counter and demanded the contents
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City's call centres to take on 400 staff
HUNDREDS of people are expected to attend a jobs fair next week where more than 400 call centre posts will be on offer. Representatives from leading companies such as Barclays, T Mobile, EDF Energy, Junction, Northern Rock and Citifinancial will attend
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Deal reached over masts and need to protect landscape
MOBILE phone companies have agreed to work more closely with countryside organisations to protect the landscape while improving communications in rural areas. The Yorkshire Dales National Park authority has welcomed the "accord" agreement, signed by the
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Hodgson furious with Valentine for booking
DARLINGTON defender Ryan Valentine has been warned by manager David Hodgson that his "needless" booking at Kidderminster could prove costly. Valentine picked up his fifth yellow card of the season for a lunge on Adie Smith in Saturday's 1-1 draw at the
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Law firm backs four students
FOUR law students are being supported in their studies by a North-East law firm. Ward Hadaway, of Newcastle, has awarded annual bursaries of £1,500 each to four Durham University law students to provide financial backing during the three years of their
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Pupils look at ageing process
SCHOOLS have taken part in a project at the University of Durham which combines science and the arts. Members of Jack Drum Arts have delivered workshops in schools based on a theory of the science of ageing developed by Professor Tom Kirkwood at Newcastle
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Longhorn Hardware Darlington and District League
East End WMC 4, Greyhound 0: The Clubmen inflicted a first league defeat of the season on the runaway leaders with this victory. East End were really up for the game and led 1-0 at the interval never allowing their opponents to settle at any stage. The
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'My children will come home one day'
After Britain's leading cot death specialist ws discredited, the Government announced a review into thousands of cases where children have been taken into care because of fears that parents may harm them. One of these parents talks to Christen Pears.
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Footballers move up to third place
Tow Law Scottish Courage League: Tow Law Football Club lifted themselves into third place when they won their re-arranged match at Tow Law New Market A in the deciding doubles. The footballers went into a lead after the singles where they had wins from
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Wellock's World: Squint into the crystal ball
SUNDERLAND chairman Bob Murray is not known for courting publicity, so it was brave of him to call in the media to announce he is to offer the players record bonuses for achieving promotion. He risks being reminded that if players have any pride such
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Recognition for quality school
AN MP has praised the work of a Redcar primary school that has been awarded the Primary Quality Mark. Vera Baird, MP for Redcar, congratulated Wheatlands Primary School, in Hundale Crescent, on its success following an inspection by the Basic Skills Agency
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Boddy Printers Sunday League
With victory over Redcar Glazing, John Davey Ltd are within touching distance of a cup final place needing just two points from two games to make sure. They beat Redcar Glazing by 3-2 with three first half goals but sat back to allow Redcar to pull two
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Games
Auckland Area CIU League: Old Shildon have finally found their darts accuracy for they made their third consecutive victory after losing all their other matches since joining the league. They only dropped one point to the visiting Eldon Lane. Geoff Rowland
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Teesdale farmer in nominations for new NFU vice-president
NOMINATIONS received for the key national NFU officers include Richard Betton from North Riding and and Durham County NFU. The elections take place next month. President: deputy president Tim Bennett, Carmarthen; Richard Haddock, Devon; Derek Mead, Somerset
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Prices at the Marts
BARNARD CASTLE. - Wed of last week. Fwd: 1, 496 sheep. Lt hoggs to 114.7p av 108.2p; std to 115.8p av 109.4p; med to 117p av 109.4p; heavy to 106.4p av 101.8p. Cast ewes. - Cont X to £72.50; Mule to £62. Swale to £40. Tues. - Fwd: 269 store cattle. BB
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Union fears the wrong choice on reform
THE NFU governing body fears the Government may snatch defeat from the jaws of victory by making the wrong decision on how to implement the CAP in England. The union has been a major proponent of decoupling farm payments from production and has worked
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Gritters on alert as Met men forecast more bad weather
COUNCIL chiefs are promising no repeat of the winter gridlock which brought motorists shuddering to a halt last week - but only if weather forecasters this time get it right. Ahead of a predicted cold snap which is expected from Sunday, Durham County
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Aiskew teenager so close to England selection
BEDALE High School year 11 pupil Tom Young, from Aiskew, narrowly missed out on selection to the England under-16 rugby team following trials at Wolverhampton last weekend. Billeted at the Quality Hotel for the weekend, the 15-year-old found there was
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Asda offers Skinny Cow to UK shoppers
A COMPANY has capitalised on the popularity of healthier foods by introducing a range of 98 per cent fat-free ice cream to the UK. Richmond Ice Creams, based at Leeming Bar, North Yorkshire, has brought Skinny Cow to Britain. Launched in the US in 1992
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My Health
SHAUNA Lowry was born on July 6, 1970, in Belfast, and is a highly respected broadcaster and campaigner, dedicated to animal rescue and protection. Lowry became well known presenting TV series including the BBC's Animal Hospital, and has been the face
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Chaplain Rice ready to hand over Pool duties
The Rev Brian Rice, self-styled missionary maverick and loiterer with intent, steps down next week after 20 years as voluntary chaplain to Hartlepool United. Unlike United, blessed poor, the minister for sport will remain on his knees, however. He has
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Motor accessories firm launches three-car rally team
A MOTOR accessories firm is moving up a gear with plans to launch a three-car rally team. "The plans are fairly well in their infancy, as is the firm, but the rally cross starts in March,'' said Phil Herring, team manager with Triple Six, of Middlesbrough
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Plan production to meet market specificationa
PRODUCERS were advised that they should know their exact costs of production. John Vipond, senior sheep specialist with the Scottish Agricultural College, said they should plan production to meet market specifications, and should work around their farm
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Ice hockey: Junior round-up
Whitley Bay Squaws join Telford Wrekin Raiders at the top of women's division one North following a 5-4 win at Telford on Saturday. The winner came with only 27 seconds remaining in the match. Squaws went ahead with the only goal of the first period from
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Elderly fear burial in paupers' graves, say ex-councillors
ELDERLY people in two North Yorkshire parishes fear being buried in paupers' graves because of new cemetery fees. This is the claim of two former councillors who say they have been lobbied by worried residents in both Romanby and Northallerton. Jack Dobson
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Midlem Melody can call tune again at Musselburgh
FOLLOWERS of Musselburgh-bound Midlem Melody (3.35) have been handsomely rewarded so far this season as the ultra-consistent mare continues to plunder prize after prize. With three wins plus several placed efforts already to her name, the money-spinning
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Basketball
Durham League Division One Cup: East Durham & Houghall Comm. College A v Willington Wasps: Willington came out strong from the tip-off, sending their intentions of a tough game to the home team, through Ben Scorers and Luke Somerville. The Wasps could
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Midlem Melody can call tune again
FOLLOWERS of Musselburgh-bound Midlem Melody (3.35) have been handsomely rewarded so far this season as the ultra-consistent mare continues to plunder prize after prize. With three wins plus several placed efforts already to her name, the money-spinning
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A financial catastrophe: and threat of legal action
GEORGE REYNOLDS was facing the prospect of legal action from the administrators of crisis-torn Darlington Football Club last night as the full scale of the Quakers' financial catastrophe was revealed. The former chairman was given the warning on a dramatic
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Call out for treadmill volunteers
VOLUNTEERS are needed to keep a treadmill running for ten hours. The exercise machine will begin running at Chester-le-Street Leisure Centre at 9am on Thursday, February 22, and must be kept going until 7pm. Individuals or teams can sign up for stints
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Thieves take archer's bows and arrows
POLICE are hunting thieves who have stolen archery equipment including arrows capable of piercing armoured plate. The arrows are similar to those used by English archers to defeat the French army at the battle of Agincourt nearly 600 years ago. They were
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MP takes action but pool closure claims denied
COUNCIL leaders have denied claims that Guisborough swimming pool could close as part of a cost-cutting exercise. Alarm bells were triggered after a report to Redcar and Cleveland Council's cabinet meeting on Tuesday revealed that shutting down the pool
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Tennis: National Premier League North East Region
This weekend's final fixtures have added spice as the mid table teams are chasing top four places to make the play-offs next month, with the local Cleveland derby between Tennis World Middlesbrough and David Lloyd Teesside the most crucial encounter of
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Sunnydale girls emulate Shildon's Cup heroics
A Shildon school is following the lead set by the town's football team by enjoying success in a major cup competition. Earlier this season Northern League Shildon put the town's name on the map by reaching the first round proper of the FA Cup for the
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Justin Timberlake, Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle
ALTHOUGH still on the right side of 30, I felt old among the audience at the Metro Radio Arena. The venue was packed with rows of girls whose average age was about 14, hyperventilating at the thought of seeing their idol in the flesh. They had to wait
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Moving on after 30 years
A MUSEUM created out of love for the Yorkshire Dales is to change hands as it approaches its 30th anniversary. The folk museum at Reeth was opened in 1974 by Erica Law and her late husband, Donald, after they bought and converted the village's former
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23/01/04
ZIMBABWE: TO tour Zimbabwe when mass human rights violations continue to take place is morally wrong. Where freedom of movement, speech and association are all suppressed by the government; where mass torture, illegal imprisonment and partisan feeding
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Minister to see figures in bid to save rail services
DR ASHOK Kumar MP is to hold talks with Transport Minister Kim Howells in a bid to prevent cuts to train services between Saltburn and Newcastle. The Strategic Rail Authority plans to axe almost all the existing service, claiming it is under-used and
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A game with gore galore
GLADIATOR SWORD OF VENGEANCE. Publisher: Acclaim. Formats: PS2, Pc CD Rom. Price: £39.99. EVERYONE knows that the Romans were a bloodthirsty lot. After all, back in those days a sightseeing visit to the gladiatorial arena wouldn't have been complete without
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The UniBond League
Bishop Auckland are worried they have missed out on more cash from their transfer of Jeff Smith to Bolton Wanderers two years ago. Midfielder Smith went to the Reebok Stadium for an initial £25,000 fee, with more payments linked to appearances. He quickly
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It only takes a minute to give Quakers a hand
THE Northern Echo today launches an appeal to support Darlington's make-or-break home game against Rochdale on January 31. Unless sufficient money is made from the game, administrators have warned that the club could fold. To help see the club through
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Team digs in to open shop
AN ALLOTMENT shop, funded through coffee mornings and grants, was officially opened at the weekend. The Mayor of Guisborough, Coun Anne Franklin, opened Guisborough Allotment Society's shop in Wilton Lane, Guisborough, which will be run by volunteers.
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Sporting youngsters forge European links
A MULTI-NATIONAL sports project is taking place in the county next month, with children travelling from across Europe to take part. Students from two Chester-le-Street schools, The Hermitage and Park View Community schools, are to team up with young people
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Squint into the crystal ball
SUNDERLAND chairman Bob Murray is not known for courting publicity, so it was brave of him to call in the media to announce he is to offer the players record bonuses for achieving promotion. He risks being reminded that if players have any pride such
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The Albany Northern League Today
Northern League clubs have asked for another meeting with the Football Association over their future role within the national league system. FA officer Mike Appleby was due at an EGM of Northern League clubs last night, but pulled out several days beforehand
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Two hostelries in the region win Michelin Guide recognition
A BARNARD Castle guesthouse owner is among the first to be featured in a new category in the world famous Michelin Guide. The guide's reputation is based on choosing the finest eating places and most luxurious hotels, but a new category - the Bib hotel
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Scores and fixtures
Pyman Cup: Quarter-final: Hartlepool BBOB 15 Hartlepool Athletic 19. Athletic will now be away to the winners of the Hartlepool Rovers II v West Amater's quarter final tie, the date of which is yet to be confirmed. Durham County Second Teams Cup Quarter-finals
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Flowers for Princess Anne as she tours army barracks
A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD girl in traditional Nepalese dress gave the Princess Royal a garland of flowers yesterday as she opened a Gurkha temple at an Army barracks. Suista Gurung, the daughter of Staff Sergeant Surendra Gurung, gave the yellow and pink roses
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Athletics
Charles Stead of Northumberland Fell Runners beat Paul Lowe of Mandale Harriers by over two minutes at the Eston Nab Nee Nocker on Sunday. Stead also broke his record set in last years event, lowering it to 34 minutes 34 seconds for the 5.5 mile course
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Historic building set to be relaunched as one-stop shop
AN HISTORIC building is to be redeveloped to provide a one-stop council shop. The Mechanics Institute in Bridge End, Chester-le-Street, is to be redesigned and re-opened as a point of contact for people wanting help or advice from Chester-le-Street District
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Dobbin gets plum ride after Murphy and Russell split
TRUCKERS Tavern, one of our Fifteen to Follow, will be partnered by Tony Dobbin tomorrow in the Pillar Chase at Cheltenham after a shock split this week between Ferdy Murphy and stable jockey Davy Russell. This time last year Russell first hit our headlines
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Jackson Anderson Accountants Spennymoor Sunday League
BROWNEY caused a stir last week with a slender 1-0 win over championship favourites Old Shildon. Only four games from the league's fixture programme survived a severe frost that put paid to eight games. And Browney recorded arguably their result of the
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Arnold set to return for Mowden
DARLINGTON Mowden Park will have player-coach Richard Arnold back as they attempt to end Waterloo's 100 per cent record in National Three North tomorrow. Mowden lost 19-14 at home to the club from Blundellsands but have won all eight matches since and
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Sunderland Catholic Club Over-40s League
The torrential rain last weekend totally disrupted the Over-40s Cup and League programme, only 11 matches being played, five cup and six league. In the Kenny Ball Cup, premier side Norton & Stockton won 3-0 away to Division Three leaders Houghton
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Inter Club Durham County Seniors League Championship
In their quest for the Inter Club Durham County Seniors League Championship The Quakers Men's team, playing from The Morrisons Centre, this week had a neck and neck battle with an equally determined Durham City Three Rink Team. For Darlington Jack Grayson
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TV review
Making Babies The Gay Way (C4) THE title made it sound like a particularly blue episode of Blue Peter in which an old washing up liquid bottle and some sticky back plastic was used to make something useful. Indeed, at one point lesbian Katie and gay man
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From valued delicacy to hated pest - the story of a true survivor
NO-ONE is quite sure when rabbits first appeared in this country, with some experts believing they were introduced from Spain in the latter half of the thirteenth century, others suggesting they arrived from France in the twelfth century and yet more
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Richmond and Zetland Harriers
Richmond and Zetland Harriers' Under-15 Girls team had enough energy to out-run the opposition at Whitby on Sunday 11 in the fourth NYSD X-C League fixture and, having won all four fixtures to date, lead their group with a maximum 32 points. The Senior
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Reports reveal growing confidence
MORE evidence has emerged that business confidence in the North-East is growing. Two reports revealed the region's economy is strengthening and that manufacturing is leading the charge. Industry has suffered years of depression, but according to the British
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Town's future
Sir, - I was pleased to read the TransPennine Express rail service which passes through Northallerton is to be improved. But, as they intend putting 56 faster trains into service in 2005, this will mean increased closure of the Low Gates crossing. It
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Arnold set to return
DARLINGTON Mowden Park will have player-coach Richard Arnold back as they attempt to end Waterloo's 100 per cent record in National Three North tomorrow. Mowden lost 19-14 at home to the club from Blundellsands but have won all eight matches since and
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Town airs total smoking ban
PLANS to make Chester-le-Street the first smoking-free town in Britain are to be looked at soon. The district council is considering banning smoking from bars, restaurants, shops and even parks and streets. A report is being prepared on the feasibility
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Table Tennis
County Championships: Junior Division 1A: Durham County's junior team captured the first division honours last Saturday in Grantham and gained promotion to the premier division without losing a match. The three counties played were well and truly trounced
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Badminton
On Sunday Durham's under-12 team took part in an inter counties match at Herringthorpe Leisure Centre, Rotherham. The team had excellent wins over Warwickshire, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire seconds but lost out to Lancashire for a place in the finals. However
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Crook and District League
Penalties were needed at Howden Australian where Crook White Swan were the opponents in the Albert Vickers Cup. The Swan led 3-0 at half time but Australian came back to force extra time. John Conley grabbed a hat trick and goals from Kevin Burke and
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Children urged to take vow of silence
SCHOOLS throughout the region are being urged to take part in The Big Hush to help children with cancer. Every year, the Macmillan cancer charity holds a sponsored silence in schools to raise money. This year, the event has been called The Big Hush and
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Yes, I switched cash to club
GEORGE REYNOLDS admitted under oath yesterday that he paid money from his ailing business into Darlington Football Club - because he considered the company to be his bank account. The former Quakers chairman was grilled at Teesside County Court about
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Plans for no-smoking town 'are doomed to failure'
PLANS to ban smoking from a town's streets are doomed to failure, a smokers' campaign group says. Chester-le-Street District Council, in County Durham, is considering banning smoking from bars, restaurants, shops and possibly even parks and streets. Councillor
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Eight years for machete raid on woman's house
A MACHETE-WIELDING burglar was jailed for eight years yesterday 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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Burton's Bytes: A game with gore galore
GLADIATOR SWORD OF VENGEANCE. Publisher: Acclaim. Formats: PS2, Pc CD Rom. Price: £39.99. EVERYONE knows that the Romans were a bloodthirsty lot. After all, back in those days a sightseeing visit to the gladiatorial arena wouldn't have been complete without
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Can we affor to lose 120 years of history?
Sheffield United 0 Darlingfton , FA Cup First Round January 14, 1911. The Northern Echo called it "the most staggering result of the first round," which was probably an understatement. In all likelihood, it was the greatest day in Darlington's 120-year
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Juninho gives seal of approval
A BRAZILIAN Soccer School in Stockton gained further recognition this week for the effectiveness of their coaching with Brazilian World Cup winning midfielder, Juninho extolling the benefits of Futebol de Sal£o for younger players. Juninho explained the
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Worker stole £11,000
A BANK call-centre worker waited only four days in his new job before stealing thousands of pounds from customers. In only a fortnight, Steven Husband transferred more than £11,000 from customers into his accounts while working at Lloyds TSB, in Sunderland
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Direct action on anti-social behaviour
DRUNKEN teenagers causing trouble in a village have prompted councillors to take direct action. They are concerned that groups of youngsters, many in their early teens, are regularly gathering in Sadberge, near Darlington, and drinking. Councillors said
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Man turns car over after race on A1(M)
A DRIVER overturned his car on the A1(M) after he raced another car at speeds of up to 100mph, a court was told. Witnesses told police they had been overtaken by Raymond Donkin in his silver Ford Focus and another man driving a Vauxhall Nova "hurtling
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Artistic view of the ageing process
SCHOOLS from south Durham have taken part in a project that combines science and the arts. Members of Jack Drum Arts have delivered workshops in three secondary schools - Wolsingham Comprehensive, Greenfield, in Newton Aycliffe, and Teesdale, in Barnard
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Review endorses Investors status
FERRYHILL Town Council's Investors in People status has been endorsed after an inspection. The town council was the first in the North-East, and only the second in the country, to achieve the status three years ago. A review carried out last year has
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School honour for war victim
A MARINE who was killed while serving in Iraq has been honoured by his former school. Laurence Jackson School, in Guisborough, has created a memorial trophy in memory of former pupil Chris Maddison, who died on March 30 last year, aged 24, while serving
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School honours pupils for their achievements
PUPILS at a Darlington school were rewarded for their hard work at a prize- giving ceremony this week. Scores of youngsters at Hummersknott School and Language College received trophies for their academic and sporting successes. The prizes were presented
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Residents angry at proposal to open a sex shop in town
BUSINESS owners and residents have united in their anger over plans to open a sex shop in Hartlepool. Members of Hartlepool Borough Council's licensing committee will meet on Wednesday to discuss the application from Provincial Enterprises Ltd for a sex
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Science students use genetic fingerprinting to find out whodunnit
STUDENTS became super-sleuths for the day by trying out genetic fingerprinting. Pupils from Fyndoune Community College, in Sacriston, and Deerness Valley Comprehensive, in Ushaw Moor, both near Durham, took part in the mock crime scene investigations
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Consett Sunday League
FAMILY pride was at stake when Burgoynnes hit the Horse & Groom for six in Division Three. It was a case of "anything you can do..." when brothers David and Michael Nicholson both recorded hat-tricks in the 6-2 win over the Groom who replied through
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Library offers new courses
A LIBRARY has launched more than 30 courses ranging from traditional crafts to using the latest technology. Clayport Library, in Millennium Place, Durham, is starting a new term of courses which includes Spanish, family history, mat-making, digital photography
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Ricky and Warren celebrate Chinese New Year
BROTHERS Ricky and Warren Li are joining in the celebrations for the Chinese New Year. The pair, aged four and six, played with traditional Chinese toys including kites, windmills and paper dragons to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Monkey. York's
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Decision delayed on caravan in field
A RECLUSE who set up a mobile home on the embankment of the A66, near Darlington, has escaped eviction for the time being. Thomas Walker-Coates disobeyed planning policies and parked his caravan and five dog kennels, in a field near Sadberge. The move
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Foundations being made to boost sports in region
EXCAVATION work has begun on a sports pitch in Thornaby which will serve two schools and the local community. Stockton Borough Council's cabinet member for education, leisure and culture Councillor Alex Cunningham visited the site at the field between
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16-year-old puts Prime Minister on the spot over top-up fees
THE deputy head boy of a North-East school last night questioned Prime Minister Tony Blair over his controversial plans for student tuition top-up fees. Lee Keenan, 16, of Thomas Hepburn Community School, in Gateshead, confronted Mr Blair during his visit
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Execution most horrid of 'insolent fellow'
ESH WINNING lies in the valley of the River Deerness four miles west of Durham. It is one of the larger mining communities of the valley and is often described as a mining village, but there is no longer a colliery here and with its own market place it
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Promise of action to tackle anti-social behaviour
DRUNKEN teenagers causing trouble in a village have prompted councillors to take direct action. They are concerned that groups of youngsters, many in their early teens, are regularly gathering in Sadberge, near Darlington, and drinking. Councillors said
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Resource centre to be built
A DISUSED primary school in Stockton is to be transformed into a community resource centre thanks to a £1m boost. The funding, from the European Regional Development Fund, will pay for the work to the former Newtown Infants School, which has stood empty
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Wetlands hope for dragonflies
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's Wildlife and Wetlands Trust (WWT) will be held from 10am-3pm on Sunday, February 1. There will
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16-year-old puts Prime Minister on the spot over top-up fees
THE deputy head boy of a North-East school last night questioned Prime Minister Tony Blair over his controversial plans for student tuition top-up fees. Lee Keenan, 16, of Thomas Hepburn Community School, in Gateshead, confronted Mr Blair during his visit
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Region bucks the trend
One of the region's police forces says it is bucking the national trend. County Durham Police said overall crime for the quarter between July and September 2003 had dropped year-on-year by 3.5 per cent to 12,116. Violent crime, which includes violence
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Dale bank cuts opening to just three days a week
A RURAL bank branch is to close two days a week following a review by regional management. Barclays at Middleton-in-Teesdale is currently open five days a week, but will switch to three by the beginning of April, only three months after the D&S Times
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Brass band play
THE Black Dyke Brass Band, whose music features on TV's Groundforce, will perform at Middlesbrough Town Hall, at 7.30pm, on Saturday, February 28. Tickets are £12.50, available on (01642) 242561. Published: 23/01/2004
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Robson furious at Cort's 'invisible' tag
SIR BOBBY ROBSON last night reacted furiously to claims that Carl Cort had been "the invisible man'' in over three years with Newcastle. As Cort prepared to join Wolves in a £2m deal, an angry Robson rounded on the 26-year-old striker's critics. Injury-plagued
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Bedale
A large turnout of elderly club members filled the club house for their annual get together. A report on his year was given by the seniors captain Alec Crowe, who highlighted the seniors outing to Durham City gold club in September and was attended by
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Comment from The Northern Echo: Unravelling the tangled web
QUESTIONS, questions, questions.That's the problem for those dealing with George Reynolds: so many questions; so few answers. The questions came thick and fast on two fronts yesterday. As creditors met to hear the depth of the black hole Darlington Football
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Government finally gives go-ahead for mail order merger
MORE than 1,700 workers in the North-East face a more certain future after the Government gave its blessing to the merger of two mail order firms. Trade Secretary Patricia Hewitt approved plans by the Barclay brothers to merge their March UK (Littlewoods
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Serious yet funny . . . welcome to the George Reynolds show
George Reynolds was in the dock yesterday, grilled about his business dealings. Chris Lloyd witnesses a courtroom drama with more than a touch of comdey. THERE is a popular comedy on the television at the moment called Little Britain. One of its main
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Darlington Church and Friendly League
Darlington Skerne Park were a couple of minutes from picking up their first win of the season but had to be satisfied with a share of the points with Darlington Dalesman after an evenly contested game. Andy Williams put Skerne Park ahead with Stuart Melville
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The ring settle with Government
FARMERS have finally settled their dispute with the Government over a huge bill they were left with following the foot-and-mouth clean up operation. The Northumberland and Durham Machinery Ring had been involved in a lengthy wrangle with Defra over its
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Daniel earns a place in Blue Chip championships
SALTBURN teenager Daniel Neilson has secured a place at the National Blue Chip Show Jumping Championships with his novice pony Lets Go Rocky. The Freebrough School pupil finished in an excellent third place on the six-year-old bay in a Kitt Sapphire junior
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South Cleveland Garages Teesside League
Division One, Bedale FC 0, Nunthorpe Ath 2: The only first division game to survive the weather turned up a shock result. Bedale entertained Nunthorpe Athletic who are at the wrong end of the table and a tight first half ended goalless. In the second
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Try, try and try again - the rise of a women's rugby team
WITH a following of thousands, top international players and a bad reputation it just can't seem to shake - women's rugby is growing strong. Rugby is the second-fastest growing sport among women in the country, with thousands of players competing in leagues
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Crowtrees stamp their authority on division
Worthington CIU League: Crowtrees A managed to open out a three-point gap at the top of the Second Division after they whitewashed the visiting Belmont. The home side's winners were Sean Johnston, Sonny Hann, Keith McLauchlan, Steve Armstrong and Phil
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Robbery theory on India murder
POLICE in India have told the family of murdered wildlife artist David Green that he may have been the victim of a failed robbery. The body of the 53-year-old Darlington nature lover was expected to be brought back to the region last night. The freelance
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Stanley Sunday League
In the league, Felling Mulberry over took Gateshead Black Bull when they recorded a convincing 5-0 win. Felling were made to work hard for their deserved win with goals from Steven Cairns, Lee Wilkinson, Gary Harkness, Jason Pringle and Paul Wilkinson
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The King's Consort: Durham Cathedral
THE splendour of Durham Cathedral provided a perfect backdrop for the recreation of the coronation of King George II. In a mesmerising performance, the King's Consort transported a capacity audience back in time to savour the full pomp and ceremony of
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Fish Tales
The wet January hit the region's rivers again for the weekend fixtures and competitors on the Ure, Swale, Tees and Ouse had to work hard for a bite in the swollen conditions. Biggest disappointment came during Bradford City's Open on their newly acquired
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Hartlepool Ladies Master Pairs
Quarter finals: Ann Brown/Brenda Mangles (Gt Aycliffe) 15, Cal I'Anson/Trudy N Broxson (S'and) 13 (extra end); Masie Conway/Joyce Jones (Thornaby) 17, Margaret richardson/Joyce Hull (Spennymoor) 8; Ella Baker/Val Bambrough (S'land) 12, Ann Longmoor/Dora
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Hambleton Ales North Yorkshire Cup
Northallerton skipper Peter Pinkney ended up at hospital after injuring himself in a quarter final cup clash. Disaster struck for Pinkney in the second game of his clash against Harrogate Squash Club player Stuart Macdonald. Pinkney was forced to pull
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Mayor to remain independent despite Labour Party rumours
NORTH-EAST mayor Ray Mallon has snubbed overtures by the Labour Party and vowed to remain an independent directly-elected official. The former head of Middlesbrough CID and now mayor of the town said that by being an independent mayor, he "can truly take
