Archive
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School boy gets trapped on factory roof
A SCHOOL boy was given two official tickings off after being rescued from a factory roof - too frightened to climb down himself. The 11-year-old froze with fear after clambering 35 feet on to the roof of a workshop at Stockton's Phoenix Sidings. A man
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MP takes Age Concern pledge
DARLINGTON MP Alan Milburn and the chief executive of Darlington Partnership have signed a pledge aimed at stopping age discrimination. Mr Milburn and chief executive Steve Rose signed the Breaking the Age Barrier pledge at Age Concern in Darlington.
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Village's young footballers banned by homes developer
YOUNG footballers have been left with nowhere to train after a housing developer prevented them from using a field in their village. Youngsters in Middleton St George, near Darlington, are devastated because George Wimpey North-East has banned all ball
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Youths may have caused centre blaze
POLICE suspect that a community centre blaze was the work of arsonists. A carpet and wooden door were placed against the door of the community centre on the Skerne Park estate, in Darlington, on Tuesday night, and set alight, severely damaging the front
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Sex, violence and a lot of swaggering
Dragons Alive (BBC1): THEY have sharp teeth, extraordinary senses and very smart survival strategies. Sounds like a few TV executives I know, but the narrator of this new wildlife series was talking about reptiles. These "living cousins of the dinosaurs
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Poverty cash just moves problems - MP
A NORTH-East Labour MP has claimed a £2bn Government scheme to cut poverty just moves drug dealers to other neighbourhoods. City of Durham MP Gerry Steinberg criticised the flagship New Deal for Communities (NDC) scheme for concentrating on 39 deprived
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School furniture 'big savings'
EDUCATION chiefs say they have clinched a money-saving deal for the supply of school furniture. Instead of going through one firm, Durham County Council has signed a three-year, £3m contract with several suppliers, many of them local, who specialise in
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Archie Babe fans hoping for a repeat performance
IT could be case of dj vu at Doncaster where, on the opening day of the Flat turf racing season, Archie Babe is strongly fancied to repeat his victory of 12 months ago in the Racing Schools Apprentice Handicap. A year ago to the day, Archie Babe (1.50
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Gipsy family face planning site refusal
A GIPSY family look likely to be refused permission to stay on their own land in a Teesside village. The Murphy family's solicitor said they had followed Government advice to gipsies to buy their own land and apply for private gipsy site status. But Stockton
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Boys set sights on raising a record total
PUTTING the needs of other people before themselves are two 11-year-olds from the Hambleton area. Ross Waters and Jordan Kitching are both pupils at Swainby and Potto Church of England Primary School, near Northallerton. They are busy collecting items
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Tories choose candidate to fight Milburn
TORIES have selected a candidate to contest the parliamentary seat held by former Health Secretary Alan Milburn. Anthony Frieze, 38, was chosen at Darlington Conservative Association's annual meeting. He said: "Since Michael Howard became leader, the
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Woman's op death spurs new rules on instruments
THREE years after a North-East woman died following a routine operation, surgeons have been advised not to use controversial disposable instruments. The guidance from the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (Nice) has been welcomed by solicitors
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Concern raised over safety works on coastal route
SERIOUS concerns have been raised about safety works on one of North Yorkshire's main roads which have still to be carried out. Councillors claim communications with both the Highways Agency and contractors have deteriorated over the past few months.
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Pupils embark on musical journey
MORE than 300 youngsters came together for a concert of world music. The performance, at the Lamplight Arts Centre, Stanley, was the first of a series of events to mark the end of Forging the Future, a major arts project in north Durham. The £200,000
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We name the guilty parents...
THEY say a problem shared is a problem halved. That's certainly the case with guilt. Since baring my soul over our eldest's broken ankle, the messages of consolation from other mums and dads have been a source of great comfort. Just to recap, it was me
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Famous guest meets an old pal and some scientists of the future
A FAMOUS botanist enjoyed a reunion with a former research colleague as well as meeting scientists of the future yesterday. Former Durham University lecturer Dr David Bellamy, who went on to earn celebrity status as a botanist and environmental campaigner
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Playgroup for 'in-betweenies'
A group has been formed for children who are too old for baby groups, but are too young for pre-school clubs. The Inbetweenies caters for children between six months and two years, and allows parents to meet and chat while their children play. The club
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Comment from The Northern Echo: Dire need for a golden goal
DARLINGTON Football Club stands on the brink of the unthinkable. A club that has been a proud and important part of the local community for 121 years is close to going out of business. Much has been done to try to stir the embers back into life since
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Team wins through to national final
THE year seven football team from Woodham Community Technology College, Newton Aycliffe, reached the national final of the English Schools Football Association Cup. Woodham had to qualify through a series of matches at district and regional level. The
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Row over review of rural services
A POLITICAL war of words has erupted over county council spending on two projects. Liberal Democrat councillors claimed yesterday that a review of countryside services in North Yorkshire had cost £100,000, despite only £130,000 being available this year
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Bus station exit fee 'to go on fares'
BUS operators are warning that fares could rise after a council imposes a 20p exit fee at Bishop Auckland bus station next month. The departure charge would be imposed on every bus leaving the station and could raise £20,000 a year to help Wear Valley
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Bursting buds and family fun
children and their parents can find out more about the natural world this weekend. The Bursting Buds event, in Blackhill and Consett Park, aims to provide a fun environment for families to enjoy its plant life, as spring begins to bloom. It follows the
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Heritage day was 'a missed opportunity for children'
AN historian says a Teesside council has missed an opportunity by only inviting civic dignitaries to a heritage day. Bob Harbron, chairman of Norton Heritage, said he had been contacted by other historians and a history teacher complaining they were not
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£6.3m upgrade for town's schools
EDUCATION chiefs are to invest £6.3m in upgrading schools across a North-East borough this year. Darlington Borough Council has announced plans to replace Alderman Leach and Skerne Park primary schools. The money will also be used for refurbishment projects
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Doctors' new treatment: take a walk
SMOKERS, diabetics, asthmatics and overweight people who seek help from their doctors are to be offered an unexpected treatment - a walk in the woods. Health chiefs have appointed a woodland walks co-ordinator, whose job it is to get hundreds of overweight
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Dale of dales
South Shields actor Dale Meeks was asked to keep his regional accent when he auditioned for Emmerdale. Now the man who nearly gave up acting just before his big TV chance tells Steve Pratt about joining his favourite soap. FAME for Dale Meeks is having
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TV Carol proves she's a real gem
LOOK North presenter Carol Malia has won the top award in a competition. The BBC Nations and Regions Ruby Awards honour the achievements of the BBC's daily television news programmes. Ms Malia received the Ruby award for best presenter of regional television
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Sparrow is top of region's bird table
THE house sparrow has emerged as the North-East's most common bird - taking top spot in a record-breaking Big Garden Birdwatch. While the sparrow was most common in County Durham, Northumberland and the Tees Valley, the RSPB tally showed the starling
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Top brass winners
THE Reg Vardy (Ever Ready) Band is heading for the Royal Albert Hall after winning the North of England Regional Championships for the 27th time. The band, which was competing in its first contest since signing a five-year sponsorship deal with Reg Vardy
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Tie-up will target eastern Europe
ENGINEERING company Aker Kvaerner has announced a tie-up with Spescom Software Limited to provide information management solutions to the nuclear power industry. The alliance will target nuclear operators in the ten eastern European countries which are
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Skip death youth to be locked up
A 15-YEAR-OLD boy who set fire to a skip and killed his friend will be locked up after being convicted of man-slaughter. The defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was convicted at Newcastle Crown Court of killing Michael Temperley, 15, of
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Tax rates high on PM's doorstep
HOUSEHOLDERS in Prime Minister Tony Blair's Sedgefield constituency will pay more council tax than people living anywhere else in the country, according to latest figures. Sedgefield Borough Council is set to levy the highest council tax across England
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Gibbs blow for Durham
DURHAM have suffered a blow with the news that South African batsman Herschelle Gibbs will be available for less than half of his first season in county cricket, writes Tim Wellock. They have signed Western Australia batsman Marcus North as cover and
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Man ordered to stop the music
A YOUNG Chester-le-Street man has been banned from playing music in his house after a string of complaints from neighbours. Durham Magistrates issued an interim anti-social behaviour order against 20-year-old Brad Storey, who lives with his mother in
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Expanding service gets cash for office supplies
A CREDIT union is receiving help with its expansion plan from a community grant scheme. Cestria Credit Union received £500 from the North-Eastern Co-op community dividend scheme. The money will be used to buy new office equipment as the organisation continues
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Former NY gang man tells his tale
A FORMER New York gang leader is to visit a Newton Aycliffe church to tell his story. Nicky Cruz was once the leader of the violent Mau Maus gang in Brooklyn, New York, dreaded by his rivals and police. He was arrested on countless occasions and his fate
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Green fuel sees surge in demand
A REFINERY plans to increase production to keep pace with demand for its environmentally-friendly fuel. Petroplus disclosed yesterday it is considering stepping up its biodiesel capacity at its Teesside plant, where it currently produces 20,000 tonnes
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Tie-up will target eastern Europe
ENGINEERING company Aker Kvaerner has announced a tie-up with Spescom Software Limited to provide information management solutions to the nuclear power industry. The alliance will target nuclear operators in the ten eastern European countries which are
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It's bar wars
SOAPLAND welcomes back Dirty Den - from Spain rather than a watery grave this time - and before long fists are flying in EastEnders (BBC1). Clearly his time in the sun has left him panting for action. Most of the week in Albert Square is taken up with
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Men sentenced for armed robbery, murder
THREE men from the region were today sentenced to life in prison for carrying out an armed robbery which ended in murder. Christophe Padiglione was shot dead and warehouse owner Francis Lemal seriously wounded in the armed robbery on a tobacco warehouse
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Homage To Catalonia, West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds
TRANSLATING books for the stage is always tricky. Remain too faithful and adaptations get bogged down in plot and words, while more free-wheeling versions lose the flavour of the original. This international collaboration uniting theatre companies in
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Top brass winners
THE Reg Vardy (Ever Ready) Band is heading for the Royal Albert Hall after winning the North of England Regional Championships for the 27th time. The band, which was competing in its first contest since signing a five-year sponsorship deal with Reg Vardy
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Smoking in public areas could soon be outlawed
COUNCILS are poised to receive the power to ban smoking in public places. The Northern Echo has learned that the controversial legislation could be introduced as soon as next year. But last night critics of the plan warned local authority leaders: "Don't
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Nana gets Jordan's paper greeting
A YOUNG boy's wish to post a home-made greetings card to his grandmother came true as the single piece of paper floated on to her doormat yesterday. Despite it having no stamp or envelope, the sheet of A4 paper, patterned with scribbles and little words
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Quakers on brink as talks end in deadlock
THE future of Darlington Football Club was looking increasingly desperate last night after hours of negotiations to agree a rescue deal ended in stalemate. Administrators Wilson Field admitted that the frustrating impasse meant the Quakers could be on
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Amec awarded contract in Iraq
An engineering services company has won contracts worth $1bn to rebuild the water supply and sewage systems in war-ravaged Iraq. Amec, which has a site in Darlington, was awarded the contract by the US Department of Defence. It will be carried out in
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New centre hopes to attract business
A NEW business centre already in the running for a design award has officially opened. The £1.63m Derwentside Business Centre, on Consett Business Park, aims to encourage more small and medium-sized enterprises in the electronics industry to settle in
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Village gets IT services
A VILLAGE near Darlington has won a two-year campaign to get online. Residents of Middleton St George applied for a computer learning centre in 2002 but feared they would not get it because the village is not in a deprived area. The bid was eventually
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Band has busy build-up to California trip
A COLLEGE band is preparing to fly to the US where the musicians will perform at Disneyland and Yosemite National Park. The 48 students and six staff from Northallerton College's Concert Band will leave on Tuesday for the two-week Easter tour of California
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Warning as deaths blamed on drugs
POLICE have sent out a strong warning about the dangers of illegal drugs following the deaths of four men. Officers spoke out after toxicology tests revealed that drugs were a factor in all four recent deaths in Newcastle. In three of the cases, it appeared
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Work under way on storage depot
WORK has begun on a food depot which when complete will bring up to 150 jobs to east Durham. The £10m food storage depot is being built at the Foxcover Industrial Park, Seaham, by Yearsley Cold Storage and Distribution. The company already has depots
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Taking pressure off GPs
THE first health workers whose efforts will be taking the pressure off GPs at weekends and evenings, have completed their training. Health bosses believe that the first batch of 14 emergency care practitioners (ECPs) to graduate from Teesside University
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Recorder call
The Salvation Army in Westbury Street, Thornaby, is looking for children to form a recorder group. The five to ten-year-olds will play in the Salvation Army's Holiness meetings, on Sundays, from 10am to 11.30am. Practices will be on Sunday afternoons
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Free ticket to ride on offer
FAMILIES are being offered the chance of a free trip to Darlington Railway Centre and Museum. To mark the launch of the attraction's new Family Ticket, it is letting the first ten families through its doors free of charge on Saturday, April 3. Family
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New To Rent
The Matrix Revolutions (15, Warner Home Video, DVD £22.99/VHS £16.99) Stars: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, Monica Bellucci, Jada Pinkett Smith, Anthony Zerbe THE final instalment of Andy & Larry Wachowski's sci-fi
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Couple's dream for autism respite centre takes shape
BUILDING work is under way on a charity's project to open the UK's first respite centre for autistic children. Excavators are digging out foundations for an animal petting centre at the Daisy Chain Centre in, Norton, near Stockton. The centre, in Calf
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Campaigners set to oppose wind farm
CAMPAIGNERS have mobilised to oppose a massive wind farm development off the North-East coast. The move follows a meeting attended by more than 70 people to discuss plans for thirty 400 ft tall wind turbines. EDF Energy wants to build an offshore wind
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Fine wines from land of mines
EAST Cleveland is probably best known for its rich heritage of ironstone mining. But if Ian Coles has his way then the area could soon be known for wines not mines. The 49-year-old builder started making wine as a hobby at his home in Grove Road, Skinningrove
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Robson calls for cool heads in Euro battle
SIR BOBBY ROBSON has warned his Newcastle players against the perils of losing their cool in the heat of battle against Real Mallorca - after Craig Bellamy was at the centre of a furious bust-up with first-team coach John Carver. Fiery striker Bellamy
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Nightstop issues call for more volunteers
A CHARITY is looking for volunteers to provide a bed for the night for homeless young people. Over the past 11 years, Darlington Nightstop has helped many vulnerable people, aged between 16 and 25, who have found themselves on the streets for any number
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Allotments arson attack
ARSONISTS have caused about £300 worth of damage to an allotment shed and greenhouse. Alan Swannell, 39, has had an allotment at Brinkburn, in Darlington, for a year. He says while there have been burglaries and vandalism, lately things have got out of
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Vandals target doctors' surgery
A DOCTORS' surgery is being vandalised by youths gathering in its grounds at night. Dr Ahmet Fuat, of Carmel Surgery, in Nunnery Lane, in the West End of Darlington, said there were often large groups of youths loitering near the surgery drinking. "We
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Ban on smoking in public places looms
COUNCILS are poised to receive the power to ban smoking in public places. The Northern Echo has learned that the controversial legislation could be introduced as soon as next year. But last night critics of the plan warned local authority leaders: "Don't
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Racial harassment charge
TWO teenagers appeared in court yesterday charged with racially aggravated harassment. George Jeffries, 18, of Zetland Road, Stockton and a 17-year-old girl from Hartlepool, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before Hartlepool magistrates
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Author over the Molly Moon to win book of the year award
YOUNGSTERS named their author of the year at an awards ceremony. The Stockton Children's Book of the Year Award 2004 took place at the town's central library this week. About 1,000 children from 25 schools across the borough chose their favourite author
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Suggestions sought over linen heritage
A HISTORY group is seeking help to commemorate a village's linen industry heritage. Brompton Heritage Group is considering a number of ways to provide a lasting monument to the industry, which was the focus of the village for more than 300 years. Members
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Ballet treat for theatre
A TOP ballet company is heading for Durham's Gala Theatre. The Birmingham Royal Ballet will perform on Friday and Saturday, April 23 and 24, in an initiative supported by the touring department of Arts Council England. The tour allows the company to present
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Meet the crooner and his gal
EDWIN Piper was in full flow in a singing competition when the woman he would marry saw him for the first time. They may not have taken further notice of each other at the time, but Jean and he met eventually and their friendship went on to blossom into
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Radio commercials bid to fight crime
POLICE are taking to the airwaves in in a bid to encourage people to "rat on the rats". The North Yorkshire force will run a series of Crimestoppers-sponsored radio commercials from Saturday urging listeners to call about active criminals in their area
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Time to apply for day trips
APPLICATION forms for the annual day excursions for people over the age of 60 living in the parish of Great Aycliffe will be available at the end of the month. Residents of Newton Aycliffe or Aycliffe Village will be able to go on one excursion. Application
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Villagers celebrate £13,000 grant to create play area
VILLAGERS are celebrating a grant of £13,122 that will help them create a play area for children. The Hedleyhope Community Association, in Derwentside, is one of the groups to benefit from a £30m Government funding scheme. The association has been working
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First aiders show mettle in contest
A GROUP of first aiders will be flying the flag for the county in the northern heat of a national competition. The Spennymoor division of St John Ambulance enjoyed one of its most successful trips to the brigade's annual contest last week and is looking
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Woman hit in face on her doorstep
A WOMAN was taken to hospital with a broken nose after a youth punched her as she stood on the doorstep of her home. A police spokesman said the 46-year-old was knocked unconscious after answering her door to the teenager on the Coach Road Estate, in
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Doctors' new treatment: take a walk
SMOKERS, diabetics, asthmatics and overweight people who seek help from their doctors are to be offered an unexpected treatment - a walk in the woods. Health chiefs have appointed a woodland walks co-ordinator, whose job it is to get hundreds of overweight
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Regiment presents jackets to students
YOUNGSTERS training for a career in the armed services are now dressed for the part. Students on the Uniformed Services Course at Middlesbrough College, Middlesbrough, have been donated new track suit jackets by the Green Howards. The jackets are similar
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News in brief: New Wind Quintet
The New Wind Quintet will perform in the chapel of the Sir William Turner's Almshouses, at Kirkleatham, near Redcar, tomorrow, from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10. Credit card bookings can be made by calling (01287) 632225. Book Place: Tickets are on sale for
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Union gift boosts fund for tragic pit explosion victims
THE campaign to mark the graves of those who died in the region's worst mining disaster has taken a major step forward. An explosion in 1909 at the West Stanley Colliery, in Stanley, County Durham, known as Burns Pit, claimed the lives of 168 men and
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Getting rid of unwanted vehicles
A CAMPAIGN to remove abandoned or unwanted cars from the streets of Derwentside was last night hailed a success. More than 100 vehicles that were dangerous, untaxed, uninsured or no longer wanted have been cleared up in the sweep. A drive by police has
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New hope for music festival
A THREATENED music festival could still go ahead this year, thanks to a task force set up to save the event. The Stanley Blues Festival looks increasingly likely to take place this summer - and a new, free music event could also take place in Consett.
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Author faces prison for sex abuse of girls
A FAMOUS children's author was facing jail last night after he admitted sexually abusing six young girls as long as 43 years ago. William Mayne, 76, admitted his guilt on the third day of his trial after two accusers gave evidence that he regularly had
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New stars...
Two young North-East hopefuls have joined the 40 acts attempting to win the Stars In Their Eyes: Kids 2004 title... and its a Tyne-Wear clash. Aiden Salter from Sunderland and Megan Connelly from Newcastle talk to Viv Hardwick about their dream date with
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Old gems
Old actors make perfect old cops, according to the success of returning crime show New Tricks. North-East stars Alun Armstrong and James Bolam are certainly enjoying the experience. Viv Hardwick reports. BEING an actor is the perfect preparation for playing
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Councils stub out smoking facilities
VERY few councils in the region continue to provide staff with smoking rooms. A survey by The Northern Echo shows that only four out of 20 local authorities in the North-East and North Yorkshire allow workers to smoke on council premises. A further three
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Pupils discover science is fun
YOUNGSTERS at The Hermitage School, Chester-le-Street have marked National Science Week by finding out that science can be fun. The school held an event for 500 pupils that gave them the chance to experience 'science in the real world'. It was designed
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Emergency services called into action
TWO people are recovering after their car smashed into a concrete barrier on Sunday. The accident happened at around 4.10pm, on the A167 road close to the Hermitage roundabout, at Chester-le-Street. The car left the dual carriageway and veered into the
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John North: The boy who watched the plane go down
As a lad of 11, Alan Mitcheson witnessed the death throes of a hero pilot's plane, before it crashed into a hillside at Ryhope. SIXTY years to the day after Cyril Barton earned a posthumous VC - "gallantly completing his last mission in the face of almost
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Climbers keep up with abbey repairs
EXPERIENCED abseilers have been roped in by English Heritage to help assess the condition of 34 ancient buildings. Yesterday, surveying work got under way at Byland Abbey, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, with climbers from the Herefordshire company, Wallwalkers
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Sir Clive banks on Barkley skill
Olly Barkley headed for Paris last night ready to face the biggest test of his fledgling international career. Barely 24 hours after being dropped, Barkley was handed England's fly-half jersey, drafted in to replace Paul Grayson, who has failed a fitness
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Engineering firm grows
A COMPANY about to mark 25 years in County Durham is looking ahead to the next quarter of a century with the backing of business and council chiefs. DJH Engineering, which has a worldwide reputation for the design and manufacture of precision scale locomotive
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TV review
Sex, violence and a lot of swaggering Dragons Alive (BBC1) THEY have sharp teeth, extraordinary senses and very smart survival strategies. Sounds like a few TV executives I know, but the narrator of this new wildlife series was talking about reptiles.
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Mounting call to dismantle ships in UK
THE boss of a recycling company at the centre of an environmental row last night welcomed a campaign to dismantle ships in the UK instead of sending them to countries in the developing world. Able UK managing director Peter Stephenson described the move
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Family's grief as driver cleared of killing teacher
A MOTORIST accused of killing a North-East teacher in a head-on car crash has been found not guilty. Christopher Hornsey was standing trial at Teesside Crown Court accused of causing the death of Jennifer Askew, 54, by dangerous driving. The jury of seven
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Riggott's plea for Southgate
SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON shouldn't think twice about including Gareth Southgate in his England squad this summer, according to the man playing second fiddle to the Middlesbrough skipper at the Riverside. Cool-headed Chris Riggott, regarded by many as Southgate's
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Robinson to seal loan move to Cats
CARL ROBINSON will finalise a loan move to Sunderland today, and will be thrust straight into the equation for Saturday's visit of Derby County. The 27-year-old midfielder will sign until the end of the season from Portsmouth and then a decision will
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£7m to bring new help for heart patients
HEART patients in the region have been given £7m help amid reports that the tide is turning in the war against Britain's biggest killer. The Government has announced it is investing the money to extend the regional cardiothoracic unit, at the Freeman
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Archie Babe fans hoping for a repeat performance
IT could be case of dj vu at Doncaster where, on the opening day of the Flat turf racing season, Archie Babe is strongly fancied to repeat his victory of 12 months ago in the Racing Schools Apprentice Handicap. A year ago to the day, Archie Babe (1.50
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Taking a walk on the wild side
Along with John Grisham, he is the most widely read author among British prisoners, but what makes Stephen Leather a hit among guest of Her Majesty? Nick Morrison reports. WE'RE in the lounge of the Vermont Hotel in Newcastle, elegant and discreet at
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Police honour 'special' twins
IDENTICAL twins Chris and David Peacock received an award for their contribution to the police force. The brothers called it a day as section officers with the Special Constabulary in Newton Aycliffe, on their 55th birthdays last October. They have received
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Quakers rescue bid ends in deadlock
THE future of Darlington Football Club was looking increasingly desperate last night after hours of negotiations to agree a rescue deal ended in stalemate. Administrators Wilson Field admitted that the frustrating impasse meant the Quakers could be on
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Dad At Large: We name the guilty parents...
THEY say a problem shared is a problem halved. That's certainly the case with guilt. Since baring my soul over our eldest's broken ankle, the messages of consolation from other mums and dads have been a source of great comfort. Just to recap, it was me
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Search is on for world spoons champ George
ORGANISERS of a world title event are trying to trace the reigning champion so he can defend his crown. George Hood shocked the cutlery community last year when he lifted the World Spoon Playing Championships at the first attempt. The 77-year-old former
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Service Network helps award-winning toy shop expand
ONE of the region's best-known toy shops is expanding its online business thanks to a membership organisation. Lambs Toys, in Darlington, has received financial support from the Service Network, based in Sunderland, which has allocated grants totalling
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Cobbler bears his soul with controversial book
CAMPAIGNING cobbler Tony Martin will tomorrow mark the closure of his shop by bringing out a controversial book. Mr Martin, who has to leave his premises in Claypath on Saturday because of large rent arrears, says his book, called Cobblers to the Council
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More Jekyll, less Hyde is the key for Robert
LIKE Craig Bellamy, Laurent Robert is one of a cast of Newcastle characters with an unhappy knack of driving Sir Bobby Robson to distraction. Robson admits he never knows what to expect from French enigma Robert, a player he has dubbed "Dr Jekyll and
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'Noise had angered murder trial man'
A NURSE had an angry confrontation with a man accused of murdering his next-door neighbour over DIY noise, a court heard. Roberta Donaghy said Christopher Hoyland put notes through her letter box complaining about her slamming the front door, in the months
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Woman's op death spurs new rules on instruments
THREE years after a North-East woman died following a routine operation, surgeons have been advised not to use controversial disposable instruments. The guidance from the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (Nice) has been welcomed by solicitors
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Recognition for firm's support
A FIRM of solicitors is to receive recognition for the support it gave to the Reserve Forces during the war in Iraq last year. Archers, in Stockton, Teesside, will receive the SaBRE certificate next month from the Lord Lieutenant for County Durham, Sir
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New head at media centre
AN award-winning journalist has been appointed head of a North-East media training centre. Scott Armstrong, 31, joins the centre - part of Darlington College of Technology - from the Yorkshire Evening Post, in Leeds, where he was deputy news editor. He
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Pupils' university challenge
SCHOOLCHILDREN took part in a chemistry event aimed at introducing them to the excitement of science. The students, from 12 schools in the Teesside area, took part in the Salters' Festival of Chemistry at the University of Durham, Queen's Campus, Stockton
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Barratt shrugs off interest rate rises with record profits
HOUSEBUILDER Barratt Developments has announced record half-year profits, but predicted the overheated housing market will cool slightly this year. The group, based in Newcastle, said demand for its housing had remained robust despite two interest rate
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Poverty cash just moves problems - MP
A NORTH-East Labour MP has claimed a £2bn Government scheme to cut poverty just moves drug dealers to other neighbourhoods. City of Durham MP Gerry Steinberg criticised the flagship New Deal for Communities (NDC) scheme for concentrating on 39 deprived
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Victim was left in pool of blood
A MAN who left the victim of an assault lying unconscious in a pool of blood was yesterday spared a prison sentence. Matthew Croom, 24, admitted twice punching the man, who had been involved in a fight with a friend of his during a night out in Darlington
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Memorial fund receives cash from miners
A CAMPAIGN to mark the graves of those who died in the area's worst mining disaster has taken a major step forward. An explosion in 1909 at the West Stanley Colliery, in Stanley, known as Burns Pit, claimed the lives of 168 men and boys. Fifty-four victims
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Easter fun for the kids
EASTER fun is being organised for Chester-le-Street youngsters. Children will be able to join in crafts and activities such as painting eggs, decorating a bird bath and painting or drawing pictures. The event is being held at Bullion Hall on South Approach
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Fat dogs and starving children
TESSA beamed down on me from the poster on the waiting room wall. "Semi-finalist, Slimmer Of The Year," it said. With beautiful, shiny hair and gleaming teeth, she was leaping in the air. Tessa looked very pleased with herself. But there was something
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Honours even in hard-fought derby
A HOTLY-contested derby ended all square at the Reynolds Arena last night as Darlington reserves were held to a draw by Hartlepool United reserves. With two strong line-ups - containing many first-team regulars - Pool twice came from behind to rescue
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US maritime agency defends Ghost Ships plan
A LEADING figure with the US maritime agency which sent the so-called Ghost Ships to be scrapped in the North-East has defended the controversial move. Captain William G Schubert criticised reports suggesting the obsolete naval vessels were not fit to
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A Happy Medium, Billingham Forum Theatre
SU POLLARD transforms from a dippy housewife to a manic medium in this very silly, but well received, comedy. It's one year to the day since Ellen (Sue Pollard) lost her sister Betty and the family decide to hold a sance to fulfil her deathbed wish. After
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Talented Shona gives due accord to unlucky break
WHEN Shona Kipling broke her arm eight years ago, her father bought her an accordion to help exercise her injured limb. The unusual physiotherapy not only strengthened her arm but sparked an interest in Shona for the instrument that led this week to her
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25/03/2004
MIDDLE EAST: ISRAEL'S latest show of strength has been condemned by all except the US. Is it not clear that one of the main causes of worldwide terrorism is the Middle East problem, the ongoing abuse and humiliation of the Palestinians by the Israelis
