Archive
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Birds will be centre of £5m attraction
PLANS to create a £5.6m attraction at a bird haven will be announced today. The visitors centre is the latest phase in the creation of a 940-acre wildlife reserve called Saltholme, between Billingham and Seaton Carew, on Teesside. Saltholme is the largest
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Durham end with a win over Cumbria
Durham County Under-20s ended their County Championship campaign with a 32-16 win over Cumbria despite being outscored in the second half at Hartlepool Rovers RFC. A genuine game of two halves saw both sides produce some entertaining running rugby and
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North-East Christian Fellowship League
In the League Cup Lanchester Chapel of the first division took on joint leaders Consett Saint Patricks at home. Matching goal for goal within the first half Oliver Webster and David Marrin scored for Lanchester Chapel. John Christer, Kieron Young and
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Badminton
Durham: On Sunday, March 21 Durham's under-16s played in the North Midway League at Herringthorp, Rotherham. The Durham team beat Yorkshire and Lincolnshire 6-4 but lost 8-2 to event winners Lancashire and 6-4 to third place Warwickshire. This gave the
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Fans protest after radio show is axed by BBC
COUNTRY music fans from County Durham joined a protest outside the regional BBC studios following the demise of a much-loved slot from the air waves. Members of Brandon Ole Opre were among about 40 representatives from country and western clubs across
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Hathaway and Cope Stokesley League
Arthur Reed Memorial Shield, King's Head 1 Ennis Square 0: The game was a very closely contested affair, watched by over 250 spectators, with very little to choose between the two sides. With both defences dominating the early proceedings, the best chances
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Drilled holes found in shower cubicles at N-E university
Police have launched an investigation after holes were found drilled into shower cubicles at a North-East university. Students at Durham University complained at the end of last term two weeks ago after discovering holes had been bored in nine unisex
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Every dogsbody has his day
There may be no oval office, no hot line to high places, no flunkeys dancing dalliance, but the new president of Darlington Cricket Club couldn't be a prouder feller. Until now they usually knew John Edwardson, 57, as the dogsbody. It is a case of every
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Chester-le-Street
Wardley Eagles came to Moor Park knowing that if they had started the season as they are finishing it, this would surely have been a title decider. Both teams played good football with the defences dominating and the goalkeepers in great form particularly
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Motorsport: Showman Swift stars for England
DARLINGTON exhibition driver Paul Swift is already making his mark since his return to competition on the auto-testing circuit. After a season in rallying in the Peugeot 206 Super Cup last year, Swift has decided to concentrate on his commitments as a
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Girls safe and well after abduction
A nationwide hunt for two girls allegedly abducted from their foster parents at knifepoint ended after they were found safe and well, police said today. Sisters Salina Hafeez, five, and Sarah, three, went missing from Middlesbrough on Wednesday. They
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Tim Wellock's World
THERE'S no fool like an old fool, and I admit I almost fell for Durham's April 1 joke that they had signed a Norwegian all-rounder to play in this season's Twenty20 Cup. They e-mailed extensive details of "Loof Lirpa" with quotes from the Director of
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Sacriston stun Ryhope in Cup
Rohm and Haas JOC Hetton Youth League: Sacriston who have struggled for most of the season upset the form book defeating Ryhope in the semi-final of the prestigious Sunderland Eye Infirmary Cup. The Wearsiders were firm favourites to make it into the
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Book blamed for attack
A SHOP owner believes vandals may have targeted his shop because of a book he is selling. A panel of glass at John Shotton's antiquarian bookshop in Elvet Bridge, Durham City, was smashed on Monday. Behind the broken glass is a display of Cobblers to
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The tiny colliery village that disappeared without a trace
The former colliery village of Quebec is located along a front street a mile west of Esh village. A farm building just to the north gave its name to the village and was named after the famous Canadian City. Fields were enclosed here in the mid-1700s when
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Lyke Wake Walk in doubt
The annual Lyke Wake Walk which has been held annually since 1964 is looking doubtful this year and if cancelled would bring an end to an event well respected and liked throughout the running and walking fraternity. The 42-mile walking and fell running
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Wheelchair tennis contest is world class
AN international wheelchair tennis competition was launched in the North-East yesterday. Forty players from around the world are taking part in the three-day sessions at the Puma Sunderland Tennis Centre. It has attracted entries from France, Belgium,
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Stockdale keen to fight for place at Boro
ROBBIE STOCKDALE has admitted he intends to thrash out his Middlesbrough future at the end of the season. The right-back is on loan at First Division strugglers Rotherham United but he still has one year left on his Riverside contract. Stockdale, who
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Ferryhill hit Stockon for six
Ferryhill Town Youth: THE Under-10s, sponsored by Lloyds Brierley Hill, played Stockton Town Athletic at home, winning 6-0. Ferryhill dominated the game and found themselves 3-0 up at half time with goals from David Gibson followed by two from Matthew
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Darlington Railway Athletic Football Club
Darlington RA will be severely depleted when they visit Annfield Plain in the Wearside League tomorrow, writes Malcolm Pratt. Recently, the Brinkburn Road side has lost a couple of players to the Albany Northern League and their reduced squad is further
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So far. . . and yet so near
A WEEK or so back, our grandson told me he'd got a toy watch. We were speaking on the phone one evening just before he went to bed. Jonah loves phones. One of his first and favourite toys was a fat brightly-coloured plastic telephone that plays cheery
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Club go top but Lion & Unicorn are ready to pounce
Willington League: Willington Club moved to the top of the table after winning their penultimate match at Willington Brewer's Droop by the odd point. However they only lead the table by one point with joint second placed Willington Lion and Unicorn having
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Pupils bid for swimming glory
YOUNG swimmers battled it out for top honours in a competition between Darlington schools last night. Pupils took to the water in the Dolphin Centre in the town's large schools swimming gala. Schools taking part were Raventhorpe, Heighington, Middleton
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Youngsters put maths skills to the test
FOUR young mathematicians have taken part in the regional finals of a competition this week. The year eight and nine pupils from Eastbourne School, Darlington, travelled to Durham with maths teacher Andrew Tighe to compete against 28 schools as part of
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New start as agency celebrates birthday
A GOVERNMENT department set up to revitalise the region marked its tenth anniversary yesterday. Government Office for the North East marked a decade in business, which has seen it spend £5bn to regenerate communities, tackle crime and support businesses
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James is a champion apprentice
TRAINEE architect James Pitchers has been named one of the best apprentices in the Tees Valley. The 22-year-old, from Whindyke, Blackhall, near Hartlepool, is an architectural technician at Niven and Niven Architects, in Darlington. He is completing an
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Ice hockey: Junior round-up
Sunderland Scorpions still with three matches to play to complete their Women's Premier League season have won this seasons' title following a 3-2 victory over Guildford Lightning at Newcastle Arena. Guildford along with Kingston Diamonds were Scorpions
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Back street tattoo probe
ENVIRONMENTAL health officers have advised anyone who is considering getting a tattoo to only use a registered practitioner. The warning follows an investigation carried out by Durham City Council into alleged back-street tattooing in the city. A council
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Attacker spared prison sentence
A MAN was spared jail yesterday after a court heard his girlfriend had forgiven him for headbutting her. Lee Nagle pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm to Pavla Jirku at the home they share in Woodfield Place, Harrogate. Harrogate magistrates
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Sarah ready to take on all-comers
STUDENT Sarah Hope is celebrating her selection for the North of England hockey squad. The 16-year-old plays in goal, a position dangerous enough to warrant £1,400-worth of protective clothing. Sarah, a student at Northallerton College, said: "After a
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Abbey to host a year of entertainment
ACTOR Nigel Havers, best-selling author Terry Pratchett, Dracula and Shakespeare are all part of the drama programme at Fountains Abbey this year. Nigel Havers will direct the West End play Art, on the abbey's West Green on Friday, July 2, and Saturday
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A new mantra for our times
TONY Blair once famously described the key to building the nation's future as "education, education, education." Well, in my opinion, the only way to protect that future is "intervention, intervention, intervention." We are winning the war on crime in
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Sunderland Catholic Club Over-40s League
The semi-final of the Ironside Cup (Div 2) second placed Wynyard Vets had a comfortable 4-0 win over Hebburn DT and now meet either North Shields Spring Gardens or Red House in the final. In the premier Ferryhill Greyhound are in second spot, they won
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Darlington Allstars stroll to championship win
The Allstars Under-10s, who play in the Teesside Alliance League Durham Division One, won the league with four games left to play. Eldon Lions who were second, with three games to play and 13 points behind. "This is a fantastic accolade as the squad has
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Ashley still unsettled
ASHLEY NICHOLLS has given his clearest hint yet that his future lies away from the Reynolds Arena. The Darlington midfielder is on loan at Third Division rivals Cambridge until the end of the season. Nicholls joined Quakers in the summer of 2002 after
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Pair celebrate rare marriage milestone
Bob and Mary Twinn have enjoyed celebration parties to mark their Ruby, Golden and Diamond Weddings. But this week when it came to their 70th anniversary the couple from Bournmoor, near Chester-le-Street, opted for a quiet family get-together. Mr Twinn
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Robber returned to a life of crime after losing job
A ROBBER who went straight for a year lapsed into his old habit after losing his job, a court heard. Kevin Hardwick, who raided a filling station late at night after forcing his way into the forecourt shop, was yesterday jailed for four-and-a-half years
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The great women behind the great houses
THE role of women in the country houses of England is coming under scrutiny in a new exhibition. Maids and Mistresses, which is being staged at Castle Howard, near Malton, until October 31, is a project being pioneered by the Yorkshire Country House Partnership
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Profits surge at National Grid Transco
NATIONAL Grid Transco put investors on standby for an improvement in annual operating profits as it continued to benefit from merger savings. The company, which joined forces with Transco owner Lattice in a £14bn tie-up in 2002, expects to beat the figure
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Theatre lines up TV stars for panto
COUNTY Durham's oldest theatre is preparing to take on the region's big boys this winter. For the first time in its long history, the Empire Theatre in Consett is to stage a professional pantomime, featuring well-known TV celebrities. While it has a strong
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No win-no fee nightmare ends in bailiffs at house
BALIFFS turned up at the home of a North-East man who was left owing more than £6,000 in legal costs after the failure of a no win-no fee compensation case. Glen Crawford, 28, of Darlington, did not realise he owed the cash after taking out a policy with
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Groups call on community kitty
COMMUNITY and voluntary groups are being invited to apply for a share of £60,000. Groups based, or active in, Coatham, Dormanstown, Kirkleatham and Newcomen can apply for a grant of up to £1,000 from the West Redcar Community Chest. Grants are also available
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Britons cash in on house prices
Britons withdrew a record amount of equity from their homes during the final quarter of the year as their confidence in the housing market remained high, figures showed yesterday. The Bank of England said people took £16.19bn out of their properties during
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A M Brown Memorial Trophy
First round (on or before Friday, May 21): byes Leadgate, Shotley Bridge, Esh Winning, Annfield Plain, Kimblesworth, Tynedale, Marsden. 1 Tudhoe v Sacriston; 2 Consett v Benwell and Walbottle; 3 Boldon v Whickham; 4 South Shields v Shildon; 5 Crook v
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Tanfield aims to put past behind it
DIGITAL imaging company comeleon plc is hoping for a brighter future after recording £7m losses. The group bought out former parent company Tanfield Group in a reverse takeover that has seen the combination take the name Tanfield Group plc. Yesterday,
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King caps great Guisborough win
Cleveland League Sposored by Coors Brewers, Division One: Guisborough Cons. A recorded the result of week 25 after beating Marske Workies A 4-2. Steve Rutter put Guisborough 2-0 in front after beating Mark Kennedy with scores of 70-16 and 44-42, during
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Tennis: Kiernan stars in Premier League win
National Premier League: David Lloyd Derby continued their winning ways to capture the NPL honours for the third time in the national finals in York last weekend for whom British number two ranked doubles players Daniel Kiernan (Derwentside) was a major
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Ex-teacher admits child porn charges
A FORMER teacher was caught accessing child pornography on the Internet while working at his family's furnishings store, Teeside Crown Court was told. Police found 2,480 paedophile images on Alexander Thirkell's work computer. Thirkell, 32, of Hurworth
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Durham Alliance
Brandon Prince Bishop won their vital home tie 3-2 against Birtley Town Reserves. Michael Fort put the Bishops ahead with a fine shot from 18 yards on 20 minutes. Birtley levelled ten minutes later when Lee Cuthbertson curled in a shot from 20 yards.
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Point to point: Land Rover Men's Open Championship
Jurworth Point-to-Point, Hutton Rudby, near Darlington March 20: Imps Way ridden by Lee Bates owned and trained by Tracey Corrigan-Clark from Sawdon near Scarborough won his third point-to-point this season. This was his first win in an Open race as well
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Two suspects held over death of caring student
A FAMILY spoke of their grief last night at the loss of a gentle, caring student beaten to death during a night out. Lee Walker, 22, who lived in the Denes area of Darlington, was found unconscious outside a pub in Skinnergate in the town on Monday night
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Usher signs for Bishop Auckland
Hoping to build on the successful 2003 season, Bishop Auckland Cricket Club are enthusiastically preparing for the coming season. With most of last season's players attending indoor nets at Darlington, the season looks highly promising. Added to current
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Duchess told to 'keep off the grass'
A DUCHESS has been branded irresponsible by anti-drug campaigners after unveiling plans to grow cannabis and opium in a public garden. The Duchess of Northumberland has announced a scheme to cultivate illegal substances, including cann-abis and opium
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The deadly epidemic coming your way
Asbestos was once seen as an everyday part of life. Now scientists know that it causes one of the most vicious forms of lung cancer. Health Correspondent Barry Nelson investigates the mesothelioma timebomb that awaits the region. MESOTHELIOMA is a long
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Swimming
Nine Richmond Dales swimmers qualified to swim in the last of the Age group Championships in 23 events. All nine swimmers recorded personnel best times in their events. Jacob Attwood swam well all weekend and was rewarded with a Silver in the 200m Freestyle
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96.6TFM
The football season is reaching its climax and our local professional teams have all still got something to play for. Carling Cup winners Middlesbrough are aiming for their highest ever Premiership placing as well as looking forward to, and planning for
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Byers move clear at top
Newfit Services Willington: Byers Green Royal Oak won a tough match at Willington Burn to move 13 points clear at the top of the table with one match remaining. However they are not certain champions as second placed Willington Cottles have a match in
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SOS medical service starts
A NEW out-of-hours medical service began in the Tees Valley this week, following a change in GPs contracts. Tens of thousands of people have been sent letters outlining the new system, which changes the way urgent medical cover is provided when doctors
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Shoptalk: Putting God back into Easter
Unlike Christmas, when running reindeer and jolly Santas rule ok, religion still knocks fluffy chicks off the roost when it comes to Easter cards. BOUGHT your Easter cards yet? Probably not. Easter is no longer a fully-blown card-sending occasion. But
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Cycle shop secures £10,000 for revamp
SIXTEEN projects, including a Redcar High Street cycle shop, a Georgian townhouse and two guesthouses, have benefited from a town centre grant scheme. The West Redcar Single Regeneration Budget's Town Centre Property Improvement grant has been awarded
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Pupils take top honours in recycling competition
FERRYHILL Station Primary School has won £300 and been named the Gold Oak winner in the Sedgefield Borough Yellow Woods Challenge. The initiative is run by Yellow Pages, the Directory Recycling Scheme and the Woodland Trust. Working with Sedgefield Borough
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Mughas can defy weight to win over three miles at Aintree
MAKE sure Mughas (5.30) is on your Aintree short-list for this afternoon's Martell Cognac Handicap Hurdle. Mughas was one of our banker bets for the Cheltenham Festival, but try hard as he did, the Alan King gelding simply could not peg back the leaders
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Museum visitors asked for help to identify firgures from the past
A MUSEUM that reopened this week is asking residents for help to identify people featuring in its exhibition. Guisborough Museum has photographs on display showing how people dressed in the town between 1860 and 1960. Jacky Quarmby, from the museum, said
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Centre loses fifth chief in five years
THE chief executive of a national visitor centre dedicated to glass making has resigned - the fifth to leave in as many years. The trustees of the National Glass Centre (NGC) in Sunderland said they had accepted the resignation of Vicky Nicholls because
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Forum to discuss binge drinking
HEALTH experts are to look at ways of tackling the rising trend of binge drinking among young women in the North-East. The national conference, taking place in Sunderland on Wednesday, will launch the National Alcohol Reduction Strategy and look at ways
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Hockey
Wilton 1st finished their season in style against local rivals Stockton. With a slim mathematical possibility of taking the championship, Wilton refused to let the points slip. They put on an outstanding performance, with superb effort and work-rate across
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Deal agreed over new £3.5m elderly care complex in city
A former college campus will be redeveloped as a £3.5m care facility for the elderly. The purpose-built complex, at the former College of Ripon and York St John, will replace accommodation provided at the city's Ripon House. North Yorkshire County Council
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Silver Street, No Limits Theatre Company, Bishop Auckland Town Hall Theatre
NO Limits is an integrated company for people with and without learning disabilities, who use drama, dance, design and imagery to make plays like Silver Street. This fairytale fable is written by Linda France and Subhadassi about Ezust a refugee who goes
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Phones offer people peace of mind
A SCHEME to give victims of anti-social behaviour peace of mind was launched earlier this week. Householders across the Hardwick area of Stockton are being given the chance to apply for phones that will put them in immediate touch with police and local
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Sewage problems on beach despite £13m clean-up plan
Residents in east Cleveland are being asked to do their bit to stop sewage problems on Saltburn beach. People who use the beach have complained of having to put up with sanitary waste and other personal products on the sand and stones. Jackie Taylor,
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Spring colour in art show
A NEWTON Aycliffe art gallery has been transformed by an explosion of colour for a spring exhibition. The exhibition, by Dutch artist Maaike Draper Albers, opened at Greenfield School Community and Arts Centre this week and runs until Friday, April 16
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Advertising hoarding gets the go-ahead
A PLAN to build an advertising hoarding on a main route into Hartlepool has been approved despite objections. The hoarding will be on the site of the former Stranton Bingo Hall, on the A689, opposite the Cameron's Brewery. The hall has been demolished
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Museum visitors asked for help to identify firgures from the past
A MUSEUM that reopened this week is asking residents for help to identify people featuring in its exhibition. Guisborough Museum has photographs on display showing how people dressed in the town between 1860 and 1960. Jacky Quarmby, from the museum, said
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Police suspect factory fire may be arson
POLICE were last night investigating whether a serious blaze at a company which has been the focus of illegal immigrant claims was started deliberately. The fire at the Woo One factory, in Hartlepool, was tackled by 50 firefighters, who took more than
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Royal George sit in second place
Bishop Auckland League: Shildon Royal George share second place in the table after they only dropped four points to the visiting Crook Coach and Horses A. The George had two points from Martin Taylor and one each from Andrew Tennant, Rance Richardson,
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Police survey reveals thieves select older vehicles
THIEVES are ignoring new cars and stealing older models, according to police statistics. A police survey has discovered that 75 per cent of the cars stolen in Middlesbrough last year were at least ten years old, as thieves ignored models with modern security
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School hopes for Twickenham victory
A THOUSAND supporters, a band and a choir will travel to the home of English rugby tomorrow to cheer on a North-East school as it battles for national honours. For the second year running, Barnard Castle School in County Durham is competing at Twickenham
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Games
Willington Ladies League: Big wins in the darts section for Sunybrow Brown Trout and Willington Market lifted them into second and third places respectively, although Willington Club B, who were without a match, still lead the section by nine points.
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Boro banned from play-off talk
MIDDLESBROUGH coach John Moore has banned the word "play-off" this week as his team attempt the first of two major steps back to North One tomorrow. "The only two words I've stressed are 'beat Morpeth'," he said ahead of the visit of the club who are
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Ambassador and friend mourned
ACTOR, writer and raconteur Sir Peter Ustinov, died on Sunday aged 82. The Oscar-winning star, who was Chancellor of Durham University, died in Switzerland, his home for many decades. Sir Peter suceeded Dame Margot Fonteyn to become the tenth chancellor
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Abbey to host a year of entertainment
ACTOR Nigel Havers, best-selling author Terry Pratchett, Dracula and Shakespeare are all part of the drama programme at Fountains Abbey this year. Nigel Havers will direct the West End play Art, on the abbey's West Green on Friday, July 2, and Saturday
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Action pledged to shunt vandalism off rail network
YOUNG vandals are to be targeted over the Easter holidays in an attempt to crack down on railway crime in some of the North-East's worst blackspots. The body responsible for the running of Britain's railways, Network Rail, said action aimed at preventing
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Emergency Services League
It has been a bad three months for the league with lots of fixtures lost to the weather and additionally three of the Durham teams have struggled to get teams out causing further cancellations. After several weeks of only odd games getting played, three
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TV review
Happy Birthday Thalidomide (C4) New Tricks (BBC1) MAT Fraser has a problem with the idea that thalidomide is the new "miracle drug". It's already used to cure leprosy. Trials are taking place to discover its effectiveness in treating lung cancer. The
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Harrier Burn finishes third
Thirsk and Sowerby Harriers: The latest event in this year's Club Championship was the White Horse Wander Fell Race, held on a windy day over about seven miles. Rain over the previous few days had made conditions underfoot very muddy in places but a field
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Olive's birthday milestone
AT the age of 100, Olive Oxley makes all her own meals and does all her own housework. But on Tuesday she put her chores on hold to celebrate her birthday milestone at a party with family and friends. Born in Langley Moor, Mrs Oxley spent more than 20
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Wellock's World: Spring is in the air
THERE'S no fool like an old fool, and I admit I almost fell for Durham's April 1 joke that they had signed a Norwegian all-rounder to play in this season's Twenty20 Cup. They e-mailed extensive details of "Loof Lirpa" with quotes from the Director of
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Bedale
Scramble: The last winter competition was played on Sunday and while the team of Roger Parry, Michael Henson, John Webster and Julie Standen returned a best gross of 59 they had to settle for second place in this nett competition. Leading scores: 56.4
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Durham City
Playing at Chester-le-Street, City produced a spirited first half display against the league leaders and were encouraged to be going in to half time only 1-0 down after recent their recent form. However, Chester le Street returned after the break with
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A new mantra for our times
TONY Blair once famously described the key to building the nation's future as "education, education, education." Well, in my opinion, the only way to protect that future is "intervention, intervention, intervention." We are winning the war on crime in
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Medical centre's specific role for elderly
A PIONEERING medical centre specifically for older people was opened yesterday. The Galvani Practice, based at Carter Bequest Community Hospital, Middlesbrough, aims to provide a wide range of services for patients living in the 41 nursing and residential
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Gunner's win puts Carrie in record books
New mum Carrie Ford earned her place in jumps racing's record books as she sailed to success over the fearsome Grand National fences just ten and a half weeks after giving birth to a daughter. The 32-year-old, who had 5lb 10oz Hannah on January 18, made
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Setback for casino and hotel proposal
FITNESS entrepreneur Duncan Bannatyne is facing a setback over plans to build a hotel and casino complex in the region, it emerged yesterday. Planning chiefs have disclosed serious reservations about what would be a 7.5-acre development on a prime piece
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Mike Gough Sports Hartlepool Sunday League
Premier League Cup semi-finals, Supporters 1 Lion Hillcarter 5: Lion comfortably defeated Supporters to reach the final of the league cup. Anthony Lund struck the first blow for the visitors when he stabbed the ball home following good work by Stu Dixon
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Table tennis
Saltburn's Paul Drinkhall, a world class prospect if there was one, came close to providing an upset on the opening day at the National Table Tennis Championships in Sheffield. The 14-year-old took former under 21 holder Andrew Rushton from Manchester
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Hectic week for squash star Laura
It's been a busy week for Hartlepool's Laura Setterfield in the Junior and Senior World of Squash. Laura trains, is coached and plays at Norton Squash Club in Stockton and represents the Club at U17 and U15 as well as playing for the Mens senior 5th Team
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Sun power saves money on bills
SOLAR hot water units are being installed in house roofs, saving residents £140 a year. Ten homes in Saltburn, Guisborough, Skelton, Loftus and Brotton have been chosen because the properties are not connected to the gas network and are hard to heat.
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Spring is in the air
THERE'S no fool like an old fool, and I admit I almost fell for Durham's April 1 joke that they had signed a Norwegian all-rounder to play in this season's Twenty20 Cup. They e-mailed extensive details of "Loof Lirpa" with quotes from the Director of
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The UniBond League
Spennymoor have signed their seventh goalkeeper of the season as they try to force their way into the play offs. Moors boss Tony Lee has moved to sign Liam Sutcliffe from Harrogate Town, because Gareth Downey returns after Saturday's game to Scarborough
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'Not over yet' say Bishops after narrow first leg defeat
It's only half-time, declared Bishop Auckland manager Kelvin Simpson as he rallied his side after their 1-0 defeat to Portsmouth in the first leg of the Under-15s English Schools Trophy final. Bishops more than held their own against their south coast
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Northern Rock predicts increase in borrowing
Mortgage bank Northern Rock expects to extend its strong growth after forecasting a 20 per cent rise in lending for the first six months of the year. The Newcastle-based finance house said it was reaping the benefits of the buoyant housing market. Adam
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Lumley Ladies
Lumley's crunch Northern League clash at home to Cleator Moor Celtic, cancelled last Sunday, has provisionally been re-arranged for Good Friday. Victory for Lumley, at the Riverside, will seal the Division Two title, ahead of close challengers Blyth Town
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Wearside League
Not many clubs are in a position to make ten changes in personnel but this is exactly what Cleadon SC did last Saturday. And the move paid off handsomely for manager Doug Key who was bitterly disappointed at his side's performance in the previous game
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Police target off-road bikers
POLICE have pledged a spring crackdown to curb the seasonal increase in off-road motor biking. A sharp rise in the menace of motorcycles making life a misery for pedestrians, and other users of open land, is expected on the run up to Easter. Durham Police
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Robber returned to a life of crime after losing job
A ROBBER who went straight for a year lapsed into his old habit after losing his job, a court heard. Kevin Hardwick, who raided a filling station late at night after forcing his way into the forecourt shop, was yesterday jailed for four-years-and-a-half
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Workers show they're on the ball for games
WORKERS from some of the region's leading firms have taken the chance to scrum down with North-East rugby stars. Thirty employees from companies including Sage, British Airways, Sunderland Arc and Accenture, trained with Newcastle Falcons at their home
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Police catch gullible criminals in televised sting operation
CAR crooks have been the target of an elaborate sting to get them off the streets. A number of persistent offenders were tempted by the chance to race go-karts, win a car and meet motor racing hero Nigel Mansell. But the set up was part of a reality TV
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FA Cup in N-E - but it's all still to play for
FOOTBALL fans in Sunderland will be hoping to bring their team some luck, when the FA Cup visits the city today. The Black Cats play Millwall in the cup semi-final on Sunday and, to mark the occasion, competition sponsor Umbro is bringing the prized trophy
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Violence hits the cabbies' offices
TWO Darlington taxi firms say abusive customers have forced them to shut their town centre offices on Friday and Saturday nights. The companies say a shortage of taxi drivers has led to mayhem on weekends, with staff at their offices being shouted and
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Woodgate prays injury nightmare is over
JONATHAN WOODGATE is praying his injury nightmare is finally over and he can now begin to repay Newcastle's £9m investment in him. Woodgate returned to the international stage on Wednesday night in England's 1-0 defeat in Sweden after a near-18-month
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Workers show they're on the ball for games
WORKERS from some of the region's leading firms have taken the chance to scrum down with North-East rugby stars. Thirty employees from companies including Sage, British Airways, Sunderland Arc and Accenture, trained with Newcastle Falcons at their home
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Officers mark force's 30th anniversary
POLICE officers were in celebratory mood yesterday on the 30th anniversary of their force's formation. The North Yorkshire force was formed on April 1, 1974. Chief Constable Della Cannings hosted a lunch at the force headquarters at Newby Wiske, near
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Bunny Burrows day
THE Easter Bunny would feel very much at home if he dropped in on Richmond's Market Hall at the weekend. The town's rabbit refuge, Bunny Burrows, is holding its annual promotional day from 10am on Sunday, and will bring some of its residents to the event
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A Hoggarth and Sons Eskvale and Cleveland League
Black Swan v Grosmont: The first goal eventually came when Dunford was brought down after bursting through the Grosmont defence, Kerrigan stepped up to fire home the resulting penalty. Swan eventually increased their lead when substitute Cotts fired home
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Foster mother's horror as screaming sisters grabbed
THE foster carer of two sisters snatched at knifepoint by their mother made an emotional appeal for their safe return last night. The woman, who is not being named, spoke out after the screaming girls were abducted in broad daylight by Shanaz Hafeez as
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Driver pleads guilty to 28 motoring offences
A DRIVER who pleaded guilty to 28 motoring offences over the course of a few weeks appeared in court yesterday. Luke Knighton, 26, of Sycamore Court, Spennymoor, appeared before South Durham magistrates, in Newton Aycliffe, after a warrant for his arrest
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Litter pickers wanted
SALTBURN in Bloom organisers are gearing up for another success, despite last year's attempts to sabotage the town's chances in Britain in Bloom. Residents of the town were devastated when a mystery saboteur slipped chemicals into a bowser used to water
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South Cleveland Garages Teesside League
Burness Plate: D'ton RA Res 7 D'ton Albion 0: Darlington RA Reserves consolidated second place in group three of the Burness Plate mini-league with a 7-0 win. The RA opened the scoring after only two minutes when Dean Lawson scored, Darren Kokes added
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Foster mum's horror as screaming girls grabbed
THE foster carer of two sisters snatched at knifepoint by their mother made an emotional appeal for their safe return last night. The woman, who is not being named, spoke out after the screaming girls were abducted in broad daylight by Shanaz Hafeez as
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Billingham SC
Last weekend it was the turn of the masters for Billingham Amateur Swimming Club with nine swimmers competing at the Darlington Dolphin Masters Gala. All the swimmers put in gutsy performances and gave their all to successfully bring home eight gold,
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Crook Town
Crook travelled to Cumbria on Sunday and came back with an important three points after an 8-4 win. Kicking against the wind Carlisle opened the scoring inside a minute but Crook replied immediately with Kelly Rushworth netting after some great passing
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Stephanie's courage recognised with an award
A GIRL who has shown incredible bravery has been singled out for praise. Thirteen-year-old, Stephanie Clembintson, of Kimblesworth, near Chester-le-Street, suffers from severe migraines and epilepsy. Despite being bullied at one school, she made a new
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NatWest Bank announces plan to recruit 1,000 branch staff
NATWEST Bank is to create 1,000 jobs as part of an investment programme in its branch network. The group, which is part of the Royal Bank of Scotland, said the jobs would be for branch staff. The move is part of the bank's drive to improve customer services
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Of scams, cover-ups, and whistleblowers
Immigration minister Beverley Hughes resigned yesterday after admitting she knew about a suspected visa scam in eastern Europe. Christen Pears looks at the background to the row which has rocked the Government. Q How did the row start? A On March 7, whistleblower
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Driver mugged for his takings
A TAXI driver was dragged from his car and hit over the head with a golf club for his £180 takings. Father-of-one Gareth Robson, 33, was left with a suspected fractured skull and broken nose after the attack in Thames Way, Darlington. He said: "I was
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Phone firm announces expansion
MOBILE phone retailer Carphone Warehouse has announced plans to accelerate store openings after revealing full-year profits at the top end of forecasts. Carphone said it would open 200 shops in the next 18 months, compared to the 150 it had previously
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Comment from The Northern Echo: Blunkett's turn to wriggle
HOME Officer minister Beverley Hughes wriggled furiously on the hook, but in the end there was no escape - she had to go. Ms Hughes insists she did not intentionally mislead anyone, but the fact remains that MPs were not told the truth and a minister
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Pupils dress up as favourite characters
IT'S not often you see cartoon characters dancing in a playground, but yesterday a North-East school was full of colour and fancy costumes. Children at Sacred Heart Primary School, Middlesbrough, dressed up as their favourite characters - and teachers
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Seaham success in league and cup
Fairs Software Tyneside Junior League: Seaham Red Star enjoyed a few good days for not only did they win the coveted Durham County Youth Cup, but they also took over at the top of the table. Their first success came against Willington in the final of
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Police catch gullible criminals in televised sting operation
CAR crooks have been the target of an elaborate sting to get them off the streets. A number of persistent offenders were tempted by the chance to race go-karts, win a car and meet motor racing hero Nigel Mansell. But the set up was part of a reality TV
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Fish Tales
The midweeker at Woodland Lakes Carlton Miniott made for some great sport when four times World Champion Alan Scotthorne bagged a terrific net of 66.4.0 and left the rest fishing for second. The Shimano Mustad superstar on Kestrel 32 enjoyed a non-stop
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Pool home form worry for Barron
HARTLEPOOL United's home form is a mystery to skipper Micky Barron. Since losing their 28-game unbeaten home run on Boxing Day, Pool have stuttered along at home, losing four times in eight games and winning just two. Yet that is in stark contrast to
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Stockton seal promotion
Stockton Under-12s sealed promotion to the first division with a resounding 8-0 victory over Darlington Mount Pleasant who had previously dumped them out of the cup. They went into the break 3-0 up but Mt. Pleasant were unlucky not to have scored three
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Man is charged with murder of student
A MAN was charged with murder last night in connection with the disappearance of a teenager. Christopher Weldon, 28, of Parkhurst Road, Pennywell, Sunderland, will appear before Houghton-le-Spring magistrates today. John Chipp, 18, had been on a night
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02/04/04
MUSLIMS: FORMER Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey has only spoken the truth in his remarks about Muslims (Echo, Mar 27). The reaction to some of his words indicates a growing fanaticism in the minds of many that any hint of criticism when it comes to
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Castle opens doors to welcome public
WINKIES Castle is opening to the public this Easter for the first time. The cottage, in the High Street, Marske, was owned by the late cobbler and collector Jack Anderson, who named it after his cat. Mr Anderson's collection of more than 2,000 items,
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Boddy Printers Sunday League
Before the match between Big W and Cleveland Inn A two minutes silence was held for Bill Evans, a coach of Big W until his death recently. Big W looked the better side and it was Bill Evans' son Andy who put Big W ahead. Cleveland Inn raised their game
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Factory workers helped to find jobs
A TASK force has been set up to help the 350 workers who lost their jobs this week when the Circatex factory in South Shields closed. The group, including JobCentre Plus and South Tyneside Council, aims to find employment for those made redundant in the
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The drug that shrunk Matt's arms
Happy Birthday Thalidomide (C4): New Tricks (BBC1): MAT Fraser has a problem with the idea that thalidomide is the new "miracle drug". It's already used to cure leprosy. Trials are taking place to discover its effectiveness in treating lung cancer. The
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Burton's Bytes
SPLINTER CELL: PANDORA TOMORROW Format: PS2 Publisher: Ubisoft. Price: £39.99. IF THE PC gaming genre is overcrowded with first person shoot-'em-ups then the console scene is packed with stealthy adventures. Ever since Metal Gear Solid on the original
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McCarthy marvels at his magic misfits
SUNDERLAND manager Mick McCarthy has marvelled at the way his team of misfits have brought the club to the brink of an FA Cup final, Europe and promotion. McCarthy has overseen an enormous turnover of playing staff since he succeeded Howard Wilkinson
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Police vow to keep up drug raids
POLICE have promised further night-time crackdowns on drugs in pubs and clubs in East Cleveland following a successful operation. More than 50 officers took part in Operation Neptune, which targeted 38 pubs and clubs, from 7pm until 3am last Friday and
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Fathers make a point in campaign for fair access to children
A GROUP of fathers took their protest over rights to the streets of Durham city. Wearing white overalls, face masks and sunglasses, the members of Fathers4Justice paraded through the city centre with purple banners and airhorns yesterday. Paul Watson,
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Studio flotation planned
THE group behind two of the world's most famous film studios is planning a stock market flotation. Pinewood Shepperton, owner of the Pinewood and Shepperton studios, near London, said it was intending to seek a listing on the main market of the London
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A game that creeps up on you
SPLINTER CELL: PANDORA TOMORROW: Format: PS2, Publisher: Ubisoft. Price: £39.99: IF THE PC gaming genre is overcrowded with first person shoot-'em-ups then the console scene is packed with stealthy adventures. Ever since Metal Gear Solid on the original
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Claire's award for volunteering
A PIONEERING fundraiser has received one of the highest accolades at the annual Millennium Volunteer of the Year Awards. Claire Dearden, 24, of Eston, Teesside, was named the North East's Millennium Volunteer of the Year, in recognition of the difference
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Thornton Steward
There have been no prolific rises but, calmer conditions have seen more fish on the top of the water with fish being caught all around the reservoir, with the damn wall doing well, and a few fish even being caught on dry fly. Successful flies have again
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Armed police called to council farewell
ARMED police staked out a council headquarters after a member of staff allegedly threatened bosses on his last day. Earlier, the 59-year-old man had sent an emotional e-mail around all 600 staff at Wear Valley District Council, in County Durham. Police
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'Tina Arena'
UNFORTUNATELY, yesterday's April Fools' Day prank wasn't as well received as I'd anticipated. In jest, I took to the airwaves to break the news of a new owner, a wealthy businessman, whose two loves in life were Darlington Football Club and his wife,
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The Albany Northern League Today
Northern League chairman Mike Amos is hoping no more clubs quit the league. Shotton, who joined the Second Division in 1983, have informed the league they will resign at the end of the season because of a lack of manpower and finance. Shotton would probably
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Durham ARC
Durham Amateur Rowing Club travelled up to Newburn on the river Tyne this weekend, to take part in the Ponteland Junior Head. The event was run by Ponteland High School, with the aim of promoting rowing among the younger athletes. Three events were run
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Hopes rise for short-term future of club
THE short-term future of Darlington Football Club could be secured by the end of today - paving the way for more talks over a permanent takeover. Administrators Wilson Field believe they are close to agreeing a compromise deal that would guarantee the
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Players rewarded
Philadelphia cricket club was packed when Durham County captain Jon Lewis presented the awards to Academy players. Lewis said he was delighted to see so many parents and youngsters present and he thought the future of the club was in good shape. Also
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Burton's Bytes: A game that creeps up on you
SPLINTER CELL: PANDORA TOMORROW: Format: PS2, Publisher: Ubisoft. Price: £39.99: IF THE PC gaming genre is overcrowded with first person shoot-'em-ups then the console scene is packed with stealthy adventures. Ever since Metal Gear Solid on the original
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Motorsport: Top riders head for Croft
The cream of British motorcycle club racers head for Croft Circuit this weekend when the track plays host to two rounds of the prestigious BMCRC and MRO championship series. Predominantly for amateur racers and seen as a stepping stone to the professional
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Rowing
St Leonard's School in Durham have celebrated yet more rowing success. The Boys' and Girls' under-15 squads both won the gold medal and pink ribbon at the School's Head national event, held on the River Thames, writes Owen Amos. "The teams were competing
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Durham Memories: The tiny colliery village that disappeared without a trace
The former colliery village of Quebec is located along a front street a mile west of Esh village. A farm building just to the north gave its name to the village and was named after the famous Canadian City. Fields were enclosed here in the mid-1700s when
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Quakers RC
Six Quakers travelled to Coniston on Saturday, March 27 to compete in their annual 14-mile run around the lake. On an excellent day for running Alasdair Tatham had a tremendous run around this undulating course to finish third out of 1477 competitors
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Teenager gets four years for skip fire tragedy
A TEENAGER who set fire to a skip in which his friend was trapped, was sentenced to four years' detention yesterday despite a plea for mercy from his victim's mother. Michael Temperley, 15, of Oakwood Avenue, Low Fell, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, died from
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Museum submits bid for Flying Scot
THE National Railway Museum has submitted its bid to save steam legend the Flying Scotsman for the nation. After a month of frantic fundraising, museum bosses sent in their offer for the famous loco only a day before the deadline. It will be at least
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'Give us the names of nuisance youths'
POLICE are appealing for villagers to help fight anti-social behaviour by identifying youths who have been disturbing the community and endangering the lives of motorists. Complaints to the police about gangs of young people congregating in the centre
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Castle opens doors to welcome public
WINKIES Castle is opening to the public this Easter for the first time. The cottage, in the High Street, Marske, was owned by the late cobbler and collector Jack Anderson, who named it after his cat. Mr Anderson's collection of more than 2,000 items,
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Arriva makes inroads into German transport market
TRANSPORT group Arriva is to make its first foray into the German transport market with the purchase of a rail company. The train and bus operator, based in Sunderland, bought Prignitzer Eisenbahn Gruppe (PEG) for £4m, subject to clearance by the German
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Consultants are appointed to improve colliery villages
TWO rundown villages have been earmarked for widescale regeneration schemes. Consultants have been appointed to help draw up a vision of the future for the former mining communities of Dawdon and Easington Colliery. People living in the areas are also
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Theatre lines up TV stars for panto
COUNTY Durham's oldest theatre is preparing to take on the region's big boys this winter. For the first time in its long history, the Empire Theatre in Consett is to stage a professional pantomime, featuring well-known TV celebrities. While it has a strong
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Lost appeal leaves judge with an uncertain future
A PART-time judge faced an uncertain future last night after failing to clear his name following a late-night fracas. Solicitor David Messenger lost his appeal against convictions for obstructing a police officer and being drunk and disorderly after a
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Soldiers give £2,000 after charity race
DURHAM Light Infantry soldiers have donated nearly £2,000 to Cancer Research after they were inspired by the daughter of a colleague. The soldiers from the Territorial Army regimental recruitment team raised the money by taking part in the Great North
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Rhodes causes an upset
Planet Snooker Premier League: World rankings were turned upside down when Michael Rhodes of Coxhoe, number 80 in the list, beat the visiting Mike Dunn of Redcar, number 55, by the odd point to retain his place at the top of the table. Dunn took the first
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Tearoom offers stylish haven
A BUSINESSWOMAN is opening a tearoom to celebrate the culture of the dale where her family has lived for five generations. On Tuesday, Diane Wright will open the cafe in Front Street, Stanhope, in a building that dates from 1670. On the tearoom's walls
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Talented artist Rose is following in her father's brushstrokes
THE work of an artist who has followed in her father's footsteps has opened at an East Durham Gallery. Rose Grundy, of Easington, is displaying oil paintings, including landscapes, in the Discovery Centre at Seaton Holme, Hall Walks, Easington. She is
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Praise given to school by inspectors
A SCHOOL has received a glowing report from government inspectors. The report on Teesville Infant School, Middlesbrough, said: "Teesville is a very effective school providing good value for money. Achievement is very good because pupils are taught very
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Attendant rewarded after he finds cash
A CAR park attendant who handed in more than £70 he found has been praised for his honesty. Malcolm Wanstall, who works in the car park at the town hall, Eston, Middlesbrough, was given the money after no one came forward to claim it. Redcar and Cleveland
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James Bell Cup
First round (on or before Sunday, May 23): 1 Burnopfield v Seaham Park; 2 Tudhoe v South Hetton; 3 Hartlepool v Ryhope; 4 Dawdon v Burnmoor; 5 Sunderland v Crook; 6 Benwell Hill v Ryton; 7 Felling v Hetton Lyons; 8 Chester-le-Street v Boldon; 9 Tynemouth
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Shoptalk...at Easter
BOUGHT your Easter cards yet? Probably not. Easter is no longer a fully-blown card-sending occasion. But never slow to miss or even to create a marketing opportunity, the manufacturers are doing their best. As soon as Mothers' Day has been and gone, the
