Archive
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Jason kicks off store's new food hall
SUNDERLAND football star Jason McAteer started a day of events to mark the opening of a revamped food hall in Durham yesterday. The Black Cats midfielder was at the Durham City branch of Marks and Spencer for the unveiling of its food section after a
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Nurse assaulted patient
A nurse accused of assaulting a patient in a North-East care home will stand trial later this year. Elizabeth Nattrass, 60, of Myrtle Grove, Trimdon Village, County Durham, denies common assault on Gordon Wake last September in St John's nursing home,
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Activities bring forgotten world to life
THE forgotten world of an extinct bird is being recreated by schoolchildren as part of a series of Easter activities at a museum. The moa was a large, flightless bird that lived in the lowland forests of the islands of New Zealand. It became extinct in
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Last military hospital shuts
BRITAIN'S last military hospital has closed, four months after it was announced that its patients were to be transferred to a private health group. The Duchess of Kent Psychiatric Hospital, at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, closed at the start of
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Conference reveals city alcohol problems costing NHS £1.2m
THE impact of alcohol abuse on a North-East community has highlighted the need for action across the region. Delegates at the first conference of its kind in the North-East heard how the misuse of alcohol in Sunderland had resulted in: * A thousand drink-related
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Nile bodies
Actor David Suchet takes the humorous side of Agatha Christie very seriously indeed, though an attack of Egypt tummy during filming would have been very far from funny. ONE particular question occupied David Suchet as he put on padding and waxed moustache
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Death On The Nile remake
It's a long way from Glenbogle, but Alastair Mackenzie was happy just cruising along in Egypt. ALASTAIR Mackenzie has swapped the Scottish Highlands of TV's Monarch Of The Glen for the beach in California. The actor, best known as Glenbogle's Archie MacDonald
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New To Rent
UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, (15, Entertainment In Video). Starring: Kathy Bates, Rupert Everett, Jonathan Pryce, Stephanie Beacham, Richard Briers, Dan Aykroyd. GRACE Beasley (Bates) is a middle-aged Chicago housewife, who selflessly tends to her fractured family
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Moving pictures workshop
CHILDREN made zoetropes, the forerunner of cartoons and films, as part of a Victorian Country Childhood exhibition this week. Kirkleatham Hall Museum, at Redcar, has organised free drop-in craft sessions during the Easter holidays. Nearly 100 children
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Business owner cleared by jury
A MAN facing child sex allegations has been cleared of all charges following a trial which lasted nine days. The jury in the trial of Peter Lewis James Large, 51, of Bisley Court, Darlington, County Durham, returned unanimous not guilty verdicts on two
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'They're not evil, they're just hungry'
The master of zombie movies loved the new spoof version of his films. Steve Pratt reports on a gore-fest with giggles. THE makers of new British comedy horror Shaun Of The Dead spent anxious hours waiting to find out if the master of zombie movies approved
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Five charged after police raids
THREE men and two women have been charged with conspiracy to supply a controlled drug following a police operation earlier this week. The five charged by Cleveland Police yesterday were among seven people arrested in dawn raids on 12 town centre addresses
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Model-maker loses fingers in explosion
A teenage model-making enthusiast lost three fingers in an explosion after an experiment went disastrously wrong. The college student suffered serious burns in the wake of the blast, which happened as he built a propulsion unit for his model boat in his
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Child of courage
A GIRL who has shown incredible bravery has been singled out for special praise. Stephanie Clembintson, 13, of Kimblesworth, near Chester-le-Street, suffers from severe migraines and epilepsy. Despite being bullied at one local comprehensive school, she
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The Lifeblood Appeal
AS part of The Northern Echo's Lifeblood Appeal to encourage more people to give blood, each week we are featuring some of the donor sessions in the region. Today Village Hall, Front Street, Appleton Wiske 10am-noon, 1.30pm-4pm. Tuesday, April 13 Masonic
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Violent crimes increase on Teesside
Sex offences, violence and vandalism continue to rise on Teesside. Cleveland Police have recorded a 46 percent jump in reports of violence - almost 3,000 more offences than the year before - while 2,300 offences of criminal damage were reported. But the
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Textile show
An exhibition of textile sculptures inspired by the body has gone on show at Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre, in Knaresborough. The exhibition will run until June 6 and is open each day from 10am to 4pm. Published: ??/??/2004
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Graham sets the standards
DARLINGTON boss David Hodgson has told his strikers to follow the lead set by on-loan Middlesbrough star Danny Graham. Despite failing to score on his full debut at the weekend, the 18-year-old was the pick of a new look three-man attack, alongside top
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Another record year for the Co-op
THE Co-operative Bank has vindicated its ethical stance by posting a tenth consecutive year of record profits. The group said new products linked to ethical and ecological good causes had helped pre-tax profits to rise 6.2 per cent to £130.1m in the 12
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War veteran pays homage to the Forgotten Army
A WAR veteran is retracing his wartime steps of 60 years ago to pay his respects to the fallen comrades who never made it home after the second world war. Douglas Wilks travelled to the Far East, where as a Royal Artillery soldier he engaged in one of
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Action to combat high rate of suicide
HEALTH and social care agencies are being urged to work together to cut the high number of suicides in a town. Darlington has one of the worst rates in the region, with an average of 18 people a year taking their lives compared with the national figure
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Viking exhibition starts museum season
Margrove Heritage Centre reopened yesterday with an exhibition on the life of the Vikings. Redcar re-enactment group Anmod Dracan loaned its costumes and artefacts, including a Viking tent and a large loom at the museum at Margrove, near Guisborough,
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Council tax bill error
THOUSANDS of Durham City council tax payers have been sent the wrong bill. The city council is responsible for collecting money for itself, Durham County Council, the police, fire brigade and parish councils. But it is thought that about 5,000 people
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Plans for homes at viaduct rejected
AN attempt to build homes at a picture-postcard tourist site has been rejected. The latest plans, beneath the 100ft Grade II-listed railway viaduct over the River Nidd, in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, involved demolishing a restaurant and cottage and
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Specialist unit opens
A FORMER maternity unit where generations of south Durham babies were born has started a new life as a centre for elderly patients. A £7m redevelopment has transformed the old Bishop Auckland General Hospital building into Auckland Park Hospital, providing
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An extra Easter trip for families
AN EXTRA date has been added to the Easter activity calendar in Derwentside, to cope with demand from families. A trip to the Forbidden Corner near Leyburn, North Yorkshire, last Tuesday, sold out. Derwentside Leisure has decided to run the trip again
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Crisis summit announced as US bombs mosque, killing 40
PRIME Minister Tony Blair is to meet US President George Bush and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan for crisis talks on the escalating rebellion in Iraq, it was confirmed yesterday. The announcement came as US forces bombed a mosque compound in the Sunni
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Masters ideal stage for Woods to bounce back
THERE are few better tests of a truly great sportsman than the ability to bounce back. Muhammad Ali lost then recovered world title belts on three separate occasions, Andre Agassi dropped out of the world's top 100 in early 1998 before going on to win
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Walkers take to the hills in fundraising challenge
AROUND 80 people put their best foot forward on Sunday, for a charity walk that had not happened since the Foot-and-Mouth outbreak. The Derwent Valley Challenge Walk, organised by Consett Rotary Club, is from Shotley Bridge, near Consett, over the site
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Healthy cooking
A FOOD expert is helping a community to learn the benefits of healthy eating. Cookery sessions have been organised in the Chester-le-Street area to encourage people to adopt a healthier lifestyle. They are based on the principle of eating five portions
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Benefit help for the elderly
SOME pensioners could boost their income by hundreds of pounds a year if they claimed all the benefits they are entitled to, according to experts from Age Concern. The charity is banking on a five-day drive called Your Rights Week to make sure that older
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Man, 29, jailed for sex with girl, 15,
A MAN has been jailed for nine months after he admitted twice having sex with a 15-year-old girl. Terry McGann, 29, of Wordsworth Road, Darlington, had been drinking with the girl at her mother's house before he persuaded her to go back to his flat. There
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£157m tunnel 'still an option'
A £157m river tunnel to alleviate traffic in one of the North-East's most densely populated areas could still go ahead despite a setback to a regional transport blueprint. The tunnel, crossing the River Tees from the A66 at South Bank, Middlesbrough,
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School is project winner
FERRYHILL Station Primary School has won £300 and is a 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 Council
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Council invests £5m in housing
MORE than £5m will be invested in housing by Darlington Borough Council over the next year. More than £2m will be spent on Oban Court, a council-run sheltered housing scheme in the Whinfield area. Upgrades to all the flats are proposed, including new
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Paul is given an early introduction to cricket
A BABY has become the youngest member of Durham County Cricket Club. Seven-month-old Paul Harrison Thompson is the youngest member of the club's Junior Lions. Parents Dave and Julie hope that by introducing him to the sport early, he may follow in the
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Shareholders win battle for Eurotunnel
REBEL shareholders in Eurotunnel last night voted to oust the directors of the Channel Tunnel operators' board. They rejected all resolutions put forward by the board at the company's annual meeting in Paris, including proposals to re-elect chief executive
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Interest rates on hold
Homeowners were spared higher mortgage costs today after a ''knife-edge'' decision by the Bank of England kept interest rates at 4%. Analysts believe the vote was a close call as the Bank's rate-setting committee balanced concerns over soaring house prices
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Businessmen back hospice
DALES residents are showing their support for a new day hospice by launching a fundraising drive to buy new equipment. The Durham Dales Primary Care Trust is developing the new centre at the Weardale Community Hospital in Stanhope. Months before it opens
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Area's heritage included in scheme to protect ancient monuments
CHANGES to protect the region's most historically significant and important sites are taking place. Leading the way as one of 15 national sites chosen to pilot the scheme are the ancient walls of York. There are a range of protective designations for
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Music challenge a hit
A NEW musical competition for primary schools has been hailed a success. The Inter-Schools Primary Music Challenge was devised by Edward Jackson, director of performing arts at Pelton Community Primary School, to encourage pupils to sing and play an instrument
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New bus takes to the road
CASH from Shildon Football Club's FA Cup run has helped give the town's community groups a new set of wheels. The club is one of the sponsors of a £37,000 new community minibus, which was given an official launch last week. The Shildon team was given
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Youth club may be demolished
A COMMUNITY faces growing uncertainty surrounding the future of its youth club and sports hall, which may be demolished to make way for a 1,000-pupil school. The management committee of Brotton Youth Club, was told by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council
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The Quare Fellow, York Theatre Royal
BRENDAN Behan's play is a slice of Irish prison life in which warders and prisoners wile away the hours in the run-up to the hanging of the quare fellow of the title. Kathy Burke directs this 50th anniversary touring production for Oxford Stage Company
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Dad At Large: The buck stops here
CHILDREN'S parties have filled me with dread ever since I was tied to the garage door and pelted with water bombs by a gang of pirates several years ago. There's too much pain, too much noise, too much cleaning up to do, and generally too much stress.
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Marathon man who once feared he wouldn't run again
WHEN Barrie Evans lines up for the London Marathon next week, he'll have every reason to feel like an old hand. For while completing one marathon would be enough of a lifetime achievement for most people, 57-year-old Mr Evans will be competing for the
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Robson fearful of the 'Arsenal factor'
SIR BOBBY ROBSON last night urged his Newcastle United side to learn the lesson of the dramatic collapse of Arsenal's treble bid as they seek UEFA Cup glory and a place in next season's Champions League. In the space of four days, Manchester United and
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Benefits team on case to help pensioners
A COUNCIL has mobilised a team of officers to ensure pensioners receive cash they are entitled to. Together with the Pensions Service, Citizens Advice Bureau, Welfare Rights, Age Concern and other community groups, Easington District Council staff have
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Town parking deal finalised
BUSINESSES in Bishop Auckland town centre have set the level of spending for shoppers to qualify for a parking fee refund at £10. The town's recently reformed traders' association met on Monday night to finalise the details of a car parking charges agreement
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Villagers' protests over sport facilities rejected
VILLAGERS reacted angrily yesterday after plans for sports changing facilities were approved by councillors. Heighington Parish Council submitted plans to Darlington Borough Council for the project, which would include two changing rooms, shower rooms
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Benefit advice for the elderly
SOME pensioners could boost their income by hundreds of pounds a year if they claimed all the benefits they are entitled to, according to Age Concern. The charity is banking on a five-day drive called Your Rights Week to make sure that pensioners do not
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Prosecution warning for rail vandals
A MAJOR police operation has been launched to keep Teesside's railway network safe for travellers. Particular hot spots are being targeted by increased 24-hour police patrols. High visibility uniformed police patrols are being stepped up - as well as
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Viking exhibition starts museum season
Margrove Heritage Centre reopened yesterday with an exhibition on the life of the Vikings. Redcar re-enactment group Anmod Dracan loaned its costumes and artefacts, including a Viking tent and a large loom at the museum at Margrove, near Guisborough,
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Stylist Julie's great result at competition
HAIRDRESSING apprentice Julie Avery scooped second place in two categories at a competition. Julie, from Sacriston, near Chester-le-Street, took part in the recent National Hairdressing Federation Competitions in Blackpool. She was the only competitor
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A fair sight to behold
A FUNDRAISING pensioner brought his colourful charity stand back to a shopping centre this week. Ray Mankin, of Blackhall Mill, near Gateshead, is exhibiting a collection of hand-made, miniature fairgrounds and trams at the Gateshead MetroCentre until
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Mowers in unison
A NORTH-EAST attraction is offering daily visual and performance arts events during the Easter holidays. Events at Alnwick Gardens, in Northumberland, include clowns, artists and synchronised lawnmowing. Children can also paint and play scrap metal instruments
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Snares campaigner in jail
A MAN who waged a war against the use of snares has been jailed for two weeks for not paying fines and compensation imposed for damaging them. John Gill, 55, of Front Street, Castleside, Consett, County Durham, had £298.50 to pay, but chose to serve time
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Dispute over plans to link up schools
A DISPUTE has broken out over plans to merge two schools in Darlington. Teachers and support staff at Whinfield Junior School have written to Darlington Borough Council's education department saying the proposed merger with Whinfield Infant School to
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Jason kicks off store's new food hall
SUNDERLAND football star Jason McAteer started a day of events to mark the opening of a revamped food hall in Durham yesterday. The Black Cats midfielder was at the Durham City branch of Marks and Spencer for the unveiling of its food section after a
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Jail for drink-driver who hit family home
A DRINK-driver who caused £4,500 worth of damage when he crashed a car into the living room of a house was jailed yesterday. Barbara Davis had just left the room in her terraced property in Fulwell Road, Sunderland, to make a cup of tea when Preston Ambler
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Patient support scheme launched
A SCHEME to support patients, free up hospital beds and lower re-admission rates was launched in Hambleton and Richmondshire yesterday. The Red Cross Home from Hospital Service aims to provide practical help and emotional support for people who are leaving
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Fears for 600 jobs in call centre shake-up
A CLOUD was hanging over more than 600 North-East call centre staff last night after cable TV company ntl announced a major shake-up. The company said it was cutting 1,500 staff jobs nationwide over the next 18 months as the group merges its 13 call centres
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Millionaire's casino plan is rejected after meeting
MILLIONAIRE businessman Duncan Bannatyne suffered a serious blow yesterday after plans for a hotel and casino complex in the region were rejected. The North-East entrepreneur's firm, Bannatyne Fitness, will have to rethink proposals to create 180 jobs
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Cram: Drive ban would stop me seeing children
FORMER world champion Steve Cram was banned from driving yesterday after magistrates ignored his pleas that it would cause problems in his complicated private life. The 43-year-old Olympic silver medallist was stopped by police for having too many people
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Voices raised for charity
THE Aberystwyth Male Voice Choir will perform at the Dolphin Centre, in Darlington, on Saturday, April 24, in aid of St Teresa's Hospice and Marie Curie Cancer Care. Principal sponsor Alasdair MacConachie said: "We are very grateful that they have taken
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Watercolour artist holds gallery show
A LEADING watercolour and miniatures painter is staging a one-woman exhibition over the next four weeks. Gina Morton, who was born in Darlington, won her first painting competition when she was 12. Ms Morton worked as a bank official but maintained her
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Artist inspired by glorious summer
A SALTBURN artist has brought his artwork to Kirkleatham Museum, Redcar, in an exhibition called Putting to Sea and Related Works. Michael Wright, who works in two and three dimensions, as well as photography, painting and printmaking, created the work
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Rare flowers in limelight
A COLLEGE hall was transformed into a riot of colour on Sunday as rare and vibrant flowers went on display. The North East of England Orchid Society held its annual show at Houghall Community College near Durham. Five orchid societies took part in the
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Wartime heroics and heartache
Daring Raids Of World War Two (five); A Letter To Lilli (BBC1): THE first mission by Britain's new wartime fighting force was not a successful one. Or, to put it in military terms, as presenter Major Gordon Corrigan did, "It was a complete and utter cock-up
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Low-cost homes set to be built
Hundreds of low-cost homes will be built in the North-East on former hospital sites in a deal between two Government departments. The Department of Health has identified 13 surplus NHS sites in the region which will be transferred to the Office of the
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Students sing show songs
A GROUP of students from Stockton will perform a selection of songs from musicals this evening. Pop Goes The Musicals, produced by youngsters from Stockton Borough Council's Youth Service and Write to Read projects, will take place at 6.30pm at the Lightfoot
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Elizabeth is on the move aged 95
A retirement home opened in Seaham this week. Harbour Lodge, in Flamborough Walk, is the fourth of six Extra Care projects being developed by Hanover Housing Association, Durham County Council and builder MJ Gleeson. It is aimed at older people, who need
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Bus tragedy driver banned
A BUS driver who unknowingly dragged a pensioner under his bus has been fined £750 and banned from driving for a year. Robert Harvey admitted careless driving when he appeared before Consett magistrates. Jenny Spedding, 86, died when she was dragged under
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Nursery appeal fails
PLANS for a new nursery in Newton Aycliffe have been thrown out to preserve the town's open space. John Newbould, owner of the House of Eden nursery in nearby Rushyford, wanted to build a 106-place nursery and had secured a £450,000 grant to do so. Sedgefield
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Pubs link up to keep out troublemakers
A SCHEME that will enable pubs and clubs in Redcar to keep troublemakers out of their premises started this week. Nineteen premises in Redcar, including all eight nightclubs, have joined the PubWatch Radio scheme and been given hand-held radios so they
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Artist inspired by glorious summer
A SALTBURN artist has brought his artwork to Kirkleatham Museum, Redcar, in an exhibition called Putting to Sea and Related Works. Michael Wright, who works in two and three dimensions, as well as photography, painting and printmaking, created the work
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Southgate fights for Euro place
MIDDLESBROUGH skipper Gareth Southgate is refusing to admit defeat in his bid to play in the European Championships this summer - even though his hopes look to have been dashed. Southgate has been ruled out for the rest of Boro's Premiership campaign
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Benefit advice for the elderly
SOME pensioners could boost their income by hundreds of pounds a year if they claimed all the benefits they are entitled to, according to Age Concern. The charity is banking on a five-day drive called Your Rights Week to make sure that pensioners do not
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PoW camp opens doors to visitors
A TEENAGE prisoner-of-war and a local schoolboy play together in the street just yards from the camp where the young PoW is held captive. It is a scene that reflects the warmth prisoners of Harperley PoW Camp, near Wolsingham, and Weardale families felt
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Year of the devil
Fagin is a role you'd sell your soul for, actor Michael Feast tells Viv Hardwick. FEAST isn't too bad a name for an actor, particularly a well-employed one with a penchant for black-hearted roles. In the case of Michael Feast, he's enjoying what he calls
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Benefit help for elderly
SOME pensioners could boost their income by hundreds of pounds a year if they claimed all the benefits they are entitled to, according to Age Concern. The charity is banking on a five-day drive called Your Rights Week to make sure that pensioners do not
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Jenas is back in the big time
JERMAINE JENAS insists that Newcastle's UEFA Cup visit to PSV Eindhoven is "like being back in the Champions League''. Midfielder Jenas, hoping to return for tonight's game after missing Saturday's 4-2 home win over Everton with a tendon injury, revelled
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Hero Byfield happy to be super sub
DESPITE having to settle for another starring substitute appearance, Darren Byfield insists he is happy so long as his goals keep firing Sunderland towards promotion. After just seconds on the pitch at Wimbledon on Tuesday night, the Black Cats striker
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Carnival celebrates African culture
A carnival to celebrate African culture in the region will be held later this month. The North East of England African Community Association (NEEACA) annual NEEACA showcase event takes place in Newcastle Civic Centre on Saturday, April 24. The afternoon
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Rolls agrees billion-pound deal with Boeing
Rolls-Royce has secured a deal with US planemaker Boeing that may be worth billions of pounds. Boeing chose Rolls-Royce and US company General Electric to supply the engines for Boeing's 7E7 Dreamliner. The engine will be called the Trent 1000. The deal
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Beseiged taxi firms forced to shut 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 at weekends, with staff in their offices being shouted and
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Tough fighters go into battle
THE roughest, toughest and downright deadliest fighters in the North-East will take on some of Europe's hardest men on Saturday, in the biggest no-holds-barred tournament ever held in the UK. The Battle of the Ages is a full contact, mixed martial arts
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Prince's Trust recognises achievers
A MAN thrown out of school at 13 because he had behavioural problems and who later overcame drug addiction has won the Prince's Trust Business of the Year award. Philip Wrathall and his girlfriend Barbara Rafter won the top prize as the charity celebrated
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Chaplain promoted in recognition of police work
A CLERGYMAN who pioneered the police "God squad" in the North-East has won promotion. The Reverend John Scorer was one of the first police ministers in the country when he joined Durham Constabulary in 1993. He has since played a key role in setting up
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Comment from The Northern Echo: Bush must ask for help
HOWEVER questionable the motivations and the legality of the war in Iraq, the biggest criticism of the US-led coalition is that it has never shown it has a clue about how it might win the peace. Yesterday was another shocking day, as the Americans piled
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Fears for 638 cable TV jobs
A CLOUD was hanging over more than 600 North-East call centre staff last night after cable TV company ntl announced a major shake-up. The company said it was cutting 1,500 staff jobs nationwide over the next 18 months as the group merges its 13 call centres
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Rail users get ticket to surf the Internet
EAST Coast Main Line operator GNER is to be the first train company to launch a mobile office. Following a successful trial, GNER said it was the only rail operator to achieve the technological breakthrough of providing uninterrupted wireless Internet
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Bunny girls on pub hop
EIGHT women, will be out in pubs in east Cleveland and North Yorkshire over the Easter weekend dressed as Easter bunnies to raise money for animals in need. The pub crawlers, who are raising funds for the Saltburn Animal Rescue Association, will be visiting
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Robson fearful of the 'Arsenal factor'
SIR BOBBY ROBSON last night urged his Newcastle United side to learn the lesson of the dramatic collapse of Arsenal's treble bid as they seek UEFA Cup glory and a place in next season's Champions League. In the space of four days, Manchester United and
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Officer quits over attack on PC
A POLICEMAN convicted of an off-duty attack on a uniformed officer answering a noise complaint has lost his job, a court was told. Richard Lee Grayson, 35, was found guilty last month of assaulting PC Dennis Thompson, causing him actual bodily harm, in
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Fake cancer plea man escapes jail term
A MAN has escaped jail after he pretended his son had cancer in a bid to persuade football clubs to part with valuable memorabilia. Ian Bussey, 37, of Webb Close, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, wrote to 92 league clubs across England and Wales claiming
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Vet's team faces tough test
A TEAM from a Marske veterinary practice is to take part in a tough fitness challenge to raise money for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Vet James Haddow, and his team of six volunteers, will be covering 42 miles in ten hours as part of the Keswick Challenge
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Huntsman job cuts
HUNTSMAN Tioxide has announced 300 jobs are to go in a financial shake-up . About 30 jobs will be lost at the company's west site in Billingham, with a further 160 in Grimsby and 100 in Umbogintwini, in South Africa. Huntsman is the world's third largest
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Millionaire's casino plan is rejected after meeting
MILLIONAIRE businessman Duncan Bannatyne suffered a serious blow yesterday after plans for a hotel and casino complex in the region were rejected. The North-East entrepreneur's firm, Bannatyne Fitness, will have to rethink proposals to create 180 jobs
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Outdoor classroom takes shape
A PLAN to transform a Durham school's grounds into an outdoor classroom has been launched. Children at Neville's Cross Primary School have come up with suggestions for their playground. The first part of the project consists of three tepees made from
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Musselburgh punters ready to cash in on High Finance
PLENTY of punters will be collecting if High Finance (4.10) obliges at Musselburgh this afternoon. Trainer John Hills is not playing games by sending his four-year-old on the long journey from Lambourn to Scotland for the Robin Cook Classified Stakes,
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Play areas improved
CHILDREN'S playgrounds across east Cleveland have had a £1m facelift. All 21 sites have had safer surfaces installed and all the major sites have at least eight new pieces of equipment, including climbing frames, swings, roundabouts and seats. The equipment
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Staff get yo-yo craze for children's funds
STAFF at lawnmower factory Flymo took part in a charity event yesterday. About 500 staff, as well as suppliers and visitors to the plant in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, paid a donation to buy a yo-yo and practise some tricks. Some proved skilled, while
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Bus tragedy driver banned
A BUS driver described his horror at watching CCTV footage of the moment he had unknowingly dragged a pensioner under his bus, only to discover the victim had been the mother of an Arriva boss and friend. Robert Harvey, spoke after being convicted for
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Student faces deportation after crazed knife attacks
A STUDENT who carried out a crazed knife attack on a man and woman may be deported. French national Eric Samo severed an artery in student Richard Laven's arm and slashed the throat of his prospective mother-in-law, Marlene Hunter, after bursting into
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The buck stops here
CHILDREN'S parties have filled me with dread ever since I was tied to the garage door and pelted with water bombs by a gang of pirates several years ago. There's too much pain, too much noise, too much cleaning up to do, and generally too much stress.
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Statement confirms sale of club
THE Reynolds Arena has been sold to the financiers whose £4m loan helped build it, the administrators of Darlington Football Club confirmed yesterday. The 25,000-capacity stadium is now owned by the Sterling Consortium, the finance group that also has
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Pubs potting charity cash
THREE pubs will be aiming to rack up cash for a children's charity this weekend. Bellamy's, in Consett, the Royal Oak, in Medomsley, and The Chelmsford, in Ebchester, are taking part in a sponsored, 24-hour pool marathon for the charity Children with
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Gay days for troubled Todd
THE love that dared not speak its name in Weatherfield finally finds a voice in Coronation Street (ITV1) as troubled Todd Grimshaw emerges tentatively from the closet. Until now the idea of anyone batting for the other side was as likely as Tracy Barlow
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Grieving woman's plea over son
A MOTHER made an emotional appeal yesterday to help catch the killer of her son. Scott Pritchard, 19, was bludgeoned in an attack yards from his home. Images taken from security footage show he had a foot in a plaster cast and was on crutches, so he would
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Family fun day
MIDDLESBROUGH street wardens have organised a family fun day to raise funds for the Daniel Woodhouse Appeal. The event takes place a week on Saturday, in Stewart Park, from 10am until 4pm. There will be rides, bouncy castles, swinging boats and slides
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Acclaim for civic website
Stockton Borough Council's website has been named best in the area. The website, www.stockton.gov.uk, one of the first to offer users fully-automated access to services, was given the award at the Tees Valley Business Awards 2004. Residents can report
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Beaches win excellence awards
More than 25 beaches in the region will be flying the Seaside Award flag today for having clean sands and water and excellent facilities. There were seven winners in Tyne and Wear, six in Northumberland, two in Redcar and Cleveland and 11 in North Yorkshire
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Hospice hopes shirt is a winner
A FOOTBALL shirt signed by the England football squad has been donated to St Teresa's Hospice, in Darlington. The shirt was originally given to the Redworth Hall Hotel, near Darlington, when the team stayed there during the Euro 2004 qualifier against
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Councillors angry over hall scheme
COUNCILLORS have reacted angrily after they were not given details of the redevelopment of a public hall. Barnard Castle Town Council members are angry they were not told about plans to widen the pavement outside the Witham Hall to accommodate a wheelchair
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Children hurt on day of accidents
TWO children were taken to hospital after separate road accidents. An eight-year-old boy suffered multiple injuries after running from behind a parked caravan into the path of a Vauxhall Omega in Montaque Street, The Headland, Hartlepool. He was taken
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Club bowled over
A CLUB in Chester-le-Street has been bowled over by a donation for equipment. The grant of nearly £900 from Age Concern means more people can play at Chester West and Central Bowling Club. It will be used to buy another carpet bowling mat and a set of
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Grassroots: Crook
NATURE EVENTS: The Durham Wildlife Trust has organised Easter events at the Low Barns Nature Reserve, Witton-le-Wear. Next Wednesday children can learn about deer, and the following Friday there will be an afternoon of tadpoling. For details and to book
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Moving pictures workshop
CHILDREN made zoetropes, the forerunner of cartoons and films, as part of a Victorian Country Childhood exhibition this week. Kirkleatham Hall Museum, at Redcar, has organised free drop-in craft sessions during the Easter holidays. Nearly 100 children
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Guide to bus services
A bus operator has launched its most comprehensive service and timetable guide for people in Chester-le-Street and Birtley. Go North-East has distributed the guide to its travel centre in Front Street, Chester-le-Street, and at local libraries, the railway
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Death charge man appears in court
A MAN facing a murder charge over the death of a student has been remanded in custody. Lloyd Smith, 29, of Corporation Road, Darlington, is accused of the murder of 22-year-old Lee Walker on March 29 and faces a related charge of attempted theft. Mr Walker
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Daughter's vote helps Nicky to supermum title
A FORMER sales assistant has been voted a Middlesbrough shopping mall's top mum. Nicky Hughes is a full time mother with three daughters Tiffany, four, Jessica, six, and Kirsty, eight. Mrs Hughes, 32, was nominated by Kirsty for the title Cleveland Shopping
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Homes to be demolished as estate revamp is approved
A MULTI-million pound scheme aimed at regenerating a rundown housing estate has finally received the go-ahead. The redevelopment of Parkside, in Seaham, has been held up for more than a year following a public inquiry. But this week Deputy Prime Minister
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Easter fun as farm roadshow pulls into town
CHILDREN on their school holidays will get the chance to see real Easter chicks next week when a springtime food and farming roadshow rolls into the region. The National Farmers' Union event will be in Northallerton High Street on Wednesday. The event
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When family life is more than a business
'WHAT has David Beckham done wrong?" asked one of the boys, aware of the furore surrounding our national footballing icon. I wished I could tell him that the Beckhams' marriage was nobody's business but their own. But the Beckhams, as Victoria herself
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Helping students cross safely
ALL youngsters are taught the importance of road safety - but the risks are multiplied for those with a visual impairment. For that reason, Siemens Traffic Controls Ltd has donated and installed a pelican crossing at Henshaws College, in Harrogate. The
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Mining claims deadline leads to extra work
SOLICITORS are continuing to battle for compensation for miners despite the deadline for claims ending. The national compensation scheme, backed by the Government, closed to claimants on March 31. About 515,000 chest disease claims were lodged by the
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Moorsfresh continuing to expand
A company has announced a programme of expansion that will create at least five jobs. Moorsfresh, in Pickering, North Yorkshire, markets and distributes local produce to businesses, shops, restaurants and pubs all over the country. The company is expanding
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Bishop urges people to forgive
A BISHOP will use his Easter message today to urge confession and forgiveness. The Right Reverend John Packer, Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, will address clergy and lay workers at a Cathedral Maundy Thursday Holy Communion Service, in Ripon Cathedral. He
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New association chairman
THE new chairman of the Royal Air Forces Association in Darlington is Norman Athey, who was elected at the association's annual meeting. He will be working with treasurer Eric Roberts and secretary Marjorie Roberts. Mr Roberts was re-elected president
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Are we still all off to sunny Spain?
It was the destination which led to the package holiday boom, but now the Costa Brava is being dropped from some travel brochures. Nick Morrison looks at shifting trends among British holidaymakers. IT was five years since the end of the Second World
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£200,000 spend to upgrade homes
AFTER more than 30 years without improvement, £200,000 is being spent updating council properties. Bungalows for elderly people in Tennyson Gardens, in the Poets Corner area of Park East, in Darlington, are to be modernised. The houses will be rewired
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Five-star safety award for factory
A FACTORY has received the British Safety Council's five- star Safety Award. Caterpillar Peterlee, which manufactures articulated trucks, won the award after an intensive audit of its health and safety management system. The British Safety Council revealed
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Guided tour of sea defences
PEOPLE living in a seaside town can see a £33.6m coastal defence scheme close up. So far, Scarborough residents have been kept well away from construction on the sea defences for safety reasons. But the contractors and the borough council are ready to
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Vikki returns for disco victory
A TEENAGER is bursting with pride after her victory in a disco dancing competition. Vikki Peacock, 16, of Moorside, Consett, County Durham, won the youth starter category at the contest held at the annual East Coast Dance Competiton, at Primrose Valley
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Witness support plea
volunteers are needed to help provide emotional and practical support for witnesses and their family and friends. The Witness Service, at Northallerton Magistrates' Court, is run by independent charity Victim Support and supports prosecution and defence
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Insurer to make £5m HQ move
AN insurance company founded more than a century ago by a group of fishermen is moving to a new headquarters after growing into an £80m-a-year business. The little known North-East insurance company is now the world's leading insurer of the fishing industry
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Father figure is welconed home
WHEN Sir Bobby Robson steps into the Philips Stadion for the first leg of Newcastle's UEFA Cup quarter-final with PSV Eindhoven tonight, it will be like a father returning to his family home, writes Scott Wilson. Robson took charge of the Dutch club side
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Augusta ideal stage for Woods to bounce back
THERE are few better tests of a truly great sportsman than the ability to bounce back. Muhammad Ali lost then recovered world title belts on three separate occasions, Andre Agassi dropped out of the world's top 100 in early 1998 before going on to win
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08/04/04
EUROPE: ROBIN Ashby (HAS, Apr 6) would like us to believe that the European Parliament is somehow democratic. We can gather how he defines democracy by his allusion to a People's Parliament. Mr Ashby yet again defends the EU and all its works via the
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Crisis talks as 40 die in US mosque attack
PRIME Minister Tony Blair is to meet US President George Bush and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan for crisis talks on the escalating violence in Iraq, it was confirmed yesterday. The announcement came as US forces bombed a mosque compound in the Sunni
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Police replace wardens to save funds
POLICE are being asked to hand out parking tickets after traffic wardens were taken off the street to man the front desk of a police station. The move is designed to help cash-strapped Cleveland Police save money and recover from a crippling £8m shortage
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Visitors face-to-face with mirror image in glass centre workshops
FAMILIES have been invited to make faces at a new exhibition. Workshops being held at the National Glass Centre in Sunderland have been inspired by a William Morris exhibition. Artist Helen Law will demonstrate how to make masks from plaster, willow branches
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Musical youths appeal for venue
A GROUP of Chester-le-Street children have written to council chiefs asking for somewhere they can enjoy music. They think there is not enough musical activity for young people in the town. Nine youngsters aged ten to 14 years got together with Investing
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Textile show
An exhibition of textile sculptures inspired by the body has gone on show at Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre, in Knaresborough. The exhibition will run until June 6 and is open each day from 10am to 4pm. Published: 08/04/2004
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Art exhibits that draw on people's feelings
A GALLERY has taken art into a new dimension that people can feel as well as see. Beningbrough Hall, the National Trust property north of York, has taken delivery of its first tactile portrait. The hall already has more than 100 portraits on loan from
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John North: Fellowship of the felon fighters
VIGILANT as ever, but thrown into confusion by Mr Trevor Layzell MB FRCS, the Coundon Society for the Prevention and Prosecution of Felons held its 150th anniversary dinner on Monday. It's the village near Bishop Auckland where, 40 years ago, PC Arthur
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Fallon facing Ridge probe
Champion jockey Kieren Fallon has been called before the Jockey Club disciplinary panel over recent newspaper allegations. The Jockey Club said yesterday that, having studied all the material provided by the newspaper, it had informed the solicitor representing
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FA Youth Cup Semi-final: Craddock's goal ensures Boro's passage
Middlesbrough's youngsters will contest their second FA Youth Cup final in as many years after beating Crewe 1-0 at the Riverside Stadium last night. Leading 2-0 from the first leg at Gresty Road, Mark Proctor's side produced an accomplished display that
