Archive
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Folk music
ONE of the region's top folk groups, the Judith Haswell Band,will be performing in Witham Hall, Barnard Castle, on Saturday, May 22, at 8pm. Tickets for the show cost £5, or £3 for concessions, and are available from the Witham Hall office between 10am
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DNA nailed the suspect
IT was a microscopic spot of blood and it proved, almost eight years after her death, that Julie Smailes had been killed by John Thompson. Detectives had examined a pillowcase stained with her blood in 1996, but DNA technology then was unable to lead
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Julie police name killer
DURHAM Police say they are now certain that double murder suspect John Thompson was one of the killers of Consett woman Julie Smailes eight years ago. They say advances in forensic science prove blood found in the murder house was that of the married
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Drama group spreads its message
A UNIQUE theatre group is jetting off to Europe to share its powerful message about the importance of inclusion. The Special Needs Unity Group (SNUG), is the only truly inclusive theatre group in the area that has able-bodied youngsters performing alongside
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Swear-free zones could be next
MEN at a Tory club in Cumbria have hit on a novel idea. They have banned women from the bar so men can feel free to swear. There is only one small problem with this: lots of women swear too. But otherwise it is brilliant. We are used to smoke-free zones
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Wilde about wallpaper
VANDALS have uncovered rare and perfect masterpieces of Victorian interior design in a derelict North-East mansion. The discovery of wallpaper designed by 19th Century architect and designer Edward William Godwin, hidden behind panelling throughout Grey
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Windows of opportunity for Arkitec
A NEWLY-established computer company in the region is working with Microsoft. Arkitec was co-founded by two information technology specialists in September, and is still run from their homes in County Durham and Newcastle. The company is training Microsoft's
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Soldiers prepare equipment for tour of duty in Iraq
THE Army was familiarising itself with military equipment yesterday as more soldiers from the region prepared to return to Iraq. A troop from 8 Transport Regiment's 3 Tank Transporter Squadron has been in the Gulf testing the latest equipment for carrying
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Sixty jobs at risk
NEGOTIATIONS are continuing between union officials and bosses at a factory in Durham where 60 jobs are facing the axe. It is the second blow to hit Mono Containers, after 35 workers were laid off at the end of last year. The firm says the cost-cutting
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Go-ahead is given to First
TRANSPORT operator Arriva's main rival to take over rail services in Scotland has been given permission to bid for the Scotrail contract. The Competition Commission had been investigating First Group's bid for the Scottish rail franchise and last night
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'Why was Neale quizzed in 1988?'
VICTIMS of disgraced surgeon Richard Neale are demanding to know why the police were making inquiries about him as early as 1988. The call follows last week's revelation that North Yorkshire Police corresponded with the General Medical Council (GMC) about
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Students collect for meningitis charity
DURHAM University students have taken part in an annual event to raise funds for meningitis research. They left the city dressed in a range of costumes to descend on the capital to take part in London Loot. For two days they collected cash on the tube
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DNA nailed the suspect
IT was a microscopic spot of blood and it proved, almost eight years after her death, that Julie Smailes had been killed by John Thompson. Detectives had examined a pillowcase stained with her blood in 1996, but DNA technology then was unable to lead
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Companies are two of the fastest-growing in the UK
Two companies based in the region have been named in a list of the top ten fastest-growing companies in the UK. Mechanical engineers Linden Group, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, and health club group Bannatyne Fitness, were placed fourth and sixth
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Thais the limit
FRED Elliott must be one of Soapland's unluckiest men when it comes to romance. Now that the Penny has dropped - after he discovered she was two-timing him with knicker magnate Mike Baldwin - the Rovers landlord is looking for love again in Coronation
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Jazz tribute show comes to North-East
A tribute to one of the most popular singer-songwriters comes to a North-East venue next month. Hot August Nights is dedicated to the music of Neil Diamond and stars Gary Ryan, billed as the UK's leading Diamond tribute artist. The show will be at the
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Market on the road to recovery
AN INDOOR market that supports dozens of businesses has been saved from closure. Bosses at the Clifford Centre Family Indoor Market, in Stanley town centre, confirmed that the troubled enterprise had turned the corner, after it went into administration
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Funding urged on asbestos diseases
THE Government has been urged to release extra funds to tackle asbestos-related diseases after a warning that deaths are reaching "epidemic" levels. Health experts estimate 80,000 people will die from mesothelioma, the terminal cancer caused by exposure
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Treatments help raise sales at GlaxoSmithKline
DRUGS company GlaxoSmithKline today praised the performance of five key disease treatments which have helped raise sales. The pharmaceuticals giant said the drugs, which treat asthma to heart disease, helped boost sales by more than 18 per cent in the
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Our little chicks on parade
THE windows were darkened by a struggling mass of paparazzi, fighting for a view of what was going on inside. Cameras clicked and flashed, camcorders were held high. It was obvious they could see a good deal more than those of us lucky enough to be inside
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Scouts honour their patron saint
SCOUTS from throughout County Durham gathered in Bishop Auckland on Sunday to celebrate St George, the patron saint of England and Scouting. The 2nd Bishop Auckland Scout Group hosted the event at St Anne's Church, in Bishop Auckland Market Place. Beavers
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Summer holiday activities planned
COMMUNITY leaders on a Darlington estate are drawing up a summer holiday activities scheme for children. Community development worker Sue Davidson told a meeting of Skerne Park Community Partnership that that the estate's youth and community centre had
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Obe Depp beyone
Johnny Depp enjoys making the A list of movie acting but can't resist oddball roles. Steve Pratt reports. HOLLYWOOD star Johnny Depp finds inspiration for his acting roles in the strangest places. It's no secret that there was more than a little of Rolling
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Blaze case lifer freed on appeal
A MAN found guilty of murdering his girlfriend after she died in a blaze at their home was yesterday freed by judges who quashed his conviction. Ruling the verdict was unsafe, London's Criminal Appeal Court said there was not enough evidence against John
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Banned motorcyclist who drove at 125mph is jailed
A BANNED motorcyclist led police on a high-speed chase on roads around Durham and surrounding countryside. George Swainston drove a Yamaha RI machine with a pillion passenger on board at speeds of up to 125mph in an attempt to shake off a pursuing police
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Campaign for drug dealers' phone box to be demolished
PEOPLE in Darlington are campaigning for a telephone box frequented by drug users and dealers to be removed. The box is in Southend Avenue, just yards from where 31-year-old Jeffrey Brown was stabbed in Grange Road on the afternoon of Sunday, March 28
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New To Rent
Girl With A Pearl Earring (12, Pathe Distribution, also available to buy DVD £19.99/VHS £12.99). Stars: Scarlett Johansson, Colin Firth, Tom Wilkinson, Judy Parfitt, Cillian Murphy, Essie Davis, Joanna Scanlan, Alakina Mann, David Morrissey. SCARLETT
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Seconds out as boxing coach returns to ring
A BOXING coach is planning an emotional return to the ring that launched his brother on the road to stardom. Gary McCrory, brother of former world champion boxer Glenn McCrory, is taking part in a series of amateur boxing bouts in Consett. "This is the
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Construction service held
BUILDERS downed tools yesterday to remember those who have lost their lives in the construction industry. More than 100 workers from contractor Sir Robert McAlpine took time out from working on the Red Mall extension, at Gateshead MetroCentre, for a minute's
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PM backs US tactics as city rocked again
TONY BLAIR yesterday defended US tactics in the Iraqi city of Fallujah where American forces have been engaged in fierce fighting with Sunni militants. The Prime Minister was speaking as the besieged city was rocked again by a series of explosions and
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Skills insight
A four-week course entitled An Introduction to Counselling Skills is on offer at the Bridge Enterprise Centre, based in Branwa Community House, Keir Hardie Avenue, South Stanley. The first session is on Wednesday, May 19, from 10am to 12.30pm. For further
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Creative students providing touch of glass at museum
CREATIVE work of a group of artistic students during the past academic year goes on public display at the weekend. Distinctive glass and ceramics creations of 16 students will be on show in Durham during the next five weeks. Dry Run is the seventh annual
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Oh my darling Clementine
Twice-married actress Kate Winslet wouldn't dream of having her previous relationships erased from her mind like crazy-haired character Clementine Kruczynski. Steve Pratt reports. UNLIKE the woman she plays in her latest movie, Kate Winslet wouldn't rub
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Schools picked for £1m project
TWO primary schools have been identified as ideal locations for a £1m project aimed at helping young children and their parents. Stephenson Way Primary School, in Newton Aycliffe, and Timothy Hackworth Primary School, in Shildon, are the sites that have
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Boss faces jobs claim by his estranged wife
A bakery boss is being taken to an employment tribunal by his wife. Dawn Milligan is claiming sexual discrimination and unfair dismissal. Her estranged husband, Lloyd Milligan, is the owner of Milligan's Bakeries, which has 33 shops throughout the North-East
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Town investing £2m on seven new child care centres
A TOWN is investing £2m in a scheme to ensure children get the best start in life. Children's centres are to be opened across Middlesbrough and will be the base for Sure Start projects and other Early Years services. Councillor Paul Thompson, Middlesbrough
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Primary school praised by Ofsted
A PRIMARY school is celebrating a positive report from Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) inspectors. Gainford CE Primary School, near Barnard Castle, was described as an effective school following an inspection last month. The school, which has
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Sites chosen for SureStart £1m project
TWO primary schools have been identified as ideal locations for a £1m project aimed at young children and their parents. Timothy Hackworth Primary School, in Shildon, and Stephenson Way Primary School, in Newton Aycliffe, are the sites that have been
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Workshop to debate hospital
Durham Dales Primary Care Trust is inviting people in the Crook area to join a workshop that will consider the future of services offered by Homelands Community Hospital. The workshop will also identify what services are needed in the future and the best
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Asbestos concern at empty building
AIRBORNE asbestos pollution from a derelict council sports centre poses a significant risk to health, a Cleveland Fire Brigade report has warned. The risk of asbestos poisoning for nearby residents was played down yesterday by Tony Dale, station manager
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Wonder mum moved to tears
BRAVELY fighting the side-effects of chemotherapy and with great difficulty speaking, a mother's tears speak volumes about the pride she feels for her children. Having beaten three brain tumours and now fighting a fourth, Helen Wrangham's family decided
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Union in talks with company over cuts
NEGOTIATIONS are continuing between union officials and bosses at a factory where 60 workers are facing redundancy. Thirty-six employees from Mono Containers, in Durham, said they would consider voluntary redundancy. Gerry Hunter, a regional officer for
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Three witnesses may hold key in hunt for rapists
DETECTIVES still need to trace three witnesses who may be able to provide vital information in their hunt for two rapists. Officers say they have had an encouraging response to their appeal for help in finding the men who raped a 25-year-woman on her
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Crisis fears as North is hit by shortage of foster carers
A SHORTAGE of foster parents is affecting the North-East and North Yorkshire as more children are being put into care. Councils across the region need to recruit more than 200 carers to stave off a crisis. A national campaign is being launched by The
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Gallery manager's ban for drink-driving on night out
THE manager of internationally renowned artist McKenzie Thorpe's gallery has been banned from driving for two years after she admitted drink-driving. Wendy Bowker, 42, a former prison officer who consults on ITV series Bad Girls, manages Mr Thorpe's gallery
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Julie police name killer
DURHAM Police say they are now certain that double murder suspect John Thompson was one of the killers of Consett woman Julie Smailes eight years ago. They say advances in forensic science prove blood found in the murder house was that of the married
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Ambrose relishing heat of the battle
DARREN Ambrose last night predicted that the nerve-wracking finish to the season would bring the best out of Newcastle United. The current Magpies side could etch their name into the history books if they were to lift the UEFA Cup and qualify for the
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Residents queue for cashpoint bonanza
IT is the stuff of dreams. You visit the cashpoint, key in the amount you want, and the machine starts churning out free £20 notes. The normally honest folk of Wooler, in Northumberland, could not believe their eyes when the Barclays Bank cash machine
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Keeping the countryside tidy
It was set up in the face of increasing rural crime, but, as a rural version of Neighbourhood Watch celebrates its fifth aniversary, John Dean discovers that it's about much more than preventing crime. IT'S a Sunday afternoon in April and concealed behind
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Youngsters help to launch nature campaign
CHILDREN helped to launch a campaign aimed at learning more about the threatened native bluebell on Teesside. Pupils from St Clare's RC Primary School, Acklam, Middlesbrough, spent the afternoon learning how to identify native and Spanish bluebells at
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Campaign launched for cleaner air
A CAMPAIGN to clean up the air of Teesside has been stepped up with the launch of a pressure group. Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon has helped launch a forum for fleet managers and council environmental health officers to discuss cleaner technologies,
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News in brief: The Normans are coming
There will be a friendly Norman invasion at Kirkleatham Museum, Redcar, on Sunday and Monday from midday to 4pm. Re-enactment group Anmod Dracan is setting up camp in the grounds to show visitors what life was like in the 12th Century. There will be storytelling
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Increased police patrols on estate
POLICE are stepping up their work on a Darlington estate to stamp out attacks on buses. PC Jonathan Stoker, beat officer for the Red Hall area, has been increasing patrols on the estate. He said on Friday and Saturday nights he had taken the names of
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Children get to work on new nursery
SCHOOLCHILDREN have helped to start work on a new £250,000 nursery. Children from Lumley Medway Infant School, near Chester-le-Street, this week joined councillors and teachers cutting the turf to mark the start of work on a 26-place childcare unit. The
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Death of former police chief
DURHAM'S Chief Constable paid tribute to a popular former senior officer who died this week, little more than two years after his retirement. John Guest, from Chester-le-Street, who gave almost 40-years' service to Durham Police, died on Monday after
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Patient dies in ambulance crash
A Two-pronged investigation has been launched into a road smash involving an ambulance which was taking a patient to hospital. The patient, a 61-year-old terminally ill cancer sufferer, was being rushed under a blue light to the University Hospital of
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29/04/04
NATIONAL PARK: WE write to express our concern over a growing threat to one of Britain's most precious national treasures, the North York Moors National Park. This is a site of extraordinary natural beauty, environmental significance and historical importance
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Mum has heart attack after indigestion diagnosis
A young mum collapsed and died of a heart attack just hours after her she was diagnosed with indigestion. Doctor Patricia Ridley said Christina Hymers "seemed ok" when she called to see her during the night complaining of chest pain and numbness in her
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Weather holds up Tykes
Yorkshire's depression was as deep as the weather at Trent Bridge yesterday, where rain prevented any play on the opening day of their Frizzell Championship match with Nottinghamshire. Although they enjoyed the sun on their backs at Headingley last week
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Pensioner 'did not see' death crash cyclist
A PENSIONER has admitted he failed to see a cyclist he is alleged to have killed by dangerous driving. Ronald Addy, 82, a retired accountant, was giving evidence in the second day of his trial at Teesside Crown Court. Mr Addy's VW Polo car struck hospital
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All set for a Cheeky win
VERSATILE Cheeky Chi (3.30) has every prospect of making a winning return to the sand in the Special Offer Handicap at Southwell today. Phil McEntee's filly put together three solid runs on the all-weather tracks during the winter months, prior to making
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Soldiers prepare for Afghanistan tour
THREE Green Howards soldiers have completed their training with a passing-out parade. The trio, who are all from Teesside, won the congratulations of the commander of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, former colonel of the regiment Lieutenant General Richard
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Expansion will create up to 500 jobs
RETAIL chain Bells Stores is planning a major expansion with another 25 stores across the region, creating up to 500 jobs. The group, which was bought by Sainsbury's for £22m in Feburary and opened its first rebranded shop in Peterlee, County Durham,
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Like Trinny and Susannah with needles
10 Years Younger (C4): IT WAS all very well prison officer Bernie Sharp saying she felt young inside but, as we all know, looks are what count in today's society. When 100 people in the street were asked how old she looked, their guesses ranged from 35
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Goals the problem, Goodman
FORMER striking ace Don Goodman last night blamed Sunderland's failure to achieve automatic promotion on their lack of a natural goalscorer. The Black Cats have now gone 360 minutes without a goal as their hopes of finishing in the top two have gone up
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Parking fees will hit trade, council told
TRADERS on a Darlington street are to meet council officials to protest about plans to introduce on-street car parking charges. Businesses on Grange Road fear their shops could be forced to close if fewer people visit the street because they have to pay
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Anti-terror exercise held to test city's reaction to attack
A TERRORIST attack on Newcastle city centre yesterday left 14 dead and 29 people injured. Emergency services were called after deadly Sarin gas was pumped into the city council's ventilation system as 200 people attended a packed public meeting. Members
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Vultures are circling BBC, Dyke warns
SACKED BBC boss Greg Dyke has spoken publicly for the first time about his fears for the future of his former employer, saying the "vultures" were circling the broadcaster with the intent of "doing it serious damage". Mr Dyke was sacked as director-general
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New hospital sets its sights on becoming a centre of excellence
A private hospital for people with autism was opened this week. The operators of Newbus Grange, Hurworth, near Darlington, say the 19-bed unit will be a centre of excellence for the care of adults with learning disabilities. Although the centre is run
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Clock donated to hospital
A group of Scottish dancers have ensured that everything will run on time at one of the region's major hospitals. A stylish clock now has pride of place on the wall of the recreation hall of Northallerton's Friarage Hospital recreation hall thanks to
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Safety plea to bikers
TRAFFIC police are stepping up special weekend patrols in the Durham dales where they say born-again bikers need to be saved from themselves. A new safety appeal is going out over the next few days when an influx of riders is expected during the Bank
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Poor weather doesn't spoil golf charity
The wet weather failed to put a dampener on spirits on the golf course as sports stars from the region got in the swing for charity. Leading footballers and figures from other sports, past and present, gave up the day to take part in the annual Steve
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All set for a Cheeky win
VERSATILE Cheeky Chi (3.30) has every prospect of making a winning return to the sand in the Special Offer Handicap at Southwell today. Phil McEntee's filly put together three solid runs on the all-weather tracks during the winter months, prior to making
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Pioneer spirit
THE spirit of Dr Martin Luther King lives on in the movement of the Dance Theatre Of Harlem to such an extent that principal dancer Ikolo Griffin doesn't fear the US company might be targeted by terrorists. New York-based Ikolo, who features in two days
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Comment from The Northern Echo: Diversion from real debate
WITH the increasingly acrimonious debate over the relative merits of the new constitution, it is easy to overlook the significance of the enlargement of the EU. The accession of ten new member states is a momentous occasion, one to celebrate. We must
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Bowlers wanted
A BOWLS club for women in County Durham is looking for more members for the forthcoming season, even if they are a bit green at the game. Women of all ages can play for Chester-le-Street Ladies Bowls Club at the new pavilion at the town's Riverside Ground
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Health priorities are outlined by group
NEW North-East patient and public forums have named smoking as their main health concern. The Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health held the first of two regional launches at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium yesterday. The commission
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Shearer signs up for anniversary
NORTH-EAST RAIL passengers received a free box of chocolates yesterday to mark GNER's eighth anniversary. About 25,000 people travelling on the East Coast Mainline were presented with the commemorative box to thank them for their loyalty and support.
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Poultry farm deferred
RESIDENTS in an exclusive village have voiced their relief after plans to site thousands of poultry on their doorsteps were deferred. Derwentside District Council's development control committee voted last week to undertake a site visit to Derwent Oak
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Massive fire destroys bakery
EMPLOYEES of a North-East bakery chain have been told their jobs are safe, but they may have to wait a month before returning to work after a blaze destroyed their headquarters on Sunday. Nearly 700 people who work for Peter's Cathedral Bakery will still
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Court martial 'secrets' put on the stage
A PLAY will depict the events leading up to the execution by firing squad of a soldier during the First World War. The Prisoner's Friend deals with events surrounding the death in 1917 of Lance Sergeant William Stones, from Crook, County Durham, who was
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Collingwood relieved for career
Paul Collingwood has emerged from another freak injury just relieved not to have stalled his England career again. The Durham all-rounder broke his nose during a basketball competition designed to minimise the boredom among the players but he is still
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Julia joins The Northern Echo business team
JULIA Breen has been appointed to the newly-created post of Deputy Business Editor at The Northern Echo. The 25-year-old has worked at the newspaper for the past two-and-a-half years in a number of posts, including Education Correspondent and as Darlington
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Amec wins £33m NHS contract
ENGINEERING services firm Amec has won a contract to provide £33m of patient facilities for the NHS. The company, which has a base in Darlington, will build six healthcare centres in West Yorkshire, and four regional treatment centres in the South-East
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Centenarian Fred still keeping busy
AFTER a busy working life centenarian Fred Campbell is still keeping busy, helping in the garden at the care home where he lives. Mr Campbell celebrated his 100th birthday with a tea party for his family and fellow residents at Southfield Lodge, in Crook
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Heat on to find local beauty
THE race is on to find a North-East beauty capable of taking on the world. Sedgefield Racecourse is to stage the final of the first official Miss Durham beauty contest. The competition, to be staged on the course at the Ladies' Night race meeting next
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Record results for EMH
CAR dealer European Motor Holdings (EMH) has reported record results. The group, which owns the Mills Garages chain, said its profits before tax rose 27 per cent to £16.8m. Mills Garages, and EMH's Bentley operation, in Newcastle, employ 550 people at
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Hundreds are expected at Stokoe memorial service
FOOTBALL fans are invited to remember legendary Sunderland manager Bob Stokoe at a service in the city on Wednesday. The man who won the FA Cup as a player with Newcastle United and as a manager with Sunderland died earlier this year, aged 73. He died
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Fire-hit bakery aims to be producing in a month
Production of a fire-hit bakery firm's entire range will be up and running within a month, company bosses pledged today. All 71 Peter's the Bakers stores from Northumberland to North Yorkshire are pencilled in to re-open on Monday May 24, only 29 days
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... and strife
Tracy-Ann Oberman has spent two months watching the autograph hunters pursuing the other EastEnders stars. Now she's about to emerge into the limelight as Dirty Den's secret wife Chrissie. Steve Pratt reports. THIS time next week Tracy-Ann Oberman is
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Companies are two of the fastest-growing in the UK
Two companies based in the region have been named in a list of the top ten fastest-growing companies in the UK. Mechanical engineers Linden Group, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, and health club group Bannatyne Fitness, were placed fourth and sixth
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Dixons hopes to redeploy workers hit by store closures
MORE than 50 jobs are at risk in the region after electricals group Dixons announced plans to close a third of its branches. Among the 106 high street stores due to be closed are four in the region. They are in Durham, Redcar, Stockton and at the Monks
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Death of former police chief
DURHAM'S Chief Constable paid tribute to a popular former senior officer who died this week, little more than two years after his retirement. John Guest, from Chester-le-Street, who gave almost 40-years' service to Durham Police, died on Monday after
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Soccer thug banned from Euro 2004
A notorious soccer thug nicknamed "The Belly of Brussels" has been banned from Euro 2004 -- thanks to a book written by a former hooligan mate. Twenty-stone Lee Owens was also banned from every football ground in the country and from visiting any town
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Success is in the bag
AN art and design student has set up a business with the help of her college. North Tyneside College student Madeline Barnes creates quirky bags, featuring images ranging from pebbles, chilli peppers or cheese graters, to a customer's home or pet. The
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Order bans anti-social behaviour
A YOUTH has been banned from playing any recorded music from his home. The silence rule was part of an Anti-Social Behaviour Order imposed on 20-year-old Brad Storey at Durham Magistrates Court recently. Storey, who lives in Derwentwater Avenue, Chester-le-Street
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'Time for states to take their place in Europe'
Tony Blair gave a passionate speech last night in support of the new, enlarged European Union. Speaking at a launch party to welcome the ten accession states, the Prime Minister described the occasion as an "historic moment of opportunity, change and
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Woman launches anti-gun charity
A Sunderland woman whose young son was shot in the face with an airgun has helped launch a new nationwide charity to fight gun crime. Linda Mitchell, who lives in Roker, has been compaigning for tougher laws since 12-year-old Michah was lucky to survive
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DNA nailed the suspect
IT was a microscopic spot of blood and it proved, almost eight years after her death, that Julie Smailes had been killed by John Thompson. Detectives had examined a pillowcase stained with her blood in 1996, but DNA technology then was unable to lead
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Tighter controls pledge for disco
A COUNCIL has pledged to keep a tighter control on teenagers at a disco this week after chaotic scenes last month. Darlington Community Partnership will stage an event for 13 to 16-year-olds tomorrow at the town's Dolphin Centre. The last disco at the
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Football pitch work delayed
PLANS to create a football pitch on the site of a social club that burnt down have been delayed. At a Skerne Park Community Partnership meeting, community development worker Sue Davison said she had become increasingly frustrated because work had not
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Festival sales
Car boot sales will be held on Sundays, 9.30am to 3.30pm, at Somerfield's car park, Saltburn, east Cleveland, until September 26, in aid of Saltburn in Bloom and Saltburn Folk Festival. Fees are £6 for cars, £8 for vans or trailers. To book, call (01287
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Breese and Onions driven crackers by rain
GARETH Breese and Graham Onions had to wait 24 hours for their championship debuts when the opening day of Durham's match at Derby was washed out. With the sun threatening to break through in early afternoon, it was announced that play would begin at
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Estate will have to wait for play area
RESIDENTS on a council estate say they have not had a play area for four years and want to know when it is going to be replaced. Members of Skerne Park Partnership heard that Darlington Borough Council removed the play equipment on the estate in 2000
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Mum helps to launch gun crime charity
A WOMAN whose young son was shot in the face with an airgun has helped to launch a nationwide charity to fight gun crime. Linda Mitchell, of Roker, Sunderland, has been campaigning for tougher laws since 12-year-old Michah was lucky to survive the 2001
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Stars will boldly go into battle with bikers
IN his Star Trek role as Captain Jean-Luc Picard, actor Patrick Stewart couldn't be further away from altogether more down-to-earth gardening guru Alan Titchmarsh. But the two have now joined forces to fight a foe they believe represents a threat just
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Swapping school desk for the garden
ASPIRING gardeners demonstrated their green fingers yesterday. Youngsters from Consett Infants School, in Teasdale Road, Consett, went on a field trip to the town's Focus Do It All DIY store and garden centre, in Front Street. Staff gave the reception
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Everybody walks the earth broken hearted
Twice-divorced Jim Carrey feels that everyone ultimately benefits from a painful relationship and doesn't believe in 'the fairytale' view of marriage. Steve Pratt reprots. COMEDIAN Jim Carrey believes he couldn't have done Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless
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Stars will boldly go into battle with bikers
IN his Star Trek role as Captain Jean-Luc Picard, actor Patrick Stewart couldn't be further away from altogether more down-to-earth gardening guru Alan Titchmarsh. But the two have now joined forces to fight a foe they believe represents a threat just
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Parkinson's sufferers given hope
LATEST brain surgery techniques are giving hope to people with Parkinson's disease. Retired firefighter Arthur Boucher was the first person in the country to receive deep brain stimulation, which helped to reclaim his life, and which could now help thousands
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Barn conversion opposed
COUNCILLORS look likely to refuse permission to convert a redundant barn into living accommodation because it is near a gun club. The application to convert the barn, in Mickleton, is to be heard by Teesdale District Council next week. Council planning
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TV review
Like Trinny and Susannah with needles 10 Years Younger (C4) IT WAS all very well prison officer Bernie Sharp saying she felt young inside but, as we all know, looks are what count in today's society. When 100 people in the street were asked how old she
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Seminar tackles work sickness
DOCTORS, business leaders and health officials met over breakfast this week in the first of two seminars to discuss ways of tackling ill health at work The seminars aim to draw up a picture of health-related issues in Easington and Sedgefield, the ways
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Schools set for new developments
Two Darlington schools are set for new developments if councillors give the go-ahead. Plans have been submitted for a new storage building at the rear of Dodmire Infants School. It will provide space for outside play equipment and shelter for pupils in
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Security cameras installed in taxis
SECURITY cameras are being installed in a city's taxis in an attempt to make drivers feel safer. The cameras are being put into cabs in Sunderland for a six-month trial period following a number of attacks on taxi drivers. The sophisticated cameras will
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PM backs US tactics as city rocked again
TONY BLAIR yesterday defended US tactics in the Iraqi city of Fallujah where American forces have been engaged in fierce fighting with Sunni militants. The Prime Minister was speaking as the besieged city was rocked again by a series of explosions and
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Tree offers mean show can go on
A THEATRE group has been overwhelmed by the response to an appeal for help in finding a vital prop. Consett, Blackhill and Shotley Bridge (CBS) amateur operatic society appealed for a Christmas tree for its production of the musical, Annie. CBS member
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John North: Fine and Danby
Mervyn Walker has found his station in life, thanks to an adoption scheme run by Arriva. The column is very envious... DANBY is a single platform station on the line from Middlesbrough to Whitby with a rudimentary shelter, an old fashioned bench and a
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Rail museum revamp completed
A MUSEUM dedicated to the region's rail heritage re-opens next week after a rebuilding programme. The Stephenson Railway Museum, in West Chirton, North Shields, North Tyneside, will hold a gala day on Monday to unveil its facilities. The refurbishment
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People want banks to stay in UK
A survey carried out on behalf of a trade union has shown that more than half of people in the region are opposed to their banks moving work to India. The MORI poll, commissioned by the Lloyds TSB Group Union, showed that 57 per cent of people in the
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Pool delayed after concerns raised over quality of work
CONTRACTORS have had to replace a project team working on a leisure centre which has been beset by delays. The Louisa Centre, in Front Street, Stanley, is undergoing a £5.7m redevelopment that includes a new swimming pool and gym. The pool was due to
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Creative students providing touch of glass at museum
CREATIVE work of a group of artistic students during the past academic year goes on public display at the weekend. Distinctive glass and ceramics creations of 16 students will be on show in Durham during the next five weeks. Dry Run is the seventh annual
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Echo readers take Doris to heart
DORIS, the homeless dog desperate to find a loving owner to share her final moments with, has attracted a lot of attention. The ten-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier cross, who has leukaemia, appeared on the front page of The Northern Echo on Tuesday
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Freemasons help charity
STAFF and volunteers in a holistic cancer care centre have taken delivery of a computer and accessories, thanks to the Freemasons. The Acklam Lodge, in Middlesbrough, provided £1,200-worth of equipment to help with the running of the charity at the James
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Gran At Large: Our little chicks on parade
THE windows were darkened by a struggling mass of paparazzi, fighting for a view of what was going on inside. Cameras clicked and flashed, camcorders were held high. It was obvious they could see a good deal more than those of us lucky enough to be inside
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Hodgson's praise for his battle-weary men
DAVID HODGSON has praised his side for their successful fight against relegation. With two games to go Quakers are six points clear of the relegation zone. Hodgson would prefer to see the attractive football that epitomised his last spell in charge four
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Further holiday options for flyers
HOLIDAYMAKERS will be able to fly to three new destinations from the region from next year. The country's largest tour operator will announce today that it will fly its biggest programme from Teesside International Airport in the summer of next year.
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Julie police name killer
DURHAM Police say they are now certain that double murder suspect John Thompson was one of the killers of Consett woman Julie Smailes eight years ago. They say advances in forensic science prove blood found in the murder house was that of the married
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Lifeline offered to playgrounds
PARISH and town councils and community groups are being urged to save children's playgrounds from closure by taking them over and running them themselves. The lifeline offered by Wear Valley District Council on Monday could hit council taxpayers in their
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Meeting to discuss future of play area
PARISH councillors are calling a meeting next week to discuss the fate of a children's playground. West Auckland Parish Council is one of a number in Wear Valley being urged to take over play areas to save them from closure, raising the cost through a
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Angels to be honoured in first women's war memorial
NORTH-EAST munitions workers will be among those honoured by the first national memorial to the role of women in the Second World War. Nearly £1m has been awarded by the National Heritage Memorial Fund to construct the monument, it was announced yesterday
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Queudrue joins the Ugo fan club
MIDDLESBROUGH full-back Franck Queudrue has thrown his weight behind the growing campaign to get teammate Ugo Ehiogu named in the England squad for Euro 2004. Ehiogu won the last of his four England caps against Italy in March 2002, and his hopes of a
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Safety plea to bikers
TRAFFIC police are stepping up special weekend patrols in the Durham dales where they say born-again bikers need to be saved from themselves. A new safety appeal is going out over the next few days when an influx of riders is expected during the Bank
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Schools picked for £1m project
TWO primary schools have been identified as ideal locations for a £1m project aimed at young children and their parents. Timothy Hackworth Primary School, in Shildon, and Stephenson Way Primary School, in Newton Aycliffe, are the sites that have been
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Talent on tap
TAP dancing and a trampoline have been introduced to Gilbert & Sullivan musical The Gondoliers to ensure that audiences have plenty to watch during the show's run at Darlington Civic Theatre. The Darlington Operatic Society production runs until Saturday
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Fine and Danby
DANBY is a single platform station on the line from Middlesbrough to Whitby with a rudimentary shelter, an old fashioned bench and a few flower tubs doing their best in the circumstances. Everything seems in Sunday parlour order. Were it not so, were
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Gran At Large
THE windows were darkened by a struggling mass of paparazzi, fighting for a view of what was going on inside. Cameras clicked and flashed, camcorders were held high. It was obvious they could see a good deal more than those of us lucky enough to be inside
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Future's bright for walk
MOBILE phone company Orange celebrated its tenth anniversary yesterday - and announced a fundraising walk to mark the occasion. The firm, which employs more than 5,000 people in the North-East, has asked staff around the world to walk, sail, row, cycle
