Archive
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Commons move to ban cold callers
A BID to ban cold calling for home repairs and maintenance has been launched in the Commons. The move comes six months after The Northern Echo launched the Doorstoppers campaign calling for a law to be introduced. Labour's Gordon Marsden said a ban would
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Counterfeit games raid success
INVESTIGATORS are celebrating a major success in their continuing battle against electronic counterfeiting. A huge cache of fake computer games were confiscated during an early morning raid on a house in the Whitby area of North Yorkshire. More than £35,000
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Warning to fly-tippers
OFFICIALS fear fly-tipping will increase as the tax on burying waste rises. The Landfill Tax is set to more than double in the next six years, rising from £15 a tonne now to £35 in 2010. Councils fear that some operators will try to avoid the charge by
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Tribute band
Bizzy Lizzy, a tribute band to rock legends Thin Lizzy, are in concert at The Emporium, High Street, Stockton, on Thursday, June 10 at 7pm. At the venue on Thursday, July 22, Stereophonics tribute band Stereotonics will perform. Call (01642) 808289 for
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Army church to close
A TOWN centre church is to close later this year because the £200,000 needed for its transformation cannot be justified. SpennymoorSalvation Army will close in the autumn after 126 years because itsbase in Dundas Street is in need of major refurbishment
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Suspension of police finance director investigated
AN investigation into the suspension of the director of finance for the North East's most controversial police force has been criticised by its authority members. The handling of the disciplinary action against the suspended Stephen Preval was questioned
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Boro chief vows to keep McClaren
MIDDLESBROUGH chairman Steve Gibson is determined to hold on to history-making manager Steve McClaren. The England coach enhanced his reputation after leading Boro to their first major trophy in this year's Carling Cup final. McClaren's recall as Sven-Goran
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River rescue driver denies charge
A MAN who sparked a £20,000 rescue mission when his van was stranded in a river has been charged with dangerous driving. Scott Robert Ewing, 25, denied the charge when he appeared before South Durham Magistrates yesterday. Mr Ewing, from Lynthorpe, Ryhope
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Shake-up announced after fall in profits
A MANAGEMENT shake-up is under way at Sainsbury's, which has seen its profits slide by 2.9 per cent. New chief executive Justin King announced the shake-up yesterday after profits for the year to March 27 fell to £675m. The UK's former number one supermarket
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The crumbling priory where Churchill saw D-Day rehearsal
IT sounds an unlikely tale, but now it can be told - how an ancient Yorkshire ruin played a crucial role in the build-up to D-Day. Nowadays Kirkham Priory, by the River Derwent in picturesque countryside near Malton, North Yorkshire couldn't be a more
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Farmer gets a taste for herb business
A PARTNERSHIP between a chef, a plant specialist and a farmer has led to the creation of one of the biggest commercial herb gardens in the North. Sandhutton Growers was the idea of Alison Dodd, a cordon bleu chef and catering specialist who tackled the
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New To Rent
The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King (12, Entertainment In Video, also available to buy DVD £27.99/DVD trilogy box set £49.99, VHS £12.99) Stars: Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellen, Billy Boyd ALL good things must come to an end. And
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Ex-boss facing prison for £378,000 theft
A FORMER North-East boss of one of the country's biggest housing firms is facing jail after he admitted stealing £378,000 from the company. Peter Spoors was the managing director of Miller Homes North East at the time of the thefts, which it is thought
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Courage of river rescue PC saluted
A POLICE officer and former international water polo player used his swimming skills to save a drowning teenager in a late-night river rescue. PC David Morgan, 32, threw off his belt, boots and tie before leaping into the River Wear, in Durham city centre
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MFI post disappointing figures
FURNITURE group MFI was under renewed pressure today after UK sales declined further in the wake of a disappointing three-week Easter promotion. Shares in the group slipped nearly seven per cent as the chain said rivals spent more on advertising over
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Mum hit by dometic violence counsellor
A single mum was smashed in the face by her domestic violence counsellor after she turned to him to help deal with her turbulent past. Attractive Melanie Lumsden, 28, was referred to Paul Geldart, 46, through the women's refuge after her stormy 13-year
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Beauty to die for
When German director Wolfgang Petersen saw fellow countywoman Diane Kruger he knew he'd found the face that launched a thousand ships. Steve Pratt talks to Petersen, Kruger and Rose Byrne, who was cast as Brad Pitt's love interest. IT was, admits director
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Bite-size greats
Eight Little Greats by Opera North has captured the attention of opera-goers. Singer Mary Plazas talks to Viv Hardwick about taking the starring role in little-seen one-act work La Vida Breve which is part of Newcastle's eye-opening season. GREAT things
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Young jumper smashes five-year indoor record
A YOUNG athlete is celebrating after jumping into the North-East record books for the second time. Chloe Gill, 12, of Blackhill, Consett, is the new record holder for the under-13s North-East outdoor long jump. Jumping an incredible 4.44 metres, the youngster
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Death bug hits sport centres
TWO North-East leisure centres were closed last night after the potentially deadly legionnaires' bug was found in the hot water systems. The legionella bacteria, which can cause pneumonia-like legionnaires' disease, was discovered at two complexes in
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Farmer gets a taste for herb business
A PARTNERSHIP between a chef, a plant specialist and a farmer has led to the creation of one of the biggest commercial herb gardens in the North. Sandhutton Growers was the idea of Alison Dodd, a cordon bleu chef and catering specialist who tackled the
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Police tackle 'yob culture'
POLICE chiefs have vowed to crack down on 'yob culture' by launching a county-wide scheme aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour. Prime Minister Tony Blair took time out of his schedule on his visit to the area last week to congratulate Durham Constabulary
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Ballet stars sell-out show
YOUNG ballet dancers took to the stage last night for a final sell-out performance of Sleeping Beauty. More than 100 children from across the region have been appearing in the English Youth Ballet production at Darlington Civic Theatre since Tuesday.
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Tests to speed up broadband link in dale
NEW trials could speed up the arrival of a broadband internet connection in Weardale, attracting business and creating jobs. Optimists are even dubbing the area 'silcone dale' with workers able to communicate across the globe at the touch of a button.
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N-E young offenders are least likely to be jailed
YOUNG offenders in the North-East are the least likely of any in the country to be locked up when they commit crime, latest figures show. Only 6.2 per cent of all sentences handed down to criminals up to the age of 17 in the North-East result in a spell
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Quakers' future left hanging by a thread
THE crisis surrounding Darlington Football Club deepened last night after a stormy creditors' meeting left the Quakers' survival hopes hanging by a thread. The meeting was adjourned by administrators until Tuesday to allow the validity of claims from
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Charity fundraising planned by pub
A PUB is planning a charity fundraising spectacular over the forthcoming Bank Holiday weekend at the end of the month. The Standard, in Northallerton, has organised a beer festival, race night and barbecue to raise money for the National Kidney Research
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Warning over illegal taxi cabs
TAXI passengers are being warned to avoid getting into unlicensed cars after a spate of incidents across Middlesbrough - including one case of rape. The advice comes from Middlesbrough Council and has the backing of the Hackney Association and the police
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Warning to avoid unlicensed taxis
TAXI passengers are being warned to avoid getting into unlicensed cars after a woman was raped by two men. Cab trade leaders have joined forces with council chiefs and the police to issue the warning as the hunt for the 25-year-old's attacker continues
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£1m scheme lined up for community
A £1m investment could trigger a big shake-up of community and leisure facilities in the Wear Valley. The Wear Valley Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) is being asked to fund key elements of a proposed strategy for the provision of community facilities
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How's about a trip on the Metro Sir Jim?
SIR Jimmy Savile fixed it for himself when he fulfilled a childhood dream on a trip to the North-East coast. The 77-year-old charity champion and television personality took a trip on the Tyne and Wear Metro yesterday, on its coastal loop from Newcastle
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Fears allayed
NEWCASTLE United yesterday moved to ease fears that defender Jonathan Woodgate will miss the start of next season. Magpies boss Sir Bobby Robson revealed at ITV's Euro 2004 launch on Tuesday that the ruptured thigh muscle which wrecked the 24-year-old
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Lib Dems' deputy leader pays a visit
LIBERAL Democrats deputy leader Sir Menzies Campbell is in the North-East tomorrow. Sir Menzies, the Lib Dems' shadow foreign affairs secretary, will be in Newcastle to discuss the situation in Iraq and meet local activists from charities Christian Aid
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Civilian police staff hailed
A SCHEME that allows civilian police staff to gather evidence and interview suspects has saved 12,872 hours of police officers' time in only six months. The staff were taken on in October last year to form Case Building Units at North Yorkshire Police's
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Dancer Natalie is feeling just champion
WANNABE entertainer Natalie Hallet is dancing on air after taking a step towards her ambition to have a stage career. The 13-year-old Kings Manor, Middlesbrough, school pupil has just won a competition establishing her as Northern Junior Tap-dancing champion
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Technology centre earns award for positive impact
NEW facilities for technology companies in north Durham have won a regional award. Derwentside District Council's £1.6m E-Business Centre, on Consett Business Park, has won a bronze award in the Community Benefit Category of the Royal Institute of Chartered
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Debt group celebrates
A CHARITY that helps people cope with debt is celebrating its first anniversary in Durham. Christians Against Poverty held an open day this week to raise awareness of its work in the city. It helps people who are struggling to keep control of their finances
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'40 wedding guests die in US air attack'
A US helicopter fired on a wedding party in Iraq yesterday and killed more than 40 people, Iraqi officials said. The US military said it could not confirm the report but was investigating. Lieutenant Colonel Ziyad al-Jbouri, deputy police chief of Ramadi
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Churches hit by outbreak of thefts
CHURCHES have been hit by a spate of thefts from offertory boxes. But vicars and church wardens have vowed to keep their doors open to worshippers. There have been five reports of thefts and attempted break-ins of church collection boxes in the past week
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Mayor helps good causes
More than 80 charities will share £33,540 this year from the Darlington Mayor's Charitable Trust. Mayor Ron Lewis presented the proceeds of his charity fund to worthy causes in the town yesterday. Much of the money has been raised through the Mayor's
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Schools will merge despite opposition
PARENTS and teachers told of their disappointment last night at the approval of a controversial plan to merge two schools. Whinfield infant and junior schools in Darlington will close and reform as a single primary school, despite strong opposition from
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MMP to expand flat-pack division
MORE than 50 jobs are being created at a County Durham company that is developing new construction techniques. M&M Plasline (MMP), in Bishop Auckland, is expanding its factory and offices to cope with demand for "flat-pack" buildings, which are built
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Hardware store ends long tradition
A HARDWARE store in Middlesbrough is closing for the final time on Saturday, temporarily ending its long association with the town. Scorers Home Smart, in the Cleveland Centre, is shutting because the site is not large enough to cater for the firm's expanding
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Euro candidate's claims over ballot paper disadvantage
AN anti-EU campaigner said his vote could suffer because he is last on a ballot paper of European election candidates. Neil Herron, the former campaign manager of Sunderland's late metric martyr, Steven Thoburn, is bidding to become one of the North-East's
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Soldier dashes home to spread the message
SOLDIER Stephen Richardson is making a round trip of more than 7,000 miles to try and encourage others to follow his lead. Private Richardson is spending a week in the area telling potential recruits about life with the Green Howards in Afghanistan. The
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Euro song contest has had its day
I never thought I would utter the words but it is time for the UK to draw a line under the farce that has become the Eurovision Song Contest. As a lover of everything kitsch and cheesy, the Euro song contest has always held a special place in my heart
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Late double shatters Pool's play-off dream
HARTLEPOOL United were last night three minutes from a play-off final and a possible place in Division One. But instead of Sunderland and Leeds United visiting Victoria Park next season, it's going to be Doncaster and Wimbledon in Division Two. It was
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Boy hit by car dies
A schoolboy knocked down by a car in Newton Aycliffe at the weekend has died. Jamie Dermott, 10, of Russell Court, Newton Aycliffe,, was knocked off his bike as he cycled through the town. He was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital suffering from head
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TUC attacks Government over opt-out
The Trades Union Congress yesterday stepped up its campaign for shorter working hours with an attack on the Government for maintaining an opt-out from a European directive that limits hours to 48 a week. The European Commission will meet in Brussels today
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Firm celebrates 100,000th publication
DURHAM'S smallest publishing company is celebrating after turning out its 100,000th publication. Clever Clogs' Chester-le-Street for Under Eights is now on sale in the town. It is the second guide for parents and carers living and working in the district
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Mixed fortunes for mast plans
PLANNERS have refused to allow a mobile phone company to erect a mast in Sacriston. Approval would have enabled the mobile phone operator to extend telecommunications technology coverage in Sacriston and the surrounding areas. But members of Chester-le-Street
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Oil production may rise
CHEMICALS group ICI and British Airways benefited from a fall in oil prices last night as hopes grew that Opec would sanction an increase in production. A proposal by Saudi Arabia to lift output by six per cent won public backing from the United Arab
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Compass celebrates growth
CATERING group Compass said strong growth in its defence, health and education businesses helped it post a 29 per cent rise in half-year pre-tax profits to £145m. The company said new business grew by 12 per cent during the six months to March 31, boosted
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If the shoe fits...
IN my experience, mums have lots of shoes - whole wardrobes full. And growing children seem to need a new pair every week. For us poor dads, this means our shoes have to be nearly falling off before we can afford a new pair. And when you only buy shoes
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Suspension of police finance director investigated
CANCER survivors have joined with research scientists to celebrate a major advance for the region. Thanks to the coming together of national and local charities a new cancer research facility is being kitted out with £1.25m worth of equipment. The highly
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Comment: Black Caps threaten to give England a hard time
AFTER enjoying some fun in the sun in the West Indies this winter, it would be easy to assume that England simply have to turn up to win their forthcoming home series with New Zealand. Easy - but wrong. While Michael Vaughan's side were busy recording
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A big day for Johnston fans
FANS of Mark Johnston are in for a field day because the Middleham ace today sends strongly-fancied runners to Newcastle, Goodwood, and Doncaster. Although from a betting point of view Royal Island (2.20) is going to be a skinny price to get the ball
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Delay to decision on fate of club
AS a few rank-and-file creditors slipped out of Darlington Football Club's home yesterday afternoon, the fiery debates between the key players continued inside. After months of speculation and uncertainty, claim and counter-claim, the second creditors
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Durham facing an uphill struggle from day one
IT was less than half an hour into yesterday's play at Riverside before the question arose: "How many will Glamorgan set Durham to win in the fourth innings?" Not less than 500 presumably after they sensationally knocked off 451 at Taunton, although their
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Court told violence counsellor attacked ex
A DOMESTIC violence counsellor attacked his former girlfriend with a picture frame, a court heard yesterday. Former JP Paul Geldart is said to have thrown the picture frame at Melanie Lumsden on August 26, 2002. Newcastle Crown Court heard that he had
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Town planners seek views
TOWN planners have been hired to give an estate in Pelton Fell a facelift. Chester-le-Street District Council has commissioned Turley Associate and Douglas Wheeler Associates to prepare an environmental improvement plan for Poets Estate in Pelton Fell
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Safeway sales down
Supermarket chain Morrisons outlined the scale of its challenge at Safeway today after sales at the £3 billion acquisition remained in the doldrums. Morrisons cut 7,500 prices at Safeway after taking over the chain but higher volumes have not been sufficient
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The Merchant of Venice, Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond
THIS production must be close to what it was like to see a Shakespeare play in the sixteenth century. In contemporary dress, with few props, the occasional musical interlude, and a cast of working actors doing a great job. Northern Broadsides is an extremely
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Driver of fire engine fined for speeding
THE driver of a fire engine was caught speeding while showing his new station officer around the area, a court was told. Anthony Hey was driving a Dennis tender when he was caught by a speed camera travelling at 35mph in a 30mph zone in Eston, Middlesbrough
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12-year-old boy drove dumper truck through the streets
A tearaway who terrorised a neighbourhood with a stolen six-tonne dumper truck has been banned from driving. The 12-year-old was seen standing on the £10,000 machine's seat as he took a friend for an out-of-control ride after snatching it from a York
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It's a boy thing
The next big thing in the pop world is destined to be V, about to burst into the charts complete with Tynesiders Kevin McDaid and Mark Harle. The duo talked to Viv Hardwick about life in a boyband. THE latest manufactured pop band, V, is hoping to hit
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Verdict on glider tragedy
GLIDER pilot Linda Martindale's attempt at a forced landing in poor weather ended in tragedy when her aircraft plunged nose-first into a field, an inquest jury heard yesterday. The 50-year-old experienced pilot set off from Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria,
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The new name of the game
IT took just two little words for newlywed actress Kate Beckinsale to spell out her devotion to her man this week. Embroidered across the back of her white bikini bottoms, the message was loud and clear: "Mrs Wiseman", it said. At one time this would
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Diamond happiness
CHILDHOOD sweethearts who grew up next door to each other celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary. Joseph and Joan Scott, of Neasham Road, Darlington, both say the last 60 years have been full of happy memories. The couple, both 82, met when they
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Police tackle 'yob culture'
POLICE chiefs have vowed to crack down on 'yob culture' by launching a county-wide scheme aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour. Prime Minister Tony Blair took time out of his schedule on his visit to the area last week to congratulate Durham Constabulary
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20/05/04
TRANSPORT: THE Government is now considering transport spending priorities ahead of its July Comprehensive Spending Review, and finalising its vision for the next decade in the review of the ten-year Transport Plan. The UK's road network has suffered
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Cooper looks to the future
DEVASTATED Hartlepool boss Neale Cooper has called on his defeated men to pick themselves up immediately and turn their attentions to life in Division Two in August. Pool were in touching distance of a dream play-off final appearance at Cardiff's Millenium
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The Great Debate - My View: We must leap at the chance to shape our own destiny
From Brendan Foster, managing irector of Newcastle-based Nova International, organisers of the Great North Run. "If you look at the map, the North-East is an island, surrounded by beautiful countryside, and that gives the region its identity. However,
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The Cello And The Nightingale, York Theatre Royal Studio
HAVING often complained that films, plays or TV shows are too long, perhaps it's churlish to complain this theatre piece about cellist Beatrice Harrison left me feeling short-changed, artistically rather than financially. Leaving an audience wanting more
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The man who mummified himself
The Mystery Of The Self-Made Mummy: Stranger Than Fiction (five): HERE was a real life detective story more compelling than any fictional whodunit although, strictly speaking, this was more of a mixture of howdunit and whydunit. The serious-sounding narrator
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No signs of a property crash in Persimmon's order book
housebuilder Persimmon remained confident about the housing market yesterday after reporting an "excellent" forward order book for the year. The builder, based in York, said trade had continued strongly since its last update, despite warnings of a slowdown
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Psychiatrist cleared of rape
A retired consultant psychiatrist has been cleared by the Court of Appeal of raping a woman patient in a hospital photocopying room. But Dr Michael Haslam, 70, lost his appeal against his convictions for indecently assaulting the woman on a separate occasion
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'40 wedding guests die in US air attack'
A US helicopter fired on a wedding party in western Iraq yesterday and killed more than 40 people, Iraqi officials said. The US military said it could not confirm the report but was investigating. Lieutenant Colonel Ziyad al-Jbouri, deputy police chief
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Youngsters lend a hand
YOUNG stars of the stage lent shoppers a helping hand at the weekend to raise cash for much-needed equipment. Members of Chester-le-Street Theatre Group's junior section spent Saturday packing bags at the town's Iceland store. Proceeds raised from the
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Twins graduate with distinctions
BASKETBALL playing twins who won scholarships to the same American university have graduated with distinctions. Joanne Stephenson and Julie Barber, 24, became hooked on basketball while studying at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College in Darlington. The
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Fire crew is praised after pub callout
FIREFIGHTERS who brou-ght a blaze at a North-East pub under control have been praised. County Durham Fire station officer Neil Smith said the 50 firefighters called out to the Old Farmhouse Inn, Darlington, on Tuesday night put their safety at risk trying
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McCarthy planning for the future
SUNDERLAND boss Mick McCarthy yesterday began work on his retained list in the wake of Monday's play-off semi-final heartbreak. The Black Cats' shoot-out defeat by Crystal Palace at the Stadium of Light is still sinking in on a stunned Wearside, but McCarthy
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Cemetery thefts suspect is tabby Jess
Police were called in when cuddly toys started to disappear from cemetery graves. But it turns out the culprit could be a mishievous moggie called Jess. For the past few months, ginger tabby Jess has brought home up to three teddies a night, much to the
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Police force faces increase in complaints
COMPLAINTS against officers in Cleveland Police force have risen for the second consecutive year - and assault allegations account for nearly half of them. In total, 211 new cases were opened from April 1, last year until March 31, an increase of 30 on
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Police row deepens
THE ROW between Cleveland Police Authority and the force's new Chief Constable over a £7.m budgetary black hole has deepened. Key members of the Authority - including out going chairman Ken Walker - have been fiercely critical of the way the cash deficeit
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Sarah renews train links
THE Famous Flying Scotsman will be greeted by hundreds of well-wishers when it arrives in the region for the opening of a national museum. One young woman is looking forward to its arrival more than anyone because she will be able to see the engine that
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More arrests expected over Julie killing
DETECTIVES are preparing to make several more arrests over a brutal murder, after fresh evidence placed five men at the scene. Julie Smailes, 27, was found stabbed and strangled at her home in Wingrove Terrace, Leadgate, near Consett, in October 1996.
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TV review
The Mystery Of The Self-Made Mummy: Stranger Than Fiction (five) HERE was a real life detective story more compelling than any fictional whodunit although, strictly speaking, this was more of a mixture of howdunit and whydunit. The serious-sounding narrator
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Fire-hit bakery ready to reopen
PETERS Cathedral Bakers will resume production and reopen its chain of shops next week, a month after its bakery headquarters was devastated by fire. A temporary bakery production site being rapidly fitted out at Peterlee, County Durham, should be ready
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Quakers' future hangs by a thread
THE crisis surrounding Darlington FC deepened last night after a stormy creditors' meeting left the club's survival hanging by a thread. The meeting was adjourned until Tuesday to allow the validity of claims from major creditors, including former chairman
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One mountain to go, as Hinkes nears his goal
BRITAIN'S leading extreme altitude mountaineer Alan Hinkes has successfully climbed Dhaulagiri, the world's seventh highest peak. He has now reached the top of 13 of the 14 mountains higher than 8,000 metres and is close to completing "Challenge 8000"
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Inquest hears of mother's plea to save child
A MOTHER appealed to people to save her toddler as fire swept through a house. Neighbour Dawn Ryan told an inquest ysterday how her last view of 27-year-old Gail Yates was her frantic face at the window of her burning bedroom, desperately calling for
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Mother's outrage over GP pervert
A DISTRAUGHT mother has backed police moves to seek a longer prison sentence for the doctor who sexually assaulted her seven-year-old daughter. The little girl's mother contacted The Northern Echo because she was angry at the three-and-a-half-year sentence
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A big day for Johnston fans
FANS of Mark Johnston are in for a field day because the Middleham ace today sends strongly-fancied runners to Newcastle, Goodwood, and Doncaster. Although from a betting point of view Royal Island (2.20) is going to be a skinny price to get the ball
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Council team gets youngsters vote
A SUPPORT team behind an innovative scheme teaching youngsters citizenship has been put forward for a national award. Derwentside District Council last year set up SPICE, the Special Project to Implement Children's Elections, to give youngsters more involvement
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One man and his horse
In an age of high-tech agri-business, one man's decision to go back in time to work with horses has been recognised with a top award for the second year running. John Dean meets him. WITH a clinking of chains, the rustling of vegetation and the scraping
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Equitable chairman calls for reopening of investigation
THE chairman of troubled mutual Equitable Life said yesterday the Parliamentary Ombudsman was "duty-bound" to reopen her investigation into the society's regulators. Vanni Treves said the report into what went wrong at the society, carried out by Scottish
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Mother's heartbreak after son dies, aged 11
THE mother of Leslie Elkington, 11, who died after collapsing at his Stanley school, has talked for the first time about her family's loss. Leslie's mum, Amanda Law, 30, said: "Leslie had been playing football in the morning with the headteacher and some
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Cyclists gear up for coast-to-coast sprint
A TEAM of cyclists is planning to ride coast-to-coast in a just over half a day. Four Chester-le-Street riders will undertake the 137-mile challenge from Whitehaven to Sunderland. They estimate it will take them 13 hours. All members of the team attend
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Region's exporters leading the way
THE region exported more than £10bn of goods and services last year, according to figures released yesterday. UK Trade and Investment figures show that in 2003 the region exported the equivalent of £4,000 per head of population and £4.5m per exporting
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Town clerk retires after 25 years
COUNCILLORS paid tribute to their town clerk who is retiring this month. Tom Toward has served Shildon Town Council for 25 years and has overseen many projects in the town. He was presented with a painting of Shildon at the turn of the century at the
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Pietersen makes Yorkshire suffer
Kevin Pietersen, one of the brightest young stars in county cricket, gave Yorkshire's second-string attack a pasting at Headingley yesterday when he totted up 167 out of a Nottinghamshire total of 393 on the first day of the Frizzell Championship match
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Equitable chairman calls for reopening of investigation
THE chairman of troubled mutual Equitable Life said yesterday the Parliamentary Ombudsman was "duty-bound" to reopen her investigation into the society's regulators. Vanni Treves said the report into what went wrong at the society, carried out by Scottish
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No mass exodus from Darlington
DESPITE the imminent departure of Barnsley-bound Barry Conlon, assistant manager Martin Gray last night allayed fears of a player exodus, writes Lee Hall. Conlon has agreed to join the Tykes on June 30, when his current contract expires The 25-year-old
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From the Hulk to Hector
From green comic book character to sword-fighting with Brad Pitt was quite a transformation for Eric Bana, who nearly turned down the role of Hector in $200m epic Troy. He and Sheffield-born actor Sean Bean talked to Steve Pratt about big bidget battles
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Film festival celebrates short works
A FESTIVAL celebrating the work of North-East film-makers will take place next week. Reflex will bring together four short films made in the region to showcase North-East talent. The event will be in the Empire Theatre, Consett, which has been screening
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Boro chief vows to keep McClaren
MIDDLESBROUGH chairman Steve Gibson is determined to hold on to history-making manager Steve McClaren. The England coach enhanced his reputation after leading Boro to their first major trophy in this year's Carling Cup final. McClaren's recall as Sven-Goran
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Roadwork nightmare ends
THERE was relief for motorists in the region yesterday with the news that disruption on the A66 is to end. The daily reduction to one lane on the A66 eastbound road near the Stockton centre turn-off is due to finish this evening. Two lanes have also been
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Star Joan planning visit to 1913 town
GLAMOUR queen Joan Collins will visit a North-East museum tomorrow. Ms Collins is taking time out from her latest role to visit Beamish Museum, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham. The star, used to chauffeur-driven limousines, will start her trip with
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Street fighters
THIS column has noted previously, with disapproval, the increase in lawlessness in Soapland. Next week violence reaches new levels with punch-ups breaking out all over the cobblestones in Coronation Street (ITV1). I need hardly tell you that the cause
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Mum sent home hour before birth
MARK HALL had to deliver his baby at home after his girlfriend was sent home from hospital. An investigation has been launched after Kathleen Gable was told to go home. An hour later, she gave birth with Mr Hall at her side. Mr Hall, 30, and Ms Gable,
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Police seize bootleg CDs and videos
POLICE have smashed one of the largest counterfeit music and video rings ever found in the UK, after raids on a market town. Bootleg CDs and DVDs with a high street value of more than £250,000 were recovered in three raids in Stanley, last Thursday. Detectives
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Dog to be put down after girl attacked
A JAPANESE fighting dog was ordered to be destroyed yesterday after it grabbed a girl's head in its jaws. Amelia McGovern, 12, was left scarred for life by the 16-month-old Akita, named Cain, which will now be put down after 28 days. The Kennel Club-registered
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Dad At Large: If the shoe fits...
IN my experience, mums have lots of shoes - whole wardrobes full. And growing children seem to need a new pair every week. For us poor dads, this means our shoes have to be nearly falling off before we can afford a new pair. And when you only buy shoes
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Unlicensed taxis alert
PEOPLE are being warned to avoid unlicensed taxis after a woman was raped. The two men raped the woman after driving her from Middlesbrough to a deserted farm track at Butterwick, near Sedgefield, early on April 26. Barry Coppinger, Middlesbrough Council
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Diamond celebration
A DARLINGTON couple celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary today put their success down to being two individuals in love. Bill and Betty Jackson, of Alwin Road, said the past 60 years have been happy ones . The couple met at school in Chilton,
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Homes sought for unwanted cats
STAFF at a town centre veterinary practice are desperate to find homes for two of their feline patients. Nurse Penny Blyth, of Wilson's Veterinary Group, Bishop Auckland, is appealing for someone to give ten-year-old Jess a home. The short-haired black
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Title hopes for thai boxers
TWO Thai boxers are preparing for the biggest fights of their lives at a Bishop Auckland gym. Azad Singh, whose Fit Factory gym in the town's Market Place is the base for the Hanuman Thai Boxing Camp, tops the bill when he fights for the British 67kg
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Embroiderers boost charity
A CHARITY working with people with mental health problems is more than £1,000 better off after embroiderers got weaving. More than 600 people flocked to Pinchinthorpe Hall, near Guisborough, recently to see an embroidery exhibition organised by Shirley
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Man's body found after police divers trawl river
A BODY was recovered from the River Tees last night after a search operation. The man, thought to be in his early forties, was seen falling into the River Tees at Stockton at about 6pm. It is believed he hit his head on the base of one of the pylons on
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Course aims to help pain sufferers
A FRESH drive to improve life for people with chronic debilitating conditions gets under way next month. Derwentside Primary Care Trust (PCT) is launching another Expert Patient Programme in Stanley. It follows the success of a scheme that ran in Stanley
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Plans for snooker hall are rejected
PLANS to create a snooker hall in Chester-le-Street have been rejected by councillors. Lee Holdsworth was seeking permission to convert the former Excel Refrigeration office, in Station Road, and said it would create 300 hours of employment a week. Chester-le-Street
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Children create seat with colliery bricks to remember mining heritage
PUPILS have helped construct a new seat of learning using old colliery bricks. Teenagers at Durham Trinity School's Kirkham site picked up skills while learning about the region's mining heritage in a project run under the guidance of community youth
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Chloe smashes five-year record in one bound
A YOUNG athlete is celebrating after she made it into the North-East record books for the second time. Chloe Gill, 12, of Blackhill, Consett, is the new record holder for the under-13s North-East outdoor long jump. Leaping an incredible 4.44 metres, she
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300 free computers given to families under pilot project
A SCHEME to bring the best out of pupils in deprived north Durham communities is under way. Derwentside District Council is giving more than 300 free computers to families in the Stanley area to raise education standards. The project, called Aspirations
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Students' cycling skills put to the test
Students at a Darlington school have put their cycling skills to the test in a national search for talent. The British Cycling Talent Team was at Longfield Comprehensive School yesterday to seek out Olympic and world class potential in various cycling
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Food and drink scheme launched
A NEW awards scheme has been launched to recognise some of the county's best food and drink producers. Local people and visitors alike are being asked to nominate their favourites for the Flavours of Hambleton awards - part of a drive to forge closer
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Dispute peacemaker was attacked, court told
A MAN who intervened in a domestic dispute was attacked, a court heard. John Matthew Alderson, who had been involved in a row at his girlfriend's home, turned his attentions on the peacemaker, a family friend. Durham Crown Court was told Alderson used
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Community urged to fight crime
POLICE are asking a community to help them to tackle problems of anti-social behaviour. West Cornforth has been identified as a crime and disorder hotspot by officers who say they are determined to improve the quality of life for residents. The crackdown
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Pilot scheme to promote exercise for children
THE Durham Dales have been chosen as a test area for a scheme to encourage children to take up sport. The Active Choice Local Exercise Action Pilot (Leap) project for the Durham Dales Primary Care Trust area is one of ten projects nationwide. It aims
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Delay to decision on fate of club
The Darlington Football Club opera continued yesterday with the adjournment of a heated creditors' meeting. The Northern Echo looks at what could happen next in the Quakers' saga. AS a few rank-and-file creditors slipped out of Darlington Football Club's
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Comment from The Northern Echo: A gaping hole in our security
TO isolate our parliamentary procedures from the public would represent a victory to the terrorists. It is vital that political activities continue as normal as possible, despite the high level of the threat posed by international terrorism. However,
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John North: The first ladies
In the male-dominated world of early 20th century politics, some of the North-East's MPs blazed a trail for the fairer sex. A NOTE from Gillian Wales: "How many people know that Bishop Auckland had one of the first women MPs?" she asks - which is true
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Scouts to receive their gold awards
SIX high flying Teesdale Scouts have completed all the requirements for a top Scouting award. Friends and relatives are invited to an awards ceremony where the six members of the 1st Barnard Castle Scout Group, will be presented with their Chief Scout's
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Free micro-chipping in store for dogs
The Dogs Trust is to stage roadshows at three supermarkets in Hartlepool to promote dog micro-chipping. More than 700 dogs were chipped in 2003/04 by Hartlepool Borough Council's Environmental Action Team in partnership with the Dogs Trust. The trust
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Gala night on home soil for actor
A TOURING actor has returned to perform in his home city for the first time since his teenage amateur dramatics days. Richard Stacey became an actor after a career change in the late 1990s, after achieving law and teaching degrees. As a 29-year-old he
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Woman loses £60,000 to fake lotteries am
A WOMAN in her 90s has been conned out of £60,000 by bogus lotteries and competitions run from abroad. Trading standards officers say they are staggered by the case but have warned that it is not an isolated incident. The woman, who does not want to be
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Crackdown on booze problems
A CRACKDOWN on problem drinking in public areas has come into effect with the introduction of a ban on boozing. Three areas pinpointed as problem spots by police have been designated as public spaces by the local authority in Hambleton. The new orders
