Archive
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Rescue team issues appeal as mobile unit is unveiled
A HARD-PRESSED rescue team has taken delivery of a new mobile control room but now needs to raise £25,000. The Cleveland Search and Rescue Team volunteers paid £4,000 for the former fire brigade vehicle and have spent a further £20,000 converting it.
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Funeral of soldier held this week
A MILITARY funeral will be held this week for a soldier who died at a party to celebrate his unit's safe return from the war in Iraq. The service for Corporal Richard Fox, 34, will be held at St Mary's Parish Church, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, on Thursday
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Inquiry after unborn baby dies in car dash
AN investigation is under way after an unborn baby died during a 12-mile car dash between two North-East maternity units. The tragedy happened only two days after Bishop Auckland General Hospital's service was controversially downgraded to a midwife-led
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United's credentials are proven in Cup stroll
Having finished just nine of his 30 seasons in management without a trophy, Sir Alex Ferguson was not about to extend that statistic into double figures without a fight. This may have been 'only' the FA Cup to Manchester United, the third competition
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Bursary awarded after girl's death
A TEENAGE student has become the first beneficiary of an annual travel bursary set up in memory of a murdered backpacker. Caroline Stuttle was killed in Australia two years ago during her gap year after she finished her A-levels at Huntington School,
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Dull Final the latest in list of let-downs
THEY promised us blood and thunder, but instead we got thud and blunder. If Saturday's final was meant to encapsulate the romance of the FA Cup then Mills and Boon haven't got a lot to worry about. Millwall enjoyed an open-top bus tour around south London
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Durham Diary
DURHAM'S new chairman, Clive Leach, is confident his stint with Warwickshire was not too long ago to have some impact at Riverside. It has always been said of Durham that they have lacked someone with first-class cricket experience on the board, but now
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Protests over council committee allocations
OPPOSITION councillors are furious that they have been removed from key positions on Sedgefield Borough Council. The ruling Labour Party group did not have room for the opposition as chairman or vice-chairman of any committees when the allocations were
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Post office wait over for villagers
A VILLAGE is getting a Post Office almost a year after the old one closed. People in Heighington were inconvenienced by the loss of the post office on West Green, which closed last July. Bob Wilson, the postmaster, found electronic pensions payments arrangements
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Councillors back plans for £1.2m housing
A scheme to provide more affordable homes has won the backing of local councillors. The £1.2m scheme could see homes built in Thirsk, Northallerton, Topcliffe and Easingwold using money received from the sale of council houses. The plans are part of a
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School's action on saucy pictures
TWO teenage pupils at a private school for girls have been disciplined after they posed for pictures dressed only in their underwear and a crossing warden's coat. In an end-of-term prank, the 17-year-olds took the warden's coat and warning sign from a
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Fun way to learn about health
PRIMARY school pupils in Teesdale took their families to a fun event carrying a serious health message yesterday. More than 400 children and adults joined in games and other activities at Teesdale Sports Centre, in Barnard Castle, organised by the Durham
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Students' efforts marked with awards
COLLEGE students celebrated a year of achievement at their adult learners' awards ceremony. Terry Gibson, from Chilton, who successfully completed her second year in HNC computing, was named the overall winner for commitment to learning at Bishop Auckland
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Pub may get extra opening hours despite objections
PLANS to increase the opening hours of a pub in Hartlepool look likely to be approved by councillors tomorrow. The Park Hotel, in the town's Park Road, has applied to Hartlepool Borough Council for permission to increase its opening hours from Monday
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Attraction combines steam with armed forces for military weekend
THE golden age of steam was combined with a display of military might at a North-East visitor attraction at the weekend. Volunteer steam enthusiasts who run Tanfield Railway, a revived stretch of line spanning the County Durham boundary with Gateshead
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Engineers to dodge tides on causeway
TRICKY work to improve access to a remote North-East landmark and popular visitor attraction will reach a key stage this week. The first major improvement in 50 years to the causeway linking Holy Island with Northumberland is being carried out. Following
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Quest to make county the place for cultural adventure
A BLUEPRINT is being unveiled to transform England's largest county into a "place of cultural adventure". It follows the creation last year of the partnership group North Yorkshire Culture, involving all the local authorities, both National Parks and
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Graves to be tested in safety review
A SURVEY is being carried out to assess the state of ageing gravestones in a district's churchyards. Easington District Council has warned that if any stones are found to be insecure or dangerous, immediate action will be taken to prevent the possibility
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Protests over council committee allocations
OPPOSITION councillors are furious that they have been removed from key positions on Sedgefield Borough Council. The ruling Labour Party group did not have room for the opposition as chairman or vice-chairman of any committees when the allocations were
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Accolade for apprentice builder
A YOUNG builder from Darlington has been named top apprentice after winning an award for his work during training in construction skills. Brian Willis, 18, is employed by Darlington Borough Council. He was awarded the Build Centre Prize in recognition
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Mayor unveils £80,000 community sports complex pavilion
AN £80,000 community pavilion opened for the first time on Saturday. Darlington's Mayor, Councillor Roderick Frances, opened the facility, which overlooks the bowling green near the town's Eastbourne Sports Complex. The pavilion, paid for by Darlington
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Garden open day boost
MORE than £1,500 was raised as crowds flocked to see the rhododendrons at Snow Hall, near Gainford, yesterday. More than 460 people visited the gardens, in a first time event for Roland Harris and his wife, Paddy. The couple bought the property, built
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Crime victims offered assistance
AN outreach worker on an east Durham housing estate is offering to help victims of crime. Keith Scott has been appointed as the area officer for Eden Hill, Peterlee, by Victim Support in the Easington district. Referrals on the estate to Victim Support
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Town crier sponsor call
CITY centre businesses are being urged to adopt a town crier for a weekend. As part of Durham's Summer Festival weekend, in July, the city is hosting the National Town Crier Championship. About 25 town criers have signed up to take part in the event,
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Action urged on beach bikers
LOCAL people and wildlife experts say tearaways on quad bikes are damaging nature and disturbing residents and walkers on a Marske beach. They are calling for action to stop the youths, thought to be mainly teenage boys aged between 14 and 16 years, who
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Model railway club marks 50th anniversary
RAILWAY enthusiasts from all parts of the UK gathered to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of Middlesbrough Model Railway Club. Members from the club held their annual exhibition of working layouts in the town's Newport Settlement over the weekend.
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Starlight Express on tour
TICKETS for the only North-East date on a tour by Starlight Express will go on sale today at 10am. The musical is second only to Cats as the world's longest-running show and during its 18 years in the West End, it took £140m at the box office. It enjoyed
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Bat and ball skills are put to the test
YOUNGSTERS have been testing their cricket skills in a regional heat of a schools competition. Pupils aged nine to 11 from 12 primary schools, in Hartlepool, took part in the town's heat of the national BBC Kwik Cricket competition. The winners go through
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Tenants urged to comment on future of their homes
TIME is running out for thousands of tenants to have a say in the future of their council homes. Derwentside District Council is reviewing its 8,000 homes, as it looks for the right way to meet stringent new Government standards. But so far only 400 householders
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Boy of ten dies after skylight fall
A BOY has died after he fell through a skylight at a community centre. Ten-year-old Jordan Toward, of Heaton, Newcastle, suffered head injuries in a 14ft fall at the Geoffrey Rhodes Centre, Byker, Newcastle. One of his friends alerted emergency services
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Murton find it easy
Durham Coast League: Champions Murton coasted to victory over bottom-of-the-table Houghton whose batsmen struggled against the twin attack of professional Calvin Stephenson and the experienced Keith Chapman. Stephenson claimed four for 32 runs and Chapman
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TV review
Bodies (BBC3) The Rise Of The Celebrity Class (BBC2) Experience tells you that any new TV medical drama won't illustrate how well our health service is working. Bodies doesn't disappoint in that respect. Halfway through we'd witnessed two deaths from
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Success for MP in photo competition
PICTURES taken by a North-East MP have won a place in a photographic showcase for politicians. Images captured by Durham North MP Kevan Jones were selected to appear in the exhibition for this year's Jessops Parliamentary Photography Competition. Mr Jones
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Drunk on the sights and smells of early summer
I HAVE had such an intoxicating week. I don't mean alcoholic overdoses as part of delayed birthday celebrations, or the UK getting some points on the Eurovision board this year, or the fist-full of invitations that I have to the Chelsea Flower Show (although
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Oriential serenity places hotel among the winners
A SPA complex influenced by the Far East has earned a North-East hotel an environment award. Development of the Serenity Spa, at Seaham Hall, Seaham, County Durham, was guided by Chinese Feng Shui. The three interlocked circular pods that make up the
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Options for future of North authorities to be revealed
OPTIONS that may shape the future of local government in the North-East and North Yorkshire will be outlined this week. Civic and local authority leaders on county and district councils across the region are awaiting the recommendations of the Boundary
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Olympics no Greek tragedy for Borsumato
In athletics, as in anything else, the best laid plans can be torn up in an instant. This time last year, Middlesbrough-born athlete Anthony Borsumato had a 12-month schedule mapped out that was meant to result in him making his first ever appearance
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Irish raider Winston on form
It's already been a productive year for Robert Winston and at Haydock on Saturday, the jockey notched his 32nd victory of the year on board Alan Bailey's Sapphire Dream. And the Irishman looks the rider to follow at Beverley this afternoon, where he can
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Passion for fashion
WHEN Belsay Hall was built in the early 19th century, it was at the cutting edge of design. Contemporaries were taken aback by its bold, new architecture. Even today, 200 years on, it produces strong reactions and is once again at the forefront of modern
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Conlon's deal with Tykes
Barnsley have finally admitted they are to sign Barry Conlon on a free transfer this summer. Although Quakers have long since been resigned to losing Conlon the Tykes had remained tight-lipped on the deal which will see the Dubliner move to Oakwell on
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Comment from The Northern Echo: A long road unwinding
LIFE is about to become even harder for drivers. As if having a speed camera hidden around every corner isn't enough, Europe is demanding that British police are given the powers to perform random drink-driving tests and the police announce that they
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Boldon fail to apply pressure against the table toppers
There was no change to the leadership when the top four teams drew in the Federation Special Durham Senior League. Table-toppers Burnmoor may have been heading for defeat at Boldon, but the home side were unable to take full advantage of the final hour's
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Special Kay!
Foster's Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League: Tynedale won the match of the day against Ashington to open up a slender lead at the top. The runs flowed as Scott Kay hit a wonderful 143 with four sixes and 13 boundaries. He formed a second-wicket
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Victory is all Mine for Quinn
Mine was brought with a perfectly-timed run by Richard Quinn to land the feature totesport Victoria Cup at Ascot. The James Bethell-trained 5-1 favourite - tipped by Janus in Saturday's Northern Echo SPORT - was held up at the back of those racing on
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On track with new museum
MUSEUM bosses were given the keys to their new £4.8m station showroom. With Locomotion, the National Railway Museum at Shildon, County Durham, on track for a September 27 opening, the first of 60 carriages and engines due to go on show will arrive next
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Museum rolls back the years to celebrate glorious days of the empire
PATRIOTIC celebrations of a bygone era were recreated for visitors to a North-East museum at the weekend. Beamish Museum's Town Street was transformed into a sea of red, white and blue to commemorate Britain's colonial heights. The outdoor attraction,
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Man finds live bomb
A North-East man who picked up a live bomb and kept it in his jacket pocket was last night hailed as the luckiest man alive. Neville Bougard, 55, had picked up the mystery metal object he discovered by some roadworks. Intrigued by what it might be he
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It's Blackhall's day as Northallerton beaten
Darlington Building Society NYSD Premier League, Premier Division: Northallerton's bandwagon rolled to a halt at Blackhall on Saturday where Mohamed Fazal and John Darby carved out their side's first win of the season. Fazal's pace restricted the visitors
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Better security at sea life centre after penguin theft
SECURITY at an aquatic centre where a penguin was stolen has been improved with £1,000 of equipment. Bosses of a security firm have provided Piglet the penguin and her companions with closed circuit television protection. Piglet was stolen from the enclosure
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Film focus on perils of sniffing solvents
THE catastrophic result of the use of drugs and solvents on a group of friends is the theme of a video produced by eight young people in Hartlepool. Life's A Gas, has been made by youngsters aged 15 to 17, with the help of Carpet Films. The teenagers
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Veterans will mark legion's anniversary
VETERANS will stage a dual commemorative parade at a seafront location next month. The Royal British Legion is marking its 75th anniversary in County Durham with a joint event to tie in with the 60th anniversary of D-Day. Ex-service groups and civic leaders
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Lost in France, now joy as Jasper's home
A DOG stolen from its North-East owners while on holiday in France has been found - three months after it disappeared. Jasper, a five-year-old English cocker spaniel, was taken from Alan and Jean West's camper van during an overnight stop at services
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Yorkshire Diary
Only a month ago, Yorkshire were talking about their double quest this season for promotion in both the Championship and the totesport League. Now they face possibly the worst bowling crisis in their history at a time when their batsmen are hopelessly
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Team plans two-day makeovers for villages
HUNDREDS of helping hands are being recruited to transform rundown areas of two villages in 48 hours. While parts of the former mining communities of Horden and Easington Colliery have received upgrades in recent years, several sections of the neighbouring
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Inquiry after unborn baby dies in car dash
AN investigation is under way after an unborn baby died during a 12-mile car dash between two North-East maternity units. The tragedy happened only two days after Bishop Auckland General Hospital's service was controversially downgraded to a midwife-led
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Road camera to catch 'tailgaters'
POLICE are developing a new type of roadside camera to trap tailgating motorists. They believe that, unlike existing speed cameras, the device will be popular with drivers because it will combat one of the most dangerous activities on Britain's crowded
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Back injury leads Jemma to consider career in football coaching
WHEN keen footballer Jemma Thornton injured her back, she was forced to shelve her playing ambitions. However, it has not meant the end of her involvement in football, because she switched her attention to coaching. Youngsters take part in weekly training
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Fight is not over, say theatre supporters
THE Save our Theatre group has raised a 10,000-name petition opposing the development and vowed to continue their fight. Spokesman Kevin Bowler said: "This year saw a record number of people -25,000 -attend the pantomine at the forum, and this must have
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Historic day for Yorkshire's Shahzad
Bradford's Ajmal Shahzad, who grew up with Bradford League club Windhill, yesterday made history by becoming the first Yorkshire-born cricketer with an ethnic background to play for the White Rose county. Ajmal, 18, who attends Woodhouse Grove School
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Tykes throw away their advantage
ALREADY short in confidence and self-esteem, Yorkshire Phoenix went and committed suicide in their totesport League match against Worcestershire Royals at Headingley yesterday which they lost by 39 runs. Everything was in their favour as openers Matthew
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Choir and band in the spotlight
MUSIC fans have a double treat in store later this month. The Galtres Centre, in Easingwold, is playing host to a choir and a band next Sunday. The Emerald Chorale, from Florida, will be singing everything from Gospel and spirituals to folk and jazz.
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Pensioner injured as attackers snatch bag
AN elderly woman suffered a series of fractures as she tried to prevent thieves making off with her handbag. The 77-year-old was putting bottles into the bottle bank at The Parkway Shopping Centre, Coulby Newham, near Middlesbrough, when she was approached
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Veteran is blocked flying to reunion
AIRLINE officials blocked a war veteran's last chance to meet old comrades in an emotional reunion. Former Royal Welch Fusilier Gilbert Baker, 88, battled his way 1,400 miles from Normandy to Hamburg in the Second World War. But he could not make it out
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Minister breaks silence on camp
THE Government will today finally respond to a highly-critical report into a series of deaths at the Deepcut Army camp. But the delay in making the statement has been attacked by the father of a North-East soldier who died at the barracks. Armed Forces
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Rowers' efforts will help needy youngsters
COMPETITORS from around the country were in the North-East over the weekend to take part in a series of rowing events on the River Tees. Spectators basked in the sun as they watched the annual Tees Regatta on Saturday and the Steve Redgrave Charitable
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Raft race returns to river after 15 years
NOVICE crews are invited to mess about on the river at the weekend in aid of charity. The Durham Raft Race is making a return to the River Wear after a 15-year absence. It is back on Saturday, jointly organised by Durham firefighters and students, with
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A bank holiday of carnival and music
A MARKET town is gearing up for its annual fair which promises to be bigger and better than in previous years. The Barnard Castle Meet is due to take place over the Bank Holiday weekend and begins with the crowning of the Meet queen at Scar Top on Saturday
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MP slams rail cuts
AN MP has again slammed rail chiefs over cuts to the Tees-Tyne service and hit out at the notices at local stations advertising them. Ashok Kumar, MP for Middesbrough South and East Cleveland, said the Strategic Rail Authority had to be 'brought to heel
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Have baby will travel
ALTHOUGH he's only ten-months-old, baby Wilf is already a bit of a stage star. He made his first appearance, in a manner of speaking, when actress mum Lexi Strauss was five months pregnant and on stage in Salisbury. "I was playing a dominatrix with big
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Ship thanks supporters with price cuts
THE replica of Captain Cook's ship the Endeavour is cutting admission prices to thank supporters in the region. Endeavour arrived in Whitby last week and will be in her UK home port until June 14. From today until May 30, visitors will be able to tour
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Doughty is first in Pier race
WEARSIDE veteran Tom Doughty showed his younger rivals a clean pair of heels yesterday when he became the first over-40 to win the 7.5-mile Pier to Pier race between South Shields and Sunderland. And the 41-year-old Sunderland Harrier, who won the over
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A passion for fashion
One of the North-East's historic houses is hosting an exhibition by some of Britian's most innovative fashion designers. Christen Pears reports. WHEN Belsay Hall was built in the early 19th century, it was at the cutting edge of design. Contemporaries
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Tower watchmen gather from across Europe to maintain traditions
THE ancient ruins of Fountains Abbey took on an even more spectacular aspect over the weekend. More than 70 colourfully-clad watchmen from across Europe paraded in their finery to the World Heritage Site to re-enact their age-old duties. All members of
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Family's lucky escape as car loses control
A FAMILY narrowly escaped being hit by a runaway car as it careered through the grounds of a pub. A woman motorist, thought to be in her 70s, lost control of her Renault Clio while in a public car park in Guisborough on Tuesday. The car veered across
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Counsellor cleared of assualting young mother
A troubled former mayor and magistrate, whose life was ruined when his son bludgeoned his ex-wife to death, was himself cleared today of assaulting a young mum. Attractive Melanie Lumsden, 28, was referred to Paul Geldart, 46, through a women's refuge
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Pensioner praises wardens after accident
A MAN has praised two parking attendants who helped his wife when she fell. Edna Woodrow, 69, of Loftus, was getting on a bus in Redcar with her husband Arthur, 68, when she slipped and fell, leaving her left leg bleeding very heavily. Mr Woodrow said
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Sacked security guards win claim
TWO security guards who were unfairly dismissed have been awarded a total of £42,000 in compensation. Bill Kerr, 58, and Peter Kneeshaw, 46, worked for Chubb, providing security at Cummins Engines, in Darlington. They were sacked after Chubb's acting
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The barefoot evangelist
Later this year, people in the North-East will be asked to vote on the idea of a regional assembly. But it seems it's not such a new idea, as John Dean discovers. REGIONAL government has been trumpeted as one of the big New Labour ideas, but research
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Veteran is blocked flying to reunion
AIRLINE officials blocked a war veteran's last chance to meet old comrades in an emotional reunion. Former Royal Welch Fusilier Gilbert Baker, 88, battled his way 1,400 miles from Normandy to Hamburg in the Second World War. But he could not make it out
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Award for the unsung heroes
SOME of the unsung heroes of social services are celebrating after being presented with an Investors In People award. The accolade is made to organisations that can demonstrate their commitment to enabling staff to fulfil their potential. The strategy
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Young artists chalk up success
YOUNG pavement artists let their imaginations run riot as they set out on the path for national acclaim at the weekend. Durham Wildlife Trust gave young visitors to its Rainton Meadows nature reserve, near Houghton-le-Spring, licence to draw on provided
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Gymnasts gain best ever result in contest
A COUNTY Durham gymnastics squad has enjoyed its most successful result to date, finishing second at the British Team Championships. The championship is the premier competition for elite clubs in the country, comparable with the Premiership in football
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New mayor makes a piece of civic history
THE new Mayor of Ferryhill has created a piece of history by following in the footsteps of her husband. Councillor Doreen Greenwell, mayor for the past year, handed on the chains of office to Councillor Christine Woods. Coun Wood is the wife of Councillor
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Mural chance to make a mark
PEOPLE in Spennymoor can leave their mark on the town centre by helping to paint a film-themed mural to brighten up one of the main routes to the shops. Spennymoor Town Centre Forum has launched an arts project that will see a 25-metre long mural created
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Catholic leaders prepare for event to mark appointment of bishop
FINAL preparations will be made today for tomorrow's church ceremony marking the appointment of the new Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle. Canon Kevin Dunn will become the 12th bishop for the Roman Catholic diocese that stretches from Teesside to the Scottish
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Sacked security guards win claim
TWO security guards who were unfairly dismissed have been awarded a total of £42,000 in compensation. Bill Kerr, 58, and Peter Kneeshaw, 46, worked for Chubb, providing security at Cummins Engines, in Darlington. They were sacked after Chubb's acting
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New support for jobhunters
A JOB finding service for people in Ferryhill Station has been launched by JobCentre Plus, in partnership with Sedgefield Borough Council and the Mainsforth Institute. Joanne Mounter and Stephen Wall are in the institute on Tuesdays, from 10am to 2pm,
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Concern raised over bar proposal
POLICE are backing residents over concerns that plans to increase opening hours at a Middlesbrough nightspot will lead to potential problems in the area. Benson's Bar, in Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough has applied to Middlesbrough Council for permission
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Young mother is setting her sights on a nappy rush
LOCAL mother Nicky Osborne has launched an environmentally-friendly service that should banish the washday nappy blues. Expecting her second child and determined to cut costs, she has set up a business that could be a huge boon for harassed mothers. From
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News in brief: Young sword dancers gather
A MASSED performance by junior sword dancers will mark the opening of the International Sword Spectacular Festival on Friday. The youngsters, aged from six to 16, will welcome hundreds of performers from Europe and the US to Whitby, North Yorkshire. It
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Anger at plans to shut post offices
PLANS to shut four post offices in Harrogate have sparked protests from more than 2,000 people - and more are on the way to Royal Mail. They want to close offices at Roche Avenue, Woodlands, Harlow Hill and St Winifred's Avenue. At one collection point
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Revamp of estate moves step closer
THE regeneration of a housing estate has taken another step forward. Barratt/Keepmoat have been chosen as Stockton Borough Council's private developer partner and will work on the redevelopment of the Mandale Estate, in Thornaby. Barratt Newcastle and
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Hall office plan
PLANS have been submitted to create a sub-post office in part of a village hall. Mark Davinson, of Craghead Village Hall, near Stanley, County Durham, has applied to Derwentside District Council for planning permission to convert part of the building,
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Nightclub to expand after safety work
A CITY centre nightclub has won the right to open a new floor, provided suitable safety measures are introduced. Durham City Council's licensing panel agreed to permit the extension of Caf Rock, in North Road, despite the opposition of 11 local people
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Action call to solve health inequalities
HEALTH inequalities in Darlington mean some people's lives are cut short by up to nine years depending where they live, a conference has been told. The town and the North-East also saw more people dying younger than in many other parts of the country.
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Catholic leaders prepare for event to mark appointment of bishop
FINAL preparations will be made today for tomorrow's church ceremony marking the appointment of the new Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle. Canon Kevin Dunn will become the 12th bishop for the Roman Catholic diocese that stretches from Teesside to the Scottish
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Seeking helpers
The Harrogate branch of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is looking for volunteers to help plan activities for the coming year. The group meets in Christ Church Parish Hall, in The Stray, on the second Monday of each month, at 7pm.
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Triplets enjoy the challenge of demanding learning
TALENTED triplets from the North-East are the newest members of an academy for gifted students. Thomas, Ashleigh and Suzanna Kitchen, 12, from Hartlepool, have been accepted to join the National Academy of Gifted and Talented Youth, based at the University
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Have baby, will travel
For actors Lexi Strauss and Morgan George, working on productions together means baby can come along too. They tell Steve Pratt about life on the road as they prepare for the first performance of Northanger Abbey in York. ALTHOUGH he's only ten-months-old
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Town gets third healthy food co-operative
A DRIVE to improve the health of people in Hartlepool by transforming their eating habits has received a boost. A third healthy food co-operative has been set up, this time at the Major Cooper Court sheltered housing complex, in Seaton Carew. Officers
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Medal sale recalls bravery of jailed suffragette
THE courage of a young woman imprisoned for her beliefs will be remembered next month. A medal presented in 1909 to suffragette Catherine Tolson is going under the hammer at Tennants, of Leyburn, in the Yorkshire Dales. The medal, which is expected to
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Plan to demolish forum is backed by narrow margin
PROTESTORS fighting to save a North-East theatre and leisure centre from demolition have been given a glimmer of hope. Hundreds of campaigners opposed to the demolition of Billingham Forum leisure centre and theatre attended a meeting of Stockton Borough
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Drunk on the sights and smells of early summer
I HAVE had such an intoxicating week. I don't mean alcoholic overdoses as part of delayed birthday celebrations, or the UK getting some points on the Eurovision board this year, or the fist-full of invitations that I have to the Chelsea Flower Show (although
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Sunderland facing summer of transfer tussles says McCarthy
MICK McCarthy is expecting a summer of protracted transfer wrangling after admitting that Sunderland do not have a "divine right" to cherry pick the best players in Division One. The Black Cats boss began his close season clear-out on Friday by releasing
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Finalists get ready for county's beauty contest
THE excitement is building on the eve of the first Miss Durham beauty contest. Sedgefield Racecourse will stage the pageant during its ladies' night meeting tomorrow. The 20 finalists will parade in three outfits before a panel of judges in a bid to be
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Extremely urgent cash drive
A SCHOOL is doing all it can to drum up support to buy new musical instruments. West Redcar School has set its sights on raising £2,000 to buy a customised drum kit and microphones. Fourteen-year-old pupils Jade Nichols and Samantha Eddon have formed
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N-E clubs agree to sale of brewery
WORKINGMEN'S clubs across the North-East have agreed to the sale of the brewery that has supplied them for more than 80 years. Delegates from 253 clubs voted in favour of the recommendation of the Federation Brewery board to accept a buyout offer from
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Teen led police on 20-mile chase
A teenager who led police on a 20-mile chase at speeds of up to 70mph in a stolen car shot four red traffic lights and twice negotiated roundabouts the wrong way, hurling scaffolding poles at his pursuers as he went, a court heard today. Harrogate magistrates
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Swan and Meek on song for Kimblesworth
Readers Durham County League: Kimblesworth's challenge is back on course and the manner in which they defeated Esh Winning suggests they will be among the front runners for the title. Gavin Swan and Stephen Meek both claimed four wickets as Esh were reduced
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24/05/04
IRAQ: WHAT a pity Piers Morgan did not say the Mirror pictures were 'illustrations' of what was going on in Iraq. It is clear the substance of the pictures was true and apparently a well-liked and respected editor has lost his job. Bush and Blair can
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Councils warned about right-to-die request
North-East councils are being warned not to break the law after a landmark case ruled carers must leave a woman to die if she begins to choke. Durham County Council has agreed to accept the conditions of a living will made by a former schoolteacher from
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Plan to demolish forum is backed by narrow margin
PROTESTORS fighting to save a North-East theatre and leisure centre from demolition have been given a glimmer of hope. Hundreds of campaigners opposed to the demolition of Billingham Forum leisure centre and theatre attended a meeting of Stockton Borough
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Damaging to the health
Bodies (BBC3); The Rise Of The Celebrity Class (BBC2): Experience tells you that any new TV medical drama won't illustrate how well our health service is working. Bodies doesn't disappoint in that respect. Halfway through we'd witnessed two deaths from
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On track with new museum
MUSEUM bosses were given the keys to their new £4.8m station showroom. With Locomotion, the National Railway Museum at Shildon, County Durham, on track for a September 27 opening, the first of 60 carriages and engines due to go on show will arrive next
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N-E's Pauline wins seat on guild's national executive
A NORTH-EAST woman has been voted into office on one of the country's leading women's organisations. Pauline Myers has become a member of the national executive committee for the Townswomen's Guilds. A member of the Woodham Guild in Newton Aycliffe, County
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Cancer battle challenges woman to race for life
A cancer sufferer will run the North-East Race For Life after completing the event in a wheelchair last year. Deborah Puttick, of Ryhope, Sunderland, took on the challenge last year only weeks after being diagnosed with cancer. This year, the mum-of-two
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Attraction combines steam with armed forces for military weekend
THE golden age of steam was combined with a display of military might at a North-East visitor attraction at the weekend. Volunteer steam enthusiasts who run Tanfield Railway, a revived stretch of line spanning the County Durham boundary with Gateshead
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Oriential serenity places hotel among the winners
A SPA complex influenced by the Far East has earned a North-East hotel an environment award. Development of the Serenity Spa, at Seaham Hall, Seaham, County Durham, was guided by Chinese Feng Shui. The three interlocked circular pods that make up the
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Young people urged to attend forum
YOUNG people are being encouraged to attend a learners' forum to help them secure education, training and employment. Stockton Entry 2 Employment Network is holding the event at Billingham Forum, Billingham, tomorrow, between 10am and 2pm. The event will
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Capital gains may boost region in bid for Games
When Tony Blair reacted to last week's IOC announcement that London had made it onto the shortlist of cities bidding to host the 2012 Olympics, he spoke of the Government's desire to deliver a "memorable Games for the capital". He also talked of providing
