Archive
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Conference to delve into estate's past
AN archaeology conference is to be held at the weekend. The village of Hovingham, near Malton, will host the event, which has been organised by the Worsley family of Hovingham Hall. It will be led by Sir Marcus Worsley, patron of the Yorkshire Archaeological
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Beware the bogeymen on doorstep
A drive to reduce sneak-in burglary and other doorstep crime is being spearheaded in Hartlepool. Two members of staff from Hartlepool Borough Council's public protection division have been trained to go into the local community and advise groups of people
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L-test passed at the double - just like dad
TWINS Samantha and Lucy Pern passed their driving test on the same day - just as their father and his twin brother did 30 years ago. The girls, from Prudhoe, Northumberland, turned 17 in February but had expert tuition from father Richard, who is a driving
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Textile design is in perfect taste
A STUDENT is to have her work displayed in a restaurant after winning a competition. Gemma Goodall, 17, of Brompton-on-Swale, designed a wall-hanging for a textile contest which was launched by Sam's Restaurant, in Coniscliffe Road, Darlington. Students
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Academic urges 'pay tests' for teachers
TEACHERS should be paid on the results of regular tests, a leading educationalist claims today. Professor John Hattie, who believes Britain should adopt a system of objective testing of teachers, will outline his views in a public lecture in the North-East
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Homes scheme at farm gets go-ahead
A SCHEME to convert listed farm buildings in a national park into eight luxury homes has been given the go-ahead, despite opposition. Southlands Management will carry out the project at Home Farm, Hutton Gate, Guisborough, east Cleveland - on what was
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Charities rally to help an ex-soldier
SERVICE charities from the Durham Light Infantry Soldiers, Sailors and Air Force Association and Army Benevolent Fund have united to help a former North-East serviceman. Geordie Dowse, who was a sergeant in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
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Work on target as football centre takes shape
WORK is on target for the opening of an indoor football centre later this year. The Soccarena complex being constructed alongside Durham City AFC's Archibald Stadium is on schedule for a September start-date. City chairman Stewart Dawson is behind the
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MP hands over minibus
A CHARITY was given a new minibus yesterday. The Alzheimer's Society, Teesside branch was handed the keys to the vehicle by Dari Taylor, MP for Stockton South, in Albert Park, Middlesbrough. The minibus replaces an 11-year-old vehicle and will be used
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Victory as bookmaker wins the right to open new shop
A FIRM of bookmakers has added another outlet to its expanding chain despite attempts to block the move. County Durham company Reuben Page overcame opposition from two national companies to win a licence for the new betting shop. The approval by Durham
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McCarthy turns up the heat
SUNDERLAND'S players will get their first taste of America this afternoon with boss Mick McCarthy promising to turn up the heat on their pre-season preparations. The Black Cats squad landed in North Carolina last night ahead of an 11-day training camp
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Reserve your poster
YOUNG people in Hartlepool are being invited to use their artistic skills to mark Local Nature Reserves (LNR) Week. A poster competition, open to children aged seven to 11, is being organised by Hartlepool Borough Council's countryside wardens to help
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Off licence boat owner will fight Customs and Excise
A yachtsman who set up an off shore "off licence" today vowed to fight Customs and Excise officers through the courts after they detained his floating store. Phil Berriman, 46, was selling alcohol and cigarettes at duty-free prices from his 72ft schooner
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A Riverside wash-out
CRAIG White's return from injury was cut short by rain at Riverside yesterday just as the Yorkshire captain was tuning up impressively for next Saturday's C & G Trophy semi-final against Gloucestershire. After electing to bat White hit four fours
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The man-mountain of the movies
Having found fame as a champion wrestler, The Rock is relishing his new career as an acting heavyweight, he tells Steve Pratt. THE Rock, six-times World Wrestling Federation champion turned actor, is the first to admit that his first attempts at acting
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New man at Rotary
A NEW district governor has been appointed for the 69 Rotary clubs in the North-East. Syd Howarth, of Newton Aycliffe, will lead the region's 2,200 members in Rotary's centenary year. The editor of the Newton Aycliffe weekly community newspaper Newton
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Musicians entertain shoppers
MUSICIANS and motor cars took centre stage to entertain shoppers and other visitors to a city centre yesterday. Five musical combinations, catering for all tastes, performed from a temporary stage in front of St Nicholas Church, in Durham. The rest of
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Young inventor scoops TV prize
AN 11-year-old inventor has won a national television competition for a device she designed to pick up dog dirt. Nicole Bell, from Darlington, was so embarrassed to carry around bags containing dirt from her Yorkshire terriers, Rosie and Mitzy, that she
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Knifeman jailed after street attack
A knifeman who almost killed his innocent victim in a horrific street attack was caged for just two-and-a-half years today. Daniel Thoms needed four litres of fluid pumped into his body to replace the blood lost when Kevin White's knife hit the jugular
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Fundraising is sweet music for radio team
A MARATHON 60-hour live broadcast hit the airwaves at a North-East hospital over the weekend. Volunteers for Auckland Radio, at Bishop Auckland Hospital, County Durham, began broadcasting to the wards at 9am on Friday. And the microphone remained switched
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Mother's horror as killer is set free
A WOMAN has told of her horror at learning that the man who raped and murdered her five-year-old daughter has been released from prison. John Johnston has been released on licence from Maghaberry Prison, Belfast, after serving 15 years for the rape and
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Woman's body found in bedroom
A MURDER investigation is under way after the bloodstained body of a woman was found in a bedroom. Paramedics answering a 999 call found the woman in a semi-detached bungalow in Palm Street, Craghead, near Stanley, at around 4.30am on Wednesday. She has
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Big Meeting just like pits' heyday
DURHAM Miners' Gala continued its revival at the weekend with a renewed show of pride by former colliery communities. The event appeared doomed when the last working pits closed in the east of the county in the early 1990s. But following an input of funding
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Look for golden Goldie
Viewforth, who is back on a fair mark and has shaped as though coming to hand on his last two starts, looks the one to be on in the totexacta Stakes Handicap over five furlongs. Jim Goldie has his team in good shape and the gelding has shown that he retains
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Cat blinded after sick thugs fire ball-bearing into its eye
A CAT has been left blind in one eye after it was shot with a ball-bearing from a powerful catapult. Fluffy was found by his heartbroken owner covered in blood on her garden wall. He was taken to a vet, who removed the missile, which was the size of a
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Celtic move for Juninho?
JUNINHO has issued a 'come and get me' plea to Scottish champions Celtic after admitting that his first-team chances at Middlesbrough are likely to be limited next season. The diminutive Brazilian, who is currently in his third spell with the Teessiders
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28 nurses recruited from S Africa
A company which operates dozens of care homes across the North-East and Yorkshire has recruited 28 nurses from South Africa. Four Seasons Health Care said the move was due to an acknowledged shortage of qualified nursing staff in the private health care
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Cat blinded after sick thugs fire ball-bearing into its eye
A CAT has been left blind in one eye after it was shot with a ball-bearing from a powerful catapult. Fluffy was found by his heartbroken owner covered in blood on her garden wall. He was taken to a vet, who removed the missile, which was the size of a
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Brooke buys first card from shop as thank-you to doctors
A CANCER charity has opened the first in a new-style chain of shops in the North-East. Cancer Research UK has turned its traditional charity shop in Silver Street, Durham, into a Wishes card and gift shop. The new-style shop is one of 12 being opened
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German pilot says sorry for WWII bombing
A German wartime pilot was visiting a Northumbrian village today to apologise for inadvertently bombing its historic Saxon church. Willie Schludecker was forced to jettison his bombs when he came under attack by British fighter planes during a 1942 raid
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Fleming gets run-out
DARLINGTON begin their pre-season preparations at Whitby Town tonight, with manager David Hodgson running the rule over several trialists. Former Middlesbrough trio Curtis Fleming, David Murphy and Alan Harrison will be handed run-outs at the Turnbull
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Young boffins test the water
BUDDING young designers and engineers turned their brain power into horsepower for a school competition. Tanfield School, near Stanley, held a watersports challenge last Friday, with students racing mini boats. The Year 8 pupils spent a week designing
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End of era at popular show
THE foot-and-mouth crisis has put a permanent end to cattle classes at a popular agricultural show. Cattle have been an integral part of Lanchester Show, held in Lanchester, for more than 50 years. But organisers said that the foot-and-mouth epidemic
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Let's get rid of this whinger
What is Jason still doing in the Big Brother house? Sleeping in that dirty white bathrobe and picking his nose, that's what. The giant, plastic inflatable man has not doing anything interesting since he entered the house wearing a leopardskin G-string
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Durham take the Gateshead honours
DURHAM were the North-East's most successful county with three gold medals on the concluding day of the English Schools Championships at Gateshead International Stadium. Multi-eventer Lewis Robson won the intermediate boys' 400m in a personal-best time
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A Riverside wash-out
CRAIG White's return from injury was cut short by rain at Riverside yesterday just as the Yorkshire captain was tuning up impressively for next Saturday's C & G Trophy semi-final against Gloucestershire. After electing to bat White hit four fours
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Appeal blow for man who filmed women's bottoms
A MAN caught filming women's bottoms must change his behaviour if he wants to use a video recorder in public again, a judge said. Sex offender Andrew Mackie, 33, lost his appeal against an indefinite ban from carrying a camera in public - anywhere in
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Painting sheds light on Cook's last moments
His death was the stuff of legend: stabbed in the back as he valiantly tried to stop his men from firing on the islanders of Hawaii. But for 225 years, it seems, our perceptions of the glorious demise of Marton-born Captain James Cook may owe more to
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Boost for charity target
STAFF and customers from a Chester-le-Street pub have completed a coast-to-coast bike ride. Eighteen regulars and bar tenders from the Black Horse Inn made the 142-mile journey over two days at the weekend. They set off from Workington in Cumbria and
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Thousands of milers clock up millions for Sport Relief
THOUSANDS of people throughout the region pulled on their running shoes for Sport Relief Day. An estimated 4,000 people took part in BBC North East's effort at Newcastle's Exhibition Park while 4,600 completed the official mile event at Roundhay Park
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Turnstile charging rejected by dean
A Cathedral in the region is enjoying a visitor boom - but its dean is refusing to follow others by charging a compulsory entrance fee. The Very Reverend John Methuen, Dean of Ripon, is critical of fixed admission charges at other cathedrals, including
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Yorkshire Diary
Yorkshire spent the early part of the week-end re-charging their batteries after two energy sapping Twenty20 Cup matches on consecutive nights had left them drained and with very little to show for their efforts. They know they must be back on full power
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Minster stormed by fathers' rights group
FOURTEEN members of the fathers' rights group Fathers 4 Justice were arrested yesterday on suspicion of assault and criminal damage after storming York Minster. Last night, two men dressed as clergymen abandoned a rooftop protest at the cathedral after
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Durham Diary
THE chances of Stephen Harmison, Shoaib Akhtar and Herschelle Gibbs all appearing in the same Durham team were always remote. But they might yet play together for the Rest of the World. This even more unlikely scenario has come about because plans are
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Relieved Great Ayton celebrate a rare victory
Darlington Building Society NYSD Premier League: It's been a while in coming but Great Ayton finally clinched their first Premier Division victory on Saturday to raise hopes of avoiding an immediate return to Division One. But their success at Blackhall
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Weekend doubles for Evenwood and Kimblesworth
Readers Durham County League: Evenwood and Kimblesworth have pulled away from their nearest rivals in the race for the championship. They were the only sides to win both games in the double programme when Tudhoe, who started the weekend just three points
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Nazis in charge of island at war
Island At War (ITV1): Where The Heart Is (ITV1); As soon as the German forces landed on the Channel Island of St Gregory, the commandant demanded to be taken to the best hotel. I wouldn't be surprised if his first action was to put a towel on a sun-lounger
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New man at Rotary
A NEW district governor has been appointed for the 69 Rotary clubs in the North-East. Syd Howarth, of Newton Aycliffe, will lead the region's 2,200 members in Rotary's centenary year. The editor of the Newton Aycliffe weekly community newspaper Newton
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Trams collide at museum
AN investigation is under way after two trams carrying schoolchildren collided head-on at a top tourist attraction. The accident happened on Monday at Beamish Museum, the award-winning open air museum dedicated to the North-East's industrial past, near
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Prize time for pupils as they finish a term full of progress
HIGH-ACHIEVING pupils were given prizes on the last day of term at an independent boys' school. The presentations took place at Hurworth House School, near Darlington, on its annual Founder's Day and prize-giving ceremony. Peter Barron, editor of The
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Don't knock it, volunteers tell rail critics
RAILWAY volunteers have hit back at critics they say are undermining their efforts to reopen a line, expected to create jobs and inject millions of pounds into a rural economy. Just before the official launch of the £5m Weardale Railway - on Saturday,
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Blair ally says Prime Minister will not quit
ONE of Tony Blair's closest political allies last night denied the Prime Minister had considered resigning. John Burton, Mr Blair's agent in his Sedgefield constituency, County Durham, said there was no question of him standing down. He said: "He's never
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Off-licence yacht detained in port
an offshore off-licence and its cargo of cut-price booze and cigarettes has been detained by Customs and Excise officers. Last night, Philip Berriman, one of the owners of the 72ft yacht Rich Harvest, vowed to fight the move, claiming it was carried out
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Minster stormed by fathers' rights group
FOURTEEN members of the fathers' rights group Fathers 4 Justice were arrested yesterday on suspicion of assault and criminal damage after storming York Minster. Last night, two men dressed as clergymen abandoned a rooftop protest at the cathedral after
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Call for action over sewage flooding during heavy rain
A DISGRUNTLED resident is calling for action to solve a flooding problem that has blighted a street for years. During heavy rain, gardens at the front of houses in Beverley Gardens, Chilton, suffer flooding. The water is often mixed with raw sewage, which
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Park to open
PARKLAND surrounding an out-of-town retail centre will be officially opened tomorrow. Easington District Council leader Alan Napier will cut the ribbon at the Sky Gate entrance to the nature and community site created on former colliery wasteland surrounding
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Meeting to discuss library services
DARLINGTON'S mobile library will be replaced as a matter of priority, council chiefs will be told tomorrow. A report published earlier this year revealed huge failings in Darlington's library provision, including a mobile library in disrepair that needed
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Friends plan trek for charity
TWO friends are swapping their cricket pads for walking boots to raise money for a cancer charity. Peter Eckels, 50, and Colin Cartwright, 34, who play for Darlington RA Cricket Club, are planning a trek along a stretch of the Great Wall of China to raise
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Seats success for Bill as campaign in aid of relatives pays off
A COUNCILLOR has won a campaign to get seats installed at a Darlington cemetery. The three benches, costing more than £1,000, were installed in North Cemetery after Coun Bill Holmes complained to the borough council. He had received numerous requests
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Dedicated work of town champion rewarded
THE hard work and dedication of a community champion will be recognised with a civic reception. Betty Carr, from Shildon, has been invited to a civic reception to be hosted by the chairman and leader of Durham County Council. Mrs Carr was one of the founder
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Neighbours tell of fire
NEIGHBOURS have told of their shock at seeing a house in their street on fire. The detached property in Brunswick Avenue, Teesville, Middlesbrough, suffered severe fire damage to the back bedroom and smoke damage throughout. It is thought the fire may
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Drugs operation
DRUGS officers have carried out an operation, but failed to find any drugs. Cleveland Police officers took to the streets of Stockton on Friday as part of Operation Sabre. Despite failing to find any drugs, Inspector Gary Gainsby said: "The message to
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Fishing scene is sign of success
THE first stage of a project to improve an area of Guisborough for walking, cycling and leisure activities has been completed. Stewart McFarlane, of Radio Cleveland, cut a ribbon to signal the completion of the Chaloner Street to Bakehouse Square section
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Mustering the resources to rejuvenate seaside resort
PLANS to redevelop part of a dilapidated seaside town will be discussed this week. Work is being carried out to improve the appearance and appeal of Seaton Carew, but further investment is needed to help it become a major tourist attraction. It hopes
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Juniors bow out in style at musical show
YOUNGSTERS have taken part in a school's last production before it amalgamates with its neighbours. Pupils at Whinfield Junior School in Darlington have spent weeks practicing for a performance of the musical Bugsy Malone. The school is to join forces
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Rising costs lead to pledge over future of village carnival
ORGANISERS of Staindrop Carnival said they are going to have to find an alternative way of funding future shows. The annual event, held on Saturday, was another success, but rising expenses mean the carnival cannot continue to pay for itself. The cost
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Impress judges, residents urged
FERRYHILL is preparing for the arrival of Northumbria In Bloom judges. The judges will spend an hour in the town on Wednesday, and residents are urged to help make the area look its best. The judges will travel along Wood Lane, Cleves Avenue, Rudds Hill
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Stonemasons requesting rule changes
COUNCIL chiefs in Darlington are expected to agree a new set of rules governing the town's cemeteries tomorrow. The borough council's cabinet will be asked to approve new regulations for North, East and West cemeteries and Darlington Crematorium and revoke
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Former mayor is cleared of vendetta against neighbour
A FORMER Darlington mayor who was accused of waging a personal vendetta against a neighbour has been cleared of wrongdoing. Councillor Bill Stenson, Conservative member for Mowden, was accused by a female neighbour of using his position improperly to
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Boot sale for band aid
A CAR boot sale to raise funds for Stanhope Silver Band will be held at the Weardale Inn, Ireshopeburn, at 10am on Sunday. Pitches for vans cost £7, and £5 for cars. To book, call 0778 602 6966.
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150 years celebrated in style
A TROLLEYBUS which was one of the last to operate in South Bank was guest of honour in a parade to celebrate the town's 150th anniversary. The parade also included floats, a Scottish pipes and drums band, Irish and Indian dance troupes, and African singers
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Poor summer weather fails to dampen spirits at town's third festival
A TOWN'S fledgling summer celebration is beginning to take off as a regular event on the calendar, despite the less than seasonal weekend weather. Chester-le-Street town centre was a blaze of colour and activity on Saturday for Celebrate III, the third
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Fun-filled finish to successful festival
THOUSANDS of people flocked to a market town over the weekend for the culmination of a week-long festival. Thirsk Festival Gala was officially opened at midday on Saturday by Vale of York MP Anne McIntosh. The two-day event was one of the highlights of
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Health bosses to lead by example
HEALTH chiefs have decided to lead by example by taking part in a charity road race. Five directors of Darlington Primary Care Trust are in training to take part in the town's 10K Road Run or the shorter Fun Run. They hope to draw attention to the need
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Pupils improve school
CHILDREN at one of the county's largest primary schools have been helping improve classrooms and create playground games. Youngsters in year six at Norton County Primary School, near Malton, helped out as part of pupil participation week, which was designed
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Tom's two loves share the same name
A POSTMAN with a passion for orchids has named an award-winning flower after his wife. Tom Watson, of Darlington, won three awards for an orchid he entered at the Newbury International Orchid Show. The evergreen flower, a disa uniflora, was given an Orchid
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Transport scheme goes to planners
ONE of the biggest transport projects to take place in Hartlepool has taken a big step forward. A formal application for planning permission for a £2.2m transport interchange in Church Square has been submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council and, should
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Mascots give hospice appeal a big push - thanks to willing volunteers
A GIANT hedgehog and cockerel were pushed around a football stadium at the weekend to raise money for a worthy cause - the Butterwick Hospice. Nando's restaurant, in Middlesbrough, has chosen the hospice as its adopted charity and organised a sponsored
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Three questioned over injuries
THREE people were being questioned by police last night after their arrest over the alleged stabbing of a man and woman. Police were called to a property in Awnless Court, South Shields, South Tyneside, shortly before 5.30am yesterday. They found a 28
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Graphic child safety warning
A HARD-HITTING advertising campaign urging parents to make sure their children are properly restrained in cars is about to start. North Yorkshire Police and the county council's road safety team have put together a radio advert to stress the consequences
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Blaydon move above Cestrians
Foster's ECB North-East Regional Premier League: Blaydon returned to the top when they took full advantage of Chester-le-Street's game being called off. The Tynesiders had more than 100 runs to spare against Philadelphia, whose batting gets no better.
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Six injured in two-car road crash
ACCIDENT investigators are looking into the cause of a two-car crash which left six people requiring hospital treatment. The collision took place outside the Tesco Extra store between North and South Burns, near Chester-le-Street market area, early on
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Guided tour offers glimpse of church life
GUIDED tours are being offered round a church which dates from Medieval times. Open afternoons are being staged once a week at St Michael and All Angels' Church, Houghton-le-Spring, which is just off the A690 Durham to Sunderland dual carriageway. Staff
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Spending spree on the cards
A WISH list has been compiled of projects that would represent the largest ever capital investment in Ferryhill. The town council has drawn up the list from surveys and appraisals that have been carried out over the last five years. It is estimated that
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Students' art to feature in exhibition
FORMER art and design students from a North-East school are to have their work displayed in a national exhibition. Chelsea Bodley and Adam Gibson were in last year's GCSE art and design group at Greenfield School, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham. They
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Blair ally says Prime Minister will not quit
ONE of Tony Blair's closest political allies last night denied the Prime Minister had considered resigning. John Burton, Mr Blair's agent in his Sedgefield constituency, County Durham, said there was no question of him standing down. He said: "He's never
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The man-mountain of the movies
Having found fame as a champion wrestler, The Rock is relishing his new career as an acting heavyweight, he tells Steve Pratt. THE Rock, six-times World Wrestling Federation champion turned actor, is the first to admit that his first attempts at acting
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Tribute to a lifetime of work for talented man
A TRIBUTE has been given to a man who made an immense contribution to Ripon Cathedral. Cathedral Dean, the Very Reverend John Methuen, praised Kelvin Gott, who died recently aged 65, following a long fight against leukaemia. Dean Methuen said Mr Gott
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Clean-up tackles crime and grime
THE police and the local authority have joined forces to stamp out vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the area of a new £11m visitor attraction. Shildon Police and Sedgefield Borough Council have launched an operation to clean up New Shildon in the
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It's thirsty work for memorial fundraiser
A WELCOME pint of Banner Bitter was an appropriate greeting for footsore reporter Chris Webber as he reached Durham City on Miners' Gala day. The Northern Echo journalist is raising money to help pay for a commemorative stone for miners killed in the
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When truth is greater than fiction
It's taking the box office by storm but it doesn't have big name stars or expensive special effects. Steve Pratt looks at the success of Michael Moore's latest documentary. THE audience in the multiplex look like any other cinemagoers with their tubs
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Riders plan charity
THREE factory workers are setting out on a Coast-to-Coast cycle challenge this weekend to help make young childrens' dreams come true. Mike Wigley, 62, Peter Blades, 41, and Kevin Stephenson, 46, who work for Kenmore UK, Crook, will cycle 130 miles to
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Town criers bellow for top title
TORRENTIAL rain failed to dampen the spirits of 20 professional loudmouths. Durham City held the finals of the National Town Crier Championships on Saturday. Unperturbed by the downpour, hopefuls from across the UK entertained crowds of shoppers as they
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Firm takes on Latvian mushroom pickers
A COMPANY has turned to eastern Europe in search of mushroom pickers after failing to dig up any in the region. Greyfriars UK, based at Wath, near Ripon, North Yorkshire, has even opened a recruitment office in Latvia to overcome the problem of finding
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City's sporting students toe the line for Allison
INTERNATIONAL athlete Allison Curbishley put County Durham students through their paces when she attended the city's first ever development camp. Young people participated in a variety of sports such as athletics, hockey, tennis, basketball, girls' football
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Children enjoy chance to learn about the ancients
CHILDREN enjoyed finding out about artefacts crafted in ancient times at an event held over the weekend. As part of a summer-long exhibition of everyday life and work in ancient Egypt, Durham's Old Fulling Museum of Archaeology staged the hands-on day
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Charity team's spirited effort at haunted hotel
GHOST hunters spent a spooky night in one of the country's most haunted hotels to raise money for charity. The spirits were in a mischievous mood during the fright night at the Schooner Hotel, in Alnmouth, Northumberland, on Saturday. The event was organised
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'Lost' crane to be returned after railway's resurrection
A MISSING piece of railway history is being returned to the country's newest line by a group of enthusiasts. A crane once used in the Wolsingham Goods Yard will be given pride of place on its old base alongside the Weardale Railway, in County Durham.
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Town criers bellow for top title
TORRENTIAL rain failed to dampen the spirits of 20 professional loudmouths. Durham City held the finals of the National Town Crier Championships on Saturday. Unperturbed by the downpour, hopefuls from across the UK entertained crowds of shoppers as they
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Festival is all about stories and woodland
A festival is being held to celebrate the ancient link between stories and woodland. The free event Tales from the Trees - The Tees Forest Storytelling Festival will take place from Saturday, August 21, until August 29, at venues all over the Tees Valley
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Trio set for title battle
Federation Special Durham Senior League: THREE teams share top spot and the scene is set for an intriguing remainder of the season. Burnmoor were unable to make a start at Eppleton and nearest contenders Boldon and Hetton Lyons took advantage to draw
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Blow for Blair as spy chiefs retract war weapons claim
Tony Blair's case for war suffered a fresh blow ahead of the report on intelligence failings in Iraq, it was reported last night. Spy chiefs have retracted information that Saddam Hussein had continued to produce weapons of mass destruction, the BBC said
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Let's meet, say residents
PEOPLE living next to the Weardale Railway are calling for a public meeting to voice their concerns over development work at its main station. With the line due to reopen on Saturday next week contractors are working flat out to finish work at Stanhope
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New man at Rotary
A NEW district governor has been appointed for the 69 Rotary clubs in the North-East. Syd Howarth, of Newton Aycliffe, will lead the region's 2,200 members in Rotary's centenary year. The editor of the Newton Aycliffe weekly community newspaper Newton
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Railway company recruits trainees
NETWORK Rail has begun a drive to recruit scores of young engineers to work on the region's railways, The Northern Echo has learnt. The company, which is responsible for railway tracks and signalling, wants to sign up to 50 young people to an apprenticeship
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Gardening: Herbs without hardship
A FRIEND of mine said she wished that she had the time and space to grow her own herbs for cooking. I had to take immediate (but friendly and informative) issue with her comment. Firstly, herbs can be grown in the smallest of spaces, and in a whole variety
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Herbs without hardship
A FRIEND of mine said she wished that she had the time and space to grow her own herbs for cooking. I had to take immediate (but friendly and informative) issue with her comment. Firstly, herbs can be grown in the smallest of spaces, and in a whole variety
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Nine poorly as E.coli inquiries continue
A butcher's shop has closed temporarily while public health officials investigate an outbreak of the potentially fatal E.coli bug. There are nine confirmed and eight unconfirmed cases of the infection and, at the time the Advertiser went to press, one
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Airports must provide masterplan
Teesside and Newcastle airports must explain by the end of the year whether homes will be knocked down and beauty spots destroyed by their expansion. The Department of Transport has demanded a "masterplan" from the airport operators to calm any fears
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North-East is still house price hotspot
A NORTH-EAST town continues to be one of Britain's top property hotspots, according to a new report. Halifax, the country's biggest mortgage lender, has released figures that show the North-South divide is closing, at least when it comes to property prices
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Uncertain future for retail workers
More than 600 retail workers faced an uncertain future today after the owner of a chain of four department stores pulled the plug on the businesses. Merchant Retail, which generates most of its sales from The Perfume Shop, is to sell its Joplings store
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Apprentices earn awards for hard work
TWO North-East apprentices have won national awards for their work during training in construction skills. Build Center, which provides heavy building products and materials, presented Steven Thompson and David Simpson with prizes in recognition of their
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Killer set to apply for parole after only 30 months in prison
A KILLER who beat a gifted student to death could be released next month after serving only two-and-a-half years in prison. Labourer Christopher Woolley killed Patrick Brown in an unprovoked attack outside Durham City's railway station in February, 2001
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New man at Rotary
A NEW district governor has been appointed for the 69 Rotary clubs in the North-East. Syd Howarth, of Newton Aycliffe, will lead the region's 2,200 members in Rotary's centenary year. The editor of the Newton Aycliffe weekly community newspaper Newton
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Tragic Sally's special gift
A new book celebrates the short life of Sally Johnson who, despite Down's Syndrome and ill-health, achieved far more than most. Women's Editor Christen Pears reports. AFTER three miscarriages and years of heartache, this was the moment Sheila Johnson
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When truth is greater than fiction
It's taking the box office by storm but it doesn't have big name stars or expensive special effects. Steve Pratt looks at the success of Michael Moore's latest documentary. THE audience in the multiplex look like any other cinemagoers with their tubs
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Alice, 3, on waiting list for kidney transplant
A THREE-YEAR-OLD who has endured endless hospital treatment is on the waiting list for a kidney transplant. Alice Skinner, from Hartlepool, was born without kidneys and has had 13 operations to prepare her for a transplant. The youngster has to be fed
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Triple treat for museum visitors
QUOITS, equine elegance and ageing but much-loved cars were among the attractions at a North-East museum at the weekend. Beamish Museum has become the traditional home to the World Quoits Championship. For only the second time in the 15 years since the
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Celtic move for Juninho?
JUNINHO has issued a 'come and get me' plea to Scottish champions Celtic after admitting that his first-team chances at Middlesbrough are likely to be limited next season. The diminutive Brazilian, who is currently in his third spell with the Teessiders
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Shearer is going nowhere
ALAN Shearer last night revealed that he has turned down "several" lucrative offers in order to finish his playing career with Newcastle. The Magpies skipper will hang up his boots at the end of next season, and is desperate to go out with a bang by helping
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Police need help to stop vandalism
A CAMPAIGN to stop vandals destroying school property was launched by police in Darlington on Monday. Officers will visit every school and hand out leaflets to more than 15,000 pupils before the summer break, asking them to back Darlington Community Safety
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Off-licence yacht detained in port
an offshore off-licence and its cargo of cut-price booze and cigarettes has been detained by Customs and Excise officers. Last night, Philip Berriman, one of the owners of the 72ft yacht Rich Harvest, vowed to fight the move, claiming it was carried out
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Nine poorly as E.coli inquiries continue
A butcher's shop has closed temporarily while public health officials investigate an outbreak of the potentially fatal E.coli bug. There are nine confirmed and eight unconfirmed cases of the infection and, at the time the Advertiser went to press, one
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12/07/04
SMACKING: ONCE again, we have the debate that smacking is wrong. We are yet again drowned out by the strident voices of those who firmly believe that all smacking stems from brutality. Sharon Griffiths made the point quite plainly - abolition of smacking
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Legal advice halts plan for taxi licences
DURHAM City Council has halted its plans to issue nine new taxi licences after cabbies secured legal advice. The move follows a drivers' lightning strike over a week ago that left the city without cabs on a busy Thursday night. Drivers were reacting to
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Durham take the Gateshead honours
DURHAM were the North-East's most successful county with three gold medals on the concluding day of the English Schools Championships at Gateshead International Stadium. Multi-eventer Lewis Robson won the intermediate boys' 400m in a personal-best time
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New man at Rotary
A NEW district governor has been appointed for the 69 Rotary clubs in the North-East. Syd Howarth, of Newton Aycliffe, will lead the region's 2,200 members in Rotary's centenary year. The editor of the Newton Aycliffe weekly community newspaper Newton
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Murton open lead at the top
Durhamn Coast League: Murton, who have been defending a one point lead at the top in recent weeks, finally earned some breathing space when they defeated Castle Eden and nearest challengers Silksworth could only draw. Calvin Stephenson was positive in
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North-East's Troon hopes are dashed
THE North-East Open hopefuls fell by the wayside yesterday. With just 15 places up for grabs at the final qualfying rounds, there were prospects going into Sunday's final rounds that there would be a North-East presence at Royal Troon on Thursday. Wynyard's
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Leadgate shock Tynedale
Foster's Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League: Tynedale came down to earth with a bump when they conceded their unbeaten record at Leadgate. The pace of Lee Innes and the spin provided by Masood Mirza and Bila Rana won the day for Leadgate who sent
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Comment from The Northern Echo: Time to revise law on access
MOTHERS win custody of their children in four out of five disputes determined by the courts. A gender bias undeniably exists within our legal processes, denying fathers sufficient access to their children. There are serious flaws in legislation that gives
