Archive
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Hospitals vie for Foundation Trust status
THE region's only Foundation Trust hospital - City Hospitals Sunderland - could be joined by four more. Health Secretary John Reid yesterday confirmed his support for 20 more hospitals to become NHS Foundation Trusts, including four in the North-East.
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Man remanded in pub murder case
A 36-year-old man was remanded in custody by magistrates today charged with the murder of a pensioner who was shot as he sat enjoying a pint in his local pub. A teenager was also injured during the shooting at the Tap and Barrel pub, in the Hendon area
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Eating Owt
CAPTIVE audience no longer, we dined a couple of Saturdays back at the restored prisoner of war camp at Harperley, near Wolsingham. Hut cuisine, as it were. Also in attendance were a surprisingly decorous (if rather senior) party from Birtley Rugby Club
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MMP Construction expands its education sector work
MMP Construction has reinforced its reputation for working in the education sector with a further £1.5m worth of contracts. It brings the company's total number of commissions within education to more than 60 in the past 12 months. The company is now
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Progress pleases Hodgson
SO far, so good. That was David Hodgson's verdict on Darlington's pre-season preparations as his side geared up for the visit of Leeds United tonight. The Quakers boss is delighted with the way his squad is shaping up for the new season, and believes
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Winning smile
A TEENAGER is hoping to become the face of a pizza company. Gemma Wood, 13, from Brasside, Durham, is in the final of the Goodfella's Deeply Delicious pizzas "Grinner" competition as the local heat winner. Hundreds of people took part in the contest,
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Woman still critical after stabbing at mother's house
A YOUNG woman is still in a critical condition after being stabbed at her mother's house late on Friday night. Hazel Robinson remains in the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, following the incident at the address in Heddon Grove, Ingleby
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Holiday arts fun scheduled
A VARIED programme of arts workshops has been made available throughout the summer holidays across Sedgefield borough. A month of workshops during August include drama, African and Cuban drumming, crafts, kite-making and dance. All the events are free
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Steelwork for city showcase
A sculptor who works with steel is preparing for an exhibition of his work in Birmingham. Ray Lonsdale, 39, from South Hetton, east Durham, will exhibit ten pieces at The Art Lounge in the city centre. He uses welding equipment to mould sheets of metal
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Hartlepool MP vacancy has them jockeying for position
A FORMER North-East MEP announced last night that he would like to succeed Peter Mandelson as MP for Hartlepool. The race to be involved in the high-profile by-election is hotting up as the Liberal Democrats draw up their shortlist of candidates tonight
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TV review
Rose And Maloney (ITV1) Lost Buildings Of Britain (C4) WE left Rose and Maloney on their knees with hooded figures pointing guns in the back of their heads at the end of last week's episode. By one of those irritating quirks of scheduling, ITV planners
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Why Stepford's still as scary
UNLIKE the male fantasy Stepford wives at the centre of his new film, life on the set of the Frank Oz's latest movie wasn't perfect. During the seven months filming of The Stepford Wives, there was talk of tears and tantrums among the high-profile cast
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Jo plans wall walk for charity
A DENTIST will take on her latest challenge next month with a charity walk in China. Jo Daly, 48, will walk an 80km section of the Great Wall of China over five days to raise money for Dentaid, a charity that raises funds for dental care in developing
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Drugs copies expected to dent profits
COPIES of drugs are expected to have dented profits at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). The pharmaceuticals company will unveil its second-quarter results to the City today, which will reveal the extent of the damage caused by cheap rival products. Like all medicine
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Children adopt Annie for their finale
CHILDREN cut up old school uniforms to tell the tale of a young orphan for their end-of-term musical production. Girls from Years 4, 5 and 6 at Leeming and Londonderry Primary School performed their own version of Annie in front of an appreciative audience
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Urgent call for donors
NEW and lapsed blood donors in the region have been urged to come forward following new restrictions to protect supplies against a deadly disease. Fears that blood transfusions could help to spread variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) - the human
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Stewart hits target on McCarthy's happy return
MARCUS Stewart has been one of those Sunderland have been looking to offload this summer. But at Barnsley last night the uncertainty surrounding his future did not appear to have distracted him too much. The experienced striker, who saw a move to Bristol
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New guide to tempt investors
A GUIDE has been published to give developers and inward investors facts and figures about opportunities in Tyneside and Wearside. The Tyne and Wear Development Company decided to produce a second, updated version of last year's Investors' Guide to Tyne
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Eurotunnel's future hangs in the balance
THE future of debt-laden Channel Tunnel operator Eurotunnel hangs in the balance after the company's half-year losses rose to £82m. The deficit was sharply higher than the £17m at the same stage last year, and Eurotunnel said its survival hinged on talks
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Man who raped and beat pensioner, 87, is locked up
A 21-year-old man who beat and raped an elderly widow in her home has been jailed for 12 years in an attack described as revolting and shocking by a judge. Tony Plews, of Willington, County Durham forced the 87-year-old woman to the floor before tying
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Why Stepford's still as scary
A new film revisits the chilling world of the 1970s' Stepford Wives and finds modern parallels, as Steve Pratt discovers. UNLIKE the male fantasy Stepford wives at the centre of his new film, life on the set of the Frank Oz's latest movie wasn't perfect
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Spelling out sexual health fears
A LEAFLET aimed at raising awareness about the risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has been produced by North-East teenagers. Five hundred copies of "STIs - What Are They? How Can I Stop Them?" have been distributed to youth projects across
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So, do you have an opinion on this..?
A READER wrote to tell me off for being "opinionated". But my dear, the editor pays me to express an opinion each week. You don't have to agree with me. Besides, isn't it better to be confronted with opinions with which you disagree, rather than with
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John moves from park to regeneration post
A CHARTERED surveyor has been chosen to lead efforts to enhance tourism and improve the regeneration of the region. John Holmes will leave his post as project director at Newcastle Great Park to take charge of One NorthEast's regeneration and tourism
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A pleasant helping of porridge
The column enjoys a stretch in the restaurant at Harperley prisoner of war camp. CAPTIVE audience no longer, we dined a couple of Saturdays back at the restored prisoner of war camp at Harperley, near Wolsingham. Hut cuisine, as it were. Also in attendance
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Hobson arrest: 'I'm no hero'
Murder suspect Mark Hobson remained in hospital last night as the 81-year-old garage owner responsible for his capture said: "I'm no hero." Detectives are waiting to question Hobson, 34, in connection with the murders in North Yorkshire of pensioners
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'Nightmare' of children's food
PARENTS face a "nutritional nightmare" when choosing meals for their children on a day out, according to a report published today. Research found numerous examples of children's menus at family-favourite destinations that offer little in the way of goodness
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MMP Construction expands its education sector work
MMP Construction has reinforced its reputation for working in the education sector with a further £1.5m worth of contracts. It brings the company's total number of commissions within education to more than 60 in the past 12 months. The company is now
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Pervert uncle preyed on me
A WOMAN who was sexually abused by her uncle from the age of five last night bravely gave up her right to anonymity to warn of the danger he posed. Yvonne Priestley, 30, spoke exclusively to The Northern Echo in a bid to ensure the man - described by
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Giles ends long wait for place on honours board sp
Ashley Giles proved England are no longer a one-dimensional strike force by clinching a comprehensive opening npower Test triumph over West Indies yesterday. Warwickshire's left-arm spinner ended his long wait to secure his name on the Lord's honours
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Lehmann in fitness battle
Darren Lehmann should know later today if he will be fit to play for Yorkshire in tomorrow's Championship encounter with Derbyshire at Derby after a scan on his stiff back. The Australian has been restricted in his movements over the past few days and
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Mortgate lending remains strong
Mortgage lending looks set to remain strong after rising by a record amount during June, figures showed. The British Bankers' Association said a total of £17.95bn was advanced by the major banks during the month, the highest figure on record. Net lending
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Students harness power of sun
STUDENTS celebrated a college technology day by making solar stills to produce clean drinking water for the Developing World. The stills, which are powered by the heat of the sun, can turn polluted or sea-water into clean drinking water for emergency
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Hobson discharged from hospital
Murder suspect Mark Hobson was discharged from hospital early today to be quizzed by police about the double murders of twin sisters and an elderly couple. Hobson was being escorted to Harrogate police station for questioning by murder squad detectives
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Allotment holders take over site management
AN allotment site has become the first in Ferryhill to be recognised as self-managed. Rents at the East End allotment site will be reduced to £5 per plot per year, which will then be used exclusively for future development there. Two of the new committee
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Building society aids charities
FOUR hospices have benefited thanks to savers with Darlington Building Society. St Teresa's Hospice. in Darlington, Butterwick Hospice Care, in Stockton, Teesside Hospice Foundation Care, in Middlesbrough, and Hartlepool and District Hospice, each received
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Happy return to class for Tracey
WHEN her son's mathematics homework failed to add up, a Crook mother decided it was time for her to return to the classroom. Now, 20 years after she left school, Tracey Howarth, 36, has a nationally recognised qualification. Mrs Howarth worked through
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Climbing wall is height of fun
YOUNGSTERS on a Darlington estate got the chance to try rock climbing yesterday. Children from Skerne Park had fun climbing the portable wall supplied by Rockit Climbing as part of summer play activities on the estate. Skerne Park Community Partnership
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Cannabis found in police swoop
A TEENAGER was arrested for possessing cannabis at the weekend, when police raided a riverside spot where a group of young people had gathered. Officers kept watch on the Lendings area beside the River Tees at Startforth, near Barnard Castle, after reports
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Application to fell tree rejected
A SYCAMORE tree under threat of being felled has been given a reprieve. The tree, at The Olde Barn, Bishop Middleham, is the subject of a tree preservation order but the owners want to cut it down. Sedgefield Borough Council's development control committee
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Free passes to fitness on offer
TEENAGERS in Teesdale and Wear Valley have been given passes that allow them free access to a sports centre. The Buzzin' Leisure Card Scheme gives 13 to 18-year old children free access to Teesdale Sports Centre, in Barnard Castle. The scheme has been
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Inquiry into village green bid re-opens
A THREE-year battle over a village green continued yesterday with the re-opening of a public inquiry. Residents from Rumby Hill, near Crook, were hoping that a decision would be made last month on whether land near their homes would be registered as a
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Murder investigation launched after boy's death
Police today launched a murder investigation into the death of a two-year-old North-East boy who was found collapsed at his babysitter's home. Kyle Fisher, who lived on the Central Estate, Hartlepool, Cleveland, died in the paediatric unit of Newcastle
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Woman assaulted man at bus stop
A WOMAN who assaulted a man at a bus stop because he did not give her a cigarette appeared in court yesterday. Michelle Lynch-White, 23, admitted to assaulting Iqbal Hussain at a bus stop in Yarm Road, Darlington, on April 16 when she appeared before
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Air cadets receive double honour
AN Air Cadet unit has been awarded the Lindisfarne Trophy - presented each year to the most successful squadron in the region. The 234 City of Durham Squadron also won the Pusey Trophy for having the most efficient administration in the area. The trophies
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Opera goes heavy metal
PICTURE the scene: you've just finished a 12-hour shift in a blast furnace, where you have spent your time dressed in thick overalls, boots, helmet and protective glasses turning iron ore into molten iron in the hottest conditions imaginable. Do you fancy
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New play area is final piece in the fun Jigsaw for toddlers
Ttoddlers are all smiles now a play area has been completed. The Jigsaw pre-school, in Valley Road, Northallerton has created a new outside play area. Pre-school spokeswoman Joan Finn said: "They are absolutely delighted with it. "They love the bikes,
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Village lights help cut out fear of crime
ONE of the first projects to be carried out as part of £1m environmental improvement package is helping to reduce the fear of crime in a County Durham village. The Durham County Council project earmarked to help small or isolated communities is providing
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Building firm sponsors guide
A COMPANY that builds environmentally-friendly holiday lodges has stepped in to sponsor a town's guidebook. Richmond's Shopping and Eating Guide 2004 is being supported by Ecobuild, which is due to open ten self-catering lodges on its 50-acre Aislebeck
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Drivers needed to help community
A vehicle-sharing scheme is looking for volunteers to put it on the road to success. The scheme, funded by the Countryside Agency and Durham County Council, will eventually lead to a vehicle being made available by the county council to community groups
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Message in bottle roadshow aims to save people's lives
A DRIVE is being launched to get a simple but effective life-saving scheme operating in many more households across North Yorkshire. Members of the Hambleton Community Safety Partnership, who promote the Message in a Bottle initiative, are taking to the
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Food glorious food is theme of activities
BANNER- making, drama and sculpture are three of the art activities being run for young people next month. Museums across Hambleton and Richmondshire will be holding sessions from August 2 to 14 as part of the Active8 scheme. Lynda Powell, the district
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Biker death inquest opens
THE inquest into the death of a motorcyclist involved in a road accident was opened and adjourned yesterday. Neil Maguire, a heavy goods vehicle driver, of Mildenhall Close, Hartlepool, died when his Suzuki Bandit 600 motorcycle was in collision with
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Stealing a march on the shoplifters
As the driving force behind a scheme to crack down on retail crime, Elaine Carey took on shoplifters and won. She talks to Women's Editor Christen Pears. EVEN as a child, Elaine Carey loathed crime. One of a family seven children growing up in south-west
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Another fine mess for detective duo
Rose And Maloney (ITV1);Lost Buildings Of Britain (C4):WE left Rose and Maloney on their knees with hooded figures pointing guns in the back of their heads at the end of last week's episode. By one of those irritating quirks of scheduling, ITV planners
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Why Stepford's still as scary
UNLIKE the male fantasy Stepford wives at the centre of his new film, life on the set of the Frank Oz's latest movie wasn't perfect. During the seven months filming of The Stepford Wives, there was talk of tears and tantrums among the high-profile cast
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'Beast of Wensleydale' mystery
A LARGE black animal - possibly a panther - has been spotted prowling the Yorkshire Dales. A motorist spotted the mystery beast in fields near East Witton, in Wensleydale, early on Saturday morning. The woman immediately reported the sighting to North
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Baby is blessed on ship's flight deck
A BABY from Sunderland was christened on board its adopted ship, HMS Ocean, yesterday as the crew were given the freedom of the city. Milly Grace Dodd, who is seven-and-a-half months old, was blessed on the ship's flight deck by the ship's chaplain, the
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Jump on conservation bandwagon
A DURHAM Wildlife Trust has been delighted with the response to the launch of its Conservation Awards 2004. Sponsored by npower, the awards invite entries from individuals and groups who are developing their local environment for the benefit of wildlife
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Lifestyle trial success
A LEISURE centre's health and lifestyle monitoring scheme has being hailed a success and organisers hope it will go from strength to strength. The scheme at Abbey Leisure in Durham, brought together by University Hospital North Durham and Durham City
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Good golly, Miss Holly
SUE SMITH'S Bingley-based stable starred at Sedgefield yesterday when completing a 7-1 double in the first two races on the card with Miss Holly and Rival Bidder. Miss Holly started the ball rolling in convincing manner with an authoritative three-length
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Mother arrested after death of two-year-old
A murder investigation has been launched after a two-year-old boy died after suffering severe head injuries. Kyle Fisher - described by one neighbour as "always smiling and laughing" - lost his fight for life two days after being rushed to hospital. His
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Church history marked with floral extravaganza in park
A FLORAL tribute to mark a church's 150th anniversary has been unveiled. A newly-planted flowerbed in Redcar's Locke Park is helping to highlight the links between the park and Christ Church, in Coatham. About 8,500 plants spell out "Christ Church, Coatham
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Metric Martyr: 'We're close to victory'
A CAMPAIGNER for the so-called Metric Martyrs movement in the North-East last night claimed an unofficial moratorium appears to be in place over the use of old fashioned measures. Neil Herron claims that millions of offences are committed daily by traders
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News in brief: Fit men
Fit men: Keep fit for men takes place at Park View Community Centre in Chester-le-Street from 8pm to 9pm on Tuesdays at the North Lodge site. Return To Exercise, for the over-forties takes place between 7pm and 8pm. All participants have to have membership
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Cemetery likely to get reserve status
MOVES to designate a cemetery as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) have received a major boost. A botanical survey has been carried out at the Spion Kop Cemetery which overlooks the North Sea at Central Estate in Hartlepool. Surveyor Chris Lowe, who was commissioned
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Opera goes heavy metal
PICTURE the scene: you've just finished a 12-hour shift in a blast furnace, where you have spent your time dressed in thick overalls, boots, helmet and protective glasses turning iron ore into molten iron in the hottest conditions imaginable. Do you fancy
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Faithful working with trust on sites
PROJECT management consultancy Faithful & Gould is working with a Tyneside housing trust on four schemes worth more than £2m. Working with contractor Gordon Durham & Co Limited, architects Dewjoc Partnership and engineering company BDN, the Newcastle
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Faithful working with trust on sites
PROJECT management consultancy Faithful & Gould is working with a Tyneside housing trust on four schemes worth more than £2m. Working with contractor Gordon Durham & Co Limited, architects Dewjoc Partnership and engineering company BDN, the Newcastle
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Good golly, Miss Holly
SUE SMITH'S Bingley-based stable starred at Sedgefield yesterday when completing a 7-1 double in the first two races on the card with Miss Holly and Rival Bidder. Miss Holly started the ball rolling in convincing manner with an authoritative three-length
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Two out, one in at Boro
MASSIMO MACCARONE has pledged to prove to the Middlesbrough fans he is good enough to make it in the Premiership - despite his imminent return to Italy. The £8.15m signing has been allowed to sign for Fiorentina in a season-long loan deal, as Boro boss
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Mediation service's tribunal success
A MEDIATION service has reported success in sorting out employment tribunal complaints in the region. The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) published its annual report and accounts yesterday, which show that 75 per cent of applications
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Sharon Griffiths Meets...Dale chronicler Connie Ayre
AT 91, Connie Ayre is the sort of person we'd all hope to be when we grow up. Her mind's as sharp as a tack, she's smartly dressed, and modestly amused at her sudden 15 minutes of fame. "Oh yes, I'm getting a very swollen head," she says. It's all to
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Rumours about girl led to attack
TWO brothers who attacked a man after he confronted one of them about a relationship with a teenage girl have been jailed. Sean and Brian Hamilton assaulted Michael Graydon at a house in Whitby Way, Darlington, leaving him needing 28 stitches to his head
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Funding tonic for NHS groups
AN extra £700,000 is on its way to various North-East NHS groups as a reward for improving performances. The extra money from the Department of Health has to be used to improve emergency care services. The funding has been awarded to seven local NHS organisations
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People to make song and dance about their heritage as Yorkshire folk
THE white rose of Yorkshire will be worn with pride as people in east Cleveland make a song and dance to celebrate Yorkshire Day. An open-air performance in Redcar High Street on Saturday afternoon by Musicians Unlimited, a 20-piece big band, will add
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Lorry driver jailed after fatal crash with gipsy caravan
A LORRY driver who crashed into a horse-drawn caravan, killing a father and son, has been jailed for four years. Stuart Nicholson, 44, and his six-year-old son Connor were travelling home to Wheatley Hill, County Durham, from Appleby Horse Fair, in Cumbria
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N-East researchers hope for diabetes cure breakthrough
RESEARCHERS from the region have begun work on a potential world first cure for diabetes. Scientists in Newcastle believe that ordinary muscle tissue can be made to produce insulin. Without regular injections of insulin, people with type one diabetes
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Rise in number of sexually transmitted diseases
Doctors have urged people to practice safe sex after a steep rise in the number of people infected with sexually transmitted diseases in the region. New diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) increased by eight per cent in the North-East
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Sign up, say safety teams
A MAJOR effort is being launched to get a simple but effective life-saving scheme operating in many more households across the region. Members of the Hambleton Community Safety Partnership, who promote the Message in a Bottle sccheme, are taking to the
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Go for a Glorious Goodwood day
SECURING a profit at Glorious Goodwood is easier said than done, nonetheless backers of the ultra-consistent Beckermet (3.50) seem sure to get a terrific run for their money on the opening day. Successful in four of his five lower grade starts to date
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Leeds next in line
SO far, so good. That was David Hodgson's verdict on Darlington's pre-season preparations as his side prepared for the visit of Leeds United tonight. The Quakers boss is delighted with the way his squad his shaping up for the new season, and believes
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On track with fascinating facts
YOUNGSTERS will be able to get the answers to some intriguing questions through a summer project at one of the region's top attractions. The National Railway Museum, in York, is providing guided explorations for children aged from seven to 11. During
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'The only man who loved me abused me'
At the age of five Yvonne Priestly was sexuallly abused by the only person she thought loved her. She tells Kate Bowman how her ordeal robbed her not only of her innocence but also of any trust she had in men. AS a little girl Yvonne Priestley cannot
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WH Smith launches new strategy
Ailing retailer WH Smith has mapped out its strategy for reinvigorating the business after seeing a potential bidder walk away from a takeover. The group, which last week discovered private equity firm Permira was no longer interested in mounting a bid
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Merger 'bitter blow' for Green Howards
GREEN Howard supporters have described the Government's intention to axe the battalion as a bitter blow. The infantry unit is one of a number likely to be amalgamated into bigger regiments. The merger could see the unit join with the Prince of Wales's
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Hunt for sex attacker
BRITISH Transport Police are hunting a man who sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl. The attack was at Dinsdale Railway Station, near Stockton, between 10pm and 10.20pm last Friday. Officers are particularly interested in tracing a man aged about 34,
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Twins celebrate 91st birthday
Times were hard during the 1926 general strike, twins Elsie and Edna recalled today. So hard in fact that their father Andrew Kirkup was once driven in desperation to offer up the family pet rabbit Silver for the dinner table. Edna Patterson said: "None
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Treboryen is created after redundancy
WHEN the boss of a regional servicing division lost his job, he responded by starting a successful business. John Downey helps companies to manage and manipulate data to increase their profits. After leading the regional servicing division of a North-East
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Reckitt Benckiser raises bar
HOUSEHOLD products group Reckitt Benckiser raised the bar on its annual revenues target after growth across all its product categories. Reckitt, which makes Lemsip, Dettol, Airwick air fresheners and Harpic disinfectant, said two strong quarters meant
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Offender walks free from court
A JUDGE said his hands were tied by Parliament after he decided against jailing a man who had sex with an underage girl. The Recorder of Middlesbrough, Judge Peter Fox, said despite legislation governing the offence being modernised, he was not able to
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Vodafone attracts 3.1 million new customers
MOBILE phone group Vodafone has grown its customer base to 139.2 million despite reporting tougher conditions in many of its markets. The Newbury group said it had attracted 3.1 million users in the three months to June 30, including a seven per cent
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Students' creativity on show
WEIRD and wonderful structures created by art students have gone on display in Darlington. The designs include a giant pair of stuffed pants, an inflatable sphere and a ball gown made from wire and melted plastics. Students from Queen Elizabeth Sixth
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No plans to close base, says chief
THE end of Tornado fighters at RAF Leeming does not mean the base will close, said its station commander. The Government has announced the most radical reforms of the UK's armed forces for a generation. As well as 20,000 job cuts across the forces, the
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Magpies get their man as Butt arrives
NEWCASTLE UNITED were closing in on midfield target Nicky Butt last night after Manchester Unted accepted their £2.5m bid for the England international. The 29-year-old was reported to be on his way out of the Red Devils American camp and on his way to
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Inquest opens into death of supporter
THE father of a football fan who was killed crossing a road in Amsterdam has called for more information into his death. Marc Purdy, 20, died after being hit by a bus or a tram after seeing his team Hartlepool United play in Holland. Hartlepool Coroner
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New sports centre unveiled
Gymnastics are celebrating the award of a substantial lottery grant which will help build a new £1.6m North-East sports centre. Sport England's lottery fund has awarded Sedgefield Borough Council £1,325,000 towards the new gym at Spennymoor Leisure Centre
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Sweeney's new aim
TONY Sweeney has a different aim this pre-season - staying in the Hartlepool United side. Previous summer campaigns have been all about the midfielder trying to force his way into the squad but, after impressing as last season concluded, the former trainee
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Spotlight shines on old mill
A Dales mill will star in BBC's popular Restoration programme tonight. Viewers will be able to vote for vital restoration work to be carried out on the eighteenth-century Gayle Mill, near Hawes. Funding has been raised to convert the building into a learning
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Archaeology team unearths past history of town
SOME of the earliest relics of a North-East town have been discovered in an archaeological dig. Flint arrow heads and cutting blades from the Neolithic period about 5,000 years ago have been found at the Headland, in Hartlepool, by a team from Tees Archaeology
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Self-rule campaigners defiant despite referendum setback
CAMPAIGNERS in favour of a Yorkshire regional government say they will continue to push for a "Yes" vote, despite the Government's postponement of the referendum. Members of the Yorkshire and Humberside branch of the Transport and General Workers' Union
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The sick alligator
In the Shoulder of Mutton at Middleton Tyas, much loved of horse racing folk, we bump into retired Bishop Auckland trainer Denys Smith. "Can you not do anything about the Red Alligator?" he at once enquires. Named after Denys's legendary 1968 Grand National
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Merger signals changes in fragmented childcare industry
THE UK's largest nursery chain has been formed with the merger of two leading childcare and education providers. Asquith Court Nurseries and Kidsunlimited joined to create Nursery Years Group, which will operate 145 nurseries and crches nationwide. The
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Competition puts region in the picture
Spectacular coastlines, moors and valleys - the North-East and North Yorkshire provide some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Now, The Northern Echo is once again encouraging amateur photographers to capture the region on film, memory card
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Rail chiefs to meet travellers at station
RAIL bosses are offering frustrated passengers the opportunity to have their say about their train services. Managers from TransPennine Express say they are happy to receive criticism from rush-hour passengers when they visit Scarborough station on Wednesday
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Cake makers save jobs
Three hundred frozen cake makers have had their jobs saved for the second time in six months. Employees at the former Hibernia Foods factory in Oakesway, Hartlepool now have their third set of bosses after a management buyout rescued the ailing plant.
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Job Search: Vacancies
Market research interviewer, £250pw plus mileage, 21-35hrs pw, to interview public in own homes using small computer, cold calling but no selling, must have own transport and landline telephone. Ref: NEU 18718. Administrator, £6ph, 37hrs pw, required
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27/07/04
CHARITY SHOP: BEING a bit of a charity shop addict, I made it my business to check out a new shop in Durham. Wishes, the charity card shop of Cancer Research UK, is wonderful. The shop looks great, the staff are helpful and friendly and the cards are
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Quakers make progress in club restructuring
OFFICIALS at Darlington Football Club last night declared that the new-look Quakers were making sound progress towards creating a major off-the-field force. The club will play its most prestigious pre-season friendly game tonight, at home to Leeds United
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Quakers make progress in club restructuring
OFFICIALS at Darlington Football Club last night declared that the new-look Quakers were making sound progress towards creating a major off-the-field force. The club will play its most prestigious pre-season friendly game tonight, at home to Leeds United
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Home refused
PLANNING officials have refused an application to build a house on farmland near Ferryhill. The plan to provide housing for farmworkers at Metal Bridge, was considered by Sedgefield Borough Council's development control committee. The applicants said
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Speed scheme leaves farmers stuck
Traffic-calming measures on a busy road have been altered because they narrowed the road too much. Work to narrow the A170 on the approach to Helmsley was carried out as part of a £100,000 scheme. But now large agricultural machinery cannot fit through
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Residents' expectations of council are rising
RICHMONDSHIRE residents are happier than most with their local council - but not as happy as they used to be. Of the 5,000 people questioned in a survey, 59 per cent were satisfied with the district council's overall performance and services. This was
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Heroin addict sent to prison
A DARLINGTON heroin addict was sentenced to ten months in prison by magistrates, yesterday. Ian Pawlett, 34, appeared before Newton Aycliffe magistrates and admitted breaching a drug treatment and testing order imposed on February 24. He also admitted
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Action on complaints
A COUNCIL is aiming to improve the way it handles public complaints to reduce the number being passed on to the Local Government Ombudsman. In the past year, 19 protests have been lodged against Teesdale District Council, compared with nine the previous
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Church puts case to solve school block
CHURCH leaders yesterday set out their case to overcome the stumbling block hindering plans for a £3m village school. Proposals for the primary school in Middleton St George, near Darlington, have been drawn up by the Church of England. The school would
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Bike is a wish come true for brave Sophie
A YOUNG cystic fibrosis sufferer had her wish come true when she was presented with a bicycle. Sophie Thomas, seven, was given the bike by the Children's Wish Foundation and Brewsters restaurant chain, to help her keep active in between physiotherapy
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Parkland to open with style
A NEWLY-created parkland will open to the public on Saturday. The outdoor facility created out of the wasteland of the former Murton Colliery marks the next phase of the Dalton Park retail outlet complex. A mystery guest mascot named Dalton will welcome
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Crowds line streets as HMS Ocean wins Freedom of City
CROWDS lined the streets to welcome the crew of HMS Ocean as they were given the first Freedom of the City of Sunderland. Sailors marched in full uniform for the parade, accompanied by the Royal Marines Band while onlookers waved Union Flags. Sunderland-born
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People to make song and dance about their heritage as Yorkshire folk
THE white rose of Yorkshire will be worn with pride as people in east Cleveland make a song and dance to celebrate Yorkshire Day. An open-air performance in Redcar High Street on Saturday afternoon by Musicians Unlimited, a 20-piece big band, will add
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Man facing jail over court order breaches
A MAN has been warned he is facing years behind bars after breaching a court order - for the 12th time. Carl Brannan was made the subject of an anti-social behaviour order in September 2002, which banned him from entering Oxclose, Washington, Wearside
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Prisoner seeks appeal hearing
A GRADUATE convicted of robbing a 94-year-old North-East woman while posing as a priest is launching a fresh bid to clear his name. Steven Gray, who has always maintained his innocence, will ask for his conviction to be examined by the Criminal Cases
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Sporting fun for children
children in Ryedale can look forward to a summer holiday packed with fun. A mini Wimbledon, craft workshops and an American day with baseball and hot dogs, are some of the activities planned for the holidays. Ben Grady, Ryedale District Council's community
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Walking to school campaign steps up
PARENTS and children in Richmondshire are being urged to ditch the car and walk to school. North Yorkshire Council is calling on its primary and secondary schools to create a five-minute walking zone. It is hoped the move will encourage parents who take
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Donation boost for skaters
A SKATE and bike park has come a little closer to reality with the donation of £3,000 from the Neil Griffin Opportunities for Youth Trust. The trust, established in March 1999, was set up to help educate and assist young people through their leisure time
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FHM building projects safer than average
BUILDING sites operated in the region by social housing contractor Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) are six times safer than the national average, according to data. Figures released by the National House Builders Council (NHBC) show that FHM's site management
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'Pervert uncle preyed on me'
A WOMAN who was sexually abused by her uncle from the age of five last night bravely gave up her right to anonymity to warn of the danger he posed. Yvonne Priestley, 30, spoke exclusively to The Northern Echo in a bid to ensure the man - described by
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Fraudster is jailed for tax disc scam
A FRAUDSTER who used stolen cheques to buy vehicle tax discs has been jailed for two years. Tom Owens, 44, was yesterday branded the leader of a gang that dishonestly purchased £132,000 worth of documentation. Newcastle Crown Court heard how Owens was
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Spotlight on town's Roman history
A display exploring the ancient history of a countryside park in Hartlepool has been unveiled. Information boards and an illuminated glass case containing replicas of rare artefacts uncovered by archaeologists during digs at Summerhill. It is housed within
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Survey seeks 12,000 views on the police
THOUSANDS of people on Teesside are to get the chance to have their say about policing. The force is to carry out the biggest Quality of Life survey ever undertaken in the area. In conjunction with Cleveland Police Authority, 12,000 questionnaires will
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Pause for thought and help democracy
people in Stockton are invited to stop for a moment and take part in a democratic survey tomorrow. Staff from Stockton Borough Council's democratic services, along with Connexions, will be in the High Street. They will be asking people to pause and think
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Emergency crews meet the public
THE role played by the ambulance service will be highlighted during a roadshow in Stockton tomorrow. It will be held at the Castlegate Shopping Centre from 10am to 4pm. Staff and managers, from Tees East and North Yorkshire Ambulance Service (Tenyas)
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Call centre worker jailed for stealing from customers
A WORKER at the Barclaycard call centre in Stockton, who stole more than £15,000 from the accounts of nearly 30 customers, was jailed yesterday. Teesside Crown Court heard that Philip Dehaney, 22, had three convictions for theft, the last one only a month
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Boy fights off gang trying to steal bike
A YOUNGSTER fought off a gang of youths who tried to steal his bike as he made his way home. The 12-year-old had been to Preston Park in Eaglescliffe and was returning to Ingleby Barwick along Queen Elizabeth Way with his friends last Thursday at 4pm,
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Weighty problem for men with beer bellies
NEARLY one in four men in the region do not like the look of their beer bellies, but are not concerned enough about their health, according to a survey. The statistics show that 24 per cent of North-East men dislike the look of their stomachs. A campaign
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Moxon's dilemma over Hamilton
THE future of Gavin Hamilton will be under discussion before Durham attempt to beat Leicestershire for the first time in the county championship. The all-rounder will be 30 next month and is on only a one-year contract following his release by Yorkshire
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Double hope for singing star Adele
TWELVE-YEAR-OLD Adele McFarlane's summer holidays have got off to a good start. The talented singer has not only reached the final audition for a main part in the West End production of Billy Elliot, she is also taking part in the Cleveland Shopping Centre's
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Eating Owt: A pleasant helping of porridge
The column enjoys a stretch in the restaurant at Harperley prisoner of war camp. CAPTIVE audience no longer, we dined a couple of Saturdays back at the restored prisoner of war camp at Harperley, near Wolsingham. Hut cuisine, as it were. Also in attendance
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Job Search: Vacancies
Support worker, Chester-le-Street. £4.40ph, 12hrs pw, 9am to 5pm, Mon-Fri, flexible. IT skills, experience working with spreadsheets and good organisational skills essential. Ref: CHM 17259. Hair stylist, Sacriston. 24hrs pw, Wed, Fri and Sat, between
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BSCH bosses delighted with £8.3bn deal to buy Abbey
SPAIN'S biggest bank is poised to snap up Abbey National in a deal that would create the world's tenth largest banking company. Abbey's directors have supported a bid from Banco Santander Central Hispano (BSCH) that values the British bank at £8.3bn.
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Comment from The Northern Echo: Right man, wrong time
THERE is only one man who could be confidently expected to deliver a by-election victory for Labour in Hartlepool - Ray Mallon. It is several years since Mr Mallon made his name as a zero tolerance police officer in Hartlepool, but he retains significant
