Archive
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Estate partnership is praised
THE chairman of a Darlington community partnership congratulated its members at its annual meeting for the contribution they make to the estate. Martin Landers told members of Red Hall Partnership: "This partnership contributes to a feel-good factor on
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Charity for old people can expand thanks to Lottery
A CHARITY providing vital support for elderly people in Darlington is to expand after securing a major funding boost. Age Concern is opening up new premises in Clark's Yard, off High Row, as an information and advice centre, following the award of a £105,000
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Council to retain ownership of housing stock
DARLINGTON Borough Council is to retain ownership of its housing stock and borrow £20m to improve homes. More than 85 cent of council tenants who took part in a borough-wide consultation programme launched last November said they wanted the authority
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Action group set up to stop quarry re-opening
AN action group has been set up by Teesdale villagers protesting against a quarry re-opening after more than 30 years. Residents of Middleton-in-Teesdale have set up Middleton Against Reopening Crossthwaite (Marc) in protest at the plans by Strathmore
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Sans Pareil comes home
ONE of the railways' greatest treasures returned home this week to take its place as one of the star attractions at a multi-million pound railway museum. The Sans Pareil, the engine that was built by North-East railway pioneer Timothy Hackworth, was hoisted
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Course to help with stress
A course that is aimed at helping people in Hartlepool cope with stress is to take place next week. A six-week programme called Freedom Creation Techniques starts at Hartlepool People Centre, in Raby Road, on Thursday. The course teaches a series of skills
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Inquest told of forgiveness after daughter's road death
RELATIVES of a teenager who died after she was knocked down by a car have spoken about their forgiveness for the driver. The family of Melanie Mullally, 16, of Ushaw Moor said they want to forgive Dale Balfour, 23, of Brandon. Melanie's father, Patrick
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All good clean fun at Simon's cartoon workshop
THE co-founder of comic magazine Viz toned down his humour yesterday to teach young children the finer arts of cartoon drawing. Rather than demonstrating raunchy creations such as Johnny Fartpants, the Fat Slags, Biffa Bacon and Eight Ace, Simon Donald
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Charity shop's costume venture
A CHARITY shop is branching out into fancy dress. Marilyn Monroe and Snow White are two of the costumes now in stock at Oxfam, in Thirsk. Shop manager Ellen Kershaw said: "It was something we kept getting asked for and so we put together a selection of
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Lord's dream proves to be a bridge too far for Sessay
Sheriff Hutton Bridge powered into the semi-finals of the National Village Knockout competition for the first time in their history with a dominating display over league rivals Sessay. The Bridge will now entertain Midlands' side Christleton/Exhall &
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War heroes return to former base for visit
TWO airmen who played a crucial role in a daring Second World War raid have returned to the base that was once their home. They discovered how much the RAF had changed as they toured Linton-on-Ouse, near York, as part of the Government's Veterans Return
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Exercises programme brings welcome tonic for diabetics
A NEW scheme is helping diabetics to lead a healthy lifestyle despite their condition. The scheme, run by Durham City Council's Abbey Leisure Centre and the city's University Hospital, has had ten referrals from the hospital's diabetes department during
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Wheelie bins dumped at offices in protest
NEW green wheelie bins have been dumped outside council offices by protesting residents. The bins were left outside Hambleton Council offices in Northallerton on Wednesday night by residents of Brompton, who said they had nowhere to put them. Households
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Club is on the ball to help youngsters
CHILDREN will be meeting Sunderland Football Club player Liam Lawrence as part of a series of summer schools. The meeting will be take place at Sunderland AFC's (SAFC) summer schools at the Stadium of Light today. The schools are part of the SAFC Foundation's
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Pledge to fight on after path decision
RESIDENTS have pledged to fight on after councillors voted to declare a path out-side their homes a right of way. Durham County Council will now seek an order to include the path at High View, Ushaw Moor, on the definitive map of public paths. But the
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Enlisting help to promote Tall Ships Race
ORGANISERS of the Tall Ships race, which sails into the North-East in just over a year are hoping to enlist help promoting the event - with free car stickers. The Tall Ships event will be hosted by Newcastle and Gateshead from July 25 to 28 next year.
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Trust rating welcomed
A PATIENTS' group has welcomed a boost in the rating of Hambleton and Richmondshire Primary Care Trust (PCT). The Patient and Public Involvement Forum (PPI) was delighted to see the PCT move up from a one to three-star rating in results published by the
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Living dangerously in never-never land
For the first time, consumer debt has broken through the £1 trillion barrier. Nick Morrison looks at how a thrifty nation turned into borrowers, and asks if we're just storing up problems for the future. JUST a generation ago, debt was a four-letter word
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Man stabbed on rail platform
Passengers watched in horror as a man was stabbed on a railway platform. Commuters were left shocked as a gang of teenagers attacked the man, at Gateshead Stadium Metro station at 5.35pm on Wednesday, on the Newcastle-bound platform. The 35-year-old victim
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Race harmony campaigner's degree honour
A campaigner for racial harmony has been awarded an honorary degree. Hari Shukla, a voluntary member of many regional committees, received an honorary Doctorate of Civil Law in Newcastle City Hall, alongside students from the School of Arts and Social
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Arena hosts sporting event to
THE latest weapon in the campaign to get the North-East active was unveiled at a have-a-go extravaganza yesterday. Active Places.com, a free national database with more than 10,000 places to play sport, get fit and have fun, had its regional premier at
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Blueprint aims for greener lifestyle
RADICAL changes to people's lifestyles are proposed in an attempt to reduce a town's greenhouse gas emission. Middlesbrough belches out 800,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases a year - an amount that would take a forest 20 times the town's size to absorb.
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Sponsor helps show to spark into life
CARNIVAL organisers have plugged into one of the region's energy suppliers to help make this year's event bigger and better. The 32nd Peterlee Show, which takes place on September 4 and 5, has secured the backing of npower, one of the area's largest employers
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Bike ride boost for hospital
DOCTORS are to be given new equipment to help detect breast cancer thanks to the efforts of fundraisers. Northallerton Round Table raised £3,000 from a sponsored bike ride from Workington to Tynemouth. Peugeot dealer Simon Bailes Limited provided a branded
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Business backs skate contest
A HARTLEPOOL business is hoping to start the town's first skateboard tournament. Communications consultancy Avanticom has pledged up to £1,000 to bring some of the sport's biggest names to town. The announcement was made at a public meeting in Hartlepool's
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Funding goes a long way in town
COMMUNITY groups in Hartlepool last year benefited from more grants than anywhere else across Teesside. Some 239 voluntary and community groups received Community Chest funding in Hartlepool, more than Middlesbrough, Stockton and Redcar and Cleveland
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Country facelift scheme drawn up
PART of North Yorkshire's most spectacular countryside is in line for a facelift under plans to help restore ancient woodlands, ruined buildings and landscape features. The work is due to be carried out over the next five years as part of the key aims
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Funds given for city's bypass plan
A CITY'S proposed bypass, which has been on the drawing board for more than four decades, has been given a £100,000 boost. Harrogate Borough Council's cabinet will contibute the money towards a link road between Coltsgate Hill, off North Street, to Blossomgate
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Thousands in the N-E to get sex infection tests
THOUSANDS of young people in the region are to be tested for the sexually transmitted infection chlamydia. In the same week that health bosses revealed that the North-East is facing a steep rise in sexually transmitted disease, officials confirmed that
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Youngsters create Scandinavian sparkle at jewellery making event
THE Vikings inspired some jewellery designing at Margrove Heritage Centre, Boosbeck, this week. Children took part in a craft session - one of many family learning activities at the centre this summer. Sessions on Wednesdays are family learning activities
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The fuchsia's bright . . .
DETAILS of a popular North-East flower show have been released. The 23rd annual show of the Northumberland and Durham Fuchsia Society will this year be held at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, County Durham, over the weekend of September 4 and 5. The event
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Wellock's World: The real indictment
SO Sven and Mark Palios have finally found a diamond formation which performs to their satisfaction. But will Sven have the chance to make the diamond work for his England team? It will be a blow for Middlesbrough if, just when Steve McClaren has assembled
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Prison staff shocked by cell death
A CONVICTED female drug dealer has been found hanged in her cell - less than a day after being given a prison sentence. Her death came only days after a reception wing was opened at the jail, designed to give vulnerable new inmates an easier introduction
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Consortium chosen to mastermind £150m scheme
A £150m improvement plan for schools in the Redcar and Cleveland area has moved forward with the appointment of a consortium to oversee the work. Three new secondary schools are to be built - a voluntary aided school for Sacred Heart RC School, Redcar
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Why is my chicken so irritable?
IRRITABLE chickens provided the inspiration for the project showcased by Newcastle University. Dr Olivier Sparagano, of the school of agriculture, and his team have examined ways of eradicating poultry red mite from egg-producing flocks and hope eventually
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'Why we've been pushed into going private'
Why are some dentists reducing their NHS work just when the Government is promising great things for the future of the profession? Health Correspondent Barry Nelson talks to one North-East practice. PEOPLE have been reading about the growing crisis in
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Designer outlet closes
Mystery surrounds the reason why a North-East factory outlet shopping mall suddenly closed its doors yesterday to customers and turned staff away from work. Staff arriving at Jackson's Landing in Hartlepool were told they no longer had jobs and notices
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The answer to flooding - send water along the roads
MINOR roads could be used to channel water away from North-East towns and villages threatened by floods, under Government plans. Making Space for Water has been hailed by ministers as a 20-year strategy for combating flooding. Possible solutions include
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Trading order lifted by Russians
THE Russian Justice Ministry has lifted a freeze on the property of three subsidiaries of the Yukos oil group, easing concerns of a world oil crisis. Yukos, Russia's largest oil producer, said that bailiffs' orders telling three Yukos subsidiaries to
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Thousands in the N-E to get sex infection tests
THOUSANDS of young people in the region are to be tested for the sexually transmitted infection chlamydia. In the same week that health bosses revealed that the North-East is facing a steep rise in sexually transmitted disease, officials confirmed that
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Race harmony campaigner's degree honour
A campaigner for racial harmony has been awarded an honorary degree. Hari Shukla, a voluntary member of many regional committees, received an honorary Doctorate of Civil Law in Newcastle City Hall, alongside students from the School of Arts and Social
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Operatic stars in the spotlight for Proms
ORGANISERS of the Northern Proms are expecting the musical extravaganza to be blessed with good weather tomorrow. The event at Riverside, Chester-le-Street, from 6pm to 10.30pm, will feature international operatic stars Graeme Danby, Valerie Reid and
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Shell hit by record fine over reserves
OIL group Shell has been given a total of £82.7m in fines for violating market rules by lowering its reserves. It must pay a record £17m to the Financial Services Authority -four times more than the heaviest penalty previously imposed by the regulator
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World's leading designer turns crop field into six weeks of puzzlement
THE first maize maze in County Durham opens to the public tomorrow. Farmers Mark and Jane Gray enlisted the help of leading designer Adrian Fisher to come up with the five-acre spaceship design. Mr Fisher is described as the world's leading maze designer
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Spin-off that makes sleuthing simple
CSI: DARK MOTIVES. Published by: Ubisoft. Format: PC CD-ROM. Price: £34.99 or less: CRIME Scene Investigation, or CSI to its millions to fans, swept the board at the Emmy awards - television's version of the Oscars - earlier this month. Audiences all
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Tees cox represents Scotland in top regatta
TEES Rowing Club member Vicky Chislett coxed the Aberdeen composite women's four which represented Scotland at the Home Countries International Regatta last weekend at Holme Pierrepoint, Nottingham. Vicky's crew did not win but found the Home Countries
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30/07/04
TOLL BOLLARD: DURHAM City's much vaunted toll bollard has wrecked another car - the 111th incident at the pay point (Echo, July 22). While this doesn't come as a surprise, the dismissive attitude of the county council spokesman does. He asserts that the
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I can't walk away from the people who trust me
HONESTY'S the best policy, but it's a rare item in a politician's portfolio. They've got the art of saying one thing and meaning another really defined. That's why we have a whole army of commentators and analysts who specialise in reading the runes and
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The real indictment
SO Sven and Mark Palios have finally found a diamond formation which performs to their satisfaction. But will Sven have the chance to make the diamond work for his England team? It will be a blow for Middlesbrough if, just when Steve McClaren has assembled
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Girl in critical condition after car smash
A teenage girl has been left in a critical condition after an accident when the car she was travelling in collided with a tree. The 15-year-old girl was taken to James Cook Memorial Hospital in Middlesbrough with serious head injuries following the accident
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Gloomy outlook for Green Howards' future
RICHMOND town council has vowed to do everything in its power to ensure the future of the Green Howards regiment. While army officers are keen not to launch a campaign prematurely, there are fears that the regiment could be amalgamated and its name lost
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So many more miles
Sir, - I refer to a letter re the closure of the Black Swan crossing (D&S, July 9). I must disagree with Mrs Hauserman. Whilst I express every sympathy to Mrs Hauserman for her family's loss I am not sure that she is fully aware as to the extent of
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Bramble hails summer transfers
TITUS Bramble is confident that the capture of Nicky Butt will cement Newcastle's status as "one of the top clubs in the country". Butt became Sir Bobby Robson's third summer signing when he completed a protracted £2.5m move from Manchester United yesterday
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Leeds bring Quakers' run to an end
Darlington 2 - Leeds United 4 THE Quakers' unbeaten pre-season run was brought to end on Tuesday night but former Charlton forward Kim Grant made an impressive start. In front of a crowd of 5,872, Grant took only three minutes to open the scoring in the
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Comment from The Northern Echo: When parents lose control
WE find it extremely hard to understand why anyone should want to play a computer game based on showing the player how to indulge in brutal killings. But it is difficult to argue that violent computer games should be banned completely when films with
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Bed-hoppers beware
The history of my love life might read like a horror novel but (as far as I am aware) I have never been cheated on. Finding out that your partner has played away from home must be devastating but once the tears have dried it is not surprising that thoughts
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Hobson accused of four murders
A FORMER binman at the centre of one of North Yorkshire Police's biggest investigations was last night charged with the murders of twin sisters and an elderly couple. Mark Hobson, 34, will appear before magistrates in Harrogate today accused of killing
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McCarthy's urgent hunt for a striker
MICK McCarthy was always planning to run the rule over Nathan Blake and Mark Burchill in training today but, after watching his misfiring strikers draw a blank at Scunthorpe last night, the Black Cats boss will be looking on more intently than ever. Carl
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Musicians bring some Spanish style
A GROUP of Spanish musicians are due to arrive in the North-East today. The six musicians are the guests of businessman Gus Robinson, who is involved in house developments on the Costa Blanca. Mr Robinson said: "The visit is part of the ongoing efforts
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Hospitals face £3.9m cash shortfall by end of year
A SHORTFALL of £3.9m is being forecast for the end of the year by hospitals in County Durham and Darlington. Just three months into the present financial year, in June, the hospitals NHS trust has reported a deficit of £906,000, which in May amounted
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Equal rights for women works both ways
IF I said new Euro-MP Godfrey Bloom was welcome to peer behind my fridge any day he cared to call, I'd be on very safe ground. I've had a built-in fridge for more than 20 years. Behind the freezer is quite another matter, but Mr Bloom was very specific
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TV review
I'm Alright Jack (BBC2) THIS began as yet another life swap show in which someone switches places to experience a completely different side of life. Andrew Diaper, a 32-year-old City worker earning a six-figure salary, was to spend a week as a volunteer
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Joint leaders Northallerton are spared Teasdale
Joint leaders Northallerton will not have to face Billy Teasdale when they meet third-top Bishop Auckland at Kingsway on Saturday. Teasdale was seen as a major coup when he moved from Evenwood a couple of weeks ago but he has had a sudden change of heart
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A great dining deal on the road to Whitby
PLANNING a day trip to Whitby, we decided to have a spot of lunch on route. Wanting something a bit more formal than a pub, we thought of a few hotels likely to provide suitable sustenance. Unfortunately it was Saturday and two of the better establishments
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A whisker too close for pet food giant's liking
A Family-owned cat food firm has won the right to keep its packaging in the face of a court fight by a multi-national company. Mars Incorporated, the parent company of Masterfoods, which manufactures the cat meal Whiskas, took objection to packaging used
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Opposition to quarry grows with web launch
OPPOSITION is growing against a proposal to reopen the dormant Crossthwaite quarry at Middleton in Teesdale. On Wednesday night, 49 members of the public attended a meeting of Middleton Parish Council to discuss the implications of its reopening. Strathmore
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Report highlights children's tooth decay
CHILDREN in some parts of the North-East have three times more dental decay than in other areas. The main causes of this variation are fluoridation and deprivation, according to Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson. Research highlighted in his annual
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Zetland PC trio enjoy trials success
The inaugural Cumwhinton British Eventing Horse Trials near Carlisle saw a trio of winners from the Zetland Pony Club, all of whom were also pupils of Barnard Castle School. Nicky Smith of Barbard Castle rode Sue Russell's Heatherdene Painted Lady to
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Twins gain same degree
Twin sisters who followed identical career paths have both graduated from the same university with the same degree. Francesca and Georgina Brown will graduate from the University of Teesside with social science degrees. However, the 22-year-old's, from
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Water cascade and lights in £6.5m town centre plan
A WATER cascade and pulsating light columns could feature in Darlington's £6.5m town centre pedestrianisation scheme. They were two of the ideas announced at Monday's meeting of the council's town centre and transport forum. Other details revealed included
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29/07/04
BISHOP AUCKLAND HOSPITAL: I AM writing to express my utter disgust at your coverage of the maternity service in Bishop Auckland since the changes took place in May 2004. Midwives, managers and nurses across the Trust worked extremely hard to secure the
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Coast-to-coast in clip-clop style
FUNDraiser Aubrey Hanley and friends are planning a cross-country marathon for charity - and plan to travel in style. They will be doing the coast-to-coast route aboard a custom-made carriage pulled by a 15-year-old Connemara thoroughbred known as Mickey
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Residents earn Asbo court praise
RESIDENTS of a North-East seaside town have been praised after a Redcar teenager was given a four-year anti-social behaviour order (Asbo.) Scott Wood, of Harwal Road, Redcar, was served with the order at Teesside Magistrates on Wednesday. Officers involved
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Fleming signs for Quakers
DARLINGTON manager David Hodgson believes Curtis Fleming's wealth of experience in the game will be a major asset to the club after signing the former Middlesbrough defender on a free transfer. Despite lucrative offers from Scotland and his native Ireland
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Runners' risk
Sir, - In response to the letter "Disappointing race" (D&S July 16), I was disgusted to read the comments of Margaret Land. As the start marshal for the last 17 years to the Lyke Wake Race, I have never had a bad report from any of the competitors
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Folk warbles from Wobble
A FORMER punk will play in Teesside at the weekend. Jah Wobble will perform traditional English folk music at The Arc, in Stockton, tomorrow as part of the Stockton International Riverside Festival. The former bass player with punk band Public Image Limited
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Alrida proves a winner on the flat and over hurdles
MARKET RASEN, Glorious Goodwood, both come alike to tough battler Alrida, winner of a hurdle recently at the first and successful in racing's longest flat race, the Goodwood Stakes over two miles five furlongs of the Sussex Downs on Wednesday. Trainer
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Sven hits back as sex scandal storm rages
Embattled England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson came out fighting last night as he finally broke his silence over the controversy surrounding his affair with a Football Association secretary. The Swede found himself at the centre of a sex scandal after it
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GP backs asylum seekers
A DOCTOR from the region has urged medics to challenge attempts to exclude failed aslyum seekers from NHS treatment. Dr Paul Williams, writing in today's British Medical Journal, argues that it is "unethical" to deny failed asylum seekers access to NHS
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Pecking sparrow has couple in a flap
A SPARROW is ruining Nigel and Audrey Copestake's peace and quiet. The couple, from Aldbrough St John, say the bird's constant tapping at their windows is driving them mad. The sparrow took up residence in their front garden in early May and since then
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MPs oppose wind farm
A massive off-shore wind farm with the power to supply 72,000 homes has received another blow. EDF Energy wants to build 30 giant turbines half a mile off Coatham Sands, in Redcar, east Cleveland. But the development is facing growing opposition because
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Summer school allows bright youngsters of town to shine
THIRTY of the brightest youngsters in Darlington have taken part in a summer school learning about the town's history. The year six and seven pupils have taken part in the Darlington Schools' Gifted and Talented Summer School, which was open to children
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Trooper offers advice on Army life
A DARLINGTON soldier is returning home to give advice about life in the Army. Trooper James Mitchell, 18, will be spending time at the Darlington Army Careers Office at 148 Northgate, from Monday to Friday next week, to talk about training, travel and
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Bede heads for profit after transatlantic deal signed
X-RAY technology specialist Bede plc is on course to make its first profit after sealing a deal with a leading US semiconductor company. Analysts have revised their expectations of the company and believe it will be operating in the black by the end of
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Following ghostly footprints
A FLEETING glimpse of a woman in eighteenth century dress has heralded the start of ghost walks in Richmond. Amateur actress Rhoda Fraser donned period costume to launch the series of attractions, which starts on August 12. Dressed as Frances I'Anson
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Wood continues good form, but Yorkshire are suffering
Acting captain Matthew Wood continued his rich vein of form with the bat, making a commanding 89, but Yorkshire still struggled. By the close they had reached 276 for six in reply to Derbyshire's 406 at sweltering Derby and were finding it difficult to
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Fire victims' support extended
A SERVICE to help families who are victims of fire or flood damage has been extended. The British Red Cross Society is working in partnership with Cleveland Fire Brigade to deliver the Teesside Fire Victim Support Service. The aim of the service is to
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Andrew proves learning has no boundaries for adult students
AFTER childhood health problems kept him away from conventional education, an adult student is proving that it is never too late to learn. Andrew Johnson, 33, who lives at the Grange Residential Home in Shildon, was born paralysed from the waist down
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Council's question time session hailed a success
A COUNCIL says it is pleased with the public response to a question time session it held. About 170 people attended Durham City Council's State of the City event, in the Gala Theatre, to hear questions from the public put to a panel that included council
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Grain prices
OLD crop wheat prices have fallen further towards new crop. The first wheats have been cut further south, so this decline is set to continue. New crop prices have not really moved as we are near support levels, but there are no signs of significant export
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£25m for sale of council land
SENIOR council officials say the biggest cash windfall in the history of the authority represents members' best ever chance to make a difference in the borough. Sedgefield Borough Council is to receive at least £25m from housing land sales over the next
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Search for Bruno
A FAMILY have made an impassioned plea for help in finding their pet dog after he went missing from a back garden in Bishop Auckland. Emma and Chris Donohue had been reunited with their boxer dog Bruno after paying £2,000 to have him flown from their
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Hobson in court
Former binman Mark Hobson made his first appearance in court today charged with the murder of four people. Looking shaken and unkempt, he looked around nervously as he stood in the glassed-off dock of the number one court at Harrogate Magistrates. Flanked
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Toy library
A toy library operates from the Volunteer Centre in Clarence Terrace, Chester-le-Street, on Mondays between 10am and 3pm and is open to all youngsters registered with the town's SureStart scheme. For more details call 0800 083 0026.
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Students twinned with work
TWO students from Germany are carrying out work experience in Teesside thanks to the Redcar and Cleveland Twinning Association. Eva-Maria Klein and Mira Sengupta, both 21, are about to begin their second year at the Ludwig Erhardt College, Bonn, where
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Teacher crosses the pond to share ideas
A TEESSIDE teacher represented the area on a trip to America's leading university. Evelyn Wilson told delegates at Harvard University about Creative Partnerships Tees Valley's programme to improve creative learning in schools. About 300 people from all
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Last entries to annual show
ENTRIES for this year's Sedgefield Show close today. The 151st show will be held on the Robert Brown Showfield in West Park, Sedgefield, on Saturday, August 14. The future of the show had been threatened by the foot-and-mouth outbreak, but volunteers
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N-E police centre closure confirmed
THE major training centre for police probationers in the North-East is to close with the loss of 45 full and part-time jobs. Aykley Heads, at police headquarters in Durham, will shut in March next year, the body responsible for police training, Centrex
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Tooth decay in children is 'higher on Teesside'
THE Government's chief medical officer has called for more fluoridation of water supplies on Teesside and in south-west Durham. Sir Liam Donaldson believes it would dramatically reduce the high levels of tooth decay among children in areas where fluoride
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Adults are urged to learn for free
ADULTS in west Redcar or Skelton are invited to enrol for free courses. The courses, which will start in the week beginning Monday, September 27, are advertised in an Adult Learning Service brochure which will be posted to all residents of Redcar by the
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SureStart plans playday for families
FAMILIES with children aged under four have been invited to join in a playday at their local SureStart scheme. The Brandon and Deerness Valley areas of Sure Start will be holding the event at Deerness Valley Comprehensive School, Bracken Court, Ushaw
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Hospital gets familiar partner
A PIONEERING partnership between a national pharmacy chain and a mental health care trust has been launched in the region. The contract between Boots and health chiefs in County Durham will lead to a new pharmacy service being provided at the £20m West
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Clergymen planning campaign to cut road deaths toll
TWO clergymen are pioneering a campaign to help curb deaths on North Yorkshire's roads. The move by the Vicar of Norton, the Reverend Bill Ankers, and Father Tim Bywater, of St Leonard and St Mary's Catholic Church, Malton, follows a number of funerals
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Open air gallery for apprentices' work
MIDDLESBROUGH town centre will host an open air gallery next month when Gallery TS1 takes up residency in Captain Cook Square. The scheme is an arts apprenticeship scheme for young people during the summer. The idea was developed by Middlesbrough Council's
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Street cred
Stockton is now one of the top places in the world for entertainers to take to the streets. VIV HARDWICK talks to festival director Frank Wilson and a top Australian circus performer Ali Weaver. THE daring young woman on the flying trapeze, 29year-old
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Blazer is designed to keep pupils dry
SOGGY children arriving dripping wet for lessons could be a thing of the past after a North firm launched the world's first waterproof school blazer. School Colours, of Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, hope the Ducksback blazer will prove to be a uniform
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Trial run boosts hopes of cinema's return to town
A MOVE to help give Northallerton its own cinema has paid dividends. Organisers of a special movie show have been encouraged by the response, and more films could now be shown. Rotary Club members teamed up with young campaigners who are calling for a
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Hand picked!
FANCY some really fresh fruit and veg this weekend? Then maybe you should get out and Pick Your Own. PYO's boom time was in the 70s, when we all got freezers and self-sufficiency at the same time. Fruit farms popped up everywhere. In the early days of
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Theatre reveals new programme
HARROGATE Theatre has announced a diverse autumn and winter programme. The programme ranges from candlelit dinner theatre to pantomime and opera to sing-alongs. The progamme marks Hannah Chissick's first year as artistic director. A theatre spokesman
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Defence deals sealed at show
MEMBERS of Northern Defence Industries (NDI) walked away with business worth £1.45m after exhibiting at the Farnborough International Air Show. NDI, the organisation that lobbies for work on behalf of companies in the region, took 15 members to the event
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Shell hit by record fine over reserves
OIL group Shell has been given a total of £82.7m in fines for violating market rules by lowering its reserves. It must pay a record £17m to the Financial Services Authority -four times more than the heaviest penalty previously imposed by the regulator
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Interlocking artwork reflects strength of business partnership
AYCLIFFE Fabrications has completed a steel sculpture that will stand at the entrance to a business park. The artwork, designed by artists Lee and Jill Brewster, of LJB Design, will be at the entrance to North Seaton Industrial Estate, in Ashington, Northumberland
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All good clean fun at Simon's cartoon workshop
THE co-founder of comic magazine Viz toned down his humour yesterday to teach young children the finer arts of cartoon drawing. Rather than demonstrating raunchy creations such as Johnny Fartpants, the Fat Slags, Biffa Bacon and Eight Ace, Simon Donald
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Cross-compliance conditions 'unworkable as package' - TFA
FARMERS will have to leave a two-metre margin near hedges and ditches under the single farm payment cross-compliance conditions. The announcement by Margaret Beckett, Defra Secretary of State, was greeted with "extreme disappointment" by NFU president
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Electrician in hospital after crane ordeal
AN electrician was recovering in hospital last night after becoming trapped by a crane at an engineering company. The man is understood to have been working on an electrical fault at Cleveland Bridge's premises in Yarm Road, Darlington. It is believed
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Difficult defence cuts
DEFENCE reviews are tricky at the best of times but the one we are now involved in is likely to be markedly more problematic than those in the past. For the RAF it is relatively straightforward, which is why the announcement about RAF Leeming's future
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Burrell's Boxer Cup hopes dashed at Donington
Teenage BMW Boxer Cup ace Barry Burrell saw his hopes of top ten finish in front of his home crowd dashed when an incorrect tyre choice robbed him of a good result in front of 82,000 fans packed trackside for the British Grand Prix at Donington Park last
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Lib Dems choose their candidate
THE first candidate in the by-election to replace Hartlepool MP Peter Mandelson was announced last night. Mother-of-four Jody Dunn, 35, was chosen as the Liberal Democrat candidate following a meeting of local party members at a town centre hotel. After
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Gazza on the menu for charity date
FANS of Paul Gascoigne are being given the chance to have dinner with the football legend, while raising money for a North-East charity. The former England international is giving people the chance to bid for a dinner date with him on ebay.co.uk Proceeds
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Party time!
When I was a child, birthday parties involved lots of jelly and ice-cream, pass the parcel and balloons. I would spend weeks counting down the hours to my big day and couldn't sleep the night before because I was so excited. I have great memories of some
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Rise in work for Legal
INSURER Legal & General benefited from a return in consumer confidence as it reported a sharp rise in new business in the UK. The group said new business volumes for the second quarter were 27 per cent higher than a year earlier, adding that its outlook
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Football legend to tee off for charity
A NORTH-EAST football legend has agreed to take part in a golf tournament to raise money for one of the region's best-known charities. Former Scotland, Newcastle United and Sunderland skipper Bobby Moncur is one of the celebrities who have agreed to play
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Drug dealer back in court
The leader of a gang which distributed massive amounts of drugs across the north of England will be back in court next week as police try to recover the money he made from his dealing. A half-day confiscation hearing will be held into the finances of
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A reality show with heart
I'm Alright Jack (BBC2): THIS began as yet another life swap show in which someone switches places to experience a completely different side of life. Andrew Diaper, a 32-year-old City worker earning a six-figure salary, was to spend a week as a volunteer
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Study reveals fear of giving evidence against criminals
WITNESSES are too frightened to attend court to give evidence against criminals, new research has found. Findings from a study in County Durham and Darlington also revealed many people believe criminals will not be caught or will be handed a lenient sentence
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Tuning up for multi-cultural festival
A MULTI-cultural festival of music and dance could attract bumper crowds. The organisers of the Sunderland Mega Mela, Unity, which promotes racial understanding in the city, are hoping for a big turnout. The main event will take place at Cliffe Park,
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Hebridean breeders flock to Leyburn
THE Hebridean Sheep Society enjoyed a highly successful national breed show at Leyburn auction mart on Sunday. Sixty breeders from as far afield as Holland and the Western Isles attended the weekend symposium and show and were joined by a similar number
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Prices at the Marts
BARNARD CASTLE. - Wed of last week. Fwd: 1,398 sheep. Lambs lt to 110p av 106p; std to 115p av 111.4p; med to 117p av 110.8p; heavy to 114p av 111.6p; owt to 93p. Cast sheep: Cont to £46.50; Cont & Rouge to £43; Texel to £42. Lambs std: Texel to £44.50
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Factory's new owner not ruling out job cuts
THE new owner of a troubled food factory says he is confident the business can be turned around and made profitable, but says there may be job losses. Wayne Hitchman, who has taken over Freshbake Foods, in Hartlepool, after leading a management buyout
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Quakers legend honoured as club looks forward to new season
DARLINGTON Football Club is looking forward to a new start this season with the town's residents and businesses backing it all the way. A successful pre-season both on and off the field has seen the club win five out of seven of its friendly matches and
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Village newcomer set among some venerable neighbours
In the 1850s the area now occupied by Langley Park village consisted of empty fields and scattered farmhouses on the south side of the River Browney. A mile to the east lay the village of Witton Gilbert, tracing its origins back to Norman times and nearby
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County Hall will get the message about quarrying
CAMPAIGNERS against more quarrying around an ancient monument in North Yorkshire were making a special delivery to county hall this morning. Members of Heritage Action were taking to the county council about 1,000 letters of objection to plans to extend
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Bede heads for profit after transatlantic deal signed
X-RAY technology specialist Bede plc is on course to make its first profit after sealing a deal with a leading US semiconductor company. Analysts have revised their expectations of the company and believe it will be operating in the black by the end of
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Will somebody at the BBC take the hint
SPECTATOR could never condone law breaking, but he was given food for thought by a colleague who possesses only terrestrial televsion channels following a report on the quality of programmes shoved out by the BBC. Having endured a particularly dire evening
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Great Yorks success for Jerome
Jermone Harforth from The Stanley Grange Stud, Great Ayton, enjoyed a successful time at The Great Yorkshire Show, Harrogate, when he took the Cuddy Supreme in hand qualifier and his ticket for the Horse of the Year Show. Jerome was showing Karen Hill'a
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Gentle giants bring family decades of success
TWO farming brothers have embarked on another show season with their prize-winning Shire and Clydesdale horses. The Bedford family has shown heavy horses for decades, collecting championship awards from the Royal and Great Yorkshire down to the smallest
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Agencies and funds schemes to go in major shake-up
THREE countryside agencies and 100 funding schemes are to be slashed in a radical shake-up. English Nature, parts of the Countryside Agency, and most of the Rural Development Service are to be merged into a new integrated agency, and 100 separate rural
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Flowerdrum ready to blossom
FLOWERDRUM (3.15) is fancied to produce a career best performance by capturing this afternoon's £100,000 William Hill Mile at Glorious Goodwood. The William Haggas-trained daughter of Mister Baileys has been drawn right in the middle of the pack (11 of22
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Red river now worse
MOVES are under way in a bid to clean up a red-tainted water course in Saltburn. The stream, which flows through Saltburn Gill nature reserve to Saltburn beach, is known locally as Red River as iron ore leaks into it from a disused mine. Saltburn parish
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I can't walk away from the people who trust me
HONESTY'S the best policy, but it's a rare item in a politician's portfolio. They've got the art of saying one thing and meaning another really defined. That's why we have a whole army of commentators and analysts who specialise in reading the runes and
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Theatre group's £45,000 boost
THE future of a travelling theatre group looks bright after it received £45,000 to continue its work in rural communities. The Richmond-based North Country Theatre is one of 14 organisations and artists from North Yorkshire to receive money from the Arts
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Pair fail to overturn murder convictions
A father and son who meted out a fatal punishment beating to a North-East man have failed in a bid to overturn their murder convictions. London's Appeal Court ruled circumstantial evidence alone had been enough for the jury to convict John Mawhinney,
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CD night will give music fans a treat
Music fans can enjoy a night of new sounds at a Northern Echo gig tonight. Music website Revolution is presenting an event where three North-East bands will launch CDs. The Shining, The Fray and Eskimo will be performing at The Forum Music Centre, Borough
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Victim's drive for sunbeds safety
A YOUNG mother who has terminal skin cancer has helped launch a drive to reduce the risk of indoor tanning. Sam Broadbent, 31, urged an audience of sunbed operatives to back Stockton Borough Council's campaign. "I won't be around to see my two young sons
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Durham Memories: Village newcomer set among some venerable neighbours
In the 1850s the area now occupied by Langley Park village consisted of empty fields and scattered farmhouses on the south side of the River Browney. A mile to the east lay the village of Witton Gilbert, tracing its origins back to Norman times and nearby
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Muchall's fighting spirit
GORDON Muchall showed a welcome determination to cling to the wreckage of Durham's season at Grace Road yesterday, only to fall in the 90s for the third time this year. The 21-year-old Durham School product was on 95 when he suffered a bizarre dismissal
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Steel delivery
The five millionth tonne of slab of steel since 2001 has been delivered by train from Corus' Teesside site to South Wales. Over the last five years, more than 5,000 trains have been used to deliver the metal to Teesside's sister plant.
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The common weed once valued as a plant of many qualities
AN ARRAY of thistles along the route of my morning walk reminded me that the adoption of this plant as the emblem of Scotland seems to have occurred as long ago as 1503. This was reinforced in 1687 when James II of England instituted the Order of the
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£1,000 fine for fatal crash driver, 68
A PENSIONER, whose driving resulted in the death of a doctor's wife, is having sleepless nights over the incident, a court heard yesterday. Harrogate magistrates were told that seven months later, John Coughtrey, 68, was still trying to come to terms
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'Lies' show is a great success, honestly
AN insight into the way lies are told is a surprise hit of one of the region's premier arts festivals. Actors, dancers, musicians and digital artists have created the interactive display, called Fib, which is showing as part of Stockton International
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McCarthy's urgent hunt for a striker
MICK McCarthy was always planning to run the rule over Nathan Blake and Mark Burchill in training today but, after watching his misfiring strikers draw a blank at Scunthorpe last night, the Black Cats boss will be looking on more intently than ever. Carl
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Muchall's fighting spirit
GORDON Muchall showed a welcome determination to cling to the wreckage of Durham's season at Grace Road yesterday, only to fall in the 90s for the third time this year. The 21-year-old Durham School product was on 95 when he suffered a bizarre dismissal
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Flowerdrum ready to blossom
FLOWERDRUM (3.15) is fancied to produce a career best performance by capturing this afternoon's £100,000 William Hill Mile at Glorious Goodwood. The William Haggas-trained daughter of Mister Baileys has been drawn right in the middle of the pack (11 of22
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Burton's Bytes: Spin-off that makes sleuthing simple
CSI: DARK MOTIVES. Published by: Ubisoft. Format: PC CD-ROM. Price: £34.99 or less: CRIME Scene Investigation, or CSI to its millions to fans, swept the board at the Emmy awards - television's version of the Oscars - earlier this month. Audiences all
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We know how Kyle died, say police
MURDER hunt detectives have discovered how a North-East toddler met his death. However, Cleveland Police are refusing to reveal publicly how two-and-a-half year old Kyle Fisher received his head injuries. Initially, police had been told the Hartlepool
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Disgust as victims' charity prepares to shut town office
THE North-East office of a charity that helps victims of crime is to close. Victim Support's office in Darlington will shut after more than 20 years in the town, and a spokesman for the charity in County Durham said more could shut if a county-wide restructuring
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Railway signs of success
THE signs are out and the trains are ready to roll even further on the railway that came back from the dead. Staff at the reborn Wensleydale Railway, North Yorkshire, are preparing for the next major development on the line that reopened to spectacular
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Shop Talk: Hand-picked for perfection
After a spell of laziness, we've rediscovered our passion for Pick Your Own fruit farms. FANCY some really fresh fruit and veg this weekend? Then maybe you should get out and Pick Your Own. PYO's boom time was in the 70s, when we all got freezers and
