Archive
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Hignett's arrival signals new era
DAVID HODGSON believes the arrival of Craig Hignett is a clear signal that Darlington are back in business. Hignett yesterday agreed to join Quakers on a free transfer, just 24 hours after the club finally came out of administration. The former Middlesbrough
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Warm welcome for company that made the desert boom
WHEN people think of Dubai, the image that usually comes to mind is of fantastic hotels such as the Burj al Arab, built in the shape of an Arabian dhow sail . Multi-billion dollar company Emaar is responsible for those hotels, and most of Dubai's other
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Shoplifter given chance to avoid jail
A TEENAGE shoplifter has been spared prison and given one last chance by magistrates. Linda Dodsworth, 18, of Melonsby Crescent, Darlington, was warned she faces custody if she re-offends She admitted stealing jeans and a top worth £60 from the town's
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Second stage of town regeneration under way
THE second stage of a multi-million pound regeneration scheme for Spennymoor town centre is under way. Earlier this month, the controversial fountain in the middle of the town was pulled down - signalling the start of phase two of the streetscape project
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Death of former High Sheriff at 91
A FORMER High Sheriff of North Yorkshire has died at the age of 91. Lieutenant Colonel David Tetley was a former commander of the Yorkshire Hussars and became High Sheriff in 1975. He farmed at Brawby Park, Brawby, near Malton and held many public roles
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MP leads fight over plans for housing
AN MP is to lead a campaign against a controversial planning application. Redcar MP Vera Baird is leading the High Grange Campaign Group, which held its first meeting on Monday. It was formed after more than 150 people attended a public meeting last week
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Boots and beer weekend
HUNDREDS of ramblers will head for the Yorkshire Dales at the weekend for the Boots and Beer Walking Festival. This year's event in Wensleydale will form part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park's 50th anniversary celebrations. A total of 12 walks will
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'Alarm bells' led woman to abuse claim
A WOMAN who claims she was indecently assaulted by a man during her childhood only reported it years later after seeing him with another girl. Durham Crown Court heard the woman, now aged 36, did not come forward at the time of the alleged incidents but
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Council vehicles switch to green fuel
A COUNCIL has gone from green to greener by using an environmentally-friendly fuel to run its vans and lorries. The vast majority of the Durham County Council's 480-strong fleet of vehicles are being converted from ultra low sulphur diesel to run on new
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Attacker is freed as girl forgives him
A MAN who attacked his teenage girlfriend in their home walked free from court after she forgave him. Jonathon Johnson, 23, left the 16-year-old covered in cuts and bruises after he lashed out at the home they shared in Charles Street, Boldon Colliery
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Thieves push away £6,400 road diggers
DETECTIVES are hunting thieves who stole two road diggers worth £6,400 from a North-East warehouse. Two men were captured on security cameras walking into Jewsons Tool Hire, in Lingfield Way, Darlington. They pushed away two JCB hydraulic diggers at 2.30pm
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Woman's shock over 'rude' logo
A MOTHER was so shocked when she saw a van logo of two semi-naked women that she rang police. The emergency services were stunned to receive the call from the woman, who said she was incensed by the logo she saw on the side of the vehicle in Darlington
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Conference to focus on help for vulnerable youngsters
THE problems faced by the most vulnerable young people in a Teesside town are to be discussed today by professionals who could help them. The Support for Vulnerable Young People conference, in Middlesbrough, will focus on issues which have a negative
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BBC presenter recovering after illness
VETERAN BBC local radio personality Frank Wappat was back home yesterday after spending five days in hospital recovering from a brain haemorrhage. Mr Wappat was taken to Bishop Auckland General Hospital, County Durham, last Friday after taking ill at
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Nominating groups for Queen's Award
AN MP is calling for her constituents to nominate local volunteer groups for this year's Queen's Award for Voluntary Service. More than 300 community and voluntary groups in Britain have won the award, now in its third year, which was created to mark
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Mayor to unveil new-look square as part of revamp
A PLAIN square surrounded by houses in a historic part of Hartlepool has been revitalised by a regeneration project. Regent Square on the Headland, which was previously a bland, grassed area surrounded by old railings, now has an improved appearance.
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Soldier accused of murdering Iraqi
THE first British soldier to be charged with the murder of a civilian in Iraq appeared in court yesterday. Trooper Kevin Lee Williams, 21, assigned to the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, is accused of murdering Hassan Abbad Said on or before August 3 last year
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Cash snub but sports centre will be built
PLANS for a £12.5m sports centre may have to be scaled down after National Lottery bosses snubbed the project. Sport England has refused to give £2.7m towards the new complex at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire. But despite the shortfall, project bosses
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Bringing mirth to Macbeth
Royal Shakespeare company actor Forbes Masson tells Viv Hardwick why he's bringing a belly-laugh to one of the Bard's bloodiest plays. LAUGH-a-minute doesn't quite cover Forbes Masson's dramatic contribution to the Royal Shakespeare Company's production
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Girl rescued after slipping on to rocks
A TEENAGER had to be rescued by firefighters after falling on to rocks at a North-East seaside town yesterday. Ambulance crews - alerted by a woman with a mobile phone at 2.50pm - needed firefighters' help to rescue the 14-year-old girl, who had fallen
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Fire-hit firm unveils £3.5m bakery plan
A BAKERY firm has announced plans to rebuild its plant which was destroyed in an arson attack earlier this year. Peters Cathedral Bakers, which has 71 shops and 700 employees across the North-East, said that work would begin on the site at Dragonville
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Message in bottle found 99 years on
IN 1905, aspirin went on sale in Britain and the first suffragettes were being sent to jail, but farmer William Lawrence Bailey had more important things on his mind. He was busy restoring a cottage he owned in the village of Ainderby Steeple, near Northallerton
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The Sex Bomb at the end of the road
OUR kids, like most kids, don't appreciate anything. They take it all for granted - don't know they're born. They'd been treated to a week in London: seeing the sights, going to shows, eating out, spending a small fortune, and generally having a great
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Home Secretary tackled on fear of crime
RESIDENTS on a crime-hit estate were visited by a top politician yesterday who listened to their tales of fear and misery. Home Secretary David Blunkett took a walk around the Belle Vue area of Hartlepool and met pensioner Hilda Abbott, who was robbed
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Fire stations will close if single authority is created
Fire stations will inevitably close if voters back an elected assembly and a single fire authority for the entire North-East, MPs were warned today. But Richard Bull, chief fire officer for Tyne and Wear, insisted the closures should be welcomed because
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Mandelson stands down
Former Cabinet minister Peter Mandelson formally stepped down as a Member of Parliament today to take up his new position as European Commissioner. Mr Mandelson's departure from Westminster will trigger a by-election in his Hartlepool constituency. Although
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Brother blocks return
A CHILD rapist who became a prison friend of Soham murderer Ian Huntley has been banned from returning home to haunt his victims after being shopped by his own brother. William Blower, 49, was released from prison last week but is prevented from returning
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Air force group's boost for appeal
THE Northern Echo's Forgotten Hero appeal has received a boost from former servicemen and women. The Darlington branch of the Royal Air Force Association has donated £1,000 to the paper's fund to get a £40,000 statue of Second World War hero Andrew Mynarski
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Labour launches Hartelpool by-election campaign
The campaign for the September 30 Hartlepool by-election to pick a successor to former Cabinet minister Peter Mandelson was launched by Labour in the Commons today. The party's business managers moved the writ for the key contest in the run-up to a possible
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Bus drivers call off strike action
Bus drivers on Tyneside have called off two days of strike action. At the end of last month, around 750 members of the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) voted in favour of one-day strikes on 10 and 17 September. Three depots in the region - Slatyford
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08/09/04
CYCLING - The law states that riding on footpaths is illegal. To make the law more readily enforceable, from August 1, 1999, for anyone over 16 it was made subject to a fixed penalty fine of £30. Thus, the police no longer have to take these offenders
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Fire brigage reunites mother and baby
A mother had to call the fire brigade this morning after she locked herself out of the house while her baby was inside. A fire crew from Durham City were called out shortly after 10.45am when the woman rang for help to get back into her home in the luxury
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Police crack down on nuisence bikers
POLICE are cracking down on young bikers taking to the roads and pathways illegally and causing misery for people in Darlington. The authority has seen a dramatic rise in the number of complaints about people on mopeds and trial bikes causing havoc. Riders
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Council calls emergency meeting over education strategy
Members of a Labour-run North-East council have called an emergency meeting over the Government's 'potentially harmful' five year strategy for education. Durham County Council's controlling Labour Group issued a statement today saying it had grave concerns
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McCarthy linked with Blackburn job
SUNDERLAND boss Mick McCarthy last night emerged as a surprise contender for the vacant managerial position at Blackburn. Rovers officials are currently sifting through more than 20 applications as they weigh up their options in the light of Graeme Souness
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Recycling brings in £1,000 for youth
HOUSEHOLDERS have raised £1,000 for a youth scheme in Easington by using the Kerb-it kerbside recycling scheme. Premier Waste Management, which handles the collections of cans, bottles and paper for District of Easington Council, has pledged to give £1
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Church marks 75 years with celebration
A CHURCH is celebrating the 75th anniversary of its consecration with a series of events this weekend. St Aiden's Church, in Annfield Plain, near Stanley, will be marking the event with a wine and cheese party at 7pm on Friday. A coffee morning, along
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A chance to discover the wildlife on your doorstep
THE wildlife of Durham, and the efforts to conserve it, will be featured in an exhibition on Saturday in the town hall. The event, called Wildlife On Your Doorstep and organised by the city council, will bring together action groups and environmentalists
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Householders are told to beware the cowboys
HOUSEHOLDERS are being warned to beware of cowboy builders who knock on doors offering to carry out work. Council officers in Hartlepool are keen to prevent a repeat of last year when they were left with a £10,000 bill to clean up tonnes of concrete and
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Action plan to improve smiles
A WIDE-RANGING action plan to bring primary NHS dental care to an extra 150,000 people has been put together by a health authority. If the plan is a success, it would see an extra 80 dentists recruited by the end of 2009. Problems with the lack of NHS
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Turner has late chance to shine
DURHAM are to hand England Under-19 paceman Mark Turner his first-class debut in their final match of the season against Leicestershire, starting at Riverside today. Turner, from Sunderland, had to return early from the Youth World Cup last winter because
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Graffiti art used to help repair shelter
YOUNG people have used graffiti art to redecorate a vandalised youth shelter. The team from Cockfield, worked with graffiti artist Paul Richards after vandals damaged their youth shelter. The youth shelter was built in 1999 but recently had to have metal
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Councillors to pay playground balance
COUNCILLORS have agreed to pay the remaining money owed to a company for the provision of a village playground once a new drain has been installed. Middleton St George Parish Council still owe £5,945 to Wicksteed, the firm responsible for installing equipment
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Tearful boy's plea to bike thieves
A FOOTBALL-MAD boy was left devastated after thieves stole his bike, which had been adapted by his favourite football club. Bryan Walker, nine, of Billingham, made a trip to the Sunderland AFC club shop to buy the £180 bike. But thieves took the cycle
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Wensleydale wins top cheese award
Wallace and Gromit are not the only ones to profess a love for Wensleydale cheese. The country's most famous proponents of the delicacy have been joined by the judges of what is billed as the cheese 'Oscars'. For the Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes, North
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Appeal to fans over Euro debut
POLICE last night warned Middlesbrough fans planning to travel without tickets to the club's first European away trip that they could not guarantee their safety. Officials are expecting huge demand for tickets, with just 900 being made available for the
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Contest to capture N-E spirit on film
A PHOTOGRAPHIC competition to capture the spirit of County Durham has been launched. Durham County Council is looking for images that sum up life in the county for its 2005 calendar. Marketing officer Andrew Dean said: "We want people in County Durham
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Business briefs
BUSINESSES in the region are being encouraged to take advantage of Lithuania's entry into the EU to establish commercial ties with the country. British Ambassador to Lithuania Colin Roberts visited the North-East to meet businesses and officials who are
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Ryanair's low-cost flights to Rome may create 100 jobs
BOSSES at Teesside Airport say low-cost flights to Rome will open the floodgates for tourism in the region, attracting 100,000 passengers a year and creating 100 jobs. The service, announced yesterday by budget carrier Ryanair, will begin operating daily
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'I feared for the life of my child'
A FIVE-YEAR-OLD girl was able to leave her school unnoticed and walk home alone because of an open gate, her mother said last night. Jodie Williams had to cross a busy road during the three-quarters of a mile journey from Alderman Leach Primary School
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Delegate cleared of sex charge
A DELEGATE at a plumbers' convention was cleared yesterday of squeezing a barmaid's bottom and trying to get her into a toilet for sex. The married woman said that Norman West, 50, targeted her at the function at Middlesbrough FC's Riverside Stadium in
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Work is play with 'magic' boards
CHILDREN found they could write as if by magic on their teacher's whiteboard as their school entered the space age this week. Oaktree Primary School, in Stockton, has installed 17 computer appliances called interactive whiteboards at a cost of about £60,000
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Two decades of war talks
A POPULAR series of public lectures on war-time themes begins its 20th anniversary season later this month. Peter Hart, of the Imperial War Museum, will give the first talk, called Mesopotamia: The First Gulf War, at the DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery
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Nominate groups for royal seal of approval
AN MP is calling for her constituents to nominate local volunteer groups for this year's Queen's Award for Voluntary Service. More than 300 community and voluntary groups in Britain have won the award, now in its third year, which was created to mark
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Council helps shows to grow
A COUNCIL that axed its main gardening event has paid almost £2,000 to support smaller shows. Durham City Council is making grants of £160 to 12 gardening and craft shows. One of the recipients is this weekend's inaugural Durham Horticultural and Craft
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Sacked Wembley workers step up protest
Workers sacked from the prestigious Wembley stadium building project stepped up their protest today with demonstrations at the site and outside the head office of the Football Association. Workers, most of whom are from the North-East, held a giant metal
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Hodgson all set for transfers
FORMER Middlesbrough striker Craig Hignett will learn whether or not he has a future at Leeds United this morning, with Darlington manager David Hodgson standing by to make a move. Hodgson will step up his efforts to bring in at least one new face before
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Wensleydale top cheese
The Wensleydale Creamery in the Yorkshire Dales has won the title of best cheese in Britain at the World Cheese Awards in London. The cheese maker swept the board at the event, picking up three gold medals, four silver and one bronze. The Hawes-based
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Post office workers used asylum seekers to launder benefit books
Royal Mail workers recruited asylum seekers to launder stolen benefit books and cheques in a massive fraud operation, a court was told. Benefit books stolen from Dagenham, Essex, were doctored and cashed within days at village post offices across the
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Man held for rape is innocent
A FRESH hunt for a rapist was under way last night after DNA evidence showed police had arrested and charged the wrong man. Paul Race, 24, spent two weeks in custody after he was accused of the rape of a 30-year-old woman in Shildon, County Durham. But
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Oil prices may push rates higher
THE Bank of England has received a warning that interest rates may have to rise faster to counter increased oil prices as it prepares to make an announcement on rates today. Researchers say that if oil prices remain above $42 a barrel, the bank would
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Darasim's cup can be overflowing
DEPENDABLE Darasim (2.25), who already has the Goodwood Cup in his trophy cabinet, can add the GNER-sponsored Doncaster Cup to his collection of silverware this afternoon. Having finished a gallant third in the Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup, Darasim justified
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Huge crowds turn out for a great show
A RETURN to full strength for the livestock classes helped to pull bumper crowds to England's oldest agricultural show. Almost 40,000 people enjoyed Wolsingham Show on Saturday and Sunday and the strong horse, cattle and sheep classes were a big attraction
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Why wasps must be exterminated
WASPS never used to bother me. I would wave them away politely, or quietly move aside, accusing anyone who flapped or screamed of making an unnecessary fuss. But all that has changed. Over the past few weeks, I have splatted, squashed, zapped and beaten
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£3.6m scheme opens
A £3.6m industrial and warehouse development that could create more than 250 jobs will be opened this week. The Maple Way development, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, which comprises 70,000sq ft of industrial space, will be opened at a launch event
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Whitehall will fight to control assembly powers
A blind adventurer climbed behind the wheel of a car for the first time in two years today and raced to more than 170mph as he began training to break a land speed record. Steve Cunningham, 41, took the helm of a Mercedes SL sports car with a professional
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Bolting horse injures four people
Four people needed hospital treatment after a horse went on the rampage at a village fair. The animal, which was pulling a trap, bolted through the busy market place in Wolsingham, on Friday night. The streets were packed with families enjoying the funfair
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Development 'serious' about investing in Teesside
One of the world's biggest development companies flew into the region today and said it was "serious" about transforming the Tees Valley. Emaar Properties, responsible for turning Dubai into a thriving city from a desert outpost, is planning to perform
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Man died of severe injuries to his head
A MAN whose battered body was found under a pile of logs in woodland died of severe head injuries following a sustained assault, an inquest heard. The details of how Darren Manders, known as Dougie, suffered multiple skull fractures to the front and rear
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Long-awaited Neale report released
The long-awaited report into the Richard Neale scandal - published today - criticises the failure of local and regional health officials to adequately investigate complaints against the surgeon during his chequered career. The independent inquiry was
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Comment from The Northern Echo: Excellency, look no further
THIS is an exciting week for the Tees Valley. Key figures from one of the world's biggest development companies have flown in to examine investment opportunities. And Emaar Properties say they are "serious" about developing a base in an area which is
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I'm innocent, says angry race trainer
A North Yorkshire racehorse trainer arrested by police investigating allegations of race fixing has insisted that he has done nothing wrong. Karl Burke, based at Middleham, said he was 'angry and bitter' at the way officers raided his home at 5am last
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Betsy prices himself out of Pool move
NEALE Cooper last night revealed Kevin Betsy's wage demands were the reason why he didn't sign for Hartlepool United. Betsy signed for Oldham after spending a month on loan at Victoria Park. Cooper was keen on signing the ex-Barnsley man but he wasn't
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Osprey swoops on Nigerian power contracts
A company has secured a £2m contract to help build three power stations in Nigeria. Osprey Shipping, of Wallsend, North Tyneside, will be involved in the transport, marine engineering and installation of generating equipment for the power stations. Launched
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Souness to ring changes
GRAEME SOUNESS will be handed the financial backing to give the Newcastle United squad his personal attention as soon as the January transfer window opens. Known as a manager to adopt the hard-line approach, Souness is expected to be ruthless in his judgement
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Drivers say that more taxis will mean a drop in safety
TAXI drivers have warned that any attempt to increase the number of cabs on the road would affect safety standards. Richmondshire District Council currently grants 65 hackney carriage licences, but the Department of Transport has told the authority to
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Future of RAF base in the balance
The future of an RAF base remains uncertain after a Government announcement that new aircraft will be stationed elsewhere. A defence shake-up earlier this year left RAF Leeming, in North Yorkshire, preparing to lose both its Tornado F3 squadrons by 2008
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NaREC at the heart of wave power
AN energy centre is at the heart of a new partnership to develop wave and tidal power in the UK. The New and Renewable Energy Centre (NaREC), in Blyth, Northumberland, has joined forces with two Scottish universities and the European Marine Energy Centre
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Ameobi welcomes hard-liner
NEWCASTLE striker Shola Ameobi has admitted that Graeme Souness' hardline approach could be just what his team-mates need as they look to recover from their poor start to the season. Souness, who will take up his new post at St James' Park on Monday,
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Recycling rings up £5,000 for children
A GIANT mobile phone signalled the end of a charity fundraising effort that has collected £5,000 for underprivileged children. The phone was handed over to the Railway Children charity by Arriva Trains Northern, whose staff helped to raise the cash from
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Man butted parents for staying up late
A MAN head-butted his 63-year-old mother and threatened to pour boiling water over his stepfather, a court was told yesterday. Peter Charles Hutchinson, 40, launched the late-night attack on Shirley and Malcolm Hutchinson last month, while their young
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Pensioner convicted of persistent sexual abuse
A pensioner is facing a prison sentence after being convicted of subjecting a girl to a persistent course of sexual abuse. David Bell, 72, was today found guilty of five charges of indecency with the girl between July 1991 and August 1995, when his victim
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Prescott spotlight on assembly vote
DEPUTY Prime Minister John Prescott will be in the region over the next two days in the build up to the regional assembly referendum. He will be starting his final tour to promote the Government's "Your Say" information campaign at the National Glass
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Family celebrates double birth
A family is celebrating after two brothers became dads on the same day - with both babies weighing 6lbs 13oz. Wayne Cleary's son Leighton was 11 days late and his brother Craig's daughter Abby was 11 days early. Little Leighton was born at the University
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Florida holidaymakers tell tales of woe
Hundreds of North-East holidaymakers stranded in Florida by Hurricane Frances returned to the region today to described their experiences - and declared the journey back the worst part of their ordeal. The exhausted passengers spoke as they arrived by
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09/09/2004
LOCAL GOVERNMENT: I'M thankful to The Northern Echo for allowing the argument surrounding the way we are to be governed to continue and for highlighting how Ken Manton, Leader of Durham County Council is struggling with basic arithmetic (HAS, Sept 4).
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Tykes miss opportunity
Yorkshire Phoenix looked on powerless from afar yesterday as Nottinghamshire Outlaws beat Somerset Sabres at Taunton by 34 runs to steal promotion from the Tykes in the totesport League. Had Somerset won, then Yorkshire would have kept hold of the third
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Government's Assembly informaiton campaign ends
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott will today bring to a close the Government's ''Your Say'' information campaign on England's first elected regional assembly - after just three weeks. The field is now left open for the campaigners from the respective
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Police search for driver who may hold clues to sex attack
Police are searching for a van driver who may hold vital clues to an alleged sex attack on a young boy more than 20 years ago. Officers have launched an investigation into an allegation of sexual assault involving a seven-year-old boy back in 1983 at
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Holmes to make North-East appearance
DOUBLE Olympic champion Kelly Holmes today confirmed that her first competitive UK appearance since Athens will come in Newcastle's BUPA Great North Mile. The Olympic hero will top the bill at the fourth staging of the road race, which starts and finishes
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Overseas nurses get to grips with Geordie lingo
FOREIGN nurses drafted in to work on North-East hospital wards are having lessons in Geordie to make sure they can understand their patients. When a patient asks to go to the "netty", they will know they wish to go to the toilet and not be confused by
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More candidates announced for by-election
THE number of people contesting the Hartlepool by-election has risen to ten after the announcement of two more candidates. Ed Abrams, 34, from Cheshire, will represent the English Democrats Party, and Alan Howling Laud Hope, 62, from Hampshire, will represent
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Electrifying performance expected from Voltage
PREPARE for an electrifying performance from High Voltage, fancied to storm away with this afternoon's £50,000 Portland Handicap on day one of Doncaster's St Leger meeting. Trainer Karl Burke and jockey Darren Williams could both do with a boost after
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Ancient church is uncovered
ONE of the oldest and most ornate churches in the north of England is throwing its doors open to the public this weekend. A Norman church, St Andrew's, in Haughton-le-Skerne, Darlington, dates back to 1125. During the 7th Century, most of the ancient
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Top six the main objective - Queudrue
FRANCK QUEUDRUE has suggested Middlesbrough's season will be a failure if a place in the top six for the first time in the club's Premiership history is not achieved. After Boro's opening four games, Steve McClaren's men sit fifth in the table having
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Residents complain about response
ANGRY residents told Darlington police it was impossible to get through to them by telephone to report anti-social behaviour. A public meeting at Havelock Street Community Centre heard from a man who had failed to get an answer despite ringing Darlington
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Police accused of not doing enough to tackle travellers
A DARLINGTON councillor has launched a stinging attack on police for failing to tackle trespassing travellers. Councillor Ian Haszeldine, ward member for Lingfield, told a public meeting that travellers were defecating in bushes, organising illegal cock
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Mechanical horse to get back in saddle
A MECHANICAL horse that once galloped on the spot for a North-East gentleman is to be restored to its former glory. The contraption, which was the Edwardian equivalent of today's exercise bicycle, was bought at an auction by the Beamish Museum, near Stanley
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Milburn advised to think hard abour cabinet return
Former Health Secretary Alan Milburn must ''think hard and deep'' about whether he is sufficiently committed to politics to return to the Cabinet, former Labour leader Neil Kinnock said today. The possibility of a return to the political frontline for
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Fears of parking disaster during building work
TRADERS fear a parking catastrophe if city centre redevelopment begins without alternative spaces being created. The latest start date for the much-delayed, multi-million pound Walkergate scheme, in Durham City, is November - when shops are enjoying their
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Quad bike helps to contain fire risk
A QUAD bike has been used to help control vegetation that is a serious fire risk. The bike, fitted with a jet sprayer, has ridden over 14 hectares of bracken on Eston Moor, near Middlesbrough, in a bid to control vegetation and reduce the risk of fire
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Men admit part in conspiracy to supply drugs
FIVE men have appeared in court to admit their part in a conspiracy to supply drugs including cocaine and ecstasy. The men were arrested in June following a series of raids at addresses across Darlington in what was one of the biggest police operations
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Region's pubs set to ban smoking
Hundreds of pubs across the region are set to ban drinkers from lighting up at the bar amid growing concern over the effects of passive smoking. Five of the country's biggest pub chains have agreed to introduce a ban after talking to customers about what
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Government grant stopped Huntsman leaving Teesside
CHEMICALS group Huntsman was poised to pull out of Teesside if it did not receive Government support for its plans to build a £200m polyethylene plant, The Northern Echo can reveal. The US company yesterday announced plans to build the world's largest
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Serving up tasty dishes with ingredients from nature's harvest
VISITORS to Guisborough forest learned there was more to the countryside larder than just brambles and bilberries yesterday. Sixteen people joined countryside rangers in a trek at Guisborough Forest and Walkway, near Pinchinthorpe, to collect nature's
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Mother locked out with baby in house
A MOTHER had to call out the fire brigade yesterday after she locked herself out of the house with her baby inside. The woman had popped out of her new home for a split second when the door swung shut behind and locked tight, with her nine-month-old daughter
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Inquest told woman had multiple stab wounds
THE inquest into the death of Nusrat Ali, who sustained multiple stab wounds at her home in Lothian Road, Middlesbrough, heard she died of haemorrhaging and shock. The 25-year-old call-centre worker died on August 17. Her body was formally identified
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Factory plan on site of old pig farm
A BID to convert a former pig farm into a manufacturing plant in the region is being recommended for approval. The scheme would involve storage of products on land at Potgate Farm, North Stainley, Ripon, for Lightwater Farms Limited, which is close to
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Bike racer tells of grief over friend's death on Isle of Man
LEADING motorbike rider Ian Pattinson has told how the family of a team-mate killed on the Isle of Man race persuaded him to continue racing. The 36-year-old from County Durham was devastated by the death of friend Tommy Clucas, who suffered fatal injuries
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Tragic twist to tale of wayward wallaby
THE tale of a mysterious marsupial that made itself at home in a quiet corner of the North-East has come to a sad end. For about five months, a runaway wallaby amused villagers in Etherley and Toft Hill, County Durham, by holding up traffic and making
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What's the best way to save our seas?
ENVIRONMENTALISTS concerned about the North Sea believe the only way to protect it is to create nature reserves similar to those on land. According to Greenpeace and the Wildlife Trusts, the North Sea is under threat from problems including overfishing
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Abandoned cars to be moved free
UNWANTED cars could be removed for free in an attempt to reduce the number of cars abandoned in a city. Councillors in York are being asked to agree to investigate a car amnesty scheme. More than 1,200 reports of abandoned cars have been received during
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Hunting ban 'is on the way'
THE bitter battle over fox hunting was reignited last night as the Government moved to rush a ban through Parliament. But even if a ban is passed, it will not become law for two years. Supporters of hunting called the move a vicious, prejudiced attack
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Black Cats respond to airgun incidents
POLICE are investigating further complaints from people struck by airgun pellets, having already arrested four Sunderland footballers following similar incidents. The Northumbria force warned yesterday that further arrests could be made following further
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Residents back campaign against post office closures
HUNDREDS of people have backed a campaign against post office closures in Durham. The branches at Nevilles Cross and Gilesgate are among 11 across the county that face the axe under a national closure programme by the Post Office to get rid of unviable
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Music is good for babies, say researchers
EXPOSING babies and young children to music has a positive impact on their learning, researchers from Northumbria University will tell a conference this week. In addition to enhancing their musical development, it appears to have a positive impact on
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Theatre boss to leave for role at RSC
THE man in charge of one of the region's leading theatre's is stepping down in December. Ludo Keston, chief executive of York Theatre Royal since September 2001, will take up the post of general manager of the Royal Shakespeare Company. In his newly-created
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Global bid abandoned
Monsoons and cold weather have forced an Army pilot to abandon his bid to fly around the world in an autogyro. Warrant Officer Barry Jones, based at Dishforth, North Yorkshire, set off on Expedition Global Eagle in April. He reached India, but was grounded
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Missing children located
Three children missing with their mother and grandmother have been located, police said today. Detectives launched a nationwide hunt to find Darren, six, and Leonie Gray, five, and their three-year-old sister Sophie Stead-Gray. The three children are
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Forger, liar, bigamist, thief and killer
FEW killers have intrigued more amateur sleuths and experts than Mary Ann Cotton. Hanged in Durham Prison in 1873 for the murder of her stepson Charlie, she protested her innocence to the end. She was reviled by those who believed she was guilty of the
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Yes, the man for the job
THE fears of many people in the south of our region is that a North-East Assembly will be dominated by the conurbations of Tyneside and Wearside. It a legitimate concern for those who have seen Newcastle become firmly established as the regional capital
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Ovarian cancer drug trial ends in failure
HOPES that North-East patients would be the first in the UK to benefit from a cancer breakthrough have been dashed. After five years, a major drug trial involving ovarian cancer patients has ended in failure. The so-called International Smart trial (Study
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Police bosses win praise as crime figures take a plunge
the latest figures have shown that the ongoing drive to reduce crime in the Teesside area has been a success, with the number of incidents falling. The figures show overall crime in the Cleveland Police Force area fell by 18.3 per cent in August, compared
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Milburn: I couldn't say no to PM's call
ALAN MILBURN told last night how he agonised throughout the summer before agreeing to a return to the Cabinet - only 15 months after quitting to spend more time with his family. In an exclusive interview with The Northern Echo, the Darlington MP revealed
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Waking the dead
DURING the final stages of writing my new novel, A Woman Scorned, I was tucked away in Bishop Auckland Library, pounding away at my laptop, writing very fast as always happens at the end of a novel. I was engrossed in a village in 19th century Durham,
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Rider continues race after friend killed
Top rider Ian Pattinson has told how the family of a team-mate killed on the Isle of Man race persuaded him to continue racing. The 36-year-old from County Durham was devastated by the death of friend Tommy Clucas who suffered fatal injuries at Ballaugh
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Pool wait on Betsy
HARTLEPOOL United are still waiting to discover if Kevin Betsy is returning to Victoria Park - but no-one is holding their breath. Port Vale yesterday dropped out of the running to sign the former Barnsley midfielder, leaving Pool and Oldham in a straight
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Child rapist banned from home
A child rapist who became a prison pal of Soham murderer Ian Huntley has been banned from returning home to haunt his victims after being shopped by his own brother. William Blower, 49, was released from prison last week but is prevented from returning
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Making TV from terrorism
The Grid (BBC2) - You knew where you were with the bad guys in the old days. They had but one ambition - to take over the world. And you knew that someone like James Bond would come along and, after a few preliminary difficulties, would blow both villain
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Church marks 100 years
A church is preparing to celebrate its centenary. Yarm Methodist Church will mark its anniversary on September 29, with a short service at 4pm. On Sunday, October 3, a Songs of Praise-type event will take place at 3pm. Stuart Grundy, who used to work
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New start for women
WOMEN are being given the chance to get back into learning. New Start for Women is a free course run by Redcar Adult Learning Service. The 30-week course is four hours a week during term time and is aimed at helping women to build self-confidence, develop
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Information day about condition
THE Darlington branch of the Parkinson's Disease Society is holding an information event today. Visitors to the Carmelite Convent, in Nunnery Lane, will be offered professional advice on coping with the condition. The event was set up to help get newly-diagnosed
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£168,000 funding boost in education initiative
A PIONEERING scheme that will see schools in Darlington provide wider services for pupils, families and communities is to be launched. Council officials have been awarded £168,000 by the Department for Education and Skills to develop the Extended Schools
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Students fight back to make the grade
TWO students have fought back after failing to gain good GCSE results. Hartlepool teenagers James Thomson and Scott Rutherford enrolled on a GCSE Foundation course at Hartlepool College after disappointing exam results. Now 17-year-old James is on course
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Call to ban smoking in pubs and clubs
A COUNCIL may encourage pubs, clubs and restaurants to ban smoking. Durham City Council's cabinet will consider a report on stubbing out cigarettes in enclosed public spaces. Although it has no powers to order a ban, it could try to influence businesses
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Polymer price hits BPI profits
A record high in the price of polymers is likely to have a major impact on the performance of British Polythene Industries (BPI). The company, which employs about 350 staff at Visqueen, in Stockton, released interim results in line with market expectations
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All rise for tour of the court
THE public is to get a rare chance to see the inside of a court and its cells this weekend - without the usual consequences. Northallerton Courthouse, which has only recently reopened after an extensive programme of refurbishment, is throwing open its
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Museum asks for help
CONSULTANTS called in to devise a future for the Darlington Railway Centre and Museum are asking local people to help. Darlington Borough Council is preparing a bid for the Heritage Lottery Fund to help the museum develop, but the bid can only be made
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Positive feedback for printing move
A PRINTING company which recently relocated in Darlington said the move had been met with a positive response from customers. After almost 30 years on Bondgate, Prontaprint Centre closed its shop and moved to a more customer-friendly and accessible location
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Citizens deliver verdict on roads
A COUNCIL with a budget of £700m a year has been told by a citizens' panel that 41 per cent of them are satisfied with the condition of roads - but 37 per cent are not. Now North Yorkshire County Council says it hopes to rectify this through increased
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Wensleydale wins cheese Oscar
WALLACE and Gromit are not the only ones to profess a love for Wensleydale cheese. The country's most famous champions of the product have been joined by the judges of what is billed as the cheese Oscars. The Wensleydale Creamery, in Hawes, North Yorkshire
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Companies look east for opportunities
A NUMBER of companies from the region are looking East in a bid to win business in the oil and gas sector. Five companies from the region are among a delegation of 25 to sign up for a trade mission to Malaysia and Singapore. Organised with the help of
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Crime event 'a success'
An event held to crack down on crime and the fear of crime has been hailed as a success. Harrogate's first Say No to Crime Day took place last month when a mobile police unit was stationed in the town centre. Police officers, community beat teams and
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Concert will help three brave pupils
A concert is being held to raise funds for charity on behalf of three brave schoolchildren. The aim of the concert, organised by The Marske Town Centre Partnership, is to raise money for charities relevant to three youngsters from St Bede's RC Primary
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Bid farewell to traditional bin bags
THOUSANDS more householders will join the wheelie bin brigade next week. About 12,000 homes in Stokesley, Great Ayton, Brompton and villages surrounding these areas will start using the bins. Hambleton District Council is introducing the system of wheeled
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Appeal for tales of flooding misery
RESIDENTS whose homes were flooded with sewage-contaminated water in Hartlepool are being asked to share their experiences with council officers. Hartlepool Borough Council's environment and regeneration scrutiny forum hopes their stories can be used
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Library survey carried out by N-E engineers
ELECTRICAL engineers from the region have been called in to carry out a detailed survey of the British Library. Engineers from TAS Engineering Consultants, in Stockton, are carrying out an electrical systems management survey at the national library's
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Post office workers used asylum seekers to launder benefit books
Royal Mail workers recruited asylum seekers to launder stolen benefit books and cheques in a massive fraud operation, a court was told. Benefit books stolen from Dagenham, Essex, were doctored and cashed within days at village post offices across the
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Soldier innocent of murder, says mother
The mother of a British soldier charged with the murder of a civilian in Iraq today said she was standing by her son. Trooper Kevin Lee Williams appeared before Bow Street Magistrates' Court in central London yesterday. The 21-year-old member of the 2nd
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Securing a qualification
ON-THE-DOOR security is about to become the subject of a new course for students. As the new academic year gets under way, more than 400 colleges and centres, including 14 in the North-East, will be offering a door supervisor qualification in line with
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Dubai tycoons plan Tees Valley miracle
ONE of the world's biggest development companies flew into the region yesterday and said it was serious about transforming the Tees Valley. Emaar Properties, responsible for turning Dubai into a thriving city from a desert outpost, is planning to perform
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Tractor girl attacked by car driver
FARM girl Jayne Cooper told yesterday how she feared for her life when she was dragged from a tractor by a road rage motorist who repeatedly kicked her. Ms Cooper, 25, suffered two cracked ribs and a bloodied nose when the man set upon her on a country
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Umbro scores with fans
FANS buying England kits in the run-up to the Euro 2004 football tournament helped sportswear company Umbro to a 51 per cent rise in profits. Maiden results from the company, which floated on the stock market in June, showed that turnover in the six months
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Players held over 'shootings'
FOUR young footballers were arrested following reports of pot-shots being fired at pedestrians from passing cars. Three teenage Sunderland players have admitted being involved in the firing of pellets from a BB-type gun at passers-by in city streets,
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Bakery set to rebuild after second fire
A bakery firm has announced plans to rebuild its plant which was destroyed in an arson attack earlier this year. Peter's Cathedral Bakers - which has 71 shops and 700 employees across the North-East - said that work will begin on the site at Dragonville
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Man behind the Dubai miracle will tour the North-East
THE man credited with transforming Dubai into an economic powerhouse flies into Teesside tomorrow bringing with him the hope of thousands of jobs. His Excellency Mohamed Ali Alabbar will be met by Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon and North-East businessman
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Racecourse owner finds going rough
RACECOURSE owner Northern Racing yesterday reported a fall in profits after the weather and uncertainty over the UK racing industry's future adversely affected the first half. Northern Racing, which owns courses at Newcastle and Sedgefield, was formed
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Blunkett blow for campaign family
HOME Secretary David Blunkett says nothing can be done to bring two youths to justice for the hit-and-run killing of a pensioner. Jimmy Mulligan, 73, of Windy Nook, Gateshead, was killed in May 2002 as he stood waiting for a bus when a car driven by two
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An MP with too much time on his hands
WILLIAM Hague is a likeable chap. Everyone is agreed on that. Retaining his warm West Riding accent, he comes over as genuinely friendly and unaffected. Lively mind, of course. Sharp wit. Brilliant speaker. The Tories probably reckon they dumped him prematurely
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Wembley workers 'treated abysmally'
construction workers sacked during the building of the new Wembley stadium have been treated abysmally, a union leader said yesterday. Kevin Curran, general secretary of the GMB, visited the sacked steelworkers, who have been picketing the site since
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Butcher right to call for Beckham to get the chop
IT'S almost 15 years to the day when Terry Butcher, his white England shirt turning crimson from a head wound, helped Bobby Robson's side claim the precious point in Stockholm, Sweden, that ultimately led to them earning World Cup qualification. So, at
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Dolphins spotted in Wear
Marine experts say a school of bottlenose dolphins has been spotted in the river Wear. The sightings come after one dolphin, nicknamed Andy, became a regular visitor to the estuary. Now several of the marine mammals have been seen chasing fish into the
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Market report
A five-day winning streak on the London markets ended yesterday as upbeat news on the US economy failed to impress investors. The FTSE 100 Index closed down 7.2 at 4558.4, despite positive remarks from US Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan, Mr Greenspan
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Bring back bus service, says MP
MP Alan Milburn is calling on a bus company to reinstate a service that was stopped two years ago. He wants Stagecoach to reconsider its decision to discontinue the 25A service which ran through the Branksome area of Darlington. The circular service used
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Licence decision awaited
COUNCILLORS will decide next week whether to grant a public music entertainment licence to Darlington Football Club. The Quakers have applied to the borough council for the Kevan Smith Suite, Ron Greener Suite, and The Tin Shed bar, at the Williamson
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Piper on the road
SUNDERLAND'S injury-plagued winger Matt Piper would love to put two-years of frustration behind him by making a comeback at former employers Leicester City. Piper has finally resumed ball work in training after stepping up rehabilitation following a major
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Mallon lined up for 'Yes' campaign
CHARISMATIC Mayor of Middlesbrough Ray Mallon is being lined up to front the campaign for a directly-elected assembly for the North-East, The Northern Echo can reveal. Senior figures in the Yes 4 The North East group have confirmed they have made overtures
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Assault woman's blood was her own
A bloodspattered woman who prompted a major police search after claiming she had carried out a serious assault could face charges for wasting police time - after it was established the blood was in fact her own. A police operation was launched on Bank
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Move to fight floodwaters could bring traffic troubles to town
A £1M scheme to alleviate flooding could bring major traffic congestion to a North-East town centre. Northumbrian Water has revealed a massive project that will boost flood defences for long-suffering traders in Darlington. The sewerage improvements get
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Halmahera lands Portland treble
Halmahera etched his name indelibly into racing's history books at Doncaster yesterday as he landed the totesport Portland Handicap for the third year running. Trainer Kevin Ryan took a major gamble when going to the sales and paying 40,000 guineas for
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Council supports campaign to keep jobs in Durham
A council has added its weight to the campaign to stop jobs being moved to Asia. The German multi-national Siemens has announced plans to "offshore'' about 50 jobs from the National Savings complex in Durham City in a drive to reduce costs that will see
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'Sir Humphreys ready to pounce' on North assembly
MPS WERE warned yesterday that Whitehall 'Sir Humphreys' will ambush the Bill to set up the North-East elected assembly in a bid to weaken its powers. Tony Travers, a leading local government academic, told a Commons committee that government departments
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Designs without the disasters
Grand Designs Abroad (C4): THE thing about programmes like Grand Designs - and now its sunnier spin-off Grand Designs Abroad - is the pleasure taken in seeing things go wrong. You don't want to watch someone spending vast amounts of money, achieving their
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Innovative project to heat water
Council tenants could be bathing in water heated by the sun if an innovative pilot project gets the go-ahead. Richmondshire District Council has received cash to set-up a solar powered water heating scheme. Already Scottish Power has given the authority
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Are we fishing our seas to death?
Environmentalists say the North Sea is facing a crisis but those accused of causing it say the situation is over-exaggerated. Where does the truth lie? In the first of a two-part series, John Dean looks at the environmentalists' claims. THEY may only
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Hignett signs for Quakers
DARLINGTON have completed the signing of former Middlesbrough striker Craig Hignett. The 34-year-old has joined Quakers after failing to earn a long-term deal with Leeds United. Hignett passed a medical at the Williamson Motors Stadium this morning before
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Book to highlight vicar who risked life in 1849 epidemic
A VICAR who risked his life to tend the sick and dying when cholera swept through a North-East town will be recognised in a book. The epidemic killed 145 people in two months in Barnard Castle, County Durham, and many people fled the town. But the Reverend
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Two-year wait for a not-so-express delivery
WHEN North-East pensioner Margaret Nayman was told a cheque was in the post, she didn't expect to have to wait more than two years for it to arrive. In fact, she forgot all about it, until an envelope from Royal Mail landed on her doorstep in Darlington
