Archive
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Federer turns into superman
Swiss master Roger Federer may seem a superhuman sports star to his fans around the world. But, after trouncing Australia's Lleyton Hewitt in three straight sets in one the most dominating performances in US Open finals history, he looked and felt particularly
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Concern growing for hospital patient
Police are concerned for the welfare of a 55-year-old man who went missing from hospital last Wednesday. Francis Macmillan, who lived in Germany until returning to the UK in June, speaks with a German accent. The retired coal truck driver, who was suffering
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Degrees delay retirement
THE cost of putting their children through university is forcing a quarter of parents to delay their retirement, research showed yesterday. A survey revealed more than 200,000 UK parents believed they would work an extra ten years to fund their child's
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£200m chemical plant jobs boost
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 US company announced this week plans to build the world's largest polyethylene plant at Wilton
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14/09/04
REGIONAL GOVERNMENT: A FEW years ago Harry Mead wrote an excellent article on what a regional assembly "twixt Tweed and Tees" would mean for the North-East of England. If the Echo could publish Harry's article again we could compare what he said then,
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Observations on a tribe of savages
FORGIVE me: I'm in a bad mood. I'm not the sort of priest who rams religion down anyone's throat - or indeed who tries to insert it through any other orifice apart from the ear. So I don't expect half the yuppies in the City of London to turn up to my
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Plan to reopen rail link in the balance
PLANS to reopen the railway between Harrogate and Ripon could be put on hold. A report by transport planning consultants about the plan was presented to North Yorkshire County Council this week. The report recommends that reopening the line - shut to
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We're no one-man team, says Breen
GARY Breen has pointed to Sunderland's weekend demolition of Gillingham as proof that the Black Cats are not a one-man team. Mick McCarthy's side enjoyed a 4-0 win at the Priestfield Stadium after producing their best display of the season in the absence
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From cringe-making to criminal
Greatest Embarrassing TV Moments (five); Megastructures: Channel Tunnel (five); Dispatches: Spiked (C4): Ah yes, we remember them well: lesbians invading the BBC newsroom, Boy George appearing in The A-Team and the Prince Edward-organised It's A Royal
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Baltic show's a toe-curling snip
ARTIST Carlos Capelan is about to stage an exhibition of pictures made from nail clippings. The 56-year-old, from Uruguay, collects them to use in his art, which he says "explores issues of identity". It will be the first time his work has been exhibited
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Gym-goers run to help Ellie walk
GYM users are gearing up for a run to help a brave toddler. Ellie Smith was struck down with group B streptococcal meningitis when she was two weeks old. She suffered brain damage and lost part of her sight. The condition also left her unable to walk
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Work begins to drain South Park main lake
A WATER pump that will drain the main lake at South Park, in Darlington, will be switched on today. It heralds the start of the second main phase of work in the £3.9m project, which will see the transformation of the park. Up to 100,000 gallons of water
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Police seek information after missiles thrown at buses
An appeal has been made for information relating to a series of incidents of missiles being thrown at buses. Vehicles were targeted in east Durham villages over the weekend with one driver taken to hospital, as a precaution, when a rock was thrown at
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On course for autumn adult education
ADULT learners across Darlington are this year able to enrol on a greater variety of courses. From Monday, people can sign up to learn about anything from anger management and money matters to fishing, computer skills and digital photography. The Adult
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Rolling out the barrels in readiness for ale festival
SCORES of beer barrels were rolled into a town's art centre yesterday in preparation for a four-day festival of live music and real ale. Almost 50 casks of traditional beer, from independent, micro and family breweries across Britain, will be stored at
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When you've a burning need for a cuppa...
FIREFIGHTERS took a well-earned breather from their duties - to raise a cup in support of the fight against cancer. The 999 crews in Northallerton enjoyed a break in support of the World's Biggest Coffee Morning. The annual charity event, on September
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Show trophy winners
ENTRIES in the flower classes at Stanhope Agricultural Society's 163rd show, which was held at the weekend, were badly hit by last month's torrential rainfall. But officials reported a very good entry in the vegetable classes with a variety of stands.
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Lambs stolen
Fifteen Texel cross lambs were reported stolen yesterday from a farm at Hunder-thwaite, near Barnard Castle. The owner believes the animals may have been taken over the past few weeks.
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Police to get tough over noisy bikers
YOUNG motorcyclists who have been riding on open land on the fringe of a village were warned yesterday that their machines are liable to be seized by police. One youth has been issued with a formal warning over noise caused by driving at high speeds on
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Step right up for line dancing
A line dance club is being launched in north Durham today. Double L Dance 'n Sound, run by Les and Lynn Sainsbury, will hold classes at Greenbank Social Club, in Chester-le-Street, on Tuesdays from noon to 3pm. Charges of £2.50 a session are waived until
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Man gets wish with jail return
A HOMELESS man broke a leisure centre window so that he would be sent back to prison, a court was told. Christopher Young, 21, of no fixed abode, deliberately smashed a window at Bishop Auckland Leisure Centre on Sunday. When police arrived, he told them
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PC gift to community
A COMMUNITY group will today take delivery of a computer, donated by a leading telecommunications company. Leadgate Youth Centre, based in Eden Miners Welfare Hall in Watling Street, Leadgate, near Consett, will receive the PC, donated through BT's Community
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Organisers pleased by response to show
THE organisers of a new gardening show are delighted with the response to the event. Shincliffe Show was held on Saturday in the hall at Shincliffe Primary School, and attracted more than 550 entries from residents of the parish, which includes Shincliffe
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Group throws down gauntlet to drivers
THE Durham Group of Advanced Motorists is inviting drivers to put their skills to the test. The group, which has a membersship of about 100, is holding an open day in the south car park at County Hall, Aykley Heads, Durham, on Sunday between 10.30am and
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Singers bid for pop stardom
A GROUP of singers are hoping to become a big noise in the world of pop music and take the charts by storm. Bambam, made up of six girls, including some from the Durham area, are busy in a recording studio in Stockton and are hoping to secure a recording
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Walkway to be launched
WALKERS are invited to turn out in force this weekend to help launch Durham's newest walkway. The West Bowburn Way has been created by Durham County Council, the local parish council and the Parish Paths Partnership. Two circular routes, of 2.6 miles
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Man banned from estate in bid to end -reign of terror'
A MAN behind a four-month "reign of terror" has been banned from entering part of a housing estate for two years. Magistrates yesterday imposed an anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) on 20-year-old Derek Lee following a string of incidents, including burglary
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Joy at centre opening
THE opening of a purpose-built £385,000 community centre on Teesside has been celebrated after 15 years' hard work by residents. The Breckon Hill Community Association has worked to secure funding for the community centre through the European Regional
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Bag-snatching incidents could be linked
MIDDLESBROUGH police are investigating two bag-snatching incidents that may be linked. The first happened on Friday night when a woman in her mid-40s was walking from Hereford Close towards Cumberland Road, near the Red Rose pub, when her bag was grabbed
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Wildlife exhibition hailed a success
AN exhibition highlighting efforts to help the environment has been hailed a success. More than 600 people, including many families, attended the event, which was organised by Durham City Council and which was held at the city's Town Hall on Saturday.
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Boss leading by example
A CHARITY boss is practising what she preaches - and preparing to take part in some gruelling fundraising herself. Dianne Asher, chief executive of the Harrogate-based Henshaws Society for Blind People, will join a team in the Great North Run. The 51-
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Search for man is widened
POLICE have widened their search for a man after he was spotted in a North-East village a fortnight after going missing. Despite lengthy inquiries, police have not been able to locate Robert Baxter since he went missing from his home in Newcastle's West
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Plan to reopen rail link in the balance
PLANS to reopen the railway between Harrogate and Ripon could be put on hold. A report by transport planning consultants about the plan was presented to North Yorkshire County Council this week. The report recommends that reopening the line - shut to
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Tributes to farmer killed by bull
FAMILY and friends have paid tribute to a "true country gentleman" who died in a farmyard accident. William Lax, 80, was killed by a bull on his farm at Carlton Grange, Aldbrough St John, near Richmond, North Yorkshire, on Thursday. Mr Lax, known as Willie
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Police hope new number will cut down on 999 calls
A POLICE force introduced a county-wide telephone number for all non-emergency calls yesterday in a bid to stop people dialling 999 unnecessarily. A national scheme to bring in a single non-emergency number began two years ago, but North Yorkshire Police
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Council asks for help to save £2m
SAVINGS of £2m must be found if a council is to balance its books for next year's budget. In an unprecedented move, hundreds of Hartlepool residents are to be asked for their views on council spending and priorities in the hard choices that lie ahead.
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Housing scheme for elderly to be backed
A FLAGSHIP housing scheme for elderly people in Wensleydale is due to be given the go-ahead today. North Yorkshire County Council, Richmondshire District Council, the Housing Corporation and the Department of Health are jointly funding the £5m development
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Fair puts job vacancies in the spotlight
HUNDREDS of jobs are in the shop window when employers set up stalls at Auckland Castle on Thursday. Jobcentre Plus has teamed up with the Wear Valley Action team and Job Brokers for a Jobsfair offering work opportunities and advice. Asda, Marks and Spencer
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Pupils given a taste of workplace
YOUNGSTERS have been given the chance to get their first foot on the jobs ladder - even before leaving school. Five students from Northallerton College have joined a pilot scheme working towards a young apprentice business qualification with the county
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Have you stomach for exercise?
Frances Cairns believes she has the perfect recipe for keeping a slim, well-toned figure - belly dancing. A skilled belly dancer, she was asked to organise coaching sessions by the Government's youth support service, Connexions during the summer holidays
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Route map aims to help firms
BUSINESSES are being sent a map to show the best freight routes in Redcar and Cleveland. The maps show recommended through-routes and large-scale maps of the major freight destinations in the area covered by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council. The destinations
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Durham officials aim to resolve pitch problems
DURHAM are planning to work on their square as well as their squad over the winter after finishing with the county championship's wooden spoon for the fifth time in 13 years. They have played much better away from home this season and have decided to
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Full details of Neale scandal revealed
SEVEN years after victims of disgraced surgeon Richard Neale began their campaign for justice, the full details of the scandal have been revealed for the first time. The long-awaited report of the independent inquiry into the Richard Neale affair, published
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LibDem accuses Labour camp
LIBERAL Democrat candidate Jody Dunn has challenged Labour's Iain Wright to a head-to-head debate ahead of the by-election. Mrs Dunn said last night that Mr Wright had turned down invitations from organisations in Hartlepool that had tried to stage Question
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999 fears over fire staff crisis
FIRE services are suffering from "epidemic" shortages of retained firefighters, which is hitting emergency cover, a report has warned. The Fire Brigades' Union said a properly funded recruitment drive was needed urgently, as well as a national campaign
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'We're winning the poverty battle'
PRIME Minister Tony Blair said yesterday the Government was trying to recreate a welfare state for today's world and improve the lives of those who live in poverty. The premier was speaking at a breakfast meeting which coincided with the launch of the
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It's family fortunes for Petch
STEVE PETCH will be hoping it won't be a case of 'like father, like son' when he takes part in the Wales Rally GB later this week. Scorton's Petch and co-driver John Richardson from Northallerton will be taking their Hyundai Accent to Cardiff for the
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Why I have to be on the ball
GABBY Logan's success in the male-dominated world of football presenting will be well and truly sealed this month as she takes over the top spot from Des Lynam to become the new face of ITV sport. With several impressive accolades to her name already,
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Schools get online pool of supply staff
LOCAL education authorities (LEAs) in the North-East have worked together to develop an online service to meet the region's supply teaching needs. It is the first time so many LEAs have collaborated to produce a joint supply service. The North-East Consortium
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Concerned dad builds home-made speed camera
A worried dad has put the brakes on speeding drivers racing past his home - by building his own speed camera. Ray Allott tinkered in his garage for six months before he perfected a fully operational device. In its first day outside his home, Ray's home-made
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It's the blooming best
volunteer gardeners are celebrating after scooping awards at this year's Yorkshire in Bloom competition. Thirsk in Bloom beat all the competition to win the small country town category. It got the award for the most improved town in the section and was
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Sports cash shortfall
PLANS for a £12.5m sports centre may have to be scaled down after lottery bosses snubbed the project. Sport England has refused to give £2.7m towards the project at Catterick Garrison. But despite the shortfall project bosses say the centre, for use by
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Auction could have really gone with a bang
AUCTION houses are used to finding the odd surprise among old bric-a-brac. But staff at Tennants Auctioneers, in Leyburn, North Yorkshire, got more than they bargained for yesterday when they discoverd a live grenade in a box of bits and pieces sent from
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Old bottle's message from past
Farmer William Lawrence Bailey wanted to make his mark when restoring a cottage he owned in the village of Ainderby Steeple, near Northallerton, nearly 100 years ago. He decided to leave a message for the future and then placed the handwritten letter
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Not as funny as he used to be
With a cast including Sid the Sexist, and the Fat Slags, Viz was the publishing sensation of the late 1980s and became the country's third best-selling magazine. As it celebrates its 25th anniversary, Nick Morrison talks to the man who started it all
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Band appeals for new performers
ONE of the area's leading brass bands is hoping to recruit several new members. Pittington Brass Band has vacancies for a solo tenor horn player and cornet players. The 40-strong band meets at Pittington Village Hall, High Pittington, near Durham City
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Carricks to close with 50 jobs lost
ONE of the best-known names in baking is to disappear following the announcement yesterday that the last Carricks Bakery will close with the loss of up to 50 jobs. The bakery, at Cowgate, in Newcastle, will close following a decision by Greggs, which
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Fresh row over Wembley
SACKED workers on the Wembley Stadium project sparked a fresh row yesterday by claiming work on the site had virtually ground to a halt amid bitter disputes. Talks aimed at breaking the deadlock following the dismissal of more than 200 workers, many formerly
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RBS survey finds North-South divide is growing
THE economic gap between the North and South is widening, a report has revealed. A survey for the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) highlighted differences in activity between areas of heavy industry and regions driven by the service industry. The survey of
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Charity aid for hospice
A baby and children's hospice now has vital oxygen therapy equipment thanks to a donation by medical gas and services provider Air Products. Ze's Place, in Normanby, Middlesbrough, needed an oxygen concentrator, a machine that produces oxygen for patients
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Search for man is widened
POLICE have widened their search for a man after he was spotted in a North-East village a fortnight after going missing. Despite lengthy inquiries, police have not been able to locate Robert Baxter since he went missing from his home in Newcastle's West
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Owners celebrate club's triumph
THE region's finest examples of a distinctive and cherished car have been on display. Members of the North-East Triumph Stag Owners Club took their beautifully kept vehicles to the Beamish Museum, near Stanley, County Durham, at the weekend. More than
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'I turned to the court when I couldn't cope'
The mother of an abusive teenage son was so desperate to control him that she pleaded with magistrates to give her a parenting order. She talks to Alison Lewis. SUSAN had reached her wits' end with her 14-year-old son Kieran. He was in trouble again with
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Cooper's twin blow
NEALE Cooper yesterday suffered more bad news yesterday - with two of his players needing surgery. Jack Ross and Hugh Robertson will both go under the knife in a bid to cure respective knee and foot injuries. And that means Cooper has had four players
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Yes and No groups set for assembly debate
The Electoral Commission today announced the two organisations who will run the official 'Yes' and 'No' campaigns in the run up to the referendum on the North East Regional Assembly. Yes4theNorthEast and North East Says No will go head to head before
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Loophole that led to Neale scandal will soon be closed
UNDER-FIRE medical chiefs have confirmed that a loophole that could allow surgeons like Richard Neale to operate in the UK will shortly be closed. From November 1, the General Medical Council (GMC) will be able accept the verdict of foreign disciplinary
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TV review
Greatest Embarrassing TV Moments (five) Megastructures: Channel Tunnel (five) Dispatches: Spiked (C4) AH yes, we remember them well: lesbians invading the BBC newsroom, Boy George appearing in The A-Team and the Prince Edward-organised It's A Royal Knockout
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Agency helps firm to get started
A newly-opened business is promising to bring jobs and foreign contracts to the region. Northern Grinding and Granulating Equipment Engineering has opened in Middlesbrough with the help of a £7,800 Enterprise Grant from regional development agency, One
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Stars'n'bars, cars and sunshine
more than 200 classic and custom-built vehicles from the US visited the seaside. Saltburn Pier Entertainments held its eighth American Custom and Classic Car Show at the seafront, with this year's funds donated to the Great North Air Ambulance. Motorbikes
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First job for boss is to keep Shearer
NEW Newcastle United manager Graeme Souness could attempt to achieve what Sven-Goran Eriksson has failed - succeeding in persuading Alan Shearer to carry on playing football. Calls for Shearer to come out of international retirement and have one final
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Police adopt new number
North Yorkshire police have introduced one telephone number for all non-emergency calls in an attempt to stop unnecessary 999 calls. A national scheme to bring in a single non-emergency number began two years ago, but the county force decided not to wait
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Police urged to act against off-road bikers
THE police are being urged to take stronger action against off-road motorbikers. Residents and Redcar and Cleveland borough councillors say the motorbikes blight the lives of local people, particularly in the Redcar area. They also pose a danger to children
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Library windfall after VAT blunder
BOOKWORMS are to reap the benefits of a council windfall after Customs bosses admitted they were wrongly charging VAT on library fines. Finance chiefs at Darlington Borough Council spotted the error and took HM Customs and Excise to task. Now they have
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Latest figures cast doubt on housing market slowdown
HOUSE prices rose by 2.1 per cent during July, despite growing evidence that the market is slowing, government figures have shown. The strongest gains continued to be seen in northern regions, with the North-East seeing the most growth in England, running
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Axed rail services may find way back
PASSENGERS could get back some axed North-East train services, with rail chiefs due to decide as soon as next month on possible improvements. In May, the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) cut the number of daily trains between Saltburn, Middlesbrough, Darlington
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The one-woman whirlwind
Five sons, eight grandchildren, a career and charity work, there's no chance of agony aunt Denise Robertson slowing down. Sharon Griffiths grabs a minute. DENISE Robertson is back. Not that she's ever really been away. As agony aunt, broadcaster, journalist
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BAE forges closer links with Pentagon
BAE Systems announced the latest acquisition in its expansion drive last night - a leading IT supplier to the Pentagon. Europe's largest defence group will play a more central role in the war on terror following the purchase of DigitalNet Holdings for
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Witness describes fireball horror
A WITNESS told last night how a teenager was engulfed in flames during a horrific bus depot accident. Fifteen-year-old Scott Sargeant was described as poorly but stable by doctors at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary last night. He was with 48-year-old
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Dettori puts the pressure on
FRANKIE DETTORI stepped up his bid to become this year's champion jockey by booting home a 24-1 double aboard Connotation and Inchpast at Redcar yesterday, writes Colin Woods. Dettori is now just one behind (147-148) the current holder Kieren Fallon in
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Hodgson wary of a fight to secure Armstrong signature
Alun Armstrong will hold further talks with Darlington in the next 48 hours - but manager David Hodgson is bracing himself for a fight to land the former Middlesbrough striker. Gateshead-born Armstrong is expected to discuss a possible return to the North-East
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Invitation to join choir workshop
YOUNGSTERS are being encouraged to attend the first ever workshop session of the Darlington Youth Choir. The choir will be led by three experienced singing teachers, Hilary Ions, Andy King and Emma Horsburgh, who are all involved in outstanding choral
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A night with The Thoroughbreds in County Kildare
Newbridge is at the heart of Irish horse racing country, somewhere between the Wicklow Mountains and the Bog of Allen. The Curragh capers close by. There are more studs than a pair of Stanley Matthews football boots, more bloodstock sales than Count Dracula's
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A memorable night for Davies
MARK Davies almost swept the board at Durham's Player of the Year awards dinner at the Gosforth Park Hotel last night. The 23-year-old Teessider walked away with four of the six awards, despite missing the last eight weeks of the season with a side strain
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Job Search: Vacancies
Training officer. Must be fully versed in domiciliary home care policy and procedures and be aware of Health and Safety issues. Ref: BIS 14943. Halal butcher. Must be qualified butcher. Training given in Halal way. Literacy in Arabic, Punjabi, Urdu an
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Garcia and Woods to resume rivalry
Sam Torrance has described the rivalry between Sergio Garcia and Tiger Woods as having ''enough wattage to light up a small town.'' Torrance has also described how Garcia spent his hours off the course at The Belfry two years ago ''chasing Bernhard Langer's
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RBS survey finds North-South divide is growing
THE economic gap between the North and South is widening, a report has revealed. A survey for the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) highlighted differences in activity between areas of heavy industry and regions driven by the service industry. The survey of
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Looking after the little 'uns
Worksorce developments have led toincreased demand for quality childcare while working parents have become more conscious of thier own parenting skills. Sarah French talks to an entrepreneur who has made childcare training her business. AFTER taking time
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'No' vote winner will be revealed
THE official opposition to the proposed regional assembly is to be revealed this morning. The Electoral Commission has called a press conference in Newcastle to announce which of the three groups vying to be the official No campaign for the November 4
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Outcry over review of taxi provision
TAXI drivers are urging councillors not to allow more cabs. Richmondshire District Council only grants 65 hackney carriage licences at present. However, after a study by the Office of Fair Trading, the Department of Transport has told the authority to
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Umbrella group's efforts honoured
THE winner of The Northern Echo's community environment competition has been chosen - and it represents the efforts of an entire town. For the first time in Making a Difference's six-year history, the quality of entries was so high that four projects
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'One-man crimewave' banned from wearing baseball cap
A YOUTH, described by police as a one-man crimewave, has been banned from wearing baseball caps. Convicted thief Christopher James Wood has been banned from wearing baseball caps, woollen hats and hooded tops "for the purposes of concealing his identity
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Iain is the right man - Mallon
THE former head of Hartlepool CID has backed the Labour candidate in the town's by-election. Ray Mallon, now the directly-elected mayor of Middlesbrough, endorsed Iain Wright during a visit to the constituency yesterday. But Mr Mallon also talked of Liberal
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Health scare puts actor's stage appearance in doubt
DOUBTS last night surrounded whether veteran actor Brian Blessed would be appearing in a major theatrical production in the region. The 67-year-old film and TV favourite was forced to pull out of this week's run of The Haunted Hotel, at the Mercury Theatre
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Shepherd wants 'backsides kicked'
Chairman Freddy Shepherd is confident that new boss Graeme Souness is the right man to "kick the backsides" of Newcastle's under-performing superstars. The United chief has presided over a St James' Park revolution since replacing Sir John Hall in the
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Holy security - it's the caped invader
HOME Secretary David Blunkett insisted last night that a protestor dressed as Batman had proved that a sophisticated Buckingham Palace alarm system does work. Fathers' rights activist Jason Hatch caused an embarrassing security breach after spending most
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Time is of the essence for new boss Souness
THE clock had barely stopped striking ten when Graeme Souness took his seat at St James' Park. Punctuality is not something football managers are renowned for but, in his first official gesture as Newcastle United boss, the tone of his regime had been
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Rising oil price affects cost of goods
THE cost of goods leaving factories rose at the fastest rate in nine years last month as high energy costs took their toll. Figures released yesterday by the Office for National Statistics showed core output prices increased by 0.5 per cent between July
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Paytime for children's favourites
CHILDREN'S TV favourites the Tweenies earned £3.1m for their creators yesterday after they were bought by the owner of Postman Pat. Entertainment Rights, which also owns Basil Brush, bought Tell-Tale Productions from its four directors, whose show featuring
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Abused pensioner cried with fear
The family of a pensioner punched by a care home nurse told today how he used to cry in their arms with fear. Alzheimer's sufferer Gordon Wake was hit and knocked to the ground at St John's nursing home, in Darlington, by employee Elizabeth Ann Nattrass
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Rosy forecast from associated British Foods
Associated British Foods has forecast an improvement in second-half profits, despite continuing pressure from rising crop prices and currency swings. ABF, which has brands include Silver Spoon sugar and Twinings tea, said it expected growth in operating
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Prizes handed out as North pits on blooming good show
A COLOURFUL awards ceremony has recognised the region's most outstanding floral displays. Results of Northumbria in Bloom 2004 were announced at the Hardwick Hall Hotel, near Sedgefield, County Durham, yesterday. The biggest surprise of this year's competition
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Disabled son cheated out of a motor home
A FATHER has lost more than £60,000 after trying to buy a motor home for his severely disabled son from two North-East businessmen who have since fled the region. Tom Blair wanted the vehicle to take his wheelchair-bound son Iain, 26, who has cerebral
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Oil and gas show
A business from the region will visit Brazil next month to take part in an oil and gas show. Headley-Purvis, based in Morpeth, is hoping to make inroads into Brazil's power industry. The company is among 46 companies helped by UK Trade and Investment,
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Man banned from estate in bid to end 'reign of terror'
A MAN behind a four-month "reign of terror" has been banned from entering part of a housing estate for two years. Magistrates yesterday imposed an anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) on 20-year-old Derek Lee following a string of incidents, including burglary
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It's family fortunes
STEVE PETCH will be hoping it won't be a case of 'like father, like son' when he takes part in the Wales Rally GB later this week. Scorton's Petch and co-driver John Richardson from Northallerton will be taking their Hyundai Accent to Cardiff for the
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Opposition builds over homes plan
MORE than 200 people attended a public meeting held against proposals for a multi-million pound development for Redcar. Developer Persimmon hopes to build homes and leisure facilities on the site of the Coatham Enclosure and will be submitting plans to
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Artwork provides museum with worldwide link
A MUSEUM has unveiled a £90,000 piece of artwork which can be operated by text messages sent from all over the world. The new exhibit was unveiled at Locomotion: National Railway Museum in Shildon, County Durham, yesterday. The Light Engine, by artist
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Woman is key to wartime mystery
A SON seeking information about his father's time with the French resistance during the Second World War is celebrating finding the woman at the centre of his search. Dave Blackett, of Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, made his breakthrough after he appealed
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Pro-hunting demonstrators light up the sky with 'no ban' message
PROTESTORS last night lit up the sky to show their opposition to Government proposals for a fox hunting ban. As part of the Countryside Alliance's campaign to keep fox hunting in rural England, regional members of the group created huge beacons of fire
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Health scare puts actor's stage appearance in doubt
DOUBTS last night surrounded whether veteran actor Brian Blessed would be appearing in a major theatrical production in the region. The 67-year-old film and TV favourite was forced to pull out of this week's run of The Haunted Hotel, at the Mercury Theatre
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Fury at plan for West End phone mast
PEOPLE living in the West End of Darlington are furious over suggestions that a huge telecommunications mast could be sited near their homes. Mobile phone company 02 has approached the borough council with the proposal for the 15-metre high mast to be
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Young gardeners reap rewards
Primary schoolchildren are reaping the rewards of their first harvest from a new allotment. A community allotment was established by Groundwork East Durham on land next to Ferryhill Station Primary School earlier this year. A plot was set aside for the
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Schools get online pool of supply staff
LOCAL education authorities (LEAs) in the North-East have worked together to develop an online service to meet the region's supply teaching needs. It is the first time so many LEAs have collaborated to produce a joint supply service. The North-East Consortium
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Forum seeks views
PATIENTS of North Dur-ham's busiest casualty department are being asked if they are happy with the service it provides. Users of the accident and emergency department at the University Hospital of North Durham have been asked to give their views on the
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Free flu jabs for elderly
ELDERLY residents are to be encouraged to have their flu jabs and learn about ways to beat the winter chill at a series of events taking place in East Durham over the coming months. Easington Primary Care Trust, local GP practices and Age Concern have
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Dad defends striker over gun incident
A FATHER has spoken out in defence of his footballing son who was cautioned by police following an incident with a child's "splat gun". Promising striker Chris Brown, 19, was formally warned by police, along with fellow Sunderland players Ryan Bell and
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Dog dirt threat
DOG owners who do not clean up after their pets in Hartlepool's cemeteries are being told they will be prosecuted. Craig Thelwell, of Hartlepool Council, said: "It isn't pleasant for people who are visiting the cemeteries to put flowers on graves to have
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Fame at last - as Mr Joe Public
A COUNCIL employee will become one of the region's most recognisable faces, for the next few weeks at least, after being chosen to represent Joe Public in a publicity drive. Jeff Ledger has spent much of his 36-year career with Durham County Council in
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Police search for lamb rustlers
Farmers and police are keeping a lookout for rustlers after 15 lambs worth £50 each were rounded up and stolen from a field. They disappeared from one of Neville Nixon's pastures, at Village Farm, in Hunderthwaite, near Barnard Castle, County Durham.
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Australia turns to experts at PB Power
A power company has won a contract to help build Australia's biggest power station. PB Power, based in Newcastle, was appointed consultant for the Kogan Creek power station, which will be built in Queensland. The 750-megawatt coal-fired power station
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Park joins broadband network
NATIONAL Park offices in the Yorkshire Dales are to benefit from high-speed broadband connections. The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority has joined the North Yorkshire County Council Wide Area Network. For the next five years, the seven national
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Public to be given say on offenders in area
MEMBERS of the public are being given the chance to make sure people are protected from potentially dangerous offenders living in the community. The Multi-Agency Public Protection Panels (MAPPP) in North Yorkshire and the City of York are looking for
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Concern growing for hospital patient
Police are concerned for the welfare of a 55-year-old man who went missing from hospital last Wednesday. Francis Macmillan, left, who lived in Germany until returning to the UK in June, speaks with a German accent. The retired coal truck driver, who was
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Colleagues pay tribute after death of councillor
COLLEAGUES have paid tribute to a former council chairwoman who died in her sleep yesterday. Councillor Belle Bousfield, 75, was chairwoman of the housing services committee at Wear Valley District Council, where she represented the Wheatbottom and Helmington
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Mosey on down and raise funds
VILLAGERS are being urged to pull on their cowboy boots and grab their stetsons for a wild night of fun next week. Campaigners raising money for the Under The Roof appeal at St James' Church, Coundon, are holding a Wild West Night at Grey Gardens Centre
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Old school set for facelift
ONE of the region's oldest schools is undergoing a facelift as part of a £6m renovation and building project. The Royal Grammar School in Newcastle, founded in 1545, has appointed Bowey Construction to carry out the work, which includes the refurbishment
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Office workers swap suits for gardening equipment at nature reserve
OFFICE workers have got their hands dirty to help improve a Teesside nature reserve. Staff at the Thornaby branch of the gas and electricity suppliers npower worked at the Brewsdale wooded nature reserve at Hilton, near Ingleby Barwick. The Tees Valley
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Company's donation to help cultural visit
YOUNG people from Stockton will have the chance to discover what life is like in the capital thanks to a donation from a local company. Armstrong Flooring will donate £2,000 to Stockton Borough Council's youth and leaving care team. The team is planning
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Fire brigade offers course
YOUNG people will be given the chance to take part in a course with Cleveland Fire Brigade thanks to the Prince's Trust. Brigade chiefs have teamed up with the Prince's Trust, Safe in Tees Valley and Stockton Riverside College to offer the 12-week course
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GCSE Results: Yarm School
H Abrook 10; E Les 11; A Aftab 11; M Lyle 10; M Ahmad 10; A Macaulay 9; C Alderson 9; J McClaren 10; D Alsop 8; A Mack 11; T Baird 10; D McKee 10; C Barrowcliff 11; F Majid 11; R Bellerby 9; C Melton 10; J Bloom 13; R Middleton 5; C Boddy 12; D Moore
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GCSE Results: Conyers School
L Adams 9; J Adamson 11; N Airey 11; N Aiston 6; C Aitken 11; L Alali 11; J Aldus11; S Allen 11; D Archard 11; N Ardley 11; S Allen 11,J Argile 11; J Arnett 11; S Baker 11; K Banner 11; S Barker 10; E Barron 11; J Bassett 11; S Bentley 11; S Bloomfield
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Neale loophole soon to be closed
UNDER-FIRE medical chiefs have confirmed that a loophole which could allow surgeons like Richard Neale to operate in the UK will shortly be closed. From November 1, the General Medical Council (GMC) will be able accept the verdict of foreign disciplinary
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MP guest at fundraiser
TORY MP Anne Widdecombe was the guest speaker at a fundraising lunch in aid of a hospice that cares for youngsters. The Coxwold Ladies Group organised the event at York Racecourse last week in aid of Martin House Hospice. The hospice is based in Boston
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Job Search: Vacancies
Clerical assistant, Northallerton. £10,560 to £13,071pa, 8.30am to 5pm, Mon-Thurs, 4.30pm finish Fri. Required for range of general office duties. Some IT experience, keyboard skills and good telephone manner an advantage. Ref: NAL 253. Sales assistant
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Bard in brief
Theatre-goers can enjoy every one of the Bard's plays when the Reduced Shakespeare Company visits the region later this month. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) will be performed at Darlington Civic Theatre on Wednesday, September 29
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'Terror of teenager killed by car on a playing field'
A 15-year-old boy was hit by a stolen car as he and two friends ran from its blinding headlights as it sped across a playing field, a court was told yesterday. The car, containing a driver and three passengers, had earlier been doing handbrake turns and
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Johnsen on his way to Newcastle
GRAEME SOUNESS has taken the first step towards solving Newcastle United's defensive crisis after lining up Norwegian Ronny Johnsen. Johnsen is a free agent having been released by Aston Villa and is allowed to make the move even though the transfer window
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Dream can become reality
WIDE-AWAKE punters should be on the alert for Westcourt Dream (4.30) at Thirsk this afternoon. Mick Easterby's filly struck in spectacular style at Beverley much earlier in late spring, only to flop badly over today's course and distance in June. Having
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Amateur weather forecaster Foggitt dies
World-renowned amateur weather forecaster Bill Foggitt has died in hospital at the age of 91. Mr Foggitt's unconventional methods - using signs in nature rather than science for his predictions - made him the scourge of professionals but a legend among
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Panels will heat building
SOLAR panels with the capacity to generate up to 34 kilowatts of electricity have been installed in a council building. Gateshead Council's £3.5m International Business Centre was fitted with the 36 panels last week. They will allow the building to generate
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Sir Bobby backs ageism struggle
Sacked football boss Sir Bobby Robson is backing a campaign to prevent older people being forced out of work. The 71-year-old was axed by Newcastle United after their poor start to the season. And while age was not thought to be a factor in that decision
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McClaren wants home rule
STEVE McCLAREN hopes Middlesbrough's home comforts will help them to gain the upperhand when Czech champions Banik Ostrava arrive on Teesside. Boro are hoping a sell-out crowd will witness Boro's first UEFA Cup tie at the Riverside on Thursday following
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Comment from The Northern Echo: Losing sight of the message
WE are told that Britain is on terrorist alert, with high security measures in place to ward off potential attacks. And yet, in the space of a few months, campaigners from Fathers 4 Justice have managed rather easily to reach the very heart of government
