Archive

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College bids for sport and education centre

A MULTI-MILLION pound bid is being launched to create a learning, leisure and sports complex in Consett. The heart of the town was ripped out - and 3,700 jobs lost -when Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher closed the town's British Steel Works in 1980. Derwentside

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Everything's lovely in school garden

A village has enjoyed double success in this year's Northumbria in Bloom competition. Middleton-in-Teesdale, in County Durham, was given an award of merit in the Best Large Village section, and the village primary school was runner-up in the section for

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How do we judge our teachers?

When I recall the teaching methods employed during my formative years, it still sends a shudder of pain through my body. One day, the head of Our Lady of St Bede at Stockton heard some talking in class and decided to teach the miscreant a lesson. He had

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Russian Blue to break O'Brien's two-year-old duck

By his own very high standards Aidan O'Brien would surely be disappointed by the way things have unfolded this year. As it's only a few years since the Coolmore juveniles carried all before them, it's amazing to think that he's still waiting for his first

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McClaren praises his squad

STEVE McCLAREN last night hailed his players' 'European performance' for ensuring Middlesbrough progressed through to the second stage of the UEFA Cup. Boro's 1-1 draw in Banik Ostrava finished the job they had started two weeks earlier at the Riverside

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Prices at the Marts

BARNARD CASTLE. - Wed. of last week. Fwd: 856 sheep. Lt lambs to 106p av 90.3p; std to 111p av 105.7p; med to 112p av 108.3p; heavy to 108p av 104.3p. Cast sheep: Suff £35; Mule £31.50; Swale £18. Tues. - Fwd: 70 cattle, 269 store cattle. BA £605; Char

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Derelict former school is transformed into teaching and exhibition venue as opening looms

WHEN teacher Chris Hallett planned to turn a derelict village school into an arts centre, she told the D&S Times it would be open by Christmas. "That was two years ago, but I didn't say which Christmas!" said Mrs Hallett, who plans to open to the

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Lord Of The Flies, York Theatre Royal

THIS is my first acquaintance with Pilot Theatre Company's stage version of William Golding's novel. Somehow I missed the 392 performances staged on tour between 1998 and 2002. This re-cast revival - which tours until March next year - shows York-based

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Tragedy as mother dies after birth

A TEENAGE girl died only days after she gave birth to her daughter. Katie Morrison, 17, suffered a brain aneurysm as she gave birth to her daughter on September 16. Faye was successfully delivered after a 26-hour labour, but Katie collapsed and there

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Store puts down the red carpet

A CARPET store that began life in the back of a van will open its new premises tomorrow. Calverts Carpets has doubled the size of its store on the Standard Way Industrial Estate, in Northallerton. Builders created the new building exactly the same size

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Sisters turn back the clock

TWO sisters have made an emotional return to the hotel where they spent the war years. Mary McKenna and Kath Campbell left Leadgate, near Consett in 1940, to find work, aged 17 and 15. They spent the next five years at the Eversfield Hotel in Swan Road

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Brigadier appointed to post

THE largest Army brigade in the UK has a new commanding officer. Brigadier Richard Dennis has taken charge of the 15 (North-East) Brigade. The unit, which has its headquarters in York, has 11,500 regular and TA soldiers, 8,000 Army cadets and 2,000 civilian

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Male abuse victims to get refuge

THE first refuge for male victims of domestic violence in Britain is to be set up in the region. The purpose-built unit will be run by the charity It Does Happen, based in County Durham, and will offer men and their children a secure place to escape from

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Tackling football's last taboo

A play coming to York Theatre Royal next month has been adopted by the FA to tackle the problem of homophobia in football. Steve Pratt reports. Geordie actor and Newcastle fan Deka Walmsley is centre stage at the Football Association's London offices

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Village homes protest

CAMPAIGNERS against plans to build 14 houses in Middleton St George are taking their protest to the Deputy Prime Minister. Last week, the parish council commissioned a consultant to examine the planning application to build the homes within the grounds

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Prize-filled season for mare and foal

A BROOD mare and foal from North Yorkshire have enjoyed a very successful first season in the show ring. Goldsborough Princess Royale and Rosamel Golden Promise, owned and bred by Wayne and Melissa Merryweather of Stokesley, have picked up several top

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Police still in dark on woman's identity

A WOMAN'S body found in a North stream continues to baffle police. An e-fit of the woman has been issued, along with pictures of her clothes. The body was found near Horton-in-Ribblesdale, just off the Pennine Way, in the Yorkshire Dales, nearly a fortnight

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Danielle proves an Oscar winner

DANIELLE Coulson from Northallerton is celebrating a fantastic season of endurance riding with her gelding Euphoria's Quest (Oscar). A nervous, "terrified of humans" Oscar was saved by Danielle's grandfather, Ken Smith, from a trip to the slaughter house

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Economy based on knowledge is not rural answer

A REPORT, The Knowledge Based Economy has just hit my desk and it links its meessage to rural Britain. The report is the result of Eurocrats deciding that: "Europe will become the most competetive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world, capable

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Road closures during fair

PREPARATIONS are well under way for the annual Yarm Town Fair later this month. The fair takes place from Thursday, October 14, to Saturday, October 16, and, as usual, will involve the closure of the High Street through the town. The road will be closed

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How do we judge our teachers?

When I recall the teaching methods employed during my formative years, it still sends a shudder of pain through my body. One day, the head of Our Lady of St Bede at Stockton heard some talking in class and decided to teach the miscreant a lesson. He had

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Officers told to turn up for jury service in uniform

NORTH Yorkshire's chief constable is mired in controversy again after ordering her officers to avoid jury service by turning up in uniform at court. Della Cannings feels their time is better spent on the beat. Police officers are no longer exempt from

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Lucky Story earns the plaudits with superb Ascot effort

NO apology is made for concentrating not on a winner, but on a runner-up this week, as Lucky Story ran the race of his life last Saturday to come second to Rakti in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot. Stablemate Attraction bypassed the Group 1 event

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Railway ends service early after problems

A RAILWAY engine that ran out of steam has cut short services on Britain's newest heritage line. Engineers discovered major steam leaks yesterday on the Mardy Monster locomotive, which has been hauling coaches through Weardale, County Durham, for the

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Parish views ignored

Sir, - Is democracy dead in the parish of Tanfield? After attending the Tanfield Parish Council meeting on Wednesday, September 15, I certainly believe so. At this meeting a vote was taken on the controversial planning application submitted by Tarmac

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Yes vote roadshow is launched

A ROADSHOW campaigning for a Yes vote in the referendum will be held in the North-East over the next few weeks. The Yes 4 the North-East exhibition trailer will visit sites across the region until referendum day on November 4. It will be staffed by local

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Racing hopefuls get green light at Teesside track

THE search for a future star of professional motor sport has entered its first lap. The bearacingdriver scholarship, a unique scheme which offers motor sport fans the chance to fulfil their dream of becoming a racing driver, has got under way at Teesside

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Hermit's life for a former pirate

Stone Age flints and finds of Roman pottery are testament to the human habitation of Finchale in ancient times but the name Finchale came into being later in the Anglo-Saxon period around 600AD. Pronounced Finkle it signifies a river meadow inhabited

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NHS dentists fear funding shortfall in new system

DENTISTS in the Cleveland area are paying the price of treating people on the National Health Service. They are losing out on Government money and feel they have been given a raw deal in new funding arrangements. At a private meeting called by Middlesborough

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Musical extravaganza in grandfather's memory

THE grandchildren of a cancer sufferer who died in March have worked for months to put on a show tonight in his memory. The five children, aged from nine to 16, will pay tribute to Peter Langstone with a musical extravaganza at Darlington College of Technology

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Every time a winner in flock which began as a hobby

A PEDIGREE sheep breeder from Cleveland is enjoying her most successful season to date. Eleanor Stokeld's Border Leicester flock swept the board at the recent Kelso sheep show and sale and they have taken supreme championships at every other show they

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Big Fridge chilled Wimbledon

A TEESSIDE firm has kept its cool on the set of romantic comedy Wimbledon. Big Fridge, from Thornaby supplied cast and crew with mobile refrigeration and freezer units during filming of the movie, which stars, Kirsten Dunst and British actor Paul Bettany

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Reunited after 62 years: nursery maid and the baby who became lord of the manor

TO THE young girl brought up in the industrial heartland of South Yorkshire, the stately home near Ripon was the most romantic place on earth. It was 1940 and Ivy Read, then almost 17, was about to start work in the Upstairs Downstairs world of Norton

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Tackling football's last taboo

A play coming to York Theatre Royal next month has been adopted by the FA to tackle the problem of homophobia in football. Steve Pratt reports. Geordie actor and Newcastle fan Deka Walmsley is centre stage at the Football Association's London offices

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Growing GP practice on the move

A BUSY village GP practice is aiming to move to new purpose-built premises - and is taking the local pharmacy with it. Queens Road Surgery, in Queens Road, Blackhill, Consett, is in advanced negotiations with the NHS to buy part of the nearby old Shotley

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Competeing for the biggest headlines

IT'S been the sort of week when you can almost hear Wayne Rooney asking: "Who is this bloke Tanni Grey-Thompson?" It has taken something pretty special to compete with Rooney for the biggest headlines after marking his Manchester United debut with a Champions

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Comment from The Northern Echo: Wrong time to pull out of Iraq

THE cases for and against military action against Saddam Hussein have been thoroughly scrutinised. They have been the subject of parliamentary debates, party conferences, public inquiries and public opinion. Despite the doubts of many others, the Prime

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ON TV last night

Horizon: Derek Tastes Of Earwax (BBC2) Make Me A Perfect Wife (C4) IF the date had been April 1, I'd have been very suspicious of the Horizon programme. Surely it was a joke, you thought, as we met John who doesn't just hear words but tastes them. When

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Thomson axes 800 jobs in streamlining move

HOLIDAY company Thomson is to cut 800 jobs as part of a streamlining operation. The changes will mean a reduction in the number of the company's Lunn Poly and, possibly, Callers Pegasus high street travel agency shops. It ruled out a campaign of shop

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Boot sale raid arrests

THREE men have been arrested by police officers investigating alleged pirate DVDs. Detectives swooped at the Batleys car boot sale, near Chester-le-Street, and arrested three men on suspicion of conspiring to defraud the film and music industries. Thousands

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Boro chief cites Czechs

Middlesbrough chief executive Keith Lamb blamed the Banik Ostrava supporters for the crowd disturbance at the Bazaly Stadium last night, writes Paul Fraser. Fans clashed in the home section of the ground prior to the UEFA Cup tie after thousands of Boro

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Street charity rules change

DURHAM City Council has signed an agreement to regulate the operation of new-style charity fundraisers. More charities are turning to teams, often employed by professional fundraising firms, who ask people in the street to sign up for direct debit contributions

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Well-heeled racegoers offered a bit more for Royal Ascot

THE chance to live like royalty in some of North Yorkshire's top country homes is being offered by local gentry. The transfer of the Royal Ascot race meeting to York racecourse has sparked a rush among owners keen to make the most of the opportunity,

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'Trailblazing' teachers are honoured

SIX North-East teachers are among the first in the country to win awards for their tuition of personal, social and health education (PSHE). Certificates were last night awarded to the ground-breaking half- dozen, recognising, in particular, their teaching

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Burton's Byres: Tense times for the armchair generals

D-DAY, Format: PC, Publisher, Digital Jesters, Price: £29.99: Family friendly? The strategic element makes this a game for the over 12s only. SOME games pay lip-service to historical accuracy. Others blatantly take liberties for the sake of enjoyment.

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01/10/04

FOREIGN AFFAIRS: MAY I express my surprise at the Conservative Party's apparent indignation at Jack Straw, the Foreign Secretary, having the temerity to shake hands with Robert Mugabe, a despicable dictator. Memory is indeed short in the world of politics

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Exhibition to showcase designer work

AN exhibition will open tomorrow at a North-East museum to celebrate the work of a prolific designer. Middlesbrough residents and regular visitors to the town's Dorman Museum may know Christopher Dresser through Linthorpe Art Pottery, but the exhibition

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Investor drops bid to block debt deal

AN investor in British Energy (BE) last night gave up its attempt to derail the group's Government-backed debt restructuring package. Polygon Investment Partners said it believed there was no longer any commercial logic in trying to prevent BE delisting

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Blaydon fly flag

BLAYDON fly the flag for the North-East in the Powergen Cup tomorrow, when they entertain Wharfedale hoping to reach the third round for the first time. The Durham Cup holders' only win in the national knockout against a team from a higher league was

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Blaydon fly flag

BLAYDON fly the flag for the North-East in the Powergen Cup tomorrow, when they entertain Wharfedale hoping to reach the third round for the first time. The Durham Cup holders' only win in the national knockout against a team from a higher league was

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Injured soldier's vow over career

A TEENAGE soldier who lost part of his right leg in an Iraqi mine blast has vowed to make a quick return to Army life. Private Christopher Thompson said that although his schoolboy dream of serving on the front line was over, he wanted to forge a new

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Looking back on 60 years riding to hounds

IF YOU ride to hounds in North Yorkshire, especially with the Bedale Hunt, the name Colin Ellwood will be familiar to you. Colin has hunted with the Bedale for an impressive 60-plus years. "I can't really add up the years exactly, as during the war we

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MP joins fight to save local post offices

NORTH Durham MP Kevan Jones is backing campaigners fighting the proposed closure of two post office branches. He is calling on the Post Office to reconsider plans to shut branches in Masefield Close, East Stanley, and Hollyhill Gardens, South Stanley.

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Families' cry from the heart

THE families of eight victims of sudden cardiac death have helped to launch a campaign for more extensive heart screening in young people. Charity Cry (Cardiac Risk In The Young) is circulating postcards featuring the faces of eight North-East victims

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When fivers taste of strawberry jam

Horizon: Derek Tastes Of Earwax (BBC2); Make Me A Perfect Wife (C4): IF the date had been April 1, I'd have been very suspicious of the Horizon programme. Surely it was a joke, you thought, as we met John who doesn't just hear words but tastes them. When

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Durham Memories: Hermit's life for a former pirate

Stone Age flints and finds of Roman pottery are testament to the human habitation of Finchale in ancient times but the name Finchale came into being later in the Anglo-Saxon period around 600AD. Pronounced Finkle it signifies a river meadow inhabited

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Thomson axes 800 jobs in streamlining move

HOLIDAY company Thomson is to cut 800 jobs as part of a streamlining operation. The changes will mean a reduction in the number of the company's Lunn Poly and, possibly, Callers Pegasus high street travel agency shops. It ruled out a campaign of shop

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Music of the medieval era

THE sounds of the medieval age will be brought to life at Brancepeth Castle next month. The Daughters of Elvin, from Dartmoor, Devon, who play instruments from the period, including the dulcimer and hurdy-gurdy, will perform in the castle's great hall

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Firms facing legal action

DISABILITY minister Maria Eagle last night warned businesses in the region they could face large fines if they are not prepared for new laws on disabled people's rights introduced today. The Government said it wanted to avoid a showdown over the legislation

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Pony Dates

Bedale & West of Yore PC. - Competition rallies, ten years and over, REC Oct 4 and 18, YRC Oct 11 and 25. For further details phone Robert 01845 526185. Bedale Hunt SC. - Oct 17: Hunter trial at Maunby Hall, near Thirsk. For details telephone 01325

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Man stopped by police had Ecstasy in cap

A MAN admitted possessing the drug Ecstasy after police officers found four tablets hidden inside his baseball cap. Stephen Dickens, 23, was stopped by officers on February 14 while he rode a bike without lights. Derek Walton, prosecuting, told Darlington

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Tense times for the armchair generals

D-DAY, Format: PC, Publisher, Digital Jesters, Price: £29.99: Family friendly? The strategic element makes this a game for the over 12s only. SOME games pay lip-service to historical accuracy. Others blatantly take liberties for the sake of enjoyment.

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Forklift truck driver admits burglary

A FORKLIFT truck driver admitted giving the keys of his former property to someone else so they could burgle it. Grant Royal, 28, of Oak Terrace, Spennymoor, pleaded guilty to burglary at Darlington Magistrates' Court yesterday. Derek Walton, prosecuting

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Cubs are first

A TEAM of Cub Scouts from New Marske won an orienteering event at New Marske Woods. Saltburn came second and Marske Barn Owls' Leopard pack came third. First New Marske Cub Scouts, who meet at Jubilee Hall, Gurney Street, New Marske, on Mondays from 6.30pm

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End of an era as salesman Bill retires

IN 40 years in the motor trade, Bill Greenwell has done his bit to keep Ford production lines rolling by selling a car a day. From the 1960s Anglia to the present-day Ka, the 59-year-old has clinched 12,000 deals for his bosses at Elliotts Motors, in

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Bid to boost pension credit applications

A CAMPAIGN has been organised to encourage pensioners living in Teesdale to apply for a new pension credit. The campaign has been launched by County Durham Partners Against Poverty as part of Age Concern Week. Over the coming weeks teams will visit Teesdale

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Charities benefit from accountants' fundraising

A NORTH-East firm of accountants took part in a weekend of fundraising events. Clive Owen and Co were involved in the world's biggest coffee morning on Friday in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief. This is the sixth year that Clive Owen and Co has participated

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Helping hand for arena

AN AMPHITHEATRE has been built at the Guisborough Forest and Walkway Visitor Centre with the help of volunteers from an electricity company. Fifteen employees from CE Electric UK have helped to convert an unused area of land at the centre at Pinchinthorpe

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Farm safety highlighted at HSE event

FARMERS can brush up their health and safety knowledge with a free event aimed at raising awareness of the job's hazards. Agricultural workers in County Durham have been invited to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) event, which will be held at Sedgefield

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French market is open

A FRENCH market has returned to Dalton Park, Murton, east Durham. Visitors can sample French cheeses, chacuterie, hams, olives, garlic and onions. Clothes and lingerie will be among the other items for sale at more than 25 stalls. Dalton Park marketing

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Shopping to help charity

ONE of north Durham's most popular annual charity events takes place later this month. The two-day 16th Durham Shopping Extravaganza at the Ramside Hall Hotel, in Durham City, starts on Wednesday, October 13. There will be 60 stalls including designer

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Drugs are found in morning house raid

DRUGS, money and other equipment believed to be connected with dealing in illicit substances were recovered during a police raid on a council house. A police community beat team executed a search warrant at a three-bedroom semi-detached property in Alder

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Act now to save heritage, warns review group

THE unique heritage of Darlington could be at risk unless there is more commitment to conservation. This is the nub of a hard-hitting report compiled by councillors. In a no-holds-barred assessment, a review group says the town is failing to deal with

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Healthy eating co-operative is launched

A FOOD co-operative was launched in one of the country's most deprived areas yesterday. The venture is the idea of Easington Primary Care Trust's Health Communities Collaborative Project. A recent national survey revealed Easington District is ranked

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Mo Mowlam: leaving town was hard to do

FORMER Redcar MP Dr Mo Mowlam has said that selling her North-East home was one of the hardest decisions of her life. Talking about leaving Redcar on BBC1's Inside Out, to be screened at 7.30pm on Monday, Dr Mowlam said: "I found that was as difficult

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Councillors angry over snub in bid to set up new council

COUNCIL bosses reacted angrily last night because they were not invited to a public meeting. The meeting, called in a bid to establish a town council for the 24,000 residents of Stanley, takes place in the Lamplight Arts Centre, Stanley, on October 28

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Firm's move creates ten jobs

Up to ten jobs will be created after an IT company moved offices and took on new business. Ways, of Scarborough, has moved from Sitwell Street to the Wykeham Business Centre, on the Dawnay Estate. It has launched a service providing a full design and

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Town to toughen planning process

PLANNING rules are due to be tightened amid fears the character of a dales town is being eroded. Middleham, in Wensleydale, is mentioned in the Domesday Book, and its Georgian buildings and castle attract thousands of visitors each year. However, community

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Two great North racers

TWO young brothers from Brompton enjoyed a second year of success after completing the Junior Great North Run on Sunday. William Smith, eight, completed the 2-mile wheelchair race in 28 minutes, winning the second place trophy. His brother Matthew, six

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Shearer hat-trick sees Newcastle home easily

FORMER Prime Minister Golda Meir once described Israel as the 'Land of Miracles' but for the part-timers of Hapoel Bnei Sakhnin the fairytale is over. The Israeli side showed plenty of spirit against Newcastle in the second leg of their UEFA Cup first

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Saintly book launch

A NEW book about St Cuthbert has been launched at his resting place in Durham Cathedral. Sister Helen Julian, an Anglican nun of the Society of St Francis, wrote The Lindisfarne Icon: St Cuthbert and the 21st Century Christian, which has been published

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Moves to slow traffic on crash road

A COUNCIL is taking further steps to slow traffic on a busy road. Signs flashing the 20mph speed limit to motorists driving too fast are being introduced in Pannal Ash Road, Harrogate. Councillor Julian Sturdy, cabinet member for public works, said: "

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Early warning over fireworks

THE emergency services have come together to warn youngsters about the dangers of fireworks as Bonfire Night approaches. From Monday, representatives of North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Rescue and Ambulance Services, will be visiting schools to talk to

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Protests at bid to change farm's use

A PARISH council is opposing plans to convert former farm buildings into offices in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Felliscliffe Parish Council, near Harrogate, has objected to the scheme at White Wall Farm, White Wall Lane. Developers

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Residents miss out on cold benefit

MORE than 500 homeowners and private tenants in Richmondshire are missing out on free cash to help keep warm, according to energy experts. North Yorkshire Energy Efficiency Advice Centre says it has given Warm Front grants to nearly 300 households in

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Recycling scheme expands

A recycling scheme is being expanded to deal with empty household aerosol cans. People living in Darlington borough can now put the cans in the green recycling boxes, issued as part of the Time to Recycle scheme. Aerosols should be empty and put in the

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Cleaner coast allows better beach access

FOLLOWING a clean-up of east Durham's coastline, moves are planned to provide better access to the long stretch of beaches. The £10m Turning the Tide Project has transformed the coastline from a coal waste dumping ground to an environmental haven. A working

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Blessing for MetroCentre's latest mall

CONSTRUCTION workers joined staff at the North-East's largest shopping centre yesterday to witness the blessing of a new mall. The Reverend June Robson, Gateshead MetroCentre's chaplain, conducted the service at the entrance of the centre's new Red Mall

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UEFA Cup Diary: Newcastle United

He might have gone into last night's game with a 100 per cent record as Newcastle boss but, in some quarters at least, it seems that the honeymoon is over for Graeme Souness. Football is a volatile and ruthless business - just look to Sir Bobby Robson

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Sex text Scout leader warned he faces prison

A SCOUT leader who sent explicit messages by text to a teenage girl was last night warned he faces a possible prison sentence. Benjamin Edward Cockburn, 27, was said to have planned to pick the 14-year-old girl up from school intending to take her home

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Campaign to stop regional assembly plan is launched

THE official campaign to urge the North-East to reject plans for a regional assembly is now under way. A new poster hammering home the message will be appearing on billboards all over the region. The North-East Says No (Nesno) team has been designated

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Village faces losing Wesley oak tree

AN ancient oak tree is to be cut down before it falls. John Wesley, founder of the Methodist Church, is said to have preached under the tree in Redmire, Wensleydale, in the 18th Century. Historian Ann Holubecki, of Redmire, said the oak could be more

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Fashion show raises £3,000

A FASHION show raised £3,064 for respite care at a Durham City hospice. The show, which took place at the Gala Theatre earlier this month, was organised by the local branch of Soroptimist International to raise money for overnight beds at St Cuthbert's

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Wise up on keeping warm during winter

A SERIES of events begins today in the Easington area, aimed at helping elderly residents keep warm this winter. Easington Primary Care Trust has teamed up with GP practices, Age Concern and local community venues to hold several Keep Healthy This Winter

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Churchyard tour starts season of guided walks

A CITY'S churchyards will be examined on a guided historical walk today. Durham County Council's new autumn and winter season of guided walks begins with the four-mile tour, Churchyards with Verse, led by geographer and geologist Maurice Holliday. The

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Garden site given toxins test all-clear

A NEIGHBOURHOOD'S dream of creating an outdoor haven is back on track after a major setback. For almost five months, gardeners were banned from the Timothy Terrace allotments, in Spennymoor, after potentially toxic substances, including arsenic and lead

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Damaged cars blight success of toll system

DURHAM'S rising bollard celebrates its second birthday facing renewed calls for it to be scrapped. The device, installed at the exit to Market Place to stop drivers making off without paying the £2 charge, has damaged - in some cases written-off - more

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Lost hiker described hills on his mobile

A LONE hiker who got lost after taking a wrong turn high in the North Pennines was rescued after giving a description of the scenery over his mobile phone. The man, in his fifties, dialled 999 after realising he was lost while walking the Pennine Way

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Police 'too busy' as yobs target elderly

A COUNCIL leader has called for an urgent meeting with police chiefs after officers failed to respond when youths bombarded a sheltered housing complex with stones. John Williams, leader of Darlington Borough Council, last night branded the police response

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Call to back regional assembly

AN industry chief has urged small businesses in the North-East to make a success of an elected regional assembly by becoming more involved. Karl Watkin, chairman of Northumberland-based D1 Oils, made an impassioned plea to about 400 people, including

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Teaching was in her blood, and college is firmly in her heart

YOU could say that teaching has been in Jennifer Slater's blood. It couldn't really have been any other way with her parents, aunts and cousins all in the profession. Her grandmother was a trainee in Darlington in 1900 and went on to teach in Leeds. But

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Shearer's hat-trick tames Israelis

FORMER Prime Minister Golda Meir once described Israel as the 'Land of Miracles' but for the part-timers of Hapoel Bnei Sakhnin the fairytale is over. The Israeli side showed plenty of spirit against Newcastle in the second leg of their UEFA Cup first

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UEFA Cup Diary: Middlesbrough

JIMMY Floyd Hasselbaink and Mark Viduka may not have been late arrivals in Ostrava yesterday, but Middlesbrough fans were in no mood to miss out. Despite having only 900 official tickets, there had been a steady flow from Teesside descending on the Czech

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Competeing for the biggest headlines

IT'S been the sort of week when you can almost hear Wayne Rooney asking: "Who is this bloke Tanni Grey-Thompson?" It has taken something pretty special to compete with Rooney for the biggest headlines after marking his Manchester United debut with a Champions

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Northallerton fail to recover after Harwood gem

TWO first-half goals from Crook Town striker Jamie Harwood ended Northallerton Town's interest in this year's FA Vase. Manager Paul Burton was able to recall central defender Craig Winter following a four-week absence due to injury, but his twin centre

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Controversial factory faces action over £150,000 grant

A KOREAN-owned firm, whose stay in the North-East ended in controversy, is being told to hand back thousands of pounds of Government grant aid. The Northern Echo has learnt that Woo One is facing action over the £150,000 it was paid by the Department

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Region must reject this meaningless charade

THE idea of regional government for the North-East is unquestionably appealing. Devolving power from Whitehall bureaucrats and politicians and allowing meaningful decisions about projects and services to be made by the people most affected by them is

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Getting the message across on silage bales

LARGE, round bales of silage, tightly-wrapped in polythene, are so much a feature of today's countryside that we don't notice them until they are stacked to make a "snowman" or similar figure to catch our attention. Young farmers on the North York Moors

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Children die in Baghdad bomb outrage

IN ONE of the bloodiest days in Iraq since major conflict was declared over, dozens of people were killed in a series of attacks across the country yesterday. Iraqi children had just run across to US troops for sweets in Baghdad when the bombs exploded

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Jury finds trainee scout leader guilty

A trainee scout leader sent explicit text messages to a 14-year-old girl and offered her "practical" sex lessons, a court heard. Explorer scout leader Benjamin Cockburn set up meeting for the teenager to go to his house for a "practical" lesson in "the

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Apology urged over photos incident

A MAN who complained to a council about photographs of its former leader may receive compensation and an official apology over the way he was treated. The private and personal photographs of City of York councillor Rod Hills, who died last year, sparked

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Four options to improve rat-run estate rejected

FOUR options to improve access to a Richmond industrial estate have been rejected. Concern about the amount of traffic using roads to the Gallowfields industrial estate has been expressed for years. Residents say their streets are being used as rat-runs

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Do our views count, parish councillors ask planner

TO WHAT extent, if any, do the opinions of parish councillors count in planning matters? Concerned that theirs are disregarded, members at Middleton in Teesdale invited the district council's principal planning officer, Trevor Watson, to tell them what

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Two-pronged problem for market meeting

HAMBLETON councillors face a double challenge when they meet in Bedale next week against the backdrop of the traditional market. They are being asked to consider ways, not only of revitalising the weekly market, the charter for which dates back to 1251

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Charity shop loses everything in blaze

A CHARITY shop will be closed for up to a month after it was gutted by fire last Friday. Flames tore through the ground floor of the National Kidney Research Foundation store in Harraton Terrace, Birtley, near Chester-le-Street. Firefighters, who were

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Mo Mowlam: leaving town was hard to do

FORMER Redcar MP Dr Mo Mowlam has said that selling her North-East home was one of the hardest decisions of her life. Talking about leaving Redcar on BBC1's Inside Out, to be screened at 7.30pm on Monday, Dr Mowlam said: "I found that was as difficult

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Take time not tablets for a healthy diet

EVERY week my desk is littered with, and my e-mail in box calls my attention to, communications from organisations proclaiming their answer to our need for a healthy - or healthier - diet. Vitamin supplements for every age, soya for the menopausal, selenium

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New hopes for rare newt as pond re-introduced

A DRIED up pond could soon be home to a rare newt. A Woodland Trust project to re-establish the habitat at Vigo Woods, near Chester-le-Street, has been given £13,000 by the County Durham Environmental Trust, which distributes Landfill Tax credit money

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Hignett winning fitness race

DARLINGTON'S Craig Hignett is winning his battle to be fit in time to face Southend United tomorrow. While the rest of the squad were given the day off yesterday, Hignett trained at the Williamson Motors Stadium, before undergoing treatment. Hignett has

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Business leaders come out firmly against

A NEW poll has revealed the extent of business opposition to a regional assembly. A survey of members of the North-East Chambers of Commerce has revealed that 74pc are opposed to the idea. Organisers say this provides even more evidence that business

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Blair to have heart op but vows to carry on

Tony Blair will today go into hospital for treatment after suffering a recurrence of his irregular heart beat. The Prime Minister said last night that despite the procedure, he would still seek a third term and, if elected, serve it in full. However,

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University criticised for poor record on student admissions

ONE of the North-East's flagship universities has hit back at accusations that it is failing to recruit enough students from poorer backgrounds. Durham University was one of 17 institutions identified by the Government's Higher Education Statistics Agency

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Golden girl Tanni is set for freedom of the borough

BRITAIN'S most successful Paralympian, Tanni Grey-Thompson, is to be offered the freedom of the borough of Redcar and Cleveland on her return from Athens. The council cabinet accepted the recommendation by the coalition's three group leaders - Chris Abbott

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Morrison tops off Boro UEFA success

MIDDLESBROUGH'S UEFA Cup bow on foreign soil last night was sadly blighted by violence on the Bazaly Stadium terraces prior to Steve McClaren's men booking their place in the group stage of the competition. With no segregation in place, around 200 rival

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Pair are jailed for knife raid on garage

TWO men high on drink and drugs who held a cashier at knifepoint in an attempted robbery have been jailed for more than ten years. Serial offenders Andrew Callan and Paul Merritt demanded money and threatened to kill cashier Barbara Jakeman if she did

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What hope for babes born too early?

As parents take a hospital to court to force doctors to keep their desperately ill baby alive, Health Correspondent Barry Nelson talks to a North-East consultant who faces tough decisions daily about premature babies. FIFTEEN years ago the chance of a

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WI news

Merry Oaks: PRESIDENT Margaret Thornhill welcomed members to the September meeting and introduced Anita Atkinson from Weardale who gave a lively interpretation of the History of the Modern Monarchy, illustrated by a vast array of royal memorabilia. In

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Passer-by doctor helps to save house blaze victims

A DOCTOR has told how he helped to save the lives of two people moments after they were dragged from a burning house. Dr Saboor Ghauri was passing by when firefighters pulled an unconscious 25-year-old man and a woman in her early 20s from the house,

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Failure to protect Lib Dem candidate criticised

POLICE have hit back at criticisms that they failed to protect a vulnerable candidate at the Hartlepool by-election. Liberal Democrat candidate Jody Dunn, from Gainford, near Darlington, was left in tears after a purple flour attack by a rival candidate

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Man arrested after raid on allotments

CANNABIS and cocaine with a total value of £15,000 was discovered by police in an allotment shed. A total of nine cannabis resin bars weighing nine ounces and several ounces what what is thought to be cocaine were seized. Middlesbrough Drugs Squad raided

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Search for authentic Thai taste continues

I RECKON the way to get the best out of Thai food is to leave the choice to the experts. Many people probably fall into the trap of opting for something on the menu which looks familiar. Unfortunately, there is a huge risk that the resultant dish will

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Concern for missing woman

A 22-YEAR-OLD woman has gone missing from a Teesside hospital for people suffering mental health problems. Sarah Jane Allison, 22, had been given approved leave from St Luke's Hospital in Middlesbrough but has failed to return. The young woman may be

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Saintly book launch

A NEW book about St Cuthbert has been launched at his resting place in Durham Cathedral. Sister Helen Julian, an Anglican nun of the Society of St Francis, wrote The Lindisfarne Icon: St Cuthbert and the 21st Century Christian, which has been published

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Wellock's world: Competeing for the biggest headlines

IT'S been the sort of week when you can almost hear Wayne Rooney asking: "Who is this bloke Tanni Grey-Thompson?" It has taken something pretty special to compete with Rooney for the biggest headlines after marking his Manchester United debut with a Champions

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Looking after the older generation

IT IS that time of the year again...We are preparing ourselves and our horses for the inevitable onset of winter. Precious stable space is usually reserved for those horses that have a riding use over the coming months, with youngsters and older horses

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Older workers are targeted

A WOMEN'S clothing shop has launched a recruitment drive for workers aged over 50. Penny Plain has shops in Newcastle and Yarm, east Cleveland. Managing director Nick Oliver said: "Our customers want to know that staff at Penny Plain understand them.

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Teesside all set to host national tennis league finals

THE National Premier League, a very much extended version of the original North-East Premier League, has received a huge boost from a wide variety of public bodies and businesses in the region as it enters its third season. Backing from 15 organisations

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A passionate North-Easterner who didn't buy the dream

JOHN Elliott is going to live to be 100. Now 60, he will spend half of his remaining 40 years working and the rest in retirement. The working bit could be interesting. For this bluff businessman has just taken on the role of spearheading the North-East's

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Watercolour of Cook in combat goes under hammer in London

APREVIOUSLY unrecorded painting that overturns the accepted version of the death of Captain James Cook went under the hammer at Christie's, in London, last week. The picture was among a set of four watercolours that fetched £318,850 at auction - twice

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Arthritis patients face heart attack risk from drug

Hundreds of thousands of arthritis patients in the UK have been urged to contact their doctor after a widely-used painkiller was withdrawn by its manufacturer. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said that people taking Vioxx

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Tickets for music venue go on sale

TICKETS for a diverse programme at the North-East's new flagship music centre go on sale today - after free tickets for the opening weekend were snapped up in three days. The Sage Gateshead is living up to its promise to deliver a broad range of music

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Llew comes clean to raise funds for school minibus

A MAN has shaved off his beard for the first time in 14 years to raise money for a minibus appeal at his son's school. Llew Owen, 66, from Brotton, raised more than £125 towards St Peter's CE School's appeal for a 17-seater bus, which is expected to cost

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Shoptalk

AMAZINGLY, the tea bag is probably 100 years old this year. (I say "probably" because there is some confusion. Some say it's this year, others say it won't be 100 for another four years yet, in which case, we'll just have another party.) Such a grand

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Strong turnout in the face of hunt ban

SEPTEMBER 4 marked the beginning of another season's hunting with the Bedale Hunt. The first autumn meet was held from the kennels at Little Fencote, near Northallerton, with over 50 horses turning out and many foot followers, all showing their support

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Mowden and neighbours boost survival hopes

BOTH Darlington clubs broke their ducks last Saturday, Mowden Park winning 31-27 at home to Bradford and Bingley, while Darlington won 17-16 away to Bedford Athletic. They were both crucial victories as other results in National Three North suggested

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Children add a splash of colour

THE launch of a traditional community festival will feature colurful creatures this year. Spectacular puppets created by local youngsters, backed by the Busy Ape Arts group, will provide a colourful feature of next Friday's Houghton Feast opening ceremony

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Baby keeps up castle tradition

BABY Ella Bryce Vickers maintained an unusual family tradition when she was christened. The ceremony in the Tunstall Chapel was one of the few to take place in Durham Castle. But the event maintained a strong family link with the castle, home to University

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Tinker denied title glory by start controversy

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Workers' disbelief at plant closure

WORKERS at Arla Foods' Newcastle dairy have reacted with disbelief to news the plant is to close with the loss of 147 jobs. The site, at Benton, Newcastle, will close along with an Arla dairy in Ruislip, west London, in a move that will see a combined

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Firm to celebrate 40 years in town

A FIRM is celebrating its 40th anniversary in the region with a tree planting ceremony. Cummins Engines has been in Darlington for 40 years on Monday and to celebrate representatives from the firm, the community and environmental groups will plant 40

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Land of ancient trees, crannogs, rare wild flowers and whisky

THIS week's Diary comes from the central Highlands of Scotland where we spent a few days in an isolated and idyllic thatched cottage near the foot of Glen Lyon, not far from the beautiful Loch Tay. With no television or clock to distract us, household

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Bad weather puts boot into summer sales

HIGH street retailer Boots reported a cooling in sales growth after disappointing summer weather stalled demand for suncare products. The group said like-for-like sales at Boots The Chemists grew by 3.3 per cent over the past three months, down from the

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Souness backs Kluivert to hit the world heights

GRAEME Souness last night insisted that Patrick Kluivert could become the world's number one striker in the next four years after watching the Dutch international link up with Alan Shearer to fire Newcastle to a convincing UEFA Cup win over Hapoel Bnei

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The day bride thought she'd never see

EVERY bride's wedding day is special but when Beverley Hodgson tied the knot on Saturday it was that bit extra special. Beverley, 33, of Delves Lane, near Consett, battled against leukaemia as a youngster and her wedding was something that neither she

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Tanfield Group reports a growing order book

ENGINEERING and manufacturing group Tanfield has reported a growing order book, despite announcing pre-tax losses of £2.5m yesterday. The County Durham-based group said turnover had increased to more than £5m as it moved away from traditional engineering

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IMF issues warning on house prices

SUDDEN changes in the housing market pose the biggest threat to the UK economy, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned last night. In an unusually stark message, the IMF warned potential house buyers to exercise particular caution because house

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Darlington club riders shine in national finals

DARLINGTON Riding Club members were again in action at this year's British Riding Clubs national championships at Lincoln. Caron Stokell and Angela Peacock, riding their coloured horses Chuckie Egg and Sam, were pleased to improve on last year's third

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Team announced for broadcasting bid

ONE of the companies bidding for the region's newest commercial radio licence has announced its management team. Durham FM is applying to run the station planned for Durham City and will be competing against Durham Local Radio (DLR), the consortium that

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Blakelock murder weapon search reveals 'machete'

POLICE investigating the murder of PC Keith Blakelock yesterday finished digging up a garden yards from where he was killed. But a spokeswoman refused to comment on reports that an "item of interest" recovered by specialist search teams working at 16

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Boxers swap punches for pirouettes to help autistic children

MEMBERS of a boxing club are taking ballet lessons in a bid to send a group of severely autistic children to Disney World. Frankie Wales, whose daughter Elenor is autistic, has encouraged members of The Amateur Boxing and Sports Club, based at Coatham

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ShopTalk: Is the key to top tea in the bag?

Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear Tea Bag... But does it make a cuppa quite as good as good old loose leaf? AMAZINGLY, the tea bag is probably 100 years old this year. (I say "probably" because there is some confusion.

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Help needed

The Centre, in Darlington, which provides confidential support for victims of rape and sexual, physical or emotional abuse, is looking for volunteers to provide telephone support on its helpline. For details contact Lynne Hinde on (01325) 345119. The

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Youngsters' put on song and dance in musical tribute to grandfather

THE grandchildren of a cancer sufferer who died in March have worked for months to put on a show tonight in his memory. The five children, aged from nine to 16, will pay tribute to Peter Langstone with a musical extravaganza at Darlington College of Technology

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Rain threat to Attraction

Connections of dual Guineas winner Attraction are keeping their fingers crossed that the weather at Newmarket improves. The three-year-old filly is due to tackle the Kingdom of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes tomorrow but after three millimetres of rain yesterday

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Forklift truck driver admits burglary

A FORKLIFT truck driver admitted giving the keys of his former property to someone else so they could burgle it. Grant Royal, 28, of Oak Terrace, Spennymoor, pleaded guilty to burglary at Darlington Magistrates' Court yesterday. Derek Walton, prosecuting

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Third care home for the elderly is to close

A SUDDEN announcement that a third care home for elderly people is to close has left hundreds of Teesside families facing an uncertain future. Graceland Care Home, in Guisborough, will be the third home to close in east Cleveland with the loss of 120

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Woman stole bag and mobile phone

A DARLINGTON woman stole a reveller's handbag and mobile phone during a drunken night out, a court heard. Derek Walton, prosecuting, told Darlington Magistrates' Court that police were called to the Atomic pub, in the town's Houndgate, on July 9 at about

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Minister's praise for projects

TWO pilot schemes that encourage people to improve their communities have been praised by a Government minister. The North-East-wide Regen School project and the Sunderland-based CofroCo sch-eme had instilled belief and confidence in local communities

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Law and order debate invite for the public

THE Mayor of Middlesbrough will hold his next public debate, which will cover issues of law and order, next week. This will be the latest in a series of meetings on law and order and transport, which Ray Mallon is hosting across the town during 2004.

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Horsing around with Tees the shire gelding at forest harvest day

A GIANT shire gelding will be one of the star attractions at the Natural Harvest Day, at Guisborough Forest this weekend. The festival will be held in the 700-acre wood from 10am to 5pm tomorrow, and will celebrate traditional crafts and natural goods

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Wildlife walks

THE WWF's Walk for Wildlife event will take place in the North-East on October 10. Two four-mile circular walks will be held in Newcastle's Heaton and Armstrong Parks. To take part, call 0845 766 8860, quoting reference 04/XNE/NCT.

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Cricket media centre is approved

PLANS to build a three-storey media centre costing more than £1.8m at the region's flagship cricket ground have been approved. The proposals for Durham County Cricket Club's Riverside ground, at Chester-le-Street-le-Street, were endor-sed by Chester-le-Street

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Charities benefit from accountants' fundraising

A NORTH-East firm of accountants took part in a weekend of fundraising events. Clive Owen and Co were involved in the world's biggest coffee morning on Friday in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief. This is the sixth year that Clive Owen and Co has participated

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Public inquiry call as more homes planned for village

A PARISH council is calling for a public inquiry into the continuing development of a village near Darlington. The population of Middleton St George has increased from 1,800 to 5,000 in the past eight years. An application to build 14 houses within the

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Older workers are targeted

A WOMEN'S clothing shop has launched a recruitment drive for workers aged over 50. Penny Plain has shops in Newcastle and Yarm, east Cleveland. Managing director Nick Oliver said: "Our customers want to know that staff at Penny Plain understand them.

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Souness hails ace Kluivert

GRAEME Souness last night insisted that Patrick Kluivert could become the world's number one striker in the next four years after watching the Dutch international link up with Alan Shearer to fire Newcastle to a convincing UEFA Cup win over Hapoel Bnei

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Children massacred in Iraq bombs blitz

Iraqi children had just run across to US troops for sweets in Baghdad yesterday when the bombs exploded, killing at least 35 youngsters. In one of the bloodiest days in Iraq since major conflict was declared over, dozens of people were killed in a series

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Agricultural society's choice

CHRISTOPHER Bourne-Arton, pictured, right, has been elected president of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society for the forthcoming year. A staunch supporter of the Great Yorkshire Show and the countryside in general, he has an extensive knowledge of both

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Saintly book launch

A NEW book about St Cuthbert has been launched at his resting place in Durham Cathedral. Sister Helen Julian, an Anglican nun of the Society of St Francis, wrote The Lindisfarne Icon: St Cuthbert and the 21st Century Christian, which has been published

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Charity event for orphanage

A CHARITY that supports an Indian orphanage is holding a musical fundraising event. The Cathleen Home Missionary Charity Group, based at the Evangel Church in Chester-le-Street, has been raising money for the orphanage in northern India for the last three

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Survey of satisfaction with rural services is doubted

A GOVERNMENT survey which claims that rural people are generally satisfied with key public services could be seen as "just spin", it was said this week. Research by NOP World on behalf of the Department for Rural Affairs has concluded that in areas such

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Older workers are targeted

A WOMEN'S clothing shop has launched a recruitment drive for workers aged over 50. Penny Plain has shops in Newcastle and Yarm, east Cleveland. Managing director Nick Oliver said: "Our customers want to know that staff at Penny Plain understand them.

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Man fined £800 for assaulting his wife

A MAN who punched his wife four times in a drunken argument was fined £800 by magistrates yesterday. David Woodcock, 38, had been on a night out with his wife, Alison, in Darlington on November 29 last year when an argument started in the taxi on their

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Last call for nominations

A PUBLIC meeting to discuss next year's Darlington Community Carnival will nominate the charity to benefit from the event. People attending the meeting will be invited to come up with ideas for the popular annual event, which takes place during the last

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Pub landlord's cycle feat

A PUB landlord got on his bike and cycled 430 miles in five days to raise £2,000 for cancer research. Chris Brown, 53, owner of the Manor House Inn, near Shotley Bridge, County Durham, cycled from Aberdeen to his home as part of Cancer Research UK's Man

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Masts meeting made ticket-only

ENTRY to a meeting to discuss the implications of mobile phone masts will be by ticket-only because of unprecedented interest. The event, in Harrogate, is being organised by the Campaign Against Masts Put Up Near Schools (Campus) and will hear from a

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Burglar's £3,000 of damage - for £5

AN ATTEMPT to burgle a house caused nearly £3,000 of damage before the culprit escaped with a screwdriver worth just £5. The thief picked up the screwdriver outside a house in Keighly Avenue, Middlesbrough, and damaged the patio at the rear of the property

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Star returns to Teesdale to encourage others to a life on the stage

NORTHERN actor Kevin Whately returned to the County Durham town where acting transformed his life and saw how it is helping young inmates. On Monday, the star of Auf Wiedersehen Pet and Inspector Morse, visited Deerbolt Young Offenders' Institute, near

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Double delight

A North-East hotel has secured another top accolade. Lumley Castle, Chester-le-Street, has been selected to appear in The Which? Guide to Good Hotels 2005 after being nominated by visitors. The honour comes just months after it was revealed that the hotel

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Raising cancer awareness

A HEALTH campaign could bring a flush to workers' cheeks when it rolls up outside a Newton Aycliffe factory this morning. The charity Colon Cancer Concern uses a huge picture of someone sitting on a lavatory mounted on a 45ft trailer to raise awareness

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Recycling scheme expands

A recycling scheme is being expanded to deal with empty household aerosol cans. People living in Darlington borough can now put the cans in the green recycling boxes, issued as part of the Time to Recycle scheme. Aerosols should be empty and put in the

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Harvest festival

A HARVEST festival will be held this weekend by North-allerton Methodist Church. Tomorrow, there will be displays by the Samaritans, Bereavement Care, Morton Art Club and Farming Crisis Network, from 10am to 4pm. Refreshments will be available. At 7pm

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Rush-hour crash

A WOMAN was taken to hospital yesterday after a rush-hour crash in east Durham. The accident, between a van and a car, took place on the A19 at 7.45am, near to the turn off for Murton. The woman was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital with shock and whiplash

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The fox is laughing his way to the hen house

There is always a spark of optimism in the air when September comes around in the country with the prospect of a new season's hunting beckoning. Hunting people are always optimistic even though on this occasion it may be misplaced. Ever since the Labour

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Charity funds

TYNE Tees TV weatherman Bob Johnson has given a cheque for £4,500, raised through a fashion show, to Sargent Cancer Care for Children. The group, which is based at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary, provides support and help to victims of the disease

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Toll road's anniversary, but how many are celebrating?

LESS than 24 hours before its second anniversary, Dur-ham's rising bollard claimed its latest victims. A Transit van driver left his vehicle to pay his £2 toll yesterday morning, became distracted and the van rolled into the bollard. Kathleen Jude, the

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Blessing for MetroCentre's latest mall

CONSTRUCTION workers joined staff at the North-East's largest shopping centre yesterday to witness the blessing of a new mall. The Reverend June Robson, Gateshead MetroCentre's chaplain, conducted the service at the entrance of the centre's new Red Mall

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Hurworth Hunt: Rabbit with a death wish tests hounds control

The summer proved a busy time for our hounds, starting at Duncombe Park Show, where we picked up a couple of minor placings in the open classes, and had a clean sweep in the Old English classes, partly due to the fact we were the only pack there! Next

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Addict died after taking drugs cocktail

AN addict died after taking a cocktail of drugs in his Stockton flat, an inquest was told. Barry Gill, 25, was found unconscious in his bedsit, in Londonderry Road, on Wednesday, May 19, when his friend kicked down the door after he became concerned about

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Holiday became 11-year mission to help kenya

A DREAM safari holiday proved a real eye-opener for a Christian couple from the North-East. Avril and Allan Richardson were shocked at the gulf between standards of Western holidaymakers and many of the impoverished local people in Kenya. They returned

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Public inquiry results at end of this year

THE findings of a public inquiry into the remaining objections to the proposed new version of Hartlepool's Local Plan are expected to be announced at the end of the year. Local plans are a blueprint drawn up by councils for controlling and guiding future

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Special sales

BARNARD CASTLE. - Wed. of last week. Annual show & sale of 2,300 Mule Gimmer lambs for NEMSA. Champion pen: NB&R Hird £150; 2 NB&R Hird £130; 3 JW Dent & Sons £110. Prices: J&SE Bainbridge £83, £70, £66, £62, £59; G&JA Rigg £55

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Children asked for their ideas

YOUNGSTERS have been encouraged to get involved with the regeneration of their local estate. Housing Hartlepool has asked children in the Burbank area of town to submit ideas for after-school leisure activities and facilities. Eddie Price, resident participation

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Tories suffer as Labour scrapes home

LABOUR held its seat in Hartlepool last night, despite a huge swing to the Liberal Democrats. Accountant Iain Wright held off a strong challenge from LibDem candidate Jody Dunn to claim the seat for Labour with a greatly reduced majority. And the Conservatives