Archive
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Stretching kids' imaginations
Christine Fieldhouse takes her son Jack to children's yoga class and discovers that it's not all fuddy duddies and Feng Shui. As a yoga devotee for the last ten years, I know about inner calm and serenity. Yoga has helped me unwind after a busy day, relax
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How chauvinists are killing clubland
Jackie Medley has spent more than five years campaigning for women to have equal rights within the workingmen's club movement. She tells Women's Editor Lindsay Jennings why she has stopped fighting. TO Jackie Medley, the framed Club and Institute Union
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Man, 38, denies murder
A MAN accused of shooting dead one police officer and trying to kill two others appeared in court yesterday. David Bieber, 38, also known as Nathan Coleman, is accused of murdering PC Ian Broadhurst, 34, in Leeds, on Boxing Day, last year. He is also
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Access All Areas: Guide to golden moments
KETTLENESS: MOST people with disabilities need more to go on than is provided in conventional mapping and in regular articles about 'walks'. Thankfully, many publications do exist that, when used in conjunction with - say - an Ordnance Survey map, open
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John will tackle new challenges as director
A NEW director has been appointed at a North Yorkshire wine merchants John Moorhouse has been promoted after joining Playford Ros, in Thirsk, in 2002. Mr Moorhouse, 32, was born in Leeds and educated at Ashville College, Harrogate, and at Sheffield Hallam
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Cheers to beer festival
PUB regulars will be raising a glass or two as a traditional German drinking festival is celebrated in the North-East. The Oktoberfest, in the beer kellers of Munich, gives drinkers a chance to sample a wide range of beers. Following the tradition, an
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Dinner at Gordon's
DINNER for two at Gordon Ramsay's Claridge's restaurant is one of the prizes in a fundraising Christmas raffle, organised by staff and volunteers at the holistic cancer care centre in the grounds of Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital. It is
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Centre extension opening
GATESHEAD'S MetroCentre will regain its title as the largest shopping and leisure centre in Europe when its new extension opens tomorrow. The Red Mall includes a 180,000sq ft Debenhams store. The rest of the site has been let to 22 retailers, including
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Youngsters' reading medals
YOUNGSTERS in Hartlepool are to be presented with certificates and medals tonight for completing Hartlepool libraries' summer reading challenge. Hartlepool United manager Neale Cooper will present the awards to more than 150 children who each read at
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Design and robotics course is one of a kind
STUDENTS are being given the chance to create their own version of television programme Robot Wars. Redcar and Cleveland College has responded to the popularity of the show by introducing a course in design and robotics. It is believed to be the only
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Wet summer hits farmers hard
WHEAT yields in the North-East are falling, says the National Farmers' Union. Average yield and total output have both dropped, despite an increase in the area planted, which is up by 6.57 per cent. Against a national increase in the average yield of
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Motorists face delays for at least four weeks
MOTORISTS travelling between Guisborough and Redcar face severe traffic disruption as the main route between the two towns is closed for four weeks. Bus passengers also face a month of disruption as resurfacing work is carried out on a one-kilometre stretch
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Brothers on run
TWO youngsters from Brompton School did themselves proud in the Junior Great North Run. Brothers William and Matthew Smith took part in different sections of the event. William, seven, competed in the wheelchair race and completed the one-mile course
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Students learn they are not Poles apart
Polish students have worked in partnership with six pupils at a Newton Aycliffe college to add web pages to their school sites. A group from Woodham Community Technology College have enjoyed an exchange visit with the Zstil technology college in industrial
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Isle can land first victory
DAVID BARRON'S Dispol Isle (2.40) deserves to get her head in front at Catterick today following a series of near misses. The two-year-old filly has yet to finish out of the first four on all five of her career outings to date, but even though she came
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Making gym family thing
FATHERS are being urged to join their sons in using a new school gym. The £20,000 fitness suite, which opened recently at Greencroft School, in Annfield Plain, near Stanley, has proved to be a hit with male pupils. Staff are now opening it up to parents
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Path may be changed to bridleway
A PUBLIC meeting will be held this week to discuss plans to change a Teesdale footpath into a bridleway. Durham County Council's Highways Committee will meet on Thursday to discuss the footpath at Lartington. The application to modify the right of way
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Path may be changed to bridleway
A PUBLIC meeting will be held this week to discuss plans to change a Teesdale footpath into a bridleway. Durham County Council's Highways Committee will meet on Thursday to discuss the footpath at Lartington. The application to modify the right of way
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Library learning
Hartlepool families are being encouraged to visit libraries as part of Family Learning Week next week. Libraries in Hartlepool are taking part with events suitable for all the family, including quizzes about different decades, and opportunities to try
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Survey looks into impact of crime
RESIDENTS are to be quizzed on crime and disorder in Richmondshire. About 3,500 households will receive a questionnaire during the next fortnight. The initiative is being carried out by Richmondshire Community Safety Partnership to find out how crime
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'Terror measures threaten values'
Government powers to detain foreigners without limit under emergency anti-terror laws threaten the values they were designed to protect, the Law Lords were told yesterday. Nine men held under the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act are seeking to overturn
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Beer company drenches 700 extras for commercial set in North city
THE hardy reputation of North-East people was put to an extreme test yesterday as millions of gallons of water was poured on a city centre for a television commercial. Hundreds of willing extras from the region turned out for the cameras, as a rain machine
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Drug addict is given the chance for a new start
A violent, crack-smoking thief who armed himself with a squeezy bottle of ammonia has been given the chance to turn over a new leaf. Drug addict Clint Kennedy, 22, told probation officers he realised he needed help to turn his life around and kick the
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Pupils produce the goods
HARVEST festival fare was delivered to the community by children from Barnard Castle School yesterday. The prep school pupils gave fruit and vegetables to the Salvation Army's Tom Raine Centre, in Darlington. They also delivered flowers with hand-made
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Great vibes as young people win awards for achievement
THE outstanding achievements of dozens of young people were recognised at a ceremony last night. The Vibe Awards were staged at Darlington Civic Theatre and saw local youngsters honoured for a host of reasons. They had all been nominated by relatives,
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Walkers in danger of being shot - warning
CONFUSED walkers who wrongly believe they have a right to roam the Dales could fall down a mineshaft or be accidentally shot, experts have warned. New laws mean large areas of the English countryside are now open to the public. However, the hills and
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Open days to view centre
A COMMUNITY centre is holding a series of open days to show residents what it has to offer. The Enterprise and Development Centre, in The Bye, The Grove, near Consett, runs a wide variety of courses and is home to a number of voluntary agencies. A week
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Victim calls for action after attack near Blair's house
THE victim of a brutal street attack near the Prime Minister's North-East home has called for action to rid the neighbourhood of yobs. Joe Cunningham, of Trimdon, County Durham, said that despite the Government saying it was fighting crime across the
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Move to protect 1800s cottage
A COUNCILLOR has called for a 200-year-old cottage to be declared a listed building to stop it from being knocked down to make way for a housing development. Simon Theakston, who represents the Harlow Moor ward on Harrogate Borough Council, wants Harlow
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Anger at state of roads
HIGHWAY chiefs have been challenged about the poor state of some roads in Ripon. The challenge was led by County Councillor Bernard Bateman and City Councillor Peter Horton at a meeting of the North Yorkshire area committee in Harrogate. Coun Bateman
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Reaping fruits of orchard labour
NEGLECTED orchards in the North York Moors National Park are being brought back into production with the help of a local charity. Adults with learning disabilities from Northdale Horticulture, in Northallerton, are being trained to give the orchards a
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Get pruning in name of safety, urges council
OWNERS of trees, plants and hedges that encroach on footpaths and roads could be presented with bill to chop them down to size. North Yorkshire County Council is becoming increasingly concerned about the number of complaints about vegetation obstructing
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Can you help stadium club?
VOLUNTEERS are needed to help at an after-school club. The club, at Sunderland's Stadium of Light, caters for nine to 12-year-olds, and the youngsters need help with literacy and numeracy work. Volunteers are needed for ten-week terms and can choose any
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Merger for law firms announced
ONE of the North-East's oldest law firms has merged with one of the region's largest. Dobermans Horsman, of Middlesbrough, has joined with Crutes, which has offices in Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Carlisle. The new firm combines the staff from the Middlesbrough
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Appeal for mine photos
OLD photographs of one of the last collieries to close in a North-East coalfield are needed for a mining memorabilia display. The Customs House theatre, in South Shields, South Tyneside, is staging Shafts of Light, an exhibition celebrating the North-East's
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Comment from The Northern Echo: Has time run out for the Tories?
WHEN Labour returned to power after 18 years in the political wilderness, it was almost unrecognisable from the party it used to be. It took the harsh and painful decision that it had to reform or risk oblivion. This is the same stark choice facing the
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Elliott ready for first-team fight
ROBBIE ELLIOTT has warned new team-mate Ronny Johnsen he has a fight on his hands if he wants a place in the Newcastle United back four. The former Manchester United and Norway defender successfully came through an hour in the reserves' 0-0 draw against
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Cousins deny raping 'slow' teenager in woods
A STUDENT who arrived home from college with leaves and twigs in her hair told her mother she had been raped in the woods by two men, a court heard yesterday. The 17-year-old said she was grabbed soon after she got off the bus at her usual stop in Stanley
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Fears for vulnerable pensioners in flu vaccine shortage
A shortage of flu vaccine in the region has prompted calls for action after fears vulnerable pensioners could be affected. Age Concern is calling on the Government to step in after doctors surgeries across the North-East and North Yorkshire reported supply
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Rethink over rural rubbish collections
THREE councillors have called for a rethink on a controversial policy for collecting rubbish from isolated rural properties. Hambleton District councillors David Webster, John Prest and John Coulson want waste collections from the homes of more than 900
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Young guns hand boss poser
STEWART Downing is hoping that Steve McClaren is suffering from a headache while he is away with England this week, with the star showing of Middlesbrough's young guns at the root of the problem. McClaren is helping to prepare Sven Goran Eriksson's side
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Jailed birdman plans a protest
A BIRD breeder threatened to go on hunger strike as he was jailed for failing to pay a £150,000 court order. Harry Sissen, 66, was sent to prison for 21 months by Northallerton magistrates. As he was led from the court in handcuffs he threw a glass of
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Guide to golden moments
KETTLENESS MOST people with disabilities need more to go on than is provided in conventional mapping and in regular articles about 'walks'. Thankfully, many publications do exist that, when used in conjunction with - say - an Ordnance Survey map, open
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Controversial pirate flag stolen from house
A FAMILY'S skull and crossbones flag which offended authorities has been stolen. Julia and Paul Pouton said they woke on Sunday to find that the £9 flag had been stolen during the night from their council house in Durham. The flag, which was bought by
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The law says access all areas - or else
THE spectre of civil court action and fines of anything from £3,500 to £167,000 is hanging over the North-East business community now that the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) has become law. And, according to a recent Natwest survey, anything up to
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Appeal is made over brawl at station
POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a mass brawl at a railway station. The incident took place as passengers boarded a train from King's Cross to Newcastle at York Station at about 10.30pm on Saturday. Police made 15 arrests for violent disorder after
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The law says access all areas - or else
More than 60 per cent of the region's businesses have not made provisions for disabled access in their buildings despite the Disability Discrimination Act, which became law this week. Viv Hardwick reports on the lack of disabled facilities in North-East
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More to come from Pouton
NEALE Cooper knows there is still more to come from Alan Pouton, writes Nick Loughlin. The Geordie midfielder, on loan from Gillingham, made his fifth appearance for Hartlepool United in Saturday's win over Hull City at Victoria Park. The trip to Luton
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Venture firm acquires home decor chain
A RETAIL venture company has bought North-East home decor chain Leveys. Strategic Retail, of Manchester, was founded to buy home decor retailer Fads, in December last year. It has now acquired the 18-store Leveys chain, based in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside
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Eating Owt: The real McCoy
McCoys Bistro at the Cleveland Tontine, may be pricey but it serves food fit for perfectionists. FOR something produced almost entirely on expenses, the column is surprisingly ascetic, which should on no account be confused with acetic. Acetic's vinegar
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250 jobs under threat as receivers called in
THE fate of about 250 workers at a North-East manufacturing company looked uncertain last night after it emerged the company had gone into administration. Pressworks Metals, of Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, confirmed that administrators were called
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Drama that drags on
Frances Tuesday (ITV1); The Apprentice (BBC2): EX-EastEnders actress Tamzin Outhwaite's ITV debut is a drama of two halves. "This is just the beginning," someone said at the end of last night's opening part, which seemed odd considering it had been going
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Tanfield doubles in size with takeover
ENGINEERING and manufacturing group Tanfield has doubled in size after taking over Smith's Electric Vehicles (SEV) in a share and cash deal worth £3.2m. The County Durham-based company said the acquisition of SEV would continue the transformation of the
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Sporting complex is given approval
A MULTI-MILLION pound sports complex planned for a site on greenbelt land has finally been given the go-ahead. The Planning Inspectorate has decided that the Civil Service Sports Council application meets the "very special circumstances" needed to build
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Have-a-go van driver
A VAN driver was injured yesterday when he tried to stop a gang stealing parcels. Six men struck at 3.40pm, in Allendale Road, Ormesby, Middlesbrough, and began intimidating the driver after pulling up on two motorcycles. They ripped open the rear doors
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Green energy offers companies a wealth of opportunities
It is the big Government challenge, to banish dirty energy and replace it with cleaner renewable methods. But how far has the region gone towards meeting that challenge? John Dean reports. They are the natural resources that could be worth billions of
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Toy town transport moves into top gear
A supplier to British sports car manufacturers is part of a North-East team that has produced the first UK-built toy pedal car. Omega Plastics, in Gateshead, is part of the Fitstogether Group. It has completed a contract to produce prototype parts for
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Transport spending boosts civil engineer
Civil engineering group Balfour Beatty is celebrating the award of six contracts worth a total of £267m. The deals were secured by BBCI - the company's US subsidiary - following increases in federal and state spending on transport infrastructure. The
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Skill and innovation recognised at awards
FLOURISHING businesses from Tyne and Wear and Teesside have been honoured with regional awards for excellence in export, entrepreneurial skill and innovation. The performances of Medibroker Limited, of Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, Sunderland software
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Hurricane Ivan hits BP production
ENERGY company BP yesterday reported a fall in third-quarter production after operations in the Gulf of Mexico were affected by Hurricane Ivan. Overall BP production for the three months to September 30 is forecast to be 3.88 million barrels of oil and
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The real McCoy
McCoys Bistro at the Cleveland Tontine, may be pricey but it serves food fit for perfectionists. FOR something produced almost entirely on expenses, the column is surprisingly ascetic, which should on no account be confused with acetic. Acetic's vinegar
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Farming co-op in talks to buy Wiseman stake
One of Britain's largest farming co-operatives is in talks to buy a 15 per cent stake in Robert Wiseman Dairies, it was confirmed yesterday. First Milk, which supplies the company with a significant proportion of its milk, is poised to buy shares at £2.50
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Charity makes wish come true for a budding superhero
A boy's dream of becoming a superhero is about to come true thanks to a charity's efforts to enrich the lives of sick children. Nathan Allen's declared mission to save the world in the role of Spiderman will be helped along at the special-effects Marvel
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Job Search: Vacancies
Legal secretary, 39hpw Mon-Fri, competitive rates. Must have an accurate typing speed of minimum 60wpm. Responsible for first-class secretarial service in the law department, working to deadlines. Ref: DUR 41561. Evening/weekend shop assistant, 18hpw
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A requiem for the Tory Party
We are in the middle of three days of mourning. This week's conference is the funeral of the Conservative Party. But shed no tears. Don't let me hear wailing over the Tees or the lovely dales of Durham and North Yorkshire. For this is not a sudden death
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Kluivert frustrated by van Basten snub
HOLLAND'S forgotten man Patrick Kluivert has been left wondering exactly what he has to do to regain his place in the national squad. The Newcastle United striker was omitted from Marco van Basten's 20-man party for the upcoming games against Macedonia
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Dual family pride at Old Trafford
AS the names of James Morrison and Tony McMahon echoed round Old Trafford when the two teams were announced, an immense feeling of pride worked its way through the two teenage Middlesbrough players' families. The parents of both young men sat alongside
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The game goes on for Speedie
It's a long, long way from Hampden Park to the King George V playing field and graffiti paradise in Sunderland, but David Speedie makes the journey with no indication that he's seen the writing on the wall. "I just love my football. I'd far sooner be
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Presenter backs wildlife scheme
A TELEVISION wildlife show presenter has thrown his weight behind a venture to return rare red kites to North-East skies. Nick Baker, who presents TV's Really Wild Show, will be in the region on Thursday, October 14, to lend his support to the Northern
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North museum to display £22m renaissance piece
A PRICELESS painting by a Renaissance master worth millions of pounds will go on show at a North-East museum next year. The highlight of next year's events at the Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, County Durham, will be the loan of Raphael's Madonna of
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Hodgson hands Hughes trial
CANADIAN international Tyler Hughes will train with Darlington this week after joining the club on trial. Quakers boss David Hodgson is keen to strengthen his defensive options with Curtis Fleming and Joey Hutchinson both injured. Fleming is out for another
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Dream debut for Tony
IT was fitting that Tony McMahon kept Ryan Giggs under wraps during his first-team debut on Sunday because, just eight years earlier, the roles had been reversed in the youngster's Evenwood home. Despite being born and raised in the Teesdale village,
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'Opening casino in N-E is no gamble'
He has hosted dice table for the glitterati aboard QE2 and worked in casinos from Prague to Iran. Now Nick Malone, the son of a custodian of the Crown Jewels, has been appointed chief executive officer to help turn Duncan Bannatyne's casino empire dream
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A Voice For The North: For or against, the push for assembly vote gathers pace
WITH only a month to go before the region decides on whether to set up a directly-elected Assembly for the North-East, campaigners yesterday stepped up a gear in the final push for the referendum. The first postal votes will be cast in two weeks, with
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Four in court on drug charges
FOUR men accused of planning to distribute drugs worth millions of pounds appeared in court yesterday. The four were charged with conspiracy to supply controlled drugs, and appeared at Gateshead Magistrates' Court. It follows an incident on Friday, when
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Views on transport
ROADSHOWS are being held from next week to give people the chance to express their views about local transport. The Talk Travel roadshows will be held in libraries, community centres, leisure centres, colleges and supermarkets in Redcar and Cleveland.
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On track for better athletics facilities
ATHLETES may soon benefit from a new training ground because of a £50,000 boost. A floodlit training track, with facilities for jumping and throwing, is planned for the Laurence Jackson School in Guisborough. Local athletic clubs, Redcar and Cleveland
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Go-ahead for horse flashing
HORSE sales and horse flashing will be allowed at an ancient gipsy fair. Bailiff of Yarm Fair Gwen Porter confirmed that the traditional running - or flashing - of horses would be permitted. The practice was banned when one pony, ridden by a young boy
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Young people get say at workshops
Workshops which aim to give young people the chance to shape the future of local government are to be held across North Yorkshire. The Making Your Mark workshops, for people up to 26, have been organised by the county council to generate interest and
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Village appeal over hall upgrade
VILLAGERS are being urged to do all they can to help an appeal designed to bring their community hall into the 21st Century. Volunteers and funds are still needed to help raise a further £8,000 towards the crucial refurbishment of the village hall at
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Bungalows designed to be friendly to the environment
A PLAN to build ten environmentally-friendly bungalows on a Darlington estate was unveiled yesterday. Three Rivers Housing Association wants to build the two-bedroomed homes in Edgemoor Road, Firthmoor. They will be designed using green materials to provide
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Students learn they are not Poles apart
Polish students have worked in partnership with six pupils at a Newton Aycliffe college to add web pages to their school sites. A group from Woodham Community Technology College have enjoyed an exchange visit with the Zstil technology college in industrial
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Workers warned of risks as strike is pending
WORKERS at Stockton's Visqueen plant are preparing to go on strike despite recent warnings from bosses that industrial action could result in work being moved away from the site. Last ditch talks broke down earlier this week with union officials accusing
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Countdown to exhibition
THE region's biggest showcase for services and equipment for disabled people takes place next week. The Disability North Exhibition will be held at Gateshead International Stadium from Wednesday to Friday, October 13 to 15. Stan Cooke, chief executive
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Pointing the way to a healthy future
TWO soccer heroes have been passing on a healthy eating message to youngsters to prevent them suffering from a stroke in later life. Former Middlesbrough stars Gary Pallister and Craig Hignett are helping children on Teesside learn how to Eat a Rainbow
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Club swimmers race to teaspoon success
YOUNG swimmers have brought home a bagful of prizes from an annual competition. The Teaspoon Gala, held in Sheffield, is one of the few remaining events that involve 50-metre races for the four main strokes - breaststroke, freestyle, back and butterfly
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Walking their way to fitness
DOZENS of pupils, parents and grandparents braved blustery weather yesterday to take part in International Walk to School Day. Pupils from Bullion Lane Primary School and Newker Primary School, Chester-le-Street, took part in the event to promote physical
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Courts' busy caseload
MAGISTRATES courts have dealt with 7,000 more cases in the past 12 months than in the previous year. The county's magistrates' courts committee annual report for 2003/2004 shows that the general workload was up by six per cent. This was due to work carried
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Pupils produce the goods
HARVEST festival fare was delivered to the community by children from Barnard Castle School yesterday. The prep school pupils gave fruit and vegetables to the Salvation Army's Tom Raine Centre, in Darlington. They also delivered flowers with hand-made
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Great vibes as young people win awards for achievement
THE outstanding achievements of dozens of young people were recognised at a ceremony last night. The Vibe Awards were staged at Darlington Civic Theatre and saw local youngsters honoured for a host of reasons. They had all been nominated by relatives,
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Warning over fake £20 notes
SHOPKEEPERS are warned to be on the lookout for forged £20 notes after two were used in a town centre. The notes were discovered on consecutive days in shops in Barnard Castle, when takings were checked. The notes are being examined by experts in a bid
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Petition against mobile mast is signed by 700 people
RESIDENTS turned out in force to protest over the proposed installation of a mobile telephone mast on their doorsteps. The row started when people living in a residential area of Peterlee were told that Hutchinson 3G was proposing to site a transmitter
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Anger over plan for a five-metre wall near homes
ANGRY residents claim that their council failed to consult them about plans to build a five-metre-high wall near their homes. Last year, Derwentside District Council granted permission for 108 houses on the site of the former Murray Park greyhound stadium
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Pensioners could lose fixed-rate fuel in tariff review
PENSIONERS are being removed from a fixed-rate tariff for using too much gas and electricity. Leading power supplier Powergen is to cut potentially thousands of elderly customers from its Staywarm scheme, unless they are on benefits. Consumer group energywatch
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Cafe culture could be on the way when you have your say
RESIDENTS are being asked to deliver their verdict on plans to create a continental cafe style culture in Middlesbrough. The licensing trade, police and fire chiefs, hospitals, taxi and public transport operators have been sent copies of a draft licensing
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Chess club faces recruiting crisis
A CHESS club has blamed new technology on difficulties in recruiting members. In an appeal for players, Ken Sunter said people now preferred to stay at home and surf the web than join organisations like Richmond Chess Club. Mr Sunter said: "The chess
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Dressing up in aid of charity
SCHOOL pupils dressed in costumes on the theme of water for a charity day. The pupils, from Ingleby Mill Primary School, Ingleby Barwick, near Stockton, raised more than £500 for WaterAid. The youngsters also met their MP, Dari Taylor, who said she was
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Miners' leaders step up payouts battle
MINERS' leaders have stepped up their attacks on controversial plans to cap compensation payments. Last week, The Northern Echo revealed exclusively that up to 200,000 ex-miners and their families could lose out on potential six-figure pay-outs. Under
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Windfall for Saga staff after buyout
SAGA staff were poised for a windfall yesterday following the sale of the holidays-to-financial services group in a £1.35bn management buyout. The bonus, which will see workers receive £1,000 for every year of service, comes after chairman Roger De Haan
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Young guns hand boss poser
STEWART Downing is hoping that Steve McClaren is suffering from a headache while he is away with England this week, with the star showing of Middlesbrough's young guns at the root of the problem. McClaren is helping to prepare Sven Goran Eriksson's side
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Share issue will keep rural railway on the right track
The Wenslydale Railway is going from strength to strength. Francis Griss reports on the company's expansion plans. INVESTORS are being invited to climb aboard and share in the success of the Wensleydale Railway Company. Already, thousands of people have
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Are you trying to be funny?
Q I have no money, but a brilliant idea. I want to put stand-up comedy shows on in the North-East. I do not want to be tied to an existing comedy club, but establish my own brand, which will be recognisable. I used to work in a club and have a number
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05/10/04
REGIONAL ASSEMBLY: TWO Labour councillors and the regional convenor of Unison query headlines saying that 74 per cent of businesses don't want regional government (HAS, Sept 29) because only a minority of those contacted bothered to take part. What the
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Lastminute shares tumble
ONLINE travel group lastminute.com saw its share price tumble after confirming that trading had been challenging during the summer. The company said underlying earnings for the fourth quarter were likely to be at the lower end of forecasts of between
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Eating Owt
FOR something produced almost entirely on expenses, the column is surprisingly ascetic, which should on no account be confused with acetic. Acetic's vinegar. Ascetic means not given to over-indulgence in the pleasures of the flesh - or in this case, in
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Howard fights for political future
CONSERVATIVE leader Michael Howard will come out fighting for his political life today after a weekend of Tory turmoil. He is expected to issue a "trust me" plea to voters in a keynote speech at the party conference. Party activists will be looking for
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The game goes on for Speedie
It's a long, long way from Hampden Park to the King George V playing field and graffiti paradise in Sunderland, but David Speedie makes the journey with no indication that he's seen the writing on the wall. "I just love my football. I'd far sooner be
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Takeover may cause headaches for stockholders
Letter boxes have had to be widened and doormats reinforced to cope with Abbey National's takeover offer document. The 399 page tome must set a record as the bulkiest set of papers shareholders are ever likely to have seen. Most shareholders will be counting
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We should all be more careful about security
A RECENT report prepared by computer company Fujitsu has highlighted the sloppy IT practices that all too often can compromise the reputation and security of our businesses. The report identified ten major concerns, ranging from employees not appreciating
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Al Murray - Pub Landlord. Newcastle Comedy Festival, Exhibition Park.
WHAT do you expect from a comedian who bases his act on being a pub landlord? The usual. Al Murray's topics range from current affairs and politics to foreigners and history, all delivered with an extreme nationalist sentiment that makes you rock with
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Supporters vow to fight any US bid for United
PREMIERSHIP club Manchester United has confirmed it has received a preliminary takeover approach. The club did not disclose the identity of the potential bidder, although reports at the weekend said US multi-millionaire Malcolm Glazer was interested in
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Guide to golden moments
KETTLENESS: MOST people with disabilities need more to go on than is provided in conventional mapping and in regular articles about 'walks'. Thankfully, many publications do exist that, when used in conjunction with - say - an Ordnance Survey map, open
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Date
TV review
Frances Tuesday (ITV1) The Apprentice (BBC2) EX-EastEnders actress Tamzin Outhwaite's ITV debut is a drama of two halves. "This is just the beginning," someone said at the end of last night's opening part, which seemed odd considering it had been going
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North museum to display £22m renaissance piece
A PRICELESS painting by a Renaissance master worth millions of pounds will go on show at a North-East museum next year. The highlight of next year's events at the Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, County Durham, will be the loan of Raphael's Madonna of
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'I don't play anything to lose'
From selling second-hand motorbikes to a billion pound chain of garages, Sir Tom Cowie built up an empire before he was ousted in a boardroom coup. He tells Nick Morrison why he's not bitter - and what he has in common with Bobby Robson. SIR Tom Cowie
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Mother loses eye in club attack
A YOUNG mother is to have her eye removed after a pint glass was smashed into her face during a violent attack in a nightclub. The 22-year-old victim, from Bankfields, Middlesbrough, was left with serious facial injuries after the attack at the Aruba
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Robinson targets big game
CARL ROBINSON heads to the Wales training camp in Cardiff today before Saturday's World Cup qualifier against England hoping for an early birthday gift from manager Mark Hughes. The Sunderland midfielder, who has been at the centre of his side's recent
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1000-yr-old skull gives new insight into medieval surgery
Cranial surgery was carried out in Britain more than 1,000 years ago - according to scientists who have examined bones found in North Yorkshire. The skull, found by English Heritage at the abandoned ancient village of Wharram Percy in North Yorkshire,
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Job Search: Vacancies
Deputy Manager, Northallerton. £10,800-£13,202pa, 35hpw. Must be 18+, full training provided. Ref: NAL: 327. Welder/Fitter, Northallerton. £7.59ph, 37hpw. Must have electric, Mig and gas welding experience. Ref: NAL 328. Fork-Lift Driver/Yard Person,
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Heroin addict jailed after admitting burglaries
A HEROIN addict who lived rough in a car while he burgled houses at night was jailed for three years yesterday. Peter Jenkins, 26, was caught by the footprints he left in his victims' homes, but he told police he could not remember the crimes because
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Pair call police after son becomes aggressive
THE terrified parents of a man with a violent past had to call police when he turned aggressive, a court heard yesterday. Michael Hammond, prosecuting, told magistrates in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, how James Kilpatrick refused to allow officers into
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Engineers limit electrical hazard
WORK by a North-East engineering consultancy on the dangers of electrical discharges has established it as the UK's leading risk reduction specialist. More than half of all electrical accidents associated with low voltage switchgear assemblies involve
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Ulrika gets the point of airport checks
TELEVISION presenter Ulrika Jonsson was stunned to be told by airport security staff that she was carrying a potentially dangerous weapon. The star was stopped as she passed through Durham Tees Valley Airport, near Darlington, and had her hand luggage
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Great Debate - My View: Assembly would make a real difference
An elected regional assembly is a unique opportunity for the North East business community. It would have substantial power and influence to create jobs and assist economic development in the region. It would take over the running of regional development
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Inquest verdict on woman hit by oil tanker
A CORONER yesterday recorded a verdict of accidental death on a woman of 86 who died after she was run over by a tanker. Hilda Morrison, of Kirk House, Romanby, North Yorkshire, died on April 1 as she crossed Springwell Lane, in Northallerton, near its
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Schools express interest in drug tests
RANDOM drugs tests could be introduced in schools in a crackdown on abuse. Eighteen schools in the North-East have expressed an interest in saliva tests that check for cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, tranquilizers and barbituates. The tests, marketed
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Concern expressed at plans to move psychiatric unit
STAFF fear controversial plans to move a psychiatric intensive care unit will affect care. The County Durham and Darlington Priority Services Trust is proposing to close the five-bed Tony White Unit at the County Hospital, in Durham. The unit would move
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Worthy successor
GREAT players don't always make great leaders but, in Jonny Wilkinson, England have found a worthy successor to World Cup winning captain Martin Johnson. The Newcastle Falcons fly half spoke of "realising a dream" after being named as England's new skipper
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Campaigners protest against Regional Assembly
North East Says No campaigners yesterday set fire to £1.25m in fake bank notes to highlight what they say would be the amount of money wasted every week by a Regional Assembly. The anti-assembly group believes that the Assembly would cost taxpayers £2,500
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'Superhero' issues vow to PM
A MILLIONAIRE father has written to Tony Blair threatening more high-profile stunts after he scaled a landmark dressed as a superhero. The former managing director of Dell Computers, Howard Bashford, 43, wrote to the Prime Minister and accused him of
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Siemens announces contract extension
THE company at the centre of a dispute over the so-called offshoring of jobs to India has won an extension to its contract. Siemens Business Services has signed a five-year extension to its National Savings and Investments (NS&I) contract, running
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Ben's name on roll of honour
THE name of a military policeman killed in Iraq last year has been added to the war memorial in his home town. About 60 people gathered at the memorial, outside All Saints Church in Northallerton, last Saturday for a dedication service. Lance Corporal
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Years fade away as class if 1944 gathers for grammar school reunion
TALK of wartime rationing and marmalade pudding helped the years melt away yesterday as 12 former schoolfriends looked back on their first meeting six decades ago. Dressed in bottle green gymslips, cream square-necked and green-buttoned caps, those who
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Isle can land first victory
DAVID BARRON'S Dispol Isle (2.40) deserves to get her head in front at Catterick today following a series of near misses. The two-year-old filly has yet to finish out of the first four on all five of her career outings to date, but even though she came
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Tough draw for North-East rivals
MIDDLESBROUGH and Newcastle United have both been handed difficult ties after the second round of the Uefa Cup was made in Nyon, Switzerland, this morning. Newcastle have been placed in Group D, where they will play Hugo Viana's Sporting Lisbon, Sochaux
