Archive
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Paul Fraser's Athens Diary
THREE weeks ago, as Middlesbrough jetted off on their travels to the Czech Republic, Tony McMahon and James Morrison could have been two young supporters of the club hanging around the airport for autographs. The two 18-year-olds were, of course, part
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More job losses due to steel price rise
THE worldwide rise in steel prices has led another North-East manufacturer into financial difficulties, with County Durham firm Kenmore Refrigeration Components declaring job losses. The Crook-based company said rising steel costs had led to a decision
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US drinkers of Brown lift brewery
THE thirst of US drinkers for the Geordie favourite Newcastle Brown Ale helped push sales up at Scottish and Newcastle. The beer saw double-digit sales growth in the US, which S&N said was well ahead of the export market. The brewing group, which
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Different views on royal rule
Monarchy (C4); Jennie Bond's Royals (five): HISTORY comes in many shapes and sizes. David Starkey, whose Monarchy series began earlier this week, favours a sober approach. Mind you, taking royalty seriously becomes less possible with each fresh revelation
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Blow for heroin trade as ten-strong gang smashed
POLICE last night hailed a major blow against the North-East drugs trade after smashing a gang who had pocketed millions from selling heroin. The ten-strong gang operated from modest homes in Middlesbrough to avoid attracting police attention. Behind
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CA Roofing will increase workforce in expansion plan
A ROOF company which employs almost 250 people in Teesdale is increasing its workforce in the region by ten per cent in line with plans for a £1.5m expansion. CA Roofing needs extra space to accommodate its North-East staff and machinery. It employs 235
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Black Watch awaits its marching orders
TONY Blair last night promised soldiers of the Black Watch they would be home for Christmas after their Iraq tour of duty. His pledge came as ministers were preparing to make a formal announcement that the 650-strong battalion will move from the UK area
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CA Roofing will increase workforce in expansion plan
A ROOF company which employs almost 250 people in Teesdale is increasing its workforce in the region by ten per cent in line with plans for a £1.5m expansion. CA Roofing needs extra space to accommodate its North-East staff and machinery. It employs 235
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Boro's star strikers plan a Euro reunion
STEVE McCLAREN arrived in Athens yesterday with the prospect of pairing Middlesbrough's 12-goal strikeforce Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Mark Viduka together for the first time since their historic UEFA Cup night at the Riverside Stadium in September.
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Home is where the heart is
THE children are always asking us to get them things for school. Will you get me a new folder...compass...ruler...rubber...pencil sharpener...real ink pen...drawing pad... So we didn't worry too much when our eldest, now aged 14, asked the usual question
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North-East firm to tackle football club's franchise issues
A DARLINGTON franchise consultancy has teamed up with Scottish football team Rangers to help with retail ventures. The Glasgow club sought help from The Franchise Company to help grow its retail division, Rangers Retail, through franchising. There are
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CATS' eyes on helping farm
Workers from a North-East company have been helping to improve a community farm. Staff and contractors at the BP CATS Terminal, at Seal Sands, have been working at the Clarence Community Farm in nearby Port Clarence, on Teesside. Projects carried out
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Boro's star duo set for a Euro reunion
STEVE McCLAREN arrived in Athens yesterday with the prospect of pairing Middlesbrough's 12-goal strikeforce Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Mark Viduka together for the first time since their historic UEFA Cup night at the Riverside Stadium in September.
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John North: Holy chow
The column enjoyed a gourmet dinner in the opulent surrounding of Auckland Castle - and also got to admire the artwork. LIVING like a lord, or perhaps more precisely a Lord Bishop, we dined last Saturday - opulently, extravagantly, entirely agreeably
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EC to take UK to court
The European Commission is taking the Government to court in the escalating row over "booze cruise" penalties against cross-channel shoppers. The decision came at a meeting of commissioners in Brussels yesterday. The charge against the Government is of
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Top Ten To Rent
UK DVD/VIDEO RENTAL: 1 (1) Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind 2 (2) The Passion Of The Christ 3 (-) Troy 4 (4) Girl With A Pearl Earring 5 (-) Fahrenheit 9/11 6 (6) Cheaper By The Dozen 7 (3) Monster 8 (8) Out Of Time 9 (8) School Of Rock 10 (10) Brother
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Museum's family day
A NORTH-East museum is holding a family fun-day to encourage youngsters to develop their creative skills. The fun-day will be held at Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, County Durham, on Tuesday, and has been inspired by the museum's exhibition on Toulouse-Lautrec
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Truly Julie
SOUND Of Music star Julie Andrews plays down her singing comeback in the Princess Diaries movie sequel. But it's a surprise as it seemed her singing days were over after an operation left her vocal chords damaged. In Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
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Eddie finally makes it
Stand-up comic Eddie Izzard has moved on from movie appearances in person to providing the voice for E. Nesbitt's famous wish-granting Sand Fairy in Five Chidren and It. Steve Pratt reports. EDDIE Izzard has never quite managed to emulate his stage comedy
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The Law of attraction
Actor Jude Law tells Steve Pratt he's finally ready to take on the realities of relationships for the sake of the silver screen, not that he enjoys being a heart-throb or the intense interest in his private life. WOMANISING Alfie, declares Jude Law, is
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Windmill for sale has link with grisly deaths
A WINDMILL that has been the centre of a town's legend for generations will be sold for re-development. Offers between £180,000 and £200,000 are being invited for Ferryhill Windmill, at High Hill House Farm, near Ferryhill, County Durham. The building
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Woman dies, 18 hurt, in bus crash
A WOMAN died and 18 people were injured in a rush-hour collision between a bus and a car on a busy route yesterday. Scores of 999 crews from the fire, police and ambulance services converged on the A19 at Deighton, near Escrick, between York and Selby
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'We must protect North Sea wildlife now'
ANOTHER leading wildlife organisation has added its voice to calls for increased protection for creatures in the North Sea from pressures including industrial pollution. The RSPB has called on Prime Minister Tony Blair to fulfil his promise for a Marine
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British troops to be sent to central Iraq
Defence secretary Geoff Hoon confirmed today that hundreds of British soldiers are to be deployed further into central Iraq. This comes as a response to a US request. The deployment of about 850 troops and support staff would last "weeks rather than months
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Business park opens hoping to boost jobs and economy
A business park that will create jobs and generate wealth has been opened in the Yorkshire Dales. The 2.2 acre site on the outskirts of Hawes, in Wensleydale, has been developed by Richmondshire District Council, North Yorkshire County Council and Yorkshire
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Couple transform far-off school
THE extraordinary efforts of a retired policeman and his wife are transforming the education of 350 children in one of the world's poorest countries. A chance visit to a rundown school in Africa's mountain kingdom of Lesotho made former traffic cop Alan
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The truth behind 'best interests'
Today, the High Court will begin a hearing into whether doctors have the right to allow a seriously ill baby to die, against his parent's wishes. Coming so soon after the court heard the case of Charlotte Wyatt, Arun Arora argues that the law is taking
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Parenting scheme hailed a success
A scheme which aims to offer help to parents of children at risk of becoming criminals has been hailed a success. Partners in Parenting, run by the Youth Offending Services in the south Tees and Stockton areas, offers parents and carers the chance to
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College unveils new-look facilities
A NEW era in education began yesterday as one of the North-East's leading colleges officially took the wraps off a £5m redevelopment project. Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, in Darlington, staged a ceremony to mark the completion of a scheme to bring
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Souness stays quiet on Bellamy bust-up
GRAEME Souness expects this evening's UEFA Cup clash with Panionios to be a "turn on" for the Greek fans, but the Newcastle boss has sought to turn off the speculation surrounding Craig Bellamy's future at St James' Park. Souness conducted his pre-match
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Charity suffers staffing shortage
A CHARITY that helps people recover from serious injuries is facing a recruitment crisis. Rehab UK, a brain injury service based in Newcastle, provides vital rehabilitation services for individuals who have experienced brain injuries by helping them back
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TV review
Monarchy (C4) Jennie Bond's Royals (five) HISTORY comes in many shapes and sizes. David Starkey, whose Monarchy series began earlier this week, favours a sober approach. Mind you, taking royalty seriously becomes less possible with each fresh revelation
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Pupils get a lesson in looking after their bikes
PUPILS at a Darlington school swapped their exercise books for toolboxes when they brushed up on bike maintenance. A Save My Bike Day event was held at Heathfield Primary School as part of a national scheme run by sustainable transport charity Sustrans
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Measures requested to halt call fraud
TELEPHONE companies are being urged to play their part in helping to curb a fraud epidemic that is sweeping the country. Trading standards teams are calling on them to introduce free barring services for premium rate calls to stop the con-artists who
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Estate unit on market
A 110,000 sq ft unit at Sunderland Enterprise Park is on the market. UK Land Estates has appointed joint agents to market Unit 8 at the enterprise park, which is a factory or warehouse unit with offices. MTK Containers occupied the unit until 12 months
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Mating call attracts police
A RED-FACED couple sparked a police emergency when they accidentally called 999 in the throes of passion. Officers at Durham Police's north communications centre became concerned when a call came through, but all that could be heard was the sound of a
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Countdown to Christmas under way for traders
There are only 65 shopping days to Christmas. That is, for most people, if you include Sundays, which have become shopping days over recent years. Some individuals would insist that this figure means 64 days before one need go shopping, but I am trying
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Boom in property market continues
PROPERTY consultancy Gerald Eve has predicted a continued boom in the UK's commercial property market. A report by the consultants forecasts an average 15.3 per cent return on the annual UK property market in 2004 - significantly higher than the 10.7
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House to prove sound each-way investment
THIS year's Grand National winner, Amberleigh House (4.30), is well worth an each-way bet in the Jmc.It Handicap Hurdle at Haydock. Ginger McCain's stable star will once again be heading back to Aintree in April 2005, but in the meantime there is plenty
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Boom in property market continues
PROPERTY consultancy Gerald Eve has predicted a continued boom in the UK's commercial property market. A report by the consultants forecasts an average 15.3 per cent return on the annual UK property market in 2004 - significantly higher than the 10.7
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Bra-vo Simon
When Simon Willians set out to write another successful comdey he didn't plan to play the drag role himself, but now has the audiences in fits of laughter. He talks to TV & Entertainments Editor Viv Hardwick. WHEN someone is battling to remove his
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Prescott comments draw criticism
BUSINESS leaders have reacted angrily to comments attributed to the Deputy Prime Minister in which he is alleged to have dismissed the North-East Chamber of Commerce as "a Tory organisation". The quote was attributed to Mr Prescott in an article in yesterday's
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Families to get a say on crime
THOUSANDS of families will this weekend be invited to take part in the biggest community safety survey ever carried out in County Durham. A total of 14,500 householders will be asked a series of detailed questions about anti-social behaviour and disorder
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Police act to improve call centres
POLICE are doubling switchboard staff at two controversial new call centres. The Durham force has faced a barrage of complaints from people claiming their calls to police stations often went unanswered and, if they did get through, they were unhappy with
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Should every dog really have its day in court?
AS regular readers of this column may know, I don't like dogs. Perhaps it has something do to with the fact that I was savaged by a huge red setter when I was a child. It didn't help that his doting owner laughed when I screamed. And as the brute lunged
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Campaigner optimistic over theatre
A CAMPAIGNER who expressed fears for the future of a theatre is optimistic it will re-open. The Grade II*-listed Royal Hall, in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, has been closed for months after a large section of ceiling in the ageing building crashed to the
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Given gets green light to attend baby's birth
NEWCASTLE goalkeeper Shay Given has been given permission to return to England whenever his pregnant wife enters labour - even if that is just ten minutes before the kick-off of tonight's UEFA Cup clash in Greece. Given's wife, Jane, is due to give birth
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Viduka seeking Euro joy
THE man who fired Leeds United to a semi-final on the European stage now wants to repeat his heroics and help Middlesbrough go that one step further. Mark Viduka was Leeds' main man three years ago when he scored the goals to secure a place in the last
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Man pleads guilty to Cameron murder
A man pleaded guilty today to the murder and attempted rape of Finnish-born student Sara Cameron. Miss Cameron's body was found near her home in Earsdon, North Tyneside, on Good Friday, 2000. Today at Newcastle Crown Court Michael Robinson, 30, of Bay
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Hospice's home treatment hopes
COMPLEMENTARY therapies may soon be made available to patients with serious illnesses in their own homes, if funding can be found for a new service. St Teresa's Hospice, in Darlington, offers massage, aromatherapy and acupuncture, but patients can miss
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Housing scheme praised
PLANS to redevelop a derelict site in Darlington have been praised by the chairman of the town's planning committee. Councillors yesterday approved an application from Persimmon Homes to built 31 houses and 58 apartments on a 1.1 hectare of land in Neasham
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Mast plans approved
PLANS to site a mobile phone mast close to two schools and an old people's home were approved yesterday. The move to agree to the 15m mast and antennae in Whinbush Way, Darlington, comes despite 23 letters of objection and concern voiced by Darlington
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Milk bar offers healthy alternative
A JUNIOR school in Darlington has opened a milk bar as part of a drive to encourage healthy eating. Pupils at Abbey Junior School can chose from a range of flavoured milkshakes when getting their lunch from the canteen. The initiative is one of a number
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Action urged to curb the litter louts
RESIDENTS have called for a community campaign to clean up a newly-developed area of Newton Aycliffe. They are angry about litter strewn around the Cobblers Hall shopping area and blame young customers of takeaways and shops that opened in the summer.
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Grant to help bells ring out
AN appeal to restore six bells in a village church has been given an £11,100 boost. The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) awarded the money to St Michael's Church, in Heighington, as part of its restoration campaign. The church, a Grade I-listed building, dates
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Auction date
The Stanhope and Weardale Branch of the MS Society will hold a household auction in the Methodist Church Hall next Thursday. Lots will include antique furniture, bric-a-brac, household goods, books and other collectables. Viewing is from 1pm and the sale
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Students' apple windfall
CATERING students in Darlington are hoping for a cash boost to help them in their study of food. Students and staff at Darlington College of Technology have been taking in apples to make into pies to sell on the college site. The funds they raise will
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Hospice hopes to offer treatments at home
COMPLEMENTARY therapies may soon be made available to patients with serious illnesses in their own homes, if funding can be found for a new service. St Teresa's Hospice, in Darlington, offers massage, aromatherapy and acupuncture, but patients can miss
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Transport project given cash boost
COUNCIL officials have released £1.7m to further a project aiming to boost transport in Darlington. The borough council was allocated £3.2m by the Government to help Darlington become a "sustainable travel demonstration town". It is intended is to invest
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Transport project given cash boost
COUNCIL officials have released £1.7m to further a project aiming to boost transport in Darlington. The borough council was allocated £3.2m by the Government to help Darlington become a "sustainable travel demonstration town". It is intended is to invest
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Business park opens hoping to boost jobs and economy
A business park that will create jobs and generate wealth has been opened in the Yorkshire Dales. The 2.2 acre site on the outskirts of Hawes, in Wensleydale, has been developed by Richmondshire District Council, North Yorkshire County Council and Yorkshire
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Students design and make seat with natural theme for arboretum
A GROUP of students are making life easier for those who visit the arboretum at one of the region's greatest stately homes. Final year Higher National Certificate students are studying furniture design and restoration at York College. And they were lucky
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Pupils find a love for peot tree
A GROUP of youngsters have produced a poem tree which provides an impressive entrance to their school. The 11 to 13-year-olds from Blakeston School, Norton, have spent four weeks working on the project. Firstly, they built the tree out of papier mach
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CA Roofing will increase workforce in expansion plan
A ROOF company which employs almost 250 people in Teesdale is increasing its workforce in the region by ten per cent in line with plans for a £1.5m expansion. CA Roofing needs extra space to accommodate its North-East staff and machinery. It employs 235
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Fidget is half the cat he was after dieting
BRITAIN'S fattest cat is half the moggie he used to be after going on the Catkins Diet. From weighing 22lbs, the 18-year-old is now a trimmer 11lb. For the past six months, Fidget has been on a low-carbohydrate regime, which has seen the weight fall off
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Mayor to open energy centre
AN energy centre is to be opened by the mayor of Stockton today. Tees and Durham Energy Advice Company Limited, which offers expertise on how to save energy, will open its new premises on Belasis Hall Technology Park, Billingham. The premises offer visual
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Women's team in cup clash
ONE of the biggest names in football will be on the scoreboard at a County Durham ground on Sunday when Manchester United's women's team play at Shildon in the first round of the Women's FA Cup. The match is a home tie for South Durham Royals, who are
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Cars washed by fire engine
FIRE engines were taken over by students yesterday in order to clean cars for cash. Students at Stockton Riverside College got to grips with fire appliances to wash cars of passing motorists. The youngsters hope to raise £1,500 to complete a community
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Blood pressure checks offered at health event
NURSES will be offering blood pressure and blood sugar tests at a health promotion event next week. The event will take place in Askrigg Village Hall on Thursday, from 1pm. The organiser, district nurse Tanya Wilbor, said the event was being repeated
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North landmarks offered 'for sale' at £2.20 each
THEY are two of the region's most recognisable landmarks and were for sale at a snip yesterday. Grey's Monument, in Newcastle, and Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens, were adorned with £2.20 price tags. The publicity stunt launched a six-figure marketing
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Advisor opens £500,000 laboratory
THE Government's chief scientist travelled to the region yesterday to open a new electronics laboratory at Durham University. The ultra-clean £500,000 facility will enable scientists in two cutting-edge branches of nanoscale technology to work together
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Car firm bidding for wind turbines
JAPANESE car maker Nissan has announced plans to build a wind farm at its Sunderland plant. If it receives planning permission, the wind farm would be the first in the North-East to be entirely in an industrial area. The application, for seven turbines
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12 arrests made in drug raids
POLICE have arrested 12 people in raids as part of a long-running operation. Officers began Operation Aerial last October into the supply of cocaine and crack cocaine in Newcastle. A number of houses in Newcastle and Gateshead were searched on Monday
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Former Quaker star's wife faces jail over fraud
A FOOTBALLER'S wife is facing jail after she falsely claimed thousands of pounds in benefits. Kathryn Ibbetson, 34, drew the benefits between November and June last year despite being married to former Darlington and Torquay United midfielder Brian Healy
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New owner plea for injured pup
A PUPPY with special needs is searching for a loving home with someone who can devote time, energy and financial support to caring for him. Chester was found by a member of the public and taken to a Bishop Auckland veterinary practice with a suspected
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New owner plea for injured pup
A PUPPY with special needs is searching for a loving home with someone who can devote time, energy and financial support to caring for him. Chester was found by a member of the public and taken to a Bishop Auckland veterinary practice with a suspected
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Charity suffers staffing shortage
A CHARITY that helps people recover from serious injuries is facing a recruitment crisis. Rehab UK, a brain injury service based in Newcastle, provides vital rehabilitation services for individuals who have experienced brain injuries by helping them back
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21/10/04
IRAQ: PRESIDENT Bush has put Tony Blair well and truly on the spot by requesting British soldiers go into Baghdad under American command. The Iraqi fighters will not distinguish between our troops and the Americans with the inevitable outcome of British
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Sage still growing despite sceptics
ACCOUNTANCY software group Sage said growth in all of its major markets was expected to drive a 20 per cent improvement in annual profits to £181m. In a trading update ahead of its full-year results, Newcastle-based Sage said revenues surged 29 per cent
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Motorists hit with stones
Motorists have come under attack from school children in an east Cleveland town. Cars were first pelted with stones then fire works hurled at motorists as they got out of their vehicles. Fitter Mark Ford slammed on the brakes as a stone crashed through
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Teenager shot in back by air rifle
A TEENAGER is recovering at home after being shot in the back with an air rifle. Liam Anderson, 13, of High Barnes, Great Lumley, County Durham,was shot as he walked the family dog near his home on Sunday evening. The Park View Community School pupil
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Greggs: price rises likely
Bakery group Greggs has forecast further price increases as it looks to cope with higher overheads, including rising wage and energy bills. The North-East-based company, which has more than 1,200 outlets in the UK, said its selling price inflation averaged
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Fidget is half the cat he was after dieting
BRITAIN'S fattest cat is half the moggie he used to be after going on the Catkins Diet. From weighing 22lbs, the 18-year-old is now a trimmer 11lb. For the past six months, Fidget has been on a low-carbohydrate regime, which has seen the weight fall off
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Breen welcomed back into the fold
Gary Breen returns to first-team duty at Rotherham on Monday - and his Sunderland team-mates can't wait to have the skipper back. The Black Cats have conceded just one goal while the Republic of Ireland centre-back has served a three-match suspension
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Drivers rev up for Italian job
A LONG distance lorry driver is looking forward to an epic journey in a very different vehicle, his cherished Mini. Sean Hayes, of Newton Aycliffe, can't wait until Sunday when he meets up with other fans of the cult film The Italian Job. With co-driver
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Pinafore Swing, York Theatre Royal
FORMER artistic director John Doyle returns to the Theatre Royal with one of the actor-musician shows with which he's had hits at the Watermill Theatre since leaving York. This one takes Gilbert & Sullivan's operetta HMS Pinafore and turns the piece
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Magpie Dodd flies the nest
PANIONIOS midfielder Travis Dodd will complete something of a bizarre journey this evening when he plays against Newcastle United because, at the start of his career in Australia, he played for a team with the same name, writes Scott Wilson. England's
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Attack the best form of defence says Ambrose
DARREN Ambrose expects Newcastle to go for broke as they kick off their UEFA Cup Group Stage campaign in Panionios' Nea Smyrni Stadium tonight. Ambrose, who missed the first two months of the season with a knee injury, was handed a surprise recall at
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Government fund to build a brighter future
A £125m Government-backed investment fund has located its main offices in the North-East. Futurebuilders, the Home Office-supported project, has moved its newly-recruited staff into Cale Cross House, the highprofile 18-storey office building on the Tyne
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Daddy's girl
Actor Andrew Lincoln gave up on Hollywood scripts to make two TV dramas in the UK. But The Teachers and This Life star, who found international fame with movie Love Actually, is about to act alongside Lauren Bacall. Steve Pratt reports. ANDREW Lincoln
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Hodgson plans striker talks
REPRESENTATIVES of Dutch striker Clyde Wijnhard are expected to open talks with Darlington manager David Hodgson in the next 48 hours to discuss their client's future at the Williamson Motors Stadium. Wijnhard's one-month deal expires next week and Hodgson
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Federation's best art will go on display
THE best works of art by hundreds of North-East artists will go on display this weekend. The Federation of Northern Arts Societies is holding its annual exhibition at the Durham Light Infantry Museum and Durham Art Gallery from Saturday. It will showcase
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Water firm helps birds back from the brink
ONE of the region's most endangered birds is battling back from the brink of extinction thanks to a scheme backed by Northumbrian Water. The company is also about to embark on a project to plant 9,500 trees and shrubs in the Durham hills in order to further
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Violence case trio lose jail cuts bid
Three gang members involved in a bloodbath at a Middlesbrough crack house have failed to win cuts in their jail terms. The man who played the leading role in the violence, Danien Anthony Stephenson, also failed to get his three convictions for attempted
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Estate unit on market
A 110,000 sq ft unit at Sunderland Enterprise Park is on the market. UK Land Estates has appointed joint agents to market Unit 8 at the enterprise park, which is a factory or warehouse unit with offices. MTK Containers occupied the unit until 12 months
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Chapatti's over
AN old custom in Soapland dictates that a wedding is attended by the police. A case of here comes the bride, hotly pursued by the men in blue. Just as day follows night and Cannon follows Ball, the long arm of the soap law is needed to throw the book
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Smoking ban vote is first in Britain
Council leaders in Liverpool last night voted to ban smoking in public places. The city council became the first in Britain to ask for legislation to outlaw smoking in bars, offices, restaurants and shops. The decision is seen as the first step towards
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House to prove sound each-way investment
THIS year's Grand National winner, Amberleigh House (4.30), is well worth an each-way bet in the Jmc.It Handicap Hurdle at Haydock. Ginger McCain's stable star will once again be heading back to Aintree in April 2005, but in the meantime there is plenty
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Families to get a say on crime
THOUSANDS of families will this weekend be invited to take part in the biggest community safety survey ever carried out in County Durham. A total of 14,500 householders will be asked a series of detailed questions about anti-social behaviour and disorder
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Abused woman fails to save boyfriend from jail
A woman who forgave her boyfriend for smashing her face failed to save him from jail yesterday. Claire Corner, 28, sobbed in court as Paul Jones,32, was jailed for eight months after he admitted fracturing her cheekbone and eyesocket with punches. Judge
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Search for missing sports fan is stepped up
TWO detectives have flown to Greece to step up the search for a sports fan who disappeared during the Olympic Games. Melvyn Gamblin, of Darlington, was last seen six weeks ago at a hotel in Athens, where he had been watching the games. His family are
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Wembley wrangle firm gets
NORTH-EAST engineering firm Cleveland Bridge last night claimed its first victory in an ongoing battle over cash with its former employer at Wembley Stadium. An independent adjudicator has ruled that Multiplex, the Australian firm in charge of the Wembley
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Northern Recruitment expanding
RECRUITMENT firm Northern Recruitment has opened new offices in Teesside creating 12 jobs and promising more roles by the year end. The Newcastle-based plc opened the premises at Teesdale Business Park, near Stockton, earlier this week. The group, which
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Dad At Large: Home is where the heart is
THE children are always asking us to get them things for school. Will you get me a new folder...compass...ruler...rubber...pencil sharpener...real ink pen...drawing pad... So we didn't worry too much when our eldest, now aged 14, asked the usual question
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Scott Wilson's Athens Diary
While first impressions of Athens centre on the old, the more time you spend in the city, the more your eye wanders towards the new. It might be the cradle of civilisation, but Greece's capital is also becoming a thoroughly modern metropolis. The juxtaposition
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Government fund to build a brighter future
A £125m Government-backed investment fund has located its main offices in the North-East. Futurebuilders, the Home Office-supported project, has moved its newly-recruited staff into Cale Cross House, the highprofile 18-storey office building on the Tyne
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Radical changes to employment law
WITH surprisingly little fuss and publicity, some of the most radical changes in the history of employment law slipped quietly into the statute book on October 1. There are 13 or so new laws which employers must now deal with. First of all, there are
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Sale will help centre
A BOWLER hat and an old-fashioned trouser press are among attic treasures to be auctioned off to raise money for a community centre. They have been donated by users of the Neville Community Centre, Newton Aycliffe, to raise funds for improved facilities
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HQ move a sign of success for security specialists
A NORTH-EAST company has moved to a new headquarters in Billingham in a move which will secure the future of the business and provide specialist training for staff. Stockton-based security company Combined Security North East recently bought a building
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Fathers rights campaigner appears in court
A FATHERS 4 JUSTICE campaigner appeared in court yesterday charged with assault and criminal damage. Paul Watson, who contested the recent Hartlepool by-election, is alleged to have thrown purple powder over fellow candidate Jody Dunn at the count. The
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Legal team pays centenary tribute to founding fathers
A STRONG legal tradition has survived for 100 years in a solicitors' practice that has served generations of South Durham families. Marquis Hewitts celebrated its centenary soon after moving into smart new offices in Bishop Auckland. Mergers and acquisitions
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Users 'worse off than days of BR'
PASSENGERS using local train services are worse off than 20 years ago under the former British Rail, it was claimed last night. The comments from Brian Milnes, chairman of the Tees Valley branch of lobby group Transport 2000, followed confirmation that
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Walkers to protest at quarry plan
WALKERS will visit historic sites including ancient henges that campaigners say are at risk from quarrying. A ceremonial axe will be carried on a 20-mile route from Catterick to Boroughbridge, in North Yorkshire. The walkers will pass Thornborough Henges
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Distriction burglaries highest in England
People in Durham and Cleveland are far more likely to be the victim of a distraction burglary than residents elsewhere in England, new figures show. And they are up to five times more likely to be burgled by someone gaining entry by deception than people
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18-year-old fantasist posed as policeman and scout for cons
A CONFIDENCE trickster who swindled a vulnerable pensioner and posed as a uniformed police officer to steal a car was behind bars last night. Christopher David Smith, 18, of Pelaw Road, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, admitted a string of deceptions
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Egg-boiler design wins national prize
TWO North-East graduates have won first prize in a national competition for their egg-boiling device. The winning design, created by James Kennedy and Johann Litherland, will now compete against 1,700 international entries in the Imagineering competition
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Comment from The Northern Echo: Leave it to the military
THE request from the United States for back-up from British troops highlights the continuing political and military uncertainty in Iraq. It amply demonstrates the absence of a coherent post-war, post-Saddam strategy for Iraq. That said, the deployment
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Racial harmony is rady to roll
Viv Hardwick talks to Les Fry who is in the forefront of putting racial harmony into music. MULTI-cultural music is more in demand than ever in the North-East argues a Darlington promoter who is aiming to bring back the 1960s spirit of togetherness. Les
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Plan backed
Councillors have approved plans for nursery in Middleton St George. Eight letters of objection from residents were received. The parish council also raised concerns about increased traffic. Darlington Borough Council's planning committee approved the
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'It is time to bring in younger members'
NEW blood is needed at Darlington Council for Voluntary Service (CVS), the organisation's outgoing chairman told a meeting last night. Alan Coultas, who has served as chairman for five years, said: "I think it's time for me to step down. I do this because
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Farmers' last chance to join cattle introduction scheme
FARMERS in the Yorkshire Dales have one last chance to sign-up for a scheme introducing traditional cattle breeds into the area. Dales farmers are being encouraged to swap sheep for herds of traditional cattle such as blue greys and short horns that can
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'We may vote in favour, but we need more information'
BUT. A seemingly insignificant word that may yet have a significant effect on the bid to create an elected North-East assembly. The word crops up at the most vital moment, just as voters in rural Teesdale, in County Durham, have finished agreeing the
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Director in assault case gets job back
THE director of a flagship North-East arts venue who was questioned after an allegation of indecent assault will get his job back, it was revealed last night. Stephen Snoddy, director of the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, was arrested at his offices
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Freedom of borough for Foster
OLYMPIC athlete and Commonwealth champion Brendan Foster was made an Honorary Freeman of a North-East borough yesterday. Mr Foster was awarded the honour by Gateshead Council at a ceremony presided over by council leader Mick Henry. He was given a hand-inscribed
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Detectives closing in on cycle gang
POLICE say they are closing in on a gang of youths responsible for a disproportionate amount of crime in Darlington. Detectives have launched Operation Harbour to capture the 12 yobs, who roam the town on stolen bicycles, robbing people, stealing from
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200 join protest march over £55m housing development
MORE than 200 marchers took to the streets of Redcar yesterday in protest over the proposed £55m development of the Coatham Enclosure. The march was organised by comedian Chris McGlade, who has managed to rally considerable support from people across
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Gas pipe work to commence
GAS supplies in the market town of Bedale should be boosted on completion of a week-long project that gets under way next week. Pipeline company Transco is due to start work next Wednesday on a scheme to meet the town's growing gas demands. Engineers
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Students' apple windfall
CATERING students in Darlington are hoping for a cash boost to help them in their study of food. Students and staff at Darlington College of Technology have been taking in apples to make into pies to sell on the college site. The funds they raise will
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£500,000 sewer scheme praised
PLANS for a £500,000 sewer improvement scheme in Hartlepool have been hailed as a victory for people power. Councillor Pamela Har greaves, chairwoman of Hartlepool Borough Council's environment and regeneration scrutiny forum spoke out following Northumbrian
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Tots on their feet in charity toddle
TOTS swapped a rain-drenched park for an indoor venue when they took part in a sponsored walk yesterday. More than 20 parents, babies and toddlers moved from Jubilee Park, Spennymoor, to the town's leisure centre for the walk in aid of families across
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Castle lines up spooky surprises
VISITORS to Brancepeth Castle will be in for some spooky surprises this Halloween. The castle is planning a series of events, including music, dance, stories and drama, hosted by Thor Ewing, who will recall his encounter with Brancepeth Castle's ghost
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Gaming sessions at library
A computer gaming session will take place at Stockton Central Library following overwhelming support for the service. The CyberChaos Library Outreach Programmes will run three two-day Local Area Network gaming sessions at the library, after two earlier
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Residents asked for opinions on designs for a town square
THE people of a Teesside community have a chance to comment on the creation of a new town square. There are plans to create a town square in Hartlepool's Headland area and a two-day public exhibition will be held next week. Four designs from different
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HQ move a sign of success for security specialists
A NORTH-EAST company has moved to a new headquarters in Billingham in a move which will secure the future of the business and provide specialist training for staff. Stockton-based security company Combined Security North East recently bought a building
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Outdoor oven wins group a prize
A CHESTER-le-Street voluntary group has scooped the top prize in an annual competition. The community health awards have been running in Durham and Chester-le-Street since 1998 and are aimed at giving community groups an opportunity to receive recognition
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If you've got spare time time, why not try penning a rhyme?
A NORTH East poet was on hand yesterday to provide help at the start of the Durham Literary Festival. Sheree Mack, of Identity on the Tyne, was poet in residence at the city's Fowler's Yard Studios, where she helped the public to pen their own poems.
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Squash club put on market
A SQUASH club which produced a homespun England international hero is on the market for £225,000. But its sale has sparked uncertainty among club players who hope it will be bought by someone wanting to continue its squash tradition rather than bidding
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Inspection follows site plan objection
neighbours' worries over plans to build a butchers' processing unit at a farm in the moorland village of Levisham, have resulted in members of the North York Moors National Park's planning committee deciding to make a site visit before making a decision
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'Help us find our cockatiel'
A FAMILY is appealing for help to find their pet. Six-year-old Chocky, a small grey cockatiel, escaped from his family's home in Almond Court, Shildon, on Monday. The bird, which loves to wolf whistle and sing along to the theme tune of Coronation Street
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Man was beaten with a stick outside convenience store
A YOUNG man was beaten with a stick and bitten by a long-time friend who accused him of staring at him, a court heard. The attack took place in front of shoppers outside a convenience store in Wheatley Hill. Michael James Davies pulled up in a Peugeot
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Youngsters work with mosaic project to complete 3,000-piece jigsaw
THE final piece of an elaborate 3,000-piece playground mosaic was sealed in place by Redcar historian Vera Robinson. The ceremony marked the end of a project started in 1999 to mark the Millennium, featuring a variety of scenes celebrating the town's
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Councillor quits health panel as he says it has no real power
A COUNCILLOR has resigned from a health panel which he says is not properly carrying out its duties. Councillor Bill Proud yesterday stepped down from Durham County Council's health scrutiny committee. Coun Proud, Derwentside District Council ward member
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Vigilance warning as thief strikes
DETECTIVES in Peterlee have warned people working in public buildings to be vigilant after a thief walked into a school and made off with cash and other items. The man entered through the front door of Shotton Hall Comprehensive School at about 2.20pm
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Promoter pledges sax from a skip performance won't be rubbish
MOST people have probably heard of house, garage and even elevator music - but what about skip music? Now there is a chance to hear it as saxophonist Lol Coxhill will be playing a series of live concerts inside an empty skip next month. Promoter Simon
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Social services staff are rewarded
THE annual social services staff conference in North Yorkshire included a celebration of staff achievements. Awards were presented in recognition of new initiatives developed over the year. Thirty staff who gained nationally-recognised qualifications,
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Mum's the word as single parents are honoured
TWO women from the region have been recognised for being among Britain's best single mums. Kim McKay, of Sowerby, North Yorkshire, and Joanne Thompson, from Middlesbrough, were among ten regional winners in That's Life magazine's Single Mum of the Year
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More job losses due to steel price rise
THE worldwide rise in steel prices has led another North-East manufacturer into financial difficulties, with County Durham firm Kenmore Refrigeration Components declaring job losses. The Crook-based company said rising steel costs had led to a decision
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Car firm bidding for wind turbines
JAPANESE car maker Nissan has announced plans to build a wind farm at its Sunderland plant. If it receives planning permission, the wind farm would be the first in the North-East to be entirely in an industrial area. The application, for seven turbines
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Flying Scotsman rolls in
ONE of the world's most famous railway treasures has rolled into town to celebrate the opening of the North-East's first national museum. The Flying Scotsman quietly arrived in Shildon on the back of a low loader on Tuesday morning where it waited to
