Archive
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Park’s faded fountain poised to spring into life once more
Echo Memories considers the former splendour of the Pierremont Vase, a 20ft high fountain that will soon be flowing again in South Park THE Pierremont Vase is, at the moment, one of Darlington’s scruffiest pieces of historical bric-a-brac, fenced
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Market report
THE proximity of the US presidential election and high oil prices hampered the London market's progress yesterday. The FTSE 100 climbed 18.9 to 4583.4 as investors picked up discounted stocks, but the rise was not enough to make up for Monday's heavy
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Scheme to transform attraction on agenda
PLANS to transform one of the region's leading tourist attractions could be given the go-ahead next week. On Monday, Hartlepool Borough Council's cabinet will be asked to approve ideas for the warship HMS Trincomalee and the surrounding Historic Quay
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On TV
Teachers (C4) Who Do You Think You Are? (BBC2) Much has changed since we last attended class with C4's Teachers - the school has merged with another and three leading characters have been killed off. This emerged in the opening scene when the surviving
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Anger as crash driver speaks
SURVIVORS of the Selby rail disaster reacted with anger to last night's BBC television documentary which saw crash driver Gary Hart tell his side of the story. Hart's Land Rover careered off the M62 into the path of a high-speed train on the East Coast
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Bomb threat
A woman who told check-in staff she had a bomb in her bag was playing up for television cameras filming an airport docusoap, a court heard. Lesley Brennan, 49, was spared prison after a judge watched the footage and accepted nobody could have taken her
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Hopes rise for missing man 'seen on islands'
FRESH sightings of a North-East man who vanished more than seven weeks ago in Greece have brought hope to his family. Police are following up five reported sightings of Darlington man Melvyn Gamblin on the islands of Aegina and Poros earlier this month
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Bumps in the night
Halloween has long been known as the spookiest date on the calendar, when the tortured souls of the dead are supposed to walk the earth and evil spirits lurk in every shadow. But October 31 hasn't always been about carving pumpkins, going trick or treating
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Signings not over for Cooper
BEN Clark's arrival at Victoria Park won't be the only one if Neale Cooper gets his way. The Hartlepool United boss spent over a month in pursuit of Clark and was finally rewarded last Thursday, when he completed his free transfer from Sunderland. Clark
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Clanger as clocks go back early
Clocks across the country have been the victim of a wind-up by European legislation dictating the end of British summertime. Almost 2,000 clocks made by Smith of Derby - one of Britain's best-known clock makers - have gone back an hour seven days early
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Massive losses led to closure of last pit
A ONCE-thriving mine complex entered its last day of production yesterday, marking the latest chapter in the long decline of the British coal industry. The Selby mines in North Yorkshire have produced more than 120 million tonnes of coal in the past 21
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Man barricades himself into former partner's home
A MAN is due to appear in court next month after barricading himself into his former partner's home. Andrew Gourlay, 31, from Newton Aycliffe, is charged with criminal damage and affray after barricading himself into the house in Dale Road, Barnard Castle
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Strong dollar affects BAT earnings
British American Tobacco (BAT) yesterday posted a 20 per cent rise in profits and said a business-transforming deal in the US had shown early promise. Fewer exceptional costs than a year ago helped the profits figure in the nine months to September 30
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BP profits from rising oil prices
Oil producer BP said record fuel prices and better refining margins had helped it to earn nearly £1m a day in profits. BP reported profits of £2.14bn for the three months to September 30 and said the outlook for the rest of the year was positive. Its
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Seaward wins £1m contract with MoD
MANUFACTURING group Seaward has secured £1m-worth of business with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) providing equipment for use in military field hospitals. The County Durham company, which makes specialist testing equipment, has won two orders from the
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Shortage hits as lard makes a comeback
AS a humble cooking product, it was once the staple of many a pantry and the main ingredient in a thousand jokes. But now it seems that demand for lard is soaring amid a nationwide shortage. Supermarket chains, bakeries and chip shops are feeling the
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Belline is set to defy top weight
SHARP BELLINE has the class to defy top-weight in today's Betfred Handicap Hurdle at Sedgefield. Sue Smith's seven-year-old also has to overcome a 179-day absence, but he's won after similar breaks before, which augurs well for supporters of the gelding
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Concerns raised at plans for river ford
A REGULAR user of a river ford hopes there is no "nanny-state knee-jerk reaction" following recent rescues of stranded motorists. Calls have been made for safety measures at Stanhope Ford, in Weardale, County Durham, after the latest air ambulance rescue
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Media banned from using trial material
CIVIL servants have banned the public from seeing video evidence used to convict child killers and other criminals. The move would stop people seeing footage of the kind used to convict Ian Huntley in the Soham murder trial. The ban is part of new national
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Royal helping hand
TWO beauty businesses have opened in County Durham after receiving funding and support from The Prince's Trust. Jan Fowler, 23, and her husband, Philip, 29, from Spennymoor, open their salon Beautopia on Saturday, thanks to a £500 grant and £3,500 loan
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Have you heard about....
Heard the latest? Gossip is good for you. Well, that's a relief. What's more, according to researchers at New Zealand's Victoria University, getting together to have a whinge is also good. Instead of dragging everyone down, it actually boosts morale.
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Pensioner is victim of bogus workman
A 70-YEAR-OLD woman had her life savings stolen after she fell victim to a callous fraud. The money was taken after the pensioner was taken in by a bogus story of a water leak in the street. At the time of the incident on Monday she was in her home in
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Man stole lager a day after prison release
A MAN breached his anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) by entering an off-licence and stealing lager a day after he was released from prison, a court heard yesterday. Graham Peter Nelson, 24, of no fixed address, faces being locked up after he stole packs
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Beaten and left for dead on lonely country path
A CROSS-BRED Staffordshire bull terrier was left for dead on a lonely country track after being horrifically beaten. The unconscious and battered dog, called Harry, was minutes away from death when he was discovered, wrapped in an old quilt, by a walker
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Police hunt for stolen fireworks
THIEVES with cutting gear have made off with thousands of pounds worth of fireworks from a supermarket. They forced their way into a metal store at the rear of Somerfields, in Langley Moor, near Durham, late on Monday or the early hours of yesterday.
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Project turns town into a Warm Zone
ALMOST one in five homes are benefiting from a scheme designed to keep residents warmer while saving money. Assessors from Redcar Warm Zone will visit 1,651 homes in the Hutton district of the town, the last of the 22 wards to be visited. Warm Zone is
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Cricketer happy to welcome a duck for once
ENGLAND and Durham cricket star Paul Collingwood brought new meaning to the term "out for a duck" when he launched a charity fundraising campaign. The 28-year-old all rounder hid under an umbrella as toy ducks rained down on the pitch at Durham County
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Scheme to transform attraction on agenda
PLANS to transform one of the region's leading tourist attractions could be given the go-ahead next week. On Monday, Hartlepool Borough Council's cabinet will be asked to approve ideas for the warship HMS Trincomalee and the surrounding Historic Quay
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Trust to improve child services
A CHILDREN'S trust is to be created for the borough of Stockton to improve the provision of services. The new trust will see schools working with a range of other services to meet the needs of children and their families. Chiefly, this will see the trust
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Project turns lens on young carers
YOUNG County Durham carers have been transformed into video stars after taking part in a year-long arts project aimed at developing creative ideas about their lives. Orchard Young Carers scheme is based in Chester-le-Street, but works with young carers
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Stunned Boro lose Mendieta for season
MIDDLESBROUGH manager Steve McClaren is weighing up his options after being rocked by the news that Spanish midfielder Gaizka Mendieta will miss the rest of the season with a serious knee injury. The results from the scans Mendieta had on Monday have
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Hodgson warning for Adolfo
DARLINGTON manager David Hodgson believes American winger Adolfo Gregorio's future is in his own hands. After earning a three-month deal in September following a successful trial spell during the summer, Gregorio was last night challenged by Hodgson to
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Computers saved from scrapyard for use by community groups
TWELVE community groups in east Cleveland are to make use of free refurbished computers and video and DVD players. The give-away has been made possible by donations from individuals and organisations in addition to funding for the project by the Tees
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Tap water may get trademark
TAP water could become a trademark like Pepsi, Coca Cola and Lucozade. Yorkshire Water has applied to have Icytonic be given the same protection in law as other drink brands. The name was invented for a marketing campaign that promoted tap water over
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Four will stand trial on robbery attempt
FOUR men will stand trial next year accused of taking part in an attempted armed robbery at a village post office. Ian Hart, 31, Russell Frederick Snowdon, 28, George Henry Appleby, 48, and 37-year-old Paul Sherrington are charged with attempted robbery
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Soldier helps to build maternity hospital in kenya
A NORTH-EAST soldier is making a difference to the lives of villagers who live near the Kenyan Equator. Sergeant Robert Downie, from Darlington, and his team from the Irish Guards are helping the Royal Engineers to build a maternity hospital at Ontuliu
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Traffic jam sees shoppers stranded
SCORES of shoppers were stranded in a supermarket car park for up to four hours, it emerged yesterday, as roadworks caused traffic chaos. Customers at the Tesco store in Dragonville, near Durham City, faced huge delays on Monday due to temporary traffic
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Ex-leader hits out over 'gag'
A FORMER council leader has accused the authority's new rulers of gagging him. Bill Kellett, Labour Durham City councillor for Pittington and West Rainton, hit out after he was ordered to leave a meeting of the Liberal Democrat-controlled council's cabinet
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Millionaire's pricelss present for Mum
ENTREPRENEUR Duncan Bannatyne gave his mother the best possible birthday present yesterday as she watched him collect an OBE from the Queen. The millionaire businessman's mother, Jean, marked her 79th birthday with a trip to Buckingham Palace for the
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Army unit hopes to gain backing in closure fear
SUPPORTERS of the Green Howards are preparing for a fight to save their regiment. The unit, based in Richmond, North Yorkshire, is facing an uncertain future after the Government announced plans to cut four infantry regiments. To gather support against
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Approval likely for church demolition
A DISUSED church could be demolished to make way for apartments. Members of Stockton Borough Council's planning committee will meet today to discuss the proposed demolition of St James's Church and free-standing cross at High Newham Road, Stockton. Eighteen
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And things that go bump in the night
Halloween has long been known as the spookiest date on the calendar, when the tortured souls of the dead are supposed to walk the earth and evil spirits lurk in every shadow. But October 31 hasn't always been about carving pumpkins, going trick or treating
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Boy loses thumb as firework explodes
A SCHOOLBOY lost a thumb and sustained facial burns and a broken arm when a firework went off in his hand. The 11-year-old, who has not been named, is undergoing treatment at the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, following the accident in
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Have you heard about...?
Heard the latest? Gossip is good for you. Well, that's a relief. What's more, according to researchers at New Zealand's Victoria University, getting together to have a whinge is also good. Instead of dragging everyone down, it actually boosts morale.
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Seaward wins £1m contract with MoD
MANUFACTURING group Seaward has secured £1m-worth of business with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) providing equipment for use in military field hospitals. The County Durham company, which makes specialist testing equipment, has won two orders from the
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United told to win without Shearer
GRAEME SOUNESS will rest Alan Shearer for tonight's visit of Norwich, but the Newcastle United manager wants the Magpies to make sure there is no repeat of last year's early Carling Cup exit. Newcastle were beaten 2-1 after extra time in the third round
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Internet conmen target customers
FRAUD squad detectives yesterday issued a warning about a scam against people who bank online. The practice, known as phishing, involves the conmen contacting account holders via e-mail and asking them to enter a website to update their banking details
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Van Nistelrooy apology fails to silence Wenger
Ruud van Nistelrooy's apology to Ashley Cole does not look like ending his feud with Arsenal after Arsene Wenger launched another bitter attack on the Dutchman. Van Nistelrooy began the first suspension of his Manchester United career last night after
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Boro's injury headaches
Juninho: The Boro legend suffered an immediate blow to his third spell on Teesside when he received an anterior cruciate ligament injury in a pre-season friendly in Italy against Modena and missed all but ten of the Teessiders' 2002-2003 campaign. David
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'More power for smaller councils'
RURAL communities would have more localised power and a greater say in North-East affairs if an assembly was set up, a leading councillor said last night. Terry Batson, 62, vice-chairman of the Durham Association of Parish and Town Councils, urged countryside
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Man stole lager a day after prison release
A MAN breached his anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) by entering an off-licence and stealing lager a day after he was released from prison, a court heard yesterday. Graham Peter Nelson, 24, of no fixed address, faces being locked up after he stole packs
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Cats ready to move up a gear, says Robinson
SUNDERLAND'S Carl Robinson yesterday warned Brighton that they could be on the end of a good hiding on Saturday. The 28-year-old midfielder, who was on the receiving end of some rough and tumble himself on Monday night in his side's gritty 1-0 victory
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Passengers learn how to claim payouts
STAFF from the North-East Rail Passengers Committee (RPC) will be out in force today to tackle the subject of late running and cancelled trains. RPC members are in York to raise passengers' awareness of how they can claim compensation for such events
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Comment from The Northern Echo: Muddying the legal waters
THE majority of people will agree with the judge who backed farmer Kenneth Faulkner's actions in shooting a burglar during a break-in at his home. John Rae was shot in the leg during a raid on Mr Faulkner's farmhouse, and the cry of "serves him right
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Don't you feel sorry for fat kids
I'm worried about those fat kids. You know the ones. Whenever there's an article or news item about the growing problem of obesity in children, there's always a couple of pictures - an enormously fat boy stuffing himself with crisps while watching television
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Pressworks Metals: All is not lost, say administrators
ADMINISTRATORS for manufacturer Pressworks Metals said they were still hoping to find a buyer, despite one of its main customers withdrawing its business from the County Durham company. Automotive parts maker Brose Limited withdrew its support for the
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Vicitm of anti-social behaviour takes stance against problem
A WOMAN who has suffered more than 120 incidents of crime in the past two years has launched her own support service for the victims of anti-social behaviour. Mercedes De Dunewic has been terrorised by gangs of youths who have carried out vandal attacks
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Belline is set to defy top weight
SHARP BELLINE has the class to defy top-weight in today's Betfred Handicap Hurdle at Sedgefield. Sue Smith's seven-year-old also has to overcome a 179-day absence, but he's won after similar breaks before, which augurs well for supporters of the gelding
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Sports stars signed up by pro supporters
ENGLAND and Newcastle United football heroes yesterday threw their support behind the campaign for an assembly. Peter Beardsley and former Middlesbrough and Newcastle player Paul Gascoigne joined present NUFC stars Robbie Elliott, Steve Harper and Shola
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Confused fan
A FOOTBALL fan caused a Greek tragedy when he led a group of supporters half way across Athens to the wrong match. To make things worse, Newcastle United fan Steve Chapman led them to a game being played by arch rivals Middlesbrough. Mr Chapman was in
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27/10/2004
IRAQ: I BELIEVE the decision allowing British troops to enter northern Iraq at the request of the Americans is a strategic one taken between allies. It is very cynical to suggest that the decision was made merely to support President Bush's election campaign
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Robert happy with defensive duties
LAURENT ROBERT insists Newcastle United's strikers stand a better chance of scoring when the Frenchman is in the team. Robert made only his third start for the Magpies under Graeme Souness in the seven-goal thriller with Manchester City on Sunday. The
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In a class of its own
Teachers (C4); Who Do You Think You Are? (BBC2) Much has changed since we last attended class with C4's Teachers - the school has merged with another and three leading characters have been killed off. This emerged in the opening scene when the surviving
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Court speeds up pitmen's payouts
COMPENSATION payments to former miners are to be speeded up after a breakthrough court judgement. A High Court ruling by Sir Michael Turner yesterday means that up to 160,000 ex-miners will receive faster payments for lung damage. It follows weeks of
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Double appointment at Regent
Pubs group Regent Inns yesterday gave two former Scottish & Newcastle bosses the task of leading its revival after annual profits fell 15 per cent. Bob Ivell, who will become executive chairman, and new finance director John Leslie will be under pressure
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Business briefs
Confidence among UK manufacturers is at its lowest level since the middle of last year as soaring oil prices take their toll, a report has shown. Significantly higher raw material costs have not been passed on to consumers, meaning many manufacturers
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Les attacks 'fat cat' bosses
Coronation Street's Les Battersby has told "corporate fat cats" to keep their hands off the Cream of Manchester in the fight to save the city's Boddington's brewery. Bruce Jones, who plays Battersby in the soap, is lending his support to save the brewery
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Slogans highlight concerns
BILLBOARDS warning voters that an assembly will mean more politicians and higher bills were unveiled yesterday. North-East Says No launch-ed two posters that will appear across the region in the final days of the referendum campaign. They bear the slogans
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How dumb do they think we are?
NO doubt most of us agree there are more important issues than foxhunting. But not even foxhunters can deny that many people looked to New Labour to ban it - and were led to believe by the 1997 manifesto that it would be banned. Yet, seven years down
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Deeds to Cook cottage returned to parish
Seventy years ago a cottage belonging to the family of Captain James Cook was dismantled and shipped to Australia. Yesterday, on his 276th birthday, the land on which it stood was returned to its rightful owners. Great Ayton Parish Council has been campaigning
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Motion ride earns praise from pupils
A 3D ride featuring children's cartoon character SpongeBob SquarePants has won over young users. Set in the underwater town of Bikini Bottom, the ride features all the main characters from the popular cartoon. Before it opened to the public, it was tested
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Hopes for missing man after sightings
FRESH sightings of a North-East man who vanished more than seven weeks ago in Greece have brought hope to his family. Police are following up five reported sightings of Darlington man Melvyn Gamblin on the islands of Aegina and Poros earlier this month
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In praise of the banger
A BUTCHER has collected an award for outstanding service to the great British banger. Beavers, of Masham, North Yorkshire, received the recognition from the British Sausage Appreciation Society. TV chef Lesley Waters presented shop manager Trevor Miller
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Work under way on store revamp
SHOPPERS got their first peek at refurbishment work on a renowned Darlington store yesterday. The former Dressers stationery premises, in High Row, was shut down in 2001 and has faced a long wait to be rejuvenated. But the Bertie clothing company, of
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Gothic fashion on show
THE first fashion show of its kind for "Gothics and skaters" was held in the region yesterday. Clothing, jewellery and accessories were on offer to people of all ages at the Lounge Bar, Darlington, followed by an over-18s concert by local bands. It was
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Iron Maiden's date with Victor bomber
TWO historic examples of British engineering are to be reunited. The road locomotive Iron Maiden will appear with the Victor V bomber at Yorkshire Air Museum, Elvington, near York. Both featured in the 1960s' classic British comedy film, also called Iron
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Chief gets a taste of bygone prison life
A POLICE chief got a taste of 19th Century justice yesterday when she officially re-opened a prison museum. North Yorkshire Chief Constable, Della Cannings was at Ripon Police and Prison Museum to perform the opening ceremony. She was joined by the county's
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£120m leisure plan takes step forward
DEVELOPERS behind a proposed £120m leisure complex have been granted full outline planning permission. Benchmark Leisure Limited wants to transform a 50-acre site on Scarborough's North Bay into a major attraction. The company, based in Northallerton,
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Family's medal campaign
Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon is to face a grilling from the family of a military policeman, who are demanding a medal for their murdered son. On Thursday, the family of South Shields Redcap Corporal Paul Long, 24, will present more than 5,000 "Debt of
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Instructor: Fatal crash not my fault
A DRIVING instructor on trial for causing death by dangerous driving told a jury yesterday that his car was clipped by another one as he was overtaking. Michael Lopez, 28, who trains driving instructors, told Teesside Crown Court that his Audi S2 Quattro
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All aboard for a bus ride to shape community's future
VOLUNTEERS took to the roads yesterday to relaunch Wear Valley's customer panel, an independent group helping to shape the district's future. A three-day bus tour set off from the civic centre on a mission to reach every one of the district's scattered
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Radio star enters the race for town's station licence
THE battle to win a town's commercial radio licence is hotting up with the announcement that a third station is about to begin a trial broadcast. Hambleton Radio and Northallerton Local Radio have already completed two trial broadcasts each and now a
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Tyres are dumped at beauty spot
OFFICIALS are trying to find out who dumped scores of tyres at a beauty spot. Up to 80 tyres were found in a car park on Waldridge Fell, near Chester-le-Street, on Friday. The district council, which cleared the mess away, is trying to find the culprits
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Public to hear about homes
EAST Durham residents can hear about plans to improve council houses by attending monthly board meetings. The newly-appointed board of East Durham Homes, the company in charge of Easington District Council's housing stock, meets monthly at different venues
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Miniature endeavour sails into museum
A SCALE model of explorer Captain James Cook's ship Endeavour was presented to the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum, in Stewart Park, Middlesbrough, yesterday by members of the Redcar and Cleveland Town Twinning Association. The model was built in Troisdorf
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Suspicious packages removed
BOMB disposal experts were called yesterday after police discovered two suspicious packages under a car. Police sealed part of Finchale Road, in Newton Hall, near Durham City, after a call about two items under a Vauxhall Corsa, at 10am. Bomb disposal
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Centre in row over playgroup
Parents are upset that a popular Darlington playgroup has been moved to make way for a private nursery. The playgroup, which runs for two hours every morning at the new Firthmoor Community Centre, has had to close temporarily as organisers feel the room
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Murderer attacked ex-wife
A MAN who launched a frenzied knife attack on his first bride had already served a prison sentence for murdering his subsequent wife, a court heard yesterday. Kenneth Milroy, 52, was jailed for life at Newcastle Crown Court in 1995 for strangling his
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No more teenage kicks
HE was the most unlikely-looking hero. Balding, bearded and softly-spoken, he was more a favourite uncle than a man who changed the face of music in the UK. But John Peel, who has died from a heart attack at the age of 65, influenced the musical tastes
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Wall that will help cemetery mourners
A stone wall costing £13,500 is being erected at a North Yorkshire cemetery to separate grieving relatives from a nearby children's play area. The 6ft high wall has been given council approval at Knaresborough Cemetery after complaints from relatives
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'Tory Boy' joins elephant and 8ft rat in assembly campaign
AFTER giant inflatable white elephants and 8ft rats, 'Tory Boy' became the latest weapon in the campaign battle over the North-East assembly yesterday. The braying, suited caricature, complete with a Michael Howard mask, arrived at Newcastle railway station
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Latest voting figures
OF the 1.9 million people eligible to vote in the referendum, 338,650 have returned their ballots. This means turnout is 17.8 per cent. Turnout in the Tees Valley is higher than average, but in parts of Northumberland, it is less than ten per cent. After
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Walks on water?
Yet another driver has had to be rescued from the middle of Stanhope Ford. In the winter there's usually a lot of rain, the current's strong and the rocks are slimy. On sunny summer days it's usually packed with children paddling. Going through the ford
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The ultimate DJ
I HAVE always blamed John Peel for my disappointing A-level results. When I should have been studying Jane Austen or the Franco-Prussian war, it always seemed easier to tune in to Peelie's late-night show. That was back in the early 70s, and the amazing
