Archive
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'Being a parent isn't easy'
The Northern Echo's new parenting columnist Anne Sutton runs the nannying agency, Internannies, and has 30 years experience in childcare. She tells Women's Editor Lindsay Jennings why good routine is the key to successful parenting. IT IS somewhat comforting
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Murder inquiry launched after fire
POLICE have mounted a murder inquiry after the victim of an arson attack died in hospital. Arthur Lonsdale, 52, of Westerham Close, Witherwack, Sunderland, died on Saturday night in the city's Royal Hospital. He had been admitted to hospital on Thursday
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'Shocking' video scenes at farm prompt inquiry call
SHOCKING scenes captured on video at the farm blamed for the 2001 foot-and-mouth outbreak -only weeks after Government inspectors gave it a clean bill of health -has prompted calls for a fresh Goverment probe. A dog is seen tugging on a dead animal lying
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Paris Bell to ring up a treble
FAST-IMPROVING two-year-old Paris Bell (2.00) can make it three-in-a-row by romping away with the Thomas Daly Nursery at Catterick this afternoon. Tim Easterby's youngster appeared to be nothing out of the ordinary for the first two-thirds of the season
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20 hurt as bus driver brakes to avoid girl
TWENTY people were injured yesterday morning when a bus driver braked sharply to avoid a young girl who had stepped into the road. Passengers were thrown forwards when the driver of the First York bus made an emergency stop near Archbishop Holgate's School
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European motor industry is in need of some more va-va-voom
The European motor industry is approaching a state of crisis with too many cars and not enough buyers. Nigel Burton reports on the first round of bloodletting. THE Germans once laughingly referred to industrial unrest as "the British disease." Nowadays
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Kerry Quinn
DURHAM Tees Valley Airport has appointed KERRY QUINN as director of airport operations. Ms Quinn, 37, from Yarm, joined the airport, formerly known as Teesside Airport before its name change last month, as head of human resources in 1999. She will help
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Robert victim of three striker policy
Graeme Souness continued his efforts to solve his striker conundrum on Sunday by playing three of his four frontmen from the start at Bolton Wanderers. With Patrick Kluivert fit again following his run-out in the Carling Cup win over Norwich after a hamstring
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When graffiti is a feat to admire
YOUNGSTERS in County Durham have been given the chance to show their creative side as part of a graffiti workshop day. Groups of young people from Evenwood, Rookhope and Leeholme worked with artist Paul Richards in the workshop at the Groundwork West
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Matthew wins birthday bonus
A TEN-YEAR-OLD boy became the envy of every child in the country when he had a truckload of toys delivered to his door. Matthew Clark, of Graythwaite, Chester-le-Street, won the prize through Cartoon Network's weekly Truckatoon competition. Cartoon Network's
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Andrew backs Noon for England
ROB Andrew wants to see Jamie Noon alongside likely captain Mike Tindall in the England centre for the Autumn internationals. The 25-year-old Newcastle Falcons player should be preferred to Will Greenwood for the first match against Canada on Saturday
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To Bulgaria with love
A BUSINESSWOMAN and overseas property expert has set up a web-based information service to help people buy holiday homes in Bulgaria. Bambi Lovatt commissioned web specialists Mancala to come up with a website that would provide would-be buyers with information
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Drama looks at death
TEESSIDE sixth formers have made a film about death. The students at Stockton Sixth Form have made eight ten-minute films that will be woven together in the drama. Described by the college as avant garde, the film takes death as its theme and will be
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Jim Petterson, Ken Brumby and Chris Piggins
THE Newcastle office of Kajima Construction has appointed three new members of staff. Since opening an office on Newcastle's quayside only two years ago, Kajima has seen staff numbers increase from three to more than 60, with plans already under way for
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Prescott issues plea to public over regional assembly votes
DEPUTY Prime Minister John Prescott signs off his regional assembly campaign today with a plea for people to vote before Thursday's 10pm deadline. Speaking last night, he said: "I've never been confident because you can't predict the result. I know it's
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Backbenchers rebel over casinos reform
THE Government's majority was halved last night as Labour backbenchers rebelled against plans that would allow large Las Vegas-style casinos to open in Britain. Voting was 286 to 212, a majority of 74, at the end of the debate on the second reading of
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Police warn that burglary group is on the prowl
POLICE have urged householders to lock their doors following a spate of sneak-in burglaries. Inspector Dave Marshall, of Chester-le-Street police, County Durham, said groups of burglars had been "very active" in the town and surrounding villages over
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Children chuffed to see Thomas
DELIGHTED children were greeted by the smiling face of Thomas the Tank Engine at the weekend. The engine pulled thousands of passengers along the revived Wensleydale Railway during a special visit by the famous engine. The journeys between Redmire and
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David Curry, Craig Abbott, Ian Fox and Richard Foster
BUS operator Go North East has appointed four apprentices. The company will train two mechanics, DAVID CURRY and CRAIG ABBOTT, and two electricians, IAN FOX and RICHARD FOSTER. Mr Curry, 19, from Consett, is based at Stanley, County Durham, and joins
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Sugar-bag baby heads North
A BABY girl who weighed only 1lb 8oz at birth and wore dolls' clothes during her first weeks is being brought 4,000 miles to settle in the North-East. Dee-Ann Short will arrive on Thursday, just in time to celebrate her first birthday with her grandparents
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Comment from The Northern Echo: A close call for change
IT is somewhat refreshing that the outcome of today's US presidential election remains too close to call. Contrary to the assumption of many of us, the campaign has demonstrated that there is no slavish adherence to the foreign policies of George Bush
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More state pupils entering Durham University
The higher education minister Kim Howells has welcomed a North-East university's progress in admitting state school pupils. Figures released today by the Sutton Trust show that the proportion of state school students entering Durham University has increased
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Spotlight on college students
FINAL preparations are under way for a college ceremony, which celebrates the achievements of students and staff. Hundreds of awards will be presented at a Darlington College of Technology ceremony, at the Civic Theatre, next Monday. Every year, more
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Southgate tips Riggott to reach top
GARETH Southgate has tipped team-mate Chris Riggott for the very top after watching him step out of the Riverside shadows this season. Riggott has struggled to break into the Middlesbrough first team since making a £2m move from Derby in January 2003,
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The winning formula
ONE ebay trader, who asked to remain anonymous, spoke to Business Echo. The 30-year-old, who began trading on eBay earlier this year, works full-time at a manufacturing company, and spends most of his evenings monitoring his sales on the site. Dealing
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Will staff call me a Scrooge if I cancel their Christmas party?
Q I am the owner of a small company and am dreading staging a Christmas party this year. The reason for this is that last year's Christmas party was the catalyst for two members of staff to start an affair which ultimately led to one of them, a key member
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Nation of shopkeepers finds a spiritual home
In less than ten years, it has risen from a small-time Internet site to an internationally recognised name and a byword for e-commerce. Buisness Correspondnet Paul Willis takes a look at eBay. AT any one time, there are more than 25 million items for
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Paul Hutton and Marc Turner
LAW firm Blackett Hart and Pratt has made two appointments to its commercial and agricultural property team. PAUL HUTTON and MARC TURNER have both joined the company. Mr Hutton trained as a quantity surveyor before becoming a solicitor and has worked
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Variety is the spice of life for Crutes recruit Yvonne
Law Firm Crutes has expanded its employment law team with the appointment of an assistant solicitor. YVONNE ATHERTON studied law at Newcastle University, where she gained a first. The 26-year-old, who lives in Durham, said she was enjoying the variety
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Silverscreen store opening to create jobs
DVD retailer Silverscreen is to open a store creating six jobs. The retailer, which has opened 26 stores throughout the country, has taken 315sq metres of space at The Bridges Shopping Centre, in Sunderland, which attracts 500,000 visitors a week. Silverscreen
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Bonfire parties all set
MORE than £3,000 of fireworks will light up the sky over Northallerton on Friday when the bonfire night celebrations return. Firefighters halted the event early last year when fallout from fireworks blew into the crowd, injuring one person. This year's
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Pizza company unveils double delight
THE UK chief executive of fast-food delivery group Domino's Pizza, Stephen Hemsley, yesterday helped launch the company's new double-decker pizza. The group, which has 50 outlets across the UK and Ireland, announced profits of £6.5m this year.
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Singer performes festive switch-on to light up three miles of malls
SOUL diva Lisa Stansfield last night switched on the Christmas lights at the North-East's largest shopping centre. The singer, whose hits include All Around the World, stopped off at the MetroCentre, in Gateshead, to perform the honours. It is the first
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Sticking together can make the stock market pay
It is many people's belief that investing in equities is only for those people with lots of money. This misconception can put off a number of would-be investors. However, one genuine reason why many small investors may be put off is the costs involved
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No room for pornography in the workplace
In a recent case, Moonsar v Fiveways Express Transport Ltd, the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) emphasised an important point; that it will amount to unlawful sex discrimination if a man downloads pornography at work whilst a woman is present in the
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At 14 Sam is already a masterly huntsman
Tucked away in the small village of Copt Hewick near Ripon the Townend's family farm sits nestled by the village green. Wearing the slightly younger version of the 'country gentleman's' attire compromising of a chequered shirt with green khaki's and gum
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Juniors to play at stadium
DARLINGTON'S Football in the Community initiative is holding a tournament for youngsters today. The Williamson Motors Stadium will host the Kellogg's Frosties Cup Tournament, which is an annual competition for under-11s. It will be the first time that
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Water company to probe cause of roadside flooding
WATER company officials are to meet Darlington Borough Council to discuss how to stop a 20ft puddle appearing on Woodland Road. Some vehicles deliberately speed through the flood - caused by a blocked drain - to splash pedestrians, prompting calls from
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Soccer boss passes words of wisdom on to next generation
DARLINGTON FC manager David Hodgson helped drill home the importance of literacy to local youngsters yesterday. The Quakers supremo, who is to launch his biography soon, met youngsters from Hurworth Primary School at the Williamson Motors Stadium, home
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Bowlers team up to raise £3,200
WOMEN bowlers teamed up off the green to mount a year- long fundraising campaign supporting two charity funds. The Cockton Hill Ladies Bowling Club held raffles, tombolas, baked cakes, book and plant sales, as well as catering for league competitions
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School hall to host fair
A NEW school hall will be put to use for a fundraising venture. Barton Primary School, near Darlington, will hold its first Christmas market in the building on Saturday, November 13. Organised by the Friends of Barton School in aid of school funds, the
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Christmas sale
A NEW school hall will be put to use for a Christmas market. Barton Primary School, near Darlington, will hold its first market in the building on Saturday, November 13, with jewellery, food and antiques on offer. The market runs from 1.30pm to 3.30pm
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New ambulance fleet launched
THE first of a new generation of ambulances has taken to the road. The pride-of-the-fleet 999 vehicle is the first of 12 £100,000 ambulances destined for the region's roads over the coming months. After two months of extensive testing, ambulance chiefs
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MP criticises town development plan
A SENIOR member of parliament has visited a Teesside town to find out about a threatened theatre and park. Liberal Democrat Ed Davey, who shadows deputy prime minister John Prescott, met councillors in Billingham. He found out more about the controversial
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Truant hotline launched to reduce anti-social behaviour
A campaign has been launched on Teesside to get truant tearaways back behind their desks. Police officers, police community support officers and street wardens have been briefed to challenge school children who they see in the street and escort them back
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Find out your options at careers fair
MORE than 1,000 young people are expected to attend a one-day careers fair in Middlesbrough this week. The University of Teesside's annual careers fair runs from 10am to 3pm, in the main hall and sports hall on the campus this Friday. Nearly 50 organisations
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Airline strengthens links with capital
AIRLINE operator bmi has launched an extra daily flight from Durham Tees Valley Airport to London Heathrow. North-East businesses can take advantage of the fourth daily flight, which leaves at 1.10pm from Teesside and arrives at Heathrow at 2.25pm. The
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Mum drove through rail barrier red light
A SINGLE mother with her two young children went through a red light as barriers descended at a railway crossing, a court heard yesterday. Gillie Brabbin, 33, pleaded with Harrogate magistrates not to take away her licence after admitting driving through
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New school buses in response to safety fears
PUPILS returning from their half-term holidays yesterday travelled to school in style on two new single-deck buses. The coaches, which arrived at King James School, in Knaresborough, at 8.30am, have been introduced by North Yorkshire County Council after
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Funds boost for school garden plan
PLANS to create a garden for schoolchildren are blossoming thanks to a £500 cash boost. Newker Primary School, in Chester-le-Street, has been awarded a grant from the North Eastern and Cumbrian Co-op's community dividend fund to design and build a garden
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Our double standards over the US
Let's pray for a clear result to the US presidential election and then the media can return to one or other of its customary obsessions: paedophilia, foxhunting, global warming, obesity and outbreaks of sentimentality in sundry locations. Why has the
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Campaigners put spotlight on Aids fight
CAMPAIGNERS on the front-line of the war against HIV and Aids will be in Durham City today to talk to university students. Among those speaking will be 24-year-old Henry Hudson, who is HIV positive and works in an Aids challenge youth club in his native
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Charity wins website in competition
A CHARITY in Stockton has won a competition to have its website designed by a professional company. As part of Making a Difference Day last week, BBC Radio Cleveland held a competition for a local charity to win a website designed by Angelfish Media,
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Nursery gets glowing report from Ofsted
A CHILDREN'S nursery has passed an Ofsted check with flying colours. The Cherry Tree Nursery, in North End, Sedgefield, was rated as very good in six areas of development and was found to provide a rich and stimulating learning environment. Acting manager
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Find out your options at careers fair
MORE than 1,000 young people are expected to attend a one-day careers fair in Middlesbrough this week. The University of Teesside's annual careers fair runs from 10am to 3pm, in the main hall and sports hall on the campus this Friday. Nearly 50 organisations
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Hunts combine for job well done on a special day
THE Hurworth Hunt country spreads over North Yorkshire and Cleveland, running between Thirsk, Yarm, Stokesley and Northallerton. It had begun as part of the Raby country hunted by Lord Darlington, but in about 1775 the three Wilkinson brothers of Neasham
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Fiona is tailor-made for career move
TAILORESS Fiona Brookes was shattered when she was made redundant after 20 years in her only job since leaving school. But yesterday she opened her own shop, Brookes, in Market Place, Barnard Castle, just along the road from the one that stopped trading
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Concert for hospital funds
A SINGING group is staging a concert to boost the funds of its local hospital. The Harp Singers, who perform in Victorian costume, are to give a charity concert for the Friends of the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton. The event, in the recreation hall
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Have a say on £110m bridge proposals
SUNDERLAND'S £110m proposals for a bridge over the Wear and improvement of the transport network will go to public consultation tomorrow. City of Sunderland Council and Sunderland Arc have organised the consultation and exhibition, which will take place
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RAF base used as venue to raise awareness of differing cultures
THE RAF has been doing its bit to break down cultural barriers. The training base at Linton-on-Ouse was the venue for a visit by 40 Sikh children and six elders from Bradford's Guru Gobind Temple. The event formed part of the station's contribution to
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Appeal after hit-and-run accident
POLICE have appealed for witnesses after a 16-year-old was taken to hospital following a hit-and-run collision. The youth was crossing Urpeth Lane, Ouston, County Durham, at 8.30pm, on Friday, when he was hit by a car which drove off towards High Urpeth
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Pupils celebrate Fair Trade status
Pupils have launched a scheme which will assure a fair deal for traders from developing countries - while honing their business skills at same time. St Bede's RC School, Lanchester, yesterday became a Fair Trade School. Pupils will be selling cookies,
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Baby-faced crook is locked away
A CONFIDENCE trickster swindled a vulnerable pensioner and posed as a police officer. Christopher David Smith, 18, of Pelaw Road, Chester-le-Street, admitted a string of deceptions at Consett Magistrates Court last week. He was sentenced to ten months
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Volunteers rally to spruce up community centre room
VOLUNTEERS got the paint brushes out to spruce up a village community centre. They spent two days decorating and cleaning up a committee room at Croxdale Community Centre, which suffered water damage a few years ago and has not been used since. The work
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Collins confident of sharing Cats' cream
SUNDERLAND defender Danny Collins has spoken of his determination to succeed at the highest level, and revealed how he never doubted he had what it takes to become a top-flight footballer. The 24-year-old capped a rapid rise from the non-league game to
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Complaints against police officers rise by 94 per cent
A POLICE force has blamed new procedures for a 94 per cent leap in complaints against its officers. County Durham police said changes introduced by a new body, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), were in part responsible for the increase
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Nation of shopkeepers finds a spiritual home
In less than ten years, it has risen from a small-time Internet site to an internationally recognised name and a byword for e-commerce. Buisness Correspondnet Paul Willis takes a look at eBay. AT any one time, there are more than 25 million items for
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Harvest mice nest in town is first for decades
ONE of the UK's most endangered animals has made a comeback in a North town. Evidence of a harvest mice nest has been discovered in the Barmpton area, on the northern edge of Darlington. Harvest mice have disappeared in many parts of the country, with
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Funding needed to transform historic quay
One of the region's leading tourist attractions is to be transformed - if funding can be found. Planners from Hartlepool Borough Council yesterday approved the £2m to £3m plans for Hartlepool Historic Quay and Museum and the warship HMS Trincomalee. It
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You and whose army?
That eminent statesman Mr John Prescott tells us. "You live in a democracy. You lost the argument. Now respect what is soon to be the law of the land." So that's it then. Or is it? It's certainly not the democracy we learnt about at school. What the Government
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Doctor in legal battle after asbestos-link death of wife
A DOCTOR is fighting a legal battle to raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos after his wife died from exposure to the substance. Julian Little's wife, Becky, died aged 53 in February 2002, two years after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. Experts
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Christmas choices from practical to ridiculous in equestrian market
Buying Christmas presents for my horses has always resounded like a death knell for me. Something always seems to happen to them shortly afterwards. One got a smart new saddle, only to go lame almost the next week. Another had a top-of-the-range night
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Do firms need a regional assembly?
Many of the region's most influential and active business leaders believe regional government will boost the North-East economy. Every company in the North East Marine and Offshore Consortium, for instance, backs a regional assembly and the need for change
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Hot dog stall to be set up inside church
MARKET stalls will be set up and hot dogs served in an Eighth Century parish church so villagers can enjoy a winter event indoors. It will be the first time recently that an activity of this kind has been held in St Mary's Church, in Staindrop, County
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RNJ wins work on two projects
A NEWCASTLE-based chartered surveyors company has been appointed to work on two school projects in Consett and Stockton. RNJ Partnership has secured work on the schemes, which total £2.7m, to improve the quality of education facilities through renovation
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Girl devastated after pony killed
A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD girl has been left devastated by the loss of her Shetland pony, which was killed in an arson attack at the weekend. Michelle Parker said her daughter, Georgia Jackson, could not understand why her five-year-old horse, called Fergie, was
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Casinos plan spins into trouble
THE Government last night tried to head off a potentially damaging rebellion by its own MPs by promising people a veto over any proposed Las Vegas-style casinos. Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell pledged to strengthen the controversial Gambling Bill to place
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Duchess joins Kate Adie at charity event
KATE ADIE and the Duchess of Northumberland will speak at a charity concert for the Feast of St Nicholas, in Durham Cathedral, on Friday, December 3, at 6.30pm. Performances will be given by Durham University's Choral Society and the Carol Andrew Singers
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Ryanair signs ten-year deal with GE
Budget airline Ryanair has agreed a ten-year maintenance deal with US jet engine maker General Electric (GE). Dublin-based Ryanair, which operates flights from Durham Tees Valley to Dublin and will soon be operating routes to Rome, said it had signed
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Children will soon be flying high at maths
THE Royal Air Force is flying in to help school children improve on their maths. RAF service personnel who are qualified teachers will deliver 50 workshops to more than 1,500 students in 25 schools across Britain this month. And one of the first groups
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Teenager's driving horrified police, court told
A TEENAGE motorist was told by a court yesterday to drive by the rules of the Highway Code, and not his own. Robert Harvey, 19, who was said to have served a one-year ban for drink-driving, was back before Harrogate magistrates after police observed his
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Triathlete triumphs
A TEN-YEAR-OLD girl is celebrating after winning the 2004 North-East Children's Triathlon. Claudine Wivell, from Ripon, beat 20 other competitors to win the title. Triathlon involves different combinations and distances of swimming, cycling and running
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Bus driver wins award
A BUS driver has been recognised for his dedication to duty, customer care and driving skills during a career spanning almost 35 years. Norman Simpson, 66, from Eaglescliffe, was named Colleague of the Year at bus operator's Go North East's first staff
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On TV last night
The Dirty Race For The White House (C4) WHAT political commentator Peter Osborne told us in his investigation of American democracy won't have come as a great surprise. Voters today tend to regard politicians with suspicion rather than awe. Put simply
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Growing Pains
'How do I deal with my two-year-old son who always has a tantrum when we go to the supermarket?' YOUR child's first tantrum can be a real shock to the system. His explosive outbursts leave you feeling angry, powerless and exhausted. You are not alone;
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County years ahead in tackling truancy
SCHOOL attendance records in one of the North-East's largest education authorities have surpassed expectations. Attendance at schools in County Durham in 2003-4 was the highest ever, with 91.87 per cent at secondary level and 94.35 per cent in primary
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When graffiti is a feat to admire
YOUNGSTERS in County Durham have been given the chance to show their creative side as part of a graffiti workshop day. Groups of young people from Evenwood, Rookhope and Leeholme worked with artist Paul Richards in the workshop at the Groundwork West
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Cricket club bowled over as village pitches in to help
VOLUNTEERS have joined forces to breathe new life into a cricket hut. Around 25 people from the local community rolled up their sleeves to redecorate the hut in North Bitchburn, near Bishop Auckland, to mark National Make a Difference Day on Saturday.
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Rate of growth is increasing
The UK manufacturing sector was given a boost last night by a survey showing the rate of growth increasing for the first time since July. Improvements in new business and employment were the main drivers of the rise, according to the study by the Chartered
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Paramedics hail the arrival of new fleet of ambulances
THE first of a new generation of ambulances has taken to the road in North Yorkshire. The emergency vehicle is the first of 12 £100,000 ambulances destined for the region's roads over the coming months. And after two months of extensive testing, ambulance
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Red devils raise £910 for charity
THREE animal lovers came up with a devilishly good plan to raise money towards building an animal sanctuary. Sisters Helen and Cathy Southall and Rachel Lightfoot, pictured right, collected £910 for the all supporters of the Saltburn Animal Rescue Association
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Non-Fiction: Tales of war and witchcraft
THE COLDITZ MYTH by S P Mackenzie (Oxford University Press, £20) : COLDITZ has a lot to answer for when it comes to assessing what it was really like to be a prisoner of war in Nazi Germany. While the image is all about plucky and resourceful POWs pulling
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'Now I've found inner peace'
Diane Blood endured a lengthy court battle to use her dead husband's sperm to have the child they planned. With her new book out, she tells Hannah Stephenson how she has found inner peace. DIANE Blood likes to see herself as just another busy mum, juggling
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Taking the high life to the edge of space
TAKING fare-paying passengers into space may be one small step for Sir Richard Branson - but it will be a giant leap for a 23-year-old North Yorkshire entrepreneur. While Sir Richard is planning to take well-heeled passengers out of the atmosphere in
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The therapeutic benefit of healing hands
IT IS well documented that horses can suffer with back problems and they tell us by their actions. Sometimes the signs are blatant; for instance the horse stops jumping, or displays an obvious aversion to being saddled. Most of the time the signs he might
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Plans for a bigger Tesco face criticism
A SUPERMARKET extension could further damage trade in nearby town centres, retailers have warned. Tesco wants to add 20,000sq ft of floorspace to its Catterick Garrison store, which opened in 2000. But town manager Colin Grant and the Richmond Business
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Job Search: Vacancies
Labourer. 40hrs pw. Must have full, clean driving licence. Building skills an advantage. Must be physically fit as some lifting involved. Ref: SPE 13596. Secretary. £6 to £6.50ph, 37.5hrs pw. Experience of working in NHS ideal. Minute-taking skills essential
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The approaching storm
Strategic Environment Assessments are now required (July 2004) on all significant developments and Environmental Impact Statements with planning applications must now reflect such assessments. EU Directive on Landfill and Disposable, of hazardous and
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RNJ wins work on two projects
A NEWCASTLE-based chartered surveyors has been appointed to work on two school projects. RNJ Partnership has secured work on the schemes, in Consett, County Durham, and Stockton, which total £2.7m, to improve the quality of education facilities. St Gregory's
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Rob Evans appointed a director of the British Cheese Board.
ROB EVANS, business manager at Wensleydale Dairy Products, has been appointed a director of the British Cheese Board. The board, formed in 1997, represents many British cheesemakers and promotes the industry internationally. Mr Evans joined Wensleydale
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Fiction
MEDSTAR II: JEDI HEALER by Michael Reeves and Steve Perry (Arrow, £6.99) : THE darker side of galactic war is revealed in the latest Star Wars saga of a fierce civil war between the Republic and the Separatists, which puts a mobile hospital unit on the
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Technical staff laid off as shake-up begins at Orange
MOBILE phone operator Orange has begun issuing redundancies in the region as part of job cuts that will see between 200 and 300 staff shed across the UK. An undisclosed number of technical staff at Orange's centre in Darlington have been told they are
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Reach for the stars with North space venture
YOU could wait two years and pay £115,000 for the first commercial flights to space on Richard Branson's new venture Virgin Galactic. But for budding astronauts who cannot wait that long and are desperate to follow Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin into
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Sale of Lionweld Kennedy saves 180 jobs on Teesside
ADMINISTRATORS for troubled manufacturer Lionweld Kennedy have confirmed a buyer has been found, saving nearly 180 jobs at the Teesside company. However, a further 15 staff will lose their jobs as the contracting side of the business is wound up. Lionweld
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Speculation lifts Sainsbury's
FRESH speculation about the future ownership of supermarket chain Sainsbury's helped shares in the embattled company push further ahead yesterday. The improvement came as a number of weekend reports said former Asda boss Allan Leighton was leading a team
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Harvest mice nest in town is first for decades
ONE of the UK's most endangered animals has made a comeback in a North town. Evidence of a harvest mice nest has been discovered in the Barmpton area, on the northern edge of Darlington. Harvest mice have disappeared in many parts of the country, with
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Government slow to reform inquest system - coroner
A coroner from the North-East has criticised the Government for dragging its feet over reforming the system for investigating deaths in custody. Andrew Tweddle, the coroner for County Durham, commented after it was revealed that it will be two years before
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Jimmy takes stairway to Hebburn, aged 100
Bishop Auckland 2 Hebburn 3 - the south Tyneside club's best result for a decade and now unforgettable for different, more poignant, reasons entirely. Last Wednesday's Durham Challenge Cup tie had been over 20 minutes when triumphant team manager Tony
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Service tribute for Sir Peter
A MEMORIAL service to celebrate the life of one of the region's best-loved public figures takes place next week. Arrangements are being finalised for the service at Durham Cathedral on Wednesday, November 10, to honour the life of Sir Peter Ustinov, the
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Speed limit row goes to ombudsman
VILLAGERS are complaining to the Local Government Ombudsman after their call for a lower speed limit was rejected. Durham County Council's highways committee decided in the summer not to reduce the maximum speed on the A167 through Chester Moor from 70
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Andrew backs Noon for England
ROB Andrew wants to see Jamie Noon alongside likely captain Mike Tindall in the England centre for the Autumn internationals. The 25-year-old Newcastle Falcons player should be preferred to Will Greenwood for the first match against Canada on Saturday
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European motor industry is in need of some more va-va-voom
The European motor industry is approaching a state of crisis with too many cars and not enough buyers. Nigel Burton reports on the first round of bloodletting. THE Germans once laughingly referred to industrial unrest as "the British disease." Nowadays
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Fame, and all that jazz
Jazz singer-songwriter Clare Teal talks to Steve Pratt about her new found fame and being Michael Parkinson's protege. FAME is a funny thing and something with which jazz singer-songwriter Clare Teal is coming to terms. It is weird, she admits. "I drove
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Food - a family affair
SITTING around the table with your family to enjoy a traditional home-cooked meal is fast becoming a thing of the past - but it won't be long before it makes a comeback if top chef Jamie Oliver, whose new book, Jamie's Dinners, is out now, has anything
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Paris Bell to ring up a treble
FAST-IMPROVING two-year-old Paris Bell (2.00) can make it three-in-a-row by romping away with the Thomas Daly Nursery at Catterick this afternoon. Tim Easterby's youngster appeared to be nothing out of the ordinary for the first two-thirds of the season
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Job Search: Vacancies
HGV driver Class 1/2, Boroughbridge. £8ph, 45.50hrs pw. Must have relevant licence with experience of curtain sider and tipper an advantage for Class 1, aggregate tipper for Class 2. Ref: HAP 58232. Driver/porter, Northallerton. 40hrs pw, 8am to 5pm,
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Experts predict legal quagmire
PROPERTY experts say an avalanche of new legislation and rules is about to hit the balance sheet of every company in the UK. Property consultancy King Sturge is warning that the property market is waking up to an approaching storm of sustainable issues
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Sign of the times for company
A North-East company has helped signpost the way for walkers and cyclists in the centre of Lancaster. William Smith, based in Barnard Castle, was chosen by Lancaster City Council when signs were needed for a walking and cycle route following the building
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Putting the reality ahead of the myths
AN insolvency practitioner has moved to dispel the myths surrounding his profession as he set up business in the region. Ted Fergusson, who left Haines Watts last year, has more than 20 years' experience assisting businesses in financial difficulty. He
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Without lottery funding, Britain's latest railway would still be a dream
THE tireless efforts of volunteers finally paid off this summer with the re-opening of a derelict railway line. The Weardale Railway is now proving one of the region's main visitor attractions, but the celebrations may not have happened without a £990,000
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02/11/04
REGIONAL ASSEMBLY: YOUR leader (Echo, Oct 28) bemoaned the descent of the regional assembly debate into "an utterly puerile squabble" and laid the blame at the door of the yes campaign. It is unfair to point the finger at us. Consider the facts. The yes
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Claims area would 'milk city dry'
LEADING councillors representing Durham City have launched an outspoken criticism of their neighbours -accusing them of plans to "milk the city dry" under local government reorganisation. Under plans to streamline local government if the region backs
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Council faces funding shortfall
Council bosses are facing up to a major funding shortfall as they try to provide essential support for disabled people in Darlington. The borough council is considering ploughing more cash into disabled facilities grants (DFG) scheme, which allows residents
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Allergy care warning
NORTH-EAST children with dangerous allergies are denied proper care because the nearest full-time clinic is in Leicester, MPs have warned. Their report condemns ignorance about allergies in the NHS, despite one in 50 children being at risk of fatal anaphylactic
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New sales staff at Barratt Homes
NORTH-East housebuilder Barratt Homes has appointed five sales staff at its developments in the region. The new recruits are Carmel Buckle, Audra Simm, Natalie Jarvis, Michelle Crozier and Heather MacNeish. Barratt is building 16 developments in the North-East
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Unions urge post offices reprieve
Calls were made yesterday to stop half of all high street post offices being closed or sold off under plans being considered by the Royal Mail. As many as 270 offices could be shut down or offered to local consortiums as part of reforms being discussed
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Council chief to hand over the reins
A town hall chief last night confirmed rumours that he is quitting his job. Brian Dinsdale is resigning as chief executive of Middlesbrough Council, after two years, to "pursue other ambitions". The 56-year-old was Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon's choice
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A battle with no holds barred
The Dirty Race For The White House (C4): WHAT political commentator Peter Osborne told us in his investigation of American democracy won't have come as a great surprise. Voters today tend to regard politicians with suspicion rather than awe. Put simply
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Graham Hillier
THE Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) has appointed GRAHAM HILLIER to help develop the hydrogen economy in the North-East. The centre is one of regional development agency One NorthEast's five centres of excellence in the region. Mr Hillier, 45, has
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Russell key to Quakers
DARLINGTON may have established one of the meanest defences in League Two this season, but assistant manager Mark Proctor believes a large percentage of the credit for that should go to goalkeeper Sam Russell. In conceding just 11 goals in the League
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Francesca Angelucci
FRANCESCA ANGELUCCI has been appointed as conveyancing specialist at law firm Watson Burton. She has moved from Dickinson Dees to lead Watson Burton's conveyancing unit, which specialises in buying and selling properties. After graduating from university
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Teenager's driving ambition to succeed in world of motor sport
A TEENAGE girl has taken the autograss racing world by storm after being crowned club champion. Rachael Davis, 15, from Bishop Middleham, County Durham, became attracted to the sport after watching her father compete at the Yorkshire Dales Autograss Club
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In tune with spirit of Christmas
THE SPIRIT of Christmas past, and present comes early to a community theatre. Chester-le-Street Amateur Operatic Society, which celebrated its centenary last year, begins its 101st performing season with a musical version of The Christmas Carol. It is
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Why are businesses opposed to a regional assembly?
One of the questions I have been asked most often during this campaign is this: Why are businesses so overwhelmingly opposed to a regional assembly? After all, polls have shown that 74 per cent of North East Chamber of Commerce members are opposed and
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John joins Northern Property
Developer Northern Property Developments has appointed a new contracts director. John Flaherty has joined the developer, which is based in Newcastle and is working on the restoration of Victorian and Georgian townhouses in the Gosforth and Jesmond areas
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Hoax callers 'risking lives'
A SENIOR firefighter has warned of the dangers of malicious calls and arson attacks after new figures highlighted the extent of the problem. The figures show the North Yorkshire fire service has received more than 2,000 hoax calls and responded to over
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Cathedral venue for Army musicians
A FESTIVAL of music will be held at a North-East cathedral to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Army Benevolent Fund. The Durham Cathedral concert at 7.30pm on Friday, November 12, will feature The Normandy Band of the Queen's Division, The North-umbria
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Public urged to support poppy appeal
THE public was yesterday urged to dig deep to help the annual Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. Officials from the Royal British Legion (RBL), the Armed Forces and volunteer collectors gathered at Durham Town Hall to launch the appeal. Durham's Mayor
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Biker death toll halved
MOTORCYCLE deaths have been halved so far this year following a hardline campaign on speeders, police say. Thirteen riders have died on North Yorkshire's roads - exactly half the total at the same point last year. Figures just released also show that
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Hard work to go up in flames
HARRY POTTER fans are being invited to a bonfire featuring the Hogwarts Express. Since 1982, the coastal community of Skinningrove, in east Cleveland, has gained a reputation for building bonfires in spectacular shapes. One year, the bonfire was in the
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Best friends killed in horror car crash
TWO teenagers who had been inseparable for much of their lives died in an horrific road smash. Best friends Kane Ryland Edward Banner and Ryan Fairley, both from County Durham, were killed instantly when the car they were in swerved out of control and
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Driver who killed man had not passed test
A mechanic who mowed down and killed a man has been jailed after it was revealed he had never passed a driving test. Andrew Dyson had previous convictions for motoring offences when he crashed his car into 42-year-old Peter Pickering after taking his
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Simon Priestley
LAW firm Ward Hadaway has appointed SIMON PRIESTLEY as an associate on its property and healthcare teams. He will lead the existing teams on all property healthcare matters. Mr Priestley said: "I have spent a number of years working as a property lawyer
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Youth group to perform
The Spys -the youth section of Sedgefield Players -will show off their talents in Sedgefield Parish Hall on Friday, November 12, and Saturday, November 13, at 7pm. They will demonstrate their acting skills with a performance of Die Kinder, which won them
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NetPark makes US take notice
A BUSINESS park is flying the flag for the region around the globe, following a visit from a top US Government official. Virginia Cox, from the foreign affairs department of the US State Department, said the reputation of the County Durham technology
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Sanctuary still on song with music fans
Entertainment group Sanctuary hailed the success of albums from artists including Mary J Blige and Morrissey as it announced strong trading in the past financial year. Sanctuary, owner of the world's biggest live tour booking agency outside the US, said
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David Stidwell and Philip Watson
Architectural firm Browne Smith Baker has welcomed two new members of staff, DAVID STIDWELL and PHILIP WATSON to its Newcastle practice. Mr Stidwell is a senior architectural technologist with more than 36 years' experience working in for major North-East
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Murder inquiry after firework prank causes death
A murder inquiry was launched today after a 52-year-old man died when a firework pushed through his letterbox sparked a blaze at his home. Detectives are unsure whether the tragedy was the result of a prank that went wrong after the Little Brother rocket
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Tips on how to fit a new saddle - and keep it in top condition
The purchase of a new or second-hand saddle can, for many horse owners be a daunting task and probably the second largest, single, financial outlay following the purchase of the horse and in some experiences the most expensive! The choice and selection
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Child care centre earns high praise from inspectors
CHILD care staff at Darlington College have won high praise from independent inspectors. The Child Care Centre, at the Cleveland Avenue campus, provides places for 71 children, aged from six weeks to 14 years old, allowing many of their parents to study
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Calls for immediate safety work at accident blackspot
AN MP is calling for immediate safety measures at an accident blackspot. Stockton South MP Dari Taylor is urging Government officials to order the installation of flashing lights on the A66, outside the village of Long Newton, before more lives are lost
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How does their garden grow?
YOUNGSTERS looked ahead to brighter times yesterday as they began preparing for spring. The children at Darlington's Kids and Co Nursery planted bulbs in their garden area at the town hall. The session was part of their lessons about nature and their
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Reinvigorating science classes
A PROJECT designed to reinvigorate science teaching across the region has been launched. Science Learning Centre North East - part of a £51m Government project - is to start a programme of courses in January providing development training for the region's
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Bump in the road for cycle path scheme
PLANS to develop a cycle path in Darlington have hit an obstacle. The borough council has proposed a new route as part of a project to encourage cycling as a healthy alternative. The path is designed to link Harrowgate Hill with the town centre but the
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Votes start to roll in
MORE than a quarter of the electorate have cast their votes in the referendum for a regional assembly. At close of play on Wednesday - day eight of the voting - a total of 487,939 ballot envelopes had been received, a return of 25.7 per cent. The highest
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Skaters will not use park - expert
A SKATEBOARD expert has warned Darlington Borough Council its plans to build a skate park are inadequate. Paul Naisbitt, 30, who runs Urban Chaos on Duke Street, said the scheme to install a £60,000 facility at South Park in the town does not match the
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A rural drama
THE director of a theatre company has praised rural halls for keeping drama alive. Director of Cumbria's Quondam National Touring Andy Booth praised venues ahead of its latest production, Top Banana, a political satire starring Fine Time Fontayne, on
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BAE expected to win £620m Dutch contract
DEFENCE group BAE Systems is expected to win a contract for infantry fighting vehicles from the Netherlands worth £620m. The Dutch defence ministry confirmed that it had chosen BAE's subsidiary Alvis-Hagglunds to supply 184 of its CV-9035 armoured combat
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Banned motorist in chase locked up
A BANNED young motorist drove off erratically at high speed in built-up public areas after being spotted at the wheel of a car by a police patrol, a court heard yesterday. Robert Glasper, 21, who had been drinking, drove at speeds of up to 70mph, posing
