Archive
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Church wants to feel more secure
A VILLAGE church which had thousands of pounds' worth of antique furniture stolen is raising funds for a new security system. Danby Wiske Church, which was broken into two years ago, holds an auction next Friday to raise money for an alarm and sensor
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Geordie Gunboat makes final trip
HMS Newcastle - the longest-serving surface warship in the Royal Navy fleet - takes her final bow today. The Type 42 destroyer, which is nicknamed the Geordie Gunboat, paid a final visit to her adoptive home in the North-East last month. Today, she will
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Relief as Royal Hall is saved as theatre
PUBLIC fundraising is to be resumed now that the future of Harrogate Royal Hall as a theatre is assured. Last week it was announced that the building could reopen in 2007 after an £8m restoration scheme. Fundraising stalled because of uncertainty about
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Gardener is delighted at award
THE garden at a holiday homes complex in Wensleydale has won an international award. Lodge Yard, at Askrigg, received silver gilt in the best non-retirement development communal garden section of the first New Homes Garden awards. The complex, a listed
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Fall from grace signals Euro change
ONCE upon a time, Italian giants Lazio seldom required an introduction on the European stage. Household names Alen Boksic, Paul Gascoigne, Giuseppe Signori, Pavel Nedved and Juan Sebastian Veron to name a few, provided the Rome club with its renaissance
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Landmark surgery will be music to Gerald's ears
LORRY driver Gerald Hall thought the batteries in his hearing aid had gone when he woke up. But within a short time he and his wife Ann realised that he had been plunged into a silent world. His hearing loss happened two years ago and, since then, Mr
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Joe heads north
ROCK and roll performer Joe Brown is coming to Darlington Arts Centre on Friday, November 12, fresh from completing a UK tour. The two-hour show will start at 8pm. Tickets are £12.50, available on (01325) 486555. Published: 05/11/2004
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Watching Brief: Robert sets new standards for the boss
LAURENT ROBERT got his customary European start last night when he lined up against Dinamo Tbilisi. The 29-year-old Newcastle United winger may not be the manager's first choice when the Magpies play in the Premiership but he has started every UEFA Cup
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Cancer news forces civic leader to resign
THE leader of Durham City Council has stood down because she is suffering from breast cancer. Sue Pitts, who has held the reins of power since last year's Liberal Democrat victory in the former Labour stronghold, said the illness meant she could no longer
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Rapping robot teaches the 3Rs
A ROBOT is visiting schools this week to increase youngsters' awareness of environmental issues. Cycler raps, dances and sings to highlight the importance of the 3Rs - reduce, re-use and recycle. He belongs to the national organisation Waste Watch, a
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Looking Back
FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - A romantic sequel has followed the baby desertion case at Cloughton some months ago. A young woman, lodging in Belle Vue Street, Scarborough, it will be remembered, took her baby to Cloughton and left it on the roadside
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Third book to raise more hospice cash
THE latest adventures of Dad At Large have been compiled in a new book, which will raise money for a children's hospice. Dad At Large 3 - Whose Paper Round Is It Anyway? is the third book based on the popular column written by Peter Barron in The Northern
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'Price crash unlikely - despite slowdown'
HOUSE prices fell by 1.1 per cent last month as the property market continued to weaken, according to figures published yesterday. During the past year, prices have increased by 18.5 per cent, with the annual rate of growth now below 20 per cent for the
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Shoptalk
SO you've got the bonfire sorted and the fireworks - but what are you going to eat? Long before barbecued burgers were our outdoor fare, this was the time of year to eat parkin. Proper Yorkshire parkin was traditionally made with oatmeal, black treacle
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Pioneer cattle breeder puts top herd under the hammer
ONE of the finest Holstein dairy herds in the country goes under the hammer next week. George Barker was a pioneer of the breed when he founded his award-winning Folly Herd of Holsteins at Thornbrough Farm, Northallerton, in 1972. Now 71, he has decided
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Jobs created as region's food industry booms
Executive director Karen Carlyle said: "The quality, diversity and range of speciality produce made in Yorkshire rivals that of any other county in Great Britain and competes on an international level - evidenced by the 19 gold medals at the Great Taste
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PC speaks out after firework disrupts village
A VILLAGE bobby has vowed that young people using fireworks illegally will be prosecuted following an incident on a busy green. PC Keith Todd, the beat officer for Sedgefield has issued the warning after someone let off a large firework containing 19
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Flats plan expected to
PLANS to build six flats with associated car parking are likely to be refused following objections from residents. Trevor Ramshaw has applied to Chester-le-Street District Council for permission to build the two-bedroomed flats on land near Emmanuel House
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Have you won an unclaimed raffle prize?
POTENTIAL prize-winners may be sitting on lucky tickets from a fundraising raffle run by parents of youngsters at a special school. Several of the 23 prizes remain unclaimed a fort- night after the Durham Trinity School raffle was drawn at Langley Park
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£265,000 cost of clearing icy roads
MORE than 5,000 tonnes of salt is on standby to help keep Darlington roads clear of ice this winter. As the winter weather approaches, Darlington Borough Council's team of nine gritters is at the ready to react at the first sign of bad weather. The winter
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MP steps up battle against crime
THE crackdown on anti-social behaviour is to be stepped up in Darlington. Town MP Alan Milburn has sent a survey to 1,100 people on the Firthmoor estate to gauge their views on the problem and how it is tackled. Once questionnaires have been completed
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Caravan site beats villagers' objections
PLANS for a controversial caravan park that divided opinion in a North Yorkshire village have been approved. Councillors have given permission for a maximum of ten caravans at the site in Richmond Road, Brompton-on-Swale. Richmondshire District Council
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Barry thanks his customers
A shopkeeper who raised £800 in the Great North Run has thanked his customers and friends for supporting him. Barry Hill, of the Village Store, in Delves Lane, Consett, has donated £400 each to the charity Meningitis Research and Delves Lane Methodist
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250 people turn up to offer views on town square design
RESIDENTS on Hartlepool's Headland have been thanked for the vital part they are playing in shaping a project in their area. About 250 people attended a two-day public exhibition in the Borough Buildings on the Headland to give their views on four proposals
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Learner tried to swap seats
A PROVISIONAL licence holder has been disqualified from driving for 16 months after pleading guilty to driving with excess alcohol. Lee Turner, 32, from Arkley Crescent, Hartlepool, was spotted driving a Ford Fiesta erratically along Thames Avenue in
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Boro Buzz initiative hailed a success
An initiative to reduce anti-social behaviour in a town during Halloween has been hailed a success by council and police chiefs. The initiative, known as the Boro Buzz, saw 100 events organised in Middlesbrough, ranging from football tournaments and DJ
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Gloria's accolade for her studies
A MATURE student has received an award for her efforts in the classroom. Gloria Cox, of Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, has been crowned as the region's leading scholar -winning the main prize in the Northern heat of the fourth NCFE national awarding
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Jeanette cultivates interest in animals
ENTREPRENEUR Jeanette Chapman is cultivating families in the region to work on a city farm development. Ms Chapman, a former childcare development worker, has launched the Sunderland Training and Education Farm after growing up on her father's farm and
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Enjoy wintery delights of countryside
A SERIES of guided walks have been organised in the Yorkshire Dales. The trips, for all abilities, will be led by national park authority volunteers. The first walk is a 3km stroll along the Kettlewell heritage trail on Sunday, November 14. Details from
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Pony dates
Bedale & West of Yore PC. - Nov 7 and 21: Pony club games team training at Catterick. For more details contact Rowan on 01748 832829. Braes of Derwent PC. - Nov 28: Team show jumping at Holmeside Arena and open classes for teams of three or four.
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Jobs created as region's food industry booms
THE food industry in Yorkshire has increased its turnover by more than £2.5m over the past year. With the help of the Regional Food Group, it created 152 new jobs, and safeguarded 300 existing ones. And the group played a significant role in setting up
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Car dealer's drive to help baby hospice
A CAR dealer has launched a fundraising effort to help a hospice. With every vehicle sold, Peter Chaney is donating £50 to the babies' hospice Zoe's Place, at Normanby, near Middlesbrough. He has previously raffled footballs autographed by Middlesbrough
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Feelings run high as parking charges are opposed
IN JUST one week, more than 1,000 people in Wensleydale have signed a petition totally opposing any compulsory parking charges in Leyburn's three squares. This followed a stormy meeting at Thornborough Hall last week when the county council and its consultants
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Derailment causes main line travel chaos
Thousands of rail passengers suffered travel misery today after a freight train derailment closed a section of a busy main London to Scotland line. The incident at 2.43am today at Joancroft, near Doncaster, South Yorkshire, led to the closure of the East
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Fine Arts Quartet, King's Hall, Newcastle University
STRIDING purposefully to the stage at Newcastle University's King's Hall, The Fine Arts Quartet were a picture of pure refinement. And their immaculate silver hair was matched with experienced flair as they proceeded to deliver one of the most dazzling
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Shop to close for conversion
A TOWN supermarket will close at the weekend for three days while it is converted into a new store. Safeway, in Ferryhill, will be one of the first in the country to be altered into a Somerfield store following the company's takeover of 114 Safeway stores
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A cup of coffee, then off to the tee
WOMEN golfers have helped hospice patients by raising money towards the cost of their care. Members of the ladies section at Bishop Auckland Golf Club collected £746.53 for the Butterwick Hospice at Bishop Auckland. They held a coffee morning last month
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Students sending aid in a shoebox
STUDENTS have been collecting a host of goodies to help relieve the plight of youngsters living in Romania. Dozens of shoe boxes have been collected and packed with food, toys, clothes and little luxuries destined for orphanages in the ravaged country
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Civil servants in strike over jobs
CIVIL servants will be on the streets today canvassing support against Government plans to cut more than 100,000 jobs. The one-day strike will see picketing at civil service workplaces across the region, with leaflets being issued and signatures collected
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Wellock's World
ALMOST a year after the World Cup final, fame continues to pursue Jonny Wilkinson whether he courts it or not, or indeed whether he plays rugby or not. It occurred to me when watching Newcastle Falcons chalk up a second successive win in the top level
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Devilish trio raise cash
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, collected £910 for the all supporters of the Saltburn Animal Rescue Association on a pub
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Supermarket gives struggling milk producers a lift
SUPERMARKET group Asda is to pay farmers an extra p a litre for milk. The retailer made the announcement days before dairy group Arla, which has plants in Newcastle and Northallerton, North Yorkshire, becomes the group's sole supplier of fresh milk. Asda
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Shearer and Bellamy put United top of group
NEWCASTLE United all but guaranteed their spot in the last 32 of the UEFA Cup with a 2-0 win over Dinamo Tbilisi at St James' Park last night. Goals either side of half-time from Alan Shearer and Craig Bellamy sent the Magpies top of Group D, and only
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It's champion at Countryside Live
PHIL and Sharon Sellers have proved it really is quality, and not quantity, that counts. The couple took five show animals to Countryside Live and went home with the supreme beef title and three other championships. The Sellers, who farm at Kilburn in
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Jenny bowls her way into national youth team
A TEENAGER'S eye for a strike has won her a place at a major international sports tournament. Jenny Billingham, 17, of Broompark, has made Great Britain's ten-pin bowling team for the Commonwealth Youth Games in Australia. Jenny, a student at Durham Sixth
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Into battle for the Green Howards
Imagine the protest if the Treasury proposed that the region's most famous building, dating back over 300 years, should be demolished and replaced with new technology. I suspect the outcry would be so deafening that even Gordon Brown would hear it deep
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The millionaires next door
Most people who win the Lottery insist they will not change, but it rarely works out like that. As Camelot celebrates its 10th anniversary, Lindsay Jennings meets a couple who really have stayed the same. PARKED on the driveway there is a silver 4x4 pick-up
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NY marathon debut
RUNNER Neil Defty will test himself in his first marathon on the streets of New York. Neil, 25, of Crossgate Moor, Durham, flew to the Big Apple with wife Claire on Wednesday and will join thousands of runners in the run this Sunday. Neil, a research
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Team takes exercise to community
A PHYSICAL activity instructor has joined a team of specialist nurses who are helping to fight heart disease. Nancy Dobson is part of the Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trust community cardiac rehabilitation team which helps to improve treatment
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Children learn how to stay safe on the streets
YOUNGSTERS have started learning vital lessons that could save their lives. Seven and eight-year-old pupils at Deneside Junior School, in Seaham, are among 2,000 children in East Durham who will receive tuition in road safety. The scheme is part of a
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Award win is far from simple
AN organisation set up to develop life skills through football and sport has won an award from the Open College Network. Simply Soccer was formed by friends and keen footballers Michael Shead, 38, and Billy Horn, 40. Their love of the game led to them
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Search begins for new way forward
LAST night's devastating rejection of an elected regional assembly left campaigners looking for scapegoats and a new way forward for the North-East. There was agreement that the No campaign had fought a clever, simple and forceful campaign that had tapped
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Physios from India arrive in North-East
THREE physiotherapists have arrived in the North-East from India. Jais Matthews, Pradeep Nair and Santosh Ayir-ookuzhi are working for the Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trust. They were recruited to posts in the physiotherapy and rehabilitation
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MP adds support for moors protection
GOVERNMENT Chief Whip Hilary Armstrong took a walk on the wild side of her North- East constituency to meet workers aiming to protect a feature of the British landscape. The North-West Durham MP visited remote moorlands in Upper Weardale to learn about
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Swaledale show and sale
HAWES. - Wed & Thurs of last week. Annual two-day show & sale of registered Swaledale shlg rams for Swaledale Sheep Breeders Association (B district). Wed. - Fwd: 341 rams to £36,000 av £1,652.24 (down £143.17 on 2003). Thurs. - Fwd: 352 rams
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05/11/04
UNITED STATES: IT is extraordinary that Peter Mullen (Echo, Nov 2) regards US imperialism as "benign". US governments have used military force or CIA "covert operations" to overthrow dozens of governments, often installing brutal dictators in place of
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Wijnhard spot on for Quakers
A CLYDE Wijnhard penalty was enough to give Darlington an important three points last Saturday, but an improved performance will almost certainly be needed if the Quakers are to take anything from tomorrow's game at Rushden and Diamonds. Wycombe Wanderers
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Service will celebrate life of Sir Peter
A MEMORIAL service to celebrate the life of one of the region's best-loved public figures is to take place next week. Arrangements are now being finalised for the service at Durham Cathedral on Wednesday to honour the life of Sir Peter Ustinov, the former
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Mercer to guide Monty home
TALENT scouts seeking up-and-coming stars of the saddle need look no further than Keith Mercer, partner of Fashions Monty (12.50) in the opener at Hexham today. Mercer is attached to the stable of Ferdy Murphy, trainer of Fashions Monty, an eight-year-old
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Frisky Kerry's final farewell
The Bill (ITV1): WE expected so much of Kerry, but it wasn't to be. Last night, Kerry was laid to rest. Not the would-be President but PC Kerry Young, the Sun Hill copper killed by a sniper's bullet. She was the one with the squiffy lips whose dedication
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Shearer and Bellamy put United top of group
NEWCASTLE United all but guaranteed their spot in the last 32 of the UEFA Cup with a 2-0 win over Dinamo Tbilisi at St James' Park last night. Goals either side of half-time from Alan Shearer and Craig Bellamy sent the Magpies top of Group D, and only
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Concern over lower growth in manufacturing
Fresh concern emerged over the fate of the manufacturing sector today when official figures showed lower than expected growth in factory output. Although output increased by 0.1% between August and September, this was lower than the 0.4% expected by analysts
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Fireworks spectacular
THOUSANDS of people are expected to attend one of the region's biggest bonfires at Durham Police's headquarters. The 29th annual spectacular organised by the force and County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service will be held at Aykley Heads,
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The machine that measures lung disease
Barry Nelson reports on how former miners who are making claims for lung damage can be assessed for compensation. SPIROMETERS have been in the news recently because of proposed changes to respiratory disease compensation for former miners. The calibrated
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Flagship attraction commits future to town
Trustees at one of the North-East's leading tourist attractions have made a public commitment to the region. Plans costing up to £3m to transform Hartlepool's HMS Trincomalee and Historic Quay have recently been approved by Hartlepool Borough Council.
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'New world' wines take vintner to top award
PLAYFORD ROS, one of the leading independent wine merchants in the North of England, has been honoured in two top awards. The Thirsk vintner has been named restaurant supplier of the year in the Wine of Australia awards and has helped the Crown Inn at
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Empty building action pledge
COUNCIL chiefs say they will take court action over a flagship building that has stood empty since it was built two years ago. Businesses were expected to move into the £570,000 Foreshore building in Saltburn in the summer. But it has remained unoccupied
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News from The Guilds and WIs
Chester-le-Street TG: THE first October meeting was opened by the vice chairman. The members were welcomed, the fire drill explained and sick members were wished well. The speaker was the Reverend Kevin Dunne, whose subject was Ethiopia. Members were
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Comment from The Northern Echo: No, but united we must stand
AFTER examining the offer on the table from John Prescott, the North-East has thrown it back in the Government's face. Despite demanding a stronger voice for decades, the region has said a resounding "no" to a regional assembly. We believe it is a missed
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Shop Talk: Sugar and spice of Bonfire Night
Good old fashioned parkin is the perfect snack for Bonfire Night. The column goes in search of modern versions of the sweet and stodgy treat. SO you've got the bonfire sorted and the fireworks - but what are you going to eat? Long before barbecued burgers
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Gems lost as profit is put before people, says MP
AN MP has called for an investigation into the encroachment on "architectural gems" in Egglescliffe. Stockton South MP Dari Taylor believes the quality of living and the environment are being destroyed by a constant influx of planning applications to
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Jeanette cultivates interest in animals
ENTREPRENEUR Jeanette Chapman is cultivating families in the region to work on a city farm development. Ms Chapman, a former childcare development worker, has launched the Sunderland Training and Education Farm after growing up on her father's farm and
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Fireworks spectacular
THOUSANDS of people are expected to attend one of the region's biggest bonfires at Durham Police's headquarters. The 29th annual spectacular organised by the force and County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service will be held at Aykley Heads,
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Superstore to expand despite fears in Richmond
AN EXPANSION of the large Tesco store at Catterick Garrison was approved by just one vote this week amid warnings that it could cause further damage to trade in Richmond. Richmondshire District Council environment and planning committee paved the way
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Past catches up with rapist
A RAPIST - jailed for six years in the early 1980s for his part in the abduction and gang rape of a teenager - is facing prison after being convicted of a second sex attack. Paul Logan pleaded guilty at Newcastle Crown Court earlier this week to the rape
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Feud grows between Cleveland Bridge and Multiplex
THE multi-million pound feud between engineering firm Cleveland Bridge and its former bosses on the Wembley Stadium project intensified last night (FRI). The North-East company went to the Court of Technology and Construction, an off-shoot of the High
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Help us stave off threat to village hall, council urged
A VILLAGE hall volunteer has begged his parish council for support in staving off a financial crisis which "threatens the hall's very existence." Brian Blackburn is project manager of the Montalbo Village Hall and Recreational Charity, which is responsible
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Equestrians enjoy a break with tradition
LOW profits from their dairy farm led to a couple converting it into an equestrian centre. Rob and Pat Dickson transformed the 278-acre Upsall Grange Farm, in Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, into a complex with 90 stables, an indoor riding school and an all-weather
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Grain report
by Robin Twizell RMD Agriculture CEREAL markets have remained unchanged as a lot of time is being spent trying to match supply and demand with regard to quality, not quantity. The crop is very variable so sellers need to be aware of what they have to
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Bell denies Procter a hat-trick in Sherwood
HEIGHINGTON rally driver Guy Wilks saw his hopes of the Junior World Rally Championship end in a Spanish ditch on the final day of the Rallye Catalunya last weekend. The 23-year-old County Durham driver went into the final round with a three-point advantage
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Three arrested after weapons raid
THREE men from the region have been arrested as part of a nationwide operation to stop people buying and selling banned weapons over the internet. North Yorkshire Police's Firearms Support Unit carried out three raids as part of Operation Bembridge A
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Train cuts leave passengers angry and confused
TEMPORARY reductions in train services across the Pennines through Northallerton and Thirsk have been fiercely criticised by passengers. The contingency measure was introduced on Monday by TransPennine Express, which said then that by cutting some services
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PM's understandable railway exaggeration
TONY Blair would have been talking through his hat, had he been wearing one, when he remarked that the prototype Deltic diesel he stood beside at the opening of Locomotion in Shildon was bigger than anything in America. A bit of tongue in cheek exaggeration
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Police urged to rethink speed cameras strategy
POLICE forces have been told to check their speed cameras and consider replacing them with a crossing, barriers or a different road layout. New advice from the Department for Transport (Dft) urges chief constables to look again at sites where there appears
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NO - loud and clear
THE North-East delivered a devastating blow to the Government's dream of devolved Government last night by voting in overwhelming numbers against the idea of a regional assembly. In an historic poll, the region resoundingly voted against the idea of a
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Smoking ban urged
A HEALTH group in an area with one of the highest rates of smoking has overwhelmingly voted in favour of a tobacco ban in public places. The Patient and Public Involvement Forum covering the Durham and Chester-le-Street area was 83 per cent in favour
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Kitchen flue wrangle puts pub in jeopardy
THE future of a North York Moors pub hangs on a retrospective planning application for a kitchen extractor flue. Jeremy Thorpe, owner of the Downe Arms, in Castleton, explained the position to a meeting of Danby Group Parish Council on Wednesday. He was
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Magnificant Malcolm and his flying machines
A THIRTY-year love affair with flying machines has seen Malcolm Goodman dubbed the "kiteman", with a reputation that has spread around the globe. On his web site he introduces himself by stating that kite flying can be contagious and seriously damage
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Seafront building row to end in court
A ROW over a £570,000 seafront complex which is standing empty is to go to court. As a 2,000-name protest petition was fixed to the front of Saltburn's empty Foreshore Building, demanding that it is opened, it was revealed that legal proceedings will
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Safeguard the Green Howards, council urged
A RETIRED Green Howards' officer has made a passionate plea to North Yorkshire councillors for help in safeguarding the future of the county's 316-year-old regiment. The Green Howards, raised in 1688 and with regimental headquarters in Richmond, must
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MP adds support for moors protection
GOVERNMENT Chief Whip Hilary Armstrong took a walk on the wild side of her North- East constituency to meet workers aiming to protect a feature of the British landscape. The North-West Durham MP visited remote moorlands in Upper Weardale to learn about
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Black Watch soldiers die in suicide attack
THREE Black Watch soldiers were killed in a suicide attack on a vehicle checkpoint, the Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram said last night. Mr Ingram told a news conference at the Ministry of Defence that an Iraqi civilian interpreter had also been killed
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Boro humble Lazio through Bolo brace
THE outcome of the vote on a North-East Assembly was declared last night but, in the footballing world, a new regional power base is already flourishing on Teesside. By beating Italian giants Lazio 2-0 at the Riverside, Middlesbrough announced their arrival
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Special livestock sales
HEXHAM. - Wed of last week. Fwd: 173 beef breeding cattle for special autumn show & sale. Judge: Richard Harle, Brandon Hall. Overall champion & John Riddle Memorial Trophy: CA&JG Skidmore, Needless Hall Farm, black Lim hfr with red Lim hfr
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Landslip repairs 'may take a year'
A COUNCIL investigation into the cause of a landslip on Loftus Bank is set to show there is no link with a £2.5m repair to the road carried out three years ago. Residents and businesses in the area are receiving an information newsletter on Redcar and
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Supermarket gives struggling milk producers a lift
SUPERMARKET group Asda is to pay farmers an extra p a litre for milk. The retailer made the announcement days before dairy group Arla, which has plants in Newcastle and Northallerton, North Yorkshire, becomes the group's sole supplier of fresh milk. Asda
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Security of food supplies will return as major issue, predicts Sir Ben
FOOD security was predicted to become a major issue over the next ten to 12 years. Sir Ben Gill, former NFU president, said the days of food mountains in Europe were long gone. Events over the last 12 months convinced him that food security would return
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Spurned lover jailed for terror campaign
A MAN was jailed for two years yesterday after terrorising his former partner when she ended their relationship. The judge also made an order banning Michael Burke, 32, from having any contact with Sarah Hodgson for five years. Teesside Crown Court was
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Keep it simple and use common sense
SIMPLICITY and common sense were two key requirements in today's agriculture, the conference was told - and Defra was strongly criticised for constantly "gold plating" and complicating policies. Richard Barker, solicitor and leading expert on European
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Crimea photographs featured in talk at museum
PIONEERING photography from a war fought 150 years ago will be on show in County Durham next week. British, French and Turkish troops joined forces to invade the Crimea in 1854 and captured the Russian naval base at Sebastopol. It became known as the
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International medals crown great season for young rider
TWO gold medals and a silver at last weekend's English Home Pony International at Chester capped an amazing show jumping season for a young Cleveland rider. Eleven-year-old Pippa Allen from Thornaby won team gold and individual gold and silver when representing
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Expert's call to protect buildings
ONE of the region's foremost architecture experts last night called for several of the North-East's best-known buildings to be considered for listed status. Among the more surprising candidates put forward by retired Durham University academic Douglas
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Return trip proves a golden one for Katie
A UNIVERSITY student returned to her former Darlington school to achieve her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. Katie Miller worked for two years coaching dance, playing volleyball and embarking on gruelling camping expeditions, to be the first to gain the
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Arafat in 'irreversible coma' as rumours tell of his death
YASSER ARAFAT was said to be in an irreversible coma last night after his condition dramatically worsened. Rumours of the state of the ailing 75-year-old's health swirled around the world. Israeli TV reported he was dead. Luxembourg's prime minister also
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Probe into new Loftus Bank landslip
INVESTIGATIONS are continuing into the causes of a landslip at Loftus Bank. Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council is looking into the problem, but insists there is no link with £2.5m repairs to the road three years ago. Residents and businesses in the
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Allinson rescues a point for Reeth with late header
HAWES B were denied their first victory of the season at the death last Saturday after a desperate Reeth fightback. Reeth threw everything at the visitors in the opening stages, but the Hawes B defence and keeper kept them out. The home side were then
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Accidental death verdict on fishing trip tragedy friends
TWO inexperienced sailors on a fishing trip died when their unseaworthy boat capsized, an inquest heard. Best friends Bernard Powell, 56, from Stokesley, and Peter Blount, 47, from Redcar, died after the cabin cruiser The Buzz overturned close to the
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Fewer pupils study foreign languages
A FALL in the number of pupils studying languages may threaten the region's tourist industry, it has been claimed. There is concern that fewer County Durham teenagers opt to study a foreign language before their GCSE year. The reduction is partly due
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Safety first at Bonfire Night spectacular
FINAL arrangements have been made to ensure a major Bonfire Night celebration goes with a bang tonight. Families are urged to abandon plans for firework displays in their gardens and take the safer option of enjoying the show being jointly staged by Durham
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Church marks 750 years
A VILLAGE is preparing for a celebration to mark the 750th anniversary of its church. The focus of the celebrations will see a golden cockerel, made by local blacksmith Brian Russell, placed on top of the spire at St Andrew's Church, in Winston, near
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Plea for puppy to be given a new home
A FIVE-MONTH-OLD puppy is looking for a new home after being taken into foster care. Cross-breed Meika was taken to The National Animal Sanctuary's Support League in Darlington after her family was unable to cope as their house being too small and there
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Video to help patients with disabilities
THE boardroom of the Darlington Primary Care Trust has been transformed into a film studio to make a video about patients with learning disabilities. Eleven actors from Darlington's Beck House Drama Group spent the day filming in the boardroom of Doctor
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Girls reach national final
TWO Darlington girls took to the stage in the finals of a talent competition. Georgia McIntyre and Brittany Knowles, both 12, sang in the Rainbow Trust show at the Newcastle Hilton Hotel. Judges included actors Tim Healy and Denise Welch. The girls are
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'Robbery accused tried to buy drugs'
A MAN accused of a £28,500 post office raid was trying to buy drugs shortly before the robbery, a court heard. Newcastle Crown Court was told that two hours before the robbery, Simon Bowman had been seen in his car chatting to people on the streets in
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'Driving fascination led to court'
A woman with a fascination for driving has been made the subject of community orders after she drove while disqualified. Donna Garthwaite, 20, of Whitfield Drive, Hartlepool, appeared before Hartlepool Magistrates Court and admitted driving while disqualified
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Drink-driver's shopping trip cost licence
A WOMAN who went out to buy cigarettes and milk did not realise she was over the legal drink-drive limit, a court heard yesterday. Kerrianne Thomas, 28, of Armadale Grove, Hartlepool, was followed driving at speed along Belle Vue Way, in the town by the
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Flu jab will keep a spring in your step
PENSIONERS in Hartlepool have stepped up to encourage others to get protection against flu. Members of Springs, in Harbour Walk, were keen to prove that despite being fit and healthy they have still taken the advice of experts and signed up for their
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Campaign launched to cut number of fatal accidents
A campaign has been launched that aims to save the lives of nearly a hundred people who would otherwise die in road accidents. By 2010, the 95 Alive Partnership hopes 95 people, who would have died on North Yorkshire roads, will still be alive. Measures
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There is good news
FARMERS won high praise from celebrated botanist Prof David Bellamy. All he could find was good news coming out of farming, with bird populations and other wildlife increasing. If the CAP was used properly, he believed it would lead to a great partnership
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Woman fined after admitting deception
A WOMAN appeared in court yesterday after trying to return a £248 trouser suit she found in a shopping centre's toilets. But Harrogate magistrates were told Bernadette Farrant's attempt to return the suit to the store failed. Michael Hammond, prosecuting
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When it's time to quit for the sake of the baby
Extra support is now available to help pregnant women quit smoking. Health Correspondent Barry Nelson meets one mum who succeeded. UNLIKE many of the North-East's mums-to-be, smoker Sam Gillespie decided to quit her habit as soon as she found out she
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Carer stole savings from blind woman
A trusted carer was today jailed for a year for stealing the savings of a blind woman she looked after twice a week. Mother-of-two Julie Wilkinson regularly helped herself to sums of £200 in withdrawals from the savings account into which the 76-year-old
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Make no mistake - erroneous body exhibition is a huge hit
AN art exhibition that takes a fresh look at the human body has been a surprise hit at a Teesside gallery. Artist Gail Henderson's exhibition, called Drawing the Erroneous Body, has been displayed at Stockton's Arc theatre since the beginning of last
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The spirit of the dance
STUDENTS experienced the grace and rhythm of dance at a workshop designed to examine the art form. Dancers Merville Jones and Emma Langhorne put members of North Yorkshire County Youth Dance Company through their paces. The group demonstrated basic techniques
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Three-storey plan rejected
RESIDENTS have won a battle to halt a three-storey housing development which they had believed would be only two storeys high. Anger erupted when residents discovered a three-storey scheme might be built near their homes in College Road, Ripon, on the
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Army to host fair for youngsters
MORE than 350 school children are to get an insight into a career in the Army. Pupils from across North Yorkshire will attend the second science, technology, engineering and maths fair at Catterick Garrison next week. The event has been organised by Five
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Region's language gap is a threat to tourism industry
A FALL in the number of pupils studying languages may threaten the region's tourist industry, it has been claimed. Concern has been expressed at the drop in numbers of County Durham teenagers deciding to study a foreign language before their GCSE year
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Great and good feature in pages of distinction
THE county's great and good will be featured in a regional version of a quintessential British institution. The Yorkshire edition of Burke's Peerage and Gentry includes movers and shakers in the business world, artists, actors, writers - as well as the
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Caravan site beats villagers' objections
PLANS for a controversial caravan park that divided opinion in a North Yorkshire village have been approved. Councillors have given permission for a maximum of ten caravans at the site in Richmond Road, Brompton-on-Swale. Richmondshire District Council
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Harris makes Falcons debut
NEWCASTLE Falcons are to hand New Zealander Cory Harris his debut in tonight's Zurich Premiership match away to second-placed Sale. The 29-year-old open side flanker replaces Colin Charvis, who is playing for Wales against South Africa tomorrow. Harris
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Bedworth injury casts a shadow over Mowden win
DARLINGTON Mowden Park will have to go into tomorrow's tough match at New Brighton without Mark Bedworth, who is the second highest points scorer in National Three North this season. His 16 points in last Saturday's 29-20 win at home to Kendal took his
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Petition after horse is spooked by Chinooks
A HORSEWOMAN is setting up a petition calling for a ban on low-flying helicopters after her horse bolted after being scared by Chinooks. Goldi, Linda Butler-Blades' 17-month-old home-bred filly, was panicked to such a degree by four tree-skimming helicopters
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Farmers praised for helping revival of wild birds
WILD bird populations are showing improvements, thanks to conservation schemes involving farmers. Two farmers in particular have been picked out for their work which has benefited different species. In North Yorkshire, wetland birds such as redshank,
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Mercer to guide Monty home
TALENT scouts seeking up-and-coming stars of the saddle need look no further than Keith Mercer, partner of Fashions Monty (12.50) in the opener at Hexham today. Mercer is attached to the stable of Ferdy Murphy, trainer of Fashions Monty, an eight-year-old
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Appeal to catch firework killers
A FAMILY made an emotional appeal yesterday to help catch the killers of a man who died after a firework was pushed through his letterbox. Arthur Lonsdale died in hospital from respiratory failure caused by smoke inhalation after fire swept through his
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The end of a dream called devolution
It has been a long and winding road from 1997, when a regional assembly was first mooted, to the North-East referendum. Political Editor Chris Lloyd looks at some of the milestones, high points and unexpected turns along the way. 1997 Labour's manifesto
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Staff whizz off to Oz on research trip
THE Arts Council is paying for three council officials to jet to Australia this weekend on a fact-finding mission. It follows an announcement that Darlington Arts Centre is to be transformed into a flagship venue. It is to receive £642,000 in grants to
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Good reasons to walk
A HIKER from Barton is to embark on a gruelling Peruvian trek in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief in memory of her brother. By completing the Inca trail, Pam Mills, 48, will raise more than £600 for the charity, which is also helping a close friend fight
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School gets head start with partnership gift of free footballs
A TOTAL of 1,000 footballs are being handed out to youngsters to promote healthy living and team-building. The footballs are being distributed to schools and community groups across east Durham, with the first given to pupils at Wingate Junior School
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Teacher drowns while on holiday in Greece
A husband almost drowned trying to rescue his school teacher wife when she was swept out to sea while on holiday in Greece. Much-loved head of English and Drama Susan Huntington got into difficulty in the shallows of a golden beach on the island of Peleponnese
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A perfect night for McClaren
MIDDLESBROUGH manager Steve McClaren hailed a "perfect European night" after watching his side ruthlessly dispose of Italian giants Lazio at the Riverside Stadium last night. McClaren believes the performance matched an impressive 2-0 win for Boro, who
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Atrium will be focal point of new-look arts centre
DARLINGTON Arts Centre is to be transformed thanks to a £250,000 grant. The funding from the Northern Rock Foundation will provide a new glass-roofed theatre atrium, which will turn a disused courtyard into a focal point of the building. The new area
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Grey Abbey leaves Charlie Hall field chasing shadows
GREY Abbey landed the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby last Saturday in amazing style from a high class field. Graham Lee had the ride on this Howard Johnson-trained, revitalised chaser and led from the front. The Scottish National winner was a sound jumper
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Puppy seeking a new home
A FIVE-MONTH-OLD puppy is looking for a home after being taken into foster care. Cross-breed Meika was taken to The National Animal Sanctuary's Support League, at Sadberge, near Darlington, after her family was unable to cope due to their house being
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Souness left puzzled at the lack of cutting edge
NEWCASTLE United manager Graeme Souness was delighted with the performance last night, but couldn't understand why his side failed to put a hatful of goals past a strictly average Dinamo Tbilisi. The Magpies had to settle for just the two strikes in a
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Approval to build mast but residents pledge to fight on
RESIDENTS have vowed to fight a decision to allow a mobile phone mast and telecommunications radio station near two schools. Neighbours say they were not consulted properly and hundreds of petitioners' views were not taken into account. Planners at Stockton
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Burton's Bytes: In a league of its own
PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 4. Publisher: Konami. Price: £39.99. Formats: Xbox, PS2. Family friendly? Yes. ELECTRONIC Arts - the world's biggest and most powerful video games publisher - must wonder what it has to do to beat Pro Evolution Soccer. It already
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Lotto cash helps communities dig up past
DURING the past decade, the Heritage Lottery Fund has handed out about 800 grants to projects that have gone on to make a genuine difference to communities. But, before getting their hands on the fund's much sought-after cash, all applicants are asked
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Teenager sets sights on career in racing
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 a league of its own
PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 4. Publisher: Konami. Price: £39.99. Formats: Xbox, PS2. Family friendly? Yes. ELECTRONIC Arts - the world's biggest and most powerful video games publisher - must wonder what it has to do to beat Pro Evolution Soccer. It already
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Hedgehog sanctuary in cash crisis
A WOMAN who runs the region's only hedgehog sanctuary is appealing for help to keep it going. Lynne Appleby, 51, started Hog Haven at her home in West Dyke Road, Redcar, in 1989 and has since cared for 1,500 hedgehogs which have been injured, ill, orphaned
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Like the Angel, they say this one won't fly
AS YOU round the corner on to the Western Bypass, the Angel of the North rears up before you, the symbol of the North-East, of new hope rising from the remnants of the old industry. Drive closer and the Angel appears to drop down until she is hidden behind
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Don't worry about Millwall fans, McCarthy tells Black Cats
MICK McCarthy has told his players that they should hold no fears about the notorious Millwall fans, with the pressure of playing at the New Den nothing compared to playing in front of the expectant home crowd at the Stadium of Light. Bonfire night for
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Into battle for the Green Howards
Imagine the protest if the Treasury proposed that the region's most famous building, dating back over 300 years, should be demolished and replaced with new technology. I suspect the outcry would be so deafening that even Gordon Brown would hear it deep
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Tennant just has the edge in Darlington club trial
THE Darlington Motor Club had a strong entry of 84 competitors for their last trial in 2004, which took place over three laps of an 11-section course at Woodhouse Farm, Reeth last Sunday. Conditions were still slippery after all the previous rain, but
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Rail service chaos
THE new operators of the TransPennine rail franchise took over from Arriva earlier this year with promises of service improvements. Passengers no doubt looked forward to those improvements, thinking that things could not be much worse than under Arriva
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The pleasures of autumn in Teesdale
IN SPITE of October doing its best to live up to its reputation as the month of storms, there were some glorious days, full of sun and autumn colour. Unable to take our hoped-for autumn break, we treated ourselves to a day out on one of those days, with
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Voters say no to regional assembly
Campaigners for a Yes vote in the referendum on plans for a regional assembly have conceded defeat. Director of yes4thenortheast, Ross Forbes, said he believed they were heading for a defeat. The voting figures indicated that 696,519 people said no to
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Tories want plan of action for -war zone' Darlington
PARTS of Darlington are like war zones with people afraid to venture out. This was the claim of the borough council's Conservative group leader, Tony Richmond, in the wake of a special meeting between Durham chief constable Paul Garvin and local councillors
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Maintaining the standards
ALMOST a year after the World Cup final, fame continues to pursue Jonny Wilkinson whether he courts it or not, or indeed whether he plays rugby or not. It occurred to me when watching Newcastle Falcons chalk up a second successive win in the top level
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It all adds up to career in RAF
THE RAF is flying in to help schoolchildren to improve on their maths. Air Force personnel who are also qualified teachers are delivering 50 workshops to more than 1,500 students in 25 schools in Britain this month. One of the first to benefit from a
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Cigarette-logs smuggler gets six years in jail
A MAN has been jailed for six years for evading duty on 6.8 million cigarettes. Paul James Stanley, 39, of Axwell Park Road, Blaydon, Gateshead, was jailed in his absence yesterday at Newcastle Crown Court after being found guilty of smuggling 6.8 million
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Wellock's World: Maintaining the standards
ALMOST a year after the World Cup final, fame continues to pursue Jonny Wilkinson whether he courts it or not, or indeed whether he plays rugby or not. It occurred to me when watching Newcastle Falcons chalk up a second successive win in the top level
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How a traditional celebration has descended into a night of mayhem
IN recent years, Bonfire Night has signified arson, damage and fear to many of our citizens, along with teenage gangs running amok. Fireworks, some of which sound like bombs rather than devices used for entertainment, are sold well ahead of the official
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Party time as mum uses her imagination
A DARLINGTON mum has launched the town's first party company dedicated to children. Wildchilds is the brainchild of Hilary Dunne. She created the business after years of searching for imaginative parties for her own children. The company was launched
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Workers win pay-outs
LOW-PAID staff are celebrating after being awarded pay-outs from a council. The 139, mainly female, workers will receive thousands of pounds each after an employment tribunal in Newcastle ruled they had been underpaid. Judgements on a further 200 workers
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Kent delegation to study service
A FREE advice service for farmers and agricultural businesses that was pioneered in the North is inspiring people at the other end of the country. The North Yorkshire scheme is being used as a model of good practice by Kent County Council to give its
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Prices at the markets
BARNARD CASTLE. - Wed of last week. Fwd: 1,925 sheep. Lt lambs to 113p av 95.4p; std to 109p av 104.9p; med to 113p av 103.2p; heavy to 111p av 102.1p. Cast sheep: Cont £46.50; Mule £34; Swale £20. DARLINGTON. - Thurs of last week. Fwd: 246 cattle, 1,244
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Rises have forced more firms under
INCREASING interest rates have forced 23 per cent more companies in the region into insolvency. A survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) found that 69 North-East companies entered insolvency in the third quarter of this year, an increase of 23 per cent
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Chief asks for give and take over police responses
A POLICE chief has asked for more understanding from Darlington residents over response times. Paul Garvin, Durham chief constable, was addressing a special meeting of the borough council on Tuesday. He was answering members' concerns about the force
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Black Watch soldiers killed by bomber
THREE Black Watch soldiers were killed in a suicide attack on a vehicle checkpoint, the Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram said last night. Mr Ingram told a news conference at the Ministry of Defence that an Iraqi civilian interpreter had also been killed
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Mix and match dining for the jaded palate
TAPAS is one of my favourite ways of eating - lots of small portions with different tastes. Before visiting the new Tapas bar at Chapters, in Stokesley, I had only ever eaten at two others, a Spanish tapas where the locals ate in Nerje, Spain, and one
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Major concessions won on SFP
CAMPAIGNERS have won important concessions in the Government's proposed single farm payment scheme. But, while there was good news for some, there are still a number of questions which remain unanswered. A major concession won is the exemption of fields
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Industry welcomes rates decision
MANUFACTURERS breathed a sigh of relief yesterday as the Bank of England kept interest rates on hold for the third month in succession. The Bank's monetary policy committee (MPC) decided to keep rates at 4.75 per cent - a move widely expected by the City
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Bridleways group fights tarmac danger
A NORTH Yorkshire organisation is taking a leading role in efforts to reduce the number of public bridleways being hard-surfaced. Harrogate Bridleways Association believe that planning permission is required for a change in surface to a public bridleway
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Can MPI blow Dutch away to secure wind farm contract?
AN offshore wind farm company is close to landing a multi-million pound deal to install 30 wind turbines off the coast of Cumbria. Marine Projects International (MPI), based in Middlesbrough, is hoping to be awarded the contract, thought to be worth between
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On TV last night
The Bill (ITV1) WE expected so much of Kerry, but it wasn't to be. Last night, Kerry was laid to rest. Not the would-be President but PC Kerry Young, the Sun Hill copper killed by a sniper's bullet. She was the one with the squiffy lips whose dedication
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The Tragedian, Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond
WHEN Edmund Kean was at the height of his fame, rich theatre patrons forsook their elevated boxes for a place in the pit, so as to see the great man's eyes up close. Almost 200 years later, as he returns to the stage he once stalked, it's easy to see
