Archive
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The Region remembers
All events on Sunday unless otherwise stated. DARLINGTON Albert Hill: 10am, service at St James the Great. Blackwell: 10.30am, service at All Saints and Salutation, with a parade of uniformed organisations. Cockerton: 10.30am, service at Cockerton Methodist
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Writers are stars for adults and children
WRITERS who bridged the age gap to appeal to readers of all ages were named winners of an annual literary competition yesterday. Judges searching for a Crossover Novel, one written for children that could also be enjoyed by adults, named two winners -
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Family grieving after road tragedy
A FAMILY last night spoke of their grief after a father-of-two died in a head-on road collision. Ian Robinson, 44, of Lime Grove, Shildon, County Durham, was declared dead at the scene of the accident, on the A68 in Northumberland, just north of the Tone
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Group will look at ways to tackle bank
A group has been formed to tackle the problem of heavy lorries breaking down on Sutton Bank, near Thirsk. Police figures show there are more than 150 breakdowns a year as heavy goods vehicles struggle to negotiate the steep gradients and sharp bends.
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Ceremony in honour of young stars
THE musical achievements of a blind, autistic student with severe learning difficulties have been recognised at an awards ceremony. Nick Shaw, 20, is a student at Henshaws College, in Harrogate and began playing the piano when he was two - by the age
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Cyclists' stunts for baby unit
HUNDREDS of BMX cyclists descended on the North-East in aid of a fundraising event. A mixture of competitors and spectators gathered at Hangar 2 in Thornaby, near Stockton, for eight hours of action. The ramps at the centre, formerly known as APE Skatepark
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Tickets in demand for comedy show
A NEW comedy by a North-East writing duo has broken box office records six months before its first performance. Ticket sales for Waiting for Gateaux have reached 1,400, even though the debut show at the Customs House, South Shields, South Tyneside, is
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'Singing Defective' sentenced to ten years
A swaggering teenage yob dubbed the Singing Defective by despairing police is starting a ten year stretch after mowing down a teenage boy in a stolen car. From the age of 14 Dean English was at the centre of a criminal network in his home town, which
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The lads who went to war... and never came back
A new book chronicles the part Wensleydale played during the two world wars and celebrates the lives of the 221 men from the dale who paid the ultimate sacrifice. As Rememberence Day beckons, Lindsay Jennings reports. IT was a light, spring morning with
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Sparkling night as thousands attend park fireworks show
THE sky above a North-East town was awash with colour as tens of thousands of people attended a fireworks display. The event at Darlington's South Park drew huge crowds from across the region. The event opened at 6pm, with fairground rides and a music
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Squad strongest it has been, says skipper Maddison
SKIPPER Neil Maddison insists Darlington have no reason not to set their League Two sights high with the squad manager David Hodgson now has at his disposal. The former Middlesbrough midfielder celebrated his 100th League appearance for his home-town
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We will learn from Millwall reverse, claims Collins
DANNY Collins has admitted that Sunderland's youngsters will struggle to avoid the occasional setback as they adapt to the hurly-burly of life in the Championship. Collins made his third start since moving from League Two strugglers Chester on Friday
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Lions fight back after illness
Up to a dozen Great Britain players overcame illness to open their account in the Gillette Tri-Nations Series. The full extent of the stomach bug that swept through Britain's training camp in the build-up to Saturday's clash with New Zealand was revealed
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Couple reunited by son's tragedy
A MOTHER whose son took his own life after being hounded by bullies has found happiness by marrying his father. When 16-year-old Karl Peart took his life in June last year, no one could have believed any good could come from the tragedy. Devastated by
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Racing round-up
COLIN WOODS (Janus), our resident horse racing expert, finished an honourable seventh of 55 in the Racing Post competition to decide Britain's top tipster for the 2004 turf Flat season. His final profit of £11.25 to a £1 level stake for nap selections
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Injury-hit Mowden go fourth
DARLINGTON Mowden Park fashioned a triumph out of adversity when they won 13-10 at New Brighton to move up to fourth in National Three North. Because of injuries, both Mowden and Blaydon had difficulties raising a team and Blaydon's 21-17 home defeat
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Beckham signs up for N-E_movie
DAVID BECKHAM is to star in a new blockbuster movie set in the North-East. The England skipper says he wants his cameo role in soccer movie Goal! to be an inspiration to children around the world. The football heart-throb will star alongside Real Madrid
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Doctors to launch 'cure' for wrinkles
TWO doctors from the region believe they have stumbled on the holy grail of cosmetics - a way of making wrinkles disappear. If their invention catches on, the two men, a surgeon and a GP, could end up as multi-millionaires. The medics, eye surgeon Jim
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Money-spinning business is hatched from students' best-laid plans
ENTERPRISING students are hatching plans for a successful business - supplying free range eggs. More than 60 students at East Durham and Houghall Community College have taken charge of 48 pullet hens and are laying plans for a venture selling eggs to
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Car park crime falling
CRIME in Darlington's car parks has been dramatically reduced by the presence of 24-hour closed-circuit television surveillance. In the first three quarters of this year only six vehicle crimes took place in car parks covered by Darlington Borough Council's
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Siege man serious after taking pills
A MAN was seriously ill in hospital last night following a house siege earlier in the day. Police were called to a home in North Way, Throckley, near Newcastle, at 7.25am, after reports raising concern for the well-being of a 40-year-old man. Police later
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Silver surfer wins praise
A PENSIONER who has proved that new technology is not restricted to the younger generation will be rewarded for his computer skills tonight. Bill Callen, 84, regularly contacts his brother, Harold, 86, who lives in Canada, and his sister, Margaret, 82
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Village fair
The Mayor and Mayoress of Darlington, Councillors Roderick Francis and Isobel Hartley, will open the Christmas Fair in Heighington Village Hall on Saturday, November 27, at 2pm. There will be stalls selling cakes, gifts, books and preserves, as well as
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A winter warning
WITH the onset of dark nights, residents of York have been given advice about home security. An anti-burglary drive was held at Woodthorpe Primary School, in Summerfield Road, on Saturday, as part of an ongoing operation. The event was organised by York
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Rural railway success story reaches Parliament's ears
THE success of a recently-revived North Yorkshire rural railway has attracted the interest of members of parliament. Officials from the Wensleydale Railway, which opened two years ago, travelled to London to speak to members of the House of Commons' transport
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Teams taken to task
CHILDREN will take part in two leadership days run by Territorial Army units based in Middlesbrough. The two-day event, for the Tees Valley Young Enterprise Scheme, will be held at Brambles Farm and Coulby Newham TA Centres tomorrow and Wednesday, involving
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Zoe launches cosmetic service
POP star Zoe Birkett launched a non-surgical cosmetic service in Darlington at the weekend. Face Clinique opened in the Leggs womenswear shop, in Skinnergate, on Saturday, offering treatments including teeth whitening, Botox, collagen and derma-fillers
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Rainbow aids learning
YOUNGSTERS are learning about everyday dangers, thanks to a donation by a north Durham business. Year five and six pupils at Castleside Primary School, near Consett, have received packs teaching them the dangers of drugs, road safety, and Internet misuse
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Teacher's research leads to exhibition of brave Seaham soldiers
THE stories of the men from an east Durham mining community who fought in the Great War were on display this weekend. Kathleen Anderson showcased some of her research into the Seaham men who died during the First World War, in an exhibition at the town's
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Bath lift firm celebrates record sales
A BATH lift company is celebrating record sales figures and winning a new contract. Aquajoy Bath Lifts, in Consett, has seen a 61 per cent growth in year-on-year sales. The firm has been awarded a three-year contract as preferred supplier to County Durham
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Council overspend may be £163,000
A COUNCIL has revealed it is likely to overspend this year after a shortfall in revenue. A report by officials at Chester-le-Street District Council is forecasting the annual budget will be exceeded by £163,000. It follows an overestimation of income.
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Hope given to residents of closure-threat care home
ANXIOUS relatives of residents in a care home threatened with closure have been given hope after the owner said he will do everything he can to keep it open. Last month, an action group was formed by families of residents in Graceland Care Home, Guisborough
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Officer's frantic bid to avert rail disaster
A POLICE officer tried desperately to avert the Berkshire train crash in which seven people died, it was revealed last night. The off-duty officer saw a saloon car on the crossing and then watched as the barriers moved into the prevent-entry position
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Girl left in critical condition after crash
A TEENAGE girl was fighting for her life yesterday after a serious car accident. The 17-year-old from Redcar sustained multiple injuries after the crash in the early hours of yesterday morning. The 20-year-old male driver escaped with only minor injuries
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Drug abuse and safety top concern
THE safety of teenage girls and drug abuse are the main worries for young people in an area of North Yorkshire. The discovery was made in a survey in Ryedale aimed at improving quality of life. While the concerns have been raised in the district, which
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£15,000 cash payout over plan blunder
A BLUNDER that cost council taxpayers £15,000 in compensation has sparked calls for changes in how planning applications are processed. Wear Valley District Council has agreed to reimburse a Bishop Auckland home-owner who said he lost money on the sale
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People urged to have a say on the future of their town
PEOPLE in Helmsley are to be asked for their views on the future of their market town. Questionnaires will be sent out as part of a Renaissance Market Town initiative to boost the area's economy and environment. Project leader councillor Martin Van der
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Review of plan for Sunday car park charges
PLANS to introduce parking charges at short-stay car parks in Middlesbrough on a Sunday are to be reviewed. Members of Middlesbrough Council's executive will meet tomorrow to discuss the proposal. As part of setting its budget for 2004-05, the council
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Possible restrictions on sale of former council houses
A BID to create more affordable housing could see restrictions placed on the sale of former council houses. Richmondshire District Councils is proposing to force owners, who buy their house under the 'right to buy' scheme, to sell only to local people
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Hotline to help disabled people
AN information service to help people with a disability and older people and carers has been launched on Teesside. The Tees Equipment Information Point is part of the Tees Community Equipment Service. The information point gives details of the range of
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Elderly women assaulted in pub
POLICE are hunting two sisters who head-butted two elderly pensioners - for sitting on the wrong bar stool. Sheila Jager and Maureen Rogers, both 68, were assaulted as they ordered a drink at a town centre pub in South Shields, South Tyneside. The ordeal
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The Albany League: Synners close in on the leaders
Billingham Synthonia manager Stuart Coleby thought that his side finally got the breaks with a 3-0 win at leaders Benfield Saints to put them just two points off the top of the table. Synners had drawn their previous three matches, but one of their best
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Le Petit France
War heroes will be remembered at a series of services throughout the North-East and North Yorkshire this week. Among those to be honoured are 35 airmen who were either killed or captured when a bombing mission over industrial Germany turned to tragedy
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'Delight' at decision to save theatre
A CAMPAIGNING pensioner who has spent the past four years fighting plans to demolish a North-East theatre and leisure complex has spoken of his delight after the proposal was withdrawn. Stockton Borough Council made a shock announcement that it is to
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Forgotten hero of Crimean campaign
A POIGNANT family memorial in a North-East church is the only apparent tribute to one of the Crimean campaign's forgotten victims. Exactly 150 years ago last Saturday, Teesdale landowner's son Captain Augustus Frederick Cavendish Webb died in the Scutari
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It is indeed a mad, mad world
Crazy Rulers Of The World (C4); Journey To The Centre Of The Earth (C4): YOU don't have to be mad to work for the US military or intelligence, but it helps. I had to check the calendar to make sure it wasn't April Fool's Day while watching the first part
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Redundancy could cost council thousands of pounds
A SENIOR official could receive a pay-out of tens of thousands of pounds if she is made redundant as part of a proposed council shake-up. Janet Barker, the director of community services at Hartlepool Borough Council, could lose her job as part of plans
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Quakers keeper has sights on play-offs
GOALKEEPER Sam Russell believes it will be only a matter of time before Darlington break into the play-off pack on current form. Quakers moved up to ninth in League Two with Saturday's win at Rushden & Diamonds. David Hodgson's men have now won four
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Cole emerges victorious in battle of the gunslingers
The Premiership's all-time leading gunslingers Alan Shearer and Andy Cole were matched up at St James' Park yesterday. The paths both strikers have taken in their respective careers has been well documented and none more so than the consequences of Shearer's
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Radcliffe is back in business with win
A triumphant Paula Radcliffe yesterday put her Athens nightmare behind her by winning the New York City marathon and declaring: ''It's good to be back.'' The world record holder sprinted over the line to record a time of two hours 23 minutes and 10 seconds
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New blood wanted for Dracula production
FRESH blood is required for a North-East theatre production of the horror story Dracula! The stage show of Bram Stoker's classic, adapted for the stage by Scottish playwright Liz Lochhead, is being performed at Sunderland's Royalty Theatre next year.
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New extension plan for Street Wardens Scheme
A COMMUNITY scheme has proved so successful it is to be extended throughout the whole of Easington district. The award winning Street Wardens Scheme has been running in Easington Colliery, Horden and west of the area for the past three years. The ground
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Builder's bum excuses
The builder who's been working on my flat for nearly three months is acting like a bad boyfriend. He doesn't ring me when he says he will; he won't answer my calls, and he's full of false promises. And I, in turn, am beginning to behave like a neurotic
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Tenant who made life hell has to go
A NIGHTMARE tenant who made life hell for her neighbours has been ordered out of her home by a judge. Karen Smith, 36, has 28 days to vacate her property after District Judge Michael Handley issued a possession order. The catalogue of incidents connected
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Cricketing accolades handed out
YOUNG cricketers have been honoured at a presentation evening. Durham Cricket Board Schools Cricket Association Junior Squads held a celebration dinner to mark the end of the season at Durham County Cricket Club's Riverside ground, in Chester-le-Street
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Railway lines up festival fun
PREPARATIONS are well under way for an Edwardian Christmas festival. The National Railway Museum in York will host the event on November 27 and 28. Father Christmas will arrive on the Flying Scotsman, and there will be dancing with the Arbeau Dancers
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'Eyesore' glass tower is lit up
A 60ft glass and steel sign condemned as an eyesore when first erected has now been illuminated. It stands on the A689 on the Sedgefield to Wynyard dual carriageway and has the words County Durham down its length. The sculpture cost £60,000 which was
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TV last night...
Crazy Rulers Of The World (C4) Journey To The Centre Of The Earth (C4) YOU don't have to be mad to work for the US military or intelligence, but it helps. I had to check the calendar to make sure it wasn't April Fool's Day while watching the first part
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Souness is left frustrated
A FRUSTRATED Graeme Souness says a combination of poor refereeing and inspired goalkeeping contributed to Newcastle's 4-1 defeat at St James' Park yesterday. Rotherham referee Howard Webb missed a blatant foul on Alan Shearer seconds before Fulham opened
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Nolife to complete three-timer
Lucinda Russell, who is currently enjoying her best season, looks the trainer to follow at Carlisle today if the course passes a precautionary early morning inspection. Her Nolife, who has been in good form with two recent wins, can complete the three-timer
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Zenden emerges to soften the blow of Mendieta's absence
PERHAPS the only consolation in Gaizka Mendieta's season-ending injury has been the impressive unearthing of Bolo Zenden as Middlesbrough's central midfield alternative. Having relinquished his role on Boro's left flank to teenage sensation Stewart Downing
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Mum-of-ten opens nursery
A MOTHER-OF-TEN will have even more youngsters around her after opening a 40-place children's nursery. Marian Cornforth has five sons and five daughters and has been a registered childminder for more than 17 years. She has set up Goulton Grange Day Nursery
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Joel gets Pool out of jail with his late double strike
SINCE arriving in Hartlepool a little over a year ago, Dimi Konstantopoulos and Joel Porter have struck up a real friendship. The big Greek and the little Aussie may appear a strange combination, Konstantopoulos towering above his soul mate. But on Saturday
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Quakers respond well to horrors of Wycombe video
After some lackadaisical performances of late a video nasty was to thank for jolting Darlington into form, with Saturday's victory putting Quakers back on track. Despite beating Wycombe Wanderers a week ago, Darlington were bemoaning their third consecutive
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Big Brother's Becki in show
BIG BROTHER contestant Becki Seddiki has signed up for a theatre's first professional pantomime. The psychologist, who was thrust into the BB5 house as a surprise contestant during the show's fifth week and evicted a fortnight later, will appear as Fairy
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Residents' calls for zebra crossing will be reconsidered
RESIDENTS' continued calls for a zebra crossing on a busy stretch of road will be reconsidered by county councillors next week. A 104-name petition has been submitted to Durham County Council highway officials, from people living in the Sunderland Road
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Wearside League: New Marske cup shocker for the RA
League leaders Stokesley diverted their attentions to then Monkwearmouth Charity Cup and produced the same kind of form that has elevated them into joint top position. However, the cup result of the day came from New Marske, their 5-2 victory rocking
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Jurors told to reach one of three possible verdicts
Jurors in the inquest into the death of a young North-East airman who died in secret nerve gas tests 51 years ago have been told they must reach one of three verdicts. Ronald Maddison died aged 20 after being exposed to sarin in 1953 at the Porton Down
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Elderly get in tune
A GROUP of pensioners is learning to play the clarinet. They meet at the home of professional musician Graham Lyons, in Kirbymoorside, each Thursday playing instruments Mr Lyons has designed. For Mary Rowlands, 81 and Marian Tierney, 64, it is the first
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More than 150 attend healthy living events
MORE than 150 people have attended two events designed to encourage a healthy lifestyle and safety in the home. The health promotion days, in Wensleydale, were organised by Hambleton and Richmondshire Primary Care Trust. Visitors to the events, which
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Keeping up hunt tradition - perhaps for the last time
FOR what could possibly be the last time, the traditional start of the hunt season got under way at the weekend. Country sports enthusiasts remained defiant in the face of a possible ban and turned up in large numbers to support hunts around the country
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Keeping up hunt tradition - perhaps for the last time
FOR what could possibly be the last time, the traditional start of the hunt season got under way at the weekend. Country sports enthusiasts remained defiant in the face of a possible ban and turned up in large numbers to support hunts around the country
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FA Trophy: Honour hits out after loss
Bishop Auckland manager Brian Honour blasted his players for their mistakes after they threw away a two goal lead and crashed out of the FA Trophy at home to Kidsgrove on Saturday. Bishops looked as if they were cruising into the next round when Stuart
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Pioneering images of a bloody war
IMAGES of North-East soldiers fighting in the first "modern" war were on display in the region this weekend. The Crimean War, in 1854, became known as the first armchair war, as advances in technology and groundbreaking news reports brought the horrors
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Comment from The Northern Echo: A tragic combination
IT is too early to be absolutely clear about the cause the Berkshire train crash on Saturday. Our sympathies and prayers go to the families of those killed in the crash, and the dozens of passengers who were injured. Our praise and gratitude go to the
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Royal plays host to gothic drama
A GOTHIC melodrama set in rural France is the latest play at the Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond. The Bells tells of the demise of mayor and murderer Matthias as his crime returns to haunt him after 15 years. Performed by the Halifax-based Northern
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Phone flash helps rescuers save students
STRANDED on a sheer rock face in deadly conditions, five resourceful students used the flashes on their mobile phone cameras to save themselves. The Newcastle University Mountaineering Club members became stranded on a ledge 800ft up Snowdon in North
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By George, Boro leave it late
REFEREE Peter Walton was the villain of the piece at the Riverside yesterday, as Middlesbrough needed an injury-time George Boateng strike to secure a point against Bolton. It was the Northamptonshire official's decision not to award an 86th minute penalty
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Local communities reaping benefits of Lottery funding
The Heritage Lottery Fund, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary, has enabled communities to celebrate their past as well as map out a future. Stuart Arnold reports. WITH millions spent by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), it has been the grandest
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Star Diouf at centre of spitting claims
BOLTON WANDERERS striker El-Hadji Diouf could face an FA probe after an alleged spitting incident at the Riverside Stadium yesterday. Stewards received a complaint from several Middlesbrough supporters after Diouf was reported to have spat in the direction
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Village fair
The Mayor and Mayoress of Darlington, Councillors Roderick Francis and Isobel Hartley, will open the Christmas Fair in Heighington Village Hall on Saturday, November 27, at 2pm. There will be stalls selling cakes, gifts, books and preserves, as well as
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Volunteers backing cricket revival bid
SPORTING volunteers are pitching in to revive Weardale's lost cricketing heritage. Once a hotbed of village cricket, the dale's only league team disbanded at the end of 2001 because it could not recruit new players. The Darlington and District Division
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Pupils sample college life
PUPILS are getting a taste of further education while studying for a computer qualification. Hurworth School pupils are travelling to Darlington College of Technology every week to study for the European Computer Driving Licence qualification. The youngsters
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Ethnic group health drive a big success
A DRIVE to make health services more accessible to the ethnic community in Darlington has been hailed a success. Officials took action after research showed that many families did not understand the workings of the National Health Service. An event called
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Poppy collectors appeal to city for more time on the streets
POPPY sellers have called on City of York Council to allow more days for street collections. The Royal British Legion has permission to sell poppies on the streets for four days leading up to Remembrance Sunday. Margaret Pottage, who was a poppy seller
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Recycling initiative at an end
A RECYCLING initiative to discover Darlington residents' attitudes to refuse has drawn to a close. The Waste Smart project, funded as part of a £450,000 Government initiative in County Durham and Darlington, has seen teams visiting 21,000 homes across
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Dropping in at football club
FORMER Big Brother star Jonny Regan took a plunge for charity this weekend. Scores of Sunderland AFC football fans joined the former firefighter from Peterlee, County Durham, and football club legend Kevin Ball, to abseil from the club's Stadium of Light
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Illuminating idea for seaside lift
PLANS to illuminate a seaside amenity will be discussed by councillors this week. Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has received a proposal to install floodlighting and amenity lighting of the Cliff Lift, at Saltburn, east Cleveland. The pier and the
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Lifeboat hero gets national honour
A LIFEBOATMAN has received a national award for rescuing a lifeguard who got into difficulty after saving a stricken surfer. Mark Reeves had already earned the Thanks of the Institution on Vellum, one of the RNLI's highest awards, for his part in the
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The Cinderella emergency service
Called out in all weathers and expected to put their lives at risk, the coastguard is the forgotten emergency service. Alex Mott joins Skinningrove coast rescue team on a training exercice. WHILE a biting wind whistles around the house on the night before
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Memorial to cancer victim in town park
A TREE is to be planted in Darlington's South Park in memory of a cancer victim. Thelma Mills, 40, died of lung cancer in September last year - a day after celebrating her 24th wedding anniversary with her husband Rob, of Geneva Road. The couple had been
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A car that aims to please its passengers
A VINTAGE Rolls-Royce specially built for big game hunters on the plains of Africa will now be transporting game hunters on the North-East moors. Lartington Estates, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, has acquired a £30,000 Rolls Royce HJ Mulliner Estate
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Hospital gifts in memory of Katie
MEMORIES of a young cancer victim will live on in the hospital that battled for her life, thanks to the marathon efforts of a college student. Katie Grant, who died in May aged two-and-a-half, inspired Damon Hazell to run the London Marathon so that Katie
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Hospital gifts in memory of Katie
MEMORIES of a young cancer victim will live on in the hospital that battled for her life, thanks to the marathon efforts of a college student. Katie Grant, who died in May aged two-and-a-half, inspired Damon Hazell to run the London Marathon so that Katie
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Zoe launches cosmetic service
POP star Zoe Birkett launched a non-surgical cosmetic service in Darlington at the weekend. Face Clinique opened in the Leggs womenswear shop, in Skinnergate, on Saturday, offering treatments including teeth whitening, Botox, collagen and derma-fillers
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Shoppers share store's success
SHOPPERS enjoyed a slice of success at the weekend after a store chain won a national accolade. Staff at Bells Stores in The Avenue, Chester-le-Street, put on a party on Saturday after the convenience store group was named second-best National Lottery
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Meccano show
MECCANO fans turned out in force to visit an exhibition in Darlington. Models of the Tyne Bridge and Eiffel Tower, steam engines, robots and cranes, were on display in Darlington's Arts Centre on Saturday. From next year, the North-Eastern Meccano Society
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Crowds love a duck race on River Wear
CROWDS gathered to watch thousands of toy ducks take to the River Wear in aid of charity yesterday. The second annual Grand Duck Race was launched at Elvet Bridge, in Durham, by the city's mayor, Councillor Mary Hawgood. Three JCB diggers from Diggerland
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Pupils urged to stay healthy
YOUNGSTERS have taken part in an event encouraging them to take up a healthy lifestyle. The year seven pupils from Blakeston School, Norton, took part in dance workshops and spent time in the gym. They also had lessons about fruit and vitamins and looked
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Scheme to rebuild housing estate likely to be approved
THE controversy surrounding the demolition of a run-down council estate is over, council officials said last night. Plans to rebuild the Whitehill estate, Pelton Fell, near Chester-le-Street, were unveiled last December. The project is a joint venture
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Winter walks leaflet printed
A SCHEME aiming to improve the health of residents through neighbourhood walks has published its final schedule. The Winter Warming Walks scheme, run in Derwentside by environmental group Groundwork West Durham, encourages people to take up walking as
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Park opens with fun day
A PARK was opened yesterday with a blaze of colour. Mosaics were unveiled, flower bulbs planted by children and people dressed up as bugs and trees to shower Carter Park, Middlesbrough, with colour and mark its opening. The bulbs were planted as part
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Couple reunited by son's tragedy
A MOTHER whose son took his own life after being hounded by bullies has found happiness by marrying his father. When 16-year-old Karl Peart took his life in June last year, no one could have believed any good could come from the tragedy. Devastated by
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Theatre group's panto despair
THE curtain will not be going up on a Christmas pantomime in a North-East town for the first time in 18 years. After months of trying to find a venue to stage its production of Mother Goose, the Glenholme Theatre Club, in Crook, County Durham, has finally
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Hospital ditches bleeps for laptops
Doctors at a North-East hospital are taking part in a pioneering way of working. Called Hospital at Night, the new approach to 24-hour-care at the James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, will increasingly depend on wire-free computer technology
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Project on road to cut crime
THE high-profile vehicles used to tackle environment crime in Stockton are proving to be a force to be reckoned with. In the past 18 months, 905 abandoned and untaxed vehicles have been seized by Stockton Borough Council's enforcement unit. The two cars
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Doran regains rallycross crown
PAT DORAN withstood the challenge of the hard-charging Laurent Terroitin to get his hands on the British Rallycross Grand Prix title at Croft yesterday. It is fully 13 years since the Kent-based driver last lifted the trophy and there was no way he was
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Officer's frantic bid to avert rail disaster
A POLICE officer tried desperately to avert the Berkshire train crash in which seven people died, it was revealed last night. The off-duty officer saw a saloon car on the crossing and then watched as the barriers moved into the prevent-entry position
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Sausage lovers help boost hospice funds
FANS of the humble British banger have helped a North-East butcher achieve record sales. H Coates and Son, which has shops Framwellgate Moor, Coxhoe and Trimdon, in County Durham, sold 1.5 tonnes of sausages during British Sausage Appreciation Week -
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08/11/04
EDUCATION: I WOULD query the decision to include atheism and humanism in the RE syllabus of our schools (Echo, Oct 29). A religion indicates a belief in a deity of some kind. Atheism is disbelief in the existence of any god, while humanism is devotion
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Success for school branded one of the worst performers
A SCHOOL that was branded one of the worst-performing in the country has had a remarkable change in its fortunes. Eastbourne Comprehensive School, in Darlington, was put into the "special measures" category when it was ranked 182nd out of the worst 200
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A step back in time for Souness and Newcastle
WHEN Graeme Souness watched his side lose 2-1 at the Reebok Stadium last weekend, he likened Bolton's long-ball game to the football of the 1980s. But, yesterday, it was Newcastle that were transported back in time - to October 16, 1982 to be exact, another
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Morpeth clinch fifth title
FAST-IMPROVING Nick McCormick staged a dramatic fight-back to anchor Morpeth Harriers to a fifth senior men's victory in the National Cross Country Relays at Mansfield. The 23-year-old Great Britain junior international took over in third position on
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Wijnhard attracts Bradford
Clyde Wijnhard could quit Darlington this week after Bradford City declared their interest in the Dutch striker. Quakers have tried to convince Wijnhard to sign a longer contract, but since arriving at the beginning of last month he's been keeping his
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The lads who went to war ...and didn't return
IT was a light, spring morning with signs of life bursting forth in every flower and budded tree. But Sergeant Thomas Foster was not cheered by the sight. Instead, he walked through the village of Thoresby, in Wensleydale, with a feeling of foreboding
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Doctors' cure for wrinkles!
TWO doctors from the region believe they have stumbled on the holy grail of cosmetics - a way of making wrinkles disappear. If their invention catches on, the two men, a surgeon and a GP, could end up as multi-millionaires. The medics, eye surgeon Jim
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Fireworks pranksters target homes
AS thousands of people enjoyed Darlington's colourful display at South Park, pranksters continued to set off fireworks illegally across the town. Police are investigating an arson attack in Barningham Street after lit fireworks were twice pushed through
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Cooper relieved after win
NEALE Cooper was a relieved man on Saturday, admitting Hartlepool United got out of jail with a late win over Doncaster Rovers. But Cooper was critical of the fans after his side was booed off by some at the break. Trailing one-nil and, after being outplayed
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Authors to entertain children
SOME of the country's top authors are to visit the region as part of The Northern Children's Book Festival. The event, which is in its 21st year, runs in Middlesbrough from today to November 20 and gives youngsters the chance to meet the faces behind
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UK troops gravely injured
BLACK Watch troops were on alert last night in the wake of a suicide bomb attack near their camp in the so-called Triangle of Death that left two soldiers fighting for their lives. The men, both bomb disposal experts, were in the back of an armoured Warrior
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Oselton grabs brace as Darlington turn tables
THE fact that two of their six tries were scored by prop Joe Oselton sums up the means by which Darlington were able to overwhelm what initially looked superior opponents. Driving mauls were the key, but once they had established control Darlington cut
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Shoppers share store's success
SHOPPERS enjoyed a slice of success at the weekend after a store chain won a national accolade. Staff at Bells Stores in The Avenue, Chester-le-Street, put on a party on Saturday after the convenience store group was named second-best National Lottery
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Doyen highlight for Dettori
Frankie Dettori was crowned champion jockey for the third time on an emotionally-charged afternoon at Doncaster and dedicated his victory over Kieren Fallon in a thrilling title race to his wife Catherine. The Italian, who won the championship in 1994
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Pools of wisdom from Hails
ONCE there was a post office 20 yards from his home, you could see it from the front window, and Hails of Hartlepool would toddle across the road to post his everwelcome missives. Now progress delivers differently. The post office is almost a mile away
