Archive
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Back to school for lords
A PAIR of lords, who were childhood friends at a Darlington school more than 50 years ago, are to making a return trip to their old school to open a new nursery unit. Lord Darlington (Tom Sawyer) and Lord Mackenzie (Brian Mackenzie) were pupils at Dodmire
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Police seek out vandals
POLICE hope to track down vandals who left a trail of destruction across Darlington. Two men are believed to be responsible for the windows of houses and cars being smashed early on Monday morning. Several homes and vehicles were damaged between 4am and
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£50 fine planned for parents of truants
COUNCILLORS are today being urged to back plans to introduce £50 fines for parents of truants. Darlington Borough Council is debating the proposal after research in November last year identified 90 children not at the town's schools in a single day. The
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Bright idea can beat the winter burglars
AN anti-crime campaign has been launched in Darlington to deter would-be burglars from targeting empty houses over the winter months. People will start seeing adverts on buses in the town reminding them to leave the lights on when they go out. It is part
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Stay for free at Christmas
TEESDALE District Council is expected to give Christmas shoppers an early present by waiving parking charges in Barnard Castle throughout the festive period. The council hopes to give businesses a boost by waiving the charges in the council's pay and
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Learning about childcare
SureStart County Durham has enlisted the theatre company Purple Monster to promote careers in the service. It has condensed a 12-hour course named Making Changes into a 40 minute performance, which gives people a taste of what a job in childcare includes
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Villagers' anger over damage
A VILLAGE'S residents and beat bobby are appealing for help to track down a motorist who wrecked their green. People in Tudhoe Village, near Spennymoor, woke last Friday to discover their pretty green had been ruined by someone driving a vehicle across
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University vows to offer opportunities for all
A VICE-chancellor has re-affirmed a university's plan to encourage the enrolment of students from all backgrounds. Professor Graham Henderson, the University of Teesside's Vice-Chancellor, told a graduation ceremony in Middlesbrough Town Hall: "The University
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Ending the festive waste
TWO local authorities are hoping for a green Christmas - rather than a white Christmas - this year. Sedgefield Borough Council and Durham County Council are urging residents to recycle waste over the festive period. A Green Santa will give advice on Saturday
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Staff take extra care with Double Brandy
ANIMAL refuge staff believe they have found the region's unluckiest rabbit. Last Christmas, Double Brandy was left on the doorstep of a veterinary practice in a box. But far from being starved and in need of a good feed, she weighed a massive 6.3kg and
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Entries invited for cyclo-cross challenge
A CYCLING event is to be held at Hartlepool's Summerhill Country Park this weekend. Three cyclo-cross races are being staged by Steve Noble, on behalf of Stockton Wheelers Cycling Club. They involve competitors racing on off-road routes around the park
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Green waste plan is unveiled
A COUNCIL has outlined plans to dramatically increase the amount of household waste it recycles. Officers at Richmondshire District Council are asking for permission to spend £268,000 to start kerbside collections of green rubbish, plus paper, cans and
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'Suicidal' man denies student death push
A MAN accused of pushing a student to his death from a city centre bridge told a jury he had tried to save the teenager as he fell. Christopher Weldon is said to have bundled 18-year-old John Chipp off the Queen Alexander bridge in Sunderland during a
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Competition launched to name green lodges
A NAME is needed for an environmentally friendly holiday park that dispels the image of low-budget living. Ten "eco" holiday lodges are being built on the outskirts of Richmond. Features of the cottages include a living plant-based roof, insulation made
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Children's club earns honour in rural awards
A CLUB for youngsters, a new village hall, and a state-of-the-art playground have won top awards. Lockton Friday Night Kids' Club scooped the Yorkshire Rural Community Council's (YRCC) best project for young people. The Anne Hopkins Memorial Award is
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England's Zimbabwe tour in turmoil
ENGLAND'S controversial tour to Zimbabwe is hanging in the balance after the team failed to board their flight to Harare and chose to stay in South Africa while further discussions took place about media access. The Zimbabwe government's decision on Tuesday
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Motorbiker guilty of dangerous driving
A highspeed race between two motorcyclists ended in tragedy, a court heard yesterday. Paul Andrew Bedding, 34, was yesterday convicted of dangerous driving after racing with Andrew Reed on high-powered motorcycles between two junctions of the A19, in
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Work finished on walk route
EXTENSIVE work has been carried out on the Cleveland Way, between Robin Hood's Bay and Ravenscar, to improve the safety of walkers and accessibility to the long-distance route. The Countryside Agency said the work at Ravenscar has completed a missing
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Bogus water company officials steal £800 from pensioner
A TEAM of conmen is targeting elderly residents in north Durham, police warned last night. The bogus officials, posing as water company workers, tricked their way into the homes of two pensioners in one day. Sergeant Max Newby of Durham Constabulary said
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Students' efforts add £3,000 to funds
STUDENTS have raised more than £3,000 for this year's Children in Need Appeal. Students and staff from Shotton Hall School, in Peterlee, paid £1 to wear clothes of their choice. But that was only the tip of the fundraising iceberg. During the day students
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Stark warning for festive drinkers
A WRECKED car involved in a fatal accident will be used to drive home a stark warning about the dangers of driving while drunk. Firefighters and police in Richmondshire will take the vehicle to public places as part of their annual anti-drink driving
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Spanish eyes give McClaren special insight
STEVE McCLAREN has drawn on knowledge of friends in an attempt to pick up the point in Villarreal that will secure Middlesbrough's progress into the knockout stages of the UEFA Cup. And the Boro boss is believed to be considering the possibility of gambling
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Council seeks tenants' views
THOUSANDS of tenants are being urged to get involved in a massive consultation exercise to help determine the future of their homes. Sedgefield Borough Council wants every tenant in local authority property to share their views about the proposed transfer
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WI hall plan set for approval
PLANS to knock down a former WI hall and build a pair of semi-detached homes have been recommended for approval by Harrogate Borough Council. The scheme involves the redevelopment of the site in Main Street, Bishop Monkton, near Ripon. WI members have
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MP to pick Christmas card design
THE winners of a Christmas card competition organised by a Teesside MP will be announced next week. Dari Taylor, MP for Stockton South, organised the competition for youngsters at primary schools in Thornaby, asking them to design a card for her to use
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Police to open community talking shop
A POLICE office is to be opened in Stockton to give residents better access. It will be held in Newtown Community Centre, in Bishopton Lane, and the plan is to hold surgeries two days a week, when residents can drop by to discuss issues of concern. Sergeant
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Concorde engine reveals pace of air innovation
IT once powered passengers across the Atlantic faster than the speed of sound as one of the engines of the mighty Concorde. But, with its glory days in the air now over, it has found a home in the quieter surroundings of a museum. The Yorkshire Air Museum
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Talks held to revive market's fortunes
A TOWN council will be asked to take over the running of a struggling market to improve its flagging fortunes. An investigation by Hambleton District Council found that the Tuesday market in Bedale was suffering because of a lack of visitors to the town
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Students get chance to try career options
MORE than 1,200 students will get a chance to try out careers next week. This year's Skillsfest event will take place on Wednesday and next Thursday at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate. It aims to raise students' awareness of careers in bio-science
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Comment from The Northern Echo: A sordid and sorry affair
EVEN to contemplate sending an England cricket team to Zimbabwe is reprehensible. To maintain sporting links with a regime as abhorrent as Robert Mugabe's is tantamount to condoning what is happening in the country. The British Government should have
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Souness has no fears over Butt's temper
GRAEME Souness has insisted he has no concerns over Nicky Butt's temperament despite warning his players to expect a rough reception as they look to reach the UEFA knock-out stage in Sochaux tonight. Butt will make his second European appearance for the
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Rhubarb attack sister in court
MORE details emerged yesterday of a long-running family feud that drove a woman to attack her elderly brother with three sticks of rhubarb. On May 20, 50-year-old Margaret Porter saw her brother William, 72, in his Land Rover in Askrigg, North Yorkshire
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Abertis makes TBI approach
THE owner of Luton and Belfast International airports has agreed to a takeover by one of Europe's leading infrastructure groups. Abertis, which is the main party behind the £551.3m approach, manages more than 1,500km of toll roads, but wants to build
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Life without lens
FOR 13 years I have been patiently recording our family history on video. First words, first steps, first tricycle, they have all been captured on tape. Then, last Christmas, the camcorder stopped working. But buying a new one was much too complicated
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Will budget phone be ready for Christmas?
A LOW-cost mobile phone service from easyJet founder Stelios Haji-Ioannou could be launched in time for Christmas, it was reported yesterday. The entrepreneur's easyGroup business is believed to be close to a deal allowing it to rent airtime from Deutsche
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Twinkle-toed youngsters reach dance final
THREE youngsters are to compete in the World Irish Dancing Championships. Richard Feather, 12, Frances Finn, 11, and Rachael Baty, 12, will travel to Ennis, Ireland, in March, for the competition. They are all members of the Clann Na nGael Dance Club,
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Easynet deal will link N-E schools
SCHOOLS throughout the region will be video-linked following a six-figure contract with Internet service provider Easynet. Easynet, the Internet operation of budget airline group easyJet, has won a tender to provide broadband video conferencing facilities
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Little meets large as ship's crew adopts tiny school
THE crew from one of the biggest ships in the Royal Navy is to forge a friendship with the smallest school in the North-East. Officers and crew of HMS Bulwark are to link up with the 12-pupil school at Forest-in-Teesdale, in County Dur-ham. Captain Jerry
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Policeman causes trial to be aborted
A POLICEMAN sitting on a jury during a trial at a North-East court had to be discharged from duty because of his job. The Cleveland constabulary officer was part of a 12-strong jury panel selected to deliberate over a five-day trial at Teesside Crown
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'Agenda does little for the economy'
BUSINESS leaders in the region have given a mixed reaction to Government legislation announced in this week's Queen's speech. The Government's final agenda ahead of a likely Spring General Election was bereft of policy for business, said the North East
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Strike ballot at Jaguar plant
JAGUAR workers in Coventry are to be balloted on a strike to protect car production at their plant. Tony Woodley, general secretary of the Transport and General Workers Union, said: ''We call on not just Jaguar workers, but the wider community of Coventry
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UEFA Cup Diary
GRAEME Souness will have had a few last-minute scares in his managerial career, but rarely can he have been told that his players were in the wrong country on the eve of a crucial European tie. That was the situation he was faced with last night, though
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Party mum muted over loud music complaints
A NOISY neighbour received a loud wake up call when council officers arrived to confiscate her music equipment. Mother-of-two Vicki Wedlake was stunned when Environmental Health officials, backed by police officers, knocked on her door after numerous
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25/11/04
NORTH-EAST ASSEMBLY: LAST Wednesday's Echo gives the deliberations of the North-East 'unelected' Assembly, and its vision of the North-East. As the people of the North-East voted against the elected version, perhaps it's high time that this was also knocked
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Museum to show French artworks
A MUSEUM will launch its latest exhibition programme with works by one of the most acclaimed French landscape artists. The Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, County Durham, will start next year with Boucher: The Art of Landscapes, an exhibition of work
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Woman steps up campaign over fumes
A RESIDENT who started a one-woman campaign to stop people spreading toxic fumes across a Darlington housing estate is demanding more action. Elizabeth Mitchell believes the fumes come from cables and tyres being burnt along with other rubbish at Cleveland
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John North: Home from home for the blarney army
THAT the other man's grass wasn't always emerald greener was underlined when Thomas Mattimoe and his family first left Ireland for Co Durham. It was the 1860s and they came to Bishop Auckland, where the living was uneasy and the health board's privy counsel
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North airfield given permission to expand
AN airfield has been given clearance to upgrade its runway and build a new aircraft hangar. However, Easington District Council has imposed a list of restrictions on the extensions at Shotton Airfield, County Dur-ham. Airfield owner Ian Rosenvinge had
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Hodgson keeps faith with Clyde
David Hodgson has backed striker Clyde Wijnhard to get back among the goals. The Dutchman extended his Darlington goal drought to five games after Tuesday night's FA Cup first-round defeat at Yeovil Town. However, Hodgson is confident the 30-year-old
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Coupling up to bring Far East efficiency to the UK
TRAIN operator GNER has joined forces with a Hong Kong company in a bid take over the running of some of this country's busiest commuter routes, it was announced yesterday. The MTR Corporation, which operates the Hong Kong Metro, signed an agreement with
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Patrick inspires his dad to create children's football story
A FOOTBALL club is expanding into new territory - children's books. Sunderland's educational charity division, the Sunderland AFC Foundation, has teamed up with North-East medical charity The Children's Foundation to offer a footballing novel over the
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Bellamy desperate for a return to the big time
CRAIG Bellamy is hoping to fire Newcastle into the knock-out phase of the UEFA Cup this evening, despite revealing that he would love to give the competition a miss next season. The Wales international has been forced to swallow his pride since Graeme
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McClaren unable to switch on Stockton's lights
DUE to unforeseen circumstances Middlesbrough football club manager Steve McClaren will be unable to switch on Stockton's Christmas lights next week. However, his replacements will be Middlesbrough players Stewart Downing, Tony McMahon and James Morrison
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Family holidays from hell
THEY were just back from their week in the sun; the cases weren't yet unpacked. But they were getting ready to go out again - the fridge was empty, so they had to make a quick trip to the shops. It was raining, of course. Jonah's mum reached to take his
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Gran At Large: Family holidays from hell
THEY were just back from their week in the sun; the cases weren't yet unpacked. But they were getting ready to go out again - the fridge was empty, so they had to make a quick trip to the shops. It was raining, of course. Jonah's mum reached to take his
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A card from Bethan
A DARLINGTON girl has designed a Christmas card which will soon be winging its way round the globe to the doorsteps of world leaders. Bethan Bowles, ten, a pupil at Harrowgate Hill Junior School, designed the winning Christmas card picture for Darlington
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Maiden voyage to county
THE Royal Navy's latest ship arrived on her maiden visit to make acquaintance with County Durham, this Thursday. HMS Bulwark was handed to the Royal Navy by shipbuilder BAE Systems earlier this year. The 18,500 tonne assault ship is affiliated with County
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Motorcycle crash victim named
A MOTORCYCLIST who died when his bike was involved in a head-on collision on the A68 earlier this week has been named as Michael John Ansell, from Shildon, in County Durham. The 30-year-old, from Freville Street, died on Tuesday morning in an accident
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Treatment for HIV cases rises by a third
THE number of people treated for HIV in the North-East has risen by a third, it has been revealed, as the Government announces a £300m action plan to fight the sexual health crisis. Figures show 542 people were receiving HIV-related health care in the
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Good Mouring Mrs Brown, Newcastle Tyne Theatre
A SPOOF announcement by a foul-mouthed Irish lady follows the standard 'turn off your mobiles' spiel. The audience know what they're getting, and seem set to relish every moment. The story centres on the goings-on within the Brown household, with three
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Brother and sister meet after 67 years
SIXTY seven years after a brother and sister were cruelly parted a tearful reunion has taken place thousands of miles across the ocean from their former County Durham home. Patricia Lumley, 74, recognised her brother Brian Pratt, 68, as soon as she set
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Couple's milestone gift
A COUPLE who stepped out to mark a milestone in their lives have raised more than £500 for charity. Keen dancers Jimmy and Irene Alderson, both aged 80, invited 130 friends and relatives to a dance in the Victoria Club, Consett, to celebrate their diamond
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Licence appeal woman quits
AN off-licence owner has quit after she was convicted of selling alcohol to underage girls. Cecilia Hart had her licence revoked by Teesside Licensing Justices for selling two bottles of wine and a strong cider to two teenagers in November last year.
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Contract to upgrade homes for needy
A £1.5 million contract to upgrade more than 100 new homes for the needy in East Durham. East Durham Homes, the company that assumed responsibility for Easington Council's housing portfolio earlier this year, has chosen three firms to carry out the project
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High praise for nursery
A NURSERY in Darlington has been given a glowing report from school inspectors. The Ofsted report found Borough Road Nursery School was effective and provided a good education. Inspectors said: "The very positive atmosphere in the nursery is reflected
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Rhubarb attack sister in court
MORE details emerged yesterday of a long-running family feud that drove a woman to attack her elderly brother with three sticks of rhubarb. On May 20, 50-year-old Margaret Porter saw her brother William, 72, in his Land Rover in Askrigg, North Yorkshire
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No home for Kitty
THE owners of a well-cared-for cat found in Hurworth have still not been found. The beige and black striped queen tabby was taken in by the Cats' Protection League after being spotted outside the Spar shop, in Hurworth. Its rescuers were convinced it
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Wind and rain can't deter charity duo
HORIZONTAL rain and gusts of wind reaching up to 60mph failed to prevent two cyclists completing a ride for charity. Mark Matthew and Terry Lane took 14 days to ride more than 1,000 miles from Land's End to John O'Groats. But the trip, to raise thousands
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Ted keeps palace date
THE man who led a campaign to save the world's oldest rail bridge has been honoured. Ted Defty, of Clough Dene, Tantobie, near Stanley, travelled to Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen and collect the MBE for services to his community. As chairman of
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Rise in crime is linked to footpath
A NEWLY-OPENED footpath which connects two housing estates could be closed after becoming a haven for criminals. Crime has soared in the Ullswater Avenue area since the walkway connecting it with the Railway View housing estate opened. And Darlington
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PC by post could be the way ahead
VILLAGE beat bobbies are urging people to use a set of police boxes to report non-urgent matters and pass on information. Three black boxes, each sporting Durham Constabulary's StreetSafe campaign logo, have been placed in community buildings by West
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Pupils pay tribute to cancer victims
SCHOOL pupils have planted a floral tribute to the victims of cancer. Youngsters from year ten at Durham Gilesgate Sports College and Sixth Form Centre's Bradford Crescent campus, in Gilesgate, planted about 1,000 daffodil bulbs at Wharton Park, North
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Pensioners left in cold by power cut
PENSIONERS and families living next to a building site were left without light and heat last night after workmen cut through a power line to their homes. People living near the Spectrum Leisure Complex, in Willington, had to manage without electricity
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Jet power to clean grime from streets
A HIT squad is blasting its way through Middlesbrough to give the town a fresh clean look. The Middlesbrough Reds, easily recognisable in their distinctive uniform, will regularly powerwash paved areas in the town centre and main shopping areas to keep
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Procession for charity
FESTIVE fever will grip Ferryhill tomorrow when the town holds a Christmas extravaganza. Attractions will include a farmers market, in Church Road, a craft fair, in St Luke's Church Hall, from 2pm to 6pm, Santa's grotto in the town hall and show rides
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Tribute to a town's proud history
TWO plaques were unveiled on a high street yesterday, marking the completion of a long campaign to commemorate a community's contribution to Britain's wealth. For years, Eston-born Ann Higgins has called for recognition of the Teesside town's role in
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Training first for new fire recruits
A NEW breed of firefighting recruits are undergoing training on Teesside. The trainees, who will be assigned to fire stations throughout the brigade area next week, are among the first in the country to take part in a new training and development programme
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Staff gather to mark closure of 101-year-old community hospital
A CENTURY of history came to an end as staff marked the imminent closure of a North-East hospital. Thousands of people have passed through the wards of Homelands Hospital, in Helmington Row, between Crook and Willington. But at 101 years old, the building
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Bogus water company officials steal £800 from pensioner
A TEAM of conmen is targeting elderly residents in north Durham, police warned last night. The bogus officials, posing as water company workers, tricked their way into the homes of two pensioners in one day. Sergeant Max Newby of Durham Constabulary said
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Knight's latest engagement
A SHOP worker is to tie the knot after she received a surprise proposal from a knight in shining armour. David Merriman went to the Gateshead MetroCentre dressed as a knight to propose to his girlfriend, Deb Nicholls, 34, who works at fashion store Next
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Appeal over attack
A man is wanted for questioning by police over a late-night stabbing. The victim, a north Durham man, who has not been named, was attacked as he walked under a road bridge on the disused railway line between Consett and Leadgate. He heard voices, then
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School serves up a taste of the States
THANKSGIVING Day is being celebrated in Redcar today. Pupils at the town's Lakes Primary School will be given a flavour of Amercia when they are treated to a menu of roast turkey, hamburgers and pizza, followed up with apple pie and muffins. The school
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Bid to trace DVD thief
POLICE have released security camera pictures of a man who is suspected of stealing a DVD player from a Durham City store. The man, thought to be in his early 20s, took the Bush DVD player, valued at £49.99, from a display at the Co-Op store, in Sherburn
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Braveheart bikers face 60mph gusts
HORIZONTAL rain and winds of up to 60mph failed to prevent two cyclists completing an epic ride for charity. Mark Matthew and Terry Lane took 14 days to ride more than 1,000 miles from Land's End to John O'Groats. But the trip of a lifetime, to raise
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Catering firm wins award
A CATERING company's drive to improve hospital food will be recognised today. Haden Buildings Management Ltd, which provides meals at Durham's University Hospital and runs its Bedes restaurant, will be presented with the National Heartbeat Award this
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Shop blaze
A cosmetics shop was left badly smoke-damaged after a fire broke out in the basement yesterday. Firefighters were called to Lush, in Grainger Street, Newcastle, at 3.40pm. The blaze started on the fire escape.
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Security company boss faces jail
A COMPANY boss is facing jail for fleecing tens of thousands of pounds from vulnerable householders who he tricked into buying security systems. Martin West will return to court early next year to be sentenced for a string of offences under the Trade
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School names new head
A DALES secondary school has chosen a prize winning teacher to take the helm. Andrea Crawshaw will take over as headteacher at Wolsingham School and Community College, in Weardale, in the New Year. Ms Crawshaw, currently associate headteacher at Deerness
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Radio star to host switch-on
BARNARD CASTLE will hold its traditional Christmas celebration next week. The event, organised by Barnard Castle Town Council, will take place around the Christmas tree in Galgate at 6.30pm. There will be the usual carol singing and attractions this year
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Lily tickled pink by panto
Viv Hardwick talks to actress Eileen Pollock about the role of Lilo Lil in TV's famous comedy series Brad, which gave her the change to play panto. NOT many women are going to want to go to the grave with the nickname of Lilo Lil, but actress Eileen Pollock
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Company on shortlist
A DURHAM company has been recognised by an organisation for blind people for its design of websites. Cornwell Internet, run by Roger Cornwell and Jean Rogers, has been shortlisted in the Visionary Design Award by the National Library for the Blind. The
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Benefits advice goes on the road
A campaign to ensure homeowners are not missing out on Council Tax benefit has been launched in east Durham. Government figures suggest Council Tax benefit is under-claimed across the country. To address the situation locally Easington District Council
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Knitting and performance art come together
A ONE-OFF performance of Hat, a concert about wool and knitting, will take place next week. Hat is the idea of Simon Thackray, the man behind The Shed arts venue in Brawby, Ryedale. It aims to capture the rhythmical click of needles and is billed as a
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Documentary bluff wins honours
A STUDENT'S attempts to bluff his way into the company of the Hollywood elite has won him top honours. Paul Elliott spent months trying to pass himself off as a professional film reviewer for a documentary called Mock Critic. The piece, which was broadcast
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Bay project name revealed
THE name of a £120m development planned for Scarborough's North Bay has been announced as The Sands. The 50-acre site will be turned into 100 private apartments, 320 holiday homes, a hotel and conference centre, a covered 75,000sq ft water park with restaurants
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Scientists hope for trials of gel that kills cancer cells
A GEL being developed to treat early-stage cervical cancer could mean surgery is a thing of the past, it was revealed yesterday. If the gel is applied directly to the cervix, it can block proteins that grow and can turn cells cancerous. The gel has been
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Dennis, Oz and Co back for Christmas
BRITAIN'S favourite brickies will be back on the nation's television sets this Christmas - for their last overseas capers. The hapless, yet lovable, lads of Auf Wiedersehen, Pet are being reunited for the final time in a Far Eastern adventure that forms
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Under a spell
Viv Hardwick talks to two champion spellers from the North-East and their families as the region attempts to clinch the title of BBC1 Hard Spell winner next week. YOUNG Emma Davies from Billingham hasn't spelt a word wrong in 113 attempts in a new TV
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PC is killed in crash
FLAGS at police stations across County Durham were at half-mast to mourn the death of a popular police officer. PC Jonathan Green died in a car accident last Thursday night as he was returning home from work at Barnard Castle police station. PC Green,
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Newcastle hoping to break the French connection
NEWCASTLE will have to break an unwanted French connection if they are to book their place in the knock-out phase of the UEFA Cup by beating Group D opponents Sochaux tonight. Graeme Souness' side travel to the Stade Auguste Bonal hoping to make history
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Village wall of silence
DETECTIVES fear villagers have put up a wall of silence over the death of an out-of-work actor, because they wrongly believe he was a paedophile. The body of divorced father-of-two Stephen Milburn was found on the kitchen floor of his council house in
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UEFA Cup Diary
Villarreal, population 45,000, is in the Castellon district, an hour's drive up the Mediterranean coast from Valencia, an extremely striking city. It is regarded as the City of Arts and Sciences and the spectacular architecture behind the avant-garde
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Anti-drug club nights prove huge success
A CAMPAIGN to encourage youngsters to turn their back on drugs has been hailed a major success. Darlington Boxing and Martial Arts Academy launched the initiative earlier this year, setting up clubbing nights for under-17s in the town. Events have been
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Garden dream comes true for village community
VILLAGERS' dreams of transforming land near their homes into a community garden have come true as work starts on an £80,000 project. The High Grange Village Association has been working since 1999 to turn the open land opposite their houses into a social
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WH Smith appoints new chairman
STRUGGLING retailer WH Smith filled a key boardroom post yesterday with the appointment of Severn Trent chief executive Robert Walker as chairman. The 59-year-old takes the place of Richard Handover, who said in January that he intended to step down after
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Minimum wage hits retailers
THE minimum wage has had a growing impact on retailers, with most paying at least £5 an hour to sales staff - 15p more than the statutory rate. An analysis of pay rates at 100 companies by research group Incomes Data Services (IDS) showed that many had
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Wall of silence on man's death
DETECTIVES fear villagers have put up a wall of silence over the death of an out-of-work actor because they wrongly believe he was a paedophile. The body of divorced father-of-two Stephen Milburn was found on the kitchen floor of his council house in
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Crisis warning over NHS dentistry reforms
PROPOSED reforms of NHS dentistry carry significant risks and could even reduce access for patients, a report from the National Audit Office (NAO) warns today. The NAO's study to Parliament cites uncertainty among dentists about how the new system will
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Knitting and performance art come together
A ONE-OFF performance of Hat, a concert about wool and knitting, will take place next week. Hat is the idea of Simon Thackray, the man behind The Shed arts venue in Brawby, Ryedale. It aims to capture the rhythmical click of needles and is billed as a
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You Write
Get real: Ray Thompson (Advertiser, November 20) needs to get real about a couple of things. First, the old Clause Four (iv) of the Labour Party Constitution was only one of several sub-clauses, and the only one to say nothing very much at all. Whereas
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Dalus Park ready to show his true colours
TOP-WEIGHT might not be a sufficient deterrent to prevent Dalus Park (3.10) from winning the Dennis Brown Handicap Chase at Uttoxeter this afternoon. Although Chris Bealby's nine-year-old let favourite-backers down when narrowly failing to catch Jongleur
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River search for missing woman
A SEARCH for a woman feared to have fallen off a bridge into a North-East river was called off last night after rescue teams found no trace of her. The woman went missing at Winston Bridge, in County Durham, between Barnard Castle and Darlington, on Tuesday
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Boro hope memories will all be positive
RAY PARLOUR and manager Steve McClaren both hope Middlesbrough's biggest UEFA Cup test so far in the El Madrigal tonight is remembered for all the right reasons. The build up to Boro's trip to Villarreal has been overshadowed with the Teessiders being
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Concern over missing teen
A VULNERABLE teenager has been missing for almost a week after he ran away from his care home. Fourteen-year-old Jamie Williams left the Darlington home on Friday with another young boy, who has since handed himself into police. Police have been checking
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Hanged inmate's troubled history
A PRISONER found hanged in her cell showed extensive levels of self-harm, an inquest heard yesterday. Scarring on the body of Jayne Buck indicated repeated self-harm in the past, said Home Office pathologist Dr James Sunter. He told the inquest: "She
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Bellamy desperate for a return to the big time
CRAIG Bellamy is hoping to fire Newcastle into the knock-out phase of the UEFA Cup this evening, despite revealing that he would love to give the competition a miss next season. The Wales international has been forced to swallow his pride since Graeme
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Little Chefs for sale - again
THE new owner of roadside restaurant chain Little Chef yesterday confirmed plans to sell most of the business. Private equity group Permira bought the chain from catering group Compass last year as part of its acquisition of Travelodge, but is already
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Dog attack victim loses fight for payout
A FATHER-OF-FOUR who was savaged by an out-of-control dog has lost his battle to win compensation. Dave Taylor, 37, from Darlington, lost all feeling in his arm after the attack in 2002 by a Japanese akita, which he was minding at his home for a friend
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Dial M For Murder, Gala Theatre, Durham
Dial M For Murder, Gala Theatre, Durham: IS there such a thing as the perfect murder? Frederick Knott's classic 1950s thriller explores the concept, in an exhilarating play performed admirably by The Middle Ground Theatre Company. Although set in the
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Teachers are given a soaking
TEACHERS were in the firing line when a group of students threw soaking wet sponges at them to raise funds for Children in Need. The sponge-throwing event was just one of many things organised by pupils at Sunnydale Comprehensive School last Friday. Both
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Footballers' timely reminder that there's no room for racists
NORTH-EAST footballers spread the anti-racism message during a school visit yesterday. Former Sunderland players Gary Bennett and Kieron Brady were among players at the event, organised by the Show Racism the Red Card campaign, at Easington Primary School
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Crackdown on winter crime
AN anti-crime campaign has been launched in Darlington to deter would-be burglars from targeting homes over the winter months. People will see advertisements appear on buses in and around the town reminding them to leave house lights on when they go out
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Top Ten To Rent
UK DVD/VIDEO RENTAL: 1 (1) Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban 2 (2) Elf 3 (5) Troy 4 (9) Quicksand 5 (4) Dawn Of The Dead 6 (-) Around The World In 80 Days 7 (3) Fahrenheit 9/11 8 (10) Day After Tomorrow 9 (6) Shrek 2 10 (-) Spider-Man 2 Published
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Reynolds appears on cash launder charges
GEORGE REYNOLDS appeared before magistrates yesterday charged with money laundering offences. The former chairman of Darlington Football Club spoke only to give his name, address and date of birth at Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court, County Durham.
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Reserves give Cooper a boost
WITH injuries hitting his weekend plans, Neale Cooper was yesterday given a boost by his Hartlepool United reserve side. They powered past Preston 4-0 and a number could force their way into contention for the weekend, as Cooper's injury list shows little
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Moore torment
PERHAPS it's because she puts so much of herself into her roles that Julianne Moore is such a highly-regarded Hollywood actress. And perhaps that's why the critically acclaimed actress' new offering, psychological thriller The Forgotten, should prove
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The hairdresser from the other side
Hairdresser turned medium Stephen Holbrook sees himself as a telephone exchange from this world to the next. He tells Lindsay Jennings about miracles and messages from Marti Caine. "DOES anyone have a picture of their husband in a frame with them here
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Gain the latest to catch McCarthy's eye
AFTER snapping up winger Andy Welsh for a nominal fee earlier this week Mick McCarthy has set his sights on more bargain-basement buys. The Sunderland manager had Lincoln City midfielder Peter Gain watched in The Imps' impressive 3-0 victory against Darlington
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History group to introduce charges
A HISTORY group is ending its decade-long policy of free admission to meetings, in order to meet growing financial pressures. South Moor Local History Society, based in South Moor, near Stanley, is introducing a £2 annual membership fee and a £1 entry
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Spending on war criticised by bishop
THE Bishop of Durham has criticised the large amount of money wasted on wars instead of fighting disease. In a clear reference to events in Iraq, the Very Reverend Michael Turnbull expressed his anti-war views in a message to concert-goers. The bishop
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News from the Guilds and WIs
Annfield Plain WI: THE November meeting was opened by the president Genia Collin and a warm welcome was given to visitors. Assistant secretary Margaret Westwater dealt with correspondence and treasurer Ruth Bates gave the financial report. Two thank you
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The judges who treat their wannabes well
Musicality (Ch4), Chubby Chasers (ITV), Max And Paddy's Road To Nowhere (Ch4): MUSICALITY is the latest reality television show, but unlike X Factor or Pop Idol, you can't deny these contestants have talent. From hundreds of wannabes the judges have chosen
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Alliance set for court
Pro-hunt campaigners have launched a legal challenge to overthrow Parliament's ban on the sport. Lawyers backed by the Countryside Alliance lodged papers at the High Court in London on Friday, seeking a judicial review of the Hunting Act which was finally
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River search for missing woman
A SEARCH for a woman feared to have fallen off a bridge into a North-East river was called off last night after rescue teams found no trace of her. The woman went missing at Winston Bridge, in County Durham, between Barnard Castle and Darlington, on Tuesday
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England Sevens up for Falcon Tait
NEWCASTLE Falcons' Mathew Tait was yesterday named in the 12-man England squad for the Emirates Airline IRB Sevens tournaments in Dubai and South Africa. The 18-year-old former Barnard Castle School pupil will fly to Dubai on Sunday and will be away for
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Food shop owner may face court
THE owner of a popular food shop at the centre of a major salmonella outbreak could face prosecution, it emerged this week. Robson's Fresh Foods in Stanley, was identified as the only possible source of the food bug, which infected at least 88 people
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New leads after TV plea to find killer
POLICE hunting the killer of North Yorkshire prostitute Lyndsey Bourne were yesterday following new lines of inquiry following an appeal on BBC's Crimewatch. Murder squad detectives reported a "good" response following the nationwide prime-time plea for
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PANTO HEAVEN 2004-5
Billingham Forum: Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs, stars Stu Francis, Michelle Hardwick and Michael James-Batchelor, runs December 9-January 9. Box Office: (01642) 552663 Darlington Civic: Peter Pan stars Cannon and Ball and Lee Brennan of boyband 911
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Plans revealed to create exclusive golf destination
MULTI-MILLION pound plans to create one of Britain's most luxurious hotels and one of the most exclusive golf destinations in the country have been unveiled. The £15m project is at the centre of plans by the Wynyard Club to make its course, near Teesside
