Archive
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Extra officers to police the county's streets
THE North-East and North Yorkshire will get more than 100 extra civilian police officers to help stamp out crime and fear in communities. Each of the forces in the region is to benefit, with 21 additional community support officers for Durham Police,
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Battle over High Row plans
CAMPAIGNERS fighting alterations to Darlington's High Row have stepped up their efforts. The issue arose at a full meeting last week of the borough council, which is pressing ahead with a £6.m 'pedestrian heart' scheme for the town centre. Conservative
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Visitors enjoy an Oriental flavour
A MIX of Oriental cultures came together in a fusion of Eastern crafts, art, music and costume. Durham's Oriental Museum staged its annual celebration of all things Asian, attracting overseas students and members of Middle and Far Eastern communities.
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Cannabis farm shock after police raid factory
POLICE were amazed when they raided a former chicken factory and found a huge cannabis farm. The farm in Hartlepool had an irrigation system, ultra-violet lights and working distribution system. There were hundreds of cannabis plants worth tens of thousands
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Petty clashes
CAR mechanic Tyrone might as well have the words LOSER IN LOVE tattooed across his forehead. When it comes to Maria, he's blind to the fact that she doesn't fancy him. Time and again in Coronation Street (ITV1) she does the dirty on the poor lad. Now
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Girls show rivals clean pair of heels
YOUNG athletes from an independent school are celebrating sweeping the board at two cross-country events. Pupils at Polam Hall Junior School in Darlington, competed at the recent Independent Schools' cross country contest against Teesside Preparatory
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No more chat from hamster chops
RETURNING to the subject of household noise, there is little doubt that a large proportion of it is down to Jack. Jack, aged 11, is a walking noise-box. Apart from the disturbance caused by his new electric guitar, he's just one of those kids who never
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Hospital consultant suspended in probe
A NORTH-EAST hospital consultant has been suspended from clinical practice after health chiefs launched an investigation into his work. Orthopaedic surgeon Kassim Mahdi has had to leave his post at Bishop Auckland General Hospital, in County Durham, pending
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Business centre gets cash for art project
AN artist has been commissioned to help an innovative business centre create a splash when it launches in the new year. Hambleton District Council has secured £19,000 of Arts Council England funding to launch its public art policy at the Springboard centre
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This hack should eat his words
I DON'T expect Geordies will get too worked up about The Spectator magazine's latest feeble attempt to poke fun at people who have the audacity not to live in London. Journalist Rod Liddle, clearly desperate for more of the sort of publicity attracted
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'My cellmate intended to kill himself'
A REMAND prisoner who was found hanged had not been placed on a suicide watch, a jury was told yesterday. At an inquest into the death of Terence Gaskell, 33, in Durham Jail, in October 2002, cellmate Michael Graham, a serving prisoner, said: "I got the
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Bullying and abuse in Army still rife, relatives tell MPs
BULLYING and abuse is continuing at Army training camps despite claims by senior officers to have stamped it out, bereaved families told MPs yesterday. Mothers and fathers of young recruits who died at Deepcut and Catterick barracks joined forces to urge
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Pietersen to the rescue
Kevin Pietersen made the first telling contribution of an international career which is expected to flourish as England completed another comprehensive victory over Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club. Ever since South African-born Pietersen first began
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Crumbs . . . Big problem from a mouse that took the biscuit
A LITTLE rodent has proved a big problem for a North-East motorist. When Michael Charlton took his nearly-new Renault Clio to the garage because it would not accelerate beyond 30mph, and was making terrible noises, he knew there would be some sort of
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Dad At Large
RETURNING to the subject of household noise, there is little doubt that a large proportion of it is down to Jack. Jack, aged 11, is a walking noise-box. Apart from the disturbance caused by his new electric guitar, he's just one of those kids who never
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Life for killer who threw teen off bridge
A thug threw a student to his death from a bridge two days after being questioned about the disappearance of a North Sea ferry passenger. John Chipp, 18, fell 85ft to his death after meeting Christopher Weldon, 28, as he returned home from a night out
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Contract wins help Atkins to boost earnings
CONSULTANTS Atkins said a string of lucrative contract wins in the region had helped it post half year pre-tax profits of £34m - up £10m on last year. The largest engineering consultancy in the UK, which employs 400 people at offices in Newcastle, Sunderland
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Ambrose ready to step out of Solano's shadow
NEWCASTLE midfielder Darren Ambrose is ready to plug a ten-month gap by becoming the long-term replacement for Nolberto Solano. The former Ipswich midfielder has struggled to escape from his former team-mate's shadow this year, despite the Peruvian winger
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Former factory up for change
A BUILDING where generations of Wear Valley residents spent their working life is making way for a twenty-first century industrial development. New businesses and homes will replace the former Ramar Textiles building in Crook, where 500 people worked
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Correction - Middlehaven development
The Northern Echo has been asked by developers Terrace Hill to point out that there is more than 170,000 square feet of office accommodation being built in the first phase of Middlesbrough's Middlehaven development, as opposed to the 80,000sq ft reported
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Craft at Christmas
A FREE Christmas craft weekend is being held at a museum in the region. The Dales Countryside Museum, in Hawes, North Yorkshire, will hold its Crafty Christmas weekend on December 11 and 12, from 10am to 5pm on both days. Acting museum manager Debbie
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McClaren faces ban from his FA bosses
MIDDLESBROUGH boss Steve McClaren faces a touchline ban after being charged with improper conduct by the Football Association. McClaren reacted angrily to full-back Franck Queudrue's dismissal at Tottenham on Sunday and could now be banished from the
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Footballers join smoking ban
TWO former North-East footballers joined local sports personalities to send out a no smoking message to users of four leisure centres. Former Sunderland player Eric Gates and Bobby Moncur, who captained Newcastle and Scotland, backed Sedgefield Borough
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Time running out for Caribbean-based district councillor
TIME is running out for a Wear Valley councillor serving his constituents from the Caribbean if he wants to keep his seat. Coun Stephen Gregory must go to at least one meeting of Wear Valley District Council this month, otherwise he faces being disqualified
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Inquest told of PCs' visit before crash
A MOTHER, whose son died in a crash, is demanding to know why police did not stop him from driving. At an inquest into the death of Darren McGee, 33, his mother, Margaret, was told how the police were called to a domestic incident at his house. PCs Darren
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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 (3) Troy 4 (7) Fahrenheit 9/11 5 (8) Day After Tomorrow 6 (10) Spider-Man 2 7 (-) King Arthur 8 (-) Stepford Wives 9 (9) Shrek 2 10 (6) Around The World In 80 Days Published
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The healing sound of music
Angie Harrison played viola with the Hall Orchestra for 16 years, but she gave up the world of the stage to work as a music therapist in North Yorkshire. Women's Editor Lindsay Jennings reports. THE room is filled with enticing musical instruments - including
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Busy week for N-E newcomer to films
A RISING North-East actress attended two film premieres in less than 24 hours this week. Newcomer Jessica Johnson was at The Gate entertainment complex, in Newcastle, on Monday night, for the premiere of British film, School for Seduction. The former
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It's Winnie the warrior
Christian Slater may be earning more credit as an actor in the West End version of One Flew Over the Cuckoos's Nest, but he tells Steve Pratt he's delighted to be playing a two-fingered US version of Churchill in a send-up of tinseltown. AS we leave the
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02/12/04
MINING MUSEUM: THE National Coal Mining Museum in West Yorkshire is a registered charity administered by a board of trustees. It was established with funding from West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire metropolitan county councils, Wakefield and Kirklees
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Cancer sufferer's appeal to bring cheer to sick children
A MAN suffering brain cancer is hoping to bring festive cheer to children with the disease. Jimmy Gustard, 40, of Urpeth Grange, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham, wants to send gifts to youngsters who will be spending Christmas in two North-East
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The Io Passion, Gala Theatre, Durham
CONTEMPORARY composer Harrison Birtwistle has a notoriously uncompromising approach to his music, which some find impenetrable. So it was all the more encouraging to see the Gala Theatre filled to capacity for a performance of his Io Passion by the Aldeburgh
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Councillors face Labour party cull
THE leader of the region's biggest council could be the highest profile casualty of a Labour party cull aimed at increasing the number of women councillors. Ken Manton, leader of Durham County Council, is one of a number of male councillors facing the
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Truth about the tragic gas leak
One Night In Bhopal (BBC1); Bruce Lee: Martial Arts Superstar (five): IT was the world's most devastating industrial disaster, but how much do you really know about the poisonous gas leak 20 years ago in the Indian city of Bhopal that killed 8,000 and
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Wendy brings title home
THE region is home to Britain's top female bodybuilder after Shildon woman Wendy McCready landed the British Championship title. The 27-year-old won her heavyweight class in the contest held in Nottingham and then went on to take the overall prize. As
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Have-a-go hero rewarded
A TAXIDERMIST who knocked the stuffing out of a gang of burglars has been hailed a hero by a judge. Eric Morton's courage in trying to stop the men, even though he was outnumbered, was praised by a judge at Newcastle Crown Court, who awarded him £500
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Now is a good time to be a new driver
A DRIVING recruitment specialist last night warned that newly-introduced legislation could delay the delivery of goods over Christmas. Bill Taylor, director of NEWdrive, a driving staff recruitment company, said the Working Time Directive, which came
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Shop given a new lease of life
A SHOP that has stood empty for many years is to re-open next week. The former Dressers store, in High Row, Darlington, will re-open on Monday as a branch of Bertie Clothing. The store will feature a nail bar, hairdressers and coffee shop, as well as
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'Brothel accusations that have made my life a misery'
A young mother has spoken out over false claims that she ran a brothel from her Durham home after she was wrongly put under police surveillance. Olivia Richwald reports. WHEN two police officers turned up at Lisa Niles' doorstep telling her they suspected
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Leisure group De Vere drives ahead
LEISURE group De Vere said yesterday it was planning to accelerate the expansion of its mid-market village hotels as it capitalises on a recovery in the hotels market. The group, which owns Slaley Hall hotel and golf course in Northumberland, and a Village
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Hospital consultant suspended in probe
A NORTH-EAST hospital consultant has been suspended from clinical practice after health chiefs launched an investigation into his work. Orthopaedic surgeon Kassim Mahdi has had to leave his post at Bishop Auckland General Hospital, in County Durham, pending
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Library takes to the road
A MOBILE library will be taking the written word to remote parts of the region. The vehicle was sent on its way by county council leader John Dennis in a ceremony at county hall, in Northallerton, yesterday. It will give a better library service to villages
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'Farmers gain from scheme'
MOORLAND farmers packed meetings held by the North York Moors National Park Authority at The Everley Hotel, Hackness, and The Lion Inn, Blakey, to hear details of a new environmental stewardship scheme being introduced by the Government. Peter Barfoot
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High-flyer will tackle heart disease
HEART disease care in Darlington is to reach new heights with the appointment of a specialist nurse. Former flight supervisor Alison Billau has been appointed coronary heart disease nurse at Darlington Primary Care Trust, expanding one of the region's
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Environment will benefit from deal
MORE woodland schemes, environmental works and access projects for the public are to be created. Scurrah Associates, in Boroughbridge, is the successful bidder for a countryside management contract with Yorkshire Water, potentially worth more than £1m
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£140,000 sporting chance for dales
SPORTS facilities in the dales have received a boost thanks to a lottery cash windfall. A £140,000 grant from Sport England means a derelict tennis court in Askrigg can be transformed into upper Wensleydale's first floodlit multi-use games area. Work
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Funding blow for town's schools
THOUSANDS of pupils and teachers across Darlington will have to wait up to nine years before they get new school buildings. Darlington's Local Education Authority (LEA) had hoped to get millions of pounds of Government money in the next two years through
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Staff raise £200 in Alan's memory
A CHARITY that raises money for children with diabetes has benefited from a collection held in memory of the former chairman of Sedgefield Primary Care Trust. (PCT) Staff donated more than £200 after the death of Alan Gray, who was also a member of Sedgefield
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Scheme is just the ticket
BUS passengers will be able to buy weekly and monthly tickets at local shops from Monday. Arriva tickets will be sold at 70 shops across County Durham that have PayPoint facilities, where people can pay phone and utility bills. Arriva said the scheme
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Author holds book signing
A MAN known as "Mr Guisborough" will be signing copies of his book about the town tomorrow. Estate agent Roger Darnton, named the town's citizen of the year in October, will sign copies of Guisborough - Photographic Memories at Guisborough Bookshop, Chaloner
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Teenagers focus on success
MESSAGES of support from stars of sport, broadcasting and politics has put County Durham youngsters on the path to business success. More than 400 children, aged between 14 and 16, attended a Focus 2004 event at St James' Park, in Newcastle, to mark National
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Last-minute dash for panto stars
PANTO stars will be joining shoppers to buy last-minute props for their production this month. The cast from Jack and the Beanstalk will be in full costume for a trolley dash at Morrison's in Berry Edge, Consett, on Monday, December 13, from 6.15pm until
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Toothbrush exchange for school
HEALTH workers keen to see how children look after their teeth are introducing a toothbrush exchange. The scheme is being introduced on December 6 at Grangetown Primary School, near Middlesbrough, organised by Middlesbrough Primary Care Trust. Health
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Have a say on coastline
RESIDENTS in Hartlepool are being asked to comment on a plan to protect the coastline. A public meeting will be held on Monday at the town's Civic Centre when a presentation will be given on the Shoreline Management Plan. The plan covers 95 miles from
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Local shops to sell bus tickets
BUS passengers will be able to buy weekly and monthly tickets at local shops. From Monday, Arriva tickets will be sold at 70 shops across County Durham with PayPoint facilities at which people can pay phone and utility bills. Arriva says the scheme is
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Factory to make way for homes
A BUILDING where generations of Wear Valley residents spent their working life is making way for an industrial development. New business units and houses will replace the former Ramar Textiles building in Crook, where 500 people worked at the time of
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The answer is... ah... err... hang on, we'll get it in a minute
YOUNGSTERS battled it out to be crowned champion of a maths challenge yesterday. Pupils at Burnhope Primary School, in Langley Avenue, Burnhope, near Stanley, took part in the "Number Day". The 65 children, aged four to 11, were sponsored to take part
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Payment to ex-miners expected
FAST-TRACK payments to former miners could begin as early as February, according to Government officials. Following a court judgement last month, it is expected that tens of thousands of ex-miners will receive faster payments for lung damage if they agree
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Dad At Large: No more chat from hamster chops
RETURNING to the subject of household noise, there is little doubt that a large proportion of it is down to Jack. Jack, aged 11, is a walking noise-box. Apart from the disturbance caused by his new electric guitar, he's just one of those kids who never
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Flat scheme approved
Flats are to be built at a spa hotel once proposed as a wife-swapping club. Derwentside District Council has granted permission for outbuildings next to the Local Spa Hotel, in Stanley High Street, to be converted into two flats. The first-floor flat
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Bedale Station to be revamped
Revised plans for the £1m revamp of Bedale Station have been announced. The move comes after councillors were told the inclusion of a conference centre in the development would be too expensive. Instead, Hambleton District Council plans to build a gallery
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Mum's the word for Tait
NEWCASTLE Falcons youngster Mathew Tait will be free of nerves when he wins his first England cap in today's Dubai Sevens - because he's too busy worrying about how his mum will react to his current lack of hair. The 18-year-old, who is based in the County
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'Stagnant Europe' falling behind UK
MANUFACTURING figures showing stronger than expected levels of activity during last month have provided a boost for industry. The surprise pick-up, shown in a study by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS), came as separate research
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Directives cost Brewin Dolphin more than £1m
INVESTMENT management group Brewin Dolphin recorded a rise in profits yesterday, despite "onerous" EU legislation costing it more than £1m this year. The group is the parent company of Wise Speke, which employs about 300 people in Teesside and Newcastle
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Caribbean councillor to quit
A NORTH-EAST councillor who provoked an outcry by claiming allowances while living 5,000 miles away in the Caribbean announced last night that he will resign. And Stephen Gregory, from Bishop Auckland, County Durham, vowed he would return to Britain before
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Clark's return could see Nelson exit
BEN Clark yesterday came through his comeback game for Hartlepool United - and that could mean a quicker exit for defender Micky Nelson. The central defender wants out of Victoria Park following a dispute with his agent and the club over an improved contract
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On TV
One Night In Bhopal (BBC1) Bruce Lee: Martial Arts Superstar (five) IT was the world's most devastating industrial disaster, but how much do you really know about the poisonous gas leak 20 years ago in the Indian city of Bhopal that killed 8,000 and left
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Enrolment days
The Darlington branch of the Workers' Educational Association will hold enrolment days from next Tuesday to Thursday, between 11am and 2pm, at Bennet House, in Horsemarket. Courses in Spring 2005 will include First Ladies, which is about restoration actresses
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'Addict is facing up to his addiction'
SERIAL shoplifter Richard Minahan's admission that heroin was the cause of his criminal career saved him from a first prison sentence yesterday. When Minahan, 31, pleaded guilty at Harrogate Magistrates' Court to two theft charges and breach of a community
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Survey will help to protect greenbelt
SITES capable of accommodating nearly 1,530 homes on previously-developed - or brownfield land - have been identified across the Hambleton district. Developers, consultants, architects, councillors and estate agents were among the 22 groups asked for
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Fun for kids at festival
GIANT sea creatures, scientific marvels and street theatre will greet shoppers in Newcastle this weekend. Sunday is children's day in the city's Winter Festival, from 11am to 4pm, even including a 50ft-long inflatable sperm whale. There will be marquees
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Having it all - at what cost?
I am a child of the 70s and so in my world, western women have always had the vote, enjoyed freedom of speech and been working towards total equality at home and work. I was brought up to believe that I could have anything if I worked hard enough and
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Crossing staff needed
STOCKTON Borough Council is taking on more staff for its crossing patrol service. Three senior crossing patrol posts and a supervisor are wanted, while there are still ten vacant crossing patrol posts to be filled, particularly in the Ingleby Barwick
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City hosts lantern parade for children
SCORES of children will light up city streets as part of a Christmas festival this weekend. On Saturday, 100 children from three schools in Durham will take part in a lantern procession through the city, starting at 4pm at Millburngate Shopping Centre
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Children's bird boxes to be given away
A DISTRICT council is giving away 20 garden bird-feeding kits to help feathered friends through the winter. The free kits have been made out of recycled furniture by schoolchildren from the No Limits Team based at Park View School, in Chester-le-Street
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Pub plan refused over noise concerns
PLANS to change the use of a row of terrace buildings on the seafront of Seaton Carew into a pub have been refused by councillors. Members of Hartlepool Borough Council's planning committee met yesterday to discuss plans for the vacant buildings on The
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Kung Fu expert opens roadshow
A KUNG Fu expert who represents Great Britain is helping to launch an event to help young people in the North-East succeed in business. Shaka Brown, from Gateshead, will perform a Chinese lion dance to open Saturday's Drop the T' Roadshow, which aims
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Radcliffe can put his stamina to good use
MARKET RASEN'S tricky fences shouldn't be a problem to Radcliffe (2.20), a leading contender for the stamina-sapping feature race on the card, the Symes Broomer Handicap Chase. The Venetia Williams-trained chaser put in a series of spectacular leaps when
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Half a century on, lights go up at rail station
PARISH council chairman Harry Irwin took a trip down memory lane yesterday to switch on the Christmas lights at Britain's newest heritage railway. As he helped signal the start of a programme of Santa Specials on the Weardale line in County Durham over
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Greyhounds recovering after motorway accident
TWO greyhounds who were seriously injured in a road accident are recovering after undergoing surgery. Both of the animals needed medical treatment after they were injured in the collision on Monday night. A third greyhound died at the scene of the crash
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Kuffour added to United's hit-list
Newcastle have turned their attentions to Bayern Munich centre-half Samuel Kuffour as they look to shore up their shaky defence when the transfer window re-opens next month, writes Scott Wilson. The Ghana international is currently in the final year of
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Museum plan gets £1.8m funding
AN ambitious plan to turn Scarborough's Rotunda Museum into an international centre of geology has been awarded a £1.8m grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). Scarborough Borough Council, in conjunction with the newly-formed Museums Trust, headed by
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Lighting up the night in aid of charity funds
A COUPLE are decorating their home with Christmas decorations after a successful display last year. The display was so popular with their neighbours in Carrville, near Durham, that Ellen and Mike Carlin were almost duty bound to repeat the gesture this
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Double I do
Only TV scriptwriters would come up with the idea of marrying a pair of actors who have just got married in real life. Robert Daws and Amy Robbins, who play doctors in The Royal on ITV1, were happy to oblige. Steve Pratt reports. STARS of ITV1's The Royal
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Awards honour pupils' hard work
PUPILS have been honoured for outstanding achievements throughout the school year. Youngsters from Longfield School in Darlington, gathered at the annual prize-giving night last Thursday to receive their awards from the editor of The Northern Echo, Peter
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What a performance as stars prepare for pantomime
PANTOMIME stars were yesterday gearing up for the opening night of a classic show. Peter Pan comes to Darlington Civic Theatre next Thursday and runs until January 25, with both evening and matinee shows. The cast, which met for the official photo-call
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Blue Heaps fight dealt major blow
RESIDENTS have spoken of their disappointment after a campaign to preserve two historic open spaces was dealt a huge setback. Durham County Council held a public inquiry in July into the future of the Blue Heaps and the Top of the Park sites, which both
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Now you see it
Phyllida Barlow has returned to her Tyneside birthplace to create a series of major sculptures which are unlikely to survive when the exhibition closes. The artist talks to Viv Hardwick about why she's finally worrying about her recycled art policy at
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Lawrence welcomes back rival Piper
LIAM Lawrence has welcomed team-mate Matt Piper's long-awaited return to fitness, despite the right winger threatening to take his place in the Sunderland first team. Piper, who has made just 12 league appearances for the Black Cats since moving from
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Lisa's life in tatters after brothel slur
A MOTHER who was falsely accused of running a brothel from her home has said the mix-up has left her life in tatters. Twenty-one-year-old Lisa Niles has been the centre of neighbourhood gossip and a target for abuse ever since police turned up at her
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'Workers have given up hope'
NEARLY 200 staff at manufacturer Pressworks Metals will lose their jobs by December 17, administrators said. As reported by The Northern Echo on November 3, administrators said the company, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, would close before Christmas
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£360m awarded to North-East road and transport schemes
THE North-East is to receive more than £360m over the next three years to spend on road and transport improvements, the Government has announced. The money is over and above that already allocated to a number of schemes, including the upgrade of parts
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Museum plan gets £1.8m funding
AN ambitious plan to turn Scarborough's Rotunda Museum into an international centre of geology has been awarded a £1.8m grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). Scarborough Borough Council, in conjunction with the newly-formed Museums Trust, headed by
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Nursery earns praise
A NURSERY school in Darlington has been given a glowing report from school inspectors. The Ofsted report found Borough Road Nursery was an effective school which provided a good education. Inspectors said: "Children's personal qualities, including their
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'Driving while using mobiles can kill'
A SERIES of road safety measures have been unveiled in the region, with stiffer penalties for using mobile phones behind the wheel. The Government's Road Safety Bill is aimed at tackling drink-driving and clamping down on uninsured and irresponsible driving
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Christmas spectacular
A FULL programme of entertainment has been announced to celebrate the switching on of the Christmas lights in Consett this weekend. A Christmas fair takes place in Blackhill and Consett Park, on Saturday, from 3pm. There will be a crafts marquee, fairground
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Jack's last gamble romps home at 40-1
THE family of a lifelong punter gave him the perfect send-off when they placed a bet after his funeral - and won more than £2,000. Jack Ross, 80, loved a bet, so at his funeral last week in Leadgate, near Consett, the family held a whip round to have
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Elderly patient's plea for night nursing provision
THE family of a terminally ill cancer patient has said she has been let down by the health service by its failure to provide her with night care. Louie McCrickard, 80, from Gainford, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, has an aggressive form of bone cancer
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Bypass fight is over
A COMMUNITY'S 50-year wait for a bypass has ended after a government inspector approved a £5m new route. The A688 West Auckland bypass will reduce traffic through the centre of the village, improve road safety and open up business links between the county
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MP calls for action to tackle bovine TB
A NORTH-East MP has called for more Government action to stop the spread of bovine TB into the region. Peter Atkinson, the Conservative MP for Hexham, in Northumberland, this week tabled an Early Day Motion saying that further delays in tackling bovine
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Foreign buyouts lift Sage profits
SOFTWARE group Sage said it was reaping the benefits of overseas acquisitions as it announced a 20 per cent rise in yearly profits to £181m. Sage, which is the last surviving technology group in the FTSE 100 index, said the companies it bought in the
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Kung Fu expert opens roadshow
A KUNG Fu expert who represents Great Britain is helping to launch an event to help young people in the North-East succeed in business. Shaka Brown, from Gateshead, will perform a Chinese lion dance to open Saturday's Drop the T' Roadshow, which aims
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Lights, children, Santa
HUNDREDS of children will light up city streets as part of a Christmas festival. On Saturday, 100 children from three Durham schools will take part in a lantern procession through the city. They will set off at 4pm, from Millburngate Shopping Centre,
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Put aside feelings for victim's family, jury told
A JURY was told to put aside feelings for a car crash victim's family when reaching a verdict on a man accused of causing his death. North-East soldier Mark Coates yesterday admitted being responsible for the accident in which pensioner James Balmer was
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Kelly's comeback
Steve Pratt discovers how failed Big Breakfast host Kelly Brook managed to bounce back as an Italian seductress with a passable Geordie accent. MODEL-turned-actress Kelly Brook enlisted the help of Newcastle taxi drivers to help prepare for her first
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Comment from The Northen Echo: Aiming at the wrong target
THERE is little to be gained in gauging the success of schools exclusively by exam or test results. Schools in affluent areas will invariably achieve better academic results than schools in disadvantaged areas. Children from affluent areas will invariably
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John North: Ducking and dining
Prompted by a nostalgic note in a newspaper, the column goes in search of so-called 'penny ducks'. AMID all the heavyweight letters in last Saturday's Guardian were a missive about Nelson Mandela's favourite pickle - Mrs Ball's Chutney, apparently - and
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Policeman arrested on suspicion of murder
A serving policeman from Teesside has been arrested on suspicion of murder. The 40-year-old was arrested after the body of a woman was found at Barwick Close, Ingleby Barwick, at 8am today. A spokesman for Cleveland Police said: "I can confirm that a
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Mother Goose, Harrogate Theatre
NO egg joke is left uncracked in writer Nicolas Pegg's egg-cellent (sorry, it's catching) pantomime. In fact, there's rather too much of a good thing. The production could - indeed, should - lose 20 minutes or so to take it closer to two rather than three
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Tragedy overshadows news of pupils' progress in tests
PUPILS at a North-East school where a boy collapsed and died during a maths examination have not received official results for the test, it was revealed last night. Another school did not receive achievements in its English test because the papers were
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Contract wins help Atkins to boost earnings
CONSULTANTS Atkins said a string of lucrative contract wins in the region had helped it post half year pre-tax profits of £34m - up £10m on last year. The largest engineering consultancy in the UK, which employs 400 people at offices in Newcastle, Sunderland
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'Rat run' may be closed
A NEWLY opened footpath that connects two housing estates could be closed, after it became a haven for yobs and criminals. Crime has soared in the Ullswater Avenue area since the path connecting it with the new Railway View housing estate opened. And
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B&B upbeat about house price rises
MORTGAGE specialist Bradford and Bingley predicted the housing market would continue to soften as a series of interest rate rises take their toll. But the lender said house prices would still rise by about two per cent next year - in contrast to some
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Why smoking may be all that's on the menu at the pub
PUBS could stop selling food if the Government presses ahead with proposals for a smoking ban in England, a leading UK operator warned. Mitchells and Butlers, which owns brands including All Bar One and O'Neills, said the proposals could lead to pubs
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Fleming and Hignett set for recall to first-team action
Curtis Fleming and Craig Hignett are set to return to first-team action after playing for the reserves at Doncaster yesterday and emerging unscathed. Fleming and Hignett both played the full 90 minutes in the 3-1 defeat after recovering from injury and
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Treatment refused to abusive patient
STAFF refused to treat a blood-soaked man because of his rowdy and abusive behaviour in a busy hospital's casualty department, a court heard yesterday. Prosecutor Michael Hammond told Harrogate magistrates how police had been called to a house in the
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Running off with prizes
YOUNG athletes from an independent school are celebrating sweeping the board at two cross-country events. Pupils at Polam Hall Junior School, in Darlington, competed at the Independent Schools' Cross Country contest against Teesside Preparatory and High
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Santa ready to Light Up A Life
Santa Claus will arrive at Hartlepool Historic Quay on Saturday to support Hartlepool and District Hospice. Santa will take up residence at 3pm ahead of the hospice's annual Light Up a Life event, which starts at 6pm, and which allows people to sponsor
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Health trust gets keys to the door
A walk-in medical centre in Darlington has moved a step closer after contractors handed over the keys to the town's primary care trust. The launch of the nurse-led clinic is scheduled for the end of next month. Residents will then be able to take advantage
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Athletes closer to Olympic dream
THE fundraising efforts of a sporting team with Olympic ambitions received a boost this week. The group of 19 adults with special needs is aiming to raise £7,000 to fund their first visit to the Special Olympics in Glasgow, next June. They received two
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'No threat from asbestos'
RESIDENTS of council flats in Darlington have been reassured that there is no threat from asbestos in their properties. Asbestos warning stickers appeared in Elvet Place, Cockerton, following decorating work carried out at the flats. However, Darlington
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Three released on bail in race-fixing inquiry
THREE men arrested as part of an investigation into allegations of horse race-fixing were last night released on bail, police said. Trainer Alan Berry, jockey Paul Bradley and farrier Steve O'Sullivan were detained at Mr Berry's stables near Lancaster
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From acorns to tomorrow's woodland
IT is hoped oak trees will start to grow in a Stockton woodland park thanks to the hard work of a local resident. To round off National Tree Week, Stockton Borough Council's parks and countryside service invited Keith Burrows to plant about 25 oak saplings
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Landmark is toppled
RESIDENTS celebrated as a controversial North-East landmark came down yesterday. The chimney at Byker Incinerator, in Newcastle, was demolished after a five-year battle between residents and Newcastle City Council. The authority was fined £25,000 two
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Walk raises £350
TEENAGERS have braved the elements to raise cash for new village facilities. Members of Langley Park Community Youth Group donned fancy dress for a sponsored walk in the Durham area, from Old Esh through Cornsay Colliery and Quebec to Langley Park. The
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Teen pregnancy movie to be shown at Greek festival
A film made on Teesside tackling teenage pregnancy, peer pressure and spiked drinks is competing in an international festival. Mel Foley and Helen Ward, who produced it, are flying out to the European Children's Film Festival in Greece this weekend, where
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Cash windfall high note for musicians
A BAND can keep on marching thanks to two cash windfalls. Richmondshire Milleniumaires has received £7,000 from the York and North Yorkshire Children's Network and £3,550 from the National Lottery. The money will spent on transporting the band and its
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Children walk with lanterns
CHILDREN are taking part in a lantern parade tonight to celebrate the switch-on of the Christmas lights. Volunteers in Cockfield, Teesdale, have raised more than £3,000 towards the village's Christmas decorations. About 150 children will walk from Cockfield
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Wardens show their work to residents
STREET wardens celebrated their second birthday with an open day for residents. Wear Valley Street wardens showed residents what had been achieved since the scheme was launched. The event was held at the community centre, in Proudfoot Drive, Bishop Auckland
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£6,000 prize on offer to community groups
COMMUNITY groups could receive a prize simply by saying why they are a worthy cause. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is offering community organisations, schools and other groups the chance to scoop a Christmas present of up to £6,000. All that
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The science of winning top awards
A DURHAM school has scooped two national awards for its science teaching. Two members of staff at Durham High School for Girls have been hailed the best in the country, just over a year after the school unveiled its new science block. Sharon Marsden won
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Man dies in road works tragedy
A WORKER was killed yesterday following an accident involving road-surfacing machinery. The victim, who has not been named, suffered fatal injuries as he carried out road maintenance work. Police were called to the scene, near the Tesco superstore, in
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Concern for safety of missing man
POLICE are growing increasingly concerned for the safety of a 40-year-old man who has now been missing from home for ten days. Michael McLaren, from the Thief Lane area of York, was last seen shortly after 8am on November 22. "There is genuine concern
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Radcliffe can put his stamina to good use
MARKET RASEN'S tricky fences shouldn't be a problem to Radcliffe (2.20), a leading contender for the stamina-sapping feature race on the card, the Symes Broomer Handicap Chase. The Venetia Williams-trained chaser put in a series of spectacular leaps when
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Campaign for common land suffers setback after report
RESIDENTS last night spoke of their disappointment after a campaign to save open spaces in a town was dealt a major blow. Durham County Council held a public inquiry in July into the future of the Blue Heaps and the Top of the Park sites, both next to
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Festive focus
A workshop looking at creating festive gift tags, cards and labels takes place in Consett library, on Tuesday, from 2pm to 4pm. The session is part of a series by the Learning Network Project, a partnership project between Durham County Council's Return
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Action plan aims to improve night image
AN action plan to improve the image of Scarborough town centre at night has been launched. Publicans, nightspot owners, councillors, business leaders, magistrates, police, schools and colleges, and hospital staff are among the people who have helped draw
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Go-ahead for house plans
A HOUSING association has been given the go-ahead to start work on two projects. Nomad Housing Group is to build two houses on vacant lots in Park Drive, Langley Park, near Durham, and 11 more on land between Park Drive and Esh Hillside. It will also
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Students hear plight of child with Aids
A SPECIAL school devoted a day of lessons to World Aids Day to help students understand more about the virus. The Meadows, in Spennymoor, took part in the Lessons For Life campaign. Throughout the day, students looked at statistics, looked at how the
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Brown optimistic about the economy
Chancellor Gordon Brown set out an upbeat picture of Britain's economic prospects as he delivered his annual Pre-Budget Report today. As the Government prepares for an expected general election next year, Mr Brown predicted another year of strong growth
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Bending over backwards to get pupils fit
TALENTED school pupils gathered for a gymnastics festival yesterday this week aimed at getting more youngsters interested in sport. Pupils from 24 schools across Sedgefield borough performed energetic displays at Spennymoor Leisure Centre - home of South
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£280 gift to help people's health
MONEY from a pantomime will help people from Chernobyl to enjoy a two-week holiday in the North-East next summer. Cinderella was staged by members of community groups Craft Works and Green Explorers, in Barnard Castle. The cast has donated £280 which
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Cadets aim for African adventure
THREE cadets are appealing for help with a dream trip to Africa. Craig Ridley, Sarah Clark and Chris Jack, all lance corporals with Durham Army Cadet Force, have signed up for a four-week trip to Tanzania next July. It will include climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
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Volunteers seek squatters' rights for museum rooms
A MUSEUM is claiming squatters' rights on a building its council landlord wants to sell. Richmondshire Museum, in Richmond, North Yorkshire, says it has never been charged rent by the district council for two rooms it first occupied in 1978. The space
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Councillors face Labour party cull
THE leader of the region's biggest council could be the highest profile casualty of a Labour party cull aimed at increasing the number of women councillors. Ken Manton, leader of Durham County Council, is one of a number of male councillors facing the
