Archive
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Hodgson seeking talks with striker Armstrong
DARLINGTON manager David Hodgson will hold talks with Alun Armstrong this month to discuss the striker's future at the Williamson Motors Stadium. Two League One club's are believed to have expressed a tentative interest in the 29-year-old. Armstrong is
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Drumming up support to make games go with bang
BUOYANT Darlington Football Club has unveiled an initiative to help drum up fresh support for the Quakers. The club is staging a Bang the Drum for Darlington night during Tuesday's home match against Mansfield Town. Supporters are being encouraged to
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Murray is hoping for an invite back to the party
CHAIRMEN from many of the top European clubs gathered together in the millionaires paradise of Dubai this week to discuss issues facing the future of football. The head of Sunderland Football Club, Bob Murray, was one man not in attendance. Tanning himself
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I'll vote for that
"NOW I want everyone to vote on this one," said my wife in full 'I'm mother, I mean it' mode to the rest of the family as I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here (ITV1) started its second week. She paused carefully and announced: "Hands up all those who
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A Royal appointment
Sunday night hospital drama The Royal returns this weekend with some thought-provoking storylines - and a glimpse of Sister Brigid's knickers. At the end of a hard day filming ITV1's 1960s hospital drama The Royal, the actresses remove their theatrical
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N-E actor makes debut in Street
A YOUNG North-East actor made his debut in Britain's favourite soap last night. Michael Imerson played Dave Bellis - Coronation Street's latest love rat. Dave, who stole the heart of young hairdresser Maria in Spain, last night tricked her into handing
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Pupils beaten in Hard Spell
A GROUP of children from the region failed to reach the semi-final of the BBC1 Hard Spell competition last night. The five youngsters tested their knowledge against a team of children from the South-West in the contest to find the country's best young
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BPI workers to strike over pay
WORKERS at BPI's Stockton factory will hold three one-day stoppages over the coming month, it was revealed last night. Unions had agreed to postpone industrial action following a meeting with management at BPI - also known as Visqueen - last Friday. But
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An island of happy accidents
SUGATH has been telling me about Sri Lanka's tradition of cave temples. At Dambulla, in the first century BC, King Valgambahu took refuge from his enemies in the natural caves high in the hills. When he regained his throne, he honoured the sanctuary he
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MPs shocked by father's urn gesture
MPS were left shocked when a grieving father presented them with the remains of his dead soldier son during a Government inquiry into the Army's treatment of recruits. Heartbroken Joe McGregor told members of the Defence Select Committee: "You have seen
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Services sector growth points to pick-up in UK economy
FURTHER evidence of a pick-up in the UK economy emerged last night with figures showing the services sector growing at its strongest pace in three months during November. Growth in new business was particularly strong and helped combat the impact of higher
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McCarthy sees Myhre's quality shining through
REJUVENATED Thomas Myhre's turnaround in fortunes have come full circle at Sunderland after being told he is wanted until the end of the season and possibly beyond. A move away from Wearside has always been on the cards for the second-choice goalkeeper
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Lack of entries for big race
ORGANISERS of one of the North-East most long-established road races are baffled by a fall-off in entries. Only 95 athletes - mainly club runners - have so far signed up for today's Elswick Harriers Norman Woodcock Memorial six mile road race in the grounds
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McClaren to fight FA charge
MIDDLESBROUGH manager Steve McClaren is warming up for a fight to clear his name and avoid a touchline ban after being charged by the Football Association for improper conduct. McClaren, who confirmed he has requested a personal hearing, was given until
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McCarthy sees Myhre's quality shining through
REJUVENATED Thomas Myhre's turnaround in fortunes have come full circle at Sunderland after being told he is wanted until the end of the season and possibly beyond. A move away from Wearside has always been on the cards for the second-choice goalkeeper
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Dyke relishing university role
FORMER BBC boss Greg Dyke added a new string to his bow yesterday - when he was installed as Chancellor of York University. Mr Dyke, a former student at the university, took on the role as its formal head at a ceremony on the Heslington campus. His duties
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Paralympian shops for better access for disabled this Christmas
RETAIL bosses are being urged not to be Scrooges and leave disabled people out in the cold this Christmas. Minister for the Disabled Maria Eagle said: "Christmas shopping can be difficult at the best of times. "For disabled people negotiating busy shops
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Inquest verdict on motorist who was over drink limit
A DISQUALIFIED driver who crashed into roundabout at speed while three times over the limit died after suffering horrific head injuries, an inquest was told yesterday. Darren McGee was driving his Ford Escort at speeds in excess of 55mph when he lost
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Make good use of grease, says bird charity
FEEDING the birds this winter could help prevent homes flooding, an animal welfare charity said yesterday. Residents are being urged not to pour kitchen grease down the sink and instead use it to produce bird cakes. The cakes are made by mixing solidified
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Murder charge for policeman after wife dies of stab wounds
A POLICEMAN was last night charged with the murder of his wife. PC Ivor Jones, 40, who is a serving officer with Cleveland police, will appear at Teesside Magistrates' Court this morning. The body of Maria Jones, 36, was found in the bedroom of the family
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Callers pledge their support for suspended consultant
MORE calls flooded in yesterday to a phoneline set up after the suspension of a North-East hospital consultant. Health trust staff manning an inquiry line for patients of orthopaedic surgeon Mr Kassim Mahdi answered 67 calls, following the 70 they took
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Old head backs Cats' young guns
WHEN Gary Breen celebrates his birthday in eight days time, he turns 31 and will reaffirm his position as one of the oldest and most experienced players in the Sunderland dressing room. Only Mart Poom, Marcus Stewart and Thomas Myhre at the club have
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Merry nights ahead for pantomime
PLENTY of laughs for all the family are promised in Hawes Amateur Operatic Society's version of Robin Hood. Faces familiar and new will star in the pantomime, written by Sue Harpley. Producer and director Colin Bailey said the show would be a night of
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Saving Santa from the f-word
New computer animation has allowed Tom Hanks to take on all five roles in his latest movie. He talks to Steve Pratt about working without children and using the f-word. Tom Hanks has a favour to ask as he gets up to leave the room. "Please censor my language
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A royal appointment
At the end of a hard day filming ITV1's 1960s hospital drama The Royal, the actresses remove their theatrical make-up and head home. Linda Armstrong, however, does the opposite. Off comes Sister Brigid's nun's habit and on goes the make-up. "I'm thrilled
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Spennymoor boss Clark hoping impressive form continues
Spennymoor are wanting to keep their run of top form going when they take on Burscough at the Brewery Field in the UniBond League this afternoon. After slumping in the league cup ten days ago, Moors have thumped Droylsden 4-2 in the Trophy, and on Tuesday
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Unions urge tenants to reject homes transfer plan
COUNCIL tenants are being urged to vote against proposals by their local authority to transfer its housing stock. The TUC and Unison have called a public meeting to discuss the future of Sedgefield Borough Council's housing stock, on Tuesday night, in
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Cider thief ends up paying for his drink
A 17-YEAR-OLD from Bishop Auckland, who stole four cans of cider from a shop, has had his referral order extended by three months. The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to stealing the cans, which were worth £3.45. Darlington
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Workers must wait for payout ruling
FORMER shipyard workers from the region will have to wait until the New Year before they find out if they can still claim compensation for an asbestos-related lung disease. A judgement on whether compensation payments to people who develop "pleural plaques
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Joiner hangs up his tool kit
A SCHOOL joiner got his retirement plans off to a flying start with the ride in a helicopter. Friends and colleagues of John Walton, from Barnard Castle School, clubbed together to pay for the flight. Mr Walton, 65, has worked at the school for 20 years
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Man locked up for raping prostitute
A MAN has been jailed for ten years for raping a prostitute at knifepoint. The 42-year-old woman gave evidence at Teesside Crown Court over a video link about her ordeal in the home of a client Abdel Khali. She said that she was walking alone in central
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Filling in the cracks of my ignorance
TO a previous generation of pen-pushers, the coalminer must have been an object of fascination. Coaldust-black apart from the whites of his eyes and the pink of his licked lips, he talked a funny, foreign language of unfathomable technicalities: in-bye
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Residents approve of services
NEARLY 70 per cent of residents have said they are satisfied with the services provided by Darlington Borough Council. In a survey in September, more than 1,000 people were asked what they thought of the council. The results show that 69.3 per cent said
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Charity celebrates 30 years of raising cash
A CHARITY that has raised more than £330,000 has celebrated its 30th anniversary. Members of Teesdale Cancer Research UK held a celebration meal to mark three decades of raising money. Among the two dozen volunteers at the Fox and Hounds in Cotherstone
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Council spends £500,000 on improving crossings
THE latest phase of a £500,000 scheme to improve Darlington's roads has been completed. Darlington Borough Council has invested the money in a series of projects in the town, aimed at enhancing safety for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. A £23,000
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Post office is on the move
A VILLAGE post office is due to close - only to reopen a short distance away. The Post Office says that following the resignation of the sub-postmaster, Brandon post office, in Lowland Road, will move to the Co-op store, about 440 yards away, probably
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Pub regulars' help for Adam
REGULARS will pack out a north Durham pub tonight to help a child become more mobile. All 250 tickets for the event at the Garden Farm Hotel, Chester-le-Street, have been sold at £5 each, which will include bingo, singers Wes Hood and Darren Carr, comedian
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Spring date for nursery
THE foundation stone for a neighbourhood nursery and children's centre in North Ormesby has been laid by local MP Stuart Bell. The £850,000 centre, which will include an 85-place nursery with full day care for newborn to four-year-olds, is due to open
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Boro players help to light the way
MORE than 2,000 people saw this year's Christmas lights being switched on in a Teesside town. It had been hoped that Middlesbrough FC manager Steve McClaren would turn on the lights on Stockton High Street on Thursday night. However, due to unforseen
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Festival to promote district's businesses
A FESTIVAL of food and drink is to be held in the grounds of Castle Howard to promote Ryedale businesses. Andrew Leeming, Ryedale District Council economic development manager, said the event would be a celebration of local produce and more than 100 food
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Plan for stable is rejected
A scheme to build a 12-stable equestrian complex has been rejected by a planning inspector following an appeal. Victoria White took her plan for the complex, at the corner of Cross Lane and York Lane, Flaxton, to a Government inquiry after it was rejected
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Sky is no limit with an RAF career
A TEAM of airmen showed youngsters what the RAF had to offer at a skills festivals for schools. Linton-on-Ouse officers were among more than 100 organisations at Skillsfest 2004, in Harrogate. The event was opened by local Liberal Democrat MP Phil Willis
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Lack of development keeps big names out
MORE big-name high street retail and leisure firms are keen to move into Stanley town centre. Household names such as McDonalds, JJB Sports, Argos and pub chain JD Wetherspoon want to open outlets. But a report to Derwentside District Council says they
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Unions urge transfer block
COUNCIL tenants are being urged to vote against proposals by their local authority to transfer its housing stock. The TUC and Unison have called a public meeting to discuss the future of Sedgefield Borough Council's housing stock, on Tuesday, in Spennymoor
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£5.2m to continue work on rebuilding mining areas
FORMER mining communities in east Durham are to share in a £5.2m handout. Details of the new funding were revealed by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) at the Glebe Centre, in Murton. It had earlier been announced that the North-East's coalfield
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Council improves - but still work to do
A COUNCIL service has been told it is improving by a Government inspection - but it still has areas in which it can do better. The administration of Chester-le-Street District Council's revenues and benefits service had been rated as poor just over a
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Assault course no match for TFM team
RADIO presenters have been put through their paces by soldiers from one of the region's Army regiments. Ditchy, Dave Easson, Steve Harris and Giles Tanner, from Teesside station TFM, joined the Green Howards' 122 Army Youth Team for a gruelling afternoon
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Firm helps law students
A law firm is stumping up to help the legal talent of the future. Ward Hadaway in Newcastle has awarded annual bursaries of £1,500 each to six Durham University law students. They also get a month's paid work experience and can progress to the second
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Paint a picture of success at Haydock with Rembrandt
SIR REMBRANDT (2.10) has the class bid to redeem a somewhat tarnished reputation by bouncing back to form in Haydock's feature event, the prestigious three-mile Tommy Whittle Chase. The £60,000 showpiece comes hard on the heels of a day Sir Rembrandt
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Salt barn unveiled as highways agency prepares for winter chill
DRIVERS in the North East can look forward to well-treated roads this winter thanks to a newly-opened facility. A 3,500-ton capacity salt barn was opened yesterday at the Highway Agency's Carville Depot, in Durham, which will be in the front line of its
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Blair attack on battle to save pits
TONY BLAIR launched an extraordinary attack yesterday on North-East council leaders who fought mine closures in the 1980s - comparing them to the Soviet Politburo. The Prime Minister criticised councillors who had vowed to "take industrial action here
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MPs shocked by father's urn gesture
MPS were left shocked when a grieving father presented them with the remains of his dead soldier son during a Government inquiry into the Army's treatment of recruits. Heartbroken Joe McGregor told members of the Defence Select Committee: "You have seen
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Prison system contributed to man's suicide
THE lack of an effective system to identify prisoners at risk of suicide contributed to the death of an inmate, an inquest ruled yesterday. The jury found there were failings in the documentation dealing with people at risk and raised serious concerns
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From Chicago to studio
Rebecca Thornhill may have starred in some o f the West End's biggest musicals but she's more than happy to swap them for a tiny Harrogate venue, she tells Steve Pratt. LES Miserables, Cats, Singing In The Rain and Me And My Girl - just four of the big
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Investigation after couple found dead
A MURDER-STYLE investigation was under way last night after the bodies of a married couple were found at their North-East home. Derek and Margaret Wood were discovered at their terraced house in Stephenson Street, Darlington. Mrs Wood, who was in her
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Focus on animal animation
A FESTIVAL of animation highlighting tales of animal antics will be held in the region next year. Middlesbrough will host the sixth Animex International Festival of Animation, created by the University of Teesside, from January 31 to February 4. Among
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Home draw the key to Pool's Cup aspirations
THERE'S no place like home for Hartlepool United this season. And midfield mainstay Mark Tinkler knows just how important home advantage is for this afternoon's FA Cup tie with Aldershot. Pool meet the Nationwide Conference side with a place in tomorrow's
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Lapland visitor greets children
YOUNGSTERS came face to face with the real Father Christmas who came all the way from Lapland. Santa made the journey from the Finnish town of Rovaniemi - dubbed the home of Christmas - to Durham City. He met pupils from St Margaret's Primary School outside
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Merel Quartet, King's Hall, Newcastle University
The Newcastle International Chamber Music Series has hosted a string of pleasant surprises so far this season; a trend kept alive by the Merel Quartet, which treated an audience to a mix of the more traditional and the eclectic. Proceedings at Newcastle
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Home draw the key to Pool's Cup aspirations
THERE'S no place like home for Hartlepool United this season. And midfield mainstay Mark Tinkler knows just how important home advantage is for this afternoon's FA Cup tie with Aldershot. Pool meet the Nationwide Conference side with a place in tomorrow's
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Tributes paid to much-loved centenarian
A CENTENARIAN has died just over two months before her 101st birthday. Dorothy Metcalfe, a former civil servant, who was living at St Mary's Convent in Ebchester, near Consett, County Durham, died peacefully in the care home on Tuesday. Miss Metcalfe,
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Miner's fears over medicals threat to fast-track payouts
A FORMER miner has voiced fears that ex-pitmen could unwittingly disqualify themselves from new fast-track payments by attending medicals. John Saiger 57, from Bowburn, near Durham, is agonising over whether he should keep an appointment to have a medical
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Hodgson seeking talks with striker Armstrong
DARLINGTON manager David Hodgson will hold talks with Alun Armstrong this month to discuss the striker's future at the Williamson Motors Stadium. Two League One club's are believed to have expressed a tentative interest in the 29-year-old. Armstrong is
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Joint venture discussions at Corus reach critical stage
TALKS surrounding a joint venture at Corus's Teesside division, which would secure more than 2,500 jobs, have reached a critical stage. As the steel company's division at Redcar, Teesside Cast Products (TCP), marked a milestone in exporting its millionth
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Theatre pantomime opens
PANTOMIME stars are holding their final rehearsals ahead of one of Teesside's major productions of the year. Ticket sales are going well for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which opens at Billingham Forum Theatre on Thursday. Stars of the panto are Stu
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Train delay is just not cricket
A TRAIN had to be stopped after a plague of crickets invaded a carriage on the East Coast mainline. Passengers screamed and staff ran around the Virgin Voyager when thousands of the insects started hopping around. The 14.21 service from Newcastle to Cardiff
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Saturday Spotlight: Racists shown red card at the Stadium of Light
WHEN England's black players were racially abused in the Bernabeu last month, everyone involved in the domestic game comforted themselves with the knowledge that it wouldn't happen here. Racism, for so long a blight on the beautiful game, was something
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Blair attack on battle to save pits
TONY BLAIR launched an extraordinary attack yesterday on North-East council leaders who fought mine closures in the 1980s - comparing them to the Soviet Politburo. The Prime Minister criticised councillors who had vowed to "take industrial action here
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Innovative medics receive accolade
MEDICS at a North-East hospital have scooped a national award for being innovators in their field. Dr Vince Connolly and his team from James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, won the acute medicine category at the Hospital Doctor Awards in London
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At Your Service: A pew with a view
Perched on a hill, the church of St Andrew, Winston, has magificent views befitting its friendly parishoners. HIGH, handsome and looking all the better for great age, the wonderful church of St Andrew, Winston, celebrates its 750th anniversary this weekend
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Steel firm launches £500,000 expansion
AN extension to a steel strip plant in the region was opened this week. Steel and Alloy Processing, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, which supplies steel strip to TKA Tallent, also in Newton Aycliffe, expects to increase annual output by more than 20,000
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Comment from The Northern Echo: Not in their best interests
EVERYONE, including David Blunkett, is entitled to a private life. However, when there is a potential impact on his duties as Home Secretary, there is a legitimate public interest in his private life. As such, there are aspects of Mr Blunkett's relationship
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For Your Benefit: Pension protection for carers
Q As the carer of a disabled person, how can I protect my future State Pension and reduce my council tax? A If you get Carer's Allowance (CA), you will qualify for National Insurance credits that will help you build up your State Pension. If you do not
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Festive comedy is magic show
A FESTIVE comedy to beat the winter blues takes place at a Teesdale Village Hall this month. Eggleston Village Hall is hosting a Festive Frolic by the Grand Theatre of Lemmings, on Saturday, December 18. The comedy, which is part of the Highlights Rural
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Lawyers in search of safety
Tow Law manager Geoff Young has told his players not to rely on home games to get them out of trouble as they prepare for the relegation six-pointer at Thornaby this afternoon. The recent upsurge in the fortunes of Brandon and Guisborough has meant that
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Child sex offender is told to serve four more years in jail
A PAEDOPHILE due for release from a five-year sentence for attacks on young boys has been jailed for a further four years. Former lorry driver Alan Chater, 54, was jailed in 2001 after he was branded a danger to children by a Newcastle judge. Chater was
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Child porn pervert trapped after computer sale
AN Internet child pornography pervert was caught after he sold a computer to a man who revealed its secrets to police, a court was told yesterday. Police raided Carl Darley's home and they found he had downloaded some of the most serious category child
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Racing prospects
TRADITIONALLY the Tingle Creek Trophy Chase at Sandown is one of the most exciting races of the season and this afternoon's clash between Moscow Flyer (2.35) and Azertyuiop looks all set to maintain the annual thriller, writes Colin Woods (Janus). Without
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Mass vaccination continues after further rise in mumps
NEARLY two thousand students have been vaccinated against mumps as the number of cases more than doubled in the region. A mass vaccination drive has been under way at three university campuses after a sudden increase in mumps cases, which has continued
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Joint venture discussions at Corus reach critical stage
TALKS surrounding a joint venture at Corus's Teesside division, which would secure more than 2,500 jobs, have reached a critical stage. As the steel company's division at Redcar, Teesside Cast Products (TCP), marked a milestone in exporting its millionth
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Football comes first as Bramble quits high life
THERE was a time when a lunchtime visit to Chelsea meant just one thing to Newcastle centre-half Titus Bramble. An early kick-off at Stamford Bridge would ensure an equally prompt start in the swankiest of West London bars - just another weekend for your
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Souness thankful for his own riches
GRAEME Souness will avoid casting an envious eye over the Chelsea line-up this afternoon because, in Craig Bellamy, he thinks Newcastle will have the most dangerous player on the pitch. After being banished to the right of midfield earlier this season
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Fundraisers appeal for support
PARENTS are appealing for help to get the local play area refurbished. The children's play area in Gainford has not been refurbished for several years and a group of residents is trying to bring it into the 21st Century. Gainford Action Playgroup (Gap
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Operation to target drinkers
POLICE officers are to increase patrols to tackle young drinkers and alcohol misuse. Operation Nightsafe will see more patrols at the busiest times in the Langbaurgh area, and licensed premises will be regularly visited to ensure landlords are not breaking
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Council wins right to appeal in 'child abuse' custody case
A COUNCIL that suspects a man of having sexually abused two children is a step closer to winning a legal fight to take his child into care. London's Appeal Court granted North Yorkshire County Council permission to appeal against a York High Court decision
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Children get a taste of culture
CHILDREN have been getting a taste of other cultures thanks to Darlington College of Technology's child care centre. About 70 youngsters have been celebrating the Hindu festival of Diwali. The children got to taste food from around the world prepared
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Drugs seized in dawn raids on village
DRUGS and thousands of pounds in cash were recovered in police raids on North-East homes yesterday. Six houses in West Cornforth, County Durham, were targeted in the 7am swoop, which was part of an intelligence-led operation. Crack cocaine worth £1,000
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Booze ban on Metro comes into force
A COMPLETE ban on drinking on the Tyne and Wear Metro comes into force next week. Network operator Nexus introduces Alcohol Exclusion Zones on all Metro property on Monday. This will make it a criminal offence to be in possession of an open container
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Youngsters receive a real treat
YOUNG competition winners had the chance to meet the real Santa from Lapland. The Durham City Forum, which organises the Durham Christmas Festival, held this weekend, invited children to write in and say why they wanted to meet him. The competition, run
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Teenage drink-driver banned for 12 months
A 17-YEAR-OLD mother has admitted drink driving, driving without a licence and without insurance at Darlington Youth Court. The court heard how a police officer attended a minor road accident in Hercules Street, Darlington, on November 8 this year. The
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New director of child services appointed after council reshuffle
A NEW director of children's services has been appointed by Darlington Borough Council. Margaret Asquith, the council's former social services director, has taken up the role. The position was created after a reorganisation at the town hall, which has
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Youngsters entertain with a shining display of gymnastics
BUDDING gymnasts were able to show off their talents at a festival in Bishop Auckland yesterday. Children from schools across the Bishop Auckland area thrilled parents and teachers with their performances at the Wear Valley School Sport Co-ordinators
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Hygiene at takeaway was worst officers had ever seen
A FILTHY fast food takeaway has been exposed as the worst case ever dealt with by health officers. Gino's Takeaway, in Yarm Lane, Stockton, was serving food in squalid conditions with no sign of any basic hygiene. Health officers from Stockton Borough
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Residents rally mast opposition
RESIDENTS are fighting a mobile phone firm's renewed plan to site a mast near their homes. People at Carrville, Durham, have formed an action group to oppose O2's application to Durham City Council to erect a 15-metre-high base station at the junction
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Restoration go-ahead
PLANNING permission has been given for a long-delayed £500,000 restoration of The Ruin, a folly and former banqueting house on the edge of Hackfall Woods, at Grew-elthorpe, near Ripon. The building is owned by the Landmark Trust. It was built in 1760
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Youngsters shine at gym display
BUDDING gymnasts were able to show off their talents at a festival in Bishop Auckland yesterday. Children from schools across the Bishop Auckland area thrilled parents and teachers with their performances at the Wear Valley School Sport Co-ordinators
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Number challenge helps the less fortunate
A CHARITY day added up to fun for youngsters at a Durham school. Pupils at St Joseph's Roman Catholic Primary School in Gilesgate, Durham, took part in a "number day'' to raise money for the NSPCC. The event was part of a national initiative to help youngsters
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Trio face jury trial over pub gun death
Three men accused of being involved in a pub shooting where a pensioner died are to be tried by a jury. Fred Fowler, 72, died and Michael Nixon, 19, was injured when two gunmen burst into the Tap and Barrel Pub, in Hendon, Sunderland, on July 18. Lee
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Villagers on the look-out for burglars
THREE villages are hoping for a crime-free Christmas this year thanks to anti-burglary patrols. Operation Edenthorpe is an annual initiative run by the Neighbourhood Watches in the villages of Stillington, Huby and Sutton-on-the-Forest. Starting on Monday
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Police appeal to villagers over stabbing
POLICE are appealing to villagers to come forward with information about an unprovoked stabbing. An un-named 20-year-old man was attacked as he was walking along a lane between Lyne Close and Front Street in Perkinsville, near Chester-le-Street, to buy
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Housing blow for nursery
AN application to build a house at a horticultural nursery has been rejected. Brian Corner, owner of the Orchard House Nursery at Wormald Green, near Ripon, sought permission from Harrogate Borough Council to build a house for his daughter, Sara Benson
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Pupils dig in to help tree project
AN East Durham parkland received some additions yesterday to mark National Tree Week. Seaham Rotary Club and the Friends of Hazel Dene teamed up with Seaham Town Council, Durham County Council and Ropery Walk Primary School to plant trees in Hazel Dene
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Youth pays for theft
A 17-YEAR-OLD from Bishop Auckland, who stole four cans of cider from a shop, has had his referral order extended by three months. The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to stealing the cans, which were worth £3.45. Darlington
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Fundraisers appeal for cash and volunteers
PARENTS are appealing for help to get their play area refurbished. The children's play area in Gainford has not been refurbished for several years and a group of residents is trying to bring it into the 21st Century. Gainford Action Playgroup (Gap) is
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Charity celebrates 30 years of raising cash
A CHARITY that has raised more than £330,000 has celebrated its 30th anniversary. Members of Teesdale Cancer Research UK held a celebration meal to mark three decades of raising money. Among the two dozen volunteers at the Fox and Hounds in Cotherstone
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Booze ban on Metro comes into force
A COMPLETE ban on drinking on the Tyne and Wear Metro comes into force next week. Network operator Nexus introduces Alcohol Exclusion Zones on all Metro property on Monday. This will make it a criminal offence to be in possession of an open container
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Prison plays go into print
FORGOTTEN works by one of the region's best-loved playwrights have been published for the first time. Tom Hadaway's The Prison Plays, two full-length and two short plays, were inspired by his time as the first writer in residence at Durham Prison, in
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Derwentside 'is one of safest areas'
DERWENTSIDE is one of the safest places to live in England, according to a council report. Despite several of the district's wards falling into the most deprived areas in the UK, crime figures remain below the national average. Figures for April 2003
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Breakfast club appeals for help
THOUGH many regard it as one of the county's more affluent towns, there is a side to Harrogate that goes largelyunnoticed. A growing number of people sleep rough in the town and a local church is ensuring they start the day with a meal. Not all members
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Would you like a straw with your drink?
A TEAM of Polish thatchers are using traditional skills to give a classic feel to a modern pub. The six thatchers are working on a £2m pub in Dunston Road, Hartlepool, which is due to open by the end of February. It is thought the 7,500 sq ft traditional
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Dispute over site for skate park
A DISPUTE has broken out over the site of a new skate park. Hambleton District Council has turned down a request to give up about 15 car park spaces to accommodate a park in Stokesley. The decision was taken after it was told a suitable site had been
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Army puts radio hosts through their paces
RADIO presenters have been put through their paces by soldiers from one of the region's Army regiments. Ditchy, Dave Easson, Steve Harris and Giles Tanner, from Teesside station TFM, joined the Green Howards' 122 Army Youth Team for a gruelling afternoon
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Steer clear of car park
FOOTBALL fans driving to this weekend's FA Cup tie in Hartlepool are being warned to avoid a car park in the town. Council officers will not be allowing supporters to park in the Historic Quay car park in the marina today, ahead of two pre-Christmas events
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Tribunal told of 'gay boy' taunt by theatre manager
A homosexuaL theatre worker was forced to resign after his boss christened him "gay boy", a tribunal heard. Fausto Gismondi, 28, said he quit his job as a bookings co-ordinator because his manager Ed Tutty could not accept his sexuality. Mr Gismondi said
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Going from Olympics to big screen
EIGHT youngsters who went to the Olympic Games as part of a Government-backed project will see their adventure played out on the big screen next week. A 30-minute film featuring the Middlesbrough group, who spent a week reporting on the Olympic Games
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Saving Santa from the f-word
New computer animation has allowed Tom Hanks to take on all five roles in his latest movie. He talks to Steve Pratt about working without children and using the f-word. Tom Hanks has a favour to ask as he gets up to leave the room. "Please censor my language
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The real Dad's Army is back in action ... but only for a day
TRIBUTES were paid yesterday to the real Dad's Army - exactly 60 years after the force was stood down. Dressed in uniforms of the time, volunteers took up arms at the Yorkshire Air Museum near York, to mark the anniversary of the standing down parade
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04/12/04
MINERS' STRIKE: E REYNOLDS (HAS, Nov 27) is wrong to accuse the police force of baton charging "working men" during the 1984 miners' dispute. In fact, police were called upon to use reasonable force on strikers, people refusing to work. These men involved
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Can Falcons take high road to Murrayfield?
NEWCASTLE Falcons refuse to look beyond tomorrow's match at home to Edinburgh, but if they win they can take the high road to Murrayfield next week and dream of returning there next spring. The Scottish HQ is to stage the final of the Heineken Cup on
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Teesdale Talk: Music fans mourn brass star
There has been sadness among music fans in Teesdale this week, over the death of radio presenter John Dunn, 70, who impressed many people with his good humour during his visits to the area to compere brass band concerts. Although he was a national star
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Investigation after couple found dead
A MURDER-STYLE investigation was under way last night after the bodies of a married couple were found at their North-East home. Derek and Margaret Wood were discovered at their terraced house in Stephenson Street, Darlington. Mrs Wood, who was in her
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Spotlight on Snow White - with fun, boos and hisses
A NORTH-EAST theatre gets in the festive mood today with the opening of its Christmas pantomime. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs opens at Durham's Gala Theatre, today at 2pm and will run until Saturday, January 8. It is the theatre's second pantomime
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Warning over door-to-door antique dealers
HOUSEHOLDERS are being urged to turn away companies that cold-call at their door offering to buy valuable possessions. The callers offer to buy items such as antiques and jewellery. The warning, from trading standards officials at North Yorkshire County
