Archive
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Police target binge drinkers
YOUNG binge drinkers are being targeted in a campaign launched in Wear Valley and Teesdale this week. It is hoped that the Nightsafe Campaign will bring an end to anti-social behaviour and alcohol fuelled violence in town centres. The initiative, which
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Correction
Visqueen: IN The Northern Echo yesterday it was reported that management at BPI in Stockton, also known as Visqueen, had offered striking workers a pay rise of 2.3 per cent, including 0.3 per cent element that was self-financed. In fact, the pay offer
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Art project in action
A TOWN centre has been transformed into an open-air gallery with a public art display to boost its festive decorations. An innovative arts project, launched in Spennymoor on Tuesday, sees artwork and film projected on to town centre buildings. The art
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Trouble in paradise as fuel costs soar
HOLIDAY village operator Center Parcs warned yesterday that higher energy bills would affect results in its next financial year, causing shares to plunge 11 per cent. The group, which specialises in all-weather, glass-domed family holiday centres, said
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Cosmic day out for Russian visitors
FORMER cosmonaut Colonel Alexander Volkov kept his feet firmly on the ground yesterday and still made a little bit of history. He became the first man who has been in space to view the stars from a 19th Century astronomical observatory in York. The 56
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Blunkett ousted
DAVID BLUNKETT quit the Cabinet last night after e-mails revealed the Home Office intervened to fast-track a visa for his former lover's Filipina nanny. The embattled Home Secretary had always denied abusing his position to help Kimberley Quinn - with
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Milner seeking Euro confidence boost
TEENAGER James Milner hopes Newcastle United's UEFA Cup run will start to have an immediate influence on the Magpies's poor Premiership form. Portuguese outfit Sporting Lisbon arrive at St James' Park tonight knowing that Graeme Souness' side have won
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Comedy that strikes a chord
The Last Chancers (E4): THE audience was paying little attention to the band on stage. "If you're not going to listen, I'm not going to play," the lead singer told them petulantly. He didn't get the reaction he wanted. "Good, let's have some decent music
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John North: Where pints are the price of pipecleaners
The backyard brewers threw a party packed with perfect pints. AT the time of year when we remember that there was no room at the inn, it seemed entirely appropriate that the column should be invited to the Darlington Traditional Brewers' Group's Christmas
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Man dies as gyrocopter crashes
A 61-YEAR-OLD veteran flier died yesterday after his gyrocopter crashed into woodland. The man, named as Dave Chaplin, from Borrowby, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, was pronounced dead at the scene. His gyrocopter crashed shortly after taking off from
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Club bids for sports centre
A COUNCIL leisure centre could be handed over to a basketball club. Wear Valley Basketball Club wants to take over the 20-year-old Spectrum Leisure Centre in Willington, where services have been cut over recent years. The Spectrum Managing Trustees agreed
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A pine in the neck
OUT of four children, there's only one left who still believes in Father Christmas. The others all know the truth but the little 'un, aged seven, is doing his best to keep the magic alive. He's been up early every morning to open the windows on his advent
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You Write
What an insult: As founder of Browney Miners' Lodge Banner Group, I read with outrage comments by Prime Minister Tony Blair, reported in last week's Advertiser, regarding our locally elected councillors and comparing them to the former Soviet Politburo
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Delight as wind turbines blocked
RESIDENTS in Tony Blair's backyard were celebrating last night after councillors rejected controversial plans for a windfarm. "We are over the moon," said David Smith, of Trimdon, County Durham, a member of Trimdon Action Group Against Wind Farms. "It
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'Preacher made me describe his fantasies during rape'
A STUDENT told yesterday how she was raped by a preacher while he forced her to talk about his sexual fantasies. The woman, now 24, said she felt frightened and on edge whenever she was approached by church leader Robin Brown, a born-again Christian.
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Tories oppose "super-regiment" plan
TORY MPs were furious last night when it emerged that a new "super-regiment" for the whole of Yorkshire may be based outside the county. Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon ducked calls to pledge that the infantry force - to be formed from the merger of regiments
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Celebrating all things
STUDENTS celebrated their achievements in school over the past year at a prize giving ceremony. Hundreds of people attended the annual prize giving at King James I School, Bishop Auckland, on Tuesday night. As well as celebrating the outstanding achievements
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Mexican wave from Hammond
WHETHER in the saddle during his days as a top-flight National Hunt jockey or, more recently, in his present incarnation as a Middleham-based trainer, Michael Hammond has always excelled at Catterick. And given it has been such a happy hunting ground
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Art gallery seat all about team working
A CARVED wooden seat is providing a welcome rest for visitors to Hartlepool Art Gallery. Designed to reflect the arched roof of the gallery, the seat is made of oak and beech and has been created by sculptor David Gross. Mr Gross made it with Kevin Hunton-Young
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Boro on target to prove Euro top dogs
IF the manager of Partizan Belgrade, Vladimir Vermezovic, was being truthful when he cheekily claimed not to know anything about Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing or any of his teammates, he does now. Even without their 15-goal strikeforce of Jimmy Floyd
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Clarke ready to put frustrating season behind him
DARRELL Clarke is aiming for a Christmas comeback after finally recovering from a knee injury. The Hartlepool United midfielder has not kicked a ball this season - two non-playing substitute appearances are all he managed before being forced out of action
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Residents to air views on project
UP TO £200,000 is to be pumped into tackling anti-social behaviour in a former pit village. The William Street - A Place for Our People project aims to put an end to the yob culture blighting the lives of residents in South Moor, near Stanley. It is part
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Bloody battles recalled at sale
ONE of the largest private collections of Zulu War artefacts made £23,000 at an auction yesterday. The collection, comprising books, postcards and memorabilia built up by Dennis Slack over 25 years at his home in West Cornforth, County Durham, was sold
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N-E councils lead the rest of England
THE North-East's biggest councils lead the rest of the country when it comes to the quality of their services, according to a report. The annual Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) by Government watchdog the Audit Commission said most people were
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Festive lights spark hate-mail campaign
A LETTER-WRITER has launched a hate campaign against Christmas decorations on a housing estate. Families have been targeted for their "cheap and tacky" taste in festive lights by a mysterious letter-writer, known only as The House Doctor. The author posted
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Boro on target to prove Euro top dogs
IF the manager of Partizan Belgrade, Vladimir Vermezovic, was being truthful when he cheekily claimed not to know anything about Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing or any of his teammates, he does now. Even without their 15-goal strikeforce of Jimmy Floyd
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Council tax court threat is dropped
A PENSIONER threatened with legal action when she paid her council tax a week late has spoken of her relief after the prosecution was dropped. Derwentside District Council had summonsed Ivy George, 69, to appear before Consett Magistrates' this Friday
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From classroom to kitchen
PUPILS got to grips with baking after swapping the classroom for professional kitchens at Darlington College of Technology. Twenty-six youngsters from Staindrop Comprehensive School spent the day in the college kitchens learning how to mass-produce food
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Football manager happy to lend a hand as school wins health award
A BREAKFAST club that gets children up bright and early in the morning has helped a school win a coveted award. Darlington FC manager David Hodgson presented Skerne Park Primary School with the town's Healthy Schools accolade - the second time it has
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Parents urged to sign pledge
CHILDCARE workers on Teesside are asking parents to help protect young people from passive smoking. SureStart, the parents and children's support group in the Hardwick, Milehouse and Roseworth areas of Stockton, has drawn up a pledge. It asks parents
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Town car park to shut for bus station build
WORK on a flagship bus station will start within weeks, council officials said last night. Contractors for Derwentside District Council will move on to the Mary Street car park in Stanley next month, to begin work on the town's £3m bus station. A public
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Gravestones to be laid flat in district
GRAVESTONES in Teesdale which are in danger of toppling over will be laid flat. Teesdale District Council's community services committee agreed to implement the policy at its meeting yesterday following a survey of all cemeteries in the area. The council's
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Warning against bogus workmen
Residents have again been warned to be on their guard against bogus workmen operating in the area. Conmen claiming they work for East Durham Homes, the company which looks after Easington District Council's housing stock, have been offering to carry out
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Closure fear for group leaders
A PLAYGROUP has warned that it may have to close if more children do not start to attend. East Thirsk Playgroup, in Thirsk, has about ten children attending each of its three weekly sessions. This has left the group struggling to cover its overheads and
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Gazza in town
ENGLAND football legend and television pundit Paul Gascoigne will meet fans at Gateshead's MetroCentre to-day. The Gateshead-born midfielder will sign autographs in the Sony Centre from 1pm to 2pm.
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Hearing aid clinic opens an extra day
A CLINIC that repairs NHS hearing aids is to open its doors for an extra session a week. The clinic, at Shotley Bridge Hospital, is to replace its existing Thursday afternoon session with sessions on Tuesdays, from 1.30pm to 4pm, and on Fridays, from
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Vulnerable children to receive help
A PILOT project will provide help for children at risk of neglect or emotional abuse. National children's charity the NSPCC is operating a pilot scheme in Sunderland, in which six volunteers will provide a support service. The project is being run with
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Schoolboy hurt as prank goes wrong
A SCHOOLBOY was taken to hospital with crush injuries following a prank on a bridge. The incident happened at about 10am on Tuesday at the Allertonshire School, in Northallerton, when pupils were crossing the bridge over Brompton Road, between the the
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Teenagers step out for charity
TWO schoolgirls took to the road to help babies in hospital. Amy Wallace and Kellie Langford, both 14, from Allertonshire school, Northallerton, ran the Junior Great North Run this year. They raised £300 for the special care baby unit at the Friarage
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Birdwatch
Rough-legged buzzards have been reported less regularly in our region in recent times. When they do appear it is usually in a moorland location where they might be hard to locate. So many North-East birders took advantage of the chance to see one of these
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Rugby club plan fails to find favour
PLANS to extend a rugby club's pavilion look likely to be refused. The proposals for Ripon Rugby Club's Mallorie Park Drive headquarters have been recommended for refusal by Harrogate Borough Council planning officers. The club wants to increase the pavilion
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Vandals hit nursery in town
POLICE are hunting for vandals who damaged heating vents at a Darlington nursery - leaving babies and toddlers in the cold. It was the second time in three weeks the same heating vent at the Play Hut, a nursery school in North Road, was vandalised. Both
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Drugs kill man a day after jail release
A MAN died from a toxic cocktail of drugs the day after he was released from prison, an inquest has heard. Darren Mills, 28, died from respiratory problems after falling into a coma. He had injected heroin, taken valium and smoked cannabis at a friend's
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£15,000 revamps for play areas in town
THE first phase of a project to refurbish five children's play areas in Darlington has been completed. The three play areas - in the villages of Heighington, Hurworth and Sadberge - have been revamped at a cost of £15,000 each by Darlington Borough Council
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Shares deal welcomed in city
Corus shareholder Alisher Usmanov has cashed in most of his shares in a move that is being seen as good news for the Anglo-Dutch steelmaker. The Russian metals magnate, who had built up a 13.4 per cent stake in the company, had repeatedly voiced concern
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Long-serving magistrate dies
TRIBUTES have been paid to a former journalist and magistrate who has died after a long illness. Dave Willey, who was in his 60s, died on Tuesday night at his home in Durham surrounded by his family. His journalistic career spanned more than 40 years,
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Santa's helper marks three decades in job
ONE of Santa's most dedicated helpers has received his own present to mark the 30th anniversary of the day he first pulled on a white beard and red coat. For three decades, Norman Morton, 62, from Nettlesworth, has been helping out as Santa at Houghall
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...while pubs work together
AN identity card is being launched in a Teesdale market town to cut down on underage drinking. Members of Barnard Castle's Pubwatch association are launching the scheme because they say a nationwide identity card scheme is ineffective because of forgeries
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Whitehead vows to add to goal tally
DEAN WHITEHEAD admitted that his 25-yard screamer against Cardiff City on Saturday was probably the best goal he has ever scored. It was the second time Whitehead has found the net for Sunderland this season, the other being the controversial winner at
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Campaign urges youngsters to beware drinking dangers
YOUNG binge drinkers are being targeted by a campaign launched in Wear Valley and Teesdale yesterday. It is hoped that the Nightsafe Campaign will stamp out anti-social behaviour and alcohol-fuelled violence in the area. The initiative, part of a national
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McClaren praises stand-ins
MIDDLESBROUGH manager Steve McClaren last night insisted strikers Szilard Nemeth and Joseph Job have an important part to play at the club. Despite scoring a goal each in last night's UEFA Cup win over Partizan Belgrade, Nemeth and Job are likely to make
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History 'not under threat'
FUNDING cuts will not spell doom for the region's crumbling historic buildings, a senior heritage figure said last night. This week, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) announced a drop in Government grants for English Heritage. The future
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Police warn about scam
HOUSEHOLDERS are being warned about fraudsters trying to obtain personal bank account details. North Yorkshire police issued the warning after several incidents of people receiving letters purporting to be from someone in China. The letter apparently
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Scheme for stately home rejected
A plan to turn a former stately home into a residential school for children with learning difficulties has been rejected. The scheme, at Goldsborough Hall, a Grade II*-listed building near Knaresborough, drew more than 800 objections. Members of the area
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Youths' films win praise
TEENAGERS have won acclaim for their films about drugs, alcohol, teenage pregnancy, bullying and smoking. The 15 teenagers from Thornaby, near Stockton, have produced the films in the hope of having a bigger impact on their peers than teachers and other
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Christmas comes but twice a year at centre
THERE is still more than a week to go before Christmas but one of North Yorkshire's leading attractions is already onto its second tree. However, the celebrations at the World of James Herriot centre did start early this year with the first tree going
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Shopkeeper calls for return of confiscated stock
A SHOP owner who had stock including "cocaine kits" and cannabis-smoking pipes seized by police has called for the goods to be returned. Nabeel Maqsood, 26, said he wanted the stock, worth £6,000 to £7,000, returned to his Stockton High Street shop as
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A pine in the neck
OUT of four children, there's only one left who still believes in Father Christmas. The others all know the truth but the little 'un, aged seven, is doing his best to keep the magic alive. He's been up early every morning to open the windows on his advent
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Armed police for nuclear power site
ARMED police are being brought in to patrol the North-East's only nuclear power plant to combat the threat of terrorist attacks. Security at the Hartlepool power station will be strengthened after a review following the September 11 atrocities. Armed
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Where pints are the price of pipe cleaners
AT the time of year when we remember that there was no room at the inn, it seemed entirely appropriate that the column should be invited to the Darlington Traditional Brewers' Group's Christmas party. It was terrific. They're folk who don't just brew
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Family recruit much-needed donors
A HORDE of blood donors have been recruited thanks to the efforts of a North-East family. National Blood Service officials praised the family's contribution, especially as more blood donors are needed over the festive period. Three members of the Livermore
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Man dies as gyrocopter crashes
A 61-YEAR-OLD veteran flier died yesterday after his gyrocopter crashed into woodland. The man, named as Dave Chaplin, from Borrowby, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, was pronounced dead at the scene. His gyrocopter crashed shortly after taking off from
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Youths' films win praise
TEENAGERS have won acclaim for their films about drugs, alcohol, teenage pregnancy, bullying and smoking. The 15 teenagers from Thornaby, near Stockton, have produced the films in the hope of having a bigger impact on their peers than teachers and other
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Balance to be struck as 'hot rocks' scheme gathers pace
FANCIFUL notions of regeneration have come and gone, but a spectacularly beautiful yet isolated dale is on the brink of one of the most exciting phases in its history. The discovery of "hot rocks" deep below the valley floor in Weardale, County Durham
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RAF squadron helps school
AN RAF squadron has taken a primary school under its wing as a way of paying tribute to one of their colleagues who died in a parachuting accident. Youngsters of St Helen Auckland Primary School, Bishop Auckland, enjoyed an afternoon at RAF Leeming as
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Top of trampoline class
A RISING gymnast has hit new heights after winning a regional competition. Five-year-old Emily Talbot, of South Stanley, won first prize in the Northern region inter-schools trampoline competition in Newcastle. The youngster, from South Stanley Infant
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Now, from Westminster to Walford
WE'RE all looking forward to Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy's starring role in EastEnders. Might we expect a few surprise appearances from other leading political figures in the Square? Monday: The new market inspector Gordon Brown trebles the
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Clarke ready to put frustrating season behind him
DARRELL Clarke is aiming for a Christmas comeback after finally recovering from a knee injury. The Hartlepool United midfielder has not kicked a ball this season - two non-playing substitute appearances are all he managed before being forced out of action
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16/12/04
CHRISTMAS: MY dream for Thornborough this Christmas is that Tarmac will have a change of heart and decide enough is enough. It will pack up its equipment and leave the landscape around the Thornborough Henges alone. This beautiful place will be at peace
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Vardy optimistic despite fall in sales
MOTOR dealer Reg Vardy said the car buying market worsened this year, but its prospects remained good. The Sunderland-based group said purchases by private buyers fell in the six months to October 31 as higher interest rates and concern about house prices
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Driver saved from 100ft fall
THIS dramatic photograph shows how a tree saved a driver from a potentially fatal plunge down a steep bank. The woman's Toyota Corolla car careered off the road, smashed through a fence, and flipped on to its roof after a collision involving a Vauxhall
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Safety campaign cuts motorcycle deaths
A major campaign to cut the number of motorcycle deaths in North Yorkshire is paying off, with the toll of fatalities plunging. The county's roads act as honeypot for bike riders and in the past many of them have paid their lives. But following a joint
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'Region has hard core of jobless'
ONE of the region's business leaders said last night the North-East's unemployment problems stemmed from a hard core of largely unskilled, long-term unemployed. George Cowcher, chief executive of the North-East Chamber of Commerce, which represents thousands
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Jolly awful
TIS the season to be merry and full of good cheer (as long as you don't drive). Even in Soapland people are busy giving each other presents. Take Paul Trueman, he's helping lots of smackheads have a good Christmas by drug-running for Handy Andy the gangster
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So Shameless
Steve Pratt talks to Maggie O'Neil about playing the reclusive and pregnant Sheila in cult TV programme Shameless, which returns for a new series next year, following a fairly fraught Christmas special. MAGGIE O'Neill jokes that she's the actress who
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Stars prepare for panto fun
THE stars of Derwentside's first professional pantomime take to the stage this weekend. Jack and the Beanstalk, by Stage Further Productions, opens at the Empire Theatre, in Consett, on Saturday, and runs until December 30. TV actor Stefan Booth - who
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Winning trainer's £54,000 tax fine
GRAND NATIONAL-winning racehorse trainer Norman Mason has been fined £54,000 over failure to pay tax. Mason's Red Marauder romped to victory in 2001, but at the same time, the North-East businessman was struggling financially. Between 1999 and 2002, he
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Eagle eyes watch thieves
THREE young shoplifters have been caught trying to steal from a shop by police officers who were in the store launching a crime prevention scheme. PCs Michael Hynes and Grant McTaggart were in Asda, Bishop Auckland, to launch Operation Eaglet, when the
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New age Sage
Viv Hardwick looks around The Sage Gateshead with the help of the team which intends to turn the beautiful Sir Norman Foster building into one of the world's best performance areas. THE aim is to create a building nicknamed "the silver shell" where the
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Guiding light from the East
A SYMBOLIC light of peace arrived in the North-East yesterday - the latest stop on a journey that began in Bethlehem. The candle came to Darlington and will also be seen at locations on Teesside and in North Yorkshire in the run-up to Christmas. It arrived
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Rangers put £10m price tag on Boumsong
NEWCASTLE UNITED will have to pay around £10m for Frenchman Jean-Alain Boumsong after Rangers rejected their initial bid. Magpies boss Graeme Souness confirmed yesterday that the club had opened negotiations with the Scottish giants over the sale of their
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Report criticises council over contracts
THE Audit Commission has criticised a council over the awarding of contracts for a multi-million pound sea defence scheme. Now, leaders of Scarborough Borough Council's political groups are to carry out an investigation into the work, the cost of which
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Man arrested in 15-year-old rape case
A man has been arrested in connection with a 15-year-old rape case. Detectives on Teesside made the breakthrough during a routine review of cold cases. The man in his 30s, who has long-standing connections to Teesside, was arrested on Merseyside on Wednesday
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Art draws from Aesop's fables
AN exhibition by North-East artist Bob Olley depicting Aesop's Fables using gouache paints will be on show in The McGuiness Gallery, Bishop Auckland Town Hall, County Durham, until Friday, December 31. Titled Olley on Aesop, the exhibition is open Mondays
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It's a date for talented young artists
YOUNGSTERS have helped create works of art for a 2005 calendar that will be on show in public buildings throughout the region. The North-East Regional Youth Assembly calendar project was based on the theme of Belonging to My Community. Jonathan Blackie
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Cinderella, The Journal Tyne Theatre, Newcastle
TRADITION and quality have been the hallmarks of the Tyne Theatre pantomime over the last few years. And this year's production of Cinderella - the queen of all panto scripts - shows a company at the peak of its festive pulling power. Brendan Healy, its
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Rider spared jail after fatal high-speed race
A MOTORCYCLIST whose friend died when he lost control during a high-speed race was spared jail yesterday. Paul Bedding, 34, was racing Andrew Reed, 24, along the A19 on August 24 when Mr Reed crashed his 750cc Suzuki into a lamppost. The Nissan worker
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Shortage forces band to pull out
A TOWN band has been forced to pull out of an annual Christmas concert because of a shortage of personnel. Spennymoor Town Band hoped to feature in a concert at Spennymoor Town Hall this weekend, but has had to withdraw. Members made the decision after
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Prosecution threat for horse owners
HORSE owners were warned yesterday that they could face prosecution if they do not have a passport for their animals next year. From February 28, it will be an offence to use a horse for competing or breeding, move a horse out of the UK or move it on
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Restoration journey begins for classic locomotive
RAIL enthusiasts have started to restore a classic locomotive to working order. North-Eastern Locomotive Preservation Group is aiming to fully refurbish the LNER Class J72 at the Hopetown Lane carriageworks, in Darlington. The project to restore the Darlington-built
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Panto star praises children
CHILDREN who have achieved perfect school attendance met Snow White's Wicked Witch yesterday. Birds of a Feather star Lesley Joseph, who is appearing at the pantomime in Newcastle's Theatre Royal, took time out to praise the children. Joseph joined pupils
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Plea from ambulance bosses
AMBULANCE bosses have appealed to the public not to make unnecessary 999 calls over the festive season. People should only call an ambulance if they believe someone's life is in danger, according to the North-East Ambulance Service NHS Trust. Officials
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Family's painful battle to learn how son died
THE family of a 13-year-old boy who died from shotgun wounds to the head are still waiting to learn the truth about what happened to their son. As two people appeared in court yesterday on charges relating to the death of William Buffey, detectives said
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Choirs sing at festive concert
TICKETS are selling fast for a concert at a school next week. Woodham Community Technology College, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, will host a festive concert in its main hall on Monday, at 7pm. The concert, A Christmas Celebration of Music and Carols
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Blunkett ousted
DAVID BLUNKETT quit the Cabinet last night after e-mails revealed the Home Office intervened to fast-track a visa for his former lover's Filipina nanny. The embattled Home Secretary had always denied abusing his position to help Kimberley Quinn - with
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Human rights lawyer to hunt for Deepcut truth
HOPES rose last night that the truth behind the deaths at Deepcut barracks will finally be uncovered when a leading human rights lawyer was picked to head a fresh inquiry. Nicholas Blake, a colleague of Cherie Blair who has represented a Guantanamo Bay
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Watching Brief: Understudies assume starring role
MIDDLESBROUGH fans were left wondering whether they were reading a misprint in manager Steve McClaren's programme notes last night. "Rarely has there been a more important match for this football club" was McClaren's summation of Boro's final Group E
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Hodgson promises a speedy decision on Padovani
Darlington manager David Hodgson will make a decision on Nice striker Franck Padovani by the end of the week. The 19-year-old Frenchman played in yesterday's behind-closed-doors friendly with Scottish First Division side, Queen of the South, at the Williamson
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Post your complaints
POLICE will today launch post boxes they hope will help them tackle rural crime in north Durham. The two beat bobbies and community support officer who cover Delves Lane, Crookhall and the east of Consett have arranged for metal, lockable boxes to be
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Burst main causes chaos
DRIVERS are being warned to expect disruption on the outskirts of Durham City today. A water main burst last night near the Stonebridge roundabout, on the A690 between Neville's Cross and Langley Moor, causing problems for rush-hour drivers. Durham County
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Viana insists his United career is far from over
WHILE Newcastle's players were labouring to a 1-1 draw against Portsmouth last weekend, the club's fans were bemoaning the lack of a ball-playing midfielder able to offer something out of the ordinary. This evening, such a player will be in attendance
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£5m TV 'just a rumour'
Tim Vincent is playing down a multi-million pound deal he's supposed to have signed with US TV. He tells Steve Pratt that talk of a £5m contract is out of control. In the meantime the former Blue Peter presenter is preparing for panto at York. RUMOURS
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£2.8m facelift proposal for seaside complex
PLANS have been unveiled for a £2.8m programme of work at one of North Yorkshire's top attractions. Improvements are scheduled for the grade II-listed Spa Complex, by the seafront in Scarborough. The full proposals will go before councillors in the resort
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When death came out of the mist
Ninety years ago this morning, the horror of the First World War was visited on three North-East coastal towns in a naval bombardment which lasted less than an hour but which awoke an enduring British fighting spirit. Chris Lloyd reports. IT was a misty
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Bright idea to keep milkmen safe
MILK delivery staff in Teesdale are being given an early Christmas present to keep them safe. As part of a safety initiative, Teesdale District Council is issuing milkmen with luminous and reflective safety wear which reflects vehicle headlamp beams and
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Campaigners declare War on eco-friendly landfill site
A CAMPAIGN against a proposed landfill site near a village has been launched. Premier Waste Management wants to operate an environmentally-friendly facility at Wingate Grange Farm, Wingate, east Durham, off the A181. The 188-acre site will use an aerobic
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Youngsters' picture power puts pressure on council
YOUNG people have made a visual record of an estate's problems to shame a council into action. Ten youngsters, aged from eight to 15, have taken photographs of litter, drugs paraphernalia and dog dirt on their Stockton estate. The children have also taken
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Images of hooligans who marred Euro game released
THE net is closing on these football hooligans targeted by police following violent scenes during Boro's Uefa Cup campaign. The 11 hooligans are the latest to be hunted by police following clashes between rival fans during Middlesbrough's first European
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Man is spared jail after 14th driving ban
A MECHANIC who went back on the roads while serving his 13th driving ban has been spared jail. Robert Sampson, 41, was banned for the 14th time yesterday after the judge told him he had the most appalling driving record she had ever seen. Newcastle Crown
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Organisations show united front in clean-up of area
A NUMBER of organisations have joined forces in South Bank, near Middlesbrough, for a one-day clean-up. It is hoped that today's event will make the area safer for residents. Taking part will be representatives of the fire brigade, police, community wardens
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Costa Rica victim may have known his killer
POLICE investigating the murder of a North-East businessman in Central America believe he may have known his killer. The body of Thomas Purvis, a 44-year-old security expert, was found by a friend in Costa Rica on Monday. He had 11 stab wounds in his
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Cherry tree walkway preserved
CHERRY trees will continue to grow along a famous walkway in Harrogate. Suggestions that Cherry Tree Way across The Stray should be replaced with other species have been dropped. Instead, 30 new cherry trees will replace those which have to be cut down
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'Region has hard core of jobless'
ONE of the region's business leaders said last night the North-East's unemployment problems stemmed from a hard core of largely unskilled, long-term unemployed. George Cowcher, chief executive of the North-East Chamber of Commerce, which represents thousands
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Approval for flats in £60m development
THE latest phase of a £60m development on the edge of Darlington was given the go-ahead yesterday - despite concerns from a number of councillors. Developers Bussey and Armstrong gained approval from the borough council's planning committee for a community
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Joiner aims for final
A JOINER from Darlington has been short-listed for a team to compete in an international competition. Nicholas Barrett, 20, is on a 35-strong list of people hoping to take part in the WorldSkills contest in Helsinki, Finland, next May. Mr Barrett, a former
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Council clears dumped cars in two-week amnesty offer
ABANDONED cars are the latest target in a council clean-up operation. Darlington Borough Council has announced it is to hold a two-week amnesty next month, during which it will dispose of people's old cars for free. Last year, the council spent £60,000
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Appeal handed £700 bonus
THE annual Giving Tree Appeal received a further boost yesterday when charity bosses handed over hundreds of pounds. Darlington Council for Voluntary Services (CVS) raised £700 for this year's campaign to bring festive cheer to needy and vulnerable people
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£8.3 centre to set new standards
WORK will begin next spring on a centre designed to improve the quality of life in a North-East city. The £8.3m multi-purpose centre will be built in the Downhill area of Sunderland. City councillors say it will set new standards nationally on how services
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Orders give staff a brief respite
Presswork Metals has secured orders that will keep 110 staff in work until after Christmas. Administrators for the troubled company, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, said it would now close at the end of February. However, about 90 workers will lose
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Festive health advice offered
FAMILIES are being warned not to risk their health with poor kitchen hygiene this Christmas. Environmental health officers at Sunderland City Council have issued guidelines to ensure Christmas dinner does not lead to food poisoning. A booklet prepared
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Christmas Eve markets
MARKETS will take place in Northallerton and Thirsk on Christmas Eve. In Northallerton, the market will run as normal on Wednesday but close at 3pm on Friday, December 24, Wednesday, December 29 and Friday, December 31. The New Year's Eve market will
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Driver's lucky escape
A WOMAN was rescued after her car careered off the road and nearly plunged down a 100ft bank. Firefighters from Tyne and Wear and County Durham brigades went to the A6076 road at Burdon Plain, between Stanley and Sunniside, in Gateshead, after the crash
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Councillors' allowamces top £440,000
TAXPAYERS in a Teesside borough will pay more than £440,000 for their councillors' allowances in 2004 to 2005. Cabinet members of Stockton Borough Council have voted to keep the same allowances scheme as the current financial year. That means the basic
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Experts to debate crime initiatives
SOME of the region's senior crimefighters will meet today to discuss ways of bringing more offenders to justice. Sixty delegates from Northumbria Police and the force area Crown Prosecution Service and courts will attend the Working for Justice Conference
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Backing for anti-crime campaign
COMMUNITY safety bosses have given their backing to a national campaign to cut crime this winter. Hambleton's Community Safety Partnership is supporting the Home Office-led campaign Let's Keep Crime Down to reduce robbery, domestic burglary and vehicle
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Greenfield scheme is dropped
PLANS to allow development on greenfield sites in Teesdale have been abandoned. Teesdale District Council's Corporate Strategy Group has agreed to withdraw its alteration to the Teesdale Local Plan. The amendment would have allowed small-scale development
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Partnership provides latest communications
DEVELOPERS at the £500m scheme to regenerate the Middlehaven area of Teesside have joined forces with BT to give businesses on the site the latest in high-tech communications. Offices in the first phase of the development will be fitted with state-of-the-art
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Peter Pan, Darlington Civic Theatre
YOU can present Cannon and Ball with a man-dismembering crocodile, rampaging red Indians, cut-throat pirates and over-loud lost boys and the polished duo can still manage a full performance and encores. There is an abrasiveness about the pair's humour
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Viana insists his United career is far from over
WHILE Newcastle's players were labouring to a 1-1 draw against Portsmouth last weekend, the club's fans were bemoaning the lack of a ball-playing midfielder able to offer something out of the ordinary. This evening, such a player will be in attendance
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Comment from The Northern Echo: No choice but to resign
THE Home Secretary's resignation became inevitable as soon as it was discovered his office was involved in fast-tracking a visa application from his ex-lover's nanny. No longer was David Blunkett able to contend that his private life was separate from
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Corus secures Teesside operation's future
Thousands of steelworkers received an early Christmas present yesterday with the announcement that Corus has secured the future of its Teesside operation for the next decade. The 10-year deal to supply a consortium of overseas companies ends nearly two
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Top Ten to Rent
UK DVD/VIDEO RETAIL: 1 (-) Lord Of The Rings - Trilogy 2 (7) Shrek 2 3 (3) Spiderman 2 4 (4) Little Britain - Series 1 5 (2) King Arthur 6 (6) Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban 7 (1) I Robot 8 (8) Ricky Gervais - Politics 9 (10) Friends - The Complete
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It's magic and Mistry
Steve Pratt discovers why ex-EastEnder Jimi Mistry decided to play a talking book and how the actor is coping with Hollywood. FORMER EastEnders actor Jimi Mistry spends most of his latest film being carried around. In the comedy fantasy adventure Ella
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Dad At Large: A pine in the neck
OUT of four children, there's only one left who still believes in Father Christmas. The others all know the truth but the little 'un, aged seven, is doing his best to keep the magic alive. He's been up early every morning to open the windows on his advent
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Driver saved from 100ft fall
THIS dramatic photograph shows how a tree saved a driver from a potentially fatal plunge down a steep bank. The woman's Toyota Corolla car careered off the road, smashed through a fence, and flipped on to its roof after a collision involving a Vauxhall
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Trust considers children's campus
A CHILDREN'S campus offering youngsters access to health, education and welfare services could be created. Derwentside Primary Care Trust wants to create a new, bigger health centre for Stanley, but is struggling to find land large enough. The trust is
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Firm disappointed at wind farm refusal
The power company refused permission to build a wind farm in Tony Blair's backyard says it is disappointed. But EDF Energy, one of the country's leading electricity companies, has not said yet whether it will appeal against the decision by Liberal Democrat-controlled
