Archive
-
Date
Only hours old, but already he's an Olympic hopeful
HE'S certainly not aware of it yet, but Leo William Manuel could be a star of the 2012 Olympic Games. His birth at Darlington Memorial Hospital yesterday qualifies him for a possible role in the opening or closing ceremonies of the games - if London is
-
Date
Brother's gift of life
A NORTH-EAST man is looking forward to Christmas with his family after his brother gave him the gift of life. John Carrick stepped in when his brother, Vincent, was told his only chance of surviving kidney disease was a suitable donor. Vincent is one
-
Date
Policeman sold pirate DVDs on web
A policeman who ran a business selling pirate DVDs walked free from court yesterday but faces the sack from his force. PC John Wragg, 34, imported copies from Malaysia for three years and sold them on Ebay and through adverts in his local newspaper. Two
-
Date
Crackdown on crime shows continued successes
A CRACKDOWN on festive crime is proving a success. Figures from the fourth week of Northumbria Police's Freeze Out campaign show that offences have gone down by a third, for the second week in succession. In seven days, there were 814 offences across
-
Date
Stocking fillers
If you're still desperately casting around for presents, here are some books that are bound to be appreciated. MY WORLD by Jonny Wilkinson (Headline, £17) RUGBY World Cup hero and Newcastle Falcons captain Wilkinson opens up for the first time on his
-
Date
Carol Campbell
A MANAGER has been appointed for a business centre opening in the New Year. CAROL CAMPBELL will manage the £2.35m Springboard Business Centre, in Stokesley, North Yorkshire. The building, in the centre of Stokesley Industrial Park, will house businesses
-
Date
21/12/04
AIRPORT: I JUST could not believe my eyes to read about the proposed changes to the name of an airport which I use as often as my profession permits. It is for this reason that I will certainly not be returning permanently to the "homeland" as long as
-
Date
Psyched up for success
Psyche, the designer department store in Middlesbrough, has recently been named best new store in Britain. Managing director Steve Cochrane talks to Women's Editor Lindsay Jennings about plans to roll the brand out across the country. STEVE Cochrane is
-
Date
Why Jean just can't stop laughing
Grandmother Jean Oliver has won national acclaim for her work cleaning up one of the UK's most deprived neighbourhoods. Chris Webber meets her. JEAN Oliver laughs wryly as she remembers the first time she came across the drugs that were to become the
-
Date
McCoy can stretch lead on Honey's Gift
EVEN at this midway stage of the National Hunt season only serious injury can realistically prevent champion Tony McCoy from retaining the jump jockeys' title. McCoy has built a huge lead (131-88) over his nearest pursuer, Timmy Murphy, an advantage he
-
Date
Drama that's suitably slushy
Christmas Lights (ITV1); Love Cruise (five): NOT content with Christmas trees and paper chains indoors, people have moved outdoors to decorate the exterior of their homes with lights, Santas and reindeer in increasing numbers. So, in that sense, Christmas
-
Date
Three to receive honours from North university
THE founding chairman of development agency One NorthEast will receive an honorary degree from Durham University. Dr John Bridge is one of three people who will receive the honour from vice-chancellor Sir Kenneth Calman next month. Dr Bridge is an economist
-
Date
Angela Goodwin
LUXURY kitchen manufacturer Grange Interiors has strengthened its business management team with the promotion of ANGELA GOODWIN to marketing and product development manager. Ms Goodwin, whose previous role was as a designer, will now help develop kitchen
-
Date
Elliott warning for fans
AN HONEST Robbie Elliott has warned Newcastle fans not to expect 'fantasy football' as the Magpies come to terms with life in the bottom half of the Premiership. Newcastle's depressing run of one win in eight league games has led to them falling to 13th
-
Date
Meal on an even keel
THE Methodist head lad once again being late for lunch, we fell to reading the admirable parish magazine of the Anglican churches of St Mary's, Throckley, and St Michael and All Angels, Newburn. Christmas Day, it revealed, has always been memorable. On
-
Date
Historian's answer to military shells mystery
AN amateur historian believes he has the answer as to the origin of two shells embedded in a town centre wall. Bob Harbron believes the shells at the Finkle Street entrance to Green Dragon Yard, in Stockton, came from the 1914 bombardment of Hartlepool
-
Date
Stokoe statue appeal reaches target
THE appeal for a statue of FA Cup-winning Sunderland football manager Bob Stokoe has reached its target. The £73,000 target was reached with donations of £5,000 from the club and Sunderland City Council. Sculptors and designs will now be sought and the
-
Date
Museum full of festive treats
SANTA and Mrs Claus will sail into the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum to offer a Christmas shopping respite. Staff at the Middlesbrough museum will dress up as elves and fairies and there will be free admission tomorrow and Thursday. There will be crafts
-
Date
Angela Bishop
LAW firm Blackett Hart and Pratt (BHP) has appointed solicitor ANGELA BISHOP to its business and company law team. Ms Bishop is joining the firm's Darlington office following two years at Moore and Blatch solicitors, in Hampshire. The mother-of-two has
-
Date
Celebrity chefs' cracking Christmases
JAMIE OLIVER is spending Christmas at home with his wife, Jools, and their two young daughters, Poppy, two, and 18-month-old Daisy. His latest book is Jamie's Dinners. Q: What was your favourite Christmas? A: I love this time of year and I think every
-
Date
George Reynolds case is adjourned by court
GEORGE REYNOLDS has made his first appearance at crown court charged with money-laundering offences. The former chairman of Darlington Football Club was in court with his cousin, Richard Tennick, and his personal assistant, Ian Robinson, for the brief
-
Date
Woman banned from stripping
A NORTH-EAST woman is believed to be the first person in the country to be banned from taking her clothes off in public. Police became so concerned about Karen Bulmer's drunken antics in York city centre that they applied for a banning order. However,
-
Date
Manager says farewell
THE manager of a printing firm is retiring after spending 42 years working for the company. Eric Marshall joined Hillsprint Ltd, based at Dalton, near Thirsk, as a printer in 1962. Over the years he has worked his way up to become manager and will retire
-
Date
Theatre piece
Theatre Cap-a-Pie is putting on a piece of educational theatre for year nine pupils across County Durham. Called Oh I Do Like To Be, it looks at the relationship between Helen, an adult with a learning disability, and her father, Eric, living in a seaside
-
Date
Council chief to retire
One of the most influential figures in North-East politics has announced he is to retire. Kingsley Smith, the 58-year-old chief executive of Durham County Council since 1988, has announced he is to retire in June after 41 years in local government. The
-
Date
Museum full of festive treats
SANTA and Mrs Claus will sail into the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum to offer a Christmas shopping respite. Staff at the Middlesbrough museum will dress up as elves and fairies and there will be free admission tomorrow and Thursday. There will be crafts
-
Date
Family still waiting to hear 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 last week on charges relating to the death of William Buffey, detectives said
-
Date
Tree recycling project offers prizes incentive
PEOPLE who go green after Christmas and have their festive trees recycled could be in for a warmer winter. Durham County Council is organising a free prize draw to encourage people to take their trees to household waste recycling centres in the area after
-
Date
Tree recycling project offers prizes incentive
PEOPLE who go green after Christmas and have their festive trees recycled could be in for a warmer winter. Durham County Council is organising a free prize draw to encourage people to take their trees to household waste recycling centres in the area after
-
Date
Students send their greetings
CHRISTMAS cards designed by students in Darlington will be winging their way across the region over the festive season. Darlington Borough Council and the College of Technology have each chosen student designs for their official cards. BTEC National Diploma
-
Date
Appeal organisers say thanks
ORGANISERS of the annual Giving Tree appeal began sorting through hundreds of donated gifts yesterday - and thanked the people of Darlington for their generosity. More businesses, schools and community groups than ever before have taken part in this year's
-
Date
Spring programme of arts, ale and jazz
THE final touches are being put to the spring programme at a Teesside theatre. Emphasis has been placed on community events and creative activities at The Arc, in Stockton. It is hoped that some big acts will be attracted to the venue following the near
-
Date
Driver hunted after serious road accident
POLICE believe a driver could have vital information about a road crash in which a teenager was left seriously ill in hospital. The accident took place in Success Road, Shiney Row, near Washington, Wearside, at 6pm on Friday, when a Gilera scooter was
-
Date
McCoy can stretch lead on Honey's Gift
EVEN at this midway stage of the National Hunt season only serious injury can realistically prevent champion Tony McCoy from retaining the jump jockeys' title. McCoy has built a huge lead (131-88) over his nearest pursuer, Timmy Murphy, an advantage he
-
Date
Wijnhard boosts his goal tally
DARLINGTON striker Clyde Wijnhard claimed his seventh goal of the season yesterday without even kicking a ball. Wijnhard has been credited with the opening goal in Quakers' 3-0 win over Leyton Orient 11 days ago. The fifth minute strike went down as an
-
Date
Canaries stolen from aviary
THIEVES have stolen dozens of canaries from a North-East home in a carefully-planned raid. Between 35 and 40 Fife canaries were taken from aviaries at a house in Belle Vue Terrace, Middleton St George, near Darlington. The theft happened some time between
-
Date
Garden gets the finishing touch
THE finishing touch will be put to a £16,800 garden today. Work on a garden at The Grove Neighbourhood House, in Priestman Road, The Grove, near Consett, will be completed with the planting of a tree. The house is a community centre for children's clubs
-
Date
PD Ports moves to main list
TEESSIDE port operator PD Ports yesterday started trading on the official list of the London Stock Exchange. The company, which operates UK ports including Teesport, was upgraded from the junior stock market - the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) -
-
Date
Plan for 20mph zone is debated
CONTROVERSIAL plans to cut the speed limit and introduce traffic calming measures in Richmond could be given the go-ahead this week. Members of Richmondshire Area Committee will discus a proposal to introduce a 20mph zone at a meeting tomorrow. The plans
-
Date
John's birdtable is perfect present
A DISABLED birdwatcher has benefited from some seasonal goodwill. John Hearfield, of Hunton, near Leyburn, wrote to Richmondshire District Council asking for help to replace his ageing birdtable. Mr Hearfield, who has poor mobility after years of ill
-
Date
Relief as missing girls are found safe and well
TWO teenage girls have been found safe and well near their homes. Francesca Thomas and Gemma Lennon went missing five days ago. Their parents had believed the 15-year-olds were going to classes at the Sacred Heart School, Redcar, east Cleveland. But the
-
Date
Market traders in festive mood
A GROWING indoor market has extended its opening hours to help Christmas shoppers find a last-minute bargain. Stalls at Richmond indoor market will open for business every day this week, including Christmas Eve, when the Market Hall will stay open until
-
Date
Court takes late licence away from village nightclub
VILLAGERS were celebrating yesterday after a nightclub had its late licence revoked. Magistrates heard how Whispers nightclub was at the centre of drunken violence and under-age drinking in Liverton Mines, east Cleveland. Guisborough Magistrates Court
-
Date
Company appeals for witnesses to robbery
A COMPANY is offering a reward following an unsuccessful attempt to rob staff at one of its convenience shops. The Bells stores is offering an undisclosed sum to anyone with information that may lead to the conviction of the two offenders. Two assistants
-
Date
Under-age sale costs worker £200
SHOP owners and staff are being warned to be on their guard against under-age alcohol sales over Christmas after a worker was fined last week. The sales assistant was fined £200 after selling a bottle of cider to a 14-year-old at a town centre store in
-
Date
And that's a wrap...
ONCE the Christmas presents are bought, actually wrapping them can be a real chore - but not for Gary Davies and Cheryl-Ann Taylor. They have turned their talent for parcelling gifts into their own wrapping service, the Design Farm. The couple, from Levisham
-
Date
MRSA bug doctor remains at work
A DOCTOR has tested positive for the MRSA bug, but is still operating on patients. Consultant anaesthetist Stuart Hargrave is receiving treatment for the bug, which is resistant to antibiotics, but he is continuing to work in operating theatres. The infection
-
Date
Christmas minster services timetable
THE timetable for Christmas services at a North minster has been announced. There will be an evening service of nine lessons and carols at York Minister at 7pm tomorrow. On Christmas Eve, there will be the popular children's crib service at noon. Canon
-
Date
N-E man arrested after US tip-off
A NORTH-EAST man has been arrested as part of a nationwide crackdown on drugs ordered over the Internet. The 41-year-old, from the Chester-le-Street area of County Durham, was one of 22 arrested across the country suspected of buying Class A drugs over
-
Date
Depressed mother spent benefit on drugs
A MOTHER spent her benefit money on drugs in an attempt to overcome the devastation of having her children taken into care, a court heard yesterday. But Jane Sykes's plans to use heroin and cannabis as a panacea for her sorrows were thwarted when her
-
Date
Disgraced solicitor is jailed
A DISGRACED solicitor who stole more than £500,000 from 22 clients' wills to cover botched cases was jailed for three-and-a-half years yesterday. Donald Halling, 54, used £630,000 bequeathed to charities and bereaved relatives to pay off clients whose
-
Date
Clyde's tally is on the up
DARLINGTON striker Clyde Wijnhard claimed his seventh goal of the season yesterday without even kicking a ball. Wijnhard has been credited with the opening goal in Quakers' 3-0 win over Leyton Orient 11 days ago. The fifth minute strike went down as an
-
Date
Tall Trees aims to 'bring five-star luxury to region'
AN £80m plan to give the North-East unrivalled hotel and leisure facilities has been revealed. Businessman Javid Majid said an upgrade and expansion of his Tall Trees Hotel and conference centre on the edge of Yarm, Teesside, should give the region its
-
Date
Brokering the spirit of Christmas
At Christmas I miss the hills of Northern England. I can remember many a Boxing Day when we worked off the turkey and plum pudding by an exhilarating walk up Pen-y-Ghent or Ingleborough. I can even remember chunks of ice in the Swale below Aysgarth Falls
-
Date
PD Ports moves to main list
TEESSIDE port operator PD Ports yesterday started trading on the official list of the London Stock Exchange. The company, which operates UK ports including Teesport, was upgraded from the junior stock market - the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) -
-
Date
Blues club night
THE Blues Burglars will perform at Darlington Arts Centre's Rhythm 'n' Blues Club on Friday, January 7. They will perform in the garden bar at 8pm. Tickets are £6.50, available on (01325) 486555. Published: 21/12/2004
-
Date
BS Freight announces expansion
A SMALL North-East airfreight company has announced plans to expand after surviving major changes in its industry. Ten years ago, BS Freight Limited was one of eight freight-forwarding companies at what was then known as Teesside Airport. It is the only
-
Date
Law firm full of praise for finished articles
Law firm Ward Hadaway has congratulated ten trainees who have completed the company's training programme and qualified as solicitors. Eight of the trainees began their two-year training contract at Ward Hadaway in September 2002 after applying two years
-
Date
Chain of Custody ensures natural resources are conserved
HOMEBUYERS concerned about the environment can have a clearer conscience thanks to a North-East manufacturer. John B Smith Limited, of Stockton, which makes up to 1,500 rafters a week for house-builders and the construction industry, is ensuring its timber
-
Date
On TV
Christmas Lights (ITV1) Love Cruise (five) NOT content with Christmas trees and paper chains indoors, people have moved outdoors to decorate the exterior of their homes with lights, Santas and reindeer in increasing numbers. So, in that sense, Christmas
-
Date
Top ten vie for city centre contract
Ten of the country's top design consultancies have been invited to put forward their ideas to turn the Sunniside Gardens area of Sunderland into the £2m centrepiece for the area's regeneration. The winning design will make the gardens a place for visitors
-
Date
Families angry after driver sentenced for part in fatal crash
A MINIBUS driver has had six points added to his licence for his part in an accident in which two young people died. Last night, the parents of motorcyclist James Cooper, 20, and his pillion passenger Liz Munt, 20, both from Billingham, Teesside, said
-
Date
Sage to sign up singers
SINGERS are needed to take part in a performance at the North-East's new showpiece music venue, The Sage, in Gateshead. Regional singing collective Sing Live North-East is looking for people to take part in the concert, performing a medley of music from
-
Date
A thriving trade in women by the Tees
Harry Mead dips into the latest round of poetry books. COMRADE LAUGHTER by Andy Croft (Flambard, Stable Cottage, East Fourstones, Hexham, Northumberland, NE47 5DX, £7.50) What Wordsworth was to the Lake District, Andy Croft is to Teesside. Born in Cheshire
-
Date
Inquest into death of officer's wife opened
AN inquest has been opened and adjourned into the death of police officer's wife Maria Jones. The 36-year-old hairdresser was found with stab wounds in the bedroom of her home at Barwick Close, Ingleby Barwick, near Stockton, on December 2. Her father
-
Date
Soldier's parking fine plea dismissed
AN Army officer has criticised council chiefs for making him pay a parking fine after a meter scheme was introduced while he was in Iraq. Warrant Officer Darren Adam, 37, of the Army Physical Training Corps, was given a £30 fine after parking his Renault
-
Date
Meal on an even keel
The Keelman in Newburn, is reckoned to have "decent, quickly served food", which is at least half right. THE Methodist head lad once again being late for lunch, we fell to reading the admirable parish magazine of the Anglican churches of St Mary's, Throckley
-
Date
Man jailed for horse cruelty, daughter receives a life ban
A MAN was jailed for three months yesterday for cruelty to three horses. Two of the animals, a grey mare and a strawberry roan mare, had to be put down. The surviving horse, a bay-coloured stallion, had not been out of its stable for up to five years
-
Date
The Lifeblood Appeal
As part of The Northern Echo's Lifeblood campaign, which aims to encourage people to give blood, here are details of forthcoming donor sessions in the region: Thursday * Methodist Church Hall, Carmel Road, South Mowden, Darlington, 3pm-7pm * Town Hall
-
Date
77-year-old honoured for taking a stand against drug dealers
A PENSIONER who rallied his neighbours to fight back against serious anti-social behaviour has been honoured. Ronnie Mason, 77, was named as a regional winner in the national Taking a Stand Awards. Mr Mason, who lives in the Rift House area of Hartlepool
-
Date
Cash saves the play
THE cast of a new theatre's first pantomime were saved from performing in makeshift costumes after an eleventh hour donation. Theatre Cap-a-Pie's youth company performed Beauty and the Beast at £1m The Store arts and community centre, in Dipton, near
-
Date
Name the attackers, requests fire crew
RESIDENTS are being urged to identify yobs who attacked two firefighters - knocking one unconscious - as they tried to steal equipment from a fire engine. Mark Whelan, director of community safety with Cleveland Fire Brigade said: "We are working to have
-
Date
X-ray vision pays off at last
x-ray technology company Bede plc has recorded its first profits thanks to a bulging order book. The record number of orders has led to an increase in turnover to £3.2m in the past nine months, it said yesterday, and September was a profitable month.
-
Date
Bomb experts called in after parcel causes a stink
A STRANGE smelling parcel was at the centre of a bomb alert after it was delivered to a butcher's shop. Police and bomb disposal officers quickly arrived at Fred Simpson and Son, in Cockfield, County Durham, yesterday morning after concerns the package
-
Date
Andrew Mitchell
The Royal Bank of Scotland has appointed ANDREW MITCHELL as the regional director for the North-East's corporate banking division. Mr Mitchell has worked for the bank for more than 15 years. Richard Topliss, managing director of the North of England division
-
Date
Films down your way
FILM fans will soon be able to pop down to their nearest village hall to see the latest movie releases thanks to a new touring film scheme. Rural Screen has been launched by Thirsk-based charity Rural Arts. On show will be a variety of films, from classics
-
Date
Man ordered to forfeit drugs money
A MAN involved in a £250,000 drug-supply gang has been ordered to forfeit the money he made from the crime. A confiscation order of £2,737 was yesterday made against Allan Blakemore after prosecutors accepted that was all he made from the conspiracy.
-
Date
Let's build on it, says Cooper
HARTLEPOOL United boss Neale Cooper has warned his side not to let Saturday's historic away win go to waste. Pool thumped Wrexham 5-1 at the Racecourse Ground, their second highest away win in history. It also put to bed a stretch of eight successive
-
Date
Tall Trees aims to bring five-star luxury to region
AN £80m plan to give the North-East unrivalled hotel and leisure facilities has been revealed. Businessman Javid Majid said an upgrade and expansion of his Tall Trees Hotel and conference centre on the edge of Yarm, Teesside, should give the region its
-
Date
Job Search: Vacancies
General assistant, required to work on various sections of Wm Morrisons store early next year. Experience not essential as training provided. Ref: BAJ 5536. Taxi driver, must be 25 or over with clean driving licence. Experience preferred but not essential
-
Date
Playgroup needs more children
A PLAYGROUP has warned it may have to close if more children do not attend. East Thirsk Playgroup has about ten children at each of its three weekly sessions. This has left the group struggling to cover its overheads and, if the situation does not improve
-
Date
David Stevens
Accountants KPMG, in Newcastle, has appointed DAVID STEVENS to its corporate finance team. Mr Stevens joins having spent the past two years working in Edinburgh at Scottish firm Johnston Carmichael. Rod Wilkinson, senior director of corporate finance
-
Date
Driving bans for kerb crawlers
KERB crawlers face a driving ban under a crackdown announced by the courts. New, local guidelines say magistrates on Teesside should consider disqualifications of at least 14 days, with a longer ban if there are aggravating features. Leo Murphy, the chairman
-
Date
Marwood's England career not the shortest
If the cap fits, wear it. Recent columns have been remembering sportsmen who made just one appearance for their country. Was there ever so brief a one-cap wonder, asks Martin Birtle in Billingham, as Seaham Harbour lad Brian Marwood - England's 77th minute
-
Date
Jimmy Nail loses claim for increased libel damages
AUF Wiedersehen Pet star Jimmy Nail yesterday lost his battle for an increase in the £30,000 libel damages awarded by a judge. The 50-year-old Newcastle actor and singer was awarded the amount in the High Court in March by Mr Justice Eady, who said he
-
Date
Government plan to challenge inquest verdict
THE Government last night revealed plans to challenge the verdict of an inquest which ruled that a North-East airman was unlawfully killed more than 50 years ago. Leading Aircraftman Ronald Maddison died during secret nerve gas experiments at the Porton
-
Date
Brewer appoints area sales chief
Pub operator and brewer Jennings Brothers has appointed a new area sales manager to support its freehouses across the North-East and Cumbria. SANDRA HALL will oversee more than 70 Jennings pubs, focusing on all aspects of running a freehouse, including
-
Date
Hall gets a stained glass makeover
LOCAL enthusiasts are joining forces to make a spectacular job of replacing a large window in their village hall. They are planning to create a stained glass window and install it in the stone hall at Barningham, near Barnard Castle, County Durham. They
-
Date
Homeless man jailed after indecent assault on officer
A FEMALE police officer was indecently assaulted while trying to deal with a homeless man who was exposing himself while high on solvents. Michael Fortune, 24, was yesterday jailed for three years for the attack, which left the young officer badly traumatised
-
Date
Job Search: Vacancies
Driver Class C+E/cleaner HGV, Thirsk. £6ph, 39hrs pw, 8.30am to 5.30pm, Mon-Fri. Must be 25-plus with C+E (HGV 1) licence. Must be flexible regarding hours worked. Ref: NAL 994. Administration assistant, Thirsk. 15hrs pw, Mon-Fri. No qualifications or
-
Date
Jane Swallow
Law firm Dickinson Dees is expanding its banking practice by recruiting JANE SWALLOW as an assistant solicitor. Ms Swallow has already been involved in a number of projects in her first days at the law firm, including a number of public finance initiatives
-
Date
Reiziger shares Boro's Champions League aim
ACTIONS speak louder than words, according to Middlesbrough defender Michael Reiziger. The Dutch star, scorer of his first goal in nine years in Middlesbrough's 3-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday, said when he signed during the summer part of the lure
-
Date
Job Search: Vacancies
Sales advisor. £9,500 to £14,500pa plus benefits, 35hrs pw, 9.30am to 5.30pm, Mon-Sat. Must have five GCSEs Grade C+ or equivalent, including maths and English. Sales experience an advantage but not essential as training given. Ref: DUR 42107. Sales administrator
-
Date
Science park expects demand
THE director of a North-East science park is predicting a surge in demand for incubator space following Chancellor Gordon Brown's decision to remove a tax liability that had been discouraging the commercial exploitation of research-led businesses. The
-
Date
Rebels fail in bid to block ID cards
Labour and Conservative rebels last night failed to block Government plans to introduce a national identity card system. The Identity Cards Bill was given a second reading in the House of Commons by 385 votes to 93. Earlier, a rare cross-party move to
-
Date
Thieves target BMW garage
THIEVES made off with expensive accessories from a luxury car dealer yesterday. The gang forced its way into Mill BMW garage, on the Boldon Industrial Estate, South Tyneside, at about 9am. They stole a large quantity of BMW accessories and made off in
-
Date
Spotlight on assembly hall
A SCHOOL has been awarded £25,000 to light up its new £3m assembly hall. Carmel Technology College, in The Headlands, Darlington, has received the grant for the John Caden Hall from the Foundation for Sport and the Arts. The hall, named after the school's
-
Date
Children brush up on their arts skills at Christmas crafts session
CHILDREN got arty during a Christmas craft day in Darlington yesterday. Youngsters aged from two to 12 took part in the fun session at Maidendale House community centre on the Firthmoor estate. The children made salt dough tree decorations, paper snowmen
-
Date
Providing Christmas cheer for mothers and children seeking refuge
KIND-HEARTED south Durham residents are helping to make Christmas special for a group of women and children seeking sanctuary from violent homes. Some of the seven women and six children spending the festive season at the Wear Valley Women's Aid centre
-
Date
Parking hitch delays plan for housing development
A COUPLE'S plan to demolish their four-bedroomed house and build six smaller ones in its place has been delayed because of a parking problem. Christine and Graham Wood want to knock down their home in Harmire Close, Barnard Castle, and build terraces
-
Date
Free books offer for children
A SCHEME to encourage reading has given 56,000 free books to children across County Durham. Bookstart, launched five years ago, is a national initiative that also gives advice to parents on helping their children to read. It was set up to encourage parents
-
Date
Free books offer for children
A SCHEME to encourage reading has given 56,000 free books to children across County Durham. Bookstart, launched five years ago, is a national initiative that also gives advice to parents on helping their children to read. It was set up to encourage parents
-
Date
Puzzle over land ownership in former mining village
RESIDENTS of a former mining community could hold the key to a land ownership mystery which goes back more than 50 years. Dene Valley Parish Council wants to use money made available by developers to build a children's playground in the expanding village
-
Date
Sport Comment: It's a deepening crisis at Newcastle
WHEN Graeme Souness took over at St James' Park in September, Newcastle were a club in crisis. They were shipping goals left, right and centre, had won just one of their first five league games, and were 12th in the table. Today, Souness presides over
-
Date
Force hits back after getting poor rating in national audit
A POLICE force has hit back at criticism in a national report. The Audit Commission today reveals that only 17 of the 43 forces in England and Wales are recording crime to National Crime Recording Standards (NCRS). Under the commission's "traffic light
-
Date
Killing threat by boyfriend was just a figure of speech
A MAN has been cleared of threatening to kill his girlfriend after a court ruled he was using a figure of speech. Ian Harrison, 30, of Cobden Street, Darlington, had the case against him dismissed by South Durham magistrates sitting at Newton Aycliffe
-
Date
University makes a donation to help the homeless this Christmas
STAFF and students at a university have remembered people who are homeless this Christmas. For the first time, the number of homeless families in England has topped 100,000 mark. The University of Teesside, in Middlesbrough, this year launched a campaign
-
Date
Who's playing Santa Claus?
With one in three marriages ending in divorce, more and more parents are spending Christmas without their children. Women's Editor Lindsay Jennings looks at the dilemmas separated families face and how they can overcome them. EVERYTHING about the scene
-
Date
Car parking charges to rise in city
CAR parking charges in central Newcastle will rise in the new year. From Monday, January 17, hourly rates will increase by 10p in nine car parks in the city. It follows a vote by Newcastle City Council. The authority said prices have been frozen at more
-
Date
'Tough times ahead'
COUNCIL chiefs have warned of tough decisions ahead after criticising the Government for the size of its annual grant. Richmondshire District Council says the £3,189,000 it will receive to pay for services in 2005/06 is an increase of 2.5 per cent on
-
Date
Court imposes third ban on disqualified driver
A MAN was banned from driving for the third time after taking over the wheel of a car when a friend fell ill. Police discovered that Trevor Reed, from Dipton, near Stanley, was banned from driving when they pulled over the Ford Escort van he was driving
-
Date
Appeal for donors to sign up and save lives
A GRIEVING couple's Christmas hope is that their son's battle for life will encourage future organ donors. Paul Pickett died in Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital a day after his 40th birthday, while waiting for a second kidney transplant.
-
Date
Community hopes appeal may ring a bell
A SMALL community has put out an SOS appeal to save its church bells from falling silent. Things have reached crisis point in the belfry at Winksley Parish Church, near Ripon, with regular ringers down to two. For generations, the bells of the Anglican
-
Date
Residents demand a better land deal in housing plan
RESIDENTS are protesting against plans to build houses on an area of open space and replace it with a much smaller area. Developers Dysart, part of the Project Genesis initiative, set up to revive the former steelworks site in Consett, wants to build
-
Date
Students go for gold in Olympics competition
STUDENTS from three schools met for a day of competition and friendship in the first ever pupils' Olympics. The King's Academy, in Middlesbrough, was chosen as host school and welcomed 120 students from Emmanuel College, in Gateshead, and the new Trinity
-
Date
Pedigree dog owner faces £350 fine
A DOG owner reacted angrily when she was accused of allowing her pet to foul in public, a court heard. Evlyn Pryor is said to have flung a plastic bag containing dog faeces at a council warden after he pointed out the offence and then asked for her details
-
Date
Cash saves the play
THE cast of a new theatre's first pantomime were saved from performing in makeshift costumes after an eleventh hour donation. Theatre Cap-a-Pie's youth company performed Beauty and the Beast at £1m The Store arts and community centre, in Dipton, near
-
Date
£400,000 on recycling
A £400,000 recycling centre has opened in east Cleveland. The centre, at Carlin Howe Farm, Dunsdale, is the second to be opened by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council. The first was the Warrenby Recycling Centre. Councillor Bob Stanway, the council's
-
Date
Community groups get cash support
GRANTS totalling £18,000 have been given by North Yorkshire County Council to community projects in the Hambleton area. The biggest sum, of just under £5,000 went to Thirsk, Sowerby and District Community Care Association, towards demolishing derelict
-
Date
Babysitter denies murdering toddler
A babysitter today denied murdering a two-year-old boy. Susan Holdsworth pleaded not guilty to killing Kyle Fisher, who died from head injuries on July 21. The 34-year-old, of Millpool Close, Hartlepool, entered the plea during a brief plea and directions
-
Date
George Reynolds case is adjourned by court
GEORGE REYNOLDS has made his first appearance at crown court charged with money-laundering offences. The former chairman of Darlington Football Club was in court with his cousin, Richard Tennick, and his personal assistant, Ian Robinson, for the brief
-
Date
Howards to live on in merger
THE Green Howards, one of the Army's oldest regiments, is to merge with two others in one of the biggest defence shake-ups in decades. But its identity will not be lost and it will live on as one of the battalions in a new Yorkshire Regiment - destined
-
Date
Mystery of the Moors
It was an ecological disaster which devastated one of the worlds's rarest landscapes, but the fire which ravaged the North York Moors last year has had an unexpected twist. Nick Morrison reports. AT first, it seemed to be a largely abstract, although
-
Date
Jail for salesman who owned up to theft
A CAR salesman has been jailed for 18 months for stealing almost £70,000 from a North-East dealership after owning up even though no one suspected his crimes. Paul John Toft took money from cash sales and covered up his con by setting up finance on fictitious
-
Date
Simon Bell
SIMON BELL has been appointed manager at North Yorkshire Timber's (NYT) sales centre in Middlesbrough. Following five years in the Navy, where his final posting was as a radar operator on HMS Ark Royal, at Portsmouth, Mr Bell worked in the construction
-
Date
BS Freight announces expansion
A SMALL North-East airfreight company has announced plans to expand after surviving major changes in its industry. Ten years ago, BS Freight Limited was one of eight freight-forwarding companies at what was then known as Teesside Airport. It is the only
-
Date
Hall gets a stained glass makeover
LOCAL enthusiasts are joining forces to make a spectacular job of replacing a large window in their village hall. They are planning to create a stained glass window and install it in the stone hall at Barningham, near Barnard Castle, County Durham. They
-
Date
First for tourism industry
THE North-East's potential as a tourist destination is receiving help from an initiative aimed at improving the quality of stay that visitors enjoy. A training scheme will ensure the tourism workforce is equipped to offer visitors the best possible welcome
-
Date
Yuletide travellers prefer to fly
NEWCASTLE International airport's passenger numbers are at an all-time high this Christmas. More passengers are choosing to fly rather than travel by train or car and passenger numbers are increasing on domestic flights from the region. About 150,000
-
Date
Anthony Murray and Andrew Spencer
Agricultural and rural insurance specialists BiB has appointed two regional team leaders to new roles. ANTHONY MURRAY, previously team leader of BiB's Northern underwriting team, is moving into broker relations and will help develop the company's panel
-
Date
Jeremy Chapple
MANUFACTURER Komatsu UK has appointed a new product manager. JEREMY CHAPPLE, from Croft-on-Tees, near Darlington, has joined Komatsu, based in Birtley, near Chester-le-Street, to develop current and future products. Mr Chapple has spent a career in the
-
Date
Charity cash is returned by thief
A TEENAGER who stole charity money intended for sick children has returned the collection. A tub containing cash was taken from outside Ray and Sheila Robinson's home in Thorntree Gardens, Middleton St George, near Darlington, on Thursday. It contained
-
Date
Kyle hoping to be given all clear
KEVIN KYLE pays a visit to a hip specialist on Thursday hoping to get the all-clear so he can strike up a little and large partnership with his pal Stephen Elliott. "Ever since Stephen come to the club I have got on with him," said the Scottish international
-
Date
National recognition for North-East managers
TWO top managers in Newsquest (North East), publishers of The Northern Echo, Darlington & Stockton Times; Advertiser Series have been celebrated in awards of the publishing group's UK operations. Managing director David Kelly was named as the group's
-
Date
Comment from The Northern Echo: What credit in ID cards?
OPPOSITION, on the grounds of civil liberties, to ID cards lacks credibility. Everyone over the age of 16 has an ID code issued by the Government in the form of a National Insurance number. And there can be only a few people in the country who do not
-
Date
Pilot dies after gyrocopter crash
A 61-YEAR-OLD veteran flier died after his gyrocopter crashed into woodland. The man, named as Dave Chaplin, from Borrowby, near Thirsk, died at the scene. His gyrocopter crashed shortly after taking off from the Yorkshire Gliding Club's airfield at Sutton
