Archive
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Police join forces to launch training regime 'blueprint'
TWO police forces are teaming up to provide a new training regime for probationer officers. Durham has joined forces with Northumbria to introduce the training format, the Initial Police Learning and Development Programme (IPLDP), starting in April. Under
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Half-term netball tournament
TEAMS are needed to take part in a girls' netball tournament. Under 12, under 14 and under 16 teams will take part in the half-term event on Thursday, February 17. Organisers from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's sports development team and youth
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Help council beat its tree recycling record
HOUSEHOLDERS across Hartlepool are urged to recycle their Christmas trees. The annual kerbside service offered by Hartlepool Borough Council began on Tuesday and will continue until next Thursday. More than 1,600 trees were recycled last year, compared
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Teenager died from injuries
A teenager died as a result of head injuries after a car crash, an inquest heard. Samantha Parker, 17, of Lilac Grove, Redcar, east Cleveland, suffered multiple injuries and died in the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, following a crash
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Group tries to dispel myths about addicts
A GROUP of drug users have been working to dispel the myth that all addicts are inconsiderate. Service Users Group Hambleton and Richmondshire (SUGHAR) developed out of the Hambleton and Richmondshire Community Addiction Service. In December, the new
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Planners against grass roof house
VILLAGERS supporting plans for a house with a grass roof are expecting to see them rejected. Despite receiving eight letters in favour of the development in Hardraw, near Hawes, Wensleydale, the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority is expected to refuse
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Museum warns of tough times if councils funding is not met
BEAMISH Museum is facing a tough year unless councils agree to a big increase in funding, officials have warned. The joint governing committee overseeing Beamish Museum, near Stanley, County Durham, is asking eight of the region's councils for a total
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Karl's design urges people to stub it out
A SCHOOLBOY will see his logo design go into mass production after he won a competition to highlight the dangers of smoking. Karl Pitt, nine, of Tanfield Lea Junior School, won the Smoke Free Derwentside logo competition. About 600 pupils aged from four
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Galleries get £300,000
TWO North-East art galleries are celebrating after receiving a grant from the Northern Rock Foundation. The Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (MIMA) and The Shipley Art Gallery, in Gateshead, have been jointly awarded £300,000 for a five-year collection
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Extra parking spaces will be needed - council
A MULTI-MILLION pound supermarket development in the centre of Darlington would mean extra car parking, council bosses insisted last night. Tesco is in talks with the borough council to knock down the town hall and build new council offices, plus a supermarket
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I'm just a channel
MAGGIE Lambert was lying in her hospital bed, unable to sleep. She had just had an operation and the pain was still raw. Time passed slowly as she watched the hands on her bedside clock, still lodged stubbornly in the small hours. Then, in the doorway
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Fort visit inspires display on Romans
A VISIT to a Roman fort inspired youngsters from an east Cleveland school to create an exhibition. The display, called Romans Revisited, was created by students at Saltburn's Huntcliff School and opens at Kirkleatham Museum, Redcar, on Monday. The year
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A place for technology in the beautiful game
It was hard to decide what was the strangest thing about Tuesday night's incident at Old Trafford. The sight of both referee Mark Clattenburg and his assistant Robert Lewis failing to spot Roy Carroll dropping Pedro Mendes' 55-yard strike over his own
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Rail operator still in race for franchise
RAIL chiefs last night said that FirstGroup was still in the running to operate East Coast Mainline services despite its bid having been referred to the Competition Commission. The Strategic Rail Authority said the transport operator could be named next
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Deepdale move will create 41 Jobs
MANUFACTURER Deepdale Solutions is moving to a Hartlepool business park, creating 41 jobs. The company will be the first at the multi-million pound Queen's Meadow Business Park. Deepdale, which specialises in the computer-aided design, manufacture and
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Exhibition for blind people
AN exhibition is being held at Stockton Central Library later this month for the visually impaired. The library has joined forces with Stockton Blind People's Voice to host the fourth annual showcase on January 19. The drop-in event, from 10.30am to 3pm
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Making movies and memories
A new series shows footage of the region's past shot by amateur film-makers. Steve Pratt reports on their remarkable work. WHEN producer Liz Treadway approached local amateur film-makers about showing their old home movies on TV, the response was usually
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New training for PCs
TWO North-East police forces are teaming up to provide a new training regime for 'rookies'. Durham has joined Northumbria to introduce a new training format, the Initial Police Learning and Development Programme, due to start in April. Under a national
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High planes drifter
Leonardo DiCaprio was hooked on the legend of Howard Hughes before being asked to play the genius who eventually succumbed to obsessions about germs. Steve Pratt reports. SINCE reading a biography of Howard Hughes a decade ago, Leonardo DiCaprio has been
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Lesley Garrett and Northern Sinfonia, The Sage Gateshead
DIVA Lesley Garrett is a performer who never fails to thrill. And she certainly lived up to her reputation by bowling over an audience at The Sage Gateshead in characteristic style. There was something for everyone, as the soprano embarked on a musical
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Burke ruled out of Falcons' Cup showdown
NEWCASTLE Falcons will again be without star full back Matt Burke for what Rob Andrew has described as the biggest game in the club's history on Saturday. The Australian misses the Heineken Cup match at Perpignan as he is still suffering from cartilage
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Man with MS beaten to death
A man with multiple sclerosis has been found beaten to death in his home. Jack Carter, a wheelchair-user aged 62, suffered severe head injuries in the attack, Cleveland Police reported. His body was found in the downstairs of the house in a bathroom.
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Police hunt drug dealer who went on run
A DRUG gang member who was part of an £8m heroin operation has gone on the run. Paul French, 24, who pleaded guilty to supplying heroin, was bailed to be sentenced at Teesside Crown Court, in Middlesbrough, on December 27. He was arrested as part of an
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Opera has plenty of soul
North-East performer Ryan Mallory knows all about Soul. He almost forged a career based on soul music at America's UCLA before returning to the UK to star in Jerry Springer The Musical with David Soul. RYAN Malloy pats his Olivier Award on the head. It's
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Awards give something to shout about
A TOWN crier, a lawyer and a primary school head teacher are just a few of the people from the North-East who have been recognised in the Queen's New Year Honours list. Colin Beswick, Durham's town crier has something to shout about after he was made
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Quinn is prepared for A Bit Of Fun at Ludlow
JOHN QUINN concentrates mainly on the Flat these days but he still has the occasional jumps' runner, such as A Bit Of Fun (2.20) at Ludlow. Being a son of the great Classic-winning sire Unfuwain, out of a mare by the legendary Mill Reef, A Bit Of Fun
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Fundraising pantomime in the wings
THE Northallerton Variety Company is preparing for its annual pantomime. Mother Goose will be staged at the Hambleton Forum, in Northallerton, from Sunday January 23, to Saturday, January 29. Tickets can be bought by calling (01609) 770936, or at the
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On TV
Dead Man Weds (ITV1) Distant Shores (ITV1) Desperate Housewives (C4) HOLD the front page. The unthinkable has happened. No, Richard hasn't stop browbeating Judy and the Government hasn't banned those endless sofa adverts that interrupt the programmes
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Comment from The Northern Echo: Keeping our eye on the ball
SPORT in general, and football in particular, is taken far too seriously, but the controversy over the goal-that-wasn't shows the use of these pastimes. Yesterday's silence in memory of those killed by the Asian tsunami was well observed everywhere. But
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Crown sets up special courts
THE first magistrates' courts dedicated to dealing with domestic violence and homophobic hate cases started operating this week. The courts will feature specialist teams of Crown Prosecution Service lawyers with cases heard by magistrates in County Durham
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Gran At Large
IT isn't Christmas without children about the place," people often say. "It's just not the same. Children make Christmas." I think it's rather a sad way to look at things. Of course, I know what they mean. After all, if Christmas is about anything (apart
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Mural explores alternative energy
A MURAL depicting the different kinds of sustainable energy has been unveiled by young people in St Helen Auckland. The artwork is the result of weeks of work that included talks with the Environment Agency and help from a resident artist. The Sustainable
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'I'm just a channel to the spirit world'
In a new book, medium Maggie Lambert recounts her fascinating experiences with the spirit world. Sarah Foster meets her. MAGGIE Lambert was lying in her hospital bed, unable to sleep. She had just had an operation and the pain was still raw. Time passed
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Witness appeal after robbery
SHOPPERS and doorstep salesmen could hold the vital clues detectives need to catch a gang who robbed a village post office. Three men struck at lunch time on Thursday, December 30, at the post office and general store in Ebchester, near Consett. They
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Top five win places at independent school
FIVE girls are celebrating after clinching a scholarship at a North-East independent school. The pupils were awarded the Simon Bailes Scholarship to Polam Hall School, in Darlington. The scholarship, backed by the Peugeot dealership, was launched several
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Film club moves from strength to strength
FILM buffs are flocking to a new alternative film club. Clayport Film Club was set up in Clayport Library, in Durham City, last March, by Durham County Council employees Geoff Pratt and John Coburn. The not-for-profit society aims to offer the best in
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Postal worker kept mail at home
A FORMER postal worker wept as a court was told how she had stolen thousands of packages and letters over a four-year period. The items were found at Rachel Catherine Shute's home, in Darlington. Investigators found the mail in sacks behind the garage
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Arts programme unveiled
ARTS bosses in Darlington yesterday launched a programme of events for this year. The spring brochure unveiled by Darlington Civic Theatre and Arts Centre includes a host of star-name shows. Fame, The Jungle Book and High Society are among the shows to
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Court may decide damages form man hit by polce car
A court could yet decide the level of damages due to be paid to a man who lost part of his leg after being hit by a police car on a 999 call. David Layton, along with his wife Lillian, successfully sued Cleveland police following the crash and won his
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F&G wins National Grid work
International project and cost consultancy Faithful and Gould (F&G) has secured a contract with National Grid. The company will provide quantity surveying services and project management support on two pilot schemes in the Midlands. The West Midlands
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Awards give something to shout about
A TOWN crier, a lawyer and a primary school head teacher are just a few of the people from the North-East who have been recognised in the Queen's New Year Honours list. Colin Beswick, Durham's town crier has something to shout about after he was made
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Head Ted's farewell
A FAMILIAR face was missing when term restarted this Thursday at St Patrick's RC Primary School in Consett. Headteacher Ted Young was treated to a surprise retirement party when he left the school at the end of the Christmas term. Mr Young, 58, started
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Residents launch campaign to keep children out
RESIDENTS of a housing complex for the over-55s are calling on councillors to help keep their area peaceful. People in Harlow Grange Park, a 23-home development of bungalows and flats on the western approach to Harrogate, fear they could soon have noisy
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Display recalls golden age of biking
MOTORBIKE memorabilia collected by a former miner has gone on display. Thirty exhibits, mostly accessories and badges, which have been brought together by John Williams, are on show at The Discovery Centre, Seaton Holme, Easington Village, in east Durham
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Gregorio aims for promotion
Darlington have one of the best teams in League Two and should be disappointed if they aren't promoted this season, says midfielder Adolfo Gregorio. Although manager David Hodgson wanted to be in the top ten at Christmas, he has played down such talk
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Drivers fail to heed drink warnings
ALMOST seven per cent of motorists breathalysed by Durham Police over the Christmas period were drink-driving. In total, 947 drivers were stopped and tested. Sixty-five were arrested after failing, or refusing to do, the tests when stopped by officers
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Museum cash plea
LOCAL authorities in the region are being asked to significantly increase contributions to Beamish Museum. The governing committee overseeing the museum, which recently agreed to increase admission charges for the coming year, is asking eight of the region's
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Dog is found after motorway escape
AN Old English Sheepdog, which had a lucky escape when it ran across a motorway, has been found after ten days on the run. Four-year-old Ben jumped out of a car at Scotch Corner services in North Yorkshire, on Monday, December 27. He escaped serious injury
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World stands still to mourn tsunami dead
TWO children who helped nurse victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster led the region in remembrance yesterday. Ten-year-old Cherise Watson and her cousin, Liam Fleming, 14, from Darlington, lit candles to mark the start of three minutes' silence.
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Another vote of confidence in steelmaker
STEELWORKERS received a boost last night when Corus announced its major export customer had joined a consortium that will help secure the jobs of more than 6,000 workers over the next ten years. South Korean company Dongkuk - the Teesside operation's
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Actress answers panto's SOS call
STUDENT actress Lara Denning answered an SOS call to play principal boy in a North Yorkshire pantomime - and sailed through her debut after only eight hours of studying the role. Ms Denning, 21, in her final year at theatre school in London, stepped into
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New training for PCs
TWO North-East police forces are teaming up to provide a new training regime for 'rookies'. Durham has joined Northumbria to introduce a new training format, the Initial Police Learning and Development Programme, due to start in April. Under a national
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Young football star hurt as he tackled thieves
A PROMISING teenage footballer was badly injured when he tried to stop thieves stealing his sister's car. England under-19 defender Chris Hogg underwent a four-hour operation on his left arm after he suffered cuts on a broken window at his parent's home
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Burke ruled out of Falcons' Cup showdown
NEWCASTLE Falcons will again be without star full back Matt Burke for what Rob Andrew has described as the biggest game in the club's history on Saturday. The Australian misses the Heineken Cup match at Perpignan as he is still suffering from cartilage
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TSF in head office move
UK shopfitter TSF Retail Solutions hopes to create 60 jobs in the region after moving its head office to Washington, Wearside. The company has already taken on 40 staff following its move to a 34,000sq ft centre on the Glover Industrial Estate. TSF, which
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Time to see the small picture
The devastation caused by the tsunami has prompted a time of reflection, but we may be surprised by what really makes us happy. TIME to think small... The enormity of the tsunami and its aftermath is almost impossible to grasp. Too many people, too many
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Prayers and silence for Asia's victims
MILLIONS of people across the UK and Europe observed a three-minute silence at noon on Wednesday in remembrance of those people killed in the Asian tsunami disaster. More than 100 people gathered in Durham Cathedral where The Dean of Durham, the Right
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Buyers' anger at drainage dispute
FURIOUS homebuyers claim a planning dispute has held up their moves to a new housing complex. A luxury housing development being built at The Porch, in Barton, near Richmond, was due to be completed last summer. But a drainage culvert installed by developer
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Residents want phone mast moved away from homes
Residents are fighting plans for a bigger mobile phone mast near their homes because of health fears. The mast towers over houses in Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, and homeowners are demanding it is relocated to a more remote site. Bill Watson, chairman of
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Power tools stolen in raid
A QUANTITY of power tools from a Teesdale building site were stolen by thieves who used a car to break into a storage container. The incident took place between 4pm on Tuesday and 7.30am yesterday morning at the Three Rivers Development at Gainford. Sergeant
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'Proposed superstore could hit small businesses hard'
FEARS were voiced yesterday that a giant supermarket in the centre of Darlington could have a devastating effect on other businesses. The Darlington branch of the Federation of Small Businesses said the news that Tesco was in talks to build a store in
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Galleries celebrate £300,000 funding
TWO North-East art galleries are celebrating after receiving a grant from the Northern Rock Foundation. The Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (Mima) and The Shipley Art Gallery, in Gateshead, have been jointly awarded £300,000 for a five-year collection
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Nominate health care staff for awards
PEOPLE in the Durham dales are being asked to nominate health care staff who make a difference to the quality of care received by patients. The Durham Dales Primary Care Trust (PCT) has launched the award scheme to reward excellence and service improvement
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Businesswoman overcomes odds
A WOMAN who was once confined to a wheelchair has overcome the odds to open her second business. Gail Old, of Peterlee, has achieved her ambition by opening Talons Nail and Beauty, in Easington, after getting help from Easington Action team for Jobs and
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No action on claims of abusive behaviour
TWO councillors accused of abusive behaviour will not face any action from the Standards Board for England. Councillors John Shuttleworth and Ron Grogan were reported by Councillor Chris Foote Wood, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Wear Valley
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Search for victims of 'flasher'
A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of exposing himself to two women. The 44-year-old man was seen on security cameras acting suspiciously and is then said to have exposed himself in Stockton High Street at about 5am on Sunday, January 2. Police arrested
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Linesman backs video technology call
THE linesman at the heart of one of football's greatest controversies last night said he would have had to "run faster than Linford Christie" to have made the right decision. Assistant referee Rob Lewis yesterday admitted he failed to spot that Manchester
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Residents launch campaign to keep children out
RESIDENTS of a housing complex for the over-55s are calling on councillors to help keep their area peaceful. People in Harlow Grange Park, a 23-home development of bungalows and flats on the western approach to Harrogate, fear they could soon have noisy
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Work finishes on new £1.2m surgery
WORK has finished on a £1.2m doctor's surgery that will serve thousands of patients. Elvington Medical Practice at Elvington, near York, has moved into a two-storey building with six consulting rooms, a dispensary and two treatment rooms where minor surgery
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Unions call for protest on overtime
ALMOST £600m was lost to workers in the North-East through unpaid overtime last year, says the TUC. The organisation said that nearly 150,000 employees in the region would have earned £4,051 each for their unpaid hours if they were paid at their normal
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Praise for honours
GRADUATES and others with links to a North-East university who received awards in the New Year's Honours are being sent letters of congratulation. Durham University vice-chancellor Sir Kenneth Calman has written to congratulate old boys and girls who
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Danish retailer closes in on M&S Lifestore
IT is believed that 150 jobs will be created if Danish furniture retailer Ilva's planned takeover of the M&S Lifestore in Gateshead goes ahead. The failed Lifestore closes tomorrow, only 11 months after it opened, and now seems likely to be taken
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Patient died after ambulance crashed
A MAN who suffered a heart attack in the rear of an ambulance involved in an accident died of natural causes, an inquest heard yesterday. Leslie Franklin, 60, of Cotherstone Road, Stockton, who had lung cancer and a history of heart problems, was being
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Brave Chantelle faces battle to walk after losing foot to meningitis
A TWO-year-old girl faces a battle to walk after a meningitis infection forced doctors to amputate her right foot and all her toes. Chantelle Pringle fought back from the brink after meningococcal meningitis put her in intensive care. The deadly infection
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Hughes welcomes challenge
AARON Hughes has insisted that he has nothing to fear from the arrival of Jean-Alain Boumsong and Celestine Babayaro - because in seven years at Newcastle, he has seen it all before. The Northern Ireland international is one of the players most at risk
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Dads invited to annual meeting
A GROUP aiming to highlight the importance of fathers as role models is hoping to build on its success this year. Dads Aloud was set up in Chester-le-Street in 2003, to offer fathers the chance to spend time with their youngsters in a range of activities
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Chance to win in recycling giveaway
PEOPLE are being given the chance to win shopping vouchers by taking part in Darlington Borough Council's kerbside recycling scheme, Time to Recycle. The team will give away shopping vouchers worth £50 every week for six weeks, starting this month. Householders
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Order to evict travellers is being sought
AN order to evict travellers from a temporary site is being sought from the courts. Officers at Stockton Borough Council will make a second attempt in court to receive an eviction order to move on caravans in Thornaby, near Stockton. An earlier request
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Film producer puts region's industrial heritage in the spotlight
THE producer of a historical film chronicling the birth of heavy industry on Teesside is busy promoting the epic A Century in Stone. Using re-enactment, virtual reality, rare archive footage and interviews with the last of the Eston miners, the film provides
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Apprenticeship will soon be over
A teenager from Teesdale is hoping to complete her hairdressing apprenticeship in record time. When Michelle Beckley, 19, from Evenwood, completes the advanced stage of her apprenticeship next month, she will have cut nearly 18 months off the recommended
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Dame fortune
It's Hobson's Choice for Berwick Kaler as the North's best-known panto dame opts for comedy drama at York's Theatre Royal next season. Steve Pratt looks at the North Yorkshire theatre highlights as 2005 gathers pace. YORK'S long-serving Dame, Berwick
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Happy landings ahead
He's still awaiting an Oscar for Best Director, but Martin Scorsese is back in the running thanks to The Aviator. Steve Pratt reports on the man who made a biopic about flying and Howard Hughes... even though he hates air travel. HE'S often called the
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Man is jailed for driving offences
A MAN who has been disqualified from driving three times in the past two years was jailed yesterday. David William Wyatt, 21, of Walker Drive, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, pleaded guilty to two sets of identical charges of driving while disqualified
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WI news
Merry Oaks WI: THE president Margaret Thornhill opened the December meeting by paying tribute to Kit Tait who sadly died recently. Kit wrote and produced the shows performed by the entertainment group. Her sense of humour and fun always shone through,
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Stress fear for heroes of tsunami
TWO children hailed as heroes for nursing victims of the tsunami disaster may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Cherise Watson, ten, and her cousin Liam Fleming, 14, from Darlington, bandaged victims and brought drinking water to survivors
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Released sex offenders 'will undergo lie detector tests'
SEX offenders released from prison are likely to face compulsory lie detector tests after research in the North-East. The Home Office intends to introduce a law to force sex offenders released from prison to take US-style polygraph tests. The move is
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Fans who make Jacko seem sane
Wacko About Jacko (C4); Drugland (BBC2); YOU don't have to be mad to be a fan of Michael Jackson but it helps, judging from Wacko About Jacko. The line between being a fan and a stalker is a fine one. While the Jackson fans featured in the documentary
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Making movies and memories
A new series shows footage of the region's past shot by amateur film-makers. Steve Pratt reports on their remarkable work. WHEN producer Liz Treadway approached local amateur film-makers about showing their old home movies on TV, the response was usually
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Dead funny
After clashing with the critics and Sir Cliff, comic Johnny Vegas is hoping for a better reception for his latest TV series in which he plays a newspaper reporter. Steve Pratt reports. Comic Johnny Vegas has been giving away more about his next top secret
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Prize car boost for new business
A BUSINESSWOMAN'S firm has been given a corporate image boost after she won a luxury German sports car. Jill Davison, who with her partner Ade Swift, has set up A and J Mortgage Services in Chester-le-Street, won the BMW 318 Compact Sports from the financial
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Lorry crew hit with £1m fines for cigarettes scam
A NORTH-EAST lorry driver and his father-in-law have each been fined £1m for a cigarette smuggling scam they insist they knew nothing about. Haulier Derrick Bunce, 42, and his passenger Ian Sutcliffe, 68, have been told of the fine four years after French
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Regional assembly would have lacked power, say MPs
AN elected regional assembly in the North-East would have lacked any real power or resources, a damning report by MPs has claimed. The report said a clearer case for assemblies showing value for money for taxpayers needed to be made, and that the plans
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Jimmy not suffering the Blues
JIMMY FLOYD HASSELBAINK is a man who likes to keep out of the media spotlight, so when he claims Middlesbrough are still genuine contenders for a Champions League place Premiership rivals should take notice. The Dutch striker was part of the side that
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N-E in action
Fundraisers of all ages rush to support appeal for victims of devastating tadal wave. Appeal builds to disco night Anita Savory has launched an appeal in Weardale, County Durham, culminating in a fundraising event featuring the Orpheus Disco on Saturday
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Arrests reported in murder inquiry
A TERRORIST was reported this week to have confessed to murdering a North-East couple in a war-ravaged African state. Teachers Dick and Enid Eyeington were shot through the window of their flat, close to a school in Somaliland that they were trying to
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Kennels welcomes new vet
A KENNEL business that cares for homeless cats and dogs now has its own vet. Sue Bielby, who has worked for the Gilmoor Veterinary Group in Durham, for 15 years, has joined the Deerness Kennels in Mill Lane, Langley Moor. Deerness has 68 kennels and is
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Napoleon stoll conquers
Jon Heder admits he may find it hard to shake off the character of geekish Napoleon Dynamite following the film's success in the US. He talks to Steve Pratt about his determination to leave the nerd behind. JON Heder suffered for his art while making
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Art to make your face light up
A STRIKING art exhibition is to open on Saturday. German photographer and sculptor Reinhild Beuther, 34, is in Hartlepool this week putting the final touches to her display, Double Vision. She uses computer technology to put layer after layer of images
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Why did God let this happen?
The appalling tragedy of the Asian tsunami must surely shake the faith of the most committed believer. The Rev Paul Walker, a regular contributor to The Northern Echo's Saturday Sermon, explains how he reconciles the events with his faith in God. It all
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Quinn is prepared for A Bit Of Fun at Ludlow
JOHN QUINN concentrates mainly on the Flat these days but he still has the occasional jumps' runner, such as A Bit Of Fun (2.20) at Ludlow. Being a son of the great Classic-winning sire Unfuwain, out of a mare by the legendary Mill Reef, A Bit Of Fun
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Railway line goes into administration
A PRIVATE railway line which has debts of almost £1m was placed in the hands of administrators yesterday. The Weardale Railway, in County Durham, brought hope of new prosperity to the dale when it re-opened in the summer. But the venture yesterday bowed
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Deepdale move will create 41 Jobs
MANUFACTURER Deepdale Solutions is moving to a Hartlepool business park, creating 41 jobs. The company will be the first at the multi-million pound Queen's Meadow Business Park. Deepdale, which specialises in the computer-aided design, manufacture and
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Battler Ian to make film debut
Hardman Ian 'The Machine' Freeman is moving into a new career as a film star after battling a debilitating illness. The Leadgate man has a principal role in an independent film about the murky world of bare-knuckle fighting. He was offered the role after
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An area with a past wiped away by development
THE new supermarket is planned for one of Darlington town centre's most historic areas, although nearly everything of historic interest has been wiped away by previous developments. For a start, today the Leadyard is just a trickleway which leads to the
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Next earnings hit by stock surplus
CLOTHING retailer Next reported strong sales over Christmas but reduced its profits forecasts because of excess stock. Like-for-like sales in the 285 stores that were not affected by new openings rose 2.9 per cent in the period from August 3 to Christmas
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Cleaning company buys clothing arm
A clothing company was sold to dry cleaning specialists Johnson Service Group yesterday for £22.5m. Dewhirst, based in Yorkshire, sold its County Durham division, Dewhirst Corporate Clothing, in Peterlee, to Johnson. The move is the latest in a series
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Gran At Large: Why Christmas isn't just for kids
"IT isn't Christmas without children about the place," people often say. "It's just not the same. Children make Christmas." I think it's rather a sad way to look at things. Of course, I know what they mean. After all, if Christmas is about anything (apart
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Deepdale move will create 41 jobs
MANUFACTURER Deepdale Solutions is moving to a Hartlepool business park, creating 41 jobs. The company will be the first at the multi-million pound Queen's Meadow Business Park. Deepdale, which specialises in the computer-aided design, manufacture and
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New taxes 'threaten future of shows'
THE future of many agricultural shows in the region could be threatened under Government tax changes. The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) is lobbying against the proposal to levy taxes of up to £50,000 as part of a overhaul of the licensing
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Railway line placed in administration
A PRIVATE railway line that has debts of almost £1m was placed in the hands of administrators yesterday. The Weardale Railway, in County Durham, brought hope of new prosperity to the dale when it re-opened in the summer. But the venture yesterday bowed
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How can we put a value on children
AS a brief distraction from the deeply distressing reports from South-East Asia this week, I turned briefly to a newspaper interview with a scientist who claims he has found the key to happiness. Perhaps it was not such a good idea. Professor Ruut Veenhoven
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Talking Dirty
PERHAPS it's something in the water, but the female residents of Soapland get pregnant at the drop of a hat, although the more knowledgeable among you will know that it takes more than the removal of headwear to make a baby. The condom machine in the
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06/01/05
RELIGION: THE Bishop of Durham writes with much good sense in his condemnation of the Da Vinci Code (Echo, Dec 24). A point that could be added to the discussion is that Jesus came to reveal knowledge of God the Father, his plan of salvation for all people
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Crown sets up special courts
THE first magistrates' courts dedicated to dealing with domestic violence and homophobic hate cases started operating this week. The courts will feature specialist teams of Crown Prosecution Service lawyers with cases heard by magistrates in County Durham
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Jail for man who attacked girlfriend
A MAN who attacked his girlfriend and left her fearing for her life was yesterday jailed for six months. Fiona Grant will receive £501 in compensation after being subjected to a violent attack and locked in a cupboard by Jussia Smith, 26, of The Mead,
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Fort visit inspires display on Romans
A VISIT to a Roman fort inspired youngsters from an east Cleveland school to create an exhibition. The display, called Romans Revisited, was created by students at Saltburn's Huntcliff School and opens at Kirkleatham Museum, Redcar, on Monday. The year
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A hit from the talented two
Dead Man Weds (ITV1); Distant Shores (ITV1); Desperate Housewives (C4): HOLD the front page. The unthinkable has happened. No, Richard hasn't stop browbeating Judy and the Government hasn't banned those endless sofa adverts that interrupt the programmes
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£500m hole in health service funds
THE NHS is half a billion pounds in the red with the North-East contributing more than £46m of debt, according to a survey. A snapshot of finances carried out by the Health Service Journal revealed that the NHS is facing its bleakest outlook for years
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Under-fire ref finds a friend in Winter
JEFF Winter has leapt to the defence of under-fire referee Mark Clattenburg, despite referees' chief Keith Hackett admitting he would be seeking a one-to-one meeting with the Chester-le-Street official. Clattenburg, who became the youngest top-flight
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Kyle's absence has caused problems - Elliott
STEPHEN ELLIOTT lamented the absence of his mate Kevin Kyle as Sunderland go through their worst run of form since August. The Black Cats had a woeful festive period, winning only one of their four games. A last-gasp Marcus Stewart strike against Nottingham
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TSF in head office move
UK shopfitter TSF Retail Solutions hopes to create 60 jobs in the region after moving its head office to Washington, Wearside. The company has already taken on 40 staff following its move to a 34,000sq ft centre on the Glover Industrial Estate. TSF, which
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Manufacturing profits hold steady
PROFITS remained steady for manufacturers in the third-quarter of last year, figures have showed. The rate of return for companies in the sector was estimated at 9.1 per cent - the same as the previous quarter and higher than the average of seven per
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Why Christmas isn't just for kids
"IT isn't Christmas without children about the place," people often say. "It's just not the same. Children make Christmas." I think it's rather a sad way to look at things. Of course, I know what they mean. After all, if Christmas is about anything (apart
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Buyers' anger at drainage dispute
FURIOUS homebuyers claim a planning dispute has held up their moves to a new housing complex. A luxury housing development being built at The Porch, in Barton, near Richmond, was due to be completed last summer. But a drainage culvert installed by developer
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Grandmother spared jail for fraud
A 58-YEAR-OLD grandmother was told she could have gone to prison after she admitted claiming more than £18,000 in benefits while working as a cleaner. Magistrates told Julia Wilkinson, of Bedford Place, Bishop Auckland, that they could have sent her to
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Details sought on housing proposals
NINETY per cent of council house tenants in Sedgefield have returned a survey on a proposed transfer of ownership. Sedgefield Borough Council wants to transfer its 9,000-plus homes to Sedgefield Housing, a not-for-profit housing organisation set up by
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Campaigners win battle to save baths
A SWIMMING pool has been given a reprieve from closure. Harrogate Borough Council's cabinet last night voted to spend £80,000 on Starbeck Swimming Baths for emergency repairs, keeping the complex open for the next three years. The future of the baths,
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'The time is right to lose monstrous town hall'
THE proposed demolition of Darlington's town hall was welcomed last night. Politicians, traders and conservationists agreed that the town was in desperate need of a more attractive, modern council building. Tesco's plan for a multi-million pound development
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First day for headteacher
A headteacher has been appointed at a secondary school that was recently rebuilt at a cost of £10m. Andrew Bayston, 48, started work this week at St Hild's CofE School, in Hartlepool. He replaces Carolyn Roberts, who has moved to Durham Johnston School
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A man of grace and valour
OLD soldiers joined family and friends to pay their last respects to a North-East military hero yesterday. St Cuthbert's Church, in Durham, was packed to overflowing for the funeral of Captain Richard "Dickie" Annand, the first serviceman to win the Victoria
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Smokers given expert help to kick their habit
EXPERT help was on hand yesterday for people who made a New Year resolution to quit smoking. Northallerton town hall was taken over by staff from the North Yorkshire Stop Smoking Service for a drop-in session. Smokers were able to find out what help was
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Building work to start on site of new schools
WORK starts this week to prepare the sites for four primary schools being built at a cost of £15.5m under the private finance initiative. They will replace four old schools in York and the initial pre-contract works will include creating access points
