Archive
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Motorists warned to belt up or face action
MOTORISTS are being warned to belt up or face the legal consequences. Police in North Yorkshire are planning a series of seatbelt checks across the county, starting on Monday. They are taking part in a seatbelt safety action week across the region and
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Bullying claims soldier charged
A SOLDIER who alleged his jaw was broken by an officer at Europe's biggest Army base has been charged with going absent without leave. Private Craig Coates was arrested by Royal Military Police officers after he failed to return to Catterick Garrison,
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When Harry went too far
His bad boy behaviour has earned him the nickname the Playboy Prince, but that all pales beside dressing up as a Nazi. Nick Morrison asks if Harry has taken the crown for the ultimate royal gaffe. HE'S been packing aid boxes for the victims of the Asian
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Mothercare reveals poor Christmas trading
MOTHERCARE was last night the latest retailer to reveal a dismal festive trading period. The high street store said that for the 13-weeks to January 7, total UK store sales were down by 0.6 per cent compared to the same period last year. Like-for-like
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Clean sweep in awards for imaginative farmer's wife
YORKSHIRE lass Susie Cullen has made a clean sweep in a top business awards scheme - through finding a unique solution to a dirty problem. Mrs Cullen, who was born in Northallerton, has triumphed in the national awards challenge, thanks to her children's
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Distracting study
DISTRACTIONS in the office are costing North-East businesses an estimated £5.4bn a year, a study has found. The survey, commissioned by office technology company Brother, found that 63 per cent of workers in the region were interrupted more than 20 times
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Village blighted by vandalism to see £40,000 upgrade to CCTV
A VILLAGE blighted by vandalism and crime is having its outdated closed circuit security cameras replaced with a new £40,000 system. A project to improve the CCTV system in Skelton was approved after various grants were secured. Work on upgrading the
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Consultants' report says more could be made of county assets
AN action plan to boost the rural economy of North Yorkshire by cashing in on the natural assets and traditions of England's largest county has been presented to county councillors. The plan is the result of a study jointly funded by regional development
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Captain Scott's Arctic challenge
AN Army captain from the North-East is attempting to become the European sled dog racing champion. Graeme Scott, who is involved in training the Army, Navy and Air Force officers of the future, has already won the European dry land title with his pack
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Industry 'heading towards' recession
BRITAIN'S manufacturing industry is in danger of slipping into recession, a leading stockbroker warned yesterday. Figures released by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) showed a surprise 0.1 per cent fall in output in November. Analysts believe figures
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Methodist makes Anglican history at cathedral
HISTORY will be made in Ripon Cathedral on Sunday when a non-Anglican will be appointed an honorary canon of the cathedral. A Methodist minister, the Rev David Wilkes, who is chaplain general of HM Land Forces, will be licensed as an honorary ecumenical
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Solid defence foils Quakers
DARLINGTON manager David Hodgson is hoping that Clyde Wijnhard can shake off a groin strain in time for tomorrow's important promotion clash at Northampton Town. The injury forced the powerful Dutch striker to leave the action early in the second half
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Ex-ICI chief is university's new chairman
A FORMER director of a global chemical company has been appointed chairman of the governors at a North-East university. Sandy Anderson is a former ICI director who managed the company's Teesside operations from 1989 to 1994, before becoming its global
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14/01/05
TSUNAMI: I NOTE Peter Mullen is at it again with his incoherent ranting against the BBC. The BBC is the finest and fairest news gathering service in the world. The BBC is giving lots of coverage to the tsunami disaster to encourage people to give more
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Why the ball's in Ian's court
Policeman-turned-sports coach Ian Hirst is winning plaudits with a unique scheme encouraging teenagers to escape boredom by playing basketball. Health Editor Barry Nelson reports. EVERY week, scores of teenagers from far-flung parts of Teesdale and Weardale
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Landowners urged to save grey partridge
LANDOWNERS have been urged to save the wild grey partridge, whose numbers have plummeted by 86pc over the past 25 years. The Game Conservancy Trust is confident that this year, when it spearheads a drive to halt that decline, will be a turning point for
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Decision due on -homes for locals only' policy
CONTROVERSIAL restrictions on new housing in the Yorkshire Dales could be adopted next week. The national park authority's planning committee decides on Wednesday whether to go ahead with a occupancy policy to prevent new housing from being bought as
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Compulsory purchase plan for city scheme
A MULTI-MILLION pound scheme to create a supermarket, shops, parking and a link road in Ripon may have to be given a kick-start by a compulsory purchase order. Plans to revamp the rundown area west of the Market Place with a regeneration scheme has been
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Good Deeds by Judge John
Judge John Deed (ITV1); The Reclaimers (BBC2): ANYONE who says there isn't any justice in the world clearly doesn't watch Judge John Deed. There's an awful lot of legal argy-bargy going on, as various men and women in wigs get their briefs in a twist.
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Charity couple still missing
A MYSTERY over the whereabouts of a charity worker deepened last night. Nothing has been heard of Rod Jones, 57-year-old founder of Teesside-based charity Convoy Aid, his wife Gabriella, or a 13-year-old schoolboy, Ashley Clough, who was travelling with
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Home from war zone - and fundraising
ARMY signallers have returned to the North-East after serving six gruelling months in war-torn Iraq. But although they came under fire and their work was long and hard, they still found time to think of others - and raised nearly £6,000 to help local
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On TV
Judge John Deed (ITV1) The Reclaimers (BBC2) ANYONE who says there isn't any justice in the world clearly doesn't watch Judge John Deed. There's an awful lot of legal argy-bargy going on, as various men and women in wigs get their briefs in a twist. "
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People in the frame at art exhibition
AN exhibition by some of the North-East's most talented artists will be opened in the region next week. The People Show, with the theme of making art out of people, is returning to the University Gallery at the University of Northumbria with paintings
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Unveiling of artist's wall of feathers
DYED black turkey feathers are being used to create a claustrophobic atmosphere at an art gallery, ready for its re-opening later this year. Contemporary artist Susie MacMurray is putting together a new installation called Flock in York Art Gallery. She
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Kelso course can prove Mick's a Diamond geezer
USING the tried and tested formula of backing horses for courses, Diamond Mick (12.40) has plenty going for him in the opening Borders Racing Club Novices' Hurdle at Kelso. Diamond Mick did us a seriously good turn by scoring at 9-1 over course and distance
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Reluctant sale allows new scheme for homes
AMENDED plans are being drawn up for 28 new houses in Egglescliffe after a resident reluctantly decided to sell his home. John Ross, who lives in Aislaby Road, told the parish council last week that he had been made an offer to sell his home to the property
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Opinion tested on school move
EGGLESCLIFFE Parish Council has raised concerns over the traffic implications from the potential relocation of Yarm School. At last week's meeting, the council examined a request to "scope" opinion about a potential move by the school to land south of
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Accident inquiry could be lengthy
MARINE accident investigators say it could take years to discover why a fishing boat sank off the North-East coast killing two men. Brothers Rob Temple, 34, and Brian Allison, 27, both from County Durham, were aboard their fishing boat Jan Denise II when
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£3m to safeguard moors and their native sheep
THE North Yorkshire moors are to benefit from nearly £3m from Brussels and Westminster to safeguard the future of the heather landscape and its native sheep. Controlling bracken on the moors removes a key threat to moorland habitats, says Michael Graham
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Restored to former glory - but it's still to be called The Ruin
HOLIDAY cottages come in all shapes and sizes, but for novelty and historical value, a restored eighteenth century building between Masham and Ripon must be in a class of its own. Three years ago, The Ruin at Hackfall, near Grewelthorpe, was living up
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Splendid isolation is no problem when making a living out of leather
A WOMAN who fell in love with Teesdale when she made the long trek from her Kentish home for holidays is now running a successful business on an isolated farm near Romaldkirk. Former bank worker Karen Beeny had been trading as Saddle Sense for ten years
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Northern Sinfonia, Late Mix, The Sage Gateshead
AFTER 24 concerts spanning three years in Newcastle's All Saints, Northern Sinfonia's Late Mix series has moved across the river to its new home in Hall Two of the Sage Gateshead. With no pillars to impede views or humming heaters to distract during quieter
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Agents' fees are revealed
NORTH-EAST Football League clubs contributed only a small chunk of the £5m spent on agents' fees over the past six months ending December 31, 2004, it has been revealed. The League's second Agents' Fees report published yesterday showed an overall increase
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Stolen war medal returned thanks to quick-witted pal
A MAN has been reunited with his grandfather's medal - five years after it was stolen from his North-East home. The gold medallion, given to M J Aspden by the Darlington Club and Institute as a First World War memento, was returned to his grandson, Alan
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Ground row causes turmoil
Yorkshire cricket was thrown into turmoil last night when Headingley's owners, Leeds Cricket, Football and Athletic Company, sprang a surprise by announcing negotiations to purchase the Test venue had been scrapped. Yorkshire chairman Robin Smith, added
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Magnificent Britons' £200m tsunami aid
THE British appeal for victims of the Asian tsunami appeal is expected to raise a record-breaking £200m, stunned officials said last night. So much money is now coming into the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) headquarters that officials are winding
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Tsunami aid at double: Lucy has head in a book - as Jan raises her voice
A YOUNG girl has had her head in the books to raise money for the tsunami appeal. Lucy Dawson, from Darlington, took it upon herself to organise a sponsored read and collect sponsorship from family and neighbours. The eight-year-old, who attends Mowden
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A student by day, a boxer by night
A YOUNG professional boxer is using his head, as well as his fists, in a bid to forge a successful career. Francis Jones, 23, from Darlington, combines a punishing training schedule for his exploits in the ring with full-time studies at the University
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Shoptalk: losing £s instead of ilbs
WANT to lose lots of pounds on your New Year diet? Specialised diet products should do the job nicely, especially when we're talking about the pounds in your purse... The Atkins Diet still causes controversy. Its fans say it's the best thing since sliced
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Scooter rider killed on A19
A scooter rider has died in a collision on the A19 this morning. The accident hapend near Seaham on the southbound carriageway between the A690 and B1404 turnoffs. The carriageway was closed following the accident until around lunch time. Northumbria
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Diet and pampering keep Tiggy young at heart
SHE is playful, lovable and still lively - yet Tiggy the cat is limbering up for her 22nd birthday in a few months. Most cats are reckoned to have had a good innings if they clock up 17 years. But Tiggy the dark brown tabby has somehow managed to retain
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Great outdoor risks
CONCERN about Britain's so-called compensation culture is growing. Not a week goes by without news of astonishing sums of money being paid to individuals for what seems to be minor injuries or slights. When things go wrong in our lives, where we cannot
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Man threatened to set fire to himself and two children
A FATHER who threatened to set fire to himself and two children in a van containing petrol bombs was jailed for three years yesterday. Teesside Crown Court was told how Mark McDonald, 33, doused himself in petrol and locked him and the children inside
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Two chances to hear talks at sheep fair
THE Northern Sheep Fair takes place at Skipton mart on Tuesday. John Thorley, chief executive of the National Sheep Association, will officially open the event at Skipton auction mart at 10.30. He will be followed at 10.45 by Dr Duncan Pickar. A former
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New deal for Boa Morte
NEWCASTLE have missed out on one of their leading transfer targets after Luis Boa Morte signed a three-year contract extension at Fulham, writes Scott Wilson. United boss Graeme Souness confirmed his interest in the Portuguese international earlier this
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Liddle nears a return to action to give Quakers a big boost
MATT CLARKE believes the imminent return of Craig Liddle could not come at a better time, as Darlington prepare to try and cement their place in the play-off zone. Liddle has resumed training after undergoing a double hernia operation last month. The
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Attack on 'control culture' within NHS
A FORMER North-East health boss has criticised the "control and command" culture of the NHS. Penelope Young, who stepped down as chairwoman of Easington Primary Care Trust (PCT), in east Durham, last year, delivered her stinging criticism in the influential
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Jobs saved by driving school purchase
A DRIVING school business that went into administration last month has been bought, saving 55 jobs. Brighton-based LVG, the parent company of Red Driving School and the Instructor College, has bought Let's Drive Training and Development and its sister
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Drug aware
DARLINGTON Drug and Alcohol Action Team is holding an awareness evening for members of the community. The event, featuring presentations and workshops covering the dangers of drug and alcohol misuse, will take place on Tuesday, January 25, at St Cuthbert's
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Call to block estate's rat runs
RESIDENTS on a Darlington estate are calling for the closure of "rat runs" used by anti-social youths. People living on Lascelles Park say the alleyways, which run behind homes, are used by youngsters to escape after they have committed acts of vandalism
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Pupils quizzed for school travel survey
THOUSANDS of pupils across Darlington are being invited to take part in a traffic initiative. Surveys will take place next week, asking pupils to give a show of hands for their normal method of travelling to school. Youngsters who travel by car will be
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Town remembers war hero on the 60th anniversary of his death
DARLINGTON showed yesterday that it had not forgotten the heroic airman who, 60 years ago, sacrificed himself to save the town. A floral tribute was left at the memorial to William Stuart McMullen, on the road that bears his name. Residents of the area
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Bungalows likely to be approved
The following applications will be considered by Darlington Borough Council's planning committee next Wednesday: * Members are expected to approve plans to build seven bungalows on the site of the former St Augustine's Church, in Ribble Drive. The application
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Indecency charges are thrown out
A TEACHER accused of indecency with a pupil walked free from court yesterday after charges against him were dismissed. But Philip Evans was told by a judge that some of his behaviour was inappropriate. Mr Evans remains suspended pending disciplinary proceedings
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Bogus builders using storm as cover for thefts
ELDERLY people have been hit by a series of distraction burglaries by builders claiming to be repairing storm damage. At least four households in Teesdale have been targeted by the bogus builders and police say it is possible there could be other victims
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Young chef goes it alone
A YOUNG chef who worked in the kitchens of two of the North-East's best-known venues has launched a speciality catering business. Daniel Lindsay, 21, has set up Manna from Heaven, offering a catering service for events ranging from intimate functions
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Town mayor welcomes citizens
TEN citizens officially became British nationals this week in Darlington's largest citizenship event since the new ceremonies began last year. Modelled on similar ceremonies in the US, those taking part swear an oath of loyalty to the crown. The event
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Charity moves
A CHARITY hopes to develop its services after moving to new premises in Durham City. The County Durham Society for the Blind and Partially Sighted has relocated from an upstairs office in North Road to an ex-community hall in Church Lane that was offered
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Court told of drunk man's Aids threat
A TEENAGER threatened to spatter police officers with Aids-infected blood and stab them when they were called to a disturbance, a court heard. Brian Riley, 19, of Holly Crescent, Sacriston, near Chester-le-Street, also threatened to "rape their women"
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Museum worker in pilot study
A MUSEUM employee has become the first person in the region to start a new course in cultural heritage. Christine Mellor, the corporate bookings officer at the Yorkshire Air Museum, near York, has started working towards a Cultural Heritage Modern Apprenticeship
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Man hurt in street brawl
A man needed hospital treatment after a fight outside Harry's Bar, in Catterick Garrison, in the early hours of yesterday. Police officers were called after reports of a disturbance. One man was arrested by officers for public order offences, then taken
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Focus on rural housing shortage
YOUNG people who face being forced to move because of a shortage of affordable housing now have hope of getting accommodation. The acute housing shortage for people in a large part of the North York Moors is being explored in a study by the National Park
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Charity move to help blind
A CHARITY has moved premises to provide an improved service to people in County Durham. County Durham Society for the Blind and Partially Sighted helps people who suffer from sight loss. It has been based in North Road, Durham since 1996, but is now run
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Gymnasts prepare their title defence
SCHOOL pupils are preparing to defend a gymnastics title against some of the best young gymnasts in the area. Youngsters from Queen Mary's School at Baldersby, near Topcliffe, are hard at work practising for the Hambleton District Gym Competition. The
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Students win places at Oxbridge
FIVE sixth form pupils are celebrating after being offered places at Oxford and Cambridge Universities. The students, from Yarm School, are: * Emad Akhtar, from Yarm, who will read English at St Anne's College at Oxford; * David Conway, from Hartlepool
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Unemployed urged to find their fortune
A WHEEL of fortune, designed to help the jobless take control of their own future, visited Durham City yesterday. The wheel was designed by the Learning and Skills Council following a survey which suggests 30 per cent of people in the North-East believe
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Hospice gains from Christmas spirit
THE series of free festive entertainment at Hartlepool's Central Library before Christmas has raised money for charity. A series of carol concerts were held at the library, featuring choirs from local schools Brierton, Golden Flatts, St Cuthbert's, Brougham
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Schools join in charity drive
SCHOOLCHILDREN in Hartlepool have taken part in a campaign to help five local charities. Pupils from six of the town's primary schools - St Bega's RC, St Helen's, Clavering, St John Vianney RC, Lynnfield and Stranton, collected unwanted items, including
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Out-of-hours GP survey
PATIENTS in Langbaurgh are being quizzed about the effectiveness of GP call-outs over the last three months. Anyone registered with Langbaurgh Primary Care Trust - covering Redcar, Marske, Saltburn, Guisborough, Skelton, Brotton and Loftus - who needed
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Sainsbury's takes 'a first step' to profits
SUPERMARKET chain Sainsbury's drew encouragement from its Christmas trading performance yesterday, despite posting another fall in sales. The company, which recently announced losses for the first time in its 135-year history, said like-for-like sales
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Seeking to halt decline of water vole
A CAMPAIGN to raise awareness of the dangers facing one of the region's most reclusive mammals is to be launched next week. Hunted by mink, exterminated by those who mistake it for the brown rat and with its natural habitat under threat, the water vole
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Hospital flooded after burst main
Several departments of a hospital had to be evacuated after a water main burst. A pipe in the basement of the University Hospital of North Durham, in Durham City, burst on Thursday afternoon when a contractor overbalanced and fell on it during repair
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Cabbies warned
Two cabbies were given warning letters for speeding offences at a licensing meeting in Darlington. Councillors told Alan Bowness, 51, of Bates Avenue, and Mark Brown, 29, of Westbrook Terrace, that their taxi licences would be renewed but they would get
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Teenager arrested after assault
A TEENAGER has been arrested by police investigating an indecent assault on a girl. The 18-year-old, from Sherburn Village, was questioned and released on police bail until February. The incident is alleged to have happened on Monday between 8pm and 9pm
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Stylish underwear which gives wearers a warm glow
FEELING the cold has brought a local woman the warm glow of success. Susie Johnson, 36, has always felt the cold and stuck to wearing a vest while growing up on her parents' farm at Fadmoor, Kirbymoorside. It did not stop there and even when, as an adult
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Woman's town ban
SERIAL thief Angela Palmer has been banned from her home town as a court considers a police plea for an anti-social behaviour order (ASBO) to be made against her. Palmer, 28, who has spent most of her life in Harrogate, appeared before the town's magistrates
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Neighbours work together to open food shop on the doorstep
NEIGHBOURS tired of trudging all the way to town for their groceries have opened their own shop. Residents in the Burbank area of Hartlepool have formed a co-operative so that elderly people and new mothers can buy fruit and vegetables on the estate.
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Ex-PC's son pleads guilty to shop theft
THE son of a former police officer appeared in court yesterday to plead guilty to shoplifting. Martin Butterworth, prosecuting, told magistrates in Harrogate that Daniel James Catchpole had walked out of TK Maxx in the town's Victoria Centre on January
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Skate park threatened with closure in planning battle
A SKATE park built last year using £70,000 of lottery money could face closure if councillors decide it should have had planning permission. The park, on playing fields in Kirkbymoorside, was built by the town's play area association following a long
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Council hails clampdown
Powers to clamp down on abandoned vehicles and fly-tipping have been welcomed in east Cleveland. The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill, which has entered the Commons for its second reading, will give authorities the ability to tackle "envirocrime
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Baker on a roll following surprise increase in sales
BAKERY chain Greggs enjoyed a surprise increase in Christmas sales. The Newcastle-based company said like-for-like sales rose 5.7 per cent in the 11 weeks to New Year's Day, beating its earlier prediction of a slowdown in growth. Several high street names
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'Tougher penalties for killer drivers'
A NORTH-EAST MP is leading a call to clampdown on drivers who kill from behind the wheel. Durham City MP Gerry Steinberg said drivers should face tougher punishments to stop them getting away with "murder in motor cars". The Labour backbencher attacked
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Prices at the marts
BARNARD CASTLE. - Wed of last week. Fwd: 2,496 sheep. Lt hoggs to 117p av 95.8p; std to 121p av 107.8p; med to 119p av 110.5p; heavy to 111p av 104.6p. Cast sheep: Mule £39; Leics £39.50; Cont £42; Masham £38.50; Swale £34. Top price per kg 121p. DARLINGTON
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Chic balti house packs them in - even on a Monday
NOBODY eats out on a Monday night, do they? Many eating places don't even bother to open their doors, so reluctant are we to stir ourselves after the weekend. Clearly the folk who were packed into the Raj Bari in Yarm this Monday had no hang-ups about
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Young chef goes it alone
A YOUNG chef who worked in the kitchens of two of the North-East's best-known venues has launched a speciality catering business. Daniel Lindsay, 21, has set up Manna from Heaven, offering a catering service for events ranging from intimate functions
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Comment from the Northern Echo: A time to say thank you
IF the tsunami disaster was utterly heartbreaking, the public response to it has been truly heartwarming. The Disasters Emergency Committee has announced that the fundraising total in Britain is expected to be £200m. It has been such an unprecedented,
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Villagers call for airport boycott over danger road
LONG Newton Parish Council has turned on Durham Tees Valley Airport in a bitter row over road safety improvements on the A66. Council chairman, Coun David Williams, has written to the airport's managing director, Hugh Lang, to say the parish council will
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Hopes high as Catterick gears up for big day
WITH more than £50,000 in prize money on offer, Catterick's meeting on Saturday, January 22 will be the most valuable National Hunt meeting ever staged at the North Yorkshire course. The main feature race will be the Skybet.com North Yorkshire Grand National
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Scotch Corner driver heads strong Croft entry
DARLINGTON and District Motor Club have attracted yet another top quality field for the sixth running of The Jack Frost Stages Rally at Croft circuit tomorrow. With another capacity 80-car entry, the action is bound to be fast and furious. Utilising all
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Castle plans its fourth acquisition
A COUNTY Durham insurance company is planning its fourth acquisition. Castle Insurance Services, of Marshall Terrace, Gilesgate Moor, near Durham City, recently bought Westerby Insurance, in Willington. Last year Castle, founded 15 years ago by brothers
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Catalogue of woe for festive flop Argos
CATALOGUE retailing group GUS reported a sharp slowdown in growth at Argos over Christmas as competition intensified and UK retail demand waned. Like-for-like sales at Argos rose one per cent in the 15 weeks to January 8 - down from seven per cent in
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Shop Talk: Losing £s instead of lbs
January is a time for diets, with many of us wanting to shed the flab from Christmas, but if we're not careful, lo-carb foods could end up costing us a fortune. WANT to lose lots of pounds on your New Year diet? Specialised diet products should do the
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'Compensation culture' blamed as outdoor club suspends activities
SWALEDALE Outdoor Club has had to suspend its activities after insurers refused to renew its public liability cover. Club organisers took the decision after brokers informed them its Royal and Sun Alliance policy, which expired on Wednesday of last week
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Museum on track to win £100,000
A North-East tourist attraction is in the running for one of Britain's biggest arts prizes, only months after it opened. Locomotion: the National Railway Museum at Shildon, County Durham, has been short-listed for the Gulbenkian prize for museum of the
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Some of us still like to keep it simple
"THERE'S just too much technology about nowadays." That was said, with feeling, at one of our festive season social gatherings. I do agree. There's far too much technology washing about which we don't need, but have to pay for to replace worn-out gadgets
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Pupils turning pantos into a science
PUPILS at a County Durham school have been exploring aspects of their science curriculum through a pantomime. The science department at Easington Community School is hosting the County Durham Schools Science Pantomime, Hansel and Petal. Year six pupils
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Interesting moments despite summer washout
LOOKING back over the last year, it probably wouldn't be regarded as a classic for local birdwatchers, but nonetheless there were some interesting moments. The first winter period recorded good numbers of wildfowl and, among the common species, white-fronted
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Finding the blight-resistant organic potato isn't easy
EUROPEAN shoppers are enjoying a greater variety of organic potatoes at more affordable prices, according to researchers at Newcastle University. Several varieties suitable for a range of national palates and cuisines, are now on sale across the continent
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Dale community mourns loss of postmaster
A DALE community has been mourning the loss of a man they came to admire as "the gentleman postmaster". Robert "Bobby" Douglas died from a heart attack at his home in Frosterley, in Weardale, County Durham. He was 67. Villagers described Mr Douglas, who
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Museum on track to win £100,000
A North-East tourist attraction is in the running for one of Britain's biggest arts prizes, only months after it opened. Locomotion: the National Railway Museum at Shildon, County Durham, has been short-listed for the Gulbenkian prize for museum of the
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An end to looking after Wensleydale's local interests
A BUILDING society has confirmed that it is to close its agency in Leyburn from April. Darlington Building Society customers will have to travel to Northallerton or Darlington for a counter service in future. The society blames a dwindling number of customers
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The hidden life of a hard-working subterranean pest controller
IN RECENT weeks there has been an enormous amount of mowdie activity along the verges which border my morning walk. Mowdie or mowdiwarp is the local word for a mole, an old dialect word stemming from moldewarp or muldvarp which means mover of earth, or
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Battlefield artist to tell of his work
AN artist is to reveal the stories behind his pictures. Landscape artist Robert Perry has created a series of paintings of the battlefields of Europe using a converted van as a mobile studio. Some of his work was created in the tunnels and underground
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Arts venue to host real-ale festival
A BEER festival is coming back to the region by popular demand. All the beers at Stockton's beer festival, which has not been held for four years, will be from the North-East. The Campaign for Real Ale-organised event will be held at the Arc from Thursday
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Student car crash death was accidental
A CAR crash that killed a 21-year-old student was a tragic accident, an inquest heard yesterday. Rebekah Stephens died after the Vauxhall Astra she was traveling in left the road and hit a tree, on the A66 near Barnard Castle last year. Miss Stephens,
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Region must improve health, warn experts
Health experts in the region issued a rallying cry to the North-East today - with a warning that we have to change the way we live. Dr Bill Kirkup, regional director of public health, said the provisions of the Government's Public Health White Paper,
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Making a splash
WENSLEYDALE student Thomas Croft has excelled in a series of swimming competitions recently. The 13-year-old, who lives at Jervaulx, is a member of Stokesley Swimming Club where he trains three times a week under the guidance of Tim Smith and competes
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Nurse who abused elderly wins £150,000 payout
A NURSE struck-off for abusing pensioners in his care has sued his employers for more than £15,000. Roland Maughan was jailed for carrying out a catalogue of assaults while in charge of the night shift. Incidents included slapping one pensioner around
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You write
Baffling buses - Well said P Longstaff of Newton Hall. I am sure that your letter (Advertiser, week ending December 11) reflects the sentiments of a vast number of people in Newton Hall. The convoy of three buses mentioned is not an unusual occurrence
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Warehouses not store on controversial site
STORE chain Morrison's has finally ruled out plans to build a supermarket on the controversial Willowbeck Road site in Northallerton. Morrison's has re-applied for permission to build the two non-food retail warehouse units on the North End site. A spokesman
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Guisborough crush Brandon to boost survival bid
Guisborough Town 4 Brandon Utd 1 GUISBOROUGH bounced back from a run of four consecutive defeats to serve notice of their determination to fight their way out of the division one relegation zone in the only Albany Northern League game to survive the weather
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The perils of cheap, tacky TV
A glance at one of the numerous TV websites gives a depressing insight into how the powers that be plan to shape our viewing future. Apparently, companies owned by Endemol - makers of Big Brother - hope that Make Me A Mum will be their next global smash
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Council takeover of struggling market hits snag
AN UNFORESEEN complication has overtaken the question of Bedale Town Council taking over the running of the weekly market in an attempt to make it more viable. On Monday, they identified a potential stumbling block to any possible transfer of responsibility
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The perils of cheap, tacky TV
A glance at one of the numerous TV websites gives a depressing insight into how the powers that be plan to shape our viewing future. Apparently, companies owned by Endemol - makers of Big Brother - hope that Make Me A Mum will be their next global smash
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Challenge match pays fitting tribute to rugby stalwart
A SPECIAL Richmond Challenge rugby match was held recently in memory of former England Schoolboys player Dave Mitchell, who started his career with Richmond. Mitchell, who also played for West Hartlepool and Mowden Park, tragically died recently at the
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Andrew seeks a delay after injuries hit hard
Newcastle Falcons are hoping to delay the naming of the squad for their vital Heineken Cup clash after an injury crisis hit Kingston Park. Of the 34-man squad eligible to face Newport Gwent Dragons in the vital tie on Sunday, just 18 players are fit including
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Burton's Bytes
Armies Of Exigo Publisher: Electronic Arts. Format: PC. Price: £29.99 Family friendly? Teenagers only. WORLDS collide in Armies of Exigo, a fantasy real time strategy (RTS) game where the boundaries of the battlefield are broken and war is waged both
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Beanney scores for Germany
Germany got on the scoresheet for the first time at Catterick when the Christian Von Der Recke-trained Beanney landed the Halifax Novices' Hurdle yesterday. Confidently ridden by Mick Fitzgerald, who was having his first mount at the course in the last
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Bombs from Second World War in controlled explosions
Bombs from the Second World War have exploded on a beach in Northumberland this morning. The controlled explosions were done following the discover of the two wartime bombs near Berwick. Bad weather and high tides led to the 500lb devices being found
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Burton's Bytes: War of two worlds
Armies Of Exigo. Publisher: Electronic Arts. Format: PC. Price: £29.99. Family friendly? Teenagers only. WORLDS collide in Armies of Exigo, a fantasy real time strategy (RTS) game where the boundaries of the battlefield are broken and war is waged both
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Boy's Hurrah earns the cheers from Johnson yard
Howard Johnson had a Sandown winner last Saturday, but not from the ones expected - and the trainer and his chosen rider, Tony Dobbin, were stuck in the North in the bad weather. Timmy Murphy substituted on Iron Man, third in the juvenile novice hurdle
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Looking Back
FROM this newspaper 150 years ago. - Mr Hope's annual ball took place in the Assembly Rooms at Middlesbrough Town Hall on Monday evening last, which was largely attended. Mr Hope's celebrity is only equalled by his excellence as a professor of the polite
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Arnhem battle hero dies, aged 90
A DECORATED former deputy colonel of the Green Howards regiment has died, aged 90. Scarborough-born Geoffrey Powell was awarded the Military Cross for action in the Second World War. Colonel Powell was first given a commission as a regular officer just
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Milburn record out of Shearer's reach
ALAN Shearer has insisted that he will still retire at the end of the season, despite admitting that his latest injury problems will prevent him from becoming Newcastle's leading goalscorer of all time. Shearer announced his decision to call it a day
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Geordies deal with inquiries from . . . Welsh commuters
CALL centre bosses have been criticised for moving a Welsh language rail inquiry line 500 miles from Cardiff to the North-East. Commuters in Wales expecting to be greeted in their native tongue have been left bemused to be connected to Geordies in Newcastle
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Appeal blow over killer's sentence
THE Attorney General has refused leave to appeal against a sentence awarded to a drunken man who killed a fellow North-East soldier. Lord Goldsmith QC has written to the family of Dean Troy Eddy to inform them an appeal against an 18-month jail term handed
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Hard work pays off for Zetland girls
MEMBERS of the Zetland Hunt Pony Club have earned the complete set of 20 Achievement Badges after intensive training during the whole of last year. It is a rare achievement for members of the Pony Club, one of Britain's largest youth organisations, to
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War of two worlds
Armies Of Exigo. Publisher: Electronic Arts. Format: PC. Price: £29.99. Family friendly? Teenagers only. WORLDS collide in Armies of Exigo, a fantasy real time strategy (RTS) game where the boundaries of the battlefield are broken and war is waged both
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Greta and Tees played their part
THE Bowes Museum is to mount at exhibition of watercolours by John Sell Cotman who, though generally thought of as belonging to the Norwich School of painters, spent a considerable amount of time in Durham and North Yorkshire. In his early twenties, he
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England in a healthy position after big stand
Andrew Strauss hit his third century of the series to propel England into an encouraging position in the fourth Test at the Wanderers. Strauss' majestic form has been the feature of the tour to date and his latest contribution provided an ideal start
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Pony dates
Braes of Derwent PC. - Feb 6: indoor dressage competition at Holmside Park, open to members and non-members, all classes, sae for schedule to Linda Middleton, Grange Farm, Sunniside, Bishop Auckland DL13 4LZ. British Eventing. - Jan 30, Feb 13 and 22,
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Sally seeks a new home
WHO wouldn't be able to resist these puppy dog eyes? That's the question carers are asking as they search for a home for 14-week-old puppy Sally. The terrier's previous owners had to give her up after they realised they couldn't devote enough time to
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Great start to 2005 for North Yorkshire pair
NORTH Yorkshire riders Jessica Russell and Paul Barker both finished in the prize money at the first of the 2005 British Show Jumping Association's Premier League shows. The show took place at Solihull in the West Midlands and attracted many top names
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Power public relations were blown away too
ALL credit to the NEDL linesmen who toiled in foul weather, and in remote places, to reconnect thousands of customers whose power supplies were cut by the storms. If only they had known how their best backroom efforts were being undermined, however, by
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Coroner 'surprised' at lack of court case over fatal crash
A CORONER and an accident investigation expert have told of their surprise that a death crash driver has not been prosecuted. Motorist Mark Mahoney, 24, hit Betty Arthur, a great-grandmother, as she crossed a dual-carriageway near her Hartlepool home
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Jean's battle to succeed
THE road to success has been tough for an award-winning businesswoman who battled against the odds to reach her goal. After leaving school without any qualifications, Jean Ross has transformed herself into one of most respected trainers in the region's
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City on target for regeneration
A SCHEME to regenerate housing in part of the North-East was unveiled yesterday. It is hoped the proposals for Newcastle's West End will mean thousands of quality homes. The 15-year plan will harness strong market interest in the city centre and move
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Seeking to halt decline of water vole
A CAMPAIGN to raise awareness of the dangers facing one of the region's most reclusive mammals is to be launched next week. Hunted by mink, exterminated by those who mistake it for the brown rat and with its natural habitat under threat, the water vole
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Sex boss 'salted away' his unpaid taxes
A SEX parlour boss bought a string of properties across the country by "salting away" a fortune in unpaid tax, a court heard. John Middleton paid for one property now worth £340,000 with cash - despite claiming to earn only £20,000 a year. Middleton,
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Finding jobs for offenders
AN organisation that finds community work for young offenders is looking for tasks to be carried out around County Durham. The work is supervised by County Durham Youth Engagement Service. Debbie Cooper, restorative justice manager for the service, said
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Samurai swordsman threatened to kill himself in seige
A SAMURAI sword-wielding man threatened to kill himself when armed officers surrounded his home during a six-hour siege on New Year's Day. Kegan Thompson, 24, held the weapon to his stomach and warned officers they would have to shoot him in the head
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More money injected into cycle schemes
MORE cash is to be pumped into schemes encouraging cycling in North Yorkshire. Hambleton District Council is being asked to put cash into two schemes. It has already agreed on the route of the Thirsk-Sowerby cycleway, for which it is providing £4,000
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All aboard for tsunami appeal
A GROUP of miniature railway enthusiasts is on track to raise hundreds of pounds for victims of the Asian tsunami disaster appeal. Volunteers from the Teesside Small Gauge Railway at Preston Park, Eaglescliffe, have opened the line to give out-of-season
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Next destination . . . the North-East
A SPECIALIST in destination marketing has been appointed chief executive of the Newcastle-Gateshead Initiative (NGI), it was announced yesterday. Tim Bartlett, who was born on Tyneside, takes up his post in April. A graduate of Oxford University, Mr Bartlett
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Countryside group's new appointment
A landowners' group, which represents members in the North-East and North Yorkshire has made a new appointment. Carole Hodgson is the assistant regional director of the Country Land and Business Association representing 5,000 members in Northumberland
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Teenage vision for town
TEENAGERS have suggested to community leaders in Richmond how they can improve the town. Four students from Risedale Community College spoke out at a public meeting in Colburn on Wednesday. The young people said they would like to see better public transport
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Thieves hit health group
THIEVES have stolen gardening tools from a group of mental health service users. The implements, including a rotavator, forks, and spades, were taken from an allotment shed in North Skelton. They had been donated or bought from funds raised in an appeal
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Residents' 'selfish' attitude to litter
STREET cleaning chiefs have hit out at residents for having a selfish attitude to dropping litter. The damning comments are revealed in a report titled How Clean is Richmondshire, compiled as part of a review of street cleaning methods by Richmondshire
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Tourism hope as holiday log cabin is approved
PLANS for a holiday log cabin in Liverton Mines have been given the go-ahead. Residents and councillors were divided after proposals were put to Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council for a holiday let home. Planning officers had recommended refusal. But
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Woman charged with assault after attacking brother with rhubarb
A woman who attacked her elderly brother with three sticks of rhubarb claimed today that she had been "stitched up". Margaret Porter, 50, of Tofts Farm, Newbiggin, near Leyburn, North Yorkshire admitted common assault at a court hearing in October. Magistrates
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Scenes of devastation as region is battered by gales and floods
RESIDENTS have been counting the cost of the week's gales which have battered the North-East and North Yorkshire. On Saturday morning, 150,000 homes in nearly 1,000 locations were left without power after 100mph winds and driving rain hit the region overnight
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Livestock marts beat the weather
IT WAS business as usual at the farmers' livestock marts - despite the flooding, power cuts, water shortages and heavy storms which battered the region this week. At Hexham, sales carried on as usual, even though many homes in the town were without water
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Sally seeks a new home
WHO wouldn't be able to resist these puppy dog eyes? That's the question carers are asking as they search for a home for 14-week-old puppy Sally. The terrier's previous owners had to give her up after they realised they couldn't devote enough time to
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Support for bid to keep pool open
THE campaign to save a learner swimming pool in Hartlepool has received support from an MP and a leading councillor. A decision to close Rossmere Learner Pool was made by mayor Stuart Drummond, who was told by safety inspectors it would cost £450,000
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Helping pupils to health
A PROJECT is hoping to encourage more young people to be healthy. Cafe Life was launched by Durham County Council's trading standards unit after a successful trial at Greenfield School Community and Arts College, in Newton Aycliffe. Businesses and health
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Order for tenant to prevent gas blast
A TENANT who twice threatened to ignite gas and blow up his property has been made the subject of an interim anti-social behaviour order. The case was brought by North Sunderland Housing Company before District Judge Loomba, sitting at Sunderland County
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Anger at housing scheme delays
RESIDENTS of a former pit community who have waited years for new homes to replace dilapidated terraces could face further delays. Compulsory purchase orders for land in The Hollow, Eldon Lane, could take another nine months to go through before the site
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Training for hotel operators
GUEST houses and hotels are being offered a free training day on meeting quality standards. The quality awareness day is open to anyone who is considering, or currently provides, visitor accommodation in Richmondshire, North Yorkshire, but has not yet
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Spotlight on pothole problem
A PUBLIC meeting is to be held in an effort to solve the problem of potholes. Members of Teesdale District Council's overview and scrutiny committee said if the pothole problem in Evenwood was solved it could help other places that have a similar problem
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Magnificent Britons' £200m tsunami aid
THE British appeal for victims of the Asian tsunami appeal is expected to raise a record-breaking £200m, stunned officials said last night. So much money is now coming into the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) headquarters that officials are winding
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Ross heading back home as deal is agreed
WANTAWAY Hartlepool United defender Jack Ross is set for a swift return to Scotland. Ross is to join First Division leaders Falkirk, after the clubs agreed a £20,000 fee. He moved from Clyde on a free transfer during the summer, but asked for a return
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Experts predict that interest rates have reached their peak
THE Bank of England froze the cost of borrowing for the fifth consecutive month yesterday. The decision to keep interest rates at 4.75 per cent came as no surprise to experts, many of whom believe rates have now peaked. A cooler housing market and reports
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Thornton wants to stay put
SEAN THORNTON has revealed his determination to stay on Wearside and help transform Sunderland from promotion candidates into Premiership certainties. The talented midfielder has struggled with his fitness this season and also fell out of favour with
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Cause of tragedy may stay mystery
THE cause of a car crash that left two women dead is likely to remain a mystery, a coroner said yesterday. Disqualified driver Stephen Dack was jailed for two-and-a-half years last year after he lost control of his van on the A67, between Gainford and
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McClaren admits defeat in chase for Geremi
MIDDLESBROUGH have turned their attention to other targets after being forced to abandon their raid on Chelsea for Geremi. Despite the Cameroon international's willingness to head to Teesside for a second spell - after a successful 2002-03 season on loan
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Pye avoids the hazards to celebrate victory
MIDDLESBROUGH Motor Club held an adults only trial at Lazonby Bank Woods, Eston, last weekend and attracted a fair entry of 56 competitors. The four-lap, ten-section course, with all the usual steep climbs and descents over tree roots, mud and water,
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Planning laws may halt art sell-off
A series of 17th Century Spanish masterpieces may not be allowed to move from their North-East home because of planning laws. Council chiefs believe the Zurburan paintings at Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, could have listed building
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Special livestock sales
KIRKBY STEPHEN. - Mon. New year show & sale of store cattle. Sale av up £1.55 on year. Judge: J Burrow, Skipton. Overall champion: E&M Townley, Nutta Farm. Prizes. - Bullock: 1 A&R Birbeck, Windy Hill; 2 JE&DJ Hutchinson, Hebblethwaite
