Archive
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Burton's Bytes: A bout of old fashioned fisticuffs
DEAD OR ALIVE ULTIMATE. Publisher: Microsoft. Format: Xbox. Price: £39.99. Family friendly? The rather risque visuals and violent subject matter make this a game for teenagers upwards. FIGHTING games may not be quite as popular as they once were but I
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So far so quickly
LIKE me, the Welsh wastrel who goes under the name of Craig Bellamy, probably hadn't looked at a Scottish league table since he was a nipper. But a glance at the Premier Division confirms what I suspected - Rangers and Celtic neck and neck and the rest
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Faldo waits for Ryder Cup decision
Nick Faldo claims he has ''no idea'' whether he or Ian Woosnam will be picked to captain Europe's Ryder Cup team in 2006. Bernhard Langer's decision not to seek a second term as captain at the K Club in Dublin next year appears to leave only former team-mates
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Trial of lorry driver must wait
THE trial of a lorry driver accused of fleeing the scene of a crash in which a North-East man was killed has been delayed. The Crown Prosecution Service says it is unable to proceed with the prosecution of Huig Ouwehand until an inquest has taken place
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Give your guests a local breakfast, hotels urged
INCREASE your business by obtaining local produce - that was the message presented at the launch of a campaign to put more regional produce on Yorkshire breakfast tables. Deliciouslyorkshire was launched at Castle Howard, which is already a member of
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Woman contests murder sentence
A COMPULSIVE spender said to have plotted her husband's murder to clear mounting debts has won the right to challenge the safety of her conviction. But a judge has warned Christina Button, 33, not to be over-optimistic about the outcome of her appeal
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Leisure company turns from towns to villages
A LEISURE company has made the biggest investment in its ten-year history as it turns its attention from town centre to village pubs. Darlington-based Olma Leisure has bought the Village Inn at Brompton, near North-allerton, for £650,000, and has pledged
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Moving leukaemia unit is an insult, say original fundraisers
FUNDRAISERS who helped to pay for a hospital unit for leukaemia patients say plans to move it from Darlington to Bishop Auckland are a stab in the back for the people of the town. A committee of volunteers raised almost £300,000 during the late 1980s
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Tait steps into England spotlight
FORMER Barnard Castle School pupil Mathew Tait has set the place buzzing as he lines up to make his debut for the England rugby team tomorrow. Tait, who hails from Wolsingham and will celebrate his 19th birthday on Sunday, will become the youngest player
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Grain prices
by Robin Twizell RMD Agriculture WHEAT prices are slowly lifting a bit, but most end-users say they are well covered at the moment. There is, however, still interest into the export market. Oilseed rape is still falling, with good weather in South America
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Petta joins Quakers promotion drive
FORMER Ipswich Town and Celtic winger Bobby Petta is set to make his debut for Darlington tomorrow after signing on until the end of the season. The Dutch player, who was released by the Scottish giants in November, could line up with his fellow countryman
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Bowes hang on to set up final date with Middleham
MIDDLEHAM and Bowes will meet in the Medals final after sealing contrasting semi-final wins last Saturday. Bowes clung on to beat holders Carperby 3-2 after a frantic finale in their contest. They took an early lead after some great skill from Wayne Thwaites
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Wellock's World: So far so quickly
LIKE me, the Welsh wastrel who goes under the name of Craig Bellamy, probably hadn't looked at a Scottish league table since he was a nipper. But a glance at the Premier Division confirms what I suspected - Rangers and Celtic neck and neck and the rest
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Hope is for summer opening
PLANS for a new play area serving a large housing estate at Bedale have taken a major step forward with the offer of a £16,000 grant. People living on the Southfields estate, in South End, have been extensively consulted on the development which, it is
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Patient took his own life
AN elderly patient being kept under close observation on a psychiatric ward, hanged himself three days after his admission to hospital. Fred Robinson, 80, was found hanged by his belt, which was attached to his bed head, five minutes after he had been
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Welcome return for the public toilets that time forgot
BY MIKE CHIPCHASE A PUBLIC toilet block in Guisborough is to be reopened after more than ten years. The toilets in Northgate are being refurbished by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council at a cost of £80,000. Work begins on Monday and will last for four
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Fury over travellers at development site
COUNCIL bosses last night pledged to evict travellers who have set up camp on Darlington's premier business development. Travelling families have parked caravans at Morton Palms, on the edge of the town, and delayed a ceremony to mark the completion of
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Mowden hope Bedworth return will halt slide
AN excellent win for Darlington and a sixth successive defeat for Mowden Park last Saturday left the sides locked together on 31 points in National Three North. While Darlington still have to play two of the three sides below them at home and the other
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Half-term soccer lessons
FOOTBALL coaching is on offer to youngsters over the half-term holidays. The two-day programmes will be held at the Riverside Pavillion in Chester-le-Street by Coerver Coaching North-East. Schoolchildren in County Durham can join in on February 8 and
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Campaign against High Row changes gains momentum
MORE than 4,000 signatures have been collected by campaigners fighting to maintain and restore Darlington town centre's Victorian character. Darlington Civic Trust has been collecting names for the petition since November as part of its campaign to save
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Guild and WI news
Chester-le-Street TG: MEMBERS and two visitors, Ruby Carr and Janice Clasper, were welcomed to the meeting of Chester-le-StreetTownswomen's Guild in the Parish Centre. Chairman Doreen Yeates opened the proceedings. Sick members were mentioned and sent
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A bout of old fashioned fisticuffs
DEAD OR ALIVE ULTIMATE. Publisher: Microsoft. Format: Xbox. Price: £39.99. Family friendly? The rather risque visuals and violent subject matter make this a game for teenagers upwards. FIGHTING games may not be quite as popular as they once were but I
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A meditation on the many riches freely bestowed by nature
A MORNING walk in the peace of the countryside can be a time for reflection and there is no doubt, in my case, it regularly provides inspiration for the contents of this column. This morning my thoughts turned to something more grand than the birds of
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The road from coal to computers
The closure of Ellington Colliery, the last working pit in the once mighty North-East coalfield, highlights the transition that has taken place in the region. Incredible to think that, 80 years ago, a quarter of a million men and boys were employed down
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It's our Act EURO let's make sure we use it
WITH very little fanfare, a new piece of legislation came into force on New Year's Day. For the first time, Britain has a Freedom of Information Act drafted on the presumption that information about public bodies, be they national government, local government
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'Bonkers' MPs want to let pacifists refuse to pay for Army
TWO North-East MPs have been branded "bonkers" by their own Labour bosses for backing a campaign for pacifists to stop paying taxes to the military. Stockton North MP Frank Cook and Middlesbrough South MP Ashok Kumar are listed as supporters of Conscience
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Lee completes Cheltenham double with 50-1 shot Akilak
GREY Abbey led at the start and at the finish in the Pillar Chase at Cheltenham last Saturday, a spectacular day for Howard Johnson and Graham Lee. The trainer, who was sent the veteran by his owners, the Roper family and Norman Furness, last season,
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Procter all set for battle to keep Riponian title
LAST year's winners Kevin Procter from Leeming and co-driver Mike Gilby from Northallerton will lead the 70-car field away from the start as the 2005 Ripon Land Rover Riponian Stages Rally roars into action on Sunday. After winning his local event for
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Craftswomen have designs on Valentine's Day
THREE creative craftswomen are attempting to tap into the growing Valentine's Day market. Pamela Nord, Marie-Bernadette Young and Stacey Murryfield have teamed up to open the Hart Gallery, in Durham City. The trio are launching the studio-style gallery
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Wendy wasn't The Weakest Link
BY SHEILA DIXON GAINFORD parish council chairman, Coun Wendy Withers, will be in the spotlight on Monday when she appears on the television programme The Weakest Link. The mother-of-six revealed that she did not have to take the "walk of shame" but viewers
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Even the best producers will lose money on beef
EVEN the top 5pc of beef producers are forecast to lose money in the new era without farm subsidies. Richard Fuller, farmer and technical director of the Beef Improvement Group, said costings by the Meat and Livestock Commission and Scottish Agricultural
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Council tops survey of youth funding
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has topped a regional survey of spending on vital services for youngsters. But the GMB union condemned other North-East authorities for their lack of funding for youth clubs and other community activities. Some are
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Taste of Mozambique proves to be an African adventure
DARLINGTON'S growing international cuisine culture is something to be welcomed. But there are hazards lurking for those willing to bring us a taste of global menus. Firstly, it has to be remembered that food doesn't always travel that well. What is delicious
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Noon happy to take on dual England role
JAMIE Noon will be assuming the role of chaperone at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium tomorrow, but the Newcastle Falcons centre will not allow the frenzy surrounding team-mate Mathew Tait to overshadow his own big day. Noon will win his sixth England cap
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MP rounds up support to protect heritage homes
AN MP is fighting for robust protection to preserve Victorian and Edwardian architectural gems in her constituency. Stockton South MP, Dari Taylor, met members of Egglescliffe Parish Council last Friday to discuss the preservation of the area. Norman
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Olympian leads call for volunteers to take the plunge for charity
A CHARITY has launched a search to find 400 people who are ready to take the plunge. A giant 'zip slide', made up of ropes and pulleys, is being suspended from Middlesbrough's Transporter Bridge this summer to raise money for the Teesside Hospice. Middlesbrough's
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Centre seeks 'meeters and greeters'
RISING visitor numbers have led to a call for more volunteers at the attraction built around the world's most famous vet. More so-called meeters and greeters are needed at the World of James Herriot centre in Thirsk. The council-owned attraction, in Kirkgate
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Car ban proposals on display
SHOPPERS viewed detailed proposals of a controversial £6.5m plan to transform Darlington town centre yesterday. An exhibition of the pedestrianisation scheme, which is on the first floor of the Cornmill Centre, attracted scores of visitors. They were
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Shoppers give opinions at event
A MIXTURE views on Darlington Borough Council's pedestrianisation plans were evident at the Cornmill Centre yesterday. Most shoppers at the exhibition told The Northern Echo they liked the idea of revamping High Row, but were worried about the town centre
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Pupils' vision helps secure £10,000 award
A PUPIL-led approach in developing ideas to improve school grounds and a playground has won a £10,000 award. Kirkby and Great Broughton CE primary school, near Stokesley, has won the award as a result of the Woolworth's Playground Partnership. Children
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'Landowners will not stop scheme'
COUNCILLORS have backed plans for a compulsory purchase order to support a £10m city centre redevelopment. Harrogate Borough Council will be asked to use the powers to kick-start scheme, west of Ripon Market Place, by late spring or early summer. A meeting
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If music be the food of love... then Jazz pupils have perfect timing
A VALENTINE'S jazz concert is being organised at a County Durham school to celebrate the most romantic day of the year. Several favourite tunes, such as Watermelon Man, Tequila and Chameleon, will be part of the programme at the Valentine's Jazz Evening
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Experience is the key, says McCarthy
MICK McCARTHY revealed he is drawing on his own experience as a player to plot Sunderland's escape from the Coca-Cola Championship. The Sunderland boss, who celebrates his 100th match in charge of the Black Cats when they go to Molineux to face Wolves
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Author makes
CHILDREN'S author Ana Fischel will sign copies of the latest book in her Zartarbia Tales series in Darlington next week. The Spain-based author, who based her stories on her visits to her headmistress aunt at Raventhorpe School in the town, will be at
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Outcry blocks parking charges
CONTROVERSIAL plans for parking charges in a North Yorkshire town centre are expected to be scrapped following a public outcry. North Yorkshire County Council director of environmental services is recommending that a proposal to introduce parking restrictions
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Stolen pellet guns could be used in robberies
POLICE fear replica guns taken from a paintball site could be used in robberies. Two pellet-firing handguns and a rifle, said to be indistinguishable from the real models, were part of a haul of equipment worth nearly £3,000. They were taken from a locked
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Chinese New Year marked at library
DURHAM'S Clayport Library will be joining in Chinese New Year celebrations next weekend. A Chinese lion will feature in the traditional dance in Millennium Square, Claypath, a week on Saturday between 1pm and 1.30pm. The nearby library will host a storytime
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Bus firm under pressure from one-man campaign
A NATIONAL bus company that is about to expand its fleet has been urged to introduce up-to-date coaches into a County Durham community. Durham County councillor Morris Nicholls has been waging a one-man campaign against Arriva North East, which he claims
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250-home scheme gets approval
PLANS to build nearly 250 homes in Stockton were approved yesterday despite health and safety concerns. Eighty houses and 166 flats are expected to be built by Persimmon Homes in Parkfield Road, in central Stockton. However, nearby businesses in the area
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A_spooky way to
STAFF at a school are preparing to be spooked at a haunted hotel to raise funds for its bid for specialist status. Secretary Emma Honeyman, from Huntcliff School, Saltburn, has organised the stay at the Schooner Inn in Alnmouth, Northumberland. The seven
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Brierley hat-trick gives Black Bull the edge
Hambleton Ales League Cup Second Round Black Bull 4 Rountons 3 DIVISION two promotion-chasers Black Bull pulled off a cup shock last Sunday with victory over division one strugglers Rountons in a thrilling and controversial tie at the Hambleton Leisure
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MPs under attack
TWO North-East MPs have been branded "bonkers" by their own Labour bosses for backing a campaign for pacifists to stop paying taxes to the military. Stockton North MP Frank Cook and Middlesbrough South MP Ashok Kumar are listed as supporters of Conscience
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Securing bikes
CYCLISTS are being offered a chance to ensure their bikes are safe at a police event. The free security session will be held at Aycliffe Youth Centre, opposite Tesco supermarket in Newton Aycliffe, on Sunday, February 13, from 10.30am to 4.30pm. PC Simon
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Drugs possession case is adjourned
A MAN appeared before magistrates yesterday facing charges of possession of drugs, intention to supply class A drugs and theft. Peter Dennis West, 30, of Garmondsway Road, Ferryhill, is accused of possession of 20gms of cocaine with intent to supply and
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Diamond couple aid charity
A SPENNYMOOR couple chose to share their diamond wedding anniversary celebrations with a national charity close to their hearts. John and Vera Tolley celebrated 60 years of marriage yesterday by asking for donations to be made to the National Association
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Pigeon fanciers in rush to support arson attack victim
PIGEON fanciers are holding a sale of birds to help a veteran enthusiast whose cree was destroyed in an arson attack. Early last month, 48 birds owned by Jack Allison, 74, were killed in a blaze in his stock loft and a shed on his allotment at Lansdowne
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Bid to keep children safe
GUIDELINES designed to protect children taking part in sport will be unveiled today. Durham Sport will launch its Child Protection Policy at a meeting in Durham County Cricket Club's Riverside ground at Chester-le-Street this morning. Guidelines have
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Bridge to get new saintly appearance
RENOVATION work has started on an important bridge. North Lodge Parish Council initiated the project to repaint the bridge in North Road, leading from Birtley to Chester-le-Street. It has been made possible by a working partnership with Durham County
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Police to ensure pubs are on watch
IMMINENT changes to the UK's licensing laws have prompted police to re-launch a Pub Watch scheme. More than 150 licence holders across Easington district have been sent letters outlining how the initiative will work. Legislation taking effect from Monday
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Move to keep hold of homes
TWO former councillors are spearheading a campaign to keep 4,600 homes in Chester-le-Street within the control of the local authority. The district council has to decide by July on the best options for the management of its housing stock. There are a
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Ice-cream seller's homes and cars seized by courts
A MAN cleared of supplying drugs has had his string of houses and luxury cars seized by the police. Andrew Pickering's £495,000 four-bedroom detached house in Nunthorpe is up for sale. The home and its contents, seven other houses and two vehicles, including
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New wave of security on river
POLICE are to patrol the Labour Party's spring conference on jet skis as part of the security operation. Northumbria Police are to use two of the 1,200cc injection machines, which can reach a top speed of 60mph, to patrol the North-East's rivers and coastline
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Family hopes to sway Greek appeal court
THE family fighting for justice for their son who died in a Greek hospital have hit their fundraising target. The parents of Christopher Rochester, 24, of Chester-le-Street, fly to Rhodes this Saturday for the appeal of three doctors convicted of his
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Truancy rates fall in county
A LOCAL education authority in the North-East is well below a national target for school absences it was told to reach by the Government in four years time. Durham County Council said last night its overall absence level for 2003/4 is below the target
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04/02/05
PROSTITUTION: A FEW days after Darlington police closed down brothels (Echo, Jan 25), it was announced that Liverpool was to approve safe prostitution zones. Every few years Middlesbrough police clear out red light areas, only for the prostitutes to move
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Praise for mother in blaze drama
A mother who carried her children to safety from a blazing home, has been praised by a fire chief. The woman was putting her baby to bed when she became aware of a fire on the first floor landing of her house in Abindon Road, Middlesbrough. She grabbed
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Festivals to bring 2005 Alive in North
AN international music festival, a maritime spectacular, an ambitious arts programme and a lengthy festival of sport will form the backbone of a £12m North-East tourism drive. Officials from the Newcastle-Gateshead Initiative (NGI) believe the festival
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Taking the grail trail
The Real Da Vinci Code (C4): I HAD hoped to report on the misbehaviour of Hollywood stars caught on camera in five's new series Celebrities Uncensored. Unfortunately, the programme had all too clearly been censored. The preview tape was blank - not a
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Comment from The Northern Echo: A clear case of danger
STAND by any busy road and it will not be too long before a vehicle comes along with the driver talking into a mobile telephone. It is common to see drivers turning corners one-handed while the telephone conversation continues, and it is inevitable that
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Engineering trainees in the spotlight
A TEESSIDE company is going on the road to test trainees in the engineering construction industry. TTE Management and Training is sending a team of 13 to assess competency training programmes at companies that build plant and factories for sectors including
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Reputation cemented by record turnover
RESTORATION projects and the continued housing boom made it a record year for Britain's largest hand-made brick manufacturer. The York Handmade Brick Company, in Alne, near Easingwold, North Yorkshire, saw turnover for last year exceed £2m for the first
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Old hits and new songs
THE lead singer in what might be called the original boy band comes to Darlington at the end of March on a solo tour. Double grammy award-winner Merrill Osmond will perform some of the Osmonds' greatest hits at the Civic Theatre. Now 51, he is pleased
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More staff are needed to hit green targets
STAFF may be appointed to Richmondshire District Council to help the authority meet Government recycling targets. Finance officers have recommended the appointment of a recycling officer, two drivers and four loaders to operate a new collection vehicle
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Yorwaste tipped to win more contracts
WASTE management company Yorwaste is bidding for three contracts as it prepares for one of the most important years in its history. The Northallerton company is bidding for waste management contracts with the City of York and North Yorkshire County Council
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More details released about child burns centre changes
HEALTH bosses have defended controversial proposed changes to the region's burns service. Under the proposals, children with life-threatening burns who require specialist treatment would no longer be treated at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle
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PC's assault convictions quashed
A POLICE officer who was convicted of attacking two young prisoners has walked free from court after he launched a legal challenge. PC Paul Ions saw his two convictions for assault quashed by Judge Tony Briggs, who upheld his appeal heard at Teesside
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Thomas and friends prepare to celebrate anniversary
IT is now 60 years since Thomas the Tank Engine burst into the public consciousness, and interest in the plucky little loco is showing no sign of waning. The Reverend Wilbert Awdry published the first book, The Three Railway Engines, in 1945, and in doing
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In memory of the late, great, Jake
A FORTHCOMING stage musical will celebrate the life and work of entertainer Jake Thackray, who once had a base in Swaledale. T and R Theakston, the Masham-based brewery, is sponsoring the new show highlighting the achievements of the Leeds-born performer
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All aboard for rail celebration
LEADERS of two neighbouring communities travelled together as an historic railway development was celebrated this week. Tuesday marked the exact 150th anniversary of the first passenger train from Leeming Bar to Bedale in the first stage of a progressive
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Police officer assault convictions quashed
A POLICE officer who was convicted of attacking two young prisoners has walked free from court after he launched a legal challenge. PC Paul Ions saw his two convictions for assault quashed by Judge Tony Briggs, who upheld his appeal heard at Teesside
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Sport and arts centre open for community
A MULTI-PURPOSE state-of-the-art sport and arts facility is to be officially opened in Sacriston, near Chester-le-Street this week. The £475,000 project at St Bede's Primary School includes a sports hall and changing area, classroom, community office
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The Firework-Maker's Daughter, Newcastle Theatre Royal
ANYTHING boasting fireworks in the title has to produce pyrotechnics at some point... and the audience isn't left disappointed with an explosive finale to a constantly humorous family show. Up to that point, the lively cast had mainly acted out the explosive
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Shop Talk: Can I have your autograph please?
Tracking down the megastars' autographs can be difficult - especially when they're dead - but it's all in a day's work at Signed Collectables. BECKHAM'S on the way down. You could probably give Craig Bellamy away. But Elvis is still top of the pops and
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Key town centre site has a tenant at last
WATERSTONE'S the booksellers this week confirmed it was to open in Darlington in the summer. The national company is moving into the former Dressers' store on High Row which has stood empty for almost four years. The imposing premises are considered a
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The road from coal to computers
The closure of Ellington Colliery, the last working pit in the once mighty North-East coalfield, highlights the transition that has taken place in the region. Incredible to think that, 80 years ago, a quarter of a million men and boys were employed down
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Marts
BARNARD CASTLE. - Wed of last week. Fwd: 1,646 sheep. Suff store hoggs to £24.Lt hoggs to 121p av 104.3p; std to 118p av 108.6p; med to 118p av 110.4p; heavy to 110p av 104.1p. Cast ewes: Suff £51; Cont £47; Cheviot £36.50; Leics £44.50; Mule £39.50;
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Sport rules for children
GUIDELINES designed to protect children taking part in sport are to be announced today. Durham Sport will launch its Child Protection Policy at a meeting in Durham County Cricket Club's Riverside ground, in Chester-le-Street, this morning. Guidelines
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Villagers to fight housing proposal for allotment site
VILLAGERS have vowed to fight plans for a housing development on an allotment site. More than 30 residents gathered at Howden-le-Wear Community Centre on Wednesday night to voice their objections against the proposals for 41 homes. It is believed the
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Young engineers pass expert test
PUPILS have built an electric car, wind turbine and a bridge to demonstrate their engineering skills. Year nine pupils took part in the Derwentside Schools Engineering Challenge and had their work tested by experts. The efforts of over 100 young people
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Have a say on NHS plan
TIME is running out for the public to have their say on NHS proposals to improve mental health services. Plans include building a mental health treatment centre in Hartlepool and two centres for elderly people with mental problems and for mentally-disabled
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Firefighter takes on charity run
A RUNNER is taking on the challenge of a lifetime to raise funds for a leukaemia charity. Firefighter Michael Dayson is tackling the gruelling Marathon des Sables - a 151-mile six-day race across the Sahara - in aid of the Anthony Nolan Trust. The 26-
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Theatre group's support
A THEATRE company has raised £1,000 for the tsunami disaster relief fund by holding a benefit night. The first performance of Theatre Cap-a-Pie's new production, Oh, I Do Like To Be, was followed by entertainment and an art auction. Proceeds from ticket
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Banned driver gets jail sentence
A BANNED driver caught behind the wheel for the 12th time was jailed yesterday. David Atkinson, 26, was spotted in Wenlock Road, South Shields, South Tyneside, driving a Vauxhall Cavalier on January 5. Newcastle Crown Court was told how he was pulled
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35-year wait pays off after £50,000 win
A MYSTERY man's number has finally come up with a £50,000 win -35 years after he bought a Premium Bond. The winner, from Newcastle, won the prize with his only Premium Bond, which was bought for £5 in January 1970. After more than three decades, his numbers
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Hunt continues for pervert who spied on women
A PERVERT who spied on female Army recruits after putting a camera in their showers is still being hunted. Military police investigating the incident at the Army Foundation College, in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, have been unable to find the culprit.
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All hands to pumps in new era for refuse
SERVICE centre staff braced themselves for an influx of calls after major changes to recycling and refuse services. Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's refuse and recycling workforce began a four-day collection week on Tuesday. Every home in the area
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Homes 'face closure'
PRIVATE care homes for the elderly could close because they cannot pay staff the going rate, according to their owners. Simon Beckett, chairman of Care North-East, which represents the region's independent care homes sector, said underfunding by local
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Real ale event added to Dales food festival
THIS year's Dales Festival of Food and Drink in Leyburn will include a beer festival featuring real ales from local breweries. These breweries include Wensleydale, Daleside, Theakstons, Black Sheep and Darwin's. This will compliment the food hall with
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Bellway sets its sights on Northern Way
HOUSEbuilder Bellway confirmed last night that it is on course to make record profits, after achieving more than three-quarters of its target annual sales in only six months. Interim results from the Newcastle company showed that, in the six months to
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Taione and Mayerhofler back for Falcons
NEWCASTLE Falcons have recalled Epi Taione and Mark Mayerhofler in place of England centres Mathew Tait and Jamie Noon for Sunday's Premiership match at home to Wasps. Scotland lock Stuart Grimes is also absent on international duty, so Craig Hamilton
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Noon happy to take on dual England role
JAMIE Noon will be assuming the role of chaperone at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium tomorrow, but the Newcastle Falcons centre will not allow the frenzy surrounding team-mate Mathew Tait to overshadow his own big day. Noon will win his sixth England cap
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Hanged prisoner was told of £20,000 price on his head
A PRISONER who was assured he would be given special protection because he was known as an informer was called a "grass" within 20 minutes of arriving at a North-East prison, an inquest was told yesterday. Paul Day, later found hanged in his cell, endured
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More staff are needed to hit green targets
STAFF may be appointed to Richmondshire District Council to help the authority meet Government recycling targets. Finance officers have recommended the appointment of a recycling officer, two drivers and four loaders to operate a new collection vehicle
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Legendary music venue will re-open to public for events
A NORTH-East venue is to start holding rock gigs open to the public again. The first Durham Students' Union event will be on Saturday, May 7, featuring punk pioneers The Damned, Scottish band The Rezillos and tribute band The Clash City Rockers, dedicated
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Man dies of cold after night in cemetery
A MAN froze to death in a cemetery after sleeping off the effects of a drinking binge, an inquest was told. John Hudspeth died of hypothermia after falling asleep in Durham Road Cemetery, Stockton, last November. Teesside Coroner Michael Sheffield heard
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How Greg snubbed Tony
FORMER BBC director general Greg Dyke last night revealed he spurned an olive branch from Tony Blair following the Hutton Report. Mr Dyke, who was in the region yesterday speaking to business leaders, said his former friend Mr Blair had asked him for
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Church bells to ring out again after safety check
HOPES were raised yesterday that the bells at St Gregory's Church, Bedale, will soon be heard again after months of silence. The eight bells, the largest of which is the tenor dating from 1360, have not been heard since last summer after ringers expressed
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Passion not profit is behind new venue
DAVID Cox has realised his dream of a music community where everyone is welcome. Three-and a half years ago, he conceived the idea of bringing together music performance, production and enjoyment under one roof. His project finally reached fruition on
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Experts in green energy look east for opportunity
RENEWABLE energy specialists from the region have signed agreements to collaborate with Chinese companies to develop new technology. Renew Tees Valley chief executive Dermot Roddy was taking part in a mission organised by regional development agency One
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Mandela calls for global action on poverty
Nelson Mandela urged thousands to join a global campaign against poverty yesterday, saying: "Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural." The former South African president made his call in London's Trafalgar Square, ahead of addressing finance
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Tax increase may be three times Government limit
COUNCIL tax bills for the Hambleton area could increase by more than three times the Government's recommended maximum this year. Hambleton District Council's precept could rise by 17.6 per cent - or from £68 to £80 for a Band D property - even though
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Farm sale boosts funds of council
POCKETS of surplus farm land went under the hammer this week, swelling a North-East council's coffers by more than £600,000. Durham County Council auctioned ten lots of agricultural land and sites previously bought for projects. In the first auction of
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Ten years on, town's toilet block opens
A TOILET block is finally being re-opened after ten years. Work starts on Monday on the toilets in Guisborough as part of a £200,000 scheme to upgrade public conveniences throughout Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's area. A four to six-week programme
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The pub's my natural home, says youngest landlady
ONE of Teesdale's newest pub landladies is believed to be the youngest in County Durham. When Samantha Hallimond arrived at the Strathmore Arms in Holwick, just six months after her 18th birthday, she became the youngest pub landlady in the area and probably
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We're getting there, says under-fire train firm
A TRAIN operator which has faced a barrage of criticism from some local travellers over its standard of service has insisted that it is getting there as it marks its first anniversary. Since February 1 last year, TransPennine Express has been in the hands
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Climate change threat to rare birds
RARELY studied upland birds may be as vulnerable as songbirds to climate change, according to research. Scientists from the RSPB and Newcastle and Manchester universities have found that the golden plover is breeding significantly earlier than 20 years
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On TV
The Real Da Vinci Code (C4) I HAD hoped to report on the misbehaviour of Hollywood stars caught on camera in five's new series Celebrities Uncensored. Unfortunately, the programme had all too clearly been censored. The preview tape was blank - not a sausage
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Sven to pick Downing for England debut
STEWART DOWNING'S international aspirations will be realised in England's friendly against Holland on Wednesday. The 20-year-old Middlesbrough midfielder was not included in Peter Taylor's England Under-21 squad for Tuesday's friendly with Holland at
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Changes planned to refuse and recycling services
CALL centre staff are bracing themselves for a flood of queries as Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council launches major changes to its refuse and recycling services. The service switched to a four-day week on Tuesday and is delivering green waste wheeled
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Familiar look of today's £60,000 house
BACK to the future we go - back a good century and a half this time in the search for the £60,000 house. None of us with grown-up children still in rented properties and house-shares at an age when our generation was diligently paying its 25-year mortgages
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Study claims upland birds face danger from climate change
UPLAND birds may be as vulnerable to climate change as song birds, according to a new study. The golden plover, found on the moors and peat bogs of the North Pennines and Teesdale, is breeding significantly earlier than 20 years ago. But scientists say
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Mowden hope Bedworth return will halt slide
AN excellent win for Darlington and a sixth successive defeat for Mowden Park last Saturday left the sides locked together on 31 points in National Three North. While Darlington still have to play two of the three sides below them at home and the other
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Team breakthrough could save thousands of lives
RESEARCHERS at a North-East university have made a breakthrough which could save thousands of lives every year by predicting when natural disasters will occur. The Durham University team has developed a means of precisely calculating the moment when a
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Earthquake survivor's teddy to raise cash for Asian victims
A teddy bear which belonged to a little girl orphaned by Europe's worst tsunami disaster will be auctioned to help the Asian disaster victims. The tiny kilt-wearing teddy survived a tidal wave caused by an earthquake almost a century ago. Like the Asian
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Magpies' Euro absence a disaster, says Given
SHAY Given provided a brutal assessment of Newcastle's current predicament by admitting: "If we don't get into Europe it will be a disaster." Wednesday night's 1-1 draw at Manchester City left the Magpies seven points adrift of sixth place and the final
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Pews set to be replaced by chairs in cathedral
COMFORT is winning the battle over tradition at Ripon Cathedral as a debate about the future of its pews continues. After the initial announcement that uncomfortable wooden bench pews could be replaced by chairs, two-thirds of those responding to the
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Loan sought to ensure games area is built
A TEMPORARY bridging loan has been requested to ensure a community games area is opened at Askrigg, in Wensleydale, in the spring. Yorebridge Sports Development Association began work last month and plans to complete construction by April. The £228,000
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Kirkbright saves penalty as Arrows hold leaders
KIRKBY Malzeard remain unbeaten in the league since mid-September after an impressive 2-0 premier division win at second-placed Burley Trojans last Saturday. Andy Thompson fired them ahead from the penalty spot after only five minutes when Ashley Atkinson
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Top American farmer gives the figures
A LEADING American Stabiliser producer said he was excited about the changes English farmers faced. "Along with that change come a lot of opportunities," Alan Janzen, told the large audience. "The fact there are so many people here today is because you
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Asbo sparks health alert
THE story of petrol sniffer Brian Taylor has highlighted the dangers of fuel abuse. Taylor, 36, from South Bank, Middlesbrough, has been banned from filling stations on Teesside after sniffing petrol at his local Asda filling station on 51 occasions.
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Bid to make Barney a livelier and more vibrant market town
BIDS have been submitted to various funding bodies for the first phase of a huge scheme aimed at making Barnard Castle one of the most vibrant and lively market towns in the region. Part of the Market Towns Initiative, the project counts Durham County
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For sale, and in a such a quiet part of the town
HOMEBUYERS looking for a retreat away from noisy neighbours are queuing up to get their hands on some unusual properties in East Cleveland. Seven cemetery buildings, including a former mortuary, have been put on the market by Redcar and Cleveland Borough
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Some couples stay and some go at fire-hit stately home
SEVERAL couples who had weddings planned at the fire-hit Allerton Castle, near Knaresborough, have cancelled and gone elsewhere, despite urgent arrangements to fulfil bookings. "But the brave and loyal are sticking with us," said a spokesman for the stately
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Teddies are knitted with love
CHILDREN affected by the tsunami disaster will soon be receiving a little comfort in the shape of a teddy bear. Girls, staff and parents from Teesside Prep and High School, in Eaglescliffe, have been busy knitting in response to the appeal Teddies for
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Train station parkers welcome cuts
PEOPLE who use the car park at Thirsk station are to see reductions in yearly and quarterly season tickets. But no concessions are to be offered in Northallerton, despite recent protests. First Transpennine Express has agreed to season ticket reductions
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Policing stepped up as Labour Conference approaches
ARMED police have begun setting up stop checks on roads across the North-East in the run-up to the Labour Party Conference. Drivers were stopped on the A167 at the Angel of the North, in Gateshead, where vehicles were checked by Northumbria Police officers
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Deep Water set for repeat
DEEP WATER (3.30) has everything in place to win Catterick's Marne Handicap Chase for the second year in succession. It's very much a case of deja-vu for Micky Hammond's gelding, who 12 months ago lined up for the contest off precisely the same mark of
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Moved to prayers at the pub
THE times are indeed a-changing when it comes to a group of Metho-dists meeting in a pub for worship. Though the traditional temperance rule is no longer universally observed, some may wonder what the founder of the denomination, John Wesley, would have
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Court hears about confrontation in club
A HEALTH club member flew into a rage and accused the club's sales and marketing manager of lying, a court heard. Stephen Thoms, who police are seeking an anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) against, confronted Alistair Ruddick in the caf at Bannatynes
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Museum to host family fun day
A FAMILY fun day featuring professional artists will be held next week at a North-East museum. The Bowes Museum, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, is holding Whater Palaver on Tuesday, to encourage youngsters to develop their creative skills. Art and
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Legendary music venue will re-open to public for events
A NORTH-East venue is to start holding rock gigs open to the public again. The first Durham Students' Union event will be on Saturday, May 7, featuring punk pioneers The Damned, Scottish band The Rezillos and tribute band The Clash City Rockers, dedicated
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Central planning
The debate over a regional planning blueprint for the North-East has drawn into sharp focus some of the issues which lay behind last year's rejection of an elected regional assembly. Chief among these are the concept of a regional identity. One thing
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Can I have your autograph please?
BECKHAM'S on the way down. You could probably give Craig Bellamy away. But Elvis is still top of the pops and the Duke of Wellington is giving everyone a run for their money. Welcome to the world of autographs. We all want a bit of our heroes and the
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Cooper earns top award
NEALE Cooper was yesterday crowned League One's manager of the month for January, on the day he set about bolstering his squad. Three wins and a draw to put Hartlepool into fifth spot saw Cooper earn the gong, announced on Sky Sports by Chris Kamara.
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Housing firm rebuts 'mean' label with offer of talks
A DEVELOPER branded as mean by a Richmondshire councillor has pledged to talk about providing more affordable housing. A spokesman for George Wimpey North-East, which wants to build 48 apartments and houses on the former hockey pitch in Reeth Road, Richmond
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'Why drugs won't destroy our town'
A remarkable community project is helping a North-East town cope with the scourge of heroin. Health Correspondent Barry Nelson investigates. WAYNE must have been 14 or 15 when he started smoking dope. Like the rest of his mates in Seaham, County Durham
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Textile artist to put her quirky face crationson show in London
A TEXTILE artist from the North-East is preparing to take part in an exhibition in London next week. Julia Triston, from Dipton, near Stanley, County Durham, has produced five pieces of work based on the theme of quirky faces. She is exhibiting with textile
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Youth in pizza shop raid is locked up
A YOUTH who attacked community wardens distributing leaflets warning residents that he was the subject of an anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) has been jailed for robbing a pizza shop. Craig Gibson, 16, was part of a group of youths who caused a midnight
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Government's £6.3m aid for black-hole police force
THE Government has stepped in to bail out a North-East police force facing financial meltdown. In an unprecedented move, Home Office officials have agreed to inject £6.3m into Cleveland Police. The three-year deal will help put the force on a firm financial
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Non-farming businesses involve 48pc of full-time farmers
FARMERS in England made a record £300m from diversification projects last year and, in the North-East and Yorkshire and Humber regions the total earned from non-agricultural projects stood at £23.8m. Total income from farming in the UK last year fell
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Hodgson considers another look at Jamaican defender
JAMAICAN international Damion Stewart could earn a second invitation to train with Darlington. The 24-year-old defender will return to the Caribbean on Monday after spending a fortnight on trial with Quakers, during which manager David Hodgson was undecided
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Sun arise for Kevin's musical career
Kevin Howard has taken a leaf out of Rolf Harris's book and found work playing one of the world's more unusual instruments. Kevin, from Saltburn, is a self-employed, one-armed didgeridoo player. He is also the 1,000th person to be helped into work by
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If music be the food of love... then Jazz pupils have perfect timing
A VALENTINE'S jazz concert is being organised at a County Durham school to celebrate the most romantic day of the year. Several favourite tunes, such as Watermelon Man, Tequila and Chameleon, will be part of the programme at the Valentine's Jazz Evening
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Teenager warned after drunken assaults
A TEENAGER with a drink problem was told that any further failure to comply with the rules was likely to mean a spell behind bars. Wendy Wilkinson, 18, today pleaded guilty to breaching a community rehabilitation order imposed in June for two assaults
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Plea for camera to cut speeding
BUSINESSMEN and residents are calling for improved safety measures on a road where they fear someone will be killed. Random police speed checks are carried out in Stockton Road, Middlesbrough, and posters appealing to motorists to slow down have just
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'Doctor service is safe'
A HEALTH boss has given assurances that the emergency doctor service will continue in the eastern part of the county, despite the operation going into administration. The chairman of the primary care trust covering Scarborough and Whitby is Colin Barnes
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Driver who has been banned 30 times is jailed
A POLICEMAN was dragged alongside a car as he tried to arrest a driver who had been banned from the roads 30 times. Officers approaching a set of traffic lights in Gateshead on December 14 last year recognised Robert Ainsley, 38, behind the wheel of a
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'Bonkers' MPs want to let pacifists refuse to pay for Army
TWO North-East MPs have been branded "bonkers" by their own Labour bosses for backing a campaign for pacifists to stop paying taxes to the military. Stockton North MP Frank Cook and Middlesbrough South MP Ashok Kumar are listed as supporters of Conscience
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Close shave was inspired by friend's cancer fight
A SUPERMARKET worker has lost her locks in support of a colleague with breast cancer. Heather Ellis, 52, of East Cowton, near Northallerton, has not had short hair since she was a baby. That changed yesterday when the customer service assistant at Tesco
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Shop scheme's instant success
A SHOPWATCH scheme has proved its worth within hours of being launched. Shopkeepers in Easington Colliery, who had joined the scheme last Friday, were all issued with special radios. Only hours after the initiative came into action, one retailer needed
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Sewer work at roundabout
ESSENTIAL sewerage works by Northumbrian Water in Newport Road, Middlesbrough, is expected to cause delays and traffic tailbacks. Work on the east side of the Newport roundabout starts on Monday for a minimum of eight weeks. It will lead to congestion
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Thai culture boosts funds
A NIGHT of Thai culture in the North-East has raised over £40,000 for victims of the tsunami in south-east Asia. Luxury holidays in Thailand and signed Newcastle United football shirts were auctioned at the event held at the Federation Brewery, in Gateshead
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Hospital gig raises £200
A SINGING funeral director has been strumming up support for a hospital. Dale Scollay and his band So Much Trouble played a charity gig in aid of the Patients' Comfort Fund at Guisborough General Hospital. The rhythm and blues concert at the Globe pub
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School's target to aid disaster
PRIMARY school pupils have given up their breaks for the past three weeks to hold fairs in the hall to raise money for people affected by the tsunami disaster in south-east Asia. Youngsters from St Joseph's RC Primary School, in Front Street, Stanley,
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Police appeal to find missing man
AN appeal has been issued for sightings of a man missing from home for the past ten days. Colin Bald was last seen in the St Peter's Basin area of Newcastle between 7pm and 7.30pm on Saturday, January 22. The 23-year-old, from Losh Terrace in the city
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Men pay price for spray-paint sale
TWO North-East shopkeepers have been convicted of selling spray-paint to under-age children as part of a crackdown on graffiti yobs. Car spares salesmen Steven Ball, 29, and Matthew Taylor, 70, of MAS Autoparts, in Chillingham Road, Newcastle, received
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Mayor keeps up a family tradition
A mayor is expected to keep his post for another term after an overwhelming vote by fellow councillors. Mayor of Ripon Stuart Martin, 48, said he was absolutely delighted that his colleagues had backed him for another year, starting in May. His grandfather
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Chair was thrown at window
A woman threw a stool through a pub window because she believed the landlady was having an affair with her husband, a court heard yesterday. Stephanie Waite, prosecuting, told Harrogate magistrates that Sally Alexandra Hanford had stormed into the Black
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Half-term health project unveiled
A SERIES of half-term health options will be on offer next week to families in a County Durham village. The library in Horden, on Sunderland Road, has joined forces with Easington Primary Care Trust's Health for All project to offer youngsters a number
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'I don't trust Tony Blair either'
It's a year this week since the publication of the Hutton report, prompting the resignation of BBC director general and committed Labour Party supporter Greg Dyke. The outspoken former DG tells Julia Breen how he lost his faith in Tony Blair. WHEN Greg
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Pledge to fight property seizure
A BUSINESSMAN last night vowed to wage a High Court battle to recover his homes and cars, seized by a Home Office agency. Arthur Pickering is to "strenuously resist" a court order which has seen a receiver appointed to take control and manage his affairs
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Parents rally round to save kindergarten
PARENTS are fighting to save a kindergarten threatened with closure. Busy Bees Kindergarten, in Ragworth, Stockton, has hit financial difficulties after a drop in the number of children forced staff to put up admission costs. The small kindergarten, run
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'Beware of healthy and safety scam'
BUSINESSES are being warned to ignore demands for money from a company claiming to regulate health and safety laws. Letters have been sent from a Bradford-based company, calling itself the Health and Safety Enforcement Agency or the Health and Safety
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Scheme contributes £250,000 a year to North York Moors economy
A £5.5M scheme to help sheep farmers tackle overgrazing and undergrazing has improved wildlife habitats on more than 101,000 acres, all Sites of Special Scientific Interest. More than 380 farmers and land managers have signed up to English Nature's Sheep
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Book store opening date
A TWO-STOREY branch of Waterstone's will open in the summer in the former Dressers store in Darlington, the bookseller confirmed yesterday. As revealed in The Northern Echo on Wednesday, the chain has signed a lease with landlord Bertie, the Bishop-Auckland
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Man stabbed by burglar
A HOUSEHOLDER was stabbed in the early hours of yesterday after disturbing a burglar in his home. The man, who lives alone, was sleeping in his house in Lenin Terrace, Chopwell, Gateshead, when he was disturbed by a noise downstairs at about 2.30am. He
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Lecturers prepare to strike over pay
COLLEGE lecturers look set to take strike action after they decided at a meeting yesterday they were dissatisfied with a three per cent pay rise offered by bosses. Ballot papers are being sent out today to decide whether or not lecturers at Bishop Auckland
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Pupils' design helps to win £10,000 prize
PUPILS who have pitched in to improve their school grounds have helped to win a £10,000 award. Kirkby and Great Broughton CE Primary School, near Stokesley, has won the award, thanks to their Woolworth's Playground Partnership. Children and staff helped
