Archive
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Pope 'has received the last rites'
Pope John Paul II was last night given the last rites after his health severely deteriorated, it was reported. The pontiff had a high fever fever caused by a urinary tract infection, his spokesman confirmed. Joaquin Navarro-Valls said the Pope was receiving
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Police will re-examine Julie Hogg murder case
Police are to re-examine the murder of a 22-year-old woman when changes to the double jeopardy law are introduced, it was announced today. Julie Hogg was the victim of a frenzied sex attack at her home in Billingham, Teesside, in November 1989. Her naked
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Don't blame me, McCarthy
MICK McCARTHY has already apologised to his players in a bid to make sure the Coca-Cola manager of the month curse does not dampen the club's Championship title hopes. McCarthy was named March's top boss yesterday after guiding the Black Cats to four
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Motorcycle campaign: police vow to get tough
ANOTHER hardline motorcycle safety campaign was launched in North Yorkshire to coincide with the Easter break, which brought hundreds of riders to busy county roads. Police and the county council joined forces with the promise of continuing the tough
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Second meeting planned to save pub from demolition
A SECOND public meeting about the future of one of Darlington's best-known pubs is to be held. People living in the Harrowgate Hill area have voiced their concerns over plans to demolish the White Horse Hotel, in North Road. Proposals to bulldoze the
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Council under attack for 'failing' dementia sufferers
DEMENTIA sufferers in Darlington are being failed by the borough council, according to a member of the authority's cabinet. Councillor Eleanor Lister, who holds the adult services portfolio, said not enough was being done to help sufferers of Alzheimer's
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Judges ready to decide story winners
THE national short story competition run through The Northern Echo has closed for entries. Backed by Orange and Darlington Arts Centre and organised by Darlington-based Inscribe Media Limited, the competition attracted about 250 adult category entries
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Boy dragged by school tie
A 13-year-old boy was dragged by his school tie for several metres along a road by a car full of youths. The boy was on his way home from Owton Manor Technical College in Hartlepool at around 3.30pm on Thursday, March 24 when he crossed the road between
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Three-legged Sky in need of home
ANIMAL welfare bosses are desperately appealing for someone to offer a loving home to a three-legged dog which has endured a miserable start to life. Sky was still undergoing treatment at a veterinary practice, in Darlington, yesterday after being handed
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Wilko earmarked for bench duties
ROB Andrew will wait until the last possible moment before ruling mecurial fly-half Jonny Wilkinson out of Newcastle Falcons' daunting Heineken Cup quarter-final with French favourites Stade Francais. The Falcons coach was forced to name his starting
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'Turn off car engines or face £20 fines'
MOTORISTS who leave their engines running while their cars are stationary are facing the prospect of fixed penalty fines. Darlington Borough Council confirmed yesterday that its uniformed wardens now had the power to hand out the fines to drivers. The
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Pub boss tells how cash is helping tsunami community
THOUSANDS of pounds raised in South West Durham have helped restore a sense of pride to a shattered community devastated by the Boxing Day tsunami. Pub landlord Derek Campbell embarked on a mercy mission to the community of Beruala, two hours drive from
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6,000 bars? Have a break, we're a bit fat
THE McGovern family need to take a break from Kit Kats after they bought 54,000 bars in only two months. Retired soldier Pat McGovern, his wife and two sons have munched their way through 20,000 bars. They are are now so sick of the snack they are handing
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Smart teenagers rewarded for drink and drugs education initiative
YOUNGSTERS have given up their time to learn how to teach others about drugs and alcohol. Twenty-six teenagers from across County Durham were presented with certificates after taking part in a project called Smart Zone. The 14 to 16-year-olds have given
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Addict warned she could face prison
A WOMAN who turned to prostitution in order to feed her heroin habit has been warned she could face jail after she broke the terms of a Drug Testing and Treatment Order (DTTO). Teesside Crown Court heard that Cheryl Moore, 23, had been handed the order
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Museum confident it will find funds for vital repairs
BUCKETS in the corridors of a historic museum could soon be redundant as a bid to a potential funding body moves a step nearer fruition. As reported in the D&S Times in November, essential repairs to the central section of the roof of the Bowes Museum
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Stir over bare parade
A BLONDE bombshell gave police a real eyeful when she was caught on camera wearing nothing but a pair of shoes. Posing on Redcar sea front for what appeared to be a men's magazine photo shoot, the woman not only turned a few heads in the town, but caught
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Hunts reach end of season and prepare for ban challenge
HUNTS across the region have survived the hunting ban despite bad weather affecting the last outings of the season. Packs of foxhounds and beagles have operated within the legislation laid down by the Hunting Act 2004 imposed on February 18, which banned
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Creatures appear on forest trail
VISITORS to a woodland are guaranteed to see all sorts of creatures, including a badger, dragonfly, fox and woodpecker. They can be seen on a one-mile circular trail that winds through a section of the 1,000-acre Guisborough Forest. The creatures are
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Rebecca strikes bronze
A TRAINEE beauty therapist has notched up a kung fu victory. Rebecca Carey, 17, who works at the Visage salon, in Langley Park, has just returned from the World Kickboxing Association's World Championships, in Cyprus, with a bronze medal. Rebecca, who
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Developer promises to work with residents over new site
A DEVELOPER pledged last night to work with residents and planners over a proposed apartment complex on a sensitive city centre site. Eric Clark, managing director of Newton Moor (Dunelm) Development, was speaking after Durham city councillors rejected
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Preparing for tall ship voyage
A TEENAGER is preparing to take the trip of a lifetime as part of the crew of a tall ship. Joanne Meads, 18, from Gainford, is to crew one of the ships as part of the North-East Sailing Team (Nest) sailing from Newcastle to Norway in this summer's Tall
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Invitation to support annual charity fair
A CALL is being made to organisations to support one of East Cleveland's biggest charity events. Every voluntary and charitable organisation in and around Guisborough is being invited to take part in this year's Town Fair, which is sponsored by Gisborough
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When grass roots mean anything but natural
WEEKEND visitors generally arrive bearing gifts (wine, usually) but one of Spectator's colleagues has received from an Easter guest something unusual and bound to be very useful in the looming political shenanigans - a new word. Astroturfing. It has nothing
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Mouseman and Herriot link forged at museum
A DISPLAY in honour of a world-famous craftsman has been set up at the World of James Herriot in Thirsk. The tribute to carpenter Robert Thompson, renowned for his Mouseman furniture which comes from the nearby village of Kilburn, is close to the heart
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Janet's prescription for retirement
Health Editor Barry Nelson talks to nurse Janet Lloyd, who is packing away her uniform after 45 years on the wards. A NURSE who has spent the best part of five decades caring for patients bowed out in style yesterday. Janet Lloyd, who began her nurse
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01/04/05
ID CARDS: YOUR reader Robin Ashby seems to have a problem with the issue of ID cards (HAS Mar 25). He states that you will have to report where you live and when you move. For the majority this is already the case. ie for council tax, electricity, driving
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Husband in court over threat to kill his wife
A MAN who threatened to kill his wife has pleaded guilty to assault. Magistrates heard how Thomas Hudson, 50, had spent most of a car journey from Boroughbridge "angling for a fight" with his wife, Susan, after he drank 10 or 12 pints of beer. Vicky Lamballe
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Beckham is quick to defend Owen
DAVID Beckham has leapt to the defence of Michael Owen by insisting that his under-fire England team-mate remains one of the "best strikers in the world". Beckham, who has come in for a fair share of criticism himself in recent weeks, was back to something
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£850,000 revamp of Victorian visitor attraction gathers pace
WORK is progressing on an £850,000 restoration at a tourist attraction. Helmsley Walled Garden, Helmsley, North Yorkshire, has undergone a transformation, with the Victorian vinery and glasshouses being restored. When it is complete, the vinery will have
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Wilko earmarked for bench duty
ROB Andrew will wait until the last possible moment before ruling mecurial fly-half Jonny Wilkinson out of Newcastle Falcons' daunting Heineken Cup quarter-final with French favourites Stade Francais. The Falcons coach was forced to name his starting
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Brown promises new homes
Gordon Brown has placed himself at the centre of Labour's election campaign with a pledge to create a million new homeowners if the party wins. Labour wanted to create a "home-owning, wealth owning, asset-owning democracy" in Britain, the chancellor said
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Another chance for motorway survivor
A DOG believed to have been thrown from a car needs a home. Chance, as he has been christened by his foster carers, had injuries consistent with having been thrown from a speeding car. He lived for several weeks on the central reservation of one of Britain's
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Gay days and baby swapping
Footballers' Wives (ITV1): 'I DON'T believe I'm hearing this," said Noah the gay footballer. Come off it, I felt like saying to him, remember this is Footballers' Wives - the ultimate in flash and trash, where anything goes. Anything, that is, except
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League relegation fight takes priority over cup
DARLINGTON Mowden Park will return to the more serious business of National Three North survival tomorrow after last Saturday's 41-3 win at home to Hartlepool Rovers in the delayed first round tie in the Durham Cup. They will be away to Westoe in the
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Man sought in missing teen probe
Police in the Irish Republic are continuing the search for a man after a 14-year-old girl, missing for a week, was reunited with her Teesside family. The teenager is believed to have disappeared from her home in Thornaby last Friday with James O'Brien
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What's cooking?
IT says much for the cult of celebrity chef and the approach of a general election that it just takes Jamie Oliver to snap his fingers to get the Government to promise more money for school meals. The likeable Cockney wide-boy presses all the right electoral
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Inheritance Tax news is good but farms face pitfalls
THE Budget has seen the Chancellor, Gordon Brown, go some way towards addressing inheritance tax issues, with the announcement that the IHT threshold is to be increased from £263,000 to £275,000 from this month, says Christopher Hewitt, head of agriculture
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Town in turmoil as protest over car park sales grows
A NORTH town is in turmoil over plans to finance a £4.5m council move by selling local assets. Repeated attempts by local councillors to discuss the issue have led to meetings being called off because too many people have turned up. In the face of the
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Come home, we don't want to question you
23-year-old Ken Teasdale has been on the run for eight days for a crime he did not commit. Police yesterday appealed to him to come out of hiding because they know he is innocent. His mother is convinced her son took flight after rumours circulated in
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Landmark building on the market
A landmark building in the heart of the tourist capital of the north has gone on the market. Station Rise, the main railway headquarters in the centre of York, is to be sold in a deal expected to be worth more than £11m. Owned by the Strategic Rail Authority
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Youngsters plant seeds for organic garden
YOUNGSTERS and their parents helped sow the first seeds yesterday at the launch of an organic allotment. The first vegetable seeds were planted in a huge polytunnel at the new community allotment site in Liverton Mines, east Cleveland. Environmental regeneration
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Hospital increases parking charges over space shortage
CAR parking charges are to be increased at a hospital where bosses admit finding a space to park is a nightmare. Officials at Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital are concerned at the numbers of patients missing appointments because they are
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Ante-natal classes to be run in town
CLASSES to help parents prepare for the birth of their baby are being held in Hartlepool. Mothers-to-be in the SureStart Central area of the town can attend the sessions with their husband, boyfriend or birthing partner. The meetings are run by community
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Residents canvassed to learn views
A COUNCIL has been canvassing more than a thousand residents to learn what they are doing right and where they are going wrong. People from Hartlepool were questioned as part of the Viewpoint survey, a 1,200-strong citizens panel set up by the council
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Council appoints country's first rural archaeologist
NORTH YORKSHIRE farmers, whose land could hold a wealth of history, now have a champion. Linda Smith has been appointed to the new post of county rural archaeologist - the first such post in Britain - based in the heritage department at County Hall, Northallerton
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Swapping comforts to help the deprived
A WOMAN is packing up her life and leaving home comforts behind in favour of one of the most impoverished corners of the world. Mel Parslow has sold most of her worldly goods and will let her house in Spennymoor, County Durham, to raise enough money to
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Police hunt muggers who stole woman's bag
POLICE are hunting two muggers who struck in Guisborough. The woman, who is in her forties, was attacked last Friday at about 1pm in the Westgate area, near Fountain Street. The victim was treated for shock and minor bruising at James Cook Hospital, in
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Farm's best asset is grassland, so protect it now
GRASSLAND management will have to improve as a result of the mid-term review, whether it is for environmental purposes or to protect it as cost-effective forage. Vaughn Stansfield, grassland agronomist with Dow AgroSciences, says that, with Single Farm
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Grain report
by Robin Twizell RMD Agriculture WHEAT prices have drifted lower as the dollar has strengthened. Markets have, however, been quiet with a short couple of weeks allowing some people to go on holiday. I, of course, never go anywhere. Oilseed rape prices
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Packed meeting launches fight to save White Horse
CAMPAIGNERS have started marshalling support to save a well-known Darlington pub. At a packed public meeting on Wednesday night, residents in the Harrowgate Hill area made clear their opposition to plans to demolish the White Horse Hotel and build 64
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Small stand but great success for Northumbrian Larder
A COUNTY Durham food company is hoping to attract overseas orders after a successful trade fair. Ann Hustwit and Hilary Jenkins, who run cake makers Jenkins and Hustwit in Bishop Auckland, attended the recent International Food and Drink Event in London
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Grieving family take fight to Europe
THE family of a tourist who died in a Greek hospital plan to take their fight for justice to the European Court of Human Rights. The parents of Christopher Rochester, 24, of Chester-le-Street, County Durham, are taking action after the acquittal at appeal
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Top award for student volunteer
A NORTHALLERTON College A-level student has won a Millennium Volunteer of the Year award to recognise his commitment to the environment. Gordon Nixon, from Great Smeaton, received the accolade for the Yorkshire and Humberside region at a ceremony in Leeds
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Police sting cuts car crime by half
CAR thieves are feeling the long arm of the law because of a covert operation involving police sting vehicles. It was announced yesterday that car crime has been cut by almost 50 per cent in Middlesbrough as a result of Operation Hatch, launched in January
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Pony dates
Bedale & West of Yore PC. - May 7: coach trip to Badminton Horse Trials, adults £36.50, children £21. Ring Mandy on 01677 470245 for more details or to book. July 9 & 10: tetrathlon for all ages at Northallerton EC. Braes of Derwent PC. - Apr
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Brown and Marwick missing
DARLINGTON Mowden Park and Blaydon are both without a key forward because of skiing trips as they resume the battle against relegation in National Three North tomorrow. Prop Danny Brown misses Mowden's match at Cleckheaton, while Dave Marwick's third
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D'Argent to land the spoils
MANA D'ARGENT (1.15) makes a rapid reappearance at Doncaster this afternoon, hard-on-the-heels of a promising Musselburgh third placing to stable-mate Swift Sailor last Sunday. Mark Johnston's eight-year-old has dropped a few pounds in the weights, a
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Wellock's World: It's good to reminisce
THE big match last weekend was not England v Northern Ireland, and certainly not Oxford v Cambridge, but Dr Who v Ant and Dec, and those of us old enough to feel like time travellers were delighted that the good doctor won. I clearly remember when the
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Talks set to prevent action by train drivers
Network Rail and train companies will hold urgent talks with rail union Aslef to try to avert a threat of action by drivers. Thousands of train drivers had agreed to take indefinite action from Monday in a protest over safety levels that would have caused
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Call to cutting edge firms
ENTRIES are being invited for the region's largest ever awards for e-commerce businesses. The E-Commerce Awards are run by the Department of Trade and Industry and Interforum, a not-for-profit organisation helping British businesses trade electronically
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Taylor has sights on playing for Eriksson
YOUNG England prospect Steven Taylor is dreaming of becoming a regular part of Sven-Goran Eriksson's defence - despite accepting the tough task that lies ahead. The Newcastle United man was part of the Under-21 side that coasted to victory over Azerbaijan
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New Dr Who more than measures up
WE SHOW our age, it seems, by the Dr Who we best remember. Oh dear. William Hartnell, the very first Timelord back in 1963, is my Dr Who and I know nothing at all of the intervening lot as I discovered better things to do on Saturday evenings. At the
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Lady Salsa, Sunderland Empire
THIS show gives new meaning to the term "all singing, all dancing". From the moment the curtain rises, we are assaulted with the sights and sounds of Cuba in all their resplendent glory. The band strikes up a tune and soon everyone is shaking and gyrating
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£100m goal for cruise company
A NORTH-EAST cruise specialist has unveiled a ten-year plan to break through the £100m turnover barrier. Sealand Cruising plans to increase turnover from £3m to more than £100m within ten years as it expands into Europe and the USA. The company, which
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Anna's Merlin proves to be a wizard
Young rider Anna Dawson has reached the final of a national show jumping championship, in a competition that attracted thousands of entrants in the early rounds held countrywide. The Ferryhill-based 12-year-old has gained a place in the Dengie Winter
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Organic eggs go from hen to shelf in three days
TO REACH and maintain the highest quality and freshness possible, local egg producers the Potter family rear organic free-range hens and pack their eggs themselves. And, in what is believed to be a unique move, they also raise their own stock from day
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Veazey in the points at Brands Hatch
Former British 125cc campaigner Paul Veazey got his 2005 road racing season up and running in fine fashion when he scored a fifth place finish in the opening round of the Metzeler Racetec National Superstock Cup at Brands Hatch in Kent last weekend. Having
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Graceland owner to sell care home
THE owner of Graceland Care Home in Guisborough has announced he is selling the home to a new operator. Barry Parvin, who warned last year that he would have to close the home if more funding was not made available, confirmed yesterday that he intended
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Fans' support helps Quakers' boss escape ban
DARLINGTON manager David Hodgson has escaped a touchline ban - with the help of supporters. Hodgson was yesterday cleared by an FA panel at Huddersfield Town's Galpharm Stadium after his sending off for the third time this season in January's 2-0 defeat
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Runaway back with her family
RUNAWAY Margaret O'Brien was last night re-united with her family. The 14-year-old, who vanished with her cousin, 23-year-old gipsy James O'Brien, was described by police as safe and well. Officers and her family went to meet her off a flight from Ireland
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Comedian and ex-policeman join election contest
A CAMPAIGNING comedian and a former London policeman have joined the race for the Redcar seat at the next General Election. Jonathan Lehrle, chief of staff to Shadow Foreign Secretary Michael Ancram, has been unanimously selected as Tory candidate by
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Council helps back drug action teams
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council is helping the North-East stay streets ahead when it comes to supporting young people in the struggle against drugs. Three councils in the Tees Valley, including Redcar and Cleveland, have been chosen by the Government
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Biggest drop in a decade for houses
HOUSE prices fell by 0.6 per cent across the UK in March, the biggest monthly drop in almost ten years, the Nationwide reported. Not since June 1995 have average values fallen so dramatically, the building society said. Since the start of the year, prices
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Young stars the region has a right to feel proud of
THE deeds of the North-East's finest youngsters were recognised at an awards ceremony yesterday. Presentations were made to 19 individuals and groups from across County Durham at the fourth annual Shrievalty Awards. Funded by the High Sheriff of Durham
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Quakers turn out to be party-poopers
QUAKERS' promotion hopes took a knock over Easter with just one point from two games leaving them just outside the play-off zone in eighth spot in Coca-Cola League Two, writes Andy Brown. David Hodgson's men followed up a woeful 2-0 home defeat by second-bottom
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Departing director says review of staff is the 'right way forward'
THE director of two of the region's most influential groups has stepped down. Stephen Barber, director of the North-East Assembly and Association of North-East Councils for more than seven years, yesterday left his posts as part of a review of the structure
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Admiring the skilled exponents of nature's construction industry
IN COMMON with many householders around this time of year, I have noticed lumps of moss which have apparently been thrown to waste. Some have come from the gutters of houses or those parts of roofs which are in permanent shade. Similarly, a walk in nearby
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Anyone for Ascot?
IT'S not the most obvious place for a hat shop - in a former outbuilding on the south side of the A184 dual carriageway between Newcastle and Boldon. But the name on the farm gate explains all. Get Ahead Hats is a remarkable co-operative of farmers' wives
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Comment from The Northern Echo: An example to us all
WE hear a great deal from politicians, and regularly read in the newspapers, about the anti-social behaviour of the younger generation. The common perception of young people is therefore a long way from the truth because the vast majority are decent,
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Engineer's farewell after 20 years of ups and downs
A CHEERY face will be missing at Saltburn's world-famous cliff lift tramway this weekend. Engineer Ken Fellows - known as the town's Fred Dibnah after the late Lancashire TV steam engine buff - retired yesterday after 20 years of looking after the 121
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Middleham's star in the ascendent at open day
ATTRACTION, the dual Guineas-winning filly last summer, lived up to her name and was the main draw at Middleham's open day on Good Friday, and as if to underline his prowess on the level for the town, her trainer Mark Johnston has set off with a bang
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Musicians support campaign to buy piano
A CAMPAIGN to keep a grand piano on Teesside has struck a global chord. International musicians have sent letters of support to campaigners trying to raise enough money to buy a Steinway, the centre piece of six years of recitals at the Sir William Turner
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Thugs killed terrier in sadistic attack
POLICE are hunting for a gang who stabbed and kicked a Jack Russell terrier to death. Two police community support officers discovered the body of the dog in an alleyway in central Middlesbrough. It had been stabbed in the neck and its skull had been
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Pool player gets Great Britain call-up for European championships
WHEELCHAIR-USER Matthew Gleaves has been selected to represent Great Britain in the European Pool Champion-ships. The talented pool player is ranked number two in the UK and will be flying to Holland for the week-long competition at the end of this month
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Celebration for women's centre
A CENTRE offering support and education for women in a north Durham community is celebrating the official opening of new premises. The Bridge Women's Education and Support Project's new facilities in the old Co-op building, behind Front Street in Chester-le-Street
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Bin bags targeted for bank details, warn police
POLICE in Darlington are warning people to be on their guard after a spate of people rifling through bin bags looking for bank details. There have been 19 reports of people slashing, stealing and looking through bin bags in the town since the beginning
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On TV
Footballers' Wives (ITV1) 'I DON'T believe I'm hearing this," said Noah the gay footballer. Come off it, I felt like saying to him, remember this is Footballers' Wives - the ultimate in flash and trash, where anything goes. Anything, that is, except football
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Efforts made to help young people remain in district
YOUNG single people must be earning at least £20,000 a year to afford to buy a house, according to figures. A report into the housing needs of young people in Harrogate district has found that they are struggling to find homes in the area if they want
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Children mark first anniversary of their nursery with party fun
CHILDREN celebrated the first anniversary of their nursery with a party yesterday. The Rainbow Nursery, in Rock Road, Spennymoor, opened 12 months ago with only six children attending. Now it has 86 babies and toddlers enrolled. Owner Sheila Gardiner
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Scheme is second class, says MP
DURHAM'S retiring MP has fired another blast at the city's £30m Walkergate development. Gerry Steinberg, who will stand down at the General Election after 18 years as Labour MP, described the long-delayed regeneration scheme that is now under way as second
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Care home owner will quit
THE owner of a blighted care home has announced he is to quit after a lack of Government help for care home funding. Barry Parvin has owned Graceland Care home for 18 years and has fought tirelessly to keep the home open. But after a meeting with Health
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Burglar jailed for raid on pub
A BURGLAR was sent to jail yesterday for stealing a pub's takings. Michael Clare, 32, was jailed for 12 months at Teesside Crown Court for burgling The Lobster pub in Redcar and stealing £1,500 takings. The court was told that Clare was a long-term drug
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Thousands pray for ailing Pope
THOUSANDS of Catholics across the region are joining worldwide prayers for the ailing Pope tonight as he continues to cling to life in his Vatican apartments. Tributes to his ''extraordinary and wonderful life'' are pouring in from fellow clergymen and
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When Pop Idol meets the Sims
POP LIFE, Publisher: Mindscape, Format: PC, Price: £24.99: FOR every lucky wannabe who makes it into the Pop Idol finals, there are tens of thousands left disappointed. If you are one of those entrants who failed at the first audition then fear not...
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Barbara Hayward
YESTERDAY'S edition of The Northern Echo featured a tribute to Barbara Hayward, of Staindrop, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, who has died aged 92. Mrs Hayward was remembered for her wartime heroics as one of the first Wrens to be allowed to go to
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Choir gives voice to debut work
A CHURCH organ designer is preparing to direct the world premier of his first musical composition - the Concert Mass in D minor. Proudly performing the ambitious work by Alan Howarth will be the Chester-le-Street Civic Choir. The mass will be sung at
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It's good to reminisce
THE big match last weekend was not England v Northern Ireland, and certainly not Oxford v Cambridge, but Dr Who v Ant and Dec, and those of us old enough to feel like time travellers were delighted that the good doctor won. I clearly remember when the
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Teenagers teaching others of drug peril
YOUNGSTERS have given up their own time to learn how to teach others about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Twenty-six teenagers from across County Durham were presented with certificates after taking part in a project, called Smart Zone. The 14 to 16
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Teenagers teaching others of drug peril
YOUNGSTERS have given up their own time to learn how to teach others about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Twenty-six teenagers from across County Durham were presented with certificates after taking part in a project, called Smart Zone. The 14 to 16
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Recycling scheme's success to spread
GREEN waste is getting tonnes better everyday following a change in Redcar and Cleveland. More than 147 tonnes of recyclable material were collected in one of the four zone areas divided by the council in February. The scheme was expanded to help increase
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Farmer's dream of a racing career a step nearer after race success
A FARMER has moved a step closer to achieving his dream of becoming a racing driver after he took top honours in an international competition. Robert Lawson, 27, from Barton, near Richmond, started racing in karts and was seeded ninth in the country in
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Sponsored walk helps charities
YOUNG people at a Chester-le-Street school have gone the extra mile to raise funds for charity. Pupils and staff at the Hermitage School took part in a sponsored mile-long fun run around the school. Headteacher Ian Robertson said: "We raised a staggering
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Under-threat allotments a success
ALLOTMENT holders who once faced eviction after being told their site was going to close are celebrating their first year under new management. Plot holders at Barton, near Richmond, were issued with eviction notices by Barton Parish Council in 1999,
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Robinson hopes clean sheets will cement spot
Paul Robinson is hoping that back-to-back clean sheets have been enough to guarantee his place in the England team. The Tottenham goalkeeper started the season as second-choice to David James but, after playing in the friendly win over Ukraine, the latter
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Shop Talk: Anyone for Ascot?
As the North-East goes mad for hats in the run up to Ascot at York, and with summer weddings in the offing, we find another place for the stylish to top off their outfits. IT'S not the most obvious place for a hat shop - in a former outbuilding on the
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Spirited performance from Tees RC crews
The 73rd Men's Head of the River Race was held on the London Tideway in glorious spring conditions, over the Boat Race course but in the opposite direction. The weekend is a busy one for oarsmen as the Head of the River Race is followed by the 23rd Vesta
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Banned driver was drunk at the wheel
A YOUNG driver was caught drunk at the wheel of his car only nine days after been banned, a court heard yesterday. Edward Kippax, 18, of Fairview Flats, Leeming Bar, North Yorkshire, was disqualified for 18 months on March 17 for failing to provide a
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Southgate glad of break
GARETH SOUTHGATE believes the decision to give Middlesbrough's crop of tired players an Easter break was justified as manager Steve McClaren attempts to halt an alarming slide down the Premiership table. Boro's fit playing staff were given a week's break
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Special gold for young skier
AN A-LEVEL student from Middleton in Teesdale has brought home two medals from an international skiing competition. His achievement is made even more exceptional because Alex Crawley underwent a life-saving kidney transplant when he was three. Alex, now
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Ghost hunters search for the Grey Lady
GHOST investigators had a spooky experience when searching for things that go bump in the night in a North-East building. Tony Liddell, of Leadgate, Consett, County Durham, and his team of six investigators stayed all night at the Assembly Buildings,
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Health trust pioneering racism reform
NEW efforts to tackle racism in mental health services are being piloted in the region. The Tees and North East Yorkshire NHS mental health trust, which has its headquarters in Middlesbrough, has been chosen as one of 17 sites around the country. The
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Gallery shows off finds from TV show
THE first public exhibition of Edwardian watercolours unearthed on the BBC Antiques Roadshow has opened in Richmond. A book written and lavishly illustrated by Ida Bogue, born in 1885, goes on show at the Phoenix Fine Arts Gallery in Finkle Street along
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Handle new season lambs to check fat
PRODUCERS should try to handle new season lambs twice a week to avoid them becoming overfat, according to the Eblex Returns Programme. With new season spring lambs starting to come forward, the BRP's ongoing series of lamb selection days focuses on handling
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Solicitor named among Europe's most influential
A TEES Valley solicitor has been named one of the 50 most influential lawyers in Europe by the UK's leading legal magazine. Claire Vaughan, 43, from Eaglescliffe, is a non-executive director of TTE Management and Technical Training and the European legal
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You'd never fall for this one...
From spaghetti trees to the end of the world, April Fool's Day has given rise to pranks form the silly to the downright dangerous. Nick Morrison looks at the origins of a day devoted to practical jokes - and some of the world's best hoaxes. THE residents
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Nanotechnology is big business
MORE jobs are being created in the region's growing nanotechnology industry. Innovation in Nanotechnology Exploitation (Inex), a leader in microsystems and nanotechnology research, yesterday announced 13 new jobs at its base at Newcastle University. Director
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Betting firm's plan for new licence run into opposition
THE betting firm Ladbrokes hopes to take over a shop in Saltburn, but objections are being lodged by individuals and groups. The firm has put up a notice on the door of King's newsagents in Station Street saying that it has applied to Teesside magistrates
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Tenants welcomed to home
THE first residents have moved in to the latest affordable housing development in Richmondshire. Tilly Hindle and Craig Smith were presented with the keys to their new home and a bottle of champagne by district councillor Yvonne Peacock. Six homes in
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Soldier fell asleep at wheel of his car
A SOLDIER who had been drinking crashed his car after he fell asleep while driving back to barracks, a court heard. Magistrates at Harrogate heard yesterday how Steven Ralph fell asleep at the wheel of his Citroen Saxo car at about 7am on November 21
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First-aid charity seeks senior figure
A CHARITY is looking for a volunteer to be its future figurehead in County Durham. The County Commander of the Durham-branch of St John Ambulance is due to retire in three years and the organisation needs a volunteer to act as his deputy and eventually
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'Sheducation' message
A NEIGHBOURHOOD watch scheme has launched a leafleting campaign to educate people about protecting their property. The drive by Chester-le-Street and District Neighbourhood Watch Scheme is timed to coincide with an expected surge in thefts from garden
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Neighbourhood police teams to be brought in
NEW neighbourhood policing teams are to be introduced in North Yorkshire. Each of the 53 teams will be a mix of police officers, community support officers, specials and other volunteers. A recruitment drive is under way, and the teams will focus on crime
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Nature reserve could get more protection
LAND saved from a housing development by a colony of great crested newts could soon become a nature reserve recognised by English Nature. Rossett Acre Reserve, in Harrogate, is already a well-used nature reserve studied by local children. Now efforts
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Police hunt for shop thieves
POLICE are looking for help in tracing two men suspected of targeting shops in separate incidents across North Durham during the past few months. The first incident happened in the Market Place branch of Boots in Durham City, shortly after 5pm on Friday
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Hard work of learners celebrated with awards
STUDENTS who have overcome a number of personal or health problems to achieve success at college have been rewarded at a celebration evening. More than 70 people attended the event, at New College, Durham, to mark the achievements of students on the Entry
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Concerns over emergency doctor's in-car navigation equipment
A FULL report has been called for on the reliability of satellite navigation equipment in cars used by doctors responsible for out of hours emergency cover. The move has been made by the chairman of a county council health scrutiny committee which looked
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Movement service declares a truce
A TRUCE has been declared for beef producers who have not handed in passports from animals which have died. The English Beef and Lamb Executive has urged producers to send those passports to the British Cattle Movement Service so they can be eliminated
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Action promised after teenagers are killed on railway tracks
THE backlash from a Darlington rail line tragedy engulfed the town this week. As police pledged tough action in the wake of the deaths of two teenagers last Friday, the borough council insisted that activities were provided for young people. Speculation
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Anger over timing 'madness' of beck preparation
THE timing of drastic preparatory work for the dredging of Bedale Beck has been described as environmental madness. The heavily overgrown beck, between Bedale Bridge and the weir leading the waters into the harbour, has taken on a stark new look with
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Looking Back
FROM this newspaper 150 years ago. - A farmer, who had lately become a widower, was aroused at midnight by the loud barking of his dog. On going to it, the animal displayed extreme terror, whereupon the farmer took his gun and proceeded to an inspection
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Green Howards front recruitment campaign
TWO new faces have joined the recruiting team for the region's infantry regiment, The Green Howards. Sergeant Major Ian Galloway, who comes from the Priestfield area of Middlesbrough and now lives in Ripon, has joined the Catterick-based recruiting team
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Robson relishes move forward for Hartlepool
MATTY Robson is making the most of the chance to play in his preferred position. After 51 appearances in a Hartlepool United shirt at left-back, the 19-year-old has started the last three games in his preferred role on the left wing. He is likely to stay
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Bramham double for Greenall
JOCKEY Oliver Greenall was in double winning form at the Badsworth and Bramham Point to Point held at Howe Hills on Easter Saturday. First leg came in the Confined Hunts Race when the David Easterby-trained Shackleton (Lord Daresbury/Middleton) won. The
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Spennymoor club to fold?
Spennymoor United are on the verge of closing after they failed to fulfil a fixture last night for the third time this season. Owner Benny Mottram, who has long threatened to pull the plug, is ready to withdraw the club from the UniBond League. They were
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Welder constructs a new career
BILLY Wilson, from Brompton, near Northallerton, worked for many years as a structural welder, always with steel. More recently, he has coupled his engineering skills with a lifelong love of horses and artistic leanings that began in childhood when he
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This time 800 show up - but debate is put off again
DEBATE on the future of two Richmond car parks was again postponed when an unprecedented 800 protesters packed a hall. The chairman of Richmondshire District Council's resources committee called off the meeting on health and safety grounds. An exhibition
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Rain and mud makes for tricky trial
The Richmond Motor Club had their usual support on Friday with an entry of 133 competitors for their Sid Morton Memorial Trial held at Fremington Edge, above Reeth, writes Wally Richmond. The two laps of the 15 sections course featured plenty of wet rocks
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Prices at the markets
BARNARD CASTLE. - Wed of last week. Fwd: 690 sheep. Pet lamsb to £4; Mule ewes & twins to £82. Lt hoggs to 119p av 102.8p; std to 119p av 110.2p; med to 128p av 114p; heavy to 110p av 104.6p. Cast sheep: Cont £41; Leics £45; Suff £422.50; Mule ££7.50
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Janet's prescription for retirement
Health Editor Barry Nelson talks to nurse Janet Lloyd, who is packing away her uniform after 45 years on the wards. A NURSE who has spent the best part of five decades caring for patients bowed out in style yesterday. Janet Lloyd, who began her nurse
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Researchers put region top of UK's job loss list
TRADITIONALLY, the North-East may have had its employment stronghold in the manufacturing and mining industries, but by 2012, following decades of decline, that will account for only a small proportion of our workforce. The Institute for Public Policy
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Off to the races after 10 years in the valley
A REGENERATION specialist who has been at the forefront of the Tees Valley renaissance for a decade has been appointed as chief executive of Redcar Racecourse. The racecourse said the appointment is the first stage of an expansion plan to develop as a
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'We remember our boys with pride'
THE family of Stuart Adams spoke last night of the immense pride they had in their sports-mad son - of a caring and thoughtful teenager who always retained a cheeky sense of humour. Speaking for the first time since the tragic deaths of Stuart and life-long
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Spate of vandalism and arson pushes football club to brink
A SPATE of vandalism has pushed a 125-year-old football club to the brink of closure. Evenwood Town AFC has suffered its second break-in within a week, the third this year, and fires have been started in a pavilion. Manager Ken Houlahan told the D&
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LG. Philips workers told to start up in business
WORKERS who will be laid off from an electronics plant this summer are being encouraged to set up their own businesses. The LG. Philips factory in Durham is to close in July, with the loss of 761 jobs. As revealed by The Northern Echo last month, a total
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Villages celebrate landfill site victory
Villagers fighting plans to open Europe's biggest landfill site on their doorsteps were today celebrating victory after learning that the application had been withdrawn. Premier Waste Management, which had been planning the 61-hectare site on farmland
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Ampleforth abbot blessed by bishop in private ceremony
THE new Abbot of Ampleforth, the Rt Rev Cuthbert Madden, was blessed by the Rt Rev John Crowley, the Bishop of Middlesbrough, at the abbey, near Helmsley, yesterday. Because the church was packed with invited guests, including many bishops and Benedictine
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The boy who is an example to us all
A SCHOOLBOY hero has been hailed as a shining example of how to defeat crime. Senior police officers last night praised the "outstanding courage" of 13-year-old Jay Goring in bringing vicious knife attackers and a sex offender to justice. While adult
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Hope raised of speed limit cut
VILLAGERS may have succeeded in a campaign to cut the speed limit on a busy road. Picktree, between Washington and Chester-le-Street, has a 40mph limit. But, following new government advice on village speed limits, Durham County Council is to consult
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Villain who is looking for peace and justice
He was once described as Britain's most dangerous man, but is now living the quiet life in a stately home. One-time gangland figure and convicted killer Dennis Stafford breaks his silence to talk to Marjorie McIntyre. ALMOST four decades since a North-East
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Burton's Bytes: When Pop Idol meets the Sims
POP LIFE, Publisher: Mindscape, Format: PC, Price: £24.99: FOR every lucky wannabe who makes it into the Pop Idol finals, there are tens of thousands left disappointed. If you are one of those entrants who failed at the first audition then fear not...
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Autumn springs to victory
Autumn Glory picked up where he left off last season by winning in impressive fashion on his reappearance at Doncaster yesterday. Geoff Wragg's progressive five-year-old took the Darley Stakes on an easy surface at Newmarket on his final start last year
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Older musicians asked to jam once again
OLDER musicians on Teesside will dust off their musical instruments today for a one-off gig. The free concert will take place at The Studio, Hartlepool, with 32 of Stockton's ex-musicians making up the six bands on the bill. It is the first UK gig to
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Ballroom reopening good news for band
A BRASS band in the North-East has been given a three-year sponsorship deal. Tavistock Leisure chairman Russell Foster announced the deal for Chester-le-Street Riverside Band last week. The announcement was made at the reopening of the refurbished ballroom
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Train drivers set to take action in safety row
Thousands of train drivers are to take action from Monday in a protest over safety levels, a union has said. The action by up to 5,000 drivers could disrupt train services between London and Glasgow, Manchester, Crewe and South Wales, Aslef said. Union
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Nanotechnology is big business
MORE jobs are being created in the region's growing nanotechnology industry. Innovation in Nanotechnology Exploitation (Inex), a leader in microsystems and nanotechnology research, yesterday announced 13 new jobs at its base at Newcastle University. Director
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Tax boost for N-E arts flagship
ONE of the region's flagship arts venues is in line for a £20,000 tax rebate, after a mix-up over fuel payments. The Arc, in Stockton, will get the refund from its utility suppliers, after it was discovered to be paying 12.5 per cent VAT more than necessary
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Bid to halt tree felling in ancient woodland
THE felling of 30 trees in an ancient woodland has sparked calls for action in Sedgefield. Today, borough councillors are being asked to confirm a tree preservation order for part of Carr Wood, where a member of the public reported seeing destruction
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The high cost of one vote
In a bid to find out what local people really want from their elected representatives, I decided to visit every community council and a number of other organisations. Since the turn of the year I have attended 63 public meetings and I can tell you it
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The high cost of one vote
In a bid to find out what local people really want from their elected representatives, I decided to visit every community council and a number of other organisations. Since the turn of the year I have attended 63 public meetings and I can tell you it
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Addict son of former officer is spared jail
THE drug-addict son of a former police officer, who raided the family home while his parents were on holiday, avoided a jail sentence yesterday. Daniel James Catchpole, 21, had been remanded in custody by Harrogate magistrates on March 10 after he had
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Shearer's retirement plans placed on hold
ALAN Shearer last night ended eight months of claim and counter-claim by confirming that he will be staying with Newcastle United for another season. The Magpies skipper is expected to announce that he has agreed a one-year contract extension at a press
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End of the road for Spennymoor as league withdrawl nears
Spennymoor United are on the verge of closing after they failed to fulfil a fixture last night for the third time this season. Owner Benny Mottram, who has long threatened to pull the plug, is ready to withdraw the club from the UniBond League. They were
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Man, dog and forest in harmony
WOODLAND chiefs are banking on dogs leading their owners to better health by signing a new agreement with the Kennel Club. The Forestry Commission has sealed a pact to make its 55,000 acres of woods in North Yorkshire as canine-friendly as possible for
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One-woman band cooks up a triumph in a Teesdale pub
I'VE always liked one-man bands. From Dick van Dyke in Mary Poppins - his attempt at a cockney accent remains the worst in screen history, although he could bang the drum and play the harmonica passably - to the chap with his dog who entertains outside
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Extra time winner seals cup victory for Middleham
Middleham Town 2 Bowes 1 RARE goal from centre back John Acton in extra time gave Middleham victory in this tense Medals Competition Final at The Calvert Stadium last Thursday evening which keeps them on course for a Wensleydale League treble this season
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Big changes in the catering curriculum
Food, glorious food is Jamie Oliver's passion and this week he persuaded the Government to start a revolution in school dinners. Health Editor Barry Nelson reports. IT took someone like TV chef Jamie Oliver to get everyone talking about school dinners
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White Rose group sale
THE sale from the White Rose Limousin Group held at Borderway mart, Carlisle, on Saturday, March 19, saw group stock bull, Pennys Nimrod, top the trade at 3,100gns. This June 1997-born bull by Ronick Hawk out of Rachels Hebe, with excellent figures for
