Archive
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Profitable debut for Saatchi
ADVERTISING agency M&C Saatchi was celebrating a successful first year on the stock market yesterday after signing contracts with Halfords and Royal Bank of Scotland. The company, which floated last July, said a string of business wins in the UK had
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Tributes paid to rural GP
TRIBUTES have been paid to a rural doctor who has died aged 82. Dr Kenneth Pickworth was based in Barnard Castle, but his practice covered a widespread rural area in Teesdale. He often set off in snowstorms to reach sick people, or bring babies into the
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It's a clincher!
They can help you walk tall and feel confident and, if you are Kylie Minogue, they can reduce your waist to a waspish 16 inches. Women's Editor Lindsay Jennings reports on the comeback of the corset. AS IF her pert bottom, flawless skin and golden locks
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Crystal dealing could soon be worth billions
Every manufacturer dreams of finding a process that leads to a better product, at a fraction of the price. Deputy Business Editor Dan Jenkins reports on a company that has achieved it. ALCHEMISTS in the Middle Ages searched for a way to turn base metals
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Medals for martial arts student
A STUDENT has won gold and silver at an international martial arts event. Naomi Denton, 14, from Darlington, pictured right, picked up the medals at the International tae kwon do tournament, in Lisbon, over Easter. The pupil at Teesside High School, in
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Frankie to score again on Improvise
REIGNING champion jockey Frankie Dettori has struck up a winning association with Improvise (2.55), strongly fancied to take the Ousden Conditions Stakes on the opening day of the Craven meeting at Newmarket. Dettori was on the back of Clive Brittain's
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Invite to celebrate VE day
A VILLAGE is inviting former friends from the war to a VE Day anniversary celebration. The war memorial in Sedgefield is to be re-gilded as part of Sedgefield Town Council's plans to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Victory in Europe. The work is being
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Inquiry into mum's park death
FAMILY and friends of a young mother found dead in a stream have laid moving tributes at the spot where her body was found. Police say they are treating the death of 33-year-old Kerry Deighton, of Rutland Close, Catterick Garrison, as unexplained, but
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Jacket stolen
THIEVES broke into a vehicle and stole a leather jacket at the weekend. The theft occured in the Black Swan car park, in Staindrop, near Barnard Castle, County Durham. Anyone with information is asked to call PC Danny McAuley on 0845-6060365 ext 6782819
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Woman attacked by man on bicycle
A WOMAN was indecently assaulted in daylight while she was walking her dog, police have revealed. A police spokesman said the attack happened as the 25-year-old was taking her pet for a walk along a footpath next to a former railway line at Shield Row
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Six-year-old hurt in crash
A YOUNG cyclist was hit by a car at the weekend. The six-year-old was riding along Gerrie Street, Boosbeck, east Cleveland, at about 6pm on Saturday, when he was in collision with a Peugeot 306, at the junction with High Street. He was treated at James
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Youths under contract to behave
THREE youths will be served with "acceptable behaviour contracts" in the police force's bid to combat anti-social behaviour in Shildon. It is the first time that the contracts have been used in the town. Police officers warn if the contracts are not taken
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A market inspection
MARKET traders in Darlington received a visit by the national body which represents them yesterday. The National Market Traders Federation was shown around the outdoor and covered markets by Councillor Stephen Harker, the borough council's cabinet member
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Churches unite to put their priorities to the election candidates
THE election race was well under way yesterday as the Darlington Churches Together group presented the candidates with a report addressing the issues it thinks are important. The group is asking the candidates to discuss the issues at a public meeting
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Police swoop in Operation Sabre
POLICE raids throughout the Redcar and Cleveland area netted £1,000 worth of ecstasy tablets, 118 stolen car radios and £3,000 worth of new clothing. As part of Operation Sabre, 55 officers and community safety wardens made eight arrests after targeting
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Sponsorship deal opens the gate to student radio station
ONE of the region's biggest entertainment complexes has signed a deal to sponsor a popular student radio station. The Gate, in Newcastle, will be the location for regular live broadcasts by Newcastle Student Radio (NSR). NSR has a potential audience of
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School delight as plan for extensions are submitted
A HEADteacher expressed his delighted yesterday when his school took an important step towards getting two extensions. Durham County Council has applied for planning permission to build the new sections at Teesdale Comprehensive School, in Barnard Castle
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He ploughed a true furrow for 50 years
A RETIRED farmer has been honoured for a lifetime of competitive ploughing. John Metcalfe, 79, from Newby Wiske, near Northallerton, has been given an award by the Society of Ploughmen for 50 years of consecutive entries in the National Ploughing Match
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Review of housing
A COUNCIL is to consult housing groups over plans to change the way it allocates accommodation. Chester-le-Street District Council currently operates a system where the longer someone is on the waiting list, the higher priority they are for a home. No
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More schools to take on anti-bullying programme
AN anti-bullying drive in County Durham schools is proving so successful it is set to be followed by other education authorities. The pioneering scheme which includes a kitemark, is the brainchild of Durham County Council's anti-bullying service. The
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IT for the blind needs mentors
A CHARITY for the blind has issued an appeal for help in running computer lessons for people with sight problems. The County Durham Society for the Blind and Partially Sighted, based in Durham City, has started a mentoring scheme to help people with vision
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Police hunt after roadside shooting
A GUNMAN who shot a driver after ramming him off the road is being hunted by police. The victim crashed into railings outside a school when another car smashed into him. A man got out of the car and shot the driver before speeding off. Police were alerted
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One-stop services shop
AN agency is to be formed to help vulnerable residents in north Durham. Chester-le-Street District Council is to create a Home Improvement Agency Service with Durham City Council. The one-stop shop would help people apply for home improvement grants,
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Hat-trick in Edinburgh Awards
TWO engineering trainees have joined a select group of young people to achieve all three Duke of Edinburgh Awards. Lewis Meadows, 18, from Eston, and Joe Atkinson, 19, from Normanby, both near Middlesbrough, were recently presented their gold awards by
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Poetry competition to improve health
BUDDING poets in a former east Durham pit village are being urged to come up with works focusing on health. And the winning tomes will be in line for prizes ranging from fruit baskets to a year's free gym membership. Horden Health Forum has organised
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Salon's customers help take the pain out of childbirth
CUSTOMERS at a beauty salon have been helping local mothers-to-be by taking part in a novel competition. Salon owner Jane Cucurullo, from Brompton, Northallerton, wanted to thank community midwifes who looked after her when she was pregnant with her daughter
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From fruit and vegetables to Ferraris
More than 80 years ago, a teenager set out on his rounds, pushing a hand cart selling fruit and vegetables. Today, his son is the head of one of Europe's biggest car dealerships. Deputy Business Editor Dan Jenkins looks at the rise of Reg Vardy. THE foundations
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Family and friends will gather to say goodbye to Fred, 100
ONE of Crook's best loved characters has died a few weeks before his 101st birthday. Fred Campbell, who was a popular figure in his home town of Crook, lived in Southfield Lodge, where he enjoyed helping in the garden and where he celebrated his 100th
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Pupils dig in for tree-planting in millennium green
SCHOOLCHILDREN took a break from lessons yesterday and dug deep to welcome another group of youngsters to the area. The tree-planting session, with one-year-old saplings, took place at the Millennium Green in South Bank, Middlesbrough. The young people
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'This is not a crime without victims'
Five people are starting jail sentences today after one of the region's biggest film and music bootlegging operations was smashed. Neil Hunter looks at the case and the problems piracy is causing for the movie and music industry. To many people, it's
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Mayor opens nursery
A NURSERY has opened in the centre of Middlesbrough. Great Expectations is the latest addition to Middlesbrough's network of childcare facilities and Mayor Ray Mallon officially opened the nursery yesterday. It provides day care for up to 90 youngsters
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Good times roll again
THERE Goes My Everything was a hit for singer Englebert Humpledink who once appeared at the Fiesta Club in Stockton. The song title could also sum up the demise of the club due to family disagreements over its management and the rocketing rise in fees
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Shredders on offer to thwart criminals
CROOKS are looking for rich pickings among rubbish put out by a town's residents for disposal collection. Hundreds of bin bags have been slashed across Middlesbrough by criminals rooting in residents' refuse for bank account details. The latest neighbourhood
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Neighbours From Heaven: Pensioner hails kind-hearted problem solver
A MAN who does odd jobs for his elderly neighbours has been praised for his community spirit. Stephen Wakeling, from Leeming, North Yorkshire, has solved all manner of problems for his 80-year-old neighbour, William Anderson, and his wife. Now Mr Anderson
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Parents who are left to struggle
MORE than nine out of ten North-East parents of children suffering from hyperactivity are not receiving support, according to a survey. Adders, the national support group for parents of children suffering from attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
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Down's syndrome group raises £900
A CHARITY has made a good start in raising funds for a support service for pre-school children with Down's syndrome. The group, which formed earlier this year and hopes to raise £20,000 by November, organised a bag pack at Morrisons, in Darlington's Morton
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Help ageing cinema to get wonderful new lease of life
THERE is a scene in Frank Capra's It's A Wonderful Life where George is dancing with Mary when the ground opens up between them and they fall into a swimming pool beneath the dancefloor. It was unrealistic and exciting for many County Durham cinema-goers
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Saving grace of Mr Stallworthy
YOU couldn't ask for a better-sounding theatre boss than Simon Stallworthy, but the man entrusted with putting bums on seats at Durham's Gala Theatre claims to have no illusions about the tough task ahead of him. A week into the job, the 44-year-old agrees
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Comment from The Northern Echo: The briefest of translations
IT is a question facing the leaders of all the main political parties this week: Does size matter? The question has been raised as a consequence of Michael Howard unveiling one of the slimmest election manifestos in living memory. With the Labour Party's
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Car dealer only five showrooms away from its target
CAR retailer Reg Vardy is preparing for a spending spree as it looks to buy more dealerships. The Sunderland-based group has a publicly stated target of owning 100 showrooms by the end of this month and, at present, has 95. Chief executive Sir Peter Vardy
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Job Search: Vacancies
Chef, Chester-le-Street, £250pw, 40hrs pw, part-time available, experience in similar environment essential, relevant qualifications desirable. Ref: CHM 18064. Assistant management trainee, Edmondsley, £200pw, 40hrs pw 5 days out of 7, shifts, experience
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Police to the rescue in 80ft bridge drama
POLICE officers who were doused with lighter fuel as they attempted to stop a man trying to throw himself from an 80ft high bridge were last night hailed as heroes. The officers grabbed the man, who was covered in lighter fluid, as he tried to jump from
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£2.2m club will be first to open in 20 years
MORE than 40 jobs will be created next month as a nightclub chain opens a £2.2m venue. North-East group Vimac Leisure is launching an 800-capacity venue in the centre of Chester-le-Street, County Durham. The bar and club will be the first late-licence
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Seven-year jail term for child sex abuser
A MAN who sexually abused three children was jailed for seven years yesterday. Frederick Jackson, 56, admitted offences that dated back more than 20-years, involving a girl and two boys, one of whom had autism. Jackson, a former kitchen porter at Finchale
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Sharp drop for Ford
FORD saw its shares fall to their lowest level in more than a year yesterday after becoming the second US car maker in weeks to shock investors with a profits warning. Ford's stock fell 6.1 per cent, or 67 cents, to $10.36 in early trading on the New
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Double for Murray
Darlington's Keith Murray pulled off a weekend double including success in the Stockton Wheelers event. The Scott UK team rider left challengers from Cumbria and Yorkshire trailing to win the Team Swift-Allsports 25-mile event over a course on the A1
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Takeover talks are brewing
LAKE district brewer and pubs group Jennings Brothers is in takeover talks with Wolverhampton and Dudley Breweries, it was confirmed last night. The Midlands brewery said it was discussing a 430p-a-share offer for Jennings, which runs 128 pubs across
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Internet site raised spirits at Number 34
A HAUNTED bed and breakfast is combining its old surroundings with the latest technology to attract tourists from around the world. The Elizabethan-era B&B in Barnard Castle, County Durham, known as Number 34, has set up a website which can be translated
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Expanding factory aims to create 20 more jobs
A FACTORY owner is investing almost £1m and creating 20 jobs in a small North-East community. Ashley Renham, who had only one employee 18 years ago and now has 44 people on his payroll, aims to recruit at least 20 more at Middleton in Teesdale, near Barnard
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Thousands face axe in Rover rescue bid
THE Rover brand could be sacrificed as part of a final bid to save MG Rover from insolvency, sources close to the ailing car group claimed last night. But more than half the workers at the group's Longbridge factory, in Birmingham, would lose their jobs
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Two's a company
GRAEME NEWTON has taken over the running of North Yorkshire's Randall Orchard Construction (ROC) from the founder of the business. He takes up the reins from Randall Orchard, who founded the company in 1976 in Richmond and built it into a successful business
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Advice service sunk by
A rural outreach programme helping residents to escape debt problems has been closed because of a lack of funding. The service, run by the Citizens' Advice Bureau in Hawes, Leyburn, Reeth, Catterick Garrison and Colburn has ended, and a home visit scheme
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Bigger by design
Two multi-million pound projects are under way that will cement the region's reputatuon as a world leader in design. Deputy Business Editor Dan Jankins has preview. DESIGN affects every facet of our lives, from the shape and function of the car we drive
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Heritage: Buildings
THE WONDERFUL WINDOWS OF WILLIAM WAILES (1808-81) by Ronald Torbet (Scotforth Books, Carnegie House, Chatsworth Rd, Lancaster LA1 4SL. Tel: 01524 840555, £19.95): WILLIAM Morris? Of course. Burne-Jones? Yes. But who has heard of William Wailes? Yet on
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Lol backs Big Jack's claims about uncle Albert
In with both feet as usual, our last column recorded Big Jack Charlton's thoughts on the dirtiest player he ever knew. The usual black book suspects were lined up and eliminated: not terrible Tommy Smith, pernicious Peter Storey nor even Ron Harris, indelibly
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Jo looks in the pink for marathon run
Student Jo Robinson is hoping a shocking pink hair cut will help her stand out from the crowd when she runs the London Marathon on Sunday. Jo, 20, of West Rounton, near Northallerton, will raise money for the children's unit at the Friarage Hospital.
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Jail for babysitter who beat toddler to death on bannister
A BABYSITTER who murdered a toddler in a "spur of the moment" attack will serve at least ten years of a life sentence. Suzanne Holdsworth, 34, killed two-year-old Kyle Fisher by repeatedly hitting his head against the stair banisters in her Hartlepool
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12/04/05
BY GEORGE: I WOULD like to see our patron saint's day - St George's Day, April 23 - become a holiday. If the Irish are allowed to have the time off for St Patrick's Day, then surely English people should be allowed time off on our saint's day. I hope
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Ancient marvels and a city mud
Around The World In 80 Treasures (BBC2): WHEN he reached the word "soul", the lights went out. Dan Cruickshank was left in the dark in the king's burial chamber in Egypt's Great Pyramid. Spooky or what? He could've been excused for losing his head and
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Cheaper homes in park praised
PLANS to provide more affordable homes in the Yorkshire Dales have been welcome by an environmental watchdog. The Yorkshire Dales Society describes the national park authority's proposal to restrict the sale of new housing and barn conversions to key
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Tiger back on trail of a Grand Slam
The man who has helped Tiger Woods return to the top in golf has no wish to share the limelight. ''Who am I to tell Tiger Woods how to play golf?'' said Hank Haney following yet another electrifying Masters at Augusta. ''I don't even consider myself his
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It's the little things that keep the staff happy
A local company - Bettys and Taylors of Harrogate - has recently been crowned the best employer in Yorkshire and the 43rd best in the entire country. The research, conducted for the Sunday Times annual 100 Best Companies to Work For list, found that Bettys
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McCarthy's bargain hunt
MICK McCARTHY has saluted the 'bargain buys' who have helped Sunderland to within a whisker of automatic promotion to the Premiership. The Black Cats boss has worked on a shoe-string since he took over from Howard Wilkinson two years ago and has been
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On TV last night
Around The World In 80 Treasures (BBC2) WHEN he reached the word "soul", the lights went out. Dan Cruickshank was left in the dark in the king's burial chamber in Egypt's Great Pyramid. Spooky or what? He could've been excused for losing his head and
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Pupils offered counselling after railway track tragedy
BEREAVEMENT counsellors are helping friends of two boys who died on the first day of their Easter holidays. Yesterday, schoolchildren at Longfield Comprehensive, in Darlington, returned to class for the first time since Stuart Adams and Lee Mullis were
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Faye tips Spurs defeat to act as double spur
AMDY FAYE has described how Newcastle United are hoping the pain suffered at White Hart Lane can act as a spur to the Magpies' push for a silverware double. Faye was steady defensively on Sunday when Newcastle lost 1-0 at Tottenham, a defeat that has
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Air museum to recapture the mood of Victory celebrations
A SERIES of events are being planned to mark the 60th anniversaries of the allied victory in Europe and victory over Japan. The Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington, near York, will launch its Victory Festival on the weekend of May 7 and 8. The first event
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Tory pledge on UK's ports
THE campaign to bring 7,000 jobs to the region moved to the top of the political agenda last night as the Conservatives pledged to devise a ports strategy if they were elected. PD Ports is campaigning for the Government to devise a strategy that would
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Bates finally arrives
DAVID HODGSON will hand Matthew Bates his Darlington debut at Mansfield this weekend after the Middlesbrough defender finally linked up with his new team-mates yesterday. Hodgson has promised to take every measure to ensure Quakers get their faltering
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Carole Clough
MOTOR trade recruitment specialist Ingenia has appointed CAROLE CLOUGH as recruitment advisor at the company, in Washington, Wearside. Her role involves matching staff to jobs in garages and bodyshops throughout the North-East. Ms Clough started in the
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Hunt for men after van crash
POLICE were last night hunting two men who ran off after the van they were travelling in crashed into a car, careered into a lamppost and then overturned outside a North-East hotel. The accident happened at about 10.45pm on Sunday, outside the Blackwell
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Margaret Nesbit
NORTH-East investment management firm Wise Speke, which employs more than 300 people in its Newcastle and Teeside offices, has promoted MARGARET NESBITT to divisional director. Investment expert Ms Nesbitt, 32, joined Wise Speke as an investment advisor
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Alternative therapist opens a practice
AN alternative therapist offering colonic irrigation, coupled with dietary advice, has opened a new practice. Jennifer Whitehead, of Low Westwood, near Consett, has been overwhelmed by demand since opening Aqualibrium Colonic Hydrotherapy. Ms Whitehead
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Protest over Caterpillar's 'support of Isreal'
Campaigners today blockaded Caterpillar's Peterlee plant in County Durham in protest over what they claimed was the company's support of Israel's destruction of Palestinian communities. About 20 protesters chained closed the company's gates on the town's
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Football club fined after not playing fixtures
A FOOTBALL club has been deducted nine points and fined £6,000 by the UniBond League, but it has not been expelled from the league. Many expected County Durham club Spennymoor to be expelled at the weekend for failing to fulfil recent fixtures and it
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Science park could plug the region's brain drain
It is being hailed as the turning point that could take County Durham in a new direction, away from mining and into the scientific age. Business Editor Julia Breen looks at Netpark, in Sedgefield. TEAR-streaked, coal-blackened faces were once the image
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Museum tunes up for classic event
A MUSEUM is in tune with events thanks to support from a music retailer. The Williams Music Group, from Darlington, is sponsoring a concert by internationally-renowned performers at the Bowes Museum, County Durham. The group has also helped the friends
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Safety measures needed before MDF is reintroduced
COUNCIL officials say that MDF will not be used in Darlington schools until appropriate safety measures are in place. The borough council banned the material from design and technology lessons in 1998, amid fears that the fine dust it produced could cause
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Former student talks frankly about life in the RAF
PUPILS were shown what a career in the RAF could do for them when a former student returned to the classroom. Corporal Steve Johnson, 28, left Tudhoe Grange School, Spennymoor, 13 years ago and is now a recruiting officer for the RAF in Newcastle. He
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Saving grace of Mr Stallworthy
The toughest act in the region at present appears to be running Durham's City Gala Theatre. Viv Hardwick talks to new boss Simon Stallworthy about his plans to shift the mask of tragedy to one of smiling financial success. YOU couldn't ask for a better-sounding
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Council to revisit proposals for road improvements
AN application to revise the plan for the Darlington Eastern Transport Corridor has been submitted. The latest application is to add another junction to the new road, which will connect Haughton Road with the A66. The junction will be to the west of McMullen
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Naomi wins gold and silver
A SCHOOLGIRL has won gold and silver medals at an international martial arts event. Naomi Denton, 14, from Darlington, picked up the accolades at the International Tae Kwon Do Tournament in Lisbon, Portugal, during the Easter break. The 14-year-old, a
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Council website gets new look
A NORTH Yorkshire authority has relaunched its website with more than 2,000 pages of information. At the same time, Harrogate Borough Council has launched a facility so council bills can be paid online or over the telephone. Information and website manager
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County leads the way with its campaign against bullies
AN anti-bullying campaign in County Durham schools is proving so successful it will be taken up by other education authorities. The campaign, which is the brainchild of Durham County Council's anti-bullying service, is awarded annually to schools that
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Market leader looking to future
THE new owner of a Teesside manufacturer is aiming for growth, after restructuring the business. Hill and Smith (H&S) has stopped crash barrier fabrication at Lionweld Kennedy, in Middlesbrough, shedding 18 staff from the workforce of 156. H&S
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Why walkers could bring down Hadrian's Wall
HADRIAN'S WALL could be placed on the World Heritage "in danger" list because so many people are walking on it. About 400,000 people have walked the Hadrian's Wall Path Trail since it was opened 18 months ago, but although people are banned from walking
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Campaign launched to stop alcohol-related assaults
LICENSEES in Darlington will be asked to join a code of practice on responsible drinking in the light of a report which reveals that alcohol is to blame for three-quarters of assaults in the town centre. Darlington Borough Council is asking the town's
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Howard unveils manifesto in battle for Britain's votes
MICHAEL Howard launched a "Battle for Britain" yesterday when he became the first party leader to publish his election manifesto - but he kept his tax-cutting plans under wraps. The Conservative leader said that at 63 years old, he was old enough to "
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Prospects flying high at rebuilt building
IT'S not quite up, up and away for Harry Meckiffe, yet... but he has high hopes of trading next month. Mr Meckiffe is fitting out a unit in a problem-plagued seafront building - as a kite shop. Discussions are also going on with a second tenant, to open
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Tennis club to open its doors
A TENNIS club is holding an open day to encourage people to try the sport. Two coaches will be on hand at Thirsk Tennis Club on Sunday to give advice and tips to prospective players. Treasurer Jon Gregory, said: "We want to increase membership and we
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Peace guests' history lesson
MILITARY officers from the other side of the old Iron Curtain have been discovering more about one of England's oldest regiments. Nearly 50 officers from the old Eastern Bloc are taking part in a Partnership for Peace course at York St John College. The
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Son killed his father with knife after row
A SON killed his father with a knife he threw from seven feet away, a court was told yesterday. Joseph Freeman, 31, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Joseph Freeman Snr, 56, in September last year. He was initially charged with murder, but the charge
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Favourite view of Russian empress is revealed
A TREE-lined North Yorkshire view, so stunning that it was recorded for a Russian empress, has been revealed for the first time in years The view of Masham Parish Church from Limehouse Hill, at Hackfall Woods, Grewel-thorpe, near Ripon, was blocked out
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Apassionata, Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle
THE last person I remember discussing his 'orses with such enthusiasm was Hi-De-Hi's Fred Quilley, and the fictional jockey would have been in his element with this magnificent display of horseflesh. A packed, enthusiastic arena cheered every flourish
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Hundreds of people protest over village parking idea
HUNDREDS of people have signed a petition protesting about a plan to build 28 houses and create parking for cars and coaches in a village. Village traders have welcomed the proposal as it could attract more visitors to Middleton in Teesdale near Barnard
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Two man race
NOMINATIONS have closed for the Richmondshire North seat, which will be contested as part of the North Yorkshire County Council elections on May 5. Two candidates will contest the seat, Michael Joseph Heseltine for the Conservative Party and Liberal Democrat
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Call for explanation of plan for 'drastic' cut in service
RESIDENTS in Teesside are calling for an explanation after a bus company announced "drastic" proposals to cut several of its services later this month. Stagecoach will axe a number of its buses on routes throughout Stockton from Sunday, April 24. But
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Candidates set for a grilling
THREE candidates will take part in a General Election question time organised by a church group. The three contenders for the Bishop Auckland seat are Richard Bell (Conservative), Helen Goodman (Labour) and Chris Foote-Wood (Liberal Democrat). They will
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Asbo debate boils up in hotly-contested N-E seat
LABOUR turned up the heat in the General Election campaign for one of the most fiercely-contested seats in the North-East yesterday by targeting the home constituency of their Liberal Democrat opponent. Health Minister Rosie Winterton joined Labour candidate
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The end is nigh
It's a cliche but true - all good things must come to an end. Just ask Brad and Jen, the cast of Sex and The City or X Factor winner Steve Brookstein (sorry I did say good things didn't I?) I am sad to say that this will be my last posting on The Northern
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Cheaper homes in park praised
PLANS to provide more affordable homes in the Yorkshire Dales have been welcome by an environmental watchdog. The Yorkshire Dales Society describes the national park authority's proposal to restrict the sale of new housing and barn conversions to key
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European court case date for 'one-man republic'
A MAN who has declared himself a one-man republic is to have his case heard by the European Court of Human Rights. Owen Fenton, who has named his home Albion and declared it independent of the UK, has received a letter from the European Council saying
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Mencap meets
Northallerton and Dales Mencap Society holds its annual meeting next Monday, at 7pm, in the Mencap Centre, Goosecroft Lane, Northallerton. Learning disabilities locality manager, Mark Humble will speak about bringing health and social services teams together
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Cigarette smuggler loses his appeal
A BUSINESSMAN found guilty of taking part in a major cigarette smuggling plot, yesterday failed to clear his name. When the judge jailed Paul Michael Kelly for three-and-a-half years after the Nottingham Crown Court trial last October, he was granted
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Charity urges MPs to help homeless
CHARITY Shelter is urging prospective MPs in the North-East to sign a pledge that they will help tackle the problem of homelessness. Shelter claims that 840 families in the region are being housed in emergency accommodation - a figure that has risen ten
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'This is not a crime without victims'
Five people are starting jail sentences today after one of the region's biggest film and music bootlegging operations was smashed. Neil Hunter looks at the case and the problems piracy is causing for the movie and music industry. To many people, it's
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Jack Dee, York Grand Opera House
JACK Dee secured his place in the nation's hearts by being something of a misery-guts. He was a seething ball of resentment for whom no target was beyond reach, the anti-hero whose appeal was broad enough to win Celebrity Big Brother, and all coated with
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Job Search: Vacancies
Print and design supervisor, £15,000 to £16,000pa, 35hrs pw 9am to 5pm Mon-Fri, must be experienced in all aspects of printing with strong interest in art or natural artistic ability and flair for design. Ref: NAL 1911. Warehouse assistant, Thirsk, 37.5hrs
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Leaders of £1m pirate DVD gang locked up
THE ringleaders of a gang that made more than £1m from counterfeit films and music have been jailed after an undercover operation. Four men and a woman were locked up for a total of eight years and ten months for their involvement in one of the North-East's
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Job Search: Vacancies
Graphic Artist/Mac Operator, meets NMW, 40hpw. Experience with Quark, Photoshop and Illustrator required. Ref: DAE 44107. Field Sales Executive, between £10-£12,000pa + comm, 37hpw. Must have good inter-personal skills, own transport is desirable. Ref
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Lillian and Angela Davies
A MOTHER and daughter have joined the team at Middlesbrough carpet manufacturers Whitestone Weavers. LILLIAN and ANGELA DAVIES will handle incoming calls to the factory. With sales experience, Lillian joins following a long career with the advertising
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Postman admits thefts from mail
A POSTMAN was caught stealing mail after his bosses launched an investigation following a tip-off from police. Michael Lamb, 30, was collared when the Royal Mail posted three test packages to be delivered during his round and they were all stolen. Newcastle
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TV on trail of doorstep villains
TRADING standards officials have teamed up with a TV production company to help crack down on doorstep crime offenders. North Yorkshire County Council is working with True North Productions and ITV Yorkshire to produce a programme about the authority's
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Museum tunes up for classic event
A MUSEUM is in tune with events thanks to support from a music retailer. The Williams Music Group, from Darlington, is sponsoring a concert by internationally-renowned performers at the Bowes Museum, County Durham. The group has also helped the friends
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Organic dairy farmer wins award
A DARLINGTON farmer has taken his place next to TV presenter Gillian McKeith as a winner of this year's Organic Industry Awards. Gordon Tweddle, of Acorn Dairy, near Darlington, has been named Organic Business Person of the Year by the Soil Association
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Aquajoy moving into European market
A COUNTY Durham firm is making a splash overseas. Aquajoy Bathlifts Ltd, based in Consett, which specialises in the design and distribution of bathlifts, has signed up two distributors abroad with the help of UK Trade and Investment's Passport to Export
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Kitemark to put firm with high-fliers
A SKYLIGHT manufacturer is aiming to expand sales by targeting the home improvement market. Sola Skylights, in Shildon, County Durham, has won the European quality standard kite mark for its Sky Tunnel product, which allows natural light into homes and
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Tragedy hits theatre minutes before vote on £4.2m revamp
TRIBUTES have been paid to a theatre boss who died suddenly at the weekend. Peter Sarah, 58, the man credited with turning round the fortunes of Newcastle's Theatre Royal, collapsed at the theatre on Friday, minutes before he was due to attend a board
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Crippling corruption and a slice of post-war life
WHERE WE HAVE HOPE: A Memoir Of Zimbabwe by Andrew Meldrum, (John Murray, £7.99): The outcome of the election in Zimbabwe was always a foregone conclusion given President Robert Mugabe's track record of violence, intimidation and dishonest electoral practices
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Police officers hurt trying to break up fight
TWO police officers were injured when they were sent to a deal with a fight in a pub. Police were called to the Fir Tree, in Durham Road, Wingate, east Durham, shortly after 10pm on Sunday. The fight started inside the pub and tables were overturned and
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Nail-biting time for firms in running for project
DEVELOPERS hoping to turn a £500m vision for Teesside into reality had their last chance to win the deal yesterday. As part of the Middlehaven project,Wasteland next to Middlesbrough FC's Riverside stadium will see about 2,400 homes, 800,000sq ft of offices
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Tory pledge on UK's ports
THE campaign to bring 7,000 jobs to the region moved to the top of the political agenda last night as the Conservatives pledged to devise a ports strategy if they were elected. PD Ports is campaigning for the Government to devise a strategy that would
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Foot-and-mouth outbreak farmer dies
A FARMER who was told to leave his home by police at the height of the foot-and-mouth outbreak has died aged only 44. Maurice Dickeson was the first farmer in Teesdale, County Durham, whose stock fell victim to the disease and was widely blamed by his
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Collingwood chance
DURHAM are happy to give Paul Collingwood the chance to claim the England all-rounder's spot for the two Tests against Bangladesh. With the second Test due to be played on his home ground at Riverside in early June, Collingwood wants to be ready to step
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Plumbing firm ready for further expansion
A PLUMBER who started as a sole trader ten years ago now employs 30 people and is looking forward to the next phase of business expansion. Mandy Jewell persuaded her husband Mark to take the plunge and use his experience to set up a plumbing and heating
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Police plea over death of woman
POLICE are still trying to trace the last movements of a young mother found dead in a stream. The body of Kerry Deighton, 33, of Rutland Close, Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, was found on Saturday by children walking dogs in the town's Coronation
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Jeff Bean
UK Trade and Investment in the North-East has appointed a regional specialist trade advisor for the food and drink industry. JEFF BEAN, 53, has more than 30 years' experience in overseas trade, having worked for Rowntree Mackintosh, in York, which was
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Zoe returns to show her true Beauty
FORMER Pop Idol star Zoe Birkett is returning to her hometown at the end of the year to play a pantomime lead role. She will be treading the boards at Darlington Civic Theatre at Christmas, as the venue stages its Beauty and the Beast production. Comedy
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Fervently, I shan't be voting
POLITICIANS of all parties are urging us to get out and vote in the General Election. They tell us we must not be "apathetic". Well, I believe the best response to some people is always fervent apathy. They tell me to vote, but they don't give me a reason
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Hospital given high care rating
A SMALL North Yorkshire hospital has been rated as among the best in the country for the treatment of strokes. Figures released by the Royal College of Physicians and the Healthcare Commission show that the Rutson Rehabilitation Hospital in Northallerton
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Mackay's closure marks end of an era
THE Queen's carpet maker will cease production on Friday, with the loss of 138 jobs. The closure of Hugh Mackay Carpets, in Durham, brings an end to more than a century of manufacturing tradition. Quality control team leader Anne Robinson, one of the
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Pop trio take to the stage
A TRIO of former pop stars brought a high-energy production to the region last night. New musical Love Shack, starring Faye Tozer, of Steps, S Club's Jon Lee and ex-Hear'Say singer Noel Sullivan, opened at Darlington Civic Theatre. It runs until Saturday
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A passion turned into a profession
A FORMER photographer has turned his passion for an iconic British sports car into a £3m-a-year business. The Aston Workshop, at Beamish, near Stanley, County Durham, is regarded as a world leader in restoring vintage Aston Martins. The business was set
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Red kite revival could lift the region
WHEN one of the most spectacular of British birds of prey was reintroduced to the North-East after 150 years, it was more than just a wildlife event. One of the long-term aims of the project was to encourage greater investment in the regional economy
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Utility backs woodland preservation
YORKSHIRE Water is backing an initiative to ensure that woodland is managed in an environmentally-friendly manner. The company has adopted a system that confirms that all 4,274 acres of its woodland meet criteria laid down by the Forestry Stewardship
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Reducing waste is good for business
THE Government has launched a £284m initiative to help North-East businesses reduce waste. Environment Minister Elliot Morley said the Business Resource Efficiency and Waste (Brew) programme would recycle revenue from increases in Landfill Tax to fund
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Is scaling back a Smart move?
IT is the number one car of choice for quirky professionals and a favourite among trendy couples, but the future at Smart may not be so sharp. For while the unusual-looking city cars have always painted a smile on the face of everyone who sees them, the
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Prospects are flying high
IT'S not quite up, up and away for Harry Meckiffe, yet... but he has high hopes of trading next month. Mr Meckiffe is fitting out a unit in a problem-plagued seafront building - as a kite shop. Discussions are also going on with a second tenant, to open
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Kirsty Barsby
LAW firm Dickinson Dees has appointed solicitor KIRSTY BARSBY to its commercial property team in Teesside. The 27-year-old joins the firm from Leeds practice Berrymans Lace Mawer, where she spent four years in insurance litigation, qualifying last March
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Subsidised training pays off for workforce
CHEMICAL technicians at a North-East company that tests contaminated land have benefited from a training programme. Derwentside Environmental Testing Services, in Consett, County Durham, which provides chemical testing for contaminated land, water and
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'If the dollar slides, oil prices will hit home'
When you look at the price of petrol on forecourts across England, and the present value of crude oil, it is easy to see why oil was, at one time, referred to as black gold. With prices having risen steadily for the past two years, how many people remember
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Concern grows for missing girls
CONCERN is growing for three teenage girls who have gone missing from the North-East and believed to be the victims of people trafficking. Mei Fang Weng, 15, and 16-year-olds Xiu Ming Lin and Yun Jen He arrived in Newcastle from China on March 27. They
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Porter boost for Pool
JOEL Porter could be ready for Hartlepool United's game with Sheffield Wednesday on Friday. Porter damaged ankle ligaments in training and was forced to sit out the weekend draw at Colchester. The Aussie feared he could be out for the rest of the season
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McClaren praise for Doriva
Doriva's chances of earning a new contract at Middlesbrough have been boosted following Steve McClaren's glowing tribute to the midfielder's recent form. The Brazilian has always been on the fringes of the Boro starting XI this season, but has found himself
