Archive
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Police delight at major drop in burglaries
HOUSE burglaries in Stockton are at a thirty-year low. From April last year to last month, there were 1,370 house burglaries committed across the borough. This figure is believed to be the lowest since the 1970s. Chief Superintendent Dave Pickard, Cleveland
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Sightseers cheer as brewer tour proves a lure
BEER drinkers will bid a fond farewell to the home of the North-East's world-famous Newcastle Brown Ale on nostalgic brewery tours this week. Scottish and Newcastle (S&N) Breweries is opening the Tyne Brewery, at Gallowgate, Newcastle, to give the
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Students are rewarded for their anti-bullying campaign
A WEARDALE school is celebrating after successfully gaining an anti-bullying accreditation. Wolsingham School and Community College has been presented with the accreditation, which is a Durham County Council award given to schools which show a commitment
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Volunteers dig deep to support countryside project
NATURE lovers pitched in to help council workers improve a countryside footpath yesterday. Darlington Borough Council's countryside team asked volunteers to take part in a practical Rights of Way day in Dinsdale Woods. Six people volunteered and helped
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Jobs axe falls at Index stores
WORKERS across the region were last night wondering if their jobs were safe after Littlewoods announced plans to close 126 of its Index catalogue stores. The remaining 33 stores will be sold to rival Argos for £44m under the plan, which could cost up
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How'd you like your croc, boiled or flambeed?
THE kitchens and bar at a North-East pub and restaurant complex are proving a home- from-home for a group of Antipodean travellers. Customers ordering meals and drinks at Walkabout, an Australian theme bar in Dur-ham, are likely to be greeted by a cheery
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New primary school set to gain approval
Proposals for a new amalgamated primary school for 420 pupils, with a 39-place nursery and SureStart facility for 67 youngsters, look set to get the go-ahead. Should approval for the development, in Barnes Road, Murton, east Durham be granted by Durham
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Candidates to face questioning by pupils
CANDIDATES from the three main parties are being put in the hot seat by young constituents. Teenagers at four Durham schools will make up the audience at a Question Time-style event, involving the city's three General Election candidates. Labour's Robert
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Night planned for Jonny Kennedy fund
TEAMS are needed to take part in a pub quiz to raise money for research into a rare skin disease. The event, on Saturday, June 11, at Darlington Football Club's Williamson Motors Stadium, is in aid of the Jonny Kennedy Appeal, which aims to find a cure
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Feathers and fur sold at mart day
UNUSUAL lots have been coming under the hammer at one of the region's busiest auction marts. Hexham Mart, near Tyne Green, in the Northumberland town, is well-known in the region for its weekly livestock auctions. Farmers from across the North-East and
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Exhibition recalls days of wartime
AN exhibition is being staged to illustrate what life was like during the Second World War, to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the conflict. Monkwearmouth Station Museum, in Sunderland, is staging the event to focus on conditions in the area during
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Residents campaign to slow speeding motorists
RESIDENTS on a Darlington street who are plagued by speeding cars are demanding the council takes action. People living in Eastmount Road want speed cameras installed because of the number of speeding vehicles using their street as a shortcut between
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Jane, six, helps red kite on road to recovery
A RED kite has been nursed back to health by a little girl whose school adopted one of the birds released in the region last July. Jane Baldwin, six, helped her father, David, to look after the bird, named Spark, which he found at the side of the road
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Band to back crime message
A BAND is touring schools on Teesside to deliver a musical message about crime. Backed by Crimestoppers North East, the performances will deliver a positive lifestyle message to pupils in Billingham, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough. Three-strong girl band
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Schools would be united on same site in £13.25m plan
TWO schools on opposite sides of a road may finally be joined if a multi-million pound bid for Government funding is successful. Plans for a joint site at Huntcliff Secondary School, in Saltburn, will cost about £13.25m. They would see pupils from Saltburn
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Plan for miners' memorial on old pit site wins backing
A PROPOSAL to house a permanent miners' memorial on a re-developed former colliery and cokeworks site has won widespread support. Lambton and Houghton Banner group has called for some form of tribute to the many miners killed or injured working at the
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Twickenham stage fright affects Westoe
WESTOE paid the price for their first half stage fright at Twickenham on Saturday and lost the Powergen Intermediate Cup final 21-11 against Morley. The South Shields club were 18-3 down before they found their form and totally dominated the second half
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Resurfacing works
Traffic lights will be in place in Mill Lane, in Skinningrove, for a week from today to allow workmen to carry out resurfacing. Bus platforms will be installed along Brotton High Street and traffic signals might cause some disruption to road users. Also
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Model railway show proves popular as visitors flock to country house
AN array of model railways went on display at the weekend. The annual show staged at Ormesby Hall country house, in Middlesbrough, organised by the National Trust, featured nine beautifully crafted layouts. Co-ordinator Paul Bolton was on hand to give
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Police promise action to stop estate's unruly youth gangs
POLICE have reassured residents on a Darlington estate plagued by tearaway youths that they will get a new beat bobby. On behalf of some of the people on the estate, Lascelles Park Residents' Association wrote to Darlington Chief Superintendent Michael
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Courier service plan withdrawn
PLANS for a courier business have been withdrawn after objections from villagers. The proposal for the alterations of buildings in Oran Lane, Catterick Village, were submitted to Richmondshire District Council. Planning officers were recommending the
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All change for young footballers
CHILDREN helped work start on their new changing rooms. They were there as digging began at Green Lane, in Redcar, as part of an £800,000 scheme to encourage more young people to take up sport. Teesside Athletic football club, based in the town, received
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Students raise money in memopry of classmate
COLLEGE students have donated more than £1,200 to charity after a fundraising campaign in memory of a friend who died after her body rejected a heart transplant. Youngsters at Darlington College of Technology have staged a host of events to raise cash
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Charity music night
AS RUNNERS pound the streets of London tomorrow, arts students in Darlington will be embarking on a gruelling event of their own. Stagecoach Theatre Arts is holding a six-hour performance marathon at the Forum, in Borough Road, to raise cash for sports
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Sea-theme concert aids lifeboat charity
AN unusual choral concert is taking place at Ripon Cathedral next month. The North Yorkshire Chorus will be joined by members of the South Devon Choir in a performance of the Sea Symphony by Ralph Vaughan Williams. The concert is being held to mark the
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Search is on for building trade talent
A CAMPAIGN is launched today to attract more than 8,000 recruits to the region's construction industry over the next four years. ConstructionSkills is particularly seeking to attract women, people from black and minority ethnic groups and graduates. The
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Cliff-fall teenager airlifted
A TEENAGER was airlifted to hospital after he fell down cliffs on the North-East coast. The 16-year-old fell 80ft at Marsden, between Sunderland and South Shields. Paramedics, helped by firefighters, stabilised the youth and gave him oxygen. He was placed
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A marathon efffort for cancer charity
A DARLINGTON runner will tackle the London Marathon tomorrow as a tribute to his father-in-law. Dave Thompson, a member of the town's Quakers Running Club, will compete in the race with a photograph of his wife Linda's father, Jim Squirrell, on his vest
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Small branch with big heart
BIG-hearted fundraisers from one of the smallest Royal British Legion branches in the region have come to the aid of a special care home. Members of the Grewelthorpe branch, near Ripon, have raised £500 for landscaping to brighten up areas around Lister
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Band seeks talented youngsters
A BRASS band is looking for new talent in north Durham. The Youth Brass Band Academy was started in September with young people who had never played an instrument before. They are now playing simple tunes and the academy is ready to accept more players
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Website opens up the town for disabled people
DARLINGTON is at the forefront of disability awareness, with the launch of a new website. The Wheelygood site, which was launched yesterday by Darlington Association on Disability (Dad), provides an interactive guide to show disabled people how to get
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Man who set light to his home may get life sentence
A MAN who caused more than £60,000 worth of damage when he sparked a ferocious blaze at his home has been told he may be jailed. David Hazel, 23, wrecked his home at The Avenue Vivian, Fencehouses, Derwentside, and destroyed a neighbour's house when he
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Fire blamed on wrong cable
FIREFIGHTERS are urging householders to use the correct cables when linking sheds up to the electricity supply. The warning follows a fire in Valley Road, Northallerton, on Thursday night in which a garden shed was destroyed. The garden fence was also
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Things go bump at the Stadium of Fright
PROMOTION-chasing football stars reckon their season could be wrecked - by a ghost. Players at Sunderland FC have seen a mysterious spectre stalking the training ground. Two physios have chased the shadowy apparition down dimly-lit corriders and one of
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Students offered treatment after virus outbreak
MORE than 1,000 pupils at a North-East college are being offered antibiotics after a meningitis outbreak. Emergency measures to protect more than 1,200 pupils at Farringdon Community Sport College, in Sunderland, were put in place after two pupils contracted
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Woman was tied up by burglars
A WOMAN was tied up by three men during a burglary at her home. The intruders demanded money after they burst into her house, on the Haydon Grange estate, Newcastle. The 40-year-old's ordeal began at 3.30pm on Thursday when she answered the door to a
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Alert as fake £20 notes cost publican dear
SHOPS, pubs, clubs have been warned to beware of fake £20 bank notes circulating in the region. Convincing counterfeit notes have turned up in tills in the North-East, prompting police and retail groups to issue an alert. Forged notes, suspected of being
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Woman jailed after Asbo breach
A WOMAN has been jailed for a causing a drunken scene outside a hospital only hours after being made the subject of an anti-social behaviour order (Asbo). Angela Wrightson, of Teesdale Walk, Woodhouse Close, Bishop Auckland, was sentenced to two months
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Witnesses sought to frog cruelty
THE RSPCA is appealing for help after a gang of teenagers set fire to frogs and toads. A group of 16 and 17-year-old boys were seen earlier this week plucking the frogs and toads from a pond in Newton Aycliffe, then pouring petrol on them and setting
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First aid student battled to save road crash victim
A STUDENT battled to save the life of a 77-year-old man severely injured in a car crash just a day after she attended a first aid course. Jane Temple, 34, tried desperately to help William Robinson after he was hit by a BMW car on the A19, near Middlesbrough
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£1m business investment could lead to more jobs
A MANUFACTURING company hopes to boost business with a £1m factory extension bringing new jobs to remote dales communities. Renham and Wade has applied for planning permission to build a 10,000sq ft extension to its factory, in Middleton-in-Teesdale.
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Shop woman in knife threat
A YOUTH brandishing a large knife held up a shop before he fled with £200. Police said the robber entered Mills Newsagents, in Hilda Terrace, Pelaw Bank, Chester-le-Street, at 9.30pm on Wednesday. He confronted one of two woman in the shop, threatened
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Trading graces
"WHAT'S this programme called?" asked my wife, falling right into the trap of the creators. "Mind Your Own Business (BBC1, daytime all week)," was my reply, without arching as much as an eyebrow. And what better way to watch Darlington-based multi-millionaire's
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Bobbie's a dazzler at learning
A BOSNIAN accountant who is totting up the qualifications has a new award to add to her collection. Slobodanka Taylor, known as Bobbie to her friends, has been studying at Darlington College at Catterick since September. Born in Croatia, she fled to Bosnia
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Town gains bus service to airport
HARROGATE is to be linked to the Leeds-Bradford International Airport by a direct bus service. Harrogate and District bus company will operate the service, dubbed bus2jet, from Monday, April 25. The company said buses will run at 90-minute intervals from
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Community gains another minibus
A FLEET of community minibuses has been strengthened with the addition of a £40,000 vehicle. The bus, which will be operated by Thirsk's Community Minibus Association, comes complete with tail lift and removable seats to accommodate disabled passengers
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Television crew places faith in troubled dales railway
TWO new tourist attractions in a remote corner of the North-East, including a troubled heritage railway, are to appear on national television. Harperley prisoner-of-war camp and the Weardale Railway, in County Durham, will feature on BBC1's Holiday programme
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People get say on area's future
PEOPLE are being invited to have their say on a planning blueprint that could determine the future of their area for the next 16 years. The early work on a plan that will shape the future of Hambleton to 2021 moves into the public arena later this month
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McCarthy praise for rookie Ingham
MICK McCarthy last night praised Michael Ingham for the way he dealt with the pressure of yesterday's crucial promotion clash at Ipswich - despite the rookie keeper being at fault for the home side's opening goal. With injuries to Mart Poom and Thomas
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The Albany Northern League: No escape route for clubs at the bottom
There will be no reprieve for the clubs in the relegation zones at the end of the season because the Northern League management committee has decided not to forcibly relegate any clubs - and that could be bad news for Consett and Easington. The League
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A little too close for comfort
After Sunderland drew 2-2 at Ipswich, it looks increasingly likely that Newcastle's players will be seeing a lot more of their North-Eastern rivals next season, writes Scott Wilson. But, for a split second yesterday, the two groups of footballers came
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Gollings mulls over options
Royal Shakespeare, runner-up in Saturday's Scottish Champion Hurdle, could make a quick reappearance at Sandown on Friday or at Punchestown the following week. Trainer Steve Gollings has entered the six-year-old for the Concept Hurdle at the Esher track
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Hobson pleads guilty to murdering twins
Former binman Mark Hobson, 35, pleaded guilty at Leeds Crown Court today to murdering twin sisters and an elderly couple in York last year. More to follow.
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Graham provides the template for Quakers' debut boy Bates
MATTHEW BATES is looking to young Middlesbrough team-mate Danny Graham as the inspiration behind his loan move to Darlington. Bates intends to make good use of his short time across the A66, just as Graham did 12 months ago. After scoring twice in seven
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Gough outbattled by former Tykes team-mate Silverwood
Chris Silverwood won a battle royal with his old team-mate Darren Gough to spare Yorkshire's blushes on the final day of their rain-hit Championship match against Essex at Chelmsford on Saturday, writes David Warner. It took Essex only 11 balls in the
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Little Waster's cigarette blacked out
ADVERT makers were asked to reshoot the act of North-East comedian Bobby Thompson after his death because he was holding a cigarette. The request came after a TV commercial featuring Bobby's DVD was banned because it showed him smoking. The rules that
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Cluff draws on an eventful year
CARTOONIST Cluff is celebrating the launch of his first book of drawings from the front pages of The Northern Echo. Cluff, alias John Longstaff, has been the paper's cartoonist since 1990, becoming a firm favourite with readers. John, who lives in Darlington
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Free tickets for Radio One weekend are offered
TICKETS for Radio One's Big Weekend event in the North-East will be given away. Thirty thousand free tickets are up for grabs for the two-day festival at Herrington Country Park, near Penshaw Monument, off the A183 Chester-le-Street to Sunderland road
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Durham's flying start to the season continues
THE best indication yesterday that Durham are in excellent spirits came from a scintillating display in the field as they won their opening totesport League match at Grace Road. It was epitomised by two run-outs stemming from brilliant fielding by Jon
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Neighbours From Heaven: The guardian angels who saved my life
A WOMAN has praised her neighbours who came to her aid when she was in labour and, 15 years later, helped save her life. Yvonne Hobson, 58, of Arran Walk, Darlington, suffered a severe heart attack 18 months ago. Neighbours Wendy and Nigel Browne not
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Reviewing the magic of Muffin
Next year, the first star of the BBC's Muffin the Mule celebrates his 60th anniversary. To mark the occasion, a new £2m series has been created, which sees Muffin return in September. Viv Hardwick talks to writer Diane Redmond about bringing a legend
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Were these missing girls sold for sex?
Three teenage girls who disappeared from the North-East are belived to have been forced into a sordid prostitution network in London. Women's Editor Linsay Jennings reports on the lucrative trade of people trafficking. THEY arrived at Newcastle Airport
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UniBond League: Season over for Moors
Spennymoor have told the UniBond League that they won't be playing any more games this season - but they still haven't resigned. The league has removed Moors from the fixture lists for the last fortnight of the season, and the league board who have been
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Development brings jobs to Darlington
Work has begun in earnest on a multi-million pound development which will bring 2,000 jobs to Darlington. Developers Tees Valley Regeneration have completed the first phase of dismantling pylons and power lines and installing underground cables to neaten
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The attack that failed to come
Building Britain (C4); Robinson Crusoe: The True Story (C4): EVERY cloud, so the more optimistic insist on saying, has a silver lining. Even the threat of nuclear war would have been good news for radio listeners. After issuing the three-minute warning
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Search is on for building trade talent
A CAMPAIGN is launched today to attract more than 8,000 recruits to the region's construction industry over the next four years. ConstructionSkills is particularly seeking to attract women, people from black and minority ethnic groups and graduates. The
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Outrage at cheap cigs sold in pubs
A HEALTH specialist has criticised a tobacco company for promoting cheap cigarettes in the North-East, branding them as 'cut price poison'. Darcy Brown, of Darlington NHS Primary Care Trust (PCT), made his comments about a promotion that took place in
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White returns in style to sink Surrey
Matthew Wood lashed a career best 111 and Ian Harvey gave a magnificent all-round performance - but the hero of the hour for Yorkshire in their thriller with Surrey at the Oval yesterday was captain Craig White. Yorkshire looked certain to win their opening
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Memorial team calls for help
CAMPAIGNERS for a new war memorial in Chester-le-Street are calling on residents to join them. The Chester-le-Street War Memorial Association was formed a year ago to raise money for a new monument to all service personnel from the area who died in conflict
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Warning of disruption at multi-storey
MAJOR repairs at a shopping centre's multi-storey car park will affect some of the 20,000 drivers who use it every week, it has been warned. The work to repair concrete decking at Castlegate Shopping Centre's car park in Stockton starts on Monday, April
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Teenager hurt in accident
A TEENAGER is in hospital with serious head and leg injuries after he was hit by a taxi. The 19-year-old was struck by a white Ford Mondeo outside the Top Deck nightclub, on the seafront in Redcar, east Cleveland, at about 2.30am yesterday. He was taken
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Calls for mayoral candidate to resign
THE Conservative candidate for the job of mayor of Hartlepool is facing calls to resign from party members following a row over her selection. Hartlepool's Conservative Association voted unanimously not to submit a candidate for the mayoral elections
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Residents back spring clean
PEOPLE living in the Burbank area of Hartlepool have taken part in a major clean-up operation to help improve the town. The residents joined forces with Hartlepool Borough Council staff and representatives of the town's Asda store for a litter pick. The
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The late great Jim has vested interest in race
A RUNNER will tackle the London Marathon on Sunday as a tribute to his father-in-law. Dave Thompson, of Carlton, near Stockton, will compete in the race with a photograph of his wife Linda's father, Jim Squirrell, on his vest. Mr Squirrell, of Gilling
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Cold storage depot ready
A COLD storage depot opened eight months ago is to expand with the addition of ten jobs. Yearsley Cold Storage and Distribution, in Seaham, County Durham, is launching the second phase of its operation on the Fox Cover Industrial Estate. The £12m development
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Photos of county regiment go online
A NEW online collection of thousands of images from the archive of the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) is to be launched in the North-East. The Durham County Record Office is to start the project, which will include 26,000 images, on May 7 at County Hall.
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Moors not the merrier after derby defeat
A dank bank holiday, 11am kick-off, Bishop Auckland v Spennymoor United. Both clubs, says Bishops' chairman Terry Jackson in his programme notes, are going through a difficult period. "Let's just hope," he adds, "that both of us come out the other side
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Endeavour's five-month voyage grinds to an unexpected halt
ONE of the region's favourite ships, the replica of Captain Cook's Bark Endeavour, had to be towed from a sand bank after running aground off the Australian coast yesterday. The ship, which attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors during its visits
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Comment from The Northern Echo: Looking under the bonnet
THE boss of MG Rover, John Towers, says he does not welcome a Government inquiry into the accounts of the stricken car maker. Mr Towers, head of Phoenix Venture Holdings, has described claims of financial irregularities as "ridiculous", pointing out that
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Jobs axe falls at Index stores
WORKERS across the region were last night wondering if their jobs were safe after Littlewoods announced plans to close 126 of its Index catalogue stores. The remaining 33 stores will be sold to rival Argos for £44m under the plan, which could cost up
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Job axe falls at Index stores
WORKERS across the region were last night wondering if their jobs were safe after Littlewoods announced plans to close 126 of its Index catalogue stores. The remaining 33 stores will be sold to rival Argos for £44m under the plan, which could cost up
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Disability no barrier to martial arts guru Mark
BLIND martial arts expert Mark Paterson has conquered his greatest challenge, by becoming one of the highest-trained teachers in the area. He has overcome numerous obstacles in his life, but gaining the eighth dan in Black Belt qualifications is his most
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Blair Ditch Project aims for peace vote
HUNDREDS of peace movement activists were heading north yesterday to form a "peace camp" on Tony Blair's doorstep. The Blair Ditch Project, as it has been named, will see hundreds of people from across the country set up camp at Wingate Farm, Sedgefield
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Golden memories for Bishops
FIFTY years tomorrow since it all kicked off. Bishop Auckland 2 Hendon 0, FA Amateur Cup final at Wembley, the golden age never more brilliantly burnished. It was the first of Bishops' unique hat-trick of Wembley victories, each watched by 100,000 spectators
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Grant to trace town's roots
A PROJECT tracing the unknown origins of a North Yorkshire town is under way. Northallerton and District Local History Society has been awarded £25,000 of lottery money to fund a two-year study into the history of the town. Local volunteers are now wanted
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Town flying the flags for art award judges
A TOWN is putting out the flags and decorating its shopfronts to show judges its support for a museum vying for Britain's biggest art award. Three judges from the Gulbenkian Museum of the Year Awards will visit the region today for the last time to decide
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Penalty missed but Black Cats still on course for promotion
MARCUS Stewart's first half penalty miss may have had Ipswich Town fans jumping for joy, but the former Tractor Boy should still have the last laugh come May 7. By avoiding defeat at Portman Road yesterday, Sunderland remain on course for the Premiership
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16/04/05
MICHAEL HOWARD: FELLOW pensioners beware. Michael Howard could very easily, by reason of your apathy, become our next leader after the election. He has stated his intention to reduce public spending by billions of pounds, but doesn't state where from.
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Inquiry fails to establish cause of death
A POST-MORTEM examination has failed to establish the cause of death of an unidentified man found in a burning car at the weekend. The old-style Volkswagen Golf was seen on fire in a lay-by on the A61, near Ripon, North Yorkshire, close to the A1 junction
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Man, 29, accused of girl's murder
A 29-year-old man was last night charged with the murder of teenager Kimberley Bage. The Hartlepool man was arrested on Saturday following the discovery of the 16-year-old's body at her mother's home on Friday. He will appear before the town's magistrates
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£1m business investment could lead to more jobs
A MANUFACTURING company hopes to boost business with a £1m factory extension bringing new jobs to remote dales communities. Renham and Wade has applied for planning permission to build a 10,000sq ft extension to its factory, in Middleton-in-Teesdale.
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Park races plea issued to runners
TEES Forest is inviting runners to take part in 5km trail races at countryside sites across Teesside. The first race takes place at Stewart Park, Middlesbrough, on Thursday, at 7.15pm. Now in their fourth year, the races are not just for club runners
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Latest planning applications
THE following planning applications are to be discussed by Wear Valley District Council's development control committee on Thursday: * The demolition of former farm buildings and dwellings to make way for 12 homes at Middle Musgrave Farm, Louisa Terrace
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Young people achieve top marks in health project
SEXUAL health issues have been high on the agenda for a group of young people from Coundon and Leeholme. The eight members of the Coundon Leeholme Young People's Society have recently completed a six-week course called Sex and Relationships Education
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Ex-footballer starts funds walk
A FOOTBALLING hero yesterday urged people to sponsor him as he started a 190-mile walk for a children's heart charity, despite having a heart condition himself. Goalkeeper Tony Norman spent seven seasons with Sunderland and played at Wembley in the club's
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Thanks given to a retiring Labour MP
DEREK Foster has been presented with a engraved glass plate to thank him for his services to Teesdale during his years as a Labour MP. It was handed over by Robin Simpson, chairman of Teesdale District Council, during the authority's annual dinner, at
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Fears rise for missing women
CONCERN mounted over the weekend for two women missing from home. An appeal was made last night for sightings of Susan Vedhara, a 32-year-old Asian woman, who left her home in Main Road, Woolsington, Newcastle, in a distressed state at 8pm on Saturday
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Appeal after man stabbed
POLICE last night appealed for information after a man was stabbed on his way home after a night out early yesterday. He was stabbed several times by two people in their late teens, in the Biddlestone Road area of Heaton, Newcastle, at about 2am. Both
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4,000 take part in travel survey
A COUNCIL says its latest travel survey could be the most detailed undertaken in the country. Darlington Borough Council questioned more than 4,000 people about their travel habits last year. The findings are to be used as part of a project to encourage
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Oh mummy - what an interesting exhibit
VISITORS can sample life in ancient Egypt at a new museum exhibition. A decorated mummy case is just one of many exhibits now on show at the Royal Pump Room Museum, in Harrogate. The Discover Ancient Egypt exhibition also includes many objects used in
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Grant to aid town seeking its roots
A PROJECT tracing the unknown origins of a North Yorkshire town is under way. Northallerton and District Local History Society has been awarded £25,000 of lottery money to fund a two-year study into the history of the town. Local volunteers are now wanted
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Real ale campaigners join the protest over pub's closure
THE Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) last night voiced its disapproval at controversial plans to demolish a landmark Darlington pub. The White Horse Pub and Hotel, in North Road, at Harrowgate Hill, is facing closure after proposals to demolish it to make
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Sponsorship boost for rural crime initiative
RURAL crime fighters have received a boost after turning to the latest technology in the battle against burglars and thieves. Sponsorship from North-East insurance group BiB means Darlington Rural Watch can expand its text messaging initiative. Rural
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Owners urged to have pets neutered
PET owners are being urged to take advantage of a neutering scheme which is launched today The RSPCA's North Tees and Middlesbrough branches are offering free cat, dog and rabbit neutering in Stockton and Middlesbrough. Chief Inspector Neil Mitchell said
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Education director steps down after ten years
A COUNCIL has confirmed the departure of a senior education official after ten years in the post, a move which will cost taxpayers £377,000. Jeremy Fitt, 55, joined Hartlepool Borough Council as director of education in 1995 as the town prepared to take
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Talented performers dancing with joy after competition triumph
YOUNG dancers are reaping the rewards of their hard work under the expert eye of veteran teacher Linda Camsell. The Linda Camsell School of Dance, known as The Camsell Crew, returned from a recent championship in North Yorkshire laden with silverware.
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Students design posters to save lives
YOUNGSTERS at schools across North Yorkshire are being asked to help save lives by designing a poster. Yorkshire Water is inviting primary school pupils to warn of the dangers of swimming in reservoirs. Last year, a teenager died while trying to swim
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Charity concert
Richmond Town Pipes and Drums and the Royal Signals Northern Band will give a charity concert at the Zetland Christian Centre, in Richmond, today, from 7.30pm. The event is aid of St Theresa's Hospice, in Darlington. Admission is free but a collection
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End of an era on estate that was plagued by problems
COMMUNITY leaders yesterday hailed the transformation of a once run-down Darlington estate, as they marked the end of an era. The Firthmoor Community Partnership Board held its final meeting before being formally disbanded to make way for a new organisation
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The sad day the music died
The closure of Consett's Northern Recording studio at Delves Lane will leave a void that will be hard to fill. The co-operative behind the venture, which has nurtured scores of aspiring bands and musicians, could not persuade funding groups such as The
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Teenager given another chance
A TEENAGE father-to-be was yesterday told by magistrates that he had too much to lose to continue re-offending. The 16-year-old appeared before Darlington Youth Court after admitting criminal damage to a police cell, stealing a number plate and breaching
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Full of running for dad's homeland
NORTH-EAST student Teba Diatta will be giving her all this weekend when she takes part in the London Marathon to raise money for a school in West Africa. The University of Sunderland journalism student has been tirelessly raising funds for a school in
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CS gas used to overpower man
POLICE had to use CS gas twice to subdue a man at the centre of a domestic dispute, a court heard. Leslie Dowson, 31, refused to calm down after being sprayed and continued to resist officers after they handcuffed him. Police were called to a house in
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'Shark tourism causing increase in attacks'
THE booming shark tourism industry is being blamed for an increase in shark attacks. Thousands of UK tourists are going to South Africa, Australia and the US to cage-dive and have the chance to come face to face with great whites. But marine experts say
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Festival spotlight will fall on emerging talent
A FESTIVAL of youth drama is being held in the North-East next month. It is hoped stars of the future will be among the young actors and crew chosen to produce and perform at the Theatre Royal, Newcastle, from May 20 to 22. Produced by the National Theatre
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Marathon efforts
A WOMAN from Tow Law is aiming to complete one marathon a month to raise money for charity. Karen Fisher is spending every spare minute either training or raising money for the charity, Children with Leukaemia. The 35-year-old will wear a wolf costume
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Flood defence system to protect hundreds of homes
A £10M flood defence scheme to protect two villages has been unveiled. Dignitaries gathered in Spring Gardens, near West Auckland, yesterday to inspect the 15-metre high dam, which has been built by the Environment Agency to protect more than 650 homes
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Sights set on Europe
A COLLEGE US football team has secured its place as victors of the largest junior tournament in England. Woodham Warriors, of Woodham Community Technology College, were crowned NFL Junior American Football National Champions. The Warriors beat Coventry
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'A success story with tragic end'
DERWENTSIDE District Council leader Alex Watson said: "For me, it is a success story with a tragic end. It has improved the quality of life and created opportunities to get into the music field and develop people's talents. "They have a good record for
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Alan ready to take on marathon route
FIREFIGHTER Alan Gibson is preparing to pound through the streets of London tomorrow. Mr Gibson, a senior firefighter with the County Durham brigade, will join thousands of other runners on the 26.2-mile course. As part of his job, he inspects safety
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TV's pub ghost hunt is
TWO radio stars got the fright of their lives when they investigated ghostly goings-on at one of the region's most haunted pubs. Radio One DJ Scott Mills and sports pundit Mark Chapman visited The Golden Fleece, in York, for an episode of Living TV's
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TV show is something to shout about
A caterer nicknamed The Shouter will appear in the country's toughest kitchen tonight. The new series of ITV show Hell's Kitchen sees ten members of the public trained by Gary Rhodes and Jean-Christophe Novelli as they vie to win £250,000 to launch their
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Reviewing the magic of Muffin
Next year, the first star of the BBC's Muffin the Mule celebrates his 60th anniversary. To mark the occasion, a new £2m series has been created, which sees Muffin return in September. Viv Hardwick talks to writer Diane Redmond about bringing a legend
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Vicar can lead the chorus
VICARS DESTINY (3.40) looks well worth an each-way investment for Pontefract's Marathon Handicap this afternoon. The two-mile, five-and-a-half-furlong contest is the longest event on the British racing calendar, which suits Vicars Destiny just fine since
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I will not back Blair - Labour stalwart
TONY Blair's election campaign was dealt a blow last night as it emerged a Labour Party stalwart will resign today in a show of support for the independent candidate standing against the Prime Minister. Derek Cattell will formally resign from the Sedgefield
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Outrage at cheap cigs sold in pubs
A HEALTH specialist has criticised a tobacco company for promoting cheap cigarettes in the North-East, branding them as 'cut-price poison'. Darcy Brown, of Darlington NHS Primary Care Trust (PCT), made his comments about a promotion that took place in
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Modellers show off building skills at museum
MECCANO enthusiasts displayed the range and flexibility of the traditional construction kit in a popular exhibition at the weekend. Members of the North-East Meccano Society created an array of models, including a display of famous buildings from around
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Hundreds of truants caught in nationwide crackdown
HUNDREDS of children have been found out of school in one of the biggest national truancy sweeps ever. Every local education authority (LEA) in the country has taken part in the month-long scheme to ensure youngsters attend school. In the North-East and
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Armstrong at a loss to explain
ALUN Armstrong has lost count of the amount of times Darlington have shot themselves in the foot by surrendering the lead this season. Quakers have let 21 points go begging in games in which they have led at some point. They have lost three times after
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Man tries to steal television aerial
A thief tried to steal a television aerial while the homeowner was inside watching a programme. The incident happened at about 6.20pm on Sunday evening in Witton Crescent, Branksome, Darlington. The man told police he was watching television when the
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Protests force rethink on waste tipping rules
A SCHEME requiring householders in County Durham to first apply for a permit before using vans or trailers to dump rubbish is being refined to allow more flexibility. The changes were revealed in a report to Durham County Council's scrutiny sub-committee
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On TV...
Building Britain (C4) Robinson Crusoe: The True Story (C4) EVERY cloud, so the more optimistic insist on saying, has a silver lining. Even the threat of nuclear war would have been good news for radio listeners. After issuing the three-minute warning
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Fears rise for missing women
CONCERN mounted over the weekend for two women missing from home. An appeal was made last night for sightings of Susan Vedhara, a 32-year-old Asian woman, who left her home in Main Road, Woolsington, Newcastle, in a distressed state at 8pm on Saturday
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Designer clique
Store wars and staff off the rails are revealed in a new fly-on-the-changing-room-wall documentary series which begins tomorrow. A cry of "I'm free" echoes around the department store. But this isn't Mr Humphrys of Are You Being Served fame uttering his
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Wolverine blamed for lamb attacks
ONE of the world's most ferocious animals is being blamed for a spate of attacks on lambs. Twelve lambs have been killed on a farm in County Durham, leading police animal liaison officer Eddie Bell to suspect a wolverine could be responsible. The lambs
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Artist Norman's painting of daughter Anne goes for sale
A FAMILY portrait by one of the region's best-known living artists is coming under the hammer. The portrait of Anne Cornish by her father, Norman, will be sold at Newcastle auctioneers Anderson and Garland on Tuesday, April 26. Mr Cornish was born in
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Wainwright grabs opportunity to impress
Neil Wainwright made an impressive return to the Darlington first-team on Saturday and his performance was lauded as magnificent by assistant manager Mark Proctor. The former Sunderland winger has been a frequent substitute of late and the 1-1 draw at
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Souness remains positive despite trophy hunt ending in failure again for
A DEFIANT Graeme Souness last night flashed a "we'll be back" message to the despondent travelling Geordie faithful. Newcastle failed yet again to end their trophy quest yesterday when a rampant Manchester thumped their United counterparts 4-1 at the
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A dirty night in Folkstone
I am trying to get over my fear of sleeping in beds that are not my own. The phobia can really restrict my life. Because I can only fall asleep in my own bed, I can't sleep at friends' homes. I find it traumatic to book hotel rooms and need to check out
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Fire chief arrested for theft
A fire chief who earns £130,000 a year was arrested for shoplifting a pair of £4.60 doorstops from a DIY store. Richard Bull, who was made a CBE last year following 34 years distinguished service, was spotted by staff at his local branch of B&Q. The
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Hobson's rages fuelled by alcohol
Scar-faced killer Mark Hobson was an alcoholic thug who beat his girlfriend and revelled in his reputation as a local hardman, according to his former friends and neighbours. The father of three had been barred from a string of pubs and clubs in the tough
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Watching Brief: Sir Alex triumphs in Cardiff battle
"CRY God for Harry, England and St George," bellowed Henry V at the battle of Agincourt. For the Magpies, however, it is more 'Cry God for Shearer, Newcastle and St James' Park'. The team that progressed in yesterday's FA Cup semi-final at the Millennium
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Companies seek awards success
TWO companies in the region are vying to be named the UK's brightest new businesses. An arts and education consultancy and a haulage company are two of the entries in the HSBC Start-Up Stars Awards. The awards aim to celebrate the best company under three
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Rain sparks wave of road accidents
HEAVY rain was blamed for a spate of accidents and road closures at the weekend. Northumbria Police said it received reports of more than 100 incidents overnight, including a number of flooded houses in the Morpeth area of Northumberland. Durham Police
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Archbishop under fire for paedophile author comment
CHILDREN'S charities have criticised the Archbishop of Canterbury after he defended the work of a children's author jailed for sexually abusing young fans. William Mayne, 77, was jailed for two-and-a-half years last May by Teesside Crown Court after he
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Bars urged to apply for new alcohol licence
MIDDLESBROUGH'S bars and pubs are being urged to get their applications for a new alcohol licence submitted before time is called. Businesses have until August 6 to apply for a new style licence, but so far the town's council has only received one application
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Children help food safety message
ARTY youngsters have helped council bosses spread the message to people about food safety. Pupils at schools across Durham came up with designs for a poster highlighting the steps people should take if they want to avoid getting, or giving someone, a
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Safety roadshow off and running
VITAL road safety messages will be blazoned across a trailer driving home the message to thousands of residents. The eye-catching exhibition, using road safety mascot Spike the Hedgehog, will be a familiar sight over the coming weeks in every community
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Slogan used to rule out disorder
CRIMEfighters are going back to school in an unusual attempt to reduce anti-social behaviour. Redcar and Cleveland Community Safety Partnership has launched several schemes in recent months specifically designed to educate trouble-makers. Now the group
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After 40 years, it's goodbye
AFTER 40 years of working for the same company, technical director Chris Newton has finally decided to call it a day. He joined the Masham-based animals feedstuffs manufacturer, I'Anson Brothers, straight from school in 1964, initially working in the
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Heaven on a Harley
A Harley ride along Route 66 was the trip of a lifetime for Jez Colborne, he tells Steve Pratt PERFORMER Jez Colborne had to undertake unusual "rehearsals" before embarking on his latest stage show. The learning disabled artist had to go on a motorbike
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Index workers wait to hear if they have jobs
Around 200 workers at Index stores across the region are waiting to find out if they still had jobs. Littlewoods, which owns the catalogue store chain, yesterday announced it was shutting down 126 Index outlets, with the loss of 3,200 jobs. John Gorle
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North 'will be facing job losses'
THE North should brace itself for job losses in the coming years, according to a report due out next month. The document, by Experian Business Strategies, which specialises in regional forecasting, will predict a sharp widening of the traditional North-South
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Souness remains positive despite trophy hunt ending in failure again for
A DEFIANT Graeme Souness last night flashed a "we'll be back" message to the despondent travelling Geordie faithful. Newcastle failed yet again to end their trophy quest yesterday when a rampant Manchester thumped their United counterparts 4-1 at the
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Teesdale Talk: Wedding dress will turn heads
WOMEN often sigh in admiration when they see the white silk wedding dress worn by Nora Gibson for her marriage to Percival Charge at Gainford, in July 1914. The gown is beautiful, but it is the size which catches the attention. It has a 22-in waist, equal
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Were these girls sold for sex?
THEY arrived at Newcastle Airport on a flight from Paris on Easter Sunday. Clutching false Japanese passports, Mei Fang Weng, 15, Xiu Ming Lin and Yun Jen He, both 16, made their way to passport control, only to be stopped by immigration officials. The
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Wearside League: Stokesley edge thriller to reach final
Stokesley SC reached their third final of the season on Saturday following an eight-goal thriller with Coxhoe Athletic in the semi final of the Wearside League Cup. There was no hint though at the halfway stage of the goal avalanche which was to follow
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Prosecution threat as efforts made to stop drive-by litterbugs
PEOPLE are being warned they face prosecution for throwing litter from vehicles. Signs have gone up on approaches into Peterlee, in County Durham, alerting road-users that closed circuit television cameras are in operation, backed by patrolling environmental
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Cooper sings the praises of Boyd, Pool's half-fit hero
NEALE Cooper admits he wonders what Adam Boyd would have done on Friday night if he had been fully fit. Boyd's devastating hat-trick pushed Hartlepool United into fourth spot in League One as top six rivals Sheffield Wednesday were thumped at Victoria
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Twickenham stage fright affects Westoe
WESTOE paid the price for their first half stage fright at Twickenham on Saturday and lost the Powergen Intermediate Cup final 21-11 against Morley. The South Shields club were 18-3 down before they found their form and totally dominated the second half
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Quakers stutter and stumble as the finishing line comes into view
The finishing line is in sight but, after months of hard graft, Darlington are struggling to reach the end of what's been a frustrating season. Like the thousands of runners who put themselves through yesterday's London Marathon, Quakers have turned the
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Author's goal is to update club history
THE story of one of the country's most celebrated amateur football clubs is starting a new chapter with the re-release of a book reflecting its vibrant history. Fifty years to the day that Bishop Auckland stormed to victory in the FA Amateur Cup in front
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Birthday service
Darlington Town Mission celebrates its 167th year next Monday. The celebrations will be marked at 7.30pm with a service of thanksgiving at Bondgate Methodist Church. The preacher will be the Bishop of Jarrow, the Right Reverend John Pritchard, and Elm
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Staff racing to raise funds for charities
HUNDREDS of pounds has been raised for three charities as employees at a major housing company put their fitness to the test. Staff from Coast and Country Housing collected more than £800 for Zoe's Place, in Middlesbrough, Breast Cancer UK and Cancer
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Driver injured
A MOTORIST was taken to hospital with suspected back and neck injuries after his car collided with a bridge. The accident happened on the A689 at Bradbury, near Sedgefield, on Saturday, at 9am. Fire fighters from Sedgefield had to cut the man from the
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Everyone is a winner in a hospice anniversary contest
A HAIR salon is the winner of the Butterwick Hospice's easter window competition. Hair Studio in Galgate, Barnard Castle, was among 15 shops in the town which entered the competition. The event was organised by The Butterwick Hospice, based in Bishop
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Youth survival club sets its sights on Egypt adventure
A survival club has opened up the world for youngsters who are living in under-privileged areas of South-West Durham. Young members of The Pilgrim Club, in Shildon, are being inundated with invites from across the world to take part in exchange trips.
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Parents win battle for school scheme
PLANS to impose a 20mph speed limit near two Darlington primary schools are to go ahead as part of a £60,000 traffic calming scheme. The project will also include speed humps and mini-roundabouts being installed in Newton Lane, Cockerton. Residents, and
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Council says disabled transport service cannot meet demand
MANY disabled and elderly people in Darlington have "given up" on their local Ring-a-Ride service, according to a new report. The document, to be presented to Darlington Transport Forum this evening, says that the service is unable to meet demand. In
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Concerns over image of town
THE character of a North Yorkshire market town is being eroded by inappropriate building work, a report claims. The Helmsley Conservation Area Appraisal suggests tighter regulations should be introduced to maintain the look of the town. The report was
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Still flying high after 40 years
TWELVE members of the Buccaneer Aircrew Association retraced their steps this weekend at an emotional reunion. They visited the Yorkshire Air Museum and then, in the evening, RAF Linton-on-Ouse, where they gained their pilots' wings 40 years ago in a
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Charity quiz raises £1,500
LOCAL businesses have helped raise nearly £1,500 for charity at a quiz and supper. The event, in aid of Vision Aid Overseas, was held recently at Tennants Auctioneers, in Leyburn. About 100 people from local businesses enjoyed a supper and took part in
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Stars of daytime television sparkle at opening of north town's store
DAYTIME television stars celebrated the opening of a designer shop at the weekend. Countdown presenter Richard Whiteley, who lives near Leyburn, North Yorkshire, hosted a party on Saturday morning to mark the launch of Bradleys, in Harrogate, North Yorkshire
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Sightseers cheer as brewer tour proves a lure
BEER drinkers will bid a fond farewell to the home of the North-East's world-famous Newcastle Brown Ale on nostalgic brewery tours this week. Scottish and Newcastle (S&N) Breweries is opening the Tyne Brewery, at Gallowgate, Newcastle, to give the
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Dream is over for sad Magpies
LAST week, Sir Alex Ferguson took his Manchester United players on a team-bonding exercise that involved them assembling and manning a raft to avoid falling into a lake in North Wales. Yesterday, at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, those same players ensured
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Driver injured in bridge crash
A MOTORIST was taken to hospital with suspected back and neck injuries after his car collided with a bridge. The accident happened on the A689 at Bradbury, near Darlington, on Saturday morning. Firefighters from Sedgefield and Newton Aycliffe attended
