Archive
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Comment from The Northern Echo: A tough call to believe
LAW and order has been high on the agenda during the General Election campaign. The rival parties are determined to show that they will be tough on crime in the belief that it is a sure-fire vote-winner. And this week we have had two disturbing examples
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Circuit to seek women racing drivers
A NORTH-EAST race circuit has been chosen as a venue for the UK's only all-female racing championship. Teesside Autodrome will join the likes of Brands Hatch, Oulton Park and Donington Park in hosting assessments for the Formula Woman Championship. An
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Top Ten To Rent
UK DVD/VIDEO RENTAL: 1 (-) Exorcist: The Beginning 2 (-) Without A Paddle 3 (1) Taxi 4 (3) Manchurian Candidate 5 (2) Vera Drake 6 (-) Ella Enchanted 7 (5) The Forgotten 8 (6) Layer Cake 9 (-) I Heart Huckabees 10 (-) Birth Published: 21/04/2005
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Unions brand HSBC as stingiest
UNIONS yesterday branded HSBC the world's stingiest bank, as thousands of workers were balloted on strike action over pay. Staff will vote on whether to hold a one-day strike on May 27 - the day of the company's annual meeting. Amicus said the action
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Dancing date
Moving from the Royal Ballet School to the world of acting has landed Jeremy Sheffield a series of heart-throb roles on television. He talks to Steve Pratt about his future in movies and two more romantic TV projects. BALLET dancer turned actor Jeremy
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Child's first birthday overshadowed by cancer
A child's first birthday is supposed to be a happy occasion - filled with memories the family will cherish for a lifetime. Connor Bolton's family will certainly never forget the day he turned the tender age of one. But it's not because of the sight of
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Not our night - United boss
NEWCASTLE boss Graeme Souness believes his side did not deserve to lose at Carrow Road last night. United crashed to a last-gasp Dean Ashton winner moments after it looked as if Patrick Kluivert had stolen a share of the spoils. The defeat was the Magpies
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What now for the furture of Feethams?
THE trust that owns the derelict former Quakers ground could raise millions if its members decide today to sell it for housing. Feethams, home to Darlington Football Club for more than a century until the Quakers moved to a new stadium in 2003, is now
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CommuniGate Pick of the Month: Sing when they're winning
A THEATRE group that is staging its 30th production later this year has been singled out for an award from The Northern Echo for its website. Centre Stage, based in Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, won a camera for being this month's CommuniGate Pick of the
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Killer A171 claims two more lives
A KILLER road has claimed two more lives in separate smashes within just four days. Both of those killed were passengers in cars involved in collisions, on the A171 Guisborough to Whitby moors road; one on Saturday, the latest, on Tuesday night. Mother
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Sign of the times as lorry drivers targeted
ROAD signs have been erected in an effort to stop lorry drivers, especially those from abroad, being stranded in a village. There are hopes that the signs, with an illustration of a truck, will persuade them not to drive through Whorlton, near Barnard
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Museum wins gold award at 'Oscars'
BEAMISH Museum, near Stanley, has triumphed in Britain's tourism Oscars. The open air museum was jointly awarded gold in the large visitor attraction of the year category in the Enjoy England Excellence Awards in London. It shares the honour with Portsmouth
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Widow's fears over holiday death hotel
A HOLIDAYMAKER died while staying at a Turkish hotel where several other guests are believed to have been struck down by legionnaire's disease. Turkish authorities said Lloyd Nixon, 68, of Consett, had contracted pneumonia and suffered a heart attack.
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Diouf to face court over spitting - and Magpies pair could follow
A PREMIERSHIP footballer is to be prosecuted for allegedly spitting at a fan at a match in the North-East. The Northern Echo can reveal that Bolton's on-loan striker El Hadji Diouf will face court action over an incident at the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough
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Why Paula didn't queue for the loo
PAULA Radcliffe's marathon run on Sunday was pretty spectacular. But just as impressive was her speedy "toilet break" which, at 15 seconds, has got to be a world record. Most women will understand why Paula didn't waste time queuing up at the nearest
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Davies in the swing on his return to Riverside
CUT down immediately after thrashing all-comers in the race to 50 championship wickets last season, Durham's Mark Davies took up where he left off at Riverside yesterday. Wicketless in his first six overs, he suddenly produced a sensational spell of six
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Davies in the swing on his return to Riverside
CUT down immediately after thrashing all-comers in the race to 50 championship wickets last season, Durham's Mark Davies took up where he left off at Riverside yesterday. Wicketless in his first six overs, he suddenly produced a sensational spell of six
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Maddison times his return to perfection
Mark Proctor believes the return to fitness of skipper Neil Maddison could not come at a better time as Darlington aim to seal their place in the play-offs. Maddison has missed Quakers' last seven games with a niggling back injury. However, the former
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Support for the Quakers
FOOTBALL fans were given another reason to get behind Darlington FC yesterday as a new ticket outlet was opened up. The Dolphin Centre, in the Market Place, will be selling tickets for the Quakers' final two home league games of the season. Supporters
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Judge hits out in £6m fraud case collapse
A NORTH-EAST couple walked free from court last night after a judge threw out a £6m fraud case after a series of prosecution blunders. Susan and Michael Melton were charged with conspiracy to defraud Prudential insurance after an anonymous tip-off in
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Technology Services Group targets the South
A FAST-growing North-East company yesterday unveiled a £25m war chest as it prepares for a push into the South. Newcastle-based Technology Services Group (TSG) has secured the credit facility from Lloyds TSB, to fund further acquisitions. Nigel Hudson
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Seven-star hotel builder picks up Queen's award for national trade
A COMPANY tasked with project-managing the building of a billion-dollar, seven-star hotel in Dubai has won the Queen's Award for international trade. Three North-East companies have shown that the region is a strong exporter after winning Queen's Awards
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Dad found dead days after girl's killers jailed
A GRIEVING family has been dealt another tragic blow following the death of a young dad whose daughter was killed by boy racers. The body of 21-year-old Kevin Schwec was found in a hotel room in Bristol on Monday - the day that would have been his daughter
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£300,000 revamp for pub
A PUB chain is creating 16 jobs after investing £300,000 in a North-East venue. Punch Taverns has revamped the Rose, Shamrock and Thistle pub, in Streetgate, between Gateshead and Stanley, County Durham. The new landlord is Paul Harrison, who also runs
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News from the Guilds and WIs
Gilesgate Evening TG: THE chairman Jennie O'Hare welcomed everyone to the April meeting, especially new secretary Mabel Henderson and new treasurer Mrs. Judith Stephenson. The guild anthem was sung, apologies were taken and last month's minutes and financial
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Edith is toast of school chefs
A SCHOOL chef has been named as a top employee for her dedication to feeding youngsters. Catering company Scolarest has chosen Edith McElrue as its Employee of the Year in County Durham. Mrs McElrue works at Tanfield Lea Junior School, Tanfield Lea, Stanley
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Jolt for Blair as student hits out
TONY BLAIR was rounded on by a disillusioned Labour supporter yesterday as the parties clashed over council tax on the campaign trail. Jessica Haigh, 20, from Leeds, told the Prime Minister that her family were all staunch Labour supporters but had lost
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Killer A171 claims two more lives
A KILLER road has claimed two more lives in separate smashes within just four days. Both of those killed were passengers in cars involved in collisions, on the A171 Guisborough to Whitby moors road; one on Saturday, the latest, on Tuesday night. Mother
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Director named by arts venue
A NORTH-EAST arts venue last night announced the appointment of a new director. The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, in Gateshead, confirmed that American Peter Doroshenko will fill the £75,000 post. Mr Doroshenko was, until recently, director of Belgium's
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A musical promenade for charity
LOCAL charities will be singing the praises of entertainment organisation Music for Darlington when it brings the Proms to the town. Proceeds from the two concerts, Promenade for Youth on Friday, May 13, and A Last Night of the Proms on Saturday, May
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Man and wife cook up a challenge
A COOKERY course at a Darlington college has led to some heated competition among a husband and wife. Jackie and Chris Rayner now try to curry favour with their family by preparing culinary delights with their new-found skills, gained on an Indian cookery
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Dad found dead days after girl's killers jailed
A GRIEVING family has been dealt another tragic blow following the death of a young dad whose daughter was killed by boy racers. The body of 21-year-old Kevin Schwec was found in a hotel room in Bristol on Monday - the day that would have been his daughter
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Young artists were Guests of honour at a village school
ARTISTIC youngsters have delved into the realms of fantasy to come up with designs for a storybook. Bishopton Redmarshall Primary School, near Stockton, invited freelance journalist John Dean to help pupils with creative writing projects. He produced
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Cat dies after being shot and battered
A PET cat was shot and battered to death just yards from its home. Owner Kevin Stuart-Wyke, 43, of Dipton, near Stanley, County Durham, spent a week looking for Siamese cat Pippin, who disappeared at the beginning of the month. He was devastated when
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A gem of a relationship spans 65 years
IT was love at first sight for Ces and Margaret Crawford. Every night after work at a warehouse, Ces, 89, asked the pretty help desk assistant at Durham City bus station, then called Margaret Hall, 91, for the time of the last bus. Eventually, he plucked
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Police warning over alarm firm
RESIDENTS have been warned about a burglar alarm company approaching homeowners under the pretence of working with police. The firm has told residents Cleveland Police asked it to work in areas where there have been burglaries. A salesman then visits
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£9m works scheme rejig to make way for nesting birds
NESTING songbirds are to receive priority protection as a city's multi-million pound park and ride takes shape in coming months. Main construction starts soon on three sites around the outskirts of Durham as part of the plan to ease traffic congestion
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£1m GP surgery open for business
A SURGERY has opened to patients and staff after a £1m redevelopment that has taken two years. North House Surgery in Crook, is now open to the public after the second stage of construction was finished this week. Randall Orchard Construction, which took
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Cuts possible in railway
CUTS are being considered to a twice-hourly rail service to the MetroCentre, operated by the Northern Rail Franchise. Transport operator Nexus, which runs the Tyne and Wear Metro, has approached the franchise with a view to providing five trains an hour
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Vigilance is the key to beating the thieves
POLICE are warning householders to keep house and car keys safe following a number of burglaries where property and vehicles were stolen. In the latest two incidents in Middlesbrough, the thieves broke into the houses by removing or smashing a pane of
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Finishing touches to traditional May Fair
THE finishing touches are being put to plans for Northallerton's May Fair. The annual event runs from Thursday, April 28, to Monday, May 2. Car parking and bus and taxi collection points will be changed for the duration and parts of the High Street between
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Anger over plan to grub out hedgerows
A LEADING campaigner against a new village scheme has attacked plans to destroy a key feature of the local landscape. Adrian Wilson condemned plans to rip out ancient hedgerows to make way for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation's 540-home model Derwenthorpe
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Panthers receive their keys to home pitch to be proud of
YOUNG footballers have been handed the keys to the door of their new £350,000 pavilion and football pitches. Ripon City Panthers can now start training for next season at the Hell Wath Playing Fields. The keys were handed over earlier this week after
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Repairing ancient drains
HARROGATE'S famous 200-acre grassland stray is facing a big dig. The combination of broken drains and the town's clay soil has caused flooding. An initial examination by the town's parks department and highway engineers found that land drains laid in
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Councillors to back Jamie's healthy eating crusade
COUNCILLORS may banish junk food from the school dinner menu for thousands of pupils. Durham County Council's cabinet will today be recommended to adopt a range of measures to make meals more healthy. Among them is the dropping of processed shaped products
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Tributes following death of fundraiser
TRIBUTES have been paid to a fundraiser who collected thousands of pounds for fellow sufferers of an incurable degenerative disease. David Hainsworth died on Saturday aged 50 after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2000. The father-of-one,
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Sarah to play at cathedral
DURHAM'S Mayor was so impressed by a talented teenage musician that she booked her for a major charity event. Coun Mary Hawgood added 17-year-old percussionist Sarah Burn to the bill for the St George's Day Durham Cathedral concert, this Saturday. Sarah
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Murton seeking a hat-trick of titles
Durham Coast League: Murton are seeking a first championship hat-trick when they open the season on Saturday. "We were top during 2003 and 2004 and will be going all out for a three in a row. It won't be easy though and we expect to be pushed all the
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'North-East needs to stop its begging bowl mentality'
A LABOUR candidate launched a stinging attack last night on the regional development agency for its failure to push the North-East's cause. Kevan Jones, who is bidding to retain his Durham North seat, was speaking at a hustings meeting organised by the
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Social services earns top award
TWO Durham County Council social services teams are celebrating after retaining a Government award. The council's Learning Disabilities Supported Housing and the Physical Disability and Sensory Impairment Daycare services continue to hold the Government's
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John North: A life of filth and friendship
In a book that pays tribute to her brother, the late Willie Maddren, Claire McGregor recalls her idyllic, if chemical-choked childhood in Haverton Hill. WILLIE Maddren, five times capped by England Under 23s and former manager of Middlesbrough FC, died
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Protests lead to U-turn on farm plan
VILLAGERS have won their fight to halt plans for a pig farm to be turned into light industrial units. Residents in Dishforth, near Ripon, had objected to the plans at a public meeting and planners at Harrogate Borough Council were sent 55 individual protest
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Sign of the times as lorry drivers targeted
ROAD signs have been erected in an effort to stop lorry drivers, especially those from abroad, being stranded in a village. There are hopes that the signs, with an illustration of a truck, will persuade them not to drive through Whorlton, near Barnard
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Cocktail's a taste of the North
STAFF from a North-East bar will cause a stir when they demonstrate their cocktail shaking skills at an international event in Paris today. Staff from Popolo, Newcastle, were commissioned to prepare a NewcastleGateshead cocktail to help raise the profile
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Five championships in a row is Guisborough's aim
Darlington Building Society NYSD League: Guisborough's challenge is to achieve what no other side has managed during the 112 years the League has been in existence and make it five titles in a row. Only two clubs, Guisborough and Darlington, have won
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Rowers ready for challenge
OARS have been crossed to mark a challenge that will see the best students rowers in the North-East meeting head-to-head. The region's ninth Northumbrian Water University Boat Race takes place on the River Tyne, in Newcastle, on Sunday, May 8. It sees
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Wrestling challenge ended in death
A DRINKER was stabbed to death following a row over a pub arm-wrestling challenge. The victim, father-of-six Alan "Bally" Jones, was enjoying a regular Tuesday drink with some friends when he was challenged to wrestle, it is understood. Witnesses said
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Hannah is making a big splash as a coach
SWIMMING coach Hannah Creelman has proved she's going places in her chosen sport. The Thirsk White Horse swim team coach has been crowned Young Coach of the Year at the North Yorkshire Sports Conference. An avid swimmer, she became interested in teaching
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Show is back on the road to success after a 12-year gap
A country fair that became one of the biggest annual events in the North-East is being revived this year. When the weather was fine, the Teesdale Fair attracted more than 30,000 spectators from all over Britain to a showfield at Lartington near Barnard
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Stand-up comedy night to fund pupils in Peru
A STAND-UP comedy event tonight will help to send a group of adventure-seeking students on a Peruvian pilgrimage later this year. The Madfoundation comedy night features Jim Jeffries, as seen on TV's Never Mind the Buzzcocks, and fellow comic Paul Foot
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Police hunt man after knife attack
POLICE are hunting a man who threatened a schoolgirl with a knife while demanding cash. The attempted robbery happened at about 7.30am when the 15-year-old was walking to school along Durham Road, in Redcar East, yesterday. Her assailant came out of an
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United effort to support young people
A CONFERENCE to shape the future support available for young people in former pit villages has taken place. Representatives from 17 organisations attended the Coalfields Conference at the Bethany Christian Centre, in Houghton-le-Spring, designed to identify
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Brochure offers advice on second-hand cars
CONSUMER watchdogs are trying to track down rogue car dealers with the launch of a new brochure. A recent spate of complaints about second-hand cars has led Hartlepool Trading Standards to issue the guide book to people who ask for advice on buying a
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Is council's £4.5m HQ common sense or case of asset stripping?
OVERCROWDED offices, narrow corridors and endless flights of steep stairs are the lasting memory of a tour around a council's headquarters. However, the decision by Richmondshire District Council to move into new purpose-built offices has caused widespread
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A force to be reckoned with
It is two years since Cleveland Police appointed a new chief constable, with hopes that the dark days of Operation Lancet could be consigned to history. Neil Hunter talks to the man charged with turning around the fortunes of the force. SEAN Price yearns
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Kid's stuff as Lee reaches century
Graham Lee reached 100 winners for the first time when he booted Kid'z'play home in the Edward Massie Brown Classic Handicap Hurdle at Perth yesterday. He had been stuck on 99 since winning on Mephisto at Ayr on Friday but he made no mistake here as he
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Armstrong faces triple challenge
Government chief whip Hilary Armstrong faces a three-pronged challenge for her North-West Durham seat at next month's General Election. The long serving MP, whose constituency includes parts of the Wear Valley and Derwentside districts, is opposed by
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Melanie's icecap trek
A WOMAN has been inspired by her loved ones to tackle some of the most remote and diverse landscapes in the world in a bid to raise money for charity. Melanie Stewart, of Crook, has been training hard for the challenges she faces in July as she boosts
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Town in line for community fire station
BISHOP Auckland may be getting a new fire station. The town is in line for one of two community fire stations being built with private sector money under a regional plan to improve fire and rescue facilities. Details of the £41.6m regional strategy must
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Show is back on the road to success after a 12-year gap
A country fair that became one of the biggest annual events in the North-East is being revived this year. When the weather was fine, the Teesdale Fair attracted more than 30,000 spectators from all over Britain to a showfield at Lartington near Barnard
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Free school dinners for pupils
Thousands of pupils will be offered a free school dinner in a bid to promote healthier menus. Durham County Council's cabinet has approved recommendations aimed at providing more nutritious dinners and encouraging more youngsters to eat them rather than
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Patients 'get scans within weeks'
The majority of North-East patients get the diagnostic scans they need within weeks, despite a national survey that suggests longer waits. A study of hospitals by the Liberal Democrats found that thousands of patients faced long waits. One in five patients
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News from the Guilds and WIs
Castleside WI president Mrs Nelson welcomed members to the April meeting. After the secretary and treasurer's reports, money was collected and arrangements made for the county craft exhibition at Ripley Castle in May. We agreed to have a cake stall at
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On TV
D-Day To Berlin (BBC1) Desperate Housewives (C4) THE first in the BBC's new D-Day series, The Struggle To Break Out, was eager to let all sides be heard. And to take the audience beyond the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. Survivors from both the Allied
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Brochure offers advice on second-hand cars
CONSUMER watchdogs are trying to track down rogue car dealers with the launch of a new brochure. A recent spate of complaints about second-hand cars has led Hartlepool Trading Standards to issue the guide book to people who ask for advice on buying a
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Three cheers from League as brewery steps in as sponsor
Foster's Durham Senior League: Durham Senior League clubs have been rejuvenated by the news that Newcastle Federation Breweries will be the new sponsors for the coming season. The League will now be known as the Foster's Durham Senior League. A two-year
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Diouf to face court over 'spitting'
Bolton striker El-Hadji Diouf is to be summonsed to face magistrates over an alleged spitting incident involving fans at Middlesbrough. The Senegalese international, on loan from Liverpool, is accused of disorderly conduct following an incident at the
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Trinidad ace has tough job to live up to
Readers Durham County League: The magical talents of Deighton Butler might have gone, but Evenwood will attempt to make it four championship wins on the bounce. The West Indian has been the driving force behind the club's recent success but the champions
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Bisson's no chicken
Actor Chris Bisson is the first to admit that his career could be classed as meandering. The former Corrie star talks to Steve Pratt about making low-budget Chicken Tikka Masala between shooting Shameless for C4 and appearing in Kiss Me Kate on stage.
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Park project on schedule
THE man behind a multi-million pound park restoration project has praised the people of Darlington for being so patient. The £3.9m South Park project is still on target to be completed in mid- autumn. But as the weather gets warmer and more people head
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21/04/05
HARD TO CREDIT: I AM writing to you about Child Tax Credits. Back in October, my payments stopped for my two children who are four and six years old. They stopped because I did not know how to fill in my annual declaration form. I waited for 14 weeks
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A lawn unto himself
SOMETHING quite remarkable happened during the Easter holidays, something which filled me with surprise, excitement and hope. My teenage son cut the grass. Forgive me for getting carried away to the point of dizziness, but this was the first time he'd
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Candidates line up to fight North-East seats
YESTERDAY we carried a list of nominations for constituencies in County Durham, Wearside, the Tees Valley and North Yorkshire. Today we look at who is standing in Tyneside and Northumberland. BERWICK-UPON-TWEED: Mike Elliott (Con), Glen Reynolds (Lab)
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Rail fares higher than some European prices
Passengers on Britain's flagship rail route are paying around three times more for fares than those charged comparatively by Belgian and French railways, figures from transport union the RMT revealed. The East Coast route - run by GNER - also shows that
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Bringing home the horror of war
D-Day To Berlin (BBC1); Desperate Housewives (C4): THE first in the BBC's new D-Day series, The Struggle To Break Out, was eager to let all sides be heard. And to take the audience beyond the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. Survivors from both the Allied
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Judge hits out as case collapses
A NORTH-EAST couple walked free from court last night after a judge threw out a £6m fraud case after a series of prosecution blunders. Susan and Michael Melton were charged with conspiracy to defraud Prudential insurance after an anonymous tip-off in
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Dad At Large: A lawn unto himself
SOMETHING quite remarkable happened during the Easter holidays, something which filled me with surprise, excitement and hope. My teenage son cut the grass. Forgive me for getting carried away to the point of dizziness, but this was the first time he'd
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Rich pickings for Berry
ALAN BERRY notched a mouth-watering 675-1 double by winning the first two races at Catterick yesterday courtesy of Sweetly Sharp and Kinky, both at 25-1. Berry's juveniles are normally well forward at this time of year but the weather at his Cockerham
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Tykes forced to renegotiate ECB Test deal
Yorkshire's agreement with the England and Wales Cricket Board for staging Test matches at Headingley will have to be renegotiated now that the county club's hopes of buying the ground have been dashed. A 15-year agreement had been signed recently but
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Society marks 60 years
Darlington Operatic Society is celebrating is diamond jubilee year in style. Members are putting on a version of Johann Strauss's operetta Die Fledermaus at Darlington Civic Theatre, only the second time they have presented the show in the society's 60
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MoD can challenge inquest's verdict
THE Ministry of Defence can challenge an inquest verdict on the death of a young airman who was deliberately exposed to a deadly nerve agent half a century ago, a High Court judge has ruled. A coroner's jury returned a verdict of unlawful killing on the
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Panthers receive their keys to home pitch to be proud of
YOUNG footballers have been handed the keys to the door of their new £350,000 pavilion and football pitches. Ripon City Panthers can now start training for next season at the Hell Wath Playing Fields. The keys were handed over earlier this week after
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£500 fine for man who knocked down and killed girl
The son of a hospital consultant escaped with a fine of just £500 after knocking down and killing the 10-year-old daughter of a theatre nurse. Christopher Mitchell, 18, admitted careless driving and was also banned from the road for two years and ordered
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Tynedale remain the favourites
Foster's Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League: Following the decision of Blyth to join the Three Counties Northumberland League, the second division will operate with only 10 teams and will not start the season until May 7. The first division continues
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Electricity metre device to save money
A TEESSIDE firm has bought the rights to sell a unique device designed to reduce the amount of electricity wasted in the home. Electrisave is owned and run by Yarm-based businessman, John Lane, who has bought the exclusive rights to sell a metre that
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Brown thanks Rovers for his success
CHRIS Brown may be eyeing promotion with Sunderland but the young striker has recalled how last season's success on loan at Doncaster Rovers has made him a better player. By helping Rovers clinch the old Third Division title last year Brown proved his
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New schools for Redcar and Cleveland
Five new schools are to be built across Redcar and Cleveland following yesterday's announcement of a multi-million pound project. Engineering contractors Mowlem will start work this month on the £155million deal which will see new builds on Mersey Road
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Arriva still on course with expectations
TRANSPORT group Arriva said its upbeat start to 2005 had continued and it was trading in line with expectations. In the UK, the Sunderland-based company runs trains in Wales and buses in London and other cities and towns across the UK. It also runs trains
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Alert issued over forged £20 notes
SHOPS, pubs, clubs and other businesses have been warned to beware of the circulation of fake £20 bank notes around County Durham. Convincing counterfeit notes have turned up in cash tills, and an alert has been issued by police and retail partnership
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Surge in region's postal voters
ON the eve of a crisis meeting between police and electoral officials to discuss potential fraud, The Northern Echo has discovered a huge surge in applications for postal votes across the region. In some constituencies, such as Durham North, as many as
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Interest rates frozen due to low spending
UNCERTAINTY about a slowdown in household spending and consumer prices prompted the Bank of England to freeze interest rates again this month, a report showed. A majority of the Bank's nine-strong Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided there was insufficient
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Fancy mess
THERE'S nothing the residents of Soapland like better than an excuse, no matter how flimsy, for a good old knees-up - unless, of course, it's a punch-up or a cock-up. Regulars at the Queen Vic know how to throw a party (as well as a punch) and let their
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Young people told to 'take the test'
YOUNG people in County Durham and Darlington are being encouraged to think about the consequences of chlamydia in a new campaign launched this week. The campaign, launched by the Durham and Darlington Chlamydia Screening Programme, encourages young people
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Young people told to 'take the test'
YOUNG people in County Durham and Darlington are being encouraged to think about the consequences of chlamydia in a new campaign launched this week. The campaign, launched by the Durham and Darlington Chlamydia Screening Programme, encourages young people
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Thirteen to take on Blair
As the Advertiser went to press 13 Parliamentary constituency candidates had declared they would stand against Labour Party leader Tony Blair in his Sedgefield constituency in the General Election on Thursday, May 5. Nominations for the election are now
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Police plea after village crime spree
POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a crime spree during which the tyres of 20 cars were slashed in one night. The culprit used a sharp implement to gash or puncture one or two tyres on vehicles in Grey Street, High Hope Street, West Road and Arthur
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Police divers are reassigned
POLICE in England's biggest county are to scrap their underwater search team to save money and put more bobbies on the beat. The North Yorkshire force is contracting out the service to Northumbria Police, whose full-time unit already does the same for
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Spectacular walk for over-18s
DURHAM Wildlife Trust's new programme of walks and talks for the over-18s gets under way this Sunday with a guided tour around Hawthorn Dene Nature Reserve. The Dene consists of relatively unspoilt ancient broadleaved woodland and boasts a spectacular
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Volunteers sought for supporters
A SUPPORT group formed to help families with special needs children is appealing for help. Helping Special Friends, formally known as Crook and District Parent Carers Support Group, has expanded and now needs more volunteers to raise money and deal with
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PC swaps rural beat for Iraq
A POLICEMAN is swapping his rural beat for the heat and dust of post-war Iraq. PC Kevin Woodcock, from Bishop Auckland, flies out to Basra next month on a United Nations mission to improve conditions in the country. His team will spend a year acting as
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New tool to fight graffiti artists
STREET wardens are clearing a district's graffiti in a bid to reduce the fear of crime. Wear Valley street wardens are hoping that by ridding some of the area's parks and estates of graffiti they can help to make people feel safer. To help them with their
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Fine for driver who pinned woman to wall at car wash
A MOTORIST hit a female pedestrian, pinning her to a wall, after accelerating out of a car wash, a court heard. Terence Evans was at the wheel of a Hyundai Coupe that appeared to lose control as it emerged from the wash at a garage in Peterlee, County
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Parents petition against merger
PARENTS of children at a nursery school under threat of closure have launched a petition to secure its future. Proposals have been submitted to close Albert Hill Nursery School, in Prescott Street, Darlington, and merge it with nearby Gurney Pease Primary
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Squirrel stops play as football team celebrates triumph
AN extrovert squirrel just could not resist joining in the celebrations after a girls' football team was crowned national champions. As Durham Johnston School's under-12 five-a-side players were getting ready to pose for photographs with the English Schools
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School delighted as Bobby Robson presents football trophy
MEMBERS of a cup-winning school football team were presented with their trophy and medals by their village's most famous son. Sacriston-born Sir Bobby Robson, who went on to both play for and manage England, was the guest of honour at St Bede's RC Primary
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Wrestling challenge ended in death
A DRINKER was stabbed to death following a row over a pub arm-wrestling challenge. The victim, father-of-six Alan "Bally" Jones, was enjoying a regular Tuesday drink with some friends when he was challenged to wrestle, it is understood. Witnesses said
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Support session for osteoporosis
PEOPLE are being urged to go to a meeting to find out more about osteoporosis. Hambleton and Richmondshire Osteoporosis Support Group is holding the meeting on May 3, at 6pm, in Northallerton Library. Clinical aromatherapist Sarah Irwin will be the speaker
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Woman tells court dying husband has 'suffered enough'
A woman who watched her reclusive husband die after he took an overdose told a doctor she felt ''he had suffered enough'', a court heard today. Jill Anderson, 49, was ''very upset'' but remained calm in the aftermath of her husband's death, Leeds Crown
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Road to be resurfaced
RESURFACING work on the A174 starts week. Redcar and Cleveland Council's highways partner, Alfred McAlpine, will carry out the work on the westbound carriageway of the A174, between Kirkleatham roundabout and Wilton, in Redcar. Starting on Monday, the
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Keeping hold of two top awards
TWO Durham County Council social services teams are celebrating after retaining an award. The council's Learning Disabilities Supported Housing and the Physical Disability and Sensory Impairment Day Care services continue to hold the Government's Charter
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Business boss frustrated at theft of £1,000 in signs
A BUSINESS in Derwentside has had more than £1,000 worth of signs stolen since moving to Consett at Christmas. Derwent Tyres relies on its yellow and black advertising boards to direct customers to its premises, in Bradley Workshops, Leadgate. It sells
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Police team gets results
A NEW burglar-busting police team has been launched in Darlington. The operation team of five police officers will target known offenders in the town following a spate of crime, particularly thefts from houses, sheds and cars. They will be questioning
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Appeal for firms to sign up to website
DISABILITY campaigners in Darlington have made a fresh appeal for traders to take advantage of a new website. The Wheelygood site was unveiled last week by Darlington Association on Disability (Dad) and features an interactive guide showing disabled people
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Zenden fuels quit speculation
THE MIDDLESBROUGH future of Bolo Zenden has again been thrown into doubt after the Dutch midfielder admitted talks over a new deal will not begin until he is a free agent. The Holland international signed a one-year deal at the start of the current campaign
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Return to tradition
A 17TH CENTURY footbridge protected from redevelopment will shortly take a step back in time. Thanks to efforts by conservationists, Spruisty Bridge will have its crossing at Knox near Killinghall laid out in old stone setts, replacing the temporary tarmacadam
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Westwood leading Pool's play-off push
FOLLOWING the high of last Friday's performance against Sheffield Wednesday, Chris Westwood insists there will be no slacking off from Hartlepool United. Pool go to Doncaster on Saturday when, with only three games remaining, three points would go a long
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It's open house for burglars in search of unlocked doors
POLICE have issued a warning after a series of break-ins that were helped by poor home security. There have been nine walk-in burglaries on the outskirts of Middlesbrough since the end of March, by crooks finding unlocked homes. Cleveland Police say they
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Spearheading regeneration
A REGENERATION group has appointed a new manager to oversee its work in the region. John Ford will be responsible for the day-to-day running of North Hartlepool Partnership. The group is spearheading the multi-million pound regeneration of the town's
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Landmarks make good impression
A CLUB hosted a national conference. Tees Valley Inter-varsity Club (IVC) staged the IVC conference at the Parkmore Hotel, in Eaglescliffe. Delegates from as far away as Bristol, Surrey, Cardiff and Edinburgh attended. IVC clubs arrange social events.
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Detectors alert tenants to blaze
SMOKE detectors alerted tenants to a fire in a block of flats. Six people escaped from the building in Daleville Close, Saltersgill, Middlesbrough, unscathed, thanks to smoke alarms being triggered as fumes billowed from a burning television set. The
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Serial rapist could be free in four years
THIS is the face of a sex beast who was freed from jail - only to strike again. But Clifford Church, who was yesterday handed a life sentence for a sickening sex attack, will be able to apply for release after just four years. Church, 42, of Lincoln Road
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Doctor's deportation plea
A TOP consultant says he will be forced to leave Britain if the Home Office carries out its threat to deport his children. The departure of Dr Akif Gani, 36, could create serious gaps in the care for elderly patients at Newcastle General Hospital where
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Ashton piles on the agony for Souness
NEWCASTLE United's disastrous finale to the season reached a new low last night as Dean Ashton's injury-time goal gave relegation favourites Norwich City victory. The Canaries had taken the lead through Youssef Safri's superb 35-yard strike on 68 minutes
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Pupils to set outdoor example
PUPILS at Esh Winning Primary School are to pilot a new scheme to get youngsters out of the classroom. The Get Out More award is being introduced by Durham County Council to encourage schools to use the outdoors more in lessons and for leisure and recreation
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Developers offer glimpse of shopping and leisure dream
Property developers are now in talks with planning bosses at Wear Valley District Council in a bid to bring a retail and leisure park to industrial land on the edge of the town. The proposals by property company Terrace Hill North-East Ltd, from Stockton
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Big change as King of South North departs
Foster's ECB North-East Premier League: Who can stop South Northumberland? That's the question on everyone's lips, ahead of the new season. Last year they became the first side during the league's five-year history to win back to back titles, although
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Girls get in on act as 999 crews give demonstrations
Fifty children at a Bishop Auckland primary school enjoyed a visit from a fire engine and its crew. The reception classes at St Andrew's, in Henknowle, sat in the engine and tried equipment helped by members of Bishop Auckland Fire Station's Blue Watch
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Rail worker battled to save York woman, court hears
A rail worker told how he battled to save a York woman as she was dragged into an moving walkway, a court heard today. Vincenzo Pratico tried to pull sociology lecturer Sally Baldwin from the mechanism after she fell through a hole into the mechanism.
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Police warning over alarm firm
RESIDENTS have been warned about a burglar alarm company approaching homeowners under the pretence of working with police. The firm has told residents Cleveland Police asked it to work in areas where there have been burglaries. A salesman then visits
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Water cooler maker Ebac expands into new markets
WATER cooler maker Ebac has taken on 60 staff over the past year and is still recruiting as it plans to tap into new markets across the world. The Bishop Auckland-based company, which now employs 350 staff in a job-starved part of County Durham, has plans
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Humour helps pupils' Peruvian trip
A STAND-UP comedy event this Thursday will help to send a group of students on a trip to Peru. The Madfoundation comedy night features Jim Jeffries, as seen on TV's Never Mind the Buzzcocks, and fellow comic Paul Foot. Live hip-hop DJs and artists from
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Man stabbed in the neck during street argument
A MAN has been charged with wounding following a stabbing that left a man needing ten stitches in his neck. Shaun Green, 42, from Hawthorn Walk, Hartlepool, was arrested yesterday after police said a street row escalated into violence. The attack happened
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Princess to rule supreme
MONEY-SPINNING four-year-old Boppys Princess (2.50) has found yet another winning opportunity at Beverley this afternoon. Trainer Richard Fahey placed his filly to collect four times during 2004, including at this afternoon's venue over a mile-and-a-half-a-furlong
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Fifi has tot the lot
The race to become No.1 choice for pre-schoolers is about to hot up with the arrival of Fifi And The FLowertots, from the man who invented Bob The Builder. Viv Hardwick talks to Keith Chapman about Fifi and why it means so much to create those lucrative
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First view of plan for town leisure complex
AMBITIOUS plans for a multi-million pound leisure and retail park have been revealed. Property developers are in talks with council bosses over plans to bring an eight-screen cinema, restaurants, shops and bingo hall with 1,000 parking spaces to Bishop
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Supporters fight to save pub
CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save one of Darlington's best-known pubs from demolition said that they had received overwhelming support for their cause. The White Horse Pub and Hotel, in North Road, is facing closure after developers revealed plans to build
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Five championships in a row is Guisborough's aim
Darlington Building Society NYSD League: Guisborough's challenge is to achieve what no other side has managed during the 112 years the League has been in existence and make it five titles in a row. Only two clubs, Guisborough and Darlington, have won
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University aims to improve relations with Chinese counterpart
One of the region's universities has signed an agreement with a counterpart in China to improve relations between the two. Staff from Sunderland University and Wuhan University have come to an arrangement to exchange students and carry out joint research
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Estate's regeneration hailed
COMMUNITY leaders hailed the transformation of a once run-down Darlington estate, as they marked the end of a golden era. The Firthmoor Community Partnership Board held its final meeting before being formally broken up to make way for a new organisation
