Archive
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'Why all the fuss?' says birthday girl Alberta
FRIENDS and family did not let modest Alberta Jackson shy away from attention when she celebrated her 100th birthday this week. South Church Nursing Home, in Bishop Auckland, where Mrs Jackson has lived for about 18 months, was packed for a party. She
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Dales food festival draws record crowd of 21,000
A RECORD number of people attended a North Yorkshire show over the Bank Holiday weekend. About 21,000 people visited the three-day Dales Festival of Food and Drink at Leyburn. The crowd was almost 1,000 more than last year's. Gerald Hodgson, a member
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Natural wonders on show
ACTIVITIES are being organised to celebrate the natural wonders of an estuary's mud-flats and marshes. English Nature, Hartlepool countryside wardens and the staff of Teesmouth Field Centre have joined together to run events this weekend, inviting the
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Council leader bids farewell
TRIBUTES were paid to a long-serving council leader who stepped down yesterday after ten years. Wear Valley District councillor Olive Brown is succeeded by her deputy Neil Stonehouse, who won a vote of Labour members last week. Mrs Brown, a councillor
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Cabbie's application is refused
A TAXI driver has had her appeal to extend her licence refused by Darlington Borough Council. Elaine Finlayson, 51, of Scargill, Darlington, wanted to extend her taxi licence until next Tuesday when she is due to re-sit her taxi drivers test. The council
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11th-hour deal heads off strike
INDUSTRIAL action by more than 200 disabled North-East workers has been averted after factory bosses and unions agreed a deal. The GMB and TGWU unions called for workers at Remploy centres to take action after fears were voiced that the organisation was
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Memories of a war shared forever
PEOPLE with memories of the Second World War are invited to Darlington's Crown Street Library on Friday, May 27, to help to record their experiences for future generations. The library will host an open day to mark the 60th anniversary of VE day. On the
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Dog dirt campaign launched
CHILDREN in Hartlepool are giving dog owners lessons in cleaning up after their pets. Pupils at Fens School, Hartlepool, have designed more than 120 posters carrying a variety of messages urging people to clean up after their dogs. The posters are being
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Three face court after pub fight
THREE men are facing trial after a fight involving a group of 15 people in a Knaresborough public house. Leon Michael Moynihan, 21, of York, and Darren James McElvaney, 22, of Rosedene Farm House, Old Lackenby, Eston, Teesside, both appeared before magistrates
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Too close to call as battle for city seat reaches its climax
ALL sides in the fight for the region's most keenly-contested seat admit that the result of today's election is now simply too close to call. With campaigning in Durham City continuing right up to the moment polling stations close at 10pm, the gap between
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Trial for teenager on second breach of Asbo
A TEENAGER accused of a second breach of an anti-social behaviour order in less than a year was committed for trail yesterday. When Richard Hart, 19, appeared before Harrogate magistrates, he pleaded not guilty to using foul and abusive language and being
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Dad At Large: Courting disaster
MY poor, poor wife. All she was doing was obeying her tennis coach's instructions: "You have to follow through with your forehand," he said, demonstrating how the shot should be played. So when the ball came to her in our mixed doubles' match, she followed
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Downing takes time over new Boro deal
STEWART DOWNING has admitted extending his stay at Middlesbrough will be easy if he feels his career continues to benefit from being on Teesside. The 20-year-old winger has enjoyed a scintillating first full season as a regular at the Riverside Stadium
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Students dusting off the layers of history
FINAL-YEAR archaeology students are going potty about pottery at a new exhibition which opened last weekend. From Clay To Collection - The Life And Times Of A Roman Pot opened at the Old Fulling Mill Museum of Archaeology in Durham City. The exhibition
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Son killed father by hurling knife
A son killed his father by hurling a divers' knife from seven-feet away - then went to the pub for a drink. Shipyard worker Joseph Freeman, 56, died in a pool of blood after the seven-inch blade thrown by Joseph Freeman jnr plunged into his neck. After
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Girls gain black belts in rapid time
THREE Bishop Auckland girls made a rapid rise to the top of the martial arts world. Hannah Robinson, aged 11, Sophie Coulthard, 13, and her 15-year-old sister Holly, have joined the elite band of people holding Taekwondo black belts after just three years
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Awards back cleaner air
THE first Smoke Free Derwentside Awards ceremony is being held at Consett Civic Centre next week. People who have successfully quit smoking and smoke-free public places will be presented with awards on May 11. Offices, venues, businesses and schools with
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Ales of the unexpected: Crime-writers will give talks to drinkers
DRINKERS could be soon propping up the bar with a good book at pubs taking part in a celebration of crime thriller writing. Free book groups called Tales From The Darkside are being held over the next two months at North Yorkshire pubs as part of this
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A drop of the black for the Blue
A second screen has opened at a Durham cinema. The Blue Room has been created in a vacant space alongside the main cinema complex at Durham's Gala Theatre. Theatre director Simon Stallworthy said the 72-seat auditorium will allow the Gala to show a wider
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Tougher times in store for Henman
British number one Tim Henman expects a tough time in the next round of the Italian Masters in Rome when he faces Slovakian Dominik Hrbaty. Henman set up a meeting with Hrbaty after a straight-sets win over Chilean Nicolas Massu. Henman won by a comfortable
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Heaven can wait for Orlando
Steve Pratt talks to the UK's highest earning star in Hollywood, Orlando Bloom, about gaining his chance to make a Ridley Scott bockbuster as leading man. He still feels he has a lot to do as an actor. TOWARDS the end of the interview, Orlando Bloom starts
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The caped crusader
Jeremy Irons remembers his first role with North-East director Ridley Scott was a port commercial, while co-star Eva Green noticed that Scott always has things under control. Both talk to Steve Pratt about creating the Moors versus Christians movie. E
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Award for young swimming coach
YOUNG coach Hannah Creelman has just won another swimming accolade. 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 at the age
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Thoroughly Modern Millie, Newcastle Theatre Royal
BOLD, abrasive and thoroughly entertaining, the 21st century Millie cuts to the chase of marrying her boss with precious little charm or sentimentality. Stick-thin Donna Steele is more Carol Channing than Julie Andrews from the famous 1967 film but she's
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School rewarded for results of hard work
A SCHOOL is celebrating after being named one of the most improved in the country. Stanley College of Technology was named as one of the top 100 improved schools by the Department of Education and Skills for last year's Key Stage 4 results. It means children
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Comment from The Northern Echo: Grit your teeth, hold your nose, but do vote
AS voters go into the privacy of the polling booths today, there will be much holding of noses. Because whichever party you vote for has a slightly unpleasant whiff surrounding it. This is an election shrouded in the fog of war. And - forgive another
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Students run mock election
STUDENTS at a Darlington college have held a mock election to run parallel with the national campaign. The candidates, from Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, in Vane Terrace, produced manifestos explaining their party policies, campaigned vigorously
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Farmers voice fears about henges plan
ANGRY farmers say proposed restrictions on ploughing around an ancient monument could threaten their businesses. Consultants are putting together a conservation study for the future management of Thornborough Henges, near Bedale. One of the proposals
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Allon rocked by untimely exit
A SHOCKED Joe Allon has slammed the timing of manager Neale Cooper's departure from the club. Hartlepool need only one point to guarantee a play-off semi-final place at Bournemouth on Saturday but preparations for the game have been hit by the club's
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On TV last night
Dr Tatiana's Sex Advice To All Creation (C4) IF you stumbled across this late night series these past three nights after a trip to the pub, you probably thought you were very drunk indeed. You'd have been confronted by a posh woman in a low-cut white
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Musicians gathering from all over world
SOME of the world's leading musicians have been booked to take part in an annual showcase. Ryedale Festival, in North Yorkshire, is recognised as one of the leading cultural events of its kind in the country. Director Malcolm Layfield, who is stepping
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Biodiesel firm is ripe for takeover
A RENEWABLE fuels company could be ripe for takeover after a turbulent four days on the stock market wiped more than a third off its share price. Biofuels Corporation's stock plummeted after it revealed delays in its project to build one of Europe's largest
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Village plans fun weekend
THE village of Heighington is holding a weekend of fun and celebrations to raise funds for a recreation playground for local children. The fun starts on Thursday, May 12, and continues until Saturday, May 14, with a traditional village fun fair featuring
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Evening tour of gardens
AN evening tour of Durham's famed Botanic Gardens takes place next month. The tour, led by guide Michael Hughes, takes place at 6.30pm on Wednesday, June 8, and will raise money for the city's St Cuthbert's Hospice. Visitors will be able to see the Prince
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Curate moving to pastures new
A CURATE who looked after Northallerton when it was without a vicar for 20 months is leaving for pastures new. The Rev Liz Kitching has been in the parish of Northallerton with Romanby and Kirby Sigston for four years. She was put in charge when Canon
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Lizzie the lamb goes to school
SCHOOLCHILDREN were delighted when they had a farmyard visitor this week. Elizabeth the lamb was brought to Roseberry Primary School in Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, by nine-year-old Shona Holmes for a show-and-tell session. The new-born lamb belongs
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Residents sign agreement to tackle yobbish behaviour
RESIDENTS fed up with anti-social behaviour and littering have signed an agreement to tackle yobbish behaviour. Householders in Walter Street and on part of Cranbourne Terrace in Stockton have vowed to improve community harmony. Terms for the community
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Awards to volunteers
STUDENTS have been recognised for their efforts in an award designed to highlight the work of volunteers. Three Northallerton College 17-year-olds were nominated to go through to the finals of the Yorkshire and Humberside Millennium Volunteer of the Year
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Second World War veterans tour RAF base
WAR veterans have received a guided tour around one of the region's RAF bases. The veterans visited RAF Linton-on-Ouse, near York, as part of celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of VE day. The visit to the former Halifax and Lancaster bomber base
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Clean up our towns, councillor urges
A COUNCILLOR is campaigning for a big clean-up in the twin horse-racing towns of Malton and Norton. Councillor David Lloyd-Williams has written to Ryedale District Council (RDC) chief executive Harold Mosley after receiving complaints from the public,
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Mining plan prompts fears over wildlife
A WILDLIFE charity has lodged an objection against a coal company's plans to opencast a former colliery site. The Durham Wildlife Trust is opposed to UK Coal's application for planning permission to work Stony Heap, Leadgate, near Consett. It is seeking
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One-stop inquiry centre to improve service for residents
A NEWLY-COMPLETED one-stop council inquiries office will lead to much better service for residents, say council chiefs. The Richmondshire District Council community office will open on Monday in a converted church in Zetland Square, Dundas Street, Richmond
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05/05/05
PENNY FOR THEM: BP Swaddle makes some interesting points in his letter on economic stability (HAS, Apr 26). Prices of property and many other things are soaring out of all proportion. Since going decimal our money has lost all connection with its old
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News in brief
POLLING STATION: Voters are being reminded that the new Kirkleatham Local Learning Centre is being used as a polling station today. The venue is situated on the site of Green Gates Primary School, Kielder Close, Redcar, east Cleveland. COFFEE MORNING:
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Exit poll suggesets Labour victory
Tony Blair is on course for historic third term with a Labour majority of 66, according to joint BBC/ITV News exit poll. The poll predicts Labour's majority will be reduced from 160 to 66. More to follow.
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Town to take on grass-cutting
HELMSLEY councillors are so keen to see improvement in cutting the market town's verges and open spaces that they want to take over the job. The town council has agreed that the responsibility is likely to involve it subsidising the work, says town clerk
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Gazebo to mark club's 50 years
A CLUB has celebrated its 50th anniversary with the gift of a community gazebo. Richmond Rotary Club has donated the structure for the town's Friary Gardens. "We wanted to contribute something solid and substantial to mark our presence in the town," said
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Asylum seeker deported amid fears for life
AN asylum seeker has been forcibly deported back to Afghanistan despite fears that he may return to a death sentence. Ali Jafari has served a jail sentence in Afghanistan after giving information to the ousted fundamentalist Taliban regime, under duress
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Age proving no barrier as 62-year-old Doug takes up bodybuilding
A NORTH-EAST man has taken part in his first bodybuilding competition - at the age of 62. Doug Aistrup, of Darlington, took part in the National Amateur Bodybuilders' Association event in Hartlepool on Sunday, competing against the region's best strongmen
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Surreal world of animal sex
Dr Tatiana's Sex Advice To All Creation (C4): IF you stumbled across this late night series these past three nights after a trip to the pub, you probably thought you were very drunk indeed. You'd have been confronted by a posh woman in a low-cut white
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Fortnight of fitness for school pupils
TWO weeks of activities are planned for youngsters in Teesdale to encourage them to have a healthier lifestyle. Sport, health and leisure services are teaming up to give primary school pupils a chance to take part in the Teesdale Active and Healthy fortnight
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Scientist helps team to chemistry prize
A YOUNG scientist from Sedgefield had the right chemistry to win an award in a recent competition. Jane Larcombe, 13, from Sedgefield, was part of a team of four girls from Teesside High School in Eaglescliffe, which competed in the Salters Festival of
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Road charge 'is not needed'
PLANS to charge drivers to use one of the region's busiest roads may be unnecessary if a relief road is built, it was revealed last night. Durham County Council - which opened the country's first toll road in 2003 - is seeking Government cash for a £14m-plus
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Party leaders await their fate
The three main party leaders were this afternoon anxiously awaiting to learn their fate as voters went to the polls to decide whether Tony Blair wins a historic third term in No 10. A final Mori poll for the Evening Standard in London put Labour on 38%
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McDonald's - it's not just you to blame
JAMIE Oliver would have been proud of us. We let the children stay up late last week to watch Super Size Me, the entertaining film about a reporter who ate nothing but McDonald's meals for a month, in the belief it would put them off fast food for life
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Scott is ready to replace Scot
WHEN it comes to managers, Hartlepool United don't do it by the book - expect the unexpected is the norm from owners Increased Oil Recovery and chairman Ken Hodcroft. The timing of Neale Cooper's departure came as a shock but surely the next appointment
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NE trials prove natural remedies are the best
WORK to improve the behaviour of disruptive schoolchildren has been hailed a success following major international medical trials carried out in the North-East. Experts believe the research could persuade thousands of parents to ditch stimulant medication
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Men off menu
Britt Ekland returns to the stage at Darlington with a dangerous farce linked to sex and lies. She talks to Viv Hardwick about the sex and lies in her own life and why she hated the recent film about ex-husband Peter Sellers. MOST middle-aged males will
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Man who killed grandfather who wasn't a paedophile given life
A murderer who dressed in a "killing suit" before battering a grandfather to death in the mistaken belief he was a paedophile has been jailed for life. Brian Kearney, 21, donned a dark, hooded jacket and a joiner's belt filled with deadly weapons before
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Mayor welcomes council offices
COMMUNITY leaders have backed a council's controversial plans to build a new £4.5m headquarters in their town. The Mayor of Colburn said he would 'welcome with open arms' Richmondshire District Council's new offices. The move away from Richmond also has
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Collie-cross Fizzy breaks record after nearly being put down
SAVED by her owner from a death sentence, a remarkable pet has raced her way into the list of the world's record-breakers. Three-year-old border collie-cross Fizzy lived up to her name by dashing through 50 pairs of legs in 2.1 seconds to earn an entry
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Pupils honoured for giving time to help others
PUPILS have been recognised for giving up their spare time to help others. Three groups of friends at Tudhoe Grange School, in Spennymoor, won Nationwide Awards for Voluntary Endeavour thanks to their achievements outside the classroom. Fab, its Fighting
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Turner set for return as Cooper leaves Pool
FORMER Hartlepool United boss Chris Turner has quickly emerged as the front-runner for a shock return at Victoria Park as Neale Cooper's successor. Cooper's near two-year reign as Pool chief came to an abrupt and surprising end yesterday when the club
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Call-up is a dream for Webster
WHEN Adrian Webster links up with the New Zealand squad in London next month, the Darlington midfielder will be capping a fairytale comeback in the game. It was 12 months ago that the 24-year-old flew to England from Australia for surgery on a career-threatening
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E3 - the only game in town
COMPANIES hoping to break into the multi-billion dollar US video games market will be showcasing their wares at a major industry event later this month. Four North-East software producers are taking part in video games conference E3, held in Los Angeles
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Inquest told of scalding horror
A DISABLED man suffered burns when he was lowered into scalding water after a carer failed to check the temperature, an inquest heard yesterday. Trevor Morris could not move and could barely speak. He had no way of telling his carer that he was in agony
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John North: Fulfilment of a steam dream
After 18 years of languishing in a shed, the class Q6, number 63395, locomotive is about to regain its rightful place on the rails. THEY called her the Consett Engine and, if they were raggy trousered train spotters, other things much ruder. Class Q6,
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Tour operators on the preacher's trail
TOUR operators are visiting the Wear Valley on a history trail that dates back to the 19th Century. As part of a Busman's Holiday, organised by the Wear Valley Group Travel Showcase, the 40-plus operators are hoping to boost tourism. They will be following
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Scientist helps team to chemistry prize
A YOUNG scientist from Sedgefield had the right chemistry to win an award in a recent competition. Jane Larcombe, 13, from Sedgefield, was part of a team of four girls from Teesside High School in Eaglescliffe, which competed in the Salters Festival of
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Birthday celebrations
STAFF celebrated the first anniversary of a rural heritage centre yesterday. They drank a toast, in cups of tea, to the successful 12 months enjoyed by the Meet the Middletons centre at Middleton-in-Teesdale. Numbers to the centre, which highlights the
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Trophy cabinet set to burst after latest wins
A SCHOOL is celebrating one of its most successful years in the sporting arena after landing an impressive haul of silverware. The trophy cabinet at Tudhoe Grange School, near Spennymoor, is almost bursting thanks to sportswomen who netted football and
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Shearer asked to be left out - Souness
GRAEME Souness last night revealed that a weary Alan Shearer had asked to be left out of his side's surprise 3-1 success at Fulham. The Newcastle skipper was left in the North-East as his team-mates produced one of their most accomplished displays of
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Adoption group aims to fill the gap
A FOUNDATION has been launched to bring birth parents closer to the children they gave away in a bid to piece together the past life of an adopted child. Connected for Life, part of the DFW Adoption scheme was launched yesterday at Auckland Castle, to
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Proposal to extend village graveyard
A PROPOSAL has been made to take over a farm field to extend the cemetery at Gainford, near Barnard Castle. Teesdale District Council, which is responsible for the burial ground, is applying to its own planning committee for consent to extend it. Chris
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Students win essay contest
HISTORY students have seen their efforts rewarded after they put pen to paper for a college contest. Fifteen students entered The James Barningham history essay competition held at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, in Darlington. They wrote on a range
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Bike will help Yvonne beat rush-hour traffic
A woman has won a mountain bike after completing a travel survey. Yvonne Hoare, of Haughton, Darlington, was among 400 people to take part in a survey as part of the borough council's Town on the Move initiative. The study was carried out to build up
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Children warned of railway dangers
SCHOOLCHILDREN on a Darlington estate are to be given a fresh warning of the perils of playing on railway lines, in the wake of a recent tragedy. Teenagers Stuart Adams and Lee Mullis died on a stretch of the East Coast Main Line in Darlington on Good
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Owner found pet cat mauled to death by dogs
A CAT lover has spoken of her horror at finding her beloved pet dead after it had been mauled by dogs. Margaret Turner, 54, spent Bank Holiday Monday playing with her tabby cat, Willow, in the garden of her Lanchester home, which backs on to a bridleway
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Estate told streets are safer
COMMUNITY leaders have urged residents on an estate to take heed of the progress made to reduce crime. Criminal activity in the Firthmoor area has declined over the past five years, following significant investment in the estate and the formation of new
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Teenager swapped seat after car chase
A LATE-night police pursuit ended with a shunt involving one of the patrol cars. Three police vehicles took part in the four-mile chase, at speeds of between 30 and 80mph, of a car containing five youths in east Durham last November 16. It ended when
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Macmillan nurses invite public to information day
THE work of Macmillan Cancer Relief is the focus of a public information day being held later this month. Yesterday, a team from the charity got together at the Rutson Hospital, in Northallerton, to publicise the event. It will take place at the Scotch
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Students dusting off the layers of history
FINAL-YEAR archaeology students are going potty about pottery at a new exhibition which opened last weekend. From Clay To Collection - The Life And Times Of A Roman Pot opened at the Old Fulling Mill Museum of Archaeology in Durham City. The exhibition
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Celebration of the work of town's poet
A BOOK celebrating the life and work of Darlington-born poet Ralph Hodgson, will be launched at Darlington's Crown Street Library. A collection of his poetry has been reissued and copies will be available to buy at the event. The editor of the new work
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VE remembered
A Europe Day celebration featuring children from 32 schools will be staged at County Hall, Durham, tomorrow. It will involve up to 300 youngsters in costumes of European nations, taking part in a range of activities on morning and afternoon sessions,
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Dancer is a step ahead of his Chester rivals
CHESTER'S unique layout poses no problems for Kevin Ryan's Coleorton Dancer (2.00), one of the leading contenders for the Stanleybet Stakes. Predicting the outcome of a tight-knit race around the devilishly difficult course is never easy, however Coleorton
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Plans for schools to be revealed
MORE details of two new secondary and five primary schools in Gateshead are to be revealed at public meetings. Illustrations and plans for the schemes went up this week in the schools they are due to replace. It is part of a £62m Private Finance Initiative
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Look smart, town urged
MORE money has been made available to breathe new life into older buildings in part of Darlington town centre's conservation area. Over the past three years, the borough council has worked with English Heritage and regional development agency OneNorthEast
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Theatre worker wins legal battle after gay taunts made
A GAY theatre worker who suffered months of bullying, taunts and discrimination at the hands of his boss has won his legal battle for compensation. Bookings manager Fausto Gismondi was nicknamed "gay boy" by his manager, Ed Tutty, when they both worked
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Free events to mark VE Day anniversary
A VE Day commemoration will be staged 60 years after the end of the Second World War in Europe, in the grounds of a regimental museum at the weekend. Durham Light Infantry Association has organised Sunday's free VE Day picnic, which will feature military
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Three men facing trial for affray after fracas at pub
THREE men are facing trial on an affray charge after a fight involving a group of 15 people in a Knaresborough public house. Leon Michael Moynihan, 21, of Rowntree Avenue, Clifton, York, and Darren James McElvaney, 22, of Rosedene Farm House, Old Lackenby
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Gap is closing - but polls point to Labour
THE three party leaders last night fired their final election salvos as the latest polls showed the gap between Labour and the Conservatives narrowing. As a hectic day of criss-crossing the country drew to a close, they made final TV appeals to those
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Faithful fundraiser Hilda
A DEDICATED fundraiser has raised an incredible £10,000 for her chosen charity. Hilda Phillips, of Dene Bank Grange, Ferryhill, started collecting money for the Butterwick Hospice in Bishop Auckland, before it opened. She has remained a staunch supporter
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Wristband campaign in memory of Daniel
A TEN-YEAR-OLD boy devastated by the suicide of his teenage brother has been joined by his young cousin in a drive to launch a wristband to help promote the Samaritans. The children, who came up with the idea following the death of 19-year-old Daniel
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Man to face charges over Omagh bomb
A MAN is to be charged with murdering the 29 people who died in the Omagh bomb atrocity. The office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, in Belfast, has given police the go-ahead after an investigation that involved a review of all the forensic evidence
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Voters hit by election ballot papers gaffe
HUNDREDS of voters across the North-East have been sent invalid ballot papers due to a series of electoral gaffes. Election officials were last night in a race against time to reach several dozen voters still to be contacted since the problems were spotted
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Blair's final push for a third term
THE three party leaders last night fired their final salvos in what, to many, has proved an uninspiring General Election campaign. As a hectic day of criss-crossing the country drew to a close, each made final TV appeals to those undecided or wavering
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Courting disaster
MY poor, poor wife. All she was doing was obeying her tennis coach's instructions: "You have to follow through with your forehand," he said, demonstrating how the shot should be played. So when the ball came to her in our mixed doubles' match, she followed
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Top Ten To Rent
UK DVD/VIDEO RENTAL: 1 (-) Blade Trinity 2 (-) National Treasure 3 (2) Without A Paddle 4 (1) Exorcist The Beginning 5 (4) Manchurian Candidate 6 (-) House Of Flying Daggers 7 (10) Birth 8 (-) Phantom Of The Opera 9 (-) Spivs 10 (5) Vera Drake Chart supplied
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Turner set for return as Cooper leaves Pool
FORMER Hartlepool United boss Chris Turner has quickly emerged as the front-runner for a shock return at Victoria Park as Neale Cooper's successor. Cooper's near two-year reign as Pool chief came to an abrupt and surprising end yesterday when the club
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Sports pavilion needs players
THE family of a young sportsman who died ten years ago are appealing for people to make use of a sports pavilion built in his memory. Jamie Hill collapsed near his home in Osmotherley in 1995, just days after his 23rd birthday. Doctors at the Friarage
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Stadium go-ahead 'saved club'
THE leader of a council which was condemned for making a string of errors over Darlington Football Club's £20m stadium has insisted that the authority had kept the Quakers in business. A Local Government Ombudsman's report had suggested that Darlington
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Tribute paid to popular biker
THE family of a North-East motorcyclist killed at the weekend have paid tribute to the kind-hearted man. Jimmy Sowerby, from Busty Terrace, Shildon, County Durham, died instantly in a collision with a car at Winscales, near Workington, West Cumbria, on
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Firefighters say attacks may be linked
AN inquiry is being launched to investigate whether a series of arson attacks are linked. Firefighters say whoever is responsible must be caught before someone is killed. More than 14 fires have been started in the Haverton Hill and Port Clarence areas
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Man hit and tied up by intruders in home
A BUSINESSMAN was recovering at home yesterday after he was tied up and beaten by robbers armed with a revolver and baseball bats. The 45-year-old man, who does not want to be named, said it was a frightening experience, but that you "just have to get
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Family welcomes driver's jail term after pair injured
A DRIVER who was showing off when he crashed his car and badly injured two sisters was yesterday jailed for a year. David Andrew Mitchell was told by Judge George Moorhouse: "My over-riding duty is towards the public, and warnings must go out to others
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Man fails in appeal bid over cruelty charge
AN appeal court panel has ruled that a dog owner was rightly convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to his pet. Stephen Cooper, 37, yesterday failed in an attempt to have an earlier court decision overturned. Cooper had been given a 12-month community
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Youngsters dig in to bring community garden to life
YOUNGSTERS have been getting involved in an environmental project in Hartlepool. The children, whose ages range from six to 13, have now twice given up their spare time to work on a community garden at the Osbourne Road Centre. They have carried out a
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Girl, 9, to perform at festival
SCHOOLGIRL pianist Sarah Gardner has been invited to play in a prestigious musical festival. The nine-year-old pupil at Teesside Prep School, Eaglescliffe, will take part in the Sunderland Festival of Young Pianists alongside older and more experienced
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Soldier's body to be returned to UK
The body of Guardsman Anthony Wakefield, who was killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq, is to be returned to Britain tomorrow, the Ministry of Defence said today. His body will be returned to RAF Brize Norton in a private ceremony attended by senior military
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Police seek more specials
POLICE chiefs are looking for more people to volunteer to become part-time officers in County Durham. The Durham force is hoping that, with 2005 being Year of the Volunteer, there will be another increase in numbers of special constables. Carol Oliver
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Dancer is a step ahead of his Chester rivals
CHESTER'S unique layout poses no problems for Kevin Ryan's Coleorton Dancer (2.00), one of the leading contenders for the Stanleybet Stakes. Predicting the outcome of a tight-knit race around the devilishly difficult course is never easy, however Coleorton
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Girl, 9, to perform at festival
SCHOOLGIRL pianist Sarah Gardner has been invited to play in a prestigious musical festival. The nine-year-old pupil at Teesside Prep School, Eaglescliffe, will take part in the Sunderland Festival of Young Pianists alongside older and more experienced
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Children's art sold to support Unicef
CHILDREN from a Teesside school showed off framed artwork they had created in aid of charity. Pupils from Yarm Early School created the paintings during the school's recent art week, along with local artist Chris Pendlington. The youngsters sold the pictures
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Grassroots: Yarm and Eaglescliffe
Ayckbourn comedy: The Yarm Border Players latest comedy, How the Other Half Live, by Alan Ayckbourn, will run from Wednesday, May 11, to Saturday, May 14, at 7.30pm, in the Yarm Social Centre, Bentley Wynd. Tickets cost £5 with concessions £4 and are
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Aerospace invitation
AEROSPACE and engineering companies are being urged to fly the flag for the region at one of the world's most famous air shows. UK Trade and Investment is taking a delegation to the Paris Air Show. The trip will also include a visit to the British Embassy
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Vote of confidence for United's rising stars
WHEN the rest of the population go to the polls later today, it is safe to assume that Newcastle's players will be joining them in exercising their democratic right. On the evidence of last night's 3-1 win at Fulham, they seem to have finally rediscovered
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Collingwood puts Durham in sight of winning post
PAUL Collingwood's one-day expertise yesterday propelled Durham to what should prove a winning total in their C & G Trophy tie against Derbyshire at Riverside. The England player hit four sixes in making 82 off 83 balls but after reaching 191 before
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Pet cat killed by dogs
A CAT lover has spoken of her horror at finding her pet dead after it had been mauled by dogs. Margaret Turner, 54, spent Bank Holiday Monday playing with her tabby cat Willow in the garden of her Lanchester home, which backs on to a bridleway. At about
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Stones in his Pockets, Gala Theatre, Durham
A TINY Irish village is changed forever when it becomes the location for a major Hollywood film in this superb, award-winning comedy. Extras are needed from the local community and although the County Kerry folk clash with the shallow, image-obsessed
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Dirani in driving seat
BRAZIL'S Danilo Dirani will be looking to stretch his lead at the top of the British F3 International Series when Croft hosts rounds five and six this weekend. With the previous rounds at Spa Francorchamps being cancelled due to bad weather, Dirani leads
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Cigarette maker lights up the City with profits rise
BRITISH American Tobacco's (BAT) profits have risen by 8.5 per cent thanks to profit growth across most of its businesses. Pre-tax profits in the first quarter to March 31 increased to £624m from £575m, after four of its five regions produced results
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Labour hold Sunderland South
Labour have held on to Sunderland South, with Chris Mullen being re-elected. The seat is the first to declare its result.
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Third-time scheme for factory site could be doomed
PLANS to redevelop a former engineering factory site into a multi-million pound leisure and retail complex could be doomed before they even get off the ground. A planning application to turn the Cummins Engine Ltd site, in Yarm Road, Darlington, into
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Promotion is reward for Arca
JULIO ARCA feels Sunderland's promotion to the Premiership has justified his decision to sign a new contract and he is happy there will be no fresh doubts about his future surfacing in the summer. Ever since Sunderland dropped into the Football League
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Talks over police jobs
TRADE union is to hold talks with Durham Constabulary over the closure of front desk counters in police stations across the county. Unison is concerned about the effect the changes will have on the hours and pay of up to 40 non-uniformed staff. The force
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Boyfriend admits killing Joanne
The boyfriend of Joanne Nelson yesterday admitted responsibility for her unlawful killing. Paul Dyson, 30, appeared at Hull Crown Court for a plea and directions hearing, where his barrister said he admitted the unlawful killing of the 22-year-old, who
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A woodland wonderland
Schools in the Craghead, South Stanley and South Moor areas are taking part in a series of woodland walks. Pat Oughtibridge, head teacher at South Stanley Infant School, said: "Woods make great outdoor classrooms, especially for children who don't do
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Open verdict recorded on double death crash
A CORONER has recorded an open verdict into the deaths of a ten-year-old boy and his older sister following a fatal car crash. Lee Armstrong was a front-seat passenger in a Citroen Saxo being driven by his 19-year-old sister Jenna when it crashed with
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Blair by the sea, trying to turn tide of apathy
Political editor Chris Lloyd watches Tony Blair's final election campaign in Scarborough last night. HAT began in Sedgefield 25 long days ago ended last night, some 70 miles south in Scarborough, as Tony Blair gave his last address of the 2005 General
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Steelmaker announces plant upgrade
A £79M upgrade of a Corus plant in Wales will enable the company to replace steel supplied by Teesside. Corus said yesterday it had completed a key part of its restructuring with the opening of a continuous steel slab caster at its Port Talbot steelworks
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Black hole may make retirement 'a dream'
INVESTMENT managers last night warned that unless drastic action was taken by the Government to tackle the pensions black hole, retirement would becoming an unobtainable dream. Research by the parent company of North-East stockbroker Wise Speke found
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Scheme to find 'expert patients'
A SCHEME that trains people with long-term medical conditions to offer advice and information to fellow sufferers is looking for recruits. The next free six-week course to train "expert patients" will be held in Spennymoor next month. A taster session
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Homes plan rejected
PARISH councillors have objected to a controversial housing scheme. Proposals to build 14 town houses and four apartments at Croft House, Hurworth Place, have been submitted to Darlington Borough Council. The application is due to be considered by the
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Cheap fuel for rural families
RESIDENTS who are working hard to breathe new life into an isolated village have launched a project providing cheap fuel to heat the homes of people on low incomes. Six volunteers will take to the roads in Weardale to cut up fallen timber, which will
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Vaughan off to a solid start
England captain Michael Vaughan made the ideal start to his new season with a solid half-century for Yorkshire in their six-wicket win over Ireland in Belfast yesterday in the first round of the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy. Vaughan put on 91 for