Archive
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Winning against crime
MEASURES to crack down on County Durham and Darlington's "yob culture" and reduce the fear of crime have been hailed a success by police. Twelve months after Prime Minister Tony Blair launched the StreetSafe initiative, County Durham and Darlington remain
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Airport battling crimes in car park
OFFICIALS at a North-East airport are working with police to stamp out a spate of vehicle crimes in the airport car park. Last week, several vehicles in the car park at Durham Tees Valley were broken into, damaged or stolen. The car park has been the
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Great Scott moves step closer to uncharted territory
BEFORE he replaced Neale Cooper two weeks ago, Martin Scott's greatest managerial achievement had been leading Hartlepool's reserves to the Pontins Division One East League Championship last season. After last night's nerve-jangling penalty shoot-out
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Workers face £3,000 pay cut
WORKERS at an engine factory are facing pay-cuts of up to £3,000 per year as part of major wage restructuring proposals, it was revealed last night. Cummins Engine Company says it plans to re-evaluate pay scales at its Yarm Road plant, in Darlington,
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Zenden repeats contract wrangle
IN THE rest of the country, the arrival of swallows is supposed to herald the start of summer. Yesterday, on Teesside, there was a rather more reliable indicator of the changing of the seasons - Bolo Zenden threatened to walk out on Middlesbrough. A year
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Taking toll on the site where a 14th Century battle raged
In the 19th Century, the Durham suburbs of Crossgate Moor and Neville's Cross were barely big enough to be called villages. There were no more than 30 to 40 households in each place by 1881. Crossgate Moor consisted of two terraces and a few other scattered
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Family's tribute to 'beautiful little girl'
A TODDLER killed when a car hit her pram will be laid to rest in the dress she was to have worn at her christening. The grieving family of 20-month-old Aisling Marie Nic-Suibhre, who described her as their "gorgeous little angel", said they all remained
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Laugh? Vera brings the House down
REDCAR MP Vera Baird joked as she made the traditional light-hearted opening speech that one of the town's schools used to be so tough it had its own coroner. The Labour back-bencher, right, had MPs roaring with laughter when she said the school was among
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Ancient arts from the East on display
SMALL objects of desire will be on display at a North-East museum until the end of this month. Durham University's Oriental Museum is displaying several examples of ancient arts from the East personally selected by the curators to illustrate the theme
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Campaign to reduce noise level
A NATIONAL campaign to raise awareness of the impact of excessive noise has won the support of a local authority. Hambleton District Council is backing Noise Action Week, which is co-ordinated by the National Society for Clean Air (NSCA) and runs from
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Forever linked to the sweet scent of roses
THEY are starting to plant in a corner of Darlington's South Park. About 1,400 bulbs are going in, along with 2,469 shrubs, 2,065 herbaceous plants and ferns, 1,200 lavender bushes and 542 rosebushes. The rosebushes are the most important because this
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Celebrities get breast cancer too
Her famous derriere has dominated celebrity columns for years and, more recently, it was her reported 16ins waist making the front pages as she donned a corset for her sell-out Showgirl tour. But the shocking news that Kylie Minogue has breast cancer
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Kylie: I will fight breast cancer
Kylie Minogue yesterday vowed to her fans she would "be back with you all again soon" after revealing she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. The 36-year-old is to have immediate treatment for the cancer, which is in its early stages. Kylie postponed
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Robert is keen to attract another Premier club
LAURENT Robert last night confirmed he will be looking to leave Newcastle this summer. But after launching yet another attack on Graeme Souness, the maverick Magpie claimed that he wants to stay in the Premiership. Robert effectively ended his Newcastle
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Football club facing closure after ground ownership blow
ONE of the region's oldest amateur football clubs is facing closure after failing to get ownership of its ground. Evenwood Town AFC, in County Durham, has said it may have to close by the end of the month after the transferral of the trusteeship of its
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18/05/2005
NO BENEFIT: HAVING visited the optician's last week, I was informed of the current promotion plus a voucher for a certain amount of money towards the spectacles. I duly went and selected a pair of frames and, after measurements were taken, I happened
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Police joining up to take cash from criminals
SEVEN police forces in the North-East and North Yorkshire are coming together for a major initiative aimed at taking assets and cash from criminals. The forces will also work with other agencies, including the Assets Recovery Agency, during Operation
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Drink-driver crashed into police car
A SOCIAL worker went out drinking then crashed his 4x4 vehicle into a police car. Liesser Noel Francis Bradbrook, who was almost three times over the legal alcohol limit, was yesterday banned from driving for three years. Bradbrook, who admitted the offence
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Fowl deeds on the farm
The Farm (five); Celebrity Love Island (ITV1) THERE are some things you never expect to hear on TV and this is one of them: "Emma Noble is next to stimulate the stag while Lionel Blair sucks out the semen". Life on celebrity reality show The Farm was
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Comment from The Northern Echo: Boosting the cancer battle
IT is a shocking statistic that one in every nine women in Britain will develop breast cancer, with 41,000 cases being diagnosed each year. But as messages of goodwill pour in for Kylie Minogue from all over the world, it is important to focus on the
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Campaigner Neil to oppose constitution
ONE of the leading figures in the campaign against a North-East assembly is moving on to the national stage to fight for a No vote in the referendum on a new European Constitution. Neil Herron, of Sunderland, who came to prominence in the Metric Martyrs
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Supremacist who sparked Newcastle siege is wanted by FBI
A white supremacist who sparked a city centre siege is wanted by the FBI for alleged gun crimes and child porn offences in America. Gunman Michael Andrew Leahy faces extradition for a string of crimes in America after British armed officers arrested him
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Humphreys spot on as Pool secure a date with destiny
THREE years ago Ritchie Humpreys suffered in sudden death penalty shoot-out. Last night he cried tears of joy as he netted the decisive spot-kick as Hartlepool United progressed to the League One play-off final. Dimi Konstantopoulos was the hero, saving
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Youngsters' mock election puts Charles Kennedy into No. 10
HAD youngsters from the North-East been able to vote in this month's General Election, the country may now have Charles Kennedy as its Prime Minister, according to a survey. The Liberal Democrats won an overwhelming majority of the votes of young people
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Jail looms in neighbours' fracas
A MAN was warned he faces a prison sentence following an attack on a neighbour after a simmering row boiled over. Nicholas Anthony Mead landed at least three blows to the face of his victim in a confrontation at a car park near their homes in Hartford
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Star wars fans expected to show lots of interest at auction
STAR Wars fans are in for a treat as hundreds of collectors figures are auctioned in the North-East this week. The private collection will go on sale at G H Edkins and Son, in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, on Thursday. It is expected to have one or
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New lease of life for disused factory
A DISUSED factory in north Durham is to get a £140,000 facelift and be used as a community enterprise centre. Pupils from years seven to 11 in secondary schools and some primary schools will be able to learn new skills they can use in the workplace, at
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Supermarket staff training to tackle the race for life
AN HISTORIC bridge has been given a modern makeover to bring it into the 21st Century. The old blue and red paint has been grit-blasted off the 19th Century railway bridge over North Road, between Chester-le-Street and Birtley. It has been replaced with
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Soldier wins cut in prison sentence
A SOLDIER who said he was forced to carry out a robbery, in which he used a machete to threaten a security guard and relieve him of £20,000, yesterday secured a reduction in his jail term. Paul William Chirnside, 27, of New York Road, North Shields, North
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Mayor serves up healthy diet advice as part of food campaign
A MAYOR has got his teeth into the need to promote healthy eating. Elected Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon attended a healthy food picnic to have a bite to eat with local children and families, yesterday. Promoting healthier life-styles is one of Mr Mallon's
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Green fuels company wins award
A COMPANY specialising in alternative fuels has been recognised with a national award. Autogas 2000, based at Carlton Miniott, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, was awarded the Lloyds/TSB Autoleas Industry Commitment to Sustainability prize in London. More
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Caravanner attacked by mob
A HOLIDAYMAKER was attacked by a mob of 30 people after he asked fellow caravan park residents to keep the noise down. Ian Clark was enjoying a bank holiday break at Witton Castle, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, with his wife and children when he
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Quarry site shows historic activity
A QUARRY firm's own archaeologists said a site chosen for excavation should not be disturbed, according to campaigners. Pressure group Timewatch said finds from an archaeological study paid for by Tarmac Northern meant no further quarrying should be allowed
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The genuine article
A NEW business venture is bringing a taste of the Far East to the North-East. A Touch of the Orient, a gift shop selling genuine Thai products, has opened in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland. The shop is the creation of aunt and niece team, Florence Coyle
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Fulfilling a dream with nail venture
A DARLINGTON nailbar is promising a wider variety of services under new management. Mandy Williamson, 40, fulfilled one of her dreams when she took over Nailbar 1, in Northumberland Street, last month. Ms Williamson, a former PA at Orange, had promised
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Martial arts success for businessman
AN ENTREPRENEUR from Darlington has had his dreams come true, thanks to The Prince's Trust. Stephen Moore, 30, opened Moores Ultimate Combat in April last year, with a £1,000 grant and a £2,000 loan, together with support from trust's business programme
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Kylie tells worried fans: I'll be back
Kylie Minogue yesterday vowed to her fans she would "be back with you all again soon" after revealing she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. The 36-year-old is to have immediate treatment for the cancer, which is in its early stages. Kylie postponed
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Blanket ban for drunken revellers
LANDLORDS in Darlington have called time on revellers intent on causing trouble. Darlington police have teamed up with Darlington Borough Council and the town pubs to stamp out under-age drinking and alcohol-related anti-social behaviour. The partnership
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ScS won't sit pretty on record results, but is to reinvest in region
SUNDERLAND-based ScS pledged to plough more cash into its North-East stores yesterday as it unveiled record interim results. Also on ScS's drawing board are plans to open a national training centre in Sunderland by the end of this financial year, which
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Greggs warns of rising costs
BAKERY group Greggs sounded a warning note about inflationary pressures and rising energy costs at its annual meeting yesterday. The Newcastle-based sandwich and savouries retailer said a further "substantial rise in energy costs" could affect it in coming
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Flagship school -failure' backtrack
GOVERNMENT officials yesterday appeared to backtrack over reports that Middlesbrough's £18m Unity City Academy would become the first of Prime Minister Tony Blair's flagship schools to be failed by Ofsted in a report due out next month. Yesterday, a spokeswoman
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Hitch up your 'home' and roam
Thousands of families across Britain have cottoned on to the pleasures of caravanning as a personalised, flexible, free and easy holiday experience. With nearly a million and a half people gearing up for caravanning breaks of one sort or another during
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Recycling landmark is reached at pub
A VILLAGE pub has proved it has plenty of community spirit by joining the drive to encourage as much recycling as possible. The Black Swan at Fearby, near Masham, North Yorkshire, has become home to the 100th mini recycling centre to be set up in the
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IT support firm TSG bids to double turnover
THE North-East division of an IT support company is planning to double its turnover in the next 18 months, as it rolls out a service. The Technology Services Group (TSG), based in Newcastle, yesterday launched System Care. It is investing £2.5m on the
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Robert is keen to attract another Premiership club
LAURENT Robert last night confirmed he will be looking to leave Newcastle this summer. But after launching yet another attack on Graeme Souness, the maverick Magpie claimed that he wants to stay in the Premiership. Robert effectively ended his Newcastle
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Shipbuilder remains upbeat
SHIPBUILDER and defence group VT yesterday forecast a slowdown in its core UK defence support services arm, but said its prospects remained good. Southampton-based VT, which is building a replacement passenger ferry for the River Tyne, said it expected
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Campaign to reduce noise level
A NATIONAL campaign to raise awareness of the impact of excessive noise has won the support of a local authority. Hambleton District Council is backing Noise Action Week, which is co-ordinated by the National Society for Clean Air (NSCA) and runs from
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Spot the symptoms
Early detection saves lives so be breast aware and follow the code: * know what is normal for you * look at and feel your breasts * know what changes to look for * report any changes without delay * go for breast screening if you are 50 or over Your breasts
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First female fire chief appointed
Britain's first female fire chief was appointed today. Susan Johnson is also the first 'non-uniformed' head of a brigade in the country, as she has not come up through the ranks as a firefighter. Susan, who comes from a business background, will take
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BBC North staff to strike
STAFF from BBC North are to join colleagues from across the country in a series of strikes to protest at planned job cuts. Unions said plans by the BBC's director general Mark Thompson to close or outsource 3,780 posts nationally would mean one in five
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Why spelling does matter
CN U rd ths easly? If so, then mabe speling dose'nt mater. Spel ene wey u wont an it wil be olrite. Most of us think otherwise. Wading your way through poorly spelled stuff might be possible but, as any examiner will tell you, it's not just tiring, but
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Shakespeare and other golden oldies
SERIALLY celebrated, Simon Jenkins wrote his final column for The Times last week after 12 years Thundering. Mind, he still only turned out two a week... "This job is tougher than the northern club circuit," Jenkins wrote by way of valediction, "except
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Soccer player who injured opponent walks free
A five-a-side soccer player who punched an opponent leaving him with brain damage walked free from a court today. A jury took less than an hour to clear Andrew Walker,22, after other players said that victim Darren Mitchell, 32, earlier repeatedly punched
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Clinical support for 60-bed home
A TEESSIDE carehome has appointed a new clinical support manager. Julie Christon, 36, has joined the staff at the 60-bed Piper Court home, in Stockton, after spending 18 years in the care industry. She will be responsible for assisting with the day-to-day
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Thugs on bikes attack man
A GANG of youths on bikes attacked a man as he made his way home. The 62-year-old suffered a broken jaw and head injuries after the assault in Telford Road, Sunderland. The incident happened between 9.15pm and 9.20pm on March 30 and the man was taken
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'Burden of administration for volunteers is unreal'
EVENWOOD Town are the latest in a series of North-East non-league clubs to experience difficulties. Earlier this week, The Northern Echo reported how Brandon United may resign from the Albany Northern league due to a lack of volunteers. Spennymoor United
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Market report
Enthusiasm for blue-chip stocks was evident in London yesterday despite concerns over UK inflation and a disappointing start to trading on Wall Street. The FTSE 100 Index recovered from a lunchtime dip to close 14.3 points higher at 4898.5 on the back
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Alnwick aims to be Cats' No 1
BEN Alnwick has become the latest Sunderland stopper to stake a claim for the goalkeeper's jersey by insisting he will not "disappear without trace" next season. Black Cats boss Mick McCarthy faces a number of tough decisions this summer, but none will
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A poet remembered
IN this literary edition of Echo Memories, a gentle reminder that today at 2pm in Crown Street Library, Darlington, a new collection of poems by the town's greatest - and most forgotten - poet will be launched. As we told last week, Ralph Hodgson was
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On TV
The Farm (five) Celebrity Love Island (ITV1) THERE are some things you never expect to hear on TV and this is one of them: "Emma Noble is next to stimulate the stag while Lionel Blair sucks out the semen". Life on celebrity reality show The Farm was working
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A word in your Ear Piece, Tony
This week this column presents itself under a new guise. Will it be permanent? Who knows? But let me set the scene. As you know, our Prime Minister has made much of having listened to the people during the General Election campaign. Presumably he wants
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Why spelling does matter
CN U rd ths easly? If so, then mabe speling dose'nt mater. Spel ene wey u wont an it wil be olrite. Most of us think otherwise. Wading your way through poorly spelled stuff might be possible but, as any examiner will tell you, it's not just tiring, but
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Appiah the next on Boro's list
Middlesbrough are preparing to follow up the capture of Aiyegbeni Yakubu by trying to broker a deal for Juventus midfielder Stephan Appiah. The Ghanaian has struggled to force his way into the Serie A league leaders' team and coach Fabio Cappello is allowing
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Training centre offers -Step' up for apprentices
A TRAINING centre is producing apprentices, tailor-made to the requirements of engineering companies across Britain, said its boss. Keith Hunter, managing director of TTE Management and Technical Training, in South Bank, Middlesbrough, said the centre
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Medical imaging is the focus of health seminar
SOME of the world's leading experts in the field of medical body imaging have attended a seminar in the North-East. Scientists and doctors from the US, Germany and Switzerland joined UK colleagues at a bio-imaging conference at Newcastle University. Rapid
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Fire brigade appoints first female boss
A NORTH-EAST fire brigade is expected to confirm the appointment of a new female boss later today. Susan Johnson's appointment as chief executive of the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service will mean the brigade will be the first in the
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Veteran strongman says time has come to retire
HE is officially England's Strongest Man, but Eddie Ellwood knows when to quit while he's ahead. The 41-year-old took the title this weekend for the third year in a row, at this year's contest which was held in Hartlepool for the first time. Mr Ellwood
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Cook Annie helps search
TV cook Annie Stirk was tempting tastebuds yesterday at the launch of a scheme to find some of the region's best food and drink producers. She was joined by food and drink writer Elaine Lemm at a cookery day at the World of James Herriot Centre, in Thirsk
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Store earns blind award
SHOPWORKERS at a Teesside department store have been singled out for praise for their treatment of disabled people. Employees at Marks and Spencer's Wellington Square store, in Stockton, have been granted an award from a local blind charity. The Ann Kallagher
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Sufferers of MS get massage therapy
PEOPLE suffering from multiple sclerosis can benefit from an aromatherapy service launched by The Butterwick Hospice at Bishop Auckland. The service is free to people in Wear Valley and Teesdale and offers sufferers massage sessions using essential oils
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Court told of pupil's plot to disgrace teacher
A PUPIL at a North-East school was accused of lying as part of a plot to disgrace a teacher in order to win friends, a court was told. Science teacher Ron Harbottle is accused of assaulting a year eight student by slapping him in the face at a school
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Footballer needed brain op -after punch by opponent'
A FIVE-A-SIDE footballer needed an emergency brain operation after he was punched during a league match, a court was told yesterday. Darren Mitchell, a telecommunications engineer, was catapulted towards a wall and knocked unconscious at Saltburn Leisure
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Northern miner's son takes reins of Marks & Spencer
A MINER'S son from County Durham was last night drafted in to help turn around the fortunes of ailing retail group Marks & Spencer. Lord Terence Burns, a former permanent secretary to the Treasury, will become deputy chairman in October and then take
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It's taken 20 years, but pool approval expected Monday
THE 20-year wait for a replacement for Durham City's crumbling swimming baths appears to be over, as plans were revealed yesterday for a £5.8m complex. Proposals for a 25-metre eight-lane pool, close to the Walkergate development, are expected to be ratified
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Country fun begins with snail derby
FINAL preparations are under way for a week-long celebration of Herriot country. Herriot Happenings is now in its fourth year and is organised as a celebration of the area by members of the Herriot Country Attractions Group. The event runs from May 28
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Pupils dig deep to create eco-garden
PUPILS and teachers at a primary school in Darlington are working towards an environmentally-friendly award. Dodmire Infant School has already achieved bronze and silver awards, as part of the national Eco-Schools Award programme, and will be finally
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Grandad launches cancer run
A GRANDFATHER who was diagnosed with testicular cancer less than 18 months ago will tonight help start a fun run to raise money for research into male cancers. Sales manager Alan Hodgson, from Spennymoor, County Durham, will help get the first North-East
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Castle setting for display of treasure trove
TWO pieces of ancient jewellery unearthed in the North will go on show at a castle. The objects were found at Kirk Deighton, near Wetherby, North Yorkshire, and have been declared as treasure under the 1996 Treasure Act. The first item is an Anglo-Saxon
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Driver challenged police to another car chase
A BANNED driver told police he was "mortal drunk" while at the wheel of his girlfriend's car when pursued by a patrol car. Colin Anthony Cleary stormed from his girlfriend's house following an argument in which he punched a hole in the living room door
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Tree campaign taking root
THE first set of trees has been planted at a country park as part of a nationwide initiative. Steve Dunn, from the Cartridge World store in Northallerton High Street, spent a day planting seeds and saplings at Wynyard Woodland Park, Stockton. The company
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Royal Mail profits passed on to staff
THE Royal Mail has made record profits of £537m, triggering a bonus of more than £1,000 for 180,000 postal workers. The state-owned operator also revealed that first-class mail deliveries were the best in a decade, while the number of letters being lost
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'Piano Man is French musician'
A Polish man living in Italy has identified the so-called Piano Man as a French street musician he once worked with, it has emerged. Italian police said the 33-year-old illegal immigrant had approached officers at the famous Trevi Fountain, in Rome, after
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Business in brief
Call centre to recruit workers A call centre is holding two open days in an attempt to recruit 150 North-East staff. GE Consumer Finance is taking on 200 workers at its new building on the Cobalt Business Park, North Tyneside. It ultimately plans to employ
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Nosam ready to join select few
NOSAM (8.20) bids to strike a blow for the older generation by winning this evening's feature race at Sedgefield, the £7,000 Calverts Carpets Handicap Chase. Only a handful of racehorses have won at the grand old age of 15, but there seems every prospect
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Killer warned doctors about his violent life
A KILLER told doctors about his violent thoughts only days before he beat a disabled man to death. Keith Jones said his victim, Robert Carter, would still be alive if mental health authorities in the region had admitted him for psychiatric care. And in
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Inflation stays same - CPI report
INFLATION stayed unchanged last month as higher water bills and banking fees offset lower vegetable prices. The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) remained at its March level of 1.9 per cent in April, according to data from the Office of National Statistics
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Triumphant 'Pools!
THREE years ago Ritchie Humpreys suffered in sudden death penalty shoot-out. Last night he cried tears of joy as he netted the decisive spot kick as Hartlepool United progressed to the League One play-off final. Dimi Konstantopoulos was the hero, saving
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Children's choir is big hit with cricket star
A VISITING African choir brought back happy memories for Durham and England cricketer Paul Collingwood and his wife Vicky yesterday. The all-rounder was bowled over to be asked to greet the African Children's Choir when they arrived for two concerts in
