Archive
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Pets win soap prize
Presenter Graham Norton was moved to tears when the award was announced. But actors Martin Kemp and Amanda Barrie could only look on in disbelief as their explosive departures from their soaps were overlooked in favour of a dead dog. The 2002 British
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Hackers given jail warning
TWO hackers from the North-East who helped launch a virus that caused computer chaos across the globe have been warned they are facing jail. Andrew Harvey, 22, and Jordan Bradley, 20, were arrested following a joint swoop by Durham Police and US secret
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Scores screened after university TB case
MORE than a hundred people are to be screened for tuberculosis at a North-East university. The precautionary measure follows confirmation that someone at Teesside University is being treated for the infectious form of TB. Health officials say that the
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Piranha gobbles up Crazy Frog licence
NORTH-East company Piranha hopes to add £2m to its £4m annual turnover after winning the licence to produce merchandise for Crazy Frog - which is due to hit the top of the charts this weekend. Newcastle-based Piranha Studios has met the founder of the
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Man found dead in hostel
POLICE were last night investigating the death of a man found in a hostel bedsit. The man, believed to be local and in his 20s, was discovered in the Scott Grange Hostel, Hartlepool, which caters for homeless young men and people on bail. Scene-of-crime
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The Wight place for a perfect break
With award-winning sandy beaches, a good choice of places to stay and lots to do, Jeremy Gates finds the Isle of Wight a great place for a family holiday. When Maritime Britain celebrations for the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar reach a
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Newcastle City Hall not closing states manager
'WE'RE not closing" is the message being thundered by Newcastle City Hall manager Peter Brennan after he was forced to reassure Tyneside world rock star Mark Knopfler that it wouldn't be the last time he played there. Mr Brennan is calling a press conference
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Lost in extra time
"BORED, bored, bored, bored..." sang my wife to a tune not dissimilar to the chimes of Big Ben as she suffered through extra time and penalties in the FA Cup Final (BBC1, Sky Sport 1, Saturday). "This football has been going on for three flipping hours
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Troubled academy vows to act fast
A PIONEERING city academy school has received a scathing report from Government inspectors. Ofsted said the Unity City Academy (UCA), in Middlesbrough, needed to be placed in special measures as it was failing to give an acceptable standard of education
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Negotiations are crucial to survival of village school
THE next few months will "make or break" a small village school, governors have said. The 39-pupil school at Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe, near Thirsk, is joined to the village hall, which is used by teachers and pupils during the day. The hall building
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Memories project for hospice patients
HOSPICE patients are being offered the chance to create a record of their lives by making a gift for their families. The project, called I Remember It Well, is run by volunteers at St Catherine's Whitby Day Hospice. They are helping patients to capture
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MP joins opposition to car park sell-off
RICHMOND MP William Hague has urged council chiefs to look at other ways of funding a new £4.5m headquarters. Richmondshire District Council had proposed to sell two Richmond car parks to pay for new headquarters in Colburn. But the plan caused a public
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Pharmacist has role with trust
A PHARMACIST has been appointed to lead one of Darlington's key health bodies. Carol Charlton is the new chairman of Darlington Primary Care Trust's (PCT) Professional Executive Committee (PEC), replacing Dr Richard Harker. The PEC comprises representatives
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Staff book holiday with charity aim
THREE library workers have completed a coast-to-coast cycle ride to help a charity buy computers. Michael Wilkinson, Jonathan Goldberg and Chris Holmes raised £600 through their trek from St Bees, in Cumbria, to Robin Hood Bay, in North Yorkshire. The
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Driver seriously hurt
A WOMAN was airlifted to hospital after suffering a serious pelvic injury in car crash on Teesside. The 40-year-old woman's grey Nissan Micra collided with a silver Vauxhall Astra in Mitchell Avenue, Thornaby, at its junction with Chadderton Drive at
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Pupils take a deserved rest after completing their seat
TWO primary schools have joined forces to create an entrance feature to their community. Youngsters from Dene Valley and Eldon Lane primary schools, in Bishop Auckland, have worked with Sunderland artist Jim Roberts to create the masterpiece on the edge
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999 pest breached nuisance calls ban
A MAN breached the terms of his anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) by making nuisance 999 calls, a court heard. Drunken Mervyn Whitwell rang police by calling 999 and became abusive to the operator. The next day, a 999 call by Whitwell, in which he was
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Opportunity to get involved in shaping borough's future
REDCAR and Cleveland Council is encouraging more people to get involved in planning the future of the borough. The council is starting work on a development plan, the Local Development Framework, which will set out where housing, jobs, shops, health,
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Regeneration team has a new partner
AN organisation which is heading a multi-million pound regeneration scheme has welcomed a new member. Paul Beel, accounts manager for Hartlepool at Business Link Tees Valley, has joined the board of the North Hartlepool Partnership. The partnership -
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People encouraged to join health forum
COMMUNITY minded people are being urged to help improve the well-being of their area by joining a health forum. Health forums are fully operational within the district of Easington and encourage people to become involved in local health initiatives. The
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Big demand for business grants
A RECORD number of requests for help from people interested in starting their own business have been received by a local council. Stockton Borough Council said it had awarded 92 grants to people in the borough who had approached it with ideas for self-employment
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Pets win soap prizes
Pets figure so little in Soapland you'd almost think they were an endangered species. And judging by the fate of the few who have appeared, it would seem they have every right to be afraid. Presenter Graham Norton was moved to tears when the award was
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The perfect tonic as money for £3.2m extension rolls in
Historic gardens and townhouse plots are to be opened to the public to raise money for the St Cuthbert's Hospice appeal. Fundraisers have organised a four-month programme of open gardens, in which green-fingered enthusiasts can take a peek into gardens
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Man jailed for attacking helpers after car accident
A THUG launched a terrifying attack on neighbours who tried to help him after a car crash. Trained boxer Lewis Neal, 23, was jailed for four years for the attack, in which BBC correspondent and former Northern Echo reporter Russell Ward, 43, was left
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Man, 41, charged with murder
A MAN was last night charged with the murder of 44-year-old Barry Thompson who died after suffering severe head injuries. Mr Thompson, of no-fixed address, was found unconscious in a council house in Burnopfield, near Consett, County Durham, on Thursday
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Humphreys dreams of Cardiff joy
RITCHIE Humphreys' childhood may have been spent at the family home just over a mile away from Bramall Lane but it was Sheffield United's steel city rivals, Wednesday, that developed the player's football talent. As a teenager on schoolboy forms at Hillsborough
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Watch out for French connection
ROYSTON FRENCH'S decision to quit Newmarket in favour of better riding opportunities in the north has proved to be a smart move. The Richmond-based jockey rides out for Mark Johnston at Middleham most days, but this afternoon he briefly switches allegiance
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Reynolds plans to lead the way
JOHN Reynolds is determined to be out in front when the Bennetts British Superbike circus comes to Croft next week, if only so he doesn't have to put his body through any punishing overtaking manoeuvres. The reigning champion returned to the track this
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Astle can't wait to get to grips with cup
DURHAM newcomer Nathan Astle is already looking forward to the Twenty20 Cup, and little wonder after the three-day stalemate against Durham University. After looking sharp in everything they have done so far this season, Durham could hardly be blamed
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'Defensive' McClaren is quick to go on the attack
Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren is seen by many of his own team's fans as an unadventurous manager whose priority is always on defence rather than attack. It's not a label that appeals to the man himself, as Scott Wilson discovered. FOR someone who
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Luck is on Scott's side
HARTLEPOOL UNITED have been given the infamous 'lucky' north dressing room at the Millennium Stadium for tomorrow's play-off final with Sheffield Wednesday, writes Paul Fraser. Prior to Stoke City's victory over Brentford three years ago, all the victorious
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Protest at health forums merger bid
A PATIENT group from the region has written to Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt to protest about merger plans. The Government wants to simplify patient representation in the National Health Service by merging mental health trust forums into primary care
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Storey bucks the market and piles on the profits
STOREY Carpets has defied the dismal retail trend to post record results. The Sunderland-based carpet retailer has seen sales rise 17.8 per cent. At a time when retailers are posting poor results, Storey has increased total sales to £36.6m for the year
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Pool cash in on their success
PROMOTION to the Championship would net Hartlepool United a £1m-plus cash jackpot. That is the carrot dangled in front of them ahead of tomorrow's League One play-off final. Overcoming Sheffield Wednesday at the Millennium Stadium will not only secure
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Turner's boldest prediction on verge of coming true
CHRIS Turner took over at Hartlepool United in 1999 and was quickly mocked by many after making one promise and two bold predictions. The promise rang true, one prediction proved correct and tomorrow his other forecast could come to the most spectacular
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Children sought after slab is hurled at train
CHILDREN as young as 11 were last night being sought by police after a concrete slab was thrown onto a train from a bridge. The driver had a narrow escape after being hit by the slab, which was dropped from a footbridge into his cab. The 39-year-old was
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Sustance for the soul
THE former colliery villages of County Durham, understand, are places where a man likes his four square meals a day and then wonders about a bite at bedtime. Thus when a "faith tea" is advertised for 4pm - before the service, not after it - one of the
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Wembley losses may top £20m
THE Australian company building the new Wembley stadium is facing losses of more than £20m on the contract. Multiplex, which is locked in a bitter legal battle with Darlington-based Cleveland Bridge over the project, warned in February that it expected
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Families to fight homes bid
PROTESTORS have vowed to continue fighting plans to build 700 homes on the edge of a city. An application to develop a large housing estate on the southern outskirts of York has been approved by councillors. The decision was taken despite widespread concern
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Cricketing bosses press case for more Tests
DURHAM cricket bosses preparing for next week's Test match at the Riverside are to press their case that the county receives a greater share of international cricket. Only 24 hours before the start of Friday's match against Bangladesh - only the second
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Now walkers can boldly go
After over 100 years of campaigning for more access to our open spaces, today marks the first chance for walkers to explore pastures new. Mark Reid, The Northern Echo's walks correspondent, explains what the new Open Access rules will mean. Since the
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Analysts to gauge the state of Hornby
Model railways, sugar and clothes are among the products sold by a number of top-flight and second tier companies reporting next week. Northern Foods, which makes Dalepak frozen foods and Goodfella's pizzas, has been caught in the crossfire of a supermarket
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Play-off fever grips Stelling
SKY SPORTS' Hartlepool United fanatic Jeff Stelling has been gripped by play-off fever - just like the rest of the town. Over 16,000 supporters will be making the trip from the North-East for tomorrow's crucial decider for a place in the Championship
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Murray has skills to keep Sunderland house in order
Bob Murray celebrates his 19th anniversary as chairman two days before the new season begins and, as he explained to Cheif Sports Writer Scott Wilson, he has no intention of seeing his china celebrations wrecked by relegation. With a background in home
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Winning is everything as Scott's army storms Wales
MARTIN SCOTT isn't taking Hartlepool United to Cardiff to enjoy the occasion, the only way to celebrate is with a victory. Pool head for the Millennium Stadium for tomorrow's League One play-off final with Sheffield Wednesday. A place in the Coca-Cola
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United - but Pools apart
TOMORROW, the Pool head for Cardiff for the biggest game in their 97-year history. No. That's not right. "Tomorrow, Pool head for Cardiff...". No, no. Still not right. Add an 's'. "Tomorrow, the Pools head for Cardiff...". No, no, no. Lose the definite
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Driver jailed for crash on hill brow
A DRIVER who injured a woman in a head-on collision has been jailed for 15 months - 11 years after he ploughed into a car and killed a mother-of-four. Durham Crown Court heard yesterday that in December last year, Joseph Linn, 45, tried to overtake a
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The worm that turned
COMPUTER hacking is no joke. It costs companies millions of pounds in lost business and downtime. And anyone who has ever been affected by a computer virus - either at work or at home - will understand the seriousness of the case involving two young men
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Water way to treat people
A long letter written by William Pinkney, of Eggleston, in 1877, which I came across this week, refers to the plans that were being debated around that time for a hydropathic clinic in Barnard Castle. This well-off gentleman, who apparently had some connections
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Families urged to aid young arthritis sufferers
FAMILIES are being urged to step out at an event in the region to raise money for research into arthritis in children . The Arthritis Research Campaign (arc) is holding 16 three-mile walks across the country as part of its £3m national fundraising drive
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Birthday cash goes to hospital
A FARMER has donated the money he received for his 60th birthday to his local hospital. John Waggett, of Richmond, presented the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, with £140. The money will go to the Scott Suite, which cares for breast cancer patients
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Apology demanded on lack of flowers
A ROW has blown up after flowers removed from display were not brought back. Window boxes at Ripon Town Hall were bursting with colour to mark the re-election of mayor Stuart Martin. But only hours after, the blooms were removed. It had been expected
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Charity concert
Chester-le-Street International Civic Choir will perform popular songs from the musicals at Hamsterley Village Hall next Saturday, at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £3.50 (under-13s £1.50) and are available on (01388) 488601. Proceeds will go to Macmillan Cancer
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Wolsie Worms select their winning book
A GROUP of keen readers are taking part in a national reading initiative. Pupils from Wolsingham School and Community College will read books shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway best illustrated book, in the Carnegie Medal awards. The school's book club
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Nurses taste Army life
BEING dragged out of bed at dawn, ambushed by soldiers, and sent out on night patrol gave a mother and daughter team a taste of Army life they won't forget. School nurse Valerie Raine and her 22-year-old daughter Joanne, from Tenters Street, Bishop Auckland
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Students jazz it up for hospice
SINGERS Jenny Griffin and Sophie Hawksby delivered a show-stopping performance at a cabaret night to raise money for the St Cuthbert's appeal. The pair gave a sultry rendition of All That Jazz at the concert earlier this month at Durham School and helped
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Community centre gets bank funding
A BANK has given financial backing to a community centre's plans to offer a computer suite to residents. Wheatley Hill Community Centre is building an extension that will house an IT room and Barclays Bank has given a £25,000 donation to pay for computers
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Chance to chip your dog
A DOG chipping day is being held at The Phoenix Centre, in Moorside Community College, Consett, from 10am to 3pm, on Wednesday. If a stray dog is picked up by a warden, a scan will allow it to be returned to the owner within hours. Stray, unchipped dogs
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Learning scheme hailed by watchdog
GOVERNMENT inspectors have praised a Durham County Council adult learning scheme. A report by the Adult Learning Inspectorate has found Durham County Council's Education in the Community service to have helped learners make significant progress. The watchdog
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Beaches fail to win good guide tag
HEAVY summer rains have been blamed for four beaches in Teesside failing to make it into a guide of the UK's best beaches. Water pollution levels were too high at Seaton Carew North Gare, Seaton Carew centre, Seaton Carew north and Hartlepool Headland's
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Pub forced to scrap ban on smoking
THE first pub in the Darlington area to go completely non-smoking has been forced to scrap the policy after a drop in trade. The Spotted Dog, in High Coniscliffe, reintroduced an indoor smoking section when it found that larger parties of visitors were
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Girls win league and cup double
A FOOTBALL team has two reasons to celebrate after winning the Darlington Girls' Primary School League and the Championship Cup. On the same night Liverpool beat AC Milan, the team from Alderman Leach Primary School played a match and also won 3-2 on
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County's first community fire station gets go-ahead
Plans to build County Durham's first community fire station have been approved - but proposals for another in a neighbouring town have been put on hold. Outline planning permission for a station in Bishop Auckland, which would be opened to residents,
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Winning is everything as Scott's army storms Wales
MARTIN SCOTT isn't taking Hartlepool United to Cardiff to enjoy the occasion, the only way to celebrate is with a victory. Pool head for the Millennium Stadium for tomorrow's League One play-off final with Sheffield Wednesday. A place in the Coca-Cola
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Youths get fire dangers tuition
TEENAGERS living in an area once dubbed the arson capital of the UK have been shown how dangerous the effects of fire can be. Cleveland Fire Brigade launched a Safety Awareness and Fire Education (Safe) course in an attempt to tackle rising incidents
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Scheme to improve lives of patients takes Leap forward
A scheme that has helped thousands of patients across Darlington regain their fitness is being overhauled with the help of health and exercise professionals. The Life Enhancing Activity Programme (Leap), which involves a programme of exercise prescribed
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Former soldier admits charges involving indecent photographs
A FORMER soldier who admitted making indecent photographs of young children on his computer has been spared jail. Philip Thorpe was traced by a specialist unit at New Scotland Yard, which was carrying out investigations into indecent pictures on the Internet
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Love affair is rekindled as Scott's dream date arrives
Martin Scott will create history tomorrow as the first to manage Hartlepool United in a major final. Sports Editor Nick Loughlin caught up with the former Sunderland defender, who was ready to walk away from the game when he left Wearside FOR anyone in
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Children sought after slab is hurled at train
CHILDREN as young as 11 were last night being sought by police after a concrete slab was thrown onto a train from a bridge. The driver had a narrow escape after being hit by the slab, which was dropped from a footbridge into his cab. The 39-year-old was
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Town waits to see if Pools minnows can make a splash
As Hartlepool United supporters prepare for the long trip to Cardiff, Paul Willis and Stuart Mackintosh look at the play-off fever engulfing the town. Unfashionable in the eyes of many football followers and unfancied in the minds of the bookies, the
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Hackers given jail warning
TWO hackers from the North-East who helped launch a virus that caused computer chaos across the globe have been warned they are facing jail. Jordan Bradley, 20, of Darlington, and Andrew Harvey, 22, of Durham City, were arrested following a joint swoop
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Union threatens further walkouts
HSBC was warned last night that it could face further strikes in a bitter row over pay. Union officials clashed with the company over the impact of a 24-hour walkout yesterday, with HSBC rejecting claims that a number of branches and a major processing
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Shearer's a fan of star striker Boyd
ALAN SHEARER has given Adam Boyd a first-class reference on the eve of Hartlepool United's momentous play-off final by insisting: "That man can send you to the Championship." Boyd has scored 29 goals in League One this season and his talent has attracted
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Sacking was fair, tribunal decides
A TRIBUNAL has ruled in favour of a North-East council accused by its former communications manager of unfair dismissal. The case of Jane Knox against Stockton Borough Council is believed to have cost council taxpayers more than £100,000. Councils chiefs
