Archive
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Expect Something Exciting at Vodaphone Oaks
SOMETHING Exciting (4.10) bids to live up to her name by storming to victory in today's Group 1 Vodafone Oaks. This year's mile-and-a-half fillies' Classic, worth in excess of £222,000 to the winner, is a particularly strong renewal, although sadly there's
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Fourth win keeps Sessay just behind leaders
SESSAY are in second place in the table by virtue of having won four of their six games. Their latest success came at Osbaldwick last Saturday, when the home side made a first innings score of 159-9 as David Johnson took 4-44. Sound performances by Nick
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House arrest
WE columnists have to tread a fine line between the topical and the over-done, so I might touch on house arrest and the Oscars, while neatly side-stepping Charles, Camilla, the Pope, Michael Jackson and Jose Mourinho. With the golf course under snow and
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Group formed to keep the peace for Appleby fair
A PEACE-KEEPING group is to be formed in Barnard Castle in an attempt to solve the problem of travellers who set up camp on their way to Appleby Horse Fair. The group will involve two members of Teesdale District Council, Ken Coates and Newton Wood, who
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£40,000 gone from petrol station run by missing man
A GARAGE manager who went missing over a week ago has sparked a police investigation after more than £40,000 was found missing from his workplace. Richard Young, 36, who runs the Total service station, on the Coast Road, in Blackhall, County Durham, went
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One big soap opera
IF TOP-LEVEL football is one big soap opera there is little wonder that other sports struggle to compete for attention. While viewers are finally switching off from the nastiness of EastEnders, other soaps continue to encourage the proliferation of young
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It's the horsey people who put on the brave face
IN this injury-infested world it's hard to know who evoked the greater sympathy this week, Jonny Wilkinson or Best Mate. Some might even argue a case for Titus Bramble. But, as usual, it's the horsey people who put on the brave face, with the general
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Police ask for electric stun guns
A NORTH-East police force is hoping to have trained officers carrying 50,000-volt stun weapons to tackle armed criminals. Cleveland Police are trying to secure funding to buy the taser guns, which fire needle-tipped darts to deliver a powerful disabling
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Double success lifts Saltburn into pole position
DARLINGTON RA aim to complete a double over four-times champions Guisborough when they meet for the second time within a week at Brinkburn Road tomorrow. And skipper Phil Crowther will have a replacement professional in his line-up following the midweek
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Postmistress at Sandhutton gives notice to quit
A PLEA has been made to try to save the post office at Sandhutton from closure. It may close in a couple of months' time unless someone takes over from postmistress. Alison Ward, who has run the service from her home since 1998. Coun Richard Reed, chairman
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McKenna takes six as Middleton St George dominate
MIDDLETON St George secured their sixth straight win when they had nine wickets to spare over second-placed Aldbrough St John last Saturday. Aldbrough managed only 91 all out as McKenna took 6-41 and Rogers ended with 3-20. The modest target proved no
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Eyes down - as patient disappears
A BORED pensioner triggered a major alert at a North-East hospital when he decided to sneak out for a game of bingo. The police were called when nurses at Sunderland Royal Hospital discovered one of their patients was missing. The unnamed 69-year-old
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Residents shop drug dealers
FED-UP residents have had enough of drug-dealing neighbours and are "shopping" them to the police - by the dozen. Police on Teesside acknowledged the role of ordinary people in cracking drug-related crime, as 85 officers, with sniffer dogs and air support
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Air team gets support from Mayor
A TOWN Mayor is appealing for businesses to raise vital funds to keep the Great North Air Ambulance charity flying. New Shildon Mayor Stuart Bird said the air ambulance saved the life of one of his friends and that he wanted to do everything he could
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Interest in rare Fergie
ENTRIES for tomorrow's second annual vintage sale at Hawes mart are 25pc up on last year. Lots include 28 vintage tractors, vintage farm implements, tractor accessories, horse drawn machinery and even a tradesman's bicycle and a baby's bath. A rare FE35
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On TV
Make Me Normal (C4) ROY is 18 and is obsessed with EastEnders. More particularly, he is obsessed with Vicky Fowler. He can remember the first time he saw her, and he can remember what she was doing - drinking a can of Lilt. He has memorised the birthdays
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More lifeguards on beaches
More lifeguards patrolling Teesside beaches to ensure bathers stay out of harm's way. The teams watching the sands at Redcar and Saltburn dealt with 95 incidents last year and so are reinforcing the safety message to visitors to the beaches this year.
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It's full steam ahead for station project appeal
THE final push has begun in a bid to raise the £200,000 needed to unlock funding for the conversion of Richmond station. The Darlington & Stockton Times is supporting Richmondshire Buildings Preservations Trust in its attempt to raise the money to
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A remarkable building born of a passionate devotion to art
BOWES Museum at Barnard Castle must be one of the finest and most unusual buildings in England. Looking more like a French chateau than an English museum, it is certainly one of the most impressive structures in the North-East, and yet it does not dominate
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Shoptalk: Dashing away with the smoothing iron
Travel irons are a necessity for smoothing out the suitcase wrinkles, but which brands are worth their salt? Shoptalk investigates. OK, you might not quite take the kitchen sink on holiday with you, but what about the iron? Of course, the last thing you
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A 90th birthday bash
THERE is music and dancing at a Darlington Scout group's garden fete this year. The 8th Darlington (Cockerton Green) Scout Group's 54th fete starts at 2pm on Saturday, June 18, at Cockerton Green. Music will be by Daytripper and Irish dancing by Clann
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Healthy fun
Bannatyne's Health Club, in Haughton Road, Darlington, offered free health checks at its family fun day on Monday. In addition, a rowing machine competition was held, which cost £1 to enter and all the proceeds will go to Unicef.
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Housing support is praised
A SCHEME to help vulnerable people live independently in Darlington has been praised by inspectors. The Supporting People Programme is a Government scheme, overseen by local councils, to help vulnerable people live in their own homes. The programme, which
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Go wild for an environmental day
POND-DIPPING, a mini safari and a hunt for wild flowers will be among the activities at an environmental fun day. The "Go Wild in the Whinnies" event, organised by Darlington Borough Council's countryside team, takes place at the Whinnies Nature Reserve
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Rise in homeless seeking assistance
THE number of people seeking help in finding a home in Ryedale has risen 41 per cent to 341 in the past year, according to a district council report. Housing services manager Richard Etherington blamed the increasing number of homeless people, and a lack
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Council defends its wheelie bin scheme amid criticisms
A COUNCIL has defended a waste collection scheme after coming under fire from residents and local councillors. Wear Valley District Council has introduced more than 29,000 wheelie bins across the district over recent weeks. Residents are asked to leave
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Church marks completion of refurbishment
METHODISTS are planning a weekend of celebrations to mark the completion of a church refurbishment project. Romanby Methodist Church has undergone improvements costing £134,000. It now has a meeting room, toilets facilities, baby changing and disabled
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200 on stage for musicals
MORE than 200 school children will take to the stage for a music extravaganza. Children at Staindrop Comprehensive School are performing the musical version of the Wizard of Oz alongside Abbamania. The shows involve more than 200 pupils, which is almost
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In the footsteps of predecessors
VILLAGERS past and present from Escomb and Witton Park are invited to follow in the footsteps of the Prince Bishops to celebrate the creation of a new pathway. The Escomb and Witton Park Heritage Trail will be opened on Sunday afternoon with a group walk
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Shoptalk
OK, you might not quite take the kitchen sink on holiday with you, but what about the iron? Of course, the last thing you want to do on holiday is the ironing. That's what you're getting away from. Most things don't need ironing anyway, wherever you are
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Housing approved for site of motel destroyed by fire
THE owners of a motel destroyed in a blaze four years ago have won planning permission to build houses on the site. The Rainton Lodge Motel, next to the A690 near West Rainton, went up in flames in April 2001, forcing staff and guests to flee the building
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Fete to mark garden project
A GALA fete is to be staged to mark the opening of an east Durham gardening project. Eastlea Community Centre Garden, in Seaham, was developed by Groundwork East Durham along with Eastlea Community Association. For use by local residents, it includes
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Bonanza of events for fans of cycling
THREE guided bike rides along some of the region's best off-road routes have been organised to help celebrate National Bike Week, in County Durham. The Bike Bonanza rides starting from Consett, Lanchester and Bishop Auckland, follow former railway tracks
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Festival to feature wealth of talent
THERE will be a wealth of musical talent in the spotlight later this month at one of the most important events in Hartlepool's calendar. The final of the Hartlepool Music and Arts Festival takes place in the Town Hall Theatre, on Saturday, June 11, starting
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New musical boosts village lights appeal
A CHARITY performance on Friday will boost a town's Christmas lights appeal and its parish church. Proceeds from a new musical, Sister Josephine Kicks the Habit - based on the characters of late Yorkshire singer-songwriter Jake Thackray - takes centre
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Topping Everest with help of Roseberry peak
TEN students are planning to tackle Everest for charity - without leaving the North-East. The teenagers, all from Stokesley Sixth Form College, will instead climb the equivalent of Everest's 29,028 feet by tackling Roseberry Topping, on the edge of the
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Young dancers take to stage
HUNDREDS of twinkle-toed dancers from across the region are showing off their talents at a dance festival. The youngsters, aged between three and 18, are taking part in Hartlepool Stage Dance Festival at the town hall theatre this week. Dancers from Hartlepool
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On top of the world
IT has taken 18 years of Alan Hinkes' life to conquer all 14 of the world's highest peaks - 18 years in which his bones have been broken, his body and his spirit have been tested to the very limit and his friends have lost their lives on the mountains
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Donations aid asylum seekers
DONATIONS from Co-op customers are helping to feed asylum seekers. The Middlesbrough-based Mary Thompson Fund, which works to improve the life of refugees in the area, has been awarded £1,000 worth of basic provisions from the company for individuals
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Dav points to Durham blueprint
BANGLADESH coach Dav Whatmore has cited Durham's gradual rise through the county ranks as an example of what his Test strugglers could achieve in the next ten years. The Asian tourists will get their first taste of the Riverside later today when they
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Challenge - Mount Everest sixteen times
TEN students are planning to tackle Everest for charity - without ever leaving these shores. The teenagers, all from Stokesley Sixth Form College, plan to climb the equivalent of Everest's 29,080 feet, by tackling Roseberry Topping, on the edge of the
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Man tried to set himself alight
A SOLICITOR yesterday said it was horrific that a man with mental health problems appeared in court for trying to set himself on fire after he separated from his girlfriend. Gary Matthew McStravick, 45, of Prescott Street, Darlington, admitted a charge
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Smoking banned by rural authority
A RURAL County Durham authority is to introduce a no-smoking policy. Members of Teesdale District Council's corporate services committee are expected to approve the policy when they meet next week. The policy will be implemented from July 1 and all council
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Can ear piercing harm your child?
The Beckhams have had their two-year-old child's ears pierced, but is it wise for other parents to follow the trend... and are there worse things they can impose on a child? Barry Neslon rep0rots. YOU can't choose your parents - but they can certainly
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Biking fatality draws fresh attention to danger road
A daughter wept this week as she pleaded for help in tracing a hit-and-run biker who killed her father. Ralph Snowdon, 66, of York, was killed in the crash on Saturday afternoon on the B1257 near Chop Gate. The innocent motorcyclist was bit by another
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Breeders vie for top honours in season's earliest sheep classes
A RAM bought for £28,000 last year became supreme champion at the 52nd annual Tan Hill Swaledale Sheep Show last week. Geoff Marwood, of Long Green Farm, Barningham, near Richmond, bought the animal from Mark Wearmouth, of Stainmore, at Kirkby Stephen
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Bus zone at schoolis opposed
A MOVE to provide a bus parking area outside a North Yorkshire high school to avoid conflict with pedestrians has run into problems with highways chiefs. A planning application for the bus zone outside Bedale High School goes before North Yorkshire County
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Consultants to draft regeneration scheme
CONSULTANTS have been called in to draw up regeneration plans for a former colliery community. A consortium has been briefed to develop a masterplan for a community renewal scheme for the Hetton Downs area, in Hetton-le-Hole, near Houghton-le-Spring.
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Innkeeper seeking top tips for tourists
AN innkeeper is appealing for help to pinpoint key attractions as outings for tourists thinking of visiting the region. Bob Middlemiss, manager of the Innkeeper's Lodge, on the A167 Great North Road, at Chester Moor, near Chester-le-Street, wants to list
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Call for action to improve
DIESEL and petrol fumes are damaging the air quality in the North Yorkshire twin towns of Malton and Norton and need to be cut, according to Ryedale District Council. The authority wants to work with other agencies to reach targets set for 2010 for PM10
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Hospital's A&E service cannot be guaranteed
NO guarantees could be given about the future of the current accident and emergency service and maternity service at the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton, a senior health official told a public meeting on Thursday of last week. Pressed to commit to retaining
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Couple living in tent have hopes of bungalow dashed
A HOMELESS couple who were told they could move from a tent into a council bungalow have had their hopes dashed. Kevin Howe, 44, and his wife, Susan, 39, will have to go on camping on the banks of the River Tees in Barnard Castle, County Durham. They
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Hughes set for Le Mans race
SUNDERLAND driver Warren Hughes has been signed to drive for top British Sportscar team RML and will race their new MG/Lola prototype in this year's Le Mans 24 Hour race. The deal marks Hughes' return to the world's most prestigious sportscar race after
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Coastline inspires art show
AN exhibition that documents the beauty of the North-East coastline opens today. Offshore, at The Gallery in Gateshead Central Library, runs until July 16 and features works that focus on the shape and pattern of the sea. It includes works by Sarah Riseborough
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No guarantee for Friarage Hospital A&E services
NO GUARANTEES could be given about the future of the accident and emergency service at the Friarage Hospital, a senior health official told a public meeting. When pressed, Simon Kirk, chief executive of Hambleton and Richmondshire Primary Care Trust,
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03/06/02
HEROES ALL: AS a footnote to the splendid article by Gavin Havery about Donkey Kirkpatrick, (Echo, May 20) I would mention that he is well honoured by the Fellowship of Service to which I proudly belong. Branches/messes often take as their title great
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Getting to the roots of bigotry
PERHAPS the best indication that times are changing in Northern Ireland is the fact that Belfast has become a tourist destination. Many regional airports now operate flights there and the city centre has apparently developed a night-time party atmosphere
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Johnny rotten
THERE'S only one thing that Soapland likes more than a good wedding and that's a good funeral when people have the opportunity to pay their respects to a loved figure. When the person being laid to rest is Andy the gangster - pushed off a bridge over
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The road from coal to computers
The closure of Ellington Colliery, the last working pit in the once mighty North-East coalfield, highlights the transition that has taken place in the region. Incredible to think that, 80 years ago, a quarter of a million men and boys were employed down
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Strongman backed by health firm
A NORTH-EAST strongman has been given a boost as he aims to muscle in on bodybuilding honours. Alastair Black, 23, from Cornforth, County Durham, has signed a sponsorship deal with Health Sense Nutrition, of Euxton, near Chorley in Lancashire. Mr Black
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Monkey's bone tests may flesh out legend
TESTS could be carried out on an animal bone found on a beach to determine whether there is a link with a town's famous monkey-hanging legend. The leg bone was discovered on a stretch of coast where a monkey was said to have been sentenced to death during
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Warnings of workforce shortages in county
NORTH Yorkshire needs to attract more workers into the county because of difficulties in filling vacancies. The authority's audit and corporate affairs scrutiny committee will be told by its head of human resources, Justine Brooksbank, that unemployment
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Grime in Egyptian jar is the remains of long-dead priest
IT has kept its secret for thousands of years but, in the end, ancient rituals proved no match for modern science. For the past 36 years, an Egyptian jar has stood in the collection of a Harrogate museum and, for countless years before that, lay in the
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Bouncer brings title home
THE title of Britain's Strongest Woman 2005 was carried back to the county this week. Gemma Taylor, 21, won all five gruelling events at the Kent event to take the title to add to her UK's Strongest Woman accolade. Miss Taylor, a bouncer from Bagby, near
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Bins with lids open will not be emptied
A COUNCIL is under fire after ordering its refuse collectors not to empty wheelie bins left with the lid open. Chester-le-Street Council said bins that are not shut properly pose a hazard to its workers and that the order complies with health and safety
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Support offered to Germans
A SERVICE hoping to attract more German companies to the region was launched yesterday. The European Business centre, in North Tyneside, makes it easier for German companies to find a base in the North-East. It also offers a support package, through German-born
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Campaign to ease parking restrictions is stepped up
CALLS to relax on-street parking times in Darlington continued this week. Conservative councillors backed appeals by shop owners in Grange Road to extend the one-hour parking limit to two-hours. Their call follows reports that trade had been affected
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Centre offers lift for new starters
EIGHT companies have agreed to move into a £2.35m business centre. Two more are close to agreeing to take units at the Springboard centre, in Stokesley Industrial Park, North Yorkshire. Springboard helps new and developing companies that have the potential
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Ban rules out Dettori
Frankie Dettori has been ruled out of the entire Royal Ascot at York meeting after picking up a six-day ban for careless riding at Haydock yesterday. Dettori was given the suspension for his ride on Royal Orissa in the EBF D.Kitchen Ltd Handicap. He appeared
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Race venue on fast track to compete with the best
THE foundations have been laid for a North-East race circuit to join the elite of British motor sport venues. The paddock at Teesside Autodrome has been completely re-laid as part of a programme of improvements costing more than £100,000. This follows
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Residents seek support for school conversion idea
AN APPEAL for support has been made for a proposal to turn a Darlington school into a community centre for all ages. The North Road Community Partnership is seeking support from the borough council's youth service and children's service for a proposal
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Johnson Matthey predicts 'a good outlook for the future'
CHEMICALS and materials group Johnson Matthey last night predicted a good outlook for the future as it posted a four per cent rise in profits to £204m. The company, which employs 450 staff at the headquarters of its catalysts business at Billingham, Teesside
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Cheerio Ches
THE social services in Soapland have long been concerned about the welfare of youngsters like Chesney Brown. Children like him - and we will return to poor Chesney's new plight soon - are the real casualties of life in Coronation Street (ITV1), not terrible
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Roads 'may not cope' with Argos traffic
FEARS that one of Darlington's busiest roads will struggle to cope with an extra 2,200 vehicles a day when a massive distribution depot opens have been raised. Coun Barrie Armstrong is concerned that West Auckland Road and the new Rotary Way will be unable
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The day I called the Samaritans
It was the job advert that caught my attention. It read: "No pay, no promotion prospects, no bonuses, no expenses, no business lunches, no glamour and sometimes not even a thank-you." Hardly a ringing endorsement for a position - but the advert for the
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Prices at the Marts
DARLINGTON. - Thurs of last week. Fwd: 451 cattle, 761 sheep. Steers med to 138.5p/£754.83 av 109.8p; heavy to 145.5p/£895.38 av 112.95p, overall steer av 112.54p; hfrs med to 126.5p/ £575.58 av 105.18p; heavy to 146.5p/£776.88 av 111.78p; overall hfr
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Following in his father's footsteps
ONE of the key sections of the Great Yorkshire Show has a new head. Tim Abbey, who farms at Long Marston, near York, has taken on the role of chief cattle steward. The section is a fundamental part of the annual three-day show, with about 1,000 cattle
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Slatered!
Soapland is rife with drunkeness, sex and deception - and that's only the children. There's drama at the Minute Mart in EastEnders (BBC1) when a shelf collapses in the supermarket. This passes for excitement these days in Albert Square. The fact that
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Hughes set for Le Mans race
SUNDERLAND driver Warren Hughes has been signed to drive for top British Sportscar team RML and will race their new MG/Lola prototype in this year's Le Mans 24 Hour race. The deal marks Hughes' return to the world's most prestigious sportscar race after
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Oh, no Mo
There could be several reasons why Silly Billy is looking so down in the dumps. Perhaps he's seen the latest ratings for EastEnders (BBC1). Then again, the new producer might have told him that, in a bid to set temperatures soaring in Albert Square, he's
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Accused teacher's case adjourned
A teacher accused of slapping a pupil has had his case adjourned for a second pre-trial review. District Judge Michael Wood last month abandoned the trial of science teacher Ron Harbottle following legal arguments at Consett magistrates' court. He ordered
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Wellock's World: Lesser fry
ONLY the minnows of Test cricket have so far visited Chester-le-Street - Zimababwe two years ago and now Bangladesh. But the signs are that Durham are ready to swim with the big fish in every sense. Those are the words with which I began an article I
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CHAPS show sees quality entries at Richmond venue
OUTSTANDING entries for the Coloured Horse and Pony Society Yorkshire region's excellent show at Northern Equestrian, Richmond kept secretary Amanda Walker and her team very busy. The judges for the Horse of the Year Show qualifiers were Linda Miller
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Whales off the side as crew hits thick fog
A DAY of close encounters with shipping and wildlife beckoned for the crew aiming to break the North Atlantic world rowing record yesterday. The crew -Nigel Morris and George Rock, of Ingleby Barwick, Teesside, along with Steve Dawson, of Lincolnshire
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Carers get help to balance their lives
CARERS will be shown how to balance their lives at a conference next week. The event will be at Darlington Arts Centre on Thursday, ahead of National Carers' Week, which is from June 13 to 17. Carers will be able to discuss their needs and take part in
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BAT slammed for 'putting profits first'
A UNION leader last night said he was terrified for the future of UK manufacturing as he accused British American Tobacco (BAT) of putting profits before jobs. Gerry Hunter, North-East regional officer for trade union Amicus, launched the attack after
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Conference on women and crime planned
A national conference on women and crime is to take place in the region later this month. The day-long conference, organised by Soroptimist International, will take place at County Hall in Durham City on Saturday, June 18. The conference is designed to
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Clever rats aid memory studies
THEY may be vermin, but researchers at a North-East university have discovered that rats may be a lot brighter than their reputation as scavengers suggests. A team from Durham University says it has made a major medical breakthrough after discovering
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Lamb sure he can hang on to Zenden
Chief executive Keith Lamb remains 'reasonably confident' that Middlesbrough can persuade Bolo Zenden to stay on Teesside, despite interest from European champions Liverpool. As revealed in Northern Echo SPORT on Tuesday, Pierre Zenden, the player's father
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Kiss and hell
AS February 14 approaches, you'd be wise to lock up your daughters, bolt the doors and hide in the cellar as Soapland prepares for a repeat performance of the Valentine Day's massacre. See true love shot down in a hail of bullets and home truths. First
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Rare breeds show will be family event
TRADITIONAL, native and rare breed sheep, cattle, poultry and waterfowl will go on show at Skipton in September. The event, staged in association with the Dales Support Group of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, takes place at Cra-ven Cattle Marts' Skipton
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Hidden drivers do nothing for railway romance
THERE was a time when, like most small boys, Spectator wanted to be an engine driver until he followed the road to perdition in journalism. A recent train journey reminded him how times have changed. Once highly visible, the idols of many a schoolboy
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Driver who re-offended 'deserved life'
A MAN whose wife was killed by a drunk driver 11 years ago has criticised the sentence her killer has now received for seriously injuring a woman as he drove while disqualified. Thomas Cox, of Chester-le-Street, said the 15-month prison sentence was not
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Tactical blundering
WE wait for ages for an exciting North-East talent, then two come along at once only to have their England debuts spoilt by the coaches' tactical blundering. Neither had much chance to express his attacking skills, although there was some small consolation
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One big soap opera
READERS of Hear All Sides might have noticed in Wednesday's Northern Echo a letter from Richard Caborn, our esteemed Sports Minister. How nice of him to find time to write when he's so busy. Why, only the previous night I had seen him on the televison
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Anger as BT no longer encourages post office payment
BRITISH Telecom's decision to stop telling customers they can still pay phone bills free of charge at post offices because it is not cost effective to the company has come under fire. Until recently, the post office payment method was listed with others
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Misguided offspring
THE world would surely be a better place if Douglas Hall were a mansion on the Isle of Man, rather than the misguided offspring of a multi-millionaire. It strikes me that the son of Sir John Hall isn't fit to lace Craig Bellamy's boots, never mind air
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Bringing a national asset into focus
'IN 2004, all formal ties with the NFWI ceased and the Markets began trading ... under their new name, Country Markets." And that, you would think from Jo Major's introduction to her photographic essay, was that. It wasn't, of course, and only a year
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Landlord refutes nuisance claims
A PUB landlord has reacted angrily to claims that his premises could become a magnet for late drinkers. Peter Rafferty, licensee of the Cleveland Bay in Yarm Road, Eaglescliffe, has applied for a licence variation to allow him to stay open until 12.30am
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Good Samaritan was killed by Asbo thug
A TEENAGE thug who killed a good Samaritan as he tried to break up a street fight had been given an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (Asbo) by the courts only eight days earlier. Sixteen-year-old Gary Prescott appeared at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday to
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Should junk food parents face court?
Helping every child to reach their potential is one of the most difficult tasks facing society - but it can also prove the most rewarding. Charity can play a leading role in this and no doubt some of the millions of pounds raised through Red Nose Day
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Audience will be in fine voice for theatre's Sing-a-Long shows
SHOW-GOERS are encouraged to sing their hearts out at a theatre's double-date themed music day. Staff at Durham's Gala Theatre are also preparing to join in at the Sing-a-Long concerts, on Sunday, June 12. The day starts with Sing-a-Long-a Joseph and
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'He laid down his life for his friend'
As a boy in Winnipeg, Thomas Axworthy was moved by the story of war hero Andrew Mynarski. On the eve of the unveiling of the stature to the winner of the VC, the author explains why Mynarski's sacrifice inspired him to record his story. Growing up in
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Let's be proud of our heritage
For a region which has contributed so much to the national economy, the Tees Valley has been strangely silent about its industry. To some extent that's the nature of the people here. They prefer getting on with the job to talking it up. That's a pity,
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Teachers vote in favour of strike action at academy
TEACHERS have voted in favour of strike action at a troubled flagship academy. The NASUWT union at Unity City Academy, Middlesbrough, has called for action to protect the conditions of service for staff. They are angry over plans to make the failing academy
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Magpies warned off target
NEWCASTLE UNITED'S attempts to land Daniel van Buyten have suffered a setback after being warned to keep their hands off the defender by Hamburg. Van Buyten admitted earlier this week that a move back to the Premiership and to Newcastle would appeal to
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Durham meet an old friend
DURHAM were unlikely to have been tempted to go out on the town with their old mate Shoaib Akhtar in Worcester last night. Although the world's fastest bowler's stint with Worcestershire is not scheduled to start until July 1, he timed his arrival to
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Schools win gold for healthy outlook
THREE schools that kicked out vending machines and fizzy drinks and banned smoking have received awards in recognition for their efforts. Bullion Lane and Newker Primary Schools and their partner secondary school, the Hermitage, all in Chester-le-Street
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Dirty work
THE flags are flying at half-mast in Soapland. Dirty Den is dead. Again. Who says lightning never strikes twice? This time a chance of a resurrection are as likely as Dot Cotton running topless through the Square. No-one will miss his lying, cheating
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Viewers to see village's sleepy atmosphere shattered
THE moment when ten ladettes descended on a sleepy country village will be aired on television tonight. Eggleston Hall, in Teesdale, County Durham, is the location for a new reality TV show being screened on ITV at 9pm. Ladette to Lady has taken ten hard-drinking
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Queen of the musclewomen
GEMMA Taylor has been crowned Britain's Strongest Woman after winning all five of the competition's events. The 21-year-old from Bagby, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, can now add the title to her UK's strongest woman trophy. During the event, in Maidstone
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Lesser fry
ONLY the minnows of Test cricket have so far visited Chester-le-Street - Zimababwe two years ago and now Bangladesh. But the signs are that Durham are ready to swim with the big fish in every sense. Those are the words with which I began an article I
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Tweddle makes Windsor top 20 with Don't Underestimate
NORTH Yorkshire's Nicola Tweddle was in great form at the Windsor International Horse Trials, where she made the top 20 in a quality field which included several Olympic medallists. The two star three-day event ran over the Queen's glorious parkland surrounding
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Charity fundraiser Ron dies
A HEARTBROKEN wife led the tributes yesterday to fundraiser and blood donor Ron Springthorpe, who has died aged 72. Elizabeth Springthorpe said her husband would do anything to help anyone. Mr Springthorpe was diagnosed with terminal cancer, which had
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Finding a voice for the region
A trip to Dubai is an invigorating experience which leaves you marvelling at man's creativity. I returned there last week, 14 months after my first visit. The pace at which buildings have gone up is amazing. Not surprisingly, people want to see the same
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Open day for advice
AN open day is being held next week to give advice and support to visually-impaired people in Darlington. The Vane House Resource Centre is run by Darlington Borough Council's social services department. It has a range of services for blind and partially-sighted
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Village homes plan may be rejected
PLANS to build 14 flats and five houses in a village are being recommended for refusal. The detailed plan is to develop a former garden machinery centre, in High Coniscliffe, near Darlington. A previous application for new homes, on the site of the former
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Cabbies appeal for taxi fare increases
TAXI fares in Darlington may increase after an appeal from taxi drivers in the town. Darlington Borough Council has received a letter from a taxi driver asking for an increase in hackney carriage fares. Local authorities can fix rates and fares within
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Bikers park up - securely
BIKERS are being encouraged to bring their vehicles into Darlington town centre, after new parking areas were created. Three motorbike stands, which provide a secure place for bikes to be chained up, have been erected in the car parks at Abbots Yard,
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£200,000 drugs unit upgrade
ONE of the most modern hospital pharmacy units in the region has been unveiled. The new unit, which is at Darlington Memorial Hospital, is designed to allow staff to safely handle potentially toxic anti-cancer drugs. The County Durham and Darlington Acute
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Payments guide
ALLOWANCES paid to members of Richmondshire District Council for the last financial year have been published. A total of £137,688 was paid to councillors for attending meetings, taking on extra responsibilities, travel and subsidence. To find out more
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Tea and memories
VILLAGERS are invited to a 1940s tea party as part of Sedgefield's 60th anniversary celebrations of the end of the Second World War this weekend. The tea party, in a marquee in the grounds of Ceddesfeld Hall, Sedgefield Village, on Sunday, is open to
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Take up a new skill - for free
A FREE seven-week computer course starts in Ferryhill and Bishop Auckland. The sessions, managed by Durham County Council's Skills4Life Online Project, start at Ferryhill Library on Tuesday, at 10am and 1pm, and at Bishop Auckland Town Hall, on Wednesday
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Remembering those people who care
A NUMBER of events are planned in Teesdale to celebrate National Carers Week. The first event organised by Durham Dales Action for Carers is a walk around Raby Castle, in Staindrop, on Monday, June 13. There will be a short walk for the less active as
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Traders warn of a future in silence
A TRADERS' association is holding a crisis meeting as it stands on the brink of folding due to lack of members. Bishop Auckland Business and Traders Association will hold a general meeting next week. It says that unless new members and volunteers can
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Residents form association
A NEW residents' association has had its first meeting to discuss community concerns. Grove Residents' and Citizens' Association met on Wednesday, a session chaired by Vincent McArdle, secretary of the Derwentside Residents' Federation. More than 30 people
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Benefits call for pensioners
EAST Durham pensioners are being urged to claim benefits which are rightfully theirs. Over the past 18 months, Easington District Council's benefits section has been working with its partners to secure more cash for people over 60 who are missing out
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Plaque marks completion of beauty spot restoration
A MAJOR project to repair and safeguard a much-loved beauty spot has been completed at a cost of £250,000. The scheme was one of the most complex engineering projects to be prepared and managed by Richmondshire District Council's technical services team
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Burton's Bytes: Raw deal for dawdling dinos
MONSTER HUNTER, Publisher: Capcom. Format: PS2. Price: £39.99. Family friendly? 12+: MONSTER Hunter is a strange game. It starts with the usual warning about graphic gore and violence that players of the Resident Evil series have become familiar with,
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Police start using dispersal orders to tackle young yobs
TEENAGE tearaways are to be put under curfew at a seaside resort. Police and residents have reached the end of the line with yobs menacing parts of Redcar. Dispersal orders will now be used to clear trouble-hit areas. The orders empower police officers
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Controversy over plan to process farming chemicals
VILLAGERS have objected to expansion plans by a company wishing to process and store hazardous farming chemicals. Greatham Parish Council has written to Hartlepool Borough Council objecting to the proposals by Exwold Technology Ltd. The business, on Brenda
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Allergies can seriously ruin your health
NEARLY half of people with an allergy have not been able to sleep and more than a third have not been able to concentrate at work, yet only 17 per cent always take medication to alleviate their symptoms, according to new research. More people are suffering
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Calls flood in as room with a loo goes on market
A REMOTE village is home to one of the region's most unlikely des res properties. While not necessarily fit for a king, the property in Woodland, County Durham, comes equipped with thrones. The village's public toilets are being sold off by Teesdale District
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Tale of brothers illustrates woes of the tenantry
HE'D farmed all his life on the acres his family had tilled for more than 200 years. He's a sportsman, a naturalist, but above all he, like his brother, is a top-rate farmer in both traditional and contemporary terms. A year ago, he saw the changes approaching
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Security patrols at bullying scandal school
A SCHOOL at the centre of a bullying scandal is recruiting security guards to patrol its corridors. St Wilfrid's RC Comprehensive, in South Shields, South Tyneside, is advertising the posts to help supervise pupils during school hours. The school hit
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Dance night to fund volunteer
A MIDDLESBROUGH man will be putting on his dancing shoes in a bid to raise funds for a once-in-a-lifetime volunteer trip to Central America. The adventure will see restaurant worker Steven Flett help build homes for under-privileged people in Honduras
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Charity benefits from historic year of success
A TOWN mayor made history when he handed over the proceeds of his charity campaign. Out-going Spennymoor Town of England East Children's Cancer Research Unit, at Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary. It is one of the largest amounts raised by a town mayor
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RAF team aims true at contest
Sharpshooters from the Royal Air Force are aiming high after qualifying for a national championships. The six-strong team from RAF Leeming took part in the Command Skill-at-Arms meeting in Bisley, Surrey, pitting their wits against nearly 100 other competitors
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Digging into rich seam
LIGHT could be shed on the history of Hartlepool's Headland area by an archaeological dig next week. The week-long excavation by Tees Archaeology begins on Monday in part of the grassed area of Croft Gardens, opposite the Borough Buildings. Three areas
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Couple mark 60 years of marriage
A BRIDESMAID from their marriage 60 years ago joined Thomas and Marjery Brown for their diamond wedding celebrations. Mr Brown's sister, Rose Savage, made the trip to east Durham to mark the couple's milestone day yesterday. The couple were married at
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Campaign pays off as centre re-opens
A CHILDCARE centre which had been threatened with closure re-opened yesterday. After running for two years, the Children's Centre at Dalton Park retail outlet, in Murton, looked set to shut down amid a funding crisis. But thanks to a tireless campaign
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A truly great cause
NEWSPAPERS are frequently approached to lend overt support to good causes. For practical reasons we can't support everything, other than to give the cause the oxygen of publicity. For a project to get the D&S seal of approval it has to be something
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Tsunami victim identified as Leanne
THE body of a British backpacker who died in the Asian tsunami disaster has been formally identified and flown back to the UK, police have confirmed. Leanne Cox, 23, from Hartlepool, was reported missing following the Boxing Day disaster that claimed
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Be ruthless, England told as Aussies arrive
WITH the Australian squad due to touch down on English soil in the early hours of Sunday morning, Michael Vaughan has urged his England team-mates to send out an Ashes warning by comprehensively disposing of Bangladesh this weekend. And, while Durham
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A maverick defence of democracy
Love him or loathe him, there's no denying that the world is taking notice of George Galloway. I don't particularly like Mr Galloway. When I see the TV pictures of him shaking Saddam Hussein's hand it makes my skin crawl. And there's a part of me that
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Kids who can't connect
Make Me Normal (C4): ROY is 18 and is obsessed with EastEnders. More particularly, he is obsessed with Vicky Fowler. He can remember the first time he saw her, and he can remember what she was doing - drinking a can of Lilt. He has memorised the birthdays
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Raw deal for dawdling dinos
MONSTER HUNTER, Publisher: Capcom. Format: PS2. Price: £39.99. Family friendly? 12+: MONSTER Hunter is a strange game. It starts with the usual warning about graphic gore and violence that players of the Resident Evil series have become familiar with,
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Peak of achievement - as North-East man conquers world's 14 highest mountains
INTREPID adventurer Alan Hinkes was on top of the world yesterday after becoming the only Briton to have conquered the world's 14 highest peaks. The 51-year-old grandfather, from Northallerton, North Yorkshire, earned his place in the history books after
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Promise of more bobbies on the beat
THE chief of Cleveland has promised more bobbies on the beat as part of a radical shake-up that will see top jobs axed. Chief constable Sean Price 's three-year plan will halve the number of chief superintendents and superintendents, many of them retiring
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Pupil designs logo for school
PUPILS who will go to school in the UK's first education village from October, have designed their own school uniform and logo. Darlington's £35m education village, being built in Haughton, will bring Haughton Community, Springfield Primary and Beaumont
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Asbo teenager went on to kill
A TEENAGE thug who killed a good Samaritan as he tried to break up a street fight had been given an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (Asbo) by the courts only eight days earlier. Sixteen-year-old Gary Prescott appeared at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday to
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Able boss scotches Ghost Ship rumours
THE boss of Able UK last night attacked reports that decommissioned US Navy vessels moored in the region could be towed north and scrapped in Scotland instead. Able, which operates a breakers yard in Hartlepool, has confirmed it is bidding to buy the
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Statue of air hero sets off on 300-mile journey south
AN 8FT statue of once-forgotten Second World War hero Andrew Mynarski will arrive in the North-East today after a 300-mile journey from Scotland. The sculpture, which will be unveiled at a ceremony at Durham Tees Valley Airport tomorrow, was cast in bronze
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Skate shop mural may have to go
A SKATE shop that sparked controversy by creating a mural may be told to get rid of it by council chiefs. The graffiti-style artwork in front of the Urban Chaos shop, in Duke Street, Darlington, was created in March. But borough council officials took
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Cats keep options open as Davis heads back
SUNDERLAND are keeping their options open after talks with Kelvin Davis ended with the goalkeeper returning to Ipswich Town with his future up in the air. Davis met with manager Mick McCarthy on Wednesday night after Ipswich accepted a fee, believed to
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Able boss scotches Ghost Ship rumours
THE boss of Able UK last night attacked reports that decommissioned US Navy vessels moored in the region could be towed north and scrapped in Scotland instead. Able, which operates a breakers yard in Hartlepool, has confirmed it is bidding to buy the
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Comment from The Northern Echo: Poor record of a last resort
THE use of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders was the subject of intense political debate during the election campaign. The Government sees them as a key weapon in the fight against crime, while the Tories decry them as a weak alternative to prison. Yesterday's
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Celtic Mill edges photo finish to win Sandown prize
SCORTON trainer David Barker had his biggest-ever win when Celtic Mill landed the Group 2 Temple Stakes, a five furlong sprint, at Sandown on Tuesday night. Philip Robinson had the northern raider in the van for the entire race and owner-breeder Peter
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Special sales
BARNARD CASTLE. - Wed of last week. Fwd: 582 sheep inc Whit show for spring lambs. Champion pen: Brian Law, 38.5kg £69 to Peats Butchers. Prizes. - Suff lambs: 1 K&RE Robson, 45k £67.80; 2 B&L Robson, 43.5k £65; 3 JB Stephenson, 40.5kg £59. Cont
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Putting her best foot forward
A woman from Middleton St George is planning to trek 100km through the Brazilian wilderness in November to raise money for charity. Helen Crosby, 51, will hike 62 miles in six days through a remote part of Brazil for Breast Cancer Care's Trek Brazil 2005
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Town gears up for cricket Test
OFFICIALs are putting the finishing touches to preparations for Chester-le-Street's big moment in the national sporting spotlight. The Riverside cricket ground stages the second npower Test match between England and Bangladesh, starting this Friday, at
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Backing for forest bike trails
THE green light has been given to England's most extensive network of purpose-built mountain bike trails. The £400,000 plan to create 50km of routes in the 8,600 acre Dalby Forest, near Pickerting, has been announced by the Forestry Commission and SingletrAction
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Wildlife survey gathering information on region's snakes
A County Durham wildlife group is conducting a special survey in the region in a bid to protect some slippery recluses. Durham Biodiversity Partnership yesterday launched a new action plan in which it has called on the public to report any sightings of
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A maverick defence of democracy
Love him or loathe him, there's no denying that the world is taking notice of George Galloway. I don't particularly like Mr Galloway. When I see the TV pictures of him shaking Saddam Hussein's hand it makes my skin crawl. And there's a part of me that
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Couple plan to go bunny-hopping in a Chipmunk all the way to Malta
AN AMBITIOUS 3,000-mile fundraising flight will see a Thirsk businessman fly to Malta. Peter and Sandy Ray are to fly a Chipmunk aircraft there to be part of the Maltese International Air Show. They are also using the challenge to raise much-needed funds
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The hydra that needs beheading
The billboards at the local cinema inform me that The Magic Roundabout is now showing. For a moment I thought this was a film about the way the Treasury distributes taxpayers' money. The public is taxed, the Treasury allocates cash to numerous quangos
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Police investigate animal carcasses find
An investigation was under way last night after the carcasses of several animals were discovered at stables in the North-East. RSPCA inspectors broke into the premises in Trimdon, County Durham, and made the grisly find. They found 13 dead horses, 11
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Political twist hailed a breakthrough in battle
THE battle over the future of council assets in Richmond has taken more twists and turns after Conservatives pledged to save the Station Road car park from development. The announcement led to claims that Tories on the district council were trying to
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Newly re-vamped gastro-pub proves to be spot on target
RESEARCHING some background information on this week's destination, I typed the name Potto into the search engine on the internet. The message came up: "Do you mean potato?" Which proves one thing: although typing may not be my strong point, Google isn't
