Archive
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Smoking ban 'not popular'
MOST Britons are opposed to an outright ban on smoking in pubs, bars and clubs, according to a survey for the tobacco industry. A survey by Populus, carried out for the Tobacco Manufacturers' Association, found people supported separate smoking rooms
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Norse Dancer heads Elsworth's team
Norse Dancer will head David Elsworth's Royal Ascot at York team and goes for the Prince Of Wales's Stakes at next week's meeting. Elsworth will bypass the mile-long Queen Anne Stakes with the talented five-year-old and will instead run him over ten furlongs
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Man executed
A MAN whose skeleton was found in a field four-and-a-half years ago was executed, an inquest heard yesterday. Mark Corley, 23, was found in a field near Bolam, five miles from Darlington, in December 2000. Yesterday, a coroner returned a verdict of unlawful
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Women take part in war memorial day
VETERAN servicewomen will gather at a museum on Sunday for the annual Women's Air Services Memorial Day. Members of Women's Auxiliary Air Forces Associations from across the country will be at the Yorkshire Air Museum in Elvington, near York for the event
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Rowers confuse the sea
THE crew behind the North Atlantic rowing attempt got under way again after narrowly avoiding being hit by a hurricane. Nigel Morris and George Rock, of Ingleby Barwick, along with fellow crew members Steve Dawson and Rob Munslow, are in high spirits
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Church women's event
HUNDREDS of women worshippers from Methodist churches gathered for a major biennial event in the North-East yesterday. Durham Cathedral provided the setting for the fourth special regional service for the Women's Network of the Methodist Church. It attracted
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Dimmock mother's funeral
THE funeral of the mother and stepfather of TV gardener Charlie Dimmock was held yesterday. The couple had been on holiday in Thailand and were killed in the Boxing Day tsunami. Ms Dimmock, 38, was joined by 300 mourners at Romsey Abbey, Hampshire, at
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Maria muddle and murder in Massachusetts
ALLEN Armstrong is one of the nicest men around: grey haired, getting on a bit, pony tailed and proud of it. He is also warden of the south-west Durham churches of St John's, Lynesack and St Mary's, Woodland, and it was at Woodland's splendoured centenary
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Business briefs
Housing slowdown: Consumers are tightening their belts in the face of cooling house prices, shunning spending in favour of reducing their debts, according to research. Nationwide Building Society said the effects of the five interest rate rises in the
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Comment from The Northern Echo: More than payback time
WHEN President Bush needed Tony Blair, the Prime Minister did not let him down. Whether Mr Blair should have supported America in the war against Iraq remains the subject of passionate debate, but he gave President Bush the backing he so desperately needed
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Market report
The FTSE 100 Index secured its highest finish for three months yesterday as investors ignored claims of a consumer-led recession in the retail sector. With only miners and a clutch of other blue-chip stocks in the red, the Footsie powered 44.8 points
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False qualifications lands radiographer in court
A student who failed her exams got a job as a radiographer despite not having the correct qualifications, a court heard today. Martha Kirkwood-Rhinds, 27, was employed by South Tees NHS Trust after she claimed to have passed the first two years of her
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Licensing laws will hit profits, warns pub chain
NEW licensing laws are going to put a 15 per cent hole in the profits of a North-East pub chain, its boss said last night. The Government's new legislation means all drinking venues have to reapply to their local council for a licence. Alistair Arkley
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Bowyer summoned to court
NEWCASTLE United midfielder Lee Bowyer has been summoned to court where he will be charged with a public order offence in connection with an on-the-field fight with team-mate Kieron Dyer. Northumbria Police announced today that the former England star
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Woman, 54 trapped under car
A woman was airlifted to hospital yesterday after becoming trapped under a car. The 54-year-old, from Consett, County Durham, was involved in the accident on Ball Hill Farm, Wolsingham, yesterday afternoon. The woman was last night being treated in James
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Why manners do matter
STOP talking with your mouth full - it's rude. At least, 1,671 people thought so. They complained to the Advertising Standards Authority about the KFC ad, which featured workers in a call centre chomping on some KFC delight while dealing, or not dealing
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N-E university part of rebuild plans for Indonesian universities
A UNIVERSITY in the North-East is one of 13 in the country who have united to help rebuild the academic strengths of two Indonesian universities devastated by the tsunami. The universities lost almost one in ten of their staff and students, and suffered
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'Murder victims speak to me'
SHE came to him in the middle of the night, during a fitful sleep. "I'm Lynsey, Lynsey Quy," she whispered. "I've been carnaged, mangled." Joe Power awoke with a start. He was 33 and in the middle of a pretty scary psychic experience. "Her voice was in
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Six vehicles in A1 collision
THREE people were taken to hospital after a six-vehicle crash on an A1 slip road in the Gosforth area of Newcastle yesterday afternoon. The accident, near Seaton Burn, happened at about 5.40pm and involved a lorry and five other vehicles. Firefighters
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Jail warning for cannabis-grower
A MAN who grew 15 cannabis plants at his home was yesterday warned he could face jail. Jamie Thompson, 33, bought the infant plants from a drinking mate for £340, but their estimated street value when police found them at his home in Bramall Lane, Darlington
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Market town has region's highest air pollution
A market town has the region's highest levels of dangerous car-related air pollutants, according to a survey. Air pollution checks at four sites in the region, carried out on behalf of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), showed that Yarm, near
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Hunt for armed men after attack
POLICE are continuing the hunt for a pair of armed men who terrorised a father-of-three on his doorstep. The 34-year-old was getting into his car at 5.30am on Monday when he was confronted by two masked men - one carrying a machete and the other armed
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Silverhay set to sparkle in Blue Diamond
Silverhay, who has improved with every outing this year, should be spot on after three runs and is the fancy in the Blue Diamond Night Here On 16 June Handicap over the extended seven furlongs at Beverley this afternoon. David Barron's front-runner, who
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Hendrix guides expansion
A childcare business hopes the spirit of rock star Jimi Hendrix will guide them to success in Darlington. On February 2, 1967, Hendrix played at the old Imperial Club, on Grange Road, which is now where the Darlington branch of Team Fostering is based
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Indian star arrives
A NEW star of India has arrived in Darlington in the form of the Radhuni restaurant. Forget the embossed wallpaper and tables tucked in dingy alcoves common in many Indian restaurants. Radhuni, in Parkgate, next to the Civic Theatre, has the ambience
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Boy tells how runaway car pinned him against a wall
A SCHOOLBOY has spoken of his ordeal after he was pinned against a wall by a runaway car. Karl Dixon, 12, who suffered serious leg injuries when the Volvo rolled down a bank, is recovering in hospital. He was playing with two friends, James and Daniel
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Children book their places for library storytelling session
ANNE Anderson loves to tell stories and yesterday she shared some of her tales with children in the Durham area. Youngsters from the Brandon and Deerness Valley Sure Start project listened as Ms Anderson told them stories at Esh Winning Library. Sure
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District throws down a celebrity challenge
A TINY district has turned to its homegrown heroes to act as ambassadors across the globe. Derwentside District Council, in County Durham, has named seven of the area's more illustrious sons and daughters from the world of business, sport and the arts
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Luxury hotel bans smoking
ONE of the region's most luxurious hotels will become a smoke-free zone from the beginning of next month. The ban will mean there will be no smoking in any part of Seaham Hall Hotel or its adjoining Serenity Spa. Owner Tom's Companies, the North East-based
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McClaren gets ready to roll on Rocha deal
MIDDLESBROUGH boss Steve McClaren is planning a £3m raid on Portuguese champions Benfica for highly-sought after defender Ricardo Rocha. A host of clubs around Europe have been monitoring the player's situation closely this summer after he played an influential
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Plans submitted for 60 flats near the Feethams stadium
APARTMENTS could be built next to the former home of Darlington Football Club if plans are approved. But a neighbouring disused sports centre faces a less certain future after being badly damaged in a suspected arson attack. Following meetings between
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Display helps rescue team
PHOTOGRAPHS taken by a mountain rescue volunteer are on display this month. The pictures, by Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team's Paul Denning, feature in an exhibition at the Georgian Theatre Royal, in Richmond, North Yorkshire. Limited editions will be
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David sows seeds of success
A GROUNDSMAN is at the top of his game after being declared the best in the business. David Watson, 61, has worked for Gateshead Council for 29 years He is responsible for maintaining the football pitches and looking after the athletics track during the
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Business group saved after traders boost crisis meeting
A TOWN'S business community received a boost when a trader's association was saved following a crisis meeting. Bishop Auckland Business and Traders Association, the organisation that represents the business community, had warned that it could disband
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It Takes Tutu years to break winless streak
Takes Tutu ended a losing run stretching back over two years with a gutsy performance in the Carlsberg Straight-Mile Championship Handicap at Redcar yesterday. The six-year-old has run well on a number of occasions this year but his last win came in Dubai
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One in ten rail travellers dissatisfied
ONE in ten train passengers in the North-East have been dissatisfied with their overall journey, according to a survey. The National Passenger Survey, which records rail trends around the country, said about ten per cent of the region's train passengers
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Crime-fighting campaign in store to help deter criminals
CRIMEFIGHTERS are taking their battle against house and car theft to residents with a new campaign to cut offences on Teesside. Crime prevention officers Phil Taylor and Gerry McBride are hoping to sell as many safety devices as possible in the hope that
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Thomas returns to fold
DAVID HODGSON will welcome at least one new signing when his Darlington squad reassemble for pre-season training on July 4 - midfielder Stephen Thomas. Hodgson believes the return to fitness of Thomas will be like signing a new player, 12 months after
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Fresh appeal to trace hit-and-run killer
A HIT-AND-RUN driver who killed an 86-year-old woman has been urged to give himself up to spare his victim's family any further suffering. The fresh appeal to trace Dominic Gavin Huggett came on the second anniversary of the crash that caused the death
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Railway museum is on track for another award
THE North-East's first national museum is strengthening its place on the global tourism map by being nominated for an international award. Locomotion: The National Railway Museum, in Shildon, is now in the running for the European Museum of the Year Award
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Rare hen harrier is feared killed
POLICE are investigating after one of England's rarest birds of vanished - presumed dead - from North-East moorland. Hen harriers are endangered in England, with only a handful of nesting pairs remaining, the vast majority in the Forest of Bowland, near
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It Takes Tutu years to break winless streak
Takes Tutu ended a losing run stretching back over two years with a gutsy performance in the Carlsberg Straight-Mile Championship Handicap at Redcar yesterday. The six-year-old has run well on a number of occasions this year but his last win came in Dubai
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National showcase for award-winning project
YOUNG offenders are painting a new picture of learning, thanks to an awarding-winning project at one of the region's prisons. Poetry, song writing, drama and painting are being run alongside more conventional basic skills, such as literacy and numeracy
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Why manners do matter
STOP talking with your mouth full - it's rude. At least, 1,671 people thought so. They complained to the Advertising Standards Authority about the KFC ad, which featured workers in a call centre chomping on some KFC delight while dealing, or not dealing
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Two Castles finalises £18m refinance deal
A SOCIAL housing provider has finalised an £18m refinancing deal that will save it more than £5m. Two Castles Housing Association has refinanced 90 per cent of its loan portfolio and completed deals with both Abbey National Treasury Services and Barclays
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Youngsters 'stripped and knifed 8-year-old'
AN eight-year-old was kidnapped at knifepoint and forced to strip naked before being beaten and stabbed by two older boys demanding sex, a court heard yesterday. The terrified youngster had been playing with friends in a residential street when the boys
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Fish theme parks warning
Many of Britain's traditional fishing communities are turning to tourism to overcome economic decline, a study has revealed. Researchers found that in several North Sea fishing towns, tourism could provide a greater source of income than fishing. But
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Farmers to supply power station
UP TO 100 farmers in the region are to share in a £2.5m-a-year deal to supply a new power station. SembCorp has appointed Greenergy to supply 55,000 tonnes a year of willow as biomass fuel for its £50m power station at Wilton, on Teesside. The plant will
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Online music label launches fair trade project
A MUSIC label aiming to give artists from developing countries more control over their output has been launched in the region. Fair Trade Media, an online music label and accessories store, aims to help Third World musicians gain exposure, while gaining
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On TV last night
Sugar Rush (C4) Cutting It (BBC1) FROM the opening scene showing a 15-year-old girl using an electric toothbrush in a way that would make her dentist blush, it's obvious that Sugar Rush is a little different from most children's television. It may be
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Youngsters 'stripped and knifed 8-year-old'
AN eight-year-old was kidnapped at knifepoint and forced to strip naked before being beaten and stabbed by two older boys demanding sex, a court heard yesterday. The terrified youngster had been playing with friends in a residential street when the boys
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Istead rewarded with new deal
HARTLEPOOL: Steven Istead has set his sights on forcing his way into Hartlepool United's first team after signing professional terms at Victoria Park. Teenager Istead was Pool's most used substitute last season and his patience and potential has been
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Real ale lovers toast to success
THREE real ale lovers have taken over two North-East micro breweries and one of the oldest pubs on Wearside. Businessmen Jeff Hind and John Walters have teamed up with publican and brewer John Taylor, to launch Bull Lane Brewery, at The Clarendon, in
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You're through to customer services - just f*** off and leave us alone . . .
CUSTOMERS of Britain's biggest cable TV company who rang a helpline were stunned to be told: "Just f*** off and leave us alone." A North-East man who was kept hanging on for help hacked into the company's system and changed the recorded message so everyone
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Delgado survives uprising
Britain's Jamie Delgado secured his biggest pay-day of the year yesterday - and then spoke of his terror at being caught up in the recent uprising in Uzbekistan. Delgado defeated France's Gael Monfils in the first round of the Stella Artois Championship
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'Hearts' just not in it for Sir Bobby
NEWCASTLE: Former Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson has declined the opportunity to take over as head coach at Scottish Premier League side Hearts. The 72-year-old, who was sacked by the Magpies last September, had been in discussions with the Edinburgh-based
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Blues are in a league of their own
CHELSEA are the biggest spenders in world football according to Deloitte's annual review of football finance, while both Newcastle and Middlesbrough have reduced their wage bill to reflect the changing financial state of the game. The report, published
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Black Cats target Carroll after Poom setback
SUNDERLAND are ready to step up their interest in former Manchester United goalkeeper Roy Carroll after learning that Mart Poom has been hit by yet another injury setback. Poom, who was forced to sit out the final seven months of last season with a serious
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Rebranding of clothes range slows decline
AUSTIN Reed is rebranding its womenswear range in an attempt to reverse the ailing division's fortunes. The company, which has its administrative and distribution centre in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, has announced plans to shorten its Country Casuals brand
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Scorching weather expected for Durham Regatta
THOUSANDS of spectators are expected to attend one of the region's longest-established sporting events this weekend. Now in its 171st year, the annual Durham Regatta attracts rowers from across Europe to compete in a weekend of racing on the River Wear
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1,000 bank staff to vote on pay strike
MORE than 1,000 bank managers and branch staff employed across the region by Lloyds TSB yesterday received ballot papers over industrial action. Lloyds TSB Group Union (LTU) is consulting 1,171 North-East members over measures such as an overtime ban,
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Man jailed for knife attack
A devoted mum has told how her son almost died following a frenzied attack by a teenage knifeman. Craig Hunter's life hung in the balance after he suffered serious stab wounds to his face and neck at the hands of Peter Scott, 19. The 27-year-old's jugular
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History is on Yorkshire's side in war of the Roses
Everything is all set for a cracking Roses battle today as Yorkshire embarked on their 240th Championship match against Lancashire - and the 50th to be played at Headingley since 1893, two years after the ground opened. Of the 49 contests, Yorkshire have
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Shoppers can take a butcher's at Beefy
CUSTOMERS visiting a County Durham butcher tomorrow morning will be served by one of Britain's greatest sporting heroes. Ian Botham will be helping out at Stuart McFarlane's butcher shop, in Barnard Castle. The cricket legend, known as Beefy, is to spend
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08/06/2005
BAD BEHAVIOUR: WHILE visiting North Yorkshire last week I noticed the article and Comment about Asbos (Echo, June 3) and the fact that 42 per cent reoffend. I do agree with your comment though, that Asbos are good for a final warning for offenders. Asbos
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600 walkers expected at charity trek
GOOD causes in the North-East will benefit from a massive sponsored walk in the region this weekend. Up to 600 people are expected at the annual event by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK, in Hartlepool. Money raised from the 12-mile walk will be split
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Live 8 forces N-E concert to be cancelled
THE Live 8 concert has eclipsed a pop event scheduled to take place in the North-East on the same day. Organisers have pulled the plug on The Sunderland Pops 05, which was due to feature Will Young, Gabrielle, Beverley Knight and Paul Carrack on Saturday
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Police urge tolerance
POLICE in Teesdale have made 157 visits to traveller sites in recent weeks in response to community fears. Inspector Kevin Tuck, of Barnard Castle police, said officers had called a meeting of all interested parties to develop a policy about travellers
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No headpine
Sugar Rush (C4); Cutting It (BBC1) FROM the opening scene showing a 15-year-old girl using an electric toothbrush in a way that would make her dentist blush, it's obvious that Sugar Rush is a little different from most children's television. It may be
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And what will Wills do next?
Prince William must feel as if a great weight has been lifted from his broad shoulders. No, he has not been excused becoming king someday - he's finished his final exams after four years at St Andrews University. Hopefully the Prince, who celebrates his
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Company in court over explosion
A CHEMICAL company is to be prosecuted after an explosion on its site. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Environment Agency has charged Shanks Chemical Services, near Hartlepool, with five offences. The company will appear before Hartlepool Magistrates
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Fan gets matches ban for invasion
AN accountant from North Yorkshire was yesterday banned from attending football matches for three years after he took part in a pitch invasion at Darlington Football Club's last game of the season. Mark Russell, 22, is now banned from attending any game
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Fire crews say new shifts are not safe
FIREFIGHTERS at one of the region's airports say their new shift system is compromising health and safety. A letter was sent by the Durham and Tees Valley Airport fire crew to The Northern Echo claiming the new rota of working 24 hours on, 48 off, contravened
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Business crisis averted
A TOWN'S business community received a boost when a traders association was saved following a crisis meeting. Bishop Auckland Business and Traders Association, the organisation that represents the business community, had warned that it could disband unless
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Police renew appeal after bike tragedy
POLICE hunting the motorcyclist whose riding led to the death of another biker, have made a new appeal for help. They are now trying to trace the driver of a black Suzuki GSXR which was seen close to the scene of the fatal collision, on May 28. Ralph
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Crime crackdown targets town's law-breaking drivers
A POLICE operation to catch motorists breaking the law in Darlington has been hailed a success. About 4,500 cars were checked by police and other officials during a blitz in the Albert Hill area on Monday. In a link up between Durham Police, the Vehicle
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Penny may fetch £80
AN engraved disc commemorating a dastardly deed by a highway robber goes under the hammer next week. On March 14, 1768, John Curtis was hung for the robbery and murder of Wolf Myers, on the road near Salisbury, Wiltshire. An engraved disc produced by
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Recycling levels are up to 25 per cent
Council chiefs are celebrating after recycling levels took a big jump. Since the introduction of kerbside recycling collections in the Ryedale area of North Yorkshire in 2003, recycling has increased dramatically - at the same time diverting waste from
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Gold Cup reminder of city's race glory
A SPARKLING reminder of the Royal heritage of York Racecourse is on show - six days before Royal Ascot gets under way. A Gold Cup, presented by Queen Anne in 1713 for horse racing in York, has been given pride of place at a city attraction. Records show
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Art event visitors will be led a merry dance
VISITORS to an original arts festival will be led a merry dance around the grounds of a museum. Five performers from Tees Valley Dance will take audiences on a half-hour tour of the gardens at Kirkleatham Museum, Redcar, east Cleveland, on Sunday. The
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Inspector calls with new role
A POLICE chief has been appointed as the new community inspector in Consett. Inspector Andy McConnell takes over from Inspector Cath Boyd, who has moved to the complaints department at Durham Constabulary headquarters. He has been a police officer for
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Beware of cold callers
TRADING standards officers have warned householders to be on their guard against cold call tactics of some unscrupulous doorstep salesmen. They have issued advice following growing numbers of calls from concerned people who fear elderly relatives may
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City centre pub to close for revamp
TIME is temporarily being called to allow for the transformation of a well-known city centre pub. The Coach and Eight, a riverside public house, off Framwelgate Bridge, in Durham, will close on June 15 for the facelift. The owner, the Laurel Pub Company
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Follow the Boro brick road
FOOTBALL legends and life-long supporters can have their names immortalised en route to their beloved stadium. The names of Gareth Southgate, Juniniho and Wilf Mannion will be lined up with those of fans from across the globe as part of the Boro Brick
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Scary Guy's mission to bring peace
A TATTOOED and pierced motivational speaker is touring schools in the region on a mission to stamp out hate, violence and prejudice. The 51-year-old American, known simply as Scary Guy, will spend the next fortnight visiting secondary and primary schools
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Protestors call for block on plans for estate phone mast
PLANNERS are being urged to block an application to install a 12-metre high mobile phone mast in a north Durham estate. Telecommunications company O2 wants to put the mast on land south of Carlingford Road, on the Garden Farm Estate, in Chester-le-Street
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Trust to pay back £66m of its debts
BOSSES at a crisis-hit hospital trust have been told to make cuts totalling £66m over the next three years. Managers have pledged to maintain services and avoid compulsory redundancies, but there are growing fears that patients may be affected. The sheer
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Plans to launch knights charity
A CLUB promoting fellowship and charity support is to be launched in an area of east Durham. Knights of the Golden Horn, dating back to the 17th Century, was a once-thriving organisation in the colliery communities of the North-East. Many individual groups
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Council chief re-opens town card shop
A CARD shop has been re-opened by Chester-le-Street District Council chairman Councillor Alan Turner as his first official engagement. Owned by Kevin and Barbara Brown, it is now part of the Hallmark Gold Crown network. Manager Sharon Scotter said: "We
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Footballer case: brothers face court
TWO men are to appear in court charged with assault in a case involving Hartlepool United's star striker Adam Boyd. Brothers Henry and Mark Tones will appear in Hartlepool Magistrates' Court next week charged with assaulting a 24-year-old woman. The charge
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Marking 30 years of German twinning
TOWN-TWINNERS in Derwentside are celebrating 30 years of friendship with a town in a German steelmaking area. Derwentside established official civic links with Werdohl, in the German Sauerland, in 1975, but a year later local people who made the first
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Neighbour jailed for flouting Asbo
NEIGHBOUR from hell Jonathan Fieldhouse was jailed yesterday for flouting a court order by playing his electric guitar all hours of the day and night. Harrogate magistrates jailed Fieldhouse, 26, for four months after he admitted breaching an anti-social
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Echo's text service survey
The Northern Echo is conducting a survey into mobile phone text services to find out what kind of text services readers might want. The paper is looking into offering sport, news and entertainment alerts by text. The Echo has already done a few Sudoku
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Man arrested over horrific discovery at N-East stables
A MAN has been arrested in connection with the deaths of animals after their decomposing bodies were discovered in filthy, abandoned stables. The RSPCA last night confirmed the development after questioning a suspect about the conditions in which at least
