Archive
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Mystery surrounds river death of charity worker
MYSTERY surrounds the death of a charity worker whose body was pulled from a river two months after he disappeared. An inquest yesterday into the death of 29-year-old Tristan Long, of Hardisty Cloisters, York, ruled out suicide. Coroner Geoff Fell said
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Hard Rock owner sounds flat note on profits
THE rising cost of running its bingo halls prevented entertainment group Rank's interim profits rising above the level of last year. The company, which owns casinos and the Hard Rock Cafe chain, blamed increases in the minimum wage and higher energy costs
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Welcome boost for harbours
THE struggling fishing industry is to receive a boost with proposals for new developments at two harbours in the region. A shellfish holding tank could be developed on the fish market at Whitby, and a lobster hatchery at Scarborough Harbour. The proposals
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Chain ordered to sell stores
THE competition watchdog has ordered supemarket chain Somerfield to sell four of its stores in the region. The ruling follows an investigation by the Competition Commission into the acquistion of 115 stores from Safeway owner Morrisons. The commission
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River rescue after cliff fall
EMERGENCY services staged a dramatic rescue on a river after a teenager fell over a 30ft cliff. It is believed the 15-year-old boy had been jumping off rocks into the River Swale at Richmond, North Yorkshire, when the accident happened yesterday afternoon
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Clark happy to be used as Hartlepool's 'Mr Versatile'
THERE are not many roles Ben Clark hasn't played at Hartlepool United since his move from Sunderland last October. The former England under-19 skipper set the trend and started the now well-worn path that leads from the Stadium of Light to Victoria Park
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03/09/05
GLOBAL WARMING: In reply to FM Atkinson (HAS, Aug 26), there is one very good reason for objecting to all wind turbine installations and that is because they are blighting our landscape for nothing in return. Any power which they do produce only duplicates
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Owen at home with Shearer
RECORD Newcastle United signing Michael Owen is to stay at Alan Shearer's home while he looks for new accommodation for his family. United's new star striker may have turned down his former England colleague's offer of the legendary number 9 shirt, but
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£28m bypass hailed as vital to city's future
MOTORISTS heading into a North-East city can look forward to easier access as work begins on a major road link. The first turf was ceremonially cut yesterday to mark the start of the £28m Sunderland Southern Radial Route, connecting the city centre with
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Sporting legends join youngsters in football festival
NORTH-EAST football legends who have starred at the highest levels will pull on their boots once more and take to the field for a sporting extravaganza tomorrow. Former favourites from Newcastle United, Middlesbrough, Sunderland, Darlington and Hartlepool
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Hurricane damage leads to sharp fuel price rise
FUEL prices across the region have rocketed after the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in America. At some filling stations, it is costing more than £1-a-litre as concerns grow in the wake of damage to US suppliers. A sample survey of filling stations
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Man pleads not guilty to harassing wife
A man today pleaded not guilty to two charges of harassing his wife. David Pavey, 36, was arrested last week after allegedly dousing himself in petrol and threatening to set himself on fire. Mr Pavey, of Headingley Crescent, Darlington appeared at Northallerton
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Investigation to be launched into estate demolition plans
THERE will be an investigation into controversial plans to flatten a Teesside neighbourhood. An investigative officer has been appointed by Local Government Ombudsman Patricia Thomas to examine Middlesbrough Council plans to demolish 1,500 town centre
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£80m investment in mental health services announced
MENTAL health services on Teesside are to receive a massive cash injection to significantly improve facilities, health officials have confirmed. Nearly £80m will be spent by the Tees and North East Yorkshire NHS Trust during the biggest single investment
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Analysts focus on blue-chip stocks
A NUMBER of FTSE 100 companies will take centre stage next week giving analysts the opportunity to judge the progress of, among others, InterContinental Hotels and bookmaker William Hill during the first half of the year. Cigarette maker Gallaher issued
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Sun, sea but no romance on holidays
NORTH-EAST holidaymakers fare the worst when it comes to chatting up locals abroad, according to a survey. Mobile phone travel insurance company Text2Insure found that Londoners were the most successful, with 38 per cent having had a fling or romantic
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Saltburn celebrate after clinching Premier title
Saltburn had the title sewn up before the half way stage of their game at Normanby Hall. Three points were needed to celebrate and when they claimed six wickets it was all over. The Seasiders have been in the driving seat for most of the season and there
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Will you walk on hot coals for us?
DAREDEVIL volunteers are being asked to come forward for a dramatic fundraising event taking place next month. Dozens of brave souls are being challenged to walk barefoot over hot coals during the annual fire walk, in Durham City. At just 20ft long, the
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Anger at store's drinking proposals
A BUSINESSMAN has angered his neighbours with plans to extend the hours of drinking on his premises. Portman Street Residents' Association chairman Ken Sargent said he had already told Steve Cochrane, owner of the Psyche department store, in Middlesbrough
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Youths admit house burglary
A TEENAGE boy broke into his mother's house with a friend and stole £1,300 worth of alcohol, tobacco and cash before embarking on a spending spree. The youths, from Darlington, appeared before magistrates in the town yesterday. The court heard that the
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Esh in Winning mode
THE celebrations started at Esh Winning on Saturday night when the triumphant team returned from Kimblesworth. Esh went into the penultimate game needing only ten points to clinch their first championship in 15 years and, after reducing Kimblesworth to
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Super sub wants his big chance
After scoring his second goal of the season, Darlington super sub Guylain Ndumbu Nsungu is hoping to be finally given a place in the starting line-up. The striker's latest strike came in Friday's 1-1 draw at home to Notts County, a well-directed header
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Hero dad plucks son from harbour
A FATHER who saved his young son from drowning on holiday was last night hailed a real-life Superman. Carl Gault plucked his son from deep waters in a Majorcan harbour as they waited to board a boat, which was aptly called Superman. Mr Gault's wife, Karen
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German chemicals group 'has set its sights on BOC'
SHARES in industrial gases group BOC were trading frenetically yesterday as speculation mounted that it was a takeover target for German chemicals manufacturer BASF. Seven million BOC shares changed hands within two hours of the market opening in London
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Blue Star march on to maintain record
Newly-promoted Newcastle Blue Star are the only First Division club with a 100 per cent record after their victory at Esh Winning - but general manager Bob Morton says they're taking nothing for granted. Star have won four out of four, and they've signalled
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Charity makes a survey its concern
AGE Concern is planning to question over-60s in Teesdale or Wear Valley about access to amenities and services. The charity is carrying out the survey of older people in partnership with the University of Durham. The research will be carried out in small
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Community honours shoe shop stalwarts
TWO stalwarts of Bishop Auckland have been honoured for their service to the town. George Robinson and Dennis Franklin, who worked for many years at Robinsons Shoe Shop, were recognised for their work by Bishop Auckland Town Centre Forum. The two men
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Event will explore youth concerns
YOUNGSTERS are being urged to take part in an event which will give them a bigger say in the running of their town. Graffiti artists and film-makers will attend the Whatever U Want! event at Caf 177, in Hartlepool, next weekend. It aims to find new ways
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Youngsters reap the benefits of a community campaign
A COMMUNITY that battled to raise almost £200,000 for a recreation ground has unveiled its new play area. Residents in Stanhope joined forces to raise as much money as they could to create the playground after failing to persuade Wear Valley District
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Weekend blitz on booze by police leads to five arrests
A TEN-HOUR police operation aimed at tackling drink-fuelled crime across a Teesside borough resulted in five arrests. The weekend crackdown, in Stockton, Billingham, Yarm, Thornaby and Ingleby Barwick, saw 55 police officers and trading standards staff
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Longer bar hours rejected
PLANS to open a sports club bar until 2am have been rejected by licensing bosses. Committee members of York Railway Institute Outdoor Sports Club, off Hamilton Drive, wanted to serve alcohol until 2am on Friday and Saturday. But neighbours said this would
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Wardens plan crackdown
A COUNCIL is launching a crackdown on litter louts in a town centre. Easington District Council's environmental wardens will patrols Castle Dene Shopping Centre, Peterlee, and hand out £50 on-the-spot fines to people dropping rubbish. The council hopes
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Campaigners step up their activities
CAMPAIGNERS fighting to retain a successful school in its village location have announced a series of events. The Save Hurworth and Rural Education (Share) protest group was created in response to controversial plans unveiled by Darlington Borough Council
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Leek growers ready for battle
A NEW open leek, flower and vegetable show will be held at Whitworth Hall, between Brancepeth and Spennymoor, later this month. The event, part of the annual British Red Cross Country Fair, will have 25 classes ranging from pot leeks to carnation buttonholes
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'I should be so lucky...'
As she settles into her new home with her fiance and prepares to undertake her first starring stage role back in her home town, teenage pop idol Zoe Birkett tells David Roberts her life couldn't be any better. IT'S hard to gauge what appeals most to Zoe
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Pubs 'will drop food' to avoid ban on smoking
MANY pubs in the region would stop serving food to get round a smoking ban, according to a survey of publicans. Results show that the proportion of the region's pubs which would be exempt from the proposed smoking ban could rise from the current figure
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Special team nets a haul of medals
SPORTS enthusiasts who triumphed at a major competition were given a civic welcome on Wednesday. Darlington's first Special Olympics team was greeted by town mayor Stella Robson after returning from the National Summer Games in Glasgow with a haul of
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Mother of four sets out on new career
A MOTHER-of-four is putting new skills to good use at the college where she was taught. Lynn Swinbourne took a New Directions programme in business, office and travel skills at Hartlepool College and has landed temporary part-time employment in the reception
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Police hunting men who robbed girl
Police are hunting seven men who robbed a 12-year-old girl at knifepoint. The terrified youngster was also punched in the head by at he gang. The attack happened last Thursday evening outside Tesco in Ingleby Barwick, on Teesside, when she was approached
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Snake stars with a younger group
YOUNGSTERS from Bishop Auckland joined one of the country's leading saxophonists for a morning of making music. Snake Davis, who has played with many stars, including Paul McCartney, Annie Lennox, Lisa Stansfield and M People, visited Bishop Auckland
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Ambulance cuts defended by chief
AMBULANCE bosses have defended claims that plans for a shake-up of ambulance services in rural areas are cost-cutting measures. Representatives of the North-East Ambulance Service (NEAS) listened to residents of Teesdale and Weardale who had concerns
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Passengers route for George
BUS driver George Cole has been named one of the best in the region. He was named Arriva North-East's Bus Driver Idol 2005 after he was nominated by customers. Passengers nominated Mr Cole, who works out of the company's Darlington depot, for his friendly
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Elizabeth toasts her new-look windows
WINDOW contractors are the toast of council tenant Elizabeth Best after fitting double glazing in her home. Durham City Council is replacing windows in about 3,000 homes across the district to meet Government-set standards and Mrs Best's was the 1,000th
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Regeneration scheme backed
A COUNCIL'S biggest housing and regeneration scheme has been given a boost by the Audit Commission. The independent watchdog report on Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's housing strategy and enabling service gives it a two-star rating, citing it as
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Workshops aim to combat anti-social behaviour
A PIONEERING initiative that helps communities tackle crime and disorder, and improve quality of life for residents, is being expanded. A problem-solving workshop led by experts in enforcement, policing and community justice had such an impact on the
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Durham hang on to claim draw in Riverside thriller
THE latest episode in a summer of thrilling cricket saw Durham cling on for a draw in an exhilarating climax against Derbyshire at Riverside yesterday. Looking for the victory which would have virtually guaranteed promotion, Durham's enterprise almost
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Police issue warning about bogus caller
POLICE are warning elderly people about a teenage caller they believe may be lying about a medical condition to gain access to their homes. The young man visited three homes in West Cornforth, between 7pm and 8pm on Bank Holiday Monday, asking for water
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Benefits cheat spared prison
A BENEFITS cheat was spared a prison sentence yesterday after a court heard it could lead to her suicide. Jennifer Flatters, 54, pleaded guilty at Harrogate Magistrates' Court to nine charges brought by the borough council under the 1992 Social Security
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Professor surprised by the reaction to dyslexia views
NORTH-EAST professor Julian Elliott has been "taken aback" at the storm created by his controversial views on dyslexia. The Durham University professor of education stirred up a hornets' nest after he questioned whether dyslexia really existed. Campaigners
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Festival will celebrate the joys of garlic
THE North-East's first garlic festival, featuring local produce, will be held at a hamlet this weekend. Businessman Ant Pelly has begun growing organic garlic at his smallholding at Snods Edge, on the border of County Durham and Northumberland, near Consett
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Volunteers dig in at church garden
A CHURCH garden has been restored to its former glory with the help of college students. Young people attached to the Millennium Volunteers and Environmental Action Group Agenda 21, based at Northallerton College, have spent months working on the garden
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Museum secures a little piece of railway history
A HISTORIC railway wagon is to be kept permanently in the town that spawned the railway industry. Darlington Railway Museum, off North Road, initially had the chaldron No 434 wagon on loan from Beamish Museum, near Stanley, County Durham. In return, Beamish
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Saint's name is restored to cathedral
THE name of a North-East saint has been re-instated to the title of one of the region's iconic religious buildings. Following a 464-year absence, St Cuthbert's name has returned to the full title of Durham Cathedral. The cathedral was built in the late
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Assurance over farm's waste energy scheme
ASSURANCES have been given that a scheme to convert rubbish into energy on a moorland farm will be safe. Victor Buchanan, managing director of Bioflame of Pickering, is seeking planning permission from the North York Moors National Park Authority to install
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Park is looking shipshape as restoration project reaches milestone
WORK has been completed on a £225,000 playground development in a Stockton park. The new play area, at Ropner Park, features a wide range of innovative items, including climbing frames, slides and swings, all based around a sea theme in honour of the
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Fire risk fear over caravan park bid
PLANS to build an environmentally-friendly caravan park near a moorland village have been labelled a fire hazard by objectors. Amanda Boorman has applied for planning permission to create the park on land next to her home at Murk Esk Cottage, in Goathland
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Big crowds expected at agricultural show
BRITAIN'S oldest agricultural show returns for its 226th year today. Wolsingham Show attracts thousands of people to the region each year, with livestock and rural crafts on display. The show runs until Monday at Scotch Isle Park, in Wolsingham. Last
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Why Luke's The Man for the job
Luke Goss is firmly shaking off memories of Bros, as his acting career goes from strength to strength. As his new movie, The Man, opens on Friday, the US-based actor talkes to Ben Falk about missing the UK. The blue eyes are just as piercing and the voice
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Teen sentenced in firework death
A teenager has been given two-and-a-half years detention after he killed a man who died in a fire after youths put a firework through his door. Arthur Lonsdale, 52, died two days after the fire in Westerham Close, Sunderland, in October last year. The
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A little bit of glamour in a glum world
In 1020s Britain, popular live theatre was a great escape from the grim reality and austerities of everyday life. For her new lovel, Bishop Auckland writer Wendy Robetson immersed herself in the lost world of the travelling theatre groups which visited
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Lifting the lid on the levee
UNTIL this week, a 'levee' had been a meaningless word that Don McLean had invented to fill up the chorus of his long-winded 1971 hit: So bye bye, Miss American Pie, Drove my Chevy to the levee But the levee was dry. Now, though, the world knows that
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Firefighters receive media training help
AIRCRAFT firefighters from around the world have been trained how to handle the media, thanks to staff at a North-East college. Fire officers from as far away as New Zealand and the Caribbean were among a group to receive training at the Serco International
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Breathing life into the Brontes
A play on the Bronte sisters examines how three Victorian spinsters put such passion in their books. Steve Pratt talks to its creator, Polly Teale. Writer-director Polly Teale's visit to the Bronte family's Yorkshire home ended in an unexpected manner
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Hear all Sides
PRINCE'S TRUST FOR the majority of young people, getting their GCSE results was a joyous occasion, opening the door to further opportunities. However, thousands of school leavers will wake up this weekend with no qualifications and little chance of finding
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Man denies murdering son
A man appeared in court today and denied murdering his son. Robert Stacey is accused of killing 19-year-old Scott Pritchard, who was found unconscious on the doorstep of his home on January 7 last year. The teenager, of Lindsay Close, Hendon, Sunderland
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Rappers take anti-racism play on tour
YOUNG performers are touring with a stage play they helped inspire. The youngsters, from Teesside, wrote rap lyrics as part of a creative project and their words were turned into a script by writer Dave Kelman, who lives in Australia. The young people
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Pensioner bullied out of home by sadistic boss
A TERRIFIED pensioner resorted to living on the streets when his bullying boss took over his home. Leslie Kingston, 72, became a prisoner in his own home when sadistic cafe boss Brandon Di Caprio decided to move in when his marriage broke down. Newcastle
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Calls for remaining female prisoners to be transferred
THE prisons watchdog says the last handful of women inmates should be moved from a pre-Victorian North-East jail as soon as possible. Chief Inspector of Prisons Anne Owers says in a report published today that the females were being kept at Durham Prison
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McClaren's best bet is with Boro
STEVE McClaren is too young to lie back and think of England and should concentrate on bringing more glory to Middlesbrough, according to one of his former colleagues. Former Manchester United youth coach Eric Harrison witnessed first hand the Boro boss
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Benaud hoping to bow out with a grand Ashes finale
Next week's crucial Ashes Test marks the end of an era for cricket commentator Richie Benaud. The soft-spoken Australian will depart the commentary box at the end of the contest at The Oval. Chief Sports Writer Scott Wilson reports ON Thursday, millions
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Bishops boss laments costly defensive errors
Bishop Auckland manager Brian Honour criticised his side's defending after they slumped to a 4-1 defeat at Clitheroe. Bishops are now second bottom of the First Division with one point from three games and Honour said: "Some of the players need to be
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North-East singer aims to prove Simon wrong
A SINGER from the region plans to make Simon Cowell eat his words after the X-Factor judge cruelly rejected him. The acid-tongued critic attacked Anthony Little's audition saying he had no talent and laughed at his image, calling his outfit hideous. Anthony
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Explorer's honour celebrated
IT was 220 years ago that a coat of arms was granted to the family of the North-East's most celebrated adventurer. Elizabeth, the wife of murdered explorer Captain James Cook, successfully petitioned for armorial bearings reflecting the achievements of
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Jail for man with ten bags of speed
POLICE found ten bags of amphetamine stashed in the engine of a man's car after they raided his home, a court heard. John Paul Coglan, 26, was in debt to his dealer and, as a result, came to an agreement where he offered up his garage so it could be used
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South North in the driving seat
Despite gaining the maximum 30 points, Chester-le-Street failed to make up ground on leaders South Northumberland who are favourites to clinch a record third consecutive championship. The leaders also took 30 points from their game at Norton who were
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Wetherspoon burned by smoking ban
JD Wetherspoon announced a further fall in profits yesterday and revealed that trade had been difficult at pubs where it had banned smoking. The group, which operates 36 of its 655 pubs as non-smoking outlets, reported annual underlying profits of £46.1m
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Lifting the lid on the levee
UNTIL this week, a 'levee' had been a meaningless word that Don McLean had invented to fill up the chorus of his long-winded 1971 hit: So bye bye, Miss American Pie, Drove my Chevy to the levee But the levee was dry. Now, though, the world knows that
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No pressure on Souness after Owen signing
Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd maintains there is no extra pressure on manager Graeme Souness to deliver results following the arrival of Michael Owen at St James' Park. The Tynesiders pulled off a coup when they signed the England striker from Real
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Blades lining up a swoop for striker Brown
SHEFFIELD United are hoping to sign Sunderland striker Chris Brown on a month's loan next week as Mick McCarthy looks to keep his stand-in strikers sharp. Blades boss Neil Warnock is an avowed admirer of the 20-year-old and tried to include him in the
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Estate agent dismisses housing survey results
AN estate agent has challenged survey findings placing a North-East town as a top UK property hotspot. According to a survey for the Royal Bank of Scotland (RSB) published today, the area of central Middlesbrough with the postcode TS1 comes second from
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Hurricane survivors fly back to Britain
BRITONS stranded in the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina began returning home last night as US officials confirmed thousands of people are feared dead. But as holidaymakers at Gatwick Airport, including several from the North-East, enjoyed tearful
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Hayley's chance to take on the big boys
HAYLEY TURNER, one of the brightest young stars in the weighing room, gets another chance to shine aboard Aberdovey (2.40) at Thirsk this afternoon. Crouched low and aerodynamically near perfect in the saddle, Turner's quiet style quickly switches to
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Peckish porpoise sparks shark alert
A seal or porpoise looking for an easy meal sparked a shark attack scare over the weekend. A man fishing on the coast in Hartlepool was alarmed to see a large, submerged marine animal snatch the bait from the end of his line. Soon after two other people
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Rock band members seek the big time with release of first CD
A YOUNG North-East band are hoping their first CD will help kickstart their career. The Low Lights, Liam Tansley, 21, Richard Trubridge, Caspar Rolfe and Scott Fenner, all 19, have recorded five of their own songs. The band formed at New College Durham
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Education trust fills void in early learning for children with down syndrome
AN organisation has been launched to give North-East children with Down syndrome an early foothold on the education ladder. The Darlington centre of the Down Syndrome Educational Trust will be based in Haughton Education Village, the UK's first privately-funded
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Footie is no match for soap wedding
THE lads from Coronation Street, due to play in a charity football match in Darlington, cannot make it because they have another match to go to - Les and Cilla's wedding. Street soap stars were looking forward to playing in the celebrity game as part
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Darlington clubs to try harder
THE two Darlington clubs will be hoping to score plenty of tries rather than rely on goal-kicking when they begin their National Three North campaigns today. After losing the prolific Mark Bedworth to Wharfedale, Mowden Park are likely to hand the kicking
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Festival will cater for beer and ale lovers
BEER and music lovers will be in their element later this month at an annual festival. The 26th Darlington Rhythm 'n' Brews Festival runs from Thursday, September 15, to Sunday, September 18. A range of real ales will be available at the Arts Centre,
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Millennium memories are a far cry for suffering Pool
THE grand splendour of the Millennium Stadium is only a distant memory for Hartlepool United. After trudging away from Victoria Park on Saturday, many headed for the pubs and clubs to watch England beat Wales. The conversation wasn't the merits of Sven-Goran
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40 years of protecting lives at coast
FOUR decades of service helping to save and protect life on a stretch of North-East coastline were honoured this week. Coach driver Harry Brown takes something of a busman's holiday when not behind the wheel, as he helps HM Coastguard Volunteers to steer
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Home approved despite concerns
CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a temporary home at a fish farm have been approved despite objections by residents. Members of Wear Valley District Council's development control committee agreed that there was a need for some sort of home on the site, which
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Contestants from region vying for title of Miss England 2005
A GROUP of beauty contestants are hoping to be crowned Miss England this weekend. Miss Durham Carrianne Green, Miss York Georgina Horsley, Miss Newcastle Rebecca Burden and Miss Photographic Sonia Hassanien are battling it out for the title at the Olympia
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Lost walkers spark £20,000 rescue effort
TWO walkers sparked a six-hour £20,000 rescue operation after losing their way in the northern Pennines at the week-end. Police, mountain rescue workers, search dogs and an RAF helicopter were all drafted in to help the high-altitude hunt for the two
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Chiselled can land for Burke on start number five
CANNY Karl Burke has carved out an excellent opening for Chiselled (3.00) in Newcastle's totesport Maiden Stakes. Karl's three-year-old has been restricted to just four lifetime starts, but that could work in his favour since the son of star sprint sire
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Mother charged with murder appears in court
A YOUNG mother accused of killing her baby in a house fire appeared in court yesterday. Danielle Wails, 21, is charged with murdering four-month-old Alexander Gallon, who died in a fire at their home in Links Road, in the Cowgate area of Newcastle. The
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Last word from the people's preacher
THERE'S a bit in the eighth chapter of Deuteronomy about a land of wheat and barley and vines and fig trees and pomegranates and things which translated - says David Armstrong - mean "Divvent forget your browtins up." David's browtins up were in Crook
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The American nightmare
IT IS very easy to criticise America and her president George Bush. They are blamed for all the difficulties confronting the world, from global warming to Third World poverty and the rise in Islamic-related terrorism. Not all of this criticism is justified
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Trust launches awards for its health care staff
AN award scheme has been launched to reward health care staff for their contributions to improving the quality of health care in the area. Sedgefield Primary Care Trust has created four awards, called the PCT Life Awards, for people who work for the trust
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Shortfall in funds for free bus fares
OFFICIALS at a North Yorkshire authority have warned of a potential funding shortfall with a Government plan for free bus fares for elderly and disabled people. A sum of £350m has been allocated to fund the scheme nationally. And a report from Harrogate
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House prices in park are falling
HOUSE prices are tumbling in the North York Moors National Park. A recent survey by the park authority estimated that in the past year, prices have dropped by ten percent. The report also shows that of more than 200 houses that went on the market, only
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Nursery open after works
A NEWTON Aycliffe nursery celebrated a recent renovation with an open day. Playday Nursery in Newton Aycliffe was awarded a Big Lottery grant to build an extension, creating 26 additional places for children. A grant was also received for the expansion
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Veterans and youngsters are on target in celebrity tournament
HUNDREDS of people descended on the home of Darlington Football Club yesterday for a packed programme of sporting entertainment. The Northern Echo Soccer Six tournament saw dozens of youngsters from across the region taking their chance to perform on
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GP on hand for travel advice
WORLD travellers can avoid the dangers of a host of tropical diseases, thanks to the efforts of a village doctor. Dr Ian Bagshaw has just gained a diploma in travel medicine after studying for the past year through the Royal College of Physicians and
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Green fuel is good for the economy
NORTH Yorkshire County Council says its plan to use bio-diesel in its vehicles will aid the rural economy and environment. Neil Dodson, the authority's principal policy officer, says in a report to the council's environment and heritage scrutiny committee
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Warning to caravan owners follows series of mishaps
CAMPERS and caravan owners in North Yorkshire have been urged to carry out fire safety precautions when on holiday. The advice from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service follows a number of incidents involving caravans and gas cylinders in the county
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Praise for footballers' attitude
A SUMMER holiday football tournament for more than 200 youngsters has been hailed a success. Over the last six weeks, under-12s and under-14s teams from across Sunderland have taken part in Tackle It, run by the Sunderland Association Football Club Foundation
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Objectors fail to block home at fish farm
CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a temporary home at a fish farm have been given the go-ahead, despite objections by people living nearby. Members of Wear Valley District Council's development control committee agreed that there was a need for residential
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Ashington advantage is reduced
Ashington's lead was reduced to five points when they lost to third-placed Swalwell. Another of the top four sides, Leadgate also went down leaving Tynedale as the most likely side to challenge the Colliers in the last two games. Swalwell kept alive their
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Crowds flock to region's shows
IT was another record year for the country's oldest agricultural show as thousands of people took in the attractions of the 226th Wolsingham show. The event was held over the weekend and concludes today at Scotch Isle Park. With entries up in many sections
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Security the key to Rochemback's move
FABIO Rochemback has admitted the prospect of long-term security was what persuaded him to swap Portugal for the Premiership and join Middlesbrough. Rochemback's three-year loan deal at Sporting Lisbon came to a premature end on Wednesday night when Boro
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Council vows to raise the standards of rented homes
COUNCIL bosses are developing an initiative designed to crack down on rogue landlords in Darlington. It is hoped that the accreditation scheme will go a long way towards improving privately rented property in the area. Darlington Borough Council said
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Launch of survey on services at the tip
A SURVEY aiming to discover what users of Darlington's main recycling centre think of the service will be launched this week. The Whessoe Road tip is due to close at the end of September for about six weeks, while a £750,000 upgrade is carried out. The
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Community pulls together to breathe new life into village green
RESIDENTS' efforts to tidy their village green after years of neglect have been praised by their MP. Durham City MP Roberta Blackman-Woods and Durham County Councillor Ray Pye unveiled a plaque marking the completion of the two-year project to revamp
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After five years, Millennium project is unveiled
A MILLENNIUM project which took five years to come to fruition has been unveiled. Former Conservative Party leader William Hague MP lau nched the Millennium Fountain and Memorial Garden in the Applegarth, Northallerton, on Saturday. The unveiling marked
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Test results rise above UK's average
EDUCATION chiefs in County Durham are celebrating after education test results rose by more than the national average. They say it was a significant year for Key Stage 2 results, especially in English, which rose from 77 to 79 per cent, double the increases
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Students restore church garden
A COMMUNITY has travelled back in time to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The village of Greatham, near Hartlepool, became a 1940s time-warp for 24 hours at the weekend. Windows were criss-crossed with tape against bomb damage
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Another chance to nominate winners
ORGANISERS of an awards scheme that recognises the achievements of young people in the Darlington area have extended the deadline for entries. The annual Vibe Awards celebrate the academic excellence and courage of local young people aged eight to 19.
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Teen stole from dad
A TEENAGER has pleaded guilty to criminal damage and two charges of stealing from his father during a drink and drug binge. The 16-year-old, from Darlington, admitted entering his father's house on July 17, by breaking a downstairs window, and stealing
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Breast screening drive targets women 50 to 70
A DRIVE is being launched in Middlesbrough to screen women for breast cancer. Women aged between 50 and 70 are to receive letters inviting them for checks. Those receiving invitations are all women living in the Middlesbrough and Eston area and registered
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New chapter in children's book habits
HUNDREDS of children have taken part in a scheme encouraging them to read. The Reading Voyage initiative, launched by Middlesbrough Council's libraries, challenged youngsters to read six books during the six-week schools' summer holiday. To celebrate
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Milner's mixed feelings
THE make-weight in bringing Nolberto Solano back to Tyneside, James Milner, has admitted he is disappointed to be missing out on the chance to play alongside Michael Owen at Newcastle United. Despite manager Graeme Souness' reluctance on Wednesday to
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700 petition against valley opencast plan
VILLAGERS have added their voices to the opposition to plans to opencast near the Derwent Valley. About 700 residents of Rowlands Gill and Highfield, Gateshead, have signed a petition objecting to a planning application from Hall Construction to work
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Children put fun in fundraising as supporters make date with calendar
CHILDREN and pub regulars raised £600 for St Cuthbert's during a pub fun day. Staff and customers at The White Tun, in Witton Gilbert, raised the money with an afternoon of children's games, a raffle and evening disco during the August bank holiday. Meanwhile
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Delivery man's trial hit by delay
THE trial of a delivery driver accused of stealing £3,512 collected from a customer on his round has been put back more than a month. Shaun Renshaw, 41, denies theft, claiming he lost a bag containing the money before he was able to hand it to his employer
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Quakers thwarted as Magpies steal a point
THEY huffed they puffed, but Darlington could not blow Notts County off the top of League Two last night. David Hodgson's men couldn't have come any closer to hitting the summit for the first time in seven years after substitute Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu
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Jazz band sounds a winning tune
A TOWN jazz band is celebrating this week after winning a championship. Crook Town Grenadiers beat bands from across the country to become the United Kingdom Federation of Jazzbands champions for 2005 to 2006. It is the second time the band has won the
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District nurse hangs up uniform after 38 years
ONE of Teesside's most recognised district nurses retired yesterday after 38 years. Dorothy Seaman's career began when she did her nurse training in North Ormesby Hospital, Middlesbrough, and after qualifying three years later, became a staff nurse at
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Land stranglehold 'hitting job creation'
RYEDALE urgently needs more land for companies to build premises and create jobs, according to one of the district's leading businessmen. Arthur Woodhouse, head of Woodhouse-Barry Construction, of Sheriff Hutton, is to build 32 units ranging from 2000sq
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Fresh leads in missing fan case
DETECTIVES have revealed that they are chasing potential new leads in the case of a sports fan who went missing in Greece a year ago today. Melvyn Gamblin, of Darlington, travelled to Athens for the Olympic Games last year and, despite an inquiry by the
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Spitfires downed as Durham continue march to promotion
DURHAM took another comfortable stride towards promotion in the totesport League when they consolidated second place with an eight-wicket thrashing of Kent at Riverside yesterday. The slow pitch didn't help the entertainment value, but Kent's attitude
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Time called on protests as pubs are granted extra drinking hours
Yesterday was the last chance for residents to protest against late-night licences for pubs and bars. Stuart Arnold takes a walk down a popular North-East drinking spot to assess the possible implications. IT has been dubbed "bar alley" and is known as
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Not such a stupid boy
The continuing popularity of the BBC series Dad's Army has ensured Ian Lavender is an actor remembered with great affection. After a short stint in Eastenders, he's hoping that goodwill will carry him through his next venture on the theatrical talk show
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Millennium memories are a far cry for suffering Pool
THE grand splendour of the Millennium Stadium is only a distant memory for Hartlepool United. After trudging away from Victoria Park on Saturday, many headed for the pubs and clubs to watch England beat Wales. The conversation wasn't the merits of Sven-Goran
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Bands line up for next gig
THE Northern Echo's music website is hosting its next Platform gig on Friday. Casualkai, South Street and The Silence Breaks will take the stage at The Forum, Borough Road, Darlington. The evening will kick off with Casualkai, a Newcastle four-piece.
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North-East survivors tell of the horror
YOUNGSTERS from the North-East on summer work placements in the US have been caught up in the chaos wreaked by Hurricane Katrina. Sunderland student Jamie Trout, 22, was one of thousands trapped in the New Orleans Superdome. He described the past few
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Tanni's message over care decisions
BRITAIN'S best known paralympic athlete is to tell an audience of health professionals that people with disabilities should be able to choose the care they receive. Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson said that, while she has never received ongoing professional
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One-day woe for Tykes
Yorkshire Phoenix turned in another shocking performance against Leicestershire Foxes at Headingley yesterday in what has turned into one of their bleakest season's in one-day league cricket. Chasing Leicestershire's competitive score of 253 for eight
