Archive
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Highs and lows of quake rescue effort
EARTHQUAKE heroine Julie Ryan has returned to Britain after a week of rescue efforts in Pakistan. The 38-year-old helped to save three children and assisted in the recovery of countless bodies as part of a team from the International Rescue Corps (IRC
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All change at physio practice
A physiotherapy practice is changing hands after more than 25 years. Penny Naish, who started the Leyburn practice in 1979, has taken semi-retirement and passed the business to Shona Eyre, of Leyburn. The practice, which moved to purpose-built premises
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Ceremony honours caring champions
SIX people have been declared "community champions" for their work to help others in North Yorkshire. Their work with charities has helped to improve the lives of hundreds of people, including home carers, young people, patients at York Hospital, parents
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Frustrations grow at the Riverside after drab draw
GIVEN Middlesbrough's first-half performance it is apt they head to Switzerland later this week - a land were attack is a dirty word. Boro's defensive 4-5-1 formation might go down well in a country famed for its neutrality, but at home, against a Portsmouth
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Youngsters road test touring laboratory
Pupils learnt the appliance of science when a touring laboratory visited their school. Staindrop Comprehensive School was visited by The Lab, which aims to encourage more young people into doing science. The Lab has a series of hands-on experiments and
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Traders fear other big-name shops will pull out of town
FEARS have been raised that if the Co-op pulls out of Bishop Auckland, other big-name stores might follow suit. The Co-operative Group, which operates the town's only department store, said on Friday it was closing or selling off all its department stores
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£17.3m college rebuild approved
Plans for a £17.3m college building have been approved by councillors. Proposals to replace the 1958-built Bishop Auckland College with a three-storey building now need grant support from the Learning and Skills Council, which could be confirmed this
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Opportunity to question experts
Tickets are still available for a chance to quiz art experts. David Barrie, director of National Art Collections Fund, Sir Timothy Clifford, director of National Galleries Scotland, Lord Inglewood, chairman of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of
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Poet and pupils enjoy Gargling with Jelly
THE jelly may have fallen flat, but performing poet Brian Patten was not the least bit flat, giving two lively performances of his work. Merseyside poet Mr Patten has won recognition for his work, which appeals to the mischievous side of his young readers
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Politicians flag up problem of poverty
PEOPLE in Wear Valley and Derwentside joined an international campaign against poverty at the weekend by sending a signed message to Prime Minister Tony Blair. Two of the country's most influential politicians, Government Chief Whip Hilary Armstrong and
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£20,000 for training
A LONG-STANDING village hall is keeping pace with modern technology, having received funding to improve computer provision. Delves Lane Community Association, in Consett, County Durham, has won a grant of £19,725 to provide a learner support worker to
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The Lifeblood Appeal
AS part of The Northern Echo's Lifeblood campaign, which aims to encourage people to give blood, here are details of forthcoming donor sessions in the region: Monday * St Aloysius' Centre, Argyle Street and Coquet Street, Hebburn, 2.30pm-7pm. * The Red
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But grants help smaller firms thrive
A RUN down corner of Bishop Auckland is being brought back to life through a partnership between property owners and two councils. Regeneration grants are largely responsible for a revival in Forebondgate, where shops and flats are being restored and
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Action to keep Bonfire Night safe and legal
COUNCIL officials will be helping people stay safe and within the law in the run-up to Bonfire Night. Hartlepool Borough Council's licensing team will be checking on traders to make sure they are following the laws on firework sales, as well as issuing
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Festival for urban arts
GRAFFITI art, skateboarding and street dance will be some of the highlights at the Urban Art Festival. There are cash prizes for the best tricks of the day during the Snickers Best Trick Competition at the event, to be held at Redcar's R-Kade Skate Park
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Dance group launched for youngsters
CHILDREN are being given the opportunity to train and perform as dancers. Hartlepool Borough Council's arts, museums and events service has teamed up with Tees Valley Dance to start a youth dance group in Hartlepool. It is open to youngsters aged seven
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£17.3m college plan receives approval
PLANS for a £17.3m college building for south Durham learners have been approved by council planners. The replacement building at Bishop Auckland College now needs grant support from the Learning and Skills Council, which could be confirmed this week.
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Popular U3A to create new group
A START-UP meeting for a University of the Third Age (U3A) takes place in Durham next week. Anyone retired from full-time employment is welcome to take up the learning opportunities and social activities on offer at the U3A, the city's second. The first
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Poverty message to Prime Minister
PEOPLE in Derwentside and Wear Valley joined an international campaign against poverty at the weekend by sending a message to Prime Minister Tony Blair. Two of the country's most influential politicians, Government Chief Whip Hilary Armstrong and the
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Farmer seeks compromise to continue with bike races
A FARMER hopes a compromise can be reached to allow him to continue to run auto-cross scrambling meetings on his father's land. It follows the loss of an appeal by Ian Robson against a noise abatement order issued by Chester-le-Street District Council
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First state-of-the-county debate to be held
YOUNG people will be joining discussions on the strengths and weaknesses of County Durham today. The first State of the County event will feature a representative audience of more than 200 guests taking part in the discussion, staged as part of Local
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Power kiters wing their way to region
THE country's top landboarders and buggiers will be in the region next weekend. A meeting at Coatham Sands, Redcar, east Cleveland,will feature members of the Ozone UK power kiting team along with members of the Redcar Power Kiter's Club. Power kiting
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Consultation to begin on plans for merger of North-East police
WIDE-RANGING soundings will be taken over the proposed shake-up of North-East police forces. Durham Police Authority has agreed to consult in all areas of society over the possible merger of three of the region's forces. It follows Government requests
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Advice for all green fingers
LANDSCAPE architect and interior designer Marilyn Elm presents a lecture, Gardens by Design, in Durham, next month. Her illustrated talk, organised by the Royal Horticultural Society, examines the design principles and issues to be considered in creating
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Home rule is the key
MIDDLESBROUGH may have to reassess their aspirations this season if they cannot establish home rule, according to defender Chris Riggott. Riggott has spent five months on the sidelines with a frustrating knee injury but played his part in sealing an otherwise
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Tips for bakers
HOME bakers can add a professional touch to their Christmas fare with help from a four-week course. Sugar craft classes will be staged at Tanfield Lea Community Centre, in Tanfield Lea, near Stanley, County Durham, on Mondays, between 7pm and 9pm, from
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Looking good in pink for charity sea dip
A WOMAN who has survived breast cancer twice is calling on people to join her when she makes a splash for charity. Sharyn Clarkson will be taking a Pink Dip in the sea at Redcar, east Cleveland, later this month in an effort to raise cash for Cancer Research
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Ant and Dec join Bash Street gang
NORTH-EAST television favourites Ant and Dec have been made honorary Bash Street Kids. The I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here! stars will appear alongside the Beano heroes in their 2006 annual. In the annual, Plug, Danny, 'erbert, Fatty, Smiffy, Wilfred
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News in brief
BLOOMING GOOD: Redcar and Cleveland borough Council's Mayor, Councillor Peter Spencer, is to host a civic reception in recognition of the community work across the borough, with six entries in the Northumbria in Bloom competition. An added success came
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War hero will be honoured by Royalty
A World War hero - the last remaining member of his unit - is to be honoured by Royalty next week. Old Green Howards soldier Frederick Leach will be at Buckingham Palace on October 25 to meet the King of Norway, who is Colonel-in-Chief of the Regiment
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Tributes are paid to 'outstanding' doctor
TRIBUTES have been paid to a family doctor and sportsman who has died aged 84. Successive Bishops of Durham have been among the thousands of patients cared for by Dr Tony Ferguson, of Bishop Auckland, County Durham, during a career spanning almost 40
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'150,000 children in N-E live in poverty'
A LEADING children's charity says up to 150,000 children in the North-East are living in poverty. Latest figures highlighted by the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) today - on the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty - show that 30 per
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Barristers work unpaid to represent teen offenders
STRIKING barristers worked unpaid in court to help three schoolboys who were locked up. Three barristers told the judge that they would not ask for payment for representing the boys, one 13 and two 14, who were appealing against sentences of 18 months
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Tributes paid to family doctor
TRIBUTES have been paid to a family doctor and sportsman who has died aged 84. Successive Bishops of Durham have been among the thousands of patients cared for by Dr Tony Ferguson in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, during a career spanning almost 40 years
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Megson's angry touchline tirade leaves a bitter taste
WHEN it came to showing class and humility, the late Brian Clough had it by the bucketload. On the day Nottingham Forest fans stepped up their efforts to raise funds for a statue commemorating the great man, the current City Ground boss demonstrated he
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Public apology for bride's green lights
A COUNCIL'S transport boss has made a public apology after her daughter was assured of a trouble-free journey to her wedding. Hannah Reid had no problem getting to the ceremony on time as her five-car wedding convoy was whisked through nine green traffic
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Shearer gets a raw deal
DESPITE his 63 caps for England, 30 international goals, skippering the national side, player of the year awards, and the recording breaking 251 times he's found the net in the Premier League, Graeme Souness firmly believes Alan Shearer remains a marked
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We'll turn it round - Williams
DARREN Williams believes that Hartlepool United's position at the foot of the table is a false one - and it won't be long before his side are moving up the table. Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest leaves Pool fourth from bottom, with just 14
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84-year-old Rena vows another abseil after taking part in fundraiser
IT takes a good head for heights to drop 150ft down the side of a building, but now that she has done it, a sprightly 84-year-old cannot wait to have another go. Rena Allen, from Cotherstone, County Durham, said that the next time she abseils, she will
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Talented Taits see trophy in their name
THE talented Tait brothers will doubtless be collecting plenty of silverware if they live up to their early promise on the rugby field. With 19-year-old Mathew, the youngest England international for 80 years, and sixth-former Alex, 17, making his name
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Chance to redress the balance
A game in the LDV Vans Trophy awaits Darlington tomorrow but after Saturday's horror show Quakers will be aiming for a victory, while showing considerable improvement on the weekend. Darlington were dire at Bury and assistant manager Mark Proctor says
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Farmer in court after flock strayed onto busy raod
A Dales farmer who held the record as Britain's longest serving part-time firefighter was in court today after straying stock caused an accident on a busy main road. Robert Hugh Raw, 61, pleaded guilty to allowing a trio of three-month-old lambs to get
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Comment from The Northern Echo: The voice of the people
THE resident population of Darlington as measured in the 2001 Census, was 97,838. Measured against that, the 300 or so who gathered in the town centre on Saturday to protest against council policies on pedestrianisation, planning and education are a drop
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You Write
PREDATOR CONTROL RE the letter from Helen Shuker of the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (HAS, Oct 3) concerning the shooting and snaring of animals, which she seems proud and arrogant enough to refer to as a 'predator control'. Man is
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Clappison leads way as Blaydon left to fly the flag
BLAYDON will be the only North-East club in today's fifth round draw for the Powergen National Trophy after winning 60-7 at Broadstreet on Saturday. Darlington lost 24-5 at Macclesfield, Westoe were beaten 29-10 at home to Wharfedale and Tynedale were
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Nakheel and Regal to give Johnston a double
Middleham trainer Mark Johnston, who saddled his tenth winner of the month at Musselburgh yesterday, looks the man to follow at Pontefract this afternoon. The handler is fancied to be on the mark with exciting prospect Nakheel in the totesport.com Silver
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Armed police in shop drama
ARMED police were called to an incident yesterday during which a woman was believed to have been held at knifepoint. The alarm was raised just after 7am by the woman, who was working at Neasham Road News, in Darlington. A man had entered the newsagent's
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Giving in to the buly at work
During my time as an employment lawyer, I used to find cases involving bullying at work some of the most difficult to deal with. More often than not, they would end with my telling a client that there is no law against being bullied at work. My clients
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'Why I liked being ugly'
PAULA the evil Polish nanny has a lot to answer for. Her behaviour could have scarred Emma Thompson for life. The double Oscar-winning writer and actress's memory of her childhood has been triggered as she promotes Nanny McPhee, the new film she's written
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Regulars launch petition to save their pub from closure
PUB regulars have launched a campaign to save one of the region's oldest bars from closing. People at The Ship pub, in Guisborough, east Cleveland, are gathering support for their fight after learning that Enterprise Inns has considered selling the property
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We will step up the fight, vow protestors
ORGANISERS of a mass campaign against Darlington Borough Council have vowed to be back "bigger, stronger and louder" following a town centre protest. More than 300 people turned out for the demonstration in High Row on Saturday to support a range of pressure
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'It's not sissy to write poems'
From Barnsley FC's poet-in-residence to five's new poet, Ian McMillan has made it his mission to bring verse to a wider public. And, he tells Nick Morison if it means he has to sit on a giant toilet in the middle of London, well so be it. IAN McMillan
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The Lifeblood Appeal
AS part of The Northern Echo's Lifeblood campaign, which aims to encourage people to give blood, here are details of forthcoming donor sessions in the region: Monday * St Aloysius' Centre, Argyle Street and Coquet Street, Hebburn, 2.30pm-7pm. * The Red
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Shopping centre tricked by needle hoax
Worried retailers have been urged not to panic after embarrassed shopping centre bosses were taken in by a hoax chain letter warning of attacks with HIV needles. About 70 tenants at the Castlegate Shopping Centre in Stockton, including retailers, market
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'Inept' display sees Proctor issue apology to the Quakers faithful
It only takes a second to score a goal, but Darlington have managed it just once in more than seven hours of football, and that was a penalty, so it is not difficult to see where their problems lie. Saturday's defeat - described as 'inept' by assistant
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Group to mark Trafalgar celebration
A RE-ENACTMENT group will be recreating naval history during the national Trafalgar celebrations at the weekend. The Northern Historic re-enactment group will descend on Hartlepool's Maritime Experience - made up of the Historic Quay, HMS Trincomalee
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Dane rewards Scott with victory dash
Scott Cunningham's last-minute decision to run Playful Dane paid off with his biggest success as a trainer at Catterick on Saturday. The eight-year-old won the £20,000 totesport.com Catterick Dash in the hands of apprentice Rory Moore. Playful Dane, who
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Salon team helps models prepare for fashion show
STAFF from a hair and beauty salon gave up their day off yesterday to back a fundraising event in support of a cancer charity. Stylists, hairdressers and beauticians from Reef Hair and Beauty, at Bannatyne's Health Club, in Durham City, played a key role
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Wearside League Review: On-song Plain have six appeal
Annfield Plain took pride of place in the Wearside League Cup when they hit Nissan SSC Sunderland for six. The goals rained in throughout the 90 minutes as Aaron Robertson plundered a hat-trick and Barry Close, Alan Coxon and Phil Raisbeck added to the
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Wilks' hopes hang in the balance
WHEN the Junior World Rally circus reaches Corsica later this week, Guy Wilks' championship hopes will hang by a thread. If Daniel Sordo takes maximum points at the end of the penultimate round, Darlington's Wilks will see his title bid thwarted for the
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Youth charged after crash
A 16-YEAR-OLD has been charged in connection with a road accident that left a pensioner in hospital. The Middlesbrough youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before Teesside magistrates on Saturday charged with dangerous driving, aggravated
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Red devil's class proves the difference
FOR the opening 40 minutes at the Stadium of Light, one side dominated by playing the sort of free-flowing football that has become Manchester United's hallmark in more than a decade of success - but this time Sir Alex Ferguson's team were on the receiving
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17/10/05
PREDATOR CONTROL: RE the letter from Helen Shuker of the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (HAS, Oct 3) concerning the shooting and snaring of animals, which she seems proud and arrogant enough to refer to as a 'predator control'. Man
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Two parts of library closed
TWO sections of Darlington Library are to close today for eight weeks. The centre for local studies and the e-library, based in the Crown Street building, are closing for repair work to be carried out on the floor and glass panels. The reference, adult
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Lights appeal
AN appeal has been launched by the York Business Pride group to raise an extra £15,000 to put on an impressive Christmas lights display. Nestl has given £30,000 and the council has put in £12,000, but more is needed to light up the city's streets. A series
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Salon team helps models prepare for fashion show
STAFF from a hair and beauty salon gave up their day off yesterday to back a fundraising event in support of a cancer charity. Stylists, hairdressers and beauticians from Reef Hair and Beauty, at Bannatyne's Health Club, in Durham City, played a key role
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Talented Taits see trophy in their name
THE talented Tait brothers will doubtless be collecting plenty of silverware if they live up to their early promise on the rugby field. With 19-year-old Mathew, the youngest England international for 80 years, and sixth-former Alex, 17, making his name
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A show where little things mean a lot
MEN returned to childhood joys at the weekend when a model hobbies and craft fair was held for the first time at a Teesside school. The Friends of Manor College, in Hartlepool, organised the event to help raise funds for the school, and the two-day fair
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A fun salute to Einstein
CHILDREN and their parents took a journey through the workings of the world at the weekend at an event to celebrate Einstein. Hartlepool Central Library was turned into a physics workshop on Saturday for Einstein in the Library, a fun and educational
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Students are a cut above
HAIRDRESSING students at Darlington College have been busy cutting, colouring and coiffuring their avant-garde designs in preparation for an awards night. Level 3 NVQ hairdressers have come up with hair designs for a fashion show, which will form part
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Have say on health issues
COMMUNITY health and social care issues will be discussed at an event in Darlington this month. Darlington Partnership is to stage the Your Health, Your Care, Your Say consultation at The Dolphin Centre on Thursday, October 27. The partnership has arranged
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Bouquet after blaze
Bosses at a car dealership have thanked a passer-by who dialled 999 after spotting a fire. Elaine Russell was walking past the Williamson Motors Peugeot dealership, on September 28, and saw smoke coming from the workshop. She called fire crews who put
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Eczema clinic praised for its pioneering work
AN eczema clinic is being praised for its work with young children. More than 40 youngsters suffering from the irritating skin condition have been referred to the nurse-led clinic based in Doctor Piper House, King Street, Darlington. The service, run
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Pub-goers enter into charity spirit
CUSTOMERS at a Darlington pub went back in time at the weekend as a series of traditional games were staged. The Brinkburn Pub hosted rounds of shove ha'penny, dominoes, great western skittles, pitch penny and indoor quoits. The event was held as part
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15-year-old attacker narrowly escapes being locked up
A TEENAGER narrowly avoided being locked up after he pleaded guilty to assaulting a man for his baseball cap. A court heard he had drunk a litre of cider before attacking the man in Millbank Road, Darlington, on October 1. The 15-year-old appeared before
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University looks at black history
ACADEMICS, students and the public will step back in time with a series of lectures and exhibitions at York University to mark Black History Month. The month has been observed in the US since 1926, and in Britain since the late 1980s. Black in Time is
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School craft fair
YARM School craft fair will take place this year on Saturday, November 19. It has been expanded to include local speciality food producers, as well as a wide range of handmade arts and crafts and Christmas cards. The fair will be held in the grounds of
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Safety focus aims to cut injuries toll
SAFETY experts are turning their attention to the building industry in North Yorkshire. Health and Safety Executive construction inspectors are targeting work being carried out during the "fit-out" phase of projects in the county. The inspections are
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Relief for Duke after X-rays reveal no break
WHILE there were few positives to come out of Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Bury, manager David Hodgson could breath a sigh of relief with David Duke's ankle injury not as bad as first feared. Duke was taken to Fairfield Hospital in Bury with a suspected broken
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Teenagers complete Army cadet competition
Hundreds of teenagers from throughout the region took part in a gruelling Army cadet competition - and faced up to a surprise challenge. Thirty-six teams completed a cross-country timed march for more than five miles ending with a steep hill - and then
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Football club sued over scrapped deal
ONE of the region's top football clubs is being sued by the company that used to make its kit. Sportswear company Diadora has issued the £500,000 writ against Sunderland Football Club, claiming it is owed the money as part of a sponsorship deal that was
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Ironman conquers tempest
ARTHUR Puckrin, head master of the "Because it's there" school of extreme sportsmen, is back in from the cold after his most extraordinary adventure of all. It was last weekend's World Cup Triple Ironman event in Virginia - an eight mile swim followed
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Industry experts in 'fight back' conference
INDUSTRY experts will today tell North-East manufacturers how they can fight back against low-cost overseas competitors. Hundreds of business people are expected to attend a conference at The Sage, in Gateshead, to learn about new industry research to
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On TV
Jericho (ITV1) The Secret Of Drawing (BBC2) INSPECTOR Morse is dead, peace will break out soon to bring Foyle's War to an end, and there can't be many residents left in the Midsomer villages who haven't been killed. All of which leaves ITV looking for
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Brothers reach next round of ITV's X Factor
TWO North-East brothers hoping to make it big in the music industry were given a huge boost on television's X Factor on Saturday night. Andy and Carl Pemberton, who performed as singing duo Journey South, were given glowing comments by the three judges
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Oak ceremony will mark Trafalgar link
THE UK's leading woodland conservation charity has teamed up with a North Yorkshire estate to remember the Battle of Trafalgar. The Woodland Trust and Dawnay Estates will hold a ceremonial planting next Friday when Lord Downe will plant a standard oak
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Middlesbrough star hit cyclist while driving
Middlesbrough's star striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has been fined after knocking a cyclist down while behind the wheel of his Range Rover. The Dutch footballer - who is a former Leeds United and Chelsea player - was on a shopping trip when he knocked
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Tribute to dedicated organist
AN organist who played in the same church for more than 40 years has been remembered in a memorial service. Isabel Harrison, died two weeks ago aged 81, first played in St Clare's Church, Newton Aycliffe, in the 1960s. The service, on Thursday last week
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Industry experts in 'fight back' conference
INDUSTRY experts will today tell North-East manufacturers how they can fight back against low-cost overseas competitors. Hundreds of business people are expected to attend a conference at The Sage, in Gateshead, to learn about new industry research to
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Victims' help group is in line for award
A GROUP that looks after the needs of victims and witnesses in North Yorkshire has been named as a finalist in the national Justice Awards. The Victim and Witness Information Partnership, based in York, has been shortlisted for an award recognising its
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Two parts of library closed
TWO sections of Darlington Library are to close today for eight weeks. The centre for local studies and the e-library, based in the Crown Street building, are closing for repair work to be carried out on the floor and glass panels. The reference, adult
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Young tearaways blamed for ongoing arson attacks
YOUNG tearaways on a Teesside estate are being blamed for frequent arson attacks and anti-social behaviour. Children as young as nine are thought to be responsible for a spate of fires around Dormanstown that have left the old pavilion wiped out and both
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History repeats itself with the goal that never was
BEFORE Saturday's embarrassing defeat at the JJB Stadium it had been 51 years since Newcastle United last played Wigan Athletic. That FA Cup encounter in January 1954 went to a replay at Latics then home, Springfield Park, with the Magpies winning 3-2
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N-E sexual health clinics have 'worst record'
SEXUAL health clinics in the region have the worst record in England for treating patients with symptoms, it was revealed last night. The poor record of North-East GUM (Genito-Urinary Medicine) clinics was highlighted by a survey carried out for the BBC1
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Youngsters can carve out pumpkin fame
HALLOWEEN is just round the corner - and the hunt is on to find the best carved pumpkin. The new children's competition is being held at the Countryside Live Food and Farming Fair, on the Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate, on October 29 and 30. Youngsters
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Railway bridge hopes could block warehouses scheme
PROPOSALS to create five large retail warehouses in the county town of North Yorkshire could be scuppered - by long-held hopes of a scheme to ease congestion. Plans have been submitted to build the warehouses, covering a total of almost 3,000 sq metres
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Police examine flat in sarch for missing Jenny Nicholl
Police hunting for missing Jenny Nicholl have searched a flat in her home town for clues. The Advertiser understands that items were taken away from the property in Richmond, North Yorkshire, to be examined by forensic experts. It is now three-and-a-half
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Composer Katie, 15, praised for anthem
A YOUNG composer has been praised in a national award for capturing human emotions after the death of a talented musician in the First World War. Katie Millican, a 15-year-old student at Harrogate Grammar School, in North Yorkshire, wrote a string trio
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'The glittering prize I half wish I hadn't won'
Christine Aziz beat 46,000 other authors to win the coveted Richard and Judy publishing competition. But, as she tells Lindsay Jennings, she's a somewhat reluctant celebrity. CHRISTINE Aziz was sitting in the Richard and Judy studios, lights ablaze, when
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Welfare row over hunt's owl plan
PLANS by Tony Blair's local hunt to use a bird of prey to beat the ban on hunting with dogs have been condemned as cruel and dangerous. Experienced falconer Phil Gibbons, from Spennymoor, County Durham, fears that using a bird to chase prey, as the South
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Mixed feelings for Forrest as Shildon hit by Durham's late sucker punch
Arngrove Northern League: SHILDON manager Gary Forrest had mixed feelings after his side almost ended Durham's unbeaten home record at the Archibalds Stadium. Shildon, battling to stay clear of the relegation zone, were within minutes of a valuable win
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Race against time as bird flu pandemic threatens UK
As many as 50,000 people could die of bird flu if a pandemic sweeps the country - and there is no way to avert disaster, Britain's chief medical officer admitted yesterday. As the virus was confirmed in Europe for the first time Sir Liam Donaldson pulled
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Authorities denounce NHS plan to reduce PCTs
Seven local authorities have banded together to denounce NHS plans to reduce the number of primary care trusts in the region. If controversial proposals go ahead four large subregional primary care trusts would replace 15 PCTs in the North-East. The latest
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Can Crouch be unlikely hero?
WITH a World Cup place assured, the squad tinkering will begin. But in thousands of England fans' views the general consensus is Sven-Goran Eriksson's biggest experimentation has already gone wrong. Peter Crouch's involvement in England's final two qualifying
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Industry experts in 'fight back' conference
INDUSTRY experts will today tell North-East manufacturers how they can fight back against low-cost overseas competitors. Hundreds of business people are expected to attend a conference at The Sage, in Gateshead, to learn about new industry research to
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We will return, vow protestors
ORGANISERS of a mass campaign against a North-East council have vowed to be back "bigger, stronger and louder" after a town centre protest. More than 300 people turned out for the rally on Saturday to support a range of pressure groups opposed to Darlington
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Elderly fail to wear alarm buttons
Dozens of elderly people are failing to wear push-button alarm sets they are given to call for help in emergencies. A survey published yesterday showed that out of 417 senior citizens supplied with them in Teesdale and Weardale, Co Durham, 18 per cent
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Players, not the manager, must shoulder the blame
AFTER their latest dire display, disgruntled Darlington fans directed their annoyance at manager David Hodgson, but Neil Wainwright insists the players must take responsibility for Saturday's defeat at Bury. Patience is clearly beginning to wear thin
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Watching Brief: Rooney the inspiration for England and United
YOU just can't keep a good man down - especially if that man happens to be the inspirational Wayne Rooney. The 19-year-old was pivotal to a rejuvenated England side beating Poland at Old Trafford last week, before repeating the feat for his club Manchester
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Youngster raises cash after mum diagnosed with cancer
A YOUNGSTER was determined to do her bit for cancer charities after her mother was diagnosed with the disease. Following several weeks of planning, nine-year-old Lauren Robinson was up early on Saturday to set up a market stall, in Chester-le-Street.
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Sean's season ends abruptly
SEAN Gaffney suffered a dramatic end to the UK Formula Ford season at Silverstone at the weekend after being caught in an accident which eliminated him and several other cars from the final race of the year. Earlier in the day Gaffney had again shown
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Straw hails success of Iraq referendum
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw yesterday hailed Iraq's constitutional referendum as "very good news for all Iraqis". Overall turnout in the vote, which passed off relatively peacefully, was more than 60 per cent of the 15.5 million voters. Initial forecasts
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First state-of-the-county debate to be held
YOUNG people will be joining discussions on the strengths and weaknesses of County Durham today. The first State of the County event will feature a representative audience of more than 200 guests taking part in the discussion, staged as part of Local
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Highs and lows make it an extra-long week for Elliott
HAROLD Wilson once famously said "A week is a long time in politics". The same could be applied to Stephen Elliott's last seven days as a footballer. The 21-year-old striker endured a rollercoster of emotions last week, which has left a bittersweet taste
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Sky homes in on broadband
Broadcaster BSkyB is to grab a slice of the rapidly growing broadband market through an acquisition worth up to £150m, it was reported yesterday. The proposed swoop for telecoms group Easynet signals the start of battle against cable TV rivals NTL and
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Regulars launch petition to save their pub from closure
PUB regulars have launched a campaign to save one of the region's oldest bars from closing. People at The Ship pub, in Guisborough, east Cleveland, are gathering support for their fight after learning that Enterprise Inns has considered selling the property
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Politicians flag up problem of poverty
PEOPLE in Wear Valley and Derwentside joined an international campaign against poverty at the weekend by sending a signed message to Prime Minister Tony Blair. Two of the country's most influential politicians, Government Chief Whip Hilary Armstrong and
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Opportunity to question experts
Tickets are still available for a chance to quiz art experts. David Barrie, director of National Art Collections Fund, Sir Timothy Clifford, director of National Galleries Scotland, Lord Inglewood, chairman of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of
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Football club sued over scrapped deal
ONE of the region's top football clubs is being sued by the company that used to make its kit. Sportswear company Diadora has issued the £500,000 writ against Sunderland Football Club, claiming it is owed the money as part of a sponsorship deal that was
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For fine-dodgers, it's time to Payback
FINE-DODGERS will be targeted this week in a joint campaign to crack down on criminals who refuse to pay. Operation Payback begins today to find those who flout punishments imposed by the courts. Throughout the campaign, enforcement officers from magistrates
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Generous Britons continue to give
The British public are still putting their hands into their pockets despite the increasing number of appeals for them to donate money to victims of natural disasters, Oxfam said yesterday. The charity said the country was not suffering from compassion
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Gallery wall for you to draw on
PEOPLE have a chance to make their mark - literally - at a free art workshop this week. The drop-in Big Draw event will take place on Saturday, at Billingham Art Gallery, in the town centre, where an entire wall of the gallery will be covered in artwork
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Timmins defies injury
TYNESIDER Lewis Timmins ran with a broken jaw to help a young Gosforth Harriers trio retain their senior men's title in yesterday's Blaydon Cross Country Relays. The 18-year-old Northumbria University sports sciences undergraduate, who was assaulted during
