Archive
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Awards honour the unsung heroes who give their time
DEDICATED volunteers who give so much to their local communities in and around Darlington have been honoured at a special ceremony. The town's second volunteering awards saw individuals and organisations who work tirelessly to make a difference to people's
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Campaigners sending out an SOS
CAMPAIGNERS fighting against plans for a new £25m city academy in the North-East, last night used the Halloween date to insist they would not "fall under the spell" of council bosses. Darlington Borough Council is pursuing the Government funding that
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Environmental progress
A COMPANY says it has made significant improvements in environmental performance. Yorwaste's third corporate environmental report puts its success down to the installation of two recycling facilities and an increase in the amount of green waste processed
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Children spring into action for a brighter tomorrow
PRIMARY school youngsters are taking a pride in their local community by planting nearly 30,000 bulbs in a town park and surrounding area. About 20 children from Timothy Hackworth School, in Shildon, County Durham, have started a week-long planting project
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MP opens refurbished bank
DURHAM City's MP Roberta Blackman-Woods yesterday officially opened a refurbished branch of Barclays Bank in the city's Market Place. The branch's large banking hall has been reorganised to allow those in wheelchairs or with pushchairs to move around
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Artwork for charities
ARTIST Sir David Goodall has used his craft to provide help to two charities he is connected with. A former High Commissioner to India, he became chairman of Helmsley Walled Garden four years ago. And he has just donated £2,200 to assist in providing
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Report reveals millions owed by North tax dodgers
COUNCIL tax dodgers in the North-East and North Yorkshire have cheated the region's authorities out of tens of millions, a union has claimed. Public services union GMB has blamed the region's councils for failing to collect the money and says new laws
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Bidding battle ahead for O2
SPAIN'S Telefonica agreed a £17.7bn bid for cell phone group O2 yesterday, sparking hopes of a bidding battle for one of the sector's top takeover targets. Financially-powerful Telefonica, the world's fifth-largest telecoms company by market value, said
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Contract wins offer 2020 a secure future
SECURITY specialist 2020 Vision Systems expects turnover to reach £3.5m this year after winning lucrative contracts in the region. The company, based in North Shields, North Tyneside, recently piloted a surveillance system to detects suspicious behaviour
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Burglar killed in 60ft fall is named
A BURGLAR who died after falling 60ft from a shop window has been named by detectives. Philip Armstrong, 35, of Yarm Road, Stockton, died on Sunday morning of serious head injuries after falling from a drainpipe. It is believed he and another man, aged
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X-ray firm reveals an increase in losses
LOSSES at x-ray technology group Bede have grown after orders came in at the lower end of expectations. The Durham company said weak orders during the second quarter trickled in to the third as it announced pre-tax losses had increased to nearly £1.7m
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Rising costs force Elementis redundancies
CHEMICAL company Elementis Chromium announced yesterday it is to reduce its Teesside workforce by more than half. About 120 staff at Elementis, in Eaglescliffe, near Yarm, will lose their jobs as the multi-national looks to reduce costs after being affected
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Dad hit by yobs while trying to help papergirl
A dad was battered by drunken hoodie yobs in front of his three terrified sons. Tony Charles was attacked by a drunken gang he confronted who were hurling abuse at a young papergirl. Plant operator Mr Charles, 45, was left blood-soaked and needing hospital
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Hundreds losing homes in repossessions
A huge rise in the number of people in the North-East on the brink of losing their homes is proof that the housing bubble has burst, it was claimed today. Mortgage lenders launched 1,508 repossession actions between July and September compared to just
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01/11/05
ALUM MYSTERY: I AGREE with Councillor Jackson's suggestion (HAS, Oct 25) to name an area near the War Memorial in Loftus, Cleveland, Alum Gardens. It would remind people of a very important feature of the history of East Cleveland. However, I'm not so
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From disaster to truly Grimm
It seems all Terry Gilliam's movies have been cursed - and the latest keeps up the trend, he tells Steve Pratt. MAKING movies has never been cheap or easy for Monty Python's Terry Gilliam. His projects have been dogged by budget difficulties, bad weather
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JD Sports owner buys troubled rival
THE owner of JD Sports yesterday bought troubled rival Allsports for £18m. Allsports went into administration last month with the loss of more than 1,300 jobs after a decline in sales and a price war among sportswear retailers. Since then, administrators
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Embarrassment of glitches
IT seems a long time since Tony Blair pledged, in the wake of the sleaze which blighted John Major's administration, that his Government had to be whiter than white. And although he has steadfastly stood by his close friend and political ally, David Blunkett
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Initiative is paving the way for the next generation of workers
A North-East initiative is paying dividends for young people - giving them the chance to experience the workplace, and giving future employers the chance to get to know potential furture workers. John Dean finds out more about the scheme. TEENAGER Andrew
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Alastair Wilson and Steven Butler
Deloitte's Newcastle office has appointed Alastair Wilson and Steven Butler to its corporate tax division. Mr Wilson, 31, originally from Ballymena, Northern Ireland, lives in Gosforth with his fiance and has taken the position of senior corporate tax
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Bassila a big miss to McCarthy
MICK McCarthy last night admitted Sunderland have missed the calming influence of injured midfielder Christian Bassila, claiming the tough-tackling Frenchman was a key component of his strongest side. Bassila has made four Premiership starts since signing
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Quick trip bodes well for King Harson
WITH only five days to go before the end of the Flat turf season Catterick-bound King Harson (3.00) must make the most of feeling the green grass under his feet. According to trainer James Bethell, King Harson is not a "good traveller", so the closer
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Bidding war looms for P&O
A MULTI-BILLION pound bidding war for P&O was on the horizon yesterday following confirmation of a takeover approach for the ports and ferries operator. The interest, which is thought to be from Dubai's state-owned ports firm DP World, is expected
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Parker: We're a match for Premiership's best
SCOTT Parker believes Newcastle United have added a steely backbone to their silky skills - and ranks the Magpies strongest XI as good as either Manchester United's or Arsenal's. The midfielder has been a revelation in his anchor role this season, and
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Appeal for people not to misuse coast alert flares
LIFEBOAT crews have appealed for people not to use emergency flares as fireworks. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said too many lives were put at risk every time lifeboat and helicopter crews
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Father-of-two almost dies after contracting flesh-eating bug
A FATHER-OF-TWO almost died after he contracted a flesh-eating bug. Glenn Milner, 40, is suing a travel company over claims the pool he swam in on holiday caused the infection. The sales manager needed emergency surgery to cut away the infection in his
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Hero of indoor market blast
A WORKER was hailed as a hero last night after an explosion forced the evacuation of a busy indoor market. Dozens of people fled choking fumes at the Clifford Centre Family Indoor Market, in Stanley, County Durham, but brave Robert Dunn stayed behind.
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Photographer helps put you in the picture
A PHOTOGRAPHER has expanded his Teesside-based business to launch a range of classes for the general public. Keith Moss, an internationally acclaimed fine art photographer, invested about £120,000 to set up his own gallery in Brotton, Saltburn-by-the-Sea
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Take the chance to explore the wonderful world of cyberspace
SMALL businesses are being offered the chance to boost their profiles with the help of Darlington College. Training packages designed to help businesses grow have been developed by the Media Design Centre allowing small and medium-sized enterprises the
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It's party time for girls who wanna have fun
TWO sisters have launched a new business in the region hosting themed parties for young girls. Amanda Weafer-Cook and Tracie Garry-Madden, who between them have seven children, have become franchisees of the Girls Just Wanna Have Fun company. The pair
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Opposition grows to plan for conversion of almshouses
A PROTEST was launched yesterday over a plan for a village's almshouses, built for poor people, to be reduced from three to two. More than 100 locals said they wanted the properties at Romaldkirk near Barnard Castle, County Durham, to be repaired rather
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Burglar killed in 60ft fall is named
A BURGLAR who died after falling 60ft from a shop window has been named by detectives. Philip Armstrong, 35, of Yarm Road, Stockton, died on Sunday morning of serious head injuries after falling from a drainpipe. It is believed he and another man, aged
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Daughter with rare condition saved from death three times
A MOTHER has told how her 16-month-old daughter has been brought back from the brink of death three times. Tracey Cockburn was delighted when she gave birth to daughter Ellie and had no idea there was anything wrong. But aged six months, Ellie had a fit
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Customer may hold clue to violent off-licence robbery
A LATE-NIGHT shopper may have vital clues to help trace a knife-wielding robber who terrified two women shop assistants. The masked robber, who was carrying a large kitchen knife, struck at the Booze Busters store in St Cuthbert's Avenue, in Blackhill
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Weatherman opens wind-theme works
TV weatherman Bob Johnson will be guest of honour when he helps mark the completion of environmental improvements with a windy theme. Bob, the cheery face of the ITV Tyne-Tees weather forecasts, will open the revitalised area on Hartlepool's Headland
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Pupils' art brightens Skytering Beck bridge
A BRIDGE incorporating the designs of schoolchildren will be opened this week MP for Stockton South Dari Taylor will be joined by youngsters from Layfield Primary School when she unveils the steel bridge and accompanying benches at Willey Flatt Field,
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Protected fence gets £50,000 makeover
ONE of the country's only Grade II-listed fences has been given a facelift. More than £50,000 has been spent on the gardens at Sunnyfield House, in Guisborough, east Cleveland. The extremely rare fence, which is of Chinese design, has been fully restored
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Pensioner in court for trying to grope boy of 13
A PENSIONER exposed himself and then tried to grope a boy, a court heard. Joseph Walker, who previously blew kisses at the 13-year-old, was waiting outside his home when the boy approached, on January 12. Durham Crown Court heard that Walker called him
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£6m - the asking price for two-thirds of a bear
RUPERT become one of the world's most expensive bears yesterday after Entertainment Rights paid £6m to Express Newspapers for a two-thirds stake. The bear has left his home of the past 85 years at the Daily Express and will now appear on television screens
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Pair terrified by shark while on fishing trip
A father and son on a fishing trip clung to each other on terror as a shark attacked their boat. Philip Walker, 43, took a picture of the dorsal fin ripping through the water straight at them. Seconds after the photograph was taken he and David, 13, felt
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Fair test? Or just a cruel Britannia?
As the Government prepared to introduce a test to assess immigrants' British knowledge, Deborah Johnson puts several Britons on the spot to see how they fared. FOREIGNERS who apply to become British citizens will have to swot up on British regional accents
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Blackmailer's four-year fight for Nazi war relic
A Nazi war relic at the centre of a bizarre blackmail case has been handed back to its owner. Derick Smith, from Sunderland, was jailed for hatching a plot to retrieve the ancient chalice, which was once owned by Hitler's right-hand man, Hermann Goering
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Gas scheme in village is completed
A £151,000 scheme to help boost gas supplies to homes has been completed. Engineers from United Utilities have replaced more than 800m of metallic main in Murton as part of a project on behalf of Northern Gas Networks. The scheme involved replacing a
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Latest creation ready to follow Phileas Fogg around the world
The Tanfield Food Company has struck gold with its creation of the Look What We Found range of gourmet food. Kate Bowman talks to co-founder Roger McKechnie about the product. THE Look What We Found brand is expected to be on every supermarket shelf and
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Training centres to address skills gap
THE once-ailing manufacturing sector in the North-East may be about to receive a shot in the arm after the Government announced a £40m drive to improve skills. Four areas of industry will have their own academies from next September, training tens of
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Pilkington approach
GLASSMAKER Pilkington yesterday confirmed it had received a takeover approach thought to be worth up to £2bn. Pilkington said the approach "may or may not lead to an offer being made for the company" as its share price jumped more than 20 per cent. Japanese
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45 jobs to go at N-E learning group
FORTY-FIVE jobs will go at the organisation responsible for improving the low skill levels of North-East workers, it was announced yesterday. The shake-up at the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) - part of 1,300 redundancies across England, saving £40m
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Will the new Bill leave firms holding the baby?
BUSINESS leaders fear that new parental leave allowances could create an administrative nightmare for North-East companies. The Work and Families Bill extends paid maternity leave from six to nine months, but fathers rather than mothers could take the
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The super donor of the dales
DON'T put anything down in Anita Savory's house, joke her daughters, or she'll have a tombola ticket on it in seconds. As it is, when you walk into her house in Wolsingham, the first thing you see in the hall is a sack of teddy bears, tins of sweets,
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Look what our teacher did next!
AN actor and lecturer who taught two generations of Ant and Decs has joined Tyne Metropolitan College. COLIN SHARP is the new lecturer in performing arts at the college, and has not only taught Geordie TV presenters and comedians Ant and Dec, but recently
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Memorial to brave soldier who set magificent example to us all
A PIT village has put up a memorial to its First World War hero who lost his life after winning the highest honour for gallantry. The Lord Lieutenant of Durham, Sir Paul Nicholson, unveiled the tribute to Victoria Cross winner 2nd Lieutenant John Youll
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City celebrating 400th anniversary of powder plot
IT is 400 years since Guy Fawkes was caught red-handed as he tried to blow up Parliament, and the city he called home is celebrating in style. York is staging events to mark the anniversary of the infamous Gunpowder Plot, when the Government was almost
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Warming to the theme of funerals
Last Saturday night I made two girls scream in the City of London. It was a misty evening and I was on my way to a dinner at Tallow Chandlers' Hall. Naturally, as the properly-dressed priest about town, I was wearing my long black cloak. The girls screamed
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Retailers set to feel the pinch this Christmas
Although you may have seen a number of scary looking characters lurking from door to door last night, this is nothing compared to the scare investors have had to endure over the past few weeks. Like an old lady opening the door to a group of ghoulish
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Blame culture is threatening to ruin businesses
BUSINESSES are increasingly under threat from litigation because of a growing blame culture, a study has shown. One in four UK employers say they have been involved in litigation, with fewer than half winning their case, the survey by AXA insurance found
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Brambles takes a bite out of the South
SANDWICH supplier Brambles Foods expects turnover to nearly double following the acquisition of a southern competitor. The Middlesbrough company predicts turnover will increase to about £23m, compared to £12.5m last year, after buying London sandwich
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Hedges could mend a few fences
RULES designed to help people living in the shadow of leylandii hedges may help warring neighbours resolve their disputes - in an unexpected way. Legislation that came into effect in June gave local councils powers to investigate complaints from householders
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Man in court facing attack charges
A MAN appeared in court yesterday accused of carrying out a serious assault during a bus station fracas. Michael David Tracey, 21, is accused of wounding a 29-year-old man with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm. It relates to an incident at a bus
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Heena's monster comes to life in 3D
THE monstrous creation of a Teesside youngster has come to life thanks to 3D imagery. Heena Hussain, 12, from Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, has won DigitalCity's Make A Monster competition and her winning entry has been turned into a stunning piece of digital
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Hurworth School Debate: Letters
EXCELLENT JOB: THE campaign in Darlington, led by Share (The Save Hurworth School Group), did an excellent job in highlighting several issues of concern affecting the lives of Darlington Borough Council ratepayers. The council leader John Williams can
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The Witching hour
CHILDREN and staff at Westview Day Nursery in Middleton St George celebrate Halloween by dressing as spooks and witches. The children spent the morning making Halloween party sandwiches in the shape of bats, witches and pumpkins, and colouring in Winnie
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Well-balanced youngsters invited to try forest's new aerial walkway
YOUNGSTERS can now take on a new challenge at a woodland adventure play area. Forest chiefs have commissioned a safe clambering course made out of 300 metres of metal chains strung between the trees to mark the new Active Woods scheme. The aim is to navigate
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Group wins award for fighting crime
CRIMEFIGHTING retailers are the first group in the North-East to be presented with the Safer Business Award. The Hartlepool Retail Crime Operation (Crime Net) is to be presented with the Action Against Business Crime's Safer Business Award (SBA) today
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Families can box clever for youngsters
FAMILIES looking forward to a happy Christmas are being asked to fill shoe boxes with small gifts for less fortunate children. Schools and churches are also being asked to take part in the scheme, which aims to collect hundreds of boxes in the Barnard
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Four fined in crackdown on sales to underage drinkers
A CLAMPDOWN on off-licences selling alcohol to underage drinkers has resulted in four sales assistants receiving £80 on-the-spot fines. All had failed to spot a 13-year-old schoolgirl buying the alcohol during Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's recent
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Black-tie ball to aid nursery
TICKETS have gone on sale for a charity ball in aid of a children's nursery. The event is being organised by the Learning Tree, in Carlton Miniott, near Thirsk. It will be held on Saturday, November 12, at the Golden Lion Hotel, in Northallerton. Money
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On TV
Hidden Lives: Old Enough To Be His Mother (five) ONE Life: 3 Sisters Make 1 Baby (BBC1) WATCHING Hidden Lives I couldn't help recalling the time on The Word when a young man desperate for 15 minutes of fame French kissed a toothless pensioner. A cruel
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Quadruple killer launches challenge
Quadruple killer Mark Hobson will have to wait to find out if he must face the rest of his life behind bars after launching a sentence challenge today. The former binman, who admitted murdering his girlfriend, her twin sister and a frail elderly couple
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Lull after financial storm
INSURANCE premiums are poised to fall for businesses as the industry recovers from losses following catastrophes such as the September 11 terrorist attacks, a broker has claimed. Commercial and corporate clients are in a strong position and should start
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Halloween with no nasties
YOUNGSTERS opted for something a bit different when they celebrated Halloween on Teesside last night. Children dressed up as princesses and pirates, instead of the usual ghouls and witches, at the free party at The Pheonix Centre on Hartlepool's Central
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Council vows to get tough after spot checks on taxis
TAXI drivers could find their livelihoods under threat if they fail to adhere to licensing regulations. Sedgefield Borough Council has vowed to clamp down on taxi firms whose vehicles and drivers fail to meet the required standards. Working with the police
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Panic flight from PC after night celebrating
A SALES manager fled in a blind panic when police caught him urinating in the street, a court heard yesterday. Kevin Kingston, 32, was caught short after leaving a nightclub in Harrogate and relieved himself against a shop in The Ginnel. Stephanie Waite
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Tree-planting fund to combat CO2
A MAJOR effort is being launched to encourage the people of Yorkshire to help combat climate change. The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust yesterday unveiled a donation scheme to help people become "carbon neutral". The fund has been created because of growing
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Launch of Popy Appeal and the spirit of remembrance
THE Mayor of Durham yesterday officially launched this year's poppy appeal with the presentation of the city's first poppies to war veterans from the Royal British Legion. The legion's Poppy Appeal 2005 was launched from the Market Place in the city centre
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Remember the forgotten battle
THE heroes of a forgotten battlefield are to be remembered in a talk next week. During the First World War, thousands of soldiers from the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) fought in Northern Italy - a campaign which cost 300 lives. While much attention has
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Police appeal made
POLICE are appealing for witnesses to an unsolved arson attack on a terraced house in Coquet Street, Chopwell, Gateshead. The vacant house was damaged after a fire at the front door. The incident happened at 11.30pm on August 25. Anyone with information
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Youth club facing closure because of lack of funding
A YOUTH club set up to reduce anti-social behaviour is facing closure because of a shortage of money. The cash crisis at the Youthy, in Catterick Village, near Catterick Garrison, has left volunteers criticising funding providers. The club was launched
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Bid to overcome doctor and dentist shortage
AN international recruitment drive has been launched in east Durham in a bid to overcome a shortage of doctors and dentists in the area. Easington Primary Care Trust's (PCT) initiative is called The Big Project, and is a five year planned programme to
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Two decades on we're still happily on the back track
It was back on November 2, 1985 that it all began with no swearing at Ryhope CA, why flapping tracks are so called, and Sunderland basketball team's Peter Mullings, all 6ft 8ins of him, celebrating the birth of a son. The Backtrack column is 20 years
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Comment from The Northern Echo: Embarrassment of glitches
IT seems a long time since Tony Blair pledged, in the wake of the sleaze which blighted John Major's administration, that his Government had to be whiter than white. And although he has steadfastly stood by his close friend and political ally, David Blunkett
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Interpol hunt North-East fugitive
AN ALLEGED drugs baron who has spent the past eight years living in northern Cyprus is on the run again. Gary Robb is wanted in the UK for allegedly selling drugs from one of a string of nightclubs he operated in the North-East. But before he was due
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Child-porn official planned to start new life in Thailand
A LONG-SERVING council officer jailed yesterday for downloading child pornography on his work computer plans to start a new life in Thailand on his release. Robin Andrew Hardy, 56, a senior accountant in the treasurer's department at County Hall, Durham
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Union warns of closure
A UNION yesterday warned of the possible closure of a North-East brick manufacturer with the loss of more than 50 jobs. The Amicus union told The Northern Echo it had yesterday received notification of possible redundancies at Dyson Refractories, in West
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Final salute as squadron's disbandment brings era to an end
A CEREMONY was held yesterday to mark the disbandment of a distinguished RAF fighter squadron. 11 Squadron has flown Tornado F3s out of RAF Leeming, in North Yorkshire, for 17 years. The aircraft is being replaced by the new Typhoon fighter. The unit
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'Why I'm glad I got the gong'
Actress Amanda Harris, who is currently rehearsing as Titania in A Midsummer Night's Dream, is honoured to have earned an Olivier Award - despite it sporting a pink bikini. Steve Pratt reports. THE last time Amanda Harris saw Laurence Olivier he was wearing
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Hospital workers stage one-day strike
MANAGERS had to take bodies into a hospital mortuary yesterday after a one-day strike by porters and other staff. During the first NHS hospital strike in the region for years managers, office workers and relatives took over portering duties at the worst-affected
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Clinton Cards posts losses
CLINTON Cards slumped into the red yesterday after poor returns from the Birthdays chain it acquired last December. The group blamed the tough retail environment for its disappointing showing as losses for the six months to July 31 stood at £12.2m, against
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Shareholders ready to sell Peacock
CLOTHING chain Peacock was poised to be taken private yesterday after announcing a management buyout worth £404.4m. Shareholders will be paid 340p a share, a 29 per cent premium on the closing price of 263p on August 15, when news of the approach for
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England glad of Trescothick's patience
Marcus Trescothick likened his batting to ''pulling teeth'' at the Pindi Stadium yesterday - but England were happy to grin and bear it as he ground out the runs which saved their blushes on the first day of their tour opener in Pakistan. Without Trescothick's
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World's biggest ovarian cancer trial tests its 200,000th volunteer
THE world's largest ovarian cancer screening trial has now tested 200,000 women. The research, which began in 2001, is designed to make a significant impact on the mortality rate of sufferers. Funded by the Medical Research Council, Cancer Research UK
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Lost traveller founded an institution
If it hadn't been for a young, Swiss confectioner catching the wrong train, the region might not have become home to perhaps the most prestigious cafe in the country. Kate Bowman takes a tour of the family-owned business Bettys, where if somthing's worth
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Networking at the click of a button
A NEW concept in networking has been launched, opening doors for businesses at the click of a button. Businessman Terry Chapman and son Mark have set up the Recommended Business Network (RBN) to provide an electronic marketplace operating around the clock
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Hutchinson ban will hit club hard
Darlington boss David Hodgson believes Joey Hutchinson's impending two-match suspension could not have come at a more crucial time. Hodgson last night learned that, under new FA laws put in place this season, Hutchinson will miss two games after his sending
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Sam Morrison
CONSULTANCY company Macnaughton McGregor has appointed SAM MORRISON as a training and development consultant. The Newcastle-based company specialises in HR consultancy and training programmes for organisations such as Sanderson Young, Sunderland City
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Widow: I trusted murder trial GP
THE wife of a man allegedly murdered by his GP told a court yesterday her husband lost consciousness and died after he was give three injections of morphine. Eileen Gittins, who was married to Harry Gittins for 50 years, said Dr Howard Martin had told
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Soldier's death was suicide - inquest
A soldier tormented by domestic difficulties hung himself in a store room at his North Yorkshire barracks, an inquest heard. A verdict of suicide was recorded at the inquest into the death of Carl Spottiswoode, 34, from Sheffield. Lance Corporal Spottiswoode
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Jim Bradley
Data-engineering consultancy Rocket Science has appointed senior executive Jim Bradley as managing director of Snapshot, the company division handling the development of Rocket's paper-free sales tracking and reporting system. In addition, Mr Bradley
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Fireworks spectacular inspired by the sea
HARTLEPOOL'S Fireworks and Music Spectacular on Saturday will take place at Seaton Carew front from 4pm. The free event, organised by Hartlepool Borough Council, will kick off with children's rides and stalls next to the paddling pool and local rock band
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£6m homes facelift
THE next phase of a £99m housing redevelopment programme is starting on Teesside. Over the course of the next year, £6m will be spent improving 526 houses in the Dyke House area of Hartlepool. The work starts this week with houses and bungalows in and
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Police called to Dracula on rail viaduct
A MAN dressed as Dracula had to be rescued from a viaduct after he threatened to jump off. Police were called after a man dressed as the vampire climbed Horden Viaduct, in Sunderland, on Sunday night and threatened to throw himself 100ft to the ground
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Under-fire Blunkett fighting for survival
Work and Pensions Secretary David Blunkett was last night fighting for his political future despite announcing that he had asked his sons to sell shares in technology company DNA Bioscience. But Mr Blunkett insisted he had done nothing wrong - either
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Interpol on the trail of suspected drugs baron
A SUSPECTED drugs baron who has spent the past eight years living in northern Cyprus after skipping bail is on the run again, The Northern Echo can reveal. Gary Robb is wanted in the UK for allegedly selling drugs from one of a string of nightclubs he
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Scott ready for Cooper's return
MARTIN Scott believes former Pool boss Neale Cooper will receive a warm welcome on his return to Victoria Park tonight. Cooper is back for the first time since he was controversially dismissed six months ago, and brings a Gillingham side currently lying
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Mobile youth shelter aims to cut crime
A MOBILE youth shelter is to be installed in Stokesley in an attempt to cut anti-social behaviour. The £6,600 building will be put up in the North Road, Allen Grove and Sowerby Crescent area by the end of this month. A similar shelter is in place in Bankhead
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Jane Jobson
Nursery group Just Learning has appointed JANE JOBSON as North-East area manager. Ms Jobson has worked in the childcare industry as manager of the company's nursery in Newcastle. She now takes responsibility for the company's nurseries across Wearside
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Club president dies in accident on award night
A GOLF club's president died in a road accident two hours before a golf club's annual awards night. Peter Chrystal, 93, was due to host the event at Castle Eden Golf Club, in Hartlepool, on Saturday, but died in an accident on the A181 outside his son's
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Raiders arrested after nightclub robbery
Two people have been arrested after a raid on a nightclub in which thousands of pounds were stolen. Raiders escaped with more than £30,000 from the dh1 nightclub in Durham City after tying up the manager at his home in Trimdon Grange and taking his keys
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Wi-Fi is the next big thing, but we must make it secure
Wi-Fi may sound like something from the latest blockbuster Hollywood sci-fi movie, but most people with a computer in their home have heard of, and are using, Wireless Networks. GNER provides Wi-Fi access on its trains, giving passengers the ability to
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Viduka hoping to gain from pain
MARK Viduka is hoping the memory of his most painful moment in football will inspire him to fire Australia into the World Cup finals later this month. The Middlesbrough striker, who is expected to return to the starting line-up in Thursday's UEFA Cup
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Personality crisis that can lead to dismissal
On October 12, the Court of Appeal issued its judgement in the case of Perkin v St George's Healthcare NHS Trust. Mr Perkin was employed by the trust as director of finance, a responsible job that required him both to manage a group of employees underneath
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Wise approach to environment
YORKSHIRE Water will hear next week if it has been successful in a competition to find the UK's greenest companies. The company's environment and catchment team and facilities department have both reached the finals of the Green Apple Environment Awards
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Asbo woman told that her family needs rest
A WOMAN who terrorised her village was told to stop depending on her family by a judge yesterday. Stacy Ord, 20, was already the subject of an anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) for drunken and abusive behaviour in West Cornforth, County Durham. She appeared
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Recruiters planning to double turnover
MORE than 70 jobs will be created at the North-East's largest professional recruitment company over the next three to five years as the company aims to more than double turnover. Nigel Wright Associates (NWA), which is based in Newcastle but has clients
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The scourge of the workhouse
They were built to house the poor and the infirm, but for many, the workhouse meant a lifetime of abuse and mental cruelty. Lindsay Jennings talks to the author of a new book whose great aunt spent her life in Durham Union Workhouse. JANE had been waiting
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Orbit Vehicles hits the road to success in the minibus market
A FAMILY-run Darlington company has clinched business from a major plc to supply minibuses to Hurworth House School. Orbit Vehicles hopes to double turnover to more than £3m in the next few years. Orbit, a small business set up six years ago, has won
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RSPCA renews plea in hunt for cat's killer
THE RSPCA has made a fresh appeal for information after the body of a dismembered cat was found in a field. The 15-month-old pet was found without its head or tail near its owners' home in the Faverdale area of Darlington., on October 21. Black cat Sooty
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Montgomerie welcomed back into the big league
Not finished then. Not even over the hill. Colin Montgomerie has proved this year that at 42 he can still compete with the best. Winning an eighth European Order of Merit title has to rank among the Scot's greatest-ever achievements, considering his seventh
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Guitarist heading back to promote band's album
NORTH-EAST rock guitarist Pete Shoulder will be back in the region soon to launch a national tour promoting his band's first album. Everything in Moderation, by Winterville, will be on sale on Monday, November 14. On Thursday, November 17, the band will
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It's the mad, mad, mad, mad world of the Bugatti Veyron
IT is not built in a factory, but in a luxury French chateau. It is more powerful than Michael Schumacher's Formula One racing car. It is years behind schedule and so expensive that only a handful will ever be built. What is it? The Bugatti Veyron. Conceived
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Cancer group's plea for equity
COUNTY Durham's first support group for men with prostate cancer has been launched with a message from Prime Minister Tony Blair. The Sedgefield MP was unable to attend the group's inaugural meeting at County Hall, in Durham, but sent secretary Stafford
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Conmen fleeced pensioners
A gang of rogue builders admitted conning vulnerable pensioners out of around £150,000 and spent the proceeds in the pub, a court heard today. They preyed on elderly householders and carried out unnecessary, shoddy and sometimes worthless work on their
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Why limiting your company's liabilities could be a smart move
Limited liability status offers many advantages and for this reason solicitors often advised businesses to go limited. However, in the past, business owners have rejected the idea because it may have been more tax efficient for them to trade as a sole
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Quick trip bodes well for King Harson
WITH only five days to go before the end of the Flat turf season Catterick-bound King Harson (3.00) must make the most of feeling the green grass under his feet. According to trainer James Bethell, King Harson is not a "good traveller", so the closer
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Success sparks chain reaction
THE company behind the Sleep Inn concept is opening a chain of hotels across the UK following the success of its Newton Aycliffe site. Aston Hotels has chosen to locate its head office in the North-East as it rolls out the chain, investing tens of millions
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Clothes and toys to be sold
A NEARLY-NEW sale of toys and children's clothing will be held on Saturday, November 12, between 9.30am and 12.30pm at The Salvation Army in Plawsworth Road, Sacriston. Admission costs 50p, children free, and a quarter of the proceeds will go to the Salvation
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Tax collection rise
DURHAM City Council says its record for collecting council tax and rent could soon be above the national average. Councillors have been told the authority's collection rate for council tax, business rates and rent has increased by one per cent on last
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Why I'm glad I've got the gong
THE last time Amanda Harris saw Laurence Olivier he was wearing a pink bikini. And in case you're alarmed at the image of the late great actor attired in ladies' swimwear, let me point out that we're talking about a bust of him, one of those handed out
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Students want to make trade fair
A TEAM of Darlington students turned the tables on teachers yesterday as they were given the chance to educate them on an important issue. Pupils from Carmel RC Technology College were highlighting Darlington's bid for Fairtrade Town status at a teachers
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Make sure pets are safe this firework night
A VET is urging people to consider their pets over the bonfire period. Wilson Veterinary Group in Bishop Auckland has issued advice to owners and is offering programmes for pets. Donna Smith, from the group, said that November was a time for increased
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Brushing up on her skills
A YOUNG painter and decorator has landed her dream job after brushing up on her skills at Redcar and Cleveland College. Sarah Hardwick achieved a City and Guilds Foundation Construction Award and is now a full-time painter and decorator at MITIE Property
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Service of remembrance for babies
A SERVICE is being held in Darlington to remember babies who have died before, or soon after, birth. The thanksgiving service will be held in the chapel at Darlington Memorial Hospital on Sunday, at 3pm. All relatives and friends of families who have
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Women canoeists on a roll
AN all-woman canoe team has set its sights on landing a second young people's award. The quartet from Newton Aycliffe youth centre - Sara Robinson, Helen Johnson and Sue Nicholson, all 24, and Ali Turner, 23 - have already completed their Durham Duke
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Hospice supporter will be going up, up and away
A WOMAN from Crook could have been forgiven for thinking it was a load of hot air when told she had won a ride in a balloon. But Susan Hobson soon realised that it was all true when Butterwick Hospice at Bishop Auckland told her that she had won a hot
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Question time with police
PEOPLE will have the chance to ask questions about policing issues in their community when the regular round of police and community safety consultative forum meetings take place. The meeting of the north forum, in Hartlepool, is to be held at West View
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£343,477 for average detached house
THE average price of a detached house in the Harrogate district costs £343,577, figures from the national Land Registry reveal. Semi-detached properties are costing £198,282, terraced properties are fetching an average of £173,924 and flats and maisonettes
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£4.5m music centre for students
A CENTRE aimed at producing the next generation of musicians and performers in the region opened yesterday. The £4.5m centre for music excellence is based at The Sage Gateshead music centre. Up-and-coming Newcastle band Red Letter Suits performed at a
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Woman faced 12in blade
A FATHER-OF-TWO with a pregnant wife has been warned he faces prison after a row with a woman neighbour escalated into knife-wielding threats. Magistrates heard how Glyn Lees had thrust a carving knife with a 12-in blade towards Sarah Linfoot's chest,
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Hannah to help orphans in S Africa
A TEENAGER is preparing for the trip of a lifetime to work with orphaned youngsters in South Africa. Hannah Wood, 17, of Leyburn, North Yorkshire, will be working in an orphanage in Johannesburg through the Project Trust charity. Hannah, a student at
