Archive
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Disintegrated transport
DARLINGTON Bank Top station, 10.10am, Saturday. The travel centre clerk looks over his glasses like a slightly startled owl: "I don't think I've sold a ticket to Teesside Airport in my life," he says. It's England's least used railway station, the 10.20
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Vaughan gives England India tonic at new Headingley
England captain Michael Vaughan has suffered no adverse reaction from his knee operation and is confident of stepping on the plane for India next month. Vaughan was speaking at Headingley where it was revealed that Yorkshire and Leeds CFAC, who own the
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Link ruled out between hanged man and kidnap
DETECTIVES investigating the abduction of a six-year-old girl from her bath said last night there was no link to a man who was found hanged near the scene. Officers took away Lee Bayley's Ford Escort car and clothes from his flat for forensic examination
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Festive trading narrows the gap
THE battle of the supermarkets intensified last night after a successful Christmas saw Sainsbury's take its largest share of the market for two years and close the gap on Asda. According to market research group TNS Superpanel, Sainsbury's controlled
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Price-cutting decision hits Matalan sales
CLOTHING chain Matalan has blamed a decision to reduce the number of cut-price garments on its shelves for a 5.5 per cent fall in sales over Christmas. The company, which is based in Skelmersdale, Lancashire, said home and Christmas gifts performed poorly
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Speedway enthusiast Peter remembered with memorial
A MEMORIAL trophy is being launched to remember one of the best-known faces in the North-East's rich speedway history. As the sport prepares to return to Teesside, promoters of the eagerly awaited track at South Bank, Middlesbrough, have announced plans
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MPs demand county-wide free bus travel for pensioners
MPs have joined forces to demand free bus travel for pensioners across County Durham - instead of journeys ending at district council boundaries. The government's £350 million scheme for the elderly and the disabled comes into force in April, but only
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12/01/06
FIGHT FOR FEETHAMS: I AM at a loss to understand how an asset left to benefit the community of Darlington and its people can suddenly become a multi-million pound cash cow for a tiny minority called Darlington Cricket Club. Just who will oversee and decide
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Concern as 'small hardcore' flout drink-drive laws
A POLICE traffic chief has expressed concern that a small proportion of motorists continue to flout drink-drive regulations. Inspector Paul Goundry, head of the Durham Police's road policing unit, was speaking yesterday after the release of Christmas
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School Closure Debate: Leader's stance seen as U-turn
A COUNCIL leader at the centre of a controversial schools merger has defended a promise that he made to parents a decade ago. In 1995 Councillor John Williams, now leader of Darlington Borough Council, wrote to all parents at Hurworth School, near Darlington
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New deal could put railway back on track
CREDITORS of a stricken heritage railway have been called to a meeting which could set it on course for an Easter reopening. More than a year after the last trains ran on the Weardale Railway, in County Durham, the 104 businesses owed a total of £900,000
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Jail for breaching order
MAGISTRATES have jailed a homeless man who breached an anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) by refusing to leave a town centre medical practice when he was drunk. John Reintoul, 53, was yesterday sentenced to eight weeks in custody after he pleaded guilty
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Region aims for £450m in road cash
THE North-East could benefit from more than £450m worth of transport improvements if the Government approves a wish-list of recommended schemes for the region. Representatives from groups such as the North-East Assembly, the Association of North-East
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Cabbies can use bus lanes
TAXI drivers in Darlington have been given the go-ahead to use town centre bus lanes in an experimental order. On Tuesday, Darlington Borough Council gave in to the cabbies' demands to use the lanes, prompted by the council's £6.5m Pedestrian Heart project
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Residents get a say on cuts
SERVICES in a rural district face cuts as the local authority tries to reduce a budget deficit of more than £800,000. A medium-financial plan carried out for Teesdale District Council has revealed the authority is in danger of being £838,745 over budget
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425 km Indian cycle challenge for charity
A MOTHER-OF-ONE is gearing up for a gruelling cycle challenge in India to raise more than £2,500 to improve the health of women and babies. Jayne Watson is appealing for support as she prepares for the 425km bike ride through Rajasthan in November. Over
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Pool advice from top swimmers
TOP international swimmers will host a lecture and coaching session at a town centre pool this weekend. Steve Parry, Olympic bronze medallist in the 200m butterfly, and Sarah Price, double Commonwealth Games gold medallist at 100m and 200m backstroke,
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Pool advice
TOP international swimmers will host a lecture and coaching session at a town centre pool this weekend. Steve Parry, Olympic bronze medallist in the 200m butterfly, and Sarah Price, double Commonwealth Games gold medallist at 100m and 200m backstroke,
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Plans for football club to link with education village
EDUCATION and football bosses have met to discuss how they can work together better in the future. Executives from Darlington Football Club, the Education Village and Darlington College are considering innovative ways of linking up and sharing facilities
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Reservoir demolished
A FORMER reservoir is to be demolished - but councillors have insisted that a neighbouring historical building is preserved. The redundant site, in Sadberge, near Darlington, has been out of use for several years, and has increasingly been the target
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Champion guest for club evening
WORLD cruiserweight boxing champion Johnny Nelson is to be the guest speaker at a boxing event in Consett. It has been organised by Gary McCrory to raise funds for the Booker Amateur Boxing Club, where he coaches. The evening at Consett Civic Centre includes
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Scouting group seeks members
A DURHAM Scout group is inviting more boys to join. The 1st Framwellgate Moor Scout Group is looking for boys aged eight to ten for its Cubs, and ten to 13-year-olds for the Scouts. A spokesman said: "The group is very active and provides a varied and
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Suite sellers' van seized
TRAVELLERS selling three-piece suites from the back of a van faced a long walk home after the vehicle was seized. Their vehicle was impounded by Revenue and Customs after examiners found it was running on red diesel, which is used mainly in agriculture
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Top grouse moor sold for £5.25m
ONE of the country's premium grouse moors changed hands for the first time in more than 440 years. Wemmergill Moor, in Upper Teesdale, County Durham, has been bought by pub and fast-food tycoon Michael Cannon. The entrepreneur, who is originally from
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Teenager dies after trying to save pet dog
A teenager who leapt into a river to save her pet dog has died, police said last night. The 16-year-old, who has not been named, was swept away after jumping into the River Ehen, in Egremont, near Whitehaven, Cumbria, yesterday afternoon. She had been
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'Bin service will be more efficient'
AN overhaul of the refuse collection service, which will see bins emptied four days a week instead of the present five, has been agreed. Easington District Council says the change, to start in April, will create a more responsive service and reduce costs
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Chance for local people to buy homes at reduced prices
A HOUSING scheme is giving local people the chance to buy a home at a knock-down price. Ten homes in Colburn are being sold for between £72,000 and £95,000 - more than £100,000 below the average house price in Richmondshire. The homes have been built
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Disintegrated transport
DARLINGTON Bank Top station, 10.10am, Saturday. The travel centre clerk looks over his glasses like a slightly startled owl: "I don't think I've sold a ticket to Teesside Airport in my life," he says. It's England's least used railway station, the 10.20
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Meat stolen for cash
AN alcoholic stole frozen meats from two stores in a bid to get cash. Edward McKie Dow, 42, of Marshall Avenue, Middlesbrough, was caught stealing 12 gammon rounds and two bacon joints from Iceland and four packs of bacon from Heron's supermarket, both
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Police seek help in solving death of father-of-three
Detectives investigating the death of a father-of-three have appealed for helping in piecing together the final five hours of his life. Divorcee Maurice Hilton died last weekend after suffering a single knife wound to his chest. Paramedics and police
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Pupils form link with South Africa
YOUNGSTERS are reaching out to pupils overseas in an attempt to understand cultural differences. The Teesside Prep School pupils, in Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, have made contact with a school in South Africa and are busy exchanging e-mails about their
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Drug addict went on shoplifting spree
A DRUG addict could find himself in jail after admitting a shoplifting spree days before Christmas. Hartlepool magistrates heard how Brian Paul Gough, 33, was caught stealing baby clothes from the Ethel Austin shop, in Middlesbrough town centre, and cosmetics
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Comment from The Northern Echo: May common sense prevail
WE have repeatedly said that the Government cannot have it both ways on banning smoking in pubs and clubs. If it really believes that smoking is detrimental to non-smoking staff and customers, then that principle must apply to all bars - not some. The
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Air ambulance banking on support
UNWANTED clothes are being put to good use - and helping to save people's lives. Three new recycling banks have been sited in York with proceeds from the sale of the textiles being donated to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. For every two large containers
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Teenagers are hurt in crash
THREE teenagers were seriously injured in an accident involving four vehicles. The crash happened on the A1068 at Red Row, Morpeth, Northumberland, at the junction with the B1330, at 4.05pm on Tuesday. The incident happened when a VW Bora car travelling
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The lesson of the 11-plus
I have a confession to make: I was an 11-plus failure. That was half a century ago, but I can remember it to this day. First, the exam, in that classroom packed with 60 girls (I presume the boys were doing the same in their end of the grim inner-city
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Cobham swoops on Flight Precision
AIR safety company Flight Precision has been bought by defence and aerospace group Cobham in a multi-million pound deal. The company, which employs about 40 staff and is based at Durham Tees Valley Airport, near Darlington, is expected to see business
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Women jailed for storing drugs
A young air hostess who turned to crime after her life fell apart was today jailed for two years for storing drugs for a big-time dealer. Rebecca Allan had left school with good exam results and worked as a junior manager with a train company before landing
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Campbell next target after Kandol heads for home
DAVID HODGSON is ready to rekindle his interest in former Middlesbrough striker Andy Campbell after Tresor Kandol yesterday turned his back on a permanent move to Darlington. Kandol has returned to Dagenham & Redbridge after failing to settle in the
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Licence delay could sink Swan Hunter
SWAN Hunter shipyard owner Jaap Kroese said last night that shipbreaking licences that could prevent the yard being mothballed had been delayed. The future of Swan's Wallsend, North Tyneside, site depends on securing the licences. Jaap Kroese revealed
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Bassila pledges future to Sunderland cause
CHRISTIAN Bassila prepared for the visit of Premiership Champions Chelsea this weekend by revealing he wants to win another contract at the Stadium of Light, regardless of whether the club are relegated or not. Bassila has been one of the few highlights
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Romeo and Juliet for the Asbo age
They are used to being written off as under-achievers, but one group of young people have proved their detractors wrong by making their own feature film. Nick Morrison reports. WHEN the leaders at his youth group suggested a drama project, Paul Watson
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Brick factory closure confirmed
IT has been confirmed that a factory will close in two months with the loss of about 50 jobs because of overseas competition and rising energy prices. Workers at Dyson Refractories, in West Hunwick, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, are completing
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Bell steps on the gas
A VAN and truck dealer is expanding with the investment of £3m across the region. As part of a five-year plan, Bell Truck Sales is opening showrooms at Teesway Park, Portrack Lane, Stockton, and on the Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead. The family
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Bardy chasing hat-trick
TONY Bardy will be gunning for a hat-trick of wins when he takes part in the Darlington and District Motor Club-run Altodigital Jack Frost Stages Rally at Croft Circuit on Sunday. Utilising all of the tarmac roads, the event, which comprises qualifying
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Vaughan gives England India tonic at new Headingley
England captain Michael Vaughan has suffered no adverse reaction from his knee operation and is confident of stepping on the plane for India next month. Vaughan was speaking at Headingley where it was revealed that Yorkshire and Leeds CFAC, who own the
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Wounded Soldier is looking fighting fit
ALAN SWINBANK'S patience in nursing Virgin Soldier back to full fitness stands a good chance of being rewarded at Catterick today. The eleven-year-old David Abell-owned chestnut won numerous times on the Flat and over hurdles in his heyday, however Virgin
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Boro coffers stay shut despite Southgate blow
MIDDLESBROUGH manager Steve McClaren has been warned not to expect a new injection of funds despite the ankle injury that threatens to sideline Gareth Southgate for the best part of three months. And, while Ugo Ehiogu and Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink remain
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Police seek drivers in abduction probe
Police hunting a dangerous sexual predator are checking possible links with the abduction and assaults on two young girls who were driven from Tyneside and dumped in Darlington ten years ago, it was revealed today. Det Chief Inspector Jim Napier confirmed
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Academy delight at 'good' marks
A CONTROVERSIAL academy has received top marks from school inspectors. According to Ofsted, it is rare to give such a young school a "good'' rating - but that is the grading that a team of inspectors has given the Kings Academy, at Coulby Newham, Teesside
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£1.3m plan is the first step to bigger future for airport
AIRPORT bosses have unveiled plans for a £1.3m revamp of part of its terminal building. This artist's impression shows how the front of the Durham Tees Valley Airport will look once the work is complete. The plans come as the airport announces a 13 per
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Jail for breaching order
MAGISTRATES have jailed a homeless man who breached an anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) by refusing to leave a town centre medical practice when he was drunk. John Reintoul, 53, was yesterday sentenced to eight weeks in custody after he pleaded guilty
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Mark prepares to visit India corps
A TEENAGER will embark on the trip of a lifetime after becoming one of the country's leading four Army cadets. Mark Crane, 18, of Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, will fly to India tomorrow, where he will visit the National Cadet Corps. During his stay,
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Knit and a natter
THE Bishop Auckland Knit n Natter group meets tomorrow, from 10am to noon, at the Four Clocks Centre, in Newgate Street. Beginners and experienced knitters and crocheters are welcome. Admission costs £3, including tea or coffee. Telephone Carrie Anne
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Recycling residents help raise cash for good causes
SEVERAL charities will enjoy a great start to 2006 thanks to the recycling efforts of thousands of people. A total of £7,000 has been donated to 14 charities from the Kerb-it Fund, which grows every time householders recycle. Set up by Durham-based Premier
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Police seek help from parents after egg attacks
POLICE are asking parents to take responsibility for their children after a spate of attacks on the homes of pensioners in a village. Youths have been throwing eggs and other objects at pensioners' homes in the Ennerdale Grove and Loweswater Grove areas
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Plans for shopping centre get good reception in town
PLANNING permission for a multi-million pound shopping centre redevelopment which could create hundreds of jobs may be sought within the next fortnight. Oakgate Group plc hopes to expand the Newgate Centre, in Bishop Auckland, to include new shops, a
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Read all about it
CLASSIC novel The Railway Children has been selected to be distributed to schoolchildren in Darlington. The novel has been chosen because of the town's railway heritage and to celebrate its 100th anniversary. Thirty copies of Edith Nesbit's novel are
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'Not just a playground for the rich and famous'
In the pubs of Teesdale, they still talk about the day Willie Whitelaw shot his host in the backside. In 1984, the then deputy prime minister, later to become Viscount Whitelaw was part of a shooting party, hosted by Sir Joseph Nickerson, the seed magnate
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Woman dies after kitchen fire
AN elderly woman has died in a fire after her frying pan burst into flames. Fire broke out just after 3pm on Tuesday at the home of Nellie Donkin, 80, of Derwent Way, Blaydon, Gates-head. Investigators believe she was cooking something in hot fat when
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Police renew appeal to catch sex attacker
POLICE have renewed their appeal for help from the public in tracking down a sex attacker who struck only hours into the New Year. The incident took place in the car-park of the Little Wonder pub, in Ripon Road, Harrogate, in the early hours of January
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Regeneration site reversing 25 years of downward spiral
THE redevelopment of the former Consett steelworks site is gathering pace with 200 houses planned. Three plots of land around the 700-acre site are to be developed for housing, including two sites which are being developed by a housing arm of regeneration
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Riverbank fall as rescuers save dog
A HELPFUL woman took food for firefighters battling to save a dog - and ended up having to be rescued herself. The fire crew was grateful when Elaine Spencer, 42, arrived with a box of sandwiches as they struggled for hours to rescue a terrier trapped
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£320,000 library set for approval
A VILLAGE could get its long-awaited permanent library later this year if a £320,000 scheme wins approval today. People at Langley Park have been calling for a permanent rather than a travelling library service for about nine years. Now Durham County
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Banned from driving
PLEAS by a debt-ridden businessman caught drink-driving failed to secure his driving licence. Hartlepool magistrates heard Mark Stephen Thomspon was driving on Belle Vue Way, in the town, last December, when he was seen speeding by a police patrol car
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Proposal of marriage while keeping vigil for sick baby
THE parents of a seriously-ill baby became engaged as they held a hospital bedside vigil for their daughter. Tony Jackson proposed to Kellie Skeoch three days after their daughter, Caitlyn, was born with a severe heart defect. The baby, who arrived on
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Probation service adds new face to senior management
A NEW face has joined the line-up of the senior management teams for the probation service in North Yorkshire. Mike Ryan, who is married with four children, has been appointed as the service's assistant chief officer. He will be in charge of interventions
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Satellite systems car crime warning
MOTORISTS have been warned about a rise in thefts of satellite navigation systems. In an attempt to halt the increase, Harrogate and District Safer Communities Partnership is urging drivers to remove the equipment when they leave their vehicle unattended
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A kit to cope with winter ailments
HEALTH chiefs have come up with a scheme which they hope will prove a tonic for under-pressure GPs - and for children with flu and colds. Middlesbrough Primary Care Trust (PCT) has joined forces with local chemists to ensure children with common winter
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Pregnant teenager warned her next offence means jail
A TEENAGE mother-to-be has been warned she will be locked up if she gets into any more trouble. April Crookston, 17, was yesterday prosecuted for failing to carry out community penalties given to her by a court for attacking a girl on a bus. Judge Les
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Warning to drivers over 4x4 thefts
POLICE are warning drivers of 4x4s to be vigilant after two thefts in two days. On Monday, a blue Mitsubishi Shogun was stolen from Hornbeam Park, Harrogate. Its owner had left the vehicle for a few minutes with its keys in the ignition. On Tuesday, a
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Play area will not be used for recycling
FEARS that youngsters may be unable to use an outdoor play area next to their pre-school playgroup have been dismissed by a parish council. Officials of the Acorns Pre-School Playgroup, at Masham, have raised £4,000 to provide play equipment for the land
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Not even a 200-year-old clam or a visiting king can stop entrepreneurs
EVER wondered which animal lives the longest, who the puppeteer was in children's show Fingermouse, or what the best chat-up line is? It was these type of trivial questions that led two entrepreneurs to set up a business dedicated to finding out some
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On TV last night
Who Do You Think You Are? (BBC2) The Black Mummy Mystery (five) The makers of family history series Who Do You Think You Are? did what many thought impossible - made Jeremy Paxman cry. It was more of a sob than a flood of tears, but enough to take you
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Wounded Soldier is looking fighting fit
ALAN SWINBANK'S patience in nursing Virgin Soldier back to full fitness stands a good chance of being rewarded at Catterick today. The eleven-year-old David Abell-owned chestnut won numerous times on the Flat and over hurdles in his heyday, however Virgin
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Working men's clubs face ban on smoking
THE Government last night paved the way for a total smoking ban in all North-East pubs and clubs. MPs will be allowed a free vote on the issue - and it is thought backbenchers will force all pub and club drinkers to stub it out. Last night, the Government's
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Dunn two games from Sheffield date
REDCAR'S Mike Dunn is just two games away from an appearance at snooker's world championships in Sheffield after securing a comfortable win over 16-year-old Judd Trump in yesterday's second qualifying round at Prestatyn. Dunn, 34, who recently turned
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Dad At Large
MEN - no matter how well intentioned - shouldn't try to be thoughtful because they just get themselves into trouble. Let me try to explain... My wife's sister is about to emigrate to New Zealand to start a new life. It's going to be an emotional time
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£450m of transport hopes
THE North-East could benefit from more than £450m worth of transport improvements if the Government approves a wish-list of recommended schemes for the region. Representatives from groups such as the North-East Assembly, the Association of North-East
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Emre plans a boost for Souness
NEWCASTLE boss Graeme Souness is hoping to have Turkish midfielder Emre available for Saturday's trip to Fulham. The 25-year-old, who made a £3.8m move from Inter Milan in the summer, has suffered two hamstring strains during his short time on Tyneside
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An artist as well as an athlete
IT is incredibly rare to witness sporting perfection. Talented displays are all around us, but the sight of a genuine great performing at the peak of his or her powers remains an elusive phenomenon. Ali dragging himself back from the brink to see off
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Top grouse moor sold for £5.25m
ONE of the country's premium grouse moors changed hands for the first time in more than 440 years.. Wemmergill Moor, in Upper Teesdale, County Durham, has been bought by pub and fast-food tycoon Michael Cannon. The entrepreneur, who is originally from
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Campbell next target after Kandol heads for home
DAVID HODGSON is ready to rekindle his interest in former Middlesbrough striker Andy Campbell after Tresor Kandol yesterday turned his back on a permanent move to Darlington. Kandol has returned to Dagenham & Redbridge after failing to settle in the
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Pregnant woman given ticket while reporting a crime
A WOMAN is considering to take her battle against a parking fine to court after she was given a ticket by police while reporting a crime. Leanne Hennessey, from Bedale, North Yorkshire, was with her partner in Northallerton on December 1 when they were
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It's the thought that counts
MEN - no matter how well intentioned - shouldn't try to be thoughtful because they just get themselves into trouble. Let me try to explain... My wife's sister is about to emigrate to New Zealand to start a new life. It's going to be an emotional time
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Region aims for £450m in road cash
THE North-East could benefit from more than £450m worth of transport improvements if the Government approves a wish-list of recommended schemes for the region. Representatives from groups such as the North-East Assembly, the Association of North-East
