Archive
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No room for self-pity on road to recovery
DARREN Williams admits there is no danger of anyone at Hartlepool United feeling sorry for themselves. Pool go into today's home game with Tranmere Rovers at Victoria Park on the back of a run of two wins in 12 games. After last week's defeat at Yeovil
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Lost orders cost jobs at electronics firm
THE loss of a fifth of its orders to overseas competition has led to 23 redundancies at an electronics company in the region. Mechetronics, in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, which employs 77 people making mechanical equipment for vending and cash machines
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Power station could be built on riverbank
A HYDRO-ELECTRIC power station could be built on the banks of the River Swale. Experts believe even a modest plant would provide enough power for 140 homes. A feasibility study into a hydroelectric power station at Easby, near Richmond, North Yorkshire
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The best, bar none
FOR the 223 inmates at Kirklevington Grange Prison, it is a breath of fresh air, a taste of normality, and a light at the end of the tunnel. Long-term inmates, including 22 lifers, who have previously been kept behind bars with few privileges or freedoms
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Coastguard tells of brave rescue in marina crash
A BRAVE coastguard officer has told how he watched in horror as two girls spun out of control and crashed their car into an icy marina. Paul Wheeler, 47, was walking home from work when he witnessed the Ford Ka, containing two friends, smash through a
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Samson spared week from death
A DOG on death row with a taste for men in uniform has been given a reprieve. Magistrates had imposed a death sentence on three-year-old rottweiler Samson after they heard he had attacked a postman and a police officer. They were bitten in separate incidents
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The compact revolution
A broadsheet is more about tax-avoidance than reader-convenience, and a tabloid is a trendy late-Victorian medicine. Today, as The Northern Echo launches its new, compact Saturday edition, Deputy Editor Chris Lloyd asks if size really does matter. In
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14/01/06
A SPORTING CHANCE:THE demolition of the Feethams ground in Darlington provides an excellent opportunity to build a magnificent multi-use indoor sporting venue where all sports can be catered for. In the last two years we have lost three major indoor sporting
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Religious vandals make a holy mess
VANDALS have left nature reserve bosses in a flap by leaving a trail of religious graffiti in two new hides. The evangelising vandals have targeted the hides at the Durham Wildlife Trust's Low Barns reserve, near Witton-le-Wear, County Durham, three times
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Souness in no mood to let Bowyer go on the cheap
NEWCASTLE boss Graeme Souness last night admitted he could not afford to match Charlton's valuation of Danny Murphy, but warned Alan Curbishley he would not be willing to lose Lee Bowyer on the cheap. Murphy has spent much of this week in talks with Newcastle
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Residents stunned at news of Lotto rapist neighbour
People living on an affluent housing estate spoke of their horror yesterday after learning that Lotto rapist Iorworth Hoare had moved in as a neighbour. Some said he had invited them to his home for Christmas drinks. Others believed Hoare was a married
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Athletic's chance to bounce back
Following a rare defeat last weekend, Teesside Athletic have an early opportunity to return to third position when they meet Harton and Westoe in one of only three league games this afternoon. "Obviously, we were disappointed losing by the only goal to
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Wembley woe still lingers for Hodgson
ONE night in May evokes memories of the greatest comeback football has ever seen, but back in 2000, on a rain-sodden evening at Wembley, a drenched David Hodgson reached his lowest ebb in the game. While Liverpool's famous European Cup victory in Istanbul
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Donor's gift brings Richard a brighter future
A STUDENT who could barely see is looking forward to returning to education after undergoing corrective eye surgery. Richard Lumb, 18, has been recuperating at home since the corneal graft was performed at Darlington Memorial Hospital in November - a
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Owen's pregnant wife banned for doing 104mph
THE heavily pregnant wife of Newcastle United and England striker Michael Owen was banned from driving yesterday. Louise Owen, 25, was disqualified for 56 days after being clocked at 104mph in her Range Rover as she rushed to pick up two-year-old daughter
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Centre to research diet and ageing
THE Government is backing North-East scientists in their efforts to identify how diet can affect ageing. Research has shown that the right nutrition is not only important for everyday life, but also has a major impact on the way in which humans age. Scientists
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Premier Commentary: Newell opens up a can of worms
RARELY can one speech from a football manager have sparked such a vigorous and vitriolic debate. When former Hartlepool manager Mike Newell described agents as "parasites" and "the scourge of the game" at a low-key public event on Wednesday, he surely
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People's panel aims to grow
A PANEL for people in north Durham is looking to expand. Derwentside District Council has commissioned a research company to find out if people would like to become more involved in discussing how council services can be improved. This month, random households
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Homeless service reveals 'massive' problem in town
THE "massive problem" of homelessness in Darlington has been shown by the number of people using a project to give them a bed for the night. About 40 people have so far used the In From The Cold project, based at Grange Road Baptist Church. The Reverend
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MP launches campaign to promote respect
DURHAM'S MP has pledged to tackle anti-social behaviour across the district following the Prime Minister's announcement of his Respect campaign. Labour's Roberta Blackman-Woods is looking at hotspots, where residents are fed-up with trouble and vandalism
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Taking on Great Wall for charity
A MOTHER and daughter in Teesdale are raising funds for a charity trek. Carol and Laura Heaviside, from Dickens Road, Barnard Castle, hope to raise a total of £5,000 for a sponsored trek along the Great Wall of China. Proceeds from the trek will go towards
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Families enjoy fun and fitness
FITNESS and fun were at the centre of a family day which offered face painting and free drinks. The Ragworth Neighbourhood Centre, in Stockton, gave visitors the chance to sample fitness classes, such as pilates and bums 'n' tums, and to try out the new
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Schoolchildren all abuzz about recycling
HUNDREDS of schoolchildren across Sedgefield have caught the recycling bug. Pupils at 22 schools in the borough are competing to recycle as many old Yellow Pages directories as possible. They are taking part in the Yellow Woods Challenge, run by Yellow
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Mackem lord delighted
FORMER long-serving MP Lord Foster said he was delighted when he was handed red and white robes to wear to receive his honorary degree. The Sunderland-born Labour man, who represented Bishop Auckland, in County Durham, for 26 years and is a keen Black
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Extra police patrols to curb rowdy youths
EXTRA police patrols are to take to the streets in a remote village this weekend after an upsurge in rowdy behaviour. Over the past two weeks, police say there has been a rash of night-time offending by marauding teenage gangs in the village of Burnhope
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Recycling raises funds
SEVERAL charities will enjoy a great start to the year 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
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Respect team on learning mission
GOVERNMENT officials fighting against anti-social behaviour will visit the region next week to look at local campaigns to reduce yobbish antics. The Government's Respect team will visit Stockton on Monday to see some of the council's award-winning programmes
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Ambitious Clark sets his sights on Magpies hotseat
LEE Clark last night revealed his long-term ambition is to sit in the Newcastle United hotseat - despite the perils and pitfalls of football management. The 33-year-old midfielder made an emotional return to his hometown club from Craven Cottage last
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Granit makes solid sense for an each-way flutter
EACH-WAY backers could do much worse than get involved with 16-1 shot Granit d'Estruval (3.00) in the day's most valuable race, the £75,000 totesport Classic Chase. The Warwick marathon has attracted some leading staying stars, including Martin Pipe's
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Wembley woe still lingers for Hodgson
ONE night in May evokes memories of the greatest comeback football has ever seen, but back in 2000, on a rain-sodden evening at Wembley, a drenched David Hodgson reached his lowest ebb in the game. While Liverpool's famous European Cup victory in Istanbul
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Drug dealer may yet be locked up
THE Crown Prosecution Service last night confirmed that it would contest the "unduly lenient" sentence given to a teenage drug dealer who was allowed to walk free from court. Thomas Scarth, 19, who admitted possession of class A drugs with intent to supply
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Learning more about compost
MIDDLESBROUGH residents wanting to pick up tips on composting are being urged to attend a session of Environment City's Turn To Compost initiative. The roadshows will involve a series of informal, practical workshops at various community venues across
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Taxi drivers ask council to back fares increase
TAXI fares in Wear Valley are likely to rise if proposals are approved next week. Wear Valley District Council's licensing committee will consider plans for an increase on the rate on all tariffs, and the restructuring of two others. The Wear Valley Taxi
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Council tenants to get sprinkler systems fitted
COUNCIL tenants are to get sprinkler systems and carbon monoxide detectors fitted in their homes. Housing officers from Richmondshire District Council are asking members for £28,000 a year to be set aside for sprinklers. The money would pay for 15 systems
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'Let's end confusion over centre's location'
COUNCIL chiefs have moved to end confusion over the use of a new building on a business park. Local residents and motorists driving past Colburn Business Park, in Colburn, near Catterick Garrison, have assumed the site's first building is the district
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Village streets to get a makeover
PART of a north Durham village is to be given a £59,000 makeover. Work is due to start this month on a scheme to create a layby and resurface a section of footpath at The Middles, Craghead. The layby will be sited outside Craghead Village Hall, in Standerton
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Saddling up for 14-mile bike ride
CYCLISTS in Hartlepool are being encouraged to saddle up for a 14-mile bike ride this weekend. It will take place tomorrow, from 10.30am to 3pm and follow a traffic-free route from the Hart to Haswell Walkway, at Hart Station. The ride will continue on
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Glass art on show
AN exhibition of the work of resident glass artist Joanne Mitchell has gone on show at the National Glass Centre, in Sunderland. It features glass sculptures and vessels, some of which were on show at the Victoria and Albert Museum, in London. The work
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Centre to research diet and ageing
THE Government is backing North-East scientists in their efforts to identify how diet can affect ageing. Research has shown that the right nutrition is not only important for everyday life, but also has a major impact on the way in which humans age. Scientists
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Rescue package saves town centre Co-op
A DEPARTMENT store in the heart of a town has been saved from closure, it emerged last night. The Co-operative Group said it had sold its Bishop Auckland site, in County Durham, to the Anglia Regional Co-operative Society, which is already a major department
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Wilson keen to push his case for Premiership place
NEWCASTLE Falcons prop David Wilson makes a rare start tomorrow, excited about the prospect of local rivals Border Reivers coming to Kingston Park (kick-off 2.30pm). "It's nice to be involved, and particularly to get a start because it's only my second
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Plunkett makes it a Durham hat-trick
DURHAM coach Martyn Moxon has hailed Liam Plunkett's inclusion in both the Test and One Day squad for England's tour of India as further evidence of the county's burgeoning reputation. Plunkett, who made his international debut in the third and final
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Retailers back in the spotlight
Retailers will dominate the corporate arena again next week as updates from the likes of Dixons and Woolworths make up for a shortage of results. With shoppers appearing to favour electrical items over jewellery at Christmas, expectations have been raised
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At 90, Alfie plans to keep on pedalling
A NIFTY 90-year-old plans to keep getting on his bike daily, despite his advancing years. Former miner Alfie Swainston, a lifelong cyclist, still rides everywhere, whether it is to collect his pension, go shopping or to visit friends and relatives. The
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Unions wait for redundancy figures
UNIONS will find out next week if they have been successful in their battle to reduce the number of redundancies at a troubled chromium plant. Managers at Elementis Chromium are meeting the Transport and General Workers' Union (T&G) and Amicus union
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Wilson keen to push his case for Premiership place
NEWCASTLE Falcons prop David Wilson makes a rare start tomorrow, excited about the prospect of local rivals Border Reivers coming to Kingston Park (kick-off 2.30pm). "It's nice to be involved, and particularly to get a start because it's only my second
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McCormick hoping for happy return to Edinburgh
TYNESIDER Nick McCormick, one of the most exciting middle-distance prospects in Britain, today returns to the stage in Edinburgh where his burgeoning career took off a year ago. The 24-year-old Morpeth Harrier was virtually unknown outside the North-East
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Bellway confident of hitting sales targets
HOUSE builder Bellway has secured 75 per cent of its sales target for this year and said it was confident, despite the uncertain UK housing market. The Newcastle company said it was encouraged by its performance in the past year and was confident of achieving
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At Your Service: Swords into plough shares
BACK to the land, it is the season for the Plough Service - so much a sort of agricultural new year that an earlier report appeared beneath the headline "Furrowed lang syne", of which its writer remains inordinately proud. We've followed a couple of plough
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A mother's kiss for the baby who defied death
BABY Jacob MacFarlane was so gravely ill on Christmas Eve that his parents took a last picture and kissed him goodbye. Gemma and David MacFarlane were warned by doctors that Jacob had little chance of surviving the night when he was taken to hospital
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Could it be PC to be minging?
THERE are many worthy questions that one might ponder concerning the Liberal Democrats, but surely none is more confusing than the correct pronunciation of the name of their acting leader. Whether they are a party of the left or a party of the right pales
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Outcry at second sex offender in schools
EDUCATION Secretary Ruth Kelly faced renewed pressure last night after a second case emerged in which a sex offender found work in schools. An aide to Ms Kelly said she was getting on with her job, despite coming under more pressure as details of the
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Taylor to get his big break
TEENAGER Andrew Taylor should become the latest in a long line of academy products to make the grade at Middlesbrough this afternoon, when he makes his Premiership debut at Arsenal. Alongside Stuart Parnaby (23), Matthew Bates (18) and Chris Riggott (
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A mother's kiss for the baby who defied death
BABY Jacob MacFarlane was so gravely ill on Christmas Eve that his parents took a last picture and kissed him goodbye. Gemma and David MacFarlane were warned by doctors that Jacob had little chance of surviving the night when he was taken to hospital
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McCarthy's paupers hoping for unlikely rich pickings
IT MAY be the greatest mismatch in Premiership history but, as champions elect Chelsea prepare to visit the Stadium of Light tomorrow, Mick McCarthy has insisted his Sunderland side are capable of springing one of the biggest surprises top-flight football
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Comment from The Northern Echo: Diplomacy must prevail
WITH post-war Iraq still a long way from finding the stability the invasion was intended to bring, the gathering crisis over Iran's nuclear aspirations is a matter of grave concern. British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw warned yesterday that the threat
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Calypso beat just right for Mughas
MUGHAS (2.40) makes plenty of appeal as the best bet on the card in the £18,000 Antigua & Barbuda Handicap Hurdle at Wetherby this afternoon. There's a distinctly Caribbean theme to many of the race titles at today's venue and it seems more than likely
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Gas caverns 'could ease shortage fears'
GIANT salt caverns are to be carved out under the sea off the North-East and North Yorkshire coast so they can be used to store gas, it has been revealed. The move is part of measures to stave off gas shortages and price rises in the future. The caverns
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Victory a must in battle at the top
BLAYDON director of rugby Tony Gandy believes it's win or bust for his side now. The Crow Trees outfit currently sit fourth in National Division Three North and are at third-bottom Cleckheaton today. They missed the chance to narrow the gap between themselves
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The compact revolution
In 59BC, Julius Caesar ordered that handwritten news sheets be displayed daily in the Forum in Rome detailing the latest wars and executions. A news sheet was called an "acta"; a reporter was an "actuarii". This was the beginning of the newspaper. Around
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It's strictly cricket, Gough told
England are expecting a defiant response from Darren Gough following the decision to overlook their most experienced one-day player for this winter's tour to India. The 35-year-old Essex seamer paid the price for opting out of the pre-Christmas tour to
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Centre that saved the day is under threat
A CENTRE launched to support hundreds of railway workers who lost their jobs when one of the region's biggest employers closed during the 1980s is facing an uncertain future. Shildon, in County Durham, was dealt a devastating blow when British Rail announced
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Police renew appeal to find mother-of-three
POLICE last night made a renewed appeal for a missing mother-of-three to contact her distraught family as soon as possible. Vanessa Lynne Wilson, 49, of Darlington, has not been seen since 1am on New Year's Day - when she was last at the Brunton Street
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Back to the beginning for author
AN author is going back to where her love of reading began for the launch of her debut novel. Treading Water, written by Allison Agius, tells of a woman trapped in an unhappy marriage who begins a powerful friendship with her new neighbour. The friendship
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Campaign helps cut burglaries
THE number of walk-in burglaries across Teesside has fallen following a Cleveland Police campaign throughout last month. Householders who heeded the warning to lock doors and windows were responsible for a 26 per cent reduction of burglaries on the same
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Riverside scheme at centre of name row
A ROW has broken out over the name of a new community development in Darlington. The building, in Skerne Park, which includes a new primary school, is being called Riverside Centre by Darlington Borough Council, but the local community has asked why it
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Victim 'foolish' for wanting her boyfriend back
A JUDGE who jailed a man for domestic violence, said his girlfriend was foolish for wanting him back. Michelle Shepherdson tried to stop the case against Brian Robinson, 23, even though he had attacked her before. She was covered in bruises with a bite
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Lifeguard skills for staff
SPORTS coaches at a County Durham school are making a splash as they brush up on their lifeguard skills. Seven members of staff at Barnard Castle School have undergone training with the Royal Life Saving Society to secure the National Rescue Award for
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Service expanding
AN advice service is expanding after a successful year. Last year, the Signpost service at Crook helped 2,899 people. The office, on the Royal Corner, will now open on Wednesdays from 9am to 2pm and has hired an extra advisor. Contact (01388) 764466.
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Teesdale Talk: Postman tale stirs memories of tragic day
A dreadful tragedy has been recalled following a report in The Northern Echo about a display featuring Teesdale's postmen in decades gone by. Harold Howe, who lives in Barnard Castle, contacted me after reading it to relate how his father, Fred Howe,
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Disc parking plans likely to go ahead
PLANS to introduce a disc parking zone with a two-hour limit in the centre of Easingwold look likey to get the go-ahead next week. The proposed scheme would cover the whole of the Market Place and parts of Long Street. Officials at Hambleton District
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Dental patients assured NHS cover will be provided
HEALTH bosses are trying to reassure patients that NHS dental cover will be available after April, even if their practice stops providing the service. A national contract for general dental practitioners is being implemented from April 1. It aims to give
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Residents stunned at news of Lotto rapist neighbour
People living on an affluent housing estate spoke of their horror yesterday after learning that Lotto rapist Iorworth Hoare had moved in as a neighbour. Some said he had invited them to his home for Christmas drinks. Others believed Hoare was a married
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Man's death not suspicious
POLICE have confirmed they are not treating the death of a man who collapsed outside his Ferryhill home on Thursday night as suspicious. The 59-year-old, who has not been named, was rushed to hospital on Thursday night after collapsing in Davy Street,
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Jail for driver who climbed kerb to frighten teenager
A YOUNG motorist mounted a kerb intending to scare a teenager who owed him £200, a court heard. But he lost control and hit the man, causing him serious injuries, before driving from the scene. Dean William Young, 24, was jailed for 18 months, after admitting
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Charity night raised cash for amateur theatre group
A CHARITY night has raised £400 for an amateur theatre group in Derwentside. Worshipful Master Alan Errington, of the Freemasons' Benfeldsyde Lodge, in Blackhill, Consett, presented the Friends of the Empire with a cheque. He handed over the money to
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Farmers and landowners given voice
A voice has been set up to benefit common right holders and sheep graziers on the North Yorkshire Moors. The Federation of Yorkshire Commoners and Moorland Graziers already has about 90 members, says its chairman, county councillor Herbert Tindall, who
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For Your Benefit: Benefit should reduce your council tax bill
Q You recently told a 73-year- old single lady that she should be paying no more than £287 a year council tax. I am in a similar situation, with a pension of £160 a week. What should I be paying after deduction of council tax? I currently pay £857.15
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Nile land of dreams
RELAXING on the sundeck of a river Nile cruise boat gazing on scenes straight out of the ancient history books is deeply fascinating. A farmer waves to us as he gathers in the cotton, his donkey on hand to transport the load uphill, while a camel sleeps
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Party proves a help for hospice
SHOPPING centre staff proved to be full of Christmas spirit when they raised money for charity at their office party. Cornmill Shopping Centre staff in Darlington raised £1,063 for St Teresa's Hospice by raffling prizes donated by stores within the centre
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Referendum for White Horse
RESIDENTS fighting the demolition of a landmark pub have agreed further steps in their campaign. The Save the White Horse protest group is battling plans for the North Road building to be pulled down and 55 apartments constructed in its place. The borough
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For tomorrow's footballers
YOUNG football hopefuls can sign up for a weekly coaching session. Darlington FC Football in the Community is arranging the hour-long sessions at Skerne Park School every Saturday morning from 11am to noon. Training will begin this Saturday. It costs
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Artists draw attention to homes demolition project
THE emotional and physical turmoil surrounding controversial plans to demolish 1,500 homes in central Middlesbrough will become the focal point of a new art exhibition. A group of college art students have spent time observing the devastating impact the
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Students to revive rag week
STUDENTS at a North-East university are to revive their traditional rag week - ten years after it was last held. Students from Sunderland University will be outside the Stadium of Light tomorrow collecting cash ahead of Sunderland's match with Chelsea
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Critics condemn plans to raise tax and cut services
PEOPLE living in Teesdale have criticised plans to cut services while increasing council tax. Teesdale District Council says it faces a potential deficit of more than £800,000 and is looking at ways to save cash. These include shutting many of the dale's
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Man wounded brother 'after hearing voices'
A MAN who stabbed his brother after hearing voices has been locked up for two years. Lee Simms knifed his brother, Dean, in the stomach and arm and had to be locked in the bathroom of his family home by their father to halt the attack. A court was told
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Maddy takes position as county's heritage director
THE vast and varied heritage of the Yorkshire region has been given a new champion. Maddy Jago has been appointed as the regional director for Yorkshire of English Heritage, the Government's lead body for the historic environment. In her role, she will
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Kelly-Ann rises to challenge
A TEENAGER is preparing for an expedition to the remote mountains of the Himalayas. Kelly-Ann Pedley, 16, from Richmond, was one of 18 members of the Combined Cadet Force to be selected for the month-long trip. The group leaves for India at the end of
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Cleaning up the streets in blitz on rubbish
STREET cleaners are to launch a five-day blitz on East Durham's grot-spots next week. Litter, weeds, graffiti and fly-tipping are to be targeted by Easington District Council street cleaning teams and wardens in a bid to smarten up the appearance of the
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Stapleton wins work at games
CONSULTANCY Stapleton International has signed a deal to work on the 2006 Asian Games village. The Darlington company, which also has an office in Sing-apore, will provide project, commercial and cost management services for the development of the village
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Competition and energy prices hit food producer
DALEPAK owner Northern Foods warned last night that profits would fall below last year's after high energy costs and competition hit margins. The Leeds company, which employs 300 people at the Dalepak factory in Leeming Bar, near Northallerton, North
