Archive
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Helpful nature is rewarded
A VISUALLY-impaired student from North Yorkshire has proved he's a winner in the volunteering stakes. Chris Owen, a second-year student at Henshaws College, in Harrogate, beat off competition from across the region to win the Personal Achievement Award
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Police and firefighters lead clean-up of housing estate
EVERY house on an estate will be visited by police officers and firefighters this week as part of a major clean-up campaign. Rubbish will be cleared, signs fixed and home safety checks carried out through Operation Enable, led by the Hambleton Community
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'Slap in the face' as go-ahead signalled for homes scheme
RESIDENTS fear that a campaign against a major housing development on their doorstep is going to come to nothing. Durham City Council's development control committee will be recommended on Wednesday to approve plans by Kepier Homes, a newly created company
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Allen nets historic FA Vase quarter-final tie for Crook
Crook Town are in dreamland this morning after a second half goal from Roy Allen put them into the quarter-finals of the FA Vase for the first time in their history. Allen's 75th minute winner at Arnold Town prompted a good natured pitch invasion by Crook's
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Oh brother, wannabes audition for reality television show
A CHANTELLE lookalike joined an army of Big Brother wannabes at an audition in the North-East at the weekend. Celebrity Big Brother winner lookalike Steph Turrell, 18, queued with hundreds of fame-hungry hopefuls for the chance of becoming the next reality
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Richardson's loyalty helps Boro plan bright future
THINGS are on the march at Acklam Park, but for four players to be given their marching orders on Saturday was definitely not on the agenda. The joke on the touchline was that Yorkshire Society referee Andrew Crozier was handing out his Valentines cards
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Model club makes tracks re-instating station to new venue
MODEL makers at Barnard Castle School are on track to re-instating a railway. Members of the model railway club are hard at work rebuilding the tracks and stations, which had to be dismantled to move to a new venue. The society started in the early 1980s
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New chaplain opens shop to town centre workers
A NEW town centre chaplain is taking her ministry out to shop and office workers in Bishop Auckland. Probationary Methodist minister the Reverend Rosa Leto's is combining her new role with looking after the Methodist churches in Etherley and Witton Park
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Students prepare to raise curtain on new show
STUDENT actors are hoping their latest musical production will repeat the success of the last performance they gave at Durham's Gala Theatre. Durham University Light Opera Group (Dulog) will perform City of Angels in the prestigious venue from tomorrow
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Pupils' star turn in night classes
SCHOOLCHILDREN have been looking to the skies to try and find out how the universe ticks. An astronomy club at Barnard Castle school has been launched by physics teacher Dr James Wilson and it is equipped with the latest Newtonian reflector 900mm telescope
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Theatre group given royal seal of approval by prince
DURING their ten-year history, Bishop Auckland Theatre Hooligans (Bath) have performed to some princely audiences - but none more so than Prince Edward. On Friday, The Earl of Wessex visited King James I Community Arts College, the school where the renowned
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Historian completes project on deer park
YEARS of research into Pickering's ancient Royal Deer Park have been written up by hand by farmer and historian Richard Harrison. Blansby Park, north of the market town in the North York Moors National Park, has been owned by The Duchy of Lancaster for
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Catch us if you can, says RA manager
Darlington RA manager David Woodcock threw down the gauntlet to the other promotion chasers after his side took a tight grip on third place in the second division with an emphatic 4-0 win at Ryton. The RA have improved steadily in their first season in
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Rail operator criticised over website train services page
RAIL operator GNER was last night attacked for using its own website to help secure extra East Coast Main Line services. The York firm, which is locked in a battle with rival North-East operator Grand Central Railway over access to the route, hopes to
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World Cup call unlikely, says Parker
SCOTT Parker believes he can plan for his summer holidays without fear of a call from Sven Goran Eriksson. The Newcastle United midfielder has all but written off his chances of making the England squad for the forthcoming World Cup, despite some consistent
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Experts focus on carvings that inspired Alice author
A TEAM of experts from across the country is visiting the region this week to study medieval carvings which helped inspire Lewis Carroll to write Alice in Wonderland. The visit, which could lead to detailed long term-records being created for visitors
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Talented youngsters prove star turn in national freestyle dance contest
TALENTED young performers from a Newton Aycliffe dance school have waltzed their way to a clutch of awards in a national contest. Youngsters from the Lee Green Dance School stole the show at one of the biggest events on the competitive calendar - The
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Clubber arrested
A MAN was arrested at Darlington's Escapade nightclub on Saturday night after he was allegedly found with class A drugs. Doormen at the Gladstone Street club, had detained the 38-year-old man, from Darlington, on suspicion of dealing drugs. Police were
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Man in hospital after pub brawl
A MAN was taken to hospital and two people arrested after a bar brawl broke out at closing-time in a Darlington pub. The injured man, who is in his mid-40s and from the town, was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital with a broken collarbone and cuts
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Opening doors to Kingdom Hall
A RELIGIOUS group has held an open day to show off its new building. The Kingdom Hall, in Salters Lane South, Darlington, was built in a matter of days by Jehovah's Witnesses who volunteered to help from across the North of England. At the weekend, the
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Police win U-turn on party with 3am start
PLANS for a party have been scrapped after Cleveland Police persuaded the courts to overturn a controversial decision to allow the event. A Middlesbrough nightspot was going to bring 350 revellers to the town for an extended party. Blue bar, in Albert
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Accolade for bid to improve working lives
HEALTH chiefs are celebrating after getting a Government pat on the back for trying to improve their employees' working lives. The County Durham and Darlington Priority Services Trust, which provides mental health treatment across the county, has won
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Accolade for bid to improve working lives
HEALTH chiefs are celebrating after getting a Government pat on the back for trying to improve their employees' working lives. The County Durham and Darlington Priority Services Trust, which provides mental health treatment across the county, has won
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Teachers help form ties with Africa
TEACHERS from six primary schools in Crook and Willington are strengthening educational ties with African schools on a half-term visit. Pupils and staff already share health projects with children in Northern Tanzania, where classrooms are short of basic
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Health chiefs unveil £40m plans for hospitals
HEALTH chiefs say they want the best possible quality of design for two hospitals they are building. County Durham and Darlington Priority Services Trust and the Derwentside Primary Care Trust (PCT) are commissioning a £40m project under the Private Finance
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Didgeridoo and a cup of coffee
Didgeridoo player Kev Howard is headlining at the Arcs Writers' Cafe on Wednesday. The Saltburn performer will be sharing the stage, at the centre on Dovecot Street, Stockton, with local author Katie Metcalfe. There will also be music from James Turley
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Change of hands on college helm
THE principal of a North-East college is retiring after 11 years at the helm. David Houpt will be stepping down at the end of the month and will be succeeded at Derwendtside College by vice-principal of curriculum Albert Croney, on March 1. Mr Houpt's
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Countryside crafts on offer
A COUNCIL is hosting countryside craft sessions during the schools' half-term this month. Redcar and Cleveland Council's parks and countryside section has organised a variety of activities at libraries across the borough. Dates and venues are: Wednesday
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Hunt begins for top young DJ
A TOP young DJ will win a dream slot live on radio when hundreds of hopefuls take part in a mix-off. Youngsters will come together during the half-term break, next week, to take part in a DJ competition, culminating in a major play-off at Tall Trees Hotel
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MUSEUM VISITORS ARE TAKEN ON A RAMBLE BACK TO 1905
VISITORS to Preston Hall Museum, in Eaglescliffe, enjoyed pictures of the past while learning about the great rambling routes along the River Tees. The Rambles by the River Tees exhibition runs until Saturday, April 22, at the museum's Focus Gallery.
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News in brief
FRIENDS CEILIDH: The Friends of Errington Primary School will hold a ceilidh at Marske Leisure Centre tonight, from 7.30pm to 11.30pm. Tickets cost £6.50, including a pie and peas supper, and are available from the school or on (01642) 756785. ART DEMO
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McClaren outwits master tactician
FOR the second time in a week, a home game at the Riverside stretched the limits of credulity. Just seven days after Middlesbrough produced arguably their worst performance of the season against Aston Villa, the same deficiencies were on display as they
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Protest passes off peacefully
Several thousand Muslims turned out in London yesterday to demonstrate against the controversial cartoons of the prophet Mohammed - but the numbers were far lower than the 30,000 the organisers hoped would take part. There was a significant police presence
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Police say murdered mother knew killer
MURDER squad detectives were last night hunting the killer of a 42-year-old mother-of-five. Audrey Badger's body was found at her home in Thornaby, Teesside, at 5am on Saturday when a friend returned from a night out. Police said the victim had been subjected
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As Armstrong stalls, Hodgson continues search
DAVID HODGSON will continue his search for a striker this week after questioning Alun Armstrong's desire to rejoin Darlington. Armstrong is stalling on Hodgson's offer of a contract until the end of the season after Doncaster Rovers joined the chase for
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Quakers force the Pirates to share booty
ON their two previous visits, Neasham Road has proved a happy hunting ground for Bristol Rovers. They marked their first outing at Darlington's new home in 2003 with a 4-0 win and last season they left the North-East with all three points thanks to Junior
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13/02/06
PATRIOTIC STUFF: AS an earlier riser and regular listener to Radio 4, it was good recently to hear the reassuring voice of BBC announcer David Myles telling listeners that they would shortly be having the UK theme followed by the news headlines. The UK
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Mayor defends efforts to win casino bid
A MAYOR has defended his bid to bring a super-casino to the town. A church group sent an open letter to Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon reminding him of his "social responsibilities". They are worried about the consequences a casino could have for addicts
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Youngster living with rare disorder
THE family of a toddler living with a life-threatening heart defect are supporting a campaign to raise awareness of the condition. Bradley Young has been diagnosed with the extremely rare Long QT Syndrome, which can cause instant death if triggered by
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Former Co-op building to be used for luxury flats
A DILAPIDATED landmark building is being given a £4m make-over to create 50 luxury apartments. Developer Tony Collins is behind the re-development of the old Co-op building, in Park Road, Hartlepool. Mr Collins, who has owned the building since 1993,
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On TV
Agatha Christie's Marple (ITV1) AS soon as Joanna Burton declared that "nothing ever happens in the country", you could be certain that many awful events would follow. And, being a Miss Marple mystery, they would involve murder most foul. What couldn't
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How firebrand Nellie toughed it out
Inspired by a treasure trove of writings, local councillor Chris Foote has told his late mother's life story. He talks to Women's Editor Sarah Foster about her influence on him and his famous sister, the comedienne Victoria Wood. ON the yellowing parchment
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Former Co-op building to be used for luxury flats
A DILAPIDATED landmark building is being given a £4m make-over to create 50 luxury apartments. Developer Tony Collins is behind the re-development of the old Co-op building, in Park Road, Hartlepool. Mr Collins, who has owned the building since 1993,
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Lotto rapist could face legal action
A "rigid" legal time limit that prevented a victim of millionaire Lotto rapist, Iorworth Hoare, suing him for damages amounts to a violation of human rights, Appeal Court judges were told today. Serial rapist Hoare, from Leeds, attacked the woman, known
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The Lifeblood Appeal
AS part of The Northern Echo's Lifeblood campaign, which aims to encourage people to give blood, here are details of forthcoming donor sessions in the region: Today Emmaville Hall, Main Street, Crawcrook, Ryton 2.30pm-7pm Ferryhill Leisure Centre, Lambton
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Deepcut is raised at Labour gathering
THE father of a North-East soldier who died in mysterious circumstances at an Army base has taken his call for a public inquiry to the Labour Party spring conference. Geoff Gray and other members of the Deepcut and Beyond campaign group collected signatures
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Water bill rise may close churches
COMMUNITY centres, village halls and even churches could be forced to close in the face of huge increases in charges for surface water drainage, it was claimed last night. Northumbrian Water will switch in April from a charge based on old rateable values
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Comment from The Northern Echo: A question of perspective
YOU can almost understand it. Tense British troops, not knowing whom the next roadside bomb would account for, had been subject to numerous petty attacks before they managed to get their hands on some of the gang who had been stoning them. This was the
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Young writers urged to put pen to paper
YOUNG writers are being encouraged to enter a national short story competition run by The Northern Echo. Orange New Voices is backed, as in previous years, by telecommunications company Orange and Darlington Arts Centre. Formerly called The Short Story
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'Why jazz is in my genes'
Ronnie Scott spotted his talent at the age of 23 and since then, he has emerged as one of the country's leading jazz musicians and composers. Lindsay Jennings talks to Tim Garland. WITH a family like Tim Garland's it's hardly surprising he ended up with
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Belt up, say young film-makers
STUDENTS have been commissioned to help encourage youngsters to buckle up on the school bus. Two North Yorkshire secondary schools have been signed up to produce films on seatbelt safety. The film produced by Easingwold School explores the reasons for
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And you can't say fairer than that ...
A TWO-YEAR campaign to make Northallerton a Fair Trade Town came to an end on Saturday when Richmond MP William Hague handed over the official certificate. Northallerton was the first town in North Yorkshire to achieve fair trade status after meeting
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Row over project's new base
A YOUTH centre has been given permission to move to a new base after a knife-edge vote by councillors. Councillor Geoff Ellis, chairman of Hambleton District Council's planning committee, used his casting vote on proposals by Thirsk Clock when councillors
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Tanker in flames
TRAFFIC on a busy road was disrupted yesterday when a tanker carrying cooking oil burst into flames. Firefighters and police were called to the A66 in Teesdale, County Durham, shortly after 4pm to deal with the incident. The vehicle was travelling on
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Pupils' star turn in night classes
SCHOOLCHILDREN have been looking to the skies to try and find out how the universe ticks. An astronomy club at Barnard Castle school has been launched by physics teacher Dr James Wilson and it is equipped with the latest Newtonian reflector 900mm telescope
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Talented youngsters prove star turn in national freestyle dance contest
TALENTED young performers from a Newton Aycliffe dance school have waltzed their way to a clutch of awards in a national contest. Youngsters from the Lee Green Dance School stole the show at one of the biggest events on the competitive calendar - The
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Proposal for fishing ponds facing defeat
A NEW attempt to create two fishing ponds as part of a moorland farm diversification scheme looks set to fail again. The North York Moors National Park Authority rejected an original plan by Michael Cowling for Mickbelong Farm, Urra, Chop Gate, near Stokesley
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Rochemback will prove doubters wrong, says Yakubu
AIYEGBENI Yakubu has tipped team-mate Fabio Rochemback to make a massive impression on the Premiership after admitting his first season at Portsmouth was hampered by the same settling in problems that have been holding the Brazilian back. Rochemback,
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Teachers help form ties with Africa
TEACHERS from six primary schools in Crook and Willington are strengthening educational ties with African schools on a half-term visit. Pupils and staff already share health projects with children in Northern Tanzania, where classrooms are short of basic
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Proposals for ice rink site defended
A COUNCIL leader has hit back after an MP criticised his planners for approving a multi-million pound riverside development. Durham's Labour MP Roberta Blackman-Woods wants the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister to call in Liberal Democrat-controlled
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MP checks out centre's new IT suite
AN MP has been shown how computer technology is revolutionising the training of apprentice engineers. Redcar MP Vera Baird unveiled a new IT suite at the TTE Technical Group training centre, on Teesside, which features the latest in interactive presentation
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Makeover for building at the heart of the community
A POPULAR community centre is marking its 25th year in operation with a major revamp. Throston Community Centre, in Hartlepool, is being refurbished at a cost of £38,000, with improvements including a new fitted kitchen, a new office, better security,
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Concern for workers gets recognition
HEALTH chiefs are celebrating after getting a Government pat on the back for trying to improve employees' working lives. The County Durham and Darlington Priority Services Trust, which provides mental health treatment across the county, has won the Department
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Jobless draw on art talent to progress
A CREATIVE scheme is helping artists move into employment or training. Gallery TS1 encourages unemployed people to bring their artistic talents to the fore and sell their creations direct to the public. The Middlesbrough Council scheme has so far seen
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Holiday fun and on-line games for youngsters
CHILDREN can take advantage of activities across Stockton during the holidays. On-line gaming sessions will be held at Ragworth Neighbourhood Centre, for youngsters aged 11 and over, and are free. Sessions will be run from Tuesday to Thursday, February
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Fundraising drive to keep 'Carlton experience' alive
AN outdoor activity centre is planning a massive cash injection to ensure it continues to give Teesside children a taste of adventure. Carlton Outdoor Education Centre has become synonymous with a trip away from home for thousands of youngsters since
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Police say murdered mother knew killer
MURDER squad detectives were last night hunting the killer of a 42-year-old mother-of-five. Audrey Badger's body was found at her home in Thornaby, Teesside, at 5am on Saturday when a friend returned from a night out. Police said the victim had been subjected
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Newly-fitted smoke alarm saves family
A MOTHER told last night how a smoke alarm saved her family after her children started a blaze by playing with a cigarette lighter in their bedroom. Sheryl Armstrong and partner Caley Wallace fled from the smoke-filled house after rescuing her young son
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Inquest verdict on death of soldier challenged in court
THE Ministry of Defence (MoD) will today challenge an inquest's ruling that a young North-East serviceman was unlawfully killed during a chemical weapon test more than 50 years ago. Leading Aircraftsman Ronald Maddison, from Consett, County Durham, died
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Appeal over knifepoint robberies
MASKED robbers armed with knives have threatened staff in at least 15 small shops in County Durham, The Northern Echo can reveal. All the attacks have involved kitchen knives and the robbers have hidden their identities with scarves and balaclavas. Police
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Proposed North-South high-speed rail link given boost
Hopes for a new North-South high speed rail link which could slash travel times between the North-East, London and Scotland are set to receive a boost. A study by Rod Eddington, the former chief executive of British Airways into Britains transport infrastructure
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Petrichan to land three-timer
KEVIN RYAN likes to keep his horses ticking over during the winter, a policy well suited to dual all-weather scorer, Petrichan (4.50). Ryan won't be revving up his big guns for the turf just yet, so Petrichan's successful exploits provide a welcome boost
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Roeder rallies troops as Sven presence fuels job speculation
ASK Sven Goran Eriksson why he chose Aston Villa against Newcastle as his game of choice on Saturday and he will probably say he was running the rule over some England probables. But if you had sought the opinion of the conspiracy theorists they might
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Ex-landlord brews ale that drinkers prize
NEW brewer John Taylor is celebrating after one of his ales was voted the best by visitors to a pub beer festival. John Taylor, of No Place, near Stanley, County Durham, built the Beamish Mary Inn, in the village, into a haven for beer lovers when he
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Copper the better side in the second half
IT WAS arguably the biggest game of Copper Beech's season so far; the proverbial six-pointer, and probably at least a six-pointer if we won. With three teams going up from Division Three this season, we knew Brown Trout would see them leapfrog us, and
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Stokesley win closes gap on the leading pack
Stokesley closed in on the leadership with a crucial victory over Cleadon at Jack Clark Park. Cleadon started in pole position having lost just once in 18 games but Stokesley deserved a 2-0 victory. James Alsop gave them a second-half lead before Jonathan
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Winter plays it by the book
THE gag that launched a thousand headlines, the original idea was simply to call the book Winter's Tale. It was the publisher who dreamed up "Who's the B*****d in the Black?", illegitimacy legit. Argot of the age, they might as easily have called it "
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Veterans angry over MOD test death settlement
Military service veterans protested today as the Ministry of Defence reached a settlement over an inquest verdict with the family of an RAF serviceman who underwent lethal nerve gas tests more than 50 years ago. Leading Aircraftsman Ronald Maddison, from
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From The Editor's Chair: A small mater of clichs
IN his book Essential English, the former editor of this newspaper, Harold Evans, laments the growth of the clich. "Perhaps we can define a clich as any phrase so hackneyed as to be knock-kneed," says the great man, whose youthful photograph looks down
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Talking Point: Shock defeat proves Special One is only human after all
IT HAS taken the best part of two seasons, but cracks are finally starting to show in the Special One's veneer. Saturday's 3-0 defeat to Middlesbrough could be written off as an individual aberration were it not for a gradual deterioration that has been
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No ceasefire on horizon in McCarthy's war over words
GIVEN the week manager Mick McCarthy has endured at Sunderland, his fury had still not cooled after watching his side claim a deserved point against Champions League chasing Tottenham yesterday. Daryl Murphy's first goal for the Black Cats since his summer
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Court dismisses fresh plea
A POLICE chief who resigned amid claims he urinated on a presidential palace has failed in another attempt to clear his name. But last night, former Chief Superintendent Kevin Pitt vowed to fight on, despite a second appeal against his conviction being
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Blaydon turn on the style to thrash Fylde
BLAYDON produced 40 minutes of outstanding rugby to score 41 unanswered points in the second half at Fylde. A 13-7 half-time deficit became a 48-13 win, keeping them in third place in National Three North. Blaydon set out to run Fylde off their feet -
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Rail operator criticised over website train services page
RAIL operator GNER was last night attacked for using its own website to help secure extra East Coast Main Line services. The York firm, which is locked in a battle with rival North-East operator Grand Central Railway over access to the route, hopes to
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Rail operator criticised over website train services page
RAIL operator GNER was last night attacked for using its own website to help secure extra East Coast Main Line services. The York firm, which is locked in a battle with rival North-East operator Grand Central Railway over access to the route, hopes to
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Poor start ends Mickel's hopes
Finlay Mickel's dreams of becoming Great Britain's first Olympic alpine medallist were shattered after a disappointing downhill run at Sestriere Borgatta. Mickel learned the harsh reality of his sport's biggest competition as he finished 25th, 2.68 seconds
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Opportunity to ride on steam icons
THE clock will be turned back to the great days of steam this year when legends from the railways' golden era return to service. The National Railway Museum (NRM), in York, is bringing out three of its greatest locos for the first time in its 30-year
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Pool caretaker boss relishing his time in charge at the Vic
FOUR points from two games and Hartlepool United are out of the drop zone. Things are going well for caretaker boss Paul Stephenson. Since the club's youth team coach took temporary control of the team, there have been enough signs to suggest that the
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Splitting teams pays dividends with rare double for Sunderland Harriers
SUNDERLAND Harriers scored a rare double in the Royal Signals North-East Road Relay Championships at Gateshead after splitting their senior men's and veterans' teams. The Wearsiders knew they would go into the senior event with little hope of a medal
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'Small firms could be targeted by fraudsters'
SMALL businesses who do not switch to chip and pin are being warned they could be targeted by fraudsters. About one in ten tills in the UK will not have been changed to chip and pin by the deadline tomorrow. From then, businesses without chip and pin
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Fans seek to oust Murray as Cats gain a rare point
ON A weekend when auditions were being held at St James' Park for Big Brother VII, votes of a different kind were made at the Stadium of Light as large pockets of supporters demanded the eviction of chairman Bob Murray. But those disgruntled fans who
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Catch us if you can, says RA manager
Darlington RA manager David Woodcock threw down the gauntlet to the other promotion chasers after his side took a tight grip on third place in the second division with an emphatic 4-0 win at Ryton. The RA have improved steadily in their first season in
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Fans seek to oust Murray as Cats gain a rare point
ON A weekend when auditions were being held at St James' Park for Big Brother VII, votes of a different kind were made at the Stadium of Light as large pockets of supporters demanded the eviction of chairman Bob Murray. But those disgruntled fans who
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Court dismisses fresh plea
A POLICE chief who resigned amid claims he urinated on a presidential palace has failed in another attempt to clear his name. But last night, former Chief Superintendent Kevin Pitt vowed to fight on, despite a second appeal against his conviction being
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Bishops crash out of cup
Bishop Auckland went out of the UniBond League Chairman's Cup when they were beaten 2-0 on the plastic pitch at Woodley Sports on Saturday. But even though they lost, manager Brian Healy was encouraged by the team's effort. "Once we got used to the pitch
