Archive
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Amateur photographers catch the eye with exhibition
AMATEUR photographers have seen their work go on show this week. Adults and children are showing their work in the Awe and Wonder exhibition at the Arc, in Stockton, which shows work from literacy project Write to Read. Pupils from Grangefield School
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Space-themed lessons are simply out of this world
PUPILS and staff at a north Durham school dressed as aliens and spacemen yesterday during a creativity week. It is a regular feature for youngsters at Lanchester EP Primary School to be taught the curriculum geared around different themes. This week's
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Whitehead wants colleagues to display battling qualities
DEAN WHITEHEAD has already accepted there will be comings and goings at Sunderland before next season and is determined to make sure he is not one of them. Relegation back to the Football League may not be a certainty just yet but there is a grim acceptance
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18/02/06
MY COURAGEOUS SON: I WAS concerned to see several references to my son, Lance Corporal Ben Hyde, in the main article about Families Against The War demonstrating in Newcastle (Echo, Feb 6). Although I did not necessarily agree with the timing of the war
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At Your Service: Love divine
A service celebrating marriage brought a feeling of warmth - and words of wisdom from a brilliant bishop. TWO days before St Valentine bestowed his annual blessing upon the greeting card industry, the Durham diocesan Mothers' Union held a service to "
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A little corner of Iraq is transformed into museum
A HISTORY-MAD soldier from County Durham has turned his bedroom on an Army camp in Iraq into a war museum. Sergeant Wayne "Bob" Dixon, from Barnard Castle, County Durham, and his roommate, who admit they are "spotters" have designed the military museum
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Ameobi ready to take on Shearer's mantle
SHOLA AMEOBI has devised a masterplan that will prove he is capable of becoming Newcastle United's new No.9 next season - and it includes shedding his nice guy image. Despite being blessed with an enormous amount of potential in his earlier days at St
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UniBond League: Poole latest to join Bishops' young guns
Bishop Auckland will give a debut to youngster Leon Poole when they play their last UniBond League home game at Spennymoor's Brewery Field this afternoon against Bamber Bridge. Bishops will end their second campaign of ground-sharing today and will play
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Go-Ahead will use green diesel
TRANSPORT group Go-Ahead is looking for ways to reduce fuel consumption after its diesel bill increased by £4.7m in six months. The Newcastle company is conducting a trial using an additive that is said to reduce consumption by five per cent. The group
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Youngster died as paramedics had their break
A teenager died and his friend lay seriously injured in the road while they waited for an ambulance to reach them - because the nearest paramedics were on a break. Jamie Johnson, 19, was pronounced dead at the scene of a motorcycle accident. Pillion passenger
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Sad note as military bands strike up for the last time
TWO military bands bid farewell to the region with a rousing concert last night. Six hundred people attended the last scheduled performance of the Normandy Band of the Queen's Division and Waterloo Band of the King's Division. The proms-style concert
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Police hit back over DNA data
POLICE hit back last night over revelations that hundreds of DNA records of innocent youngsters were being kept on file. Tory MP Grant Shapps, who obtained figures from the Home Office, said a "postcode lottery" existed over whether such DNA was kept
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Parkinson's paupers hoping to cash in
IN the school holidays during the early 1980s, Phil Parkinson was one of a clutch of young footballers from the North-East who would travel by train to Southampton, clinging on to the dream of becoming a professional. Some, like Alan Shearer, would board
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New worry as baby Lennox is readmitted to hospital
LENNOX Nicholson, the North-East baby whose liver transplant grabbed national headlines, is back in hospital. While doctors are pleased with how his transplanted liver is performing, there is a new concern over weight loss. Lennox, who is now seven months
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Roeder's happy to be back, for the time being at least
GLENN ROEDER'S enthusiasm for first team management has returned following consecutive victories as caretaker boss, but he admits to not knowing whether he will be in charge at Newcastle United beyond this weekend. Without going so far as throwing his
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Driver who left dying girl faces jail again
THE hit-and-run driver who left six-year-old Leonie Shaw to die in the street was again facing jail last night after he was found guilty of dangerous driving. The Northern Echo can reveal that drug user Colin Meek, who has been on trial this week at Teesside
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Ameobi ready to take on Shearer's mantle
SHOLA AMEOBI has devised a masterplan that will prove he is capable of becoming Newcastle United's new No.9 next season - and it includes shedding his nice guy image. Despite being blessed with an enormous amount of potential in his earlier days at St
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Schools may close in education shake-up
SCHOOLS in County Durham could be closed as part of the biggest investment in education for 50 years. Durham County Council is looking at the future of all of its 36 secondary schools as it decides where to spend £400m - from the Government's Building
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A cause for burning the boats
ONE of the great joys of Holy Island is seeing the tide creep over the causeway. When the tarmac is covered, that's it - there's no way out. The mobile phone can ring and ring, but there's no point answering it. And, of course, there's no way onto the
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Glazing firm celebrates £4m in new contracts
A glazing contractor that has seen turnover more than triple in two years has won three contracts worth more than £4m. Baydale Architectural Limited, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, won the contracts in Nottingham, Dublin and Cork. The company, which
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Factory staff to raise money for baby unit
EMPLOYEES are warming up to raise money for a special care baby unit. Staff at Cummins Engines factory, in Yarm Road, Darlington, are organising a charity football tournament. Money raised on the day, which will also include a penalty shoot-out and crossbar
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Taste of the country
PARENTS are being invited to take their children along to a fun day in Darlington over half-term. Darlington Borough Council's countryside team will be staging the Cockerbeck Capers event on Thursday, from 2pm to 4pm, and will be providing environment-themed
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First school group meeting today
THE first meeting of the Hurworth School Parents Action Group (HSPAG) was attended by more than 100 parents. The parents are fighting Darlington Borough Council plans to merge Hurworth School with Eastbourne Comprehensive in a £25m academy. They are instead
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Project for disaffected pupils may expand
A PROJECT that gives pupils a chance to study vocational subjects could be rolled out across Darlington. The Skills Plus project, believed to be the only one in the country, bases 56 pupils from Eastbourne Comprehensive School and McMullen House at Darlington
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Village row over stone wall substitute
A ROW has broken out in a village over a structure dubbed "the great wall of Westgate". Residents living near the fence, which was erected to replace an old wall demolished for health and safety reasons, are complaining that it is unsightly and unsafe
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Not one argument in 50 years
A COUPLE who cannot remember ever having had an argument, celebrate 50 years of marriage today. Joyce and John Braithwaite, of Middleton St George, were married at St Laurence's Church in Middleton One Row on February 18, 1956. They got together through
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Teen described as 'blight on community' locked up
A TEENAGER described as a blight on his home town was sentenced to six months in custody yesterday. James Brabbs, 19, was also given a two-year Criminal Anti- Social Behaviour Order (Crasbo) after admitting nine different offences. Brabbs, of Paradise
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Compost more ... on the cheap
GREEN-thinking householders are being encouraged to do more home-composting - on the cheap. Cut-price compost bins are being sold through Hambleton District Council for £6 - £44 less than shop prices. The authority joined forces with suppliers Blackwall
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Tragedy fears as bikers cause mayhem on bridleway
A CAFE owner has called for the police to do more to stop a 12-strong group of bikers causing havoc. John Simpson fears there could be a fatality at the Lord Stones Cafe, at the top of Carlton Bank, near Stokesley. He said the bikers have been racing
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£370,000 scheme to give shop new role
A RUNDOWN shop in Bedale is to be restored to its former glory in a £370,000 scheme. The building, in the Market Place, will be given a new lease of life when it becomes a one-stop- shop for learning. It will house Business Support and Development - part
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A piece of football history for Boro fans
MIDDLESBROUGH fans could get a glimpse of a trophy that has strong links with the area this weekend. Middlesbrough play Preston North End tomorrow in the fifth round of the FA Cup, and the tie gives fans the opportunity to visit the National Football
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Bisto tastes companionship
A ONCE-neglected Shetland pony found the companionship it was craving when its owner took on another two animals. Bisto has been at High Pasture Farm, near West Auckland, County Durham, for two years, since being re-homed by the Ramshaw Rescue Centre,
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McClaren refuses to show any signs of satisfaction
GIVEN the speed with which he has turned his side's season around, Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren could be forgiven for displaying a certain degree of self-satisfaction. In the fortnight since an irate fan flung a season ticket in his face, McClaren
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Police and firefighters hurt in 999 collision
AN investigation was under way last night after a police car and a fire engine collided. Road accident investigation specialists were trying to establish how the emergency vehicles crashed while answering 999 emergency calls. Police said the marked police
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Hospice helped our brave dad to retain his dignity
St Cuthbert's Hospice, in Durham City, hopes to build an extension offering round-the-clock care to terminally ill patients. Tony Kearney meets one woman who believes 24-hour hospice care would have made a difference during her father's final days. IT
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Bucking market with return to profit
A COMPUTER training group with offices in the region has returned to profit and seen turnover climb 16 per cent, despite a weakening training market. Xpertise, which delivers more than 300 IT training courses from its centre in Washington, Wearside, saw
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England selection offers lock Snowball his chance
DARLINGTON'S Richard Snowball has been named in the England Counties squad for a match against France Amateurs in Beaune on March 11. The lock is one of only two forwards in the 25-man squad from National Three North as the majority are from clubs like
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McClaren refuses to show any signs of satisfaction
GIVEN the speed with which he has turned his side's season around, Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren could be forgiven for displaying a certain degree of self-satisfaction. In the fortnight since an irate fan flung a season ticket in his face, McClaren
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Rushworth the favourite to make it a hat-trick of victories
DOUBLE British masters champion Brian Rushworth will be hot favourite to notch up a hat-trick of victories in this afternoon's North-East Veterans' Cross Country Championships at Darlington. The 42-year-old Sunderland Harrier has proved virtually unbeatable
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Meeting sees a preview of video
MEMBERS attending the annual meeting of the Friends of Hardwick Country Park were treated to a preview of a tourist video recalling the history of the park, and the plans for its multi-million pound restoration. Tony Smith, Durham County Council countryside
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Site back on-line
THE Website for Hambleton District Council is up and running again. It was out of action for several days following a fire at its host's premises in Alnwick, Northumberland. However, efforts to get it back on-line have proved successful and it can once
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Shhhh! We're raising money for charity
CHILDREN were helped to keep quiet during a sponsored silence by taking part in a story-writing competition. Pupils at Aiskew Leeming Bar Primary School joined in Macmillan Cancer Relief's latest fundraising event, called The Big Hush. As well as keeping
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Children get say in band
CHILDREN are to have a say in the running of a Middlesbrough band. The six-year-old Teesside Wind Band has appointed two schoolchildren to its management committee, 12-year-old oboeist Sally Helyer, and 14-year-old trumpeter Max Wheatley, both pupils
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Youngster died as paramedics had their break
A teenager died and his friend lay seriously injured in the road while they waited for an ambulance to reach them - because the nearest paramedics were on a break. Jamie Johnson, 19, was pronounced dead at the scene of a motorcycle accident. Pillion passenger
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Allotment holders win fight for plots
FORMER allotment holders have won their battle to have the plots they were evicted from returned. Councillors unanimously agreed to reinstate the Briarfields allotments, in Hartlepool, at a full meeting of the cabinet on Thursday evening. The council
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Clerk row councillors facing board hearing
TWO councillors are facing a disciplinary hearing following a Standards Board investigation into a parish council feud. The board, which regulates the conduct of councillors across the country, has passed a report on Stanhope Parish Councillors John Shuttleworth
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Children create garden to beat the bullies
PRIMARY school pupils raised money yesterday to help beat bullying by building a garden. Youngsters at St Charles RC Primary School, in Tudhoe, held fundraising events including a bring-and-buy sale and a tombola at the school. The money raised will go
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First-class record
PRIMARY school pupils were presented with certificates yesterday after notching up a near-perfect attendance record last term. Of the 203 pupils at St Godric's RC Primary School, in Durham City, 61 turned up for school every day during the autumn term
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Albany Northern League: It's win at all costs for under-pressure Shildon
Shildon manager Gary Forrest knows that his side can't afford to lose their six-pointer against Tow Law this afternoon. Both clubs are looking over their shoulders at third-bottom Ashington, and Forrest whose side is eight points ahead of Ashington having
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Top lawyer 'frightened' in prisons for children
A TOP lawyer and Liberal Democrat peer yesterday revealed he had been frightened by techniques used to subdue child prisoners. Lord Carlile of Berriew said he asked custody staff to use control and restraint methods on him as part of an independent inquiry
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Pool role-reversal proving no problem for Humphreys
RITCHIE Humphreys is getting a new buzz from football these days - keeping clean sheets. After dropping into defence this season following injuries to Hugh Robertson and Matty Robson, Hartlepool United's club captain has played more games in defence than
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Edmo tuned in for Singer victory
TIM EASTERBY has Edmo Yewkay (3.35) in the sort of prime fettle required to capture Uttoxeter's top race, the £55,000 Singer & Friedlander Handicap Chase. Russ Garritty's mount lost no cast whatsoever in defeat when a close-up fourth in a rousing
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By George he's got it
A familiar face peers round the door and asks, "Does anyone need anything, I'm the waiter," before making an exit. A few minutes, and a quick briefing from his publicist later, he returns to the hotel room with a breezy, "It's great to be back in Berlin
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Roeder's happy to be back, for the time being at least
GLENN ROEDER'S enthusiasm for first team management has returned following consecutive victories as caretaker boss, but he admits to not knowing whether he will be in charge at Newcastle United beyond this weekend. Without going so far as throwing his
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For Your Benefit: Should I be signing on at the Jobcentre?
Q I am a man aged 59, soon to give up work for health reasons to seek something part-time. Should I sign at the Jobcentre? A I see little point in doing that. You could only get Jobseeker's Allowance if you were prepared to take a job of 40 hours a week
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Hot-shot Hasselbaink wants chance to continue goal glut
AS the most in-form striker on Middlesbrough's books, Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink has urged Steve McClaren to reward his recent goal glut with a guaranteed place in the team. Thursday night's opener in Stuttgart made it five goals in seven games for the Dutchman
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Hospital becomes second in UK to teach 'Western' acupuncture
A NORTH-EAST hospital has become only the second place in the country to train doctors and nurses in Western-style acupuncture. Until now the only place in the UK to offer Western medical acupuncture training for health workers was Liverpool. But because
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Glazing firm celebrates £4m in new contracts
A glazing contractor that has seen turnover more than triple in two years has won three contracts worth more than £4m. Baydale Architectural Limited, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, won the contracts in Nottingham, Dublin and Cork. The company, which
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By George he's got it
George Clooney has two movies in circulation at the moment. Both are political, both are contenders for Oscar awards. He tells Steve Pratt why he's interested in politics but why he's not a political animal. A familiar face peers round the door and asks
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Hot-shot Hasselbaink wants chance to continue goal glut
AS the most in-form striker on Middlesbrough's books, Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink has urged Steve McClaren to reward his recent goal glut with a guaranteed place in the team. Thursday night's opener in Stuttgart made it five goals in seven games for the Dutchman
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Pitman painter's work at poignant farewell
THE two great loves of pitman painter Tom McGuinness - his work and his family - dominated his funeral service yesterday. An unframed painting from the celebrated artist's private collection, a recent work called Miners Passing the Return Wheel, stood
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Region leads the way in obesity fight
HOPES that the North-East could play a role in beating the looming obesity crisis are still alive, despite a setback. Plans to train volunteers to run community weight management courses around the region were shelved by Teesside University last summer
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Wearside League: Injury worries blight Athletic
Teesside Athletic, who have suffered with injuries recently, are again under strength for the trip to Wolviston. Stephen Hodgson, Andrew Mitchell and Simon Tonge are definitely out while doubts surround the fitness of Simon Welch and Michael Traynor.
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Lee jumps at chance to test out L'Aventure's credentials
GRAHAM LEE has emerged as an unlikely shaker and mover in Paul Nicholls' quest to land a first ever National Hunt trainers' championship. The Ingleby Barwick-based Grand National-winning jockey temporarily joins team Nicholls for the big-race at Haydock
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Comment from The Northern Echo: Society must be protected
WHO says history does not repeat itself? In 1999, Colin Meek was before Judge Peter Fox. He denied the more serious charge of attempted murder, but was found guilty of wounding another man. Judge Fox told him: "I regard you as a dangerous person." Meek
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Young take the chance to be heard
MORE than 2,500 Darlington youngsters took to the polls to elect the borough's national youth representative. Voting for the Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) took place in schools across Darlington on Thursday, and saw 27.3 per cent of all 11 to 18-year-olds
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Family atmosphere in the ring
TWO Darlington Muay Thai boxers have jumped into the top ten of their respective national rankings. Claire Darbyshire and Mandy Stainthorp, members of Darlington's Team Hanuman Kickboxing Club, are both new entries. Mandy came in at fourth position in
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Pedestrian Heart scheme hits first stumbling block
A MULTI-MILLION pound project to transform Darlington town centre has suffered its first major setback - due to a century-old underground pipe. Engineers working on the £6.5m Pedestrian Heart scheme have discovered that the gas main serving the west of
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Youngsters get busy with paintbrushes
YOUNGSTERS in Darlington demonstrated their creative side when their school played host to a professional artist this week. Adam Baldwin helped pupils at Haughton Community School produce eye-catching pieces of work, as part of the One Book for Darlington
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Drag evening
A JAZZ band is holding an evening of entertainment to boost its funds. Drag artist Miss Vicky Paris will take to the stage at the event, which is being held to raise money for the Shildon Jubilees Jazz Band. The entertainment takes place at Old Shildon
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Town's pedestrian project hits first setback
A MULTI-MILLION pound project to transform Darlington town centre has suffered its first major setback - due to a century-old underground pipe. Engineers working on the £6.5m Pedestrian Heart scheme have discovered the gas main, which serves the west
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New worry as baby Lennox is readmitted to hospital
LENNOX Nicholson, the North-East baby whose liver transplant grabbed national headlines, is back in hospital. While doctors are pleased with how his transplanted liver is performing, there is a new concern over weight loss. Lennox, who is now seven months
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Taking a dive for hospice
A SCUBA diving club is doing an underwater marathon to raise money for a charity that cares for terminally ill people. Members of the Reefseekers Dive Club will swim 26 miles in relay wearing their sub aqua equipment at Belle Vue Swimming Centre in Consett
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Rotarians help after hurricane hits island
A TINY Caribbean island devastated by two major hurricanes is on the road to recovery with a helping hand from a Teesside Rotary Club. The island of Grenada, which lies between Barbados and the north coast of South America, was wrecked by Hurricane Ivan
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Town faces rise in unemployed
THE number of people claiming jobseeker's allowance in Redcar has risen by seven per cent. The latest figures show 137 more people claiming the unemployment benefit last year. Ian Swales, Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesman for Redcar, said: "These
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Albany Northern League: It's win at all costs for under-pressure Shildon
Shildon manager Gary Forrest knows that his side can't afford to lose their six-pointer against Tow Law this afternoon. Both clubs are looking over their shoulders at third-bottom Ashington, and Forrest whose side is eight points ahead of Ashington having
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Art club inspires pupils' creation
A COLOURFUL glass window was been unveiled by pupils from an art club. In only four hours of a workshop, youngsters from Norton primary and secondary schools painted self-portraits onto glass panes. Dozens of the glass panes were put together to form
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Families' joy after winning round one of homes battle
RESIDENTS have applauded councillors who rejected a controversial housing development, despite officers recommending approval. Durham City Council's development control committee refused plans, by Kepier Homes, formed by construction firm Laing O'Rourke
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Hodgson talks up chances
DARLINGTON boss David Hodgson insists a play-off place will await his side in May - providing they mirror their recent League Two fortunes. Tuesday night's defeat at promotion rivals Peterborough United was only Quakers' second defeat in 13 league games
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Mayor puts best foot forward for charity
KIRKBYMOORSIDE mayor Nigel Richardson is planning to walk more than 500 miles to get fit and raise money for charity. Mr Richardson, who said he tipped the scales at 15st 13lb when he weighed himself on New Year's Day, is determined to get down to 14st
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Jamie converts opportunity
A TEENAGER from Catterick Garrison has been selected for the North Yorkshire under-14s rugby squad. Jamie Fox, a student at St Francis Xavier School, in Richmond, was chosen after trials in York. The teenager already captains the Darlington under-14s
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Young gymnasts win medals
SPORTING youngsters proudly showed off a host of medals and trophies after their success at a gymnastics competition. The 24 children from Thornhill Primary School showed a real talent for the sport when they competed against 250 youngsters from primary
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Councillors face board hearing
TWO councillors are facing a disciplinary hearing following a Standards Board investigation into a parish council feud. The board, which regulates the conduct of councillors across the country, has passed a report on Stanhope Parish Councillors John Shuttleworth
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Leanne dreams of stardom
A DRAMA student is dreaming of stardom after securing an audition for the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada). Leanne Golightly, 17, from Coundon, is a sixth form pupil at King James I Community Arts College, in Bishop Auckland, and heads for the bright
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Schools may close in education shake-up
SCHOOLS in County Durham could be closed as part of the biggest investment in education for 50 years. Durham County Council is looking at the future of all of its 36 secondary schools as it decides where to spend £400m - from the Government's Building
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Builder pledges to clean up estate after complaints
A DEVELOPER has pledged to clean up an estate after complaints from residents. A team from Barratts will be sent in today to tidy the Regent's Park development, in Colburn, near Catterick Garrison. Following intervention by The Northern Echo, a spokesman
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New ambulance station to speed up responses
PARAMEDICS can respond to 999 calls more quickly following the opening of an ambulance station. Stockton North MP Frank Cook opened the new ambulance station in Billingham yesterday. The sub-station is in the heart of Billingham, on the Lealholme Road
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Go-Ahead will use green diesel
TRANSPORT group Go-Ahead is looking for ways to reduce fuel consumption after its diesel bill increased by £4.7m in six months. The Newcastle company is conducting a trial using an additive that is said to reduce consumption by five per cent. The group
