Archive
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'Smoking's not a patch on how I feel now'
More and more North-Easterners are being helped to give up smoking. Health Editor Barry Nelson talks to a former 40-a-day man who has successfully quit. MATTIE Dobbin can hardly believe it himself when he says that, until recently, he was smoking up
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The party girl crippled by chronic fatigue
New research suggests that 55,000 Britons are so severely affected by ME they are either bedbound or housebound. Health Editor BARRY NELSON talks to one young woman whose story offers hope to other sufferers LISETTE Grout is curled up on the sofa
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Sci-fi sensors are on the way
After a stellar career running health care-related businesses all over the world, Mike Asher has become the new chief executive of the North-East life science sector. Health Editor Barry Nelson meets him. A HAND-HELD sensor which can tell a doctor
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Finding a path back from parental despair
In the hope of helping others in the same position, some Yorkshire mothers with special needs children have written a book about their experiences. Women's Editor Sarah Foster meets two of the authors. IT was a heartbreaking story. A desperate mum,
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'I had a very unhappy childhood'
Julia Clarke has proved her skill as a children's novelist by joining the likes of JK Rowling in the running for the Carnegie Medal. She talks to Women's Editor Sarah Foster. IT'S a beautiful day when I arrive in Harrogate to interview Julia Clarke
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'My abusive past means I understand these kids'
With today's start of Foster Care Fortnight, which runs until May 21, there will be a focus on providing homes for vulnerable children. Women's Editor Sarah Foster meets Louise, whose own horrendous childhood has made her open her house - and her heart
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Speaking in hands, not tongues
Having seen the results with her own son, Dawn Errington has set up a business teaching baby signing. She tells Women's Editor Sarah Foster how it gives children a language before they can speak. DAWN Errington is sitting with a wooden board surrounded
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Nappies: the bottom line
With the approach of Real Nappy Week, parents are being encouraged to ditch disposables in favour of the cloth kind. Women's Editor Sarah Foster explores the benefits. IN a bygone age, nappies were nothing but a nuisance. Made of white terry towelling
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A strong woman, in body and spirit
After completing a year as Britain's Strongest Woman, Gemma Taylor is preparing to defend her title at the weekend and has her sights set on the world title. She tells Women's Editor Sarah Foster how she's beaten the bullies to find success. IT'S fair
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May 8, 2006
EVERY VOTE COUNTS: THERE isn't a single party that can command enough faith from the population to be representative of a majority view in our affairs. Whoever manages to win the next General Election will be a minority of people, with very limited
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May 9, 2006
TIME TO PROTEST: SOME would explain the localised BNP success in the recent elections on the basis that whites in areas with large immigrant communities are ignorant and bigoted about immigration, while those in almost exclusively white areas are well-informed
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May 10, 2006
PENSIONS REFORM : The pensions system isn't working - two million pensioners live in poverty and many more struggle to make ends meet. Small increases in the State pension do not cover the steep rises in council tax, water and energy bills experienced
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May 11, 2006
LIFEBOAT MEMORIES: IT was clearly a great disappointment to the crew and supporters of the Teesmouth lifeboat when told of the station's closure. A recent picture of the station and the boat brought back memories. In the late Seventies, I was director
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May 12, 2006
TV LICENCES: Following your letter from J Routledge (HAS, May 5) I want to reassure readers that one of the most important considerations in the BBC's decision to switch to PayPoint to provide over-the-counter services was ease of payment. It is an
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May 13, 2006
OFF THE BUSES: WHAT has happened to the Arriva bus company service? Recently, I have waited for ages for buses which just do not turn up. Last Monday really was the limit. My husband and I waited at the MetroCentre, Gateshead, for the 1.50pm bus to
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May 15, 2006
NUCLEAR POWER: IN a few weeks time the Government appears likely to approve the building of new nuclear power stations, conflicting with its last energy review three years ago which concluded that renewable energy and energy efficiency was the way forward
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May 16, 2006
IMMIGRATION: IN reply to Bob Jarratt (HAS, May 12), I have no doubts that immigration has benefited British society in ways far outweighing any problems. To start with, a personal experience. After I leave home for work, the first person I usually
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Why Blair's battle-cry needs substance
IT will be remembered as one of Tony Blair's great battle-cries - to be "tough on crime and the causes of crime". It laid the foundation for Mr Blair's first election victory by helping New Labour to steal the Tories' clothes as the party of law and
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Damaging rights cause
LEWIS Booton, an innocent farmer, is this morning faced with a bill running into several thousands of pounds for damaged fencing carried out by animal rights extremists. His crime? He happens to farm 300 acres next door to a wild boar farm in North
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Don't read too much into novel
DAN Brown's novel The Da Vinci Code has divided opinion and caused more than controversy than any book since Salman Rushdie's infamous Satanic Verses. To some, The Da Vinci Code is a classic, with exciting twists and a deep meaning. To others, it is
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Intelligence is the key
NO one should take any persuading that the threat from terrorists in Britain is with us for a long time to come. We all hope that there will be no repeat of the kind of atrocity which struck London on July 7, 2005, but we know in our hearts that further
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Fans' heads can still be held high
THE disappointment will be hard to take for Middlesbrough supporters as they arrive back from their great European adventure today. But when they have time to reflect properly on their team's achievement in reaching the Uefa Cup final in Eindhoven,
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The perfect parting gift?
AS yet another report underlines the gloomy consequences of the North-South divide, the North-East could always do with something to cheer about. And there is nothing quite like a footballing success for raising, not only the spirits, but also the
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Too much to celebrate
THERE are two very good reasons for North-East football fans to celebrate this week - and that doesn't happen very often. Steve McClaren's Middlesbrough make history by appearing in the UEFA Cup final against Sevilla in Eindhoven on Wednesday and have
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Give McClaren a chance
WE love to see the North-East promoted around the world, so we are delighted that the manager of one of the region's football clubs has become the manager of England. A few months ago, Steve McClaren's world appeared to be falling apart. During a humiliating
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Fighting for his future
IN the wake of one of the worst local election results in Labour's history, Tony Blair couldn't sit on his hands and do nothing. Charles Clarke was an easy target. He clearly had to go and his grumpy assertion that the Prime Minister was wrong to sack
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Life can be a stroll in park
IN an increasingly crowded and stressful world, open spaces have never been more important. They give us peace of mind and time to breathe. We therefore welcome the rejuvenation of South Park, in Darlington, the region's oldest municipal park, and
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'How I became an epileptic woman'
Author Ray Robinson was all set to work as a hill shepherd in North Yorkshire until life took an interesting turn. He talks to Lindsay Jennings about growing up with lesbian parents. RAY Robinson has just returned from a reading of his debut novel,
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'The day I found my wings'
Gliders can hit speeds of 180mph, travel over 1,000 km in a day and reach heights of almost 40,000 feet - little wonder gliding is considered the ultimate free flying experience. Lindsay Jennings has a taste of the high life. I'VE put on my parachute
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Will Theo stand the World Cup heat?
He's only 17, but already the hopes of a nation are being pinned on Theo Walcott. Lindsay Jennings looks at the pressures the teenage striker is facing and how he might handle them. THEO Walcott was taking his driving theory test when the call came
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Down the da Vinci road
Will he go this year, next year or wait until the end of his third term? Tony Blair has left us with a riddle worthy of a Dan Brown novel. Political Editor Chris Lloyd attempts to crack it. NO matter who calls for it, what wings of the party they are
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Growing foods that could save your life
Eat your heart out Monty Don. North-East plant scientists have developed a way of breeding superplants packed with nutrients. Health Editor Barry Nelson investigates. WHEN scientists announced that they were able to manipulate the genes of plants to
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'My father still hears their screams'
As a refugee, Irena Carlton was safe in England while the Bosnian War raged, but her family were not as fortunate. She tells Lindsay Jennings why her mission is now to help other asylum seekers. IRENA Carlton is deep in conversation with a hopeful-looking
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'I'm proud to be a Barnado's boy'
As a Barnardo's kid, Johnny Williams grew up in foster care. He tells LINDSAY JENNINGS how being in care saw him achieve his dream to play for the Newcastle Falcons. There are a few players dotted around the Newcastle Falcons' bar at Kingston Park.
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Sleepfaring by Jim Horne (Oxford University Press, £14.99)
MOST people spend more than a quarter of their lives asleep, but it still remains a realm of mystery, especially as many people find it hard to drop off. Questions about the nature of sleep, how much sleep we need and the significance of sleeping
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Mozart in the Jungle by Blair Tindall (Atlantic Books, £8.99)
TINDALL'S graphic account of her 25 years spent playing the oboe in some of New York's greatest orchestras, together with a stint on Broadway, leaves no doubt that bad behaviour isn't the exclusive territory of rock musicians. Sleeping with the
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The Oldest: In Celebration of Britain’s Living History by Julian Calder & Alastair Bruce (Cassell Illustrated, £20)
AMAZING it hasn't been done before - the oldest of this, that, and just about everything, described in snappy profiles, many illustrated with excellent, specially-taken photographs. North-East oldests include... seaside resort (Scarborough), tourist
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Stately Passions: The Scandals of Britain’s Great Homes by Jamie Douglas-Home (Michael O’Mara, £30)
THIS is a gossip-column-style sprint through Britain's upper-crust bedchambers where not all the illicit romps are as distant as the Duke of Buckingham's 17th century dalliance with the Countess of Shrewsbury, whom he installed in his home under the
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Bonus point boost for Mowden
FOLLOWING a 39-26 home defeat by Fylde, Darlington will finish fifth in National Three North, six places above Mowden Park, who signed off with a 65-38 defeat at Preston Grasshoppers. Other than enjoying the final game, Mowden's only aim was to secure
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Trainer: I'll fight RSPCA charge
TRAINER Richard Guest last night vowed to clear his name after it emerged that the former Grand National-winning jockey is being prosecuted in connection with the death of one of his racehorses. The RSPCA yesterday confirmed that it is prosecuting
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Sharp track, draw and weights point to win for King Harson
Given the sharp nature of Catterick's course, it's no surprise that low drawn prominent racers fare best from five furlongs to a mile when the ground is good or faster. Pace-making King Harson, who had a good blow-out at Thirsk on his recent reappearance
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Everything left in Empress' favour
A low draw and the ability to race up with the pace are the requirements over both sprint distances at Chester's left-turning track when the ground is good or faster. Empress Jain, a really speedy sort who is housed in stall one, looks sure to make
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Ivy Creek can creep in
Ivy Creek, who has created a favourable impression when winning both his starts this year, is the fancy to keep his unbeaten record intact, despite stepping up in grade in the Cheshire Regement Dee Stakes over a mile and a quarter at Chester this afternoon
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Carisma one step ahead
There are reasonable grounds to believe Newcastle-bound Celtic Carisma (3.20) is one step ahead of the handicapper at present. Keith Reveley's filly, already a previous course and distance winner, came out all guns blazing this season with an effortless
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Opal Noir shines in rain
Miserably wet weather at Redcar yesterday produced a series of shock results as the constant heavy rain penetrated deep into the ground, writes Colin Woods. Out-of-pocket punters found themselves on the back foot from the word go as Howard Johnson's
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France looking to shine at Redcar
Promising young apprentice jockey Suzzanne France has the chance to showcase her skills aboard Kudbeme (4.20) at Redcar this afternoon. France, who was seen to good effect booting home Dium Mac at Newcastle last week, partners the four-year-old filly
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Linda's Lad can make Channel crossing well worthwhile
Andre Fabre's runners deserve the utmost respect when he sends them across the Channel and he has another likely winner in the shape of Linda's Lad, who is the strong fancy in the totesport.com Derby Trial Stakes over a mile-and-a-half at Lingfield this
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Ivory can lift Charlton spirits
Roger Charlton hasn't had the best of starts to the season but he can get back on track by winning the Totesport 0800 221 221 Heritate Handicap over seven furlongs at Lingfield this afternoon with the progressive All Ivory, writes Richard Young. The
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Opal Noir shines in rain
MISERABLY wet weather at Redcar yesterday produced a series of shock results as the constant heavy rain penetrated deep into the ground, writes COLIN WOODS. Out-of-pocket punters found themselves on the back foot from the word go as Howard Johnson's 20
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Woman conned out of £500 for box of fish
BOGUS callers in a North-East town have conned pensioners into spending as much as £500 for boxes of fish. Trading standard officials and police are warning people not to be pressurised into buying unwanted goods following the latest scam on Teesside.
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Who will find BB Golden Tickets?
KITKATS containing golden tickets that will give fans the chance to enter the Big Brother house have left a factory under security escort. And it is expected the first winner will be announced in a matter of days. Yesterday, at the crack of dawn, a high-security
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Richard Telford
DIGITAL media company Carrotmedia has appointed Northumbria University graduate RICHARD TELFORD as lead developer. Mr Telford, 26, a graduate in computing, joined the company on a 12-week placement last year. Directors were so impressed they offered him
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Tait named in England tours squad
NEWCASTLE Falcons centre Mathew Tait last night insisted he was ready to put the traumas of his international debut behind him after he was named in the England squad that will travel to Australia next month. Tait, who was the star of the sevens tournament
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Man begged for forgiveness after father died, court told
A MAN said his younger brother begged his forgiveness during a fraught telephone call only minutes after their father was stabbed. Shaun Leckenby, who denies murdering Ronald Leckenby in a knife attack, spoke to his brother, Paul, in the early hours of
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Dean Pike death: 'I warned the police'
AN investigation has been launched after a woman claims she warned police about two killers only four weeks before they set fire to a house in which an 11-year-old boy died. Dean Pike, of Mordey Close, Sunderland, died when Terry Majinusz and Neil English
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Bill dispute costs council £500,000
A COUNCIL had to spend £500,000 fighting a construction firm's claim for about £2.7m to be added to its bill for building a town's new swimming pool. Problems with the construction of the six-lane, 25-metre pool at the Louisa Centre sports complex in
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Breen deemed surplus to Cats' requirements
THE future of Republic of Ireland international Gary Breen will be decided this week when Sunderland release their retained list. With preparations for the forthcoming Championship campaign continuing despite ongoing takeover talks with a consortium led
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Remploy factories 'facing closure'
FIVE hundred workers with disabilities across the region face losing their jobs as Remploy factories come under threat of closure, a union official warned last night. GMB branch secretary Kenneth Stubbs said the Government's review of Remploy would inevitably
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Killer has murder conviction quashed
A PARANOID schizophrenic who stabbed a dog-walker through the heart has had his murder conviction quashed. Damian Neaven, who was jailed for life five years ago for stabbing David Huitson, 53, to death, had his conviction overturned yesterday. Appeal
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Remploy factories 'facing closure'
FIVE hundred workers with disabilities across the region face losing their jobs as Remploy factories come under threat of closure, a union official warned last night. GMB branch secretary Kenneth Stubbs said the Government's review of Remploy would inevitably
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Tributes are paid to a true gentleman
TRIBUTES have been paid to a borough councillor as a "true gentleman". Councillor Stanley Fortune, 77, a Conservative member of Hartlepool Borough Council, died at Hartlepool and District Hospice at the weekend following a lengthy illness. The qualified
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Rocky Horror
Richard O'Brien's Rocky Horror Show will be at the Theatre Royal, in Newcastle, from Monday, May 29 to Saturday, June 3. Tickets are priced from £9.50 to £30.50 and can be purchased from the box office on 0870 905 5060 or at www.theatreroyal.co.u
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Home truly a delight
SHELTERED accommodation for pensioners has celebrated its silver anniversary. Delight Court, at Dipton, was built by Derwentside District Council in 1981 and the anniversary was marked by the planting of a shrub by Reg Ord, the Independent Derwentside
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Dean Pike death: 'I warned the police'
AN investigation has been launched after a woman claims she warned police about two killers only four weeks before they set fire to a house in which an 11-year-old boy died. Dean Pike, of Mordey Close, Sunderland, died when Terry Majinusz and Neil English
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Museum hosts harmony show
A close harmony group will visit a North-East museum later this month. Bowes Museum, at Barnard Castle, County Durham, will host Stockton-based Pieces of Eight on Saturday. The show starts at 7.30pm with tickets priced at £12 for adults and £10 for friends
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Residents speak out after coaches cause traffic chaos
A RAIL company has apologised to residents in Darlington after replacement coaches, used as an alternative to trains during engineering work, caused chaos by blocking their street. Homeowners were left fuming on Saturday when access to Pensbury Street
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Marathon run for charity
A RUNNER from Croft has gone the extra mile to raise money for a North-East charity. Andrew Dobson completed the 26.2 miles of the London Marathon recently, raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support. He joined a Macmillan team of more than 700 runners
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£432,000 project at college with virtual reality kitchen
REDUNDANT school buildings on Teesside are about to be given a new lease of life in a major financial investment to bring virtual learning to a community. Plans for a modern community learning centre have been announced as part of the £432,000 scheme
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Hobby becomes a career
A FISHERMAN has used his hobby to secure a new career in the water industry. Jim Taylor, from Redcar, is in his second year working as a water bailiff after receiving help from Job Centre Plus. The 61-year-old former miner retired from his job at Boulby
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Awards for young librarians
THE work of young librarians has been honoured at an awards ceremony. Nearly 150 student librarians from 19 schools received certificates at the event, at the King's Academy, in Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough. The youngsters spent two terms completing written
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Deadline for spring clean art contest
A LAST call has been issued for people to support an annual clean-up initiative. Residents are being urged to design promotional postcards on the theme of Spring Clean Hartlepool. It runs until the end of this month and aims to encourage people to carry
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'Golf ball' will test engines in Russia
AEROSPACE engineering firm Darchem has designed and built equipment for testing aircraft engines in a contract worth more than £1m. The company, at Stillington, near Stockton, was yesterday showing its Belgian customers the completed testing equipment
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House fire is blamed on youths
YOUTHS are believed to have started a fire at an unoccupied house in Darlington. The firefighters were alerted to the incident at the house in Ridsdale Street yesterday afternoon shortly before 4pm. It is believed the fire may have been started by youths
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Writers tour Wear Valley
TRAVEL writers from around the country are on the final leg today of a visit to Wear Valley. More than a dozen journalists and broadcasters have spent the past two days discovering what the area has to offer. Since arriving on Sunday afternoon, they have
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Gift to charities
A PR company based in Darlington has donated £250 to two local charities. Recognition Marketing and PR recently held a springtime reception at its office in Lingfield Point to introduce its clients and associates to charities St Teresa's Hospice and Make
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College students raise cash for lifesaving units after tragedy
LIFESAVING equipment has been installed at a college after a tragedy that moved the community. Two years ago, computer technician Joe Smith collapsed while playing football with staff and students at Northallerton College. Despite efforts to resuscitate
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Caroline Fletcher and Simon Pitwood
ONE of the region's business technology companies has recruited a team of experts to lead a new communications network. Nexent Communications, a division of Knowledge IT, is a business network system that channels phone, data, mobile and other services
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Sharp fall in number who are homeless
A COUNCIL housing management company has helped to reduce the number of homeless people in the Easington district. The number of homeless people contacting East Durham Homes (EDH) has halved since the company introduced an early intervention team. Three
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Beating burglars with hooks
POLICE in a County Durham town are handing out free key hooks designed to foil letterbox burglars. The hooks, which should be installed out of sight of the main door, follow a spate of so-called hook and cane thefts of housekeys. Chester-le-Street Community
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16/05/06
IMMIGRATION: IN reply to Bob Jarratt (HAS, May 12), I have no doubts that immigration has benefited British society in ways far outweighing any problems. To start with, a personal experience. After I leave home for work, the first person I usually speak
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Changes to funding in rural areas
MAJOR changes are proposed for the way funding is delivered in rural areas. Regional development agencies (RDA), such as One NorthEast and Yorkshire Forward, will take over some funding responsibilities, including farm diversification. They will run the
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Mayor remains in role for year
MAYOR David Blades has been re-elected for another year and has pledged to try to set up a youth council during the coming year. Coun Blades was re-elected because of the retirement of clerk Sheila Gibbins. It was felt that because Mrs Gibbins had been
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Horseriders ready for trek across the Andes
A TEAM of brave horse riders are to trek across the Andes to raise money for cancer research. The four -Tracy Thompson, Sheila Ashby, her son Ian and Janet Amos -from Boltby, will head from Argentina across the mountains into Chile for the Teenage Cancer
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Air charity gift
ANNIE LUMLEY raised £100 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance on her 100th birthday. Mrs Lumley, a resident of the Millings care home, Bedale, asked for charity donations instead of presents.
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Pub continues charity efforts around world
A NORTHALLERTON pub is continuing its work to support local and international charities. Staff at The Standard, in Northallerton High Street, will have £1,200 to give away to local good causes on May 30. A total of £300 will be given to Workcrafts and
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Roeder confirmed as Newcastle manager
NEWCASTLE UNITED have confirmed Glenn Roeder is the permanent successor to Graeme Souness as manager at St James' Park. Roeder has been rewarded with a two-year contract for steering the Magpies up from a relegation threatened position and into a seventh
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Helen Graham
MICHAEL Poole estate agents, on Teesside, has appointed HELEN GRAHAM as a sales negotiator. The 37-year-old has been in home sales for eight years, and will work at the company's branch in Redcar, east Cleveland.
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Jailed for setting fire to his home
AN arsonist who told his wife he was going to set fire to the house has been jailed for three years. David Kowalczyk disabled smoke alarms and cut the telephone wires in the house before starting a blaze upstairs. Earlier, the 45-year-old had turned on
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Fresh plea to trace missing mother
POLICE have renewed their appeal for a missing mother-of-two to get in contact with them as they widened their search. Jeanette Nixon, 27, of Yarm Road, Darlington has not been seen for more than a week after she left a pub at 11pm last Monday. She was
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Men warned to check for cancer as figures revealed
CANCER experts have urged men to check for signs of a deadly disease. The call from Cancer Research UK came as figures show the number of men who have died from melanoma in the UK has exceeded 1,000 a year. This represents a 31 per cent increase in a
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Sat-nav to blame for ambulance delay
A health trust today apologised to a mother after an ambulance took almost two hours to take an injured girl to hospital after it was misdirected to the scene of the accident by its satellite navigation system. Chloe Banks, 10, was left lying in the road
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Eating Owt: Buoyant times
It's not all been plain sailing, but Hartlepool restaurater Krimo Bouabda has made a splash at the marina. FROM the pages of any self-respecting dictionary of quotations flows the wit and waspishness of Ms Dorothy Parker, described in one of them as "
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A western yen for Japanese horror
KUON, Publisher: Noblis, Format: PS2, Price: £29.99. Family friendly? 16+: JAPANESE horror is hugely popular at the moment. After years on the mainstream margins it seems Hollywood has finally embraced the spooky goings-on in movies like Ring, Dark Water
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Chris Alcock
LEAFLET distribution company Amaro has appointed CHRIS ALLCOCK as financial controller. The 43-year-old joins the company from engineering company M+W Zaneder, in North Shields, North Tyneside. Amaro, which has headquarters at the Watermark, in Gateshead
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Support Our Port: New terminal is not port's only option
TEESPORT operator PD Ports last night vowed to continue with plans to build a £300m container terminal and bring 5,500 jobs to the region - despite reports suggesting its new owners were lukewarm about the idea. PD Ports was taken over by Australian company
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Widow tells of rape in house
A FORMER fire chief has gone on trial accused of raping a widow in his home. A court heard that the alleged victim, a woman in her fifties, was attacked when she went to Peter Glover's house for coffee. The woman gave evidence via a video-link on the
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New record for Tait Walker
A CORPORATE finance group completed a record number of deals in the first quarter of the year. The division of chartered accountants Tait Walker, which has three offices in the North-East, secured seven deals in the first three months of the year worth
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Suspect given bail after town club death
A MAN arrested in connection with the death of a father-of-seven has been released without charge. The 45-year-old Stockton man was released on bail by Cleveland Police yesterday after being interviewed about an incident at Roseworth Community and Social
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Dear Robbie . . . fancy coming to my party?
A BIRTHDAY girl is hoping for a star-studded Oscar-style party as she embarks on a celebrity challenge. Andrea Watson's dreams could come true if the likes of Robbie Williams, Madonna and Ant and Dec walk down the red carpet and into her 30th birthday
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Comment from The Northern Echo: Why Blair's battle-cry needs substance
IT will be remembered as one of Tony Blair's great battle-cries - to be "tough on crime and the causes of crime". It laid the foundation for Mr Blair's first election victory by helping New Labour to steal the Tories' clothes as the party of law and order
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Given is Roeder's best signing, Shearer
GLENN Roeder is expected to outline his summer spending plans when he is officially installed as Newcastle boss later today, but departing skipper Alan Shearer has claimed the former caretaker has already made his biggest summer signing when Shay Given
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Flintoff remains upbeat as England caught short
England captain Andrew Flintoff insisted there was no reason for doom and gloom despite England's bodged attempts for victory in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Lord's. England somehow settled for draw in the opening match of the npower Series, despite
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The real cost of nuclear power
It is expected to cost £25bn to replace Britain's ageing nuclear weapons' system, Trident. Dr Glen Reynolds argues why we should be opting out of the nuclear club entirely. I REMEMBER seeing my mother in tears for the first time in the 1960s during the
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Football fan to contest ban order
A FOOTBALL fan could still travel to the World Cup finals in Germany after contesting a football banning order. Ian Walker has contested an application by Cleveland Police to ban him from attending games. He is due to appear at Teesside Crown Court on
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Ward Hadaway recruits one of the North-East's top lawyers
LAW firm Ward Hadaway has appointed one of the region's senior legal professionals. CHRIS HUGILL, formerly managing partner at Eversheds Newcastle, has joined Ward Hadaway as a partner. Mr Hugill, more recently national head of Eversheds' house building
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Quakers list to be announced
DAVID Hodgson's retained list may be complete, but an announcement will not be made until the Darlington boss has informed his players of their futures, writes Lee Hall. Hodgson has delayed revealing his plans, with the majority of his squad away on holiday
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Pensioner fleeced of £38,000
A pensioner paid more than £38,000 for routine house repairs that should have cost only a fraction of the amount, a court heard. John Stephenson, 41, took advantage of the lonely householder, who he knew to be "a man of some means". He regularly turned
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Trainer: 'I'll fight RSPCA' charge
TRAINER Richard Guest last night vowed to clear his name after it emerged that the former Grand National-winning jockey is being prosecuted in connection with the death of one of his racehorses. The RSPCA yesterday confirmed that it is prosecuting Mr
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Boumsong insists France still big players
NEWCASTLE defender Jean-Alain Boumsong has tipped France to be one of the surprise packages at this summer's World Cup after being named in Raymond Domenech's 23-man squad despite a tortuous first full season on Tyneside. Boumsong, who made an £8m move
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Arnesen turning Chelsea into English Galacticos
FOR a man recruited as the most expensive talent scout in history, Frank Arnesen is hardly turning the football world on its head. Ten months after he was poached from Tottenham in a move that was rumoured to involve a compensation package of almost £8m
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Two schools hit by flooding - one remains closed today
A SCHOOL will remain closed today despite lengthy efforts to relieve the effects of flooding. But a second primary school in the Durham area, also hit by weekend flooding, is to reopen today, following a successful mopping up operation by staff. Teachers
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Carisma one step ahead
THERE are reasonable grounds to believe Newcastle-bound Celtic Carisma (3.20) is one step ahead of the handicapper at present. Keith Reveley's filly, already a previous course and distance winner, came out all guns blazing this season with an effortless
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Volunteers can make life easier
THE WRVS is seeking volunteers to make life more enjoyable for older people across Darlington. Volunteers can take part in projects including community transport, good neighbour schemes, Meals on Wheels and emergency services support. Andrew Birbeck,
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Threatened children helped with £23,000 from civic leader
A CHARITY that offers counselling to children being hurt or abused has received a boost from the mayor and mayoress of Northallerton. Childline, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, received the donation of £23,000 from Councillor David Blades
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Copters may help repairs to bridges
DAMAGED bridges in remote areas of the North York Moors National Park will be repaired with the help of helicopters. Highway engineers said the move was the best way to get materials to bridges damaged in last year's floods to repair them. More than 40
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Nursery youngsters enjoy a teddy bears' picnic
CHILDREN at a Teesside nursery helped a bakery celebrate National Bread Week when they took their teddies along to a spring picnic. Instead of their usual afternoon snack, the youngsters at the Rainbow Day Nursery, in Imperial Avenue, Stockton, enjoyed
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'Insulin pump changed my life'
ALICIA'S face breaks into a massive grin as she remembers the first day she was given an insulin pump. "I went to a caf and had a big chocolate chip muffin and a big cup of hot chocolate and I did not have to worry about it," she said. Before that day
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Awards to veteran district councullors
LONG serving members of Easington District Council have had their dedication officially recognised. Seven district councillors were presented with awards for ten years service with the council. The group included: * Coun Geraldine Bleasdale, who represents
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A second Ascot day to fund hospice
A TEESSIDE hospice has announced a second date for its popular Royal Ascot Ladies' Day. The event, now in its third year, has become so popular fundraisers at Teesside Hospice will this year host two events at Gisborough Hall. On June 15 and 20, women
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Honours for job centre
A TEAM from a job centre has reached the final three of the Government category in the Public Servants of the Year Awards. The Hartlepool Action Team for Jobs has beaten off competition from nearly 300 nominees and will be honoured at a ceremony at London's
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Given is Roeder's best signing, Shearer
GLENN Roeder is expected to outline his summer spending plans when he is officially installed as Newcastle boss later today, but departing skipper Alan Shearer has claimed the former caretaker has already made his biggest summer signing when Shay Given
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David Thomas
DAVID THOMAS has been appointed as loan executive at fund management firm NEL. Mr Thomas, from Durham, joined the company two years ago and was responsible for assessing companies that were seeking investment from NEL. He will be the first port of call
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Charge for bulky waste
A CHARGE of £5 for collecting bulky waste items such as cookers, furniture and carpets was introduced for Wear Valley residents yesterday. Wear Valley District Council defended the fee, which was agreed by members earlier this year. A spokesperson said
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Service aims to help children conquer their difficulties
A HOME-VISITING service for children with developmental difficulties and their families has been launched. The Darlington Portage Service, which offers support to parents and carers of pre-school age children, is helping up to 20 families at any time.
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Buoyant times
FROM the pages of any self-respecting dictionary of quotations flows the wit and waspishness of Ms Dorothy Parker, described in one of them as "American critic and humorist". It was she who supposed that the actress Katherine Hepburn ran the whole gamut
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Mystery of body found on beach
POLICE were last night trying to establish the identity of a man whose body was washed up on a North-East beach. The grim discovery was made at about 9.30am on Saturday by a member of the public who was walking along the beach at Seaham, County Durham
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Branch growth may bring jobs
PLANS by banking group Abbey to open up to 100 branches across the UK could create hundreds of jobs in the region. The company, which is owned by Spanish banking group Santander, has 714 branches but hopes to open more in the North-East and Midlands.
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Launch of group for future leaders
AN organisation for future leaders whose former members include Bill Clinton and UN secretary general Kofi Annan is launching a North-East branch. Junior Chamber International (JCI), which has more than 250,000 members in 121 countries, is aimed at ambitious
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Designers prepare to show work
A FORMER Thirsk student is heading home to show off clothes she has designed for Marks and Spencer. Former Thirsk School pupil Victoria Smith is an embroidery graduate who designs for the high street company. The Knayton artist is showing embroidered
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A lesson in Christian forgiveness
WE'VE just got back from a marvellous holiday in Malta - tremendously impressed. It's like Yorkshire used to be in the 1950s but with all-day sunshine. The first things you notice are the churches: even the little villages have huge basilicas with twin
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Family fun day
The third annual Teesdale Family Fun Day takes place at Teesdale Sports Centre, Barnard Castle, on Sunday, between 10am and 3pm. Yoga, new age kurling, basketball, circus skills and a healthy eating workshop are among the free activities. A full timetable
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Boumsong insists France still big players
NEWCASTLE defender Jean-Alain Boumsong has tipped France to be one of the surprise packages at this summer's World Cup after being named in Raymond Domenech's 23-man squad despite a tortuous first full season on Tyneside. Boumsong, who made an £8m move
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Finding a path back from parental despair
In the hope of helping others in the same position, some Yorkshire mothers with special needs children have written a book about their experiences. Women's Editor Sarah Foster meets two of the authors. IT was a heartbreaking story. A desperate mum, at
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Hearts unbroken leaving Gretna green with envy
The FA Cup Final Escape Committee (and Scotch Pie Fest) met on Saturday in unusual circumstances, which is to say that the crowd was more than 100 and there appeared not to be a manic Scotsman running up and down the touchline shouting "Hey, wee man"
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Mystery of body found on beach
POLICE were last night trying to establish the identity of a man whose body was washed up on a North-East beach. The grim discovery was made at about 9.30am on Saturday by a member of the public who was walking along the beach at Seaham, County Durham
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Groundbreaking marks first step towards Digital City
WORK began yesterday on the first major part of Teesside's Digital City project, which could create up to 300 jobs and 130 companies within three years. The ground was broken for the £12m Institute of Digital Innovation, at the University of Teesside
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New terminal is not port's only option
TEESPORT operator PD Ports last night vowed to continue with plans to build a £300m container terminal and bring 5,500 jobs to the region - despite reports suggesting its new owners were lukewarm about the idea. PD Ports was taken over by Australian company
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Trainer: I'll fight RSPCA charge
TRAINER Richard Guest last night vowed to clear his name after it emerged that the former Grand National-winning jockey is being prosecuted in connection with the death of one of his racehorses. The RSPCA yesterday confirmed that it is prosecuting Mr
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Senga Crosby
THE North-East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC), in Sunderland, has appointed e-marketing assistant SENGA CROSBY. The 23-year-old joins after working for the City of Sunderland as a business support assistant. She will be responsible for designing
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Rooney is England's No. 9
Sven-Goran Eriksson yesterday submitted his 23-man England squad to FIFA for the World Cup finals. It is a list of the same names Eriksson unveiled last week, with the first 11 numbers going to what is recognised as his first-choice team. This includes
