Archive
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Hero risks life to save plunge woman
A HERO fitness trainer plunged into an icy river to rescue a drowning woman. Adrian Tavener risked his life when he spotted the woman, 37, jump from the Tyne Bridge into the waters 85ft below as he walked along the quayside with a friend. As the unconscious
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Festive services
Christmas Eve All Saints and Salutation Church in Blackwell, Darlington, Holy Communion at 8.30am, Christingle services at 4pm and 6pm, and first communion of Christmas at 11.30pm. St Edwinfs Church, in High Coniscliffe, Holy Communion at
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Student wins art competition
A FINE art student from Darlington has won third prize in a national competition. Lindsay Sunley, from Darlington, studies fine art at Cleveland College of Art and Design. In February, she went on an exchange programme to the Universidad Miguel
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Lions delivering Christmas parcels
CHRISTMAS parcels worth more than £2,000 have been delivered to people in Darlington this week. The Darlington Lions Club delivered 150 parcels around the town to the disadvantaged, disabled, and those who live on their own. The parcels contained
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Hamper win after loss
A WOMAN who lost money in the collapse of Christmas savings club Farepak has won a food hamper in a competition. Amanda Metcalfe is a winner of Darlington Borough Council's 12 Days of Christmas promotion. Mrs Metcalfe, a party planner from Harrowgate
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Glowing report after primary inspection
INSPECTORS have praised a primary school for its efforts to deliver the best possible start in life for pupils. Cockerton Primary School, in Darlington, was rated as "good with some outstanding features" in a recent report produced by education
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Mum’s plea to shopping thief
A SINGLE mother is pleading for an opportunist thief to return her daughter's Christmas shopping. Kim Surtees and her 12-year-old daughter Amy were returning home from a shopping trip when one of Amy's bags was taken in Darlington town centre.
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Pupils put on a show
KIND-HEARTED youngsters at a Darlington school raised £500 to throw a Christmas party for their community. Year seven pupils at Hurworth School Maths and Computing College planned and held a Christmas party for about 100 people from the community
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Tree scheme ensures a merry Christmas for disadvantaged children
A CHILD'S bike and four remote- controlled helicopters are among hundreds of gifts going to families in need across Darlington. Volunteers collected and sorted the presents, which were handed in to the tenth annual Giving Tree appeal, organised
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Dirty floors and damp walls found in fast-food kitchens
FAST-FOOD restaurants in Darlington say they have cleaned up their act after health inspectors found a number of venues had broken health regulations. Dirty floors and rusty ceilings were found in some restaurants, along with cracked tiles and
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Roeder anger at referee
GLENN ROEDER last night attempted to direct the focus away from his touchline debate with Jose Mourinho by venting his anger towards match official Chris Foy. Mourinho remonstrated in the technical area and appeared to wave his hand in the air
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Harmison quits one day game
DURHAM'S Steve Harmison has announced his retirement from one day international cricket to coincide with the naming of England's squad for the forthcoming one day triangular series against Australia and New Zealand. Harmison was dropped for England's
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Joys to the world...
Well does TV deserve a partridge in a pear tree out ten or not this year? TV critic Steve Pratt runs his eye over the festive offerings for another season and picks out the 12 joys, which may or may not all be worth five gold rings but are likely to
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Fowler deeds lie ahead
THERE'S a surprise lying under the Christmas tree in Albert Square. Oh look, it's Pauline (Foul Temper) Fowler. What can have happened to the Queen of the Launderette that will surely put a damper on the Christmas spirit in EastEnders (BBC1)? Then again
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For he's ajolly good bellow
Veteran actor Brain Blessed tells Viv Hardwick about his dogged efforts to amuse all the family this Christmas with a charming tale about talking sheepdogs. "Children these days are so discerning,'' Brian Blessed says. ''If they don't believe, they don't
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Now it's Hollywood extras
Steve Pratt talks to Ricky Gervaise about the spread of his career to both sides of the Atlantic as he prepares for a sell-out stage tour to Newcastle. INVITING a Hollywood star to guest on his BBC2 comedy series Extras has given The Office star Ricky
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Expecting trouble
FROM the start, Dawn Swann's romance with Rob Minter seemed doomed. When EastEnders' star-crossed lovers first met she was pretending to be Jane, Ian Beale's wife-to-be, causing much confusion as they got together. Now the big romance of Dawn's life has
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The unseen man of magic
Viv Hardwick talks to the magician who conjures up illusions all over the world and is making startling things happen for Scrooge at Sunderland. THE man who has taught Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe to be a real magician admits he loves every moment
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The things we do for love
Graham Gouldman is a music legend thanks to 10cc, but his long career includes success in the 60s and a determination to keep touring and creating music. He talks to Viv Hardwick as the new-look 10cc prepare to tour to the North-East and North Yorkshire
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The full-bodied fiilm role
Steve Pratt finds out how nervous-looking actor Ben Wishaw shaped up to his physical role as a serial killer obsessed with capturing the scent of a woman. STILL only 26, Ben Wishaw is leading the sort of charmed life on stage and screen that most rising
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December 21st, 2006
MUSLIMS: COULD I reply to Pete Winstanley and Hugh Pender on my apparent unjust barrage of criticism of Mr Winstanley's seemingly "balanced view" of events in the Middle East and Muslims? Having read Mr Winstanley's interpretations of statistics and
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Festive services
Today: THE Mayor of Chilton, Councillor Brian Turner and his wife, Audrey, will host a civic carol service at St Aidan's Church, Chilton, at 7pm, followed by refreshments in the churchhall. Friday Fishburn Band lead carol singing around the Christmas
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Health trusts appoint managers
DARLINGTON Primary Care Trust and the County Durham Primary Care Trust (PCT) have announced the names of seven of their top managers. Dr Hilton Dixon, Carole Harder, Amanda Hume, Brian Key, Pat Keane, Cameron Ward, Rosemary Granger are to join chief executives
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Trouble in spinning a good tale
A WEEK after 'Sleazy Thursday', what strikes me is Tony Blair's remarkable inability to get his stories straight on his most dishonourable day in office. Whether its cash-for-honours or kowtowing to the Saudi Arabian government, why can't the Prime Minister
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Village post office gets 11th hour reprieve from closure
VILLAGERS who feared the closure of their post office and shop was imminent have been cheered by the news it has been given an 11th hour stay of execution. Residents of Kirk Merrington, near Spennymoor, believed that the village's sub post office was
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Football for charity
HUNDREDS of young footballers have teamed up with a town's hospice for a Christmas fundraising raffle. Players from St Mary's FC, which runs 18 teams for youngsters from the Bishop Auckland area, collected prizes and sold tickets for the raffle, to raise
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Nativity flock guarded by 17 shepherds
CHILDREN as young as three have been taking part in their first Nativity at a pre-school group. The youngsters, from Byerley Road Pre-School group, in Shildon, acted out the Nativity, which was read by staff, before singing Christmas songs. The pre-school
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Carol singing treat for elderly
ELDERLY people at a Shildon care home have been enjoying a musical Christmas thanks to three local youth groups. Holly Lodge Care Home, in Maddison Street, hosted a carol service by members of the town's Rainbows and Beavers groups earlier this month.
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Development to be built around homes
DEVELOPERS behind a housing scheme on a site which was partially cleared in the 1980s will build around the last few remaining tenants. The site at Hawkshead Place, Newton Aycliffe, was previously occupied by former council housing stock but only six
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Flushed with pride at awards
WEAR Valley's public conveniences have been honoured at the toilet world's national awards ceremony. The district's toilets were the only new entry in this year's 20-strong toilet Premier League, which was unveiled at the recent Loo of the Year Awards
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Bad girls say good bye
Bad Girls: A Christmas Special (ITV1): The only festive spirit in Larkhall women's prison is hidden in the Costa Cons' cell - a bottle of whisky they've stolen from the officers' room. Acting Wing Governor Sylvia "Bodybag" Hollamby is determined to play
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Free nappies offer for parents
COUNCILS across North Yorkshire are urging parents of young babies to use environmentally friendly nappies. As part of the Get Real in York and North Yorkshire campaign, the waste partnership covering the two areas is offering eligible parents and carers
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Protecting our children?
POLICE were understandably jubilant yesterday after bringing Shildon paedophile Thomas O'Carroll to justice, confiscating his "Aladdin's Cave" of child porn and breaking up his international network. He was jailed for two-and-a-half years. He will be
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Warnings after spate of fires tackled
FIREFIGHTERS have urged people to deck the halls safely after a spate of fires caused by Christmas lights and decorations. Fire crews in North Yorkshire have this week dealt with five house fires caused by decorations and candles. Last week, a family
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Parents get advice on party plans
GUIDELINES on holding parties have been issued by a school to parents anxious to keep their teenagers safe. Ashville College, in Harrogate, took the step after requests from parents and national concerns over binge drinking. Topics covered include alcohol
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Town markets plan
CHRISTMAS and New Year markets will be held in two towns. Traders will be in Northallerton and Thirsk this Saturday and Saturday, December 30, closing at the usual time. There will be slight changes to markets operated by Hambleton District Council throughout
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Peaks challenge aids ward
A NEW sensory room for young hospital patients is a step closer thanks to the efforts of Round Table members. Twelve members of the Stokesley group tackled the Three Peaks of Yorkshire. They completed the 25-mile walk in nine hours, 45 minutes, a new
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Shake-up of special schools backed despite funding fear
A RADICAL review of special schools in North Yorkshire has been overwhelmingly approved by county councillors, despite concerns about funding and effects on staff. Council officers insist that the changes will lead to better services for children and
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Hear All sides
FESTIVE COSTS: I WAS very disappointed, if not surprised, after reading the letter from Councillor Fraser Reynolds (HAS, Page 4, Dec 19). The Leader of Durham City Council was replying to a letter from Mrs LA Catterson (HAS, Page 11, Dec 9), who asked
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Drivers gambling with lives
POLICE running a campaign in the county against drink-driving have accused some drivers of gambling with other people's lives. In the campaign, which began at the start of the month, officers have so far breath-tested 1,274 drivers and bike riders, and
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Shoes donated
HARROGATE and Knaresborough MP Phil Willis has donated some of his shoes to the Blue Peter appeal to raise money for Unicef work with children in Malawi.
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Tops in the fitness table
PEOPLE in Durham are among the fittest in the country, according to research. The year-long survey, conducted by Ipsos MORI on behalf of Sport England, revealed the city is the most active area in the region. When it comes to participation in physical
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Trusts name new senior managers
DARLINGTON Primary Care Trust and new health body, County Durham Primary Care Trust (PCT), have announced the names of seven of their top managers. Dr Hilton Dixon, Carole Harder, Amanda Hume, Brian Key, Pat Keane, Cameron Ward and Rosemary Granger are
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Free bus scheme will be extended
COUNCILLORS have agreed to extend a popular free bus travel scheme for pensioners and people with disabilities. From April, Hartlepool residents who are 60 and over, and the disabled, have been able to travel free on buses throughout the former Cleveland
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On trail of town's history next month
A STORY trail depicting a town's history is to be completed next month. Work is under way at Hartlepool's Headland to erect 18 information panels, topped off with a cast-iron monkey design, echoing the town's legend. Once in place, they will lead people
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Boro fans help to tackle racists
MIDDLESBROUGH supporters are blowing the whistle on rogue fans who are bringing the name of the club into disrepute. Chants, which include racially offensive words have generated a number of complaints, and the police reaction has been to arrest those
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Wind farm approval means funding for local projects
A POWER company will not have to set up a community fund as part of planning permission to create a wind farm. However, the company, granted permission for the scheme, has promised to provide funding of £25,000 a year. Members of Derwentside District
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Drinks check-up
MIDDLESBROUGH Council's community protection food and safety team hit the town's bars last night, armed with an array of measuring devices, aiming to make sure drinkers were getting what they paid for. Checks were being made on spirits including vodka
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£20m windfall for more houses
FIVE communities are in for a share of a £20m windfall which will see the construction of more than 200 homes. The Durham Villages Regeneration Company (DVRC) has already delivered about £40m worth of investment in and around former pit villages. And
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Award-winning wardens - but one will have to be axed
AN AWARD winning team of wardens is to be split up. Earlier this year, wardens Steve Westwood, Tom Gatley and Linda Irvin were named community heroes at the first North-East Warden Awards, where they received two awards, and were also awarded a distinction
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Peaks walk raises £2,000 for ward
A SENSOR room for young hospital patients is a step closer to reality, thanks to the efforts of Round Table members. Twelve members of the Stokesley group tackled the Three Peaks of Yorkshire earlier this year, completing the 25-mile walk in nine hours
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Anger as pensioner refused care home place
THE admissions policy of a new extra care scheme for the elderly has been called into question after a pensioner was refused a place. The family of 92-year-old Betty Spencer are angry that she was not admitted into the new Sycamore Hall facility, in Bainbridge
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Expanding printer eyes £1m barrier
PRINTING business CMDK is about to break the £1m turnover barrier after three-years of expansion. The business, based in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, was set up in 1995 and has quadrupled the number of staff to 18 in three years and doubled its floorspace
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Beehive is about to get a lot busier
UP to 50 jobs could be created in the new year with the completion of a business project in the region. The Beehive suites, at Lingfield Point business park, on the outskirts of Darlington, have been developed in three stages. The first two phases have
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Libraries like page from Victorian novel
LIBRARY staff are turning back the clock to provide bookworms with a novel run-up to Christmas. Librarians across Middlesbrough are dressing in Victorian costume, decking out reading rooms with 19th Century-style Christmas decorations and making hot buttered
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BPI reports improving fortunes
PACKAGING company British Polythene Industries (BPI) has reported a recovery in its performance after interim results showed a fall in profits. The company, which employs about 350 people in Stockton, said that a reduction in raw material costs had seen
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Hi Fi is sweet music to trainer Williams' ear
HAVING endured a miserable slump during autumn, Ian Williams' stable is now beginning to fire, which can only be good news for supporters of Ludlow-bound Hi Fi (2.40). The Tanners Wines Handicap Chase is the race that has been targeted by Williams for
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Disabled workers take factory closure fight to Downing Street
DISABLED workers yesterday staged a protest in Downing Street and handed over a petition signed by thousands of people as part of a campaign to prevent the closure of their factories. Unions fear that a number of sites run by Remploy, the largest employer
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Middle East move for Hertel
INDUSTRIAL services company Hertel is continuing its global expansion with the establishment of three sites in the Middle East. The company, which has a UK base in Middlesbrough, has set up operations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar, and has plans to expand
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Legal loophole could affect underage sales prosecutions
A LEGAL loophole could prevent the prosecution of businesses accused of selling alcohol to underage drinkers. The decision by York City Council to drop 16 prosecutions after a judge's ruling could have wide implications across the country. The council
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Police make eight arrests
POLICE have arrested eight people in connection with an attack on two others in a town last month. Sergeant Simon Wilson, of Northallerton police, said CCTV footage had helped identify those suspected of causing serious injuries to the pair after an incident
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Burke and Noon sit out Falcons' tough trip to Gloucester
NEWCASTLE Falcons will be without skipper Matt Burke and England centre Jamie Noon for tomorrow night's Guinness Premiership trip to Gloucester. They are saving the Australian for the Boxing Day visit of Sale Sharks to Kingston Park, and while he waits
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Town to receive security camera coverage
BEDALE is to be added to a council's network of CCTV cameras. Hambleton District Council cabinet approved three fixed cameras for the town after it heard that crime figures warranted the move. Two will cover Market Place and North End and the third will
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It's cold comfort for the waiting press
NEIGHBOURS were intrigued when the world's press descended on their street yesterday in connection with a murder investigation. Sandringham Road, in Hartlepool, became the latest media hotspot as the country focused on the Suffolk murders. The former
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MBEfor respected councillor from pit village
A COUNCILLOR who has represented a former mining community for more than 40 years has been honoured by the Queen. Robin Todd, who was born and bred in South Hetton, worked as an electrician at the local colliery before becoming a district and parish councillor
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Southgate shrugs off travel sickness
GARETH Southgate insists he's happy with Middlesbrough's form away from the Riverside this season - despite the Teessiders failing to win any of the nine games on their travels. Boro have picked up just three away points from 27 this campaign, but the
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Battling back from a near-fatal illness to finally find true love
A former wife of Suffolk serial murders suspect Steve Wright has been tracked down to the North-East. Neil Hunter looks at the life of Hartlepool woman Diane Cole. SHE gave what she vowed would be her final interview to a newspaper only a week ago. Diane
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Public can test skills by hiring police skid pan
A POLICE skid pan will be available for public hire for the first time. The pan at force headquarters, Aykley Heads, County Durham, is used to teach police drivers on how to cope with treacherous conditions . Thousands of gallons of water can be pumped
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Sturrock holds key to Monkhouse's Pools future
ANDY MONKHOUSE wants his future thrashed out and remains hopeful he will be staying at Hartlepool United. Monkhouse's one-month loan at Victoria Park is due to end after Saturday's trip to Bury and Swindon boss Paul Sturrock has revealed an intention
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Couple are banned from top dog tracks
A COUPLE have been banned from the region's top greyhound tracks in the wake of a major inquiry into the killing of thousands of dogs. Professional trainers Michael and Carole Allen, from Easington, County Durham, admitted breaching National Greyhound
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Recruiters score century
AN Army recruitment duo in Durham are handing over the reigns after enlisting more than 100 local people into the forces. Staff Sergeant Julianne Dancey and Sergeant Ian Boyle are being succeeded by Sergeant Sara Lucas and Sergeant Chris Dixon at Durham
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Downfall of 'respectable' face of a sick and evil obsession
Tom O'Carroll was hailed as a hero by perverts across the globe, but now the 'respectable' face of paedophilia faces two years behind bars. David Roberts looks at the events which led to his arrest. At first glance, the website looks like thousands of
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No joy from the Collection of Stupid Asses
I WANTED to write a humorous, light-hearted column this week about the rituals of Christmas. So forgive me for turning unseasonably glum. But I can't help thinking about my good friend Helen. She had to tell her children the other week not to build their
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Mamma mia and her sweet sixteen
MIA the rare Spinoni hunting dog is finding it hard to stretch her puppy love to all 16 of her new arrivals.Just two months ago, the pedigree pooch's owner, Suzanne Whittingham, took her on a 3,000-mile round trip to Rimini to find her a suitable mate.The
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Church leader snubs Big Brother
THE Archbishop of York turned down an offer to appear on Celebrity Big Brother, adding: "We don't do celebrity."Outspoken Dr John Sentamu, the second most senior cleric in the Church of England, has also voiced concerns about the cult of celebrity.He
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Light a candle at Christmas to remember missing Jenny
THE parents of murdered shopworker Jenny Nicholl are asking well-wishers to light a candle for their daughter this Christmas.More than 1,000 candles have been handed out to shops in Jenny's home town of Richmond, North Yorkshire.The candles are wrapped
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Polishing up their Polish pays off for Nativity stars
MOST children don't learn a foreign language until secondary school - but pupils at Alderman Leach Primary School are one step ahead.They have just successfully performed a Nativity play in both English and Polish to packed audiences.Teacher Anne-Marie
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Drinking chocolate helps you work, rest and sway
A BREWERY is toasting sweet success after its latest ale went down a storm - in Finland.Daleside Brewery, based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, produced 10,000 bottles of Chocolate Stout, a beer designed to appeal to the Scandinavian market.All 10,000
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Peace light spreads way around world
A PEACE light that has travelled all the way from Bethlehem is spreading its warm glow across a hospital.Patients, visitors and staff can visit the chapel at The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, to see the light. The candle will continue
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Union's vow to fight for 999 jobs
A UNION has vowed to fight an ambulance service over its warning that 400 staff face redundancyThe Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) is to tell staff the job losses are to bring about a more efficient service.It plans to break the news to workers in letters
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Museum calls for help from public with yesteryear exhibits
MUSEUM staff are appealing for help to stock an exhibition on household goods from yesteryear.The World of James Herriot, in Thirsk, is holding a spring cleaning display and needs people's help.The centre wants household goods in their packaging from
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Sweet firm answers call from soldiers
BOXES of sweets are being rushed to the world's war zones to bring some Christmas cheer to British soldiers.About 8,000 packets of Haribo sweets have been delivered to Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, ready to be flown out to Iraq and Afghanistan.
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Michael in the swim again after friends rally round for drysuit
MICHAEL Bowey is like any other eight-year-old boy who loves swimming and splashing about in the water.But until recently, a trip to the baths could have killed the pupil from Brandon, Durham.He suffers from primary pulmonary hypertension and has to wear
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Council chief caught up in expenses row
A COUNCIL leader has denied misleading the public over donations to the Labour Party from members' expenses.Conservative members of Darlington Borough Council have condemned Councillor John Williams for denying that deductions were made from his council
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Space, the final all-clear
AN astronaut born in the North-East has played a vital part in ensuring he and the rest of the crew of the Discovery space shuttle make a safe return to earth tomorrow.Nick Patrick, from Saltburn, east Cleveland, yesterday checked Discovery's heat shield
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Yorke enjoys getting to know Grant
AFTER playing alongside some of the greatest to have set foot on the Premiership stage, it is small wonder Dwight Yorke knew little before an August move to Sunderland about Grant Leadbitter. But, having spent the last four months learning about the talented
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Southgate shrugs off travel sickness
GARETH Southgate insists he's happy with Middlesbrough's form away from the Riverside this season - despite the Teessiders failing to win any of the nine games on their travels. Boro have picked up just three away points from 27 this campaign, but the
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Multi-millionaire scientist leaves £1m to blind charity
A BENEVOLENT multi-millionaire has left almost £1m to a national charity for the blind. Scientist and lawyer Dr Graham Daryl Clifford Rushton, of Hutton Towers, Hutton Rudby, died at a nursing home in Northallerton in April, following a long period of
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Bedsearcher service offers risk-free boost to hoteliers
ONLINE hotel booking service Bedsearcher plans to increase its business ten-fold by joining forces with rural hospitality providers. The multi-award winning company, based in Darlington, already has a database of more than 19,000 hotels, bed and breakfasts
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Union accuses Jeld-Wen of doing nothing to save jobs
A UNION last night accused manufacturer Jeld-Wen of not doing enough to prevent the closure of its Darlington factory, which would lead to the loss of 140 jobs. The Northern Echo revealed earlier this month how the Lingfield Point site, which makes
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Top paedophile is jailed
SENIOR police officers have spoken of their delight at bringing a top paedophile to justice.Thomas O'Carroll, who led a worldwide campaign for the legalisation of child sex from his County Durham home, was sentenced to two-and-half years imprisonment
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Ex-wife's life with murder suspect
THE former wife of a man arrested on suspicion of murdering five women said their marriage was a disaster.Diane Cole, 52, from Hartlepool, married Steve Wright in 1987 and returned to her native North-East when the couple split a year later.Yesterday,
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Lights which light up the world
A Christmas cornupcopia - from porridge to zebras; lights to wreckings; and does County Durham have the sweariest place in the land?THE biblical injunction to judge not, lest thou be judged, clearly doesn't apply to us purveyors of suspended sentences
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'People come to us in terrible states'
It's 40 years since Cathy Come Home, the drama about homelessness, first hit our screens, and 40 years since the charity Shelter was founded. Women's Editor Sarah Foster visits a North-East homelessness project and finds out whether things hae changed
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Repeat performance by super-sub Drogba
Newcastle United 0, Chelsea 1 TWO years ago, Jose Mourinho introduced a couple of substitutes to ensure Chelsea edged past Newcastle United in the Carling Cup - last night he repeated the trick.But where the Blues had to wait until extra-time before
