Archive
-
Date
Fire-fighters rescue dog after it traps head in wall of house
A DOG that got its head stuck in a small hole in the wall of a house had to be rescued by fire-fighters this evening. Crews were called to Queensway in Brunton Park, Newcastle, at around 7.30pm. The dog, a ten-month-old Cocker Spaniel called Paddy,
-
Date
County Durham tree surgeon finishes third in Big Brother
COUNTY Durham tree surgeon Liam McGough, 23, came third in Channel 4's Big Brother tonight following a public vote. Liam, from Kitswell Bungalows, Lanchester, amassed just under 20 per cent of the votes. When he was told the result Liam said "Yes!
-
Date
Desperate dad avoids jail over prison drug smuggling
A DESPERATE dad risked his own freedom to take drugs to his heroin addict son inside prison. William Thompson had already re-mortgaged his home to pay for detox programmes and suffered the break-up of his marriage during his son's decade long addiction
-
Date
Driver cleared of careless driving after man's death
A DRIVER who ran over and killed a father-of-one has been cleared of careless driving. James William Horsfield, 39, was charged after hitting Alan Cooke, 62, as he walked along the A6108 at Jervaulx, near Ripon, North Yorkshire. Mr Cooke was hit just
-
Date
One point splits top three
NEXT week's final leg of the North East Drennan League couldn't be more equally balanced with a mere one point separating three super teams: Shimano Quaker, Newman Scott and Daiwa Cleveland Angling Centre. The penultimate fixture staged on the lower
-
Date
Provett ensures the future will remain in safe hands
IT'S not unheard of for a retired professional to set up his own coaching school, but for a footballer whose career is still very much in its early days to do so is much more surprising. But that is the step former Hartlepool United goalkeeper Jim
-
Date
Vipers unveil new kit
As The Northern Echo re-launches its online coverage of the Vipers, PAUL WHITE attends the official shirt launch event, where the club not only unveiled its new kit, but also its new look team. ANOTHER new net minder, a new captain and major changes
-
Date
Civil servant stole almost £9,000 in tax credits
A CIVIL servant who conned almost £9,000 from the government by diverting tax credit payments to her own account has been spared jail. Susan Maher was employed by HM Revenue and Customs at the Sunderland city contact centre dealing with inquiries about
-
Date
Wilson excited about new-look Vipers
ROB Wilson has expressed his excitement about the season ahead with his new-look Vipers team. Having retired to the coaching bench, Wilson has spent his summer giving a different shape to the side and admits that while he does not expect to win it all
-
Date
Bioshock
Publisher: 2K Games Formats: XBox 360 Price: £50 Family friendly? 15+ IN the 1960s a passenger jet crashes into the ocean in an apparently random accident. One man survives and miraculously
-
Date
Return of the robots
Robots have been a staple of science fiction movies for almost 100 years but now the dream could become a reality DO you remember Robby the Robot? He was the rather strange-looking mechanical man in the 1950s Sci-Fi film classic Forbidden Planet
-
Date
Killer threatened to strangle former wife
A CONVICTED killer threatened to strangle his former wife when he attacked her during a row more than two years after they split up. George Smith punched his former partner Katrina then grabbed her by the throat as they clashed at her home in east Cleveland
-
Date
The Tree With No Branches by Ella Race (Grosvenor House, £8.99)
GROWING up in the 1960s could sometimes be fearful rather than fab as nineyear- old Leila rapidly discovers after a particularly gruesome encounter with death. Sent to the North of England to stay with relatives she thereafter looks forward to
-
Date
Butcher by Campbell Armstrong (Allison and Busby, £6.99)
A HARD-nosed Glasgow crime thriller with enough bodies to overflow a morgue but enlivened by some dry patter and a wicked sense of humour. Jewish, but not entirely kosher, detective Lou Perlman is pitted against new gangster on the block Reuben
-
Date
The Last Testament by Sam Bourne (Harper, £6.99)
AMID the tension in the ancient city of Jerusalem, the last will of Abraham the father is found in an Arabic antiquities shop. The tablet has the potential to create ever-lasting peace in Israel, yet evil forces - Israeli, Palestinian and the CIA
-
Date
McSweeney's 23: Short Stories (Hamish Hamilton, £16.99)
T HIS must be one of the most intriguing books you could ever come across. You won't be able to decide if it's charmingly wacky or just plain weird, but you'll definitely want to read it. At first glance McSweeney's 23, which features ten short
-
Date
Town to take step back in time to welcome movie stars
RESIDENTS in a seaside town will take a step back in time next week to celebrate the regional premiere of the Hollywood Blockbuster Atonement. A special street event will be held along The Esplanade, in Redcar, east Cleveland, hours before the VIP screening
-
Date
Slow Cooking From Around The Mediterranean by Carolyn Humphries (Foulsham, £7.99)
FORGET any idea that slow cookers are only for stews and casseroles - with Carolyn Humphries' recipes you'll soon be turning out soups, pates and desserts as well. From elegant fare such as Coq au Vin to peasant specialities such as bolli, there
-
Date
No pain, no gain
LADIES watching their waistline will soon be able to enjoy a night out guilt free. A North-East businesswoman has come to the rescue of figure-conscious girls, by inventing the first sugar-free alcopop. Lorraine Griffiths created Baby Pink and Baby
-
Date
Inquest into gun tragedy man
AN inquest was opened and adjourned yesterday into the death of conservationist and barrister Stephen Franklin, 57, who was involved in a gun tragedy on North-East farmland last week. Mr Franklin, a trustee of the Otter Trust, in Norfolk, was killed
-
Date
Four-year-old killed on caravan site
A FOUR-YEAR-OLD boy has died following an accident at a caravan site. Emergency services were called to Rowntree Park Caravan Park, in Terry Avenue, York, at 6.45pm on Thursday after the youngster, who was riding a pedal cycle, was in collision with
-
Date
O'Neil close to following Shawky to Boro
FORMER England Under-21 international Gary O'Neil has been at Rockliffe Park today for a medical, after Middlesbrough had a £5m bid accepted. The 24-year-old has been given permission to talk to Boro from Portsmouth, who have been forced into selling
-
Date
Man jailed for broom attack
A MAN was jailed after he put a mother and son in hospital by battering them with a broom handle. Susan Skene, 50, bravely tried to break up a disturbance on her doorstep in Loftus when she was wakened by a racket at 2am. She found a group of shouting
-
Date
Timothy's Book: Notes Of An English Country Tortoise by Verlyn Klinkenborg (Portobello Books, £7.99)
IN the garden of his Hampshire vicarage the Rev Gilbert White (1720-93), whose observations of nature were collected in the classic The Natural History of Selborne, kept a tortoise. Named Timothy, she was proved after her death to have been a female
-
Date
Nature's Way by Ruth Binney (David & Charles, £9.99)
THE subtitle, "lore, legend, fact and fiction", says nearly all you need to know about this compact hardback. Expect rain if asses bray, rooks sit in rows on fences, or a black snail crosses your path. Lots like that. Fascinating - but the cluttered
-
Date
Young gets England call
ASHLEY Young was a surprise inclusion in the 26-man England squad named by Steve McClaren today for the crucial Euro 2008 double header with Israel and Russia in September. Blackburn midfielder David Bentley has also been handed the opportunity to win
-
Date
Nature's Calendar by Chris Packham, Mike Dilger, Sanjida O'Connell and Janet Summer (Collins, £17.99)
THE North-East and North Yorkshire feature handsomely in this guide to British wildlife locations, based on a recent BBC2 series. Well-illustrated double-page spreads are devoted to Holy Island, Wallington Hall, Northumberland Pools near Alnwick
-
Date
Silent Fields by Roger Lovegrove (Oxford, £25)
IN 1566 Elizabeth I's government passed an act which listed all the wildlife that was to be classed as vermin, with payments offered for specimens killed. The catalogue includes not only crows, magpies, stoats and weasels but buzzards, ospreys,
-
Date
The Guy can fish
THE Environment Agency sponsored Tyne Championships took place on Sunday with the winner picking up an impressive £650. This year's match was based around Hexham with two sections at Hexham and Corbridge along with six sections on the North Tyne split
-
Date
Magpies' chairman refused entry to club for wearing club shirt
BRITAIN'S most famous recluse was refused entry to a nightclub - because he was wearing a football shirt. The billionaire owner of Newcastle United, Mike Ashley, headed for glam nightspot Blu Bambu in Newcastle's infamous Bigg Market to celebrate his
-
Date
Man hits out at NHS for not cutting his toenails
A MAN is complaining because no-one from the NHS has come out to cut his toenails. John Simpson, 60, of York, who said he was a "bit stiff", fumed: "It is a ridiculous situation and it needs addressing. "I'm only 60, but I'm a bit stiff and rigid and
-
Date
On being famous
I WAS never destined to become famous. In 1964 I represented South Yorkshire U15 at rugby union and was reserve for the season. When the winger Jones did not turn up against Derbyshire at Sheffield, I played and scored a try! The Sheffield Star
-
Date
Markets
ON behalf of the National Market Traders' Federation, which represents the open and covered market traders at Darlington and also represents more than 36,000 traders throughout the country, some of whom were present with our markets promotion Making
-
Date
Lap dancing
DURHAM City Liberal Democrat Councillor Mark Wilkes (HAS, Aug 25) wrote about the dilemma that he faced as a Liberal Democrat councillor over the granting of a licence for a lap dancing club. One of the reasons I vote Liberal Democrat is because
-
Date
Bird skills
FOLLOWING John von Radowitz's article (Echo, Aug 24) about animals using tools to enhance their ability to gather food, Dr Alex Kaceinik, Professor of Behavioural Ecology at Oxford University, points out: "Purposeful modification of objects to
-
Date
Safety factor
SO Durham Police's survey of 1,600 people in their force area found 80 per cent felt safe in their area (Echo, Aug 22). Who did they survey: yobs and criminals (they obviously can't have surveyed the many victims of assaults court cases which appear
-
Date
Planners
HARRY Mead (Echo, Aug 22) criticises Durham City Council for giving planning permission to the soccer centre at Belmont. It is a difficult task to balance the needs of a modern day society while trying to protect the environment of an historic
-
Date
A thief in the night
WELL we have had a bit of sunshine at last. Luckily, it coincided with a rare, schedule- free, weekend at home. For the first time in nearly a year I didn't have to rise to the rude interjection of an alarm call. My sleep was deep and relaxed,
-
Date
Shikhar no ordinary Tom, Dick or Hari
HOODED against an English August evening, Shikhar Dhawan bowls into Etherley Cricket Club, drinks a single orange juice, repeats what he told them on the day that he arrived. "One day soon I want to play for India," he says, and few around
-
Date
School plans 2.4-metre fence to protect pupils' play area
A SCHOOL intends to install a perimeter fence around part of its field to keep out vandals and dogs. When youngsters at Rift House Primary School, in Hartlepool, are to use the field, their teachers must do a sweep of the area, because dog mess, broken
-
Date
Recreation gets boost with new contract
LEISURE facilities across Redcar and Cleveland are to get a new lease of life after the company set up to run the services was awarded a new contract. Tees Valley Leisure is celebrating an initial two-year deal with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council
-
Date
Shooting club desperate to arm itself with funding
AN ambitious scheme to set up a new sports club in the county town of North Yorkshire is under threat because of a lack of cash. Fledgling plans for a fencing and shooting club in Northallerton are struggling to get off the ground and outside help is
-
Date
Full marks for economy
Schools will be opening their doors agains next week. And there's even more good news for parents - uniform has never been cheaper, even for the biggest lads and lasses. YOU really can't leave it any longer. Next week they'll be back in school and unless
-
Date
Pass the school health test
As the autumn term looms Gabrielle Fagan explains what ailments your child can expect to come across in the classroom - and what to do about them. CHILDREN starting school next week aren't just going to make new friends - they're also going to encounter
-
Date
Mistaken identity
Identity (BBC2, 5.15pm), Big Brother: Live Fianl (C4, 8.30pm and 10.30 pm) 'Is... that... your... identity?". Donny Osmond - yes, him of Puppy Love fame - points his finger as he slowly says the words, each one separated by Pinteresque pauses. He's
-
Date
Call for panel review after exclusion concerns
COUNCILLORS have called for a re-think over the make-up of a panel, which they say excludes a political group from a say in appointing a new chief executive. Three members of Richmondshire District Council want the authority to call in a decision made
-
Date
Huge loss for dales' farming community
THE farming communities of Bishopdale and Wensleydale have lost one of their stalwarts following the death of Herbert Scarr, aged 85. Mr Scarr led a full life, surrounded by family and friends, and his concern for their welfare remained with him, despite
-
Date
Debut success for young eventer
A YOUNG horsewoman rode her pony to success in her first one-day event, despite being one of the youngest competitors. Jessica Miller, 12, of Skeeby, near Richmond, was third in the area qualifier for the national novice championships, held in Cheshire
-
Date
Burst pipe: water firm defends role
YORKSHIRE Water has replied to criticism that it left a burst pipe unattended for six days. The leak in South End, Bedale, was finally repaired yesterday after several residents in the area telephoned the company on Thursday last week. One resident, who
-
Date
Company told it can store toxic materials
THOUSANDS of tonnes of toxic and flammable materials are to be stored on an industrial estate near Ripon following a unanimous decision by councillors. Bulk storage company the Potter Group applied to Harrogate Borough Council for an alternative hazardous
-
Date
Qashqai expansion in Japan will bring more work to N-E
NISSAN is expanding production of its Qashqai model in Japan, leading to more work for its North-East suppliers and more jobs. The car manufacturer, which expects to produce about 185,000 Qashqai cars in Washington, Wearside this financial year, yesterday
-
Date
Training company moves to new offices
HEALTH and safety training company Northern Safety has invested £500,000 in a new training centre, and said the facility will be crucial in its plans to push turnover through the £1m barrier within the next 18 months. The move to a purpose-built facility
-
Date
Traditional skills
Tabner Plastering Contractors has sent three of its employees on a training course to learn skills in restoring old buildings after winning a contract to carry out renovation work on early 20th Century buildings in North Yorkshire and east Cleveland.
-
Date
250 reasons why Duck_Club sports day was success
MORE than 250 children took part in the annual Richmond Duck Club sports day. The event took place on Bank Holiday Monday at the town's cricket field. Members of the club declared the day a success. The big race - the primary school relay - was won for
-
Date
Young and old don't mix, say flats objectors
OBJECTORS have hit out at a plan to build affordable flats for young people in an area populated with pensioners because "young and old don't mix". The YMCA wants to demolish part of its premises in Richmond Market Place and build eight one-bedroomed
-
Date
Police workers on the charity beat
POLICE support workers set themselves q gruelling overnight challenge - and raised more than £1,400 for charity. Ten staff from North Yorkshire police and their friends trekked across the famous Lyke Wake Walk to raise funds for Cancer Research. They
-
Date
Plans for £10m offices and restaurant unveiled
ABSOLUTE Leisure has unveiled plans to build a £10m office and restaurant complex in the North-East. The owner of floating nightclub Tuxedo Princess wants to transform the site at Hillgate Quay, in Gateshead, to house four restaurants and office units
-
Date
Hot tips on offer
CURRY fans will be able to pick up some hot tips at a food festival. Curry Cuisine, a West Yorkshire company which teaches people how to cook traditional Indian dishes, will have a stand at the Dales Harvest festival at Hawes, North Yorkshire, on September
-
Date
GCSE results
Redcar and Cleveland College, Redcar (A*-G passes only) C Atkinson 2, J Atkinson 1, D Bagley 1, K Bedlington 2, N Box 2, J Brettle 1, I Buckle 1, A Carter 1, J Davison 1, G Delaney 2, L Ellwood 1, L Evenden 1, N Fletcher 3, S Harrison 1, A Herlingshaw
-
Date
Three people may be the key to catching woman's attacker
THREE people could be key to catching a sex attacker. Detectives believe a woman and two men pictured on CCTV may have seen the attacker shortly before he targeted a 19-year-old woman in the West Lane area of Chester-le-Streeet, at about 4.30am on Saturday
-
Date
Supermarket says it's sorry after backlash
LIDL, the supermarket criticised last week by Darlington MP Alan Milburn, has apologised to residents. Mr Milburn said he was "sick to the back teeth" with the store after promises to tackle anti-social behaviour in its car park did not materialise. He
-
Date
Launch of £2.5m business centre to create 100 jobs
A £2.5m BUSINESS centre was officially opened in Peterlee yesterday. The Novus Business Centre, Judson Road, in North-West Industrial Estate, has a range of business facilities for 31 offices. The centre's manager, Sarah Slaven, said she hoped it would
-
Date
Syd smiling after -disgusting' state of river put right
THE River Wear, in Durham City centre, has been cleaned up, after a fisherman described it as "disgusting". Syd Hewitt said a build-up of rubbish close to Durham Castle and cathedral was putting off tourists and disrupting salmon migration. Mr Hewitt,
-
Date
Drinks company to launch sugar-free alcopops
A DRINKS company in the North-East is to launch the country's first sugar-free alcopops. Sunderland-based Alcohol Brands has developed the Baby Blue and Baby Pink sugar-free drinks as an alternative to traditional alcopops such as WKD and Smirnoff Ice
-
Date
Brakes put on BMX track plan for park
PLANS for a £22,500 BMX jump track in a park may be shelved after fierce opposition from local residents. In March, Barnard Castle Town Council discussed plans for a cycle park that would feature 25 different types of jumps, ramps and platforms at Kalafat
-
Date
Opening Asda 24 hours would be -nightmare'
SUPERMARKET giant Asda failed to bring round-the-clock shopping to Bishop Auckland when district councillors threw out a bid for 24-hour opening. The store closes at 9pm from Monday to Saturday, and Asda said the store needed extra hours because of customer
-
Date
We're at the end of our tether
It was several months ago but I can still remember the day, even the time. I don't suppose the other person - the deputy editor of this newspaper - has such a clear recollection of the conversation. He has heard me out on this topic more times than he
-
Date
'Love comes first - that's our secret'
A COUPLE celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary with friends and family yesterday. Ralph and Hazel McNeillie met at The Rink, in Spennymoor, before the Second World War and hit it off. But when the Army sent paratrooper Ralph to India, they found
-
Date
Deadline for art entries is extended
ARTISTIC residents have an extra month to send portrait competition entries to judges who have extended the deadline due to its success. Sedgefield People 2007 has been launched by Sedgefield Borough Council's arts development team to create an artistic
-
Date
August 31st, 2007
WHEN former Tesco boss Lord MacLaurin took over as chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board he announced his intention to streamline the operation. It subsequently mushroomed into a cast of thousands, including a heavily-staffed media relations
-
Date
Children starry-eyed during holidays
YOUNGSTERS have been enjoying space-themed activities during their summer holidays this week. Children from West Auckland have been taking part in crafts, activities and games at Oakley Cross Primary School's sports hall since Tuesday. The sessions were
-
Date
Lay director for services board
JOHN OWENS, an accountant from Ingleby Barwick, has been appointed a lay director to the Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland Community Services Board. Mr Owens, 53, has more than 30 years' experience in accountancy. He set up his own accountancy practice
-
Date
Will you be in the running?
ENTRIES are being sought for the sixth annual Ryedale Run, which over the years has proved a real money-spinner for Malton Hospital. Organiser Sylvia Milson hopes up to 200 athletes will to take part in the event on September 16. More than £500 of trophies
-
Date
Dogs are welcome at countryside festival
THIS weekend's fourth annual Hartlepool countryside festival will have a distinctly canine feel. The popular free event will be held on Sunday, from noon until 4pm, at Summerhill Country Park. There will be a wide range of activities for families to watch
-
Date
Bird reserve could bring £1m a year to economy
A MASSIVE bird reserve being created could transform the economy, it is being predicted. More than 100,000 people a year are expected to visit the RSPB's £4m Saltholme reserve, near Billingham, east Cleveland, which will open next year. Project manager
-
Date
New leisure programme for over-50s
AGE does not need to be a barrier for people aged over 50 who want to take part in activities at a council's leisure and sports venues. Sedgefield Borough Council is developing a programme of activities specifically aimed at older visitors. Among the
-
Date
Car boot sale for mayor's charities
THE mayor's office at Stockton Borough Council is holding a car boot sale on Sunday, in aid of the mayor's charities at Grangefield School on Oxbridge Avenue. Gates open for sellers at 8am, with a cost of £5 a pitch. It is open for the public at 9am,
-
Date
Care home looking after junior footballers
MOUNT Pleasant Rangers Junior Football Club were presented with shirts for the new season by their sponsor yesterday. The club's under-11s picked up the red kit from staff at the North Park Care Home, I'Anson Street, Darlington. The team, based at Newton
-
Date
United's Roma return
Sir Alex Ferguson admitted Manchester United's re-match with Roma will provide the talking point of their Champions League campaign. Last season's quarter-final tussle between the pair was scarred by violence. United supporters were attacked by fans and
-
Date
Keeping residents' fund afloat
STAFF from a nursing home teamed up with firefighters for an adrenaline-filled charity afternoon. Workers from St George's Hall and St George's Lodge, in Middleton St George, near Darlington, braved the rapids at the Tees Barrage yesterday. The white-water
-
Date
Reminder to apply for bus passes
PEOPLE eligible for the new national bus pass scheme should register as soon as possible, says Stockton Borough Council. The passes will allow the over-60s and people with disabilities to use local bus services throughout England from next April. The
-
Date
Slavery days and freedom songs
SLAVERY and freedom were the twin themes for three days of music workshops that ended with a big performance yesterday. Jack Drum Arts led a summer school at Wolsingham School and Community College, where 30 youngsters wrote songs and practised playing
-
Date
Leisure for the over-50s
AGE does not need to be a barrier for people aged over 50 who want to take part in activities at a council's leisure and sports venues. Sedgefield Borough Council is developing a programme of events specifically aimed at older visitors. Among the activities
-
Date
Yakubu gets a warning
Everton's record £11.25m signing Aiyegbeni Yakubu has been told he must fit into the club's work ethic to impress his new manager and fans. The Nigerian striker, 24, has left Middlesbrough under something of a cloud with club owner Steve Gibson saying
-
Date
Free classes to help get in shape
FREE fitness classes have been set up to help people get in shape. The Derwentside Lifestyle Initiative has teamed up with Dipton Community Centre and Leadgate Area Partnership. The Leadgate centre offers low-impact aerobics on Wednesdays and Fridays,
-
Date
A position even harder to defend
EARLIER this week, we said that the North Yorkshire and York Primary Care Trust had a moral duty to give the go-ahead for the drug Sutent to be prescribed to kidney cancer sufferer Barbara Selby. Yesterday, Britain's foremost kidney cancer specialist
-
Date
Fitness clubs to support hospice
TWO fitness clubs have pledged to support a hospice. Members of the Lifestyle Fitness Centres, in Derwentside, are starting to raise funds for Willow Burn Hospice, in Lanchester. They work out at The Louisa Centre in Stanley and Belle Vue Leisure Centre
-
Date
Murray beats Bjorkman
Andy Murray came from a set down to overcome veteran Jonas Bjorkman in five sets and move into the third round of the US Open in New York on Thursday. The British number one, seeded 19th at Flushing Meadows, took three hours, 37 minutes to beat the 35
-
Date
Youngsters get tips from experts
MORE than 40 youngsters have been brushing up on their footballing skills - with the help of a Premiership side. They have been taking part in the latest Football in the Community event organised by Bedale Leisure Centre with Middlesbrough Football Club
-
Date
Sheep breeders' relief as restrictions are lifted
THE region's livestock industry breathed a sigh of relief yesterday as more foot-and-mouth restrictions were lifted. Extra controls will operate, but livestock markets for cattle, sheep and pigs can resume from Monday - and livestock can attend agricultural
-
Date
Broad shoulders the load
Stuart Broad delivered career-best performances with bat and ball to secure another nail-biting victory for England against India under the floodlights at Old Trafford. The Leicestershire fast bowler continued his impressive progress as a new ball bowler
-
Date
More workers lose jobs at stricken engineering firm
MORE jobs were last night lost at a stricken Darlington engineering company, which has so far cut at least a third of its original workforce. Eleven workers at Malcolm Engineering Company (MEC) were made redundant without notice yesterday by the receivers
-
Date
Ten years on, the princes lead tribute to Diana
TEN years to the day since their mother was killed, Prince William and Prince Harry will today mark the poignant anniversary with a memorial service watched by a worldwide television audience of millions.The brothers were only boys when Diana, Princess
-
Date
Minister praises 999 teams after flooding
A STREET blighted by summer flooding was yesterday visited by a Government minister.Communities Minister and Hartlepool MP Iain Wright visited George Street, Darlington, to meet residents affected by flash flooding that struck across the region.And he
-
Date
Durham frustrated by Hicks and Riverside
THE Riverside pitch followed the predicted pattern yesterday, flattening out to provide Graeme Hick with the perfect platform to remind Durham fans of his glory years.Others followed suit, notably left-handed wicketkeeper Steven Davies, who made a season's-best
-
Date
Being blind does not keep Jack grounded
A PENSIONER has flown a plane for the first time at the age of 70 - despite being completely blind.Former bus fitter Jack McGrath, of Beechburn Park in Crook, County Durham, lost his sight in a work accident 14 years ago. But he did not let that stop
-
Date
Hughes returns at Pools
LEE Hughes, the former Premiership striker recently freed from jail, could make his football return tomorrow at Hartlepool United.Oldham Athletic this week signed the one-time £5m following his release from a three-year sentence for causing death by dangerous
-
Date
It's wild, it's wet and it's an exciting way to raise funds
STAFF from a nursing home teamed up with firefighters for an adrenaline-filled charity afternoon. Workers from St George's Hall and St George's Lodge, in Middleton St George, near Darlington, braved the rapids at the Tees Barrage yesterday. The white-water
-
Date
Band member to perform final gig at town music festival
A MUSIC festival will pull at heartstrings as well as guitar strings today as it marks the final gig for a band member. The YoYo Newblood Music Festival, in Darlington's Market Square, will feature five up-and-coming local bands playing free. One of the
-
Date
Business and college in training partnership
A COLLEGE is leading the way in teaching the art of plastering. Redcar and Cleveland College has been awarded training partnership status by British Gypsum. Principal Gary Groom said: "The college is delighted to be given this partnership award. The
-
Date
Man bags sporting rights on grouse moor
A WEALTHY businessman has stepped in to buy the sporting rights on one of the North East's most famous grouse moors - only a few weeks after they were put up for sale.He will take over the 11,200-acre Bowes Moor near Barnard Castle, County Durham on a
-
Date
Ohuruogu's gold medal is lacking its shine
CHRISTINE Ohuruogu has claimed the shine has been taken off her gold medal triumph - after negative criticism from back home. A golden cloak became a shroud of suspicion yesterday as the new world 400m champion woke to read and hear hostile coverage of
-
Date
Annual festival celebrating a return to Eighties glory
THE first pint was pulled last night to launch an annual beer festival.Thousands of pints of real ale and cider will be downed by lovers of traditional ales at Durham Students' Union building, Dunelm House, in New Elvet, Durham City.The 27th Durham Beer
-
Date
NHS breakthrough for Virulite medics
TWO medics have made a major breakthrough after the NHS agreed to make their anti-cold sore device available on prescription.The Virulite Cold Sore Machine was developed by GP Dr Gordon Dougal, from Easington, County Durham, and Darlington eye surgeon
-
Date
'Perfect village' under threat from housing, say residents
A VILLAGE named as Britain's most perfect is under threat from developers, according to councillors.Heighington Parish Council fears a scheme to build 12 affordable houses could destroy the harmony of the village, between Darlington and Newton Aycliffe.About
-
Date
Teenagers aiming to spread awareness after Lesotho visit
TEENAGERS trying to raise awareness of a disease that has devastated a continent have returned from a trip to Africa.Ten youngsters travelled from Darlington to Lesotho to look at HIV and Aids education schemes for young people working in schools and
-
Date
Jab plea to parents as measles spreads
Parents are being urged to give their children the MMR jab after figures showed measles cases have more than trebled in 11 weeks.The jab - which protects against measles, mumps and rubella - has proved highly controversial after allegations that it may
-
Date
Thousands of pupils struggling with 3Rs
Hundreds of thousands of children are struggling to master the basics of reading, writing and maths as primary school standards continue to fall, figures showed yesterday.For the second year in a row, the proportion of seven-year-olds making the grade
-
Date
Boro target O'Neil
MIDDLESBROUGH look set for a race against the clock on transfer deadline day after last night edging closer to landing Portsmouth midfielder Gary O'Neil.It is understood that Boro - who have also made a tentative enquiry about Newcastle United striker
-
Date
Elderly home is approved - despite 'boring' design
A NEW 70-bedroom elderly care home in Darlington has been granted planning permission. The privately-run home will be built on the old site of Skerne House, on the corner of Lakeside and Hammond Drive, Skerne Park. The house had been a home for youngsters
-
Date
Football fun time
YOUNG football stars of the future were put through their paces at a fun day yesterday. McNay Street Children's Centre, in Darlington, held a stay and play afternoon to showcase its facilities. Children were treated to an array of entertainment. They
-
Date
Bouncer threatened bar boss
A BOUNCER threatened a bar manager a day after one of her colleagues was sacked, a court heard yesterday. Cheromie Antoinette Arrica Lynch, 33, of Hundens Lane, Darlington, pleaded guilty to using threatening words and behaviour on May 2 at Darlington
-
Date
No plea entered
A 51-YEAR-OLD man will be committed to crown court after being accused of knocking a man unconscious. William Flatman, 51, of Welbeck Avenue, Haughton, Darlington, entered no plea against the allegation of grievous bodily harm from June 10 in Darlington
-
Date
High Flyers at Sure Start centre fun day
YOUNGSTERS and their mothers enjoyed a fun day at High Flyers Children's Centre, in Thornaby. As a bonus, mums and children and found themselves taking part in an attempt to get into the Guinness Book of Records. The Sure Start centre has a 70-place neighbourhood
-
Date
Forensics company looking to the global market
FORENSICS company Roar Particles is looking to elevate its market-leading technology on to a global scale by meeting some of the world's most prominent scientists. The company, based at NetPark, hosted a visit from a group of scientists from Asia as
-
Date
'We felt special'
In the final part of a series on Butterwick Children's Hospice - built in memory of Princess Diana - Lindsay Jennings discovers how the staff help children cope with the death of a loved one. PETER Ranson felt he had always been open with his ten-year-old
-
Date
Levet equals historical hole in one in Johnny Walker Cup
Frenchman Thomas Levet became only the second player in European Tour history to start a tournament with a hole-in-one at Gleneagles. The former Ryder Cup player aced the 208-yard 10th on the PGA Centenary Course with a five-iron and went on to score
-
Date
Penney building rivalry
Xavier Barrau's arrival completes Darlington's outfield team building and manager Dave Penney believes his signing will contribute to the already fierce competition for places.He joined on Wednesday and Ipswich Town yesterday allowed defender Ian Miller
-
Date
It will be all White Deer
SUPERIOR early pace combined with a handy low draw means White Deer (2.55) holds an automatic advantage over his rivals in Chester's Triton Handicap.Almost inevitably the big hitters will smash into Mark Johnston's gelding so White Deer isn't going to
-
Date
Act now to end this appalling injustice
PRESSURE was mounting on health chiefs last night to reverse their decision to deny a dying woman life-extending drugs after Britain's foremost kidney cancer specialist stepped into the row.Professor Tim Eisen, of Cambrdige University, who is also medical
-
Date
Sir Beefy crowns 175 years of cricket
ONE of the region's oldest cricket clubs celebrates its 175th anniversary tonight when Sir Ian Botham opens its new £41,000 changing rooms.Barnard Castle Cricket Club, in County Durham, was formed in 1832 on farmland on the edge of town, and moved in
-
Date
Arca backs fab Fabio
JULIO ARCA has paid tribute to room-mate Fabio Rochemback for the way he has overcome almost two years of Teesside teething problems to establish himself as an integral part of the Middlesbrough mind-set.The mere fact Rochemback, a signing from Barcelona
-
Date
Train delay figures highlight a steady rise
GNER was last night told its performance was not good enough after figures showed the number of trains running on time was the worst for five years.Only 64.9 per cent of GNER trains ran on time between June 24 and July 21, figures from Network Rail show.It
-
Date
Yakubu permitted to leave Middlesbrough for Everton
Yakubu finally left Middlesbrough yesterday after Everton were given the all-clear to sign the striker. The £11.25m Nigerian front man was given a work permit at an appeal hearing in Sheffield, after his original application following his move from Boro
-
Date
Keane still looking to bring in new recruits
HE might have signed 12 players already this summer, but Roy Keane is still hoping to recruit one more midfielder before the transfer window closes at midnight tonight.And while Sunderland's cumulative summer spending has now topped the £36m mark, the
-
Date
Bus driver fends off swordsman
A FEMALE bus driver who was confronted by a passenger brandishing a 2ft sword fought him off with a bottle of water.Armed police tackled the man on a Darlington estate after he threatened the female driver with the weapon.The driver, who has asked to
-
Date
Play me again, Sam
MICHAEL Owen last night dismissed suggestions that he was still struggling for match fitness, and urged Sam Allardyce to keep him in the starting line-up for tomorrow's Premier League home game with Wigan.Owen made his first domestic start of the season
-
Date
Trust clears £43m debt and declares 'troubles are over'
A CRISIS-hit health trust in the region, which once faced a £43m financial black hole, last night insisted its troubles were over after finally balancing its books.North Yorkshire and York Primary Care Trust (PCT) was forecast to break even in 2007-08
