Archive
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Charity crusade in memory of "mum".
THE family of a woman who was a "mum" to more than 50 people and a friend to hundreds more has started a charity crusade in her memory. Sylvia Hubbard, of Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, died in June just two weeks after she was diagnosed with cancer
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Beer festival needs new venue
ORGANISERS of a charity beer festival are looking for a new venue after learning they would be charged to use the prestigious location that has attracted sell-out crowds for the past two years. The Bishop Auckland and Spennymoor Round Table has raised
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Soldiers to tackle run in memory of colleague
SOLDIERS will tackle the country's biggest half marathon wearing 35lbs of Army kit in memory of a colleague who died from cancer. Eight members of the Guards Training Company, based at Catterick Garrison, will take part in the Great North Run, from Newcastle
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Quinta Vista 2003 from Portugal
This Portugese wine has a light golden colour and a honeyed, slightly spicy character with fruity aromatic flavours. The taste is essentially fruity and fresh and as it's made from a blend of three grape varieties, quite complex. It's 12 per cent alcohol
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QE2: Forty Years Famous by Carol Thatcher (Simon & Schuster, £25)
Tickets to join the final voyage of the cruise ship QE2, before she is converted into a floating hotel, sold out in just 36 minutes. Bruce Hawksbee, who once took a cruise with the author, enjoys a book which recounts the great ship's adventures WITHOUT
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Wall of silence in stun gun investigation
A GROUP of people who shocked a man with an electric stun gun and subjected him to a brutal assault have escaped justice after police were met with wall of silence. Police have spoken of their dismay at the lack of response from community following the
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Constable On The Coast by Nicholas Rhea (Robert Hale, £7.99)
IF you're a Heartbeat fan, you'll probably have some of Nicholas Rhea's Constable novels, if not all. Constable On The Coast is the 32th instalment in the series which inspired the hugely successful TV series and is the brainchild of former North
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Slam by Nick Hornby (Puffin Books, £12.99)
NOVEL all about teenage pregnancy would not be my first choice, but the thing about Nicky Hornby is he has this knack of drawing you in before you have realised it. Written from the perspective of a 16- year-old boy who gets his girlfriend pregnant
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Suzuki sweep to victory in Ulster
Dealer Team Suzuki drivers James Wozencroft and Lorna Smith swept to victory at the Ulster International Rally over the weekend in their Swift Sport Group N2 cars. Wozencroft and co-driver Chris Ridge battled all rally with the MG of Matt Beebe, who
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Megane Renaultsport 230 F1 Team R26
FORMULA 1 remains a global marketing phenomenon, influencing millions of potential car buyers by sexing up a particular brand. It's why advertisers spend millions a year just for a tiny decal on the race car or the driver's flameresistant suit
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Nissan Qashqai 1.5dCi Acenta
DO YOU remember the Suzuki X90? For the benefit of readers who missed it, the X90 was Japan's first attempt to offer a conventional car that looked like a 4x4 without any of the costly drawbacks. That car was way ahead of its time. When the X90
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Teenager sexually assaulted
A TEENAGE girl was subjected to a serious sexual assault as she walked through an area of wasteground. Police last night revealed details of the attack and urged parents to be mindful of the vulnerability of youngsters out late at night. An appeal for
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PM's former agent - hearing adjourned
THE former Prime Minister's agent, John Burton, will not face the Adjudication Panel for England over allegations of bullying tomorrow as was expected. The hearing was brought about following allegations he threatened the former deputy leader of Sedgefield
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Noddy Rice murder: Mother, daughter in court
A MOTHER and daughter arrested by police investigating the murder of David 'Noddy' Rice have appeared at crown court. Shareena McAuley, 26, and Marilyn McAuley, 55, yesterday denied a joint charge of conspiring with Allan Foster to conceal the proceeds
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BREAKING NEWS: Rhys murder suspect arrested
A 16-YEAR-OLD boy was arrested today on suspicion of the murder of 11-year-old Rhys Jones, Merseyside Police said.
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Wilkinson ruled out of England's World Cup opener
ENGLAND'S World Cup campaign suffered a major blow this morning as Jonny Wilkinson's injury curse struck yet again. The Newcastle Falcons fly-half, who will undergo a scan later today, has been ruled out of England's opening game against the United States
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Win tickets to BBC Tees Valley Proms In The Park
Are you looking for a great outdoor event this summer? Why not come along and enjoy BBC Tees Valley Proms in the Park this Saturday at Centre Square, Middlesbrough. The event is sponsored by NS&I, which has celebrated its own big event' this year -
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Multi-million pound harbour development plan axed
A £2.8M harbour development has been scrapped after it was described as a carbuncle by thousands of objectors. The redevelopment of the marina at Whitby, North Yorkshire, has been sent back to the drawing board after Scarborough Borough councillors voted
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Business Echo PDF - September 4th 2007
Business Echo PDF - September 4th 2007
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Jane Tomlinson - your tributes
Jane Tomlinson, was diagnosed with terminal cancer seven years ago, but defied her illness - and often doctors orders - to dedicate her life to raising money for charity. You can leave your tribute here.
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Prime Minister leads tributes to inspirational Jane
Gordon Brown has paid tribute to amazing spirit and strength of Jane Tomlinson. The Leeds mum, who inspired thousands of fellow sufferers with her athletic achievements, lost her battle with breast cancer today. In a statement, the Prime Minister hailed
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N'Zogbia agrees new Magpies deal
CHARLES N'ZOGBIA has been rewarded for a scintillating start to life under Sam Allardyce by signing a five-year deal at Newcastle United. The skilful Frenchman was the subject of interest from Fulham during the summer but nothing materialised before
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Appeal after unprovoked assault
POLICE are appealing for witnesses to an unprovoked assault in Hartlepool. A 37-year-old man was walking along Church Street in the town after being out with friends for the night. At about 3.40am, he reached the junction of Church Street and Whitby
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Sir Andrew on song despite food poisoning scare
MUSIC maestro Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber was on song during a surprise visit to Newcastle - despite suffering from food poisoning. He sat through a preview performance of Aspects of Love, starring David Essex, at the Theatre Royal last night and claimed
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Ulrich Ostergaard is back!
Within weeks of an excellent Premier League performance at the South Tees Motorsport Park by Ulrich Ostergaard in the colours of Birmingham - the Dane returns this Thursday evening at 7.30pm in strong support of the very capable Kauko Niemenen and James
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Newcastle Vipers v Coventry Blaze (Pre-season friendly)
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Football postponed after goalposts rule brought in
NON-LEAGUE football matches in the region have been postponed because of metal hooks on the back of goalposts. The hooks, used to keep nets up, have been banned by the FA for the start of the 2007-8 season. It said the move was essential because
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Newcastle Vipers v Coventry Blaze (Pre-season friendly)
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Newcastle Vipers v Coventry Blaze (Pre-season friendly)
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Newcastle Vipers v Coventry Blaze (Pre-season friendly)
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Newcastle Vipers v Coventry Blaze (Pre-season friendly)
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Newcastle Vipers v Coventry Blaze (Pre-season friendly)
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Newcastle Vipers v Coventry Blaze (Pre-season friendly)
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Newcastle Vipers v Coventry Blaze (Pre-season friendly)
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Key in your support for inspirational Jim
PEOPLE are being urged to use their computers to help crown a blind IT champion as an outstanding achiever. Jim Welch, 57, from Crook, County Durham, is shortlisted for the Outstanding Achiever's title at this year's Learning and Skills Council's
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Unitary authority
UPON my return from holiday I found a leaflet on the mat from Durham City Lib Dem leader Fraser Reynolds. It states: "The Labour Government... has confirmed that it will impose a unitary authority on County Durham, despite 76 per cent of residents
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Yobs force band members to quit
SEVEN young members have left a marching band after it twice fell victim to Britain's growing yob culture. Worried parents have withdrawn the youngsters from the popular Blyth Hearts Marching and Display Band following the most recent incident where
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Hearing
AS one of the 4,500 waiting for a modern and suitable hearing aid, I was delighted to read that Darlington Primary Care Trust has devised a plan to reduce the length of time a patient has to endure before being fitted with a hearing aid (Echo,
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Margaret Thatcher
P HILL (HAS, Aug 30) wrote: "Margaret Thatcher famously remarked: There is no such thing as society.' Twenty years later, she has tragically been proved correct." Her infamous words weren't a prediction like those given by the environmentalists
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Huntsman
THE Huntsman Corporation came to Teesside in 1999 pledging a longterm commitment to the area when it bought a big chunk of ICI in a blaze of local media publicity. But after just eight years, Huntsman is selling off it's remaining interests (Echo
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Lib Dems
THE announcement this week that the Lib Dems are proposing an amnesty for illegal immigrants shows how completely out of touch with public opinion they are. Thousands of people voted Lib Dem in the recent Sedgefield byelection. I wonder how many
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Nelson Mandela
COULD somebody please explain why Gordon Brown has just unveiled a statue of Nelson Mandela in Parliament Square in London? Mr Mandela may be a great man to other people, but I am appalled that our taxes have been spent on a statue of a man who
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Multiculturalism
IT IS a shame that Abdul Jaleel calls us patriotic English people "little Englanders" (HAS, Aug 31). I have every right to be proud of my country. My family surname can be traced back to 1255, my grandfather fought in the First World War and my
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Questions
WHY are my pavements very inferior compared to those of Barnard Castle or Cotherstone, yet I pay the same community charge? Why is it that on returning from holiday the UK appears grubby? Why do certain footballers earn thousands per day but the
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Motherhood
WHY do I constantly see young mothers with prams or pushchairs puffing away on cigarettes? It wasn't too long ago that for a girl to get pregnant outside of marriage was classed as shameful and the parents had to sort out the ensuing problems for
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Lap dancing
WITHOUT being a Liberal, I agree with the sentiments expressed by Peter J Brown on lap dancing clubs (HAS, Sept 1). I imagine that closely associated with lap dancing will be prostitution. Prostitution will go on and the main problems with it are
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Brad gets help from a boy's best friend
AS thousands of youngsters across Britain go back to school this week one pupil will have a special friend to help him through the day. Brad Ranson, 14, is the youngest person in the country to be given a guide dog. Usually blind people can only apply
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Band concert
A BLACK mark to Darlington council. On Sunday last, a friend and myself went to the South Park to listen to Barnard Castle Band. We arrived 2.30ish to get a seat for the 3pm start. All we saw were two security men, so we asked what was going on
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Chippie mystery
IN your article "Chippies vie for best in county title" (Echo, Aug 30), you say: "The shops will be visited by a mystery judge who will score on factors such as customer service, hygiene, approaches to sustainable sourcing and staff training."
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Organ concert
WHAT a wonderful and entertaining evening on August 11 on the Youth at the Console Organ Concert in Howden-le-Wear. Four people, aged between 13 and 17, including our own local lad, Adam Zair, gave a packed audience three hours of pure brilliance
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Housing
IN 2005, the housing tenants of Sedgefield Borough Council voted that the council keep their housing stock in-house. We now see the council wasting tax payers' money again by carrying out the same exercise all over again. Has the council been charging
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Relationships
WE DON'T need reality TV shows to tell us how complex relationships can be. The fragility exposed and personal feelings portrayed is explosive drama for the audience. But what about respect and tolerance for those involved in the discord? Intolerance
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Independent
THERE are several inaccuracies in Steve Turner's letter (HAS, Sept 1). Firstly, Hartlepool is a unitary authority not a district council. Secondly, I am a ward councillor for St Hilda - there is no "Headland Ward". St Hilda includes Central Estate
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Kite's comeback continues
RED kites, which have been celebrated in a new Royal Mail stamp, are making a comeback in the North-East. The birds have enjoyed a baby boom after being released into the Derwent Valley in Gateshead. This year's nesting season has produced 11 fledged
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Hospital pervert jailed
HOSPITAL fetish pervert Norman Hutchins has once again been locked up for three years. Norman Hutchins, 56, of no fixed address but formerly of York, has a history of faking ailments to gain access to hospitals. Once there he satisfies his strange
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Collett still has big role to play
ROOKIE goalkeeper David Stockdale has played a crucial role in Darlington's promising start to the season, but he says one of his predecessors is to thank for his good form. Former Quakers keeper Andy Collett is now the club's goalkeeping coach
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Wilson’s team selection is limited
DANNY Wilson's options are somewhat restricted tonight, by both injuries and competition rules. Hartlepool United to go Chesterfield in the opening round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, without central midfielders Willie Boland and Antony Sweeney
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When tenants can withhold rent payments
NEW regulations coming into force later this year have implications for residential landlords and their tenants. The vast majority of leases of multi-occupational buildings will contain a service charge clause. Such a clause obliges the tenant
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Cafe will bring in the dough
A NORTH-EAST entrepreneur will launch his latest venture, Flatbread Cafe, this month. Hossain Rezaei, formerly of Pride Valley Foods, in Seaham, County Durham, has set up the cafe in High Street, Newcastle, creating 15 jobs. He plans to expand
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Healthier employees are happy
COUGHS, colds, or plain old Monday blues? We are all too familiar with the ongoing struggle of unforeseeable events in our day-to-day businesses - staff sickness being up there at the top of the list. A happy workforce is a healthy workforce
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Rising to challenge of bakery venture
A WOMAN who baked for therapy and relaxation when she was recovering from serious illness has turned the activity into a business. Anastasia Weiner and her husband, David Turner, launched Westfields Farm Bakery from their home in Bellerby, near Leyburn
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Changes to amount of holidays for employees
SMALL businesses are being urged to get up to speed with new holiday entitlement regulations that will be phased in from October 1. The rules increase the minimum holiday entitlement from 20 days a year to 24 days from next month, and to 28 days from
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Discover the secrets of success
A PSYCHOTHERAPIST has expanded his business to run self-help seminars. John Edington, who runs his business in North Yorkshire, runs the first of his "Secrets of Success" event at the Morrison's Business Centre at Morton Park, Darlington, on September
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Memories at mum's fingertips
A MOTHER has set up a jewellery business to help parents commemorate their children's younger years. Smallprint, based in Sunderland, produces silver jewellery embellished with youngsters' fingerprints as a lasting memento for their parents. The business
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'We've turned our love of art into our dream jobs'
TWINS Steve and Chris Rocks have developed their love of art into a successful business. The pair, from Tudhoe, County Durham, were students at university, but decided to leave after discovering there was interest in artwork they completed during their
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Farmers urged to draw up culling plans
DAIRY and beef farmers have been urged to draw up culling plans to safeguard their compensation under the Older Cattle Disposal Scheme. (OCDS) The English Beef and Lamb Executive (Eblex) says it is vital to plan the culling of all cattle born before August
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Legal victory over red diesel use on farms
A YORKSHIRE farmer has won a red diesel victory for farmers across the country. The farmer was helping a neighbour with silage making when customs and excise officials tried to make him pay the full tax rate on fuel used for the job. Historically, farmers
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Potential for True success
True Potential LLP, which provides systems, processes and expertise to UK financial services distribution, is moving into 1,016sq m of space within UK Land Estates' award-winning Waterfront 4 office. True Potential has been formed by some of the team
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Advances could soon mean chips with everything
In the latest Success 2007 feature profiling North-East businesses, Mike Parker visits a Darlington pet tagging firm that is now tackling crime in the equine and music industries. AS you read this, it is highly possible that somewhere in a Swiss laboratory
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Food for thought
NEW fast-growing fodder crops offer northern livestock farmers extra pre-Christmas feed stocks if sown by mid-to-late September. Michael Shannon, of British Seed Houses, says crops such as the hybrid brassica Swift and the grazing turnip Appin, could
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Shear delight at huge rise in enrolement
THE British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB) has reported a big increase in the number of young people attending sheep shearing courses this year. Nearly 1,400 people have attended the courses - and more than a third were first timers. Colin MacGregor, BWMB
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Chemicals group awaits decision over secret ballot
CHEMICALS group Croda was last night waiting to discover whether its Teesside plant could face industrial action, after hundreds of employees took part in a ballot. The Croda Chemicals Wilton site has been hit by an ongoing pay dispute over the past
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Skincare specialist wins exclusive deal with South African company
SKINCARE specialist Derma-Salve yesterday announced an exclusive five-year distribution agreement of its hand gel worth at least £5m-a-year. The Newcastle firm, which has seen its share price jump by almost a third over recent days, has secured the deal
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New factory heralds bright future for lighting company
WORK started yesterday on Thorn Lighting's £24m factory, which will safeguard hundreds of jobs in the region. The 40,000sq ft building, in Spennymoor, County Durham, will secure the future of Thorn's operation in the region for at least the next 20
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Plant machine specialist establishes new division
PLANT machine specialist MST has added a new division to help further its position as an industry leader in the bucket manufacturing field. The company, based in Birtley, near Chester-le-Street has formed a dedicated bucket repair and reconditioning
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Surge in turnover as group pledges substantial growth
TRANSPORT, waste and industrial services group Hargreaves yesterday posted a 71 per cent surge in turnover as it pledged to expand. The County Durham-based group, which has added more than 1,300 employees to its payroll over the past year, said organic
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Expert in sport law joins N-East company
A LAWYER who has worked with some of the biggest names in motorsport, including the Williams Formula One team, has joined the commercial division of a North-East law firm. Blackett Hart & Pratt (BHP) has recruited Stephen Greenway as a partner in its
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Deal that could have life-saving benefits
A HAND GEL that is proven to kill the HIV virus could have life-saving benefits to health workers and sufferers in Southern Africa, according to its maker DermaSalve. The North-East company has carried out tests on its SafeCleanse gel and found that it
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Investing in Stock Market is about time - not timing
It's the start of global Armageddon! Stock Markets around the world are in financial meltdown. It is time to sell all of your investments, pack the wife and dog in the car, ensure the shotgun is clean and functional, and head for the hills. Okay, I may
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Take care tackling World Cup 'sickies'
WITH the Rugby World Cup expected to lead to an increase in employees taking time off work, bosses are being warned to tread carefully. The event, which starts on Friday, is predicted to cause an increase in workers taking leave - authorised and unauthorised
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Law firms ready for record-breaking year
UK law firms have experienced healthy growth in the first quarter of the financial year. Data from Deloitte found that the UK's top 100 law firms' average fee income increased by 15 per cent in the three months to July 31, compared with the same period
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Here comes the bride, via the web
A COUPLE are thought to have made cyber history when their wedding was beamed live from Australia to family back in the UK. Lindsey Buckle, 31, was devastated when her grandparents and sister were unable to travel Down Under to see her tie the knot.
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Cancer campaigner dies
TERMINAL cancer sufferer and charity fundraiser Jane Tomlinson has died, a family spokesman said today. Mrs Tomlinson, 43, from Leeds, who raised £1.75m for charity, died at St Gemmas Hospice, Leeds, at 9pm yesterday. She was diagnosed with terminal
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Masons 6-0 Chester-le-Street Whitehills (Sunday Team – County Cup - Sept 2nd)
After the disappointment of going out at the first stage of the County Cup last season the Masons made no mistake as they beat Chester Le Street Whitehills 6-0 in the first preliminary round. Liam McRoy opened the scoring after 15 mins when he powered
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Masons 3-0 Barnard Castle (Saturday Team – Sept 1st)
The Masons travelled to Barnard Castle for their 4th league game of the season and returned 3-0 victors. They got off to a good start when Liam McRoy cut in from the left and beat the keeper at the near post. The game swung from end to end for the
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Masons 4-1 Tudhoe Utd (Sunday Team – Aug 26th)
A 4-1 win over Tudhoe made it two out of two in the league so for the Masons. After trailing to an early goal the Masons missed a few chances before Lee Newby headed home a John Savage cross form the right. Despite being on top the home side could not
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September 4th, 2007
EARTH Earth is something that everyone can hold Earth is always hot or cold In the world there are lots of things Dragonflies with pretty wings Horses, ponies, dogs and cats Frogs, toads, birds and bats In the winter lots of snow In the spring things
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Hall provides autumnal backdrop for workshop
AN artist will return to a 17th Century house to lead a pastels and watercolour workshop. Heather Dormer will be at Kiplin Hall, Scorton, near Richmond, on Friday, September 14, to demonstrate techniques and help students of all abilities. Miss Dormer
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Festival puts spotlight on environment
A CLIMATE change group is hosting a green festival to raise awareness. Newton-le-Willows Climate Change Group has brought together a range of organisations to offer information on recycling, composting, carbon reduction, water saving and energy efficiency
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Worship with song and dance
PARISH gardens will be filled with festivities at a day of worship this weekend. The Grace Covenant Ministries will host a gospel concert and variety entertainment in Stockton's parish gardens featuring gospel singing, music, dance, prayers, food counselling
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Gallery to display art seen through the eyes of young people
ART as seen through the eyes of young people goes on show this week. The exhibition Journeys opens at the Durham Light Infantry Museum and Durham Art Gallery with a wide range of art, from creative writing and visual art to photographs and film. The show
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Katie gains country's top mark in humanities
SCHOOL girl Katie Hall is top of her form - and top of the country. The 16-year-old pupil at Teesside High School, Eaglescliffe, proved she was in a class of her own when she achieved the top humanities mark in the country. The Assessment and Qualifications
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Leisure services to expand in new deal
A LEISURE firm has been showing off its plans for the future after securing a two-year deal to transform services at sports centres. Tees Valley Leisure hosted an event which provided free swimming sessions for under-16s - and football for players over
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Award to councillor for 40 years of service
FORTY years of service to the people of Guisborough were recognised when a councillor was presented with a thank-you award. The Rotary Club of Guisborough and Great Ayton rewarded Councillor Ann Franklin for her work for the International Association
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Chef, 27, marks 12 years in kitchens
A CHEF at an award-winning Indian restaurant is celebrating 12 years in the business this week, at the tender age of 27. Bahar Miah, head chef at Cinnamon, in Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, has spent almost half his life in the kitchens of restaurants in
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Brushing up at Healthy Teeth nursery
IT was all smiles yesterday when an school was presented with a Healthy Teeth Award. Wingate Nursery is the first school in the county to have won the certificate from County Durham Primary Care Trust. (PCT). The aim of the award is to raise awareness
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Teenager attacked by trio as he waited for bus
A TEENAGER was left battered and bruised after he was attacked by three youths while he was waiting to catch a bus home. The 17-year-old was in a shelter in Birchington Avenue, at the junction of Fabian Road, in Grangetown, near Middlesbrough, when he
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Teenaged girls secure youth meeting place
FOUR enterprising teenagers have realised their ambition to create a meeting place for young people in their village. Nadine Maddison, Sophie Price, Shauna Flower and Laura Thompson developed the idea for a youth shelter in South Hetton, and then raised
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Taxi safety concerns to test recruits
A TAXI boss says passengers are at risk because a council insists that cabbies must pass a safety standards test. David Watson, who runs Town Taxis, in Northallerton, says he cannot recruit drivers because Hambleton District Council requires them to pass
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Churches plan joyous celebration
CHRISTIANS in the Dales will celebrate music in the church as part of the national Heritage Open Days scheme. Churches will be opened up for displays and musical performances during the Make a Joyful Noise event. The Two Dales Christian Heritage Project
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Apprentices give park an Edge over rivals
NATIONAL park bosses are celebrating after scooping a regional training award for the third year running. The North York Moors has won an Edge Award - and £10,000 - in recognition of the practical learning opportunities it provides for young people.
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Highway robbery
The Real Dick Turpin (five, 8pm), Tribe (BBC2, 9pm), RSPCA: Have You Got What It Takes (Five, 6.30pm) THE word "real" in the title is the giveaway. It means the makers have discovered some unsavoury facts about their subject and intend to destroy his
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Day centre members offered fitness help
THE latest North-East gym to be given a "WOW factor" has opened at a day centre for people with learning disabilities. The facility at the Aucklandgate Centre, in Tindale Crescent, Bishop Auckland, is the sixth Legacy gym to open following a visit from
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Learn how countryside was formed
VISITORS to the Gaunless Valley can learn how nature and industry have together shaped the surrounding countryside. The Gaunless Valley Visitor Centre, near Butterknowle, has installed a series of information panels about the area's history. With funding
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Hospice is celebrating first anniversay of in-patient wing
STAFF, patients and volunteers from St Cuthbert's Hospice will today celebrate the first anniversary of the hospice's in-patient unit. The ten-bed wing, which cost £3.2m, allows the Durham City hospice to offer 24-hour care. It was completed following
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Man who severely beat -wind-up' friend jailed
A MAN known to friends as "a wind-up merchant" was savagely beaten and needed an emergency operation to remove a blood clot from his brain after ribbing a friend. Daniel Henry knocked out Michael Kinlan after he made fun of him being coaxed out of a stand-off
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We need them out on the streets
It's nice to have good neighbours. Young Gerry, who manages the jewellers' shop by the entrance to our church of St Michael's, Cornhill in the City of London, last week noticed a man behaving suspiciously - going in and out of church all day. He rang
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Reunion success may lead to regular meets
FORMER members of a wartime youth squadron enjoyed a reunion dinner so much they hope to make it an annual event. Ferryhill Masonic Hall hosted the event for former members of the Air Training Corps, Girls Training Corps and a badminton club based at
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Appeal after school thefts
POLICE are appealing for information after a burglary at a school. Thieves broke into Woodham Comprehensive School, in Newton Aycliffe, stealing electrical equipment worth about £2,000. The incident took place between last Thursday night and Friday morning
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Exhibition to chart history of River Tees
MORE than 100 paintings, spanning 12 years of the history of the River Tees, are to go on display later this month. Journey of the Tees, by Stockton artist Brian Humble, can be seen at the Billingham Art Gallery from Monday until October 5. The exhibition
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Joel running to thank unit where he had heart surgery
A KEEN schoolboy runner who underwent a life-saving operation eight years ago is to raise money for a heart unit. Ten-year old Joel Atkin, from Sacriston Junior School, near Chester-le-Street, will take part in this year's Tesco Junior Great North Run
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Trio complete charity cycle
THREE cyclists have completed the Great North Bike Ride in aid of charity. Billy Allen, his daughter, Diane Caine, and friend Anne McLoughlin, from Sedgefield, cycled 54 miles from Seahouses to Tynemouth, to raise money for the Chris Lucas Trust. They
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Hear All Sides
ELECTED MAYOR WHY does Alan Charlton (HAS, Aug 31) refer to far off boroughs, when the mayors of neighbouring Hartlepool and Middlesbrough appear to be doing a good job and are certainly popular enough to be elected for a second term of office. What can
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Director insists gym will not be closed
THE managing director of the Penthouse Fitness Centre, in Darlington, has reassured customers that it is not closing. Planning permission has been applied for to open a dance club on the floor below the gym, in Skinnergate. Even if the club opens, the
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Walks to find fruits of forest's undergrowth
TWO treks through a Teesdale forest will hunt down the fruits of its underworld. Fungi are sprouting all over Hamsterley Forest, near Bishop Auckland, and while summer's dismal weather may been a turn-off for holidaymakers, mushrooms and toadstools have
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Decision on Ohuruogu's Olympic ban down to BOA
International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge insists the decision on whether Christine Ohuruogu should be allowed to compete in Beijing next year can only be made in Britain. The 23-year-old took gold in the 400metres at the World Championships
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Appeal to Boro fans after fight
MIDDLESBROUGH Football Club supporters are being urged to come forward with information after violence broke out at a recent away game against Wigan. Police in Wigan were called out to Burger King on August 15, just after 10pm, following reports that
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Art captures many faces of River Tees
MORE than 100 paintings spanning 12 years of the history of the River Tees are to go on display. Journey of the Tees, by Stockton artist Brian Humble, will be at Billingham Art Gallery from Monday until October 5. The exhibition of watercolours shows
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Sweetenham hails progress
Outgoing performance chief Bill Sweetenham has hailed the ''quite outstanding'' improvement seen in British swimming during his seven-year reign. The outspoken Australian has stepped down from his role as British Swimming's national performance director
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Public forums on safety issues
PEOPLE are invited to raise community safety concerns at a series of meetings this week. Hartlepool Borough Council's police and community safety consultative forums will take place in the north, central and south areas of the town. Police and fire officers
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McCoy's mount sitting pretty
TONY McCoy appears to have a couple of armchair rides at Sedgefield this afternoon starting with Jonjo O'Neill's Levitski (2.20) in the opening Maiden Hurdle. The expression "steering job" comes to mind when considering the prospects of Levitski, who
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Sign up for adult learning
ADULT education classes run by Darlington WEA start at the end of the month. Courses are held at Bennet House, Horsemarket, and prospectuses are available from the Cockerton and Crown Street libraries. Courses include hunting and hawking in the Middle
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Premiere seats
When the lights are dimmed at Redcar's Regent Cinema and the regional premiere of the £28m film Atonement hits the screen tomorow, it will be an extra special moment for Neil Bates and his family. Claire Burbage talks to the man responsible for keeping
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Police seek couple after man attacked
A MAN suffered a suspected broken nose when he was assaulted in Darlington in the early hours of Saturday. The incident happened at about 3am, on a pathway running alongside Newton Lane. The victim, a man in his early forties, was attacked as he made
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Youngsters' summer fun hailed a success
YOUTH projects in Darlington took part in an It's A Knockout-style competition last week, as part of the Street Safe Action Week. Young people, aged between seven and 18, took part in a variety of challenges alongside a team of staff from Darlington Borough
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Sport sessions hailed a big hit
SPORTING events held for children in Darlington over the summer have been hailed as a success Hundreds of children took part in projects organised by the borough council's sports development team, to encourage children to get active. The programme gave
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Spending plans
PLANS which could bring major improvements to parts of the Wear Valley District are being considered by councillors tonight. The council will consider a shareout of £3.4m from the 2007/2008 capital programme. The money has come from land sales. It will
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It's morally wrong to just cut and run
GORDON Brown has insisted that the withdrawal of British troops from the city of Basra is not a sign of defeat. Instead, it is a pre-planned phase of the ultimate objective to hand power back to the Iraqi security forces. We trust that really is the case
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Tutor back in the saddle after theft
KIND-HEARTED students have come to the aid of their tutor with an end-of-term gift Darlington College tutor Elaine Allcock was devastated after thieves stole her bike. But as a leaving gift, the access to higher education course students surprised her
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Tributes to steelworker and man
A STEELWORKER, whose career took him across the globe, has died at the age of 94. John Stanton, of Zetland Mews, Saltburn, died last month. Mr Stanton was apprenticed to the British Chilled Roll and Engineering Company, at Haverton Hill, at 16. The eldest
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Health bosses plead for calm after dentist leaves NHS role
PATIENTS were urged not to panic yesterday, after a Darlington dentist decided to opt out of his NHS contract. Health officials at Darlington Primary Care Trust (PCT) reassured the public there was no cause for concern after being inundated by calls from
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Teen hit with Asbo for abusing and intimidating passers-by
A TEENAGER has been given an anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) for intimidating and abusing people in a town centre. Thomas John Andrew Kailofer hung around shops - often while drinking with friends - where he abused and intimidated passers-by and police
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MP helps launch childcare centre
FAMILIES in Coundon are welcoming childcare services, which were launched yesterday. Bishop Auckland MP Helen Goodman opened the facility at the Coundon Sure Start Centre, in the town's Victoria Lane. It will offer care throughout the day for up to 38
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Club's growers show they really know their onions
AN onion club has declared the season a success, despite the poor weather. The Ship Onion Club Show, which meets at The Ship pub, in Richmond, held its annual awards on Saturday. The contest was won by Keith Charlton, with Vic Wilson, second, and Tony
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Sports coaches offered advice
SPORTS coaches get the chance to brush up on some of their skills at a workshop next month. Tutors will show ways to adapt equipment and identify safety and medical considerations to meet players' needs. And it will help coaches to design and monitor
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Village venues to host courses
A series of courses are to be held in community venues in villages north of Richmond. Opera for the Not Quite So fearful follows the success of Opera for the Terrified, with ten weekly classes at Melsonby School, on Tuesdays, from September 25. The cost
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Team leader -squirrelled away' £16,000 in coins
A TEAM leader at a soft drinks company's distribution depot helped himself to bags of cash delivered from vending machine returns. David Tyler, who was said to have been suffering work-related stress, "squirrelled away" almost £16,000 in his home during
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Two admit assault on Slovakian woman
TWO women have admitted racial violence to a east European woman in a pub. Durham Crown Court heard comments were made, followed by a confrontation, involving Emma Glease and Paula Dunn and a couple, including a Slovakian woman. A glass was broken, inside
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15-year-old admits fire that gutted Stan Laurel school
A 15-YEAR-OLD boy has admitted starting a fire which gutted the former school of comedy legend Stan Laurel. The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to arson before South Durham magistrates, sitting at Newton Aycliffe, yesterday
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Free courses to prepare sports leaders
WOULD-BE sports leaders are being given the chance to brush up on their skills on a course. Easington District Council's sports development team, in partnership with Active Easington members, is launching sessions next month for local enthusiasts to develop
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Television chef to appear at food show
TV chef Richard Fox is heading north to become one of the star attractions at an upcoming event. He will be cooking up a feast in the food marquee at the Country, Craft and Food Show, at Newby Hall, near Ripon on September 21 to 23. He will be on Newby's
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Villagers rally to secure future of traditional show
A VILLAGE produce show has been saved after residents rallied round to enter the various classes. Organisers of the event at Melsonby, near Richmond, on Saturday said the future of the show rested on the support shown for this year's competition. Falling
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'I wanted to help people pay tribute to the dead'
The subject of death may cause discomfort, yet when it comes to losing loved ones, more and more of us are choosing unconventional forms of tribute. Women's Editor Sarah Foster meets Denise Nesbitt, whose company caters for this trend. WHEN she thinks
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Gough doubt for Tykes
Championship leaders Yorkshire look almost certain to be without inspirational captain and joint leading wicket-taker, Darren Gough, for their crucial battle with title-holders, Sussex, which starts at Hove tomorrow. Yorkshire were last night still waiting
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Medical staff optimistic Flintoff will face India
England coach Peter Moores feels for injury-jinxed Andrew Flintoff but remains hopeful the national side's prize asset can face India tomorrow. Flintoff, 29, missed Sunday's rain-affected defeat to India at Headingley, which clawed England's NatWest Series
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Beating eco drum
A WOMAN who bangs the drum about recycling is one of the star attractions at a forest festival this weekend.Clare Eyeington will be coaxing youngsters into a percussion frenzy, using scrapyard instruments such as dustbins, old tumble dryers, pots, pans
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Tonya conquers fear to save air passenger
A STUDENT nurse with a fear of flying helped save the life of a woman 36,000ft in the air.Tonya Barker, from Clifton, York, was nervously flying home from her first trip abroad when a passenger on her holiday jet collapsed.She followed the stewardess
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Jim's pipe dream comes true after accolade
A TOBACCONIST to the rich and famous has been named the country's leading pipe retailer.Jim Humberston, who runs Durham Pipe and Tobacco Shop, came out ahead of more than 250 rivals to be named UK Pipe Retailer of the Year.In the 15 years since he set
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£40m to fix crumbling town sea defences
COUNCIL engineers have warned that £40m should be spent to shore up crumbling defences to protect a town from damage caused by the seas.Hartlepool Marina and The Headland Town Moor are under threat because of the poor state of the defences, they say.Hartlepool
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Withdrawal from Basra not a defeat, says Brown
Prime Minister Gordon Brown insisted yesterday that the withdrawal of British soldiers from their last base in Basra city did not amount to a defeat for the UK in southern Iraq.The transfer of 550 troops from Basra Palace to the UK-controlled airbase
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Pig research reveals link with Middle East trends
PIG farming was brought to Europe by Middle Eastern immigrants, a study has discovered.Archaeologist Dr Keith Dobney, with Durham University, reached the conclusion after three years of research, picking through ancient and modern pig remains.He believes
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Supporters of teacher say they may step up protest
SUPPORTERS of a suspended teacher may step up protests after a demonstration outside the school failed to convince bosses to reinstate him.Mark Walker was suspended from Sunnydale Community College, in Shildon, County Durham, in March after allegations
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Using football to forge Chinese link
CHINESE students could soon be in the region for football coaching and English lessons.Darlington Football Club will look after the students, after representatives from the club last week visited the Guangdong region of Southern China to forge sport,
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Atonement: The Premiere . Pair keep watch for full Monty screen roles
TWO young men will be watching extra closely when the Hollywood hit Atonement is released this week.For Christian Passman and James Fahey took their roles as extras one step further.The 20-year-olds, from Redcar, east Cleveland, joined a handful of men
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What finer way to begin Proms countdown
THE countdown to the BBC Tees Valley Proms in the Park continued with organisers enjoying a picnic at the outdoor venue.Middlesbrough Council's Judith Croft and BBC Tees' Alex Hall, took advantage of the weather and tucked into their lunch on the green
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'Body in car' victim is from North-East
A WOMAN believed to have been stabbed to death by her husband before he killed himself was originally from the North-East, The Northern Echo can reveal.Jodie Lee Weller's body was discovered in the boot of a car parked outside the couple's Lancashire
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Falcon hoping for luck of Irish
FORMER Newcastle Falcons forward Epi Taione should be easy to spot at this month's World Cup - because he has changed his name to Paddy Power.The Tonga international, who has also represented Sale Sharks in the Guinness Premiership, changed his name by
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All-rounder Kallis turns down Durham opportunity
DURHAM have given up hope of signing a replacement for Shivnarine Chanderpaul after checking on the availability of Jacques Kallis.The all-rounder has been left out of the South African squad for the World Twenty20 Championship, but Durham coach Geoff
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Toshack fumes at Collins' Wales withdrawal
Sunderland defender Danny Collins' Wales career has been thrown into serious doubt for the second time after he clearly upset John Toshack with a late squad withdrawal.Collins, 27, has only got himself back into Toshack's good books this season following
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Birthday boy gets his wings - thanks to RAF
TRUCKER Dave Sayers is plane crazy. Since he was a boy, aircraft have been his great passion.So when it came to a landmark birthday his wife, Diane, knew just what he'd like as a special present.And on the day he celebrated his 40th, he found himself
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Scientist issues warning over lack of funding for new drugs
A LEADING scientist has warned that big pharmaceutical companies will pull out of Britain unless the NHS funds more new drugs.Professor Hilary Calvert, of Newcastle University's Northern Institute for Cancer Research, suggested that the drug watchdog
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New police chief vows to be tough on crime
THE most senior female police officer in Durham has taken over at the helm of the force in the south of the county.Chief Superintendent Carole Thompson is now commander for one of the biggest geographical policing areas in the country.Her office is based
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Tories feel pressure as Brown poaches advisors
GORDON Brown turned the screw on David Cameron yesterday by poaching two senior Tories to advise him - while declining to rule out a General Election next month.Returning from his summer holiday, the Prime Minister stunned the Conservatives by pinching
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Is the Jamie Oliver effect wearing thin?
More than 400,000 fewer pupils were served school meals in England in the past academic year compared with two years earlier, according to figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats.According to the figures, the Government is nearly a million children
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New chief vows to be tough on crime
THE most senior female police officer in Durham has taken over at the helm of the force in the south of the county.Chief superintendent Carole Thompson is now commander for one of the biggest geographic policing areas in the country.Her office is based
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This is no way to treat our children
THE youth justice system stood condemned last night after a damning report into Britain's youngest death in custody called for sweeping changes.Adam Rickwood, 14, hanged himself with his shoelaces while on remand at the privately-run Hassockfield Secure
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Marked up for an A-grade education
HEARTBREAK turned to joy in a matter of days for a teenager who was distraught to find she had narrowly missed out on a place at Cambridge University.When Toto Reissland-Burghart's German A-level result fell five marks short of an A grade, she feared
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Cuddy awful
Appearances being deceptive, the Kicking Cuddy at Coxhoe proves to be anything but uplifting.IT may not be said that we drive aimlessly around the North-East on Eating Owt expeditions, because the aim without exception is to find a place about which unequivocally
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Expectation 'high' as England aim for repeat
England last night flew to France for their World Cup defence aboard a British Airways jet renamed "Hope and Glory" specially for the occasion.Given no side has ever successfully retained the Webb Ellis Trophy and England, now ranked a lowly seventh in
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Rees confident he can fulfil his potential
Tom Rees admits he needs to become more streetwise if he is to prove a match for the likes of Schalk Burger, George Smith and Ritchie McCaw at the World Cup.Rees only broke into the England side during this year's Six Nations but made such an impression
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Jones could be on the move
Ashes-winning hero Simon Jones could soon be on the move after Glamorgan gave Hampshire permission to speak to the bowler.The cash-strapped Welsh county would like to keep the 28-year-old but may struggle to pick up the financial burden when his central
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Reserves victory
Newcastle Reserves 3, Bolton Reserves 0 A YOUNG Newcastle Reserve side ran out comfortable winners against Bolton at Kingston Park last night.Aussie winger James Troisi opened the scoring with Darren Lough and Jonny Godsmark also on target.A goal-less
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Thieves scale tower to take 500-year-old church bell
THIEVES climbed a tower to steal a church bell thought to be at least 500 years old.The theft from St Michael and All Angels Church, in Downholme, near Richmond, North Yorkshire, was spotted when the bell ringer went to summon the flock for Sunday service
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Harte eager to return to action with Cats
IAN Harte will make his first Sunderland start in this evening's reserves game at Everton, and the full-back is determined to make up for lost time after he was barred from attending pre-season training with his former club, Levante.Despite spending three
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Stowaway spider is found in bananas
A DEFENCE worker believed that a spider his wife found in a bunch of bananas could have been the world's most poisonous animal.Primary school teacher Karen Inglis was alarmed to see a hairy leg sticking out from the bunch of fruit.Her husband, David,
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Asbestos scandal may cost millions in claims
A COUNCIL that knowingly exposed staff at a sports centre to asbestos may have to pay out millions of pounds in compensation, legal experts warn.An unknown number of employees at Woodhouse Close Leisure Complex, in Bishop Auckland, were allowed to work
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Boro skipper will thrive on competition at the Riverside
GEORGE Boateng has warned new signing Gary O'Neil he has no fear of losing his place in the side to Middlesbrough's £5m man.The deadline-day signing from Portsmouth was brought in to bolster the Teessiders' midfield with the 24-year-old expected to slot
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United boss believes Owen can escape Israeli clutches
SAM Allardyce expects former Bolton defender Tal Ben Haim to be employed as Michael Owen's man marker during Saturday's crucial European Championships qualifier at Wembley.But despite attempting to sign the centre-half after leaving the Reebok Stadium
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Millions needed to repair sea defences
COUNCIL engineers have warned £40m should be spent on crumbling defences to protect a town from damage caused by the seas. Hartlepool Marina and the Headland Town Moor are under threat because of the poor state of the defences. Hartlepool Borough Council
