Archive
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Stockton flat badly damaged in blaze
A FLAT was left badly damaged by a blaze in Stockton last night. Two fire crews from Stockton, one from Thornaby and the hydraulic platform from Middlesbrough responded at 8.47pm on Wednesday to the home in Marwood Square, Fairfield. Two rooms were
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Chief Inspector denies attack on wife
A SENIOR police officer has denied "flipping" during a domestic row and attacking his then wife. Fred Elrick, a chief inspector with the Northumbria force, claims he was merely trying to restrain his now ex-wife, Pauline, when she accused him
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PAIN OF REJECTION
If you are going through a difficult separation, you could find yourself feeling tired, depressed, and incapable of functioning or even indulging in non-customary behaviour. These are, of course, perfectly normal side effects for someone enduring the
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Catterick Young Farmers Raise £292 for Sue Ryder Care
Catterick Young Farmers have raised a fantastic £292 for Sue Ryder Care by taking part in the Rural Apprentice competition. There was a cheque presentation at this week's meeting to celebrate the club's success and to say a big thank you to all
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Hero captain tells how he fought off Somali pirates
A SHIP'S captain from the North-East has told how he fought off Somali pirates when his vessel came under attack. Captain Peter Stapleton and his crew have been hailed heroes after they used threw planks of wood and used hoses as water cannons
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Murderous weekend planned on N Yorks Moors Railway
MURDER mystery fans have a unique opportunity to put their detective skills to the test on the North York Moors Railway this weekend. An unexpected cancellation has resulted in 25 seats being made available for this Saturday's 'Murder Mystery' Pullman
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Medics unaware of psychiatric patient's suicide bid, inquest told
A PSYCHIATRIC patient who slit his throat with a razor blade had tried to kill himself only weeks before his death, an inquest was told. Jason Walker wrote suicide notes before taking an overdose of 50 tablets and wounding his thumb on a cup
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Police priorities agreed in Teesdale
Residents have met with police to discuss crime priorities in their area. The Gaunless Valley and East Teesdale Police and Communities Together (Pact) meeting took place at Gainford Village Hall on Monday (June 1). Three main priorities were drawn up
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Housing slump delays sports field project
A NEW sports field for youngsters on an estate has been delayed because of the housing slump. Miller Homes has been given permission to provide a playing field on the Skerne Park estate after it has sold 75 homes on a new development at Snipe House Farm
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Pupils relive Victorian schooldays
PUPILS in Shildon are stepping back in time this month and reliving 19th century schooldays. Year Five youngsters at St John’s Primary School are following a Victorian style curriculum for the next fortnight as part of their studies into the period.
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Housing bid turned down
PROPOSALS to build a housing development on a former industrial plant have been refused by councillors because of a lack of affordable homes. St Modwen Ventures Limited wanted to build 250 homes on the former Corus works in Whessoe Road, Darlington.
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Crunch watch: Porsche to be swallowed up by VW?
Volkswagen and Porsche are planning to merge in a bizarre twist that effectively ends the sports car manufacturer's hopes of a takeover of its larger cousin. Commentators were left speechless earlier this year when Porsche announced plans to
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Art students prepare for exhibition
A LEADING arts college is set to open its doors to the public as it showcases the best of a new generation of talent. More than 200 national diploma students at Cleveland College of Art & Design (CCAD), in Hartlepool, are preparing to host to thousands
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Man alleged to have exposed himself
A HARTLEPOOL man is alleged to have indecently exposed himself to a 47-year-old woman in a play area. The man pulled down his shorts at the corner of Colenso Street and Colwyn Street, which is directly opposite a Burn Valley children’s play area.
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Scheme to keep youngsters safe
YOUNGSTERS in Stockton are to receive extra protection on the streets thanks to a new innovative scheme. Stockton Borough Council and Cleveland Police have joined forces to keep children safe with Operation Stay Safe. The scheme comes into force on
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Advice on reducing carbon footprints
PEOPLE in Middlesbrough can find out how to reduce their carbon footprint at a special event tomorrow. The event will take place at Breckon Hill Community Centre, on Breckon Hill Road, Middlesbrough, between 10am and 2pm, to celebrate World Environment
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Residents wanted for health group
RESIDENTS in Middlesbrough are wanted to join a health panel to discuss important issues affecting the town. Middlesbrough Council’s health scrutiny panel has a direct influence on the way health services are delivered locally. A programme is being
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Memorial to be moved
PLANS to move a war memorial in an effort to make it more visible have been backed by councillors. The parish memorial has stood in the grounds of St Mary Magdalene Church in Belmont, Durham, since it was erected shortly after the First World War. The
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Headline Game update
I'm off to the Take That concert at Sunderland's Stadium of Light on Friday night - as a guest of the club. My wife's coming with me, so I should be in the good books for weeks! Anyway, we're publishing a double-page spread in the morning, telling readers
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Affordable homes approved
MORE than 30 affordable homes are to be built in an East Durham village. The 33 properties, a mix of two- and three-bedroom houses and bungalows, will be built on land at Moore Terrace, in Shotton Colliery. The project has been drawn up by Three Rivers
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Bruce confirmed as Sunderland boss
Steve Bruce has been appointed as the new manager at Sunderland. The 48-year old has signed a three-year contract with the Black Cats, until 2012 and will unveiled to the media later at a 6pm press conference. Bruce leaves Wigan, where
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Fundraising event
AN OPTICIANS is holding a series of events this weekend to raise cash for a charity helping people in the developing world whose lives are blighted by poor eye sight. Vision Express in High Street, Prince Bishops Shopping Centre, Durham City
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Gundogs competition leads to national final
The Yorkshire Regional Gundog Event will be held at Spaunton Quarry, near Kirkbymoorside, on Saturday, June 6. The trials are hosted by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, and the winners of the regional heats will go through to the national finals
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Attempted abuction was a 'one-off'
Police investigating the attempted abduction of a 12-year-old boy in Northallerton have said they do not think he was specifically targeted. It is thought that the boy was the victim of opportunists who picked him at random as he walked to school alone
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Britain's 'secret service' to be celebrated
Carers Week starts on Monday to celebrate the hidden work of more than 6m Britons who care for frail, disabled, or ill loved ones, often with no help or support. In Thirsk the week, which this year has the theme, Carers...the UK’s Secret Service
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Samaritans search for new recruits
The Samaritans in Northallerton are looking to recruit new members to help man the phones and offer emotional support and advice to those who need it. An open morning will be held at the branch, at 7 Crosby Road, Northallerton, on Saturday, June 20,
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Scruton holds village fete and music event
Scruton fete will be held on the playing field in the village on Saturday, June 13 from 1.30-4.30pm. A steel string band and the Scruton junior karate team will perform and stalls include books, plants, bric-a-brac, cakes and non-alcoholic cocktails.
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New member for Rotary Club
Thirsk Rotary club has welcomed its newest member, Lee Clayton, who was inducted at the latest meeting of the group. Mr Clayton is the Detachment Commander of the Thirsk Army Cadet Force, which has a long association with the rotary club and the Thirsk
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Attempted abduction: Boy was targeted at random
POLICE investigating the attempted abduction of a 12-year-old boy have said they do not think he was specifically targeted. Detectives in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, believe the youngster was the victim of opportunists who chose him at random as
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Volunteers needed to support guide dogs
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association are seeking volunteers to organise and support a range of fundraising activities in the Thirsk area. These can include street collections, coffee mornings and visiting schools and teaching children about
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Crimestoppers appeal
POLICE are appealing for information after two pensioners had their purses snatched in Bishop Auckland. A 73-year-old lady was walking along Byron Avenue at around midday on Wednesday April 29 when she was targeted. A man aged around 20 to 25-years-old
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Thriller Live: Darlington Civic Theatre
ADRIAN GRANT, the man behind this tribute to the music of Michael Jackson, gracefully admits that nobody can ever truly emulate the legend. This talented company of singers and dancers manages to capture some of the excitement and artistry of
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Black Sheep wins healthy beer award
A light variety of North Yorkshire’s famous brew, Black Sheep, has been named runner up in a magazine’s poll to find the best healthy beers in Britain. Black Sheep Riggwelter, which has 54kcal in a pint, was joint second in the Men’s Health Beer of the
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A strong case for research
Extraordinary People: The World’s Strongest Toddler (five, 9pm) The Apprentice – The Final Five (BBC1, 8pm) The Apprentice (BBC1, 9pm) The Apprentice - You’re Fired (BBC2, 10pm) River Cottage (C4, 8pm) MEET three-year-old Liam Hoekstra, the toddler
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Owen accepts undisclosed damages over article
Michael Owen has accepted a public apology and substantial undisclosed damages over allegations his football career was over. The Newcastle and England striker was not at London's High Court for the settlement of his libel action over a story in the
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Strawberry fair
A VILLAGE hall will host a fruity event this weekend. Toft Hill and Etherley Community Association will hold a summer strawberry fair on Saturday June 6, 1.30pm, at Toft Hill and Etherley Community Centre, in Toft Hill, near Bishop Auckland.
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Gordon Brown stands firm in bruising Prime Minister's questions
GORDON Brown stood firm in the face of calls for his resignation in a gruelling Prime Minister's question time. The PM had been expecting a tough time in the wake of Hazel Blears' announcement that she was resigning from the cabinet -- and
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Exhibition of odours
A UNIQUE art exhibition which releases odours has opened at a shopping centre. Olfaction will run at The Gates Shopping Centre in Durham from noon to 4pm daily until Saturday. The new exhibition, which features work by national and international artists
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Demolition unveils a dying trade on a hiding to nothing
Often on summer eve serene The stench scatters on the breeze, Effluvia foul enough to force Pease’s Monument to sneeze. IN centuries gone by, Darlington stank. In those pre-sewer days, when man and beast lived cheek by jowl, the town
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Corus chief on Far East mission
MANAGEMENT from Corus are to fly to the Far East this week to re-open negotiations over the deal that could save the future of its closurethreatened Teesside plant and the jobs of its 3,000 workers. Kirby Adams, chief executive of Corus,
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Franchise expansion for web firm
INTERNET company Britnett Web Services has established its sixth franchise this year as it pushes on with plans to take on 80 consultants by the end of the year. The company, based in Barnard Castle, has expanded into areas including Essex and
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Deal to save van maker collapses
VAN maker LDV has had to reapply for administration after a deal to rescue the firm collapsed. Malaysian company Weststar announced last month that it had entered into an agreement with LDV’s owner, GAZ, to acquire its entire interest in the
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Boys rescued by fishing boat after canoe sinks
TWO teenagers were rescued from the sea by a passing fishing boat after their canoe started to sink. The youngsters from Hartlepool, aged 13 and 15, lost their oar after they had set out to sea in a canoe which the Humber Coastguard described as "falling
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Studying for a degree in saving lives
FIREFIGHTERS in the North-East are the first to take a degree course aimed at making them the best in the country. The University of Sunderland has worked with the Tyne and Wear and Northumberland fire and rescue services to develop a foundation
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Entries sought for building awards
ENTRIES are being sought for an awards scheme which commends some of the North-East’s finest buildings. Since being launched in the region in 1989, the biennial Hadrian Awards – run by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA North-East
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Able announces £100m port development plans
ABLE UK has announced plans for a £100m port development project on the largest available site of its kind in the UK. The Teesside company, which employs about 350 people, said developing the 1,500- acre site on the River Humber would “extend
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Government funding boost for communications company
AN e-commerce business based in the heart of Weardale has received funding through a Government-backed scheme. On-Net-Communications, a marketing consultancy in Crook, County Durham, has secured a £60,000 funding package from The Royal Bank of
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Engine maker is years ahead of the competition
ENGINE maker Cummins is working years ahead of schedule in developing low-emission engines for regulations to be introduced in 2013, the company has revealed. The world-leading firm’s Darlington plant is already well on its way to achieving standards
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Students share the honours
TWO students are sharing the honours again just months after they both collected another joint award. George Robinson and Lucy Morgan have won the John Dennis trophy, the top award handed out annually to Year 11 students at Northallerton College. The
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Happy chappies
SECRETARIES are the UK’s most cheerful workers. According to new research, they have the most laughs and the fewest days off. Must be good. Most of their laughs are, surprise surprise, at the expense of their bosses. No man is a hero to his valet
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MP reform
IN olden days, before MPs were paid to sit in the Commons, only rich men could afford to stand for Parliament. Clubs grew up around Westminster to provide accommodation for MPs. These only opened Monday to Friday and some still exist Something
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Players' festival success
TALENTED cast and crew from an amateur dramatics group are celebrating double success at a drama festival. Sedgefield Players production of Sue Wilding’s Some People Talking won second place at the Wakefield Drama Festival. Adjudicator Russell Whiteley
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Fluff and nonsense
From a piece of lint on a lover’s jacket to fuzz on a DJ’s jumper, the column might be called fluffy, but it all makes sense. SO assiduously killing birds and stones that there may hardly be a curlew left flying up there, we spent a glorious
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Get involved in community clean up
VOLUNTEERS with a love of the great outdoors are being encouraged to take part in sprucing up a north Durham woodland this weekend. Environmental regeneration charity Groundwork is appealing for community-minded residents to get their hands dirty during
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Police plaudit
RECENTLY, sneak thieves entered our dealership in McMullen Road, Darlington, and drove off in an unattended Mitsubishi Shogun. PC Katie Lawrence and her colleague visited us and were very supportive despite our contributory negligence. They and
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Going, going...
ON radio yesterday, I heard some of the best news ever: it appeared Home Secretary Jacqui Smith – above – was going to resign her Cabinet post. Not before time, but she should have been sacked ages ago because she was about as much good as an
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Grey squirrels
RE your story headlined “Heading south – to feed demand for squirrel pie” (Echo, May 29) in which pest controller Paul Parker said of the poor grey squirrel: “They are destructive because they don’t belong here.” Surely this has to been some sort
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Price of fame
AS we know from TV shows, such as Britain’s Got Talent and The X Factor, the price of fame is huge. Stress is as much about performance on the screen as it is about intense media interest and scrutiny. Intrusion has always been a feature of stardom
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Rogue cyclists
I AM somewhat fed up and appalled by the increasing numbers of so-called cyclists riding on pavements. Such people give true cyclists a bad name. It is against the law to ride on pavements and the penalties are severe. About ten years ago it
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Drug costs
RE your report about a university study which found that GPs had saved taxpayers millions of pounds by prescribing lower-cost generic medicines rather than more expensive branded drugs (Echo, May 27). Generic drugs are not always a cheaper alternative
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Don't mess with Mrs M over rooks
‘NOT the most appealing of birds.” A villager’s judgement on a group of rooks he observed sidling around my lawn. I made some non-committal reply. My wife would have bent his ear with a paean of praise for the rooks. Her rooks, I perhaps should
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A Cabinet falling apart
JACQUI SMITH is poised to stand down as Home Secretary. Chancellor Alistair Darling is badly wounded and tipped to be replaced in an imminent reshuffle. The behaviour of Communities Secretary Hazel Blears has been described by the Prime Minister
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Surnames
MANY people I know like to read Hear All Sides and often let me know what they think of the letters. There have been a couple of occasions, though, when people have got the surnames wrong. For instance, I get told that “Des Moore” and “Hugh Pinder
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Northallerton students' help for heroes
STUDENTS touched by the tragedy of war have been fundraising for injured soldiers. Northallerton College students served coffee, washed cars and organised raffles in aid of Help for Heroes, a national charity which is building a specialist centre for
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Anniversary concert
THE DURHAM Young Musicians will be marking their 40th anniversary with a piano recital at the weekend. The concert will be held at St Cuthbert's Church, North Road , Durham at 2pm on Sunday. Four younger members of the group - Bolin Dai, Miranda Stephenson
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Groom strikes at Ripon
CHELTENHAM Gold Cupwinning trainer Peter Beaumont broke new ground when Golden Groom gave him his first success on the Flat under rules in the Bishopton Handicap at Ripon. Golden Groom was having his first outing since September 2007 and making
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Life in the fast lane
As the region prepares to host the British Touring Car Championship later this month, self-confessed “potterer” Jim Entwistle takes some lessons on speed from the championship’s 2008 winner Fabrizio Giovanardi. DON’T get me wrong. The thought
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Khateeb can find his feet over mile
KHATEEB ran as though in need of the outing on his seasonal reappearance at Lingfield and he should prove hard to beat in the Weatherbys Bloodstock Insurance Conditions Stakes at Nottingham. After winning a Kempton maiden by eight lengths just
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Pietersen back on song for England
KEVIN Pietersen underlined his massive importance to England’s World Twenty20 campaign by securing a sixwicket victory after a laboured performance in the warm-up match against Scotland. Just 24 hours after announcing England had now developed
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Time the driving force for Steven Gerrard
STEVEN GERRARD believes the 2010 World Cup could be his last chance to win football’s most coveted prize. The Liverpool captain will be 30 by the time Fabio Capello’s side compete in South Africa next summer – assuming there are no last-gasp hiccups
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Cahill in for injured Ferdinand
ENGLAND defender Rio Ferdinand has been ruled out of the World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan and Gary Cahill has received a shock call-up. Ferdinand’s calf injury, a complaint he was understood to be carrying before Manchester United’s Champions
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Edwards demands an improvement from the Lions
SHAUN Edwards has urged the British and Irish Lions to ‘‘put a marker down’’ in tonight’s second South Africa tour game. Super 14 side the Golden Lions await at Ellis Park, the venue for next month’s third Test against the world champion Springboks
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Shoppers' guide offers discounts
AN exclusive members' card scheme offering shop discounts has been featured in the second edition of a shopping guide. The Unique brochure features shops across Darlington and discounts of between five and 25 per cent. Shops in the town hope the guide
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Barry completes shock £12m move to City
MANCHESTER City manager Mark Hughes is banking on Gareth Barry’s experience in the domestic and international arena to take the club to the next level. The 28-year-old England international signed a five-year contract at Eastlands. Barry, a target
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Mystery over award for pitman’s bravery
A WOMAN is keen to find out more about the mystery brave deed of her late grandfather, probably in a pre-war pit accident. Lena Glendenning has dug out a family heirloom presented to John Robert Ferguson when he worked at Handenhold Colliery,
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Tykes edge their way past Durham in Twenty20
Yorkshire v Durham (Twenty20 Cup) OTHER than those provided by the dancing girls, the thrills of Twenty20 cricket were in short supply for 4,200 fans at Headingley last night until Yorkshire contrived a dramatic finish. They made heavy weather
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Boyd is a better player
ADAM Boyd believes Hartlepool United fans will see a different, more rounded player after completing his return to his hometown club. Boyd left Victoria Park for Luton for £500,000 in 2006 and last week signed for the club from Leyton Orient.
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Plan for art project ‘to rival Angel of the North’
PLANS have been revealed for a major public art project which developers hope will gain iconic status akin to the Angel of the North. But instead of a single statue or statement, developers at Darlington’s Lingfield Point, an award-winning business
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Big three fearing expenses backlash
THE big three parties will be hoping anger over MPs’ expenses does not hit them at the ballot box, as the region goes to the polls tomorrow. Nine seats in the European Parliament will be up for grabs in what is likely to be the last big test of
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Ahead with celebrations
A HUGE head and shoulders sculpture which celebrates the region’s industrial heritage has been installed at a business park. The 16-metre, 4.7-tonne scaffolding structure was lowered into place near Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, yesterday. In
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Waste dumpers kill up to 1,000 fish
UP to 1,000 fish have been killed after fly-tippers dumped hazardous waste on farmland, which then leaked into a nearby beck. The Environment Agency believes the young trout in Skelton Beck, near Saltburn, East Cleveland, were killed by waste
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Boy flees as men try to seize him
DETECTIVES are investigating the attempted abduction, by up to five men, of a 12-year-old boy in a market town in the region. The boy’s ordeal happened as he walked to school, along Goosecroft Lane, in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, at about 8.25am
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Gibson committed to promotion push
STEVE GIBSON has reassured frustrated Middlesbrough supporters that he intends to steer his hometown club back to the Premier League at the first attempt. Gibson has contended with stinging criticism in the last week for his decision to stick
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Shearer eyes beckford
DESPITE uncertainty surrounding the future at St James’ Park, Alan Shearer has still been assessing the transfer market in the hope that he will be given the opportunity to tinker with the Newcastle United squad. With bankers waiting for owner
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Blears latest minister to resign
COMMUNITIES Secretary Hazel Blears is to resign from the Cabinet, she announced in a statement today on the eve of crunch European and local elections. Her departure comes hot on the heels of the resignation of Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, who revealed
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Tories hope to keep control of the county
VOTERS from across North Yorkshire will go to the polls tomorrow, with the ruling Conservative group hoping to retain its control of the county. The Conservatives hold more than 50 per cent of the seats on the council, after a landslide victory
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Claudia had ‘complex’ private life
THE detective investigating the disappearance of Claudia Lawrence said he has received vital information about people involved in relationships with the university chef. More than 40 calls were received after the case – now classed as a suspected
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Bruce sets out targets
STEVE BRUCE will launch a multi-million pound move for former Middlesbrough midfielder Lee Cattermole once he has been confirmed as Sunderland’s new manager. Bruce was last night on the verge of accepting an offer – thought to be a three-year
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Escaped ponies cause traffic chaos in Durham City
TWO PONIES caused traffic chaos at one of the busiest junctions in Durham City when they made a bid for freedom at lunchtime yesterday. Miniature Shetland pony Buttons and jumping pony Rupert bolted as they were being moved into a new field for
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Mum dies just weeks after move to Cyprus
THE family of a North-East businesswoman who died weeks after her dream move to Cyprus have paid tribute to their fun-loving mother. Grandmother Lynne Bromley, 49, from Tudhoe, County Durham, and her fiancee George Heywood, moved to the Greek
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Inquest verdict on blaze victim
AN inquest has heard how a woman who died in a house fire had disconnected her smoke alarms from the mains electricity supply. The fire brigade has warned members of the public to ensure their alarms are in working order following the hearing
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Father and son held in racism operation
ANTI-TERROR police were last night questioning a North-East father and son arrested on suspicion of involvement with a white supremacist group. Ian and Nicky Davison were arrested after officers carried out raids at their homes at about 5am
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Black day for Brown
The national headlines make grim reading for Gordon Brown and his government this morning. Rats desert sinking ship (Daily Mail), Disarray in Downing Street (The Independent), Meltbrown (Daily Mirror), Labour's day of resignation (Guardian)
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Ten per cent drop in profits for Northumbrian Water
NORTHUMBRIAN Water today blamed soaring energy costs and lower usage by recession-hit industry for a 10 per cent drop in annual profits. The group - which operates as Northumbrian Water in the North East and Essex & Suffolk Water in the South - said
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The price I have to pay...
This Headline Game business is getting costly... It was 2-2 going into this morning's game on TFM radio. I was looking solid and in with a chance. The story was about a Chinese fella who had his hand pulled off during a tug of war competition. He had
