Archive
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Two hurt in A66 three car smash
Two people were taken to hospital this evening after an accident involving three cars on the A66 between Thornaby interchange and Teesside Park. Emergency services were called at about 5.35pm.
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Big Jack Charlton backs flu jab campaign
FOOTBALLING legend Jack Charlton today threw his weight behind a campaign reminding people to get their seasonal flu jab. He was at the Ponteland Road medical centre in Cowgate, Newcastle, to help promote the Department of Health's message Don't Underestimate
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DEATH KNELL FOR FAMILY LEGAL AID
Latimer Hinks withdrew from legal aid work in 1998 and numerous other firms across the country have taken the same step. Resolution, the solicitors family law group, has warned that new fixed fees for family legal aid work published today by the Ministry
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The BNP debate
The debate about whether BNP leader Nick Griffin should be on Question Time is aired in tomorrow's paper. Regional secretary of the Northern TUC, Kevin Rowan, argues the case for banning him from the programme. Helen Robb, a politics
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Sympathy for a dignified manager
No one can accuse Steve Gibson of being the kind of football chairman who sacks his managers lightly. He could have ended Gareth Southgate's reign as Middlesbrough manager when the club was relegated last season but he gave the rookie manager a chance
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Justice system 'champions' honoured
CHAMPIONS of the criminal justice system received official recognition for "going the extra mile", today. Four individuals and six groups from all aspects of the criminal justice system in County Durham and Darlington were presented with awards for their
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MP Supports Residents Against Absent Landlords
Phil Wilson, MP for Sedgefield, has taken up the concerns of the Dean Bank residents, following a recent meeting with the residents association. The MP shared his concerns with residents about absentee private landlords, a problem which is increasing
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Borough's treasures to be protected
THE protective boundaries of geographical and wildlife sites across Redcar and Cleveland are set to be reviewed. The council's list has 17 geological sites, including the cliffs between Saltburn and Skinningrove and Skinningrove and Staithes, as well
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Schools celebrate tackling two weighty issues
YOUNG people across Redcar and Cleveland are being praised for their success in tackling healthy eating and combating bullying. And students from Redcar's Sacred Heart RC Secondary School will ensure there will be a healthy start at the Middlesbrough's
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MP Supports Residents Against Absent Landlords
Phil Wilson MP for Sedgefield has taken up the concerns of the Dean Bank residents, following a recent meeting with the residents association. The MP shared his concerns with residents about absentee private landlords, a problem which is increasing
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Where’s That Year Gone? …
It’s a year today since the first ‘Cockfield’ blog! To say it’s been interesting is an understatement and I must admit I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it, mind you; it’s starting to take over my life! Take last Saturday afternoon for example; I was in
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Strachan 'in talks' over Middlesbrough job
GORDON Strachan could be appointed as the new Middlesbrough manager before the weekend following Gareth Southgate's shock sacking. The 52-year-old Scot is understood to have held talks with Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson in the wake of Southgate's
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Animal walk hailed success
ANIMAL lovers donned fancy dress and brought their four-legged friends for a walk in the park to raise money for a dog rehoming centre. More than 300 people and dogs raised £7,000 by taking part in the first Dogs Trust Darlington Waggy Walk
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Thirty bands fight for title
MUSICIANS will fight for supremacy and a £500 prize in an annual battle of the bands which kicks off this weekend. Amplified's Battle of the Bands will see 30 bands competing for the cash and ten hours of recording time at a Darlington studio. The competition
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Woman cut free after collision
FIRE fighters had to cut a woman free after the car she was travelling in collided with a tree this morning. A crew was dispatched from Darlington to the scene at the Hill House Lane junction, in Sadberge, near Darlington, when the alarm was raised
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Piper plays in shop window
A CHARITY store attracted the attention of shoppers yesterday when a musician appeared in its window display. Shelter on Post House Wynd, in Darlington, created a music display and hired piper Neil Chambers as part of a competition across the region's
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Housing for advisor for CAB
A HOUSING specialist has been appointed by Darlington Citizens Advice Bureau to help people through the recession. Steven Pells will help people with a range of difficulties including homelessness. Advice service manager Neeraj Sharma said: "The appointment
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Postal strike to go ahead tomorrow
NATIONAL strikes by postal workers will go ahead tomorrow and Friday after hopes of reaching a last minute deal collapsed. Up to 120,000 members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) will stage two 24-hour walk-outs, crippling mail deliveries
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Cheerleaders raise cash for charity
MALE staff members at a supermarket swapped their checkout shirts for cheerleader outfits to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign. The employees of the Tesco store in Annfield Plain, near Stanley, raised £1,300 for the charity.
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Firefighters tackle blaze at derelict building
More than 40 firefighters spent two hours tackling a massive blaze at a derelict factory in North Ormesby, Middlesbrough, this morning. Nine fire engines attended the scene shortly before 11.30am. Smoke from the unit stretched as far as the A66.
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Cigarettes stolen from shop
Police are appealing for witnesses after a large quantity of cigarettes were stolen from Spar, in Redhill Road, Roseworth, Stockton, at around midnight on Tuesday. Witnesses are asked to contact DC Neil Coverdale, of Stockton CID, on 01642-302226.
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Woman's bag stolen in Stockton
A woman had her bag stolen after getting off a bus in Bishopton Road, in Stockton, at around 4pm on Tuesday. A man pushed her to the floor and grabbed the bag from behind as she walked past Sainsbury’s. He ran off towards Newstead Avenue. The man is
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Christmas Fair
Ravensworth's annual Christmas Fair takes place on Saturday 21st November in the village hall. On offer are lots of stalls, a tombola, Christmas Draw and refreshments. Money raised will go towards village hall repairs. Free admission, for more
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Halloween Party
A children's Halloween party will be held in the village hall on Friday 30th October, from 3pm to 5pm. There will be a disco, party games, tea and juice, and prizes. Everybody welcome, especially in fancy dress. Tickets at £5 each from Laura Stephenson
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Equestrian centre given full approval
AN equestrian centre which has survived the economic downturn by making profits during a three-year trial period but faced the chop has been given full approval. Council planners followed the advice of their officers to give approval for the barn conversion
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Road traffic accident.
An adult female was involved in a collision, in a car, with a tree, near Darlington this morning. The road traffic collision happened at the junction of Hillhouse Lane, Sadberge. This is the road that leads to the Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre
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Offenders unit will reduce crime
POLICE and other south Durham agencies have set up a support service to try to keep persistent offenders out of trouble. Two weeks after it opened, the Offender Management Unit covering Wear Valley, Sedgefield and Teesdale is already reporting encouraging
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Firefighters prepare for charity show
FIREFIGHTERS in Bedale are preparing to hold a charity concert. The event will be held at Crakehall Village Hall, on October 31, at 7.30pm. Fancy dress optional, food and drinks will be available. The event is in aid of the fire fighters charity
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Bedale youngsters win cross country races
TWO sports youngsters are celebrating after winning their respective events at a cross country meeting. Matthew Tew and Hannah Najafi, two year seven pupils from Bedale High School, won their events at the Hambleton and Richmondshire area cross
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Mining heritage volunteers needed
VOLUNTEERS are being asked to come forward to help preserve the region’s mining heritage. Durham County Record Office, based in County Hall, Durham City, has launched a project to make mining records more accessible to the public. Archivists hope to
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Pupils in Northallerton aid Romanian poor
YOUNGSTERS are helping to bring festive cheer to poor Romanians by donating 90 shoeboxes full of goodies to a charity appeal. The Mill Hill Primary School pupils, in Northallerton, are supporting the work by the town’s New Life Baptist Church. Based
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University plan given permission
UNIVERSITY education in Darlington has come a step closer to reality after councillors approved plans for a £16m campus complex. Teesside University's expansion into Darlington is expected to be fully open in September 2011 following this afternoon's
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Bright North Yorks pupils road safety scheme
A MAJOR £2,000 safety scheme to cut the number of road deaths of children has been launched in the county. The 95 Alive Road Safety Partnership has given out 1,500 high visibility jackets to youngsters at 32 primary schools in the Ryedale area. The
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Support act required for Sex Pistols Experience gig
A ROCK band from south Durham is required to support The Sex Pistols Experience when they perform in Shildon next month. The gig takes place at Shildon Civic Hall, on November 14. The support band should be of a similar genre. For information
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Knitting and jewellery-making workshops in Bishop Auckland
KNITTING and jewellery-making workshops are taking place in Bishop Auckland next week. The sessions, at Woodhouse Close Church community centre, are open to all ages and abilities, and mark Make A Difference Day, take place at. People are invited to
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Family's heartfelt plea for help in finding missing pensioner
THE FAMILY of missing pensioner Billy Jones has made a heartfelt appeal for help to trace his whereabouts. Grandfather-of-four Mr Jones has been missing from his home in Derwent Road, Ferryhill, County Durham, since Friday afternoon. His wife, Janet
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Is Strachan the man to lead Boro back to the big time?
WHAT a shock. Not so much the sacking, just the timing. When Gareth Southgate headed up to the press room at the Riverside Stadium at 10.50pm on Tuesday night, I can honestly say he knew nothing about what was around the corner. After chatting
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School's early half-term break after pipe burst
EARLY years school children are enjoying an extended half-term break after an overnight pipe burst. The caretaker at Delves Lane Infants School, in Consett, County Durham, found water slopping round several classrooms on opening the premises today.
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Newton Faulkner, Newcastle City Hall
ACOUSTIC guitar virtuoso Newton Faulkner, pictured, is instantly at ease with his audience. He’s alone in the spotlight with only an acoustic guitar, and eases into the set with an opening salvo including breakthrough track Won’t Let Go and
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Stewart Lee, Stockton Arc
STEWART LEE is unlike any comedian I have seen or am likely to see. When he’s on stage, you get the impression he doesn’t care if you laugh at his jokes or get his obscure references. He’s smug to a fault and believes he’s the funniest, most
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Man remanded in custody on prostitute murder charge
A 42-YEAR-old man was remanded in custody today when he appeared in court charged with the murder of a prostitute whose strangled body was found in a burned-out flat. Firefighters discovered Andrea Waddell's body in her first floor flat in Upper Lewes
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Dan Giffard farewell
Dan Giffard has released the full line up for his Giffardsson’s Farewell benefit meeting at Redcar on Thursday 22nd October, and it looks sensational. He will have the new Elite League champions Wolverhampton with all their big guns blazing, and top
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Eilen Jewell, Jumpin’ Hot Club, The Cluny, Newcastle
IDAHO-BORN, and now Boston residing Eilen Jewell brought her threepiece band to the Cluny and, just as when I saw them at the Kilkenny Rhythm and Roots weekend last year, they brought something unique and special to the table. With John Sciascia
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Bread and butter work
Defying Gravity (BBC2, 9pm) NCIS: Los Angeles (Sky1, 9pm) Art Deco Icons (BBC4, 8.30pm) THE central theme of Defying Gravity, says creator James Parriott, is “about man finding himself and his place in the universe”. Others may simply regard it
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Help for owners of period homes
TWO women have established an online business which helps period home owners to find specialist products and services. Restoration and Beyond has been set up by Christine Pearce, from Hartlepool, and Paula Smith, from Peterlee, who have spent the
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Motor group buys two sites
THE region’s biggest independent motor group is looking to become a key player in commercial vehicles after making two new acquisitions. Benfield Motor Group has bought the third largest commercial vehicle site in the country at Thornaby, near Stockton
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Former receptionist unearths new skills
A FORMER receptionist is forging a career in the maledominated world of digger driving. Sarah Garbutt took her qualifications to drive excavators after being laid off from her office job due to the economic downturn. Ms Garbutt, from Ingleby
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Municipal overspending – how times change...
A fortnight ago, we told how Darlington’s market fatally collapsed before it was even open. Here Chris Lloyd completes the story of the complex which is central to the town’s image. THE first municipal building in Darlington was the Toll Booth
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Complacency warning over Nissan Leaf deal
NISSAN’S Sunderland plant was warned yesterday not to take for granted being chosen for European production of the new Leaf electric car. Trevor Mann, Nissan’s senior vice-president for manufacturing in Europe, told regional business leaders “
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Cabbies in the driving seat after takeover
A TAXI firm is to change hands after it was bought out by two of its drivers. Lynn Orchard and her partner Colin McMain saw a business opportunity with Darlington- based Ace Cars and approached its owner Pat Mason – who is due to retire next
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Greggs the baker rolls out plan for more shops
BAKER Greggs yesterday unveiled a £300m five-year plan to open at least 600 shops across the UK creating at least 6,000 jobs. The North-East baker is aiming to have more than 2,000 shops nationwide by 2014, with it targeting areas where the
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Between two worlds
They’d never met before and lived continents apart, but that didn’t stop a Hartlepool lad and a Canadian self-help guru getting together to write a book. Sharon Griffiths reports. IT IS a remarkable way to write a novel. Two authors who have never
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Leisure report 'not witheld' claim council chiefs
COUNCIL officials have denied withholding a report over controversial plans for new sports facilities in an ex-steel-making town. The study was carried out to determine viability for up to £14m worth of new sports and leisure developments in Consett,
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Bull terriers
RE. Staffies (HAS, October 15), Ken Jones defends Staffordshire bull terriers. ok, that is understandable. He says that the owners are to blame for untrained aggressive dogs. I agree there are some moron dog owners. I have to ask though, what
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Ugly buildings
I JUST had to put pen to paper to protest at what seems to be a proliferation of ugly new “modern” buildings on Teesside and elsewhere. Stockton and Middlesbrough have followed the trend with new buildings on either side of the Tees, one adjacent
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Village green bid for town's proposed academy site
A BID has been lodged to formally preserve, 'for public recreational use only', a site earmarked for a new academy school. Belle Vue playing fields and surrounding area of Consett, County Durham, has been selected as the preferred site for
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David Cameron
AFTER watching David Cameron’s speech at the Tory party conference can anyone put their hand on their heart and say he’s the answer to Britain’s ills? If Cameron gets the keys to Downing Street then free bus passes, the minimum wage and winter
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Too much of a good thing
O Backchat KAY then, let’s give everyone maternity leave. Mothers, fathers, the childless, the menopausal, grannies, granddads and yes, men too, especially the men. Maternity leave has been one of the great triumphs for women – the chance at
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Public urged to be eyes and ears in search for Ferryhill pensioner
POLICE searching for a missing pensioner have appealed to the public to be their eyes and ears. Residents in the Ferryhill and Chilton areas of County Durham are being asked to help try and find Billy Jones, 89. A total of 65 officers
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In praise of Kathy Kirby
KATHY KIRBY is one of the few all-time great female singers. She was signed to Pye, Decca and EMI Records. Her wonderful hits included Dance On, Secret Love, Let Me Go Lover and I Belong. She made her television debut on Associated Rediffusion
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Bonus bonanza
NOW that the banks are awash with taxpayers’ money (excluding Barclays) they seem hell bent on pursuing the bonus bonanza which has brought them into disrepute. Isn’t it strange that when executives and other high earners seem immune from the
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MPs' expenses
MPS’ expenses are back on the agenda once again. Nothing drastic will ever change about this ridiculous system. Some MPs have the arrogance to blatantly refuse to pay expenses back. Their excuse? It was all within the rules. Don’t they have any
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Pedestrian perils
NOWHERE, or so it seems to me, is it easier to force pedestrians from the footpath and into the road amongst the traffic than it is here in County Durham. This is caused by motor vehicles parked partially, wholly or even driven on the footpath,
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What a waste
I AM concerned to learn that up to 40 per cent of the UK’s food is wasted. We should be able to improve the shelf life of fruit and vegetables in local supermarkets and recycle waste into fertiliser. Council officers have informed me that they
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Turn out the lights on Teesside
FOR my 65th birthday I chose to climb Roseberry Topping. It was a frosty day in early January and the Topping was plastered with snow, which had fallen a day or two earlier. Would the hill be safe to climb in rubbersoled boots, which slip on ice
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A spoonful of medicine
Giving hard-core addicts free heroin on the NHS seems to have a beneficial effect for the individual and for society as a whole. Health Editor Barry Nelson investigates a North-East initiative which could become a model for the UK. AT first
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Funding a vital service
PLANS for the inevitable squeeze on public sector spending are already at an advanced stage in the wake of the financial crisis caused by the recklessness of the banks. The result will be that local authorities across the country will be making
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Cancer sufferers first to try drug
NORTH-EAST patients with certain types of blood cancer will be among the first in the country to benefit from a new drug after NHS officials agreed to provide funding. The decision by the North of England Cancer Drug Approvals Group to approve
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Upgrade bid leads to hostel closure
A SALVATION Army hostel is to close because of council demands to modernise the building. Tom Raine Court, in Darlington, looks after as many as 37 people trying to get back on their feet after time on the streets. The centre helps to rehabilitate
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Tidal Bay warms up for seasonal debut
TIDAL Bay warmed up for his seasonal debut with a pleasing outdoor schooling session ahead of the tote-tentofollow Old Roan Chase at Aintree on Saturday. Jockey Denis O’Regan was in the plate as the 2008 Arkle Trophy winner was put through his
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Monkhouse targets Victoria Park victory
WITH a lack of home wins holding back Hartlepool United, Andy Monkhouse is out to put things right this weekend. In eight games in all competitions this season, Pools have recorded just one Victoria Park victory, 3-0 over Walsall last month.
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Hughton will still be boss despite run of form
CHRIS Hughton last night expressed confidence that Newcastle’s alarming run of form will not affect his chances of being appointed on a permanent basis. Hughton is expected to meet Magpies owner Mike Ashley within the next 48 hours to discuss
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Why Cattermole can play for England
LORIK CANA is convinced that Lee Cattermole will become a full England international in the next couple of years. Steve Bruce confirmed yesterday that damage to Cattermole’s medial ligament could see the tenacious 21-year-old sidelined for up
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Newcastle ordered to pay all of Keegan's court costs
NEWCASTLE United have been ordered to pay all of Kevin Keegan's costs in his successful claim against the club for constructive dismissal - a sum which could reach £1.5m. Keegan left the club in September last year after the club signed Uruguayan midfielder
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Smith calls for greater strength
MENTAL strength will be key in Darlington’s bid to move off the bottom of the League Two table according to midfielder Gary Smith, and he has urged his team-mates to “get stuck in” more often. Quakers’ battling qualities contributed to Saturday
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Take a tour of crime in your neighbourhood
A website allowing the public to find out how much crime is being committed in their area got off to a sticky start as it went live across the country yesterday for the first time. Stuart Arnold reports. EARLIER this month, a report by Her Majesty
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Puma crash pilot flew 5ft above taxi
A TAXI driver was “eyeballing” a helicopter pilot as he flew 5ft above his vehicle, an inquest into a fatal crash has heard. Pilot Dave Sale was heard to say “let’s scare the s*** out of this taxi” as he flew the Puma helicopter low and
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Convicted killer in bid to clear name
A MAN convicted of killing his partner has had a bid to clear his name accepted by judges at the Court of Appeal. John Bickford was branded a liar and a bully after a jury found him guilty in February of the manslaughter of Carol Chambers. Bickford
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DNA challenge in murder convictions
THE convictions of two North-East brothers who were jailed for life for the murder of an amateur boxer are unsafe and should be quashed, a Court of Appeal hearing was told yesterday. David and Terry Reed, of Tennyson Avenue, Grangetown, Middlesbrough
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Flight ended in tragedy as novice pilot ditched in sea
A SIGHTSEEING flight ended in tragedy for an inexperienced pilot when an attempt to ditch into the sea went wrong, an inquest has been told. John Ingham drowned after his two-seater light aircraft crashed into the sea, off Robin Hood’s Bay, between
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'Bassey was a great boss till it came to pay day'
A former employee of failed airline Excelsis – whose boss, Victor Bassey, was exposed last week by The Northern Echo – has revealed the moment she knew the company had collapsed. Joe Willis reports VICKY WILTSHIRE thought the Jobcentre Plus
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'Doctors ignored pleas to save boy'
A YOUNG boy dying of meningitis pleaded with doctors to save his life, an inquest has heard. However, staff at Darlington Memorial Hospital failed to diagnose the deadly brain disease until it was too late – initially diagnosing it as a migraine
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Boro search for boss as Gibson axes Southgate
MIDDLESBROUGH chairman Steve Gibson was today launching a search for a new manager after reluctantly relieving Gareth Southgate of his duties. Gibson wielded the axe just hours after the Teessiders had ended a run of three successive home defeats
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Middlesbrough 2 Derby County 0
Middlesbrough 2 Derby County 0 Adam Johnson lit up the Riverside Stadium last night with a stunning individual goal that did nothing to keep his manager, Gareth Southgate, in a job this morning. With tensions high on Teesside following
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Scunthorpe United 2 Newcastle United 1
Scunthorpe United 2 Newcastle United 1 HAVING already delayed a meeting with Mike Ashley to sign his new contract as permanent manager of Newcastle United, Chris Hughton would be advised to put pen to paper as quickly as possible. The way
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We live here 2?
Last week I had the opportunity to visit a fantastic project in Seaham which we have been able to support thanks to funding from the Esh Group and Vardy Foundation. We Live Here 2 is a project based on the High Street in Seaham, where children
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Alfred Waterhouse: a full catalogue of works
YOU will have noticed that I'm very interested in the great Gothic Victorian architect Alfred Waterhouse. I borrowed a book from the British Library recently, written by Waterhouse's grand-daughter Prudence Waterhouse and Colin Cunningham,
