Archive
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Competitive Dad 2; A Tale of Greasy Darts…
A nice little tale from Jonathon Milroy this time, recalling just how competitive his dad -Alan - can be! This little story is set in the East coast of Scotland 10 years or so ago, where Big Al, Al Jnr, Keith Waine and myself were taking a
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Woman robbed at her own front door
AN elderly woman is recovering after being assaulted and robbed at her own front door. The 81-year-old woman had just walked back to her home on Fifth Avenue, York, after a trip to the local shops when the male suspect knocked on her front door at about
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Parish meeting organised for wind farm plan
VILLAGERS will be able to put forward their views about a proposed wind farm at a special parish council meeting next month. Sadberge Parish Council has decided to hold a full open public meeting on December 1 to discuss plans for ten turbines at Moor
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Off-road OAP has no plans to give up
A PENSIONER is proving that age is no barrier to living life in top gear. Geoff Watkin has pledged to continue working as an off-road driving instructor - despite turning 80. Mr Watkin, from Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, helped launch Yorkshire
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Youngsters pay their debt to society
YOUNG people have been making amends for offences they have committed - by giving the local police station a spruce-up. The young people, all of whom have been dealt with by North Yorkshire’s Youth Justice Service, have been painting fences
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Rug Aid 'Rug Rave' at community centre
RUG-MAKING masterclasses take place in aid of visually impaired crafts people in Africa later this month. Among 20-plus venues hosting Rug Aid activities is Newton Hall Community Centre, in Durham, where master craftswoman Heather Ritchie,
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London solicitor among Labour's Darlington candidates
A HIGH-PROFILE solicitor who was selected as a London council's youngest ever leader before he lost his seat is the latest name to be linked with Darlington's vacant Labour candidacy. Raj Chada is among up to 30 party members who have expressed
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Water improvment scheme starts
THE last stage of a 1 million scheme to improve the water quality of the River Tees has started in Barnard Castle. Northumbrian Water has already upgraded and screened nine combined sewer overflows in Eggleston, Middleton-in-Teesdale and Cotherstone.
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Deadline looms for shoebox appeal
WEST Auckland Community Church is collecting shoeboxes of Christmas presents for disadvantaged children. Leaflets explaining what to include in the boxes, which are part of the Samaritan's Purse shoebox appeal, are available from the Village Centre
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Rail enthusiasts invited to model railway show
RAIL enthusiasts in Wear Valley are being invited to a model railway exhibition this weekend. The Weardale Railway Locomotive Preservation Group is hosting the Wear Valley Model Railway Show at St Catherine’s Church Hall, Market Place, in Crook, County
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Is Darren Bent heading to the World Cup?
IN Wayne Rooney, Emile Heskey and Jermaine Defoe, Fabio Capello has clearly made up his mind on three of his strikers for next summer's World Cup finals. So if you are Darren Bent, you would have to hope that Capello opts to take five strikers
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Help for struggling homeowners
A NEW scheme has been set up across North Yorkshire to publicise all the homelessness prevention initiatives available to homeowners at risk of repossession. The scheme will last for 12 months during and it is hoped as many homeowners as possible will
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Sikh to lecture at cathedral
A WELL-known Sikh broadcaster and journalist will address an audience of several hundred at Ripon Cathedral next week. Dr. Inderjit Singh will deliver the St Wilfrid Lecture on November 19 at 7pm. A frequent contributor to Thought for
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Stadium stages exhibition for hearing and visually impaired
A SENSORY exhibition for people with visual or hearing impairment takes place later this week. ‘We’ar Vision - We’ar Hear’ is one of the first events of its kind organised by the Sunderland and North Durham Royal Society for the Blind. Backed by Sunderland
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Helping the forgotten victims of domestic abuse
A NEW campaign is being launched to raise awareness of the forgotten victims of domestic abuse - children and young people. The campaign has been launched by Ryedale and Scarborough Safer Communities Partnerships together with the NSPCC. And the idea
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Tesco claims support for store
A SUPERMARKET chain claims there has been an "overwhelmingly positive" reaction to its plans to open a new 80,000 sq ft store. Tesco held a three-day public exhibition about its plans to open a Tesco Extra store in Peterlee which could create up to 400
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Cycle thefts increase at park
CYCLISTS in Ingleby Barwick are being urged secure their bikes when using a popular park. The Ingleby Barwick neighbourhood police team have seen an increase in the number thefts reported by youngsters using Romano Park. Youngsters are reportedly leaving
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Allotments under microscope
A new blueprint aimed at shaping the future of Hartlepool's allotments will be placed under the microscope on Wednesday. Hartlepool Borough Council provides a total of 1,012 allotment plots, spread across 16 sites around the town. Some are managed by
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Young designers help with housing project
BUDDING young interior designers across Teesside are using their skills to help a housing scheme. The teenagers have been asked to make their mark on Parkfield Hall, in Stockton, by choosing flooring, paint colours, tiles, and furniture. The development
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School proposals given go-ahead
MULTI-MILLION pound proposals which will create a new era of secondary school education in the Stockton borough have been agreed. Under the £180m Building Schools for the Future programme, Stockton Borough Council’s cabinet has agreed Blakeston School
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Footpath to open up green spaces
A NEW footpath connecting three popular green havens in the heart of Middlesbrough is to be officially unveiled this week. The footpath joining Newham Grange Country Farm with Marton West Beck and Fairy Dell is aimed at increasing the number
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Woman "powerless" to control herself during sex
A woman given an ASBO banning her from noisy sex is appealing against the order on the grounds she is "powerless" to control herself during romps. Caroline Cartwright, 48, has been given a four-year anti-social behaviour order preventing her
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Tackling crime and anti-social behaviour
CRIME and anti-social behaviour have come under the spotlight in Northallerton over the past week. The police’s local Safer Neighbourhood Team teamed up with partner agencies to tackle both issues as part of Not in my Neighbourhood Week. Measures included
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Poppy collection box stolen from library
A TEENAGER who stole a poppy collection box two days before Remembrance Day services is being sought by police. Police have launched an appeal for witnesses to the incident which happened in Darlington's Crown Street Library on Friday, November 6. Police
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Hundreds expected for Methodist conference
HUNDREDS of young Christians will gather in the North-East for a youth conference this weekend. More than 200 are expected to attend the Methodist Church’s Youth Assembly at Ushaw College, a Catholic seminary near Durham, between November 13 and 15.
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Charity ball for children
A CHARITY ball to raise funds to give disadvantaged children a Christmas party is to take place later this month. Wearside-based charity Hope 4 Kidz is to hold its annual Candlelit Christmas Ball at Lumley Castle, near Chester-le-Street, on Friday, November
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Body in river was missing Billy, 88
A BODY recovered from the River Wear yesterday was that of missing pensioner Billy Jones, police have confirmed. The 88-year-old had been missing from his home in Ferryhill, County Durham, since Friday October 16. Durham police had co-ordinated one
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Leisure centre boost for Children in Need
PEOPLE in the Hambleton area are being urged to do something different next week – and raise money for Children in Need. To coincide with the unveiling of Thirsk Swimming Pool’s new studio a two-week programme of new fitness classes and activities are
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Charity dinner at hotel
A COMPANY hopes to raise around £10,000 for an African children’s hospital at an anniversary dinner. More than 300 people are expected to attend an event at Ramside Hall Hotel, in Durham City, tomorrow night to mark the 20th anniversary of the founding
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Festive fairs on the moors
THE North York Moors is getting in the festive spirit by hosting two Christmas fairs. Taking place at the Moors National Park Centre at Danby on November 28 and 29 and at Sutton Bank National Park Centre on December 5 and 6, entry to the fairs and the
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More officers on the beat
POLICE have strengthened their team on the beat with more community support officers taking to the streets. Nineteen new officers have completed their foundation course in North Yorkshire and will serve across the county. And they were welcomed to the
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Veazey suffers concussion after being hit by rider
PAUL VEAZEY was heading for a top ten finish in the recent European Supersport Championship race at Albacete in Spain before being hit by another rider and forced off the track and out of the race. Middlesbrough's Veazey was battling for ninth
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Bruce delighted at Bent's England call-up
SUNDERLAND boss Steve Bruce has backed Darren Bent's call-up to the England squad for Saturday's friendly against Brazil in Qatar. Bruce signed Bent in a club-record £10m deal from Tottenham over the summer and the 25-year-old has made an immediate impact
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Hacker attacks Durham Police website
AN investigation was under way today after a hacker launched a crude attack on a police website, apparently in revenge for terror deaths in Pakistan. Access to the Durham Police website was temporarily blocked by staff after its security was
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November 9, 2009
STUDENTS They’re back again So here we go More noisy parties As they put on a show You can’t get parked No room on the street Complaints from everyone You meet The pavements are packed But they won’t give way Consideration please We pray
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The boy soldier who never came home
With no veterans left to talk first-hand about the First World War, the discovery of a young soldier’s remarkable long-lost diary from the trenches of North Africa is helping to bring history to life for primary school children in the region. As Remembrance
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‘Maria was my stepping stone’
As Cabaret comes to York, Steve Pratt speaks to leading actress Siobhan Dillon, whose career has seen her swap a dirndl for suspenders. ‘IF I said I didn’t like it, I’d be lying,” says Siobhan Dillon when mention is made of her sexily scanty costumes
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Affronted
I MUST take issue with ME Harris on the subject of the “Queen’s backyard” (HAS, Nov 6). Buckingham Palace was designed by John Nash for King George IV and the original entrance was through the Marble Arch, facing the Mall. The arch was removed
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Crash course
Collision (ITV1, 9pm, every night until Friday). HAVE you got five nights to spare? If so, ITV1 would like the pleasure of your company at a major road accident with multiple fatalities. Those neck-stretchers who believe that watching road crashes
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Car park fines
I WAS so glad to read your report about the sudden implementation of penalties at the Victoria Centre car park, Consett, County Durham (Echo, some editions, Nov 2). I feel that Highview Ltd, the company that owns the car park, should have
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Islamised Britain
COMING from a large cosmopolitan family with connections in many different countries, I grew up fascinated by the world’s rich diversity of language, cuisine, art, philosophy and religion. I inherited the belief that there is much we have to learn
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European Union
IN his letter about bar-room politics, Tom Seale thinks decisions about the EU should be left to those who fully understand it (HAS, Nov 2). Some of those who have undemocratically forced the Lisbon Treaty, alias EU Constitution, on the people
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The Berlin Wall: My part in its downfall
TODAY is the 20th anniversary the fall of the Berlin Wall - November 9, 1989. The euphoria is unforgettable. The German authorities didn't officially start dismantling the wall until June 13, 1990 and reunification didn't happen until October
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Afghanistan
I HAPPEN to be old enough to have seen how the Vietnam war ended. The Americans had been pouring massive resources in there in the form of manpower and equipment to fight the Viet Cong communist insurgency. The idea then was to save the world
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Autism: an offensive comment
THE letter from Bishop Auckland BNP prospective parliamentary candidate Adam Walker, headed “Islamised Britain” (HAS, Nov 5), in which he suggests “political correctness is a form of autism”, is extremely unhelpful and, indeed, offensive on a number
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Red faces at missing an open goal
REGULAR readers will know that one of my pet hates is the use of the word “war” in the context of football. You know the kind of thing: “Fergie’s at war with Rafa” or vice versa. It’s a regular theme in the papers whenever managers don’t like each
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Fall of the Wall: Turning point
JANUARY 1989: I am standing with a group of German teenagers in the debating chamber of West Berlin’s city hall. Around us are the chairs of the council members. The seats over there, our guide points across the chamber, are for the representatives
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Home safely and soon
LITTLE can have been more dispiriting for British troops fighting in Afghanistan than the figures in the latest opinion poll: 64 per cent of British people believe they can’t win, and 63 per cent want them brought home as soon as possible. Opinion
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Tewin is one to follow
TEWIN Wood has shown plenty of promise in his three starts to date and is one to follow as he switches to handicap company at Wolverhampton. The gelding hardly shone on his debut, finishing at the back in a Newmarket maiden, but he improved for
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Strauss keeps up form
ANDREW Strauss continued his rich run of form with an unbeaten 117 yesterday. The captain’s innings helped England to an eight-wicket victory in their second tour match, against the Warriors at the De Beers Diamond Oval. Strauss was composed
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England 9 Australia 18
England 9 Australia 18 Captain Steve Borthwick insists England must learn how to strike the knockout blow if they are to develop from mere sparring partners to heavyweight world championship contenders. England slipped back to their lowest world
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Three sent off in cup
Wearside League EASINGTON Colliery came back from the brink of defeat to hit eight-man Silksworth for six in the first round of the Wearside League Cup. Silksworth, who led 2-0, had Cameron Marshall sent off in the 25th minute, followed by Jordan
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City youngsters ship 11 goals
UniBond League DURHAM City manager Lee Collings admitted he hit a career low when his young side lost 11-0 at King’s Lynn in the UniBond League Premier Division on Saturday. Collings has had to field mainly teenagers and, despite an overnight
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Rugby Union
A FEW weeks ago I had the great pleasure of attending the Durham County Rugby Referees Annual Dinner at Gateshead Rugby Club. It was a splendid evening with guest of honour Mr John Owen, President of The Rugby Football Union. Mr Owen is a Northerner
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Haye eyes Klitschkos in bid to unify titles
DAVID Haye has vowed to ‘‘clean up’’ in the heavyweight division and unify the titles after ripping the WBA belt from the waist of Russian giant Nikolai Valuev. In only his second fight as a fully-fledged heavyweight, the Englishman produced a
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Tucker takes heart from improved display by RA
Northern League round-up DARLINGTON RA threw away a two-goal lead in the last five minutes and had to settle for a 4-4 draw against Seaham Red Star. But Lee Tucker saw plenty to build on for their relegation fight. The new joint manager said:
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Kettering handed home Leeds tie
NON-LEAGUE Kettering will get the chance to test their giant-killing potential against the best team in the competition after being drawn against former winners Leeds in the FA Cup second round. The Blue Square Premier side were rewarded for
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Capello hands Bent a lifeline
DARREN Bent has been thrown a World Cup lifeline by Fabio Capello – but the ship for South Africa looks to be out of reach for Michael Owen. Bent has made just one appearance under Capello, the victory over Germany in Berlin 12 months ago. He
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The X Factor con
I know I shouldn't get so worked up about a TV talent show - but last night's X Factor result was a disgrace. How on earth can Simon Cowell slag off John and Edward throughout the competition and then bottle the chance to vote them off the
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Sunderland
I THOUGHT that given the circumstances, being down to ten men, Sunderland produced a courageous performance at the Staduim of Light against West Ham. Steve Bruce was spot on when he said that he was embarrassed by the attitude of the West Ham
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Newcastke United
IF MIKE Ashley continues to feel this urge to interfere with the name of St James’ Park and he does not want to totally alienate himself, not only from the fans but also the people of Newcastle as a whole, he might wish to consider this option.
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Sunderland
I WAS really hoping that Sunderland would beat Spurs on Saturday for the simple reason that no one does misery quite as well as Harry Redknapp. When Spurs let one in his doleful features are a picture. That Sunderland didn’t win was largely
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Gordon and Turner are both sidelined
SUNDERLAND will be without Craig Gordon and Michael Turner when they face Arsenal a week on Saturday, but Andy Reid and Fraizer Campbell have joined forces to insist there is no need to worry about the state of Darren Bent’s wellbeing in the
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Tottenham 2 Sunderland 0
Tottenham 2 Sunderland 0 “I HOPE I get a good reception from the Spurs fans,” said Darren Bent, in the build-up to his highly-charged return to White Hart Lane. Suffice to say, his wish was granted. Greeted with a mixture of jeers and
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Crystal Palace 1 Middlesbrough 0
Crystal Palace 1 Middlesbrough 0 Boro goal drought continues at Palace WASTEFUL and frustrating might have sprung to Gordon Strachan’s mind. He was, however, in no mood to call Middlesbrough unlucky after witnessing a second successive defeat
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Stopper longs for top flight
IT IS safe to assume Sean St Ledger’s move to Middlesbrough has not gone to plan. But the Republic of Ireland international is convinced he will be playing in the Premier League next season. St Ledger joins up with the Ireland squad tonight ahead
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Darlington boss must offload before strengthening
AFTER Darlington slipped to their latest defeat manager Steve Staunton declared his intention to bring in fresh blood in a bid to reinvigorate Quakers’ disastrous season. Saturday’s FA Cup loss at Barnet was Quakers’ 15th out of 19 matches in
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Hartlepool United 0 Kettering Town 1
Hartlepool United 0 Kettering Town 1 AS A player at Hartlepool United, Mark Cooper wasn’t around among the happiest of times. As a manager at Victoria Park, however, he has enjoyed nothing but smiles. Nine goals in 33 appearances in
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Larkin suffers repeat
HARTLEPOOL United may be reeling from Saturday’s FA Cup exit to Kettering, but it’s an experience Colin Larkin has suffered before. Back in 2006, Larkin was part of the Chesterfield side which made the headlines in the Carling Cup for all the
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Anfield bow for Aquilani
LIVERPOOL’S fans will finally get the chance today to welcome £20m Alberto Aquilani to Anfield. The Italy international, signed in August, has been recovering from a knee operation since. Now, having also overcome a virus problem, the 25-yearold
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Newcastle 3 Peterborough 1
Newcastle 3 Peterborough 1 THE curtain closed on yet another performance of a Comedy of Errors on Saturday, when themes of mistaken identity, madness, theft and demonic possession were mixed with farce. Well that’s enough of Shakespeare
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Barnet 3 Darlington 1
Barnet 3 Darlington 1 Quakers’ leaky defence leaves Staunton fuming AN ANGRY Steve Staunton made his feelings clear after seeing Darlington dumped out of the FA Cup at Barnet on Saturday. Quakers were second best for the majority of
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Goal hero Gutierrez: I’m staying here
NEWCASTLE star Jonas Gutierrez has condemned mischief makers for trying to unsettle his stay on Tyneside. The Argentina international rounded on rumours that he wants a move in January. He has made it known that Newcastle supporters
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Consultancy expansion
DEVELOPMENT consultancy Primeast has opened offices in three countries abroad and won contracts to help support its growth plans. The company, based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, has strengthened its moves into Europe by opening offices in Prague
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Shipping berth wins approval for project
A SHIPPING berth that will enable a renewable energy plant to import woodchip has received environmental approval. PD Ports has received Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) consent from the Marine and Fisheries Agency (MFA) for the QEII berth
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Corus section wins wind turbine deals
A NORTH-EAST steel plant has made a breakthrough in the renewable energy sector following a decline in other markets. Corus Special Profiles, in Skinningrove, near Saltburn, east Cleveland, has secured five European orders for a steel product
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Company relocates to Wilton base
A COMPANY specialising in manufacturing equipment for the oil and gas sector has moved its UK operation to Teesside because of the sector’s success in the area. Ecom Instruments has relocated its UK operation from Chesterfield, Derbyshire, to
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Second solicitor arrested in fraud inquiry
A SECOND solicitor has been arrested in connection with what police believe is one of Britain’s biggest property frauds. Police are investigating 2,000 mortgage applications as part of the inquiry into the affairs of North-East Property Buyers
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Lights event programme is revealed
THE full programme for a lights festival has been announced. Streets, bridges and the River Wear, in Durham City, will be lit up from Thursday until Sunday, along with processions and events. There will be seven commissions, with more than 50
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Dairytale story as town is named capital of industry
IT may be famous as the cheese that makes Wallace and Gromit go weak at the knees, but now the town where one of the region’s favourite products is made has been given an accolade. Wensleydale Cheese, made in the area since 1150, has led to
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‘Back street university’ hosts art show
THE “back street university”, where one of the region’s most famous artists learnt his trade, is hosting an exhibition of his work. Paintings and sketches by Norman Cornish are being displayed at The Spennymoor Settlement, in County Durham,
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Rally postponed after legal events ruling
A HIGH Court order restricting the number of “noisy days” at a motor racing circuit has led to the postponement of a popular festive rally. The Specsavers Christmas Stages Rally has been running since 1980 and attracts thousands of spectators and
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Honour for village guardian Harold, 67
A COMMUNITY stalwart has been honoured by the Government for helping tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in his village. The efforts of retired council worker Harold Wilsher were recognised by Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Home Secretary
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Darwins face legal bid to recover ‘canoe cash’
THE legal battle to recover the cash swindled by canoe death fraudsters John and Anne Darwin begins this week. The couple, who conned insurance companies out of £250,000 after staging Mr Darwin’s death in an accident off the North-East coast
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Tractor rally raises £15,000
A VINTAGE tractor rally has raised thousands of pounds for charity. The National Vintage Tractor Run came to the roads of County Durham in April, with more than 350 vehicles completing a 25-mile route starting and ending at Ushaw College, near
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‘Balkanisation’ alert over Tory shake-up plans
A LEADING academic has attacked Tory plans to radically shake-up decision-making in the region, warning it would send poorer areas “to the wall”. Professor Alan Townsend, formerly chairman of regeneration at Durham University, said proposals
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Mining a rich seam in history
ONE of the North-East’s most enduring traditions features in a book launched at the weekend. Ken and Jean Smith, of Newcastle, wrote Splendour of the Gala about Durham Miners’ Gala and the now defunct Northumberland Miners Picnic. The 125th Big
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Abbie fund helping others
A TRUST fund set up in memory of an epileptic girl is pioneering initiatives to help other children with the condition. Abbie Clarke was diagnosed with the illness when she was five and died in her sleep aged ten. Last October, staff
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Tribute to run tragedy soldier
TRIBUTES have been paid to a soldier who died during a training run at an Army base. Lieutenant Peter Rous collapsed during a five-mile run at the Catterick barracks in North Yorkshire. The 25-year-old was taking part in a training exercise on
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Bloody milestone in Afghanistan mission
TWO soldiers died in explosions in Afghanistan at the weekend, taking the number of UK combat casualties above 200. The men – one from the 4th Battalion The Rifles and the other from the 2nd Battalion The Rifles, who was serving with the 4th
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A region remembers
THE Archbishop of Canterbury marked Remembrance Sunday at Britain’s biggest Army base. Dr Rowan Williams gave the address at the Garrison Memorial Church, Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, yesterday. Meanwhile, a two-minute silence and military
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Supporters protest at club’s name change
NEWCASTLE United supporters turned out in force to protest against owner Mike Ashley’s decision to rename St James’ Park. Fans gathered outside the stadium’s Milburn Entrance – reserved for players and officials – before Saturday’s Championship
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French honour given to veteran for D-Day role
A WAR veteran has been honoured for his role in the D-Day landings. Robert Craddock, of Crook, County Durham, volunteered at the age of 19 to join the Marines during the Second World War. He trained as a marksman, then became a signalman in combined
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Mystery hero saves woman in blazing car
A FATHER and son described how they helped a mystery hero to pull a woman from her car seconds before it burst into flames. Robert West and his son, Thomas, 17, leapt into action when they heard a huge bang outside their home in Dene Villas, near
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NHS gives council £1m to cut ice accidents
THE NHS has given a council £1m to pay for extra winter gritting to help cut the number of injured people it has to treat. Durham County Council was criticised over its road gritting last winter, with complaints about roads left untreated and
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Nightclub fall teenager dies
A TEENAGER has died seven days after suffering serious head injuries after an incident at a nightclub Halloween party. Hundreds of tributes have been paid to Nathan Andrew Allen, 19, from Darlington, who died on Saturday morning without regaining
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Roman milestones in Piercebridge and Corbridge
MENTION of my discovery of the Carlbury milepost, near Piercebridge, on the blog prompts Tim Brown in Ferryhill to take us further afield, to Corbridge. There stands a very impressive Roman milestone, which is believed to have been erected
