Archive
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Murder trial is told of dramatic call to police
A MURDER trial jury yesterday heard a dramatic 999 call made by a killer telling the police where they could find the body of his estranged partner. The recording was played on the fourth day of the trial of Graham Gibson, who stabbed to death
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Home Office 'dragging its feet' on gun law changes
THE Home Secretary was accused yesterday of dragging her heels over calls for clearer gun laws, made in the wake of a New Year massacre in the North-East. Theresa May has yet to implement any recommendations made – ten months ago – by the powerful
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Orchestra North East and The Durham Singers, Durham Cathedral
TWO of the region’s premier musical groups were in top form when they joined forces for a spectacular concert at Durham Cathedral. Orchestra North East and the Durham Singers opened the evening with a glorious account of Hubert Parry’s anthem,
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Ex-RAF serviceman jailed over child porn at base
A FORMER RAF serviceman who downloaded thousands of indecent images of children has been jailed for 12 months. Andrew Knight was arrested after police raided his room at RAF Leeming, near Bedale, North Yorkshire, and seized his computer. More
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X Factor's James Arthur Learning to Love the Limelight
THE family of North-East X-Factor contestant James Arthur said his health worries are over and he is finally relaxing. James Arthur, 24, collapsed after having a panic attack the weekend before last. But he bounced back on Saturday with what
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Watch out - Paddington's about!
A VERY Important Bear will be the guest of honour at one of the region’s top attractions this half-term. Marmalade-loving Paddington will be bringing his inimitable style to the National Railway Museum in York from October 27 to November 4.
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Burglar put suspended sentence at risk with £13 drink theft
A CONVICTED burglar risked activating a suspended custodial sentence for the sake of a £13 bottle of flavoured schnapps drink. Russell Emerson Dixon was given a 32-week sentence in a young offenders’ institution, suspended for 18 months, during
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Ghost hunting at Kiplin Hall
GHOST HUNT: Walks around Kiplin Hall, near Scorton, Richmond, to hunt for ghostly former residents will take place on Tuesday, October 30 and Wednesday, October 31. Stories include tales of the presence of a governess in the servants’ tunnel; the
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Man dies after sports supercar crashes into bus
A MAN has died after a sports supercar crashed into a bus. The white Audi R8 ploughed into an Arriva bus in Gosforth, Newcastle, near to a fixed speed camera site. Debris was strewn across the road in the accident, which occurred at the junction
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Police spread Stranger Danger message in Newton Aycliffe
THE police have been warning youngsters of the dangers of talking to strangers after a man exposed himself to primary school pupils. Officers from Newton Aycliffe Police and the stranger danger team visited all of the town’s primary schools today
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Pools to get revamp
THE swimming pools at Chester-le-Street Leisure Centre will close for almost two months for refurbishment. They will be shut from Monday, November 19 until Sunday, January 13. A spruce-up and work on the tiling will will make the facility lighter
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Concerns Grow for Missing Girl
POLICE are trying to trace a 15-year-old girl who has not been seen since early Saturday morning. Danielle Wilson was last seen at an address in Linthorpe, Middlesbrough at about 9.30am on Saturday. A police spokeswoman said: “Officers would
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Television star to appear in Darlington
ICE AGE: Professor Alice Roberts, a contributor to the BBC programme Coast, will give a talk entitled Survivors of the Ice Age, at the Dolphin Centre, in Darlington, on Wednesday, November 7, at 8pm. Tickets cost £11 or £9 for members of the Royal
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Miner sculpture gets a 'wife'
A SCULPTURE of a coal miner has acquired a “wife”. A 15ft-high sculpture of a coal miner, made of willow, oak, holly and blackthorn, was unveiled at Low Burnhall woods, near Durham City, in April. Now a female sculpture, 15ft-high and made
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North Yorkshire news in brief
CANDIDATE INJURED: Julia Mulligan Conservative candidate for the post of Police and Crime Commissioner in North Yorkshire was treated in hospital after a dog bit her finger as she delivered a leaflet through the door of a house in York during campaigning
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Flagship store threatens to quit if parking charges double
FURIOUS traders have warned plans to increase parking charges by up to 100 per cent will drive shoppers out of struggling town centres. One leading shop, Lewis and Cooper, says it will seriously consider moving out of Northallerton if charges
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Martial artists impress at competition
FOURTEEN gold medals out of 16 is not a bad result and that’s exactly what members of a taekwondo club achieved at a recent competition. The 16-strong squad from Darlington and Weardale Chung Do Kwan taekwondo club travelled to Liverpool to compete
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Rolls-Royce sign US Navy deal
ROLLS-ROYCE, the UK precision engineering manufacturer which employs 400 on Wearside, has secured a "significant" contract to power the US Navy's upcoming fleet of new hovercraft. The aerospace manufacturer will work with a subsidiary of US defence
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Youngsters open storyteller's garden at Gainford school
YOUNGSTERS have worked with an artist to create an £8,500 storyteller’s garden for pupils to use at a primary school. Artist Phil Townsend, of Eggleston, joined pupils from Gainford Primary School to create the garden that was backed by the Big
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Two out of five 65-year-old believe they will never retire, study finds
UP to half a million people have no plans to ever retire, while a similar number are worried about their pensions, according to new studies. A survey of 1,300 adults by NFU Mutual found two out of five over 65-year-olds still in employment believe
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County records office to open to public
COUNTY RECORDS: Durham’s County Records Office opens to the public for family tree researchers and those with an interest in local history, on Thursday (OCT 25). Archivist Dawn Leyland will meet all those interested in attending at the public entrance
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Darlington - news in brief
FOLK NIGHT: Darlington Folk Club meets on Thursday (October 25), at the Copper Beech pub, in Neasham Road, at 8pm. Loose Connection will be performing. FIELD CLUB: Darlington and Teesdale Naturalists’ Field Club will meet at 7.30pm on Monday (October
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Living Dead take to town's streets
ZOMBIES will take over a town this weekend. About 60 people have signed up to a zombie walk to raise money for the NSPCC on Saturday. The event is the idea of Ellis Stewart, who describes himself as “Hartlepool town citizen...and part time
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Regional news in brief: Bede lecture
BEDE LECTURE: Professor Faith Wallis, of McGill University, in Canada, a world expert on St Bede, will give a lecture titled Waves and Walls: How Bede Visualised Calendars and Time in room 140 of Durham University’s Elvet Riverside building, on New
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Swaledale classical concert
UPLIFTING MUSIC: A concert by husband and wife team Robert and Debra Anderson performing pieces by composers Purcell, Handell, Bach and Elgar will take place on Friday, November 9 at Reeth Methodist Church. Mr Anderson is a former deputy organist
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Police appeal for information following robbery
POLICE in east Durham have appealed for information after a man was grabbed from behind and robbed of his cash and a debit card. A police spokesman said the 20-year-old victim, who was wearing a green baseball cap and grey hoodie, was confronted
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Schools benefit from council funding for essential repairs.
SCHOOLS across North Yorkshire have benefited from council funding to make significant repairs to buildings to make sure they are weather tight in time for winter. North Yorkshire County Council recently completed its maintenance programme in more
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Northumberland Tourism chief to stand down
Tourism chief stands down GILES Ingram is to leave his role as chief executive of Northumberland Tourism the body set up in 2006 to promote breaks in England’s northern-most and most sparsely populated county. Mr Ingram, who leaves after six years
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Parents win reprieve in school transport funding cuts row
THE parents of children in Darlington set to miss out on free school transport as a result of council budget cuts have won a reprieve after funding was found for the next intake. Families living in rural parts of Darlington reacted with anger earlier
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Durham's Darren joins Matt Baker in charity effort
A NORTH-East teenager is to join television presenter Matt Baker in raising money for BBC Children in Need. Darren Tambin, from Coxhoe, County Durham, and five youngsters from around the country will team up with The One Show host, whose parents
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Ancient skeletons could reveal secrets of disease
NEW technology that can analyse diseases in ancient skeletons has yielded fascinating results in a study led by North-East academics. Professor Charlotte Roberts of Durham University's department of archaeology - working in partnership with Professor
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Housing company saves bonfire from being a damp squib
HOUSING group Coast and Country has stepped in with £4,000 to ensure the Skinningrove Bonfire burns as brightly as ever. The bonfire, which is in its 30th year, is using the summer’s Olympic Games for inspiration for its November 5 spectacular.
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Darlington - news in brief
CHURCH SALE: A coffee morning and sale of plants, crafts and homemade articles will be held in St Herbert’s Hall, in Yarm Road, Darlington, on Saturday (October, 27). Entry to the event is free and all proceeds will go to the church and church
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North Yorkshire news in brief
Panto dates: The Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond will staging its third professional panto, Babes in the Wood, from December 6 to January 5. Telephone bookings can be made on (01748) 825252. Spooky abbey: The National Trust is staging some spooky
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Renewed appeal for information about fatal A167 crash
POLICE have renewed an appeal for witnesses to a crash that killed a Darlington man at the weekend. Billy Hardman, 33, suffered fatal injuries when his VW Caddy van was involved in a collision with a Ford Transit minibus while travelling on the
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Firefighters tackle two fires in same area
FIRE crews responded to two blazes with people reported trapped within 11 minutes of each other. The first call yesterday night, Sunday October 21, was to Conyers, Nettlesworth, where a house was on fire. Three appliances from Durham were sent
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Daughter of anti-apartheid campaigner gives Durham lecture in her honour
THE daughter of an anti-apartheid campaigner will give a lecture in her mother’s honour later this week (October 26). Gillian Slovo, daughter of Ruth First, will give the Ruth First Lecture for the Ruth First Educational Trust. The lecture
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IT business nets two year contract with national firm
A COMPUTER services company has won a six-figure contract with a national training and recruitment firm. Washington-based Knowledge IT has secured a £100,000 deal for two years to provide a hosted solution to Pinnacle People, which is employed
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Academy and leisure centre under one roof
CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a £44m academy school and leisure centre under one roof have gone on show. Architects' drawings of proposals for Consett Academy’s new building on the Belle Vue site are available for viewing at the town’s library,
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Classic tale coming to the stage in Chester-le-Street
Chester-le-Street Amateur Operatic Society is putting on a stage version of a classic film comedy. Sugar is based on the Marilyn Monroe classic Some Like it Hot, which was named as the greatest American comedy film of all time by the American Film
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Funeral date of Leadgate holiday drowning man fixed
THE funeral of a former club singer who died after falling into a canal while on holiday is being held at 10.15am on Thursday. Family and friends will gather to pay their respects to 51-year-old Stephen Walton, of Leadgate, near Consett, in County
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Durham rowers' marathon effort
TWO crews from an amateur rowing club have completed a 31-mile “marathon”. The juniors from Durham Amateur Rowing Club (DARC) overcame the Boston Marathon, a 31-mile time trial from Lincoln to Boston, in Lincolnshire, last month. The crew of
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Historian donates books to Crook primary schools
PRIMARY school children in Crook can now learn more about their town’s past thanks to a generous donation from a local historian. Historian and writer Michael Manuel has donated 40 copies of each of his books, Crook at Work and Play and Crook at
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Seat unveiled in memory of local historian
A SEAT dedicated to the memory of a local historian was unveiled today (Monday, October 22). The bench, in Blackhill and Consett Park, has plaque on it in memory of Tommy Moore, former secretary of Derwentdale Local History Society. This Thursday
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Epic round-Britain trek for 70-year-old
PENSIONER Andy Peddle will be donning a top hat and tails as he arrives in North Yorkshire on an epic round-Britain fund-raiser. The 70-year-old will reach the county on Saturday as part of an 18-month sponsored walk across the UK to raise £100,000
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Biker killed in crash named as Jerzy Tomczyk
A MOTORCYCLIST killed on the region’s roads at the weekend has been named. Jerzy Tomczyk (CORR) was aged 29 and lived on Bradford Crescent, in Gilesgate, Durham City. He suffered fatal injuries when his Honda motorbike collided with a Citroen
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North-East photographer sweeps the board at prestigious competition
A NORTH-EAST photographer swept the board at a prestigious awards ceremony last week. Jen Hart, from Saltburn, was named North East Portrait Photographer of the Year after taking away first, second and third prize in the portrait section of the
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Vandals target West Cornforth pub
PUB DAMAGED: Tiles and roof felt have been pulled from the roof of the Hare and Hounds Pub on the A177 at West Cornforth. The damage occurred between 8pm on October 14 and 10am the following day. Anyone with information should contact PC John Pickering
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Company 'could save taxpayer millions' by recycling roads
A NORTH-EAST aggregates firm which saved the taxpayer £700,000 by using cutting-edge technology to recycle a road has said public bodies could be cut costs by millions of pounds by using the expertise. Roadstone Aggregates resurfaced a three-mile
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Volunteer awards
A HURWORTH woman who reached the national finals of a volunteering awards scheme is calling on local youngsters to enter the 2013 competition. Lydia Burnside-Hughes, 21, made the 2012 final of the vInspired Overall Commitment to Volunteering’ category
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Private security patrols praised
A PRIVATE security company says night-time patrols in the Coatham Mundeville and Harrowgate Hill areas of Darlington have been a success. Sparta Security began the patrols last week, with dog teams responding to calls from residents concerned about
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Appeal after car kit taken from Boroughbridge garage
A HIGH-tech piece of specialist car maintenance equipment has been stolen from a garage in North Yorkshire. The £6,000 Bosch KTS diagnostic machine was taken from a cupboard at Griffin Autos on Horsefair, Boroughbridge, sometime between 9am on
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Disruption expected on busy city centre road
MOTORISTS have been warned of works which are expected to cause disruption on a main city centre through road. Two-way traffic lights will be in place on the A690, south of North Road roundabout, in Durham, from Monday (OCT 29). The disruption
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Women's lucky escape as van careers off road
FOUR women were injured, one seriously, after their van veered off a busy dual carriageway and hurtled down an embankment, flipping several times before coming to a halt. The red Vauxhall Vivaro was travelling eastbound on the A690 between
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Arts group celebrating anniversary with exhibition
AN arts society is holding an awards ceremony this week, as part of an exhibition to celebrate its 90th anniversary. Darlington Society of Arts is running the exhibition at The Station, in Richmond, North Yorkshire, until Friday, November 2.
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Police release image of firework used in Darlington mosque attack
POLICE investigating a firework attack on a Darlington mosque are trying to establish where they might have been bought. An image of the firework pushed through the letterbox of the Jamia Mosque, in North Lodge Terrace, in Darlington, has been
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Jimmy Savile abused relative at family parties
JIMMY Savile’s great niece has told how the television personality sexually abused her in front of relatives at family parties. Caroline Robinson, who lives near Leyburn, North Yorkshire, said while she believed no one saw the prolific fundraiser
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Nomination categories for Best of Darlington awards
NOMINATIONS are being sought for the following categories in this year's Best of Darlington awards: Contribution to Sport: Groups or individuals who have made a major contribution to sport in Darlington, either by the excellence of their own performance
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Review: The Sixteen, Durham Cathedral
Choral superstars The Sixteen shook the pillars of Durham Cathedral on Friday evening with a programme of highly dramatic religious music by three Flemish renaissance masters – composers Josquin, Brumel and Lassus. Two movements from Brumel’s mass
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Non-league clubs in row over ticket price
A NON-LEAGUE football club has been accused of taking advantage of a well-supported rival after doubling ticket prices for a forthcoming game. West Auckland Town AFC has increased admission from £5 to £10 for its game against Darlington FC on November
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Richmondshire tops second home table
NEW figures reveal that a North Yorkshire district has a higher percentage of second homes than almost anywhere else in the country. According to statistics from the 2011 Census published today (October 22), 5,129 people have a second residence
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News in brief: Collection service
COLLECTION SERVICE: The British Heart Foundation charity shop, at 79 North Road, Durham, is reminding customers that it offers a free collection service for larger items. The store is also looking for more donations. Clothes, bric-a-brac, shoes, handbags
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Appeal over 'missing' woman
Police are appealing for public help in a bid to trace a missing woman. Concern was raised as to the whereabouts of Michelle McQueen recently as she has not been seen for a fortnight at the hostel where she had been living, in Sunderland. Aged
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Police investigate Wear-Tyne derby day racist abuse
POLICE are investigating claims that a fan shouted racist abuse during the Sunderland v Newcastle United derby. It is understood the remark was made at Newcastle striker Demba Ba. A spokesman for Northumbria Police said yesterday (Monday, October
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Town centre roadworks set to start
WORK to resurface part of Feethams in Darlington town centre will start on Wednesday (October 24). Darlington Borough Council will carry out the work, which is expected to finish on November 2. From Wednesday to Friday, traffic will be able
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Mine worker suffers serious injuries
A MINE worker remains in intensive care after being seriously injured while working at Cleveland Potash Limited last week. The 41-year-old remains in a serious but stable condition at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough following the
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'Liar' jailed for six-and-a-half years over insult manslaughter
A KILLER was yesterday jailed for six-and-a-half years after being branded a liar by a judge who refused to accept the account he gave during his trial. Christopher Morgan was told he had “done himself no favours” by giving false accounts to the
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Boost for children's charity
A CHARITY that helps youngsters with Down’s syndrome receive a mainstream education has been given a £5,000 grant. The Education Centre for Children with Down’s syndrome (ECCDS), helps youngsters make a smooth transition between mainstream primary
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Coffee morning to boost church funds
COFFEE MORNING: A coffee morning is to be held at St James Church, Coundon, near Bishop Auckland, on Saturday (Oct 27) between 10am and noon. Entry is free with donations welcomed for the coffee with proceeds going to the church’s Under the Roof appeal
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Autumn fair in Ferryhill church
AUTUMN FAIR: An autumn fair is to take place at Ferryhill Methodist Church, on Market Street, on Friday (Oct 26) between 9.30am and 1pm. Entry is free and there will be stalls and lunches will be served from 11.30am for a small fee. Proceeds to the
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'Calm and caring' Judith shortlisted for award
A CARE manager from Darlington has been shortlisted for a regional award. Judith Ayre, who works for Home Instead Senior Care, based at Lingfield Point, is a finalist in the Great North-East Care Awards, part of the Great British Care Awards.
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North York Moors residents asked for their views
PEOPLE living in the North York Moors National Park are being invited to have their say about local services. The National Park Authority is asking people to complete an on-line residents survey. Chairman Jim Bailey said: “What our residents
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Darlington schools announce partnership
AN academy in Darlington has announced an agreement to 'sponsor' a primary school. Hummersknott Academy has linked up with Skerne Park Primary in an effort to raise standards. The link will be managed by Hummerknott Academy Trust and will see
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Clairvoyance night in Trimdon Grange
PSYCIC NIGHT: Anne Phoenix is hosting a spiritual clairvoyance night at Trimdon Grange Community Centre on Kielder Drive from 7pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday (October 24). Tickets cost £4 and refreshments and a raffle will be available. All proceeds will
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Plaque pays tribute to those who died at Fishburn Colliery
A PLAQUE featuring the names of 57 miners who died at Fishburn Colliery in County Durham will be permanently displayed in the village church. The plaque, which was discovered by a local resident, contains the names of men who died in the pit between
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Pupils boost hospice appeal
SIXTH-formers at Chester-le-Street’s Hermitage Academy have raised £5,500 for Sunderland's Grace House North East’s Children's Hospice Appeal. The students raised the money over a year through activities that included an 84-mile walk along Hadrian
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Joiner-turned-chef in running for paella title
A NORTH-East paella chef who turned to Spanish cooking after training as a joiner is in the running for a national title. After struggling to find work as a joiner, Callum Godfrey took a job as a kitchen porter at La Tasca, on Saddler Street, Durham
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Networking session
A NETWORKING event for local entrepreneurs takes place in Darlington on November 14. The Get Connected workshop at Teesside University’s Darlington Campus is the second of a series of sessions run by the university and Darlington Borough Council
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Man appears at court charged with the murder of Darlington great-grandmother
A MAN has today (Monday, October 22) appeared before magistrates charged with the murder of a 61-year-old great-grandmother from Darlington. Joseph Turner, 61, is charged with murdering Pamela Glen, also known as Pamela Turner, in her home in the
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Cash boost for mental health centre
A MENTAL health centre has been boosted by a donation from one of a city’s oldest institutions. The St Margaret’s Centre, on Margery Lane, Durham City, has been providing support and training for people recovering from mental illnesses since 1991
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Cockfield FC 2012/13 season… by Sarah Proud.
Cockfield FC has made a great start to the 2012/13 Season. In our new bright orange and white strips we are sitting at 5th in the league table with 9 points, having played four, won 3 and lost 1. We also have 4 games to play to catch up with the
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Youngsters warned about anti-social behaviour
YOUNG people are being warned that a range of initiatives have been put in place to prevent them taking part in Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night pranks. Police have been working with local businesses to ensure the youngsters in Saltburn, Marske and
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MATCH REPORT: Sunderland 1 Newcastle United 1
STEVEN TAYLOR was not the culprit, but it was typical that one of Newcastle United's very own helped Sunderland to avoid another defeat in the latest Wear-Tyne tussle at the Stadium of Light. Having cheekily quipped in the build up to the derby
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History talk at Shildon railway museum
HISTORY TALK: The Friends of the National Railway Museum (North East Branch) are to host a talk by Chris Lloyd, deputy editor of The Northern Echo, entitled Pits, Pockmarks and Haggerleases: the Story of Cockfield Fell. It is on Saturday, November
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Walking campaigner heading to Darlington
A PENSIONER who is walking almost 8,000 miles to raise awareness of human trafficking victims is stopping off in Darlington on Friday. The Salvation Army church on Thompson Street will welcome Andy Peddle at 2pm as he continues his mission to visit
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Only the best for Frankel
FRANKEL will be offered the very best mares at his owner Khalid Abdullah’s Banstead Manor Stud in Newmarket once he begins his new career as a stallion. The four-year-old colt ended his flawless racing days with a 14th victory in the Qipco Champions
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Teesside news in brief
BIKE THEFT: Police are appealing for information after an Apollo Slant bike was stolen outside the Millhouse Leisure Centre in Hartlepool on Thursday, October 18 between 6:15pm and 7:05pm. The black bike was locked away but it is believed that the
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Victoire can end season with Pontefract victory
VICTOIRE De Lyphar can end the season on a high at Pontefract by claiming his first victory since June 2010. Now in the care of Ruth Carr, this son of Bertolini seems to have been around for an eternity yet is still only a five-year-old. He
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Accolades Roll In For Cross Lanes Organic Farm
A Teesdale organic foods business established just 1 year ago has added two new awards to its collection. Cross Lanes Organic Farm, situated on the A66 close to Barnard Castle was voted winner in both Best New Business and Environmental Achievement
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Hodgson is still world-class, says Goode
ENGLAND full-back Alex Goode described Charlie Hodgson as the best fly-half in the Aviva Premiership after watching him orchestrate Saracens’ 30-13 Heineken Cup victory over Racing Metro. Hodgson gave a masterclass in every department at King Baudouin
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Violin virtuoso returns home for charity night
A VIOLIN virtuoso is returning home this weekend for a concert that will bring a financial boost to three charitable causes. Guisborough-born Craig Owen, who has performed across the globe with the likes of Tina Turner and Sir Cliff Richard, is
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Purple people
As Whitby hosts a fashion show on the centenary of Dracula creator Bram Stoker’s death, resident Elaine Horton tells Ruth Addicott what it means to be a Goth WHITBY will be awash with purple velvet and black PVC this week as Goths flock to the
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Hebburn for McKee
Hopes are high for the North-East-set sitcom Hebburn. Steve Pratt reports GINA McKEE has made a long career out of powerful dramas. She has starred in Our Friends In The North, The Forsyte Saga, US series The Borgias and, most recently, BBC police
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The old boy from Brazil
Not even a close encounter with a rampaging wild boar in darkest Brazil can deter Michael Palin from his passion for globetrotting, he tells Hannah Stephenson IT has been five years since Michael Palin put away his travelling boots to become a
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Boy and girls comes out to play
LAUREN and Joey become kissing cousins in EastEnders (BBC1). And in case you’re worried, it’s not illegal although the idea of the Branning cousins as a couple may not go down too well in Walford. For the moment, Joey is with someone else.
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Alan's gain in pain
TV star Alan Davies explains to Steve Pratt about his decision to return to stand-up I TELL Alan Davies that he sounds bitter and twisted. His remarks make it clear that he’s far from happy that the BBC cancelled his chef sitcom Whites after just
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Racing probe: three released on bail
A MAJOR police inquiry into what is believed to have been a plan to rob or steal from the horse-racing community in North Yorkshire is continuing. Three people arrested as part of the investigation late last week have now been released on bail
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Back to the future
Tim Burton reveals his Disney early days to Steve Pratt and why he feels that the black and white and 3D format are so important to the making of Frankenweenie YES, young animator Tim Burton parted company with his employer the Disney company.
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Author helps young writers
AWARD-winning writer Jonathan Tulloch discovered some up-and-coming talent when he visited a North Yorkshire School. The author, whose latest book is Mr McCool, ran an Inspire To Write Day for 31 pupils with his wife Shirley at Pickhill School,
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Open mic night
POETS, playwrights and amateur novelists are invited to showcase their work at an open mic night in Darlington this week. Organised by Darlington for Culture, the event will be held at Voodoo Cafe, Skinnergate, on October 25 from 7pm. There
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Activities on offer in Trimdon Station
DANCING LESSON: A social dance and teach-in, covering sequence, ballroom and Latin, will take place at Trimdon Station Community Centre on Station Road East from 7.30pm to 10.30pm on Saturday, October 27. Tickets cost £2.50. Contact 07983-359902 or
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Burglary suspect found in chimney breast
POLICE foiled a suspected burglar who hid himself in a chimney breast to escape arrest. Acting on a tip-off, officers visited a house in Haughton Road, Darlington, last Monday lunchtime looking for a man wanted in connection with a recent burglary
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Roast beef dinner served up in Witton Park
LUNCHEON CLUB: Witton Park Methodist Chapel is serving a roast beef dinner and dessert from noon to 2pm on Wednesday (October 24). The meal costs £4.
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Beatles in the Dales
Almost 50 years to the day after the Beatles released their first single, a Dales gallery is showcasing an amazing series of photographs PAUL BERRIFF, a Bafta award-winning documentary maker and photographer, has lived and worked in exotic locations
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Consett man jailed over manslaughter of Crook father-of-two
A KILLER was today jailed for six-and-a-half years for what a judge described as “repeated violence” against his stepfather's drinking friend. Christopher Morgan punched, kicked and stamped on Jonathan Gilbert during a row at the victim's home
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Trick or tweet?
David Cameron isn’t afraid of social networks, and he’s now got his own Twitter account to prove it. Giles Turnbull looks at what this might mean for political debate when the next General Election rolls around DAVID Cameron’s first tweet was inoffensive
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Pepper and mustard rib-eye steak with fried mushrooms
THERE only ever seemed to be the three main cuts for steak – fillet, sirloin and rump – on offer and people would discuss the relative merits of each. I was always a rump or sirloin man because I found the fillet, with its shorter fibres and lack of
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A happy marriage and a happy salon
A YARM hairdressing salon whose success has been built on the long-lasting marriage of its owners is to celebrate 30 years in business with a series of events for customers. Hairtek, in Fairfax Court, was bought by Roy Lewis, in 1982, after he
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Seeing the funny side
It’s not just the economy that’s in the doldrums. New research says we’re going through a ‘laughter recession’ and not chuckling nearly as much as we need to. Diana Pilkington explores the importance of laughing. When was the last time you had
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£27m investment will create 45 jobs
A CAR bearing manufacturer’s £27m expansion will gear up young apprentices for success as it creates 45 new jobs, with more than a third of those for trainees. NSK Bearings Europe is investing £23.5m into its Peterlee facility, after being awarded
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Young people are set to learn finance skills thanks to the Big Lottery
YOUNG people are set to learn financial confidence thanks to a £884,299 Big Lottery donation. Erimus Housing will be working with tenants across Middlesbrough as part of the Know Your Money, Keep The Change project. Nat Sloane, England chairman
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Tourette's and me
Tourette’s Syndrome makes Jess Thom repeat bizarre phrases and throw herself to the ground. After writing a book about her experiences, she tells Lisa Salmon what it's like to have “a barn dance in your head” JESS Thom says “biscuit” 16 times a minute
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Boom of the bust
Busts are expanding, with the North among the leaders in bigger cup sizes BRITAIN’S busts have grown by three sizes in just two years – and many are wearing bras that are too small – according to research by high street retailer Debenhams. The
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BP confirms talks over Rosneft deal
OIL multi-national BP has confirmed it is in advanced talks with Kremlin-backed energy company Rosneft about selling its 50 per cent stake in Russian joint venture TNK-BP. The announcement from the UK energy company comes after its board reportedly
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Mowden prove value of pace
MOWDEN report that their planned move to the town’s former football arena remains firmly on track, and so does their storming of National Two North. They have won all seven games since losing the first at Preston and again proved that when you
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Care homes to host memories events
CARE homes in two communities are to take part in a week of events focusing on the importance of sharing family memories. A recent Bupa survey showed that many important events in familes’ histories are being lost. The town’s care homes in
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Police name biker killed in weekend crash
POLICE have today (October 22) named a motorcyclist killed in a crash on Friday. Jerzy Tomczyk, 29, from Bradford Crescent, Gilesgate, Durham City, was riding a Honda bike when he collided with a Citroen Berlingo van just after 6pm on Friday, October
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'Lucky escape' after van leaves road
MEDICS say five people travelling in a van were extremely lucky not to have suffered more serious injuries after a van left a road. The van went off the A690 eastbound between Durham and Carrville at about 5pm last night (Sunday, October 21), rolling
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Kibirige shines as Blaydon hit heights
BLAYDON moved up to third place in National One with 17- year-old winger Zach Kibirige among the scorers as they won 38-29 at home to promoted Old Albanians. Blaydon scored after 45 seconds and quickly built a 21-0 lead, but as in last week’s win
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MATCH REPORT: Manchester United 4 Stoke City 2
ROBIN van Persie’s partnership with Wayne Rooney at Manchester United is turning into the perfect combination. A combination of Van Persie’s lack of pre-season training and Rooney’s gashed thigh meant the pair did not start in the same team together
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Anti-racism effort raises questions
PLAYERS’ chief Gordon Taylor feels the protests against Kick It Out are ‘‘misguided’’ but acknowledges questions need to be asked about the way the anti-racism campaign is being presented with so many PFA members clearly unhappy. Numerous players
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MATCH REPORT: Norwich 1 Arsenal 0
CAPTAIN Grant Holt believes Norwich have given themselves the perfect platform to climb the table after battling to a 1-0 win over Arsenal at Carrow Road. The Canaries recorded their first league win under new boss Chris Hughton after producing
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Family half term fun day at Shildon rail museum
A STORYTELLER is to entertain children at a family fun activity day at a railway museum during the half-term holidays. Visitors to Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon can join in the fun, which will have a railway races theme.
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Bridge is crossed too easily
DARLINGTON Cleveland Bridge were hit with a sevengoal blast by Cleator Moor Celtic and have now leaked 49 goals. The visitors had their backs to the wall once they conceded the opening goal to Lee Dunn, who struck five times with Tom Mahon and
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Tee'd off over Golf Course merger plan
REGARDING plans to merge Blackwell Golf Club, in Darlington, with the council-run course, Stressholme (Echo, Sept 12). Some of us believe the move should be considered very carefully by Blackwell members. It is a gamble and here are a few things
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Drones
I AGREE entirely with Pete Winstanley’s criticism (HAS, Oct 12) of the use of drones by the US. They are terror weapons, pure and simple, designed to kill and maim indiscriminately. Indeed, the Americans seem quite unconcerned about civilians
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Cheap booze
COLIN SHEVILLS, a director of Balance, the North-East alcohol office, reckons: “We have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol in the North-East” (Echo, Oct 12). I don’t know what Mr Shevills’ relationship is with alcohol but I certainly do not
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NHS care
I HAVE just returned home after spending one month in the stroke unit of Durham University Hospital and Bishop Auckland hospital. At 93 this was only my second hospital stay. Contrary to the oft reported inadequacies of the NHS and lack of care
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Bank closures
LAST week I was informed by letter that the Cockerton branch of Barclays is closing in January. Having banked with Barclays for 50 years I have seen the Albert Road branch close and now Cockerton. Now I will have no choice, but to visit the
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No smoke
I HAD to smile when I read the Last Word about a couple who had a mysterious bleep in their home (Echo, Oct 13). The same thing happened to me. A friend of mine came round when I heard a noise in my wardrobe and thought it was a bird. When
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Answers
THROUGHOUT his long decades of wickedness Jimmy Savile seems to have been able to do virtually as he liked. This was despite many people in positions of authority being aware of his activities. At any rate, they had absolutely no excuse for
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Anniversary
I AM so pleased that the country will mark the centenary of the start of the First World War in 2014 (Echo, Oct 12). My family have memories of the conflict which affected our close relatives. I was born ten years after the armistice and have
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Ainsley happy despite winning run being over
SPENNYMOOR’S 100 per cent record in the Ebac Northern League ended when they were held to a 1-1 draw by nine-man Celtic Nation, but manager Jason Ainsley was far from downhearted. Moors had swept all before them in the league this season, but Celtic
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Sort this mess out
NEW figures later this week are expect to show the recession is finally over and Britain is creating jobs at a faster rate than the US. At last, some good news for the Government for a change. But all the talk at the moment is of a Government
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Man dies after sports car ploughs into Arriva bus
A man has died after a sports supercar crashed into a bus. The white Audi R8 ploughed into an Arriva bus in Gosforth, near to a fixed speed camera site. Debris was strewn across the road in the accident, which occurred at the junction of the
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Baldwin: Time to heed advice from our coaching staff
JACK BALDWIN admits it’s time for Hartlepool United’s under-performers to take on board some stark words from the coaching staff. Saturday’s home defeat to Crawley at Victoria Park left Pools six points shy of League One safety and positivity is
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Woodgate: Sky is the limit for talented keeper Steele
MIDDLESBROUGH captain Jonathan Woodgate believes the sky is the limit for Jason Steele as the goalkeeper put in another man-of-the match performance on Saturday. Steele made a string of impressive saves during Boro’s 1-0 win at Brighton and Hove
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MATCH REPORT: Brighton & Hove Albion 0 Middlesbrough 1
TONY MOWBRAY joined the 100 Club at the weekend – and while he sealed it in the best possible way with an away win, he admitted that his team are a long way from his idea of football utopia. When Mowbray was appointed manager in November 2010 he
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The search is on for Darlington's unsung heroes
THE search for Darlington’s unsung heroes gets underway this week with the annual Best of Darlington Awards. The awards, organised by the Darlington Partnership and now in their eighth year, recognise the achievements made by people who live, work
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Match Report: Sunderland 1 Newcastle United 1
MARTIN O’NEILL has admitted Sunderland are going to have to become more creative after coming within four minutes of losing to tenman Newcastle United. Despite having Cheik Tiote sent off with more than an hour left of the Wear-Tyne derby, the
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Chris has not looked back after joining family firm
HE may be the joint managing director of the firm that his father started decades ago, but life could have worked out very differently for Chris O’Connor. As a youngster, he never imagined going into the family furniture retail business because
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Tragedy narrowly avoided in railway crossing crash
A WOMAN cheated death by a split second when her car was hit by a steam train on a level crossing. The accident happened at the Fox Park level crossing, near Newton-le-Willows, in North Yorkshire on Saturday (October 20) afternoon. The Wensleydale
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MATCH REPORT: Hartlepool United 0 Crawley Town 1
CRAWLEY Town had Hope. Hartlepool United don't have much of it. Hope Akpan was the difference on Saturday, scoring the only goal as Pools lost at home for the third time this season, made it 11 games without a win and keeps them pegged six points
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Water company changes road closure plans
A UTILITY company is revising plans to close a rural road for four weeks following concerns the move would disrupt residents and hit businesses. Yorkshire Water has submitted a request to North Yorkshire County Council to shut the road at Askrigg
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West Chilton allotments targeted as vandals torch shed and greenhouse
A GARDENER'S labour of love was wrecked when his allotment was targeted by vandals and thieves. Joseph Miller has grown show leeks and flowers at his allotment off West Chilton Terrace, in Chilton, for about 20 years. Last Tuesday (October
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MATCH REPORT: Darlington 3 Bedlington Terriers 1
With a glut of assists and goals, Stephen Thompson has quickly become a key player at Darlington and on Saturday his importance was again outlined. Quakers were not at their best at home to third-placed Bedlington Terriers and for a lengthy second
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Pardew: Watching Coloccini reminded me of Moore
ALAN Pardew has likened Newcastle captain Fabricio Coloccini to World Cup winner Bobby Moore, and claimed his side would not have conceded a late equaliser to Sunderland had the Argentinian centre-half remained on the field. Coloccini produced
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Roles reversed after derby-day draw
FOR March at St James' Park, read October at the Stadium of Light. Then, as now, Sunderland and Newcastle shared the derby-day spoils with an action-packed 1-1 draw. Then, as now, one of the regional rivals was forced to play with ten men for a
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Use or lose community bus service, residents warned
RESIDENTS in the west end of Darlington have been told they must be prepared to use or lose a new bus service. After successfully bidding for £50,000 funding from Darlington Borough Council, The Pink bus, which is a joint project by the West End
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Man set to appear in court charged with murder after 61-year-old woman stabbed to death in Darlington
A MAN will appear before magistrates today charged with the murder of a 61-year-old great-grandmother who died after being stabbed in her home. Police were called to the home of Pamela Glen, also known as Pamela Turner, in the Spring Hill area
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Teenager wore feet to the bone chasing Darlington burglar
A BRAVE teenager told last night (Sunday, October 21) how he wore his feet almost to the bone chasing a burglar for a mile without any shoes. Andrew Taylor pursued the suspect bare-foot through the streets of Darlington to stop him escaping with
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Parents' grief after son drowns on holiday
THE parents of a former club singer have spoken of their grief after he drowned while on holiday. Spanish doctors battled in vain to save 51-year-old Stephen Walton after he fell into a canal on the island of Majorca. He told his mother, Margaret
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Revised plans for school development receive lukewarm reception
PLANS for a controversial redevelopment of a private school have been amended following a public outcry over the scale of the scheme. Yarm School’s proposals to relocate its playing fields show it intends to reduce the size of the planned new playing
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Police investigate after firework attack on mosque
POLICE have launched an investigation after a man pushed a lit firework through the door of a mosque. The Jamia Mosque, on North Lodge Terrace, in Darlington, suffered minimal damage in the incident but officers say they are taking the matter seriously
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Young jockey rides to pony racing glory
A TALENTED young jockey from Teesdale has ridden his way to a national pony racing trophy. Charlie Todd is just 11, but steered his five-year-old thoroughbred mare Little Anne to glory in the 138cm and under section of the Charles Owen Pony Racing
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Pennine Way walkers urged to help save threatened Upper Teesdale bushes
WALKERS along a section of the Pennine Way in Upper Teesdale are being asked play their part in efforts to save the largest concentration of juniper bushes in the country. Experts at the Upper Teesdale National Nature Reserve are attempting combat
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Two dead in collisions on North-East roads
INVESTIGATIONS are underway after two men died in separate collisions on the region’s roads this weekend. William Peel, 33, from Darlington, suffered fatal injuries when his van was involved in a collision with a minibus on the A167 near Darlington
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Disabled children inspire father's superhero story
A FATHER has written his first novel telling the story of a disabled superhero after being inspired by children with disabilities. Frank Lambert, 50, wrote Napoleon Xylophone with the help of children from mobility charity Whizz-Kidz (corr), who
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Traffic jam-busting scanner hailed by police
POLICE accident investigators say a new laser scanning device is helping reopen roads about 50 minutes earlier after serious collisions. The County Durham, Cleveland and North Yorkshire forces say using a VZ-400 scanner, a single operator can record
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Call for tax changes to keep airports running
THE public want lower airport taxes and companies desire more Government support for aviation, according to a survey out today (Monday, October 19). As many as 82 per cent of the public want the Air Passenger Duty (APD) airport departure tax cut
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Toddler locks parents out of house
A TODDLER found themselves home alone last night after locking their parents out of the house. Fire crews were called to a house in Hebron Road, in Stokesley, shortly after 9pm yesterday after reports that a two-year-old was trapped inside.
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Bishop Auckland news in brief
FUNDRAISING FUN: Staff at B&Q, in Bob Hardisty Drive, Bishop Auckland, are running a variety of stalls to raise money for Children in Need on Saturday, November 10, from 10am. There will be a tombola, table top sale, hook-a-duck and a visit from
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Views wanted on multi-million pound football club plans
PUBLIC opinion is being sought on multi-million pound plans by a football club to move to a new ground. Crook Town Football Club is looking to relocate to a 4,000 capacity stadium within the town and leaving the existing Sir Tom Cowie Millfield
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Pupils raise awareness for blind charity
MORE than 400 pupils at a Bishop Auckland school took part in a variety of activities to raise awareness of the challenges faced by blind people. Inspired by the work of the RNIB, students and staff at St John’s School and Sixth Form College spent
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Keeping it in the family
Chris O’Connor, 37, is joint managing director of Michael O’Connor Furniture HE may be the joint managing director of the firm his father started decades ago, but life could have worked out very differently for Chris O’Connor. As a youngster
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Pupils raise £1,300 for Save the Children with Danceathon
PUPILS at a Bishop Auckland school raised more than £1,300 for charity with a day-long danceathon. More than 500 students from Bishop Barrington School took part in the challenge, which saw each pupil dance none stop for an hour, in aid of Save