Archive
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Moors narrow gap to eight/Shildon win in Vase
Spennymoor narrowed the gap on leaders Darlington to 8 points when they beat Billingham Synthonia 4-2 at the Brewery Field tonight. Moors took the lead after 15 minutes when Micky Laws slotted the ball home, but Synners deservedly levelled with a
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Tearful special constable describes her fear as an enraged grandfather approached her
A FEMALE special constable broke down in tears today (October 24) when she described the moment an enraged grandfather approached her as she sat in the passenger seat of a patrol car. Jeanette Horlock said when she tried to calm Lenny McCourt down
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Discover town's hidden history on free guided tour
FREE guided tours of Darlington will be held on Tuesday, October 30, Thursday, November 1 and Tuesday, November 13. All tours start at 2pm at the Darlington Town Hall sculpture and are followed by a tour of the town hall at 4pm by leader of Darlington
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Groups awarded for commitment to equality
A HOST of North-East organisations have been rewarded for their commitment to promoting equality. More than 250 guests attended the North East Equality Awards final at the Gosforth Marriott Hotel on Friday (October 19) to see businesses and community
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Jumping into business
A YOUNG show-jumper who excelled herself at a recent competition is turning her passion into a business. Sarah Mousley, 20, of Dalton Gates, near Croft, North Yorkshire, competed at the Kingsbarn Equestrian Centre in Scotland last weekend and her
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Construction companies invited to vie for lucrative bridge contract
FOUR short-listed construction companies are to be invited to tender for the contract to build a landmark new river bridge in the North-East. It follows the Government green light being signalled for the development of the new River Wear crossing
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The search is on for Miss Cleveland
THE search is on for a beauty queen who epitomises all that is good about the Cleveland area. The first ever Miss Cleveland competition was officially launched today (weds) in conjunction with Stockton’s Daisy Chain charity, which helps people
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Olympian Kat Copeland opens new school facilities
OLYMPIC golden girl Kat Copeland is happy to be an inspiration to the region’s girls, she said yesterday (Wednesday, October 24). The gold medal winner, who lives in Stokesley, spoke before officially opening Hartburn Primary School’s new Multi
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Durham cadets' regal performance hits a high note
ARMY cadets performed for royalty at a Royal Albert Hall concert. The Band and Bugles of Durham Army Cadet Force were among 200 military musicians who took part in Swift and Bold last Thursday, October 18, before an audience of 5,000 that included
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Cooper resigns as Pools boss
NEALE COOPER has today left Hartlepool United for the second time. The manager has resigned with Pools bottom of League One following Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat at Bury – their 12th game without a win amid a miserable season. Cooper was appointed
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Question time event to debate funding for Motor Neurone Disease
A QUESTION Time-style event to address cuts to benefits and services for people suffering from motor neurone disease (MND) will take place in Northallerton. As part of the Hardest Hit campaign, Helen Todd from the MND Association will be at the
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Groom arrested on his wedding day in Darlington
A WOULD-BE groom was arrested during his own wedding service yesterday(TUESDAY OCTOBER 23). Four UK Border Agency officers entered Darlington Register Office in Bull Wynd at about 1pm. Minutes later they emerged with a suited man in his 20s
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Charities urged to apply for North Yorkshire Police proceeds of crime funds
NORTH Yorkshire Police are reminding local charities and community groups that there is just one week left to apply for a share of £25,000. Under the Why should they? campaign, the force has allocated funds from cash and assets stripped from criminals
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Manfacturing lowest level for three years, says CBI
OUTPUT in manufacturing hit a three-year low this month as firms became increasingly worried by political and economic problems overseas, a survey said. An overall balance of three per cent reported a fall in output in the three months to October
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Richmond riding school appeals to local businesses to sponsor disabled children
THE OWNER of a riding school is appealing to local businesses for sponsorship for special needs pupils to have lessons for a year after being inspired by the Paralympic Games. Gill Sims, owner of Miniature World Riding Academy at East Layton, near
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Business duo given eight-month reprieve to pay off VAT debt
TWO businessman convicted of VAT fraud have been given an eight-month extension to help pay off their debt to the revenue. John Hind and Robert McLean failed to pay VAT from the inception of their business, Atlas Welding and Engineering Supplies
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Enamel poppy appeal badges to be sold by Ferryhill Town Council
SPECIAL enamel poppy badges are to be sold in Ferryhill. Ferryhill Town Council is selling poppies in the run up to Remembrance Sunday in aid of the Royal British Legion’s benevolent fund. Poppies will be on sale from many outlets in Ferryhill
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College hosts art show
THE final exhibition in an artist’s three-part series on the theme of faces and places has opened to the public. Peter Hemming’s first Faces and Places show was held in The Bishop Cosin’s Almshouses Cafe, since renamed Cafe on the Green, on Palace
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Gift vouchers for meals.
A day centre for elderly and vulnerable people has come up with a novel idea for Christmas - a gift voucher. Dales-Care in Bedale is introducing the £5 vouchers which can be used to pay for hot lunches at the centre. A spokesperson said: "That
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Free performance of coal mining play
A YOUTH arts group will perform an abridged version of their successful play based on the region's coal mining past. Ferryhill-based Enter CIC will perform extracts from The Wind Road Boys at The Royal British Legion Club, in Ferryhill Station,
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Wensley reptile fundraiser planned
REPTILE RESCUE: A coffee morning organised by a schoolgirl to help abandoned reptiles will take place next week. The event will be held in Wensley village hall, near Leyburn, North Yorkshire, on Tuesday, October 30 from 10.30am to 12pm. It has been
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Friarage battle: consultation delay labelled "bizarre"
THE official public consultation on the controversial plan to downgrade children’s services at one of the region’s major hospitals has been put on hold. Tonight’s announcement followed confirmation that retaining the current position would not
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Roddymoor pair admit Willington shop burglary
TWO men, who broke into a discount food shop and tried to steal the takings, appeared before magistrates in Newton Aycliffe today (Wedensday, October 24). Michael Stoker, 43, and Steven Hope, 44, admit breaking into Food 4 Less on Willington High
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Racist graffiti
RACIST GRAFFITI: Police are appealing for information after racist graffiti was daubed on two properties in Grange Road, Hartlepool, and a large bay window was smashed. Two houses were targeted in the incident, which happened between 11.25pm and 11.35pm
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The Hauntings of Harewood
SPOOKY. No other word will do. Harewood Grove is one of Darlington's spookiest corners. A hulking, forbidding terrace, unlike anything else in town, rears up out of nowhere. In its heyday, it was the home of the wealthy with cast iron balconies
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Residents urged to come together to replace bus link
VILLAGERS are being urged to come together to find an alternative transport system to replace a vital bus link. People living in Neasham, near Darlington, will be left without a bus service when the number 20 route between the village and the town
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Jumping for joy at charity fundraiser
A BARISTA was quite literally jumping for joy as she star jumped for three hours to raise funds for a national children’s charity. Becky Middleton, who works at Starbucks in Darlington, star jumped and jogged on the spot continuously to raise money
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Driving instructor region's first for special needs training
A FORMER soldier has become the first in the region to train fellow driving instructors to cater for special needs learners. Mark Walker, who set up Drive Time driving school after spending 23 years in the Army, said he was keen to provide the
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Meccano exhibition in Darlington
THE North-Eastern Meccano Society is holding and exhibition in St Cuthbert's Church Centre, Market Place, Darlington, on Saturday (October 27). The event will feature a display of working Meccano models, cranes, trains, trams and novelty models
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The mammoth of the Med
A newcomer to cruising, Benjamin Wright is bowled over by the adventures he crammed in during just a few days on board one of the world’s biggest floating hotels WITH a gentle sea breeze in my hair as the honey-coloured sunset kisses the roofs
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Well above par
Golfers are always on the look-out for new venues. And if the destination also offers something for non-golfers in the family, all well and good, says Mark Baldwin TRIPS to golfing paradises, such as the west coasts of Ireland and Scotland, sometimes
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Bishop Auckland man fined for obstructing a police officer
A MAN who was aggressive towards police officers after being arrested on suspicion of drink driving appeared before magistrates in Newton Aycliffe today (Wednesday, October 24). Dwayne Howard, of Redworth Road, Shildon, admitted he had obstructed
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Darlington: news in brief
ART CLUB: Cockerton Art Group holds its latest exhibition on Saturday (October 27), in Cockerton Methodist Church Hall, from 10am to 3pm. Admission is 25p for adults, with accompanied children free. All proceeds to the Great North Air Ambulance Service
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Leader of the flat pack
It’s 25 years since Ikea brought Swedish style to the UK and now even the Prime Minister is a fan. Gabrielle Fagan marvels at the power of one store to shape the look of our homes WHEN a decor revolution arrived in Britain in the autumn of 1987
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Three people thought to be hurt after two cars collide near Sedgefield
THREE people are believed to have been injured in a two-car collision at Trimdon, near Sedgefield, County Durham. Hurworth Burn Road was closed in both directions for two hours following the accident today (Wednesday, October 24) , which involved
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Archaeology talk
Bedale Archaeology and History Society will meet in Bedale Hall at 7.30pm on November 6 for an illustrated talk by Dr David Mason, principal archaeologist for Durham County Council, on Aethelfrith of Northumbria and the Battle of Chester. Non-members
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Sweet taste of sucess
A SMALL Teesdale food company is a hive of activity after winning a contract to supply honey to a £1.5m spa in County Durham. Tees View Fine Foods, of Gainford, between Barnard Castle and Darlington, will supply heather honey for facial products
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Witches cupcakes
Want to keep the children entertained this Halloween? Annabel Karmel has some eye-popping ideas and devilishly delicious bites Witches cupcakes (Makes 12 cupcakes) 110g unsalted butter at room temperature 200g caster sugar 2 large
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Major discussions over Yorkshire's bid to host the Tour de France
PIVOTAL talks over whether Yorkshire will host the opening stages of the Tour de France took place in Paris today (Wednesday, October 24). Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, has taken part in major discussions in France with
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Energy firms join forces with military
NOF Energy, the business support organisation for oil, gas, nuclear and offshore renewables, has teamed up with The British Forces Resettlement Services (BFRS) to launch a new careers service. Designed to introduce ex-servicemen and women into
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Monster muffins
Want to keep the children entertained this Halloween? Annabel Karmel has some eye-popping ideas and devilishly delicious bites WITH vampires, werewolves and zombies still all the rage on our screens, Halloween is the perfect time to show off your
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Air Products plan second energy plant in Tees Valley
THE region is set for a major coup after a US energy company unveiled plans to build a second revolutionary energy plant in the Tees Valley, creating hundreds of jobs. The announcement that Air Products wants to construct a waste conversion facility
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It's flowering poems
Steve Pratt talks to poet Linda Francis’ about launching her project, called Botanical, at Durham Book Festival POET Linda France has always been interested in flowers and written about them from time to time. Then a Leverhulme residency at Moorbank
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NORTH YORKSHIRE - News in Brief
DOMINO DRIVE: There will be a domino drive at Kirby Sigston Village Hall in North Yorkshire on Wednesday, October 31. Admission is £5 and will include a raffle and supper. For more details ring 01609-772810. BRIMHAM ROCKS HIKE: There will be a
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Sintons and Tait Walker advise on Datawright sale
A North-East accountancy practice and law firm have worked together on the sale of an IT business. A team from accountancy firm Tait Walker, headed by corporate finance partner Michael Smith, brokered the sale of Datawright to Berkshire-based Kerridge
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Crazy characters to guard kids' allotment
YOUNGSTERS and their families came up with a host of characters for a school scarecrow competition. There were 26 designs in the contest held annually at Shotley Bridge Infant School. The five best will stand guard over seedbeds tended by each
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Director returns to support accountancy firm’s growth plans
A NORTH East firm of chartered accountants and business advisers has appointed a new director to continue with the firm’s growth plans. Clive Owen & Co LLP, which has offices in Darlington and Durham, has welcomed back Kevin Shotton, who worked
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County "well-prepared" for winter conditions
HIGHWAYS chiefs have stockpiled huge supplies of salt to treat roads this winter – and insist they are “well-prepared.” More than 50,000 tonnes have been built up and North Yorkshire County Council says its salt barns are now full in readiness
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Ambitious plan for country showground
A MAJOR scheme has been unveiled to transform a country showground into a multi-use residential and leisure development. A planning application is expected to be submitted by the end of the year for the project at Pickering Showground in North
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Festive gift and craft fair at Shildon railway museum
VISITORS to a railway museum will be in a festive mood as they browse for presents at a Christmas crafts and gift fair. The fair is to be held next month at Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon. There will be a selection of stalls
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Pedestrian hurt in car accident
A PEDESTRIAN was taken to hospital after an accident on a busy road. The woman, who is in her late 50s, was involved in a collision with a Rover car in Durham Road, Blackhill, this afternoon (Wednesday, October 24). She was taken to the University
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Drink driver receives fine and driving ban
DRINK DRIVING: Giles Matthew Harrison, 38, of Lanehead, Hutton Magna, near Richmond, North Yorkshire, has received a 12-month driving ban and £503 in fines and costs after pleading guilty to drink driving at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court. The offence
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Tributes paid as Winifred dies, at 105
ONE of the oldest residents in the region, Winifred Hudson, has died at 105. Mrs Hudson, from Bedale, put her long life down to being active, so much so that when she was 101 and 102 she did the Race for Life for cancer charities. She was born
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Newton Aycliffe teacher travels to Romania for fact finding mission
A PRIMARY school teacher travelled to Romania as part of a fact finding mission studying education in the Eastern European country. Claire Noble, deputy headteacher at Vane Road Primary School, Newton Aycliffe, visited Bucharest for a three day
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Bishop Auckland man fails to provide breath specimen
COURT FINE: Mark Duke, 38, of Cambridge Court, Bishop Auckland, has been fined £110 and has been disqualified from driving for 12 months after admitting he failed to provide a breath specimen to police on October 13. Magistrates in Newton Aycliffe
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Coundon man charged with possessing offensive weapons
A MAN appeared at court today (Wednesday, October 24) charged with possessing offensive weapons, including stun guns disguised as mobile phones and knuckle dusters. Robert Downes, of Eden Close, Coundon, near Bishop Auckland, faces two charges
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Newspaper girl wins national award as the Echo takes home industry award
A NEWSPAPER girl who has never missed a day’s delivery in six years has won a national award for her efforts. Hannah Collier, 17, from Blackhill, in Consett, County Durham was named news deliverer of the year at the National Federation of Retail
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Darlington - news in brief
VAN APPEAL: Police in Darlington have appealed for information about a white flat-bad van that has been seen patrolling the streets of Darlington, apparently looking for scrap or items left in gardens or yards. Anyone who sees a vehicle matching the
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Ex-Echo man John Grigsby who moved to Fleet Street dies, aged 75
A FORMER Northern Echo district reporter who made his name as a specialist writer in Fleet Street has died aged 75. John Grigsby worked in the paper’s Durham City office in the mid-1960s – the legendary Harold Evans was the editor - after a spell
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Hitachi makes major changes to management team
DETAILS have emerged about the new team that will help to bring train building back to the North-East. Hitachi Rail Europe has announced several senior management appointments as it gears up to start building a new £4.5bn train assembly factory in
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Impact of cuts on North-East women could be debated in Commons
A DEBATE about how the North-East’s women have borne the brunt of the Government’s austerity measures could be held in The House of Commons in the spring, it has emerged. Representatives from the NE Women’s Network, which represents a raft of the
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Villagers' joy at windfarm rejection
VILLAGERS are celebrating after their four-year-long campaign against a windfarm proposal ended in victory. Over 30 residents of nearby villages, including Sadberge, Bishopton and Little Stainton, attended a meeting of Darlington Borough Council's
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Murder charge man makes first appearance at crown court
A MAN accused of murdering a great-grandmother in her home made his first appearance before a judge today (Wednesday, October 24). Joseph Turner, 61, was remanded in custody until he is next at Teesside Crown Court on January 8 next year. He
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Weighty matters at issue in the boathouse
SOME of the region’s strongest men and women will compete in Durham City next month. The Yorkshire and North East Benchpress Championships will be held at Durham Amateur Rowing Club’s boathouse in Green Lane, on Saturday November 3 between 11am
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Sax Cymbals play Barley Mow in Birtley
Gig date: Sax Cymbals will play at the Barley Mow, Durham Road. Birtley, near Chester-le-Street, on Friday, October 26 at 9pm. Admission is free. Carers’ group: Carers Anonymous, a support group for people looking after substance misusers, meets on
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Tyres stolen in garage raid
THOUSANDS of pounds worth of car tyres and other garage equipment have been stolen in an overnight raid. Around 120 tyres worth an estimated £6,000 were stolen from the garage in Consett, County Durham along with equipment used for MoT testing.
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News in brief: House burglaries
HOUSE BURGLARIES: Police are appealing for witnesses following two house burglaries in Church Lane, Murton on Tuesday, October 23. Intruders got into the houses through rear patio doors between 3.30pm and 4.30pm and stole items including Masonic regalia
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Young girl sexually assaulted and robbed
A YOUNG girl has been sexually assaulted and robbed as she made her way home from the school. The 12-year-old was attacked on common land near to Chadwick Walk, Hardwick, Stockton, at around 4.20pm yesterday (Tuesday, October 23). The girl,
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Universities critical and must be properly supported - Nobel winner
UNIVERSITIES are critical to Britain and the Government must cherish, value and properly support them, a Nobel Prize winning scientist told a North-East audience today (Wednesday, October 24). Sir Paul Nurse, a world-renowned geneticist and cell
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Argos to close 75 stores as part of digital refocus
ARGOS’ trademark catalogue is to take a backseat as the chain refocuses itself as an internet-led retailer. The firm, which has 739 stores including 28 in the North-East and North Yorkshire, will also close or relocate at least 75 stores over the
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Singer-songwriter Ken Mercer stages Spennymoor concert in aid of dementia care
A MUSICIAN who has worked with Art Garfunkel is to headline a concert to raise funds for dementia sufferers. Singer-songwriter Ken Mercer, 34, who worked with Garfunkel on European and America tours, will perform at Spennymoor Town Hall on Wednesday
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Escomb dance
VILLAGE DANCE: A village dance led by John Beaty will be held at Escomb village hall, near Bishop Auckland, on Saturday, October 23, between 8pm and 11pm. Entry is £2.50 and take your own food and drink with details from Des Graves on 01388-605548.
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Green fingered students get hands dirty in Middlesbrough
STUDENTS from colleges and schools across the area lent a hand with a massive bulb planting programme at a historic park. Up to 20 students from Askham Bryan College put their green fingers to good use in Middlesbrough’s Stewart Park. They
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Shildon workers give Great North Air Ambulance Service with £500 boost
A LIFESAVING air ambulance charity has been given a £500 boost to help keep its helicopters flying. Staff at Frank’s the Flooring Store, whose head office is based on the George Reynolds Industrial Estate, in Shildon, donated £500 to the Great
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Charity walk at Middleton St George retirement village
RESIDENTS, friends and staff at a retirement village joined together in a marathon effort to raise more than £1,100 for a wildlife charity. The Woodland Walk event took place at Middleton Hall Retirement Village, in Middleton St George, near Darlington
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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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The Earth Resounds, The Sixteen, Durham Cathedral
CHORAL superstars The Sixteen shook the pillars of Durham Cathedral with a programme of highly dramatic religious music by three Flemish Renaissance masters, composers Josquin, Brumel and Lassus. Two movements from Brumel’s mass Et ecce terraemotus
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DCI Banks, (ITV1, 9pm)
STEPHEN TOMPKINSON has been seen on screen as a reporter, a priest, a construction worker, a vet and currently as dogged and determined cop DCI Alan Banks. In DCI Banks, the detective and his new right-hand woman, DI Morton investigate when a professional
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Chef competition hots up
THE heat is on for North-East chefs as they prepare for the Great North Menu Challenge final on Monday (October 29). Fourteen chefs will take part in a ‘cook-off’ at Darlington College to determine whose dishes will be served at the North East
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The Removal Men, (Channel 5, 8pm)
THE Removal Men may have sounded about as interesting as packing cardboard boxes, but someone liked it because it’s back for a second series. We’re about to meet more families upping sticks and enlisting the help of Pickfords, one of the UK’s biggest
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Tutor scoops national charity award
By Kristy Dawson A TUTOR at Darlington College has scooped a national award. Ali Wright was named Keyfund facilitator of the year for her role as a Pathways tutor. With almost 1,000 volunteer Keyfund facilitators in the UK, Ms Wright
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Brazil With Michael Palin, (BBC1, 9pm)
IF you do a search on the Internet for “Brazil with Michael Palin”, chances are the results will feature a 1985 film directed by his old Monty Python mate Terry Gilliam. In it, Palin subverts his nice-guy image by playing Jack Lint, a hard-working
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Police urge people not to leave cars unlocked as thieves strike again
POLICE in Darlington have again reminded people to lock their cars when they leave them unattended after another spate of thefts from unsecured vehicles. Officers have received reports of four thefts from unlocked cars around the town in recent
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Disabled workers devastated by savage council cuts
DISABLED workers were left in tears after being told their factory could close due to council cuts. On Monday, Middlesbrough mayor Ray Mallon announced proposals to close the town’s Ayresome Industries factory as part of plans to save £11m in 2013
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Aim for city free school to be opened next year
BARRING a political earthquake, a new free school should appear on the North- East educational map next year. The Durham Free School project was given the goahead in July when Prime Minister David Cameron backed the idea. That was an important
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Schools in effort to make £5 grow
PRIMARY school pupils are getting lessons for an enterprising life from a financial institution belonging to one of the UK’s best known entrepreneurs. Four schools in Darlington are taking part in Virgin Money’s Make £5 Grow project. Under
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Lynda helping to shed light on soldiers’ role
HOW did you become a museum curator? WHEN I finished religious studies at university, I did not have a job and I saw an advertisement for a voluntary job in the Lake District, helping at a museum, which came with accommodation. It seemed perfect
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Deluge proved a good omen for Wilkinson
THE floods which wreaked havoc across the region last month have set a North-East commercial maintenance firm on track to hit record turnover. Wilkinson Maintenance, a Durham City company specialising in reactive maintenance and refurbishment of
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Time to recognise a hero
IN January 1945 Pilot Officer William McMullen died while piloting his stricken Lancaster bomber away from Darlington. He was stationed at RAF Goosepool during the war, now Durham Tees Valley Airport, and was returning from a training mission when
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Saying Sorry
AFTER much thought the Education Secretary Michael Gove (Echo, Oct 23) has apologised to his former French teacher for misbehaving in class. But I wonder if Mr Gove has ever wondered if the cure for cancer may be in the mind of someone, who thanks
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Wine
I AGREE with Ken Orton, of Ferryhill, that lots of people love a glass of wine with a meal or after work or for special occasions (HAS, Oct 21). People become alcoholics because they have nothing else to do or they are trying to block something
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Drones
IT was disturbing to read Tony Kelly’s accusation that the Americans were “deliberately” targeting civilians with drone strikes (HAS, Oct 19). In a few paragraphs, Tony charged, tried and found the US guilty. He even supplied a possible motive
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Live News: October 24, 2012
3:46pm They only managed to get me in a few of the cars for a passenger experience! Scariest thing I've ever done! http://t.co/Fh2jyJaP — @StephClarkEcho 24 October 2012 Sports Reporter Steph Clark
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Golf Merger
IN response to the concerned senior member of Blackwell Golf Club (Echo, Oct 22) regarding the proposed merger of Blackwell with Stressholme, in Darlington, maybe the time has come for members of Stressholme to be given a little more respect and consideration
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Jobs In-Spectre
A GHOSTLY mist has descended over JobCentrePlus. Spookyworld, a new theme park, is advertising for zombies and ghouls. Are you haunted by the spectre of unemployment? Are you tired of downloading jobs that never existed or ones that existed
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London's Pride
I DO like the odd excursion to our capital, and if I have any free time while I am down there, I can often be found pub hopping in either Camden Town or Finchley, where there are some very nice boozers. London Pride is my favourite tipple down
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Humbug
I HAD a very negative experience parking in Grange Road, Darlington, last week and feel I was ambushed by a traffic warden, which ended up costing me £25. This is one Darlington resident that will not be doing her Christmas shopping in the town
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Supersonic jump was a waste
SORRY to be a party pooper, but I find myself unable to share the general admiration for Austrian Felix Baumgartner’s 24 mile supersonic leap from the edge of space. First sour note: helium is a precious resource, not to be wasted on a vanity venture
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Argos announces potential store closures as part of digital overhaul
HIGH street and online retailer Argos will close or relocate at least 75 stores and reduce the catalogue circulation over the next five years as it looks to concentrate on the online side of its operation. The chain, owned by Home Retail Group,
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Criticism – and credit
THE BBC’S director-general was rightly given a hard time by the Commons culture committee yesterday. George Entwistle was subjected to two hours of hostile questioning over the Jimmy Savile sex abuse scandal and looked distinctly uncomfortable
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Resign, McQuaid is urged
TYLER HAMILTON has called on Pat McQuaid to step down as president of the International Cycling Union. On Monday, McQuaid branded Hamilton and Floyd Landis as “scumbags” and accused them of trying to be heroes. Both testified against Lance
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Businessman with a fan's passion
AN internet hoaxer pronounced Sir Bob Murray dead last year. No one was more surprised than the former Sunderland Football Club chairman who tells Business Editor Andy Richardson about his life and the things that he still wants to achieve. EVERY
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Fly that past us again
THE government will invite Durham Tees Valley Airport to fine tune its bid for millions of pounds of tax payers cash that was rejected last week, The Northern Echo can reveal. Following an emergency meeting with North-East MPs on Monday night, Business
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Another Bob who deserves our applause
THE Durham coalfields produced three unassuming men called Bob who left an indelible mark on English football. Bob Paisley, the only manager in history to have won three European Cups, and former Newcastle United and England boss Sir Bobby Robson
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Mowbray refusing to get carried away with decent form
AFTER moving up to third in the Championship for the first time this season, Middlesbrough manager Tony Mowbray last night insisted he will not be getting carried away – yet. Boro's third successive victory arrived in the shape of a 2-0 win over
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Match Report: Bury 2 Hartlepool United 1
Final Score: Bury 2 Hartlepool United 1 NEALE COOPER today stands on the brink of leaving Hartlepool United after defeat at Bury last night left Pools bottom of League One. While stopping short of standing down in the immediate aftermath, Cooper
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Match Report: Middlesbrough 2 Hull City 0
Final Score: Middlesbrough 2 Hull City 0 THE Riverside Stadium was a Friend-ly place last night when Tony Mowbray warmed up for his two-year anniversary as Middlesbrough manager with a third successive win. After a bright opening half hour
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Rail track warning after man caught taking shortcut
A WARNING was issued today (Wednesday, October 24) over the dangers of crossing railway lines after a man was seen taking a short cut between platforms. British Transport Police (BTP) said anyone trespassing over the tracks in such a way is potentially
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'Secret meetings' over future of Newcastle airport slammed
AN INDEPENDENT councillor has called on the government to stop seven North-East councils holding “secret meetings” to discuss the future of the region’s biggest airport. The “LA7”, comprising Durham, Sunderland, South Tyneside, North Tyneside,
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Sessegnon acknowledges attacking weaknesses
STEPHANE Sessegnon admits Sunderland's attackers have failed to hit the heights during the opening three months of the season. After seven Premier League matches, Steven Fletcher remains the only Black Cats player to have scored a goal. Sessegnon
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Community-spirited Magpies put focus on the local game
IT has not been a good few days for Premier League football. The ongoing fall out from the John Terry race case refuses to go away, with Chelsea opting not to strip their controversial defender of the captaincy. A dispute about the perceived failings
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Pardew: Tiote must improve disciplinary record
ALAN Pardew has instructed Cheik Tiote to improve his dreadful disciplinary record in the wake of Sunday's first-half dismissal at Sunderland. Tiote received the second red card of his Newcastle career when he mistimed a lunge at Steven Fletcher
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Why Durham needs a Free School
BARRING a political earthquake a new Free School should appear on the North-East educational map next year. The Durham Free School project was given the go-ahead in July when Prime Minister, David Cameron backed the idea. That was an important
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Shocking case of the couple who were buried alive - by their grandson
The mundane task of re-potting a house plant led to a gruesome discovery for a Norton housewife in 1928. True crime writer John J Eddleston reports on a shocking case of greed, double murder - and live burial AT some time between 1.30pm and 2pm
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100 jobs achieved at out-of-town shopping complex
BOSSES behind an out-of-town development claim it is 82 per cent let and 100 people will be employed by the time it opens next month. Work to fit out the new Next, Boots, Marks & Spencer, Pets at Home, Brantano and Costa Coffee stores at the
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Police officer who pepper sprayed grandfather insists he felt threatened
A POLICE officer has defended his use of pepper spray against a North-East grandfather, who later died in custody. Several civilian witnesses had previously told an inquest into the death of Lenny McCourt they could see no apparent reason why pepper
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Health minister set to decide Friarage's future
THE future of key services at a general hospital will almost certainly be decided by the Government. NHS North Yorkshire and York’s board yesterday (Tuesday, October 23) rejected last-ditch appeals from Richmond MP William Hague and North Yorkshire
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Complaints against North-East police forces on the rise
COMPLAINTS against North-East police forces are on the rise, new figures reveal. Cleveland, Durham and Northumbria police forces experienced an increase in complaints from the public in 2011/12, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC
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Pair admit serious assault on man in own home
TWO men have admitted carrying out an attack on a man who was left critically injured in his own home. Paul Michael Bishop and Christopher Henry Hilton were yesterday (TUE OCT 23) warned to expect sentences at the “top end of the range” for such
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Reigniting the passion
By James Ramsbotham, chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce REMEMBER when we were all passionate people living in a passionate place? One of the real legacy projects of regional development agency One North East was the
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Driver feared assault before colliding with police officer
A MOTORIST said he mistook a plain clothes police officer trying to flag him down for a drunk staggering in the road, a court was told. Despite saying he tried to avoid the figure, Christopher James Sinclair collided with the undercover officer
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Another Bob who deserves our applause
THE Durham coalfields produced three unassuming men called Bob who left an indelible mark on English football. Bob Paisley, the only manager in history to have won three European Cups, and former Newcastle United and England boss Sir Bobby Robson
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Durham University unveils new £50m HQ
A LONG-awaited new £50m headquarters development for the region’s top university will be officially unveiled today (October 24). Durham University has built a new student services and administrative HQ and a new law school and extended its main
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Panto time for Teesdale Players
THE final touches are being made to preparations for this year's Teesdale Players production. The Players will take to the stage at Cotherstone Village Hall for four nights with their version of the popular panto Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
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Etherley residents to decide how parish cash is spent
A COUNTY Durham village is making £1,000 available for community projects – with those judged the most popular by public vote getting their hands on the cash. Members of Etherley Parish Council agreed to introduce a 'Participatory Budget' of £1,000
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Traders' £10,000 to promote Barnard Castle
Traders in Barnard Castle have been awarded £10,000 to promote the town. Barney Guild – the traders' association – successfully bid to become Town Team Partners in a government-backed scheme which will see more than 300 towns benefit from a package
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Tree scheme aims to spruce up Barnard Castle over festive season
TRADERS in Barnard Castle are being asked to spruce up the town during the festive season – by putting up Christmas trees outside their shops and offices. Officials of the Barney Guild – the Barnard Castle traders' association – say they would
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Farmyard fun at Cockfield Primary School
PUPILS from a County Durham primary came face-to-face with sheep, hens, guinea pigs, rabbits and even a pony when a travelling farmyard called at their school. The Farmyard Flyer, a specially converted double decker bus, visited Cockfield Primary
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Stuart strides out for children's ward
A BISHOP Auckland man's latest Great North Run success raised £1,125 for a hospital's children's ward. Stuart Peacock, of Beckett's Close, completed the course in 1hr 50mins. He decided to run in aid of Ward 1b at the Royal Victoria Infirmary,
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Comedy star Jo Caulfield heads to Barnard Castle
COMEDY star Jo Caulfield will be bringing a smile to Barnard Castle this weekend when she performs in the town as part of her current tour. She will be bringing her Better the Devil You Know show to the Parish Hall on Saturday, October 27.
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Teesdale: News in brief
ON SONG: Cotherstone Methodist Church will welcome the Durham Police Choir on Saturday, October 27, for a concert starting at 7pm, followed by supper. All welcome. AUTUMN FAIR: Cockfield Methodist Church will be staging its annual autumn fair on
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County Durham Plan could affect Etherley and Toft Hill village life
ANY new housing built in and around Bishop Auckland, Tindale Crescent, St Helen Auckland and West Auckland could have an impact on village life in Toft Hill and Etherley. That was the view expressed during a discussion by members of Etherley Parish
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Parish ponders Etherley fairground attraction
TALKS have begun into holding another community event in Etherley following the success of this year's Queen's Jubilee celebrations. Among ideas being considered is running the event over two or three days and inviting a travelling fair to visit
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Bishop Auckland news in brief
DOG ACTIVITIES: Dog lovers are being invited to take their pets to activity training at Woodhouse Community Centre, Walker Drive, Bishop Auckland, every Monday between 7.15pm and 8.15pm. For more details call Teresa on 01388-832186 (after 4.30pm) or
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Top prizes up for grabs
ART and sports fans have a chance of winning top prizes in a fundraising draw being held in aid of a cancer charity. An oil painting valued at £900 and a round of golf worth £200 feature in a prize draw being held in aid of The Chyrelle Addams
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Cash boost for events group
A COMMUNITY group that holds events in Ferryhill has been handed a donation to keep up its work. The Ferryhill 2000 Committee received a donation of £120 towards running costs for its main event, the town's annual summer gala. It came from
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Library fun in Ferryhill
CHILDREN in Ferryhill can be entertained during the school half term break for free. Ferryhill Town Council has organised for Liz Million to run a stories and workshop session at Ferryhill Library on Tuesday October 30, 2pm to 3.30pm. The free
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16-year-old musician wins national award
A TEENAGE musician has beaten off hundreds of competitors to win a national award. Meghan (CORRECT) Nicholson, of Crook, was awarded the School’s Got Talent Award for her acoustic guitar performance at the Educatering (CORRECT) Awards earlier this
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New base will help police tackle crime more efficiently
POLICE officers in Bishop Auckland are now better equipped to deal with crime and anti-social behaviour in the town centre thanks to a new office. Bosses at Morrisons, in Newgate Street, have given officers a room in the supermarket to use as a
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Charity work benefits
VOLUNTARY work at a charity shop has led to full time employment for three jobseekers. In the last three months, three volunteers from the PDSA store on Festival Walk, in Spennymoor, landed jobs partly due to their charity work. They include