Archive
-
Date
New partner announced for Newcastle International Airport
LOCAL authorities have tonight (Friday, October 26) announced a refinancing package that will see £68m of taxpayers money pumped into the region’s biggest airport. Shareholders also selected a new partner for a 49 per cent shareholding in Newcastle
-
Date
Vietnamese 'gardener' jailed for tending cannabis farm
AN illegal immigrant was placed in a house in the North-East to tend a cannabis “factory” on arrival from Vietnam, a court was told. Hoa van Vu, 30, was jailed for two-and-a-half years, after Durham Crown Court heard of the near industrial scale
-
Date
Victor Chandler writes...
Seven go to post for the Group 1 Racing Post Trophy from Doncaster with the once-raced Kingsbarns (3.05) having a similar profile to last year's winner Camelot who also crossed the Irish Sea with a maiden win to his name. The other Irish raider, Trading
-
Date
Dracula's legacy retains its grip on Whitby
ONE HUNDRED years since the death of Bram Stoker, Emily Flanagan looks at the legacy his Victorian horror creation, Dracula, has left the town. DRACULA swept onto the pages of Victorian literature in 1897, arriving in Whitby on board a Russian
-
Date
News in Brief
MONK'S BREW: Beer brewed by monks at Ampleforth Abbey has won best drink at The Delciouslyorkshire Awards, held at the National Railway Museum in York on Thursday, October 25. Other winners in the food and drink awards included No 54 in Helmsley, which
-
Date
Sell out for Weardale Railway Halloween special
SOLD OUT: Tickets for the Weardale Railway’s family fun day Halloween train tomorrow (Saturday, October 27) have now sold out. The train leaves Bishop Auckland and Stanhope during the day with a host of fun family activities taking place on board.
-
Date
Arms dealer smuggled thousands of guns
A FORMER special constable has been found guilty of helping to ship tens of thousands of guns and millions of rounds of ammunition from China to Nigeria. Gary Hyde, a 43-year-old who lives near York, was convicted by a jury at Southwark Crown Court
-
Date
new members sought for Yorkshire Dales access group
ADVICE GROUP: Five new members are needed for the independent Yorkshire Dales Access Forum which providing guidance and advice on ways to improve and manage public access and opportunities for open-air in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. For details
-
Date
Make a snake
SNAKES ALIVE: Adults and children alike are being invited to help create giant snakes in the moors on Monday (October 29). The free activity, run by the North York Moors National Park Authority at Danby near Whitby, is part of a ‘Big Draw' campaign
-
Date
Inquest jury watches video of final moments of grandfather in police custody
A JURY today (Friday, October 26) silently watched CCTV footage of the final moments of a grandfather as paramedics and police officers tried to save his life as he lay on the floor of a police station garage. Lenny McCourt, who had been pepper
-
Date
Darlington soccer school
SOCCER SCHOOL: Darlington FC manager and ex Sunderland player, Martin Gray, is helping budding footballers learn a thing or two about the game at Darlington’s Dolphin Centre tomorrow morning (Saturday, October 27). He is training four to seven-year-olds
-
Date
90-year-old falls to death from cconservatory roof of care home
POLICE are investigating after a 90-year-old woman climbed out on to a conservatory roof at her care home and fell to her death. The lady, who has not been named, died after breaking through the window's security chains at Parkview Residential
-
Date
TEST please delete
TEST please delete
-
Date
Woman admits A19 death by dangerous driving charge
A WOMAN has admitted causing the death by dangerous driving of a Romanian man who was hit by a car as he changed a tyre on the A19. Susan Noble pleaded guilty to causing the death of 24-year-old Alexandru Braninschi, from Bucharest, at Mount Grace
-
Date
Cable thief re-sentenced after failing to attend probation meetings
A THIEF who suffered major burns when he cut through live electric cable has been re-sentenced and given a fortnight-long curfew after he failed to turn up for his probation appointments. John Young, 33, spent nine days in an induced coma after
-
Date
The volunteers who bring food and warmth to Darlington's homeless
AFTER a survey by The Northern Echo revealed a huge increase in demand for soup kitchens from struggling North-East families, Hannah Bryan meets the dedicated team who serve much needed meals to Darlington’s hungry and homeless. AS the sun sets
-
Date
Shoppers flock to Cleveland Centre
MIDDLESBROUGH shoppers are returning to the town’s largest shopping centre in record numbers. The Cleveland Centre has recorded an extra 290,852 people through its doors this year compared to the same period in 2011. Monthly footfall is up
-
Date
Proclaimers coming
PROCLAIMERS COMING: Scottish pop duo The Proclaimers, whose hits include 500 Miles and Letter From America, will play Newcastle City Hall, on Friday November 9 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £24.50 from the box office, 0191-277-8030. Top hosts: Pub managers
-
Date
Star screening
STAR SCREENING: Sunderland AFC stars Phil Bardsley, Fraizer Campbell, Lee Cattermole, Adam Johnson and Seb Larsson attended a screening of the new James Bond film Skyfall at Cineworld, Boldon, South Tyneside, to raise money for the club’s community
-
Date
Boy's bike stolen in Perkinsville
BIKE STOLEN: A youngster’s mountain bike has been taken from near a village shop. The Carrera machine, which is marked, was taken from the back of a house beside Perkinsville Foodstore on Wednesday, (October 24), at about 5pm. Anyone with information
-
Date
Boycott called over safety fears of Chinese Lanterns
A BOYCOTT is being called for on Chinese Lanterns over Halloween and Bonfire Night over fears they are a fire risk to farmers. The Country Landowners Association in the North is calling for action as it believes the lanterns are a fire threat to
-
Date
Village hall to host North Yorkshire version of panel show
A PANEL of academics and politicians will head to a village hall next month, for a North Yorkshire version of Any Questions. Melmerby Village Hall will be the venue for a regional take on the Radio 4 topical discussion programme on November 30.
-
Date
Orb opening in York
ORB OPENING: A large metallic orb containing examples of some restored original stained-glass art work from York Minster will open to the public tomorrow (27). The Orb contains new audiovisual and interactive galleries illustrating the stories and
-
Date
Reward offered in hunt for man in Stockton sex assault
A REWARD of £2,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl. The girl, who was on her way home from school, was assaulted in Stockton on Tuesday October
-
Date
Extra Girls Aloud date
SWEET SUCCESS: The Fragrance Shop has opened a new outlet at Dalton Park Shopping Centre in County Durham, the first perfume shop in the complex. Five jobs have been created with the opening of the 230 sq ft store. MORE GIRLS: Girls Aloud have
-
Date
Charity bike collection planned
VINTAGE CYCLES: As part of the Lewis and Cooper Christmas Food Festival in Northallerton on Sunday, November 4, there will be an exhibition of old trade handcarts, bikes and tricycles outside the luxury food store. The festival will be collecting funds
-
Date
News in brief for Chester-le-Street
Children’s dance: Classes in various dance styles for children aged three plus are held at the Chester-le-Street Community Association, Newcastle Bank, on Saturdays during term time between 9.15am and 4lm. For details call 01434-603300. Fitness
-
Date
FOUNDRY CELEBRATIONS
EUROPEAN CLASSICAL: Middlesbrough Town Hall’s new Classical music season continues with the visit by the Prague Symphony Orchestra on Wednesday, November 7. Tickets cost £12.50 or £11.50 concessions, with family tickets from £18. For further information
-
Date
Concert of Remembrance announced
DETAILS have been announced of an annual Concert of Remembrance. Featuring the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment, it will take place at the Seaburn Centre, in Sunderland on Saturday, November 10. Others taking part include the Band and Bugles
-
Date
Thousands of crosses planted at North's Field of Remembrance
THOUSANDS of wooden crosses have been planted in a park to establish the North's first Field of Remembrance. Around 10,000 crosses, adorned with poppies and personal messages, paying tribute to fallen British servicemen and women have been placed
-
Date
Workers take up marathon South African challenge
TEESSIDE workers have landed in South Africa for the physical and mental challenge of their lives. Chris Plews, 40, and Ian Glover, 50, employees at the Sembcorp Utilities UK powerstation, travelled to South Africa to take part in the Kalahari
-
Date
Theatre Review: Amazing Grace, Consett Empire Theatre
ED WAUGH and Trevor Wood already have a few critically-acclaimed plays under their Northumbrian belts. Their latest, Amazing Grace, is a comedy celebrating the short life of an unlikely heroine, the daring Grace Horsley Darling, who, alongside
-
Date
Energy team help residents to save money on heating bills
A CAMPAIGN has helped tenants save hundreds of pounds on fuel bills. Dale and Valley Homes has taken on two staff members who are working with people in Wear Valley to help them use home heating more efficiently. The scheme has identified an
-
Date
United in silence
To tell this tale a vow of silence has to be broken. In the Fifties it was told that new employees who came to work at the United bus company offices in Grange Road, but always before it was recounted the uninitiated listener had to pledge secrecy.
-
Date
Ghostly bride who waits and waits
It is said that this is Matilda, the young daughter of one of the first landlords of this ancient coaching inn, whose foundations were laid in time immemorial. On the eve of her wedding, she was heartbroken by the man of her dreams who never came back
-
Date
Campaign to cut congestion around school
CHILDREN have helped launch a new campaign aimed at tackling traffic congestion around their school. Pupils from Bowburn Infant and Nursery School, in Bowburn, are taking part in Living Streets’ Walk Once a Week (Wow) campaign. Under the Park
-
Date
A tale of terror from within the woodland
IN times long past in a glen between Darlington and Haughton-le-Skerne lived the Barquest. This creature lived just off what is now Haughton Road in Throstle-nest when it was a thickly-wooded area. Its howls would keep anyone in the area awake
-
Date
Paranormal investigators pay a visit to Durham Castle
SUPPOSED spooky goings on at Durham Castle have been probed by a team of paranormal investigators. Dean Midas Maynard led a 'ghost hunt' at the castle, which was built by William the Conqueror, on Friday, April 13. Mr Maynard said the four-hour
-
Date
Artist Mackenzie Thorpe opens the new Acute Oncology service at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.
WORLD-renowned artist Mackenzie Thorpe has opened an innovative new cancer service at The James Cook University Hospital. The acute oncology service at the Middlesbrough hospital has been set up to ensure all cancer patients get an expert opinion
-
Date
New art gallery for Durham
A FORMER council office has reopened as a contemporary art gallery. The former Durham County Council office at 17 Claypath, Durham City, has been transformed by arts group Empty Shop, with support from the council. A new exhibition opens at
-
Date
News from the north
Lorry stuck: Queues built up and motorists had to be diverted after a lorry became trapped under a low bridge on Leeman Road in York yesterday. The vehicle became wedged in at about 1.30pm and a team of workmen were called in to free it. Icy fun
-
Date
Burglar raided neighbours' homes
A BURGLAR raided the homes of three neighbours after watching from his window for them to go out before breaking in. Over the space of a week in August, David Hatfield went on a crime spree to fund his drug addiction, a court heard today (October
-
Date
Pair seek ghostly tales of railway
TALES of a ghost which is said to have haunted a North-East railway station for more than 150 years are being sought. Authors Olive Howe and Irene Macleod want to hear from anyone who may have encountered the ghost of Thomas Winter, a ticket clerk
-
Date
Juice festival opens on Tyneside
CHILDREN have been investigating mysterious ‘dragon footprints’ ahead of the opening of a North-East youth festival. Youngsters from Blue Coat Junior CofE School, in Durham City, followed the painted footprints around the Great North Museum: Hancock
-
Date
Report into soaring restoration costs of Flying Scotsman
THE cost of restoring the world-famous Flying Scotsman has more than trebled from initial predictions, a report has revealed. Restoration work on the iconic steam locomotive began in January 2006, nearly two years after the National Railway Museum
-
Date
Police hunt wanted man
POLICE hunting for a wanted man have issued a fresh appeal for the public’s help. Adam Luke Reynard is wanted for recall to prison after he failed to comply with the terms of his release licence by failing to live at a specified address and not
-
Date
More new leg joy for Kieran
A BRAVE teenager who lost a leg to a rare form of cancer has collected another new prosthetic. Kieran Maxwell, from Heighington, near Darlington, was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma, which attacks bone and muscle tissue, in October 2010. He
-
Date
Dog day for brain injury sufferers
BRAIN injury sufferers went to the dogs for a special get-together. A day at the Pelaw Grange Greyhound Stadium, Chester-le-Street was organised by Headway Durham and Chester-le-Street who invited other Headway groups in the region. As well
-
Date
Spirited returns
Home to the first president of the US - and some ghostly visitors - Washington offers a fascinating past and a vibrant future. KEITH PROUD reports WASHINGTON Village still has the air of a genteel, peaceful late-Victorian suburb - with the spirit
-
Date
Man stabbed in Darlington
A MAN has been stabbed in the back with a kitchen knife during a domestic argument. Police and paramedics attended Gladstone Street, Darlington, at about 4.15pm today (October 26) and the 34-year-old victim was taken to by ambulance James Cook
-
Date
ZONE SINGLE Keeping homes safe in winter
RESIDENTS are being urged to keep lights on and make sure homes are locked up at night to prevent them becoming a target for thieves. Hambleton and Richmondshire Community Safety Partnership is urging people not to leave houses in darkness, especially
-
Date
The Lament of Laurel Cottage
Nearly 200 years ago the land between Stanhope Road and Bondgate was a plantation and in a small clearing in the middle there stood Laurel Cottage. The North Star newspaper of April 3, 1907 reports how about 50 years earlier a Darlington businessman
-
Date
Spooky celebration for fledgling project
A LIBRARY is hosting its first seasonal celebration since it was taken over by the local community – with a Halloween party for children. Great Ayton Discovery Centre is inviting youngsters to come dressed in their most spooky attire and take part
-
Date
Judo club enjoys competition success
A LOCAL judo club is celebrating after enjoying success at a regional competition. Kyu-Shin-Do-Ryu, which trains in Chester-le-Street and Newbottle, had a team of ten players in the North East Championships in Newcastle and had an impressive haul
-
Date
Darlington news in brief
PACT MEETING: The next meeting of the Mowden and Hummersknott partners and communities together (Pact) group will take place on Thursday, November 1, at Carmel Surgery, in Nunnery Lane, Darlington, between 6.30pm and 7.30pm. HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR
-
Date
All aboard for bus driver's first novel
A BUS driver has published his first book, a crime thriller. Go-Ahead driver Gary Copeland’s The Killer Within is available to buy now. Set in Durham, Chester-le-Street and surrounding areas, the story begins with a brutal murder. As more
-
Date
North Durham news in brief
ART SHOW: Belmont artist Peter Hemming’s art exhibition Faces and Places Chapter 3 will be at Durham University’s Van Mildert College, on Mill Hill Lane, Durham, until January 13. Entry is free. Anyone wishing to visit should email Miranda Petersen
-
Date
Woman airlifted after bike incident
WOMAN INJURED: A 21-year-old woman was flown to James Cook University Hospital after being knocked off her bike as she cycled along Kirkleatham Road, Redcar, at around 1.35pm today (October 26). The Great North Air Ambulance transferred the woman to
-
Date
Schoolboy had no reason to take his life, inquest told
THE family of a 14-year-old schoolboy found hanged in his bedroom said they could not understand his actions, an inquest heard. Keiran Luke Stott, a pupil at Grangefield School, Stockton, died on June 7 this year. His grandmother Jacqueline
-
Date
Free respiratory rehab sessions for patients
PATIENTS with respiratory conditions are being encouraged to take part in a free exercise and rehabilitation. The pulmonary rehabilitation programmes, run by the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, are held every: Monday and Thursday
-
Date
Serving spirits
FORMER Northern Echo journalist-turned author Donald Stuart had his own ghostly experience when researching his latest book, Haunted English Pubs. Mr Stuart, 75, was cycling along a narrow lane in Cambridgeshire one afternoon when he saw a woman
-
Date
Dementia care cash is up for grabs
NHS trusts and councils in the region are being invited to bid for a share in a new fund to improve care for people with dementia. Up to £50m is being made available by the Government to help tailor hospitals and care homes to the needs of those
-
Date
Searching for the truth in world of paranormal
WE’VE all wondered if that strange noise was something more than a door creaking in the wind. John Gibbon, 41, is a man dedicated to finding out whether it was just a draught you felt on your face or something more sinister. He launched his Darlingtonbased
-
Date
New service for people plagued by debt
A CHURCH and a charity have joined forces to open a a new debt advice service. Christians Against Poverty (CAP) and the Bethany Christian Centre at Houghton-le- Spring aim to help people, whatever their religion. It will visit people in their
-
Date
Tributes to former Richmond mayor
A FORMER five-time mayor of Richmond, who was an active member of her community, has died suddenly aged 80. Katherine Carr died on Saturday, October 20, unexpectedly of a heart attack while out for lunch with a friend, and family and friends have
-
Date
Norchem creates jobs in County Durham
A PHARMACEUTICAL firm has invested a six figure sum into relocating its commercial and IT services in-house, creating jobs at its head office. Norchem Group, based in County Durham, which owns 20 pharmacies across the region, has invested £150,000
-
Date
Newton Aycliffe Christmas fair promises an artistic twist
NEWTON Aycliffe Youth Centre has joined forces with an award-winning artist for its first traditional Christmas fair. The event, from 11am to 5pm on Saturday, November 24, will boast a Santa’s grotto, a brass band, carol singers and mulled wine
-
Date
York Minster to illuminate its heritage
AFTER-DARK visitors to York Minster next week will have an opportunity to see it in a whole new light. The cathedral is taking part in this year’s Illuminating York festival with kaleidoscopic projections and a giant metallic orb. From Wednesday
-
Date
Cheaper bus fares to help dales teenagers
A DISCOUNTED bus fare is being introduced to give teenagers in the Yorkshire Dales better access to work and social activities. The scheme means young people can enjoy affordable travel at certain times and will be launched by The Dales Integrated
-
Date
Awards evening recognises students' efforts
AN “outstanding” former teacher paid a visit to her former school to honour the pupils she used to teach. Retired English teacher, Barbara Still, presented former year 11 pupils at Hummersknott Academy, in Darlington, with a number of awards and
-
Date
Women's group launched in Trimdon
WOMEN’S GROUP: A Cree social group for women of all ages is being launched at Trimdon Station Community Centre from 10am to noon on Wednesday, November 7. For details contact: 01429 882200.
-
Date
Keep safe and warm this winter in Trimdon and Ferryhill
KEEP SAFE: Free Keep Safe, Keep Warm, Keep Well events for the over 50’s and carers will take place from 10am to noon on November 8 at Trimdon Library and on November 16 at St Luke’s Church in Ferryhill. Electrical testing, advice and free fleece blankets
-
Date
Great-grandmother knitting up a storm for babies in need
A KNITTING-MAD great-grandmother who has made more than 6,000 outfits for impoverished babies in Africa says she has no plans to put down her needles just yet. Prolific knitter, Mary Yarrow, from Darlington, who celebrated her 80th birthday on
-
Date
Gym members raise vital funds for children's hospice
HEALTH club members had a novel idea to raise vital funds for a children’s hospice. Carol Hugill, a member of Bannatyne’s in Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, organised a book stall and managed to raise £840 for Zoe’s Place through cash donations for
-
Date
Boys gain brigade's highest award
FOUR Boys’ Brigade members have achieved the movement’s top award. Daniel Miller, Jack Rowell and Chris Winn, of the 1st Chester-le-Street Company, and Andrew Berston, of 16th East Durham Company in Fulwell, Sunderland, received their Queen’s Badge
-
Date
From Russia with swans
The Russian State Ballet and Opera House bring Tchaikovsky’s classic Swan Lake to the region next month. Helen Brown speaks to Alexej Ignatow, chief executive and producer for Amande Concerts How many dancers, musicians and stage crew are involved
-
Date
Beer flows from Sonnet 43 brewery
THE beer has started flowing at the region’s newest microbrewery. Nine-gallon casks of craft ales from the Sonnet 43 Brew House, next to the Kicking Cuddy pub, in Coxhoe, County Durham, are headed for bars and pubs across the region. Production
-
Date
Police launch crime crackdown in Fence House and Shiney Row
POLICE have launched a crackdown on thieves and burglars following a spate of crimes in the Fence Hosues and Shiney Row areas. Operation Jaguar was launched after a series of thefts from cars and burglaries to sheds and garages. Extra officers
-
Date
Scorton feast
Chris Lloyd finds himself inundated with great tastes at The Heifer A BRIDGE over a bridge carries visitors into the village of Scorton, because in the recent floods, the beck became so engorged that it swept away part of the old stone road bridge
-
Date
More specials on the North Yorkshire beat
THE ranks of the Special Constabulary have been enhanced by the latest recruits to join the North Yorkshire force. The volunteer officers were sworn in at an attestation ceremony, hosted by Assistant Chief Constable Iain Spittal at the magistrates
-
Date
Spankin' new show
Steve Pratt talks to the stars of 9 To 5: The Musical, a comedy of friendship, revenge and the shattering of the glass ceiling I REMEMBER seeing Jackie Clune sitting in the row in front of me at the 2005 London first night of Billy Elliot, the
-
Date
Posters demonstrate our weather obsession
THANKS to its sheer unpredictability it is no surprise that the British weather holds a fascination to most of us. If we’re not basking in it then we are sheltering from it and if not moaning about it we are singing its praises. And now the
-
Date
Matt Cardle: The Fire
‘‘IT’S a losing game that I won’t play,’’ sings Matt Cardle on opening track It’s Only Love. The 29-year-old from Southampton, who won The X Factor in 2010, could almost be referring to his experiences on the ITV1 show that made his name. Being
-
Date
Macy Gray: Talking Book
AMERICAN singer Macy Gray has always been one to follow her own esoteric path, eschewing commercial success in pursuit of doing exactly what she wants to do, and it is no different with this tribute to one of her favourite albums, Stevie Wonder’s timeless
-
Date
New service launched to help address mental health
A NEW service has been launched in a bid to help people suffering from mental health issues. Redcar and Cleveland Mind’s “Your Road to Recovery” is a well-being pathway that caters to the needs of individuals and is a package of personalised support
-
Date
Rachel Sermanni: Under Mountains
THERE are shades of Beth Orton and Beth Rowley, as well as a healthy dose of Norah Jones, to this debut album from indie-folk singer-songwriter Rachel Sermanni. Fans of those acts will find themselves right at home here, while those not already sold
-
Date
Stolen car damaged in suspicious garage fire
AN appeal has been made for information after a stolen car was destroyed in a garage fire. A wooden garage at the rear of Vyner Street, in Close House, Bishop Auckland, was set on fire at 2.45pm on Monday, October 22. Inside the garage was
-
Date
Kylie Minogue: The Abbey Road Sessions
IT’S Kylie as you’ve never heard her before. For her 12th album, the Australian pop princess has decided to forego the high-end production and fancy effects, instead relying on her voice and full orchestra for strippeddown versions of the biggest
-
Date
Grease is still the word for Danny’s Danny
Danny Bayne talks to Steve Pratt about returning to the role which made him famous as Grease goes back on tour FIVE years after winning a TV talent show to star in the London West End production, Grease is still the word for Danny Bayne. He spent
-
Date
Police appeal after racing pigeons stolen
POLICE are investigating after 42 pigeons worth more than £400 were stolen from a house in Darlington. The Birmingham pigeons were taken from a coop at the rear of a property in Harrowgate Village between 10pm on Tuesday and 10am on Wednesday.
-
Date
North-East bingo firm invests £1m in office revamp
ONLINE bingo firm Tombola is to invest £1m in an overhaul its Sunderland office. Having taken ownership of the entire five-storey Wylam Wharf building on Sunderland's riverside two years ago, after being a tenant for 16 years, Tombola is now embarking
-
Date
Children's bonfire safety drawing competition in Shildon
DRAWING COMPETITION: A children’s drawing competition to highlight the dangers of bonfires and fireworks is being held by The Co-operative Funeralcare, Shildon. There are under seven and over seven age groups categories with the winners getting a Fire
-
Date
The (very) long goodbye
THE tallest man in soap is laid to rest this week. Carl King was bashed over the head during the double wedding celebrations last week. Not once, but twice. And he didn’t even have a piece of wedding cake. Chas delivered the first blow with something
-
Date
Hunt stepped up for sex attacker
POLICE are stepping up the hunt for a sex attacker after they link it to earlier incidents. And in an attempt to track down the suspect Cleveland Police have released an e-fit image of the man they believe is responsible. The force has stepped
-
Date
Rough justice
This year’s Ryder Cup had to be the most remarkable comeback for Europe, triumphing in Medinah. So much so that those amongst us who now and again have a small wager on sporting outcomes could have backed Europe to win at 25 to 1 on the morning of
-
Date
Crackdown on egg and flour sales to tackle anti-social hehaviour
A CRACKDOWN has been launched to ban to the sale of eggs and flour to young people in the run-up to Halloween and Bonfire Night. The voluntary ban is part of Operation Autumnus, which is designed to ensure the coming weeks pass off peacefully in
-
Date
Fairs, activities and courses taking place in Newton Aycliffe
CHRISTMAS FAIR: A Christmas fair of new goods takes place at Neville Community Centre, Neville Parade, Newton Aycliffe, from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, November 24. Tables available priced at £5. Contact: 01325-313924. TRUSTEES’ WEEK: November 5
-
Date
LAST STAFF PIC Footballers take to the catwalk for charity fashion show
FOUR footballers have teamed up with students to take part in a charity fashion show to raise funds for a learning disability charity. Darlington FC players Leon Scott, Joe Tait, Amar and Arjun Purewal joined students from Darlington College for
-
Date
Bishop Auckland woman escapes driving ban
A BISHOP Auckland woman who admitted drink driving after being left alone in a van on a dark rural road, has escaped a driving ban. Lucy Ann Todd, of Proudfoot Drive, told magistrates in Newton Aycliffe she had no choice but to drive the 0.4 mile
-
Date
McFadden finally signs Sunderland deal
SUNDERLAND have finally completed the signing of Scottish midfielder James McFadden on a three-month contract. After weeks of negotiations and a successful trial the 29-year-old has committed to the Black Cats and be given a chance to shine.
-
Date
New-look green will brighten life for residents
WORK has started to create a haven for residents and wildlife. The site, behind Camperdown Avenue, Chester-le-Street, is currently plain and uninteresting. But a £45,000 project is underway to convert it into a green space for people of all
-
Date
Arts groups host Big Draw event for amateur artists
AMATEUR artists can create their own artwork under the guidance of professionals at an artistic event this weekend. The Big Draw event will be held at the Arts Café at The Bridge, Centre for Visual Arts, Yarm Road, Darlington on Saturday, October
-
Date
Diamonds are forever for Bishop Auckland couple
THE spark is still there for a retired electrician and his wife as they celebrated their Diamond wedding anniversary. Ruth and Kenneth Oughton, 83 and 82 respectively, recently celebrated the 60 year milestone since their marriage. They tied
-
Date
Spooky treats in store at Darlington Railway Museum
VISITORS to a railway museum are in for a spooky treat when they visit this Sundayas part of its Halloween celebrations. The Head of Steam – Darlington Railway Museum, in North Road, Darlington, will open its doors for a Spooktacular event on Sunday
-
Date
LAST ZONE Updated employment handbook for Darlington goes live
HELP is at hand for jobseekers in Darlington with an updated version of a council guide to employment. The Darlington Borough Council Employment Handbook offers key points to improve an individual’s chances of successfully securing employment and
-
Date
Volunteers wade in to transform Northallerton ponds
Volunteers have waded in to transform a pond and neglected wasteland into a haven for wildlife on the edge of a new business park. Omega ponds in Northallerton, which are on the edge of the Thurston road business park is being transformed into
-
Date
Search begins for leading North-East investor directors
THE Institute of Directors North East has begun the process of identifying directors who are making a difference to the region’s economic landscape in 2012. The North East Investor Director listing, which is being run in partnership with leading
-
Date
'Ancient Fair Should Go' say Traders
AN IDEA to move an ancient fair from Yarm over the river to Stockton has been floated by traders and councillors. Yarm Fair can trace its history to a charter granted by King John in 1216 and attracts gypsies, showmen and traders from across the
-
Date
By-election win for Hartlepool First candidate
A CANDIDATE for a Hartlepool-only political party has won a by-election in the town. Kelly Atkinson won the Seaton ward election yesterday (Thursday, October 25) which was held after Independent Mike Turner stepped down. The Conservative candidate
-
Date
Live News: October 26, 2012
5:24pm A REPORT has revealed the cost of restoring the world-famous Flying Scotsman has more than trebled from initial predictions and is still not complete. Restoration work on the iconic steam locomotive began in January
-
Date
Blue Boy, Northern Stage, Newcastle
ACLAUSTROPHOBIC, windowless office; files stacked everywhere; a room in chaos. The Blue Boy begins in darkness. As the lights turn on, we see a puckish teenage boy sitting cross-legged on top of one of the filing cabinets. A man, some anonymous
-
Date
Business champions hailed at annual dinner
A GALA evening celebrating outstanding business achievement in the region was held on Thursday night. The North East Chamber of Commerce Annual Tyne and Northumberland Dinner attracted about 300 guests from across the regional business spectrum
-
Date
"Work with us" - police plea to Boro fans
POLICE are urging Middlesbrough fans travelling to Tuesday’s (October 30) League Cup clash at Sunderland to be patient. The away contingent will be held back at full time to allow home supporters to clear the Stadium of Light. The Northumbria
-
Date
Happy Holidays!
Morning Readers! Can I first apologise for the lack of blogs over the past few weeks. I have been away on my holidays. It was my first holiday in five years and I have to say, we had a fantastic time. We went to Florida and I have to say, I'd forgotten
-
Date
Footloose, Darlington Operatic Society, Darlington Civic Theatre
BASED on the hit 1980s movie, Footloose is about a small US town where any form of dancing is forbidden by law within the town limits. Enter Ren McCormack, a troubled teenager from Chicago whose father has deserted his mother, forcing her to seek
-
Date
Chas & Dave: Last Orders (BBC4, 9pm)
FRIDAY night on BBC4 tends to be devoted to music documentaries, but they are usually dedicated to all-time greats such as Led Zeppelin, Tom Jones or The Beatles. Most people would agree that Chas and Dave, or Chas ’n’ Dave, as they’re occasionally
-
Date
Ramblers plan Cleveland walk
Cleveland walk: Durham Ramblers will walk from Skelton to Staithes, 12 miles, and Saltburn to Staithes, nine miles, on Sunday, November 4 . All are welcome. The cost is £10 including coach. For coach pick up details and booking, phone/text 07706 871812
-
Date
Revolt: Recalled and Renewed
TWENTY years ago there were extensive public inquiries into the National Grid’s planned 400 kilovolts (kV) powerline from Teesside to York. Unprecedented numbers of landowners refused to grant voluntary wayleaves which would have enabled the grid
-
Date
Derren Brown: Apocalypse (C4, 9pm)
IN Derren Brown: Apocalypse, the man in the title tries something altogether different. His latest mind-boggling feat sees him attempt to convince one person that the planet has been devastated by a catastrophic meteorite strike, that zombies have
-
Date
Remembrance
I WROTE regarding the grave of Pilot Officer William McMullen, killed in 1945 while piloting his stricken plane away from Darlington (HAS, Oct 24). I am delighted to report that Darlington Borough Council has agreed to acknowledge his bravery at
-
Date
Town Centre
LAST November I went to Durham County Hall to oppose the out-of-town shopping centre planned for St Helen Auckland. It went ahead even though the planners said it would do harm to the Bishop Auckland town centre. It was my first taste of what goes
-
Date
Ticket Prices
DAVID CAMERON may think he has inflation under control but does he know about the hyperinflation taking place in South West Durham? Tickets for West Auckland’s home match against Darlington are twice the normal price of admission for games against
-
Date
Golf Club Changes
IT has been with increasing disquiet and disappointment that I have read the letters of “Concerned senior member of Blackwell Golf Club” (HAS, Oct 22) and “Hacked Off of Stressholme Golf Club” (HAS, Oct 24). To me, both seemed inflammatory, hostile
-
Date
Alcohol Price
YOUR front page report on minimum alcohol pricing supported by a letter from doctors (Echo, Oct 25), points out many of the problems caused by excessive alcohol consumption in the region. The issue with minimum pricing is that it is yet another
-
Date
Lancing the boil in our institutions
ANOTHER day, another hero with feet of clay. Lance Armstrong, we are told, is not the sporting great who battled cancer and rode heroically to seven wins in the Tour de France. According to the US Anti-Doping Agency, he was part of the “most sophisticated
-
Date
Gadgets... what is a good buy?
IT says something about just how hectic the gadget world has been this month when a new version of Windows arrives with barely a raised eyebrow. Microsoft must have been hoping for better from its most important software launch since Windows 95.
-
Date
Teesside news in brief
WINTER CLOSURE: Middlesbrough's Captain Cook Birthplace Museum will close for the winter from Monday November 5. It will re-open at the end of March. Nana Tom’s Cafe and the public toilets will remain open through the winter. New opening times for
-
Date
Trying to be positive
GOOD news on the economy has been hard to find in recent years but there is finally cause for optimism with the welcome announcement that the longest double-dip recession in more than 60 years is finally over. A one per cent increase in growth
-
Date
Window dressing workshop for independent traders
INDEPENDENT retailers have been invited to a workshop giving hints and tips on how to attract customers with the art of window dressing. The free workshop, run by window dressing expert Isobelle Hodgson, will take place on Wednesday, October 31
-
Date
Hunt for special guest at awards for youngsters
ORGANISERS of a celebration event for looked after children are on the look out for a guest of honour. The achievements of children in residential homes and foster placements across Middlesbrough will be celebrated on Wednesday at a gala evening
-
Date
Durham retailers go head-to-head as awards returns
SHOPPERS are being asked to nominate their favourite retailers for an annual awards scheme. The seventh annual Durham City Retail Awards will be held in the Bishops Suite of Ramside Hall Hotel, near Durham, on Wednesday, November 28, when the city
-
Date
Piers Morgan’s Life Stories: Burt Reynolds (ITV1, 9pm)
ONCE he was one of cinema’s biggest box office attractions. But Burt Reynolds’ star has faded and he is no longer on the A-list. So what happened? The host of Piers Morgan’s Life Stories will be doing his best to find out. The former tabloid
-
Date
Family Zumba classes
LEYBURN: Family class – Family Zumbatomic classes will take place at Leyburn Methodist Church Hall during the half term holiday. Classes, suitable for children aged seven to 11 and adults, take place on Tuesday, October 30 11am until noon in
-
Date
Furness looking for first win as Durham boss
Durham City are looking for their first win under new boss Adam Furness when they face Marske United at New Ferens Park today. Furness, appointed a fortnight ago, has brought in several new players, and was boosted by their 2-2 at another team battling
-
Date
Two years on - Mowbray speaks of his Boro progress
TONY MOWBRAY celebrates his two-year anniversary in charge of Middlesbrough today - and has asked for supporters to judge him on the work so far once the season is over. Mowbray succeeded Gordon Strachan on this day in 2010, alongside assistant
-
Date
Football's racial debate
THE problem with the recent debate about racism in football is that a number of distinctly different issues have been lumped under the same umbrella. Ultimately, that is to the benefit of no one. Serbian extremists lead the abuse of England's black
-
Date
Teesside teenager to make Falcons debut
TEESSIDE teenager Zach Kibirige will make his Championship debut when Newcastle Falcons entertain Rotherham Titans this evening. Middlesbrough-born Kibirige will start on the wing as Dean Richards' side attempt to extend their perfect start to
-
Date
Match Report: Newcastle United 1 Club Brugge 0
ALAN Pardew expressed satisfaction with Newcastle's European progress after Gabriel Obertan's second-half strike left his side on the verge of qualifying for the knock-out stage of the Europa League. Obertan's 48th-minute strike secured a 1-0 win
-
Date
Shearer talks to Tractor Boys
ALAN Shearer has been interviewed for the vacant managerial position at Championship club Ipswich Town. Shearer has not been involved in management since leaving Newcastle United when they were relegated to the Championship at the end of the 2008-09
-
Date
Procter ready for Croft return
Northallerton rallycross supremo Kevin Procter believes Croft Circuit will provide a "fitting end" to the MSA British Rallycross Championship this weekend. Croft opens its doors for the final round of the Championship tomorrow, before hosting Sunday's
-
Date
Marrick placed on high priority gritting service
A REMOTE village has learned it will now be placed on a high priority gritting route after years of residents struggling to reach school and work in winter when roads are impassable because of ice and snow. Grinton, near Reeth, has now been put
-
Date
Woman receives suspended sentence for Post Office theft
A WOMAN who stole money from the Post Office where she worked has been given a suspended prison sentence. Natalie Wilson, of Langdale Walk, Bishop Auckland, was handed a 12 week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months after admitting taking £2,000
-
Date
South Durham news in brief
ADVICE SESSIONS: The Citizens Advice Bureau has changed the day it holds drop-in sessions at Chilton Town Council offices from a Tuesday to a Wednesday. The next session is Wednesday November 7, 10am to 1pm. FESTIVE FAIR: A charity Christmas fair
-
Date
Teenager takes on zip wire after major surgery
A TEENAGER who was fitted with titanium rods in her spine has zip wired from a North-East landmark for charity. Emma-Jo Blundy, of Woodham, Newton Aycliffe, underwent major reconstructive surgery just three years ago to correct a curvature of the
-
Date
Case Study: Recession continues for North-East construction industry, says boss
A LEADING North-East construction firm has weathered the recession by seeking work outside the region. The County Durham-based Esh Group now has offices in Kendal and Leeds and has seen out-of-region work increase from £10m in 2007 to more than
-
Date
News in brief
PUB ASSAULT: A man suffered severe facial injuries after he was allegedly set upon by five men near the Green Tree pub, in Cockton Hill Road, Bishop Auckland, at about 10.20pm on Friday, October 12. Witnesses are asked to call Bishop Auckland CID on
-
Date
Halloween party planned
HAMSTERLEY Social Club, in Hamsterley village, near Bishop Auckland, will host a halloween party tomorrow (October 27), from 7pm. Music by Feel the Force, fancy dress optional. Tickets £6 to include a pie and peas supper from the club, on 01388
-
Date
Business booming at Newton Aycliffe auto parts manufacturer
AT Tallent Automotive in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, news the nation has escaped the grips of the double dip recession is another positive development in what has been a highly successful year. The company, which manufactures car parts for
-
Date
'Still risks ahead in the economy' - business school chief
ALASTAIR Thomson is Dean of Teesside University's business school. He said: "There are still risks ahead before we can say we are firmly on a consistent growth path. "There are worries over whether the Euro will survive and as much of the UK economy
-
Date
Job seekers don't hold out much hope of job despite end of recession
JOB seekers do not hold out much hope that the growth figures will mean a fast road to employment. Outside Northallerton’s Job Centre Plus, Alan Gregg, 41, said: “I doubt it will make very much difference to individual people. “It might be
-
Date
Economic Reaction: Situation improving for hotelier Tricia
A HOTELIER who had to close the doors of her business at the beginning of the recession, laying off eight staff, agrees the situation has at last improved. Tricia Tolley’s family has run the Sunnyside Hotel on Yarm Road, Eaglescliffe, Stockton
-
Date
Case study: Darlington family
ALEX Blackham, 45, and his wife, Samantha, 35, have two children, eight-year-old Thomas, and 17-year-old Sophie. The family live in Darlington and together the couple run The Diner in the town’s covered market. Mr Blackham said: “I am an optimist
-
Date
RECESSION CASE STUDY: Bleak outlook for farming
REGARDLESS of what happens to the economy, the forecast for farming looks bleak says one landowner. John Seymour runs an 800-acre arable, beef and sheep farm near Stokesley. He said the industry has been battered by bad weather all year and the