Archive
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Hooking them in
PETER PAN does not transfer as readily as some stories to pantomime, but Extravaganza Productions succeeded in Hooking in the audience at Middlesbrough Theatre. The tale, as written by JM Barrie, has peaks and troughs, it is by no means a laugh-a-minute
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Next Archbishop to guest edit The Northern Echo
THE next Archbishop of Canterbury is to guest edit The Northern Echo. The Right Reverend Justin Welby will return to the editor’s chair on January 10 – almost a year after his first stint, when he was fresh into his current role as Bishop of Durham
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Match Report: Fulham 2, Newcastle United 1
Final Score: Fulham 2, Newcastle United 1 WHEN Newcastle's players stepped off their team coach ahead of last night's game at Craven Cottage, they were greeted by a choir singing carols. The applause of the visiting supporters made it hard to tell
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Ben Arfa and Ba passed fit to start for Magpies
HATEM Ben Arfa and Demba Ba have both been passed fit to start for Newcastle United in this evening's Premier League game at Fulham. Ben Arfa makes his first start for almost three months after shaking off the hamstring injury he sustained in the
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Car Torque with .... Gary Numan
GARY Numan is an icon of late 70s and eighties electro-pop. Famed for hits such as Cars and Are Friends Electric, he was also well known for his love of flying. Numan now lives in Los Angeles with his wife and children. He is back in England in December
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Home made Christmas on the cards at Darlington business park
A HOME-MADE Christmas is on the cards for people working at a North-East business park – plus a chance to change their lives in the New Year. The ‘business-with-added-lifestyle’ ethos of Lingfield Point, in Darlington, means the team loves to enhance
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Author aims to put Weardale Way on the map
AN author hopes to help promote a walk that takes in some of the North-East’s most iconic places. Durham Cow Publishing has produced what it says is the first photographic guide to the 78-mile Weardale Way. The Weardale Way – A Guided Tour
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Scheme to restore Pickering station earns heritage award
AN ambitious scheme to restore a North Yorkshire railway station has won high-profile recognition in the 2012 National Railway Heritage Awards. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway received the Ian Allan Publishing Award for the best overall entry
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UK Coal deal rescues North-East mining jobs
A RESCUE deal has been agreed that saves the jobs of about 200 North-East coal miners. Bosses at UK Coal, which employs 2,500 workers nationally, including 62 at a surface mine near Crook, County Durham, admitted the company had faced collapse
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Mum denies responsibility for bruises on baby's body
A MOTHER today (Monday, December 10) denied she was responsible for the marks on her baby son's body or lying to protect a former boyfriend. Rachel Peacock, under cross examination by Robert Smith QC, said she would never do anything to harm, Slater
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Santa helps bring wheel of fortune fun for charity
FATHER Christmas met with a Teesside DJ in a good cause today. (Monday, December 10). Santa met TFM Radio’s Wayne Allen in Stockton to help promote a fundraising event for The George Hardwick Foundation, which helps children with complex needs.
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Appeal after train guard abused in North Yorkshire
WITNESSES who may have filmed a train guard being threatened as he worked on a North Yorkshire service have been asked to contact police. A 45-year-old guard was dealing with a passenger allegedly travelling without a ticket who became aggressive
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Santa's Magical Workshop is coming to Hartlepool
THERE’S festive fun in store for all the family when Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience hosts its ‘Christmas Crackers’ extravaganza. Santa’s Magical Workshop will be in town on Thursday (December 13) between 4.30pm and 7.30pm when people will be
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New pub chef
A chef who has worked in some of the best known restaurants in the region has taken over the Woodman Inn in Burneston near Bedale. Carl Tinkler who worked in the Black Bull at Moulton and Potto Hall, near Stokesley ran a restaurant in southern Spain
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Stella goes in search of a fella
KARL is history. Rovers landlady Steely Stella is on the lookout for fresh meat and plunges feet first into the heady world of dating. While ex-boyfriend Karl holds out hope of a reunion in Coronation Street (ITV1) Stella makes it clear she’s moving
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Renewed appeal to trace missing man
Police are becoming increasingly concerned for a man missing now for more than a week. Michael O’Neill was last seen leaving his home in Sunderland city centre at about 5.30pm on Monday, December 3. He is described as white, approximately 5ft
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Secrets of Blue Peter
Producer/director Alex Leger talks to Steve Pratt about the 35 years of adventures, stunts and foreign trips which ensured success for BBC children’s series Blue Peter WHEN he was 17, Alex Leger’s ambition was to travel and work all over the world
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The mother of all murders
Being directed by her son in a psychological thriller was a little bit disturbing in itself, actress Charlotte Rampling tells Steve Pratt WHEN Barney Southcombe was adapting the script for his feature film debut, one face kept coming to mind for
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Darlington man sentenced for theft and possessing a bladed article in a public place
A MAN appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court today (December 10) charged with theft, possessing a class B drug and possessing a bladed article in a public place. Adrian Paul Raper, of Station Road, Darlington, admitted stealing goods and
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Man in shock after he was declared dead
A GRANDDAD was left speechless when he rang to query why his benefits had been stopped – only to be told he was officially dead. Eddie Potts only realised there was a problem when he checked his bank account to find he had not received his Disability
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Special service for the missing
A SPECIAL service has been held to remember those people who are missing - including chef Claudia Lawrence, last seen in March 2009. The first Missing People Northern Carol Service was organised by her father Peter Lawrence at St Chad's Church
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Newton Aycliffe volunteers master the art of stone masonry
ENTHUSIASTIC volunteers have been mastering the art of stone masonry as part of a project to create a new community space in Newton Aycliffe. Every week, 11 men from the town have been giving up their time to help build an outdoor seating area
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Yorkshire Dales National Park volunteer wins national award
A VOLUNTEER who helps keep the Yorkshire Dales National Park in top condition has won a national competition. David Preston has been picked as winner of the individual category in this year’s UK National Park Volunteer Awards, run by the UK Association
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‘You steal from whoever you can’
Writer-director Martin McDonald talks to Steve Pratt about working with Colin Farrell, Sam Rockwell and Christopher Walken on Seven Psychopaths, the dark comedy follow-up to In Bruges SEVEN psychopaths, one Hollywood actor, one Anglo-Irish writer-director
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Chequered history of forbidden corner
THE property in the Darlington district that I am asked most frequently about is the tumbledown one behind the iron gates in High Coniscliffe. It's opposite the Spotted Dog, and everybody who passes between Darlo and Barney seems to have an eye
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Auction for signed Middlesbrough football
A NORTH Yorkshire charity is holding a fundraising secret auction after being donated a football with 22 signatures from Middlesbrough FC’s 2006/2007 season. Age UK is holding the auction at its Northallerton offices at 4 Regency Mews, 139 High
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Richmond festive window competition winners
WINNING WINDOWS: The winners of the Richmond Town Council Christmas window competition are York House in the Mayor’s Cup; Frenchgate Fudge Makers in the Duck Club Children’s Trophy; Wilkinson’s Optician in Richmond Business and Tourism Association
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No deputy for Durham police chief
A NEW elected police chief has decided against recruiting a deputy. Ron Hogg, Labour Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Durham Constabulary, has vowed not to take on a Deputy PCC during his first term in office. Mr Hogg said: “Unlike many
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Come fly with me
Peta King has a close encounter with some impressive feathered ‘friends’ on a visit to a hotel that is making the most of its country connections LESSON number one: don’t wear a hat that resembles a small furry animal when you’re anywhere near
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End in sight for eyesore
PROPOSALS to redevelop an eyesore former school on the outskirts of a County Durham village are expected to be unveiled early in the new year. Derelict St Peter's, at Gainford, near Barnard Castle, has stood empty for the past 14 years, with little
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Vote for best Christmas tree at church festival.
TREE DISPLAY: St Cuthbert's Church, in Sessay, near Thirsk, will stage a Christmas tree festival from 7.30pm on Friday, and on Saturday and Sunday. Visitors can vote for their favourite. For tickets, costing £5 for adults, call 01845-501491. ON
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North Yorkshire news in brief
DALES DECORATIONS: Sainsbury’s Supermarket at Northallerton have donated Christmas decorations to the Dales Care Centre in Bedale which offers elderly and vulnerable people day care and support five days a week. FESTIVAL TICKETS: Tickets have gone
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Heaven in a hut
Debbie Temple and Richard Greaves have created a luxurious and quirky getaway in the Cumbrian countryside for couples and house parties. Jenny Needham hides away in their shepherd’s hut IF Farmer Bob looks over his Cumbrian sheep pastures this
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Music service Christmas concerts
A COUNTY’S music service Christmas concerts programme has got underway. Durham Music Service’s festive schedule began with a concert by Darlington Youth Brass Band at the town’s Grange Road Baptist Church on Saturday (December 8). Durham County
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Bishop Auckland man sent to prison for threatening texts
A BISHOP Auckland man who breached a restraining order by sending threatening text messages to his ex-partner has been sent to prison for 16 weeks. Bobby Lee Ballan, of Douthwaite Road, used insulting language and threatened to kill his ex-girlfriend
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Forage fire
Ian Lamming talks to a chef whose passion for foraging and cooking has taken him all the way to the final of television’s most popular culinary contest LITTLE more than a sprig, the tiny shoot cowers in the crack of the pavement sheltering from
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Alan Shearer 'honoured' to become patron of children's heart charity
FOOTBALL legend Alan Shearer has pledged to do all he can to raise money for a much-loved North-East children's heart unit. The former England and Newcastle United striker has accepted the position of patron of the Children's Heart Unit Fund at
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Celia is a beautiful villain
Steve Pratt discovers that Celia Adams has a tall story to tell about becoming a baddie in Christmas shows CELIA ADAMS became interested in acting as a schoolgirl. Being in school plays was always fun, but studying it was a different matter as
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Library funding down - survey
LIBRARY funding fell in the North-East over the last year but the region enjoyed an increase in service points, according to new research. The North-East suffered a 13.1 per cent fall in library spending but library service points across the region
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MP calls on council to carry out thorough Saltburn parking consultation
AN MP is calling on a council to work closely with residents and the business community before making changes to parking restrictions in a seaside town. Tom Blenkinsop, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, has written to Redcar and Cleveland
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Baltic celebrates being voted UK's best arts project
THE TEAM behind the North-East’s Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art are celebrating being voted the UK’s Best Arts Project at The National Lottery Awards Show. The Baltic, in Gateshead, featured on the BBC One show hosted by John Barrowman after
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Festive flower class in Reeth
FESTIVE FLOWERS: A Christmas flower arrangement class will take place at Hudson House, Reeth on Saturday, December 15 from 10am until 1pm. The class will be held as part of the Skill Share at Hudson House programme and will be led by Yvonne Howard
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Greedy loans agent forged signatures to pocket cash, court told
A LOAN agent for a finance company forged the signatures of customers to pocket thousands of pounds for himself, a court heard. Father-of-five Jason Simms told police after his fraud was uncovered in July that he was short of money and had lots
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A taste for pantomime
Children’s TV presenter Katy Ashworth tells Steve Pratt why she’s looking forward to a highflying stunt with her title role in Peter Pan CBEEBIES presenter Katy Ashworth will reach new heights when she plays the title role in Peter Pan, which marks
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Pedestrian who died in East Herrington fatal accident is named
A PENSIONER who died after a crash has been named. Pedestrian William Hall was killed when three vehicles collided at about 10.20am on Friday in Silksworth Lane, East Herrington, Sunderland. The 92-year-old, who lived in sheltered accommodation
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Spiced cranberry, apple and sage stuffing cake
Got your Christmas bird sorted? Diana Pilkington suggests some ideas for tasty trimmings. INGREDIENTS (Serves Ten) 50g butter 1tbsp rapeseed oil 1 large onion, peeled and finely chopped ½tsp mixed spice 1 clove garlic, peeled
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Darlington news in brief
NATIVITY SHOW: Heathfield Infants School is holding its nativity play at St Herbert’s Church, in Yarm Road, Darlington, on Friday (December 14). Meanwhile, Heathfield Junior School choir will hold a carol service at the church at 4pm on Sunday (December
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Jethro Tull star in cathedral concert
CATHEDRAL choir members will swap hymns for Prog-rock when they back Jethro Tull star Ian Anderson later this week (December 14). Ian Anderson and Friends will give a Christmas concert at St Nicholas’ Cathedral, in Newcastle, in aid of Cathedral
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Police investigate alleged Loftus sexual assault
POLICE are appealing for the public to come forward with information after a woman claimed she was the victim of a sexual attack at the weekend. The 21-year-old woman from the East Cleveland area, said she was walking on Loftus Bank from Loftus
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Peas and sprouts with hazelnut and orange glaze
Got your Christmas bird sorted? Diana Pilkington suggests some ideas for tasty trimmings Peas and sprouts with hazelnut and orange glaze Serves six 200g prepared Brussels sprouts 400g frozen peas 50g butter 50g hazelnuts, roughly
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College staff in Movember effort
COLLEGE staff have raised £270 by growing moustaches throughout November. The five-strong Gregg’s Mobros group at East Durham College’s Houghall campus, near Durham, took part in ‘Movember’ in aid of The Prostate Cancer Charity, the Institute of
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X Factor winner James Arthur thanks the North-East for support
X-FACTOR winner James Arthur has praised his legion of fans across the region for helping him realise his dream. The singer-songwriter, from Saltburn, east Cleveland, also vowed to release his first album as soon as possible – and revealed that
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Sausage and black pudding casserole
THIS is an ideal winter dish but it’s so popular in the restaurant that we often have it on the menu, no matter what the weather. It seems obvious, but a good casserole depends on the quality of the ingredients. Obviously you’re depending on someone
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Darlington teenager threatens man with baseball bat following street fight
A TEENAGER threatened a man with a baseball bat after being “egged on” by ten of his friends, a court heard. Rory Billy Joe Soley attempted to strike his victim with the bat following a fight on Clifton Road in Darlington at 3am on November 17.
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Bamboo bliss
One of the best – and most relaxing – ways to get rid of knots in the neck is to attack them with a big stick, says Jenny Needham KNOTS in the neck. They’re an occupational hazard for those of us who spend long hours at the computer. And mine were
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Carol singers wanted for Durham world record attempt
A NORTH-East church will take part in a nationwide attempt to set a new world record for the most people simultaneously singing a Christmas carol this weekend (December 16). St Margaret’s Church, on Crossgate, Durham City, will join hundreds of
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Ben Hyde Memorial Trust raises £10,000 in one month for local charities
A CHARITABLE trust set up in the name of military policeman who was killed in Iraq has raised £10,000 for local charities in the last month alone. The Lance Corporal Ben Hyde Memorial Trust was set up by his father John in 2005 and has since raised
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Have a Merry-ish Christmas
It’s not known as the party season for nothing: alcohol consumption in Britain increases by around 40 per cent in December. Just make sure booze boosts – rather than kills – the festive spirit, says Abi Jackson WHETHER it’s sweet, steaming mulled
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Barber's shop duet
A new business is bringing the precision of the Army into the cut and thrust world of hairdressing, says Ian Lamming ASK any infantryman and the one soldier that is likely to strike fear into the soul is the fitness instructor. This non-commissioned
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Catterick Garrison soldier suffering PTSD jailed for four years after taking troops hostage
A SOLDIER suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after returning from Afghanistan threatened to kill two recruits before kidnapping one of them from an Army base. Lance Corporal David Millican was jailed for four years today (Monday, December
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Darlington news in brief
STORE OPENS: The Co-operative food store, in Fulthorpe Avenue, Darlington, reopened last week following a £310,000 makeover. Customers were treated to free samples of food and drink to mark the occasion. COMMITTEE MEETS: Darlington Borough Council
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Feline flush this Christmas?
Sam Wylie-Harris chooses some special treats and festive gifts for cats and dogs SPEND Top cat... Dressed to thrill, this diamante bow tie with cute silver bell is the cat’s whiskers. Luxury Black Diamante Bow Cat Collar, £5, from Pets
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North Yorkshire news in brief
Club fight: Police are appealing for witnesses after a fight outside the Moko Lounge nightclub in Harrogate after which a 22-year-old local man needed hospital treatment for a large cut to his forehead. The incident happened in the early hours of December
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Police warn Christmas shoppers
CITY police are urging visitors and shoppers to take extra care in the countdown to Christmas. Police in Durham say Christmas is a fun time but can be stressful and no-one wants to become a victim of crime. They are urging people to: avoid
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Councils handed Government cash for building homes
TOWN halls across the region were handed almost £9m of government cash yesterday as a "reward" for providing an extra 6,500 new homes. But North-East council leaders have already protested the grants are a drop in the ocean next to the whopping
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Sparkling accolade
LIBBY Crumpton and Chris Hulbert, owners of Jewellery By, in Stokesley High Street, North Yorkshire, have been given a sparkling accolade by Retail Jeweller Magazine. “Every year we produce a supplement giving the countdown of the top independent
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North Durham News in Brief
Permission has been granted for the demolition of an existing agricultural building and its replacement with a single residential dwelling at Coops Farm, The Village, Hawthorn, near Peterlee. Durham County Council also gave Conservation Area Consent
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Traditional carol service marks start of Christmas
A CANDLELIT carol service to start the Christmas period will take place at All Saints Church, Northallerton, on Sunday, December 23 from 6pm. The Nine Lessons and Carols service will open with the first verse of Once in Royal David’s City sung
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Darlington pupils cook up good grub in healthy food day
CHILDREN have cooked up a treat helping to create winning recipes for smoothies in a bid to inspire healthy eating. Pupils from West Park Academy, in Darlington, took part in a healthy food initiative supported by a visiting chef from the Food
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Rent-to-buy on Ushaw Moor estate
A MOTHER and daughter are set to be among the first tenants of a new village housing estate. Joanne Burnip and her daughter Lillie, nine, were on hand to celebrate the opening of Prince Bishop Mews, a six-home development in Ushaw Moor, near Durham
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Warning after sneak-in burglary
POLICE are warning residents to be on their guard following a sneak-in burglary in the Yorkshire Dales. The incident in Gunnerside, near Reeth, happened a week ago but details have only just been released. At around 5.30pm on December 4, the
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Boiler room scam 'banker' ordered to repay victims
A PUB dominoes enthusiast must pay £320,800 to the victims of a major boiler room share scam or face several more years behind bars. Michael McInerney, of Maison Dieu, Richmond, was jailed for four and a half years in April after being convicted
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What the Dickens? Town celebrates apt Christmas gift
AS festive gifts go it couldn’t be more appropriate – a special bound edition of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol, dating from 1844 and inscribed by the author himself. For the North Yorkshire market town of Malton the gift is doubly
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Messy church tomorrow
ETHERLEY Methodist Church, in Etherley, near Bishop Auckland, will hold a messy church session for children tomorrow (December 11) at 3.20pm. All are welcome. The following evening, the church will host a Brassy Christmas concert featuring Stanhope
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Public to meet Police and Crime Commissioner
PEOPLE in North Yorkshire will have their first chance to question the new Police and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan at a series of surgeries starting tomorrow night (TUESDAY DEC 11th) in Northallerton. Mrs Mulligan has already said she wants
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News in brief
NO ARRESTS: An investigation is ongoing into allegations of assault by a staff member at the Priory mental health hospital, in Middleton St George, near Darlington, a spokeswoman for Durham Police has confirmed. No arrests have been made. INTIMATE
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Red Box Design Group scores at football awards
RED Box Design Group, the international architectural practice which recently won an award for the UK's most sustainable schools in County Durham, has been named Best Professional Service Business serving Football at the inaugural Football Business
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High level of support for travel agent's toy appeal
AN appeal for Christmas gifts for underprivileged children has received a high level of support, organisers have said. Co-operative Travel, in Bondgate, Darlington, is on the lookout for new or as-new toys and gifts as part of its Santa’s Suitcase
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Lorry driver dies in scaffolding accident
A SCAFFOLDING delivery driver has died after being hit by falling poles. Police said the 32-year-old man from Thirsk, North Yorkshire, had been helping unload the steel poles from a flatbed lorry when he sustained fatal injuries. Emergency
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Darlington toy appeal nears fundraising target
A CHARITY appeal set up to ensure poverty-hit youngsters in Darlington do not go without presents on Christmas Day is close to hitting its fundraising target. Salvation Army bosses have been collecting donations of toys and cash in lieu of presents
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Tributes to man murdered on friend's stag night in Leeds
TRIBUTES have been paid to a man who was murdered while celebrating a friend’s stag night. Robert Adamczyk, of South Milford, near Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, was assaulted by one of a group of three men and fell to the ground suffering serious
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Durham news in brief
AN eight-mile walk around Winston, Little Newsham and Whortlon, in Teesdale, County Durham, is being planned by Durham Ramblers for Sunday (December 16). The walk starts in Whorlton main street at 10.30am. For more information, call John Albery on
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Young singers prepare for Darlington charity event
YOUNG singers are warming up their vocal chords for an afternoon of music in aid of charity. Singing coach Viveca Bradshaw is organising the event, which will feature more than 40 singers. It will be held at the Forum Music Centre, in Borough
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Nice of you to say…
I’ve noticed over the years how Cockfield folk are particularly good at giving a back handed compliment I remember a few years ago I had a woman working for me who was in the top ten in the country for figure and fitness, and she was a very attractive
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Living roof breathes fresh air into city centre
ENVIRONMENTAL students have welcomed a new living roof that will breathe fresh air into the city centre. The roof of the newly-developed Newcastle Sixth Form College has been laid with a selection of indigenous plants designed to cut carbon dioxide
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Caravan and car targetted in arson attack
POLICE are appealing for information after a caravan and a car were targeted by arsonists in Wingate, near Peterlee, at the weekend. The emergency services were called to Vicarage Estate shortly after 9.30pm on Saturday, December 8. The caravan
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'Porting Durham' - university declines to comment
A UNIVERSITY has refused to comment on its students pouring bottles of port over themselves in what has become an Internet phenomenon. ‘Porting Durham’, a three-minute film showing young men pouring fortified wine over themselves in well-known
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Cestria Community Housing salutes its good neighbours
A SOCIAL landlord has recognised the kind-heartedness and selflessness of its tenants. Cestria Community Housing, based in Chester-le-Street, held its annual Neighbourhood Awards at Durham County Cricket Club. Brian and Norma Atkinson, of Perkinsville
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Derby pitch invader says sorry
The Manchester City fan who ran on to the pitch and tried to confront Rio Ferdinand in Sunday's derby match has apologised, his solicitors have said. Matthew Stott, 21, had to be restrained by City keeper Joe Hart and was arrested following Robin
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Petrol bomb threat man walks free from court
A YOB who hurled foul-mouthed abuse at a benefits official and threatened to petrol-bomb her home has walked free from court. Paul Thompson's four-letter tirade left staff at Richmondshire District Council terrified, Teesside Crown Court heard
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Family of tragic Jake comforted by life-saving organ donations
A MAN who died after being hit by a lorry on a pedestrian crossing has saved the lives of five people after his organs were donated. Jake Thompson, a 27-year-old teaching assistant, died in May last year but his parents have revealed how his lungs
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Council set to support scheme to tackle anti-social behaviour
A SCHEME which has been a proven success in curbing anti-social behaviour in the Ferryhill area is set to be renewed. The selective licensing programme run by Durham County Council aims to reduce crime and address the worries of residents.
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Stop smoking website helps 350 quit in just three months
MORE than 350 people in the Redcar area have pledged to quit smoking in three months after a “Pack in the Fags” website was launched. The site supports smokers who would like to stop by directing them to a local NHS Stop Smoking service – and monitors
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From the Costa del Sol to taking on Pasty Tax – the highlights of Ken McMeikan and Greggs
• In 2009, Mr McMeikan unveiled plans a £300m five-year plan to open 600 shops across the UK creating at least 6,000 jobs, targeting areas where the chain was under-represented, including the South-West, east Midlands, north east Scotland, the North-West
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Criminal charges against councillor dropped
A COUNCILLOR who was facing trial for assaulting a woman has seen the case against him dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service. Councillor Mark Chatburn, who represents Yarm on Stockton Borough Council as well as being a member of Yarm Town Council
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Nine charged over derby trouble
Nine people have been charged in connection with trouble at the Manchester derby, Greater Manchester Police said. Trouble flared after Manchester United's last-gasp winner in their 3-2 Premier League away victory when Rio Ferdinand was hit above
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Greggs boss to step down
GREGGS boss Ken McMeikan is to leave the company to take up a position as chief executive of a Kent-based catering group. Mr McMeikan, who has been chief executive at the bakery chain since 2008, will remain in his role and as a board member while
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National accolade for organic dairy
AN award winning dairy has picked up another prestigious accolade within weeks of being named the Soil Association Organic Dairy of the Year. Acorn Dairy, which operates out of Archdeacon Newton, Darlington and Spennithorne, near Leyburn has been
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Cricket club's family quiz on Christmas Eve
QUIZ NIGHT: A family quiz night is to be held at Tudhoe Cricket Club, near Spennymoor, on Christmas Eve. The night starts at 7pm with free entry and there will be prizes, music and bingo at the ground on St Charles Road, Tudhoe.
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Former Boro football stars help raise funds for children's charity
TWO former team-mates helped ex-Middlesbrough star Colin Cooper’s children’s charity raise more than £12,500 when they were guest speakers at a dinner. Andy Townsend and Dean Windass entertained more than 300 dinner guests, including Boro manager
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Cookery and crafts event
COOKERY DEMONSTRATION: A cookery and crafts session is being held at Hemlington Recreation Centre in Middlesbrough from 10am-3pm on Thursday. The Middlesbrough Environment City event starts with a cookery demonstration using seasonal, Fairtrade
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Stream turned orange by pollution finally cleaned up in multi-million pound scheme
A STREAM stained orange by pollution from old ironstone mines in Saltburn is finally being cleaned up thanks to a multi-million-pound scheme. Saltburn Gill, which runs through the Valley Gardens down to the beach, changed colour overnight in May
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Band tunes up for festive show, as building fundraising continues
MEMBERS of a silver band are tuning up for their annual Christmas concert this week. Cockerton Prize Silver Band is holding the performance at Cockerton Band and Musical Institute, in Woodland Road, Darlington, at 7.30pm, on Wednesday (December
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Santa visits
DARLINGTON’S streets will be full of festive cheer this week as Santa continues his sleigh rides around the town. Today (Monday, December 10) he will visit the High Grange area from 5.45pm, followed by Coniscliffe Road neighbourhoods at the same
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Temporary work led to Steve becoming the boss
AFTER finishing his building surveying qualification at Salford University, Steve Duffield got a temporary job at Redcar’s The Wilton Centre. Fast-forward 16 years, and he’s still working at the business park – but now he’s the boss. “I came
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A sweet victory for new coach over old club Boro
AFTER looking as dead as a dodo when they stood on minus three points after losing their first 11 games, Darlington have won two on the trot. They will have to make it three this week at Keighley, who are just above them, if they are to further
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Apprentice makes impact for Falcons
WHILE the craftsman scored two tries, his apprentice showed he is progressing nicely as Newcastle Falcons pulled well clear at the top of their group in the British and Irish Cup. Jimmy Gopperth played at full back to allow 20-year-old Joel Hodgson
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Mowbray tells of his relief after victory on travels
TONY MOWBRAY could have been forgiven for thinking that history was repeating itself on Saturday afternoon. Eight days on from his side’s defeat at Birmingham City, where Middlesbrough twice squandered the lead at St Andrews, he saw his side manage
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Match Report: Cardiff City 1 Middlesbrough 0
Final Score: Cardiff City 1 Middlesbrough 0 UNLESS the rules change significantly, no team – especially in the Championship – wins the league before Christmas. Middlesbrough know this all too well. It was they who were flying high in the division
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Cook claims hard work is paying off
ALASTAIR COOK believes England’s historic back-toback Test wins in India are deserved reward for their year of hard work and willingness to learn. Yesterday’s seven-wicket victory at Eden Gardens put England 2-1 up with one to play, and on course
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Inquiry launched after surface water blamed for flooding
AN INQUIRY is set to examine why dozens of communities in North Yorkshire were hit by recent flooding and what measures could prevent it happening again. Many homes were flooded by ground and surface water last month and concerns over access to
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Long distance draws for several ENL teams in Vase
The three ENL Teams definitely left in the FA Vase have all been handed long distance away ties in the fourth round. Holders Dunston, who won in Staffordshire last weekend, must now travel to Kent in order to take on Tunbridge Wells. Whitley
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Ramblers head for Weardale
Durham Rambling Club will do nine and 12-mile walks from Frosterley to Stanhope on Sunday, December 16. All are welcome. The cost is £10 including coach. For coach pick up details and to book, phone/text 07706-871812 or phone 0191-3733429.
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Rotarians enjoy visit from mayor
A TOTAL of 26 Rotary Club members and their wives attended Polam Hall Interact Club’s sixth charter dinner, a recent meeting of the club was told. Roland Lang, president of Darlington Rotary Club, announced a new food bank initiative for the club
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Traffic lights scheme "will cut delays"
HIGHWAYS officials hope to reduce congestion and improve safety at one of County Durham’s busiest junctions. Traffic lights are to be installed at the Northlands roundabout in Chester-le-Street in a scheme that will also include the creation of
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CN set to report ref for swearing
CELTIC Nation are considering a protest to the FA about the referee in their stormy 6-3 ENL defeat at Durham City. They claim he used foul language during an exchange with one of their players. The Carlisle side had two players red-carded and
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Flower club members help charity to blossom
FLOWER club members presented a cheque for £500 to a charity at their most recent meeting. Darlington Flower Club raised the funds for the British Heart Foundation’s appeal – Mending Broken Hearts. The fundraising came as a result of the club
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Cockerton band's Christmas concert
CHRISTMAS CONCERT: Cockerton Prize Silver Band is to be joined by Darlington Sing Community Choir for its annual Christmas concert on Wednesday. (December 12) The concert is at Cockerton Club from 7.30pm with tickets £4 and concessions £3. Details
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Lessons in healthy eating
CHILDREN used produce grown in their school garden to cook up a treat and inspire healthy eating. Pupils from West Park Academy, Darlington, took part in a healthy food initiative supported by a visiting chef from the Food Education Company, who
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Cancer Research UK urges drinkers to go dry for January
DRINKERS across the region are being challenged to lay off the booze for a month to raise money for Cancer Research UK as part of its latest fundraising campaign, Dryathlon. People are being asked to pledge now to give up alcohol in January and
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Oliver hails “historic” day as Quakers beaten
AFTER a result he described as “historic for the town”, Newton Aycliffe boss Allan Oliver wandered around the pitch to escape the bedlam of the changing room, where his jubilant players celebrated their best result of the season. Perhaps he needed
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Pools equal their worst winless run
FOUR games, three defeats and only a point for his efforts. Welcome to Hartlepool United. But John Hughes isn’t fazed by the job, he’s inspired by it. The defeat by Stevenagequalled the club record of 20 games without a win. The 18
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We deserved dramatic win, says Everton boss
EVERTON manager David Moyes felt justice was done for his persevering side after they scored twice in the dying moments to beat Tottenham 2-1 at Goodison Park yesterday. Trailing to Clint Dempsey’s deflected shot 14 minutes from the end, Steven
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Santa drops into One Stop shops
SANTA will be popping into One Stop stores in Darlington tomorrow (Tuesday, December 11) to hand out sweets to shoppers. He will be at the Cleveland Terrace store for half an hour from 6pm, before moving on to the Yarm Road store where he will
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'Tis the season to be stuck in bed with flu!
Morning Readers! Sorry I didn't blog last week. Unfortunately I've caught the dreaded flu lurgy and have been stuck in bed. I didn't even make it to my Slimming World Group as I was aching, coughing and hacking but generally feeling terrible.
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Praise heaped on Shelvey
LIVERPOOL boss Brendan Rodgers was quick to praise Jonjo Shelvey following his performance in the Reds’ 3-2 victory over West Ham at Upton Park yesterday. Much had been made of the fact Liverpool were without an experienced recognised striker in
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Christmas tree collection to help hospice
A CHRISTMAS tree farm is stepping in to help a hospice with its annual tree collection service. Since opening for the festive season on December 1, staff at Croft Christmas Trees, near Darlington, have been encouraging their customers to sign up
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New technology boost for pupils
A NEW technology suite for school pupils has been given a VIP opening. Darlington mayor, Paul Baldwin, accompanied by the mayoress Kim Baldwin, was the special guest at the official opening of West Park Academy’s new ICT suite. The former classroom
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City apologise as Ferdinand hit by coin during United win
MANCHESTER City have apologised to Rio Ferdinand after the Manchester United defender appeared to be hit by a coin as he celebrated his side’s third goal in their 3-2 victory at the Etihad Stadium yesterday. Ferdinand sustained a cut just above
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Miss Jane Marple - Television Duper Sleuth
I AM delighted to hear that Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple is set to return next year (Echo, Nov 6). I was even more cheered by the news when I heard that the Darlington funny man Vic Reeves is set to appear in an episode alongside Ab Fab’s Julia
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Sightsavers
A DONATION of £8 could save the sight, and transform the life, of someone living in one of the poorest parts of the world. As an ambassador for the charity Sightsavers I have seen first-hand on a visit to Kenya just what an incredible difference
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New leg
MUCH is of people not attending hospital appointments and quite rightly so as it means someone has to wait longer for treatment. But what happens when the boot is on the other foot when a clinic is cancelled? My wife attended such a clinic
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Wheelie good news
RESIDENTS of Darlington, as you slither along icy, untreated paths and negotiate pot-holed, ungritted roads, take heart. You will soon be rewarded for your sacrifice. This time next year, you will be the proud owner of a new wheelie bin. Citizens
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Burdensome
EVER heard the joke about the politician who said those with the broadest shoulders should bear the greatest burden? Or the one who said cutting the 50p tax rate for millionaires actually saves the country money? George Osborne is an even worse
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True Grit
AS SOMEONE who was stuck on the road last Wednesday (Dec 5) due to ice it is all very well Terry Collins, Durham County Council’s corporate director of neighbourhood services, saying that county roads had been gritted. In fact, it is salt that
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Digital Tax Dodge
FORGET about Starbucks, Google and Ebay, there is a new way of dodging tax on the block and it’s called digital sales. Under EU VAT rules digital downloads – such as ebooks, apps and music files – are not classed as products. When UK consumers
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Ashok Kumar
IT was a great honour and a privilege for Councillor Sheelagh Clarke and I to be invited to the unveiling of a tribute plaque to the late MP Ashok Kumar, who was one of the saviours of the Guisborough swimming pool. Ashok, along with the Friends
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Homeless
LIKE many readers I’m counting down the days until Christmas and am really looking forward to spending some time at home with family and friends. Home is so important at this time of year, which is why it shocked me to learn that 75,000 children
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Wagon Wheels
SATURDAY mornings for me in the early 1950s would follow a familiar pattern. Providing my father was working I’d be given pocket money to attend the morning matinee at The Odeon. I can’t be precise about the amount, although I think it was usually
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Salvation Army band's carol service
CAROL CONCERT: The Consett Salvation Army Band is to perform a carol service at St Philip and St James Church, Tow Law, on Friday (December 14) at 7.15pm.
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Panto at Belmont school
SCHOOL pupils are about to take to the stage for a Christmas pantomime. Youngsters from Belmont Community School, in Belmont, Durham, will perform an adaptation of the classic fairytale Sleeping Beauty in the school sports hall from tomorrow (December
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Pardew admits to Newcastle failings
ALAN Pardew is confident Newcastle United are back on an even keel, but admits the club's recent struggles have exposed failings in his own management and the attitude of the board. The Magpies take on Fulham at Craven Cottage tonight hoping to
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Sunderland will try to sign Rose in January
MARTIN O'Neill will attempt to sign Danny Rose on a permanent basis next month, and is confident the England Under-21 international wants to remain at the Stadium of Light. Rose moved to Sunderland on a season-long loan from Tottenham in the summer
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Greggs chief executive to step down
GREGGS boss Ken McMeikan is to leave the company to take up a position as chief executive of a Kent-based catering group. Mr McMeikan, who has been chief executive at the bakery chain since 2008, will remain in his role and as a board member while
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Match Report: Sunderland 1 Chelsea 3
Final Score: Sunderland 1 Chelsea 3 A CLUB in crisis, with commentators and analysts queueing up to pontificate about what's gone wrong. Ambitions that have had to be lowered considerably since the start of the season, such has been the extent
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Care home praised by national charity
A NATIONAL deafness charity has praised the work of a Middleton St George care home. Action on Hearing Loss highlighted the work being done at St George’s Hall and Lodge in its new report, A World of Silence, which calls on the Care Quality Commission
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Pranks can be cruel
THE fallout continued last night over the stupid prank that may have caused a nurse to commit suicide. DJs Mel Greig and Michael Christian are in hiding after worldwide condemnation of their hoax call to the hospital that was treating the Duchess
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Match Report: Newton Aycliffe 2 Darlington 1
Final Score: Newton Aycliffe 2 Darlington 1 AFTER a result that he described as 'historic for the town', Newton Aycliffe boss Allan Oliver wandered around the pitch to escape the bedlam of the changing room where his jubilant players celebrated
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Match Report: Hartlepool United 0, Stevenage 2
Final Score: Hartlepool United 0, Stevenage 2 FOUR games, three defeats and only a point for his efforts. Welcome to Hartlepool United. But John Hughes isn't fazed by the job, he's inspired by it. The defeat by Stevenage equalled the club
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Noble heading back to Sunderland
RYAN Noble is to return to Sunderland after two months on loan at Hartlepool United, but Pools are keen to keep Charlie Wyke from Middlesbrough. The latter made his first start at the weekend and made an impression on Pools' boss John Hughes.
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Taylor's European success
TEESSIDER Jonathan Taylor finished 11th to help Great Britain win the senior men's team silver medals in the Spar European Cross Country Championships on a frozen, snow-covered course in Budapest, Hungary, yesterday. The 25-year-old Morpeth Harrier,
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Hundreds of council workers facing redundancy despite Government promise of fair funding deal
THOUSANDS of local authority workers are facing a bleak Christmas with union leaders warning of a fresh wave of redundancies set to hit the region’s embattled town halls. Public sector union Unison is preparing for negotiations with local authority
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Youngsters prepare for nativity
YOUNGSTERS at a West Auckland primary school are putting the final touches to their Christmas nativities ahead of two shows tomorrow (Tuesday, December 11). Almost 70 infants at Copeland Road Primary School will take part in Supersonic Lamb in
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Seasonal greetings with a difference
ECO-friendly pupils at a Teesdale school have come up with a novel way of wishing each other a happy Christmas. Ramshaw Primary School, Evenwood, near Bishop Auckland, has a Christmas Message Tree. Rather than send each other cards, the 70
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Thousands of fish to be restored to North-East rivers
MORE than 11,000 fish will be released into North-East rivers this week as part of a major restoration of the region’s waterways. The Environment Agency will release three breeds of fish, which have been reared at the authority’s fish farm, into
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Jazzmen livening up town
A JAZZ group are playing in a town centre to attract more people to local businesses. The Tees Valley Jazzmen have started performing on the last Thursday of every month at No 1 The Marketplace in Bishop Auckland. The group formed 43 years
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Students educate with sexual health films
THREE films aimed at educating children and their parents about sexual health and contraception have been released. The films, which have taken two years to make, were funded by County Durham and Darlington NHS Trust and Durham County Council and
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Research shows rare hen harrier 'Bowland Betty' was gunned down over Yorkshire Dales
A HUNT has been launched for the killer of 'Bowland Betty', a rare bird of prey which conservationists had tracked across the north of Britain. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds is offering a £1,000 reward for details leading to the
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Adoptive families celebrate with Christmas party
ADOPTIVE families across County Durham have celebrated their commitment to young people with a Christmas party. More than 50 children got to say hello to Father Christmas at the annual festive get together which is organised by Durham County Council
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Partnership wants to get Crook residents walking
A COMMUNITY group is drawing up maps to help people who want to get healthier go for a walk around town. Crook Community Partnership is supporting local walking enthusiasts to encourage more people to walk a recommended 10,000 steps a day.
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Festive entertainment at Gainford concert
THE Gainford Singers will host a seasonal concert at the village's parish church, St Mary's, on Sunday, December 16. This year, the singers will be joined for A Festival of Carols by Locomotion, a boys' choir from Cockerton, Darlington. Those
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Good turnout predicted for carol service
HUNDREDS of people are expected to attend a special Christmas service at Middleton-in-Teesdale Auction Mart. Last year, the service attracted more than 200 residents and organiers at Middleton Methodist Church are hoping for a similar success when
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Christmas toys needed for children
AN appeal for toys to give to children in need at Christmas has started with a £1,000 donation from a shop. The Salvation Army in Crook is appealing for people to donate new toys and gifts for this year’s Give a Gift: Light Up a Life appeal, to
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Festive goings on in South Durham
ORGAN CONCERT: Dr Ian Brunt will perform festive organ music at St Helen’s Parish Church in St Helen Auckland at 7.30pm on Saturday (December 15) followed by mince pies and mulled wine. There will be a retiring collection. CHRISTMAS LUNCH: Wolsingham
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A66 snow preparations completed for winter
DRIVERS should be better prepared for the closure of a major road often affected by snow thanks to £180,000 worth of work. The Highways Agency has installed new snowgates and more signs on the M6 and A66 to keep driver’s up to date on the latter
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Thousands of trees planted in royal project
MORE than 90,000 trees have been planted across County Durham recently as part of a special project by the Woodland Trust. Members of public have been helping with the Jubilee Woods project across five locations and the final planting took place
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Fundraising success from glitzy event
BISHOP Auckland Community Events raised £1,800 for the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, from Glitz at Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield, last month. An additional £536 was put in from Barclays Bank. CHRISTMAS PAST: The Past Theatre
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Chef beats competition to win award
A NORTH-EAST chef has won an award for his contribution to supporting locally produced food. Andrew Rowbotham beat off tough competition to be named North-East Local Food Hero and was presented with his honour earlier today (Monday, December 10
