Archive
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Woman flees home as 6ft boa constrictor goes missing
A WOMAN called the police after fleeing her home when she discovered a tank housing her husband’s six foot boa constrictor snake was empty. The resident of Catterick, North Yorkshire, was looking after the huge reptile for her soldier husband while
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Durham Tees Valley Airport launches fresh bid for growth fund cash
MINISTERS have been urged to back a bid for millions of pounds of taxpayers' cash to revive a loss-making North-East airport. Durham Tees Valley Airport has lodged an application for £4.65m from the Government's regional growth fund (RGF) to help
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Sport stars take to the catwalk for charity
SPORT stars swapped their kits for the latest fashion as they took to the catwalk to raise money for charity tonight (Friday, March 22). Newcastle United’s Shola Ameobi, Tim Krul and Vurnon Anita were joined by former captain Rob Lee for Fashion
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RSPB Saltholme welcomes first lamb of the year
THE wintry weather may still be with us, but at one North-East nature reserve the first signs of Spring have arrived. RSPB Saltholme, near Stockton, has welcomed its first lamb as its ‘Lambing Live’ event gets underway. ‘Lambing Live’ will
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Stanley man told to expect jail after admitting child abuse and computer pornography charges
A MAN who sexually abused two children was found to have amassed thousands of computer images featuring paedophilia and scenes of bestiality. Paul Thompson, 53, was today (Friday March 22) told to expect to receive a prison sentence after pleading
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Teenager up for volunteering award
A TEENAGER is through to the final of Britain’s largest volunteering awards and is one of only three left in his category. Matthew Chambers, 16, from Norton, near Stockton, was nominated for his work with Cleveland Police and Crime Youth Forum.
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Darlington accountant who 'tricked' friends and employers of cash for gambling jailed for six years
AN accountant who defrauded friends and employers of more than £500,000 was today (Friday March 22) given a six-year prison sentence. Lee Philip Hammond frittered the money away betting, convinced he was clever enough to beat the bookmaker.
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Row over pony ends with dad being knifed in the head, court told
A FATHER was repeatedly knifed in the head when a dispute with a neighbour escalated into drunken violence, a court heard. Terry Smith, 40, needed emergency hospital treatment for multiple wounds after the attack at his home in Stanley, County
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Easter bin collections for Hambleton and Richmondshire
REFUSE and recycling collections across Hambleton and Richmondshire will be affected by the Easter holidays. There are no changes to collections this week, from March 25 and there will be a normal service on Good Friday. But the following week, beginning
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Musical makes a splash
TICKETS have gone on sale for the classic musical 'Singin’ in the Rain', which will be staged at the Sunderland Empire Theatre, from Tuesday, January 14 to Saturday, February 1, 2014 . They cost between £10 and £45 and can be bought in person from
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Sting visit
Pupils at Hawthorn Primary School in Elswick, Newcastle, got a surprise visit from rock legend Sting and Northumbrian piper and composer Kathryn Tickell today (Friday March 22). Their visit was in support of the In Harmony – a project delivered by
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Teenagers make the news
STUDENTS from Unity City Academy (UCA) in Middlesbrough got a taste for a career in journalism this week as they took part in a nationwide project. Around 50 year eight students joined the BBC News School Report challenge which provides 11 to 16
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Minister to be questioned on flood defence funding
Thirsk, Malton and Filey MP Anne McIntosh is to question a Government minister on flood defence funding, when he appears before the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee, which Ms McIntosh chairs. The Secretary of State for Environment
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Teen missing for a month
POLICE are continuing to search for Mohammed Kayani, 16, who was reported missing from his Jefferson Place home, in Newcastle’s West End, on February 12. He is Asian, 5ft 5ins tall, of medium build, with black hair shaved on both sides and a small
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Shop staff to walk over hot coals
ABOUT 40 staff from shops and businesses in York are to take part in a firewalk for charity. The event is expected to raise £4,000 in sponsorship for the York Blind and Partially Sighted Society. It will involve staff from the Coppergate shopping area
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Club foots bill after Toon fans disrupt amateur matches
NEWCASTLE United has pledged to pay for damage caused by ‘hooligan’ fans who disrupted amateur matches before the Magpies’ clash with Wigan. The Toon fans ruined two non-league games being played near Wigan Athletic’s DW Stadium by running on the
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Victor Chandler writes . . .
Just when you thought winter had been and gone the snow arrived in many parts of Britain and, raising doubts about the Lincoln meeting at Doncaster getting the green light. If racing goes ahead last year's fourth Captain Bertie (3.50) has been very
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New artwork launched at Cathedral
A LINDISFARNE-based artist and author will demonstrate her skills tomorrow (Saturday, March 23). Mary Fleeson of the Lindisfarne Scriptorium on Holy Island will show visitors to Durham Cathedral’s Undercroft how she works between 11am and 3pm.
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Twickenham plays host to Yarm School rugby final
YARM School rugby players will step out onto the hallowed turf of Twickenham tomorrow (SAT) to play the biggest match of their lives. The teenagers have earned themselves a coveted spot to play at the famous ground in the final of the Daily Mail
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Family warning after floral tributes are stolen from crematorium
A BEREAVED family has warned people to watch out for thieves at a crematorium after floral tributes to their mother were stolen. Family and friends of Ellen Mclaughlin, who died in February at the age of 80, brought a number of bouquets and floral
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Council tax blunder leads to helpline meltdown
An error which prevented 25,000 residents paying their council tax bills sent a helpline into meltdown. A council contact centre received such a high number of calls from tax-payers trying to pay their bills that the phone lines crashed. One
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Police appeal after Durham handbag snatch
A WOMAN has been left badly bruised and shaken after a man snatched her handbag. The robbery happened at about 7.50pm on Saturday, March 16. A 43-year-old woman was talking down Annand Road, in Gilesgate, Durham City, when a man approached
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Cracking good designs
CREATIVE children had some eggsellent ideas when their school set an Easter challenge. Ferryhill Station Primary School, in Ferryhill, asked pupils to decorate eggs to display during its Easter fair today. And the imaginative youngsters came
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North Yorkshire news in brief
POP SHOW: Girl band Little Mix will perform at York Racecourse on Saturday, July 27, the day after Kaiser Chiefs play at the venue’s Music Showcase Weekend. For tickets, visit yorkracecourse.co.uk or call 01904-620911. REED HOMAGE: Oliver Reed:
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New minibus for Durham care home
A CARE home has taken delivery of a new minibus. The vehicle has been sent to St Margaret’s Care Home, on Crossgate, Durham City – one of 200 being sent to HC-One homes across the country. It has four seats in the back, two in the front and
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New high sheriff for North Yorkshire
A NEW high sheriff of North Yorkshire has been appointed. Reverend Rachel Benson, who lives near Malton, officially took over the role today (Friday, March 22) when she took the oath of office at York Crown Court. The role of high sheriff is
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Sue's a Belle on the ball
ENGLAND women footballer Sue Smith helped launch a youth sport contest in the North-East today (Friday, March 22). The Doncaster Belles forward was at the opening ceremony of County Durham’s Sainbury’s School Games, at Maiden Castle sports ground
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Stockton Scout volunteer meets Duchess of Cambridge
SCOUT volunteer Kim Spoors from Stockton was prepared for the cold weather but surprised to find herself sitting next to Kate, HRH Duchess of Cambridge, on the shores of Lake Windermere. Miss Spoors, 18, from Norton, Stockton, was one of only 24
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Two towns go to score
FANS from neighbouring amateur football clubs go on their travels this weekend hoping to get a step closer to a dream date at Wembley. Ebac Northern League outfits Spennymoor Town and Shildon Football Club, in County Durham, could meet each other
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Motorists trapped and roads closed as blizzards blow in
POLICE are warning of dangerous road conditions across the region, as forecasters said this month could be the coldest March in 50 years. So far the worst of the weather has been in Northern Ireland and western parts of Britain but the cold front
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Robbery at barber's shop
Robbers stole two razors , but no cash, from a barber’s shop in Downend Road, Westerhope, Newcastle, on Thursday (March 21) evening. Two of the three robbers assaulted two men who suffered minor injuries. TAXI CHECKS: Police stopped 31 taxis in
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Concerns for hundreds of patients affected by surgery closure
HUNDREDS of patients at a closing-down GP’s surgery have yet to register with another doctor. The Darzi Health Centre, in Doctor Piper House, in Darlington town centre, closes on March 31 after a review concluded it does not offer good value for
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Question time for MP by future electors in Yarm
Sixthformers at Conyers’ School in Yarm grilled Stockton South MP, James Wharton today. As well as learning about pursuing a political career teenagers also heard from other professionals about different career paths. EASTER FUN: Children can be
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Pupils focus on history of potato
PUPILS have been given an insight into the history of the potato and what’s involved in growing it. More than 200 children from 14 schools, including Hackforth & Hornby Primary School, near Bedale, and Mill Hill Community Primary School, Northallerton
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Cash incentives for community weight loss plan
A WEIGHT loss programme is offering Darlington residents the chance to win pounds for losing lbs. The Arriba Community Weight Loss Challenge starts at Bondgate Methodist Church on April 16 at 6.30pm and provides 13 weeks of weight loss education
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Racehorse stables event
A racehorse stud and stable visit will take place on Sunday, March 24 at Thatchmire Stud and Tina Jackson’s racing stables at Liverton, between Guisborough and Whitby. The event is free, but advance booking is essential. A carvery lunch is available
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Gilesgate school to close, council confirms
A SECONDARY school facing falling rolls and budget cuts is to close, education chiefs have confirmed. Durham County Council held a six-week public consultation on ending 11 to 16 education at Durham Gilesgate Sports College, on Bradford Crescent
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Man jailed for sustained campaign of abuse against a child
A PAEDOPHILE continued to protest his innocence as he was led away to start a 13-year prison sentence for what a judge called "a sustained campaign of abuse". Lee Moody reacted angrily to a jury's decision that he had raped and sexually assaulted
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Bunny Burrows annual fundraiser
RABBIT FUNDRAISER: Rabbits and guinea pigs will be in attendance at Bunny Burrows rescue centre's annual fundraising event on Sunday (MARCH 24) at Richmond market hall. The event will run from 10am to 4pm and will feature stalls, refreshments and a
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Boy fights for life after coach incident outside RAF base at Menwith Hill
A BOY is fighting for his life after being struck by a coach outside the largest electronic monitoring station in the world. North Yorkshire Police said the 14-year-old suffered serious injuries at 4.25pm on Thursday at the gates to RAF Menwith
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Architect to give talk on Ripon Cathedral conservation
Leading architect Oliver Caroe will talk about his work to conserve Ripon Cathedral at a meeting of the city’s Civic Society at 7.30pm, on Thursday, April 4. Entry to the talk at Allhallowgate Methodist Church Hall, Victoria Grove, Ripon, costs £3.
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Man and woman arrested in mortgage centre fraud probe
POLICE investigating allegations of a large scale fraud relating to the Washington Mortgage Centre, The Galleries, Washington, have arrested a 49-year-old man on suspicion of fraud and a 41-year-old woman on suspicion of money laundering. More
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'Scum' steal Kelloe chip shop charity tin
HEARTLESS thieves have stolen a Help for Heroes charity tin from a village fish and chip shop. Crooks broke into the Davy Lamp, in Kelloe, near Durham, late at night on Sunday, March 10. They caused no damage inside the store but stole a pickled
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Man killed in crash is named
A MAN who died this morning (Friday, March 22) after a car left the road has been named. Michael Andrew Massey, 33, of Birch Crescent in Burnopfield, County Durham, was killed when black Renault Clio car left the road at nearby Byermoor, on the
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Businesses affected after landslip closes the A67 between Darlington and Barnard Castle
BUSINESSES on a major commuter route closed to traffic following a landslip say its closure will have a drastic effect on trade unless it is repaired quickly. The A67 from Darlington to Barnard Castle was closed between High Coniscliffe and Piercebridge
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Ex-pupils invited to teacher's farewell
A PRIMARY school will say farewell to a teacher who has been there 28 years next week (Wednesday, March 27). Barbara Lamb will retire from Neville’s Cross Primary School, in Durham City, at Easter. Miss Lamb has travelled to the school from
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Youths deny murder of father-of-two in Stanley, County Durham
TWO youths appeared in court today (Friday, March 22) to deny murdering a 33-year-old father-of-two. The defendants, who are aged 16 and 17 and cannot be named for legal reasons, were at Newcastle Crown Court for a brief plea hearing. They
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Police deter metal thieves
Operation Seal: Cleveland Police’s efforts to protect Haverton Hill and Seal Sands industrial park from metal thieves have been a success, with thefts dropping from ten last week to two this week. Dog patrols and stop checks were carried out and police
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Museum examines impact of Beeching railway cuts
THE impact of the most radical reshaping of Britain’s railways will be explored in an exhibition to mark the 50th anniversary of the Beeching Report. The display at the National Railway Museum, in York, will explain what led British Railways chairman
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Football for youngsters
The Park View Community Association in Chester-le-Street will hold 5 – a – side and 7- a- side football tournaments for under-10s during the summer and autumn following a successful 5-a-side event for teams from the town and beyond Anyone interested
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Man charged with drink-driving over police van crash
A 30-YEAR-OLD man has been charged with drink-driving after a crash involving a parked police van. North Yorkshire Police said the man was arrested following an accident at 3.35pm on Thursday (March 21) in Grey Street, Harrogate, involving a Mazda
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Buggy bootcamps to keep parents fit
WEEKLY sessions have begun aimed at keeping parents fit. The Buggy Bootcamp sessions are taking place at Kelloe Sure Start Children’s Centre, on Front Street, Kelloe, on Tuesdays from 9.30am to 10.15am. Mothers, fathers and carers are invited
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Villagers step up their battle against Gypsy site plans
VILLAGERS have stepped up their battle to halt controversial plans to build a Gypsy site close to their homes. Earlier this month, residents of Heighington, near Darlington, set up a steering group to persue the objections to plans to convert two
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Wednesday walk for Durham Ramblers
DURHAM Ramblers will do a moderately difficult 10.3-mile walk in Ketton country on Wednesday (March 27). It will start at the Green Lane entrance to Darlington Golf Club. For more information, call 01388-607-323. VOLUNTEERING EVENT: A course aimed
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Artist workshops and children's activities at folk museum
AN ARTIST will be running a free drop-in workshop at a museum this Easter. Sue Gough will be at Ryedale Folk Museum on Wednesday, April 3, where she will be talking about her work and showing how she uses mark making and pattern to build up a drawing
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Unearthed artefacts shed light on life in Bronze Age
RELICS unearthed about 70 years ago which provide an insight into the habits and customs of Bronze Age people are to be displayed for the first time. The collection of 4,000-year-old ceramics, jet, tools and part of a scabbard, were found close
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Wheelie bin consultation to head off 'panic and dilemmas'
DARLINGTON residents concerned about how the introduction of wheelie bins will affect them can contact the council to arrange a home visit. Ward councillors raised concerns at Thursday’s full council meeting that some residents were still uncertain
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Jeremy Paxman visits Hartlepool to film latest documentary
JEREMY Paxman paid a visit to Hartlepool to hear about the town’s history in the First World War for a new BBC documentary. The Newsnight and University Challenge presenter spent two days on the Headland on March 6 and 7. He was researching
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Museum visitors to get air-raid shelter experience
THE sounds and smells of a Second World War air-raid shelter will be recreated for visitors to a museum dedicated to the world’s most famous vet. The World of James Herriot, in Thirsk, has opened the cellar of author Alf Wight’s former home and
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Newcastle fans accused of running amok at amateur matches before Wigan game
HUNDREDS of Newcastle United fans have been accused of causing trouble before Sunday's controversial match against Wigan. The fans are said to have disrupted amateur matches being played near the away end of Wigan Athletic's DW Stadium by running
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New beauty salon to get VIP treatment at formal opening this weekend
A NEW beauty salon will be given the VIP treatment at its formal opening this weekend. The Guinot salon, in High Row, Darlington, is to be opened by the Mayor, Councillor Paul Baldwin tomorrow (Saturday, March 23) morning. The salon now occupies
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Tourism body launches VIP pass
A TOURISM agency has launched a new VIP Pass. Visit County Durham (VCD) issues the passes to visiting media and partners in its Visitor Information Network. The 2013-14 pass includes free entry or discounts for nearly 30 businesses and attractions
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Medieval medical horrors to be revealed at exhibition
GRUESOME medieval medical treatments and folklore will be revealed at an exhibition of excavated skeletons. York Archaeological Trust will unveil the results of a pathology report of a woman from the Middle Ages who died of leprosy in the city,
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Apprenticeships are key to recovery, says construction boss
A CONSTRUCTION boss is determined to help schoolchildren to understand the benefits of apprenticeships. John Finley, managing director of Finley Structures in Newton Aycliffe, has taken part in an awareness programme with year 9 students from Greenfield
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Botanical artist teaches budding painters how to create their own masterpieces
AN award-winning artist has paid a visit to the North-East to teach budding artists the art of botanical painting. Botanical artist, Billy Showell, visited the region for the first time this week to teach a group of nine artists how to create their
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Roman artefacts to go on display
A SELECTION of Faverdale Roman finds will go on display at Darlington Library next week. The finds on show, which include a copper alloy horse harness fitting, and a piece of decorated beaker, probably from Gaul, will be in the library’s centre
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Prints stolen from art gallery
TWO prints have been stolen from an art gallery by a man who fled on a bike. A police spokesman said the theft took place at the Biscuit Factory on Stoddart Street, Newcastle, at 2.30pm on Tuesday. A man walked into the gallery and pulled down
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X Factor comes to Middlesbrough in search of the next big thing
AUDITIONS for ITV’s X Factor will happen in Middlesbrough’s Cleveland Centre this year after Newcastle was axed as a venue. But aspiring stars hoping to meet the celebrity judges will be disappointed as they will not be making an appearance, despite
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Plans unveiled for wind turbine
Plans have been unveiled for a wind turbine at Junction House Farm, Easington Village. A planning application has been submitted to Durham County Council seeking permission for a turbine with a tip height of 46m, along with associated works. Consideration
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Chance for former Technical School staff to get together
A REUNION of former staff from the old Darlington Technical School, near North Lodge Park, will be held on Friday, April 19, at 7.30pm, at the Junior Unionist Club, in Commercial Street. The event has been organised as this year marks the 50th anniversary
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Man charged over petrol station robbery
A MAN has been arrested and charged in connection with a knifepoint robbery at a petrol station in Ormesby yesterday (Thursday, March 21). The 37-year-old, from Middlesbrough, was arrested yesterday afternoon and charged with robbery and possession
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Lord Sawyer presents his new book to Darlington Library
TEESSIDE University Chancellor Lord Sawyer of Darlington has presented a copy of his new book to Darlington Library. Lord Sawyer’s book ‘Radicalism, A Passion for Books’ charts the details of his own private collection which celebrates the best
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State-of-the-art centre is breath of fresh air for region's autistic children
A VISION to create a centre of educational excellence for children with autism in the North-East is now a reality. Lizzie Anderson takes a guided tour. Located on the outskirts of Newton Aycliffe in County Durham, the North-East Centre for Autism
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Dame Edna heads for North-East
NORTH-EAST fans of Dame Edna Everage will get the chance to say goodbye to the legendary entertainer, who is the alter ego of Australian Barry Humphries, at Newcastle Theatre Royal, in January next year. Dame Ednas Eat Pray Laugh! The Farewell
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Free sessions for parents
FREE courses will tell parents in Chester-le-Street how to deal with childhood illnesses. The sessions will be given by Child Matters at Durham County Council children’s centres next month (April). Each one will last three hours and parents
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Tributes paid to film expert
A FILM expert and well-known character around Durham has died, aged 80. Dr David Williams was an expert on early and silent films and was made an MBE for services to media studies in the North-East in the 2011 New Year’s Honours. From 1965,
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MP pledges to support publicans in House of Commons
AN MP will voice her support for the publicans of Darlington in the House of Commons on Monday. Jenny Chapman, Labour MP for Darlington, met with publicans today (Friday March 22) to discuss issues facing the pub trade. Local pub landlords
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Sedgefield get the green light
This afternoon's jumps fixture at Sedgefield goes ahead after plans for an early-morning inspection were scrapped. Although the going is heavy, there was no frost or snow overnight. Clerk of the course Phil Tuck said: "It's good news. There is no frost
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Obituary: Sir Henry Beresford-Peirse
The death of Sir Henry Beresford-Peirse ,6th Baronet, has been deeply felt by his family and friends and by the people of Bedale, and brings to an end a lifetime of quiet service to his community. Henry, a familiar figure in the town, took a keen
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Curse of Fujitsu?
It was the world’s most advanced microelectronics plant – opened to a royal fanfare by The Queen. But the £340m former Fujitsu plant, in Newton Aycliffe, is today under a veil of uncertainty after its current owner announced plans to leave the region
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Ambitious Amec seeks 40 staff for engineering team
AN engineering company is recruiting 40 skilled staff as part of a strategy to make its North-East offices a centre for global engineering operations. Amec aims to develop its 120- strong engineering team in Darlington. The Lingfield Point
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The Budget: A Curate's Egg
MOST budgets are like a curate’s egg – good in places and bad in others. While George Osborne provided welcome help for people who would like to buy a house there was little help for families on the child care costs front. Help with high child
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Soft drinks
REGARDING the story about a study which claims sugary soft drinks could be causing 200,000 deaths worldwide (Echo, Mar 20). This review has not yet been peer-reviewed or published, and the report doesn’t contain any evidence to show that drinking
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Iraq war
DECADE on I still regret the unneccessary loss of 179 UK service personnel and the hundreds of thousand of Iraqi dead following what Lord Prescott now calls an unjustified intervention of allied forces into Iraq. Tony Blair persists in a campaign
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Press freedom
WHAT a wonderful diversion we’ve had since the £6m Leveson inquiry into the nefarious behaviour of sections of the British press. Tortuous inter-party talks with all the leaders claiming credit for arriving at a dogs dinner of an agreement for
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Racing
WHEN I was a teenager in the 1950s I sometimes listened to the elderly coal miners talking about horse racing. One day I thought I might try my luck by putting a couple of bob on a horse. I soon found out trying to find a horse that would go
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Healthy living
THE Northern Echo’s eight page Focus on Health supplement (Echo, Mar 19) made for an interesting read. The emphasis on “prevention is better than cure” and encouragement to eat healthily, drink less alcohol and exercise more, is good sensible advice
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Red Ed?
I DON’T normally write or talk about politics. I was brought up in a working-class family and my views have always being left wing. I have always voted Labour, as I always thought that the Tories were just for the rich and the Liberal Democrats
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Sweet treats
AS Easter approaches many people with diabetes, their friends and family may be unsure about whether they should be enjoying chocolate eggs and other treats. If you’ve got diabetes it’s important to eat a healthy, balanced diet and include sugary
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World class art for everyone
I’M nearly 12 years into this job now and, as most of you will know, a lot nearer the end than the beginning. I’m still learning though, which keeps me on my toes. Another constant of the job is that there is generally something happening that makes
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When the drugs don’t work
Ten years ago a North-East microbiologist warned that superbugs are evolving so rapidly that antiobiotics probably have only ten years of life left. Now the Chief Medical Officer has repeated his warning, says Health Editor Barry Nelson IN 2002
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A likeable archbishop
AS he was enthroned as the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury yesterday, Justin Welby warned against “severing the roots” of more than 1,000 years of Christianity in Britain. But he also insisted that the Church must now focus on new battles such as
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Fake phones on sale in Darlington
COUNTERFEIT phones were on sale in Darlington for more than £1,000, a court heard yesterday (Thursday March 21). Sunderland man Alexander Dobbin appeared before Darlington Magistrate’s Court accused of selling fake designer phones in a shop in
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Time to get off to a Model start
MODEL PUPIL can bring a touch of class to proceedings on the first day of the Flat season at Doncaster. Although the curtain-raising fixture on Town Moor is hardly the stuff of legend, Charlie Hills’ four-year-old is sure to provoke plenty of interest
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Yorkshire boosted by ECB stance
ENGLAND have given all of their senior players the chance to play at least two first-class fixtures before the start of the summer international schedule. The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed the availability to counties of all centrally
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Pietersen ready for summer assault
ENGLAND have reluctantly had to accept that Kevin Pietersen is feeling too much pain in his knee to be a viable part of their immediate plans. Pietersen’s captain Alastair Cook thought England’s most dangerous batsman might be able to defy an injury
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I can see clearly now...
Well not a Pontiff in sight. First the billowing black smoke came heading heavens high and then was it black or was it white, neither really, the black smoke came as the first sign that someone was burning tyres and the final ‘white’ smoke came not
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First residents arrive at College View, Esh Winning
THE first residents have moved into a new housing scheme which is part of a £15m village regeneration project. Two families have arrived at College View, in Esh Winning, where 30 new homes have been built under the Durham Villages Regeneration
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A tackle, and a tangle of mixed statements
IT takes a particularly warped form of logic to conclude that if you’ve made a serious mistake, it’s better to do nothing than to try to rectify it. Two wrongs don’t make a right, they just entrench and magnify the original error. So as Massadio
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Coloccini will be back soon from injury
FABRICIO COLOCCINI is expected to make his Newcastle United return before the end of the month. Coloccini is in his native Argentina recovering from the two broken bones in his back sustained in last month’s 4-2 win over Southampton. The Magpies
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Police force is strong despite budget cuts
POLICE and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg has made assurances that frontline police services are safe despite a £10m budget cut. Mr Hogg told councillors at a full meeting of Darlington Council yesterday (Thursday, March 21) that since he was elected
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Man apologises for wasting police time
A MAN apologised for wasting police time yesterday (Thursday March 21). Darlington man Jason Robert Prendergast, 23, was caught by police riding a quad bike on a road on Saturday, January 26. Appearing at Darlington Magistrate’s Court yesterday
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School Closures: Friday, March 22
School closures for the North-East and North Yorkshire. Check back for regular updates. NORTH YORKSHIRE Aireville School Arkengarthdale CE Primary School Askwith CP School Austwick CE VA Primary School Brooklands School
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Let McClean play his own way, says Larsson
SEB LARSSON has urged James McClean not to lose the natural instincts that made him such a potent force during his debut season in Sunderland’s first team. After making an instant impact as he burst on to the scene a year-and-a-half ago, McClean
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Hodgson ponders Ferdinand future
RIO FERDINAND must “wait and see” to see if he has an England future after creating more headlines by flying to Doha to commentate on his country’s World Cup qualifier with San Marino this evening. Roy Hodgson would give no firm assurances on what
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Appeal for witnesses after early morning fatal road accident
AN appeal was made for witnesses to a fatal crash today after a car left a road for reasons yet to be established. One man died and a second was seriously injured in the accident, apparently involving only one vehicle, on the A692 Consett to Gateshead
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Now is the time for big name players to produce, says Ainsley
Spennymoor manager Jason Ainsley says that now is the time for the big name players in their Vase chasing squad to fire them towards Wembley. Moors are the first team in north east non league history to play in both a Trophy semi final and a Vase
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Family of Melsonby post office killer launch campaign to highlight "miscarriage of justice"
THE family of convicted post office killer Robin Garbutt have launched a campaign to highlight what they believe has been a “terrible” miscarriage of justice. Ahead of the third anniversary of Diane Garbutt’s murder on Saturday (MARCH 23), supporters
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Aycliffe looking over their shoulders
Newton Aycliffe are looking over their shoulders when they travel to Billingham Synthonia in the ENL First Division today. The pressure has increased on Aycliffe in the last fortnight because of Billingham Town’s revival, and the bad weather which
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We won't change our approach says Forrest
Shildon manager Gary Forrest says that they won’t be changing their approach for one of the most important away games in their history at Tunbridge Wells today. Shildon make their first ever Vase semi final appearance in the first leg in Kent today
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Appeal launched for memorial window to dedicated church organist Lily Burton
FORMER prime minister Tony Blair has backed an appeal for a memorial window at a North-East church to mark the tireless dedication of a much-loved organist. Members of the Parochial Council of St Mary Magdalene Church at Trimdon Village, near Sedgefield
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High street chain warns of tough future despite rising profits
SALES WARNING: High street fashion chain Next has said it expects trading to remain tough, despite posting a nine per cent rise in profits. The company, which has 541 stores, including outlets in Darlington, Stockton, Middlesbrough and Durham,
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Fresh call for North-East entrepreneurs to take up £700,000 offer
ASPIRING North-East entrepreneurs hoping to kickstart their own business can still claim their share of £700,000 funding. The Government's Start-Up Loans programme is offering cash to small firms, and has already given £300,000 to more than 60
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Calls to save North-East microchip factory from closure
IT once stood proudly as the world's most advanced microelectronics plant and was opened to Royal fanfare by The Queen. But the former £340m Fujitsu plant, in Newton Aycliffe, is today shrouded under a veil of uncertainty after its current owner
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North-East drain clearing business creates 12 jobs as demand grows
A DRAIN clearing business has created 12 jobs and invested £800,000 in new equipment to combat increased flooding in North-East sewers. HCS Drain Services has bought new CCTV to monitor drains and sewers. The firm, which is an arm of civil
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Union chief hails Labour 'workfare' rebels
A UNION chief has hailed six rebel North-East Labour MPs as heroes after they voted against compulsory unpaid work experience. The six – including Easington’s Graham Morris - were among 43 who voted against the so-called ‘workfare’ legislation,
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Bravery awards for North-East soldiers who rescued wounded comrades while under fire
THREE North-East soldiers have been recognised for their incredible bravery in Afghanistan. Private Lewis Murphy, of the Yorkshire Regiment, will be presented with the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery (QCB) while Serjeant Lee Slater, of The Rifles
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Forest run, mine trail and music festival
FOREST RUN: Places are now available for the 10km Hamsterley Forest Run in County Durham on Sunday, July 7. Entry costs between £13 and £15 and there are only places for 500 runners. For more information contact Julie Nisbet at the Butterwick Hospice
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Police hunt masked men who raided village shop
POLICE are hunting for these masked suspects who made off with a substantial amount of cash after threatening staff with a knife and a crowbar at a village shop. Dressed in boiler suits, three men also took cigarettes from McColls, on the village
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Emma appointed paths officer with Heart of Teesdale Landscape Partnership
A NEW officer will lead efforts to get more people out and about on Teesdale's extensive network of footpaths and trails. Emma Ashton-Wickett has been appointed paths officer with the Heart of Teesdale Landscape Partnership, and will be based in
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Kian wins giant egg for Easter leaflet design
A YOUNG artist has won a giant Easter egg after designing the front cover of a leaflet about holiday activities across the Three Towns area. The leaflet has been produced by Jack Drum Arts and the Three Towns Area Action Partnership to let people
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Easter fun planned for young people
THERE will be series Easter events organised by the children’s network, which supports families with disabled children, next month. These will take place in the cinema at Bishop Auckland Town Hall, on Monday, April 8, from 1pm to 3pm and at Spennymoor
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Barnard Castle Town Council plans introduction of Green Dog Walkers Initiative
POOP SCOOP: Teedale Action Partnership has agreed to give £500 from its small grants scheme for the environment to Barnard Castle Town Council to help fund the introduction of a Green Dog Walkers Initiative. EASTER SERVICE: The Easter Sunday service
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Majority in favour of new homes in Stanhope, developer claims
THE majority of people who responded to a survey are in favour of plans for 23 new affordable homes on the edge of a Weardale town, a company has claimed. Signet Planning held a consultation event in Stanhope last September to gauge public reaction
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Scheme to tackle spate of thefts from domestic fuel oil tanks
A SCHEME to tackle the theft of heating oil and diesel from residential fuel tanks in part of County Durham is being planned. During the past few months, a spate of fuel thefts have been reported from tanks in and around Cockfield, near Bishop
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School runner shines in cross country race
PUPILS from across County Durham have battled it out in an annual cross country competition. Primary school children tackled a muddy course at Parkside Sports College, in Willington, earlier this month to claim the title of county champion.
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Teacher wins award for fun science lessons
A NORTH-EAST teacher who teaches science to children with special needs has received a top award. Faye James, who has worked at Evergreen Primary School, in Bishop Auckland, for four years, has been named Primary Science Teacher of the Year.
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What a difference a year makes to North's crazy weather
LAST year, it was 20c with shorts, T-shirts and a dash of factor 15 the order of the day. Twelve months on and thermals and waterproofs are de rigueur - despite the impending approach next week of British Summer Time. Ken Cook, a volunteer
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David Bellamy opens Bishop Auckland school's teepee
YOUNGSTERS at a Bishop Auckland primary school have held a science day to celebrate the opening of their Nordic teepee. Botanist David Bellamy visited Evergreen Primary School today (Friday, March 22) to take a look at the new 24ft Nordic structure
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Finishing touches needed ahead of Auckland Castle opening
THE woman responsible for keeping Auckland Castle in pristine condition is working hard ahead of its re-opening next month. Elise Latcham, of Bishop Auckland, has been the housekeeper for the past 14 years and is busy ensuring the state rooms,
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Charity bootcamp being held at Willington leisure centre
CHARITY BOOTCAMP: A fitness bootcamp session will be held at Spectrum Leisure Centre in Willington on Sunday from 8am to 11am in aid of Help For Heroes. The session will cost £5 to take part in with spectators also invited to make a donation. For more
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Amec to create 40 jobs at Darlington engineering hub
AN engineering company is recruiting 40 skilled staff as part of a strategy to make its North-East offices a centre for global engineering operations. Amec has launched the recruitment drive to grow its 120-strong engineering team in Darlington