Archive
-
Date
Not an ideal result for Shildon ahead of Vase tie
Shildon suffered an embarrassing defeat ahead of the second leg of their FA Carlsberg Vase semi final when they were hammered 8-1 at Bedlington in the ENL last night. Shildon took the lead after 4 minutes with an Adam Johnson penalty, but Bedlington
-
Date
Redcar mother tells of heartache, ten years on from son's stab death
A MOTHER who has raised awareness of knife-crime since her son was murdered ten years ago says more still needs to be done to help grief-stricken families. Theresa Cave's son Chris was stabbed to death in June 2003 at the age of 17. She set
-
Date
A drive of two halves…
As you can see from these two photographs, taken just 30 minutes apart, my drive from Cockfield to Darlington on Saturday morning, was an interesting one. The first photo was taken on the road to Ingleton at 8.30am followed by the one taken in
-
Date
Stranded drivers ignored road closure signs on snow-bound trans-Pennine route
VOLUNTEERS from mountain rescue teams were called to aid motorists who had ignored road closure signs on a snowbound trans-Pennine route. After being turned back at snow gates on the A66, some drivers chanced their luck on the B6276 from Middleton-in-Teesdale
-
Date
Accountant who overpaid himself for a year spared immediate prison sentence
AN accountant who “awarded” himself an extra £1,000 per month for a year was spared an immediate prison sentence today (Monday March 25). Christopher Scott Wilkinson, who was payroll manager for Durham-based North of England Estates Ltd, made the
-
Date
Language students fly the flag for the region at 'international' event
FOREIGN language students have been given the chance to use their skills in a real business setting while promoting the North East in the context of the single European market. Independent school Polam Hall, in Darlington, joined forces with businesses
-
Date
Funding for novel art project which will turn genetic research into art
A UNIQUE North-East university project that will turn medical practice into artwork has received funds from the Arts & Humanities Research Council. Dr Marianne Wilde, who recently completed an Arts and Humanities PhD at Northumbria, will carry
-
Date
MP backs campaign to help single parents
AN MP has pledged his support for a charity campaign to boost single parent employment. Alex Cunningham, MP for Stockton North, agreed to support the Gingerbread charity campaign after learning 33 per cent of families in his constituency are headed
-
Date
Newton Aycliffe residents' association holds first adult education course
A RECENTLY formed residents association is celebrating after successfully holding its first adult education course. Horndale Residents' Association in Newton Aycliffe arranged for Skillshare North-East to run the free Food Handling Course as a
-
Date
River trust is looking for schools to take part in nature projects after funding success
WEAR Rivers Trust has secured 25,000 of funding to continue its successful education programme. Last year over 400 children in the North-East took part in this 'real science' project to learn more about preserving their local river. And with
-
Date
College students raise charity funds
STUDENTS and staff at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, in Darlington, celebrated World Down Syndrome Day by joining an international campaign ‘Lots of Socks’, donating £1 for the privilege of wearing unusual and wacky sock combinations. More than
-
Date
Teacher shortlisted for national award
Teacher shortlisted for national award Biology teacher Dr Richard Spencer has been shortlisted for the prestigious School Biology Teacher of the Year category. Born and bred in Billingham, Dr Spencer has been teaching Biology at SRC Bede Sixth
-
Date
Eco-friendly school gets helping hand from green-minded local builders
NORTH-EAST housebuilder Yuill Homes is supporting eco-friendly pupils at Roseberry Primary School in Billingham after making a donation to its Solar Schools Project for putting clean energy back into its classrooms. Experienced at delivering sustainable
-
Date
Puzzled mum sets up new company to answer maths queries from parents
SCHOOLGIRL Becky Dumain and her friends in Year One have inspired her mum to start a new business aiming to help parents and carers who are often bewildered by their children's maths homework. Becky's mum, Kate, has launched Maths M8 which aims
-
Date
Students help band with paint project
A BAND of decorators came to the rescue when a group of musicians needed help in quick order. Darlington College students on the Project-U course at the Catterick Skills Centre, based in the North Yorkshire town, grabbed paint pots and brushes
-
Date
Double trouble for sheep farmers in snowbound Durham and Yorkshire Dales
THE ongoing wintry blast has meant double trouble for hard pressed sheep farmers in the snowbound Durham and Yorkshire Dales. With lambing already underway in some parts of the dales, the freezing conditions are forcing farmers to bring their ewes
-
Date
Prince Charles to support Mallard anniversary celebrations
ROYAL SUPPORT: Prince Charles is to become patron of a season of events at the National Railway Museum in York to mark the 75th anniversary of Mallard breaking the world steam speed record. FUNNY GIG: Comedian Dave Spikey will perform his Words
-
Date
Election for Sutton under Whitestonecliffe
HAMBLETON District Council is holding a by-election to fill a vacancy in its Whitestonecliffe ward prompted by the resignation of Councillor Nigel Clack. It will be held on the same date as the North Yorkshire County Council elections on May 2. Anyone
-
Date
Academic wins top science prize for atomic-level microscope
AN academic who invented a microscope to unlock the mysteries of the atomic world will receive the world’s most prestigious science prize for women on Thursday. Physicist professor Pratibha Gai, of the University of York, will be given the L’Oreal-UNESCO
-
Date
Advanced motorcycle group offers training
MOTORCYCLISTS will have the chance to brush up on their skills at an open day next month. The Northallerton Advanced Bikes group is holding an open day in Leeming Bar near Northallerton on Sunday, April 14. The group will be offering people
-
Date
Golden celebrations for elderly group
A GROUP that offers support to older people has celebrated its 11th anniversary. More than 60 members of Growing Older Living in Darlington (Gold) celebrated their 11th year together at St Cuthbert’s Church hall this afternoon (Monday, March 25
-
Date
Police deputy chief constable Derek Bonnard sacked for gross misconduct
A CHIEF constable tonight blamed the culture at the top of Cleveland Police for the downfall of a disgraced senior officer. Jacqui Cheer was speaking after Derek Bonnard was sacked as deputy chief constable of the force for gross misconduct following
-
Date
Prisoner died in jail due to reaction caused by drugs
A PRISONER died in jail due to the effects of drugs he was taking to combat heroin addiction and alcohol abuse, an inquest has heard. Kevin Raynor, 39, died at Durham Prison on September 8, 2011, where he was being held as he awaited a court trial
-
Date
Captain behind painstaking Trincomalee restoration dies aged 86
THE driving force behind the painstaking restoration of the world’s oldest floating warship, the HMS Trincomalee, has died at the age of 86. JULIA BREEN looks at Captain David Smith’s life and the historic ship which became his main preoccupation.
-
Date
Two men arrested after assault
TWO men, aged 32 and 30, have been arrested after a man was assaulted in Sunderland. A 27-year-old man was left with a puncture wound to his lower back after he was assaulted at a house at Maypole Close shortly before 7pm on Sunday (March 24). The
-
Date
A heartening response to calls for more defibrillators
The Northern Echo has made it clear where it stands on the need for more heart-start defribrillator machines in public places. The weight of expert advice suggests they are inexpensive, easy to use with basic training and proven life-savers. We
-
Date
Amnesty International meeting
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL The Teesside branch of Amnesty International will meet on Wednesday, April 10 at 7.15pm. Members will review their work so far and discuss potential campaigns to support in the future. The meeting, which will be held at the Stockton
-
Date
Darlington hair salon wins major award
A DARLINGTON hair salon won a major award at a prestigious ceremony. Hobson & Holmes were named the Hair Salon of the Year North East at the English Hair and Beauty Awards 2013, held earlier this month. The national awards are based on
-
Date
Roofer jailed for drink-drive chase having lost tyre
A DRINK driver tried to out-pace a police patrol car in wet road conditions, despite having a tyre missing from his own vehicle. Emmanuel Peter Wright was heading home in his Vauxhall Astra in heavy rainfall after dropping friends off following
-
Date
Pervert with fetish for young girls underwear walks free after waiting 18 months for case to reach court
A PERVERT with a fetish for young girl's underwear walked free after a furious judge criticised police for taking so long to bring the case to court. Judge Michael Taylor said he would have "taken a very different course" had 71-year-old Gordon
-
Date
Plans submitted for Darlington free school at Mowden Hall
PLANS for Darlington’s first free school, to be based in an historic building on the edge of town, have been submitted to a council. Marchbank Free School will provide specialist care for primary age children with behavioural, emotional and social
-
Date
Appeal for cash to restore historic organ
PARISHIONERS of an east Durham church known as the Cathedral of the Collieries have launched an appeal for the final amount of cash needed to restore their historic organ. Members the congregation at St Mary’s Church in Horden, near Peterlee, need
-
Date
April deadline for North-East Accountancy Awards
NORTH-East accountancy firms have until the end of April to sign up for a regional awards scheme. The North-East Accountancy Awards 2013 takes place at the Hilton in Newcastle on June 13 and honours the best of the industry in the region Businesses
-
Date
Cadet chosen for prestigious role
CADET Staff Sergeant James Lowes, of the Blaydon Detachment of Durham Army Cadet Force, has been appointed the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for Tyne and Wear. Lord Lieutenant Sir Nigel Sherlock wished him an enjoyable year supporting him in his duties.
-
Date
Lady Elsie thanks cancer foundation fund-raisers
THE widow of Sir Bobby Robson has given her heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped his cancer charity raise more than £5m. The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation was set up five years ago today (Monday, March 25) to raise £500,000 for research in the
-
Date
Odd socks and dancing make for an unforgettable World Down Syndrome Day
CAKE, dancing, sign language and odd socks made for an unforgettable World Down Syndrome Day in Newton Aycliffe. The Education Centre for Children with Down Syndrome (Eccds) hosted a celebration evening to mark the international awareness day at
-
Date
Feast of Fiddles heading for Durham
SOME of the country’s best fiddle players will perform in the North-East next month (Tuesday, April 9). Feast of Fiddles will play Durham’s Gala Theatre on Tuesday, April 9, as part of a 15-date UK tour to mark 20 years since the group was founded
-
Date
Celebrity chefs' test baking skills at Dales show
A TELEVISION show in which celebrity chefs test their baking skills against those of Yorkshire Dales residents will be screened next week. Country Show Cook Off, on Monday (April 1) at 6.30pm on BBC2, will follow Silvena Rowe and Aldo Zilli as
-
Date
Crook woman breaches Asbo for making false calls to police
A WOMAN who breached an anti-social behaviour order for the fifth time by making a false call to the emergency services was spared jail today (Monday, March 25). Jodie Ann Clark, of Stanley Way, Billy Row, Crook, admits she called the police during
-
Date
Woman appears at crown court accused of iPad scam
A WOMAN has appeared at crown court accused of an iPad sale scam in which customers were left thousands of pounds out of pocket on the run up to Christmas. Kirsty Cox is alleged to have failed to supply about 4,000 of the tablet computers, despite
-
Date
DIY market hit by record rainfall
THERE will be a report from a rain-hit DIY market this week, while other figures will throw the spotlight on the holiday and housebuilding sectors. B&Q owner Kingfisher will reveal the impact of last year’s record rainfall as annual figures
-
Date
Anti-social tenants warned to change their ways or face eviction
TROUBLESOME tenants have been issued a stark warning by a social landlord that their behaviour will not be tolerated. Tristar Homes, which looks after properties in the Stockton Borough area, has secured nine Anti-Social Behaviour Injunctions (
-
Date
Psychic medium John Colenutt gives an introduction to the spirit world
FROM speaking to the dead to drawing unsettled spirits from the home, John Colenutt takes it in his stride as psychic medium. As neither a firm believer nor complete cynic, Ashley Barnard met him to delve into the world on the other side. When
-
Date
North Yorkshire woman returns home after improving eyesight in Africa
A NORTH Yorkshire woman has returned home after helping to improve the eyesight of people in Africa. Michele de Vaal, from East Witton, near Leyburn, made her 21st visit to Ethiopia with the Vision Aid Overseas charity last month. Mrs de Vaal
-
Date
Cornsay Almshouses folio up for sale
RECORDS of long-closed North-East almshouses will be up for sale at auction later this week (Thursday, March 28). The document from Cornsay Almshouses, built in 1811 near Tow Law, County Durham, will go under the hammer on Thursday. It contains
-
Date
Model couple enjoy wedding with a difference
TWO shop mannequins proved they were more than mere window dressing when they exchanged vows at a wedding with a difference today (Monday, March 25). The two shop dummies, played by Abi Blades and Alex Armitage, from Boroughbridge were married
-
Date
Wolsingham couple admit neglecting beloved family pet
AN elderly couple have been banned from keeping dogs for three years after neglecting a “beloved family pet”, causing it unnecessary pain and suffering. Angus, a nine-year-old Gordon Setter, was put down by an RSPCA vet as a lack of grooming had
-
Date
Village market planned for weekend
MONTHLY village markets are being held at Croft Village Hall, starting on Saturday (March 30). There will be a community cafe and charity stalls, as well as a range of other stalls selling local produce. Events run from 10am to 3pm. For more information
-
Date
Sea foam gives residents early morning shock
MANY people woke up to a covering of snow at the weekend but for Hartlepool residents the white wintry vista wasn’t all that it seemed. Homes and cars on the headland were covered in white foam blown of the North Sea by strong winds. The scenes
-
Date
Darlington residents to get more of a say with health care
PEOPLE in Darlington will have more of a say in their health and social care with the launch of a new social enterprise. Healthwatch Darlington has been set up to help the community influence and improve their local services. It is part of
-
Date
Fire brigade's campaign to clampdown on arsonists is launched
FIREFIGHTERS in what is historically been one of the UK’s worst areas for arson have launched a campaign to reduce such incidents. Called Stop Arson – Enough is Enough, Cleveland Fire Brigade estimates arson attacks have cost the people Teesside
-
Date
Former Casualty star has ear bitten off in Newcastle hotel row
FORMER Casualty star Clive Mantle has had part of his ear bitten off in an incident in a North-East hotel, it is being reported today. It is believed that the 55-year-old was attacked at the Travelodge in Foster Street, Newcastle, in a dispute
-
Date
Girl band back efforts to beat cancer
NORTH-EAST chart toppers Perrie Edwards and Jade Thirlwall have joined their Little Mix band mates to tell cancer exactly what they think of it, by posing for defiant photos. The pictures, which show the girls with a powerful message painted onto
-
Date
Mega Friday Festival for Darlington town centre
A FESTIVAL to encourage children and parents to take a healthier journey to school is being held in Darlington this Friday. Team Local Motion are organising the Mega Friday Festival which will see a variety of activities take place in the town
-
Date
Whitby Museum in running for national award as it unveils Maori canoe exhibition
A WHITBY museum is in the finals of Visit England’s Awards for Excellence competition 2013 as it unveils a Maori canoe exhibition. The Captain Cook Memorial Museum in the port's Grape Lane will receive at least a Highly Commended award when the
-
Date
Richmondshire refuse collection disruption
REFUSE and recycling collections missed in Swaledale and Arkengarthdale on Friday, March 23, have stil not been collected because drifting snow is making conditions unsafe. However, an assessment of the conditions was made yesterday (Monday, March
-
Date
Opticians pledges to raise funds for Herriot Hospice Homecare
A LOCAL opticians has pledged to raise vital funds for Herriot Hospice Homecare during 2013. The team at Northallerton Specsavers is backing Herriot Hospice to show its support for the charity’s continued hard work to provide a high-quality standard
-
Date
Theatre appeals for missing stage equipment to be returned
A THEATRE is appealing for the return of missing items from a shared prop and stage equipment bank. The Georgian Theatre Royal has housed the Community Arts Equipment Bank since May last year. It was previously kept at the White Rose Centre in
-
Date
Richmondshire in brief
EGG HUNT: Richmond residential care home, Care UK’s The Terrace, in Maison Dieu, will be hosting an Easter egg hunt on Tuesday, April 2 from 2pm to 3pm. The hunt is open to visitors and many residents have invited grandchildren and great-grandchildren
-
Date
Supermarket shoppers boost charity coffers
SAINSBURY’S staff in Darlington would like to thank everyone who helped them raise an impressive £5,000 for Comic Relief The Victoria Road store held a number of fundraising events such as a raffle and fancy dress and raised a further £13,000 through
-
Date
More concerts planned at village hall after folk night success
VILLAGE hall trustees are planning more live music events following the success of a concert by a live folk band. Other Roads performed at West Witton village hall earlier this month, raising more than £500 for hall funds. The event was the
-
Date
Stockton returns to the 1940s
ONE of the UK’s leading 1940s acts makes her return visit to Stockton this weekend. Jane Francis will headline an evening of 1940s nostalgia at The Senators, Stockton on Saturday, March 30 from 7.30pm until 11pm. Landlords at The Senators,
-
Date
Facebook threat alleged to face more charges
A NORTH-East man who allegedly posted threats to kill 200 people in America on Facebook will face extra charges, a court heard today (Monday, March 25). Reece Elliott, 24, from Fossway, South Shields, South Tyneside, appeared before magistrates
-
Date
Actor's ear bitten off in hotel
FORMER Casualty star Clive Mantle is recovering after having part of his ear bitten off while staying at a North-East hotel. The 55-year-old actor has been appearing in The Ladykillers at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle. It is understood the
-
Date
Window smashed at former boxing academy
WITNESS APPEAL: A window has been smashed at the former home of the Darlington Boxing and Martial Arts Academy on Portland Place. Police received an anonymous call on Saturday afternoon and are now investigating the incident, which they believe happened
-
Date
Fundraising night for Heighington AFC
A RACE night to raise funds for the expansion of Heighington AFC will be held on Friday, April 19 at The Big Club, in Newton Aycliffe, from 7pm to 11pm. Tickets are £5 and can be bought from Jim Barr on 07899-862079 or Dave Brassell on 07870-777779
-
Date
Marooned pub guests and staff set to get snow relief
GUESTS and staff at Britain’s highest pub were hoping to leave the inn last night (Monday), after deep snow drifts left them stranded there for five days. Tracy Daly, landlady of the Tan Hill Inn, near Reeth, North Yorkshire, said a snow blower
-
Date
Mini thefts could be linked, police believe
POLICE believe the theft of a Mini car from a garage forecourt near Darlington could be linked to similar offences. The Mini 850 Super Deluxe was stolen from the forecourt of Simon J Robinson Ltd, Ketton Garage, Durham Road, Coatham Mundeville,
-
Date
Whiff of history
The air of the Yorkshire Dales is pure and clean; the scenery of the Swale is beautiful and enticing; the ruins of the castle are dramatic and romantic. Richmond is understandably a tourist trap. But down by the falls, beneath the castle, was once
-
Date
Chinese principal visits New College Durham
A CHINESE principal has visited a Durham college as part of an exchange programme. Gu Jianming, principal of Shanghai Fengxian – a vocational secondary school in China, toured New College Durham. He learned how the college was run and the responsibilities
-
Date
Appeal after Ouston car theft
Police are appealing for information after a black Land Rover Defender was stolen from a driveway in Rothesay, Ouston, Chester-le- Street between 10.30pm on Sunday, March 17 and 6.20am the following day. It is believed a low loader truck may have ben
-
Date
Former star is dinner guest
Peter Reid era Sunderland player Alex Rae will be the speaker at the annual sporting dinner of the Chester-le-Street branch of the Sunderland Supporters Association at the Stadium of Light on Thursday (March 28) from 7.30pm to 1am. The night features
-
Date
Fire training for Darlington shopping centre staff
STAFF at a Darlington shopping centre tackled a controlled blaze in an effort to improve fire safety in the workplace. Employees in the Cornmill Centre’s security, cleaning and management teams were shown how to deal with fire hazards and how to
-
Date
Last round for MoD's picturesque pub
A PUB believed to be one of the last public inn owned by the Ministry of Defence, has called time on its military past. The Bolton Arms in the picturesque hamlet of Downholme in Swaledale, North Yorkshire, was bought by the MoD in the 1930s to
-
Date
Hornby Castle opens its doors for daffodil walk
A WOODLAND daffodil walk is to take place in the grounds of a privately-owned historic home this weekend. Hornby Castle, near Bedale in North Yorkshire, is due to open its doors to the public on Easter Saturday, March 30, when the spring flowers
-
Date
Chocolate Palmiers
Master chocolatier Christine Taylor is back, creating sweet treats for celebrities. Keeley Bolger reports Makes about 20 palmiers Ingredients: Plain flour, for rolling out the pastry Ready-rolled puff pastry 50g milk chocolate
-
Date
Students achievements celebrated at Town Hall event
THE achievements of students in a town’s secondary schools will take centre stage at a special event tomorrow (Tuesday 26). Celebrating Success 2013 takes place at Middlesbrough Town Hall in recognition of the hard work and effort of young people
-
Date
Soldier helps students build a missile
A SOLDIER is helping students build a missile. Territorial Army soldier Steve Corner is working with students from Darlington College to build a replica missile. Lance Corporal Corner is hoping to provide the students with an insight into Army
-
Date
Former RAF fighter base to be closed
AN RAF base which provided protection for Yorkshire’s industrial heartlands during the Second World War will close by the end of the year. Armed Forces Minister Andrew Robathan said RAF Church Fenton, near Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, was no longer
-
Date
MP chosen to fight marginal seat again next time
ONE of the region's few Conservative MPs has been formally re-adopted to fight his seat at the next general election. James Wharton, one of just two Conservative MPs in the North-East, will fight the seat again next time. He was unanimously
-
Date
Epic tractor ride in memory of daughter
A POLICE officer will lead a 250-mile vintage tractor road in memory of his late daughter. Detective Sergeant Brian Simpson will spend Easter weekend travelling from Helmsley, near Thirsk, to Penrith, in Cumbria, and back to raise money for Zoe
-
Date
Darlington woman celebrates 100th birthday
DARLINGTON woman Elizabeth Hartley was surrounded by friends and family as she celebrated her 100th birthday at the weekend. The devoted family woman was centre stage at a party thrown in her honour at the Rosemary Court sheltered housing complex
-
Date
Nestle confirms affected Kit Kat Chunky bars were not made in York factory
Confectioner Nestle has confirmed thousands of recalled Kit Kat Chunky bars were not made in its York factory. The company has called back batches of its 48-gram peanut butter, hazelnut, chocolate fudge and caramel flavour bars after seven people
-
Date
New HQ in five years for police?
NORTH Yorkshire’s controversial new police headquarters could be built in the next four to five years, it has been revealed. Police and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan today (Monday, March 25) threw open the doors of the Grade II listed Newby
-
Date
Police host meeting for Polish community
POLISH FORUM Darlington Neighbourhood Police Teams are hosting a meeting for the Polish community on Tuesday, March 26 from 6pm. The meeting, held at Darlington Forum on Borough Road, will give members of the Polish community a chance to discuss issues
-
Date
Superfast Broadband comes to Bedale
The latest North Yorkshire town to benefit from a £70m superfast broadband investment is Bedale. County council leader John Weighell, who represents the town, said: "I trust the entrepreneurial spirit in Bedale will fully exploit the opportunities
-
Date
North-East residents in the dark about kidney disease
A CHARITY has launched a campaign highlighting the dangers of kidney disease after a survey revealed people in the North-East know least about it in the country. The national survey was carried out by Kidney Research UK and found that 93 per cent
-
Date
Post Office in Cockerton to close for refurbishment
CUSTOMERS at a Darlington post office branch are to be without services for a day, while modernisation work is carried out. Post Office bosses have announced plans to update their branch in West Auckland Road, Cockerton, with work due to get under
-
Date
Councillors increase school clothing allowance
NORTH Yorkshire County Council has increased the school clothing allowance this year to help some of the county's poorest families. Despite the fact it is in the middle of a stringent savings programme, executive members have decided to increase
-
Date
Artist appeals for Stockton stories
ARTIST Daniel Bye is seeking out tales of Stockton for a new show. In preparation for his new work, Story Map on Wednesday, June 26, Mr Bye will be setting up a booth in Stockton Town Centre on Friday, April 5, and is asking people to come and visit
-
Date
Blind charity to open Sunderland shop
A CHARITY for the blind is opening a nearly new shop to raise money for its work. Sunderland and North Durham Society for the Blind will open the store in High Street West, Sunderland, on Tuesday April 2. Donations of quality adult and children
-
Date
Car Damaged by Snowballs
On Friday 22nd March at around 6.30pm minor damage was caused to a vehicle that was parked in Front Street, Cockfield by a group of youths that were throwing snowballs. If anyone knows who was responsible for this damage they are requested to contact
-
Date
The deadly clap of the "Buzz Bomb"
I WAS interested in VJ Connor’s letter regarding the German doodlebug flying bombs (HAS, Mar 18). These were in fact V1 bombs also known as “buzz bombs”. They had a steering system of gyros and were launched from ramps. Several were brought
-
Date
Crackdown on dog fouling launched
ENFORCEMENT officers from Hartlepool Borough Council are joining forces with the policee in a major crackdown on dog fouling, littering and other offences that blight the local environment. The pilot in the North & Coastal neighbourhood area
-
Date
Paul Gascoigne: 'I'm trying hard to beat the booze'
Former football star Paul Gascoigne wants to get back to reality after the latest horrific health scare in his battle with alcohol addiction, he said today. The ex-England, Newcastle and Middlesbrough player said on ITV1's Daybreak programme that
-
Date
Woman admits impersonating murdered former oil executive Carole Waugh
A WOMAN has admitted impersonating murdered former oil executive Carole Waugh in order to hire a car. Miss Waugh, originally from Durham, was reported missing by her family on May 7 and had not been seen since mid-April. Julie Witham, 47, of
-
Date
Students make a difference in their community
DARLINGTON students devoted a week to making a difference in their community. The students, from the Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, hosted a series of activities as part of their ‘Make a Difference Week’. The Mayor of Darlington, Councillor
-
Date
£70million Lottery money to help the elderly
ELDERLY residents across the region could benefit from a share of £70million Lottery money. The fund has been set up to support projects that encourage older people to get involved in decision-making in their local area so that improvements can
-
Date
Darlington College beauty therapists given chance to shine at luxury hotel and spa
BUDDING beauty therapists are to be given the chance to shine before some of the industry’s leading experts with a competition designed to raise aspirations. Darlington College students are to take part in a new skills contest as the beauty therapy
-
Date
Award-winning Darlington market to host Good Friday market
A DARLINGTON market that was voted the nation’s favourite is hosting a special Good Friday event. Organisers of the Darlington Sunday People’s Market are hosting a one-off Good Friday market in West Row this Friday (March 29) from 10am to 3pm.
-
Date
Bedroom tax
PETE WINSTANLEY claims that those living in taxpayer subsidised housing have a right to a spare bedroom (HAS, 20 Mar). I live in a group of small terraced houses (privately owned) where I imagine at least half the residents don’t have a spare bedroom
-
Date
Hanky Panky
I LIVED in West Cornforth for 34 years. Was there a better place to live? I doubt it. As a colliery village I think it stood out from other surrounding villages because of the camaraderie and the friendliness. Neighbours in the street where
-
Date
University's £500,000 Lottery boost for Gospels show
THE North’s leading university has been given nearly £500,000 in Lottery funding to help make this summer’s return of the Lindisfarne Gospels to the region a winning ticket. Durham University has today (Monday, March 25) been awarded a Heritage
-
Date
Snakes alive
THIS year is the Chinese Year of the Snake. There were some slippery characters wriggling on the front bench during the Budget. The much heralded tax-free break for the first £10,000 you earn is tiny and shades in comparison to what the rich are
-
Date
Immigration
I AM writing in response to the letter from J Phillips about immigration from Romania and Bulgaria (HAS, Mar 19). Mr Phillips states boldly that “we just cannot sustain these numbers of low-skilled people”. Can he please provide some hard evidence
-
Date
Spring
THE other morning my wife told me she’d heard a rustling noise in the living room. We searched high and low, worried that it might be mice. We even got down on our hands and knees to see whether a bird had fallen down the chimney flue. Eventually
-
Date
Grand National
LAST year, the deaths of two horses in the Grand National caused a public outcry. Two days earlier, at the same Aintree meeting, another horse was killed. Since 2000, 38 horses have been killed at the three-day Aintree meeting, with 22 dying on
-
Date
Vince Cable
ISN’T it time Business Secretary Vince Cable stopped trying to salve his conscience for supporting a repressive administration fit only for the Middle Ages, by constantly referring to “the situation we inherited”. Isn’t it also true that his muchvaunted
-
Date
Celebrity concert
The Shiney Row Male Voice Choir will mark its 54th anniversary with a celebrity concert, featuring the world-renowned tenor Mark Le Brocq as the guest soloist, at the Ewesley Road Methodist Church, Sunderland, at 7pm on Saturday April 27. Tickets are
-
Date
Clare’s back – and she wants a man
NEARLY four years after she last wreaked havoc in C4’s Hollyoaks, Gemma Bissix is returning to the soap as villainous Clare Devine. And yes, she says, expect more drama and destruction in her wake. Fans still recall how Bissix’s Hollyoaks alter
-
Date
Expenses
LAST year the chairman of Durham County Council received an £8,580 clothing allowance and the vice-chairman £4,280. Usually the vice-chairman becomes chairman the following year. So that means each councillor receives £12,860 over a two-year period
-
Date
No charity in this home
JAI probably can’t believe his luck in Emmerdale (ITV1). He’s on the point of confessing to wife Charity that he’s the secret father of Rachel’s baby, Archie, when Charity fesses up to having a one-night stand with Declan. Why spoil the moment,
-
Date
North-East law firm becomes member of technology park
A NORTH-EAST business law firm has become a member of a specialist technology partnership. The Endeavour Partnership, based in Stockton, is now part of NETPark Net, in Sedgefield, which supports companies developing printable electronic and microelectronic
-
Date
Fans urged to zip across a football pitch to raise money for charity
A MIDDLESBROUGH defender is encouraging fans to take part in a thrilling zip-wire challenge and raise money for charity at the same time. Jonathan Woodgate is challenging them to defy gravity at 35 miles per hour along the 200-metres zip-wire -
-
Date
The ultimate Bond girl
Danny Boyle hit an all-time high when he directed the Queen in the Olympic opening ceremony. But he’s equally happy with the more run-of-the-mill stars in his latest thriller Trance, he tells Steve Pratt OSCAR-WINNING director Danny Boyle has made
-
Date
Cracking ideas
Decorating rooms for the Easter holiday weekend is becoming more and more popular. Gabrielle Fagan finds out how you can add some special touches EASTER is a lovely opportunity to decorate the home and let the children lend a helping hand. Whether
-
Date
Bishop 'delighted' at work on Ushaw College
A CATHOLIC bishop says he is delighted at the progress of work to determine the long-term future of a 200-year-old former seminary. Ushaw College, near Durham City, closed after more than 200 years of training would-be Catholic priests in the summer
-
Date
Free to speak – and sing
FREEDOM of speech was the buzz phrase in the news last week because of the frantic efforts of the political parties to draw the Leveson proposals on press regulation to some kind of satisfactory conclusion. It’s ironic, because I can’t remember
-
Date
He’s still an inspiration
ANNOUNCING to the world that his fifth diagnosis of cancer was terminal, Sir Bobby Robson said: “My condition is described as static and has not altered since my last bout of chemotherapy. I am going to die sooner rather than later. But then everyone
-
Date
Great temptations
Bettys experts teach chocoholic Ruth Campbell about the delicate art of tempering, creating indulgent fillings and how to finish an exquisite, irresistible hand-made chocolate IT was a dilemma. When I was invited along to Bettys, in Harrogate,
-
Date
Joe’s difficult Dales
Leading North-East photographer Joe Cornish talks to Ruth Addicott about his new exhibition and why the Dales proved his biggest challenge yet HIS pictures may give the impression of time standing still, but in real time, landscape photographer
-
Date
Easter fun at Durham shopping centre
CHILDREN are invited to hunt for eggs at a city shopping centre this Easter. The Prince Bishops shopping centre, in Durham City, will host an egg hunt on Good Friday and Easter Saturday. Cut-out eggs will be hidden in various stores. Children
-
Date
Keeping up with The Beatles beat
JAMES JORDAN grew up listening to The Beatles when his grandparents played cassettes of their songs in the car driving on long road trips on holiday. Now the Middlesbrough-born musician makes a living in tribute bands recreating the Fab Four’s music
-
Date
Watching you, watching me
As TV and the web move ever closer together, streaming company Netflix is taking a thoughtful approach to social features. Giles Turnbull reports INTERNET companies love making their services “social”. If you can share what you’re doing with
-
Date
Centre stage
Steve Pratt talks to Heather Dutton, who is taking part in Dark Horse Theatre’s first national tour with a production of Sing Something Simple WASHINGTON-BORN actress Heather Dutton’s audition for Dark Horse Theatre’s world premiere tour of Sing
-
Date
Brighton Choccy Rocks
Master chocolatier Christine Taylor is back, creating sweet treats for celebrities. Keeley Bolger reports Serves four Ingredients: Two egg whites 100g caster sugar 2tbsp cocoa 75g roasted almonds, roughly chopped 50g milk
-
Date
From stutter to soapbox
Former stutterer Matthew Richardson has talked himself into jobs all over the world, helping others who suffer from the condition SITTING on the veranda outside Nelson Mandela’s former home made me realise how far I have come. Not only had I just
-
Date
Singer Holly hits the right notes at Teen Star contest
A TEENAGER is celebrating after qualifying for the area finals of a talent contest. Singer Holly Bowron, 13, was one of 12 aspiring young stars who progressed from the 13 to 15 age group in the North-East finals of the Teen Star competition, held
-
Date
The hot stone zone
Lizzie Anderson lets her worries ebb away at Durham City’s latest beauty retreat TUCKED away in the grounds of the Marriott Royal County Hotel, in Old Elvet, Durham City, The Beauty Centre is a hidden treasure. Despite being only minutes from the
-
Date
Press Freedom
GEOFFREY BULMER is either naive or is one of those people who believes everything those in the establishment tell them (HAS, Mar 20). If it had not been for the press we would not have known about the MPs’ expenses scandal, for instance, and many
-
Date
Spring chicken style
Lisa Haynes reveals how to work this season’s vivid citrus shades WHAT better way to welcome spring than with hues inspired by blooming daffodils and Easter chicks? Traditionally high-summer col and there are a multitude of ways to work these bright
-
Date
Lescott hopes for more games
JOLEON Lescott admits his World Cup dreams are likely to hinge on whether he is playing regular first-team football next season. Lescott heads into England’s World Cup qualifier against Montenegro on the back of what has been a rollercoaster 18
-
Date
Supermarket boost for Gateway Social Club in Harrowgate Hill
A SOCIAL club for people with learning disabilities has benefited from £200 after Asda shoppers got behind the cause. The Mencap Gateway Social Club, which meets twice-weekly at its base in Harrowgate Hill, Darlington, won the most tokens as part
-
Date
North East MP takes students on a tour of Parliament
A NORTH EAST MP took students from the region on a tour of Parliament last week. On Budget Day (Wednesday March 20), Darlington MP Jenny Chapman showed 36 students from the town’s Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College around Westminster. Their
-
Date
Firefighters rescue woman from flat fire
A WOMAN received hospital treatment after being rescued from her smoke-filled flat early today (Monday, March 25). Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus brought the woman from the flats complex above shops at Cheveley Park, Belmont, Durham.
-
Date
RAF pilot turned author inspires Northallerton students
A FORMER RAF pilot who became a successful author after writing to while away time on an airbase, has been inspiring younger generations. Children’s author Mark Robson recently spent the day at Allertonshire School in Northallerton, where he spoke
-
Date
Halliday urges Boro to prove quality
ANDY HALLIDAY thinks Middlesbrough have one of the best squads in the Championship and has urged his team-mates to prove it by reviving the club’s ailing promotion hopes. Boro have slipped to five points adrift of the play-off zone after a horrendous
-
Date
Spring gardens walk
FRIENDS of Old Durham Gardens will hold a Spring Garden Walk around the gardens of various Durham University colleges on Sunday, April 14. Walkers should meet outside the Durham Heritage Centre, on North Bailey, Durham, at 10am. There will be a £1
-
Date
Late try ends Blaydon's promotion hopes
BLAYDON'S slender hopes of staying in the promotion frame in National One were extinguished by a controversial late try at Ealing Trailfinders. Having beaten the leaders by one point at Crow Trees, they lost 12-11 after a tremendous effort by the forwards
-
Date
Time running out for Pools
TIME is fast running out for Hartlepool United, but Evan Horwood is out to make the most of it. Their latest 0-0 draw, against Walsall at Victoria Park on Saturday, dumped them bottom of the table. Ahead of an Easter double header against MK Dons and
-
Date
Match Report: Hartlepool United 0 Walsall 0
Final score: Hartlepool United 0 Walsall 0 LAST time Hartlepool United and Walsall met, both sides were badly out of form. The 1-1 November draw at the Bank's Stadium left Pools 19 games without a win, as the Saddlers racked up a 15th winless
-
Date
Durham face up to financial reality
AS Durham prepare to start the new season on minus 2.5 points because of exceeding the ECB's salary cap they are surprised that they are the only ones in breach. Surrey are the obvious candidates for scrutiny after following up their extensive
-
Date
Postponement boosts Morpeth
MORPETH Harriers' desperate SOS for club runners to turn out in the final fixture of the Start Fitness North-East Harrier League paid dividends as they won the First Division title for the first time since 1988 on a gruelling course at Prudhoe. Morpeth
-
Date
Strong defence sees Mowden home
MOWDEN Park are known for their skilful, attacking rugby, but on a day for battening down it was their outstanding defence which enabled them to beat the National Two North leaders. Rorke's Drift cannot have witnessed a more heroic effort than
-
Date
Yarm School success lays down a marker, says coach Stuart Hardy
YARM SCHOOL coach Stuart Hardy believes his side's 17-15 win to lift the Daily Mail RBS Under-18 Vase at Twickenham has laid down a marker to fellow North-East schools Durham and Barnard Castle. Both Durham and Barnard Castle have tasted Twickenham
-
Date
Match Report: Bedlington Terriers 0 Darlington 4
Final Score: Bedlington Terriers 0 Darlington 4 Another game, another win. It's becoming repetitive, like a scratched record, but nobody at Darlington is complaining about being stuck in the groove. They appear to have reached a state of perpetual
-
Date
Council could face Audit Commission inquiry in "clothing allowance" row
A COUNCIL has been reported to the Audit Commission amid a row over the payment of a so-called “clothing allowance” to its chairwoman and her deputy. Liberal Democrat Mark Wilkes said he has written to the District Auditor to ask for an investigation
-
Date
Charities' fears over council tax changes
CHARITIES say changes in council tax benefit will lead to a “wave of social problems”. Involve Yorkshire and Humber, which represents the voluntary and community sector, says nearly 240,000 people from the poorest households will face bills of
-
Date
Former factory worker Tony now a financial high-flier
MEET THE BOSS: Tony Slimmings, director at WR Financial Management ARMED with a briefcase and a pocket full of business buzzwords, Tony Slimmings was ready for anything. Or so he thought. Fresh from a whirlwind two-week course on banking
-
Date
Sir Bobby's legacy is his charity work
Sir Bobby Robson was loved by millions for his sporting success, his warmth and his humour. The foundation he launched while dying from cancer marks its fifth anniversary today with the announcement it has raised more than £5m to fight the disease.
-
Date
Sir Bobby's £5m in five years
THE Sir Bobby Robson Foundation has smashed the £5m mark just five years after it was set up to raise a modest £500,000. Supporters will celebrate the charity's fifth anniversary today (MONDAY 25) knowing they have raised more than ten times the
-
Date
eardale museum opening for Easter weekend
MUSEUM OPENING: The Weardale Museum in Ireshopeburn, County Durham, will be open for visitors from Friday, March 29, until Monday, April 1, inclusive from 2pm to 5pm.
-
Date
REG Man accused of Christmas murder in court
A MAN has appeared in court charged with the murder of a woman on Christmas Eve last year. Peter Edward Yorke, 46, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court today (March 25) for a plea and case management hearing. Mr Yorke is accused of stabbing to
-
Date
Appeal for help in plus size competition
A BISHOP Auckland woman has reached the national final of a plus size modelling competition. Laura Gentles was inspired to enter Miss Plus Size International after watching the event last year. The size 18-20 25-year-old is one of 30 women
-
Date
Spennymoor FA Vase game moved for TV broadcast
SPENNYMOOR Town’s FA Vase semi-final second leg will now kick-off at 5.30pm after Guernsey asked for permission to stream the game back to its fans. The match at the Brewery Field on Saturday (March 30) will now be broadcast live on the Channel
-
Date
Barnard Castle Meet application for £1,000 turned down
NO GO: An application by the organisers of the Barnard Castle Meet to Teesdale Action Partnership (TAP) for £1,000 towards the cost of materials for carnival floats in this year's parade has been rejected. TAP members said they did not feel the application
-
Date
Horses found dead in field by dog walker
FIVE dead horses have been found dumped in a field by a man walking his dog. Colin Waite, of Crook, spotted the decimated animals near the River Wear, at Witton Park, Bishop Auckland, at the weekend and called the police. The horses were removed
-
Date
Community groups and businesses urged to write in support of Teesdale and Weardale superfast broadband bid
COMMUNITY groups, businesses and parish councils are being urged to back the bid to bring high speed broadband to rural Teesdale and Weardale. Durham County Council is attempting to secure £1.53m from the Government's Rural Community Broadband
-
Date
All roads lead to Barnard Castle with plans for two town trails
THE first of two projects aimed at helping visitors to Barnard Castle get the most out of their time in the Teesdale town is being launched this week. The Barney Guild – the town's traders' association – is unveiling the Barney Trail in time for
-
Date
Investigation launched after two hurt by air rifle pellets in Spennymoor
POLICE are hunting for a mystery gunman after two people – one a seven-year-old girl – were hit with an air rifle in broad daylight. An investigation has been launched after a 52-year-old man called police to say he had been struck by a pellet
-
Date
District nurses reach patient with a little help from Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team
DISTRICT nurses reached a seriously ill patient thanks to the efforts of Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team and an intrepid snowplough driver. Volunteers helped Catherine Ronald and Julie Smith reach their patient, who was cut
-
Date
reg dig: Car damaged by snowballing youths
UNDER FIRE: A car was damaged and several houses targeted by youths throwing snowballs in Cockfield, near Bishop Auckland, last Friday night. Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them on 101.