Archive
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Paralympic hero Josef Craig collects MBE from the Queen
NORTH-EAST Paralympic hero Josef Craig, 16, received his MBE from the Queen at Buckingham Palace today. The 16-year-old, winner of the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award, was the jount winner of The Northern Echo's Local Heroes Awards
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Benfield through to League Cup semis
Newcastle Benfield are through to the semi finals of the Northern League cup, after they won 1-0 at Billingham Synthonia last night. The only goal of the game was by Stephen Young on 29 minutes after Haydn Bell hit the post. Benfield will be away
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England hold on for a point
England survived a second-half battering to snatch a precious point in their World Cup qualifier with group leaders Montenegro in Podgorica. Roy Hodgson's side were the better side in the opening 45 minutes and deserved their lead through Wayne Rooney's
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Special takeaway delivery - from North-East Indian restaurant to African jungle
INDIAN restaurant owner Akki Ahmed does takeways but does not deliver - not even to the end of his street. But he decided to make an exception when he was asked to take 100 of his speciality Bangladeshi fish dishes to deep in the African jungle
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Late equaliser secures a point for Gateshead
JOSH Gillies' free kick ten minutes before time secured a point for Gateshead against Grimsby Town at a freezing cold Victoria Park tonight. Gateshead, playing their 'home game' at Hartlepool because the surface at the International Stadium remains
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David Miliband quitting as MP to work for New York-based charity
NORTH-EAST MP David Miliband is tomorrow expected to announce he is quitting Parliament with immediate effect. It has been reported tonight that the former Foreign Secretary has accepted a "dream job" for a charity in New York. The South Shields
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Mine warfare expert joins Darlington subsea firm
A LEADING North-East subsea company has appointed an expert from the Royal Navy to spearhead its new underwater vehicle division. Darlington-based Modus Seabed Intervention has begun an investment programme into a planned fleet of new Autonomous
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Time to budget by Michael Rankin
MR Osborne delivered his most recent budget speech this time last week. As many of the redtop headlines suggested, the details were as unpopular as ever, writes Michael Rankin. This may be due to the fall in predicted growth for the country, which
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Ex rat catcher and government speech writer joins North-East law firm
A FORMER pest controller who penned speeches for cabinet ministers has joined an expanding legal firm. A solicitor for the past 16 years, Aidan Loy spent a number of years at the heart of government, working in the Cabinet Office and the Department
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Cyclist injured in road accident
A CYCLIST was treated for minor injuries following a rush-hour incident in a North-East town. The man, understood to be in his 40s or 50s, came off his bicycle on a roundabout at the junction of Neasham Road, Geneva Road and Parkside, in Darlington
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A beacon for a new Redcar
A brightly coloured, futuristic new building has slowly come to dominate Redcar’s famous seafront and has hardly been out of the news, often for all the wrong reasons, for more than a year. Chris Webber found out more. IT is probably fair to say
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Date set for next Newton Aycliffe spiritualist service
AYCLIFFE Spiritual Church’s next service, at the Agnew Community Centre, Morrison Close, Woodham, will take place at 7pm on Monday, April 8. The visiting medium will be Christine Dodds. Tea and coffee will be served afterwards. There will be no service
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Time behind bars may benefit drink driver
A DRUNKEN banned motorist who repeatedly tailgated a newly qualified driver was today (Tuesday March 26) jailed for 19 months. Durham Crown Court heard that the sentence may, however, help to prolong the life of the defendant, Gary McKitten.
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York number plates stolen
CAR PLATES: York Police are appealing for information following the theft of car number plates. In one incident, thieves stole the front and rear plates from a Seat Leon in Haxby, York, overnight between Tuesday, March 19, and Wednesday, March
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Sedgefield youngster receives top photography tips after winning competition
AN aspiring photographer received top tips from a professional today (Tuesday, March 26) after winning the first round of a national photography competition. Eight-year-old Lauren Worsley beat of tough competition to be crowned the Rotary Club
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Hundreds of deaths from North-East to Scotland in 'puffin wreck'
HUNDREDS of puffins washed up on the east coast of the UK are likely to have died of starvation as a result of the severe weather. RSPB Scotland said it has taken numerous calls from members of the public about the birds, found on beaches stretching
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Councillor calls for grass verge repairs in Darlington street
DARLINGTON Borough Council has been accused of failing to back a possible solution to the problem of cars damaging grass verges. Residents in Davison Road, off Salters Lane North, are forced to park on the grass verges due to the width of the road
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Darlington children deliver Easter treat
DARLINGTON children delivered an Easter treat at a special church service today (Tuesday, March 26). More than 70 pupils from the town’s Abbey Junior School gathered at St Cuthbert’s Church to perform a selection of popular Easter songs for the
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Darlington FC fans group issues membership certificates
THE fans group with a majority stake in Darlington FC has issued membership certificates. About 800 founder members of Darlington FC Community Interest Company (CIC) have been sent the certificates, together with a covering letter and personal
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Pub window broken
WITNESS APPEAL A window was broken at the Glittering Star pub in Darlington on Friday, March 22. The incident took place between 7.30pm and 9.30pm. Police believe the damage may have been caused by a ball bearing or a pellet and are appealing for anyone
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Green Howards Museum celebrates almost £1m of funding from National Lottery
A MUSEUM dedicated to the 300-year history of the Green Howards has been awarded almost £1m from the Heritage Lottery Fund to pay for a major redevelopment. The Green Howards Museum in Richmond, North Yorkshire, will have improvements made to
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Church holds quiz night
QUIZ NIGHT: A quiz night is to take place at Shildon Methodist Church on Friday, April 5. Entry is by donation with £3.50 the minimum with a pie and pea supper included. Details from 01388-773171.
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Warning over stolen medication
BURGLARY WARNING: Police are warning that five packs of pills stolen in a burglary could cause serious harm to anyone who takes them. An elderly woman had the medication and some jewellery stolen in the theft, at Robson Court in Hartlepool between
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Psychologist found drunk behind wheel of car
A PSYCHOLOGIST escaped a driving ban despite being found drunk behind the wheel of her car. Darlington woman Christina Hall-Beasley, 43, was two-and-a-half times over the drink drive limit when police spotted her slumped at the wheel of her car
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MP visits dementia cafe
DARLINGTON MP Jenny Chapman visited a dementia cafe to show her support for those living with the condition. The Alzheimer’s Society and The Lawns Care Home in Ridsdale Street, Darlington, have teamed up to open the cafe which is dedicated to supporting
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On the lookout for future Paralympians
DISABLED sportsmen and women are invited to be assessed by coaches during a Disability Talent Identification Event at Maiden Castle sports ground, near Durham City, on Tuesday, April 23. The event, which runs from 6pm to 9pm, is for over 16s. Sports
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A67 between Darlington and Barnard Castle could remain closed for months following landslip
A MAJOR commuter route could remain closed for months following a landslip. The A67 from Darlington to Barnard Castle was closed at Low Carlbury between High Coniscliffe and Piercebridge last Tuesday (March 19) after further ground movement was
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Darlington students perform school production to sell-out crowds
AMATEUR actors enjoyed their first taste of fame as they performed their production of Les Miserables to sell-out crowds. After a term of rehearsals, students Hummersknott Academy, in Darlington, took to the stage to perform their take on the world-famous
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Temporary replacement for Richmond TIC set up for Easter
INFORMATION POINT: Temporary replacements for Richmond’s recently closed Tourist Information Centre will be set up in time for the Easter weekend. Information points will be opened at the Station, the Georgian Theatre Royal and Richmond Castle
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Egan signs Sunderland contract extension while Reed leaves on loan
SUNDERLAND defender John Egan has signed a one-year contract extension with the club. The Republic of Ireland under-21 international joined the club in 2009 and made his first-team debut last summer in South Korea as part of pre-season. The
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Violin-playing six-year-old wins music competition for under-18s
AFTER a violin-playing six-year-old won a music competition for under 18s her teachers are wondering if they have a child prodigy on their hands. Katy Sludds, a year one pupil at Polam Hall School in Darlington, won first prize in the under 18s
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Cash seized from criminals helps former addicts in conservation project
A LOCAL charity helping people through addiction has received funding from a police campaign that gives money seized from criminals. Hambleton and Richmondshire Community Addiction Service (HARCAS) will be using cash from the Why Should They? campaign
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Rare tree event
A rare event to see some of the oldest trees in the North York Moors National Park is being held on April 20. Visitors will get the chance to walk through the medieval deer park on the Duncombe estate, near Helmsley and discover how conservation work
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Rent increases for council tenants
COUNCIL house rents in Richmondshire will rise by on average four per cent for the next 12 months. But the district council has managed to keep the increase lower than in the previous two years – when it levied a seven per cent rise. “Each
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Man stabbed friend in instant reaction to punch
A MAN stabbed a friend in the leg during a row over noise at a house party. Thomas Arthur Hobkirk, 20, asked three youths to quieten down in the kitchen at his sister’s home, in Malvern Crescent, Seaham. But when one threw a punch, which missed
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Vulnerable man threatened with axe after giving up drug dealing
A “VULNERABLE” man was threatened with an axe after he quit dealing drugs, a court heard. Daniel Wayne Tansey, 20, admitted dealing cannabis but claimed he had been working for another man who held an axe to his throat after he revealed he wanted
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Diesel locomotive set to return to the rails
A HISTORIC diesel locomotive that was a regular sight on the East Coast Main Line during the 1960s and 70s is returning to the region next month. Alycidon, one of only six survivors of the famous Deltic class of engines that operated on the London
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College looking to spring with gardening club launch
SNOW may still be on the ground, but a college is already looking ahead to spring by launching a new gardening club. East Durham College will begin the club at its Houghall campus, near Durham City, on Wednesday, April 10, with two-hour sessions
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Pedestrian killed in night time Whitby crash
A PEDESTRIAN has died after being hit by four separate vehicles near Whitby. Police are appealing for witnesses to the collision in which 43-year-old Darren Charles Stawman of Bridlington was killed. It happened at around 8.30pm on Sunday,
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Ton-up Hetty follows in her mother's footsteps
LONGEVITY appears to be in the genes for a former member of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) who celebrated her 100th birthday today (March 26). Hetty Iseton, who enjoyed a birthday party with her family and friends at Middleton Hall Retirement
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Youths try out their driving skills in self-built beach buggies
SIX young people took to a karting track to test their motoring skills in beach buggies they had built themselves. The project has seen six unemployed youths from Redcar develop their experience and educational skills with help from the Territorial
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Crackdown on known offenders in Darlington leads to more than 30 arrests
MORE than 30 people have been arrested as part of an ongoing crackdown on known criminals. Operation Arizona was launched by Darlington police in January after a rise in the number of thefts from vehicles over Christmas. As part of the operation
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Relatives of King Richard III seek to overturn ruling and have him buried in York
FIFTEEN living relatives of King Richard III, whose body was unearthed from a council car park last year, have launched a bid to have him buried in the North. Archaeologists from the University of Leicester were granted permission to excavate the
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Dance double bill at Gala
A DOUBLE bill of contemporary dance created by a North-East choreographer will be staged this weekend (Saturday, March 30). Apple Yang, of Appetite Dance Productions, has devised Crush and Letter to My Father, which will both be staged at the Gala
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News from the North
FLYING HIGH: The Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington, near York, has been named as a finalist in this year’s Visit England Awards For Excellence. The museum has made the shortlist in the category of Tourism Experience of the Year. ROYAL ROLE: The
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Dragonboat taster session
A FREE introductory session to Dragonboat racing is taking place at the River Tees Watersports Centre in Stockton this Saturday (March 30). All equipment is provided and the session will begin with a brief induction before participants will take
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Man investigated for faking prescriptions caught growing cannabis
A MAN under investigation for faking medical prescriptions was caught growing cannabis, a court heard today (Wednesday March 26). Hari Jandoo, prosecuting, said police were alerted after a pharmacy became suspicious about a prescription handed
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Cold water poured on campaign to honour 'Aycliffe Angels'
A MINISTER appeared to pour cold water on a campaign to recognise forgotten female heroes of the Second World War today (Tuesday, March 26). Pressure is growing for a badge to be awarded to tens of thousands of surviving munitions workers, including
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REG PIC Bike club's charity Easter egg appeal receives unexpected boost
AN APPEAL to bring Easter joy to youngsters at a women’s refuge has received an unexpected boost from a major manufacturing company. Every year, Aycliffe Bike Club collects Easter Eggs to donate to children at the Wear Valley Women’s aid refuge
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Task force looks to the future after Ripon barracks closure
A SPECIAL task force is being set up to plan for the future after an Army barracks closes for good in four years’ time. Hundreds of soldiers and their families will be moving out of Ripon when the city’s Claro Barracks is closed in 2017. Its
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Unsigned act will headline music event
A YOUNG unsigned music act could get the chance to perform alongside Primal Scream and the Proclaimers at this year’s Stockton Weekender festival. A housing group is offering local unsigned bands and musicians a chance to win the opening slot on
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Richmond School students become reporters for the day
BUDDING journalists got a taste of working to a deadline after taking part in a BBC-run project which enabled students to create their own news programme. Richmond School pupils had until 2pm on Thursday, March 21, to put their newsgathering and
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'Railway Children' locomotive on track for busy summer in North Yorkshire
VOLUNTEERS have been sprucing up a piece of the region’s railway heritage, as it prepares for a busy summer season hauling passengers. The last-surviving J72 class locomotive, No. 69023, affectionately known as Joem, has been painstakingly maintained
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Sixth form college drops A levels in favour of vocational courses
A COLLEGE in the region has scrapped A-Levels to focus on vocational qualifications. South Tyneside College has decided to stop offering the academic courses from September this year. Instead it wants to focus on giving students the "best possible
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Easter egg hunt
AN EASTER egg hunt organised by a local charity is taking place in Richmond’s Westfield pastures on Saturday, March 30 from 2pm. Richmond Open Spaces Appeal has organised the event, starting from the lay-by next to the allotments in Westfields,
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Charity shop plans furniture sale
The PDSA shop at 120C Front Street, Chester-le-Street, will hold a one-off sale of furniture and electrical goods on Sunday April 14 from 10am to 4pm to raise money to help pay the veterinary bills of people on benefits. For information call Phil Clark
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Special needs students look to the future
STUDENTS have been discovering how to plan for their futures with the help of specialists. More than 20 different organisations from across the North of England attended an annual event designed to inspire students with special needs. Hosted
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Richmond Mayor's dinner to raise funds for charities
A FUNDRAISING dinner is taking place in Richmond Town Hall for the mayor's charities on Friday, April 19. Mayor Stuart Parsons’s chosen charities this year are the Sylvia Crathorne Memorial Trust, which helps with preserving and modernising the
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Man charged with string of historic sexual offences
A MAN appeared in court charged with a string of historic sexual offences today (Tuesday March 26). Michael John Evers, 59, from Middlesex, is accused of indecently assaulting a teenager in Darlington during the 1980s. Mr Evers, who did not
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Nightclub to mark six years in business
A NIGHTCLUB and music venue that has played host to some of the most exciting acts on the indie scene is celebrating its sixth anniversary this weekend. Seen and Inside Out opened in Beaumont Street, Darlington, in 2007 and celebrates six years
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Eco-friendly gas buses introduced into Darlington
A NORTH EAST town has become one of the first in the UK to welcome a fleet of new environmentally-friendly gas buses. Eleven of the gas-powered buses have been introduced on routes around Darlington by Arriva, as part of a £2.2m investment into
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Stokesley's independent shops stage Easter trail
INDEPENDENT businesses in Stokesley are staging an Easter egg hunt through the town centre. Visitors to the North Yorkshire market town can pick up an egg trail map from retailers along the High Street and then begin a hunt for the Easter characters
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Tributes paid to long standing Shildon councillor
TRIBUTES have been paid to "a good friend to the people of Shildon" has died aged of 71. Vernon Chapman, 71, spent nearly 40-years as a councillor - serving on Sedgefield borough and Shildon town councils. He also represented Shildon West on
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Got a second to give Louis a hand with his clock?
THE owner of a grandfather clock thought to have been made in the North-East in the 19th century needs a hand in tracing the timepiece’s forgotten past. Louis Hristovski, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, bought the seven-and-a-half-feet tall clock
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British Transport Police launch investigation after brick thrown at train window in Newton Aycliffe
A BRICK was thrown through the window of a train as it was leaving a station. No-one was hurt but PC Steve Maddison, of the British Transport Police, said the incident could have had fatal results. It happened at around 4.15pm on Saturday,
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Beauty support for Kenyan school
MORE than 80 people attended a charity beauty event which raised £750 for a UK charity set up to support an African school. Clarins beauty specialists from the Beauty Hall at Barkers, in Northallerton, provided their expertise as well as raffle
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Burglar tried to force his victim to tell police he was mistaken, court told
A BURGLAR who tried to get his elderly victim to tell police he had made a mistake about the crime has been jailed. Martin Beckman snatched the pensioner's coin collection from his home in High Kilburn, North Yorkshire, last August. After the
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Sunderland fan charged after 'racist' gesture
A FOOTBALL supporter accused of making a monkey gesture at a Premier League footballer has been charged with a racially aggravated offence. Liam Jones, 21, of Hendon, Sunderland, was arrested after pictures showed him apparently making the gesture
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Easter art on offer at flagship gallery
EASTER ART: Children can create Easter-inspired artwork to take home at Middlesbrough’s flagship art gallery. A special Easter art trolley will run at mima over the school holidays from Tuesday, April 2 to Friday, April 5 and Tuesday, April 9 to
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Horse rider aims for Paralympics after horrific injuries
AN EQUESTRIAN fanatic has spoken of her determination to compete at the Paralympics after twice battling back from having her skull crushed by horses. Claire Hope, of Hambleton, near Thirsk, said she hopes to challenge in a dressage competition
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Darlington samurai sword threat case to be heard at crown court
The case of a Darlington man who is alleged to have threatening to kill people with a samurai sword will be dealt with at crown court. Darren Paul Christer, 37, of Zetland Street, denies a charge of affray when he appeared at Darlington Magistrate
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Thirsk School celebrates sporting success
THIRSK School pupils are celebrating sporting success after the under-13 boys hockey team became the North of England champions, the under-14 girls basketball team were crowned North Yorkshire champions and 15-year-old Jack Spence competed in the under
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Woman jailed after stealing disabled man's £7,000 savings
A WOMAN with an "appalling" record is behind bars for snatching a disabled man's savings while an accomplice pinned him to the floor. Alisha Teal was criticised by a judge for refusing to name her mystery partner in crime or reveal what had happened
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Dragon's Den star Duncan Bannatyne puts £875,000 home up for sale
Dragon's den star Duncan Bannatyne has put his luxury home up for sale to begin a new chapter in his life. With an £875,000 price tag, prospective buyers will have the chance of a five-bedroom contemporary house which overlooks the exclusive estate's
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Lottery prize yet to be claimed
A Lotto prize of £125,615 has yet to be claimed in Gateshead. The mystery winner matched five numbers and the bonus ball (12, 19, 25, 36, 44, 46 and the bonus 18) in the draw on Saturday March 9. The lucky ticket-holder has until Thursday September
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Foodbank opens in Billingham town centre
A FOODBANK to help people and families in crisis opened in the centre of Billingham yesterday (Monday, March 25). The Billingham Foodbank was opened by MP Alex Cunningham in West Precinct and will open every Tuesday and Thursday from 11am until
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Fabrication firm playing a big part
AN engineering firm, which hopes to supply parts to a £70m North-East train building project, has expanded after buying another company. Teescraft Engineering, based in South Church Enterprise Park, in Bishop Auckland, has taken over neighbouring
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Northern Rock-run firm in loans promise
THE company running the so-called bad part of Northern Rock repaid £4bn to taxpayers in its last financial year and said it expects to repay all of its government loans in full. However, UK Asset Resolution Limited (Ukar) which manages Northern
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MP steps up his campaign to increase number of heart-start machines in public places
A NORTH-EAST MP has stepped up the campaign to install life-saving equipment in all schools, gyms and public buildings. Grahame Morris, Labour MP for Easington, said defibrillators are the best way to combat Sudden Death Syndrome which kills thousands
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Railway stopped in tracks by weather
A HERITAGE railway line will not be fully reopened in time for Easter after being defeated by the weather. Volunteers have been battling for weeks to put the Wensleydale railway back on track after a major landslip on a remote embankment. They
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New mortgage helps keep air ambulance flying
BUILDING society bosses have launched a mortgage that helps raise funds for a life-saving charity. For every ‘Affinity’ mortgage taken out by Darlington Building Society customers, the society will donate £250 to the Great North Air Ambulance Service
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Healthy living leads to weight loss for Middlesbrough friends
TWO friends have lost more than three stone between them after embarking on a healthy living programme. The New Life, New You programme is aimed at people aged between 40 and 65 in Middlesbrough, with a focus on those most at risk of developing
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Children to enjoy three days of science fun at Durham University
A UNIVERSITY has launched a three-day science festival for more than 600 children. Durham University’s annual Schools’ Science Festival began today (Tuesday, March 26) and runs until Thursday. Workshops include ‘Bounce & Splat’ –described
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Easter fun at Durham's Crook Hall
FAMILIES are invited to spend Easter enjoying a medieval hall and gardens. Crook Hall and Gardens, in Durham City, will host an Easter Treasure Hunt from Thursday (March 28) to Tuesday, April 2, with the Easter Bunny on hand to help children taking
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Community centre spruced up by residents
BRIGHTENED UP: A community centre has received a makeover thanks to a donation from Dulux and the efforts of local residents. Red Hall Community Centre on Headingley Crescent won a paint donation from Dulux after being nominated for its Let’s Colour
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Tyne shipyard rebirth moves a step closer
THE multi-million pound rebirth of a famous North-East shipyard has taken a major step forward. The partner to develop the former Swan Hunter yard was confirmed by North Tyneside Council’s cabinet last week, but is unable to be identified until
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'This is Durham' campaign reaches international audience
THE North-East’s coast and countryside is being showcased to an international audience as part of a high-profile advertising campaign. The Visit County Durham (VCD) campaign to attract tourists to County Durham is based on the slogan ‘This is Durham
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Open mic night for authors to be held on Thursday in Darlington
THE next open mic night for authors, supported by Darlington for Culture, will be at Voodoo Cafe, in Skinnergate, Darlington, on Thursday (March 28). The event offers a forum writers to read their material to an audience. The sessions starts
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How to be a Lady: An Elegant History (BBC4, 9pm)
HOW to be a Lady: An Elegant History is not another reality-telly effort helmed by the likes of Rosemary Shrager whipping tomboys into shape. However, while former editor of Lady magazine Rachel Johnson knows a thing or two about this age-old subject
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The Great British Bake Off Easter Masterclass ( BBC2, 8pm)
What is it about The Great British Bake Off that’s made it such a success? Maybe it’s the gentle, kindly nature of the show, and judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood. Unlike talent shows things never get too personal in the safety of the Bake Off
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Easter egg hunt at Durham Indoor Market
A MARKET hall will host an Easter egg hunt next week (April 1-5). Durham Indoor Market’s Easter Egg Hunt will run from Easter Monday to Friday, April 5. On Easter Monday, Barnaby Bear from the Bear Bottoms stall will be on hand to help children
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Darlington crash driver was 'five times over limit' at 9.25am
A MOTORIST arrested after his car crashed into three vehicles was allegedly five times the drink-drive limit, police said today. The 40-year-old was being held in Darlington after police were called to Haughton Road at about 9.25am, following reports
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Charity bag pack
A MULTIPLE Sclerosis sufferer is doing a bag pack to raise money for the MS Trust. Mother-of-two Liz Hilland, of Kimblesworth, near Chester-le-Street, will pack shopping in return for donations at Sainsbury’s, the Arnison Centre, Pity Me, Durham
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Farmers' market comes to RSPB Saltholme this weekend
LOCALLY sourced produce will be on sale when a farmers' market comes to a Teesside nature reserve. The Northern Dales Farmers’ Market will be at RSPB Saltholme, near Stockton, on Saturday (March 30) between 9am and 3pm. The same producers hold
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Easter fun for air ambulance
CHESTER-le-Street’s Wilkinson store will raise money for the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) on Friday (March 29). Staff at the shop in Osborne Road will don fancy dress and run an in-store Easter egg hunt for children. The GNAAS
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Keeping Britain Alive: The NHS in a Day (BBC, 9pm)
KEEPING Britain Alive: The NHS in a Day does what it says on the tin – a portrait of the NHS in October last year when 100 camera crews flitted across the UK to film the inner workings of the service. The first episode investigates how it copes
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Woman robbed by "yellow-toothed" thief
A YOUNG woman was pushed to the ground and robbed by a man with “long, yellow teeth” as she made her way to her local supermarket. The 26-year-old victim was on her way to Asda on Ormesby Road in Middlesbrough at about 11am on Thursday, March 21when
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Payday loan company set to expand
A LATVIAN payday loan company has revealed plans to double the size of its North-East workforce. 4finance Limited, which has its UK headquarters in Stockton, expects to employ about 60 staff by the end of this year and it is already eyeing new
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Banking stocks suffer amid Cyprus uncertainty
FEARS over the precedent set by the deal to prevent Cyprus crashing out of the eurozone sparked fresh alarm among investors yesterday. Global markets were spooked after a senior European official said the bank restructuring plan in Cyprus should
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Cape Tribulation to return
TRAINER Malcolm Jefferson has confirmed stable star Cape Tribulation will end his season in the Betfred Bowl at Aintree on Thursday week. The nine-year-old booked his place in the Cheltenham Gold Cup with victory in the Argento Chase in January
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Wordiness can land fourth-in-a-row
WORDINESS has been in tremendous form since the turn of the year and has an excellent opportunity to bag a fourth consecutive victory at Lingfield. The son of Dansili has raised his game considerably since being stepped up to distances of around
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Phil Nixon to run photography classes
PROFESSIONAL photographer Philip Nixon is to run three digital photography classes in the community room at Durham Gilesgate Sports College, Bradford Crescent, Durham. Beginners’ classes will be held at 7pm on Mondays from April 8. Enthusiasts’ classes
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Watching Brief
NORTH-EAST detective Inspector George Gently is back in front of the cameras as Martin Shaw films new investigations for BBC1. It’s 1969 and Gently (Martin Shaw) and Bacchus (Lee Ingleby) are suffering from their own physical and mental scars several
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Red Bull to hold 'clear the air' talks with drivers
RED BULL team principal Christian Horner will hold further clear-the-air talks with Sebastian Vettel before the next grand prix in China, but has refused to say whether he will sanction his scheming driver. Vettel tarnished his reputation as a
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Why Wilkinson will miss the Lions tour
JONNY Wilkinson will not bring the curtain down on his phenomenal international career by playing in this summer’s Lions tour of Australia; that’s according to fellow World Cup winner Will Greenwood. The former Newcastle Falcon is the iconic figure
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Murray struggles through to last 16 in Miami
ANDY MURRAY stumbled into the last 16 of the Sony Open in Miami after overcoming a determined display from Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov. The second seed was under the cosh for much of the opening set but turned things around to win 7-6 (7/3) 6-3
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Cleared drug dealing suspect complaint to police watchdog
THE wife of a former detective sergeant has lodged a complaint with police watchdogs after being accused of dealing class A drugs. Susan Thompson worked as a housing company executive and enjoyed a 27 year career, but she was accused of supplying
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Woods tops the rankings again
TIGER WOODS was in bullish mood after regaining the world number one ranking for the first time since October 2010 with victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational today. Woods was rarely stretched en route to his eighth title at Bay Hill – equalling
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Will the break be good for Boro?
AFTER a two-week break Middlesbrough return to action when they travel to Wolves on Saturday and manager Tony Mowbray will be hoping some extra time on the training ground can help his squad regain some form. The international break has meant Boro
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Barber cuts for charity
A BARBER’S on Brinkburn Road, Darlington, is donating £1 to Help for Heroes for every haircut done in the shop next week. Joanna Robertson, owner of Majors Barber Shop, said she was inspired to raise money for the charity after getting to know
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Search for missing man takes to the River Tees
SPECIALLY trained police officers have been searching the River Tees as the hunt for a missing North-East man intensifies. Tanveer Ahmed has not been seen since the early hours of Sunday morning and officers from Cleveland Police have been trying
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Gerrard fends off a verbal assault
ENGLAND skipper Steven Gerrard hit back in the World Cup qualifying stakes by claiming the Three Lions have Montenegro “right where we want them”. Roy Hodgson and his players were airborne, taking the short flight across the Adriatic from Rimini
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Regimental silver falls under the hammer
VETERANS campaigning to create a memorial to the men who served in the Durham Light Infantry in their home county are hoping an auction of regimental silver tomorrow (Wednesday, March 27) will help them reach their fundraising target. The ornate
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Take a look at Lindisfarne
THE man in charge of the Lindisfarne Gospels’ return to the North-East has encouraged people to visit its birthplace as well as seeing the treasure in Durham this summer. Keith Bartlett, the Lindisfarne Gospels Durham programme director, said Lindisfarne
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England are made of stern character
ROY HODGSON is confident the England camp is strong enough to survive any setback they may encounter in Montenegro this evening. Draws against Ukraine and Poland already in Group H meant Hodgson and his players travelled to Podgorica yesterday
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Bellway builds profits
NORTH-EAST housebuilder Bellway posted a big jump in half-year profits as it benefited from schemes aimed at bolstering the UK property market. The Newcastle company said incentives were needed in all private sales, with the government's New Buy
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Thornaby rower heads North-East contingent at opening World Cup
THORNABY'S Chris Boddy was the North-East's stand-out performer as the new rowing season got under way with the opening World Cup regatta in Sydney. Boddy, who first took up rowing at Yarm School, won a silver medal in the lightweight men's four along
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Krul and Coloccini both in contention for Europa League return
TIM Krul and Fabricio Coloccini both have a chance of being available for the first leg of Newcastle United's Europa League quarter-final with Benfica. The pair are due to step up their training programme before the end of the week, which would
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Fletcher to miss most of Sunderland's survival bid
STEVEN Fletcher will miss the vast majority of Sunderland's survival bid after a scan revealed damage to his ankle ligaments. Fletcher faces between four and six weeks on the sidelines after injuring his ankle in the early stages of Scotland's
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Regional school chosen to take part in national teaching initiative
A SCHOOL has been selected for an important new role aimed at raising standards. The Hermitage Academy, in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, is one of only 150 schools in England to be granted teaching school status in the third wave. The teaching
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Admission to top universities is far from fair says study
ACCESS to our leading universities is far from fair, according to a new study by a North-East academic. The research by Dr Vikki Boliver, a lecturer in the School of Applied Social Sciences at Durham University, shows applicants from state schools
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Parliamentary date for Durham student
Rosie Adams, a PhD student at Durham University, has been selected to present her scientific research to Parliament as part of a national competition. The 23-year-old research about the growth of colon cancer cells is to be presented to a panel of
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Poachers could be responsible for dead deer at nature reserve
POLICE are searching for poachers who are believed to be responsible for killing pregnant deer on a North-East nature reserve. About half a dozen deer, including two which are thought to have been pregnant, have been found dead on the Ferryhill
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Bus company unveils greener gas powered fleet
A BUS company has launched a new green fleet of gas buses in a North-East town. Arriva has introduced 11 gas-engined buses in Darlington after securing £2.2m from the Government's Green Bus Fund to increase more environmentally-friendly travel.
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Engineering firm opens new North-East base
A MARINE and engineering firm has opened a new North-East office to extend its work on North Sea projects. London Offshore Consultants (LOC) is now based in Cobalt Business Park, North Tyneside, offering marine and civil engineering, naval architecture
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Meeting planned to safeguard future of 200 workers and iconic North-East microchip factory
A MEETING will take place tomorrow (Wednesday, March 27) aimed at safeguarding the future of 200 North-East workers and a threatened iconic microchip factory. RF Micro Devices (RFMD) last week announced plans to leave the region and move production
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Web company helps improve care provider service
A DIGITAL company has completed a contract to help a North-East care home provider. Yarm-based web agency dotUK worked with Dale Care, in Crook, County Durham, to improve its management system for billing clients and paying workers. The company
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Engineering firm, which hopes to work on Hitachi train project, expands after buying steel work company
AN engineering firm, which hopes to supply parts to a £70m North-East train building project, has expanded after buying another company. Teescraft Engineering, based in South Church Enterprise Park, in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, has taken
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Darlington louts spared prison for drunken attack after court sentencing blunder
TWO drunken louts whose victim was left blinded in one eye have walked free after an apparent blunder by the courts. Craig Swainson clenched his fists with delight and grinned when he was spared prison for the late-night street attack. A judge
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Former Army Major swaps frontline action for job in waste management
A FORMER Army Major has swapped dodging bombs and bullets on the frontline in Afghanistan for a new role with a North-East waste company. Kevin Smith has been taken on as procurement manager by Yorwaste, which has a base in Northallerton, North
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Confectionary firm confirms recalled chocolate bars not made in York factory
Confectioner Nestle has confirmed thousands of recalled Kit Kat Chunky bars were not made at 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
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College invests in ambulance and life-saving equipment as teaching aids
Health and Social Care students at a North-East college have received a massive boost with the arrival of a fully equipped ambulance and life-saving equipment. Redcar and Cleveland College is believed to be the first in the region to invest in
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Five things England have to do to beat Montenegro
1. Maintain their discipline There will be fewer than 13,000 people in the cramped Podgorica City Stadium this evening, but the atmosphere will be as hostile as anything England will face in the whole of their qualifying campaign. The last
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Man exposed himself to cleaners
A MAN has been given a community order for exposing himself to cleaners while in his office. Stephen Dick, from Langton Lea, High Shincliffe, Durham, appeared before Consett Magistrates Court today (Monday, March 25). Police were called to
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Rare cancer girl's mother shares baldness experience
A MOTHER has had her head shaved to show solidarity with her five-year-old daughter who is undergoing chemotherapy for a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Michelle Simpson, of Leeming, North Yorkshire, said while she was nervous at the prospect
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Easter activities at Raby Castle
RABY Castle is to welcome its first guests of the year over the Easter weekend. Attractions at the historic venue, at Staindrop, include a treasure trail, bouncy castle, soft play and face painting, while the castle, gift shop, tearooms, adventure
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Silver band performing in Stanhope
BAND DATE: Stanhope Silver Band, one of the oldest silver bands in the country, will perform at Upper Weardale Town Hall in St John's Chapel, County Durham, at 7.30pm on Saturday, April 20. The band will play a variety of traditional and modern music
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The Flintlock Inn, in West Cornforth closed down following alleged fight
A VILLAGE pub at the centre of an alleged mass brawl has been closed down. Durham County Council’s statutory licensing sub-committee today (Tuesday, March 26) revoked the licence for The Flintlock Inn, in West Cornforth, County Durham. Sergeant
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Warning letters sent to motorists caught speeding on A68 at Toft Hill
SPEED WARNING: Ten motorists were caught driving over the limit in the latest Speedwatch operation on the A68 through Toft Hill, near Bishop Auckland. Warning letters have been sent out to all those caught out. Concerns about speeding near the village
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Family thanks weather-defying council contractors for their new bridge
A FAMILY has praised a council and contractors who defied the winter weather to build a new bridge connecting them to their village. The old wooden bridge near Burnside Cottages in Rookhope was originally built to serve a lead mine, but in recent
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Bank chooses to support cancer charity
CUSTOMERS of a bank have inspired staff to fundraise for a cancer charity over the next 12 months. The Bishop Auckland branch of Virgin Money will be raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support. Manager Louise Day said they had chosen the charity
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Barnard Castle town councillors back church's plan to convert industrial unit into place of worship
PLANS by a church based in North Yorkshire to convert a disused industrial unit in Barnard Castle into a place of worship have been backed by town councillors. The Richmond-based Influence Church hopes to establish a permanent presence in the Teesdale
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Durham Prison doctor offers condolences to inmate's family at inquest
A PRISON doctor has offered her condolences to the family of a drug addict who died while in custody at a North-East jail. Giving evidence at the inquest of Kevin Raynor, Dr Regan Wooding who worked at Durham Prison at the time of his death, said
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Children enjoy seeing the Easter story for themselves
CHILDREN have enjoyed a walk through the Easter story thanks to a local church group. Youngsters from four Willington schools have taken part in the Easter exhibition organised by the Willington Hope Group. Around 200 children took part in
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Pensioner badly hurt in Newton Aycliffe road accident dies as result of injuries sustained
AN elderly woman who was badly hurt in a car accident at the end of February has died in hospital as a result of the injuries she sustained. Elizabeth Jane Allen, 81, of Skipton Close, Ferryhill, suffered chest injuries after the car in which she
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No chance of Wilkinson winding down with the Lions, says Greenwood
JONNY Wilkinson will not bring the curtain down on his phenomenal international career by playing in this summer's Lions tour of Australia; that's according to fellow World Cup winner Will Greenwood. The former Newcastle Falcon is the iconic figure
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Homes fund agrees £1,500 for four community groups
A HOUSING company’s community fund has agreed to grant £1,500 to four groups in the Wear Valley area. The Better Homes, Better Lives fund is run by Dale and Valley Homes and its partners Gentoo and Esh Property Services. High Jobs Hill Allotment
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Whorlton and Westwick 'needs a parish council'
WHORLTON and Westwick needs a parish council. That was the message from chairman David Kinch at the group's final meeting before May's local government elections. Existing members must now decide whether to put their names forward again, along
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swd single: Volunteers sought for Whorlton spring clean
A SPRING clean is being held in a picturesque Teesdale village. Whorlton Parish Council chairman David Kinch is hoping volunteers will join him on Saturday, April 6, to ensure the village, near Barnard Castle, maintains its picture postcard appearance
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£1,000 spent sprucing up riverside garden at Whorlton
WORD of mouth will be the best advertisement for improvements to a community riverside garden. Almost £1,000 has been spent to improve the garden, which nestles on the north bank of the Tees at Whorlton, near Barnard Castle. The Heart of Teesdale
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Singer to perform in Hamsterley Social Club
ALLEN GIG: Singer Mark Allen will perform at Hamsterley Social Club at 7.30pm on Good Friday (March 29). Tickets cost £5 on the door or in advance from the club.
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Village plans left in limbo due to uncertainty over future of Whorlton Hall
VILLAGERS' plans for new community facilities have been left in limbo due to uncertainty over the future operation of a care home. Whorlton Parish Council was negotiating a land deal with officials at Castlebeck Care when the Darlington-based company
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Councils to be 'named and shamed' if they don't cut heart deaths
LOCAL councils will be ‘named-and-shamed’ if they fail to cut deaths and disability from sudden heart attacks, under new Government plans. Town halls – which become responsible for public health measures from next week – have been told to make