Archive
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Win for Billy Town keeps their survival hopes alive
Billingham Town moved to just one point away from safety at the bottom of the ENL first division with an excellent 2-0 win at Bedlington last night. Town took the lead with an effort by Glen Butterworth midway through the first half, and then James
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Jail for property developer who let home be used for cannabis factory
A PROPERTY developer who was hoping to turn the basement of his country house into a swingers' club is in jail - for letting it be used as a huge cannabis factory. Malcolm Hughlock agreed a £1,000-a-month deal for the hire of the two-storey underground
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Investor signs deal with film production company
A NORTH-East investor has agreed a deal with the production company behind the latest film featuring Reservoir Dogs star Tim Roth. Middleton Enterprises, which is led by entrepreneur Jeremy Middleton, has invested an undisclosed sum in Corona Pictures
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Ukulele night planned
A UKULELE concert night for charity will be held at Greens Lane Methodist Church, Hartburn, Stockton on Friday, April 5 at 7.30pm. Entry costs £4 and money will go to Christian Aid. Find out more on 01642 886436 or pay on the door.
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New building for ambitious sensory project
A COMMUNITY organisation which has been raising money for 12 years to buy its own building has finally purchased a new centre for people with disabilities. The Pendragon Community Trust, based in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, has purchased a
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Asbo-breach man's appeal to cut short time in custody rejected
A MAN given six months in custody for breaching an anti-social behaviour order has been told he must serve the rest of the sentence. The 26-week term in a young offenders’ institution was imposed by Newton Aycliffe magistrates earlier this month
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Crackdown on seasonal crime to be launched in Darlington
POLICE are urging homeowners to make sure their properties are secure as part of a crackdown on seasonal crime. The advice comes as Darlington police launch their annual Summer Nights campaign, to tackle crime caused by lighter evenings. As
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Greed drove man to the ultimate crime - the murder of his parents
STEPHEN Seddon has become one of the very rare number of people whose greed drove him to the ultimate crime - not only murder but the murder of his own parents. For Seddon money was his "whole world" and when he got it, he spent it fast. Even
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Confusion reigns after judge rules that heart unit's closure must be reconsidered
CAMPAIGNERS opposed to the closure of a children's heart surgery unit said tonight they are "thrilled" after a High Court judge ruled in their favour. But the decision by Mrs Justice Nicola Davies that plans to close the unit at Leeds General Infirmary
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Seaham man faces life in jail for executing his parents to get hands on inheritance
A CONVICTED fraudster who executed his elderly parents in a cold-blooded attempt to collect his £230,000 inheritance is tonight facing life in prison. Stephen Seddon, 46, shook his head in denial as a jury convicted him of the double murder and
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Richmond knitter uses crafts to make political statement and support charity
A RICHMOND woman has joined a group of “craftivists” who are using knitting and crochet to make political statements and support charities. George Haddick, 39, crafted a hand-stitched jigsaw puzzle piece as part of large scale art installation
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Small oil spillage
Two fire crews were called to a small oil spillage on the A66 sliproad of the northbound carriageway of the A19 today (WED) at about 12.20pm. One fire engine from Middlesbrough Fire Station and one from Thornaby were called to the scene and had cleaned
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Five times limit Darlington drink driver took children to nursery before crashing into cars
A FATHER who drove his young children to nursery after drinking three litres of wine crashed into several parked cars, nearly knocking over a motorist, a court heard. Ian Lee Wilson, of Dundee Street, Darlington, drove the children, aged five,
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Man jailed for handling stolen iPad shortly after burglary
A MAN found with a stolen iPad not long after it was taken in a nearby house burglary was jailed for 11 months. But Brian Gilchrist could have been facing a much longer sentence had he been convicted of carrying out the break-in itself. Gilchrist
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Richmond ultra cyclist prepares for world record attempt
AN ULTRA cyclist who has conquered some of the toughest biking challenges in the world is gearing up to attempt a world record by riding from Lands End to John O’Groats and back – in just five days. Chris Hopkinson, 45, from Richmond, North Yorkshire
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Praise for MP quitting politics for International Rescue
TRIBUTES have been paid to David Miliband following his decision to stand down as a North-East MP. The former Foreign Secretary, who was favourite to become Labour leader in 2010 but lost out to his brother Ed, announced he will leave politics
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Councils dismiss "avalanche" of planning applications claim
COUNCIL leaders have dismissed claims they are facing an “avalanche” of planning applications because new local plans have not been finalised. According to the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC), all North-East councils missed the deadline to
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Fab Four go floral
IT IS 50 years since the Fab Four released their first album – but Beatlemania is breaking out all over again. However this time the screaming teens have been replaced by the rather more sedate members of the Yorkshire Flower Club. They are
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Royal palate
Royal palate: The personal chef to Prince Charles, Visen Anenden, has joined the line-up of culinary names who will be taking part in this year’s Malton Food Lovers Festival on May 18 and 19. Others include Antonio Carluccio and Tom Parker Bowles.
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Work on new public garden underway
WORK is underway transforming a piece of prison land into a garden for the public. Fencing has been put up around land near HMP Northallerton not far from the town centre as work begins turning it into a public green space. About half a dozen benches
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Newton Aycliffe man charged with possessing fake passport
A COUNTY Durham man charged with possessing a fake passport made his first appearance in court today (Wednesday, March 27). Matthew William Joseph Dogley, of Heatherburn Court, Newton Aycliffe, is accused of possessing a Seychelles passport bearing
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Cutting the mustard
Sue Fox takes the muddy route to a luxurious North Yorkshire bed and breakfast retreat JANE Harper is a very busy person. She’s a mum to two teenage boys and wife and assistant to accountant Phil. She is on the board of governors of a North
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Sign on with Barmy Army
WITH back-to-back Ashes series between England and Australia this year, cricket fans are already booking for the Test matches Down Under. Packages from the Barmy Army, in association with Thomson Sport, are the only ones to guarantee match tickets
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New police officers start their beat in Darlington
FIVE new police constables have started their beats in Darlington. The new recruits have completed their 12 weeks of classroom based training and have spent a further 12 weeks on probation, working alongside a senior officer, and now serve as police
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Discover cruising – Fred.Olsen style
IF YOU are thinking of taking a cruise consider Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines. The company offers a traditional “British” cruising experience, with a more personal style of service. Fred.Olsen’s smaller, stylish, contemporary ships – Balmoral, Black
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No change to bin collections
THERE will be no changes to rubbish, recycling and garden waste collections for people living in County Durham this Easter. Collections will take place as usual despite the bank holidays and residents whose collection day is a Friday are particularly
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Estate agents fined for misleading advertising
AN estate agents has been fined £4,000 after they wrongly advertised the size of land with a property. Darlington magistrates heard property developers and estate agents, GSC Grays, in Barnard Castle, had advertised land with a property in Teesdale
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Rising pop star Jack goes back to old school
A RISING music star took his band back to his old school today (Wednesday, March 27). Jack Robinson’s North Road, an acoustic trio which last weekend reached the finals of The Big Audition talent competition, played a surprise concert at his old
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Buoyant trading on Wall Street steadies world markets after
WORLD markets steadied after Monday’s Cyprus-fuelled sell-off as robust US economic data soothed investor nerves. The FTSE 100 Index closed 21 points higher at 6399.4 thanks to buoyant early trading on Wall Street after a batch of encouraging figures
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Court appearance for Crook man charged with importing knuckledusters into Heathrow Airport
A MAN charged with importing knuckledusters into Heathrow Airport and possessing a large quantity of amphetamine appeared before magistrates today (Wednesday, March 27). Kiel Johnson, of Langdale Avenue, Crook, County Durham, is alleged to have
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Ferryhill man accused of five burglaries at Teesdale caravan park committed to crown court
A MAN accused of carrying out a string of burglaries at a Teesdale caravan park has been committed to crown court. Jonathan Edward Cox, of Carlton Street, Ferryhill, is charged with five burglaries from static caravans at Ovington Caravan Park,
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Revolution comes back full circle
Is the Nissan Leaf a new beginning for the automobile or a false dawn? Motoring Editor Nigel Burton considers the evidence. THE remarkable thing about Nissan's Leaf is its sheer ordinariness. Anyone can jump in, press the engine start, smile at
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Charlotte's entry bags top prize
A SCHOOLGIRL’S design has been chosen to appear on a supermarket’s reusable shopping bags. Ten-year-old Charlotte Jones’ artwork was picked to be printed on 250 Tesco re-useable jute bags which will be distributed free to parents and children at
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Durham Light Infantry surplus silver falls under the hammer
THE bidding was fast and sometimes furious as the surplus silver of an illustrious North-East regiment fell under the hammer. Gavin Engelbrecht went along to the auction. SMALLER lots climbed in steady £10 increments, while a 19th Century Victorian
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Lenten fasting no problem for Poppy's pancakes
A PANCAKE parlour which opened on Shrove Tuesday is thriving, in spite of the Lenten tradition of fasting. The Madhatter’s Pancake Parlour launched in Durham Indoor Market on Tuesday, February 12, offering a wide range of sweet treats. Owner
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Reverend returns for special Easter service
A REVEREND is returning to lead a service at a church where he served as its first minister almost three decades ago. Rev Gerald Bowerman became the first minister for the Northgate United Reformed Church in Darlington when it was newly formed
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Jobs saved following government's announcement
JOBS at a North-East based government department have been saved after the Department for Culture, Media and Sport announced changes to the Public Lending Right (PLR) body. Although the organisation will no longer exist the majority of jobs will
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Lads v Lasses to help charity appeal
A CHARITY football is being played over Easter to raise money for a sick youngster. A team of women will take on the men at Leadgate, near Consett, at noon on Easter Monday (April 1) to help the Fraja Ellie Appeal. The appeal aims to raise
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Guinea pigs take on health check challenge
COLLEGE students have enlisted the help of teachers, parents and guardians to take on the roll of guinea pigs as part of a Hearty Lives Younger and Wiser initiative. Staff from Lloyd’s pharmacies in Hartlepool called into Catcote School Business
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Comic Campbell heads to Stockton Weekender
COMEDIAN Craig Campbell will head the comic line-up on the Sunday night of this year's Stockton Weekender. The cabaret tent will host a mix of comedy and alternative music acts during the festival on the banks of the River Tees in Stockton on Saturday
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Prisoners claim dead man seemed stoned days before his death
A PRISONER found dead in his jail cell had appeared to be under the influence of drugs for several days before he died, an inquest has heard. Kevin Raynor, 39, died at Durham Prison on September 8, 2011 where he was being held as he awaited trial
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Three councillors defect to UKIP
THREE sitting councillors have defected to UKIP, it was announced today. The trio - former Conservative Stephanie Todd, and independents Sam Cross and Mick Jay-Hanmer – will stand in May’s county council elections in North Yorkshire. Councillor
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Crown Prosecution Service closes its North Yorkshire office
THE CROWN Prosecution Service has moved out of North Yorkshire, saying it faced “considerable resource constraints” as a result of Government cutbacks. The department, responsible for carrying out public prosecutions, has closed its York office
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Network Rail employee among 15 arrested on suspicion of cable theft
A 41-YEAR-OLD Network Rail employee is among 15 people arrested as part of an investigation into railway cable theft. Ninety officers from British Transport Police's Operation Leopard raided 12 addresses in Sunderland in a series of raids in the
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Stockton teenager stuns motorists as he unicycles to school
FAMILIES are always being asked to ditch their car on the school run and find greener and healthier ways of taking their kids to class. But one teenager from Roseworth, in Stockton, has taken that advice to new extremes by unicycling more than
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Seaham man guilty of executing parents to get hands on inheritance
A COUNTY Durham man with an "insatiable thirst" for money was facing life in jail today for the cold-blooded execution of his parents for his £230,000 inheritance. Convicted fraudster Stephen Seddon, 46, had once before tried to murder his father
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Flood work gets underway
Flood work: Work has started on a £3.2m scheme to strengthen flood defences protecting hundreds of homes and businesses in the Leeman Road area of York. The work includes a 300m-long brick-clad flood wall.
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£6m for Saltburn beaches after they go from most improved to failing in one year
A £6M scheme to help clean up the water at a North-East beach has been announced today (Wednesday, March 27) after a dramatic drop from the highest to the lowest category in the Good Beach Guide. Northumbria Water has announced the project after
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Coroner rules man's death was by natural causes
ANDREW PLEASANCE, 48, of Lismore Drive, Darlington, died of natural causes, coroner Andrew Tweddle has ruled. Mr Pleasance was found dead in a field on December 30 2011 at Middleton St George, near Darlington.
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School bid a fond farewell to Miss Lamb
A LONG-SERVING primary school teacher is looking forward to spending more time in her garden after retiring. Barbara Lamb has taught at Neville’s Cross Primary School, in Durham City, for 28 years. The 55-year-old’s last day of teaching is
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Killer's failed murder attempt in canal crash
CALCULATING killer Stephen Seddon was even prepared to risk the life of a disabled teenager in order to get his hands on his inheritance. His 16-year-old nephew, along with both of his parents, were passengers in a hire car with Seddon at the wheel
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Judge quashes part of child heart surgery consultation process
A High Court judge has quashed part of an NHS consultation process vital for introducing "long overdue" changes to children's heart surgery services across the country. The judge acted today after recently ruling that the process was legally flawed
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We did it first
As Nissan in Sunderland prepares to start production of the UK’s first mass market electric car, we celebrate the achievements of some North-East pioneers and inventors. Lifeboat Henry Greathead of South Shields was credited with building the
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Red Arrows date
THE Red Arrows will be in action over Scarborough on June 29 when the town celebrates Armed Forces Day. There will also be a flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. For further details contact the Tourism Bureau on 01723-383636.
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Nodefinitive answers to somany questions with property market
THERE are so many questions in life but who has all the right answers? Last week David Cameron said: There is no money tree. He is, of course, right but there is always the Bank of Mum & Dad! Many parents face the difficult dilemma of offering
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Man cautioned after house damaged
A 27-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested and cautioned after damage was caused to a front door on Henry Street, Shildon. The damage was caused on Thursday, March 21.
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Food bank collection appeal
VOLUNTEERS are appealing for Sainsbury’s shoppers to donate generously to help supply a local food bank. The group, from the Firthmoor and District Community Association, will be at the Victoria Road Sainsbury’s on April 11 between 11am and 2pm to
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Cottage offers manyoptions
TUCKED away off a private lane and set in extensive gardens adjoining school playing fields is Rose Cottage. Although the property requires updating, buyers can put their own stamp on it to create a stunning family home or demolish the house and
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Farmer buys wool jackets for new-born lambs
NEW-BORN lambs are keeping out the cold this Easter with man-made wool jackets . The visitor attraction Hall Hill Farm at Lanchester, County Durham, has lost hundreds of lambs to cold in the past. So farmer Ann Darlington and her son Richard
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Periodhomeis simply charming
THIS attractive three-storey family home in Western Hill is a charming period property in a popular location within walking distance of Durham city centre. It combines period and modern features throughout, with sash windows, ceiling roses and
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Appeal to identify suspect
POLICE have issued a CCTV image of a man they want to question in connection with a theft from a computer store. The suspected shoplifter entered Starc Computers, on Main Street, Ferryhill, at about 2.15pm on Sunday, January 27. He distracted
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Measles cases continue to rise in region
ANOTHER 17 confirmed and four suspected cases of measles have been reported in the North-East in the last week. The latest figures for the on-going measles outbreak in the region have been by the Health Protection Agency (HPA). Since the beginning
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Drugs raid on house
A MAN was arrested after police discovered a cannabis farm when they raided a house in West Cornforth. Officers from Spennymoor neighbourhood police team executed a misuse of drugs warrant at the house in Stobb Cross Road on Saturday, March 23.
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Weapons seized for forensic tests
POLICE have seized three weapons as part of an investigation into the shooting of a man and a child with air rifle pellets. A 52-year-old man was struck by a pellet on the elbow while working on his car and a seven-year-old girl was hit in the
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15 arrests in £2m North-East cable theft investigation
FIFTEEN people have been arrested as part of a major investigation into cable theft in the North-East. Officers from British Transport Police (BTP) swooped on a gang of suspected cable thieves in Sunderland today during a string of early morning
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Magpies' financial figures show profit
NEWCASTLE United Football Company Limited has today announced its financial figures for the year end June 2012. After making significant strides towards meeting and exceeding UEFA's Financial Fair Play regulations last season, the club has recorded
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New law welcomed by missing Claudia's father
THE father of missing chef Claudia Lawrence has welcomed a new law making life easier for relatives of those missing, presumed dead. Solicitor Peter Lawrence said he was delighted the Presumption of Death Act had now been granted Royal Assent -
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Furniture sale in Ripon
THE Salvation Army in Ripon is holding its next monthly sale of furniture, including electrical items and household effects, on April 6 from 9.30am to 12.30pm at the Reach Out Centre on Lead Lane. Entrance is free and there will be refreshments.
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School's green credentials
ONE community’s rubbish proved to be a school’s treasure after a recycling challenge earned it a cash prize. More than 90 families signed up to the green scheme to help Ferryhill Station Primary School, in Ferryhill, beat schools from across the
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Darlington spa boosts global standing
A DARLINGTON spa boosted its global standing by sending staff on a visit to Hollywood. Two of the managers at Rockliffe Hall Spa were recently invited to spend a week with skincare expert Dr Howard Murad. Spa director Liz Holmes and treatment
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Hopes rise for York credit card insurer CPP
THE founder of a credit card insurance firm has launched a rescue bid that could safeguard hundreds of jobs in the region. Entrepreneur Hamish Ogston, the majority shareholder in York-based CPP, has made an offer to take over the firm that has
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Appeal after knife raid
A CASHIER in a bookmakers shop was threatened at knifepoint by a robber who fled with a bagful of cash. The raid happened at around 9.10pm on Tuesday. March 26, at Betfred on Millfield Avenue in the Hull Road area of York. The robber threatened
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Digging deep into the past
THE remote fells of west Durham were once full of coalminers and confusing place names. Memories 118 was stumbled across them in search of the mines owned by the Bishop Auckland company Shaw and Knight, which used coal and clay to create sanitary ware
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Fewer councillors for Hambleton
A MAJOR shake-up which will see the Hambleton district served by fewer councillors is entering its final stages. The authority was one of the first in the country to ask the Boundary Commission to look into reducing the number of councillors.
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Work starts on site or former care home
WORK has started on a £6m sheltered housing development on the site of a former care home. Construction got underway this week on the site of the former Lynwood House, in Lanchester, which is being converted into 33 apartments for the over 55s
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Villagers to fight plans for housing development on meadow
RESIDENTS are to hold a meeting over a proposal to build 11 homes on a meadow used by families for recreation. The plans, which are still in the early stages, involve building properties and a playing field on an area of land within the village
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The day we nearly caught the train...
Thundering and screeching, 30 laden goods wagons came tearing down the track. A quickthinking signalman diverted them down a siding, but still the wagons smashed through the buffers, burst through a brick wall and flew into the air before smashing
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Farewell party marks closure of after school clubs
A FAREWELL party attended by more then 50 children marked the closure of a series of after school clubs across Darlington. The clubs were run by Groundwork North East which was contracted by Darlington Council to run a play scheme at centres in
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Warning after marbles are used to cause criminal damage
POLICE in Darlington have seen a number of incidents of criminal damage involving marbles. Officers believe the marbles are used with catapults to cause damage to windows and property. A spokesman said: “Can we please remind members of the public what
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Kids' asthma course
YOUNGSTERS with asthma are being offered the chance to learn more about their condition. A course will be held for four to 16-year-olds living in Chester-le-Street, Durham and Derwentside. Called Bronchial Boogie, the course will be held in
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Red light for speeding motorists in Hartlepool
VOLUNTEERS helped put the brakes on 40 speeding drivers in the first community speedwatch clampdown in Hartlepool. More than 500 vehicles were monitored during three spot checks on Merlin Way in the Hart area of the town on February 26, March 1
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Storm-lashed cruise ends with six minutes of sightseeing
SEASICK cruise passengers spent just six minutes in Amsterdam after enduring a 30-hour storm-lashed journey. More than 300 tourists set off on last Friday’s mini-cruise from North Shields to Holland, but their journey was delayed for 13 hours as
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Teenager hurt in motorbike crash
TEENAGER INJURED: A teenage boy is in a critical condition in hospital after the motorbike he was riding hit a wall in Sunderland. The 15-year-old was hurt shortly before 5.45pm on Tuesday in Ettrick Grove and was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary
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Easter craft fair in church hall
A CRAFT fair will take place in St Mary and St Cuthbert Parish Centre, Middle Chare, in Chester-le-Street on Saturday, March 30 from 10am to 2pm. Admission is free and there will be a free egg for all accompanied children. TRAFFIC LIGHTS: Three-way
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Easter soccer programme fair planned
FOOTBALL programme collector Bob Dixon will hold a programme and memorabilia fair on Sunday (March 31) from 11am to 2pm in Belmont Social Club, behind the Ford garage, in Carrville, Durham. Admission is 50p and free for under-16s and pensioners. For
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Forties tea dance hailed a success
THE first in a series of monthly tea dance event celebrating traditional 1940s parties has been hailed a success. Tea and scones were enjoyed by guests and a specialist DJ provided classic tracks for the dance hosted by Age UK at its Darlington
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Inspiring interest to fill job vacancies of the future
SCHOOL pupils built hovercrafts at an event designed to inspire their interest in engineering and science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem) subjects. Year nine and ten pupils from Darlington schools also designed the working vehicles, capable
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Cable backs financial transaction tax plan
BUSINESS Secretary Vince Cable told MPs that he believes there is a case for introducing a financial transaction tax (FTT). Despite fierce Government opposition to a European bid to introduce such a levy, the Liberal Democrat Cabinet Minister said
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Jury deliberates verdict in Seaham man's double murder trial
A JURY has resumed its deliberations this morning over a man accused of blasting his parents to death with a sawn-off shotgun to collect a £230,000 inheritance. Stephen Seddon, 46, is alleged to have murdered Robert Seddon, 68, and Patricia, 65
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Tory councillor defects to UKIP as party announces North Yorkshire county election plans
UKIP has announced it will contest most of the 72 seats at North Yorkshire County Council, with a former Tory councillor and an acclaimed novelist among its new candidates. Former Richmondshire Conservative councillor Stephanie Todd announced today
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Chancellor faces tough challenge
WITH the economy stagnating for the past three years, George Osborne faces a tough task demonstrating some tangible improvement by the next election. However, the burden of responsibility for economic growth does not sit with the Chancellor alone
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Simply mesmerising
WHY, you wonder, was a book called Self Hypnosis For A Better Sex Life on American actress Rosario Dawson’s reading list? It was nothing personal, she says, just one of many on the subject of the mind that she probed preparing to play a hypnotherapist
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Young bookworms vote for favourite read in Stockton
A BOOK by award-winning Liz Pichon has scooped the Stockton children’s book of the year prize. More than 600 children from 25 primary and secondary schools across the borough have been reading to find their favourite author from a selection of
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Teesside drugs swoop leads to 12 arrests
TWELVE suspected drug barons have been arrested so far this morning in dawn raids across Teesside. Cleveland Police carried out a joint operation with Greater Manchester Police under Operation Cobweb, a 15-month investigation into the distribution
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A visitor's eye view of city
IT is just a matter of days before the Easter bank holidays, and hopefully the sight of visitors will gladden the hearts of the local leisure and retail industries. However, I fear what these welcome guests will think of Durham City’s Market Square
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Bad old days
WHILE reading Weekend Memories, it struck me that with the present Government’s utopian ideals, I could well be looking into the future. We are in danger of seeing the return of soup kitchens and workhouses to cater for the under privileged. Anyone
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Airport
PEEL Holdings owns Durham Tees Valley Airport with our six local authorities being minority shareholders. Peel operates very successfully a number of airports around the country. So why is Peel asking for a £4.65m hand-out from the Regional Growth
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Potholes
I UNDERSTAND that we are living in austere times and cut backs have to be made. I don’t understand, though, how the roads can be left full of potholes and pavements can be neglected when elsewhere I see taxpayers’ money being wasted. This week
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Independents
I ATTENDED the full meeting of Durham County Council on Wednesday and was saddened by the behaviour of some members. I heard snipes and taunts. I witnessed unfairness (some over running speeches, others limited and put down), comments about disgraced
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Immigration
J PHILLIPS’ worries about Bulgarian and Romanian immigrants coming to the UK seem somewhat misplaced given your correspondent lives in Crook (HAS, Mar 19). Somehow I don’t think that the average young man or woman sat outside a cafe in sunny Sofia
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Pinnacle of a climber’s ambition
MOUNTAINEERS and fellwalkers. Blood brothers, or at any rate cousins, you might think. At the very least the closest of kindred spirits. Both love high places, usually the remoter the better. For both the ultimate satisfaction is to reach the
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An unsafe alternative
AT a time dubbed the “anti-politics era”, there is one British politician who seems capable of engaging people, irrespective of party leanings. For all his buffoonery, Boris Johnson has the rare knack of being a politician who is held in affection
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Prior digs deep and leads England home
MATT PRIOR was immovable in a memorable demonstration of collective resistance as England somehow avoided a first Test series defeat in New Zealand for almost 30 years. Prior’s unbeaten 110 scrambled England to 315 for nine at stumps in the final
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Warnings over East Coast rail privatisation plans
MINISTERS have been warned to learn from recent debacles to prevent further costly mistakes involving the East Coast rail franchise. Unions reacted with dismay to news that the flagship route will return to private hands by 2015, pointing out that
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Hodgson remaining positive after draw
ENGLAND boss Roy Hodgson insists his side’s World Cup fate remains in their own hands despite a 1-1 draw in Montenegro. After a sparking first-half display, during which Wayne Rooney had given England a sixth-minute lead, the visitors were made
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Court date looms as nursery closures are partly stalled
COUNCIL chiefs are holding off the complete closure of two nurseries until August but still face legal action over the original decision to shut them. The need to cut £17million from Darlington Borough Council's budget led to the cabinet voting
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England left hanging on for a qualifying point
ENGLAND’S passage to the World Cup just got distinctly more hazardous after a Jekyll and Hyde performance in Montenegro condemned them to yet another draw. Leading through Wayne Rooney’s 35th international goal after six minutes, England reached
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Dickinson warming up nicely for title defence
BRITISH cruiserweight champion Jon-Lewis Dickinson has warned his latest challenger that he will be ready and waiting for whatever he throws at him. Southport's Mike Stafford will stand in the Birtley boxer's way when he makes the second defence of his
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Airport faces anxious wait
THE deadline for bids to the latest round of Regional Growth Fund (RGF) went unnoticed last Wednesday. The Government's flagship job creation fund was overshadowed by George Osborne's budget announcement. Among the 27 bids submitted by companies
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Virgin heads field as MPs round on Minister
VIRGIN would be a popular choice to run East Coast trains, the Transport Secretary said yesterday – amid a storm of protest about his decision to re-privatise the line. Patrick McLoughlin appeared to give his blessing to the prospect of Richard
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Not good enough
ENGLAND captain Steven Gerrard admitted they were deservedly made to pay for their second half lapse as Montenegro fought back for a 1-1 draw in their World Cup qualifier. Roy Hodgson’s side got off to an ideal start and Wayne Rooney put them ahead
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Care costs: the finer detail
NORTH-EAST solicitor Helen Biglin, an expert in legal and financial planning for elderly people, has sounded caution over the Government’s new cap on care costs. The measures for funding care are designed to ensure that the elderly and people with
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Are You Having A Laugh? – Comedy And Christianity (BBC1, 11.05pm)
FROM the controversial Monty Python’s Life of Brian and Father Ted to the Vicar of Dibley and Rev, religion has provided fertile ground for comedy. In recent years, so we are told, Christ has become a favourite subject for atheist comics on the
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Pompeii: The Mystery Of The People Frozen In Time (BBC1, 9pm)
THE advance of the “celebrity” presenter continues. That’s when familiar faces known for one thing are to be found fronting programmes about something completely different. Margaret Mountford is best known as one of Lord Sugar’s right-hand women
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Terry Pratchett: Facing Extinction (BBC2, 9pm)
WHILE he might be a superbly intelligent, bestselling author, Terry Pratchett overcomes new hurdles every day, because of his everprogressing Alzheimer’s disease. However, he is not about to sit back and let the disease eat him up. Eighteen
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Annual Easter egg event moved due to weather concerns
PROLONGED wintry weather has led to the transfer of an annual children’s Easter egg event in the shadow of a North-East landmark tomorrow (Thursday, March 28). The traditional Maundy Thursday Penshaw Bowl egg rolling competition, beneath Penshaw
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Watching Brief
DAVID MITCHELL and Robert Webb have begun filming new BBC2 series Our Men in the UK and Turkey. Set in the fictional central Asian republic of Tazbekistan, Mitchell plays newly-arrived British ambassador Keith Davies and Robert Webb is his seasoned
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Wickham hopes to end disappointing season on a high with England Under-21s
HE might have had a miserable season at club level, but Sunderland striker Connor Wickham is hoping a trip to the European Under-21 Championships enables him to end the current campaign on a high. With Martin O'Neill consistently refusing to name Wickham
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Birmingham set to extend Newcastle defender's loan deal
BIRMINGHAM boss Lee Clark is set to extend Shane Ferguson's loan deal until the end of the season - and is already making plans to recruit the Newcastle United defender again next term. Ferguson's current loan arrangement ends after Birmingham's Midlands
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Care home room named after pioneer Wharton
A RECENTLY REFURBISHED room at a Darlington care home has been named after football pioneer Arthur Wharton. The Arthur Wharton Suite, at the Lakeside Care Home, in Skerne Park, contains pictures of and panels of information about the former goalkeeper
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Bausor still focused on Boro's promotion bid
MIDDLESBROUGH are not about to give up on promotion this season despite sliding out of the play-off mix in recent weeks, according to the Teesside club's chief executive Neil Bausor. Boro will head to Molineux on Saturday looking for the victory that
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Police swoop on suspected multi-million pound drugs ring with series of dawn raids
A SUSPECTED multi-million pound drugs ring spanning the north of England has been targeted in a series of dawn raids this morning. More than 320 officers targeted addresses across Teesside, Greater Manchester, County Durham and North Yorkshire
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North-East health expert argues that NHS will never be the same after reforms
A NORTH-EAST academic has said he believes the NHS "will never be the same again" after new reforms come into force next week. David Hunter, professor of health policy and management at the School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Health at Durham University
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Love rat leaves trail of broken hearts and empty banks accounts
A CONMAN is behind bars for a series of devastating deceptions that have left victims across the country. NEIL HUNTER looks at how his trail led to County Durham. PRETENDING to be looking for love on an internet dating site, Jonathan Price stipulated
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Darlington conman tricked women out of £180,000 with web of lies
AN internet romeo who tricked a string of women into parting with tens of thousands of pounds was last night facing a lengthy jail sentence. Calculating Darlington conman Jonathan Price told his unsuspecting victims he was a multi-millionaire with
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No newt route as old Durham police HQ gets the boot
WORK has finally begun on a long awaited £14m police headquarters after a special fence was erected to save protected newts from the bulldozer’s claw. Durham Police’s new HQ was delayed by several months after great crested newts, one of the most
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Insurance broker could create new jobs after move
AN insurance broker could create new jobs after moving into new premises. Alverton Insurance Brokers, in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, was previously run from the home of Peter Brown, but has branched out into the town's Garthway Arcade, following
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Beaches' water quality hit by disastrous summer
LAST year’s disastrous summer – one of the wettest on record – has led to a significant drop in the quality of bathing water of Britain’s beaches. The relentless rain and flooding led to an increase in the amount of bacteria and viruses ending
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Engineering company hopes for increased demand at conference
AN engineering company, which launched a £1.5m expansion, is hoping to secure new business in the US. Electrical mechanical engineering firm Houghton International, based in Newcastle, specialises in making high voltage coils, serving the rail,
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Law firm helps family of cancer sufferer win substantial settlement
A NORTH-EAST law firm has helped the family of a terminally ill cancer patient receive a £228,000 settlement after he was dismissed by his employer without consultation. Father-of-two Clive Golledge, 47, of Wolsingham, County Durham, was diagnosed
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Law firm adds to social housing service
A LAW firm has expanded its property development after recruiting a a specialist social housing team. John Murray and Simon Thirtle will work on social housing at Ward Hadaway, in Newcastle. The pair have previous experience in offering specialist
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Viking hoard of precious jewellery found in North Yorkshire is of national significance
A HOARD of Viking treasure unearthed by metal detectorists in a North Yorkshire field is likely to be “significant and nationally important”, according to experts. The stash of gold and silver jewellery was discovered buried on land near Bedale
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Housing firm makes new appointment
A NORTH-EAST housing company has made a new appointment. Dan Gibson has joined Isos Housing, which has offices in Morpeth and Newcastle, as a procurement manager. He will help to oversee the spending of the firm's annual £20m budget. Mr
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North-East wind farm to start producing power 'within weeks'
A NORTH-EAST offshore wind farm providing electricity to about 40,000 homes will start generating power within weeks. The Teesside wind farm, off the coast of Redcar, will feature 27 turbines, each capable of generating up to 2.3 megawatts of power
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Bank launches £100m fund to help small businesses
A BANK has launched a £100m fund to help small North-East businesses cope with late payments. Yorkshire Bank says firms in the region face a seven week wait for monthly invoices to be paid during the tough economic climate. The bank, which
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Thousands raised for Law Aid
A REGIONAL law firm’s clients have once again made it one of the most successful firms in the North-East in raising money for the charity, Will Aid, despite the economic crisis. Tilly Bailey & Irvine Solicitors participated in Will Aid month
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Mincoffs Solicitors recruits new partner
NEWCASTLE-based Mincoffs Solicitors is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year and continues to attract top legal names. Stewart Irvine joins the firm as partner and head of the Contentious Services department, having previously led a large
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Re-energised Cabaye admits to post-Euro 2012 depression
WHEN Yohan Cabaye failed to sparkle in the early stages of this season, the speculation on both sides of the Channel was that the Newcastle United midfielder's head had been turned by talk of a transfer away from St James' Park. Tottenham, Chelsea
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Weardale police compile CCTV camera register
HOMEOWNERS and businesses with their own CCTV cameras are being urged to join a new police register to help investigate crimes in Weardale. Officers from the dale’s Neighbourhood Policing Team are compiling a register of all CCTV systems in the
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Bonny bonnets at Ingleton CoE Primary School
YOUNGSTERS at a Teesdale village school looked bonny in their bonnets as they celebrated Easter. The reception class and Year 1 pupils at Ingleton Primary made their bonnets at home before they were paraded at the school's annual Easter service
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Killhope mining museum closed by snow
Killhope, The North of England Lead Mining Museum in upper Weardale, County Durham, will be closed on Good Friday (March 29) due to the weather conditions at Cowshill. Weather depending, the museum will re-open on Easter Monday but before making
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Cold snap forces cancellation of Easter events
THE unseasonal cold snap has put paid to plans for a weekend of events at Raby Castle, in Teesdale. The historic venue was due to welcome Easter visitors on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Rachel Milner, Raby’s marketing and events supervisor
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Teachers go the extra mile to ensure remote primary school stays open during cold snap
A REMOTE rural primary school has stayed open throughout the unseasonal cold snap thanks to the efforts of staff. Both acting headteacher Natalie Dalton and teacher Claire Tunstall have moved away from their homes and closer to Forest of Teesdale
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Campaign to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour
A WEEK-LONG campaign to combat crime, anti-social behaviour and environmental issues in two communities takes place next month. Residents in Eldon Lane and Coundon Grange have been asked for their priorities for the Not in My Neighbourhood event
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Thieves steal wheels from garden
FOUR alloy wheels have been stolen from a garden in the Cockton Hill Road area of Bishop Auckland, between 7.30pm and 10.30pm on Thursday, March 14. Three are Range Rover 20ins Stormer Nine, silver-coloured alloys with green central panel bearing the