Archive
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Leeds General Infirmary suspends children's heart surgery
A HOSPITAL at the centre of a long-running row over the future of its childrens heart services tonight suspended all congenital cardiac surgery on youngsters. Leeds General Infirmary said the temporary measure was being taken to allow a internal
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A Wonderful Life that's not all Black and white
Matt: Do you still like to be known as Black? Why did you choose that instead of your given name? Colin: "It's a good name, and more importantly, people can pronounce it! Even my family pronounce Vearncombe differently! Matt: Twenty-five
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Redcar's Dame Tanni forced to haul wheelchair up 12 flights of stairs after lift broken at London flats
BARONESS Tanni Grey-Thompson says she was forced to drag her wheelchair up 12 flights of stairs after the lift in the flats where she lives was broken. The Redcar-based former paralympian, who now sits in the House of Lords, arrived back
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Newcastle coach Carver fined and warned over McManaman tackle spat
NEWCASTLE United coach John Carver and Wigan counterpart Graham Barrow have each been fined for their conduct in the wake of Callum McManaman's challenge on Massadio Haidara. Magpies' number two Carver has received an undisclosed cash penalty and
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Wearside welcomes motoring writers from across Europe for piece of industrial theatre
THE pioneering achievements of Nissan's Sunderland plant were the hottest industrial story in Europe today (March 28). MORE than 60 journalists from as far afield as Russia and the Czech Republic arrived on Wearside to see history being made. France
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Middlesbrough HMV store to remain open after deal struck with administrators
HMV in Middlesbrough's Cleveland Centre is to remain open after a deal was struck with the company's administrators. Staff have placed a note of thanks on the store window for all the support they have had from shoppers. Debbie Anderson, manager
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The right move from the nearly man
IN the mid-90s, I was on a London-bound train with the then Darlington MP Alan Milburn. We were on our way to present a Northern Echo petition to the Law Society, calling for an end to the outdated year-and-a-day rule. A young man called
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Fans sign up to help Darlington football club after financial scare
SCORES of Darlington FC supporters have come forward to offer their help after fresh financial difficulties were revealed. More than 50 people have attended weekly workshops held by the Quakers and many of these have joined new working groups.
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Family concerns grow for missing Stockton man
THE ‘desperate’ family of a man who has been missing since Sunday have made a direct appeal for him to come home. Tanveer Ahmed, 37, was last seen on CCTV at about 4am walking towards Riverside Road in Stockton, where he lives with his wife and
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North-East making Britain proud, declares Prime Minister on tour of Nissan Sunderland
"THE whole of the UK is very proud of you." That was David Cameron's message to workers at a history-making North-East car plant. The Prime Minister hailed the region's manufacturing industry as he attended the official opening ceremony for production
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Plans for subsea centre welcomed
PLANS to locate a new centre of engineering excellence in the North-East have been described as ‘very logical’ by an energy industry expert. George Rafferty, chief executive officer of NOF Energ, the country’s leading energy sector supply chain
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Future generations in Tees Valley will remember First World War thanks to grant aid
AN INITIATIVE aimed at bringing the story of the First World War to life has secured almost £400,000 as the centenary of hostilities nears. The two-year-scheme will include exhibitions, drama performances, digital and hologram shows across the
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People invited to watch lambing live at nature reserve
DESPITE there being no sign of spring in the weather, there is a spring in the step of newborn lambs. And people are being invited along to RSPB Saltholme to watch Shetland sheep giving birth in the site’s newly built sheep shed. Visitors will
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Young drink-driver behind bars after writing off ex-girlfriend's car
A YOUNG motorist took his ex-girlfriend’s car on an early hours’ joy-ride while more than three-times over the drink-drive limit. In the journey of only a few miles Keiran Steward ran up a bill of more than £12,000, writing off the Vauxhall Antara
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Police hunt two men wanted for suspected multi-million pound drugs ring
POLICE have issued images of two men they are hunting as part of an investigation into a suspected multi-million pound drugs ring, as eight men appeared before magistrates charged in connection with the inquiry. More than 320 officers from Cleveland
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Driver forced into bushes by van on the wrong side of the road
POLICE have appealed for information after an incident in which a vehicle failed to stop. A 22-year-old woman driving a light blue Nissan Micra was travelling along the B6279 Staindrop Road, heading into Darlington, at 7.35am on Thursday, March
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Jail for metal thief who cut through water pipes
A BURGLAR who raided a flat looking for scrap metal is starting an 18-month prison sentence. Christopher Harrison claims he thought the property was empty because there was so little inside. The 29-year-old says he left the Middlesbrough flat
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Kiplin Hall unveils wartime exhibition
A LOTTERY-funded wartime exhibition has been unveiled at a North Yorkshire country house in time for Easter. Kiplin Hall, between Scorton and Northallerton, opened Duty Calls on Good Friday. It looks at the involvement of Kiplin, its owners
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Thrillseekers jump for joy at news of £250,000 Stockton BMX and skate park
A NEW £250,000 skateboard and BMX track is to be built at Preston Park in Stockton. Young people, parents and local residents are being asked to give their views on the designs at the park in Eaglescliffe, Stockton, on Wednesday, April 10, from
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Chic Vintique fair in Richmond
CHIC VINTIQUE: selection of antiques, collectables, vintage, retro, jewellery and crafts will be on sale in a Chic Vintique Fair in Richmond Town Hall on Tuesday, April 2 from 9.30am until 3.30pm. Stand booking prices and all information from BR
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Drama school students celebrate success
YOUNG actors have celebrated their award winning success at Darlington Drama Festival. Six pupils of Applause Theatre School picked up awards for acting, singing and poetry at the event held at Hummersknot Academy on March 9. Siblings Hannah
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Howard leaves Pools on loan
STEVE Howard has left Hartlepool United to join Championship side Sheffield Wednesday on loan until the end of the season. Howard, who has scored three goals in 30 starts for Pools this season, has swapped one relegation battle for another, albeit
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Appeal for volunteer drivers at £4.3m Middlesbrough youth centre
VOLUNTEER minibus drivers are being sought to ferry youngsters to and from a new youth centre in Middlesbrough. Drivers are needed to transport them to Myplace in the Middlehaven area of the town between 6pm and 9pm, however times may vary during
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Easter cheer for kids in hospital
FOOTBALL legends who were part of their club’s finest hour helped bring Easter cheer to sick youngsters. Bobbie Kerr and Micky Horswill, members of the Second Division Sunderland team that made history in 1973 by beating top flight Leeds United
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Durham swimathon raises £6,000
CHARITIES have benefited to the tune of £6,000 from a swimathon. The money was raised through the annual charity swimathon of the Durham Rotary Club. The event was held at Freeman’s Quay leisure centre, Durham City, last November. Thirty-seven
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Spark remains after sixty years
A COUPLE who shared a spark on bonfire night have celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary. Jimmy and Jean Geldard of Meadowfield Road first met at a bonfire party on Victoria Road, Darlington, when they were 12-years-old and instantly became
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Easter egg decorating event
THE weather put paid to an Easter tradition but youngsters were still able to get into the spirit of the season today (Thursday March 28). The organisers of the annual egg rolling contest on Penshaw Hill, near Sunderland, was called off due to
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Art workshops inspired by Lindisfarne Gospels
A PROFESSIONAL artist will help people create pieces inspired by the Lindisfarne Gospels at a series of workshops. Vicky Holbrough will lead three sessions around the region in which individuals and families can create works based on the illuminated
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Fishburn art group seeks new members
NEW members are being welcomed at Fishburn Art Group, which meets at Fishburn Youth and Community Centre, in Butterwick Road, from 1pm to 3pm on Mondays (except bank holidays). It is a great opportunity to develop skills and meet new people. Sessions
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Armed robber terrifies staff at Darlington shop
AN armed robber stole cash after threatening shop staff with a knife last night (Wednesday March 27). Terrified staff handed over £175 when the man brandished the knife and demanded money from the till at the Ken Warne Store in Cleveland Terrace
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Plans for major housing development near east Durham town
PLANS for a major housing development on the edge of an east Durham town with the promise of a £100m to the economy have been submitted to planning officers. The proposals for up to 900 homes are earmarked for a 50-hectare site to the north-east
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£1.4bn incinerator project campaigners seek judicial review
CAMPAIGNERS fighting a controversial waste incinerator project will lodge an appeal for a judicial review, despite doubts surrounding the scheme. The move follows the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs withdrawing its provisional
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Guild cancels April meeting
MEETING OFF: Hermitage Townswomen’s Guild has been forced to cancel its monthly on April 9 but the May meeting will go ahead as planned on May 14 at 7pm in Red Rose Primary School, Chester-le-Street.
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Pop festival planned for Chester-le-Street
A SUMMER pop festival is to be held on the banks of the River Wear in Chester-le-Street. A Yorkshire company plans to stage a tribute band event in a marquee near Durham County Cricket Club on the town’s Riverside complex. The 12-hour event
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Tweeting Easter, the Bishop Bryant way
A BISHOP is taking to social media to spread the Easter message. The Right Reverend Mark Bryant, Bishop of Jarrow, will be tweeting during the Easter weekend, using the hashtags #everythingchanges and #DDEC. His sermons will also be available
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County Durham and Darlington Hospital NHS trust issues apology to patients over medical record delays
A HOSPITAL trust has apologised to patients after problems in retrieving patient records resulted in appointments being delayed or postponed. County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust said it had apologised to a number of patients who had
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Primary school celebrates inclusion award
A PRIMARY school has been awarded an Inclusion Quality Mark for its work to ensure all children have an equal access to high quality education, regardless of their abilities. Middleton Tyas Church of England Primary School, near Richmond, has been
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Pensioner fraudulently claimed over £7,000 in benefit
A RETIREE who fraudulently topped up his pension by £7,000 has been ordered to repay the money. John Cawston, 63, of High Northgate, Darlington, knowingly mislead the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) by not declaring his private income when
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Police hunt Darlington robber
POLICE are appealing for information after a robbery at a Darlington shop last night. The incident took place at around 8.30pm at the Ken Warne Store, in Cleveland Terrace. A man carrying a knife entered the store, brandished the weapon at
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Talented performer wins place at national theatre school
A TALENTED young performer has been awarded a place at the National Youth Music Theatre. Ben Clarke, 11, a member of the Georgian Theatre Royal Youth Theatre in Richmond, passed two rounds of auditions to earn the opportunity. He will now attend
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Ormesby petrol station robber pleads guilty
A MAN accused of robbing Ormesby petrol station at knifepoint has pleaded guilty at court. Richard Boyer, of Rowen Close, Ingleby Barwick, admitted two charges of possession of a bladed weapon and one charge of robbery at Teesside Crown Court this
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Children care for baby ducks as part of school project
CHILDREN at a Darlington primary school have been getting to grips with nature with the help of two baby ducks. Ducklings Jemima and Matilda hatched in a special incubator at Harrowgate Hill Primary School as part of a school project to teach children
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Two million poor families face council tax increase, charity warns
MORE than two million poor families face significant increases in their council tax bills from next week, a charity has warned. Research by the York-based the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) shows 2.4 million low-income families will pay on average
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Travel agent thanks customers for Easter egg donations
STAFF at a Darlington travel agent have thanked customers after a charity appeal for Easter Eggs saw hundreds of donations. Co-op Travel, based inside Morrisons, on North Road, collect Easter eggs each year for St Teresa’s Hospice and for children
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Newton Aycliffe man blames Tesco for damage to his car
A MAN whose car broke down just three miles after filling up at a supermarket petrol station is furious at the store’s refusal to accept responsibility. Following a lengthy investigation by a diesel engine specialist, all four diesel injectors
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Inspector's backing triggers call for roll-out of York housing cap
CALLS are growing for a cap on multiple occupancy homes to be rolled out across the region, after one council’s pioneering restriction was upheld by a planning inspector. York City Council has taken powers to limit the number of Houses of Multiple
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Man was exploited by drug dealer
A YOUNG man exploited by more a sophisticated drug dealer has been sentenced in court. Daniel Tansey, 20, had previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply a Class B drug after officers acting on a tip-off found cannabis at his
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Appeal for missing teen
POLICE are appealing for the public’s help in tracking down a teenage boy who is missing from home. Lewis Ducey, 14, has not been seen since 2.30pm on Tuesday, March 26, on Woodlea Avenue in York. It is believed that he may be in London and
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Dementia sufferer hit and killed by lorry on A19 after wandering into road
THE death of an Alzheimer’s sufferer who was killed after being struck by a lorry on the A19 was accidental, and inquest was told. William Underwood, known as Bill, died on Monday, September 17 last year aged 86 after he had wandered off from his
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Police find a suspected stolen safe
POLICE have recovered a suspected stolen safe and are keen to trace its owner. A police spokesman said the large Chubb safe was recovered by police beneath the A19 flyover close to the River Wear, near Sunderland, yesterday (Wednesday, March 27
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Parents answer to pupils after being stopped for bad parking
STUDENTS have been given the chance to confront parents who park dangerously while dropping their children off at school as part of a new approach to tackling the problem. Durham Police officers teamed up with students and teachers from Hurworth
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Recovering addict stole meat from supermarket
DESPERATION led to a recovering heroin addict stealing three pork joints from an Asda supermarket, a court heard. Barry Waters, 32, of Haughton Road, Darlington, pleaded guilty to stealing from the Blackett Road supermarket when he appeared before
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Teenage dancers selected for national finals
A DOZEN teenage dancers are celebrating after being selected to represent Yorkshire at a national competition. North Yorkshire Dance, which has members aged 13 to 17 from across the county, won praise from a panel of judges after performing an
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David Cameron marks a new era in North-East manufacturing at Nissan Leaf launch
THE Prime Minister said it was a great day for the whole country as he attended the production launch of car manufacturer Nissan's electric LEAF car today. David Cameron was speaking at the Japanese company's factory in Sunderland, where he was
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Woodham pupils perform Queen musical spectacular
A WEST End musical tribute to one Britain’s greatest ever rock bands was brought to life at a County Durham School this week. Following months of rehearsals, pupils at Woodham Academy in Newton Aycliffe delighted audiences over three nights with
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Relatives reach £20,000 charity goal in Jean's memory
RELATIVES of a cancer battler have reached her goal of raising £20,000 for charity in her memory. After Jean Minto was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003, she set out to raise £20,000 for Breast Cancer Care. Mrs Minto, from New Kyo, Stanley
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Rare birds take to the air
THERE won’t be a fluffy Easter chick in sight this weekend when some of the finest hunters in the country take flight. Rievaulx Abbey, near Helmsley, is playing host to the original “sport of kings” with the help of master falconers Mike and Emma
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Author's novel shortlisted for award in the Netherlands
A NORTH Yorkshire author's debut novel has been nominated for an award in Holland. Everybody Jam, written by former Northern Echo journalist Ali Lewis, has been shortlisted for the Dioraphte Literary Award. The book, which has already been
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Diamond couple
A COUPLE celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary today (Thursday, March 28) said they wish they could relive their 60 years of married life all over again. Harold and Elizabeth Houlahan, of Mickle Grove, Coundon, knew each other as youngsters
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Charity night
A FAMILY will host a fundraising night next month in aid of cancer charities. Laura Dartnall, of Spennymoor, is organizing the event at Spennymoor Leisure Centre on Friday, April 26, doors open at 7pm. She and her relatives have been inspired
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Ban for businessman caught in his Jaguar while over the over the alcohol limit
A JET-SETTING businessman who drove his Jaguar while almost three times over the alcohol limit has been banned from driving for two years. Darlington Magistrates’ Court also fined 53-year-old John Cornish £1,600 after hearing that he had 91mg of
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Top climber becomes venue's patron
A LEADING Hambleton venue has announced a new patron as it enters a new era in its history. The Forum in Northallerton is now a registered charity after control was taken over from the council by a company of local people last year. And world-renowned
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Snow hits search for missing woman
THE bad weather has hampered the search for the body of missing grandmother Pamela Jackson. Police have been running parallel murder and missing person enquiries and a man ihas been charged with murdering the 55-year-old from Chester-le-Street
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RAF band in commemorative concert
THE Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment is to appear at a major fundraising concert in Northallerton. They will be playing at the Forum in Northallerton on April 6 at an event in aid of the RAF Benevolent Fund. The concert will be a commemoration
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Mugger jailed for snatching elderly woman's handbag
A MUGGER told police he had "a daft moment" when he snatched an elderly woman's handbag containing her pension money. Shaun Bate struck as the 77-year-old walked home from the post office and shops in Hartlepool, Teesside Crown Court heard.
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£30m fine for Prudential adds to drag on FTSE 100
BANKING shares were in sharp focus yesterday after policymakers ordered them to hold an extra £25bn to act as a cushion against future financial shocks. The capital shortfall was lower than expected in the City, but there were mixed fortunes for
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Conman who killed parents for his inheritance will never be freed
A CONMAN has been jailed for life and told he will serve at least 40 years before can be paroled after he carried out the cold-blooded execution of his parents to collect a £230,000 inheritance. Convicted fraudster Stephen Seddon, 46, continued
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Work doesn't stop at Teesside High School during Easter break
Groundworks will be carried out at Teesside High School in Eaglescliffe, Stockton, over the Easter holidays to upgrade its tennis courts to an all-weather surface providing a midi hockey pitch and training facility, an all-weather netball court and
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Churches gather in Chester-le-Street
Chester-le-Street Churches Together will stage their annual Good Friday walk of witness and service tomorrow (Friday, March 29) in the town centre. The service will be held at 11.30am in the Civic Heart after the traditional walk from Ropery Lane/
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Diabetes research explored
THE next meeting of the Durham voluntary group of Diabetes UK will be held in the Diabetes Centre of the University Hospital of North Durham on Tuesday, April 9, at 7.30pm. The speaker will be Ian Boffey, a postgraduate student at Newcastle University
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Thousands expected in Sunderland on Saturday
A FAR right demonstration and counter march is being held in the North-East as thousands of football fans come to the region for a Premier League clash. There will be an EDL demonstration at the site of a new mosque in St Marks Road in Millfield
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Woodland activities for adults with mental health problems
PEOPLE with learning or mental health problems have been invited to take part in woodland activities in east Durham. The Woodland Trust, East Durham Trust and Stonham are hosting a free mental wellbeing event At Wingate Woods, Peterlee, from 11am
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An incentive to get back on the ladder
BUYERS in the market for a new build property in the North-East can take advantage of a new incentive from Miller Homes – a Home Exchange scheme that offers 95 per cent mortgages. This means that anyone interested in purchasing a Miller home –
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Love where you live
HOUSING Hartlepool has been inspiring and encouraging residents to Love Where They Live by launching a national anti-littering campaign. Residents of an area in the West View Estate, with staff from Housing Hartlepool, Hartlepool Borough Council
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Agent celebrates launch of new office
VENTURE Properties is celebrating the launch of its new office in Crook. The company, which has been established in Darlington and Chesterle-Street for a number of years, recently took up residence in a modern office on Royal Corner in the heart of
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Street naming is pure child’s play!
PUPILS at Colburn Community Primary School in North Yorkshire have proved they are streets ahead after naming six new roads on Taylor Wimpey’s Woodside Chase development in the town. More than 70 entries were submitted to Taylor Wimpey, which ran
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Reap a rich harvest a Cornsay!
CORNSAY House Farm is proof that a country house does not need to pass through several generations, or even be old, to be stunning. This country estate comprises a newly-constructed house, substantial detached cottage and extensive modern outbuildings
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Newton Aycliffe couple delighted with their new purpose-built home
A NEWTON Aycliffe couple are celebrating after moving into a new purpose-built bungalow specially designed for older people and those with mobility problems. Joe and Jeannie Reid could not be happier with their new home, which is one of three bungalows
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County Durham shows 2012 its pioneering spirit
SEAHAM Primary Care Centre, part of the town’s St John’s Square development, was opened by Lady Ann Calman, Chair of NHS County Durham and Darlington, at an informal ceremony. The £10m centre is home to two GP practices – Marlborough Practice and
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Awards, new services 2011 and new premises
NHS 111, the number to access healthcare when it’s less urgent than 999, will be rolled out across the North-East by April 2013. The North-East roll-out comes after the five-year, £45m contract to provide the service was awarded to the North East
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Investment brings 2010 major improvement
CONSTRUCTION work on the new £10m Primary Care Centre in Seaham was celebrated with a traditional ground breaking ceremony. NHS County Durham and Darlington Chairman, Lady Ann Calman, attended the ceremony along with the Mayor of Seaham, Cllr Brian
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Flapjacks for good causes
THREE young people on an employability course from The Princes Trust set up shop in East Durham Homes staff canteen to sell their own home-made flapjacks to raise money for local causes. As part of their xl course, run by Stockton Riverside College
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David Cameron to join Nissan workers to mark momentous day for North-East manufacturing
PRIME Minister David Cameron will be at Nissan's North-East car plant later today to officially launch production of the world's first mass-market electric car. Mr Cameron will join workers at the record-breaking Sunderland site to mark a new era
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Farewells, top marks 2009 and new schemes
The new £12m Stanley Primary Care Centre welcomed its first patients... THE new centre, in Clifford Road, brings together a wide range of services under one roof in a modern healthcare environment. It is home to Stanley Medical Group, Drs Partha
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On the right road
Mark Tallentire experiences one of the treats of the Great North Road and dines out at Croxdale’s The Coach and Horses, which is steeped in fascinating history THE A167 was once the Great North Road, the main route connecting London with Edinburgh
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Kenny Dorham/Four Classic Albums (Avid AMSC1080)
Avid’s two-CD sets with, as here, four LPs included are fine introductions to an artist’s work showing them in different settings. This one begins with Kenny both singing (not bad) and playing trumpet (better), then in quiet mood and finally on
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Rail fans to view historic locomotives together for first time
A HISTORIC first meeting of two famous locomotives from the golden age of steam is to take place at a North East railway museum over the Easter weekend. Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon will put the Dominion of Canada and the
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Good news galore for 2008 patients – and staff
AN ADDITIONAL £1.6m investment is to beused to increase the level of NHS dental services in the areas with high demand for services and the most disadvantaged areas of County Durham, where dental heal this poorer. The PCT is aware that some people
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Monty Alexander/Uplift 2: Higher (Jazz Legacy Productions JLP 1201020)
Piano playing of a different order with a second volume showing off Monty Alexander’s high energy approach. Recorded with two different trios at various concert halls around the world, the programme includes St Thomas, The Saints, Duke’s I Love
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George Shearing/At Home (JazzKnight Records JKN001)
This is a relaxed, but beautifully played album recorded privately in George Shearing’s own home in 1983 and never previously issued. They’re mainly duets with bass player Don Thompson who provides perfect accompaniment and support on tunes as
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Kasey Musgrave: Same Trailer – Different Park (Mercury Records)
KASEY MUSGRAVE’S may be a new name to country fans, but she is already earning a great reputation. When Lady Antebellum played England last year, she was the opening act. If you are a fan of the recent TV series Nashville you will have heard her
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Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: Fool’s Paradise (Signum SIGCD327)
Talbot’s suite from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Fool’s Paradise brims with energy, wit and colour. Performed by the Royal Philharmonic, the aural setting for the world down the rabbit-hole is quite magical. Highly recommended.
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Maxim Vengerov: Bach, Beethoven (WHLive0056)
The legendary violinist Maxim Vengerov presents a searching and soulful rendition of JS Bach’s Partita No 2, recorded live at Wigmore Hall. Vengerov is joined by recital partner Itamar Golan for an electrifying performance of Beethoven’s Violin
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Universe of Sound, Planets (Signum DVDSIGDVD009)
Esa-Pekka Salonen leads the Philharmoni Orchestra in a performance of Holtz’s Planets Suite, captured in high definition by 37 cameras. The viewer is taken to the heart of the Philharmonia in a stunning immersive experience. The performance also includes
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Worth venturing out
LET’S not talk about snow and cold weather, let’s look ahead to a week of fine folk music that it will be worth venturing out to hear. Tonight is a busy one, for a start. Darlington’s own folk boy-band Loose Connection are at The Old Well Inn in Barnard
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Tales of Tow Law in new historical novel
A NORTH-East author drew on personal experience of growing up in the Durham coalfield for her new novel. Elizabeth Hankin, who writes under the name Elizabeth Gill, recalled her childhood in Tow Law, County Durham, where her father owned Bonds
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Tick of the light
Jason Donovan sets the record straight with Steve Pratt about his return to Priscilla Queen Of The Desert as drag artist Tick, but doesn’t think his future lies in more musicals THE interview gets off to a stuttering start. “It’s good, it’s....
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Hugh Laurie on tour
THE star of international TV hit House, Hugh Laurie, completes a UK tour promoting his latest album with a visit to Gateshead Sage on June 23. Laurie had huge success with his debut album Let Them Talk and the follow-up release, Didn’t It Rain,
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Building works make NHS ‘fit for purpose’
FOLLOWING major modernisation and refurbishment works at a cost of more than £750,000, Easington Colliery’s new Health works centre– based at the former Waterworks building in Paradise Lane – will be opened by John Cummings, MP for Easington, and four
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From Superstar to prince
Pantomime is just perfect for North-East Jesus Christ Superstar TV competitor Jon Moses, he tells Steve Pratt. The singer follows a starring role in Sleeping Beauty with a North-East panto-style prince in Rapunzel NORTH-EAST singing Superstar Jon
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Gavin’s the high flier of humour
A new TV acting role on Sky Atlantic show Starlings has recently occupied the time of Geordie comic Gavin Webster... and he admits he’d love to do more TOP North-East comedian Gavin Webster may be better known for his confrontational style of stand-up
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Pet project at number 80
At 80, Petula Clark has just released a new album, Lost In You. She tells Andy Welch how it was put together and reflects on her remarkable career PETULA CLARK seems to take meetings, interviews, TV and radio appearances and performances all in
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Lottery funding helps North-East adults get active
HALF-a-million pounds of lottery funding has been awarded to tackle inactivity in the region as new figures show sedentary lifestyles cost the region’s NHS more than £50m a year. The money has been handed to County Durham Sport for a scheme targeting
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Bumpy ride for Max as Kirsty and Tanya clash
SOMEONE once sang that love and marriage go together like a horse and carriage. In Soapland the horse has bolted and the relationship of so-called happy couples resembles something that our equine friend deposits on the floor. Take Max and Kirsty
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The NHS laid plans to invest in modern healthcare facilities
AMBITIOUS plans to modernise primary care across County Durham have included a new multi-purpose modern community hospital in Barnard Castle. The replacement of the former Richardson Community Hospital witha one-stop, multipurpose community hospital
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Out with the old and in with the new...
AT THEIR last meeting, the current Darlington PCT board members recalled their milestones and successes, hailing the new facilities put in place over the past four years and the trust’s achievement in earning the coveted three-star status. From
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Looking back in Darlington
COLIN Morris, the former Chief Executive of DarlingtonPCT, was at the cutting edge of the development of Primary Care Trusts, heading the authority in Darlington and overseeing its successes. “Central to the success of Darlington PCT was the fact
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Cargo ship successfully recovered from North-East wildlife haven
A CARGO ship that ran aground near a lighthouse in a North-East wildlife haven has been successfully recovered. The MV Danio was heading from Perth in Scotland to Antwerp, Belgium, when it got caught on rocks in the Farne Islands, three miles off
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Middleham Stables open day on Good Friday
SOME of the country’s best racehorse trainers will open their doors tomorrow (Friday, March 29) to give members of the public an insight into the industry. The annual Middleham Stables Open Day on Good Friday started in 1993 and now attracts thousands
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Former Green Howards commanding officer takes Armed Forces top job
A FORMER commanding officer of the Green Howards Regiment has been given the top job in the Armed Forces. General Sir Nicholas Houghton has been appointed as the new chief of the defence staff for the British armed forces and will take over in
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Most desirable locations revealed
THE Sunday Times Best Places to Live has revealed the little Nirvanas dotted across the UK – including the ten most desirable locations in Yorkshire and the North-East. The comprehensive and up-todate two-part guide has taken a wide range of elements
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View from the top
WE CERTAINLYdidn’t underestimate the challenge facing us when wemergedfive Primary Care Trusts in County Durham, each with diverse populations, financial challenges and very different health needs. “In 2006, following the government’sCommissioningaPatientLed
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The 39 Steps, York Theatre Royal
WHAT an absolutely ripping yarn, spiffingly performed by an energetic and literally dashing cast of four. Were there really only four of them? It seems like a cast of thousands in this long-running, award-winning theatrical telling of John Buchan
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High Society, Newcastle Theatre Royal
OH, for the balmy nights of Oyster Bay. More champagne needed, methinks. As a critique of the idle rich, High Society is fairly threadbare, but it dazzles with famous Cole Porter numbers. We meet a minted socialite on the eve of her wedding
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Watching Brief
IS it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s Superman. At least, it used to be. Another comic book hero has taken his place in the skies – Iron Man. His suit may not be fashionable – indeed it’s a little clunky – but it’s highly functional. And
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Conman who killed parents will never be freed
A CONMAN was jailed for a minimum 40 years today and told he will never be paroled after the cold-blooded execution of his parents to collect his £230,000 inheritance. Convicted fraudster Stephen Seddon, 46, from Seaham, County Durham, had once
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Darlington business wins award for revolutionising music teaching
A DARLINGTON business that revolutionised the teaching of music has won a major award. Mix Music Education - founded by former music teacher Dan Jones - invented the JamPod, which allows students to learn music silently. The creation, now used
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Wells cargo
ROYAL Tunbridge Wells is in Kent, one of only three English towns –- Leamington Spa and, latterly, Wootton Bassett the others – entitled to the royal prefix (if not necessarily the royal prerogative.) It’s what folk like to call Middle England, though
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Fit as a fiddler
APART from being present at the birth, it is arguably the biggest moment in any dad’s life – when he walks up the aisle and gives his daughter away on her wedding day. Graham Robb, father-of-two, entrepreneur, high-profile North-East public relations
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The big catch
BREAD upon the water, as it were, last week’s column sought further information on the obituarists’ claim that television sports presenter Tony Gubba had once caught a record salmon on the Esk in North Yorkshire. The bait has been splendidly taken
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Clegg wants firms sold to employees
THE Deputy Prime Minister wants to encourage more owners to sell business on to their staff. Nick Clegg said employeeowned firms should be “hardwired” into the economy. The Government plans to inject £50m into the sector from next year to boost
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Arts Council funding boost for Durham's Oriental Museum
A NORTH-East museum has been given more than £100,000 to transform access to some of its Eastern treasures. Durham University’s Oriental Museum, in Durham City, has secured £114,000 from the Arts Council’s Renaissance Strategic Support Fund to
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Street naming is pure child’s play for pupils
PUPILS at Colburn Community Primary School in North Yorkshire have proved they are streets ahead after naming six new roads on Taylor Wimpey’s Woodside Chase development in the town. More than 70 entries were submitted to Taylor Wimpey, which ran
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Nissan Sunderland make history with production of Nissan Leaf
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A notorious disease to detect
I WAS saddened to read that Janet Hann, of Barnard Castle, lost her sight aged 13, while her husband, Paul, lost much of his sight after a car accident and meningitis aged five (Echo, Mar 25). Everyone at Meningitis UK was touched to read that
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Newspapers
OUR paper lad got extremely wet on Saturday morning in the snow, and so did our daily papers. As I sat waiting for them to dry on the radiators, it suddenly occurred to me that I was probably the last of a generation who would do so. How much
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Dead pigs
ARE people aware that the world’s most populated city, Shanghai in China with a population of 23 million people, has a major water pollution problem caused by the dumping of some 15,000 dead pigs which have been found to be infected with porcine cirovirus
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My manifesto
AS an economically social democratic, morally and socially conservative British and Commonwealth patriot, I long ago parted company with the Labour Party. Under Tony Blair, it left people like me at least as much as it left those who were still on
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Bedroom tax
THE so-called “bedroom” tax was introduced to recoup an estimated £500m lost to the Treasury through changes in how bonuses to bankers are to be taxed. It is part of an agenda which holds that providing benefits hinders growth, but tax cuts for
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Immigration
IN his speech on immigration on Monday, David Cameron caved in to the more hysterical sections of the British media on immigration, because of the danger he perceives from Ukip and from elements within his own party. If only immigration policy
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Overseas aid
IT makes me angry that Foreign Secretary William Hague is to send armoured 4x4 vehicles and body armour to the Syrian freedom fighters. When are these idiots in government going to realize that we do not have the resources that America has. It
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Flapjack Menace
A TRIANGULAR flapjack has three potentially dangerous pointed corners, according to a school in Essex which has therefore replaced them with square flapjacks (Echo, Mar 26). However, a rectangular replacement flapjack will have four corners and
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Wells cargo
The Railroad to Wembley is rapidly nearing its destination ROYAL Tunbridge Wells is in Kent, one of only three English towns –- Leamington Spa and, latterly, Wootton Bassett the others – entitled to the royal prefix (if not necessarily the royal
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Radcliffe in final straight
WORLD marathon record holder Paula Radcliffe is facing up to the very real possibility she may never compete again because of ongoing complications with her foot injury. The 39-year-old was forced to pull out of the 2012 Olympics shortly before
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New challenge in waste
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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Bad politics make bad prospects
NEXT Monday is All Fools’ Day – which is appropriate, because the week has all the ingredients to make a monkey out of David Cameron. The dawn of April will usher in a cocktail of controversial tax and benefit changes that may haunt the Prime Minister
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New start for Tregoning
A HUMBLE Lingfield seller marked a new stage in the career of Marcus Tregoning as he collected his first winner since changing stables. Based in Lambourn since taking over from his mentor Dick Hern back in 1997, Tregoning moved his horses to historic
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No complacency on tour insists Flower
ANDY FLOWER rejects the suggestion that England paid for complacency in their drawn Test series against New Zealand. Alastair Cook’s team had to fight to the very last ball, with nine wickets down, to secure even the solace of a 0-0 stalemate at
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Exit stage left
South Shields Labour MP David Miliband has announced that he is leaving politics for a job in New York. Political Correspondent Robert Merrick reports IT is not every day that a North-East MP leaves the stage to tributes from former presidents
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Murray in strong position
TWO-TIME defending champion Novak Djokovic suffered a shock defeat at the hands of Tommy Haas to leave Andy Murray in the box seat at the Sony Open in Miami. Veteran German Haas outplayed the world number one for a 6-2 6-4 victory meaning Murray
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Failure is not an option to contemplate for Joe Hart
JOE HART insists England are refusing to contemplate the possibility of failing to qualify for the 2014 World Cup. Roy Hodgson’s side remain in second spot in their group after surrendering a half-time lead in the 1-1 draw with leaders Montenegro
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Play-off worry for coach Hodgson
ROY HODGSON is eager to avoid the play-off route to Brazil but the England manager accepts nothing can be taken for granted in the scrap for World Cup places. Tuesday’s draw in Montenegro represented to some another precious point collected and
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Can O’Neill cope without key duo?
WHEN Steven Fletcher was stretchered off five minutes into Scotland’s World Cup qualifier against Wales last Friday, hearts sank on Wearside. The thought of being without their leading scorer for a number of weeks only heightened the concern of
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Profitable times on Tyneside
NEWCASTLE UNITED are perfectly placed financially to strengthen again in the summer after posting a profit for the second successive year, according to the club’s managing director Derek Llambias. The Magpies’ accounts for the year ending June
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A vote of confidence
WE all know the North-East has its economic challenges – but it is also important to shout about its success stories. Nissan has topped the list of North-East success stories for some time and today marks another historic chapter for the company
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Mowbray's steel can turn Boro around says Pallister
AS an old defensive side-kick of Tony Mowbray during days when Middlesbrough had to battle back from the brink of oblivion, Gary Pallister thinks his former Ayresome Park team-mate has the character and managerial know-how to revive the clubs fortunes
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James nabs three as Baldwin returns to action
LUKE JAMES and Jack Baldwin yesterday put themselves into contention for a Hartlepool United start tomorrow. The pair impressed during a 4-0 reserve win over Rotherham and could face MK Dons at Victoria Park on Good Friday. James, named the
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Bresnan poised for an early return from injury
Yorkshire remain hopeful all-rounder Tim Bresnan is on course to make a prompt return from the second operation on his right elbow that ruled him out of England's tour to New Zealand. He was initially estimated to be sidelined for six to eight
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Water safety board game created in memory of tragic Ian
BOARD games promoting water safety have been given to schools in memory of an eight-year-old boy who died after falling in a North East river. The games were created by a campaign group set up by Ian Bell’s family and friends in conjunction with
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North-East jobs saved at builders' merchant after deal
A NORTH-EAST building and plumbing merchant which fell into administration has been bought, saving 20 jobs. A Thompson and Sons, in Sunderland, and its sister company, TAPS Plumbing and Heating, have been taken on by Grafton Merchanting GB Ltd.
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Council reveals building plans to keep hundreds of jobs in town
A COUNCIL has revealed plans to build offices for hundreds of Government workers whose jobs could be moved out of a town. Darlington Borough Council says it wants to erect a 32,000sq ft office block to house about 480 Department for Education (
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Have a little faith for Ava
FOR the first two days of little Ava’s life, all seemed well. But Mark and Judith Roberts were about to endure every parent’s worst nightmare as, within 48 hours, their beautiful baby girl stopped breast feeding, stopped breathing, turned blue,
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Manufacturing firm secures car parts contract
A NORTH-EAST engineering firm has secured an exclusive £10m contract to supply made-to-order car parts to a multi-national company. ElringKlinger GB, which employs about 140 people in Redcar, will make exhaust manifold gaskets and turbo heat shields
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Microchip manufacturer hopes to find buyer for North-East plant
THE owners of a North-East microelectronics plant, who are pulling production out of the region, say they are committed to finding a buyer for its factory. RF Micro Devices (RFMD) last week revealed it was leaving the former Fujitsu factory, in
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Engineering firm to bid for bigger projects after deal
COMPANY MERGER: Engineering outsourcing firm Costain says it will bid for bigger projects after signing a £370m merger deal with road and rail maintenance company May Gurney. About 150 jobs will be cut from a combined workforce of 11,000 as the
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North-East entrepreneurs urged to claim share of £700,000 funding
ASPIRING North-East entrepreneurs hoping to start their own business can still claim their share of £700,000 funding. The Government's Start-Up Loans programme is offering cash to small firms, and has already given £300,000 to more than 60 entrepreneurs
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Outdoor learning centre at Middleton-in-Teesdale closes for good
A RURAL outdoor centre has closed its doors for the final time – despite being just as popular as ever. Durham County Council officials say cutbacks mean the authority can no longer afford the £77,000 annual subsidy for the Outdoor Learning Centre
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History made as Nissan Sunderland begins mass production of all-electric Leaf
A NORTH-EAST factory will today earn a place in motoring history when it starts production of the world's first mass-market electric car. Staff at Nissan in Sunderland have been working around the clock to set up new lines and a high tech battery
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Council meetings and chapel conversion
COUNCIL MOVE: Greater Willington Town Council will meet on Tuesday, April 9, at 6.30pm at the Phoenix Centre on Watling Terrace in Willington. This is instead of their previously planned meeting on Tuesday, April 2, at Willington Community Action Centre
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Easter arrivals at Willington care village
RESIDENTS at a North East care home have taken special delivery of a cheep Easter present. Brancepeth Court and Lumley Court based in the Willington Care Village in Willington, County Durham, have received several eggs which are now hatching.
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Family separated by snow hope to be reunited tomorrow
A FAMILY hopes to be reunited tomorrow (Friday, March 29) after 5ft snow drifts cut off their remote farm house. Robert and Helen Collingwood have been apart from their children Jake and Ben for a week after the couple were snowed in at their farm
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Partnership offers update on Crook's leisure centre plans
PLANS for a £1m leisure centre part-funded by money left over from a cancelled community centre refurbishment are progressing well, the developing group has claimed. Crook Community Partnership has issued an update on their plans to build a new