Archive
-
Date
James Wharton MP defends decision to seek EU Referendum
CONSERVATIVE MP James Wharton last night defended his controversial decision to push forward a Bill on an EU referendum – insisting it was what many people in the North-East wanted. The Stockton South MP hit back at criticism that he had picked
-
Date
Colourful count in puffin paradise
A MILE or so off the North-East coast, thousands of seabirds are congregating on a series of islands. But one species holds more interest than most. Assistant News Editor, Matt Westcott travelled to The Farnes to join Natural Trust rangers for the
-
Date
Marking daring Dambuster raids, 70 years on
HUNDREDS of well-wishers watched as a Lancaster bomber performed a flypast to mark the 70th anniversary of the war-time Dambuster raids today (Thursday, May 16). And, in this region, a relative of the County Durham airman who was part of the daring
-
Date
Driving ban after man started to drive 50 yards home while drunk
A MAN who was caught drink driving in a hotel car park as he went to travel 50 yards to his home has been banned from driving for two years. Police found Andrew Clarey had 258mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood, magistrates in Newton Aycliffe were
-
Date
Motorist who swerved to avoid hitting police was fractionally over drink drive limit
A MAN who was fractionally over the drink drive limit was stopped by police after he swerved to avoid their van, a court has heard. Darryl Edward Milburn told magistrates in Newton Aycliffe that the officers were in an unmarked van and he swerved
-
Date
Driving ban for woman who drank wine at Hamsterley Forest rally
A WOMAN who attempted to drive home after drinking wine at a picnic while watching a motor rally in a forest has been banned from driving for a year. Anne Richardson admitted attempting to drive whilst unfit through drink when she appeared at Newton
-
Date
Discharge for penniless uninsured driver
A HOMELESS teenager who ran away from police after abandoning his car because he was uninsured and had no driver’s licence has been given a conditional discharge for 12 months. John Liam Jardine told magistrates in Newton Aycliffe that he had been
-
Date
Great North Air Ambulance lottery draw for May 15
The winning numbers for the Great North Air Ambulance weekly lottery draw for May 15 are : £200 N13849, Darlington; £100 N30766, Newton Aycliffe; £50 N06773, Bishop Auckland; £50 N23763, Hexham; £25 N16956, Billingham; £25 N31731, St Bees; £25 N26442
-
Date
One critical - 11 injured - in smash between minibus and car
One man was critically injured in a collision between a minibus and a car near the junction of the A19 and A179 this evening. The man, who is aged in his 50's and was driving the car, was freed by firefighters after being trapped for 20 minutes
-
Date
Twelve taken to hospital after A19 smash between minibus and car
Twelve people were taken to hospital this evening following a collision involving a minibus and a car on the A19. One person was airlifted to hospital by the Great North Air Ambulance after being freed from the wreckage by fire crews from Stockton
-
Date
Bid revealed to rename Sedgefield Community Hospital after much-loved priest
A COMMUNITY hospital could be renamed in honour of a popular priest who devoted much of his life to it. Father John Caden visited staff and patients at Sedgefield Community Hospital in Sedgefield, County Durham, right up until his death on February
-
Date
Pensioner gets helping hand to live independently after cancer scare
FIERCELY independent and determined not to cause a fuss, 81-year-old Stella Bruce has lived in the same North Yorkshire house since she was six. But a recent cancer scare and an operation to fit a pacemaker meant she finally had to accept an offer
-
Date
Outdoor gym equipment given the go-ahead by planners
OUTDOOR gym equipment is set to be installed in Darlington’s South Park after planning officers granted permission. Three pieces of equipment will be installed next to the park’s tennis courts to provide a green gym. The exact equipment to
-
Date
Doormen used "excessive force" ejecting unruly drinker
AN unruly drinker was “unceremoniously dumped” and left unconscious outside a village pub, a court heard. Doormen Neil Boyd, 37, and 23-year-old Anthony MacDonald used “excessive force” ejecting the man from the Shoulder of Mutton, in Easington
-
Date
Tax avoidance and the big firms - a Q&A
As the tax backlash against large multinationals grows, STUART ARNOLD provides a brief lowdown. Q: What’s this all about? A: Several firms, including Amazon, Google and Starbucks have been accused of avoiding their UK tax obligations. Q
-
Date
Stokesley group receives grant to stage classes inspired by traditional folk dance
A CARE group has received a grant so it can offer an activity inspired by traditional folk dancing, to improve people’s health and wellbeing. Stokesley’s Community Care Association is to run circle dancing sessions, after receiving a £400 grant
-
Date
Two jailed for their part in cash-for-crash insurance scam
TWO people were today (Thursday, May 16) jailed for 15 months each for their part in a cash-for-crash insurance scam - bringing to an end the biggest case of its kind heard in the country. Businesswoman Alison Redman, 45, and Niki McKenzie, 33,
-
Date
North Yorkshire News in Brief:
The next Stokesley Society heritage forum will take place on Monday, May 20 at 10am in the Stokesley Community Care Association Centre. Topics will include the First World War, new blue plaques on Stokesley’s buildings, the evolution of the design
-
Date
Over 50s encouraged to make a splash
AGE UK Darlington has secured funding from Sport England to help those aged 50 plus to learn to swim or improve their swimming. The six -week course takes place in the Dolphin Centre training pool starting on June 20. Enrolment costs only £2.50 for
-
Date
Veteran councillor becomes new mayor of Darlington
A VETERAN councillor has become Darlington’s new mayor after he was formally handed the chains of office tonight (Thursday, May 16). Charles Johnson, who represents the Hummersknott ward, was given the keys to the parlour by outgoing mayor Paul
-
Date
Heritage trail to be created through Stokesley
A HERITAGE trail is to be set up in Stokesley to encourage visitors to explore some of its history. Six information panels are to be located at key sites around the North Yorkshire town in a bid to highlight some of the town’s historic buildings
-
Date
Schools can measure themselves against Pisa tests
The OECD test for schools, to be launched on Wednesday in Washington DC, will allow schools or local authorities to assess themselves against the standards of Pisa tests – the programme for International Student Assessment. Schools will be able
-
Date
Longer days and shorter holidays for pupils, the best solution?
Pupils in England should spend more hours at school each day and have shorter holidays, the Education Secretary Michael Gove has argued. Speaking at an education conference in London, Mr Gove said: “It is already the case that some of the best
-
Date
Charity fundraiser wins stamp of approval
A CHARITY campaigner has thanked those who helped him to collect thousands of stamps to raise funds for an air ambulance. Peter Longstaff has collected 12kg of stamps in a year in aid of the Great North Air Ambulance and plans to continue his fundraising
-
Date
LAST DIG Dance extravaganza
A FESTIVAL of dance is taking place at the Dolphin Centre on Saturday. The North East Panorama festival of movement and dance is organised by the Keep Fit Association and there will be two shows taking place. An afternoon show, starting at
-
Date
Appeal after diesel thieves strike at Barton
POLICE are appealing for help after thieves stole diesel from a farmyard at Barton, near Richmond. The red diesel was stolen between 11pm last Monday, May 13, and 4.30am the following day and as it is not permitted in road vehicles it is thought
-
Date
Trial for man who damaged pizza shop but denied it was racially aggravated
A MAN who admitted causing more than £1,000 worth of damage to a pizza shop, but denied it was racially aggravated, is facing a trial. Daniel Mills, of Fenby Avenue, Darlington, admitted he caused £1,050 worth of damage to Veno’s Pizza shop, in
-
Date
Sweet ecstasy
Customers are queuing up to enjoy a taste of nostalgia in The Oldest Sweet Shop in England. Ruth Campbell meets the sweet-toothed couple who pride themselves on scouring the country to track down the very best of sweets, made to the finest old recipes
-
Date
Prior engagement
Dani Webb takes a break from wedding planning to try out a new Teesdale spa WITH a wedding to plan and a string of surprises to organise for my husband-to-be’s 30th birthday, time to relax has been in short supply recently. So testing out the new
-
Date
Great tucka Down Under
Fine wines, black truffles and even kangaroo tail are on the menu for Lauren Taylor when she visits an exciting new food festival in Margaret River, Western Australia AS I lie in bed, sunlight drenches the Southern Ocean in front of me. Colours
-
Date
North Yorkshire round-up
SUMMER CONCERT: Northallerton Methodist Church choir will present a concert, Summer Medley, with Romanby Primary School Choir on Friday, June 7 at 7pm, at the church. Funds will go towards the Northallerton and Dales branch of Samaritans. Tickets
-
Date
"Nighthawks" strike at ancient ruin
THE grounds of one of North Yorkshire’s ancient ruins have been damaged in a series of incidents thought to be the work of illegal metal detectorists. In three separate incidents some 14 holes have been dug across the site of Whitby Abbey – a Grade
-
Date
Sprucing up Broompark picnic site
PEOPLE are invited to spruce up Broompark picnic site, near Ushaw Moor, on Sunday, May 26. Durham County Council’s countryside service will hold a community conservation event and roadshow at the site from 10am to noon. Volunteers will replace bird
-
Date
Cancer charities benefit from social night
A FUNDRAISING night in Spennymoor raised hundreds of pounds for cancer charities. The event at Spennymoor Leisure Centre on Friday, April 26, raised £1,400 which will be donated to Breakthrough Breast Cancer and the Chyrelle Addams Cancer Trust
-
Date
Changes at Stokesley Parish Council
STOKESLEY Parish Council has co-opted a new councillor, following the resignation of John Lyons. At its monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 14, the council welcomed Stokesley resident Malcolm Smallwood to its ranks. Mr Smallwood recently retired
-
Date
Planners will consider whether there is an exceptional case to allow mine in national park
A NATIONAL park authority considering whether to allow a £1.5bn potash mine to be sunk, has said major developments in national parks should be “refused in all but exceptional circumstances”. The planning committee for the North York Moors National
-
Date
1786 grocery store sells for more than £500,000
ONE OF the oldest grocery shops in North Yorkshire has been sold for £515,000 - with a condition of sale being it must remain as a retail unit. Thompson’s store, which opened in 1786, and the neighbouring two-bedroom cottage in Osmotherley went
-
Date
Volunteers trained to bring restorative justice to Middlesbrough
VOLUNTEERS will act as go-betweens if victims and their attackers agree to meet face-to face. So far ten unpaid “facilitators” have been trained to host the emotive discussions in Middlesbrough, one of 100 areas across the country introducing the
-
Date
FTSE on verge of record-breaking run
The FTSE 100 Index is on the verge of a record-breaking run after it closed higher for the tenth day in a row. It means trading today could match three previous occasions when the index has climbed 11 successive times – which would be the first
-
Date
First, a degree of good news
TV PRESENTER and scientist Lord Robert Winston says he would never employ those with top degrees because it indicates a narrow approach to life. He prefers people around him who develop other interests at university because they tend to work better
-
Date
Gold standard
UP for the FA Cup final last Saturday, presented at the pre-match lunch with one of the FA’s “Gold” Respect awards for the Ebac Northern League’s “Secret Shopper” initiative. If not quite running round Wembley with the cup, it’s fair to say that
-
Date
Theatre Review: The Seagull, Northern Stage, Newcastle
ANTON CHEKHOV was the master of emotional exploration. His creativity and understanding of romantic conflict is played out in The Seagull as a slice-of-life rather than a plot-driven play. Headlong’s interpretation through director Blanche
-
Date
Maximo Park announce surprise gig
CULT indie rockers Maximo Park have announced a surprise gig as part of the region-wide Festival of the North East. The band will perform an intimate gig in aid of the Star and Shadow Cinema in Newcastle on June 12. The venue is run by volunteers
-
Date
Theatre Review: Bohemian Rhapsody, Darlington Civic Theatre
I HAVE been known to moan about so-called “jukebox” musicals, featuring random musicians performing wellknown songs from a specific decade or genre. This production overcomes any misgivings I had. Are the singers and musicians up to scratch
-
Date
First football tournament a success
AN inaugural football tournament and fun day was a roaring success despite wet weather at the weekend. The Ferryhill Knockout Football Competition and family fun day organised by Ferryhill Town Council, in conjunction with the Ferryhill 2000 Committee
-
Date
News from the North
Top role: The new chairman of Ryedale District Council is Coun Janet Dales, a member of the authority for the past six years. Brought up in Farndale and educated at Ryedale School, she has worked in the hotel industry for most of her life and has run
-
Date
Warning of prison for banned driver who took his friend's car without permission
A MAN who took his friend’s car and begged police not to tell him he had taken it has been warned he is facing prison. Rana Ali Ahmed was caught driving his friend’s Honda Civic on North Road, in Darlington, on the night of Monday, April 29, despite
-
Date
Man’s best friend
Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs (ITV1, 8.30pm) The Dambusters: 70 Years On (BBC2, 7pm) The Murder Workers (C4, 9pm) WE are a nation of animal lovers so perhaps it wasn’t surprising that a primetime series about Battersea Dogs and Cats home
-
Date
Fury over Fergie's farewell
DESPITE needing no further proof, we were shown this week the superficiality and shallowness of this country. The retirement of a football manager resulted in countless hours of TV air space, miles of newsprint and, of course, celebrity comment
-
Date
Ukip
IT doesn’t take a political analyst to observe that Ukip took a considerable number of votes from the Conservatives in the recent elections. There are two reasons for this. The Conservative-led coalition is losing the plot. One example of this
-
Date
Railway heritage
I WRITE in response to Shirley King’s letter (HAS, May 9) about the value Darlington council places on the town’s railway heritage. Firstly, I would thank Shirley for her continued commitment to preserving our railway heritage. I do, however
-
Date
Waning power
THE power and dominance Britain once enjoyed in world affairs is past. Britain’s greatness evaporated in 1945. I believe we would have been better off if we had accepted that and relinquished this pretense of greatness and concentrated on being
-
Date
The Queen
IT always makes me chuckle when someone in England has a go at our Queen for being “German” especially when that someone is Germanic themselves. Peter Sagar (HAS, May 14) also wrongly states that Prince Phillip is Greek. The name Sagar is of
-
Date
Get talking
A weekly class in Intermediate German will be held tomorrow (Friday) from 1.30 to 3.30pm in the Chester-le-Street Community Centre, Newcastle Bank. The session costs £4. Dance date: A 50/50 dance will be held on Saturday between 2 to 4pm in the
-
Date
Thanks
CAN I take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported their local Labour candidates in the recent council elections. More than half of all votes cast across County Durham on May 2 were for Labour candidates, a substantial increase from the
-
Date
Study aims to discover whether special insoles can help MS patients walk
SCIENTISTS at a North-East university have been given a 96,000 grant to investigate whether wearing insoles can improve the balance and walking ability of poeple with multiple sclerosis. Dr John Dixon, from Teesside University, will lead the three
-
Date
Motorbikes
AS an ex-motorcyclist, I am horrified by the deaths of motorcyclists on our roads. However, I am puzzled by the efforts of the police with their initiatives such as Bikesafe (Echo, May 14). They say: “We welcome motorcyclists who are responsible
-
Date
Ghosts
IN response to Christopher Wardell’s letter (HAS, May 14), I wonder if he could recommend a good ghost hunting event in the North-East. Joseph Shoulder, Bishop Auckland
-
Date
Gathering up BoJo’s crumbs
BORIS Johnson has scoffed the main course and is trying to tuck into dessert – before the North-East’s political leaders have even sat down at the table. I’m talking about the irrepressible Mayor of London’s latest pitch to persuade his fellow
-
Date
Newsagent granted licence application despite anti-social behaviour fears
A DARLINGTON newsagent has been granted a licence to sell alcohol, amid concerns from local residents about anti-social behaviour. Martins, in Whitby Way, in the Branksome area, will be allowed to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises between
-
Date
Cancer sufferer's Shildon friends wear wigs to raise funds for charity
YOUNGSTERS are staging a hair raising fundraising event to boost the work of a cancer charity helping their friend. Ten-year-old Sophie Foster, of Shildon, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in February. Fellow pupils at Thornhill
-
Date
Fractured leg leads to death of father-of-one, inquest told
A FATHER-OF-ONE died from a blood clot caused after he fractured a leg trying to jump over a puddle, an inquest heard. The family of 54-year-old Stuart Duncan, of Wildair Close, Darlington, spoke of their shock following an inquest into his death
-
Date
12 town councillors needed for Chilton, but only 11 people apply
Only 11 people applied to become members of Chilton Town Council which has 12 seats, so when elections were held across County Durham this month Chilton was uncontested. Anyone interested in becoming the 12th councillor should apply in writing
-
Date
Ex-colliery fitter becomes city's new Mayor
A CITY’S new mayor is looking forward to a busy year in civic office. Ex-colliery fitter Robert ‘Bob’ Heron, and wife Juliana became the new Mayor and Mayoress of Sunderland in a civic centre ceremony. It is ten years since Mrs Heron, a former
-
Date
More than 30 Sunderland and West Ham fans charged after Premier League clash
POLICE have charged more than 30 Sunderland and West Ham fans who are alleged to have been involved in a fight before a Premier League game. Trouble flared outside Revolution Bar in Sunderland at around 2.15pm on January 12, ahead of the Hammers
-
Date
Tributes as David Beckham announces retirement from professional football
FORMER Middlesbrough and England manager Steve McClaren hailed David Beckham as a great of the modern game after the former national team captain announced his retirement. Beckham, who was instantly dropped when McClaren inherited the England job
-
Date
Gabrielle Aplin – English rain
THE voice behind the John Lewis ad, Gabrielle Aplin is well and truly front and centre now. Her cover of Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s ‘Power of Love’ went straight to the top of the charts, but while she made that track her own, to use a horrid
-
Date
Arcane Roots – Blood and Chemistry
THE problem with progressive or experimental rock is that what might sound good in the head of the creator doesn’t always translate to the recording studio. Arcane Roots, though belonging to that genre, are much better than that. While clearly
-
Date
Wearing red really can give sportsmen an advantage say researchers
MANCHESTER United, Ferrari, Tiger Woods and Spain all have one thing in common which may explain their overwhelming success. New research by North-East psychologists has found evidence to show that putting on a red shirt can give individuals and
-
Date
Caro Emerald – The Shocking Miss Emerald
I WAS going to say listening to Caro Emerald was a guilty pleasure, but why should it be guilty? A refreshing alternative to much of what passes for chart music these days, this second album is destined to appeal as much, if not more, than her debut
-
Date
Newton Aycliffe Youth Centre gets set for a busy year
IT is exciting times at Newton Aycliffe Youth Centre, as the charity embarks on what is expected to be its busiest year yet. Speaking after the centre’s annual general meeting this week, Vince Crosby, chairman of the management committee, said
-
Date
A question of trust
WE take no pleasure in describing one of our police forces as “flawed, inept, dishonest and damaged”. However, those words are a fair reflection of a damning report into the latest scandal involving Cleveland Police. At the beginning of the week
-
Date
Device – Device
DEVICE is the new project from Disturbed lead singer David Draiman. With Disturbed taking a break from the business, Draiman has recruited the likes of Serj Tankian, formerly of System of a Down, Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello and classic rockers
-
Date
News from the North
Parking call: People in Kirkbymoorside are urging tougher action against drivers who park vehicles on double yellow lines or at bus stops and those who cause obstructions. At the annual town meeting they also called for more police patrols to stop
-
Date
Artist transports tourist attraction back in time with painting
A FORMER railway station converted into a tourist attraction will be transported back in time in an exhibition by a landscape and railway artist. Christopher Ware will be showing his collection of watercolours and prints of the Dales alongside
-
Date
It’s farewell, but not goodbye
Classic crooner Jack Jones, 75, is not planning on retiring anytime soon – despite the title of his current retrospective tour, as he tells Steve Pratt DOUBLE Grammy winner Jack Jones has embarked on his farewell tour. But the American singer promises
-
Date
Children go outdoors for woodland learning
CHILDREN at a Darlington school left the classroom for a woodland adventure as part of an initiative to promote the importance of outdoor learning. Polam Hall held the event in its grounds for its younger pupils to experience nature and learn through
-
Date
REG Working families are sacrificing essentials including food to pay for housing
THOUSANDS of families are cutting spending on essentials like food to meet housing costs. Young, working families are most likely to be going without as high mortgage repayments and the cost of private rent take their toll. The new figures,
-
Date
Bid will deliver, say bosses, as first bills despatched
LEADERS of Durham’s new Business Improvement District (Bid) have moved to reassure traders they will get value for money from the venture. Ahead of the first Bid bills being posted out tomorrow (Friday, May 17), manager Sonali Craddock announced
-
Date
This Lion fails to roar
Nigel Burton finds decent pub grub at a windswept location on the North York Moors WHAT makes a meal special? The food and drink, obviously, but I also like to think that convivial company, a relaxed atmosphere and a great venue help lift a meal
-
Date
New mayor for Northallerton
THE new mayor of Northallerton has pledged to work for the good of the town and its people. Coun John Forrest made his promise as he took over the role from Coun Jack Dobson at the annual meeting of the town council. His plans include the setting
-
Date
School leavers warned about drunken anti-social behaviour
SCHOOL leavers are being warned against alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour as they celebrate the end of their school days later this month. Agencies including Darlington Borough Council’s anti-social behaviour team, the drug and alcohol team
-
Date
Keep qualm and carry on
Bill Bailey talks to Steve Pratt about his life as an actor, musician, comic and TV and radio presenter BILL BAILEY is back on tour with his show Qualmpeddler, although the places he’s visiting – Newcastle and York among them – are rather less
-
Date
Help to face subject of death
A HOSPICE will hold an event which aims to make the difficult subject of dying easier to face. The Butterwick Hospice, on Woodhouse Lane, Bishop Auckland, will hold an open day on Saturday (Saturday, May 18) from 10am to 4pm as part of the national
-
Date
Next leg for Josh
Comedian Josh Widdicombe has seen his star rise since appearing in the hit TV show, The Last Leg. He tells Steve Pratt about the stresses of stand-up JOSH WIDDICOMBE knows the value of being in a hit TV show. While last summer’s Paralympics did
-
Date
Time to stand on ceremony
Former advertising executive Peter Bell is putting business duties to one side for his year as County Durham’s High Sheriff. Bruce Unwin reports DURHAM County’s new High Sheriff, former rugby full-back Peter Stuart Bell, is expected to make his
-
Date
Cutbacks in budget will see another 300 jobs lost at Stockton Borough Council
MEMBERS of a council have made to the decision to bring a wide range of budget cuts to help balance their books. Stockton Borough Council’s cabinet unanimously approved the proposals which will see about 300 jobs lost in the next three years as
-
Date
Swimming back into the light
The first album from Fish for five years was partly inspired by a visit to the Somme battlefields where he made a poignant discovery. The former Marillion frontman speaks to Matt Westcott ahead of gigs at The Sage in Gateshead and the Arc in Stockton
-
Date
Kids and mums combine to create works of art
MOTHERS and their children worked together for weeks to produce artwork in special lessons unique to Darlington. Turnaround is a service for children at risk of not doing well in school and every Wednesday the youngsters are joined by their parents
-
Date
Evacuated North Yorkshire villagers allowed home after gas leak
A VILLAGE evacuated during a gas scare earlier today has now been given the all-clear. Villagers were allowed back into their homes in Summerbridge, near Harrogate, shortly before 2pm today. The tiny community, on the River Nidd, was evacuated
-
Date
Residents invited to meeting in Shildon to explain welfare reform
WELFARE MEETING: The Sedgefield Residents Association is to hold a meeting on the Government’s welfare reforms. Phil Hanns, of Durham County Council, will speak on issues to face local residents and housing providers, such as livin, will also speak
-
Date
Teacher unions planning 'rally for education' in North-East city centre this weekend
TEACHERS, governors and parents will take part in North-East rally for education on Saturday. The event in Newcastle city centre is jointly organised by the NUT and NASUWT trade unions, which represent nine out of ten teachers. The unions say
-
Date
Subsea firm expands fleet
A NORTH-EAST subsea company has turned to a local supplier to expand its fleet of underwater vehicles. Darlington-based Modus Seabed Intervention has bought a new advanced remotely operated vehicle (ROV) manufactured by Queen's Award winning Soil
-
Date
Police appeal to trace car
POLICE investigating an attempted burglary are appealing for help to trace a vehicle. At around 11pm last night (Wednesday, May 15) a resident of Barningham, near Barnard Castle, disturbed would-be burglars who were attempting to break into their
-
Date
Town hall celebrates in style
TWO nights of music will help celebrate the centenary of Masham town hall over the next Bank Holiday weekend. May 24 will see a live performance from folk legends Fairport Convention, who in previous years frequented the town regularly at the height
-
Date
Seaton golf club looking forward to the future
The next 15 months promise to be big for Seaton Carew Golf Club. Golf writer Paul Fraser found out what one of the finest courses in the country has lined up and what it has planned for the future WITH the club crest proudly on show, the welcoming
-
Date
Lunch report: Late wickets spoil a decent morning for Yorkshire
YORKSHIRE lost openers Adam Lyth and Joe Sayers inside three overs to take the shine off a good second morning against Warwickshire at Edgbaston today. The pair shared a watchful 77, but both fell in the last 15 minutes before lunch as the White
-
Date
Bishop Auckland man cut friend's face with hair clippers in attempt to shave his head
A MAN who cut his friend’s face with hair clippers while he tried to shave his head after drinking will pay compensation. Mark Duke, 39, of Cambridge Court, Bishop Auckland, and his friend had been drinking on December 5, last year. Newton
-
Date
Time running out for entrepreneurs to enter competition
TIME is running out for North-East entrepreneurs to take part in a search to find the next successful business owners. The If We Can You Can Challenge (IWCYC), run by The Northern Echo alongside the Entrepreneurs' Forum, aims to help get hundreds
-
Date
Split village soon to be reunited
WORK to repair a bridge which collapsed after a landslide - splitting a village in two - should start within weeks. Part of the bridge at Ovington, near Barnard Castle, was damaged after landslips in November and December, resulting in closure
-
Date
"Love Your Local Market" initiative comes to Hambleton
A NATIONAL campaign to boost market shopping is coming to Hambleton next week. Northallerton is playing its part in the Love Your Local market initiative on May 25 followed by Thirsk two days later. Local market traders and independent retailers
-
Date
Man charged with causing death by dangerous driving
A 58-YEAR-OLD man has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving. The driver was involved in a collision which led to the death of teacher, James Gibson, who was 28, on Grange Road, Hartlepool, on December 19, 2012. The man will appear
-
Date
Young Darlington fencer crowned regional champion
A YOUNG fencer has stormed to victory after being named the regional champion for his age group. Max Clyde, a student at Hummersknott Academy, in Darlington, has been named the North-East under 14 regional foil champion and was also a quarter finalist
-
Date
School graded 'outstanding' by Ofsted
A TEESSIDE school has been graded as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted. Nunthorpe Academy, near Middlesbrough, received top marks in every category. It’s grading has improved since it became an academy on October 1, which means it is out of local authority
-
Date
Ferryhill Council urged to move on from past divisions
A TERMINALLY ill woman appealed to a new look council to put past difficulties behind it and for members to work together for the good of the town. Former Ferryhill Town Councillor Eileen Martin, who did not stand for re-election due to her ill
-
Date
Man punches girlfriend in attack after drinking and taking drugs
A MAN punched his 18-year-old girlfriend in the head and bit her arm after taking drugs and downing three cans of lager and sherry, a court heard. Joel Avery, 23, of York Hill Crescent, Spennymoor, became aggressive after he joined his girlfriend
-
Date
Sun-safe competition is open to all North-East schools
NORTH-EAST primary school pupils are being urged to get creative as part of a new awareness programme from NIVEA SUN and Cancer Research UK to help children enjoy the sun safely. Together, they have launched a nationwide competition giving primary
-
Date
One Direction to play Sunderland's Stadium of Light
BOYBAND sensation One Direction will play one of only four UK stadium concerts in the North-East next year. The five-piece group, who were finalists in the 2010 X-Factor, will take to the stage at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light on Wednesday, May
-
Date
North Yorkshire village evacuated after gas leak
A VILLAGE in North Yorkshire is being evacuated after reports of a gas leak. The leak was reported in the tiny community of Summerbridge, by the River Nidd near Harrogate, at about 11.30am today, May 16. As a result of the incident the residents
-
Date
Energy-saving scheme becomes UK first as it extends across the entire Stockton Borough area
A GROUNDBREAKING scheme to lower energy bills and provide warmer homes for thousands of residents in the region has been extended. The GoWarm project, which has already helped 1,700 householders across Stockton and Thornaby, will now encompass
-
Date
Food, fashion, homeware and a cafe at Durham's new M&S
UPMARKET retailer Marks and Spencer has unveiled full details of its new Durham store, which will open next month. The 41,000sq ft store, at the Arnison Centre, in Pity Me, will include clothing, beauty, homeware and food sections, plus a cafe.
-
Date
Matilda-themed bake sale for book shop
CAKE SALE: Waterstones book shop in Darlington will host a cake sale inspired by Bruce Bogtrotter from Roald Dahl’s Matilda to support the Children’s Reading Fund. The event will include staff dressed up as characters from the book, quizzes and cake
-
Date
Follow Indian Chief for the Dante Stakes riches
AIDAN O’BRIEN won four Investec Derby trials last week and can add to what is already a strong hand by saddling Indian Chief to victory in the Betfred Dante Stakes at York. Unlike stablemate and longtime Derby contender Battle Of Marengo, this
-
Date
It's a "great honour" for Great Aycliffe's new mayor
A NEW mayor who recently overcame a major health scare has spoken of her pride at being elected to the role. Last night (Wed, May 16), four years to the day after suffering a near fatal heart attack, Councillor Barbara Clare was sworn in as mayor
-
Date
Newton Aycliffe food bank receives vital boost
A FOOD bank that provides vital supplies to struggling families in the Newton Aycliffe area has received a much-needed boost. This week, Phil Clark, of Horndale Residents Association and Tony Simpson of the Evangelical Church at Ladybower donated
-
Date
Huge haul for litter pickers
LITTER pickers recovered hundreds of sacks of rubbish after deciding to give one of Hambleton’s main routes a spring clean. Members of the district council’s Street Scene team tackled the growing amount of waste littering the A19 between Thirsk
-
Date
Master mason shows off skills
MASTER MASON: Master stonemason Brendan Teasdale will carve Anglo-Saxon designs in stone this weekend in one of the first events to mark the return of the Lindisfarne Gospels to Durham on loan. The event takes place at Lindisfarne Priory at noon on
-
Date
Warwickshire v Yorkshire: Day One (County Championship)
Day One Warwickshire v Yorkshire LV County Championship LIAM PLUNKETT claimed his first five-wicket haul in the LV County Championship since September 2009 yesterday as Yorkshire stunned reigning champions Warwickshire at Edgbaston. Despite
-
Date
Free activities at leisure centres
FREE activities are being offered to children and adults at two leisure centres this weekend. On Saturday (May18) Leisureworks – the Derwentside’s Trust for Sport and the Arts - will hold an open day at The Louisa Centre in Stanley and Consett’
-
Date
Serious business as usual for Cook
ALASTAIR COOK must set aside a welter of hopes and fears this morning when he arrives at Lord’s for his first home Test as England captain. The hopes, of course, will be that his team can banish the memories of their 0-0 stalemate in New Zealand
-
Date
It’s a vet’s life popping pills
RHONA the vet isn’t well in Emmerdale (ITV1). She’s sweating, she’s snappy, she can’t concentrate and she’s throwing up. She’s either pregnant or picked up something through spending much of her working life with her hand up a cow’s bum. But the
-
Date
Mahler Symphony No 1, Vladimir Jurowski (LPO-0070)
Vladimir Jurowski, conducting the London Philharmonic Orchesta, presents a refreshing rendition of Mahler’s First Symphony. This live performance includes the symphony’s original second movement Blumine. An important addition to the discography.
-
Date
Victoria Mullova: Bach Concertos (Onyx 4114)
Violinist Victoria Mullova teams up with harpsichordist Ottavio Dantone to present a Bach programme, including Violin Concerto’s No 1 and 2. Mullova’s technique is flawless, with a delivery that has an intimacy and charm. Two other works have been
-
Date
Sibelius, Halle (HLL 7516)
The second installment of Halle’s Sibelius cycle under the baton of Sir Mark Elder features a magnificent account of Symphony No 2. Exuding a sense of melancholy and drama, the work is driven to a resounding climax. The album is rounded off with a
-
Date
American heartland
AMERICAN Heartland is a new triple compilation CD release from Sony Music featuring various modern artists performing 47 tracks described as songs that capture the spirit of America. It gives the listener a sample of the changing world of country
-
Date
Folk 21
I WAS at last weekend’s Folk 21 conference in Wolverhampton, when club organisers and concert promoters from across the West Midlands gathered to forge contacts. Five lucky folk acts were given the chance to showcase before this esteemed audience.
-
Date
Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet/In a World of Mallets (Basin Street Records BSR03032)
Drummer Jason Marsalis here displays his talents on vibes. On a programme of largely original compositions, mostly accompanied by piano, bass and drums, he produces a pleasing and swinging album. On four tracks he’s featured on marimba, xylophone,
-
Date
Ketil Bjornstad/La notte (ECM 372 4553)
For a concert of new compositions inspired by film-maker Michelangelo Antonioni, pianist Ketil Bjornstad assembled a stirring group of musicians with Andy Sheppard saxophones, Eivind Aarset guitars, Anja Lechner cello, Arild Andersen double bass and
-
Date
Lucian Ban & Mat Maneri/Transylvanian Concert (ECM 372 8258)
This New York-based duo first appeared together in Ban’s Enesco Reimagined and has since developed a special and productive relationship. Maneri’s deepsounding viola is very nicely set off by Ban’s crystal clear but swinging piano. Both thoughtful
-
Date
Sedgefield Town Council appoints new chairman
SEDGEFIELD Town Council elected a new chairman this week after councillors voted to divide the responsibilities of the mayor. On Monday (May 13), newly elected councillor Chris Lines was voted in as the chairman of the council. The role will
-
Date
CORRECTION: Brompton Carnival dates corrected.
CORRECTION: In today’s edition of The Northern Echo (Thursday, May 16) it was reported that the Brompton Carnival will take place from Friday, May 17 until Monday, May 20. However, the event actually takes place from Friday, May 24 until Monday
-
Date
Harper distances himself from Hartlepool
OUTGOING Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper has distanced himself from the vacant manager's job at Hartlepool United. Harper is set to play his last game for the Magpies against Arsenal on Sunday as his contract expires in the summer.
-
Date
Family lodges complaints following death of father
RELATIVES of a man who died from an infection of his heart have lodged two complaints over his treatment. Malcolm Nesbitt, 65, died at Darlington Memorial Hospital on January 15. An inquest at Crook Coroners' Court heard that he had been suffering
-
Date
Di Canio lays down the law
PAOLO DI CANIO has told any Sunderland player hoping for a quick getaway after Sunday's final game to cancel their flights - and revealed he will cut short their summer holidays if they don't produce an acceptable performance against Tottenham.
-
Date
Poetic comedian's camping challenge after Glastonbury appointment
A STAND-UP comedian is preparing to conquer her fear of camping, after being appoint poet-in-residence to the Glastonbury Festival. Former radio reporter Kate Fox has previously turned down a chance to perform at the world’s biggest greenfield
-
Date
Boost for Tory eurosceptics as Stockton South MP James Wharton wins private members ballot on EU membership
EUROSCEPTIC hopes of legislation in this Parliament to force a referendum on Britain's EU membership were boosted today after the ballot for Private Members Bills was won by Stockton South MP James Wharton who voted for last night's rebel amendment
-
Date
Burglary attempt in Barningham
A burglary was attempted in Barningham overnight on 15th/16th May. Although nothing was stolen, police would like to hear from anybody who saw a small red or orange hatchback acting suspiciously in the area. If you can help, please call Durham
-
Date
Debuchy has no regrets about Magpies move
MATHIEU Debuchy insists he has no regrets about his January move to Newcastle United despite his first five months on Tyneside hardly going to plan. Debuchy came close to joining the Magpies last summer, only for a proposed move from Lille to collapse
-
Date
Convicted metal dealer denies 'relaunched scrapyard' at his home
A MAN convicted of running an illegal scrapyard in the garden of his semi-detached home tried to secretly relaunch his business, a court heard. Jonathan Wright attempted to shake off surveillance teams tailing him on his late-night visits to a
-
Date
England comment: Why Ferdinand's talents went unfulfilled
AS has been the case with other members of English football's so-called 'golden generation', the immediate reaction to news of Rio Ferdinand's international retirement is to bemoan what might have been. Touted as the ball-playing defender who would
-
Date
Cleveland Police answer questions posed in the wake of Operation Pomeroy
In the wake of the damning report from the Independent Police Complaints Commission, The Northern Echo submitted a series of questions to Cleveland Police in an attempt to discover what the force had learnt from the fall-out from Operation Pomeroy.
-
Date
Timeline of flawed investigation that cost Cleveland Police more than £550,000 in damages
THE latest revelations to damage the reputation of Cleveland Police came in the wake of the sacking of the force’s Chief Constable and Deputy Chief Constable for gross misconduct. The flawed investigation into Bronson Tyers that resulted in the
-
Date
Secret report into Cleveland Police conduct revealed by The Northern Echo
THE damning truth behind a police force's costly mishandling of a high-profile investigation can be laid bare today. The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) report into the scandal - which could cost taxpayers more than £2m - has been
-
Date
New High Sheriff expected to "make his mark" in coming year
A COUNTY’S new High Sheriff, former rugby full-back Peter Stuart Bell, is expected to literally “make his mark” during his year in the historic role. The sporting reference was made by Judge Christopher Prince, the Honorary Judicial Recorder of
-
Date
Experts back plan to move hospital services from Hartlepool to Stockton
A TEAM of independent health experts has backed NHS plans to transfer emergency medical and critical care hospital services from Hartlepool to Stockton. The plans to downgrade the University Hospital of Hartlepool and concentrate all acute services
-
Date
Genetic medicine unit now seeing 800 new cases a year in bid to prevent inherited cancers
A GENETIC medicine expert has revealed that a regional breast and ovarian cancer prevention unit set up nearly a decade ago is now seeing 800 new referrals a year. Dr Paul Brennan, director of the Northern Genetic Service, said referrals of women
