Archive
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Wolsingham school to cover £600 travel costs for new sixth form students
A SCHOOL will provide free transport to its sixth form students after almost 80 per cent said £600-a-year travel costs could prevent them from staying on. Wolsingham School and Community College has promised to cover the cost of bus passes for
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Fresh start for Willington council with office move and new mayor
A TOWN’S new mayor has made growing his council’s reputation a top priority starting with a move to a new office. Greater Willington Town Council has taken up residence at 91 High Street in the town. And new mayor Fraser Tinsley said it is
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Temporary bridge to cut off homes should be in place by next week
VEHICLES could be able to reach a cut off community by the beginning of next week after a council agreed plans for a temporary bridge to cover a collapsed river crossing. More than 100 residents are currently unable to drive to or from their homes
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Girls urged to join new Willington football team
GIRLS are being encouraged to play football at a Willington school where a football festival took place today. (May 21) The event, organised by Claire Young of Parkside Sports College and the Durham Football Association, played host to more than
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Daughters offer reward for return of Willington dad's stolen football medals
DAUGHTERS of a cup-winning footballer are offering a reward for the return of his medals two years after they were stolen. The nine carat gold medals belonging to Robert Alderson were in a safe which was stolen during a burglary at his daughter
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Bishop Auckland house severely damaged by kitchen blaze
A WOMAN was taken to hospital after a house blaze in Bishop Auckland tonight (Monday May 20). The kitchen of the semi-detached property in Aclet Close was severely damaged by the fire, which broke out at about 9.30pm. A spokeswoman for County
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Rotarians complete fundraising bike ride
MEMBERS of Darlington Rotary Club have completed a 200-mile cycle in aid of local charities. Fourteen club members rode between Edinburgh and Newcastle, over the weekend, finishing on Monday (May 20) afternoon. The team aimed to ride 50 miles
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Fire fighters rescue child who fell through garage roof
TWO fire crews were called out to rescue a boy who fell through a garage roof tonight (Monday, May 20). The incident took place at 5.30pm at Church Walk on The Headland, Hartlepool. The boy was rescued by crews from Stranton and Headland fire
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Parents tell of devastation at sudden death of their baby
THE parents of a longed-for baby girl have spoken of their heartache after she unexpectedly died at the age of just 22 weeks. Ruby Whiteland was recovering at home from an operation on her oesophegas and was linked to a heart monitor - but this
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James Dyson - the heir apparent to Steve Jobs?
JAMES Dyson is Britain's answer to Steve Jobs. But where Jobs tinkered with computers, eventually arriving at the iPhone and iPad, Dyson’s passion was household chores. After more than 5,000 failures and prototypes he gave the world the bright
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Christian travellers hold four-day meeting near Darlington
HUNDREDS of Gypsy caravans pulled into Darlington today (Monday, May 20) ahead of a large gathering. For four days, a site close to the A66 will be home to a large group of Christian travellers as they join a gospel-themed meeting. The event
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Severfield Rowen to axe staff
BRITAIN’S biggest steelwork contractor is axing about 10 per cent of its workforce as part of restructure plans aimed at stemming losses. The firm based at Dalton, near Thirsk in North Yorkshire, expects to make 93 job cuts at factories in Lancashire
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Appeal to help Stockton special needs charity
A CHARITY which helps families of special needs children faces closure within weeks unless it can raise £30,000. Stockton Parent Support helps hundreds of families across Teesside but urgently needs short-term funding. Since Stockton Borough
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Amateur footballers play at St James' Park
AMATEUR footballers can often only dream of playing on pitches graced by the highly paid stars of the Premier League. But for two community teams from Greater Manchester that became a reality today (Monday, May 20) - when they travelled to the
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Northern Rail staff vote to strike
RAILWAY passengers could face disruption over the next bank holiday after Northern Rail staff voted to strike over the firm’s use of agency workers. The RMT union said the firm, which runs services across the North East and North Yorkshire, is
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Earl of Durham in inheritance wrangle with sisters
ONE of the North-East’s most famous families is locked in a legal fight over a £12m inheritance. Edward ‘Ned’ Lambton, the seventh Earl of Durham, was left the entire estate of his father, the former Conservative minister Anthony Lambton, who died
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Businessman claimed £22,000 benefits after saying he could barely walk
A BUSINESSMAN who claimed he could barely walk because of a range of health conditions and needed help to get dressed and go to the toilet was spotting pulling a fully loaded “industrial sized” trolley around a cash and carry warehouse. Ranjit
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Concern grows for missing student
CONCERN is growing for a university student who went missing after a night out. Jason Fyles, a town planning student at Newcastle University, was last seen at a friend’s house in the Sandyford area of the city at around 2.45am on Thursday, May
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Government publishes investment strategy for A1 west of Newcastle
ONE of the region’s busiest commuter routes has been included in a first round of Government-produced investment strategies. The Government today (Monday, May 20) published strategies for more robust long term investment planning, focusing on the
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New honour for Paralympic athlete
SPORTING HONOUR: Paralympian Stephen Miller is to be made an Honorary Freeman of Gateshead. Councillors in the town have voted to bestow their highest honour on the triple gold medal winner, who has represented his country at the Paralympics on five
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Driver asked passenger to take blame for high speed crash
A DRIVER involved in a high speed collision after drinking asked his front seat passenger to take responsibility, a court was told. George Kirkup was at the wheel of the Citroen Saxo which struck a BMW on the B6291 at Park Hill, Coxhoe, near Durham
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English Defence League to hold protest
THE English Defence League is to hold a demonstration on the streets of the North-east at the weekend. Although few details have yet been announced, the EDL confirmed it plans to hold a national protest in Newcastle on Saturday (may 25) over proposals
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Councillor in breach of code of conduct for twitter comments
AN investigation into “inappropriate comments” made on social media site twitter by a former town mayor has found he breached the code of conduct for councillors. Tory councillor Derek Adamson, who represents Carlton Miniott on Hambleton District
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Brewing up an international conference
BEER and brewing experts from around the world will be drinking in the latest economic research about the industry at an international conference being held at York University. It’s the first time the event, Beeronomics has been held in the UK,
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Richmondshire and Hambleton news in brief
COFFEE MORNING: Kirkby Fleetham Village Hall committee is holding a tea, coffee and cake morning in the village hall from 10am until noon on Friday, May 24. The event is being run by Northallerton Pupil Referral Unit, in an attempt to help the
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Man to complete five marathons in five days in memory of his mum
THE son of a prolific local fundraiser is participating in one of the UK’s most gruelling endurance events in his mother’s memory. John Bell, 34, of Hartlepool, is currently training for the Forces March, in which walkers, runners and hand-cyclists
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Lifeguards to keep beaches safe
Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) lifeguards will be returning to keep a watchful eye over beaches in North Yorkshire from this weekend . The charity’s lifeguards will be operating daily beach safety patrols between 10am and 6pm on Whitby
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Cavers descend into Gaping Gill
Cavers took a rare opportunity to descend into the gaping mouth of one of Britain's biggest known cave chambers. Members of the public were winched one by one down the gigantic pothole known as 'Gaping Gill' in what could be described as a journey
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Fraja fights infection as crowds attend fundraising events
A FIVE-YEAR-OLD girl who is battling a rare form of cancer is recovering from a potentially life-threatening infection days after an operation to remove her tumour. Fraja Simpson contracted clostridium difficile as nearly 1,000 people attended
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Police praise for woman who tried to help disabled assault victim
A PETROL station worker has been praised for her selfless actions after rushing to the aid of a disabled customer who was the target of an unprovoked attack on the forecourt. Police were called to the Snax 24 garage, in Darlington, at about 6am
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Could you give a cat a home?
NEW homes are needed for two cats, one of which was found abandoned in a tied plastic bag. The male neutered tabby and white cat was found in Gilesgate, Durham City, in a tied black plastic bag. Another male neutered tabby was found stray in
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Appeal to owners of horses found in Pittington
A COUNCIL is trying to trace the owners of three horses found running loose around a village. The ponies were rounded up by police after being found on a road in Pittington, County Durham. None of the animals were micro-chipped, making tracing
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Theakston brewery marks a decade back under family control
One of Britain’s best known breweries is marking a decade of being family owned again - with a big day out for residents of the town that has supported them for the past 186 years. After two takeovers of T&R Theakston of Masham in the 1980’
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Scouts to host afternoon tea to raise funds for Indian school project
A SCOUT group has organised a fundraising venture for a school in India. Stokesley’s Barnes Explorer Scout unit is due to send four scouts to India next summer, to help building work on a school 50km south of Delhi, which they have been supporting
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Man escapes injury after shed next to house is set alight in suspected arson attack
A YOUNG man has escaped injury after a shed close to his house was set alight in a suspected arson attack at the weekend. A police spokesman said the garden shed was completely destroyed, while the blaze caused external damage to the house in Christchurch
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Takeaway owner warned he could be jailed for stabbing customer in confrontation outside premises
A TAKEAWAY owner was warned he may be jailed after admitting stabbing a customer in a confrontation outside the premises. Bakir Ahmed Ali, 24, is said to have armed himself with a knife in the altercation at UK Pizza, in Peterlee, on Saturday February
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'Lego makers' briefed at Durham Cathedral
VOLUNTEERS who will build a Lego model of Durham Cathedral were briefed on the project today (Monday, May 20). Earlier this month, cathedral chiefs appealed for ‘Lego makers’ to help construct a 100,000-plus Lego brick model of the Norman treasure
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Firm fined after worker loses arm after conveyor belt accident
A FIRM was today (Monday, May 20) ordered to pay almost £27,000 after a worker had to have his arm amputated after falling into dangerous machinery in an asphalt production plant. John Wyatt, 61, was employed by Durham-based Tynedale Roadstone
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Care home residents enjoy wartime-themed party
CARE home residents enjoyed a wartime–themed party as the clock was turned back to the 1940s. Staff at Tenlands Care Home in Wood Lane, Ferryhill, held a Put on the Blitz 1940s-style party for residents at the home today (Monday, May 20/0.
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Sherburn Hill housing plans on display
RESIDENTS are invited to study updated plans for new houses in their village later this week (Thursday, May 23). Sherburn Hill residents are invited to a drop-in session at the village’s Sure Start Centre, next to the primary school, between 3.30pm
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Golfers urged to get in the swing for Teesside charity golf day
GOLFERS can get in the swing at an annual charity golf day to raise funds for charity. This year’s Rotary Club of Teesside West’s event, held at Dinsdale Spa Golf Club, near Darlington, is in aid of Diabetes UK and Butterwick House Children’s Hospice
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Killer jailed for life over murder of Asian van driver in Easingwold
A KILLER was this afternoon jailed for life for what his own barrister described as the "atrocious" murder of a van driver. James Brabbs, 27, was told he will have to serve a minimum term of 29 years before he will be considered for release.
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Jobs for North-East's wounded heroes
SICK and injured war-veterans are being helped to find jobs after Princes William and Harry launched a national Help for Heroes campaign today. Phoenix House Recovery Centre, part of the Catterick Garrison, Country Durham, is working with truck-maker
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Debt advice session to be held in Darlington
DEBT ADVICE A session offering advice and guidance about debt, benefits and domestic abuse will take place at Dodmire Children’s Centre tomorrow (Tuesday May 21) from 12.30pm until 2.30pm. The session is free and hosts can offer help with form filling
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Awards ceremony helps build success in construction
EXCELLENCE in constructing has been celebrated at an industry awards ceremony. The Constructing Excellence North East (CENE) awards celebrated the achievements of 14 companies with prizes ranging from young achiever of the year, to sustainability
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Family history information session at library
AN INFORMATION session on researching family history is to take place at a North Yorkshire library next month. Northallerton Library has a number of events and workshops lined up for adults and children in June. They include a chance to chat
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Mock clinical trial highlights benefits of trying new drugs or treatment
VISITORS to a North-East hospital were asked to take part in a chocolate-based research project to celebrate International Clinical Trials Day. The mock trial at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough compared the effects of two different
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Hospital friends donate £9,000
FRIENDS of Durham Hospitals has donated £2,000 each to St Cuthbert’s Hospice and Willow Burn Hospice and £500 to Durham Hospitals Radio. The Friends also pledged £4,500 to buy bed alarms for two more hospital wards. The announcements were made at the
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Adult learner sessions in Darlington
ADULT Learner taster sessions are taking place at Crown Street Library on Wednesday from 10am to 3pm. They have been organised by Darlington Council to give residents the chance to find out more about adult education courses offered by the Learning
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Attempt to smuggle fighting birds through North airport
ATTEMPTS to bring live fighting birds through a North airport in suitcases were "astonishing", authorities say. Two separate attempts to smuggle the birds into the UK were discovered at Leeds Bradford Airport. They had been placed in individual
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Girls receive Army cadet promotions
THREE female Army cadets have been promoted to lance corporals. Helen Falla-Raw, Annie Walker and Jodi Stevenson, from the Northallerton Detachment, have received their first ever promotion, from cadets to lance corporals in the Army Cadet Force
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Public consultation over planned hospital changes gets under way
THE public are being asked for their views on a plan to strip Hartlepool Hospital of critical care and emergency medicine services and centralise them at North Tees Hospital. The 12-week period of public consultation follows a report by the National
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Councillor to launch debut book
A DARLINGTON councillor swapped her committee chair skills for more creative skills to pen her first book. Coun Dorothy Long, ward councillor for Northgate and chair of Darlington Council’s place scrutiny committee, has published her book 'No Random
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Generous shoppers in Redcar raise more than £700 for the GNAAS
BOOKWORMS from a High Street store have raised more than £700 for the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) by hosting a second hand book sale in store. Each donated book was sold for between 50p to £2 to raise money for Wilkinson’s charity
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The Northern Sinfonia and Chorus, The Sage Gateshead
The choral works of Scottish composer James MacMillan are infused with an intensity borne out of his deep Catholic faith and encapsulated in his Seven Last Words from The Cross. The Northern Sinfonia and Chorus, under the baton of Nicholas Collon
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University throws a 20th birthday party for former students
A WEEKEND of celebrations is being held next month to mark the 20th anniversary of Northumbria University receiving its university charter. The University's first alumni reunion weekend is being held on June 14-15 to mark the special event and
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Maths challenge tests students' logic and numeracy skills
QUEEN Elizabeth Sixth Form College in Darlington recently teamed up with Greenfield Community College in Newton Aycliffe to create a series of school house challenges at Greenfield. The challenges tested students' logic, musical maths and quick
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Youngsters enjoy a woodlands adventure
CHILDREN at a Darlington school escaped the classroom and embarked on a woodlands adventure as part of an initiative to promote the importance of outdoor learning. Independent day school Polam Hall held a special event in its grounds for young
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Unique counselling service for pupils and parents is making waves nationally
A NORTH-EAST school is making waves nationally after setting up its own well-being centre to offer therapeutic support to troubled pupils and their families. The centre, housed in an annexe to Northfield Primary School, in Darlington, was built
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Learning a foreign language could be the passport to a bright future - principal
Modern languages have taken a bit of a battering in our schools lately but Pat Howarth, principal of Hummersknott Academy in Darlington argues that acquiring a second language is a great asset in life and can help young people find a good job.
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Paralympic star launches multi-million pound expansion at college
SUNDERLAND College is helping to ensure the Olympic legacy lives on by starting work on two new multi-million pound academies. There to lend a hand was one of the stars of the London 2012 Paralympic Games, Josef Craig MBE. The teenage swimming
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Number-crunching pupils tackle national maths challenge
HUNDREDS of students tackled number-crunching on a national scale as they challenged their knowledge of mathematics. More than 300 students from Year Seven to the sixth form at The King's Academy, Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, took part in the
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Primary schools join trailblazing initiative to boost performances
SEVEN schools across the Whitby and Scarborough areas have taken part in a trailblazing speech and language initiative that accelerated pupil progress and increased academic performance. Working across clusters of primary schools, A Chance to Talk
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School has record number of students accepted to study medicine or dentistry
TEACHERS are "proud and delighted" that nearly 20 per cent of the Sixth Formers leaving Yarm School this summer have gained places at dentistry and medical schools. Simon Crabtree, head of careers at Yarm School, said: "Out of 96 Sixth Form leavers
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Family's tribute to footballing father
A PROUD family have returned to the ground where their father made a small piece of North-east football history. Back in 1950, former professional Kevin Heweston was the first player to score a goal at the newly-opened Belle Vue Park stadium, in
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Man admits making indecent images of children
A MAN caught with indecent images of children and pornographic cartoons has admitted a series of charges. Jonathan Pennington will be sentenced at Teesside Crown Court next month after background reports at written. The 24-year-old was due
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Football club hit by repeated vandal attacks
VANDALS are threatening the future of one of North Durham’s oldest football clubs. Annfield Plain FC, near Stanley, which plays in the Wearside League, has suffered repeated vandal attacks at its Derwent Park ground over the years. After the
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Prolific sex offender jailed for repeatedly breaching child ban
A PROLIFIC sex offender was today (Monday, May 20) jailed for the fifth time for breaching a court order banning him from going near children. Andrew Bland, 31, was caught on CCTV cameras approaching women and youngsters in the Castlegate shopping
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Cars damaged in spate of vandalism
A NUMBER of cars were damaged in a spate of vandalism in Darlington at the weekend. A sharp, bladed instrument was used to scratch four cars parked in the town centre on Saturday, May 19. A red Audi A3 and a black Ford Focus were targeted in
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Ha'way in hinny are ye allreet?
PRIMARY pupils held a Geordie assembly to say hello to a visiting teacher from Asia. The children from Roseberry Primary and Nursery School, Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, welcomed Mrs Subashini Weerasinghe in North-East style today (Monday
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NEWS IN BRIEF
BEACH FUN: FAMILIES are being invited to explore Hartlepool’s marine environment at a special Low Tide Day, organised jointly by the Borough Council’s Countryside Team, the Wild Green Spaces in Hartlepool project and Natural England, and will take
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North Yorkshire News in Brief: Coronation dinner dance in Stokesley
A Coronation dinner dance will be held at Stokesley Town Hall on Friday, May 31 at 7.30pm. Music will be provided by the After Eight Jazz Quartet. Tickets are £25 per person and include a cocktail party reception, three-course dinner and dancing until
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Tarte aux asperges
Food writer Elizabeth David would have turned 100 this year. As a collection of her recipes is published, her former editor, Jill Norman, tells Keeley Bolger how her late friend continues to influence British tastes. Here's a recipe from Elizabeth
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Risotto with mushrooms
Food writer Elizabeth David would have turned 100 this year. As a collection of her recipes is published, her former editor, Jill Norman, tells Keeley Bolger how her late friend continues to influence British tastes. Here's a recipe from Elizabeth
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Prison creating new garden for town with help of low risk offenders
A PLANNED new public garden is to be created by a prison with the help of low risk offenders. Northallerton Prison is fencing off some of its land between Crosby Road and East Road and turning it into a landscaped wildlife area. Joanna Lupton
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Sporting success for North-East broadband firm
A NORTH-EAST technology company is celebrating after playing its own part in the success of a football team at a showpiece final. Map Group (UK), a satellite broadband and LED lighting provider, based in Stockton, sponsors Bradford City, who beat
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Durham Police hosts reunion
A POLICE force is holding a reunion for retired officers and staff. Durham Constabulary will host the reunion at its Aykley Heads headquarters, in Durham City, on Sunday, June 30. The aim is to allow retired employees to catch up and keep abreast
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Youths have the chance to have their say on crime in Cleveland
A NEW initiative has been launched to gather young people’s views on policing and crime across the Cleveland force area. Barry Coppinger, Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner, called into Stockton Sixth Form College to get the consultation process
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Police force reveals lowest crime figures in Teesdale for ten years
A FALL in crime has seen police in the Teesdale area of County Durham record the lowest levels of offences in the area for ten years. The latest crime statistics unveiled by police show that there were 376 fewer victims of crime this year in Teesdale
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Man broke girlfriend's arm during row, court heard
A MAN who broke his girlfriend's arm during a violent row in front of their young daughter has walked free from court. Thomas Welch said he accidentally "trampled" on his partner as he tried to get to his feet after they fell over. Teesside
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Town centre powercut
TOWN centre businesses in Darlington have been hit by a power cut. Six shops on Horsemarket, from Caffe Nero to Pizza Hut were forced to close at 9.40am today (Monday, May 20) when the lights went out. The basement of the Covered Market has
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Not enough accidents at busy Northallerton junction to warrant further work
NOT enough accidents have occurred at a busy North Yorkshire junction to warrant further road safety improvements, a councillor has stated. The speed limit on the A168 Thirsk Road in Northallerton has already been reduced from 40mph to 30mph to
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Pre school committee amazed by generosity of community in fundraising campaign.
FUNDRAISERS for a village pre-school have said they were amazed by the level of community support and generosity after an appeal for raffle prizes. Kim Chadwick from the Catterick Village Pre-School committee said they were already thrilled when
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Volunteer mini bus marks Bedale anniversary
Bedale volunteer minibus marks 20 years of providing transport this year with a move to new premises. The bus which works closely with the Dales Care Centre in Bedale providing transport for elderly and vulnerable people runs in conjunction with
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Man changes plea to guilty over Easingwold van driver murder
A MAN who denied murdering a van driver in North Yorkshire made a dramatic change of plea today. James Brabbs will be sentenced at Teesside Crown Court this afternoon for stabbing to death Mohammed Saleem Khan in Easingwold, near York, last year
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Cheerleaders bag 16 out of 18 trophies at regional competition
A CHEERLEADING troop has bagged 16 out of a possible 18 trophies at a regional competition. Lazer Cheer Academy, based in Colburn Leisure Centre, near Catterick Garrison, last weekend took part in the Northern Regional Champion competition at the
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Fun night in Shildon to boost Cystic fibrosis funds
THE family of baby suffering from cystic fibrosis are to hold a charity night to raise funds to help tackle the illness. One-year-old Jenson Byrne, of Shildon, was born in June last year and he is treated at Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary.
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The Job Lot (ITV1, 9.30pm)
FORGIVE us if we get a little nostalgic here, but we're old enough to remember a happy time, when ITV was bursting with great sitcoms such as Agony, Rising Damp and Bless This House. Barely a week went by without viewers being able to enjoy a wealth
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Chelsea Flower Show (BBC2, 8pm)
AS always, the BBC is doing everything it can to ensure those not fortunate enough to attend the Chelsea Flower Show can get the full experience from the comfort of their own homes, and today’s offerings will be a real treat for fans of both traditional
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Hillsborough: How They Buried the Truth (BBC1, 9pm)
ON May 4, Sheffield Wednesday played their final game of the season against Middlesbrough. That relatively happy day was in stark contrast to events just over 24 years ago when, on April 15, 1989, Britain’s worst football disaster took place at Hillsborough's
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Steve Hackett Live at The Sage, Gateshead
IF you grew up in the 1980s, the chances are that the name Genesis conjures up memories of quirky pop songs sung by that housewives favourite cheeky cockney, Phil Collins. Yet if you step back a few years into the 1970s, Genesis was a very different
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Hard to expect much from region's big three next season either
ANOTHER season is over and there will not be a Newcastle United, Sunderland or Middlesbrough fan out there disappointed about that. Back in August, hope was high. Newcastle were talking about challenging the top four and preparing to head back
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North-East's Got Talent contest in aid of animal charity
VARIETY SHOW: A North-East’s Got Talent competition is being held to raise funds for Kays Hill Animal Sanctuary, West Auckland. The competition is for over-18s only and it is being held at Henknowle Manor, Bishop Auckland, on Saturday, June 15, between
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Durham trio on their marks for national karting contest
THREE North-East teenagers will go wheel-to-wheel with the country’s best kart racers next month (Sunday, June 16). Kieran Smith, 15, Connor Toghill, 14, and Luke O’Rourke, 13, have qualified for the national final of the British Schools Karting
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Staff hit out after thieves raid charitable organisation
STAFF at a charity set up to help vulnerable people today hit out at thieves who raided their premises. Bikes and bike parts were stolen and hundreds of pounds of damage caused when burglars targeted the premises of Bike Stop Darlington on Skinnergate
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Priory folk honoured in stone
NAME stones carved in the style of the Lindisfarne Gospels have been unveiled at their priory birthplace. Brendan Teasdale, a master stonemason, recreated the 8th Century designs in stones in the grounds of Lindisfarne Priory over the weekend.
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The greatest Gatsby?
Baz Luhrmann’s meticulous research has kept his remake of F Scott Fitzgerald’s classic faithful to the novel, yet accessible to today’s audiences, as Steve Pratt reports THE first time Baz Luhrmann encountered F Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great
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Watching Brief
BBC4 is to tell story of return of Britain’s lost folk hero, Nic Jones. The documentary tells the story of his determination to sing again and his return to the stage 30 years later. In a poll by the Observer a few years ago, Penguin Eggs was
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Holding out for a Euro song hero
Steve Pratt asks why we continue to endure Eurovision, better known as Britain’s Not Got Talent? ISN’T it about time we went boom-bang-abang and knocked the Eurovision Song Contest on the head. It’s all very well saying it’s not the winning, but
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Sean rings Belle again
‘Ding, dong” as Leslie Phillips would say. The Belle is ringing and the young man on the end of the line is Sean. He and Belle Dingle (immortalised in that famous Christmas song Dingle Bells) have been lovebirds before in Emmerdale (ITV1) but the last
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Darlington MP calls for action over "unacceptable" GP booking service
AN MP is calling for an overhaul of the appointment booking system at doctors’ surgeries across Darlington after branding the current service “unacceptable”. Darlington MP Jenny Chapman says she has been inundated by complaints from residents who
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Moors end season with third trophy
Final Score: Spennymoor Town 1 Newcastle Benfield 0 SPENNYMOOR TOWN striker Gavin Cogdon scored in a cup final win for the second time this season when he headed the only goal of the Brooks Mileson Northern League Cup final yesterday. Cogdon
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Quirky, with a heart of oak
If you’re looking for a miniature telephone box or a life-size elephant, then an outpost of kitsch could be just the ticket, says Julia Breen. And it’s also the place to find your perfect fitted kitchen ON a busy junction at Leeming Bar, next door
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Becks could be the boss
PARIS ST GERMAIN boss Carlo Ancelotti believes David Beckham could confound expectations and become a manager. Beckham seems likely to have played his final professional game after the emotional farewell he received while captaining PSG against
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Baggies join in farewell party
Final Score: WBA 5 Manchester United 5 SIR ALEX FERGUSON ended his magnificent managerial career just the way he would want – with a nice glass of red wine. The Manchester United manager declared himself satisfied with the 2003 Chateau Pontet
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A brush with danger
Rachel Antill’s dramatic oil paintings capture the challenging environment of the wild and remote mountain ranges of the Himalayas. But the climber and artist tells Ruth Campbell how she gains inspiration from the ancient landscape which surrounds
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Tears from Harper on Newcastle exit
ALAN PARDEW wants Steve Harper's Newcastle United team-mates to use the supporters' fitting tribute to the departing goalkeeper yesterday as an incentive to make up for a depressing campaign when the action restarts in August. Harper, handed the
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Fans provide a fitting send-off for Harper despite Magpies defeat
Newcastle United 0 Arsenal 1 ALMOST 50,000 Newcastle United fans made sure an emotional Steve Harper received a send off to remember, but his final outing at St James' Park was not quite as perfect as he would have hoped. Harper was tearful
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Tomates Provencale
Food writer Elizabeth David would have turned 100 this year. As a collection of her recipes is published, her former editor, Jill Norman, tells Keeley Bolger how her late friend continues to influence British tastes. Here's a recipe from Elizabeth
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The power of flowers
Flower essence consultant Clare G Harvey tells Gabrielle Fagan about remedies for a range of ailments from hay fever to stress FLOWERS have always been a source of pleasure and happiness and thousands of enthusiasts will flock to that highlight
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Last concert of Belmont spring season
THE last piano recital in the spring season at Belmont Parish Hall will take place on Thursday, May 30. The 2.30pm recital will feature Tristan Lee, a UK-based Australian pianist who has performed across the world. He will play two Sonatas by Beethoven
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Love for Lily
May is national Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month. Health Editor Barry Nelson meets a Darlington family who are getting used to life with a PWS child NINETEEN-month-old Lily likes nothing better than to roll around the floor on her side, first
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Coach cycles to success
A DARLINGTON-based cycling enthusiast has been awarded for his work in encouraging others to get on their bikes. Kevin Kilcullen, Team Local Motion’s cycling officer, scooped the prestigious title of Go Ride North East Cycling Coach of the Year
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All the best moves
Sometimes cutting bills is all about asking the right questions WOULD you like to save some money? So let me run you through my money test – answer each of the following questions and it could add hundreds or even thousands of pounds to your pocket
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Get into print
Forget plain and go wild with this season’s patterns. Lisa Haynes reveals how to look print perfect THERE’S plenty on offer for minimalists this season, but for the rest of us it will be a summer of prints. Reaching for patterns is the easiest
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Week ahead events at Darlington Arts Festival
Here is a run-down of Arts Festival events taking place in and around Darlington this week. More information about the festival can be found at darlingtonforculture.org. TODAY (Monday, May 20) SCRIPT WRITING TASTER: Cafe Create, Parkgate Chambers
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Bob the Builder leads family fun activities at Shildon rail museum
BOB the Builder and a Meccano exhibition are among the free attractions on offer at Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon during half-term. Meccano Magic will be held on Sunday, May 26, and Monday, May 27, from 10am and 5pm with a
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From Darlington to the West End
A WEST End starlet from Darlington has capped her run in Billy Elliot by being part of the cast honoured with an Olivier Award. Abbey Junior School pupil Macy Stasiak, 11, has spent almost two years playing the principal role of Debbie in Billy
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Year-long crackdown on crime delivers results on Middlesbrough estate
A YEAR long crackdown on criminal behaviour on a troubled Middlesbrough estate has resulted in a massive fall in recorded crimes. Grove Hill neighbourhood policing team launched the concerted effort last March to tackle increasing anti-social behaviour
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Gray delighted to bring in Robinson
Martin Gray spoke of his relief and delight at finally bringing in long-term target Paul Robinson from Whitley Bay. Darlington's manager has been on the attacking midfielder's trail for six months, having been initially held back by a hefty asking
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Comic Bob’s brother opts for a career spent in print
HIS more famous brother may have swapped a promising law career for madcap TV comedy, but Richard Mortimer has reaped the benefits of being with the same company for 45 years. Richard’s three brothers all went to university and became solicitors
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Eurovision song contest
I ENJOYED the Eurovision Song Contest. The Danes won it with a decent tune but my favourite entry this year was the ska-flavoured offering by Greece, which sent me into a musical frenzy. The other highlights included the songs by Germany and Belgium
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Chris Huhne
DO short-term prison sentences work? Evidently not if the recent report about re-offending is to be believed (Echo, May 15). A study found that 60 per cent of prisoners who serve less than 12 months were found guilty of new crimes within a year
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Disgraceful
DAVID CAMERON and Nick Clegg have brought disgrace upon our nation and dishonour to themselves with their interest in gay marriage and unrighteous policies that were not mentioned in their manifestos. They have thumbed their noses to the law of
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Exploitation
I WAS shocked to read an article by Dr Taj Hargey, imam of the Oxford Islamic Congregation, about the preachers who teach young Muslim men that white girls are cheap. Dr Hargey said: “The view of some Islamic preachers towards white women can be
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Thanks
I WOULD like to thank everyone in Spennymoor and Tudhoe who voted Labour in the recent local elections, returning four Labour county councillors and a strong Labour majority to Spennymoor Town Council – a majority which has served the people of Spennymoor
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Going Together
THE Cold War was entering an uncertain phase when I joined the RAF in 1961. Certainly, the top brass had to reappraise what form future hostilities would take and it did make for some rather bizarre battlefield training. I remember going to one
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Relieved Racing Fan
I WAS boarding the bus to York races on Wednesday May 15 near the city’s railway station. While juggling an umbrella and rushing to get aboard the bus I dropped my purse. Thankfully, a kind lady at a nearby bus stop noticed and alerted the
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Demonisation
THE vilification of unemployed and handicapped people, immigrants and, more recently, the European Union is nothing more than seeking political advantage by the promotion of prejudice. That route winds through poppy fields to a gateway marked “
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Social Services
IN his letter about immigration, John Young (HAS 6 May) questions the relevance of the lower end of the social scale. Unfortunately, most societies are based on a three-tiered system .The top tier rules, while the middle tier manipulates the lower
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Building on historic foundations
WITH uncertainty continuing about what is in store for The Northern Echo’s head offices, members of Darlington Historical Society asked if they could have a tour for old time’s sake. It was December 2011 when Debenhams was given planning consent
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Twin pillars of civilisation
With legal aid funding being cut and the Government seemingly willing to abandon the European Convention on Human Rights, law looks under attack. However, Baroness Helena Kennedy tells Mark Tallentire: Law matters ‘LAWYERS often get a bad rap,”
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A priceless chance
WE can understand why some people will ask why councils in the North- East and North Yorkshire spent £500,000 to host the Olympic Torch relay in a time of austerity. These days, every penny of public spending counts and £500,000 would be a welcome
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EU withdrawal risks NE jobs
INVESTMENT in the UK could be at risk if we decide to pull out of the EU, a senior figure has warned on a visit to the North-East. James Bryce, deputy director for the British High Commission in Mumbai, said that Britain had benefitted hugely from
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Town arts showcase celebrated
AN artistic community rocked by the closure of its central base came together to stage a town’s first arts showcase event. The arts in Darlington suffered a huge blow with the closure of the council-run arts centre last July, but yesterday’s event
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No fond farewells from Benitez
Final Score: Chelsea 2 Everton 1 RAFAEL BENITEZ led Chelsea to third place in the Premier League with a 2-1 victory over Everton before deciding not to bid farewell to his fiercest critics, the home supporters at Stamford Bridge. After Fernando
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Unicorns v Yorkshire (Yorkshire Bank 40)
Unicorns v Yorkshire Yorkshire Bank 40 Yorkshire secured a nervous five-wicket victory over the Unicorns at Chesterfield yesterday to get their first Yorkshire Bank 40 points on the board at the third attempt. First-team coach Jason Gillespie
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Liddle flourishes at Notts after his Victoria Park exit
THERE'S been recent accusations of familiarity breeding contempt around Hartlepool United. Too many players being part of the squad for too long and relegation was the consequence. There's talk of comfort zones and players going stale and you only
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Dale's Diary - no option other than surgery
I'M afraid I'll be out of action until September. I'll be having an operation on my left shoulder on Wednesday because there's only about ten per cent of the rotator cuff left. It's been unstable for a while and the shoulder popped out when I dived
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Teen would have beaten man on head with a brick, court hears
A TEENAGER told police he would have battered a man with a brick if his father had not broken up their fight, a court has heard. Shane Connor Dowson admitted assaulting a man by beating when he appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court.
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Di Canio delivers damning assessment of Sunderland's indiscipline
PAOLO DI CANIO has delivered a damning expose of the indiscipline that is rife at Sunderland, and claimed the shocking photographs of Phil Bardsley covered in £50 notes are indicative of some of the “ignorant, arrogant” footballers who are employed
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Hampshire v Durham (YB40 League)
Hampshire v Durham Yorkshire Bank 40 League HAMPSHIRE may be languishing in the second division of the main event, but they showed yesterday why they are the current one-day kings as they beat Durham by five wickets at the Ageas Bowl. Under
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Match Report: Tottenham Hotspur 1 Sunderland 0
IT started with the optimism of a goalless draw at Arsenal, but ended with Sunderland back in North London simply grateful to have avoided the drop. This has been another season of chronic underachievement for the Black Cats, who ultimately finished
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Government overhaul of legal aid undermines basic rule of law, claim North-East solicitors
SWEEPING changes to the legal aid system undermine the basic rule of law and could lead to miscarriages of justice, leading North-East solicitors warned last night (Sunday, May 19). The region’s criminal courts could be brought to a standstill
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25,000 people back mother's campaign for truth over Durham man's death
MORE than 25,000 people have backed a mother’s campaign to find out the truth about the death of her son whose body was found in a French country lane. The family of Andrew Watt say they have been overwhelmed by the number of people signing a petition
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Residents question council ability to deal with wind farm complaints
RESIDENTS living near a planned wind farm site have questioned whether the council would be willing and able to fight for their rights if the development causes a noise nuisance. The Moor House wind farm site, on the outskirts of Darlington, was
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Cleveland Bridge lands £35m order from Sri Lanka
A WORLD famous bridge building company has won a £35m contract that will help transform lives on a tropical island and secure the firm's future for years. Cleveland Bridge in Darlington has signed a deal with the government of Sri Lanka to make
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Councils spent £500,000 hosting Olympic Torch relay
COUNCILS in the North-East and North Yorkshire spent more than £500,000 hosting the Olympic Torch for last years games, according to new figures. The biggest spending authority in the region was Durham County Council at £219,652, compared to the
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Offshore training firm changes name as it looks to increase services
AN offshore safety and training firm is changing its name as it looks to enhance its services. Falck Nutec, based at Haverton Hill, Billingham, near Stockton, is now known as Falck Safety Services, underlining its focus on safety training as one
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Care worker jailed after claiming she had terminal cancer
A CARE worker who dodged prosecution for stealing thousands of pounds after claiming she was dying from cancer was last night behind bars. Prosecutors dropped the theft case against lying Michelle Cox after she provided a letter - bogus, it turned
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Darlington prison worker found guilty of sex crimes
A PRISON worker is today facing a lengthy spell behind bars himself after being convicted of a string of serious sex crimes against girls. John Cornwell will learn his fate next month when he returns to Teesside Crown Court to be sentenced - but
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The case for the defence
WITH legal aid funding being cut and the Government seemingly willing to abandon the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), law looks under attack. But, Baroness Helena Kennedy tells Mark Tallentire: law matters. “LAWYERS often get a bad rap
