Archive
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Tributes paid to "inspirational" West Cornforth man who has lost second cancer battle
A FATHER-of-two who died of cancer faced the illness with such courage that he continues to inspire loved ones after his death. Andrew Fleetham, of West Cornforth, County Durham, was diagnosed with stomach cancer in October 2010 and the following
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New beer really can be called a brew
A NEW beer from one of the region’s biggest names in ale is likely to cause a stir among fans – as it can truly be called a brew. River's Answer, the new seasonal beer from Masham-based T and R Theakston, is as usual made from the finest malted
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NEvolution campaign urges Government to back Heseltine Report
THE NEvolution campaign launched today by the region’s newspapers - with the backing of business and community leaders across the North-East - calls for the Government to act on the Heseltine Report - No Stone Unturned. In October last year, the
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North-East's local enterprise partnerships back NEvolution campaign
THE campaign to allow the North-East to control its economic destiny has been backed by the region's local enterprise partnerships (LEPs). The North East LEP and Tees Valley Unlimited LEP (TVU) are central to the campaign's aims to secure more
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Newspaper campaign calls for Government to allow region to control its own destiny
THE Northern Echo is joining forces with newspapers from across the region to urge the Government to hand over the funding and powers needed to drive the North-East economy forwards. Joe Willis reports THE North-East has today come together to
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Motorcyclist dies in road accident
A BUSY road was closed for more than four hours after a motorcyclist died. The incident took place on the Newton Cap Viaduct, Bishop Auckland, at about 1.15pm today (Monday, June 3). Motorists were diverted while police officers carried out
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Three illegal camps in Teesdale, but no major problems involving travellers, say police
THE Startforth Park encampment is one of three illegal sites in Teesdale set up by travellers en-route to Appleby. Other unlawful camps include one at the Harmire Industrial Estate, Barnard Castle, and one at Coach Lane, Staindrop. However,
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Laptops stolen from vehicle in West Auckland
TWO laptop computers and a Sat Nav have been stolen from a vehicle parked in Oakley Manor, West Auckland, between 10pm on Wednesday, May 29 and noon on Thursday, May 30. The computers are set up for corporate use so cannot be used with personal
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Broadband roll-out held up in North Yorkshire - by badgers
THE roll-out of superfast broadband is seen as crucial to the rural economy, but attempts to do so in part if North Yorkshire have been held up – by breeding badgers. Engineers preparing to lay cables were stopped dead in their tracks when they
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New manager of The Witham, Barnard Castle, looks forward to 'interesting and exciting' challenge
THE newly-appointed manager of an arts and community centre believes it will play a central role in the life of a County Durham market town. Erica Morris took up her post as centre manager for The Witham, in Barnard Castle, this week. The complex
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Fundraisers needed for convict challenge
CHARITY ESCAPE: Teams of two are being sought for Butterwick Hospice’s Great Escape challenge. The aim is for participants to get as far as possible in 24 hours with just £5 whilst dressed as convicts. The event will take place on Saturday, June 8.
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Weardale Cafe aims to get chaps chatting
A CAFE is hoping to encourage more men to indulge their softer cake-loving side with an afternoon especially for chattering chaps. The Man Hour is held every Wednesday at the Chatterbox Cafe in St John’s Chapel, County Durham, and is aimed at enticing
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Residents' anger over illegal traveller camp at entrance to Startforth Park housing estate, near Barnard Castle
TRAVELLERS heading to this weekend's Appleby Fair have set up an illegal camp at the only entrance to a Teesdale housing estate. Police say they are powerless to move them on from Startforth Park, Startforth, near Barnard Castle, because the camp
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Police officers tee-off with marathon golf challenge
A TEAM of police officers swapped their batons for putters to tackle 72 holes of golf for charity. Detective Constables Michael Fraser, Craig Robson and Paul Spackman, together with Detective Sergeant Hayley Burton, of Northumbria Police, took
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Freckle adopted by Willington carehome
A LAMB called Freckle has been adopted by a carehome to give residents the joy of looking after baby animals. Residents at Raby Cottage, which is run by Bondcare at The Willington Care Village, receive regular visits from Freckle as well as some
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Crook Horseshoe scores hygiene rating
A RECENTLY refurbished pub has been awarded top marks for hygiene by council inspectors. Durham County Council has awarded five stars to the Horse Shoe Inn in Crook through its Scores on the Doors programme. Inspectors visited the Wetherspoon
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Open Gardens day in Whorlton
OPEN GARDENS: Some 19 gardens in Whorlton, near Barnard Castle, are opening their gates to visitors on Sunday, June 9, from 2pm to 5pm. Tickets (£3) and guides will be available on the day from the village hall, where refreshments will be served. There
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Sunbed causes Hartlepool shop fire
A SHOP in King Oswy Drive, Hartlepool, was badly damaged when a sunbed caught fire. Three appliances were called to tackle the blaze at about 4.15pm on Sunday. A flat above the shop suffered smoke damage.
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Crematorium boss bids farewell after 24 years
FROM My Way to Bat Out Of Hell, in nearly a quarter of century of cremations Alan Jose has seen it all. But after 24 years as head of Durham Crematorium, the 59-year-old is saying his own final farewells. On Monday (June 3), the Kent-born superintendent
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Volunteering opportunity
DURHAM County Council’s countryside service will hold a drop-in event for volunteers to help carry out fencing and other maintenance work on the Deerness Valley Railway Path as part of this week’s National Volunteer Week. To take part meet at 9.45am
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Celebrating the Coronation
A CARE home evoked memories of a bygone era for residents by celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s coronation. South Church Nursing Home, in Bishop Auckland, was decked out in red, white and blue today (Sunday, June 2) and staff held
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Cash boost for road network
MILLIONS of pounds of Government money is being invested in upgrading the region’s road network. Durham County Council has been awarded £2.2m to help fund £3.1m worth of improvements to the A167 in Chester-le-Street, County Durham. Sunderland
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Military wives lead march to war memorial in memory of murdered soldier Lee Rigby
MILITARY wives who led a march to a war memorial in memory of Drummer Lee Rigby paid their own emotional tributes to the murdered soldier today (Sunday, June 2). More than 300 military families, including wives, children and civilians joined the
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Stepping up ambitions thanks to awards
TWO dancers from the same County Durham studio have landed prestigious awards to help them pursue their dream careers. Siobhan Murray and Stuart Thompson won two of the five Elsa Wilkes Bursary Awards presented to North-East dancers by the International
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Night time lane closures on A1 for four weeks
ROAD CLOSURE: Motorists have been advised that parts of the A1 will be closed overnight between junction 51 and 56, Leeming to Barton, for the rest of the month due to survey works. There will be lane closures in phases both north and southbound, Monday
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Tree crash parachutist: "I will jump again"
A PARACHUTIST has spoken of the moment he drifted two miles from his target landing on his first jump and got caught in a tree 60ft above the ground. Pracheen Gemawat, 21, got disorientated when his ropes became twisted 3,500 feet over County Durham
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Top chef turns barbecue dad at martial arts academy party
A LEADING chef swapped his kitchen for the great outdoors to run the barbecue for a children’s charity event. Kenny Atkinson, who stood down as director of food at Rockliffe Hall, in Hurworth, near Darlington, in April, stepped in to cook sausages
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UPDATED: Police investigate the discovery of a woman's body in North Yorkshire
THE body of a woman discovered in a field in North Yorkshire is believed to be that of a local 51-year-old. Detectives are investigating after the woman's body was found on Saturday, June 1 in a field next to the A63 at Monk Fryston, between York
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Labour Party suspends peers in lobbying investigation row
TWO North-East peers have been suspended from the Labour Party over claims they offered to carry out parliamentary work in return for cash. Ex-cabinet minister Lord Cunningham and former senior police officer Lord Mackenzie, of Framwellgate, who
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Police investigating car fires in Newcastle
Police received reports of five cars being set on fire in the Walker area of Newcastle at 2.30am this morning. (Sunday, June 2) The vehicles were in different locations around Sunningdale Avenue and Welbeck Road. There is no suggestion at this
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Archbishop of York returns home after cancer operation
THE ARCHBISHOP of York is back at home after undergoing surgery for prostate cancer. Dr John Sentamu underwent surgery for locally-advanced cancer at St James’s Hospital in Leeds. Today (Sunday June 2) he was recovering from his operation at
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Durham v Lancashire (YB 40, interval)
DURHAM’S acting captain in the YB 40 competition, Mark Stoneman, led the way with 85 off 87 balls as his team rattled up 297 for nine at home to Lancashire today. It looked like being even more when Stoneman and Phil Mustard had 92 on the board
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Inquiry to look at extending national park boundaries
A PROPOSAL to extend the boundaries of the Yorkshire Dales National Park is to be considered at a public inquiry starting on Tuesday, June 4. The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) and the Campaign for National Parks have joined together
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Health talk for the over-50s in Darlington
HEALTH TALK: The Gold – Growing Older Living in Darlington – health group will meet to discuss issues affecting the over 50s in the town. The meeting will take place tomorrow (June 3) at 10am at Havelock Street Community Centre, Katherine Street.
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Award winning band to perform at Preston Park Museum
SHIPYARDS TRILOGY: The award-winning Unthanks provide a live musical score to Richard Fenwick’s powerful shipbuilding documentary, Songs From the Shipyards Trilogy, at Preston Park Museum Ballroom, Yarm Road, Eaglescliffe. Tickets for the event cost
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Why Hignett and Cooper are the right pick for Pools
Choose a young, motivated and super keen manager on his way up, or an experienced but recently sacked manager fresh off the merry-go-round of failure. Which would you rather have at the head of your team? They say that you can't beat experience, but
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Honour heading for the Sports Domes
BRIAN HONOUR spent many a year entertaining the Hartlepool public - and now the former Victoria Park favourite is to pass on his expertise in the town. Starting on Friday evening, the Brian Honour Soccer School will be running coaching sessions at
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Sheep Show bids bad spring farewell
AN ANNUAL country show attracted top quality exhibits despite coming on the back of a tough spring for farmers. Entrants for the 28th Eastgate Sheep Show, in Weardale, County Durham, were down on previous years but organisers said some fine livestock
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Riverside run proves to be a success with new course record in Middlesbrough
HUNDREDS of runners took advantage of the sunny weather when they raced in the Middlesbrough College Riverside Run. More than 1,800 people took part in the event, which started and finished in the Riverside Stadium, this morning (Sunday). As
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Man admits trying to fit skimming device to city centre bank cash machine
A MAN has admitted trying to fit a skimming device to one of the busiest bank cash machines in a county. Alexandru-Ciprian Noghita was caught almost red-handed after a member of the public reported suspicious activity at the Barclays Bank ATM in
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Ella's fight with leukaemia inspires new fitness class for girls
A LITTLE girl’s fight against cancer has inspired boxing-style fitness classes. Ella Morran, nine, of Waldridge Village, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham, spent her early years battling leukaemia, enduring two years of chemotherapy and eight
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Castle campaign raised with Prince Charles
CAMPAIGNERS calling for repairs to a town's crumbling castle walls hope some royal influence will speed up talks about the work. Part of Barnard Castle's walls facing onto Bridgegate collapsed four years ago and Raby Estates, English Heritage and
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Burglar targeted caravan park in rural County Durham
CARAVANS at a countryside site were targeted by a burglar in an off-season spree. The site manager was alerted to a break-ins as he showed potential buyers round Winston Bridge Caravan Park, at Ovington, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, on October
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Real ale boost for Darlington
DARLINGTON’S credentials as a hub for real ale were given a double boost this weekend as a new dedicated real ale pub opened its doors while another received a national award. The Half Moon pub in Northgate opened its doors to the public again
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Three seriously injured in accident near Stokesley
THREE people injured when a car hit a tree on Friday night remain seriously ill in hospital. Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident near Stokesley, North Yorkshire. It left two women, aged 27 and 30, from the Cheshire area with
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Calls to mark 70th anniversary of Shildon bomber crash
A MAN who witnessed a Second World War bomber crash which killed seven airmen is seeking support to erect a memorial to the accident ahead of its 70th anniversary. Craig Allison, 73, hopes to create a tribute to the men killed when an RAF Stirling
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Man assaulted after night out in Redcar
MAN ASSAULTED: A man was assaulted as he made his way home from a night out in Redcar at around 2.10am on Saturday morning. The victim was attacked by a man riding a bike as he walked along Stanley Grove in the town. The attacker is described as 5ft
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Stars give their backing to Feethams campaign
STARS from the world of football and entertainment have given their backing to a campaign to secure a key part of an historic football stadium. The Save Feethams campaign, led by two Darlington Football Club fans, aims to save the 100-year-old
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Keep fit classes for older people
An exercise drop-in session for people aged 40-plus will be held tomorrow (Monday, June 3) in the Chester-le-Street Community Association’s centre on Newcastle Bank, Newcastle Road, from 1pm to 2pm. The cost is £3. COFFEE MORNING: A coffee morning
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Plans for Summer Ball in Guisborough starting to take shape
WHAT started out as a plan to host a small summer ball has turned into a massive fundraising event thanks the purchase of one evening dress. Catherine Marshall picked up a bargain but didn’t have anywhere to wear it so decided to rope in her two
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Youth theatre groups come together for workshops
ASPIRING performers from across the North-East were given the chance to see the professionals in action at a youth theatre workshop. Stage combat and improvisational skills were among the topics covered at the North-East Regional Youth Theatre
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Club welcomes hockey star to celebrate 60th anniversary
A HOCKEY club in north Durham has welcomed one of the sport’s stars to celebrate its 60th anniversary celebrations. Olympic bronze medallist Sally Walton staged a masterclass to mark six decades of Durham Hockey Club at Maiden Castle sports centre
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Man jailed for performing sex act in fast food restaurant car park
A MAN who was seen committing a sex act on himself in a car park alongside a fast food restaurant has been jailed for a year. The actions of James Hardy, in broad daylight outside a KFC outlet at St Helen Auckland, near Bishop Auckland, shocked
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Riveting Stuff for the next generation of engineers in Stockton
FUTURE engineers had the chance to try hands on tasks when Riveting Stuff set up stall in Stockton over the weekend. The event was celebrating the industrial heritage of the region while looking to tempt the next generation of engineers to continue
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North-East peer caught up in newspaper lobbying sting is suspended by Labour party
A NORTH-EAST Labour peer who has denied breaching parliamentary rules after being caught up in a newspaper lobbying sting has been suspended by the party pending an investigation. Lord Mackenzie of Framwellgate is one of three peers caught up
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Charity motorbike ride starts at a leisurely pace in Redcar
A PAIR of keen motorcyclists have set off on a fundraising adventure at a more sedate pace than usual. Lee Robinson and Graham Snaith are the first people to take part in the Boundary 500 Motorcycle Group’s latest fundraising initiative the Coast
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Recycling collections to improve thanks to cash boost in Middlesbrough
RECYCLING and refuse collection services are being improved thanks to funding won by Middlesbrough Council. Last year the council was one of 85 local authorities to bid successfully for a grant from the Department for Communities and Local Government
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Plain sailing at County Durham boat club
A SAILING club in the North-East held an open day over the weekend to encourage people to take up the sport. Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club welcomed newcomers to the water, near Consett, in County Durham, on Saturday. All ages were able to
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Fire brigade course to help boost young people's confidence in Redcar and Cleveland
A TEN-week course to boost the confidence and job prospects of young people living in the Redcar and Cleveland area gets under way later this month. EVOLVE is aimed at young people aged 16 to 19 who are currently not in work, education or training
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Turbines could affect aircraft radars
COUNCILLORS are being urged to reject applications to build three wind turbines in north Durham in case they interfere with aircraft radars. Durham County Council’s planning committee to due to discuss three applications when it meets at County
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Police in bike challenge for charity
A TEAM of police officers are preparing to cycle the coast-to-coast route to raise funds for a blood cancer charity. Ten officers from the Consett neighbourhood policing team, along with three colleagues from other departments in the police station
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Cash boost to support families with disabled youngsters across Stockton borough
PARENTS caring for disabled youngsters are to get more support in the Stockton area thanks to a cash injection from the borough council. Stockton Council has awarded ten Group Access Grants worth up to £30,000 in total to help families receive
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Ferryhill couple celebrate 70 treasured years together
A COUPLE who wed 70 years ago say the best thing about their long and happy marriage has been watching their family grow up together. Ken and Freda Rudd, of Ferryhill, County Durham, celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary surrounded by relatives
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Proposed housing estate failed to meet local need for affordable homes, concludes inquiry.
A PLANNING inspector has agreed with a council’s decision to refuse permission for a housing estate because it only offered a fraction of the affordable homes required. Northumbrian Land was refused outline planning permission by Hambleton District
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Case for building £14m leisure complex
SUPPORTERS of a proposed £14m leisure centre said their case for the facility was strengthened during public consultation yesterday. (Saturday, June 1) Outline plans for the Fusion 21 Active Village Complex in St Helen Auckland, near Bishop Auckland