Archive
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Search for Paralympic stars
INSPIRATIONAL injured veterans and service personnel have been put through their paces to see if they have the potential to become Paralympic athletes. Ashley Barnard attended an assessment session at Phoenix House Recovery Centre in Catterick Garrison
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Carer who stole from bank account of vulnerable client ordered to repay £689
A CARER who stole an estimated £11,600 from a vulnerable elderly client has been ordered to repay £689. Linda Peacock withdrew money from the bank account of the man with learning difficulties when she accompanied him on shopping trips. The
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Ten men jailed for grooming 13-year-old girl
TEN men have been jailed for a total of more than 34 years for the abuse of a 13-year-old girl. The men - none of whom knew each other - groomed the girl over the internet before meeting her for sex or encouraging her to pose for indecent photographs
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REG PIC Darlington music venue hosts launch of new high-calibre theatrical festival
A NORTH-EAST music venue was transformed into a hub of creativity tonight (Thursday, October 3) to celebrate the start of a new theatrical festival. Dozens of people, including Darlington’s mayor, Charles Johnson, enjoyed an evening of singing,
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NHS rally planned for Durham City
A rally against the privatisation of NHS services will be held on Saturday November 23 from 11am to 1pm in Durham Town Hall, Market Place, Durham City. The event, organised by 999 Call For The NHS, will feature speakers including Green Party leader
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Teenager arrested after dog's cat attack
A teenager has been arrested after a dog killed a cat in Stockley Avenue, in Wear View , Sunderland, on Thursday September 19. A 17-year-old male is helping police with their enquiries into the event, which is thought to have involved the dog being
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Man suffers head injury after assault outside a Middlesbrough pub
A MAN has suffered serious head injuries after being assaulted outside a Middlesbrough pub. The 23-year-old was treated for his injuries at James Cook University Hospital following the attack opposite the Swatters Carr Pub at the junction of Linthorpe
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Disabled woman wins "bedroom tax" appeal against North-East council
A LEGAL victory for a disabled woman fighting to remain in her home could open the floodgates against the government’s so-called bedroom tax. The couple were facing eviction after Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council ruled they were under occupying
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Event will showcase new £38m innovation centre
THE Teesside Engineering Network (TEN) will be in Darlington this month providing the first opportunity to hear more about the new £38m National Biologics Manufacturing Centre (NBMC) which will be built on Tees Valley Enterprise Zone site - Central
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Two youths in court accused of Bank Holiday rape of teenage girl
TRIAL arrangements have been put in place for two youths accused of taking part in an alleged gang rape of a teenage girl. Lewis Bates, 18, and a 17-year-old co-accused appeared at Durham Crown Court today (Thursday October 3), but were not asked
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Book Review: The First Bohemians, Life And Art In London's Golden Age by Vic Gatrell
VIC Gatrell takes us on a journey into 18th century London life, focusing on the painters, engravers, poets, actors, market-stall sellers, aristocrats, drunkards and prostitutes that populated the areas around Covent Garden and Soho. Gatrell's
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Book Review: Yeah Yeah Yeah, The Story Of Modern Pop by Bob Stanley
BOB Stanley has been thinking and writing about pop since long before he started making it two decades ago, with cult favourites St Etienne. Here, finally, is his grand work on the topic, a book as compendious and authoritative - yet openly, delightfully
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Book Review: Year Zero, A History Of 1945 by Ian Buruma
THE year 1945 marked the end of World Wart II in Europe and then, a little later, in the Far East. It sparked scenes in many parts of the world of uninhibited jubilation. Dancing, even love-making, in the streets and merry-making on a scale never
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Spooky goings-on in Sedgefield
A HALLOWEEN party will take place at Hardwick Park near Sedgefield, County Durham, from 10am to 3pm on Wednesday, October 20. Entry costs £4 per child and attractions include face-painting, a spooky trail, Halloween crafts and the chance to meet creepy
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Book Review: England's 100 Best Views by Simon Jenkins
TAKING in beautiful landscape can be uplifting and sometimes even spiritual, bestselling author Simon Jenkins notes in his new book. That pretty much sums up the essence of England's 100 Best Views. The chairman of the National Trust combines his
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Book Review: The Abominable, A Novel by Dan Simmons
A YEAR after the deaths of George Mallory and Sandy Irivne on Mount Everest, three adventurers are eager to make their own attempt on the summit. Their expedition is funded by Lady Bromley, whose son Percy has also disappeared on the mountain.
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Book Review: You Are One Of Them by Elliott Holt
YOU Are One Of Them is the debut novel from American writer Elliott Holt. It's a mystery-thriller hybrid that tells the story of Sarah Zuckerman, a girl growing up in Washington D.C. during the latter years of the Cold War, and her best friend
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Traffic congestion warning ahead of Senior Open golf at Rockliffe Hall
ROADS WARNING: Motorists are warned to expect increased traffic on the A167 at Hurworth Place, near Darlington, this weekend as spectators make their way to the Senior Golf Open at Rockliffe Hall, in Hurworth. Traffic is expected to be busier between
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Yarm school balloon found in The Netherlands
A BALLOON released accidently by youngsters at Stokesley Show to publicise Yarm School's open morning has been picked up in the Netherlands. The school handed out the balloons at the recent show to young children and some escaped. Days later
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Book Review: The Signature Of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert
FANS of Eat Pray Love needn't panic. Although the subject matter of Gilbert's latest project initially seems wilfully obscure - the life of a 19th century female botanist - it's soon obvious that we're not quite so far away from her trademark woman-seeking-the-meaning-of-life-quest
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Winners of Beautiful Durham awards revealed
SCHOOLS, businesses and individuals have been honoured for their efforts to brighten up their city. The winners of the annual Beautiful Durham awards were announced during a ceremony at the city’s Town Hall. Prizes were presented to the winners
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Book Review: An Officer And A Spy by Robert Harris
ROBERT Harris is the master of the historical thriller and his latest novel finds him in fine form. Previous books have twisted the history of Second World War codebreakers and the politics of ancient Rome into page-turning best-sellers and he
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Arrested man bit sergeant during disruptive journey to police station
A MAN who bit one police officer and kicked another following his arrest has successfully appealed to reduce his near six month prison sentence. Anthony Sean Price, 22, received the total of 24 weeks behind bars, 12 weeks for each of two counts
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Book Review: Solo, A James Bond Novel by William Boyd
WHEN a writer's books are taken over by others posthumously, characterisation can prove a problem for the new scribe. Either they risk the wrath of fans by changing much-loved figures, or become mired in cliche as they strain to stay close to original
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Bart the buzzard is flying high
A BUZZARD released back into the wild soared high into the sky more than a year since it was found critically wounded after getting caught in a rabbit snare. Staff from Kirkleatham Owl Centre who nursed ‘Bart’ back to health, have set him free
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Raising the bar for 'legal loan sharks'
Church leaders, MPs and charity bosses have welcomed the announcement of a raft of measures to clamp down on payday lenders. Andy Walker reports. OF the 500 or so people to have visited the Citizen’s Advice Bureau office in Darlington since April
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Ushaw Moor pupils tackle school parking problem
CHILDREN in the North-East have issued their own tickets to prevent parents parking their cars outside their school. Pupils from Silver Tree Primary school in Ushaw Moor, near Durham, have been working with police on the project to tackle the problem
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Good Hotel Guide reveals best of the region
A PUB with one of the most unusual names in England and a restaurant which once hosted two world leaders for dinner are new entries from this region in the 2014 Good Hotel Guide. The Hack and Spade, in Whashton, near Ravensworth, North Yorkshire
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Masonry fall from Darlington town clock sparks investigation
AN investigation is underway after pieces of masonry fell from Darlington’s historic town clock. The area around the Grade II listed clock tower has been cordoned off by staff from Darlington Borough Council after parts of the facade fell to the
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Special enforcement powers used to take over private property in Stockton
SPECIAL enforcement powers have been used by a council to temporarily take over a privately-owned house. Stockton Borough Council says it is the first authority in the Tees Valley and is believed to be one of the first in the whole region to issue
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Country park transformed to create community hub
A COUNTRY park has undergone a transformation to enable it to cater for crowds of visitors and provide a hub for remote communities. Lord Stones Country Park on Carlton Bank, near Stokesley, named after three stones on a Bronze Age mound, has attracted
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Newton Aycliffe disabled club receives welcome boost
A DISABLED club that was on the brink of closure due to dwindling membership has been given a much-needed boost. In August, Paul Ryder, who suffers from cerebral palsy, told The Northern Echo his Newton Aycliffe-based disabled club, Jumping Jacks
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Two detained for illegal fishing
TWO anglers have been detained for unlicensed fishing. Acting on a tip-off, police swooped on Framwellgate on the River Wear, Durham, on Tuesday, (October 2), detaining an unlicensed angler who was fishing in a prohibited area. The second angler
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Middlesbrough teenager who survived brush with death on brink of British swimming team
A YOUNG swimmer has survived a brush with death to be back on the brink of making the Great Britain team. Perry Gardner, 16, looked set to make a major splash in the swimming world after scooping a Bronze medal in the Summer Nationals aged just
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Hospice reveals Light Up A Life sponsor
A FUNERAL company is to sponsor a hospice’s annual Light Up A Life campaign. Stuart Wright Funeral Service will sponsor the campaign at St Cuthbert’s Hospice, having previously backed the annual campaign held by the Durham hospice in 2010.
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Gearing up for big parks challenge
A GYM member is preparing for the Royal Parks Foundation Ultra 50k marathon in London on Sunday (October 6) . Simon Harrison 42, who belongs to Bannatyne’s Health Club in Chester-le-Street, has been tempted out of running retirement to do the 31
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Police appeal to trace owners of horses caught running free next to roads in Teesside
POLICE are appealing for the owner of a horse tethered next to a busy Teesside road. The horse was removed by police this afternoon (Thursday) when it was found running loose near to the NHS centre, Flatts Lane in Eston. Last week, police reported
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Director recognised for lifetime's work
A THEATRE director took centre stage as he received an honour for his dedication to amateur theatre in the North-East. Fred Wharton, 70, of Wingate, has been directing shows put on by Durham Amateur Operatic Society since 1967. And he was awarded
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German choir visits Darlington to celebrate twinning links
A CHOIR from Germany have visited an historic church where they are preparing to perform this weekend. The Petrikirche choir, from Mulheim, arrived in Darlington today (Thursday, October 3) as part of a series of celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary
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Together Middlesbrough tackles poverty
POOR people are being ‘demonised, marginalised and stigmatised’ claimed Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald, speaking at a Christian conference focusing on poverty in the town. With unemployment at twice the national average and child poverty third
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Hunt launched for convicted arsonist
A HUNT has been launched for a convicted arsonist who disappeared after being given early release from prison. North Yorkshire Police believe Ian Marjoram, who was sentenced to four years and three months in jail for arson to recklessly endangering
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Darlington RFC looks forward to sustainable future as it celebrates 150th anniversary
AS it celebrates its 150th anniversary, Darlington FC is looking forward to an exciting and sustainable future. Joe Willis reports. MORE than 100 Quakers supporters turned up to a fans’ forum this week to hear an update from the fan-owned club’
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15th Century North Yorkshire witch who predicted Great Fire of London to be immortalised
A CAMPAIGN has been launched to immortalise a 15th Century witch who predicted the Great Fire of London and the defeat of the Spanish Armada. Retired shop-fitter Terry Maude is leading a £35,000 fundraising drive to create a bronze statue of Knaresborough
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Car Torque ... with 1980s TV star Timmy Mallett
TIMMY Mallett could never be described as a shrinking violet. His larger than life persona and brightly coloured clothes were ideally suited to TV-am’s kids programme the Wide Awake Club, which he starred in alongside the likes of Michaela Strachan
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Academic gives free talk on impact of erotic trilogy
A NORTH-EAST academic will give a free talk about the impact of the best-selling Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy on readers next week. The trilogy has sold more than 70 million copies since 2012. Clarissa Smith, professor of sexual cultures at
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Teesside's Abi Alton aiming to avoid singing for her survival in new X-Factor twist
X FACTOR stars, such as Guisborough's Abi Alton, could end up singing for their survival if viewers take an instant dislike to them in a new voting system. The act with the lowest amount of votes after ten minutes will be put into a sing-off with
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Three quarters of people living in the North-East have not made a will - survey
NEARLY three quarters of people in the North-East have no will prepared for their death, according to a survey. The survey for Legal & General Life Insurance found that 63 per cent of those living in the region described themselves as quite
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How to be ready to run 5k in 5 weeks - week one
Daily fitness rituals can transform your health. Doing something on a daily basis to keep fit will boost your energy, keep you supple, improve heart and lung function and the best of all those benefits are free. Trouble is, it's often very difficult
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New Marske mum-of-six races at Silverstone with motorbike star Scott Redding
A MOTORBIKING mother-of-six who only passed her motorcycle test two years ago raced around Silverstone today, Thursday, October 3, with some of the best riders in the world. Jayne Walker, 41, of New Marske, Redcar, won a competition with motorcycle
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Twelve appear at court in connection with multi-million pound mortgage fraud probe
TWELVE people from across the country have appeared in court in connection with a multi-million pound mortgage fraud conspiracy. Magistrates in Darlington heard today (Thursday, October 3) that elderly and vulnerable victims were allegedly targeted
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Redcar hospital set to carry out first operation three years after it opened
PATIENTS who need minor surgical procedures will now be able to have their operations at their local hospital - three years after it opened. Redcar Primary Care Hospital is finally in position to offer minor surgical processes after additional
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Heavy metal fan writes erotic chick-lit novel after suffering stroke
A WRITER with a love for heavy metal music and tattoos - but is also a fan of Bridget Jones - is hoping to make his mark in the chick-lit world. Chris Brown, 40, is a design manager for a fire prevention company by day, but after being told he
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Twelve appear in court in connection with mortgage fraud probe
TWELVE people from across the country have appeared in court this morning in connection with a large-scale mortgage fraud conspiracy. The defendants, aged between 26 and 66 and from across the country, are charged with conspiring to defraud mortgage
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Spennymoor news in brief
CHURCH EVENT: St Peter’s Church, Byers Green, will host a concert by The Seasonal Singers performing songs from the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s, folk songs and musical numbers followed by cheese and wine on Monday, October 7, at 7.30pm. Tickets £5 on 01388
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Terrified father-of-three had gun pointed at his head by would-be robber
A TERRIFIED householder was pinned against a wall and had a pistol pointed to his head after an intruder forced his way into his home in the early hours. Teesside Crown Court heard that Stephen Stewart demanded money and shouted at the frightened
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Services sector hits 16-year high
THE services sector grew at its fastest pace for 16 years in the third quarter of the year, fuelling hopes that the overall economy is on a sustainable path to recovery. The strong reading follows similarly encouraging surveys of the manufacturing
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Plans to create Olympic-sized velodrome for York
WORK could begin next year on building an Olympic-sized velodrome in York. The University of York is currently in discussions with British Cycling over creating the top class facility at its York Sport Village, on the outskirts of the city near
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Disabled woman wins "bedroom tax" appeal against North-East council
A DISABLED woman unable to share a bedroom with her husband has won an appeal against the Government's so-called bedroom tax. In what is thought to be the first successful case of its kind in England, a tribunal found that the local authority had
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"Losing my breasts was the best - and easiest - decision I've ever made"
[standfirst] Teacher Jane Boyd, from Darlington, endured two years of invasive treatment to dramatically reduce her risk of cancer. Jess Johnson, one of her former students, reports [sf ends] WHAT Jane Boyd has gone through in the past two years
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Weekend GP appointments launched
ALMOST a quarter of a million patients are now able to see a GP at weekends. A second-pilot offering Saturday and Sunday appointments is being launched in the Durham City, Derwentside and Chester-le-Street areas of County Durham. The North
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Former rugby star offers Darlington students words of wisdom and encouragement
A RUGBY giant, who made herself ill trying to blend in, urged schoolchildren to celebrate their unique differences as they strive to succeed in life. Twenty-four times capped England rugby prop Katy Storie helped children at West Park Academy,
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Protective coatings firm reveals job cuts
A PROTECTIVE coatings company is making redundancies. 3M, in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, will axe 12 jobs after a review of its electronics and energy division. The company, which employs about 50 members of staff, makes coatings for steel
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Man to appear in court charged with causing death by dangerous driving after cyclist died
A MAN has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving after a cyclist died following a collision with a lorry on the A66. Father-of-four Sean Ruff was involved in an accident with an Argos lorry on the A66 westbound near the Eaglescliffe
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Korean gallery opens its doors in Durham
THE North-East’s only gallery dedicated to the art and culture of Korea has opened its doors. From K-Pop to calligraphy, the brand new gallery in Durham University’s Oriental Museum celebrates the heritage of the peninsula, with some objects dating
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Inspirational Darlington man Stan is half the man he used to be
A FATHER-OF-FOUR has told how the heartache of being too unfit to play with his children in the park inspired him to shed almost half of his body weight. Stan Levy, from Darlington, weighed 37 stones just two-and-a-half years ago. He had high
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University applies to convert historic hotel
A PLANNING application has been submitted to turn a landmark hotel into student accommodation. Durham University has formally lodged the plan to convert the historic Three Tuns Hotel in New Elvet, Durham, into accommodation for University (Castle
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What do people see in Jedward?
I DON’T know why the young girls of today scream with excitement whenever they see the boy band One Direction. Not being a great lover of boy bands I just don’t see anything to get excited about. If they are the best in the world the rest must
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Mining
JIMMY TAYLOR pinned all the blame on Margaret Thatcher for the decline of Easington due to its pit closure (HAS, Sept 28). He mentions that he worked at Mainsforth, Thrislington, Blackhall and Easington collieries in various roles. I am surprised
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North-East surgeons asked to test new way of repairing heart valves.
NORTH-EAST heart surgeons have been awarded £250,000 to undertake an advanced research project. The project - which is the only one of its kind in the UK - will involve the heart surgery team at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough
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More pain
ALTHOUGH I am a Labour voter and will continue to be so, like The Northern Echo I have no great faith in Ed Miliband and Ed Balls running the UK economy. They remind me of two seals flapping about in the sea, making a lot of waves but with no idea
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Heating tip
AS the price of heating is high I wonder if there is readers have eastern facing rooms? I made that room my living room as the sun that comes in for a longer time and made the other my bedroom. I like a cooler bedroom. In the evening I switch off
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Statesman
DAVID LINDSAY worries about the East Coast mainline being returned to private ownership (HAS, Oct 1). Judging by the events of the past few years it will still be in state ownership after a few years – unfortunately the state ownership of the Germans
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Terror
PETER MULLEN in his article about terrorism (Echo, Oct 1) persuades me that he is not Islamophobic, but he is more prone to identify terroristic actions with Muslims rather than other groups who have carried out these sort of activities. Terrorism
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Drink and drugs
I READ with interest the debate on the decriminalisation of hard drugs (HAS, Oct 1). It strikes me that there already is a drug in widespread use which is supplied in a controlled and secure way – supposedly at least. This is alcohol. Sadly
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Ten men jailed as police stop sexual exploitation of 13-year-old girl
TEN men have been jailed after police uncovered a web of child abuse that involved a 13-year-old girl being groomed and sexually exploited by 30 suspects. The discovery of such large scale abuse was sparked when the girl’s mother handed her child
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Jobs fears at North-East truck maker
A TRUCK building firm, which received flagship Government cash to fund an expansion, is cutting more than 100 North-East jobs – a year after it axed 300 posts. The Northern Echo understands about 70 production workers and 45 office staff will lose
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Tributes paid to former chairman of Teesmouth Bird Club
TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of a North-East bird watcher. Father-of-three Ted Parker’s enthusiasm and drive saw Teesmouth Bird Club almost double in size to 500 members in his five years as chairman. The club was also consulted
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Winning bid
THE recent story about the confusion over a paid bill and the fact that bailiffs were sent in to a town centre cafe (Echo, Sept 30) has unfortunately eclipsed the good work that Distinct Darlington, a company voted in by the majority of town centre
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Shildon model railway club needs new home
MODEL railway fans are appealing for help to find a new base for their club after it was made homeless. Shildon Model Railway Club started in 1982 and has members from across County Durham. Over the years the group has left four venues - most
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Bike stolen in Bournmoor burglary
A MOUNTAIN bike worth £1,050 has been stolen in a break-in at a house. The raid took place in Beaumaris, Bournmoor, near Chester-le-Street, between 11.50pm Tuesday night (October 1) and 7am on Wednesday(October 2). The machine, which was taken
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Hollywood sci fi characters come to Redcar
AN exhibition of some of Hollywood’s most famous film franchises will be brought to life when more than 30 enthusiasts attend dressed as their favourite sci fi characters. The group, which boasts a Doctor Who lookalike closely followed by a Dalek
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Winning skatepark design for Stockton park chosen
THE winning design for a new skatepark in Stockton has been revealed. In August, Stockton Council asked residents to submit their views on four potential designs for the skatepark which is set to become the largest BMX and skateboard park in the
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Moyes can take pride from point, despite late blow
DAVID MOYES was denied a morale-boosting Champions League win in Donetsk – but still left the Donbass Arena as the first manager of an English team to nick a point from a trip to Shakhtar in this competition. Moyes can do with all the little snippets
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Hart has problems in Bayern defeat
EUROPEAN champions Bayern Munich delivered a footballing masterclass as they powered to a convincing 3-1 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. The formidable attacking trio of Franck Ribery, Thomas Muller and Arjen Robben all struck
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BP wins Gulf of Mexico oil spill payout battle
BP has secured a victory in its legal battle to limit compensation payouts for the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill after a US court ordered tighter rules on dubious claims. A federal appeals court said the terms of a compensation agreement struck
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Villas-Boas blasts FA for not banning Torres
TOTTENHAM manager Andre Villas-Boas is furious with the Football Association for its ‘‘joke’’ decision not to ban Fernando Torres for scratching Jan Vertonghen. The Chelsea striker was sent off for two yellow cards late in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at
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Broad seeking Ashes history
STUART BROAD says the incentive to become the first England team to win four consecutive Ashes series is all the motivation he needs. Alastair Cook leads his side Down Under this winter as they bid to retain the urn that they won for the third
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Holyfield relishing Haye-Fury bout
FORMER world heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield believes Tyson Fury is capable of causing an upset against fellow Briton David Haye and even thinks both Englishmen could dethrone the all-conquering Klitschko brothers in the future. Haye and
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Tales from the top
The Tan Hill Inn is Britain’s highest pub. In a new book Neil Hanson, who was landlord of the windswept hostelry in the late 1970s, serves up tales of endless disasters, extraordinary locals and late-night lock-ins ONCE upon a time, not so long
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Pat And Cabbage (ITV1, 8.30pm)
CHERIE LUNGHI and Barbara Flynn have fallen quite nicely into the roles of Pat and Cabbage, perhaps because there is no one more qualified to play two 60-something women with a zest for life than two 60- something women with a zest for life. Certainly
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The Wonder of Dogs (BBC2, 9pm)
WE all know that dogs are man’s best friend, but what makes our relationship with our fourlegged, furry friends so special? The latest edition of The Wonder of Dogs aims to find out by delving deep into the psychology of the human-dog relationship
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Educating Yorkshire (C4, 9pm)
THE latest episode of Educating Yorkshire focuses on the students in Year 9, a critical academic turning point as they choose their options for their GCSEs. Headteacher Mr Mitchell can only hope that the majority of Thornhill’s students do some
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Jumpers for Goalposts, Northern Stage, Newcastle
BARELY Athletic is a predominantly gay fivea- side football team who live up to their name in an uplifting comedy about football and friendship. Danny has a secret; Beardy Geoff is a busker who wants to be a gay icon; Viv runs a pub and has been
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Luna, Theatre Hullabaloo and Theatr Iolo, Central Hall, Darlington
THE challenge: take your two-year-old granddaughter to her first show as a reviewer. No stress there then. The event: Darlington-based Theatre Hullabaloo’s latest children’s play in front of 90 excitable infant schoolchildren with big-eyed granddaughter
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Music and beer festivals prove just the tonic for the Great North Air Ambulance Service
A BEER and music festival held in aid of the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) raised £27,000 for the charity. The annual CornShed festivals are hosted by Judy Kitching MBE at Sexhow Farm, Hutton Rudby, near Yarm. The music festival-goers
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Rockliffe Hall chief claims 'we're ready for our big day'
WITH the forecast favourable and the European Senior Tour professionals on site, Rockliffe Hall is ready to shine on the big stage and tournament chiefs are already thinking about the longer term. Despite the short turnaround since the luxurious
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Golf shorts: North Yorkshire girl heads for Portugal
TEENAGER Lily Downs will be targeting international glory next week when she heads to Quinta do Lago in Portugal to compete in the final of the Telegraph BMW Junior Golf Championship – the world’s largest junior golf event. The North Yorkshire
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Local golfer hopes for home comforts at English Senior Open
EXCITEMENT is building at Rockliffe Hall this week in anticipation of both the return of the English Senior Open to the European Tour as well as first class golf to the region. Thousands are expected to descend on the Hurworth based golf course
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Gibson's dream goal spoiled by Boro draw
BEN GIBSON used to dream about sticking one into the top corner at the Riverside Stadium while sat in the stands as a fan – but while his dream come true this week, he felt it was spoiled by his side's inability to pick up the three points. Gibson
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Newcastle ready to recall Williamson
MIKE WILLIAMSON wants to help Newcastle United become more solid at the back and manager Alan Pardew is ready to recall the experienced defender at Cardiff City this weekend. Williamson has pushed himself right back in to contention a little more
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Could Sunderland give Ball bigger role?
ELLIS SHORT is toying with the idea of giving Kevin Ball a greater role at Sunderland - regardless of whether he is named Paolo Di Canio’s successor at the Stadium of Light. Ball has already been informed he will be leading the first team in to
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Councillor refuses to apologise to grandmother for calling her a "stupid old cow"
A COUNCILLOR who called a 72-year-old grandmother a “stupid old cow” has been held in contempt of council standards. Margaret Lister had rung up Geoff Evans, 65, her local councillor with Eastfield Parish Council and Scarborough Borough Council
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Drainage firm's Olympic effort
A DRAINAGE firm has been rewarded for its work on one of the world's largest sporting spectacles. Econoplas supplied recycled plastic drainage equipment for the 2012 London Olympic Games, which kept the Olympic Park dry despite last summer's inclement
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North-East councils urge Eric Pickles to reconsider slashing their budgets by 25 per cent
THE Association of North East Council (ANEC) has written to Communities Secretary Eric Pickles urging him to reconsider a further 25 per cent cut in local authority funding. This is the compelling letter in full: Dear Secretary of State,
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Craft firm continues expansion with major US deal
A CRAFT supplies firm, founded by a North-East entrepreneur at university, has continued its rapid international expansion after securing a major deal with a US company. Crafter's Companion, based in Coundon, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham
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Spennymoor fireworks ticket-only event amid crowd fears after neighbouring towns scrap displays
A FIREWORKS display will be an all ticket, residents only event to stop an influx of people from neighbouring towns where events have been axed. Spennymoor Town Council has decided to press ahead with plans for its annual Bonfire Night event but
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Bitter family inheritance dispute compared to Bleak House
A CAFE is at the heart of a bitter family dispute that has been compared by a judge to the endless legal war endured by the characters in Charles Dickens' Bleak House. Ever since Romana Ross, boss of Romana's Cafe, in Ferryhill, County Durham,
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Workers close to 'breaking point'
TWO out of five people are working harder than a year ago, suggesting they are "close to breaking point", according to a new report. Forty-three per cent say they could not work any harder, a survey of 2,000 employees by recruitment firm Randstad
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Local authority funding cuts will hurt vulnerable and hamper growth, council chiefs warn
AS David Cameron promises to create a “land of opportunity”, North-East councils have warned that proposed £350m budget cuts will hamper economic growth and hurt the vulnerable. The Association of North East Councils (Anec) claims that proposed
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PCSO Patterson wins police award for helping Stanhope woman
POLICE AWARD: Police Community Support Officer (PCOS) Trev Patterson has won a Wow award from Durham Police after he came to the aid of a woman who had collapsed near her home in Stanhope, County Durham. PCSO Patterson was nominated for the Best Customer
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Rock music on offer in aid of two charities
ROCK MUSIC: Classic rock covers band Oily Bum Print will be performing at Hamsterley Social Club, on Friday, October 18, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £5 and proceeds will go to Hamsterley Hoppings and Butterwick Hospice. To book, call 01388-603003
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Teesdale couple plan to celebrate diamond wedding anniversary with afternoon tea
A COUPLE who celebrate 60 years of marriage this month are planning to mark the occasion by returning to the venue that hosted their reception. Pat and Tom Ellwood, of Startforth, near Barnard Castle, were married at Rokeby Church, followed by
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Lung support group celebrates regional win
THE organiser of a lung support group has received a regional award. Harry Brown said he was “chuffed to bits” after being presented with a certificate as the Breath of Fresh Air Award regional winner. He was nominated by members of Breathe
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New diner in Willington to serve up tastes of the states
TASTES of the states will be top of the menu at a new American Diner being opened in a former pit town. Charlie’s American Diner will open on Willington High Street on Saturday (October 5) at 7am. The diner, which is being opened in a former
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Priorities outlined to improve Bishop Auckland
ABOUT 35 people turned out in support of a community group aimed at rejuvenating Bishop Auckland town centre. Bishop Auckland Town Centre was set up last year and has so far put on a number of events in the town and raised £20,000 to fund new Christmas
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Harvest services and court cases
HARVEST SERVICE: Whitworth Church will hold a harvest praise service followed by afternoon teas on Sunday, October 6, at 3pm. FLOWER SHOW: The Wolsingham and District Chrysanthemum and Horticultural Society will hold their late show on Saturday
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Disqualified drink driver from Crook spared jail after crashing car near Bishop Auckland Rugby Club
A DISQUALIFIED driver who crashed his partner’s car while drunk has been spared jail. Darren Wilkinson was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison after admitting driving while disqualified, while drunk and without insurance, but magistrates in Newton
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Pennine exhibtion to run for one more month at Killhope
PENNINE EXHIBITION: The Pennine Evolutions Exhibition, which features the work of seven artists, will run at Killhope Lead Mining Museum in Weardale, County Durham, until Sunday, November 3. The museum is open from 10.30am to 5pm.
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REG NFU role for Yorkshire Richard
AN experienced farming specialist has been appointed regional director for the National Farmers Union (NFU) in the North East. Richard Pearson joins the NFU after a varied career in agriculture that has taken him around the country working in the
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Hundreds of cyclists to descend on Durham dales to tackle challenging 84-mile route
ONE of the region's largest cycling events is expected to provide a boost to the economy of rural County Durham running into hundreds of thousands of pounds. The Marie Curie Cancer Care Etape Pennines event, on Sunday, will see 1,500 cyclists tackle
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Witness appeal after stone thrown at house
AN investigation has been launched after a large stone was thrown through the window of a house in Edith Terrace, West Auckland, on Tuesday, October 1, between 4.30pm and 5pm. Witnesses are asked to call Bishop Auckland police station on 101 or