Archive
-
Date
Fire crews tackle blaze in Brotton flat
THREE fire crews were called to a blaze in a flat in Brotton on Tuesday night (February 4). A spokeswoman for Cleveland Fire Brigade said crews from Saltburn, Skelton and Loftus were sent to a ground floor flat in Linden House on Linden Road, Brotton
-
Date
Police appeal after man found unconscious in street
A MAN is in a critical condition in hospital after being found with serious head injuries in a North-East street. Police are now appealing for information about how the man came to be hurt. Ambulance staff called Northumbria Police at 10.45am
-
Date
Taylor winner put Moors into DCC semis
Spennymoor defeated a strong Gateshead side that included eight players with Football League experience by 2-1 in the Durham Challenge Cup at the Brewery Field last night. Moors had the better of the early chances, with Sonny Andrews and Chay Liddle
-
Date
Bodybuilder who sold anabolic steroids at his gym avoids prison
A BODY-BUILDER was caught with thousands of anabolic steroids which he sold to other muscle-men at his gym, a court heard yesterday. Former national Thai boxing champion Stephen Cowlam made hundreds of pounds a month from his illegal trade in the
-
Date
Concerns raised over dangers of NekNominations after woman rides horse into Tesco in Bishop Auckland
A previously little known social network craze called NekNomination has hit the headlines thanks to a woman riding her horse into a North-East supermarket. Dani Walker reports. “YOU can’t bring a horse in here,” shouts a security guard in Tesco
-
Date
VIDEO: Woman rides horse into Bishop Auckland Tesco for NekNomination craze
A WOMAN has defended her actions as “harmless fun” after riding a horse into a supermarket and downing a drink as part of new craze sweeping the internet. In footage posted on Facebook, Inky Ralph can be clearly seen entering Tesco, in St Helen
-
Date
Jack Hatfield memorial service pays homage to North-East sporting icon
A MEMORIAL service for a man synonymous with North-East sporting endeavour attracted a huge turnout, including some of the region's most famous footballing names. The service was held at St Andrew’s Church in Ingleby Greenhow, near Great Broughton
-
Date
Blogging Bishop Nick Baines appointed to new Yorkshire diocese
A FORMER Government spy base analyst has been unveiled as the first bishop of what will be the largest Church of England diocese. The Right Reverend Nick Baines, who is also known as The Blogging Bishop, has been nominated as Bishop of Leeds, overseeing
-
Date
Thornaby town council calls for proposed road improvements to be shelved
A MULTI-million pound road widening scheme should be shelved as it will bring a dual carriageway just metres away from people’s gardens, a town council has claimed. Thornaby Town Council has written to Stockton Council raising concerns about plans
-
Date
White water experts continues rapid growth
THE engineering consultancy behind the Tees Barrage white water centre has continued its rapid expansion with the acquisition of a Birmingham based business. Stewart and Harris, which has become the latest addition to Newcastle's Patrick Parsons
-
Date
Yorkshire tenants happiest with their rent
YORKSHIRE tenants feel they get the best value for money from their rent than the rest of the country, according to a poll. The survey conducted by the UK Association of Letting Agents (UKALA) found that 83 per cent of Yorkshire and Humber tenants
-
Date
Tickets on sale for charity ball in aid of Diabetes UK and Darlington's 700 Club
TICKETS are now on sale for a charity dinner and dance that will help raise funds for two worthy causes. The event, named Easter Feast, is being held on Friday, April 18 at Bannatyne Hotel, in Darlington, in aid of the town’s homeless charity,
-
Date
Death of former mayor
Tributes have been paid to the deputy mayor of Malton, who has died after a short illness. Jason Fitzgerald-Smith, who was previously the town’s mayor, died at Malton Hospital on Tuesday. For more information and to register, visit the website action.org.uk
-
Date
Boy, 14, hurt in hit-and-run
POLICE are trying to trace a hit-and-run van driver who hit a 14-year-old on his way to school. The boy sustained injuries to his back and shoulder and was taken to the One Life Centre in Hartlepool for treatment. The collision occurred at
-
Date
Judge issues warrant for arrest of woman who denies taking charity money.
A BENCH warrant was issued today (Tuesday, February 4) for the arrest of a woman accused of stealing charity money, some raised in memory of her late son. It follows Catharine (CORRECT) Heather Airey’s second failure to appear at Durham Crown Court
-
Date
Nazi invasion plans including postcard of Tyne Bridge falls under hammer
A SET of maps prepared by the Nazis before Adolf Hitler's planned invasion of Britain has fetched £351 at auction. The Second World War documents, containing coastal diagrams, town plans and a general gazetteer, were snapped up by a telephone bidder
-
Date
Miners' banners in the spotlight
MINERS’ banners will be the subject of a public talk later this month (Sunday, February 16). Norman Emery will give a talk titled Banners of the Durham Coalfield on Sunday, February 16 – the 132nd anniversary of the Trimdon Grange mining disaster
-
Date
Vulnerable families help to survive the winter cold
A CHARITY trustee pitched in and helped make winter relief packs for vulnerable families. Paul Chandler, the former chief executive of leading fair trade organisation Traidcraft, recently became a trustee of the County Durham Community Foundation
-
Date
We must not forget Danny
IT is three months today since three-year-old Danny Wake was hit by a vehicle and killed in a Darlington street. He had been into town to collect an Argos catalogue so he could choose his Christmas presents. The fact that the driver has not yet
-
Date
Police appeal for information about brick-throwing incident at Newton Aycliffe traffic lights
POLICE have issued a fresh plea for information about a brick-throwing incident last month. On Monday, January 6, at about 8.10pm, two young men threw a brick through the passenger side door window of a white LDV minibus, in Newton Aycliffe, County
-
Date
York attraction is offering a Valentine's event with a difference
A YORK tourist attraction is offering an exciting alternative to dull Valentine’s day dates with an after hours tour. York Dungeon Lates is an afterhours show and tour developed especially for adults with extra fun and frights for Valentine’s day
-
Date
Ear bite attack
A 27-year-old man on a night out in Newcastle city centre had his ear bitten. It happened at 8.50pm on Saturday (February 1) at Idols, in the Newgate Shopping Centre. The victim was approached by another man in the toilets of the bar before having
-
Date
Evening of comedy with Hebburn actor
AN evening of comedy takes place in Barnard Castle on Saturday. The Funny Way To Be comedy club presents Andrew O’Neill, Paul F Taylor and Tommy Rowson, at The Witham, on Horsemarket, at 8pm. Alfie Joey, from the BBC sitcom Hebburn, will MC
-
Date
Pink sheep to populate the North York Moors
SHEEP in pink jerseys are to be hidden across a national park in a bid to encourage visitors to explore the area. Organisations and residents in the North York Moors are being encouraged to take part in the campaign by displaying models of sheep
-
Date
Youth group receives grant for ambitious production
A YOUTH theatre has received a grant of more than £4,000 towards an ambitious musical production. Stokesley’s Crash Bang Wallop Youth Theatre has received the funding from Hambleton District Council’s Community Grant programme, which will help
-
Date
Man safe after locking himself inside hotel room and threatening to self harm.
A MAN is being monitored after barricading himself in a Scarborough hotel room and threatening to self harm. North Yorkshire Police arrived at the Brindley Hotel on North Marine Road, Scarborough at 8.30am today, after receiving a call about fears
-
Date
Skunk Anansie drummer named as online music degree tutor
SCARBOROUGH’S Mark Richardson - better known as the drummer from Skunk Anansie – has become a tutor for the UK’s first online music degree. Mr Richardson and his band sold more than six million albums with Skunk Anansie, appeared on magazine covers
-
Date
Give them credit, they're in the union
SCHOOL children and their parents are being invited to join a credit union. Volunteers from a village residents’ group are helping pupils and their families at Bearpark Primary School, in Bearpark, near Durham, join the North East First Credit
-
Date
Explorer set to lead audience through evening of adventure
A RENOWNED explorer will lead audiences through an evening of adventure when he arrives in the region. Adventurer and journalist Will Millard will share tales of his wanders in the wilderness when he visits Darlington later this month. Mr Millard
-
Date
Bishop Auckland Choral Society to perform 19th century musical masterpiece
A CHORAL society is preparing for one of its biggest concerts to date and is encouraging new singers to get involved. In June, Bishop Auckland Choral Society (BACS) will perform Brahms’ Requiem, a 19th century masterpiece renowned for its craftsmanship
-
Date
Newsreader Nina signs up for Durham City 10k race
AN ITN newsreader has announced she will run in a North-East event to help families with devastating muscle-wasting conditions. Nina Hossain has decided to make a nostalgic return to her old university city to help raise funds for the Muscular
-
Date
Western riding skills on offer at Masham stables
A RIDING school is set to transport horse fans to the Wild West with skills such as lassoing cattle, barrel racing, and riding in full Western tack. Emma Chapman, from Hill Top Farm Equestrian in Ilton, near Masham, North Yorkshire, who delivers
-
Date
Clampdown on illegal parking by schools
COUNCIL bosses are clamping down on parents who park illegally while dropping off their children on the school run. From March a camera car will be operating in York to catch the offenders in a bid to improve road safety around schools. And
-
Date
What’s not to love?
Sarah Marshall rounds up the UK’s top romantic venues for a Valentine’s break Fall in love with food, as well as each other, in the Michelin-starred hub of Berkshire, says Claire Spreadbury THERE is an area of Berkshire that is turning into
-
Date
Public inquiry opens into objections of details of planned minor roads as part of A1 upgrade
A PUBLIC inquiry opened today into proposed local access roads between Scotch Corner and Barton as part of the A1 Leeming to Barton improvements. Objections of details of the proposed roads – designed for traffic unsuitable for the motorway such
-
Date
Striking gold in Montana
Braving the cold outdoors, Pete Thompson enjoys ranch life in Big Sky Country ON a crisp winter morning, in the heart of the Wild West, the ominous sound of gunshots echo around a vast valley in Montana’s Granite County. Taking aim for a
-
Date
Councillors back Passport Office plans for Durham ice rink
COUNCILLORS have backed revised development plans which will allow hundreds of North-East jobs to be saved. In December, a deal was announced which will see about 950 HM Passport Office workers based in Durham city centre move from Milburngate
-
Date
Dead horse to removed from River Wear
A DEAD horse will be removed from the River Wear in Durham tomorrow. (Wednesday, February 5) The black and white animal is currently in the water between Prebends Bridge and Framwelgate Bridge in the city centre. It has been reported to Durham
-
Date
De-clutter, de-stress
No need to wait until spring for a clear-out. Decluttering with some clever storage solutions could bring calm and harmony into your home, says Gabrielle Fagan IT is not unusual at this time of year to feel as though your possessions are winning
-
Date
Folk duo to perform in Dales village hall
ACCLAIMED folk duo Broom Bezzums will perform at Carperby village institute later this month. Acoustic performers Andrew Cadie and Mark Bloomer are performing in Wensleydale as part of a 15-date UK tour. Concert organiser Steve Sheldon said
-
Date
Bishop Auckland school pupils are all heart when it comes to charity
SCHOOLCHILDREN have raised £150 for charity by forming a human heart in their playground. About 150 pupils and teachers at Bishop Barrington School in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, dressed in red and formed the heart shape this morning (Tuesday
-
Date
Councillors approve plans for large waste facility near Bishop Middleham
COUNCILLORS have approved plans to create a large waste facility on the outskirts of a County Durham village. Today (Tuesday, February 4), Durham County Council’s County Planning Committee approved Veolia ES’s application to build a waste transfer
-
Date
£500,000 to boost skills and business
HALF-a-million pounds could be set aside to boost employment opportunities. Durham County Council’s Labour cabinet will next week (Wednesday, February 12) be asked to assign the cash to projects helping young people find work or start their own
-
Date
Kale and hearty
FOR the vegetable gardener it’s all about planning and ordering seeds in the darker winter months – mostly for the crops we grow each year. But it’s also worth considering including some perennial veg, if you have the room. Apart from giving some
-
Date
Man jailed and friend given suspended sentence over home drug farm
A MAN previously convicted for cultivating cannabis supplied a friend with equipment to grow the drug at home. But, as a result of a police raid at the premises, in Murton, County Durham, on January 3 last year, both Graham John Harvey and Craig
-
Date
Durham council set for first tax rise in five years, as Labour considers 1.99 per cent hike
THE North-East’s biggest local authority is set to raise council tax for the first time in five years, as austerity cuts continue to bite. Labour chiefs at Durham County Council are pushing for a 1.99 per cent hike – the maximum allowed before
-
Date
Fallen angels entertain theatre goers
THE ANTICS of fallen angels are entertaining crowds at a North-East theatre this month. Acclaimed theatre actresses Jenny Seagrove and Sara Crowe are treading the boards at Darlington Civic Theatre as best friends Julia and Jane in comedy classic
-
Date
More than two thirds of North-East residents now overweight or obese, figures show
NEW data reveals that more than two thirds of people in the North-East are overweight or obese. Figures published by Public Health England highlight for the first time the variation in the numbers of people overweight or obese across the country
-
Date
Fate of closure-threatened Chester-le-Street school to be decided at Durham County Council cabinet meeting
COUNCILLORS are being recommended to press ahead with a school closure despite strong opposition. Durham County Council’s cabinet will decide whether Roseberry College and Sixth Form, Newfield, Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, should close at the
-
Date
Fit for anything
A former derelict country house has been transformed into a venue for anything from a quiet retreat to a bootcamp-type challenge, depending on guests’ requirements. Sarah Foster finds out more LEADING a tour of Fairfield House, Paula Carlington
-
Date
Top jockey at racing forum and fashion show
EIGHT-times champion jockey Peter Scudamore will be among the guests at a special charity fashion show and racing forum to be held in Northallerton later this month. The event has been organised by Don and Dorothy Lee of countrywear business Montana
-
Date
Energy - the big question affecting all of us
The energy debate affects everyone of us, whether it’s concerns about rising bills, fracking or the pro and cons of renewable energy. Here IAN MARCHANT, a former chief executive of leading utility company SSE, answers some of The Northern Echo’s questions
-
Date
Drink-driver banned from the roads
THE following cases were heard at Darlington Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (February 4). All addresses are Darlington: DRINK DRIVING: Michael Smith, 20, of Eggleston View, was banned from driving for 18 months after admitting drink driving. He
-
Date
Police sting lured bike thief, court told
A LABOURER stole a mountain bike that had been left unattended as part of a police sting, a court was told. Oliver Verrill found the bike, worth £200, unattended outside Parkgate car park, in Darlington, prosecutor John Garside told Darlington
-
Date
Man indecently assaulted outside town centre pub
A MAN has been indecently assaulted in Stokesley town centre. The 24-year-old man had been outside the Queen’s Head pub on the High Street at 7.30pm on Sunday, December 1 when he was touched inappropriately. Police have released a CCTV image
-
Date
Drastic budget cuts agreed as North Yorkshire slashes spending by a third
EXPECTATIONS of what a council can provide must change, the leader of North Yorkshire County Council warned after a further round of drastic budget cuts was agreed. It has already identified £94m worth of savings but is still faced with having
-
Date
Land released for potential housing developments
SENIOR councillors have approved plans to sell off almost 50 acres of land to address a predicted shortage of future housing in Darlington borough. Members of Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet agreed yesterday evening (Tuesday, February 4) to
-
Date
Peckish thief stole sausage rolls from Sainsbury's
A HUNGRY thief stole chocolate and sausage rolls, a court was told. Liam Christon admitted stealing the savouries from Clifton Road, in Darlington, on January 17. Darlington Magistrates’ Court heard that he also stole 11 bars of Cadbury’s chocolate
-
Date
Pedestrian injured in hit-and-run accident at Newton Aycliffe industrial estate
A PEDESTRIAN was knocked over and injured while crossing the road on an industrial estate yesterday morning (Monday, February 3). The victim, who is in his late teens, was wearing a high visibility jacket when he was struck by a white Vauxhall
-
Date
Father claimed thousands in benefits while working two jobs
A FATHER who claimed more than £4,000 in benefits while holding down two jobs told a court he was working to make ends meet. Trevor Fillbrook admitted dishonestly failing to notify the Department of Work and Pensions of a change in his personal
-
Date
Victim treated for head injuries after assault
A 29-year-old man needed hospital treatment for head injuries following an assault in Hartlepool at the weekend. The man is alleged to have been assaulted by three men at about 4.20am on Saturday, February 1 on Whitby Street. He suffered cuts
-
Date
Fishermen found dead in boat at Whitby harbour died from carbon monoxide poisoning, report finds
TWO fishermen died because they had lit a gas cooker on their boat in order to keep warm overnight, an investigation has found. Skipper Mark Arries, 26, and crewman Edward Ide, 21, were both poisoned by carbon monoxide as they slept on board their
-
Date
Four people arrested in connection with violent assault which left a Middlesbrough man in a coma
FOUR people have been arrested in connection with the violent assault that has left a man in a coma with a fractured skull. Gerard Williams suffered fractures to his skull, arms and legs as a result of the brutal attack, in what police described
-
Date
Cash for stroke support group
A GRANT of £800 has been awarded to a support group for people who have suffered and survived strokes. The funding will be used to provide a series of qualified sports therapists to attend County Durham Stroke Club to give massages to members.
-
Date
Advice session to be held at New Brancepeth
Durham Citizens’ Advice Bureau will hold an outreach advice session on Wednesday (February 5) in New Brancepeth Village Hall, near Durham, from 10am-11am. No appointment is needed. Eyes down: A weekly bingo session is held at the Brockwell Centre
-
Date
Jewellery stolen in Stockton burglary
JEWELLERY was stolen in a burglary at an address in Stockton last week. Police are appealing for information after the burglary on Newstead Avenue in Bishopsgarth between the mornings of Tuesday January 28 and Thursday January 30. A woman’s
-
Date
Darlington students celebrating after school wins national teaching award
STUDENTS are celebrating after their teachers made an art form of lessons to win national praise for their work. Darlington School of Mathematics and Science (DSMS) has received two accolades from the Prince’s Teaching Institute (PTI), recognising
-
Date
New owners needed for three homeless cockerels
HOMELESS COCKERELS: An animal rehoming charity is looking for new homes for three adult cockerels, who must be moved from their current location by Saturday. The three cockerels, one a pure breed Suffolk and the others crossbreeds, must be rehomed
-
Date
Former X Factor winner Joe McElderry claims victory on Channel Four's The Jump
Former X Factor winner Joe McElderry was last night crowned the champion of Channel 4's winter sports contest The Jump. The North-East singer jumped to victory, beating journalist Donal MacIntyre into second place in a final programme that had
-
Date
Diabetes charity recognises the work of young volunteer
A CHARITY volunteer from Chester-le-Street has won an award for her work from the charity Diabetes UK. Chloe Brown, 22, who helps run a campaigning and peer support group for young people with diabetes at the One Point Hub, Burns Green, Chester-le-Street
-
Date
Appeal for witnesses after teenager robbed of his mobile phone in Middlesbrough park
A TEENAGER was left cut and bruised after he was robbed of his mobile phone. The 13-year-old boy was walking into Pallister Park in Middlesbrough from the entrance on Ormesby Road at around 8.30pm on Friday, January 31, when he was approached by
-
Date
Charity fashion show at Polam Hall
Polam Hall School is hosting a fashion show in aid of the British Heart Foundation on Friday from 7pm. TK Maxx, Matalan and several ndependent Darlington retailers are taking part and tickets cost £5 available from the junior and senior school
-
Date
Young musicians urged to apply for annual award
THE annual search has begun to find talented young musicians who could win up to £300 to further their musical education. Chester-le-Street Rotary Club, and the James Etherington Music Trust, which was set up to commemorate the famous local singer
-
Date
Iranian artist to sell paintings in Durham to save museum back home
A LEADING Iranian artist is to exhibit and sell some of his paintings in the North-East in an effort to save a museum he started back home. Hassan Meshkinfam co-founded the Gallery of Modern Art in his hometown of Shiraz – the first and only private
-
Date
21-gun salute to the Queen
GUNS will thunder in York this week as the Army and the city pay tribute to the Queen. The 62nd anniversary of the Queen’s accession to the throne will be marked with a 21-gun Royal Salute on Thursday, February 6. York is the only saluting
-
Date
Guisborough college students shows their support for local foodbank
STUDENTS and staff at a Guisborough college have been donating food items for locals in crisis across the borough for the past few weeks. From pasta to puddings and biscuits to beans, Prior Pursglove College will now hand over the much needed donations
-
Date
Hospital makes improvements after report finds hungry patients, out of date food and a risk to health
A HOSPITAL criticised for not meeting the nutritional needs of its patients has made improvements, a spokeswoman said today (Tuesday, February 4). Health risks, hungry patients, out of date food and restricted access to fluids were among the issues
-
Date
Chester-le-Street Theatre Group to tread the boards at Durham's Gala Theatre
AMATEUR actors who bared all last year for a production of Calendar Girls are preparing to do so again next week. Chester-le-Street Theatre Group staged the show in May in the town’s community centre, but on Monday (February 10) they will bring
-
Date
Environmental improvements to one of Durham's most important natural habitats
AN ENVIRONMENTAL charity has been putting more than£17,000 worth of funding to good use improving one of County Durham’s most important natural habitats. The Woodland Trust was awarded the funds by Durham Area Action Partnership (AAP) to make the
-
Date
Falcons hooker signs new Kingston Park deal
NEWCASTLE FALCONS hooker George McGuigan has signed a new two-year deal at Kingston Park after cementing a first-team spot this season. The Richmond-born 20-year-old, who is a product of the Falcons academy, has made 18 appearances since making
-
Date
Destitute asylum seekers 'should be given right to work'
A HARD-HITTING report has highlighted the “thousands” of asylum seekers living in destitution for years because of the failures of local and central government. The Sunderland University report looked at the plight of people facing a daily struggle
-
Date
Chilton Community College launches cookery and dancing courses
HEALTHY eating and dance will be the focus of two new five-week courses at Chilton Primary School and Community College. Cooking your own Healthy Takeaway Style Meals on a Budget begins on Tuesday February 25, from 1pm to 3pm, and will cover a
-
Date
New chairman appointed for North-East engineers body
THE Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has welcomed Derek Smith, the head of engineering at the Capita/North Tyneside Council Partnership as its North-East chairman. Mr Smith has a longstanding history of active involvement in ICE North East,
-
Date
Extras needed for Handel film
EXTRAS are being sought to be part of a dramatised documentary about one of the great composers. Part of the film is to be shot at the Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond on February 24 and 25 and the producers are seeking local people to take part
-
Date
Coffee morning to be held at Hurworth Methodist Church on Saturday
A COFFEE morning will be held at Hurworth Methodist Church on Saturday (February 8), from 10am to 11am. Admission is £1 and includes coffee and biscuits. All proceeds will go towards church funds. JOINT PACT: A combined Police and Communities Together
-
Date
Top flower show to showcase "pocket gardens"
COMMUNITY groups are being invited to create their own pint-sized plot to showcase their work at one of the country’s top flower shows. The new Pocket Gardens are being launched at the Harrogate Spring Flower Show in April, offering groups the
-
Date
Appeal for adoptive families as Government praise local authority's adoption services
AN appeal for more people interested in adopting a child has been made by Darlington Borough Council - rated one of the best in the country for its adoption services. The authority was recently recognised by the Government for its fast work in
-
Date
Fans' favourite Shay Given opens new Martin Gray Football Academy
GOALKEEPER Shay Given has officially opened a new Martin Gray Football Academy in Darlington. The Irish international player, currently on loan at Middlesbrough, was invited to the Eastbourne Sports Complex to formally unveil it as the new headquarters
-
Date
Funeral service supports hospice
A FAMILY-owned County Durham funeral service has donated £250 to St Teresa’s Hospice in Darlington. The Whitehouse Funeral Service, which has branches in Newton Aycliffe and Darlington, raised the money by placing a remembrance tree in its offices
-
Date
Schoolboys in bare knees charity challenge
YOUNGSTERS Fred Cooper and Isaac Wood are desperately hoping for snow and ice but it’s not because they want to sledge and build snowmen - they want to earn more sponsorship for charity. Despite the wintry winds the brave nine-year-olds are wearing
-
Date
Burglars strike at farm
POLICE are hunting burglars who broke into a securely-locked outbuildings to steal power tools. The raiders struck at a farm close to Carlton-in-Cleveland, between 11pm last Friday, January 31, and 6.30am the following day. They took petrol
-
Date
The good life
Entrepreneur Sean Wheatley lost it all in the financial crash of 2008, only to find a better way of life. He tells Ruth Campbell how returning to his North Yorkshire roots has encouraged him to get back to the land ONLY a few years ago, Sean Wheatley
-
Date
World stars join Durham Passion
TWO world-renowned singers will join a university choir for a keenly anticipated concert next month (Sunday, March 2). Baritone Roderick Williams will be Christus and tenor Benedict Hymas will be Evangelist as Durham University Chamber Choir performs
-
Date
Joe Kinnear's five greatest gaffes
With Joe Kinnear having left Newcastle United for a second time on Monday night, Echo Sport have compiled a list of his five most memorable gaffes from his time at the club. Foul-mouthed introduction (October 2008) Unhappy at the negative
-
Date
Going for a song
A SCHOOL has been praised for its community spirit. Blue Coat CofE Junior School, in Newton Hall, Durham City, provided the entertainment at a party for around 60 senior citizens held at nearby All Saints Church, with a choir singing songs.
-
Date
Employers pressed to increase pay as job vacancies rise
EMPLOYERS will be pressed to increase pay this year amid a rise in vacancies, coupled with skills shortages, according to a new report. Employment firm Reed said vacancies on its website have increased by almost a third over the past year to stand
-
Date
Darlington yoga group to meet this weekend
YOGA GROUP: Darlington Yoga Group will host a session of yoga taken by Laura Gifford on Saturday, February 8, at All Saints’Church, in Ravensdale Road, Darlington, from 10am to 12.30pm. The session will focus on alignment and breathing. Entry is £7
-
Date
Theatre Review: Russian State Ballet of Siberia, Darlington Civic Theatre
Review: Amy Ryan With elegance, precision and a whole wardrobe of stunning costumes, the Russian State Ballet of Siberia put on a spectacular performance at Darlington Civic Theatre of one of the most loved and popular tales of fairytale folklore
-
Date
Free stargazing events in National Astronomy Week
STARGAZERS are invited to join free events being staged as part of National Astronomy Week. Durham Astronomical Society is hosting three public observing events in early March. The first will be at Hardwick Park, Sedgefield, on Tuesday, March
-
Date
Theatre Review: Fallen Angels, Darlington Civic Theatre
Review: Rachel Smith Elegantly framed within the brightly lit and portrait studded living room of a 1920s English mansion, Bill Kenwright’s production of Noel Coward’s light-hearted comedy, Fallen Angels, brings to the stage a fierce combination
-
Date
Chinese craft workshops
A SERIES of craft workshops celebrating the Chinese New Year are taking place across Darlington over the next fortnight. The first will be at The Coleridge Centre on Wednesday, February 12, from 3.30pm to 4.30pm followed by a session at Cockerton
-
Date
New school venue for Durham choir
THE Durham Harmonics Vocal Group is moving to a new rehearsal venue: Durham Free School, on Bradford Crescent, Gilesgate. The pop and jazz choir meets on Tuesdays from 7pm to 9pm. New singers are always welcome and there are no auditions. For more
-
Date
Creative students brighten up their Stockton school with a colourful mural
PUPILS have used their creativity to brighten up their community with a colourful mural thanks to the help of a local artist. Oxbridge Lane School successfully bid for money from Tristar Homes’ Reaching Out Area Panel to commission Liz Million
-
Date
Grange is full of character
IF YOU’RE looking for a property that’s been designed to perfection, look for one created by an architect for himself. Such is The Grange, a home designed by local church architect John Rickinson in the late 19th century to reflect both the Arts &
-
Date
The Stray Birds Jumpin’ Hot Club @The Cluny 2, Newcastle
AFTER starring at this year’s Celtic Connections in Glasgow and other Scottish dates, Pennsylvania trio The Stray Birds migrated South to the delight of the Cluny faithful. They provided tighter vocal harmonies and playing steeped in traditional
-
Date
John Newman O2 Academy, Newcastle
IF things had turned out differently John Newman could have been dressed in overalls, an oily rag in his pocket and his head under a car bonnet. Thankfully, this North Yorkshire lad downed tools, put on a smart suit and followed his heart to become
-
Date
Durham kids join choir of 4,000 for Manchester gig
NORTH-East children will join thousands from across the country for a mass concert tomorrow (Wednesday, February 5). Thirty-five pupils from Durham Free School will be part of a 4,000-strong Young Voices choir concert at the MEN Arena, in Manchester
-
Date
Inquest review into death of teenage girl found dead at Spennymoor house party
A CORONER has held a review into the death of a teenager found hanged at a house party last December. Sarah Clerkson, originally from Sunderland, was discovered at a house in Ash Grove, Spennymoor, County Durham, during the early hours of Sunday
-
Date
Call centre staff raise funds for Scope with 21-day challenge
A TEAM of call centre workers have raised thousands of pounds for charity in a 21-day fundraising challenge. Five members of staff from the Virgin customer services centre, based in Stockton, were asked to take part in a national challenge run
-
Date
Construction trade hits six-and-a-half year year
CONSTRUCTION picked up more speed in January, with growth reaching its highest level since the financial crisis, a survey of purchasing managers showed on Tuesday. The latest Markit/CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index hit 64.6 in January
-
Date
Life stories
Births, Deaths And Marriages (ITV1) Celebrity Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (ITV1, 8pm) She’s 78, He’s 39: Age Gap Love (Channel 5, 9pm) ALISON CATHCART probably has a story or two to tell each weekend down at the local boozer. That’s because
-
Date
Charity host tombola to help the aged
CHARITY TOMBOLA Darlington Town Mission is holding a tombola on Friday February 7 from 10.30am at Morrisons in Morton Park. Tickets are 25p each and prizes include perfume and chocolates. All proceeds will go towards supporting Darlington’s elderly
-
Date
Calming influence
The connections are iffy, but at Alnwick, it’s still Barter late than never THE 9.58 is approaching Alnmouth railway station, a place where the notion of integrated transport has hitherto seemed as helplessly lost in the translation as the north
-
Date
Merle's Amazing Secret
I WAS amazed to read that the Hollywood actress Merle Oberon, who starred opposite Sir Laurence Olivier in Wuthering Heights, was the daughter of a Darlington railway engineer called Arthur Thompson. Apparently, during her lifetime she had always
-
Date
Hawk The Slayer?
AS an amateur ornithologist I have read with interest articles forecasting the demise of the hen harrier and the kestrel. Now here we go again picking on the sparrowhawk. There is clear evidence that all birds of prey in the UK are in decline,
-
Date
Food Banks
DURHAM county councillor Olwyn Gunn remarks that food banks started under this Government (HAS, Jan 31). She will be well aware that food banks have been around in some form for considerable time, but more organised methods have pretty much grown
-
Date
Say cheese! Trust brings a smile to North-East charities
A CHEESE-backed charity has given more than £30,000 to good causes. The Kavli Trust, which redistributes profits from the Primula Cheese business, has donated £33,650 to four North-East organisations. The largest, £13,650, went to St Cuthbert
-
Date
Healthy Eating
I VISITED Tesco, in Durham, last week to purchase a popular brand of soft cheese and could not believe my eyes. The said product was on special offer but there was a 5p difference between the light one to the normal one. Yet again, the public
-
Date
Open Letter
To: David Cameron, Nick Clegg, Ed Miliband, House of Commons, Westminster. IN June 2005 I was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and told that my lifespan was approximately two years (I was 60). In 2007, after further tests, I was told
-
Date
Ray Mallon
I HAVE never had much time for Ray Mallon, or his column, so I cannot support the comments of LD Wilson ( HAS, Feb 3). My own personal view of Mr Mallon is he is a self-publicist. I expect we have not heard the last of him. It would be of no
-
Date
Pub Licensing
I AM glad the Prime Minister has backed a call to allow UK pubs to have an extended licence for England’s first World Cup game this summer (Echo, Feb 3). The match against Italy kicks off at 11pm. Pubs could look forward to bumper business if they
-
Date
A seaside trip from heaven
SOME things are too horrific to write about. Even the seasoned journalist recoils from the truly terrible. Over this past year I’ve written about wars and atrocities, disasters and catastrophes galore. I think I once even mentioned Lord Kinnock.
-
Date
Music Maestro
IT was lovely to see the recent letters in Hear All Sides regarding the fantastic show Strictly Musicals by Darlington Operatic Society. I agree with everything Maureen Golightly said (HAS, Jan 27). I have seen many shows in my 82 years and
-
Date
£3,000 offered for information on death of three-year-old Darlington boy Danny Wake
A REWARD of £3,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the driver of the car that hit and killed a three-year-old boy. Danny Wake, from Darlington, was knocked down on November 4 as he walked home from the
-
Date
Nicholls waits on Newbury forecast
CONDITIONS at Newbury by this Saturday could have forced Paul Nicholls into a reshuffle of troops for the Betfair Hurdle. The ground is already very soft at the Berkshire course, with further rain on the horizon, and the trainer’s reluctance to
-
Date
Harmison backing Giles for top job
STEVE HARMISON has backed his former England teammate Ashley Giles as the best candidate to lead the side following Andy Flower’s resignation as team director. Former Durham fast bowler Harmison, a veteran of 63 Tests and 58 one-day internationals
-
Date
40 jobs to be saved at North-East call centre
ABOUT 40 call centre jobs in the region are being saved after workers in the West Midlands declined an offer to move north, The Northern Echo can reveal. Npower staff at Rainton Bridge, Houghton-le-Spring, who were facing the axe following a major
-
Date
Men arrested in connection with violent assault on Middlesbrough man Gerard Williams
THREE men have been arrested in connection with the violent assault that has left a man in a coma with a fractured skull. Gerard Williams, who detectives believe was deliberately targeted, suffered fractures to his skull, arms and legs as a result
-
Date
A case for extra time
LET’S face facts – we are most unlikely to have much to celebrate during the World Cup in Brazil. But that doesn’t mean we won’t find ourselves dreaming of glory when the summer comes. The beauty of sport is that it brings people together and
-
Date
Stanley men charged following pitch invasion
TWO men from Stanley, County Durham, were arrested after a pitch invasion during the Tyne-Wear derby at the weekend. Newcastle lost 3-0 loss to arch rivals Sunderland at St James’ Park on Saturday. Connor Grieves, 22, of Lees Street, and Sean
-
Date
Archbishop and Chief Rabbi in Durham debate
THE Archbishop of York and the Chief Rabbi will discuss Christian-Jewish relations in the North-East later this month (Wednesday, February 19). John Sentamu and Ephraim Mirvis will headline an event titled 21st Century Interfaith: New Paradigms
-
Date
Mourinho proves a tactical master
CHELSEA outlined their credentials as genuine title contenders by muscling their way past Manchester City with typical power. Manager Jose Mourinho had claimed he was preparing his side for a challenge next season but few believed him and, mind
-
Date
Valentine supper in aid of Coundon church appeal
VALENTINE SUPPER: A valentine supper is to be held at St James Church, in Coundon, on Tuesday, February 11 at 7pm. There will also be a quiz, raffle and games. Tickets are £5 and they can be obtained on the door. Proceeds are in aid of the Under the
-
Date
East German 80s' escape bid thriller next on film club bill
THE award-winning 2012 thriller Barbara, about a physician’s bid to flee Stasi-controlled East Germany of the 1980s, is the latest screening at Clayport Film Club, in Durham, on Thursday (February 6). Curtain up is at 7.30pm, at Clayport Library
-
Date
Former Darlington player Kris Taylor diagnosed with cancer
FORMER Darlington player Kris Taylor has been diagnosed with testicular cancer, it has been announced. Taylor now plays for Hednesford Town and the club made the announcement yesterday. A statement read: “On Friday last week midfielder Kris
-
Date
Skipper Gale heads home from Melbourne
Yorkshire captain Andrew Gale is to cut short his stay in Australia because of a hip injury. The left-handed batsman will return to England this week to undergo treatment from the county's new physio Kunwar Bansil, although the injury is not expected
-
Date
Omeruo is settling into Boro life
By Alex Larkin KENNETH OMERUO has described the togetherness in the Middlesbrough camp which has made it easy for him to adapt to life at the Riverside. After arriving on loan from Chelsea, Omeruo made his first start for Boro in the goalless
-
Date
MPs accuse energy firms of "stealth tax on poor"
HIGHER energy bills for customers who pay by cash or cheque - rather than direct debit - are a “stealth tax on the poor”, angry MPs will say today (Tuesday, February 4). Up to 170 MPs of all parties will demand action against no fewer than 17 energy
-
Date
Newcastle striker stays on Tyneside but Russians prepare fresh bid
NEWCASTLE UNITED held on to Papiss Cisse when another transfer window closed last night, but the £8m-rated Senegalese striker will still be the subject of a fresh bid from Russia this month. Just days after the crushing 3-0 defeat to neighbours
-
Date
Poyet thinks Altidore has shown how important he can be for Sunderland
GUS POYET believes misfiring Jozy Altidore is ready to shine by telling the Sunderland striker that goals are just around the corner after an impressive contribution in the memorable Tyne-Wear derby win. Altidore has struggled to live up to his
-
Date
Tuesday Topic: Can Adam Johnson be England's secret weapon in Brazil?
Sunderland midfielder Adam Johnson continued his impressive form with his seventh goal in seven games at the weekend, but will his current form be enough to impress England boss Roy Hodgson ahead of this summer’s World Cup finals? Sport Writer Steph
-
Date
Violent husband spared jailed after mercy plea from wife
A MAN spoke timidly and tearfully from the dock as a judge spared him prison - after his battered wife said she wanted him to get help. Kristian Shea had downed bottles of beer and almost an entire bottle of vodka before he even went out with friends
-
Date
Durham County Council reassures pensioners after their information goes missing when a memory stick is lost
COUNCIL chiefs say security was not breached when a computer memory stick containing the personal details of thousands of vulnerable pensioners was lost. Clients of Durham County Council’s Care Connect warden service have been advised to set a
-
Date
Speaker invites students to find 'the wizard of us'
PUPILS from Polam Hall School, Hurworth School, Darlington School of Mathematics and Science and Hummersknott Academy were given a lesson with a difference when entrepreneur, motivational speaker and author Peter Wilcock shared his wisdom in a lecture
-
Date
Shake-up of magistrates' courts could see defendants facing journey times of up to two hours
A SHAKE-UP of magistrates’ courts in County Durham - which could see defendants facing journey times of up to two hours - has been criticised for 'setting people up to fail.' At present, road traffic cases in County Durham are split between magistrates
-
Date
HS2 boss says North will be condemned to 'decades of economic failure' without it
THE North will be condemned to decades of economic failure without the HS2 high-speed rail project, the project’s director has warned. Sir David Higgins urged Labour to end uncertainty over its position by recognising that “Labour areas” will benefit
-
Date
Family-run firm gears up for washing machine return
As the manufacturing sector continues to improve, Deputy Business Editor Steven Hugill speaks to Ebac's Pamela Petty about its plans to return washing machine making back to the UK WHEN Indesit returned production of its Hotpoint machines to its
-
Date
High-flying students are offered places at 'Oxbridge'
STUDENTS at Yarm School have let their learning do the talking after being offered places on courses at the UK’s ‘elite’ universities. Nine of the 109 upper sixth students will be attending prestigious ‘Oxbridge’ colleges - which includes colleges
-
Date
Computer expert is first to be honoured at North-East university
NORTH-EAST academic Dr Simon Stobart has joined an elite list becoming the first at Teesside University to receive a prestigious principal fellowship from the Higher Education Academy. The principal fellowship is the highest fellowship awarded
-
Date
Kinnear ends turbulent time as Magpies' director of football
JOE KINNEAR brought an end to a turbulent eight months as Newcastle United's director of football last night when he resigned from his post at St James' Park. Just two days after angry Newcastle fans demanded change at the top during the Magpies
-
Date
North-East professor given major award
PROFESSOR Kosmas Prassides, from Durham University, has been appointed as one of 21 new Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit Award holders. Jointly funded by the Wolfson Foundation and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), the
-
Date
New play to tour regional schools will warn of alcohol dangers
SMASHED - a play about alcohol misuse – is about to tour schools across the North-East in the coming weeks. Pupils at 29 schools in the region will watch and discuss Smashed, a theatre education programme sponsored by drinks firm Diageo and performed
-
Date
New studio school gets positive feedback from parents
STUDIO West, the region’s first ‘studio school’ which aims to change the face of North- East education, has been given an overwhelming endorsement from parents. In research involving around 100 parents, more than three-quarters of parents said
-
Date
Chance for schools to win cash for 'green' project
AN online retailer is offering one lucky school a cash prize to kick-start an environmentally-focused project. Supplies for Schools, a supplier of teaching and learning products, will give away £250 to the school who can outline details of the
-
Date
North-East researchers leading international project
A N international project led by North-East academics will take lessons from around the world to help improve mathematics and science skills in Europe and South Africa. Working with partners across eight countries, researchers at Newcastle University
-
Date
Trust launches recruitment drive for specialist nurses
HOSPITAL bosses in the region have launched a mass recruitment drive for operating theatre nurses The Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – which runs hospitals in North Tyneside and Northumberland - is investing more than £700,000 in the
-
Date
Jackson - knocked down and back up again
JOHN Jackson's Olympic ambition seems to be underpinned by one inspirational sports quote after another, writes JAMES TONEY. He's got knocked down and got back up again, he knows all too well about the triumph and the struggle, will readily testify
-
Date
Coffee morning to be held at Witton Park Methodist Chapel
CHAPEL COFFEE: A coffee morning will be held at Witton Park Methodist Chapel on Saturday (February 8) to raise money for church funds. Entry will be free and the event will run from 10am to noon. MACMILLAN FUNDRAISER: A coffee morning will be held
-
Date
Bishop Auckland dog spared destruction after biting child in face
A DOG owner has been ordered to pay £100 compensation after his Alsatian bit a five-year-old boy in the face. The boy was playing near Shaun Daniel Cummins’ Bishop Auckland home on August 3 last year when the dog bit him on the nose, magistrates
-
Date
Crook grandmother "ruined Christmas" with savings theft, court hears
A GRANDMOTHER who collected money from her partner and his family to pay into a Christmas savings scheme stole more than £3,000 from the fund to pay off huge debts, a court has heard. Karen Elizabeth Storey collected £25 a week for 40 weeks from
-
Date
Bishop Auckland man banned from being drunk in public by ASBO
A BISHOP Auckland man has been given an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) banning him from being drunk in public places. Magistrates in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, imposed the two year ASBO on Paul Williams, 58, after a request by Durham Police
-
Date
Disabled man sold fellow care home resident's TV to buy drugs
A DISABLED man has admitted handling stolen goods after selling a television stolen from a fellow care home resident’s bedroom. Terry David Armstrong sold the Bush 19 inch TV with internal DVD player to buy drugs, magistrates in Newton Aycliffe
