Archive
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Whales in Cubicles - Death In The Evening
FOR all those who say you should never look back, just look forward, I give you Whales In Cubicles. Sounding straight out of the 90s, the London-band hit the ground running with their alt-rock powered debut album. A riff and drum beat
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Guy Martin - Speed (Virgin Books, £20)
I NATURALLY warm to Guy Martin. It's partly down to us both coming from Grimsby, but also to do with his persona. Hes just an ordinary bloke who happens to do extraordinary things. In his latest Channel Four series, Speed with Guy Martin, the
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Insight into hybrid motoring
ELECTRIC and petrol power combine to provide Honda’s riposte to the Toyota Prius. But does what works on paper actually work in practice? On the road: THE Insight has, for whatever reason, always seemed to play second fiddle to the Prius.
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Riders fly high as Garmin Arenacross wows the crowds in Newcastle
IT'S probably among the more unusual requests made of bosses at the Metro Radio Arena. Forget M and Ms with all the yellow ones taken out. Before the stars of the Garmin Arenacross Tour were able to rev a throttle in anger 10,000 tonnes of
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I Promise to Pay on Demand...
A word of warning for all couples considering a romantic weekend in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. At the end of January the Sheriff’s Court in Scotland found in favour of an embittered ex. After an 18 month relationship with his former office
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Father and daughter enjoy taekwondo success
A FATHER and daughter have tasted success at a national martial art contest. Andrew Perez, 34, and daughter Grace, nine, both competed in a national taekwondo competition in Nottingham. Mr Perez took silver in a minus 80 category, while Grace
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Ferryhill young carers to receive more support after Middlesbrough keeper presents charter
YOUNG carers will receive more support thanks to a new charter presented by Middlesbrough goalkeeper. Boro stopper Jason Steele visited Ferryhill Town Council to present it with the Carer’s Charter. The council has pledged to conform with the
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MPs vote in favour of smoking ban in cars with children, but no date for when it will come into force
MPs last night voted overwhelmingly to ban smoking in cars when children are passengers – but there was immediate confusion about when it will come in. Health charities said they were “delighted” after the Commons voted by 376 to 107 in favour
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Knee surgery patient's death on busy weekend ward 'could have been avoided'
A SENIOR doctor has said the death of a knee replacement patient could have been avoided if weekend hospital staff had sufficient time to recognise she was seriously ill. Consultant Nicholas London staff on the Wensleydale ward of Harrogate District
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Cleveland Police to ask for two per cent rise in council tax precept
A POLICE force in the region will be asking for more money from tax-payers this year. Cleveland Police will go to the four councils in its area requesting an increase of nearly two per cent in the council tax precept. That will about to about
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Morpeth remain in front
DEFENDING champions Morpeth kept their noses in front at the top of Division One of the North-East Harrier League with a clear-cut victory over challenging Durham City Harriers in the fourth fixture at Wrekenton. The Northumbrians were led home by their
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Run through "Paradise'' estate for charity
A FOOTBALL charity is hoping to attract thousands of runners for one of its most popular fundraisers The Foundation of Light, the official charity of Sunderland AFC, will hold its annual Lambton 10k run and 3k fun run on Sunday June 29 in the grounds
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Reading scheme set for expansion
A VOLUNTEER scheme which aims to provide reading support to school children is set to expand. Currently running in four Darlington primary schools, the Busy Readers scheme trains volunteers, placing them in schools to listen to children read for
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Controversial plan to attract shoppers to Northallerton by introducing parking charges is approved
A CONTROVERSIAL scheme to attract more shoppers to a market town by introducing high street car parking charges has been approved. North Yorkshire County Council’s Hambleton area committee agreed visitors parking on Northallerton High Street must
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Planning inspector approves Dales footpath route
A PLANNING inspector has sided with residents embroiled in a long-running dispute with a landowner over a footpath. Barney Grimshaw, from the Planning Inspectorate, ruled that an unofficial footpath near the River Ure in Redmire could be added
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Angel's Share through to the next round of television baking competition
A NORTH Yorkshire bakery impressed upmarket festival-goers with their canapes to progress to the next round of a national television talent competition. The Angel's Share bakery, based at The Station, Richmond, has made it through to the last four
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Trial of issue to resolve if driver deliberately rammed van during motoring incident
A MAN is to be sentenced for driving in a dangerous manner, but only after a trial of issue as to whether or not his car rammed into another vehicle. Christopher Elliott admitted a charge of dangerous driving at a hearing at North Durham Magistrates
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A tale of grit and guts
A touring arts project drawing on the rich heritage of herring fishing down the East coast of England is due to get under way. Sarah Foster finds out more THE women stand huddled together against the cold, a biting wind whipping their clothes,
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Snappy moment
What sort of company turns down offers of billions of dollars from the likes of Google and Facebook? Snapchat. Giles Turnbull reports on throwaway messaging AN online success story which doesn’t seem to make any sense at all is called Snapchat
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New Kid on the block
Peter Andre talks to Steve Pratt about being asked to create a song for animated movie Mr Peabody and Sherman and how the project reminds him of fatherhood and family life RESPONDING to a question about his future work, Peter Andre says: “We’ve
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Pineapple cake with passion fruit drizzle
With World Cup fever looming, chef Andy Bates heads to Brazil. Here is one of his recipes for you to try. Ingredients: 1 medium pineapple, peeled, cored and sliced 175g caster sugar 125g plain flour 2tsp baking powder ½tsp salt
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Durham toddlers group
ST Margaret’s toddler group meets at Antioch House, 66 Crossgate, Durham, on Thursdays and Fridays from 10am to 11.30am. A range of activities and crafts for pre-school children and their carers is on offer and refreshments are available. The cost
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Thousands descend on High Shincliffe to see rare bird
HUNDREDS of twitchers descended on a usually quiet village today (Monday, February 10), in the hope of spotting a rare bird. Rumours of a myrtle warbler having been spotted in High Shincliffe, near Durham City, spread like wildfire. One villager
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Family pays tribute to teen killed in East Cleveland collision
THE family of a young amateur footballer who was killed in a three-car smash said he was “always with a smile on his face” in a tribute. The family of 19-year-old Jordan Dowson said in a statement that he was “a dearly loved son, stepson, grandson
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Black Cats fan selling T-shirts for charity ahead of Wembley date
SUNDERLAND fans eagerly awaiting their team’s Wembley cup final can look the part on the big day – and help support a charity at the same time. The Black Cats will take on Manchester City in the Capital One Cup final, on Sunday, March 2. Graphic
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Bean fritters with prawn and mango ceviche
With World Cup fever looming, chef Andy Bates heads to Brazil. Here is one of his recipes for you to try. Ingredients: Makes 10 to 12 For the ceviche: 250g raw tiger prawns, de-veined 1 small red onion, peeled and finely chopped
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Burglars take signed football shirts
TWO signed football shirts were stolen when burglars broke into a house garage. It happened between 12.15am and 5pm on Friday, February 7, at Thomas Hawksley Park in Sunderland. A Sunderland AFC 2001 home top signed by former manager Roy Keane
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Proving ground
Baking is the in-thing, but it can be tricky. One woman who has got it right – and caught the eye of TV judges – is North Yorkshire baker Alex Franks. Ashley Barnard reports DAILY baked bread, scones, cakes, quiches and pies, as well as tempting
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Football hero to speak at gala business dinner
THE Premier League of the North-East business community will celebrate regional business achievement at a gala dinner at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light. This year’s North East Chamber of Commerce Durham and Wearside Annual Dinner will feature a
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mima director to step down after five years at the helm
THE director of Middlesbrough’s flagship modern art gallery is to step down after nearly five years at the helm. mima director Kate Brindley has been appointed as interim director at the Arnolfini Centre for the Contemporary Arts in Bristol and
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Dry run
Health Editor Barry Nelson and writer Lucy Richardson report back on their experiences after ‘signing the pledge’ to give up alcohol for a month Barry’s story DURING what felt like a very long month, I kept coming across people just like me
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Post office closed for refurbishment
POST OFFICE REVAMP: The post office in Berwick Hills will close for refurbishment for two weeks in March. The Norfolk Place buidling will close on March 10 and reopen on March as part of a new-look branch, with an extra five hours of opening times
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Machete-carrying drug abuser jailed over threats to onlookers
A MAN heavily under the influence of drugs took exception to being asked to calm down as children played nearby, a court heard. James Clarence Marsey was sitting outside his caravan surrounded by tin foil, when a neighbouring caravan-dweller asked
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A question of balance
As the Six Nations tournament reaches its second weekend, Matt Dawson, former rugby star and captain on BBC’s Question Of Sport, talks about fatherhood, the UK’s obesity levels and how he hopes to beat a family history of bowel cancer MATT Dawson
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Annual village event prepares for tenth anniversary celebrations
PREPARATIONS are underway for a village fair’s tenth anniversary this summer. The tenth annual village fair and classic car show takes place in Ingleton in June and organisers hope to attract around 2,000 visitors. Attractions include up to
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Citizens' Advice Bureau calls for more volunteers to help provide vital service.
A CITIZENS' Advice Bureau branch is calling for volunteers to help run the vital local service. Richmondshire and Hambleton Bureau has seen the recession and changes to benefits have adverse effects on the lives of residents and is looking for
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Make every penny count
Despite low interest rates on savings, there are some good deals if you look for them FAR too many people think “savings rates are so low, why bother doing anything?” Yet, while rates are indeed spitworthily low, don’t be complacent. Active
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Regional heat of hairdressing competition held
A HAIRDRESSING competition for crimpers in the North-East has been held today. (Monday, February 10) The annual Association of Hairdressers and Therapists Regional Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy Competition was held at the Federation Brewery,
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Man cautioned for wasting police time
A MAN arrested on suspicion of firearms offences has been cautioned for wasting police time. Armed officers were called to Front Street in Castleside, near Consett, in County Durham, at about 2pm on Friday. After a stand-off with police, a
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Council signs deal to secure local 235 jobs and save £1m a year
A COUNCIL is saving £1m a year – and securing 235 local jobs - after signing a deal with a software company. Hartlepool Borough Council’s deal with Northgate Public Services will see the company move its 235 staff from Wynyard to a redundant council
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Black Cats to open SOL for live screening of Capital One Cup final TV coverage
SUNDERLAND will screen the Capital One Cup at its ground for fans unable to travel to Wembley. The club plans to show the match with Manchester City at the Stadium of Light on Sunday March 2. he match will be shown in suites and bars, including
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Councils ready to take part in flag flying Commonwealth Day event
THE North-East will be flying the flag for the Commonwealth next month. Councils in the region will take part in national celebrations to mark Commonwealth Day on Monday, March 10. County Durham’s Lord-Lieutenant, Sue Snowdon, has presented
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NHS commissioners 'willing to investigate' double-charging claims
HEALTH commissioners in the region say they are willing to investigate claims that a North-East NHS hospital trust has been charging taxpayers for hundreds of private patients who have already paid for treatment. The claim was made by a former
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The Etsy gang
Etsy is a vibrant online marketplace where you can buy hand-made and vintage goods from small traders and craftspeople. Founded in 2005, it has more than 30 million members, more than a million active shops and sellers in more than 200 countries. Some
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Awards for blood donors who have helped nearly 8,000 patients
BLOOD donors who may have saved or improved nearly 8,000 lives have been rewarded for rolling up their sleeves. Six donors from County Durham were presented with crystal awards from NHS Blood and Transplant for reaching their 75th blood donation
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Stockton announces plans to commemorate the First World War
STOCKTON council is inviting people to turn the district yellow as part of a project to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War. The ‘1,245 Sunflowers’ project will be a community driven centrepiece of a borough-wide
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The curate and the girl
CRAWFORD BOWEN, the vicar whose dale balloon flight was recalled here last week, had an intriguing life before he moved to the parish of Bolam in 1870. It involved a whirlwind romance which cost him a great deal of money. But it gave him something
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Kelloe kids take up Tenner challenge
CHILDREN at a north Durham school are competing to turn a profit from a tenner. Youngsters at Kelloe Community Primary School, in Kelloe, are taking part in the Tenner Challenge, a nationwide enterprise contest. Children are given £10 each
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Housing scheme at Tall Trees near Yarm 'will benefit community' insists developer
A PROPERTY developer has stressed the community benefits of a new housing scheme in the face of significant opposition. Stockton Borough Council’s planning committee last week approved the plan to build 330 homes on the former Tall Trees Hotel
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Sweeter than any tweet
YOU couldn’t tweet from the trenches. You couldn’t text, email or Facebook. You just had to postcard. Younger readers will find it amazing that 100 years ago a soldier would buy an attractive piece of card and write, using a pen or pencil, a message
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Calls for more to be done to tackle dog fouling problem around Darlington
DOG fouling was the number one complaint during an online public meeting after Darlington Police asked people for their thoughts on problems in the town. Calls were made for a crack down on people who leave dog mess in public spaces, while others
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MP calls for controversial plans to cut brain cancer units to be scrapped
A NORTH-EAST MP has called on the Government to halt controversial plans to close specialist brain cancer units. Easington MP, Grahame Morris, said: “These proposals are bad news for North-East brain cancer patients, and our region will be hardest
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Appeal to save under-threat youth project
CAMPAIGNERS have launched an appeal to save a popular saltburn youth project from closure. Youth campaign DoorWays needs £54,000 a year to run and has just £12,000 left in the bank - but half of this would go in closing down fees. One of the
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MP still against pay and display parking, despite council concession
AN MP has continued to criticise Stockton Borough Council’s parking policy despite the authority agreeing to his demands to provide new car parking spaces for a busy town. James Wharton, Conservative MP for Stockton South, welcomed the council’
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Surgeon uses 3D printer to create a new pelvis for cancer patient
IN what is believed to be the first transplant of its kind, a North-East surgeon used an advanced 3D printer to make half a new pelvis for a cancer patient. Orthopaedic surgeon, Craig Gerrand, from the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust,
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Bid to set record for world's largest puppet to feature at coastal festival
IT IS hoped a street performance involving a giant puppet may set a new world record. The Coastival arts festival in Scarborough will feature about 100 events over this weekend. The celebration will begin on Friday, February 14 and run until Sunday
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Patrol set up to help toads cross roads
A TOAD patrol is being set up to pluck hundreds of toads from a perilous danger – by carrying them in buckets across a road. Volunteers are need to help the thousands of toads to navigate a road running alongside Cod Beck Reservoir in order to
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North-East pub celebrates winning prestigious awards
THE TEAM behind a much-loved North-East pub is celebrating after netting more awards to add to a fast-growing collection. Real ale and rock bar The Quakerhouse has been named CAMRA Darlington Town Pub of the Year and Darlington Overall Pub of the
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Burglars raid Sunderland bakery
POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a break-in at a Sunderland bakery. The burglary happened at Dickson's Bakery in the city’s Saint Luke's Terrace, between 5pm on Saturday and 7pm today (Monday, February 10). A search of the property was
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Water companies announce below-inflation prices increases
THE region’s water companies have announced below inflation price rises for the coming year. Northumbrian Water will increase prices by 1.2 per cent, meaning an average annual bill will rise from £359 this year to £364 in 2014/15. The company
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Royal Mail announces new delivery times in Northallerton area
RESIDENTS in the Northallerton area have been told to expect new postal delivery times following a review of delivery routes. Royal Mail said while many properties in the DL6 sectors 1-3, DL7 sectors 0, 8 and 9, and DL8 sectors 1 and 2 postcode
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Charity acoustic nights raise more than £600 for local causes
RICHMONDSHIRE Acoustic charity evenings raised about £687 for local charities during 2013. Richmondshire district councillor and member of the music group Paul Cullen has this month handed over a cheque for £587.50 to Michael Walton, chairman of
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Pub charity walk raises more than £10,000 for Great North Air Ambulance
A MEMORIAL walk has raised more than £10,000 for the Great North Air Ambulance in memory of a teenager killed in a car accident three years ago. Jonathan and Vicky Clayton, landlord and landlady of the Willow Tree, Leeming Bar, near Bedale, netted
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Charity night boosts pain group
A SOCIAL landlord’s tenant and staff have raised hundreds of pounds for a chronic pain support group. A charity night held at Chester-le-Street Cricket Club by Cestria Community Housing raised £600 for MyPainFibro. Tenants started the group
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Project to mark anniversary of the Great War
A SPECIAL exhibition will be held in Chester-le-Street to mark the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War. Community Service Volunteers (CSV) have received a £9,700 Heritage Lottery grant for the project. A team of CSV’s Retired
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Plans to change signage to stop lorries getting stuck in narrow country road
PLANS have been made to improve signage on a narrow country road where HGVs keep getting stuck. The road between Bishopton and Whitton, between Darlington and Stockton, has suffered serious damage in recent months as lorry drivers attempt to reverse
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Regeneration project 'still a priority' as further spending cuts loom
A CASH-STRAPPED council insists a flagship regeneration project remains a priority - despite losing out on millions of pounds of Government funding, as further spending cuts loom. The Northern Echo revealed last month that Darlington Borough Council
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Traders from InShops now in Consett's Derwent Centre
SOME of the traders left without premises when the former InShops centre in Consett town centre closed have moved into the nearby Derwent Centre. Vacant units on the Middle Street arcade have been refurbished and house five businesses from the
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She's the gran-d old lady of cricket
CRICKET coaches were hit for six when a grandmother turned up for training. Marie Dalton surprised and delighted Brandon Cricket Club coaches by joining a Move into Sport beginners’ session at Durham School. The 62-year-old, from Brandon, near
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Family pay loving tribute to pedestrian who died following a collision with a Darlington taxi
THE family of a man who died from injuries sustained after he was involved in a collision with a taxi in Darlington have paid tribute to ‘a unique person’. Stevie Graham, 32, a photographer and chef, died on Friday - almost a week after he was
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Witness appeal after young boy suffers broken leg in Middlesbrough collision
AN appeal for witnesses has been made after a six-year-old boy suffered a broken leg when he was in collision with a car. The incident happened on Falmouth Street in Middlesbrough at about 4pm on Thursday, February 6, involving a child and a silver
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Finchale's in the union
COLLEGE staff and students are being encouraged to join a credit union. The North East First Credit Union is welcoming new members from Finchale Training College, which offers vocational training from its base near Durham City. Credit unions
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Harrogate motorcyclist dies after collision near caravan park
A MOTORCYCLIST has died a motorcyclist died after colliding with a car near the entrance to a caravan park. The 25-year-old Harrogate man, who has not been named, crashed his black Triumph Daytona motorbike on the A59 beside High Moor Farm, near the
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Burglar locked up after admitting several offences during two-week Darlington crime spree
A BURGLAR who ransacked a house and stole priceless jewellery during a two-week crime spree is behind bars. Michael Ellenor left a trail of victims after raiding eight homes in Darlington in a fortnight, Teesside Crown Court was told. He was
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Racially-aggravated graffiti sprayed on building planned as Muslim education centre in Shotton Colliery
Police are investigating after “racially-aggravated graffiti” was sprayed onto a building which is due to be transformed into a Muslim education centre in Shotton Colliery, near Peterlee. A police spokesman said the graffiti had been sprayed on The
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Rock night out
Rock ‘n’ Roll band The Revolutionaires will be playing at Easington Social Welfare Centre, Back Seaside Lane, Easington, on Saturday (February 15). Doors open at 6.45pm and admission costs £7.
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Tributes paid to trader who ran butchers established in 1747
TRIBUTES have been paid to long-serving butcher whose family business was established in Thirsk in 1747. Some 260 mourners have attended a funeral service at St Mary’s Church, Thirsk, for Harry Lee, who has died aged 79 after a lengthy battle with
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Village advice session
Greater Durham Citizens Advice Bureau will hold an outreach advice session on Wednesday (February 12) in the Harry Guildford Centre at Langley Park between 10 and 11am. No appointment is needed.
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Warning to dog walkers as lambing season approaches
VETS are urging dog owners to keep their pets on leads when walking near sheep as lambing season approaches. As heavily pregnant ewes prepare to give birth, they become more vulnerable, and vets say they have seen in increase in the number of sheep
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Weekly Tai Chi in Chester-le-Street
A weekly class in Tai Chi aimed at beginners will be held on Tuesday morning from 19.50 to 10.50am in the Chester-le-Street Community Centre, Newcastle Bank. The cost is £2. Luncheon club: A luncheon club is held at the Brockwell Centre, Pelton
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Sir John Hall to speak at evening of lectures for the Mayor of Darlington
SIR John Hall, the founder of the Metrocentre and the former chairman of Newcastle United, will give a talk about his love of the North East at a special event. An evening of lectures, also featuring Lord Michael Bates, will be hosted by the Mayor
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Housing tenants learn how to get online
HOUSING tenants have learnt vital skills at a session to help them get on-line and now more workshops are planned to enable even more people to get up to speed. The Time to get online project sees interactive workshops take place in a range of
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Sculpture, ceramics and mixed media art to be displayed at Nunnington Hall
AN EXHIBITION of sculptures, paintings and other work by up-and-coming artists is due to be displayed at a North Yorkshire stately home. Students at York College’s art and design courses have been challenged to create pieces of art based on the
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Neighbourhood Watch meetings in Darlington
NEIGHBOURHOOD Watch roadshows will take place in Darlington throughout this week. Meetings will be held at Rockwell House, Mossbank Grove on Tuesday, February 11 between 10am and 11am, at Darlington College on Wednesday, February 12 between noon and
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Date set for Consett Festival
A MUSIC festival launched in north Durham last year is being held again in spring. The Consett Festival 2014 is being held in the grounds of Consett Rugby Club on April 25 and 26. Acoustic performances on the Friday evening include sets from
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Change of venue for Darlington Bank Top Pact meeting
MEETING CHANGED: The location of the next Police and Communities Together (Pact) meeting for the Bank Top area of Darlington has been changed to King William Street Community Centre. The meeting is scheduled to take place at 6pm on Wednesday, February
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Out of this world!
The scrapbook of James Clemmet Junior, who wrote short travel pieces for a newspaper, is one of the pieces for sale at the Durham Book Fair In the depths of this dispiritingly blustery winter, it is nice to think of the warmth of summer. Gone are
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Rail record-breaker
Sir Nigel Gresley’s innovative A4 engines changed the way the British rail industry looked - and travelled – before setting the world steam record “Stewards spilt drinks and passengers clutched their seats in excitement,” wrote The Northern Echo
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Police appeal for horse rider who may have information following serious sexual attack
POLICE believe a horse rider may have disturbed a serious sexual assault and are appealing for the person to contact them. It happened more than three months ago near Malton, North Yorkshire, but police believe the rider, thought to be a woman,
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Esteamed visitors
Possibly for the last occasion in our lifetimes, Mallard – the fastest steam engine in the world – will stand side by side with her five sister engines Next weekend, six historic steam engines will gather at Locomotion, the National Railway Museum
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Nissan hails all-electric Leaf sales as profits rise
CAR maker Nissan has seen sales of its all-electric Leaf hatchback rise as bosses hail better-than-expected profits. The Sunderland-based company says the North-East built Leaf recorded 230 UK sales in January. The rise came as Nissan revealed
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York Minster explores its early Viking past
YORK Minster is due to embrace its Viking roots with a series of events this half term. Between Tuesday, February 18 and Thursday, February 20, Viking-themed family events are running at the cathedral, when young visitors can create their own Viking
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Man who damaged car sought by police
POLICE have released details of a man wanted in connection with damaging a car in Shildon. The assailant inflicted the damage on a silver VW Bora parked on Dalton Crescent, as he walked past the vehicle at 11.10pm, on Friday. When disturbed
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The School For Scandal, Upstage Theatre, York
WE all like a good gossip, don’t we? And these days there is more than enough scandal available in all those celebrity magazines – not so much the Tatler as the Tittle Tattle. This obsession with other people’s private lives is nothing new. Sheridan
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Mark Thomas, Stockton Arc
MARK THOMAS, the man once dubbed a domestic extremist and alleged comedian by the Met Police, is 50. However, age has not diminished his ability or inclination to rant against the injustices of the world. As fired up as he ever has been, Thomas
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Street talk
Benefits Street (C4, 9pm) Jim Davidson: At Least I’m Not Boring (Channel 5, 9pm) Danny Baker’s Rockin’ Decades – The Seventies (BBC4, 9pm) Britain’s Great War (BBC1, 9pm) TELLY bosses aren’t daft. The welfare system has long been a hot topic
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Our Clueless Government Needs To Get A Grip
THE recent severe weather has left thousands facing the misery of flooding, yet the Government stands idly by offering very little aid. Considering the amount of flooding over recent years, flood defensive work should have been given top priority
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Independence
I REALLY do not understand why the Prime Minister has bothered to waste his breath in the Scottish Independence debate (Echo, Feb 8). Those of us north of the border are well aware that a “yes” vote will never happen. The majority of Scots
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Stolen Sandwiches
I WAS absolutely disgusted to read in The Northern Echo (Feb 7) that the Sainsbury’s store, in Duke Street, Darlington, had resorted to the full weight of the law to prosecute two homeless and penniless men for the theft of two sandwiches. The
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Pot Holes
MUCH as been written about the pot holes in our roads. Durham County Council can’t be held responsible for all the holes. The high costs of repairing the roads should be shared by the many services who break up the surfaces – telecoms companies
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Scroungers
THE televised live debate about benefits (Feb 3) was a kick in the teeth for the Tories who expected to turn the working class against each other. It didn’t work. Apart from Edwina Curry, and a peroxide blonde who I can’t name, the audience were
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Bird Brains
SEVERAL people have blamed hawks and cats for the demise of birds from our back gardens. I have lived in the county all my life and have not seen one cat with a bird in its mouth. Where are all these cats that are killing these birds? They are
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Waste Not Want Not
WE live in a consumer society – a society based on conspicuous consumption, much of it of products that we don’t really need, and many more that are frivolous luxuries. An unavoidable function of such a system is waste. In this country alone
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Carry On
PERHAPS Ray Mallon is a selfpublicist, but I say “good for him”. I would rather have more selfpublicists of Mr Mallon’s calibre, than a hundred of the introverts and self-conscious weirdos we seem to get instead. Carry on Ray Mallon. Ken
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Good Bet
REGARDING the number of betting shops in town centres. Isn’t it better to have betting shops than row upon row of empty shops boarded up? People not only gamble in them, they go in to get warm and use the toilets for free, which councils do
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The soccer star and the apprentice
ALWAYS be nice to those on the way up because you never know when you might need them on the way down. Over the years, I’ve worked with a number of people in junior positions who’ve gone on to powerful roles. David Yelland was an earnest young
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Students call for action on road junction
MIDDLESBROUGH college students are taking action to bring in safety measures to a potentially hazardous junction. The college student union has voiced concerns over a frequently-used junction at Windward Way, Bridge Street and Dock Street.
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Has spring already sprung?
A mild winter means that spring has already sprung for some of our wildlife, but could this eagerness to jump the seasonal gun lead to disaster? Liam Creedon reports YES, we’ve been buffeted by winds and soaked by torrential rain, but the frost
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World Cup winner lifts tea cup
A NORTH-EAST couple have brewed up a sales success after striking a deal to supply a leading supermarket chain with their tea honouring England’s Border County. Bill and Helen Logan’s Northumberland Tea is to be stocked in 66 Tesco stores across
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Corruption inquiry: Nine bailed again
PEOPLE arrested in connection with allegations of corruption at a police force have had their bail extended again. The nine, including former Cleveland Police chief constable Sean Price and former chairman of Cleveland Police Authority Dave McLuckie
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Enterprise team creates 91 jobs
A TEAM promoting enterprise across Redcar and Cleveland is celebrating the creation of 91 jobs in just ten months. Since April 2013 Redcar Enterprise Team has helped 68 businesses to launch and worked with companies to create 91 jobs across a range
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International animation festival Animex returns to Teesside
SOME of the top computer game and animation developers in the world are in Teesside this week as part of an international festival. Game and animation festival Animex returns to the University of Teesside today (February 10) for a week’s worth
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A ‘luxury’ we all need
WE live in a connected world where broadband is no longer a luxury – it is a necessity. Despite this, thousands of people in the North-East still suffer the frustration of agonisingly slow internet speeds or no connection at all. Businesses, schools
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Falcons beaten but not disgraced, says Richards
NEWCASTLE FALCONS director of rugby Dean Richards insisted there was no disgrace in losing 24-6 at Bath – claiming his side have almost cracked how to play in the Aviva Premiership. It is more than four years since the Falcons last won at the Rec
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Mowden can live with aristocrats
MOWDEN had to contend with a referee who hails from the Cornish gentry in keeping their promotion bid on track. It turned out well in the end as Mowden gained the crucial four-try bonus point with five minutes left. But it looked like eluding them
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Jones creates history with snowboard bronze
JENNY JONES struggled to comprehend her historic achievement of becoming Britain’s first ever Winter Olympics medallist in a snow event after claiming bronze in the snowboard slopestyle in Sochi. At 33, Jones was the oldest entrant in the final
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Match Analysis: Dagenham & Redbridge 0 Hartlepool United 2
Full-time: Dagenham & Redbridge 0 Hartlepool United 2 FOR all the youthful promise and potential in the Hartlepool United side, it was a couple of the older heads at the fore to earn victory. Pools won well at Dagenham, a victory to push
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Musicians invited to perform at 'Gurufest' market event
LIVE music will provide the perfect accompaniment to a popular market. Musicians have been invited to perform in front of Darlington’s Guru Boutique during the next Sunday People’s Market. Nicknamed ‘Gurufest’, the initiative will allow visitors
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United’s fightback ruined by Bent
DARREN Bent’s last-gasp equaliser left Manchester United shattered after the champions thought they had saved themselves from another desperate day. Trailing to Steve Sidwell’s first-half opener, United’s search for redemption lasted until the
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Onions gets a welcome England call
DURHAM'S Graham Onions has been summoned to Sri Lanka to join the England Lions squad as a replacement for his county colleague Mark Wood. After impressing by taking five for 32 in the first fixture in Colombo last week, Wood has been sent home because
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Karanka: It's too early to write us off
Final Score: Middlesbrough 0 Blackburn Rovers 0 MIDDLESBROUGH head coach Aitor Karanka has refused to write off his side’s play-off chances despite a third successive goalless draw, insisting any judgement on their top-six credentials should not
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Harper revels in Hull's North-East success
STEVE HARPER admits he wishes Hull City could play in the North-East every week as they look to safeguard their Premier League status and continue progressing in the FA Cup. Hull's two league away wins this term have come at Newcastle and Sunderland
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Bridcutt admits Sunderland have made life harder for themselves
LIAM BRIDCUTT admits Sunderland have “made life harder” for themselves after dropping back to 17th position in the table, but remains confident his new club will haul themselves clear of trouble in the final four months of the season. He might
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Match Analysis: Sunderland 0 Hull City 2
Full-time: Sunderland 0 Hull City 2 STANDING outside the press room that was once his domain, it was left to former Sunderland manager Steve Bruce to provide a succinct summation of events. “Sunderland were flying, but in my experience with
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Match Analysis: Middlesbrough 0 Blackburn 0
Final Score: Middlesbrough 0 Blackburn 0 TWO Middlesbrough strikers scored on Saturday. Unfortunately, neither of those goals came at the Riverside Stadium. While Aitor Karanka’s men did everything but score against a shot-shy Blackburn Rovers
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Katy helps youngsters read the signs for a brighter future
Katy Parkinson, founder director of Sound Training for Reading AS you read this, Katy Parkinson is enjoying a Vietnamese adventure. But when she's not taking time to relax, Katy is also adept at handing youngsters their own passports to an
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Match analysis: Chelsea 3 Newcastle United 0
Full-time: Chelsea 3 Newcastle United 0 WHEN Newcastle United followed up a derby defeat to Sunderland by stunning Jose Mourinho's Chelsea in early November, it proved the catalyst for a charge up the Premier League table. Just two defeats
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Delays are 'inevitable' during work on Darlington's inner ring road for £3.7m improvement project
WORK to replace a congested town centre roundabout with a traffic light junction in a multi-million pound scheme will begin this week. Highways bosses at Darlington Borough Council have warned that delays for motorists are inevitable during the
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Skip hire boss ordered to pay council's legal costs after failing to overturn an enforcement notice
A SKIP hire boss has been ordered to pay legal costs to a council after an attempt to overturn an enforcement notice failed. The appeal, made by Anthony Shepherd, of Albert Hill Skip Hire, was dismissed by planning inspector Martin Joyce, who also
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Tributes to local league footballer who died in three-car crash
A TEENAGER who was killed in a three-car crash was a keen footballer who will be “missed by many”, family and friends said. Jordan Dowson, 19, was a passenger in a Vauxhall Corsa which collided with two other cars in the crash on the Brotton bypass
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De Jong desperate to stay on Tyneside for long term
AFTER successfully emerging through his first 90 minutes in a Newcastle United shirt, January signing Luuk De Jong has signalled an intention to seal a permanent move to St James' Park. De Jong was the Magpies' only incoming transfer business last
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St John Ambulance apologises after hungry driver parks illegally outside Langley Moor chip shop
A LEADING first aid charity has apologised after one of its ambulance drivers was spotted parking illegally to dash into a chip shop. An eagle-eyed member of the public twice photographed the same St John Ambulance vehicle unlawfully parked on
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Retired detective wants to find out how his ancestor died in a North-East colliery 130 years ago
A RETIRED detective has re-opened the case of the mysterious death of his great grandfather - and is appealing for the public's help. The body of John Bond was found floating in a pond at West Hunwick Colliery in Hunwick near Crook, County Durham
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Very few in region realise 'devastating' impact of tobacco on UK smokers
VERY few people in the North-East are aware of the shocking level of devastation caused by tobacco each year in the UK, according to new figures released by Cancer Research UK. Only about a fifth (19 per cent) of the 195 adults surveyed in the
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Minimum unit alcohol price of 45p ' would have little effect' on moderate drinkers
A NEW study has concluded that a minimum price for alcohol of 45p per unit would reduce deaths and hospital admissions among high risk drinkers but would have little effect on low income moderate drinkers. The research, by Sheffield University,
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The Northern Echo School Awards 2014
ON Thursday this week The Northern Echo will announce its first ever Education Awards. The Northern Echo Schools Awards 2014 will be open to schools across a broad swathe of the region from North Durham down to York. Readers will be able to
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New campaign highlights link with persistent heartburn and cancer
NEARLY nine out of ten people in the North-East and North Cumbria don’t link persistent heartburn with cancer, according to a new survey. This surprising figure has been released to coincide with a new Be Clear on Cancer campaign across the region
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Police warn against entering fire-damaged Tow Law shop
POLICE are warning people not to enter a fire-damaged shop after reports of thieves going inside to steal food and drinks. The Nisa store on Tow law’s High Street was gutted by a blaze at the end of December. Weardale Neighbrohood Policing
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Sex offender found hiding naked in Newton Aycliffe wardrobe jailed
A SEX offender found hiding naked in a wardrobe while living in a house along with children - breaching a court order - has been jailed for 16 weeks. Robert Wynn previously admitted being in breach of a sexual offences prevention order and failing
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Plans for St John's Chapel houses approved
PLANS have been approved to turn outbuildings into four homes in a Weardale town. Durham County Council has granted planning permission for the refurbishment of a derelict house and conversion of two outbuildings behind Hood Street in St John’s
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Middleton-in-Teesdale coffee morning
COFFEE MORNING: There will be a coffee morning in the Masonic Hall, Middleton-in-Teesdale, on Saturday (Feb 18), at 10.30am. SUPPER DANCE: Butterknowle Village Hall will host a supper dance on Saturday, March 1, from 8pm to 11.30pm. Music will
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Drivers face £100 fine as police tackle illegal parking at pedestrian crossing in Barnard Castle town centre
MOTORISTS who park close to a town centre pedestrian crossing could be hit with a £100 fine and three points on their licence. Police in Barnard Castle are targeting drivers who have started parking illegally on the white zig-zag lines at the crossing
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Police appeal after tyres slashed in Newton Aycliffe
ALL four tyres of a green Toyota Yaris were slashed while it was parked in Hallington Head, Newton Aycliffe, sometime between 6.30pm on Wednesday, February 5 and 8.40am on Thursday, February 6. Witnesses should call Durham Police on 101. FAMILY
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Events for Crook and surrounding areas
COUNCILLOR Eddie Murphy will hold a surgery in Howden-le-Wear Community Centre on Friday (February 14), from 10am to noon. YOUTH CLUB: Howden-le-Wear Community Centre is running a junior youth club for children aged five to 11-years-old every Monday
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Durham County Council Chairman's Medal nominations still sought
A COUNCIL is urging people to nominate unsung heroes for a medal from its chairman. Durham County Council is looking for individuals or organisations that have done something great for their community who can be rewarded with the authority’s highest
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Man jailed for helping friend set himself alight has sentence cut
A MAN jailed for handing petrol and a lighter to a friend who was trying to kill himself has had his 12-year sentence cut. Kevin Howe, 20, was found guilty of assisting attempted suicide by Durham Crown Court in October after providing Stephen
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Winners announced as exhibition marks start of arts festival
A POPULAR arts festival has been launched with a Japanese-themed exhibition by community groups and schools. The entry from St John’s School and Sixth Form College beat off competition to be awarded first place in the Arts Award, which is the opening
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New speed restrictions unveiled for Binchester
TRAFFIC campaigners are hoping a new staggered speed limit will help slow down motorists passing through their village. At the moment people driving into Binchester, near Bishop Auckland, are required to reduce their speed from 60mph to 30mph as
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Barnard Castle comedy club headliner is top of the frocks
A TRANSVESTITE funnyman headlined the first show of a North-East comedy club's 2014 season. Andrew O'Neill stepped onto the stage at The Witham, Barnard Castle, wearing a dress and full make-up to top the bill at the Funny Way To Be Comedy Club
