Archive

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Former Newcastle striker Nile Ranger arrested on suspicion of breaching bail

FORMER Newcastle United footballer Nile Ranger has been arrested on suspicion of breaching his bail conditions in relation to an upcoming rape trial. Ranger, 22, was arrested in the early hours of this morning (Wednesday). He was reportedly

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More than 45,000 elderly and disabled people across the North-East and North Yorkshire have 'lost' council-funded care

MORE than 45,000 elderly and disabled people across the region have “lost” council-funded care in just three years, campaigners are warning. The huge decline – of almost one fifth across the North-East and Yorkshire – is the result of “chronic

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Match report: Newcastle 0 Tottenham 4

Full-time: Newcastle United 0 Tottenham 4 ANOTHER home game, another defeat. The biggest relief for everyone connected with Newcastle United was when the final whistle was blown on a wet, windy and depressing night on Tyneside. BAD NIGHT

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Sunderland battle back to North-East after weather puts paid to Premier League game against Manchester City

AS strong winds and driving rain battered the North-East, Sunderland's players and supporters had to make their way back from the other side of the country after the Premier League game with Manchester City was called off. The decision to postpone

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Jess the cat looking for a new home

AN ANIMAL charity is calling out for feline lovers to find a home for a ten-year-old cat who has been homeless for eight months. Jess is currently at the Blue Cross centre in Thirsk. Amy Younger, Blue Cross animal welfare assistant, said: "

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I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue comes to Newcastle

The stage show of the BBC Radio Four comedy panel programme I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue will visit Newcastle City Hall on Tuesday February 26 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £20 and £25 from the box office on 0191-277 8030.

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Drunken thug jailed after he beats man unconscious

A THUG who beat a man unconscious after a cider-fuelled drinking session has been jailed. John Shellard attacked the teenager at the sheltered accommodation the pair both stayed in in Park Road North, Middlesbrough. Meanwhile, another man took

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Concern at number of police officers failing fitness tests

ONE in 50 police officers have failed fitness tests since they were made compulsory. Of the 13,024 police officers tested nationwide, 353 failed the tests which came into force in September. In this region, a total of 49 officers from Cleveland

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Tree felling ahead of roundabout replacement

CONTRACTORS have spent the early part of this week felling a cluster of trees ahead of work to replace a congested roundabout with a traffic light junction. The year-long work on Stonebridge roundabout, in Darlington, starts on Monday (February

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Greying thief snatches pensioner's bag

POLICE are hunting a middle aged man who stole an elderly woman’s handbag. It happened at 10am today (Wednesday, February 12) in the rear lane of Stockton Terrace, Sunderland. A man approached a 78-year-old woman and asked her for help, claiming

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Durham man prepares for 156-mile desert challenge

A MAN originally from the North-East is in training for a 156-mile run through the Sahara Desert. Pete Nichols, who is originally from Durham, will tackle the Marathon de Sables over six days starting on Monday, April 7. The 28-year-old, who

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Woman abused on train

BRITISH Transport Police is investigating after a 45-year-old woman from County Durham suffered transphobic abuse on a train. The incident happened between Kings Cross and Durham, between 7.45pm and 10.50pm, on Thursday, January 30. PC Jeremy

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Sheep attack plea issued to dog owners

VETS are asking dog owners in the region to keep their animals on leads when walking near sheep as the annual lambing season gets underway. Ewes are particularly vulnerable at this time of year as they prepare to give birth and vets have seen a

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Campaign to tackle abuse in LGBT relationships

DOMESTIC abuse and sexual violence will be debated at a high-profile conference tomorrow (Thursday, February 13). Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg will be joined by representatives of Durham Police, Durham County Council, Darlington

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Region's walk-in tax offices to close

UNION chiefs have criticised plans to close all walk-in tax offices in the North-East and North Yorkshire. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) announced today (Wednesday, February 12) that all 281 of its walk-in centres across the country will close

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'Unfair' funding from Government blamed for council's tough budget

THE North-East's biggest local authority agreed to raise council tax for the first time since 2010 as it attempts to deal with ‘unfair’ austerity cuts. Cabinet members at Durham County Council approved a 1.99 per cent rise when they met in Spennymoor

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Let battle commence!

CHILDREN are preparing for a robot battle. Youngsters at Browney Primary School, in Browney, near Durham, have been designing machines to fight against those from other schools in Robots Live, a spin-off of hit TV show Robot Wars. Durham University

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Litter pick at Grange Villa

YOUNG people in a former pit village will be giving their home a spring clean. Junior wardens in Grange Villa, Chester-le-Street . will join in a community litter pick, taking place on Monday (February 17) between 10am and noon. County Durham

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Muddy two shoes - Subaru Forester review

SUBARU has an image problem in this country. How ironic that the car that made Subaru a major player in the past decade - the Impreza STI - should be so spectacularly responsible for an inexplicable failure to rebrand as a purveyor of fine 4x4s and

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Man charged with murder of his father and grandmother in Benton, North Tyneside

A MAN has been charged with the murder of his father and grandmother. Police were called to Front Street in Benton, North Tyneside, at 9.15pm yesterday (Tuesday, February 11) after reports of a man causing a disturbance and running around in the

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Two thefts from delivery vans linked by police in Middlesbrough

POLICE are hunting thieves who targeted delivery vans on two separate occasions in the Middlesbrough area. The first incident took place at around 7.30pm on Saturday, February 1 when a delivery van was broken into on Harpenden Walk. A Berghaus

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First World War project brings history to life across Tees Valley

ONE hundred years after the start of the First World War, a 400,000 project will remind residents of the Tees Valley of the sacrifice made by their forebears. The programme, funded with money from the Arts Council, runs until March next year throughout

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Amateur theatre company appeals for Jewish artefacts for props for upcoming play

AN AMATEUR theatre company is searching for Jewish prayer shawls, yamakas, and other items to use as props and costume for an upcoming production of Diary of Anne Frank. Richmond Amateur Dramatic Society (RADS) is staging the World War II-based

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Burglars steal widow's pendant

A WIDOW is appealing for thieves to return the pendant given to her by her late husband. The piece of jewellery was stolen along with a quantity of cash during a break-in at a house in the Westfields Estate, in Stanley. Police say the homeowner

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Half-term playschemes in Hartlepool

A programme of free sports and activities has been lined up for children and young people in Hartlepool over next week’s half term holidays. Trampolining, archery and basketball are just some of the sessions being organised by Hartlepool Council

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Kirk Merrington man has no regrets over buying A4 painting after seeing six brush strokes

A CAR broker said he has no regrets about following his gut feeling to buy a painting depicting six steam engines together after seeing just the first few brush strokes. John York from Kirk Merrington in County Durham, chanced upon artist Stephen

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Plans for thousands of new homes in Middlesbrough

PROPOSALS to build 7,000 new homes to stop residents moving out of a North-East town are being unveiled.  The Local Plan will be considered at a meeting of Middlesbrough Council next Wednesday before submission for Government approval. It represents

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Inquest to open into death of man found near walkway

AN inquest will open later this week into the death of a man found hanged next to a popular walkway. The body of Mariusz Kurzyp was found by a member of the public on Sunday morning just off the former Lanchester Valley Railway Line walkway, close

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Half-term family fun at Durham Cathedral

A CATHEDRAL will stage a range of family-friendly activities during the half-term holidays. “Make and take” arts and crafts sessions will take place at Durham Cathedral on February 20 and 21, from 10.30am to 3pm. They will focus on St Hild,

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Matchday Metro closure

FANS heading to the Sunderland v Southampton FA Cup fifth round match on Saturday (February 15) are being advised to leave extra travel time for their journey due to Metro line closures between Heworth and South Hylton and Heworth and Jarrow for modernisation

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Student charity offers grants to good causes

CHARITIES and good causes are invited to bid for a share of £20,000. The money is part of the roughly £400,000 raised every year by Durham University Charities Kommittee (Duck) through a range of stunts and challenges. Grants of up to £1,000

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Welfare Champions needed in Newton Aycliffe

AN army of volunteers is being recruited to help people who have been adversely affected by the Government’s welfare reforms. The Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership and social housing and community organisation livin have provided funding

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Big band sound at Gala Durham

A THEATRE academy’s latest production is sure to go with a swing. The students of the Gala Theatre Stage School (GTSS) will present their Big Band Experience at the Gala Theatre, in Durham City, on February 28 and March 1. There will be a 17

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Free Durham Cathedral concert

AN ACCLAIMED choir will give a free concert in Durham Cathedral this weekend (Saturday, February 15). Mirabile, a vocal ensemble based in Nottinghamshire, will sing on Saturday lunchtime. The first half of concert will feature excerpts from

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Charlie the Airedale terrier prepares for Crufts while still helping to put a smile on people's faces

A TALENTED pooch preparing for Crufts still has time to provide a bit of therapy to care home residents. Airedale terrier Charlie and his owner Ruth Boyes, from Leyburn, regularly visit Whorlton Hospital for adults with severe learning difficulties

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Discounted entry to Beamish

BEAMISH Museum is offering £5 entry for Ushaw Moor residents between February 15 and 23 and free transport to the outdoor museum on Saturday, February 22. For further details, visit The Hive, on Station Road, Ushaw Moor, between 10am and 4pm between

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Police call on residents to report rogue charity collectors

Police are asking residents to keep their eyes peeled for rogue collectors stealing charity bags left on doorsteps. In the last fortnight numerous bags intended for charities have been stolen from neighbourhoods across Darlington and police are

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Britain's best chippy promotes saucy campaign

THE owners of a chip shop voted the country’s best have ignored warnings of gale force storms and celebrated National Chip Week on the beach. In the fashion of cheeky seaside postcards of yesteryear, Quayside of Whitby head fryer Stuart Fusco and

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Film club to host fundraising screening

DARLINGTON Film Club is hosting an exclusive showing of Invictus (12), starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon, at the Forum, in Borough Road, at 7.30pm, on March 18. Only 100 tickets are available for the screening, which is being held to raise

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Disruption to services in aftermath of storms

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Darlington nursery will share a headteacher with primary schools

A DARLINGTON nursery will join two primary schools in a headteacher-sharing partnership. George Dent Nursery School will partner with Bishopton Redmarshall Academy and Heighington Academy, collectively known as BRandH. Headteacher Neil Parker

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Police appeal after Bowburn hit-and-run smash

POLICE have appealed for information after a hit-and-run smash. The incident took place on the flyover of the A1(M) at junction 61, near Bowburn, County Durham, at about 1.10pm on Sunday (February 9). A black Clio Campus Sport DCI hit a Peugeot

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Celebrity doodles to go up for auction

NEWCASTLE United boss Alan Pardew daydreams of flying squirrels, ex-Sunderland coach Lawrie McMenemy sees shots going over the bar and Benidorm star Tim Healy pictures a cat’s bottom. Doodles created by a host of stars are to be put up for auction

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Friday church service

A church service is held on Friday mornings at the Brockwell Centre, Pelton Fell, near Chester-le-Street, between 10 and 11.30am. For details call 0191-389 3399.

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Two advice sessions from Greater Durham CAB

Greater Durham Citizens Advice Bureau will hold outreach advice sessions tomorrow (Thursday, February 13 in Brandon Community Hall from 11am to noon and in West Rainton Jubilee Hall between 12.30 and 1.30pm. No appointment is needed. Pub gig: Rock

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Sedgefield schoolchildren celebrate their grandparents through stories and poetry

BELOVED grandparents proved an inspiring topic for creative schoolchildren when a nearby care home challenged them to enter a writing competition. Willowdene Care Home in Sedgefield invited youngsters from Sedgefield and Fishburn Primary Schools

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Councillors vote to close Roseberry College and Sixth Form due to falling pupil numbers

A COLLEGE principal said it was ’a very sad day’ after watching councillors vote to shut her school due to falling pupil numbers. Ann Bowen said governors at Roseberry College and Sixth Form, at Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, would consider legal

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Hurworth Place residents win support over planning objection

COUNCILLORS are supporting residents’ concerns over plans to demolish a Victorian house in Hurworth Place and replace it with six houses. At the latest meeting of Hurworth Parish Council, Hurworth Place resident Sue Williams expressed her fears

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Residents in Shildon to face council tax bill increase

RESIDENTS in Shildon face a rise in council tax after town councillors agreed to a two per cent increase in its precept. Shildon Town Council members voted to increase its precept from Durham County Council to £485,410 for 2014-15. The move

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Family and friends of young Leukemia sufferer plan fundraising North Sea dip

FRIENDS and family of a young girl diagnosed with leukemia are preparing for a dip in the icy North Sea to raise money for a children’s cancer charity. More than 70 people have so far signed up to the plunge later this month, many in fancy dress

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Port backs energy development

A PORT is working with an energy firm to support an offshore development. Port of Sunderland welcomed the Atlantic Carrier vessel, which docked in the region ahead of work on Eon's Humber Gateway windfarm. The vessel was prepared for work on

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Crime commissioner's drive to boost sex attack victims' confidence

NORTH Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner has said the efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal justice system needs to be called into question, after a small fall in the number of reported adult rapes. Julia Mulligan said she was determined

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Trimdon Village Hall welcomes new art club

THE painting for Pleasure Art Club is moving to Trimdon Village Hall from Thursday, February 27. Sessions take place from 1pm to 3pm every Thursday during term time and cost £3.50, including tea, coffee and biscuits. The class is run by a qualified

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North Yorkshire libraries to host series of First World War events

A SERIES of events to commemorate the centenary of the First World War will be staged at libraries across North Yorkshire. The programme includes theatrical shows in several libraries and pop-up museum events at Harrogate, Pickering, Scarborough

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Shops warned over aerosol sales following under cover investigation in Stockton

SHOPS in Stockton have been warned they may be breaking the law when they sell aerosols and other solvents following an undercover investigation. Trading Standards at Stockton Borough Council recently asked 15-year-old volunteers to buy up to five

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Half term fun

A RANGE of activities for youngsters are taking place across Darlington during half term next week. Chinese New Year craft sessions are being held at the McNay Street Children’s Centre on February 18 from 10am to noon and at the same time the following

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Subsea firm looks to new waters with rig investment

A GLOBAL subsea firm, which has bases in the North-East, has bought a drilling rig to strengthen its position in the offshore energy market. DeepOcean will work with Geoquip Marine AG in the North Sea as it looks to build foundations in the geotechnical

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Artists bring disused town centre office block back to life

A DISUSED office block has been transformed into a haven for young artists. Former eight-storey BT call centre Dundas House, which towers over the Dundas Arcade shopping centre in Middlesbrough town centre and has been disused since 2006, is now

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Healthcare assistant celebrates 40 years of service at medical centre

A LONG serving healthcare assistant praised the patients and staff she has worked with in her 40 years at a doctors’ surgery. Glynis Eddy, 61, started work as receptionist in 1974 at St Andrew’s Medical Practice, at Adan House, in Spennymoor.

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North-East bobsleigh star handed surprise place in two-man event in Sochi

NORTH-EAST bobsleigher John Baines will double up at this month's Winter Olympics after being handed a late place in the two-man competition that starts on Sunday. Baines, who was born in Middlesbrough and now lives in Topcliffe, near Thirsk, had

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Nationwide appeal to trace man alleged to have carried out sexual assault

POLICE have issued a nationwide appeal to trace a man wanted in connection with a sexual assault in North Yorkshire. Akduss Hussain, 29, is alleged to have assaulted a 27-year-old woman in William Street Coach Park in Scarborough on Christmas Day

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Looking for old friends from Middlesbrough and Northallerton

Redcar resident Dorothea Connell is looking for an old friend and Southbank neighbour she lost touch with in the 1980s. Her name is Kathleen (Kathy) Reider and she lived on Queen Street in Southbank, Middlesbrough in the 1970s and 80s but the pair

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Traders' woe over 'cumbersome' parking permit system

COUNCILLORS have called for a new system of parking permits for tradespeople to be introduced quickly after hearing that the existing set-up is causing difficulties for small business owners. Members of Darlington Borough Council’s place scrutiny

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Waldridge flood prevention work wins funding from the Environment Agency

AN MP has welcomed Environment Agency funding for flood prevention work, The agency has announced it will give £88,000 to ease problems at Fellside Meadows, Waldridge, Chester-le-Street. North Durham Labour MP Kevan Jones and Durham County

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Hundreds of Stockton youngsters inspired to be creative by children's author Cath Cassidy

HUNDREDS of pupils in Stockton gathered to meet a best-selling children’s author as part of a series of reading events. Cathy Cassidy greeted pupils from 13 Stockton Borough schools to answer questions, sign books and provide a read of her new

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Complaints raised about Shildon Town Council vehicles leaving muddy tracks in a cemetery

DAMAGE caused to a town cemetery by council workmen clearing leaves during wet weather has been repaired, the authority has said. Complaints had been raised that Shildon Town Council staff had gouged muddy tracks across parts of St John’s Churchyard

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Port of Tyne cargo volumes hit 50-year-high

A PORT famous for shipping North-East coal around the world is now setting records thanks to imports of the fossil fuel. Port of Tyne, achieved its highest cargo volumes for more than 50 years in 2013, breaking its own records for cargo handling

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Controversial children's home development approved at heated planning meeting

A HOME for vulnerable children will be built near Darlington - despite more than 100 objections. Controversial proposals to convert Jubilee Wood Farm, near Heighington into a therapeutic and educational residential facility were approved at a meeting

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Stores on the horizon as Dunelm records a 5% rise in revenues

A HOME furnishing specialist says it will continue opening stores after reporting increased revenues. Dunelm Group, which sells bedding, blinds and curtains, says revenues lifted 4.8 per cent to £356.3m for the 26- week period to December 28, compared

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Far-right group member apologises for Muslim centre attack

A MEMBER of a far-right group who nailed a copy of the Koran to the door of a pub earmarked for a Muslim education centre has renounced his extremist actions. Graham William French also painted ‘EDL’ on the former Melrose Arms, in Shotton Colliery

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Wylie keen on bumper pair

GRAHAM WYLIE is particularly excited by his two entries for the Weatherbys Champion Bumper as he looks forward to next month’s Cheltenham Festival. Shaneshill and Black Hercules, both trained by Willie Mullins, are unbeaten and have earned the

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Tidal Bay will be well-backed on for National swansong

THE weights were announced in London on Tuesday for the greatest horse race in the world – the 2014 Crabbie’s Grand National, to be held on Saturday April 5. Despite carrying top-weight of 11st 10lbs, Tidal Bay has been given a great chance by

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Living under same roof

New official figures shed fresh light on the extent of the ‘‘boomerang’’ generation of young adults still residing in their parents’ home. Vicky Shaw reports ARECENT flurry of ‘‘good news’’ stories about firsttime buyers finally getting onto the

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Aussies moving onto their next challenge

AUSTRALIA captain Michael Clarke is under no illusions about the task facing his Ashes winners as they take on the best team in the world in their three-Test tour of South Africa. Clarke and co whitewashed England 5-0 – setting in motion all manner

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The reality behind the patriotic Bombardier stories

AMASSIVE vote of confidence in British industry was how national media outlets described last week’s £1bn Crossrail train building deal, when it went to a firm in Derby. I had a few problems with the way this story was reported, and later trumpeted

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Memories of Days of Steam

I WAS very interested to read about John Wigston, the railway painter, (Echo, Feb 8). I have photographed John at work on more than one occasion, as I am a keen amateur photographer. I was at Locomotion, the Shildon railway museum, on Friday when

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Posting Times

FOR many years the post office in Darlington has offered a “late” posting opportunity to the rear of the main sorting office. But the latest collection now is 5.30pm at the Victoria Road office. When were we told that this late service

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Warne hits out at ECB

SHANE WARNE insists England’s ‘‘incredible decision’’ to axe Kevin Pietersen from their future plans is one they are very likely to regret. The end of Pietersen’s international career, announced last week, is the latest bombshell to hit English

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Stumped

I AND all my friends have always been impressed by the magnificent trees growing out of the tarmac on Greenbank Road and Stanhope Road, in Darlington. The West End of the town has many fine green spaces. Many trees in private gardens give the appearance

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Stolen Sandwiches

I READ with interest that VJ Connor (HAS, Feb 10) disagrees with Sainsbury’s decision to report two men for stealing sandwiches from its store in Duke Street, Darlington. It will have been the decision of the magistrates to fine the men £40.

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Euro-stunt

I IMAGINE almost everyone in the North-East and across country will be as outraged as I am to hear that Conservative MEPs are trying to block legislation that seeks to scrap roaming charges for mobile phone use across the EU. Most people will have

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Bishop Auckland

I WOULD like to thank everyone who signed my e-petition for some free car parking in Bishop Auckland around the Christmas period. What did we achieve with this petition? Durham County Council did take note of it and has responded by promising

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Fast Trains

IN 1938, the Mallard A4 steam engine broke the world record for the fastest steam engine with a speed of 125.88mph (Echo, Feb 8). In fact, all 35 of the A4 engines were capable of speeds in excess of 100mph. In the early 1960s, all but six were

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Forget the trains, snow hits the British progress

USUALLY the wrong sort of snow causes grief to British Rail but yesterday it just derailed British medal ambitions. If you forgive the casual punctuation, Cool. Hot. Yours. is the logo of these Olympics and, for Andrew Musgrave and Katie Summerhayes

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Alcohol

AS a lifelong teetotaller, I was most grateful to your Dry Run correspondents (Echo Weekend, Feb 8) for pointing out all the things I have missed. Health editor Barry Nelson, who gave up alcohol for the month of January, was happy just to point

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Time to bullet the shooting

IBELIEVE Prince William was 12 when his father presented him with a shotgun. Okay, he possibly might have been 14. Whichever, he was still a boy. And I’m not sure the gift wasn’t a pair of guns. Shooting is in our Royals’ DNA. So there’

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Pietersen up for IPL riches in auction

KEVIN PIETERSEN may be able to dwarf his annual England earnings, for less than two months’ work, if all goes as expected at the Indian Premier League auction. Pietersen is free for the first time to feature in a full IPL campaign, following his

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Born to be a star

Shirley Temple, the original Hollywood child star, died yesterday aged 85. Raymond Crisp charts her life from starlet to international ambassador SHIRLEY TEMPLE was the dimpled, curly-haired child star who sang, danced, sobbed and grinned her way

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Yorkshire United – McGeechan’s rallying call

SIR Ian McGeechan insists plans to establish a new club called Yorkshire Carnegie represent more than merely a name change. McGeechan, the former British and Irish Lions coach who is chairman of the Leeds Carnegie club, yesterday unveiled plans

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All Blacks coming to Mowden?

MOWDEN Park Rugby Club are hoping to bring the All Blacks to Darlington during next year’s World Cup. The Northern Echo Arena has been included on a list of 65 approved training bases for the World Cup teams, which will be trimmed to 20 in the

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Believe – Cooper’s main message to Holden

COLIN COOPER has backed Darren Holden for a big future in the game – as long as the left-back starts to believe in himself. Holden has been impressive in Hartlepool United’s last two performances, giving his best display in a blue and white shirt

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A clear call for change

ONE of the more significant achievements of Tony Blair’s government was the ban on smoking in public places. It made Britain a healthier, better place. And this week’s overwhelming vote by MPs in favour of banning smoking in cars will be remembered

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North-East offshore engineering firm wins multi-million pound North Sea gas contract

A NORTH-EAST offshore engineering firm has won a multi-million pound North Sea gas contract, which will support 500 jobs.   OGN Group is taking on about 150 new staff to carry out the work on the 800 tonnes processor at its Hadrian Yard on the

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Chelsea are pegged back

Final Score: WBA 1 Chelsea 1 VICTOR ANICHEBE grabbed a late equaliser for West Brom on a night when Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea barely looked like potential Premier League champions. Chelsea were poised to move four points clear at the top of the

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Highways Agency urges road users to take extra care with gale force winds due to hit region

ROAD users are urged to take care with heavy rain and strong winds due to hit the region this afternoon. Met Office forecasters have issued a severe weather alert for the North-East – with gales up to 80mph a possibility. The Highways Agency

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Sarah’s stitches in time

AMONG the sewing machines, colourful balls of wool and handmade quilts and cushions that adorn Sarah Oatley’s Lingfield Point studio lie boxes of fabric, brimming with all manner of prints and patterns, from scraps of pretty gingham to Cath Kidstonesque

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Musical brain training for baby

FROM the moment they’re born – in fact, probably even before that – children love music. It’s an intuitive love, and research shows how music training can boost a child’s intelligence, emotional and social development, and self-esteem. A new book

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Learning fun

A NEW board game, called Plyt, helps improve numeracy by challenging players to multiply a number of dice together and then race along the board to reach the winner square before the opposition. Suitable for all ages from four plus, available from

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Ask the expert: Knowing when to wean

“My baby is five-months-old and I breastfeed him. How do I know when to start weaning him?” LISA CLEGG, author of The Blissful Baby Expert says: “NHS guidelines recommend a baby should be fed only breastmilk or infant formula milk until the age

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Line Of Duty (BBC2, 9pm)

TWO years after gripping viewers, Line Of Duty makes a welcome return to BBC2. For those needing a reminder, the first series introduced straightarrow anti-corruption cop Steve Arnott and his colleagues, who were investigating the possible crimes and

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Midsomer Murders (ITV1, 8pm)

SCANDINAVIAN detective fiction has become a cult obsession in Britain. But it seems the cultural exchange works both ways – the very British Midsomer Murders is a ratings smash in Denmark. So, what better way for Barnaby and Nelson to celebrate

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Suspects (Channel 5, 10pm)

WHAT separates Suspects from all the other crime dramas is the fact that the cast, which includes Fay Ripley, Damien Molony and Clare-Hope Ashitey, created their own dialogue based on a detailed plot description. Set in London, each episode is

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Blood Brothers Sunderland Empire

WILLY RUSSELL wrote the legendary Blood Brothers 29 years ago, long before some of the actors in this production were born. The strange thing is that It could easily be Cameron’s Britain rather than Thatcher’s Britain, so little appears to have changed

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The Essential Pre-MOT Checklist

Website: www.motorparks.co.uk

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Ryan Wigglesworth, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Sage Gateshead

RYAN WIGGLESWORTH treated an audience at Sage Gateshead to an inspiring display of musical multi-tasking – directing Royal Northern Sinfonia (RNS) from both podium and piano, while also presenting one of his compositions. Performing live to the

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Yorkshire land batsman Finch

Yorkshire have signed Australia star Aaron Finch as an overseas player for part of the 2014 county campaign. The powerful opening batsman has been predominantly recruited to play in the NatWest T20 Blast for the Vikings, although he has been registered

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Durham ponder overseas options

DURHAM will take a close interest in today's Indian Premier League auction with a view to putting in a bid of their own for an overseas man. Finances prevented them from signing an overseas player last season, but they now accept they might need one

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Stop - Don't Do It!

Yesterday a woman was jailed for 8 weeks for saving her brother from the trials and tribulations of divorce. At least that’s how some sectors of the media portrayed it. Guilty of harassment and a dislike of her proposed sister in law, she telephoned

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Law firm wins award

A NORTH-EAST debt decovery expert is celebrating after he received national acclaim for his work.  Darlington solicitor Mark Gardner, head of debt recovery at Excello Law, has seen the firm scoop Corporate Intl Magazine Global Award for Debt Recovery

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College boosts career propspects

A HUMAN resource student has found returning to college just the job for getting a foot on the career ladder. Alice Hoare has secured full-time employment thanks to Darlington College which gave her a part-time admin post to help fund further qualifications

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Poyet challenges Vergini to force his way into his Cup final plans

GUSTAVO POYET has challenged Santiago Vergini to force his way into Sunderland's Capital One Cup final plans by shackling the most potent strike force in the Premier League. Having come off the bench to make his first top-flight appearance at the

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Pardew: 'Santon is our Phil Neville'

WITH Davide Santon set to continue in central midfield as Newcastle United host Tottenham tonight, Alan Pardew has described the Italian as ‘the Magpies’ Phil Neville’. With Cheik Tiote injured and Yohan Cabaye having been sold to Paris St Germain

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Road To Rio: Willmott in record-breaking form

AIMEE WILLMOTT’S sparkling winter form continued as she set three personal best times at the Flanders Cup in Antwerp. The Middlesbrough ASC swimmer, who will be targeting a medal at this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, broke her own English

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Road To Rio: Weightman heads out to Africa to set herself up for double championship assault

HIGH in the mountains of Kenya’s Rift Valley, Laura Weightman took time out from her winter training to have a glance around. On her left, a group of British male athletes led by double world and Olympic champion Mo Farah were about to embark on

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Strictly legal at Ward Hadaway

LAW firm Ward Hadaway is offering something strictly different to its clients – a ballroom dancing evening. The UK Top 100 firm's employment team is hosting the event at the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art on Thursday February 13 to give clients

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Survival of the fittest, by David Laud

THE collapse last week of 150-year-old North-East law firm Swinburne & Jackson was the latest reminder of the challenges facing tradtional practices. David Laud, partner at i2i Business Solutions LLP, looks at what the future holds for the legal

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Tributes paid to footballer turned teacher

TRIBUTES have been paid to a former professional footballer turned maths teacher who has died of cancer. The funeral of Nigel Walker, who played for Newcastle, Sunderland and Hartlepool, was held yesterday (Tuesday, February 11) following his death

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County Durham miner aims to be coal's last man standing

A NORTH-EAST mining firm predicts it will be the "last man standing" when the UK coal industry finally calls it a day in the coming decades. The bold statement by the boss of Hargreaves Services is typical of the  ambitious County Durham business

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Steel maker reveals production lift but warns of tough market

A STEEL maker says it continues to battle against a tough market, despite hailing increased production levels. Tata Steel, which employs about 1,500 North-East workers, says its European division made its largest volume of liquid steel for more

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Bus operator makes multi-million gas bus investment

A NORTH-EAST transport firm is launching new gas buses. Stagecoach North-East will start running 17 vehicles in Sunderland this month after investing £2.5m in the vehicles and £1m in its city depot, which includes a gas plant to supply fuel.

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Marine bosses unveil job plans

A MARINE firm says it will create 40 new jobs after buying the UK's largest harbour crane. Able UK, which operates Seaton Port at the mouth of the River Tees, near Middlesbrough, says its new Liebherr crane will help it handle more work in the

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Construction management firm secures industrial work

A CONTRUCTION management consultancy firm has secured work on a North-East industrial development. Arcterra, in Boldon, near Sunderland, is providing project management and construction design management services on the Dukesway Central, in the

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Mask maker appoints new plant manager

A TECHNOLOGY firm making millions of industrial face masks has appointed a new plant manager to maintain it North-East work. Colin MacLeod has taken over at 3M's plant in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham. Mr MacLeod previously spent five years

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Video game firm drives forward with Japanese work

A VIDEO game company has secured a deal to work with a Japanese mobile games firm on a racing challenge. Eutechnyx, in Gateshead, is partnering Crooz on its ACR Drift platform. The game gives players the chance to drive more than 50 supercars

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Apprentice Axel goes for national honour

A YOUNG North-East worker is vying for the title of best UK apprentice. Axel Tye is one of 13 finalists in the JTL Apprentice of the Year Awards. Axel completed a four-year apprenticeship while working for Beck and Pollitzer Engineering, in

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Commercial team supports fitness venture

A COMMERCIAL team has supported a new North-East fitness venture. Swinburne Maddison, based in Durham City, has helped Joanne Bannatyne and business partner Lee Howe on JoLee Crossfit. The duo have opened five branches in the last three months

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Law firm appointed to legal panel

A LAW firm with offices in the North-East has been appointed to a pension provider's legal panel. Bond Dickinson, which has offices in Newcastle and Stockton, is working with Suffolk Life, one of the UK's leading providers and administrators of

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Judge: Why was care assistant with manslaughter conviction given job looking after vulnerable patients?

A JUDGE has demanded to know why a hospital employed a convicted killer who went on to abuse vulnerable patients. Former care assistant Alison Richardson – convicted of manslaughter after stabbing her ex-partner in 1993 - was captured on CCTV abusing

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Grinding equipment firm secures £750,000 China deal

A MILLING machine maker has secured a major Chinese order, which it hopes will be the catalyst for increased sales in the country. International Innovative Technologies (IIT), in Gateshead, has won a £750,000 deal to supply grinding equipment for

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Offshore safety specialist creates new jobs in expansion

AN offshore fire and blast protection specialist has continued its expansion after creating jobs and launching a venture with a Philippines partner, The Northern Echo can reveal. MTE Ltd, based in Darlington, has opened new offices to bolster its

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Family transport firm playing the long game

Bryn Littleton meets a North-East haulage firm that's still delivering the goods ELDDIS Transport’s Nigel Cook is a master at playing the long game. Long term planning, long haul journeys and incredibly long vehicles. It’s all very apt

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Man held after two people found dead on Tyneside

A MAN has been arrested after two people were found dead in a house on North Tyneside last night. A spokesman for Northumbria Police said this morning: "At 9.15pm police received a report of a man running in the road and causing a disturbance at

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Region 'worst hit' by bedroom tax, research suggests

RESEARCH suggests the North-East and Yorkshire are the areas most significantly affected by the so-called bedroom tax. A survey for the National Housing Federation found that two thirds of housing association tenants are in rent arrears following

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New warning that 'one in two smokers' will die early unless they quit

SMOKERS in the North-East are massively underestimating the risks of dying prematurely, according to a new TV campaign which reveals one in two long-term smokers will die early. This is the message of the new “Don’t be the One” advertising campaign

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Passenger trapped after car hits lamppost in Blackhill

A PASSENGER in a car which struck a lamppost was taken to hospital with chest injuries. The accident happened around 9.10pm last night (Tuesday) on Queen's Road, Blackhill, Consett. The victim was trapped in the rear of the car. After being

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Wrong sort of snow halts British duo

USUALLY the wrong sort of snow causes grief to British Rail but yesterday it just derailed British medal ambitions. If you forgive the casual punctuation, Cool. Hot. Yours. is the logo of these Olympics and, for Andrew Musgrave and Katie Summerhayes,

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Face paint in February for Crook kids' club

A FUNDRAISER is spending every day in February wearing face paint in a bid to bring back a popular children’s club cancelled due to a lack of money. The St Catherine’s Kids Club in Crook was held every weekday after school with volunteers putting

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Ladies afternoon tea being held at Auckland Castle for Butterwick Hospice

AFTERNOON TEA: The Butterwick Hospice will hold a ladies afternoon tea at Auckland Castle in Bishop Auckland on Wednesday, March 26, starting at 1.30pm. Tickets cost £18 and include a full tea and tour of the castle, as well as a performance from humorous

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Sunderland to hold first Comic Convention in August

THE first graphic novelist to win the prestigious Costa Book Award is delighted that his home city is staging the North-East's first dedicated comic convention. Bryan Talbot wrote Dotter of her Father’s Eyes with his wife Dr Mary Talbot, and the

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Talented girls football team reaches quarter finals of national competition

A GIRLS football team reached the quarter-finals of a nation schools competition before being knocked out. Year 9 and 10 pupils from St John’s School & Sixth Form College, in Bishop Auckland, beat teams from Wakefield, Huddesfield and Kepier

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New Barnard Castle library and council access point prove popular with residents

A NEW library and council customer service facilities have proved popular following the completion of a multi-million pound renovation project. Durham County Council staff have dealt with 500 inquiries at the new access point in Barnard Castle