Archive
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Christie's agony as she misses out on medal
By RYAN BANGS in Sochi FOR 30 seconds yesterday Elise Christie thought she had doubled Great Britain's medal tally in Sochi - only for her team-mates' cheers of joy to quickly turn to her own tears of frustration. Short track speed skating
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New disabled benefit test piloted in region may cause delays and unnecessary anxiety
A NEW benefits test for disabled people – being piloted in the region – may be causing delays and anxiety unnecessarily, the first results suggest. Successful new claims for the personal independence payment (PIP) are higher than for disability
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Romantic Valentine's Day breakfast cooked up on locomotive's footplate in Shildon
ROMANTIC rail fans cooked up a Valentine’s Day breakfast on the footplate of a historic locomotive. A platter of heart-shaped sausages and eggs was heated up today (Thursday, February 13) by the crew of Sir Nigel Gresley, the A4 class engine on
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Giant artwork unveiled at Gateshead development
A GIANT piece of artwork, the largest of its kind in the world, has been unveiled in the North-East. The landmark structure, Halo, has been installed at the Trinity Square development in Gateshead, on the site of the former Get Carter car park.
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Angel's Share bakers prove they are game for anything in final of Britain's Best Bakery
A PAIR of North Yorkshire bakers proved they were game for anything during the grand final of a TV competition. Alex Franks and Di Dinsdale, from the Angels Share at The Station, Richmond, were tasked with creating an Iconic Bake for the ITV programme
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Ex-paramedic who groped patient in back of ambulance cleared of misconduct in public office
A FORMER paramedic who groped a patient in the back of an ambulance has been cleared of misconduct in public office. William Thomas Mitchell admitted the charge at a hearing at Durham Crown Court in December, after his barrister, David Comb, failed
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Sir Nigel Gresley set to steam in to Shildon to join Mallard's anniversary show
PLANS to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Mallard’s world record breaking exploits this weekend are on track as the final historic engine steamed in to Shildon. The A4 class engine Sir Nigel Gresley travelled along the track today (Thursday, February
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Proving that in Stockton romance is not dead
ONE of the region's most historic towns has been voted the least romantic in the North-East. In the hope of disproving the assertion, reporter Chris Webber and his date went in search of romance in Stockton. NO one is suggesting that Stockton can
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New Women's Football season to start with a North-East derby
THE opening round of Women's Super League 2 fixtures will feature the first-ever North-East derby between the newly-formed Durham Women's FC and Sunderland Ladies. The game, which will be staged at New Ferens Park on Thursday, April 17, will mark
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Jackson inspired by older generation
LEE Jackson insists he's not quite ready to call time on his Olympic career and is taking inspiration from a forty something who is still winning medals. Jackson finished 42nd in biathlon's 20km individual - the final event of his campaign in Sochi
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Fire services issues advice for national chip week
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service are urging chip lovers to take care when they take part in National Chip Week between February 17 and 23. They are advising people to cook chips in the oven, or in a temperature controlled deep-fat fryer rather
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Speeding motorist who spurned £100 fixed penalty ends with £480 court bill
A SPEEDING motorist, who spurned a £100 fixed penalty offer, ended the saga with a £480 court bill. James Wilson was clocked by police driving his Dodge Nitro vehicle at 40-miles per hour on a 30-limit stretch of Cockhouse Lane, leaving Ushaw Moor
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Girl who saved deaf sister from house fire receives bravery award
A 13-YEAR-OLD girl who sprang into action to save her profoundly deaf sister from a house fire has been rewarded for her selfless bravery. Sarah Middleton led 16-year-old sister Emily from the family home in the Teesdale village of Butterknowle
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Soap stars and postal workers to raise cash for children's hospice
CHARITY MATCH: Stars of the Emmerdale cast will take on York postal staff next month to raise cash for children’s hospice Martin House Hospice at Boston Spa. Funds raised from the football match will go to the hospice that care for children with
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Homeless man stole Stella
A HOMELESS man who stole ten cans of lager from a Darlington Sainsbury’s has been sentenced to a six-month community order. Nicholas Roberts, 23, admitted the theft when he appeared before Darlington Magistrates’ Court today (Thursday, February
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Mowden duo set for home honours
FIVE North-East players, including two from the host club, have been named in the England Counties squad of 23 for the match against Ireland Clubs XV at Darlington Mowden Park's Northern Echo Arena next Friday (7.30). Mowden skipper Cameron Mitchell
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African band to play at launch concert for Whitby music festival
FESTIVAL LAUNCH: A grammy-nominated band from Mali will perform at the launch of a Whitby music festival. Bassekou Kouyate and Ngoni Ba’s latest album has won numerous accolades and is known for the use of the ngoni, an African lute. The performance
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Historic buildings lecture
CYRIL Winskell, a conservation architect, will give a free lecture titled Historic Buildings: Their Use and Reuse in the Williams Library of St Chad’s College, 18 North Bailey, Durham, on Wednesday, February 26, at 5.30pm. The lecture is the first
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Museum curator to speak at local history group meeting
HISTORY TALK: The speaker at the next meeting of the Upper Dales Family History Group will be Lynda Powell, curator of the Green Howards Museum in Richmond, who will be giving an insight for family historians into the history and role of the Volunteer
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North Yorkshire gamekeeper fined for setting trap which could have injured birds of prey
A GAMEKEEPER on an expensive shooting estate has been fined after admitting setting a trap which could injure wild birds. Harrogate Magistrates Court heard the RSPB and two expert witnesses were convinced Ryan Waite, who maintained the Swinton
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Councillor questions bungalows demolition
A COUNCILLOR has questioned the wisdom of demolishing two bungalows at a council headquarters. Contractors are in the process of knocking down two bungalows at the entrance to County Hall, Durham. They were formerly caretakers’ homes, but have
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Durham Tories demand council tax freeze
CONSERVATIVES have called on Durham County Council to freeze council tax. Yesterday (Wednesday, February 12), the authority’s Labour cabinet backed a 1.99 per cent rise, the biggest allowed without triggering a local referendum, which would raise
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Tax advice centres in North Yorkshire to close to make way for call centres and individual appointments
TAX advice for North Yorkshire residents is now to be given over the phone instead of in a drop-in centre. Face-to-face support will still be available for customers who need extra help with tax returns, tax credits and child benefit entitlements
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Former County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service HQ up for sale
The former site of the headquarters of the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service is up for sale. The land at Framwellgate Moor, Durham City, has outline permission for a housing development and buyers are being sought by the Newcastle
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Comic Jason Manford brings First World Problems to the region
JASON MANFORD One of the North’s top comedians, Jason Manford, will entertain crowds with his new show First World Problems when he appears at Darlington’s Civic Theatre on Friday February 21 and Saturday February 22. Tickets cost £20.50 or £22.50.
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Theatre Review: La Traviata, Russian State Ballet and Opera House, Darlington Civic Theatre
Review: Amy Ryan (Darlington College journalism student) The Russian State Ballet and Opera House performance of ‘La Traviata’ at Darlington Civic Theatre was well done. Combined with the rich tones of its soprano, baritone and tenor singers
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Cause of fire at Catterick Bridge pub is still unknown
THE CAUSE of a fire that has destroyed a former coaching inn dating back to the 17th century is still unknown. The Bridge House Hotel in Catterick Bridge - opposite Catterick Racecourse - was empty when the blaze began shortly after 11pm last
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Consultation on plan that will influence decisions on fracking, quarrying and waste disposal in North Yorkshire
RESIDENTS can have their say on how major issues such as fracking, quarrying and waste disposal are approached in North Yorkshire. A Minerals and Waste Joint Plan is currently being put together by North Yorkshire County Council, the City of York
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Business base created at Middleton mart
BUILDERS have moved onto an auction mart to start creating a base for small rural businesses. The £147,000 scheme at Middleton-in-Teesdale Auction Mart, in County Durham, will see four units developed for new or growing businesses. Work started
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Suspected suspicious package at Catterick army base was a false alarm
A SUSPICIOUS package handed into an army barracks in Catterick Garrison was a false alarm. North Yorkshire Police were called at 11.35am today after a suspicious package was delivered to the barracks in the Garrison. Police officers and army
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Middlesbrough named as first North-East Local Alcohol Action Area
MEASURES are being taken to stop binge drinking in Middlesbrough, named the first town in the region to take part in a new Government pilot scheme. Twenty zones across England and Wales are being set up as Local Alcohol Action Areas (LAAAs) to
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Yellow fever vaccination shortage prompts warning from Ferryhill Station couple
HOLIDAYMAKERS are being warned to plan their travel jabs well in advance as the global yellow fever vaccination shortage continues. Janet and Gabriel McDonagh, of Ferryhill Station in County Durham, spent months phoning around North-East surgeries
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Could you be a Durham angel?
A ROLLER derby team is appealing for new members. Durham City Rolling Angels are looking for more skaters interested in trying out the sport. Player Leslie Ann Spence said: “I really enjoy it and it keeps you pretty fit. “You do have to
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Apprentice caretaker stole from pensioner in sheltered housing complex
AN apprentice caretaker at a sheltered housing complex was branded mean and despicable after he repeatedly let himself into a pensioner's flat and stole her money. Philip Findlay used a master key to get access to the 93-year-old's home in Aspen
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Government scheme to increase energy efficiency in the region
A GOVERNMENT scheme is offering households in the North-East the opportunity to increase their energy efficiency. Families could cut money on energy bills and warm their homes by becoming more energy efficient. The Warm Up North initiative
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Job cuts and council tax rise on the horizon at Stockton Borough Council
MORE cuts are planned at a council at the same time as a likely tax rise. Stockton Borough Council is considering both the coming financial year’s detailed budget and also a four year financial plan. But even if the authority achieves its plan
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Durham biker conquers 8,000km charity challenge
A MAN originally from the North-East has completed an 8,000km motorbike challenge. Chris Prickett was one of just 14 bikers to successfully tackle this year’s Budapest to Bamako rally. Participants must travel 8,141km from Budapest, Hungary
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Region battered by storms - and more are on the way
MORE than 60,000 households experienced powercuts as storms battered the North-East and North Yorkshire; bringing down trees, damaging property and causing rail disruption. Northern Powergrid engineers continued to work throughout today (Thursday
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Series of events planned to mark International Women's Day
A STRING of events are being planned across the region to celebrate International Women’s Day next month. Taking place on March 8, International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global event which aims to celebrate the achievements of women past, present
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Rapper Adam Skidmore goes on the record to turn his life around
A TEENAGE rapper who is using his painful childhood as inspiration for powerful song lyrics is recording his first album. A drugs courier at the age of 13 who used to play with his parents' heroin needles, a career in crime seemed inevitable for
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A prickly customer? The new Citroen Cactus
MY WIFE sometimes accuses me of wrapping my cars in cotton wool (by which she means I don't leave the remains of a half-eaten sandwich in the passenger door bin) - but I have never wrapped a car in bubble wrap. However, that's exactly what idosyncratic
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Three Middlesbrough men jailed for grooming underage girls for sex
FIVE girls groomed on the streets of a North-East town are still being “tortured” by supporters of the men who abused them, their families said tonight. The mother of one of the teenage victims spoke out after two men and a 17-year-old youth were
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Newton Aycliffe school heads for the clouds
A SCHOOL has brought the outside in with a £30,000 learning lab designed to encouraging independent learning. Greenfield Community College in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, is one of only seven schools in the world taking part in School in the
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Pensioner dishonestly claimed over £26,000 in benefits
A PENSIONER who dishonestly claimed over £26,000 in benefits will be sentenced at Teesside Crown Court. Between 2006 and 2012, 69-year-old Ian Dowson claimed pension credit and council tax benefit without notifying the authorities of changes to
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Charity role for town's PCSOs
POLICE in Darlington have launched an initiative aimed at bringing them closer to the communities they serve. The aim is for Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) to spend at least one shift a month at one of the borough’s 300 charities, support
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Man who shared prison cell with Mandela tells Sunderland students about his fight against apartheid
A SOUTH African who shared a prison cell with Nelson Mandela for a year has spoken about his fight against apartheid. Zola Zembe addressed a gathering of secondary school pupils at a History in the Making event at the National Glass Centre in Sunderland
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1940s Farm at Beamish Museum providing a snapshot of life on the Home Front
A FARM at a North-East museum has been transformed to provide a snapshot of life on the Home Front during the Second World War. Home Farm at Beamish Museum near Stanley, County Durham, has been recast as 1940s Farm and furnished in the style of
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Memorial service for long-serving Sunderland journalist
A MEMORIAL service will be held next week for a retired journalist who died in South America while on a cruise. Bob Horn, 69, of Grindon, Sunderland, spent most of his career on the city’s evening paper, The Sunderland Echo, working for many years
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Charity night on the cards for Friends of Redcar Cemetery
THE Friends of Redcar Cemetery is organising a fundraiser after securing a special charity performance by the Cutty Wren Folk Club at the Redcar Bowling Club. The event takes place on Tuesday, February 18, from 8pm until 11pm, and entry costs £2
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Fitness centre to be opened despite objections
A FITNESS centre will be opened in a residential area, despite fears it could cause anti-social behaviour. A former motorcycle repair shop on Crosby Street, Darlington, will be converted into a fitness centre after planning permission was agreed
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Mains burst leaves homes without water
MORE than 1,200 properties were left without water after a mains burst. It happened at Beamish, near Chester-le-Street, in County Durham before 7am this morning (Thursday, February 13). It affected the village and the open air museum, High
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Acoustic duo to perform Valentine's Day gig in Crook
JOE and Olly, a talented guitar and harmonica duo, will perform an acoustic gig at The Colliery pub at Job’s Hill Bank in Crook, County Durham, from 9pm tomorrow (Friday, February 14). Entry is free.
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Intermediate German class
The Chester-le-Street Community Association runs an intermediate German class on Friday afternoons between 1.30pm and 4.30pm at its centre on Newcastle Bank. The cost is £4 per session. For details call 0191-3884752. Health drop-in: A weekly drop-in
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Couple mark their special day with distinctive engagement ring
A SENIOR curator at a North-East art gallery has proposed to his girlfriend with a ring chosen from an artist whose work is part of its collection. James Beighton planned a trip to Amsterdam with his girlfriend Emily Hesse and after a day in the
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Mother ran pushchair over ex-husband's feet
A MOTHER who ran a buggy over her ex-husband’s feet was described as being "spiteful" as she admitted assault by beating in court. Prosecutor Blair Martin told Darlington Magistrates’ Court today (Thursday, February 13) that 35-year-old Elizabeth
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Volunteers shortlisted for national award
A GROUP of young volunteers has reached the finals of a national awards programme. Youngsters who worked with the Darlington community as part of the National Citizenship Service (NCS) scheme have been named as one of just three finalists in the
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Dave Lee Travis cleared of 12 indecent assault charges
VETERAN DJ Dave Lee Travis has today been cleared of 12 charges of indecent assault. But the jury at London's Southwark Crown Court failed to reach verdicts on two other charges and were discharged. Dave Lee Travis career and trial in
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Step back in time for Fifties festival at Mima in Middlesbrough
PIN curls, eyeliner flicks and big band music will take visitors back in time at a ‘Fifties festival day’. To coincide with the launch of Mima latest exhibition, Art and Optimism in 1950s, the art gallery is hosting the free event on Saturday,
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Table top sale in aid of toddler group
North Stainley Baby and Toddler Group, near Ripon, will be holding its annual indoor table top sale on Sunday, March 23 at the village hall, between 2pm and 4pm. There is a £5 charge per table. All proceeds will go to the toddler group. To book a table
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Image of 'hard' northerners takes a knock
A STUDY of how people react to relationship break-up has challenged the stereotype of ‘southern softies’ and ‘hard’ northerners. The survey of more than 2,000 adults from all over the UK found that people from the North-East would take the most
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Fundraising idea gets stamp of approval from air ambulance
AN air ambulance charity is encouraging people to donate used postage stamps so they can be converted into cash. The stamps are an extra source of income for the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS), which needs £4m to run the service every
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Board member sought for Bishop Auckland and Shildon area action partnership
BOARD MEMBER: A new member is being sought to join Bishop Auckland and Shildon Area Action Partnership’s board. The group meets at least six times a year to discuss local priorities and projects. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday, February
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North-East law firms take custody of Swinburn and Jackson case files
CLIENTS of a collapsed North-East law firm are being reassured that their cases are now being handled by other local practices. The joint administrators of Gateshead-based Swinburne and Jackson LLP, Gordon Goldie and Matt Higgins of Tait Walker
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Bid for wind turbine in North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is withdrawn
AN application to build a wind turbine on farmland near a popular walkway has been withdrawn. A planning application was lodged late last year with Durham County Council for a single wind turbine at Lindisfarne Farm in the village of Rowley, near
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KitKat maker predicts another challenging year
NESTLE expects another challenging year, preventing it again from delivering on its long-term targets, after price erosion in Europe and slower emerging market demand made sales growth slow to 4.6 per cent in 2013. "Last year was challenging and
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Middlesbrough's home suffering 22 per cent fuel poverty
ADVICE on reducing energy bills and switching providers is being given in a North-East town where more than a fifth of its homes are suffering from fuel poverty. ‘Heat & Eat’ events are taking place in Middlesbrough at Thorntree Community Hub
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Visitors to Mallard anniversary display in Shildon warned to expect traffic delays
VISITORS travelling to The Great Goodbye event are being urged to plan their journeys as large crowds are expected. Staff at Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon are finalising the display which starts on Saturday. (February 15)
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Benkenstein leaves Durham to become Hampshire's new head coach
DALE BENKENSTEIN has left Durham to become the new head coach of Hampshire. Durham have confirmed Benkenstein's departure from Chester-le-Street, and the South African is due to be confirmed as part Hampshire's coaching staff later this afternoon
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Fashion show at Polam Hall School, Darlington, boosts charity funds
PUPILS at Polam Hall School took to the catwalk, raising more than £1,000 for the British Heart Foundation. About 50 senior and junior students took part in the fashion show, from managing the lighting to modelling the outfits. The charity
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Thousands expected at resort's Coastival festival this weekend
THOUSANDS are expected to visit Scarborough for its annual arts festival. The three-day Coastival festival opens tomorrow (Friday, February 14) and will feature 100 events – the majority of which are free. One of the highlights will be Orpheus
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Equipment stolen from internet mast in North Yorkshire
EQUIPMENT has been stolen from an internet mast in North Yorkshire which provides broadband for the local area. Ryedale Police are appealing for information following the theft near Newton-upon-Rawcliffe, in the Pickering area. At about 10am on
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From me (37) to you
I HAVE to break the bad news to Mitch Benn that even at 64, rather than his current life total of 44, he would still be too young to be a Beatle. It is a mark of the Liverpudlian wit ingrained in the standup comic that allows the London-based performer
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Best bull in the business
IT might sound like a paradoxical thing to say, but not every pub located in the country can be described as a “country pub”. Plenty want to be, only to fall into the trap of pandering to the stereotype of what a traditional rural pub should be.
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Classical by Gavin Engelbrecht
REVIEWS: Rossini: The Complete Overtures Vol 4 (Naxos 8.572735) This is the final instalment of what has been a fantastic series showcasing Rossini’s overtures. It includes the farcical comedy Il barbiere di Siviglia, themes of flirtation and disguise
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Many workers 'expect pay freeze'
MANY workers expect pay to be frozen or remain below inflation this year amid warnings that the "severe fall" in real wages will not be reversed until there is a big improvement in productivity. A study by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and
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Country by Brian Clough
ERIC Church – The Outsiders is the new release on the Decca label from this award-winning artist. Originally from North Carolina, Church played in bars and formed a band with college mates called Mountain Boys. After graduation, he became engaged
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Folk by Jez Lowe
GREETINGS from Barbados, first port of call for me on the Celtic music cruise of the Caribbean. My fellow performers on this adventure include Donal Clancy, son of the great Irish ballad singer Liam Clancy, and Tom Sweeney, whose grandmother, Sarah
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Jazz by Peter Bevan
WHAT’S ON: Friday, Mark Toomey Quartet, Travellers Rest, Cockerton, 01325- 382676; Sunday, Alan Law, Forum Music Centre, Darlington, 01325-363135. CD REVIEWS: Tord Gustavsen Quartet/Extended Circle (ECM 376 0239) This is the same group which so
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The search is on for Sedgefield's citizen of the year
NOMINATIONS are being sought to find the unsung heroes of a County Durham town. Sedgefield Citizen of the Year celebrates people who go the extra mile to serve the community and is open to anyone who lives or works in the town. Sedgefield Town
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Comedian Rich Hall announces new stand-up gig at Arc in Stockton
Comedian Rich Hall has added another date at the Arc in Stockton where he is performing in April. The deadpan Amercian, best known for his television appearances on Live at the Apollo, QI and Have I got news for you, is visiting the town as part
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Residents face council tax increase in Spennymoor to ensure services
COUNCILLORS have reluctantly agreed to increase Spennymoor’s council tax by 2.5 per cent for 2014-15 after voting not to have a rise for the last three years. Members of the council agreed to the proposal on Tuesday (February 11) because of a cut
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Bard to basics
THE Royal Shakespeare Company is as committed as ever to coming to Newcastle for its annual season, says Erica Whyman, who moved from chief executive with Newcastle-based Northern Stage to become the RSC’s deputy artistic director a year ago. And
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Piloting Ghost Town to the stage
A GIRL lies unconscious on a beach. A boy finds her. What happens next? Once, the play that followed was about the aftermath of the 2011 riots. Now it’s about lost friendship and betrayal. York writer Jessica Fisher’s treatment of Ghost Town
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The Monuments Men (12A, 118 mins)
IS a piece of art worth a man’s life? George Clooney and his producing partner Grant Heslov relentlessly posit that question in their latest passion project, an adaptation of Robert M. Edsel and Bret Witter’s book The Monuments Men. It’s a
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Her (15. 126 mins)
DIRECTOR Spike Jonze has produced another stylish piece to sit alongside his earlier acclaimed successes Being John Malkovich and Adaptation – and earned a best picture Oscar nomination for his efforts. His film centres on a fine performance from
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The Lego Movie (U. 100 mins)
THIS rollicking adventure cleverly employs the latest technical wizardry to mimic the crude, imperfect movements of stop-motion animation. The LEGO Movie is a hoot, celebrating the enduring power and popularity of a toy invented in the late 1940s.
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Cuban Fury (Certificate 15. 98 mins)
NICK Frost kicks up his heels in Cuban Fury, a ragsto- sequins tale of a one-time dance champion, who rediscovers his mojo to impress a woman. As a teenager, Bruce Garrett (Frost) won trophies with his sister Sam (Olivia Colman) under the tutelage
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Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 2 (U, 95 mins, Sony £19.99 Blu-ray £24.99/3D Blu-ray £29.99)
INVENTOR Flint Lockwood (voiced by Bill Hader) excitedly goes to work for his idol, Chester V (Will Forte), CEO of Live Corp in San Franjose. He embarks on a top-secret mission back to Swallow Falls where it transpires that the machine, which transformed
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Blue Jasmine (12, 98 mins, Warner DVD £19.99/Blu-ray £22.99)
JASMINE (Cate Blanchett) and her businessman husband, Hal (Alec Baldwin), enjoy a privileged life in New York. The society wife has little time for her sister Ginger (Sally Hawkins) or then-brother-in-law Augie (Andrew Dice Clay), who foolishly
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The Fifth Estate (15, 128 mins, Entertainment One, DVD £15.99)
LONDON, July 2010. In the offices of The Guardian, editor Alan Rusbridger (Peter Capaldi), Deputy Ian Katz (Dan Stevens) and reporter Nick Davies (David Thewlis) are poised to publish their front page story about the Bradley Manning leaks. The
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Cage the Elephant: Melophobia
MELOPHOBIA kicks off in style with Spiderhead, bounding along with slightly distorted guitar and vocals. The brilliant Come A Little Closer takes over and the promise of greatness from the US rockers is clear. There’s much to recommend, such as
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Kilto Take: Resolute
INDIE rockers Kilto Take bring to mind Echo And The Bunnymen, Editors and, particularly, early U2. There’s more than a hint of Muse too as frontman Jon Crosby’s powerful voice soars over a seemingly endless supply of rousing, melodic choruses.
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Angel Olsen: Burn Your Fire For No Witness
FINDING beauty in lo-fi, scraggy production, this fiery LP mixes short, sharp bursts of adrenaline with darker, more introspective moments. Chicago-based indiefolk upstart Angel Olsen’s latest album takes classicsounding country-inspired numbers
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Bridging the generations with sunflowers
A PRIORITY for The Northern Echo in 2014 is to do justice to the centenary of the First World War. This is a milestone of extraordinary significance and it must be properly remembered. Our planning on centenary coverage has been underway for
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We Are In The Crowd: Weird Kids
FROM the smooth piano introduction of Long Live The Kids, which builds effortlessly into a guitar-driving anthem, this is something a bit special. The second album from the New York five-piece is full of quality, well-written songs, which still
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Neil Finn: Dizzy Heights
THE New Zealand veteran returns with his third solo album and his first since 2001. The title track, with Finn’s vocals uncannily reminiscent of Pet Shop Boys frontman Neil Tennant, is one of many about aspiring to – or falling from – heights.
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Nina Nesbitt: Peroxide
NINETEEN-YEAR-OLD Nina Nesbitt proved a hit at last summer’s festivals and that stage confidence shows on her debut album. Peroxide delivers a confident, street-savvy take on folk, with the lyrics encapsulating her times with maturity and subtle
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Guided by Voices: Motivational Jumpsuit
IF ever there was an artist unqualified to write a song called Writer’s Bloc, it would be Guided By Voices main man Robert Pollard. Still, the track is there, along with 22 others, on the band’s fifth album since reforming in 2010. It’s also the
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Anti-social behaviour is because residents have nothing to do, according to councillor
ANTI-SOCIAL behaviour in Darlington comes because its residents have nothing to do, according to a local councillor. Following concerns raised at a PACT meeting, Councillor David Regan said unemployment and the effects of the credit crunch were
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Dynamic blues
THE strongest and most dynamic international line-up in the four-year history of the Durham Blues Festival will take to the stage of the city’s Gala Theatre on Saturday, June 21. Festival-goers will be able to see 12 different artists, with some
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Wail and hearty
THE iconic reggae sound of Bob Marley will be the main feature of this year’s Willowman Festival, in North Yorkshire, thanks to a bill-topping appearance by The Wailers. Now in its fifth year, the event has gained a national reputation for offering
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Artist William Tillyer visits gallery at his former school Whinney Banks primary in Middlesbrough
A RENOWNED painter who has hosted a major exhibition in his hometown gallery has viewed the artwork he inspired pupils at his former school to create. Middlesbrough-born artist William Tillyer returned to the town’s Whinney Banks primary to talk
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While Carla’s away, Tina’s caught at play
I CAN see the headlines now in Soapland’s Daily Bugle – COUPLES IN CRISIS. Nothing unusual, you might say, but it does seem to be particularly bad in the wake of Valentine’s Day. Take Tina. Well, anyone can take Tina. She’s always available
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Blow for £17m student digs scheme, as Durham University objects
MULTI-million pound plans to turn a former mental hospital into digs for 440 students have suffered a major blow, after Durham University objected. A consortium is seeking consent for a £17m scheme to transform the former County Hospital, off North
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Energy provider looks to create jobs after earnings rise
POWER supplier EDF Energy says it hopes to create new jobs after its nuclear power stations boosted annual UK earnings. The gas and electricity company, which operates the Hartlepool Nuclear Power Station, said earnings reached £1.69bn last year
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New weight-loss surgery clinic is response to growing obesity epidemic
A GRANDFATHER-OF-EIGHT who had his life transformed after losing 10 stone with the help of weight-loss surgery has welcomed plans to open a new clinic to tackle County Durham’s obesity epidemic. Wayne Gower, 50, from Sacriston, County Durham, had
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Cabaret night to raise charity funds
AN evening of comedy, burlesque and comedy in aid of the British Heart Foundation will be held at Cockerton Club on Saturday, March 8. The event will feature four acoustic musicians, as well as burlesque dancers and drag act Sateen Sheets as the
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Five minutes with Matt Richardson
At 22 years of age Matt Richardson is one of the youngest stand-ups on the UK comedy scene. He’s the latest, babyfaced, comedian to cohost ITV2’s Xtra Factor and has appeared in ITV’s Celebrity Juice, BBC2’s Never Mind the Buzzcocks and BBC3’s
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Long Run team aiming for a winning streak
LONG RUN and Knockara Beau headline a field of just four runners for today’s Ivan Straker Memorial Chase at Kelso. Long Run, winner of the 2011 Cheltenham Gold Cup, appears to have lost a little of his old dash recently and he last tasted victory
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Clerk’s the choice at Kempton
CLERK’S CHOICE did not enjoy the rub of the green on his final outing of 2013 but he can make an ideal start to this year in the Cheltenham 2014 NRFB At BetVictor.com Handicap at Kempton. The eight-year-old has proved a useful dual-purpose performer
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Godolphin release review findings
SHEIKHMOHAMMED has been exonerated from any direct involvement in the Godolphin doping scandal. The Emirati ruler and leading owner instructed the former Metropolitan Police chief commissionerLordStevenstoreview the damaging series of reports last
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Battling Alcott delighted with 19th-placed finish
IT wasn’t a record, a personal best or even top ten. Indeed when they come to write the history of these Games, Chemmy Alcott’s 19th place in a memorable Olympic women’s downhill won’t even be a footnote. However, Britain’s best alpine skier in
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Baines determined to make most of his double chance
JOHN BAINES will get two chances to enjoy his debut Olympic experience – and he’s determined to make them count. Baines secured selection for Great Britain’s second string four-man bobsleigh crew last month and will now race alongside pilot Lamin
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Captain Joe’s going back to his Yorkshire Roots
ANDREW GALE has confirmed that Joe Root will open the batting for Yorkshire in the LV= County Championship when available this summer. The Yorkshire captain believes the 23-year-old should not have been shunted up and down the England Test order
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Moyes refuses to give up on a top-four finish
Final score: Arsenal 0 Manchester United 0 MANAGER David Moyes maintains his Manchester United side will never give up the battle to close in on the top four of the Premier League after battling to a goalless draw at title-challengers Arsenal.
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Pools look to extend Williams and Barmby loans
WITH both players making an instant impression at Hartlepool United, extending the loan periods of Luke Williams and Jack Barmby is on the agenda. Williams’ goal put Pools on the way to victory at Dagenham last weekend, while Barmby sealed victory
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Winter Serenade, Durham Singers, Elvet Methodist Church, Durham City
I will get straight to the point - Winter you're nothing but a rogue. These sentiments, sung in French with defiant gusto, summed up The Durham Singers' latest concert at Elvet Methodist Church, in Durham City. Yver, vous n'estes qu'un villain,
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No limits to ambition, claims Rodgers
LIVERPOOL manager Brendan Rodgers insists there are ‘‘no limits’’ to his team’s ambition after they closed to just four points behind Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea. Rodgers has been careful to play down his team’s title prospects, and
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Match This
FTBpro writer and FdA Journalism student Jack Kenmare has been invited to London to meet famous Match of the Day pundit Alan Hansen for a Q and A session and an in-depth match analysis from the former Liverpool star. The 20-year-old will join other
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England call on Durham’s Colly
TRIPLE Ashes-winner Paul Collingwood will be assistant coach to Ashley Giles for England’s forthcoming tour of the West Indies and the World Twenty20 in Bangladesh. Collingwood’s temporary stint was the second significant appointment by the England
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It’s a matter of life or lunchbox
AM I wrong in saying that, by nature, us dads are simply more accommodating that mums? I don’t think I am – let me give you an example. A little while back, before leaving for work, I was in the shower at home when the telephone rang downstairs
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Creaky blighter
LAST week’s column on 60s centre forward Bill Hopper recalled the illuminating Wednesday night in Blackpool when his goal helped Darlington to a 2-1 League Cup victory over s first division side including four England internationals. George McGeachie
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Police search for Middlesbrough man missing for almost a fortnight
POLICE have issued an image of a man who has been missing for almost two weeks. Joseph McGarry was reported missing yesterday (Tuesday, February 12) but has not been seen since Saturday, February 1. The 56 year-old has a medical condition which
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Reasonable grounds
TOW LAW wasn’t just wild on Saturday, it was totally out of control. You knew as much when an untethered washing basket bowled past on the walk down to the ground. Then there was the wind turbine, erected to generate electricity for the floodlights
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The Hairy Bikers’ Asian Adventure (BBC2, 8pm)
IT must be a hard life being a TV chef. No sooner have you released your latest tome of recipes, over which you’ve doubtless slaved for months, and already your audience is clamouring for you to dream up some more. It must be like being a mum,
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George Gently (BBC1, 8.30pm)
THE times, they are a-changing, as George Gently and Bacchus realise during their latest case, which looks like a particularly grim and laughfree episode of Hi-de-Hi. It’s now 1969 and the permissive society has finally made it to the duo’s patch
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Benidorm (ITV1, 9pm)
YOU could be forgiven for thinking you’re seeing things this week in Benidorm, with Rustie Lee and The Krankies guest starring as swingers, not to mention Joan Collins popping up as a VIP businesswoman. It’s all part of this series finale. Dynasty
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Garmin Arenacross Tour, Newcastle Arena
IT’S probably among the more unusual requests made of bosses at the Metro Arena. Forget M&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 dirt had
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Micro-chipping session for dogs
WOMEN’S INSTITUTE: The Women’s Institute meets at 7pm on the first Monday of each month in the small hall of Lanchester Community Centre. Every member can contribute to the annual programme of speakers, activities and events. Women are allow to
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Watching Brief
NEW comedies for this year from BBC4 include Detectorists, a six-part comedy written, starring and directed by Mackenzie Crook. He stars as wannabe archaeologist Andy, who, alongside friend Lance, spends time in muddy fields with a metal detector
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The smoking debate
SHOULD smoking in a car when a child is present become illegal we must fervently hope that the law is administered more effectively than that which bans the use of a mobile telephone while driving. Peter Elliott, Eaglescliffe. I AM a 75-year-old
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Mallard: first among equals
THE Mallard was designed by Sir Nigel Gresley. All the A4 class engines were wind tunnel-tested and aerodynamically designed to do speeds over 100mph. This was at a time when most steam engines could hardly reach 90mph. On July 3, 1938,
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Flood help
PRIME Minister David Cameron has vowed that “money is no object” in the fight to beat the floods (Echo, Feb 12). Do not hold your breath on this one. Saying it and actually dealing out the cash are worlds apart. What Mr Cameron has not said is
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Having faith
SOME time ago we were invited to partake in the original Holocaust Memorial Service. I was grateful, but insisted that all the other minorities persecuted by the Nazis be included in the service and that other global tragedies should also be remembered
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Macho man
THERE is no inconsistency in Princes Charles and William campaigning against the elimination of whole species and wild creatures and their love of sport (Echo, Feb 10). Were all wild creatures eliminated, some other targets would have to be found
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Residents' joy as bid to extend hours at Durham drug treatment centre dropped
RESIDENTS are delighted after their campaign to prevent a controversial drug and alcohol treatment centre opening late into the evening ended in success. People living in Whinney Hill, Durham City, have been fighting to stop the Centre for Change
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Nick Clegg fights back with drugs
HERE are five words you haven’t heard too often over these difficult years: “Three cheers for Nick Clegg.” Yes, many will never forgive the deputy prime minister for his broken promises – and his poll ratings remain dire – but now, at last, there is
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Why cheap booze is a killer
IN recent years the increasing affordability of alcohol has resulted in an increase in the levels of consumption of highstrength beer and cider and has caused a worrying upsurge in alcohol-related damage to health. As well as damaging people’s health
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Long-term teamwork
EVEN in the midst of a disaster, there are political points to be scored. David Cameron must appear to be in control as an “almost unparalleled natural crisis” engulfs Britain. He must be seen to be acting decisively and promising to help those
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Bandsmen keep in tune thanks to store funding boost
BRASS bandsmen and women are blowing their trumpets with extra gusto after a funding boost following the opening of a new supermarket. Cheques for £250 were handed to representatives of both Durham Miners’ Association Brass Band and Hetton Town
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Graham confident the goals will come
DANNY GRAHAM believes it is only a matter of time before Middlesbrough end their goal drought and the striker believes wide men Mustapha Carayol and Albert Adomah could hold the key to the ending his own barren spell in front of goal. Boro’s goalless
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Steel ordered for ambitious steam engine project
PLANS to build Britain’s most powerful steam locomotive have reached a major milestone, with an order placed for the engine’s steel frames. The multi-million pound P2 locomotive number 2007, Prince of Wales, will be built in Darlington. Tata
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Catterick hotel destroyed by fire
THE Bridge House Hotel in Catterick Bridge, North Yorkshire, has been destroyed by fire overnight. Six fire crews were called to the building, which is undergoing renovation and is not believed to be occupied, after a series of 999 calls reported
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Analysis of police photographs casts fresh doubt on One Armed Bandit Murder
INVESTIGATORS say analysis of gruesome official police photographs casts further doubt on the conviction of two men for the notorious One-Armed Bandit murder. Joe Willis reports. NEW research suggests fruit machine collector Angus Sibbet was shot
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Sunderland's fixture congestion worsens - but Poyet defends decision to call off Man City game
GUSTAVO POYET accepts that Sunderland's fixture congestion has worsened after last night's game at Manchester City was postponed an hour before kick off, but the Black Cats boss feels Greater Manchester Police made the only decision that was available
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Team GB kayaker tells of dramatic rescue after injuring his back paddling down waterfall
A TEAM GB kayaker has told of his dramatic rescue after he injured his back while paddling down a waterfall on a swollen Yorkshire Dales river. About 40 firefighters and volunteers from Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team (SMRT) came to the aid of 20
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Which Durham courses made the top ten?
THROUGHOUT England there are around 1,900 golf clubs. Which of those has the best course? Debates have raged for decades, numerous rankings have been published and many of them disputed. Every golfer has a favourite and a recently updated list
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Sexual trauma expert lends support to Medomsley Detention Centre abuse inquiry
A LEADING sexual trauma expert has been drafted in to provide extra support to a team of detectives investigating abuse at a former North-East detention centre. Psychotherapist Zoe Lodrick visited the Durham Constabulary Police headquarters at
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Magpies boss slams performance after Spurs defeat
A FURIOUS Alan Pardew slammed his players for an 'unacceptable performance' that condemned Newcastle United to a fourth consecutive league home defeat for the first time in the Premier League era. After the Magpies had fallen behind to Emmanuel
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Deal saves North-East care home jobs
DOZENS of jobs have been saved after a buyer was found for a North-East care home. Solehawk has agreed a deal to buy Craigielea Nursing Home, in Low Fell, Gateshead, easing fears over the futures of its 79 workers. The home's former operator
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Golf shorts: Paisley focused on nurturing talent
ANDREW Paisley has promised to practise what he preaches by indulging in a few rounds of golf this season. The 33-year-old Hexham professional has been appointed PGA North captain, a role which comes with the perk of invitations to play in as many
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Engineering firm aims to create 700 North-East jobs
AN international engineering firm is bringing 700 jobs to the North-East. Amec wants highly-skilled workers to meet its expanding order book. Bosses told The Northern Echo hundreds of staff, including supervisors, welders and pipe fitters,
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Construction firm backs payment calls
A NORTH-EAST construction firm has backed a business organisation's call to speed up payments between companies. Esh Group, based in Bowburn, near Durham City, says it supports the North-East Chamber of Commerce's (NECC) response to a Government
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'Time for minimum unit pricing on alcohol', says BMA
BETWEEN 2011 and 2012 the North-East NHS spent more money per head than anywhere else in England tackling alcohol-related health problems. Professor Sheila Hollins, chairwoman of the British Medical Association’s board of science, argues that bringing
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Wind rips off part of East Coast train near Northallerton, stranding hundreds of passengers
STRONG winds ripped part of a train off as it passed through North Yorkshire, stranding several hundred passengers last night. The incident happened near Northallerton as the East Coast Kings Cross service made its way to Edinburgh and pulled down
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Kneehigh founder to perform solo Great Expectations in St John's Chapel
GREAT EXPECTATIONS: Dave Mynne and Rabbit Theatre will perform a one man show of the Charles Dickens classic Great Expectations at St John’s Chapel Town Hall in Weardale, County Durham, at 2pm on Sunday, March 2. Mr Mynne, who founded Cornwall’s Kneehigh
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West Auckland animal sanctuary destroyed by storm
AN animal lover has been left devastated after his sanctuary was “obliterated” in the region’s worst storm this winter. Kevin Plummer said after discovering the destruction caused by the gale force winds at Kays Hill Animal Sanctuary, in West Auckland
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Howden-le-Wear history films to be shown
HISTORY FILMS: Cinefilms showing Howden-le-Wear in the 1970s will be shown by Michael Haddon at Howden-le-Wear Community Centre on Tuesday, February 18, at 7pm, for the Howden-le-Wear Local History Society. The films will cover various aspects of village
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Running sessions underway in Hunwick
NEW sessions have started in Hunwick encouraging more beginners to lace up their running shoes. Beginners running is being set up by Hunwick Harriers and will take place on Mondays and Thursdays at Hunwick Recreational Ground. The sessions
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Pub licensees unite to tackle alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour
A SUCCESSFUL scheme which helps pubs clampdown on crime and anti-social behaviour has been extended. Pubwatch has been used by licensees in Bishop Auckland town centre as a way of sharing information and tackling any alcohol related incidents within
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Cockfield teenager in court accused of abducting and engaging in sex with underage girl
An 18-year-old man has appeared in court charged with child abduction and engaging in sexual activity with an underage girl. Thomas Daniel Ebdon is charged with eight offences, including five counts relating to engaging in sexual activity with
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Darlington dogs warmer thanks to Willington knitters
DOGS waiting to be rehomed can enjoy a warmer winter thanks to a knitting group. The Knit and Knatter group based at Willington Community Action Centre has made 19 blankets for dogs at Dogs Trust Darlington’s Rehoming Centre. Rebecca McKeown
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Spectrum announces spring Travel Club trips
A LEISURE centre will be running coach trips around the region this Spring. The Spectrum Leisure Centre has launched the latest schedule for its Travel Club, with trips to the Scottish borders and Whitley bay coming up. The Travel Club was
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Young designers turn trash into fashion for catwalk show
STYLE-conscious youngsters are turning trash into fashion for a special catwalk show. The project involves three Barnard Castle-based organisations – Teesdale School's extended services department, The Hub and Teesdale YMCA. The young designers
