Archive
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Cannabis user ordered supplies over internet from Mexico to avoid local dealers
A CANNABIS user ordered his supply over the internet from Mexico, as it was cheaper and avoided the need to deal with local “undesirables”, a court heard. But James Robert Bridgewater’s downfall came about when HM Revenue and Customs officers intercepted
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Former armed police officer denies making fraudulent claims for £60k for him and his wife
A FORMER police officer is to stand trial later this year over benefit fraud charges relating to claims made for both himself and his wife. Vaughan Dodds is accused of obtaining almost £61,000, to which he and his wife Mandy were not entitled,
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BNP activist loses Gove challenge
A BNP activist who took education secretary Michael Gove to court in a bid to overturn a lifetime teaching ban has lost his appeal. Adam Walker was banned from the classroom for life after receiving a suspended jail sentence for chasing three boys
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Carer who stole from man's bank account facing fresh court hearing
A FORMER nursing home carer who admitted fraudulently withdrawing cash from a resident's bank account will face a fresh court hearing after disputing the amount taken. Alison Robson, of Westbury Street, Thornaby, previously pleaded guilty at Teesside
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Driver arrested over injury accident
POLICE have arrested the driver of a car that knocked over a teenager before Christmas. The accident happened just before 9.30pm, on Saturday, December 21, at the junction of Walker Road and Burstow Avenue, Newcastle. The victim, a 13-year-old
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Drinkers help detain man who attempted to steal social club's takings
DRINKERS at a social club helped to barricade in a man who had attempted to rob the club's takings, a court heard. Heroin addict Peter McGlade was discovered by a steward at Priory Social Club, in Marton Road, Middlesbrough, in a secure area behind
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Dozens of dealers at annual book fair
MORE than 40 book dealers from around the country are expected to attend an annual book fair being held this weekend. The event takes place at County Hall, in Durham from 10am to 4pm tomorrow (Sat, Feb 15). As well as antiquarian and second-hand
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Chaplin lookalike brightens up Valentine's Day for shoppers
LOVE was in the air for one lucky Valentine’s Day shopper in Darlington’s Cormill centre, when they won a two-night break in Paris. Lucky red roses, each one with a raffle ticket stapled to it, were handed out to female shoppers in the centre on
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Historic footpaths in North-East at risk of being lost forever, say Ramblers
HISTORIC footpaths in the North-East are at risk of being lost forever, according to a walking charity. A recent report produced by the Ramblers has revealed a serious backlog of paths waiting to be recognised as public footpaths. Any historic
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Five great things to do this weekend
Historic locos, viking raiders, music, and Alice in Wonderland - there's something for everyone in Darlington and the North-East this weekend. Here's our pick of the events taken from our new What's On section - and don't forget you can find hundreds
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Flying the flag for County Durham with day of celebrations
PLANS are being drawn up for a day of celebrations to promote County Durham’s cultural heritage. Andy Strangeway, who launched a competition to design a flag for the county last year, is continuing his mission to promote regional character within
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Young footballers can tackle new skills at Top Corner Sports in Middlesbrough
A football club is being organised for youngsters next week aimed at four to 11-year-old boys and girls at Top Corner Sports in Middlesbrough from Monday, February 17 to Friday, February 21. It is being run from 10am to 3pm each day costing £12
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Lizzy Yarnold wins gold in Sochi
Britain's Lizzy Yarnold won gold after dominating the women's skeleton from start to finish in the Sochi this afternoon. The 25-year-old, from Sevenoaks, in Kent, finished 0.97 seconds ahead of Noelle Pikus-Pace of United States. Britain claimed
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Lottery funding sees millions given to good causes in the region
MILLIONS of pounds have been plunged into good causes, thanks to lottery funding in the region. National Lottery grants worth £6.5m were invested throughout Darlington and Stockton during 2013. Local arts, sports, heritage and community groups
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Citroen's cheeky city slicker - the new C3
BIGGER, bolder and cheaper to run - what’s not to like about the cheeky new C3 from Citroen? The original C3 didn’t exactly have a mountain to climb to improve on its predecessor, the lacklustre Saxo, but more than three million sales later, its
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Free home energy assessment offer
HOUSEHOLDERS in County Durham have the chance to get a free energy efficiency survey. The UK’s largest energy efficiency initiative is offering 50 assessments for the Government-backed Green Deal scheme on a first-come-first-served basis. The
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Four charged after Asda raids
FOUR men have been arrested and charged following raids at a string of Asda stores, including two in Darlington. They were arrested in Manchester and have been charged with conspiracy to commit burglary. Stores in Neasham Road and Haughton
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Commissioner to look at county's speeding problem
A POLICE and Crime Commissioner is joining residents in the fight against speeding motorists. Ron Hogg, of County Durham and Darlington, is visiting Community Speedwatch events across the force area. So far they have been held at Embleton Drive
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Region's fire services assist in flood battle
FIREFIGHTERS from the region are helping their hard-pressed colleagues in the south deal with the continuing flood disaster. High-volume pumps from across the country have been deployed to the hardest-hit areas, helping in the battle against the
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Fire service to reduce budget
FIRE chiefs in County Durham and Darlington are reducing the budget for the next financial year by almost £700,000. The budget has been set at £29,336, a reduction of £696,000 from the 2013/14 figure. It takes into account further Government
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'Protect your dog against killer disease'
A NORTH-EAST vet is warning pet owners to take extra precautions against the deadly Weil’s disease. The condition is an acute bacterial infection that can be passed on to both animals and humans, caught through contact with infected animal urine
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Angel's Share in Richmond runner-up in Britain's Best Bakery competition
A WEDDING cake proved a slice of heaven for the Angel’s Share Bakery from Richmond – but it was beaten in the final of a culinary talent contest by siblings from a third generation family business. She hadn’t made the centrepiece of a newlywed’
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Beggars in Middlesbrough had homes, survey reveals
BEGGARS on the streets of a North-East town turned out not to be homeless, a survey has revealed. It found that out of 27 people asking strangers for money in Middesbrough just one was genuinely homeless. A joint operation between Cleveland
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Chance for youngsters to make a song and dance
YOUNG drama students are being offered the chance to tread the boards alongside an experienced production cast. Darlington Civic Theatre’s youth theatre and dance group, ArtsSpark, is offering youngsters aged eight and over the chance to take part
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Mixed bag for weekend's weather prospects
FORECASTERS expect calmer weather for the North-East and North Yorkshire this weekend. Although Friday night was wet and windy in many places, with further snowfall on higher ground, forecaster Matt Dobson said Saturday would improve after a showery
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I'll be back insists Lightfoot
AS Amanda Lightfoot fought back the tears she vowed not to be feeling the same way in four years time with the curtain now down on her maiden Winter Olympic campaign in Sochi. Lightfoot saw her schedule at her first ever Games reduced by one after she
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Warning as dangerous drugs hospitalise at least one person in the region
DANGEROUS ecstasy tablets circulating in the region have left at least one person in hospital, according to recent reports. Blue or orange pills with the street name Cowies have potentially serious side effects, according to Darlington’s drug and
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Luxury with a feel of history
IF JASMINE House, in Middleham, was to be described in racing terms – given the town’s connections – it would without doubt be more oddson favourite than also-ran. An elegant grade II listed Georgian property built in 1740, it has everything a
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Cuts and council tax rises on the agenda - it will also cost more to dispose of the dead in Darlington
SPENDING cuts worth millions of pounds will be put before councillors next week, as a cash-strapped authority aims to balance its books. Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet will be asked to support a draft six-year financial plan – containing
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Pigs pirouette at Northern Ballet performance for children at Middlesbrough Theatre
A BALLET for children, Three Little Pigs, is taking to the stage at Middlesbrough Theatre on Tuesday, March 11. The Northern Ballet performance is aimed at introducing youngsters to the world of live dance, music and theatre at 12.15pm, 2pm and
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Victor Chandler writes...
Haydock Park's Saturday feature is the Grand National Trial over 3m 5f on heavy ground and it goes without saying that it will be a thorough test of stamina. Well Refreshed won the corresponding race 12 months ago from a 12lb lower mark but he has been
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New lease of life for miners' institute
A MUCH-LOVED building has been given a new lease of life after refurbishment. Langley Park’s Miners’ Institute on Church Street was officially reopened today (FRI) after a £200,000 refurbishment. Work on the building was desperately needed
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Crowds of rail enthusiasts expected for Mallard's Shildon anniversary party
THOUSANDS of rail enthusiasts are expected to visit a North-East railway museum to see six historic locomotives line-up together for possibly the last ever time. Staff at Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon hope to attract about
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Weekend football betting: the best North-East bets
Sunderland should be well rested for the FA Cup tie against Southampton following the postponement of their midweek trip to Man City, but the Black Cats are slight outsiders at 2/1 with Stan James to reach the quarter final at the first attempt. Saints
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York College fined £175,000 and £45,000 costs after three-year-old died on nursery slide
A COLLEGE has been fined £175,000 following the horrific death of a three-year-old girl as she played at the campus nursery. York College was also ordered to pay £45,000 costs after being found guilty of “systematic” health and safety breaches
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Financial advice to be offered at Newton Aycliffe cancer support meeting
A FRIENDLY cancer support group will meet at Neville Parade Methodist Church in Newton Aycliffe from 6pm to 7.30pm on Thursday, March 6. A Macmillan Cancer Support welfare rights officer will be present to explain his role and the financial help available
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Attempted theft at allotment
ALLOTMENT RAID: Police are investigating after intruders went onto an allotment behind the Ivy Leaf Club, in Burnhope, and forced open shed padlocks. They then tried to remove a mechanical water pump, bicycle and generator without success. Anyone who
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Top award for record producer and ex-Durham schoolboy
DURHAM-born musician, songwriter and record producer Trevor Horn has been recognised for his work. The 64-year-old, who grew up in Houghton-le-Spring and attended Durham’s Johnston Grammar School, received the Outstanding Contribution to UK Music
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Empty shop transformed into play palace
AN empty shop is to be transformed into a half-term play palace while raising money for sick children. The Little Bishops Play Palace will open tomorrow (SAT) in a vacant unit at the Prince Bishops Shopping Centre, in Durham City, providing free
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Centre's exercise session
An exercise drop-in session for people aged 40-plus is held on Mondays in the Chester-le-Street Community Association’s centre on Newcastle Bank, Newcastle Road, from 1 to 2pm. The cost is £3. Eyes down: A weekly bingo session is held at the Brockwell
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More arrests in crackdown on criminals travelling into North Yorkshire
NORTH Yorkshire Police said they have sent out a strong message to travelling criminals after making seven arrests during the latest phase of a rural crime crackdown. Officers with Operation Hawk were targeting criminals who come into North Yorkshire
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Helping veterans get the recognition they deserve
A CHARITY campaigner and fundraiser has turned his attention to gaining veterans medals for his fellow care home residents who served their country. Peter Longstaff is helping veterans at Ventress Hall, in Darlington, to apply for their HM Armed
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Parish councillor brands festival naysayers 'miserable'
A PARISH councillor branded some of his peers’ comments as “miserable” in a debate over whether to support a village music festival. Hurworth Village Hall committee wrote to Hurworth Parish Council asking for a £1,000 donation towards a proposed
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North Yorkshire concert nights
Thirsk and Sowerby Town Hall will be holding its centenary concert on Saturday, March 1 with the Thirsk Royal British Legion brass band and Mowbray Singers. Admission is free. Doors open 7pm and the concert begins 7.30pm. FUNDRAISING CONCERT: Northallerton
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Hundreds raised to help the disabled in Darlington
HUNDREDS of pounds were raised to help the disabled in Darlington recently. Recent events held at The Slaters Arms pub have netted £405 for the Darlington Association on Disability (D.A.D). Pig-racing nights and other fundraising activities
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Morpeth seeking Hetton relay success
MORPETH Harriers will be determined to underline their position as the region's leading senior men's outfit as they chase a hat-trick of victories in Saturday's Royal Signals Road Relay Championships at Hetton. The Northumbrians have already established
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Police join youngsters in Shildon bike marking scheme to deter criminals
POLICE looking to tackle theft in Shildon have joined with youngsters to carry out a bike marking scheme at a primary school. Pupils at Thornhill Primary School, on Thornhill Gardens, worked with the police today (Friday, February 14) as part of
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Newton Aycliffe school spreads global classroom message
A SCHOOL has been promoting its global approach to learning at the world’s biggest education technology show. Microsoft UK invited Jon Tait, assistant headteacher at Woodham Academy in Newton Aycliffe, to give a series of presentations at the Bett
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Pervert who amassed more than 10,000 indecent images is jailed
A PERVERT who took photos of children and amassed a collection of more than 10,000 indecent images has been jailed. Jason McSorley also abused one girl after befriending her family at a church and grooming the youngster with gifts, a court heard
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Marathon lady Susie heads for Easter Island
A MARATHON runner has set off on the first leg of her 9,000-mile journey to Easter Island. Susie Stephen set off from Hummersknott Academy, Darlington, at 10am this morning (Friday February 14) accompanied by pupils from the school who ran alongside
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Gurkha's sporting injury creates small piece of military history
A YOUNG Gurkha who missed his own passing-out parade because of a sporting injury has finally become a fully-fledged soldier. Khop Jung Gurung has become the first Gurkha to complete his military training with a British battalion in over a decade
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On your marks for Sport Relief mile
IT’S almost time to dig out that running kit again – Sport Relief is fast approaching. The Sport Relief mile will be held on Sunday, March 23, at locations around the region. Courses of one, three and six miles will be available to suit those
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The skies the limit for Newton Aycliffe's School in the Cloud
LAST week, Greenfield Community College in Newton Aycliffe cemented its part in a global education experiment. Lizzie Anderson explores County Durham’s first School in the Cloud. ROOM 13, at Greenfield Community College in Newton Aycliffe, could
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Charity organises World Autism Day event
A CHARITY is set to celebrate World Autism Day on Teesside with the return of its annual celebration seminar. MAIN, which works with people on the autism spectrum, will invite a number of guest speakers focusing on the theme of health. Outreach
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Its a bug's life
BUDDING young environmentalists have been given a cash boost towards their school’s community garden. Ox Close Primary School, in Spennymoor, landed a £974 green grant from First TransPennine Express and the Forestry Commission to buy plants and
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School gets life-saving equipment
EMERGENCY equipment that could save lives has been installed at a school thanks to the fundraising efforts of the local parents' association. Ripon Grammar School has taken delivery of a defibrillator, which has been now been mounted in a locked
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Ice mishap is captured on canvas
A YOUNG artist who froze in paint the image of her brother just before he fell through ice is to exhibit the resulting work in London. Former Northallerton College student Lois Ancell photographed her brother Jack as he walked across icy floods
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Housebuilding boosts construction sector
The UK's construction sector grew again in December as the housebuilding market's strong recovery continued. New figures show monthly output increased by two per cent compared to November. Private sector housebuilding rose 5.1 per cent in December
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Green volunteers call
The North Yorkshire Rotters environmental group is holding drop-in sessions for volunteers interested in reducing waste and saving money from 10am to noon on February 17 and 22 at the Forum in Northallerton. For more information contact 01609-797212
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College wins lottery funding to help military veterans back into work
A TRAINING college has gained a lottery grant to help ex-soldiers back into work. Finchale Training College in Newton Hall, Durham, has been awarded £10,000 from the Big Lottery Fund for training to get young veterans into work. The college
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Residents' campaign to become North Yorkshire's first 20mph village
RESIDENTS have joined forces with an MP in a campaign to create North Yorkshire’s first 20mph speed limit village. Parish councillor Jonathan Tulloch said there has been a rise in the speed and volume of traffic in Bagby, near Thirsk and residents
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Dangerous driver's plea for mercy fails as he ends up in jail
A DRIVER who led police on a chase through residential streets was last night behind bars - despite his barrister claiming he could not cope in prison. Daniel Hanley's lawyer described the 26-year-old as vulnerable and said he was bullied when
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Ainsley wants plenty of support from fans in Vase tie
Spennymoor manager Jason Ainsley wants the fans to turn out in big numbers for their all Northern League Vase clash against Newcastle Benfield today. The joint Vase favourites are very determined to return to Wembley again, but Ainsley knows that
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All weather pitch opened at school
AN all weather sports pitch has been officially opened at a north Durham primary school. The £40,000 facility at Lanchester EP Primary School has equipment to allow children to play football, hockey, basketball, netball and short tennis. David
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Voters choose new member of district council
VOTERS have been to the polls to choose a new member for Richmondshire District Council. Independent Richard Beal was elected with 273 votes, beating Conservative candidate David Morton, who polled 83 votes. Thursday’s by-election for the Reeth
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"Sad day for everyone involved" as historic chapel closes for good
A CHURCH that has served a Dales community for 140 years has been forced to close because of a dwindling congregation. The North Yorkshire Dales Methodist Circuit has made the decision to close Arkengarthdale Methodist Church at Langthwaite, despite
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Stepping down after 43 years
A SCHOOL receptionist is stepping down after 43 years to concentrate on voluntary work. Pat Chapman said she had enjoyed seeing generations of pupils pass through Thirsk School and Sixth Form College since starting working there as a supervisory
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Second guided walk added due to demand
A GUIDED riverside walk has proven so popular that a second event has been organised. Two walks through the historic woodlands and riverbanks near Durham Cathedral will now take place on Saturday, February 22, one at 10am and a second at 10.30am
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Diamond can sparkle to Wolverhampton double
LIKE A Diamond really seems to have found his stride this winter and he can make it a course and distance double in the Coral Mobile ‘‘Just Three Clicks To Bet’’ Handicap at Wolverhampton Formerly trained by Sharon Dunphy in Ireland, Like A Diamond
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Doncaster prep a possibility for Monbeg Dude
MONBEG DUDE could have his prep run for the Crabbie’s Grand National at Doncaster in two weeks’ time after a minor setback ruled him out of the Betfred Grand National Trial at Haydock on Saturday. The William Hill Grimthorpe Handicap Chase on March
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Kempton workout likely for Conti
PAUL NICHOLLS could give his main Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup hope Silviniaco Conti a serious final tune-up back at an old haunt over the next fortnight. A faller three fences from home in last year’s renewal, the chestnut has taken his game to
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Christie falls with a medal in her sights
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 fans are warned to expect the
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Jackson to take time out after exit
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, from Stockton, finished 42nd in biathlon’s 20km individual – the final event of his
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Viking take over the streets of York, as city celebrates its Norse past
VIKINGS are descending on York, in readiness for the city’s week-long Jorvik Viking Festival. The celebration of the city’s Scandinavian heritage begins tomorrow (Saturday, February 15), when visitors can visit Coppergate in the city, where a Viking
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Gale’s joy at Tykes’ big Finch capture
ANDREW GALE is relishing the prospect of opening the batting with Yorkshire’s new signing Aaron Finch in this summer’s NatWest Blast T20. The White Rose captain is set to form an exciting opening partnership with the powerful Australian as the
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Flawless Santos leads the way in Africa Open
PORTUGAL’S Ricardo Santos carded a flawless 62 to claim the lead after a day of low scoring in the Africa Open in East London. Santos, the European Tour rookie of the year in 2012 after winning his first title on home soil in the Madeira Islands
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Benkenstein, the best signing by far, will prove a startling loss
DALE Benkenstein was comfortably the best signing Durham ever made, while Paul Collingwood has been their most valuable homeproduced player. As often happens when strong personalities are involved, it seemed there wasn’t room for both in the future
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Fire authority pays respects to the late Councillor Lewis
COUNTY Durham and Darlington Fire Authority paid its respects to Councillor Ron Lewis by holding a minute’s silence in his memory at the combined fire authority meeting on Thursday (February 13). Coun Coun Lewis passed away on January 9. He had
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Durham left short by shock departure
DURHAM will step up their search for an overseas player following the decision of excaptain Dale Benkenstein to take up a coaching role with Hampshire. The South African had long been considered the likely successor to Geoff Cook as Durham’s Director
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Cooper talking to parent clubs about loanees
WHILE Colin Cooper is more than happy to have loan talents impressing in his side, he is well aware of the other side of the coin. While Luke Williams makes an impact for Hartlepool United after moving on loan from Middlesbrough, the attacker is
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Club's Sunday ramble
Durham Rambling Club will do two walks in the Castleton area of North Yorkshire - nine and 12 miles – on Sunday, February 23. Coach travel with pick-ups around Durham costs £12. New members are welcome. For further details and to book a seat, phone
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Mourinho backing Liverpool
CHELSEA manager Jose Mourinho believes Liverpool have a big advantage in the Premier League title race due to their lack of European involvement. Mourinho’s men head the table but fourth-placed Liverpool are just four points adrift. Chelsea
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Tan blast for former manager
CARDIFF have claimed that ‘‘imprudent and careless management’’ has cost them ‘‘in excess’’ of £8.5m over their signing of unsuccessful striker Andreas Cornelius. Cardiff chief executive Simon Lim criticised the transfer policies of former manager
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Tourism washout fears
WITH flooding continuing to cause disruption in large parts of South-West England, businesses are beginning to assess the long-term effects. While structural damage is set to run into millions of pounds, an even greater financial loss is feared
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Holidays for hounds
THEY say a dog is a man’s best friend, but now they’re shaping up to be the ideal travel companion too. According to research by Holiday Cottages (holidaycottages.co.uk), 90 per cent of dog owners would consider changing their travel plans to accommodate
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Students learn the dangers of the kitchen as Cleveland Fire Brigade launches safety campaign
STUDENTS have been learning about the dangers lurking in the kitchen when firefighters dropped into their college to highlight safety lessons. Cleveland Fire Brigade launched its Kitchen Fire Safety campaign today (February 14) to raise awareness
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Spain reigns again
A SIGNIFICANT increase in the numbers of people from the North-East travelling to sunshine destinations is expected this year by travel agent On the Beach. The UK company, which carries more than one million customers, says bookings are up by 29
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No action to be taken against Loic Remy over rape claims
NEWCASTLE United striker Loic Remy will face no further action after he was arrested over rape claims. The 27-year-old was held in May last year along with two other men after a woman claimed she had been attacked in Fulham, west London. Yesterday
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Rubbish way to say ‘I love you’
ROSES are red... and ridiculously expensive this weekend as demand soars for Valentine’s Day Meanwhile, the commercial world pulsates to the throb of flashing pink hearts, giant balloons, satin cushions and uncomfortable lingerie, while the mountain
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Bad dad tag undeserved
ACTOR Laurence Fox was apparently called a “disgusting and appalling human being” by a police community officer when he left his five-year-old son in the car as he dashed into a chemist’s shop to buy medicine for his other son. Once or twice we
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Forget the 5p tax, let’s ban all plastic carriers
WHY can’t we just ban carrier bags? I love carrier bags and always take lots, while people in the queue tuttut disapprovingly. Unlike the mountains of pointless packaging supermarkets use – shrink-wrapped swede for goodness sake – my carrier bags
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Backchat: Laziness of poo baggers
Dear Sharon, THIS thing about poo bags as tree decoration must be a national phenomenon. I walk miles each day with my dogs, through countryside, and find them even in areas where there is no legal requirement to pick up the poo. The lack of
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Ice heart melts to give shopper Valentine's Day to remember
A DIAMOND suspended in ice will give a North-East shopper a Valentine’s weekend to remember. A heart-warming sight greeted visitors to the Queens Street shopping centre in Darlington as a competition got underway today (Friday, February 14).
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Ben Fogle: New Lives In The Wild (Channel 5, 9pm)
IT’S cold, it’s miserable, and some of us aren’t expecting any Valentine’s cards, so isn’t it tempting to daydream about how much better life would be if we could leave the rat race behind and start again somewhere a little more tropical? Ben Fogle
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Room 101 (BBC1, 8.30pm)
SOME celebrities can be magnetic on TV and film while on radio they lose a little something. Take Miles Jupp for example. The other week he was interviewed by Steve Lamacq for Radio 2 and sounded like he would rather be anywhere else. However
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Piers Morgan’s Life Stories: Ian Botham (ITV1, 9pm)
IAN “BEEFY” BOTHAM may be regarded as one of the greatest allrounders ever to play cricket, although he arguably hit the headlines as much for his off-the-field antics as his sporting achievements. Incidents that have grabbed the media’s attention
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Exciting times for Lego watch maker
Millions of people around the world are flocking to cinemas to see The Lego Movie, a 3D computer animated blockbuster based on the ubiquitous toy range. But few realise the company behind the brand’s range of time pieces is based in the North-East
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Festival of the Spoken Nerd: Full Frontal Nerdity, Durham Gala Theatre
TO teach us about pressure, my year seven physics teacher, Mr Travis, stood on a table dressed in a half trouser suit with flat shoe and half miniskirt with stiletto. It was my favourite science lesson of all time – until Wednesday night at the
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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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Marius - Just too expensive?
MARIUS, a male giraffe killed in a European zoo, was not killed “to ensure success of giraffe breeding in the future”. It was killed as, in respect of the breeding programme, it’s genetic material was surplus to requirements. If the animal
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Water service
NORTHUMBRIAN Water customers are facing an increase in their payments. This public utility has no competition – its remit is a licence to print money. For this we should thank the Labour Party for bestowing more suffering on the North-East.
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Alcohol
COLIN SHEVILLS, director of Balance, says the Government’s policy on alcohol is laughable (Echo, Feb 10). I think the only thing laughable is this man’s constant whining on about drink. Time after time, Mr Shevills rants on about cheap booze
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School project
ON Wednesday I witnessed the perverse planning approval of a commercial firm’s proposal to build an unnecessary special needs school in the countryside at Jubilee Farm, near Heighington. Despite a demonstrable lack of proof of need (and firm evidence
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Uncle Eric
ERIC PICKLES criticised the Environment Agency (Echo, Feb 10) and then, one day later, denies what he said and tries to spin his comments in completely the opposite direction. This beggars belief. In my experience Mr Pickles is in no position to
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Flood alert
IN the past few weeks the flooding in Somerset was classed as an alert. Now it has reached the outskirts of London it is classed as a flood crisis. I notice that the Government has been concentrating on Wraysbury, which looks a very affluent area
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Name game
WATCHING the television coverage of the flooding in the South of England I noticed that one of the ITV correspondents is called Dan Rivers. A somewhat appropriate name under the circumstances. Several years ago there was an outbreak of cattle
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Asbestos
THE Mesothelioma Bill passed its final parliamentary stage before Christmas and will become law once it receives Royal assent. While welcomed by those who have developed asbestos-related mesothelioma, the fight to help those yet to develop this
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Free entry to visitor attractions
VISITOR attractions are to offer free tours next month to mark English Tourism Week. Several attractions in Durham will be staging free events over the weekend of March 29-30 as part of events to promote tourism in the city. On Saturday, March
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Flying by the seat of my pants
ON WEDNESDAY night, the wind was howling around the house and bowling bins and barrels about the back yard. I fell asleep with the whistling cacophony outside, and my half-heard radio whispering by my bedside about pants being blown off a line near
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No quick fix for future floods
WE all feel deeply for those people who have had their homes, businesses and lives ruined by the current floods. As if things were not grim enough already, the damage caused by the hurricaneforce winds on Wednesday night, with the power cuts and travel
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Keeping the pound
ONE of the interesting aspects of the debate about Scottish independence is that it is only the Scottish that are engaged in it. But the referendum in Scotland in September is also about the break-up of the United Kingdom, and people living in
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Quakers captain Gary Brown describes 'heartbreaking' spell on the sidelines
By Ben Hardy, Darlington College journalism student DARLINGTON FC club captain Gary Brown returned to training this week after what he described as a “heartbreaking” six-month injury. Gary, 26, suffered a serious ankle injury in a pre-season
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Steam engine restoration uncovers historical treasure trove for rail museum
A LABOUR of love to restore a historic locomotive to help mark the 75th anniversary of Mallard becoming the world’s fastest steam engine has opened a treasure trove to rail fans. The Dominion of Canada arrived at Locomotion: The National Railway
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'Unique' initiative to helping vulnerable female prisoners closed by funding cuts
A NATIONALLY acclaimed initiative which helped vulnerable prisoners at risk of self-harm at a North-East jail has been closed after running out of funds, The Northern Echo has learnt. The Learning Shop, run by charity New Bridge at HMP Low Newton
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Why salvaging something from Newcastle's season could be the key to Pardew saving his job
IN hindsight, perhaps Newcastle United’s FA Cup third-round defeat to Cardiff was for the best. After shipping three goals without reply to Chelsea and four goals without reply to Spurs, at least the lack of a weekend game means the Magpies can
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Fletcher winning battle to be fit for Sunderland's Cup final
STEVEN FLETCHER is winning his battle to be fit for Sunderland’s Capital One Cup final against Manchester City. The Scottish striker has been struggling with an Achilles injury since the turn of the year, with the problem having kept him out of
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Boro keepers will battle it out to be number one
AITOR KARANKA has revealed Jason Steele and Tomas Mejias Osorio will compete to be Middlesbrough’s number one when Shay Given returns to Aston Villa, but insists the latter will not be given special treatment because of his Spanish roots.
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Williamson denies that Newcastle's players don't care
MIKE WILLIAMSON has denied that Newcastle United’s players lack the heart and desire required to turn their faltering season around, and has promised a strong reaction when the club returns to action against Aston Villa in ten days time. The Magpies
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Groucho to the rescue of Mighty Mite the meerkat
MIGHTY Mite has proved a real fighter after overcoming adversity when she was unusually taken into the care of her father - the dominant male in her group. The baby meerkat may be only nine-weeks old but she is set to become the latest star at
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Thinking of you... during World War Two
A DECORATED world war soldier let his British stiff upper lip drop a little in a previously unknown Valentine’s Day card home from war-torn North Africa. Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Lieutenant-Colonel George Reay saw action at the December 1914
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Law firm secures education sector work
A LAW firm with offices in the North-East has secured work in the further education sector. Bond Dickinson, which has bases in Newcastle and Stockton, has been appointed by Crescent Purchasing Consortium (CPC), a procurement consortium. The
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Software firm cements place in region
A SOFTWARE firm supporting a global sportswear brand is continuing its growth after cementing its place in the region. Indigo Software, based in Durham City, has bought a 10,000sq ft building on Belmont Business Park. The company, which employs
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Meet the dogs that love to love
AN animal charity is appealing to dog lovers across the region this Valentine’s Day to offer homes to a handful of dogs who are craving human company. While many people will be exchanging cards, gifts and flowers, Dogs Trust Darlington will be
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Man sent threatening messages to an embalmer who refused to train him
A YOUNG man sent threatening messages to an embalmer who refused to train him, a court heard. Darlington Magistrates’ Court was told today (Thursday, February 13) that 23-year-old James Cumiskey responded to an advert placed five years-ago by a
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Engineering company strikes £2bn expansion deal
AN engineering firm employing hundreds of North-East workers has struck a £2bn deal to expand its presence in the offshore energy sector. Amec, which runs its European headquarters from Darlington, has agreed to buy US company Foster Wheeler.
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Jobs joy as coatings company secures deal
AN industrial coatings firm has created jobs after securing a major offshore energy deal. Barrier Group has taken on more than 20 workers thanks to a contract with a regional engineering company. The Wallsend-based firm will work on the EnQuest
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Vaughan hails appointment of Paul Collingwood to England coaching team
FORMER captain Michael Vaughan has hailed the appointment of Paul Collingwood to the England coaching staff. The Durham skipper has been named as assistant to limited overs coach Ashley Giles for the upcoming tour of the Caribbean and the ICC World
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Survey suggests many teachers think pupil behaviour has declined
NEW research has revealed a significant decline in pupil behaviour in the region over the last five years. The poll of teachers in the North-East has revealed almost half (44 per cent) of teachers working in the region have seen worsening in behaviour
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Scientists given £4m to lead fight against childhood brain tumours
NORTH-EAST scientists are at the forefront of a groundbreaking research project aimed at beating childhood brain tumours. The £4m study will explore new ways to treat some of the deadliest brain tumours affecting children. The Newcastle University
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North Pennines Walking Festival return confirmed
ORGANISERS of an annual walking festival have released details for this year’s event, with rambling and food the key themes. The North Pennines Walking Festival was first held last year with more than 50 walks and events taking place across the
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Shildon drunken rampage pair recieve suspended prison sentences
TWO friends who went on a drunken rampage of destruction after one was disappointed at a lack of fuss over his birthday have been spared jail. Richard Addison and James Anthony Johnson caused more than £2,600 worth of damage during a vandalism
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Teenage air cadet achieves gliding success
AN air cadet is flying high after successfully completing her gliding scholarship. Stephanie Edwards, of Bishop Auckland, spent several weekends at RAF Topcliffe learning the theory and technique of gliding. At the end of the course, the 18
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Darlington designer Giles Deacon swaps catwalk for bird box to promote RSPB campaign
COUNTY Durham fashion designer Giles Deacon swapped the catwalk for the bird box to help the RSPB promote one of its campaigns. Asked if he would put couture to one side for a moment and turn his attention to wildlife, Darlington-born Mr Deacon
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RSPCA satisfied with Willington sanctuary animals after owner's eviction
THE RSPCA has said it is still satisfied with the way animals are being looked after at a former sanctuary. Paula Campbell, founder of Rainbow Ark Animal Sanctuary, and her supporters have previously said they have serious concerns about the way
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Pair sentenced for Bishop Auckland takeaway affray
TWO people who became involved in a fracas at a takeaway have been sentenced after being found guilty in their absence when they missed their trial. Craig Cunningham and Abbie Lynn Danielle Tilley both denied committing affray at a takeaway in
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Drink driver crashed into Spennymoor hedge
A DRIVER was found to be almost two times the drink drive limit after crashing his car into a hedge on his way home from a pub’s karaoke night. David Trevor Laws had 92mcg of alcohol in 100 ml of breath, the legal limit being 35mcg, magistrates
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Newton Aycliffe teenager admits stealing from more than 60 cars
A TEENAGER has admitted stealing from more than 60 cars in the Newton Aycliffe area. The 17-year-old boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court this morning (February 14). He admitted burglary
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Appeal after cars stolen from West Auckland
BURGLARS forced their way into a building in the Sycamore Grove are of West Auckland and stole cash and two sets of car keys. The vehicles, a dark grey Citroen C5 and a blue Jeep Cherokee, were subsequently taken from outside the property.
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Man assaulted twice within minutes outside Spennymoor pub
A TEENAGER headbutted an injured man as he was on his way to hospital to be treated for an earlier assault outside a pub, a court has heard. Luke Todd headbutted the bleeding man outside of Quinn’s in Spennymoor in the early hours of November 11
