Archive
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Chandler quits Whitley Bay after ten years in charge
Ian Chandler, one of the most successful managers ever in north east non league football, has quit as boss of Whitley Bay. The reasons are unclear at the moment, but it is understood that the club will make a statement on Thursday morning, and
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Shildon move into DCC semis/Guisborough knock Spennymoor out of L Cup/Chandler speculation
Shildon will now play Consett in the semi final of the Durham Challenge Cup after beating Dunston UTS by 2-1 after extra time in their quarter final at Dean Street last night Dunston lost defender Chris Swailes because of a breathing problem early
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Man warned jail is "highly likely" after admitting causing death of motorcyclist by dangerous driving
A MOTORIST responsible for the death of a motorcyclist was told today (Wednesday February 19) it is “highly likely” he will be jailed. The warning was given by Judge Paul Watson to Anthony Shelton, after he changed his plea and admitted a charge
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Concern grows for missing Middlesbrough man
POLICE are appealing for help in tracing a 37-year-old man who has not been seen since Tuesday evening. Officers in Middlesbrough are concerned for Darren Fenwick’s welfare and ask anyone who has seen him and/or his silver 53 plate Vauxhall Corsa
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Care home worker cleared of groping colleagues
A CARE home worker accused of sexually assaulting two of his female colleagues has been cleared. Ashley Douglass (CORR), 20, denied five charges, telling the bench at Teesside Magistrates’ Court that he’d had good professional relationships with
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Fundraising appeal gets off to flying start as donations flood in to Help for Heroes recovery centre
A CAMPAIGN to raise £100,000 for a Help For Heroes recovery centre to mark the 100th anniversary of the First World War has got off to a flying start with hundreds of pounds flooding in during the first week of the appeal. Phoenix House Recovery
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Region's death toll from alcohol falls for first time in decade
THE North-East has seen one of the largest falls in male alcohol-related deaths in the country, according to new figures. For the first time since 2003 the alcohol-related male death rate for the North-East fell below 20 per 100,000 of the population
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Ferryhill brewer launches new ale to celebrate County Durham Day
PUB landlords have brewed their own special golden beer to help revellers to celebrate County Durham Day. Alan and Susan Hogg, of The Surtees Arms, in Ferryhill Station, County Durham, have brewed Cuthbert’s Cross. The beer, which has a strength
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Councillor cleared following health body's claims he bullied them
A COUNCILLOR has called for the resignation of health chiefs after he was cleared of a complaint they made against him. The official complaint was lodged by Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) over comments made
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Offshore contractor creates 250 jobs in Cygnus work
AN offshore contractor says it has created 250 North-East jobs thanks to a major deal. Heerema Fabrication Group, based in Hartlepool, is working on a contract for the Cygnus gas field development in the southern North Sea. Cygnus is the largest
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Richmond Live organisers announce second headline act for the festival
MUSIC festival organisers have announced a second headline act in what promises to be a bumper year for the volunteer-run event in Richmond. Having recently announced The South – featuring former members of The Beautiful South - as first headline
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Councillors' allowance increase rejected as authority cuts tens of millions from its budget
NORTH Yorkshire councillors have voted against increasing their allowance as they grapple within “unprecedented” cuts to services worth £74m. The county council has already set in motion £94m of spending cuts – about £20m of which will take effect
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North East shipping container firm expands
A SHIPPING container businesses founded by a North-East entrepreneur is expanding to meet increased demand. Parsons Containers, based in Sedgefield, County Durham is has doubled its container sales turnover in the last two years, and increased
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Jail warning to motorist who admitted causing death of motorcyclist by dangerous driving.
A MOTORIST responsible for the death of a motorcyclist was told today (Wednesday, February 19) it is “highly likely” he will be jailed. The warning was given by Judge Paul Watson to Anthony Shelton after he changed his plea and admitted a charge
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Parents demand answers after school's governing body resigns
PARENTS of pupils at Richmond School have demanded answers from the local authority about why the entire board of governors resigned last week. Representing anxious parents - who had heard about the fall-out through social media – Fraser Brown
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Firefighters stress the importance of smoke alarms after Darlington fire
FIREFIGHTERS called to a kitchen fire have stressed the importance of smoke alarms. Two appliances from Darlington Fire Station attended the blaze at around 3.10pm today, which broke out in the kitchen of a first-floor flat above Veno’s Pizzeria
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Taxi driver robbed
A 58-year-old taxi driver was robbed of his takings after he arrived to pick up a fare on Gildercliffe, Scarborough, at 7.20pm on Tuesday (February 18). When he arrived, two men wearing balaclavas got into the back of his blue Citroen Berlingo cab
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Dare backfires for Newton Aycliffe man caught attempting to slash the tyres of a police car
A MAN who attempted to slash the tyres of a police car for a dare appeared before magistrates today (Wednesday, February 19). Officers discovered Lee Stonehouse crouched behind a Vauxhall Astra police car on Central Avenue in Newton Aycliffe, County
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Can you spare an hour for cancer care?
A CANCER charity is launching its annual daffodil appeal. Marie Curie Cancer Care is appealing for people to make a donation and wear a daffodil pin during March, for its Great Daffodil Appeal 2014. The charity also needs volunteer collectors
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Tribute paid to former Mayor of Stockton Brian Hodgson
TRIBUTE has been paid to a former Mayor of Stockton Borough Council who has died. Brian Hodgson, who was a councillor for more than 20 years, passed away on Thursday, February 6. Councillor Bob Cook, the leader of Stockton Council, said: "Brian
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Darlington man admits threatening to kill ex-partner
A WAREHOUSE operator has admitted sending abusive Facebook messages and threatening to kill his ex-girlfriend. James Routledge, of Langton Walk, Darlington, pleaded guilty to harassment at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court in County Durham today
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Shining a Light
In their recently published report, Shine a Light, UKCF, the umbrella organisation for all community foundations, identified that large numbers of people across the UK are passionate about their communities, providing many with friendship, support,
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Star Wars figures sell for out-of-this-world prices
TOY collectors smashed two world records when they picked up some rare Star Wars figures. The first record breaker, an original 1980 Palitoy Empire Strikes Back medical droid, was originally valued at £50 to £70. But as the bids started rolling
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The heat is on for intrepid young Scouts
THE heat was on for a group of young Scouts – when they pitched their tents in a Turkish bath. The youngsters, from across North Yorkshire and Cleveland, escaped the cold January weather by heading for the famous baths in Harrogate. The Scouts
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Housebuilder aims to double profits
HOUSEBUILDER Galliford Try has revealed plans to increase work and more than double annual profits. The group has secured a £400m refinancing deal to help fund its expansion as bosses expect the property market to maintain its improvement.
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Crook Hall wedding fair
CROOK Hall and Gardens, on Sidegate, Durham City, will hold a wedding fair on Saturday, March 29, from 11am to 4pm. There will be around 50 exhibitors. Entry is free. It is the first time the attraction has hosted a wedding fair. COFFEE AFTERNOON
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Thousands sign petition to 'save' Durham Tees Valley Airport
MORE than 2,500 people have signed a petition calling on the Government to safeguard Durham Tees Valley Airport. The petition, named Keep open Teesside Airport, was launched by Middlesbrough councillor Chris Hobson, as she believes the airport
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Man critical following fall from ladder in South Shields
A 23-year-old man has been airlifted to hospital after falling from a ladder while working on a house in St Cuthbert’s Avenue, in Horsely Hill, South Shields, at 12.30pm today (Wednesday, February 19). The man, who was airflifted by the Great North
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Crook man who absconded from Lancashire jail brought before magistrates
A PRISONER who absconded for a month while on day release from a Lancashire jail appeared before magistrates today (Wednesday, February 19). Gareth James Yeoman, of Sycamore Gardens in Crook, County Durham, returned to the North-East instead of
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Police appeal after Sunderland burglaries
POLICE are appealing for information after a string of burglaries. Three men were arrested following a break-in at a house on Chatsworth Street South, Sunderland, shortly before 2am on Monday (February 17). The men, aged 20, 28 and 37, have
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Durham Cathedral sleep out to benefit homeless
STUDENTS will spend a night in Durham Cathedral to raise money for charity. Durham University students will undertake the sleepout stunt on the night of Friday, February 28, in aid of homelessness charity Moving On and Foodcycle, which takes food
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Funds raised for air ambulance
POETS Margaret Williams, of Hurworth, near Darlington, and Dane Bowen, formerly of Gainford, County Durham, sold copies of an anthology they contributed to. They managed to raise £165 for the Great North Air Ambulance Service. CHARITY NIGHT: Paul
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Campaigners in Durham join nationwide protest over work fitness tests for the disabled and sick
Campaigners in the North-East took part in a nationwide protest against fitness for work tests for the sick and disabled. They picketed the Durham City premises of Atos, the firm with the Government contract to do the assessments for the Department
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Women's march to 'reclaim the streets of Durham'
CAMPAIGNING women are planning a North-East march to ‘reclaim the night’. Supporters of the Durham Women Rising campaign, which aims to stop violence against women and girls, will stage a Reclaim the Night March in Durham city centre on Friday,
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Back home - Yvonne takes over at tearooms
A CHEF’S daughter with a career in hospitality that has taken her around the world is home and has taken the helm at a popular North Yorkshire tearoom. Yvonne Lewis started her life in catering as a young teenager washing up at what was then the
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New Sainsbury's to open in Durham
A CONTROVERSIAL new Sainsbury’s will open its doors for the first time on Friday (February 21). The supermarket chain has converted The Lodge pub, on Newcastle Road, Crossgate Moor, Durham City, and the new “fresh Sainsbury’s Local”, the first
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Funeral of former community radio presenter to take place on Friday
THE funeral of a former community radio presenter and jazz musician takes place on Friday. Friends of Terry Willits, from Barnard Castle, who died on Friday, February 14, are invited to a celebration of his life at the Wear Valley Crematorium,
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Sport legends to appear at football evening
Former football stars Norman Hunter and Paul Reaney will be appearing at a Leeds Legends evening at the White Rose Hotel, Leeming Bar, on February 27. Tickets are £15 including chicken and chips supper.
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Consultation events for residents and businesses affected by road closure
RESIDENTS and businesses affected by the impending closure of a section of the A67 are invited to two consultation events. The road will be closed between Piercebridge and High Coniscliffe, in County Durham, whilst repairs are carried out to the
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SAFC fans urged to behave at Wembley
SUNDERLAND fans travelling to Wembley for next month’s League Cup final are being reminded of the national stadium’s ground rules. These include: the use of pyrotechnics is banned in and around the stadium, Wembley is an all-seater and no smoking
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Charity fundraisers collect £306.40 for Macmillan Cancer Support
CHARITY FUNDS: A coffee morning at Tudhoe Community Centre, near Spennymoor, raised £306.40 for Macmillan Cancer Support. It was organised by Myra Smith, of Spennymoor, whose husband James Smith, a former Spennymoor Town councillor, died of cancer
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Learn more about Durham fire brigade
A FIRE brigade is inviting people to a customer panel tomorrow (Thursday, February 20). Leaders of the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service will explain their work and how people can get involved during an event at the brigade’s headquarters
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Carer filmed people with severe learning disabilities, court told
A CARER who filmed people with severe learning disabilities using the toilet walked free from court today (Wednesday, February 19). Robert Hoggart was said to have made the sick clips as part of a prank which he then showed off to a workmate.
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Neighbourhood Watch in the 21st Century to be discussed at upcoming meeting
A MEETING of Darlington Neighbourhood Watch Association will take place tomorrow (Thursday, February 20) at 6.30pm at St Cuthbert’s Church Hall, in Darlington. Guest speaker Jim Madden, chairman of Neighbourhood Watch, will be giving a talk on
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New Durham social group for MS sufferers
A NEW social group for people with MS is being launched. The Friday Support and Social group for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) sufferers will meet for the first time at the Newton Grange pub, in Brasside, Durham City, on Friday, February 28, from 5pm
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Wolsingham mum caught drink-driving with daughter in the car
A MOTHER caught drink-driving with her nine-year-old daughter in the car has received a 12-month ban. Victoria Redfern, of Tunstall Cottages, Wolsingham, was pulled over by police carrying out speed checks on Greenfields Road in Tindale Crescent
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Darlington Borough Council ordered to pay full costs of planning appeal for residential annexe
A RESIDENTIAL annexe that was refused planning permission by Darlington Borough Council has been allowed on appeal by the planning inspector. The council has been ordered to pay the full cost of the appeal after the planning inspector ruled that
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Durham MP backs energy effort
AN MP is backing a campaign to help people out of fuel poverty. Durham City MP Roberta Blackman-Woods is supporting the Mind the Gap effort by national charity Turn2us to inform people of the help available with rising energy bills. Turn2us
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ABB Consulting appoints new operations manager
ABB Consulting, the technical consulting and engineering services business, has appointed a new operations manager to head up its projects services, technical engineering and asset closure groups. Peter Laing joins the Billingham-based firm from
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Zero tax rise confirmed for Hambleton
COUNCIL tax rates for the sprawling Hambleton area of North Yorkshire have been frozen for the fourth year running, it has been confirmed. The district council’s full meeting agreed it would not to impose a rise of £2.24 a year on householders.
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Chester-le-Street gig
Rock band Tubesnake will be playing at the Market tavern, South Burns, Chester-le-Street, on Friday (February 21). The gig starts at 9pm and admission is free. For further details call 0191-388 4749. History group: A history group meets at the
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Village homes bid
The Church Commissioners for England have submitted an outline planning application to Durham County Council’s planning department seeking permission for two dwellings on land at Luke Avenue, Cassop. Advice sessions: Greater Durham Citizens
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Tony Blair offers to become "unofficial advisor" to Murdoch empire at height of phone hacking crisis, court told
Tony Blair offered to act as an ''unofficial adviser'' to the Murdoch empire at the height of the phone hacking crisis at the News of the World, prosecutors have said. The former Prime Minister and Sedgefield MP had an hour-long conversation with
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Quad bike stolen in farm raid
THIEVES escaped with a quad bike after targeting a North Yorkshire farm in an afternoon raid. The green Yamaha - registration number NX10 DXA - was taken from an outbuilding at the farm near York Street, Crathorne, along with a red Stihl saw.
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Historic catholic church saved by £300,000 revamp
ONE of Britain’s oldest purpose-built Catholic churches has been saved for generations to come, thanks to a £300,000 facelift. St Cuthbert’s RC Church, off Old Elvet, in Durham City, which was built in 1827 – two years before the Catholic emancipation
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Police seek reveller after "nasty" assault
POLICE are seeking help in tracking down a man, possibly from Sunderland, after a “nasty” assault outside a bar. The incident took place on the decking outside the Vodka Revolution Bar in Coney Street, York, at around 5.40pm last Thursday, February
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Union blasts pay cuts plan for low-paid staff
DOZENS of low-paid council staff are facing pay cuts of up to £2,000 a year, as part of a cost-cutting restructure, The Northern Echo has learnt. Up to 30 members of staff in the environmental services department at Darlington Borough Council will
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Five great things to do today
Animal encounters, gruesome history, art and craft sessions - there's something for everyone in Darlington and the North-East today. Here's our pick of the events taken from our new What's On section - and don't forget you can find hundreds more
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New arrival boosts endangered species
ZOO staff are celebrating a new arrival which is helping boost the numbers of a critically-endangered species. Abi the Bactrian camel has given birth to a healthy female calf and both mother and daughter are well in their enclosure at Flamingo
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Getting ready for a flipping good time
PANCAKE racers in North Yorkshire’s county town will be going flipping mad next month. Stores, businesses and other organisations are lining up to take part in Northallerton’s annual pancake race on Shrove Tuesday. Flipping a pancake all the
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Fat chicks can run too, according to size 20 marathon runner
FAT chicks can run too, according to a North-East woman hoping to shatter misconceptions as she sets out to undertake a gruelling marathon. Charlie Taylor cuts a striking figure – at 6ft 2ins and a size 20, she is perhaps not the most likely of
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Club bowled over by support
BOWLERS who feared the death knell would toll for their beloved club are celebrating after raising thousands of pounds to ensure its survival. In December Spennymoor Indoor Bowling Club launched an urgent appeal to raise £30,000. The priority
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Cancer survivor given second change at life raises £400 for research into the disease
A WOMAN given a 'second chance' at life after surviving a cancer scare 20 years ago has marked the anniversary by raising money for research into the disease. Kay Young, of High Pittington, County Durham, was in her 20s when diagnosed with ovarian
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Witness appeal after window is broken in Seaham
Police have appealed for witnesses after a window was smashed at a home in Warkworth Crescent, Seaham, at 9.50pm on Monday, February 17. Anyone with information should contact the police on 101 and quote EF1400244. CHARITY EVENING: Seaham mayor
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Chance to commemorate First World War centenary
DARLINGTON residents will have the chance to take a step back in time when they take part in one of a series of interactive sessions to commemorate the centenary of the First World War. The free sessions have been created and will be hosted by
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Coatings company owner reveals strong results
THE owner of a North-East industrial coatings firm has revealed strong financial results. The John Wood Group, which took over Gateshead-based Pyeroy, has reported increased revenues and pre-tax profits. The engineering services provider says
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Construction firm creates jobs in motorway work
A NORTH-EAST construction firm is creating 70 jobs in £4.2m motorway services work. Clugston Construction, which has offices in Hebburn, South Tyneside, is building a truck-stop and petrol station on the A1 at Leeming, in North Yorkshire. Bosses
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Chris Ramsey opens Gala photo show
COMEDIAN Chris Ramsey launched a new photography exhibition which includes a picture of himself during a visit to Durham. The star of sitcom Hebburn opened Behind The Scenes, a show by Chester-le-Street photographer Donna-Lisa Healy, at the Gala
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Emergency roadworks expected to cause delays in Middlesbrough town centre
EXCAVATION works are under way this afternoon(Wednesday, February 19) to locate a gas escape near a busy Middlesbrough junction. Lane restrictions will be in place on the eastbound carriageway of Borough Road prior to the junction with Marton Road
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Keeping costs of games down is not child’s play
A consumer watchdog is forcing the online games industry to comply with rules that aim to prevent children feeling pressured to pay to play. Vicky Shaw reports A CRACKDOWN on the online gaming industry aims to cut the risk of money disappearing
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Shock figures show region’s workers £84pw worse off
PAY has plunged across the region since the Coalition came to power, leaving workers up to a staggering £84 a week worse off, new analysis shows Wage packets have failed to keep pace with higher than expected inflation, puncturing the Government’s
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Constructing a solid platform for success
YOU write off the iconic industries of the North-East at your peril. Coal, steel and manufacturing may be shadows of their former selves, but the very fact they still exist and employ thousands of workers across our region is a minor miracle, and a
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Poundland to stretch empire with a stock market floatation
DISCOUNT retailer Poundland has announced plans for a stock market flotation next month which is expected to value the company at up to £750m. The chain has seen sales rise as squeezed consumers hunt for a bargain, including well-heeled shoppers
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Peterlee councillors' surgery
DURHAM County councillors for Peterlee East, Audrey Laing and Harry Bennett, will hold a ward surgery at East Durham Trust offices, Yoden Road, Peterlee, on Tuesday, February 25, from 6pm to 7pm. NHS TALKS: Dr Kate Bidwell, chair of the North Durham
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Drink to succeed on return to longer trip
THE return to seven furlongs can do it for Drinkuptrig in the 32Red On The App Store Handicap at Lingfield. Stuart Williams’ colt has made stealthy progress in three all-weather starts this term and should be a warm order back over his preferred
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Road To Rio: Stockton’s Kilty turns to indoor games
EIGHTEEN months ago, Richard Kilty was ready to draw a line under his athletics career. Controversially omitted from the Great Britain squad for the 2012 Olympic Games despite running an ‘A’ standard time in the 200m, and nursing a torn left hamstring
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Plans for major housing development in Leadgate set for approval
PLANS for a major housing development on a brownfield site in north Durham are being recommended for approval next week. Proposals for the redevelopment of Lamplas (Durham) Ltd's Pont Factory in Pont Lane, Leadgate, will come under the spotlight
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After a week to forget, Christie can smile at last
ELISE CHRISTIE has a tattoo on her wrist that says simply, dream. And the dream ending to a nightmare Olympics is still on. Short track speed skater Christie progressed to the quarter-finals of the 1000m – her principal target at these Games –
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Specialists team up to offer free seminar on workplace performance
EMPLOYMENT law specialists have teamed up with a human resources consultancy to offer businesses a free practical seminar focusing on dealing with managing effective performance in the workplace. Joan Casson at Tilly Bailey and Irvine Solicitors
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The guilty parent trap
PARENTING is hard enough, but it appears many mums are making it even harder on themselves – by succumbing to “work guilt”. While new figures show 64 per cent of mums are in employment, research suggests more than threequarters (80 per cent) of
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Crafty resource for children in east Durham
A NEW crafty resource is available for families visiting the One Point Children’s Centres in east Durham. The craft trolleys at Seascape, Easington, Horden, Wheatley Hill and Seaham Children’s Centres offer a range of paint, glue, pens, pencils
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Giving voice to the next generation
THEY are a group of women with a big voice, yet many people don’t even know the National Council of Women exists at its small base in Darlington. Now, two of its youngest members want to help put them on the map as they encourage younger members to
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A welly good time
THE Sick Children’s Trust is holding a 1.5km fundraising Welly Walk at Dalton Park on February 23 starting at midday. The parkland route is suitable for all and will follow the Falcon Trail which has views of the coastline and surrounding countryside
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World-class Walker strike keeps Pools run going
AMID the mud, blood and thunder of Roots Hall, a 17- year-old kid served up a goal deserving of the grandest stage. In fact, had it been so nonchalantly netted during last night’s Champions League tie between Manchester City and Barcelona, then
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Ask the expert: Focus on children’s eye health
There are so many old wives’ tales about children’s eyes, like how reading in bad light or sitting too close to the TV will damage their eyes, or that eating carrots will improve vision. What’s the truth? OPTOMETRIST Sarah Townsend, a council member
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Infested: Living with Parasites (BBC Four, 9pm)
THANKS to the growing popularity of digital video recorders, it’s now easier than ever to watch TV shows at any time of the day. If you’re among those who enjoy this type of service, just make sure you’re not replaying this documentary too close
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Brit Awards 2014 (ITV, 8pm)
IF the Baftas has left you hungry for more high profile, London-based back-slapping then you’re in for a treat as James Corden returns for the fourth consecutive year to host the Brit Awards 2014. Live from the 02 Arena, the 34th annual event features
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Line of Duty (BBC Two, 9pm)
VICKY McClure has become the queen of gritty dramas, such as This is England, Broadchurch and this acclaimed crime thriller. However, the 30-year-old actress seems happy enough to be constantly surrounded by misery: “There are so many reasons why
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Festival of the Spoken Nerd: Full Frontal Nerdity, Gala Theatre, Durham
TO teach us about pressure, my Year 7 physics teacher Mr Travis stood on a table dressed in a half trouser suit with flat shoe and half mini skirt with stiletto. It was my favourite science lesson of all time – until Wednesday night at the Gala.
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Peppa Pig’s Big Splash, Darlington Civic Theatre
THIS half term saw the much-loved children’s cartoon Peppa Pig brought live to the stage at Darlington Civic Theatre. It’s an unusual transition, animation to live performance, but one that my niece and I were eager to see, so sporting a Peppa
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Beth Nielsen Chapman, Sage Gateshead
NASHVILLE singersongwriter, hit-maker and more, Beth Nielsen Chapman delighted the Sage audience with one of the most entertaining shows likely to take place there this year. In fine voice, the good humoured and hugely talented Chapman enjoyed
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Monsters frozen out?
AS a fan of animated movies, I was very surprised that Frozen – the Disney re-telling of the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, The Ice Queen – won the award for the Bafta for best animation film, instead of Monsters University. I have not been
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Keeping the pound
SCOTLAND’S finance minister John Swinney described comments by José Manuel Barroso, the president of the European Commission, that Scotland would not be able to join the EU, as ‘‘pretty preposterous’’. He said Mr Barroso’s view was based on a false
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War
MY family was fortunate in not having any member who died during the Great War, but many others were not so lucky. It is fitting that they are remembered and feel their lives were valued. My parents were young during the war. The hardships
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Devilish thoughts
IN 2009, a nationwide survey was conducted by the Barna Group into the beliefs of American adults. It found that 47 per cent of Christians believed that the devil “is not a living being but is a symbol of evil”. When combined with works such as A Collins
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Bully boys
FEMALE MPs are being bullied in the House of Commons because of their North-East accents (Echo, Feb 17). Come on girls, you can fight your corner as good as the rest of them in the funny farm of the House of Commons. I wonder if all the other
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Water bills
AT a time when customers will receive their annual water bills, I’d like to take this opportunity to explain how we have listened and, as a result, acted to reduce the burden on household budgets. Over the next six years we plan to cut our profits
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Barcelona duo Messi and Alves make City pay
LIONEL MESSI and Daniel Alves punished ten-man Manchester City in the first leg of the Champions League last-16 tie at the Etihad Stadium. Four-time World Player of the Year Messi struck from the penalty spot with 54 minutes gone after being brought
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We really are better together
FOR most of us, it’s rare to feel like giving an unstinted cheer for any political party. To feel that all three of our main parties deserve one is unprecedented. But that surely is the wish triggered by the united front presented by Tories, Labour
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Plans announcd to invest £500,000 on Yarm High Street
A MARKET town is set to benefit from £500,000 of investment in heritage-style street lighting and improved access to the Town Hall and war memorial. Stockton Borough and Yarm Town Councils have worked together to come up with the plan for the improvements
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Reach for the Oxbridge skies
EVERY year, I am delighted when my top students achieve a place at Oxford or Cambridge universities. But what I really want is more pupils from the entire North-East to gain entry. I admire the hard work of all the universities based in the
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Cuthbert's cross reminds history-making Helen of home, as she is enthroned first woman bishop
A NORTH-East woman who made history by becoming the Church of England’s first woman bishop will carry a potent reminder of home as she is officially enthroned on the other side of the world this weekend (Saturday, February 22). The Reverend Dr
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A bridge to generations
THE Northern Echo has been determined from the beginning of 2014 to do justice to the 100th anniversary of the First World War. It is a milestone of huge significance. It is not something to be celebrated. But it must be properly marked. In today
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Unemployment falls by 125,000
UK unemployment has dropped by 125,000 - the rate nationally now stands at 7.2 per cent - the Office for National Statistics has reported. Employment Minister Esther McVey said: "With employment continuing to increase, its clear that the Governments
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Christmas profits up 14.6 per cent at Sports Direct
BRITAIN'S biggest sporting goods retailer, Sports Direct, posted a 14.6 percent rise in profit in its Christmas quarter and said it was confident of hitting its full-year target. The group, which has 409 stores in the UK and also operates in 19
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Nuclear deal extends life of North-East power station
A MAJOR contract to extend the operation of seven UK nuclear power stations, including a North-East plant, has been awarded, safeguarding 1,000 jobs. Doosan Babcock's deal with French energy giant EDF is expected to be worth £70m a year over several
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Rail enthusiasts flock to buy Northern Echo picture of record breaking Mallard and sister locomotives at Shildon
RAIL enthusiasts have been queuing up to buy a historic image of a famous record breaking steam engine and its five sister locomotives. The Northern Echo has been inundated by readers keen to buy copies of its photograph of the six A4 locomotives
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Coyle confident his stable star will 'Flicka' back into life at Festival
TONY COYLE is hoping Son Of Flicka can serve up a repeat performance in the Coral Cup at next month’s Cheltenham Fesitval. The Norton trainer is aiming to saddle the ten-year-old in the hugely competitive handicap on Wednesday, March 12 – knowing
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Road To Rio: York 400m star to double up at World Indoors
YORK’S Richard Buck will double up at the World Indoor Championships following his selection for both the 400m and 4x400m. Buck, who is a member of the City of York club, set a season-best time as he won the 400m ‘B’ final at last weekend’s Sainsbury
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Karanka tipping Tomlin to be an instant success after striker signs a permanent deal with Middlesbrough
AITOR KARANKA is tipping Lee Tomlin to make an immediate impact after the striker completed a permanent move from Peterborough United yesterday. Having initially joined Middlesbrough on a season-long loan on transfer-deadline day at the end of
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Boyhood dreams and bacon and eggs - the story of Sunderland's FA Cup run in 1992
NEXT month, Gustavo Poyet will lead out Sunderland at Wembley as they take on Manchester City in the Capital One Cup final. Back in 1992, Malcolm Crosby was in his position during the FA Cup final with Liverpool, although as Chief Sports Writer Scott
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Magpies smackdown takeover bid talk and respond to Pardew speculation
NEWCASTLE UNITED have rubbished reports linking the club with a fresh takeover bid and quashed suggestions Alan Pardew is close to being sacked. Reports surfaced yesterday that the Magpies were the subject of interest from WWE owner Vince McMahon
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Ward hoping shared experiences will give him the edge in world-title fight with Hall
HAVING shared some of the same experiences as world champion Stuart Hall, Martin Ward is confident of claiming the IBF World Bantamweight title when the two North-East fighters share the same ring at the end of next month. Ward will attempt to
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Why we need to raise £100,000 for our heroes
Editor PETER BARRON explains why The Northern Echo is launching a £100,000 appeal to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First World War IN dark days of the Great War, little was understood about the psychological scars – "the hidden
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Tunnel job's not taking its toll on Ron
Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a... Tunnel manager Business is not always about boardrooms, briefings and black coffee. In tribute to those who take a more unusual approach to enterprise, Deputy Business Editor Steven Hugill examines
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Waste company provides new careers for apprentices
A FORMER chef and a student who decided against university are embarking on careers after securing apprenticeships with a leading North-East firm. J&B Recycling recruited the pair through the North-East Chamber of Commerce, a partner in The
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Petrochemical firm backs apprentice scheme
A PETROCHEMICAL firm has backed an apprenticeship training programme, which bosses say can help the North-East bridge an engineering skills gap. National Oilwell Varco (NOV), based in Gateshead, has worked with Sunderland Engineering Training Association
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Taxpayers footing the bill for clean-up of abandoned dead horses
TAXPAYERS are being forced to foot the bill for removing abandoned dead horses found on public land. Durham County Council issued the warning after two dead horses were found near Witton-le-Wear and Shildon this week – bringing the total to nine
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Campaigners back judge's decision to jail Darlington child sex pervert
CAMPAIGNERS last night (Tuesday) welcomed the decision of Judge Howard Crowson to jail a sex offender - even though he might not receive treatment to cure his "addiction". The National Association for People Abused in Childhood was the first to
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Darlington paedophile caught with one of biggest collections of indecent images of children told police: "I'm a hoarder"
A PAEDOPHILE caught with one of the biggest collections of indecent images of children told police: "I'm just a hoarder." Simon Cole had spent ten years amassing a sickening library of photographs of child abuse at his home in Darlington. When
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Property owners warned to watch out for fraudsters
A TEESSIDE law firm has warned property owners to be wary of fraudsters. The Endeavour Partnership, in Thornaby, near Stockton, says people are increasingly falling victim to crime where a person or company loses ownership of a property through
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Law firm supports car parts maker in training scheme
A CAR parts company supplying the North-East's largest vehicle maker is working with a law firm on a new training service. Faltec Europe, based in Boldon, near Sunderland, which makes parts for Nissan's record-breaking Wearside plant, has joined
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Sunderland FA Cup mastermind backs Darlington's plans to return to hometown
THE mastermind of Sunderland’s last appearance in a Wembley cup final has returned to the North-East to back Darlington Football Club’s attempts to return to their hometown. Malcolm Crosby, who was the manager of the Black Cats as they lost to
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Specialist expertise recognised
A WILLS and Probate specialist with Tilly Bailey & Irvine Solicitors, has had his experience and expertise in working with older people recognised. Andrew Steelhas been awarded full membership of ‘Solicitors for the Elderly’ (SFE), the national
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Apprentice Albert urges youngsters to follow his lead
A PLUMBER has urged North-East youngsters to choose apprenticeships after successfully launching his career. Albert Wingfield was taken on by Dyno Plumbing North-East, in Durham City, after studying at New College Durham. The 24-year-old, from
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Auction held to coincide with Tour De France's Grand Depart
AN auction of cycling and sporting memorabilia is to be staged to coincide with the Tour De France departing from Yorkshire. Tennants Auctioneers have announced that the auction will take place at its Leyburn showroom on Wednesday, July 2.
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Boardman and Riley to perform at Bishop Auckland comedy club
COMEDY CLUB: Brendan Riley and Alex Boardman will perform at the Hilarity Bites Comedy Club at Bishop Auckland Town Hall on Friday (February 21) at 7.30pm, with Andy Fury as the MC. Tickets cost £8 in advance, £10 on the door, from 03000-269524.
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North East building projects up for awards
THE refurbishment of a town hall, completion of an eco village and Lindisfarne Gospels exhibition are among dozens of North-East projects up for buildings regional. More than 60 schemes ranging from small-scale projects to multi-million pound developments
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Slimmers to raise charity money by losing weight
A GROUP of slimmers are taking part in a national campaign to lose weight for charity. Members of the Slimming World groups, which are held at the Methodist church hall, in Sedgefield, and Bishop Auckland Cricket Club every week, are joining in
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Successful security scheme expands to Shildon
BUSINESSES in Shildon are to be given help to protect their premises from thieves following the success of a security scheme in a neighbouring town. Nine businesses in Bishop Auckland have already benefitted from the Secure Retailer Scheme since
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Blaze guts Wolsingham workshop this afternoon
MYSTERY surrounds the cause of a fire which destroyed a workshop and blew out windows in neighbouring homes. The blaze broke out in a large shed behind houses on East End in Wolsingham, County Durham, at around 12.15pm today (February 19).
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Series of events planned for south Durham
THE next meeting of West Auckland Parish Council will take place in the Monteith Close Community Room, on Monday, March 10, at 7pm. Members of the public are invited to attend. CAR DAMAGED: Thieves stole a Garmin sat nav and a De Walt torch
