Archive
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Parent Forum meeting to be held at Richmond School
A Parent Forum meeting is being held tomorrow (Wednesday, February 26) at Richmond School - the first since the resignation of its governing body. The rescheduled meeting takes place in the school library at 6pm. Concerned parents have been
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One taken to hospital after three vehicle smash on A66 near Scotch Corner
One person has been taken to hospital tonight following a three vehicle collision on the eastbound A66 near Gilling West, North Yorkshire. The alarm was raised at 8.27pm and fire crews from Richmond, Colburn and Darlington attended the scene -
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Two councillors quit after Yarm infighting
TWO councillors tonight (Tuesday, February 25) resigned from Yarm Town Council after a series of disputes with its chairman and fellow councillors. Jason Hadlow and Chris Johnson, both Conservative councillors, said it was with “sadness” and regret
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Spennymoor battle through to third successive DCC final
Spennymoor reached the final of the Durham Challenge Cup for the second successive year when they beat West Auckland 1-0 at the Seagrave Stadium in their semi final last night. West nearly took the lead in the opening 20 seconds, but Peter Jeffries
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Steel company to pay £19m back by end of March
A STEEL company has pledged to pay the £19.1m it owes to a North-East council in full by the end of next month, The Northern Echo has learned. SSI UK, which owns the former British Steel plant at Redcar, owes the amount in business rates to Redcar
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Abi Alton returns to the North-East with X Factor Live
Singer songwriter Abi Alton received a rousing reception when she returned to the region tonight with X Factor Live. Friends and family of the 19-year-old from Guisborough, east Cleveland, were among the thousands of fans waiting to welcome her
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A64 reopens following serious accident near York
A stetch of the A64 to the north east of York has now reopened following a serious crash earlier this evening. Two people were taken to hospital after being cut free from a Ford Mondeo which was involved in a collision with a Transit van at about
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Newton Aycliffe iPad fraudster Kirsty Cox is free, but told to pay £37,000 in six months or go back to prison
A FRAUDSTER who was jailed for two years last month is out of prison already, The Northern Echo can reveal. It is only eight weeks since Kirsty Cox was locked up for an iPad scam which left dozens of people out-of-pocket. Yet, because she had
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Man who hit neighbour with a hammer spared jail
A MAN who struck a neighbour with a hammer in a row over money owed to his partner has been spared jail. Christopher Buckell, 33, hit the neighbour on the head with the implement after both men had got involved in the dispute involving their respective
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Tourism event to provide wealth of information
TOURISM businesses are being invited to attend a Welcome to Yorkshire event where more than 100 attractions, shops and event organisers will swap information and network. Exhibition spaces at the event on Wednesday (March 5), from 11am to 2pm,
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Unpaid work order for man who breached ex-partner's restraining order
A MAN breached a restraining order sought by his ex-partner by stopping to speak to her when he passed her at a bus stop. Christopher Beckett believed the complainant had beckoned him over as he drove past in his van. But after approaching
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Boris sends his best to Durham theatre group ahead of premiere
THE mayors of London and Paris have sent good luck messages to an amateur theatre company ahead of its production of A Tale of Two Cities. Boris Johnson and Bertrand Delanoe both sent their best wishes to Durham Musical Theatre Company (DMTC) for
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Van driver blames sneezing fit for collision with taxi
A MOTORIST blamed a sneezing fit while at the wheel of a van for a head-on collision with an oncoming taxi. Kevin Metcalf today (Tuesday February 25) admitted a charge of dangerous driving, arising from the accident on Commercial Street, Willington
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New store will be company's greenest
A NEW Marks and Spencer’s superstore opening this spring will be one of the company’s greenest in Britain. The 100,000sq ft store will open at the Vangarde Shopping Park, Monks Cross, York, on April 10 and will have ‘living’ walls, electric car
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Middle Eastern culture on offer in Durham
THREE shows with an Eastern flavour will hit the North-East next month. The Thousand and One Nights, also known as the Arabian Nights, features Egyptian storyteller and physical performer Cherine al-Ansary. She will present The Tale of Mahmoud
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Former Newcastle United star Nile Ranger labelled "sex pest" by girl he is accused of raping, court told
A FORMER Newcastle United footballer was labelled a "sex pest" and a "predator" by a girl he allegedly went on to rape in a hotel, a court has heard. Nile Ranger, 22, is accused of raping the girl after they had been out drinking together in Newcastle
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Students go head to head in Wattbike championship
A TEAM of elite young cyclists have powered their way to victory in the first area Wattbike championship. Staff and students at Carmel College, Darlington, went head to head with teams from Darlington School of Mathematics and Science, Haughton
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Shorthand tutor outlines plans to join charity walk
A COLLEGE tutor is to walk almost 200km in a bid to boost her son’s mammoth World Cup charity trek. Dawn Johnston, 60, from Guisborough, hopes to “share the pain” of her son who embarks on a record breaking walk to Brazil in March. Her son,
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Have your say on the future of trees in County Durham
A COUNCIL is urging people to have their say on the future of trees in their communities. Durham County Council is seeking views on its proposed tree management policy which sets out how it will maintain and manage trees. This includes how
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Labour suggests single police force for whole of North-East
THE NORTH-East would have a single police force, under a cost-cutting Labour idea floated yesterday (Tuesday) - triggering a row. Chris Leslie, the party's shadow Chief Treasury Secretary, suggested the current structure of 43 separate forces could
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Men jailed over £4m cigarette smuggling scam centred on Darlington
TWO Russian men have been jailed for their part in a cigarette smuggling scam which cost the Exchequer more than £4m in lost duty. Dzmitry Baranau and co-accused Vitally Vasilyev both admitted conspiracy to evade £4,051,746 of excess duty between
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Man arrested on suspicion of murder following Middlesbrough stabbing
A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the stabbing of a 28-year-old man. The victim was stabbed in the stomach in a house in Aire Street, Middlesbrough at about 12.45am on Monday (February 24). His 26-year-old alleged
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Durham parents devastated after lorry driver is cleared of causing son's death by careless driving
THE PARENTS of a man killed on a pedestrian crossing by a lorry have told of their devastation after the driver was cleared of causing his death by careless driving. John and Janet Thompson spoke out after a judge today (Tuesday, February 25) ordered
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Red Arrows pencilled in for Whitby Regatta
THE Red Arrows are due to make an appearance at this year's Whitby Regatta. Organisers bid for the team to attend and say they’ve been pencilled in with final confirmation due in March. The regatta is held over the weekend of August 9,10 and 11. With
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Theatre Review: Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story, Darlington Civic Theatre
Review: Stewart Paterson, journalism student at Darlington College THE deaths of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson led to Don Mclean referring to the terrible plane crash as 'the day music died.' However seeing
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Prevention and early intervention is 'the key' to improving public health
MIDDLESBROUGH’S director of public health has highlighted prevention and early intervention as the key to improving public health in the town in his annual report. The report is the first comprehensive overview of the issues facing Middlesbrough
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Chester-le-Street sex offender jailed for intimate liaison with underage girl in farm field
A PREDATORY sex offender, who breached restrictions placed on him by meeting a young girl for an intimate encounter, was today (Tuesday February 25) jailed for three-and-a-half years. The illicit liaison with a 14-year-old girl, in a farm field
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Church leaders to vote over whether to allow women bishops
CHURCH leaders are set to decide whether to endorse legislation to allow women to become bishops. Clergy of the Diocese of Ripon and Leeds, which includes the Yorkshire Dales and parts of County Durham, will asked by the Bishop of Knaresborough
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Council faces questions over £400,000 legal bill
THE North-East’s biggest council has come under fire for spending more than £400,000 on outside legal support. Durham County Council spent £420,901 on external legal advice in the ten months to the end of January. Of this, the children and
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Stockton MP Alex Cunningham defends plan to pay apprentice £3.37 an hour
A NORTH-East Labour MP who has championed young people in the past has defended his plan to pay an apprentice just £3.37 an hour. Alex Cunningham, who represents Stockton North, has been criticised after it emerged he was proposing to pay £125
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North-East novelist to lead creative writing course
ASPIRING authors have been invited to develop their skills with the help of a North-East novelist. Places are now available for a creative writing course hosted by novelist and tutor John Dean. The course largely focuses on prose but also touches
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Head of wildlife body calls for creation of more water storage areas to combat floods
THE head of a wildlife conservation body is calling on the Government to improve the water-holding capacity of the land to combat flooding. Following the extreme floods experienced in the South and South-West, Dr Rob Stoneman, chief executive of
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Insight into the inner workings of the British Library
A TALK on how the British Library came into existence and how it is facing the challenges of new media is to take place in North Yorkshire. Martyn Lunn, from the British Library in Boston Spa, will be giving the illustrated talk at Ripon Civic
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Honour for former museum chief
THE former chairman of a popular museum has been honoured for his 20 years of service. Mike Wood has been awarded honorary life membership of Richmondshire Museum in Ryders Wynd, Richmond. Despite recently stepping down as chairman he remains
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School turned red and white to support Black Cats
CHILDREN have given their primary school a red and white makeover as the countdown continues to Sunderland’s cup final clash with Manchester City. Pupils at West Rainton Primary School, near Durham City, are hanging decorations in Sunderland’s
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MP hits out at cuts to fire brigade
AN MP has hit out at Government cuts to a fire brigade after new statistics revealed an increase in the number of fire calls. Cleveland Fire Brigade, which has already had its budget cut by £4m in recent years and will have another reduction of
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'No basis' for privatising Land Registry - Durham MP
A GOVERNMENT privatisation project said to be risking hundreds of North-East jobs has no basis, an MP has claimed. Labour’s Roberta Blackman-Woods made the comments during a Parliamentary debate on the future of the Land Registry today (Tuesday
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How North-East hospitals are rated by their own staff
A STAFF survey has identified which hospital trusts in the region are recommended by their own workers. The annual NHS staff survey involved asking hospital workers a wide cross-section of questions about their workplace. One of the most interesting
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Circus of Horrors returns to region
HORROR CIRCUS The renowned Circus of Horrors will return to the region in March. The Circus’ latest tour celebrates its 18th anniversary and is inspired by cult film London After Midnight. Daredevil acrobatics, sword swallowers and pickled people will
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Lots to look forward to - hospice director
In her monthly column, St Teresa’s Hospice director Jane Bradshaw looks ahead to forthcoming events and appeals. TRADITIONALLY, the first event of our fundraising year is our celebration of Burns Night on January 25, at Headlam Hall. A Burns
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Popular comedian to appear in region
COMEDIAN Jenny Eclair will performing her ‘Eclairious’ show in the North-East this weekend. The Funny Way To Be Comedy Club presents the comedian at The Witham, on Horsemarket, Barnard Castle, on Saturday, at 8pm. Tickets cost £15 booked in
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Bedale student launches into career with the Royal Navy
A TEENAGER from Bedale is set for a life on the ocean wave after passing out at HMS Raleigh as a sailor in the Royal Navy. Josh Coupe, a former student at Bedale High School, is a trainee Warfare Specialist after completing his 10 week basic training
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Widow's tribute to music-loving husband
THE widow of a passionate jazz musician who was among the founding trustees of a community radio station has paid tribute to her late husband. Grandfather-of-eight Terry Willits, from Startforth, Barnard Castle, died earlier this month, aged 80
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Durham Police faces £400,000 bill to move listed radio mast
A CASH-strapped constabulary which is demanding taxpayers pay more for their policing is forking out up to £400,000 to shift a defunct 1960s radio mast. Durham Police originally wanted to knock down the 150ft-high needle-like structure when it
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Elderly dog walker sought after indecent exposure
AN elderly dog walker indecently exposed himself to a woman in a parked car in East Cleveland at the weekend. Police are appealing for information after the elderly white male committed the offence on Grinkle Lane in Easington, East Cleveland,
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Air pistol and other items stolen in garage break-in
AN air pistol, mountain bikes and garden equipment were stolen from a garage yesterday (Monday February 24). Police believe a vehicle was used to steal property from an insecure garage in Piercebridge, near Darlington. The items – including
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New charity superstore appeals for goods to sell
GOODS NEEDED: A new charity “superstore” which is being opened in Stockton to raise funds for Daisy Chain is appealing for items to sell. The charity, which helps families affected by autism, will turn a former carpet showroom on Portrack Lane,
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Men cleared of attacking Casualty star Clive Mantle
Two men accused of an attack on ex-Casualty actor Clive Mantle during which part of his ear was bitten off have been cleared of all charges. CLEARED: Philip McGilvray, 33 CLEARED: Alan French, 32 Philip McGilvray, 33, admitted biting
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E-bid to reduce postage bills
Electronic bills: City of York Council is encouraging local council tax payers to sign up to receive their council tax bills by email. Printing and posting the bills costs the authority some £30,000 a year and it is hoped that figure could be significantly
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Rail strike to go ahead
A TWO-day rail strike is set to go ahead from tomorrow evening. The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) is taking industrial action against Northern Rail from 7pm on Wednesday to 7pm on Friday. They will also implement
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Awards seek to recognise achievements of apprentices
APPRENTICES and employers across Darlington are being encouraged to have their achievements recognised nationally. The 2014 National Apprenticeship Awards seeks to reward those who are setting an example as apprentices and the employers supporting
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Richmond man is wanted for recall to prison
A MAN from Richmond is wanted for recall to prison and police are appealing for members of the public to help find him. Christopher Hugill, 29, from Skeeby, Richmond, is wanted for recall to prison as he has breached the terms of his licence after
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Small businesses urged to apply for grants to help growth
SMALL Businesses across Richmondshire still have time to get help with increasing their business turnover and job creation. Richmondshire District Council set up a £30,000 business grant scheme last year to help support small business with up to
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Alcohol and drug addict help group in Ferryhill given £10,000 cash boost
A PROJECT to help drug and alcohol addicts and their families has been given a £10,000 cash boost. The Clean and Sober Living group, a community group in West Cornforth, near Ferryhill, is running the scheme. It will be located in the Cornforth
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Police appeal for help after trees go missing in Richmond
MISSING TREES: Police are appealing for witnesses after a several trees were mysteriously cut down in Richmond. Around 13 trees were removed from the Water Treatment Centre next to Green Howards Road sometime overnight between Monday, February
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Women's institute sees flower arranging in Crook
WOMEN’S INSTITUTE: The next meeting of Helmington Row Women’s Institute is on Monday, March 3 at 7pm at St Andrew’s Dawson Street Methodist United Reform Church, in Crook. Lindsay Robson will give a flower demonstration and the competition is for a
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Thousands of families in Darlington are living below the poverty line, new figures show
THOUSANDS of families in Darlington are living below the poverty line, according to new figures released by the council. Almost 11,000 adults and 3,400 children under 18 are living in homes with an income of less than £13,312 a year – the official
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Hard work pays off for platinum couple
A COUPLE who have just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary say the secret to a long and happy marriage is hard work and a sense of humour. Eva and Ramsay Hall were married in 1944 after meeting at a dance in Thorpe village Hall in Stockton
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Fundraising concert in aid of Help For Heroes
A FUNDRASING concert for Help For Heroes will take place at Framwellgate Moor and Pity Me Working Men’s Club on Friday, February 28, at 7pm. The fundraising night for Help For Heroes and its Phoenix House Recovery Centre in Catterick Garrison
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Health leader dismisses Friarage Hospital row claims
THE leader of a NHS body overseeing changes to key services at a general hospital has dismissed claims that he has resigned over a row with a councillor. Henry Cronin, lay chair of Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby clinical commissioning group
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Vaccine to protect children from most deadly strain of meningitis goes on sale
A POTENTIALLY life-saving vaccine against the most dangerous strain of meningitis has gone on sale in the North-East. The Marton Pharmacy travel clinic in Stokesley Road, Middlesbrough, is thought to be the first in the North-East to offer courses
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Woman stole photographs from Boots after using self-service machine
A WOMAN printed out hundreds of photographs at a self-service machine, but only paid for one before leaving the store. Eileen Thompson, 25, of Throstlenest Avenue, Darlington, pleaded guilty to theft from a shop when she appeared before District
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Stand-up row: M&S angers shoppers by removing chairs from Durham store
A RETAIL giant has incurred the wrath of some of its older customers by refusing to return chairs to a shop floor following a refurbishment. Four seats at the front of Marks and Spencer, on Silver Street, Durham City, were removed as part of a
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Blackspot transformed into wildlife haven
NEW art, wildflower meadows and young trees have helped transform an area which was once a fly-tipping blackspot. Groundwork North East joined forces with Tees Valley Housing to improve the green space at Mannion Court in South Bank, Middlesbrough
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Discarded box believed to contain pet's ashes
A BOX containing what are believed to be a pet’s ashes has been found near the entrance to a famous stately home. The ornate box was found in undergrowth by Castle Howard near Malton and has a wooden plaque on the top with the name Max Jaffa.
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Former footballer to speak at charity golf event
GOLFERS will take to the fairways in a charity championship at Rockliffe Hall this summer. The event, in aid of the Look A Head (correct) Cancer campaign, will feature a speech from former footballer and throat cancer survivor Gordon McQueen.
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Up the Creek
Actor and comedian Alan Davies may have neater hair in real life, but his alter ego, Jonathan Creek, is still sporting that trademark curly mop SHE’S only four years old, but Alan Davies’ daughter has already heard a lot about Jonathan Creek. ‘
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No more Neville
He grew up on screen as schoolboy Harry Potter’s clumsy pal Neville Longbottom, but Matthew Lewis is a bona fide heart-throb these days, as Susan Griffin finds out SOMETHING strange has been happening in Matthew Lewis’ life of late. Despite starring
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Stuke, the court jester
Silk’s Billy Lamb may be as hard as nails on the outside, but inside he’s a loveable softie. Neil Stuke tells Albertina Lloyd why he loves the character COURTROOM drama Silk, which returns to TV screens on Monday, isn’t just about the legal battles
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Giant flag to be unfurled at Wembley
A GIANT Sunderland flag bearing the club crest will be held aloft by fans ahead of the cup final. The 25-mete long banner is the largest in the club’s history and has been created by the group Haway The Flags. The group were struggling with
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Little grey cells and Black Coffee
Actor Robert Powell was never a fan of Agatha Christie or her fictional great detective, but now that’s all changed as he tells Steve Pratt ASKED if he’d like to play one of the famous fictional detectives on stage, Robert Powell’s answer was brief
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Drop in results for North Yorkshire county council
ONE of the top performing education authorities in the country is investigating performance after reading writing and maths results for 11-year-olds fell below the national average. The key stage two results for North Yorkshire last year revealed
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Sing your hearts out for the lads
FANS will be able to sing their hearts out to club favourite ‘I Can’t Help Falling In Love With You’ before the hugely anticipated cup final kick off on Sunday. The Elvis anthem is sung loudly and proudly from the stands at every Sunderland game
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School transport costs increased by a third
UP to 1,800 students across North Yorkshire are facing a 33 per cent hike in bus travel to schools and colleges after councillors agreed controversial increases for over 16’s. Youngsters starting further education courses this September will have
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Western approach
Cornwall is well-known for summers of sun and surf, but Duncan Leatherdale enjoys an alternative view of the far reaches of England as he takes a winter break in Newquay THERE are two principal advantages to Cornwall in the winter, namely parking
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Appeal for information after two abandoned and abused dogs found in Stockton
TWO neglected and abused dogs have been found in Stockton in the last fortnight. Animal welfare officers in Stockton are appealing for information after one dog, a lurcher, was found in Port Clarence blind in one eye with severe mange and sores
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Brainwashed elderly couple acted as money launderers for Indian gang
AN ELDERLY couple who were cheated out of their life savings posed as 91 fake people after being brainwashed by a gang of Indian fraudsters. North Yorkshire Police said they were forced to raid the house of the couple in their mid-80s and threatened
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Scouts and guides raise funds
The 1st Northallerton Scout and Guide Group holds its annual fundraising coffee morning on Saturday, March 1, at Northallerton Town Hall, from 9am to 2pm. Entrance is free. Donations of cakes and goods are welcome on the day before 9am or to the Scout
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Trial date for man who threatened to burn down Deerbolt Young Offender's Institute officer's home
TRIAL DATE: John Ashley Kinsella, 21, of Northumberland Prison, near Morpeth, will have a trial to face a charge of threatening to damage or destroy property. It is alleged that he threatened to have the house of a Deerbolt Young Offender’s Institute
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Railmen set to strike
RAILWAY maintenance workers will stage a 48-hour strike tomorrow (Wednesday, February 26). Members of the RMT union who are maintenance depot drivers at the Heaton depot in Newcastle and a depot on Leeds are taking the action in a row over re-grading
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Sedgefield folk night takes on Irish flavour
A POPULAR folk night will return to Sedgefield in County Durham on Friday, March 14, with a distinctly Irish flavour. Sedgefield Folk Club will present top acts Steel Strings, Broadband, John Wrightson Band and Ernie Gilchrist at Sedgefield Cricket
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Buyer sought for Newton Aycliffe golf club that closed last year
A GOLF club that was forced to close due to mounting financial problems has been put up for sale. News that Woodham Golf and Country Club in Newton Aycliffe is on the market has brought fresh hope that a £32m housing and leisure development could
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Mountain bikes and gardening equipment stolen from Piercebridge garage
GARAGE THEFT: Durham Police are appealing for witnesses after a garage at a detached house in Piercebridge, near Darlington, was entered by thieves sometime between 11am and 1pm on Monday, February 24. Two mountain bikes and several items of petrol
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Gateshead council cabinet approves £15m cuts
GOVERNMENT cutbacks will have a real and noticeable impact for years to come, a council leader has warned. Gateshead Council’s Labour leader Mick Henry was speaking after his cabinet agreed its 2014-15 budget proposals, including cuts of £15.4m
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Faster broadband for rural areas of County Durham
THOUSANDS of rural homes and businesses in the region could soon have access to high speed broadband. The County Durham communities of Cockfield, Sacriston, Sherburn Hill, Staindrop, Thornley, West Auckland and Willington will benefit from the
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Darlington Magistrates' Court round-up
The following cases were heard by District Judge Christina Harrison sitting at Darlington Magistrates’ Court: CAR DAMAGED: Liam David Stones, 21, of Greenbank Road, Darlington, pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to a parked car on January
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Don't miss your chance to win £1,000 with The Northern Echo
THE Northern Echo is launching a competition giving readers the chance to win a cash windfall of £1,000. Starting in March, our monthly cash giveaway will run every month throughout 2014. Tokens for the March giveaway will be published in the
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Sir Nigel Gresley steams back to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway from Locomotion
A HISTORIC locomotive which was on display in Shildon as part of Mallard’s anniversary celebrations has steamed back to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Steam engine Sir Nigel Gresley left Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon today
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Mayor of Ripon joins Conservatives 'to bolster achievements'
THE Mayor of Ripon has joined the Conservatives after seven years as an independent councillor on city council. Councillor Mick Stanley said he and fellow independent councillor Sylvia Brierley said the pair had joined Ripon Conservatives as the only
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Students stage mini-Lumiere light festival
A STUDENT festival will revive memories of last year’s Lumiere light spectacular next month (March 9-16). Echo of the Lumiere will feature light-based art installations around Durham Castle and will run for seven nights, from March 9 to 16.
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Ice-cream maker was inspired by chocolate bar
FARMER-turned-ice cream maker David Otterburn has struck gold again after winning top honours in a leading awards scheme. His speciality Marathon Madness ice cream - inspired by the popular peanut chocolate bar - won the open flavour class at the
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Banjo maestro set for Durham gig
ONE of the country’s best young folk musicians will play a North-East gig next week (Saturday, March 8). Banjo maestro Dan Walsh will perform at the Old Cinema Laundrette, Marshall Terrace, Gilesgate, Durham City, on Saturday, March 8. Doors
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Teenager named as best soldier
RAMROD straight and head held high, teenager Jordan McCarthy had reason to be particularly proud when he graduated from the Army Foundation College. For the 16-year-old from Ripon was named as the best junior soldier from the Royal Engineers at
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Man beaten and left with head injuries in Middlesbrough park
A MAN was hit over the head with a bottle after being stopped by youths who asked for a cigarette. The 26-year-old victim was walking through Pallister Park in Middlesbrough at 3.30am on Sunday, February 23 when he was approached by a group of
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Dungelot 2 (iPhone/iPad) Free
DUNGEON exploration was brilliantly boiled down to tap’n’reveal mechanics in the original Dungelot, challenging you to push your luck as far as possible to slay the monsters, secure the dungeon key and unearth all the treasure on offer. Here, this
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Practice run
Inspired by the skills of the Olympians on the slopes? Ellen Branagh has a dry run before heading to the Austrian Tirol STANDING at the top of an Austrian mountain, I can’t quite believe I’ve made it. But I have actually done the easy bit. It’s
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Only One (iPhone/iPad) Free
ONLY One challenges you to pick up your trusty sword and engage in an all-out brawl-fest on a precarious platform, as enemies attempt to push you off. Not only can you dispatch your foes in the traditional hack and slash way, but also by more nefarious
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Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc (Wii U) £34.99
THIS opens gamers to a world of intrigue and adventure, as you assume the role of Makoto Naegi at Hope’s Peak Academy – home to Japan’s best and brightest high school students. He and his classmates find themselves imprisoned in the school, cut
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Rayman Legends (Xbox One) £27
RAYMAN Legends’ narrative follows on from Rayman Origins, after our heroes awake from a 100-year nap, during which nightmares have been allowed to infest the Glade of Dreams. Rayman must set off on a new adventure with his friends to restore order
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MP lays blame for thousands of new homes on council, not his Government
AN MP has written a strongly worded letter to a borough mayor to back community activists trying to prevent thousands of new homes being built in South Stockton. James Wharton, Conservative MP for Stockton South, said it was Stockton Borough Council
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Make a will and help hospice
A CHARITY in north Durham is being helped by solicitors from across the county in March. Instead of charging clients for preparing wills, the lawyers from several firms will waive their fees in return for a donation to Willow Burn Hospice, near
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Witch craft
Hamamelis has it all: glorious colours, heavenly scents and healing magic ALTHOUGH the late winter garden may still seem dull, spring is just around the corner and the signs are already here. And meanwhile, there are plenty of projects to keep
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Sunderland trip to Hull City confirmed
SUNDERLAND travel to Hull City in the FA Cup quarter-final on March 9 at 1.30pm. The game, which sees Steve Bruce reunited with Sunderland, will be televised on ITV, after the Tigers beat Brighton and Hove Albion in a fifth round replay at the
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Home of famous chocolate-makers to reopen next month
THE former home of one of York’s famous chocolate-making families is to be reopened next month, with a brand new display. Goddards in York, the former family home of the Terry family, reopens on March 1 with a brand new display entitled Terry’s
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Antiquarian and secondhand book fair
Bedale Antiquarian and Second-hand Book and Post Card Fair will take place in Bedale Hall in Bedale, North Yorkshire, on Sunday, March 9, from 10am until 4pm. Thirty stalls have been pre-booked by dealers from all over the north of England providing
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Shed loads of space
You might not be spending much time in the garden in winter’s bad weather, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be spending time in your garden shed, argues Julia Gray GARDEN sheds don’t have the most inspirational image: somewhere to dump unwanted
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Twenties setting for Elizabeth's latest novel
A NORTH-East author has published her 43rd book – a historical novel following a battling female hero in the 1920s. Elizabeth Hankin has been writing under the penname Elizabeth Gill for more than 30 years. Her last book, Miss Appleby’s Academy
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Winter floods inspire schoolchildren to think about Noah and the ark
WINTER floods of Biblical proportions had school children thinking about the ark as craftwork in the classroom took on a religious theme. Children at Reid Street Primary School, in Darlington, spent the day looking at religion as part of an initiative
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Teal time
Gabrielle Fagan goes on the trail of teal treats for the home now that the striking greeny-blue colour has been nominated Dulux’s colour of the year IF you’re still clinging to neutrals and nervous about dipping your toe into a technicolour world
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Children's cookery sessions
Clart About Cookery sessions aimed at introducing basic cooking skills and healthy eating to youngsters will be held at The Fulforth Centre, Sacriston. Two weekly sessions will be run for children aged two to four(Tots) and five to 11-year-olds (Junior
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Crook Hall helps good causes with Saturday opening
A VISITOR attraction is undertaking a month of charity fundraising. Crook Hall and Gardens will be open on three Saturdays during March, when all admission fees will go to charity. Entry charges from March 8 will go to the Rainbow Trust children
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Beauty queen who battled mental health issues hopes to inspire others
A YOUNG woman who battled mental health issues to become a beauty queen is now hoping to inspire others. Lauren Abel was crowned Miss Durham in 2013 and hopes to compete in Miss England later this year. The football loving tomboy, from Darlington
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Dales tales of gas disputes, poetry, curling, fishing and a remarkable clock
A DISPUTE about the price of gas in Upper Teesdale led to street lamps being turned off in Middleton for several weeks early in 1885. Some village residents were peeved when they heard their bill for lighting the roads was higher than the one for
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Makeover for arts group website
DARLINGTON for Culture (DfC) has unveiled a new-look website. DfC, which acts as a voice for the arts community in the town, uses the site to pass on news and news about the arts scene. The website is particularly important in the run-up to the
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Charities benefit from Rotary music night
TWO charities have shared £2,356 raised from a music night. St Cuthbert’s Hospice and the Rainbow Trust each received £1,178 raised from Durham Bede Rotary Club’s Friday Night is Music Night, held at Elvet Methodist Church, Old Elvet, Durham, last
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Care homes score top marks in national residents survey
TWO care homes are celebrating after scoring top marks in a national performance survey. Rose Lodge Care Home in Newton Aycliffe and Willowdene Care Home in Sedgefield have taken part in Your Care Rating – the country’s largest and most authoritative
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Preparing for blast-off
Getting a new business off the ground in the current climate is tough. Ruth Campbell talks to business mentor Nigel Dakin, who runs pioneering courses to help those who want to go it alone NIGEL Dakin has a positive message for anyone struggling
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Granary House
IF YOUR take on country living is more contemporary chic, with stunning rural views than muddy fields, and splendid isolation, then Granary House at Skeeby is sure to appeal. Superbly converted from farm buildings – and finished to the highest
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No-Show Bowie so Ungrateful
WHY didn’t David Bowie turn up to collect his Brit award in London? Was he ill? Maybe he wasn’t in this country. Perhaps he was still in New York. Sadly, no one told us on the night and there wasn’t even a recording of him saying thank you. He
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Potholes
I HAVE emailed the Durham County Council highways department on three separate occasions identifying ten instances of pothole problems, but I have not had a reply. Apart from the pothole outside my doctors’ surgery, in Bishop Auckland, none of
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Fishy Tale
I REMEMBER many years ago when I was a teenager the fish monger came round selling fresh fish and kippers. In those days, fish was sold from a horse and cart. There was no refrigeration to keep the fish cool on a hot summer’s day. I remember
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Trolls
I AM a regular reader of HAS, both in the newspaper and on the internet. However, letters on the internet are becoming unreadable. The site has been hijacked by both the rabid right and the rabid left. You don’t get reasoned debate or discussion
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Alexander the great
ALTERNATIVE-pop outfit, Alexander's album, Say Hello is out now. Matt Westcott spoke to guitarist Jamie Clark. For more details visit www.alexanderofficial.com Matt: With the state of the nation as it is at present, we all need the kind of uplifting
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Football Cash
WAYNE ROONEY recently signed a new contract that will keep him at Manchester United for the rest of his career (Echo, Feb 22). He is to receive £300,000 a week simply for kicking a small bag of wind around for 90 minutes. This sum is more than
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Social Services
IN REPLY to the letter regarding care from Lesley Jeavons, Durham County Council’s head of adult care (HAS, Feb 20) we had insisted that our mother be put in a home, which she wants. However social services told us that we would have to pay for
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Peter Mullen
USUALLY, we have to wait until Tuesday to read something from the Reverend Peter Mullen, but this week he reviewed a book by a man who lived in the Soviet Union and was opposed to the Soviet system (Books, Feb 24). In the immediate post-war years
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Independence
FOLLOWING the unlikely event of a yes vote for Scottish independence in September, I assumed that the iconic union flag would be forced into some sort of re-design. All the blue bits would have to go, leaving the choice of it either looking like
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Papers
I LOVE newspapers, always have. In the early 1950s, I would read my father’s broadsheet Daily Express from front to back. Lady Docker was seldom out of the news and I remember particularly the macabre trial of John Reginald Christie and the
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Wind your neck in Bishops
We can rely on the bishops – Anglican or Catholic – to do anything, except teach the Christian faith. The hierarchy of both churches have just had a good old go at the Government for its changes in the rules about benefits. Of course, the church has
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North-East actor pays tribute to tragic rock n roll star Buddy Holly in classic musical
A NORTH-EAST actor will tread the boards in tribute to one of rock n roll’s most iconic performers this week. With a faux Texas twang and a pair of heavy rimmed glasses, Newcastle-born Glen Joseph is transformed into the image of 1950s legend Buddy
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Hail and farewell
THEY should, of course, have had a queue-jumping protocol for us natives, perhaps upon receipt of the answer to a couple of simple questions. At what time did the mail train come through six nights a week, perhaps – oh, come on, twenty past six
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Staff and students demand Durham University pay the Living Wage
STAFF and students will stage a protest calling on their university to pay the Living Wage tomorrow (Wednesday, February 26). The union Unison and student campaigners are joining forces to lobby Durham University to pay at least £7.65 an hour.
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Off to a solid start
LAST week, The Northern Echo launched an appeal to mark the 100th anniversary of the First World War by raising £100,000 for a Help For Heroes recovery centre at Catterick Garrison. We feel it is a fitting way to remember the heroes of The Great
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Sprinter Sacre to miss Cheltenham
BARRY GERAGHTY has spoken of his disappointment at missing out on the chance to land back-to-back BetVictor Queen Mother Champion Chases with Sprinter Sacre. Nicky Henderson admitted defeat on Sunday in his quest to get the superstar back to his
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Persimmon profits boosted by Help to Buy
PERSIMMON is stepping up its house building programme with plans to open 90 new sites in the first half of the year. Profits at the York-based builder rose jumped by more than 50 per cent last year, thanks in part to the government's Help to Buy
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Police renew witness appeal after 91-year-old man is knocked down in Sunderland
Police are renewing an appeal for witnesses following a collision in Whitburn Bents Road, Sunderland, in which a 91-year-old man was injured. A Ford Focus C-Max was travelling southbound when it collided with the pedestrian as he crossed the road on
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Kirstie’s Best Of Both Worlds (C4, 8pm)
PROPERTY expert Kirstie Allsopp is worth her weight in gold – or so those struggling to get on the housing ladder will attest. Her professional, no-nonsense, straight-talking manner has turned many wannabe homeowners’ luck around. Of course, she
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The Necessary War (BBC2, 9pm)
JOURNALIST, historian and author Max Hastings is well-known for providing refreshingly even-handed accounts of past conflicts. So when he turns up promising a fresh angle on the commencement of the First World War, it’s not without some intrigue that
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Hair (BBC3, 9pm)
IN a converted warehouse in the East End of London, eight people come together to take part in Britain’s first amateur hairdressing competition called – what else? – Hair. Over six weeks they face a series of challenges which will test their skills
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Anais Mitchell Jumpin’ Hot Club, The Little Theatre, Gateshead
AMERICANA singersongwriter, Anais Mitchell’s appearance at The Little Theatre may have been her first, but it was far from her Jumpin’ Hot Club debut. For the charming, unassuming act and now a mother is no stranger to North- East audiences, and
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No holding back for Launchbury and team-mates
JOE LAUNCHBURY insists England will continue to drag opponents into ‘‘dark places’’ as they head into the final rounds of a nail-biting RBS 6 Nations. Launchbury’s remarkable display of endurance in Saturday’s 13-10 victory over Ireland was among
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Police seek elderly man who exposed himself to woman in East Cleveland car park
POLICE are appealing for information after an elderly man indecently exposed himself to a woman in a car park. The incident happened between 3.30pm and 3.45pm on Saturday, February 22 in a car park on Grinkle Lane in Easington, East Cleveland.
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Watching Brief: Louis Theroux
LOUIS THEROUX is set to return to BBC2 in the spring with three new films putting Los Angeles under the microscope. He will continue his diverse exploration of life in the US in Louis Theroux’s LA Stories. He looks at LA’s problem with neglected
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Small manufacturers predict sales rise
MOST smaller manufacturers expect to increase sales in the coming months, according to a new study. A survey of more than 800 small to medium-sized manufacturers in England found that most planned to invest in equipment, with companies looking
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Growth fund cash failing to reach its target
MOST of a government fund set up to boost regional economies remains unspent, while the cost of creating jobs has increased, according to a new report. The National Audit Office (NAO) said there was still a significant amount of money to be allocated
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Yorkshire four miss out on final spot as England lose to Pakistan
Four Yorkshire youngsters have missed out on the opportunity of playing for England in an under 19s World Cup final after a nail-biting loss in yesterday's semi-final against Pakistan in Dubai. All-rounder Will Rhodes, the side's captain, and fast bowler
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Stuart Hall's World Title Diary: Birthday celebrations and getting back into the ring
IBF World Bantamweight champion Stuart Hall is writing an exclusive diary for The Northern Echo in the build up to the defence of his title against Martin Ward at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena on Saturday, March 29 IT was my birthday yesterday.
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Carayol's Middlesbrough career hanging in the balance
MUSTAPHA CARAYOL’S Middlesbrough career is hanging in the balance after Aitor Karanka admitted he axed the winger from the first-team squad because of an ‘attitude problem’. Carayol was left out of the match-day squad for Saturday’s goalless draw
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Tuesday Topic: Clock-watching, ironing suits and picking up the wrong medals - the story of Sunderland's run to the FA Cup final in 1992
On Sunday, Sunderland will make their first appearance in a Wembley final since the 1992 FA Cup final ended in a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool. Chief Sports Writer Scott Wilson met up with the manager from 22 years ago, Malcolm Crosby, and former players
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Tributes paid to nut allergy bar manager as investigation is launched
TRIBUTES have been paid to a bar manager with a severe nut allergy, whose death has sparked a major investigation. Paul Wilson was found after having suffered a suspected anaphylactic shock triggered by something he ate. The 38-year-old, who
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Larsson hopes cup final experience will give him the edge
SUNDERLAND midfielder Seb Larsson hopes his previous cup final experience can persuade Gus Poyet to give him the nod in Sunday’s Capital One Cup final against Manchester City. Larsson won the League Cup with Birmingham in 2011 when Alex McLeish
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Coloccini rejects suggestions that Newcastle's players lack motivation or desire
FABRICIO COLOCCINI has rejected suggestions that Newcastle United’s players are lacking motivation and claimed there is a collective desire to ensure the club’s fine start to the season is not undermined by a tame end to the campaign. Coloccini
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Mother's heartfelt plea after daughter dies of swine flu - days after giving birth
A HEARTBROKEN mother is calling on pregnant women to beware of the dangers of swine flu after her daughter died of the illness - days after giving birth to her second child. Nikki Westgarth was on a specialist life support machine when she gave
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North-East steelmaker could bring £8m work to region
THE North-East's famous steelmaking heritage could play a pivotal role in revolutionary £8m work on next generation products. Tata Steel, which employs about 1,500 North-East workers, is increasing its research and development division, which could
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Car parts maker looks to create jobs with turnover boost
A CAR parts maker hopes to create jobs after unveiling plans to increase turnover. Nifco UK, based in Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, aims to add £17m to its £58m order book this year to lift turnover to £75m by 2016. The firm, which employs about
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Lasting legacy for baby Evan's flat head appeal
A FAMILY’S fundraising effort to help their own tot beat flat head syndrome will have a lasting legacy for other youngsters with the condition. Evan Lambert’s plight so moved people that his parents John and Adele raised enough money not only to
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Oxygen pump firm looks to save £100,000
A FIRM behind specialist equipment helping Royal Navy divers search for unexploded mines says it hopes to save £100,000 after assessing its work. Haskel, based in Sunderland, says it expects to increase savings after carrying out a root and branch
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Yob bites off man's ear during daylight attack in Catterick street
A WORKMAN had part of his ear bitten off during a confrontation in the street with a drunken yob, a court heard. The daylight attack had left the man, a self-employed joiner, permanently disfigured as surgeons had been unable to properly re-attach
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Thousands of patients unable to book GP appointments, doctors claim
ONE in eight patients in parts of the region are unable to get a GP appointment when they need one, doctors are warning. Thousands of people in the North-East and North Yorkshire complained they could not book a slot, in official surveys carried
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Bannatyne targets growth after £92m debt clearance deal
ENTREPRENEUR Duncan Bannatyne said more jobs could be created at his North-East headquarters after he agreed a £92m deal to clear his company's bank debts. The Bannatyne Group has sold and agreed a long term leaseback deal on the ground leases
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Unions raise concerns about health and well-being of staff at school which has seen governing body resign
UNION leaders have raised concerns about the health and well-being of staff at a school which saw its entire governing body resign. The National Union of Teachers (NUT), other teaching unions and Unison have asked North Yorkshire County Council
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Giles proves there is life after a brain injury
Thousands of people in the North-East are living with brain injuries, many of them suffering in silence because their symptoms are not immediately obvious. Described by his family as a ‘walking miracle’, Giles Hudson is proof of what people in his
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Just one worker in 50 feeling benefit of economic recovery, says TUC
FEW workers are feeling the benefit of the economic recovery, with just one in 50 better off, a report has said. The Trade Union Congress says the recovery will be unsustainable unless workers receive a pay rise and see living standards improve
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Teesside University academics show what good fellows they are
ACADEMICS from Teesside University have been honoured for their work. Dr Mark Simpson, Dean of the School of Social Sciences & Law, has been awarded a Principal Fellowship from the Higher Education Academy (HEA). He has become only the
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Promising young players make their mark in hockey and netball
PROMISING hockey and netball players at Yarm Preparatory School have showcased their talents and dominance after winning titles in both sports. The U-11 girls’ hockey team was crowned ‘County Champions’ after beating Teesside High School and Red
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Fluoride expert is on her way to Brazil in bid to improve child health
A NORTH-EAST expert on the use of fluoride to prevent dental decay is taking her research to Brazil. Dr Vida Zohoori, a reader in oral public health and nutrition, says the gap between the recommended daily intake of fluoride in children to prevent
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Minister heaps further praise on high-flying college
A TOP performing North-East college has won even more praise after its exam results secured its position as one of the best schools in the country. Minister of State for Schools David Laws has written to Darlington’s Carmel College for the second
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How physics can take you 'out of this world'
Barnard Castle School science teacher Steve Wrathmall gives an insight into why he fell in love with physics and why he believes it is such a fascinating subject. On the 11th November this year something remarkable may happen. I say “may” happen
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Business school calls in the alchemist
ONE of the North-East’s most respected business leaders, Lucy Armstrong, has been given a challenging new role by Newcastle University. Lucy – currently chief executive of The Alchemists, an organization that works with fast-growing, entrepreneurial
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Prefects help younger pupils settle in to new school
PREFECTS have launched a peer project at their academy to help younger students adjust to school life, as a lasting legacy of the good work of senior pupils. Year 11 prefects at Haughton Academy, Darlington, came up with the idea to help students
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Enterprise challenges help to build student skills for the future
TWO years ago Egglescliffe School in Yarm began a series of in-house ‘enterprise challenges’ for students to develop key enterprising skills. The key skills required in enterprise are financial literacy, business and economic understanding and
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Wait to hear the future of letters written by serial killer
A WOMAN is keeping her fingers crossed letters written by a North-East serial killer while in prison will still go on public display despite being unable to raise the cash needed to buy them. Victoria House had been searching for someone to pay
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Plea for help to fund village gala
ORGANISERS of a village gala need up to £3,000 to put the event on next year. Members of St Helen’s Residents’ Association, who organise the annual family day in St Helen Auckland, have been forced to scrap plans for this year due to lack of funding
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Florist fears loss of trade over phone problems
A FLORIST claims to have suffered a loss of earnings after her phone was unexpectedly cut-off. Lindsey Robson, who runs Charlton’s Florist, in Crook, said the problem began after she tried to switch from Unicom to an alternative provider. She
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Shoppers warned to protect valuables against pick pockets
POLICE are warning people to remain vigilant against a team of pick pockets operating in the North-East. Officers are investigating two incidents, one of theft and another of attempted theft, in Asda, Bishop Auckland, at about lunchtime on Sunday
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Thousands of North-East homes at "significant risk" of flooding
THOUSANDS of homes across the region are at significant risk of flooding, it has been revealed. Despite escaping the worst of the winter weather which resulted in 6,000 homes flooded nationally, Friends of the Earth is warning scores of properties
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Mitsubishi stolen from upper Teesdale farm
FARM THEFT: A black and silver Mitsubishi L200 was stolen from a farm at Forest-in-Teesdale sometime overnight between Sunday and Monday. The registration number of the stolen vehicle is NV05YUB. Anyone with information should contact Barnard Castle
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Invite to search for the stars
THE Bishop Auckland Astronomical Society will hold an open day for beginners at Bishop Auckland Community fire Station from 10.15am to 2.30pm, on Saturday, March 1, to mark the start of National Astronomy Week. Visitors can learn the basics of
