Archive
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Coatham Memorial Hall in Redcar punches above its weight as new comedy venue
IT has hosted royalty and is home to one of the region’s top boxing clubs, now Coatham Memorial Hall is being turned into a monthly comedy venue. The historic hall in Redcar Hall and Guisborough Quoit Club will share a double headlining mix of
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Judge prevents naming of dead Jehovah's Witness
A High Court judge has made an order preventing journalists naming a dead woman. The woman - a Jehovah's Witness who died early today at a hospital in Newcastle at the age of 63 - had featured in litigation in the Court of Protection. Earlier
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Same again for Darlington
Darlington name the same starting XI that defeated Radcliffe Borough on Saturday as they return to Heritage Park this evening. Due to postponements, Quakers have not played on home soil since January 4, since when they have won four successive
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Legal challenge could be mounted over the Friarage Hospital
A LEGAL challenge could be mounted in the High Court over the decision to downgrade maternity services at a popular North Yorkshire hospital. Leader of Richmondshire District Council Coun John Blackie won the support of his council last night (
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US Defense Department to cut 500 military and civilian jobs at North Yorkshire spy base
UP to 500 United States military and civilian posts are to be cut from its North Yorkshire spy base at RAF Menwith Hill. The US European Command announced its decision this evening to reduce personnel at Europe's largest surveillance and interception
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Fish, football and furlongs at Sedgefield Racecourse
A NORTH-EAST racecourse is preparing to dish up a traditional English raceday, with the return of one of its most popular fixtures. Sedgefield Racecourse, in County Durham, is hosting its Fish Fryers Raceday on Sunday, March 2, serving up the traditional
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Mayor's praise for charity work
DARLINGTON mayor Charles Johnson has praised the Alzheimer's Society volunteer corps as ‘deserving a medal’ on a night when their services were officially recognised by the charity in Sedgefield. Councillor Charles Johnson praised volunteers who
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Cathedral retreat to mark Holy Week
A CATHEDRAL is to hold a seven-day retreat to mark Holy Week. Durham Cathedral will host its annual retreat week starting on Palm Sunday, April 13 and culminating in the celebration of Easter Sunday on April 20. The retreat centres on the Cathedral
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New ceremonial role for health boss
A FORMER Army officer and health chief has been appointed as Vice Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire. Brigadier John Wardle’s appointment follows the retirement from the role earlier this month of Colonel Edward York. Brig Wardle, formerly
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Father of single punch killing victim welcomes Attorney General consideration on similar case
THE father of a soldier killed by a single punch outside a North-East nightclub has welcomed the Attorney General’s decision to consider referring a similar case to the Court of Appeal. Andrew Young, 40, died after being struck by Lewis Gill, 20
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Jam man's seaside concert
Former Jam and Style Council frontman Paul Weller will play an outdoor concert at Tynemouth Priory, North Tyneside, on Saturday, July 12 as part of the tenth Mouth of the Tyne Festival. Tickets cost £40 and are available from the website www.ticketmaster.org
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Museum to launch young people's group
A NORTH-EAST museum is launching a new group to provide a voice for young people. The Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, is looking for youngsters aged eleven to 15 to join its Young Voices group, which will offer members opportunities such as meeting
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Man attacked woman on hostel balcony after provocation of 'humiliating' remarks
A YOUNG man flew into a rage and attacked a woman as he believed she was spreading malicious gossip implying he had been unfaithful to his girlfriend. Durham Crown Court heard that Ian Turnbull and the woman were both living in separate flats at
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Producers 'naive' over brass band struggles
PRODUCERS of a theatre show about the demise of the coal industry have been accused of naivety following the withdrawal of a police band amid political sensitivities. Last week, Durham Constabulary Brass Band pulled out of a forthcoming production
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All change in British swimming?
Watching the World Swimming Championships from a hotel room whilst on holiday very recently made an article about GB swimming and the lack of medals in the recently completed World Championships in Barcelona an interesting read. How the new team
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Still no sign of missing Megan
POLICE have again been searching the River Ouse in York for missing student Megan Roberts. As well as their regular patrols of the river a new search was held as the waters lowered following dry weather. A member of the public contacted North
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Future scientists will suffer if schools cut practical science experiments
Polam Hall has been teaching the sciences in specialist labs since the mid 19th century, and is very proud of its tradition in the STEM subjects. Practical work has always been at the heart of science teaching at the school and, even though I am
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More universities 'look beyond grades' for students
More UK universities are using personal and extra information - not just grades - to decide which students get places, a report suggests. Paul Clark, from Universities UK, which represents university leaders, said universities were "driven by the
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Durham appoints new diocesan secretary
THE Church of England’s Durham diocese has appointed a new diocesan secretary. Andrew Thurston will work closely with the new Bishop of Durham Paul Butler, who was enthroned on Saturday (February 22). Mr Thurston was previously chief executive
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Chaos as Lee Rigby's murderers are sentenced
THERE was chaos at the Old Bailey this afternoon as the murderers of soldier Lee Rigby were sentenced. Michael Adebolajo yelled ‘‘Allah akbar’’ and had to be pinned to the ground by security officers in a violent struggle in the dock . Adebolajo
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Free felt-making workshop
PLACES are available on a free felt-making workshop in Teesdale. The Heart of Teesdale Landscape Partnership is hosting the event at Winston village hall, on Saturday, March 29, from 10am to 4pm, as part of its Crafts and Skills in the Community
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Engineers visit Shildon railway museum to mark Women's Day
WOMEN’S DAY: Durham Women Rising will mark Women’s Day at Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon. Julie Ward’s story Divine Installation about female scientists will be read and engineers Jean Sharrocks and Dr Samantha Gooneratne will answer
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Timely return to Durham for Helvetictoc
AN ARTWORK which was part of last year’s Lumiere light festival has made a lasting return to the North-East. Tobie Langel’s Helvetictoc sees the time projected onto buildings in text using phrases such as ‘It’s just past nine o’clock’. Durham
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Woman weeps as she tells court she was too drunk to consent to sex with footballer Nile Ranger
THE night after allegedly raping a woman in a hotel, footballer Nile Ranger was seen at the same front desk booking a room, a court heard today (Wednesday, February 26). The 22-year-old former Newcastle United striker denies raping the woman after
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Effects of NekNomination in North-East town investigated by police
THE EFFECT of the NekNomination craze on a North-East town is being investigated by police. The craze – which has been linked to a number of deaths across the country – sees participants complete a drinking dare before nominating someone else to
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Durham University must pay Living Wage, say staff and students
STAFF and students have called on the North’s leading university to pay the Living Wage. Durham University was the subject of a protest by Unison members and students this morning (Wednesday, February 26). The university has been under increasing
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Friarage Hospital campaign set to continue despite GPs group approving service changes
THE campaign to preserve consultant-led maternity and paediatric units at the Friarage Hospital looks set to continue, despite health bosses approving plans to downgrade services. Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby clinical commissioning group
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Work underway on new Hartlepool fire station
WORK is under way to build a new fire station on the Headland at Hartlepool. The new £830,000 Headland Fire Station will replace the existing 50-year-old building to meet the needs of a modern fire and rescue service. The single-storey building
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Campaign launched to 'save' Durham Tees Valley Airport
A FREQUENT flyer has launched a campaign to ‘save’ Durham Tees Valley Airport. Suzanne Foster, of Potto, near Stokesley, created the Facebook page, Save Teesside Airport, to voice her concerns over a masterplan unveiled by the airport’s owner,
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Banners unfurled ahead of cup final
HUNDREDS of banners are being created to ensure Wearside is decked out in red and white for the Capital One Cup Final. Sunderland-based First2Print is producing 200 free banners for supporters to decorate their homes. They have been created
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Durham Police Choir to perform with youngsters at Spennymoor Settlement
POLICE CHOIR: The Durham Constabulary Choir is to perform at the Everyman Theatre, at Spennymoor Settlement. The choir will be supported by the Spennymoor Youth Theatre Group on Friday, March 28 from 7.30pm, doors open from 7pm. Tickets are £4 from
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Final houses in £10m clearance and regeneration project are reduced to rubble
THE last six homes due to be demolished as part of a £10m regeneration project have been flattened. The houses have been destroyed on Norton Road, in Stockton's Swainby Road estate, as part of a clearance of 190 houses and flats. Stockton Borough
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Sunderland striker misses out on cup final after Leeds loan
CONNOR WICKHAM has been allowed to join Leeds United on loan until the end of the season after being told he will not figure in this weekend's Capital One Cup final for Sunderland. The Black Cats striker has been back involved at the Stadium of
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Newton Aycliffe estate's phone line saga rumbles on
RESIDENTS who have endured months without telephone or internet have been assured the cause of the delay will be resolved within a week. Despite numerous complaints to BT and their service providers, the residents at Greenwood Court in Newton Aycliffe
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Stockton libraries to relocate
TWO Stockton libraries are preparing to move into their new homes in nearby children’s centres. From Monday, March 3 Thornaby Library (Westbury Street) will close and will reopen in the Riverbank Children’s Centre on Gilmour Street on Monday, March
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Cash-strapped council could give £5.8m loan to turn empty buildings into new hotel
A CASH-strapped council is poised to hand over a loan of almost £6m to create a new hotel in a last ditch attempt to bring empty town centre buildings back to life. A Holiday Inn Express with 138 bedrooms is earmarked for the Cleveland Centre in
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Campaigners welcome EU cigarette vote
CAMPAIGNERS have welcomed new rules aimed at cutting smoking voted for by the European Parliament. The revised EU Tobacco Products Directive will lead to larger and more graphic health warnings on cigarettes. Flavoured cigarettes will eventually
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Gas main ripped from wall
POLICE are investigating after a gas main was ripped out of the back of a ground floor flat in the early hours of the morning. The incident happened in Gateshead at about 12.25am, on Wednesday, (Feb 26th) after a suspicious looking man was spotted
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Councillors asked to approve £150,000 to repair the Hopetown Carriageworks
A FORMER carriageworks with connections to the Stockton and Darlington Railway is set to receive a £150,000 makeover. The Hopetown Carriageworks, in Darlington’s North Road, has become run down in recent years and is a target for vandals, despite
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Northern Gas £100,000 pipe replacement work starts on Normanby Road, Middlesbrough
AGEING metal gas mains on a stretch of road in Middlesbrough are being replaced with plastic pipes in a project costing £100,000. Northern Gas is carrying out the work on Normanby Road in two phases, starting tomorrow (Thursday, February 27) which
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Auction to boost scouts and guides fundraising initiative
AN auction to boost a £155,000 fundraising campaign to build new headquarters for scouts and guides takes place in Staindrop. The Staindrop Scouts and Guides are raising the money to replace the ageing hut where they currently meet, which has fallen
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County Durham Plan up for debate in March
A COUNCIL’s economic masterplan will be back before councillors next month (March). Consultation on Durham County Council’s County Durham Plan (CDP) closed last December. The plan proposes 31,400 new homes and 30,000 new jobs by 2030 and supporters
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"Beat the clock" for fitness sessions
A FITNESS campaign that gives new members the opportunity to “Beat the Clock” begins in March at Hambleton's four leisure centres. Anyone who becomes a member at Bedale, Hambleton, Stokesley or Thirsk and Sowerby leisure centres before the clocks go
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Man with work and money stresses took his life
A MAN suffering stress due to work and money troubles hanged himself in woodland, an inquest heard. A walker spotted the body of 52-year-old Darryl Gent off Wood Lane, in Ferryhill, on Saturday, November 16, last year. Det Sgt Paul Faulkner
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Householders urged to recycle aerosols
PEOPLE in Hambleton are being reminded that they can recycle their empty aerosols alongside their cans and plastic at the kerbside. “Most aerosols whether from the bathroom, kitchen, bedroom or the garage are made of steel or aluminium and this
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North Yorkshire born football manager's honour at Sir Tom Finney funeral
A FOOTBALL manager who started his career playing in the Teesside league will carry Sir Tom Finney’s coffin at his funeral. Preston North End boss Simon Grayson, who played for his home town club Bedale FC before being signed by Leeds United, will
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Police appeal after power tools stolen from Shildon van
TOOLS STOLEN: Police are appealing for witnesses after thieves stole power tools from a van parked on Central Parade, in Shildon. The theft took place overnight between Monday, February 24 and Tuesday, February 25. One of the tools, a Bosch grinder
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Polish man wanted on international arrest warrant detained in Consett
A POLISH man wanted on an international arrest warrant has been taken into custody thanks to the vigilance of a police community support officer. The 31-year-old man, who was spotted by a PSCO in the town centre of Consett, County Durham, today
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Town centre office block taking shape
BUILDING work on an office block that will house 400 civil servants is well under way, with the steel frame starting to take shape. Some 350 tonnes of steel will be used in the construction of the Department for Education (DfE) offices, which will
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Roof targeted by lead thieves to be repaired at St Nicholas' church in Guisborough
A HISTORIC church targeted by thieves for its lead is aiming to replace its damaged roof with stainless steel. The go-ahead has been given for a long-awaited repair project to begin this September at St Nicholas' in Guisborough although only about
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Durham council backs 1.99 per cent tax hike, amid anti-cuts protest
THE North-East’s biggest council has voted to raise council tax for the first time since 2010 – by as much as possible without triggering a local referendum. Labour-led Durham County Council today (Wednesday, February 26) backed a 1.99 per cent
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Red Arrows to stage hat-trick of performances at this year's Sunderland Airshow
THE Red Arrows will perform three times at this summer’s Sunderland International Airshow. The legendary RAF aerobatic display team, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, will appear at the Friday night launch party and the Saturday and Sunday
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North-East is 'obesity capital of England' for hospital admissions and surgery
NEW figures confirm that the North-East is the obesity capital of England when it comes to hospital admissions and weight-loss surgery. Statistics released by the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) show that there were 1,885 hospital
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Newton Aycliffe firm is on the move for a fitter future
A SHOWER designer and manufacturer is encouraging its staff to improve their fitness by taking part in lunchtime walks. Roman is supporting Local Motion, a Darlington Borough Council and Durham County Council healthy lifestyle initiative. Staff
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Herriot Hospice Homecare donations set to be match-funded
A CHARITY which provides hospice care to patients in their own homes in Hambleton and Richmondshire could receive up to £20,000 in match funding for donations it receives next month. Localgiving.com, an online platform for small charities and local
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School seeks former students to create alumni network
A NORTH-EAST school is seeking former pupils to sign up to a network aimed at inspiring its current students. Teesdale School, in Barnard Castle, has become one of more than 500 state schools nationally to sign up to the Future First charity, which
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Theft from ambulance
Thieves stole a bag and an iPad from an ambulance while paramedics were in a property in Goschen Street, Sunderland, treating a patient. It happened between 12.50am and 1.50am today (Wednesday, February 26). Witnesses should call Northumbria Police
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Centre's jewellery class
A jewellery-making class is held at the Brockwell Centre in Pelton Fell, near Chester-le-Street, on Thursdays between 1 and 3pm. For further details call the centre on 0191-389 3399. German class: The Chester-le-Street Community Association runs
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Newton Aycliffe Nordic walking group seeks new members
MEMBERS of a Nordic walking group are encouraging other people to pick up some poles and join in. Nordic Walking is one of the latest exercise classes to be offered at the Pioneering Care Centre, on Carers Way in Newton Aycliffe, and has proven
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Retired college lecturer to deliver illustrated talk
A RETIRED college lecturer will deliver an illustrated talk entitled Building in Ingleton on Friday. Former Head of Construction at Darlington College, Jim Nattress, will discuss the topic at Ingleton village hall, at 7.30pm. Entry is £3, including
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Coundon church invites the community to celebrate Lent
A COUNTY Durham church is holding a series of events to commemorate Lent next week. On Shrove Tuesday (March 4), St James' Church, on Collingwood Street in Coundon, is hosting a pancake supper from 6pm. Entry is £5 and includes entertainment.
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Fans' pre-match party pooped as Iron Curtain goes up round Trafalgar Square for Russian festival
THE Russians are playing party-poopers to football fans planning to descend on Trafalgar Square on the eve of Sunderland’s Capital One Cup Final appearance against Manchester City. Supporters from the North-East have made a habit of heading to
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Lorry driver could not avoid Stanley pedestrian on A1(M) at Bowburn, inquest hears
A MAN was killed by a lorry just minutes after police were warned he was walking on the motorway in a drunken state, an inquest heard. Kenneth Laidlaw died when he was hit by a HGV near the Durham Services on the A1(M) at Bowburn, near Durham City
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Students brew up for local old folk at Durham volunteering event
DURHAM University students have held a tea party for local pensioners as part oif a week to promote volunteering. The event, in St Oswald’s Church Hall, was organised by the university’s Student Community Action (SCA). The aim of the event,
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Bag a bargain at charity handbag auction in aid of St Teresa's Hospice
FRUGAL fashionistas can grab themselves a designer handbag for a fraction of their usual price at an upcoming charity auction. Louis Vuitton, Mulberry, Dolce and Gabbana, Prada and Gucci are just some of the labels going under the hammer at the
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House comes under attack in repeat vandal attack
POLICE are hunting vandals who deliberately splattered the garden gates and wall of a home with red paint. The attack in Appleton Wiske, near Northallerton, was the latest in a series of incidents when the property has been targeted in recent months
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Craft market and enterprise workshops mark International Woman's Day in Durham City
A CRAFT market showcasing stunning, accessories and “upcycled” furniture will be on offer alongside free enterprise workshops for budding female business owners at an International Women’s Day event in Durham City. Putting Women on the Map has
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Free parking offer to Wembley-bound fans
WEMBLEY-BOUND football fans travelling to London by coach for Sunday’s Capital One Cup Final can park free of charge at Sunderland Civic Centre. A fleet of buses is leaving from both the Stadium of Light and Park Lane, near the transport interchange
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Iconic images of the Royals head to North Yorkshire
SOME of the most recognisable images of the Royal family go on show in North Yorkshire this weekend – along with the first public display of Prince George’s christening portrait. Beningbrough Hall near York has been loaned a collection of iconic
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Public consultation held into Ferryhill Post Office modernisation
PROPOSALS to move a Post Office to create a modern facility with longer opening hours in Ferryhill are open to public consultation. The Post Office wants to move its Ferryhill branch from Eldon Terrace to nearby Mainsforth News, on Dennision Terrace
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Man in court after he caused chaos to rail system by scaling electricity pole at Darlington
A MAN who brought chaos to the country's rail network during a two-and-a-half-hour stand-off with the police appeared in court today (Wednesday). Anthony Lidster climbed 15ft up a stanchion carrying electricity for trains after running down live
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Spate of cycle thefts prompts bike marking events in Aycliffe Village and Fishburn
FREE bike marking events are taking place next month to help people protect their property from thieves. Police are holding the events in Fishburn, near Sedgefield, on Saturday, March 1, and Aycliffe Village on Monday, March 10, as part of Operation
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Step back in time at Chic Vintique fair in Stockton
CHIC Vintique is returning to Stockton’s Parish Gardens featuring about 40 stalls, live entertainment and a vintage tearoom. The fair will be selling retro clothing, antiques, arts, crafts, gifts and cakes in a heated marquee from 10am until 4pm
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Trimdon Station hosts social dance
A SOCIAL dance will be held at Trimdon Station Community Centre from 7.30pm to 10.30pm on Saturday, March 1. Entry is £2 per person and refreshments will be available to buy. For more information, contact 01429-882200. DOG WARNING: Neighbourhood
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Young people and parents invited to discuss youth club proposals
A MEETING for young people and their parents over a proposed youth club scheme is taking place in Gainford. Members of Gainford and Langton Parish Council have agreed to fund a ten-week pilot scheme, costing £350, to transport 15 young people,
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Councillors in Richmondshire increase council tax by 1.97 per cent
A LOCAL authority is to raise its council tax bills by 1.97 per cent in the coming year after councillors voted in favour of an increase. Richmondshire District Council met on Tuesday at Mercury House, Richmond, to discuss its tax setting, which
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Plan to convert disused village pub
A PLANNING application has been submitted to convert a former village pub into apartments. A bid to turn the former Queen’s Head pub, in Lanchester, into five apartments has been lodged with Durham County Council. The 18th Century pub, a Grade
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Arriva bus damaged by Darlington man who had failed to take his medication
A MAN ripped open the headrest of an Arriva bus seat causing an estimated £1,000 of damage after he failed to take his medication for several days. Wayne Gowton, 32, of Darlington, boarded the bus that was travelling between Durham and Darlington
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Work starts on Chester-le-Street landlord's affordable homes at Bournmoor
WORK has started on a development of affordable homes by a social landlord. Cestria Community Housing is building 14, two-bed homes at Primrose Crescent, Bournmoor, near Chester-le-Street, and held a sod cutting ceremony today (Wednesday, February
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Family-run jewellers prepares to close doors after more than a century
AFTER more than a century in the heart of Darlington, a family-run jewellers is preparing to close its doors for the last time. In 1867, Bill Bramwell’s great-grandfather Eliot went into business with his brother-in-law Charlie Harbron, opening
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Residents invited to raise neighbourhood issues
RESIDENTS in Teesdale can find out how local issues are being tackled during a special meeting next month. The Teesdale Action Partnership (TAP) board meets at Hamsterley village hall, on Wednesday, March 12, from 6pm to 8pm. Members of the
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Trainees strive to lead by example
TRAINEE welders, electricians, fitters and machinists are bidding to become team of the year in a contest to find the UK’s leading apprentices. Nine apprentices at Liebherr Sunderland Works, which builds cranes, have entered the Brathay Apprentice
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The storm weathered, Whessoe has wind in its sails
A year after Samsung C&T rescued Whessoe Engineering from collapse, Business Editor Andy Richardson hears how the Darlington industrial design company is rebuilding its international reputation THE ambitions of a famous North-East engineering
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Skills initiative to help students glide into careers
A HOVERCRAFT-BUILDING day planned for next month will see the number of schoolage pupils helped by Foundation for Jobs since its launch two years ago top 2,300. The event, to which all seven maintained secondary schools in Darlington have been
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For richer, for poorer
Money can’t buy you love? New research suggests the secret to a long-lasting relationship is being able to balance the books. Vicky Shaw reports VALENTINE’S Day has been and gone, but a pension provider is still keen to count the costs of romance
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Fundraising coffee morning for Sport Relief
A CHARITY coffee morning in aid of Sport Relief takes place in Newsham on Saturday. There will also be a cake sale and bring-and-buy stall. The event starts at 10.30am. FASHION SHOW: Goldmark Clothing Company hosts a fashion show at Charles
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Thornaby allotment alert over as artillery shell found to be training round
AN artillery shell which led to allotments being evacuated was confirmed as a training round. The shell was found at Foggins Allotments, Thornaby Road, Thornaby, shortly after 10am today (Wednesday). People were warned to stay in their homes
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Staff praise for NHS trust
STAFF from a mental health trust have given their organisation a thumbs-up in the national survey of NHS staff. Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV) provides help for patients with mental health, learning disabilities, eating
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Cadet units appeal for more adult volunteers
BRANCHES of the Army Cadet Force in Thirsk, Stokesley and Northallerton are appealing for more adult volunteers to support 71 cadets attending the units. As new cadets continue to sign up, the force’s adult instructors are struggling to keep up
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Fall in profits at Ladbrokes ahead of World Cup overhaul
BOOKMAKER Ladbrokes reported a sharp fall in profits as it battles to overhaul its digital business in time for this summer’s football World Cup. As well as a 66 per cent slump in last year’s profits to £67.6m, Ladbrokes warned that it will close
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Lining up a trio of World Cup legends
A TRIO of World Cup winning football legends will visit the region later this year thanks to an events entrepreneur who specialises in bringing sporting heroes to the North-East. Sarah Porteous set up her event management company, Sporteous UK,
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Third of staff ‘too qualified’
BRITAIN has one of the highest proportion of low-skilled jobs in developed countries, with more than one in five requiring no more than primary education, according to a report. At the other end of the scale, nearly a third of workers in this country
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Sales of UK cheese are whey down
SALES of British cheeses are suffering as shoppers increasingly choose Continental varieties over traditional favourites such as Wensleydale, it has been revealed. Increased availability of foreign cheeses, Continental versions being used on cookery
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Change at the top for printer
THE chief executive of banknote printer De La Rue, Tim Cobbold, has resigned to join marketing services company UBM in the same role. De La Rue, which has its main printing factory in Gateshead, said Mr Cobbold, who has been chief executive since
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Graduates prepare for work
A SCHEME is under way to prepare graduates for the North-East’s process industry. The Sembcorp Skills Development Programme (SSDP) has welcomed ten science and engineering graduates, with more due to start later in the year. They will study
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Steady recovery for N-E housing market
THE North-East housing market is recovering steadily but there are no signs it will return to a pre-recession boom, said one of the region’s major lenders. This month, the average price of a house across the UK hit £250,000 for the first time,
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Get involved in the new supplement
WELCOME to your new look free 16-page Jobs&Business supplement, which brings you the latest business news, in-depth features and comment. Not only has it been given a makeover, we have also launched a regular section to celebrate small firms
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LEADER The art of the patissier is on the rise in the North-East
WITH afternoon teas replacing fish n chip suppers and stodgy bread and butter puddings losing out to dainty macaroons in the treat stakes, it seems the North-East is moving slowly away from its culinary roots. A surge of interest in the art of
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Korea move boosts iconic North-East engineering firm
A YEAR after it was rescued from the brink of collapse, a famous North-East engineering company is winning contracts worth millions of pounds and announcing plans to triple staff numbers. Since it became part of the Samsung Group, Darlington’s
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Suspects (C4, 10pm)
DETECTIVE shows, like comedies, have been done to death over the years. But if a sitcom such as Outnumbered can give a fresh spin to the domestic rib-tickler by letting improvisation add freshness to the show, why can’t the same be done for the good
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Line of Duty (BBC2, 9pm)
THE art of any great drama is grabbing the audience by the scruff of the neck and not letting go until the closing titles. Which is one reason fast-moving, hard-hitting cops-androbbers saga Line Of Duty has touched a chord with the masses. It helps
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The Fantastical World of Hormones with Dr John Wass (BBC4, 9pm)
WHAT do window cleaners, slowmotion commuters, doughnuts and relationships have in common? Well, according to The Fantastical World of Hormones with Dr John Wass they’re all tied together with hormones, that biological phenomena which turns children
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Veterans appeal for regimental memorabilia for display to mark First World War
OLD soldiers have appealed for wartime memorabilia to create a display at their local Royal British Legion club. Henry Reed, 90, said, as part of the commemorations of the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War, a memorabilia
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Evita, Newcastle Theatre Royal
ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S musical Stephen Ward about the Profumo scandal is currently playing in the West End, but it’s not the first time the composer and impresario has put a true story to music. Rewind more than 30 years to Evita, the Lloyd Webber
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The Buddy Holly Story, Darlington Civic Theatre
IT’S 55 years since “The day the music died”, and Buddy Holly’s songs are as fresh now as they were when, aged 22, he was killed in a plane crash along with The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens. From the beginning of his career at the age of 19, Holly
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Thirsk schoolgirl is named Ultimate Local Hero
A THIRSK School pupil with a life-limiting disorder has been named a radio station’s Ultimate Local Hero. Caitlin Kelly, 11, also received Minster FM’s Child Of Achievement Award at an awards ceremony at York Racecourse. Caitlin was nominated
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Penguin Cafe, The Sage Gateshead
THE first time I heard the Penguin Cafe Orchestra was back in the 1980s. It was so different to the music of the time yet there was a strange familiarity, like meeting up with a faithful old friend. I feverishly collected every album as they were published
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Recipe for loving life
Sue Thompson shed more than 16 stone by dieting with Slimming World and is now passing on her passion for healthy cooking to her daughter – and thrilled that they are able to swap clothes, as she tells Janelle Butterfield ‘My weight gain started
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Psychotherapist helps victims understand their reactions to abuse at former Medomsley Detention Centre
MORE than 500 people have come forward claiming sexual and physical abuse at the hands of staff at the former Medomsley Detention Centre. Gavin Engelbrecht speaks to psychotherapist Zoe Lodrick who has made a video to help victims come to terms with
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Brillet has brilliant chance at Kempton
MAISON BRILLET holds watertight claims when he runs beneath the Kempton floodlights in pursuit of a second course-and-distance success. Clive Drew’s seven-year-old is not getting any quicker, but connections of the gelded son of Pyrus must surely
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Retiring Murtagh is hailed
EDDIE LYNAM paid handsome tribute to Johnny Murtagh after one of the world’s greatest jockeys announced he is to retire from the saddle to concentrate on his training career. Murtagh, 43, rode plenty of big winners for Lynam, including on Sole
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Cue Card is ruled out of the Gold Cup
CUE CARD has been ruled of the Cheltenham Festival after suffering a setback. A dual Festival winner having claimed the Champion Bumper in 2010 and the Ryanair Chase last year, the eight-year-old appeared bound for a tilt at the Cheltenham Gold
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Saunders sets sights on Woodhouse’s British title
BRADLEY SAUNDERS was back in the North-East yesterday to promote his return to the ring next month and spoke openly of a desire to claim Curtis Woodhouse’s British crown. Saunders will be one of the leading support acts in Newcastle on March 29
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Brassed Off Over Band Change
SURELY the moral of the Brassed Off story is that music bridged barriers, healing dysfunctional relationships and broken communities? Local musicians have continued to do this over subsequent years with very good relationships between them and
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Library Praise
SCHOOL holidays at any time of the year can be a bit problematic for parents and carers of young children. There are many things on offer from a variety of organisations including local authorities, but many have a cost attached that some people
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Nationalisation
IN RESPONSE to Robert Richardson (HAS, Feb 22), I would like to thank him for the referendum he must have held to assess the utility requirements of the North-East. I can only assume I was out of the country on the day the vote was held. He mentions
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Wiggins is set for Glasgow – but he almost forgot
FOUR-TIME Olympic champion and 2012 Tour de France winner Sir Bradley Wiggins has confirmed he is targeting Commonwealth Games glory in Glasgow. Wiggins is seeking one of the few titles to elude him in his distinguished career, with the road time-trial
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Hospital Colsure
I READ that Richmond MP and Foreign Secretary William Hague is leading the protest against the threatened closure of the pediatric department at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton (Echo, Feb 21). He knows damn well what is going to happen.
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Wage Comparisons
WAYNE ROONEY has been given a new £300,000-per-week contract by Manchester United, a club with huge debts. This amounts to about £16m-a-year. Surely, there is a need for some debt management, among our premier league clubs. Owner Mike Ashley
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Main stays positive
CURTIS MAIN is determined to prove he can solve Middlesbrough’s goalscoring problems after being handed an extended run in the first team picture under Aitor Karanka. In a bid to end Boro’s spell of more than ten hours without a goal, Karanka has
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Peter Mullen
AS I read Peter Mullen’s column (Echo, Feb 25), with his ever repeated attacks on the leaders of his and other churches for protesting about the injustices of the benefit changes, I realised that I found his ideas quite incomprehensible. According
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An A1 idea to unite the last of A4s
THINK of the possible discouragement when the idea was mooted. “What? Bring all six surviving A4s together? Nice thought. But two are in America. Even getting the others here would be a major task. Owners’ permission needed first, and what chance
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Durham reach Under 20 final
DURHAM will face Surrey at Coventry on March 16 in the final of the Under 20s County Shield after beating Middlesex 45-10 at Billingham. Two of the six tries were scored by Billingham players, centre Matthew Kirby and full back Elliott Husband,
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Warming to winter support
Winter is still with us for a while yet. That is why Gillian Peel, chief executive of Darlington Age UK, is reminding older people that her charity is ready to help with a host of winter-related problems and how you can help her help others WHAT
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While Pools ran out of money, they also couldn’t buy a goal
IF Middlesbrough think they have it bleak right now, their period of celibacy is nothing compared to Hartlepool United. Boro have not scored in ten hours and 15 minutes of football. Pools went almost twice as long without a goal, running a mind-numbing
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Apprenticeship Opportunity with EE and Darlington College
Here's your chance to shine Step into the spotlight on our SVQ accredited Apprenticeship scheme. Customer Service Representatives £10,000 In Darlington Right now, you’re probably considering whether further study or getting a job
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Manchester United on the brink of European exit
Final Score: Olympiacos 2 Manchester United 0 A GREEK tragedy unfolded for David Moyes in Athens as Arsenal loanee Joel Campbell scored a stunning goal to leave Manchester United on the brink of an early Champions League exit. Campbell has
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A world of difference
TOO many elderly people in this country are lonely. Too many feel vulnerable. Too many feel uncared for by society. We all share a responsibility to do something about that sense of isolation which often comes with old age. That is why
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Darlington aim to strengthen place in promotion race
Darlington this evening play their first game at Heritage Park for almost two months and hope to mark it by further strengthening their place in the promotion race. They recorded an 11th win from 12 games on Saturday at Radcliffe Borough - their
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Pupils helped by jobs campaign tops 2,300
A HOVERCRAFT building day will see the number of school age pupils helped by Foundation for Jobs since its launch two years ago top 2,300. The event, to which all seven maintained secondary schools in Darlington have been invited to send teams,
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World Cup heroes heading to the North-East
WORLD Cup winning football legends will visit the region later this year as an events entrepreneur specialises in bringing sporting heroes to the North-East. Sarah Porteous set up her event management company called Sporteous UK a year ago and
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Sunderland team bids for national glory
TRAINEE welders, electricians, fitters and machinists are bidding to become team of the year in a national contest to find the country’s leading apprentices. Nine apprentices from Liebherr Sunderland Works, which builds industrial cranes, have
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Talking Horses: Cheltenham pointers on offer at Catterick
IT'S a long way from Catterick to Cheltenham, in a sporting and geographical sense, but as the North Yorkshire course staged its penultimate jumps meeting yesterday, thoughts inevitably drifted to the Cotswolds in a fortnight's time. The opening
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Title targets for Saunders after sealing McCloskey date
BRADLEY SAUNDERS was back in the North-East yesterday to promote his return to the ring next month and spoke openly of a desire to claim Curtis Woodhouse’s British crown. Saunders will be one of the leading support acts in Newcastle on March 29
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'Wembley joy could boost my World Cup dream' says Sunderland forward
FABIO BORINI has geared up for the Capital One Cup final by suggesting a starring role at Wembley for Sunderland could boost his chances of a World Cup call. The 22-year-old has already been the scorer of crucial goals for the Black Cats this season
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Krul expects Newcastle to improve now the spine of their side is intact
TIM KRUL expects Newcastle United to display a marked improvement now they have the “spine of their team” available for the final two-and-a-half months of the season. Fabricio Coloccini, Cheik Tiote and Loic Remy all returned to action in Sunday
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Curtis intent on helping Boro end goal drought
CURTIS MAIN is determined to prove he can solve Middlesbrough’s goalscoring problems after being handed an extended run in the first team picture under Aitor Karanka. In a bid to end Boro’s spell of more than ten hours without a goal, Karanka has
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Judge warning over killer drug up to ten times more potent than Ecstacy after death of teenage mum
A JUDGE called for greater awareness of a new killer drug as he jailed a man whose girlfriend died after supplying it to her at a party. James Meaney was locked up for seven months for giving three paramethoxyamphetamine tablets to tragic teenager
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Talking Horses: Racing Briefs
TWO stable staff members from Mark Johnston's yard were shortlisted for awards that recognise hard work in the horse-racing industry. Alfie Mills and Emma Dwyer, who work at Johnston's stables in Middleham, were recognised at the tenth annual Godolphin
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NECC Column: Tea tray rider is more than just banoffee waffle
SHIVA Keshavan is my new hero, writes the NECC's Rachel Anderson. I’m a sucker for a tale of pluck and determination against the odds and they don’t come better than an Indian Luger. Leaving aside the fact that you have to be slightly unhinged
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Why Sunderland's League Cup final defeat in 1985 offers some powerful lessons for this time around
Some major changes are possible as Gustavo Poyet ponders his team selection for Sunderland’s Capital One Cup final with Manchester City. However, as Chief Sports Writer Scott Wilson discovered when he spoke to Gary Bennett, the club’s Wembley history
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Planning consultancy adds to team
A PLANNING planning consultancy has expanded its team after appointing an associate. Steve Hesmondhalgh Associates, which has an office in Darlington, has welcomed chartered town planner Jonathan Saddington. Mr Saddington joins the firm after
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IT firm targets further market superiority
A TECHNOLOGY firm that keeps a UK airport flying says it will create new North-East jobs to strengthen its long-term future. Onyx Group, which has its headquarters in Stockton, wants more highly-skilled workers to drive forward bold plans to expand
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Small businesses look to capitalise on optimism
SMALL businesses across County Durham are looking to expand and build on increasing optimism, a report has said. A study of more than 1,500 companies employing up to ten workers, said firms in the region were nearly three times more confident about
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Fifth-generation construction firm looks to expand
THE region's oldest family-owned construction firm is expanding its specialist joinery division across the UK, The Northern Echo can reveal. T Manners and Sons, in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, says it will invest in apprentices and double its
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Yarm private surgeon offers free surgery to Stockton boy, seven, bullied over prominent ears
THE father of a boy bullied because his ears stick out says he has been left “speechless” by the generosity of a plastic surgeon who has offered to carry out corrective surgery free of charge. Craig Watson, 33, from Stockton, was desperate to help
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Programme starts to help process industry graduates
A SCHEME is underway to prepare graduates for the North-East's process industry. The Sembcorp Skills Development Programme (SSDP) has welcomed ten science and engineering graduates, with more due to start later in the year. They will study
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Retail sales grow at fastest pace for more than a year
RETAIL sales have grown at their strongest pace for more than a year, a report has said. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) said sales were improved in the year to February, with the highest growth since June 2012. The figures, revealed
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Technology firm supports Teesside steelmaker
A TECHNOLOGY firm backing Royal Navy attack submarines has supported the rebirth of Teesside steelmaking in a £250,000 deal. Applied Integration, in Stokesley, North Yorkshire, carried out work on SSI UK's £37m pulverised coal injection (PCI) plant
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Teesside energy bosses receive further approval for plant
DOZENS of North-East jobs will be created after a £75m waste-to-energy plant was given further approval. O2N Energy plans to build a factory on the former ICI Billingham site at Haverton Hill. The facility will annually turn 150,000 tonnes
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Financial firm voted best in County Durham
A NORTH-EAST financial advice firm has been voted the best in County Durham. Wealth of Advice, based in Durham City, was rated the top independent financial advice (IFA) company by consumer ratings site vouchedfor.co.uk. Chris Breward, managing
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Law firm opens new branch
A NORTH Yorkshire law firm has opened another branch and welcomed a new member to its team. Coles Solicitors has set up a base in Guisborough, east Cleveland. The company, which launched in 2007, has taken on Michelle Bennison to run the new
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Soft drinks maker looks for investment to create jobs
A SOFT drinks maker and bottler hopes to find funding to create new jobs. Contract Bottling is looking for investment to help it expand its work. Bosses say they could take on up to 17 workers with a cash injection. The firm, whose brands
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Students pursue engineering careers after securing posts
TWO college students are looking to the future after securing trainee engineering jobs. Tshering Lama and James Sutherland, from Redcar and Cleveland College, are working at test equipment company Inlec, in Stokesley, North Yorkshire. The pair
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Vehicle rental firm rewards apprentices
A VEHICLE rental company has rewarded apprentices for their successes. Northgate Vehicle Hire, which has headquarters in Darlington, handed technical certificates to 20 young workers. The apprentices completed level three light vehicle repair
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Valve maker hopes investment will build on £1m deals
A VALVE maker aims to build on £1m work after receiving further investment. Evolution Valves, in Stockton, has been backed by UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE), the Tata Steel business subsidiary. Bosses have secured £74,750, which includes a £45,000
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Darlington driver who killed friend and seriously injured own father in road accident is jailed
A DRIVER who killed a friend and seriously injured his father when he crashed an uninsured works van was yesterday (Tuesday) jailed for two years and eight months. Duanne McLoughlin was impassive in the dock at Teesside Crown Court as details of
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Architect works on new design for church
A NORTH-EAST architect is working on plans to refurbish a church to accommodate its growing congregation. Gradon Architecture, based in Gateshead, has put forward designs to transform Seaham Methodist Church, in County Durham. Bosses say the
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Motorway services bosses secure £4m funding for development
BOSSES behind plans to create new motorway services have secured a £4m financial package to support the development. Exelby Services has been backed by HSBC to build a truck-stop and petrol station on the A1 at Leeming, in North Yorkshire.
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Barnard Castle OAP's last-ditch bid to save bank branch from closure
AN OAP has launched a last-ditch bid to persuade bank bosses not to close her local branch. Elizabeth Conran says losing The Co-operative Bank branch in Barnard Castle is another example of services being stripped from rural areas. The 74-year-old
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Durham academics say the term dyslexia 'should be abandoned'
THE term 'dyslexia' should be abandoned as it lacks scientific rigour, according to a new book co-authored by a North-East academic. The authors, from Durham and Yale universities, say that valuable resources are poured into expensive and time-consuming
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I'll not be paying you for 120 days
By Ted Salmon, FSB North-East Chairman February 26, 2014 SMALL businesses right across the North-East are absolutely crucial for employment and for growing the economy. They employ 333,000 staff, paying wages and contributing £24bn to the
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Fundraising evening for flying medics who came to aid of Teesdale family involved in devastating car crash
LIFE will never be the same for a family devastated by a serious road accident 18 months ago which left two young children and their father with appalling injuries. Brother and sister Jack and Sophie Handyside received serious head injuries while
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Darlington's world boxing champion chosen as ambassador for Good Friends scheme to help vulnerable and elderly
WORLD boxing champion Stuart Hall has shown his softer side by becoming an ambassador for a project which supports older and vulnerable people in Darlington. The 34-year-old, who became IBF world bantamweight champion in December after defeating
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Free security marking for bike owners
POLICE are inviting people to get their bikes marked at the Durham Dales Centre, in Stanhope, on Saturday, March 1, between 1pm and 4pm. Bikes will also be registered on a secure national database, which will be used to reunite them with their
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Old pals invited to catch up at joint reunion in Barnard Castle
OLD pals will be able to catch up at a special reunion planned for Barnard Castle in May. It will involve former pupils of Barnard Castle Secondary Modern School who left in 1962 along with ex-players of both Barnard Castle United FC, which wound
