Archive
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Sunderland earn point against Spaniards
A YOUNG Sunderland side started their inaugural Premier League Under-21s International Cup push with a goalless draw against Spanish side Villarreal.The Black Cats, who had experienced Vito Mannone in goal, also face Celtic on December 18 and then Everton
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Labour will cut to the end of the decade - Miliband
LABOUR will cut budgets for key Government departments – including local government –year-on-year until the end of the decade, Ed Miliband will announce today. In a tough message that may alarm party supporters, the Labour leader will order almost
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Allotment come from behind and climb away from relegation zone
West Allotment came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 against Newcastle Benfield and go seven points clear of the relegation zone. Mark Convery and Stephen Riley put Benfield 2-0 up early on, but Sean Reid pulled one back from the penalty spot. Reid levelled
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Northern Rock borrowers set for windfall
CHRISTMAS has come early for thousands of former Northern Rock customers who are in line for a windfall following a landmark case - but the taxpayer must foot the bill. Compensation will go to about 43,000 borrowers of the defunct bank - at an average
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Six years jail for remorseless attacker who left man with severe brain injury
A MAN was battered senseless and suffered a severe brain injury in a row about £45 cash, a court has heard. His attacker, Neil Somerton, who was jailed for six years, eight months, was said to have shown scant regard for the injuries he inflicted
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Victory bell sells for £110
A RARE Victory bell made from metal taken from German warplanes shot down over Britain has sold at auction for £110 - way above its estimated value.The bell was part of a box of collectibles auctioned at the Anderson and Garland Town & Country sale in
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Cash help for charities
TWO North Yorkshire charities are celebrating after receiving lottery grants.The money will help pay for pre-school play group activities in Thirsk, and an IT club in Whitby.Money has been raised through the Health Lottery by HealthLevel CIC, a Community
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Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon branded a Scrooge for branding beggars "criminals"
MIDDLESBROUGH Mayor Ray Mallon has been branded a “Scrooge” for saying beggars are “criminals who have switched to begging because it pays so well".The Mayor, who vowed to “run beggars out of town” soon after being elected, made his comments at an
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Mother of missing chef Claudia Lawrence continues her campaign to keep her case in the public eye
THE mother of missing chef Claudia Lawrence has continued her campaign to keep her daughter’s disappearance in the public eye by creating special leaflets that can be tucked in Christmas cards. Joan Lawrence has worked with charity Missing People to design
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High-flying former prisoner to speak at conference on women in jail
ECONOMIST Vicky Pryce, who served a jail sentence for accepting speeding points on behalf of ex-husband Chris Huhne, is to speak at a conference on women in prison.The former Government advisor, who last year was sentenced to eight months in prison for
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Helping Tufty - keeping endangered red squirrels healthy
FIRMS are invited to help one of the country’s most endangered – and beloved – animals.From this month, businesses can sponsor a feeder at a special red squirrel viewpoint at Snaizeholme, near Hawes.The viewing area lies in the heart of the Widdale Red
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Teesside University students open food co-op to the public
A FOOD co-operative managed by students has opened to the public. Teesside University’s Food Co-op was set up in October to sell cheap, fresh produce on campus.It received a £2,000 grant from UnLtd, which funds social enterprise, and stocks vegan, wheat
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Thieving shop assistant almost sent business to the wall
A POVERTY-stricken village post mistress was mystified where all her profits were going – while the best friend who worked in the shop swanned off on luxury cruises, a court heard. Fiona Senior and her family lived off mouldy bread while she sank
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The Gateway wins multiple awards including North-East Project of the Year
A SPECIALIST neuro, stroke and spinal injury centre has scooped a series of awards including North-East Project of the Year. The Gateway, at Middlehaven, in Middlesbrough, was opened in January to provide rehabilitation care to patients. The £8m facility
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Samaritans urges men struggling to cope to contact the charity
A SAMARITANS branch is encouraging men to consider calling the charity over Christmas if they need support. Last year the charity for people in crisis received about 244,000 calls during the Christmas period from people in the UK and Ireland. More than
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Rugby club's partnership with tech company
A RUGBY club has announced a partnership with a technology company as it continues to revitalise a North-East stadium.Darlington Mowden Park rugby club took over the 25,000-seat Northern Echo Arena in 2012, following the departure of Darlington FC after
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Talented students achieve regional skill success
BISHOP Auckland students achieved success when they took on their counterparts in a regional skills competition.Motor vehicle level two students Sam Harvey and Josh Roberts and level two hairdressing student Emmy Russell, from Bishop Auckland College,
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Carmel's recipe for success
MAURA Regan, principal of one of the North-East’s most praised schools, says Carmel College in Darlington is doing its best to export its recipe for success.The high-performing Catholic comprehensive school is now at the centre of the Carmel Education
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Newton Aycliffe teenager racially abuses Darlington shopkeeper when asked for ID
A TEENAGER who racially abused a shopkeeper after he refused to sell him alcohol appeared before magistrates today (Tuesday, December 10).Thomas Paul Harrison directed racist insults towards a staff member at Clifton News in Darlington on two occasions
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PCSOs to tackle truants
YOUNGSTERS tempted to play truant from school will have to think twice after two police community support officers (PCSOs) were assigned to tackle the problem.Hayley Morrison and Mark Howell are two of five PCSOs hitting the streets in Darlington this
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Loved lollipop lady set to retire after 23 years
A LOLLIPOP lady will be hanging up her uniform for the final time next week after more than 20 years of service.Andrea Waldock, 55, will officially retire from her role at Toft Hill Primary School, on Friday, December 19, after helping thousands of children
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Army veteran mugged on Remembrance Day has stolen medals and beret replaced by Catterick Garrison soldier
AN ARMY veteran who was mugged by yobs who took his regimental beret and medals while on his way to a Remembrance Sunday service has been presented with replacements by a soldier from Catterick Garrison. George Gill had his beret and badge cap,
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Flood works to protect homes and hospital
MAJOR construction work on a town's flood defences has been completed.The £3.1m project reduces the risk of flooding to 172 homes and businesses in Northallerton, plus the Friarage Hospital.The Environment Agency scheme included the creation of storage
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Singing fundraiser back for a sixth year
AN annual charity singing event will be held for the sixth year in a row this month.More than £15,000 has been raised at previous events, organised by singing coach Viveca Bradshaw.Various charities have benefited, including the Teenage Cancer Trust,
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Shopping centre bosses urge councillors to back fish and chip restaurant despite disability campaigners' concerns
SENIOR figures at a struggling shopping centre have urged councillors to give their backing to plans for a new fish and chip restaurant as it looks to fill some of its empty units. The application for a change of use for a unit in Queen Street
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Service deals with 22 incidents during firefighters' strike
FIRE service chiefs say they attended more than 20 incidents in County Durham and Darlington during the latest firefighters strike.Over the 24-hour stoppage by members of the Fire Brigades Union, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service say
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Matt aiming high like his net-minding dad
THERE’S no shortage of sporting talent in the Killen family.Dad Frankie was net minder for the five-time British Championship winning Durham Wasps Ice Hockey team and son Matt, 25, is a professional golfer touring Asia and Europe.Matt is based in Hua
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Rural communities put at further risk of dying out as new threshold is announced for affordable housing contribution
RURAL communities have been hit with a “stab in the back” after a change in Government policy means there could be fewer affordable homes built in Richmondshire.The policy change will raise the threshold after which developers must contribute financially
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Delays in cancer diagnosis 'unlikely' to be due to poor medical practice
POOR professional performance by GPs is an unlikely cause of delays in referral for suspected cancer, researchers have concluded.The researchers from Durham University, Cambridge University and University College London said such delays largely reflect
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Comedian ignores winter weather to plug summer show
A TEESSIDE comedian ignored the chilly winter weather to pull on his shorts to plug his summer show at his favourite venue.Patrick Monahan has played more than 300 gigs around the world this year but is looking forward to playing the Crypt in Middlesbrough
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Missing Middlesbrough teenagers found
TWO teenagers described by police as ‘vulnerable’ have been found after going missing in Middlesbrough. Stuart Row and, 16, and Emma Burt, 14, had not been seen since 9.10am this morning (Wednesday) when they left Acklam Road together.
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Outsourcing firm's Australian work
AN outsourcing firm, which operates a North-East fire training centre, has signed a £1bn deal to continue carrying out Australian immigration work.Serco said it will provide detention services for the Department of Immigration and Border Protection in
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Small school's war-themed fundraising boosts recovery centre
PUPILS at a small rural school have visited a centre for wounded and sick soldiers after raising more than £600 to help the residents lead active and independent lives.After being inspired by the sea of poppies at the Tower of London, the 28 children
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Council considers 20mph limit outside schools
SPEED limits could be cut to 20mph outside dozens of schools.Durham County Council is considering introducing lower limits outside 33 schools across the county with the worst accident records.Members of the authority’s Cabinet will be asked to vote on
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Honours for air ambulance paramedics as they graduate from university
THREE paramedics from the region’s air ambulance service have reached new heights after graduating from university. The crew members from the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) studied for an honours degree in Paramedic Science to keep their clinical
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Rail cuts will have 'major safety implications', say councillors
COUNCILLORS have urged the Government to protect the interests of passengers and avoid cuts to rail franchises in the region.A motion moved by Durham County Councillor Bob Glass at the authority’s recent full council meeting calls for proposals, which
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Boro boss Karanka hit with one match ban
AITOR KARANKA has been hit with a one match touchline ban by the Football Association. The Middlesbrough manager has also been fined £2,000 for his actions during the 1-1 draw with Blackburn on November 29. Karanka will not be in the dug-out
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Whisky set to be auctioned for more than £1,000 a bottle in Barnard Castle
BOTTLES of whisky are set to be auctioned for more than £1,000 a bottle in Barnard Castle tomorrow (Thursday, December 11).The Whisky, Wine and Spirits Sale, the first of its type for auctioneers, Addisons of Barnard Castle, includes around 100 lots ranging
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'Give me a sign' - Corrie-loving bishop praises deaf TV service
A CORONATION Street-loving bishop has visited the North-East service that signs the soap for deaf viewers.The Right Reverend Mark Bryant, Bishop of Jarrow, is a lifelong soap fan and often references TV plot lines in his church sermons and blog.Earlier
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To you, to me... then down the hatch! Darlington panto stars enjoy cocktail break
STARS of a North-East pantomime enjoyed a cheeky tipple created by the show's sponsor. Real-life brothers Paul and Barry Elliott, familiar to millions as the Chuckle Brothers, are starring in The Chuckles of Oz at Darlington Civic Theatre.
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Thousands of Northern Rock borrowers in line for compensation
THOUSANDS of borrowers who took out a mortgage with The Northern Rock are in line for big compensation payouts after a High Court ruling. Around 41,000 customers could receive an average payout of more than £6,000 after a ruling that the wording
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Helicopter museum gets green light
PLANS for a North-East helicopter centre, combining a museum and ground-breaking venture in the rehabilitation of disabled former Armed Forces personnel, have been given the go-ahead. Durham county councillors on the area planning committee meeting unanimously
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Paul's the King-ston of the camera
A NORTH-East photographer has been shortlisted for a global award.Paul Kingston, who works for North News and Pictures, is in the running for The Guardian’s Agency Photographer of the Year prize for his autumnal picture taken in the Scottish glens showing
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Work to save tourist route from the sea
A SCHEME costing more than £9m will start next April to stop one of the main tourist routes on the East coast slipping into the sea.A contract to stabilise and repair the one kilometre stretch of the A174 at Sandsend, which takes traffic from Teesside
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Date announced for cycle event set to replace Etape Pennines race
CYCLING fans have taken on the mammoth task of organising a major Dales cycling event after the Etape Pennines was cancelled. The community event will have three gruelling routes, including a 90-mile headliner through Weardale and Teesdale, named
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A festival of 'international importance' will mark the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway
A FESTIVAL of international importance will be staged to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.The festival will be preceded by annual celebrations leading up to 2025, Councillor Nick Wallis said.The countdown will begin
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Kind-hearted teen raises funds for helpful hospice
THE daughter of a seriously ill retired police officer has raised nearly £2,000 for a charity that has supported the family during her father’s cancer treatment.Alfreya Bell’s father Chris, an ex-officer with Durham Police, has been treated for non-hodgkin
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Redcar College chief quits post
THE Principal of Redcar & Cleveland College, Gary Groom, has unexpectedly left his post. A statement was released this morning. It read: "The Board of Governors regretfully announce the departure of Mr Gary Groom, the Principal & Chief
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BP changes 'will cost £638m'
OIL firm BP has warned cuts to its business will cost £638m in the next year.The bill will reflect the need to downsize operations following £27.5bn worth of divestments since the 2010 Gulf of Mexico disaster.The company previously warned the rate of
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Tees Valley steps up Combined Authority bid
CONSULTATION begins today (December 10) on proposals by Tees Valley’s five local councils to establish a Combined Authority in a bid to boost economic growth, jobs and grab more spending powers from Whitehall. The process will involve engaging
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Primary pupils create memorial garden for popular priest
A MEMORIAL garden designed by primary school pupils in tribute to their former parish priest has received the blessing of his family.Children from the Cockerton Church of England primary school worked with the family of Father Richard Wallace to create
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Government confirms Stagecoach and Virgin East Coast franchise
A TRAVEL firm has officially been confirmed as the new East Coast rail franchise operator.The Government today (Wednesday, December 10) signed an eight-year deal with Inter City Railways, a venture between the Stagecoach Group and Virgin.Bosses say the
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Popular landscape artist's exhibition in Darlington
AN artist who first exhibited in Darlington’s library more than two decades ago is holding an exhibition at the Bridge Centre.Paul Dillon, who runs art courses at the centre, will be showing his work alongside guest artist Heather Kinsella until February
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easyJet announces new routes from North-East
EASYJET has announced three new routes from Newcastle Airport to Split in Croatia, and the Greek islands of Corfu and Rhodes from summer 2015. The trio of routes went on sale this morning (Wednesday 10 December) at www.easyjet.com, giving holidaymakers
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Lucite celebrates awards double
LUCITE International landed both of the main prizes at the recent Teesside Apprenticeship awards.Cameron Appleyard, 21, was crowned best overall Tees Valley Production Technician (TVPT) apprentice during the four years spent learning his trade with other
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Region's secondary schools under-performing, says Ofsted chief
THE poor performance of secondary schools in the North-East, Yorkshire and Humber remains the biggest challenge facing the region, according to Ofsted. With our secondary schools at the bottom of the league in England – in terms of the proportion
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Google 'best place to work in UK'
INTERNET firm Google has been voted the best place to work by UK employees, according to a report.Jobs site Glassdoor said the US firm came top of its poll with comments from staff including: "Very cool culture, amazing people, offices to die for
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Bogus caller wearing Santa hat given festive heave-ho by plucky pensioner
A BOGUS caller wearing a Santa hat received a less than festive welcome from a plucky 85-year-old woman who shut the door in his face. Police have urged vigilance after the man struck in Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire. At around 5.40pm on Monday
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Hartlepool death being treated as murder
A WOMAN who was found dead in a Hartlepool house is thought to have been murdered. Angela Wrightson, 39, was found at a property on Stephen Street, near the town centre, just before 7am yesterday morning. Two girls, aged 13 and 14, were arrested
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Sevcon secures £32m Asia contract
NORTH-EAST based electric vehicle parts maker Sevcon has won a major new contract - which could be worth up to $50m (£32.2m) by 2020. It comes as the Gateshead manufacturer posted strong annual results with revenues rising 18 per cent to $37.9m
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Guisborough pensioner assault - man bailed
A 19-YEAR-old man arrested in connection with an indecent assault on an elderly lady in Guisborough has been released on bail pending further enquiries. The incident took place at 9.20am on Sunday, December 7, when the elderly lady was outside
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Man dies in fatal house blaze - fire came during latest stage of fire brigade strikes
A MAN died in a flat fire after emergency services were alerted by a neighbour trapped upstairs in the two-storey property. Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service was called to the incident in Sunderland, following a call from the man in the upstairs
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Building economic recovery
THERE is a saying that the building trade is the first to suffer during a recession and the last to benefit when recovery kicks in. You could add to that - and the North-East building trade is the last in the country to feel the benefit from any
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Ward Hadaway strengthens property team
A GROWING revival in the property finance sector has led to law firm Ward Hadaway expanding its specialist property business services team.The firm, which has offices in Newcastle, Leeds and Manchester, has recruited Associate Jonathan Yates and Solicitor
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NECC column: Change is in the air
LAST week George Osborne laid out his Autumn Statement in what was, I think it is fair to say, one of the most politically charged addresses of recent years, writes Mark Stephenson of the NECC. Yet behind the politics there were some hugely important
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Food firm's family values
A HUSBAND and wife are each celebrating a quarter of a century at one of the UK’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of equipment to food industry.Vanessa and Ady Boyes joined Pickering-based Invicta Bakeware Ltd just two months apart in 1989 and have
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Awards honour for Darlington firms
LOCAL businesses were recognised last week when they picked up a bevy of trophies and certificates at the inaugural Darlington Business Awards held by Darlington Business Club.Spokesman, Patrick Masheder, said: “We felt it had been too long since Darlington
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Waxing lyrical about Sonnet 43
A FEW months ago, I waxed lyrical in this column about the glowing prospects for the brewery industry, here in our region, writes Samantha Dolby, an Investment Manager at Brewin Dolphin. And, I’m glad to say that the good news keeps on coming,
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Murray sacking branded a joke by Johnson
LEE JOHNSON, who appointed Paul Murray as his right-hand man at Oldham, has branded Murray’s Hartlepool United sacking as a joke.Murray swopped Oldham for Pools on October 23, but was removed from his post on Saturday in the aftermath of their FA Cup
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EU migration cap not a business priority
HARDLY any managers believe limiting the movement of labour across Europe is a priority for them, according to a study.Despite the political focus on immigration, company bosses said they would rather the Government made it easier to give work experience
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COMMENT: Having tied down Wickham, Sunderland now have to start getting the best out of him
HAVING had their fingers burned once with Jack Colback, it is good to see that Sunderland’s powerbrokers are not going to experience similar misery with Connor Wickham. Once bitten; twice a damned sight more reluctant to lose a leading player for nothing.Yesterday
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Middlesbrough midfielder says: 'This was my time to shine'
AFTER three years on the fringe of Middlesbrough’s first-team squad, Adam Reach admits this was always going to be the season that defined whether he had a future at the Riverside.Prior to the start of this season, Reach had made just ten league starts
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Woodman confident that Alnwick can fill Newcastle's goalkeeping breach
NEWCASTLE UNITED goalkeeping coach Andy Woodman is confident Jak Alnwick is capable of solving his side’s keeper crisis during their busiest spell of the year.With Tim Krul already ruled out until the New Year, Newcastle’s goalkeeping worries worsened
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TALKING HORSES: Racing Briefs
CONNOR BEASLEY is only two wins away from riding out his claim after partnering Bint Dandy to success at Lingfield on Tuesday.Beasley, who is from Spennymoor and is one of the regular riders at Michael Dods’ yard at Denton, near Piercebridge, made the
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North Yorkshire eventer takes giant leaps in 2014
AS she looks back on 2014, North Yorkshire’s Emma Carvey is able to reflect on the most successful year of her equestrian career. The hope, as she simultaneously looks ahead to the future, is that better is still to come.Seventeen-year-old Carvey claimed
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You read it here first: how The Northern Echo business team broke the big stories of 2014
WE exclusively revealed third generation distribution firm AV Dawson was working on £6m plans to bolster North-East steelmaking. In March, we reported how the Middlesbrough company was building a 300-metre storage area. Handling up to 30,000
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Lees happy to prove his worth
Alex Lees says that proving his credentials in limited overs cricket was an immensely satisfying part of 2014.The Yorkshire opener has enjoyed a memorable year in all forms of the game, playing a significant part in their LV= County Championship title
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Chamber of Commerce warns of threats to economic recovery
THE British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has downgraded its forecast for UK growth this year in what it said was a warning sign in the struggle to achieve a sustained recovery. The business group expects gross domestic product (GDP) to increase by
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Graduates 'earn £9,000 a year more'
GRADUATES earn nearly £9,000 more a year on average than workers who didn't go to university, a report has said.Adults with a degree are also significantly more likely to get a job, and be working in a highly-skilled post.The information, released by
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Subsea engineer aims to double size
A SUBSEA engineering firm aims to double in size as it targets global supremacy.Ennsub told The Northern Echo it wants to increase its presence in the next three years to become a world leader in the oil and gas industry.The plans come as the company
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Law firm rewards solicitors
TWO solicitors at an employment law firm have been rewarded for their contributions with promotions.Collingwood Legal, in Newcastle, says Sarah Fitzpatrick has been made a senior associate solicitor, with Jane Sinnamon promoted to associate solicitor.The
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Training provider's sweet success
A TRAINING charity is delivering qualifications specially created for a sugar supplier.The TTE Technical Training Group, in South Bank, near Middlesbrough, is working with British Sugar and awarding body PAA\VQ-SET.It says the partnership aims to hone
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General Election will not delay Atom's launch
THE upcoming General Election will not get in the way of a £100m fund raising drive by fledgling North-East bank Atom, bosses at the lender have insisted.After securing a £25m vote of confidence from investors the Durham City bank has already turned its
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Memorial clock owned by Consett flying hero to be sold
A GRANDFATHER clock owned by a World War Two hero of the air is being sold at auction. The antique timepiece, which belonged to Bill Middleton, has been turned into a memorial by his stepson, Steven. The RAF flight engineer from Consett
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Council using reserves to protect services from deeper cuts
LABOUR chiefs at the North-East’s biggest council are drawing on cash reserves to stave off deeper spending cuts until after next year’s General Election.Durham County Council must save another £16.2m in the financial year from April, the lowest annual
