Archive
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Beck on target as Darlington lose to Harrogate Town
A GOAL by former Darlington striker Mark Beck helped condemn Quakers to defeat on Friday at Harrogate Town. Beck scored a first-half header for the National League outfit, who won the friendly 2-1 with winger Jarrett Rivers on target for Alun Armstrong
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A66 closed after lorry spills its load near Scotch Corner
MOTORISTS are being urged to avoid the A66 near Scotch Corner after a lorry spilled its load. Both lanes of the A66 are closed and traffic is heavy due to recovery work and accident from New Lane, West Layton, to A1(M) J53 Scotch Corner (Scotch
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Schizophrenic man who stabbed his mother to death had previously sucked her blood
A PARANOID schizophrenic killed his mother after she refused to forgive him for stabbing her in the neck and sucking her blood. Ian McKenzie said he stabbed his mother, 55-year-old Alison McKenzie, seven times because he believed she would come
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Suspended sentence for man who bought child-like sex doll
A MAN from North Yorkshire has been given a suspended sentence after importing a child-like sex doll from China. Graeme Seward, 62, of Park Avenue, Sutton-in-Craven near Skipton was sentenced at Bradford Crown Court today (Friday, July 12) after
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Will Bruce have £50m to spend at Newcastle? Talks with Owls continue
STEVE BRUCE’S arrival at Newcastle United will spark a spending spree to the tune of at least £50m, provided an agreement can be reached over the terms of a compensation package for Sheffield Wednesday. That was the figure Rafa Benitez was going
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Darlington burglar jailed for 20 months
A MAN has been jailed for 20 months for a number of offences, including burglary and attempted burglary, which took place across Darlington in May and June this year. During one burglary, Simon McPhee tried to break into a shed while the homeowners
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More than 55,000 people sign petition after dog hit with hammer and strangled
MORE than 55,000 people have signed a petition after a rescue dog was hit over the head with a hammer and strangled with a washing line before being dumped in the River Tyne. Molly, a German Shepherd rescue dog, was then dumped in the River Tyne
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Former practice manager jailed after stealing almost £600k from employer
A FORMER practice manager has been jailed after transferring £596,000 from her employer's bank account into her own. Carolyn Lightwing, 55, of St Mary's York, appeared at York Crown Court on Friday (July 12), where she was sentenced after pleading
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Collingwood hopes to be joined by Morgan in history books
Paul Collingwood is desperate to shed his status as the only man to lead England to glory on the world stage and can think of nobody better to share the honour than Eoin Morgan. Morgan will captain England in their first World Cup final since 1992
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Burglar who terrified woman in her own home jailed for ten years
A 30-year-old man has been handed a ten year sentence after he was found guilty of offences including an aggravated burglary which left a young woman terrified. Michael Lee Townsend forced his way into the Cambridge Square apartment, Middlesbrough
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Stanley rapist subjected victim to 'three or four' hour attack
A RAPIST has been jailed for ten years after subjecting his victim to a series of violent assaults. Philip Howard was found guilty of two counts of rape and one of sexual assault by penetration when he appeared at Newcastle Crown Court. The
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York Maze pays stunning homage to The Lion King
A POPULAR North Yorkshire attraction has pulled out all the stops to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the release of the Lion King. With a live remake of the iconic film now in cinemas, Yorkshire farmer Tom Pearcy is paying tribute to the movie
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Wanted brothers from Witton Park arrested in Lancashire
TWO brothers who were wanted in connection to a major investigation into an organised criminal gang have been arrested. Police have been looking for Brian Thexton, 43, and his brother Ronald Thexton, 35, since May, when the pair disappeared.
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Teen led police on 120mph chase on wrong side of the A19
A TEENAGER who drove at 120mph into oncoming traffic on a busy motorway before being found hiding in bushes by a police dog has been jailed. Liam Facey led police on a high speed pursuit on June 12 , hitting speeds of more than 100mph as he drove
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PCC Julia Mulligan determined to prevent bullying following criticism
A POLICE and fire commissioner has outlined her determination to implement measures to prevent bullying in her office following criticism that she failed to act upon a series of recommendations to address the issue. North Yorkshire Police, Fire
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Teen's death at secure children's home was 'possibly preventable'
AN investigation into the death of a 17-year-old who died at a secure children’s home in County Durham has concluded her death could have been foreseen and “possibly prevented”. The review was carried out by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman into
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Schools turn out for Newton Aycliffe race supported by champion sprinter
HUNDREDS of children put on their running shoes for an event supported by a gold medalist sprinter. More than 500 children from Newton Aycliffe primary schools ran 2km in a fun run at the Oakleaf Sports Complex, supported by athlete Richard Kilty
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Special day to mark end of 360 years of learning
A COMMEMORATIVE event to mark the closure of a Dales school after 360 years of service took place to remember its history. Blue skies, inspiring displays, strawberry teas, more than 200 visitors with memories to share were the perfect ingredients
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'Genius' artwork proposal sparks landscape concerns
A CELEBRATED artist’s plan to re-build traditional stone buildings to create a sculpture trail for visitors across a national park, has been recommended for refusal, despite receiving support from many of the world’s leading art experts. The North
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Watch: Archive footage of Durham Miners' Gala from the 1950s to the 1980s
THE North-East Film Archive has kindly produced this short clip of colour footage of the Durham Miners Gala. The clip is a compilation of professional and amateur films from across the decades from the 1950s to the 1980s – all capturing the unstilting
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Willey is committed to Yorkshire
It may have been a challenging few days on the field for Yorkshire at Chelmsford, but it was punctuated with some excellent news off it as David Willey signed a new three-year contract on Monday. The England all-rounder has signed a deal until the
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Corbyn promises multi-billion pound green revolution to tackle North-South divide
JEREMY Corbyn has promised an environmentally-friendly industrial revolution as part of a multi-billion pound programme to tackle the North-South economic divide. Writing exclusively for The Northern Echo ahead of Durham Miner’s Gala, the Labour
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Ex-copper sentenced to 12 years for rape and sexual activity with underage girls
A FORMER Cleveland Police Constable has been jailed for 12 years after being found guilty of rape, sexual grooming and sexual activity with underaged girls. David Waller hung his head as the judge branded him a “sexual predator” who “revelled in
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Crossbow, guns, sword and drugs recovered during police raid
A QUANTITY of drugs and weapons were recovered following a police raid this morning. Cleveland Police said: "An adult male has been arrested for drugs and firearms offences and further enquiries are ongoing. "This operation was in conjunction
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Sunderland set to land another Coventry player after agreeing deal for Jordan Willis
SUNDERLAND are on the verge of adding a second Coventry City player to Jack Ross' squad. The Northern Echo has been told the Black Cats have agreed a deal to sign central defender Jordan Willis and a deal will be announced in the next 24 hours.
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Bishop Auckland police intercept £2,000 package after scammers tricked woman into posting cash
A POLICE officer has been praised after intercepting a package containing more than £2,000 which had been sent by a woman who was being scammed by fraudsters pretending to be tax officers. The victim, who is from Evenwood, was called on Wednesday
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Tough test ahead for Richmond
Second-top in the Darlington Building Society NYSD ECB Premier League, Richmondshire travel to Windy Hill Lane to take on in-form Marske. Vice-captain Robert Carr has Mike Layfield back and said: “It’s a massive game for us, particularly with their
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Company director accused of murdering man near primary school
TWO men including a company director charged with murder have denied killing a man in a house just minutes away from a primary school. Neil Elliott, 44, and Lee Darby, 31, are accused of murdering 39-year-old Michael Phillips in a residential street
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Summer Rumble set for some tasty encounters
IT will be a busy afternoon for the Peterlee boxing camp at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, when there will not be a footballer in sight on Wearside. Dave Binns, coaching out of East Durham College, has 25 per cent of the left side of the annual
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Prom Pictures: Sixth formers celebrate in style at Barnard Castle School
SIXTH formers marked the end of one era and the start of another as Barnard Castle School staged a glittering leavers’ ball for students, staff, friends and family. Tuxes and ball gowns swept the dance floor in a celebration of schooling that has
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Armed police swoop on two addresses as woman robbed in her own home
ARMED police swooped on two addresses after a 45-year-old woman was robbed for money in her own home. At around 5.15pm on Thursday (July 11) two men entered her address on Wylam Street in Middlesbrough. The men then stole cash from the woman
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Man jailed for two years after knifepoint robbery at Ladbrokes
A MAN has been jailed following a knifepoint robbery at a bookmakers in a town centre. John Robert Connon, 31, was arrested after a knifepoint robbery at Ladbrokes on Corporation Road in Middlesbrough on Saturday, June 1. Cannon of Middlesbrough
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Man wanted on recall to prison for breaching conditions
POLICE have launched an appeal to find a missing 27-year-old who is wanted on recall to prison. Officers are trying to track Jack Taylor, who is believed to have connections to people in Stockton. Police said they urged anyone who sees Taylor
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Compensation talks planned for this morning as Steve Bruce takes charge of training in Sheffield
NEWCASTLE UNITED will attempt to reach a compensation agreement with Sheffield Wednesday this morning as they look to wrap up the appointment of Steve Bruce as their new manager. Bruce has informed the hierarchy at Hillsborough that he wants to
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Up to 30 cannabis plants seized during raid
ABOUT 30 cannabis plants have been seized by police. The grow of "mature" plants was discovered in Pelton, near Chester-le-Street on Wednesday. Police attended the address after a report of suspicious activity. A police spokesperson said
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Letters: 'The way Johnson was weak and gave in to Trump should fill us all with dread'
I AM very concerned about what the future holds for our country. It seems clear to me that the lack of support from Boris Johnson was the main reason for our ambassador to the US, Sir Kim Darroch, resigning after the leaking to the press of his
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Letters: 'The NHS is our greatest treasure, we cannot let it be gradually chipped away'
IN the On This Day column (Echo, Jul 5) it said in 1948 the Labour government introduced the NHS. Elsewhere in the paper that day was an article about what might happen if we leave the EU without a deal. Apparently private healthcare companies
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Letters: 'I have no sympathy for Sir Kim Darroch'
SIR Kim Darroch is described as a senior British diplomat who has served as the British Ambassador to the US from January 2016 until his resignation on Wednesday. I am not surprised he found it necessary to resign. He certainly gets no sympathy
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Letters: 'Tory Police and Crime Commissioner policy has been an expensive failure'
FURTHER to the article headlined "Mayor calls for police boss to resign for a fresh start" (Echo, Jul 9), this call was made by Middlesbrough mayor Andy Preston for the Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger to stand down from his
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Major damage after car smashes into railings in Darlington
A CAR smashed into railings outside a takeaway last night, Thursday, with the sheer impact causing major damage on a busy Darlington route. The accident happened at about 9pm on West Auckland Road, Cockerton, Darlington, and left a scene of devastation
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Residents unable to leave homes after road flooded
A MAJOR road flooded after thunderstorms hit the region on Thursday. Two fire engines attended the scene of the flooding on Durham Road, in Sunderland, to help pump away the water. Video: Hannah Pearson The area was cordoned off by
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Club's mini dribblers net a sponsorship deal with craft store
YOUNG footballers have won the support of a retailer which has agreed a two-year sponsorship deal. Crafter’s Companion, based in Newton Aycliffe, will support the talents of Spennymoor Town FC’s youngest footballers by sponsoring its Mini Dribblers
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Rare chance to enjoy Saltholme nature reserve after dark
FAMILIES are being encouraged to spend a night under the stars at RSPB Saltholme to explore the world of wildlife by night. The reserve, between Stockton and Hartlepool is inviting families to its annual Big Wild Sleepout whereby people can discover
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Free exercise sessions at park following its £140,000 revamp
OUTDOOR fitness classes are to be piloted at Richmond’s newly revamped Ronaldshay Park. Richmond’s flagship play park was officially reopened this month following a £140,000 revamp. Old play equipment has been replaced in the toddler area; six
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Ex-coastguard's mission to keep people safe at popular seaside spot
A FORMER coastguard has set out to spread messages of safety to seaside visitors. Paul Waugh from Brotton, near Saltburn, has been putting up signs in Huntcliff warning people of the dangers of the cliff edge. Mr Waugh, who worked as a coastguard
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Festival of Ingenuity celebrating town's innovative spirit this weekend
A TOWN is preparing to showcase its ingenious past, present and future at a family event tomorrow. Darlington’s annual Festival of Ingenuity returns for the fourth time, once again filling the town centre with technology based exhibitions, a wide
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Seize the home of your dreams in the spectacular Yorkshire countryside
VIEWINGS are being invited on a very limited number of high-end properties on an exclusive new North Yorkshire housing development. The High View development, located on the western edge of the beautiful, unspoilt village of Burnt Yates, comprises
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Hockney artwork for Hollywood director comes to museum
A BIT of Hollywood arrives at a north museum this weekend in the form of a major photomontage by Britain’s most famous living artist. The Hockney and Hollywood exhibition opens at The Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, on Saturday and features a life-sized
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Best friend gets her hair cut off to help raise cash for wheelchair
A YOUNG girl has had her ponytail cut off as she raises money to support her best friend's efforts to buy a specialist motorised wheelchair. Rosie Bromfield raised £510 for Chloe Smith's appeal when she took part in the charity event. The generous
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Memorial Middlesbrough v England match in memory of popular postie
A GRIEVING family mourning a much-loved father-of-two who died last year are preparing to honour his memory with the game he loved. Royal Mail postman Anthony Lochrane was told at age 40 that he had glioblastoma multiforme – a fast-growing aggressive
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Top traders and best bars and sought for #LoveDarlo awards
A DOZEN of Darlington’s best shops, bars, restaurants and retailers are set to be rewarded in the first ever #LoveDarlo awards. Nominations are now open for the inaugural ceremony which comprises 12 categories to celebrate the town’s top traders
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Nursery school celebrates after winning heritage project award
STAFF and students are celebrating after being awarded a Heritage Schools Award. Aclet Close Nursery School in Bishop Auckland was given the award after taking pupils to visit local landmarks and submitting a portfolio of work to the Arts Council
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Caretakers at Stokesley School scoop award for dedication
TWO caretakers at Stokesley School and Sixth Form College have gone to the top of the class after being honoured at a prestigious educational awards ceremony. Dave Harston and Ollie Williams scooped the award for outstanding non-teaching team in
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Will Hatfield: 'I was looking for a new challenge and I’m certainly going to get one here'
DARLINGTON have their second run-out of pre-season this evening when they go to Harrogate Town, about as close to home as Yorkshireman Will Hatfield will play now that he has signed for Quakers. The 27-year-old lives in Leeds and for the past four
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Once-failing Darlington children's services win government praise for improvements
A COUNCIL has won government praise for improving its previously failing children's services. Darlington Borough Council was told it was placing children at risk in 2015 following a damning Ofsted report of its services which highlighted 'serious
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Nepalese teachers enjoy Tabasco sauce on a Sunday Roast during school visit
A HEAD teacher hoping to broaden the horizons of his students has this week welcomed two teachers from Nepal. The teachers, from Nightingale International School in Patan, have spent a week visiting Ferryhill Business and Enterprise College (FBEC
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Royal Navy veteran who served in Second World War marks a remarkable 100 years
A SECOND World War veteran who served in the Royal Navy for 24 years will celebrate his 100th birthday next week. Highly respected and much-loved in his community, Douglas Sayles will mark his centenary surrounded by his fellow villagers in Heighington
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Boy, 16, victim of suspected stabbing in Darlington; police hunting man aged 40-50
A TEENAGER injured in a suspected stab incident in Darlington on Wednesday is expected to make a full recovery, police have said. But officers want to speak to a middle-aged man who they believe is involved. The injured teen, a 16-year-old,
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Newcastle confident Steve Bruce will be in charge in China
NEWCASTLE UNITED are hoping to confirm Steve Bruce as their new manager in the next 24 hours – and are confident the North-Easterner will be able to lead his new side during next week’s campaign at the Premier League Asia Trophy. Newcastle managing
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'Greedy' fraudster claimed his wife and parents had died to avoid completing work
A “GREEDY and dishonest” fraudster who posed as a kitchen fitter has been jailed after defrauding customers out of thousands of pounds with an “appalling catalogue of lies”. Christopher Willey was handed 19 months in prison after he repeatedly
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Family firm backed by Ben Houchen open £2.5m premises
A FAMILY business has unveiled its brand new £2.5 million flagship premises officially opened by Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen as part of the firm’s extensive growth plans. MB DIY, a specialist supplier to the home improvement industry, invited
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Jonny Howson: 'Last season was a failure - but we're good enough to improve this term'
JONNY HOWSON has branded Middlesbrough’s efforts last season as a “failure”, and expressed confidence that the core of the squad that remains at the Riverside is capable of improving on their efforts under Tony Pulis. Boro missed out on the play-offs
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Find a family home you’ll love – and get stamp duty and your deposit free
ONLY two stunning new-build properties remain available in a desirable new North-East housing development, located within easy driving distance of nearby Newcastle. Situated just six miles from the city centre, in the beautiful Tyne Valley mining
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Opposition leaders hail Tories for transparency
THE new Conservative ruling group of a unitary authority serving 106,000 people has demonstrated residents can expect a fresh approach of “integrity and honesty” from those charged with key decisions, an Opposition group leader has claimed. Darlington
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Letters: 'Molly was hit over the head with hammer and strangled by her owner - is his suspended sentence all her life was worth?'
THE horrendous suffering that Molly, the German Shepherd, was put through by her owner, and how she was put in the River Tyne, must have upset every animal lover (Echo, Jul 5). Every day we read or hear of animals caused suffering by their owners
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Newton Aycliffe children's home makes changes following death of Taylor, 17
“SIGNIFICANT” changes have been made at a secure children’s home in County Durham since the death of a 17-year-old girl, an inquest heard. Coroner Tanyka Rawden said Aycliffe Secure Centre, where Taylor Alice Williams was living at the time of
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Euromillions mystery man from County Durham, known as Mr S, plans trip to States
A MYSTERY EuroMillions winner from County Durham, has won £137,056.70 without ever touching a ticket. The lucky man matched the five main numbers and one Lucky Star in the EuroMillions draw on Tuesday 11 June – and is now planning a trip to the