Archive

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Durham Council criticises Government's 'broken' funding system amid warning of cuts

A council has criticised the government's “late” decision to award cash-strapped local authorities extra funding to help balance its budgets and condemned a “broken” financial system.  Durham County Council is set to benefit from £30.3m additional

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5 County Durham residents fined heavily for ditching kids toys, beds and rubbish

Five County Durham residents have been fined heavily in court after failing to a Community Protection Notice about waste in their garden. According to Durham County Council, they were issued with notices in August 2023 however failed to comply

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County Durham park features on BBC show as viewers enjoy seeing 'familiar sight'

Viewers who tuned into a popular BBC travel programme over the last few days may have been surprised to see a County Durham beauty spot feature. Those who were watching BBC's Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes, which showcases the North East in its

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Pervert caught with child sex abuse images on his iPhone following police raid

A young pervert who downloaded sickening child abuse images has walked free from court. Billy Hedges was arrested when police raided his Stockton home following information about his online activities. The 24-year-old’s mobile phone was seized

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Why GMB's Ben Shephard says leaving Kate Garraway was 'hardest decision'

Following Ben Shephard’s departure from Good Morning Britain (GMB), the TV presenter has said leaving his beloved co-star and “on-screen wife” Kate Garraway has been the “hardest decision”. It comes as on Friday (February 16), ITV confirmed Ben

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Voters no longer prepared to give Tories the benefit of the doubt

LABOUR had had a bad week. It had performed a mighty U-turn on the £28bn green industrial policy that was to be the centrepiece of its manifesto, and then it became embroiled in a dirty, anti-Semitism row which means it will not now have an official

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Labour launch mayoral election campaign as Tories attack ‘airport closing candidate’

Labour's candidate to be the next Tees Valley Mayor has launched his campaign with a pledge to bring back free car parking in town centres across the region.  In 2021, current Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen introduced two hours of free car parking

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Shadow Chancellor in Darlington: 'Road to Downing Street is through North East'

The Shadow Chancellor described the route to Downing Street in a general election as "through the North East" during a visit to Darlington. Rachel Reeves, while visiting Cummins with Labour's Darlington candidate Lola McEvoy, repeated Labour's

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County Durham couple in 'toxic' relationship escape jail for pet cruelty

An immature young couple involved in a tempestuous relationship took out their frustrations on animals in their care, a court heard. John Cameron Lindop and Lucy Elizabeth Melrose both narrowly escaped immediate imprisonment for a catalogue of

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Details unveiled of a new club for North East fans of swing, scat and jazz

A NEW music club has been launched on Wearside for fans of swing and scat and all that jazz. Every third Friday of the month, the award-winning Seventeen Nineteen event space – formerly Holy Trinity Church – in Sunderland, will be transformed into

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Durham LEGO® attraction is complete and ready for visitors this half term

Durham Cathedral in LEGO® attraction was finally completed yesterday, as the last brick was placed on the 1.7m high model. The rebuild of Durham Cathedral in LEGO® has finally been completed by 11-year-old Libby Armstrong from Beverley in East

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Legendary cricketer Phil Tufnell to join BBC host in North East for night of stories

Legendary former England international cricket star, Phil ‘Tuffers’ Tufnell, will share stories from his life in a special one-night event. Appearing alongside regional broadcaster, Paul ‘Goffy’ Gough, the pair are set to appear at The Fire Station

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Police welcome sentence passed on North East paedophile for rapes on young girl

A paedophile who finally admitted the rape of a child two days into his trial has been sentenced to more than 13 years in prison. Police have welcomed the sentence passed down on 39-year-old Barry Brennan and hope it will be the spur to encourage

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Bournemouth boss offers Newcastle striker verdict after Callum Wilson injury blow

BOURNEMOUTH boss Andoni Iraola believes Newcastle will have no problems coping with their striker struggles despite Callum Wilson's latest injury setback. Wilson had surgery on a chest injury on Friday morning and will miss the bulk of what is

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Meet the North East dog crowned the UK's 'muckiest' pup

A devious five-year-old Golden Retriever has officially been crowned the ‘muckiest pup’ in Britain. In the first ever ‘Mucky Pet Awards,’ Golden Retriever Obi saw off hundred of other dogs to snatch the title. The Hexham, Northumberland pooch

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All the places kids eat free this February half term in and around County Durham

If you’re stuck for things to do with the family this February half term in and around County Durham, how about popping out for a bite to eat? But don’t worry, eating out won’t break the bank as there are a variety of cafés, hotels, restaurants

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'Devastation' of family of North East murder victim after killer jailed for life

A woman has spoken of her family’s “devastation” at losing a loved brother following a violent outburst and attack by a drinking partner. Lisa Bishop was speaking after her brother, Trevor Bishop’s killer, 36-year-old Tony Johnson, was given a

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New North East site for printing firm which produces quarter of all envelopes

A printing and packaging firm which produces around a quarter of all the envelopes posted in Britain each year has acquired a huge space near a well-known North East site. Since 2021, The Encore Group’s packaging division turnover has more than

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Delay in sentencing of County Durham house arsonist who was 'hearing voices'

The sentencing of a man who has admitted setting fire to his partner’s home, having heard “voices” in his head at the time, has been put back due to a delay in obtaining a psychiatric report. Ryan Atkinson previously admitted arson being reckless

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Darlington shop gets new refit during four week closure - take a look inside

A Darlington shop has showcased a fresh new look after reopening following a four-week closure programme of renovations.  The Co-op store on Fulthorpe Avenue, Mowden, re-opened on Thursday (February 15) with a fresh new look and layout following

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Swan rescued by RSPCA after becoming trapped in multi-storey car park

RSPCA rescuers were deployed to a multi-storey car park last week to rescue a swan trapped on the top floor of the building. The Captain Cook Square car park in Middlesbrough had an unexpected resident last week (February 9) when a young male swan

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18-year-old arrested after teenager stabbed in face, neck and body

An 18-year-old has been arrested after a teenager was left with stab injuries to his face, neck, and body.  The 19-year-old victim was taken to James Cook University Hospital in a non-life-threatening condition. Now, a man, aged 18 and from

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Family and colleagues pay touching tribute to Darlington's first black mayor

Family and colleagues have paid a touching tribute to Darlington’s first black mayor who died last weekend. Former Darlington Mayor and councillor for the ward of Firthmoor, Roderick Critchlow, died on Saturday (February 10). Mr Critchlow,

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Bin man sustains broken leg whilst working after being hit by car

A bin man was injured in a car crash whilst at work in Middlesbrough, and now police are appealing to the public for more information to help with their enquiries. Whilst working to collect bins on Whinney Banks Road, in Middlesbrough, the man,

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Remembering the train stop that brought Darlington a Mayor of distinction

RODDY Francis – the first black Mayor of Darlington – was a shy, gentle, unassuming man and I’m so sad to hear about his passing at the age of 87. Before he became ill, I often met Roddy at the gym at the Dolphin Centre and we had some good old

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Third person charged after death of young father of twins in alleged stabbing

A third person has now been charged in connection with the death of a young father of twins following an alleged assault. Bradley Lee William Tams died following an incident on Cartmel Green in Slatyford, Newcastle, just before midnight on December

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County Durham woman who refused to take breathalyser test narrowly avoids driving ban

A would-be heavy goods vehicle driver has been given the chance to keep her dream alive after she narrowly avoided a driving ban for failing to go a breath test. Amy Franklin was spotted sitting in her car by police officers but without the engine

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Michael Beale hits back at Sunderland comment he 'didn't like' & calls for response

MICHAEL Beale has angrily hit back at suggestions his Sunderland side are too easily "bullied" and has challenged his players to show they're up for the fight in the Championship promotion battle. After Huddersfield beat Sunderland in midweek,

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Plans for brand new leisure centres in County Durham in doubt

Plans for new leisure centres in County Durham have been cast in doubt, as a council admitted the cost of the proposed improvements has sky-rocketed.  The admission came after residents questioned the local authority’s ambition for providing the

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Terror suspect to go on trial in two months after Hartlepool murder

A man accused of the murder of a 70-year-old man and the attempted murder of his housemate in attacks suspected to be terror-related will go on trial in April, a court has heard. Ahmed Alid, 45, is accused of murdering Terrence Carney after Mr

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All the North East areas issued with a yellow weather warning for 'heavy rain'

Most of England has been issued with a yellow rain warning for “spells of heavy rain” over the weekend, including across County Durham and much of the North East. The Met Office warning has been put in place from 3pm on Saturday, February 17 and

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Eddie Howe's Callum Wilson hope as Newcastle striker gets surgery on 'strange' injury

EDDIE Howe says Callum Wilson's latest Newcastle United injury setback is a "big blow" - but is hopeful the striker will play again this season. Wilson was having surgery this morning on a pectoral muscle injury suffered late in last weekend's

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Images released after men cause damage during alleged attempted burglary

Officers have released images of two people they would like to speak to in connection with an alleged attempted burglary. A Northumbria Police spokesperson said it was reported that two men had broken a fence and attempted to gain access to an

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County Durham train running UK 'day excursion' for first time in five years

A County Durham train company has launched a 'day excursion' journey for the first time in five years - and will take rail passengers to a UK destination later this year. Following the fond farewell from regular passenger service of the legendary

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North East politicians react to 'shocking' child poverty report findings

North East politicians have spoken on the issue of child poverty following a ‘shocking’ report released today (February 16). The North East Child Poverty Commission (NECPC) has today (February 16) called for a ‘public health approach’ towards child

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Second round of six-figure investment means niche Durham firm keeps on growing

An ambitious North East company whose niche market now has more than 8,500 buyers across the UK is expanding after securing a second round of investment. Continence product supplier Lylalife, based in Durham, is building up its customer service

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Middlesbrough midfielder is 'like a new signing' & desperate to make up for lost time

WHEN Lewis O'Brien joined Middlesbrough in the summer, the midfielder made clear his desire to get his career back on track. O'Brien was one of the Championship's stand-out stars two seasons ago, leading Huddersfield Town to the play-off final

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Howe's telling one-word response & concern as Man United line up Dan Ashworth move

EDDIE Howe is confident Newcastle will protect themselves to prevent sporting director Dan Ashworth from taking inside knowledge with him to Manchester United. United want the former Football Association technical director to oversee a new era

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When a woman thanked her rescuers after surfing terror

A gym assistant praised two men who saved her life after she was swept out to sea while surfing with a friend. Donna Ford, 24, a members' assistant at the David Lloyd gym at the Tees Barrage, was swept out to sea at Saltburn by a strong current

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'Take Kate with you' - Good Morning Britain fans react to Ben Shephard's exit

Ben Shephard has announced he is leaving Good Morning Britain (GMB) on ITV after 10 years. But the TV presenter won’t be going too far away from ITV as he is swapping to host the broadcaster's flagship programme This Morning along with Cat Deeley

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Dog owner to pay £1,500 court bill after huskies chased and attacked sheep

A dog owner faces a court bill of more than £1,500 after her huskies chased and attacked a flock of sheep. Cristina Charterjee’s two dogs worried the 67 animals on a North Yorkshire farm for 20 minutes despite the efforts of four adults trying

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Dragons' Den's Sara Davies, Alex Scott and more to trek the Arctic for Comic Relief

Four celebrities will brave freezing temperatures to trek across the Arctic in a bid to raise money for Comic Relief this year. Alex Scott, Sara Davies, Vicky Pattison and Laura Whitmore will take on the challenge together in the first all-female

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Thousands to receive new £299 cost of living payment from today - are you eligible?

Thousands of families will receive a £299 cost of living cash boost from today. Eligible households, in receipt of tax credits and no other qualifying benefits, will receive the final cost of living payment of the year over the next week. HMRC

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Find out who is exempt from paying income tax in the UK - could it be you?

Income tax is the amount of tax you pay on your income, but not all types of income are included. For example, you pay income tax on money you earn from employment, some state benefits and interest on savings over your savings allowance. You

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Software giant awards top title to digital marketing experts

The marketing agency run by Newsquest - owners of The Northern Echo - has won  a major award from Microsoft. Newsquest Media Group’s digital marketing agency LOCALiQ UK has been named Europe’s Rising Star of the Year at the Microsoft Partner Awards

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Where is Emmerdale filmed? Find out if you can visit the ITV soap's set

We all like to know the filming locations of our favourite TV shows – mainly because it makes them feel a little more realistic. Loyal fans may also hope to visit the sets of their beloved ITV programmes, including Emmerdale – but have you ever

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KitKat, Quality Street and Smarties among Nestlé's 'delicious' 2024 Easter eggs

Nestlé has announced its new Easter eggs line-up for 2024, with treats from KitKat, Quality Street, Smarties and more featuring. Two new 'Incredible Eggs' have been added to the roster amongst a whole assortment of items designed to "impress and

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Property expert reveals this 'red flag' is why your house isn't selling

A property expert has explained that this 'red flag' could be why you're struggling to sell your house. Grimy bathrooms have been identified as a top buyer 'turn-off' since it affect the property's overall appeal. Whether your house is already

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Nutritionist explains how to keep your Vitamin D levels up in the winter

A nutritionist has explained how you can keep your Vitamin D levels up in the winter months. You might already know that our bodies turn sunlight on our skin into Vitamin D without us having to anything at all. However, we might need to consider

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Sunderland dealt 'horrible' injury blow ahead of Birmingham City trip

MICHAEL Beale has described Patrick Roberts' latest injury setback as a "horrible" blow for the winger and for Sunderland - but has urged Abdoullah Ba and Romaine Mundle to grasp their opportunities in the weeks ahead. Roberts is set for a scan

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Meet the new presenting duo for This Morning as ITV confirms hosts

ITV has announced the new presenting duo for daytime TV show This Morning. Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley will be the new hosts of the show, the broadcaster has confirmed. They will take over from the previous permanent hosts Holly Willoughby

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Gary Neville's verdict on Manchester United's move for Newcastle's Dan Ashworth

GARY Neville believes Dan Ashworth could be an influential figure as Manchester United’s sporting director, should he make the switch from Newcastle. United are looking to fill the vacancy with an experienced head and are understood to have picked

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A rollercoaster ride from Durham's greatest railway viaducts to Newcastle United

RICHARD CAIL was a remarkable engineer, responsible for giving visitors to Kynren an unforgettable backdrop and passengers on the East Coast Main Line an unmissable view. But his family tree is even more amazing. It is a veritable rollercoaster

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Steve Watson's Darlington belief message ahead of South Shields trip

DARLINGTON manager Steve Watson has stressed the importance of belief ahead of Saturday's trip to South Shields. Quakers desperately need to win their fifth away game of the season to keep their lingering hopes alive of avoiding the drop. Their

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Sean Price- Apology

On 12th April 2022, we published an article under the headline “Cleveland Police chief sets out his vision for the future”. The article concerned the appointment of Mark Webster as the Chief Constable of Cleveland Police. In the article, we reported

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Nathan makes sparks fly as North East college hosts national skills competition

SPARKS were flying as the next generation of tradesmen battled it out for honours in a prestigious national competition. Darlington College hosted the regional heat of SPARKS Learner of the Year, a national competition designed to challenge the

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Uninsured motorist crashed new car into three Darlington vehicles on first drive

An uninsured driver who crashed his new car into three parked vehicles when he got confused with the pedals has been in court. Tochukwu Okafor’s friend drove it from Manchester where he bought the Renault Scenic before parking up outside his house

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See inside 'grand and gracious' country house up for sale for nearly £4m

A stunning country house in the foothills of the Yorkshire Dales has gone on the market for nearly £4m. Patrick Brompton Hall dates from the early 17th century and stands in ten acres of well-established garden and grounds on the edge of the village

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Report calls for united North East approach after 'shocking' child poverty rise

A new report into child poverty has highlighted North East devolution powers as a potential opportunity to confront the issue. The North East Child Poverty Commission (NECPC) has today (February 16) called for a ‘public health approach

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Success as village becomes one of first 'dark sky friendly' places in England

A location in North Yorkshire has become one of the first in England to become 'dark skies friendly' after a project has been completed in the region.  Hawnby, near Helmsley, has joined a select few in achieving the feat, with other villages urged

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Failings in care by troubled NHS trust contributed to young man's suicide

Failings by a troubled NHS trust in the care of a detained mental health patient contributed to him taking his life, an inquest has concluded. Ty Channce was found dead hours after being released from a Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys (TEWV) hospital

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Man arrested and stolen Land Rovers seized after joint County Durham operation

A man has been arrested and stolen luxury vehicles have been seized following a joint County Durham operation. Durham Police have confirmed a Magistrates’ warrant was executed on Thursday (February 15) at Leadgate in Consett in relation to stolen

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LIVE: Lane reopens following crash on A66 this morning

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Financial Secretary confident of economy despite recession in Darlington visit

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury believes that the economy has now "turned the corner" despite the announcement that the UK is in a technical recession. Nigel Huddleston, Conservative MP for Mid Worcestershire and Financial Secretary, visited

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Care home placed in special measures after undercover Panorama investigation

A care home in Gateshead that was slammed following an undercover investigation by the BBC's Panorama has been placed in special measures by a watchdog.  A reporter from Panorama got a job at Addison Court, in Crawcrook, Gateshead, after allegations

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Scheme reveals millions in funding for more than 800 North East start-ups

Start Up Loans, part of the British Business Bank, says it has now awarded £5.6m of funding to 854 businesses in the North East. The organisation says that it has provided more than £100m worth of funding to business owners aged between 18-24 years

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Builder hits out at Sainsbury's 'mean-spirited' foodbank donation after locust horror

A BUILDER has hit out angrily at a supermarket chain’s “mean-spirited” response to his call for a donation to a foodbank after he found himself chewing on a large live locust. Phil Hall made the request to Sainsbury’s just before Christmas after

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Housing provider and education trust create opportunities for young people

A PARTNERSHIP between a housing association and an education trust is helping to provide increased opportunities for young people in the North-East. Housing provider Livin is working with multi-academy trust Advance Learning Partnership (ALP) to

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First picture of Darlington deer emerges after being sighted around town

The locally famous Darlington deer which has been sighted around the town has finally been pictured. The 'Darlo deer' was first reported for appearances at St Augustine's primary school on February 5. It was spotted in the shrubs on the edge

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Rehabilitation firm to look after victims of major trauma from new Darlington base

Darlington has become the new home to a specialist rehabilitation company with ambitions to become the best in the UK. Having outgrown its current base in York, Bridge Case Management began the search for a new office in the North East to allow

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Sunderland defender reveals key issue that is damaging club's promotion hopes

TRAI HUME admits Sunderland are paying a high price for their inability to defend set-pieces, with Huddersfield Town’s winner on Wednesday night the latest crucial goal the Black Cats have conceded from either a free-kick or a corner. Sunderland

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Michael Carrick hints at short-term Middlesbrough change in effort to rediscover form

MICHAEL Carrick insists he has full belief that his out of form Middlesbrough side will soon get back on track in the Championship - but admits he might have to do "something a little bit different" in a bid to reverse current results. Boro's defeat

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Seeing a clearer future with replacement lens surgery

“ABSOLUTELY life-changing!” is how Fiona Snowdon describes the replacement lens surgery that freed her from wearing spectacles since she was diagnosed as short-sighted at the age of 11. Now aged 63, Fiona elected to have the procedure done at Woodlands

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Erik Ten Hag's instructions as Manchester United close in on Newcastle's Dan Ashworth

MANCHESTER UNITED manager Erik ten Hag will not have any input into the appointment of a new sporting director but admits whoever arrives will have to be “on the same page”. While formal talks are still to take place, Manchester United are lining

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Which celebrities have been unmasked so far on The Masked Singer 2024?

The Masked Singer 2024 is set to conclude its series on Saturday, February 17, with just three celebrities left competing to win the show. The initial roster of 12 characters ranging from Dippy Egg to Weather to Bubble Tea has been cut down over