FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - A policeman on his night rounds through Richmond came upon a man sleeping alongside the road while his horse and cart waited patiently under a nearby tree. When awoken the farmworker stated that he was too much under the influence of drink to guide the horse home, and was waiting until he was once again fit to travel. He smelt strongly of beer and the police constable believed him to be heavily drunk. Although the gentleman argued that he had made a considered choice to spend the night by the road, the constable tied up the horse and the man spent the remainder of the night in the police station.

From this newspaper 50 years ago. - It seems some people in Darlington are not as honest as we like to make out, or so it seems with the forthcoming test by engineers to catch out pirate TV and radio users. A post office official informs me they have no wish to carry out a large number of prosecutions, and will be much better pleased if viewers and listeners get a licence. Though £2 is not much for a combined sound and viewing licence many people will continue to try to dodge their fair share.

From this newspaper 25 years ago. - When taking part in a fell rescue exercise in Teesdale last weekend Alistair Bruce of Bolton Road, Scorton, caused excitement when he discovered a bomb. Another was then found across the valley and an army bomb disposal squad was called to recover two 25lb anti-tank shells. No-one was hurt in the discovery, but bomb specialists were relieved that the shells were found and could be disposed of safely.