FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - Proposed light railway for Teesdale. In response to a resolution passed by the parish councils of Upper Teesdale, Mr Fife, Lord Barnard's chief agent, attended a conference at High Force on obtaining a light railway from Middleton to Langdon beck.

All admitted the railway was of vital importance to the prosperity of the dale, which is peculiarly rich in minerals such as limestone, lead, zinc and iron ore, and berytes.

At the meeting, speakers said if a railway could be profitably worked, it could provide greater scope for labour in the locality. Mr Fife promised to submit the matter to Lord Barnard, who might meet councillors for further discussions.

From this newspaper 50 years ago. - The third International Ballet season at the Globe Theatre, in Stockton, begins on Monday.

The dance company performs Sleeping Princess, Capriccio Espagnol and Giselle.

It returns to Stockton with the stimulation of an amazingly successful Italian season. One of the ballerinas is Herida May of Middlesbrough, who has rapidly risen through the ranks.

In addition to her principal role as Lilac Fairy in Sleeping Princess, she has since added the chief peasant in Capriccio Espagnol and Queen of the Wilis in Giselle. She will dance the full length role of Odette in Swan Lake.

Globe Theatre manager Ronald White said bookings were heavy and advised immediate application for the remaining seats.

From this newspaper 20 years ago. - North Yorkshire health workers were out on strike this week, leading to the cancelled operations and emergency-only cover in some departments at the Friarage Hospital.

Six operations were cancelled after pathology staff, porters and ancillary staff took the action on Wednesday.

Forty members of the Nupe trade union, including porters, domestic and catering staff, came out in support of the strike. This meant portering services were run on an emergency-only basis and catering facilities were reduced.

Eight out of 25 pathology department staff were on strike, who were members of the ASTMS union, leaving the biochemistry department on emergency cover and reduced staff in the haemotology department.

About 40 day patients and some out-patients had their visits cancelled when ambulance men provided emergency-only cover, said Michael Scargill, hospital district administrator.