IT WAS Lilliput, memory suggests, where the nation was divided into Bigenders and Littlenders, depending on the direction from which they assaulted their eggs. It was in the cheek-by-jowl lay-by caf on the north-bound carriageway at Scotch Corner that
A MIDDLE-AGED charity worker has taken on the mantle of a real live Father Christmas. Rod Jones, founder of the Teesside charity, Convoy Aid, has just finished a marathon round-Britain drive collecting toys and essential supplies to truck over to needy
A MAN who struck a friend with a hammer after an evening out drinking has been locked up for three years. David Boyes and his friend, Denver Godfrey, had been drinking together when a fight began between them. Boyes later struck Mr Godfrey with a hammer
ONE of the North's leading information security specialists plans to become a top national and international player following a major cash injection from specialist IT investors. Stockton-based Sapphire Technologies is set to create 40 jobs, allowing
A PATIENT launched a campaign of threats against hospital medics after claiming he was badly treated, a court was told. Robert Laverick, 33, who was suffering a mental illness, sent threatening letters, and even produced a compact disc, circulating it
A MOTORING shop was attacked in what police believe was a doomed ram-raiding attempt by thieves who also failed to get into a fish and chip shop two doors away. Damage and tyre marks outside Darlington Motor Factors suggested the thieves used a vehicle
A TECHNOLOGY teacher is looking forward to a surprise secondment to the Far East. Gary Brown leaves behind the damp cold of early December to fly to the tropical heat of Malaysia for a fortnight's assignment on Friday. Mr Brown, who teaches technology
I HEARD an interesting talk last week entitled: "Is Britain A Third World Country?" It was by the veteran travel writer Don Thurbold. Don has travelled the world over the last 40 years and he knows as much as anybody about Third World countries. His conclusion
THE North-East is to become the UK capital for research into the forthcoming genetics revolution, a leading government advisor said yesterday. The prediction came as Britain's foremost human rights lawyer launched a drive to give ordinary people a say
A POLICE search for a missing pensioner with senile dementia was called off when he was found by a security guard. Peter Dresser, 73, a patient at Bensham Hospital care unit, Gateshead, went missing on Sunday morning, prompting a police search of the
COUNTY Durham model Lynnsey Ward has bowled over Test cricket's greatest living batsman. The 18-year-old met West Indies opener Brian Lara last April when working as a receptionist at Durham County Cricket Club's Chester-le-Street ground. According to
A SURVEY has found that people in the North-East are among the stingiest in the country when it comes to giving to charity at Christmas. The research, carried out by Barclays, revealed that the North-East is a region of Scrooges compared with other parts
Darlington manager Gary Bennett is "very close" to signing striker Kirk Jackson after completing the signing of his Worksop teammate Adam Marsh yesterday. Jackson has been tracked for several weeks by Bennett, who made his move after he watched him play
In the basement, appropriately, of Middlesbrough's best known restaurant, a do on Thursday night launched the Boro fans' second annual. In the Purple Onion they were almost crying in their beer. The atmosphere, like the lighting, was subdued. Not even
PEOPLE power triumphed last night as councillors voted to throw out plans for a controversial bail hostel in a North-East town centre. Spontaneous applause broke out among protestors who packed a planning meeting of Chester-le-Street District Council,
PARENTS and other local residents have been invited to inspect a new school building. St Michael's RC Primary School recently opened its doors to pupils after completing the move into the new premises from its ageing former site, across Old Durham Road
A VICAR has appealed to thieves for the return of a wheelchair. The wheelchair at St Mark's Church, in North Road, Darlington, was used to help parishioners with walking difficult to get from their cars to the seats, or to convey them from care homes.
LOTTERY cash is to boost a computer training scheme run as part of Sunderland AFC's community activities. The club provides computer training facilities at its Stadium of Light ground, for visitors from schools and youth groups. As part of the National
LONG-DISTANCE hauliers fear they are being put in danger of bankruptcy by strict measures introduced to stem the influx of illegal immigrants. Cross-Channel lorry drivers and operators face huge fines and the impounding of their vehicle if immigrants
A TEENAGER has been cleared of two charges relating to alleged sexual assaults on young girls. Michael Wressell was accused of two offences of indecent assault against the girls, said to have been carried out in 1996, when they were both aged about eight
STAFF at a North-East newsagents are celebrating after it was voted the best independent retailer in the country. Stevens Newsagents, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, held off the challenge of 28,000 other newsagents to win the industry award in London
A FORMER police officer beat his wife and threatened to slit her parents' throats when she said their marriage was over. Roger Nelson, 32, a former constable with Durham police, subjected his wife to two years of married hell, Newcastle Crown Court heard
Shane Cook has astounded doctors with his amazing will to live after suffering horrific head injuries in a 30ft fall. Shane, seven, is making a speedy return to health just a month after plunging through the roof of a Territorial Army centre in South
RESTAURATEURS will gather today to say goodbye to the man many recognise as having had the biggest influence on the North-East's culinary reputation for decades. It used to be said the region had nothing to offer but batter puddings and pie and peas,
A CAF owner claims he has been unfairly targeted after objectors united to block his plans for later opening. At a meeting of Middlesbrough Borough Council's licensing committee yesterday, permission was refused for Caf Mango, in Linthorpe Road in the
BRAZILIAN defender Emerson Thome believes he can take a huge step towards fulfilling his ambition of playing in an English cup final if he can help Sunderland beat mighty Manchester United in tonight's Worthington Cup Fourth Round tie at the Stadium of
DISABLED people are to be given a new voice on Teesside. A disability and carers' forum is being set up by the Endeavour Housing Association to look at problems faced by disabled people across the community, while providing friendship and mutual support
THE first group of candidates at newly established Portman College is now through the first modules of their National Examining Board of Supervisory Managers (NEBS) Diploma in Management course. Portman College is the North-East's only specialist institute
LIVING conditions for junior doctors at Bishop Auckland Hospital will be brought into line with national recommendations after approval of an £87,000 facelift. Accommodation at the hospital will be upgraded after the board of South Durham Health Care
PLAYTIMES at a Darlington primary school will soon be nautical, but nice, thanks to a new piece of equipment. Skerne Park Primary School has taken delivery of a pirate ship, which the children designed themselves. It is all part of the healthy schools
A POLICE inspector appeared before magistrates yesterday charged with theft and forgery. Inspector Neil O'Byrne, 40, of Cleveland Police, appeared before Teesside magistrates and faced two charges of theft, two of forgery and one of breaching the Data
A GO-SLOW protest by cabbies brought rush-hour chaos to Newcastle city centre yesterday. Big tailbacks built up as taxi drivers demonstrated outside Newcastle Civic Centre at the growing number of Hackney carriage licences being issued by the city council
A FORMER North-East schoolboy who emigrated to the US with just $200 to his name has retired a wealthy man - thanks to the humble Post-it note. The ingenious invention, which covers office walls, desks and computer screens around the world, is 20 years
THE best pictures captured by the region's local newspaper photographers are on display in Durham. The photographs, taken from 1999 entries for the North East Press Awards, are on show at the University Library, Palace Green, until December 15. Topics
A CHARITY appeal is giving drinkers the perfect excuse to pop down to the pub for a pint this Christmas. To mark this year's Giving Tree Appeal, a Darlington pub has brewed a special pint for ale-lovers to sup while they make a donation to the charity
GANGS of youths with mobile telephones are causing problems in Darlington. Over the last two weeks, people living in the North Road area of the town have been plagued by gangs of youngsters causing disturbances outside their homes. The nuisance ranges
In the basement, appropriately, of Middlesbrough's best known restaurant, a do on Thursday night launched the Boro fans' second annual. In the Purple Onion they were almost crying in their beer. The atmosphere, like the lighting, was subdued. Not even
THE blue eyes of a tiny white rabbit captured the hearts of judges at a leading show to win it the crown of double champion. Lydgate Blue Gem - or Bluey - was voted best in show from among 50 entries at the North-East Netherland Dwarf Stock Show held
A TEESSIDE community is being turned into a real tinsel town. Not one but 20 Christmas trees - all with lights - are going up in the square at Eston, near Middlesbrough. Father Christmas will be there plus a 30-strong parade of storybook characters, including
FLOWER beds across Hartlepool are to be ripped up by council workers in a bid to make it easier to maintain the town's green spaces. At a meeting yesterday, Hartlepool Borough Council agreed a new strategy to keep the green areas in the town tidy and
INVESTIGATIONS into a girl's mysterious disappearance 19 years ago have been stepped up on the day of her 21st birthday. Detectives are making fresh appeals for information about the disappearance of Hartlepool toddler Katrice Lee, who vanished in Germany
WORK is starting to transform one of Grainger Town's run-down buildings into residential apartments for visitors to Newcastle to live in during extended visits to the City. Chu Yuk Fun Enterprises, the owners of Murton House on Grainger Street, is redeveloping
A FORMER miner whose lungs were wrecked after years of working in the pits, is to have his compensation claim speeded up, thanks to The Northern Echo. Emphysema sufferer Ben Aitken, from Wheatley Hill, County Durham, struggles for every breath as a result
CHRISTMAS has been cancelled for another year in homes across the North-East. For scores of Teesside families, there will be misery as people struggle with crushing debts. Council officials offering free advice are helping people facing debts totalling
ASPIRING photographers are hoping to make an impact with a showcase exhibition. The 22 final year photography students at Cleveland College of Art and Design are busy preparing their end of course show. About 250 work samples, covering fashion, still
THE weather was kind to all but the stragglers during yesterday's Richmond 10k Run. The temperatures were cool, but the forecast rain did not materialise until well after the leading pack had crossed the finish line, although the fun-runners and the less
A NETBALL battle of the sexes has been held in Darlington to raise money for the NSPCC. The match, at the Dolphin Leisure Centre, saw a team of firefighters take on a team of women to raise £1,000 for the charity's Full Stop campaign. The contest was
HUNDREDS of textile workers are facing an uncertain future after clothing maker William Baird admitted it is in talks over a possible £88m takeover offer. The group said the discussions could lead to a recommended cash offer of 75p a share, after reports
ONE of the North-East's largest business parks, the Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate, has been acquired by property investment and development company, UK Land Estates. The estate was previously under the ownership of two separate institutional investors. The
FOLLOWING the successful acquisition of the former Coats Viyella factory at Langley Moor, Durham, Chesterford Properties has announced the availability of office and warehouse space to let in the newly decorated Littleburn Business Centre. Fire damage
THE revival of Sunderland's own distinctive variety of brown ale has scored another success. Double Maxim, back in production after a year-long lapse following the demise of Vaux Breweries, is to be available in bars at Sunderland AFC's Stadium of Light
THE man behind the failed bid to save the Vaux Brewery has launched a new venture - making computer games. Frank Nicholson, who led the bid to buy the famous Sunderland brewery last year, is behind the creation of a Changing Rooms-style computer game
HAIR stylist Gemma Snowball proved she was a cut above the rest at a competition that brought together 220 of the North-East top hairdressers. Gemma, the newly appointed stylist at Elite hair salon in Cockton Hill Road, Bishop Auckland, won the BL Hairdressing
MORE details about the jobs below are available from the Employment Service Direct on (0845) 606 0234. Midday supervisory assistant, Northallerton. £4.75ph, Mon-Fri, term-time. Required to supervise children during lunchtime. No qualifications or experience
A MAN arrested following the murder of a teacher, was last night reported to be "poorly, but stable" in hospital. The 43-year-old man is under arrest "in connection with the murder" of his partner, Middlesbrough primary school teacher Lesley Grant. Ms
MORE details about the jobs below are available from the Employment Service Direct on (0845) 606 0234. Insurance manager, Hartlepool. £15,000pa, 39hrs pw. Should have at least three years' insurance experience gained in supervisory role. Ref: HAQ 16154
THE black market for cigarettes, fuelled by high levels of duty on legal tobacco products, has led to a flattening in UK profits at cigarette giant Imperial Tobacco. The group, which sells brands including Lambert & Butler, Embassy, Superkings and
BUSINESSES have joined forces to light up Crook for Christmas. The centre of the town has been without lights in previous years because of a lack of money to pay for a display. But on Friday, three children from the town's primary school will switch on
TWO women and a teenager are facing sentence in three weeks time after police discovered two children in an attic in Hartlepool. Yesterday, the teenage boy appeared before Teesside Crown Court and admitted cruelty to two children, a boy and a girl, between
A FLEET of new supermarket trolleys had to be withdrawn after customers complained they were getting electric shocks from them. Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Washington, Wearside, conducted research into the reports. Eventually, the company's
WHITE-KNUCKLE ride Fami (2.10) is fancied to get back on the winning trail in the Sidney Phillips Handicap Chase at Hereford. Faultless fencing has not always been the strong point of the Venetia Williams-trained chaser, who managed to get rid of his
PLANS to merge two schools look set to move forward today. Durham County Council is proposing to close Pelton junior and infant schools and open a new primary school, catering for children aged three to 11. The move is in response to falling numbers at
PRIME Minister Tony Blair last night moved to avoid the nightmare of damaging tax rises only weeks before the next General Election. The Government unveiled its "best-ever" cash settlement for local authorities and police forces in a bid to see off big
IT IS that time of year again. Barely have the Christmas decorations gone up in the shops offering the promise of cheer and goodwill - and increased takings for the traders - before the police start depressing us with the carnage of an anti-drink driving
RESIDENTS have fought off council plans to sell open land in their village for housing development. Durham City Council's development control committee voted against giving outline planning permission for two pieces of land south of Wood View, at Croxdale
TWO women and a teenager are facing sentence in three weeks time after police discovered two children in an attic in Hartlepool. Yesterday, the teenage boy appeared before Teesside Crown Court and admitted cruelty to two children, a boy and a girl, between
FUNDRAISERS are hoping Christmas cheer and good wishes can raise money for a hospice this year. The Butterwick Children's Hospice Tree of Life was unveiled in the Cornmill Shopping Centre, Darlington, yesterday. Last year, £6,000 was raised for the hospice
ONE of the North-East's most famous daughters came face-to-face with her bronze double yesterday. BBC news correspondent Kate Adie, who is famous for reporting from the world's conflict areas, unveiled the bust of herself at the University of Newcastle
LONELY divorcee Stan Young found more than the perfect bride when he answered her ad in The Northern Echo's contact column Two's Company - he discovered four half-brothers he did not know existed. As well as agreeing to marry Stan next August, Gail Burns
Newcastle's defensive crisis deepened yesterday in the wake of news that French defender Alain Goma has demanded a transfer. The £4.5m defender has been told he can quit the club if the Geordies recoup the cash former boss Ruud Gullit splashed to buy
LONG-DISTANCE hauliers fear they are being put in danger of bankruptcy by strict measures introduced to stem the influx of illegal immigrants. Cross-Channel lorry drivers and operators face huge fines and the impounding of their vehicle if immigrants
A BROTHER and sister separated when they were sent to different orphanages 57 years ago have had a tearful reunion. It ended 63-year-old John Earl's search for the sister he last saw when she was a babe in arms. Carole Farrington was only four months
Former England coach Don Howe yesterday predicted the arrival of Terry Venables would create a managerial dream team for crisis-torn Middlesbrough. Howe was part of the Euro 96 set-up that guided England to the semi-finals under the leadership of coach
THE 18 crew of a Russian ship have been left high and dry after the vessel was impounded on Teesside. When it docked on the south side of the Tees, on November 16, the Vismark Gloria was impounded due to a dispute between the vessel's owners and charterers
TRADING standards officials are warning consumers across North Yorkshire not to expect riches and gifts from allegedly free scratch cards or similar competitions. Every year, the Northallerton-based consumer watchdogs receive many complaints from disillusioned
A NEW group is striking a blow for self defence by teaching youngsters how to avoid being attacked. Martial Arts Trained was set up by three judo experts with the intent of arming people with the skills needed to ward off assailants. Since it began in
IT'S official, as if you couldn't guess - England and Wales have the wettest autumn since records began almost 300 years ago. But as forecasters confirmed the grim statistics, another unseasonal weather twist was predicted for today, with temperatures
THE Government yesterday outlined its vision for the future of UK ports in a White Paper designed to make them safe, green and competitive. Transport Minister Keith Hill, who launched the paper said: ''We see our ports as a major component in integrated
Local people have been delving into Teesside's natural heritage as part of an awareness campaign. Tees Valley Wildlife Trust joined forces with Tees Archaeology to put on a series of workshops for the Coatham and South Gare Heritage Project. Focusing
THE grandson of the late MP for Hartlepool has appeared before a court charged with producing cannabis. Carl Leadbitter, 24, of Brimstone Close, Hartlepool, appeared before Teesside Crown Court with Gary Davidson, 27, of Stonethwaite Close, also Hartlepool
LONELY divorcee Stan Young found more than the perfect bride when he answered her ad in The Northern Echo's contact column Two's Company - he discovered four half-brothers he did not know existed. As well as agreeing to marry Stan next August, Gail Burns
IT'S that time of year again. The time of year when the miserable, dark nights are suddenly brightened with the joy of Christmas lights, flashing Santas and neon snowmen. While some of us make do with a few aged fairy lights and stringy tinsel, there
POLICE will hold the region's biggest-ever blitz against drink drivers as part of a hard-hitting campaign this Christmas. Officers from the Durham, Cleveland and Northumbria forces will breath-test thousands of drivers at roadside stops during December
BAKERS Oven has promoted Andrea Malt to the position of consumer research co-ordinator. She will be based at the company's head office in Jesmond. She joined the company two-years ago from Courtaulds Coatings. * The Explorer Group has appointed Michelle
EX-OFFENDERS, unemployed people, special school pupils and people in post-accident rehabilitation have joined forces on a Prince's Trust scheme. Team 17 from Stockton and Billingham College has just completed a community project as part of its Prince's
WORK is starting to transform one of Grainger Town's run-down buildings into residential apartments for visitors to Newcastle to live in during extended visits to the City. Chu Yuk Fun Enterprises, the owners of Murton House on Grainger Street, is redeveloping
AN Oxford don has attended a North-East college to dispel myths about the university and encourage applications from state-educated youngsters. Students from Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, Darlington, and its feeder schools, took part in workshops
TWO North Yorkshire communities on the brink of losing their village shops are hoping some innovative solutions could save them from permanent closure. Newsham's could be the first to go, this weekend. The Post Office has issued a closure notice for Sunday
OLDER people in the region are set to benefit from extra cold weather payments. Pensioners who have taken advantage of charity Age Concern's offer to supply gas will receive free heating this winter. Age Concern Energy, an alliance between the charity
DOORS to a covered market reopened yesterday as scaffolding on a clock tower continues to come down following months of renovations. Darlington's town clock, which towers above the market, on Low Row, has a clean new look following the facelift. While
A COMMITMENT to lifelong learning led driving instructor Alan O'Neill to seek out a route to self-employment. Now aged 30, Alan previously worked as a delivery driver for a local wholesale company and then studied part-time to achieve his driving instructor's
Darlington sailor Michael Noble has returned to Britain after a six-month deployment off the West African coast. He was on board HMS Argyll, which has spent five months supporting United Nations operations in Sierra Leone. The ship's role included providing
YOUNGSTERS in Thornaby are hoping to be given a new centre that will enable them to put their dreams into action. The Five Lamps Organisation has applied to Stockton Borough Council's planning committee to demolish the Walkers Bingo Hall, in the town's
A RECORD tree planting event took place at Castle Eden Walkway. The British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, Tees Forest and Stockton Borough Council, joined forces to plant more than 2,000 trees as part of Esso National Tree Week. The planting was
HUNDREDS of textile workers are facing an uncertain future after clothing maker William Baird admitted it is in talks over a possible £88m takeover offer. The group said the discussions could lead to a recommended cash offer of 75p a share, after reports
A website has been launched with the help of Mo Mowlam to provide a one-stop source of equal opportunities employment information. The aim of Equality North East is to help cut down the amount of time and resources needed to find the answers to any equal
MORE details about the jobs below are available from the Employment Service Direct on (0845) 606 0234. Hamper packers, Darlington, £3.70ph, 8am to 6pm Mon-Fri, Christmas temporary, packing experience is preferred. Ref: DAE 24462. Catering assistant, Darlington
HAEMOPHILIACS already infected with two potentially fatal viruses fear they are being unnecessarily exposed to a third after health bosses refused to change their treatment. Blood products imported from Germany are used to treat haemophiliacs from across
RAPID REACTION FORCE TONY Blair calls for a grown-up debate regarding the Euro army in which British soldiers will be led by a German general. He pontificates that without such happening, it would be detrimental to national interests. The only thing Mr
IT ALL started with a tin of beans. If young Rodney Jones, 11, had not been overcome by hunger and broken into a corner shop, he would not have been challenged by a policeman at an ungodly hour in the morning; making off across Newcastle's High Level
IT ALL started with a tin of beans. If young Rodney Jones, 11, had not been overcome by hunger and broken into a corner shop, he would not have been challenged by a policeman at an ungodly hour in the morning; making off across Newcastle's High Level
MORE details about the jobs below are available from the Employment Service Direct on (0845) 606 0234. Administrative assistant, Chester-le-Street. 19-31hrs pw, temporary. Some typing experience preferred but not essential. Ref: CHM 12835. Chef de partie
A FORMER North-East schoolboy who emigrated to the US with just $200 to his name has retired a wealthy man - thanks to the humble Post-it note. The ingenious invention, which covers office walls, desks and computer screens around the world, is 20 years
A WOMAN who has helped many celebrities find fame is taking centre stage herself this Christmas. Dorothy Ellis, of Hartburn, Stockton, is playing Robina Hood in the Bruvvers Theatre Company's production of Babes in the Wood at the town's Arc centre. Ms
HARTLEPOOL United's Anth Lormor is ready for a return to action. The former Newcastle striker, a summer recruit from Mansfield, has been sidelined since the defeat at Rochdale on October 14 after suffering knee trouble. After recovering from the operation
