Archive

  • News in brief: Festival reward for litter team

    RESIDENTS who helped in a community litter pick at a nature park will have the chance to return this weekend to see the results of their labours. Dozens of residents helped to pick litter at Windy Nook Nature Park, Gateshead, as part of the borough council's

  • Sisters on the trail of their NE roots

    TWO sisters have travelled thousands of miles to the North-East in a bid to trace their roots. Val Perriman, from Deloriane in Manitoba, Canada, and Kathleen Chadwell, who lives in Minot in North Dakota, USA, arrived in County Durham last week. It is

  • Bowls: Durham and District League

    The top teams in the First Division lost to create a big change. Wingate took pride of place as they pushed former leaders, Leeholme down to fourth place with an 85 shots to 68 home win. The visiting players found the green heavy and went down to their

  • Super Saxby set to make mark on Games

    Caroline Saxby has become the first swimmer from the Bishop Auckland-based Wear Valley Amateur Swimming Club to qualify for the Commonwealth Games. The 19-year-old Durham University student, who is coached by Gary Hollywood, secured her place on the team

  • Hunwick Under-18s

    The Barbour factory in Crook have kindly kitted out the Hunwick Under-18s cricket team with new sweaters. Manager of the team John Pratt said: "Initially we contacted Mr Laidler who is the group factory manager and he passed our letter on to Mrs Henderson

  • Dominoes: Northallerton and District League

    The league held its annual presentation evening at the Workingmens Club, Northallerton on Thursday, May 9. Trophy winners were as follows. Dominoes - Division One winners: Nags Head A, runners-up Tickle Toby A. Fives and Threes winners: Elders A, runners

  • Top players on parade

    Embassy International Tour International Masters The region's top players were in action at Warwick a fortnight ago. To be screened by Sky TV from quarter final stage, Steve Woodier and Stuart Green met each other in the last 64. After Green came through

  • Streaker sacked

    Royal streaker Brynn Reed has been sacked from his civil service job after he stripped for the Queen. Reed shocked the nation after he took his clothes off in front of Her Majesty and ran past the royal car during the Queen's visit to the North East.

  • Parklands and Loftus draw thriller

    Cleveland League Normanby Parklands and Loftus were involved in a high scoring drawn game when the sides met in division one. Batting first Loftus made 185 for the loss of one wickets before declaring after 43.2 overs. The runs flowed from Martin Pearson

  • Cash up for grabs for developing cricketers

    As Darren Lehmann, Matthew Hoggard and the rest of the Yorkshire team don their whites to begin the defence of the county championship, Taylors of Harrogate are ensuring that budding White Rose players of the future have the opportunity to fulfil their

  • Laddie earn cup double

    A Hoggarth and Sons Eskvale and Cleveland League Highland Laddie finished the season gaining victory in both the remaining cup finals. On Wednesday they played Brotton WMC in the Eileen Hodgson Bowl but Brotton took the lead on six minutes when Kevin

  • Basketball: Brilliant Boro dominate

    Durham League The season ended last week with a thrilling few days of cup final action and by the end of the week there was no doubt about the undisputed winners, not just of the week, but of the season as a whole. That accolade went to Middlesbrough

  • Bowlers in fine form

    Darlington and District League David McKenna and Paul Rogers both bowled splendidly when Middleton St George defeated Raby Castle by five wickets. McKenna sent down 14 overs, eight of which were maidens, in taking three wickets for 21 runs while Rogers

  • Sled race game is storming ahead

    Sled Storm. Publisher: Electronic Arts. Format: PS2. Price: £39.99. Players: 2. VIDEO game developers are a strange lot. For the past ten years or so they have spent countless hours trying to create realistic sports simulations. Then, when the goal has

  • Hospital surgeon faces inquiry

    A SURGEON at a scandal hit hospital is facing a General Medical Council inquiry over allegations he threatened junior staff. Dr Lucas Van Vuuren, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at the Friarage in Northallerton, has been called before a preliminary hearing

  • Thirsk and Sowerby Harriers

    Kirbymoorside 10k FOURTEEN Harriers, five men and nine women competed in this very attractive, hilly run on a cold and windy but dry day. The race was won by John Hunter of Loftus AC in a time of 33.4 minutes. Walter Busuttil finished in an excellent

  • Park lodge to be transformed

    A LODGE in South Park, Darlington, that dates from the mid-19th Century, is to be transformed. The lodge, which was built in 1853, will be restored and turned into a base for the park's new manager and park ranger after plans were approved by Darlington

  • Students' artistic talents on show

    STUDENTS at Hurworth School are showing off their talents in a display of GCSE art work Parents are being asked to pick 12 works of art to appear in a calendar. More than 500 works of art by year 11 students were on display at the school on Wednesday.

  • Cabbies in protest over seats ruling

    TAXI drivers have staged a protest over rules on how much room their passengers should have. The drivers in Darlington are angry that under a town bylaw each person sitting in the back of their cars must have 16in of seating space. This means the minimum

  • Thieves just get a friendly nod from passing plod . . .

    IT seemed to be a fair cop - a gang of burglars caught red-handed by a beat bobby as they carried stolen furniture to a waiting van in the dead of night. Short of wearing stripey jumpers and carrying swag bags, they could not have looked more suspicious

  • Pupils mark Queen's visit in style

    PUPILS from a Darlington school enjoyed a royal evening to mark the Queen's golden jubilee. The group of eight and nine-year-olds from Polam Hall School, in Grange Road, organised the evening and invited parents and friends to join in. The event was timed

  • Crushed finger costs firm £3,000

    A WORKER had her finger mangled in a production line machine at a seat belt manufacturer, a court heard yesterday. Catherine Tempest, 23, was left with five fractures in her finger when the seat belt threading machine clamped down on her arm. Hartlepool

  • Village wins bid to keep its pub

    A VILLAGE pub that opened 170 years ago has been saved from closure for the time being. Mike and Barbara Allison, owners of the Raby Hunt Inn, at Summerhouse, had applied to Darlington Borough Council to convert the pub into two houses. The plans met

  • Hear all sides: MAYORAL ELECTIONS

    COULD I take this opportunity to thank all those who helped elect me as Mayor of Middlesbrough? My first thanks must go, of course, to my family and my campaign team, without whose unstinting support and encouragement I would not have been able to contemplate

  • Taster session for snappers

    The Pioneering Care Centre, off Burn Lane, in Newton Aycliffe is hosting a taster session for people who want to get the most out of their pictures. A digital imagery taster session will be held next Thursday, from 1pm to 5pm. Places are free, but booking

  • Ready to rock and raise charity cash

    THE father of a young man killed by a rare heart disease is going on stage again to raise money for charity. Levon Morland, 22, of West Rainton, County Durham, died earlier this year of Wolfe Parkinson White Disease, which causes occasional heart murmurs

  • Fire wrecks farmhouse

    A FARMER has told of his shock at seeing his family home of 63 years damaged by fire. Keith Straughan said that a working farm dog had to be rescued from the fire at High Wales Field Farm, Morley, near Hamsterley, last night. The ground-floor of the house

  • Missing Milly: Man arrested

    Detectives hunting missing schoolgirl Amanda Dowler, who went missing eight weeks ago, yesterday arrested a 36-year-old man. The suspect was detained in Chertsey, about three miles from the 13-year-old's home in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey Police said. Amanda

  • Youngsters show off their skills in sports challenges

    AS many as 1,400 schoolchildren from North Yorkshire took each other on in a series of sporting challenges at Catterick Garrison. The county's Youth Games were hosted by Richmondshire this year, which linked up with the Ministry of Defence to stage the

  • Should juries be told about defendant's record?

    Linsay Jennings looks at whether juries should hear about previous convictions or acquittals before a case is tried. STANDING in the dock accused of rape yesterday, John Ellison looked the pillar of society with his smart suit and his respectful stance

  • UK's first sheep show after crisis

    THE country's first sheep show since the foot-and-mouth outbreak more than a year ago is to take place in the region next month. The Eastgate sheep show, in Weardale, County Durham, which like all agricultural shows in the country was cancelled last year

  • Dad's lips are sealed - on Sir Paul's orders

    THE estranged father of model Heather Mills has been gagged by Sir Paul McCartney from speaking about their forthcoming wedding. The former Beatle criticised Mark Mills after he told reporters he had not been invited to see his own daughter tie the knot

  • Nine days of events to mark celebration

    A COUNTRY community is going to town to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee with a nine-day programme of events. Organisers of the show at Kirkby Malzeard, near Ripon, say it is not confined to Royalists and tell residents: "Look on this as a unique

  • Year of upheaval leaves BT stronger

    BT boss Ben Verwaayen has announced the telecoms firm was in a stronger financial position after a year of upheaval at the group. The Dutchman, who joined BT in February, said the underlying performance of the business was improving as it looked to the

  • Footballers facing ban after brawl

    TWO young footballers have been threatened with suspension by the Football Association after violence flared at a North-East match. A Teesside Junior League fixtured between Whitby Town under 14s and Darlington Spraire Lads B had to be abandoned after

  • Judges refuse to increase sentences on soccer thugs

    THE Attorney General has failed in a bid to have the sentences of eight convicted North-East football hooligans increased. Despite agreeing that the sentences handed to the men, ranging from four months to four years, were too short, three Appeal Court

  • Volleyball students praised

    STUDENTS from an east Cleveland college have narrowly missed out on a national volleyball title. It was the first time a mixed volleyball team from Prior Pursglove College, in Guisborough, had entered the competition and the college was delighted with

  • Girls and boys net football honours

    A school which is attracting a growing interest in football among its female population, has gained a top award from the Football Association. Durham Johnston School has enjoyed great success on the football field, with no fewer than ten teams at different

  • Carry on composting

    RESIDENTS in the borough of Stockton are being urged to carry on composting. Stockton Borough Council had received a number of queries over concerns about a newspaper article questioning the legality of composting on the grounds of health and safety.

  • Bad day for northern clubs

    It was a bad day for the Conference's three Northern clubs. Durham were disappointing at Derby as they give up too much possession. Last season Newcastle Knights were challenging the dominance of Teesside - that won't be the case this season after a 70

  • Marriage milestone celebrated

    A VETERAN marathon runner and his wife are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary today. Gerry and Peggy Kearsley, from Sedgefield, are planning a party with family and friends to celebrate their 60 years of marriage. Mr Kearsley, 79, has run 51

  • News in brief: Tournament out to net £2,000

    ORGANISERS of a charity football tournament taking place this summer are hoping to cash in on World Cup fever and raise £2,000. The Super Six soccer tournament will be held at Thirsk's floodlit pitch on August 3 and is expected to attract teams from across

  • Crosses honour 'chivalrous' students

    STUDENTS Thomas Hudson and Ali Bayston have won the acclaim of their peers for their contribution to community life. Thomas, 17 and Ali, 18, who topped a poll of senior students at Northallerton College, have both been presented with antique silver crosses

  • Castle garden for the senses

    A SENSORY garden will be opened by Viscount Eccles in the grounds of a medieval North-East castle today. Viscount Eccles will be joined by Peter Bromley, regional director of English Heritage, at the opening of the garden at Barnard Castle, in County

  • M&S sales prize

    STAFF from a Darlington store have won a three-day trip to Italy after winning a national sales competition. Section manager Julia Tipling and her four-member team from Marks and Spencer will fly to Florence on Sunday after increasing sales of the store's

  • Comic in a different role

    COMEDIAN Bobby Ball will appear at the Christian Life Centre, in Woodham, Newton Aycliffe, next week, to talk about his career and religious beliefs. As half of the comedy duo Cannon and Ball, he regularly appeared on television throughout his 35-year

  • Turner's seaside painting for sale

    A WATERCOLOUR by the man regarded by many as Britain's greatest artist is expected to fetch more than £500,000 when it goes under the hammer next month. The view of Scarborough was painted by Joseph Mallord William Turner in 1818 and is to be auctioned

  • Seagulls drive away castle visitors

    A castle in North Yorkshire which survived the Civil War and bombardment from the Germans is under siege - from a pair of seagulls. The birds are protecting their nest containing two eggs, hidden in the walls of the 850-year-old Scarborough Castle, so

  • Chance for say on future of factory site

    PEOPLE living near a former factory in Ferryhill are being urged to attend a public meeting to discuss what they would like to see on the site. Sedgefield Borough Council is to hold a series of exhibitions outlining plans for the Praxis Taylor site, which

  • Addict death: sixth person is arrested

    POLICE have arrested a sixth person following the murder of a drug addict on Teesside. Officers investigating the death of 29-year-old Robert Parkin, whose body was found in a top-floor flat in Shaftesbury Street, Stockton, have been involved in a series

  • School's sixth form praised

    ONE of the first schools to be inspected under a Government scheme to improve sixth forms has received a glowing report from inspectors. Teesdale Comprehensive School was visited by a team of 15 inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education in

  • Care home owner goes begging for more

    A CARE home owner dressed up as Oliver Twist yesterday, to beg a council for more money. Psychiatric nurse David McArthur, who owns and manages Mulroy Nursing Home, in Normanby, near Middlesbrough, is demanding that Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council

  • Lesley proves a winner by losing pounds

    A SLIMMER who shed pounds after joining a weight-loss club has won an award for helping others get in trim. Lesley Bell, 34, joined a Slimming World class in Hemlington, Middlesbrough, in January 2001 and lost two-and-a-half stones in less than a year

  • Appeal goes out for extra drivers to help save disabled rally

    AN appeal has gone out for help to save a disabled persons rally. Durham County Council had agreed to bus 150 disabled people to Kennington Hall, Willington, for the event on the Queen's golden jubilee weekend. But the authority has told Durham County

  • Network has space for CBS

    CONTINENTAL Bread Source (CBS) has opened a new depot in South Tyneside to be closer to one of its major customers. The company chose the networkcentre on the Viking Business park in Jarrow to be within easy reach of Pride Valley Foods, of Seaham. The

  • Shipping firm plan deferred

    PLANS to build a warehouse on an ecologically-sensitive part of Teesside Airport have been deferred. Councillors at Darlington Borough Council decided to defer a planning application by LV Shipping of Holland, after hearing objections from the airport

  • News in brief: Illegal car washers alert

    Illegal car washers are preying on people in Marske and Saltburn according to local police officer Derek Taylor. PC Taylor told a meeting of Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council that cleaning items had been confiscated but the people involved

  • Bare your brain for chance to win a bear

    A TEDDY bear shop is offering a local person the chance to perform its official opening. Bear Bottoms, which has just relocated to new premises further up Elvet Bridge, Durham, is holding a double celebration to mark the move and its third birthday. The

  • Recruits go to all lengths in aid of charity

    THEY may be more used to marching over land but injured infantry recruits put their trunks on for charity this week. The Williams Company at the Infantry Training Centre at Catterick Garrison is made up of young recruits who have picked up injuries during

  • Band goes on parade for proms performance

    A MILITARY band will undergo a tough inspection tomorrow night when it performs at a Last Night of the Proms concert in the region. The King's Division Waterloo Band will open the proms concert at Darlington's Dolphin Centre at 7pm. As well as entertaining

  • News in brief: Extra item on parish agenda

    In an effort to reach a wider audience, Lartington Parish Council will present its annual report and accounts and a report on the progress of the parish plan at the village's golden jubilee party, on June 4. Lartington Ladies Circle has organised the

  • Collingwood restores Durham fortunes

    THANK goodness for Paul Collingwood. Without their England one-day star Durham might well have been sunk inside two days at Cardiff yesterday. But with help from Gordon Muchall, Collingwood has given Durham a chance of victory as they go into the third

  • Whitley followers don't add up to the FA's estimate

    The FA's hopes of a bumper crowd at last Saturday's FA Carlsberg Vase final between Whitley Bay and Tiptree were unfounded, writes Ray Simpson. Preliminary talk of Whitley Bay taking around 10,000 fans to the big game was well wide of the mark when the

  • Federation Special Durham Senior League Under-18

    Only two games went ahead and Chester-le-Street celebrated a 50 run win at Boldon where no fewer than 270 runs were scored for the loss of just five wickets. Batting first the Cestrians posted 160 for two as the runs flowed from Daniel Shurben with 79

  • Shop Talk: May the urge to spend be with you

    Ever had a hankering to own your own light sabre or Dalek? Check out a store which is helping to put the fun back into shopping, as well as catering for serious collectors. POPCORN is fun. This is a shop where cinema meets toys, with nearly every item

  • House about that then

    Wear Valley Ladies Crook Mill House celebrated their runners-up spot in style when they only dropped one point to the visiting Crook White Swan. However, despite this good finish, they still ended up six points short of the leaders, Crook Golden Fleece

  • Mosquitos' narrow loss

    City of Durham In the final games of the season the Mosquitos Under-9s battled well against Easington Eagles, conceding a goal just before half time. Despite several chances they were unable to convert, losing 1-0. Man of the match was Mark Davison. In

  • Willington's Cup treble

    Auckland & District EBAC Youth League Willington Boys Under-18s crowned a magnificent season by winning three cup finals in six days last week. After losing the Durham County Cup final to a golden goal in extra time to Gateshead Redheugh Boys Club

  • Squash: Durham and Cleveland

    Durham and Cleveland SRA Two extremely evergreen veterans Faith Sinclair and David Lumsdon were honoured yet again by the County squash for continued loyalty and top level performances. Each took national titles at the recent English championships. Mrs

  • College awards

    At a recent ceremony at Darlington's Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, more than 70 young sportsmen and women were honoured for their achievements in a wide range of sporting events. Sixteen students received Community Sports Leadership Awards and a

  • Ice Hockey: Junior round-up

    Another win for Billingham Wolves came at Blackburn Thunderhawks by 9-1. In English U19 North promotion/relegation play-offs. Five victories from five outings and a 100 per cent record has seen them retain North A League status for the season 2002-03.

  • Stokesley hit of six

    South Cleveland Garages Teesside League RT Raine Trophy Final Bedale Ath 6 v 1 Stokesley SC OBank Holiday Monday, Bedale Athletic retained the RT Raine Trophy with a 6-1 victory over Stokesley SC. After an even but nervy start Bedale Athletic took the

  • Wellock's World

    WHATEVER happened to the notion of sport as simple recreation, in which those who wanted to get to the top did so largely through their own efforts without the nasty concept of money entering the equation? In an era when the England football captain earns

  • Aycliffe earn Cup revenge

    The Northern Echo League Cup Final Coundon Foresters v Newton Aycliffe Sports Club Newton Aycliffe Sports Club gained revenge for their last day defeat by Coundon Foresters that cost them the league title as they scooped the Northern Echo League Cup with

  • A Church with a heart of stone

    TONY and Marilyn Cheetham lost their daughter when she was just 24 in a house fire. They wanted a picture of her etched onto her gravestone, hardly an outlandish request. But they met with strong opposition from church leaders, one of whom snootily pronounced

  • County's top achievers prepare to go on show

    TONIGHT is the night the cream of the County Durham business crop has been waiting for. The first County Durham Business Show takes place at the Hardwick Hall Hotel, in Sedgefield, with the highlight being the announcement of the winner of the Lifetime

  • Asbestos victims' pay-outs victory

    VICTIMS of deadly asbestos were last night celebrating a landmark legal ruling freeing up billions of pounds worth of compensation. Five law lords overturned a Court of Appeal ruling which had denied pay-outs to sufferers because they could not prove

  • Jailed peer's North-East fortune

    Shamed Tory peer Jeffrey Archer is earning a fortune behind bars from a North-East nest egg. The disgraced former MP, jailed for four years for perjury, owns property across the North East. It means the multi-millionaire best selling author is still getting

  • Newcastle breweries Thursday Night Invitation League

    Indiviual competition, played May 30, all winners to play at Aidens on June 20. S Lindsay (Fire St) v S Johnson (Royal Oak); O Mason (Buck) v S Morris (JUC); S Russell (Royal Oak) v N Holborough (DSRM); O Hodgson (JUC) v B Mossely (Spr); S Tunstall (Fire

  • Dyer jets out after signing £12m deal

    KIERON DYER has double reason to celebrate today as he belatedly sets off to join England's World Cup build-up after signing a new £12m deal with Newcastle United. The midfielder, whose world looked to have fallen apart last weekend when a knee ligament

  • Taekwondo

    Actor William Simons, who plays TV cop Alf Ventrice in Yorkshire Television's Heartbeat programme was presented with a cheque for £1,000 at a Martial Arts Extravaganza hosted by Chungdokwan Taekwondo at Spennymoor Leisure Centre. The money was raised

  • Rapist's tears that cloaked shameful past

    WHEN former soldier John Ellison wept as he was led to the cells yesterday, it was not the first time he had cried before a jury at Teesside Crown Court. Whether he was expecting the verdict or not, he would have had every reason to believe he could walk

  • Dad's lips are sealed - on Sir Paul's orders

    THE estranged father of model Heather Mills has been gagged by Sir Paul McCartney from speaking about their forthcoming wedding. The former Beatle criticised Mark Mills after he told reporters he had not been invited to see his own daughter tie the knot

  • Rabbits Open Day Sponsored by Batchelor/Suzuki of Ripon

    Bedale This popular event attracts a large field and this year was no exception. The gross prize was won by Bedale pair C Harrison and P Kirby (52 points) this year's and last year's Rabbits Captains respectively. Nett prize winners with card countbacks

  • Grass Root Memories

    45 years ago Bishop Auckland FC wing half Bob Thursby takes a pass from club team mate Warren Bradley to score for the England Amateur XI playing Switzerland B. Thursby's goal made the scoreline 2-2 and the England team goes on to win 3-2. 35 years ago

  • Bowls: SWD Veterans League

    SWD Veterans League Dean Bank A pulled off a good home win over Langley Park B to share second place in the First Division with their beaten visitors and Cockton Hill A, whilst Spennymoor A edged into a one point lead at the top. Dean Bank A beat Langley

  • Football briefs: NEW DIVISION

    The South Cleveland Garages Teesside League will have a second division next season. Ten clubs have applied to join and the League is willing to hear from any other interested clubs. Phone the league secretary on (01287) 637087 for details. COACHING:

  • Appeal goes out for extra drivers to help save disabled rally

    AN appeal has gone out for help to save a disabled persons rally. Durham County Council had agreed to bus 150 disabled people to Kennington Hall, Willington, for the event on the Queen's golden jubilee weekend. But the authority has told Durham County

  • Jock is a real royal high flier

    A GIANT kite built to celebrate the golden jubilee is taking to the skies. Jock Walker, from Darlington, has spent weeks making the crown kite from red nylon. Mr Walker has been building kites for more than 20 years and is a member of the North-East Kite

  • Concern mounts over pub proposal

    CONCERNS about increased crime and disorder continue to mount over a brewery's plans to transform a Darlington pub. Scottish and Newcastle want to refurbish The Wheatsheaf, in Yarm Road, and provide evening entertainment, including music and dancing.

  • It only takes a Mo to launch a book

    FORMER Northern Ireland Secretary Mo Mowlam was in the region yesterday promoting her autobiography. Dr Mowlam was at Ottaker's bookshop, in Darlington, to sign copies of her bestselling book, Momentum, before travelling to Durham City. Crowds of people

  • Bikers' tribute to friend

    MORE than a dozen bikers led the funeral procession of their friend through Darlington yesterday. The funeral of Alan Bowman, 67, who was killed in a motorbike accident on the North York Moors on May 5, took place at the town's West Cemetery. Bikers young

  • Search for more care providers to go on

    AN appeal to find organisations to provide day care for the elderly in Darlington has failed to attract any new businesses. But Darlington Borough Council is hopeful that more care providers will come forward in the future. The council had hoped to attract

  • Public voices fears on health reorganisation

    FEARS that babies could be exposed to health risks if hospital reorganisation proposals went ahead were voiced at a meeting to discuss proposed hospital mergers. More than 150 people attended the Masonic Hall, in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, to hear

  • £1m scheme to wipe away last traces of mining

    A SCHEME to wipe away the last traces of mining from County Durham's countryside could receive approval next week. Durham County Council's cabinet will meet next Tuesday to consider proposals costing £1m to improve former colliery sites that have been

  • Water Polo: Durham continue successful run

    Durham City's successful run continued with the under-17 years mixed team defeating Carlisle 7-3. Again, the opposition was a heavier physical team but the swimming ability, individual skill and teamwork of Durham overcame that disadvantage to record

  • Stars line up for Riverside Festival

    CHART-TOPPING girl band Sugababes will be among the groups performing at this year's Feel the Noise Live event at Stockton International Riverside Festival. The free concert, which is sponsored by NatWest Access 2 Music, will attract some of the UK's

  • Low-cost airlines set for N-E battle

    NORTH-East jetsetters look set for more low-cost flights as the region turns into a battleground between two major competitors. Ryanair yesterday announced the introduction of more flights between Teesside International Airport and Dublin, as low-cost

  • A victory for natural justice

    NO one should begrudge the right of the victims of asbestos-related diseases to receive compensation. They contracted debilitating, often fatal illnesses, as a direct result of the lack of protection afforded them at work. This year around 5,000 people

  • Student has a ball creating pantomime gown

    A SCHOOL student has designed a pantomime dame's gown - not for a drama production but for her GCSE textiles examination. And as the silver and pink costume was unveiled, 15-year-old Laura Laws said she had used her father, Wally, as a model for the creation

  • Decision day looms on £10m Cook centre

    THE fate of a planned £10m memorial to a famous explorer is to be decided next week. Scarborough Borough Council's planning committee meets on Tuesday, to discuss a planning application for a Cook's World project. If it goes ahead, the heritage centre

  • Move steps up police presence

    THE police presence in a rural town is to be greatly increased as part of a scheme to give residents more peace of mind. Kirkbymoorside police station is on the verge of being shut down to allow officers to move into a £250,000 community resource centre

  • Soap star Philip logs on to a learning experience

    FANS of Channel Four soap opera Brookside queued yesterday to see heart-throb Philip Olivier launch a learning initiative. Philip, who plays Tinhead in the Liverpool-based show, delighted fans when he logged on to his unofficial North-East website to

  • Taking over mayoral duties

    TWO new mayors have been elected to serve in east Cleveland. Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council has appointed Councillor Sue McLeod, from Marske, to take the chains of office from Saltburn councillor Jim Wingham. Coun McLeod will have her

  • Big winers head pack

    Langbaurgh League Crathorne and Kirby Sigston, who both recorded big wins at the weekend, are jointly top of the table. Crathorne saw off the challenge from Chopgate by nine wickets after restricting their opponents to 142 for eight which included 49

  • Fun way to learn all about health issues

    PEOPLE in Trimdon, and the surrounding areas are being invited to a day of fun, relaxation and information in the village hall. The event, on Monday, May 27, is being organised by the Pioneering Care Partnership, Trimdon 2000 Age Concern Durham County

  • Pupils show how pride in town can grow

    PUPILS at a Hartlepool school are proving how much they care for the environment by launching their own gardening club. Children at Lynnfield Primary School are giving up some of their lunch breaks to work closely with the Pride in Hartlepool Campaign

  • Breastfeeding support offered

    A breastfeeding support group has been set up in east Cleveland. Bibs - Breast Is Best Support - is the name given to the group by mother Nazrean Serginson, who dreamt up the name in a competition and won a gift voucher for herself and baby Holly in the

  • 'True love' pleads guilty to bigamy

    A young mother was left shattered after marrying her "true love" she met on a phone chatline only to discover he was a bigamist. Nicola Miller's world was in turmoil when her husband disappeared when she was seven months' pregnant. However, her life was

  • Pupils lend voices to help launch community grants scheme

    CHILDREN have been singing not for their own, but for other people's suppers. The choir at Abingdon Primary School, Middlesbrough, gave voice yesterday to launch a community grants system which will hand over cash to groups and organisations for projects

  • Jubilee souvenir is up to standard

    The first local souvenirs are being launched in Northallerton, as part of the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations. Local ceramics artist Jill Benson was commissioned by the town's jubilee committee to produce a commemorative dish. And she has created

  • Lottery aids school and work links

    AN organisation which helps young people with learning difficulties to bridge the gap between school and either college or work has been awarded a grant by the National Lottery. The Hambleton and Richmondshire Advocacy Scheme has won £102,711 from the

  • Town chooses its new mayor

    MICHAEL Dalton is the new Mayor of Great Aycliffe. Councillor Dalton took over the role from Councillor Sheila Mlatilik this week. His mother, Mary Dalton, who was recently elected to the council, has been installed as mayoress and Councillor Malcolm

  • Village churches striving for greater unity

    CHURCH congregations in County Durham will offer the hand of friendship in a bid to create greater unity between the Christian community. This weekend, the Teesdale village of Hamsterley will lead the efforts to form a stronger bond between Anglican,

  • Inquest into boy's death

    AN inquest is expected to open today into the death of a teenager whose body was found at his home in Wensleydale. Police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of the 13-year-old, although they were still awaiting the results

  • And when did you first see your father?

    Sperm donors could lose their anonymity under proposals being drawn up by the Government. Nick Morrison looks at what this means for the future of fertility treatment. A SHEEPISH-LOOKING young man walks into a small, windowless room, clutching a magazine

  • Young Matthew becomes a tennis champ

    Matthew Rowan has become a tennis champion at the age of just eight-years-old! The Darlington youngster, who is in his first year at Mowden Junior School, won the County Durham and Cleveland Red Level Mini Tennis Championship at Tennis World in Middlesbrough

  • Quakers finally find home in pre-season build-up

    Darlington have began lining up their pre-season schedule - and for the first time in six years they will have a home friendly. Second Division play-off semi-finalists Huddersfield Town will provide the Feethams opposition in early August - but Quakers

  • Girls net sports opportunity

    YOUNG female footballers on Teesside are being offered the chance to fulfil their potential at a soccer centre. Middlesbrough Football Community Project and the North Riding County FA is looking for talented girl players to be considered for a new centre

  • First try gains top award

    A DURHAM infants' school is celebrating after winning the Investor in People award. Newton Hall Infant School staff received the award from comedian Frank Carson at Lumley Castle, Chester-le-Street. The school, which won the award at the first attempt

  • Proposals to remove last traces of mining

    A SCHEME to remove the last traces of mining from County Durham's countryside could win approval next week. On Thursday, Durham County Council's cabinet will consider proposals costing £1m to improve former colliery sites which have already been reclaimed

  • Hospitals recruit specialist surgeons

    TWO orthopaedic consultants have been appointed at the University Hospitals of North Tees in Stockton and Hartlepool. North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust now has 11 such consultants. Tai Friesem has joined from the Hadassah Hospital, in Jerusalem, where

  • Fascinating facts of 'waggle dance'

    WANT to learn more about the craft of beekeeping, and why the "waggle dance" is the bee equivalent of a satellite navigation system? Visitors to RHS Garden Harlow Carr in Harrogate can find out more about these and other interesting bee facts at the Garden's

  • Champion of N-E arts dies

    A CHAMPION of the North-East arts world has died after a short illness. George Loggie, 65, chairman of Northern Arts and a former teacher, died earlier this week. He had been involved with the group for more than 20 years as its vice-chairman and chairman

  • Police anxious to trace missing man

    POLICE are trying to trace a supermarket worker who has gone missing from his home in Middlesbrough. Tariq Mahmood was last seen just after 10am on Tuesday, May 7, on his way to work in the town centre. Mr Mahmood, 30, who is married, has never gone missing

  • Star Wars crazy: Episode I

    STANDING there as the cast of the latest Star Wars movie waltzed past flashing their pearly whites, the two mates from County Durham had every right to feel pleased with themselves. Paying £2,500 each to jet out to LA to watch what they thought was the

  • Opinions sought on changes to electoral arrangements

    PEOPLE across Teesside are being asked for their views of proposals for new local electoral arrangements in their area. The Boundary Committee for England is reviewing council ward boundaries in all areas of Teesside and it says there are areas where

  • Swimming: Northern England Championship

    Billingham were triumphant when they competed at the NEC's (Northern England Championships) at Pond Forge, Sheffield. Bringing home a gold, silver and bronze. Out of 37 swims 27 personal bests were accomplished. In the ten-year-old category swimming for

  • National School's Under-13 Rugby Festival

    Carmel RC Technology College enjoyed a fantastic weekend at Twickenham, taking part in the National Schools' Under-13 Rugby Festival. To qualify they won the Durham County 12-a side tournament. In their pool group they won two matches, drew two and lost

  • Fives and Fifties

    Darlington and District League After hearing the news that the league, Vice President Mr Noel Heaton had passed away on May 8, a minute's silence was held before the start of all league matches on Saturday. In Honour and Respect of Noel Heaton the man

  • Philadelphia end up comfortable winners

    Federation Special Durham Senior League Under-15 Hetton Lyons were all out for 14 against Philadelphia at Bunker Hill. Jonathan Loach picked up three wickets without conceding a run in two overs, Brian Telfer had three for two in his three-over spell

  • British colleges National Mixed Volley Ball

    Prior Pursglove College's mixed volleyball team travelled to Blackburn for the finals of the British colleges sport national mixed volleyball competition on May 8. It is the first time a team has been entered by the college and they did extremely well

  • Durham Alliance

    Simonside SC were hammered 9-0 at home to Whitehill. In only four minutes Gary Robson received a ball from Ross Robson to chip the ball over the keeper. Two minutes later Andrew Smith took a quick throw in to Ross Robson who went on to hit number two.

  • Silver Band to shine

    TIM EASTERBY goes pot hunting down south to Newbury this afternoon where he has a great chance of scooping the £10,000 Showcase Handicap with Silver Band (3.20). Silver Band landed a nice little touch for the Great Habton team on her seasonal reappearance

  • Rowing: Durham City Regatta

    Tees Rowing Club set off for the two day Durham City Regatta with a full trailer load of boats and high hopes for the new regatta season. They were not to be disappointed and one of their successes was one of the outstanding features of this event. The

  • The rapist who won £65,000 damages

    AN EX-SOLDIER who once won £65,000 compensation for a wrongful rape conviction was jailed yesterday for an horrific sex assault on a defenceless woman. Former soldier John Ellison shook his head before lowering it into his hands and crying as a jury at

  • Angling: Darlington Brown Trout AA's Stillwater fixtures

    Darlington Brown Trout AA's Stillwater fixtures got underway with a fiercely contested event split between Willowgarth, Snipe, & Lane Fox Ponds, writes Jeff Herbert. Quaker Angling Centre's Steve Chantry who has a tremendous record on these ponds

  • ABA title

    Darlington ABC's Stuart Leonard completed an impressive hat-trick when he captured an ABA title in Nottingly at the weekend. The 16-year-old beat Paul Janneson of Liverpool on points to take the title to add to the Schoolboy and Boys Clubs crowns he won

  • Ferryhill off to a flyer

    Worthington Durham County CIU Summer League Ferryhill made a great start to the summer season and showed they intend to make amends for their relegation from the winter First Division when they were pipped by a fluked pink at home to the reigning champions

  • Yarm and District League

    The last week of the league produced an outstanding result for Oddfellows who defeated Beckfield B 4-3 at home. Wins from P Anthony, G Bainbridge, T Harrison and star of the match Leanne Whitelock secured the victory. With the game at 3-3, Whitelock kept

  • Hathaway Auckland and District League

    Coxhoe Athletic ended runners-up in the league cup for the second season in a row when a late goal gave Brandon Station a 2-1 win. Brandon then beat Cockfield 3-0 away to go through to the final of the Subsidiary Cup. Their opponents are Black and Decker

  • Water polo: Sedgefield 75

    The Sedgefield 75 squad's senior team played Newcastle University in the Northumberland and Durham senior league at Newton Aycliffe leisure centre. This was the most exciting game in Sedgefield's five year existence witnessed by the home supporters. At

  • 'Pillar of the community' is convicted of insurance scam

    A FORMER business leader who once spearheaded a community's crime-fighting drive, stood disgraced yesterday when he was convicted of forgery. Peter John MacGregor, 64, admitted ten charges of forging insurance certificates on his home computer, which

  • Francis date for Wright

    Nigel Wright, the Crook professional light welterweight boxer, knows he faces a tough task when he meets Francis Barrett, an Irish gypsy, on Saturday, May 25 at the Mountbatten Centre in Portsmouth. And Nigel said: "Barrett was a good amateur and went

  • Crook League Tow Law League and CIU Singles

    Crook Belle Vue Club moved up to third place in the table after they came through their home game against Crook Olde Horse Shoe B with a victory in the deciding doubles. The Club had singles wins from Jack Walker, John Warriner and Dave Hakin, whilst

  • Caterpillar unions in lay-offs talks

    UNIONS representing workers at the Caterpillar plant in Stockton have met management over proposals to cut 98 jobs from the 350-strong workforce. The AEEU/Amicus is hoping to reach an agreement with the company over the manner in which the redundancies

  • Derby double

    FOOTBALLERS from a Durham pub will be travelling to Birmingham this weekend to try and become the nation's best five-a-side football team. Two squads from the Derby in Bishop Auckland are among the 26 finalists in the Punch Pub Cup, a national five a

  • Tennis: League new boys teach Academy a lesson

    Slazenger Harrogate and District League Newly-promoted Spa pulled off a stunning victory against First Division title holders The Academy. Spa, who have strengthened their side in the close season to face the challenge of higher grade play, won the match

  • Last night's TV

    Counting the lasting cost of youth crime. Crime Kids (BBC2) SPIDER Boy and Balaclava Boy were two young lads from the North-East who found national fame in the early 1990s thanks to their crime sprees. This documentary, Double Trouble, pieced together

  • Lingfield to be UK headquarters for SSG

    AUSTRIAN technology company SSG has chosen the Lingfield Point complex in Darlington as the site of its UK headquarters. The Darlington operation will be the UK arm of Starlim-Sterner Group GmbH, a major Austrian automotive and IT supplier. SSG will use

  • Athletics

    Shildon Othe weekend of Saturday/Sunday May 11-12 the club competed at the North-East Track and Field Championships at Gateshead International Stadium at the end of the second day the club had achieved a total of 13 medals and numerous personal best performances

  • Grassroots: Chester-le-Street Birtley & District

    FOLK NIGHT: Roam will entertain members of the Beamish Mary Folk Club, at No Place, from 8.30pm, on Wednesday. Tickets cost £2. SEASIDE VIEWS: A postcard fair will be held in the North Lodge annex of Park View Community School, on Saturday, May 25, from