THE Darlington Motor Club ran the second round of their Wednesday evening trials on July 10 at Dalton Woods, near Croft, where 63 riders took part in a very easy trial ideal for beginners over four laps of a ten-section course. Results. - Clubmen: 1 Ian
JAMES Miller came second in this year's inaugural NatWest Speed Challenge Final at Lord's with a bowling speed of over 51mph. The 11-year-old cricket star qualified at the NatWest Interactive Roadshow in Gateshead, as one of the UK's fastest young bowlers
A TRAILER manufacturer in Northallerton closes its doors for the last time today, with the loss of 70 jobs. Utility International, based in Yafforth Road, has gone into voluntary liquidation. The 90-year-old firm, formerly York Trailers, has experienced
The sixth annual Teesdale Soccer Sixes had a total of 140 teams, 1120 competitorsm taking part. The junior competition was divided into four age groups with the results as follows: 9-11yrs competition: Winners: Willington Boys; Runners Up: Hartlepool
A NORTHALLERTON coach has been headhunted to lead the best rugby union team in Italy. Andrew Jepson, who has been the RFU's development officer in North Yorkshire for seven years, has been appointed director of development to the Italian champions, Viadana
CLOSURE of residential and nursing homes in Darlington caused "serious problems", including bed-blocking and distress to residents and their relatives, a report has revealed. The Audit Commission's joint review into Darlington Borough Council's social
RIO FERDINAND was last night poised to snub Peter Ridsdale's last-ditch pleas and turn his back on Elland Road. With Manchester United waiting in the wings with a bid in the region of £25m, which they could make today, Ferdinand emerged from a meeting
ARABLE farmer Robert Tesseyman joined a new awareness campaign this week to re-forge the link between what the public see in the countryside and what they eat. He has put special posters up in fields of arable crops alongside public footpaths which detail
North-East competitors at the 13th Commonwealth Games ranged from 22-year-old judo queen Diane Bell from Crawcrook, on Tyneside, to bowls player Betty Stubbings from Norton, Malton. A bit older now, the column has been catching up with some of them. Alan
AN estimated 50,000 people converged on Durham City under a brilliant summer sky on Saturday for the annual Miners' Gala. Dozens of bands and banners transformed the streets into a sea of colour, as former mining communities from across the county and
Billingham Falcons came a creditable fifth place in the Peterborough U14 ice hockey tournament held last weekend. Kingston were Falcons' first opponents and the opening period failed to provide a goal despite being on top, Matt Turner for Aeros making
Cleveland Billiards & Snooker League Sponsored by Coors Brewers Iweek seven of the 2002 Billiards League the Redcar Lakes extended their lead at the top of the table when on their travels they whitewashing Carlin How by 3-0. Gary Beckett (-20) set
Burnopfield easily defeated neighbour Lintz to move into the next round of the competition and once again the Stoneman cousins led the way. Mark rattled one six and 12 boundaries in 84 and Lee added 30 to the Burnopfield total of 198 for the loss of six
The world's most popular train will be chugging into the region this weekend. Thomas the Tank Engine and some of his best friends will be at the Darlington Railway Centre and Museum, on North Road, Saturday and Sunday. Last time the television train was
Spraire Lads and Lasses are looking for the following players: Lasses between seven to 16 years; Lads between nine to 12. Training is at South Park, Darlington, Parkside entrance, on Saturday mornings 10am to 11.30am. Just turn up suitably dressed to
County Champions Yorkshire enter the 238th Roses match at Headingley today in circumstances which could not be further removed from last season's home encounter which brought up the first part of a winning double against Lancashire. The stunning victory
NEW local access forums were announced by Rural Affairs Minister, Alun Michael, on Wednesday. They are part of the Government's drive to provide greater access to open countryside although he said safeguards would take into account the needs of land owners
THERE'S no doubt retired businessman Bernard Borman can cut an imposing figure. Tall and well-spoken, the self-styled local government expert is intelligent and articulate. When required, he can adopt the terminology of a lawyer and, since arriving in
POLICE are hoping security camera footage of a missing North-East prostitute could hold the key to her disappearance. Rachel Wilson, 19, went missing from her hometown of Middlesbrough on May 30 and has not been seen since. Officers investigating the
FARMERS around Darlington are being urged to join a revived Farmwatch aimed at driving out criminals, poachers and vandals. The scheme is in the early stages of setting up an elected committee and constitution, but already has the full backing of the
A CHANGE in bus stops in Darlington town centre, aimed at streamlining services, starts on Sunday. One stop, on the Binns side of West Row, will be removed entirely and the neighbouring stop will be used only for setting down passengers. This will enable
IF some have questioned the validity of agricultural shows in recent years, they will surely have something to ponder in the attendance figures for last week's Great Yorkshire Show. Despite the long shadow of last year's foot-and-mouth debacle, the continuing
East Rainton continued to dominate division one and they made it 12 wins out of 13 defeating Littletown by 51 runs. Gordon Steel was the architect of their total of 211 for five when he opened the innings and carried his bat for 102. David Aylesbury contributed
A MOBILE closed circuit television camera could be used in Teesdale in a bid to crackdown on dog owners who refuse to clean up after their pets. The use of the camera is being looked at by the district council environmental health department, whose head
After ending last season with a flourish, Coundon and Leeholme under-18 juniors are looking to make a bigger impact in their second season. "In the closing weeks we beat all the top teams, and we caused what was effectively a play-off for the league title
AN enthusiastic crowd of 16,250 witnessed York's James Thompson and Frenchman Yvan Muller claim a win apiece for Vauxhall Motorsport in rounds 11 and 12 of the Green Flag MSA British Touring Car Championship at Croft last weekend. But it was a case of
Loftus continue to lead the table and they defeated Paragonians by ten wickets after restricting the hosts to 105 all out. Hughes top scored with an unbeaten 38 for Paragonians and in the Loftus attack Smithies took four wickets for 20 runs, Whitwell
BRITAIN'S four biggest banks have promised a radical shake-up in the way they conduct business with small firms by offering businesses free banking, Chancellor Gordon Brown announced in the Commons yesterday. The major high street banks came under fire
Tensions are running high in the house. Jade and Alex are arguing, Tim is still being a ginger-whinger and eviction day is fast approaching. But the main worry is the state of Jonny's feet, rather than who'll be voted out by viewers. Graphic close-ups
GROUP glory finally came the way of David "Dandy" Nicholls in his own right at Newmarket on Thursday last. The ebullient Sessay handler sent out the one-two in the Group 1 July Cup as Continent (Darryll Holland) beat Bahamian Pirate (Richard Hughes) by
UNCERTAINTY over the future of Stokesley Manor House and library was expressed this week, after claims that the building had been taken off the property market Its sale or retention has consequences for library, elderly care and voluntary services throughout
RAIL passenger representatives last night launched an attack on both sides involved in a dispute that is crippling North-East train services. The North-East Rail Passengers Committee said a pay dispute involving Arriva Trains Northern management, and
Darlington and District League Heighington remain top of the table even though they were defeated by Witton-le-Wear, who bowled out the championship contender for 105 which included 38 not out by Jackson. Nelson returned excellent figures of six for 33
Pills which are helping youngsters learn seem to be clearing up skin problems as well, experts have revealed. For the last six months more than 100 County Durham primary school children have taken daily food supplements to improve their concentration
George Mann Cup Wolsingham Teachers were able to hand out lessons to two of the favourites in the competition when they played their delayed quarter final and then the semi-final. In the quarter final the Teachers faced the unbeaten Wolsingham Club and
A WORKER from Teesside who died in a North Sea helicopter crash was named yesterday as 45-year-old Stuart Coggon. The body of the AMEC draughtsman from Middlesbrough was one of five recovered from the sea off the Norfolk coast. Police named another Middlesbrough
Spennymoor Half Moon recovered well from their trouncing at Trimdon to force a very creditable draw against the visiting Stockton Elm Tree in the only league match of the week. Most of the players took the week off for some serious practice ready for
RICHMOND Equestrian Centre has been given the all clear two months after an outbreak of the highly infectious strangles disease. Owner Nick Marlowe said: "The centre is very definitely open for business. We have now had all the animals on the yard tested
CIRCUS thrills brought a touch of excitement to end-of-term presentations at Richmond School. Jugglers and unicyclists from the school's circus skills club performed as year eight pupils were given their achievement folders on Thursday of last week. The
THE Government's recent retreat on cannabis sends the wrong message to young people and effectively gives ground to criminals. But it is a small number of senior police officers who should hang their heads in shame, because their surrender to the drug
AS I settled upon our garden seat to enjoy my morning coffee, one of our resident house sparrows decided to join me. Not that he wanted a drink of coffee, of course, but he flew down to the patio only a very few feet away and busied himself finding titbits
Carmel young athletes have once again excelled on the athletics track. They have broken no fewer than 70 new school athletics records since May. The list of silverware includes winning all five team trophies, as well as 35 individual winners in the Northern
SOUTH Durham and North Yorkshire hunts will be in London this weekend to take part in an overnight vigil outside the Houses of Parliament. The peaceful demonstration has been going on for months, as a constant reminder of the strong opposition the Government
FRENCH misfit Lilian Laslandes has threatened to quit the professional game if he is still a Sunderland player at the end of next month. Both Laslandes and Sunderland are desperate for a parting of the ways. The 30-year-old striker has proved an unmitigated
ONE of North Yorkshire's biggest livestock markets is preparing to move in a bid to secure a sustainable future. After almost a century in its present location, Thirsk Auction Mart is planning to move to purpose-built premises on the edge of the town's
BROOMPARK Loves are still buzzing after scooping promotion and a cup double in the Bowman Anderson Accountants Spennymoor Sunday League. As well as earning the right to play in the First Division next season, the Loves' glorious year included two trophy
Globe-trotting moggie Ozzy clocked up 63,000 miles after getting lost in a plane. The jet-set cat escaped into the cargo hold and stowed away for ten days. Owners Jonathan Boyd, 26, and his girlfriend, Katie Deacon, 27, had taken Ozzy in as a stray while
THE Beatles and The Bay City Rollers joined Britney Spears and Gareth Gates at a star-studded performance in Shildon. Parents, teachers and friends danced in the aisles and sang along as youngsters from Shildon Primary School appeared dressed as stars
LOCAL band The Whisky Priests will headline a free music weekend in Durham. The band, formed in 1985 by brothers Gary and Glenn Miller, has achieved international fame with nine albums and 1,200 gigs in 19 countries. On Sunday the group, which features
A 75-YEAR-OLD woman was left badly shaken after two men forced their way into her home and stole money from her purse. A police spokesman said the men struck in Valley View, Leadgate, County Durham, from 3pm to 5pm on July 5, but the crime was not reported
THE people of five communities have been given the chance to improve their towns. Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council will hold six consultation meetings with people living in Eston, Grangetown, South Bank, Normanby and Teesville, when they will have
NURSERY pupils could be offered fluoridated milk to tackle high levels of tooth decay. A survey of five-year-olds has revealed that many parts of the county have higher than the national average rates of tooth decay. In the Dales, 60 per cent of youngsters
STAFF from a doctors' practice in Newton Aycliffe have been presented with an award for learning medical language. Ten members of the administrative staff at Dr Martin and Partners have completed a 16-week medical terminology course. They learned the
SPECIAL school pupils picked up some tips on how to be journalists when they visited The Northern Echo offices. A group of pupils from The Meadows School, in Spennymoor, were given a tour of the newspaper's offices in Darlington, before meeting the editor
AS schools close for summer, £500,000 worth of work has begun on improvements in Darlington. The bulk of the work, being funded by Darlington Borough Council, will take place at Dodmire Junior School, where about £300,000 is being spent on replacing the
A LACK of car parking and traffic management are the main concerns of people living in Barnard Castle and Middleton-in-Teesdale. Feedback from residents found that easy access and convenient car parking were seen as essential if both towns were to develop
A SCHOOL crossing warden has retired after nearly a quarter of a century working to help children stay safe. Joan Stothard has been guiding children across the road outside Broom Cottages Primary School, in Ferryhill, since 1979. She has been there so
UP to £20m could be spent on improving some County Durham towns and villages. Durham County Council is looking to carry out environmental improvement work over the next five or six years. A dozen town centres and more than 50 villages are potential targets
FRIENDS of a woman who died of cancer have raised money for a hospital in her memory. Brenda Hudspeth and Connie McClune led the charity campaign at the Prospect Club, Willington, with a social evening in memory of Rita Cook. Mrs Cook, who died last year
A GROUP of pupils from a Newton Aycliffe school have performed their own adaptation of an English folk tale. The students from Greenfield School Community and Arts College performed their version of the story I Love You More Than Salt. The work has been
YOUNGSTERS modelled creative costumes produced by members of their community yesterday. Residents of Cassop and Quarrington Hill, ranging from young children to pensioners, came together to produce the outfits on the theme of nature for a carnival parade
A HOUSE fire which killed two toddlers was an accident, an inquest heard yesterday. Three-year-old Caitlin Scully and her brother, Joseph Sands, one, died after a blaze at their parents' home in Pallister Park, Middlesbrough, last October. Teesside Coroner's
THE buoyant mortgage market showed some signs of slowing down last month with lending falling following three months of record increases, figures showed yesterday. Both the Council of Mortgage Lending (CML) and the British Bankers' Association (BBA) reported
HARTLEPOOL College of Further Education has kept its Chartermark status. The Government's standard for excellence was awarded to the college in 1998 and was valid for three years. The college's application for reaccreditation was approved last month.
A SENIOR police chief yesterday strongly denied reports that a controversial new radio system was leading to serious health complaints among officers. Forces in the region have long been under pressure to reconsider the use of the Airwave digital handsets
A SERIES of events to entertain visitors to a Darlington shopping centre will start on Monday. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, until August 30, there will be stilt-walkers, face-painting, clowns, balloon-modelling, magicians, ventriloquists and other
THE Newcastle twins who helped to launch Gateshead's Baltic contemporary international art centre, yesterday collected honorary doctorates from Tyneside's Northumbria University. Jane and Louise Wilson, 35, now live in London but accepted the invitation
A BUS driver who had to give up his job because of his failing eyesight has earned a degree in art. Michael McIntyre's achievement is made the more remarkable because his sight deteriorated further throughout his course. Mr McIntyre graduated yesterday
THE system of moorland sheep grazing is in real danger of breaking down. This is the grim warning being delivered to farmers and communities in the Esk Valley. Unless a new network of cattle grids is installed, it is feared shepherding could become unviable
PLANS to convert a hotel into student accommodation have been given the go-ahead. Scarborough Borough Council's development and regulation committee backed the scheme by nightclub owner Alf Arton to alter the 55-bedroom Carlton House International Hotel
QUALITY drama, opera, ballet, music and comedy will be on offer at Darlington Civic Theatre in the autumn, but amid the regular fare is tucked a new line in entertainment aimed at ethnic minority audiences as well as regular patrons. Following on from
A VIRTUAL tour of a home which highlights how security can be improved will be part of a community safety day at Gateshead Civic Centre. The interactive computer programme will be on display during Gateshead's Community Safety Partnership Open Day on
CHILDREN at a Redcar school learned about life in the Army yesterday when they welcomed back a former pupil. Sergeant Joanne Berry, 31, talked to Ryehills Secondary School pupils about her work for the Army's Intelligence Corps in Lincolnshire. She also
TWO art students have brought the ocean depths to a centre for children with special needs by creating a mural with a sea life theme. Northallerton College art students Charlie Toothill, 19, and Karen Fenny, 17, spent hours of their spare time painting
CASTLETON driver Ryan Champion continued his unbeaten run in the Ferodo Ford Puma Rally Championship by taking outright victory on last weekend's Jim Clark Memorial Junior Rally. It was his fourth championship victory and another step towards a Ford factory-supported
Harrogate Union First Division Championships A fine day with perfect conditions and an immaculate course, this major union competition was won by Harrogate Golf Clubs A team led by the club captain Neil Fegan with a score of 288. Bedale A team of Kevin
Catterick Dressage. - The dressage competitions due to be held next weekend at Richmond EC have been postponed until Oct 5 and 6 at the same venue. Cleveland Hunt Supporters. - Aug 26: Bank holiday pleasure ride from Woodhouse Farm, Little Ayton. The
THREE friends who worked together more than 30 years ago are to be reunited at a residential care home. Mary Bramley, Leonard Sharp and Isobel Young worked in the Stockton and Thornaby Hospital before it closed in 1974. Now the friends will all be living
CHILDREN on Teesside are being asked to pledge their support for rare breeds of farm animals. The Rare Breeds Survival Trust is holding a National Rare Breeds Week, starting on Saturday next week, when children will be able to find out more about farming
Chinese herbal medicines are bocoming a popular alternative to orthodox treatments... and you don't have to travel far to try them. Kate Bowman reports. SANDWICHED between old favourites like Woolworths and Clarks shoes in Darlington's Cornmill shopping
A TEACHER from Darlington is heading for Iceland after winning an environmental award. Alison Raw, from Red Hall Primary School, is taking up the opportunity to be involved in a challenging experience with the Earthwatch charity. She will be assisting
A NORTH-EAST flower show will open for three full days this year for the first time in its 13-year history. The Gateshead Summer Flower Show, which regularly attracts tens of thousands of visitors from throughout the region and from further afield, will
AN Internet website has been launched to help visitors to Darlington's Cornmill Shopping Centre. The website, www.cornmillcentre.co.uk was launched yesterday with details of stores, car parking, opening times and maps. There are also links to the tenant
WE support the Government's money and good intentions that are pouring into the health service. Along with that money and those good intentions comes reform, which is necessary. But our front page story this morning calls into question the effectiveness
A TALENTED young athlete did the region proud when she competed against youngsters a year older than herself in a national contest. Ashley Maddison took part in the year nine discus event at the All England school athletics championships last week - despite
A CONTROVERSIAL scheme to charge bedbound hospital patients who want to watch TV or telephone home has been attacked by a union leader. Hospital patients in the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust area will have to pay a private company for TV access
Rural businesses in North Yorkshire affected by the foot and mouth crisis are to benefit from an extra £1m of European funding. The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) in Yorkshire welcomed the announcement of the new grants from Yorkshire Forward
POLICE have hailed a partnership aimed at bringing criminals to book. The first annual review of Northumbria's Criminal Justice Strategy shows how a "coordinated approach is helping to reduce crime and the fear of crime, and dispense justice fairly and
A CRASH victim was taken to hospital by helicopter yesterday after a two-car collision on the A688 Bishop Auckland to Staindrop road, at Keverstone Bank, near Raby Castle, at 3pm. Two other people freed before fire crews from Bishop Auckland arrived at
TEAMS of rival athletes at a car dealership in Darlington are preparing for a major North-East running event. More than 1,000 runners are expected to take part in the Darlington 10km road run, which takes place on Sunday, August 11. And employees from
NINE Wear Valley schools have proved they are on top form when it comes to arts education. The Artsmark awards from the Arts Council of England celebrate schools that have made a strong commitment to the arts, from drama to music, design to literature
COMMUNITY-MINDED friends Robert Elsworth and Caitlin Craggs have helped secure a £22,000 grant to improve play areas. The youngsters took action after deciding children needed a safe place to play in the villages of Nosterfield and Thornborough, near
WHEN Clare Gardiner produced her first batch of hand-made chocolates, there was a queue at the door waiting to buy them. Word had got round in Aysgarth. The chocolates are delicious. And although that first batch was made only at the end of last year,
Ninteen senior runners entered the Burn Valley Half Marathon, another of the Club Championship events. Richard Hall was the first T & S runner home, in 9th place, in 1.21.02. Rob Burn 10th in 1.21.24, Walter Busuttil 18th in 1.24.08, Stuart Mechie
A VIRTUAL tour of a home which highlights how security can be improved will be part of a community safety day at Gateshead Civic Centre. The interactive computer programme will be on display during Gateshead's Community Safety Partnership Open Day on
THE British Horse Society is running its Root Out Ragwort Week for the fifth year running, starting tomorrow. The aim is to raise awareness of the dangerous weed - a tall, attractive, yellow plant - which is now filling roadside verges and fields. It
AN entrepreneurial team from Sunnydale School, Shildon, has been presented with its prize for winning the Gerrard/Darlington & Stockton Times Fantasy Fund Manager Competition. The five year 10 pupils - David Harbottle, Leon James, John Merchant, Trevor
YOUR article about the low rate of Invalid Care Allowance (ICA) - which is paid to those who look after others in need, like relatives who are frail, disabled or chronically ill - matches my own experience (Echo, July 7). For example: very little support
A VIRTUAL tour of a home which highlights how security can be improved will be part of a community safety day at Gateshead Civic Centre. The interactive computer programme will be on display during Gateshead's Community Safety Partnership Open Day on
MARK NEWMAN carries his "baby" about with him with pride. Quite rightly, for the baby mentioned is the result of 12 years' work. It is a 3in-thick volume of the archaeological and historical survey on Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. This is the second
BRITAIN'S worst-ever mass murderer Harold Shipman killed 215 of his patients an official inquiry into his horrific crimes confirmed this morning. And there was "real suspicion" the family GP dubbed Doctor Death was behind another 45 deaths. The staggering
The Garden Farm in Chester-le-Street will host a massive weekend of top-class pool from Friday, 30 August to Sunday, 1st September when England internationals, Darren Appleton and Mick Hill will each have a challenge table to take on all comers. The ladies
THE success of the Yorkshire Lamb brand at this year's Great Yorkshire Show - it netted both top carcase honours - is viewed as a landmark achievement for the initiative. The champion and reserve champion carcases, shown respectively by Yorkshire Lamb
URGENT action is being taken to protect what could be one of the most important wrecks ever found in British waters from modern-day pirates. The Bonhomme Richard, flagship of the legendary US War of Independence hero John Paul Jones, was sunk in 1779
Kenneth Wilson, Leeds. - Wheat: July old crop £60, new crop £56; Aug £57; Sept £57.50. Barley: July £52; Aug £52. Oilseed rape: July £135; Aug £135. GrainCo, Tyne Dock. - Wheat: July £63; Aug £63; Sept £56. Barley: July £54; Aug £54; Sept £56. Oilseed
Sir, - Once again hunting is under consideration by the Labour government. In the not too distant future the public will probably be urged by anti-hunt groups to support a ban. There are certain implications of which the public should be aware. All hunting
From victim to suspect in a year THE moral of this story was ignore the media at your peril. Joanne Lees went from victim and survivor to potential murder suspect because, this Cutting Edge documentary contended, she refused to speak to the press after
It's already been another unforgettable season for Thirsk trainer David Nicholls. The former jockey currently lies in the top ten in the trainers table with nearly 40 winners and over £670,000 in win and place prizemoney. His sprinters are in cracking
A FORMER prisoner of war camp in County Durham is now rated alongside Stonehenge and Blenheim Palace in terms of historic importance. Harperley POW Camp, in Weardale, County Durham, yesterday became the first ever prisoner of war camp to be awarded scheduled
Durham & District League King George V produced their best display of the season when they visited second placed Witton Gilbert and made their best score after never dropping a point. This result lifted them from the foot of the Second Division for
DESPITE his massive unpopularity across the country, Big Brother's Tim Culley can rely on the support of his adopted hometown Yarm - so much so that it is rumoured he may return there when he leaves the show. Former neighbours of the man, known to the
Darlington tripled their number of summer signings last night when they captured Ryan Valentine and Ashley Nicholls on free transfers. Defender Valentine, a former Everton left-back, and midfielder Nicholls, who has been released by Ipswich, both signed
REVELLERS in Yarm have been put on notice by a police chief. "There will be no more night clubs in the town while I am in charge," warned Insp Colin White, who heads Yarm's policing operations. Insp White issued his tough statement amid a growing row
ALEN BOKSIC has underlined his determination to silence those who doubt his commitment to Middlesbrough by returning to training ahead of schedule. The Croatia striker, who led the line for his country at the World Cup, was back at Boro's Hurworth headquarters
THE head of East Cleveland's three-site college has spoken out to reassure parents worried about where their children are being taught. Diane Edwards, who took over as principal of the controversy-hit Freeborough Community College in June, said younger
FORMER building society Northern Rock yesterday forecast the housing market would remain buoyant this year, as it reported a 16 per cent jump in half-year profits. The North-East company, which employs more than 3,000 people in the region, said for the
THIRSK Auction Mart is planning to leave town after a century of business on its Station Road site. It is hoped that purpose-built premises on the edge of the town's bypass will prove to be a suitable site for the new mart. The owners, Farmway, the farmer-owned
THE owner of one of Northallerton's landmark buildings that has fallen into disrepair was accused of "demolition by neglect" this week. A scheme to knock down part of The Mount, the former maternity hospital on Yafforth Road, was withdrawn this week after
Othe weekend of July 13 and 14, Billingham Swimming Club were again at Pond Forge, Sheffield for the Northern England Champs, Long Course Event. Ten-year-old Anthony Brown put up a good show coming tenth in the 200m freestyle. Two 11 year olds - Chris
A 75-year-old grandmother who set up a counselling practice and created a website to promote it was being awarded a Masters degree today. Elsie Richardson also had to undergo two operations during her course, and overcome a computer glitch which led to
The sensational comeback of Louis Welch to the unlicensed ring looks set to go the distance. Welch's next fight will take place at the Tall Trees Hotel, Dalington, on October 4 and he is already being talked about as a major contender for unlicensed heavyweight
Up against ten entries from host club Bishop Auckland, New Blackwell ATC pair Ronnie Wright and Imogen Towsend won the annual John Tuer Tennis Cup for mixed pairs by beating all but one of their opponents in the round robin contest. The runners-up were
RURAL communities are to fight Darlington Council's decision to withdraw vital village hall funding. The move, seen as the only way to save the heart of many villages, could bring to a head the simmering row between town and village within the borough
DECADES after they were sent home from a Weardale prisoner-of-war camp, former interns are helping to piece together the site's history so it can be opened as a visitors' attraction. Owners James and Lisa McLeod bought Harperley Camp last year and aim
CAPCOM Vs SNK Pro. Publisher: Capcom. Format: PSOne CD-ROM. Price: £19.99 WHAT a surprise to find such a high profile beat 'em up arriving so late in the PlayStation's life. My hopes for Capcom Vs SNK Pro were high. After all some of the best fighting
CHILDREN from a primary school have brought a new meaning to the hobby of stamp collecting. Rather than sticking them in an album, pupils at Green Lane School in Barnard Castle have spent the last three years amassing an amazing 33,500 stamps, which were
A TREE planted on a village green as a symbol of rural unity has been vandalised in the fifth attack of its kind over several years. The oak sapling, on the central green in Osmotherley, near Northallerton, was attacked last Friday night by someone wielding
THE NCL were comfortably eased out of the Wilkinson Trophy by a competent North Tyneside Senior league, who shone in all three departments. Cleveland were put in and struggled against Darling and Brown to 62-5 at the half-way stage. Two self inflicted
FRIENDSHIP inspired school staff to join a national fundraising event in aid of cancer research. When the national Race for Life came to Darlington's South Park last Sunday, around 20 teachers and parents from St Charles RC Primary School, in Spennymoor
CAPCOM Vs SNK Pro. Publisher: Capcom. Format: PSOne CD-ROM. Price: £19.99 WHAT a surprise to find such a high profile beat 'em up arriving so late in the PlayStation's life. My hopes for Capcom Vs SNK Pro were high. After all some of the best fighting
NEXT weekend the small dales hamlet of Preston-under-Scar is the venue, yet again, of another collective art exhibition. Artists occupy more than a tenth of households in the village and their annual exhibition gives them an opportunity to share their
VACCINATION should be a major tool in combating any future outbreak of foot-and-mouth. The Royal Society inquiry's report this week said animals on an infected farm should still be culled, but it wants healthy livestock on neighbouring farms vaccinated
Sir, - You reported last week (D&S, July 12) that National Grid rebutted Revolt's claims that the public inquiries over the new power lines had been misled. National Grid went on to describe this as "one of the most closely examined decisions". One
A STRANGE encounter of the feathered kind put farmer Jack Lynas firmly on the path to conservation. The bizarre event, captured on video, happened when he and a friend were taking some sheep across the moor high above Marske, near Richmond. "I suddenly
From this newspaper 100 years ago. -The imbeciles of Stokesley workhouse were brought before the Guardian's Committee. They appeared in good health and had no complaints to make. The medical officer's half-yearly report on the workhouse was submitted,
Sir, - It is distressing that arguments appearing in your Countryman column regarding the recent Ramblers' Association Footpaths Week event at Boroughbridge, are still being regurgitated to undermine the valuable work of those committed to improving access
Leeholme B made their first maximum victory in their short history when they entertained Hunwick and took the first four points in convincing style through Adrian Prest, John Taylor, Ray Gill and Mark Brown with Brian Harrison completing the victory by
ANN was beginning to hope she was in the clear when her doctor told her the test results. The 55 year old from Newton Aycliffe had responded well to treatment for breast cancer. But in November 2001 - four years after she thought she had beaten cancer
THE Government's recent retreat on cannabis sends the wrong message to young people and effectively gives ground to criminals. But it is a small number of senior police officers who should hang their heads in shame, because their surrender to the drug
Northallerton Junior Triumph in the Sam Webster Cricket Final Northallerton Junior cricketers pulled off a remarkable 27-run win against their more experience rivals, Bedale Junior CC in the final of the Samuel Webster Knockout Cup held at Northallerton's
A doctor has been given the go-ahead to prescribe a life-saving new drug - a month after the plight of a desperately-ill patient was exposed by The Northern Echo. Ann Tittley, 55, from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, turned to the Prime Minister for help
A TALENTED young musician scooped top place in his first ever county contest - landing a trophy for his former school and £100 for himself. Saxophonist Daniel Johnson beat off competition from secondary schools across County Durham to win the Saint Cecilia
SWEEPING changes to the British legal system could be in place by January, leaving the way clear for Billy Dunlop to be retried for the murder of Julie Hogg. The Home Office has revealed that the White Paper, announced on Wednesday by Home Secretary David
THE Under 18s are looking for an Assistant Manager for the 2002-03 football season. The Juniors, who are integrated with the senior team that plays in the First Division of the Albany Northern League, are members of the the Fairs Software Tyneside Junior
Bernard Povey Carpets, of Teesside, has sponsored a competition at Middlesbrough Municipal Golf Club for the 20th year in a row. The family-owned business, which has outlets in Stockton, Portrack Lane and Hartlepool, is donating golfing equipment, crystal
MUSEUM visitors will gain an insight into archaeology as part of an event this weekend. To celebrate National Archaeology Day, Bede's World, in Jarrow, is hosting a programme of activities called Lost and Found. It will allow visitors to investigate the
STREAKER Kevin Scott appeared before magistrates yesterday - only to discover one of the Bench had witnessed his racecourse romp. The tattooed 34-year-old removed his clothes and pranced across York Racecourse clad only in a black wig. Steven Ovenden,
A FARMER'S wife who is accused of murdering her estranged husband made her first appearance before a judge yesterday. Jayne Lovegreen, 33, sat with her head bowed through most of her ten-minute appearance at Teesside Crown Court, speaking only to confirm
BRITAIN'S manufacturing industry is "returning to health" with firms reporting two consecutive quarters of growth, a survey said yesterday. The report, by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said manufacturers had reported considerable gains in export
NEWCASTLE United have put the brakes on Craig Bellamy's fitness drive by pulling him out of their pre-season tour of Holland, writes Clive Hetherington. The Wales striker, who underwent keyhole knee surgery for tendinitis in May, was omitted from the
A FAMILY went for a night out and returned home to discover a tent pitched in their front garden had been burned to the ground. The green tent had been in the front garden of their home in Stockerley Road, Delves Lane, where they had left it before going
A COUPLE who repackaged multi-vitamin tablets and sold them on as "wonder diet pills" are behind bars after targeting vulnerable people in the region. Madjide Khalik and Marcella Hynes made more than £300,000 through the scam - by conning more than 1,600
THE headteacher of Prime Minister Tony Blair's old school will bid a final farewell on Sunday when he moves on to pastures new. After eight-and-a-half years as head of Durham's Chorister School, whose ex-pupils also include Rowan Atkinson, Stephen Drew
The next event in the Darlington Cycling Festival, the Castles Ride, takes place on Sunday, August 4, leaving the Dolphin Centre between 8.30am and 9.30am. Entry costs between £2 and £5.50.
BISHOP Auckland Music Society is raising the tone of its concerts in Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland, with the purchase of a Steinway grand piano. A £24,000 grant from the Northern Arts Regional Lottery programme will be added to £15,000 from the Foundation
POLICE are investigating a ram raid attack on a jewellers in Middlesbrough which caused thousands of pounds worth of damage. The raid on the Goldsmiths Jewellers, in the Linthorpe Precinct, happened at about 4am yesterday. A burgundy Vauxhall Astra estate
THE North-East's regional development agency has welcomed an extra £50m it is to get for its regeneration efforts. Chancellor Gordon Brown announced a 4.5 per cent increase in funding for regional development agencies in his comprehensive spending review
CHILDREN'S television favourites The Tweenies have joined the list of attractions at this year's Sunderland International Airshow. Milo, Fizz, Jake and Bella will perform their blend of entertainment and education on the BBC Radio Newcastle stage at Seaburn
FIREFIGHTER Walter Moore has been recognised by both the Royal Humane Society and the St John Ambulance after saving a three-year-old boy's life. Assistant Divisional Officer Moore, a firefighter at Teesside International Airport, kept Ethan Blackburn
A CRASH victim was taken to hospital by helicopter yesterday after a two-car collision on the A688 Bishop Auckland to Staindrop road, at Keverstone Bank, near Raby Castle, at 3pm. Two other people freed before fire crews from Bishop Auckland arrived at
THE Great North Air Ambulance Service is searching for corporate sponsors. The service is without a sponsor now that its association with J Barbour and Sons and the Automobile Association has ended. The service needs to raise £800,000 every year which
UNION leaders are to launch legal action against a trailer manufacturer, which closes today with the loss of 70 jobs. Utility International is shutting down its huge premises on the outskirts of Northallerton, North Yorkshire, after going into voluntary
AN ELDERLY woman died in hospital after falling while trying to walk without the assistance of medical staff, an inquest heard yesterday. Irene Robert Shaw had been admitted to the University of North Durham Hospital in January this year for a routine
SECONDARY school pupils have been rewarded for their sporting achievements during the past year. Year seven, eight and nine pupils at Ian Ramsey CE School, Stockton, received their prizes at an awards night from former pupils, runner Alison Curbishly
THE Government should decide the location of a North-East regional assembly before the devolution referendum, councillors say. Durham County Council believes the new assembly, proposed in a Government White Paper, should be based in the county because
THE man who helped bring the Millennium Bridge and Baltic Art Centre to Gates-head has received an honorary degree. George Gill, former leader of Gateshead Borough Council who retired in May, was given an Honorary Doctorate of Civil Law by Northumbria
DURHAM'S mayor and the Dean of Durham Cathedral helped mark the launch of the new look Marks and Spencer yesterday. Over the past six weeks £330,000 has been spent in revamping the store on Silver Street. The colour scheme has changed, the layout has
EXERCISE CLASS: The Washington Millennium Centre at Concorde holds exercise sessions which include cardiovascular movements, flexibility, mobility and muscular strength options for the over 50s. For details call Jane Anderson on 0191-219 3881. YOUNG STARS
VISITORS are getting all steamed up about the latest arrival at one of the region's historic houses. For years, a ride on the miniature railway has been one of the highlights of a trip to Newby Hall, near Ripon. Now, with visitor numbers to the house
A GP found guilty of serious professional misconduct after botching the treatment of two patients who later died, has been allowed to carry on practising. Dr Jane Gustafsson, 51, was found guilty of serious clinical misjudgement and the level of her care
ENGLISH Heritage is unlocking the key to the turbulent events of the Civil War tomorrow, as part of its contribution to National Archaeology Day. The organisation's major warehouse in the North - located in Helmsley, North Yorkshire, is normally off limits
A PROJECT to teach computer skills to adults in a community hit hard by foot-and-mouth and job losses has earned schoolchildren the holiday of a lifetime. Teenagers from Wolsingham Comprehensive School, County Durham, have won a trip to Cape Town, South
PROGRESS on plans to build a conference and exhibition centre at Pickering has been delayed. Members of Ryedale District Council's northern area planning committee have approved the scheme in principle, but the decision now rests with the authority's
WAS it aliens - no, it was Defra landing at the Great Yorkshire Show. Civil servants from the ministry arrived at the showground last week in something resembling a UFO, or a set from science-fiction film Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Dressed in
A SCHOOL is launching a scheme to reward good pupils. In September, Longfield Comprehensive School, in Darlington, will be starting a behaviour programme. Pupils will be rewarded with Pride Points for completing homework, exceptional work or behaviour
YOUNG entrepreneurs from Staindrop will represent the North-East next week in a business competition. The youngsters set up a company named Blue Moo to win the regional finals of the HSBC Young Enterprise Innovation Awards. Next week, they will compete
POLICE are investigating the alleged rape of a woman in a car park opposite an old monastery in Sea View, Sunderland West, on Tuesday. A police spokesman said officers received a call from a distressed woman at about 5pm. He said: "There were a number
There were two completely contrasting matches in the Finals of the First Division and Second Division Knock Out Cups. In the First Division Crook Olde Horse Shoe A only dropped two points against Crook Travellers Rest A, whilst the Second Division Cup
NORTHALLERTON's chances in the Yorkshire in Bloom contest could have been scuppered by a second council blunder in the space of three months. The mayor of Northallerton, Coun Jack Dobson, this week hit out at North Yorkshire County Council for its apparent
WOLSINGHAM residents got a flavour of France with a weekend of activities to celebrate Bastille Day. The event was held to raise awareness of the new town-twinning arrangements with Poix de Picardie and help raise funds to keep the association going.
SPORTING enthusiasts have raised nearly £8,000 for good causes in Ryedale at a dinner in Terrington Hall School. Half of the money will go to the school's playing field development fund and the other half to the Rupert Hannah Medical Equipment Fund. Mr
POSTERS designed by Stockton children depicting the danger posed by discarded syringes are to be put up across the area. Children from four primary schools in the borough - Bowesfield, Oxbridge Lane, St Cuthbert's RC and Mill Lane - took part in a competition
TWO Fell ponies from County Durham helped to draw the Great Yorkshire Show crowds to a display by veterinary experts from Liverpool University who are researching a fatal disease peculiar to the breed. Townend Flinty and her foal, Claremount Cracker,
A NEW-look town centre will be officially opened this week after a £450,000 environmental improvement programme. The developments in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, are the latest in a £750,000 package of measures which aim to improve the appearance
BARNARD CASTLE. - Wed. Fwd: 723 sheep. Prime lambs std to 106.6p av 99.5p; med to 107.3p av 100.6p; heavy to 101.7p av 97.8p. Cast ewes: Cont to £36.50; Mule to £30; Swale to £22. DARLINGTON. - Thurs of last week. Fwd: 28 cattle, 803 sheep. Heavy steers
RISING cricket stars from across the region graced the Riverside Ground, at Chester-le-Street, this week - just ten days after England did battle with India on the same pitch. On Monday more than 100 school youngsters took part in Festival Finals' day
UPGRADING security measures at RAF Fylingdales has nothing to do with the threat of terrorism attacks. The move is intended to keep protestors out, it was claimed. At the first ever planning meeting where members of the public were allowed to address
ALL the fun of the fair is one thing, an informal arms fair is another. That was the view of Sowerby resident, Chris Purser, who was indignant this week after field guns, a main battle tank and a self-propelled howitzer formed part of the celebrations
Tow Law New Market B made a recovery in the doubles to beat their hosts at Tow Law Station by the odd point. The visitors took both trebles but then only had Shaun McGrath and Gavin Tennant as their singles winners. The singles winners for the Station
Railtrack was back under the cosh today over the problem of potentially lethal trackside junk. The North-East branch of the Rail Passengers Committee condemned the amount of engineering junk left lying beside railway lines in the region. The passenger
Tow Law Dan's Castle needed a good home win against Stanley Earl Derby to challenge the league leaders, Esh Stag's Head. However the Castle were denied when they went down in the deciding doubles. The home side had singles wins from Angela Suddes, Brian
Parents and children are invited to join a chit-chat club soon to be opened in Guisborough. The group, run by health visitors from Langbaurgh NHS Primary Care Trust, holds its first meeting on Friday, July 26, from 9.30am to 1.30am, at Chapel Beck House
NURSERY pupils could be offered fluoridated milk to tackle high levels of tooth decay. A survey of five-year-olds has revealed that many parts of the county have higher than the national average rates of tooth decay. In the Dales, 60 per cent of youngsters
