Archive

  • Moss Harvey ready to prove class in quality field

    MALCOLM JEFFERSON'S stable-star Moss Harvey (1.55) deserves a crack at the big-time and today at Newbury he gets the chance to cement his position as one of the season's leading young chasers. "He has hardly put a foot wrong in the past two seasons and

  • Rowing: Tees Rowing Club

    Not for the first time this Autumn the weather threatened to wreak havoc with rowing races in the north of England when prolonged rainfall raised the waters of the River Ouse to a level which caused the postponement of the York Small Boats Head of the

  • Top class field lined up for Fighting Fifth

    THREE of the first seven horses home in last season's Champion Hurdle are set to clash in the premier hurdles race of the year at Newcastle. Twelve horses are entered for tomorrow's £50,000 Pertemps Fighting Fifth Hurdle, including last year's winner

  • Patients still at risk from contaminated instruments

    Two reports launched in the region have highlighted the continued risk to patients from contaminated surgical instruments. A Patients Association survey among NHS managers indicates there is "chaos and confusion" over the management of infection control

  • Basketball

    Durham League Two of the four quarter-final ties of the Durham League Mens Division One Cup were successfully completed this week and both saw the winning teams clock up big scores. In the first Steve Whitehead Joinery and Double Glazing Middlesbrough

  • Rugby cash boost

    Durham County Under-16 Girls' are celebrating after receiving a £5000 grant from the National Lottery Awards for All programme. This will enable the further development of excellence in the emerging sport of girls' rugby and secure the future of Durham's

  • Boys win challenge to get names off sex offenders register

    Two schoolboys today won a legal battle to have their names taken off the sex offenders register after the High Court ruled their human rights had been breached. One 15-year-old youth from Co Durham had admitted ''pinging bra straps and touching girls

  • Athletics: Quaker Ladies finish on top

    The NYSD League Cross Country was held on Sunday, November 10 at Windlestone Hall near Newton Aycliffe. On a perfect day for running, the Quakers Ladies team won first team prize. In the Under-13 Girls race, Stephanie Millar was first home finishing 20th

  • Looking Back

    From this newspaper 100 years ago. - A Motherwell (Lanarkshire) household were thrown into a violent state of excitement the other night after they had retired by the intrusion of a strange visitor - an elephant which had strayed from a travelling menagerie

  • Stamp of approval for Lingdale yard

    GLENDA Gosling (pictured right) of Greencroft Livery Stables, Lingdale is celebrating the fact it is the first in Cleveland to take up a new British Horse Society-approved scheme. She now has the stamp of approval she needs to prove that her establishment

  • Water Polo

    Sedgefield 75 Sedgefield 75 girls travelled to Liverpool to play in the Liverpool invitation junior girls waterpolo championships. This is the premier event in Great Britain for club sides in junior polo for girls. Sedgefield defeated the holders Manchester

  • North East Christian Fellowship League

    In Division One Jesmond Parish Church lost their unbeaten record. Martin Skirving opened the scoring for Stranton Saints Hartlepool then Jesmond had a player sent off. Stranton took advantage playing against ten men with Paul Gough, Scott Newbiggan and

  • The UniBond League

    Bishop Auckland breathed a sigh of relief when they won 2-1 at Bamber Bridge on Tuesday. The result lifted them three points away from bottom of the table Trafford, and they are now just one point behind Guiseley. Manager Brian Honour said: "Scoring first

  • North Yorkshire Junior round-up

    Richmond Town: The Under-11s played Thirsk Falcons at home and won 4-2, writes Ben Prosser. A much improved performance saw them lead 3-0 at half time with goals from man of match Gavin Hill and two from J Woodall who played one of his best games to date

  • PM praises Nissan workers

    Prime Minister Tony Blair today praised the dedication and skill of the North East's motoring workforce as he launched the new generation Nissan Micra. Mr Blair was at the Nissan plant near Sunderland in Washington, Tyne and Wear, to launch the new saloon

  • Strikers outplayed by Team Labour

    I WOULDN'T imagine many people have likened heavyweight Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott to the sleek, clinical professionalism of an Italian footballer, but both are living proof that, in life, there is no substitute for experience. In its handling

  • Gardener told he can keep turkeys until Christmas

    A YARM allotment holder has called for a better relationship between tenants and town councillors, following a clampdown on turkey-keeping. Tommy Williams, of The Meadowings, has kept turkeys at a plot in the run-up to Christmas. But Yarm Town Council

  • From peak to pique

    AFTER the peak, the pique. It could apply almost as much to Clive Woodward as to Craig Bellamy, except that Woodward's anger was both justified and controlled. Like the naughty schoolboy, we will deal with Bellamy later. First, in contrast to the usual

  • Cleveland League

    In Division One Guisborough TA lifted themselves off the bottom when on their travels they held Saltburn Cons. A to a 3-3 draw. Brian Cook, of Guisborough, was first to the table playing S Binns. They shared the spoils with frame scores of 62-43 and 42

  • Dale farmers air worries

    NORTH Yorkshire hill farmers have been told of the NFU's call for urgent changes to the livestock movement regulations During a visit to the area, the union vice-president, Michael Paske, met 20 farmers at Leyburn auction mart to hear their concerns and

  • Heroes all still fighting for a fitting memorial

    A NORTH-East war hero travelled to London last night to campaign for a memorial for Victoria and George Cross holders in Westminster Abbey. Captain Richard Annand, one of only 16 surviving VC holders in the world, helped to launch the campaign for the

  • When Busby's bark couldn't lure Jimmy

    It's not principally about Jimmy Cain, this column, rather about him and many others of his favoured fetchings- up, but Jimmy can kick it off, anyway. He was always a Fishburn miner, played one Football League game for Bradford Park Avenue, 30 for Hartlepools

  • Family sells butcher's shop after three generations

    A GREAT Ayton family whose name is synonymous with traditional, high-quality butchering has sold its shop. Lowthers' shop has been bought by a County Durham firm James Higgins, but its old name and Great Ayton staff will remain. The Lowthers will retain

  • Fairs Software Tyneside Junior League

    Not a single game was played because of waterlogged pitches. This was the second successive week that the programme was wiped out leaving Walker Central at the top of the table with 19 points from eight games. They are closely followed by Redheugh, who

  • Garrett to sing in Harrogate

    The UK's favourite opera singer Lesley Garrett is filming a concert for the BBC at Harrogate on Sunday -- and the famous soprano picked out North-East performers to be by her side. Newcastle-based Northern Sinfonia were chosen above other BBC and national

  • MyTravel en route to securing future

    Troubled tour operator MyTravel struck a crucial deal with its banks yesterday to secure its financial future for at least another year. The former Airtours group has won an extension to a £250m credit facility due to expire in March after a series of

  • Darlington and district Junior round-up

    Darlington Mount Pleasant Rangers MKM (Darlington), a local builders merchants, have sponsored Mount Pleasant Rangers with a full strip for its Under-11 A team. Darlington Mayor, Coun Doris Jones, was on hand to officially launch the strip and MKM's director

  • Letters: Concert concern

    Sir, - If you play in a band or sing in a choir, or spend time trying to raise funds for your local chapel or church, you may be interested in a recent report in The Times. It revealed the Government's intention to legislate requiring all churches and

  • Nightmare leads family to realise dream

    THE nightmare of foot-and-mouth prompted a Swaledale farming family to realise their dream of running a delicatessen. Felicity and Alistair Davy, who farm at Low Oxque, Marrick, opened their shop, Pridham's, in Finkle Street, Richmond, last Friday. "It

  • Chopra can go all the way, says his England coach

    Wonder-kid Michael Chopra has been tipped to take the football world by storm. Newcastle United's talented 18-year-old, who grabbed two goals for England Under 20s against Italy on Wednesday night, has yet to make his Premiership debut but he is already

  • Darlington clinch County trophy

    Darlington: THE Under-12s side won their age-group County seven-a-side competition at Houghton le Spring, amassing a total of 154 points for against only seven points against. After emphatically defeating Ryton, West Hartlepool, Westoe and Middlesbrough

  • Region landed with massive strike bill

    The firefighters' strike is costing the region's taxpayers tens of thousands of pounds every day, it was revealed last night. Details of the bill, which is rising remorselessly, emerged from police estimates of their cost of providing assistance during

  • Test drive has Champion dreaming of future success

    FERODO Ford Puma champion Ryan Champion, from Castleton, was given the chance to test a full works Ford Focus WRC last week as a reward for winning the one-make series this season. The car Champion drove was a latest specification car in which Spaniard

  • More success for West Rounton rider

    YOUNG rider Holly Stevenson has continued her good summer form into the winter season. The 13-year-old from West Rounton recently claimed first and third spots on Mr Shorty and Stainsby Irish Mist respectively in the winter 148 championships at Stainsby

  • Letters: Flawed procedure

    Sir, - The row at Northallerton Town Council about secrecy in the case of the former clerk to the burial committee has much wider implications. Local councillors are always ready to publicise what goes right but they are rarely open when things go wrong

  • Grain prices

    Thursday's prices Kenneth Wilson, Thorpe Arch. - Wheat: Dec £59; Jan £60; Feb £61. Barley: Dec £58; Jan £59; Feb £60. Oilseed rape: Dec £174; Jan £175; Feb £176. GrainCo, Tyne Dock. - No prices available yesterday morning

  • Games

    Tow Law Coors Cup Lanchester King's Head went down to their first defeat in the competition when they lost the captain's dominoes decider to the visiting Hamilton Row Black Horse. In the pool singles matches the teams shared the points with Harry Wales

  • Mart prices

    BORDERWAY (Carlisle). - Mon. Fwd: 163 cattle, 1,652 lambs, 244 cast ewes & rams. All crosses: Lim hfrs to 111.5p; Char hfrs to 109.5p; BB bullocks to 108.5p; Lim bullocks to 107.5p; Lim bulls to 106.5p; Simm bulls to 106.5p; black & white bulls

  • North-East folk music on CDs

    From Tees to Tyne (MWM CDSP51) From Tyne to Tweed (MWM CDSP52) THESE two CDs are tasters for a forthcoming 20-CD boxed set of 300-plus songs fom the musical heritage of the North-East. The Northumbria Anthology is building a collection of recordings of

  • New school gets the go-ahead

    A MULTI-MILLION pound eco-friendly primary school is to be created, after the Government stumped up more than £2m for the project. Staff and pupils at Pelton Junior and Infant School, near Chester-le-Street, have been waiting for a new school for some

  • Exhibition staged from art workshop

    ART WORK created by people with mental health problems has gone on show at Chester-le-Street Civic Centre. The paintings were created at a World Mental Health Day workshop at Alnwick Castle in Northumberland by people with mental health problems, children

  • Angling

    Success in every sport is a fine balance between skill and Lady luck and Cleveland Angling Centre's Darren Campbell certainly knows that following an incredible three consecutive Sundays on the Tees at Yarm, writes Jeff Herbert. First victory came in

  • Hanratty steals the show

    Boddy Printers Sunday League Parklands and Jack and Jill fought out a sporting 90 minutes despite poor pitch conditions. Jack and Jill took the lead when Gary Bytheway scored following good work by Joe Hanratty. Shortly into the second period Bytheway

  • Northallerton cause upset against Squash

    Hambleton Ales North Yorkshire League Northallerton served up a major surprise by ending the unbeaten record of Squash. The 2-1 victory means that Bedale extend their lead over second placed Squash in Division One. For while Squash were slipping up on

  • At the third time of asking, the perfect tree

    IT WAS a case of third time lucky for Ripon when two other Christmas trees were rejected for the city centre as being unsuitable. Tree No 1 was chopped after residents described it as being puny. Tree No 2 was given its marching orders after being described

  • A false start, but it's sneakily good

    The Sum Of All Fears Publisher: Ubisoft. Formats: PS2, PC CD-ROM. From £39.99 DON'T you just hate it when your carefully-laid plans go wrong? Ubisoft must have felt the same way when its video game The Sums of All Fears failed to make the same release

  • Village plea: Build homes for young not executives

    YOUNG couples face being priced out of Middleton St George by an influx of luxury homes while children are refused entry to its school, according to a Vital Village meeting. A barrage of criticism was unleashed against developers and town planners at

  • Career switch for detective

    A RETIRING policeman is switching careers from arresting people to offering them legal advice. While most detectives want to get as far away as possible from suspects when they hand in their badges, Det Con Ian Snowdon is planning on representing them

  • Silly hair day events boost charity funds

    STAFF and pupils at Greenfield School Community and Arts College in Newton Aycliffe held a full day to fundraising activities in support of Children in Need. The non-uniform and silly hair day was organised by the student council, with support from teacher

  • Furniture scheme given storage space

    GARAGES in Newton Aycliffe are to be turned into warehouses to store furniture donated to help some of Sedgefield borough's most vulnerable residents. Sedgefield Borough Council has donated three garages to the St Vincent de Paul Society, St Mary's and

  • College is praised by Ofsted inspectors

    SEDGEFIELD Community College has been highly commended in a report by inspectors. The report from the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) said the college was "an effective and improving college in which students develop positive attitudes towards

  • News in brief: Canine Santa visits store

    SANTA Paws will be paying a visit to a Darlington pet store tomorrow. The canine Santa will visit the Pets at Home store, on Darlington Retail Park, Yarm Road, from noon to 2pm, to help raise funds for the chain's chosen charity, Dogs for the Disabled

  • Council on course for more red faces

    COUNCIL chiefs sent managers on a controversial £4,000 adventure training jaunt - only to discover the centre did not have planning permission. Local taxpayers were furious when an 11-strong group of senior managers spent two nights at a hotel as part

  • Those marvellous millennium greens

    Communities from across Yorkshire and the Humber gather in York on Monday to celebrate the creation of 30 millennium greens. The Countryside Agency worked together with local organisations to create small but lasting memorials to the new millennium, using

  • Bingo hall arson tests firefighters

    Green goddess crews faced one of their biggest challenges yet last night after a bingo hall on Teesside was torched by arsonists. Pubs, cafes, shops and flats were evacuated on the High Street, Stockton, as smoke billowed from the roof of a derelict bingo

  • Owen is on target for Reds

    Michael Owen's first-half goal gave Liverpool an away victory in the UEFA Cup third round, first leg in Holland. But the England striker missed three other gilt-edged chances when clean through which would have given Liverpool a comfortable lead. Instead

  • Widow burgled by 'sick' criminals

    A BURGLAR knocked on an 84-year-old widow's door and told her she was about to be burgled as a man was breaking in her house. The woman, who lives alone, slammed the door on the 16-year-old, but when she entered her lounge found the same youth standing

  • Widow burgled by 'sick' criminals

    A BURGLAR knocked on an 84-year-old widow's door and told her she was about to be burgled as a man was breaking in her house. The woman, who lives alone, slammed the door on the 16-year-old, but when she entered her lounge found the same youth standing

  • 'The spy who still loves me'

    Deciding to blow the whistle on your employers is always a high risk enterprise, but it doesn't usually result in a prison sentence. Gavin Havery talks to a woman who is standing by a man branded a traitor to his country. WHEN a person stands up for what

  • Export ban is placed on art masterpiece

    A LOST masterpiece by Michelangelo which was sold at auction after being discovered in North Yorkshire has become the subject of an export wrangle. The work, called Study of a Mourning Woman, was discovered pasted into an album of drawings in the library

  • Row erupts over 'missing' NHS cash

    A ROW broke out last night over claims that £1.8m allocated to tackle NHS bed-blocking had gone missing. Durham City MP Gerry Steinberg told Health Secretary Alan Milburn there was confusion over money targeted at helping the County Council provide extra

  • Posties walk for charity

    POSTAL workers Steve Morris and Alan Sinclair walked through the night to help a charity. The pair, who work at the Canon Park depot, in Middlesbrough, raised £575 for the Marie Curie Cancer Care appeal with a 17-hour walk. Supported by wives Sue and

  • Furniture scheme given storage space

    GARAGES in Newton Aycliffe are to be turned into warehouses to store furniture donated to help some of Sedgefield borough's most vulnerable residents. Sedgefield Borough Council has donated three garages to the St Vincent de Paul Society, St Mary's and

  • Nursery shuts after E.coli illness scare

    A nursery has been closed after a number of children contracted an illness linked to the potentially deadly E.coli bacteria. Two children are in hospital and all others from the Busy Bears Nursery, in Skipton, North Yorkshire, have been sent home while

  • Attack charge

    A 23-year-old Middlesbrough man has been arrested and charged with a Section 18 wounding after walking into Middlesbrough police station. Cleveland Police say he gave himself up following an assault on a 23-year-old Nigerian student who was glassed in

  • Council joins the fight against crime

    SEDGEFIELD Borough Council has an active role in the work of the Burglary Action Group. The Sedgefield Borough Community Safety Partnership was formed in 1999 in response to the requirements of the Crime and Disorder Act. Its aim is to work in partnership

  • Emotional plea to MPs by son of crash victim

    CLUTCHING his favourite toy, young James Dunn was dwarfed by the surrounds of the Parliamentary committee room. But when he spoke, his imposing performance commanded every attention of the listening MPs. In a poignant address, the 11-year-old son of the

  • Gough in upbeat mood

    Darren Gough hopes to come back better than ever from his career-threatening knee injury. The 32-year-old Yorkshire and England fast bowler was fearing the worst last week as he prepared to travel to the United States for a consultation with specialist

  • Steelworks site reshaped into haven beauty

    WORK to improve a wildlife haven on part of an old steelworks has been launched with the completion of specially designed gates for the site. Children from the Grove Primary School, in Consett, County Durham, who helped blacksmith and artist Graeme Hopper

  • News in brief: Life-saving tips passed on

    HEARTSTART Chester-le-Street is running a project in north Durham to teach people the skills needed to save lives in medical emergencies. It was launched this week at Dubmire British Legion club, in Fencehouses, where representatives of the scheme gave

  • Support for carers offer

    BUSINESS support is on offer to childcare providers on Wearside and in County Durham from expert advisors Tony Kirsop and Tim Dawkins. They are the latest people to join Sunderland's Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership. They will be offering

  • 'No' for Nicola - and for TV's Mr Right

    TV's Mr Right proved to be unlucky in love last night as the dating show girl of his dreams turned him down. In a dramatic twist, eligible bachelor Lance Gerrard-Wright rejected the viewers' favourite, former Tyne Tees newsreader Nicola Browning. But

  • Trainer on drive charges

    A racehorse trainer is due to appear in court charged with motoring offences. Karl Richard Burke, part of the racing community of Middleham, in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, is accused of driving without a licence or insurance. He has also been charged

  • Ex-champ lines up charity concert

    FORMER world boxing champion Glenn McCrory is preparing to go the distance with an event to aid charity and a theatre production dedicated to the memory of his brother. Glenn, of Stanley, County Durham, has organised a concert at the town's Lamplight

  • Sir Bobby Robson . . . who is he?

    Soccer guru Sir Bobby Robson is one of the most famous faces in the sporting world. But not everyone has heard of the former England boss. The Newcastle United manager was knighted by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace last week. But he was brought back

  • Investment in region

    A £300,000 production line has been installed at a County Durham factory which will safeguard its immediate future and create an extra eight jobs company-wide. Seaward Electronic put the printed circuit board (PCB) line in its Peterlee factory. In addition

  • Boy injured by bat loses claim case

    A teenager who was hurt in a freak accident during a PE class lost his court battle for £12,000 damages yesterday. David Proctor, now 17, was backstop during a game of softball when a schoolboy batsman let go of an aluminium bat, which struck him in the

  • Man used false names to con hotels

    A MAN used false names to check into three hotels, then made off without paying, a court heard yesterday. Thomas Brett Wilkinson, of Beaconsfield Street, Darlington, committed the offences at the Postchaise Hotel in Bishop Auckland, the Greenhead Country

  • Loan extension may offer power to get back on line

    The troubled firm which owns Hartlepool's nuclear power station has been given a stay of execution to enable it to tackle its substantial debt problems. British Energy will have a Government loan facility extended to next year - a move which should safeguard

  • Call for safety plans over bikers' deaths

    THE alarming number of motorcyclists killed on North Yorkshire's roads has prompted plans for a fresh road safety drive in the county. Police have already pioneered the Bike Safe initiative, which combines education with prosecution and has been adopted

  • Crunch time for the big prediction

    TONIGHT is the crunch time for medium Gary Fowler and his predictions for Celebrity Big Brother. Ten days ago, the Teesside-born psychic delivered a sealed envelope to The Northern Echo, which he said contained the name of the winner of the Channel Four

  • Town set to embark on £34m -education village' project

    DARLINGTON is putting itself at the cutting edge by embarking on a venture to establish a £34.9m education village by 2005. The borough council has drawn up an outline business case to rebuild Haughton Comprehensive, Beaumont Hill Technology College and

  • Town given Jubilee tree

    CHRISTMAS came to Guisborough this week in a celebration fit for the Queen. For a 20ft spruce tree from Guisborough Woods, planted by the Forestry Commission in 1952, the year the Queen came to the throne, was donated to the town. And members of the Forestry

  • T M Disco Crook and District League

    Leaders Willington WMC went one down to Neil Peveller's first half goal for visitors Wearhead United. New signing Chris Pickles equalised and sub Dale Parkinson made it 2-1 with his first kick of the game. Anthony White missed a penalty for Wearhead before

  • Adviser takes on whole of North

    LAURIE Norris has been appointed NFU technical adviser for the whole of the North of England. Miss Norris, originally from Sowerby, has been regional policy adviser for Yorkshire and the North-East since June 1999. She takes on her new role, covering

  • Christmas post box in place for seasonal mail

    A post box installed in a Teesside pub is delivering surprises of its own. The 4ft box at the Wacky Warehouse, in Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, shouts out a Christmas message every time someone drops in a letter. Replies to present wish-lists posted by

  • Unit's closure is discussed

    THE fears of mothers and mothers-to-be over the closure of a maternity hospital in east Cleveland will be discussed at a council meeting next week. Councillors established a special committee when it was announced that Guisborough Maternity Unit was to

  • Hathaway and Cope Stokesley League

    B&H K Head 1 Thornaby Mandale 4 For the opening quarter hour of this top of the table clash there was little to choose between the sides but a blistering 20 minute spell that saw Mandale hit three goals without reply effectively settled the contest

  • Punch footballer spared jail

    A SUNDAY league footballer who broke the jaw of another player in an unprovoked attack on the pitch walked free from court yesterday. James "Archie" Brown, 42, was told by magistrates he narrowly missed a jail sentence for the assault during a match at

  • Exhibition celebrates mystery play tradition

    IN medieval days the York cycle of Mystery Plays was one of the highlights of the year for local people, whether they were taking part or watching. When the plays were revived in the middle of the 20th Century they quickly regained their place in people's

  • Missile victim suffers heart attack

    A PENSIONER suffered a suspected heart attack after being hit by a missile hurled through the window of a packed bus yesterday. The 66-year-old man collapsed and was taken to hospital after he was hit on the head by the object - believed to be a baseball

  • Shame of the missing patients

    THOUSANDS of hours of medical time are being wasted because patients are failing to cancel unwanted appointments. The equivalent of two doctors' working weeks are been thrown away every seven days in Darlington because patients do not turn up. Darlington

  • Serenade for shoppers

    SHOPPERS will be serenaded when a town centre launches Sunday opening this weekend. The Weardale Cloggers and Whackers will entertain the crowds when they walk down Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, on Sunday with their traditional music and dance. Hillbilly

  • Liz set to meet her hero Jack at concert

    A WOMAN battling a debilitating terminal illness will meet another of her favourite celebrities next week. Liz Shipley, of Newcastle, who has Motor Neurone Disease (MND), will be adding another celebrity name to her list when she meets footballing hero

  • Stars line up for switch-on of display

    FOOTBALL stars are to kick start a town's Christmas celebrations. Middlesbrough players Geremi and Massimo Maccarone will switch on Stockton's Christmas lights, it was revealed last night. Organisers Stockton Borough Council say the identity of the special

  • Chance for horse lovers to have a say

    THE International League for the Protection of Horses is calling on animal lovers to take part in a European Commission online consultation on animal transportation to be held from December 2-16. It has been lobbying the EC and governments, both home

  • Just the ticket

    GNER has completed a £1m project, introducing its fastticket service at stations on the East Coast Main Line. Stevenage was the last to benefit; the first was at Kings Cross in London in 1997. GNER claims 30 per cent of its customers now use the fastticket

  • Wilko warns Bellion off a move to Old Trafford

    HOWARD Wilkinson last night told David Bellion: "You're better off at Sunderland than Manchester United." With United plotting a daring raid for Bellion during January's transfer window, Wilkinson reckons he would benefit from continuing his footballing

  • Mediation helps to solve care home fees dispute

    A LONG-running dispute over fees paid to private care home owners was settled yesterday. But the agreement, announced last night, is expected to cost Durham County Council £780,000 for the rest of the year, possibly rising to £3.15m over the next two

  • News in brief: Arrest after drugs seized

    A 26-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested following the seizure of amphetamines worth more than £1,000. The drugs, some cash and a suspected stolen motorbike were recovered in a raid on a house in Hampden Street, South Bank, near Middlesbrough. The man has

  • Bishop Auckland Bridge Club

    Results for Thursday, November 21 North/South: 1st D Muse & I Muse 58.39%; 2nd B Myers & J Blackett 52.27%; 3rd B Seery & J Pringle 51.9%. East/West: 1st E Wilkinson & J Bainbridge 57.79%; 2nd L Badcock & J Pallister 55.19%; 3rd =

  • Christmas Cat is a pantomine first for theatre

    YOUNGSTERS are gearing up to take part in the first Christmas play at Durham's Gala Theatre. The Christmas Cat and the Pudding Pirates, a colourful Christmas tale with a difference, opens at the theatre on Monday. Set aboard the good ship Santa Claus,

  • Pair walk all night to raise funds

    POSTAL workers Steve Morris and Alan Sinclair got it sorted when answering a charity's plea for help. The pair, who work at the Royal Mail's Canon Park depot in Middlesbrough walked all night to raise £575 for the Marie Curie Cancer Care. Supported by

  • Five decades of green and pleasant walks

    A GOVERNMENT minister made the trip north from Westminster yesterday to help a national park to mark its half century. Minister of State for Rural Affairs Alun Michael joined the celebrations, launching a website to promote the area and a sustainable

  • Grassroots: Sunderland and district

    CARING DEPOT: The Asda distribution centre donated hampers to senior citizens at Southwick Community Centre, and to Southwick Mothers and Toddlers' group. Staff have also raised £550 for the Sunderland Counselling Service. DANCE CLASS: A beginners class

  • Wearside League

    How times have changed for Stanley United! A year ago they languished at the bottom of the table but 12 months on they are mid-table and at the weekend thumped eight goals past Ferryhill Athletic in the Sunderland Shipowners' Cup. "It has certainly been

  • Junior roun-up

    Rohm and Haas JOC Hetton Youth League just one game went ahead in the league's Jarrow Roofing North East Durham Youth Cup. Lumley, challenging for the championship, saw off Hebburn 6-2 after establishing a four-goals interval lead. The Cestrians took

  • Last Night's TV: Solid Geometry (C4): Battle Stations (C4)

    Impenetrable tale about a pickled penis EVERYTHING clicked into place with the jar containing a preserved penis. Dredging the murkier corners of my mind, I recalled a distant controversy surrounding such an object and a TV play. Back in the 1970s prim

  • Firefighters jeer Blair

    A crowd of 250 striking firefighters turned their backs on the Prime Minister today in a show of disgust at his refusal to meet their pay demand. Protesters turned up at Gosforth High School, Newcastle, to show Mr Blair that they are not prepared to back

  • Sunderland Catholic Club Over-40 League

    In the Premier Steels SC stay three points clear at the top. They did well to win 1-0 away to Seaton Delaval. Seaton played much better than their lowly position suggested and in the first half definitely had the edge although the score was 0-0. Steels

  • Acklam can't stop Boys Club

    South Cleveland Garages Teesside League Division One: Acklam SW 0 Grangetown BC 1 The top clash of the day was at Acklam Steelworks who entertained League Champions Grangetown Boys Club. In a tight match played on a very heavy pitch Grangetown took the

  • Grant boost for Stokesley soccer project

    A PROJECT to create a new home for grass roots football in North Yorkshire has been boosted by one of the largest ever grants from the Football Foundation, the country's biggest sports charity. The Foundation has awarded £875,000 to the Stokesley Sports

  • 29/11/02

    FIRE STRIKE: I AM a soldier's wife and my husband is at Darlington TA Centre. He's not far away, but he has been away from home for three quarters of this year already. He is on the same pay as two years ago, but has never gone on strike because he can't

  • New Catterick team kitted out by sponsors

    Catterick Garrison Town FC, the region's newest football club has made an excellent start to its league career. They play in the Northern Under-19 Alliance League and giving Catterick Garrison Town its full support is Darlington Building Society, the

  • Punch footballer spared jail

    A SUNDAY league footballer who broke the jaw of another player in an unprovoked attack on the pitch walked free from court yesterday. James "Archie" Brown, 42, was told by magistrates he narrowly missed a jail sentence for the assault during a match at

  • Keltie's super strike earns Quakers a point

    AFTER taking to the road for the last three games, Quakers' caretaker boss Mick Tait will be hoping to make Feethams home sweet home with a win over Southend United tomorrow. Darlington have lost only one of their six games since Tait climbed into the

  • Home from China to pick up export award

    A COUNTY Durham businessman has scooped a major international award for export achievement. Francis Harkin, 37, general manager of Autoweld Systems in Trimdon Grange, was named individual sales exporter of the year in the 2002 International Business Awards

  • New flood defences for Yarm

    It was designed to withstand once in 100 year floods - but two years after Yarm's £2.1m flood defence scheme was opened it was realised the walls had not been built high enough. The floods of 1995 turned Yarm High Street into a canal with water up to

  • Shop Talk: Play with a purpose

    ACCOUNTANT Ginny Harrison spends a lot of time playing with toys - she's a whizz at board games and can build an impressive Eiffel Tower out of magnets. Ginny runs the Formative Fun toy shop in Northallerton High Street. She has an eight-year-old son

  • Sunday Invitation Ladies Hockey League

    Stokesley 0 v 2 Roseberry Aelectrifying start from Roseberry brought wave after wave of attacks on the Stokesley defence, their pressure paying dividents after 16 minutes with a super shot from open play by Trish Alderson to beat the Stokesley defence

  • Police given new powers to curb drinking in public areas

    A PIONEERING scheme to crack down on drink-fuelled disorder is to go ahead in Northallerton. Members of Hambleton Council's cabinet yesterday agreed to bring in special orders which will give police the power to take action against people drinking in

  • Catterick golfers celebrate their year

    PRIZES for the year were handed out at Catterick Golf Club's recent presentation evening. Pictured above are, from left, lady club champion Jodi Ewart, lady captain Margaret Ferguson and Danielle Bolton, winner of the lady captain's cup on lady captain's

  • Tyne Tees Girls Youth League

    Tyne Tees Girls Youth League Under-12s: Blyth Town 5 v 0 Birtley Town This game was a big test for Birtley after a bad defeat last week from SAFC. The Birtley girls were up for it and played very well. Blyth found the Birtley goalkeeper Jessica Wilson

  • Letters: Seek the facts

    Sir, - I am very worried about the lack of investigative journalism with regards to the fire service pay dispute. No journalists seem to be questioning the employers or Government about the sweeping statements they are making. The Bain report has been

  • Wellock's World: From peak to pique

    AFTER the peak, the pique. It could apply almost as much to Clive Woodward as to Craig Bellamy, except that Woodward's anger was both justified and controlled. Like the naughty schoolboy, we will deal with Bellamy later. First, in contrast to the usual

  • Police hunt car park sex attacker

    THIS is the face of a teenager who subjected a woman to a sex attack. The victim was grabbed from behind and dragged into the corner of a car park in Darlington where she was indecently assaulted, police said. The incident happened on Tuesday, at about

  • New Garrison team off to a flying start

    CATTERICK Garrison Town FC, the region's newest football club, have made an excellent start to their league career. The club play in the Northern Under 19 Alliance League, which was formed in 1996 as the Northern Youth Academy League. The aim of the league

  • Snap to it for sale

    TENNANTS' auction house of Leyburn, is to hold a general sale spotlighting cameras dating from the 1900s to the 1980s, alongside musical and scientific instruments and radios. One camera, a Zeiss Ikon Maximar, dating from about 1930, belonged to a German

  • Bowman Anderson Accountants Spennymoor Sunday League

    TWO of the favourites to lift the B&A Trophy were last week dumped out of the competition. Division One leaders Newton Aycliffe crashed out with a 5-2 defeat at home to Thorns, while Brandon beat Lakeside 3-2. Striker Steven Richardson scored after

  • Prince signs up for auction

    WHEN the Prince of Wales visited Teesdale last month he left behind a lasting reminder in the form of a signed book, which is to be auctioned on Sunday to raise funds for the charity he took a specific interest in. Other items to be auctioned at the Moorcock

  • Durham Ranking Tournament

    The Final of the 2002 competition will be played at Durham Snooker Club on Sunday, November 24. The matches will begin at 1pm prompt with spectators welcome. The afternoon is sure to produce some high class pool and some nail biting finishes, with every

  • House price boom goes on, but how long can it last?

    HOUSE prices in Yorkshire continue to rise as demand outstrips supply. A survey by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors shows that, in the three months to October, price rises were running at more than double the long-term annual average of 10pc

  • Johnson and Lee make a winning Aintree double act

    AINTREE action was the weekend highlight, as Ascot's Saturday meeting was abandoned, and stars at Liverpool were Howard Johnson and Graham Lee. The Crook trainer and the Yorkshire rider were in double form there and sparkled all week. Lee partnered Covent

  • The Northern Echo Darlington Sunday Invitation League

    In Division One Coundon Foresters remain top of the pile following their 11-0 victory over bottom side Brinkburn. Curt Warburton opened the scoring with a wonderful goal after ten minutes as he struck the ball in the top corner from 25 yards, and that

  • Crusade launched to make road safe

    A HUSBAND has launched a one-man campaign to sort out a notorious road accident blackspot after his wife almost died in a crash. Norman Wood says a number of friends have also suffered serious injuries at two spots on the A171 Guisborough to Whitby road

  • Bowls

    Area Three National Results Singles: D Dowson (Gt Aycliffe) 14, M O'Riordan (Thornaby) 21; D Fenwick (Hartlepool) 8, A Macey (Hpool) 21; P Latcham (Ferryhill) w/o/. Junior singles: M Squirrell (Hpool) 10, C Higgins (Hpool) 21; P Moseley (Thornaby) 21,

  • News in brief: Family fun at leisure centre

    FERRYHILL Leisure Centre is to stage a family fun day tomorrow. Out of the Bag will include arts activities, theatre shows for children over the age of three and an opportunity to find out more about the Story Sacks scheme. The event runs from 10am to

  • Quakers snap up Newcastle striker Offiong on loan

    NEWCASTLE UNITED starlet Richard Offiong will today put pen to paper on a loan deal when he moves to Darlington. Quakers' boss Mick Tait has been chasing an extra striker and his search paid off last night when the big front man agreed to move. He played

  • Athletics: Crook & District

    The halfway point in the harrier league season was reached at Meadowfield with a six mile race and the club ended up a commendable seventh on the day in Division One thanks to Ian Sumler 40.52. Others: Malcolm Ingram 38.48, Peter Shuttleworth 38.54, Mike

  • Strikers outplayed by Team Labour

    I WOULDN'T imagine many people have likened heavyweight Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott to the sleek, clinical professionalism of an Italian footballer, but both are living proof that, in life, there is no substitute for experience. In its handling

  • The good doctor sharpens his scalpel

    With the Government's huge parliamentary majority, it looks as if Labour will be running the Health Service for years to come. But Shadow Health Secretary Dr Liam Fox believes his day will come, and sooner rather than later, he tells Health Correspondent

  • Darlington Mowden Park

    Mowden's thirds fielded a weak side due to the unavailability of players but made a valiant effort against a much bigger and stronger Blaydon side. Twelve minutes into the game Mowden were penalised for offside 5m from their line. Blaydon's flanker to

  • Driving to his own 100th birthday party

    TOM Wright hopes to drive from Yarm to Harrogate for a "bit of a family do" for his birthday. He does not think it is particularly special that he can still do so, but Mr Wright will celebrate his 100 birthday tomorrow. He has no intention, either, of

  • Bishop Auckland

    Saturday Winter League (Stableford): 1 I Simpson and T Briggs 46 points; 2 R Briggs and K Dixon 45; 3 G Stephenson and C Bowes 45. Sunday Winter League (Stableford): 1 M Hawkes and C Tremewan 44; 2 M Wade and R Gill 44; 3 A Heslop and P T Beresford 43

  • BHS and consultant criticised over bridleway inquiry

    THE British Horse Society and another objector at a public inquiry into a bridleway issue near Bedale have been severely criticised by a Government inspector and landed with a bill for thousands of pounds in costs. Graham Laslett, who conducted a five-day

  • Town to arrange informal talks with school head

    YARM School's proposed relocation caused disagreement between town councillors this week, who debated how best to proceed in talks with the school. Head teacher David Dunn had written to Yarm Town Council chairman Coun Liz Marsden, who was unable to attend

  • Special livestock sales

    HAWES. - Tues. Fwd: 3 calves, 6 prime cattle, 92 store cattle, 2,387 sheep. Inaugural Christmas show of prime cattle and Christmas show of store cattle. Prizes. - Steer 1 & champion LimX, W Orme, Stalling Busk, 180p (£999) to Quality Fare Supermarkets

  • Consett Sunday League

    THERE was derby delight for Tantobie when they sent Lintz Cricket Club crashing out of the Jack Grigg Memorial Trophy. Two-goal Paul Balmer, Scott Turner and Scott Fantarrow did the damage as the Division Two outfit knocked out their First Division rivals

  • Christmas champion

    At Hawes auction mart's inaugural Christmas primestock sale the champion, above, was shown by W Orme, Home Farm, Stalling Busk, Upper Wensleydale. The 3/4-bred Limousin bullock weighed in at 556kg, and sold for 180p/kg to Quality Fare Meats.

  • 60 years a preacher for a boyhood prayer

    WALTER Bainbridge, of Seamer, is celebrating 60 years as a Methodist local preacher. He recently received a certificate from Stokesley Methodist Circuit and speakers paid tribute to him at a service in Great Ayton. A farmer at Greytones, he often travels

  • Athletics

    The Young Sportswinners Awards at the Dolphin Centre last week were dominated by members of Darlington Harriers Athletics Club Theo Panayi was awarded the Young Sportswinner accolade and Roy Johnson won the Services to Coaching trophy. Theo has been a

  • The Albany Northern League Today

    Brandon manager Kenny Lindoe believes his side can at least match champions Bedlington in the race for the title. Brandon came out of last Saturday's 1-1 draw with Bedlington with great credit after playing for most of the game against the five times

  • Wilko warns Bellion off a move to Old Trafford

    HOWARD Wilkinson last night told David Bellion: "You're better off at Sunderland than Manchester United." With United plotting a daring raid for Bellion during January's transfer window, Wilkinson reckons he would benefit from continuing his footballing

  • Heritage hopes

    NORTHALLERTON boasts a fine range of amenities - as befits a county town. But one facility sadly lacking has been any form of town museum or heritage centre. Now there is an opportunity to create one through the purchase of suitably historic and well-located

  • Poor weather can't stop Harrogate

    Harrogate and District Union Winter Alliance at Oakdale Golf Club: With a distinct lack of autumnal sunshine or, some may even say daylight, and a cold wind blowing with wet underfoot conditions, this did not seem to be the ideal weather for golf. But

  • Emotional plea to MPs by son of crash victim

    CLUTCHING his favourite toy, young James Dunn was dwarfed by the surrounds of the Parliamentary committee room. But when he spoke, his imposing performance commanded every attention of the listening MPs. In a poignant address, the 11-year-old son of the

  • Bid to cut crime in city pays dividends

    A CITY'S success in cutting crime levels has been put down to a community effort, including the assistance of a canine recruit. Police in Durham say crime is falling, thanks in part to the input of a local community partnership. The City of Durham Community

  • Countryside is being torn apart NFU

    FIFTEEN thousand jobs have gone from the farming industry in England since the end of foot-and-mouth. In response to the official Government figures, the NFU has warned that the very fabric of the countryside is being completely torn apart. The figures

  • Elm Road take the points

    Darlington Church and Friendly League Once again the weather took its toll leaving the League with only four fixtures, three of which were at Hundens Park the other at Abbey Road where Darlington GSOB entertained Shildon Elm Road WMC. On a heavy pitch

  • Shearer faces UEFA suspension

    ALAN Shearer is expected to be banned for up to three Champions League games today, pushing Newcastle United's disastrous European campaign to the verge of collapse. Shearer faces the UEFA punishment after television pictures clearly showed him elbow

  • North Durham Junior round-up

    Hillary is a hat-trick hero Blackfyne: The Under-8s beat Swalwell A 4-2 with Calvin Hillary (3) and man of the match Kieran Martin scoring the goals. The Under-9s beat Ryton 7-1 in a great game which was well contested by both teams. Man of the match

  • Work reveals gallery's -marvellous' oak beams

    DARLINGTON art gallery's original oak beamed ceiling has been rediscovered during work on a new ICT centre in the Crown Street building. The borough council is so delighted with the find that it has scrapped plans to install a new suspended ceiling in

  • Ice Hockey

    Junior round-up Billingham Wolves and Whitley Braves played out a tame 2-2 derby draw at the Forum Ice Arena in the English Under-19 North A league. Wolves finished the first period leading by a Liam Telfer strike in the 16th minute. The middle period

  • Pupils taught the rhythms of Africa

    A PROFESSIONAL musician called at a primary school to drum up interest in the arts. Children at Howden-le-Wear Primary School, near Crook, including those pictured, learnt how to play a range of instruments, and practised songs and music from West Africa

  • Christmas trees for sale

    A CONSERVATION charity is selling off Christmas trees to boost funds. Durham Wildlife Trust is holding the sale at Low Barns Nature Reserve, Witton-le-Wear, near Bishop Auckland. Children can enjoy various activities and parents can enjoy mince pies while

  • Smithfield success becomes a habit

    A WORSALL farmer has again been successful at the Royal Smithfield Show. Brian Bainbridge, of Worsall Manor Farm, near Yarm, won the British Bacon Curers' Federation perpetual trophy for the supreme champion bacon carcass. He has won the award a number

  • Rebecca is golf club's inspiration

    THE plight of a Darlington teenager who suffers from a rare disease has inspired a golf club to raise money to help find a cure. Crohn's Disease sufferer Rebecca Parkin, 14, has raised hundreds of pounds each year for research into the condition since

  • Appeal for cycle theft information

    POLICE are appealing for information after the theft of a bicycle from a house in Darlington. The Iron Horse mountain bike is one of only two of its type in the town and one of only 20 in the North-East. The white-framed bike, valued at £750, was stolen

  • Rolf on Art pictures on show in dale

    THE Rolf Harris collection comes to Leyburn next week thanks to the Wensleydale Framing and Fine Arts studio. This collection of fine quality reproduction prints was developed from the BBC's latest series of Rolf on Art and brings together a selection

  • Convincing win for Darlington at Percy Park

    Darlington Under-13s traveled north of the Tyne to visit Percy Park and returned to winning ways as they showed much more determination than the previous two matches. Darlington kicked off and Rory Clegg was first to a loose ball passing wide to Joe Kiberigge

  • Providing help for released prisoners

    HOW to stop prisoners re-offending once released from jail is a question testing experts in Teesside today. Martin Narey, Director General of the Prison Service, is to urge closer working between agencies dealing with released prisoners. He will deliver

  • £1,300 raised in aid of NCH

    THREE members of the Methodist church circuit in Darlington have raised more than £1,300 for National Children's Homes (NCH). Penny Coates, wife of minister, the Reverend Alan Coates, and Peter O'Sullivan, from Northlands Methodist Church, ran the Great

  • Beds safety warnings 'never arrived' at home

    WARNING letters that could have saved the life of an elderly woman who died after being trapped in her bed's rails never arrived at the nursing home where she died, an inquest heard yesterday. Esther Boggon, who suffered from senile dementia, died, aged

  • North Hockey League

    Premier Division: Ben Rhydding 3, Sheffield Bankers 4; Brooklands Man U 1, City of York 1; Harrogate 0, Durham Uni 1; Sheffield Hallam 2, Wigan 1; Southport 1, Oxton 2; Timperley 7, Warrington 3. Division One: Alderly Edge 4, Deeside Ramblers 2; Chester

  • College is praised by Ofsted inspectors

    SEDGEFIELD Community College has been highly commended in a report by inspectors. The report from the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) said the college was "an effective and improving college in which students develop positive attitudes towards

  • Attack charge

    A 23-year-old Middlesbrough man has been arrested and charged with a Section 18 wounding after walking into Middlesbrough police station. Cleveland Police say he gave himself up following an assault on a 23-year-old Nigerian student who was glassed in

  • Group works to improve security

    THREE Rivers Housing Group is working with Durham Police and Sedgefield Borough Council (SBC) to reduce the number of house burglaries during the dark nights. Vicky McCourt, the group's regeneration officer, said: "Three Rivers has a robust lettings policy

  • Arsonist jailed for attack on solicitors

    A SERIAL arsonist with a string of previous convictions set fire to an office then watched as fire crews battled to control the blaze. Anne Marie Ferguson, 29, stood watching on the corner drinking cider, said Yvonne Taylor, prosecuting at Teesside Crown

  • Care centre boost

    AN INDEPENDENT report has provided a boost to an innovative sheltered housing scheme which opened a year ago. The Anchor Trust's St Germain's Grange, at Vicarage Drive, Marske, was designed to allow old people to live independently while still receiving

  • Cathedral focal point of events

    THE imposing Gothic architecture of York Minster was illuminated in colour for the first time in its history last night. The cathedral was the focal point for celebrations to mark the advent of the festive season in the city, including the opening of

  • MyTravel en route to securing future

    Troubled tour operator MyTravel struck a crucial deal with its banks yesterday to secure its financial future for at least another year. The former Airtours group has won an extension to a £250m credit facility due to expire in March after a series of

  • Emmerdale star to apear at hotel

    Barmaid Louise Appleton of TV soap Emmerdale will be pulling pints at the Annadale Hotel in Skelton, east Cleveland next month. The actress, real name Emily Symons, has agreed to pull pints to raise money for a local leukaemia charity, the Daniel Mountrey

  • Letters

    FIRE STRIKE I AM a soldier's wife and my husband is at Darlington TA Centre. He's not far away, but he has been away from home for three quarters of this year already. He is on the same pay as two years ago, but has never gone on strike because he can't

  • Festive fun is for everyone

    FESTIVE fun is on offer for young and old alike at a sports centre on the outskirts of Durham. Entertainment for children is on the bill at Meadowfield Leisure Centre next Friday, starting at 7pm. Tickets, costing £3, are available from the centre. Adults

  • Girl, three, who fell in bath had heart attack

    A YOUNG girl died of a heart attack after slipping under the bath water while her mother went to get a towel, an inquest has heard. Nicola Pattison, three, died on February 5 at her home in Berwick Hills, Middlesbrough. The inquest was told that Nicola's

  • Comment: Honour for true heroes

    IT is impossible for younger generations to fully appreciate what it was like to fight in the world wars. Those dark, unimaginable days seem a world away, yet they are recent enough to mean that there are still those who remember the horror all too vividly

  • Appeal made for witnesses to car crash

    A WOMAN is trying to trace a driver who witnessed a car accident on the A19 in June. Patricia Shepherd was involved in an accident with a driver heading north on the A19 flyover, near the A66, in Teesside, on June 11. She is involved in a court case over

  • News in brief: Life-saving tips passed on

    HEARTSTART Chester-le-Street is running a project in north Durham to teach people the skills needed to save lives in medical emergencies. It was launched this week at Dubmire British Legion club, in Fencehouses, where representatives of the scheme gave

  • Forensic chief gets Deepcut go-ahead

    AN independent forensic consultant has been given permission to investigate at an Army barracks where four soldiers have died in suspicious circumstances, defence chiefs said last night. Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram has given the go-ahead for investigator

  • Governor facing prison for sex abuse

    A SCHOOL governor was facing prison last night after he was convicted of child sex abuse, which occurred nearly 30 years ago. Two women broke their silence when they discovered that Norman Guffick had become a school governor, Teesside Crown Court heard

  • Money Matters

    Last chance to enter awards Darlington businesses have one last chance to enter the Orange Small is Beautiful awards. Deadline day has been extended to tomorrow, giving more firms the opportunity to be recognised in a range of categories. The awards celebrate

  • News in brief: Arrest after drugs seized

    A 26-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested following the seizure of amphetamines worth more than £1,000. The drugs, some cash and a suspected stolen motorbike were recovered in a raid on a house in Hampden Street, South Bank, near Middlesbrough. The man has

  • Link up needed to save building

    A MUSEUM and a local authority could soon be working together to find up to £150,000 to repair one of Richmond's oldest buildings. Time and the weather have taken their toll on Trinity Church in the centre of the market place. Three buckets full of loose

  • Three arrests in crackdown on house burglary

    ABOUT 6,000 homes in the borough of Sedgefield have been given security advice since the Sedgefield Burglary Action Group launched Operation Lancelot four weeks ago. Police awareness leaflets have been delivered to homes as part of an anti-burglary initiative

  • Awards are a walk in park

    A RIPON park has won an award to add to accolades it took during this year's Britain in Bloom competition. The Spa Gardens was given a Green Flag award for the first time last year and has repeated the achievement this year. The park is managed by Harrogate

  • Horse saved in rescue drama

    THE Army, police, a vet and workers joined forces yesterday to rescue a horse from a hole in a tricky four-hour operation. Police were called to High Spen, near Gateshead, by the animal's owner, who found the horse at 9.25am yesterday. The 18-year-old

  • Pupils help pond site

    CHILDREN in Teesside are getting hands-on experience of the environment. Middlesbrough's Archibald Primary School pupils helped plant bulbs on the town's Whinney Banks Estate yesterday. Biodiversity officer Liz Arnold said: "This event is part of an ongoing

  • Shearer faces UEFA suspension

    ALAN Shearer is expected to be banned for up to three Champions League games today, pushing Newcastle United's disastrous European campaign to the verge of collapse. Shearer faces the UEFA punishment after television pictures clearly showed him elbow

  • Dad's pride at son's Army service award

    A TEESSIDE father has told of his pride for his son, who has received an Army medal after 25 years' service. Captain Mark Gamble-Thompson has been awarded the Napier Medal 2002 in recognition of his service to his regiment and as regimental careers management

  • Sea rescuers' heroics remembered as lifeboat resurfaces

    TWO lives on the ocean waves were remembered yesterday as an historic lifeboat was unveiled. Ron Dixon, 91, and Dave Phillipson helped save dozens of lives in the Sir James Knott, off the east Cleveland coast. Yesterday, the two friends were guests of

  • News in brief: Man admits stealing lager

    A burglar who stole nine bottles of lager from an arts centre was given a community rehabilitation order by magistrates yesterday. Lee David Roberts, 20, of Haughton Road, Darlington, broke into the cellar of Darlington Arts Centre earlier this year and

  • Pupils taught the rhythms of Africa

    A PROFESSIONAL musician called at a primary school to drum up interest in the arts. Children at Howden-le-Wear Primary School, near Crook, including those pictured, learnt how to play a range of instruments, and practised songs and music from West Africa

  • News in brief: MP to open new factory

    Anne McIntosh will be back in her constituency to launch a factory next week. The Conservative MP for the Vale of York will perform the opening ceremony at the Industrial Textiles and Plastics plant at Easingwold on Friday afternoon. Established in nearby

  • Safety hazard as signs are stolen from roads

    THIEVES are creating a safety hazard in North Yorkshire - costing the council tax payers thousands of pounds in the process. Road signs giving motorists crucial warnings have been disappearing across the county particularly from the Richmond area. Warning

  • Soldiers thanked

    Tony Blair thanked the Army for their efforts on the last day of the fire strike yesterday, telling soliders: "Well done boys, you've been magnificent." The PM took time out of his schedule for an early visit to a Territorial Army centre. He wanted to

  • New jobs hope as business grant recipients are named

    UP to 50 jobs could be created in Darlington thanks to a series of grants from the borough council. The grants, worth a total of £18,000, have been awarded to seven Darlington businesses chosen by a council regeneration team to receive the help. Darlington

  • Singing on offer

    SCHOOLS in Bilingham are being urged to sing out this Christmas. Stockton Borough Council is inviting schools to sing Carols in Billingham Forum's foyer during December to raise funds. To take part, call (01642) 397490.

  • Project is helping to bring over-50s in from the cold

    The North-East has the dubious honour of being the worst place in Britain to be if you are out of work and over 50. The region has 150,000 people aged 50 to pensionable age who are not working, the highest proportion anywhere in the country. But the news

  • Crimestoppers' £250 thank-you

    CRIMESTOPPERS North-East has won a £250 "thank-you" from the NatWest Bank. The cash was handed over to Andy Wilson, who has been regional treasurer for the charity for the past five years. It came from NatWest's Community Cashback scheme, which recognises

  • Jailers pass on inside information

    INSTRUCTORS in life support techniques at a top security jail are passing on the benefits of their expertise outside the prison walls. Staff at Frankland Prison, County Durham, are the main backers of Heartstart Chester-le-Street, a new scheme which aims

  • Team effort takes top milk records prize back to Dales farm

    A WENSLEYDALE farm won the county championship for the second time running when Chris Iveson of Myers Farm, Wensley, took the top trophy in the Yorkshire County milk recording herds competition. The awards were abandoned last year, owing to foot-and-mouth

  • Durham Alliance

    Four goals from Stuart Burton helped Belford House go top when they thrashed Springwell Village 7-0 at home. Further goals came from Damien Maw (2) and Aaron Dobbing. Black & Decker beat Simonside Social Club 5-2 at home. Ralph Pettergreen, Alan Robson

  • Esh Stag's Head stopped in their tracks

    Tow Law Area League Esh Stag's Head's bid to get closer to the leaders was hindered when they went down by the odd point at Sunniside Comedian. The home side had singles wins from Christine Railton, Ray Johnson, Colin Wilcockson and Jim Smythe whilst

  • TV review

    Impenetrable tale about a pickled penis Solid Geometry (C4) Battle Stations (C4) EVERYTHING clicked into place with the jar containing a preserved penis. Dredging the murkier corners of my mind, I recalled a distant controversy surrounding such an object

  • Firm plans for riverbank restoration drawn up

    FORMAL proposals to stabilise a section of riverbank at Easby, near Richmond, have been submitted. The Easby footpath restoration committee hopes to shore up 100 metres of land to protect a path from erosion by the River Swale. The path was reinstated

  • Sarah's first to top degree

    Sarah ROBINSON has become the first person to graduate from the University of Teesside's media studies degree with first-class honours. Last week, as she received her certificate, she met former England physiotherapist Alan Smith, who helped get David

  • Seven heading for awards

    Seven councils in the North-East and North Yorkshire are on a shortlist of best-performing local authorities bidding for Government awards. They have graduated to the next round of the Government's Beacon Council scheme, in which the winners will be presented

  • Tragedy of home resident in burning chair horror

    A GREAT grandmother set herself alight in a nursing home after dropping her cigarette in her chair, an inquest heard yesterday. Madge Carter, 83, died in hospital after suffering severe burns when her chair caught fire on November 11, last year. Mrs Carter

  • Christmas trees for sale

    A CONSERVATION charity is selling off Christmas trees to boost funds. Durham Wildlife Trust is holding the sale at Low Barns Nature Reserve, Witton-le-Wear, near Bishop Auckland. Children can enjoy various activities and parents can enjoy mince pies while

  • Region's airports 'should be upgraded'

    Teesside and Newcastle airports should be upgraded as part of a new strategy mapping out the future of air transport in the UK. That was the verdict of all nine English regional development agencies (RDAs) who released their collective response to a Government's

  • Quakers snap up Newcastle striker Offiong on loan

    NEWCASTLE UNITED starlet Richard Offiong will today put pen to paper on a loan deal when he moves to Darlington. Quakers' boss Mick Tait has been chasing an extra striker and his search paid off last night when the big front man agreed to move. He played

  • County's cultural blueprint provides ten-year strategy

    YOUNG people from schools and youth groups across Durham come together to reveal the cultural blueprint for the county today. Joined by county and district councillors, plus organisations from sport and the arts, the County Durham Cultural Strategy will

  • Health art is on display

    ART created by people with mental health problems at a World Mental Health Day workshop has gone on show in Chester-le-Street. The work is designed to show how creative activities can help people with mental health problems and can be seen until Tuesday

  • News in brief: Life-saving tips passed on

    HEARTSTART Chester-le-Street is running a project in north Durham to teach people the skills needed to save lives in medical emergencies. It was launched this week at Dubmire British Legion club, in Fencehouses, where representatives of the scheme gave

  • Project is helping to bring over-50s in from the cold

    The North-East has the dubious honour of being the worst place in Britain to be if you are out of work and over 50. The region has 150,000 people aged 50 to pensionable age who are not working, the highest proportion anywhere in the country. But the news

  • Councils in the running for status

    TWO North Yorkshire councils are among 80 local authorities around the country short-listed for Beacon status by the Government. Richmondshire District Council is being considered for its work supporting the rural economy. Chief Executive, Harry Tabiner

  • Young praised after quizzing Mayor on plans

    A TOWN'S children are being congratulated by civic leaders for doing their homework. About 150 people attended a State of the Borough debate in Hartlepool, many of them children. Several of them took the opportunity to ask Mayor Stuart Drummond about

  • Rapid growth puts firm tops in N-E awards

    AN engineering company has been voted the North-East's top inner city business. Automation and electrical engineering expert MCE plc, is handling export orders from 21 countries from its base at Preston Farm, Stockton, where it employ 230 people. Formed

  • Gentleman Jim - a local hero

    LOCAL hero Jim Bradley has sadly passed away - but the fact he touched so many people's lives will ensure his memory lives on. Jim Bradley was a true gentleman - straight out the old school. His never-say-no attitude, his youthful exuberance, his thoroughly

  • Worthington Durham County CIU Winter League

    There was a change in the top places of the First Division when Wheatley Hill A only dropped one point to the visiting Cockton Hill, who had Andrew Aisbitt as their only winner. The Hill and the rest of the league were delighted to see Dave Walker back

  • New jobs hope as business grant recipients are named

    FIFTY jobs have been created in Darlington thanks to a series of grants from the borough council. The grants, worth a total of £18,000, have been awarded to seven Darlington businesses chosen by a council regeneration team to receive the help. Darlington

  • Loan extension may offer power to get back on line

    The troubled firm which owns Hartlepool's nuclear power station has been given a stay of execution to enable it to tackle its substantial debt problems. British Energy will have a Government loan facility extended to next year - a move which should safeguard

  • Tennis

    Brown Shipley North-East Premier League Invicta Sunderland, based at the Health and Raquet Club in Doxford Park, moved to the top of the Northern division following recent successive 4-0 victories over North Yorkshire and David Lloyd Stockton. The Wearsiders

  • Celebrating decade with grocery giant

    CLEVELAND butcher's Newboulds is celebrating ten years of business with Asda supermarkets. In addition, it is taking on another 15 full-time staff, after landing a contract to bake an extra 6.5m pies - and is also involved in other discussions surrounding

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    AN ADVENTURE training company which hosted a controversial team-building weekend for senior council officers opened its assault course and paintball area without planning permission. Richmondshire District Council was unaware of the breach of planning

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    The Sum Of All Fears Publisher: Ubisoft. Formats: PS2, PC CD-ROM. From £39.99 DON'T you just hate it when your carefully-laid plans go wrong? Ubisoft must have felt the same way when its video game The Sums of All Fears failed to make the same release

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    FOR 25 years, Mike I'Anson looked after people and their bodies, which were not always intact. He now looks after plants and gardens and sleeps much better at night. Mr I'Anson has lived in Thirsk for the past 17 years and spent much of his police career

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    AN ADULT learning centre, singled out as one of the best in the country, has been forced to close its doors to staff and clients because of health and safety issues at the building it inhabits. LEAP, which until last Friday was operating at Commercial

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    PARENTS of children with special needs have cautiously welcomed plans to involve them in Darlington's new education village. The education village will involve pupils from Haughton Community College, Springfield Primary and Beaumont Special School learning

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    Willington Ladies League Debbie Anderson of Willington Club A set the highest check out mark at 134 when she finished in style during the home game against Willington Burn. However, the visitors went on to win by three points. Willington Club B extended

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    MANY of us know that Advent is approaching because fascinating pieces of stationery called Advent calendars make their appearance in the shops around this time. These are often highly pictorial, being usually designed for children, and the objective is

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    Darlington Club and Institute host only their second national competition tomorrow when one of the national semi-final of the CIU Individual competition is held. Two years ago officials were impressed by the club's organisation in hosting a dominoes CIU