40 years ago - Darlington boxer Richard Hodgson retains his light heavyweight title at the British Railways national championships in dramatic fashion. Hodgson's opponent, Ray Snipe of Mexborough, suddenly collapsed during round three with Hodgson at
CONCERNS have been expressed that a proposed development of offices and workshop units might encroach on land earmarked for a bypass. The comments came at a meeting of Teesdale District Council planning south committee after members learned of the application
Keith Corner of New Marske IC. - 90 played Mick McDermott from the Redcar Cons. Club -15 at the Carlin How WMC on March 21. With the handicaps involved both players had to reach a score of 340. Corner was first into gear compiling breaks of 20, 20 and
A social occasion for the Rabbits and their ladies when Craig Harrison the Rabbits' captain hosted a pre-season dinner in the clubhouse. Although a social event, the underlying purpose was to make the ladies Aware that their partners may be absent on
DARLINGTON has been given the green light to create an educational village, involving the demolition of two existing schools. Approval was given on Tuesday for a £21.7m Private Finance Initiative scheme on the site of Haughton School. It will be demolished
FIFTEEN-year-old Monkey Ago (Yorks PTP Club/Pendle) returned to the winners' enclosure when taking the Ladies Open at the Badsworth Point to Point held at Wetherby last Saturday. The Steve Wynne-trained Class of Ninetytwo (Sir WW Wynns) tried to make
PUPILS at Sedgefield Community College have achieved sporting success after 18 months of determined fundraising. Students and staff were overjoyed when the Government announced last month the news that Specialist Sporting Status had been awarded to the
GYMNASTICS champions have their sights set on the Olympics after coming top in a national contest. Hayley Robson, 11 and Rachel Collinson, 16, both came away with gold medals after competing against some of the country's top gymnasts in a competition
Bishop Auckland and District League : Bishop Auckland Snooker Club B, in their first season in the league, moved up to share the top spot after they came through in the decider to beat the visiting Bishop Auckland Derby by the odd point. Even more tension
A LEGAL opinion on whether the European directive on nitrates should be applied differently in different parts of the UK was eagerly awaited by the National Farmers' Union, members from the North were told. John Seymour, parliamentary committee chairman
POPULAR Irish folk band the Wild Cats of Kilkenny are revving up for a charity gig in Darlington. The four-piece band has agreed to perform at Darlington Arts Centre on May 11, with all proceeds going to the Darlington Diabetes Retinal Camera Appeal.
A LISTENING post set up for pupils with problems has proved a success at Sedgefield Community College. Talkabout - run by eight volunteer students, known as peer supporters', began more than a year ago as a confidential listening service. Younger students
PEOPLE plagued by youngsters running and biking past their homes in Guisborough are being canvassed on an action plan that might involve demolishing a hump-back bridge. Police and councillors are trying to gauge feeling about removing the bridge over
Willington Boys - After a long break, the Under-9s returned to action in the Russell Foster short-sided leagues with a 2-0 victory over Redby Whites and a 2-1 defeat to Seaham Red Star Rockets. Jack Davidson and Jordan Roberts scored for Willington in
DISASTER was the order of the day when pupils were asked to take part in a poetry workshop with poet Bill Herbert. This talented and professional poet taught the pupils how to compose and structure their pieces, while considering their content. With his
THE weekly ritual of preparing our Looking Back column involves laying out the bound files of the D&S Times of 100 and 50 years ago. The news of 25 years ago is on trendy Seventies' microfilm. It is impossible not to glance over the shoulder of the
Command and Conquer Renegade. Format: PC. Published by EA. Price: £29.99. YOU won't be surprised to learn that video games are now the second most popular form of entertainment, surpassed in dollar terms only by the movies. And just like the movies, successful
Geoff Wedge, for whom the clock ticks on double time, sounded remarkably chipper, nonetheless. "Tell George Reynolds it's an incredibly generous gesture and I want to be alive to take him up on it," he said. We told Geoff's story in Tuesday's column.
EASTER is upon us. The sun is shining, daffodils are blooming and our market towns, villages and countryside are open for business. Offices, schools and universities have closed and families have a Bank Holiday to enjoy. What better way to do that than
Under-10 open singles: Graeme Barella (Redby CA C beat Richard Dawson (St John TTC) 11-4, 11-6, 11-5. Under-12 Open singles: Christopher Dixon (St John TTC B) bt Philip Dixon (St John TTC C) 11-6 11-4 11-9. Under--14 open singles: Christopher Dixon (St
TAXI drivers in Middlesbrough are planning to stage a protest after a spate of attacks turned a housing estate into a no-go area. Passengers hoping to get a cab to Brambles Farm are being declined after a series of incidents in which drivers have been
MICK EASTERBY and apprentice Sam Hitchcott topped the Flat racing tables - for half an hour, at least, as they landed the opening turf race on the level at Doncaster. Middlethorpe, who won the boys' race, was not able to follow up at Catterick on Wednesday
Senior Men (6m Handicap): 1 S Hope (Tynedale, Slow Pack +5 mins) 33 mins 38 secs; 2 S Smith (Saltwell, SP) 34.29; 3 C Stoker (Sunderland, Fast Pack Medium Pack +21/2 mins) 35.20; 4 M Hood (Sund, Fast Pack scr) 35.34; 5 T Field (Sund, FP) 35.47; 6 F Judson
POLICE are increasingly concerned for the safety of a 14-year-old schoolgirl who has run away to be with a boyfriend she met on the Internet. Victoria Whitelaw left home while her family were sleeping only the day after being refused permission to visit
POLICE have renewed an appeal for a missing man to get in touch. Edward Donnelly, 52, of Fynway, Sacriston, County Durham, was last seen by the sister, with whom he lives, at 10am on Monday. He was also seen in Plawsworth Road, Sacriston, at lunchtime
Sir, - Derek Waiter (D&S Mar 3) questions whether Darlington Borough Council can be trusted in its dealings with potential developers for land at Yarm Road. He is right to do so, and the councillors who sought to oppose his ideas 14 years ago are
YOUNG footballers are being invited to take part in a new coaching school. Children from four to ten can take part in the Super Saturday Soccer School, run be Football Association coach John Tait. The weekly school will start at the Dolphin Centre tomorrow
THE next board meeting of South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust will take place at 10.30am in the committee room at Middlesbrough General Hospital, on Tuesday, April 9. The meeting is open to the public and everyone is welcome to attend. The trust provides acute
DURHAM County Council has won praise from the Government for the way it manages it assets. To pave the way for a new system of funding capital projects, councils have had to prepared detailed plans about the management of their land and property holdings
THE news of a huge shake-up of education in Darlington has been welcomed by the community. But educational trade unions are opposed to the controversial funding for the project. As reported in Wednesday's edition of The Northern Echo, three schools in
Greenfield Community and Arts Centre is hosting an arts and crafts day next Thursday, and a singing workshop the following day. Both events run from 10am to 3pm, with an hour break for lunch between noon and 1pm. The activities are for children aged between
Darlington Football Club players were among thousands of people left wageless yesterday because of a blunder by Barclays Bank. The victims of the error were told "not to panic" after learning they would not be paid until after Easter. Barclays said the
DRUG company GlaxoSmith-Kline warned last night that up to 200 workers may be facing the sack at its North-East plant. The company says it needs to cut 400 from the workforce at its plant in Barnard Castle, County Durham, by the end of next year. And
A DELEGATION of members from an anti-war lobby are hoping to meet Prime Minister Tony Blair today. The members of Darlington for Peace are travelling to the Prime Minister's constituency home in Sedgefield to present him with a letter objecting to the
WORK has begun on a new community centre in Darlington. The first sod was cut at the Clifton Community Centre, in Clifton Avenue, this week. People in the parish of St Hilda and St Columba raised £491,000 to fund the work. Building is expected to start
KEN and Claire Wright will be holding a family party to mark their golden wedding anniversary today. The couple, from Coniscliffe Road, Darlington first met 60 years ago, while Mrs Wright was visiting her aunt, who lived next door to her future husband's
THE head of Durham County Council's education in the community service is retiring after almost 30 years with the authority. Peter Robinson, of Gilesgate, Durham, joined the council in 1973 as a youth and community officer in Durham and the Wear Valley
CEILIDH DATE: A Ceilidh is to be held by the Friends of St. Edmund's Church in the Parish Hall on Saturday, April 13, starting at 7.30pm. Dancing will be to the Widdershins Ceilidh Band. A pie and peas supper is included in the ticket price of £8, and
Debt-ridden broadcaster ITV Digital is facing closure after the High Court put it into administration. But what went wrong and what happens now? Stuart Arnold answers some of the key questions Q How has ITV digital got itself into this mess? A Going head-to-head
THE owner of a horse which was the subject of RSPCA inspections has removed it from a field in Darlington. The RSPCA had received a number of calls about the horse, which was in a field in Albert Road, Darlington. RSPCA inspectors, who were in discussion
A married Premier League footballer, who had affairs with two women, faces being named in newspapers this weekend after failing in a last-ditch plea for his identity to remain secret. His lawyers asked Lord Woolf, the Lord Chief Justice, not to remove
A WOMAN who has spent more than 34 years helping happy couples tie the knot is beginning her retirement today. Jean Merigold, 57, started working as a registrar in 1968 and has lost count of the births, marriages and deaths that she has dealt with. "I
COMPANY accountant Alan Ward has retired after 25 years at The Northern Echo in Darlington. Mr Ward, 60, joined the company, then owned by Westminster Press, on January 1, 1977 as a management accountant and became company accountant in 1996 when Newsquest
A FRUSTRATING and stressful six months lie ahead for 17 hunts in the region, which are still no clearer about their future. The Government announcement of the consultation period, to try to narrow the gulf between the pro and anti-hunting camps, could
Birtley St Josephs were just a little better than Springwell Village to earn them another three points in the league. After only three minutes John Sexton had them in the lead, but they did not have long to celebrate as two minutes later Wayne Hennesy
A football-crazy vicar has been blessed with an award naming him Newcastle United's top fan. The Reverend Glyn Evans is so passionate about his beloved Toon that he has even rewritten religious hymns to praise his favourite side. Mr Evans, chaplain at
ANYONE who loves the sounds and rhythms of South American music and wants to keep fit should consider trying some new dance classes. Salsa sessions are to be held at Southlands Leisure Centre, Middlesbrough, from Friday, May 3. The classes, which are
THIRSK: Wednesday - Forward: 1,243 head of stock comprising 12 finished cattle inc six young bulls; 1,029 finished sheep inc 34 spring lambs and 71 ewes, 252 finished pigs inc 97 sows and boars. Cattle steers heavy to 95.5p, av 92.5p; heifers heavy to
FOUR projects in Stockton have been awarded cash from the Adult and Community Learning Fund. The Salvation Army received £21,620 to develop a community learning programme. The Five Lamps Organisation has been awarded £10,000 to help with its community
TWELVE community organisations in the North-East are to benefit from £243,532 over the next two years to boost adult learning. The cash is from the sixth round of grants from the Adult and Community Learning Fund. It has gone to a range of initiatives
Libraries in Middlesbrough will be going wild this Easter, when children will be allowed to take part in some animal antics. The town's libraries, along with the Primary Link education project, have arranged for trained rangers from an organisation called
Sunderland Tomahawks shared an 18-goal thriller at Blackburn Thunderhawks which ended up 9-9 and a point apiece. John Westgarth, back from injury, gave Sunderland a second minute lead. Blackburn already confirmed in the promotion/relegation play-offs
Plans to convert a hotel into sheltered housing for the elderly have been refused. The proposal by McCarthy and Stone Developments to convert Rose Manor Hotel, Boroughbridge, was rejected by the Knaresborough area planning committee of Harrogate Borough
RAIL union bosses last night accused Arriva Trains Northern of misleading people over how many services they have been able to provide during a conductors' strike. The company said 55 per cent of services were now running, despite 24-hour strikes called
THE chairman of Cleveland Police Authority said yesterday that it was in the public interest for files on former chief Ray Mallon to be resubmitted to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Councillor Ken Walker hit back at accusations that the authority
THE new code of conduct being demanded by the Government for local councillors is causing a severe headache for members of the North York Moors National Park Authority. Included in the new code, which comes into effect in April, is the rule where members
A FRAIL 103-year-old woman has helped catch the sneak thief who stole £100 from her purse. The police went back to see the pensioner after the cowardly theft by 20-year-old John Anthony Fothergill on March 21. As they were talking to her to glean more
PEOPLE are being invited to a public meeting on Monday, April 8, at the Elite Hall, Crook, at 7pm, to discuss future projects in the town under the Crook Market Town Health Check. It is the second meeting to be held in the town. The first was on February
A memorial service takes place next week for a former deputy headteacher. Joe Mullen retired from St Peter's RC School, in South Bank, in 1988 and moved to Sir William Turner's Hospital - also known as Kirkleatham Almshouses - near Redcar, in 1993. He
LUCKY labrador Calie was back home safely last night after surviving a 200ft plunge down a mountainside. The five-year-old was running along Striding Edge on Helvellyn, in the Lake District, with her owner's boyfriend when she lost her footing and plunged
THE end of a bus fleet's history is to be marked with free journeys. The last bus in Arriva North-East's fleet to bear the United livery will be resprayed next week. The paint job will take place on Thursday - 90 years to the day since United buses were
A former North Yorkshire market hall could soon be turned into homes and offices. The site, in Church Street, Pateley Bridge, has been a car showrom since the 1950s. Nidd Valley Autos wants to replace the garage with three homes with garages, and two
THE North-East's bid for European Capital of Culture status is the bookies' favourite. The claim staked by Newcastle and Gateshead is ranked the 3-1 front runner by bookmaker Blue Square, ahead of Belfast at 7-2 and Liverpool at 5-1. Winning the 2008
THE North-East should wholeheartedly welcome Newcastle and Gateshead's combined bid to become the European Capital of Culture in 2008. There may be some scepticism about the fantastic-sounding benefits that a successful bid will bring to the North-East
A FORGOTTEN flag hidden away in a dusty box for the past 50 years will finally fly on Easter Sunday. Bought to commemorate the Queen's coronation in 1953, the St George's Flag was recently discovered lying in a dusty corner of the clock tower room in
Premier League (April 11) All heat winners from March 21 to play to one winner at the Salters 7.45pm draw, 8pm start. Alliance League (April 11) All heat winners from March 21 to play to one winner at the Falchion 7.45 draw, 8pm start. Darlington Friday
Northallerton Town 3 Willington 0 A THREE-goal blast in the 15-minute spell midway through the second half brought three much needed points for Peter Mulcaster's ailing Northallerton Town side. This was Town's first win in five outings and only their
POLICE are increasingly concerned for the safety of a 14-year-old schoolgirl who has run away to be with a boyfriend she met on the Internet. Victoria Whitelaw left home while her family were sleeping only the day after being refused permission to visit
Two goals in each half from Ben Chambers gave Jesmond Parish Church a 5-0 home win over Whitley Bay Churches. Andy Widdrington scored his goal in the first half, two goals from Ryan Pender gave Metro Church a. 2-1 lead at Bethshan Christian Centre, David
AN ECONOMIC lifeline aimed at creating 150 new jobs in the surrounding area was launched in Barnard Castle yesterday. The Teesdale Enterprise Fund has been set up with a £750,000 donation from Glaxo Smith Kline. The pharmaceutical company caused dismay
The nation's most popular outdoor activity suffered almost wholesale wipepout last year. Now the foot-and-mouth epidemic has pased, Mark Reid says it's time to get those boots on. IT'S only when something is taken away from you that you realise how much
Billingham Town manager Allan Robinson has told his players that they must raise their game for this morning's Durham Challenge Cup final against Bishop Auckland. Town pulled off a shock in the last round when they defeated Gateshead - a defeat which
Dear Sharon , I would like to nominate Dave Cuthbert of Forum Feeds in Ferryhill. He was delivering my order of bird seed and dog food when he found me in a very distressed state from pain and worry. He immediately took charge - phoned my doctor, saw
The Under-12s travelled to Richmond for their cup semi-final game, a tense affair with neither team giving ground to the other . A solid midfield performance from Sam Grainger and Nathan Pratt gave Northallerton the edge in the second half, with the game
OFFICIAL watchdogs are calling for changes to be made at Northallerton's Victorian prison. They want to see a series of improvements to the facilities at the Remand Centre and Young Offenders' Institution. The annual report of the Board of Visitors cited
COUNTY Durham and Darlington's fire chief wants new schools to have sprinkler systems incorporated into their designs. George Herbert told yesterday's fire authority meeting that school fires cost the nation about £100m each year and 70pc were caused
DARLINGTON Mowden Park exacted revenge for their recent North Division Three league defeat by coming from behind to beat Blaydon 22-18 and earn a semi-final place in the Durham Senior Cup. Skipper Billy McKinnon was Mowden's hero as he scored two tries
Bedale Ath 0 v 5 Acklam SW - Bedale Athletic were entertaining current League Champions Acklam Steelworks who were looking for revenge of a 4-1 home defeat. The home side fielded a weakened side and matched their visitors until the 30th minute when Jamie
GOALKEEPER Mark Crossley has followed up his decision to sign a new two-year contract with Middlesbrough by tipping Steve McClaren's side for a European push next season. Welsh international Crossley, who would have been out of contract at the end of
A BLUEPRINT has been drawn up for a heritage-led regeneration of the East Cleveland village of Kirkleatham which dates back to the Domesday survey. It could mean turning the popular Old Hall Museum into a luxury hotel. But there could be obstacles, as
MEDICAL secretaries at the region's largest hospital trust are to be balloted on possible strike action, it was confirmed last night. The health union Unison is to ask more than 200 medical secretaries at the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust whether they
In their first game of the season Darlington District Schools Year 9 team beat Chester-le-street District in an exciting game at Houghton-le-Spring 22-5. Despite having had only one training session with coach Andy Thompson, Darlington looked like a team
CIU League : Byers Green edged one point clear at the top of the darts section after beating their hosts at Ferryhill for the loss of only one point. Cockton Hill had a similar success at the Prospect to remain in second place, whilst third placed, Crowtrees
PEDIGREE dairy cattle breeders will have a rare chance to buy into top North American bloodlines at the Borderway black and white sale at Carlisle on Friday, April 19. The 15th annual sale, re-scheduled from December last year because of foot-and-mouth
COUNCILLORS are calling for action to relieve the heavy traffic flow through a village, which they say is putting pedestrians' lives in danger. Members of Teesdale District Council want a bypass to be built around Toft Hill, near Bishop Auckland, to divert
THE Under-8s celebrated wins over Doxford Park Wasps and Byers Green. John Buck scored both goals against Doxford Park and Marcus Maddison scored the only goal against Byers Green.The Under-9s also had two victories beating Hylton Castle 3-1 thanks to
Dominoes : Division One: Nags Head A pld 23, pts 59; Tickle Toby A 23, 51; Workingmens C 23, 48; Green Tree 23, 48; Cricket Club B 23, 48; Sportsmans 23, 48; Football Club 23, 47; Masons Arms 23, 46; Station 23, 45; County Arms 23, 44; Elders A 23, 43
Middlesbrough and District League: The Cleveland won their first match of the season in style when they were away to Captain Cook. The Cook went 1-0 up from Ray Yassin, Marty Smith was up against Shaun Price. Marty just missed out on a seven ball clearance
PLANS for a £2.9m school in Darlington have been announced, days after it was revealed that a new education village is to be created in the town. The new school will replace Alderman Leach Primary School and will accommodate 315 pupils and have 26 nursery
A NEW school estimated to cost just over £1m at Middleton Tyas has been declared a priority by North Yorkshire councillors. The council executive agreed on Tuesday that the £1.1m project should head a list of primary education improvements which will
CAMPAIGNERS battling to keep a Wensleydale youth hostel open will take their fight to the top next month. Youth Hostel Association chairman, Roger Clarke, visits neighbouring Swaledale on April 25 to mark the opening of refurbished facilities at Grinton
DETECTIVES trying to discover how a woman suffered serious injuries have made a renewed appeal for help a year after she was found hurt. Joanna Pearson, 24, of Heaton, Newcastle, has no memory of being injured 12 months ago after spending Easter Monday
LIVESTOCK farming in the Upper Dales has been irrevocably changed by foot-and-mouth disease, according to a leading auction mart manager. Speaking at a meeting of Richmondshire District Council's foot-and-mouth recovery group, Maurice Hall of Hawes mart
Testing Easter Simnel cake and chocolate treats is a tough job, but someone's got to do it - luckily Shoptalk mangaed to find some volunteers SO now you've had your Hot Cross Buns - yes, I know they've been in the shops since Boxing Day, but today's the
DISCOUNT retailer TJ Hughes, which is being taken over by JJB Sports, has posted unchanged profits after staging a second-half trading revival. The Liverpool group's start to the financial year was rocked by a hostile takeover bid and the discovery that
TWO women solicitors aim to appeal to female clients after setting up their own firm. Caroline McBride 41, and Karen Howd, 27, have opened McBride & Howd Solicitors in the Concord district of Washington, Wearside. The pair, who are both working mothers
In-form Paul Hotchkiss won an action replay of last season's final - and then went on to help his side win the decisive match to clinch the knock-out cup. Hotchkiss started his double success by reversing last season's individual championship clash, defeating
A PARISH council which has been thrown into turmoil because its members are refusing to sign up to a new code of conduct has seen its first resignations. Couns Les Kirby and John Yates quit Aiskew Parish Council with effect from the latest meeting on
A real cracker of a game took place at Horndale Rec between Navy Club and Shildon Three Tuns which resulted in a 2-1 win for the Navy Club. Tuns scored first with a strike by Stefan McGann but this was equalised by the Clubmen with a goal by Andy Ryder
A TEENAGER whose mother was murdered when he was a toddler, was last night rewarded for his efforts in helping others in the same situation. Kevin Hogg was only three years old when his mother, pizza delivery girl Julie Hogg was strangled. Until a few
Thirsk 43 York RI III 10 - AFTER Thirsk's scheduled fixture against Guisborough fell through, they managed to pick up a late opposition in the shape of York RI. Thirsk had to make a few positional changes to make up for players missing mainly in the back
Worthington CIU Winter League : Wheatley Hill A dropped two vital points at Shotton Palms as they strove to catch the First Division leaders, Old Shildon. Dave Walker and Ronnie Peacock took the first two points for the Hill but Paul Hickman put the Palms
BARNARD Castle School enjoyed an extremely successful weekend in the national rugby sevens events in London, finishing as runners-up at both under 16 and under 18 level. The U18 side were in action in the Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens. From a starting
WELCOMING families are needed in the Richmond and Catterick area to put up children from Chernobyl who visit the area this summer. Ten youngsters, aged about ten, are due to spend a month on holiday in the area from July 22, courtesy of the local group
Command and Conquer Renegade. Format: PC. Published by EA. Price: £29.99. YOU won't be surprised to learn that video games are now the second most popular form of entertainment, surpassed in dollar terms only by the movies. And just like the movies, successful
GLENN Naylor made his long-awaited comeback from injury in Darlington's draw at home to Swansea last Saturday but despite not scoring he admitted simply being on the pitch was an achievement. The 29-year-old's previous appearance was on the last day of
THE Anderson "lessons learned" inquiry is to visit Yorkshire next week. The team investigating how last year's foot-and-mouth outbreak was handled will be in the county from Wednesday to Friday. A public meeting is planned in the Wesleyan Chapel, Harrogate
GLAXOSMITHKLINE has added its financial weight to an initiative aimed at creating jobs in Teesdale. GSK made a £750,000 donation yesterday to the Teesdale Enterprise Fund to create 150 sustainable jobs over the next five years. The fund is part of GSK's
Testing Easter Simnel cake and chocolate treats is a tough job, but someone's got to do it - luckily Shoptalk mangaed to find some volunteers SO now you've had your Hot Cross Buns - yes, I know they've been in the shops since Boxing Day, but today's the
THE controversy surrounding a village pub near Bedale is set to be ignited again as its owner makes a renewed attempt to close the business. Mark Wilson, who claims the Milbank Arms at Well has been dying for years and is no longer viable because villagers
DRUG company GlaxoSmith-Kline warned last night that up to 200 workers may be facing the sack at its North-East plant. The company says it needs to cut 400 from the workforce at its plant in Barnard Castle, County Durham, by the end of next year. And
YOUNG skateboarders who took their fight for a custom-built arena to Richmondshire Council had their hopes dashed by one vote. Teenagers who have campaigned for seven years for a skate park in Richmond had their hopes raised when planners backed proposals
FROM April 1, horsebox lorries will face a detailed check of the tachograph as part of the plating test. Every vehicle is subject to the checks, even older lorries which are not fitted with a tachograph. The Organisation of Horsebox and Trailer Owners
A PROJECT group which hopes to build a £1m "wobbly" suspension bridge across the River Tees has met to turn the dream into reality. The first meeting of the group set up to discuss proposals to build a 500ft-long rope bridge high above the Tees near Barnard
Sir. - As a resident in the Richmondshire Distirct Council area, I object strongly to the council tax increase of 11.5pc for the year 2002-3. On top of last year's 7.3pc increase, this means a rise of nearly 20pc in two years at a time when inflation
The college has recently been supporting the hard work of The Teenage Cancer Care Trust by raising money in numerous ways. The school's charity committee appointed this as the good cause to support, as it helps many children within the college's peer
A £23m military museum could open at Marne Barracks, Catterick, by 2005. The new building would be known as the National Army Museum North and would house an important collection of military vehicles and weaponry. Six months ago, the army earmarked the
ATHLETICS: Anyone who are making the trip to the London Marathon next month are invited to travel on the bus Shildon Running and Athletics Club have arranged. A coach, which will pick up in various points in the North-East, will leave late afternoon on
HE may have been rejected by his mother, but Odo the baby gibbon is certainly melting the hearts of plenty of others. Odo, a white-handed gibbon, tipped the scales at just over 500 grams when he was born at Flamingo Land Zoo, near Pickering, North Yorkshire
FARMWAY made a profit of £240,000 last year, despite huge difficulties with the foot-and-mouth crisis. The farmer-owned co-operative was described as leaner and more sustainable at its annual meeting on Wednesday. After suffering a £450,000 loss in 2000
THE humble, black plastic bin bag could soon become a thing of the past in Teesdale. Government legislation on waste management targets have forced the district council into a re-think over how it collects household rubbish. As a result, the council is
Whitby Town 7, Bedale 1 BEDALE'S run came to a halt at Whitby on Tuesday night in the semi-final. Whitby finished worthy 7-1 winners andwill meet Middlesbrough in the final Whitby took a four-goal first half lead with strikesby Graham Robinson after 14
SEVENTIES mania has hit Sedgefield in the form of the college's dance production, Nightmare on Boogie Street. The dance show, co-ordinated by teacher Karen Armstrong features Seventies dances and involves pupils' singing, dancing and acting skills. The
SENIOR North Yorkshire councillors have refused to get involved in a bitter row over traffic calming measures being proposed on a housing estate at Leyburn. Members of the council executive decided this week that they had no mandate to interfere with
SALTBURN'S Victorian cliff lift has high hopes for the new season. As it re-opens to the public today, the lift hopes to beat last year's best passenger figures for more than 30 years. The lift attracted more than 100,000 visitors for the period covering
Rohm and Haas JOC Hetton Youth League Herrington closed the gap on leaders Jarrow St Bedes to just a couple of points when they hammered second bottom Lambton Street 8-0. David Smith rifles a hat-trick, Michael Hedley bagged a brace and others flowed
MEDICAL secretaries at the region's largest hospital trust are to be balloted on possible strike action, it was confirmed last night. The health union Unison is to ask more than 200 medical secretaries at the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust whether they
RURAL communities are hoping the Easter weekend will mark the resurrection of the tourism industry after what for many has been the worst 12 months in living memory. Yorkshire Forward and the Yorkshire Tourist Board issued a joint statement yesterday,
A HURWORTH school desperately needs a business sponsor to enable it to push ahead with plans to become a specialist centre for maths and computing. Hurworth Comprehensive School has only six months to raise the final £15,000 needed to back its £50,000
Peter Grainge, the secretary of Stokesley SC, received a couple of presents ahead of his birthday! He celebrated on Tuesday but was already in good form after seeing his side lift the North Riding County Cup and reach the final of the Wearside League
AN elderly man was killed yesterday when his car was involved in a head-on collision. The accident happened at about 10.30am on the B6275 south of Piercebridge, on the North Yorkshire-County Durham border. The driver of a Ford Fiesta had to be cut from
IT has been quite a year for Nancy and Kenneth Wilson. The couple, from Rookery Gardens, Rushyford, became grandparents in January, when their daughter, Janice, gave birth to twins Adam and Jack. Their son, Colin, has just celebrated his 40th birthday
Volunteers are needed for the Red Cross Open Gardens scheme in the North-East. People who can spare a few hours on a Sunday afternoon are needed to help collect admission money, deal with inquiries and serve refreshments at gardens around the region.
COMPANY accountant Alan Ward has retired after 25 years at The Northern Echo in Darlington. Mr Ward, 60, joined the company, then owned by Westminster Press, on January 1, 1977 as a management accountant and became company accountant in 1996 when Newsquest
Kevin Keegan's international career finished in controversy as a player and then as coach of England. Sir Alf Ramsey picked Keegan for his full international debut in a 1-0 victory over Wales in November 1972. Four years later Keegan captained England
AN accountant who has worked for the same firm for five decades is to retire. Ronald Addy, 80, joined the Darlington firm in 1949 as an accounts clerk before working his way up to accountant. During his time at CJ Smithson, in Victoria Road, he carried
TOURING theatre companies will be taking to the road to bring a programme of drama to local communities. Nine venues have been included in the Elements Touring Scheme, which includes performances by Newcastle's Live Theatre, Tutti Frutti Theatre and Lempen
ARTS GRANT: Wear Valley Arts, in Crook, has a new grants scheme for groups, organisations, clubs and associations in the district. The scheme, called Mission To Commission, has been set up to encourage creative projects in the Wear Valley area and develop
Rotarians have raised £200 to enhance care for cancer patients. Marie Curie Cancer Care's local community fundraising manager, Carol Oliver, and co-ordinator Linda McDonough, received a cheque from Darlington Rotary Club president, Lakhindar Singh to
Pokemon "creatures" are far more recognisable to the average eight-year-old than British animals and plants, scientists revealed yesterday. A study in Cambridgeshire found that children were better able to identify characters from the Japanese card trading
Sir, - I refer to the article (D&S Mar 22) about the new art gallery for Darlington. Knowing that Crown Street Gallery would have to close, I have been working very hard with council officers to identify a suitable alternative space. The old rates
COUNTY Durham business leaders are calling on the chancellor to cut tax on hotel accommodation, to try to help the region's tourist industry get back on its feet. The Darlington Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) wants Gordon Brown to reduce VAT on
ARTWORK by pupils at a Stockton school should go far. A design created by youngsters at Whitehouse Primary School is being seen by motorists around the region after Stiller Transport asked them to come up with a picture for the back of one of its tankers
A football-crazy vicar has been blessed with an award naming him Newcastle United's top fan. The Reverend Glyn Evans is so passionate about his beloved Toon that he has even rewritten religious hymns to praise his favourite side. Mr Evans, chaplain at
VOLUNTEERS are needed to work in Cancer Research UK shops throughout the region. Cancer Research UK is the largest charity in the country after the merger of the Cancer Research Campaign and the Imperial Cancer Research Fund. The organisation has an annual
A unit has been set up in a town's police station as part of a bid to tackle the growing problem of petrol theft. Stolen fuel is responsible for seven per cent of recorded crime in Stockton. There has been an increase in this type of crime over the past
A diary kept by a crew member of Captain Scott's ill-fated 1912 expedition to the Antarctic has provided a valuable insight into conditions on the explorer's final voyage. The fragile volume, encrusted in penguin faeces, was discovered yards from Scott's
A PUB landlady's attempt to restore post office services to a village has moved forward. Sue Powell, a former postwoman who runs the Traveller's Rest in Skeeby, near Richmond, was dismayed when the local post office and shop closed last summer and permission
WENSLEYDALE Foxhounds have held a special hunt to celebrate the life of one of its greatest followers, Eric Chilton, who has died aged 88. His family later scattered his ashes on the fells he loved so much. He was chairman of the foxhounds for 20 years
LAST time we travelled south by road it was one of those journeys from hell. Traffic jams, roadworks, diversions, wrong turnings. And, best of all, we had four boys suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea - inside the car. This week, taking the children
A COUPLE were banned from keeping animals for life after admitting neglecting their pet dog. Gordon Pollock, 40, and his wife Tina, both of Wrensfield Road, Stockton, Teesside, each admitted a charge of causing an animal unnecessary suffering at Teesside
A BRASS band hit by the foot-and- mouth epidemic last year is looking for new blood. Bedale Brass Band managed to keep ticking over after a lean summer last year with spring and winter concerts, helped by carols at Christmas. The learner band continues
DARLINGTON. - Thurs of last week. Fwd: 58 cattle, 468 sheep. Steers med to 91.5p av 91.5p; heavy to 100.5p av 92.4p; hfrs med to 107.5p av 90.4p; heavy to 104.5p av 96.6p; bulls med to 90.5p av 88.5p; heavy to 112.5p av 90.6p. Lambs med to 158.1p av 150.6p
DRAMA students from the college will be taking part in three hard-hitting plays on Wednesday, April 10. Top Girls, written by Caryl Churchill, is set in the 1980s and focuses on the struggle of women against depression. It follows the career of Marlene
FOUR sites have been shortlisted as possible new homes for Richmondshire District Council. Colburn Business Park is the front-runner, having been backed by senior officers and political leaders. Also under consideration for a purpose-built base are two
Organisers of Consett YMCA's secondhand furniture scheme have asked donors to be careful after receiving reports that others are collecting secondhand furniture in its name. Consett YMCA, which collects furniture to be used by people setting up home,
School Nurse: An east Durham school for pupils with special needs is to appoint a nurse later this year, using funding from the Easington Primary Care Group. Glendene School, in Easington Colliery, provides places for young people aged from two to 19
THE focus of the racing world shifts from courses to horses today as the Sport of Kings opens its doors to the public. Stables around Middleham, in North Yorkshire, missed out on their annual open event last year when foot-and-mouth disease swept through
PEOPLE heading to car boot sales this Easter are being warned against buying faulty goods. Michael Walsh, trading standards manager with Hartlepool Borough Council, said those looking for a bargain should err on the side of caution and put safety first
Darlington Football Club players were among thousands of people left wageless yesterday because of a blunder by Barclays Bank. The victims of the error were told "not to panic" after learning they would not be paid until after Easter. Barclays said the
THE chairman of one of three Government inquiries into the foot-and-mouth crisis returns to the region next month. Dr Iain Anderson, who heads the Lessons Learned investigation, will visit Skipton Auction Mart and Rievaulx Abbey, North Yorkshire, next
DETECTIVES trying to discover how a woman suffered serious injuries have made a renewed appeal for help a year after she was found hurt. Joanna Pearson, 24, of Heaton, Newcastle, has no memory of being injured 12 months ago after spending Easter Monday
REGIONAL brewer Wolverhampton & Dudley's community pubs are continuing to draw in drinkers, with figures showing a healthy lift in business. The group said like-for-like sales in its core estate of 550 community-focused pubs had grown 4.1 per cent
I HAVE lived in the North-East all my life and I believe that it is the best place in the world. Like most people living here, I do not need the likes of Elton John or Chris Patten to tell me how good it is. Where has the £2m for the Here. Now. campaign
POLICE were last night waiting at the hospital bedside of a pensioner who was severely injured in a street attack. Joan Wainwright, 82, suffered a fractured skull, broken wrist and severe bruising after being attacked as she walked to a friend's house
THE region's bed-and-breakfast industry was badly hit by the foot-and-mouth crisis, a new tourist guide has revealed. The Good Bed and Breakfast Guide shows that hundreds of establishments across the UK became casualties of the outbreak - many of them
Tennis World Middlesbrough's Nigel Beavers and Mark Franklin and Andrew Deeley and Nick Osborne, continued to exceed expectations by taking runnersup spot in the Inter Region Playoff of the North East Premier League last weekend in Bolton. As surprise
A Nick Prince hat-trick helped league leaders Hawes United take another big step towards the title on Saturday. With nearest rivals Bowes on Dales Cup duty Hawes took the opportunity to open up a seven point gap when they visited Reeth and came away 5
Shildon Railway have denied that they're folding - and instead have appointed an Australian professional to improve their fortunes. Rumours have swept the Durham County League that the Railwaymen were about to pull out of the league after 50 years' membership
THE sound of music has hit a sour note in Guisborough where a huge hike in performance licence costs has taken the council by surprise. This has had a knock-on effect meaning groups using Sunnyfield House community centre must pay higher charges. Councillors
A FORMER convicted thief, who was jailed for his part in the theft of a £400,000 Rembrandt painting, has won an out-of-tribunal settlement for work he did while he was a prisoner. In 1997, former antiques dealer David Duddin, 56, was sentenced to nine
CHILDREN in Middlesbrough will have a chance to get back to nature when an environmental club is launched. The project, Lingfield Wildlife Watch Club, is being started by Middlesbrough Council and Tees Valley Wildlife Trust, at Lingfield Farm Countryside
THE future of a camera system for catching criminals in Hambleton was secured this week. Hambleton District Council confirmed at the weekend that it would be taking over the role of monitoring closed-circuit television images, following the withdrawal
A COUPLE were banned from keeping animals for life after admitting neglecting their pet dog. Gordon Pollock, 40, and his wife Tina, both of Wrensfield Road, Stockton, Teesside, each admitted a charge of causing an animal unnecessary suffering at Teesside
The Oscar-winning film A Beautiful Mind is a realistic but sympathetic portrait of schizophrenia. Health Correspondent Barry Nelson talks to the mother of a sufferer who hopes that the smash-hit movie will challenge prejudices about this form of mental
FOOTBALL is bracing itself for a fresh poaching controversy after Bobby Robson revealed that Newcastle United are reporting a rival Premiership club for an alleged illegal approach to Frenchman Olivier Bernard. Only two weeks after Liverpool became the
Signed football shirts from Newcastle and Sunderland are being raffled by Chester-le-Street Town Ladies FC as they look to raise money for a new mini-bus. The club have five teams and play games across the country but the cost of travel to away matches
Me And My Toyboy (C5) - FEW bat an eyelid if an older man takes up with a younger woman. There might be the odd "dirty old man" snigger behind his back but chances are his family won't cut him off, neighbours won't shun him and vandals won't smash his
The top of the league is getting tighter as Priory gained revenge over Poverine to run out victors by give goals to two. Poverine led 2-0 at one stage but Priory hit them with three goals in four minutes just before the interval. Priory, full of confidence
TWO members of a gang behind a two-day rampage across a notorious red light district, which left one man dead and four seriously injured, were jailed for life yesterday. Thomas Petch, 23, and George Coleman, 41, were found guilty of murdering Kalvant
COUNCIL leaders are being urged to look again at a decision to remove free transport for children who face a hazardous walk to school. Durham County Council's scrutiny committee is asking the council's cabinet to reconsider after finding flaws in the
NEWCASTLE'S push for a Champions' League place is firmly back on track after Bobby Robson's side derailed Everton's revival under David Moyes. United, desperate to hang on to fourth spot in the Premiership and the promise of a return to European football's
A book which chronicles a thousand years of a North Yorkshire market town's history goes on sale next week. The Richmond Civic Society has worked long and hard compiling a single reference book which summarises the town's heritage. The Norman castle,
Durham City Harriers - Ron Hand, the flying doctor from Durham City, continued his superb string of victories since becoming a veteran athlete in January with a commanding victory in the Redcar half-marathon which incorporated the North-East Counties
In the Kenny Ball Cup third round Glaxo were desperately unlucky they lost 2-1 at home to the unbeaten Barnes Hotel. Glaxo playing attacking football took the lead after ten minutes when Geoff White slotted home a pass from jenny Heron. Barnes tightened
THE latest arrivals at one North Yorkshire attraction have got young visitors hopping with joy. For brother and sister Maxie and Maxine are real Easter bunnies who couldn't have appeared at a better time. Yesterday, they won the hearts of young visitors
THE North-East's bid for European Capital of Culture status is the bookies' favourite. The claim staked by Newcastle and Gateshead is ranked the 3-1 front runner by bookmaker Blue Square, ahead of Belfast at 7-2 and Liverpool at 5-1. Winning the 2008
A BATTLING display saw Thirsk Falcons earn their right to a place in the final of the Intermediate Cup after beating Hampsthwaite Utd 2-1 in extra time. Falcons had a nervous start and went behind after only eight minutes when Sopterean was lobbed as
THREE bus drivers have moved up in the ranks to take responsibility for some of the region's largest bus depots. Martin Hughes has been appointed depot manager at Go Gateshead's Winlaton depot. He said: "The training provided by Go North East has given
DO you think children today are unfit and spend too much time playing computer games? Not at our school. The college is applying to the National Lottery for a grant to construct several pieces of apparatus to create a Trim Trail. The trail, which includes
In continuation of the anniversary services of Middleton-in-Teesdale Free Church Council, there was an exchange of preachers from all non conformist churches on Sunday. In the afternoon, a meeting for men only was held in the Wesleyan Church. The Rev
Result of the week in Division One was a 4-2 win for New Marske B who were this week playing their A team. Alan Hebden and Gordon Matthews, in their encounter, won a frame each with scores of 45-21 and 38-60. This was the story once again when Gary Forrest
The Coarse fishing scene is firmly on the Stillwaters now with the rivers closed until Sunday, 16 June and fortunately the region has a wealth of top notch venues and anglers are enjoying bumper sport. A tremendously successful Preston Innovations League
A community is being urged to pull out all the stops over Easter to create a floral display second to none. People and businesses in Malton and Norton are being challenged to make the effort by the local town centre manager, Mick Gains, following talks
LEADING farmers co-operative Farmway has recorded a remarkable turnaround in its fortunes. The Darlington-based operation turned a £450,000 loss in 2000 into a £240,000 profit last year - one of the most difficult years for agriculture. Chairman John
THE Heritage Coast in Cleveland and North Yorkshire still needs a great deal of work despite much being achieved in the past five years, says a new report on the future of the major walking route. John Beech, Heritage Coast project officer for the area
POLICE were last night waiting at the hospital bedside of a pensioner who was severely injured in a street attack. Joan Wainwright, 82, suffered a fractured skull, broken wrist and severe bruising after being attacked as she walked to a friend's house
THE FAMILIES of two men killed when a car collided into a bus shelter where they were waiting have been told the driver will not be prosecuted. Michael Logan, 28, died saving his seven-year-old stepson's life when the car crashed into the bus stop at
LAST time we travelled south by road it was one of those journeys from hell. Traffic jams, roadworks, diversions, wrong turnings. And, best of all, we had four boys suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea - inside the car. This week, taking the children
Geoff Wedge, for whom the clock ticks on double time, sounded remarkably chipper, nonetheless. "Tell George Reynolds it's an incredibly generous gesture and I want to be alive to take him up on it," he said. We told Geoff's story in Tuesday's column.
THE chairman of one of three Government inquiries into the foot-and-mouth crisis returns to the region next month. Dr Iain Anderson, who heads the Lessons Learned investigation, will visit Skipton Auction Mart and Rievaulx Abbey, North Yorkshire, next
MEDICAL secretaries at the region's largest hospital trust are to be balloted on possible strike action, it was confirmed last night. The health union Unison is to ask more than 200 medical secretaries at the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust whether they
ONE of the most important Roman sites in Britain is to open this Easter - for the first time in more than a year. Binchester Roman Fort, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, has been closed since autumn 2000 because of the threat posed by foot-and-mouth
Bishop Auckland take a breather from their relegation battle when they tackle Billingham Town in the Durham Challenge Cup final at Durham this morning. Bishops' cup form has belied their league results, as they crushed South Shields 7-0 in the semi final
THE future of Masham farmers' auction mart, regarded for generations as an important part of the local agricultural community, has been assured with the announcement that the lease has been taken over by the Skipton-based Craven Cattle Marts. Masham,
TWO members of a gang behind a two-day rampage across a notorious red light district, which left one man dead and four seriously injured, were jailed for life yesterday. Thomas Petch, 23, and George Coleman, 41, were found guilty of murdering Kalvant
The Northern Echo Darlington Sunday Invitation League In Division One Spraire RA returned to the top of the league as they beat bottom side Green Dragon 18-0 thanks to goals from Graham Dodsworth (5), Adam Hughes (4), Chris Falconer (3), Martin Ward (
A POPULAR village teacher bid a fond farewell to the school where she has taught for 25 years. Eileen Bruce has taught two generations of youngsters at North Cowton School, but when the school bell went last Friday she walked away for the last time. In
A Dales village has been awarded Conservation Area status, despite resisting the designation. Muker residents made it clear they did not welcome the idea of more red tape and officialdom. The parish council insisted the Swaledale community would prefer
Kenneth Atkinson of Tow Law New Market A completed a singles and pairs double when he was joined by Darren Yeoman to take the League Pairs Championship held at Tow Law Cattle Mart. In the Final Atkinson and Yeoman beat the Brown brothers of Esh Football
Arthur Reed Memorial Shield Semi Finals - sponsored by Leven Bridge Engineering Dormans FC 3 Teesside Athletic 1 Dormans FC stayed on course to repeat their triple success of last season when they booked their place in this year's Arthur Reed Final despite
A CARING school which promotes a good attitude among pupils was the verdict of education inspectors who visited Hunton and Arrathorne primary, near Bedale. An Ofsted report published last week highlighted youngsters' "very good attitude towards school
Kneeton Park won their last home game of the season, coming from behind to defeat Thirsk Albion 5-1. The first half was a fairly even affair, with the visitors gaining more space and possession in midfield, although the better early chances fell to Kneeton
VISITORS to the Voice of the Horse show at Houghall Agricultural College, Durham, have the chance of winning a painting which will be shown to the Princess Royal. The show on Wednesday, June 12, will be the Northern branch of the British Horse Society's
THE future of Masham farmers' auction mart, regarded for generations as an important part of the local agricultural community, has been assured with the announcement that the lease has been taken over by the Skipton-based Craven Cattle Marts. Masham,
The end of season Durham County Cup Final will be an all-Teesside affair after Middlesbrough Mavericks and Middlesbrough College Academy won their respective semi-finals this week at Peterlee Leisure Centre. The first semi-final was a derby as Middlesbrough
WHEN Bobby Moore became the first Englishman to raise the World Cup above his head in 1966, his face was flushed with pride. But when radio presenter Dan Thorpe became the latest Englishman to hoist the second edition of the trophy in the air, his face
Foot-and-mouth epidemic now just a bad memory as sunshine promises a Bank Holiday bonanza THE focus of the racing world shifts from courses to horses today as the Sport of Kings opens its doors to the public. Stables around Middleham, in North Yorkshire
Thursday's prices : Kenneth Wilson, Thorpe Arch. - Wheat: April £68; May £69; June £70. Barley: April £58; May £59; June £60. Oilseed rape: Apr £134; May £135; June £136. GrainCo, Tyne Dock. - Wheat: April £71: May £71.50; June £72. Barley: April £59;
