Archive

  • Job Search: Vacancies

    Canteen assistant, Northallerton. £9,834 to £10,068 pa pro rate, 8.30am to 1pm, Mon-Fri. Catering experience an advantage but not essential as training given. Ref: NOE 18078. General teaching assistant, Northallerton. £9,834 to £12,291 pro rate, 17.5hrs

  • Job Search: Vacancies

    Technical assistant, Stockton. £6.50ph, 40hrs pw, flexible, 8am to 5pm, Mon-Fri. Required to check road signs. Must have experience working on highways, customer service and supervisory skills and office experience. Ref: STL 35866. Domestic, Stockton.

  • Burning Questions: A high place in a town's history

    Q I AM doing an investigation into Teesside Park and Stockton High Street and would like to know when did Teesside Park open and when did Stockton first get a high street of any note? - Allyd Roberts, Stockton. A STOCKTON began as an Anglo-Saxon settlement

  • Captains Corner: Lifting the Lid

    The FA Cup result against Farnborough is still getting to us all at Darlington. It was bad enough losing to a non-league team but to lose out on the chance to play against the top side in the country is the most frustrating thing. The supporters - rightly

  • Goat killers could face jail terms

    TWO men are facing jail sentences after the horrific slaughter of ten goats in an unlicensed abattoir was caught on film by an undercover investigator. It showed that the slaughter of the animals, at Londonderry, near Bedale, was so inept that they were

  • Man who attempted hijack released

    An Australian appeals court has ordered the release of a British tourist jailed for making a drunken threat to hijack a passenger jet. English tutor Thomas Lilico, 22, of Darlington, will be released on Thursday, after serving two weeks of a month-long

  • Double delight as nursery expands

    A NURSERY established just seven years ago has expanded and doubled in size. Bright Beginnings, set in the grounds of Bedale High School, was set up by Sara Robinson in 1996 with space for 20 children. Now, with the addition of a fully equipped portable

  • Job Search: Vacancies

    Catering assistant, Darlington. £4.21ph, 16 hours, Sat and Sun. To assist in preparation and cooking. Training provided. Ref: DAE 32967. Cleaner, Hurworth. £4.20ph, 6-9 hours per week. To clean private household. Ref: DAE 32994. Dental nurse, Darlington

  • Biddulph bows out

    Ken Biddulph, among the most affectionately remembered of Durham County cricketers, has died. He was 70. Biddy, as generally he was known, took 300 wickets in 82 matches for Durham between 1962-72 and was professional for Hartlepool, Sunderland, Whitburn

  • Truly an evening fit for a king

    A trip to the oldest house in a North-East town, now a top-class restaurant, proved a real winter warmer... and it wasn't even all down to the real ale. IMAGINE this: a bone chilling night, pavement like a Siberian skating rink, frost sparkling treacherously

  • A high place in a town's history

    Q I AM doing an investigation into Teesside Park and Stockton High Street and would like to know when did Teesside Park open and when did Stockton first get a high street of any note? - Allyd Roberts, Stockton. A STOCKTON began as an Anglo-Saxon settlement

  • Club wins new fans

    FORTY youngsters have been improving their football skills with the help of professional coaches. A team from Sunderland AFC travelled to Bedale Leisure Centre for a day-long session with boys and girls aged between four and 14. The coaches ran several

  • Leo plans to play at 80

    Just nine months after temporarily hanging up his football boots, Leo Smith celebrates his 80th birthday tomorrow. "The arthritis has got really bad now, but I'm hoping for a knee replacement next month so maybe I can start again," he says. The first

  • Early Ayr inspection

    FROST still threatens Ayr's meeting, which must pass a 6.30am inspection if the action is allowed to proceed. One of the leading trainers at the track hoping that the fixture will get the green light is Nicky Richards, represented by Lord Jack (2.25)

  • Surgery plan is approved

    LEYBURN is to get a new medical centre after independent consultants confirmed the chosen site was the best in the town. Residents in the Brentwood area had objected to the proposals for the two-storey surgery on the former tennis club near their homes

  • Nissan worker claims singing forced him out of a job

    Car worker David Jewers is all shook up after being forced out of his job for singing Elvis songs on the production line. Like thousands of fans, Nissan worker David found his own way of marking the 25th anniversary the King's death last summer. The part-time

  • Web site to bring park's past to life

    A SCHEME that would revolutionise access to information about the heritage of the Yorkshire Dales has moved a step nearer to fruition. Last year the National Park Authority won a £90,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund for its 'Out of Oblivion' project

  • Discounts extended at leisure centres

    THE price of keeping fit is getting cheaper for some people in Hambleton. The local authority has extended its range of reduced and concessionary prices at its four leisure centres and swimming pools. Lower prices are now being offered to full-time students

  • Bingo boost for young footballers

    FOOTBALLERS at a Darlington school will be more smartly turned out for matches thanks to a generous donation. Gala Bingo has paid £300 to provide kits for the seven-a-side team at Mount Pleasant Primary School. Parent Anne Swan said the children were

  • Police campaign cuts crime on city streets

    A HIGH profile police presence over Christmas has led to a reduction in offences in a crime-hit community. Operation Christmas Parcel, in the West End of Newcastle, saw officers make their presence felt around businesses and cash points during the festive

  • Residents' demand to make road access-only is rejected

    RESIDENTS concerned about speeding traffic have been told their road will not be restricted to access-only. People in Davison Road, Darlington, claim their lives have been made a misery by motorists using it as a short-cut to avoid traffic lights in nearby

  • Homes on new estate to be on sale by Easter

    HOUSES on a new estate in Darlington will go on sale at Easter, developers have said. More than 700 homes will be built on the West Park development, in Faverdale, plus a rugby club, a park, a community hall and a hospital unit. Tony Cooper, from site

  • Park revamp scheme to be approved

    A DARLINGTON park could get a facelift this year if the Government approves a refurbishment scheme. Councillors are expected to agree today to apply to the Government's New Opportunities Fund (NOF) for more than £265,000 for a revamp of North Lodge Park

  • Andrew is a prize student

    A STUDENT has won a car as part of an initiative to encourage youngsters to remain in learning after the age of 16. A-level student Andrew Wing won a Smart Car and a package of BSM driving lessons as part of the Connexions Card initiative. Andrew, a pupil

  • News in brief: Time for some relaxation

    PEOPLE in the Shildon area are being invited to a day of fun, relaxation and information at Jubilee Fields Community Centre on Monday, January 27, from 10am to 3pm. It has been organised by the Pioneering Care Partnership, Age Concern, PRT Carers Centre

  • Contest begins for young stars

    YOUNG musicians are preparing to battle it out in a competition to find the best in the North-East. Schools in Newcastle are being asked to put forward their leading students in the search for the first Young Musician. The contest was organised by the

  • Comment: Choice should come first

    CONFUSION surrounds the fate of the Safeway stores. Morrisons has tabled a bid, Sainsbury is to table a bid, and Asda is likely to table a bid. The only certainty is that Safeway will eventually be taken over. As happens in the corporate world, the winner

  • Four plead guilty to attacking PC

    TWO men and two youths have pleaded guilty to their part in an attack on a police officer. PC David Myers, 31, a Metropolitan police officer, was stabbed in Hartlepool last July after he had seen youths tampering with a car. At Teesside Crown Court yesterday

  • Burger couple's despair after catering van stolen

    A WELL-known feature of a County Durham town went missing yesterday when thieves took a hot food van. Bob's Butties vans have been a regular fixture of Stanley's town market for nearly ten years. Crooks stole the catering unit from outside the home of

  • A dramatic look at everyday life

    TALES of window cleaning, first loves and family differences, written and performed by an over-fifties drama group, are to be staged this month. Win Some, Lose Some, is a collection of monologues written and performed by Live Wires, a North-East writing

  • More delays to bridge repairs

    THE completion date for repairs to a major North-East river crossing and landmark has been put back to the end of March. Work began on a £2m refurbishment of Wearmouth Bridge, in Sunderland, in May, and it was thought the work would be finished next month

  • Still taking the biscuit

    Sales of Hula-Hoops, Jaffa Cakes and other products made by United Biscuits reached £1.3bn in the last year. The figure represents a 3.1 per cent increase on 2001 at constant exchange rates and was a strong performance, chief executive Malcolm Ritchie

  • Private medical cover costs soar

    The cost of providing private medical cover for company staff may soar by 70 per cent in the next five years, a healthcare consultancy has warned. Buck and Willis Healthcare said the additional £1.1bn bill businesses faced could result in them suffering

  • Presents still unclaimed

    BETTER late than never . . . but a trip to their local police station could put Christmas back on track for one person. A man out walking his dog found five wrapped Christmas presents - marked "To Bryn, from Mum and Chris" - in Manor Wood, Coulby Newham

  • Townshend arrested in porn probe

    Rock legend Pete Townshend was last night arrested in connection with child pornography offences. The 57-year-old Who star - who has admitted paying to access a website advertising child pornography but claimed it was purely for research - was escorted

  • Who will win the supermarket sweep?

    The store wars battle for Safeway has set the supermarket industry alight with rumour and counter rumour about which chain will win. Business Editor Mike Parker looks at what it all means for shoppers, supermarket employees and the grocery business. SIR

  • Counterfeit notes: men discharged

    Three men who appeared in court accused in connection with possessing nearly £20,000 of counterfeit £20 notes have been discharged by Highbury Corner Magistrates Court, London. Plain clothes police officers spotted Darren Alexander Hylton, 36, of Guthrie

  • Burger couple's despair

    A WELL-known feature of a County Durham town went missing yesterday when thieves took a burger van. Bob's Butties vans have been a regular fixture of Stanley's town market for nearly ten years. Crooks stole the catering trailer from outside the home of

  • News in brief: Meeting over policing

    Councillors have called a meeting to discuss policing in New Marske, at 7pm tonight. Conservative councillors Vera Moody and Norah Cooney have arranged the meeting. Chief Superintendent John Kelly and Cleveland Police Authority chairman Ken Walker will

  • Queen on the mend after knee op

    The Queen was recovering in hospital last night after keyhole surgery to remove torn cartilage from her right knee. The 45-minute operation, at the King Edward VII Hospital, central London, went "very well", Buckingham Palace said. The 76-year-old monarch

  • Owner of silver rottweiler sought

    A concrete rottweiler, holding a heraldic shield has been recovered, along with a haul of stolen electrical and power tools, from a house on Hartlepool's Owton Manor estate. "It nearly broke my back trying to lift it,'' said acting Detective Sergeant

  • Seeking views on home rule

    THE first few steps for gauging public support for home rule in the region will be taken today. Tony Flynn, chairman of the North-East Assembly, will launch the consultation document, called Let the People Decide: Your Region, Your Say. The launch is

  • Boss names the day for his departure

    A DATE has been set for the departure of Hartlepool Borough Council's chief executive. Brian Dinsdale has been chief executive at Hartlepool since 1988. He was awarded the OBE for services to the borough in January 2002. He will leave the post on February

  • Blaze tackled

    FIREFIGHTERS were called to a fire on Granville Road, in Grangetown, at about 1pm on Saturday. Two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus tackled the blaze. One bedroom was severely damaged and the rest of the house suffered smoke damage.

  • Sunderland boss begs fans for Cup support

    HOWARD WILKINSON begged Sunderland fans not to snub their FA Cup campaign last night as club chiefs braced themselves to welcome the lowest gate of the season to the Stadium of Light. Ten days after just 10,123 watched the first game between Sunderland

  • Inquest opens

    Production manager Clifford Williams, 34, gave evidence of identification at the opening of an inquest into the death of his 40-year-old wife, classroom assistant Lynn, yesterday. Deputy Teesside Coroner Gordon Hetherington said a doctor attended the

  • Packing a punch with prison camp display

    A MUSEUM'S Punch and Judy set isn't quite complete - but the lack of sausages may be due to the wartime rationing. Crafted by a German prisoner-of-war, the collection was originally made as a present to British civilian Luis Hanfing, who had entertained

  • Village map tells of heroes and scoundrels

    A SCANDAL that created a popular slang phrase is one of the tales found in a village map. Consett firm Alan Godfrey Maps has reproduced an 1895 Ordnance Survey map of Burnopfield and the Leazes. An accompanying essay outlines the history of the coal baron

  • High degree of success for nurses

    TWO nurses who started their careers as auxiliaries have now gained BSc honours degrees in community health from Durham University, to add to their BA honours degrees from York University. Pam McIvor, a district nurse specialist practitioner, and Wendy

  • Teenager is charged after family attack

    A TEENAGER has been arrested in connection with an alleged attack on a pensioner in the early hours of New Year's Day. The 18-year-old woman is due to appear in court on Friday, charged with violent disorder. She was arrested at the weekend by police

  • Young apprentices solve bin problem

    TWO young inventors have been applying the skills learnt from their advanced modern apprenticeships to design a gadget for emptying wheelie bins which has been approved for industrial use. Danny Ridley, 18, of Slaley, and Rosie Atkinson, 17, of Fenham

  • Eating Owt: Truly an evening fit for a king

    A trip to the oldest house in a North-East town, now a top-class restaurant, proved a real winter warmer... and it wasn't even all down to the real ale. IMAGINE this: a bone chilling night, pavement like a Siberian skating rink, frost sparkling treacherously

  • News in brief: Masked raid on pub

    A gang of masked men raided the Bar Me pub, in Low Row, Sunderland, at 9.30am yesterday. Police said the three men had been waiting in a 4X4 Jeep Cherokee, registration number K306 UCU. The vehicle was found burnt out a short while later in Oakwood Street

  • News in brief: Masked raid on pub

    A gang of masked men raided the Bar Me pub, in Low Row, Sunderland, at 9.30am yesterday. Police said the three men had been waiting in a 4X4 Jeep Cherokee, registration number K306 UCU. The vehicle was found burnt out a short while later in Oakwood Street

  • The new One

    Royal Bank of Scotland, which owns Virgin One, is rebranding the flexible mortgage group The One account. The bank is also launching a £15m advertising campaign featuring characters from the 1970s children's television programme Hector's House explaining

  • Football fans can use Wearmouth Bridge

    Wearmouth Bridge, in Sunderland, will remain open to traffic today, to avoid disruption during the match-day traffic arrangements prior to tonight's Sunderland versus Bolton FA Cup third round replay at the Stadium of Light. Meanwhile, public transport

  • Single-minded fans back Zoe's debut release

    Zoe Birkett released her debut single yesterday, but she was not alone as two rival TV reality show stars were also competing for chart success. Hayley Gyllenspetz reports. FANS of Darlington pop starlet Zoe Birkett showed their support yesterday after

  • Fundraisers' help sought to realise dog training plan

    A DOG trainer who took his labrador on a 900-mile walk to publicise his charity, is looking for teams of fundraisers to help set up a dog training centre. Ian Young and his labrador, Sally, completed the trek from Germany to Chester-le-Street, County

  • Schoolchildren targeted in litter clearance campaign

    LITTER louts are being targeted in a series of town-wide swoops. Schoolchildren found themselves the focus of attention when Middlesbrough Council wardens descended on two shopping areas near the Acklam campus. School children are already banned from

  • Pet rats were left to die at factory

    ANIMAL welfare workers are appealing for information after two pet rats were found abandoned. The pair of brown and white male rats were found in a cardboard box by a man walking his dog on the site of the Cape Insulation factory, in Bowburn, near Durham

  • Good neighbour is victim of conman

    AN 85-YEAR-old man who thought he was doing a neighbour a good deed was rewarded by his jewellery being stolen. At about 8am on Sunday the pensioner answered the door of his home in the Brinkburn area of Hartlepool to a man who claimed to be a neighbour

  • 'British justice system has failed tragic Julie's family'

    THE new chairman of the Bar Council has admitted that the family of the murdered Billingham pizza delivery girl Julie Hogg have been let down by British justice. Matthias Kelly, the newly-appointed chairman of the body representing and regulating barristers

  • Trio's success in fast lane

    THREE students have proved that they have what it takes to operate in the fast lane. The trio from Northallerton College scored successes in a national and international "design and make" event for model jet cars, in London. Daniel Tucker, 14, James Baker

  • Master mourned

    A RETIRED language master, who taught at Richmond Grammar School for 27 years, has died, aged 91. Fred Morris, who lived in the town's Newbiggin, worked at the school from 1948 until he retired in 1975, three years after it became a comprehensive school

  • News in brief: Church's cash plea to flock

    The congregation at Christ Church, in Harrogate, is being asked to boost its giving from £110,000 a year to £160,000 for the next five years. Church treasurer Peter Alp says this is necessary to maintain Christ Church's present position and play their

  • Public inquiry into A66 upgrade

    A public inquiry may have to be called before a multi-million safety scheme can go ahead on a stretch of dangerous road. Even if an inquiry is held, the Highways Agency expects construction of a graded, separated junction to begin next year on the A66

  • New era for proud farming tradition

    A 94-YEAR-old who helped start a farming tradition in a North Yorkshire community, watched with pride as a new farming generation took the helm. Tommy Atkinson helped to found the Plough Sunday service, heralding the start of the farming year, at Kirkby

  • Fiona shows us how to tame a toddler

    A new television programme aims to help take the tantrums out of bringing up toddlers. Women's Editor Christen Pears talks to presenter and mother-of-two Fiona Philips. SHE'S the cool blonde on the GMTV sofa, unfazed by any situation, but when it comes

  • Patients continue to snub inquiry

    DESPITE efforts to drum up interest, only seven former patients of disgraced surgeon Richard Neale are due to meet inquiry officials today. The independent inquiry was set up to investigate how the NHS dealt with complaints against the former Friarage

  • Help us find the man who tricked George, urge family

    THE family of a pensioner who died hours after being burgled made an emotional appeal for information yesterday. Sue Hutchinson, 72, sister-in-law of George Sharpe, spoke on behalf of the family at the police station in Peterlee, County Durham. Forty

  • Juninho eyes Europe

    JUNINHO has told Middlesbrough not to give up on their European dream. The Brazilian star is due back on Teesside this week after an intense course of rehabilitation following knee surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament. He has watched Boro's

  • Captain's corner

    The FA Cup result against Farnborough is still getting to us all at Darlington. It was bad enough losing to a non-league team but to lose out on the chance to play against the top side in the country is the most frustrating thing. The supporters - rightly

  • Job Search: Vacancies

    Manager. £12,000pa, 8.45am to 5.30pm, Mon-Sat. Must have experience in retail management, eg supervisory, EPOS and cash handling skills. Ref: DUR 34978. Grill chef/cook. 39hrs pw, 5 days out of 7 shifts. Required to ensure Health and Safety procedures

  • Deli staff take to the outdoor life

    STAFF at Northallerton's specialist delicatessen enjoyed a winning weekend outdoors in the North Yorks National Park. The team of ten from Lewis and Cooper shed their inhibitions and spent two days building their confidence and individual abilities. The

  • Bishop's football club must find new funding

    One of the country's greatest ever amateur football clubs is facing an uncertain future once more. Officials at ten times FA Amateur Cup winners Bishop Auckland say they will struggle to survive now the plug has been pulled on their major source of income

  • The picture that rattled a ghost

    IT'S not a question of whether we have a ghost at St Michael's, but of how many. I was phoned up one morning by the Secretary of Zion College, an old theological library near the City Temple. He said: "I've come across a large photograph of one of your

  • Robert tells United: I'm fully committed

    CONTROVERSIAL winger Laurent Robert last night pledged to give his all for Newcastle United as he hit back at claims he had rubbished his teammates. In a statement issued through the club, the Frenchman distanced himself from an interview in the News

  • 14/01/03

    REGIONAL CAPITAL: DURHAM City as the Regional Capital? This idea seems to be gaining ground, and it makes good symbolic sense. The project would need to be handled with great sensitivity, however. I doubt if many who live and work in Durham would agree

  • Tait hoping for a happy return to Oxford

    MICK TAIT is hoping for a happy return when he makes the trip to high-flying Oxford United with Darlington tonight. The caretaker Quakers boss began life as a professional footballer when he signed forms with Oxford in 1974. And now Tait, nearly 30 years

  • Firm is settling in fresh pastures

    A FIRM of accountants and business advisors is aiming for an even brighter future this year, thanks to new purpose-built premises on a business park on the outskirts of Durham City. Westwaters has been forging a stronger and more personalised service

  • Network founded on firm footing

    Businesses can tap into some of the top acumen the region can muster from next month with the launch of a new network of expertise. The Entrepreneurs Forum (EF) will hold regular seminars and information sessions offering members and associated members

  • Flood money misses district

    HAMBLETON District Council has assured its residents that they will benefit from grant aid to help to tackle the problem of flooding. The news comes at the same time that the Yorkshire Regional Flood Defence Committee announcedamulti-million pound investment

  • Last Night's TV: Crossroads (ITV1); Skinny Kids (C4)

    The mad, the bad and the downright sad. I watched the opening episode of the revamped Crossroads. I couldn't believe it. So I watched the second episode in the hope that the first was a horrible mistake. It wasn't. If anything, the second programme was

  • Station bidders quit

    TWO commercial bidders shortlisted to develop Richmond's old railway station are no longer in the running, clearing the way for a charitable trust to take on the building. One of the original bidders, Land Team, withdrew last Tuesday, two days before

  • News in brief: Time for some relaxation

    PEOPLE in the Shildon area are being invited to a day of fun, relaxation and information at Jubilee Fields Community Centre on Monday, January 27, from 10am to 3pm. It has been organised by the Pioneering Care Partnership, Age Concern, PRT Carers Centre

  • Ex-teacher dies at 91

    A RETIRED language teacher who taught at Richmond grammar school for 27 years has died, aged 91. Fred Morris, who lived in Newbiggin, in the town, worked at the school from 1948 until he retired in 1975, three years after it became a comprehensive school

  • Royal honour for service to the armed forces

    A NEWTON Aycliffe practice manager has received the OBE for a lifetime of service to the armed forces. David Lowe, manager of the Pease Way Medical Centre, in Newton Aycliffe, spent 39 years in the Army Medical Service. The 54-year-old, who lives in Darlington

  • Appeal after fight

    POLICE in Darlington are appealing for witnesses to a street fight which left a man unconscious. Four men were involved in the incident, which happened near the Poundstretcher store in Bondgate, at 11pm on Friday. The men, who are known to each other,

  • Magistrates' court motoring cases

    The following cases were heard by Darlington magistrates yesterday. Simon Andrew Johnson, 21, of Hall View Gardens, Howden-le-Wear, Crook, pleaded guilty to driving a car with no insurance and with a defective handbrake, tyre and rear light. Johnson,

  • Residents pledge to block 'changed' housing scheme

    ANGRY residents are determined to halt a housing development which they say has not stuck to the original plans. Residents of Ritson Road, Newton Aycliffe, did not initially object to the development for a block of bungalows on nearby Pease Way. But now

  • Litter squad moves in to clean up rubbish-strewn alley

    A LITTER hit squad began clearing a rubbish-strewn alleyway yesterday as part of a campaign to clean up Darlington. Council workers decided to target Melville Street after fed-up residents complained about fly-tipping on a special anti-litter hotline.

  • Magistrates' court motoring cases

    The following cases were heard by Darlington magistrates yesterday. Simon Andrew Johnson, 21, of Hall View Gardens, Howden-le-Wear, Crook, pleaded guilty to driving a car with no insurance and with a defective handbrake, tyre and rear light. Johnson,

  • 'No decision reached about future of priest'

    AN Anglican bishop has categorically denied that any decision has been made about the future of a controversial priest, despite reports he faces being defrocked if he doesn't resign. It is alleged that the Dean of Ripon's management style has split the

  • £25,000 fine for port authority over taxi driver's dock death

    THE drowning of a taxi driver whose cab plunged off an unguarded dock led to a £25,000 fine for a port authority yesterday. Abdul Rashid, 49, might have mistaken the river surface for the wet road after he dropped off a ship's officer in Middlesbrough

  • We won't let the UN block war on Iraq

    Tony Blair yesterday mounted an uncompromising defence of his hardline stance on Iraq, despite growing unrest among Labour MPs at the prospect of war with Baghdad. He warned it would be "absolutely disastrous" for world security if Saddam Hussein was

  • Cut above the rest

    A BEAUTY salon is putting aside the latest technology and enticing male customers through the door - with a cut throat razor. The Hair, Nail, Tan and Beauty salon, in Ridley Place, Newcastle, traditionally specialises in the latest beauty treatments,

  • Motorist killed in accident on A1(M)

    ACCIDENT investigators last night appealed for witnesses to come forward following a collision in which a car driver was killed and another motorist was injured. The dead man, believed to be in his late 20s and from South Yorkshire, was driving a Nissan

  • Dismal run puts pension funds back six years

    Three consecutive years of dismal stock market performances has stripped the value of company pension funds in 11 countries back to levels last seen in 1997, a study revealed. Investment consultants Watson Wyatt said $1,400bn (£870bn) was wiped off institutional

  • Convicted killer to remain in prison

    CONVICTED killer Yvonne Sleightholme has been told she must remain behind bars despite the length of time she has served, The Parole Board has refused to reconsider its decision to block even a transfer to an open jail - even though she has already served

  • Trust chief to retire

    BILL Murray, chief executive of South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust, is to retire in October. Mr Murray, who was awarded an OBE in 1996, has run the Middlesbrough trust since April 1992. His decision to step down will be announced at today's meeting of South

  • Gun crime figures correct, say police

    NORTH Yorkshire police have defused a row with the Home Office by admitting that figures on soaring gun crime in the county were correct. The force had disputed Government figures which showed firearm-related offences rising by more than 300 per cent.

  • Plan to revive river meets with approval

    A DOCUMENT which sets out a plan for the revival of the River Tees has received a commendation. The Tees Navigation Strategy has been drawn up by Stockton Borough Council, Regional Development Agency One NorthEast, English Partnerships and British Waterways

  • Taxpayers to foot station repair bill

    TAXPAYERS will almost certainly be asked to foot the bill for repairs to a Teesside lifeboat station - only 18 months after it was built. The £27,000 cost of repairing the station, which is above the toilets at Saltburn, needs to be completed while legal

  • Mayor to plead town's case

    THE MAYOR of Middlesbrough is to meet a government minister to push the case for the town to receive a higher revenue support grant in order to avoid a rise in council tax. The town has received a settlement of only 3.8 per cent on last year's grant,

  • News in brief: Bargain Hunt's David visits N-E

    The presenter of BBC1's Bargain Hunt programme, David Dickinson, will be at the Great Northern International Antiques and Collectors Fair at the weekend. His team will be filming at the largest fair in the North, held at the Yorkshire Showground, in Harrogate

  • Council acts after inspection report

    FOLLOWING criticism from government inspectors, a council has drawn up an action plan to improve the way it helps homeless people. In October, the Audit Commission only gave Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council one star out of three for its homelessness

  • Man guilty of assault

    A NIGHT out ended in a man punching a nightclub bouncer and then attacking a police officer, a court heard, yesterday. Simon Ostler, prosecuting, told Harrogate magistrates how Ian Bradley, 22, had been thrown out of Jimmy's nightclub, in King's Road,

  • 'Seeking the truth about Deepcut'

    THE father of a North-East soldier who died mysteriously at the Army's Deepcut base said last night he was confident an independent investigator would uncover the truth. Forensic and ballistics expert Frank Swann arrived at the Surrey barracks yesterday

  • Inquest opens

    Production manager Clifford Williams, 34, gave evidence of identification at the opening of an inquest into the death of his 40-year-old wife, classroom assistant Lynn, yesterday. Deputy Teesside Coroner Gordon Hetherington said a doctor attended the

  • Enterprise division lands contract

    One of Darlington Business Venture's divisions has won a contract to plan and project manage a series of enterprise awareness events across Tyneside and Wearside. The organisation will promote projects in Gateshead, Newcastle, Wallsend, South Tyneside

  • Enthusiasts urged to roll up

    SKATEBOARDERS, BMX riders and in-line skating enthusiasts are being urged to attend a meeting tonight to hear about the progress being made towards the provision of new parks. Police, the city council and youth representatives are at the forefront of

  • Botanists' rare find

    A TINY plant is causing huge excitement among scientists - after fruiting for the first time in more than 130 years. The plant, Nowell's limestone moss, is regarded as one of the world's most enigmatic and rarest, and in Britain it grows only in the Yorkshire

  • Debut honour for hotels group

    Millennium and Cop-thorne Hotels, which includes the Copthorne Hotel Newcastle, one of the group's best performing hotels, has been named Hotel Group of the Year by the RAC, the first time the title has been awarded. The RAC Awards committee said that

  • Rosie to lead the way on farming issues

    MORE than 1,800 farmers in Yorkshire have a new union branch leader. Rosie Dunn has been appointed as the first chairman of the newly-formed York and East Riding county branch of the National Farmers' Union (NFU). Mrs Dunn and her husband Alasdair have

  • Spa town establishes first 'street churches'

    A church could soon be established down the street from where you live in one North Yorkshire town. Street churches are being set up as congregations nationwide face a new challenge of fewer clergy in future because of the lack of money to pay them. In

  • Parents can cash in with toddler tips

    PARENTS in the region are being asked to help shape a booklet by the NSPCC to advise on how to cope with toddlers. The organisation wants to hear about real-life experiences of parents. Mothers and fathers who send in their tips could become one of five

  • News in brief: Masked raid on pub

    A gang of masked men raided the Bar Me pub, in Low Row, Sunderland, at 9.30am yesterday. Police said the three men had been waiting in a 4X4 Jeep Cherokee, registration number K306 UCU. The vehicle was found burnt out a short while later in Oakwood Street

  • Men's frailty and sexual angst exposed

    Comedian Richard Herring tells Steve Pratt why he decided to stage a male answer to the hugely successful Vagina Monologues. NIGHT after night comedian Richard Herring stood in the wings while women's sexuality was celebrated in the stage hit The Vagina

  • Electricity cut forces shops' early closing

    TOWN centre shops had to close early yesterday when they were affected by a power cut. Several businesses in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, were affected by the blackout yesterday afternoon. Most of the properties were plunged into darkness at about

  • News in brief: Meeting over policing

    Councillors have called a meeting to discuss policing in New Marske, at 7pm tonight. Conservative councillors Vera Moody and Norah Cooney have arranged the meeting. Chief Superintendent John Kelly and Cleveland Police Authority chairman Ken Walker will

  • Unhappy Yuletide for usual suspects

    A PRE-CHRISTMAS crackdown by police on the activities of known offenders is being hailed a success. The three-week operation, code-named Bullseye, was launched by Durham Police on December 10 to stifle the activities of regular offenders in the force

  • Flying high

    Airports operator BAA had a strong festive period with passenger numbers up 15.3 per cent over the previous year. Figures for its seven UK airports, which include Heathrow and Gatwick, totalled 9.4million in December.

  • DNA tests confirm identity of Gaul body

    ALMOST three decades of waiting have come to end for the North-East family of fishermen lost at sea when a trawler capsized. Michelle Wales was four years old when her father, James Wales, and 35 other men disappeared when the Gaul capsized in 1974. Mr

  • Events toast the delights of breakfast

    A PROMOTIONAL week to raise the profile of the British breakfast begins next week. Farmhouse Breakfast Week, which starts on Sunday, will emphasise the quality of British produce and the cooked breakfast. Last year, more than 2,000 events took place across

  • Council tax changes

    PAYMENT dates for council tax and non-domestic rates in the Hambleton area are being brought forward, The first instalment will be due on April 1 followed by another nine on the first of each subsequent month, finishing on January 1. No payments will

  • Tug-of-love mum's reunion with son

    TUG-of-love mother Allison Williams has had an emotional reunion with her son - but she still faces a fight to bring him home. Ms Williams, 40, travelled across the Atlantic to meet her seven-year-old son, Daniel, in California on Saturday. She was going

  • Museum decides to scrap free entry as income dips

    MANAGEMENT at a North Yorkshire museum have decided to scrap a free admissions policy blamed for a downturn in income over the past 12 months. Richmond's three museums agreed last year they would no longer charge anyone who lives locally in an attempt

  • Work starts on hospice replacement

    WORK starts this week on the £6m replacement for St Catherine's Hospice at Scarborough. The 20-bed unit at High Farm, Throxenby, will replace the existing premises in Scalby Road, opened nearly 30 years ago. The complex will include an educational unit

  • Workshops may benefit fishermen

    FOOD workshops launched by a health trust could benefit fishermen. Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale Primary Care Trust has received a good response to its courses, entitled Food, Fish and Health, which will teach people about food preparation and eating

  • News in brief: Masked raid on pub

    A gang of masked men raided the Bar Me pub, in Low Row, Sunderland, at 9.30am yesterday. Police said the three men had been waiting in a 4X4 Jeep Cherokee, registration number K306 UCU. The vehicle was found burnt out a short while later in Oakwood Street

  • The man on a fitness mission

    He's already huge in the States. Now Gary Heavin is bringing his fitness and weight loss business to the North-East. Julia Breen reports. IN a few weeks time, America's latest fitness guru will tell Oprah Winfrey how he has helped hundreds of thousands

  • Tracer: Squadron planning spring get together

    SOLDIERS who served with the Royal Signals are being sought for a reunion in April. The 260 Signal Squadron (Sam) Royal Signals Association was formed in June 1997 after an old comrades weekend in Dorset. Eddie Ridley, of Crook, County Durham, and friends

  • Fans are pictures of devotion

    PHOTOGRAPHS of North-East football fans watching the England national team will form part of an exhibition starting at the weekend. Patriots, by Ravi Deepres, opens at the University of Newcastle's Hatton Gallery on Saturday. His first solo exhibition

  • Big names flock to northern arts venue

    ONE of the region's arts venues has announced details of its programme for the rest of this month. The Laughing Gas Comedy Club will continue its residency at The Customs House, in South Shields, South Tyneside, at 8pm on Saturday, with comedians Anvil

  • Repair plan unveiled for heritage site

    AMBITIOUS plans have been put forward for a major repair project at a well-loved and important heritage site. A £100,000 scheme has been earmarked for Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal estate near Ripon. Work will concentrate on the eighteenth-century

  • Mother of stabbing victim tells of grief

    THE mother of a North-East man who was stabbed to death spoke for the first time of her heartache last night as detectives questioned three teenagers. Robert Dunne, 31, died following a confrontation outside the post office in the West Lane area of Middlesbrough