THE increased threat of terrorism nationwide has prompted one police force to undertake a major reorganisation. A number of moves and promotions within North Yorkshire Police Force took place yesterday to bolster command and control in the event of a
Design Rules (BBC2) Having caused havoc in homes up and down the land with his interior design ideas in Changing Rooms, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen goes back to basics for this new series. He's following the tried and tested example of both Delia Smith and
REGIONAL development agency One NorthEast has exceeded its targets in the last financial year, a survey has revealed. The findings, based on key performance indicators which were unveiled in Parliament yesterday, show the agency has bettered its targets
Readers Durham County League - Under-18s: Chris Pearath was again in form as was Ryan Nicholson when Evenwood produced a match winning innings of 147 for two in their home game with Bishop Auckland. Pearath added 56 and Nicholson 40 to the Evenwood total
Cleveland and North Yorkshire League Thimbleby deposed Urlay Nook from top spot with a near perfect 192 to 175 home victory over Hardwick Hall. Paddy Webb scored a perfect 25 for the home team, whilst Dave Wilkins scored a 24 for the visitors. Stokesley
It has been a controversial and high-profile reign, but last week Sune Nordgren announced he was stepping down as director of the Baltic. Viv Hardwick talks to the Swede about finanical difficulties, falling out with gallery trustees - and a passion for
THE gates open today at the North of England's biggest agricultural showcase. The Great Yorkshire Show is expected to attract more than 120,000 people to Harrogate over the next three days. Industry leaders will be gathering to debate the challenges which
A 15-year jail sentenced imposed on a man who launched a spate of five robberies in ten days "was not a day too long", judges ruled yesterday. London's Court of Appeal heard how Gary Pattison targeted small shops staffed by women during his crime spree
Foster's Tyneside Senior League - Under-15: Sacriston romped to a ten wickets victory at home to Burnopfield when Craig Burke ended unbeaten on 43 and Mark Fort carried his bat for 59 out of a total of 112 without loss. Batting first Burnopfield ended
Last weekend Christopher Wilkinson finished seventh in the 1500m free at the NEC's at Sheffield. The weekend before, eight Billingham swimmers competed at the Gateshead and Whickham Masters Meet. All swimming exceptionally well with many personal bests
TWO men remained in a critical condition last night following a weekend car crash. Police appealed for witnesses to the accident, which left driver Christopher John Wilson, 21, and passenger Dean Wilson, 20, both from Shildon, County Durham, with multiple
THE popularity of a dancing dog, which hit the headlines in The Northern Echo, is continuing to soar. Three-year-old Joshua, a rottweiler from Ravensworth, North Yorkshire, has already appeared at Lanchester Show, in County Durham. The pedigree hound
WALKERS across the North are being invited to join a ten-day sponsored trek in Peru, following the Inca trail from Cusco to Machu Picchu, in October. The walk will raise money to support Marie Curie Cancer Care in County Durham, Teesside, Sunderland and
NEW LABOUR: P ROACHE (HAS, Jul 2) is crowing about New Labour basking in the glory of two election victories and also talks about the Miners' Gala. Let me remind him that before Neil Kinnock was leader of the Labour Party he was a thorn in the side of
Why a tree could make your living room look bigger Design Rules (BBC2) Having caused havoc in homes up and down the land with his interior design ideas in Changing Rooms, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen goes back to basics for this new series. He's following
Middlesbrough teenager Paul Veazey is set to hit the heights of Grand Prix stardom this weekend after being selected as one of the prestigious wild card entries in Sunday's 125cc British Grand Prix at Donington Park. The 17-year-old, whose father Gary
GLAXOSMITHKLINE, the pharmaceuticals company which has a major base in Harmire Road, Barnard Castle, County Durham, hosted the launch of a report into Teesdale's flora last month. The company worked in conjunction with organisations including the Durham
A SPORTS centre is supporting efforts to encourage otters into the heart of Stockton. Staff at the Castlegate Quay Watersports Centre, which is on the banks of the River Tees, have been reporting increasing signs of otters during the past year. The animals
ATTRACTION puts her 100 per cent unbeaten record on the line at Newmarket this afternoon following a quartet of breathtaking victories cumulating with a runaway success at Royal Ascot in last month's Queen Mary Stakes. Mark Johnston's flying filly is
Britain's Finest Stately Homes (five) CASHING in on public opinion polls is second nature these days to TV producers. It seems a programme can't be made without the general public being asked for their opinion first so some bizarre top ten can be complied
Skills shortages are threatening the region's resurgence. Business Correspondent Jonathan Jones investigates the causes and possible solutions. THE problem of skills shortages in the region has raised its head again. When the North-East lost its pits
AN appeal is being made to the criminal underworld to help bring the killer or killers of a drug addict to justice. The decomposing remains of father-of-two Darren "Duggie" Manders were found partly concealed under a pile of logs in a copse at Linthorpe
Crook and District: Mike Mallen broke away from his main rival on the last climb out of Hamsterley Forest to win the tough 28 mile Durham Dales Challenge which involved a circular route from Wolsingham to Middleton-in-Teesdale and return. His time of
Champions Harlow suffered an embarrassing defeat at the hands of Harrogate Racquets second teamers as the First Division race was thrown wide open. Harlow's 6-3 humbling - against a promoted side forecast by some for a swift return to Division Two - was
TRANSPORT chiefs have launched a study aiming to ease traffic congestion on one of the region's major roads. The review, commissioned by North-East business chiefs, is focusing on easing the problems on the A66 Darlington bypass. The area is seen as one
PETER Barron, editor of The Northern Echo, presented the prizes to pupils at Barnard Castle Prep School, in County Durham. Headmaster Ted Haslam also gave an overview of the year's academic performance. SUBJECT PRIZES Alice Redfearn, Helen Alderson, Ashish
A SERIES of vehicle checks has been made by police following concerns about the speed and noise of motorcycles on rural roads. North Yorkshire's Eastern Area Road Policing Group, supported by officers from Stokesley, carried out speed checks on the A170
Business Correspondent Jonathan Jones speaks to Tom Brennan, the new regional general secretary of the GMB union in the North. THE way forward for the union movement in the North-East is not through confrontation, but by co-operation. That's the view
Delivery driver, Darlington, £4.20ph, 5pm-12am Mon-Thurs, 5pm-1am Fri, Sat. Aged 25+ with clean driving licence. Ref: DAE 35264. Counter sales-warehouse person, Darlington, £10,000pa, 40 hrs pw. Experience in plumbing merchants or as plumber an advantage
Middlesbrough AC: The club's young athletes found their sternest test of the season when they faced the top two teams, Gateshead and Liverpool, in their third round NYAL premier league match at Clairville Stadium. The U17 teams provided the best results
Chilton darts team finally broke their duck for the season when they beat the visiting Prospect by the odd point. Joe Bradley and Mike Collins put Chilton ahead before Keith Hirst put the Prospect's first point on the board. However Dave Harrison and
TWO men had hospital treatment following a disturbance on Westgate, Redcar, opposite the Priory garage, at about 11.45pm on Friday. It is also believed two other men, who came to the assistance of the pair, may also have been hurt. Police are appealing
England all-rounder Craig White may consider retiring from the game following his latest breakdown at the weekend when he suffered another painful side injury while bowling for Yorkshire against Surrey at The Oval. White spent yesterday resting up at
Kevin Montgomery, a guitarist of Nashville, US - whose band The Road Trippers includes members of The Mavericks - will host a songwriting workshop as part of the Customs House Guitar Festival, South Shields. The festival runs from July 17 to July 20.
POLICE are to patrol a Darlington estate on motorcycles to catch off-road bikers. Residents in Red Hall have been complaining about motorcyclists riding around the estate and by the river. Operation Contrabas, which has been organised by the motorcycle
MARILYN Monroe, Helen of Troy and Catherine the Great will feature in a play called Goddesses, by Andy Jackson, will take place on Wednesday July 16 at Witham Hall in Barnard Castle. The show is presented by the Gallery Theatre, a new company. Tickets
SOME of the world's greatest athletes, including world record-breaker Jonathan Edwards, will compete for glory on Tyneside at the weekend. The Norwich Union Super League Athletics competition takes place at Gateshead International Stadium on Sunday. Taking
FURIOUS residents whose homes overlook a train track have accused rail bosses of destroying their privacy by felling a line of trees. But Network Rail insists the work had to be carried out because of people climbing into the branches and building tree
A FISH and chip shop has been recognised for the quality of its food with an industry accolade. Beedle's Chippy, in Shildon, has been presented with the Seafish Quality Award. There are presently 393 fish and chip shops throughout the country which have
POLICE are appealing for help to find a man who allegedly stole money from Bell's stores in Washington Crescent at 8.30pm on Tuesday, June 17. After loitering in the till area for ten minutes, a man reached into the cash register and snatched £20 before
FOR 50 years, Fishburn Brass Band has given a free concert to villagers on the eve of the Durham Miners' Gala as a thank you for their support. This year's concert will be on Friday, at 8.30pm, in Fishburn Working Men's Club. The band will also perform
A LEADING legal figure in North Yorkshire has left £20,000 to two groups in his will. Stephen Harland, founder of Harland & Co solicitors in York, died in August aged 90. He left £10,000 to the Merchant Adventurers of the City of York and £10,000
GUM boot dancing and African drumming were introduced to children at a primary school. Two African artists from the Isiziba arts group visited Bullion Lane Primary School in Chester-le-Street to introduce children to "gum boot dancing". The art form was
RSPCA Inspector Gill Corder, who works in the York area, has been presented with the Anderson-Plumbe award for her courage and conviction in difficult circumstances. In the past year she has submitted ten case files, investigated 451 complaints, issued
A TEESSIDE garage has won an award for outstanding customer satisfaction. Jennings' Ford Stockton branch received The Chairman's Award which is given each year to dealerships which reach outstanding levels of customer satisfaction for sales and after
POLICE would like to speak to the driver of a black BMW who helped a man after he was assaulted by youths. The 23-year-old was attack-ed as he walked along the A172 Dixons Bank, Middlesbrough, at about 8.40pm on Saturday. The man was approaching the junction
DETECTIVES are appealing for the public's help in tracking down a man who grabbed a seven-year-old boy in broad daylight at the weekend. Although the child was not hurt, police say he was left distressed by the confrontation in Darlington. The incident
Norton & Stockton Ancients Under-9s enjoyed success on Sunday when winning the Hartburn Tournament. Norton were unbeaten in the group stages with the highlight being an 8-0 win against Hartburn Panthers with four goals in the first half from Nathun
Keith Bailey has completed a memorable month by becoming The Northern Echo Cricketer of the Month for June after recording several eye-catching performances. Including a hat-trick in a local cup final, the Castle Eden youngster has recorded some excellent
A dean who has been criticised for his style of management has issued a "let's pull together" plea to his congregation. Ripon Cathedral's John Methuen issues his call in the July edition of his monthly newsletter. Dean Methuen says: "We must all be pulling
POLICE inquiries are continuing to establish how a car was left on railway tracks. A blue Citroen Xantia was taken from a car park at Middlesbrough railway station and placed across the tracks in the early hours of Saturday. The line was cleared an hour-and-a-half
A REVIEW is to study the relationship between Hambleton District Council and local firms. Councillors want to know what help is given to businesses and what more could be offered. Members of the authority's finance and resources over-view and scrutiny
Kevin Montgomery, a guitarist of Nashville, US - whose band The Road Trippers includes members of The Mavericks - will host a songwriting workshop as part of the Customs House Guitar Festival, South Shields. The festival runs from July 17 to July 20.
A recycling service is to be expanded across the Hambleton district after successful trials. Residents in Easingwold and Bedale will soon be able to recycle plastic bottles. New bottle banks will be installed in addition to those already stationed at
A MEMORIAL tree to remember organ donor patients and their families is to be planted at a hospital. A Red Acer will be planted tomorrow - National Donor Day - in the new courtyard outside the intensive care unit at The James Cook University Hospital,
ONE of the county's primary care trusts has been tackling the issue of passive smoking, paying particular attention to its effect on children. A 12-week project by the Craven Harrogate and Rural District Primary Care Trust has ensured that health and
FIVE nature reserves will be designated in Sedgefield borough this month in a project aimed at bringing people closer to wildlife. The idea of the Wildspace Project is to encourage local people to get involved in the creation and development of Local
A British soldier has been shot and wounded in the first sniper attack on UK forces occupying the south of Iraq since the end of the war, the Ministry of Defence confirmed today. The man is being treated for gun-shot wounds to a leg in a British Army
AN award-winning singer will show off his talents in a summer show. Civil servant Gareth Hunter, 23, was named South Tyneside Young Performer of the Year at the Pride of South Tyneside awards, at The Customs House, South Shields, recently. After hearing
BRITISH athletics legend Roger Black fears Jared Deacon will be outclassed at Gateshead this Sunday. Deacon, from South Shields, faces a huge test at the Norwich Union Super League meeting after he was a late inclusion in the race. And Black, the 1996
BIG business is supporting a new initiative to encourage North Yorkshire farmers to work in a wildlife-friendly way. The Safe (Safeguarding the Arable Farmed Environment) project has begun on ten Yorkshire farms, and is backed by the Royal Society for
EFFORTS to improve cycling in Hartlepool received a boost after plans for a £60,000 cycle-way were approved. The route through Burn Valley Gardens will connect with other routes to link the town centre to Catcote Road and Summerhill. The new cycle path
ANGRY residents stormed the opening of a bridge over a railway line after it emerged that vital safety barriers had not been installed. They forced bosses at South Tyneside Borough Council to close the bridge minutes after it was opened yesterday. Council
DESPITE sterling efforts by the Government's communications director to change its remit, yesterday's report from the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee report did not focus on the spat between Alastair Campbell and the BBC. The committee charged itself
With every bout footballer-turned-boxer Francis Jones is busy proving people wrong. And he continues his ascent in the fight game with his sixth professional bout in his hometown of Darlington next week. The 22-year-old highly-rated welterweight has enjoyed
There were no North-East junior ice hockey teams at tournaments last weekend, but they made up for it this time around. At Deeside Leisure Centre, Clwyd, the North Wales club are holding another annual Under-12 and Under-14 two-day tournament. Both Sunderland
THE proposed chief executive of the country's first schools federation has moved to allay fears that pupils could be taught by video link-ups. The Northern Echo reported yesterday how teachers in one school could be teaching classes in another using the
Durham Coast League - Under-15s: Murton made the highest score of the night when they posted 139 for the loss of just one wicket when they hosted Bill Quay. Robbie Elliott struck six boundaries carrying his bat for 55 and Daniel Laws also contributed
A NEW video tells the story of the sometimes uneasy relationship between Durham Cathedral and the county's miners. The Colliers' Cathedral, which is going on sale in time for Saturday's Durham Miners Gala, is the last in a trilogy of mining history videos
THE Government has made the "best of a bad job" with a new EU law which means that employers must properly consult their workforce. That is the verdict from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), which said yesterday it had won a number of changes
TONY BLAIR'S hopes of ending the furore over the way he justified the Iraq war looked doomed last night. His communications director, Alastair Campbell, was cleared by a committee of MPs yesterday of "sexing up" a Government dossier on Iraq. But the MPs
Federation Special Durham Senior League - Under-15s: Hetton Lyons romped to 144 and did not lose a wicket when they hosted Burnmoor. Kane carried his bat for 72 and Walter finished unbeaten on 52 before Burnmoor were restricted to 97 for five in their
Richmond Under-12s enjoyed remarkable season, first winning the Richmond and District Junior League title, winning every game except the season finale which was a match at Thirsk. They also won the League Challenge Cup Final against Northallerton, winning
Tow Law Area League: Tow Law Rose and Crown upset the league leaders at Cornsay Royal Oak when they went away with an odd point victory. Sonia Windsor and George Cairns gave the home side a great start but the visitors then took four in a row through
CIVILIANS and members of the fire and police services who showed ''extraordinary acts of courage and determination" in the aftermath of the Selby train crash were honoured at a ceremony yesterday. Lord Crathorne, Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, presented
CLAUDIO REYNA last night vowed to lead Sunderland back to the Premiership at the first attempt after committing his future to Wearside. With Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City eyeing Reyna, the United States captain insists he wants to remain loyal
Foster's Tyneside Senior League - Under-18s: Stephen Smith was again in splendid form for Lintz in their game at Consett. He ended undefeated on 72 as Lintz realised 122 before restricting the Steelmen to 51 for eight. Nathan Clennell had three wickets
Hot football prospect, Reece Ellis won two top awards at the annual Byers Green Junior presentation night held at Byers Green Workingmen's Club last Friday. Twelve-year-old Reece picked up the top scorer trophy after 34 goals in a season which saw him
A TEENAGER has won a place in the final of a national DJ and MC competition after taking part in a regional heat. Luke Shaw, 15, of Stockton, competed against more than 50 youngsters at the Newcastle heat, whose judging panel included representatives
John Gordon, who has given readers of The Northern Echo access to £6m in benefits in six years of his weekly For Your Benefit column, talks to Jonathan Jones. JOHN Gordon performs a vital service for hundreds of readers of The Northern Echo wanting answers
Darlington chairman George Reynolds has pledged his support to the town's three leading boxers and says he would love to see them fighting for a title at the Reynolds Arena, writes Craig Stoddart. This Friday sees Argie Ward, Francis Jones and Oscar Hall
The Shield (five) FORGET the bobbies at Sun Hill in The Bill - the cops on the beat in The Shield are really tough. There are no happy endings or neat morals here. Instead you get to watch a gritty drama with crooked detectives and gun shoot-outs. The
Kirby Sigston and Maltby still share leadership with identical playing records. The pair have won ten games drawn one and lost one of the 12 fixtures played so far. Kirby Sigston had eight wickets in hand defeating Kildale who they dismissed for 102 when
FEYENOORD have revealed Newcastle's interest in Brett Emerton had gone so cold that five Premiership rivals were considered more serious candidates to sign the Australia midfielder. It was claimed yesterday that Newcastle were weighing up whether to revive
CONFIDENCE in the financial services sector grew in the last quarter according to a survey by the CBI and PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC). For the first time since June last year, financial services companies reported an increase in business volumes. Twenty
A TEENAGER who won a competition to see her pop idol said it was a dream come true. Rebecca Hill, 17, who works for TMD Friction as a technical clerk, entered a competition being run by radio station Tfm for the chance to hear former Hear'Say singer Kym
SHOPFITTING and project management business Newman Scott has begun production of a polishing shop extension, creating ten jobs. The 5,000sq ft, £250,000 facility has been built at the firm's headquarters on the Teesside Industrial Estate, in Thornaby,
LANDOWNERS who can see the woods for the trees will be commended for their stewardship by the judges of a national competition tomorrow. The Forestry Commission launched its first woodlands competition this year - and the winners will be presented with
AN Army regiment will parade through a North-East town in the autumn. The Scots Guards have a gathering every two years, and the Durham and Yorkshire branch will host the celebrations on September 5, 6 and 7. The regimental band and the pipes and drums
TONY BLAIR'S hopes of ending the furore over the way he justified the Iraq war looked doomed last night. His communications director, Alastair Campbell, was cleared by a committee of MPs yesterday of "sexing up" a Government dossier on Iraq. But the MPs
The managerial merry go-round is continuing with two managers taking up positions. Tow Law finally filled their vacancy after several weeks of trying when they recruited Steve Smith, who had quit Prudhoe two days before, although it is understood that
Death by Gardening (BBC1): SEVERED limbs, infernos and electrocutions don't sound like subjects for comedy but according to presenter Tommy Walsh, accidents in the garden should have us roaring with laughter. The problem with Death by Gardening was that
CORUS'S plans to use its Redcar plant for exports of steel slab could benefit the whole of the Tees Valley. That is according to Martyn Pellew, group development director for PD Teesport. He said that long-term plans to export up to four million tonnes
IF THERE were any Flying Scotsmen in action at The Grange in Edinburgh yesterday they were quickly shunted into the sidings by the Rawalpindi Express. Scotland's hopes of overhauling Durham's 267 for seven hit the buffers in Shoaib Akhtar's second and
WOLF whistles on building sites are nothing new to Lynne Donkin and Sandra Willits. But when the workers doing the whistling find out the ladies in question are their bosses, the wolves soon become lambs. Mrs Donkin, 50, and Mrs Willits, 48, with their
EXPERTISE from the North-East is contributing to a major feature at a landmark building in London. Construction is well under way for the headquarters building for Swiss Re at 30 St Mary Axe - popularly referred to as the Gherkin. In keeping with the
AN organisation set up to improve the region's response to disasters such as terrorist attacks has held its first meeting. The North-East Regional Resilience Forum is made up of senior executives from the emergency services, local authorities, the Regional
Richmond Golf Club is to hold its Junior Golf Open on Thursday, July 24 with entries open to boys and girls. For the second consecutive year the open is being sponsored by Callaway Golf equipment, with an additional sponsor Keith James Jewellers for the
Durham League: The last unbeaten record tumbled when First Division leaders, Crook Glenholme went down at Coxhoe, where they only managed to win on one of the four rinks and lost by 98 shots to 77. Rink scores (Coxhoe names first): P. Gibson 23 A. Dunn
Spennymoor have started to strengthen their team for the new season by signing defender Gary Hobson. Hobson has made over 300 appearances in the Football League for Hull, Brighton and York City, and was released at the end of the season by York, where
Teesside Vase and Fitting Shield Final: Willington and Esh Winning were involved in a thrilling game when they met in the Teesside Vase and Fitting Under-15 Shield final at Sedgefield. Batting first Willington posted 120 for six which included 37 by Broodly
HGV Class 2 driver, Peterlee. 40hrs over 7 days, includes nights, even-ings, weekends. To deliver manufactured goods to Northern and southern Ireland. Class 2 driving licence and experience needed. Ref: PEV 20183. Store cleaner, Peterlee. £4.36ph, 16-
A Newcastle woman has become one of the driving forces behind Eastern Europe's first fringe festival. She talks to Women's Editor Christen Pears. ANYONE who has been to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival will know it can be a tiring experience - dashing from
William Orton Cup: Hylton will play Peterlee in the final of the Durham Coast League Under-18 Junior Cup. Hylton had nine wickets in hand of Castle Eden who they restricted to 92 for five which included 30 by John Spelman and 24 from Richard Ede. Andrew
The Darlington 21st Allstars held their end of season Presentation Night on Saturday, June 20 at the Dolphin Centre and this year the Allstars were lucky to have some excellent guest presenters. First up presenting the trophies were former Ipswich and
A REPLICA of Captain Cook's ship, the Endeavour, bade farewell to the fishing port its crew regard as home. More than 36,000 people have visited HM Bark Endeavour since the tall ship docked in Whitby, in May. The ship was also the focal point of a festival
PREMIER Waste Management is to manage a household recycling scheme for Gateshead Borough Council. More than 200 tonnes of paper, glass and tins were collected during the first few weeks. Premier and council staff have been touring the area to answer questions
THE history of Hadrian's Wall will be told through watercolours and photographs in an exhibition. The Time Trek show, at Segedunum Roman Fort, Baths and Museum, Wallsend, North Tyneside, features 19th Century watercolours by brothers Charles and Henry
Design Rules (BBC2) Having caused havoc in homes up and down the land with his interior design ideas in Changing Rooms, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen goes back to basics for this new series. He's following the tried and tested example of both Delia Smith and
Worthington Durham County CIU Summer League Leeholme B finally broke their duck, as they became the last team to record a victory this season. Despite having to wait for it, they did it in style at Tow Law B. The home side opened with a win from John
Host club Durham City ASC defeated visiting teams Kendal and Catterick to win a triangular under-15 tournament for the Kevin O'Neill Water Polo Cup. This event was organised as a tribute to Kevin, a dedicated worker in both swimming and water polo for
LIKE the dodo and the dingy skipper - which is a butterfly - the pie and a pint is as near as dammit extinct. It's the zealots of environmental health to blame. It's true that there's one pub in Darlington where a Taylor's growler may occasionally be
We have heard - oh Joy! - from Ralph Nichol's daughter. It rather scuppers the story, though. Ralph was the cricketer who on June 12 1937 scored his only century in 20 seasons with Bishop Auckland, claimed Normanby Hall's last three wickets with successive
The future's bright for women at a North-East call centre where dozens are expecting new additions to the family. Forty workers at the Orange Business Solutions centre, in Darlington, are pregnant - meaning baby talk will be the top plan on their agendas
Tow Law Coors: League leaders, Tow Law New Market B were taken to the wire before they edged through to beat their hosts at Billy Row Club. The home side took the two trebles points but the visitors replied by taking the first four singles through Wayne
CHARTERED accountants Keith Robinson & Co have appointed Chantelle Richardson as audit and accounts assistant. The 23-year-old is training to be a fully qualified chartered accountant and is undertaking professional exams within the next year. In
Now in its tenth year, the prestigious NFA Fishomania came to the region at the weekend for the North East Qualifier held on the Lower Tees around Yarm. Attracting a staggering 94 hopefuls, fish were in short supply. In bright sunny conditions from a
Results for Thursday, June 26 1 I Gordon/J Dobson 65.63%; 2 M Taylorson/E Dobson 63.13%; 3 R Cottrell/R Potter 62.15%; 4 A Darnell/M Pitt 57.64%; 5 G Spence/E Wilkinson 55.90%; 6 O Blenkinsopp/M Dexter 55.63%
Seventeen-year-old student Mark Richardson, from Woodham, recently made his debut for Great Britain in the World Tour Biathlon Series in Marina di Grosseto near Rome, Italy. The event was a tri-nation competition with British athletes up against competitors
Sedgefield 75 Waterpolo member Scott Carpenter played a starring role for the England Under-17 team at the five nations under-19 tournament in Stirling, Scotland. The nations taking part were Ireland, Switzerland, Wales, Scotland and England. England
DETECTIVES are appealing for the public's help in tracking down a man who grabbed a seven-year-old boy in broad daylight at the weekend. Although the child was not hurt, police say he was left distressed by the confrontation in Darlington. The incident
IN an article published in The Northern Echo yesterday, it was reported incorrectly that the Royal Scots Guards have the British Army's fourth worst record for drug abuse. The unit listed in statistics released by the Ministry of Defence was, in fact,
Sunday saw an injury-ridden and depleted Tees Valley Cougars team travel to Spalding, Lincs, where they took on the East Midlands Saxons, who a fortnight ago beat the Cougars 22-30 at Darlington. From the kick off at Sunday's game it was clear that this
Bass North Cleveland League: Loftus maintained their position at the top of Division One with an emphatic nine wickets victory at home to Ormesby Hall. When the visitors batted first they were all out in 20.5 overs with just 50 runs on the board. Jeff
Kevin Montgomery, a guitarist of Nashville, US - whose band The Road Trippers includes members of The Mavericks - will host a songwriting workshop as part of the Customs House Guitar Festival, South Shields. The festival runs from July 17 to July 20.
CRIME-FIGHTING security cameras in Darlington have won a quality award. Darlington Borough Council's CCTV scheme has secured the ISO 9001:2000 certificate after an assessment by the National Quality Assurance group. The accreditation came as the authority
A TWO-DAY event at a Newton Aycliffe factory sought to raise awareness of the need for safety 24 hours a day and the promotion of health and wellbeing. It was held for in a marquee at the front of 3M's Heighington Lane site. The event included exhibitions
A PRIMARY school was awarded for excellence in sports coaching. The Active Mark Gold honour from Sports England was welcomed with delight at Green Lane School, Barnard Castle, which is the first in Teesdale to receive the award. Nicola Moss, PE co-ordinator
Wolsingham Club fell to their first defeat of the season in the top match of the week when they played Eastgate Cross Keys. This has left the Club needing to win their final match in the qualifying league in order to take the top seeded place for the
THE closure of two post office branches in Ferryhill has been confirmed. Cleves Cross and the Broom post offices will close as part of a national programme to modernise the Post Office's network of more than 9,000 urban branches. Increased running costs
Arnold Makepeace, who earned ten shillings (50p) a week when he started work down a coal mine at the age of 16, is to be honoured for his services to the public tomorrow. Now 80, Mr Makepeace is to be made an honorary alderman of Teesdale, and become
PUPILS and teachers at a Darlington school will be taking part in a race to raise money for charity at the weekend. Twenty five children and 24 staff from Heathfield Primary School will run the Race for Life for Cancer Research UK in the town's South
THREE-times Mayor and Mayoress of Sedgefield Derrick and Audrey Lofthouse, have celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. The couple attended a service of blessing in St Edmund's Parish Church followed by a celebratory meal at Ministers Restaurant.
ONE of County Durham's oldest schools has appointed a new headteacher in time for its 400th anniversary. Steve Rodchester has taken over at King James I Community College, in Bishop Auckland, after Ed Lott left the post to work as a consultant. Mr Rodchester
FIVE nature reserves will be designated in Sedgefield borough this month in a project aimed at bringing people closer to wildlife. The idea of the Wildspace Project is to encourage local people to get involved in the creation and development of Local
Being Sarah Ferguson (five) ; The Trouble With Sleep (BBC1) SEVEN years ago Sarah Ferguson was depressed, overweight and on the verge of bankruptcy. Her HRH title was replaced with the label of the most-hated woman in the UK as her antics caused her to
PUBLIC MEETING: A public meeting was held in Stanley, Crook, to discuss the possible closure of the village school. Headteacher Shirley Oswald said the school had received a lot of support from the local community, because many parents were in favour
THE Mayor of Darlington met the Mayor of Munchkin Land during an event attended by a host of civic dignitaries. The Mayor at Home event is an annual meeting in Darlington in which mayors, council chairmen and chairwomen and other civic officials are invited
WHO says we don't live under a dictatorship? The health fascists in the EU are going to ban our vitamin pills. So now I'll have to get my large dose vitamin C (against colds and flu) from the Internet. Same with my ginkgo biloba (protects against senile
AN arts project in Stockton will hold its first exhibition at the town's Green Dragon Museum. The work, by members of the Phoenix Arts Project, will be on display until July 26. Entitled Fishing for Clouds, it is the result of months of work by about
STUDENTS from a North Yorkshire college could play a vital role in research into alternative sources of energy. The Royal Society, the national academy of science, has awarded Ampleforth College a grant to cover the cost of an investigation of the effectiveness
CHARITY golfing policemen are to see their money grow. Proceeds from the annual Cleveland Police Pro-Am Golf Tournament have been used to create a sensory garden at the Gleneagles Resource Centre for disabled children in Middlesbrough. The money from
A NEW visitor's guide hopes to attract a younger audience to the county by providing an alternative view of eating, drinking and shopping. Trendy city wining, Michelin dining, world-class DJ talent, chic sleeping and designer boutiques will all feature
A DURHAM charity shop hopes to forge a new retailing chapter with the expansion of its book department. The Cancer Research outlet in Durham's Silver Street has launched an improved book section, which organisers believe will attract brisk business. The
POLICE looking for a car involved in the theft of petrol from a garage found it being driven the wrong way down the A66, a court was told yesterday. Teenage driver Robert Thompson was heading towards oncoming traffic at the junction for Stang, near Barnard
A FORMER beauty queen convicted of blackmailing an international football celebrity was mentally ill and psychotic, an inquest has heard. Carolyn Pick, 36, who was found hanging in a bathroom at St Luke's Hospital, in Middlesbrough, while awaiting sentencing
VISITORS to a museum could have been forgiven for thinking they had stepped back in time at the weekend. Events took place at the Dorman Museum, in Middlesbrough, as it took on a Victorian guise. There was a chance to watch a Punch and Judy show, sit
TWO of the three directors suspended by Scarborough NHS Trust during an investigation into waiting list figures will not be returning to work, it has been revealed. Chief executive Alison Guy said chief nurse Liz Parker and Dr Jim Brace, director of information
TWO men had hospital treatment following a disturbance on Westgate, Redcar, opposite the Priory garage, at about 11.45pm on Friday. It is also believed two other men, who came to the assistance of the pair, may also have been hurt. Police are appealing
A FINAL reminder has been issued to anyone who wants to join in this year's summer playscheme at Hartlepool. The annual event, for children aged five to 11, gets under way on Monday, July 28, and runs until Friday, August 22. This year there will be four
The 35th annual concert of the Lanchester Male Voice Choir will be held in the Lanchester Methodist Church at 7.15pm on Friday. A varied programme from the award-winning choir will be supported by the New Zealand soprano Meera Bell Thomson, accompanied
CELEBRATIONS to mark the National Trust's 20-year stewardship of a North Yorkshire landmark will begin this weekend. The organisation took on responsibility for the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal estate, near Ripon, in 1983 and has planned a week-long
A SCOUT group is awaiting the arrival of its new play equipment - thanks to more than £1,000 in donations. Members of 2nd Northallerton (Friarage) Special Scout Group, which includes disabled boys and girls, will soon be able to make use of a range of
A COMPANY'S clerical assistants are more confident about handling large sums of cash thanks to a training scheme. Eighteen months ago, 12 assistants at the BT Service Centre in Durham began training with Protocol Skills, which provides vocational qualifications
CHILDREN will benefit from 13 out-of-school clubs after a partnership was awarded more than £264,000. The grant has been given to the Sunderland Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership from the New Opportunities Fund. It will provide more than
INSPECTORS have praised a comprehensive school which is undergoing a £10m transformation. The team from Ofsted visited St Hild's School, Hartlepool, in May, as part of a national programme of inspections. The school, in King Oswy Drive, formerly known
THE way people in the borough of Stockton are able to have their say about services is to be reviewed. In some parts of the borough residents are already represented on area partnership boards, where they are joined by voluntary groups, businesses and
A COMPANY that provides social services is to transform the grounds at its headquarters into a nature reserve. The Cares Group moved into the Old Hall, pictured above, at Byers Green near Spennymoor, County Durham, in 1996 and has since acquired 75 acres
POSTGRADUATES fear many will abandon their studies, after a decision to axe university accommodation in Durham. About 140 of Durham University's postgraduate students have received a letter from the university telling them they will have to leave their
BUSINESSES which profit from the North-East's natural beauty are being encouraged to do more to protect the environment. The initiative is aimed at hoteliers, guesthouse owners, artists and craftspeople from the Tees Valley up to Northumberland. Key to
LOCAL authorities could be replaced by "super councils" if regional devolution plans go ahead. If the North-East votes for a regional assembly, one of the current two tiers of local government will be abolished. And a team of experts said all-purpose
The strength of Newcastle's Judo teams was proved once again when a representative team from the City's clubs came home with gold medals in all the ten categories of an inter club tournament with their Birmingham counterparts. The team, made up of representatives
EVERY primary school-age child living on Europe's largest housing estate has been guaranteed a place at a local school. Plans for a new £5.5m primary school at Ingleby Barwick have been announced by Stockton Borough Council. The new school, which will
Bernard's Bombay Deam (C4) BERNARD Manning is a sad old man who thinks it is acceptable to make a living peddling racism and other offensive material. Knowing his views and his boast that, given a microphone and five minutes, he can make any audience
TEENAGE swimming sensation Joanne Jackson will be following her sister's example when she jets off for her first major international competition. Schoolgirl Joanne, from Richmond, North Yorkshire, has been selected for the 32-strong British squad to compete
BRITONS borrowed a record £13.5bn against the value of their homes during the first three months of the year, it emerged yesterday. The sum compares with the £8.05bn withdrawn during the same period a year earlier, the Bank of England said. It was also
50 years ago: Some excellent catches in the outfield are the feature of Witton-le-Wear CC's 34 run victory over New Brancepeth CC in a midweek cup tie. Jones, 13 runs and Lee, 14 runs, top score for Witton while Lee takes seven wickets for 21 runs as
Darlington legend Marco Gabbiadini trained with the Quakers yesterday and admitted 'It's great to be back'. The 35-year-old has been invited to train with Mick Tait's squad at their Maiden Castle headquarters while he mulls over an offer from the club
HONEST monarch or murderer? The public had the chance to decide when Richard III returned to Middleham Castle, in North Yorkshire. History suggests the brooding king, who chose to keep his court in Yorkshire rather than London, only clinched the throne
AS predicted, US interest rates were reduced last month by 0.25 per cent to a mere one per cent. The focus this week will be on UK interest rates, as the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee meets on Wednesday and Thursday. The prospects of lower
A visit to Beamish Museum is a real look back to the good old days... a pie, a pint and pickles on the bar. LIKE the dodo and the dingy skipper - which is a butterfly - the pie and a pint is as near as dammit extinct. It's the zealots of environmental
Durham Ranking Tournament: Michael Rhodes will move to the top of the Ranking List after he won the sixth tournament of the year, beating the former leader, Steve Thompson in the final. However life was not easy for either of the finalists as they both
One of England's oldest cathedrals is to host a black-tie gourmet dinner in a bid to raise thousands of pounds for its roof appeal, it was confirmed today. The magnificent surroundings of Ripon Cathedral will form the backdrop to the banquet for 220 guests
Meet My Folks (BBC1, Saturday) LOUISE Butler is a good-looking 19-year-old student and like most teenagers she can't get a boyfriend that her parents approve of. But instead of slamming her bedroom door, turning her stereo up and sulking, Louise made
A visit to Beamish Museum is a real look back to the good old days... a pie, a pint and pickles on the bar. LIKE the dodo and the dingy skipper - which is a butterfly - the pie and a pint is as near as dammit extinct. It's the zealots of environmental
The Harriers are enjoying the revised format of the NYSD T&F League and, after three fixtures, are heading the overall table with 66 League points, ahead of M&C and Billingham with 59 and 56 points respectively. League points are awarded, from
Bricklayer, Thirsk. 39hrs pw-plus, between 7.30am and 4.30pm, Mon-Sun, includes weekends. Must have clean driving licence, and be time-served. Multi-skilled an advantage. Ref: NOE 19475. Trainee baker, Thirsk. £5.24ph, 36.5hrs pw, include Sat, flexible
AFTER a vertigo-inducing broadcast from Middlesbrough's Transporter Bridge, radio DJ John Foster was back on terra firma yesterday. But far from returning to the comfort of the Radio Cleveland studio, he brought his afternoon show to listeners from Binns
Middleton St George lost for the first time and conceded ground at the top of Division A. They went down by 50 runs to Rockliffe Park, who are third top behind Barton. When they batted first Rockliffe Park made a useful 180 all out which included 30 by
PREPARATIONS are well under way for one of the North-East's biggest summer events, and people across the region are being invited to become involved. Instead of only watching the 16th Stockton International Riverside Festival, people are being asked to
A VILLAGE football team that once swept all before it, is being revived after a gap of almost 50 years. Heighington Football Club won a string of trophies in the 1950s and was the toast of the County Durham village. But since that successful team disbanded
Second round, June 26: Farmers Arms 168, Barningham 129; Buck Inn 126, Staindrop A 133; Barnard Castle CC QC 148, Kings Head 141; Richmond CC QC 118, Barnard Castle QC 135. First semi-final to be played at Croft on July 10 at 7.30: Farmers Arms v Staindrop
THE Durham office of environmental consultancy RPS has won its second research and development contract with Premier Waste Management. RPS is assessing a new product made from household waste which could be used as a conditioner to improve the water and
A TAKEOVER of ICI's waste management business on Teesside will safeguard at least 100 jobs, it was revealed last night. Impetus Waste Management, part of the Scott Bros group in Thornaby, has bought the business, which includes the Teesport waste disposal
BUSINESS law firm Eversheds has announced several appointments. They include three new associates and one senior associate, demonstrating the growth the Newcastle-based law firm continues to enjoy. The firm's Real Estate group has seen John Kellet promoted
Hiding among the small print, where so many of the best stories lie low, we discover the truly amazing Jim Caddy. On paper, as it were - last Monday's sports pages, to be exact - Jim's achievements are remarkable enough: record-breaking runs in the Over
BUSINESS leaders throughout the region will be attending the second County Durham business show, which takes place on Thursday at Hardwick Hall Hotel. The County Durham Development Company headlines as the presenters of the show, which aims to recognise
We have heard - oh Joy! - from Ralph Nichol's daughter. It rather scuppers the story, though. Ralph was the cricketer who on June 12 1937 scored his only century in 20 seasons with Bishop Auckland, claimed Normanby Hall's last three wickets with successive
A NINE-MONTH-old girl who died while in her father's care had come close to death twice before, an inquest heard yesterday. Each time Abbie Jade Hughes choked and stopped breathing, she had been left in the sole care of her father, Gary Hughes. Mr Hughes
Concern is growing for a North-East man who has been missing since June 26. Andrew Nunn, 46, was last seen by his wife as she left their home in Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, to take their children to school. Mr Nunn is 5ft 7in, of medium build, with short
JOHN Gordon performs a vital service for hundreds of readers of The Northern Echo wanting answers to their questions about state benefit entitlement. The 61-year-old is better placed than most to answer such questions, having spent 35 years in the civil
TWO North-East businessmen have pioneered a safety solution to tackle problems blighting the Egyptian rail network. David Seaton and Peter Houlis, of North Shields, North Tyneside, put together a package of fire detection, closed-circuit television and
THE UK's first degree in North-East studies will be launched today. The University of Sunderland course will look at every aspect of life in the region from the start of industrialisation in the 1800s to the present day. Dr Simon Henig, who is head of
TECHNOLOGY allowing police to check vehicle number plates is helping to drive criminals off the region's roads. Figures released yesterday by Northumbria Police show its mobile Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system led to the arrest of 60 people
YORK House Construction has been awarded its biggest contract to date. The company, based in Richmond, North Yorkshire, was established in 2000, and has been awarded a £4m contract by Evans, of Leeds, to create a promenade along the River Humber in Hull
