A community project has begun after a £170,000 National Lottery grant. The Alexander Project, in Redcar, is a housing project established for young single parents in the town by charity Coatham House. The plan is to provide information and practical and
PUPILS and staff at Aysgarth Preparatory School, near Bedale, are celebrating the academic success of four of their pupils. Gregory Potter, 13, of Newton-Le-Willows, Bedale, has followed in the footsteps of his eldest brother, Christopher, by winning
IT should have been the TV event of the year for me, a quiz on the box in the corner which measured your love life. But Test The Nation - The National Relationship Test (BBC1, Saturday), the show which lasted longer than some marriages, turned out to
YOUNG musicians excelled in the Darlington Festival for Performing Arts at the weekend. The music section of the festival was held on Friday and Saturday at Haughton Community School. Organisers said the number of competitors was slightly down on last
TEN-TIMES regional cross country champion Brian Rushworth defied a five minute handicap to lead Sunderland Harriers to their fifth consecutive North senior men's title in the final North Eastern Harrier League meeting of the season, writes FRANK JOHNSON
Coxhoe Boys: The Under-14s continued their march towards the title with another convincing win, this time a 5-0 victory over Jarrow Boys Club. Michael Owen (3), Ben Raine and Jamie Lawson got the goals which put Coxhoe in good shape for tonight's game
Mackinlay 6 v 4 Tioxide: This excellent end to end match saw Mackinlay pull back from 2-0 behind to end up 6-4 winners. Two goals from Kris Cuff put Tioxide 2-0 ahead early in the first half. Mackinlay fought back and were rewarded when captain Jean Hyde
An Oscar nomination for Frida is the icing on the cake for the actress who began acting in her native Mexico in the primetime soap Teresa. Steve Pratt reports. EVEN if Salma Hayek doesn't win the Oscar for best actress, she can console herself with the
THE Under-12s continued with their unbeaten record in the league with an away win against Mount Pleasant Rangers with a scoreline of 8-1, writes BEN PROSSER. They continue to close in on the league title with this impressive victory taking their tally
POLICE last night appealed for witnesses to an alleged assault which led to the death of a man making his way home from a workingmen's club. The appeal was made following the death of 59-year-old Barrie Lee at the weekend, several days after he was found
A North-East cancer expert has issued a warning about the harmful effects of sunlight. Dr Mark Birch-Machin, an internationally renowned expert on skin cancer, says there is no such thing as a safe tan. While he doesn't want to be a spoilsport after the
ALCOHOL campaigners in the North-East are calling for a controversial "libido-boosting" drink to be banned. Roxxoff, which is said to contain Chinese aphrodisiacs, vodka and passion fruit, is being investigated by The Portman Group, which promotes sensible
AN arson investigation was under way last night following a fire at a scrapyard. Firefighters were called to Whessoe Road salvage yard, in Darlington, near the North Road B&Q store, shortly after 11pm on Saturday after several calls from people who
Worthington CIU Singles Championship: Thomas Cairns of New Durham reached the final of the League Singles Championship in only his second attempt when he beat Ian Renwick of Witton Gilbert in the best of five frames semi-final at Stanley Central, where
A club providing organised activities for fathers and their children is proving a big hit. It was set up after fathers complained that there were not enough opportunities in Hartlepool for men to spend quality time with their children. Saturday Stars
The top of the table clash between leaders Chester-le-Street and Redheugh ended in an exciting 3-3 draw. Brown was twice on target and Adamson replied for Cestrians as the Reds went in at the halfway stage 2-1 in front. In the second period Laws netted
A DARING raid into the besieged city of Basra was led by an Army officer from North Yorkshire, it was revealed last night. Major Tim Brown, from Bedale, was in command of a tank unit that stormed three miles into the heart of the city, the second biggest
Willington striker Paul Gibbs is hoping the club can repay him by helping him with a university asignment, writes JOHN PHELAN. Paul, 23, a former pupil of the John Spence Community High School in North Shields is studying on a three-year foundation degree
A DRUNKEN man had to be dragged out of his flat by firefighters after he fell asleep, leaving a boil in the bag fish in a pan on the cooker. The 52-year-old was oblivious to the fact his kitchen was on fire, despite the siren from his smoke alarm. The
Alan Muse Saunders Cup Darlington are faced with a lengthy travel in the first round of this season's Cup. They must visit South Shields, but neighbours RA have a home tie against Mainsforth. Full draw: A Bishop Auckland v Langley Park; B Burnmoor v Hartlepool
40 years ago: Sir Eustace Smith is elected as the president of Barton Cricket Club. 20 years ago: West Auckland keeper Bobby Orton produces a string of excellent saves but is unable to stop Keith McNall scoring a 77th minute winner for Crook Town. Alan
A shopkeeper was fighting for his life last night after being flung from the bonnet of a car. Police last night appealed for witnesses after Rakhvinda Garcha, 29, a married father-of-two from Darlington, suffered severe head injuries in the incident.
PEOPLE will have to pay more towards maintaining their relatives' graves under plans to improve safety in cemeteries. The scheme has been devised by Darlington Borough Council to improve safety at the town's three burial sites: North Road Cemetery, West
Rehab (BBC2) Wednesday is now officially gloom and doom night on BBC2, with dramas about child abuse and premature babies followed by a demanding drama about a bunch of drug addicts trying to get clean. At two hours, this was a hard slog that demanded
After months of sickening sweetness as the wife of Coronation Street's dastardly villain Richard Hillman, Gail finally discovers this week why her fans have been shunning her. How will the soap's most tragic character cipe with beign married to a serial
TALENTED young rugby players had a day to remember at Twickenham - despite losing the match. Players at Barnard Castle School lost to Oakham in the final of the Under 18 Daily Mail cup on Saturday with a score of 28. The Leicester side scored 30. But
If you're tired of under-achieving or sick of your relationship, Susan Lever can help you change your life. Women's Editor Christen Pears reports. I'M sitting on Susan Lever's sofa, thinking of a moment in my life when I've felt nervous and worried. "
Worthington Durham County CIU League: Spennymoor A strengthened their hopes of landing the Championship when they won the top of the table clash with the visiting Old Shildon by the odd point. This pushed the Moors three points clear with three matches
AT the beginning of the week we were fighting the flab, thanks to BBC1's Diet Trials, by Thursday the battle of the bulge was a sideshow. I'm finding it difficult to be my usual flippant self concerning what's happening in Iraq, mainly because my daughter's
A man was today appearing in court charged with the attempted murder of a shopkeeper who was thrown from the bonnet of his car. Rakhvinder Garcha, 29, known as Raj, was critically injured after allegedly being flung to the ground in the incident in Bates
FLOODS Minister Elliott Morley will today see how a new scheme will protect hundreds of homes. Mr Morley is due to visit Malton, Norton and Old Malton, North Yorkshire, and meet people whose homes and businesses are protected by the £7.5m Environment
DARLINGTON-born jockey Michaela Sowerby fulfilled a long-held ambition by riding her first-ever winner last Thursday. On Tarawan, she romped to easy five-length success in the mile-and-a-quarter David Scott Lady Riders Handicap at Doncaster. "The five
Despite being seventh from top of the Wearside League, Wolviston believe they are still in with a chance of clinching a double after reaching the final of the Sunderland Shipowners' Cup last week. The Teessiders go into tomorrow's game against bottom-of-the-table
Is ending a television series when it's still pulling in the viewers a smart move or downright silly? THE TV ratings victory of the return of thirtysomething comedy-drama Cold Feet must have been viewed with mixed feelings by its creator and writer Mike
A LIFEBOAT'S crews were stunned when pensioner Margaret Calverley walked into their station and presented them with £5,000 in cash - money she had saved over 30 years. Mrs Calverley, 82, on holiday in her native town of Whitby, North Yorkshire, from her
A super-fit police officer collapsed and died while out jogging on his lunch break with a colleague. PC Mark Barnes, 29, had gone for a run around Hartlepool Marina when he became ill. The officer, a member of the town's District Support Unit, was forced
A FORMER military policeman is trying to catch up with comrades across the North-East who served in the same battalion in Germany. Norman Elley, of Middlesbrough, wants to hear from members of 1 (BR) Corps Provost Company, Royal Military Police, Bielefeld
A letter is on its way to Weatherfield District Council advocating that a strong barrier is erected on the banks of the canal. Far too many residents of Soapland are getting their feet, and other body parts, wet in this dangerous stretch of water. First
IT was the saddest of homecomings, a tear-stained reunion of the sort that no one ever wishes for. The first of Britain's fallen war heroes returned to these shores on a cheerless day to a sombre ceremony on the wide grey carpet of tarmac that is RAF
THE feeling that a friend in need is a pest was difficult to shrug off while watching The Conman, His Lover and the Prime Minister's Wife (BBC1, Thursday). A BBC producer with the unfortunate name of Lynne Alleway - a surname one letter away from the
Ways To Leave Your Lover (BBC2) How do you say it's over, that it's the end of the affair? Perhaps in a letter, or a telephone call. Or have a good row and storm out never to return. This quintet of short films offered various solutions to parting company
Bull's Head 1 v 2 Middlesbrough PO: Middlesbrough PO had to come from behind to pick up the three points after Simon Nelson had run through to give the Bull's the lead. It was not until well into the second half that Post Office hit back when Paul Leonard's
In the Kenny Ball Cup, Darlington Croft did the first division proud by defeating premier side Lord Seaham 1-0 at home. The Croft opened in fine style, taking the lead after ten minutes when John Dee slotted home a pass from Stephen Craggs but wasted
Division One - Acklam SW 8 v 0 Wolviston Res: Acklam Steelworks who although may not win the race for the League Championship, will almost certainly have a big say in the eventual winners with both Grangetown and Nunthorpe to play, sent visitors Wolviston
Hundreds of home owners have vowed to fight plans for an green 'eco- village' on their doorstep. Around 300 people attended a public meeting at Woodham Village Community Centre to discuss the plans for an urban village of 120 environmentally friendly
Hambleton Ales North Yorkshire League: Champions Harrogate Squash are in danger of being de-throned after losing a key end-of-season clash against nearest rivals Bedale. But despite Bedale's 2-1 victory in Division One, Harrogate remain top with 170 points
Back-to-back wins over Hackney White Heat and Sutton Pumas at Eston saw Conference League champions TVL Teesside Mohawks finish the 2002/03 season six points ahead of runners-up Plymouth with a record of played 22, lost one. Neither opponent was allowed
PUPILS went head to head in a chess tournament at the weekend. More than 60 youngsters at Whinfield Junior School, Darlington, took part in the British Land UK Chess Challenge 2003, which is aimed at promoting the game nationally. Pupils aged between
Darlington striker Glenn Naylor hopes to put his injury nightmare behind him after making a goalscoring return at the weekend. The 30-year-old has spent the last three months battling to overcome a serious knee injury. And Naylor is looking forward to
Newcastle United striker Craig Bellamy and partner Clare Jansen are poised to move into a luxury 16th Century mansion, worth an estimated £1.4m, on the outskirts of Newcastle. Callerton Hall, a Grade II-listed building, is set in two-acres of grounds,
A woman treated for the effects of breathing smoke after a fire at her flat was arrested by police who considered the cause as possibly suspicious. After questioning the 48-year-old tenant about the cause of the blaze, which severely damaged the first
WHEN Eddie Ellwood lifted the title of England's Strongest Man yesterday it was a fitting birthday present. The 39-year-old, from Hartlepool, celebrated his big day in style by beating off competition in the battle of the giants in Spennymoor at the weekend
A FORMER professional footballer and his childhood sweetheart are celebrating 50 years of marriage. Golden couple Harold and Betty Houlahan, from Mickle Grove, Coundon, jetted off to Benidorm for a week to celebrate. Mrs Houlahan, 70, said: "We didn't
A FORMER professional footballer and his childhood sweetheart are celebrating 50 years of marriage. Golden couple Harold and Betty Houlahan, from Mickle Grove, Coundon, jetted off to Benidorm for a week to celebrate. Mrs Houlahan, 70, said: "We didn't
DARLINGTON Borough Council is hoping to increase the percentage of domestic rubbish it recycles. Officers have been developing a scheme which enables the council to meet Government targets for increasing recycling of domestic waste and reducing landfill
THE Shildon town carnival will take place on Saturday, June 14, in the town's Hackworth Park, it has been announced. A wide variety of entertainment is planned for all the family, including Richmond Town Pipes and Drums, six-a-side football, Prince Bishop
A FAMILY was woken by a car crashing into their home. Single mother Jean Bisicker, 45, rushed downstairs to find a stolen white Vauxhall Astra wedged in the front doorway. "I just heard a big thud and I looked out of the window and saw this white car
A YOUNG boy with cerebral palsy, who has beaten the odds to begin walking, is to receive one of The Northern Echo's Positive Young People awards. When Callum Hunter started at Skerne Park Primary School, in Darlington, he was unable to walk or sit without
All four teams at the top of Division One won with top of the table Consett Churches winning 2-0 at home to Airport Church Newcastle. Andrew Poole scored after an hour and David Rowe notched in the last minute. Jesmond Parish Church grabbed a 3-0 win
Fire crews were called to the Dabble Duck Industrial Estate, in Shildon, after 1,000 plastic pallets were set alight. It took three fire engines - two from Bishop Auckland and one from Newton Aycliffe - almost an hour to put out the fire in an enclosed
Fire crews were called to the Dabble Duck Industrial Estate, in Shildon, after 1,000 plastic pallets were set alight. It took three fire engines - two from Bishop Auckland and one from Newton Aycliffe - almost an hour to put out the fire in an enclosed
A NORTH-EAST police chief fears a new breed of hooligans is following the England football team. The warning, following weekend violence involving England fans in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, will put police in the region on extra alert in the build-up
Youngsters at Easingwold School got involved in the political process by holding their own election. Campaigning continued for two weeks and Hambleton District Council lent the school polling booths, ballot boxes and authentication stamps to use with
Margaret Thatcher's former Press secretary, Sir Bernard Ingham, will give a lecture at Fountains Abbey on Thursday, April 10, at 3.30pm, to help mark the 25th anniversary of the Dales Centre for the National Trust. Tickets are £10, available on (01423
AN opticians in Hartlepool will be used as an art gallery next week, when it puts children's artwork on display. Primary schools throughout Hartlepool were invited to submit eye-themed artwork that could be used to decorate the new Specsavers store, in
A WRITING group has been set up to bring together people with creative talent. Paul Williams has set up Concept with the aim of attracting would-be film-makers and scriptwriters to work on projects that could end up on the silver screen. For more information
PLANS to build homes behind a Grade II-listed hotel in the centre of one of North Yorkshire's tourist magnets look set to be thrown out. Developers face a whole raft of objections to their scheme within the conservation area at Helmsley, on the edge of
CAN it really be nearly 12 months since Pop Idol loser Jessica Garlick suffered the indignity of not winning the Eurovision Song Contest? She somehow managed a smile and talked of "my great year" as she joined the guests for Song For Europe (BBC1, Sunday
CHESTER Garden Farm's quest for a League and Cup double in their first season remain on course. Clear at the top in the Championship race, the Farm lads are now through to the League Cup Final after a thrilling odd goal in five win against local rivals
Latest results Division One Henknowle A 3(Talbot 2, A Orton + dbls) Railway A 7 (Langley 3, Pontone 2, Thorns + dbls); DTTC B 9(Leighton 3, D Meads 3, J De Wind 2 + dbls) DTTC A 1 (I Robinson); Fire Station 5 (Ellenor 2, Keighley 2 + dbls) Railway B 5
TALKS are continuing in a bid to reach agreement over the future use of a former brewery site in a prime city centre location. But site owner Tesco has been warned that compulsory purchase measures may be adopted if it pursues plans to develop a £50m
A super-fit police officer collapsed and died while out jogging on his lunch break with a colleague. PC Mark Barnes, 29, had gone for a run around Hartlepool Marina when he became ill. The officer, a member of the town's District Support Unit, was forced
Willington League: The top two teams both lost in their final matches of the season and now have to play-off for the championship. Willington Black Horse Tavern went into the final match one point ahead of Willington Black Horse Inn but the title escaped
CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating after councillors backed their fight to preserve a piece of open ground. Residents in Blackhill, Consett, have applied to Durham County Council to have the Blue Heaps - the site of a three-day battle between Irish immigrants
TATTOO artists from round the country displayed their skills yesterday. Hundreds of visitors attended the first Peterlee Tattoo Arts Festival, at the town's leisure centre. Organiser Eddie Hardiman, of Eddie's Tattoo Studio, in nearby Horden, said he
A BANNED driver was badly injured after crashing, and writing off a £12,500 hire car, Durham Crown Court heard on Friday. Stephen Walker, 33, who had been tagged shortly after his early release from a prison sentence, had been dashing to get home in a
Being a parent can be demanding, but some Army mothers are having to cope alone while worrying about partners in the Gulf. Steve Parsley visited a support network helping to share the burden in Catterick Garrison. THE Almond Tree Project is not new; it
A NURSERY pulled out the stops to support one of the biggest fundraising events of the year. The Old Bridge Children's Day Nursery, in Shincliffe Village, joined in the spirit of Red Nose Day with the rest of the nation. Staff member Colin Musgrave had
Prince Harry is following in his older brother's footsteps - after belting out a string of karaoke tunes to pub regulars on a field trip. Three years ago, Prince William showed how he had developed a singing talent after becoming the star of an impromptu
On Sunday, March 16 the final NYSD Cross Country was held at Richmond School. In excellent weather conditions Stephanie Millar was 29th out of 41 competitors in a time of 12:44 in the Under-13 Girls race 2.55K course. In the Ladies race, Dawn Richardson
TWO schools are today to receive confirmation of a £3m boost to a city's sixth form provision. The Department for Education and Skills is announcing its latest Target Capital Funding grants, which go to individual schools for new-build schemes. Among
CONSERVATIONISTS and councillors have declared war on new pontoon piling for yachts which they say have ruined views of Whitby's picturesque harbour. The scheme - funded by the RNLI and backed by Scarborough Borough Council and Whitby Yacht Club - will
Seven Days That Shook Sven (C4); Wildlife On One (BBC1) Happily, the England team's victory in its Euro 2004 qualifier on Saturday meant the makers of Seven Days That Shook Sven didn't have to change it to Eight Days That Shook Sven. They had enough stuff
A woman treated for the effects of breathing smoke after a fire at her flat was arrested by police who considered the cause as possibly suspicious. After questioning the 48-year-old tenant about the cause of the blaze, which severely damaged the first
A CLUB singer could repeat her five minutes' of fame when larger than life rocker Meatloaf visits the North-East. Lorraine Crosby performed on the demo tape to the American legend's 1993 hit I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That). She was invited
A STOCKTON school has been redesignated as a specialist language college for the next four years. Ian Ramsey CE School, which has been Stockton's Language College for the past four years, has received a Department for Education and Skills grant of £130,000
A CLERK could face disciplinary action for allowing a local political group to print thousands of campaign leaflets using council equipment. Members of Thornaby Town Council's staffing committee are to decide what should happen to clerk Leanne Plant.
FINE weather over the weekend encouraged about 200 people to take part in a gruelling 26-mile trek to raise cash for local lifesavers. This year's Cleveland Survival centred on the village of Moorsholm, near Loftus, and took place on Saturday. Competitors
Bishop Auckland and District CIU Winter: Barry Shippen of Horndale knew his team had no chance of getting among the darts team trophies but he still finished the season in style when, for the second week running, he heard the magic cry of "180" twice
HARTLEPOOL-BORN Steve Fletcher is convinced his table-topping hometown club have not blown their chances of lifting the Third Division title. The Bournemouth striker was a constant menace to the Hartlepool United rearguard during Saturday's 0-0 draw.
PEOPLE who tirelessly do their bit for their community have been praised at Redcar and Cleveland Community Achievement Awards. Thirteen individuals and groups received the annual awards from Mayor Eric Jackson, at Eston Town Hall. The winners were: Pearl
PRIMARY school pupils joined long distance and cross-country runner Andy Caine, who has represented the England under-21s and Scotland, for a sponsored run. Pupils from West View Primary School, Hartlepool, ran laps around the school field. Mr Caine ran
PEOPLE on Teesside are being given a last chance to hand over firearms to police. Cleveland Police are declaring a month-long firearms amnesty from today, with collection points at police stations in Redcar, Stockton, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough. The
THE Government's Chief Whip, Hilary Armstrong, was confronted by anti-war protestors who burst into a Labour Party meeting in her North-East constituency. The North-West Durham MP was addressing local Labour members when several campaigners, waving banners
CATTERICK Garrison has confirmed that another batch of former Army quarters are to be sold. Annington acquired the leases of hundreds of former Ministry of Defence homes around the UK in 1997, and has been given permission to sell 2,000, as long as 50
Businesses in York claim a 50-minute power cut in the city centre cost them hundreds of thousands of pounds in trade. Coney Street, Davygate and Stonegate were among the prime shopping streets hit by the power failure on Friday afternoon, which is thought
WHEN Mick Kirkbride tackles the Pennine Way, he will not just be raising money for charity - he will be paying tribute to his two younger brothers, who died in a double tragedy last year. It will also mark the start of the healing process after a year
HIGH street chemists facing an uncertain future because of controversial proposals are to be handed a lifeline, according to Health Secretary Alan Milburn. A report from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) earlier this year recommended deregulating the industry
A TEACHER who introduced a romantic English custom to German youngsters is to be honoured. Joyce Shaw, 57, who teaches music at Greencroft School in Annfield Plain, near Stanley, County Durham, was one of only two teachers from the region to win a place
MORE than 1,000 people from around the country visited a popular North-East museum to view one of the largest collections of French Impressionist paintings to go on display in the region. The Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, drew large crowds from all
BE GRATEFUL for small mercies. That is how Hartlepool United should view the point gained from the goalless draw with Bournemouth. With Rushden & Diamonds winning on Saturday, the result at Victoria Park may not have been what the Third Division leaders
Brandon manager Kenny Lindoe slammed his team's attitude after his title challengers failed to beat bottom club Newcastle Blue Star on Saturday. Brandon had to settle for a goalless draw in a scrappy game on a bumpy pitch, and Lindoe was far from happy
Darlington Spraire Lads: THE Under-9s travelled to in-form Greatham and came away with a very good 1-0 win thanks to man of the match Wilson Kneeshaw. Spraire started strongly, taking the lead in the first ten minutes from a good throw by Zac Tervit for
New Tricks (BBC1); Walking With Cavemen (BBC1) Detective Superintendent Sandra Pulman does the worst thing anyone could possibly do in the line of duty. She doesn't take bribes, falsify evidence or beat up a suspect - she shoots a dog during a botched
Spennymoor United lost ground on the promotion places because of a last minute goal at home to Matlock. Moors looked as if they would pick up three important points, until Matlock levelled in stoppage time. Assistant manager Jason Ainsley said: "It was
Stokesley SC are just a point behind Boldon CA and have six games in hand on the leaders after comfortably defeating improving Ryhope CW. Although the Wearsiders battled hard they were no match for the home side whose star man was unquestionably Craig
FIREFIGHTERS have had to request police escorts when called out to a village after several incidents of youths hurling stones at them. Crews from High Handenhold station and Durham have been pelted with stones from youths in the Sevenacres area of Great
North Winter Alliance: With conditions more becoming of a summer's day, the last of this season's winter alliances got under way at Pannal Golf Club again with an entry of 87 pairs. As in previous events the alliances are as popular as ever, but this
The last of this season's NYSD X-C fixtures was hosted by Richmond and Zetland Harriers at Richmond School on Sunday, March 16. The early morning frost and mist gave way to a clear and sunny afternoon, perfect weather for competitors, officials and spectators
THE Government is due to be challenged over the low levels of funding given to the North-East to invest in research and development. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) said the amount received by the region was "scandalously low". Of a total
The fat-lady is clearing her throat as the Division One championship race is almost certainly over after Coundon Foresters won their 16th league game of the season. They remain 11 points clear at the top of the table with only 15 points available to second-placed
Lumley considerably enhanced their prospects of clinching the championship when they defeated nearest rivals Jarrow St Bedes 6-2. The visitors, though, twice led in the first period before Lumley went in 3-2 in front. After the break Lumley enjoyed more
Darlington Albion: Last weekend saw the Under-9s at home to Richmond Town and in a much improved performance on the previous week, Albion lost 3-2 in their first game. Chances were made at both ends but Richmond sneaked the victory by one goal with Albion's
Two players recorded hat-tricks in the Under-11 division assisting Felling and Redheugh to victories. Chaters found the net on three occasions in Felling's 4-2 win at Prudhoe, for whom Hill scored twice. Ross Heslop also hit a hat-trick as Redheugh defeated
Willington League: Hunwick Joiners Arms surprisingly lost their final match of the season but managed to hold on to win the championship because the second placed, Willington Black Horse Tavern, who were only a point behind, lost by a similar margin.
Both Darlington Simply Lasses and Middlesbrough played entertaining football in what initially looked to be a very one-sided affair with Darlington starting very strongly. But by the full-time whistle blew on their Tyne Tees Girls Youth League fixture
HEART patients are more likely to see a specialist if they live in Lithuania than in Britain, research has revealed. A recent study of heart failure patients has found that care for coronary patients in the UK is among the worst in Europe. Only one in
New County North Durham Youth League Birtley consolidated pole position in the Under-16 division with an emphatic 7-1 victory at Consett where Ross Preston was clearly man of the match. He scored no fewer than five of his side's seven goals. Birtley received
On the evidence so far, Darryll Holland is going to be a big threat to Kieren Fallon in the race for this year's jockeys' championship. Holland, whose main retainer is Geoff Wragg, has a good number of other in-form yards backing him, including Clive
MY wife once packed a bag, put the dog on its lead and announced she was leaving home... all because she never thought she'd pass her driving test. That's how serious life becomes when you're the sweaty-palmed learner wrestling with the rules of the road
The clenched fist which welcomed another hard-fought victory perhaps says it all about Neil Maddison. Out of contract in the summer and out of the side until recently, many players in his position will surely have conceded that their playing days were
JUST as disappointing as Saturday's performance by England's footballers on the field was the performance off it by the "fans" in Zurich and Vaduz. Durham's Assistant Chief Constable Ron Hogg, an expert on football policing, reports that a new generation
A sudden boost in the ratings has made Nigel Pickard's job as ITV's director or programming seem a little less like a poisoned chalice. But he still has an image problem. Heartbeat spin-off The Royal has not only earned ITV Sunday night superiority in
Police chiefs today scotched rumours that a North-East headquarters is to be sold off in a £1m-plus deal. Cut-price supermarket chain Lidl is believed to have made a substantial bid to purchase land where Newton Aycliffe police station, in County Durham
Elswick competed in the final Durham Pine North-Eastern Harrier League on Saturday at the difficult Prudhoe course. The team finished the fixture's nine races in the senior men's event with Tony Hail first counter in 37th place in 34.05. The improving
Colin Stainsby and Steve Smith's domination of dominoes continues with the pair claiming yet another national title win. The duo, representatives of the Darlington Club and Institute, based in North Road, have won the national Fives and Threes competition
At first instance Trevor Arnold doesn't appear to be a violent man, moreover, a kindly uncle, full of anecdotes and swift to offer a coffee. Sitting in his large office, he betrays the image of a man who amassed a mammoth 18 red cards in his playing days
A VISIT to the local library is more important to people in the region than a pint at the pub or a night out at the cinema. Nationwide research released yesterday by the organisers of the Library and Information Show, to be held next month, found that
The Grim Repeat comes calling in Soapland again. He's run out of patience with Roy Evans selling dodgy second-hand cars and come to take away the keys for good. This means the car dealer will leave Albert Square not in the usual mode of transport, a taxi
A 33-year-old man died while in custody at a police station, police said last night. The man was being held at Scarborough police station when he died, a spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said. The matter was referred to the Police Complaints Authority
A Royal Marine commando was killed in action yesterday when his river patrol was ambushed in southern Iraq. Several others were injured in the attack, on the Al Faw peninsula, which came as the Marines launched their biggest offensive of the war so far
Known as the Cradle of Civilization, it is regarded as the birhplace of both the wheel and double entry accounting. Nick Morrison looks at the history of the land we now call Iraq. WHILE the tribes of ancient Britain were getting to grips with agriculture
THE Under-14s were away at Dormans in the TJA Division Four on Sunday and came away with all three points after a hard-fought victory. John Henry opened the scoring ten minutes into the match with a cool finish past the advancing keeper. Both defences
GOLFERS have scored a fundraising success to help sick children. Brancepeth Castle Golf Club, near Durham City, raised £11,100 towards the work of The Butterwick Children's Hospice, in Stockton, during Gary Cooper's year as captain. The money was raised
A HOST of star names are coming to Darlington Civic Theatre this summer. The venue launched its summer repertory programme by revealing plans for four contrasting plays. The first production, called Sailor Beware! will feature Footballers' Wives star
TRIBUTES have been paid to a stalwart North-East fundraiser who dedicated his life to helping victims of steroid side effects. Laurie Pattinson, of Peterlee, died after 40 years of taking Prednisolone, prescribed for asthma when he was a younger man.
Aycliffe and District League - Overall: Red Lion 152, Royal Hotel 148, Navy Club B 140, Iron horse 140, Horndale B 136, Southern Club 134, *Horndale A 132, RBL 126, RAFA 118, North Briton 110, Turbinia 106, Blakes 106, Navy Club A 100, R Telegraph 100
WHEN Pearl and Lynne Appleby changed the name of their modest semi from No 56 to Hog Haven, they meant it. For Pearl, 80, and Lynne have 67 hedgehogs in their Redcar, east Cleveland, home-cum-sanctuary, which is cluttered with boxes, newspapers and hedgehog
Billingham Bears were victorious in both of their English Under-16 North A League matches at the weekend. The wins guaranteed Bears runners-up slot behind winners Sheffield Rapiers. On Saturday Bears hosted Blackburn Eagles and went ahead in the 28th
A capacity entry at the Oaks Sessay filled Maple Lake during Sunday's match and Cleveland Angling Centre rods dominated the top of the scoresheet headed by last week's jackpot winner the Mr Consistent Chris Hawkes. Fishing into the corner and towards
You'd expect a man whose wife has run off with their child and whose father has died suddenly would elicit sympathy from people. But not Barry Evans. The most useless lump in Soapland continues to try our patience in EastEnders (BBC1). Winning the pancake
A game of two bedrooms. Happily, the England team's victory in its Euro 2004 qualifier on Saturday meant the makers of Seven Days That Shook Sven didn't have to change it to Eight Days That Shook Sven. They had enough stuff to be going on with anyway.
County Super League: Shildon A went down to their first defeat of the season when the visiting Crook B won by six points. Crook B had two wins from Darren Tinkler, Cliffy Owens, Johnny Mason and Les Scott whilst Gavin Witton and David Stephenson added
FEARS of violence breaking out at an Orange march at the weekend proved unfounded. Despite some threats of violence against the marchers, who were accompanied by a significant police presence in North Yorkshire, it passed almost without incident. The
VICTORY in their last two games at home to Liverpool St Helens and away to relegated Hull Ionians will see Mowden Park finish fifth in National Three North. That's the same as last season, but it's a tougher division now and this time they are going out
TALKS are continuing in a bid to reach agreement over the future use of a former brewery site in a prime city centre location. But site owner Tesco has been warned that compulsory purchase measures may be adopted if it pursues plans to develop a £50m
Northern League chairman Mike Amos believes the effect of the forthcoming change in the pyramid system will barely affect the Albany Northern League. The Nationwide Conference has announced the formation of North and South Divisions, using clubs from
I remember playing in a local Sunday League match in the 1970s and one of our team played wearing an earring. He received a lot of stick that morning from teammates, the opposition and from the supporters on the touchline. At half time he took the earring
UP-AND-COMING Sunderland Harrier Mark Hood fulfilled an ambition by beating one of the North-East's top road racers, Stewy Bell, for the first time as he led from start to finish in yesterday's Chester-le-Street 10K. But although the 21-year-old university
THE Shildon town carnival will take place on Saturday, June 14, in the town's Hackworth Park, it has been announced. A wide variety of entertainment is planned for all the family, including Richmond Town Pipes and Drums, six-a-side football, Prince Bishop
CHILDHOOD sweethearts Jimmy and Jean Geldard certainly had an explosive start to their relationship. The couple, who celebrated their golden anniversary on Friday, met, at the age of 12, at a Bonfire Night display in Darlington. But it was another three
Motorists are warned about the temporary closure of West Lund, Kirkbymoorside, for five days from today for road widening and lay-by construction. The swing bridge in Whitby will be closed from 6.30am today until 7pm tomorrow so that new machinery can
A FREE lecture covering the changing needs for trade unions in the 21st Century will be given at Teesside University by Bill Morris, general secretary of the Transport and General Workers Union. Called Trade Unions in the 2000s, it will be held at the
Crook Ladies League: There were no surprises in the First Round of the League Knockout Cup, although Billy Row Green came close to upsetting the visiting Victoria Club, who trailed by the odd point but took the team game to edge through. Results: Billy
YOUNG people are being targeted in a keep-fit initiative aimed at preventing disease. Durham Dales Primary Care Trust has been chosen to run a Local Exercise Action Pilot Scheme (Leap), which will encourage children to take more exercise. The primary
GOLFERS have scored a fundraising success to help sick children. Brancepeth Castle Golf Club, near Durham City, raised £11,100 towards the work of The Butterwick Children's Hospice, in Stockton, during Gary Cooper's year as captain. The money was raised
AFTER eight decades of disuse, an integral part of one of the great stately homes of North Yorkshire has finally been opened up once again. The 19th Century coach house of Ripley Castle, near Harrogate, were bricked up 80 years ago for safety reasons
WHEN Pearl and Lynne Appleby changed the name of their modest semi from No 56 to Hog Haven, they meant it. For Pearl, 80, and Lynne have 67 hedgehogs in their Redcar, east Cleveland, home-cum-sanctuary, which is cluttered with boxes, newspapers and hedgehog
Newcastle United striker Craig Bellamy and partner Clare Jansen are poised to move into a luxury 16th Century mansion, worth an estimated £1.4m, on the outskirts of Newcastle. Callerton Hall, a Grade II-listed building, is set in two-acres of grounds,
The pairs semi-finals and final are to be played April 4. At the Cleveland Club, MC A Stainsby: A Stainsby/J Middleton (Cleveland) v A Grainger/D Insley (Locomotive); J Cooper/T Jackson (Model T) v J Elliott/R Bromfield (Duke of Wellington); W Porritt
A woman treated for the effects of breathing smoke after a fire at her flat was arrested by police who considered the cause as possibly suspicious. After questioning the 48-year-old tenant about the cause of the blaze, which severely damaged the first
FAR right extremists have revealed more plans to contest council seats in the May local elections. The National Front (NF) has said it is putting forward candidates to contest five wards in Newcastle - the first time since the mid-1980s. In Sunderland
Sun high in its heaven, March in a meteorological madhouse, a bloke in the middle of the cricket field is cutting the expectant square and singing "On a wonderful day like today" in a very fair tenor. Save for the corn not being as high as an elephant's
FINE weather over the weekend encouraged about 200 people to take part in a gruelling 26-mile trek to raise cash for local lifesavers. This year's Cleveland Survival centred on the village of Moorsholm, near Loftus, and took place on Saturday. Competitors
At home to Darlington RA in the Women's Northern League Division One, Chester-le-Street dominated from start to finish and could have scored more. Ashley Scott, Vikki Ryder, Rachel Weightman, Suzy Falconer and Rachel Furness all had chances before Ryder
A club providing organised activities for fathers and their children is proving a big hit. It was set up after fathers complained that there were not enough opportunities in Hartlepool for men to spend quality time with their children. Saturday Stars
A NORTH-EAST police chief fears a new breed of hooligans is following the England football team. The warning, following weekend violence involving England fans in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, will put police in the region on extra alert in the build-up
PROMOTION was virtually handed to Darlington when Cleckheaton's implosion continued with a 38-24 home defeat by Chester. Following their 47-17 win at home to Huddersfield, Darlington need now win only one of their two remaining games to finish top of
WAR AGAINBST IRAQ: AM I having a bad dream or is what I am reading (Echo, Mar 24) really true? The US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has the neck to declare that Iraq is in violation of the Geneva Convention on the treatment of prisoners of war by
A FORMER nurse who now teaches science has been praised as a shining example in her field. Jackie Morris' skills in inspiring children of all abilities in their science studies at Easington Community School, has resulted in her being picked as the leading
THREE children with a talent for verse wrote their way to treats for their mothers. Pupils from primary schools in the Stanley area were asked to write a poem about what their mother meant to them in a Mother's Day poetry competition, sponsored by Asda
Protests against plans to turn part of a recreation area into a car park are gathering pace. Durham City Council is proposing to turn 40 per cent of The Sands common land into a car park for up to two years, while the Walkergate development is built on
FIVE years of fundraising by parents has raised about £16,000 for a school minibus. The Chorister School, Dur-ham, has one minibus, but to transport pupils to sports fixtures or other events, teachers often had to hire a second bus or rely on parents.
A MILITARY museum is passing on the secrets of its success to would-be competitors. A Norwegian mayor visited the Green Howards Museum, in Richmond, to pick up tips for their own planned attraction. Erland Lkken, Mayor of Dovre Kommune, in Gudbrandsdal
COMPUTER kiosks that will give people access to council services are about to be installed throughout Sunderland. The Labour-run authority hopes to maintain its ranking in the premiership of councils by making it easier for residents to access its help
Boddy Printers Sunday League: In the cup, Cleveland Inn beat Redcar Glazing by the odd goal in three and will now meet Poverina in the final. John Ryan put Cleveland ahead early on but Redcar Glazing were finding it hard to penetrate Cleveland's defence
Sedgefield 75 ASC enjoyed a golden weekend at Newcastle in the Northumberland and Durham Age Group championships with six swimmers competing they gained eight gold four silver and two bronze medals. Swimming in 20 events they made 15 finals. The swimmers
City of Durham Dragonflies The City of Durham Dragonflies Under-9s were away to East Durham and started quite well but were unable to put the ball in the net, despite having lots of chances and were eventually punished by the hosts who took the two chances
Six girls from the South Durham Gymnastics Club performed superbly at the regional finals as they collected a haul of medals while the club also picked up the overall team award, writes JOHN PHELAN. Held in Newcastle and competing at compulsory level
FAR right extremists have revealed more plans to contest council seats in the May local elections. The National Front (NF) has said it is putting forward candidates to contest five wards in Newcastle - the first time since the mid-1980s. In Sunderland
TRIBUTES have been paid to an Aycliffe Angel who has died at the age of 82. Bessie Liddle worked at the munitions factory at Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, during the war, but was better known for her role in the community of Sunniside, near Tow Law.
North League results Premier Division: Ben Rhydding 1, Oxton 3; Brooklands 3, Harrogate 2; Sheffield Hallam 4, Southport 2; Sheffield U Bankers 4, Wigan 0; Warrington 2, City of York 7. Division One: Alderley Edge 2, Chester 1; Doncaster 6, Deeside Tamblers
Latest results Dominoes - Division One: Wheatsheaf pld 23, pts 57; Football Club 23, 57; Green Tree 23, 53; Duke of Wellington 23, 50; Nags Head A 23, 48; Workingmens Club C 23, 47; Workingmens A 23, 47; Elders A 23, 45; County Arms 23, 42; Masons Arms
Magician Paul Daniels has been told by doctors to reduce his workload after a recent health scare. The 65-year-old, who was born in South Bank, Middlesbrough, was treated for an infection and exhaustion after he became ill last Tuesday as he was preparing
Nunthorpe Boro Bruins picked up the first silverware of the Durham League season when they beat Durham Knights 96-91 to win the Womens Handicap Cup. Nunthorpe even did it the hard way in giving their opponents a 40 point start and agreeing to play the
Brandon Station, winners of the Durham County Trophy 3-1 against Sporting Club Sunderland on Monday, March 17 at Durham City's Archibald Stadium, went down 2-1 to lowly placed Birtley Town Reserves. Brandon were in front after 50 minutes, Paul Webster
Blessed by beautiful sunshine, last week saw a great few days for our area when Stockton-on-Tees Council hosted the annual conference of the Association of Civic Hosts. This is the regular get-together for the people who run civic catering and hospitality
Thirsk Under-10s took on Bedale Under-10s last Sunday at Bedale High School in glorious spring sunshine and this 11 a-side match marked the end of both teams' seven a-side fixtures. Falcons got off to a strong start with their impressive pace and passing
Bowman Anderson Accountants Spennymoor Sunday League: Division Two leaders Horndale and promotion rivals Postchaise battled out a fiercely competitive draw last week. A win for Horndale would have put them firmly in the title driving seat. They lead by
FIREFIGHTERS attending a grass fire on the Eston Hills found a young boy who had cut his head. He is thought to have gone over the handlebars on his bike after riding too quickly down a hill at Barnaby Moorside. Officers from Grangetown fire station gave
PEOPLE do not often have a chance to question a judge's decision, but the public were invited to do just that on Saturday. Teesside Magistrates' Court held an open day to give people the chance to learn about what they do and consider taking up a career
FIREFIGHTERS have had to request police escorts when called out to a village after several incidents of youths hurling stones at them. Crews from High Handenhold station and Durham have been pelted with stones from youths in the Sevenacres area of Great
A doctors' surgery is to close because health managers believe the money can be better spent elsewhere. The surgery in the village of Goathland, on the North York Moors, is only open for two one-hour sessions a week and is under-used, said Robert Flack
A CLUB singer could repeat her five minutes' of fame when larger than life rocker Meatloaf visits the North-East. Lorraine Crosby performed on the demo tape to the American legend's 1993 hit I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That). She was invited
NEW rules giving greater protection to shoppers who buy faulty goods have been welcomed by trading standards chiefs. The Sale and Supply of Goods to Consumers Regulations 2002, based on a European Directive, comes into force today and builds on the strong
EYV SAUNDERS has revived the traditional craft of hand-hooking to make handbags and rugs - from old plastic bags. Ms Saunders, who works for Middlesbrough's Arts Development Office, said: "All of these pieces are really hard-wearing and are designed to
GRANTS worth more than £150,000 have been approved by councillors in Hartlepool to support community groups and voluntary organisations in the town. Hartlepool Borough Council has agreed ten awards from its Community Pool, which gives financial assistance
