Archive

  • Opportunity to star in poster campaign

    A COUNCIL is looking for people to become the faces of its new poster campaign. Stockton Borough Council's Care For Your Area team is looking for five people to appear on the posters as part of the campaign Recycling is Easy . . . Let's do it Together

  • Bridge forgotten?

    Sir, - Before the last council elections as my wife and I went to vote at the Parochial Hall in Sowerby, Coun Mark Robson was standing outside the hall greeting voters. I asked Coun Robson what was going to be done with regards to the bridge on Blakey

  • Factory reunion

    FORMER workers at the Bursgreen woodwork factory, at Fencehouses, near Chester-le-Street, will gather at a reunion in the town's Dubmire Royal British Legion Club, on Friday, September 10 at 7.30pm. For details, call Bill Cowling on 07779 515435

  • Knife found on 12-year-old child

    AN alert has been issued by police in Harrogate after a 12-year-old child was found carrying a knife similar to the one used in the school murder at Lincolnshire. North Yorkshire police in Harrogate fear that other youngsters could also be carrying similar

  • Let's see more of the cheeky border terrier

    IF a successor were ever needed to Nell, the late lamented roving collie of Radio Cleveland fame, Spectator would immediately nominate Raq. Raq is the cheeky-faced little border terrier accompanying Eric Robson on his journeys from the Lakes to Northumberland

  • Caldwell happy to cross the great divide

    BORN in Stirling, Steve Caldwell could only imagine what the rivalry that existed between Newcastle and Sunderland was like. But as a young Scottish football enthusiast, he quickly became familiar with just how strong the hatred was among the two sets

  • £10,000 school support for young arsonist

    COUNCIL chiefs have agreed to pay £10,200 in the hope of preventing an 11-year-old arsonist from setting fire to his new school. Redcar and Cleveland Council's cabinet decided on Tuesday to approve the payment for a full-time mentor to continue working

  • Force's 'fast lady' is star attraction

    THE North's fastest police woman on two wheels will be one of the attractions at Sunday's tenth Bikewise fun day in Durham. Alison Bonar, 32, is the only female officer from the Tweed to the Humber to have mastered the heavyweight Honda Pan European bike

  • Bin sense

    Sir, - I read with interest the two letters printed in your paper (D&S, July 30) with regard to the roll-out of the alternate weekly wheeled bin collection scheme. Hambleton District Council, along with all other refuse collection authorities, have

  • Grain report

    by Robin Twizell RMD Agriculture NEARBY wheat prices had dropped to the normal new crop price, but the weather has reversed this with many end users looking a bit nervous about spot wheat. Generally, new crop prices have remained unchanged, with very

  • Swopping The Tinkerman for Thinkerman

    A year on from their Russian Revolution, Chelsea are about to discover the outcome of their Portuguese putsch. Roman Abramovich brought the glamour back to Stamford Bridge when he arrived on the King's Road last summer, but his multi-million pound investment

  • Birth of Ashley makes it five generations - twice over

    THE birth of Ashley Ainsley three weeks ago has led to the remarkable feat of two families, one in Wensleydale and the other in Darlington, both extending to five generations. "It hasn't sunk in yet, it was quite a shock," said John Sloan, 89, of Gilling

  • Pensioners urged to claim

    PENSIONERS are being urged to ensure they claim money to which they are entitled. A campaign, called Pick It Up, It's Yours, will be launched in County Durham next week. The drive is being organised by County Durham Partners Against Poverty and aims to

  • Help put Roman fort on the map

    NORTH-EAST youngsters will be turning back the clock next week to help map one of the largest Roman forts in the region. Although the defensive ramparts and some of the fort at Binchester, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, still survive, a civilian

  • Key scheme proposed for gates on rights of way

    A NATIONAL key scheme for gates on public rights of way has been proposed. The Country Land and Business Association's idea is to overcome the problem of stock escaping from a field when a gate is left open by mistake. Landowners cannot lock a gate on

  • Museums team up for project

    TWO museums have produced an online resource that aims to make their collections accessible in the classroom and at home. Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle, County Durham, and the Oriental Museum, in Durham, have collaborated on the What's in the Box? project

  • Long battle over right of way is finally settled

    A 27-YEAR wrangle over a right of way near Richmond appears to be over after councillors agreed to downgrade the route from bridleway to footpath. The decision satisfied farmers and landowners but angered cyclists and horse riders, who said they would

  • Who you gonna call? The charity ghostbusters of course

    CHARITY ghosts hunters are to investigate spooky goings-on at a country pub. Sue Scott, of Spooks for Animals, has organised the sponsored overnight stay at the Dog and Gun pub and restaurant, in Potto, where staff have experienced and seen things they

  • Chefs get ready for food fair showdown

    READY, Steady, Cook comes to one of the region's museums this month as part of a popular country festival. Local chefs will compete against each other in the style of the BBC programme at the Teesdale Food and Craft Fair this month. The front terrace

  • Comment: Weak FA fall short in Sven statement

    IN an ideal world, the Football Association would have done one of two things last night. It would either have given Sven Goran Eriksson its unequivocal backing, arguing that he was the best man to take England into the next World Cup and that his private

  • Pony dates

    Aldbrough St John Feast. - Aug 9: Starting at noon. Gymkhana, show jumping and fancy dress. Everybody welcome. Details from Ginny Jukes, 01325 374330. BHS County Durham. - Aug 8: Ride to mark opening of new track bed route. Meet Baydale Beck lay-by (Coniscliffe

  • Snap into action...

    WITH spectacular coastlines, moors and valleys, the North-East and North Yorkshire provide some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. The Advertiser is encouraging amateur photographers to capture the area on film, memory card or camera phone for

  • Show marks ten years' framing

    A COUPLE who run a picture framing business in West Burton, near Leyburn, are celebrating their tenth anniversary in the village by holding a delightful and varied art exhibition in their barn. Bill and Jan Oakey invited artists who have had pictures

  • McClaren buoyant

    THE profile of Steve McClaren has never been so vibrant. Leading Middlesbrough to their first major piece of silverware in February led to him being branded as one of the top manager's around. That is why the name of McClaren is mentioned as a replacement

  • Link helps smoke house expand

    A NORTH Yorkshire smoke house plans to double its production following a £250,000 expansion. Bleiker's Family Smoke House, which produces 150 tonnes of smoked fish and meat a year, underwent a refurbishment programme after taking extra space at its premises

  • Youth on court order faces jail

    A TEENAGER is facing the prospect of a jail sentence, days after breaching an anti-social behaviour order, imposed only last week. Scott Wood was served with the order, which will be in force for four years, when he appeared at Teesside Magistrates' Court

  • Summers time at MetroCentre

    THE latest addition to the Ann Summers empire opens in the region today. Jacqueline Gold, the group's chief executive, will join the face of Ann Summers, Luci Victoria, to open the outlet in the Gateshead MetroCentre. Ms Gold said: "The North-East has

  • Borough adds weight to wind farm objections

    COUNCILLORS have added their opposition to a controversial proposal for a wind farm just off the Redcar coast. At a meeting on Thursday of last week, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council planning committee agreed to lodge an objection to the plans with

  • Gift store opens

    Independent retailer Helen Humphreys has opened her third children's gift store in the Gateshead MetroCentre. Candi joins her other two outlets, Kid and Babe, at the centre. The first two stores sell baby equipment and products aimed at younger children

  • Five-fold rise in online spending

    Online credit card spending has risen five-fold during the past four years, figures showed. The Association of Payment Clearing Services said one in ten credit card transactions took place online during the second half of last year, up from one in 50

  • Hospital conversion plan welcomed as a new start

    CONVERSION of Scorton hospital to a nursing home, Alzheimer's unit and old people's flats would open up a new chapter in the village's life, a senior councillor has said. Proposals by the Hospitaller Order of St John of God and Bowood Care to redevelop

  • Work begins on park project that may create 20,000 jobs

    WORK has begun on Sir John Hall's multi-million pound vision for Wynyard Business Park, near Stockton, which it is hoped will create up to 20,000 jobs in the region. Last night, it was announced that construction group Bowmer and Kirkland, based in Sunderland

  • Brewer spending £200,000 a year on empty building

    Brown Ale maker Scottish Courage has been accused of wasting millions of pounds as it prepares to cut jobs. The brewer is contracted to rent a depot on Tyneside at a cost of £200,000 a year for the next 20 years - a total of £4m. But it has never used

  • Meet route could change as advice piles up

    A CHANGE to the route of Barnard Castle Meet could be on the cards next year as the committee strives to comply with ever-increasing advice on safety. President Andy Willsmore told Wednesday's annual meeting that the committee - whose ranks swelled to

  • After a miserable June may July's rejuvenation continue

    JULY started miserably, as June left off, cool, cloudy and wet. The weather slowly improved from the 13th, and summer definitely returned during the last seven days. This was the opposite of the apparent, usual trend at this time of the year, the start

  • Government gives £1.5m boost for medical research

    MEDICAL research in the region has received a £1.5m boost. The Department of Health allocation is to encourage research at several centres in the region. Because Newcastle Medical School has been operating for 180 years, research has tended to be concentrated

  • Racing prospects

    Karo de Vindecy, who turned in a career best effort when successful at Sedgefield last week, can follow up under a penalty in the LJJ Contractors Handicap Chase over two miles and five furlongs back at the same course this afternoon, writes Richard Young

  • Senior management changes afoot at Bede plc

    X-RAY technology specialist Bede plc has shaken up its senior management team. The Durham company has promoted James Polasik to the dual role of chief operating officer and head of sales with immediate effect. The move will allow chief executive Dr Neil

  • Partnership vital to Boro's hopes for new term

    NEW boy Ray Parlour could be central to Middlesbrough's chances in more ways than one, as the former Arsenal star expects his midfield partnership with George Boateng to play a "vital" role in the forthcoming campaign. Parlour made his Riverside debut

  • Shop Talk: Life, the universe... and quiche lorraine

    The answer to all those burning questions is only a phone call away... GOT a question? Need an answer? As long as you've got credit on your mobile phone, all the wisdom of the universe can be yours for £1 a throw. You know how it is - you're in the pub

  • Back to the future for Hodgson

    DAVID Hodgson could never have anticipated what he was letting himself in for when he made a shock return to Darlington in November last year. Indeed, few could have imagined Hodgson would be the man then chairman George Reynolds would turn to in his

  • Ill-fitting shoes may have contributed to knife death

    A PAIR of oversized shoes may have contributed to the bizarre death of a care home worker, who bled to death in front of her daughter. Dish washer Linda Hayes, 51, died when she fell on the kitchen floor and a five-inch knife she was carrying on a chopping

  • Guisborough and Bishops all set for vital title clash

    THE match of the day in the premier division tomorrow is between leaders Guisborough and third-top Bishop Auckland at Fountains Garth. Only 22 points separate the pair and, with 160 points still to play for in the remaining eight games, both sides are

  • George I and Doggarts' blue eyed boys

    SERIOUS students of these offerings may have noted that last Thursday's John North column was chiefly given over to Glenn Reynolds - Quaker, shaker, author and Darlington councillor - while the following day's Backtrack was devoted in its artless entirety

  • Offshore off-licence drops anchor again

    BUSINESSMAN Philip Berriman will relaunch his floating off-licence on Monday. Mr Berriman, 46, who recently had £150,000 of alcohol and cigarettes detained by Customs officials, is setting up his floating shop 13 to 14 miles off Hartlepool. Mr Berriman

  • Fears grow for future of threatened hen harrier

    THIS year's breeding figures show that there is cause for concern over England's most endangered bird of prey, the hen harrier. English Nature, the Government's independent wildlife adviser, has announced that there were ten nesting attempts in the country

  • Veteran partnership takes on world's best

    THE boss of a Weardale caravan company was part of the Great Britain team which took fifth place in the world carriage driving championships. It was the first time that Jim Robson of Wolsingham had been chosen to represent Britain in the World Singles

  • The best Xbox game since Halo

    The Chronicles Of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay, Format: Xbox , Publisher: Vivendi Universal, Price: £39.99: BASING a game on a movie franchise is usually the kiss of death but The Chronicles of Riddick marks a fine exception to that rule. The first

  • Burton's Bytes: The best Xbox game since Halo

    The Chronicles Of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay, Format: Xbox , Publisher: Vivendi Universal Price: £39.99: BASING a game on a movie franchise is usually the kiss of death but The Chronicles of Riddick marks a fine exception to that rule. The first

  • Bothams rocked by jewellery break-in

    THIEVES got away with jewellery worth an estimated £70,000 after raiding the home of cricket legend Ian Botham in the region. The burglary took place at the former England star's country house in Ravensworth, near Richmond, North Yorkshire. The thieves

  • Warning after baby boy dies on sofa

    MOTHERS have been warned about the dangers of sleeping with their babies after the death of an eight-week-old boy. An inquest into the death of Joel Spencer Nicholas heard how he was put to sleep beside his mother, Alison Peace, on the sofa at their home

  • Chefs get ready for food fair showdown

    READY, Steady, Cook comes to one of the region's museums this month as part of a popular country festival. Local chefs will compete against each other in the style of the BBC programme at the Teesdale Food and Craft Fair this month. The front terrace

  • Consultation not confrontation, says new chairman

    THE leader of Craven District Council has been elected chairman of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority. Carl Lis was voted in at the authority's meeting at Ingleton on Tuesday of last week. Jerry Pearlman is the new deputy chairman. Mr Lis has

  • Time for the young ones to come of age

    The big names may be the ones that grab the headlines but at all of the North-East clubs there are diamonds waiting to shine. All they require is a little polish. Northern Echo Sport looks at five young players who will be looking to leave their mark

  • Courtney beats the odds to win gold at transplant games

    AN 11-year-old girl has overcome health problems to win gold at the British Transplant Games. Courtney Atkinson almost had to miss the competition, held in Norwich at the weekend, through ill health. But she rose to the occasion and surprised everyone

  • Memorial will be held over war deaths

    TWO events are being organised to remember North-East sailors who lost their lives at sea, as part of Merchant Navy Week. A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 3, at 11am at the Memorial Garden opposite Redcar Cenotaph, with refreshments

  • Museum's country fair has Georgian flavour

    THE hustle and bustle of a Georgian country fair will be recreated at the weekend. The event will be staged at Pockerley Manor at Beamish Museum, near Stanley, from 10am until 5pm, on Saturday and Sunday. On each of the fair days, a Northumbrian piper

  • Kendrick hoping to put nightmare behind him

    Twelve months later than scheduled, and in a different country, Darlington defender Joe Kendrick is relishing his first opportunity to compete in the cut and thrust world of league football. The 21-year-old has featured heavily in Quakers' pre-season

  • Great progress

    LAST Sunday was a glorious day in the new history of the Wensleydale railway. On Yorkshire Day, new stations opened at Bedale and Redmire and an extra daily service started. These are important steps along the line to a future as a truly useful railway

  • Looking Back

    FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - Barnard Castle possesses such a reposeful old-world appearance that mention of anything modern in connection with the town sounds almost incongruous. But in these days of advanced sanitary ideas there is no excuse

  • Abbeys' Norman origins revealed in the vaulx of Ure and Rye

    FROM time to time, I am asked why two of this region's most beautiful ruined abbeys have very foreign-sounding names. Those abbeys are Jervaulx and Rievaulx whose titles reveal their Norman-French Catholic origins, and I was reminded of this during a

  • Pulled to safety from swollen river

    CAMPERS have described the rescue of a newly-wed who became stranded in the middle of a flooded river. The 20-year-old honeymooner was trapped on an island in the middle of the River Ure, at West Tanfield, near Ripon, North Yorkshire, for an hour-and-a-half

  • Students say it with flowers

    A COLLEGE for people with disabilities is celebrating after a floral creation by students won a best-in-show award at the Gateshead Summer Flower Festival. Students at Finchale College in Durham also won a gold award for their design, Hell to Heaven.

  • Lastminute announces restructuring

    ONLINE travel business lastminute.com yesterday announced plans to cut 350 jobs across the UK as part of a drive to reduce costs by ten per cent in the next financial year. The business review, which follows a string of acquisitions, is likely to result

  • If our masters haven't got a clue, who will react?

    I AWOKE on Wednesday of last week to the shrill tones of Mrs Beckett on Farming Today at 6.45. The Secretary of State was in the House firing a parting shot at farmers before hitching up the caravan and heading for Europe. Her topic was, as usual, the

  • Once-threatened breed to see its centenary sale

    A SPECIAL centenary celebration will take place between a sheep society and an auction mart later this year. The annual show and sale of the Wensleydale Longwool Sheep Breeders' Association on Friday, October 1, marks 100 years of the event under the

  • Darlington FC's new owners to deliver insists Chief Executive

    THE chief executive of Darlington Football Club today insisted that the Quakers' new owners would deliver on their promises. On the eve of the new football season, Andy Battison talked to The Northern Echo about the Sterling Consortium's aspirations,

  • Midnight date for football fans

    SUNDERLAND football fans must await the midnight chimes tonight to be among the first to sport the team's new strip. The Stadium of Light store will open its doors just after midnight to give die-hard fans the chance to buy the new-look red and white

  • Chilling warning on CJD menace

    HOPES that the worst of the human "mad cow disease" nightmare is over are today dashed by scientists who warn that Britain could still face an epidemic. New evidence published in The Lancet suggests that many more people may be susceptible to variant

  • Pub's drinking hours are extended despite protests

    A PUB has been granted an extension to its public entertainment licence, despite objections from residents including the village mayor. The Hope Inn, in Front Street, Sedgefield will now be allowed to stay open until midnight from Monday to Saturday and

  • Arrest in attack case

    POLICE have arrested a 20-year-old man in connection with an attack on an 83-year-old woman. Lilian McTomney, who is believed to suffer from Alzheimer's disease, was treated for a broken nose and other facial injuries following the assault which, police

  • Mary's milestone

    MARY Clark, who celebrated her 100th birthday this week, was bringing up her two daughters when she was sent to work at the Aycliffe munitions factory during the Second World War. She grew up in Wingate and moved to Fishburn after getting married to Jack

  • Authority hailed for excellent services

    DURHAM County Council has been ranked as one of the top performing local authorities in the country by a Government watchdog. The Audit Commission, which independently assesses and compares the performance of councils across the country, has rated Durham

  • Park house prices rise by £80,000

    A survey of house prices in a national park has found that prices have risen by an average of £80,000 in just a year. But officers at the North York Moors National Park Authority have put the huge increase down to a high number of larger than average

  • Ex-lawyer accused

    A former lawyer has been charged with 20 counts of fraud, involving alleged forgery and perverting the course of justice. Donald Halling, 53, was arrested in January by officers from Northumbria Police's economic crime unit. A spokesman said: "A man has

  • County calls for more help despite £47m funding grant

    SENIOR council officials yesterday welcomed news of a £47m investment in North Yorkshire but said they will be pushing for even more money in the future. The cash is coming from Yorkshire Forward and will be spent on the economic development of the county

  • Cream teas event boost funds for charity

    A woman who opened her garden for a charity tea has raised £800 for Marie Curie Cancer Care. Carol Doak, of Garden Farm, Chester-le-Street, invited family, friends and supporters of the charity to a strawberry cream tea afternoon and asked guests to make

  • Diamond celebrations

    FOR Elsie Jones, a wartime job at Aycliffe was the starting point for a new life with her husband Bill. It meant she could leave her home in Gateshead and marry the man she met on a holiday in his home village of Witton Park. The couple married in Witton

  • Proposals for food store are rejected

    PLANS for a new supermarket in Stockton have been rejected despite the man behind the proposal promising it would bring jobs to the area. It had been proposed to build a Lidl food store on land at Carter Steel, in Yarm Road, Stockton. The factory would

  • Prizewinner has field day with rugby players

    A TEESSIDE man won the chance of a lifetime experience when he was able to train with international rugby union stars. Martin Greensitt, from New Marske, won the rugby training weekend with the sporting heroes after entering a Sloggi for Men competition

  • Saving our resources for future

    What a wonderful example is set by Ewan Boyd, who runs Langdon Beck Youth Hostel in the upper dale, when it comes to saving the world's resources for future generations. The cosy building, set amid breathtaking scenery, is a model of how to cut down on

  • Concern is raised over city housing

    ENGLISH Heritage has expressed its concern about a housing development in the shadow of Ripon Cathedral, where finds possibly dating from the Roman period have been discovered. Burley Developments Ltd is seeking planning permission to redevelop the site

  • Chairman drops in to play centre

    A health official went to see for herself the good fun children are having in Colburn. Sue Young, chairman of Hambleton and Richmondshire Primary Care Trust, called in to Colburn Health and Recreation Centre to take part in a Sure Start stay 'n' play

  • Don't go off sick - and you could win a car, posties told

    The Royal Mail is offering postmen and women the chance to win cars and holiday vouchers in a scheme to cut high rates of absenteeism. Workers who do not take a single day off sick between now and January 31 will be entered into a prize draw and could

  • Drink-driver was going south on northbound lane

    CONCERNED motorists made emergency calls to police when they saw a Land Rover Freelander heading south on a motorway's northbound carriageway, a court heard yesterday. Magistrates heard that the Freelander, driven by Philip McAteer, of West View Farm,

  • Breeding success for flamingos

    THE patter of tiny webbed feet will soon be heard thanks to a breeding programme for rare birds. A flock of Chilean flamingos at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, in Washington, Wearside, have laid about 15 eggs. To make sure they hatch successfully, warden

  • Health care move as surgery closes

    PLANS are being drawn up for new health care services on a Hartlepool estate following the closure of a doctor's surgery. In April, the Primary Care Trust (PCT) agreed to allow the closure of Dr Patel's branch surgery, in Wynyard Road, on the Owton Manor

  • Police haul man to safety from railway bridge

    POLICE pulled a 21-year-old man to safety last night after he spent 15 minutes perched on the edge of a Darlington railway bridge. The man, wearing a football shirt, clambered over the side of the North Road bridge and at one point was leaning out over

  • Comment: Hartlepool

    SOME clubs spend the summer months scrapping and scratching around for new blood. Summer, for many, is the time for squad revolutions, last season's dead wood is removed, fresh faces arrive. It's virtually revolution or bust. But, for others, there is

  • Negligence allegation rejected by Unison

    A UNION has hit out at claims by a North-East law firm that it has failed its members over equal pay. Stefan Cross, a solicitor based in Newcastle, said Unison had failed low-paid female members working for local authorities by not making equal pay claims

  • Critics of Darlington FC creditors to fight on

    CRITICS of the firm that handled Darlington Football Club's spell in administration have vowed to fight on for answers to their questions - but conceded that their chances were slim. Creditors were livid at the deal which saved the Quakers in May, as

  • Residents asked for views on inclusion

    PEOPLE living in Darlington are being asked for their views as council officials prepare a blueprint for tackling discrimination. The town's first social inclusion strategy is being drawn up to agree a common approach for combating problems in the borough

  • Burglary figures at their lowest

    HOUSE burglaries across a Teesside town are the lowest recorded. There was a 51 per cent fall in home burglaries in Middlesbrough last month, the first time - using crime statistics - that there were less than 100 addresses targeted. Detective Superintendent

  • Fun day marks church anniversary

    A COMMUNITY fun day will be held at St Oswald's Church, in Marton Grove Road, Grove Hill, Middlesbrough, tomorrow. The event is free and runs from 10.30am to 4pm, with cake stalls, bouncy castle and face painting. The party is marking the church's 70th

  • Drugs blitz is hailed a success

    A SHORT, sharp blitz on drug trafficking in pubs and clubs across east Cleveland has been hailed a success. Police said Operation Fareham had severely affected the supply of illegal Class A drugs with 23 arrests made since the launch of the offensive

  • Quakers just happy to be playing

    As dull as a season of midtable mediocrity may sound, it would certainly be preferable to what was a hellish 2003/04 season: undoubtedly one of the most rocky periods in Darlington's history. As the club looks ahead to a season which came close to never

  • Inmates display their artistic talents

    INMATES at a Teesside prison yesterday unveiled sculptures they have been working on. A project has been run between artists from Yorkshire Sculpture Park and inmates from HMP Kirklevington Grange, near Yarm. The group has been creat- ing sculptures for

  • Call to give thieves red card at Boro stadium

    A police officer with a passion for football is hoping other fans will join him in the fight against crime. Crime prevention officer and Boro season ticket holder Sergeant Glynn Bass is recruiting tens of thousands of Middlesbrough football fans in his

  • McCarthy tips duo

    MICK McCarthy last night tipped Stephen Elliott and Chris Brown to be this season's Kevin Kyle after insisting that he would not be forced into a panic buy just 24 hours before the start of the new season. Kyle was a relative unknown at this time last

  • Tim Wellock's World

    SWEET FA might conceivably apply to Faria Alam, but certainly not to her ex-employers. The Football Association have again been cast as a bunch of blunderers, even more so than the England and Wales Cricket Board. It's ironic that their bunglings have

  • Wellock's World: Ruled by self-interest

    SWEET FA might conceivably apply to Faria Alam, but certainly not to her ex-employers. The Football Association have again been cast as a bunch of blunderers, even more so than the England and Wales Cricket Board. It's ironic that their bunglings have

  • Quarry facts

    Sir, - I feel it necessary to reply as an employee of Tarmac Northern over Nosterfield Quarry. I would just like to give an alternative view to your readers. I have been managing Nosterfield Quarry since the company acquired it in 1990; the majority of

  • Ifs, Butt and maybes at St James

    ANOTHER quiet pre-season at St James Park with just the chairman and manager apparently falling out, while the skipper and his boss have allegedly done likewise. Then again Newcastle United wouldn't be Newcastle United without a few ructions and a dash

  • County council rated top class

    DURHAM County Council has been ranked as one of the top performing local authorities in the country by a Government watchdog. The Audit Commission, which independently assesses and compares the performance of councils across the country, has rated Durham

  • County council rated top class

    DURHAM County Council has been ranked as one of the top performing local authorities in the country by a Government watchdog. The Audit Commission, which independently assesses and compares the performance of councils across the country, has rated Durham

  • Born-again Boyd backed to carry on the good work

    NEALE Cooper last night backed Adam Boyd to continue the form which helped propel Hartlepool United into the play-offs last season. Pool meet Bradford City at Victoria Park in tomorrow's League One opener and Boyd is sure to be part of the starting XI

  • Robinson dominates Guisborough trial

    DUE to the closeness of the shooting season, Guisborough and District MC had no option but to bring their round of the East Yorkshire Centre Championship event forward to the beginning of the month when asked by the landowners. Clerk of course Phil Teasdale

  • How railway carved the route to valley's mining prosperity

    Standing on the hill between Charlaw Fell and Burnhope we may observe the pretty valley of the River Browney to the south. Nearby are the ruins of the Tudor Langley Hall and at the foot of the valley the former mining village of Langley Park. The Browney

  • Small producers need -grocery ombudsman'

    A GROCERY ombudsman was this week called for, to help local food suppliers and farmers who are too scared to complain about supermarket tactics. The demand for an independent watchdog was made by the Country Land and Business Association. Dorothy Fairburn

  • War souvenir an emblem of Quaker defeat

    Echo Memories tells why the Crimean cannon in South Park symbolises a double humiliation for the pacifist Quaker Pease family of Darlington. THE double-headed eagle on the browngrey gunmetal has been worn shiny and almost smooth by generations of young

  • Labour by-election candidate drops out

    ONE of the four party members shortlisted to be the Labour candidate for the Hartlepool by-election has withdrawn. Kath Rolph, a Sunderland City councillor who lives in Houghton-le-Spring, County Durham, pul-led out of the contest for personal reasons

  • The mother of all Big Brothers

    Record-breaking ratings for Big Brother 5 have confounded critics who said there was little life left in the reality show. As it reaches its climax tonight, Steve Pratt explains why the programme won't be shown the door. Four years ago we spent the summer

  • Alison to show off her skills

    THE North's fastest policewoman on two wheels will be showing off her skills at a funday on Sunday. Alison Bonar, 32, is the only female officer from the North to have mastered the heavyweight Honda Pan European bike, which can reach 140mph. PC Bonar,

  • Boro boast strength in depth

    STEVE McClaren hopes that trophies are like buses - you wait 128 years for one and then two come along in successive seasons. Last year's Carling Cup success finally ended Middlesbrough's marathon barren run but, after tasting glory once, the Boro boss

  • Police hail drug blitz

    A SHORT, sharp blitz on drug trafficking in pubs and clubs across East Cleveland has dealers on the ropes, police say. Officers say that Operation Fareham has severely affected the supply of illegal Class 'A' drugs. They have arrested 23 people since

  • Greggs announce rise in profits

    NORTH-East bakery chain Greggs announced a ten per cent rise in profits over the last six months. The chain, which has 1,242 shops, said a drive to modernise its brand had led to higher sales, particularly of sandwiches and its core sale of sausage rolls

  • All the pomp of the Proms

    FLAG-WAVING revellers burst into patriotic song as they celebrated the climax of the North-East's own version of the last Night of the Proms at the weekend. The Northern Proms attracted more than 2,700 people to the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street

  • Shoptalk

    GOT a question? Need an answer? As long as you've got credit on your mobile phone, all the wisdom of the universe can be yours for £1 a throw. You know how it is - you're in the pub and someone starts an argument about who won the Grand National in 1965

  • Tv review

    What I Wish I'd Known When I Was 20 (BBC2) GEORGE Melly enjoyed being drunk. Joan Bakewell wished she'd been bolder and tried more drugs. Joan Rivers thinks money is very important as it "will get you a sex partner when you are 108 and make Elephant Man

  • Website doubles business for holiday firm

    A SMALL travel business that started as a hobby with one converted safari truck is now a global power in the travel industry. The Overland Club, Sedgefield, County Durham, founded by Ron Smith as a hobby ten years ago, now takes hundreds of people on

  • Flats plan refused after objections

    PLANS to demolish a former police building in Yarm and replace it with 36 flats were turned down by councillors on Wednesday. Stockton Borough Council's planning committee refused permission for the one- and two-bedroomed apartments on land between High

  • Stand firm

    Sir, - I am vehemently opposed to reopening of Crossthwaite/Park End Quarry. My reasons are linked to the proposed possibility of a housing development off Bridge Street which I also feel is totally unacceptable. I would hope for support from the parish

  • £5,000 asking price for the cheapest house in country

    A HOUSE in the North-East has been named the cheapest in the country after it was valued at £5,000. Its value was only revealed when an estate agent put a sign above the door of 57 Costa Street in South Bank, Teesside, which is occupied by tenant John

  • Partnership in power

    TEESSIDE Power Station operator px has joined forces with Mitsui Babcock to supply energy to the Sellafield nuclear reprocessing plant. The partnership between the two energy industry specialists will run operations and maintenance at Fellside Power Station

  • Water bills could rise by up to £36 after Ofwat decision

    HOUSEHOLD water bills in the region are set to rise by up to £36 over the next five years, following a draft price rise set by regulatory body Ofwat yesterday. Bills in the North-East will go up by about £12 over five years while in North Yorkshire, customers

  • The mother of all Big Brothers

    Record-breaking ratings for Big Brother 5 have confounded critics who said there was little life left in the reality show. As it reaches its climax tonight, Steve Pratt explains why the programme won't be shown the door. Four years ago we spent the summer

  • PC back at work after assault charge dropped

    A FIREARMS officer who was cleared of a public order offence will start back at work today. PC Neil Bell, who is stationed at Darlington, was suspended after he was charged with assault and a public order offence after hitting a nightclubber while dressed

  • A scheme too far, village tells planners

    RESIDENTS are calling for a halt to plans for a further housing development in Middleton St George. More than 50 letters of objection and a petition will be sent to Darlington Borough Council opposing the proposal by Clarion Homes to redevelop the Station

  • 06/08/04

    WATER SUPPLIES: THE threat of fluoridation of water supplies raises its ugly head again (Echo, Jul 30) with another dubious survey of five-year-olds' teeth. The only proven effect fluoride has is to delay the onset of secondary teeth by up to two years

  • Cliff rescue team in action ... to recover toy plane

    A FULL-scale rescue operation swung into action on Monday when a toy plane was spotted on dangerous rocks at Saltburn. The inshore lifeboat, 12 coastguards and two police officers were called out to recover the radio-controlled plane stranded on the rocks

  • Chilling warning on CJD menace

    HOPES that the worst of the human "mad cow disease" nightmare is over are today dashed by scientists who warn that Britain could still face an epidemic. New evidence published in The Lancet suggests that many more people may be susceptible to variant

  • Washing and whisky key to Reg's long life

    TO have spent 14 years washing nearly 17,000 cups and saucers at a meeting of a local men's group is an achievement in itself. But for Reg Barnett, a member of Darlington Men's Forum, the work he has done is extra-special as he is 100-years-old. Every

  • Pensioner attacked by youths

    A PENSIONER was treated in hospital for bruises and severe shock after he was attacked by two youths who called at his home. The pair assaulted the 75year-old, who lives at Brotton, at teatime last Thursday before snatching a wallet from his back pocket

  • Film season to focus on eco issues

    A SEASIDE resort is preparing to host an environment film festival. A series of environmental-themed films will be projected on to a large outdoor screen at South Bay, in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, on August 28, from 7.30pm to midnight. The festival

  • Burton's Bytes

    The Chronicles Of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay Format: Xbox Publisher: Vivendi Universal Price: £39.99 BASING a game on a movie franchise is usually the kiss of death but The Chronicles of Riddick marks a fine exception to that rule. The first movie

  • Melly's sexual encounters with a trout

    What I Wish I'd Known When I Was 20 (BBC2): GEORGE Melly enjoyed being drunk. Joan Bakewell wished she'd been bolder and tried more drugs. Joan Rivers thinks money is very important as it "will get you a sex partner when you are 108 and make Elephant

  • Las Vegas bid to attract US leisure group to the region

    A DELEGATION has flown to Las Vegas to fight for a £100m development deal that could bring 2,000 jobs to the Tees Valley. Middlesbrough Football Club chief executive Keith Lamb invited Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon and Tees Valley Regeneration (TVR)

  • Ruled by self-interest

    SWEET FA might conceivably apply to Faria Alam, but certainly not to her ex-employers. The Football Association have again been cast as a bunch of blunderers, even more so than the England and Wales Cricket Board. It's ironic that their bunglings have

  • Now 30 is the new teenage

    FORGET the champagne. . .forget the 18th birthday celebrations. . . even forget the 21st. Today's teenagers aren't growing up until about their thirties. According to the Economic and Social Research Council, it's only then that they can be really classed

  • Owls making a N-E comeback

    BARN owl numbers are making a remarkable recovery in parts of the North-East, according to a Forestry Commission-backed scheme. The bird, usually associated with lowland areas, especially in the South of England, has shown a three-fold increase due to

  • Town set to sing the blues

    The organisers of this Saturday's Stanley Blues Festival expect a crowd of at least 10,000 and say interest has come from one end of the country to another. The free festival has grown from humble beginnings featuring pub bands to become a major event

  • Town set to sing the blues

    The organisers of this Saturday's Stanley Blues Festival expect a crowd of at least 10,000 and say interest has come from one end of the country to another. The free festival has grown from humble beginnings featuring pub bands to become a major event

  • Suspect in explosives inquiry is bailed

    A MAN accused of possessing bomb-making materials and a prohibited weapon has been freed from custody. Philip Prout was granted bail by Judge Peter Armstrong when he appeared at Teesside Crown Court yesterday. He was given conditional bail after the court

  • Darasim brings Johnston more Goodwood glory

    GLORIOUS Goodwood by name and, with Darasim and his stablemates, glorious too for Mark Johnston, who shines at the course. Thursday saw the Middleham maestro with the first, second and fourth in the Goodwood Cup, keeping up his fine record at the track

  • Wind farm plan welcomed, but trust fund puzzles

    A PLAN to erect eight wind turbines near Sedgefield was unveiled this week. Each would have a maximum height of 110m to the tip of the blade and would stand on land to the east of Sedgefield and Fishburn and south-east of Trimdon. The scheme has been

  • City sticks to white taxis ruling

    DURHAM City Council is pressing ahead with a taxi colour code. All new hackney vehicles will have to be white, including nine new licences being issued as part of the deregulation of the industry. Taxi operators oppose the move, saying white is already

  • City sticks to white taxis ruling

    DURHAM City Council is pressing ahead with a taxi colour code. All new hackney vehicles will have to be white, including nine new licences being issued as part of the deregulation of the industry. Taxi operators oppose the move, saying white is already

  • Cooper backs born-again Boyd

    NEALE Cooper last night backed Adam Boyd to continue the form which helped propel Hartlepool United into the play-offs last season. Pool meet Bradford City at Victoria Park in tomorrow's League One opener and Boyd is sure to be part of the starting XI

  • Mart prices

    BARNARD CASTLE. - Wed of last week. Fwd: 980 sheep. Lt lambs to 113p av 109.8p; std to 113p av 108.2p; med to 112p av 107.8p; heavy to 108p av 106.9p. Cast ewes: Mule to £38; Cot to £37.50; Swale to £18. DARLINGTON. - Thurs of last week. Fwd: 341 cattle

  • MP to write to FA over job losses

    A NORTH-East MP is writing to the Football Association to try to save the jobs of 95 workers at a Darlington engineering company. Darlington MP Alan Milburn is contacting the FA to see if it can help in the dispute between Cleveland Bridge and the main

  • Comment from The Northern Echo: Not in our best interests

    THERE was scepticism when the Chancellor handed over control of interest rates to the Bank of England's independent Monetary Policy Committee. Seven years on, few commentators have had cause to doubt the wisdom of such a move. That is not to say, however

  • Legal block on plan to raffle £190,000 house

    A HOUSEHOLDER'S plan to raffle his home to first-time buyers has been declared illegal. Mick Waddington came up with the idea of selling his house in Burnholme, North Yorkshire, to help young buyers get on the property ladder. Two hundred and fifty raffle

  • Royal look at carpets

    THE Duke of York was in Bradford last week to present the prizes at the British Wool International Quality Awards and is seen, right, examining wool samples. The awards encourage and reward new product development in the carpet manufacturing industry

  • Rising land price does not stop uncertainty

    THE price of farmland continues to rise as demand outstrips supply - but there is still uncertainty among farmers. The rural land survey, published last week by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, said prices for the second quarter of 2004 rose

  • Coroner's clerk says farewell

    EUNICE Moon admits she did not realise what she was letting herself in for when she applied for a job in a solicitor's office. The lawyer she went to work for was Cleveland Coroner Michael Sheffield. His first question to her was: "Does death bother you

  • Hodgson continues search for new striker

    DARLINGTON manager David Hodgson was still hoping that his summer-long search for a striker to replace last season's top scorer Barry Conlon would bear fruit as the new season looms. Quakers kick off their Coca Cola League Two campaign tomorrow with a

  • Kendrick's wait almost over

    Twelve months later than scheduled, and in a different country, Darlington defender Joe Kendrick is relishing his first opportunity to compete in the cut and thrust world of league football. The 21-year-old has featured heavily in Quakers' pre-season

  • Victim Support founder criticises proposed changes

    THE founder of Victim Support in County Durham has expressed his concerns about proposed changes to the charity. Tom Peacock was senior probation officer in Darlington in 1979 when he started Victim Support in the town, the first in County Durham, to

  • Sundial will remember museum's loyal and royal friend

    A SUNDIAL is to be unveiled in the grounds of the Bowes Museum to commemorate the Queen Mother's 40-year patronage of the Barnard Castle treasure house. Commissioned by the museum Friends following a suggestion from committee member Brian Parkinson, the

  • McCarthy's name is back up in lights

    LAST season's near heroics that turned a strictly average footballing side into FA Cup and promotion play-off semi-finalists have assured Mick McCarthy's place firmly back on the managerial wanted list. The Sunderland boss couldn't have endured a worse

  • Fireman pedals to world games

    A DARLINGTON firefighter is preparing to represent Great Britain in the World Firefighter Games. In September, Alan Nixon, 30, of White Watch, will compete in a number of cycling categories at the games in Sheffield. "I've been in the service for five

  • No Shearer rift, says Bobby

    SIR BOBBY Robson has played down talk of a growing rift with Newcastle United skipper Alan Shearer. The two appeared to exchange words when Robson withdrew his captain after an hour at Parkhead - replacing him with new signing Patrick Kluivert. TV cameras

  • Former hospital and museum to reopen tomorrow

    A HISTORIC gem in the centre of a North-East city will be put back on the heritage map tomorrow when the National Trust welcomes visitors to a reopened museum. The public will be able to visit the George Joicey Museum, in Newcastle, for the first time

  • International trade begins in a nineteenth century barn

    A NORTH Yorkshire business which has grown up in a converted nineteenth century village barn is soon to expand into new facilities. Elspeth Biltoft founded Rosebud Preserves 15 years ago at her farm at Healey, near Masham, and now produces 20,000 pots

  • National park to discuss ambitious plans for mart

    THREE years of research and planning have culminated in proposals for a major visitor attraction at Hawes auction mart. Plans for the scheme, which would include a caf, training theatre, exhibition space and community areas, will be discussed by the Yorkshire

  • Northern riders ready for Gatcombe Park challenge

    THERE will be a strong northern contingent at this weekend's Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park, which promises to be bigger and better than ever this year. The event has brought together three major championship titles - the British Open,

  • Village fears PO closure is permanent

    VILLAGERS are worried that they could lose their post office forever unless a new owner steps into the breach. Skelton Green post office closed on June 21 following the sudden resignation of the previous sub-postmaster. The office was part of Ann and

  • Will the chains hold in town centres?

    'WHO'LL save the old town now?" laments a gentle song sung at our folk club but, even as I join in - I won't say sing - that chorus, I wonder not only who, but also "what?" and even "if". The song mourns the end of the family trip to town on Saturdays

  • Wilks takes control to cruise to Manx win

    HEIGHINGTON rally driver Guy Wilks produced a stunning drive in his Dealer Team Suzuki Ignis on the Gibbs Aquada Manx International Rally to secure his fourth successive maximum Super 1600 points score in the Kwik-Fit Pirelli British Super 1600 Championship

  • Milner combines youth with experience

    HE might only be 18 years of age, but James Milner has already experienced more highs and lows than most footballers endure in a lifetime. From the jubilation of becoming the Premiership's youngest ever goalscorer at Sunderland's Stadium of Light, to

  • Community prison will give learning top priority

    SKILLS for lifelong learning will be top of the agenda for prisoners in the North-East when HMP Durham becomes the country's first community prison. It will change from a high security prison to a community prison, in a pilot scheme to help prisoners

  • Musical role beckons Sarah

    A NORTH-EAST stage school pupil has won a place in a show which draws on young talent from across the country. Sarah Warbey, 16, who attends Stagecoach's Darlington school, has been chosen from 28,000 students to perform in a production of the Gilbert

  • Mollitt shines as Wensleydale triumph

    A FINE all-round display by Andy Mollitt was instrumental in propelling the Wensleydale Evening League to victory in the annual inter-league cup match against the Northallerton Evening League. The match took place at Masham, where home captain Dion Wood

  • Students say it with flowers

    A COLLEGE for people with disabilities is celebrating after a floral creation by students won a best-in-show award at the Gateshead Summer Flower Festival. Students at Finchale College in Durham also won a gold award for their design, Hell to Heaven.

  • Comment: Sunderland

    FOOTBALLING wisdom suggests that a relegated team's best chance of bouncing back comes in the first season after its demotion. There hadn't been much footballing wisdom displayed on Wearside prior to Mick McCarthy's arrival last March, so it was perhaps

  • Brewer spending £200,000 a year on empty building

    Brown Ale maker Scottish Courage has been accused of wasting millions of pounds as it prepares to cut jobs. The brewer is contracted to rent a depot on Tyneside at a cost of £200,000 a year for the next 20 years - a total of £4m. But it has never used

  • UK helps Barclays to raise profits

    BANKING group Barclays said its UK operation had performed well as it posted a 23 per cent rise in half-year pre-tax profits to a record £2.4bn. The group said its core UK banking business increased profits by six per cent to £1.2bn in the period to June

  • These early birds caught quality food and good value

    QUITE often, opting for an "early bird" meal somewhere is making the most of special offers or fitting in a bite and a drink before heading home after work. It is generally not seen as a dining experience. Unless you go to the 3 Tuns at Osmotherley. There

  • Retirement last thing on Robson's mind

    AFTER 54 years in football, 16 as player and 38 as manager, many think the time is right for Sir Bobby Robson to call it a day. There's one important man who disagrees with those sentiments and the 71-year-old knight has come out fighting on the season's

  • One-club man Parlour busy in search of more honours

    THIRTEEN years is a long time in football. There are very few footballers that hang around in one place for half that time these days. But Ray Parlour is the archetypal one club player, so that is why it was so hard for him to leave Arsenal this summer

  • Bikers told: welcome to the county but ride with care

    BIKERS are being welcomed to North Yorkshire - but with a health warning. As police and other services brace themselves for a massive influx of motorbikes for the Superbike championships at Croft Circuit, riders are being told: "You are welcome to enjoy

  • Dales mill in final of nationwide TV restoration tussle

    GAYLE Mill, in upper Wensleydale, finds out on Sunday if it will receive £250,000 of repairs when the final vote is cast in BBC Television's Restoration series. The cotton mill won the northern heat of the series, which sees historical buildings across

  • New council chief outlines revival plan

    A NORTH-EAST council is investing £270,000 in a new management team following two critical reports on its services. Chester-le-Street District Council was rated poor in an Audit Commission review in March, while its housing services won no stars from

  • Elvis tribute band fundraiser

    AN Elvis tribute band is ready to rock Durham to help a former police officer's fundraising efforts for a charity for the disabled. Elvis on Tour, featuring Paul Priestley and the EP Band, will play at the Gala Theatre next month in a charity concert

  • Midnight date for football fans

    SUNDERLAND football fans must await the midnight chimes tonight to be among the first to sport the team's new strip. The Stadium of Light store will open its doors just after midnight to give die-hard fans the chance to buy the new-look red and white

  • Killing off the bug that claims lives

    Infections are causing major problems in hospitals across the UK, and panic among patients. Health Correspondent Barry Nelson visits one trust in the North-East which is winnind the battle against the bug. SCREAMING headlines about killer superbugs are

  • Police hunt for pair of conmen

    POLICE are looking for two young men who stole money from an 81-year-old man. The two men called at the victim's house, on the Plains Farm Estate, Sunderland, at 4pm on Wednesday. After they asked to be let in, one man searched the house while the other

  • Anti-boozing campaign is a big success

    A CRACKDOWN on underage and irresponsible drinking is proving a big success, according to senior police officers. Four weeks into the eight-week campaign, police have visited more than 600 pubs, clubs, bars, off-licences, supermarkets and convenience

  • Concern for man

    A HUNT is being carried out on the Yorkshire coast for a missing man with false legs. Andrew Nalton, 38 of West Avenue, Filey, was last seen at the resort's clifftop country park, said a police spokesman. The coastguard and police have carried out an

  • Boost for youth project

    THIRSK'S Clock Caf is celebrating this week after being awarded a grant of £106,691 from the National Lottery. The youth organisation, which provides support to 11-19-year-olds, is one of 15 groups to benefit from the fund which has awarded over £1.7m

  • Council gives support for leisure pool

    DURHAM could get a new swimming pool if multi-million pound plans come to fruition. The city council is looking to replace the city's ageing baths next to the River Wear with a facility on land at Durham Sixth Form College. The Liberal Democrat-controlled

  • Elvis tribute band fundraiser

    AN Elvis tribute band is ready to rock Durham to help a former police officer's fundraising efforts for a charity for the disabled. Elvis on Tour, featuring Paul Priestley and the EP Band, will play at the Gala Theatre next month in a charity concert

  • Historic course to be protected

    COUNCILLORS have agreed to protect a former 18th Century racecourse.from development. Richmondshire District Council has designated the racecourse on Low Moor, Richmond, as a conservation area. One of the main features of the course is a Grade II listed

  • Cooper's hangover cure leaves Pool fighting fit

    DON'T entertain any thought of a play-off hangover at Victoria Park this season. Hartlepool United were within minutes of a Millennium Stadium final with a place in the Coca Cola Championship up for grabs. But Neale Cooper and Martin Scott will ensure

  • Elderly get help to ward off conmen

    VULNERABLE elderly people are to be given more protection from conmen. Cleveland Police already run Operation Strongbow, targeting doorstep conmen and distraction burglars preying on old people on Teesside. Now, Middlesbrough Council is to look at the

  • Funding Olympic dream

    GRAHAM CORRIE is about to realise his Olympic dream thanks to funding from his employers. Mr Corrie, of the landscaping team at Darlington's Lingfield Point estate, will be competing in the Northern Regional Special Olympics, in Glasgow next July. He

  • MP's store surgery

    A DIY enthusiast MP set up an advice session in a home improvements store yesterday. Darlington MP Alan Milburn met his constituents at the town's B&Q Warehouse, but rather than offer advice on DIY issues, he concentrated on local matters of concern

  • Seminar highlights perils of men's unhealthy lifestyle

    MEN'S health will come under close examination in Darlington after health officials warned of a bleak outlook for many male residents. The perils of unhealthy living were described at a seminar in the town, aiming to help men overcome factors which see

  • Councillor defends involvement in land dispute

    A SENIOR Darlington councillor has defended his involvement in a land dispute concerning the partner of another cabinet member. Joan and Robert Archbold, of Kennel Lane, off Haughton Green, say Labour councillor Chris McEwan should not have written a

  • Mobility event a success

    AN open day held to raise awareness of a club for people with mobility problems has been rated a great success. Newton Aycliffe Mobility Club gained members and volunteers following the event held at the town's new youth centre yesterday. The Mayor of

  • Show's unaffiliated jumping a success

    CLEVELAND Show held unaffiliated show jumping for the first time this year and it proved popular, with a spacious ring, super going and £20 to the winner of each class. It is expected to attract even more competitors next year. On her own Mr Smith, Ormesby's

  • Man crashed into learner driver

    A MAN who crashed into a learner driver, injuring her instructor, yesterday apologised. Richard Alan Keeley, 30, had been driving his Transit van along the Sedgefield to Great Stainton road at 4.15pm on February 11 when the collision occured. Darlington

  • Hannah will take on best in the world

    A TEENAGER who survived a heart transplant and cancer has qualified to take part in the World Transplant Games for the second year in a row. Hannah Swift, 17, from Helmsley won two silver medals and a bronze in the badminton events at the games in Nancy

  • Volunteers welcome cash boost to help blaze trail in forest

    VOLUNTEERS have had a welcome cash boost to help them create recreational space in a popular tourist spot. The Hamsterley Trailblazers have already repaired 800 metres of trails for mountain bike rides at Hamsterley Forest. Now they are looking to construct

  • Cat shelter gives home to dogs

    EIGHT homeless puppies have sought refuge at the most unlikeliest place -a cat shelter. The mother and her young litter were left out in the cold until help arrived from a caring group of cat lovers. Maria Harrison, who runs The Willows cat shelter, in