THE pantomime season in the area offers theatregoers a choice between Peter Pan at Darlington Civic Theatre and a student production at Stockton Arc, Cinderella at the Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond, and Jack and the Beanstalk at Middlesbrough Theatre
SUNDERLAND boss Mick McCarthy has warned potential suitors he has no intention of allowing John Oster to leave the Stadium of Light on the cheap. The Wales international is currently on loan at Leeds United, and this week urged the Wearsiders not to price
HALF LIFE 2. Publisher: Vivendi Universal. Format: PC. Price: £35. Family friendly? Nope: THE original Half Life was one of those genre defining titles that makes everything that comes after seem a bit derivative. Even the recent Doom redux felt a bit
WORK on resurfacing a cycleway in Guisborough, which runs along the town's disused railway line, starts on Monday, November 29, and is expected to last three-four weeks. Redcar and Cleveland Council has received £25,000 from the Guisborough Cycling Initiative
STAFF shortages at a women's prison contributed to the death of an inmate known as an exceptionally active self-harmer, a court ruled yesterday. Jayne Louise Buck, 28, was found dead in May last year, in the women's unit at Durham Prison, known as She
THE launch of a far-right group's website at an address nearly identical to a site promoting tourism has appalled community leaders. While surfers clicking on www.richmondshire.org.uk arrive at a site highlighting visitor attractions in Richmond, internet
TESCO showed no sign of letting its dominance of the supermarket sector slip yesterday with the announcement of strong autumn sales figures. The group said total sales in the UK grew by 12.3 per cent in the 14 weeks to November 20, helped by like-for-like
A TURF cutting ceremony today marks the official start of building work on the £21m redevelopment of parts of the Friarage Hospital at Northallerton. The ceremony was to be performed by Glenys Marriott, chairman of South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust, which
THE Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has been asked to investigate the dominance of the UK's four biggest supermarkets. The call came from groups representing farmers, small suppliers, corner shops and environmentalists. They want the competition watchdog
Hermitage Chester-le-Street Guild: THE guild met in Red Rose School for a Harvest supper prepared by the committee and very much enjoyed. With the holiday season over, almost all the members were back together again. Business was conducted by the chairman
A CARE home owner says there has only been a partial improvement in a financial crisis which forced him to threaten to close his premises. Health and council chiefs agreed last week to enter into block booking contracts to guarantee paid beds at the Graceland
A TEENAGE magician has completed a hat-trick of awards for his act, which includes a trick using The Northern Echo. In his show, Robert Temple, 17, folds, tears and then magically restores copies of The Northern Echo. Robert, a member of Durham Society
LOCAL education authorities in the region will all be given more money to help boost music teaching in schools. The Government money will mainly be spent giving every primary school pupil in the country the opportunity to learn a musical instrument. The
A TAP at the window tells farmer Rob Fawcett at Woodhall in Wensleydale that the youngest member of the family wants to join him for lunch. That's if Spuggie the Sparrow hasn't already nipped in through the front door. When Julie Fawcett found the day-old
MICHAEL Brown came out on top when the Middlesbrough and District Motor Club attracted a full entry for their East Yorkshire Centre Vic Boyes Trophy Trial last Sunday. The trial took place among the hills at Clitherbeck Farm, Danby, where the hard overnight
BEEF producers may face a significant scale-back on this year's Beef Special Premium Scheme balance payments, due next spring or early summer. David Maughan, who farms near Darlington and is a member of the NFU's regional livestock board, believes they
AN MP claims a council could have the cure for the devastating vandalism of a town's library in its own hands. Cleveland Police have warned that Guisborough library is being targeted by hooligans responsible for continuing graffiti and window smashing
THE family of a talented footballer who died when a vehicle ploughed into the back of his parked car have called for a change in the law after the driver responsible for the crash was fined only £200. Lee Hainsworth, who played for Shildon Football Club
HOPEWELL House Farm has shown it is possible to combine wildlife conservation with profitable farming. Phil Lyth, farm conservation adviser with North Yorkshire FWAG, said the farm had demonstrated that in many ways. "There is no doubt that John Webster
BAINBRIDGE ambulance station should play a central role in out-of-hours GP arrangements, a review of the system has concluded. The base would be a satellite of the primary care centre at Catterick Garrison, saving patients a 50-mile round trip for emergency
A BANNED teenage motorist with "an appalling record" for car crime led police on a high-speed chase through residential streets while over the drink drive limit. Aaron Kevin Tully was yesterday sent to a young offenders' institution for 21 months after
A copy of the Lindisfarne Gospels will be displayed in venues across the North-East over the coming year. The gospels, some of the world's most remarkable religious works of art, are touring the region until October. The exhibition is a collaboration
Hartlepool's new assistant director of nursing, Sharon Haggerty, is overseeing a revolution, as staff acquire new skills and responsibilities. She talks to Barry Nelson. SHE may no longer wear the uniform but Sharon Haggerty remains a nurse to the core
AWARD-winning work from the world of British illustration goes on display in Durham next week. Images 28, an exhibition from the Association of Illustrators, opens at the Durham Light Infantry Museum and Durham Art Gallery on Saturday, December 4. Dennis
Iraqi troops searching terrorist hideouts in Fallujah yesterday uncovered a chemical weapons laboratory with manuals on making explosives and toxins, including anthrax. The weapons, including anti-tank mines and a mobile bomb-making laboratory, were found
A castle is to stage two Christmas concerts featuring medieval music and stories. Brancepeth Castle, near Durham, is to host two concerts of seasonal music. The performance on Friday, December 10, features folk group Magpiety, the medieval voices of Misericordia
PERSEVERANCE has paid off for members of Northallerton Amateur Swimming Club as they bring home a trophy after 40 years of trying. The club, who had not claimed a single trophy in their four-decade history, have pulled off a double victory in both the
PAST and present have come together in style at a Darlington park. Phase one of a £3.9m revamp of the town's South Park culminated as new main gates were put in place. And children dressed in Victorian costume took a triumphant ride through the new entrance
DARLINGTON visit Cheltenham Town tonight hoping to salvage something from a miserable week which began with a humiliating 3-0 home defeat by Lincoln City last Saturday. Quakers at least produced an improved performance in their FA Cup first round replay
EVERYONE turned to stare. And the waiter was heading in my direction...the dish on his tray understandably the centre of attention. A three-storey high structure of shortbread, strawberries and cream. And it tasted every bit as good as it looked; which
SOCHAUX'S Stade Auguste Bonal lies at the heart of a massive Peugeot car factory. But by earning their first win on French soil in the stadium last night, it was Newcastle who were able to motor into the knock-out phase of the UEFA Cup. Goals from Lee
A WOMAN who was told her mother had died in hospital arrived to find her asleep in a ward bed. Hospital bosses were left red-faced when the error was discovered and blamed a mix-up with patient forms and contact numbers. Diane Bointon got a late-night
COST-CUTTING measures - including reducing its wage bill by half - helped Sunderland to reduce operating costs by more than £20m as the club adjusted to its first season outside the Premier League. The club, which published its end of year results yesterday
A DISPOSABLE shoe developed in the North-East could banish end-of-night agony for foot-weary party girls. The Soulmate, a comfortable line in foam footwear, will be handed out in pubs and clubs so that revellers can kick off their dancing shoes as they
A FARMER has put on hold plans to convert redundant buildings at his Stokesley farm into a green waste recycling unit, following objections from residents. John Seymour, who owns White House Farm on the edge of the town, has asked North Yorkshire County
THE Royal Navy's latest ship arrived on her maiden visit to make acquaintance with County Durham, this Thursday. HMS Bulwark was handed to the Royal Navy by shipbuilder BAE Systems earlier this year. The 18,500 tonne assault ship is affiliated with County
Gilesgate Evening Townswomen's Guild : THE guild held its monthly meeting on Monday, November 1, in the St John Ambulance Hall. It was the guild's 53rd birthday meeting. The chairman, Jennie O'Hare, welcomed everyone and the guild anthem was sung. The
THE owner of Graceland nursing home, in Guisborough, has agreed to withdraw his notice of closure following a rescue package put forward by Langbaurgh Primary Care Trust. Barry Parvin said the PCT had promised a block booking contract for 40 nursing beds
BARNARD CASTLE. - Wed of last week. Fwd: 2,320 sheep. Lambs lt to 103p av 88.9p; std to 113p av 103.2p; med to 118p av 106.2p; heavy to 105p av 101.2p. Cast sheep: Cont £46; Mule £34; Swale £21. DARLINGTON. - Thurs of last week. Fwd: 355 cattle, 1,362
HEALTH bosses are to go ahead with controversial proposals to move a psychiatric intensive care unit but plan to sweeten the pill. The NHS trust, which runs mental health services in County Durham and Darlington, wants to close the five-bed Tony White
MORE than 80 jobs are expected to be lost at a struggling manufacturer. Bosses at Mono Containers, in Durham, are seeking 83 redundancies - but unions said they were hoping to reduce that number. Mono has blamed the job cuts on lost contracts and rising
Thursday's prices Grainfarmers, Thorp Arch. - Wheat: Dec £63; Jan £63.50; Feb £64. Barley: Dec £66.50; Jan £68; Feb £68.50. Oilseed rape: Dec £138; Jan £139; Feb £140. GrainCo, Tyne Dock. - Wheat: Dec £63; Jan £63.50; Feb £64. Barley: Dec £68; Jan £69
STEVE McCLAREN last night defended his decision to start with Middlesbrough's star strikers Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Mark Viduka on the bench, writes Paul Fraser. The 12-goal strikeforce only came on at half-time in the 2-0 defeat to Villarreal as
HOSPITAL catering boss Ron McKenzie is officially one of Britain's top "dinner laddies" after triumphing in the BBC Food and Farming Awards 2004. On Tuesday, the head of Darlington Memorial central production unit was delighted to be named as joint winner
MALCOLM JEFFERSON'S canny ploy of switching Clear Dawn from fences back to hurdles looks all set to pay dividends at Musselburgh today. Although far better known as a winning chaser, there seems to be no reason why Clear Dawn (1.30) shouldn't be equally
MIDDLESBROUGH'S hopes of a UEFA Cup night in the El Madrigal passing without distractions in the stands were fulfilled. But dreams of three more Group E points were not. Prior to Boro's trip to Villarreal all the talk was of them being the first English
MIDDLESBROUGH'S hopes of a UEFA Cup night in the El Madrigal passing without distractions in the stands were fulfilled. But dreams of three more Group E points were not. Prior to Boro's trip to Villarreal all the talk was of them being the first English
BROADBAND was provided to hundreds of homes and businesses in Wensleydale when BT switched on the service at Leyburn and Aysgarth. Wednesday's move provides the two areas with high-speed internet access without the need for a separate telephone line.
MIDDLESBROUGH'S hopes of a UEFA Cup night in the El Madrigal passing without distractions in the stands were fulfilled. But dreams of three more Group E points were not. Prior to Boro's trip to Villarreal all the talk was of them being the first English
A community centre has become a victim of its own success because its popularity has seen running costs soar beyond its means. Members of the management committee at Auckland Youth and Community Centre are sending out a rallying call for help to see them
FORAGE crops such as fodder beet, forage rape, stubble turnips and kale are set to make a comeback in Yorkshire and the North-East as farmers look for lower-cost alternatives to purchased feed, ahead of imminent CAP reform. Russell Sawer, seed manager
Parking nightmare: I HAD to park my car in Durham City centre on Saturday, November 13. It is very rare that I come into Durham these days and now I remember why. I tried to park in the Walkergate car park (or Walkergate car puddle). What a disgrace!
MOURNERS gathered to pay their last respects yesterday to a "gentle and loving man" who died after a firework was put through his door. More than 100 grieving family members and friends attended the funeral of Arthur Lonsdale at Holy Trinity Church, in
'ARE you Janet?" asked the tall, slim young woman who had just come through the doorway of Richmond Town Hall. She looked decidedly unlike most of the clientele at town hall fundraising coffee mornings. This one was being held in aid of Richmondshire
TWO plaques were unveiled on Wednesday, marking the completion of a campaign to commemorate Eston's contribution to Britain's wealth. For years, Eston-born Ann Higgins has called for recognition of the town's role in the discovery and exploitation of
AN attempt is to be made to sort out the confusing muddle of parking restrictions in the centre of Barnard Castle. Durham County Council is delivering about 3,000 leaflets to homes, businesses and public buildings in the town explaining the proposals,
A RETIRED theatre director will see a dream come true when a musical he has wanted to stage for 30 years opens next week. Les Jobson first heard the music for Walking Happy, which is based on the play Hobson's Choice, in 1970. He was immediately smitten
WITH kick-off not until 9pm local time last night there was the rest of the day to take in the splendid Valencia views. A large part of the day was spent in the centre, where hour after hour the red sea of Middlesbrough fans gradually grew. Some were
County Durham's affiliated warship, the newest in the Royal Navy, acame 'home' for the first time yesterday. Chris Webber sailed with the ship from Plymouth to North Shields. ENEMY planes above, explosions on deck, gaping holes and flooding water below
A SIX-WEEK old puppy was thrown out with the rubbish after being found at the bottom of a wheelie bin. Destined for the tip beneath a mound of waste, it was only by chance that the pup was discovered and rescued. Yesterday, animal rights campaigners described
Why settle for dry and tasteless turkey when there are many, much more mouthwatering options for festive fare? CHRISTMAS is coming, the goose is getting fat. And so are the ducks, chickens and pheasants. Forget frozen turkey - it might be cheap but, let's
GROUND-breaking research has offered hope for red squirrels in Kielder Forest surviving a deadly disease. The squirrel pox virus is harmless to grey squirrels but when passed on to reds proves fatal. For the past three years, the Forestry Commission,
BEER drinkers are finding the 'hair of the dog' in the unlikely location of a greyhound stadium. The Pelaw Grange track, at Chester-le-Street, has become an off-beat haven for real ale enthusiasts. Thanks to track manager Jeff McKenna's love of traditionally-brewed
A HOUSE with a really "green" roof has won an award for its owner. Whitecliff, in Loftus, is the self-built home of garden designer Maria Mountain and her husband, Tony Laycock. The house's roof of plants that withstand drought is one of many environmentally-conscious
A TEENAGE boy has lost his battle against cancer - 15 months after his mother died of the same disease. Ian Hall was having chemotherapy and radiotherapy for a brain tumour at the same time as his mother, Carole, was having cancer treatment. Mrs Hall,
POLICE who spent six months undercover saw the criminals they befriended sent to prison. Two detectives, who posed as husband and wife Gary and Tina, set up home in Grange Villa, a village overrun with drug dealers and users. Later, the pair introduced
IDEAS about how to shape the future of a market town will be unveiled next week. The Market Towns Initiative for Crook has organised a public exhibition for residents about proposals to attract more shoppers to Hope Street and Market Place. Landscaping
SUNDERLAND manager Mick McCarthy performed the honours to launch the city's first multiplex cinema last night. The former Irish national team boss ceremonially cut through a reel of film to mark the opening of the Cineworld complex. Joined by members
YOUNG people in a Wear Valley village are urging residents to take pride in their community. Pupils at St Joseph's RC Primary School, in Coundon, took part in a six-week education programme called Pride to find out how they can take better care of their
BUSINESSES and organisations that have gone out of their way to make their premises accessible to disabled people were honoured yesterday. Darlington Association on Disability (Dad) announced the winners of its annual Access for All Awards scheme at the
HUNDREDS of kind-hearted children put on their dancing boots and helped raise more than £1,000 for needy charities. About 200 pupils took part in a sponsored line dance at St Alphonsus RC Primary School in Middlesbrough to raise the cash for children's
RAINBOWS, Brownies and Guides in Darlington have been skipping their way to fitness in support of The Northern Echo's Chance to Live campaign. Members of 31st St Augustine's have taken up the cause with the help of Darlington Primary Care Trust and the
MOURNERS gathered to pay their last respects yesterday to a "gentle and loving man" who died after a firework was put through his door. More than 100 grieving family members and friends attended the funeral of Arthur Lonsdale at Holy Trinity Church, in
A TOWN football club hopes to sign up a team of dedicated supporters to help to save its league status ahead of its centenary celebrations. Willington AFC chairman John Phelan fears the town's football heritage is at risk of being lost if the club, languishing
A SCHOOL is making a stand against bullying with a week of workshops and assemblies outlining different views. Every pupil at St Helen Auckland Primary School, took part in activities for National Anti Bullying Week. Each year group presented a morning
Farmers who joined forces during the Second World War to maximise food prodution forthewar effort continue to meet every month. Bruce Unwin reports. FARMERS who set up a group to help Britain beat the Nazis are continuing to meet nearly 60 years after
A £1.5M contract to upgrade more than 100 homes for the needy in east Durham starts in the new year. East Durham Homes, the company that assumed responsibility for Easington District Council's housing this year, has chosen three firms to carry out the
ONE of Hartlepool's top visitor attractions has been highlighted in a national report for delivering a heritage boost to the region. The report, by policy group Heritage Link, describes the impact that the HMS Trincomalee Trust has brought to the development
AN unlikely weapon in the fight against crime is being delivered to hundreds of homes and businesses - starting with properties previously targeted by burglars. West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust has invested £50,000 in SmartWater - a fluid that invisibly
A BUS driver who raped a female passenger after parking his vehicle at a secluded spot was jailed for eight years yesterday. William Mark Yeeles, 34, had persuaded the woman to stay on the bus for a chat, instead of getting off at her intended stop, as
A COAST-to-coast cycle ride has helped raise £4,500 for the North of England Children's Cancer Research Fund. The eight cyclists and two support crew, all employees at the Port of Tyne, took four days to travel the 200-plus miles between Ravenglass, in
TRAIN workers have won an award for helping out a cycle club. Conductor David Craig and train driver Andy Wall, who work for Arriva Trains Northern, have won the Connections 2004 Outstanding Individual Service Award. They were nominated by Martin Gibson
WORK begins next week on a refit for a Middlesbrough library. The improvements at Acklam Library include a bigger children's area and foyer, automatic doors and a complete internal refit with extra stock. Library users have to use the side entrance when
CHILDREN at a Middlesbrough school are celebrating the opening of a sensory garden complete with Playtrail to help them stay fit and active. The autistic youngsters, who go to Beverley School, are already enjoying using the facility, which should also
PASSENGERS are being offered free travel for a week on a new bus service. The Hawes area village bus will provide a Monday-to-Saturday service connecting the town to trains at Garsdale station. At other times, the bus will make journeys between Hawes
A BLITZ on untaxed, abandoned and illegally parked cars in a town centre has been a success. In the first three days of the week-long operation in Peterlee - codenamed Lariat - teams have seized and towed away 18 unlicensed and two dumped vehicles. Owners
YOUNGSTERS at a Durham school have been getting a lesson in democracy. Although they are much too young to vote in council or general elections, pupils at St Joseph's RC Primary School, in Gilesgate, have been exercising their right to choose their representatives
IT'S out with the old and in with the new when it comes to spending a penny in Stockton. Gone are the old underground toilets in Stockton High Street, which have now been replaced by some bright new ones. Work began in May on the £550,000 scheme - which
LEADING academics and curators will be at Newby Hall, near Ripon, this weekend for a two-day conference. It is part of an exhibition at Leeds City Art Gallery called Drawing from the Past: Will-iam Weddell and the Transformation of Newby Hall. The exhibition
THE family of a talented footballer who died when a vehicle ploughed into the back of his parked car have called for a change in the law after the driver responsible for the crash was fined only £200. Lee Hainsworth, who played for Shildon Football Club
EUROPEAN football breathed a huge sigh of relief last night as Middlebrough Football Club's trip to Spain passed off without incident. Boro's UEFA Cup match at Villarreal was the first time a Premiership club had returned to Spain since racist taunts
A NORTH Yorkshire farm is celebrating 25 years of wildlife conservation. The late John Webster's pioneering work of mixing conservation with conventional farming was an inspiration to countless others and his work has been carried on by his sons, Simon
STAFF and students have raised hundreds of pounds in memory of a teacher. Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, in Darlington, staged a series of events as a tribute to maths teacher Lloyd Peardon, who died during the summer holidays. Mr Peardon was known
A CHRISTMAS charity auction is taking place tonight in St Peter's Church, Croft. Lots donated include a Manchester United shirt signed by Wayne Rooney, an autographed Newcastle Falcons rugby ball and a Quakers shirt. A Linthorpe jug and 19th Century silver-plated
ELDERLY people can get the information they need to stay safe and healthy during the winter at an event today. St Anne's Church, in Bishop Auckland Market Place, is the venue for a winter health day for people aged 65 and over, between 10am and 2pm. The
A TEENAGER who caused thousands of pounds of damage in a North-East village has been placed under an anti-social behaviour order (Asbo). William Airey, 17, of North View, Swalwell, Gateshead, pleaded guilty to three charges of criminal damage. He asked
TWO Spennymoor soldiers battled wind, rain and fatigue to complete one of the Army's toughest patrolling challenges. Officer Cadet Richard Holloway and Lance Corporal Shaun Durkin, who both live in Spennymoor, took part in the gruelling Exercise Cambrian
A WARNING has been issued to households as sparkling Christmas decorations begin to light up the region. Trading standards officers in Hartlepool have offered hints to help families have a safe December. Principal trading standards officer Michael Welsh
PUPILS have stunned a national charity after raising more than £18,000 in one day. Park View Community School, in Chester-le-Street, made the cash last Friday for the BBC Children in Need appeal. The efforts of the 300 sixth-form students places the school
WORK could soon be carried out to help turn a listed building into a holiday home. The Ruin is one of five follies around Hackfall Woods at Grewelthorpe, near Ripon. The Landmark Trust, which owns The Ruin, also known as Mowbray Point, is applying for
A development officer has been appointed to drive forward community plans across the Hambleton district. The Hambleton Strategic Partnership has joined forces with the Northallerton Voluntary Services Association to employ the officer. Nicky Smith will
A COUNCIL is taking action against people who evade council tax by living in holiday caravans. Harrogate Borough Council says occupants of static holiday caravans being used as a permanent residence are in breach of site licence conditions. A report to
MALTON Town Council is to increase its bill to householders next year by just 2.3 per cent. Moves to maintain its levy on the council tax at current levels failed and the authority will now be asking for £70,385 for the coming financial year. Coun Chris
FIRE chiefs have launched a recruitment drive to address a shortage of part-time community firefighters. North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue is targeting men and women who can help provide crucial emergency cover in several parts of the county. The brigade
I regard the current fight against terrorism as World War Three. We are the targets, not of a specific country, but of various idealists; the enemy do not wear uniforms and are not easily recognisable. Their target is not land but publicity and the battle
A SUCCESSFUL family-run village nursery supplying the horticultural industry, designers and landscapers is making a plea for a house to be built on site so the business can continue. Brian Corner, proprietor of the Orchard House Nursery, at Wormald Green
VICTIMS of bullying have a new high-tech ally thanks to a North Yorkshire initiative. Children and parents across the county will be able to seek help and advice on how to tackle bullying at the push of a button or click of a mouse. North Yorkshire's
A DOUBLE rapist was jailed again on Monday, after DNA evidence linked him to a sex attack more than 20 years ago. Paul Logan, 45, of Drybeck Court, Chester-le-Street, pleaded guilty to raping a 19-year-old croupier in 1980. Judge David Hodson, who sentenced
Northallerton Town 5 Hebburn Town 1 NORTHALLERTON Town's recent impressive form continued with an emphatic home win over Hebburn Town last Saturday. Town, who have now won their last five league games, are still fourth in division two. But they are now
THE Royal Navy's latest ship arrived on her maiden visit to make acquaintance with County Durham, this Thursday. HMS Bulwark was handed to the Royal Navy by shipbuilder BAE Systems earlier this year. The 18,500 tonne assault ship is affiliated with County
RAISING a child in the North-East now costs more than buying a house, according to research published today. The total cost of raising a child in the region from birth to 21 stands at £131,240 for a typical, two-parent working household. This is a three
DEFRA has explained how farmers will receive their single farm payment when they have land in more than one designated region. The regions are Scotland, Wales, and Ireland and, within England, the land within the moorland line in the upland severely disadvantaged
DARLINGTON'S whistle-stop tour of League Two grounds checks in at Cheltenham Town tonight and manager David Hodgson has warned his travel-weary squad fitness is the key. Quakers will play their fifth game in 13 days just 72 hours after their last visit
DURHAM City Council says an organisational shake-up -which will see jobs go - will improve services to residents. Fifty-two posts are going, including five in senior management - all through voluntary redundancy and early retirement. But the Liberal Democrat-controlled
A YOUNG rider from Dalton on Tees, near Darlington, has been looking back on a tiring but successful summer season. Kerry Metcalfe and her grandparents' 11-year-old Connemara Middleton Michael Murphy achieved many good results at both local and national
MORE than 2,000 staff at Woolworths are in line for a pre-Christmas windfall averaging £850. The payout comes from the Woolworths incentive scheme, which was set up at the time of its demerger from Kingfisher in 2001. Staff at its London head office,
CAPITAL Radio gave its backing to presenter Johnny Vaughan yesterday as it sounded the latest warning about the health of the advertising market. The group, which recently announced plans to merge with Classic FM owner GWR, said the presenter's Capital
THE Esk Valley Railway has been confirmed as one of the pilot lines for a new national rail strategy. The Department for Transport launched the Strategic Rail Authority's community rail development strategy this week. It sets out a framework for taking
Braes of Derwent PC. - Nov 28: Team show jumping at Holmeside Arena and open classes for teams of three or four. Sae for schedule to Linda Middleton, Grange Farm, Sunniside, Bishop Auckland DL13 4LZ. Cleveland Hunt PC. - Dec 5: Junior and senior rally
A GREEN-THINKING family has been handed an array of prizes after being named recycling household of the month. Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council gave out the rewards as part of its first recycling initiative across the area. Guisborough woman Marie
THE boss of Ryanair predicted his low-cost airline could one day have as big a presence in the region as its main rival. Michael O'Leary, who arrived at Newcastle International Airport yesterday to launch a new Ryanair route to Milan Bergamo, said there
A large quantity of wooden pallets were destroyed in a kitchen factory fire today at Magnet on McMullen Road in Darlington. The fire started at 5.30pm and five fire crews from Darlington were called to tackle the blaze. The cause of the blaze was unknown
RALLYING with a touch of nostalgia returned to the region this week with the inaugural running of the Roger Albert Clark (RAC) Rally and two local crews impressed on the four-day event. Driving the Opel Kadett GTE his father John drove a number of years
I regard the current fight against terrorism as World War Three. We are the targets, not of a specific country, but of various idealists; the enemy do not wear uniforms and are not easily recognisable. Their target is not land but publicity and the battle
THIRSK Sharks are celebrating after the RFUW announced that 17 of their squad have been selected for international duty for the coming season. Katy McLean, Sarah Beale, Michaela Staniford and Sam Spence have been chosen for the England elite squad, while
NO REFUGE was one of the pricey purchases by trainer Howard Johnson and owners Graham and Andrea Wylie, having cost 180,000gns from Sir Mark Prescott's Newmarket yard, but has had his problems since. Saturday showed he had put these behind him as he landed
FANS of Aussie TV soap Neighbours turned out in force when one of its stars turned up at their local theatre. Richard Grieve was in the long-running series from1994 to 1998, playing Kratz, and then had a stint in the other Antipodean export, Home and
THE replacement of local telephone contact points by the roundabout circus of call centres is a phenomenon only too familiar to journalists as well as Mr and Mrs Public. One of Spectator's colleagues rang an O845 number to ask the Press office of BT about
A FAMOUS actor has been giving a helping hand to his one-time flat mate who has just launched a new book of poetry. Kevin Whately, known as Sgt Lewis in Inspector Morse and for his screen role in The English Patient, has supported North Yorkshire county
Could a cryptic 18th Century riddle finally unravel the mystery behind one of the most enduring symbols of Christian legend - The Holy Grail? Lindsay Jennings reports. THE last time Oliver and Sheila Lawn encountered a code like this, Britain was facing
A LIEUTENANT commander in the Royal Navy has admitted stealing thousands of pounds in public donations from volunteer coastguards to fund his alcohol addiction. Alcoholic Geoffrey Bennett was a treasurer at voluntary organisation Coastwatch Redcar when
FANS of Aussie TV soap Neighbours turned out in force when one of its stars turned up at their local theatre. Richard Grieve was in the long-running series from1994 to 1998, playing Kratz, and then had a stint in the other Antipodean export, Home and
DARREN Gough must wish he'd headed for the jungle instead. Snakes, crocodiles, Janet Street-Porter, even the odious Paul Burrell must now seem far preferable to spending time in Zimbabwe. To his credit, the Dazzler elected not to follow Phil Tufnell down
AN art gallery showcasing work by people with learning disabilities will be opened next week. The charity Real Lives: Real Choices has transformed a former bookmakers in Front Street, Lanchester, into Heart House Studios. The group works across County
SO what does the hunting community do now in the face of an imminent ban on the sport? Assuming the legal challenge to the authority of the Parliament Act will fail, February 18 is the dreaded day. What will happen thereafter in the run-up to what is
A JUBILANT Graeme Souness felt his players passed their toughest European test last night by thrashing Sochaux 4-0 to book their place in the UEFA Cup's knockout phase. The comprehensive victory - United's first on French soil - leaves the Magpies firm
A MOTORCYCLIST who died when his bike was involved in a head-on collision at an accident blackspot, earlier this week, has been named by police. Michael John Ansell, from Shildon, County Durham died on Tuesday morning in an accident on the A68 in Northumberland
A FATHER and son have been jailed for an attack on a fellow drinker. Glen Moore, 50, and his 21-year-old son, Kirk, repeatedly kicked and stamped on the head of George Harland as he lay on he ground. Teesside Crown Court heard the 38-year-old victim had
THE launch of a far-right group's website at an address nearly identical to a site promoting tourism has appalled community leaders. While surfers clicking on www.richmondshire.org.uk arrive at a site highlighting visitor attractions in Richmond, internet
THE merger of two historic regiments in the region is likely to be confirmed within the next few weeks. Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon will insist the shake-up must go ahead to cut waste and boost recruitment in the remaining 19 single-regiment battalions
A £21m hospital redevelopment scheme took a major step forward today as work officially got underway on the two-year project. The Friarage Hospital in Northallerton will be transformed by the work and taken firmly into the 21st-century. And at a ceremony
In the latest in a series of articles on cancer, Dr John Booth, cancer lead for Middlesbrough Primary Care Trust, discusses bowel cancer. BOWEL cancer is the third most common cancer but it is the second most common cause of death from cancer. There are
CHRISTMAS is coming, the goose is getting fat. And so are the ducks, chickens and pheasants. Forget frozen turkey - it might be cheap but, let's face it, you're paying for a lot of water. If you want something different, tastier, this Christmas and New
A MAN serving time for killing a student with a single punch in March was yesterday found guilty of assaulting a taxi driver four months earlier. Lloyd Smith, 29, of Corporation Road, Darlington, is serving a two-and-a-half-year sentence, imposed in July
SENIOR Hambleton councillors have rejected a call for them to consider moving the site of the successful farmers' market at Northallerton. The suggestion was made by a council scrutiny committee, which examined problems associated with the temporary move
RAIL bosses yesterday admitted people were afraid to travel after dark on the Tyne and Wear Metro. Mike Parker, director general of Metro operator Nexus, said: "People's perceptions of public transport, especially at night, are not good." His report to
BARCLAYS said yesterday it was on course for profits of about £4.54bn this year - despite a flat performance from its UK retail banking business. The group said pressure on its mortgage operations, following a number of interest rate rises, had offset
LAST night's opponents might not have enjoyed the same success as the likes of Paris St Germain or Marseilles but, in one important respect, Sochaux can claim to be the most important club in France. The club, which was formed in 1928 as an amalgam of
DARLINGTON Mowden Park were not happy about their match at Blaydon being called off last Saturday, but at least it gave their battered troops a week off before tomorrow's derby. They entertain a Darlington side who were left with a number of casualties
A REPORT into out-of-hours GP cover in the upper dales has called for major changes. The review by Richmondshire District Council, in North Yorkshire, suggests paramedics and nurses at Bainbridge ambulance station could assess patients when Aysgarth surgery
A desperate dad who turned to a loan shark for help when his uninsured family home burned to the ground was jailed for five years today for robbing his local bank. David Bruce, who was hailed a hero when he saved his young children from the blaze in February
HUNT supporters in the North-East and North Yorkshire have vowed to continue hunting despite any ban. Hunt members and supporters declared this week that they would be out hunting on February 19 - the day after the ban will come into force. However, police
SEVEN separate planning applications are threatening to ruin the historic surroundings of Egglescliffe village. On Thursday of last week, Egglescliffe Parish Council discussed the applications for 20 new homes proposed for the village. More than 80 residents
CRIME has soared by more than 30pc in a small village near Darlington. From January to the end of October, there have been 38 incidents in Heighington compared with 29 for the same period in 2003. The increase is contrary to the general trend of the surrounding
NEWCASTLE Falcons yesterday lost two more players to international squads, disrupting their preparations for Sunday's Zurich Premiership match at home to struggling Northampton. After seven successive league defeats the Saints this week parted company
THE population of the North-East is projected to fall by 50,000 over the next 25 years, according to research released today. Predictions by the Office of National Statistics show the expected two per cent drop will take the region's population to 2.5
HALF LIFE 2. Publisher: Vivendi Universal. Format: PC. Price: £35. Family friendly? Nope: THE original Half Life was one of those genre defining titles that makes everything that comes after seem a bit derivative. Even the recent Doom redux felt a bit
Hundreds of students are queuing up to be vaccinated after a mumps outbreak in the region. The mass vaccination drive is underway on three North-East campuses after what has been described as a "sharp increase" in cases of mumps. Health officials suspect
Business leaders last night renewed calls for crucial improvements to the North-East road network after the Highways Agency was criticised for failing to tackle traffic jam misery. The criticism came in a report by the National Audit Office (NAO) - the
EMERGENCY work to stabilise the crumbling Loftus Bank embankment is forcing council bosses to close the road at the weekend. A monitoring system, measuring 17 positions along the roadside, has shown a small section has dropped further over the past week
DARREN Gough must wish he'd headed for the jungle instead. Snakes, crocodiles, Janet Street-Porter, even the odious Paul Burrell must now seem far preferable to spending time in Zimbabwe. To his credit, the Dazzler elected not to follow Phil Tufnell down
ARMY recruits have pulled together to raise money for charity. Hundreds of soldiers from the Infantry Training Centre at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, took part in a 12-hour rowing competition yesterday. Money raised from the event will go to the
DARLINGTON Borough Council's website has been recognised as one of the region's best for supporting businesses. A Government-funded project, Working with Business, carried out a survey of all local authority websites in the country to find out what was
A MOORLAND activity centre is this week celebrating a massive funding boost. The outdoor education centre at Carlton in Cleveland, in the North York Moors National Park, will now be modernised thanks to a £317,820 award from the national lottery. The
MORE than 80 jobs are expected to be lost at a struggling manufacturer. Bosses at Mono Containers, in Durham, are seeking 83 redundancies - but unions said they were hoping to reduce that number. Mono has blamed the job cuts on lost contracts and rising
PUPILS were honoured for their achievements last night. Pupils from Longfield School, in Darlington, gathered for the annual prize-giving night to receive their awards from the editor of The Northern Echo, Peter Barron. More than 120 students were recognised
A SPATE of break-ins at Darlington schools has sparked an appeal from police. Officers want anyone with information to get in touch in a bid to stamp out the problem. Primary schools have been targeted by gangs of young burglars. Since the start of last
RAINBOWS, Brownies and Guides in Darlington have been skipping their way to fitness in support of The Northern Echo's Chance to Live campaign. Members of 31st St Augustine's have taken up the cause with the help of Darlington Primary Care Trust and the
A YOUNG woman told a court how she was beaten up and locked in a cupboard by her boyfriend. Fiona Grant had two black eyes, a swollen face, carpet burns on her back and cuts on her hands after she was attacked by Jussia Smith, 26, of Eastbourne Road,
RAIL bosses yesterday admitted people were afraid to travel after dark on the Tyne and Wear Metro. Mike Parker, director general of Metro operator Nexus, said: "People's perceptions of public transport, especially at night, are not good." His report to
THE scheme to provide a new Freebrough Community College building has taken a massive step forward after planning bosses gave it the go-ahead. Redcar and Cleveland Council's planning committee gave outline permission to demolish the former Warsett School
DETECTIVES are hunting two men who robbed a woman at knifepoint in a supermarket car park. The incident happened at 8.10pm on Wednesday in the car park outside Morrison's, Whitburn Road, Seaburn, near Sunderland. The 45-year-old victim, who has not been
DURHAM City Council is under fire for cutting home visits by care warden to pensioners. The council's Liberal Democrat leaders say despite the cuts the service will be more flexible and responsive and blame the cuts on Government funding. But their Labour
PRISON officers who made a run for it earlier this year have handed over £7,000 to a disabled charity. A 53-strong team of officers from HMP Frankland took part in this year's Great North Run and yesterday several joined governor Phil Copple in presenting
OLDER residents are being offered winter warmth advice as new figures reveal 80 deaths because of the cold in the Middlesbrough area. The news of the unnecessary deaths last winter has made Powergen Staywarm double its efforts to help older people keep
CATTERICK'S 2004/05 jumps season begins on Wednesday - the first of nine scheduled days' jumping at the North Yorkshire track during the campaign, which concludes in early March. The action on Wednesday afternoon is due to start at 12.50 with The Richmondshire
A CONTROVERSIAL plan to increase the cost of parking permits for residents and businesses in Hartlepool is to be debated. A meeting of Hartlepool Borough Council's full council recently put the plan on hold and referred it to its resources scrutiny forum
CHRISTMAS brings out the party animal in us all, with endless outings and get-togethers, and maybe even dance floors to set alight. Add to that the stress of endless shopping, cooking and planning the perfect day, and you can easily end up feeling far
A TOWN football club hopes to sign up a team of dedicated supporters to help to save its league status ahead of its centenary celebrations. Willington AFC chairman John Phelan fears the town's football heritage is at risk of being lost if the club, languishing
A SPORTY student is celebrating selection for two County Durham football squads. Andrew James, who studies at Darlington's Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, has been praised for the achievement. He has won a place in the Durham County Schools' squad
A 31-YEAR-OLD from Darlington had a case against him dismissed by magistrates. Paul Elstob, of North Road, pleaded not guilty to threatening behaviour and unlawful violence after an early morning street brawl in March. Mr Elstob and a group of friends
A NEW Teesdale community group is to hold its first tree-planting session this weekend. Trees for Cotherstone was formed earlier this year to try to do something about the loss of major trees around the village. The first planting session will take place
COMMUTERS angered by the loss of important bus links are being urged to attend a public meeting. Villagers living in the Stanley area of County Durham, say they have been stranded after bus operator Go North East cut direct services to Newcastle in August
A TABLE top tack sale takes place on Sunday to raise funds to set up a museum for old horse-drawn vehicles and farm machinery in Shildon. A group of local trustees have embarked on a major fundraising scheme over the next two years and hope to build the
A KNIFE-wielding thief threatened a motorist in Middlesbrough before driving off in his car. The attack took place near the KFC take-away on Linthorpe Road at approximately 7pm on Wednesday night when the driver pulled over after becoming lost. The robber
A HOSPICE is celebrating an early Christmas gift. The Butterwick Hospice has been given a vehicle to transport patients to its care centres and on festive outings. Reg Vardy Fiat has loaned a Fiat Ulysee people carrier to the charity, which cares for
TENANTS are being given a say in what happens to their housing by a local authority. The deal has been struck by Chester-le-Street District Council, which has previously had a poor record on housing. The Tenants Participation Compact, unveiled this week
FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - There was a great disorganisation of traffic on the Darlington to Tebay section of the North Eastern Railway. Throughout the day only one west-bound train succeeded in completing the run. This was the morning newspaper
HEALTH SERVICE: I WAS astonished to discover recently that individual hospitals are not currently required to publish their MRSA infection rates in a comprehensive manner. MRSA, just one form of hospital superbug, affects thousands of people every year
DURHAM taxi drivers are celebrating after winning their appeal against the introduction of a controversial colour policy. Earlier this year Durham City Council decided that the city's fleet of hackney carriages should eventually all be white. But drivers
PLANS to convert a barn into a home in an area of outstanding natural beauty would be excessive and unsypmathetic to the area, according a council planning official. An application for the project at Laverton Woods, Laverton, near Ripon, is being recommended
A retired teacher kept a "dark secret" for more than two decades after killing his wife and dumping her body from his boat, the Lady in the Lake murder trial heard yesterday. Gordon Park, 60, killed his "vivacious and pretty" young wife, Carol, in July
THIS week's Diary comes from the Lake District, where we spent a few days exploring the countryside in remarkably mild November weather, with the richly colourful autumn leaves still clinging to the trees in both garden and forest. On some evenings, golden
A PROTEST leader is being challenged to submit his ideas on Redcar seafront's future to detailed financial analysis. Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council is backing preferred developer Persimmon Homes to produce a £55m development on the 35-acre Coatham
Mine All Mine (ITV1): MY advice to anyone watching Griff Rhys Jones in his new light-hearted drama, Mine All Mine is turn the sound down on the TV. Nothing in the Vivaldi family is done quietly - the characters all shout, doors are slammed and music is
WITH just a month to go before Christmas, the annual warnings about the dangers of drink-driving will soon be sounded. And as always, there will be those who ignore those warnings and risk the lives of themselves and others. Last year, drink-drivers killed
BARNARD CASTLE. - Tues of last week. Fwd: Christmas sale of 712 store cattle, 39 feeding bulls. Champion & res: JW Dent & Sons, £860, £780, both to S Hibberd. Prizes. - Single BB bullock: 1 G Marwood & Son; 2 JW Dent & Sons. Hfr: 1 JW
STAFF at a Durham veterinary practice are used to having the occasional cat left in a cardboard box on their doorstep. But on Monday morning, Vets 4 Pets at Framwellgate Moor received a surprise package. For although a cat had been abandoned, this time
PASSENGERS can sample a new bus service in upper Wensleydale free for a week from Monday. The service for the Hawes area was launched on Tuesday, following a successful bid by North Yorkshire County Council to the Government's Rural Bus Challenge competition
SUNDERLAND boss Mick McCarthy has warned potential suitors he has no intention of allowing John Oster to leave the Stadium of Light on the cheap. The Wales international is currently on loan at Leeds United, and this week urged the Wearsiders not to price
