PLANS to fit fire engines with computer maps are not linked to a blaze in which a mother and two children died, a brigade chief said last night. Despite the denials, Nabeel Maqsood believes the move was initiated by a fire in which his wife, Sadia, 25
Sam Nattress got Darlington GSOB off to a flying start, finding the net in the second minute of their encounter with Darlington Stadia. But it was the visitors who went in at half-time in the lead through goals from Graham Bartlett and Gavin Harris. In
New ways of delivering health care are being pioneered in the region. Health Correspondent Barry Nelson meets the people behind the latest scheme to be launched. WHEN sales reps from drug companies ring up one of the North-East's newest primary care practices
VISITORS to the region's newest rail attraction could be treated to a first-class welcome if they choose to arrive by train. With a railway museum due to open at Shildon, County Durham, in September, Durham County Council is planning to spruce up the
Rohm Haas JOC Hetton Youth League: The race for the championship has gone right to the wire with Ryhope needing to beat Jarrow St Bedes to clinch the title. If the game ends in a draw, however, Ryhope and Lumley will meet in a play-off and if Jarrow defeat
A modern take on German folklore is to be staged by talented youngsters in County Durham. Rats! is a musical version of The Pied Piper of Hamelin and will be Durham Stage School's first professional performance. Fifty youngsters, aged between six and
A JUDGE has accepted an impassioned plea from the Army to spare a soldier from prison - after hearing how the country is suffering from a severe shortage of soldiers. The Northern Echo has learned that the Army is 5,000 under full strength and the problem
POLICE believe they have found the body of a suspected murder victim believed to have fallen into a river after a fight. Northumbria Police say they have provisionally identified the body as that of student John Chipp, 18, of Castletown, Sunderland, but
THE attempt by al Qaida to create divisions in the trans-Atlantic coalition has been swiftly dismissed by European nations with the contempt it deserves. If - as seems likely - it is Osama bin Laden speaking on a tape recording released yesterday, his
The semi finals saw first division East End take on Peppers Draughting Services from the second division and a tremendous game saw both sides comitted to playing excellent football. When Michael Carter opened the scoring for the second division side in
Spennymoor: Spennymoor Under-14s kept themselves in the promotion hunt in the Russell Foster Youth League Division One with their sixth win on the trot, this time away to fellow hopefuls Hilda Park. An inept first half saw Spennymoor out-battled, out-thought
Billingham Town's celebrations lasted well into the night after they beat Bishop Auckland in the final of the Durham Challenge Cup on Easter Monday. Town lifted their first major trophy in style with a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Andy Swalwell and
Playing at Marton Ladies on April 8, Royals got off to a flying start when, after five minutes, a Tracey Swales cross found Victoria Barnes unmarked in the six yard box for a tame first goal. Royals increased their lead on 36 minutes when a Swales shot
BOB Moncur has spent 35 years being hailed as the last Newcastle skipper to lift a major trophy - but the United legend would love to see Alan Shearer steal his crown in five weeks' time. Moncur led the Magpies as they beat Hungarian side Ujpest Dozsa
LIKE it or not we are all involved in gambling - though some of us prefer to call it investing. If you take out an endowment mortgage, pension or many other savings plans you take a risk. Investment companies gamble with your money on the stock exchange
MAIL bosses last night pledged to end the region's escalating postal crisis after talks with union leaders. But unions said that the problems caused by a cost-cutting strategy to combine first and second posts may not be fully resolved for two or three
A TEENAGER has been chosen for the Great Britain junior rowing squad just over a year after taking up the sport. Kristina Stiller, from Low Worsall, near Yarm, is one of six girls selected to row at the German International Regatta for juniors in Munich
Willington League:With only one match remaining for most teams the League Championship looks wide open. Willington Club moved to the top when they only dropped two points at Willington Black Horse Inn, but they have four teams kicking at their heels,
Norton Under-13 Bs, with coaches Chris Adams and Steve Atkinson, took a break from their TJFA League and Cup campaign to travel over 300 miles to Mullion, Cornwall, to compete in last week's Cornwall Cup. Their five-team group contained local league leaders
LIKE it or not we are all involved in gambling - though some of us prefer to call it investing. If you take out an endowment mortgage, pension or many other savings plans you take a risk. Investment companies gamble with your money on the stock exchange
Second division cup finalists FRA Mowden did their promotion chances no harm when the visited The Northern Echo and came away with all three points. Although the Echo took the lead midway through the first half when midfield dynamo Martin Williamson,
FIFTY years on, they are preparing to remember the loss of an old friend. Hundreds of mourners attended the funeral on an April day in 1954, but death had come as no surprise because the patient had been ailing for a long time. A decade before Richard
TRAIN driver Scott Chester's hobby is not exactly high-speed. For Scott has clocked up almost 1,000 miles cycling around the countryside - so he can photograph himself sitting on tractors. Two years ago, Scott moved to North Yorkshire from London to take
SUNDERLAND have been tipped for promotion, even if they miss out on an automatic spot, writes Paul Fraser. Defender Colin Cooper, who spent almost a month on loan with the Black Cats despite never starting a game, knows all about the spirit Mick McCarthy
Newton Aycliffe 6 Grey Horse 0: Facing a strong wind in the first half, Aycliffe did well to reach the interval a goal to the good, Anthony Forrest the scorer. The second half was a different story as with the elements in their favour. Aycliffe dominated
THIRSK'S 2004 season gets underway this afternoon with a typically competitive six-race card for punters to try and unravel. In particular, the Carpenters Arms Handicap is a real teaser seeing as the maximum allowed field of 18 runners line up for the
THE public is to be encouraged to drink more milk in the Royal Agricultural Society of England's new feature at the Royal Show. The Milk Development Council says UK milk consumption per person has declined by more than 10pc in the last decade. The Royal
PEOPLE in County Durham are backing the survival of the county council, a poll by Mori has revealed. Durham County Council is championing the creation of one county-wide unitary super council, providing all services, if the North-East votes for a regional
In arguably the best final ever Wales trailed 9-4, went 12-9 up on the penultimate end, lost a three count after the tightest of measures, but on the extra end the ever dependable Dave Axon drew a toucher that defied five Irish Fireshots. Quarter-finals
AS Colin Cooper approaches two decades in professional football he has one more burning desire - playing in Europe with Middlesbrough, the club where it all began. His future at the Riverside next season hangs in the balance, but sleep will be lost by
OF THE two sportsmen who have joyously celebrated a personal achievement this week, I am much more inclined to share the delight of the American golfer rather than the West Indian batsman. Except in events like the Ryder Cup, golf is an individual pursuit
POLICE yesterday expressed their concern for the welfare of a 12-year-old boy who left his home two days ago and has so far failed to return. Jonathon Lee, who attends Easington Community School, lives with his mother, Kay, in Byron Street, Easington,
FARMING was at a crossroads , a tenant farmer from Cornwall told a conference on the future of food. Michael Hart produces beef and lamb, but he also chairs the Small and Family Farms Alliance and, in that role, has wide knowledge of the global situation
SUPERMARKETS were running out of steam, having squeezed the lemon dry, Lord Haskins, former chairman of Northern Foods, told the conference. They were running out of ideas and leaving the door open to risk takers, and companies were expanding into other
A GROUP of farmers and rural enthusiasts will find out how to successfully combine a commercial approach with a commitment to conservation in a behind-the-scenes visit to the Raby Estate near Staindrop. Lord Barnard will welcome 50 members of the Royal
THE UK's economic recovery has continued to gather pace after an encouraging start to the year, according to a report. The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said a number of the key indicators in its quarterly survey were at their best level since 1997
PLANS have been unveiled for a new doctors' surgery in Danby. A site has been earmarked at Briar Hill on land given by Lord Downe and a planning application has been submitted to the national park authority. The surgery, run by Dr Ruth Pearce and Dr Mark
It seems Middlesbrough are not the only local club to break their Cup 'duck' this season. Many congratulations to Northern League side Billingham Town who, on Easter Monday, won their first ever trophy, defeating Bishop Auckland in the final of the Durham
Soccer star Phil Babb has been banned from driving for six months after being clocked at more than 100mph in his BMW. Irish ace Babb who has 35 caps for his country and was once Britain's most expensive defender, was clocked at nearly 102mph on the M6
Revolution, The Northern Echo's music website, is seeking bands or solo artists who have recently released a CD to be part of an upcoming event. Set for June or July, the event aims to give local musicians an opportunity to perform live to promote their
Cleveland League, Division One: Redcar Lakes A extended their lead at the top of the table to six points after beating last year's champions and second-placed Redcar Workies A 4-2. Jason Robinson won his first frame against Gary Beckett 93-22 but Beckett
DURHAM will find themselves up against Shane Warne and his highly-rated fellow Australian Michael Clarke when they open their County Championship programme against Hampshire at the Rose Bowl today. While Durham are without both their original choices
Gateshead Greencroft kept their promotion hopes alive by defeating close rivals Langley Park Rams Head 1-0 at home. Gateshead are in second place but have only two games left to play whereas the Rams have six but are ten points adrift but anything is
One man and his mentor Make Me Honest (BBC2) ONCE upon a time Emily Crompton would have been classified as a do-gooder. Nowadays she's a mentor - a sort of potential fairy godmother to 18-year-old Michael Rowle, who's served nine months for robbery and
THIRSK'S 2004 season gets underway this afternoon with a typically competitive six-race card for punters to try and unravel. In particular, the Carpenters Arms Handicap is a real teaser seeing as the maximum allowed field of 18 runners line up for the
Durham County: The under-11 doubles team triumphed at the inter counties tournament at Linclon University taking first place. This strengthened their claim as one of the very top national teams. The team consisted of four pairs, the boys being Matthew
A NEW taxibus service starts in the Thirsk area on Monday in response to public demand. It complements similar runs between Borrowby and Knayton and Northallerton and Thirsk. The taxibus will be operated by North Yorkshire County Council in partnership
Billingham Pumas completed their English Under-12 North B League regular season with a crushing victory over Grimbsy Ghosts at Forum Ice Arena. Bottom of the table Grimsby went behind at 5.25 when Robert Heale opened the scoring for Pumas. James Moss
US chemicals firm DuPont has revealed that jobs at one of its North-East sites will be affected by a cost-cutting drive. The company, which has operations in Darlington and on Teesside, announced on Monday that it was shedding 3,500 jobs across the world
Weddings aren't just for the bride and her mum any more. Now that the groom and his family are likely to be forking out for today's costly celebrations, it seems he wants a say too. JUST when you thought the shelves couldn't take yet another wedding magazine
A Bishop Auckland construction company is backing a school football team's efforts to play their way to the top of their league. M and M Plasline (MMP) is sponsoring the under-11 side at Oakley Cross Junior School, in West Auckland, who now have strips
A MAINS burst sent plumes of water spouting 20ft into the air in a city centre street yesterday. The pipe was accidentally fractured by construction workers on a site near the junction of Crossgate and South Street, Durham, shortly before 2pm. A Northumbrian
WORKERS have raised more than £100 for charity after raffling off a Boro season ticket donated by Far East fan Graham Ridler. The lawyer, who lives in Hong Kong, donated the ticket to raise money for the Butterwick Hospice after he bought it simply to
DIRECTOR Ian Dickens is looking forward to an indulgent summer. "It's the great thing about being a director," he said. "I get to pick the plays I like." Four of his most recent choices will be entertaining audiences at Darlington's Civic Theatre over
A CANCER support group has a new home in Chester-le-Street's community hospital. Helping Hands, which was set up in 2000, used to meet in the town's old general hospital but moved to the Highfield Hospital while the old facility was pulled down and replaced
THE laying of kerbstones caused added headaches for motorists travelling into a busy city centre. Congestion developed over and above the usual morning rush-hour jams into Durham on Wednesday morning. Motorists are already faced with problems caused by
NEWCASTLE centre-half Jonathan Woodgate is hoping to make it third time lucky when the Magpies take on Marseille for a place in the UEFA Cup final. The French side travel to Tyneside next Thursday night, with the return game taking place in the south
EVERY new service needs time to settle down, to have unforeseen problems ironed out and the nuances of its operation tweaked to get the best result. And so people should be prepared to give the Hambleton and Richmonshire Primary Care Trust the benefit
CHILDREN and their parents took part in a learning activity day this week and made spotted frogs at Margrove Heritage Centre. The event was part of a session of free activities held at local museums to keep children occupied during the Easter holidays
The third round of the Fives and Threes Pairs KO competition will be played on Friday, April 23. Deadline 8.30pm. Draw as follows (games may be re-arranged by mutual consent). Results to be forwarded to C Holmes within seven days of the deadline otherwise
DURHAM's stars of the future will be taking to the stage to show off their talent. The Durham Cygnets drama club will be performing a variety show, Starsearch, at the city's Gala Theatre, on Saturday, May 8, at 7.30pm. About 30 performers, aged between
Darlington RA manager Dave Woodcock is looking to finish in a top six position after his side's midweek victory at New Marske, writes Malcolm Pratt. "It has been to some extent a disappointing season but we are seventh with four games to play and within
Fielding a regular side was a key factor in Bedale winning the First Division title for the second successive season. Although Harrogate Squash II were in the race until the final week of the season Bedale made no slip-ups, winning all their matches in
A BUS company has withdrawn its services to a Darlington estate because it has become too dangerous for drivers and passengers. The Green Bus Company, which runs three services to the Red Hall estate, has withdrawn its buses after a number of incidents
PLANS to build 39 houses in Eaglescliffe look set to be approved despite concern from residents. Haslam Homes has applied to Stockton Borough Council for permission to build the homes on the Hunter's Green development. A total of 19 people have objected
A FORMER councillor has launched a website putting the case against the planned North-East regional assembly. Stan Smith, of South Shields, served as a Tory on both South Tyneside Borough and the former Tyne and Wear County councils and describes himself
A TOTAL of £7.7m is to be given to Teesside communities to reduce deprivation and improve quality of life. The first phase of the multi-million pound scheme has been endorsed by Stockton Renaissance, a strategic partnership made up of councillors and
A RUNNER will be tackling Sunday's London Marathon in memory of his best friend, who died of cancer. Glen MacMaster, 49, of Darlington, hopes to raise £1,000 for Cancer Research UK. He was inspired to take part in the marathon after the death from throat
A MOTORIST was yesterday disqualified for six months after driving without a licence and hitting another vehicle. South Durham magistrates, sitting in Darlington, were told that Craig Alexander, 26, of Aintree Court, Darlington, had been driving too fast
A HOMELESS charity is supporting a mother-of-two in a battle with her council to find accomodation. Amanda Richardson is sleeping on the floor of her sister's two-bedroomed house in Redcar along with her two children, aged 11 and 14. Her sister, her partner
HEALTH and social care professionals will join carers at a conference today to explore ways to improve the quality of life for people who have dementia. Guest speaker will be Barbara Pointon, a national campaigner for better support for people with dementia
MULTI-MILLION pound plans to turn Gateshead's riverfront into a revellers' paradise to rival Newcastle Quayside have been put on hold. Gateshead Council has announced that proposals to emulate Newcastle's hugely successful riverside redevelopment with
FIELDING a regular side was a key factor in Bedale winning the Hambleton Ales North Yorkshire Squash League's first division title for the second successive season. Although Harrogate Squash II were in the race until the final week of the season, Bedale
A D-DAY veteran willing to tell of the sacrifices made by troops on the Normandy beaches is being sought by the Richmond branch of the Royal British Legion. The nation will mark the 60th anniversary of Operation Overlord on June 6 when a service is also
HUNDREDS of low-cost homes will be built on former hospital sites. The Department of Health has identified 13 surplus NHS sites in the North-East that will be transferred for housing to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. The sites are among more
THE paper's full of it. Regardless of which edition of the D&S you read, our columns are dominated by one issue. No, it's not council tax, or regional government. It's the scourge of anti-social behaviour by young people. It is the No 1 pre-occupation
COUNCIL bosses are appealing for more time for consultations over proposed changes in the way tourism services are delivered. North Yorkshire County Council is calling for more talks over plans which are based on a strategic tourism role for the regional
JONATHAN Aitken's recall was instant. As I turned away after introducing myself as being from the D&S Times, he called me back and asked: "Does the paper still have cattle prices on the front page?" It seems he was an avid reader as a parliamentary
Brompton Juniors: In their last match of the season Brompton Under-10 A faced a Redcar B side who had only conceded eight goals all season. The game started at break neck pace with both sets of players showing high quality football from the word go. The
April medal: A cool spring day and with an entry of 149 golfers, Bedale members welcomed the first medal of the 2004 season and with a standard scratch of 74 the best gross was returned by Michael Henson with an excellent 77. Terry Jobling, Bill Doherty
Spennymoor are guaranteed a play off place at the end of the season. Moors' 2-0 victory over Whitby on Monday and Blyth's failure to defeat Altrincham on Wednesday night, mean that Moors will be one of the eight teams looking for a Northern Conference
QUALITY of service is the issue that matters most to people living in council areas facing a potential shake-up. A poll by market researchers Mori ahead of possible boundary changes in the North-East and North Yorkshire showed this was the single most
As part of The Northern Echo's campaign to encourage more people to give blood, here is a list of forthcoming donor sessions: Today Chadca Centre, Hanover Close, Chapel House 2.15pm-7pm St Francis Scout Centre, Cragside, Newcastle 2.15pm-7pm Methodist
THOUSANDS of children entitled to free school meals are failing to take up the offer despite on-going campaigns by local authorities. Children throughout the region are entitled to claim free school lunches if their parents are on state benefits or have
A CLERGYMAN who has provided religious counselling to police officers for the past 15 years is to be appointed to a senior church posting in his diocese. The Bishop of Durham has announced that the Rev John Scorer, 57, will be one of Durham Cathedral's
AN ASPIRING princess of the pool and her celebrity mentor both have their sights set on Athens this summer. But while the Olympic hopes of GB swimming mainstay of the last generation, Mark Foster, rely on the outcome of an appeal to the sport's governing
DIVISION ONE: BEADS FC 2 Richmond Town 0: The home side completely dominated and finally took the lead after missing a number of good chances. Steven Boyle scored in the 35th minute, five minutes later they had the chance to double the lead when they
Longovicium was Lanchester's Roman name and although the meaning is open to dispute, later settlers called it 'Lang Chester', meaning the long Roman fort. It was certainly a large fort covering six acres and its remains can still be seen on the south
BISHOP Auckland's Guy Wilks is confident he will be challenging for victory on home turf when the Kwik-Fit/Pirelli British Rally Championship comes to Gateshead. Wilks, and co-driver Phil Pugh, will compete in the Super 1600 class in their Suzuki Ignis
CARPERBY fell just short in their quest to lift the North Riding Challenge Cup after a late 2-1 defeat against Dormans at Northallerton last week. John Pickard's fierce volley in the first half was well saved and Rovers found themselves a goal down at
THE Footsie's last remaining technology firm gave the City a welcome lift after the recent interest rates gloom. Accountancy software group Sage saw its shares soar as it forecast half-yearly profits ahead of expectations. The Newcastle company forecast
TERRITORIAL Army soldiers have been receiving some final training before being sent to Iraq at the end of the month. Members of 201 Northern Field Hospital, from York, are part of a 200-strong group of volunteers who are flying out to run the Multi National
Willington Ladies League: Norma Davison of Willington Club B celebrated her team's title victory in the darts section by hitting a maximum and following it with a checkout of 127. This completed a whitewash victory at Willington Lion and Unicorn and put
CHURCH chorister Alf Hebden needed to be on song at the Easter weekend. For on Sunday he was the focal point of a special celebration at a North Yorkshire church. Mr Hebden has just notched up 70 years as a member of the choir at St Helen's Church at
Stanley Sunday League: Stanley Royal have retained the Championship and they did so in a goal frenzy that saw them crush Washington Oasis by an emphatic 13-3. Mark Drake makes quite a name for himself over the years as a batsman with Blaydon and is used
PARKING restrictions come into force in Saltburn town centre in June. "They will be a boon for small shops," forecast Coun John Robinson. A Redcar and Cleveland Council spokesman said the restrictions would ban parking for more than two hours, freeing-up
Annandale Hotel v Redcar Mack. Park: Annandale secured their second win in four days with a well earned victory over Redcar Mackinlay Park. Leighton went close for the Skelton side early in the match but it was Booth who gave Annadale the lead, scoring
A VILLAGE bowling green has been restored after vandals put the club under threat of closure. The Kelloe Bowling Club, residents of Kelloe and neighbouring villages celebrated the official reopening with Durham MP Gerry Steinberg. The green had been vandalised
YARM Town Council is fighting to retain the name of a 400-year-old High Street pub. Barracuda Ltd, which owns the Ketton Ox pub, intends to change its name to The Ox, but at a meeting on Tuesday night, the council strongly objected. The pub, originally
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP RUGBY: Publisher: Acclaim, Formats: PS2, Xbox, PC, Price: £34.99. Out this week. VIDEO games imitate life to a frightening degree sometimes. So it was pretty much inevitable when Jonny Wilkinson delivered that last minute drop kick
THERE is an old saying that April and May are the keys of the year, probably because the weather during these two months is so vital to our rapidly-growing plant life, both wild and cultivated. There are lots of weather sayings which relate to this, both
COMEDY poet Rory Emotion will be performing at The Waiting Room Vegetarian Restaurant in Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, on Sunday. Rory, from York, has been a regular at the Glastonbury Festival for the past 15 years and achieved a chart hit in France with
THE UK's economic recovery has continued to gather pace after an encouraging start to the year, according to a report. The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said a number of the key indicators in its quarterly survey were at their best level since 1997
A HEALTH trust has been accused of breaking promises over new arrangements for GP cover in the upper dales. In the first 12 days of a revamped system, five complaints were made about the time that patients, including a 75-year-old fall victim, waited
A HOSPICE received a cheque for £1,000 yesterday from the proceeds of a music night. Musicians from across Teesside were brought together by Dave Griffiths and Mark Young in memory of Mark's father, Charlie, who died at The Butterwick Hospice, Stockton
MORE than 7,500 people flocked to Middleham for the annual racing stables open day on Good Friday. Organisers estimate visitor numbers were six per cent up on last year's record turn-out. "People made a day out from places as far away as Liverpool and
THE switch on of Middlesbrough Council's latest piece of public art lit up the town centre last night. Spectra-txt, a colourful ten metre-high sculpture, inspired by Captain James Cook's voyage to Tahiti to witness the transit between Venus and the Sun
Make Me Honest (BBC2): ONCE upon a time Emily Crompton would have been classified as a do-gooder. Nowadays she's a mentor - a sort of potential fairy godmother to 18-year-old Michael Rowle, who's served nine months for robbery and is trying to go straight
A CHURCH has arranged a second series of illustrated lectures about the creative arts. Three lectures, called Voyages of Discovery, will be presented by Dr Barbara Morden at All Saints Church, in Crathorne, on Tuesday, April 20, June 22 and September
Bedale High School has had a successful season on the football field with both junior teams winning Hambleton and Richmondshire area cups. The Year Seven team, managed by Martyn Coombs, won 15 of their 17 matches this season, defeating Wensleydale 4-1
A PROLIFIC burglar has been jailed for more than six years for carrying out 22 raids within weeks of being freed from prison. Drug addict Darren Robinson was told by a judge he would have been locked up for even longer had he not helped police clear up
THE truck ride that crashed and overturned into a river at the popular Diggerland theme park at Langley Park, near Durham, has been shut down while safety inspections take place. Twelve people, including six children, were hurt when the all-terrain Super
A SET of six stamps issued by the Royal Mail celebrates the North-East's proud nautical heritage. The famous RMS Mauretania is featured on the new 47p stamp in a painting by Newcastle artist Thomas Hemy (1852-1937). The Mauretania was built in 1907 by
A RUSSIAN businessman who is desperately seeking a seat on the Corus board has little chance of success, a steel expert has said. Alisher Usmanov has proclaimed his desire to have a controlling influence on the Anglo-Dutch steel group, but to date his
IF anyone had asked, on Sunday afternoon, what we thought of the Easter weekend so far, we'd have said: "Brilliant!" By mid-evening it would have been: "Not a lot" after a call from upstairs saying: "Dad, did you know there's water seeping down the landing
IMAGINE flying on holiday from a modern airport less than a hour from your home. Not only is the flight cheap but you can shop, drink and eat to your heart's content before boarding. You have already been given discounted rail fares and a free bus service
COUNT me in. That was the call from Darlington defender Craig Liddle last night, despite doctors orders to rest. It was feared that the 32-year-old would miss the rest of the season after picking up a stomach injury in the defeat at Boston almost a fortnight
MIDDLESBROUGH are on the verge of lifting the FA Youth Cup for the first time in the club's history after an extra special second half display in the first leg of the final at Villa Park last night. Boro's young guns - hoping to emulate the seniors' success
JUST when you thought the shelves couldn't take yet another wedding magazine. All those blushing brides... expensive dresses... mothers' hats. There surely is a limit. Well, yes, there probably is - which is why the cover of the latest wedding magazine
Chester-le-Street: Chester's hopes of reaching the Durham Challenge Cup Final were dashed as a very well drilled and strong Winlaton side from the division above took underdogs Chester apart in the first half with a fine display of running rugby. From
IT SEEMS only yesterday that Bishop Auckland formed its music society and now it is entering its 13th summer season of concerts. They are held on Fridays in the throne room of Auckland Castle, where the new Steinway grand piano will be played by some
GEORGE REYNOLDS' bankruptcy hearing - a case which could have a major impact on the future of Darlington FC - is due to resume in just over a month's time. The case was adjourned at Durham County Court on Wednesday and will recommence in Newcastle on
THE Government Office for the North-East was yesterday celebrating a £20m windfall to help with the regeneration of the region. One of the largest funding programmes in the area - the European Objective 2 programme - has been awarded the cash to mark
A night out ended in tragedy when a bus carrying clubbers ploughed into a wall, killing a passenger and injuring four others. The bus, travelling from the Ikon and Diva nightclub in York, smashed into the partition wall of the city's Churchill Hoteland
Members from Billingham Amateur Swimming Club enjoyed a great day out last Sunday competing in the Northern Triathlon and Biathlon Regional Competition held at Durham City baths and The Graham Sports Centre, Durham City. The triathlon consisted of swimming
Killinghall Arms played hosts to Nestfield WMC and it was the visitors who came out worthy 4-0 winners. In the first half both teams played some superb football with chances at both ends. Nestfield took the lead with a good header by Adi Weston from a
OF THE two sportsmen who have joyously celebrated a personal achievement this week, I am much more inclined to share the delight of the American golfer rather than the West Indian batsman. Except in events like the Ryder Cup, golf is an individual pursuit
Sunday, April 11: Royal Oak played hosts to Newton Cap and the home side started stronger, taking the lead after ten minutes when Mike Donnelly fired home from 12 yards. Newton Cap hit back on 35 minutes when Matthew Gowland beat the offside trap and
PUPILS from Greenfield School in Newton Aycliffe have been experiencing the world of film-making. The Sunderland and Durham Creative Partnerships team has involved the school in working with Airship Films to make a short film based on the Ten Commandments
Middlesbrough Post Office 10 North Skelton Village 0: Post Office went into this game holding a four-point lead at the top of the table while North Skelton Village also entered the arena on a positive note having won two recent games. Post Office were
PRIVATE housing in Middlesbrough is to receive a £2.8m boost to help keep people in their own homes for longer and regenerate run-down areas. The cash is to be spent on older privately-owned and rented housing in Middlesbrough, after the local authority
THERE have been a number of panicky letters in my postbag recently. From gardeners waking up from their deep winter slumber to find that they can't buy unleaded petrol any more! They got out their old-fashioned mowers and were shocked to find that the
KIA National Club League; National Division One North: Tennis World ladies have a tough home match on Sunday against the 2003 national champions Holcombe Brook of Bury. The Lancashire club, also winners in 1993, can boast the highest standard of players
MORE than half the region's parents risk their children's lives by throwing away protective car seats too soon, according to research. A Department for Transport advertising campaign is urging parents to use car seats or boosters until youngsters are
Longovicium was Lanchester's Roman name and although the meaning is open to dispute, later settlers called it 'Lang Chester', meaning the long Roman fort. It was certainly a large fort covering six acres and its remains can still be seen on the south
More than 30 little chefs descended on a hotel this week to learn about different types of food and how to cook it. Simon Walsh, head chef at the Morritt Arms, Greta Bridge, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, was holding the Little Mad Chefs afternoon
Jason Hammond says he can't stop smiling after making his comeback for New Marske against Barnard Castle Glaxo on Easter Monday. The 27-year old played the last ten minutes after recovering from a serious motor-cycle accident in Greece last July. "I was
GUISBOROUGH experienced Easter agony and ecstasy after winning one local derby and losing another, while also losing one of their most influential players when Craig Baverstock broke his ankle at Thornaby. The Priorymen went into Easter Monday's home
A SECOND police helicopter is being commissioned to replace an Islander aeroplane based at Teesside Airport The Northumbria, Durham and Cleveland forces put in a bid for Government funding for the project and have now been given the official go-ahead.
BARNARD CASTLE. - Tues. Fwd: 231 cattle. Lim cows & bull calves to £890 M&K Toward; with hfr calves to £530 M&K Toward. Bulls: Char £635; Lim £615; BB £605; Simm £590. Steers: Char £635; Lim £750; BB £700; Simm £585. Hfrs: BA £625; Lim £650
FANCYING ourselves as a couple of ladies who lunch, daughter-in-law Lynn and I pitched up at the Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle to check if the chef's cooking was as high as his reputation. Trained at the Savoy and Gleneagles, success has followed Adrian
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP RUGBY: Publisher: Acclaim, Formats: PS2, Xbox, PC, Price: £34.99. Out this week. VIDEO games imitate life to a frightening degree sometimes. So it was pretty much inevitable when Jonny Wilkinson delivered that last minute drop kick
He died in penury and disgrace, but it took a king to decide his valour should not be overlooked because of one mistake. Chris Lloyd looks at how a war hero's memory is being honoured - and how his name is living on in the battlefields of Iraq. THE final
WHEN a policeman handed out a parking ticket in a sleepy Yorkshire Dales village, he would not have expected the event to be recounted on national television. But a comic poem, penned by entertainer Richard Digance after the £30 penalty was slapped on
Tow Law joint manager Geoff Young is fulll of praise for his players after avoiding relegation with a good run of results of late. Young, together with Brian Fowler, took over a month ago and since then have lifted Lawyers away from the relegation zone
WORK starts next week on a £4m project to turn a North-East theatre into one of the UK's leading playhouses. The Empire Theatre in Sunderland will be transformed in the overhaul, which starts on Monday. Bosses at Sunderland Council, which owns the venue
Only three games took place this weekend. Parklands kept up their challenge to retain their league title with a 4-2 victory over Jack and Jill. All four of Parklands games came in the first period. Darren Fixter opened the scoring for Parklands, Jon Pinchbeck
OLD crop wheat prices have been under pressure as end buyers seem to be few and far between. The end of season equation is, however, still the same in that it seems finely balanced. New crop prices have also come down as growing conditions around the
ORGANISERS of a town's bid for blooming glory are determined their efforts will not be undermined by the effects of dog urine. It is feared some metal lampposts in Saltburn, east Cleveland, may be too unstable to support floral baskets - having been weakened
Planet Snooker Premier League: Mike Dunn, the first and the only North-East professional snooker player to qualify for the final stages of the World Championships at Sheffield, continued his winning ways with another good win over Hartlepool's Michael
A FARMER turned entrepreneur has been given final approval to create a multi-million pound golf course and hotel on his land. Simon Weightman - a pacesetter when it comes to agricultural diversification - has already created a trout fishing centre and
Newfit Services Willington: Willington Cottles saw their championship chance fade when they dropped four valuable points to the visiting Willington New Inn. This result leaves them trailing the leading Byers Green Royal Oak by 15 points but with a match
OUTREACH support groups that will continue because of the £40,000 award are: Ferryhill, which meets in Cleves Cross Community Lounge, on the first Monday of the month, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm; Sedgefield, which meets at Ceddesfeld Hall, every other Tuesday
DURHAM skipper Jon Lewis admits that preparations for today's opening County Championship game against Hampshire have been far from ideal, writes Scott Wilson. With the weather forcing the abandonment of pre-season games against both Yorkshire and Derbyshire
A FAMILY is devastated after the theft of six pet lambs on Easter Sunday. The Tindale family were shocked to discover that the lambs, some only days old, had been taken from a stable at their Brancepeth smallholding. They fear that the thieves will not
A CONTROVERSIAL housing development on the site of a former hospital in County Durham has been given the go ahead. Planners have agreed to allow Miller Homes to build 26 detached houses, 16 town houses and 53 apartments, in Newcastle Road, Chester-le-Street
Sedgefield Locality Carers Centre has been awarded £40,000 to pay for a part-time worker for the next three years. The Community Fund award means outreach groups across Sedgefield borough will continue to run. The centre provides support to more than
A COMMUNITY Pathfinder Project, which has been running in rural areas of County Durham for three years, has won funding for a further three months. The extra cash will mean that work in the east Durham centres of Seaham, Peterlee and Horden will be able
A MUSEUM is looking forward to being invaded by railway memorabilia enthusiasts when it holds two valuation weekends later this year. During the weekends, visitors will be able to bring items along to the National Railway Museum, in York, for a free valuation
A DECISION on a £15m package which would change the face of a city centre could rest in the hands of the Deputy Prime Minister. English Heritage has requested John Prescott examines the redevelopment of derelict land to the west of Ripon's Market Place
Bishop Auckland League: Shildon Royal George moved to the top of the table after they only dropped three points to the visiting Toft Hill Three Tuns. The George had two points from Kevin Stewart and Martin Taylor with Andrew Tennant, Chris Peacock, Rance
THE eagerly-awaited decision on whether troubled Darlington Football Club has a long-term future will be made just days after the end of the season. Administrators Wilson Field said yesterday that the verdict could come in the week beginning May 10 -
MEMBERS of a roller-skating club will be raising money for a national cancer charity at a fundraising event next month. Durham and District Roller Skating Club is taking part in the Macmillan Miles Challenge. Skaters from the club aged from four to 24
WORK starts next week on a £4m project to turn a North-East theatre into one of the UK's leading playhouses. The Empire Theatre in Sunderland will be transformed in the overhaul, which starts on Monday. Bosses at Sunderland Council, which owns the venue
A NEWTON Aycliffe community centre is following up the success of a sign language course by running another. Greenfield Community and Arts Centre will offer the state two British Sign Language course from next Thursday, at 1.30pm. The accredited course
WALKERS are drumming up support for a campaign to save a footpath from closure. The Chester-le-Street Group of the Ramblers' Association wants people to object to the blocking of a footpath from Crichton Avenue to the riverside. A public inquiry will
A COLBURN pub will be rocking to the sounds that have filled arenas around the world. Bruce Springsteen fans will be heading for Colburn Lodge on Saturday, May 1, for a one-off performance by tribute band Born to Run. Badlands, Thunder Road, The River
A nursery has opened on an estate in Darlington. The Parkside Neighbourhood Nursery has been opened by Skerne Park Community Enterprise Association as part of developments to improve the estate. It caters for children aged five and under from 8am to 6pm
OLD Shildon and Newton Aycliffe will meet in the league's first cup final at Spennymoor United's Brewery Field ground this Sunday. The two sides will do battle in the First Division Cup Final after going head-to-head in league action this week. Aycliffe
A TEESDALE village which has been without a parish council since its five members were disqualified will soon be up and running again. Councillors at Mickleton were forced to step down earlier this year after sticking to their guns over a unanimous decision
DAREDEVIL fundraisers lined up to throw themselves from a great height in a charity bungee jump last night. The event took place in Ferryhill and attracted at least 30 intrepid participants. The idea for the bungee originated with the Ferryhill 2000 group
A POLICE bid to crackdown on unruly youths on a troubled estate has been described by local councillors as "plain silly". Cleveland Police said it would use powers introduced under the Government's much trumpeted Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003 to create
A STUDENT has addressed a major London conference about the skills he has gained as a volunteer. Alan Strickland, 20, from Silkin Way, Newton Aycliffe, spoke alongside the Minster for Children, Young People and Families, Margaret Hodge, and Body Shop
A 26-YEAR-OLD woman died yesterday when her car crashed into a wall after police arrived to check reports of a house disturbance. Police said the woman drove off in a Vauxhall Vectra and hit a marked police car, causing minor damage to both vehicles,
VOLUNTEERS have been involved in a green project to improve their environment. The Friends of Guisborough Forest and Walkway were joined by helpers to plant an area on the Beckside Line, behind Somerfield supermarket, in Guisborough, with Guelder Rose
GOVERNMENT funding to combat anti-social behaviour will see the first anti-social behaviour co-ordinator appointed in County Durham. The £50,000 funding to the Wear and Tees Community Safety Partnership will allow Phil Shaw, a former policeman and enforcement
Hundreds of motorists are descending on Ripon to take advantage of free parking until the end of the month after roadworks hit traders. North Yorkshire County Council decided to act after remedial roadworks in the Market Place deterred drivers from going
YOUNGSTERS were given the chance to milk a model cow, grade eggs and take a computerised cowpat challenge as part of a food and farming roadshow. The roadshow, run by the National Farmers Union, is designed to help children find out more about British
Harrogate Squash Club aim to deny the league and cup double to Chapel Allerton when the pair meet in the final on April 26. Chapel Allerton have won the First Division championship for the first time, but were brought down to earth after clinching the
DAVID Easterby's High Peak (Middleton) completed a four-timer when taking the men's open at the Bedale point to point held at Hornby Castle on Easter Saturday. Richard Wakeham deputised for Tom Greenall in the saddle and High Peak was held up in the early
Spraire Lads Under-15 B produced a commanding performance to win 11-1 at Saltburn Athletic. Top scorer Lee Borrowdale turned provider to set-up all three goals of an Elliot Gardner hat-trick, but still found time to nab a brace for himself. Thomas 'Tubs
Sir, - I refer to recent correspondence from Mr Lappin, Mrs Swabey and Mrs Wright concerning the Great Ayton lorry survey (D&S, April 9). Their views are shared by myself and 99pc of local residents. The remaining 1pc, including John Fletcher, who
Oil group BP has reassured investors that it will not get embroiled in a Shell-like furore over its reserves. Speaking at the group's annual meeting in London, chairman Peter Sutherland said the group was confident that estimates of its oil and gas stocks
A VILLAGE'S bargain-priced healthy eating scheme is proving a big success, with 204 bags of fresh produce sold in the latest week. Residents have been hurrying to buy supplies of fruit, vegetables and salad at £2-a-bag in the community centre at Cockfield
Yorkshire had cause of their own to celebrate yesterday after hearing that fast bowler Matthew Hoggard has been given a six month summer contract by the England and Wales Cricket Board. Soon after making the announcement, the ECB contacted Yorkshire and
Chester-Le-Street Town: Town Juniors may only have got as far as West Ham United in the FA Youth Cup Fourth Round but they still managed to win the League Cup for the third time in four years when they beat Walker Central at Prudhoe Town FC on Tuesday
BOXER Michael Hunter prepares for his first British title showdown tonight with these words from coach Neil Fannan ringing in his ears: "This is the most important fight of your life.'' The Hartlepool fighter will go toe-to-toe with Coventry's Mark Payne
THE brewing of Guinness in Britain is to cease after almost 70 years. The brand's owner, Diageo, announced it was shifting production from the company's north-west London operation back to its brewing heartland in Dublin. About 90 jobs will be lost with
SUPPORT services group Jarvis suffered a fresh collapse in its share price after revealing that a key division had fallen into the red. The group - at the centre of the inquiry into the Potters Bar rail crash - warned that its accommodation services arm
IRISH eyes, along with Yorkshire eyes and Lakeland eyes, were certainly smiling as Ferdy Murphy won the big one at Fairyhouse in his native country on Monday, Granit d'Estruval taking the Powers Gold Label Irish Grand National under a fine Brian Harding
THE head of a health trust has pledged to tackle a recurring cash shortfall of £16m. Simon Pleydell, chief executive of South Tees NHS Trust, spoke out yesterday after the organisation was told it needed to work out a financial recovery plan. A Healthcare
A VILLAGE'S bargain-priced healthy eating scheme is proving a big success, with 204 bags of fresh produce sold in the latest week. Residents have been hurrying to buy supplies of fruit, vegetables and salad at £2-a-bag in the community centre at Cockfield
BECKHAMS: I DON'T believe for one moment that David and Victoria Beckham have an unhappy marriage. Neither do I believe that David has had an affair with anyone else. Why would David Beckham leave Madrid to join his wife in the French Alps if they did
Durham HQ and Tyne & Wear made progress to the League Cup semi finals, whilst Langbaurgh maintained top spot in the League. Durham HQ travelled to Stockton with a weakened team , whilst their opponents have one eye on a Cup Final. The game was expected
ACCIDENT investigators examining a crash which left a five-month-old baby seriously injured renewed their appeal for witnesses yesterday. The grey Renault Laguna in which Elethea Thompson and her parents were travelling, left the southbound carriageway
Premier Division; Rovers Quoit 10 Shakespeare 0: Reigning champions Rovers rained an amazing ten goals on visiting side Shakespeare to leave them as hot favouries to retain their Sunday League crown. Lee Keers opened the rout for the home team following
A GRIEVING family are understood to have travelled to Gloucestershire yesterday to visit the place where a North-East woman died in a diving accident with her boyfriend. It is believed Janine Davison-Evans, a nanny, could have been trapped in underwater
The Mens Singles Stableford Competition on Saturday started a busy Easter Weekend programme. It was won by Ian Dobson with 40 points. Peter McNay and Alan Johnston tied for the runner-up spot, with Peter being placed second by virtue of a better back
SCORES of residents are opposed to plans by Heighington Parish Council to build a sports field and pavilion. Last week, planning approval was given for the development in a field in Hall Lane, despite 109 letters of objection. Conditions attached to the
