Sir, - As someone who has no idea what autograss racing is (D&S letters, May 21), I have no axe to grind. I do, however, drive frequently along the road from Scorton to Northallerton when racing is taking place. I have never encountered any traffic
TWO late wickets rekindled Durham's victory hopes in an enthralling contest at Trent Bridge just when they looked like being blown away. Needing 291 to win, Nottinghamshire raced to 64 before the first wicket fell in the 15th over, then they quickly lost
THE final pieces of a public art project were lifted into place yesterday at the West Park development, in Darlington. The large sculptures, transported by a 100-tonne crane, complete a project called Trinity Stones - a piece commissioned by developers
THE story of Alice Through The Looking Glass is coming to Ormesby Hall, near Middlesbrough, early next month. Performed by open air theatre group Illyria, Alice will climb through the looking glass and become a pawn in a giant chess game, encounter Tweedle
TWO artists have teamed up to put on an exhibition at a Derwentside arts centre. Kim Graham, of Spennymoor, and Tom Rowan, of Esh Winning, are displaying their latest works at the Lamplight Arts Centre in Stanley. Both are members of the Durham Visual
MICHAEL BRIDGES will not be playing in the Premiership with Newcastle United next season but he could return to the North-East with Sunderland. The former Leeds United striker signed a short term contract at St. James' Park in January and he had been
A REPLICA of an eighteenth century drum has been made for the youngster who leads this year's Drummer Boy walk in Richmond on Sunday. Former Drum Major Joe Peacock fashioned the lightweight version so it could be carried and played by ten-year-old Sam
LATEST forecasts suggest that barely a third of the electorate will cast votes in next month's European and council elections. And yet we are told by all political parties contesting the elections that Europe and public services are two key issues in
A series of high-profile stunts, culminating in last week's flour bombing of Tony Blair, aims to highlight the injustice of fathers denied access to their children. With more direct action planned in the run-up to Father's Day, Nick Morrison looks at
WHILE Leadgate Golden Lion swept all before them, spare a thought for unlucky Stateside. Three times the Consett side found themselves in with a chance of silverware after being pipped for the runners-up spot by Lanchester Social on the final day of the
Paul Watson just loves to play against his former school teacher! When he was 18, whilst batting for his home club Horden in a cup tie against Durham City, he hit three consecutive sixes off the bowling of Gary Hulme who taught him at Howletch Comprehensive
HOUSE hunters are being offered their own piece of Chelsea chic. One of the successes of the Chelsea Flower Show last year has been transplanted to Consett in County Durham. The Catwalk Garden by Newcastle designer Alan Capper is a horticultural interpretation
A DARLINGTON school has been recognised for the quality of its work in the arts. Hummersknott School and Language College received the Artsmark accolade from the Arts Council. As well as taking part in art, music, expressive arts and drama lessons, students
ARTISTIC students at a Darlington school yesterday moved a step closer to seeing their garden design become a reality. The youngsters from Haughton Comprehensive School paid a visit to S & I Structures, on Albert Hill Industrial Estate, in Darlington
A GAS company is apologising with flowers for the inconvenience of a lengthy roadworks scheme. Transco has finished work in the Otley Road area of Harrogate, which caused months of disruption. Now the area is to benefit as the town starts its build-up
PLANS for a youth centre in Darlington are expected to be approved by councillors, despite several objections. Elm Ridge Methodist Church has submitted proposals to the borough council for the facility to be set up in one of the units on the Mowden shopping
INVESTIGATORS have been unable to identify how food poisoning broke out at the University Hospital of North Durham. The inquiry into the salmonella outbreak last November concluded that it was 'highly likely' that the outbreak was linked with eating food
YOUNGSTERS from isolated rural villages will gather at Hamsterley Forest next month for an action-packed adventure weekend. About 30 youngsters from across the county will enjoy a range of activities to improve their physical and mental health and develop
MARTI Webb is one of those performers destined never to be a megastar, and the reason for that is a mystery. Her voice is by turns tender and powerful, her stage persona is engaging and she looks good, too. Yet because she isn't surrounded by the hype
PEOPLE are objecting to the proposed sale of a former community centre that they believe could house a school for children with behavioural and emotional difficulties. They say the Grangetown Centre, the former home of a learning disability service, on
A PRISONER refused to leave his cell to face a judge yesterday. Daniel Paul Conroy, 19, was due to be sentenced for robbery, burglary, handling, failure to surrender and breaches of two court orders. A jury found him guilty of robbing a woman of her handbag
A SENIOR doctor warned last night that an under-fire maternity unit could close unless it gets public support. Officials fear expectant mothers may boycott the new midwife-run maternity unit at Bishop Auckland General Hospital after an incident in which
A charity night, organised by the family and friends of 16-year-old North-East girl Adele Puckrin who died in November of a brain tumour after a two-and-a-half year battle, raised £975. The event at New Marske Sports Club, east Cleveland, on May 14 included
A GROUP of students have been awarded for the commitment and support they have shown to their peers. TARGET (Talk and Reassure Get Everyone Together) was set up last year at Bishop Auckland College to help students feel comfortable and gain confidence
RESIDENTS are being urged to help decide the fate of a community hospital that faces closure in a health shake-up later this year. The Homelands Community Hospital, in Crook, is expected to be shut as part of a modernisation of care services for the elderly
NASSER Hussain's timing wasn't bad during his farewell century, otherwise it has been distinctly awry. He left it very late to run out Andrew Strauss in an attempt to prolong his England career as the newcomer had already done more than enough to ensure
IT would perhaps be not unreasonable to assume that when a much-praised restaurant changes hands, standards, although they may not slip exactly, will almost certainly change. Restaurateur David Barnard ran the Crab and Lobster at Asenby, near Thirsk,
Marton Under-14s entered a team into the prestigious Pontin's Blackpool International Spring Football Festival and came away as winners after beating a team from the Isle of Mann in the final. Over the years some famous footballers have taken part in
Eyebrows may have been raised during the Queen's visit to Ripon yesterday at the apparel worn by the Chief Constable of North Yorkshire, Della Cannings. She was wearing the old fashioned last-generation uniform as ceremonial dress rather than the modern
Joke shops may still be popular with kids but you'd be surprised at who else frequents Funtastic, in Whitby, as Shoptalk finds out. HERE'S a tip. If your children have just come back from a school trip to Whitby, think twice before you accept a sweet
Newton Aycliffe: At the second Tees Forest race at Summerhill Hartlepool on Thursday, May 20 Carl Mustill ran a great race to finish 2nd in a time of 18mins 29secs closely followed by Peter Milburn in 3rd with a time of 18mins 39secs with Mick O'Sullivan
TRADITIONAL nappies could oust environmentally damaging disposables, thanks to a business venture by a Richmond mum. Nicky Osborne, seen at work above, launched the Happy Nappies hire and laundry service on Monday from the town's Gallowfield trading estate
THERE is gold waiting to be found in the North-East, free to anyone with a shovel, a pan and the determination to find it. But casual hunters should be aware that they are competing for prime locations against international gold panner and former British
THE Yorkshire point to point season ended with the Badsworth and Bramham meeting at Heslaker last Saturday. There was an exciting finish to the men's open. Darak (Hurworth), ridden by champion jockey Nigel Tutty, made much of the running with the Annabelle
ON a weekend away, I saw what has got to be the working model of Clark's third law - a robot milker. Clark's third law? "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." And it was magic, given that I can remember hand-milking as
Durham travelled to Stockton at the weekend to take part in this year's Tees Regatta and the club took a large contingent. The club achieved 12 wins, with the junior club members having another successful day. However, the club's win of the day was in
HORSE owners have been given more time to obtain the new equine passport for their animals. Although they must still apply for a passport by June 30, restrictions on horses without the new documentation will not now come into force until February 28,
Former title holders Thirsk have emerged early pacesetters with a hat-trick of victories to top the First Division. The Thirsk side won their only First Division championship in the league six years ago but are currently two points ahead of present champions
THE annual Tees Rowing Club Regatta took place last weekend in glorious conditions, with competitors and the many spectators basking in balmy temperatures under clear blue skies. Rowers from 27 clubs took part in all boat types, from the powerful eights
JOCKEY Neil Callan seeks to make amends on Up Tempo (3.20) at York this afternoon having failed to shine on Kevin Ryan's raider last time out. The normally ultra-reliable Callan was in the saddle at Redcar ten days ago when Up Tempo met serious interference
Darlington Allstars: The Under-12s took on Nunthorpe in the League Cup Final and started well by taking an early lead with an opportunist goal from Nick Stockport. Nunthorpe fought back quickly to equalise making it 1-1 but once again the Allstars responded
Thursday's prices Grainfarmers, Thorp Arch. - Wheat: June £76; July £77; Aug £78. Barley: June £74; July £75; Aug £61. Oilseed rape: June £175; July £148; Aug £149. GrainCo, Tyne Dock. - Wheat: June £75; July £76; Aug £66. Barley: June £70; July £71;
Durham City chairman Stewart Dawson has re-iterated that manager Billy Cruddas will be in charge next season. Romours had circulated for several months that Cruddas, in his third spell at the club, is going to leave, but Dawson quashed the talk, saying
One of the most challenging times of my police career was the investigation into the abduction of Hartlepool toddler Rosie Palmer. We caught the man responsible but too late to save Rosie. There was understandable public concern when it emerged that the
Since the shocking death of an unborn baby during a car dash between two County Durham hospitals, anxious women have been ringing Bishop Auckland General's swtichboard seeking reassurance. Health Correspondent Barry Nelson found out answers to some of
MIDDLESBROUGH have admitted their ambitious bid to sign Dutch striker Patrick Kluivert is still in its infancy. But chief executive Keith Lamb has told Northern Echo SPORT that the board will do all they can to ensure Boro do not miss the chance to sign
Peter Beagrie could be set for a return to the North-East with Darlington, writes Lee Hall. Quakers have been alerted by the possible availability of the Scunthorpe United playmaker, who is stalling on a new a deal at Glanford Park. The 38-year-old is
Esh Winning reached the first round proper defeating neighbours Ushaw Moor by ten wickets, writes MALCOLM PRATT. Faced with a target of 78 Esh romped home as Paul Shaw carried his bat for 31 and Stuart Hall ended unbeaten on 26. When they made first use
Castle Eden Under-13s played their first league home game of the season on Saturday. They had a convincing win over Hylton with their captain Keith Bailey running up a massive 107 not out. This is the first century by a junior player at Castle Eden, although
UEFA EURO 2004, Publisher, Electronic Arts, Formats, Xbox, PS2, PC, Price, £39.99: SVEN may be downbeat about England's chances of lifting the second best prize in world football but you can ensure Beckham et al go all the way this summer. Euro 2004 uses
BURGER firm McDonald's has put up a plaque in honour of a North-East customer who visited every day until he died. Terry Steadman, 59, a former nightclub doorman, and his friends always sat at the same table, which they called their "office". The plaque
Edmondsley to the north of Sacriston dates to Anglo-Saxon times but is first mentioned in Durham's Boldon Buke of 1180. A decade later, it also receives a mention in a medieval manuscript about the Life of St Godric of Finchale. A short chapter describes
Stunning Natalie Smith was crowned the first Miss Durham in an event of high emotion. The 19-year-old of Chester-le-Street, wowed the judges with her good looks, poise and personality during the contest at Sedgefield Racecourse. Natalie will now go forward
A WORKER electrocuted when he touched a live thermostat died an accidental death, an inquest has ruled. Qualified electrician Mark Walker, 32, of Croxdale, County Durham, was working one weekend last May at the Department for Work and Pensions office
BARNARD CASTLE. - Wed of last week. Fwd: 597 sheep. Show for ewes & hoggs with lambs. Mule hoggs & lambs: 1&2 M Hedley £140, £136. Mule shlgs & lambs: 1&2 P Coupland £128, £120. Swale ewes & lambs: 1 Raby Estates £80; 2 C Bell
Motorists who continue to flout the law with their careless parking at MetroCentre will be risking penalties - no matter what time of the day or night. Thanks to CCTV technology Northumbria Police will be able to take action even if no officers are present
RACEHORSE trainer Norman Mason was back in the saddle at his entertainment business last night after it emerged from administration. The Grand National-winning trainer regained control of his amusement arcades and pubs when an administration order was
A PARK in the centre of Prime Minister Tony Blair's constituency has received an award. Hardwick Park, in Sedgefield, is in the middle of a restoration programme totalling almost £5m. The funding has come from a series of grants from the Heritage Lottery
TWO late wickets rekindled Durham's victory hopes in an enthralling contest at Trent Bridge just when they looked like being blown away. Needing 291 to win, Nottinghamshire raced to 64 before the first wicket fell in the 15th over, then they quickly lost
Junior round-up: Billingham Pumas ran out comfortable 9-1 victors at the Forum Ice Arena against local rivals Whitley Arrows in the English U12 North Promotion/Relegation play-offs on Saturday. Pumas could not break through until four minutes into the
THEFTS of valuable musical instruments could be a thing of the past thanks to a tracking system being developed by a Darlington company. MusitraC, developed by Cleveland Studios, is being piloted in music stores across the country. It has been developed
Rouse Cup: The oldest piece of silverware in the trophy cabinet was this year won by Kevin Palethorpe with a net 68. The best score however, was returned by Tom Brodrick with a 65 but as this competition has a handicap limit of 20 tom will have to settle
Sunday Division: Omar Shahid claimed four wickets in four balls playing for Middlesbrough against Darlington at Feethams, writes Malcolm Pratt. All four victims were bowled and Shahid, who bowls medium pace, finished with five wickets for 29 runs in 11.5
A REVAMPED taxibus service giving a direct link to Durham is launched next week. A new timetable for the Durham Direct Link 176 service which covers Fence Houses, Bournmoor and Great Lumley will start on Tuesday and includes a new Saturday service. Durham
Darlington and District League: Pairs winners were Mr S Smith and Mr. D. Heseltine of The D.ton WMC. The Singles winner was Mr C Ward of Hogans. The Presentation evening will be on July 22 at the Albert Hill WMC and commences at 7.30pm. Tickets obtained
CARLISLE. - Wed of last week. Special May show & sale of Cont X store cattle, catalogued entry of 1,505. Judge: Brian Smith & Angela Tarry-Smith, Redhouse, Warwick. Champion: Peter Richardson, Sandhills, Bassenthwaite Lake, 10-m-o Lim X steer
NOISY neighbours are being warned to turn the volume down or face the prospect of having their stereo equipment confiscated. Middlesbrough Council receives 1,300 noise complaints every year, mostly relating to noise made within people's houses which disturbs
Crook Ladies League: League champions, Crook Queen's Head A started the new season in good form with a seven points home win over Crook Travellers Rest. Last season's runners-up, Crook Jelly's Bar B produced a similar victory on their visit to Tow Law
A DERELICT building which has been transformed into a £1m arts and health centre will be officially opened tomorrow. The former Co-op buildings in Dipton, near Stanley, will be re-born as The Store, a healthy living centre which will also house the Cap-a-Pie
WORKINGMEN'S clubs from County Durham have agreed to the sale of the brewery that has supplied them for more than 80-years. Delegates from 253 clubs voted in favour of the recommendation by the Federation Brewery board to accept a buy-out offer from Scottish
TWENTY-ONE beaches across the North-East and North Yorkshire have been reccomended in this year's Good Beach Guide. The guide, out today and compiled by the Marine Conservation Society, is said to be the only independent guide to bathing water quality
UNWANTED mobile phones and used printer ink cartridges have been handed in to a school to help two charities. For the past month, pupils at Pittington Primary School have been collecting the unwanted phones and cartridges as part of a fundraising project
Willington reached the semi-finals when they defeated Washington in a delayed quarter-final tie, writes MALCOLM PRATT. When they made first use of the wicket Washington were all out for 73 which included 32 by Lee. Lee Tinkler was in outstanding form
A YOUNG hedgehog appeared in our garden this week and it did not seem at all worried or alarmed at our presence. My wife and I were busy with our gardening chores when we noticed him. He was snuffling around among some vegetation near a flight of steps
Since enrolling on an Expert Patient Programme, Norman Weston has never looked back, he tells Barry Nelson. NORMAN Weston's distinguished career as a forensic scientist was brought to an untimely end by serious illness. Within a few years of developing
A DOG rehoming centre celebrated its tenth anniversary with adopted dogs old and young coming back to join the celebrations. The Dogs Trust Darlington rehoming centre, in Sadberge, saw more than 60 dog owners and their faithful pets pass through the gates
D-DAY veterans are looking forward to returning to Normandy for the 60th anniversary celebrations. A group of 46 members of the Normandy Veterans Pilgrimage Club, 20 of whom saw action in the assault on Nazi-held Europe, will make the trip to France.
FOOTCARE products and condom maker SSL posted lower than expected annual profits despite higher demand for some of its key brands. The group, which recently sold its medical businesses to concentrate on consumer products, reported healthy sales for its
Three Durham and Cleveland juniors took the Under-11s, Under-15s and Under-17 titles at the Chapel Allerton Junior Open in Leeds last weekend. Some stiff competition is always represented at this end of season prestigious competition and this year's entries
A FORMER site of a 12th Century church, which was taken piece by piece to Beamish Museum, has been marked with a plaque giving its history. St Helen's Church, in Eston cemetery, became redundant in 1978 and was dismantled in 1998 following continuous
A SCIENCE facility has doubled in size to cope with the demand for its award-winning life-science research and biotechnology products. Perbio Science's plant, in Cramlington, Northumberland has opened a £7m extension that will create 42 jobs over the
RETAIL entrepreneur Philip Green is considering a takeover of Marks & Spencer. His became a household name after transforming the fortunes of ailing high street group Bhs. The London Stock Exchange reacted excitedly last night after the announcement
THE words sound fine, but news that police in North Yorkshire are warning motorcyclists to cut their speeds or risk being fast tracked into court struck a hollow note with Spectator on Sunday. Visiting Helmsley at teatime, he saw two police cars and a
The season was brought to a close with the final of the Archbold Memorial Trophy on the RA Ground on Tuesday evening last week. There was an excellent encounter between Tindale WMC and Darlington The Mowden who were in their second league final in a week
Dr Bill Lamb started a campaign to run 500 miles to raise funds for insulin pumps to help diabetes patients. Now, 1,700 miles on, he won't stop until he's succeeded he tells Sharon Griffiths. IN the past year, Dr Bill Lamb has run 1,700 miles and raised
AN inquest was opened and adjourned yesterday into the death of a teenager found hanged in a North-East hospital. Samantha Lorraine McCartney, 16, had been taken to the accident and emergency department of Darlington Memorial Hospital in the early hours
Sunnydale School's girl footballers have at last a reward to show for their outstanding efforts this season. Twice teams from the Shildon school reached the Durham County Cup finals for their age group only to fall at the last hurdle. The Under-16s just
This World: One Day Of War (BBC2): "A man who has a gun is not afraid," declared Muktar, a 14-year-old Somalian carrying a weapon almost as big as himself. He was part of the Harborgidir Militia in Mogadishu, Somalia, and was featured here as one of 16
It was a case of deja-vu in the final at Crowtrees when Jimmy Evans of Shotton Palms again took the title by beating Charlie Donaghy of Tow Law. This gave Evans a two win advantage after the pair had met in the final in the last six competitions. In the
Talented young rugby players Joss Havakin and Kareem Omar, both students at Red House School, in Norton, were recognised by their rugby club at the end of season presentations. The two Red House boys play for Billing Rugby Club in the Junior Section.
Durham and District League: Coxhoe moved up third place in the First Division after they beat the visiting Addison Park by two points and by 75 shots to 65. Rink scores (Coxhoe names first): G. Storey 24 A. Waggott 16; D. Gibsob 16 T. Dougherty 22; P.
ONE of the region's attractions is offering visitors the chance to really wind down over the half-term holiday - watching old mechanical toys being wound up. From tomorrow until Sunday, children's activities will be running daily at York's Castle Museum
EXOTIC pets often suffer for months or die in poor conditions because their owners do not know how to look after them properly, according to the RSPCA. The charity is hoping that its Handle With Care campaign, which was launched yesterday, will encourage
CONSERVATIVE Party leader Michael Howard said he would welcome Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon to the Conservatives after they met during a visit to the North-East yesterday. They met as Mr Howard visited Middlesbrough as part of his party's campaign for
THREE musicians are adding another string to their bows by taking part in some of the country's leading courses for young performers. The three attend Ripon Cathedral Choir School. Viola player Toby Baker, 12, from Healey, near Masham, has been accepted
A HIGHLY prized, 2,000-year-old fragment of a grave from the Middle East is to be returned to its homeland after it was found in the North-East. The decorated piece of a lead sarcophagus, or coffin, dating from the Roman period will be returned to the
A HEALTH trust is to investigate the case of a woman who died of pneumonia days after she had collapsed in hospital while visiting her sick husband. Mary Vine, 41, had been comforting her husband Richard at his bedside at Darlington Memorial Hospital
Under-18s: Durham City had eight wickets to spare when they visited Boldon who they restricted to 98 for four, writes MALCOLM PRATT. Chris Burns carried his bat for 35 in the home side's innings before Williamson ended undefeated on 34 as Durham responded
SPRING and summer are times of harvest for every farmer. In the hills and uplands, calves and lambs are born; grass is harvested in May and June then, as July comes in, down the hill combine harvesters start to rattle, followed in autumn by potato and
HISTORY was made by Middleham at the Curragh last Sunday when Attraction became the first filly ever to land both the 1,000 Guineas and its Irish equivalent. Mark Johnston's stable star, ridden by Kevin Darley, was as brave as could be wanted in another
BOARDS telling the story of Thirsk may soon become a feature of the town. Plans are under way, with a £25,000 heritage grant putting the project within sight of its £30,000 target. Some schools are showing an interest, and, at the other end of the age
Margaret Banner had to give up her newspaper work due to a health problem, but she is now back in brisk action, producing a free newsletter for carers, those men and women who do much valuable work in Teesdale as they look after relatives and friends.
Ryhope progressed to the next stage of the Durham Coast League Fred Foster Cup competition defeating Bill Quay by six wickets, writes MALCOLM PRATT. Malley was in good form with the bat for the home side scoring 39 of his team's total of 71 but the innings
ANGRY residents are demanding security cameras in an alleyway they say rowdy youths have turned into a no-go area. People living in Kensington Gardens, Darlington, told a meeting on Wednesday night that they were frightened to walk through the alleyway
YOUNGSTERS on a Teesside holiday project will be finding out about the world in a few days. The Jet Setters Holiday Club is giving children the opportunity to explore the world during half-term. The church-based Trinity Centre Dramography Project, in
STUDENTS and college staff are determined to catch a rare glimpse of the transit of Venus early next month. The event is so rare that no human alive has witnessed the celestial event. But on Tuesday, June 8, Venus will drift across the face of the Sun
JOCKEY Neil Callan seeks to make amends on Up Tempo (3.20) at York this afternoon having failed to shine on Kevin Ryan's raider last time out. The normally ultra-reliable Callan was in the saddle at Redcar ten days ago when Up Tempo met serious interference
DISCUSSIONS are to continue as to whether a town should form a community partnership. Volunteer groups and residents who attended a public meeting in the Civic Centre, Shildon yesterday said they wanted to further explore the idea of setting up a community
RICHMOND MP William Hague will open a flower festival tonight at Kirkby Hill church. A year in the life of the church is the theme of the event. Tonight's preview begins at 7.30pm. Tickets are £5, including wine and canapes. The church is open tomorrow
PLANS for the redevelopment of Richmond's former sports centre envisage a mix of rented and private homes. A blueprint for potential developers of the site, at the Garden village, is to be finalised after Richmondshire District Council's community committee
A MAN who illegally kept live wild birds in cages at his home has been given a two-year conditional discharge and ordered to pay £1,000 costs. George Spurs, 52, of Sunnybrow, Silksworth, Sunderland, admitted four offences under the Wildlife and Countryside
A RAINFOREST teeming with butterflies and insects and the sounds of wildlife has been recreated in a school corridor. Key Stage Two pupils at Bullion Lane Primary School, Chester-le-Street, completed the project as part of their environmental sciences
This World: One Day Of War (BBC2) A man who has a gun is not afraid," declared Muktar, a 14-year-old Somalian carrying a weapon almost as big as himself. He was part of the Harborgidir Militia in Mogadishu, Somalia, and was featured here as one of 16
WRITER Willy Russell smiles to himself when someone says to him: "I love Blood Brothers, who wrote the music?". Some people simply don't realise that he wrote both music and words for this long-running British musical. Best-known as the playwright who
FAMILIES interested in fostering and adoption have been invited to an open evening next week to find out more. Sunderland Social Services is holding an open evening on Wednesday at its Training Centre, Carrmere Road, Leechmere Industrial Estate, from
THE Army brought out its heavy guns yesterday to bid farewell to one of its senior officers. After two years at the headquarters of the Army Training Estate, Catterick Garrison, commandant Lieutenant Colonel Niall MacGregor-Smith is moving to his next
Premier League Cup Final, Burn Valley 4 Lion Hillcarter 0: Silverware-chasing Lion suffered not only a defeat but a thrashing to an excellent Burn Valley in the final of the Premier League Cup. Having already lost out in the Durham County Cup and the
Edmondsley to the north of Sacriston dates to Anglo-Saxon times but is first mentioned in Durham's Boldon Buke of 1180. A decade later, it also receives a mention in a medieval manuscript about the Life of St Godric of Finchale. A short chapter describes
Middleton St George had five wickets to spare overtaking the modest Catterick Village total of 83 for seven, writes Malcolm Pratt. The visitors batted 30 overs and top scorer was Malcolm Carble with an unbeaten 27 which included three boundaries but most
PEOPLE in County Durham could be asked whether they want one or three all-purpose councils to provide local services. The county's two-tier system of local Government will be abolished if the North-East votes 'yes' for a regional assembly in this autumn's
The World Memorial/Ford Trophy Stableford competition on Sunday, May 23 saw 126 members take part. There were some excellent scores recorded in both divisions where six members all reduced their handicaps. The winners were: First Division Pts H/c New
A MICROWAVE firm has been fined £10,000 after a factory worker was injured by a robot. Maintenance worker Andrew Snowdon received a cut to his forehead, which required four stitches, after he was pinned to the floor by a robotic arm at Samsung's Wynyard
Planet Snooker Premier League: The top break in the league rose to 133 when Mike Dunn of Hartlepool made a total clearance against Chris West at Whitley Bay. This beats the 125 break of Michael Rhodes of Durham set only a week ago. Both West and Dunn
Gateshead College's women's team have been enjoying their success as they celebrate winning the British Colleges' Women's Football League. Up against 21 college teams in the league, the champions brought home the trophy after beating title holders East
Linlithgow Rose flourishes still: any amount of readers have been in touch - several just to salivate about Scotch pies - following Tuesday's account of the FA Cup Final Escape Committee's get-away day to those northern regions. Eddie Stout, Scotland
TRIBUTES have been paid to a former employee of The Northern Echo who died on Saturday. Eddie Cavill, 55, who worked in the advertising, promotions and holiday departments from 1973 to 1995, died of cancer of the oesophagus. Mr Cavill, of North Road,
BUSINESSES in Northallerton have a difficult choice to make. Shortly they will be approached to make up the £8,000 needed to ensure the appointment of a town centre manager. Thanks to Yorkshire Forward and local authorities £22,000 is already in the pot
THE battle for the future of local government in North Yorkshire was put firmly in the spotlight this week with an announcement by the Boundary Committee. Senior members of North Yorkshire County Council welcomed the official announcement that their case
HERE'S a tip. If your children have just come back from a school trip to Whitby, think twice before you accept a sweet from them. It's probably flavoured with pepper, garlic, chilli, or anything that makes you want to spit it out quickly, while they roll
NASSER Hussain's timing wasn't bad during his farewell century, otherwise it has been distinctly awry. He left it very late to run out Andrew Strauss in an attempt to prolong his England career as the newcomer had already done more than enough to ensure
THERE were smiles all round the region yesterday as those with a passion for pasties welcomed the re-opening of Peters The Bakers chain of shops. Production at the company, which has 71 outlets, stopped when fire ravaged its Durham bakery. Determined
The region's biggest championship golf tournament of the year is returning to De Vere Slaley Hall next month and we've teamed up with the European Seniors Tour and De Vere Slaley Hall to offer one golf-mad Northern Echo reader the unique and chance to
Norton and Stockton Ancients: The Under-10s were playing away to Greatham who started the game stronger and were soon 1-0 up. Norton battled back and were unfortunate not to level the game before half time. In the second half, Greatham quickly doubled
Norton lead Division One following their excellent victory over Ormesby Hall, writes Malcolm Pratt. After restricting the visitors to 131 all out, Norton won losing just one wicket as Hirst batted through with an unbeaten 37 and Hall, who went in at number
A HIGHLY prized, 2,000-year-old fragment of a grave from the Middle East is to be returned to its homeland after it was found in the North-East. The decorated piece of a lead sarcophagus, or coffin, dating from the Roman period will be returned to the
A LOCAL farmers' leader has slammed a Stockton abattoir for cheating farmers by misrepresenting the weight of beef carcases. Cleveland Meat Company, of Yarm Road, Stockton, pleaded guilty at Teesside Magistrates' Court to three offences contrary to the
THE right hand man of a controversial police authority chairman is among the front runners to replace him in the job, it has emerged. Magistrate Ted Cox confirmed last night that he was seeking to replace Councillor Ken Walker as the head of Cleveland
DAIRY farmer Phil Stevenson has just enjoyed one of his most successful years to date. Not only did his Liverton herd win 13 show trophies, but he was also national president of the Ayrshire Cattle Society. As such, he has just played host to the society's
A modernising and cost-cutting drive at Boots has helped it to post a 2.7 per cent rise in annual profits to £544.6m. The health and beauty chain said it had been encouraged by trading after its core Boots The Chemist chain saw like-for-like sales growth
A DERELICT building which has been transformed into a £1m arts and health centre will be officially opened tomorrow. The former Co-op buildings in Dipton, near Stanley, will be re-born as The Store, a healthy living centre which will also house the Cap-a-Pie
THE sale of a heifer has put more than £1,000 into funds for an air ambulance in Cumbria. Farmer Jonathan Woodmass, 33, who farms at Howard House Farm, Gilsland, sold the year-old Belgian Blue X heifer on Wednesday of last week at a special sale of store
CIU League: Gordon Dodds and Paul Knighton hit maximums to lead the Crook Belle Vue darts charge to another whitewash success when they visited Willington. This pushed the Crook side two points clear of Newfield with two matches in hand. Cockton Hill
MIDDLESBROUGH Bears travel north to Scotland today to face the West Lothian Wildcats at Armadale Raceway near Bathgate with a much changed line-up. Only Wallsend-based Scott Nettleship remains from the side that won against the Hull Angels in east Yorkshire
Langbaurgh League: Kirby Sigston lead the table after winning for the fifth time in six attempts when they visited Stafford Place. The home side totalled 128 which included 26 from Robson and 32 by Smith, while for Kirby Sigston Clarkson, Cowton and Kendrew
MORTON ON SWALE international Nicola Tweddle will be among the contenders at this weekend's Windsor International three-day event, a two star competition which will take place in the parkland surrounding the glorious Berkshire castle. The 27-year-old
MUSEUM bosses have appointed their first artist-in-residence at a castle. Adam King has been given the role at Knaresborough Museum, where he will bring art and archaeology together. He has set up his studio at the castle's Courthouse Museum for the summer
A SERGEANT major did not waste time persuading schoolchildren to keep quiet yesterday. Sgt Major Les Stimson was invited to Seaton Holy Trinity Primary School in Seaton Carew, near Hartlepool to convince them to be quiet in the way only a sergeant major
A LANDLOCKED corner of the region has proved you don't have to be beside the seaside to be a growing holiday resort. Tourism figures for last year show that Harrogate district received more visitors than places such as Bournemouth, Brighton and Blackpool
INTERNATIONAL hockey came to the region at the weekend, as England Men's Under-21s triumphed over their Scottish counterparts. The two match series was staged on the world-class water-based pitch at Durham University's Maiden Castle Sports Centre. On
STANLEY Royal dominated proceedings in the league by claiming all the major trophies in what turned out to be a devastating season. Averaging just under eight goals a game in the league, the Royal claimed maximum points from their 20 fixtures and also
GUISBOROUGH superbike racer Dennis Hobbs overcame the pain of a broken ankle to score an impressive pair of podium finishes at a warm and sunny Mondello Park in Ireland last weekend. The 21-year-old passed a fitness test, following a high-speed tumble
Bedale & West of Yore PC. - May 30: Fun day at Thorp Perrow, open to all under 16, 11am start. Clear round jumping, show jumping, handy pony, games. All entries taken on the field. Ring 01677 460410 for details. June 13: Team show jumping at Richmond
THE Football League was last night scrutinising a rescue package to save Darlington Football Club. League officials are poring over the details of the Sterling Consortium's bid to take control of the Quakers. An 11th-hour settlement was reached with creditors
North Yorkshire League: Week four of the league season ended with three home wins and a draw. Oak Lodge moved to the top of the league with an excellent away point at Fox Hall. Each team scored 170 points each with David Lain, from Fox Hall, top scoring
Worthington CIU Summer League: Fishburn A were able to hold on to the top spot in the First Division after they won a black ball decider at Meadowfield. Norman Smith put the home side ahead but then Fishburn had wins from John Griffin and Brian Quest.
DURHAM Prison's controversial female centre, once nicknamed 'She-Wing,' is to close in a re-grading of the 180-year-old city jail. The prison will also no longer take category A male inmates under plans announced on Thursday. Both moves were confirmed
THE chairman of the National Fallen Stock Company, Michael Seals, will be in the region next week to outline how the new fallen stock scheme will work when it is launched this autumn. Mr Seals will be the main speaker at the next meeting of the NFU regional
Washington continue to lead division one following their easy victory over Belmont at the weekend, writes MALCOLM PRATT. The visitors were at the wicket for only 23.2 overs scoring just 48 as Alan Wilkie ripped through the innings. He ended with seven
MOVES to have a town centre manager for Northallerton took a major step forward when businesspeople gathered at a breakfast meeting in the town hall on Tuesday. But it was made clear that to bring the £30,000 scheme to fruition would take a lot of effort
ONE of the region's best known railway stations has won a national award for its level of security. Newcastle Central railway station has won Secure Stations status from the British Transport Police (BTP), the Department for Transport and Crime Concern
COURTS in the North East and North Yorkshire have dramatically improved their collection of fines after new measures to tackle the scandal of non-payment. Latest figures reveal that Cleveland, Durham and North Yorkshire all easily hit government targets
TWO artists have teamed up to put on an exhibition at a Derwentside arts centre. Tom Rowan, of Esh Winning, and Kim Graham, of Spennymoor, are displaying their latest works at the Lamplight Arts Centre, in Stanley. Both are members of the Durham Visual
Protests have been made about plans to hold table-top sales in a boathouse at a riverside beauty spot. Under the proposal, sales would be held during the annual boating season, while boats on the River Nidd, at Waterside, Knaresborough, are waiting to
HOUSEHOLDERS who want to get rid of furniture, fridges and carpets will have to pay in future. Residents who want Chester-le-Street District Council to collect bulky items from outside their houses will now have to pay £5. Councillors agreed to the move
A school from the region has won the Arts Council England's Artsmark Gold Award. Laurence Jackson School, Guisborough, east Cleveland, has achieved one of the 476 gold awards across the country announced today. The awards recognise schools' commitment
CRIMINALS are under increasing pressure as a county-wide crackdown continues to yield results. Crime rates have fallen, detection rates have increased and more offenders are being brought to justice. However, the number of violent crimes reported has
A LITERARY festival dedicated to new writers will take place in the region next month. Fresh Fiction will be held in Newcastle's Live Theatre and city library from June 21 to 27. It has been organised by New Writing North and aims to celebrate first novels
RESIDENTS in east Cleveland are being reminded that no repeat prescriptions are available from GP surgeries on Saturday mornings. Since April 1, GP surgeries in the Langbaurgh area have been closed on Saturday mornings meaning that no repeat prescriptions
A RAFT building and race day was held recently on Teesside to raise money for the Daisy Chain charity. Pupils from around the Stockton area took part in the one-day event at Castlegate Quay, Stockton. Daisy Chain hopes to open a centre to offer respite
A TEACHER and her "apprentice" have scored a double success by winning two awards for a mentoring scheme. BSc (Hons) computer studies student Nirmala Devi Krish-naraj has spent time working with the Inland Revenue office, under the supervision of team
ENVIRONMENT officers have spoken out about the risk of pollution and fires caused by the illegal dumping of cars and waste in woods and on moorland. Statistics show an increase nationally and in most of the region, but two areas run counter to the trend
OKLAHOMA SHOW: Centre Stage presents Oklahoma at Egglescliffe Community Centre, Durham Lane, Eaglescliffe from Monday, June 21 to Saturday, June 26. Shows start at 7pm. Tickets cost £3.50 with concessions at £3. To book call (01642) 651268 or (01642)
FIFTY people from east Cleveland will take part in an awareness day looking at health and safety issues for the over-50s. The event, on Wednesday, will focus on personal safety at home and while out, bogus callers and traders, road safety and fire safety
THE new chief executive of Darlington Football Club has revealed his aspirations for the Quakers, following their 11th-hour escape from the threat of closure. Andy Battison told The Northern Echo about plans for the 25,000 capacity Neasham Road stadium
A TEARAWAY teenager who conducted a reign of terror among residents on a housing estate has been made the subject of an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO). Natalie Henderson, 16, of Ryton Crescent, in Seaham, County Durham, was brought before Peterlee
A RAPIST was jailed for six years yesterday. Paul Barrett, 51, was found guilty of two rapes of a divorced mother at his flat after she had had consensual sex with him earlier in the night. Barrett had drunk two litre- bottles of cider while watching
League play-off, Middlesbrough PO 2 King's Head 1: Middlesbrough Post Office took this year's Stokesley League title in a closely fought play-off against the King's Head that was not decided until the last minute of the game. King's Head wasted no time
The season is virtually over, there are two cup finals yet to be played one on Wednesday, the Alan Spedding Cup between Wardley Green and Newton Aycliffe, the other the Kenny Ball Cup on Saturday between Steels Social Club (Premier) and Wardley green
STAFF and students have been celebrating the achievements of adult learners with special needs - by tucking into a cake. Brian Dodsworth, from Stokesley, helped the principal of Northallerton College, Jennifer Slater, cut the first slice. The ceremony
One of the most challenging times of my police career was the investigation into the abduction of Hartlepool toddler Rosie Palmer. We caught the man responsible but too late to save Rosie. There was understandable public concern when it emerged that the
The tenth round of the Bob Co Spring Series not only resulted in a very competitive match with Knaresborough rods Martin Dodsworth and Ian Cooper both cracking the 50.0.0 barrier but remarkably they weighed in different species from the popular Carpvale
County Super League: Spennymoor moved back to the top of the table after they only dropped four points to the visiting Shildon A. Only Michael Hoggart managed to stop the Moors ramage in the first half, where they had wins from David Elliott, Dave Bromley
A man caught filming up women's skirts in a city centre has been banned from carrying a camera in public. Andrew Mackie, 33, faces up to five years in jail if he repeats his actions of August 6, when - at the height of last summer's heat wave - he roamed
Bishop Auckland held their annual presentation evening at Bishop Auckland Town Hall recently ad two players picked up two awards each. Stuart Irvine took the supporters player of the year and club player of the year while Shaun Hope won players player
AN event for new bands to showcase their talents will celebrate its first birthday tonight. The Junction, organised by SCN Promotions at Darlington Arts Centre, has been the only established live outlet for local unsigned bands in the town throughout
SUNDERLAND boss Mick McCarthy has entered the race for Morten Gamst Pedersen after suggesting he was ready to run the rule over the Norwegian starlet, writes Paul Fraser. Pedersen, also being monitored by North-East rivals Newcastle, made his fourth appearance
PIERS MORGAN: I CANNOT understand how Mr Pender (HAS, May 24) can have sympathy for Piers Morgan on the loss of his post as Editor of the Daily Mirror. That is the least that should have happened to him for putting his desire for a scoop before the lives
THIS operatic interpretation of the Shakespearean play is being performed in tandem with The Marriage of Figaro, as part of English Touring Opera's 25th anniversary tour. With a score by Benjamin Britten, its credentials are sound, although some may question
SEVEN district councils in County Durham face being swept away as the price of setting up an elected regional assembly. The Boundary Committee for England report, issued on Tuesday, is recommending that a referendum ballot paper due out in October gives
Durham Coast League, Under-18: Peterlee failed by just eight runs to overtake the Houghton total of 103 all out, writes MALCOLM PRATT. Griffiths 30 and Laidler 23no raised the hopes of Peterlee, but White claimed four wickets for only 12 runs and the
AN ICE Age boulder which has graced the village green at Thornton le Beans for thousands of years has been moved - this time by mechanical means rather than the forces of nature. The boulder, one of two in the village, rested on the green near the noticeboard
UEFA EURO 2004, Publisher, Electronic Arts, Formats, Xbox, PS2, PC, Price, £39.99: SVEN may be downbeat about England's chances of lifting the second best prize in world football but you can ensure Beckham et al go all the way this summer. Euro 2004 uses
It's the time of year when the football and cricket seasons overlap. Just as cricket starts to gain momentum, unless of course you are Swainby who last weekend were bowled out for an all time low of four, yes four, runs. Our junior football teams are
COUNCILS in the region are confident that concerns over "confusing" postal ballot forms will not affect turnout at next month's Euro elections. Information desks and helplines have been set up by authorities to deal with expected inquiries from voters
A NORTH Yorkshire police chief has received an apology from Prince Andrew after being taken to task over the uniform he was wearing during a royal visit to Thirsk. The affair hit the headlines when Chief Supt David Short was criticised by the Duke of
Spennymoor finished the highest placed club from the North-East in the UniBond League Fair Play awards last season, writes RAY SIMPSON. Moors, who lost in the play-offs to Bradford Park Avenue, collected 61 yellow and two red cards in the season, giving
OWNERS of second homes are paying for a scheme designed to generate more affordable housing across North Yorkshire. Proposals accepted by the county council executive on Tuesday will use money raised through a reduction in council tax discount on second
