Archive

  • Darlo RA do the honours

    At Darlington RA on June 11 the juniors held their presentation night with all trophies being awarded by Middlesborough FC's James Morrison. Top goalscorer: Jack Ridley (41 goals in 21 games) Player of the year: Kiel Mellor (most man of the match awards

  • CPRE urges planners to guard biggest asset

    REGIONAL planners should guard the goose that lays the golden egg - its rich landscape - as they try to boost the economy of Northern England. The Campaign to Protect Rural England says plans to boost economic growth need to include measures to protect

  • Bob Hay Under-18 Cup

    Evenwood romped into the next round of the Bob Hay Cup which is organised by The Readers Durham County League. They restricted Mainsforth to only 63 and went on to secure victory without losing a wicket as Bailey finished unbeaten on 28 and Little contributed

  • Youngster honoured for daring seaside rescue

    A boy raced against time and tide to save his stepfather and little sister from drowning. Cut off by a racing incoming tide, with their backs against a sheer 250ft wall of cliffs, escape would have been impossible for 42-year-old Stephen Callander and

  • 96.6TFM

    Although many of the region's footie fans have retired to their armchairs for the duration of Euro 2004 there are still people out there excelling in their chosen sports and none more so than Anne Hov and Simon Cudworth. Anne and Simon from the Chikara

  • Hind stays cool to hold off rivals

    LOCAL rider Steven Hind kept his cool on a blistering hot day to win the Dales Trophy Trial last weekend. The popular young rider from Commondale put together a superb ride to hold off the challenges of the talented Tom Hick and the experienced Ian Hopley

  • Police accident team appeal for driver's help

    POLICE investigating a fatal road accident that killed a young submariner are appealing for a driver of a car in the area at the time to come forward. Marine engineering mechanic Craig Samuels, 21, of Westwick, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, died

  • Durham Coast League

    Under-15s: Dawdon had 18 runs in hand of Peterlee after realising 106 for six from their 20 overs. Anthony Watson top scored with 40 and Michael Appleby again showed potential contributing 36 before Peterlee were restricted to 88 for six. Bill Quay made

  • Federation Special Durham Senior League

    Durham City made the useful total of 103 for six but still lost by nine wickets when they visited Whitburn at the picturesque village ground, writes Malcolm Pratt. Richard Smedley top scored with 35 for City before Whitburn replied with 106 for one which

  • Tourer and Talbot travel from barn to saleroom

    TWO vintage cars discovered under inches of dust and layers of carpet in a North Yorkshire barn are to be auctioned next month. The 1910 Star 15hp Tourer and a 1926 Talbot 18/55 six-cylinder ohv will be auctioned in Tennants' international summer catalogue

  • Ex-decorator's finer brush strokes on display

    A NEW exhibition has opened at Seaton Holme in Easington Village. A large selection of paintings by former painter and decorator Dawson Elliot, of Easington Colliery, will be on show until July 17. It features watercolours, pastels and acrylics on subjects

  • Job done, thanks to wonder of Rooney

    Thank heavens for Wayne Rooney. Having played well against France and still lost, England played unconvincingly against Switzerland and yet won, albeit with a late flourish against a side reduced to ten men. That they prevailed, however, was due not only

  • Clay Pigeons: Cleveland and North Yorkshire League

    Oak Lodge continued their winning ways with a comfortable six point victory over Stokesley 172 to 166. P Coulson scored an impressive 24 on the evening for the Oaks. Urlay Nook had a similar excellent home win over Marne CC 161 to 147. There were impressive

  • Different to when Dorothy was a lass

    WHEN Dorothy Walker moved to Wensleydale nearly 80 years ago, a trip to the doctor involved walking from Bellerby to Leyburn and back, and a long and uncomfortable wait in the GP's house. As one of the oldest patients in the practice, she was delighted

  • Cleveland League

    Boosbeck were all out for just 103 but Ormesby Hall conceded eight wickets before meeting the modest target, writes Malcolm Pratt. Passmore top scored with 32 which included four boundaries when Boosbeck made first use of the wicket and found John Peacock

  • Talent show will go on after new venue secured

    THE finals of a contest to find the best young performers in the North-East has been saved. The finale of the talent-STAR 2004 competition was in doubt after the Tyne Theatre and Opera House, in Newcastle, which was due to hold the event, unexpectedly

  • Crook Individual League

    Darren Tinkler held on to the top place in the table with a comprehensive victory over Lee Scott. In the first frame Tinkler cleared six ball but then fouled, with Scott replying to clear with his two visits to the black, which he missed and Tinkler capitalised

  • Tow Law and District League

    Two new teams into the league, Billy Row Club and Wolsingham Club, upset the reigning champions, Newhouse Club and the Team Knockout winners, Tow Law Rose and Crown, now playing at Tow Law Cattle Mart after the closure of last season's home venue. Billy

  • Hats off to Ascot on a budget

    Yesterday was Ladies' Day at Royal Ascot. Looking forward to next year's event which will be at York, Women's Editor Christen Pears finds out whether you need to spend a fortune to look a million dollars. WHEN my boss called me into his office and set

  • Weather Watch

    MAY made a depressing start, in more ways than one, at least between the 4th and 11th, but then improved considerably. In the end it was another warm month, especially by day, with temperatures 1.5C (nearly 3F) above the norm. It was reasonably sunny,

  • 999 crews meet - and miss - targets

    BOTH of the region's ambulance services have met Government targets for attending non-life threatening calls. But one of them - the Tees, East and North Yorkshire Ambulance Service (Tenyas) - has failed to hit the target for life-threatening 999 calls

  • Keep fit for couch potatoes

    A new, half-million pound initiative aims to get inactive North-Easterners involved in regular exercise. Barry Nelson finds out how. SPORTS stars have been queuing up to back a new initiative designed to get more North-Easterners walking the dog, riding

  • Young athletes on ladder to glory

    The build-up to the 74th English Schools' Athletics Association National Championships being held at Gateshead is gathering pace. This weekend saw all Counties around England holding their own Championships to begin selection of their squads for the biggest

  • Author drops in

    RENOWNED author Gervase Phinn inspired a group of North-East students yesterday, as he dropped in to a host a series of workshops. Prof Phinn was at Polam Hall School, in Darlington, to oversee the events, designed to stimulate youngsters' imaginations

  • HSBC to shed 3,500 staff in shake-up

    Banking group HSBC yesterday said it planned to cut up to 3,500 jobs as part of a shake-up of its UK operations. HSBC said it would remove or redeploy the jobs, mainly at its head office or in regional management. At the same time, the bank said it was

  • 18/06/04

    AIRCRAFT: I WISH people in authority would think before calling those of us who complain about low-flying aircraft whingers. I was subjected to an horrendous dive bomb attack by a Tornado fighter three months ago and I am still suffering. I used to work

  • Planet Snooker Premier League

    Mike Dunn of Hartlepool, the top ranked professional playing in the league, made two very valuable wins, which put him in a strong position to challenge for the title. In his first game he travelled to Durham Snooker Club to take on Paul Davison of Spennymoor

  • Tobacco group's legacy will help soften jobs blow

    BRITISH American Tobacco will leave a £1m legacy to soften the blow of the closure of its last plant in the North-East, it emerged yesterday. The company left the regional economy reeling a year ago today when it announced that its Rothmans operation,

  • County Super League

    Crook Town B took over the top spot in the table despite losing in the local derby to Crook Town A. The B team had a disastrous first half when only Lee Scott managed to put a point on the board, whilst the A team raced into a big lead with wins from

  • Teesside Tornadoes

    After winning five outstanding matches Teesside had two left to play and were looking to carry on their good form. The first match was won 2-0 with all the girls being on fine form and two fantastic goals by Paige McClean and Taz Cann deciding the match

  • Mart prices

    BARNARD CASTLE. - Wed. Fwd: 532 sheep. Lt lambs to 134p av 125.7p; std to 131p av 126.7p; med to 129p av 122.3p; heavy 115.5p; lt hoggs to 94p av 78.2p; std to 93p av 69.3p; med to 96p av 80.2p. Cast sheep; Cont £42; Texel £40. DARLINGTON. - Thurs of

  • Concert date

    A performance of The Messiah takes place at Harrowgate Hill Methodist Church, in Lowson Street, Darlington, tomorrow, Saturday 19th June, at 7pm. The choir will be conducted by Carol Andrew. Admission is £3 at the door. Published: 18/06/2004

  • High Street power cuts notch up big losses for firms

    ANGRY business owners are counting the cost of power cuts that left them thousands of pounds out of pocket. Most of one side of Yarm High Street was blacked out, forcing pubs, restaurants and shops to close. Customers had to be turned away and stocks

  • Worthington CIU Summer League

    Fishburn A never managed to go ahead at Witton Gilbert until they clinched victory in the decider. John Rooney junior put the home side ahead but John Griffin levelled. John Rooney senior restored the Witton lead only to see Charlie Hirst square the match

  • Burton's Bytes: A whole lot more than sand and dust

    GTC AFRICA. Publisher: Empire Interactive. Format: PS2: CAST your eye over the publicity for a PS2 driving game and one word crops up time after time: realism. It stems from when Gran Turismo games companies started toiling over their new titles to create

  • Quakers RC

    Julia Orr had a pleasing run at Jarrow on Wednesday, May 19. She competed in the 800 metres mixed race organised by the BMC and finished 6th in 2.23.3, a personal best by two seconds. On Sunday, 30 May, four Quakers competed in the Melmerby 10K. Alasdair

  • When it's not safe to shut your eyes

    Nights From Hell (ITV1): IF you thought sleeping next to a snorer was bad, then think again. Jackie Mallon's husband, Hugh, is so disturbed by his dreams that he often lashes out in his sleep, leaving her terrified that she'll get hurt. Alan Wheatley

  • Town centre 'is in need of investment'

    COUNCIL chiefs are pinning their hopes on a new £45m shopping centre reviving Darlington's economic fortunes. Their comments came after a "health check" of the vitality of the town centre was carried out by the MT Town Planning Services consultancy company

  • Youngsters join in fun at nursery opening day

    A NURSERY that had no children when it opened is full of youngsters. Maidendale Community Nursery, in Burnside Road, Firthmoor, Darlington, had to open in April in order to secure tens of thousands of pounds of funding from the National Lottery's New

  • Police hold man after fatal car crash

    A 33-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after his passenger died in a car crash. The dead man, a 21-year-old from Wallsend, was the front-seat passenger in the car which careered out of control and overturned

  • Partnership scheme's fight over crime pays dividends

    INCIDENCES of burglaries and car crime have dropped significantly in two areas thanks to new initiatives introduced by a police-led partnership. Burglaries in Chester-le-Street and Durham City have fallen by 30 per cent over the past two years while car

  • Timely surprise as divers net lobster

    DIVERS undertaking routine maintenance work in a harbour have discovered a giant lobster standing guard over a barnacle-encrusted wrist- watch, it emerged yesterday. The 2ft lobster, which is thought to be more than 30 years old, was spotted by members

  • New route for cyclists open

    A NEW cycle route through north Durham opened yesterday. The £125,000 Hetton to Pittington and Rainton Bridge Cycleway provides 5km of paths for cyclists, walkers and horse riders. It is also accessible to wheelchairs. It was built as part of the Hetton

  • Woodland plan aims to boost healthy living

    A PIONEERING project to promote healthy living in the North-East by sending people to the woods for a range of activities was unveiled yesterday. The scheme will be piloted at Chopwell Woodland Park, near Gateshead. Partners in the £50,000 project include

  • Tennis: Slazenger Harrogate and District League

    Current champions and two former title holders are involved in a three-way battle for supremacy at the top of Division One. Currently heading the table on 12 points are 2002 champions Harlow who romped home 9-0 against The Academy second team. Second

  • Gazza to sign - over and over again

    FORMER England and Newcastle football hero Paul Gascoigne will sign copies of his new autobiography - My Story - at the Tesco Extra store in Brunton Lane, Kingston Park, Newcastle, tomorrow from 11am to 1pm. Fans will also be able to take part in free

  • Priory visitors get more than they bargained for

    A 600-year-old priory was awash with mini-replicas of churches and cathedrals yesterday as school pupils saw their handiwork go on display. More than 40 of the models, which are made from paper, wood and plastic, have been created by youngsters aged 11

  • Partnership scheme's fight over crime pays dividends

    INCIDENCES of burglaries and car crime have dropped significantly in two areas thanks to new initiatives introduced by a police-led partnership. Burglaries in Chester-le-Street and Durham City have fallen by 30 per cent over the past two years while car

  • The great and unsolved mystery of the missing rhubarb crumble

    PERHAPS your reviewer is beginning to look like he has had too many hot dinners. Perhaps this establishment's staff, in the general interest of their customers' health, are equipped with cholesterol and calorie monitors, and have the discretion to decide

  • Children get hands-on hygiene lesson

    CHILDREN at a Redcar primary school have been learning how to wash their hands properly before being given a view of the dangers if they do not. Pupils from Lakes Primary enjoyed a visit from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's food team as part of

  • Bridge repaired and refreshed

    A SEASIDE bridge has been given a new lease of life after suffering for years from the ravages of salt water. The £60,000 facelift to the structure spanning Skelton Beck at the foot of Saltburn Bank, Saltburn, should ensure the bridge continues to carry

  • Council staff help cut blood shortage

    MORE than 50 North Yorkshire County Council workers have been helping out with the national blood shortage during a mobile clinic. For one woman, it was the 36th time she has given blood. Personnel advisor Anna Ramsden is a regular blood donor and has

  • Stylists join great escape in aid of hospice coffers

    Gemma Snowball and Angie McCormick will set off this afternoon on a mission to boost hospice funds. The stylists from the Elite Salon, in Cockton Hill, are taking part in The Great Escape contest organised by the Butterwick Hospice at Bishop Auckland.

  • Office workers in a taxing wildlife role

    STAFF from the Inland Revenue have been getting their hands dirty while helping with wildlife work near Billingham. The 12 workers from the Tax Credit team, based at Thornaby, were lending a hand to the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust as they build a viewing

  • Shops and pubs snapped up amid property boom

    A PROSPEROUS future is predicted for Bishop Auckland as a property boom grips the town centre with empty shops and pubs being snapped up by traders and developers. Disused premises across the town are being bought after standing empty for months as business

  • Report identifies area's health needs

    A REPORT aimed at improving the health and well-being of people in Sedgefield has been written with professionals and the local communities in mind. The annual report from Alyson Learmonth, director of public health at Sedgefield Primary Care Trust, has

  • Priory hosts display of church models

    A 600-year-old priory was awash with mini-replicas of churches and cathedrals yesterday as school pupils saw their handiwork go on display. More than 40 of the models, which are made from paper, wood and plastic, have been created by youngsters, aged

  • A whole lot more than sand and dust

    GTC AFRICA. Publisher: Empire Interactive. Format: PS2: CAST your eye over the publicity for a PS2 driving game and one word crops up time after time: realism. It stems from when Gran Turismo games companies started toiling over their new titles to create

  • Plan to change carnival date may be reconsidered

    A DECISION to change the date of a town's carnival may be reversed after residents complained. The Barnard Castle Meet was due to move away from the Whit bank holiday weekend so that organisers did not have to pay double-time to traffic management companies

  • Man behind video pirating took own life

    THE man behind a video-pirating operation that produced hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of counterfeit goods killed himself on the day that he learned he was to face trial, a court was told. Paul Candler, 33, of Roker Avenue, Sunderland, committed

  • National design accolades celebrated

    A BUILDING partnership has won a national design award for two projects. The designs of Queen Margaret's School theatre, in Escrick, near York, and Victoria Mill, in Thornton-le-Dale, were recognised at the Built in Quality awards. Both were projects

  • Jury discharged in T-shirt fight case

    A jury was discharged yesterday in the case of a fight over a T-shirt because they could not reach a verdict. After retiring for four hours the foreman of the jury at Teesside Crown Court announced that they could not agree on even a majority verdict.

  • Nesting birds halt work on bridge

    A £50,000 project to strengthen a bridge has been halted by wildlife for the second time after nesting birds were found. Work on the scheme to remove the 7.5-tonne weight limit on Little Ayton Bridge, near Stokesley, was due to start in March. But work

  • Campaigners claim sports hall victory

    CAMPAIGNERS are claiming a victory in their attempt to save a sports hall and youth centre from demolition. Redcar and Cleveland Council says it has been working to retain the sports hall and youth centre at Skelton when the De Brus School building is

  • Teenager catches the eye of British selectors

    DARLINGTON teenager Georgie Morrison made the line-up in the 2004 British Pony three-day event championships, a national title for riders aged 16 and under staged in Shropshire. The championships were held at the Sansaw Park event and all Britain's best

  • Langbaurgh League

    Kevin Clarkson was in magnificent form for Kirby Sigston against Swainby, writes Malcolm Pratt. The opening batsman figures in a partnership of 115 with Chris Cowton (35) and then formed a second wickets stand with Bernard Lowther, whose 37 not out included

  • Delivery firm backs travelling jail cell campaign

    A CHARITY that aims to steer children away from crime by throwing them in jail is being backed by big business. Express delivery firm TNT is lending its support to the No Way Trust, a registered charity which aims to deter youngsters from becoming involved

  • Anger at hot load bay vote but right to appeal joy

    CAMPAIGNERS against the siting of a refuse handling depot near their homes are celebrating after being granted the right to appeal. But they lambasted a decision to approve a hot load bay at Stainton Grove, near Barnard Castle, which was given retrospective

  • Head over heels after England strike back

    ENGLAND were last night back on track in their quest for glory in the European Championships. The crucial 3-0 win against Switzerland came after two goals from teenage sensation Wayne Rooney and a Steven Gerrard strike helped to erase the memory of Sunday's

  • Cyclists help RSPB in big insect count

    NORTH-EAST cyclists have joined in to help bird lovers with their big bug count. Throughout this month, the RSPB is asking people to help find out if insect numbers are declining in the UK. Insects are the staple food of many familiar bird species, and

  • Music festival guests arrive

    AN accordion ensemble and folk singers from an area of Russia twinned with County Durham will visit Teesdale this month. Makhonia, the accordion ensemble, and Venets, the singers, from Kostroma, Russia, are taking part in music festival organised by the

  • Drama students aim for Brazil

    YOUNG theatre students are planning a trip to South America to raise awareness about the effects of domestic violence on children. Members of Bishop Auckland Theatre Hooligans worked with Durham Police Constabulary to make a video on domestic violence

  • 'She could have been a good friend'

    He was one of Princess Diana's closest confidantes, and by her side during the breakdown of her marriage. Ken Warfe tells Nick Morrison why he doesn't feel guilty about spilling the beans on the Princess of Wales. KEN Wharfe remembers the moment when

  • House association HQ demolished

    Bulldozers have moved in to demolish the headquarters of a housing association. The concrete-panelled building, belonging to Coast and Country Housing in Redcar and which dates from the early 1960s, is making way for a new two-storey office block on the

  • British Energy back in the black

    Hartlepool Power Station owner British Energy performed a £4.5bn magic act to haul itself back into the black. The nuclear generator, which supplies about one-fifth of the UK's power, reported pre-tax profits in the year to March 31 of £232m - compared

  • War hero to take salute at parade despite council hitch

    ONE of the region's only surviving wartime Victoria Cross heroes will be spared the indignity of standing in a disused flower bed for an emotional veterans' parade. Captain Richard Annand was the first soldier awarded the Victoria Cross during the Second

  • Looking Back

    FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - It is hoped that Major Bell will see his way to comply with the request of the Thirsk Parish Council by issuing such instructions as will prevent the Green from being any longer used as the camping place for travelling

  • Youth team benefits as mother pitches in

    YOUNG footballers from a village club may finally have a pitch to play on, thanks to one mother's dedication. The 35 youngsters who form the Middleton Rangers struggled to find a place to practice in Middleton St George after drainage problems forced

  • Woodham

    Jeff Beck's 1960s hit would have been an appropriate anthem as it was Hydro Silver Lining for the team of R Clasper & D Burdess of the Hydro GC in Newton Aycliffe who allowed nothing to cloud their day by romping home,with 46pts, in the Woodham Mens

  • Fish Tales

    The country's rivers are again open for Coarse Fishing with the 'glorious 16 June' now past. River levels are the lowest I can remember after such a long dry spell and a successful early season trip will mean looking for flow with a pool or slack below

  • Special sales

    DARLINGTON. - Thurs of last week. First show & sale of prime Charollais lambs, 21 show pens from 14 vendors. Judge: J Holden, Kepack. 186 Char lambs av 134.63p. Total of 898 lambs av 129.46p. Prizes. - Char-sired lambs, any weight: 1 DA Hinton, Kirby

  • Investment needed in heart treatment

    Heart specialists in the region are warning the Government that substantial extra investment will be needed in the near future. Millions have already gone on expanding heart units at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough and the Freeman Hospital

  • Music night

    NIGEL Ogden, of BBC Organist Entertains, will be pulling out all the stops during a recital at Saltburn Methodist Church, where a video link will be installed for the occasion. The concert is on Saturday, June 26, at 7.30pm. Tickets, £5 and £4.50 concessions

  • Opera singer provides taster for picnic in the park

    OPERA star Suzannah Clarke will be appearing at a classical music event next month. The Middlesbrough-born soprano will be performing at the Picnic in the Park, at Hurworth Grange, Croft Road, Hurworth, near Darlington, on Saturday, July 3, at 7pm. The

  • Sports body chief attacks Government

    THE head of Sport England has criticised the Government for failing to improve fitness and cut crime by improving sports and leisure facilities. Roger Draper, chief executive of Sport England, was speaking exclusively to The Northern Echo a week after

  • Care home worker stole from elderly

    A CARE home worker who stole from vulnerable elderly residents was warned yesterday to prepare himself for a prison sentence. Mark Swallow who worked at one of four homes in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, run by Northern Life Care, pleaded guilty at the

  • George Peacock Memorial Trophy

    Burnmoor reached the semi-final of the competition which is run by the Federation Special Durham Senior League, writes Malcolm Pratt. They defeated South Shields by eight wickets when Ben Embleton finished unbeaten on 60 in a total of 114 for two after

  • Pony dates

    Bedale & West of Yore PC. - July 22: ODE at Newfield, Mickley, PC and open classes, sae to secretary Mrs F Blaine, 7 Stoneybrough Lane, Thirsk YO7 2LS. Braes of Derwent PC. - July 11: senior horse trials at Houghall, Durham, open to non-members, novice

  • Beswick backing Christie

    FORGOTTEN man Malcolm Christie is being backed to save Middlesbrough £5m in the transfer market. The Boro striker spent most of last season on the sidelines after breaking his leg during training last November. And while Steve McClaren has been linked

  • Work held up by wagtail

    ESSENTIAL work on a bridge has been held up by an unexpected delivery. Strengthening work on Little Ayton bridge, near Stokesley, was due to last ten weeks but may now be delayed for a further three weeks after a grey wagtail decided to make the bridge

  • Slazenger Harrogate and District League

    Thirsk 8 Harrogate Racquets 1. (Thirsk names first): Graham Parker and Carol Collinson beat Johnathan Tindall and Gaye Wright 6-3 6-5; beat Oliver Scaife and Lynne Garne 6-2; beat John Hargreaves and Jackie McBurney 6-1 6-5. Nick Hatch and Debbie Hannam

  • Weather keeps sales booming

    SHOPPERS snapped up garden furniture and sportswear as a string of sunny days drove retail sales higher last month. Spending showed little sign of being affected by interest rate rises as sales volumes increased by 0.8 per cent last month. Warm weather

  • Carmel College

    Three Carmel College athletes excelled themselves in the County Athletic championships held at the Riverside Sports Complex on Saturday. Each achieved the national standard in their respective event and will now represent County Durham in the English

  • Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club

    On Saturday Mike Saul gave an excellent training session to six home crews and seven visiting crews from Budworth, Pennine, St Mary's Loch, Ripon, Tynemouth, Newbiggin and Scaling Dam. Great galley food, barbeques, socialising and a brilliant live band

  • Second round of grants will turn ideas into jobs

    THE knowledge-based economy in the region has been given a £10.5m boost. North-East universities and partnership projects in the region were awarded the money from the Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF). It is the second time that HEIF grants have

  • Heaven Scent is star of the show

    A COUNTY Durham breeder has seen her skewbald show pony take the supreme title at a northern show for the second year running. Two-year-old Brookfarm Heaven Scent, alias Poppy, won the title at the British Skewbald and Piebald Association's Star of the

  • Ice Hockey

    Junior round-up: Billingham Pumas rounded off their English U12 North Promotion/Relegation play-offs with a defeat. Flintshire Flyers were visitors to the Forum Ice Arena in a match to decide who finished top. Both teams were in North B League this past

  • Bricklaying made easy

    AN inventor has pioneered a building aid that may revolutionise the construction industry. Kevin Hewson has designed a labour-saving device that will appeal to professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. His invention is a plastic guide, called a Brikmat

  • County Inter-Cricket Finals

    Results: Boys, Game one: Shotton Hall 77, Farringdon 74; Whitburn 99, Grangefield 86; Carmel 50, Heworth Grange 48; Framwellgate 104, Bishop Barrington 52; Stanley 53, High Tunstall 29. Game two: Shotton Hall 76, High Tunstall 14; Grangefield 50, Framwellgate

  • Wadsworth Angling and Conservation Centre

    This week it's all carp. The best haul was by Duncan Patey who fished the lakes for the first time. Duncan, from Norfolk bivvied up and got into some good carp: commons of 14lb 8oz, 12lb 40oz and 18lb 4oz. If that wasn't enough he landed a mirror of 17lb

  • Biofuels makes lively market debut

    PLANS for the UK's first large-scale biodiesel plant, creating hundreds of jobs, have been boosted by a successful share flotation. Biofuels Corporation, which is building a £21m plant at Seal Sands, Teesside, made its debut yesterday on the Alternative

  • Vintage vehicles on show at castle

    A castle in the region is to play host to hundreds of vintage cars, commercial vehicles and motorbikes. On Sunday, June 27, more than 400 classic cars will be joined by vintage trucks, tractors and stationary engines, as they parade through the grounds

  • Roddick stands in Henman's way

    Tim Henman is on a collision course with number two seed Andy Roddick at this year's Wimbledon championships. The British number one has been matched in the same half of the draw as his American rival and they will meet in the semi-finals should they

  • Cabbies win fight to fly the flag

    A COUNCIL has apologised to patriotic cabbies who were ordered not to fly England flags. The taxi drivers say they were told by officials from Darlington Borough Council to remove the Cross of St George from their vehicles before last night's Euro 2004

  • Spotlight on Latin singers

    Three very different Latin American singers will come together for a one-off performance in the region tomorrow. Latin Voices takes place in Newcastle City Hall, from 8pm. It features a trio of performers - Lila Downs, a contemporary Mexican artist; Peruvian

  • Farm enjoys more tranquil times as spa

    A FARM which was the scene of a terrible triple murder in the seventeenth century has become a haven for relaxation. The present-day inhabitants of High Hill House Farm at Dean Bank, near Ferryhill, this week opened a new venture, Broom Mill Day Spa,

  • The dangers of dwelling on speeding time as seasons fly past

    AS ONE gets older, so time flies past much more speedily. I must be getting very ancient because it has just dawned on me that Monday is the first day of yet another summer. I am just getting used to the idea that winter has gone and now I must adjust

  • Reasons for demise of farmers' market revealed

    THE reasons behind the absence of a monthly farmers' market at Bedale have finally been explained. Hambleton District Council is trying to win back the market after its organisers pulled out when they found they were running at a loss, members of the

  • Shop Talk: Is it the last staw for strawberries?

    Strawberries used to be a sublime summer treat but sadley nowadays, all too many have lost their allure. IT was one of the great rituals of summer. Somewhere around Midsummer's Day, my grandmother would take us down the garden, past the early potatoes

  • Longhorn Hardware Darlington and District League

    At the league's AGM the resignations of league champions Ferryhill Greyhound and Invitation Trophy winners Heighington FC were duly accepted and as there were no applications to join the league, the league will comprise eight teams next season namely:

  • Hired gunman used 'lethal' ammunition

    A gunman who attempted to kill a man used a "lethally" modified shotgun, it is alleged. Newcastle Crown Court heard that Arthur Pattinson, 42, shot Stanley Creswell, 36, using a gun loaded with a home-made shotgun round which had been modified to cause

  • Crook League

    Willington Market made a good victory at Crook Olde Horse Shoe to move into fourth in the First Division. The Shoe had singles wins from Wayne Tindale, Brian Johnson, Dave Walker and Stephen Craggs with Johnson and Craggs adding a doubles point. The Market

  • No 901 opens rail museum

    DOZENS of railway enthusiasts turned out on Wednesday to welcome the first locomotive to arrive at the new £11m museum in Shildon. The North-Eastern Railway 0-8-0 steam locomotive No 901 became the first engine to take its position in the collections

  • Euromania flags could be just the start

    EVEN those of us for whom the back pages of the daily paper - or even of this one - are unknown territory can't have missed the sports news totally in recent months. From that triumphal rugby world cup win to Tim Henman reaching the semi-finals of the

  • Town loves the Meet, but falls out about the date

    A PROPOSAL to switch the date of Barnard Castle Meet from the traditional Whit weekend met strong resistance at a heated public meeting on Wednesday. President Andy Willsmore said he had called the meeting to dispel untrue rumours and explain the move

  • Sheep play key role in floral displays

    A FARMER has come up with an unusual way for a town to try and beat off other competition in this summer's Europe in Bloom competition. John Hemingway, from Beckwithshaw, near Harrogate, North Yorkshire, has set up his own business making hanging baskets

  • SWD Association

    Bishop Auckland Golf Club strengthened their hopes of repeating last season's championship win when they only dropped one point to the visiting Newton Aycliffe Southerne Club. This left the Golf Club two points behind the leading Darlington Cricket Club

  • Slice of Geordie crack

    A THEATRE company is staging a variety show to raise money for Cancer Research UK. Arena North will be performing A Bit of Crack, a night of comedy, song and sketches at The Cluny, Lime Street, Newcastle, on July 13 and 14 and The Caedmon Hall, Gateshead

  • Farmers told to speak up and get views across

    FARMERS must speak up more to get their points across in any consultation exercises or discussions. That plea came from Robert Campbell, the national chairman of Leaf (Linking Environment and Farming), as he opened a tour of his Oneholmes Farm, near Stokesley

  • Chapman has golden touch

    DAVID CHAPMAN celebrated his golden wedding anniversary in style at Ripon yesterday when Torrent, a horse he both owns and trains, won the Total Butler Handicap for the second year in succession, writes Colin Woods. After receiving the trophy for the

  • North-East Midweek League

    RYTON posted an impressive 177-3 on their way to a clinical 52 runs win against Aidan House in the First Division. Colin Haggie 55 and Archie Rowell 35 top scored in the runs spree that was always going to be too difficult for Aidan House to match. Sean

  • Emergency calls warning as ambulance crews start action

    AMBULANCE crews began an overtime ban yesterday - and claimed the action would have an immediate impact on 999 response times. A union official warned last night that the industrial action would disrupt the North-East Ambulance Service's (NEAS) ability

  • Harrogate and District Union

    Harrogate Union v Teesside Union: Foursomes results: Harrogate Union five, Teesside Union 7. Singles results: Harrogate Union 6, Teesside Union 18. Overall result: Harrogate and District Union 11, Teesside Union 25. Bedale June Medal Played in excellent

  • Winston picks up first home win on board Golden Nun

    YORKSHIRE raider Golden Nun gave Irishman Robert Winston a first win on his native soil. Tim Easterby's runner landed the Kerry Group Ballyogan Stakes at Cork on Saturday night, a Group 3 race, to earn her trainer's accolade of "one of the gamest and

  • Tummy ache . . . no it's twins

    SHOCKED Leanne Perry went to her GP with a stomach ache - and hours later gave birth to twin boys. The 23-year-old had none of the usual symptoms of pregnancy and was unaware she had an instant family waiting to arrive. Ms Perry called to see her GP on

  • Guisborough turn up the heat as Saltburn go top

    GUISBOROUGH aim to keep the pressure on premier division leaders Saltburn and second-top Northallerton when they visit Blackhall tomorrow. They are now only 11 points adrift of the Seasiders and nine behind Northallerton and a good result against the

  • Magic of the other Potter

    Youth theatre group Dance Kaleidoscope take the magic of Beatrix Potter to the stage of Bishop Auckland Town Hall this weekend. With Gillian Quinn, the group is celebrating its 40th anniversary by taking its production The Joy of Dance on tour to Europe

  • Tenants must plan ahead for SFP

    THE Tenant Farmers' Association has emphasised the importance for tenants to plan ahead for the new single farm payment and to keep hold of the entitlement to it. The TFA has become increasingly concerned at reports that some landlords are taking the

  • The Albany Northern League Today: Clubs are issued a warning

    Northern League chairman Mike Amos has warned that more clubs could be facing relegation if their grounds don't reach league standards. Murton were relegated from the league at the AGM after their ground failed to reach Second Division standard, and now

  • Shoptalk

    IT was one of the great rituals of summer. Somewhere around Midsummer's Day, my grandmother would take us down the garden, past the early potatoes, lettuces and radish, to the strawberry patch. My cousins and I would hunt carefully through the leaves

  • Stepping up at Barnard Castle

    A NEW headmaster has been appointed at an independent school. David Ewart replaces Michael Featherstone, who resigned in April after seven years at Barnard Castle School. School governors met on Wednesday to discuss the appointment and agreed to promote

  • Waiting for the wheels of justice

    SOMETIMES the wheels of justice grind slowly. For two years now Middlesbrough Council, the police and businesses have been waging a war against a hardcore of aggressive beggars. Now, before the politically-correct brigade attempts to blur the facts, I

  • Campaigners claim win in school buildings row

    CAMPAIGNERS are claiming a victory for people power over plans to save a sports hall and youth centre from demolition. Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council says it has been working to ensure the retention of the sports hall and the youth centre at Skelton

  • Museum hosts talks about art and plants

    A SERIES of talks about how to get the best out of flowers will take place this summer. Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens is hosting lectures on topics ranging from dealing with bugs, to the use of flowers as symbols in art. They have been arranged

  • George Mann Cup

    Wolsingham Club lost their unbeaten record in the competition when they went down in the local derby against the holders, Wolsingham Mill Race. The Race reached 119 when their overs ran out with Wayne Booth making 28 and David Jewell 25, whilst N. Peveller

  • Roland Gift and the Fine Young Cannibals, Billingham Forum

    MAYBE he knew something we didn't, but Roland Gift was convinced he'd be back at the Forum. "This is my first time in Billingham," he said. "And the last", came the tongue-in-cheek reply from the seats. He disagreed, of course. As for the audience, whether

  • Gazza to sign - over and over again

    FORMER England and Newcastle football hero Paul Gascoigne will sign copies of his new autobiography - My Story - at the Tesco Extra store in Brunton Lane, Kingston Park, Newcastle, tomorrow from 11am to 1pm. Fans will also be able to take part in free

  • Talent show will go on after new venue secured

    THE finals of a contest to find the best young performers in the North-East has been saved. The finale of the talent-STAR 2004 competition was in doubt after the Tyne Theatre and Opera House, in Newcastle, which was due to hold the event, unexpectedly

  • Awards flow in for up and coming director

    A YOUNG theatre director from North Yorkshire is clearly on the right lines. Anne Tipton, from Scruton, has won a £10,000 bursary which will enable her to spend a year at the Old Vic theatre in Bristol. This success coincides with her winning the seventh

  • New festival promises colourful celebration

    THE North's very own horse whisperer, Sarah Kreutzer, and her husband, Rob Middleton, have been busy putting the final touches to preparations for the region's first Festival of Horses. Painting signs, mowing meadows, potting pansies and printing hundreds

  • Short-keep stores may be too dear

    THE National Beef Association says buyers of short-keep store cattle must work out whether prices being paid are too high. It warns that a much higher number of finished cattle than usual are likely to be presented over November-December, because many

  • Considerate too

    Sir, - Summer is almost upon us, and it didn't take long for the grumbling about caravans to start (Nicholas Rhea in the D&S, Jun 4). We have been caravanners for 40 years on and off , and are, we hope, careful and considerate road users as are thousands

  • Factory bosses fined

    Three factory bosses have been fined a total of £17,000 for breaches of health and safety rules that led to the death of a North-East steeplejack and his colleague in a chimney fireball. Father-of-one Craig Whelan, 23, originally from Crook, County Durham

  • Judicial review sought into site of sports area

    A JUDICIAL review has been demanded into planning permission for a controversial sports area at Middleton Tyas, near Richmond. Planning permission was granted earlier this year for the multi-use games area, with floodlighting, which the village school

  • Waiting for the wheels of justice

    SOMETIMES the wheels of justice grind slowly. For two years now Middlesbrough Council, the police and businesses have been waging a war against a hardcore of aggressive beggars. Now, before the politically-correct brigade attempts to blur the facts, I

  • Force has -turned corner' in bid to escape bottom five ...

    THE CHIEF constable of Cleveland police claims the force has turned the corner, despite a report that places it in the bottom five in the country. The first ever "baseline assessments", published by the Home Office, grade each force in 16 categories -

  • Durham & Cleveland Presentation Night

    At the recent Durham and Cleveland squash presentation night held at Norton cricket and squash club, due to the high standard of the boys, it proved particularly difficult to pick a winner for Player of the Year. The girls Player of the Year saw Norton's

  • Cover-up claim over nuclear plant leak

    POWER station bosses have been accused of covering up the seriousness of a radiation leak earlier this month. The Environment Agency admits there was an escape of radiation into the air from Hartlepool nuclear power station, but a statement says, the

  • Attraction ready to be crowned

    ATTRACTION (3.45) has the class to maintain her position as the number one miler in Europe by winning this afternoon's Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot. The Duke of Roxburghe's unbeaten three-year-old has already entered the record books by becoming the

  • High Street trade -not threatened' by new B&Q site

    A HUGE new DIY store on the commercial edge of Northallerton would not damage town centre trade, it was claimed at a public inquiry. A Government inspector has been asked to decide whether the Sundial Hotel in Darlington Road can be redeveloped as a new

  • Bishop Auckland League

    Thirteen proved to be lucky for Witton Park Rose and Crown for after losing their first 12 matches they made their first victory in the 13th. The visitors to Witton Park were Bishop Auckland RAFA Club with the home side taking two singles points through

  • Review awards high marks to revitalised Watch scheme

    A CRIME-FIGHTING initiative in Darlington has been praised as the best in the Tees Valley, a year after a police chief said it needed revitalising. The town's Neighbourhood Watch project received high marks in a review carried out by the Safe in Tees

  • Wear Valley Sunday League

    Wolsingham went down to their first defeat of the season when they visited West Auckland Blacksmith's Arms and were put into bat. The visitors struggled against a very competent home attack and reached 112 for 9 when the overs ran out. Rob Dawson carried

  • Catwalk hopes of young fashion designers

    THE work of Darlington fashion students could be shown on a London catwalk if it is successful in a design competition next week. Students studying for a National Diploma in fashion and design at the town's College of Technology have entered their work

  • Street wardens team gains quality award

    A TEAM of street wardens who patrol neighbourhoods making them safer and cleaner has received an award for extending its role to give advice to residents. Wear Valley Street Wardens is the first warden scheme in the North-East to receive a quality award

  • Fashion stakes at racecourse special day

    A FESTIVAL of fashion was held at Ripon Racecourse yesterday for the annual Ladies Day event. This year, the event was sponsored by Debenhams. The department store held a series of fashion shows in a marquee near the winner's enclosure. Two prizes were

  • Health assessment team set up

    A SCHEME aimed at improving access to health services for people with learning disabilities is pressing ahead. The £15,000 Darlington Primary Care Trust programme comes in response to a report produced by the Department of Health in 2001. It found that

  • Oxbridge Darlington and District League

    Cockerton earned just 72 but made Catterick Village fight all the way for a two wicket victory, writes Malcolm Pratt. Owen (20) and Tomlin (24) added 31 for the first wicket but thereafter the Cockerton batsmen found it difficult against the twin attack

  • Shirt company's sales increase

    Replica shirt company The Old Fashioned Football Company (TOFFS) has scored a hit in the Big Brother house. The Gateshead firm supplied a selection of shirts from leading Euro 2004 football teams which were used as part of the Channel 4 TV programme's

  • New honour for athlete

    Paralympian Tanni Grey-Thompson, left, collected her latest honour at a degree ceremony at the weekend. The athlete, from Redcar, broke off preparations for her latest medal bid in the Athens Paralympics to be conferred with an honorary degree from the

  • Former mining village has its roots in the Bronze Age

    The former mining village of Sacriston, two miles north-west of Durham, has the appearance of a small town. It developed in the mid-19th Century on empty moorland, but during the Victorian era evidence of man's earlier occupation came to light, following

  • Regional honours for young cricket stars

    The County Inter-Cricket Finals took place at Durham CCC's Riverside ground this week with Stanley School of Technology and Greencroft Comprehensive taking the honours. On Tuesday the secondary school district winners from around the region, who all won

  • Pupils to be enlightened over energy

    PUPILS at an east Durham school will be learning about energy and its uses today. Children at Deaneside Junior School, Seaham, are being visited by staff from energy supplier npower. Gary Doig, the company's education development officer, said: "npower

  • Ritzy's performance earns her a television debut

    AN 11-year-old-girl is set to make her television debut. Ritzy Keaveny, a pupil at Teesside Prep School for Girls, in Eaglescliffe, has been selected from 1,200 hopefuls to take part in the BBC children's programme Raven. She is one of 18 children who

  • Pupils face Olympics reporting challenge

    eight youngsters are going to Athens to cover the Olympic Games after taking part in a summer school for young journalists. The pupils from King's Manor and Hall Garth schools, Middlesbrough, were chosen by Creative Partnerships Tees Valley and Middlesbrough

  • Bid to repeat quiz success

    PUPILS from St Peter's Primary School, Brotton, hope to retain their crown in an annual junior road safety quiz final at the James Finegan Hall, Eston, today. Their challengers will be Beech Grove Primary, of South Bank, and Riverdale Primary, of Redcar

  • Museum hosts talks about art and plants

    A SERIES of talks about how to get the best out of flowers will take place this summer. Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens is hosting lectures on topics ranging from dealing with bugs, to the use of flowers as symbols in art. They have been arranged

  • Blame me for problem, says Reynolds over money probe

    FORMER Darlington Football Club chairman George Reynolds last night said he blamed himself for his latest brush with the law. Police arrested the 67-year-old, his cousin Richard Tennick and personal assistant Ian Robinson on suspicion of money laundering

  • Tow Law and District League

    In the first match of the new season the reigning champions from Tow Law Dan's Castle but now playing as Tow Law Station B were held to a draw on their visit to Sunniside Moss Inn. The home side had two points from Lee Cullinan and one each from Ivor

  • Trophy tribute at rally

    A SPECIAL presentation is to be made at an annual vintage vehicle rally. Bob Longstaff, who lost his wife to cancer earlier this year, will present an award at the vintage and classic vehicle fete, held in Sedgefield on Tuesday. Mr Longstaff, from Crook

  • Pupils test play gear

    DELIGHTED pupils from two schools put a revamped children's play area through its paces yesterday. The children from Seaton Carew Nursery School and Holy Trinity Primary School, in Seaton Carew, were trying out the fun at the nearby Seaton Park play area

  • Hat-trick hero Carnegie heads for Croft

    AFTER completing a hat-trick of event wins in round four of the championship at Knockhill last month, MSA British Rallycross Champion Dermot Carnegie heads to Croft this weekend hoping to further extend his winning streak. With the misery of early retirement

  • Athletes get ready for big contest

    YOUNG athletes from across the region are gearing up for a major competition that will take place in the North-East. The 74th English Schools' Athletics Association National Championships takes place at Gateshead International Stadium next month. The

  • Village hall fund helps Africa trip

    A TEENAGER'S plans to work with babies and children in an African orphanage have been given a financial boost. Jennifer Brown, 17, from Aycliffe Village, is aiming to raise enough money to travel to Uganda to work in an orphanage for a month. Her work

  • Village anticipates weekend of fun

    Cotherstone's fun weekend begins today with quoits on the east village green at 6.30pm. Tomorrow, the procession, led by the Rowan Pipe Band, leaves the Fox and Hounds at 1pm. This year's carnival queen will be Shona Dickson, with attendants Amy Metcalfe

  • Help at hand for growing number of people in debt

    A FREE guide is available to help the growing number of people in debt in Redcar and Cleveland. The booklet has been produced by the local authority's Money Advice Service. It helps to explain people's financial situations and offers tips on how to control

  • Price of care

    Sir, - I should like to thank the clerk to Osmotherley Parish Council, L Cragg, for his reply (D&S, June 11) to my earlier letter (D&S, June 4) concerning the vexed issue of a projected second bus shelter in Osmotherley. The clerk seems to imply

  • Message in a Bottle campaign spreads

    BOTTLES containing potentially life-saving messages are being distributed to thousands of homes this summer. Members of the Hambleton Community Safety Partnership, who promote the Message in a Bottle initiative, will be visiting villages across the district

  • Railway stalwart's final journey - by special train

    A MAN who strongly supported the efforts of campaigners to revive rail services in Wensleydale will make his last journey by train next week. Walter Hartley, a founder member of the Wensleydale Railway Association 14 years ago, died on Sunday after a

  • Children poised for Olympic challenge

    YOUNG ambassadors for the nations of the world will bring the atmosphere of the Olympics to County Durham next week. More than 800 seven-year-olds from primary schools in the Wear Valley will take part in the mini-Olympics at Durham University's Maiden

  • Trevor hopes to head outdoors again

    FOR the first time since the foot-and-mouth epidemic, Askham Bryan College Guisborough Centre is offering agricultural courses. These include the National Certificate in Agriculture, along with a wide range of Open College Network courses, ranging from

  • Food producers get shop window in Europe

    A PROJECT has been launched to help local food and drink producers to expand their markets and show their products across Europe. Called Urbal (urban-rural), it gives producers the chance to travel to regional food festivals within the partner countries

  • Cycling safety

    Sir, - I feel I have to reply to the letter (D&S, June 11) in relation to "cycle danger" on the A168 and the A19 roads in North Yorkshire. The events are time trials, held under the Road Time Trials Council and are held on a regular basis throughout

  • Foster's Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League

    Under-15s: Sacriston had 45 runs to spare defeating Greenside who were dismissed for 55 as Hall claimed five for eight runs in three overs, writes Malcolm Pratt. Glen Scott top scored with 29 including two fours for Greenside. Batting first, Sacriston

  • First coaching class is held

    THIRTY cricket coaches from the region attended the first Cricket Coaching Master Class run by Durham Sport in conjunction with the Durham Cricket Board and the Durham Coaches Association. The session was held last week at Roseberry Community Sports College

  • Darlington Spraire Lasses

    Darlington Spraire Lasses Under-16s continued with their unbeaten cup run by defeating Lumley 4-0 on Saturday. The game started evenly matched until midway through the first half when Kathryn Clarke opened the scoring after some excellent teamwork. The

  • On course to match the best

    A YOUNG golfer from County Durham is showing early signs he may have the talent to one day emulate the feats of his hero, Tiger Woods. Patrick Schaible, from Headlam, near Staindrop, is making good progress in the national Wee Wonders golf competition

  • Smooth run for cyclists

    A BID to provide a market town with a safe route for cyclists has reached a milestone. The Guisborough Cycle Group is to celebrate its second birthday with the resurfacing of the town's disused rail line between its junction with The Avenue to Aldenham

  • Police warning: watch out for the moorhens

    A POLICE force has put up signs to protect a family of moorhens it has taken under its wing. The birds have nested in the ornamental pond near the reception at the Durham Constabulary's headquarters. Staff at Aykley Heads have taken a shine to the family

  • TV review

    Nights From Hell (ITV1) IF you thought sleeping next to a snorer was bad, then think again. Jackie Mallon's husband, Hugh, is so disturbed by his dreams that he often lashes out in his sleep, leaving her terrified that she'll get hurt. Alan Wheatley regularly

  • Don't take your rubbish for a country ride

    RUBBISH! A journey along to road towards Hurworth from Darlington on Tuesday was a summer delight, punctuated by bags of rubbish on the wide verges. As Spectator had just gone to some trouble to leave bags of bric-a-brac where it could usefully by sold

  • Byers do the honours

    The two Byers Green Under-8s teams - Hays and Bees - held their annual presentation night on Saturday and this was a great event with fun and games for all the family. The night is all about recognising the improvement and achievement that the players

  • Youngsters shine in cricket finals

    Action from the County Inter-Cricket Finals which took place this week and saw Greencroft Comprehensive (girls) and Stanley School of Technology (boys) take the honours. On Tuesday the secondary school district winners from around the region gathered

  • Durham ARC

    Durham Amateur Rowing Club attended Durham Regatta this weekend with racing along the racecourse section of the river. The event was run over two days, with over 400 races over the weekend, attracting clubs from all over the North of England and as far

  • Comment from The Northern Echo: Fine words need finance

    OUR region has lots to be proud of, but public health is not one of them. The North-East has some of the worst levels of heart disease in the country because of below-average levels of physical exercise and unhealthy diets. It is why The Northern Echo

  • Union leader predicts death of manufacturing in the UK

    THE Government came under renewed fire last night over its policy towards manufacturing. Union leader Tony Woodley warned that Britain risked becoming a country without manufacturing within a generation unless measures were taken to help industry. The

  • Students get chance to test riding skills

    STUDENTS on Redcar and Cleveland College's NVQ horse care course have enjoyed a fantastic opportunity to test their riding skills in a competition thanks to the owner of a local riding school. The competition, which took place at Eston Equitation Centre

  • Alf Armes Cup

    Seaham Park will play Houghton in the final of the competition organised the Durham Coast League They defeated Silksworth by two wickets while Houghton had an 18 runs success in their home semi-final tie with Dawdon. Silksworth made a respectable 105

  • Fair trade group's plea to help fight global poverty

    THE sponsor of this year's Great North Walk is urging people to step into action to fight global poverty. North-East fair trade pioneer Traidcraft is appealing for people to sign for the walk in County Durham next month and raise sponsorship for its own

  • Wife pays tribute to car crash victims

    TRIBUTES have been paid to a father and son who died in a car crash last weekend. Shaun Gellatly, 28, and his father Malcolm, or Mally, 48, were said to be 'more like best mates'. They died in the early hours of Sunday morning when the Rover in which

  • The UniBond League: Top scorer Irvine remains at Bishops

    Bishop Auckland have re-signed midfielder Stuart Irvine for another season. Despite playing from midfield, the former Hartlepool player was the club's leading scorer last season and his goals helped Bishops to promotion into the UniBond Premier. Manager

  • Winners named on awards night

    SOME of the region's leading figures gathered last night to pay tribute to the achievements of businesswomen in the North-East. Hundreds turned out for the annual Women in Business Awards, held at the Thistle Hotel, in Middlesbrough. Julie Wilson, of

  • Racehorse trainer responds to appeal

    LEGENDARY racehorse trainer Denys Smith has added his wartime memories to a book paying tribute to the women who worked at a North-East munitions factory. The Northern Echo's community web editor, Andrew Hutton, is researching the history of the Aycliffe

  • Housing association makes way for office block

    BULLDOZERS have moved in to demolish the headquarters of a housing association. The concrete-panelled building, belonging to Coast and Country Housing in Redcar and which dates from the early 1960s, is making way for a new two-storey office block on the

  • Buses get security cameras

    CLOSED-circuit television cameras are being installed on buses to clamp down on violent and intimidating behaviour from passengers. Bus company First York has put eight cameras in a selection of its double deckers and three in some single deckers at a

  • Lambert puts on fine display at Silverstone

    SCOTTON sidecar racer Greg Lambert rounded off a hectic week by claiming his first rostrum of the season with a superb runner-up placing in round three of the Eastern Airways Sidecar Championship held at Silverstone last weekend. Lambert dashed back from

  • Weekend fun at fencing

    Spectators are invited to one of Europe's biggest fencing competitions taking place in Newcastle this weekend. The Cole Cup Sabre Fencing Tournament is being held at Northumbria University's Sports Development Centre at Coach Lane, Benton tomorrow and

  • Durham County U21s Saturday League

    A meeting of interested parties was held on Monday, June 14 and it was agreed that further promotional work be done put a League in place as soon as possible. Several different ideas resulted from the meeting such as, flexible kick off times, playing

  • Plan for Cook's World at Whitby

    PLANS to build a major tourist attraction celebrating the life of Captain Cook have moved a step closer to becoming reality. The Captain James Cook RN (Charity Trust) has submitted a formal planning application to build Captain Cook's World in the heart

  • Interest in League grows

    Durham County Lomax Training Services Saturday U18s League: The number of teams interested in joining the league has risen from seven to 12 and Jim Lomax is to continue his sponsorship next season. Secretary John Topping said: "We are grateful for the

  • Campaigners furious at closure plan

    THE chairman of Skelton Youth Centre has condemned the planned closure of the town's virtual learning centre at De Brus School. Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has unveiled plans to retain the youth and sports facilities at the school site, which

  • Child killer could walk free in four years

    Child killer Maxine Robinson, who smothered all three of her children as they slept in their beds, could walk free in just four years, it was revealed today. Robinson had her life sentence extended by just three years yesterday after confessing to the

  • The Readers Durham County League

    Under-15s: Bishop Auckland produced the formidable total of 179 for the loss of just one wicket in their fixture at Shildon. The hero was Matthew Cowling who recorded one six and 17 boundaries in an undefeated 102. Matthew Atkinson was also in good form

  • Roseberry Group North East Durham League

    Washington moved back to the top of division one when they defeated third placed Plawsworth in their game which was played at Durham City's ground on Sunday, writes Malcolm Pratt. Batting first Washington realised 195 for eight with Thompson scoring 39

  • The bee's knees

    Sir, - I would like to use your column to express my thanks to those people that are taking part in Durham Wildlife Trust's garden bumble-bee survey. The response we have had since the first phase of the survey was launched at the end of May has been

  • Crook League

    Crook Belle Vue underlined their intention of doing everything in their power to repeat their championship win of last season when they only dropped one point to the visiting Crook White Swan A. This lifted the Belle Vue side to joint top place in the

  • Games

    CIU League: Tindale Crescent pulled off the shock of the week in the pool section when they only dropped one point to the visiting Cockton Hill, who were in second place in the table. Only Peter Race managed to take a point for the Hill whilst the Crescent

  • Sadler among local riders to excel in national event

    THE Richmond Motor Club hosted the British Youth C&D Trials Championship at Parkgate Farm, Wensley, near Leyburn, last Saturday. The entry of 52 competitors rode three laps of a 15-section course and C class rider Ben Morphet ran out the clear overall

  • Billingham Swimming Club

    Six Billingham swimmers qualified for the North Eastern Counties BAGCAT (British Age Group Category) Championships that took place at Ponds Forge, Sheffield over the last two weekends. Twelve-year-old Glen Martin produced some tremendous swims to reach

  • Clifftop run to raise funds for centre

    VOLUNTEERS are set to take part in a 50-mile cliff top trek to raise money for charity. Cleveland Police employees will run the eight-hour route between Redcar and Scarborough tomorrow in aid of the Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre in South Bank. The

  • 'Sven' Shui gives boys a big lift

    FORGET four-leaf clovers or crossed fingers to boost England's Euro 2004 chances. Staff at npower's office in Thornaby, Teesside, have turned Swedish in honour of Sven Goran Eriksson dubbing it the "Sven" Shui initiative. Staff have adopted a number of

  • Grass sickness show boosts research fund

    THE fourth annual show in aid of the Equine Grass Sickness Fund has raised £1,000 towards research into the deadly disease. The show was held at Brasside Arena, Union Hall, organised by Mandy and George Mitchell of Ferryhill, whose own horse, Tidy, died

  • Head over heels after England strike back

    ENGLAND were last night back on track in their quest for glory in the European Championships. The crucial 3-0 win against Switzerland came after two goals from teenage sensation Wayne Rooney and a Steven Gerrard strike helped to erase the memory of Sunday's

  • Thirsk team take title in debut season

    THIRSK Falcons' under-11 team have finished as champions in their first season. After a shaky start to the season, the team went on an unbeaten run of 13 games, winning 12, scoring 83 goals and conceding just 12. Manager Paul Newcombe said: "This is a

  • Attraction ready to be crowned

    ATTRACTION (3.45) has the class to maintain her position as the number one miler in Europe by winning this afternoon's Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot. The Duke of Roxburghe's unbeaten three-year-old has already entered the record books by becoming the

  • Will anyone match Casey's figures?

    Earlier this month Casey Shogren was named as the summer's first monthly winner of this year's The Northern Echo Cricketer of the Year competition and we're now taking entries for the June accolade. Casey took the April/May honour after recording figures

  • Experts study carvings discovery

    ARCHAEOLOGISTS have found three extraordinary stone carvings while charting the phenomenon of prehistoric rock markings in the North-East. Records and examples of more than 950 prehistoric rock art panels exist in Northumberland, all using the same markings

  • Hopes may be dashed of £575m European funding

    BRUSSELS has made a promise it may not be able to keep in pledging £575m of European aid to two areas of the North-East, the Government has claimed. Ministers turned up the heat on the European Commission in the row over the extension of Objective One