Under 14 Colts suffer Cup Final heartbeak The Under 14 Colts played South Park Rangers in the Challenge Cup final. Michael Bishops shot thundered against the bar before Jordan Grieves gave the Colts a deserved lead which they held until the last minute
JEMMA Lowe has rounded off her domestic season in style by smashing the British short-course record in the 200m butterfly. Hartlepool-born Lowe flew to the United States earlier this week to take part in a Welsh training camp as part of the country's
DETECTIVES are appealing for witnesses to an incident in which a man was allegedly dragged from his car in front of his terrified girlfriend. A police spokesman said the victim was bundled into a van before being driven to a police station where an
TRAFFIC was brought to a standstill when a large bovine animal went for a stroll along a busy motorway today (MON). Police received several calls around 9.30am this morning about the bull grazing on the hard shoulder of the A1(M) northbound between Bowburn
Last summer, The Northern Echo launched Dreams of Gold, a six-year project that will follow six NorthEast youngsters as they attempt to win a place at the 2012 Olympic Games. Over the next six weeks, Chief Sports Writer SCOTT WILSON will catch up with
HIS dominance of the world's junior ranks shows no sign of stopping, but teenage table tennis star Paul Drinkhall has admitted that this month's senior World Championships represent one of the toughest tests of his fledgling career. The Loftus-based
May has been a big month for three of The Northern Echo's aspiring young Olympians. As part of our ongoing Dreams of Gold feature, Chief Sports Writer Scott Wilson looks at how Katy Livingston, Paul Drinkhall and Jemma Lowe are continuing to hone their
A stabbing victim was taken to hospital with a kitchen knife buried five inches into his stomach, a court was told yesterday when his attacker was jailed for three years. Andrew Bell,24, thought he had been punched in the stomach in a street in Darlington
Travelodge major expansion plans BUDGET hotel chain Travelodge has announced plans to invest £3.5bn to develop 1,000 extra hotels nationwide and create more than 10,000 jobs. The group said it wants to capture ten per cent of the hotel market by 2020
Up to a hundred people have been evacuated after a chemical spill in Sunderland. Fire crews and police were alerted shortly before 11am this morning that a chemical reaction had occured causing a spillage. Pressure built in a drum containing as yet
Sunderland Airshow 2006. The Blades Display Team performing for the first time at the airshow. Photo taken by David Mark Johnson
DELAYS are expected this morning on the A1 Northbound after a collision between an HGV and a car. The incident happened at 9.50am the A1/A66 junction 57 at Darlington. One female casualty was airlifted to hospital after suffering minor injuries. It
THE world's only surviving tea clipper, The Cutty Sark, has been severely damaged by fire. Police are treating the blaze on board the 19th century vessel as suspicious after the fire broke out in the early hours of this morning. The blaze damaged the
HARRY Mead stated in his column that France "just about hates our guts" (Echo, May 16). Nobody in the world likes us Brits, Mr Mead, possibly bar the Americans. Come to think of it, some British people who write to Hear All Sides seem to hate this
IT is vitally important that treatment for glue ear, the common childhood illness, is not rationed by the NHS as suggested in some press coverage of the British Medical Association's report for the future of the NHS in England (Echo, May 9). One
I WAS amazed on reading the comments of Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman, regarding Lord Mackenzie of Framwellgate's suggestion that DNA from all babies should be stored on a national database (Echo, May 17). Mr Clegg irresponsibly
I WOULD like to reply to Mrs AE Carr (HAS, May 12) and to A Elgie who posted a comment on Mrs Carr's letter. Speaking on behalf of the Darlington Group of the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) - no relation to the National Association of Advanced
IT'S becoming the bane of our lives. Recently, the limit to how much junk the Royal Mail is allowed to deliver has been relaxed, so we are now being deluged with the stuff. With councils around the country considering charging households for rubbish
I'M surprised that Kev McStravick (HAS, May 17) sees no connection between the invasion of Iraq and the rise of al Qaida-inspired terrorism worldwide. Osama bin Laden gets support on the basis that there is a US-led global war against Islam, and
THE recent local elections reminded me of the anomaly in electoral boundaries in the Darlington area. As a resident of Hurworth village which "belongs to" Darlington Borough Council - it is virtually a suburb of the town and all local services
TV actor Marshall Lancaster, better known as DC Skelton, tlaks to Steve Pratt about theis Afterlife on Mars LIFE On Mars actor Marshall Lancaster admits it was "a bit disappointing" when producers announced that the second series of the award-winning
Paul Merton in China (five, 9pm), Cutting Edge: Meet the Au Pairs (C4, 9pm) Have I Got News For You regular panelist and comedian Paul Merton is treading in the footsteps of fellow funny people Michael Palin and Victoria Wood as he embarks on a TV tour
When Danille Lloyd was named a cheat, the coveted crown of Miss Great Britain came to Preeti Desai. Now, on the eve of this year's contest, she hopes her glamorous successor will be none other than her sister. The North-East beauty queen talks to Women's
A dedicated racing fan and racehorse owner, the Queen has attended the June Royal Ascot meeting every year since 1945. Tony Jones looks at the meeting's regal connections and the Queen's success on the turf The highlight of the Queen's state visit to
A voice from the theatre audience shouted out to actor Oliver Chopping: "You'd make a lovely soldier". As he was wearing a frock and high heels, you have to wonder at the imagination of the person making the comment. Bradford-born, Worthing-raised Chopping
Soaring obesity rates have saddled Britain with a "cancer timebomb", an expert has warned. Urgent action is needed to avert a massive increase in the number of cancer cases, according to Dr Greg Martin. Research shows that up to 40 per cent of cancers
A PROMISING rugby player put his potential career in jeopardy when he and friends attacked a helpless man "like a pack of hyenas". Jon Irving was with friends celebrating his 18th birthday in Durham City when an American man became caught up in their
A CAMPAIGN to block the demolition of a historic building has been backed by thousands of residents. A 2,557-signature petition will be handed in to Middlesbrough Council this morning, to highlight the strength of opposition to the scheme. Developers
ELDERLY residents were left without any means of communication after thieves cut through telephone cables as they tried to steal copper wire. Residents of the Sir William Turner Almshouses were potentially left stranded, when their emergency warden service
A MIGRANT worker whose girlfriend died in a car crash was praised by a judge for his bravery in returning to the region to be jailed for her death. Artur Hadlo, 25, had been allowed to go back to Poland to grieve with the family of barmaid Justyna Blasiak
A PROPOSAL to erect a wind turbine to power a dairy farm has gained local support. Plans have been drawn up to erect a turbine to help supply electricity for the farm on the North York Moors. If the green scheme is given the go-ahead, it will help power
DISTRICT council representatives have met to discuss proposals for a unitary authority for North Yorkshire. Hambleton District Council chief executive Peter Simpson gave a presentation on the position of the North Yorkshire District Council Network, which
RAG rugs created by a dales woman are the theme of an open meeting organised by needleworkers in the area. The Richmond and Leyburn branch of the Embroiderers' Guild hold the meeting at Richmond Town Hall on June 28, at 7.30pm. Heather Ritchie, from Reeth
IF Lintz find themselves challenging for the Fosters Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League title, Saturday's remarkable finish to their game at Morpeth will have played a major part. Responding to their opponent's total of 221-8, which included a
A first win of the season for Gateshead Fell made it a weekend to celebrate as they moved off the bottom of the Northern Rock North East Premier League. Taking full advantage of playing fellow strugglers, Stockton, they enjoyed an impressive four wicket
UNION leaders are warning of a strike at six North-East factories employing disabled people after a Government leak confirmed they could be among 30 earmarked for closure. Anne McGuire, Minister for the Disabled, is expected to announce tomorrow that
Bill Quay became the new leaders after their second but biggest win of the season. They demolished the batting of struggling Peterlee to take over from Seaham Park, who were held up by Washington. The Quay posted 211-4 at home to the bottom club with
POLICE are asking residents in the Spennymoor area who may have a had a lawn strimmer stolen recently to get in touch. Earlier this month, officers came across two men in the town's Rock Road carrying two yellow and black petrol-driven strimmers. They
A KITE expert will hold a free family fun day during the half-term holiday. Malcolm Goodman will help visitors make kites and fly them later in the day. The event will be held at the Gaunless Valley Visitor Centre, near Cockfield, on Wednesday, May 30
patients who share their experiences of dealing with debilitating and painful, conditions and illnesses are holding an open day. Sedgefield Expert Patients Support Group meets today at the youth club behind Tesco, in Newton Aycliffe, at 1pm. Pam Hindmarch
STAFF at the children's information service, in Hartlepool, are celebrating after being selected for a national award. The service, which offers a wide range of advice and information to parents and carers on childcare, has earned the Matrix Standard,
ON Sunday, there will be a guided walk through the woodland of Gisborough Priory Gardens, where some lime trees date back to the 16th Century. Visitors are welcome between 11am and 3pm, entrance costs £1.15 adult, 70p concessions and 50p for children
A COMPETITION has been launched to brighten up a sign directing visitors to craft units in a dales village. Richmondshire District Council says the board at the entrance to the Silver Street workshops at Reeth, in Swaledale, does not do justice to the
YOUNGSTERS have been learning relaxation techniques to deal with exam stress. Year 11 pupils at Greencroft Community School, in Annfield Plain, attended workshops on Friday. The aim was to help them cope with the pressures of revision timetables for GCSEs
NURSERY children will take part in a sponsored walk this week to celebrate the centenary of their school organisation. Pupils from Chrysalis Montessori nursery school in Rainton, near Thirsk, will walk 100 steps at the village recreation field on Friday
A 24-HOUR helpline for Housing Hartlepool tenants has been hailed as a success. The social landlord is working in partnership with information technology company Northgate to provide a comprehensive ICT service to report repairs. Officals say the service
THE fate of a prominent building, formerly used as an old people's home, comes under discussion later this week. The future of Glenroyd House, in Consett, hangs in the balance because of an increasing amount of necessary repairs. Durham County Council
A WOMAN'S attempt to bribe a witness to drop charges against her boyfriend backfired when she ended up behind bars herself. Karen Davison's offer of £300 was spurned, and police were informed of the attempted inducement of the witness. The bribe was
A FAMILY fun day will mark the first year of the St Ann's Development Board. All residents of Portrack, Tilery, Victoria, Queen's Park and Mount Pleasant, in Stockton, are invited to the opening of the new multi-use games area. It will be held at The
A COMPANY is investigating itself after people who live near a £28m development site raised concerns about the impact on the environment. Gladman Developments has launched the inquiry after complaints from residents in Wear Lodge, Chester-le-Street.
COUNCIL housing workers are angry after being told they have been frozen out of a £2m maintenance contract. The 50-strong Wear Valley District Council workforce is not on a shortlist of seven private firms being put to management company Dale and Valley
THE public is invited to comment on a plan to tackle speeding drivers. The draft County Durham and Darlington Speed Management Strategy, which would run for five years, is the result of consultation between the police, the county council, Darlington Borough
DOGS almost outnumbered people at a country fair which attracted visitors from all over the North at the weekend. Wolsingham Show committee organised Saturday's showcase for country sports on their Scotch Isle showground in County Durham. Secretary Gordon
ACTION WEEK: North Road Ward is one of four wards which have been chosen to launch an Action Week until Saturday, to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour and increase community spirit. A police caravan is in Morrisons car park, in North Road, today
BUSINESSES and organisations who boost the region's economy by bringing in thousands of tourists a year were rewarded yesterday. Farm Cottages, bed and breakfast establishments and museums were among the winners when the Green Tourism Business Scheme
HUNDREDS of people are expected to attend Darlington's largest ever outdoor church service next week. At least 250 seats will be laid out - but organisers hope plenty of people will be left standing. The service will be held in the revamped South Park
PUPILS from Polam Hall girls' school have enjoyed an educational trip to Paris. The girls, aged nine to 11, visited Notre Dame Cathedral, the Pompidou Centre and the Eiffel Tower. They made the trip from Darlington by coach. The first day of the trip
BUS PROBLEMS AFTER ignoring logical and common sense advice on the problem for the past few years, it would now seem that Darlington Borough Council recognises that there is a potentially dangerous situation of conflict between buses and pedestrians in
POLICE and street wardens who cracked down on a town's problem youths are being commended by grateful councillors. Tow Law Town Council is writing to Durham's chief constable John Stoddart praising the efforts of officers. Calls to police from Tow Law
EACH area of Darlington could soon have its own local decision-making body after a proposal by a newly-elected councillor. The bodies would give the public and councillors more say in what happens in their communities. The idea was proposed by Liberal
VOTERS in Darlington have been reminded that the traditional role of ceremonial mayor will be lost if they opt to change the council's political system. A referendum will be held in September to see if the public wants a directly-elected mayor. If voters
THE new chairman of Hurworth Parish Council has said a decision will be taken soon on a dispute and has not ruled out fighting the case in court. The "Orpen Affair", as it has become known, began when Gary Orpen threatened legal action against Hurworth
FA AMATEUR Cup finals from 1935 to 1964 will be featured in an film and talk show. Amateur stars such as Bobby Hardisty, Harry Sharratt, Seamus O'Connell, Bobby Davidson, and Jimmy McMullen will appear in the film. North-East sides won the Amateur Cup
THE story behind the War of the Roses will be told at Whitby Abbey this Bank Holiday. The feud between the Percy and Neville families will be re-enacted every day of the weekend. The activities will culminate each afternoon with the Battle of Heworth
SIX months of building work on the A66 Darlington bypass begins today. A roundabout will be built on the A66 between A1150 Little Burdon and A67 Morton Palms roundabout. It will be finished in December and will connect the new Eastern Transport Corridor
A CALL is made today for the beefing-up of regional development agencies (RDAs), such as One NorthEast. But One NorthEast emerges with more credit than most RDAs in a report by the manufacturers' organisation, the Engineering Employers' Federation. The
IT'S already looking like a two-horse race for the championship in the Foster's Durham Senior League even with the season in its very early stages. Burnmoor and Whitburn are so far out in front after just four games that the rest of the pack already
Struggling Normanby Hall came within a whisker of gaining their first win of the season when they faced Saltburn in the weekend's key bottom-of-the-table clash. The Hall, without a victory in their five previous games, had shaped up well in making 184
Kimblesworth are the only team with a 100 per cent record in the Readers Durham County League after Tudhoe lost for the first time in five games. They had the toughest hurdle to jump with table topping Esh Winning showing the sort of form which wins
WHEN Durham visit the Three Tuns Hotel tomorrow they will doubtless talk of adding to their three tons this season against Yorkshire this week. The visit is intended to mark the club's 125th anniversary as it was at a meeting in the Durham City hotel
CARLISLE United hope to tie up a permanent deal for former Middlesbrough striker Danny Graham this week. Cumbrians boss Neil McDonald insists he is close to persuading Gateshead-born Graham his future lies at Brunton Parkdespite interest from several
FA Premier Academy League Final : Sunderland U18s 2, Leicester City U18s 2. After dominating most of the game and creating all the best chances, Sunderland were unlucky to be beaten in a penalty shoot out at the Stadium of Light yesterday. They had shown
ATHLETICS: First-hand knowledge of the course helped Sunderland Harrier Tim Field to a second victory in yesterday's Pier to Pier race between South Shields and Roker, writes FRANK JOHNSON. The 42-year-old veteran found himself ten metres adrift of younger
Padraig Harrington yesterday became the first home winner of the Irish Open in 25 years after a dramatic play-off victory over Wales' Bradley Dredge. Harrington was four shots clear at the turn and two clear with two to play, but bogeyed the 17th to Dredge's
DURHAM will face Eastern Counties at Hartlepool Rovers on Saturday in the County Championship Plate final after beating Sussex 39-13 at the same venue. The win guarantees them promotion to the Shield next season, where they will renew rivalries with Northumberland
Leicester 9, Wasps 25 Wasps captain Lawrence Dallaglio hailed yesterday's 25-9 Heineken Cup final victory over Leicester as the greatest Twickenham final of his glittering career. Dallaglio has led the club to success in Europe, the EDF Energy Cup and
Manchester United last night appeared to be closing in on a deal to sign Owen Hargreaves after Bayern Munich admitted the England midfielder was leaving them. Hargreaves looks set to complete a £17m move to the Premiership champions, with the German
Kevin Pietersen believes his seventh Test century has helped England to make West Indies nervous going into the final day of the first Test at Lord's. Pietersen's 109 carried his team to 284 for eight declared as they set the tourists an unlikely 401
AN innovative training scheme is helping young wheelchair users to become more independent.Hartlepool Borough Council's road safety team has joined forces with Whizz-Kidz, a Newcastle-based charity, to work with a group of youngsters from Catcote School.The
THE search is on to find the next young County Durham woman who could eventually be crowned Miss World.Sedgefield Racecourse, in County Durham, will host the fourth Miss Durham beauty pageant, on Wednesday, which serves as a qualifier for next month's
STUDENTS at Durham University have been casting a critical eye over posters designed by their peers.Students from the university's St Cuthbert's Society had the chance to critique work produced by students in a culture and society course.The posters,
FLORAL creations for a flower club's competition went on show after they were judged.Every two years, Dunelm Flower Club stages the contest for its members and those from its sister group, Durham Flower Club.As the clubs are celebrating their silver jubilee
A LONG-SERVING councillor hopes to witness the continuing regeneration of his home city during his year as mayor.Councillor Les Scott was elected to the post in Sunderland after 28 years on the city council, representing St Chad's ward.He took up the
A GREAT-GRANDMOTHER and wife of one of the North-East's leading politicians has been inaugurated as chairwoman of Easington District Council.Outgoing chairman Charlie Walker handed over the chains of office to Councillor Margaret Nugent at the authority's
CHILDREN at a Darlington nursery took a laid-back approach to fundraising last week by turning up in their pyjamas.Youngsters at the Kids and Co Nursery, in North Road, Darlington, held a sponsored dress-down to raise money for nursery equipment. But
VISITORS who stepped back in time at a medieval fair on Saturday grasped the chance to change the future.Hundreds of people pledged to save energy when they called into a ClimateDome, a new feature at the Sedgefield fair, where the more traditional attractions
POLICE are appealing for information about a missing teenager.Eighteen-year-old Jamie Wilson was reported missing from home in Blackhall, County Durham, last Thursday.He was last seen the previous day at about 8.20am, heading for Peterlee town centre.Police
As part of The Northern Echo's Lifeblood campaign, which aims to encourage people to give blood, here are details of forthcoming donor sessions in the region:TODAYVillage Hall, Colburn Lane, Colburn, 2.30pm-7pmUnited Reformed Church, Alma Street, Stockton
TWO brothers have adopted the adage "if you can't beat them, join them", in their search for backing for their film.Sean and Barrie Robinson headed to the French Riviera to mingle among the stars, glitz and glamour of the 60th international film festival
YOUNGSTERS are being urged to go green.The eco-rangers scheme, now in its ninth year, is attempting to persuade youngsters to be more aware of the environment.A number of organisations will be involved over the next nine days, taking the message to about
COUNCIL officials in Hartlepool are celebrating after being awarded an international beach-quality award.A coveted Blue Flag has been awarded to Seaton Carew, in recognition of its high standards of water quality, cleanliness, facilities, safety, and
BAYONETS fixed, swords drawn, drums beating and colours flying. It was a dramatic scene when a regimental freedom parade marched through the streets of Middlesbrough.The 34th Northern Signal Regiment Volunteers, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel
EVERYTHING was red, white and blue as patriotic festivities from a bygone era were re-lived at a North-East attraction at the weekend.The bunting was dusted down to bedeck the Old Town and Colliery Village sites at Beamish Museum, near Stanley, County
THE Freemasons have agreed a major sponsorship deal with Yorkshire Air Ambulance.Cheques totalling £20,000 were handed over to the service at a meeting at York University on Saturday.The money came from North and East Yorkshire Freemasons, West Yorkshire
THE Yorkshire Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs has appointed a new chairman and vice-chairmen for the forthcoming year.Peter Gratton, from Nidderdale Young Farmers' Club (YFC), is a previous vice-chairman of the federation. The 28-year-old started at
FRIENDS and family of a farmer who died of meningitis have launched a campaign to raise awareness of the deadly disease.Andrew Pounder died a year ago on Friday, four days after complaining of earache and headaches.The father of two, from Constable Burton
A RETIRED state registered nurse and community midwife has made history by becoming a borough's first female leader. Sedgefield Borough Council stalwart and member for Tudhoe, Agnes Armstrong, has replaced Bob Fleming as the leader of the council.Councillor
ECO friendly schoolchildren kicked off National Walk to School Week this morning by having a ball.Children at Witton-le-Wear Primary School will kick 70 penalties to help them understand the amount of pollution caused when parents drive them to school.This
A DOG rescued from cruelty in Iraq is living safely in the North-East after a 2,600-mile adventure.Despite his name, Rocky the Great Dane is such a big softie that his good nature almost cost him his life.As a puppy, he was being tortured by an Iraqi
A DISABLED man says he is prepared to go to court after refusing to pay a fine for putting his rubbish out six hours early.Chris Grainge, of Columbia Street, Darlington, says he will not pay a £50 fine imposed by the borough council, after he left bags
A FAMILY who found themselves trapped in their smoke-filled home were lucky to escape with their lives, say firefighters. Bus driver Eric Wheeler and his wife, Anne, were stuck in upstairs bedrooms at their home in Sherwood Close, Barnard Castle, County
A businessman has forgiven his son for stealing £12,000 from his company.Lorry driver Liam Coatman, 20, of Annandale, Darlington, forged his father's signature on six £2,000 cheques.He admitted the theft when he appeared at Durham Crown Court, on Friday
STRANGE characters are decorating the shop windows and street corners of Barnard Castle.Organisers of next weekend's Meet raised extra funds with a scarecrow competition, with entries coming from all over the town.Shrek, a farmer, a priest, a hairdresser
Warwickshire v Durham (County Championship) : Day Four AFTER the elements conspired against Durham at Edgbaston on Saturday their frustrations were increased by having half a point deducted because their over-rate hadn't come up to the required 16 an
Northamptonshire v Durham (Friends Provident Trophy) PHIL Mustard's maiden one-day century and an unbeaten 97 by skipper Dale Benkenstein steered Durham to a sensational Friends Provident Trophy win at Northampton yesterday.But it was Ottis Gibson who
Lancashire v Yorkshire (Friends Provident Trophy) Anthony McGrath's first century of the season and a wicket for Darren Gough before Lancashire had scored gave Yorkshire fans every hope of a Roses victory in the Friends Provident Trophy clash at Old
GORDON Brown has been making some promising noises since he was formally confirmed as Tony Blair's successor as Prime Minister. We particularly like his acceptance that there needs to be a fundamental change of emphasis in British politics, with more
TWO men have been charged after police seized cocaine believed to have a street value of £2m. Acting on a tip, officers from Northumbria Police's crime operations team stopped two vehicles on the A690 Durham to Sunderland road, last Wednesday. An Audi
SAM Allardyce will step up his summer recruitment drive this week - but the new Newcastle United boss has been told to forget about targeting Portsmouth centre-half Sol Campbell. Having released both Titus Bramble and Craig Moore since replacing Glenn
THE Foreign Office has stepped in after a supposed mercy mission to Romania turned into a disaster.Rod Jones, founder of Teesside-based Convoy Aid, took two youngsters, who were subject to Crasbos, or Criminal Anti-Social Behaviour Orders, to Romania,
A businessman will fly to China today to start a journey of a lifetime.Peter Robinson, from Darlington, will travel from the Great Wall of China through Mongolia, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, and France - by car.Mr Robinson has
A THIRD teenager was arrested last night on suspicion of killing a young father who was stabbed to death outside his home.Kevin Johnson, 22, was stabbed in the early hours of Saturday as he argued with a group of youths outside his home in Partick Road
MEMORIES of a bygone era were evoked when one of the country's favourite steam engines thundered through the region.The Union of South Africa - the sister of the world's fastest steam engine, the Mallard - attracted rail enthusiasts to platforms across
Chelsea 1, Manchester United 0 GIVEN that Jose Mourinho started the week searching for a missing mongrel, it was fitting that the Chelsea manager should end it having reclaimed his place as English football's top dog. Saturday's dramatic FA Cup final
Tomorrow, Andrew Marr begins a new five-part documentary series, Andrew Marr's History of Modern Britain, on BBC2. He talks to Ellie Genower about the Blair years, his life in politics, and why he loves living in Britain A self-confessed political junkie
