EVICTION notices were served earlier today on travelling families who have been camping illegally. More than 170 residents in the village of Leeholme, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, signed a petition demanding the removal of caravans parked behind
A FORMER colliery site has been earmarked for transformation into the country's first "network village", combining high-quality business space and family homes. The former coalfield at Murton, County Durham, would host high-quality offices, industrial
WHAT is claimed to be the most advanced scanner of its kind in the region has been unveiled at a North-East hospital At a cost of £400,000, the University Hospital of Hartlepool's new scanner is capable of taking 64 images a second. The images are produced
VICTIMS' groups have condemned a decision to discontinue rape charges against a notorious North-East paedophile because he will not get a fair hearing. Child rapist Peter Voisey, who snatched a six-year-old girl from her bath and raped her before dumping
PROMOTERS have pledged the show will go on, regardless of the weather, at this weekend's Jools Holland summer picnic concert, in Durham. The acclaimed musical all-rounder, best known in recent years for his acclaimed 'Later' show, on BBC2, takes to the
According to a popular film and television website, "Meet Me In St. Louis is delightful, classic, nostalgic, poignant, and romanticized". Some of these words may ring true for the band, but in the most part this is a very different beast. Completely
MUSIC lovers are being promised something special at a stately home later this month. Castle Howard will be hosting Jazz in the Afternoon, on Sunday, July 29, from 2pm to 4pm. Jazz bands Some Like It Hot, Finesse and The Al Wood Quartet will be
AN open-air music event, nicknamed the Glastonbury of the North-East, lived up to its billing at the weekend - with the live music accompanied by heavy rain. The Whamfest event, at Low Wham, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, was held on Friday and
Cheeky, colourful and another classic from pop's latest oddball performer who will be touring to Newcastle's Academy on November 24. Box Office: 0870-771-2000.
The second single from the Welsh quintet's new album is described as a breathtaking reinvention. I'm not sure what qualifies as a reinvention, but this rock ballad sounds like something that has been invented many, many times before. Expect to
New Yorker Lumidee Cedeno isn't quite finding the fame on this side of the atlantic as she achieves back home. Debut album Almost Famous charted higher in the US and she's attempting to lift off sales for second album Unexpected with this catchy
I can't say I was that impressed with Ms Winehouse's recent live performance at Glastonbury but it seems that her smoky voice is far better recorded. This is the latest track taken from the acclaimed album Back To Black and appears to lack beginning
CONGRATULATIONS to Tony Campbell of Stockton and George Waite of Tyneside who both correctly identified Alan Hull and Fog on the Tyne as the answer to last week's competition. They win tickets to next Wednesday's concert at the Sage Gateshead featuring
WHAT'S ON: Wynton Marsalis & the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra are at Sage, Gateshead on Tuesday 0191-443-4661, and Harrogate International Centre next Thursday 01423-537-230. CD REVIEWS: Stan Tracey Big Band/Alice in Jazz Land (ReSteamed Records
A MOTORCYCLIST is in a critical condition following an accident at a racetrack. The middle aged man suffered serious head and knee injuries in a collision at Croft Circuit, near Darlington, during a track day. The man, from the Humberside area of East
REGULAR UK visitor George Hamilton 1V celebrates his 70th birthday today and is due to play a series of one-nighters in the region in September. George is the Grand Ole Opry's longest serving member (having joined in 1960) and has also earned the
Redcar Bears fans welcome the 2006 'Rider of the Year' Daniel Giffard back to the South Tees Motorsport Park on Thursday evening at 7.30pm when the newly- reformed Birmingham Brummies visit in Premier League action. Daniel broke his left collarbone in
HERALDED as a sort of French Shakespeare In Love, this wonders what the French playwright Molitere got up to during the months he disappeared early in his career. Jean- Baptist Poquelin (Duris) is 22 and not yet a successful writer known as Moliere
JOHN Travolta has waited 30 years to do another screen musical and he's made a good choice with Hairspray. It may not have the twisted, dark edge of the original John Waters film but this Broadway musical based on that cult movie more than compensates
BUSINESSES who together lost almost £1m when a heritage railway collapsed in January 2005 should finally get the dividends they are owed this week. Cheques were posted today (MON) to over 100 creditors of the Weardale Railway, in County Durham, who
A NORTH-EAST crane driver has been charged with endangering public safety after a vehicle was involved in a collision with a train. John Whitfield, 54, of Darlington, will appear before magistrates in Kent tomorrow. He has been charged with endangering
Never has a book been so hyped up. But all the fuss is well justified and any fans who have yet to read the latest and last Harry Potter book will not be disappointed. Mysteries are solved and uncertainties resolved as the story takes its richly defined
POLICE have released photographs of a woman accused of spending tens of thousands of pounds of other people's money. The woman is suspected of using 23 stolen cheque books between 2002 and 2006 and acquiring more than £32,000 worth of gift vouchers and
THE rail passenger watchdog has called on the Government to tackle the growing problem of train over-crowding in its rail White Paper. The White Paper is due to be unveiled tomorrow by Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly. Passenger Focus chief executive
SCIENTISTS have developed a compound that prevents Alzheimers destroying brain cells, it has been revealed. The development brings the prospect of a cure closer and will offer hope to thousands of sufferers in the North-East and North Yorkshire. The
DARLINGTON manager Dave Penney has moved quickly to solve his defensive problems by signing Ian Miller on loan. With Steve Foster, Patrick Collins, Tim Ryan and Alan White all currently injured, Penney made his move for Miller, who impressed on loan
A FORMER colliery site has been earmarked for transformation into the country's first "network village", combining high-quality business space and family homes. The former coalfield, at Murton, County Durham, would host high-quality offices, industrial
THERE is nothing more depressing than to hear public figures and politicians trotting out the same old cliches: "These terrorists will not change our way of life". What garbage. Of course they have changed our perception of what is, we are constantly
AS Middlesbrough FC are apparently devoid of a sponsor at present, I nominate Camelot. Taking into account that thousands feel let down by the Lottery every Saturday, the name could well be appropriate. Kev McStravick, Darlington.
IT'S a disgrace that 600 jobs in the health service are to be axed in the Scarborough region as part of plans to save £28m (Echo, July 19) when people throughout the country know we have no business wasting billions of pounds fighting two wars
CORRESPONDENT John Conlon (HAS, July 17) asks us to speculate about UFO involvement in the demise of Sodom and Gomorrah. While people do that, perhaps Mr Conlon and those who believe in the writings of Erich Von Daniken should speculate not only
I HAVE been a voluntary organ donor, and when I die my family is well aware of my wishes. My problem with the present proposal, from the Government's Chief Medical Officer (Echo, July 18), that it is automatically presumed that we are prepared
HUGH Pender claims that "the US gave Israel the ultimate weapon - nuclear bombs" (HAS, July 19), which is simply untrue. The only outside assistance Israel had with its nuclear programme was from France. And with half a dozen surrounding nations
RECENT figures released show that parents in Britain pay among the highest childcare costs in Europe. The school holidays can be a stressful time for parents - especially if faced with large childcare bills. If parents do find they have overspent
I WONDER where Banks Developments gets its prediction of 4,000 jobs from for its proposed business park development of the Mount Oswald golf course site in Durham (Echo, July 18)? The company appears unable to add up. The site is 95 acres, and
I USED to tell Irish jokes, until, believing I should say nothing behind someone's back that I wouldn't say to their face, I told one in the presence of an Irish friend. He was unamused. He explained that in his job, he had an invisible barrier
Arran Lee-Barrett has a big name to fill in more ways than one. Hartlepool United's new signing has been handed the task - alongside fellow new recruit Jan Budtz - of replacing record-breaking goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopoulos between the Victoria Park
NOLBERTO Solano has revealed there will be no hiding place for Newcastle United players looking to cruise through pre-season with Sam Allardyce implementing techniques to discover his most - and least - industrious performers. Everyone involved during
THE decision to publish an advertisement for the British National Party in the run-up to last week's Sedgefield by-election was not taken lightly. I agonised over it and I'm still wrestling with my conscience. Inevitably, there was a strong reaction,
Newcastle's injury jinx hasn't taken long to hit new manager Sam Allardyce's plans with Joey Barton ruled out for the start of the new Premier League season. The £5.8m signing, who will undergo surgery today, is likely to be out for two months after
THEY might have lost to League One champions Scunthorpe on Saturday, but Greg Halford remains confident the current Sunderland side is superior to the Reading line-up that finished eighth in the Premiership last season. After matching Reading's success
Anti-doping chief Dick Pound is urging golf to introduce drug-testing as soon as possible amid fears top players could be using banned substances. Pound, head of the World Anti-Doping Agency, mirroring the comments of the legendary Gary Player earlier
Kevin Pietersen chose Sachin Tendulkar's farewell Lord's Test appearance to announce himself as a worthy successor as the world's best batsman and put England on course for victory in the opening npower Test. For the last 18 years of Tendulkar's illustrious
IF a week is a long time in politics then the three weeks since Gordon Brown became Prime Minister must have seemed like a lifetime to David Cameron. Following defeat in last Thursday's two by-elections, which were seen as the first real test of Mr Cameron's
A NETBALL team is helping to send a group of young people on the trip of a lifetime. The Darlington Juniors netball team, based at Darlington Education Village, held a sponsored netball shoot to raise money for young people who are travelling to Africa
MORPETH Harrier Terry Wall made it three victories out of four when he won yesterday's New Marske Victorian 10K. Wall, who won the Raby Castle and Newton Aycliffe 10Ks before losing out to former Great Britain international Brian Rushworth in the Hylton
THERE were sensational scenes at Riverside yesterday as Ottis Gibson became the first bowler to take all ten wickets in a first-class innings for Durham. In the second season of his two-year contract with the club, the 38-year-old Barbadian had figures
PADRAIG HARRINGTON graduated in accountancy before he became a professional golfer - and his Open numbers finally added up at Carnoustie yesterday. The 35-year-old Dubliner beat Ryder Cup team-mate Sergio Garcia in a four hole play-off to break his major
CRITICS of plans to turn farmland into a caravan park with 25 berths on it fear the scheme will damage the area.If approved, the plan would result in the touring caravans pitched on land at Whenby, near York.Some local residents are in favour of the plan
POLICE passed on tips to the public at the weekend.Cleveland Police held a community day in Saltburn, on Saturday, to provide a variety of services and advice, and to mix with young people.There was free dog-chipping by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's
David Cameron yesterday vowed not to ''retreat to the comfort zone'' as he came under pressure from right-wing critics to halt his drive to move the Conservatives onto the centre ground.Despite a string of poor opinion poll results and third place finishes
Shadowmancer author Graham Taylor, from North Yorkshire, gives his verdict on Harry Pooter and the Deathly Hallows.IT was three o clock on a wet Friday afternoon when I saw my copy of Deathly Hallows. It was well before the midnight embargo that I knew
POLICE are investigating after a youngster's guinea pigs were apparently killed deliberately.Louise Hindhaugh had to wake her nine-year-old daughter, Sarah to tell her the news.Miss Hindhaugh and her partner, David Shotton, decided it was best to tell
PLANS for a youth centre in a Teesdale village will be based around other successful schemes in the area.Parish councillors in Staindrop have held discussions with youth workers about the possibility of opening a drop-in for the village's children, much
FAMILIES enjoyed the dry weather on Saturday at a fun day with a difference.People had the chance to try something new at Unity City Academy, in Ormesby Road, Middlesbrough, organised by Middlesbrough Extended Schools initiative, in partnership with Stronger
SCHOOLchildren celebrated their batting success at a cricket awards ceremony.Six Wear Valley schools that participated in a national cricket competition, Chance to Shine, received awards from Durham Cricket Club player Mitchell Clayton at Crook Cricket
HUNDREDS of pupils from primary schools across Darlington are going for gold in an Olympic challenge.A new Community Games event is to be held in the town for the first time - aimed at encouraging children to play more sport.The festival features competitions
CAMPAIGNERS battling to save a Durham city centre bowling green are hoping to strike a chord with their latest protest.The Elvet Residents' Association called in soprano Bethany Halliday to sing The Racecourse Rag, a protest song aimed at saving the Durham
Ernie Els has pinpointed the one Carnoustie hole that he believes cost him the chance of victory at the Open Championship, writes DAVID Welsh. Els shot three birdies and no bogeys for a 33 on the front nine to play himself into contention in the final
In the Crook versus Kimblesworth match only 31.3 overs were possible in a game which fell victim to the weather like so many others this season. Kimblesworth had made a strong start despite having to battle through two stoppages for rain. Batting first
THE interim reporting season heats up this week when a raft of heavyweights from the banking, oil and pharmaceutical sectors unveil figures. BP and Royal Dutch Shell report first-half profits as the price of oil has passed $78 a barrel in recent weeks
Harry Potter fan and Northern Echo reporter Lauren Pyrah gets caught up in Pottermania as she spends the weekend observing fellow enthusiasts' reaction to the book.WHETHER you are eagerly turning each page in excited anticipation or wondering what all
A CONTEMPORARY textile artist has opened a studio in a city centre.Julia Triston, who exhibits in London's Mall Galleries, will run textile workshops and produce and display her work in Studio 2, of Fowler's Yard. Ms Triston, who lives in Dipton, near
Fernando Alonso apologised to Felipe Massa after an extraordinary European Grand Prix which Lewis Hamilton described as ''crazy''.Alonso and Massa were embroiled in a war of words in the corridor on the way to the podium after a thrilling late duel at
A CARNIVAL centred around Europe's longest village green was held at the weekend.The West Auckland Carnival took place on Saturday afternoon after an absence of several years, and was declared a success by organisers.The event opened with a vintage car
A TOWN centre was transported back to the Forties over the weekend as it celebrated the war years.Union Jack bunting lined the high street of Bishop Auckland on Saturday as the Celebrate the Forties event took place.Organised by Bishop Auckland Town Centre
VINTAGE motorcycles and modern superbikes were on display at an open motorcycle show yesterday.The event, the first of its kind organised by the Thermals and Vests Motorcycle Club, was held in Shildon, County Durham, and attracted bike fans from across
aid worker Rod Jones is desperately seeking a new trailer, after a frustrating weekend on the roads.The 58-year-old, who founded the Teesside-based Convoy Aid, was stranded on Saturday after the wheel of his trailer snapped off, on the A66.He was returning
Government exam chiefs have called for a rethink on the impact of school tests and league tables amid fears that they distort the education children receive.Senior figures at the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) are concerned about the dominant
Yorkshire v Surrey (County Championship) : Day Two & Three A career-best unbeaten 91 from Adil Rashid, followed by an early three wicket burst from Darren Gough, put Yorkshire on top in the rain-hit LV Championship match against Surrey at Headingley
A CHINESE chef has upset council leaders after naming his restaurant the Fat Buddha.Durham City Council has written to Eddie Fung asking him to change the name, after saying it would offend Buddhists.But Mr Fung, who was born in Hong Kong and is a Buddhist
AN al Qaida mastermind who was seriously injured in a North-East prison may not have been targeted because of his terrorist crimes.Dherin Barot, the leader of a British-based al Qaida cell that plotted to murder thousands of people with "dirty bombs",
DOZENS of people enjoyed celebrations for the centenary of a Darlington church headquarters at the weekend.Springfield Mission celebrated the 100th anniversary of the "Green Hut", on the corner of Thompson Street and Hercules Street, with a family day
CARNOUSTIE reduced Sergio Garcia to tears again yesterday - but this heartache will haunt him for years. In 1999 the young Spaniard, still a hopeful teenager, sobbed in his mother's arms, after he finished dead last in a blaze of bogeys, double bogeys
Just like Jean Van de Velde eight years ago, Padraig Harrington did his best to throw it away. He did not exactly paddle in the Barry Burn with his trousers rolled up and his embarrassment hanging out for all to see. But before he threw his arms to the
Only centurion Darren Maddy could dare to hold his head high as Warwickshire collapsed twice over - principally to Ryan McLaren - to lurch towards an innings defeat against Kent at Canterbury. Maddy top-scored in both innings, albeit tied with extras
OUTDOOR clothing firm Berghaus is among the most recognised brands in Britain, according to a survey. Berghaus, based in Sunderland, joined two other big names in the North-East on the list of the UK's 500 leading brands, compiled by global branding authority
A TEENAGE student is heading to India to help teach children. Anna Burnley, 18, will travel to the town of Valparai, in southern India, for a year with the Project Trust group. There, the 18-year-old, of Front Street, Sowerby, near Thirsk, will teach
A CAMPAIGN to recruit 8,000 graduates in the region's process industry has been launched. The programme was unveiled on Saturday to more than 400 representatives from the sector, at the North-East Process Industry Cluster's (Nepic) summer ball. The drive
A SCHEME to fight the growing menace of bogus callers has been launched in Hambleton. The Nominated Neighbour scheme is being run to protect elderly and vulnerable people from the callers. It is being pioneered by the Community Safety Partnership across
THE cobbles of Bedale Market Place got a Gallic makeover with the visit of a French market. Sixteen stalls were set up near Bedale Hall by the Marche de France organisation. Items on offer included cheeses, wines, fresh bread, cakes, farm-made jams, pate
YOUNGSTERS at a Northallerton school are proving they are serious about recycling. To encourage themselves to be green, they are using two decorated wheelie bins to get rid of some of their rubbish. The youngsters, from Romanby Primary School, redesigned
LEEMING Art Group, near Northallerton, will hold its fourth annual exhibition and sale in Leeming Village Hall. The preview evening, from 7pm to 9pm on Friday, will be opened by a member of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, which will benefit from exhibition
JUVENILE thieves are being warned to stay away from Teesside this summer - or risk being taken to court. Police and retailers are joining forces with Middlesbrough Council and other agencies in a blitz on shop crime. They have promised that all thieves
A GROUP of schoolchildren rode their way to victory in a cycling skills competition. The year five team from Jesmond Road Primary School, Hartlepool, received the Biketrax Shield from the town's mayor, Stuart Drummond, when they visited the Civic Centre
LOCAL hero Peter McConnell is Middlesbrough's Citizen of the Year 2007. Chairman of Kader Community Council for 12 years, Mr McConnell played a key role in the campaign to open a community facility when the old Co-op Employees' Club in Acklam was forced
Katie Boo has hit a purple patch in recent weeks and she can land a second win in four starts at Ayr today. Alan Berry has been keeping this five-year-old busy and she has responded by turning in a string of consistent efforts. The Scottish air obviously
As part of The Northern Echo lifeblood campaign, which aims to encourage people to give blood, here are details of forthcoming donor sessions in the region: Today Community Association, Tyne Road, Stanley, 2pm-7pm. Ferryhill Leisure Centre, Lambton Road
Great Ayton are back on track to make a late bid to retain the championship of the Darlington Building Society NYSD Premier League which they won for the first time last season. After a lucky break with the weather, which was responsible for every other
COUNCILLORS will examine a decision to allocate an extra £627,000 to improve facilities for families in Darlington. Opposition councillors have called in a resolution made by Darlington Borough Council's cabinet to almost double the amount spent on Sure
A TRAINING course for volunteer advisors is to be run by Darlington Citizens Advice Bureau this autumn. It will cover the complex range of problems presented by clients, ranging from debt, relationships and benefits through to employment and housing.
POETRY fans are in for a treat on Thursday when Hartlepool Central Library presents its Summer Poetry Workshop. It will feature poetry readings and a discussion hosted by local poet Derek Brown, followed by an opportunity for members of the public to
A CLASS for a Korean martial art is calling for new members. Three qualified tae kwon do instructors started the lessons in the Eastbourne area of Darlington in the new year. Melanie Foster said the only other previous classes were on the other side of
PUPILS at a Darlington school have proved themselves to be at the cutting edge of computer technology after coming first in a national website design competition. Six year ten students from Carmel RC College took first prize in the 15-and-under category
David Beckham reflected on ''the most remarkable week'' of his life after making his Los Angeles Galaxy debut in Carson, California on Saturday night in a friendly against Chelsea. Beckham has been through a rollercoaster of emotions since arriving in
MIDDLESBROUGH manager Gareth Southgate hopes to tie up a £2.5m deal for Charlton's Luke Young early this week, writes WILL SCOTT "We're just waiting to meet the player and hopefully that will happen in the early part of next week," said Southgate.
POLICE have launched a concerted drive to tackle crime on school premises over the summer holidays. Chester-le-Street police have distributed leaflets to houses overlooking the district's 20 comprehensive and junior schools, urging residents to help tackle
Local government workers have been walking for charity. Staff from Sedgefield borough and Teesdale district councils completed the 82-mile Dales Way, from Ilkley, in West Yorkshire, to Bowness, in Cumbria, in six days. They raised £1,500 for the Bubble
Paul Barber, best known as Denzil in Only Fools And Horses, tells Hannah Stephenson how humour helped him cope with a childhood spent in foster care. CAN you imagine one of Del Boy's mates gracing the red carpet at the Oscars in Hollywood? Well that's
AN agricultural supply and retail business is investing in its staff to help meet the growing demands of the industry. The Farmway Group, which employs 165 people in the region, is focusing on training as part of a long-term strategy to meet the growing
AN open-air swimming pool, badly hit by the torrential rain so far experienced this summer, is launching canoeing courses in a bid to increase attendances. The courses, run by qualified kayak instructor Will Coulson, will start at Stanhope pool, in Weardale
FITNESS instructors are urging colleagues to set a good example to the community by exercising during their lunch breaks and after work. Glenholme Leisure Centre, off New Road, in Crook, is running a programme of fitness tests, which include blood pressure
A BRASS band concert has raised about £200 for a Teesdale church. More than 70 people attended the Aycliffe and Brancepeth Brass Band concert, held in Windmill Methodist Church to raise money for church funds. The band, led by conductor Mike Priestley
DURHAM City Council has signed up to the battle against global warming, committing itself to putting in place a climate-change strategy. It has signed the Nottingham Declaration, pledging to tackle climate change in the district and work with other councils
POLICE believe youths were behind a burglary at Barnard Castle Rugby Club last Wednesday evening. The club, in Birch Road, Barnard Castle, was broken into between 10.30pm on Wednesday and 9am on Thursday after intruders forced a door open. Sweets, Archers
COUNCILLORS have agreed to increase a school's budget by £275,000 to improve its premises. Tanfield Lea Infant and Junior Schools are merging into one when children go back after the summer holidays. It was initially thought the work, expected to start
A GARDEN designed by disabled students from Finchale Training College has won a medal at the Royal Horticultural Show. The Life and Soul garden, which was partly funded by a grant from the publishers of The Northern Echo, won a silver medal in the show's
Darlington are still without a victory in pre-season following Saturday's defeat at Gretna, but Martin Gray says Quakers fans need not panic. Two second half goals condemned a patched-up Darlington on Saturday and it will not get any easier tomorrow night
A FLEET of refuge lorries is being taken out of service as replacement trucks are brought in.Hambleton District Council is replacing its ageing trucks in a move costing £1.5m.The council's trucks have covered 740,000 miles over their seven years in service
BALLROOM glitz and glamour will come to Northallerton next Monday.Youngsters are being invited to put on their glad rags and take part in a taster session in ballroom dancing.It is hoped the one-off session, part of Hambleton District Council's Hyper
COUNCILLORS who oppose an 11 per cent rise in the cost of school meals are angry that parents have already been told about the increase.Letters have been sent to parents of primary school children ahead of a county council scrutiny meeting this week to
Medicine regulators have been accused of dragging their feet over a cannabis drug for people with multiple sclerosis.The Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency met last week to discuss Sativex, a medicinal form of cannabis.It decided that more clinical
A REGENERATION company has rejected suggestions that existing rail services could lose out if its plans for a £140m Metro-style tram system are approved.Tees Valley Regeneration (TVR) hopes to win approval from the Department for Transport (DfT) for the
A FORMER vicar turned best-selling author has given his blessing to a school.GrahamTaylor gave pupils at King's Academy, Coulby Newham, in Middlesbrough, a flying start to their summer holiday when he told them: "This isn't just an academy, it's a school
FAMILIES on an ever-growing housing estate are to be given their first park, with new plans for a £750,000 scheme.After a 16-year campaign, people on Ingleby Barwick, near Stockton, could see the first phase of Romano Park come to fruition in the coming
pupils shone in a challenge to design solar-powered cars.Children from Dodmire Junior School in Darlington made two cars for the Solar Car Challenge at Sunderland's Nissan factory - one for the speed section, wrapped in foil to make it faster, and one
UNIFORMED professionals have joined teachers to come up with a new campaign of courses designed to train the growing army of students interested in public services.Staff from the Army, Navy and Royal Air Force, police, special constabulary, Darlington
AN open-air music event, nicknamed the Glastonbury of the North-East, lived up to its billing at the weekend - with the live music accompanied by heavy rain.The Whamfest event, at Low Wham, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, was held on Friday and Saturday
COMMUNITY groups meeting in the Gala Theatre will have to pay 20 per cent more to hire rooms from next year.Hiring the Durham City theatre costs charities and not-for-profit groups £515 a day.But Durham City Council has voted to increase this charge to
LITTLE Rosie Wright looked a picture of happiness as she sang for shoppers, a year after being seriously injured in the Dreamspace tragedy.The four-year-old who, a year ago today, was thrown 50ft into the air as the Dreamspace inflatable broke free from
A HELICOPTER pilot who flew Rosie Wright to hospital following the Dreamspace disaster last night recalled a day that will remain etched on his mind.Only weeks into his new job as pilot for the Great North Air Ambulance, Chris Attrill found himself dealing
AN old London bus helped the Richmond and Dales branch of Soroptimist International raise more than £450 for charity.The former Routemaster double-decker was the focal point for a collection in Richmond Market Place.In total, £467 was raised for the Motor
STUDENTS Charlotte Stoddart and Samuel Durant discovered what it takes to make a town tick after winning the chance to be mayor for the day.The teenagers, from Hall Garth School in Acklam Hall, Middlesbrough, got the chance to step into Mayor Ray Mallon's
AN investigation will examine how a town's hospital and health services can be best developed.Hartlepool Borough Council's adult and community services team and health scrutiny forum will conduct the review, following fears over the transfer of jobs and
SOME of the region's best-loved beauty spots will be featured in a TV programme to find the country's most popular location.Hadrian's Wall and Bamburgh Castle, both in Northumberland, Upper Swaledale in North Yorkshire, and Newcastle's Tyne bridges will
A SCHOOLGIRL has sliced through the opposition to win a town-wide sandwich design competition aimed at promoting healthy eating.Katherine Bradbrook, who attends Beaumont Hill Special School at Darlington Education Village, had her lunchbox pitta chosen
YOUNGSTERS are celebrating winning an athletics competition.Year one and two pupils at Leadgate Infant and Nursery School, in West Gate, Leadgate, near Consett, won the Derwentside School Partnership Athletics Festival.The six and seven-year-old boys
WALKERS are being asked to help shape the future of the access and paths network. Durham County Council is asking for residents' views on its draft rights of way improvement plan for County Durham 2007-11. Between now and October 8, people can say what
ONE of the country's oldest rowing clubs has a new £1m home.The clubhouse replaces the former home, in the city's Green Lane, of Durham Amateur Rowing Club (Arc), which dates back to 1860 and has more than 200 members. The one-storey building, designed
PRIME Minister Gordon Brown last night chaired a meeting of the Government's Cobra emergency contingencies committee to discuss the response to the flooding.Present for the meeting were Environment Secretary Hilary Benn, Community Secretary Hazel Blears
THE media and a handful of home supporters were evacuated from the upper tier of the James Hargreaves Stand ten minutes into the second half of Middlesbrough's game with Burnley on Saturday after a fire broke out. Rain found its way on to some naked
A FORENSICS company is in negotiations with three Governments to develop a device to help in the fight against terrorism. Roar Particles, at NetPark, in Sedgefield, County Durham, is creating technology to detect the tiniest particles of explosives on
AIRCRAFT parts firm CAV Aerospace has won a £100m five-year contract, which will establish the company as UK's market leader in its sector. It will also result in the creation of 44 jobs at CAV, based in Consett, County Durham, and the company investing
My Brilliant Brain (five, 9pm), Empire's Children (C4, 9pm), Brando (TCM, 9pm) Give George any date in history and he can tell you what day on the week it was. As a party trick, this is okay the first time, but your interest must fade after a while.As
It's been around for many centuries but could the humble cup of tea be poised to make a massive comeback? Women's Editor Sarah Foster meets a woman who hopes it will. THERE isn't anything more English than the habit of drinking tea. Whether it be first
A WONDERFUL day for Durham at Riverside yesterday ended with young openers, Mark Stoneman and Will Smith, proved there were no perils in the pitch on which Ottis Gibson had created history with his ten-wicket haul. It may have dried by that stage after
MORE than 200 North-East war veterans will next month receive a medal the Queen does not want them to wear.The Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM) medal was offered by the Malaysian government to the Commonwealth countries who served in Malaya throughout the Fifties
A mother who started selling heroin to make money for a bond on a house has been jailed for two-and-a-half years.Drug addict Dawn Mitchinson claimed she had only been dealing for a fortnight when she was seen by police, handing over drugs to a woman
TRADE unions will this week step up their campaign to save factories that employ disabled workers.The recent decision by Remploy to close 43 of its factories, including half a dozen in the North-East, sparked anger among unions, which are preparing to
