Archive

  • Football club backs heart charty jog

    A FOOTBALL club which lost a star striker when he had a heart attack on the pitch has backed the British Heart Foundation's York City Jog. And the players from York City FC are urging others to take part in the sponsored event at the Knavesmire on Tuesday

  • Man attacked Joey Barton's assistant

    A MAN who attacked Newcastle United star Joey Barton's personal assistant in his room at a luxury hotel has been detained in a secure hospital indefinitely. Adrian Hudson lashed out at the male pa with a corksrew when he returned to his room at the plush

  • Play games for church funds

    A CHURCH is inviting non members to a whist and domino drive this weekend to boost funds. St Michael's Church, Bishop Middleham, will hold the event at Bishop Middleham Village Hall on Saturday March 29, from 2pm. Admission is £1.50, including refreshments

  • Share concerns at surgery

    POLICE and councillors are inviting residents to a surgery session to discuss community issues. Aycliffe beat officer, PC Alan Thompson, will host the session at Aycliffe Village Hall on Saturday March 29, 10am to noon. He will be joined by local councillors

  • Pay up to win prizes

    COUNCIL house tenants have an extra incentive to get their rent accounts up to date. Sedgefield Borough Council's housing department is urging tenants with arrears to make the most of non payment weeks by still paying their rent to reduce the amount

  • Kitchen knife man spared jail

    A FACTORY worker caught carrying a kitchen knife in the street has been spared jail. Matthew Tracey came out of his house with the weapon after masked youths kicked at his front and back door in the early hours of the morning on December 1 last year.

  • Woman airlifted to hospital

    A WOMAN was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries today after a collision that closed Newton Cap viaduct in Bishop Auckland for over an hour. The accident happened at 8.45am on the Toronto side of the bypass when a Rover car hit the rear of another

  • Teen driver was over limit

    A TEENAGER who died when he crashed his car after a birthday night out was two-and-a-half times over the drink drive limit, an inquest has heard. Steven Davison, of Ash Crescent, Seaham, was celebrating his 18th birthday with friends having taken taxis

  • Biker's final words

    A MOTORCYCLIST who told friends he had gone to "rip up" the road was involved in a fatal accident, an inquest heard. Champion Thai boxer Lee Smith, 33, of Newton Aycliffe, died after he lost control of his Suzuki 750cc bike at a roundabout near Aycliffe

  • Town hall needs our help

    DARLINGTON'S town hall, once described as ugly, could be given protected listed status. Darlington Civic Trust has written to the Borough Council with proposals to refurbish and improve the 1970s Town Hall. Its proposals come as part of the ongoing

  • Plans to transfer bus depot

    DETAILS of plans to transform a former bus depot into a 13,000sq ft childrens activity complex in Darlington have been revealed. Known as Adventure Point, the project is the brainchild of local businesswoman Carolyn Maxey and follows a successful planning

  • Manager's HIV appeal

    A SHOP manager is appealing for people in the North-East to get behind a national campaign to prevent Hiv and Aids in Africa. Jackie Garbutt, from Darlington, is asking people to get involved with The Body Shops Get Lippy campaign, which aims to raise

  • Addict stole gold

    A HEROIN addict stole gold jewellery from his sister, sold it down the pub and used the money to buy drugs, a court heard. Ray Bragg, 40, stole two chains and a pair of earrings worth £300 in total from his sister while staying with her, Darlington Magistrates

  • Pupils score business success

    PUPILS from a Darlington school have achieved their goal after scoring a business qualification with the help of Middlesbrough Football Club. A group of 11 students from Hummersknott School and Language College are celebrating completing a business

  • Nightclub attack leaves man unconscious

    A CLUBBER was subjected to a vicious attack which left him unconscious. The 19-year-old was punched and kicked in an unprovoked attack in Escapades nightclub in Darlington. The victim was in the gents toilets at about 2am on Easter Monday when he was

  • Heroin addict stole jewellery for drugs

    A HEROIN addict stole gold jewellery from his sister, sold it down the pub and used the money to buy drugs, a court heard today. Ray Bragg, 40, stole two chains and a pair of earrings worth £300 in total from his sister while staying with her, Darlington

  • The Orphanage (15)

    THE producer is Guillermo Del Toro and the film bears the hallmarks of the award-winning director of Pan's Labyrinth with its unsettling images, flashes of fantasy and shocking denouement. Director J A Bayona does a disturbing job of staging a

  • 27 Dresses (12A)

    AFTER getting Knocked Up in one of last year's best-received comedies, Katherine Heigl takes time off from playing aspiring surgeon Izzy in TV's Grey's Anatomy to go to a wedding. Unhappily, it's not hers. Jane (Heigl) is always the bridesmaid

  • The Hottie And The Nottie (12A)

    I HAVEN'T seen her most famous performance in her infamous sex tape, One Night In Paris. But I reckon that Paris Hilton winning an Oscar is as likely as Heather Mills remarrying Paul McCartney. In this excruciatingly-titled comedy, she is Cristabel

  • Joker comes up trumps for business magnates

    PUPILS from Framwellgate School, Durham City, have taken an early lead in this year's Future Business Magnates competition. The contest, in which groups of school children set up competing businesses, with the help of professional mentors, is now in

  • Two-horse race develops as competition reaches half-way point

    THE race to be crowned the entrepreneurs of tomorrow appears to be turning into a two-horse race as the competition reached the half-way point. With three of the six challenges completed, pupils from Framwellgate School remain runaway leaders of the

  • Stoke swoop for Magpies striker Shola

    SHOLA AMEOBI'S future at Newcastle United took a step nearer to reaching an end this afternoon when he was given permission to go out on loan. The former England Under-21 international has joined Stoke City until the end of the season. And with manager

  • Tour news

    THE Zombies and The Yardbirds, two great seminal bands whose musical influence reverberates to this day, will perform at Gateshead's Sage on June 1. Strangely, it's the first time the two outfits have toured together. The Zombies were part of the

  • Dimitri from Paris: Return to the Playboy Mansion (Defected)

    Return to the Playboy Mansion may as well be titled Return to the early Noughties when funky house reigned supreme. This is perhaps not surprising given that it is a follow-up to Dimitri's One Night at the Playboy Mansion, which was released in

  • Compost Offer

    A TEN ton pile of compost collected from kerbsides and recycling centres is being given away at a free event in Bishop Auckland next month. Bags from the massive mound of garden waste can be collected from a Big Heap Roadshow at the B and Q store, in

  • Rogue Wave: Like I Needed (Island)

    Upbeat and melodic, this record from the Californian indie boys is nice enough. Very much of the laid-back surfer rock-type genre, it has some lovely harmonies and is basically a well-rounded song. Although there's nothing particularly bad about

  • Robyn: Who’s That Girl (Island)

    Anyone who claims the Eighties revival is over should listen to this record and think again. This latest release from Sweden's answer to Cyndi Lauper is a slice of pure electro pop. Not as good or as instant as her first single, With Every Heartbeat

  • Seeing Red

    WITH a name as outlandish as Fyfe Antony Dangerfield Hutchins, Guillemots' frontman was always likely to be famous. The fact he can sing and write appealing pop songs also helped stack the cards in his favour. Guillemots' first album, Through

  • March 27, 2008

    THERE'S another eclectic week ahead for local folk fans, guaranteed to baffle the cynics, bamboozle the purists and entertain the masses. It's a week dominated by duos, it seems, with Trish McLean and Ian Wright starting us off with an appearance

  • March 27, 2007

    WHAT'S ON Tomorrow Scott Hamilton appears with Steve Fishwick's Quartet at Darlington Arts Centre, 01325-486555, and the three-day Gateshead Jazz Festival at the Sage also begins then. The headliners include Cleo Laine and John Dankworth, Gilberto

  • March 27, 2008

    WHAT'S ON The National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, The Sage Gateshead, 7.30pm, Tuesday. The programme includes Stravinsky's Rite of Spring and Strauss' Four Last Songs. Box office: 0191-443-4661. REVIEWS Janacek: The Excursions of Mr

  • March 27, 2008

    Alan Jackson: Good Time (Sony/BMG) IT seems that since his first offering, Here In The Real World, Alan Jackson can do no wrong. He's sold more than 49m albums and written 21 of his 31 number one hits. Add to that the accolades of the Country Music

  • New deal for food festival

    A MAJOR regional food festival will have a third world flavour this year thanks to a new deal with the Co-op. The Wear Valley Food Festival, taking place on April 12 at Auckland Castle, in Bishop Auckland, will sell Fairtrade goods for the first time

  • Wear Walking

    WALKS organised through the Wear Walking for Health scheme take place next week. Etherley Pathfinders meet at the cricket club on Wednesday (April 2) at 10.15am to tackle a five mile moderate route. Walkers should take refreshments. The group meets every

  • Warning over fake jewellery

    TRADING Standards officers have warned shoppers to avoid buying cheap counterfeit jewellery from online auction sites. The warning came as 9,000 items of fake Tiffany jewellery were melted down at a foundry in Middlesbrough. The necklaces, earrings and

  • Tory conference boosted region's economy by £1m

    THE visit of more than 1,000 Conservative Party members earlier this month boosted the North-East economy by about £1m, tourism bosses have said. About 1,500 people attended the Conservative Party Spring Forum, held at The Sage Gateshead on March 14

  • Vicious attack on clubber

    A CLUBBER was subjected to a vicious attack which left him unconscious. The 19-year-old was punched and kicked in an unprovoked attack in Escapades nightclub in Darlington. The victim was in the gents toilets at about 2am on Easter Monday when he was

  • Government backs video game ratings overhaul

    Video games will be forced to carry cinema-style age classifications to improve children's safety in the digital age under a new strategy announced today. Psychologist Tanya Byron called for an overhaul of games classification, while her report also

  • Darlington capture Nelthorpe

    DARLINGTON have completed the signing of Doncaster Rovers midfielder Craig Nelthorpe on a one-month loan. With today's 5pm transfer deadline looming, manager Dave Penney made his move for the 20-year-old. The left-sided player joined Doncaster from

  • Teen denies killing taxi driver over fare

    A TEENAGER today denied killing an elderly taxi driver in a row over the fare. Dale Patterson, 18, pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of 72-year-old Raymond Quigley, who collapsed after taking a late-night passenger from Newcastle to Sunderland.

  • Police seek information on laptop scam

    POLICE are appealing to victims of a scam involving laptops to come forward. The scam involves victims being approached in the street by men and subsequently handing them cash for laptops which they never receive. Several incidents are currently being

  • Drunk jailed for attack on car and owner

    A VIOLENT drunk has been jailed after he damaged a car and then attacked the owner. Aaron John Swales, 20, also assaulted a police officer trying to arrest him, but he could not remember anything about the incidents in Thornaby because he was too drunk

  • Appeal for assault witnsses

    POLICE are appealing for witnesses to an assault which took place in County Durham earlier this month. The incident took place near Woolworths on Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, between 11.30pm and midnight on Friday, March 14. The victim, a female

  • Crows rescued by fire brigade

    THE RSPCA called the fire service to help two crows trapped in a chimney today. Fire crews used a 13.5 metre ladder to remove a grill covering the chimney at a property on Main Street in Witton Park, near Bishop Auckland. The crows were freed successfully

  • Councillor urged to resign over "euthanase children" remark

    A NORTH-EAST councillor is being pressured to resign after calling for the legalisation of euthanasia to cut the number of children in care. North Tyneside Conservative, Hugh Jackson made the remark during a discussion at a council meeting about the

  • Downing looks for bright England future

    STEWART DOWNING hopes that his first England cap under Fabio Capello can help to eradicate unfair claims he was a Steve McClaren favourite under the previous regime. The Middlesbrough winger was handed his 17th cap for his country in the Stade de France

  • To Infinity...

    Mark Baldwin talks to Viv Hardwick about bringing Rambert Dance Company to Newcastle and working with TV's Vicar of Dibley composer Howard Goodall HAVING opted out of choreography for two years, isn't there some small part of Rambert Dance Company

  • A sister’s word

    Busy Bernie Nolan arrives in Durham next week with sister, Maureen, and comedy Mum's The Word but tells Viv Hardwick that the book is closed on her famous family life MUM'S definitely the word if you dare to ask Bernie Nolan about her oldest

  • Maid in movies

    Katherine Heigl tells Steve Pratt that her whole wardrobe has changed since she started winning lead roles in movies. Although 27 outfits for 27 Dresses proved to be her biggest test so far ON screen, Katherine Heigl hasnt been having an easy time

  • True Charity

    She may not be dressed to thrill, but Charity Wakefield tells Gemma Quade that she was amazed by the true life tales of an Edwardian nurse in Casualty 1907 CHARITY Wakefield seems to have spent most of the last 12 months in a corset. In January

  • Top Ten To Rent

    UK DVD/VIDEO RETAIL 1 (-) Beowulf 2 (1) American Gangster 3 (-) The Simpsons Movie 4 (-) Primeval - The Complete Series 2 5 (3) Stardust 6 (-) Good Luck Chuck 7 (6) Ratatouille 8 (-) Happy Feet 9 (7) Harry Potter And The Order

  • They're back

    SALES of earplugs are soaring in Walford now that news of an impending return is all round the Square. The soft, dulcet tones - not - of Bianca will be ringing out with a glass-shattering shriek of "Rickaaaayyy!". Yes, they're back in EastEnders

  • Karaoke King ensures his voice will live on after his death

    A KARAOKE-mad father given three months to live has recorded tracks for his family so his voice can live on once he has gone. Karaoke king Johnny Bliss and his family were shocked when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and told the devastating

  • Easter egg winners decided by newsagent’s customers

    CHOCOLATE eggs were handed out to the winners of an Easter card competition in Bishop Auckland. Children from Cockton Hill Infants School, in Bishop Auckland, displayed their designs in the window of nearby Crybec Newsagent for customers to pick

  • Play areas get overhaul thanks to developers

    TWO village play areas are to be overhauled thanks to almost £160,000 in funding from housing developers. West Auckland's recreation ground will be moved from its flood-prone site in New Street to a safer area nearby, with new equipment planned

  • Tribal beats help children explore cultures

    KEEPING YEAR seven students from Wolsingham School and Community College have been paving the way for schools across the country by trying out a music project. It was devised by head music teacher Andrew Fowler, who chose the theme exploring

  • Row over supermarket’s all-day opening plan

    Councillors are challenging a bid by Asda supermarket to turn its Bishop Auckland store into a 24-hour operation. Rachel Wearmouth reports AN overwhelming number of people have backed councillors in their bid to prevent 24-hour opening at a Bishop

  • Campaign aims to raise awareness about abuse

    A HARD-HITTING campaign to raise awareness about domestic abuse in North Yorkshire is being launched this week. In Hambleton District Council's Don't Suffer in Silence campaign, notices will be distributed in hospitals, GP surgeries and pubs

  • Council welcomes court decision over Coatham bid

    REDCAR and Cleveland Council has welcomed a High Court decision to block an attempt to give land at Coatham, Redcar the status of a village green. The application by a member of the Friends of Coatham Common for a Judicial Review is part of an ongoing

  • Woman airlifted to hospital

    A WOMAN has been airlifted to hospital with serious injuries following a collision that has closed Newton Cap viaduct in Bishop Auckland. The accident involving two cars happened at about 9am on the Toronto side of the bypass. The female driver of the

  • Students take on double task with theatrical productions

    THEATRE students have stepped out of the limelight to explore new subjects backstage. Richmond School student Kieran Wade has become the first pupil there to study directing as part of his studies, while fellow student Anna Ridley is trying her

  • Hairdresser Emma donates cash

    A YOUNG hairdresser who launched her business with a charity pledge has found fundraising a snip. Emma Tennant, who runs Bonito Pelo, in King Street, Ripon, has set aside a donation from every haircut during her first three months. She presented

  • Woodland sessions give pupils eco message

    YOUNGSTERS have been getting out of the classroom and into the great outdoors with a school project. Children from Askrigg and West Burton schools took part in the Forest Schools Project, which aims to help them learn more about their environment

  • Mother launches appeal to clean up local park

    A MOTHER has launched a campaign to get her local park cleaned up. People living near Broomfield Park, Romanby, believe it poses a serious health and safety risk. In addition to litter, smashed bottles, used needles and syringes, gas canisters

  • Joel’s win in Sport Relief mile race

    A SCHOOLBOY who underwent a lifesaving operation nine years ago beat off competition from more than 60 runners to win a charity race. Joel Atkin was born with a hole in his heart and had to undergo surgery at the Freeman Hospital, in Newcastle,

  • Hear All Sides

    LABOUR SPLIT YOUR article (Echo, Mar 22) concerning the admissions criteria for Durham Johnston School, in Durham City, gave a flavour of the debate at County Hall two days earlier, but had one major deficiency. It failed to reveal that a oneparty

  • Cricket club bouncing back after arson attacks

    A SMALL shot in the arm will help a long-standing local league cricket club's bid to rise from the ashes of two arson attacks. Despite being hit for six by suspected fireraisers twice last year, Seaham Harbour Cricket Club hopes contingency measures

  • Bishop joins Easter celebration

    THE Bishop of Jarrow joined a school's Easter celebrations yesterday. The Reverend Mark Bryant led an Easter assembly and judged a decorated egg competition at Chester-le- Street CE Junior School. Later, the Bishop dropped in on a number of lessons

  • Bar owner reassures residents over club

    A BAR owner has moved to reassure residents after being granted a licence to sell alcohol until 2am, six days a week. Tony Bimbi said bands would not play at the Fish Tank, in Neville Street, Durham, after 11pm, and although DJs could continue

  • Girl Guide campsite blocked by worried locals

    A GIRL guide campsite has been blocked by villagers who fear it will bring chaos to their peaceful lives. All the youngsters wanted was a spot to build their campfires and gather round to sing songs. But people living in a nearby hamlet fear it will

  • Students get ready to rock with latest show

    PERFORMING arts students at Hartlepool's Sixth Form College are holding final rehearsals for their production of We Will Rock You. It will take place from Monday to April 4, including a matinee show on Wednesday. As well as performing all the

  • Teenagers raise awareness of consequences of crime

    A GROUP of teenagers have used their creative talents in an attempt to raise awareness of the consequences of committing criminal damage. The 13 to 17-year-olds worked with youth workers and artist Steph Robinson to design a poster in the style

  • Controversial decisions called-in for scrutiny

    THE battle to save a Thornaby nursing home and block the sale of its town hall will continue after an appeal was lodged against Stockton Borough Council's controversial decisions. Earlier this month, the council's cabinet outraged Thornaby councillors

  • Students ready for volunteer trip to Sri Lanka

    A GROUP of pupils are going on a volunteering trip to Sri Lanka to help out at a preschool. Staff from Pertemps People Development Group (PPDG) donated £350 to help the group of 18 young people, from Eston Park School, in Middlesbrough, fund the

  • Teachers aiming to unlock mysteries of ‘green energy’

    TEACHERS are being put to the test with an initiative, which aims to bring renewable energy to classrooms. Bydales School, in Redcar, has been involved in the Exploring Renewables project since the scheme began last year. As a specialist technology

  • Northern Sinfonia, The Sage, Gateshead

    THE Sage Gateshead was bursting to the seams for the latest appearance of The Northern Sinfonia - with an extra row of chairs put out to cope with the overflow. Sinfonia music director Thomas Zehetmair was indisposed, but Polish conductor Michal

  • The 39 Steps, York Theatre Royal

    I SAY chaps, this is a spiffing production of John Buchans spy novel, crossing the book with Alfred Hitchcocks film to make something unique. Then getting just three chaps and a gal to play all 139 roles in an action-packed 100 minutes is sheer

  • Hot Gossip

    Gossip Girl (ITV2, 10pm); Cane (ITV3, 10pm); Sleeping With My Sister (C4, 9pm) DESPITE the blogger narrator, Gossip Girl resembles most other US teen soaps with bitchy girls, impossibly chiselled boys and parents too busy to notice, let alone show

  • The good news is, it’s not a write-off

    HOW could I have been so stupid? I didn't see the large log someone had put at the edge of the grass as I reversed a little round the corner down the side track before turning right along the main lane. I had just dropped Roscoe and Albert's friends

  • Hallelujah!

    The column attends a big occasion in the Big Chapel at Hetton-le-Hole, the 138th consecutive Good Friday on which an oratorio has been sung there IF ANYTHING much happened on Good Friday 1870, it appeared not to have been recorded in the four pages

  • Councillors

    LOCAL councillors help set the council tax rate. Local councils announce a major increase in the council tax rate. The creation of unitary councils causes councillors to lose their positions, as their numbers will be cut. It is revealed that

  • Heather Mills

    I REFER to your story, "Mills divorce claims less than candid, says judge", (Echo, Mar 19) and Sharon Griffiths' comments about the McCartneys' divorce settlement (Echo, also Mar 19). It is clear now why Heather Mills wanted to stop the publication

  • Comeback duo?

    IN recent years JK Rowling and Ian Rankin have been among the leading authors in their chosen fields. However, in 2007 their respective leading men had to retire for differing reasons. Harry Potter finally overcame the forces of evil, while at

  • BNP

    I AM tickled, as Ken Dodd would say, by the Trimdon Labour Club members who expressed BNP-type views, claiming they would not consider voting BNP in your article headed "There'll be civil war" (Echo, Mar 19). This is as bizarre as the Daily Mail

  • National anthem

    VARYING views have been put forward on the subject of our National Anthem. I do think that an anthem expressing pride and loyalty for the nation, its history and aspirations for the future would be more suitable as we move ahead. However, I would

  • Gurkhas

    I AM sure that I do not stand alone when I question this Government and its stance when we see Gurkhas handing back their valiantly-earned military medals during their Parliament Square protest over pensions and the right to remain here for those

  • Europe

    THE purpose of our Parliament is to make law which benefits, not hinders, British citizens. For the past ten years our "career" politicians have failed us in their task. It's not possible in a short letter fully to list their failures, but it's

  • Football indiscipline

    FOOTBALL INDISCIPLINE AS an ex-rugby player of 32 years, I agree with football manager Steve Coppell in regard to footballers' indiscipline compared to that of rugby, as highlighted by your Comment column (Echo, Mar 24). One problem between the

  • Who decides this moral dilemma?

    WHEN Robin Cook's conscience would not allow him to vote for the invasion of Iraq, he was forced to resign from the Cabinet and end his political career on the backbenches. There was no question of Tony Blair giving his frontbench colleagues a free

  • A world apart

    Fifty years ago, a letter to The Sunday Times helped found the Voluntary Service Overseas. Since then, 32,000 volunteers have travelled abroad to help developing countries. Owen Amos speaks to three North-East volunteers recently returned from far-flung

  • Faith found wanting

    THE Financial Services Authority is to be applauded for publishing its own internal report into the Northern Rock debacle. Sadly, as the report shows, this was probably the first sensible decision it has taken since the crisis began. Certainly

  • Good Cause for celebrations

    Good Cause for celebrations ALL FOR THE CAUSE (3.45) has the class to take advantage of a huge drop in grade and make a welcome return to the winners' circle at Ayr this afternoon. Last time out at Sandown George Moore's gelding was taking on

  • Vaughan summons spirit of the Ashes

    MICHAEL Vaughan drew on his experience of winning the Ashes to help England complete an impressive fightback against New Zealand and claim their first overseas series victory in three years. Facing a humiliating series defeat to a New Zealand

  • March 27th, 2008

    WHEN he was asked to reflect on a century of England caps earlier this week, David Beckham claimed: "Since 1996 when I made my debut, nothing has changed." He's right of course, provided a definition of "nothing" can be stretched to include 99

  • Penney concerned by breached defence

    DAVE Penney has expressed his concern at the recent defensive frailties which are threatening to jeopardise Darlingtons promotion bid. An impressive defensive record, which has seen them keep 22 clean sheets C more than any other side in the

  • T&T duo get the all-clear

    TRINIDAD & TOBAGO will not prevent Sunderlandfs Carlos Edwards and Kenwyne Jones from facing West Ham this weekend. The Black Cats refused to release the duo for this weekfs friendly international against Jamaica on medical grounds. After Edwards

  • Former Pools ace Williams calls its quits

    EIFION Williams, the former Hartlepool United striker, has retired from football. Now with Wrexham, the 32-year-old ended his five-year association with Pools last summer when he was handed a free transfer by Danny Wilson after making 239 appearances

  • Comment: Capello must say fond farewell to Beckham

    THAT'S it now. David Beckham must be consigned to the international scrapheap. The emotion surrounding Beckham's 100th cap has finally been satiated and his performance proved once and for all that his capacity to contribute anything of a telling

  • Alma Harrison

    THE Tyne and Wear Development Company has expanded its team as it looks to increase support for investors. ALMA HARRISON, previously international business manager at Newcastle University, joins as strategic accounts officer. She will work with

  • Claire Lindsay

    A STUDENT from Newcastle Business School, part of Northumbria University, has landed a job as global communication and planning manager with George at Asda. CLAIRE LINDSAY, from Middlesborough, completed the BA (Hons) Corporate Management degree

  • Rob Timmins, Vic Bellas

    NORTH Yorkshire Timber has appointed two directors, with more than 50 years' experience in the industry between them, to develop its growing number of branches across the region. The directors will support branch managers in increasing sales

  • Julie Thompson

    THE National Federation of Builders (NFB) in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, has strengthened its support for construction companies with the appointment of JULIE THOMPSON as regional services manager. Ms Thompson has been with the federation

  • Raising the profile of investment

    INVESTMENT firm Brewin Dolphin has announced a key appointment to its North-East operation. JOHN DUNS has joined the investment management firm as its first business development and marketing director. He arrives from solicitor Watson Burton

  • Jobseekers must go green

    JOBSEEKERS are facing a new challenge to their recruitment prospects, a study has found. Research by recruitment website fish4jobs has revealed that being environmentally friendly is fast becoming an essential attribute for potential candidates

  • Furniture firm hits £8.8m loss

    FURNITURE and bed firm Woodbridge Bedroom and Furniture Superstores has gone into administration. The company, which has outlets in Shildon and Bishop Auckland, in County Durham, and in Sunderland, called in administrators after hitting financial

  • Business park is ideal centre for firm to evolve

    A FINANCIAL advice and accountancy business is expanding its IT division with the opening of its first North-East office. Armstrong Watson Computer Solutions, the external IT division of the Armstrong Watson Group (AW), which has 12 offices

  • Bookies’ refinance plans are approved

    BOOKIES Neville Porter last night said the future for the business remained bright despite being forced to refinance and restructure to get it through "very hard times". The County Durham company has sold its UK racecourse pitches to managing

  • Investing thousands to increase energy efficiency

    MANUFACTURER ALM Group has invested thousands of pounds in making its operations more energy efficient. The firm, which has a manufacturing base in Newton Aycliffe, and a coatings division in Fishburn, near Sedgefield, both County Durham has

  • Pre-tax profits fall by 3.9%

    HOUSEBUILDER Bellway said it was facing difficult times as it unveiled a 3.9 per cent drop in interim pre-tax profits. The Newcastle group said reservations were down nine per cent amid a shift in consumer confidence. First-time buyers have been

  • Bank boss pledges more help to restore confidence

    BANK of England governor Mervyn King has promised further help to banks, on top of an extra £5bn pledged last week, to stave off any possible crisis caused by the credit crunch. Mr King yesterday told MPs on the Treasury Select Committee that

  • Men urged to have prostate check-up

    MEN are being urged to get a checkup for prostate cancer at a drop-in session tomorrow. The event will be held by the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service and the County Durham Primary Care Trust at the Healthworks centre, Paradise

  • Appeal for key projects to be in regional strategy

    TWO key projects that could draw more tourists to the North- East should be included in a controversial Government planning document, say councillors. The Eastgate Renewable Energy Village, in Weardale, and its transport partner the Weardale Railway

  • Sonic defences at church are deemed success

    VANDALS intent on causing damage to a church will be sent packing with more than a flea in their ear. A vicar has taken the step of using controversial technology to deter youngsters from using the church for anti-social behaviour. The Reverend

  • Young motocross rider devastated at bike theft

    A MOTORBIKE belonging to one of the ten best young motocross riders in the region has been stolen. Chris Rouse, 12, of Stanley, County Durham, rides in competitions nationwide. Between March 16 and 18, his Yamaha YZ85cc off-road bike was stolen

  • Inquiry as toddlers use Labour letter paper

    AN investigation has been launched after pre-school toddlers were given drawing paper bearing Labour Party election slogans. Independent councillors accused Labour of using the youngsters for electioneering, but Labour officials said they do

  • ‘Poor fitness is a ticking timebomb’

    A SCHEME to improve the health of a town yesterday received Government backing. Darlington was the first UK town to pioneer the Great Activity Revolution which, over the next four years, in the lead-up to the 2012 Olympics, will develop a network

  • ‘Sir Alan talks total tosh about women’

    AN award-winning female entrepreneur yesterday attacked Sir Alan Sugar's attitude to the employment of women as "total tosh". The Amstrad boss earlier said rules that stopped bosses asking whether job applicants planned to start a family were

  • Wake up call for NHS sleep services

    PATIENTS who suffer from a serious sleep disorder are expected to get the treatment they need after a decision to expand services on the NHS. Most patients in the North-East who need specialist treatment called CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure

  • Blackmail suspected in rape dossier case

    A MAN was last night being questioned by police in connection with an alleged attempt to blackmail solicitors after evidence from a rape case apparently went missing in the post.A package containing a video, photographs and the victim's medical history

  • Quakers' £12m plan poised for approval

    A MULTI-million pound development which could safeguard the future of a North-East football club looks likely to be given the go-head. The £12m plan to build a hotel and sporting complex alongside Darlington FC's stadium is being seen as the last hope

  • Soldier attacked man after 'abuse by locals'

    THE Ministry of Defence (MoD has denounced attacks on military personnel after a court was told that soldiers based in the region regularly face violence and abuse from local people.The claims were made during a court appearance by a sapper from 38 Engineer

  • Campaigning starts in unitary election

    CAMPAIGNING gets underway today in what is arguably one of the most important elections ever to take place in the North-East. The election of the first 126 members of the new unitary authority for County Durham is unlikely to gain any national attention

  • Review could mean end of Barnett formula

    A REVIEW of Scottish devolution could mean the end of the Barnett formula, it was predicted last night. The formula allocates increases in public spending according to population size, regardless of the relative wealth of people in Scotland, Wales and

  • MPs step up campaign over fire service cash cuts

    MPS warned that lives were being put at risk as they stepped up their campaign against £3m cuts to a fire service that protects the region's chemical industry.Dari Taylor, MP for Stockton South, and Vera Baird, MP for Redcar, spoke out after a series

  • Unearthing clues about Stone Age life

    THE second phase of a project to discover more about life on and around the North York Moors thousands of years ago is about to get under way.The North-East Yorkshire Mesolithic project will investigate areas of the moors, along the coast and in the Tees

  • Review could spell the end for Barnett Formula

    A REVIEW of Scottish devolution could spell the end for the Barnett Formula, it was predicted last night. The formula allocates increases in public spending according to population size, regardless of the relative wealth of people in Scotland, Wales

  • Butt backing Barton to win over doubters

    NICKY Butt believes Newcastle fans will only see the best of Joey Barton next season after witnessing first hand his team-mate's return to form.The controversial midfielder showed United supporters a rare glimpse of his undoubted talent during the 2-0

  • Northern Rock legal action 'could last for years'

    THE Government was last night warned that legal action over the Northern Rock crisis could drag on for years - and a report by the City watchdog into its handling of the affair would provide more ammunition for disgruntled shareholders.The Financial Services

  • Satisfactory start for boss

    Scotland boss George Burley was encouraged by the performance in his first match as Croatia were held to a draw at Hampden. Burley's side was depleted by injury withdrawals but they fought back well from conceding an early goal, with Kenny Miller's strike

  • Man accused of conspiracy to kill

    A MAN who was brought back to the North-East more than a decade after a drugs-related contract killing has gone on trial for his alleged part in the £5,000 murder plot. Andrew Monarch left the UK and lived on a false passport after 22-year-old Mark Sayer

  • Council will be one of the region's biggest employers

    CAMPAIGNING gets under way today in what is arguably one of the most important elections to take place in the North-East.The election of the first 126 members of the new unitary authority for County Durham is unlikely to receive much national attention

  • Providing hope for hepatitis C victims

    PHOTOGRAPHS of a North-East man will be on show throughout the region today as part of a campaign to raise awareness about hepatitis C and to save lives.Jeff Temple, 54, from Carrville, near Durham City, discovered he had hepatitis C when he went to donate

  • Fabio's future up in the air

    FABIO Rochemback's Middlesbrough future has against been thrown into doubt after the player's agent refused to rule out a summer return to Portugal, or even a switch to Spain.The Brazilian midfielder is believed to be unsettled in England and with his

  • Beckham determined 100th cap will not be his swansong

    France 1 England 0 David Beckham does not want it to be 100 and out after racking up a century of England caps in last night's 1-0 defeat by France in Paris.The midfielder started the match on the right side of midfield and put in some trademark crosses

  • France ensure no party for Beckham

    'Get it out of the way', Fabio Capello was urged in the build-up to his second game in charge of England, and last night in the Stade de France, the Italian did exactly that. With little riding on a friendly with France, he suffered his first defeat as

  • Project investigates Stone Age life on moors

    THE second phase of a project to discover more about life on and around the North York Moors thousands of years ago is about to get underway. The North-East Yorkshire Mesolithic project will investigate areas of the moors, along the coast and in the