ONE game to go, and while Newcastle Falcons will be feeling down this evening, they are not yet out. Tonight's 9-3 defeat to Saracens means their fate is not in their own hands, and their relegation to the Championship will be confirmed tomorrow if 11th-placed
A CONFUSED holiday company in the South of England is insisting that Newcastle is in Scotland. Bemused Jamie O'Neill e-mailed lowcostholidays.com - based at Gatwick Airport in West Sussex - to point out their geographical error. The
Yorkshire have endured a dreadful afternoon of batting at Headingley, slipping from 98-2 to 246 all out at tea on day two against Essex. Phil Jaques scored his eighth County Championship ton for the White Rose, but Tymal Mills ripped through their middle
KEEN runners can pick up skills in leading a running group with an intensive one-day course. Leadership in Running Fitness is a new course to be run in Malton covering all aspects of setting up and continuing a running club. It covers how to plan
A WHOLE community will be turning out in force to celebrate a spring festival. Farms, churches, choirs, local artists and even a robot laboratory in Seamer have got behind the village’s forthcoming celebration. It is only the second year the community
Police were called to a school earlier today after a group of pupils staged a protest over the suspension of a teacher at the academy in Thornaby, near Stockton. The students of Thornaby Academy walked out at about 8.30am. It’s not
FUEL HIGH: The price of petrol at the pumps has risen to a new high, the AA have said. After a brief halt following weeks of increases, the average cost of petrol has gone up to 142.48p a litre, with diesel, at 147.88p a litre on average, is just short
A MOTOR dealer is helping young people make a speedy start to successful careers after taking on four new apprentices. Vauxhall and Chevrolet dealer Sherwoods is supporting The Northern Echo's Foundation for Jobs campaign by taking on four apprentices
WOMEN across the region are being encouraged to take part in a fun run next month. The Run in the Park event is being organised by Durham County Council to celebrate and promote ladies’ sport and physical activity and is open to all women aged 16 and
GROUPS hoping to win a share of a £60,000 grants scheme have just one month left to submit their bid for funding. East Durham Rural Corridor Area Action Partnership is offering grants of £300 to £3000 through Its Up 2U. The scheme aims to support community
RESIDENTS are encouraged to try their hand at a variety of sports as a spring programme of activities begins. Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's sports development team is hosting taster courses in tennis, golf, badminton and sailing, in partnership
CRIME in the district of Stockton increased by 7.7 per cent despite falling in Hartlepool, Redcar and east Cleveland and staying roughly the same inMiddlesbrough, latest statistics have revealed. However Superintendent Darren Best, Commander of Stockton
ANTIQUE owners will get the chance to have their goods valued at an event this weekend. The National Trust is teaming up with Boldon Auction Galleries to give people the chance to find out about their antiques at Ormesby Hall, near Middlesbrough,
SPACES are available in a five-a-side football league in Middlesbrough, next month. The league will run onMonday evenings at St Peter's School, in Normanby Road, Middlesbrough, on a newlyrefurbished astroturf pitch. Entry is free and players will
TEESSIDE mothers-to-be are invited to a free social evening on Tuesday, to make friends who are also expecting. Speed Bumps is organised by the Teesside branch of the National Childbirth Trust. The event takes place at the BestWestern Parkmore
KIND-HEARTED knitters are appealing for help to continue making toys and clothes for poor people. Residents at the Railway Housing Association, in Shildon, have set up the Knit and Natter group. Sylvia Brown, Jackie Cooper, Pat Best,
A FORMER footballer is celebrating victory after his plans to transform an old carpet warehouse into a football academy were approved. Alun Armstrong, the ex-Middlesbrough and Darlington striker, has been supported by Durham County Council.
DETECTIVES investigating the break-in at Durham’s Oriental Museum earlier this month have seized a third car they suspect of being used by the gang responsible. Late on Thursday, April 5 burglars smashed their way into the museum and made off with
ONE of the country's oldest and best loved football fanzines may be about to close. Rob Nichols, editor of Middlesbrough's Fly Me To The Moon, said dwindling crowds at Middlesbrough have hit sales and he is considering finishing the print version of
AT their peak, Dr Feelgood were the epitome of pub rock, that long-lost genre of short sharp songs, sweaty atmosphere and fizzy beer, which flourished in the early to mid-1970s. Their classic line-up included guitarist Wilko Johnson and this
When Irish trio Hal, brothers Dave and Paul Allen and Stephen O’Brien, released their self-titled debut to critical acclaim in 2005, few thought it would take seven years to hear a follow-up. But a case of writer’s block saw singer Dave take
CHICAGO indie-rockers Maps & Atlases have helpfully dropped some hints as to what to expect in this cheeky title: beware, it’s easy to get lost in the guitardriven unusual rhythms. This second full-length release from Erin Elders, Shiraz Dada
THIS live album from the Britwinning English songstress was recorded in New York and accompanied by a ten-piece gospel choir, with Kanye West and Q-Tip in the studio audience. Welch takes listeners on stripped-down renditions of tracks from
THIS 25-track album is an intimate soundtrack to the life of Jamaican reggae legend, Bob Marley and the first authorised film of his life – Kevin Macdonald’s biographical documentary Marley. The album, which flows chronologically, opens with
Orchestral music by Tony Banks, a founder member of the rock band Genesis, is performed by the City of Prague Orchestra. The album consists of six evocative songs without words, with two of the pieces featuring solo instruments – alto saxophone
On Sunday 22 April, this weekend, an interesting walk is coming up in Masham, led by the Ramblers group from Darlington. It is part of their monthly program. People meet at Masham Market Cross at 11.00am or earlier in Darlington at 10.00am, outside
AFTER an absence of a few years, not only has Don Williams decided to take up touring once again, but also to release a new album to coincide with his return. This month he’s playing various dates up and down the country, with his North-East visit
THERE’S a treat in store for folk fans tonight, as Gateshead’s Sage brings together three of the region’s favourite female singers for another in their series of One Night in Gateshead concerts. Anni Fentiman, Di Henderson and Marie Little will
The Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Antoni Wit present a programme of music by Janácek drawing inspiration from his native folk music. The Lachian and Moravian Dances celebrate vanished traditions, while his orchestral rhapsody on
I was lucky enough to see Mike Osborne in the 1960s and 1970s and was always struck by how accessible and compelling his music was, despite its freedom and intensity. Sadly, his career was cut short by illness so it’s particularly pleasing that
The Memphis singer/pianist’s first album of covers ranges from a sensitive Lush Life to New Orleans’ classic Tipitina. Produced by his wife, Jacqui Dankworth, who also joins him on Alone Together. Both will appear at the Gala, Durham on May
It’s going to be more than Hear’Say, Kym Marsh tells Steve Pratt as she prepares to sing the role of Elsie Tanner in a Cornation Street musical. Brian Capron and Katy Cavanagh add their thoughts THE last time Kym Marsh appeared at the MetroRadio
Rating: 3/5 INTRIGUING title, so-so film. With The Full Monty and Slumdog Millionaire, screenwriter Simon Beaufoy engineered drama with a heart and a humorous edge. Salmon Fishing In The Yemen remains much more in larks rom-com territory despite
SURELY surly Shirley has good reason to be surely sorry in EastEnders (BBC1) when she goes on a drunken rampage and wakes up in Dirty Derek’s flat. She can’t remember what happened which has much to do with the booze but, gentleman that he is,
DURHAM made a sensational start at Lord’s this morning when Graham Onions sent Andrew Strauss’ off stump cartwheeling with the second ball of the day. Shortly afterwards Middlesex were two for three and it could have been two for four had the left-handed
COAL is part of the North-East’s DNA. Jarrow lad Alan Plater knew the people who fought and died for coal; his play, based on stories by Sid Chaplin, is now revisited by director Samuel West with additional material from Lee Hall, and captures
NEVER mind the dire state of the economy, the euro crisis or trouble in the Middle East. Prime Minister Jim Hacker has a much more pressing problem – finding an under-age schoolgirl to entertain Kumranistan’s foreign secretary during a trip to
Would I Lie To You? (BBC1, 8.30pm) Lip Service (BBC3, 9pm) Twenty Twelve (BBC2, 10pm) WHO would have guessed that one of Miranda Hart’s best friends at school was made out of toast? Or that Phil Tufnell is haunted by a recurring dream
A SOLDIER turned to drink after being lucky to survive an enemy attack Afghanistan, a court was told yesterday. Rifleman James Collings was left unconscious when his armoured car was blown up, sending several tonnes of debris flying. The 23-year-old
I’M sometimes accused of repeating myself – but if you’re expecting an apology, you’re in for a long wait. I prefer to think of it as reinforcement, and if a message is important enough, then it’s worth reinforcing until it really sinks in. Nowhere
THE Echo Memories feature telling of how the great Cunard liner Queen Mary came to be named was a nice story (Echo, Apr 11). For King George V to say “My wife will be delighted” when he thought Cunard’s Sir Ashley Sparks was seeking his approval
A VETERAN councillor and grandmother who was investigated by police for allegedly punching a mayor in the face has been told she will not face further action. Marjorie Simpson was accused by Jason Hadlow, Conservative chairman of Yarm Town
I FOUND Ralph Musgrave’s letter (HAS, Apr 18) about religious bias interesting, but he ignores the fact that we have a Conservative-led Coalition Government, which is using religion and denying the existence of a British cultural identity as a
IN response to VJ Connor’s letter about teachers, (HAS, Apr 18) I fail to see any paradox. It is blindingly obvious that it is vital for all children to attend school on a daily basis if they are to make progress and reach their potential. Equally
VJ CONNOR asked about the teacher training day and what value they are (HAS, Apr 18). I remember when the training days were introduced. I was chairman of governors at a primary school in Billingham. Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister and the
SULTAN ALAM deserves every penny of his £840,000 damages and compensation (Echo, Apr 17). He was treated shamefully by Cleveland Police, but who will eventually pay the claim? I suspect the local council tax payers via the police precept. But
I LOVE your website and being able to keep up with the news but you don’t have your crosswords online. It would be lovely if you published them on your site. Mary Howarth, Witton Gilbert. • We’ll look into it Mary.
POLICE and council officers have teamed up to crack down on dog owners who do not pick up after their pets an east Durham community. Seaham Neighbourhood Policing Team and Durham County Council are mounting a series of dawn patrols at hotspots in
A COUNCIL has been accused of letting down the older generation after hundreds of people saw an increase in the amount they contribute towards their care costs. In November last year, Darlington Borough Council changed the way it assessed people’s ability
AS one of the North-East’s most successful and colourful entrepreneurs, John Elliott has never been afraid to do things differently. In many ways, he is a maverick, whether it be in the way he chooses to run his business, or in his often outspoken
TRADING standards officers are working with shopkeepers across Darlington to combat the problem of underage alcohol and tobacco sales. Staff from 11 of Darlington’s smaller and independent alcohol and tobacco retail businesses recently took part in
MORE than 100 people attended a public meeting to discuss proposals for new and extended gypsy sites across Darlington. The meeting was held at Harrowgate Hill Club, in Salters Lane, last night. Six potential locations for new or expanded
A LONG-running campaign to cut the speed limit past an edge-of-town estate looks set to rumble on, after a decision was delayed again yesterday. People living at Hag House Farm, near Pity Me, Durham, want the speed limit on Rotary Way, which separates
IN response to Alison Jermy and Andrew Tyler regarding their calls to ban the Grand National (Echo, Apr 17). I am not a massive horse racing fan, but the Grand National is one the greatest sporting events of the year and I have watched every race
A MAN shouted racial slurs during a drunken rant in the street, even though the people he was abusing were all white, a court was told. Adam Sheel lashed out at a parked car in Easson Road, Darlington, in December last year, following a row
ROGER Varian’s Aljamaaheer will need to win the Dubai Duty Free Full of Surprises Handicap at Newbury if he is to fulfil his lofty entries later in the season. The Hamdan Al Maktoumowned colt won his only race in the manner of an above average
Darlington complete their away programme for the season at Forest Green Rovers tomorrow, hoping for a helping hand from a former player. Sam Russell joined the Gloucestershire outfit in January, cutting short his second spell at Darlington when players
DOUBTS have been raised over ambitious carbon reduction plans that have the potential to create hundreds of jobs in the North-East. In a report issued yesterday scientists expressed concerns over government proposals to bury emissions captured from
TWO members of police staff who assaulted an uncooperative prisoner in what was condemned 'as a form of torture' have had their sentencing hearing adjourned today. Police custody sergeant Stephen Harvey twisted DIY shop boss David Healer's
More than 35,000 food lovers are expected to visit one of the region’s biggest culinary festivals tomorrow. Dani Webb takes a look at what will be served up across the day... in culinary terms and entertainment RECORD numbers of stall holders
A LONG distance runner is being sponsored for his next charity run – across Australia. Mark Allison, also known as Run Geordie Run, has teamed up with Benfield Motor Group for his 2,600-mile run from Perth to Sydney late next year. The
The fate of more than £40,000 raised by fans to help Darlington Football Club remains unclear after a decision on its use was postponed. Joe Willis reports IT’S Boxing Day 2003 and the Quakers are playing Huddersfield Town at home. The crowd
Durham City are exploring the possibility of returning to the Northern League. City are keen to emphasise that they haven't resigned from the Evostik League, but they are looking at a return to the Northern League as a means of securing the
DOZENS of children involved in a school coach collision were sent home from school yesterday. About 45 children aged from 11 to 18, nearly all from the Ingleby Barwick area, near Stockton, were involved. None were seriously hurt in the incident near
Phil Jaques is back at Yorkshire having wished he had never left in the first place. The Australian batsman has had his second debut for the county delayed by the rain as the opening day of the LV= County Championship match against Essex was washed out
AS he shivered outside the Lord's Long Room yesterday, Michael Di Venuto stressed that he will not allow the English weather to hasten his retirement. The 38-year-old Tasmanian is in the final year of his contract with Durham after joining
LABOUR heavyweights are going head-to-head in the race to be among the region’s first elected police chiefs – jobs attracting salaries of up to £85,000. Party sources yesterday confirmed a three-strong shortlist for Labour’s nomination for
ONE of the region’s care home operators has rejected fresh criticism from the GMB union as it nears a deadline to pay a £780m debt. Four Seasons Healthcare, which has an office in Darlington, has until September to repay the debt and has been in discussion
A COUNCIL lost planning control of a controversial airfield, doing local residents an “injustice”, a damning report reveals today. Action4Refusal, which represents residents in Bagby and Thirkleby, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, complained to the local
A SENIOR doctor last night warned that throwing money at a North Yorkshire hospital to solve staffing problems would deplete other health budgets. However, Dr Vicky Pleydell, lead clinician from the Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby Clinical
A NORTH-EAST multi-millionaire is to put his business in a trust to pump profits into the local community – instead of passing on his £30m fortune to his children. John Elliott will today reveal his plans for the future of Ebac, which employs
A PRISON education officer tried to smuggle drugs and a mobile phone into jail for an inmate she befriended, a court heard. Hayley O’Connor’s “naive” attempt to take the contraband into Durham Prison yesterday landed her behind bars. She was jailed
TENS of thousands of the region’s poorer children will lose their right to free school meals under the Government’s welfare revolution, a shock report has warned. The Children’s Society has raised the alarm over the harsh impact of the new
IGNORE the realities of the league table, and it is not hard to envisage a positive future for Newcastle Falcons. New owner Semore Kurdi has impressive visions for the club and has put his money where his mouth is since replacing former chairman
LAST weekend, Newcastle United were celebrating a likely return to the Europa League as Liverpool beat Everton in the FA Cup semi-final. This weekend, the Magpies are eyeing the Champions League as they prepare to host Stoke City. From the sublime to
NEWCASTLE fly-half Jimmy Gopperth will be the decisive factor in tonight's crucial relegation battle with Saracens - according to World Cup winner Will Greenwood. Gopperth has scored 65 per cent of Falcons' points this season, and with Saracens struggling
JASON Steele has survived the first cut of players to be named in Stuart Pearce's 80-man shortlist for Great Britain's Olympic team. The Middlesbrough goalkeeper was informed of his inclusion this week after Pearce whittled his initial long
TONY Mowbray admits he will have to release players he would rather keep in order to rebuild his Middlesbrough squad for another Championship promotion push. While Boro could theoretically still scrape into the play-off places, a four-point deficit with
WHEN the Gardner family sit down for a meal tomorrow evening, one brother may be disappointed, another may be elated - but the overwhelming feeling will undoubtedly be that of pride. Craig and Gary Gardner are expected to start for Sunderland
the last remaining issue to be decided is whether Easington or Horden are relegated to the Wearside League. Easington, who are eight points adrift of safety, will be relegated today if they lose at home to Crook Town. Easington manager Paul Adamson,
Spennymoor are hoping to keep the pressure on the leaders when they go to Newcastle Benfield today. While FA Vase finalists West Auckland and Dunston have shown signs of fading to different degrees in the last fortnight, Moors have steadily
