West Auckland left back Matthew Coad could be ruled out of the FA Vase final trip to Wembley. Coad was helped off the field just before half time following a challenge by Whitley midfielder Craig McFarlane, who was shown a red card by the referee
Supersub John Campbell inspired West Auckland to a 6-1 win against nine man Whitley Bay to keep them in control at the top of the STL First Division table. The match was pretty cagey, until the half hour when Whitley midfielder Craig MacFarlane
CHELSEA somehow overcame John Terry's sending off to progress to the Champions League final at the expense of Barcelona in one of the most remarkable fixtures of recent times. Barca peppered the west Londoner's goal throughout the second leg and deservedly
I DRAGGED my family out to look at the east bank of the Tees Viaduct at Barnard Castle at the weekend. After last weekend's excitement of seeing the west abutment, you can tell from the picture that there was unbounded excitement all round. Elijah Yeoman
IT is encouraging news tonight that the sale of Darlington Arts Centre is likely to be delayed while detailed consideration is given to a proposal for private sector investment. As we have made clear before, we consider the Arts Centre, in Vane Terrace
A CONTROVERSIAL lap dancing club in north Durham has been granted a sexual entertainment licence. The decision was made after a six hour meeting at Chester-le-Street Civic Centre today and means Red Velvet in Consett will stay open. Protesters hoped
THE North-East is set for an economic and profile boost from this summer’s Olympic football tournament. Top seeds Brazil and Spain will be playing on Tyneside while England and Manchester United legend David Beckham and other GB stars will stay at
YOUNGSTERS hope to foster strong links with the Caribbean through an exchange scheme with Trinidad. Staff and pupils of St Johns Chapel Primary School, near Bishop Auckland, are joined in a partnership scheme with Mundo Nuevo RC Primary School, Trinidad
Morning Readers! I really hoped we were starting to get the nice weather so that we could start with the nice summer salads and we could pack up our winter wardrobe. How wrong was I? It's cold, grey and wet outside and the last thing I feel like doing
A WOMAN is offering a £100 reward for the return of her horse box stolen by thieves from outside of her home. Marie Phillips is offering the money in a bid to recover a blue and silver Ifor Williams trailer. The box was taken from a field on Windsor
INTERNATIONAL opera star Graeme Danby is on a musical mission to teach the world to sing The Blaydon Races. To get his campaign off to a flying start, Mr Danby, who hails from Consett, in County Durham, joined passengers on the road to Blaydon aboard
DARLINGTON Arts Centre has been thrown a potential lifeline with councillors likely to defer a decision on its sale to allow time for an ambitious hotel, restaurant and cultural scheme to get off the ground. The borough council’s cabinet
Two cars collided near Chester-le-Street Methodist Church, by the town’s market place, at lunchtime (Tuesday April 23). Police said the accident, in Newcastle Road, involved a Nissan Micra and a Nissan Juke. A Durham force spokeswoman
GRAHAM Onions, who reached 307 first-class wickets while taking ten in the match at Lord’s, is on target to become Durham’s third highest first-class wicket-taker this season. He has 28 from his eight Tests, 43 from other England representative matches
TWO Falklands veterans are to share their experiences of the conflict, 30 years on. Ian Gardiner and Russ May will discuss the 1982 British-Argentinian conflict when they visit the Durham Light Infantry Museum and Durham Art Gallery, in Aykley Heads,
East Durham College in Peterlee has helped raise much-needed funds to celebrate the 25th anniversary of a childhood eye cancer charity. East Durham College, in Peterlee County Durham, has raised over £2,000 for the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT
A SPECIAL beer has been brewed to celebrate two STL Northern League teams reaching the FA Carlsberg Vase final. Gateshead-based Dunston UTS will take on County Durham’s West Auckland at Wembley on Sunday May 13. It is the first time
A building housing what is billed as the most authentic Titanic attraction anywhere in the world has opened in Belfast. Self-confessed Titanorak Andrew White visited the city on the day of its launch ONE hundred years ago RMS Titanic struck
TWO current football stars have paid a visit to Sir Bobby Robson’s old school. Newcastle United players Shola Ameobi and Steve Harper popped into Langley Park Primary School yesterday to meet pupils and share their memories of their former
THE line-up has been announced for one of the region’s big classical festivals. A total of 45 events have been planned for this year’s Ryedale Festival, using venues across the district. They will include appearances by many notable international
A SUPERMARKET will be closed to customers early next week, before the results of a makeover are unveiled. The Morrisons store at Morton Park, in Darlington, will be closed on Monday, as the finishing touches are applied to the revamp. The store, which
AFTER The Love Has Gone… you end up with a series of reality TV shows featuring mother-of-two Claire Richards trying to lose four stones to get into a wedding dress and go back to professional singing. Last Thing On My Mind… claimed Richards
SOME parents in Darlington are suffering a crisis of confidence when it comes to playing with their children, a study has revealed. The report, by trend experts the Trajectory Partnership, says some parents have forgotten how to play with their children
Hidden Talent (C4, 9pm) Britain Unzipped (BBC3, 9pm) The Mighty Mississippi with Trevor McDonald (ITV1, 9pm) IF you can sing like an angel, train dogs to dance or get an entire auditorium chanting “Where me keys? where me phone?”,
GRADUATES approaching a crossroads in their careers are being encouraged to consider teaching as an option for the future. An initial teacher training programme will begin at Carmel College, in Darlington, in September. Councillor Cyndi Hughes, Darlington
The Olympic football programme for St James' Park in Newcastle has been confirmed in the wake of today's draw. St James' will host nine Olympic football matches, six in the men's competition and three in the women's. The men's matches will feature three
TRIBUTES have been paid to an “enormously successful” former headteacher who led the transformation of a grammar school into a comprehensive. Lewis Gordon, who was headteacher of Hummersknott School from 1968 to 1983, died earlier this month, aged 83
AN economic action plan has been drawn up to help preserve and create jobs and create conditions for growth acr0ss the Ryedale district. The draft plan is focused on ensuring that Ryedale’s infrastructure provides the opportunities and environment for
THE Great Britain men's football team are expected to play Brazil in a warm-up game for the London 2012 Olympics at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium. The ground will host the match in the week before the tournament, which starts on July 25
Rock band The Whole Hog will be playing at the Market Tavern, South Burns, next to Chester-le-Street’s market place, on Saturday April 28 at 9pm. Admission is free. For details call 0191-388 4749
GREAT Britain's men's team have been handed a favourable draw in the Olympic football tournament. Stuart Pearce's side have been drawn in a group with Uruguay, UAE and Senegal for the competition which will be one of the most high-profile events of the
A GANG of highly organised drug dealers has been sentenced to more than 27 years in prison after their “sophisticated” operation was dismantled by Cleveland Police. Ring leader Craig Wilson, who helped run taxi company Hoda 26, admitted conspiring
To some it may seem hell on earth, but Naomi Tomlinson hopes for a major award for her work among the forgotten children of Paradise What care I for a goose feather bed With the sheets turned down so bravely-o? For I must sleep in a cold
OUR new foreign-made wheelie bins have arrived and I have to ask: what was all the fuss about? They are made of material which is, at best, half the thickness and, therefore, perhaps half the strength of our original green bins and I cannot
IN response to the letter from Michael McWilliams regarding Darlington’s new Sunday car parking charges (HAS, Apr 21). I happened to be in Teesside Park at the same time to find a thriving mix of shops all with free parking. From my side of the
HOME Secretary Theresa May has rendered herself guilty of serious misconduct in public office. Responsible to Parliament for the proper administration of the Home Office and, more particularly, the police service, she has failed spectacularly
I HOPE that the Government goes ahead and proposes legislation that would reform the House of Lords into a mainly elected chamber. It is a core belief of mine that the making of laws should be entirely the function of elected representatives.
AFTER reading The Northern Echo about the big rat that was discovered in Castleside, near Consett, (Echo, Apr 23), I would say well done to Brian Watson who hit it with a piece of wood and killed it. If that rat had given birth, as Mr Watson feared
I ROBSON (HAS, Apr 23) quite rightly points out that much of the recent religious debate in these columns is largely futile as those amongst us who have absolute faith will never admit to any doubt whatever the evidence. Some years ago, my then
FOLLOWING the recent sad death of Bob Pendlebury (Echo, Apr 23) I would like to pay tribute to a tireless campaigner and supporter of the people of County Durham. I think it would be a fitting tribute to acknowledge his many good works throughout
I READ with interest Peter Mullen’s article regarding the secular section of society constantly marginalising the Christian religion while showing great tolerance and acceptance of other religions (Echo, Apr 18). It must be more than coincidence
AT least since the time of the Norman Conquest, our country has fought foreign foes and conspirators within to defend our desire to govern ourselves. The shorthand for this is national sovereignty. Henry VIII wrote a book in defence of the Catholic
DURING this year’s London Marathon a competitor collapsed and died one mile from the finishing line (Echo, Apr 23). This brings the total number of people dying during the race to ten since it’s inception in 1981. In line with the recent
JOHN ELLIOTT, the founder of Ebac has made a remarkable and generous gesture in turning his business into a trust to benefit the local community of Bishop Auckland (Echo, Apr 20). What a contrast to other business leaders whose aim in life seems
I DO not doubt that some of the protestors in Bahrain are the architects of their own misfortune. However, brave or foolhardy, I applaud their eventual aim of achieving democracy and civil rights. Cancelling last season’s race did no harm. As
THE House of Lords is either an anachronism or a scandal, depending on how kindly you view it. In the 21st Century, it must be outdated that unaccountable placemen play a major role in shaping the laws of Britain. To many people it is scandalous
The Northern Sinfonia and Chorus held an audience captivated at The Sage Gateshead with a dynamic performance of music ranging from the Baroque to contemporary. The evening under the baton of choral expert Simon Halsey opened with Mozart's Exsultate
When James Riley murdered his wife following a drunken row, he asked his neighbours to give him an hour’s head start before contacting the police. True crime author John J Eddlestone looks back at a case which shocked West Auckland in 1920
THE BBC have been warned by the R&A they risk losing the rights to live coverage of the Open if they do not keep pace with television’s technological revolution. A contract is in place until 2016 but the corporation have reduced coverage of events
THE death of a man in Middlesbrough last night is being treated as suspicious. Police were called to an address in Leven Street, in the Gresham area of the town just after 10.50pm. A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said: "The body of a man was discovered
A SCHOOLGIRL has won a martial arts black belt at the age of nine. Calistar Coates has been practising tae kwon do for four years and is happy to have reached the top belt. The Consett Junior School pupil said: “I love the adrenaline of the
DURHAM University has been named as the top higher education institution in the North-East. In fifth place nationally – the same position as last year – the university appears in the top ten nationally for 27 out of the 34 subjects it offers
A COUNCIL leader said he wants to see a decision made on the future of Gypsy camp provision in Darlington as quickly as possible to “remove the blight that people that people percieve to have come on their houses”. Councillor Bill Dixon, leader of Darlington
OUTGOING Quakers chairman Raj Singh has indicated he will reject a request to write off the money he is owed by the club unconditionally. Without Mr Singh’s backing as the club’s largest creditor, a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) proposed
FORMER Sunderland midfielder Liam Noble has launched a withering attack on his former employers, branding them a "sh*t club with sh*t fans". Noble spent more than three seasons on the Black Cats' books, having graduated from the club's academy
TWO Army pilots from North Yorkshire died when their helicopter crashed into power lines during a training exercise. Their Army Air Corps Squirrel was travelling fast at treetop level when it hit the cables in May, 2008. Witnesses reported
A FORMER soldier who took indecent pictures of a girl in a park was yesterday jailed for 18 months. Edward Connelly, 57, twice took photos of the girl in poses he asked her to adopt and uploaded six onto his computer. Durham Crown Court heard
A MOBILE barber has set up shop in the back of a decommissioned prison van and is offering his services across the North-East. Stewart Vine set up his business, Clipperdy Doo-Dah, for people who live in remote areas or those who are too busy
Jason Gillespie has urged Ajmal Shahzad to remain patient in his search for County Championship wickets. Shahzad has made an encouraging start to the Division Two campaign with the White Rose, taking six wickets in the draws against Kent and Essex at
NEYMAR, Brazilian football's latest striking superstar, has called it a "dream". Juan Mata and Sergio Busquets, stars of Chelsea and Barcelona respectively, are ready to extend their season beyond Euro 2012 in an attempt to make it a reality. Carlos
STAFF from a construction company have shown their willingness to give something back after surpassing their target of 1,000 hours' volunteering. Employees at Esh Group, one of the largest construction companies in the region, have shared their knowledge
A NORTH-EAST university is set to put the region on the map after opening a campus in one of the world's most powerful financial districts. Sunderland University will potentially double its student population from 3,000 to 6,000 by opening a campus
NESTLE will strengthen its position in the global baby food market with a deal to buy a food manufacturer. The firm, which employs about 1,700 workers in York, said the £7.35bn acquisition of Pfizer Nutrition was a "perfect complement" to its existing
A MAN continued claiming his brother’s benefits for six years after his sibling fled the country to escape serious assault charges. Ryan Burn, 32, claimed to be older brother Rory to continue receiving his Income Support for six years after Rory
A TEENAGE rugby player is fighting for his life after collapsing on the pitch after a tackle. Winger Sam Windross, who is understood to be 19, was playing for Northallerton Rugby Club’s first team against Halifax Vandals on Saturday, when he
“I THINK Durham’s ready for some fun.” That was the cheeky prediction of nightclub impressario Paul Rowe yesterday – hours before unleashing on the sleepy cathedral city a saucy cabaret club loaded with drag queens, Vegas-style costumes
THE widow of a North-East driver who died following a road rage attack in Ireland expressed her relief when his killer was jailed for 12 years yesterday. Construction worker Raymond Bates, 49, died in hospital four days after being beaten around
A BOY saved in a Lassie-style rescue after a dog alerted his walker to his plight was due to be released from hospital last night – 24 hours after being impaled on a fence. Jack Humphrey, 11, was rescued by James Harrigan as he walked his friend
A RISE in horrific cases of animal cruelty are pushing the region’s charities to breaking point. As a report published today by the RSPCA reveals that animal cruelty figures rose by 12.3 per cent in the North last year, those with the task
Darlington's future remains uncertain, but hot prospect John McReady is not planning on being anywhere other than The Northern Echo Arena. The midfielder has become a first-team regular this season, with manager Craig Liddle previously revealing
MIDDLESBROUGH will be boosted by the availability of Rhys Williams and Marvin Emnes as they attempt to snatch a last-gasp play-off place at Watford on Saturday. The Teessiders need to win at Vicarage Road to have any chance of securing a top-six finish
NEWCASTLE United are confident they will be able to make their eagerly-awaited European return at St James' Park despite a potential clash with the Olympic football tournament. The Magpies will return to European competition for the first
A PUMP manufacturing and distribution company whose wares grace fire engines as far afield as China has won a national award for the third year running. Billingham-based Tomlinson Hall & Co were named Britain's Pump Distributor of the Year
DOZENS of firefighters tackled a blaze at a carpet warehouse in Darlington town centre in the early hours of this morning. McDonalds worker, Corey Mason, 19, alerted the fire service around 12.20am after spotting smoke billowing from Fishers
