Archive

  • Dead horses removed from public areas

    TWO dead horses have been removed from The Batts area of Bishop Auckland. The RSPCA and officers from Durham County Council were called to a nearby car park on Saturday, March 30 to remove one animal and again today (Wednesday, April 3) to clear

  • Man cautioned after night time disturbances

    ONE man was arrested during a number of disturbances in the Market Place, Bishop Auckland, on Sunday (March 31) night. Police received calls about three incidents that happened throughout the evening from 9pm. The man was given a caution.

  • Durham gear up for season's return

    THERE'S an unseasonal chill in the air at Chester-le-Street but Durham hope to create a party atmosphere over the next few days as they celebrate the 21st anniversary of their arrival in first-class cricket. They kick off with a beer and wine festival

  • Motorcylist dies in crash near Tow Law

    POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a motorcyclist died in a collision this afternoon. Officers were alerted to the incident on the B6301 road at Low West House, Hedleyhope near Tow Law, County Durham, by the ambulance service shortly before

  • Information sought over house damage in Leeholme

    POLICE are investigating alleged offences of burglary and attempted burglary at two properties in Leeholme Road, Leeholme. The front and rear door of one house was kicked in and the other suffered damage to the entrance to the property. Anyone

  • Caravans could be powered by neighbouring stream in Eastgate

    OWNERS of a Weardale caravan park have applied for planning permission to use a neighbouring burn to provide power for the site and a possible extension. Kathleen Daly, owner of the Cragside Caravan Park in Eastgate, is seeking approval from Durham

  • Homes planned for former Helmington Row hospital

    PLANS have been submitted to demolish a derelict community hospital controversially closed almost ten years ago and build 54 homes in its place. Homelands Hospital was built in Helmington Row in 1903 to treat patients with infectious diseases such

  • Appeal after beloved dogs are stolen from family home

    A FAMILY has been left heartbroken after thieves stole a dog and her six-week-old puppies from their home. Eight-year-old Jack Russell bitch Poppy and her Jackadoodle puppies were taken from an outbuilding at the home of Donna Quinn in Page Bank

  • The Bowes Museum to host Spring Market

    IT may still feel like winter, but museum bosses are hoping for more seasonal conditions at a spring market. The event takes place in the grounds at The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, on Sunday, April 14, from 10am to 4pm. It will feature a

  • Going in search of Barnard Castle's bats

    OUTDOOR enthusiasts are being invited to go batty in Barnard Castle next week. A bat walk and talk has been organised for Flatt's Wood on Wednesday, April 10. It will offer people the chance to learn more about the different types of bats living

  • Boro held to a bore draw as their season limps to an end

    STATISTICALLY, Middlesbrough can still make the play-offs. By any other measure, however, their season is limping to the tamest of ends. Last night's goalless draw with Peterborough had a definite end-of-season feel, with excitement and drama every

  • Aycliffe still in relegation trouble

    Newton Aycliffe are still in relegation trouble after they lost 3-2 at home to South Shields in the ENL First Division last night. Aycliffe took an early lead when Danny Earl beat a defender on the right and slotted the ball past the keeper at

  • Preston Park Museum could be named UK's best

    A FLAGSHIP North-East attraction which has undergone a £7m revamp is in the running to be named as the UK’s top museum. Preston Park Museum in Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, has been announced as one of ten finalists in the prestigious Art Fund Prize

  • Distant Light, The Northern Sinfonia, The Sage Gateshead

    Latvian composer Peteris Vasks’ Violin Concerto “Distant Light” was given its first outing at The Sage Gateshead, with Northern Sinfonia leader Bradley Creswick presenting a scorching reading of the stirring work. The first gossamer

  • Five changes as Boro take on Peterborough

    TONY Mowbray has made five changes to his side Middlesbrough side for this evening's Championship home game with Peterborough. After switching formation for the weekend defeat to Wolves, Mowbray reverts to a 4-4-2 formation, with Rhys Williams

  • Award-winning Blues musician heading to the North East

    AN artist voted Young Musician of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year in the British Blues Awards is performing in the North East next month. Singer-songwriter Chantel McGregor scooped the awards in 2011 and 2012 respectively and will be playing

  • Silver stolen from Lord Mayor's Mansion House

    Silverware was stolen during a burglary at Newcastle Lord Mayor's Mansion House in Fernwood Road in Jesmond. A number of items including valuable silverware were stolen during the break in overnight between Monday and Tuesday. There have been

  • New image released in search for missing man

    THE family of a missing man have released a new photo of him in a bid to raise awareness of the investigation into his disappearance. The photo of Tanveer Ahmed has been used on new posters that are being distributed by officers from Cleveland

  • Striker's girlfriend's charity sky dive

    A MODEL dating Newcastle United’s star striker is to jump out of a plane for his charity. Rachelle Graham, of Edmundbyers, in County Durham, is to skydive 10,000ft to raise money for Papiss Cisse charity, Friends of Sedhiou. The couple have

  • Penshaw Monument tours

    NATIONAL Trust Yorkshire is running tours up the Penshaw Monument at Houghton le Spring this weekend. On both Saturday and Sunday participants can climb the ‘secret’ spiral staircase to enjoy spectacular views across Wearside and County Durham.

  • Shopping plan could create 200 jobs

    A £10m shopping park revamp could create 200 jobs. The owners of Clifton Moor Retail Park on the outskirts of York have unveiled plans to demolish a section of the complex and build five new units along a “retail terrace”. Clifton Moor Ltd

  • Sponsored fire and ice walks

    FIRE AND ICE: A sponsored fire and ice walk will be held in aid of the children’s charity Heel and Toe at its base in Durham City on Saturday, November 2. The charity is looking for people to take part. At least £125 in sponsorship is required to take

  • Richmond news

    VOLUNTEER CALL: Richmondshire Macmillan Cancer Care group is appealing for volunteers to help with a bucket collection event on Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27. The fundraising drive will take place at Tesco, Catterick Garrison between

  • Man smashes up bus because driver refused to alter route

    A MAN smashed up a bus with a fire extinguisher because the driver refused to alter his route, a court heard today (Tuesday April 2). On the evening of Friday, March 22, Adam Lee Sheel, 22, caught an Arriva bus in Shildon, hoping to get to Darlington

  • Steam engines on show in railway museum rally

    ENGINE RALLY: Locomotion: The National Railway Museum in Shildon is hosting a Stationary Engine Rally on Saturday (April 6). There will be a range of stationary steam engines which were used as farming and industrial power sources in the early 20th

  • Artwork to be unveiled in celebration of young carers

    THE WORK of young carers will be celebrated at an event on Thursday (April 4). The Tees Valley YMCA Young Carers Project is holding a celebration event to highlight the achievements of young carers across Darlington. A six foot high sculpture

  • Meeting over farmers' lamb crisis

    THE campaign to end the “Great Lamb Robbery” will be the subject of the NFU’s next meeting for North Riding and Durham farmers on Thursday (April 4). Extreme weather, cheap imports suppressing the market and the impact of diseases such as the Schmallenberg

  • Veteran blood donors honoured

    VETERAN blood donors have been honoured for their long-standing commitment to saving lives. Thomas Mann, from Stanley, and Carl Routledge, from Consett, were recognised by NHS Blood and Transplant for each making more than 75 blood donations.

  • Every little helps for Ava

    A FUNDRAISING campaign to send a seriously ill two-year-old girl for treatment in the US has been given a boost. Parents Mark and Judith Roberts are trying to raise £12,000 to send their daughter Ava for PediaSuit treatment in Fort Lauderdale,

  • Police boss Hogg publishes crime plan

    A NEW crime commissioner has published his first police plan. Ron Hogg, who was elected Labour Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for County Durham and Darlington in November, said his priorities include: reducing the impact of domestic abuse

  • Minibus for villagers left stranded by landslip

    RESIDENTS left isolated by a landslip will be able to access vital services again from tomorrow (Wednesday April 3). The indefinite closure of the busy A67 road and footpath between High Coniscliffe and Piercebridge following a landslip at Low

  • Building society help for food bank

    A FOOD bank has been presented with a cash donation by a building society’s charity arm. The Food 4 U project, which has been based in Consett since 2011, has been awarded £200 from Newcastle Building Society Community Fund. Based at the Salvation

  • Drovers' road inspires art project

    VOLUNTEERS are being sought to get involved in an arts project inspired by an ancient drovers’ road. Helmsley Arts Centre and the North York Moors National Park Authority have joined forces to commission and produce a community play inspired by

  • Children's memorial services in York, Durham and Newcastle

    MEMORIAL services for parents who have had children die during pregnancy, at birth or in infancy are to be held at three of the region’s largest churches. Saying Goodbye services will be held at more than 20 venues across the country, including

  • Golf clubs rivals with new tech

    Volkswagen Golf 1.6SE Price: £20,500 SURELY 29 million people can't be wrong? Introduced 39 years ago, the Golf is one of the world's best-loved cars. Seven generations - and millions of satisfied owners - later, it remains Volkswagen's most

  • Thieves steal cable worth thousands

    THIEVES stole thousands of pounds worth of cable at the weekend. A burglary at the Tata Steel plant on Whessoe Road in Darlington saw thieves make off with more than 50 metres of armoured cabling, worth around £5,000. Police believe the burglary

  • Council apology over waste collection mix-up

    COUNCIL bosses have apologised for confusion over rubbish collections which left waste piling up in some Darlington streets over the Easter break. The March edition of Darlington Together magazine, which is delivered free to thousands of homes

  • Man charged with stealing chocolate

    CHOCOLATE THEFT A Darlington man pleaded guilty to stealing chocolate at Darlington Magistrate’s Court today (Tuesday April 2). Ryan Campbell, of Hilda Street, admitted stealing chocolate worth £7.96 from Sainsbury’s in Darlington on Friday March 22

  • Spring-themed event for church youngsters

    A SPRING-THEMED Fun at Four event will be held for young children at St Matthew and St Luke’s Church, in Brinkburn Road, Darlington, at 4pm, on Sunday, April 28. It is intended for the youngest children, but older siblings and parents are welcome.

  • Funding boost for farm-based nursery

    A FARM-BASED nursery on the outskirts of Darlington has received funding of £2,000 to begin a project aimed at further improving learning for two-year-old children. The funding received by High Bank Day Nursery in Stapleton has been granted through

  • Knife-wielding robber hits same shop in four days

    A SHOP has been targeted by the same knife-wielding robber for the second time in a week. The robber brandished the weapon at cashiers in the Ken Warne store in Darlington on Sunday night and stole about £100 in cash and a packet of cigarettes.

  • Repeat burglar back to old ways within days of release

    A THREE strikes burglar swiftly returned to his old habits on his release from prison for a previous break-in, a court heard. Within four days of regaining his freedom Graeme Christopher Park was back in custody after being arrested for suspected

  • Autism-friendly cinema screening

    AN autism-friendly screening of The Croods will take place at the Odeon cinema in Darlington on Sunday, April 21. The film, which starts at 11.30am, will be shown with the lights on low, the sound turned down and without trailers to make the cinema

  • Postcode comes up trumps for Catterick

    CHURCHILL Drive became the region's luckiest address after three residents turned up trumps on the postcode lottery and were handed £10,000 each. The Catterick postcode DL9 4XR was drawn as the Saturday street prize giving Andrew Townend, a self

  • SWD Teenager attacks man over complaints about noise

    A MAN who knocked on his neighbour’s door to complain about noise in the early hours of the morning was attacked by a teenager. Magistrates in Newton Aycliffe heard that Jordan Bradley badly beat his victim during an incident at 5am on February

  • Youth club to buy gym mats

    MEMBERS of a youth club in north Durham are jumping for joy after being awarded cash to buy trampoline mats. The Rotary Club of Stanley has donated £1,180 to Oxhill Youth Club, near Stanley. The money will be used safety mats for the gym.

  • Bigging up the North

    VISITORS to the new exhibition, Capital Of The North, at the Yorkshire Museum can learn a new word – Angevin. Apparently it was the word used to describe the Plantagenets by themselves and their contemporaries. And if you need to know more, the

  • Body recovered from the North Sea

    BODY RECOVERED: The body of an elderly man has been recovered from the sea by lifeboat crews this afternoon (TUES). Police received a call at 1.30pm reporting a body in the sea below Tynemouth Pier and volunteer crew members from the Tynemouth RNLI

  • Candidates reminded of election deadline

    CANDIDATES for next month’s local government elections have just days left to register. Nominations for county council and parish council elections in County Durham close at noon on Friday (April 5). Anyone wishing to stand as a candidate in

  • Companies investigated over council claims

    SEVERAL energy-saving companies in Middlesbrough are being investigated by Trading Standards after supposedly claiming they are working with a local authority. After the regeneration of the Gresham area of the town, which involved hundreds of homes

  • Carlton Miniott housing plan turned down

    COUNCILLORS threw out plans for a controversial housing development after concerns were raised that the Thirsk area is being swamped by new homes. The Taylor Wimpey proposals for 40 houses on a site off Ripon Way, Carlton Miniott, prompted objections

  • Necho/DST Hambleton Planning Decisions

    OUTLINE planning permission for extensions to a business park at Mount Pleasant Way, Stokesley have been approved by Hambleton District Council. The five acre area for Armstrong Richardson will be for light and general industry, research and development

  • North Yorkshire news in brief

    TOWER SCHEME: A light aircraft firm has secured permission to refurbish a control tower at a disused Ryedale airfield and turn it into offices. Swift Aircraft plans to carry out work on the building at Wombleton Airfield, near Pickering, a training

  • Exhibition by Dales painters moves to new venue

    A TRAVELLING exhibition by two Dales painters has moved to a new venue. The Climb up to the Moor touring exhibition, featuring work by Judith Bromley and Robert Nicholls, from Askrigg, near Hawes, will be at The Folly in Settle until July 7.

  • Broker on the move

    AN insurance broker has branched out with new premises in the County town of North Yorkshire. Peter Brown has almost 20 years’ experience in the sector, having started his career with Co-operative Insurance Services. In recent years he operated

  • Epilepsy charity picks up national award

    A CHARITY started in memory of a young girl who died after suffering an epileptic seizure has won a national award. Abbie’s Love was presented with the Next Gold Champion Award from the charity Young Epilepsy by BBC newsreader Nicholas Owen at

  • Back in the ring for little Neve

    A CAGE fighter is coming out of retirement to raise money for a sick child. Ian ‘The Machine’ Freeman is returning to the ring to support four-year-old Neve Beattie, who was diagnosed with leukaemia before Christmas. The mixed martial arts

  • Di Canio completes backroom reshuffle

    PAOLO Di Canio has completed the reshuffle of his backroom staff at Sunderland. As revealed in Monday's Northern Echo, first-team coach Fabrizio Piccareta, goalkeeping coach Domenico Doardo, fitness coach Claudio Donatelli and physiotherapist Giulio

  • Curries on their way to the Congo

    A RESTAURANTEUR from the North-East is on his way to the African jungle to deliver 100 of his speciality Bangladeshi fish dishes. Akki Ahmed flew to London from the region today and is heading for the Democratic Republic of Congo via Istanbul tomorrow

  • Auckland Castle reopening with a strong line-up

    AUCKLAND CASTLE reopens to the public on Monday with new guidebooks, tours, a children’s trail and a tearoom, and new exhibits to add to the glory of the building, its magnificent parkland and, of course, its Zurbaran paintings. April is very much

  • Man sent to crown court to face child sex charges

    SEX OFFENCES: Paul Riley, 36, of Washington Crescent, Newton Aycliffe, faces 16 charges of taking an indecent photograph/pseudo photograph of a child. The offences date from between April 22, 2011, and May 29 last year. He also faces a charge of possessing

  • New retail group's breakfast meeting

    FULL English and coffee will be on the menu at the next meeting of the new Northallerton Retail and Business Forum. Member Stewart Bankier, who runs Café Natural in the High Street, is host for the new group’s meeting at 8am on April 10. He

  • Stacks of memories

    TTHE company of Shaw and Knight appears to have been in operation from the start of the 20th Century into the 1960s. Its factory, situated where the Romanway industrial estate now is, was a Bishop Auckland landmark because its four tall chimneys stood

  • Motorist has vehicle seized during police operation

    A MOTORIST had his vehicle seized for having no insurance when a clampdown on errant drivers was carried out in Hartlepool. Operation Mermaid, a partnership operation, involving Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit, the Vehicle Operator

  • Tiger's back and the game is the better for it

    THE big news in the golfing world this week is that Tiger Woods has taken number one spot at the top of the World Rankings again, by winning The Arnold Palmer Invitational at the famous Bay Hill course. This was his eighth title at Bay Hill and he

  • Ambulance staff warn of further action as they stage strike

    AMBULANCE staff say they will continue industrial action over proposals to introduce care assistants to emergency vehicles in Yorkshire. Members of Unite today (Tuesday, April 2) took part in a 24-hour strike over the plans for emergency care assistants

  • Easter classes at Deerness gym club

    YOUNGSTERS are being offered gym classes at the home of a world-class club this Easter holiday. The sessions at Deerness Gymnastics Academy, in Ushaw Moor, County Durham, began today (Tuesday, April 2) and there will be further chances to get involved

  • Micky sells out

    ONE of the biggest names in UK comedy has sold out a show in the region months in advance. Cockney comic Micky Flanagan will play Middlesbrough Town Hall on Thursday, May 2 but the show has already sold out at £22.50 a ticket. The number to call in

  • Warning issued after potentially lethal drugs stolen

    POTENTIALLLY lethal drugs have been stolen causing police to issue a warning. The medication was taken from a car outside Sedgemoor Way in Billingham after 11am on Easter Monday, April 1. A handbag was stolen from the red Vauxhall Vectra containing

  • Youngsters stage hit show

    THE foam flew in a tale of glamour and gang warfare as students took to the stage in a prohibition classic. Forty students from the Allertonshire School, Northallerton, spent months planning and rehearsing their version of the hit show Bugsy Malone

  • Events to mark sporting milestone

    A BEER and wine festival is to be held to mark the 21st anniversary of one of the region’s greatest sporting milestones. Durham County Cricket Club is to stage a series of events throughout the summer to mark the 21 years since it was elevated

  • 'Friends' group organising litter-pick

    THE Friends of Rockwell Nature Reserve is having a litter pick in conjunction with Litterfree Durham’s Big Spring Clean on the reserve on Saturday (April 6). Meet at the Hutton Avenue / Riverside Way footbridge at 10am. SCHOOL REUNION: A reunion

  • Community centres urged to come together to beat cuts

    COMMUNITY centres have been urged to join together to cushion the drastic impact of government cuts. Local authority cuts mean that five community centres across Darlington will each lose up to £6,000 a year in grants. The team behind the Firthmoor

  • Cyclist critical after collision with Saab at crossroads

    A CYCLIST remains critically ill in hospital after being knocked off his bike at a crossroads. The 55-year-old was injured as he cycled through Castleside, near Consett at lunchtime on Easter Monday. The injured man, from Pelton, near Chester-le-Street

  • Horrible Histories "naturally at an end" - Deary

    A NORTH-East author has called time on his best-selling Horrible Histories books, saying they had “naturally come to an end”. Terry Deary, who was born in Hendon, Sunderland, and now lives in Burnhope, County Durham, has written around 60 books

  • Police hunt for North Yorkshire man wanted in Portugal

    THE public are being asked to help in the hunt for a man wanted for questioning about offences that took place overseas. Stuart Worsley, 41 and originally from North Yorkshire, failed to answer bail after his extradition to Portugal was ordered

  • Chance for apprentices to enter national awards

    APPRENTICES and employers across Darlington are being encouraged to enter a nationwide awards scheme. Nominations for the 2013 National Apprenticeship Awards close on April 26. The awards demonstrate how apprenticeships help support a range

  • J&B Recycling shortlisted for national award

    A NORTH-EAST recycling firm is in line for a national award after proving itself one of the leading waste management companies in the business. J & B Recycling has been shortlisted for the honour of Waste Management Business of the Year in the

  • More jobs for petrol station

    MOVES to develop a new petrol station and store on the site of an existing garage will create up to 20 jobs, planners have been told. Members of Hambleton District Council’s Planning Committee approved an application to redevelop the existing John

  • Little things can mean a lot in selling your home

    AS WELL as major improvements likely to add value and make your home more sellable, there’s a lot you can do to make your home more appealing to buyers without spending too much. Neutral decor sells homes because neutral colours aren’t offensive

  • Pupils get creative for show homes

    NORTH-EAST homebuilder Dunelm Homes is on a mission to unearth the regions finest young design talent by putting their newest development show home into the hands of pupils from North Park Primary School in Spennymoor. The Year 5 and 6 pupils are

  • Tenor joins choir for performance

    AN internationally-renowned singer is to make a one-off performance with a North-East choir. Mark Le Brocq, company principal with the English National Opera, is to be guest singer when Shiney Row Male Voice Choir stages a Celebrity Concert later

  • School conversion is quite a bell-ter

    SCHOOL House is a grade II listed property that combines a wealth of period features with spacious accommodation and a wonderful setting at the topofMiddleham’s cobbledsquare, with views of Middleham Castle. Converted from a school in 1978, the

  • Boost for Hambleton's markets

    NEW traders are being sought in an effort to boost shopping in Hambleton’s markets. Free pitches are being offered as Northallerton and Thirsk take part in the national “Love Your Local Market” initiative next month. Hambleton District Council

  • North-East business leaders back interest rates freeze

    THE North East Shadow Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) was close to unanimity today, as members voted broadly for interest rates to be held, but with some debate over the desire for an increase. A partnership between The Northern Echo, the North

  • Feeling the benefit, but still a long way to go

    WELCOME to the first proper post on my pre-nuptial fitness blog - and what better time to check in than the first day after the Easter holiday? Hope you all had a good break and didn’t overdo it on the chocolate eggs. If you’re anything like me

  • Police renew appeal in hunt for suspected drug dealers

    DETECTIVES hunting two men wanted in connection with a suspected multi-million pound drugs ring have renewed their appeal for information. Operation Cobweb rounded up 25 suspected drug dealers from across Teesside and Greater Manchester last week

  • Exploring science at Belmont

    A SCHOOL has staged a science and engineering week. Pupils at Belmont Community School, in Belmont, Durham City, took part in a range of activities to celebrate National Science and Engineering Week. Some quizzed teachers who had taken on the

  • Shop workers help create garden for Langley Park school

    SHOP workers have been helping to create a new garden at a village primary school. Staff from Wilkinson’s, at The Gates shopping centre, Durham City, gave up their time to help plant and build a new garden at Langley Park Primary School, near Durham

  • School trio in running for anti-piracy award

    A TRIO of North Yorkshire students have been shortlisted for honours in a national initiative to combat film and television piracy. The three from Norton College, Malton, have been shortlisted in a national advertising competition open to schools

  • Pensioner flown to hospital after collision with bike

    AN elderly woman had to be flown to hospital for treatment after a collision with a pushbike on a newly-opened cycle route. The 78-year-old was walking along the path between Ripley and Bilton, near Harrogate, with her daughter when the incident

  • Health care lottery

    Eighty years ago this spring, Darlington Memorial Hospital was formally opened, and its children’s ward represented an enormous triumph for an organisation which this week is celebrating its 90th anniversary. THE hospital was formally opened by

  • Pupils get creative forshowhomes

    NORTH-EAST homebuilder Dunelm Homes is on a mission to unearth the region s finest young design talent by putting their newest development show home into the hands of pupils from North Park Primary School in Spennymoor. The Year 5 and 6 pupils

  • Less red tape for your propertyextensions

    HOMEOWNERS planning to add space to their property may have less red tape to negotiate after plans to relax regulations covering extensions and loft conversions were announced last year. A recent announcement from the government confirmed proposals

  • New image for police dog fund

    STUDENTS have designed a new image for a retired police dogs fund. Foundation degree graphic design students at New College Durham have created a visual identity for Paws Up. The Durham Police-led fund will be formally launched in an event

  • New swimming package at Durham leisure centres

    NEW swimming deals are being launched across several County Durham leisure centres. Durham County Council’s Aqualearn programme was officially launched at Freeman’s Quay leisure centre, in Durham City, today (Tuesday, April 2). The package

  • University shortlisted for prestigious nursing awards

    A STUDENT and lecturer at Teesside University have been shortlisted in prestigious national nursing awards. Rachel Morris, senior lecturer in the university’s school of Health and Social Care, and Amanda Bain, a third year Nursing Studies student

  • Safety scheme helps community

    WORKERS for a housing company have raised £800 for a community centre by staying safe. The Fulforth Centre, in Sacriston, will use the money donated by housing company Keepmoat to buy sports equipment, such as balls and rackets, for use in its

  • Spacious Sidings simply superb!

    THE Sidings a spacious and modern detached property tucked away off the main road in Shincliffe offers excellent and versatile living space, making it suitable for the most demanding of family requirements and ideal for entertaining. From the entrance

  • Barn boasts gym among mod-cons

    BUYERS who find contemporary chic more appealing than period elegance are sure to appreciate the charms of High View, a substantial converted barn in a private setting just north of Scorton village. Although not minimalist by design, the property

  • Business calls for road spending

    BUSINESS leaders have pressed the Government to increase spending on roads amid warnings that the economy is being hit by the country's overstretched infrastructure. It comes as Chancellor George Osborne prepares to announce a £1bn upgrade of the

  • The Great British Sewing Bee (BBC2, 8pm)

    MUCH has been made of ITV’s new series Food Glorious Food and its perceived similarities to the smash-hit series The Great British Bake Off. Indeed, the BBC’s baking contest proved so unexpectedly popular, one can hardly blame rival companies for

  • Bedtime Live (C4, 8pm)

    WHOEVER successfully pitched a series about bedtime could probably sell ice to eskimos. After all, watching people sleep doesn’t exactly sound riveting. But then, Bedtime Live is a little different. Its objective is to concentrate less on those

  • CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (Channel 5, 9pm)

    PERI GILPIN is familiar to millions thanks to her role as Frasier Crane’s long-suffering producer, Roz. Ted Danson made his name, of course, playing Frasier’s friend Sam Malone in Cheers when the psychiatrist’s spin-off sitcom was nothing more

  • The Syndicate (BBC1, 9pm)

    WHAT would be your first big purchase if you won the lottery? For some it may be a house in the country, while others may have their eye on a dream supercar or a round-the-world cruise. For auxiliary nurse Rose (Alison Steadman) in The Syndicate

  • Barely Legal Drivers (BBC3, 9pm)

    ALL too many parents know how it feels when their offspring passes their driving tests. Elation and pride at their success soon gives way to dread and fear when it is realised they are going to take the car out – alone. That is where Barely

  • Public doubt Government can deliver high speed rail plans

    MOST people back the HS2 high-speed rail project but few think the £33bn scheme will be completed on time and within budget, according to a survey. As many as 52 per cent are in favour of HS2,  the first phase of which, between London and Birmingham

  • easyJet figures boosted as Britons flee freezing weather

    THREE of this year’s best performing stocks – easyJet, Booker and Domino’s Pizza – will post updates this week in what should be a quiet post-Easter period for corporate news. Fuller planes of passengers fleeing Britain’s freezing weather are expected

  • Lydia F Loopars…

    The trouble with doing an intermittent blog is that I’m quickly ‘sussed’ when I post on April 1st especially when it’s a controversial story. This year, I tried to set the tone for the fell being opencast, by posting a text on facebook, asking

  • UK to avoid triple dip say Chambers of Commerce

    BRITAIN will avoid a triple dip recession thanks to near record levels of exports from the powerhouse services sector, a business group said today. The latest economic survey from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) revealed export deliveries

  • Ruth was ahead of her time with salon choice

    Ruth Roddam Owner of Saks, in Darlington IT was a tough decision. Ruth Roddam had always harboured dreams of becoming a hair stylist, and now this was her opportunity. A firm believer in the values of hard work and dedication, she made a

  • Gas Bills

    MANY people are annoyed that the top five executives at Centrica, the owner of British Gas, have collected £16.4m in pay and bonuses at a time when electricity and gas prices are rising dramatically. I find it hard to believe that these executives

  • Ultimately the manager has to carry the can

    THE timing might have been wrong, but the results were abysmal. Sadly, Martin O’Neill had to go. On hearing the news of his sacking (Echo, Apr 1) I was saddened, because it was meant to be so different. A boyhood fan and the fans’ choice as

  • Loan Sharks

    LOAN sharks who prey on vulnerable people should pay compensation to their victims. They manipulate and intimidate the most vulnerable in society, destroying lives by charging 4,000 per cent interest. Canadian-born Paul Brown, from Bishop Auckland

  • Police Bias?

    CONSIDER, if you will, that the UK set the standards for a nonpolitical, unbiased police service. This service has formed the basis of policing around the world and was, until very recently, the yardstick of tempered justice. Recently, we have

  • Burial Ground

    THE controversy of where to lay to rest the remains of the Mediaeval King seems neverending (Echo, Mar 30). Richard III was killed at the Battle of Bosworth. No doubt he was hurriedly buried at Leicester, probably to avoid being mutilated further

  • David Miliband

    THAT David Miliband should retire hurt, from national politics is hardly surprising. If this had been the case of a younger brother losing out to an elder, the relationship might have been repaired, but not the other way around. Truth is, however

  • High and Dry

    IT was interesting to read VJ Connor’s comments about his soggy newspaper (HAS, Mar 28). Our Northern Echo has never been pushed through our letterbox wet. I think this must be because we have a great set of delivery lads and lasses. To

  • Different day, same outcome for Pools

    JOHN HUGHES reiterated the need to change Hartlepool United after his side made it eight winless and goalless games. Pools lost again, going down at Stevenage. It was their fourth defeat in five games and they have not scored a goal in 720 minutes

  • Cutting for charity

    A FORCES charity is getting a cut of a barber’s profits thanks to a week-long fundraising drive. Joanna Robertson, the owner of Majors Barber Shop on Brinkburn Road, is donating £1 to Help for Heroes for every haircut carried out at the salon this

  • Vertical take-off

    THE first Sunday train into Redcar arrives at 9.22am. On Easter Day, it’s as if the whole town has forgotten to put the clocks forward, asleep with the blankets over its head. It’s grey, cold and deserted save for the woman snatching a furtive

  • There’s no need to feel persecuted

    EASTER is a time for love, peace, joy and the celebration of life. So naturally every year there’s a row. This Easter it’s the turn of George Carey, former Archbishop of Canterbury, to drop the incendiary bombs. He has accused David Cameron of “aiding

  • Teenage boy dies following collision with car

    A 16-year-old boy has died in hospital following a collision last night on Wolviston Road in Billingham. The collision happened at around 10.45pm on Monday, April 1 and involved a red Lexus. The boy, who is from the Billingham area, was taken

  • A row no one wants

    WE understand the concerns of the Sunderland fans who cannot countenance the idea of supporting the team while Paolo Di Canio coaches the Black Cats. In the past, the club’s new head coach has made no secret of his fascist views. We believe

  • Pardew not tempted by renewed Remy effort

    NEWCASTLE United will not be making a renewed effort to sign Loic Remy if QPR are relegated to the Championship next month. Magpies managing director Derek Llambias is expected to pursue a new striker this summer, with Demba Ba’s January departure

  • Top independent girls' school appoints new principal.

    HARROGATE Ladies’ College has announced the appointment its new principal. Syliva Brett, who is currently Deputy Head at Roedean School, will take up her post at the start of the new academic year in September 2013. The announcement follows

  • Will Di Canio's past affect Sunderland's future?

    Paolo Di Canio's appointment as Sunderland manager has sparked a passionate debate about whether the Italian's political views make him unfit for the post. Chief Sports Writer Scott Wilson assesses Di Canio's politics and weighs up the debate MOST

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    AN HONEST Jonathan Woodgate has spoken of his anguish at Middlesbrough's loss in form - and insists his side must get back to winning ways tonight. Woodgate, who signed for the club from Stoke City in the summer, has seen his hometown club go from

  • Men's bowel cancer rates up by more than a quarter

    BOWEL cancer rates among men have risen by nearly 30 per cent in the last 35 years, while women have seen an increase of only six per cent, according to new figures from Cancer Research UK. The new statistics are released as The Bobby Moore Fund

  • Students gear up to the science challenge

    FROM tinkering with equipment used by Sir Bradley Wiggins to designing cars for Formula 1, students have been getting a unique taste of the world of science and engineering at a North-East university. Sunderland University hosted the STEMNET (Science

  • County Durham market trader in breadline row with Minister

    WELFARE Minister Iain Duncan Smith was facing mounting anger last night after a bruising encounter with a North-East market trader who challenged him to live on only £53 a week. The Work and Pensions Secretary, who earns £1,581 a week after tax

  • Sedgefield veteran and Pears' Soap baby dies aged 91

    A NORTH-EAST veteran who shot to fame in the 1920s as the face of a well-known soap brand has died at the age of 91. Second World War veteran Johnny Hill from Sedgefield, County Durham, was a popular character in his home town, having worked as