A NORTH-East MP who led a campaign to protect the Northern Rock Foundation will try to force a Treasury minister to Parliament to answer questions over its demise. Gateshead Labour MP Ian Mearns plans to table an urgent question on the closure
ONE of Britain’s best-known peace campaigners has brought his anti-nuclear crusade to the North-East. Veteran peace campaigner and retired Catholic priest, Bruce Kent, spoke to crowds at the Friends’ Meeting House, in Darlington, as part of his
West Auckland’s busy league schedule continued when they won 2-0 at Bedlington last night. They took the lead on 40 minutes when a good run by Ashley Coffey set up Jonathan Gibson, who crossed for Liam Henderson to score from a few yards. They
PARTS of the A1 could remain single lane even after a long hoped-for upgrade of the key road, it emerged today (Thursday, April 23). The department for transport (Dft) has promised a rapid-fire assessment of putting in a dual carriageway between
ENGLAND Under-17 head coach John Peacock has named four of the North East's brightest prospects in an 18-man squad for the European Championship. Middlesbrough pair Dael Fry and Callum Cooke will join Newcastle United duo Adam Armstrong and Freddie
CONCERN has been expressed for a 48-year-old man missing from East Cleveland since Tuesday. Trevor Himsworth is from Brookside in Boosbeck. Mr Himsworth has been missing since 6.40am when he left his home address. He was driving his wife’s
JOE Root made a short-lived return to the crease for Yorkshire's Second XI on Wednesday after seven weeks out with a broken thumb. The 23-year-old managed just eight against Lancashire's second string, before he was caught behind off former Zimbabwe
THREE teenagers found a man's body in a barn in East Cleveland. Officers from Cleveland Police were called to the barn in Coach Road in Brotton at 5.30pm today. The area is currently cordoned off. "The man is believed to be in his 40s and
A JOKE book filled with more than 150 gags that have tickled audiences across the region over a 25 year career has been stolen from a comedian's car - and he's not laughing. Expensive equipment vital to his routine was nabbed from the boot of Freddie
TWO nurses fought in vain to save the life of a man found unconscious. The Great North Air Ambulance was called to Dipton, near Stanley, County Durham at around 4.20pm today (Wednesday). Prior to its arrival, the nurses, who had been nearby
THE main talking point of the week in the pubs and offices of Britain has been the sacking of David Moyes as the manager of Manchester United. One of the world's biggest sporting brands made a mistake which has cost millions. A man who was perceived
REVISED plans for a 24-turbine wind farm have met with a mixed reaction, despite efforts to scale down the scheme. E.ON showcased its final designs for The Isles wind farm, at Bradbury, near Sedgefield, County Durham, at the first of two public
PEOPLE in the North of England would still be able to work and trade in an independent Scotland without changing currency, said First Minister Alex Salmond. In a speech in Carlisle, he insisted that Scotland will keep the pound, despite the pointed
NIGEL Farage came to the region today to spread the Ukip message ahead of next month’s European Union elections. Chris Webber shared a pint with him in a Yarm pub. NIGEL Farage made no secret of his Thatcherite message in the heart of a region
CAFFEINE BOOST: The Hambleton and Richmondshire branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society will hold a coffee morning with stalls on Saturday (April 26), from 9.30am to noon at Scorton War Memorial Institute. Visitors are invited to bring home-made jam
A FORMER teacher has denied repeatedly exposing himself to his neighbours and passers-by while standing fully naked in his front room window. Andrew Beasley claimed one of the female complainants held a grudge against him because of a tree he had
A SIX-YEAR-OLD girl was reunited with her beloved cuddly monkey that helps her overcome severe shyness after a community rallied round to help find the missing toy. Zoe Storey was so heartbroken after losing George the monkey during a Good Friday
ART EXHIBITION: Masham Gallery is holding an exhibition called A Moment in Time which is open until May 19. Work includes monoprints using plants gathered from around Masham and glass casts of tide markings. A Moment in Time is the first of
NIGEL Farage came the region and declared himself as the heir to Margaret Thatcher today. Speaking over a pint in a Yarm pub the Ukip leader, in the region to campaign ahead of next month’s European Union elections, said he supported the free-market
RETRO EVENING: Harmony group Five Pearls and a Piano are performing at a 40s and 50s themed event with members of Reeth Brass Band in aid of the air ambulance charities. The night is on Saturday, April 26 at the Buck Hotel, Reeth from 7pm. Tickets
A NEW cycleway is dangerous and “could lead to someone getting hurt,” according to a councillor who was involved in planning for the scheme. Coun Andrew Sherris, Conservative councillor for Yarm, said problems on the new cycle path, part of a £300,000
CROWDS turned out for a St George’s Day party to launch a pop song which comedian Chubby Brown and former X-factor contestants Journey South hope will become the number one single during the World Cup in Brazil. The event, outside Tesco in Thirsk
A BUSINESS advice café event is to be held in Richmond next week. The free pop-up café, at the Kings Head Hotel, is run by Richmondshire District Council, the Dales Business Forum and the Local Enterprise Partnership, and aims to offer advice to
PROPOSALS to turn off county council-owned street lighting in Richmondshire are to be reviewed in a bid to save £400,000 and reduce carbon emissions. Despite Richmondshire District Council holding its own consultation with parish and town councils
A FILM-MAKER aiming to raise £7,000 to finish off a documentary about life on a County Durham sheep farm has nearly reached her fundraising target. Earlier this month, Magali Pettier, a former fellow of Teesside University's DigitalCity, appealed
Store plan: Revised plans for a supermarket and petrol station on the site of the Wentworth Street car-park in Malton have been recommended for approval, despite 101 letters of objection and a petition being handed in. Blood award: Barry Carter
A PERSISTENT thief and burglar fell for a police ‘trap’ and broke into a vehicle to steal a lap-top computer. Unknown to Grant Royal, the lap-top was deliberately left on the front passenger seat of a parked BMW in full view of passers-by in a
POP-UP restaurant Chateau Marmot will return to North Yorkshire with a weekend of dining as part of the Malton Food Lovers Festival. The team will be serving on May 23 to 25, when diners at the Town Hall will be treated to a five-course tasting
ONE of the region’s biggest water companies has been fined £30,000 after sewage polluted two streams. Northumbrian Water says the separate incidents, which happened last year in County Durham, were due to blockages caused by items that should not
PLANS for thousands of new homes in a North-East town have been revised - after residents voiced their concerns during a consultation process. Last summer, Darlington Borough Council received hundreds of responses to a consultation on its Making
DURHAM has been showing off its efforts to judges from the region’s biggest gardening contest. Northumbria in Bloom judges were in the city today (Wednesday, April 23), visiting Low Burnhall, St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Durham Cathedral’s woodlands
POLICE are trying to track down a gang of three who beat up a 38-year-old man in the early hours of the morning. The incident happened at around 1.30am on April 20, on Yorkersgate, Malton, when the victim was attacked in the street . The three
A GREEN Ford Mondeo parked on Grange Road, Darlington, had its rear window smashed and an expensive waterproof coat stolen from inside. Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident which happened overnight on Tuesday. Anyone with information
A DOG breeder has been found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to animals. Following a trial at Darlington Magistrates' Court, Steven Hutchinson, 34, of Evenwood Gate, in County Durham, was found guilty of ten animal welfare charges relating
BUSINESS leaders hope ramblers will provide a tourism boost with the launch of a new series of walks. The Upper Teesdale Tourism Network group hopes to attract people to Middleton-in-Teesdale, County Durham. The group, made up of business owners
A TOWN Crier led the traditional St George’s Day celebrations in one North-East town today (Wednesday, April 23). Darlington Town Crier Peter Stemmer joined Darlington’s Mayor and Mayoress to raise a toast to the Patron Saint of England and share
MOTORISTS did a double-take when they were greeted by signs warning them about Northallerton’s upcoming May Fair. The large yellow signs seemed to indicate that the event was going to last for almost a year – from May 30 to May 6 in fact. The
THE grey of winter has been left well and truly behind by the explosion of colour that is the annual Harrogate Spring Flower Show. The event, on the Great Yorkshire Showground, runs until April 27 and this year boasts more than 1,000 exhibitors
A DESIGNER could find her work hanging on walls across the world after her art was chosen by a wallpaper manufacturer to feature in its new collection. Helen Stevens has been picked as one of just 13 designers from across the country to contribute
TEA TOTAL: Staff and residents at two Consett care homes raised £680 for charity. Redwell Hills and Abigail Lodge care homes raised the money for Macmillan Cancer Support during the charity’s annual coffee morning campaign. During the campaign, Redwell
A FOOTBALL club that was burgled twice within weeks is holding a music festival to raise funds for a new security system. Thieves forced their way into Newton Aycliffe Football Club (NAFC), at Newton Aycliffe Sports Club at Moore Lane Park, last
AN entrepreneur hopes to spice up the weekend when his chilli based business lines up at a two day food festival. Victor Nwosu launched Wiga Wagaa Chilli after friends he cooked for asked him to make extra bottles of his experimental oils and sauces
A RETIRED teacher died after waiting more than an hour-and-a-half for an ambulance, an inquest was told. The family of William Gouldburn made seven 999 calls as the 73-year-old lay on the bathroom floor. Coroner, Malcolm Donnelly, said Mr Gouldburn
STUDENTS taking part in a Duke of Edinburgh Award have toured a £27m scheme in Durham to gain an insight into the construction industry. Members of the DurhamGate Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award visited the Freeman’s Reach site which features a
A GROUP of young dancers are looking forward to the trip of a lifetime – appearing in front of an international audience at Disneyland Paris. Eight students from Stagecoach Northallerton will be heading for France in July to perform in a huge parade
THE author of a national report who believes an increase in the cost of alcohol is partly responsible for a fall in violent assaults has backed a North-East campaign calling for minimum pricing for alcohol Professor Jonathan Shepherd, from Cardiff
CHARGES are about to be introduced for the garden waste collection service in the sprawling Ryedale area of North Yorkshire. The service had been costing the district council over £285,000 per year to run and the authority council has agreed to
A CUP final winning goalkeeper who won accolades for his Wembley performance is seeking out old friends he fought alongside during the Second World War. Jack Snowdon, 89, was judged by some as man-of-the-match for his display for Willington Football
ARMY chiefs have are trying to trace surviving relatives of a North-East war hero who was killed on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. The remains of Sergeant David Harkness Blakey, who hailed from Felling, in Gateshead, were discovered
A MUSEUM’S trustees are looking into a new scheme to govern the trust property. Such property at the Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, includes the museum building and surrounding park and most of its collections, including parts of the collection
A CHARITY is urging dog owners to bring their pets for a sponsored walk. The North East Autism Society (NEAS) will hold Wag This Way at Hetton Lyons Country Park, Hetton-le-Hole, near Sunderland, on Sunday, May 11. The charity hopes up to 300
A MOTHER’S online advice blog offering tips on family activities has been nominated for a national award. The blog, called North East Family Fun, has made it to the finals of the fifth annual Mum and Dad (MAD) Blog Awards, a national competition
NICK Compton, so often a thorn in Durham’s flesh, defied his neck problem as well as the home attack this afternoon. He was on 59 at tea out of Somerset’s total of 144 for four, meaning they still need 193 off 37 overs to win. Durham’s hopes
DURHAM are in a slightly stronger position than last week at Northampton, needing to take eight wickets in the final two sessions of the home match against Somerset. Openers Marcus Trescothick and Chris Jones have gone, both lbw to Chris Rushworth
A CRIME commissioner has responded to criticisms over her use of a police car after her own vehicle suffered a flat tyre. The Police and Crime Panel investigated an anonymous complaint that North Yorkshire police and crime commissioner Julia Mulligan
A DISUSED railway line has moved a step closer to a possible reopening. The Leamside Line, a 21-mile stretch from Tursdale, County Durham, to Pelaw, near Gateshead, was mothballed in 1992 and 16 miles of track was pulled up in 2012, having been
EMPLOYEES at a welfare-to-work organisation are sleeping rough in a bid to raise cash for homeless people. Six workers at the Redcar office of Pertemps People Development Group (PPDG) will take part in the Big Tees Sleepout at Middlesbrough College
POLICE in Seaham are appealing for information after a handbag snatch yesterday (Tuesday, April 23). A police spokesman said a man removed a 21-year-old woman’s handbag from her baby’s pushchair as she was taking the child inside an address on
MORE than 200 young swimmers from across the Tees Valley will descend on Darlington tomorrow (Thursday, April 24) for a hotly fought competition. The swimming gala, taking place at The Dolphin Centre, is the first in the Sainsbury’s School Games
SCHOOL pupils have gone head-to-head in a debating competition. Teams from Durham School, Durham Johnston School, St Leonard’s Catholic School and Framwellgate School Durham contested this year’s Youth Speak event, organised by Durham Rotary Club
DANCE EVENING: An evening of sequenced dancing is taking place at St Andrew’s Church Hall, on Barnfield Road, in Spennymoor, on Saturday. (April 26) It runs between 7pm and 10pm with entry £3.50. Tickets can be bought in advance from 01388-818709 or
GRUMPY Old Women writer Judith Holder will be guest of honour at a North-East charity lunch later this week (Friday, April 25). Ms Holder, co-author of the original stage show, will address St Cuthbert’s Hospice’s annual Ladies’ Lunch at Beamish
CHILDREN are invited to design T-shirts inspired by Durham’s picturesque riverbanks this weekend (Saturday, April 26). Durham Cathedral bosses hope walkers will be inspired for a 30-minute guided excursion around its woodlands and riverbanks.
AUSTRALIAN singer Natalie Imbruglia will tread the boards in the North-East as part of her drama debut in the UK. Imbruglia stars in a new production of Alan Ayckbourn’s hit play Things We Do For Love, which visits Newcastle Theatre Royal in June
A NORTH-EAST Coronation Street fan has brought her passion to the page by charting the highs and lows of a touching love affair of the TV soap’s first transgender character. When the character Hayley Patterson first appeared on Corrie 16 years
THE next meeting of Mowden Park Townswomen’s Guild will be held at 7pm on Wednesday, May 7 at Mowden Infant School, Bushell Hill Drive, Darlington, where Joyce Crawford will give a talk called ‘My life in rhyme’. Admission is £3 and includes refreshments
ALMOST 100 years ago the wreck of the Rohilla sparked one of the most dramatic sea rescues ever to take place off the Yorkshire coast. A First World War hospital ship, she was on her way to Dunkirk to pick up wounded soldiers when she ran aground
A MEDIEVAL bishop’s theory about the origins of the Universe may not have been so wide of the mark, according to North-East researchers. In his 1225AD treatise De Luce, meaning Concerning Light, Robert Grosseteste, a Bishop of Lincoln, describes
A CONGREGATION will gather this weekend to bid a final farewell to their church after 120 years. Shotley Bridge Methodist Church, built in 1894 and opened the following year, will hold its final service on Sunday. Former minister The Rev Maurice
VINTAGE VEHICLES: The Northern Bygones Society has a display of vintage cars and motorbikes at Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon. There will be more than 100 vehicles at the rally on Sunday, April 27, between 10am and 5pm. Details
AN ARTS chief will attempt a staggering charity challenge this weekend (Saturday, April 26). Martin Wilson, executive director of Durham-based not-for-profit outfit Tin Arts, hopes to complete a 200km duathlon in just 12 hours on Saturday.
TEACHERS and musicians from across the region and beyond will gather in the North-East for a second annual music festival next week (April 29). The Sage Gateshead’s Everyone Deserves Music will include performances, talks and events. A symposium
A BUSINESS consultant is facing having to abandon his attempt to climb Mount Everest following the death of 16 Sherpas in an avalanche. After attending a memorial service for the guides at the mountain’s 17,500ft base camp, David Bradley, of Thirsk
JOHN HIGGINS joined Ding Junhui on the Crucible casualty list as the four-time world champion was bundled out in Sheffield by his fellow Scot Alan McManus. A second successive firstround loss at the Dafabet World Championship for Higgins came on
LOUIS VAN GAAL has emerged as the front runner to replace David Moyes after he was axed by Manchester United just ten months into his six-year contract. Moyes paid the price for a dreadful campaign when he was dismissed following a meeting with
A SCHOOLBOY has helped raise £708.14 for St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Durham City. Taylor Farrington, 11, from Chester-le-Street, raised £354.07 for the cause during Lent by donating pocket money, selling homemade scones and doing odd jobs. His total was
TRIBUTES were paid to a former council leader when a street name was unveiled in his honour today (Wednesday April 23). A road at the heart of a new multi-million pound development in Darlington has been named John Williams Boulevard after the
JOB done, of sorts, and Colin Cooper is ready to put his plans in order for next season. With Hartlepool United’s League Two future secured after Monday’s dramatic win over Morecambe at Victoria Park, the Pools boss can seriously turn his attentions
GUS POYET is hoping Fabio Borini adds to his growing catalogue of big-match goals in the final four games of the season, and has revealed he would recommend the attacker to any club in Europe. Borini, who was unveiled as Sunderland’s young player
POLICE believe witnesses to an assault in which a man suffered a fractured cheekbone when he was punched in the face could hold the key to their enquiries. The man, who is in his early twenties, was in Tintern Avenue, Darlington, when he was approached
APPARENTLY, 90 per cent of children say they know which foods are healthy; a figure that’s reassuring. What is less reassuring is that more than half of children think (wrongly) that potatoes count towards their “five-a-day” fruit and veg total.
A RETAILER has warned a decision to refuse its founder a £70m shares windfall could lead to future uncertainty. Sports Direct bosses have revealed their dismay at a move to deny Mike Ashley a shares scheme. The move could have handed Mr Ashley
I’m pregnant with my first baby and I’m getting increasingly worried about the pain of childbirth, but would prefer to avoid an epidural. What can I do to make labour easier to cope with? MARGERET JOWITT, author of Dynamic Positions in Birth (Pinter
GLAXOSMITHKLINE and Swiss rival Novartis are to create a consumer healthcare powerhouse as part of a string of deals in the pharmaceuticals sector. The tie-up will create a world-leading business with annual revenues of about £6.5bn from Glaxo
A VILLAGE has won Government funding to stage its own music event this summer. Bowburn Banner Group, based in Bowburn, County Durham, has been awarded £400 from community interest company Superact and the Department for Communities and Local Government
DUNELM’S Jungle Time is a children’s bedroom collection featuring colourful elephants, giraffes, tigers and monkeys. Cot duvet cover £14.99, pillowcase £3.99, fleece throw £9.99 (all covers polyester and cotton), cushion £8.99, organiser £7.99, curtains
HUNDREDS of parents scrambled to pick up an Easter treat at a school spring fundraising fair. West Park Academy, Darlington, opened its doors for its annual Easter event with a host of stalls, raffles and games to help raise money for an adventure
RICKY GERVAIS may have become a worldwide star off the back of hit sitcom The Office, but in the 13 years since that launched, he has found himself on more controversial ground, such as follow-up show Extras. When the pilot for Derek aired in April
IN July 1990, Teesside’s Quadrophenia director Franc Roddam hoped his little cooking series MasterChef would do well, but had no idea it would become one of the world’s best loved, lipsmacking formats. The likes of Loyd Grossman and Gary Rhodes
IT seems that even before the days of Escape to the Country and Relocation, Relocation, there were a lot of people who dreamed of quitting the rat race and living a simpler life out in the sticks. In the last episode of his fascinating series,
WITH fireworks, crocodiles, huge spiders and a talented cast, Peter Pan at Darlington Civic, floated the family entertainment boat with a great, swashbuckling night out for all the family. Veteran comedian Bobby Davro, playing pirate Smee, headlined
EASTER celebrations got off to a cracking start as school children produced a stunning display of decorated eggs. Hundreds of pupils at West Park Academy, Darlington, took part in the annual school competition by creating an egg-straordinary array
Going away? Then check you have got your travel insurance sorted, says Vicky Shaw WITH the holiday season nearly upon us, perhaps you’ve got a special getaway booked. But before you grab your sun hat, slather on the factor 30 and make the dash
WERE we really victorious in 1945? Certainly our two allies, Russia and the US, emerged as victors – stronger, richer and more powerful. We, on the other hand, had to beg - literally beg - for a massive loan from the US to stave off total economic
YOUNG workers in the energy sector can play the greatest role in influencing school pupils to consider the booming industry for a career, a leading North-East figure has said. George Rafferty, chief executive of NOF Energy, the business support
I HAVE recently had to dial 111 when my 19-year-old son returned from work feeling unwell at 8pm. Due to his symptoms, a paramedic was called, then an ambulance. My son was taken and admitted to unit two at the University Hospital of North Durham.
COUNCILS are infamous for their lack of prudence, wisdom and good housekeeping. I have similar experience as that of Joe Makepeace, who saw a road resurfaced only to be dug up again weeks later (Echo, Apr 14), in another town in Yorkshire.
I WOULD like to comment on those academics who have criticised the Prime Minister for promoting Christianity within the UK and their assertion it will have negative consequences (Echo, Apr 21). Having reviewed most of the profiles of these academics
OVER recent weeks I have heard and read many comments regarding the closure of care homes in County Durham. While I fully understand and sympathise with the anguish of those affected, it is the way Durham County Council has smoothly mouthed its
AS Easter Sunday dragged on endlessly this year, I found my memory going back to the tedious Sundays in the 1950s and early 1960s when the godbothering lobby held sway. Virtually all the shops were shut and there was definitely no sport of any
I READ about the destruction of five trees in Thirsk Market Place (Echo, Apr 19) with rising incredulity. Councillor Mark Robson, the leader of Hambleton District Council, is quoted as saying that the trees had to be removed because they were a
SO, there are too few council houses in Leyburn are there (HAS, April 19)? With the right to buy the housing stock will only be depleted as tenants take advantage of huge discounts, while those who can’t get a tenancy struggle to raise a deposit
When young lawyer Leah Duffield was looking for some interesting work experience there was one place at the top of her wishlist – death row in Texas. Business Editor Andy Richardson talks to a Teessider who saw at first hand how the US legal system
IT won no Oscar – didn’t even receive a nomination. But, for my money, the film The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is one of the finest ever made. I’ve watched it twice. The second time, on BBC2 a fortnight ago, it lost none of its power, even though
CONGRATULATIONS to the North-East firms named in this week’s Queen’s Awards honours list. Awards for international trade have been handed to Ikon Geopressure, in Durham City, and Middlesbroughbased Cordex Instruments, as well as to Integrated Display
THERE can be few people with a greater passion for this green and pleasant land than Arnold Sanderson. “We have lots to be proud of, but instead of being proud, people run it down and knock it,” he says when I catch up with him at home in Spennymoor
IT is clearly a matter of regret that the North-East’s biggest charity, the Northern Rock Foundation, is to close. The foundation has been a powerful force for good in the region over 16 years, ploughing more than £200m into good causes due to
TICKETS for Darlington's play-off semi-final will go on sale to season ticket holders on Wednesday night. Tickets are priced at £9 adult, £6 concession and £4 children. Season tickets are not valid for this game, and the game will be all-ticket
A SCHOOL celebrating its 400th anniversary this year has formally submitted plans for a major rebuild. Wolsingham School and Community College is split over two sites, including the 103-year-old lower school and the newer upper school campus, built
RIVAL bus companies have joined forces to encourage Tees Valley and South Durham commuters to leave their car at home. Arriva and Stagecoach held a joint competition offering their drivers the chance to become the region’s face of the national
CUSTOMERS will access an improved Post Office service when it reopens following a modernisation scheme in Ferryhill. The branch will open at Mainsforth News, 13 Dennison Terrace, Ferryhill, on Monday, April 28. The service will be open between
ELVEN pilgrim cyclists are to pedal from Holy Island to Durham Cathedral for charity. The friends, from Emmanuel Church Cycling Club, in Durham City, hope to complete the 125-mile Pilgrim Route over two days, in aid of County Durham Foodbank.
WHEN fledgling lawyer Leah Duffield was looking for some interesting work experience there was one place at the top of her wishlist - death row in Texas. Business Editor Andy Richardson talks to a Teessider who saw at first hand how the US legal system
POLICE investigating a robbery at a town centre bank today (Wednesday April 23) arrested a man suspected of carrying out the raid. Officers investigating the daytime robbery at Lloyds TSB in Stanley, County Durham, made the arrest in a morning
I'M delighted to have received my sunflower seeds this morning so I can take part in Stockton's community project to commemorate the centenary of World war One. Stockton's Book of Remembrance lists 1,245 soldiers who died in the
NHS commissioners in North Yorkshire are to end a controversial ban on funding free infertility treatment for eligible couples. In recent years the former primary care trust in North Yorkshire refused to fund free in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment
DARLINGTON’S Lingfield Point has added a member of staff to its team – she’s feathered, she friendly and she’s called Freya - the hawk-eyed pest control officer- who keeps the seagulls at bay – nature’s way. The hawk is the latest addition to the
STUART HALL has dismissed Paul Butler's unbeaten record and warned his world-title opponent that his previous victories have done nothing to prepare him for June's showdown at Newcastle's Metro Radio Arena. Hall will make the second defence of
KAT DRISCOLL has cemented her status as Britain's greatest ever trampolinist by winning a team gold and individual silver at the European Trampoline and Tumbling Championships in Portugal. Driscoll, who is based at West Rainton and a member of
THE Lee Westwood Golf Tour and The Northern Echo have teamed up offer young golfers the opportunity to play in the competition this summer. The Tour is a series of mini golf tours around the UK and is open to boys and girls aged under 21 and a
MARTYN MOXON has backed Peter Moores and Paul Farbrace to spark a revival in England’s fortunes. The Yorkshire director of cricket has revealed his sympathy for outgoing limited overs coach Ashley Giles, who many thought was a racing cert for the
TEENAGE tumbler Rachel Davies enjoyed a double success as she won two gold medals at the European Trampoline and Tumbling Championships. Davies, who is from Langley Park and trains at Deerness Gymnastics Academy, was crowned Junior European champion
SHOLA AMEOBI will discuss his Newcastle United future at the end of the season – with some influential figures at the club pushing for him to be offered a new short-term deal. With his current contract due to expire in June, Ameobi's future remains
A FAMILY-RUN motorhome business, which was founded on a driveway, is now investing £150,000 to continue its growth. Tyne Valley Motorhomes, in Byermoor, near Stanley, County Durham, says sales have risen 56 per cent above first quarter targets.
THE new boss of a North-East building society has pledged to hand back any future bonuses if he does not deserve them. Colin Fyfe, chief executive of Darlington Building Society (DBS), told The Northern Echo yesterday that he had twice refused
A SUBSEA engineering firm has secured a lucrative deal to make specialist craft for the oil and gas industry. Ennsub, which has a plant in Sedgefield, County Durham, will supply two remote-operated vehicles for independent provider Rovop. Bosses
A NORTH-EAST port is working with a company to strengthen its position in the offshore energy industry. PD Ports says Subsea, a division of McDermott International, will operate a pipe spool base at the Port of Hartlepool. Bosses say the 30
SMALL businesses across the North-East can secure new contracts if they are more socially responsible, a senior Government aide has said. Philip N Green, the Prime Minister’s advisor for corporate responsibility, said companies must look at ways
A NORTH-EAST inventor is entering the realm of James Bond after creating a smartwatch computer. Paul Gill has invested £75,000 in the Orsto x3 watch, which has the capability of a computer in the size of a 50 pence coin. The 52-year-old says
The Teesside wind farm, off the coast of Redcar, will play a key role in the UK energy development. Deputy Business Editor Steven Hugill look at the project's importance IT was a fleeting glimpse. A brief moment as the boat weaved past the
A FARM worker died after suffering a fractured skull when his head was crushed between the edge of a trailer and its tailgate, an inquest heard. Christopher Barry Parker's death at Foulrice Rarm in Brandsby, near Easingwold, North Yorkshire, was
FAMILIES of workers killed on the job will hold a parade and service in a County Durham village next week in memory of their loved ones. Linda Whelan is organising the service on Monday, April 28, to mark Worker’s Memorial Day in memory of her
A COMPANY using waste to power the North-East wants to create jobs in an expansion. Sita UK is aiming to bolster its existing plant in Billingham, near Stockton. The company already employs more than 100 workers at its North-East Energy Recovery
COMPANIES are being urged to look at graduates to help their businesses grow. An event aims to show bosses the benefits of young workers and the investment needed to employ them. The programme is organised by the Sunderland Business Network
ACCORDING to data from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, labour productivity is growing at the fastest rate in the country and median wages are very competitive. The North-East has the most equal distribution of salaries in the country
A BID to ban a North-East TV advertisement linking alcohol with an increased risk of developing cancer has failed. Balance, the North-East alcohol office, fought back against sections of the drinks industry which complained that its TV advertisement
A HOSPITAL consultant has criticized the drug watchdog for blocking routine NHS access to a new breast cancer drug successfully trialled in the North-East. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), has been assessing Kadcyla
A TENANT and his friend caused more than £3,400 worth of damage when they stripped the metal fittings - including the boiler - from his home while he was moving out. Thomas Brian Tull and David Wilkinson admitted stealing the boiler, copper piping
VILLAGERS who turned their dilapidated allotments into a thriving success said their triumph grew out of their biggest disappointment. Eighteen months ago, Roddymoor allotments were in trouble with plots being left to go to ruin and no sense of
CHRISTER CONCERT: Organist Andrew Christer will play the recently refurbished JJ Binns Pipe Organ at Bishop Auckland Methodist Church tomorrow (April 24). The concert will start at 7pm and entry is free. ORGAN CONCERT: On Sunday, April 27, the
COUNCILLOR SURGERY: Durham County Councillor for Willington Olwyn Gunn is holding a surgery from 4.30pm to 6pm at Willington Community Action Centre tomorrow (April 24) and a street surgery from 3pm to 4pm on Saturday, April 26, in Institute Terrace
A MAN who smashed a Job Centre window after getting frustrated when no one was available to help his seriously ill girlfriend with her benefits claim has been fined. Magistrates in Newton Aycliffe, heard that Theo Mclean kicked the window at the
MESSY CHURCH: A messy church craft and games session will be held at Willington Methodist Church on Lydia Street from 3.30pm to 5pm on Friday (April 25). All children up to the age of 11 are welcome accompanied by an adult, entry is free but there
