MILLIONS of Britons planning a bank holiday getaway should expect a "messy" weekend of weather, forecasters have warned, as rain and thunderstorms hit parts of the UK. More than 13 million drivers are expected to hit the road for trips over the
THE second team were unable to provide any consolation yesterday for Durham following the loss of their Royal London Cup crown.Derbyshire's 247 for eight proved good enough to win the Second X1 Trophy final by ten runs at the Emirates ICG as Durham were
MANY of us, myself included, have tried and failed to keep a diary. For Monty Python star Michael Palin the desire to note down what he did each day dates back to his school days. “The spur I suppose was in my childhood. I loved keeping lists
TWO vehicles were in collision in Sedgefield earlier on Thursday. The accident involved a Citroen DS 3 and a Vauxhall Corsa on the A177. Police reported only minor injuries were caused to those involved.
A POLICE car on a routine patrol has been in collision with another car in Sunderland. Northumbria Police is appealing for witnesses after the collision at 5.17pm on Thursday (August 27) outside Sainsbury's store southbound exit on Riverside Road
IN August 1915, the Darlington and Stockton Times published a lengthy account written by Sergeant John George Teasdale, a Darlington teacher, of how his battalion of the Durham Light Infantry had been all but wiped out at Ypres. He was a member
AN art charity is challenging the public to create edible dishes inspired by their favourite works of art to raise money for museums and galleries. The ArtFund is asking the public either to hold a bake sale or coffee morning to raise money, or
SUNSHINE and smiles accompanied a special event at one of the region’s top sporting venues today (August 27). Sedgefield Racecourse hosted the Roflow Ladies Evening in support of the Great North Air Ambulance and environmental engineering company, Roflow
COUNTY Durham residents are being asked to vote for their favourite beauty spot in a national competition.Six parks, which are managed and maintained by Durham County Council, are in the running to be crowned Britain’s Best Park in Keep Britain Tidy’s
A FORMER bodyguard of Tony Blair, accused of a large-scale benefits fraud, tried to commit suicide three times, a jury has heard.Vaughan Dodds, of Langley Moor, in Durham, attended day three of his trial at Teesside Crown Court today (August 27).The 45
A MAN amassed a large collection of indecent images of children, over a period of more than six years, a court heard.But Steven David Gray’s interest in children being sexually abused came to light after police searched his home and removed computer equipment
NEW pupils at an 'outstanding' County Durham nursery are looking forward to an exciting new year of learning.Nursery Time, in Willington, Crook was recently praised by education watchdog, OFSTED and plans to continue the good work under the watchful eye
TWO men and a woman have appeared in court this morning (Thursday, August 27) following an investigation into alleged blackmail.Paul Frain, 47, of North Road, Wingate; Subtain Mohsan Shah, 45, of Front Street West, Wingate and Lisa Dixon, 44, of Coronation
A VETERAN of the Second World War marked his 90th birthday with a particularly special gift - a medal from Vladimir Putin.Ken Barron, from Darlington, received the commemorative medal in recognition of his service as part of the Arctic Convoys, which
FOUR young kick-boxers have qualified for a world championship.Kyle Chester, Rhys Pipes and Ryan Quinn, all 11, and 12-year-old Ryan Lister will all compete at the World Kickboxing and Karate Association’s Unified World Championships in Benidorm, Spain
A WOMAN has admitted neglect after leaving her newborn baby son on a doorstep. Leigh-Anne Varley has been charged in relation to abandoning the baby in Horden, near Peterlee, in County Durham. A baby wrapped in a bundle of dressing gowns was
A TOWN council is set to spend almost £600,000 updating its buildings including community centres and sports facilities.Spennymoor Town Council has approved a three-year programme of works to keep 12 buildings in a good state and so it can budget long-term
A CAMPAIGN to abolish Tees Valley and reclaim Teesside has met with a mixed response.Teesside Together was launched today (Thursday) and while some council leaders have spoken publicly of their support for Tees Valley it has been a different story with
CASH prizes and trophies will be up for grabs for the best growers, bakers and creators at a village's traditional annual show this weekend.Cornforth Annual Village Show will be held at Cornforth Community Centre, on Sunday, August 30 and Monday, August
A THUG seen violently attacking a wild goose is being hunted by the RSPCA. The man was spotted kicking the frightened bird outside the Lowther pub on the King’s Staith by the River Ouse in York. The attack took place just after midnight on
A TOUCHING tribute to a Darlington teacher floated across the skies to Devon recently.Last week saw more than a thousand colourful balloons rise over Darlington, released in honour of inspirational teacher Michael McMonigle, known as Mr Mac.Days later
FUNDRAISERS are spearheading a campaign to ensure emergency treatment is provided for anyone who suffers a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest.The Rotary Club of Newton Aycliffe has raised money to buy a Public Access Defibrillator and also plan to
THE boss of a North Yorkshire software company is encouraging young people to consider a career in technology by launching an internship.Graham Anderson, founder of OpenCRM, based in Richmondshire, is offering work experience to young people who may have
A NORTH-EAST police force has warned against lottery scammers. Darlington Police took to social media to raise awareness of fraudsters attempting to trick people into believing they've won the lottery. The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau
A REVIEW has been launched of transport in the North-East.The study, by the North East Combined Authority’s overview and scrutiny committee, will investigate how available and access public transport is and any problems people face getting to and from
A POPULAR performing arts school for children will return for the new term next month.Middlesbrough Town Hall Performing Arts offers students a unique opportunity to work, develop and increase skills in acting, voice work, singing, dancing and movement
PLANS to turn the former Guisborough Register Office into a pub will be debated next week.Giant pub chain Wetherspoons want to turn the building into the pub at a cost of £1.4m which could lead to the creation of 50 new jobs.The pub chain would also extend
A FORMER Tory MP who was deselected after a long-running feud with her constituency association and ex-Foreign Secretary William Hague have been handed peerages by David Cameron. Some leading Conservatives in North Yorkshire said while former Richmond
A MAN who abandoned a machete in the home of a stranger was jailed after his account of the incident was questioned by a judge. Forty-year-old Neil Mundy was given the 14-month prison sentence at Durham Crown Court after admitting a charge of possessing
DARLINGTON snatched defeat from the jaws of a decent draw on Tuesday in the torrential rain at Workington. Having weathered the storm both on and off the pitch, we were looking good for a point, but one misplaced pass and a quality finish saw us return
A RESCUE service for Great Danes has received official charity status, which its owner hopes will put an end to concerns it was not a legitimate organisation. Andrew Smith, from Saltburn, launched TJ Danes Rescue last year to rescue and rehome the animals
A NEWLY formed branch of the Green Howards Association is looking for former servicemen to join their ranks.Meeting every third Friday of the month, the Hartlepool group is also open The Yorkshire Regiment as well as any other 'old soldier'.Branch spokesman
A SINGER from Darlington could follow in the footsteps of the likes of Leona Lewis and Alexandra Burke after successfully auditioning for the X Factor. The popular ITV show returns for its 12th series this Saturday and Katie Coleman of Middleton
BREWING students have beaten more experienced professionals to a best beer award.Six students from the Brewlab in Sunderland won the Battle of the Beers contest at the 35th Durham Beer Festival with their creation Mannekin Wit IPA.The students hail from
A RARE and valuable wooden replica of a classic car has been lovingly restored by North-East experts.Specialists at the Furniture Clinic, based in Burnopfield, County Durham, repaired the 1:1 scale replica Mercedes Gullwing, which weighs two tonnes and
A NEW approach is set to be taken to the repair and maintenance of headstones in Middlesbrough cemeteries.The move follows recent issues with memorials that had become unsafe, and is designed to ensure the safety of members of the public.At a meeting
THE public are being offered a glimpse of the ancient skills that help preserve and maintain 800-year-old York Minster.The cathedral’s stoneyard is opening its doors on September 11 as part of the national Heritage Open Days scheme.Visitors will be able
THE organiser behind the postponed Skylive Airshow due to take place at Durham Tees Valley Airport (DTVA) on Saturday has responded to frustrations being aired by angry ticket holders. It was announced last night (Wednesday) that the airshow has
COMPLEX negotiations are underway to agree the future governance of Yorkshire with rival bids set to battle it out for devolved powers and funding.Council leaders in North Yorkshire have stepped in to prevent areas of the county joining devolution plans
A WOMAN celebrating her 100th birthday has enjoyed a party at her Richmond care home with family.Jane Ann Potts, known as Jenny, spent the day at her home, Nightingale Hall Care Home, Richmond, with daughter Ann Potts.Mrs Potts was born in Eighton Banks
A TECHNOLOGY firm has revealed £5.5m expansion plans. Filtronic aims to strengthen its market standing by leaving the London Stock Exchange’s main market and switching to the Alternative Investment Market (AIM). The company says the move will
I OFTEN hear people saying they didn't realise that Bishop Auckland had a mayor, but I am delighted to see the work that the current mayor, Lee Brownson, has been doing, and the contribution he has been making, over these last few months.I'm not sure
A SECOND public meeting to discuss an opencast plan will be held next week.Hargreaves Surface Mining says digging up to 514,000 tonnes of coal and 83,000 tonnes of fireclay from a 56-hectare site known as Field House, between Pittington and West Rainton
A DUTCH drug courier caught at a North-East ferry port with £7m worth of cannabis in the back of his lorry has been jailed.Driver Angelo Javier Raaijmakers was stopped with 1.2 tonnes of the drug hidden underneath bark chippings in his lorry when it arrived
A CLASSIC whodunit is coming to Durham’s Gala Theatre next month (September 14-19).A touring production of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap will visit the Gala for a six-night run from September 14 to 19. The ever-popular murder mystery originally opened
CYCLISTS young and old enjoyed an array of activities as the annual Local Motion Mega Festival took over Darlington’s market square once more.The event, which ran from 11am until 4pm on Wednesday, August 26, and will again on Thursday, aims to promote
BUSINESS owners are being given the chance to set up shop at Darlington station, as part of an initiative to help independent retailers.The pilot initiative launches at Darlington station today (Thursday August 27) and continues on three other dates over
ICONIC cars from the past will be converging on North Yorkshire next month.The Ryedale Folk Museum at Hutton-le-Hole is revving up for its annual Morris Minor car rally on September 6.The rally, organised by the Yorvik Morris Minor Club, is back at the
AITOR KARANKA has insisted that there is no disagreement with Albert Adomah, despite the winger handing in a shock transfer request on Thursday. Adomah did not start against his old club Bristol City on Saturday, and was left out of the squad that
WORK by some of the UK’s finest contemporary painters, printmakers and photographers are due to be unveiled to the public in Ripon Cathedral.Over the past two days, the team behind an art show has been undertaking the mammoth task of hanging more than
A PROFFESSIONAL musician who made a come-back after being struck down with a paralysing disease is now looking for a violinist to join his band.Phil Graham, of Bishop Auckland spent ten months in James Cook University Hospital from October, 2013 to August
A CITY’S high-flying female footballers have been invited to join the party as a new civic focal point is formally opened on Bank Holiday Monday (August 31).Various civic officials and guests will be in attendance at the launch party for Keel Square,
A BAND is promising musical rewards in return for donations towards their next album.Black Nevada, a County Durham-based alternative rock band, have launched an online fundraising bid on the Kickstarter website, which aims to attract financial backing
A COUNCIL has turned to eagles and hawks to protect families trying to enjoy a city park from angry gulls.Sunderland City Council has deployed the birds of prey at its flagship Mowbray Park, after a summer of complaints of aggressive gulls harassing and
A SERIES of special biker safety events are to be held in North Yorkshire as part of the National Police Chiefs Council Motorcycle Week of Action.Starting on Bank Holiday Monday and continuing throughout the week, BikeSafe events will take place in a
ORGANISERS have hailed a three-month exhibition featuring Durham Cathedral’s unique issue of Magna Carta as a summer success.Officials say by the time the show closes on Monday (August 31), almost 25,000 people will have been through the doors, generating
A SHOW celebrating the life of the legendary entertainer Tommy Cooper is playing at Darlington Civic Theatre on September 24. West End star Daniel Taylor takes the lead in The Tommy Cooper Show which features a talented supporting cast and classic Cooper
A NEW effort has been launched to try and reduce the number of young drivers killed or injured on the roads of North Yorkshire.The scheme, known as the Honest Truth, has been designed to tackle anti-social driving habits before they develop.Road safety
MICHAEL WOODS is a big injury concern for Hartlepool United for Saturday’s game with Carlisle. The influential midfielder picked up an ankle knock in Tuesday’s Capital One Cup defeat to Bournemouth and is rated a doubt. Bradley Walker, his
SNOOKER   WORTHINGTON CIU Summer League Sherburn Village produced their best performance of the season when they beat the high flying visitors from Newton Aycliffe. The Villagers took the first three frames with wins
POOL   NATIONAL C.I.U. Quarter Final Michael Burke became the second player from Crook Belle Vue Club to reach the semi finals after he beat the visiting Peter Quinn of Brafield-on-the-Green Club, Northants in the best
GAMES   C.I.U. GAMES League A maximum darts win over the visiting Darlington took Tindale Crescent eight points clear with a game in hand, whilst Byers Green retained second place after only dropping one point to the
DOMINOES   CROOK & District League First Division results (Captains’ in brackets); Crown A 4 (1) King’s Head B 3; Travellers Rest B 3 Howden Australian 4 (1); Mill House A 5 (1) Mill House B 2. First
DARTS   COUNTY SUPER League The new season opened with 18 teams, four of which were new. The newcomers recorded two wins and two defeats – the two Ferryhill teams were beaten, whilst Byers Green Club and Shotton Comrades
QUOITS   ZETLAND LEAGUE                   Barnard Castle Quoits Club retained the League Championship Trophy after their five points victory at Barningham
BOWLS   DARLINGTON FINALS                   Finals Day was held at Woodland Bowling Club, the home of League President, Tom Vout, with the finals organisation
Viv Hardwick talks to Darlington’s Matt Corner about getting his biggest break so far in musicals DARLINGTON’S Matt Corner can be forgiven for wanting to sing Oh What A Night as he takes his first starring role as Frankie Valli in the tour of Jersey
Certificate: 15 Running Time: 147 mins Star Rating: 4/5 WHENEVER Hollywood immortalises pages from history at 24 frames per second, it's wise to treat each lustrous dramatisation with a pinch of salt. Rigorous factual accuracy is often
Ian Anderson reveals to Martin Hutchinson why he decided to turn Jethro Tull into an opera FOR decades, Ian Anderson has been known as Jethro Tull, and that's not surprising because he is the singer, songwriter and producer of their impressive
BERNICE starts to think Lawrence really is attracted to her in Emmerdale (ITV), but their budding romance could be put on the backburner when a handsome stranger named Connor arrives at Home Farm, supposedly because he's interested in the Enterprise
Approaching 60, with butter ads and a stint in the celebrity jungle now on his CV, is John Lydon still as outspoken and unruly as ever? Andy Welch talks opinions, humour and the joy of working with people you like IT'S unlikely you could find a
Zac Efron plays an aspiring DJ in We Are Your Friends. He tells Shereen Low about making the film LEANING forward and gesturing excitedly, his sparkling blue eyes twinkling, Zac Efron is talking about "pushing buttons and fiddling knobs". But
IT’S still a quiet time around the folk scene, so it's a good chance to catch up on what’s happening with some of our local artists. Award-winning combo The Young Uns are just back from Canada. As usual, they thrilled audiences over there, much as
Chris Lloyd found the Fox and Hounds in Neasham a good port in a thunderstorm A THUNDERSTORM broke over the garden on Saturday evening, bringing the digging to an early end as the hailstones forced a rapid retreat inside. But there was still enough
A MOTORIST has been taken to hospital after a car overturned in a high street smash. A black Toyota IQ turned onto its roof after colliding with a white Renault Clio on High Street, Carrville, Durham, at about 9.30am today. A woman was freed
AMEC Foster Wheeler has reported a dip in pre-tax profit in the first half of 2015 as market conditions remained challenging, but the company said it is confident it can meet full-year expectations.The oil and gas services company, which has offices in
A PORT operator will welcome the largest ever vessels to its base under a new deal.PD Ports, which operates Teesport, says global shipping line, K-Line, will run a service to the region from Japan.Bosses say the route, starting in September, will use
THREE men and a woman are to appear before magistrates in Peterlee this morning following an investigation into alleged blackmail. Officers visited a number of addresses mainly in the Wingate, Station Town and Thornley areas shortly after 7.30pm
TEENAGE quick Matt Fisher has urged his Yorkshire team-mates to take responsibility and not rely on the county’s England players when they take on Essex today.The Vikings tackle the Eagles at Chelmsford in the Royal London one-day Cup quarter-final, starting
Stephen Fry in Central America (ITV, 9pm)CUE the On The Buses music, because our love affair with presenter Stephen Fry continues as he boards a decommissioned yellow US school bus to take on hot air balloons, zip wires, pinata-smashing and swimming with
WITH his first team future looking increasingly insecure, Phil Mustard has another chance to keep himself in the shop window in the Second XI Trophy final today.All hope of silverware for the first team has gone, but Durham seconds can win their 50-over
SUNDERLAND are hoping to sign Jonathan de Guzman and Ola Toivonen before Tuesday’s transfer deadline, although talks for both players remain difficult to successfully resolve. Black Cats sporting director Lee Congerton has been in discussions with
IT is something of a cliché to suggest that a player returning from a long-term injury is “like a new signing”, but in the case of Newcastle United midfielder Siem de Jong, the phrase could hardly be more apt. This time last year, de Jong was a
A NORTH-EAST airshow due to be attended by 10,000 people on Saturday has been postponed for nine months following the vintage jet crash which killed at least 11 people in Sussex at the weekend, it was announced tonight. Skylive 2015 at Durham Tees
A DOG walker was airlifted to hospital on Wednesday after being trampled by cows in the Yorkshire Dales. The 55-year-old man, believed to be local, was injured in Redmire, near Leyburn, at about 5pm. It is understood that his dog was found
A POLICE force hit by racism allegations is facing another legal fight after three officers launched claims of discrimination. Three officers of different ranks - including one senior policeman - have lodged employment tribunal claims against Cleveland
A FATHER has told of the terrifying moment his car collided with an ambulance answering an emergency call. Craig Parkin was with his five-year-old daughter, Katy, when their Vauxhall Zafira and a St John Ambulance collided in Tantobie, near Stanley
A MOTHER says she has been overwhelmed by the kindness of friends and strangers who have helped her replace her son's stolen car. Aaron Forsyth's Citroen Saxo was stolen and then written off last week in Colburn, North Yorkshire. His mother
A CAMPAIGN has been launched to reclaim the name Teesside and eradicate the made up region of the Tees Valley. The team behind TeessideTogether believe the area is suffering an identity crisis and are determined to put Teesside back on the map
A CAR mounted the pavement and hit a man, dragging him along a wall by his leg, before driving off, in what was believed to be a targeted attack. Police are appealing for information after the 29-year-old man was hit by the car as he was walking
