STUDENTS at the Apollo Studio Academy in Peterlee were all smiles as they became some of the first people to pass their qualifications in the brand-new school.The Year 13s celebrated a clean sweep of their BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Health and
THE RACING calendar in September has been full to bursting. For those still feeling the post-GNR blues, here are some of the highlights from the remainder of an incredible month for our members. On the roads… As many of our clubmates were hell-bent
DAVID Land is running late for a meeting.He’s just left the site of a £10m development aimed at delivering the region’s workers of tomorrow.The South Durham University Technical College, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, will open next year, with the
CHANCELLOR George Osborne has vowed to push on with plans to build his Northern Powerhouse - but hinted parts of the much-vaunted drive may not work. Mr Osborne made the admission at the Conservative party conference, hailing Tory plans to deliver
CHINA’S economic slowdown and increasingly cautious consumers have forced the services sector into a two-and-a-half year low.A new report suggests growth in the industry dropped to levels not seen since April 2013 last month.According to the Markit/CIPS
THE fires of Redcar’s coke ovens are still burning as talks continue to keep Teesside’s industrial flames alight. Eleventh-hour negotiations between Hargreaves Services and the official receiver of Redcar’s closed steelworks took place tonight
A CHEMICAL firm has secured a patent for a groundbreaking project.High Force Research (HFR) has been granted the rights for new stem cell work, jointly developed with Durham University.HFR, based in Bowburn, near Durham City, has long provided services
THE world’s largest private label ice cream maker is in talks to create a joint venture with Nestlé. R&R Ice Cream, in Leeming Bar, near Bedale, North Yorkshire, says it is in advanced discussions over a European and African-based ice cream
THE fires of Redcar’s coke ovens are still burning as talks continue to keep Teesside’s industrial flames alight.Eleventh-hour negotiations between Hargreaves Services and the official receiver of Redcar’s closed steelworks took place tonight (Monday,
A HEAD teacher has welcomed the introduction of part-time 20mph limits outside her school.Durham County Council is rolling out peak-time 20mph limits around 33 schools and today (Monday, October 5), the first came into force – at St Cuthbert’s Primary
THE introduction of the 5p plastic carrier bag charge yesterday seemed to pass peacefully yesterday, despite the dire predictions of high street chaos and retail armageddon. There are certain sections of the legislation that are hazy, but it is
THE appearance of Shildon town centre was highlighted by members of the community as an issue which needs addressing.Shildon Chamber of Trade, which re-constituted themselves 18-months ago, recently held their first public meeting to inform the community
A YOUNG drug-taker twice helped an undercover police officer in his quest for heroin, a court was told.As a known drug user, Jack Birkett was approached by the officer to help pinpoint where he could find someone to supply him with heroin, in Chester-le-Street.Durham
A CYCLIST suffered serious head injuries after being hit by a truck on Teesside. The man was taken to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough following the incident at about 7.30am on Monday morning in Billingham. Police closed the
I'VE done some strange things in my 35 years on regional papers - but persuading a Dalek to promote my paper ranks amongst the strangest. The Dalek was at Darlington Civic Theatre at the weekend to help promote "An Evening With Mark Gatiss".
A TRAIN operator has apologised and pledged to learn lessons after mishandling a customer complaint following a major delay on the East Coast Mainline. Wulf Veldasson, from Darlington, was one of hundreds of passengers caught up in lengthy delays
EFFORTS to reunite a 93-year-old Bomber Command veteran with a cherished set of war medals have so far been unsuccessful.Donald Nicholson, from Houghton-le-Spring, near Sunderland, was attending the unveiling of a Bomber Command memorial spire, in Lincoln
A SCHOOLBOY has climbed England’s highest mountain in a bid to help keep children safe.Seven-year-old Ben Robertson’s ascent of Scafell Pike in the Lake District raised £750 to buy every primary school in County Durham and Darlington a book about personal
A DOG walker is doing sponsored walks for a month to raise money to help send a child with cancer on the holiday of her dreams.Cath Magee, who runs Wags and Walks in Willington, County Durham, is doing sponsored dog walks throughout October to support
A MAN has appeared in court charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving after two teenagers were found on the ‘Black Path’ in Stockton. Michael Edward Gatenby did not enter any pleas to four charges when he appeared from custody at
THE Cycling Minister has rejected NHS advice that riders should always wear helmets, saying he often doesn't and that it should be a matter of choice. Whitby MP Robert Goodwill has told a Conservative conference fringe meeting that while he always
A FAMILY who organised a large-scale event in aid of two charities were stunned to find out a mystery donor had doubled the total they raised.The Race family, from Welbury, near Northallerton, North Yorkshire held a hog roast, dance and auction for 600
A PROJECT designed to sell second hand furniture as well as provide employment has celebrated its first year of business.Since its opening, Re:Furnish has clocked up 6,000 sales as well as delivering packages of furniture to people in need referred by
A NEWLY refurbished gym in north Durham has been revealed to members. The Lifestyle Fitness gym at The Louisa Centre, Stanley, has recently undergone a period of refurbishment.It is part of a Durham County Council project to update the leisure facilities
A CELEBRATION of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender life is set to take over Middlesbrough town centre when the Spectrum Community Pride event comes to town.The day long event gets under way with a bright breakfast at the new Middlesbrough Community
A BID to keep the fires burning in the coke ovens of Redcar’s closed steelworks is still alive. A last-minute plan by County Durham’s Hargreaves Services is being pored over by official receivers. It means the coke ovens are continuing to burn
YOUNGSTERS have started their sex education with a twist at one County Durham primary school.That’s after pupils at Ingleton C of E Primary School, in Ingleton, Teesdale, were given a flour ‘baby’ to look after as part of their science lessons.About 20
A RARE honour has been awarded to five residents of a small North Yorkshire community who are now entitled to herd sheep or march troops in full colour through their village – should they so wish.The Freedom of the Parish of Sessay, near Thirsk, has been
A FREE training course in internet skills will take place later this week (Wednesday, October 7).Time to Get Online will be held at Bowburn Community Centre, Bowburn, County Durham on Wednesday, October 7 from 10am to noon. Participants will get help
A LAW suit has been lodged after a worker at a sausage roll factory was allegedly sacked due to gastric problems. Rich Clem was dismissed from the company in New Jersey because of his excessive flatulence and his wife is now claiming unfair dismissal
A CHARITY shop is appealing to supporters to donate furniture to help fund its work with animals.Staff and volunteers at the Chester-le-Street branch of the veterinary charity PDSA are asking for good-quality furniture with a fire warning label in exchange
IT was fruit and vegetables galore on Friday (October 2), as two primary schools celebrated their harvest festivals.Victoria Lane Academy, in Coundon, marked the event with a service at Saint James’ Church, which saw the year six pupils donate their gifts
ORGANISERS of two new trail races in the North York Moors National Park say they hope the events will offer a fresh perspective on the protected area.The park's authority and the Hardmoors Race Series will stage the 10k Turnpike Trot for runners aged
AN amateur actress has won a national award.Eileen Glenton won the President’s Cup from the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) for her portrayal of Norma Desmond in the Durham Musical Theatre Company (DTMC) production of Andrew Lloyd Webber
A HEARTBROKEN daughter who lost her father to mesothelioma in January has set up the only support group for asbestos-related diseases in County Durham and Tees Valley.Samantha Cox and her sister-in-law Lucy Reynoldson, both from Newton Aycliffe, will
ELLIS SHORT has been here before. Once again the Sunderland owner is looking to appoint another new manager, or head coach if that is the route they want to go down for the third time. Short has already worked with seven different ones over the
A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm after a teenager suffered serious head and eye injuries in an unexplained incident outside a school. Steven Gill, 17, was found on a pathway outside Normanby Primary School, Middlesbrough
TWO sports projects in the North-East will get a share of hundreds of thousands of pounds of National Lottery funding.The money comes as Sport England relaxed the rules for its Community Sport Activation Fund to enable less well-off communities to apply
A CELEBRATION of autumn produce is taking place at a visitor attraction, where people can go on a guided “fungi foray” and pick up other tips for turning seasonal vegetables into a harvest feast.Next weekend the RHS garden Harlow Carr, at Harrogate, will
FUSION reactors, which some say could deliver sustainable and clean energy, could become an economically viable method of generating electricity within decades, according to new research. Research conducted by Durham University with the Culham Centre
A MAN has been arrested after a motorcyclist was killed in a collision in the Yorkshire Dales.The incident happened at about noon on Saturday, October 3, on the A65 at the Courtyard, Cleatop, near Settle and led to the road being closed for five hours
TICKETS are on sale for a charity auction raising money for a young mother who has terminal cervical cancer.An evening of entertainment takes place at the Big Club, in Newton Aycliffe, on November 13, in aid of the Jade and Oscar’s Angels charity, set-up
DICK ADVOCAAT has revealed that Sunderland asked him to take charge for one last time after confirming to the club last week that he had decided to leave. The Dutchman officially stood down as the Black Cats head coach on Sunday, just 24 hours
DARLINGTON has enjoyed a long weekend of community creativity as an award-winning theatre festival returned to the town.Providing entertainment and fun, the fifth Jabberwocky Market is a market like no other, a festival of world-class theatre performances
A DARLINGTON early years education provider is to hold an open day. Gurney Pease Academy, in Dodsworth Street, will open its doors on Tuesday, October 20. The event will enable parents and carers of children approaching school age to visit
MORE than 800 businesses across Hambleton district are being given the chance to have their say over the future growth of the area's £1.5bn economy. Company bosses are being canvassed for their opinions and suggestions in a survey of every business
RESIDENTS of a constituency being lined up for numerous fracking operations are being invited to question the regulators who would oversee the controversial energy production method. Thirsk and Malton MP Kevin Hollinrake has organised a public
"MAJOR concerns" have been voiced over plans to end intensive care services for babies at a Teesside hospital.The North East Joint Health scrutiny committee is considering a report which recommends the intensive care baby unit at University
PEOPLE in the North-East have been given more time to have their say on public transport.The North East Combined Authority (Neca) is carrying out out a review of accessibility and availability of public transport in its area, which covers County Durham
POLICE are appealing for witnesses following an alleged arson attack in Sunderland.Emergency services were called to reports of a fire at a house in Appleby Square at 5.04am yesterday (Sunday, October 4).Officers were at the scene to assist the fire service
TWO teenage decorators are brushing up on their painting skills in readiness for a national contest.Ryan Chamberlain and Gemma Chizary, both 19, are through to the final of Crown Paints’ Crown Trade Apprentice Decorator of the Year competition, which
FIVE youths have been spoken to in relation to a barn fire in Willington last week. The fire started at about 7pm last Monday, September 29, at Burn Farm, on the outskirts of Willington in County Durham. About 300 tonnes of hay and straw was
CAMPAIGNERS trying to get a historic landmark lit up in time for Christmas are hopeful their festive wishes will come true this year.Barnard Castle residents, alongside the town council, have been pushing a project to light up the Market Cross, near the
Darlington RA's reward for their Vase win against Hall Road Rangers on Saturday is an away tie at Team Northumbria in the first round proper on October 31. There are three other all ENL ties, with Newton Aycliffe going to Chester-Le-Street, Durham
A CAREERS event tailored especially for those moving from the Armed Forces to civilian life will take place this month.British Forces Resettlement Services (BFRS) is a social enterprise focused on helping military personnel and veterans through their
PROPOSALS to create a new independent community council for a north Durham village are gathering pace with the next stage of consultation beginning. Residents of Pelton Fell, near Chester-le-Street, will be asked whether they support plans to form the
AN art group is hoping to attract new members after being awarded a grant of more than £1,800 from a housing association.The Chester-le-Street Art Society meets weekly and holds regular exhibitions but has found that its membership has dwindled in recent
A WOMAN has been arrested on suspicion of arson following a fire at a property in which three people, including a five-year-old child, were sleeping. The people in the house were awoken by the smell of burning as a result of the incident on Troutpool
IT IS laughable to hear Tim Farron, the new Lib Dem leader, claim that his party is now the only real opposition to the Tories. At the General Election in May, the Lib Dems were reduced to eight MPs and thrown out of government. At the moment
NOW hear my side about the Woodham community centre article by Lizzie Anderson (Echo, Sept 24). Yes, it is good news for people who use it and I welcome it as it's good for the village. They put up lights on the building which I have to bear
LISTENING to and reading the comments on the steel crisis, especially on Teesside, one can understand the frustrations of several commentators. The writing has been on the wall for several months for the Redcar blast furnace at Redcar. Hence
STEEL production on Teesside, whoever owns it, is part of a global industry which, like others, can reach a crisis point if more is produced than sold on the market. SSI has debts and owes money, no doubt in the expectation that it will be able
FOUR years ago, Bashar al-Assad faced peaceful protesters demanding democracy, freedom of speech, and an end to his vicious oppression. Assad responded in his usual way – he made conciliatory noises, while ordering his security forces to shoot, arrest
REGARDING the flood of refugees coming to Europe, I say “no”. To the people who want to welcome them I say: "If you want these immigrants in our country, or your home, well get on with it – I don’t." Women, children and the elderly most definitely
THE emissions fraud at Volkswagen is not just an almighty financial scandal. There are costs to health. As everybody knows, the tampering with Volkswagen’s software to falsify its emissions concerns diesel fuel. The science writer Matt Ridley estimates
THE pheasant shooting season is now underway. But please don’t be fooled by starry-eyed descriptions of happy birds roaming freely before being shot ‘for the pot’. Half of the 35 million birds released every year by shooting estates come from
THE PASSING of Denis Healey at the age of 98 marks the end of an era for the Labour Party.Often called 'the greatest Labour Prime Minister we never had' (an epithet he shared with John Smith), Healey was a big figure in every sense - intellectually, politically
AS an ambassador for the Butterwick Hospice, I'd been kept closely informed in recent months about the deterioration in the health of founder Mary Butterwick. So, when the call came on Wednesday evening to confirm that Mary had passed away peacefully
As her memoir is published, Great British Bake Off presenter Sue Perkins talks to Hannah Stephenson about fertility challenges, the pros of counselling and why life needs more meaning BEING the famously private person she is, it's surprising that
As detective drama Lewis gets set to return, Gemma Dunn catches up with actress Angela Griffin and discovers how she learned to run in heels SHE'S been a familiar face on British television since the early Nineties, and English actress Angela Griffin
Even if you support top-flight football teams, following a local side could benefit your wellbeing. Keeley Bolger reports COMMUNITY is in the eye of the beholder, but, for me, there was no better representation of mine than the big-hearted send-off
THE company behind an 11th hour offer to save part of the steel operations at Redcar will “wind down operations with immediate effect” unless a deal is struck. In an update to the London Stock Exchange this morning, Hargreaves Services said it
She’s amassed millions of video views and become a font of beauty knowledge, now Fleur de Force has launched her own make-up range. Katie Wright chats to the vlogging star SHE may not be a household name (yet), but on the internet, the girl known
Ridley Scott's new sci-fi movie might boast a world-class ensemble of supporting actors, but Matt Damon is 'the Martian'. He tells Susan Griffin why the prospect of carrying a film left him more than a little nervous MATT DAMON has been deserted
Are you dying for a ‘dislike’ button on Facebook? Mark Zuckerberg says the ‘like’ thumb will soon have a companion, but don’t be fooled by a scam, warns Katie Wright WHAT would you most like to 'dislike' on Facebook? The political opinions of your
Equus leather goods ooze quality and are in demand worldwide, yet are created by craftsmen in a tiny Teesdale workshop. Jenny Needham reports LUXURY means different things to different people. Charlie and Dawn Trevor, who create top quality leather
Unlikely as it seems, a project involving hens is giving pensioners – or should that be hensioners? – a new lease of life. Sarah Millington reports ELLA Armstrong sits clutching a striped fabric hen, her face the picture of delight. She decorated
This is a perfect time to make additions or changes to a shrub border I DO enjoy this time of year; the slowing of the season makes everything feel a little calmer, as though prompting us to pause a moment to fully appreciate the wonderful colours
The UK’s experienced a restaurant revolution. So why haven’t the Greek Islands? HAVING recently returned from a holiday in the Greek Islands, I realise that it’s unlikely that you’ll encounter someone telling you that they go to Greece for a gourmet
From banning presents to making big savings, follow these tips on festive finance NO, we do not want Christmas songs, goods or fairy lights in September, or October, or even November. Christmas is on December 25 and that’s where it should stay.
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a cyclist was found with serious injuries on the Buttertubs Pass in the Yorkshire Dales. At around 11.40am on Sunday morning a passing motorist came across the injured cyclist lying in the road about 3km
POLICE are hunting a gang of youths who attacked a dog and then turned on its owner. The incident happened in Stanley, County Durham, between 11.30am and 12.15 pm on Sunday. A man was walking his dog on the pathways behind Iceland which leads
THE REGION’S biggest and oldest book festival returns tomorrow (Tuesday, October 6), with Philip Pullman, Bill Bryson and Lauren Laverne among the top names lined up. The 2015 Durham Book Festival will also feature ‘Queen of Shops’ Mary Portas
SAM ALLARDYCE would want assurances that cash was available for squad investment in January if Sunderland are to stand any chance of persuading him to succeed Dick Advocaat at the Stadium of Light. The Contenders: Who should get the Sunderland
A MISERABLE day for Darlington saw them pushed into unfamiliar territory with a third successive home defeat, and Alan While exacerbated the problems by being sent off for shoving a linesman. At the end of a game in which he had conceded Marine
SAVING the best until last moved Dick Advocaat to tears on his final appearance at the Stadium of Light. Such a vibrant performance from Sunderland was not enough to give Advocaat an elusive first Premier League win of the season before his departure
TWELVE months ago yesterday Colin Cooper walked away from Hartlepool United. A lot has changed since then, a lot has stayed the same. Pools lost by three goals to Carlisle to see off their former manager. They lost by three goals on Saturday too. One
MANAGER Aitor Karanka was warned his Middlesbrough players to start listening or risk paying the price after a goal conceded within seconds of kick-off at Reading helped condemn them to defeat. The Royals are building a reputation for being strong
WHEN in the presence of sheer brilliance, it is sometimes the best policy to hold your hands up and admit you had no chance.Hyperbole is the preserve of the football writer. A club can be in crisis one week and heading for the title the next. The truth
STEVE MCCLAREN has warned his Newcastle United players that they need to display a fighting mentality if they are to avoid a relegation battle this season. The Magpies’ 6-1 defeat at Manchester City placed McClaren’s side at the foot of the Premier
LAW-breaking letting agencies could face fines of up to £5,000 as a result of an investigation by a local authority. The Northern Echo has learnt that Darlington Borough Council has served formal notice on a number of letting and property management
SHOPPERS face a 5p charge for plastic carrier bags from today as part of a Government scheme to reduce litter and protect wildlife. The scheme in England, the last part of the UK to bring in bag charging, will require shoppers at all supermarkets
THE 162 coke ovens at Redcar's closed steelworks will burn out this morning and be lost forever unless a County Durham coal company can strike an 11th-hour rescue deal, The Northern Echo understands. The last-minute plan by Hargreaves Services
MICHAEL WOODS admitted he was as frustrated as anyone as Hartlepool United crumbled against Luton. The midfielder, back in the side after a one-game suspension, was left deflated following Pools’ second heavy home defeat in a week. Luton netted
A UNIVERSITY debating group has coming under fire for using a picture of ISIS terrorists to publicise a debate about Islam’s relationship with the Western World. The Durham Union Society, at Durham University, is facing growing demands for a formal
A CAR that failed to stop for police collided with a number of other vehicles before hitting a 19-year-old man. At around 2am on Sunday morning the green Vauxhall Astra made off from police on Wilson Street in Middlesbrough. "Shortly following
A BOUTIQUE cinema operator has earmarked Durham City as the location for its first multi-screen cinema in the North-East, it has been revealed. The Everyman Group has agreed terms with the developer of Milburngate, which says it is also attracting
