Archive

  • Leonardo Da Vinci drawings on display in region this weekend

    A PRICELESS collection of artwork by Renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci is going on display in the North-East this Saturday.The show, Ten Drawings from the Royal Collection, premieres at the Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle and runs until April 24.The

  • Citroen body and a Maserati engine: what could go wrong?

    Marriages of convenience rarely last. The love affair between Citroen and Maserati was short, sharp but anything but sweet.It did however produce one worthwhile offspring: the Citroen SM. Less than 13,000 examples rolled off the production lines and those

  • Spennymoor road diversions planned for resurfacing work

    DRIVERS face a week of diversions when resurfacing of the A688 Spennymoor bypass starts this weekend. Work on the carriageway will begin on Saturday, February 13. Lanes will be closed while Rainton Construction carries out the resurfacing on behalf of

  • City facing £17k landfill tax bill after flooding

    A CITY working to recover from devastating floods is set to be hit with an increase in its landfill tax bill following mountains of wrecked goods being thrown out.City of York Council will have to pay £17,000 for the 210 tonnes of waste it collected by

  • Disqualified driver escapes another ban

    A FERRYHILL man has escaped another driving ban after being caught behind the wheel uninsured and whilst disqualified from driving.Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court heard today (Thursday, February 11) that Jason Catterall, 43, was banned from driving

  • Van driver took cannabis before driving, court hears

    A MOTORIST who got behind the wheel whilst under the influence of cannabis has been banned from driving for a year.Matthew Ellis, 29, of Foundry Street, Shildon pleaded guilty to driving whilst having cannabis in his system when he appeared at Newton

  • Man tried in vain to rescue mother-in-law from house fire

    DETAILS of a dramatic rescue attempt from a fierce house fire which left a much-loved grandmother dead have emerged, as investigations into the cause continue.Michael Morton risked his own life to rescue his mother-in-law, Valerie Merritt, who died in

  • Man suffers serious head injury in Darlington assault

    POLICE are appealing for four people to come forward after a man suffered a serious head injury in an assault in Darlington. The victim, a 28-year-old local man, was walking along Stanhope Road South at about 8.45pm on Friday, February 5, when

  • Tributes paid to colourful councillor

    EMOTIONAL tributes have been paid to a veteran councillor who died in January.Peter Spencer was a hugely popular member of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and today (Thursday, February 11) colleagues from all parties spoke glowingly of his distinctive

  • Finley Structures named Aycliffe Company of the Year

    A FAMILY steel firm has been recognised for a hugely successful year when it helped construct buildings for Hitachi and Nissan. Finley Structures was named Company of the Year at Aycliffe Business Park’s Make Your Mark awards ceremony, held at

  • Lonesome Lab looking for love

    LABRADOR Charlie is looking for love this Valentine’s Day after a lonesome year in the doghouse. Dogs Trust Darlington are hoping to find a home for Charlie, a five-year-old Labrador cross who was sent to the kennels a year ago when his former owner fell

  • Shopmobility service winding down in Middlesbrough

    A CHARITY which helps people to get around town is set to stop operating next month.Shopmobility provides a range of equipment including mobility scooters, wheelchairs, power chairs and crutches and has been operating in the town for 14 years.Opened in

  • Unanimous vote for council tax rise

    COUNCIL tax in one of North Yorkshire’s sprawling districts is to rise by 1.99 per cent.Members of Harrogate Borough Council, whose area includes Ripon and Masham, have unanimously voted for their first council tax rise in seven years.The move will mean

  • Mark Thomas on the march to Barnard Castle and Newcastle

    FONDLY referred to by the Metropolitan Police as "general rabble-rouser" and "alleged comedian", the very same Mark Thomas has found time over the past 12 months, in between his endless touring in both the UK and New Zealand, to create yet another

  • Flood-hit tourist attraction launches £2m fundraising drive

    A £2million fundraising campaign has been launched to restore a top tourist attraction, which is set to remain closed for another year after being deluged by floods. The York Archaeological Trust said it would promote Campaign Canute around the

  • Windows smashed in frustration by Shildon man owed money

    A SHILDON man who vented his frustration at not being let into a house by smashing its windows has appeared in court.Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court heard today (Thursday, February 11) that Ikie Mackinlay visited a house in Shildon on January 25 to

  • Stand-ups ready for Hartlepool's Hot Potato

    Stand-ups ready for Hartlepool's Hot PotatoHARTLEPOOL’S ever-popular Hot Potato Comedy Club has a new Saturday night season oat the Town Hall Theatre, on Raby Road.The comedy nights kick off on February 27, at 8pm, with Matt Reed hosting Andy Robinson

  • Food festival growing in success looks forward to its fifth year

    A FOOD festival which started on a shoestring budget is going from strength to strength as it approaches its fifth year.The Homegrown Food Festival in Northallerton will this year take place on Sunday, June 26 from 10am until 5pm at the Applegarth Park.Following

  • Coals to Newcastle? How about taking curry to India?

    IT may sound like the food equivalent of taking coals to Newcastle, but a North-East chef is taking his curries to India.Syed Zohorul Islam, the multi-award winning executive chef at The Capital restaurant, on Claypath, Durham City, has been chosen to

  • Sensational 60s show plays Billingham Forum Theatre

    Sensational 60s show plays Billingham Forum TheatreHERMAN’S Hermits, Chris Farlowe, Steve Ellis the voice of Love Affair, Union Gapuk and New Amen Corner with Alan Mosca from Freddie and The Dreamers as the host make up the latest Sensational 60s show

  • Double vodka led to court appearance for Darlington driver

    A CAR wash worker who drank a double vodka before driving has been sentenced in court.Oniga Nicosar, of Neasham Road, Darlington, pleaded guilty to drink driving at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court today (Thursday, February 11).Prosecutor Paul Power

  • Multi-million Nitro Circus prepares for Gateshead

    Multi-million Nitro Circus prepares for GatesheadTHE Nitro Circus’s cast of daredevils are heading for Gateshead International Stadium, in June, and will perform some of the most eye-catching choreographed riding routines ever in freestyle motocross

  • Hignett thanks Hartlepool chairman for his big chance

    NEW Hartlepool United manager Craig Hignett is determined to repay the faith invested in him. Pools chairman Gary Coxall handed Hignett his first managerial post on Wednesday evening, when he was appointed manager after Ronnie Moore was axed.

  • The Hummingbirds head for Newcastle

    The Hummingbirds head for NewcastleBORN and bred Liverpool five-piece The Hummingbirds have steadily been building a following in their home town on the Mersey with more than 30,000 followers on their social media platforms (YouTube/ Facebook/ Twitter

  • Devolution consultation deadline looms for Sunderland

    VOTERS in Sunderland have just a few days left to have their say on North-East devolution.The leaders of seven North-East councils, covering County Durham, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear, signed a devolution agreement with Chancellor George Osborne

  • 1.9% tax rise for Durham fire brigade

    HOUSEHOLDERS in County Durham and Darlington will have to pay 1.9 per cent more for their fire brigade next year.Members of the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Authority today (Thursday) agreed the rise for 2016-17, which will generate around

  • New Dean Susan will be Hart and soul of Durham business school

    A LEADING business school has appointed a new boss.Professor Susan Hart will take over as Dean of Durham University Business School in the summer.Prof Hart, who is currently associate deputy principal at Strathclyde University, will succeed Prof Rob Dixon

  • Lib Dems name Northumbria PCC candidate

    A LEADING councillor will challenge for a police commissioner role he wants to see scrapped.Dr Jonathan Wallace, leader of the opposition Liberal Democrat group on Gateshead Council, has been named the party’s candidate for the post of Northumbria Police

  • Middlesbrough defender will miss trip to Leeds United

    DANIEL AYALA is set to miss Middlesbrough's trip to Leeds United after Aitor Karanka insisted he won't rush the injured defender back into action.The 25-year-old sat out the 1-1 draw at MK Dons on Tuesday after being forced off with an ankle problem in

  • Woman injured after crash Reeth and Richmond

    POLICE closed the A6108 between Richmond and Reeth, in North Yorkshire, after a car crashed into a barrier. Police say a woman clipped a signpost and crashed into a barrier near the village of Downholme. The accident occurred at around 1pm

  • Bringing to book the library founder

    IT is ironic that Darlington council no longer feels that the ratepayers of the town can support a fully functioning library because back in the early days of libraries, the ratepayers of the town refused to allow their pennies to be spent on a public

  • From rasher with love

    ROSES made from bacon are being marketed as the perfect Valentine's gift. The meaty treats, which come in a gift-wrapped box, are the brainchild of bacon connoisseurs Logan Rae and Kimmie Hruda from Florida.  

  • Dozens of firefighters tackling blaze at Haverton Hill

    MORE than 50 firefighters from across the Teesside area are tackling a fire at Haverton Hill, near Stockton. The blaze broke out at a fertiliser company which employs hundreds of people at its Teesside base. CF Fertilisers, formerly Growhow

  • Big noise back in Newcastle

    TWENTY-FIVE years of Stomping around the globe still hasn’t blunted Fraser Harrison’s enthusiasm for the unexpected art of entertainment using dustbins, brooms, matchboxes and lighters.“It will be 25 years since we went to the Edinburgh Festival in August

  • Heart and (Brendan) Cole of dance in Darlington

    BRENDAN Cole is proud of the fact that he and Anton du Beke are "still going strong" in Strictly Come Dancing, having danced in every series for the past 13 years.As he prepares to bring his latest touring show, A Night To Remember, to Darlington

  • Fines dished out to Darlington litter louts

    THE following people were dealt with at Darlington Magistrates' Court yesterday in connection with littering offences – all addresses are in Darlington: * John Bennett, 43, of Aldbrough Walk, for dropping a cigarette end. The case was proved in

  • Alcohol licence approved for new store and garage

    A LICENCE has been granted to allow a recently approved village convenience store to sell alcohol. Permission to redevelop Greaves Garages, on Garbutts Lane in Hutton Rudby, near Stokesley, was granted by Hambleton District Council last year. The plans

  • Author inspires pupils to read for pleasure

    AN award-winning author has illustrated the fun side of books to youngsters as part of a school's drive to promote reading.North Yorkshire-based humourist Andy Seed visited Cundall Manor School, near Thirsk, where fellow writer Stephen Fry taught English

  • India, 13, is a runaway winner

    A SCHOOLGIRL’S passion for sport has secured her a major title.Barnard Castle School student India Pentland has been named Junior Girls County Cross Country Champion 2016.The 13-year-old, of Manfield, near Richmond, has enjoyed growing success for the

  • Volunteers create new bird hide in Teesdale

    BIRDS have a new hide in Teesdale thanks to a band of volunteers getting their hands dirty last week.The new bird hide was created at Bowlees Visitor Centre, in Newbiggin, on Friday (February 5), where volunteers weaved cut willow into growing trees.Windows

  • Dowson thanks Darlington supporters after joining Spennymoor

    DAVID DOWSON says he has been overwhelmed with messages of goodwill after his move from Darlington to Spennymoor Town was completed last night. The striker has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal at the Brewery Field, bringing to an end his Darlington

  • Newton Aycliffe pool back in business after refurbishment

    LAST minute work was completed in time for the full reopening of a refurbished leisure centre.Durham County Council’s Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre, on Beveridge Arcade, is back in action after improvements to its swimming pool facilities.The work included

  • Man dies after being hit by train in Durham

    A MAN has died after being struck by a struck by a train.Emergency services were called to the East Coast Main Line at Langley Moor, Durham City shortly after 9.45pm last night and discovered the body of a 64-year-old man.Train services were suspended

  • Controversy over plans to replace flood-hit bridge

    CONTROVERSIAL plans to demolish Stockton's oldest bridge and replace it with a concrete one go before councillors next week.Homes in the Lustrum Beck area have been affected several times by flooding, with 100 properties flooded and power supplies disrupted

  • Spring spruce up for Guisborough

    A GROUP who work tirelessly to ensure their town is as colourful as possible has received a financial boost just in time for spring.Guisborough Town Pride has received £250 in sponsorship as part of a community appeal by local retirement housebuilder,

  • Library will close this weekend for six-month refurbishment

    YARM Library will close for a revamp this Saturday (feb 13).The branch, on Yarm High Street, is being upgraded and is expected to reopen in the autumn.A disabled entrance ramp and disabled toilet will be installed, the children's section improved and

  • Cricket's Tom Moffat to address Gents' Breakfast

    A KEY figure in North-East cricket will talk at a gents’ breakfast next week (Wednesday, February 17).Tom Moffat was a league cricketer for 40 seasons and played minor counties cricket for Durham.He was president of Durham County Cricket Club from 2006

  • Durham High School praised by inspectors

    AN INDEPENDENT girls’ school has been praised by inspectors.The Independent Schools’ Inspectorate (ISI) said Durham High School for Girls, in Durham City, was providing an excellent atmosphere for learning, particularly suited to girls, enabling them

  • Richie Ramone: The Cluny, Newcastle

    Richie Ramone: The Cluny, NewcastleAS iconic names go there`s few that can match that of The Ramones. The legendary New York Punk Rockers have arguably become more influential and more revered than they were during their heyday. Their black leather, jeans

  • Peterlee's KF Training creates jobs in Yorkshire expansion

    A TRAINING company is creating jobs as it expands into Yorkshire.KF Training, based in Peterlee, east Durham, has secured a number of deals in the county.The business, founded by Kelly Lee in 2011, employs more than 50 people and provides training across

  • Crook's Verd sitting pretty with chair success

    A HUSBAND and wife team behind an office supplies firm are sitting pretty thanks to rising demand for their chairs.Verd, in Crook, County Durham, has developed seating to prevent bad backs and give people greater comfort.The company’s chairs are used

  • Restaurant Review: Hash Bar and Kitchen, Darlington

    Malcolm Warne has time on his hands as he tries out Hash Bar and Kitchen, Darlington ABOUT nine years ago a new bar opened in Darlington and until last week I had never set foot in it. I had nothing against Hash Bar and Kitchen in the town

  • Make a funny, festive show

    ARC Stockton and The Albany in Deptford are seeking to commission two new Christmas shows for children aged 3 to– 7. Each show will be presented in one venue in 2017, and then in the other venue in 2018. The commission packages include £40,000

  • Irreverent comic is coming to town

    Omid Djalili will be touring his new show across the UK after a sell-out start at The Witham, Barnard Castle, on Tuesday, March 1, and moves on to Stockton’s Arc in April. He answers questions on the tour, his current TV projects, the BBC’s Dickensian

  • Film Review: A Bigger Splash

    Certificate: 15 Running Time: 124 mins Star Rating: 4/5 SUN, sea, sex and skulduggery are key ingredients of writer-director Luca Guadagnino's spicy cinematic cocktail, which elegantly updates the erotically charged 1969 thriller La Piscine

  • Popular folk festivals

    EVER since folk festivals began to become so popular, the mainstream music business has had its eye on them as a potential source of exploitation for rock acts of a certain vintage, with empty diaries to deal with. More and more, we see Saturday

  • Lad's night out ends badly for Martin

    KUSH tries to take Martin's mind off Stacey in EastEnders (BBC1) by treating him to a night out, and even hides his friend's phone – a move that backfires when Martin later realises he's missed out on securing a place in a mother-and-baby unit.

  • Reliving prog years on tour

    SEMINAL prog pioneers Yes have announced an extensive UK and European tour for April, which includes Tyneside. The band will be performing 1971’s Fragile and 1980’s Drama in their entirety, the latter for the first time, plus other classic tracks including

  • Bullying claims letter was my personal view

    FOLLOWING Mrs Turnbull’s letter about my contribution to claims of bullying at Peterlee Town Council (HAS, Feb 6) it might help to point out that the letter she is concerned about was my personal view. I wrote it when I was chair of Peterlee Labour

  • Ban wild animals in circuses

    FOR years, the British public have been promised a ban on wild animals in circuses in England and Wales. Our understanding of animals such as elephants, zebras and lions is always improving, and we now know that a circus environment can never come

  • Johnston Press in talks to buy i newspaper

    YORKSHIRE Post owner Johnston Press confirmed it is in advanced talks to buy cut-price national daily newspaper i for around £24m. Johnston, which owns more than 200 titles including The Scotsman, said the deal would create the UK's fourth largest

  • Lanchester group buys luxury hamper business

    THE company behind a County Durham wine bottling plant has tied up a deal to become one of the largest suppliers of gift hampers in the UK.Lanchester group, which includes Greencroft Bottling as well as wine, energy and property businesses, has bought

  • Pot and kettle, an entertaining evening with a snooker legend

    SIX times former world snooker champion Steve Davis, known widely by the not wholly flattering nickname of Interesting, has just finished his shepherds pie. I’m about to instigate a fascinating debate over where – if at all – the apostrophe should

  • The Last Tango, Sunderland Empire

    The Last Tango, Sunderland EmpireALL great things must come to an end and it's sad to think Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace will not be gracing the stage again like this. It would be remiss to dismiss the pair who rose to fame on the back of television's

  • Happy landings

    THE huge Nissan plant, they reckon, is on the site of the former RAF Usworth, which later became Sunderland Airport. The Last Legs Challenge took off that way last Saturday, a wet 14-miler from Durham bus station via the back of Frankland Prison and the

  • Stretched too thin

    THEY call us the sandwich generation: those of us who have elderly parents and dependent children, both needing our care and attention at the same time. But I don’t feel like the filling in a sandwich. Because the filling in a sandwich, tightly

  • Why the rise of Trump is a real worry

    ON the stage, his permatanned orange skin glowing, his famous “caterpillar” hairpiece perched on top, and spouting acid bile that could dissolve corpses, Donald Trump gave a thumbs up to his devoted fans this week. He had just clinched a victory

  • Time for a united front

    THERE has been more political mud-slinging in Darlington this week than pancake-tossing. The community is continuing to come to terms with latest cuts which threaten the fabric of the town, including two libraries and the Victorian covered market

  • South Moor pass the £100,000 mark in funding

    SOUTH Moor have taken their total of grant aid past the £100,000 mark in five years following an award of £4,926 of National Lottery money from Sport England’s Flood Relief Fund.Just over half the total assistance has been funded by Sport England with

  • Six County Durham men arrested in child abuse probe

    POLICE have arrested six men as part of an investigation into images of child abuse. Officers swooped on Tuesday morning at two addresses in Newton Aycliffe and one in Belmont, Durham. Three men, aged 21, 56 and 64, were arrested. Today

  • Paradise found for Danny John-Jules

    Death In Paradise (BBC1, 9pm)THERE'S another chance for Danny John-Jules loveable jack-the-lad copper Dwayne Myers to take centre stage tonight when the actor's nine-year-old son Dante Langlais joins the cast as a cheeky thief. "Of course, everyone

  • A man on a mission

    When Mark Solan signed up for a charity event he had no idea he would become a record-breaking fundraiser, be short-listed for a Pride of Britain award and end up heading up a movement that aims to knock out cancer. Catherine Priestley spoke to him

  • Adam Johnson pleads guilty to two child sex charges

    Video: BBC News SUNDERLAND and England footballer Adam Johnson has pleaded guilty to two child sex charges. The 28-year-old is appearing at Bradford Crown Court, having previously denied three counts of sexual activity with a child and one

  • Dowson leaves Darlington to join Spennymoor Town

    STRIKER David Dowson last night left Darlington to join Spennymoor Town. The shock move sees Dowson bring to an end his three and a half years with Quakers, the high point being the dramatic winning goal he scored late on during last season’s play-off