Live News: October 15, 2012 (From The Northern Echo)

11:05am

Horrific story coming in at the North Yorkshire office about a cat that was shot dead in Topcliffe, near Thirsk.

The pet had been shot with pellets from a BB gun at least 10 times and police are appealing to the public to help find whoever was responsible.

Anyone with information is asked to call Thirsk police on 101, choose option 2 and ask for Duncan Pears.

5:10pm

Former Middlesbrough and Darlington footballer Dean Windass banned after drink driving

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3:15pm

FOOTBALL: Paul Wildes, who was close to taking control of Darlington earlier in the year, has a new club today. He's about to complete his takeover of League Two side Port Vale. 

2:43pm

PARACHUTE JUMP: Liam Byrne, the Northumbria University student who cheated serious injury by landing in a tree after his parachute failed to fully deploy on his first skydive, says it's "pretty cool" it happened the same weekend as Felix Baumgartner completed the highest and fastest skydive in history, breaking the sound barrier.

He said: "I didn't realise it at the time but when I watched his jump last night, I thought it was quite funny it was the day after I nearly died from parachuting from a much shorter distance.

"I'd love to think I'd be able to do something like that one day but first I'm going to stick with just getting back up there and actually landing successfully from a jump."

Mark Tallentire, Durham reporter

2:26pm

Police are hunting two teenagers who attacked a 17-year-old girl in Colburn on Sunday at about 7pm. Girl was punched in face.

The men were both aged between 17 and 19-years-old. One was fat and the other was wearing a black beanie hat.

Anyone who can help should call North Yorkshire Police on 101 – select option 2 – and ask for Catterick police.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

1:35pm

Chief Sports Writer Scott Wilson is today heading off to Poland to cover tomorrow's World Cup qualifier. 

Very few local and regional papers have a man following England home and away - The Northern Echo is one of a handful across the country. 

1:05pm

12:47pm

Bones found on Hartlepool beach could be 80 years old.

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12:36pm

12:24pm

Intriguing fact - the Northallerton lodge of the Orange Order is one of the biggest in England, with members coming from as far as Durham.

12:14pm

After a morning spent awaiting the start of a GMC fitness to practise hearing in Manchester, the building is now being evacuated. Andy Walker ‏@andywalkerecho

12:07pm

COUPLE SENTENCED: AN equine author and her husband who were found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to four of their 11 horses have been banned from keeping equines indefinitely.

Lesley Skipper, 61, and her husband, Brian, 56, of Durham Road, Stockton-on-Tees had previously denied four counts of causing unnecessary suffering to their horses and two charges of failing to ensure the animals' welfare.

An RSPCA investigation found that two of the animals at the couple's stables in Sadberge Lane, Middleton St George, were suffering from chronic laminitis - a foot disease which causes lameness and walking problems - while another had serious dental problems.

One of the horses, an Arab stallion named Nivalis, had to be euthanised on site.

Mrs Skipper has written several books on horses, including 'Understanding the Arabian Horse' and 'Realise Your Horses True Potential'.

The couple were also ordered to pay £250 each towards court costs when they appeared before Darlington magistrates today.

11:50am

Just interviewed celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli ahead of his appearance at Durham City Food Festival.

Festival takes place Oct 27-28. Check out www.durhamfoodfestival.com

Mark Tallentire, Durham reporter

11:39am

Accident on A19 Teesside leads to long delays.

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11:32am

On Teesside we're reporting on local reaction to the North-East's big X-Factor hopeful, Saltburn lad James Arthur who collapsed on Saturday but stormed through last night.

We're also looking at an inquest into the death of an inmate who had his throat slashed.

There's been major traffic problems on the A19 near Wolviston which was closed for one-and-a-half hours this morning following a minor accident.

At Yarm protesters against a wave of house-building are disappointed because the Government has decided not to call in Stockton Council's decision to allow the building of 350 new homes at Morley Carr Farm.

Meanwhile we have a nice picture story about a time capsule being buried at the Transporter Bridge.

Chris Webber, Tees reporter

11:25am

A bridge at Scorton, in North Yorkshire, which was washed away during the recent floods will cost more than £600,000 to repair, officials say.

11:05am

Been though picture jobs for today. One stood out: Rug Fest at Durham. Sadly it turned out not to be a celebration of all things toupee. Matt Westcott, assistant news editor

10:45am