PUPILS from schools across Middlesbrough have designs on the decoration of one of the borough's parks. Primary school children were asked to design a logo for Albert Park, to appear on stationery and on the newly developed skating rink. The joint winners
WORK to recreate a natural habitat on the edge of a north County Durham town has finished. Heather seed has been planted on Waldridge Fell, near Chester-le-Street, to recreate heather moorland. The site, a former pit heap, will take about 10 years to
CALLS for a high-powered task force dealing with the aftermath of the major job losses in the Teesside steel industry have been backed by the leader of Middlesbrough Borough Council. Councillor Ken Walker pledged the "wholehearted commitment" of the authority
A GOOD WEEK FOR... EXCUSES AFTER British Rail's legendary "leaves on the line" and the wrong kind snow", London's Millennium Bridge came up with one of the best excuses of all time. The bridge had to be closed after just three days because it was swinging
ONE thousand residents in South Tyneside are to tell their council what they think of its services. South Tyneside's second citizens' panel is made up of 1,000 volunteers from the electoral register, who agreed to provide feedback about a range of services
WELL, in my view, he's only got himself to blame. No excuses, please. No squealing about the horrible pressures of modern life on a young man. When you do what he did this week and end up flat on your face in a public place, you've got to take it on the
STANLEY is to host a conference aimed at helping Derwentside's unsung heroes - carers. With at least 9,500 carers in the district carrying out unpaid work to help relatives and friends, the conference is designed to raise awareness of the "hidden carers
TENANTS could be trained to carry out repairs on their council homes under proposals revealed by a local authority. Middlesbrough Borough Council's housing scrutiny panel will discuss ways to deal with council house and garden repairs at a meeting next
PARISHIONERS in Durham City were treated to the sight of juggling vicars and clowning clergymen at the weekend. Bishops mingled with clowns, gymnasts and artists for a celebration of family life at the Ecumenical Family Fun Day in front of Durham Cathedral
OWNERS managers of hundreds of North-East companies are being asked which issues really matter to their businesses in the run-up to the next general election. Leading business advisers Grant Thornton, which works with more than 1,000 owner managed business
GIVEN the raw deal the North-East gets from UK governments, could credence be given to a Northumbrian Peoples' Independence Party for the people of Tees to Tweed? After all we were once a kingdom and the Prince Bishops had a great deal of autonomy from
THE 147th Sedgefield Agricultural and Horticultural Show will be held on the THE 147th Sedgefield Agricultural and Horticultural Show will be held on the THE 147th Sedgefield Agricultural and Horticultural Show will be held on the THE 147th Sedgefield
A defiant Paul Gascoigne has vowed to make his critics eat their words - and is already threatening to buy England boss Kevin Keegan an Everton season ticket. Everton manager Walter Smith's latest recruit has rediscovered his sense of humour after signing
Police hunting for missing schoolgirl Sarah Payne were last night continuing to examine the body of a little girl found a few miles from where the eight-year-old disappeared. The body was found in a field near an agricultural college at Pulborough, West
THEY are scratching their heads in the cafes and muttering in the pubs. Few things have raised the ire of people in the market town of Barnard Castle, County Durham, so much for years. The question they are all asking is how did it go so badly wrong?
WELL, was he worth the money or not? When you look at what Paul Gascoigne's 48 senior appearances cost Middlesbrough - over £7m in earnings and transfer fee - in two-and-a-third years on Teesside, the answer has to be an emphatic "no''. Boro will argue
WHEN Wayne Costello discovered the Red Devils would be performing at the Sunderland International Airshow, he jumped at the chance to take part. Red Devil Wayne, who lived in Oxbridge and Hardwick, near Stockton, before joining the Parachute Regiment
ORGANISERS of Durham County Show were last night counting the cost of relocating to Washington, after takings for this year's show were significantly down on recent years. They blamed the show's move from its usual pitch, near Chester-le-Street, as the
MANAGEMENT at an award-winning North-East factory last night reacted quickly to quash fears among staff concerned at proposed changes in production. Rumours engulfed the workforce at Black & Decker that part of its production was being switched to
ADULTS with learning difficulties could soon benefit from a new day service in Chester-le-Street. Work is due to start on the centre, on the site of the former Clarence Day Nursery in West Lane, and it is hoped to have the scheme up and running by the
PROFITS at Mitie Group, the building and support services group, surged over 30 per cent last year on the back of strong contract business. In the 12 months to March 31, Mitie reported profits before tax of £19.2m compared with £14.5m a year earlier.
BROWNE Smith Baker has been instrumental in designing a top quality innovative store, which is being welcomed as the next step in the Internet shopping revolution. E-stop has just launched a new concept to provide a premium service to surfing shoppers
THE largest trade organisation representing the building Industry, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), has backed calls made at the Institute of Trading Standards Administration conference to make details of rogue traders, including builders, available
CHILDREN at a North-East school could hardly contain their delight when a new Volkswagen Beetle pulled up at their gates. Benfield Volkswagen offered to show the car to year six children at St Cuthbert's Primary School, Newcastle, as part of a school
THE weekend sunshine helped to attract 2,000 people to Staindrop Carnival, near Darlington. The bumper turn-out was matched by the carnival, which was bigger than ever, with extra events organised to commemorate the millennium. Children's floats, a pipe
A FORMER rubble-strewn back lane has been transformed into the North-East's newest tourist attraction by a one-woman ground force. Five years of toil by gardener Sue Jackson has changed the pothole-ridden lane behind flats in Hamilton Terrace, West Boldon
A NORTH-EAST city has been voted one of the best in the UK. Durham came sixth in the tourism poll won by Scottish cities Edinburgh and Glasgow. Salisbury was third, followed by Lincoln, Winchester, and then Durham. Chicago was named as the best worldwide
CYCLISTS and bikers may have grabbed a spot of television fame yesterday when they took part in a road safety event. Ridewell 2000 was held at Preston Park, Eaglescliffe, Teesside, to raise awareness of all two-wheeled road users to the dangers they may
A LITTER of five kittens was seconds from death after their mother gave birth in a wood shredder. Council workmen were about to throw the switch, which would have had disastrous consequences for the unsuspecting family nestling inside. Thankfully, one
A CRISIS centre set up to help flood victims is winding down its furniture collection service because it has more than it needs at the moment. So many donations have been made to the centre at the Wear Valley Volunteer Development Agency, in Crook, that
CRICKET clubs are holding an emergency meeting after arsonists set fire to one team's pavilion following months of vandalism at various grounds. Firefighters believe that vandals set alight the pavilion at Smiths Dock Park, Skippers Lane, Normanby, Middlesbrough
FUN-loving mongrel Roly needs a new boss who can match him in energy and zest for life. The jet black cross between a Great Dane and a labrador was taken in by the Eldon Hope rescue centre, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, when he grew too big and
AFTER beating off competition from two rival supermarket chains, promising to create 70 jobs, then actually starting building work, it appears that Safeway's plans for a new store may have finally been shelved. The problem stopping building work proceeding
OWNERS of much-loved dogs did their bit to help less fortunate owners yesterday - and managed to have fun at the same time. Hundreds of dog lovers attended the Sadberge Dog Show, which was held at the National Canine Defence League kennels in the village
PEOPLE who keep alive the memory of a friend have said a £1,200 thank- you to the organisation which has helped his family. Ian Gamble's friends have supported his mother, Sheila, since he died from a stab wound almost five years ago in a late-night scuffle
Andy Flower: A wicket-keeper batsman of high class, a solid keeper, and fluent stroke maker who can dominate the best bowling. Heath StreaK: A top class opening bowler, at one time ranked in some systems in the top 5 in the world, and an effective wicket
IS MO Mowlam the most relieved woman in Westminster this week? I reckon so. By rights, the Redcar MP should have copped the job of presenting the Government's annual whitewash, sorry, report to the Commons in her role as Cabinet Office Minister. But at
SUSPENDED police chief Ray Mallon has warned Cleveland Police that he will ensure the truth about Operation Lancet is made public. He told a fundraising dinner: "I haven't even started yet - I've got lots to say and they know it." Detective Superintendent
HUNDREDS of people turned out for the celebrity opening of a visitor centre at the region's only charity for abandoned reptiles. A huge crowd turned out to see Wendy Turner Webster, star of TV's Pet Rescue, and Gary Webster, former star of the Minder
RESIDENTS are being given another chance to have their say on what could be done to improve safety for pedestrians and cut traffic delays on a busy Hartlepool road. A public meeting is being held today to try and find a suitable scheme for King Oswy Drive
A scheme to help ease people with mental health problems back into the community is planned for Chester-le-Street. Officials at Chester-le-Street District Council have earmarked a vacant three-bedroom house and two neighbouring properties as the ideal
A seminar on the subject of ageing is to be staged at Chester-le-Street. The North-East Foresight Seminar on the "age shift" will be held at Lumley Castle Hotel, on Wednesday. The seminar, which is one of 13 organised around the country, will look at
AS PART of a recruitment drive for foster carers, Stockton social services' child placement team is holding a pop-in session. The session, which takes place on Wednesday, between 11am and 2pm, at Stockton Town Hall, in High Street, will give people interested
A GOOD WEEK FOR... SEXUAL EQUALITY THE big news of the week is that council workers in London are testing the first female urinal with a view to letting it loose on the streets. It allows women to do their business standing up, just like men. The creator
RESIDENTS are being urged to make their views known about any road safety concerns they may have. A traffic management survey covering Ashgrove Avenue, Haswell Avenue, St Joan's Grove, St Margaret's Grove and parts of Windermere Road and Stockton Road
A YOUNG musician is helping to promote the largest music event on Teesside. This year's outdoor Proms in the Park, at Middlesbrough's Stewart Park, on Saturday, August 26, is expected to attract thousands of music lovers. Robert Lambert, a student engineer
A PLEA to bring forward a referendum on Britain's entry into the euro was made last night in the wake of 526 steel job losses on Teesside. An industry lobby group says tens of thousands more jobs in manufacturing industry are at risk and the Government
A secondary school has become one of the first in County Durham to earn a Government award for creating a healthy learning environment. Park View Community School, Chester-le-Street, has been awarded the National Healthy School Standard for improving
OF all the things to forget before setting off on a voyage - my toothbrush. It meant a hurried departure from our ship into Malaga. After taking in a few worthy attractions on the way, later I found myself in a chemist's gesticulating madly in a toothbrushing
A DARLINGTON newcomer has accused police of complacency after his car was damaged three times in five months. Stephen Pullinger, 39, who moved to the town from Canterbury, Kent, six months ago, found the side of his car had been scored with a sharp object
A SHOCKED community was last night coming to terms with its second gruesome murder in three years after the body of a man was found lying in a pool of blood in a pub garden. As they surveyed the scene outside the Miners Arms in Coundon, County Durham,
TESCO is returning to selling food using imperial measurements because consumers simply do not understand metrication. The supermarket giant said advertising boards hung in stores would feature pounds and ounces only, while product packaging and labels
THREE friends from Teesside have found their field of dreams - on the edge of a Scottish village. While some people have fairies at the bottom of their garden Gareth Andrew, 19, Paul Cook, 20, and his fiancee Kirsty Dewell, 20, found a £35,00 Mercedes
THE economic spin-off from the weekend's cricket internationals staged in the North-East could be worth up to £4m, it emerged yesterday. The 23,000 visitors to Durham County Cricket Club's ground at Chester-le-Street over the last two days stumped up
ANGRY Darlington FC chairman George Reynolds last night condemned his players as greedy as he astonishingly lifted the lid on the club's wage bill. In an unprecedented move, the colourful former safe-cracker has released details to The Northern Echo about
TEENAGERS from the North-East have become the first in the UK to spend the night with a crying robot baby. Dreamed up by Americans to try to cut soaring teenage pregnancy rates, the scheme involves giving teenage pupils a lifelike electronic baby for
AN anti-burglary initiative has been hailed a big success after reducing break-ins by 21 per cent. The scheme is run by Hartlepool Community Safety Partnership, whose members include representatives of Hartlepool Borough Council, police, businesses and
THE owners of an idyllic five-acre garden have declared it a mobile telephone free zone when they open it as an escape from the pace of modern living. The gardens, at Old Sleningford, close to the village of Mickley, near Ripon, North Yorkshire, will
RESIDENTS are calling for action after a safety scheme introduced to cut the number of accidents on a busy road has proved to be a headache. Traffic lights and a new layout were introduced in Marsh House Avenue, Billingham, earlier this year, in a bid
MODERN TIMES WHATEVER has happened to this land of ours? In the past 30 years, really since we went into the Common Market, everything has gone downhill. Our laws have been changed without our agreement and it seems as if we have no say at all in these
A MIDDLESBROUGH leisure company is about to open the doors on an ambitious programme of regeneration that will not only bring back to life one of the town's most historic buildings, but will also create 20 new jobs. The Comerhouse, based in the premises
ONE of the North-East's best loved non-league football clubs has been handed a lifeline by the same company which has handed an economic lifeline to its supporters. Tow Law Football Club, who in 1998 reached the Wembley final of the FA Vase, have agreed
THREE men from the North-East have been arrested by police in a crackdown on gang warfare in the Canary Islands. Richard Cashman, 33, from Stockton, Michael Cotcher, 29, from Newcastle, and John Parkin, 48, also from Newcastle, were held with a Liverpool
ONE of the largest displays of vintage transport in the North thrilled bumper crowds over the weekend. Masham Steam Fair celebrated its 36th anniversary by parading a huge range of vintage steam engines and veteran cars in front of enthusiasts, who came
DEVOTED Carol and Ian Gilchrist are flying 5,000 miles to renew their vows. They emigrated to Canada from the North-East the year after they tied the knot, but will return 33 years later to say "I do" a second time. The service will be an exact replica
NEARLY 200 pupils from junior schools in the Bishop Auckland area enjoyed a taste of fame at the weekend when they gave three performances of a new show. The children were rehearsed by staff and students from Bishop Barrington Comprehensive School, before
PEOPLE living near two off-licences which lost their liquor permits will continue to be able to buy alcohol from the shops. The General Dealers Store, in Low Willington, and the Spar shop, in Wolsingham, have changed proprietors since police discovered
MOTORISTS could face delays when a £520,000 overhaul of a stretch of road begins next Sunday. A 1.8 kilometre section of the A688, between St Helen Auckland and the Kwiksave roundabout in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, will by affected by the work, which
CHLOE Deane, 12, from Richmond, was chosen as one of six lucky youngsters, who, as if by magic, got their hands on one of the most eagerly-awaited children's books of all time - and they did not have to pay a penny for it. The children were all winners
CAMPAIGNERS will take over a church for a Summit Watch next week, as part of an attempt to persuade world leaders to give the poorest countries a fresh start by writing off their debts. Supporters of the Jubilee 2000 Drop the Debt crusade are holding
MORE than 200 youngsters took to the sands for a resort's first junior beach volleyball competition. Teams of four competed in seven different age categories for boys and girls on the beach at Redcar on Saturday. The tournament was organised by Redcar
A NEIGHBOUR who suffered painful burns in a vain bid to save a grandmother and three little boys has not been invited to a ceremony honouring others for their courage tonight. Kevin McKimm was one of the first on the scene in June last year when Sheila
A TEENAGER is celebrating after notching up success after success through her running. Samantha Hart, 13, of Redcar, has become this year's Cleveland cross country champion, as well as taking the equivalent title for North Yorkshire and South Durham.
BUSINESS owners affected by the closure of a flood-damaged bridge are appealing for financial support from local authorities and the Government. The appeal is the latest stage in Richmond Business and Tourism Association's campaign to raise awareness
TODAY'S crime figures confirm the suspicion of the British public. That our fear of crime is wholly justified, and that violent crime is on the increase. The Home Secretary's assertion that increased wealth and the drinking culture among youths are factors
DRUG users have been forced out of a public toilet after a council installed ultra-vio-let lighting - which makes it impossible for them to see the veins in their arms. The conveniences at Hartlepool Central Library had become a haven for heroin addicts
LEAKS were in the air yesterday, on every front page and every news bulletin. Many of them foreshadowed Gordon Brown's announcement this afternoon which should prove to be the most important in the five-year life of this Government. One of them, though
