THE first piece of public art in Guisborough has been officially unveiled. Youngsters from the town's Park Lane Infants, Northgate Juniors and Laurence Jackson School have been involved in the regeneration project, organised by Guisborough Town Council
A DIRECT call for farmers to be paid for land management has been made by the head of the Countryside Agency. Mrs Sarah Sleet said society must recognise the vital role farmers played in providing the landscape it loved. A new relationship between farmers
The Spennymoor Sunday Morning League has been boosted with a major new sponsorship deal - and its members will be rewarded for it! The league - which enjoyed a hugely successful 2000-2001 season, completing all league fixtures and five cup competitions
PAUL Barker secured his first Wembley ticket at Mossbrook Arena, Manchester, when he finished second in the National Grade C qualifier. Barker, from Pasture House, Northallerton, was riding Ginette Brogan's seven-year-old Nethertowns Kiss, which was also
The Tow Law New Market derby produced a scintillating finish for the B team who took the three doubles to pull off a shock odd point victory over their A team. The teams shared the trebles and the A team went ahead with singles wins from Alan Brown, Darren
Durham and District League - Langley Park made a great win over the visiting First Division leaders, Leeholme, whose two points kept them ahead of Ever Ready/Craghead, who whitewashed their hosts at King George V. Crook Glenholme moved up to third place
The microphone picks up the sound of someone sniffing as Minnie Driver and Mary McCormack sit down at the table for the interview. Driver apologises for her companion. "Mary has something wrong with her nose," she says. McCormack corrects her: "It's my
Sir, - J P Lassey claims that his "bitter" complaints about Thirsk market square's pavements are "on behalf of all the other residents of Thirsk". Count me out, Mr Lassey, and because, as you noticed your remarks at the public meeting "went down like
THE Newcastle Jesters and their owners have been fined £10,000 for not paying last season's squad and told to make arrangements to hand over the wages immediately. The decision was announced by the Ice Hockey Superleague (ISL) on Friday following its
WORK on a major safety scheme at a notorious accident blackspot in North Yorkshire will get under way later this month. The £4.1m project will involve the traffic-light controlled junction on the dual carriageway A64 at Top Lane, Copmanthorpe, near York
HUNDREDS of rotting animal carcasses buried at two farms will not be exhumed despite contamination worries, it was announced last night. The Environment Agency and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs have carried out risk assessments
A NORTH Yorkshire moorland farmer and his wife who have been pioneers in wildlife conservation and diversification of their farm, are in line for a major national award. Mr John Simpson's family have run Keasbeck Hill Farm at Harwood Dale in the North
A BRIDE-to-be has found herself sharing her big day with 7,000 strangers after a last- minute change of plan. Alison Martin suffered a late hitch to her plans to get married at the Riverside Stadium, home of Middlesbrough Football Club. She turned to
Click here to see pictures of the stadium development in progress. THREE major sections of work at Darlington FC's new £20m stadium have reached completion this week as construction continues to gather pace. Time savings are being accrued on a weekly
THE fourth annual Richmondshire junior sports awards saw the top accolade go to a rising national and international hockey player from Richmond. Emma Pledge, aged 15, who was presented with the Richmond duck club award, built on her success from last
MORE than 1,200 fireworks will light up the night sky - to end the concert on a high note. Some of the pyrotechnics will burst up to 1,000ft in the air above the Riverside Stadium, The fireworks will provide the grand finale of tomorrow's concert. The
WORK on a multi-million pound shopping development for Redcar town centre started this week. The £26m Regent Walk, which has been on the cards for five years, will include a Morrison's supermarket, 23 shops and parking for more than 650 cars. The scheme
RICHARD Hall, the young Aiskew motorcyclist, has returned from his first international grass track event in France with his biggest and most prestigious trophy so far. Richard, a member of an international B team, was the youngest rider present at the
A charity which provides worldwide health services from a former garage is appealing for help. The tiny Encephalitis Support Group, based in Malton, North Yorkshire, has only five part-time workers, but provides a support service to sufferers from Middlesbrough
AN ETHICAL investment firm in Darlington has been voted best independent financial adviser at a national awards ceremony. The Ethical Investment Co-operative, of Vincent House, Victoria Road, won the title at the consumer finance awards. Readers of national
The Readers Durham County League Under-18s - Stephen Sweeney was in top form for Mainsforth who had only eight runs in hand of Sedgefield. Sweeney hit one six and four fours in 47 not out when Mainsforth posted 100-4 and despite an unbeaten 36 by Chris
Hunters Estate Agent York and District Senior League - Easingwold bowler Dan Copeland claimed three wickets in an eventful final over as Dunnington were bowled out for 223 in a tied game. Damon Smith hit 102 as Easingwold made 223 for eight with Joe Grant
Cliff Ward made a splash at an international swimming competition when he won two gold medals - and in the process set a new world record, writes CRAIG STODDART. Competing at the European Masters held in Majorca, Cliff was successful in the 50 metre backstroke
THE sign at the centre of a row between a council and the supporters of "Metric Martyr" Steve Thoburn was put up by the defunct Tyne and Wear Development Corporation. Sunderland City Council recently won a court battle against Mr Thoburn for selling goods
SWEEPING garden leaves will never be the same again, thanks to clever work by a Teesside student. Stephanie McGovern, 19, from Middlesbrough, has won a £500 regional prize for her invention for Black and Decker in Spennymoor, County Durham,and now stands
A MULTI-GENERATION African music group is visiting Saltburn as part of their European tour. Mabulu, from Mozambique, perform at the Spa Hotel in Saltburn on Wednesday. Doors open at 8pm and tickets cost £7 or £4.50 for concessions. For further details
ONE of the Victorians' favourite leisure activities is to be brought back as part of a celebration of Saltburn's heritage. A competitive walking event during the town's Victorian Week last year proved so popular that it is being held again this year.
The microphone picks up the sound of someone sniffing as Minnie Driver and Mary McCormack sit down at the table for the interview. Driver apologises for her companion. "Mary has something wrong with her nose," she says. McCormack corrects her: "It's my
THE RSPCA fears thousands of hill sheep could suffer this autumn as a consequence of the foot-and-mouth crisis, as feed runs low and land is over-grazed. If movement restrictions remain in place, older ewes will be exposed to the rigours of an extra winter
A PASSENGER plane was forced to change course when it came within 600 feet of a military jet, it was revealed today. Aviation authorities have launched an investigation into the incident which happened at 27,000 feet, some 60 miles from Newcastle. The
BATTLING cobbler Tony Martin is closing his shop because of falling trade and a hefty rates bill. Mr Martin, who has received national publicity for his one-man campaign against local bureaucracy, will shut down next month, on Saturday, August 4. The
A FARMER and councillor who lost his stock to foot-and-mouth disease in March had a further setback this week when he feared he could lose up to £35,000 due to a "misunderstanding". Following a visit by a government field officer to his farm at Mayland
A GALA Day is being held at Marske Cricket Club on Sunday. The event, featuring Redcar Gym Club, dancers Jump Back Georgia, line dancing, Watsons Cars and Wheel of Fortune, starts at 1pm. Among other attractions will be stalls, a barbecue, face painting
HARTLEPOOL United boss Chris Turner is confident his side will benefit from their pre-season tour to Norway. Pool head for Bergen tonight for a double header with Fana tomorrow and Brann Bergen on Monday. And the Pool boss, encouraged by a 4-0 win over
Worthington CIU Summer League - Durham City finally ended their long run without a win when they took the decider on their visit to Sherburn Village. This means that there is no team in any league without a victory to its name. The Durham City side were
DESPITE Wimbledon fever reaching new heights this year, a tennis club is set to close because it has fallen into disarray due to a lack of interest. Marske Tennis Club is going to have to close because of a lack of support and money to improve its courts
ASSISTANT boss Mick Tait is confident Darlington's forwards can produce the goods in the Third Division next season. The Quakers have five strikers vying for only two positions and Gary Bennett's number two believes that the battle will push his side
A NEW nature reserve has been opened on the outskirts of Durham City. Pity Me Carrs, officially designated a local nature reserve by Durham County Council, was opened by Councillor Don Ross, the council's deputy leader. He said: "Pity Me Carrs is a mosaic
LACK of action by Darlington Borough Council was turning its village association into an impotent talking shop. The claim was made by disgruntled parish councillors, who said complaints about flooding, blocked gullies and full litter bins were being consistently
FEARS that a major public entrance to Fountains Abbey estate near Ripon could be closed permanently has sparked a protest to English Heritage. It comes as villagers in Studley Roger are being canvassed for their views on closing the entrance to Studley
DETECTIVES are to question mass murderer Philip Smith about the unsolved killing of North-East mother Ann Heron. Odd-job man Smith, 36, was jailed for life on Wednesday after he admitted bludgeoning to death three women in his native Birmingham. The former
Bedale Hunt SC. - Aug 5: Showcross at Helen Bell's, Manor House, Newsham, Thirsk has been cancelled. Aug 9: Quiz and 100 club draw at the Buck Inn, Thornton Watlass, 7.15pm, details 01325 378259. Aug 12: Rummage sale at the Golden Fleece hotel, Thirsk
WORK is expected to start soon on a new visitor attraction for upper Teesdale following the appointment of a design team. The centre, with the working title of the Heritage Resource and Activities centre, will be established above the Co-op supermarket
A MAN hid in a hedge and pounced on a woman returning from work in the early hours of the morning. The 23-year-old woman screamed as she was attacked in Delves Lane, near Consett causing her attacker to run away. The victim, who was returning home in
PUPILS in Norton chose to take a dim view of the world on Wednesday as they donned sunglasses for the day to raise cash for a good cause. They joined teachers and governors of Norton school to support the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association's national
A MAN charged with the killing of a vice girl told lies to police to cover up his role in her death, a jury has been told. Shaun Tuley, 30, denies the murder of Middlesbrough prostitute Kellie Mallinson who was found asphyxiated last September by a man
HARTLEPOOL United boss Chris Turner is confident his side will benefit from their pre-season tour to Norway. Pool head for Bergen tonight for a double header with Fana tomorrow and Brann Bergen on Monday. And the Pool boss, encouraged by a 4-0 win over
A MAJOR road safety drive has been launched along a moorland accident blackspot. Redcar and Cleveland council has unveiled the first part of a determined campaign to cut the casualty rate on the borough's highest risk road. Drivers using the stretch of
The club said justifiably to be the Manchester United of amateur boxing - though more recently resembling Northern Nomads - is facing a knock out blow. From next week, the 35 Shildon scrappers will quite literally be on the streets, top boxers like Cameron
ENSURING non-essential vehicles do not go on to farms is a key factor in preventing the spread of foot-and-mouth, says a respected vet. Mr Jim Wight, son of the late Mr Alf Wight, better known as author James Herriot, urged farmers not to relax stringent
The club said justifiably to be the Manchester United of amateur boxing - though more recently resembling Northern Nomads - is facing a knock out blow. From next week, the 35 Shildon scrappers will quite literally be on the streets, top boxers like Cameron
ASSISTANT boss Mick Tait is confident Darlington's forwards can produce the goods in the Third Division next season. The Quakers have five strikers vying for only two positions and Gary Bennett's number two believes that the battle will push his side
THE manager of a pub which is to undergo a £42,000 facelift is looking for identical twins to help with its relaunch. The Gretna Green pub, in Great North Road, Newton Aycliffe, will close on Wednesday, August 1, for a five-day refurbishment. It will
CONTRACTS for the new Sedgefield Community Hospital were signed yesterday and work is expected to start soon on the £8m project. Contractor Clugston will move on to the site in the next few weeks. The work is expected to take a year. The 42-bed hospital
A YOUNG mother who turned her derelict back yard into a flourishing memorial to her best friend has won an award for her efforts. Nicola Stamp, from Tindale Crescent, Bishop Auckland, was devastated when her best friend, Nicola Weeks, died in June last
AN historic annual festival has been saved after a last-ditch meeting to decide its fate. Barnard Castle Meet is the biggest event of its kind in Teesdale, but organisers were forced to hold a crisis meeting after they failed to attract enough volunteer
A VILLAGE school which got a roasting from Government inspectors two years ago has been given top marks for improvement. The Ofsted team which visited Wolsingham Primary School in May found excellent teaching and improving standards in maths and science
PLANS to take away a village's school crossing patrol have sparked anger. Durham County Council is moving the patrol from Front Street, Croxdale, in September because of a schools shake-up in nearby Spennymoor, where it says a patrol is most needed. The
POLICE are appealing for information following the discovery of the bodies of three dogs, all apparently shot in the head. A member of the public found the body of a sandy-coloured greyhound in a field off Salter's Lane in Seaham, County Durham. He reported
TWO things they know about on Tyneside - beer and bridges. That's why a nationally acclaimed real ale brewer has produced a special Millennium Bridge beer to mark the public opening of the £22m Gateshead bridge in September. Gateshead Borough Council
A SAMARITANS group which has expanded to help prisoners, youngsters and the disabled, is appealing for more volunteers. Anyone interested in becoming a listener with the Central Durham branch of the charity can find out more at an introductory session
A TEENAGER yesterday became one of the youngest paedophiles in the country to be banned from being alone with a child. A seven-year restraining order was imposed on Alan Betts, 18, from County Durham, banning him from living in any accommodation with
PENSIONERS are advised to be on their guard following a series of thefts. Police in Marske said there have been six incidents since the beginning of the month. The latest took place on Sunday afternoon when a 72-year-old woman answered the doorbell of
RECEIVERS at troubled shipbuilder Cammell Laird have announced a further round of job losses as time was running out on attempts to find buyers for the firm's yards. More than 100 workers will be made redundant in the latest cuts, including 60 at Birkenhead
THE Government has waved through the planned £29bn merger between the Halifax and Bank of Scotland. Trade Secretary Patricia Hewitt said she would not refer the proposed merger to the Competition Commission for an investigation. Mrs Hewitt made her decision
POLICE have teamed up with councillors in east Durham to tackle the growing problems caused by unruly teenagers. During the 12 months to March, police received reports of more than 300 disturbance incidents and 3,000 reports of youths causing annoyance
POLICE have teamed up with councillors in east Durham to tackle the growing problems caused by unruly teenagers. During the 12 months to March, police received reports of more than 300 disturbance incidents and 3,000 reports of youths causing annoyance
THE biggest female star in British pop has confirmed she is to appear in the region next weekend before an estimated 80,000 screaming fans. Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell is to head the line-up at 96.6 TFM's Feel The Noise Live event at Stockton on
EVEN the stable cat could win - the old racing clich held true for David "Dandy" Nicholls, Mark Johnston and all the Easterby family, who continued this week as they left off last. Following Nicholls' Newmarket double (apologies for the wrong headline
Get the latest news on the Jeffrey Archer story here. LORD Archer is behind bars after a jury found him guilty of being a liar, a cheat and a conman. The former MP, once a candidate for Mayor of London and a former Tory Party deputy chairman, was jailed
A £10M tropical greenhouse was unveiled yesterday as the centerpiece of a city's regeneration project. The opening of Sunderland's Winter Gardens and Museum tomorrow will be a showcase for more than 1,500 of the world's rarest and most exotic plants,
THE army, which saved the remaining section of the Wensleydale railway from extinction eight years ago, has returned to lend a hand as the 22-mile branch is prepared for a new lease of life. Military muscle has been employed to restore a length of double
A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a child welfare campaigner who was due in court to be sentenced for an abuduction conspiracy. Stuart Carnie is head of the Total Freedom for Children movement and hit the headlines after announcing he was planning
A CONTROVERSIAL housing development in Great Ayton could go ahead - despite serious concerns raised by planners. Wimpey Homes wants to build 38 dwellings at the rear of California Court in Frankfield Place. The site, a former primary school, has been
THE region's newest music web site has been launched. Called Revolution, it offers local bands a chance to appear on the world wide web alongside established national and international acts. The site contains gig guides, news, interviews and reviews and
THE children of Dormanstown Primary School are saying a fond farewell to a nursery teacher who has looked after local youngsters for more than three decades. Margaret Armstrong, from Guisborough, has been a firm favourite with Dormanstown's youngest children
THE first steps in Thirsk's £1m market town regeneration programme were taken this week. The steering group for the Thirsk Market Town Initiative was formed and decided to employ a consultant at a cost of £10,000 to prepare an action plan of improvement
A WOMAN with a gift for bringing out the best in children with special needs ensures that they also have home for life on her North Yorkshire farm. Mrs Sandra Kreutzer-Brett uses horses as part of a regime that has transformed the lives of many youngsters
RUNNERS are needed to take part in a road race to raise cash for charity. The first Croft Road Race will take place next month to raise cash for Macmillan Cancer Relief. The 10km race, on the Croft racing circuit, near Darlington, will start at 7.30pm
THE foot-and-mouth virus continued to affect farms in the Northallerton and Thirsk area this week with two more confirmed cases. The disease was found in livestock at Kelmire Grange, Thirlby, on Wednesday and at Silton Grange, Nether Silton last Thursday
A £1m cash windfall will create 60 new jobs and kick start four projects in County Durham. The Durham Dales Centre, at Stanhope, and South Church Enterprise Park, near Bishop Auckland, will benefit from the money from regional development agency One North-East
BUSINESS leaders and key figures from the community turned out in force yesterday to discuss the future of the Tees Valley. Delegates at a conference at the Samsung Training Centre at Wynyard heard about the progress being made in developing the Tees
THE future of a life-saving charity has been put in jeopardy by the continuing foot-and-mouth crisis. Just weeks ago the Swaledale Fell Rescue Organisation opened a brand-new HQ at Catterick Garrison, paid for with more than £420,000 of National Lottery
GLORIA Partis can thank her love of shopping for helping her take her first steps in a promising career. The 16-year-old, from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, always felt that training was important for her future prospects. However, she always thought
AN ENVIRONMENTAL charity has condemned the actions of vandals who threaten to wreck years' of hard work to create a community forest. Workers at the Acorn Trust spoke out following a spate of arson attacks and vandalism at the Caribee Community Woodland
HIGH hopes for cyclists in Darlington with the news this week that £260,000 (council and Sustrans money) is to be spent on safer bike routes. Another £900,000 may be spent creating a Stockton to Darlington cycle route along the S&DR's original 1825
THE largest single-site development plan in a North-East town's history has been given a boost after the Government decided not to call the proposals in for inspection. The Government Office for the North-East has given the go-ahead to the 115-acre Darlington
THE largest single-site development plan in a North-East town's history has been given a boost after the Government decided not to call the proposals in for inspection. The Government Office for the North-East has given the go-ahead to the 115-acre Darlington
STOKESLEY auctioneers Lithgow Sons and Partners were selling the contents of Wilton Castle, near Redcar, on the premises, an unmissable opportunity to have a gander at the famous pile, to rubberneck and wonder at a place once pivotal in the era of the
WHAT a shame Coronation Street chose to rush through its sensational story about paedophilia in a blatant attempt to chase higher ratings. Even if we are prepared to believe Sarah-Lou really is that stupid - and given that a survey this week revealed
YOU'RE on holiday, you've been in the sun all day, you've used sun screen, of course, but especially when you're abroad it's very easy to get burnt. And in any case, you want to keep your skin moisturised, keep that nice healthy glow, don't you? For years
MR JOHN Elliott, above, from Coulby Newham, near Middlesbrough, is looking forward to the trip of a lifetime to New Zealand with AgriVenture. He has been working on a local farm but is heading to Australia for a month's holiday before arriving in New
I am not a mother. I am a cheque-writing machine. Know the feeling? Just when you think they're almost grown up and it's going to get easier, it suddenly gets a whole lot worse. Legally, you are meant to be an adult when you are 18. You get the vote and
Bishop Auckland League - Witton Park Rose and Crown made their third victory of the season when they visited Bishop Auckland Cumberland Arms and won the battle of the bottom teams by three points. The Cumberland had two singles points from Gerry Errington
A failing businessman who conned a bank out of £150,000 and used the cash to fund his lavish lifestyle turned bungling building society robber after he was released from jail. Norman Wright, 50, was jailed for 15 months after convincing Midland Bank manager
Claire Stewart hit the bullseye when she represented her country for the first time in the European Youth Cup, writes CRAIG STODDART. A year ago the New Brancepeth youngster said her aim was to play for England, and that dream came true when Claire was
YOUNGSTERS have taken a creative role in a campaign to curb the actions of speeding motorists on a town's roads. Pupils from Mill Hill School in Northallerton, are the first in the county to design their own road signs to act as warnings to drivers. Slogans
THIRSK White Horse swimmer Jason Smith was just three tenths of a second outside qualifying for the final of the 50m backstroke at the Scottish senior championships. Jason, who was born in Dunfermline, was unlucky to have Britain's top swimmers competing
The father of murdered student Sara Cameron is making an emotional trip to the city where she was studying to collect her degree today. Finnish-born Sara, 23, was murdered while making her way home on Good Friday last year after taking a Metro train from
A MAN who has devoted a great deal of time to community work has been rewarded for one aspect at a ceremony in London. Maj William Trotter, who lives at the Deanery in Staindrop, was invested as an officer of the Order of St John at an event held at the
Hartlepool Burn Harriers - On Saturday seven of the club's younger athletes were called upon to represent Durham at the 'Clubs For Young People National Champs', in Newport, Wales. The club's athletes certainly played their part, bringing home 16 medals
THE 12th annual Institute of Journalists Royal Charter meeting at Ripon tomorrow will benefit several IOJ charities and The Newspaper Press Fund. The principal race is The Ripon Bell-Ringer Stakes, a £10,000-added handicap contest over the extended one
AN 11-year-old Romanian girl who is dying of Aids will have her last wishes granted, thanks to generous Teessiders. Local charity Convoy Aid has teamed up with DHL, at Preston Farm Business Park, near Stockton, to take a 3ft doll to the Romanian village
COUNCILLORS' surgeries will be held in the following Redcar and Cleveland wards: Today: Coatham, the 9-o'Clock Club, 42 West Dyke Road, Redcar; Guisborough, Stumps Cross Community Centre; Guisborough, Maltby Court Community Centre; Newcomen, the 9-o'Clock
ILLEGAL shooting and poaching has increased in Guisborough forest, leading to a warning from police that members of the public could be blinded or seriously injured. Police say there have been complaints about people with air rifles aiming at members
NURSES who said their lives had been destroyed after blowing the whistle on abuse of children at four care homes have received an apology on behalf of the NHS. The development came at a conference in Newcastle yesterday, at which an independent review
AS I compile these notes, the landscape around me is swathed in blankets of white blossom, though plants of other colours do make an occasional, but dramatic appearance. Much of the whiteness comes from the flowers of the elder tree, and this year there
A team of youngsters from West Hartlepool Rugby Club is set of for the other side of the world on a unique rugby tour. The club's Under-17s will be travelling to New Zealand to take on six of the country's leading rugby colleges. The players and their
A dozy robber who stumbled over a doormat and shot himself in the leg as he tried to carry out an off-licence raid has been jailed for eight years. Masked Richard Blair, 23, was seriously injured and required urgent surgery after he blasted himself with
THE idea that farmers should be paid for land management is not a new one. There are already a number of grants which recognise the role farmers play in maintaining the countryside. At present those grants are not substantial enough to provide all the
Letters from The Northern Echo SALTBURN FUELLED with the enthusiasm of Thursday's article by Mike Amos regarding Saltburn, its pier and the visit by Chris Smith, my wife and I returned to our regular haunt to observe the ceremony of the opening of the
YOU'RE on holiday, you've been in the sun all day, you've used sun screen, of course, but especially when you're abroad it's very easy to get burnt. And in any case, you want to keep your skin moisturised, keep that nice healthy glow, don't you? For years
PREPARATIONS are under way for a summer event aimed at bringing a community together. The Marske Town Centre Partnership summer fair takes place on Saturday, August 4 at 1pm at the town's Cheshire Home. The money raised will go towards the Marske Christmas
ONE of the undoubted hits of the much-criticised Millennium Dome was the show staged by a team of daredevil aerial acrobats. Now, audiences in the North are to get the chance to see their feats, when they appear at the Theatre Royal in York. The show,
A TEAM of accountants managed to beat a cricket club at their own game in a friendly match after first saving them from a huge VAT bill. Castle Eden cricket club took on the team from Darlington-based Clive Owen & Co as a way of thanking the company
Sir, - Saltburn Improvement Company has commissioned two "statues" (costing £25,000 each) and wants to know where to put them. They have been put on a display in Saltburn library, offering a choice of three sites (all selected by the company). There is
MORE than 30 Hutton Rudby residents, meeting to discuss plans for a chalet park on the outskirts of the village, heard that the chalets at White House nurseries would each cost between £80,000 and £100,000. Some residents were concerned about car parking
GARDENERS across the region have decked their communites with colourful displays for the judges of this year's Northumbria in Bloom competition. Months of planning and pruning have come to fruition in time for the two specialist judges who have been checking
THEY used to say that in Mike Gatting's case OBE stood for Obese Branston Eater. With Darren Gough it's Only Bowls for England, or it could be Ostracised Barnsley Exile. No, that's going a bit far. I'm sure our greatest fast bowler is still very welcome
THEY used to say that in Mike Gatting's case OBE stood for Obese Branston Eater. With Darren Gough it's Only Bowls for England, or it could be Ostracised Barnsley Exile. No, that's going a bit far. I'm sure our greatest fast bowler is still very welcome
Gary Bolton celebrated scoring his 15,000th run for Guisborough when he made his 725th appearance for the Darlington Building Society NYSD League club. It was in 1983 that Gary left his native Marton and joined Guisborough, making his debut in the game
FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - On the arrival of the five o'clock train at Stokesley on Tuesday night, one of the carriage doors was found open. The officials being suspicious that something had happened, despatched a goods train towards Ingleby
A NEW out of school club - the first of its kind in Thirsk - opened this week. With the help of a £27,000 grant from the National Lottery New Opportunities Fund, the 154 Club as it will be known, has been set up by a newcomer to the area, Mrs Linda Craggs
WHAT a shame Coronation Street chose to rush through its sensational story about paedophilia in a blatant attempt to chase higher ratings. Even if we are prepared to believe Sarah-Lou really is that stupid - and given that a survey this week revealed
Yarm AA used part of their Tees club waters for the first time this season following the opening of the Pump House to Stricklands length and skimmers again made a big impact on the lower reaches, writes JEF HERBERT. Yarm's Ron Hopkins drew below the sunken
FARMERS in the region are calling on the Government to ease foot-and-mouth restrictions in a desperate attempt to shift vast numbers of stock. Many farmers are facing financial ruin because they cannot sell stock and are being forced to use fodder intended
Willington and District League - Willington Market celebrated their title win after beating the visiting Willington Football Club by the odd point. Tommy Barrass and Gary Trow put the Market into the lead but Beverley McMahon pulled one back for the footballers
PLANS for a state-of-the-art athletics training development have been unveiled. The £400,000 scheme is the brainchild of the East Cleveland Athletic Track Association, which was formed by New Marske Harriers Athletics Club, Redcar Running Club, Loftus
Local swimmers are competing in three major events, the World championships, European Youth Olympics and English National championships over the next few days, writes ERIC WILKINSON. The World long course (50m pool) championships start tomorrow Fukuoka
"O what a tangled web we weave, When we first practise to deceive!" YESTERDAY, Jeffrey Archer's web unravelled, his cunningly-spun tangle of false alibis and faked diaries came undone, and he came crashing down. Make no mistake, this was not a spur of
A FAMILY-run sawmill in Dalton on Tees will cease trading at the end of the month after 35 years in business. R Forster and Sons at Cockleberry Sawmills, West Lane, was started by the late Mr Robert Forster after he bought the three-acre site in 1967.
IT WAS definitely a case of "We'll Meet again" as the largest number of people for several years volunteered to help with Barnard Castle's annual carnival. This year's event was cancelled owing to the foot-and-mouth epidemic, but with no members of the
WHEN she was at primary school, Sarah Chrisp, of Darlington, was told she was a slow child who didn't try hard enough. It wasn't until she reached the age of 11 that she was finally diagnosed as dyslexic, which was why she had found it hard to read and
WHILE Tony Blair may be looking forward to his summer break in Brazil, Jamaica and Mexico, many of the region's other MP's will heading to less exotic destinations in this country. A survey carried out by The Northern Echo found most MP's in the North-East
THE crew of a disabled cabin cruiser has been rescued. The cruiser, which had launched from the beach at Redcar with four men aboard, was spotted on Sunday morning by the local Coastwatch lookout. It was apparently disabled, dangerously close to the rocky
Foster's Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League Under-18s - Despite scoring 110 for five, which included 39 by Shaw and 30 from Phillips, Sacriston lost by three wickets to Shotley Bridge whose matchwinners with the bat for David Ringer with 42 and
GROWING businesses in the Tees Valley should benefit from £1m of new investment. The investment by UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE), is part of a national £10m package announced by the company on Tuesday. UKSE wants to step up its investment activities in existing
COUNCILLORS have deferred a decision on a plan by a racehorse owner and trainer to establish an 18-stable yard near Northallerton. Mr Michael Smallman wants to build the stables, along with a tack and feed store and a steel horse exerciser, at Yafforth
A CHARITY'S bid to take aid to Polish orphans has been given a cash boost to help with travel expenses. Humanitarian Aid to Lithuanian Orphans (Halo), which has storage premises in Willington, near Crook, is planning a trip to orphanages in Poland in
Sedgefield Community College students have received awards for sport achievement. More than 300 people attended the ceremony at Hardwick Hall Hotel, where Geoff Cook, cricket director at Durham County Cricket Club, presented Hays Travel Sports Awards.
A REFERENDUM on whether Sedgefield Borough Council should have an elected mayor is likely to be held on Thursday, October 18. Arrangements for the referendum will be debated at a meeting of the council today. The suggested date has already been chosen
MEMBERS of the Christian Life Centre, a church in Newton Aycliffe, have graduated from a course which teaches personal and leadership skills. Richie Garratt, 26, of Darlington, passed the Quest level two leadership course and was nominated student of
PEOPLE have stepped up their fight to block plans to set up a £500,000 meat processing factory near their homes. West Auckland residents have sent 200 letters of objection to Wear Valley District Council after a second public meeting was held this week
AN historic annual festival has been saved after a last-ditch meeting to decide its fate. Barnard Castle Meet is the biggest event of its kind in Teesdale, but organisers were forced to hold a crisis meeting after they failed to attract enough volunteer
POLICE have teamed up with councillors in east Durham to tackle the growing problems caused by unruly teenagers. During the 12 months to March, police received reports of more than 300 disturbance incidents and 3,000 reports of youths causing annoyance
NURSES who said their lives had been destroyed after blowing the whistle on abuse of children at four care homes have received an apology on behalf of the NHS. The development came at a conference in Newcastle yesterday, at which an independent review
TWO County Durham MPs came head to head in the Commons this week when a group of rebellious backbenchers successfully voted to reject plans to sack two senior Labour critics from the chairmanships of influential select committees. The sackings had been
A VILLAGE school which got a roasting from Government inspectors two years ago has been given top marks for improvement. The Ofsted team which visited Wolsingham Primary School in May found excellent teaching and improving standards in maths and science
DETECTIVES are pleading for further public help to make a breakthrough in the case of a man who was murdered as he walked home from a country pub. Several anonymous callers contacted the BBC Crimewatch programme this week after another appeal for information
THE biggest crime prevention and road safety campaign ever mounted in Darlington got under way in the market place yesterday. The police event was put together to educate and alert shoppers to a range of crime and safety issues. PC Ian Clelland, Darlington
A THREE-day interactive motor show will be staged in the North-East next weekend. The event takes place at Hodgson Toyota's Silverlink complex, Newcastle, and will involve more than 100 Toyotas, Mazdas and Suzukis. The show will also highlight the European
Young at heart Newcastle United manager Bobby Robson is to star in a new TV advert - on roller skates. The 68-year-old ex-England boss will be seen gliding along the streets while he shops, and mocking his ageing years in the ad for Barclaycard. It is
CHILLED foods group Northern Foods has warned first-half profits were likely to be hit by "significantly higher" costs for meat, fish and dairy products. The Hull-based group, a leading supplier of ready meals to Marks & Spencer and the country's
A SWORD-WIELDING man has admitted launching a savage attack on a pub-goer as he made his way home. John Barkas was left with wounds to his head and hand after being attacked with a Samurai sword last December. He needed ten staples in two separate gashes
A DECISION over the future of a nightclub has been delayed for the second time. Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's licensing committee was to discuss Kenneth Morley's controversial application to extend opening hours at The Lodge, Liverton Mines.
BUILDING Society turned bank Northern Rock has reported bumper half-year profits as lower interest rates boosted demand for mortgages. Northern Rock, which demutalised in 1997, said its residential lending market had been "buoyant" during the first half
THE Thirsk-based GSM group has rescued British Industrial Graphics from the receivers. The group, which employs more than 200 staff, has paid £1.25m for the firm to become the largest manufacturer of industrial graphics in Europe. The deal is part of
Bedale High School hosted a cerebral palsy morning and were glad to welcome Sydney Paralympic gold medallist Hazel Robson. Sunderland athlete, Hazel, is the world 200m record holder and won her gold medal in the 100m. The Years seven, eight and nine groups
A NORTH-EAST prison, school and truck company are among the beneficiaries of a £10.5m grant. The successful applicants to the Work/Life Balance Challenge Fund, to be paid over three years, were announced by Employment Relations Minister Alan Johnson yesterday
HUNDREDS of people gathered on Saltburn's Victorian pleasure pier for the official re-opening on Friday after a £1.3m facelift. Former culture secretary Chris Smith cut the ribbon to open the refurbished pier, as a brass band played to celebrate the end
JOHN Thornton, from Northallerton, is pictured on his way to winning the open class on State Trip at a one-day event held on July 7. The competition attracted more than 80 entries in three hotly-contested sections. Dressage and show jumping were held
I am not a mother. I am a cheque-writing machine. Know the feeling? Just when you think they're almost grown up and it's going to get easier, it suddenly gets a whole lot worse. Legally, you are meant to be an adult when you are 18. You get the vote and
TENANTS are to be balloted on the future management of their homes. Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council hopes to transfer the management of 12,000 council homes in the borough to a new not-for-profit company able to access money and grants for a repair
FOOTPATH closures across Britain are being swept aside from tonight - with the exception of the counties still being hit by new foot-and-mouth cases. Durham and North Yorkshire are among only eight counties in the country where closure orders will continue
FORMER Guisborough student Catherine Hare experienced the highs and lows in the European Junior Duathlon Championships held in Portugal earlier this month. The utter dejection of disqualification in the individual event was followed by the joy of a gold
A £1.5M scheme to improve coastal defences, which has seen tonnes of Norwegian rock imported to the region, is officially opened today. The year-long scheme to shore up the Haggerlythe area of Whitby, North Yorkshire, aims to protect the area from coastal
THEY weren't exactly six of the best, but the first six-wicket haul of Stephen Harmison's career brought a request from the Press to speak to him yesterday. He declined, apparently on the grounds that he had been slated in one of the morning's papers.
