Archive

  • Spearman's love for the Durham attack deepens

    DURHAM'S suffering at the hands of imports with EC passports continued to the bitter end yesterday, when for the third time this season their bowlers received a Bristol bombing from Craig Spearman. After his 104 not out in the C & G Trophy and his

  • Drug users pulled from queue by police dog

    POLICE sniffer dog Jake saw action on Saturday night when two men were outside Crocodillos nightclub in Chester-le-Street. The men, in their early twenties, were arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs. They were found to have ecstasy on them and

  • Manufacturing order books at six-month low

    HOPES of a manufacturing revival have been hit after a CBI survey revealed order books were at a six-month low. The CBI's industrial trends survey of almost 1,000 manufacturers found order books at a six-month low as tough trading conditions and rising

  • I'm a celebrity - judge me

    The career of Michael Barrymore still hangs in the balance although he has not been convicted of any crime. But the TV-watching public doesn't often turn against those they have built up. The jury that is the Great British Public is still out on Michael

  • Vandals should just stay at home

    I HAVE been hearing some really bad news recently. I have had reports of mindless vandalism, destruction and abuse of one of my favourite local woodland areas. It is a managed woodland not far from Great Ayton that belongs to the Woodland Trust. It's

  • Tutu has got the Courage

    THE drinks will definitely be on Takes Tutu (3.40) if he can plunder the £100,000 Courage Best Stakes at Newbury today. Mile-and-a-quarter handicaps of such immense value are few and far between ensuring a high-quality field. But trainer Mark Johnston

  • Nemeth aims to keep up reign of top-flight terror

    STEVE McClaren hailed Szilard Nemeth as Middlesbrough's "Johnny on the Spot" last night and backed the Slovakian to continue his Premiership reign of terror. Nemeth's three goals in Boro's last two games have established him ahead of Alen Boksic in the

  • Dubious celebration of rural pursuits

    THE big countryside event of the weekend may well be tomorrow's rally in London, but starting today in the American state of Montana is an even less appetising rural pursuit: the 20th Montana Testicle Festival. This festival revolves around the parts

  • Sleepy Joe who lives in danger

    EVERY time little Joe Weldon goes to sleep, there is always the danger he may never wake up. The one-year-old has sleep apnoea, a fairly common condition in adults but unusual in one so young. Joe often stops breathing, and if it was not for a £500 monitor

  • Catholic girl denied bus to attend church school

    A CATHOLIC pupil faces a struggle to get to school after being refused a place on the school bus because her parents are Protestant. Lauren Loan's parents have been left wondering how to get their daughter to and from their home in Perkinsville, near

  • Teaming up for frothy alliance

    CAMERONS Brewery and Hartlepool United have joined forces to form a strategic alliance. The brewery, based in Hartlepool, sponsors the Camerons Brewery stand, provides financial support for away travel and has a corporate box for the next three seasons

  • School's health award

    A SCHOOL has been presented with an award for promoting healthy living for pupils and staff. Yesterday, MP Alan Milburn presented staff and children at Branksome Comprehensive School, Darlington, with the County Durham and Darlington Healthy School Award

  • Expansion by demand

    A £750,000 revamp has been completed at Lady Lumley's School, Pickering, to give its 1017 students - the highest ever on the roll - better facilities. The school, which has a reputation for being one of the leading secondary schools in North Yorkshire

  • Popular thoroughfare which is streets ahead of the rest

    A North-East city street featuring elegant Georgian architecture has been named as Britain's best. Leading figures behind a £120m project to revitalise Newcastle city centre welcomed news that Grey Street has been voted The Most Favourite Street in Britain

  • Recycling made simpler

    AN initiative is being introduced in the Richmondshire area in an effort to recycle more waste paper. The district council is introducing a blue bag scheme on October 7 for more than 12,000 local households. The homes will be issued with the plastic bags

  • Traffic made worse

    RESIDENTS say traffic problems have worsened in their area since a calming scheme was introduced nearby. Thirty eight people living in the Bondgate Green Lane and Newby Close area of Ripon have signed a petition asking North Yorkshire County Council to

  • Railtrack investors get bit of good news about shares

    RAILTRACK investors are set to receive more than previously expected for their shares after the track operator is sold to Government-backed Network Rail, it was announced yesterday. Railtrack Group, parent of track operator Railtrack plc which is in administration

  • Dales hotel snapped up

    A HOTEL in the heart of an Upper Wensleydale market town has changed hands for about £375,000. Cocketts Hotel in Hawes has been bought by Doncaster couple Bob and Lesly Barber, who will be taking over the premises from Jeff and Joan Smith. Overlooking

  • Comment: Masking the real issues

    HUNTING is the major problem with tomorrow's countryside rally. Hunting is drowning out all the other, vital issues and it is going to prevent many millions of people expressing sympathy with the marchers' plight. To most of the country, hunting is not

  • Fresh hope for boarders

    PICKERING youngsters have been given new hope that they may get a skateboard park. The town council agreed this week to accept responsibility for the management of such a park if the go-ahead is given to create one. Councillor Natalie Warriner, the town

  • Passengers facing rise on the Metro

    THE operators of the Tyne and Wear Metro system are likely to charge pensioners and children more next year because not enough people have been using the new Sunderland extension. Nexus announced yesterday that it was proposing the increase in concessionary

  • Plea for junction lights rejected

    AN APPEAL for lighting at the busy A66 Cross Lanes junction near Barnard Castle has been rejected by the Highways Agency. Teesdale District Accident Prevention Panel heard the agency considered that low accident numbers at the junction did not justify

  • Disabled children scheme is axed

    A SCHEME which provides a lifeline to parents of disabled children has stopped because of a lack of funding. The Dash scheme, which holds after-school clubs, days out and holiday play schemes for children with special needs in Darlington, has lost its

  • School's health award

    A SCHOOL has been presented with an award for promoting healthy living for pupils and staff. Yesterday, MP Alan Milburn presented staff and children at Branksome Comprehensive School, Darlington, with the County Durham and Darlington Healthy School Award

  • Crash victim named

    POLICE have named the man who died in a car crash as 20-year-old John McClean. Mr McClean, from Whinchat Tail, Guisborough, east Cleveland, was killed on Wednesday night when the car he was travelling in was involved in a collision with a VW Polo on the

  • Work begins on revamp

    WORK is going ahead on improvements around the Headland promenade in Hartlepool. Concrete paving slabs along the upper prom are being replaced with sandstone paving and Victorian-style cast iron benches and litter bins will be installed on the upper prom

  • News in brief: Bus service is hailed a success

    A BUS service has been a hailed as a success after attracting scores of tourists to the Durham Dales throughout the summer. The Black Grouse Bus was launched earlier this year as part of a bid by Durham County Council to boost the rural economy. The bus

  • More lucky Echo winners

    THE second batch of lucky number winners have been announced for The Northern Echo bingo game. The winners, who all matched a number in Thursday's paper, have each won £100. They were: Rene Falla, of Atherstone Way, Darlington, Ida Hopper, of Hardisty

  • A last stand for the countryside

    THE nation's capital is expected to come to a standstill tomorrow in what could be the biggest ever demonstration witnessed on the streets of London. The Countryside Alliance Liberty and Livelihood March is expected to attract about 280,000 people from

  • No more Mr Nice Guy

    Tom Hanks has blown away his good guy image in his latest film, Road To Perdition, which opens next week. Film Writer Steve Pratt finds him being nice about being nasty. THE shadowy figure in the heavy overcoat and homburg hat levels a gun at a man's

  • Poor response to theatre plan

    PLANS to convert a theatre into a nightclub have met with a mixed reception from councillors. Members of Stockton Borough Council's planning committee met yesterday to discuss plans by Northern Leisure to turn the former Globe Theatre, in Stockton High

  • Action plan for rural economy launched

    COUNCILS across the region were urged to help transform the rural economy at an action plan's launch yesterday. The Rural Action Plan, setting out ten key strategies for the countryside, went before a meeting of the North-East Regional Assembly in Durham

  • News in brief: Labour Party in nuclear fall out

    THE president of the Hartlepool Constituency Labour Party (CLP) has resigned following a row about a nuclear power station. Keith Fisher walked out of the CLP meeting on Wednesday night after resigning as president. He said that it had not been easy for

  • Spotlight on energy issues

    THE controversial subject of wind power will be debated at a conference being held in the region today. Members of the Council for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) will gather at the Centre for Life in Newcastle to discuss the challenges presented

  • Hear All Sides: War on Iraq

    MOST of your correspondents seem influenced by war films. Criticising American support for Saddam Hussein during Iraq's seven-year war with Iran, they forget that prior to the Second World War Britain supported Finland against a Russian invasion yet,

  • Jeweller becomes new resident at complex

    A NEW store has opened in a city centre shopping complex. The specialist diamond and watch retailer Ernest Jones has opened its 156th store at Durham's Prince Bishop's centre. Part of the Signet Group, the 996sq ft shop will sell gold, silver and diamond

  • News in brief: Welcome for coach depot

    REDUNDANT buildings on Kirkbymoorside's industrial estate are set to be converted into a coach depot which will result in a better bus service for local people, the town council has said. Stephensons of Easingwold wants to set up the coach operating centre

  • Walkers' chance to raise money

    VILLAGERS are being urged to join a guided walk to raise money for a new skateboard park. Coxhoe Community Partnership, which created the Coxhoe Kidzone play area, is holding a three-and-a-half mile walk tomorrow. Money raised will go towards the partnership's

  • Supermac on the ball at launch of jobs fair

    A FOOTBALLING great helped launch an event designed to help people find work. Former Newcastle United, Arsenal and England striker Malcolm MacDonald, better known as Supermac, kicked off Durham's annual Christmas Jobsfair in the town hall on Thursday.

  • Railtrack admits that signs were its fault

    RAILTRACK has finally admitted responsibility for a rail bridge in Darlington branded "dangerous" by drivers. The low bridge in Cleveland Street, Albert Hill, Darlington, had warning reflectors placed too high. In June, just weeks after The Northern Echo

  • Art and a small beer

    A PRINT by North Yorkshire artist Mackenzie Thorpe - complemented by a beer - goes on sale this weekend to raise money for charity. Mr Thorpe has been working from a studio in San Francisco while promoting his work across the Atlantic, but insists he

  • Classrooms to be replaced

    A NEW junior school is being planned for Darlington to replace an ageing building. Parts of Skerne Park Junior School have become so run-down that education chiefs are to erect temporary classrooms while Darlington Borough Council bids for cash to build

  • Plea after attack

    A masked man assaulted a seven-year-old girl in a park. The child was playing in Walker Park, Newcastle, on Thursday, at about 7.20pm, when the man pushed her to the ground, causing injuries to her face. The girl screamed and the man ran off. Anyone with

  • Hostel lodges second wind turbine application

    A YOUTH hostel has lodged a second planning application to build a wind turbine to provide electricity for the building. Teesdale District Council recently granted permission to erect a turbine and solar panels at the hostel, at Langdon Beck, in Teesdale

  • Sicknote sergeant out of the game

    STRESS case police sergeant Nigel Miller has been sidelined as a football linesman for a second time. Sgt Miller, who sparked a national debate when he ran the line in the Leeds United versus Manchester United match while on sick leave from work, was

  • Diamond day for wartime lovers

    A FORMER RAF fighter, who was parted from his wife during the war, is celebrating 60 years of marriage with a congratulatory telegram from the Queen. Harry and Renee Gilbert, of Witton Crescent, Darlington, celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary

  • Commuters have their say on buses

    COMMUTERS were yesterday given the opportunity to air their views about services - on board a bus. The bus was parked for four hours at a junction near Middlesbrough town centre. Representatives from bus operators Arriva and Stagecoach and from Middlesbrough

  • Friends look forward to being reunited

    TWO former schoolmates who had not met for 50 years were reunited 3,000 miles from home - thanks to a school reunion. Jenny Tuffin, nee Watson, and Les Emerson, both learnt of the school reunion through the Friends Reunited website. But they couldn't

  • Flooding survey costs disputed

    A FRESH approach is being taken in the long-running efforts to tackle the problems of flooding in the Hambleton area. The district council is planning to set up a floods forum, bringing together a variety of different organisations. As much as £300,000

  • Experts debate issue of addiction

    A MAJOR drugs conference in the North-East heard yesterday how the key to cutting addiction was better local services. The conference, at the Samsung Centre, Wynyard, Teesside, attracted about 100 delegates from across the private and public sector. Robin

  • Last word to residents

    RESIDENTS are to have the final say on whether proposed parking changes in a part of Hartlepool will go ahead. Proposals have been drawn up for improvements in the areas around Miller Crescent, Fulthorp Avenue, Ridlington Way, Howden Road and Goldsmith

  • Arriva claims 200 conductors will veto strike

    BULLISH Arriva bosses last night claimed that as many as 200 staff will turn their backs on the latest strike by conductors in a dispute over pay. Members of the Rail Maritime and Transport workers union will stage a 19th day of industrial action today

  • Losing Watson nothing Flash - Eifion

    EIFION Williams insists there is no pressure on anyone at Victoria Park when it comes to filling the goalscoring boots of Gordon Watson. Watson will be out for up to two months after breaking a leg in last week's win over Darlington - but Williams says

  • News in brief: School ready for VIP guest

    SECRETARY of State for Education Estelle Morris is to personally recognise the achievements of pupils and staff at an east Durham school. The minister, who is embroiled in the wrangle over alleged marking-down of A-level results, will take time out from

  • Boro continue promising start to season

    Middlesbrough's good start to the new season continued this afternoon with a hard earned 1-0 victory over premiership newcomers Birmingham city. French fullback Frank Queudrue grabbed Boro's only goal with a stunning 20 yard free kick after 29 minutes

  • Church saved from demolition

    A CHURCH has been granted listed building status as efforts continue to turn the town centre into a conservation area. The authorities at Chester-le-Street Methodist Church on Newcastle Road had planned to demolish the building, which is in urgent need

  • Prison plight highlighted

    A SPECIAL church service is being held to highlight the case of a deaf charity worker who campaigners say has been unfairly imprisoned in India. Ian Stillman has spent two years in prison in India after being accused of possessing cannabis. The 52-year-old

  • £25m proposal unveiled for 'new century' private school

    PLANS have been unveiled for a £25m state-of-the-art private school in the North-East. Headteacher David Dunn's "exciting vision" is to move independent Yarm School, from its present in-town, traffic-locked site, to a 150-acre, greenfield location on

  • Honours even at Feethams

    A Week to forget for Quakers' boss Tommy Taylor ended with a battling 2-2 draw at home to Bournemouth this afternoon. It began with the aftermath of the 4-1 drubbing at Hartlepool and was followed by Tuesday night's 1-0 reverse at York. A defeat today

  • Firefighters plan mass rally in pay campaign

    FIREFIGHTERS across the region are to hold a mass rally in a show of support for their pay claim. Up to 1,000 firefighters from across the region are expected to demonstrate outside the Tyne and Wear Fire Brigade headquarters, in Pilgrim Street, Newcastle

  • Europe forgotten as derby fever takes over

    NOT even a multi-million pound European adventure has detracted the importance of a Tyne-Wear derby from Sir Bobby Robson. Newcastle United, who returned on Thursday from their unsuccessful Champions League trip to Kiev, can now look forward to testing

  • Hard decisions ahead as police face tight budgets

    THOUSANDS of households face an increase in their council tax to prevent a cut in the number of police officers. Councillor Ken Walker, chairman of the Cleveland Police Authority, said that despite a recent increase there was still a "yawning gap'' to

  • Andrew promises to keep up Falcons' entertainment levels

    NEWCASTLE Falcons will not alter their attacking style when they step into the Tigers' lair at Welford Road today. Both clubs have lost two of their first three Premiership matches and Leicester will be desperate to appease their loyal fans with a victory

  • Newcastle seal derby victory

    Alan Shearer celebrated an act of revenge against Sunderland as Newcastle United cruised to a comfortable derby victory at St James' Park. Craig Bellamy was the star of the show, handing the Magpies a lead in only 84 seconds with his first goal of the

  • Pool hold top spot

    Hartlepool United stay on top of division three after a 1-1 draw at Bury. Pool are now on 21 points and have a 1 point advantage over Torquay thanks to an 82nd minute header from striker Adam Boyd. Pool fell behind on 20 minutes when Pawel Abbott side

  • For Your Benefit: Topping up pensions income

    Q Our weekly pension income is £161 plus a £1,500 annual works pension and savings of £10,000. Can we get help with council tax and glasses? A £2.63 a week off the council tax but you will have to put the first £135 towards your specs. Q I receive £152

  • Steel group shares fall after warning of lower profits

    NORTH Yorkshire structural steel group Severfield-Rowen saw shares drop by ten per cent yesterday after warning full-year profits would fall below expectations. The group, based near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, said due to "tough and very competitive" trading

  • So what became of the promise?

    THREE years after the Government first pledged to end the menace of carbon monoxide poisoning, people are still falling victim to the silent killer as the Government drags its heels. When Health and Safety Minister Lord Whitty promised to find a solution

  • Sky lit up in protest

    PRO-HUNT supporters turned up the heat on the Government on Monday when a series of beacons lit up the skyline. The flames and accompanying fireworks filled the skies to mark the beginning of a week of celebrations and protests. Crowds gathered at Maureen

  • Children admit to wrecking spree

    CHILDREN as young as nine have admitted their part in a summer wrecking spree which caused thousands of pounds worth of damage. Two nine-year-old boys and two 13-year-old girls have been interviewed by detectives about five separate attacks on Willington's

  • Judge in dilemma over drinker

    A JUDGE said he was reluctant to jail a chronic alcoholic who had frequently breached Durham's first anti-social behaviour order. John Newman, 32, formerly of New Brancepeth, has breached the four-year order five times since it was imposed in June 2000

  • Reid stands firm in face of derby fire

    DEFIANT Peter Reid won't be driven out of Sunderland by defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Newcastle United. That was the clear message from the Black Cats' boss on the eve of today's crucial derby clash at St. James' Park. Successive 3-0 defeats away

  • Fight for justice delayed

    A FAMILY from Chester-le-Street has been told the trial in Greece of five medical staff accused of causing the death of their son will not go ahead until May. Relatives of Christopher Rochester flew out to Rhodes in preparation for the trial - due to

  • At Your Service: Revelling in a sweet sermon

    THE tower of St George's Congregational Church was reckoned the highest point in West Hartlepool; Ordnance Surveyors and other far-sighted people worked from the top of it. They didn't see the Germans coming, though. On December 15, 1914, the church elders

  • Summer success

    RECORD numbers of youngsters took part in summer school activities in Northallerton this year. More than 500 enrolled for coaching sessions with Sunderland and Middlesbrough football clubs, Yorkshire Cricket Club and gym and trampoline clubs. And at half-term

  • Shopping centre scheme given the go-ahead

    PLANNING permission has been granted for a shopping centre on a new Newton Aycliffe estate. The centre in the Cobbler's Hall area of town will include a care home, children's nursery and ten shops. Developer Calderwood Property Investment has released

  • Breeding site success for little terns

    ONE of the country's rarest sea birds has experienced a successful season at its breeding site on the North-East coast, it has been announced. Little terns, whose breeding attempts in the region have suffered several setbacks over recent years, including

  • Funeral director wins costs in planning appeal

    A FUNERAL director has been awarded costs against his local council after winning his appeal to build a detached house. John Wise submitted a plan to build a four-bedroom home to the east of Low Green Farm, at Mickleton, in Teesdale, on land which he

  • Funeral director wins costs in planning appeal

    A FUNERAL director has been awarded costs against his local council after winning his appeal to build a detached house. John Wise submitted a plan to build a four-bedroom home to the east of Low Green Farm, at Mickleton, in Teesdale, on land which he

  • Diamond day for wartime lovers

    A FORMER RAF fighter, who was parted from his wife during the war, is celebrating 60 years of marriage with a congratulatory telegram from the Queen. Harry and Renee Gilbert, of Witton Crescent, Darlington, celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary

  • Classrooms to be replaced

    A NEW junior school is being planned for Darlington to replace an ageing building. Parts of Skerne Park Junior School have become so run-down that education chiefs are to erect temporary classrooms while Darlington Borough Council bids for cash to build

  • Pals aims to help

    A NEW service to help patients find their way around the health service and resolve their worries has been set up. Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trust has set up a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (Pals) which will be available to patients

  • Ban for director after company ran up big debt

    THE director of a clothing company which failed with debts of more than £285,336 has given an undertaking not to hold directorships or take any part in company management for seven years. According to the Insolvency Service yesterday, Sandra Scott, aged

  • Cracking open the bubbly for £5m deals

    A SOFTWARE company is set for a major expansion after clinching £5m in new deals. Software developer Techtonik, based at the North-East of England Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) in Sunderland, has won big contracts from major players in Europe,

  • Surer start for young families

    A FACILITY was unveiled at a Hartlepool primary school last week that will benefit children and their parents. A community room at Golden Flatts Primary School will provide a range of activities for parents and their children up to the age of four. Sure

  • Teenager is cleared of

    A TEENAGER who wore lots of clothes to appear beefy has been cleared of a sex assault. Christopher Gill, 19, was wearing two of almost everything and four pairs of socks, because his shoes were too big, when he stripped and climbed into a bed where two

  • Dog shot as gunmen attack couple's home

    A DOG was shot in the face and a man and his pregnant wife left badly shaken after gunmen attacked their home. The incident happened at Front Street, Sherburn Hill, near Durham City, when three masked men reversed a Vauxhall Astra - believed to have been

  • Inquiry to be held into plans for tunnel

    CAMPAIGNERS were last night planning their objections after Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott ordered a public inquiry into proposals for a second Tyne tunnel. The decision to investigate the New Tyne Crossing was welcomed by environmentalists as a

  • Midwife of the Year saved Garry Lee

    A WOMAN who helped save the life of a newborn baby has been named Midwife of the Year. Alison Russell received the award from her employers at South Tees Hospital NHS Trust after being nominated by Denise Harston. The two women, both of whom have recently

  • Removal of radio presenter sparks protest at studios

    AN axed radio presenter has invited his old bosses to take him back following growing calls for his reinstatement. BBC Radio Cleveland presenter Alan Wright's contract is not being renewed at the end of the month. The news came as "a total and inexplicable

  • Town council

    A full meeting of Great Aycliffe Town Council will be held in the council offices, School Aycliffe Lane, on Wednesday, at 7.15pm.

  • Vehicles of bygone era go on display

    VINTAGE cars and fire engines are just some of the vehicles on display this weekend in North Yorkshire. Crowds will be drawn to see vehicles of a bygone era at the 28th working weekend of the Vintage Machinery Society. Having been cancelled last year

  • Health problem?

    A FREE service for patients opens on Monday when Teesside Health Watch launches its new programme for dealing with NHS complaints. It will also provide specialist services for people who need additional support when contacting or finding out about NHS

  • Agricultural show goes on

    A RURAL community will go ahead with an agricultural show despite movement restrictions following the foot-and-mouth epidemic. Organisers of the Eggleston Agricultural Show, in Teesdale, have warned visitors that this year's event will be smaller than

  • Search goes on for lost canoeist

    A WOMAN has described the agonising wait for news of her missing husband, as police on Teesside renew an appeal to the public for help. Within hours of the disappearance of keen canoeist John Darwin, searchers found a paddle, followed a week later by

  • Praise as bus service helps cyclists

    A BUS service which also caters for cyclists has been hailed a success after attracting scores of tourists to the Durham Dales throughout the summer. The Black Grouse Bus was launched earlier this year by Durham County Council to help the rural economy

  • Cities will be linked by 12-mile trek

    FAMILIES are invited to take in scenic views of the countryside during a city-to-city ramble. The 12-mile walk from Sunderland to Durham will begin at Penshaw Monument, at 10am tomorrow and end at Durham Cathedral at 4pm. It will include the River Wear

  • Generous Niall's gesture to staff

    SUNDERLAND football star Niall Quinn treated club backroom staff to a day at the races after they helped make his testimonial a success. The 35-year-old player/coach sponsored three tables at Hexham Racecourse's first-ever Sunday national hunt meeting

  • And squid to you, too

    Barry Nelson relaxes at a lush and luxuriant beach destination in Greece, although he does find a little local difficulty with the language. IT'S like Borneo, the tour guide joked. As the air-conditioned minibus climbed through lushly forested mountains

  • News in brief: Bus service is hailed a success

    A BUS service has been a hailed as a success after attracting scores of tourists to the Durham Dales throughout the summer. The Black Grouse Bus was launched earlier this year as part of a bid by Durham County Council to boost the rural economy. The bus

  • Community shows its heart

    POTENTIALLY lifesaving equipment has been installed at a leisure centre - thanks to the efforts of local youngsters. The £2,000 defibrillator at Hambleton Leisure Centre in Northallerton led the fundraising drive, bringing £413 through events ranging

  • Silver saved by antiques dealer

    TWO pieces of silver owned by a North Yorkshire community are back on display after restoration paid for by a well-wisher. President of the Friends of the British Antique Dealers Association Trust, Christopher Warner, and colleague Garth Brown, were viewing

  • Agricultural show goes on

    A RURAL community will go ahead with an agricultural show despite movement restrictions following the foot-and-mouth epidemic. Organisers of the Eggleston Agricultural Show, in Teesdale, have warned visitors that this year's event will be smaller than

  • News in brief: Businessman attacked

    A 34-year-old businessman is recovering after an attack in Cleadon Lane, South Tyneside, at 8.30pm on Thursday. A police spokesman said the man was driving his grey BMW 525 when another car overtook him causing him to stop. A masked man got out of the

  • Bridge repairs herald yet more misery for motorists

    AN ailing road bridge is to receive further repairs, causing more disruption for motorists. The Tees Viaduct had already cost twice as much to repair as it did to build when Auto Link, the business consortium which maintains the A19, announced three weeks

  • Regional identity debated

    COUNCILLORS have rejected moves that could have had implications for the future cultural identity of the region. Redcar and Cleveland Council members debated an East Cleveland Independents motion to change council addresses to Yorkshire. The meeting also

  • In The Picture: I'm a celebrity - judge me

    The career of Michael Barrymore still hangs in the balance although he has not been convicted of any crime. But the TV-watching public doesn't often turn against those they have built up. The jury that is the Great British Public is still out on Michael

  • Gardening: Vandals should just stay at home

    I HAVE been hearing some really bad news recently. I have had reports of mindless vandalism, destruction and abuse of one of my favourite local woodland areas. It is a managed woodland not far from Great Ayton that belongs to the Woodland Trust. It's

  • Leader to stand down

    A LEADING figure in Chester-le-Street civic affairs for more than three decades is to stand down next year. District council leader Malcolm Pratt has announced plans to retire prior to the local elections in May. Coun Pratt has served as a Labour member

  • News in brief: School ready for VIP guest

    SECRETARY of State for Education Estelle Morris is to personally recognise the achievements of pupils and staff at an east Durham school. The minister, who is embroiled in the wrangle over alleged marking-down of A-level results, will take time out from

  • Grassroots: Washington

    BRIDGING GAPS: The Bridge Women's Education and Support Trust holds a women's drop-in and mental health training programme, both between 10am and noon on Wednesdays, in the Sulgrave Support Centre. TERROR TIME: Dads are welcome at the Tiny Terrors Toddlers

  • Taylor seeks return to normality after defeats

    AFTER two derby defeats in the past eight days, Darlington boss Tommy Taylor is hoping a return to 'normality' can help kick-start his side's faltering league campaign. Darlington play host to Bournemouth today after Taylor endured what was arguably his

  • Blakey reaches four figures

    Captain Richard Blakey ended Yorkshire's Championship season in a blaze of personal glory but he still left Headingley in a gloomy mood as his relegated team remained stuck permanently on the bottom of the table. Although Kent inflicted upon the outgoing

  • Coroner snubs witness who heard Campbell's dying words

    THE last person to hear the voice of speed ace Donald Campbell will not be called to give evidence at the inquest into his death, it has been revealed. Paul Evans, a retired police officer who lives in Darlington, spoke out after he heard that the inquest

  • Darling's one for weekends

    WEEKEND wages are proving mighty rewarding for the former champion jockey Kevin Darley. Last Saturday he picked up a very handy near ten per cent of £240,000 - his share of the first prize for booting home Tim Easterby's Bollin Eric in the St Leger at

  • News in brief: School ready for VIP guest

    SECRETARY of State for Education Estelle Morris is to personally recognise the achievements of pupils and staff at an east Durham school. The minister, who is embroiled in the wrangle over alleged marking-down of A-level results, will take time out from

  • News in brief: Labour Party in nuclear fall out

    THE president of the Hartlepool Constituency Labour Party (CLP) has resigned following a row about a nuclear power station. Keith Fisher walked out of the CLP meeting on Wednesday night after resigning as president. He said that it had not been easy for

  • Reyna aims to put block on Dynamic Dyer

    SUNDERLAND midfielder Claudio Reyna has identified Newcastle's Kieron Dyer as the dangerman who could hold the key to today's derby showdown at St. James' Park. USA schemer Reyna will be in direct opposition to England international Dyer for the first

  • Champs' hopes are fading

    DEFENDING champions Sunderland will have it all to do to retain their trophy when they host the region's opening cross country fixture of the season at Farringdon this afternoon. Last year the Wearsiders staged a dramatic victory in the senior men's four-stage