ROSEDALE'S Ian Austermuhle won the opening round of the Yorkshire Centre ACU trials championship at snow-blitzed Keighley Gate last Sunday. The 123 competitors battled to stay on their machines at the Yeadon-Guiseley MC event, but the course planners
Richmond League Results, January 31: Cricket Club 3 Half Moon (Barton) 5; The Board Inn 5 The Ship Inn 3; Croft WMC 6 Bay Horse (Middleton Tyas) 2; The Crown (Brompton) 2 Comrades Club B 6; Comrades Club A v bye; King William (Brompton) v bye. Congratulations
Sir, - Mrs Murgatroyd (Middleham Key Centre trustee) shows grave concern for Middleham Town Council's administrative expenditure (D&S letters Jan 10) and the cost of a council office (D&S Jan 31). During 1999-2000, Key Centre Ltd spent more than
Jenny Duncalf has been given a mountain to climb in her opening match at the National Squash Championships which start next week. Duncalf, the Harrogate Squash Club player and full-time professional, faces favourite Linda Charman (Sussex) in her first
Operation Barbarossa. Format: PC CD ROM, Developer: Stefan Trombke, Publisher: Just Flight, Price:£19.99 FLIGHT simulations of the Eastern Front are virtually non-existent. Until now video gamers had to be content with the myriad Battle of Britain sims
Burnmoor Ladies Lawn Tennis Club will play in Group D of the Northumberland and Durham League for the first time after ending as champions of Group LE last year when they won all seven matches, writes Malcolm Pratt. Anne Sowerby, who has been connected
THE HURWORTH Hunt celebrated its bicentenary on Tuesday by recreating a famous scene painted in 1846 by the banks of the River Tees. With 33 Old English hounds in tow, huntsman Joe Townsend led the group of three horses and riders to a tree beside the
Runners wanting to take part in this year's Great North Run should not give up hope, according to its organisers. The limit for entries to the world's biggest half-marathon has already been reached in the quickest time ever, three months before the official
FARMERS from as far afield as Northumberland and North Yorkshire converged on a on a Weardale village pub at the weekend for the annual Eastgate hay show. They braved blizzards to compete in the most memorable show in the 12 years of the event, which
YOUNG motorcycle racer Barry Burrell, one of five hopefuls selected at the Red Bull Rookie Academy Day in Rockingham, has announced his withdrawal from the programme. The Bishop Auckland teenager was due to go to the final showdown in Cartagena, Spain
A STOCKTON hospital chief executive has added her comments to the debate about whether North Tees University Hospital should seek foundation status. The special status is being proposed by the Government for hospitals that are highly-rated in league tables
A RECENT trip to visit the Government in London recently confirmed the truth in the old adage that there are lies, damn lies and statistics. As is the case with council leaders up and down the country, I am trying to come to terms with the revenue support
THE region's struggling manufacturing industry was thrown a lifeline yesterday when interest rates were cut by 0.25 per cent. The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee decision ended an unprecedented 13-month run of rate stability, taking the interest
THE head teacher won an award last year and now her tiny village school has been given special mention in a national review. Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe Infants' School is one of three run by North Yorkshire County Council which were picked out in Ofsted's
Having taken over the work and customers of butchers, bakers and banks, supermarkets are now persuading us buy their electrical goods from them as well. Bread, baked beans, soap powder, fridge, television and a new iron. That could be your supermarket
Crook Belle Vue, the First Division leaders, slipped up at Crook Queen's Head A when they went down by the odd point to have their lead cut to only two points over Crook Travellers Rest B and Crook Coach and Horses A. The Queen's A had singles wins from
DEAN WINDASS has revealed his frustration at being frozen out of Middlesbrough - and claimed a lack of "bottle'' is the reason for their wretched away form. Windass joined Sheffield United last month on a free transfer after starting only two games for
Bishop Auckland Bridge Club Thursday, January 30 1 A Bainbridge/J Burnett 58.25 per cent; 2 J Blackett/P Robbins 45; 3 J and P Beard 43.75; 4 G and A Young 51.28; B Myres/J Little 48.75; 6 I Gordon/J Dobson 55. Ranking: 1 A Bainbridge/J Burnett 56.25;
WATER workers built a 40ft bird hide in a few hours to mark World Wetlands Day. The bird-watching hut was built at The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust in Washington when a challenge was laid down to 15 Northumbrian Water employees. The task began at 8am on
JANUARY kicked off the year with a veritable mixed bag of weather. Overall, it was marginally on the mild side, mainly due to night-time temperatures. These tended to be propped up even when there was a good snow cover, as it was cloudier and windier
STEFAN SCHWARZ has vowed not to retire when he leaves Sunderland later this month, writes Steven Baker. The midfielder is on the verge of departing the Premiership basement boys after the club decided to release him before his contract expires. But while
IT is one of the biggest concerns of campaigners that calculating the extent of homelessness is virtually impossible. A recent survey carried out by Darlington Borough Council, together with charity groups, identified 19 rough sleepers in the town but
PUPILS have taken a week out of school to help design the products of the future. The 14 and 15-year-olds from Bishop Barrington School, Bishop Auckland, have learned all about packaging and design during a week with Smurfit Corrugated, of West Auckland
COMMUNITY Rangers at Sedgefield Borough Council are encouraging young people at secondary schools to be model citizens of the future. The Jaffle, the rangers' version of a raffle, is taking place in six of the seven secondary schools across the borough
DOZENS of SAS troops descended on the North-East in three Merlin helicopters as part of preparations for the war against terrorism. The training exercise in Newcastle was aimed to see how swiftly they could respond if the region came under attack. They
A BIRD-brained starling had its feather's ruffled when it got stuck - in a tree. The startled bird had to be rescued by firefighters yesterday. More used to rescuing cats from trees, Cleveland firefighters were called to help the stricken bird after it
Detectives from the US last night questioned two North-East men arrested after a worldwide manhunt into a devastating computer virus. Jordan Bradley, 19, of Darlington, and Andrew Harvey, 21, of Belmont, Durham City, were held during dawn raids carried
YOUNGSTERS working for their GCSE examinations have been left heartbroken after burglars broke into their college and took the laptop computers they used for their course work. Pupils at Gillbrook Technology College, in South Bank, used the 11 Apple Mac
ONE of the smallest and oldest hunts in the country has lost one of its joint masters. Hilary Mintoft stepped down at the Farndale Hunt's annual meeting held at The Feversham Arms, Church House, Farndale, on the North York Moors, after three years, because
Yesterday's arrests in Darlington and Durham by police and American Internet investigators highlight the growing problem of computer hacking. John Dean reports. IT'S just about the biggest growth area in global crime, its victims run into millions and
CONTROVERSIAL former council boss Rod Hills has been arrested again by detectives, it emerged yesterday. Police would say only that a 56-year-old man had been arrested in connection with an inquiry, but declined to say who he was or what was being investigated
EUROPE: THE pro-euro brigade really needs to change tactics if they want to persuade people to believe them. Saying that if we don't join the euro it will mean thousands of lost jobs (Echo, Jan 31) is so old hat and has already proved to be rubbish. If
A NATIONAL network for the construction industry plans to create a powerful voice for the sector in the region. The Rethinking Construction Network plans to have 12 Rethinking Construction regional centres by the summer. It will bring together regional
A MAN had part of his ear bitten off during an assault last weekend, police revealed yesterday. A police spokesman said the 32-year-old victim was with a friend when he was attacked at the Rawalpindi Restaurant, in Front Street, Tynemouth, North Tyneside
THE police intelligence unit is playing an increasingly important role in Operation Lancelot, an anti-burglary initiative running throughout Sedgefield borough. The unit is a vital part of Durham Constabulary and aims to provide residents of County Durham
A FORMER councillor who was involved in a 35-hour siege was last night said to be poorly in hospital. Maurice Kellett, 60, was admitted to Sunderland Royal Hospital on Wednesday following the incident at his home at Colliery Lane, Hetton-le-Hole, near
VILLAGERS in Waterhouses, near Esh Winning, are being asked to help improve their community. Environmental projects organised by the community association include litter picks in Deerness Walk on Sunday, in Cemetery Road on February 23, and in nearby
ABBEY National became the latest group to cut payouts on long-term savings policies, with some bonuses scrapped altogether. The group announced that from March, annual bonuses on with-profits policies would be between zero and four per cent, and terminal
GRANT AID: Springwell Village Hall Toddlers Group and Playschool has received a grant of £1,500 from the Community Chest to provide safety equipment, learning resources, tables and chairs. YOUNGSTERS CLUB: The Junior Ribbon Club for children aged from
A POLICE force has paid out a four-figure sum to a woman who claims she was groped by a constable. Cheryl Robson, 22, has received an award of £6,000 from Cleveland Police, despite former PC Andrew Shearer being cleared by a jury of groping her bottom
A GREAT North Dog Walk has been organised to raise money for several worthy causes. The event, which is being organised by Barnard Castle Dog Training Club in the grounds of Raby Castle, Staindrop, will raise cash for Teesdale and Weardale Search and
PLANS to build 12 houses on a heritage site have been refused, following concerns that they would spoil the character of the area. Roker Developments recently applied to Easington District Council for permission to demolish buildings at the former Essyn
THE founders of an undersea cable-laying firm have regained the reins of the business after a £6m management buyout. Charles Tompkins and John Johnson established CTC Marine Projects in Darlington in 1993 and built the company into one of the market leaders
AN animal feed manufacturer has been given the go-ahead for a £700,000 scheme to build a new warehouse and extend its lorry park, after a planning officer changed his recommendation from refusal to approval. Members of Ripon area planning committee of
Sunderland University's science department is holding a Hostage to Fortune competition for schools throughout the region. Older pupils will have to answer questions while younger ones, as hostages, undertake forfeits for wrong answers. The first round
FOUR houses are to replace garages at High Riding, Richmond, despite residents' concerns about lack of parking space. Richmondshire District Council's environment committee approved demolition of the 12-garage block and the building of a terrace of two-bedroomed
Darlington Mount Pleasant Juniors: The Under-9s, sponsored by SG Petch played at home in a friendly against Trimdon. Rangers started with some good attacking football which paid off with goals coming at regular intervals. The score ended 5-0 to Rangers
A water wheel at a mill dating from 1864 will be retained as a key feature of a plan to turn a famous Dales pub into homes and holiday apartments. Planning chiefs say the water wheel cannot be disturbed because it is part of a listed building known as
VICTORIAN life - both above and below stairs - will be recreated for hundreds of North Yorkshire children thanks to an education grant. Kiplin Hall, a 17th Century stately home at Scorton, near Richmond, has been awarded £5,000 from the Yorkshire Museums
NEW homes are to replace the former drill hall at the old Army barracks in Richmond. The town's dance centre had been using the building until it confirmed it had found a new home in Scorton. And, once English Heritage confirmed the hall had no real architectural
Postnatal depression affects around one in six women but is still a taboo subject. Women's Editor CHrisen Pears reports. STORIES about Sadie Frost and Jude Law's troubled marriage have been splashed all over the papers recently but, while some say Nicole
BREWERY bosses defended themselves yesterday after pulling the plug on a pub's cheeky stunt. The Fleece, in Richmond, North Yorkshire, was the talk of the town on Monday when it changed its name to Tanya's Charms. Regulars suggested the idea to honour
A MAN surrendered to police last night, following a dramatic siege. Police officers - some wearing riot gear - cordoned off terraced flats at Hemlington, near Middlesbrough. Trained negotiators were then called in to talk to the man, who was threatening
VOLUNTEERS who designed new seats for a Bishop Auckland estate have been commended by councillors. The navy blue benches have brightened up a corner of the Henknowle estate, where Millennium Volunteers have worked hard to clean up the worst areas. The
A COURSE which could open up a new world for people with visual problems is being staged in flagship library facilities. Durham's city centre Clayport Library runs several information technology classes backed by New College, Durham. But its latest course
A COURSE which could open up a new world for people with visual problems is being staged in flagship library facilities. Durham's city centre Clayport Library runs several information technology classes backed by New College, Durham. But its latest course
RESIDENTS on a Darlington housing estate are getting help cleaning up their neighbourhood from a group of talking penguins. The blue and yellow birds, which arrived in Firthmoor just in time for the snow, are actually rubbish bins which respond when litter
PLANS to increase the number of car parking spaces in Darlington town centre could be at risk following the sale of the Cornmill shopping centre. The centre was sold this week for just under £50m, and the unnamed owner has yet to meet centre bosses to
WORK is under way on an office development in a Teesdale business park which could create dozens of jobs in the area. The site, at Harmire Enterprise Park, in Barnard Castle, is being built on more than two acres of land and is being hailed as a modern
FORMER Middlesbrough footballer Bernie Slaven was "arrested" yesterday on suspicion of verbally abusing Newcastle and Sunderland fans on the Century FM programme Three Legends Football Phone-In. Slaven was in Tyneside for a book signing at WH Smith's,
PUPILS are a step closer to the trip of a lifetime. Teesside High School for Girls is well on its way to raising enough money to send its hockey and netball team on a tour of Australia, Singapore and Fiji, following a Quiz Roadshow held in association
GROUPS representing pedestrians are urging tougher action against motorists using Stockton High Street. Buses and taxis are permitted to use the High Street and Cleveland Police recently clamped down on other drivers using the road. But a letter from
POLICE secured an anti-social behaviour order for a man described as a public nuisance yesterday. Andrew Lawson, of no fixed address, is the fourth person to be made the subject of an order in the Darlington area since September 2000. The 22-year-old
AN expansion scheme for a Darlington school was given planning permission by councillors this week - despite opposition from nearby residents. Darlington Borough Council's planning committee granted permission for a two-storey technology block, a single-storey
COUNCIL chiefs are examining a new charging system for people receiving social services home and day care. From April 1, Darlington Borough Council must comply with Government guidance designed to bring equality across the country, so that council money
STAFF at Southlands Leisure Centre, in Middlesbrough, will be playing Cupid next Friday during a series of events to mark St Valentine's Day. A cartoon characters fancy dress party has been organised for children aged four to eight, from 4pm until 8.30pm
A CASH-strapped council is to continue free school travel for thousands of County Durham children. Durham County Council was looking at saving more than £1m a year by bringing its travel scheme into line with others around the country. Durham gives free
ANGRY residents have set up a petition against proposals for mobile phone equipment to be installed in their market town. A letter outlining the plans in Northallerton has sparked an outcry from the public who have grave concerns about possible health
THE fun of the fair is everyday work for a showman whose latest attraction has turned out to be piece of transport history Paul Evans' newly-restored Fantasia Funhouse will spend the summer being toured around 60 fairs and fetes across the Showmen's Guild
DARLINGTON Primary Care Trust (PCT) has brought in training experts to help its support staff understand medical terminology. Employees ranging from administrators to secretaries have learnt about various body systems and terminology, some in Latin, to
EIGHT social services teams have successfully reapplied for a quality standard. The teams from County Durham Care, which had Charter Mark awards, resubmitted their applications in 2001 and last year. A spokesman for County Durham Care said: "Since 1999
The Chamber of Trade in Thirsk is trying to place two defibrillators purchased by the Rotary Club in the town centre. Boots is hoping to take one and train staff to use it in emergencies, and the landlords at the Three Tuns Hotel are to contact other
ON the most bitterly cold of winter's nights, negotiating the icy footpath that leads to the glorious warmth of the hostel is difficult enough in itself - so spare a thought for Michael. For his perilous journey has lasted considerably longer than a few
Sunderland University's science department is holding a Hostage to Fortune competition for schools throughout the region. Older pupils will have to answer questions while younger ones, as hostages, undertake forfeits for wrong answers. The first round
Darlington RA had cause for a double celebration at the weekend. Not only were they able to stage one of only two games to be played but they completed a great day by beating high-flying Birtley Town with a late goal. Secretary Martyn Jackson and a small
CANCEL all social arrangements. The BBC are screening Audley Harrison and the Davis Cup this weekend. Let's hope they've got a few repeats in reserve because both could be over rather quickly. It's episode nine of Audley's ten-fight deal with the Beeb
QUESTIONS were being asked yesterday about the stability and safety of part of an Aiskew building site after it emerged that serious civil engineering problems will mean the demolition of an expensive house. The bottom end wall of the house, officially
Dari Taylor, Labour MP for Stockton South, received full marks with a 100 per cent response rate in a Teesside Green Party poll of MPs who answer constituents' faxes. Middlesbrough MP Stuart Bell answered fewer than one in four while Hartlepool MP Peter
CHILDREN are being invited to take part in a family activity day in Hartlepool later this month. The Davy Jones' Locker Area at the Maritime Archaeology Resource Centre in Sir William Gray House is hosting the day on Wednesday, February 19. Children will
THE Manchester United team gave a young Wear Valley footballer a day to remember when he walked out with his heroes on to the Old Trafford pitch. Kristian Iceton, 11, from Coundon, teamed up with his idols, David Beckham, Ryan Giggs and the rest of the
YARM Charities Fair will go ahead in summer and organisers are looking for ways to develop the event. The fair, which will be held on June 1, usually raises between £2,500 and £4,000 for good causes. Yarm District Lions organises the day on behalf of
NEWCASTLE Falcons are likely to field only one of their five new signings in tonight's Zurich Premiership match at Leeds. Centre Mark Mayerhofler is doubtful with a groin injury, while fellow New Zealander James Christian will be out for two more weeks
POLICE have named a woman found dead in a Stockton flat on Wednesday. Katrina Evans, 20, of no fixed address, was found in a flat in Leybourne Terrace, Stockton. She had recently been released from prison. A post-mortem examination proved inconclusive
A serviceman providing fire cover during the strikes last week could face a spell in military prison after making two hoax 999 calls to his own squadron. The soldier, who has not been named, was stationed in the temporary fire station in Newton Aycliffe
TEACHER Bob Elston hopes he has a head for heights when he tackles an ascent part way up the world's highest mountain later this year. But it could prove a hairless head after Mr Elston offered to have his prized moustache and beard removed as part of
NORTHALLERTON mayor Jack Dobson has been accused of impropriety over the issue of expressions of interest for safety work at the cemetery. Town councillor Josh Southwell threatened to report Coun Dobson and two others to a standards board over the process
Plans were unveiled today to cut the millions of tonnes of waste dumped in landfill sites each year in the North-East. The region produces more than 13.5 million tonnes of waste and experts predict it will get worse. The North East Assembly yesterday
MALCOLM MACDONALD last night backed Craig Bellamy to win Sunday's jet-heeled shoot-out with Thierry Henry. Macdonald, a former Newcastle United and Arsenal striker, believes Bellamy can capitalise on the Gunners' lack of speed in defence. He said: "Arsenal
Sir, - How many cars do you see with only one headlight working? Their drivers have only 50pc of the possible illumination available; they are disregarding their own safety as well as the safety of drivers approaching them who reasonably could assume
A TALENTED fashion designer was this week crowned Best New Business in Tees Valley at an awards ceremony on Tuesday. Kate Fearnley, who started her Billingham business in January last year, specialises in producing designer clothes from high quality fabrics
Crook League: Market maintained their lead over Belle Vue at the top of division one and Cricket Club are 11 points clear in division two despite having a bye. RAFA hold a three points advantage over Sunnydene in the dominoes section. Seven points separate
A CINEMA, casino, hotel, nightclub and outdoor leisure facilities could help revitalise Redcar, planners have suggested. Redcar and Cleveland Council is exhibiting plans for the Coatham Enclosure development at Redcar library this month. Last week, Persimmon
Sarah Borwell, Durham and Cleveland's leading female player, has continued her rapid rise up the rankings. Following recent tournaments in Florida the 24-year-old from Middlesbrough has risen to tenth position in the British order of merit. This is based
Darlington winger Richard Hodgson has called on the club's fans to help them overcome their recent slump. Quakers, who host second-placed Rushden tomorrow, have won just once in 2003, culminating in Tuesday night's 1-0 defeat at bottom-club Swansea. "
A WOMAN has been left shaken after fighting off an attacker who dragged her into some bushes as she walked to work. The 32-year-old woman had been making her way to work at a nursing home near County Hall in Durham just before 9.30pm on when she became
Braes of Derwent PC. - Feb 22: Indoor hunter trial at Holmeside Park. All classes. Sae for schedule, Linda Middleton, Grange Farm, Sunniside, Bishop Auckland DL13 4LZ. British Eventing. - Feb 9, 15 and 23: Cross-country clinics at Manor House, Newsham
A church restoration project is one step closer to its target of raising £11,000 thanks to a donation from the team behind a major BP pipeline. St Lawrence's Church, at East Rounton near Northallerton, dates back to the thirteenth century and is of great
FREE school travel will continue for pupils living in County Durham despite recommendations that its withdrawal would save the county council £1.3m a year. Yesterday, cabinet members decided not to re-draw the existing three-mile eligibility boundary
The season's fixture backlog grew last weekend with the entire program falling foul of the weather and with two of the games being North Riding Cup ties, the knock on effect meant some rescheduling of February's fixtures. Thornaby Mandale have lead the
Durham City: Two of Durham City's outstanding junior athletes had excellent runs in their recent races, firstly Shaun Moralee, who in the previous week became the Northern 1500m (U20) indoor champion this time travelled down to Birmingham NIA to compete
TWO County Durham brothers have helped fast food chain McDonald's win a national award for its use of free range eggs. Twins David and Peter Maughan, who farm 435 acres between them at Morton Tinmouth and Denton Grange respectively, moved into free range
WE'VE teamed up with Nationwide, an official partner of the FA Cup and England team, to celebrate this year's FA Cup competition and get fans into FA Cup Fever. Nationwide understands how fans can catch FA Cup Fever by getting caught up in the excitement
Washington Nissan manager Gavin Liddle has blasted his side following their 6-1 defeat to Thornaby in the Craven Cup last week. Liddle was furious at his players' lack of effort and has promised to make changes ahead of their next match. "I was very disappointed
CHOIRS, musicians, church and village hall groups have welcomed news of a Government U-turn on the introduction of entertainment licence fees for performances and rehearsals. But some uncertainty remains over the future of informal folk music in pubs.
The Prime Minister was soundly beaten at bowls today by a special Olympian who declared his efforts were ''rubbish''. Tony Blair was challenged to a game of carpet bowls by Alan Trundley, 47, when he officially opened a renovated sports and community
Consett Sunday League Colin Wheatley was just the trick for AK Leisure as he booked them a cup final place against Blackhall Mill in the Harkness Trophy. The competition for Division One clubs saw Wheatley slam in a hat-trick as the Leisure lads inflicted
SARAH Borwell, the Teessider now based in Las Vegas, has climbed another six places up the British order of merit to stand in tenth position with a world ranking of 630. Since turning professional last summer, the Tennis World Middlesbrough player has
Detectives hunting the killer of Milly Dowler today said they would not know until Monday if they had a match for mystery DNA discovered on the schoolgirl's clothing. The male DNA, found on an item recovered from the 13-year-old's bedroom, has been matched
Crook League: Michael Burke of Crook Travellers Rest put his name in the league's records when he became only the second player to record a century break. Michael pulled off this performance against Richard Walker of Crook Spitfire Club in the League
Whitby Town have announced another fundraising game. After a successful game against a team from the Heartbeat TV series before Christmas, Whitby have lined up a game against an all-star side, captained by former England and Liverpool defender Emlyn Hughes
A GIFT of land to Neasham Parish Council is degenerating into an expensive farce as it faces a further cost for a coal mining search. In November, the village celebrated the news that an anonymous donor was offering to pay the then £1,124 legal costs
THE North-Eastern Holstein club has announced the results of its Herds Competition 2002. Large herds: 1 H S Petch & Sons; 2 D P Day & Son. Medium herds: 1 Donaldson Partners, Barlees; 2 Stockdale Partners. Best cow: 1 H S Petch & Sons; 2 Dalesend
Tow Law Bass Cup: Esh Stag's Head won the toss for staging the anticipated tightly matched final against Tow Law New Market A but no one forecast the most one-sided final in the history of the competition. In the match of six darts and six dominoes singles
Darlington and District League Singles first round proper to be played Friday, Febuary 14, 2003. Games to commence no later than 8.15pm To be played at The Lascelles. MC. P. Sludds: P. Sludds (Lascelles) v J. Rogan (Dalesman) A; Boynes (Boot & Shoe
Result of the week in Division One was recorded by Marske WMC A who held second placed Redcar Lakes A to a 3-3 tie. Derek Smithies was first to play for the Lakes against opponent Andrew Williams. Williams won both games with scores of 69-8 and 43-35.
A CHURCH minister appeared in court this week accused of systematically abusing boys when he was a prison officer at Medomsley Detention Centre in Consett. One alleged victim, who was 15 at the time, said that when he pleaded with his tormentor to stop
SHEEP producers can remain optimistic for the next 12 months, according to the latest forecast from the Meat and Livestock Commission. Jane Connor, senior economic analyst, believes lamb supplies will remain relatively tight throughout 2003, indicating
Warner Holidays Champion of Champions singles regional final: First round: Brian Reed (Consett) 21, Shaun McIntosh (Hebburn) 7; John Heppel (Bassetlaw) 21, Jonathan Goodall (Blackpool Newton Hall) 17; Mark O'Riordan (Thornaby) 21, Brett Arkley (Stanley
VISITORS of the feathered kind are flocking in their thousands to a new lake on George Westgarth's arable farm. On some days more than 4,000 birds from 101 different species have been counted. Numbers are likely to increase over the next few years, too
RICHMOND'S probably got more than enough heritage to lose a little bit without anyone noticing unduly. As the town is still struggling to overcome an image that some may have of it as a community preserved in aspic, the loss of a traditional pub name
This year's well attended meeting took place in the clubhouse when members considered matters relating to club affairs. The Treasurer, John Webster, presented the accounts and was closely questioned on the year and development programme envisaged for
THE future of farm agri-environmental grants will be discussed at North Yorkshire FWAG's bi-annual forum at the Angel Inn, Topcliffe, at 6.30 on Thursday. Phil Lyth, FWAG adviser, said the situation would change completely over the next two years, with
A BARNARD Castle man is wondering if spring is just around the corner, following the unusual discovery of a clutch of robin's eggs in a nest box outside his house. Sam Holden built the box at his home to stop birds nesting in his adjacent hanging baskets
CLUES for the future, both for the Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National, are on every jumps fan's mind at present, but did we see the Champion Hurdler in Rhinestone Cowboy at Wetherby on Saturday? Jonjo O'Neill's novice star won the Gerard Wealth
Billingham performed brilliantly at the Neptune Centre, Middlesbrough, with swimmers accumulating 20 medals and 44 personal best times being broken. The first six places receiving a medal. Two ten-year-olds performing well were Harriett Goodman in the
KEVIN KILBANE cut through the FA Cup euphoria sweeping Wearside last night and told his teammates: It's time to let our football boots do the talking. The positive noises emanating from Sunderland have not been borne out with their desperate form that
On the Swale, Sunday's Northallerton and District Thompson Cup on the Scruton to Morton reaches of the match length delivered some big winter weights, despite 8" of snow water. Highlight proved a trio of 30.0.0 plus bags and Boroughbridge's Eddie McEvoy
David Beach just cannot wait for the cricket season to start even though he will neither score a run nor take a wicket, writes Malcolm Pratt. Instead, he will aim to extend his remarkable record as scorer for Darlington Building Society NYSD League side
THE Durham and Teesside Group of Endurance GB has put together a comprehensive calendar of long distance and pleasure rides for 2003. The first ride of the year is in the Tanfield area on February 23 and rides, along with social and training events, continue
NEWTON Aycliffe desperately clung on to three points when they narrowly edged a tense nine-goal encounter with Salvins. The league suffered yet again from the bad weather last weekend, with only five games going ahead. And Aycliffe continued their championship
Sir, - The title of your leading article, "Policy is a pain" (D&S, Jan 21) just about sums up the feeling of this authority, which has had to wrestle with the consequences of its recent decision to refuse permission for the conversion of a barn at
A GROUP of Stockton youngsters will represent the North in a national acrobatics championship after winning the regional title in South Shields last weekend. Ailsa Pitt and Nikki Wilson, who are both 17, and ten-year-old Lyndsey Irish took first place
A SALES assistant sacked by Richmond artist Mackenzie Thorpe has lost her claim of unfair dismissal after a two-year battle. An employment tribunal ruled unanimously in favour of Mr Thorpe, who dismissed Angela Davis from his Arthaus gallery in April
South Durham Royals THE Under-12 girls entertained Lumley at home in very blustery conditions. The wind did not allow Royals to play their usual passing game and it was Lumley who scored first after 18 minutes. Royals continued to pressure Lumley but
A newly-qualified teenage referee is hoping to emulate former top referee, George Courtney, and become a World Cup whistle-blower. Fourteen-year-old Callum Askew of Spennymoor has followed his former headmaster at Ox Close Primary School in qualifying
A NEW prize worth £10,000 for contemporary visual art has been launched for artists in the North of England. But artists themselves cannot enter - they must be nominated by members of the public. The Comme Ca Art Prize has been founded by the Comme Ca
Gang's gay guessing games THINK Coupling. Think Friends. Think This Life. Put them all together and you have this new series described as a comedy drama but which contains more of the former than the latter. Shona and Conrad are wondering what it would
A man arrested by police for being drunk and disorderly outside a Darlington pub was given a one-year community rehabilitation order by magistrates yesterday. Edward Haines, 39, of Woodland Terrace, pleaded guilty to the offence, which happened outside
WE are two days away from the World Cup of cricket. Two days away from the opportunity to introduce the sport to a new audience and a new generation across the globe. Sadly, there has been little excitement and anticipation ahead of Sunday's opening ceremony
YOUNGSTERS taking part in the last pantomime of the season have shown their support for Tyneside's bid to win European Capital of Culture 2008. More than 100 young actors were performing in Dick Whittington at the Dryden Centre, Low Fell, Gateshead, this
A MAN who was jailed for the illegal killing of ten goats in a shed yesterday dropped his appeal against a two-month sentence. Isap Lakha, 67, was ferried from Hull Prison to Teesside Crown Court where his lawyer Musa Patel gave his decision to the Recorder
AN "arrogant" doctor who ignored orders to stop working after being convicted of stalking his former mistress and hiding his criminal past was struck off yesterday. Michael Donnelly, 54, harassed a Scottish consultant with phone calls, letters and visits
A coroner and solicitor was yesterday found guilty of stealing almost £155,000 from the estates of his dead clients. Jeremy Cave, 53, who has been a solicitor in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, for 20 years, was convicted of overcharging six of his clients.
THE wife of artist Mackenzie Thorpe spoke to The Northern Echo yesterday of the family's relief that a long-running dispute with a member of the gallery staff is finally over. An industrial tribunal has cleared Mr Thorpe and wife, Susan, of the unfair
MIDDLESBROUGH legend Micky Fenton has died at the age of 89 after a short illness, writes Clive Hetherington. Fenton, pictured inset, was one of Boro's goal-scoring greats, hitting 162 goals in 269 League and Cup appearances - 147 coming in the top flight
A MAJOR new tourist attraction in the form of a suspension bridge across the River Tees came another step closer to reality this week. The idea for a £500,000 pedestrian steel rope bridge, crossing the river at the old railway viaduct near Barnard Castle
Sunderland University's science department is holding a Hostage to Fortune competition for schools throughout the region. Older pupils will have to answer questions while younger ones, as hostages, undertake forfeits for wrong answers. The first round
COUNTY Durham council taxpayers are facing an increase of over nine per cent to pay for services such as education and social services. The rise, which the Labour-run county council's cabinet is recommending to the full council on Thursday, February 20
THE air was shattered by the roar of artillery fire yesterday as the Army made a little bit of history when it celebrated the anniversary of the Queen ascending the throne. No fewer than five firsts were chalked up as the powerful guns blasted their royal
WORKERS at ICI's Uniqema plant on Teesside were last night reassured that their employment is safe - despite reports the company is to shed 150 extra jobs. The ICI group has been reducing staff numbers dramatically since November 2001. About 1,100 of
Statistics have shown that a significant number of house burglaries occur in premises left unsecured by the householder. Crime prevention officer PC Neil Langthorne told a the Sedgefield Borough Burglary Task Group that three out of five of such offences
CHARITY bosses are demanding more emergency shelter for people sleeping rough, after it emerged that an increasing number of people are being turned away from the region's homeless hostels. The Salvation Army now has ten people asking for every bed at
THERE were emotional scenes as the first UK land-based troops left their Yorkshire barracks for the Gulf yesterday. A handful of wives and children gathered on the snow-covered parade ground at Cambrai Barracks in Catterick Garrison. There were tears
A park that was restored last year has changed its name. Derwentside District Council undertook the work at Consett Heritage Park after being awarded a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Now, it has agreed to reinstate the site's original name, Blackhill
FEARS that a Northallerton community project would have to shut down have been allayed thanks to thousands of pounds worth of funding. Almost £70,000 of lottery money has secured the future for Breathing Space, a group which provides social trips out
SEEN as an essential tool to help unite communities in combating crime, the police Crime Ring is a computerised message broadcasting system. Developed for Sussex Police in 1992, the system was designed primarily for Neighbourhood Watch communication.
POLICE have condemned an attack on an elderly woman who was punched in the face and then made off with £2,000. Officers believe the attacker removed a light from outside the woman's home in Sacriston, near Durham, then waited in the dark for his victim
PEOPLE in Hartlepool are being urged to comment on plans for a £2.5m transport interchange in the town. About 700 feedback forms given out at four information displays and a two-day public exhibition are still in circulation and must be returned by today
An inquest into the death of Joseph William Ward, of Birtley, near Gateshead, is due to open at the North Durham Coroner's office, Elliott Street, Crook, County Durham, at 9am today. Mr Ward died when he was crushed by a forklift truck at a Co-op distribution
A FORMER councillor who was involved in a 35-hour siege was last night said to be poorly in hospital. Maurice Kellett, 60, was admitted to Sunderland Royal Hospital on Wednesday following the incident at his home at Colliery Lane, Hetton-le-Hole, near
A CLASSIC case of NHS postcode rationing will end today when Health Secretary Alan Milburn announces moves to give all deaf people more modern hearing aids. Until today's announcement at Darlington Memorial Hospital, the only centre in the North-East
A BID by clothing retailer Matalan to open a warehouse store in Bishop Auckland could fall at the first hurdle. Planners say the 35,000sq ft development could damage existing businesses. Matalan wants to build the store along with 146 car parking spaces
PRESSURE is being kept on highway authorities for further improvements at the notorious Black Swan crossing on the A19 near Hutton Rudby. Some improvements have been carried out but councillors are calling for further work and a possible 50mph speed reduction
THE severe housing problems on Teesside are being ignored by the Government, a council leader has claimed. Councillor Dave Walsh, Labour leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, is planning to write to Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott after
STUDENTS will be leading an Oriental celebration tonight. University of Teesside students will be performing a traditional lion dance to open celebrations marking Chinese New Year, which began at the weekend. The evening will include a fan dance, a display
THE £10m regeneration of a former industrial area has received the top honour in an environmental awards scheme. Durham County Council chairman Charlie Magee yesterday received the Golden Apple in the Green Apple Environment Awards for the Seaham Regeneration
FURNITURE business ScS saw sales over the Christmas period ahead of the same time last year. The Sunderland company held its annual meeting this week, when chairman Tony McCann updated shareholders. He said: "Sales and order intake for the first 18 weeks
PRIMARY school pupils will soon be eating the favourite food of some of the country's celebrities. Youngsters at Hartburn Primary School, Stockton, have written a recipe book as part of a healthy eating week. After creating recipes and receiving some
CONSERVATIONIST and botanist David Bellamy has opened a wildlife display at a nature reserve. Dr Bellamy opened the exhibition and display at Rainton Meadows Visitor Centre, near Houghton-le-Spring, on Monday Durham Wildlife Trust paid for it with the
Sunderland Commanches (U14) and Cherokees (U12) were in Belfast for challenge matches against Northern Ireland U14 and U12 select squads. Commanches played the first of two games on Saturday evening and won by the narrow margin of 2-1. Northern Ireland
The annual Hambleton and Richmondshire Area Secondary Schools Gymnastics Championships were held at the Northallerton Leisure Centre last week and once again boy and girl gymnasts from Bedale High School scooped many of the top trophies. The Under-13
CRIMESTOPPERS wants to trace an elderly man in connection with the theft of thousands of pounds of gift vouchers from Boots in York. The incident happened on Wednesday, November 13, when the man entered the shop on Coney Street at 9am. While staff were
A controversial plan to build seven homes in a village near Ripon is being taken to appeal by the applicants. They are appealing to an independent government inspector that the scheme, on land next to Lindley House, Hungate, Bishop Monkton, was not determined
TWO neighbouring businesses at Melsonby, near Richmond, have been given the go ahead to make changes. Thorndale Farm racehorse training yard has been granted permission for new gallops off East Road, while Farnaby's Turf got the go-ahead to build a depot
CHILDREN from Burneston CE School raised £100 for St Teresa's Hospice at their Christmas carol concert. The concert was held at Kirklington Church, where the children entertained their families and friends with a programme of festive songs. Hospice director
The first children's hospice in the region is to fully open for the first time after after a £1.2m cash injection from the national lottery. Barry Nelson talks to parents and staff about life inside the Butterwick Children's Hospice. IT'S always bugged
Barry Nelson talks to Health Secretary Alan Milburn about the current state of the NHS. ASK Alan Milburn whether the extra money in the NHS is being spent wisely and he will throw the question back in your face. "If you go to any doctor or nurse and ask
A NEW community group has been created to help shape the future of North Yorkshire's 8,600-acre forest. The Friends of Dalby Forest has been launched, comprising of local people who want to make a contribution to the North York Moors beauty spot, near
Phillips and Clark finish first. Fifteen swimmers from Richmond Dales swam at the Gateshead and Whickham Oven Long Course meet on January 25 and 26, entering 90 events. From these 90 events 32 were placed in the top six with wins recorded by Janine Phillips
SOLDIERS and airmen from across the North-East were heading for the Middle East last night as the days count down to conflict with Iraq. Hours before the Government announced that it was dispatching 100 aircraft to the Gulf, ground crew were preparing
ENVIRONMENTAL projects around Darlington are benefiting from a scheme designed to make young offenders repay their debt to society. More than thirty youngsters, who have been convicted of crimes including car theft and burglary, have been clearing paths
TWO cats abandoned on a doorstep near Darlington just before Christmas are in need of a new home. Barnie and Freddie, who are believed to be aged about four, were left outside a home, alongside two kittens, and a note which read: "We are brothers. Our
A group of entertainers have decided to swap their Full Monty routine to dress up as the Cheeky Girls to raise money for primary school children. Tribute To The Stars, composed of seven men, who live in and around Coundon and Shildon, are appearing at
THE revamp of a once run-down Darlington estate can enter its next stage after planners approved a development for 400 houses. Members of Darlington Borough Council's planning committee this week granted outline planning permission for the 413 homes on
HEALTH and safety officers are investigating the cause of a battery acid leak which caused Darlington's Arts Centre to be evacuated on Wednesday. The centre's marketing manager was rushed to hospital after inhaling sulphuric acid fumes from a faulty battery
A HOUSING developer has presented Great Ayton Football and Cricket Club with a cheque for £500. George Wimpey North's sponsorship means the footballers, who play in the Cleveland League, have a new strip. Team manager Dennis Readman said: "The much-needed
BIG Brother 3 star Jonny Regan has quit the fire service to concentrate on his acting and singing career. The 30-year-old, who lives in Trimdon, County Durham, has been on a career break from firefighting since he appeared in the hit Channel 4 reality
VIKING mania is about to break out in the region - with the help of a character called Thorgrim. This year's Jorvik Viking Festival gets underway in York next Friday and is being supported by the city's Yorkshire Museum. Staff have created Thorgrim, a
IMPROVEMENTS are on the way for travellers using the East Coast main line with news that coaches are to be upgraded. But it won't be good news for everyone as the number of seats available for smokers will be reduced. GNER is to spend £30m on a redesign
An inquest into the death in hospital of a man from Eston has been adjourned while further investigations are carried out. Peter Parker, 66, of Ripon Way, died in the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, on Tuesday. He had been admitted on January
by Robin Twizell RMD Agriculture. WHEAT prices have remained steady as shippers are still looking to cover recent sales. This has forced one or two compounders back into the market as well. Oilseed rape prices have fallen back as it would now appear that
Crook Wanderers have dropped the least number of points and they confirmed their position as title challengers with a 9-3 win at Evenwood White Swan. Paul Bailes led the way with four goals and the rest came from Craig Edwards (2), David Pakes (2) and
BRIGHT young sparks have showed off their design and construction skills. Dozens of GCSE students took part in the contest to find the best young engineers in Derwentside, County Durham. The 15 and 16-year-olds were told to build a working turbine and
POLICE have named a woman found dead in a Stockton flat on Wednesday. Katrina Evans, 20, of no fixed address, was found in a flat in Leybourne Terrace, Stockton. She had recently been released from prison. A post-mortem examination proved inconclusive
RESEARCHERS want to recruit human guinea pigs for a project on the effects of cold weather on pensioners. Students at the University of Teesside's school of health and social care, in Middlesbrough, want to hear from volunteers aged 65 or over, particularly
Operation Barbarossa. Format: PC CD ROM, Developer: Stefan Trombke, Publisher: Just Flight, Price:£19.99 FLIGHT simulations of the Eastern Front are virtually non-existent. Until now video gamers had to be content with the myriad Battle of Britain sims
THERE is no sense of the bunker about Crook Town's pleasant, snow-filled Millfield ground. But beyond the wall-to-wall memories that now adorn this once famous venue there lies the stark reality of a club under siege. Perilously perched near the bottom
PEOPLE living in Stockton are being urged to visit the town's Environment Centre to find out how to keep their homes warm. Insulation grants are available to people on a qualifying benefit, while others can take advantage of cost-saving deals, with loft
The Rector of Sedgefield is asking parishioners to submit questions for morning services at St Edmund's Church during Lent. In the current issue of parish magazine The Link, The Reverend Martin King stresses the need for the Church to understand the British
Sunderland University's science department is holding a Hostage to Fortune competition for schools throughout the region. Older pupils will have to answer questions while younger ones, as hostages, undertake forfeits for wrong answers. The first round
HEALTH workers are being urged to rally round as Northallerton's Friarage Hospital sees an exodus of staff to the Gulf. About 50 military members of staff - mainly nurses and doctors - are leaving the hospital as the military build-up continues in preparation
A COUNTRYSIDE planning specialist whose work normally sees him involved with the North-East farming community has left for Thailand to share some of his skills with hill tribesmen. Previously employed by the National Farmers' Union, Dr Malcolm Bell now
A fans' website describes Bob Taylor as a "true legend", talks of his glowing pride every time he pulls on a blue and white shirt, trumpets his testimonial at West Bromwich Albion. He was 36 on Monday, Horden miner's son, worked as a binman and on YTS
HEATHER Marks gained her first owner/trainer success when Over The Beck (South Durham) won an incident-packed ladies open at the Old Raby Hunt Club meeting held at Witton Castle last Sunday. The race was thrown wide open at the fifth fence when Good Vibes
Only five games managed to escape the snow last weekend, but fate saw that only one game was postponed in Division One of the Northern Echo Darlington Sunday Invitation League, as Hurworth Albion's game against Bishop Auckland Cricket Club fell victim
Seaham youngster, Tommy English, has gone North of the border as he begins the next stage of his football career. The 19-year-old has signed a two-and-a-half year contract with Scottish Premier Division side, Livingston, after impressing during a three-day
Hambleton Ales North Yorkshire League: Bedale and Harrogate Squash appear to be heading for a showdown finish to the season in Division One. Not surprisingly current leaders Bedale took a predictable 3-0 win over their second team, while Harrogate Squash
MARY REVELEY'S decision to send Roveretto chasing has brought about an instant change of fortune for the eight-year-old, who was on a long losing streak over hurdles prior to switching his attentions to fences. Up until a month ago Roveretto couldn't
BEEF farmers from across the North of England have been urged to attend a National Beef Association all-day conference at Craven Cattle Market, Skipton, later this month. The event, on Friday, February 28, will discuss the implications of impending CAP
ALTHOUGH many of us associate the oak with the ash, possibly regarding them as two of our most beloved trees, it is the oak which tends to receive most of the praise and glory. I am sure this is to do with its role in building the warships of our past
A RECENT trip to visit the Government in London recently confirmed the truth in the old adage that there are lies, damn lies and statistics. As is the case with council leaders up and down the country, I am trying to come to terms with the revenue support
DARLINGTON became the latest victims of bottom-of-the-table Swansea City's recent revival when they went down 1-0 in South Wales on Tuesday night. It was a second successive defeat for the Quakers, whose scheduled home match against Cambridge United last
WHEN Spectator's colleague bought a new washing machine on interest-free credit from Northern Electric just over a year ago she was given a swipe card to enable her to make variable payments, at her convenience not theirs, at several outlets in the market
Durham County Super League: Horden began their quest to repeat a Championship win when they easily overcame the visiting newcomers from Shildon B. However the visitors did perform better than many of the teams playing the formidable Horden side last season
Coroner Jeremy Cave, who stole almost £155,000 from the estate of dead clients at his solicitor's practice, was today jailed for three and a half years at Teesside Crown Court.
Division Two Teesside Ath 11 v 1 D'ton RA Res Visitors Darlington RA Reserves were hoping to put the previous week's drubbing at Teesside Link behind them when they travelled to Redcar. Hosts Teesside Athletic found themselves behind on half an hour after
PLANS to demolish Darlington College of Technology and build almost 150 new houses on the site were approved by councillors on Wednesday. The move marks the first stage of a multi-million pound college plan in the town. The college plans to move from
Tow Law Area League Newhouse Club landed the title in the Captain's table but Tow Law Rose and Crown took them to the finish, with three other teams ready to take advantage of any late slip from the leading teams. The positions and points in the final
A STOCKTON engineering firm has been named the number one North-East company in a league table of the country's most successful businesses. Moore Control and Engineering's impressive growth figure of 494pc over a five-year period made it one of only five
JACK Marriott, of Carlton, near Stockton, has given a vast collection of photographs, possibly worth £10,000, to Stockton Council, which is exhibiting some of them at the Green Dragon Museum. Mr Marriott ran his own photographic business and took thousands
The weather had only a marginal effect on this week's Durham League fixture schedule and the one first division fixture played gave Belmont Reds only their second league win of the season, a 63-48 victory at home to Hartlepool HQ Engineering Hornets.
A TALENTED young rider has moved a step closer to fulfilling her Olympic equestrian ambitions. Anne-Marie Perry, a year 11 pupil from Teesside High School, Eaglescliffe, is one of only five riders in the country to be selected for the British Equestrian
FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - Darlington workhouse entered by burglars: On Tuesday morning a daring burglary was perpetrated at the Workhouse. It was shortly after seven o'clock that Mr Weakner entered his office, and was unpleasantly surprised
CANCEL all social arrangements. The BBC are screening Audley Harrison and the Davis Cup this weekend. Let's hope they've got a few repeats in reserve because both could be over rather quickly. It's episode nine of Audley's ten-fight deal with the Beeb
GAS exploration wells planned for the North York Moors National Park will be discussed by Westerdale residents at a forthcoming public meeting. Sterling Resources UK is applying for permission to explore for gas at Whyett Bank, near the road between Westerdale
Shuttle and Loom 4 v 1 Archdeacon The Deacon have lost several players in the last two months and are not the team they were in the early part of the season. Nevertheless trailing 2-0 at half time a goal from Tommy Wright shortly after the interval gave
BARNARD CASTLE. - Tues. Fwd: BA hfr & calf £790 J Fenwick. Feeding bulls. - BB: £55, £545, £500 G Thompson & Sons: £530 JN Spedding: BA: £530 D Buck. Char: £530 D Buck: £500 F Cartwright. Simm: £530 JF Hutchinson: £500, £490, £485 C&E Gaskin
