Archive
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News in brief: Bloom group's cash target
THE Saltburn in Bloom group is hoping to raise £19,000 so it can take part in the finals of the Britain in Bloom competition. Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council has pledged £1,500, with an additional £500 promised by the town's 500 Club. The
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Nobility pays tribute to Bindy Lambton
MEMBERS of the nobility joined family, friends and employees this week to pay tribute to Belinda Lambton, the estranged wife of Lord Lambton. Universally known as 'Bindy' Lambton, she died aged 81 surrounded by members of her family, in hospital in London
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GPs to test for heart failure in pilot scheme
A BLOOD test for patients with suspected heart failure will be available in GPs' surgeries across Darlington and the Durham Dales from May. The one-year pilot scheme, due to be introduced in all surgeries shortly, has been secured with a bid of just over
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Letters: Overkill
Sir, - May I to bring to residents of Heighington details of what is proposed for the West green (conservation) area, courtesy of the parish council. Under the heading of the rural bus challenge, it is proposed to refurbish the bus shelters. It is also
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Toast of the school
A YOUNGSTER is the toast of her school after winning a scholarship. Megan Craggs, 11, was put forward for Durham High School's Schroder Scholarship after her teachers at Kelloe Primary School singled her out for her intelligence. She sat an entrance exam
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25 years on, they're Chippendales off the old block
TICKETS go on sale today for the Chippendales' Collar and Cuffs Tour, which is coming to the region in May. The male strip act, which inspired films such as The Full Monty, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. "The show is almost impossible
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You write: Who caused suffering?
SIR - We are now pretty sure we are safe from 'mass destruction' and know that terrorists are more likely to come from Venezuela than Iraq - or that Al Quaida could be the best motivated group to get rid of Saddam. As a result, Tony Blair has changed
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Spotlight on project to save wildlife
A NEW scheme to help restore vanishing farmland wildlife has been launched in the region. An area near Barnard Castle, County Durham, has been selected as an Entry Level Agri-environment pilot scheme. Environment minister Michael Meacher launched the
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From pea-picker to Saltburn's jolly juggler
SALTBURN man Guy Belshaw has set up his own business - as a juggler, magician and circus tutor. The 22-year-old former pea-picker became interested in circus tricks while working in the vegetable and fruit farms of England, Holland and Denmark. He can
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MP supports farmer 'overwhelmed by system'
THE case of a Dales farmer ordered to repay £30,000-worth of sheep subsidies reinforced the need for flexibility in agricultural policy, community and political leaders said this week. Tom Kitching, who farms 300 ewes at Lunds, above Hawes, was shocked
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Men guilty of harassing war hero neighbour
A VULNERABLE war hero and his wife were forced out of their own home while enduring months of harassment from their two next door neighbours, a court heard yesterday. Second World War fighter pilot Kenneth Trelfer, who is partially deaf and blind, and
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Firefighters ill equipped for terrorist attack
Firefighters tonight claimed they were ill equipped to deal with a terrorist attack and slammed planned equipment and training as a "Dad's Army" operation. Union leaders said they had yet to see any extra equipment promised as part of a £56m Government
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Leniency for sex offender is condemned as 'crazy'
A MAN who was convicted of child sex abuse walked free from court yesterday because doctors said that he could die if he was sent to jail. Robert Barker, 64, of Redcar, might suffer a fatal heart attack from the stress of being sent to prison, said the
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Comment: Where justice is the loser
THERE is no satisfaction for anyone from the results of the re-investigation into the murder of Wendy Sewell. Derbyshire Police do not have a successful conviction. And 30 years after her death, Mrs Sewell's family cannot find comfort in the sure knowledge
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Craddock sympathetic to fans' anger
JODY CRADDOCK revealed last night how Sunderland's players are feeling the full force of their fans' anger - from the pitch to the petrol station. After five straight Premiership defeats, the patience of the Black Cats' long-suffering supporters is at
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Speed tips Magpies to conquer Europe
MIDFIELDER Gary Speed has warned that Newcastle United are on a mission to conquer Europe. The Welsh international believes the Magpies, two victories from reaching the last eight of the Champions League for the first time, are potential future winners
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Agency staff on the move
REGIONAL development agency One NorthEast is moving moving headquarters this week. Nearly 300 staff previously housed in three buildings across Newcastle and Gates-head will be brought together at Stella House on the banks of the River Tyne. The headquarters
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Russian pancakes for Friends
PANCAKES Russian-style will be on the menu when the Friends of Kostroma, County Durham's partner Russian city, meet on Wednesday. Brian Stobie, Durham County Council's international officer, said: "Maslenista, or Pancake Week, is the only purely Russian
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Wellock's World: Cricket cast in a poor light
FLOODLIT cricket is a gimmick. It may look spectacular once the sky gets truly dark, but if it means that the contest is decided on the toss of the coin then it reduces the sport to a pantomime. There was too much euphoria when England bowled out Pakistan
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Park urged to ease planning policy to help home seekers
PLANNING policy should be relaxed in areas of the Yorkshire Dales where surveys show clear housing need, councillors have urged. Richmondshire District Council agreed to press the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority to consider amending its policies
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Police seek suspect in shooting
POLICE have named a man they want to speak to in connection with a firearm incident in which a woman was wounded. A Northumbria police spokesman said a gun was fired through the floor of a semi-detached house in Holborn Road, Sunderland, at 2am on Saturday
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Prices at the markets
BARNARD CASTLE. -Wed. Fwd: 1,073 prime sheep. Lt hoggs to 117.6p av 113.4p; std to 127p av 120.2p; med to 126.4p av 119.9p; heavy to 115.6p av 113.2p. Ewes: Cont to £63; Mule to £59; Leics to £72; Texel to £65; Suff to £67; Swale to £39. DARLINGTON. -
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Safety issues
INDUSTRY experts have shown bosses of small firms that health and safety is not a luxury and can give them a competitive edge. More than 80 small businesses attended the Safety and Health Awareness Day, organised by the Health and Safety Executive and
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Anxious wait for mink farmers
TEN mink farmers put out of business by an Act of Parliament outlawing their trade face an anxious wait in their bid to have a Government compensation scheme declared unlawful. Outside the High Court, in London, the farmers expressed anger at the scheme
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Bennett takes his own talking head turn in Harrogate
WHEN a customer spotted writer and actor Alan Bennett browsing in a North Yorkshire bookshop, her instinct was to start chatting to him. But then she pulled back in case it might offend. A few hours later, she had an opportunity to find out what Bennett
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English Nature backs pilot scheme
ENGLISH Nature has given its support to an agri-environment scheme, which is open to all farmers within the Teesdale pilot area. The entry level scheme will pay for wildlife-friendly practices already in place, as well as encouraging new environmental
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Is it a bird hide or a climbing frame?
A SENSORY route at Flatts Lane Woodland Country Park in Normanby has suffered from an identity crisis. The route, used by youngsters with sight impairments, includes a bird hide made from railway sleepers and a mini-beast study area. However, users are
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Inquest opens into tragedy
AN inquest has been opened into the deaths of an expectant mother and her husband in a car crash at the weekend. Suzie and Adrian Baldwin, of Romanby, near Northallerton, North Yorkshire, died after their pick-up truck collided with a lorry on the A167
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Horse alert for drivers
CONCERNS for the safety of young horse-riders has prompted warnings to motorists to give them a wide berth. Riders frequently use roads in and around Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, to reach a nearby livery stables or off-road tracks. But a number of
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News from the Guilds and WIs
South Moor WI: THE president Dora Moore opened the February meeting. The year started on a very sad note with the death of Mary McPhail, a very dear and long-standing member. Members observed two minutes silence. Joyce Wright gave a reading of her own
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Company offers sporting trade-off
CLEVELAND Bridge UK is hoping to build houses on an old sports field in Darlington and give the town some new changing rooms at South Park as a trade-off. The company has submitted outline plans for both proposals to the borough council. The residential
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Maternity unit faces long wait
GUISBOROUGH Maternity Hospital will not re-open until the summer at the very earliest - and may not re-open until long after that, it has emerged. The news that a recruitment drive to employ 15 new midwives has only been partially successful was revealed
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Liddle demands better derby show for the fans
Darlington skipper Craig Liddle will lead his troops out for the last derby at Feethams tomorrow insisting a result is just as important to the fans as it is to the team. Liddle believes Quakers "owe one" to fierce rivals Hartlepool after their 4-1 hiding
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Tasi back at Mowden as Blaydon hit wall
DARLINGTON Mowden Park have re-signed hooker Tasi Tuhana from Blaydon, who look set to lose several players because of financial problems. Andy Foreman, who has made several appearances on the wing despite scoring 20 tries at scrum half last season, is
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Guest can score again
RICHARD GUEST'S whirlwind start to his training career is expected to continue unabated at Doncaster today courtesy of Night Fighter (3.05) in the Blaxton Novices' Handicap. Guest, off the mark with 14-1 shot Mr Bossman at the weekend, added to that inaugural
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Looking Back
FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - GREAT GALE. Thirsk. Since 1862 no such gale has been experienced as that of yesterday. It commenced on Thursday night, and continued during the whole of Friday. Chimney pots, tiles, and everything up aloft were blown
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Newts cause delays
GREAT crested newts have caused a £25,000 headache for Cleveland planners. Work on a new recycling centre at Carlin How, near Saltburn, has been postponed while a survey on a protected newt colony is carried out. It has so far been impossible for Redcar
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Finding perfect beat
PUPILS at special schools across the North-East have been working with a percussion quartet to find out more about music. Youngsters at schools, including Beaumont Hill in Darlington, were visited by The Rhythm Attack Percussion Quartet as part of an
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Teba aims for winning TV debut
STUDENT Teba Diatta is hoping to win £100,000 on Channel 4's new flagship gameshow Boys and Girls when it begins tomorrow - but she'll see very little of the cash. The journalism student at Sunderland University has been asked to appear on the first live
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Cup of tea argument led to beating
A DARLINGTON man beat up his girlfriend after an argument over who was going to make a cup of tea. Gordon Alexander, of Aintree Court, Darlington attacked Abby Tilley in front of their daughter in November. The 21-year-old and Ms Tilley began arguing
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Bowling club is targeted by yobs
THE future of a once-proud bowls club is in doubt because of vandals and drug users, according to its members. Annfield Plain Bowls Club, in St Aidans Crescent, Annfield Plain, near Stanley, has become a virtual no-go area for members, as youths meet
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Operatic horse with a Hollywood pedigree rides into town
A WHITE stallion which featured in the film Gladiator was preparing for its latest role in the region yesterday. Andalucian stallion Rodrigo will appear at the Sunderland Empire in the forthcoming operas Carmen and La Boheme. Rodrigo, which is trained
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Crackdown reveals levels of truancy
A THIRD of pupils stopped during a truancy crackdown in the North-East did not have a valid reason for being out of school. Figures released yesterday showed that police apprehended 1,898 pupils in December, with 610 not entitled to be outside school.
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Skaters' dream nears reality
YOUNGSTERS have moved a step closer to their dream of building the first skate parks for north-west Durham. Derwentside Leisure, working on behalf of Derwentside Youth Forum, has applied for planning permission to build two £30,000 skate parks, one in
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New group for women
A CHRISTIAN group for women is launching a new branch in Derwentside. Aglow International holds a taster session for its new chapter in the Lamplight Arts Centre, Stanley on Monday, at 7.30pm. The group, which is non-denominational, will hold meetings
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£12.6m grant for university
DURHAM University is celebrating after being award £12.6m for scientific research projects. Durham's award for 2004-2006 from the Government's Scientific Research Investment Fund (SRIF) is almost double what it got in 2002. The money will go towards equipment
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Child sex offender walks free
A MAN who was convicted of child sex abuse walked free from court yesterday because doctors said that he could die if he was sent to jail. Robert Barker 64, from Redcar, might suffer a fatal heart attack from the stress of being sent to prison, said the
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Last Night's TV: Hurried and undercooked
Trouble At The Top (BBC2); Sleeping With Celebrities (ITV1) JAMIE'S Kitchen raised the bar for fly-on-the-restaurant-wall (call the health inspectors immediately) documentaries about opening eating establishments. Trouble At The Top followed chef Gordon
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Lad for the future
NORTH-EAST Charolais breeders Ian and John Campbell and their father, Colin, of Thrunton, Alnwick, were again among the top lots when Charolais bulls came under the hammer at last week's Perth sales. Thrunton Scania, above, was hailed by the judge, Dave
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Family fun days at museum
A SERIES of Sunday family learning craft activities, based on Kirkleatham Hall Museum's current Toys and Games exhibition, starts at the museum in Redcar on Sunday. The activities will include making face masks, puppet theatre and finger puppets, plus
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Top ten finish gives Payne some Southern comfort
RIPON dairy farmer Charlie Payne made sure his long trip south was worthwhile when he emerged from last weekend's Bournemouth-based Rallye Sunseeker with a superb top ten result. Driving the Group A Subaru for the second time in as many weeks after finishing
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Paper lad to the rescue
A NORTHERN Echo paper boy was hailed a hero at the weekend after he saved an elderly woman in distress. Michael Owens, 14, was on his round in Linden Grove, a sheltered accommodation unit in Coxhoe, when he found the pensioner in trouble. "I had gone
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Donations needed for Chernobyl convoy
PEOPLE are being urged to help victims of a nuclear disaster by making donations. Durham City Council is supporting one of a convoy of lorries due to set off for Chernobyl on March 17. It is being provided free by one of the council's suppliers, Transmore
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Farm needs help in finding a name for unusual new arrival
THE latest arrival at a North Yorkshire farm visitor centre has everything it could wish for - except a name. Now children have been invited to christen the 18-month-old white wallaby who arrived at Mark Hebdon's Monk Park Farm at Bagby, near Thirsk,
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Mother-of-two caught selling 50p counterfeit CDs for £5
A stallholder who sold counterfeit CDs and PlayStation games at a car boot sale appeared in court yesterday. Nita Tennant, 42, used her computer to copy discs, CDs and MP3s to sell at the McEwan's Centre, Houghton-le-Spring, on Wearside. Newcastle Crown
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Conlon returns to lead Quakers' revenge mission
DARLINGTON go into tomorrow's Feethams derby clash with Division Three leaders Hartlepool United on the back of a battling 0-0 draw at in-form Wrexham last Sunday. Although the result - their 15th stalemate of the season - means Quakers have now gone
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Funeral of town historian
THE funeral of Northallerton's official historian, Mick Riordan, will take place on Wednesday at All Saints' Church at 1pm. Mr Riordan died at his home in the town earlier this week after a long illness. He was 69 and had been installed as an honorary
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Armed raiders hunted
AN APPEAL has been made for information to help police to catch the gang responsible for an armed raid on a taxi company premises. Proprietor John McManners was slightly injured and three members of his family, plus office assistant John Shawcross, were
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Catch a glimpse of a sea monster from the past
A MUSEUM is offering the chance to come face-to-face with a real life sea monster that recently gave a novice angler the fright of her life. Angler Val Fletcher hit the headlines last week when she reeled in a 12ft oarfish off the coast at Skinningrove
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County would 'lose out to cities' in assembly poll
RURAL areas of Yorkshire will be swamped by the influence of the county's cities if a referendum on regional government is held, a councillor claimed this week. Coun John Dinsdale told Aysgarth and District Parish Council on Wednesday that North Yorkshire
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Burton's Bytes: A bloody start and a bloody ending
MORTAL KOMBAT: DEADLY ALLIANCE, Publisher: Midway. Formats: PS2, Game Cube, Xbox. Prices: varies. AS E-MAILS go, this one was intriguing: "We've had a few postal problems with review copies of Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance. We'd like to reassure you
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A decade on, terror of sea storm has not diminished
A LIFEBOATMAN who survived 35 minutes in storm-lashed seas will reflect today on what he describes as the most terrifying experience of his life. Robbie Maiden was thrown into the North Sea when the Hartlepool lifeboat, The Scout, capsized as it went
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White Paper forgets farmed fuel crops
FARMED fuels from the fields of Yorkshire could easily make a massive contribution to the nation's energy needs. According to the Country Land and Business Association, however, the Government's Energy White Paper has forgotten their enormous potential
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Mum's complaint as baby girl treated for pneumonia
A BABY was fighting for her life last night after being taken to hospital with pneumonia. Fifteen-month-old Niamh Callaghan was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital on Sunday morning after her mother Helen found her lying "purple and floppy" in her cot
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Heartfelt wishes for Eric's eightieth birthday
REDCAR Take Heart Support Group has celebrated the eightieth birthday of one of its members. Former seaman Eric Hughlock was joined by more than 25 recovering cardiac patients at the Tees Valley Leisure Centre, Majuba Road, Redcar. Mr Hughlock, who underwent
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Homes plan on factory site
DEVELOPERS are hoping to build houses on the former Cleveland Bridge engineering site, in Darlington. The Three Rivers Housing Group has submitted plans to the borough council for 26 properties on land north of Parkside and to the east of the Darlington
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Chilly queue for dream homes
PROSPECTIVE home owners were so keen to land their dream home on a new estate that they queued all night to be first in line on the opening day. Deborah and Peter Ringer, of Consett, camped out in their car in order to make sure they secured a four-bedroom
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Police operation success
POLICE are calling a three-week crime clampdown a major success after carrying out 18 drugs raids resulting in 17 arrests. Langbaurgh Police say drugs with a street value of more than £2,000 has been recovered as a result of Operation Vulcan. The operation
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Support for forum objectives
AN organisation for the region's entrepreneurs has got off to a flying start. The forum, which is led by chairman Sir Peter Vardy, chief executive of Reg Vardy plc, was launched less than three weeks ago and 43 of the most successful business figures
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Housing scheme under spotlight
A DEVELOPER'S attempt to double a village's size are likely to be approved despite residents' objections. Persimmon Homes has asked Richmondshire District Council for permission to build 200 homes and a primary school at Brompton-on-Swale. A report to
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The hunt is on for school fire-raisers
TEENAGE arsonists were responsible for a blaze which gutted a village primary school near Darlington, it was confirmed last night. Middleton St George Primary School was wrecked on Wednesday night when fire ripped through the roof, destroying the hall
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Longer hours for station's ticket office
REDCAR railway station is keeping its ticket office open longer. Arriva Trains Northern, which manages the station and operates train services, has extended the ticket office's weekday opening hours. As part of a pilot by the company, the ticket office
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Norton stay on course for first title
Norton firsts are looking favourites to clinch their first ever Whitfield's Building Services Durham and Cleveland Men's League title. They stand proudly top at present with a comfortable lead over nearest challengers Sunderland Racquets. The Teessiders
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Family say their farewell to Bindy
FOND farewells were said yesterday to the wife of Lord Lambton by friends, relations and staff on the family's North-East estate home. Belinda Lambton, better known as Bindy, died aged 81 in a London hospital on February 13. A larger-than-life character
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Murder trial jury told of statement
A JURY heard yesterday the explanation given by a murder suspect when police arrived to find his girlfriend dead at the home they shared. Sergeant Kevin Jones was one of the first officers to arrive at Palgrove Road, Sunderland, where Leslie Purvis, 40
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Letters: Where blame lies
Sir, - Who should we blame for an 11.5pc increase in the county's council tax? If our answer is those at County Hall then we are really just shooting a messenger bearing bad news from Downing Street. The fact is that nearly half of this increase stems
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Reward scheme shunned by stores
A DISCOUNT card scheme, set up to reward hard-working pupils at a Darlington school, has been given the cold shoulder by shops in the town. Pupils from Longfield School, in Harrowgate Hill, asked 100 businesses in the town centre to take part in the initiative
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Principal to make a plea for college revamp
THE principal of one of the country's leading colleges is hoping to make a personal plea to councillors to allow a multi-million pound revamp. Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, in Darlington, has unveiled plans for an extension which would bring vastly
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Travel agent wins Investor in People award
A NORTH-EAST firm of travel agents is celebrating after winning an award for its commitment to staff development. Hays Travel, of Sunderland, has won an Investor in People status in awards organised by Business Link and the Learning and Skills Council
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Willow tunnel enhances school garden
A GROUP of schoolchildren proved busy beavers as they constructed a willow tunnel and dome to improve their garden yesterday. The work was carried out by pupils of Consett Infant School and Nursery Unit, in Consett, in their Early Year's Garden. The Whitbread
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Store workers win award
SUPERMARKET workers are celebrating after their efforts helped them win a store-of-the-month award. The group of employees from Asda, Bishop Auckland, have been praised for their work in the community which gained them the accolade for January. John Bowman
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Mother's pride
A MOTHER had the chance to pick up some culinary tips from TV chef Ainsley Harriot after winning a competition. Caroline Ryan from Darlington entered the competition run by Magic FM and UK Food and was chosen to take part in an Ainsley workshop for the
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Baby joy at the double for siblings
A SISTER and brother who married weeks apart are now celebrating the birth of babies within hours of each other. Deborah Taylor introduced her brother David Brittle, 24, to her friend Samantha five years ago. The couple married in September 2001, nine
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Disabled team scores for new kit
A DISABLED football team has a new strip thanks to the fundraising efforts of a group of children. Daniel Stubbings, 14, who has cerebral palsy, is goalkeeper for the Durham Area Disability Leisure Group (DADLG) football team. When his friends from Sedgefield
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Disabled team scores for new kit
A DISABLED football team has a new strip thanks to the fundraising efforts of a group of children. Daniel Stubbings, 14, who has cerebral palsy, is goalkeeper for the Durham Area Disability Leisure Group (DADLG) football team. When his friends from Sedgefield
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Bracken seeks a loving home
A SIX-month-old crossbreed pup is looking for a new home. Bracken, a boxer-labrador cross, was given to the National Animal Sanctuaries Support League (NASSL) because her owners could not take care of her any more. The fully-vaccinated pup needs a home
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Bracken seeks a loving home
A SIX-month-old crossbreed pup is looking for a new home. Bracken, a boxer-labrador cross, was given to the National Animal Sanctuaries Support League (NASSL) because her owners could not take care of her any more. The fully-vaccinated pup needs a home
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Support for Sophie in charity cycle ride
A TEENAGER who is planning to cycle from Lands End to John O'Groats this summer to raise £10,000 for Cystic Fibrosis North-East is receiving help from another charity. Charity for the disabled, Enable, has agreed to help 15-year-old Sophie Adams, of Norton
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Shakespeare for the kids . . .
A THEATRE company is to bring the Bard to young people with a Shakespearean play adapted for children. Shakespeare 4 Kidz will be visiting Middlesbrough next week, with its version of Macbeth. The company's productions have the structure of musicals,
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Sailor Jim, 85, is reunited with relic of famous rescue
AN old sailor regaled a spellbound audience with tales of rescue at sea as an engraved ship's bell he had recovered from a wreck more than 50 years ago was donated to his local museum. Eight-five-year-old Jim Thompson and his family were guests of honour
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Security cameras victory for residents
CAMERAS are to be installed in Greater Eston to combat a rise in the number of violent instances of anti-social behaviour. Redcar and Cleveland Council has agreed a £160,000 scheme to put 11 security cameras in Eston, Bankfields, Normanby, Teesville and
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Recycling banks change site
ONE of Northallerton's busiest recycling banks is moving home temporarily. The banks at the B&Q store are moving to the Somerfield car park while resurfacing work is carried out. The banks will be at Somerfield from next Friday, where they are expected
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1,000 homes warmer
WORK has been completed on the first 1,000 homes to benefit from a project to rid Redcar and East Cleveland of fuel poverty. Warm Zone is a project that was set up last year with the aim of carrying out work in 25,000 homes in the borough in the next
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Recorder tutors to visit school
AN EAGLESCLIFFE school is staging a weekend workshop featuring one of the most highly-rated recorder tutors in Europe. Peter Holtslag, from Germany, will be visiting Teesside Preparatory and High School for Girls to host Recorders North. As well as teaching
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Rick rewarded for ravine heroism
AN AA patrol officer has being awarded one of the motoring organisation's highest honours after going to the aid of a student trapped in a minibus that had plunged 200ft into a ravine. Rick Buckley risked his life to save Helen Grieve when she became
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Tenants evicted for house vandalism
TENANTS accused of vandalism and anti-social behaviour have been evicted from two former North-East council houses. Landlords said the homes, in Micklow Close, on The Lakes estate, in Redcar, east Cleveland, were trashed - while 500 needles were found
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Calls for mayor to continue in office
RICHMOND'S mayor has done such a good job during his year of office, a petition has been handed in requesting the town council takes the unusual step of re-electing him for another 12 months. More than 200 people have signed the form, requesting that
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Sailor Jim, 85, is reunited with relic of famous rescue
AN old sailor regaled a spellbound audience with tales of rescue at sea as an engraved ship's bell he had recovered from a wreck more than 50 years ago was donated to his local museum. Eight-five-year-old Jim Thompson and his family were guests of honour
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Plea for clues to car crash
A MAN sustained a broken back and fractured ribs in a road accident in which a car hit a kerb and rolled into a field. Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash, which happened in Rochester Road, Ragworth, Stockton, on Saturday night. A silver Rover
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Celebrations at church
THE Newcomen Methodist Church in Redcar is celebrating its 36th anniversary next weekend. On Saturday, March 8, from 10am to noon, there will be a coffee morning and 'gift time' when donations to the upkeep of the church will be gratefully accepted. At
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Vets go-ahead likely, despite objections
A NEW veterinary surgery may open in Darlington if councillors give the go-ahead. Vets 4 Pets has submitted plans to the borough council to convert the former Security Surveyors premises, in Grange Road, into a surgery. Council officers are recommending
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Meeting new village bobby
A NEW village police officer is hoping to reach more residents, with the launch of an advice surgery. PC Kevin Kilkenny has taken over the role of beat officer, at Leadgate, near Stanley, and he is keen to hear about villagers' crime and disorder concerns
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Sky's the limit for air cadets
AIR training corps in Coulby Newham have held their annual awards and presentation evening. Guest of honour at the event was Wing Commander Ken Davies, Officer Commanding Central and East Yorkshire Wing. More than 60 parents attended the event. After
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Barkers beats Harvey Nicks as top retailer
BARKER'S department store at Northallerton has beaten the likes of Harvey Nichols and Selfridge's to top a league table of successful retailers. The company was the most profitable department or variety store in Britain by pre-tax profit margin in the
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Passport to Health course offer
A HEALTHY lifestyle course is being made available to people in Newton Aycliffe. The Passport to Health course will run at Silverdale Community House, every Tuesday for 12 weeks from 10.30am to 12.30pm, starting next Tuesday. Activities will include healthy
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News in brief: Dates for seeking advice
Durham Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is holding drop-in sessions. On Monday at Ludworth Community Centre, from 11am to noon and Homeside, Bowburn, between 12.30pm and 1.30pm; on Tuesday at McKenzie House, Esh Winning, from 10am to 11am and Bearpark Community
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Leniency for sex offender is condemned as 'crazy'
A MAN who was convicted of child sex abuse walked free from court yesterday because doctors said that he could die if he was sent to jail. Robert Barker, 64, of Redcar, might suffer a fatal heart attack from the stress of being sent to prison, said the
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Shakespeare for children
A THEATRE company is to bring the Bard to Durham with a Shakespearean play adapted for children. Shakespeare 4 Kidz has the structure of a musical, built around an original play, with a mix of modern and English language, to give a better understanding
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'Who are we to say what is right?'
Her father was one of the scientists who helped develop the atomic bomb but Monic Frisch is a leading peace campaigner. She talks to Women's Editor Christen Pears about her work and the possibility of war against Iraq. BROWSING through the volumes on
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Catch a glimpse of a sea monster from the past
A MUSEUM is offering the chance to come face-to-face with a real life sea monster that recently gave a novice angler the fright of her life. Angler Val Fletcher hit the headlines last week when she reeled in a 12ft oarfish off the coast at Skinningrove
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On road with crimefighters
A mobile task force of police and council officers will be touring north-west Durham next week. The Multi Agency Resource Centre (Marc) run by Derwentside Crime and Disorder Partnership aims to help residents in isolated villages. The mobile centre, bought
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Remedy for leading healthier lifestyles
A £1M project to promote healthy living was unveiled in east Durham yesterday. The Health for All project was launched at South Hetton Community Centre to make a difference to people's lives in an area of traditionally poor health. Residents were invited
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Ballet group on artistic mission
A NORTH-EAST ballet company is beating a path to Germany after winning a £2,000 grant to perform its latest show. BalletLorent has received the sum from Arts Council England, North-East, which was formerly Northern Arts, to take The Ball to Dusseldorf
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Chicken 'rescues' savaged pensioner
A disabled pensioner was saved by a cooked chicken when her new pet dog suddenly turned vicious and started attacking her in the front garden. Vera Rochester, 63, whose false leg came off in the attack, had just picked up the golden retriever called Prince
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Euro-hating farmer heads for enemy territory
WHETHER they were banning curvaceous cucumbers, renaming bars of chocolate, straightening out our bananas or renegotiating British fishing rights, in Andrew Spence's view the European Union could not do much right. Mr Spence, a farmer and haulier, from
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Grain report
Thursday's prices Kenneth Wilson, Thorpe Arch. - Wheat: Mar £63; April £64; May £65. Barley: Mar £62; April £63; May £64. Oilseed rape: Mar £160; April £161; May £162. GrainCo, Tyne Dock. - Wheat: Mar £65; April £66; May £67. Barley: Mar £64; April £64
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Hall drive
Frosterley residents are being asked to put forward ideas to increase the use of their village hall. Leaflets appealing for more activities and groups to make use of the hall are being distributed. They will be discussed at the hall committee's annual
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Dales are better by foot
BRITAIN'S biggest motoring organisation is encouraging more people to get out of their cars and explore the Yorkshire Dales by foot. The area is highlighted in one of seven new pocket guides from the AA, each recommending 50 walks. The 160-page North
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Hospitals trust decides to shun chance to bid for extra freedoms
THE recently-merged County Durham and Darlington NHS Hospitals Trust has decided not to apply for the Government's much-vaunted foundation status. Instead it will concentrate on the complexities of delivering services to one of the largest split hospital
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Guild and WI news
Gilesgate Evening TG :ATTENDANCE at the February meeting was low again due to icy pathways. Chairman Jennie O'Hare welcomed everyone. The booked speaker no longer did make up demonstrations and the replacement speaker from Thorntons Chocolates had had
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Tributes paid to former rally driver
TRIBUTES have been paid to David Thomson, who died earlier this month, aged 57, following a battle with cancer. The respected businessman, rally driver and former pig farmer - from which his nickname, Piggy, came - was remembered by more than 400 family
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'Spellbinding' Jodie gets exam fees boost
A BUDDING young actress is having her drama exam fees paid by the Learning and Skills Council after she impressed them with a solo performance. Jodie Taibi, a student at Darlington's Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, performed a sketch from Educating
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Local riders head for Solihull
EIGHT County Durham and Cleveland riders have qualified to compete in the Equiline novice and discovery championships at the Blue Chip winter championships. The event is being held at Solihull Riding Club from April 8-13. Those taking part are Stephen
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Wanted: affordable homes and better quality of life
GREAT Ayton could have dedicated youth club facilities, library improvements and a proper cycle route to Stokesley under a community-led blueprint supported by Hambleton Council's cabinet. Stokesley could have an arts and drama centre for the area, plus
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Boy, nine, injured
A nine-year-old boy is being treated for serious head injuries in Newcastle General Hospital after an accident involving a red Volkswagen Golf, in Brighton Grove, Newcastle, at 6.05pm on Wednesday. Witnesses are asked to call police on 0191-214 6555.
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Soldier rose to gang's taunts, court hears
SOLDIERS are being attacked by gangs of youths on the streets of Ripon, a court heard yesterday. Harrogate magistrates heard that there had been a number of incidents involving soldiers from 38 Engineer Regiment, who are based at the city's Claro Barracks
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Birds of prey increasingly at risk from widespread use of rat poisons
BIRDS of prey across the region are being accidentally poisoned by landowners, farmers and pest controllers, according to conservation experts. In a bid to raise awareness of the problem, which is affecting red kites, buzzards, barn owls and kestrels,
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Housing company facing complaints over work quality
ONE of the UK's leading homebuilders is under fire from residents on an estate who say they have moved into new properties only to find them riddled with problems. Homebuilder Barratt last night pledged to get to the bottom of complaints from residents
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Soccer girls in row over logo
FOOTBALL bosses have blown the whistle on a new sponsorship logo sported by a women's football team. Chester-le-Street Ladies Football Club had hoped to raise its profile with new tracksuits, featuring the suggestive title No bollX - words taken from
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Assistant paid for goods with customer's card
A CHECKOUT assistant at a wholesale warehouse hit on a way of getting goods for free over the Internet after an absent-minded customer left his wallet behind, a court heard yesterday. Alan Rutherford used details from the customer's bank card to order
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Armed raiders hunted
AN APPEAL has been made for information to help police to catch the gang responsible for an armed raid on a taxi company premises. Proprietor John McManners was slightly injured and three members of his family, plus office assistant John Shawcross, were
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The exhibition that's 'too sophisticated' for the North
AN exhibition that sparked a North-South row over appreciation of art is due to open in the region this weekend. Art critic Brian Sewell incurred the wrath of the art fraternity in the region earlier this year when he declared that the North-East was
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Plant under construction wins £1.1m contract
SCOTTISH timber frame manufacturer Robertson Timber Products (RTP) has secured its biggest contract on the back of a factory that has yet to be built. RTP used its proposed plant at Fox Cover Enterprise Park, in Seaham, east Durham, to attract £1.1m worth
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The exhibition that's 'too sophisticated' for the North
AN exhibition that sparked a North-South row over appreciation of art is due to open in the region this weekend. Art critic Brian Sewell incurred the wrath of the art fraternity in the region earlier this year when he declared that the North-East was
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Demand puts Charolais ahead at Perth sales
ONCE again, an insatiable demand for Charolais from commercial beef producers led the breed to round off the official spring multi-beef breed sales at Perth with the leading average price of £4,057 for 186 bulls, the highest number of lots of any breed
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A decade on, terror of sea storm has not diminished
A LIFEBOATMAN who survived 35 minutes in storm-lashed seas will reflect today on what he describes as the most terrifying experience of his life. Robbie Maiden was thrown into the North Sea when the Hartlepool lifeboat, The Scout, capsized as it went
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Letters: Doing our best
Sir, - On returning from a few days leave, I was disappointed to read last week's report "Life's no party for wheelchair users". At the time when Mrs Briggs and your paper contacted the hotel I was not on duty, and was not aware of the calls until after
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Red Rooster crows about egg business
AN artist and sculptor with a penchant for recycling agricultural scrap metal has just completed his latest commission. Stephen Parker has created Rusty Red Rooster, which resembles an outsize weathercock but has become the motif for a free range egg
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New patrols take to the streets
EAST Cleveland's first civilian patrols started pounding the streets last Friday. The six newly-appointed police community support officers (Pcsos) met Redcar MP Vera Baird and police commander Adrian Roberts on their first round. The Pcsos, who have
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Online help for delegates
AN Internet booking system for conference delegates visiting Tyneside has been launched. Newcastle Gateshead Convention Bureau showed off its online hotel accommodation booking service in London at Confex 2003, one of the industry's largest trade exhibitions
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You Write: Who caused suffering?
SIR - We are now pretty sure we are safe from 'mass destruction' and know that terrorists are more likely to come from Venezuela than Iraq - or that Al Quaida could be the best motivated group to get rid of Saddam. As a result, Tony Blair has changed
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Accidental death verdict on victims of explosion
THE families of the men who died after being engulfed in a fireball at a power plant explosion have broken their silence. They spoke out last Friday after an inquest into the tragedy at Teesside Power Station at Wilton, near Redcar recorded a verdict
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Security talks for cemeteries
SECURITY may be stepped up in two cemeteries after gravestones were vandalised and mementoes stolen. Councillors yesterday discussed the possibility of committing £19,000 a year to pay for security patrols at Eston and Redcar cemeteries. The move follows
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Housing bosses explain failings
GOVERNMENT housing inspectors and council managers have told a seminar for residents why Chester-le-Street housing department has been rated as poor. In an exceptionally candid look at the failings of its service, members of the public had the chance
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Why we must put our trust in Tony
THE phrase "caught between a rock and a hard place" could have been invented for the situation Prime Minister Tony Blair finds himself in. On one side he has the very real concerns about the loss of life and injuries to our troops and the innocent people
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Treasury on track to meet euro deadline
THE Treasury is on track to complete its assessment of whether Britain should join the European single currency by June and is unlikely to be knocked off course by a possible war in Iraq, the Chancellor of the Exchequer told MPs yesterday. But Gordon
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Idea is so good, franchisers buy themselves into it
A NEWTON Aycliffe factory has become one of the first in the North to try out an innovative vending machine. The revolutionary Hotbite machine is cooking and serving fresh, hot toasted sandwiches to the 800 staff at the Flymo factory in Preston Road,
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News in brief: Boy attacked by gang of four
POLICE are hunting a gang of four men who attacked a 14-year-old boy and stole a ring from his finger. The attack happened at 7.15pm on Monday, in Leybourne Terrace, Stockton. The four, all aged about 20, fled in a red car, possibly an N-registration
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Bird life benefits as college pilots CSS arable option
AN AGRICULTURAL college is playing a key role in the battle to save endangered birds. Bishop Burton College, near Beverley, is unique in being home to a Centre for Applied Ornithology - and its 1,000-acre farm is also one of three in Yorkshire which is
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School mourns one if its top pupils
A star student at one of Britain's top comprehensive schools has been found hanged in her home. Xiang Yin Teng, 17, who came to Britain from China a year ago, was the daughter of two successful academics. She was an A-grade pupil in all her studies and
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Guild News
Chester-le-Street TG DOREEN Yates welcomed everyone to the February meeting. The evening got off to a late start because the arranged speaker failed to arrive. The meeting was then used for business matters. A correspondence from headquarters was discussed
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Young students snap up an outdoor prize
YOUNGSTERS with an eye for a picture have won a national competition to meet one of their TV heroes. Eight pupils from Grove Primary School in Consett won the Give Us A Break contest organised by the Youth Hostels Association, to find the best young photographers
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Improved chance of survival
NEW business start-ups have a greater chance of surviving now in the North-East than they did a decade ago. The Department for Trade and Industry (DTI) revealed that nine out of ten new companies are still trading in the region a year after they were
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Firms urged to help little ones like Brogen
NORTH-EAST businesses are asked to help children with cerebal palsy by recycling their ink cartridges. Brogen's Appeal, a fundraising body which is in the process of being granted charitable status, raises cash to send cerebal palsy sufferers to South
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Inquest opens into party death
AN inquest opened yesterday into the death of a teenager from a stab wound during his 18th birthday celebration earlier this month. Paul Best died in the living room of his family home, in North Crescent, Easington Village, County Durham, where he had
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Pensioner has no memory of fatal crash
A PENSIONER charged with causing the death of two drivers by his dangerous driving said yesterday he had no recollection of the accident. Retired psychiatric nurse William Green was returning from a day out at the seaside with his wife when the crash
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Expert completes probe at Deepcut
AN independent forensic investigator has completed his inquiries into the death of a North-East soldier at an Army barracks. Frank Swann was hired by the families of four young soldiers, including the parents of Private Geoff Gray, of Seaham, County Durham
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Cash needed for new drain to ease village flooding
MIDDLETON on Leven could get a new drainage system, if funding can be obtained, possibly through a combination of county council money, grants and a donation from the National Grid. Problems have arisen with surface water flowing off roads into a small
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36p per week tax rise will fund more police
CLEVELAND Police Authority is raising more tax and setting itself a two-year target to increase officers by 160 and civilian support officers by a similar number. The budget news coincided with Home Office performance statistics showing Cleveland police
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Ending a love affair with an underground treasure trove
GORDON Hanley took on more than a room with a view when he decided to buy into property. For taking over the cottages owned previously by his stepfather meant that he also took on the caverns on the land. Mr Hanley, a larger-than-life figure who stands
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Cricket cast in a poor light
FLOODLIT cricket is a gimmick. It may look spectacular once the sky gets truly dark, but if it means that the contest is decided on the toss of the coin then it reduces the sport to a pantomime. There was too much euphoria when England bowled out Pakistan
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Churches' £1/2m windfall
SIX historic churches in North Yorkshire are to share more than £500,000 to carry out urgent repairs. The cash from English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund is part of a national £16m package of assistance made under a repair grant scheme for places
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Pupils in gear for driving lesson
YOUNGSTERS still too young to hold even a provisional driving licence were given a taste of life behind the wheel. Pupils from years 10 and 11 at Harelaw School, in Catchgate, tried out a £500,000 driving simulator based on a Vauxhall Corsa. The machine
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In memory of an obscure monk
THE only piece of weather lore I could find especially for today, the final day of February, is the following: Romanus bright and clear, indicates a goodly year. February always seems to end abruptly even when it has the extra day once every four years
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Is the leader a Spice Girls or Sugababes fan?
CHUCKLES and tunes broke out at Hambleton Council's cabinet meeting last week, when council leader Coun June Imeson was unable to switch off her mobile telephone's trendy ring-tone. An important discussion about the costs of bin lorries was interrupted
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Search for teenager's attackers
A TEENAGER was attacked and had his mobile phone and wallet stolen as he walked his dog. The 19-year-old was walking along what is known locally as the "black path" in Eston, Teesside, at 5.20pm on Wednesday when two youths asked him the time, pushed
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Quilt show
AN exhibition entitled Durham Meets the Orient is being staged by the Durham branch of the Embroiderers' Guild at the Oriental Museum, Durham City, from March 1 to May 25. To coincide with the display, two workshops entitled Find Out About Sashiko Quilting
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Police defend decision to stop Whit fair traffic duties
POLICE have defended their withdrawal from helping Richmond's Whit fair move into the Market Place. The town council was concerned that officers would no longer man barriers and stop traffic while the rides were shipped in at the end of May. Members feared
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Author's next war story
NORTH-EAST author David Sutherland's latest book goes on sale soon. A Child at War is a series of short stories depicting the Second World War, as seen through the eyes of a country doctor in the Northern Dales. The successful Teesside-based author was
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Why we must put our trust in Tony
THE phrase "caught between a rock and a hard place" could have been invented for the situation Prime Minister Tony Blair finds himself in. On one side he has the very real concerns about the loss of life and injuries to our troops and the innocent people
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Redcar writers
THE annual Redcar Writers' competition is under way. Poems of up to 40 lines and short stories of up to 3,000 words will be accepted. Entry costs £2 and, for £5, a criticism service is offered. Closing date for entries is July 31. Entry forms are available
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Handyvan can make home safer for elderly
A SCHEME to safeguard pensioners in their own homes has been launched in Durham. Dr David Colin-Thorne, national director for primary care, launched the Handyvan scheme during a tour of the area last Friday. It aims to ensure the safety of people aged
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Sailor Jim, 85, is reunited with relic of famous rescue
AN old sailor regaled a spellbound audience with tales of rescue at sea as an engraved ship's bell he had recovered from a wreck more than 50 years ago was donated to his local museum. Eight-five-year-old Jim Thompson and his family were guests of honour
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A bloody start and a bloody ending
MORTAL KOMBAT: DEADLY ALLIANCE, Publisher: Midway. Formats: PS2, Game Cube, Xbox. Prices: varies. AS E-MAILS go, this one was intriguing: "We've had a few postal problems with review copies of Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance. We'd like to reassure you
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Relief as mast plan is dropped
A COUPLE who campaigned against plans for a phone mast, fearing it would affect their daughter's leukaemia, are celebrating success. Hutchison 3G applied to Durham City Council for permission to erect a 20m mast at Low Newton Farm, Brasside, Durham -
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Political stalwart standing down
A FLAMBOYANT political figure has revealed he will bow out at the next election. Councillor Russell Hart, the town's former Labour Party and council leader, will not seek re-election to Hartlepool Borough Council in May's elections. Coun Hart, who has
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Play centre hosts baby clinic
A DROP-IN baby clinic with a difference in Derwentside is proving a success. Health visitors have moved the clinic out of doctors' surgeries and into a popular children's play centre, in a bid to make the service more accessible. A team of health experts
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Jazz band reunion
OLD girls of a former juvenile jazz band are invited to relive memories at a re-union in March. Leadgate Spartans, which attracted members from across north-west Durham in its hey-day in the 1970s, played at fairs, carnivals and competitions throughout
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Hotbite sandwich at the push of a button
A CONSULTANCY firm that gives professional help to people taking on franchise businesses has set up its own franchise venture. The Franchise Company, of Darlington, has been awarded the North-East area distribution rights for Hotbite toasted sandwich
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Blooming fundraising
VOLUNTEERS have started to raise £19,000 to take part in the national Britain in Bloom finals. The Saltburn in Bloom group has already been promised £1,500 from Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council and £500 from the town's 500 Club. Other applications
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Rural insurer makes farmer local director
HARTLEPOOL farmer John Littlefair, has been appointed a local director of leading insurer, NFU Mutual. Mr Littlefair, 48, farms more than 380 acres in partnership with his wife at Hart Village. The farm is principally arable, growing wheat, barley, oil
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Surprise on the line
NOVICE angler Val Fletcher has stunned the marine world by reeling in a 12ft tropical monster from her favourite spot in a tiny fishing village. Her catch, which weighs two stone more than petite Val, has astounded marine experts because an oarfish has
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GP defends marathon title
DOCTOR Rob Hand is refusing to make any hasty diagnosis of his chances when he defends his half marathon title next week. The GP, who won the 21st Somerfield Redcar Half Marathon last year, will be among the favourites to win the major event, also sponsored
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Who caused suffering?
NEWTON Hall estate on the northern outskirts of Durham City is one of the largest private housing estates in Europe. It is situated on the hills formed by the moors of Framwellgate and is clearly a recent addition to Durham's ancient skyline. However,
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Auditions for star wannabes
The Stars In Their Eyes Live show has announced dates for its first UK tour and children's auditions will be taking place later this year. The nationwide tour will open on Wednesday, October 1, at the Newcastle Opera House following summer holiday auditions
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Bird-keeper failed to register pet hawks
A BIRD-KEEPER has been banned from keeping wildlife for five years after he failed to register his pet hawks with the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Craig Nuttall, 41, of Haughton Road, Darlington, had two goshawks at his home
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Village in shock as man dies in car blaze
RESIDENTS in Ebchester spoke of their shock after a man died in a blazing car just yards from their homes. Firefighters discovered the body of a man after dousing the flames of what they thought was a routine car fire in Shaw Lane on the outskirts of
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County confirms feared rise in council tax bill
A COUNCIL tax increase three times the inflation rate has been confirmed by Durham County Council. Householders will have to pay 9.17 per cent more for services such as education, social work and waste disposal, but the rise could be the fourth lowest
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Nightclub drugs dealer locked up
A NIGHTCLUBBER caught with 51 Ecstasy tablets was jailed for 18 months yesterday. Jonathan Chapman, 21, insisted the drugs were for his own use and denied being a dealer - although he said he might have loaned some to friends. Chapman said he bought 60
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Borough's mayors gather for civic reunion
MAYORS of yesteryear gathered to take a trip down memory lane on Monday. The current Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, Eric Jackson, said he had hoped to reunite all the borough's civic leaders since the council was formed in 1973. Councillor
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28/02/03
WEARDALE: I WORKED at the Blue Circle cement works at Eastgate for nearly 30 years and am absolutely disgusted at the way in which One NorthEast is just wasting public money on stupid schemes. I live in a working dale and have done all my life and to
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Three wards' worth of patients need not be in hospital
CARE in the community was not available for 85 patients ready for discharge from County Durham hospitals in February. Of those, 28 were the responsibility of Darlington social services, which is being scrutinised by the Social Services Inspectorate and
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Battle to help victims of kitchen factory closure
EMERGENCY talks were held yesterday as politicians desperately tried to salvage what they could from the 120 job losses in the region this week. Derek Foster MP for Bishop Auckland was locked in discussions with Minister for Work Nick Brown to try to
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Support for regional assembly fragile - survey
DISTRICT councillors have told the Government there is little interest in a referendum on whether to establish a regional assembly. Following consultation with residents, businesses and parish councils, Hambleton District Council said there was little
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Sunday morning cup-tie kick-off is no good for football-daft bishop
A SOCCER-loving bishop has been given a knockout blow from cheering his team to a FA Cup derby victory - because of a Sunday morning kick-off. The Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, the Rt Rev John Packer, was hoping to see his beloved Sheffield United chalk
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Why James is a changed boy
Exactly two years after the Selby rail disaster claimed the life of Professor Steve Baldwin, his pioneering clinic for hyperactive children has re-opened at Teesside University. Health Correspondent Barry Nelson hears about his inspiring work. SOMETHING
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Witness appeal after driver dies in crash
A 23-YEAR-OLD twin has died after the car he was driving crashed into a wall. Lee Winspear, of Skelton, near Saltburn, was driving a Skoda Favorit on Stanghow Road, between Skelton and Lingdale when the car veered off the road and hit a sandstone wall
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Assembly nonsense
IT is hard to see what an elected Yorkshire regional assembly could do for the people of North Yorkshire. As has been extensively reported, the idea leaves people in this part of the county stone cold. The existing, unelected, assembly has hardly bothered
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McClaren improves Juninho trophy hope
JUNINHO is convinced that Steve McClaren is better-equipped than Bryan Robson to lead Middlesbrough to their first major trophy. Robson introduced Juninho to the English game when he lured him to Teesside from native club Sao Paulo in a £4.75m deal in
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Brewery breaks with tradition to back classical music trio
TRADITIONAL ale and classical music come together in Richmond when a brewery sponsors part of a concert series. The Black Sheep brewery at Masham has agreed to back a performance by a Swedish piano trio as part of the 55th annual Richmondshire Subscription
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Sporting fun for young people
YOUNGSTERS at a Teesside sports club are trying out an unusual winter sport. Indoor curling, with plastic stones and pushers, is just one of the new sports on offer for youngsters at Redcar Sportsability Club. A grant of £863 from West Redcar Single Regeneration
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Minister tells NFU that partnership is way to go
THE National Farmers' Union has been thanked for its input into the debate on the future of food and farming. Margaret Beckett, Defra Secretary of State, told the NFU annual conference that its input into the Curry Commission report and the Government's
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Top equine judges lined up for Great Yorkshire
SOME of the most prestigious names in the equestrian world are among the judges for the horse section of this year's Great Yorkshire Show. The show, which this year runs from July 8-10, always attracts entries from some of Britain's leading owners and
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Villagers left close to tears as school is devastated in arson attack
TEENAGE arsonists are believed to have used bags of newspapers dumped at a nearby paper recycling point to set light to Middleton St George Primary School on Wednesday night. Yesterday, detectives began house-to-house inquiries to discover the identities
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Tenants evicted for house vandalism
TENANTS accused of vandalism and anti-social behaviour have been evicted from two former North-East council houses. Landlords said the homes, in Micklow Close, on The Lakes estate, in Redcar, east Cleveland, were trashed - while 500 needles were found
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Elvis row car plant worker loses case
A CAR worker fired after his boss complained about him singing Elvis songs has lost his claim for unfair dismissal. David Jewers' hip-wiggling antics on the production line led to a foul-mouthed outburst from a furious supervisor, it was claimed. The
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Countdown to Test begins
THE countdown is on towards an historic date in County Durham sporting history. Durham's Riverside ground at Chester-le-Street becomes the first new Test venue in English cricket for 101 years when England face Zimbabwe in June. Clocks are being mounted
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Porter impresses among strong Richmond entry
THE Richmond Motor Club always attract a good entry for their events and Sunday was no exception when they had 173 riders for their closed to club trial at Parkgate Farm, Wensley. This was despite the fact that the event was only for clubmen, youth classes
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Allergy talk
Pam Bracken, one of the top kinesiologists in the region, will be giving a talk - Solving Food Allergies with Kinesiology - at the Healthy Living Fair at the Spa Hotel, Middleton St George tomorrow at 12.30pm. Kinesiology uses gentle muscle testing to
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Saddam's move on missiles 'a con'
SADDAM HUSSEIN last night agreed "in principle" to obey UN instructions to destroy his al Samoud missiles - but the move was dismissed by the US as just another ploy. Chief weapons inspector Hans Blix has given Iraq until tomorrow to destroy the missiles
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Anger as park is excluded from scheme
RESIDENTS have told of their anger after a local park was excluded from an improvement scheme. The Brinkburn Dene park, in Darlington, was not among several areas to feature in a £150,000 package announced by the borough council this week. The money is
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Estate to revive summer carnival
RESIDENTS on a Darlington estate are planning to revive a summertime tradition this year. Volunteers at Firthmoor Community Centre are bringing back the summer carnival - once a massive, annual event on the estate. "We want to make a whole day of it,
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Competition to name art gallery
A PRIZE competition to name the new art gallery at Darlington Borough Council's town hall offices is to be launched in April. The winner is likely to receive family tickets for the Civic Theatre with the borough's recently-appointed visual and public
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Duo cast their magic spell
A DESCENDANT of Stan Laurel is to cast her spell over crowds at a medieval castle, as one half of an acclaimed magic act. International illusionists David and Angelique Diamond, who specialise in 'close up magic' and dramatic illusions, are now working
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Magical time for group
MEMBERS of the Redcar-based Cleveland Retired Men's Association were recently entertained by magician Mike Smith. Mike, a member of the Middlesbrough Magic Circle and the Northern Magic Circle, involved members of the audience at the Regency Hotel in
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Supporting the vulnerable
SUNDERLAND'S most vulnerable members of the community are to be given extra support with a new programme. The elderly, homeless and people with disabilities or mental health problems are among those will benefit from Sunderland City Council's decision
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News in brief: A Venice feel to travel plan
Park-and-sail schemes, water taxis and river festivals could be introduced in an effort to attract more tourists to York. The local authority is discussing ways of developing the city's rivers to make them more attractive to visitors. Ideas so far include
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Spring clean cupboards in aid of charity
BRITISH Heart Foundation (BHF) shops across North Yorkshire are appealing to people to have a spring clear out next month. As part of their March Blue Bag Appeal, BHF wants people to donate unwanted items to their local shop. Actress Lesley Joseph, who
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School fitness award
ST CUTHBERT'S RC Primary School, Chester-le-Street, has received an Activemark Gold Award for keeping pupils fit and active. It was presented with the award by paralympic athlete Stephen Miller. St Cuthbert's has been awarded Activemark for re-emphasising
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Celebrating £52,000 win
A GREAT-grandmother from Ripon was celebrating yesterday after scooping more than £52,000 at bingo. The 77-year-old, who has asked not to be named, took the top prize nationally at the Clifton Club in York. She won the National Game prize of £50,000,
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Boarded-up theatre back in spotlight with revamp plan
A BOARDED-up art deco theatre could soon make a dramatic comeback as a trendy flats complex. Teesside developers Jomast Construction Limited wants to revamp Stockton's Globe Theatre by adding a basement bar, shops and 15 apartments. The multi-million
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Party preparations in hand as nursery celebrates its fifth anniversary
IN 1998, the future looked pretty grim for beef farmers Nigel and Lesley Johnson. British exports had not recovered from the BSE crisis and with the industry in deep recession, their future at Aldbrough St John looked bleak. However, that was before a
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Museum hosts craft sessions
A SERIES of Sunday family learning craft activities, in Kirkleatham Hall Museum, starts on Sunday. Activities at the Redcar museum will include making face masks, puppet theatre and finger puppets, plus cards and board games. The sessions will run for
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Council tax rise announced
TAXPAYERS in Richmondshire will have to pay 4.5 per cent more for their local services in the next financial year. The district council tied itself to the increase when it set council tax rates 12 months ago. But the authority has indicated that almost
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Overseas deployment wins civilian Tim military award
The tables have been turned on an Army press officer who now finds himself in the media spotlight. Tim Zillessen, who has worked at Catterick Garrison for six years, has become the first civilian in the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to be awarded a medal
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Mothers go on film with new babies
COT death researchers are to film new mothers sleeping with their babies within hours of them giving birth. A team from Durham University will shortly begin filming inside the maternity unit at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle. As part of a programme
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Schools improvement projects to include a touch of glass
ARTIST Sue Woolhouse picked up a few ideas for a new art project from Redcar primary schoolchildren this week. The glass artist was at Dormanstown Primary to work with children on ideas for a new glass screen at the school. Ms Woolhouse will eventually
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Catch a glimpse of a sea monster from the past
A MUSEUM is offering the chance to come face-to-face with a real life sea monster that recently gave a novice angler the fright of her life. Angler Val Fletcher hit the headlines last week when she reeled in a 12ft oarfish off the coast at Skinningrove
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Knife teenager admits wounding
A BOY who threw a knife which penetrated another youngster's brain pleaded guilty to a reduced charge yesterday. The 15-year-old victim was armed with a knuckle-duster and had taken drink and drugs when he turned up with friends at a house in Middlesbrough
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College invites people to go digital
A college is launching a range of digital training for the community to celebrate its status as a centre for vocational excellence. Darlington College of Technology was granted the status last year and since then has invested in the latest digital media
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Vicky savours cookery win
AN eight-year-old girl will be cooking up a treat with a host of kitchen gadgets she won in a national competition. Vicky Anne Louise Chamberlain, of Bear Park, near Durham, won a colouring contest run by Tate and Lyle through Leathley's Quality Fare
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Pioneering team is aiming high
MEMBERS of a pioneering initiative to increase the options available to disabled people are about to scale new heights. The Options Disability Initiative, based at the Pioneering Care Centre, is holding a sponsored climb at Rock Antics, in Newton Aycliffe
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Chicken 'rescues' savaged pensioner
A disabled pensioner was saved by a cooked chicken when her new pet dog suddenly turned vicious and started attacking her in the front garden. Vera Rochester, 63, whose false leg came off in the attack, had just picked up the golden retriever called Prince
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Programme to support children's development
A SURE Start programme supporting families with children under four is planned for Newton Aycliffe and Shildon. The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) has sanctioned the development of a programme in Shildon and the west of Aycliffe, which includes
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Programme to support children's development
A SURE Start programme supporting families with children under four is planned for Newton Aycliffe and Shildon. The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) has sanctioned the development of a programme in Shildon and the west of Aycliffe, which includes
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Mobile skate park secures venue in area
YOUNGSTERS in Spennymoor can look forward to using a mobile skate park now that a new venue has finally been secured. The skate park has been a big hit with young people in Chilton, Fishburn and Newton Aycliffe since it started touring the borough last
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Search for teenager's attackers
A TEENAGER was attacked and had his mobile phone and wallet stolen as he walked his dog. The 19-year-old was walking along what is known locally as the "black path" in Eston, Teesside, at 5.20pm on Wednesday when two youths asked him the time, pushed
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Shop Talk: A better bit of batter
PANCAKE Day on Tuesday. Traditionally a feast day before the start of Lent on Wednesday when we were all meant to confess our sins and be shriven. Other countries celebrate Mardi Gras with feasts and carnivals, filling the streets with music, costumes
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Widdrington hails Humphreys
TOMMY Widdrington last night hailed Ritchie Humphreys as a potential derby match-winner. A week after the left-winger bagged a hat-trick in Hartlepool's 4-0 stroll over Swansea, Humphreys - and Pool - are striving for their second derby win of the season
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News in brief: Dates for seeking advice
Durham Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is holding drop-in sessions. On Monday at Ludworth Community Centre, from 11am to noon and Homeside, Bowburn, between 12.30pm and 1.30pm; on Tuesday at McKenzie House, Esh Winning, from 10am to 11am and Bearpark Community
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Advice team drives in
RESIDENTS can make the most of a mobile task force of police and council officers, when the troubleshooters arrive on their doorstep next week. The Multi Agency Resource Centre, or Marc, run by Derwentside Crime and Disorder Partnership, aims to help
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Church coffee morning
Parishioners at All Saints Church, in Dormanstown, Redcar, are holding a coffee morning with cake stall and raffle, tomorrow, between 10am and noon at the church, in South Avenue. Admission is 50p and includes a drink.
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Murder trial jury told of statement
A JURY heard yesterday the explanation given by a murder suspect when police arrived to find his girlfriend dead at the home they shared. Sergeant Kevin Jones was one of the first officers to arrive at Palgrove Road, Sunderland, where Leslie Purvis, 40
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Schools get cash for computer software
HUNDREDS of children will have the opportunity to become even smarter thanks to a £17,960 cash injection from West Redcar Single Regeneration Budget (SRB). Eight primary schools - Green Gates, Lakes, Riverdale, Dormanstown, Newcomen, St Alban's RC, St
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Arrests as car chase ends in a field
FOUR people have been questioned by police following a chase across two counties that ended with the pursued car doing continuous circuits of a County Durham field. Witnesses said the pursuit had ended in a Keystone Kops-style chase with the Fiesta driving
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Village prepares for Shrove Tuesday
SEDGEFIELD will celebrate Shrove Tuesday in the village's own inimitable style next week. A mixture of church and village activities which have continued for about a thousand years, will be celebrated. St Edmund's Parish Church members will be holding
