Archive
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Young councillors are a class act
YOUNG councillors have made their mark within months of taking up office on behalf of their school colleagues. School council representatives are getting things done to the benefit of the 289 pupils at Framwellgate Moor Primary, Durham. Despite only being
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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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Murderer may be out in six years
A CRAZED Eminem fan who acted out the brutal lyrics in one of his hero's songs could be back on the streets in six years. David Pallister, 18, was locked up for life last month for the murder and sexual assault of Richard Jones. But he was brought back
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Cool solution for music label
THE cult status of Northern Soul has featured in the re-branding of a small record label by a North-East marketing consultancy. Kitchenware Records, whose artist roster includes Prefab Sprout and The Lighthouse Family and new acts such as Kapithal:a,
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Call centre's recruitment drive
INTERNET service provider Freeserve has opened a call centre in Middlesbrough and has jobs going for more than 100 people. The centre is operated by Hartlepool firm Garlands and needs staff in customer services, technical support, sales and administration
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Man of three centuries - still smoking and drinking his daily pint
EVERYONE knows smoking and drinking are bad for your health, but try telling Fred Dickinson that - he is 104 tomorrow. The Hartlepool man says he has smoked 20 cigarettes a day for more than 80 years, enjoys his daily pint and eats fatty foods all the
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Comment: True picture on asylum
THE latest official figures on the number of asylum seekers coming to Britain put the problem into some sort of perspective. Nearly 111,000 applications, two-thirds of them rejected by the Home Office, represent numbers our nation should be capable of
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Football thugs are warned to stay away
POLICE are warning football hooligans to stay away from a landmark North-East derby clash today. A strong police presence is likely for the match between Darlington and Hartlepool United - the last time the rivals will meet in a competitive match at Darlington's
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01.03.03
WAR AGAINST IRAQ: TONY Blair's frantic attempts to get the British people and his own party to allow President Bush to take us into war against the Iraqi people have been rebuffed, a victory for sanity. But the time for rejoicing has not yet arrived;
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Fresh chapter in history of museum with £3m facelift
A MUSEUM in Middlesbrough will reopen to the public today after undergoing a £3m facelift. Mayor Ray Mallon unveiled the new facilities when he officially reopened the Dorman Museum, in Linthorpe Road, yesterday. New galleries have been created to display
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Families must fix unsafe graves
GRAVEstones made unstable by age or vandalism in a County Durham cemetery will have to be fixed by families, say churchyard guardians. Chester-le-Street District Council's burials officer has been working with the local parochial church council to test
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Man jailed for knife attack on friend
A DRINKER who had his throat cut during a binge did not realise he had been attacked until the following day. John Frew was slashed in his home during an all-day drinking session with a friend, James Smith, 31, of Forest Road, London. Newcastle Crown
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Monroe play hits the region
THE haunting story of tragic icon Marilyn Monroe comes to the North-East stage next month. Set against the backdrop of the US in the turbulent 1950s, Still Marilyn shows Monroe at the height of her career. Written and directed by York-based young director
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Gardening: Doing the dirty in the garden
AS I write this I can see my fingers moving over the white computer keyboard. I cringe as I catch glimpses of the encrusted coating of brown dirt. If I try and type faster, maybe I won't notice it as much. It's not all bad though. It does remind me that
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Mother sent heroin to son on postcards
A MOTHER sent heroin to her jailed son and two of his prison friends hidden behind stamps on postcards, a court was told yesterday. Prison officers at Holme House Jail, in Stockton, intercepted the drugs after listening in on phone calls made by Edith
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Radio presenter Sue to quit show
CLUB comedienne turned BBC broadcaster Sue Sweeney has announced she is quitting her popular North-East local radio request programme. The mother-of-two, from Durham, said tomorrow's lunchtime show on BBC Radio Cleveland will be her last - five-and-a-half
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Shed will ruffle a few feathers
Art student Susan Gilmour has proved she can be a stickler for detail - after covering her garden shed in turkey feathers. The bizarre creation is part of her degree course in fine art and Susan hopes the piece will ruffle feathers in the art world. "
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When the end is nigh
Is ending a television series when it's still pulling in the viewers a smart move or downright silly? THE TV ratings victory of the return of thirtysomething comedy-drama Cold Feet must have been viewed with mixed feelings by its creator and writer Mike
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Inquest opens
An inquest into the death of North-East student Xiang-Yin Teng, 17, who was known as Sho Lee, was opened and adjourned by North Durham coroner Andrew Tweddle yesterday. Sho Lee, a sixth form pupil at Durham Johnston Comprehensive School, was found hanged
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For Your Benefit: Too young for fuel payment
Q I was 60 last November but have not had a £200 winter fuel payment. My friend says I could have got one if I clamed before March. Is she right? A No. The reason you cannot get a payment for this winter is because you are too young. You needed to have
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News in brief: Killer car thief gets life
A CAR thief who killed a football fan by running him over with his own car has been jailed for life after he was convicted of murder. lynn Ellis, 46, of Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, died in Salford Quays, Greater Manchester, last August, after he had
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Watchdog snarls over warranties
THE £800m extended warranty market will go under the microscope next month after serious questions were raised by the competition watchdog. Long-held concerns that shoppers were getting a raw deal from expensive insurance packages, designed to guard against
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Cruciate injuries a growing concern
WORLD cup winner Juninho is finally back to match fitness after his devastating knee injury. Of course, the Brazilian international and Premiership star has enjoyed the best care in the world. But North-East orthopaedic surgeon Gavin DeKiewiet is anxious
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Old school reopened for blaze children
AN abandoned school is to be reopened for 250 children whose primary school was wrecked by arsonists. Education chiefs have drawn up plans to move the pupils from Middleton St George to the old Firth Moor Junior School, in nearby Darlington. Youngsters
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Tory boroughs say they are funding losers
Tory-run councils in the South claim they are the victims of the Government's funding policies, not the North-East. This region's Labour authorities were dismayed when a revamp of the Conservative-devised grant system did not deliver increases they wanted
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Students' top ten achievement
TWO sixth-form students hit the top ten in the British Schools Biathlon Championships in Macclesfield. Mark Richardson, 17, from Newton Aycliffe, and 18-year-old Michael Harcourt, from Darlington, competed against the best young athletes in the country
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Welcome for burial site wildlife plan
A MASS foot-and-mouth burial site in a North-East village will never be used again for disposing carcasses, the Government said last night. People living in Tow Law, County Durham, were celebrating the news having campaigned for the official closure of
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Mother tells of her relief as sick baby starts to improve
A MOTHER whose baby was critically ill with pneumonia spoke of her relief last night after her daughter's condition improved. Helen Callaghan was told by doctors at Darlington Memorial Hospital on Thursday that the next 24 hours were "critical" for her
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Bindaree blitz on the way
BANK on Bindaree (2.10) to blitz his rivals in today's top race, the £110,000 Red Square Vodka Gold Cup at Haydock. Bindaree, who put a maximum 40-runner field to the sword with a magnificent display of steeple-chasing in last year's Martell Aintree Grand
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Enterprise site expands
AN extension to a successful enterprise site was officially opened this week. UK Steel Enterprise's Innovation Centre at Redcar's Kirkleatham Business Park had to be expanded to cope with the growing demand for space. The £1.2m building will house up
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Former Saints pair ready to lock horns
TOMMY Widdrington and Neil Maddison go back a long way. The North-East pair were recruited by Southampton - along with Alan Shearer - as teenagers and have remained close friends since. The pair are likely to be locking horns in midfield in today's Division
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Juninho back to boost McClaren's Euro hopes
MIDDLESBROUGH welcome back Juninho to first-team competitive action at the Riverside for the first time in almost three years this afternoon - with manager Steve McClaren refusing to rule out a late push for a European spot. The Boro boss confirmed his
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Champs toast of the town
NEWLY-CROWNED English National Cross Country women's champions Chester-le-Street AC are to be given a civic reception by the local council. But first of all delighted club president Bobby Tinkler will host a champagne celebration at the Riverside Sports
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Youngsters go into the florists' trade
YOUNGSTERS at a Darlington nursery have set up a florists business in their classroom. The children at George Dent Nursery have been playing shop while learning about science, mathematics, language and creativity. Parents provided many of the flowers
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Ball boost for science
A TELEVISION personality who introduced generations of children to science is to help a school prepare for National Science Week. Johnny Ball will visit Pennywell School, Sunderland, on Monday, to launch its £250,000 science laboratories and run science
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Golden couple celebrate by renewing their vows
WHEN Ron and Vera Nowell married 50 years ago it was a quiet affair, with four guests attending the ceremony at Darlington Register Office. Today, the couple will celebrate their golden wedding anniversary with a renewal of their marriage vows in church
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Proposal for care home opposed
RESIDENTS living near a former hotel have condemned plans for it to be turned into a care centre. Castlebeck Care wants to transform the Newbus Arms Hotel, at Neasham, near Darlington, into a centre for people with autism and communication problems. The
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Hospice plea for parachute daredevils
TEESSIDE fundraisers are searching for local daredevils to take part in a sponsored parachute jump for charity. "You can jump as part of a tandem skydive with a professional instructor or you can go solo," said Margaret Kent, of Teesside Hospice, which
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University nursery plans silver reunion
THE University of Teesside nursery is celebrating its 25th birthday this year and staff are appealing to parents, helpers and members to get in touch for a reunion. Janet Graham, head of the nursery, is planning the silver jubilee party in June and is
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Public help to decide on council's spending
EXTENSIVE consultation with the public has helped to shape Sedgefield Borough Council's budget for the next year. For the first time, the council consulted with tenants, the citizen's panel and focus groups to determine their spending priorities and help
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Expert advice for GCSE students
ACTORS touring the region in a play based on a classic novel held a workshop at a County Durham school. Of Mice and Men, based on the John Steinbeck book, is currently being staged at Darlington Civic Theatre, with Matthew Kelly in one of the lead roles
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Expert advice for GCSE students
ACTORS touring the region in a play based on a classic novel held a workshop at a County Durham school. Of Mice and Men, based on the John Steinbeck book, is currently being staged at Darlington Civic Theatre, with Matthew Kelly in one of the lead roles
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Revitalisation project review
AFTER six years of transformation, the Shildon Sustaining a Community Programme (SRB3) is nearing completion. That means a programme evaluation report must be completed. To ensure an independent appraisal, the Shildon Partnership has appointed external
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Students get Oxbridge place offers
TWO Darlington students have been offered places at Oxford and Cambridge universities. Katie Liu, originally from Hong Kong, will study engineering at Newnham College, Cambridge, while Rachel Weerasinghe, from Bishop Auckland, will study medicine at Somerville
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News in brief: Police hunting indecency man
Police are appealing for help to find a man, said to be aged about 25, who made suggestive remarks and exposed himself to two young girls in Locomotive Street, Darlington, on Sunday. He was described as being of medium build and was wearing dark jeans
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News in brief: Police hunting indecency man
Police are appealing for help to find a man, said to be aged about 25, who made suggestive remarks and exposed himself to two young girls in Locomotive Street, Darlington, on Sunday. He was described as being of medium build and was wearing dark jeans
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Council targets £2.5m incentive
AN extra £2.5m in Government cash could come to a Cleveland town - providing council services improve. Hartlepool Borough Council has pledged to deliver the improvements in key areas after a striking a deal with the Government and immediately receiving
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Ever-ready Richard is taken aback
IN his job as the assistant manager of the Hambleton Forum, Richard Boucher is always prepared for something new. But even he was taken aback when he had to welcome a mummy by the name of Osiris to the venue in Northallerton. Osiris travelled with the
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Doubts over maintaining low council tax
DURHAM City Council could face difficulties maintaining services and keeping council tax low, its chief executive has warned. The Labour-run council is increasing its share of the council tax by 3.5 per cent, giving a total rise - bills include county
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Disabled pensioner looking forward to splashing out
A DISABLED pensioner will celebrate moving house by taking a bath in comfort for the first time in a year. Since having his other leg amputated, diabetic John Kennedy, 74, has been unable to take a bath or shower. But he is about to move into a new bungalow
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Cannabis smoking link to lung disease
A LEADING North-East surgeon has called for more research into cannabis use after young patients who have only ever smoked the drug had to have lung transplants. Professor John Dark, head of transplant surgery at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle said
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Youth scheme gets funding
YOUNG people's projects will be boosted by £10,000 a year after councillors agreed to a funding package. Following consultations with youngsters and the agencies that work with them, Easington District Council approved a youth strategy in September. The
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Grassroots: Washington
FULL MARKS: Staff and pupils of Biddick School attended a reception held in London by the Specialist Schools Trust to recognise the most improved schools in the country. ROTARY LUNCH: The Mayor and Mayoress of Sunderland attended a luncheon held by the
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News in brief: Drugs seized in raid at house
Crack cocaine with a street value of more than £4,000 was seized by police on Thursday night following a raid at a house in Clifton Street, Middlesbrough. A small quantity of cannabis and amphetamine was also found. Two men, one in his 50s, the other
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Attendance prize on offer to pupils
TEENAGERS with a 100 per cent school attendance record are in line for an award from Durham County Council. Over the past two years, the council has presented awards to year 11 pupils for their outstanding achievement of not missing even half a day during
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Crime-hit park to get security cameras
INFRA-RED close circuit television cameras (CCTV) are to monitor a Chester-le-Street park in an attempt to catch vandals and cut car crime. Seven cameras are to provide 24-hour coverage of the Riverside Park, in Chester-le-Street. The area is often blighted
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Staff and students mourn university stalwart
PAST and present university staff and students are mourning the loss of a former pro-vice chancellor. Dr Graham Rodmell, 68, who held the position at Durham University, has died after a short illness. His association with the university began half a century
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Six years for boys' abuser
A MAN who sexually abused young boys and then threatened them not to tell anyone has been jailed for six years. David Paul Williams used "an element of bribery" to persuade the four victims to consent to his activities, Durham Crown Court heard. Other
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Dog charity's thanks
A NATIONAL dog charity held a reception in the region this week to thank local authorities, vets and dog wardens for helping in its neutering and micro-chipping campaign. The celebration, at Blackwell Grange Hotel, Darlington, was held to mark four years
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Drawn to the mountains
A former teacher who, with her late husband, campaigned for the preservation of the countryside, is to tackle her greatest challenge in his memory. John Dean reports. WHEN she conquered the notorious Mount Kinabulu in Borneo last year, most people might
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Fence website for young launched
A WEBSITE for Richmondshire's youth has been launched. Led by the district's Community Safety Partnership, the project is supported by the Government's Communities Against Drugs scheme and Richmondshire District Council. Called The Fence, it has been
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Angling group has high hopes
AN angling association is delighted at how the upper stretches of the River Wear have recovered after a disastrous season when fishing was banned because of foot-and-mouth disease. Members of the Upper Weardale Angling Association were told at their annual
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Election fight on tax protest
PEOPLE in Richmondshire who have been angered by the tax bill they are likely to face in the next financial year are considering standing for election in May. About 20 people attended a meeting at the Bay Horse pub, in Catterick Village, which hoped to
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Rejected house bid leads to park plea
A BITTER row over a barn conversion in Wensleydale has prompted a call for more flexible housing policies in the Yorkshire Dales. Councillor John Blackie, Richmondshire District Council's leader, has been leading the campaign for a better deal for a couple
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Support strong for appeal to save clock
CAMPAIGNERS aiming to restore Redcar's Town Clock have raised more than £1,500 in only a few weeks. The Friends of Redcar Town Clock group raised the majority of the money at a stall at Morrisons supermarket. And they hope to raise more in a pound-a-brick
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Tea room among the cream of UK employers
ONLY two weeks after winning royal approval, one of the region's eateries is celebrating again. Bettys Caf Team Rooms are an institution in North Yorkshire, with outlets in Northallerton, York and Harrogate. A fortnight ago, Prince Charles visited the
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Wilkinson defies injury to boost Falcons
JONNY Wilkinson will lead Newcastle Falcons in their Premiership match at Wasps today, a week after being helped off at Cardiff with a knee injury. When he retired nine minutes from the end of the Wales v England game, having taken his tally to 656 points
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Robson warns Woody he must fight for his place
JONATHAN WOODGATE was last night warned he must produce his best form immediately to stay in the Newcastle United team as Sir Bobby Robson decided to give his £9m defender a baptism of fire against Chelsea. Robson has called on Woodgate for today's crunch
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Talal earns Wilko praise
HOWARD WILKINSON praised loan signing Talal El Karkouri last night for emerging as a Sunderland leader in their fight against relegation. El Karkouri's appetite has impressed Wilkinson since he arrived from Paris St Germain shortly before the transfer
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News in brief: Drugs seized in raid at house
Crack cocaine with a street value of more than £4,000 was seized by police on Thursday night following a raid at a house in Clifton Street, Middlesbrough. A small quantity of cannabis and amphetamine was also found. Two men, one in his 50s, the other
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'Crime figures distort the facts'
VIOLENT crimes in an area of County Durham - where two pensioners were recently attacked - have soared by 60 per cent. But senior police chiefs insist the figures do not paint a true picture of crime in Durham Police's Easington district command. On January
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Doing it for themselves
SIX enterprising businesswomen have set about ensuring the door is open to all budding female entrepreneurs in a bid to address the gender imbalance in industry. The group, called Enterprising Women, hopes to remove the stigma that owning a business is
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Tributes to tragic loving couple
HUNDREDS gathered yesterday to show their last respects to a loving couple who were tragically killed in a road accident last Saturday. Friends, family and colleagues filled St Radegund's Church, Scruton, North Yorkshire, to remember the lives of the
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Ex-Navy man joins social services
A FORMER Navy lieutenant commander has been appointed as head of a social services call centre. Communications expert Bob Morland, 50, is manager of Social Care Direct, a contact centre introduced by Durham County Council. From now on, people can ring
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Off the mein menu
A SELL-OUT event at a Chinese restaurant has been cancelled - because the owners did not apply for a licence. The Soho, in Northgate, Darlington, formerly Central Park, was planning to hold its Twisted Sunshine event tonight. But council chiefs and police
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Leicester fans call a mocking tune for Piper
MATTHEW PIPER revealed last night how he is being mocked by Leicester City fans for quitting a club that looks like replacing Sunderland in the Premiership. Piper is on course to suffer a second successive relegation from the top flight, ten months after
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Ball boost for science
A TELEVISION personality who introduced generations of children to science is to help a school prepare for National Science Week. Johnny Ball will visit Pennywell School, Sunderland, on Monday, to launch its £250,000 science laboratories and run science
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Violinist returns to his home ground
ONE of the country's foremost violinists will be returning to his North-East hometown to follow up a successful classical show. Jonny Rye, who trained first on the piano and then violin, and had public performances from the age of six in Consett, County
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Warning over park sex pest
WOMEN are being urged to be on the alert for a sex pest who has been reported hanging around a North-East park. Over the past few weeks, the man has exposed himself on six occasions to passers-by in Ronaldshay Park, off Quaker's Lane, in Richmond, North
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Cannabis smoking link to lung disease
A LEADING North-East surgeon has called for more research into cannabis use after young patients who have only ever smoked the drug had to have lung transplants. Professor John Dark, head of transplant surgery at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle said
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Jack scores for charity funds
SOCCER legend Jack Charlton was back in the North-East last night to help a charity fundraising event. The former Newcastle United and Republic of Ireland manager was the guest speaker at a sportsmen's dinner at Darlington's Dolphin Centre. The Darlington
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At Your Service: Easby does it
Not so much a multitude as a small, select gathering, there's plenty of heart at Easby's church, despite a congregation which barely makes it into double figures. SINCE we'd asked nicely and been welcomed warmly, it was doubtless coincidence that the
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Region's firefighters left to face terrorist attack 'like Dad's Army'
FIREFIGHTERS in the region claimed last night they are ill-equipped to deal with a terrorist attack - and described equipment and training as like something out of Dad's Army. Nearly 18 months on from September 11, union leaders said they have yet to
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Move to protect brain-op patients
GUIDELINES to protect brain surgery patients are to be tightened up as a result of a North-East CJD scare. It could lead to more surgical instruments being put in quarantine as a precaution, even if the incurable brain disease is not suspected. Currently
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In The Picture: When the end is nigh
Is ending a television series when it's still pulling in the viewers a smart move or downright silly? THE TV ratings victory of the return of thirtysomething comedy-drama Cold Feet must have been viewed with mixed feelings by its creator and writer Mike
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Return of 'villain' Allon
FEW players have had an impact on Feethams derbies in recent history like Joe Allon. Few players have twice netted the winning goal in front of the Tin Shed while wearing a Darlington shirt, never mind a Hartlepool United one. And as Pool visit Feethams
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Premier Commentary: Don't write off Liverpool in heavyweight final
After years of watching Premiership also-rans and First Division minnows fight it out for League Cup honours, at last we have a final worth watching. Thanks largely to the considerable distractions of the Champions League, over the last few seasons the
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In My View: Driven crazy
MY wife once packed a bag, put the dog on its lead and announced she was leaving home... all because she never thought she'd pass her driving test. That's how serious life becomes when you're the sweaty-palmed learner wrestling with the rules of the road
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Police chief 'forced out' fights to clear his name
A POLICE chief who was forced to resign in disgrace from a North-East force last night broke his silence to demand an apology from his former bosses. Former Chief Superintendent Kevin Pitt, who was convicted of urinating against a presidential palace
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Auction success for Milne poem
AN old autograph book with a poem scribbled inside by A A Milne fetched £350 when it was auctioned on Thursday. Hand written in 1925 by Milne - best known for his stories of Winnie the Pooh - the four-verse poem caused a stir among collectors and Milne
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Minister tackles a pet project ... the health value of dogs
HEALTH Secretary Alan Milburn was given a somewhat different assignment yesterday - checking the benefits of owning a dog. The Darlington MP visited the National Canine Defence League (NCDL), at Sadberge, near Darlington, to be presented with a "canine
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Five arrests for drug offences in raids
POLICE carried out simultaneous raids on three houses in Middlesbrough yesterday under their dealer-a-day operation. Officers went to properties in Kelfield Avenue and Kimberley Drive, in Pallister Park, and Althorpe Close, in Netherfields. Five people
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Doing the dirty in the garden
AS I write this I can see my fingers moving over the white computer keyboard. I cringe as I catch glimpses of the encrusted coating of brown dirt. If I try and type faster, maybe I won't notice it as much. It's not all bad though. It does remind me that
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Driven crazy
MY wife once packed a bag, put the dog on its lead and announced she was leaving home... all because she never thought she'd pass her driving test. That's how serious life becomes when you're the sweaty-palmed learner wrestling with the rules of the road
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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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MPs back Question Time for the North
Ministers should face a grilling on North-East issues in a House of Commons Question Time, MPs have said. While Scotland and Wales have their own Question Time, MPs from the regions do not get a chance to raise specific matters on their areas, they say
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Global warming answer blowing in the wind
Scientists have been awarded a £150,000 grant - to stop cows belching. Sheep and cattle are responsible for a quarter of the UK's emissions of methane, one of the main gases responsible for global warming. A single dairy cow produces an astonishing 400
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Queues as former Army homes sold
MORE former Army homes are to go up for sale at knockdown prices. Annington Homes has spent hundreds of thousands of pounds upgrading the properties at Catterick Garrison, in North Yorkshire. The agreement with the Ministry of Defence is that at least
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Teen pregnancy rates fall to new low in North
THE number of teenage pregnancies in the North has fallen to a record low. Although still above the national average, the latest statistics published by the Government show the region is reducing the number of teenage pregnancies. Nationally, the number
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A1 breakdown scheme extends
A free breakdown service on the A1 Western Bypass at Gateshead is to be extended to the Newcastle stretch of the bypass on a three-month trial basis from Monday. A breakdown vehicle operated by Highways Agency contractor Colas patrols the highway to clear
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Pair charged with murder of ex-pat
TWO men have been charged with the murder of ex-pat Jim Green, who was viciously attacked during an attempted robbery in his Thailand home earlier this month. Yesterday Mr Green's family, from North Yorkshire, spoke of their "utter relief" after hearing
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Best-kept community awards
WINNERS of a district's 2002 Best Kept Town and Village competition will each be presented with a tree to commemorate their achievements today. The competition, organised by Richmondshire District Council, is open to all parishes and towns in the district
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The Albany Northern League Today
Brandon manager Kenny Lindoe wants his side to regain their winning ways in their top-three battle at Billingham Synthonia this afternoon, writes Ray Simpson. Brandon have been top of the league for most of the season, but a return of just one point from
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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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Appeal after engineer's knife ordeal
A TELEPHONE engineer who stopped to help an apparent driver whose car had broken down was robbed at knife-point. The 34-year-old BT engineer was flagged down by a man standing next to a van with its bonnet raised, on a road in east Durham between Ludworth
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New boys add spice to derby
Darlington caretaker boss Mick Tait last night added two new faces to his squad in time for today's derby showdown with fierce rivals Hartlepool Blackburn Rovers striker Jim Corbett and full-back Darren Huckenhull have joined the club on month-long loans
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Traders in talks on future of town centre
TOWN centre traders will meet council officials on Monday to tackle the main problems affecting their businesses. All Bishop Auckland traders and interested parties are invited to discuss ways to turn around the future of the town with representatives
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Bikes stolen
THREE mountain bikes - including one worth £2,000 - have been stolen from a house in Darlington. The burglary occurred at a house in Swaledale Avenue between 6.30pm and 10.20pm on Thursday. Among the bikes stolen was a grey GT STS, said to be the only
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Work begins to turn former club into childcare facility
WORK is under way to turn a derelict nightclub into a non-profit-making childcare centre. The former Talk of the Town nightclub, on the corner of Hundens Lane and Haughton Road, in Darlington, had been empty for a number of years until Debbi Moore decided
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Film commissioner is shake-up victim
THE man credited with projecting the North-East on the film world's big screen is to lose his job. As film commissioner, Dr Paul Mingard has played a leading role in persuading the makers of blockbusters including the two Harry Potter movies and Elizabeth
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Rescue centre has a baby boom problem
A BABY boom has plunged a rescue centre into chaos as it searches for homes for its residents. Ramshaw Rescue Centre, at Ramshaw, near Bishop Auckland, has been overwhelmed by baby guinea pigs and baby rabbits. Last night, owner Kate Wilson pleaded for
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Community Network selection to start
ELECTIONS for Sedgefield Borough Council's Community Network will be held next month. The aim of the network is to give people a say about the way services are delivered. Council spokesman Graham Robinson said: "This is your opportunity to help develop
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Borough gearing up for post polls
ABOUT 300 council seats will be contested in local government elections in Sedgefield borough. The borough, town and parish council elections will be held by a postal ballot for the first time on May 1. Anyone can stand for election as a councillor, whether
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Borough gearing up for post polls
ABOUT 300 council seats will be contested in local government elections in Sedgefield borough. The borough, town and parish council elections will be held by a postal ballot for the first time on May 1. Anyone can stand for election as a councillor, whether
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Bill endorses the Goodieness of wildlife friendly milk
TELEVISION twitcher Bill Oddie and MP Derek Foster sang the praises of an innovative Teesdale company when they opened its headquarters yesterday. As vice-president of The Wildlife Trusts, the naturalist and former Goodies star is fronting a scheme which
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Thriving from a window of opportunity
A FAMILY firm has created a colourful tribute thanks to a charity's support. Michael Ramsay, 28, and his father Harry, 55, set up the Consett firm Ramsay Studio Glass six years ago with backing from The Prince's Trust. The father and son partnership is
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Anglers net boost for air ambulance
ANGLERS showed they were a first-class catch when they reeled in more than £1,500 to help a life-saving service stay in the air. More than 50 competitors from all over the North took part in a charity angling match organised by the RAF Leeming Angling
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Revival scheme makes its mark
AN empty shop in Bedale has been brought back into use with the help of a £5,943 grant. A designer furniture showroom now occupies what was once a gift shop in the town's Market Place. The grant is the first to be awarded from the Bedale Heritage Economic
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Radio presenter Sue to quit show
CLUB comedienne turned BBC broadcaster Sue Sweeney has announced she is quitting her popular North-East local radio request programme. The mother-of-two, from Durham, said tomorrow's lunchtime show on BBC Radio Cleveland will be her last - five-and-a-half
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News in brief: Invitation to civic dinner
The chairman of Easington District Council, Councillor Jeff Gray, is inviting people to his civic dinner and dance at Peterlee Leisure Centre, on Friday, March 14, from 7pm to 1am. There will be a five-course meal and music by Groove Club. Tickets cost
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News in brief: Funding tonic for museums
A SCHEME to help develop the eight voluntary museums within Hambleton and Richmondshire has received financial backing. Hambleton District Council's cabinet has approved a £2,000 grant for the project and Richmondshire District Council is expected to
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Unearthing secrets with bungalow plan
ARCHAEOLOGISTS say the building of a bungalow in east Cleveland could unlock secrets from the past. Tees Archaeology has requested the right to observe work on building the home at of Yearby, near Redcar, in the hope of more finds. Planners have recommended
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Conmen using bogus prize scams to get cash
CONMEN are targeting homes across east Cleveland in number of bogus prize draw scams. Trading Standards officers have been inundated with calls from people who fear they have been caught out by bogus mail. And every time the answer is the same: You've
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Walsh turned game with four second-half strikes
As Darlington prepare to entertain Hartlepool United at Feethams for the final time, Craig Stoddart and Nick Loughlin speak to two North-East legends who have had a big impact in Feethams' derby games - and look back at ten memorable encounters. Every
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Action looming to improve lives of elderly
CHANGES aimed at improving services for the elderly in the Hambleton area are being planned. An 11-point plan has been drawn up by district councillors following a policy review over the past three months. Members looked at services provided by the authority
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New official
Mark Stephenson has joined the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority as a building conservation officer. Based in Bainbridge, Mr Stephenson's role will include offering advice on buildings with a historic or architectural significance, keeping the authority's
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Cancer patient's theft blow
A KEEN gardener recently diagnosed as having cancer has been dealt another blow by thieves. Joseph Tasker, 60, of The Oval, Ouston, near Chester-le-Street, was taken into hospital last week and will be re-admitted on Monday for urgent surgery. But when
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Call for people to help environment
A CHARITY is urging people in the North-East to follow the example of local youngsters and work to improve their environment. The Community Service Volunteers is calling for people to take part in the Whitbread Action Earth Campaign, which runs until
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Olympic star gives support to swimathon
OLYMPIC swimmer Nicola Jackson and younger sister Joanne - tipped as a star of the future - will be leading a charity marathon at Richmond Pool. The teenage sister act is helping to promote the Butlins Swimathon, which challenges entrants to complete
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Angling group has high hopes
AN angling association is delighted at how the upper stretches of the River Wear have recovered after a disastrous season when fishing was banned because of foot-and-mouth disease. Members of the Upper Weardale Angling Association were told at their annual
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Violinist returns to his home ground
ONE of the country's foremost violinists will be returning to his North-East hometown to follow up a successful classical show. Jonny Rye, who trained first on the piano and then violin, and had public performances from the age of six in Consett, County
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Safety is key theme at school workshop
MIDDLESBROUGH youngsters have been learning how to stay safe and out of trouble after taking part in a multi-agency campaign. About 2,500 children will be learning good citizenship skills in the eighth police-led community safety workshops, which started
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Artistic mix-ups at park are solved thanks to help from children
YOUNG people and local artists have put their heads together to solve a problem at Flatts Lane Woodland Country Park, at Normanby. Countryside warden Helen Taylor said visitors often did not understand what some of the park's artistic sensory route pathway
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Centre opens following £20,000 appeal to convert hall
A CENTRE for people with Alzheimer's and dementia was opened yesterday. The chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society, Harry Cayton, travelled from London to open The Green centre, in Nettlesworth, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham. Staff, carers
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Premiership legend coaches homeless for World Cup bid
A TRIO of North-East homeless men have been receiving sporting advice from a football legend. Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson offered to coach the men as they prepare to play for England in the Homeless World Cup. Craig Hodgson, 25, of Bishop
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A true farming ambassador
A WOMAN who reopened her farm to the public after it was devastated by foot-and-mouth disease has been named North-East farming ambassador of the year. Ann Darlington, who was forced to close the popular visitor attraction at Hall Hill Farm, Satley, near
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Owen on song for showdown
Suddenly the weight has been lifted from Michael Owen's shoulders - just in time for a showdown with Manchester United. Owen's 18th goal of the season against Auxerre on Thursday changed the mood in the Liverpool camp before tomorrow's final, and boosted
