FUNDRAISERS have bought a special text phone for a Northallerton mum with speech difficulties. Shelley Knights has no speech but carries a device on which she types out messages on a screen to show others. Friends raised £450 for the text phone. It has
A £200,000 grant to encourage businesses in a County Durham borough to employ trainees is firmly under way. Sean Meighn was announced as the first young person to benefit from support under the Modern Apprenticeship Recruitment Scheme (Mars) in Sedgefield
COMMUNITY leaders in the North have appealed for calm ahead of tomorrow's international football match at the Stadium of Light, in Sunderland. About 5,000 Turkish supporters are expected to attend England's crucial Euro 2004 qualifier with Turkey, including
FORMER Defence Minister Doug Henderson yesterday called for a ceasefire and for all troops to be pulled out, fearing a Vietnam-style conflict. The Newcastle North MP denied this would amount to a surrender and said that even if Saddam Hussein was deposed
WORRIED Newcastle United boss Sir Bobby Robson is ready to wrap Craig Bellamy in cotton wool after the striker's latest injury scare. Bellamy, who has admitted he can barely walk after games because of a persistent knee problem, picked up a knock in Wales
POLICE will today begin cracking down on "boy racers" who meet in car parks and on estates to perform stunts. Under new powers, Durham Police will warn drivers they are causing a problem - and if the warnings are ignored, they could seize their vehicles
MIDDLESBROUGH defender Chris Riggott makes a quicker return to action than expected this evening. The centre-back has not played since picking up a knee injury in the 1-1 draw with Everton on March 1. Riggott underwent an operation soon after, but he
TABLE-TOPPERS Hartlepool United will head to Lilleshall tomorrow in a bid to build up confidence ahead of their weekend trip to Kidderminster, writes Paul Fraser. Pool have won just one of their last seven games and their lead at the top of the Third
TWO North Yorkshire villages have been earmarked for 20mph speed limits to add to the priority list of half a dozen schemes already confirmed by the county council's highways department. Plans are being discussed for traffic calming schemes and 20mph
A MULTI-MILLION pound contract looks set to transform the way local government services are delivered across the county - and generate thousands of jobs. Information technology specialist Agilisys is expected to be confirmed as the preferred company to
PETER MULLEN: ON reading Peter Mullen's column (Echo, March 18) I can only assume he has finally flipped his lid. He comes out with this ridiculous story about local authorities banning hot cross buns and pancakes and not a shred of evidence to back it
ON All Fools' Day we should be game for a laugh, but there are some people for whom jokes are no laughing matter. There are academics - would you believe? - who actually give lectures about laughter. But then you know the definition of an academic: a
YOUNG first aiders at a primary school have scooped first, second and third place in a competition. The Durham County round of the St John Ambulance national schools first aid competition took place on Friday, at the organisation's county headquarters
Local authority conservation officers are "over-stretched, under-resourced and undervalued", putting priceless old buildings at risk, a report commissioned by English Heritage and the Institute of Historic Building Conservation has concluded. Tracy Ingle
After four years, Darlington Domestic Violence Forum's co-ordinator is leaving to take up a new job. She talks to Women's Editor Christen Pears about her work. CLAIRE Seymour blinks back her tears as she talks about leaving Darlington Domestic Violence
JERMAINE JENAS last night warned he will not take tonight's game with Turkey lightly after being recalled to the England Under-21 squad. The Newcastle United midfielder failed to make the bench for the senior side's 2-0 win in Liechtenstein on Saturday
TELECOM giant BT says high-speed broadband communications will go live in Thirsk from May 14. Broadband will be available to more than 4,600 customers once BT has upgraded its Thirsk exchange. Kevin Dunn and Tarek Ghouri campaigned for broadband in Thirsk
INTERNET service provider Onyx Internet is launching a series of campaigns to widen the availability of broadband connection to rural communities. Nine areas have been identified for the scheme, run in conjunction with regional development agency One
The match against Bournemouth on Saturday didn't provide the result we wanted, but we were pleased to come away with a clean sheet and another point to add to our total. Everybody is desperate to get back to winning ways and we will be trying our hardest
A letter is on its way to Weatherfield District Council advocating that a strong barrier is erected on the banks of the canal. Far too many residents of Soapland are getting their feet, and other body parts, wet in this dangerous stretch of water. First
CONSTRUCTION specialist Yorkon has won a £7.5m contract to design and build a three-storey hospital unit in West Yorkshire. The project will provide healthcare facilities for an additional 8,000 inpatients to be cared for by Bradford Hospitals NHS Trust
BRITAIN'S largest chamber of commerce is opening windows of opportunity for workers at one of the UK's leading glass processing companies. Nineteen workers at Pilkington Glass UK in Middlesbrough are polishing up their skills through training in glass
MAJOR players in the UK property industry must be flexible if they are to succeed, according to a property group boss. Keith Miller, chief executive of the Miller Group, said the property sector was adapting at a rapid rate and companies needed to adapt
POP groups Busted and Blazin' Squad are among the celebrities to have signed up for the Planet Science Whodunnit event. Thousands of North-East pupils are expected to take part in the project, which is held from May 12 to June 20. Pupils will use forensic
A drugs baron used members of his family to run a heroin empire from his prison cell, it was revealed yesterday. John McPartland, 50, was serving 12 years for drugs racketeering. He handed out orders to his wife, Maureen, 43, and son John junior, 21,
BEFORE hostilities began, two-thirds of Iraq's 26 million men, women and children relied on food aid schemes. With the war causing the postponement of the oil-for-food programme, those vital supplies have been cut off. The longer it takes to topple Saddam
A 15-YEAR-OLD boy had his jaw broken in two places after becoming involved in an altercation with a group of men and women. The boy had been walking with his girlfriend along Bell Vue Grove, Grove Hill, Middlesbrough, on Friday, between 9.30pm and 10pm
AN elderly woman's life-savings of more than £900 were stolen from her home as she slept. The 84-year-old, of Redcar, east Cleveland, needed the money to pay for the care of her husband, who is in a home. Burglars broke in through an upstairs window as
The Grim Repeat comes calling in Soapland again. He's run out of patience with Roy Evans selling dodgy second-hand cars and come to take away the keys for good. This means the car dealer will leave Albert Square not in the usual mode of transport, a taxi
COMMUNITY leaders in the North have appealed for calm ahead of tomorrow's international football match at the Stadium of Light, in Sunderland. About 5,000 Turkish supporters are expected to attend England's crucial Euro 2004 qualifier with Turkey, including
A TOWN'S magistrates' court has closed after its final sitting yesterday. Cases which would have been dealt with by Chester-le-Street Magistrates' Court will now be dealt with by other courts. The 1960s court building will remain in use as an administrations
CAMPAIGNERS fighting plans to turn common land into a car park, say the proposals will have to go before the Government. The Save Our Sands (SOS) Action Group is opposing plans that could see nearly half of The Sands riverside area, in Durham, being turned
ABOUT 200 children from two schools have been given a taste of life behind bars as part of a project designed to bring home the consequences of crime. Pupils from Bedale High School travelled to Risedale Community College in Catterick Garrison, where
A SCHOOL is celebrating the announcement yesterday that it is to move from its crumbling Victorian premises into a new building. St Cuthbert's RC Voluntary Aided Primary School, in Crook, will get its new home next year, 150 years after it was founded
RESIDENTS have objected to plans to allow a takeaway to open longer. Planning permission was granted on appeal in November 2000 to change a unit in Clifton Avenue, Billingham, from a shop into a hot-food takeaway. Approval was granted on condition that
Waiting staff, Stockton. 20-25hrs pw on rota 5 days from 7, experience an advantage but not essential as training given. Ref: STL 37168. Trainee sales manager, Stockton, 8am to 5pm Mon-Fri plus overtime, New Deal considered, sales experience an advantage
A church is giving visitors the chance to pit themselves against a moral maze. An interactive labyrinth laid out on the floor of All Saints' Parish Church, in Eaglescliffe, aims to take visitors on a spiritual and cultural journey. Installed as part of
Care assistant, Chester-le-Street, £4.30ph, full time days and nights available, age 18 plus, experience not necessary as training provided, must have mature attitude. Ref: CHM 15031. Mechanic, Consett, £190pw, 37.5hrs pw 9am to 5pm Mon-Fri, 9am to 1pm
A 57-YEAR-old man accused of murdering his disabled wife said yesterday that she suffered multiple injuries in a drunken fall. Kenneth Hood denies murdering his wife, Irene, and has also pleaded not guilty to two alternative manslaughter charges, one
A DARLINGTON school choir made its debut performance last night in front of parents and friends. About 90 pupils at Eastbourne School sang a series of chocolate-themed songs at a Thornton's event. The choir was set up by Alec Jackson, head of music at
RAMBLERS and drinkers will be planning to put their best feet forward during the weekend of September 12 to 14 as part of a walking festival. The Boots and Beer festival will take its 250 participants through Upper Wensleydale, in the Yorkshire Dales
A LIBRARY was quieter than usual last week because many of the readers were about to fall asleep. As part of the recent National Bedtime Story Week, Sure Start Leam Lane, in Gateshead, co-hosted a pyjama storytelling party at Leam Lane library for youngsters
A DOCTOR is gearing up to take part in his marathon debut in London this month. Between surgeries at his twin practices at Belmont and Sherburn, near Durham, Dr Patrick Wright is reaching a peak in his preparations for the London Marathon. Although reasonably
BRITISH National Party candidate Trevor Agnew has denied being expelled from the UK Independence Party. The party said it had withdrawn his membership because of his links to the BNP. But Mr Agnew, who is standing for election to Darlington Borough Council
THIS year's North Yorkshire Youth Games will be held in Scarborough, it was announced yesterday. The event is the country's biggest youth sport event and will involve about 1,200 youngsters. On May 18 they will compete in 11 sports, including athletics
GLOBAL depression and harsh trading conditions conspired to deliver the "worst year ever" for the telecommunications industry, according to the head of cable operator ntl. Barclay Knapp, chairman and chief executive, said economic factors had conspired
TWO people have been treated for methanol poisoning after drinking a cheap brand of vodka. Food standards officers across the region are warning people to check any vodka they may have bought recently, after bottles of spirits have been discovered that
POWER returned to the homes of Umm Qasr yesterday for the first time since the outbreak of war - thanks to a North-East soldier and his team. A loud cheer rang through the streets of the tiny, run-down town as electricity flowed through the mains to a
Newcastle plays host to a couple of the region's favourite staying chasers this afternoon, Random Harvest and Weaver George, both of whom are poised to play a leading role in the feature event on the card, the Joan Lowery Handicap Chase. At 14 and 13
Striker Jim Corbett has revealed he is enjoying a new lease of life at Darlington since joining the club on loan. The Blackburn Rovers forward has struggled to make an impact at Ewood Park, five years after joining the club in a £500,000 deal from Gillingham
The darker side of Winston Churchill's war. Winston Churchill may have said something about fighting them on the beaches, but omitted to mention he was conducting a running battle on the home front. Throughout the Second World War, he was at loggerheads
VOLUNTEERS raised £500 for their local hospital by dancing the night away. Nite City Promotions, which raises money for local charities, organised a red nose disco in Northallerton at the Hambleton Forum. The idea was to raise as mush money as possible
A NORTH-EAST psychiatrist has called for a radical change in the way mental health services are delivered. A severe shortage of psychiatrists is hampering mental health trusts around the country. Dr Steve Humphries, medical director of Tees and North
New Tricks (BBC1); Walking With Cavemen (BBC1) Detective Superintendent Sandra Pulman does the worst thing anyone could possibly do in the line of duty. She doesn't take bribes, falsify evidence or beat up a suspect - she shoots a dog during a botched
GARETH SOUTHGATE was steeling himself for more England disappointment last night after Sol Campbell confirmed he was fit for the defining moment of their Euro 2004 qualifying campaign. After Southgate was dropped to make way for Campbell for last October's
Dock worker John Barry Durham was today sentenced to three-and-a-half years in jail for killing a former friend, following a bitter dispute. Durham, 33, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of John Paul Robertson, who died last September after being slashed
A LAST-minute change has been made to the cast of a forthcoming show. The Theatre Royal, in Newcastle, has announced that Alison Newman, who plays the chain-smoking lesbian agent in ITV1's Footballers' Wives will join the cast of The Vagina Monologues
POLICE are hunting a gang of up to eight people who left three men, in their twenties, injured in an unprovoked attack in Front Street, Hetton-le-Hole, Wearside. Two of the victims suffered facial injuries and the other lacerations to his head in the
VOLUNTEERS at a hospital radio station have proved they are the hottest news on the airwaves after being voted the best in the country. Staff at Auckland Hospital Radio, at Bishop Auckland Hospital, broke the sound barrier with cheers as the announcement
You'd expect a man whose wife has run off with their child and whose father has died suddenly would elicit sympathy from people. But not Barry Evans. The most useless lump in Soapland continues to try our patience in EastEnders (BBC1). Winning the pancake
POLICE are hunting a gang of up to eight people who left three men, in their twenties, injured in an unprovoked attack in Front Street, Hetton-le-Hole, Wearside. Two of the victims suffered facial injuries and the other lacerations to his head in the
SUNDERLAND manager Mick McCarthy could have the chance to call on his former Republic of Ireland charge Jason McAteer when Chelsea visit the Stadium of Light this Saturday. McAteer, a key member of the Republic squad during McCarthy's six-year reign,
PUB group Laurel is considering a possible £3bn offer for the All Bar One, O'Neills and Harvester estate set to be demerged by Six Continents. Laurel, which was created in May 2001 when Whitbread sold 3,000 pubs to Morgan Grenfell for £1.62bn, confirmed
PASSING out parades are part of everyday Army life - but a ceremony at Catterick Garrison was given added poignancy because an hour later 23 new recruits flew straight to the Gulf. More than 100 new soldiers of Burma Company 1st Battalion Infantry Training
VIRGIN Cross Country passengers were yesterday grappling with an "ad-hoc" service as a national strike by guards went ahead. The train operator, which operates between the North-East, Yorkshire and the West Country, was running a reduced number of trains
THE latest firearms amnesty opened with a steady response in County Durham yesterday in an attempt to remove imitation weapons from the streets. Shootings in some parts of the country, particularly the killing of two young women in Birmingham at the New
Mobile tyre fitter, Darlington, £11,000pa, 44hrfs pw, driving licence essential, mechanical experience preferred, vehicle provided. Ref: DAE 34078. Cleaner, Darlington, £4.20ph, 18hrs pw, 3 days, required to clean front of house and bedrooms, own transport
A policeman who put his own life in danger to rescue a drowning man is to receive two life-saving awards. PC Paul Faulkner, 35, of South Street, Crook, County Durham, triumphed over his own personal health problems to save a man from a hotel pool in Crete
Splendid food, comfortable surroundings and even help opening a hot towel made a visit to a Crook Chinese restaurant a truly memorable occasion. CROOK may have had more facelifts than Elizabeth Taylor. Every time you open the paper there's news of an
Rehab (BBC2) Wednesday is now officially gloom and doom night on BBC2, with dramas about child abuse and premature babies followed by a demanding drama about a bunch of drug addicts trying to get clean. At two hours, this was a hard slog that demanded
FURTHER details emerged yesterday of the death of a man while being held in police custody. The Police Complaints Authority has launched an investigation into the tragedy in a police cell at Scarborough, at the weekend. It was revealed yesterday that
A WOMAN suffering from incurable bone cancer travelled through the North-East yesterday on a tough 1,000-mile charity bike ride. Jane Tomlinson, 39, reached the halfway mark of her journey, pausing at Bedale, North Yorkshire, during her journey from John
MORE than half a million older and disabled people in the North-East will soon be able to take advantage of half-price coach travel, the Government has announced. The concessions, which start on May 1, will be available to people aged over 60 or those
MORTGAGE lending showed further signs of easing in February, with a fall in both new lending and the number of loans approved, figures revealed. The Bank of England said total lending fell to £20.66bn, from £21.18bn in January. Once redemptions and repayments
JACOB, an unusual breed of cat, needs a new home. The Devon Rex, who is bald, needs loving owners who can give him plenty of attention. The three-year-old, is being cared for by a foster family in Darlington, but new owners are being sought who can give
Seven Days That Shook Sven (C4); Wildlife On One (BBC1) Happily, the England team's victory in its Euro 2004 qualifier on Saturday meant the makers of Seven Days That Shook Sven didn't have to change it to Eight Days That Shook Sven. They had enough stuff
MORE than 50 jobs have been created refurbishing homes on Teesside and Wearside. Lovell Partnerships' Stockton office will take on staff to tackle renovation projects in Sunderland - carrying out a mixture of interior and exterior work - and providing
A COUNTY and district councillor has called for financial penalties to be imposed on public utilities that cause inconvenience to communities by digging up roads. County and district councillor Carl Les, who owns the Leeming Motel, said he is prepared
Splendid food, comfortable surroundings and even help opening a hot towel made a visit to a Crook Chinese restaurant a truly memorable occasion. CROOK may have had more facelifts than Elizabeth Taylor. Every time you open the paper there's news of an
THE General Medical Council is launching a new inquiry into complaints from seven patients of a former North-East gynaecologist, submitted after he was found guilty of serious professional misconduct last week, relating to a botched abortion at a private
AMATEUR actors are celebrating their society's 50th anniversary by staging their 100th show. Bedale Dramatic Society is 50 years old this year and for its spring production in April has chosen the farce Will You Still Love Me in the Morning? Throughout
A LIFELONG Quakers fan has bid more than £500 to play at Feethams with his favourite players. John Vickerman, 41, will step out on to Darlington FC's hallowed turf on Sunday for a charity match with former team members. He paid £520 for the privilege
AN investigation is under way after a couple and their baby were forced to flee from a burning pub. The manager of The Roseworth, in Stockton, his wife, their baby son and the assistant manager ran from the building after hearing the fire alarm in the
POLICE are hunting a gang of up to eight people who left three men, in their twenties, injured in an unprovoked attack in Front Street, Hetton-le-Hole, Wearside. Two of the victims suffered facial injuries and the other lacerations to his head in the
FERRYHILL Town Council projects assistant Alan Grey has been presented with a number of leaving gifts from Deputy Mayor Councillor Doreen Greenwell. He left with the thanks of all councillors as well as other organisations he has worked with, including
PEOPLE are being offered free blood pressure checks in a bid to reduce the number of strokes. People will be able to get their pressure tested at the Safeway supermarket in Durham Road, Birtley, on Saturday, from 10am to 4pm, thanks to the Stroke Association
A LAW firm is urging the Government to resolve pension inequalities. Gordon Brown Associates, in Chester-le-Street, wants the pensions system to be made fairer for married women. At the moment, when a woman reaches 60, she receives the full state pension
A COUNCILLOR has been cleared of breaking a code of conduct after he told an elderly woman to shut up. Labour councillor Gordon Plummer, who represents Lascelles ward on Darlington Borough Council, was reported to the National Standards Board after the
A SCHEME putting extra resources into policing some of Britain's most deprived communities is being extended to County Durham. Home Secretary David Blunkett announced the first group of four policing priority areas last March, in a White Paper on police
CHAMPIONSHIP musicians have launched a cash-raising campaign to buy their own vehicle. Crook Town Grenadiers juvenile jazz band hopes to raise £6,000 to buy a minibus to travel to competitions and shows across the country. The band's 43 members are planning
A LAST-minute change has been made to the cast of a forthcoming show. The Theatre Royal, in Newcastle, has announced that Alison Newman, who plays the chain-smoking lesbian agent in ITV1's Footballers' Wives will join the cast of The Vagina Monologues
CHILDREN will be among those helping celebrate a town cemetery's status as a Local Nature Reserve. Linthorpe Cemetery is Middlesbrough's largest remaining woodland, and tomorrow it will hold celebrations to mark its designation, including a parade featuring
A WATER company has teamed up with a charity to ensure that people overseas receive clean supplies. Northumbrian Water has adopted WaterAid, which provides people in Africa and Asia with clean water, sanitation and hygiene education, as its designated
PRIMARY School youngsters have recorded their own compact disc after spending a week looking at music from different cultures. It is hoped that the CD will be a lasting keepsake for children at Howden-le-Wear Primary School. It is a culmination of the
Tributes have been paid to the Royal Marine from North Yorkshire who was killed in an Iraqi ambush near Basra. Chris Maddison, a 24-year-old from Scarborough, died when his river patrol came under grenade and gunfire attack. His mum Julie and stepfather
Waiting staff, Maunby, Thirsk, £5ph, 10-15hrs pw between noon and 10pm Fri-Sun, experience preferred but training available. Ref: NOE 18708. Driver, Nth Yks/nationwide, £5.25ph, 40hrs pw 5 days over 7, required to drive small removals van and carry furniture
A FREE guide offering practical advice on how to utilise farmland is being issued to farmers. The handbook, called Making the Most Of Your Farm, outlines enterprises that are already successfully working in the region and sets out rural planning policies
MORE low-cost airline services have come to the North-East after demand from passengers in the region soared. Ryanair launched its once a day service from Newcastle to Dublin just three months ago. Yesterday, the company doubled the service to twice a
WHEN Eddie Ellwood lifted the title of England's Strongest Man yesterday it was a fitting birthday present. The 39-year-old, from Hartlepool, celebrated his big day in style by beating off competition in the battle of the giants in Spennymoor, County
A STOCKTON school is celebrating the news that it can continue as a technology college. Abbey Hill School Technology College was one of the first special schools in the country to be given the status by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES).
SHAUN Mahaffey and Brian Boulton are police officers with top-flight ambitions. PC Mahaffey and Sergeant Boulton, of Cleveland Police, will represent seven northern forces when they compete in the National Police Athletics Association Darts Championships
POLICE are hunting a gang of up to eight people who left three men, in their twenties, injured in an unprovoked attack in Front Street, Hetton-le-Hole, Wearside. Two of the victims suffered facial injuries and the other lacerations to his head in the
TWO Darlington students hope to qualify for the British Karate Championships. Jenny Cooke, 16, from Ferryhill, and Shaun Dawson, 18, from Woodham, are both students at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College. Jenny is a black belt first dan and Shaun is a
A CHARITY is appealing for volunteers to help cope with the demand for its services. The Cats Protection League has recently launched a branch in the Wear Valley and Darlington area. Branch co-ordinator Marion Maychell said: "We urgently need more cat
COUNCILLORS who fail to attend training courses could be named and shamed under new rules. A report by Darlington Borough Council's standards committee at the end of last year revealed that some councillors had failed to attend the minimum of five training
PREPARATIONS to bring one of the country's most famous locomotives to Darlington will continue today. Officials from Darlington Railway Centre and Museum are meeting contractors with a view to freeing up space to create a showpiece exhibition with the
SPORTING youngsters have proved they are a smash hit at tennis by winning a competition for schools. Year three pupils from Rise Carr Primary School, in Darlington, won the Mini-Tennis Challenge at the town's Dolphin Centre. Two teams, each consisting
PLANS for a fishing centre and nature reserve to revitalise derelict land could be rejected by councillors. The Association of Teesside and District Angling Clubs has applied to Darlington Borough Council for permission to change agricultural land near
Villagers in Great Langton have planted 30 trees as part of a project to create a nature conservation area. Included in the scheme, which is supported by Hambleton District Council's Countryside Conservation Fund, are a wildflower meadow and a grassed
TWO armed raiders fled empty-handed after threatening staff shortly after closing time at a clothing chain store in Gateshead. The balaclava-clad pair, one carrying a hammer and the other armed with a double-barrelled shotgun, broke through the front
TWO more villages may get 20mph speed limit restrictions after being added to a priority list by North Yorkshire County Council's highways department The new restrictions proved controversial in Leyburn and led to the demise of the Brentwood Residents
VISITORS to a science festival unearthed secrets beneath the streets yesterday. Durham University is hosting a sidewalk safari as part of its four-day festival of science, engineering and medicine. It offers visitors the chance to examine water bears,
FOR film-lovers stepping into The Ritz can be like turning back the clock to when cinema screens were hidden behind heavy curtains and ice-creams were sold in the dark from a person with a torch and a tray. Boasting its pleasant touches of early 20th
A GROUP working across the Tees Valley to help disabled people live independently has been awarded £230,000. The Independent Living Project, in Stockton, won the money from the National Lottery to help it continue its work in the community. Its Personal
BRITISH National Party candidate Trevor Agnew has denied being expelled from the UK Independence Party. The party said it had withdrawn his membership because of his links to the BNP. But Mr Agnew, who is standing for election to Darlington Borough Council
KIERON DYER was facing the England axe last night as Sven-Goran Eriksson's Stadium of Light masterplan was in danger of being blown apart by a Turkish spy. While Dyer looked set to be replaced by Nicky Butt as Eriksson decided to deploy a diamond midfield
AN independent paint and varnish manufacturer is not closing, its managing director has confirmed. Ric Herod decided to make an official statement about the firm's future after rumours that T and R Williamson's, of Ripon, was about to close. Mr Herod
TWO more tenants have moved into premises on UK Land Estates Waterfront development. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has taken over the 26,167sq ft Quadrant building, as well as a 3,350sq ft adjacent industrial unit at Newburn
Ways To Leave Your Lover (BBC2) How do you say it's over, that it's the end of the affair? Perhaps in a letter, or a telephone call. Or have a good row and storm out never to return. This quintet of short films offered various solutions to parting company
HUNDREDS of residents have vowed to fight a proposal for a green "eco-village" on their doorstep. About 300 people attended a public meeting at Woodham Village Community Centre, near Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, to discuss plans for an urban village
A TEENAGER has appeared in court for a second time charged with causing death by dangerous driving. The 14-year-old, who cannot be named, appeared before Sedgefield magistrates, County Durham, in connection with a crash in which 13-year-old Liam Richardson
ARTISTS helped celebrate the beauty of North Yorkshire's rolling Howardian Hills at the weekend. Up Shoots was the culmination of a year-long project commissioned by Rural Arts North Yorkshire, in Thirsk. They encouraged photographer Tessa Bunney and
THE mysterious death of the man who built the world's oldest railway bridge has been turned into a musical. Arch Enemies recounts the building of Causey Arch, near Stanley, County Durham. Completed in 1726, it is the oldest railway bridge in the world
SOCIALITE Tara Palmer-Tomkinson will open the region's largest outlet shopping centre next week. The 'It' girl and friend of the Royal family will perform the ceremony at Dalton Park, Murton, County Durham, at 11am next Thursday. She was chosen for her
A driver suffered a broken nose after his car careered into a railway bridge. Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which happened on Monday at 9.20pm, on Port Clarence Road, Port Clarence, near Billingham. The accident is believed to have
POLICE chiefs yesterday scotched rumours that a principal station in the North-East could be sold in a £1m-plus deal. Cut-price supermarket chain Lidl is believed to have made a substantial bid to purchase land where Newton Aycliffe police station - the
PEOPLE were taken back half a century when they called at the NAAFI Financial in Catterick Garrison. Darlington Building Society launched an agency at the Shute Road premises and enlisted garrison DJ, Chris Marsden to help. The Fifties theme was chosen
SOLDIERS who responded to a potential flashpoint in West Africa have returned to their bases in North Yorkshire. While the international focus has been on war with Iraq, rebel forces who were massing on the borders of Sierra Leone prompted fears that
More bikers' lives appear likely to be lost on a region'sroads than last year - the worst on record. By March last year, two motorcyclists had been killed in accidents in North Yorkshire, although another 21 would lose their lives before the year was
MORE low-cost airline services have come to the North-East after demand from passengers in the region soared. Ryanair launched its once a day service from Newcastle to Dublin just three months ago. Yesterday, the company doubled the service to twice a
A CRACKDOWN on car parking abuse has seen an increased number of people in court over the last six months. Thirty-eight offenders had failed to pay parking fines after over staying their welcome in Hambleton District Council disc parking spaces. The parking
A FORMER mayor revealed last night how political in-fighting and back-stabbing drove her close to despair. As reported last week, Councillor Pat Walker has resigned as Labour group secretary in Middlesbrough. She revealed last night that she is to stand
While our soldiers are out in the Gulf, their families are left behind facing an uncertain future. Women's Editor Christen Pears finds out how one Army wife is coping. IN the corner of Hayley Kimsey's living room, the television is turned on, and images
North-East parents are risking their children's lives every time they travel in a car. Women's Editor Christen Pears reports. TODAY, children travel nearly everywhere by car, yet thousands of child passengers, from babies to teenagers, are killed or injured
