BIRTHDAY boy Lee Armstrong got the surprise of his life when his fiancee delivered a very special present. For 18-year-old Amanda Longford went into labour and gave birth to their daughter Porschaleigh on the bathroom floor. The couple had been staying
Saturday's defeat down at Southend means we are still looking over our shoulders as far as relegation goes. The game was a typical end of season affair with neither side creating many chances. All the action seemed to take place while I was off the pitch
THE University of Teesside has announced that its Animex festival of film animation will be held next January, and, while it will be focused on Middlesbrough, there will be activity across the North-East. Past guest speakers have included Nancy Cartwright
An Oscar nomination for Frida is the icing on the cake for the actress who began acting in her native Mexico in the primetime soap Teresa. Steve Pratt reports. EVEN if Salma Hayek doesn't win the Oscar for best actress, she can console herself with the
BUSINESS services organisation Capita is moving 400 staff to renovated premises at the Lingfield Point business complex. The move is one of the biggest office lettings in Darlington, with 50,000sq ft of warehousing transformed to provide the latest in
After their exploits in the penalty shoot-out last week to reach the final of the Russell Foster league cup, Shildon returned to league action against Chester Athletic. In an even game that saw both sides hit the woodwork, Matthew Brown, who was the hero
A FAMILY-RUN fish and chip shop received an award from regular customer Sir Jimmy Savile. Sir Jimmy presented Andrea Sunley and David Almond with a Sea Fish Fryers award. Their White Horse Cafe fish and chip take away and restaurant in Thirsk and Northallerton
The North Tyneside Open Sprint Gala took place at Killingworth on Saturday and Sunday 29 and 30 March 2003. Sedgefield 75 had six swimmers taking part - they were Michael Scott, Andrew Dewar, Chloe Oliver, Rebecca Aughton, Cara Lawson and Rebecca Hailes
CHARLOTTE Westray will be competing against the best of the world's Irish dancers. The ten-year-old, from Woodstone Village, near Houghton-le-Spring, County Durham, is one of the region's representatives at the world championships that start in Kilarney
Jamie Cann and Graham Greenwell from Stockton, Cleveland travelled to the Cricket World Cup final in South Africa last week, and didn't pay a penny. The friends won the trip of a lifetime competition, run by Vodafone, for an unforgettable four day trip
GETTING out and about on the North Yorkshire Moors without a car should be easier this year. The National Park's Moorsbus service, which was launched on Sunday, has more routes than it has in the past. This year there are 150 locations served by the new
Middlesbrough College Academy A more or less wrapped up the Durham League Division One title this week with a 97-88 victory from a superb derby with Steve Whitehead Joinery and Double Glazing Middlesbrough Mavericks. As befits a contest between the best
Durham City Under-15s team won 9-7 away to Catterick Cobras. The lead changed frequently in a very close game in which the City team played well and deserved their victory. The Durham City Under-17 team defeated Durham School 13-9. City were always in
The vanishing way of life of the North-East's coble fishermen is recorded in a two-part television documentary made, and inspired, by the father-and-son team behind The Last Horsemen. Film-maker Charles Bowden owes the inspiration for his latest series
Shildon Railway's 3-0 win away to Birtley Town Reserves keeps them in contention for the championship. Doug Grant was the destroyer getting all three goals. Whitehill FC maintained their five point lead at the top with a 4-1 home win against Belford House
A DRUG addict who was assessed not to be a suicide risk was found hanged from the bars of his prison cell just days later, an inquest heard. The body of Darren Christopher Cook, 26, was discovered by a prison officer at Holme House jail, Stockton, while
WHEN Stuart May lost the use of his arm in a car accident, he had to rebuild not only his life, but also his career. A success in the world of financial services, he practically lived in his car - driving from his home in the Yorkshire Dales to his office
Hambleton Ales North Yorkshire League: Victories in their final two matches secured Bedale championship status in the First Division. Bedale needed 20 points from their clashes against Northallerton and Harlow. But they went two better, pipping Harrogate
With so much else going on in the world at the moment, it is perhaps comforting for some to have their own welcome distractions from the stresses of everyday life. For 56-year-old John Smith that escapism comes in the form of Albany Northern League Division
TWO teenagers who plagued a North-East town centre with a campaign of violence and intimidation have been fined for breaching a landmark court order. Joanne Mafham, 18, and Claire Richards, 17, became the first female friends to be made the subject of
Tyne Tees Girls Youth League - Under-12s Presidents Trophy semi-finals: Blyth Town 1 v 0 Middlesbrough FITC: This semi-final was between two good footballing teams, with the home side being slightly more on top, but they found it hard to get past Middlesbrough's
Auckland and District EBAC Youth League Bishop Auckland under-18s won 5-2 at home to Barnard Castle juniors in the semi finals of the Auckland and District EBAC Youth League Cup. Darryl Hall (2), Michael Searby and Lee Atkinson (2) were on target for
Learning disability charity Mencap is looking for people to boost its funds by taking part in this year's Great North Run on September 21. Anyone interested in running the 13 miles in aid of the charity is asked to call (0845) 9777 779.
THE Dean of York paid a return visit to one of the region's fast-growing attractions yesterday. The Very Reverend Raymond Furnell was last at the Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington eight years ago, when he cut the first turf for the chapel. Yesterday,
As the weather gets warmer and our thoughts turn to shorts and bikinis, they also turn to cellulite. Women's Editor Christen Pears finds out what can be done to get rid of the dreaded dimples. IT doesn't matter how thin you are or how much exercise you
PHIL DONEGAN finds a warm welcome at Flatts Lane Woodland Country Park for those who make arrangements in advance. THERE can be nothing more pleasant than getting out into woodland for a wander through awakening wildlife on a beautiful early spring day
Billingham Amateur Swimming Club's juniors have enjoyed the last two weekend's competing in the Durham and District Junior League. Finishing fifth at both venues they gained experience and grew in confidence, all members swimming exceptionally well. At
After months of sickening sweetness as the wife of Coronation Street's dastardly villain Richard Hillman, Gail finally discovers this week why her fans have been shunning her. How will the soap's most tragic character cipe with beign married to a serial
A firearms amnesty is proving a success, say police. In the first week of the amnesty, Northumbria Police collected 81 firearms and 309 rounds of ammunition. Superintendent Steve Storey said: "We hope more weapons and ammunition will be handed in over
Stokesley and District League - Division A: Queens Head B 3, Falcon Inn B 4; Black Swan B 0, Buck Hotel 7; Miners Arms A 4, Dudley Arms 3; Blue Bell A 4, Station Hotel (HR) 3; Blacksmiths Arms B 3, Tile Sheds 4; Royal Oak 6, Black Swan A 1; Buck Inn A
Soap may be the best thing to get a man out of your marriage, as we reveal ten TV ways of getting rid of your guy Soap marriages are made in heaven but end in TV hell. Couples promise to love, honour and obey - until the scriptwriters put them asunder
T M Disco Crook and District League: The Durham Minor Cup has proved a tough competition for Crook League sides in recent years and few teams have made much progress. West Auckland Queens Head have proved excellent ambassadors for the league this season
After months of sickening sweetness as the wife of Coronation Street's dastardly villain Richard Hillman, Gail finally discovers this week why her fans have been shunning her. How will the soap's most tragic character cipe with beign married to a serial
NOISE disturbance that has troubled residents living close to a busy stretch of road for decades is expected to be wiped out with major improvements. Town and parish councillors and residents pressurised the Highways Agency in to reduce the effects of
An Oscar nomination for Frida is the icing on the cake for the actress who began acting in her native Mexico in the primetime soap Teresa. Steve Pratt reports. EVEN if Salma Hayek doesn't win the Oscar for best actress, she can console herself with the
Sunderland reached the last four of the championship held last weekend at the David Lloyd Centre in Thornaby while the David Lloyd Derby team, led by international veteran Nick Fulwood, and including two Davis Cup players Jamie Delgado and Chris Wilkinson
The vanishing way of life of the North-East's coble fishermen is recorded in a two-part television documentary made, and inspired, by the father-and-son team behind The Last Horsemen. Film-maker Charles Bowden owes the inspiration for his latest series
A BID to re-open a railway line can now go ahead after the announcement of two key appointments. Weardale Railway has appointed Tony Greenup as project manager and Dave Foxton as outdoor works manager. The move means the group can now press on with plans
TWICE winner of the Spirit of Innovation Awards David Dunn is helping to champion the event with the region's future workforce. The father of five, from Stockton, won the individual award in 2000 for a fire extinguisher, following that achievement in
THE North-East is filled with countless entrepreneurs, whether working for multi-national companies or running their own businesses, and the field of international trade is no exception. The total value of exports and services out of the region is about
GLADIATOR star Russell Crowe married girlfriend Danielle Spencer in a lavish ceremony at his Australian home yesterday. And rubbing shoulders with the glamorous guests at the sparkling event were North Yorkshire couple Peter and Anne Horsfall. Danielle
A WOMAN involved in a number of international adoption disputes once worked in the North-East as a council social worker - despite having no relevant qualifications. Jay Carter, 51, is due to find out in a few weeks time if she will face prosecution for
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
Charges were dropped yesterday against a Greek student suspected of being behind a terrorism plot. Charalambos Dousemetzis, 25, who studied at both Newcastle and Northumbria universities, has always denied being involved with the Greek terrorist organisation
Coundon Foresters are now only one point away from being crowned as the Darlington Sunday Invitation League Champions for the third season in succession. This is thanks to a comfortable 9-1 victory over struggling Bishop Auckland Cricket Club that now
A STALWART of a rural community has stood down from his post as chairman of his village hall association after 44 years of service. Morris Tallentire's retirement marks the end of an era in the village of Butterknowle, in Teesdale, and tributes have poured
A POLICE officer has been praised for his work in Ferryhill. Sergeant Brian O'Connor has been transferred to Newton Aycliffe after two-and-a-half years in Ferryhill. Sgt O'Connor paid tribute to members of Ferryhill Town Council and described it as "probably
PLANS to extend the opening hours of a Hartlepool pub on weekdays are likely to be rejected when councillors meet tomorrow. Hartlepool Borough Council's licensing committee will meet to discuss plans for extended opening hours at The Clarendon, in Tower
BUS drivers are being asked not to park outside Darlington Civic Theatre after complaints from residents. Darlington Borough Council was asked to investigate traffic congestion at the Parkgate entrance to the theatre after complaints during last year's
CLOSED-CIRCUIT television cameras are to be positioned in parks and cemeteries in Darlington to try to reduce vandalism and theft. Darlington Borough Council is spending £100,000 on the scheme, which will position five CCTV cameras in Eastbourne Park,
A DARLINGTON school choir, which made its debut last week, has been asked to take part in three more concerts. The Eastbourne Comprehensive School choir will appear alongside the Northallerton Male Voice Choir at Eastbourne Methodist Church tonight, at
PUPILS from a Darlington school tackled a musical marathon yesterday to raise money for charity. Whinfield Junior School pupils took turns participating in the Singalong Marathon, a national event organised by the Children with Leukaemia charity. Pupils
WAITING times for patients in rural County Durham are starting to fall thanks to a scheme to improve access to health care professionals. Four GP practices joined the project last April to find ways to help patients see the most appropriate medical expert
COUNCILLORS are to be asked to approve a bus scheme to serve deprived areas of Darlington. Darlington Borough Council has secured a grant of £1,070,000 until 2006 to improve bus routes in deprived areas and so provide vital links to areas of employment
ALLOTMENT holders who have battled hard to keep their plots in Barton seem likely to be reminded the ball is back in their court at a meeting this evening. The long-running wrangle which has split the community seemed over in February when a planning
A FACTORY worker caught drink-driving for the fourth time in ten years - after his girlfriend had told him he had got her pregnant but had had an abortion - was jailed yesterday. Mark Goundry, 35, pleaded guilty to driving after drinking more than twice
A MAN appeared in court yesterday charged in relation to the violence which marred last Wednesday's football match between England and Turkey. A 37-year-old man appeared before Sunderland magistrates accused of using threatening or abusive words and behaviour
POLICE believe the same man was behind two knifepoint shop robberies within half-an-hour of each other. The first robbery was at about 9pm on Sunday at the Spar shop in Bedale, North Yorkshire, when a man walked into the store and asked for cigarettes
A CHANCE conversation led to a sizeable donation to Richmond's Friary Hospital. Pet shop owner John Meynell was telling Finkle Street neighbour Mackenzie Thorpe about the high standard of care provided by the staff when his mother was ill. But, rather
FOUR cars damaged by fire in Ripon are being treated by North Yorkshire Police as arson. Police in the city are also linking the attacks with three skip fires over the weekend. The car fires started when a Citroen panel van was torched in Morrisons supermarket
EFFORTS to steer bored youths away from starting fires are proving a success in a district previously plagued by arson. Statistics showed the number of minor arson incidents rose during school holiday periods in the east Durham area. Tackling the problem
A COMMUNITY group leading the bid to revitalise Richmond's old railway station is hoping for a firmer commitment to the cause from the district council this evening. The Friends of Richmond Station have taken the lead in the bid to breathe new life into
THE region's businesses have seen their profitability cut by nearly a third in the past 18 months. That's according to the latest Corporate Health Check from business information group Experian. The report shows that the average return on capital fell
A GROUP of boys have taken part in an activity day to improve their literacy skills. The youngsters, who are all year ten pupils at Egglescliffe Comprehensive School, in Eaglescliffe, spent yesterday undertaking different tasks based on the TV game show
A DATE has been set for a concert that aims to find the region's top rock or pop artist. The gig will take place on Thursday, June 19, at The Georgian Theatre, Stockton, as part of The Big Chance competition run by The Northern Echo's website, Revolution
Barnard Castle School's rugby side were able to hold their head high after their experience of a lifetime at Twickenham which ultimately ended in defeat. They were pipped by Leicester side, Oakham School, in the final of the Under-18 Daily Mail Cup played
THE work of North Yorkshire's Youth Offending Team (YOT) has received national recognition after jumping from 37th to 22nd in the national league table of 155 YOTs. The team brings together a range of experts from police, social services, probation, health
SEVERAL Redcar residents have objected to the inclusion of a pub, nightclub, bar, restaurant, bingo hall or casino in plans to regenerate the Coatham Enclosure area of the seafront. Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council said the fear of noise associated
THE Government has given its backing to the rebuilding of St Francis Xavier School on Darlington Road, Richmond. The Department of Education has indicated it is willing to contribute 80 per cent of the cost, estimated at several million pounds. The board
COMING to a TV set near you soon: the closest football has ever come to producing its version of the Harlem Globetrotters. This evening Manchester United will take on arguably the most talented - and certainly the most expensive - team ever assembled.
A MIDDLESBROUGH teenager has been cast in a show based on the music of jazz legend Duke Ellington. Rachael Raw, 15, from Coulby Newham, will appear in Such Sweet Thunder at the Theatre Royal, Newcastle, in August. Rachael, a member of Harlequin Stage
THE SPECIALIST cancer nurses at the Friarage Hospital are holding a new monthly drop-in session for patients with cancer and their carers. The next session will be tomorrow from 10am to noon at the Rutson Hospital, Northallerton High Street. The nurses
NEWCASTLE football fans in Chester-le-Street will now have their own supporters' club. Graham Thorp has set up a black and white fan club at St Cuthbert's Club, in Lumley Terrace, Chester-le-Street. The club will have a season ticket in its name that
CHILDREN at a North Yorkshire school are coming up trumps for troops serving in the Gulf. Romanby Primary had a sizeable pile of items within days of launching an appeal, and the school is now asking local businesses if they can help with the cost of
UNIVERSITIES in the North-East have beaten off stiff international competition to win a £9m contract to reform education in Egypt. The Educational Leadership Consortium, led by Northumbria University together with Newcastle University, human resources
A shop manager's rugby tackle on a fleeing thief earned him a £100 reward from a judge yesterday. Andrew Smart chased two thieves who stole more than £4,000 of jewellery in a smash and grab raid at John Ramsden's pawnbrokers, Bishopton Lane, Stockton,
EQUESTRIAN artists Jo Stockdale and John Atkins will be holding an exhibition of their work later this month. Horses on Canvas will feature paintings and drawings by the two North Yorkshire-based artists and will coincide with the Middleham trainers'
NEWCASTLE football fans in Chester-le-Street will now have their own supporters' club. Graham Thorp has set up a black and white fan club at St Cuthbert's Club, in Lumley Terrace, Chester-le-Street. The club will have a season ticket in its name that
Newcastle Breweries Thursday Night Invitation League: Preliminary round of the League individuals, to be played April 10: P Jones (Quaker) v D Bolam (Hospitals SC); S Metcalfe (Railway Tav) v K Moody (JUC); K Monger (Hospitals SC) v S Hodgson (JUC); S
THE family of the horse and trap driver killed in a collision on a busy North-East road have spoken of their grief. Wayne Walker, 33, of Springwell Village, Washington, Wearside, was driving his horse and trap south along Washington Highway on Sunday
A gunshot victim told a court he might be left paralysed after he was blasted in the leg during a drinking session. James Bannon, 49, is still receiving treatment for a wound to his left leg seven months after he was gunned down, allegedly by Robert Fox
The year seven football team from Laurence Jackson Sports College in Guisborough narrowly missed out on international glory last weekend. The team beat off 42 other schools in the Northern final of the Fox Kids six-a-side competition in February at Gateshead
Darlington and District League: Nine-a-side knockout preliminary round to be played April 14. Games to be played at House or Club first named, 8.15pm deadline: Britannia B v Boot and Shoe A; Central WMC A v Three Tuns Sadberge; Highland Laddie v Hogans
It was a busy weekend for Richmond Dales swimmers, Saturday and Sunday was the North Tyneside Sprint and Teams Events and on Sunday the younger swimmers took part in the second round of the Junior League at Killingworth. Sam Sanderson, 12, showed the
After last week's hard game to win the County Cup, Mowden thirds faced another tough game against Acklam 2nds, but impressive fitness showed and they achieved a 29-5 win. Twenty-five into the game saw Andrew Tonkin break through the Acklam defence to
Bishop Auckland have been awarded the UniBond Team of the Month award to complete a remarkable transformation. Bishops went through March unbeaten in their seven matches, with five wins to climb well away from the relegation zone. Just four months after
For the ultimate girl's night in, Women's Editor Christen Pears invites some friends to be spoilt rotten. AFTER a hard week at work, is there anything better than a night in with the girls, drinking and catching up with all the gossip? I didn't think
In the Robson-Pattison Cup Billingham CGS won 4-3 away to Steels SC and now play Owton Manor in the semi-final. It was an entertaining match with both sides playing attacking football. Steels took the lead through Peter Stronach only for Keith Corner
Crook and District: At the final Harrier League event at Prudhoe the club secured one of their best ever finishes by finishing fourth Division One club on the day and fifth overall. Being one of the smallest clubs out of the three divisions this result
PHIL DONEGAN finds a warm welcome at Flatts Lane Woodland Country Park for those who make arrangements in advance. THERE can be nothing more pleasant than getting out into woodland for a wander through awakening wildlife on a beautiful early spring day
A Second Chance (C4) LAST spring Ryan Bell was told to leave the South London comprehensive school he attended, or be thrown out. A pupil once thought bright and talented was branded "rude, disruptive and unmanageable". As far as the school was concerned
Scramble: The last club competition played under the winter rules took place in fine weather a week last Sunday. The course is now showing signs of recovering from this very wet winter and members enjoyed this friendly competition when teams can comprise
Blackfyne moved into second position just a point behind leaders Heworth when they hammered Prudhoe 9-0. Most of the goals were scored by Connor Cruddace (4) and Chris Jennings (2). In other games Beamish edged Leam Rangers 3-2, Winlaton and Redheugh
Crook Ladies League: Tow Law Black Horse produced the shock result of the Second Round of the League Knock Out Cup when they beat the visiting Tow Law New Market, who had tied for the runners-up spot in the table, by five points. The Horse took the singles
Skill and heroism put to the test. "ANYONE see an airfield out there?," asked pilot Lucy of her crew as they prepared to land a wartime Lancaster bomber in darkness. There was further amusement in the cockpit as she put the aircraft down, as she didn't
A NORTH-EAST store specialising in the car performance market has won a string of overseas orders with the help of Trade Partners UK. Revolution Performance Motorstore, near the Baltic in Gateshead, was launched in 1996 and has fast become one of the
FORMER building society Northern Rock said trading and lending was set to be strong in the second quarter but also warned the mortgage market was becoming quieter. The mortgage bank said its first quarter performance was in line with its strategic target
MICK McCARTHY last night refused to rule out a return to Sunderland for foreign flops Bernt Haas and Lilian Laslandes. Both players became surplus to requirements under the Peter Reid regime and were farmed out on season-long loans back in August. But
Stokesley SC moved to the top of the table when they hit Stanley United with a heavy defeat in the mid-week programme. Wolviston, Birtley Town and New Marske also won to enhance their chances of carrying off the title. The new leaders scored four times
Rohm and Haas Hetton JOC Youth League: Herrington will play Jarrow St Bedes in the final of the Palmer Cup. Herrington defeated leaders Lumley 3-2 in the semi-final following an exciting tie which was only settled in extra time. The visitors led 2-1 at
A CHARITY auction in Northallerton raised more than £15,000 in memory of well-known racer Simon 'Ronnie' Smith. Motorcycle racing fans turned up in their hundreds to pay tribute to the North Yorkshire man, who was killed in a road accident near his Harrogate
Mowden Park Under-14s were playing against Middlesbrough and in the early minutes of the game Middlesbrough looked to be the stronger side and they took the lead with a try down the left wing ten minutes into the game. This gave the Mowden team a wake
As the Millionaire trial ends with the conviction of an Army major, his wife and a college lecturer, Nick Morrison looks at our fascination with the most popular quiz in TV history, and an earlier scam which was turned into a Hollywood movie. SINCE taking
ONYX Internet has joined forces with regional development agency One NorthEast to give rural communities of County Durham and the wider region high-speed access to the Net. The Middlesbrough operation has identified nine communities in the North-East
Blackbourns Garage League: Barry Barbers 10, Fast Abulbous 2; FNL 5, Blackbourns Garage 3; Smith and Allan 16, Roeder Rejects 1; Harrowgate WMC 4, Turks Head 2; Hoppers Transport 5, Skerne Park 0; Bellwoods 6, KTP 8.
Dry cleaner operative/supervisor, Eaglescliffe. £4.85ph, 40hrs pw, 8.30am to 5pm, Mon-Sat. Must have experience, customer service and supervisory skills. Ref: STL 37147. Taxi driver, Stockton. £4.50ph plus commission, 16-40hrs pw, Mon-Sun, age 25-plus
TICKETS for a forthcoming charity fashion show are selling so well that organisers are considering hiring a marquee. Supporters of Macmillan Cancer Relief's County Durham Appeal say they are delighted by the response. More than 80 tickets have been sold
A museum is preparing for one of the most popular events in its calendar. Beamish Museum, near Stanley, County Durham, will stage the History of Meccano exhibition this weekend. Models on display will include a working version of Matilda, one of the house
A MAN who indecently assaulted an 11-year-old girl after showing her child porn on his computer was jailed for two years yesterday. David Elliott, 35, introduced the girl to chatlines and showed her his mobile phone containing numbers of prostitutes,
Darren Gough will take another big step on his road to a full recovery when he leads a Yorkshire XI in their two-day friendly against Bradford-Leeds Universities' Centre of Excellence starting at Headingley today. Another Yorkshire XI play Durham at the
FOUR green-thinking residents of Hambleton have realised that recycling can be a very productive past time. Four people have each won a prize in a free draw supported by Hambleton District Council in a bid to promote the Rethink Rubbish campaign. More
An energy giant is facing a hefty fine after it misled 35,000 customers into signing up to a price freeze promotion that actually increased their bills. Teesside magistrates court yesterday heard how energy customers across the North-East were tempted
Sir Peter Vardy is planning to achieve the seemingly impossible, the car salesman's "Holy Grail". He wants to expand a car sales company past the 100 franchise mark - and keep it there. Apparently a select few have hit a century - before becoming victims
A NORTH-EAST engineering company has won contracts worth £80m. Skanska Whessoe, based in Brinkburn Road, Darlington, has clinched two deals, which will bring more jobs. The business, which employs 115, plans to take on an extra 20 engineers, process engineers
In Division One Redcar Lakes B recorded the result of the week with a 6-0 whitewash against Redcar Cons. B. Graham Marshall was the first player to win his two games when beating Morris Mitford 56-26 and 44-25. Neil Grey made it 4-0 after beating Mark
DARLINGTON boss Mick Tait will hand a swift recall to Barry Conlon this weekend after his side missed the big man's physical presence on Saturday. The 12-goal target man missed the defeat at Southend through suspension, but will be back when relegation-threatened
Emergency Services League: Langbaurgh moved into the semi-final of the League Cup with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Durharn Fire. Langbaurgh scored twice in the first 20 minutes with goals by Matt Lymer and Ally Lancaster. They also scored the third goal
Cat's Whiskers, who should be all the better for a recent outing at Doncaster, makes plenty of appeal in the Pontefract Park Showcase Handicap today. Mick Easterby's four-year-old showed up well for a long way after being switched to the unfavoured stands
A MAN appeared in court yesterday charged in relation to the violence which marred last Wednesday's football match between England and Turkey. A 37-year-old man appeared before Sunderland magistrates accused of using threatening or abusive words and behaviour
Darlington Mount Pleasant Rangers: The Under-12s A team, sponsored by Weathertight Windows, played away in the challenge cup against TIBS FC and came up against a strong team playing the long ball. It was a close game with Rangers pushing on but they
Boddy Printers Sunday League: Lingdale YCC are going through a bad patch, this time going down 3-0 at home to Redcar Glazing. Their inability to score is putting pressure on their defence to keep clean sheets. The score was 0-0 at the break but it was
Results and fixtures Sunderland and District Association Division One Results: Silksworth CC B 1, Southern Stewart and Walker 9; Silksworth CC C 6, Silksworth CC A 4; West CA A 3, Boldon CA 7. Outstanding fixtures: Boldon CA v Seaburn Dene NC, Southern
Richmond and Zetland Harriers: Richmond renewed their road racing rivalry with Otley AC at Ackworth on Sunday, March 23 in the Wilkinson-sponsored Yorkshire Half Marathon Championships but they were edged-out on points. Otley had their first man home
45 years ago: Two goals from Dicky Campbell and one from Vince Brown give Whitton Park a 3-2 win over Langley Park Hotspurs in the semi-finals of the Tudhoe Orphanage Cup. Goals from Jardine and Cook help Esh Winning beat Bishop Auckland Reserves 2-1
Division Two - Billingham Wndrs 2 v 5 D'ton CB: Darlington Cleveland Bridge took a 3-0 half time lead with Stuart Hardy scoring in the 18th and 33rd minutes. Wayne Buckley made it 3-0 before Lee Hammond gave the visitors a 4-0. Player-manager Marty Clennett
A sudden boost in the ratings has made Nigel Pickard's job as ITV's director or programming seem a little less like a poisoned chalice. But he still has an image problem. Heartbeat spin-off The Royal has not only earned ITV Sunday night superiority in
THOMAS GRAVESEN hit back at Alan Shearer's "coward" taunt last night and accused the Newcastle United striker of sour grapes. As the Football Association refused to say whether Gravesen would be charged with violent conduct, the Everton midfielder claimed
A MILITARY museum is passing on the secrets of its success to friends across the North Sea. Two Norwegians visited the Green Howards Museum in Richmond to pick up tips for their own attraction. Erland Lkken, the Mayor of Dovre Kommune in Gudbrandsdal,
North Yorkshire motorcycle racer Russ Hodgson marked an impressive debut in the brand new Virgin Mobile Yamaha R6 Cup with a superb top ten placing in the opening round at Silverstone on Sunday. The 21-year-old from Yarm - who will feature in a TV Documentary
A TOWN fast becoming the racing capital of the north opens its doors again at Easter. The Middleham open day is now an established event on the equestrian calendar and people are expected to turn up in their thousands on Good Friday. Sixteen stables will
Stokesley 4 v 2 B & H King's Head: Neil Nelson set King's Head on their way to victory as early as the fifth minute before man of the match Lawrence Ndlovu gave Stokelsey the cushion of a second goal before half time and although Brian Crawley reduced
Senior Men - Division One: Durham and Cleveland finished third in the play-off group to decide one team to be promoted to the Premier Division next season. They beat Warwickshire but lost to Shropshire, the host county, and East Scotland. The very tight
Plans for an £8m congestion-busting park and ride scheme in one of the region's best loved cities will be unveiled to the public today. Durham County Council plans to build three car parks on the outskirts where people can park and ride by bus into the
WHEN Saddam's thugs have been cleaned out of Basra by the Desert Rats and Baghdad has been liberated and its people freed from the dictator's torture machines, what will the BBC find to carp about then? The corporation's coverage of the war has been a
WAR AGAINST IRAQ: HINDSIGHT is a wonderful thing, but right from the start George Bush and Tony Blair have been too cavalier in their approach to the Iraq crisis. The reluctance of the Iraqi people to come forward should have been predictable after the
Crook light welter weight professional boxer Nigel Wright made a winning comeback after injury when he beat Darren Melville from London on points at Portsmouth last Saturday. This was Wright's first fight for six months after broken bones in both of his
The Dambusters (C4) 'ANYONE see an airfield out there?," asked pilot Lucy of her crew as they prepared to land a wartime Lancaster bomber in darkness. There was further amusement in the cockpit as she put the aircraft down, as she didn't have any brakes
A DRIVER tried to entice an eight-year-old boy into his car as the child left his village school, police said yesterday. The man was outside Burnopfield Primary School, near Stanley, County Durham, as the pupils left for home at about 3.15pm on Thursday
Durham and District League: Coxhoe Club went down by the odd point at home to Bowburn Cooperage, who had two wins from JP Clark and Simon Jackson, and one each from Brian Latue, Kenny Atkinson and Mel Lindsay. George Bernard won two for the home side
Peter Enckelman's howler while playing in the derby for Aston Villa against Birmingham at the start of the season attracted many headlines and received huge publicity. The incident in question saw a Villa defender throw the ball back to Enckelman who
THE business communities of the North-East and North Yorkshire are vibrant and progressive, constantly vigilant for new opportunities. The proliferation of entrepreneurial activity is testament to a dedicated drive for excellence. Today's Business Echo
A councillor has stepped down from his £10,000 role as a health board chairman. Labour Durham county councillor Keith Murray-Hetherington attended only eight out of a possible 78 council meetings in two years, while still claiming his basic councillor's
A HUGE wave of protest is expected to take place later this month as steelworkers hold a demonstration complaining about the threat of redundancy hanging over them. Kevin Curran, the regional secretary of the GMB Northern region, has warned the management
Brawns Den claimed the league's first trophy of the season with a 5-0 win over Horndale in the Second Division Cup Final at Spennymoor United's Brewery Field last week. Brawns Den were quick to attack a Horndale side that struggled to get going in the
Soap may be the best thing to get a man out of your marriage, as we reveal ten TV ways of getting rid of your guy Soap marriages are made in heaven but end in TV hell. Couples promise to love, honour and obey - until the scriptwriters put them asunder
A SCHEME to ease homelessness among young people will be launched in Hambleton and Richmondshire. The team behind the pioneering Nightstop project is starting to develop a new scheme working with local communities and concentrating on young people aged
PEOPLE who are visually impaired are being invited to find out more about aids which can help them in their everyday life. The charity Action for Blind People is taking its mobile advice and information unit to the university hospitals of Hartlepool and
A FORMER water company worker has turned his hobby into a living. Bobby Boyd has set up a mountain bike centre in Hamsterley Forest, near Bishop Auckland, helped by a £2,500 loan from The Prince's Trust and a £1,000 grant from the European Regional Development
CHARITY LEAP: Sarah Nevins, 16, from North Bitchburn, is making a sponsored parachute jump in aid of Breast Cancer Care. She will be joined by friend Nicole Ward and Nicole's aunt, Alyson Bell, to aid the Make a Wish Foundation. Sponsors can contact Sarah
SOME pensioners could double their income if they claimed the benefits they are entitled to, according to experts from Age Concern. The charity is banking on a new campaign called Your Rights Week to make sure that older people do not miss out on increased
A DESIGN student has won a national award for her work on a children's bed. Northumbria University student Jenna Mattinson, 21, worked with Silentnight Beds on its student placement scheme. She was one of the team behind the company's My First Bed range
A TRIP to a lighthouse and a scrap sculpture challenge are some of the events lined up for young people during Easter. Chester West Community Project and Groundwork are holding an Easter Explorer event at Bullion Hall, Chester-le-Street, for children
PEOPLE living with a long term medical conditions are being recruited as expert patients to help fellow sufferers. Dales residents are being included in a national scheme developed by the Department of Health, which offers free courses to help people
AN all-singing, all-dancing show is being staged at Darlington's Hummersknott School and Language College tomorrow. The performance will feature classic and contemporary music, cheerleaders and a host of other acts. Songs from the hit musical Chicago
HUNDREDS of thousands of used stamps will help fund a hospice. Ron Trotter, president of Chester-le-Street Rotary Club, has collected 8kg of stamps for St Cuthbert's Hospice, in Durham. The hospice relies on public support for its work with the terminally
A YOUTH who pleaded guilty to robbing another teenager in the street was given a two-year detention and training order yesterday. The victim, Simon Hymer, was walking into the centre of Middlesbrough to meet friends at 10.30pm on May 4 last year, when
MOTORISTS are being warned to be on their guard in Darlington after police revealed a sharp rise in car crime in the past two weeks. Opportunist thieves have been preying on motorists who leave valuable items on display in their vehicles. Some residents
CIU Championship - Preliminary round results: G. Leggett (Osborne) beat T. Crowder (Stanley Empire); G. Wallace (Sherburn Village) beat T. Walker (Stanley Empire); J. Lyons (New Hesledon) lost to C. Dominey (Leadgate); A. Chalmers (Alberta) beat K. Cargill
A STUDENT from Stockton has been awarded a scholarship in recognition of her outstanding sporting achievements. Zoe Bayne was presented with a Carnegie Sports Scholarship to Leeds Metropolitan University by Sports Minister Richard Caborn and Olympic javelin
AS DEMOLITION gangs moved into a North-East estate residents were promised they were witnessing a new beginning for their area. The reassurance was given at Grangetown, near Middlesbrough, where a major regeneration programme began yesterday. Iain Sim
PATIENTS are being asked to rid their homes of outdated medicines as part of a health campaign at a surgery. Brandon Lane Surgery, near Durham, is asking its patients to bring back medicines and pills to the centre. The Brandon Lane Surgery Dump Campaign
JOSEPH-DESIRE Job has re-emerged from the shadows at Middlesbrough and proved a point to manager Steve McClaren. Job, preferred to club record £8.15m signing Massimo Maccarone for Saturday's 3-0 victory over West Brom at the Riverside, provided the assist
THE 2003 Teesside International Eisteddfod, due to take place in Middlesbrough in July, has been cancelled because there is nowhere for the performers to stay. It has been a tradition for performers to stay with local families during the competition.
A SCHEME designed to prevent homelessness among the young is to start in the Hambleton and Richmondshire areas. The team behind the pioneering Nightstop project is this week beginning work to develop the scheme across the districts, by working with local
A NORTH-East soldier was part of an armed unit that took control of Saddam Hussein's presidential palace in Basra, Southern Iraq, yesterday. Royal Marine Stuart Lawley, of Darlington, is a member of 42 Commando, who along with the 7th Armoured Brigade
Virgin Mobile is creating around 200 jobs in the Tees Valley with a new customer call centre. The operation, based at Centre North-East in Middlesbrough, will be managed by Garlands Call Centres, and will have the first 100 positions in place by the end
CHEATING gets up the noses of all fair-minded people. Whether it is a footballer diving in the penalty area, someone claiming state benefit they do not deserve, a company fat cat fiddling tax returns, or a so-called love rat having an affair behind a
A BID to re-open a railway line can now go ahead after the announcement of two key appointments. Weardale Railway has appointed Tony Greenup as project manager and Dave Foxton as outdoor works manager. The move means the group can now press on with plans
Norton and Stockton Ancients: Norton Under-8s started brightly at home to Marton and should have been 3-0 up within the first ten minutes. Marton broke and scored against the run of play and then scored from the kick-off in the second half before adding
SEVERAL Redcar residents have objected to the inclusion of a pub, nightclub, bar, restaurant, bingo hall or casino in plans to regenerate the Coatham Enclosure area of the seafront. Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council said the fear of noise associated
BOY bands will not even be considered in a search for star quality on Teesside. Talent spotters are looking for a more mature appeal - only the over-60s need apply. Yours magazine has teamed up with Age Concern to organise the competition. The North-East
Quarter final results: R.J. Mulroy (Middlestone Moor) lost to S. Bowen (Grange Villa); D. Gibson (Glendale) beat T. Dodd (Grange Villa); G. Bell (Chilton & Windlestone) beat H. Atkinson (Fishburn); J. Hancock (Belmont) beat D. Thompson (Fishburn).
THE family of the horse and trap driver killed in a collision on a busy North-East road have spoken of their grief. Wayne Walker, 33, of Springwell Village, Washington, Wearside, was driving his horse and trap south along Washington Highway on Sunday
March Medal: This was the first competition of the year and it was fully subscribed with a total of 168 players. The weather conditions were good and some excellent golf was played. Division One: 1st Alistair Macpherson Gross 69, Net 65; 2nd Michael Dent
Northallerton and District League - Dominoes - Division One: Wheatsheaf pld 24, pts 59; Football Club 24.59; Green Tree 24.56; Duke of Wellington 24, 54; Nags Head A 24, 50; Workingmens C 24, 48; Workingmens A 24, 48; Elders A 24, 48; County Arms 24,
SCOTTISH ex-footballer Frank McAvennie was used to book a hotel room for a fugitive on the run following a gangland killing, a court was told yesterday. Michael Dixon booked into the Brabloch Hotel, in Glasgow, with taxi driver Craig Shepherd, under the
Support worker, Barnard Castle, £4.78ph, 16hrs pw, must have interest in people, NVQ an advantage. Ref: BAJ 4727. Dutch customer support, Bishop Auckland, £14,500 to £17,500pa, 37.5hrs pw, must be fluent in Dutch to provide business support for manufacturer
SIXTY years ago Fred and Margaret Hickman were going through the same nightmare which faced many couples across Britain. Parted by war, they had to say goodbye not knowing if they would see each other again. But for the Hickmans the bitter sweet goodbyes
TOY collectors from around the world visited a fair at Darlington Railway Museum. Nearly 20 stallholders displayed a host of rare and not-so-rare toy trains and cars. John Cole, from the museum, said the fair had been well attended. "They come from all
Personnel manager, Northallerton. £34,000pa, 37hrs pw. Must be experienced and able to manage a busy caseload, develop policy and lead development of others. Ref: NOE 18767. Office assistant, Thirsk. £4.30ph, 16hrs pw, between 8am and 8pm, Mon-Sun. Required
MIKE Newell last night insisted Hartlepool United's spirit will see them through this season. Pool have had a 14-point lead at the top of the table reduced to just one in recent weeks after managing one win in eight games. And if Eifion Williams hadn't
A NORTH-EAST health trust has questioned claims that it has had one of the country's largest rises in mortality rates. North Durham Health Care - now part of County Durham and Darlington Acute Hospitals NHS Trust - was placed at number six in a table
When the column left to put its feet up for a week, Sharon Gayter was slogging the streets of London. She still is. Sharon, it will be recalled, is the 39-year-old Teesside bus driver turned sports scientist and physiotherapist who faces the challenge
NEWCASTLE football fans in Chester-le-Street will now have their own supporters' club. Graham Thorp has set up a black and white fan club at St Cuthbert's Club, in Lumley Terrace, Chester-le-Street. The club will have a season ticket in its name that
A manager at a multi-national pharmaceutical company denied yesterday that she had discriminated against a worker while investigating charges of sexual harassment - because he was a man. Marilyn Spellman, a human resources manager at GlaxoSmithKline,
ONE Barnard Castle company has tasted success since launching its website, www.sweetsfor treats.co.uk The Shop, a family-run general convenience store, specialising in confectionary, realised the Internet provided the perfect opportunity to promote its
Willington and District League: The Indivdual Player of the Year trophy has been won by Jimmy Fleming of Willington Brewer's B with the fine record of played 16, won 15, lost 1, 93.75%. The remaining leading players were: 2 Paul Trow (Cottles A) 16, 11
Worthington CIU Championships: The Final of the League Pairs Championship between George Chapman and Andrew Aisbitt of Cockton Hill against Bob Reay and Ronnie Peacock of Wheatley Hill will be played at Sherburn Village on Thursday, April 17 at 7.30pm
The teams at the bottom of the Second Division are watching the results in the Wearside League with a great deal of interest. For the first time since the Northern League joined the pyramid, there will be promotion and relegation with the Northern Alliance
A huge carp haul wiped out the opposition during the midweeker at Carlton Miniott's Woodland Lakes on a day when Skylark and Kestrel outperformed the other match lakes Partridge Curlew and Wagtail. Map Elton's Alan Sharman enjoyed an unforgettable session
Consett Sunday League: Despite a shock home defeat by Annfield Plain Cricket Club, a quirk of fate has left Stateside still firmly in the driving seat for the League Championship. This was effectively their first defeat of the campaign following the disappointing
THE Chancellor of the Exchequer holds the fate of thousands of businesses in his hand as he delivers his spring Budget tomorrow. The onus will be on Gordon Brown to drive forward an economy which has begun to falter in many sectors. Figures out last week
Billingham Falcons had two home games at the weekend in the English Under-14 North A League at the Forum ice arena, still without a point and adrift at the bottom of the table. Nottingham Tigers were on Teesside on Saturday and got off the mark after
Sales representative. £9,600pa plus commission, 40hrs pw, flexible to suit. Required for international wine company. Must be able to work on own initiative with driving licence and own car. No experience needed as training given. Ref: DUR 34950. Tow bar
