Wear Valley Ladies League: Crook Royal Sun were able to extend their lead at the top of the table to 18 points after the second and third placed teams were beaten. Willington Brewer's Droop only collceted three points from their trip to Crook Coach and
Darlington Spraire Lasses THE Under-12s have qualified for the five-a-side National Association of Clubs for Young People finals. Spraire won two games, beating Consett 3-1 and Blaydon 7-0 while they drew 0-0 against both Boldon and Lumley. Katie McTague
School pupils are being given an extra helping hand to pass their exams - from a managing director himself barely out of the classroom. Teen whizz kid Chris Mole has set up a collaboration between his PC manufacturing firm Student Desktops and fellow
Brompton Juniors: Brompton Juniors Under-14s travelled to Grangefield in a match where both teams could only field ten players each due to injuries and school commitments. It was a dire first half which ended 0-0 but Grangefield eventually took the lead
Apollo Doors Gateshead Youth League: Leaders Heworth are on course for a double in the Under-11 division after defeating Redheugh 2-1 in the cup final. Joe Robb and Craig Taylor were the scorers, while for Redheugh Jack Scott kept his side in the game
A BUILDING which has dominated the entrance to a village for almost a century has been demolished to make way for a housing development. The demise of the imposing Chilton Infants School marks the end of an era for the County Durham community. The school's
SIR BOBBY ROBSON last night ordered his faltering Newcastle United side to avert a "mini-disaster'' and win their final three games of the season to seal a Champions League place. United dropped vital points in yesterday's 1-1 draw with Aston Villa at
OLD Applejack, they predicted, would always be one of the also rans. Though he didn't look much of a chaser, he was among the first horses that Howard Johnson and his wife bought for their stables above Crook and much cherished as a result. Subsequently
A Newcastle cab driver has scooped more than £14m on the National Lottery. Bob Frazer, 58, of Heaton, Newcastle, clinched the eighth largest jackpot in the National Lottery's history after a four month long rollover. Bob had just finished his daily night
A trio of cup finals this week brought an end to the Durham League basketball season. The best game of the week also had the closest finish as Nissan beat Belmont Reds 65-64 in the Mens Division One Final. Steven Graham opened the Belmont scoring with
Coundon Forresters completed their hat-trick of titles on Sunday, as they picked up their third League Championship in successive seasons with a 2-1 victory at Hurworth Albion, to make it 18 victories in 18 league games this season. However, the champions
THE disappointing Bank Holiday weather failed to deter visitors from attractions in the region. Soaring temperatures last week turned to rain and wind over the weekend, but crowds still flocked to events held to mark the Easter holiday. And there was
A DISUSED music centre in the North-East will come alive again if council plans are approved. Businessman David Cox hopes to revive The Music Centre, in Darlington, and turn it into a live entertainment venue with recording studios, rehearsals rooms and
Fabricator, Chester-le-Street. £4.80ph dep on exp, 8am to 4.30pm, Mon-Fri. Must be experienced and able to use double mitre saw. Ref: CHM 15659. Assistant dog groomer, County Durham. £3.60 at 18; £4.20 at 22. 16-20hrs pw, between 9am and 6pm, Tues-Sat
A CITY council is helping the public with spring cleaning by placing skips at convenient places making it easier for households to dispose of waste. The first Newcastle wards to benefit are Walkergate, Sandyford, Jesmond, Heaton and Byker, followed by
COUNTY Durham will take full advantage of a £459m project to make sport more easily accessible to every school child, say council leaders. The PE, School Sport and Club Links Strategy is a country-wide Government initiative contributing to the development
A CAMPAIGNER battling for action over noise from the Croft motor racing circuit, near Darlington, has won a small but significant victory. Derek Watson, who lives within earshot of the track, complained that Richmondshire District Council had failed to
RETIRED prison officer Don Gordon is determined to see the streets of Spennymoor cleaned up now that he is in charge of an environmental action group. Mr Gordon has been appointed chairman of Spennymoor Town Centre Forum's environmental sub-committee.
RETIRED prison officer Don Gordon is determined to see the streets of Spennymoor cleaned up now that he is in charge of an environmental action group. Mr Gordon has been appointed chairman of Spennymoor Town Centre Forum's environmental sub-committee.
IN the dark days of the Second World War, his musical talents were a source of entertainment and encouragement for weary troops. Now, more than 50 years after the end of the conflict, Charles Robert Young is continuing to perform with his accordion. The
TWO men were treated for smoke inhalation after a fire in the kitchen of a house in Buckingham Terrace, Leeholme, near Bishop Auckland, yesterday afternoon. Two appliances from Bishop Auckland went to thee house but the fire was extinguished before they
CHILDREN can continue to enjoy their Easter holidays with a series of creative workshops this week. Youngsters aged four to seven are invited to join in sessions at Darlington Arts Centre . Today, from 10.30am to 12.15pm there will be a chance to make
CHILDREN can continue to enjoy their Easter holidays with a series of creative workshops this week. Youngsters aged four to seven are invited to join in sessions at Darlington Arts Centre . Today, from 10.30am to 12.15pm there will be a chance to make
ADULTS will receive a helping hand to get themselves back on the learning track next month during Adult Learner's Week. One of the people spearheading the campaign in south Durham is community learning officer Ingrid Hammond. Ms Hammond, who is based
EIGHT council workers have stopped smoking with the help of a cessation programme organised by their employer. The programme is part of Easington District Council's aim to improve the health of its workforce. It has been run in partnership with the Health
EIGHT council workers have stopped smoking with the help of a cessation programme organised by their employer. The programme is part of Easington District Council's aim to improve the health of its workforce. It has been run in partnership with the Health
A parish council is opposing a scheme to build a home in former grounds of a village school. Kirby Hill Parish Council, near Boroughbridge, wants planners to reject the scheme when they meet at Knaresborough on Thursday. Applicant Falcon Developments
YOUNGSTERS who are supporting efforts to reduce waste and increase recycling are being taken on a tour of a £1m research facility today. Members of the Investing in Children environmental team are to be shown around the aerobic digestion plant at Thornley
A NORTH-EAST academic has been hailed as one of the UK's top younger scientists. Dr Russell Cowburn, of Durham University's physics department, was awarded the 2003 Westminster Medal and £500 at the annual Science Week reception, at the House of Commons
EIGHT council workers have stopped smoking thanks to a smoking cessation programme organised by their employer. The programme is part of Easington District Council's aim to improve the health of its workforce. The programme has been run in partnership
AN Army unit with its headquarters in Richmond has swept the board at an inter-regiment boxing championship - becoming the first infantry team to win both Army championships in the same year. The Green Howards lifted the Novice Grade 3 title last month
POLICE have withdrawn their opposition to a proposed nightclub in Chester-le-Street. Plans to build the club and caf/bar on the site of a derelict bingo hall in South Burns, near the town centre, were turned down by councillors at a planning meeting in
CHILDREN have been urged to get on their bikes and raise money for Leukaemia Research. It is the third time children will be riding their bikes and tricycles as part of the bikeathon, organised by BBC television's Blue Peter programme. Organiser Judith
A 23-YEAR-OLD man was treated in hospital after he was assaulted in the male toilets of Ikon nightclub, in Newcastle, at 11.40pm on Sunday. The man, whose arm was in a sling from a previous injury, suffered cuts when he was hit over the head with a bottle
AN EX-BOXER has launched a fight for his job and reputation. Pub manager John Lowe, a former middleweight, admits he is on the ropes against a police bid to have his public entertainment licence removed. He faces an impending crown court trial for affray
CHILDREN entered into the Easter spirit at the weekend with traditional egg painting and rolling. People gathered at Ropner Park, in Stockton, on Sunday to take part in a nature walk, a treasure trail and various craft activities. It was the first in
THE guides of A W Wainwright are back on the shelves of a bookshop - much to the delight of walkers and Lake District enthusiasts. The famous walking guides were discontinued earlier this year when the publisher, Michael Joseph, decided they were no longer
IT could still be all change on the buses in Richmond, despite opposition to plans to relocate stops on the Market Place. A revamp of the town's roads originally included moving the bus bays from the town centre to Queen's Road. Traders with shops nearby
The title race is set for an exciting finish after Brandon beat West Auckland 2-0 on Tuesday night. The result put Brandon seven points clear of Bedlington, with just one game to play - at Bedlington tomorrow. Brandon will need a draw for the title, while
Langhaurgh and Easington will meet in the Wanless McConnell Cup Final after their semi-final victories this week. Langbaurgh found their task the harder when they had to come from behind to beat Frankland 2-1. Keith Smith put Frankland in front in the
HORDEN Colliery Welfare have gone nearly 20 years without success, but things are changing for the better at the Albany Northern League club. The last time Horden lifted any sort of silverware was in 1984 when they succeeded in the Dryboroughs League
TEESSIDE'S most talented senior citizens are looking forward to battling it out with other pensioners from across the North-East when they take part in a regional singing competition. The search is on for the nation's best elderly voice and five people
A PLAN to hold Sunday car boot sales on farmland between April and October is facing opposition. An application for change of use of two fields at Croft Farm, Minskip, near Boroughbridge, will be discussed by Harrogate Borough Council planning committee
THE closure of court houses across North Yorkshire is causing concern for coroners who are having increasing difficulty finding places to hold inquests. North Yorkshire has already seen ten court houses closed in the past seven years and a question mark
Walkers are invited to take part in the Durham Town Trail next month. There will be about 20 churches and buildings to visit, as well as rickshaw rides on Palace Green, during the tour, on Sunday, May 11, from 2.30pm to 5.30pm. Refreshments will be served
A JOBS finder says new owners for a service company on Teesside will strengthen the area's position as a world class centre. Neil Etherington, chief executive of the Tees Valley Development Company (TVDC), says Singapore-based SembCorp Utilities acquisition
A pioneering scheme which has prevented the break-up of many North-East families has won national praise. Health bosses say the Middlesborough Addictive Behaviours Service is leading the way nationally in caring for families with parents addicted to drugs
IN real-life they were among James Herriot's most engaging customers; endearing and infuriating in almost equal measure. The well-to-do Mrs Pumphrey and her impossibly cosseted pet Tricki-Woo were among the public's favourite characters in the books and
A man who began making fishing nets after his ambition to become a fisherman was shattered following a road accident, has had his application to build a business workshop rejected by planners. Steven Leadley, a member of a fishing family in Whitby, North
A MAN is fighting for his life after an explosion tore the roof off a first floor flat. Police believe a gas leak at the property, in Longley Street, Arthurs Hill, Newcastle, was ignited by a lit cigarette. A man, in his twenties and thought to be squatting
Results for Thursday, April 10 North/South: 1st A & G Young 66.67%; 2nd M Dexter & O Blenkinsopp 58.06%; 3rd K Watson & D Latner 55.28%. East/West: 1st I & J Heslop 58.33%; 2nd I Gordon & J Dobson 53.06%; 3rd A Mawston & A Race
The crew of a Royal Navy frigate with close ties to North Yorkshire have been enjoying a break from patrol in Iraq. HMS Richmond's Medical Officer, Lieutenant Commander Chris McLean, sends his second despatch. IT has been another interesting week at sea
A STRUGGLING farmers' market could move to a more prominent site in Northallerton quicker than expected, if councillors sanction the move at a meeting later this week. Stall holders at the market on the Applegarth car park behind the High Street have
Failure to put away their scoring chances in recent weeks has led to a temporary decline in Billingham CGS's fortunes causing them to fall away in the championship race but are still very much concerned in the runners-up spot. Last Saturday a lack of
A CARTOON hero entertained young visitors to a shopping centre in Darlington yesterday. Bugs Bunny visited the Cornmill Centre to meet families enjoying a Bank Holiday day out. Bugs Bunny's appearance was part of a weekend of Easter activities at the
COUNCIL chiefs in Hambleton are getting tough on householders who send contaminated waste to compost sites. They have been conducting spot checks after several loads of green waste containing plastic sacks and other rubbish were nearly dumped. The local
A LANDLORD is challenging drinkers to wax lyrical about his pub to mark the birth of Shakespeare. Robert Middlemiss, from the Church Mouse pub, in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, is calling on punters to put pen to paper and write a Shakespearean verse
Round one, on or before May 11: 1 South North v Blackhall; 2 Horden v Wearmouth; 3 Mainsforth v Ushaw Moor; 4 Felling v Benwell Hill; 5 Whitburn v Tudhoe; 6 Marsden v Sunderland; 7 Murton v Sedgefield; 8 Leadgate v Hartlepool; 10 Crook v Burnopfield;
DREAMS certainly do come true, as one Northern Echo reader discovered when he netted thousands of pounds through his favourite newspaper. Father-of-two Stephen Newton and wife of 15 years, Lynne, regularly enter competitions in The Northern Echo, but
SPENNYMOOR Thorns and Old Shildon will meet in another cup final after winning their League Cup semi-final ties last week. Old Shildon needed extra-time to see off Second Division opposition Victoria, who put up a brave fight, while Thorns beat Division
New Darlington team, the Tees Valley-Cougars played their first game at the weekend, and with just seven seconds left conceded the winning touchdown. They travelled to the Doncaster Mustangs last Sunday and took part in a nail-biting and extremely competitive
THE dirty dozen it is then, and after 12 Premiership defeats in a row the end of the season cannot come quickly enough for Sunderland's bedraggled players. Before the curtain falls on this wretched campaign there is, of course, the small matter of Saturday's
Walkers are invited to take part in the Durham Town Trail next month. There will be about 20 churches and buildings to visit, as well as rickshaw rides on Palace Green, during the tour, on Sunday, May 11, from 2.30pm to 5.30pm. Refreshments will be served
Location, Location, Location (C4), Watermelon (ITV1), Brits In Bangkok (BBC1) DECISIONS, decisions, nothing but decisions. In the comedy-drama Watermelon, Claire had to choose between two men and a baby. This was because neither seemed keen on sticking
OLD Applejack, they predicted, would always be one of the also rans. Though he didn't look much of a chaser, he was among the first horses that Howard Johnson and his wife bought for their stables above Crook and much cherished as a result. Subsequently
40 years ago: Centre-forward Hutchinson scores both goals as Eppleby United beat Victoria Rovers 2-0 in the Darlington Church and Friendly League Division One Cup Final. Peter Robinson of Coxhoe has his loyalty to Bowburn Boys Club football team rewarded
Horden, the winners of the Durham Super League, and Shildon, the runners-up, travelled to Great Yarmouth to take part in the National Inter-League Finals. In the round-robin stage, Horden went two-down against Chalk Farm, London but then staged a great
REHEARSALS are nearing an end for Northallerton Operatic Society's latest production. Sing Something Seasonal opens at the Hambleton Forum, Northallerton, on Tuesday, April 29, and runs Wednesday, April 30, Friday, May 2, and Saturday, May 3, at 7.30pm
Thirsk and Sowerby Harriers: Six Harriers undertook the journey to London to take part in this year's London Marathon where conditions were dry and mostly still, though rather hot for running. A minute's silence to remember Christopher Brasher was held
FREE playtime sessions are being held at Early Learning Centres across the North next month. The sessions will take place on Tuesday mornings, with activity sheets for youngsters to keep them busy. Sessions, which are aimed at helping children learn through
Caretaker boss Mick Tait could take few plus points from the performance at Macclesfield on Saturday - but there were plenty on offer at Feethams yesterday. On Saturday Quakers lacked passion, commitment and the determination which has played such a large
POLICE have warned about the dangers of illegal motorbike riding following the death of a 17-year-old who was thrown from a motor scooter on Sunday. Scott Spayne was not wearing a helmet when he was thrown from the scooter as he rode across bumpy waste
YOUNGSTERS in the Hambleton district are being urged to put pen to paper this Easter. The district council's housing team want children to enter a competition that will help to promote the homelessness service. Children are being encouraged to design
A 23-YEAR-OLD man was treated in hospital after he was assaulted in the male toilets of Ikon nightclub, in Newcastle, at 11.40pm on Sunday. The man, whose arm was in a sling from a previous injury, suffered cuts when he was hit over the head with a bottle
THE audacious attempt to cheat television bosses out of £1m on Who Wants To be A Millionaire? is to be turned into a movie blockbuster. The plan to turn one of history's most daring scams into a Hollywood drama was confirmed at the end of ITV's documentary
FAMILIES are being urged to turn out in force for the Great North Walk, which is making a comeback after the foot-and-mouth crisis. This year's walk is the most prestigious event in a pioneering healthy living initiative launched this year by The Northern
THE number of transplant operations has risen for the first time in six years thanks to a big rise in the number of donors, it was revealed last night. Almost one-in-five people in Britain are today on the NHS Organ Donor Register, demonstrating that
Spennymoor's hopes of winning promotion from the UniBond League First Division were dealt a blow when they lost 3-2 at neighbours Bishop Auckland in a bad- tempered game at Dean Street. Spennymoor had the better of the opening stages, but Bishops took
A JOBS finder says new owners for a service company on Teesside will strengthen the area's position as a world class centre. Neil Etherington, chief executive of the Tees Valley Development Company (TVDC), says Singapore-based SembCorp Utilities acquisition
Consett Sunday League: Stanley Towneley Arms are on the verge of creating league history. No side from Stanley has ever lifted the championship but, the Towneley Arms are now well in contention after a string of outstanding results, highlighted by a crushing
THE closure of court houses is causing concern for coroners who are facing increasing difficulty finding suitable venues to hold inquests. North Yorkshire has already seen ten of its court houses close in the last seven years and a question mark hangs
MICK McCARTHY warned last night that Sunderland would be "spanked" if they repeated their Maine Road performance in Saturday's Wear-Tyne derby - a match that Kevin Phillips could miss with a groin injury. As McCarthy slammed Sunderland's display in losing
Anne Frank (C4) THE reason that the story of Anne Frank has been dramatised so often is a simple one - it remains a powerful and moving story no matter how many times it's related. The true story of the Jewish families who hid in an attic from the occupying
Anne Frank (C4) THE reason that the story of Anne Frank has been dramatised so often is a simple one - it remains a powerful and moving story no matter how many times it's related. The true story of the Jewish families who hid in an attic from the occupying
A multi-million pound riverside transformation has been unveiled. The redevelopment of the derelict East Holborn site, in South Shields, South Tyneside, will create more than 300 jobs and attract £200m of public and private sector investment. Located
Ex CID chief, now Mayor of Middlesbrough, Ray Mallon, intends to send street wardens, under cover, into housing estates in the town armed with secret cameras, microphones and night vision goggles to spy on hooligans and drug dealers intimidating tenants
Motor racing is traditionally a male-dominated sport but women are being given the chance to get behind the wheel. Women's Editor Christen Pears meets one aspiring driver. MOST little girls like playing with dolls and dressing up but from being a small
During Sunday's FA Cup semi-final between Arsenal and Sheffield United referee, Graham Poll, created quite a bit of controversy. He accidentally prevented a Sheff. United player from intercepting the ball and as a result, Arsenal went on to score the
Mackenzie Thorpe, a painter internationally renowned and phenomenally successful, was rather less proficient at football. At raggy arsed school in Middlesbrough he'd always be the last kid to be picked for the team. Dyslexia and impaired co-ordination
A record number of teams are competing in the League this season. Newcomers Northallerton third team and Raskelf second team have swelled the ranks to 53 sides in six divisions covering an area from Thirsk in the north to Ben Rhydding in West Yorkshire
THERE was laughter amid the chants at the mass protests outside Corus' Redcar works. Tight family groups mingled with steelmen in work clothes and it was children with whistles who were making the most noise. This was no angry picket during a long-running
PRINCESS Anne will not cancel a visit to troubled Deepcut barracks despite protests by the family of a North-East soldier. Buckingham Palace officials said the planned visit to the Royal Logistic Corps barracks, in Surrey, next month will still go head
CHILDREN have the chance to clown around and get fit at the same time during a family fun run next month. The run and fun day for all the family has been organised by Sure Start for Sunday, May 18, from 11am to 3pm. Jan Croudace of Sure Start donned her
SHOPKEEPERS in the North-East are being asked to look out for dangerous sweets. Made by Spanish company King Regal, Roll On King, Spray King and Tuby Acid all contain syrup that causes irritation to mouths, tongues and taste buds. The discovery was made
Crook League: Ithe top of the table clash Crook Royal Sun Inn went down by three points to the visiting leaders, Crook Belle Vue, who increased their lead to four points over Crook Mill House, who moved up into second place following their home win over
A MAN is fighting for his life after an explosion tore the roof off a first floor flat. Police believe a gas leak at the property, in Longley Street, Arthurs Hill, Newcastle, was ignited by a lit cigarette. A man, in his twenties and thought to be squatting
Spennymoor Black & Decker kept their championship hopes alive when they won 3-2 at Durham Victoria Bridge. They were 2-0 in front at the break, Michael Hodgson and Ralph Petigean both heading in from close range. Black & Decker increased the lead
VANDALS are cutting the heads off daffodils with scissors before displaying them in elaborate patterns on lawns in Guisborough. The problem began three weeks ago and is now widespread across the town with incidents occurring every few days. One resident
FIREFIGHTERS have sung the praises of a passer-by for helping avert a major blaze. Crews spent nearly two hours tackling a blaze which partially wrecked one shop, threatened another, destroyed the portable office of a third firm and burned out a van.
Hathaway and Cope Stokesley League - M'bro St Mary's College OB 1 B&H Kings Head FC 2: Although both sides mathematically still had the chance of catching Thornaby Mandale, realistically this game was all about the runners up spot. King's Head came
A PLAN to reorganise one of the region's police forces will not result in redundancies, police chiefs have stressed. The preferred option for Durham Constabulary force is to split it into a division in the north, with headquarters at Chester-le-Street
Billingham and Sunderland Junior Ice Hockey Clubs were represented at the 2003 Hockey UK tournament in Kirkcaldy at U12 and U18 age groups. Billingham took part in both while Sunderland only at U12 level. Sunderland Cherokees were winners of the U12 event
Hundreds of North-East prison visitors were last year banned for drugs smuggling, according to new figures. The figures, obtained exclusively by The Northern Echo, show that 193 bans are in place in the region. Almost two thirds were imposed at Durham
South Cleveland Garages Teesside League - Division One, Thornaby FC 3 v 2 Carlin How: Thornaby still have an outside chance of honours after two consecutive wins over Carlin How. Thornaby got off to a great start when Darren Bullock's quick free kick
A SURROGATE mother, anguished at handing her baby girl to her new parents, said last night she wanted the child back. Six days after parting with her baby, Bronwen Williamson, 40, said she and her husband had decided they could not live without her. Last
CLEVELAND police are cracking down on cowboy builders after a number of pensioners have been duped. Langbaurgh police revealed that three lone pensioners have been targeted by con men in the last four weeks. The bogus builders have offered to carry out
Billingham Amateur Swimming Club enjoyed a fruitful day competing in a Northern Region Triathlon and Open Biathlon Competition at Queen Mary's School, Topcliffe at the weekend. The biathlon consisted of a swim and run, both distances depending on age
A TROUBLED former soap star is putting her concerns about her marriage behind her to perform in the region next month. Tracy Shaw, who made her name as Maxine in Coronation Street, has refused to comment on speculation about the future of her marriage
Hambleton Ales North Yorkshire Championship: Bedale's foundations for success in winning the First Division Championship over Harrogate Squash were built on their regulars. The return of Phil Martin from university provided just the boost needed to improve
Georgian Underworld: The Man Who Saved Children (C4) The event was an 18th Century version of the National Lottery, without Dale Winton. In the audience were rich people, enjoying a night out watching the desperation and distress of the poor. "Contestants
PARENTS are preparing for another fight to keep free bus transport for hundreds of youngsters in a rural area of the North-East. About 350 pupils in north and south-west Durham could lose the right to a free ride to school, in a review by Durham County
From the Lebanese Loop to the Canadian Lottery, fraudsters are coming up with ever-more ingenious ways to part us from our money. Nick Morrison looks at the scams, cons, frauds and just plain money-making schemes in circulation. THE problem with fraud
Jenny Duncalf is celebrating another major success in her march up the international squash ladder. The 20-year-old North Yorkshire star captured the British Under-23 Championship with a sizzling performance at the National Squash Centre in Manchester
Poverina took a big step to the title with a 3-0 victory over Redcar Glazing and a single point at home to Lingdale will give them the title. Goals from John Anderson, John Pinchbeck and Richie English proved too much for a resilient Redcar Glazing. Jack
STAFF at a North-East factory have raised more than £1,500 to help a mother get lifesaving medical treatment in the US. Workers at the Electrolux Outdoor Products headquarters, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, have held an Orange Nose Day to raise money
PROPERTY agent Christie and Co has sold a third care home to a local operator. George Dixon snapped up Saltwell View residential care home, in Gateshead, from owner Steve Potts. He previously bought Highfield care home in Haswell, County Durham and Loxley
OLD Applejack, they predicted, would always be one of the also rans. Though he didn't look much of a chaser, he was among the first horses that Howard Johnson and his wife bought for their stables above Crook and much cherished as a result. Subsequently
Abattoir maintenance engineer, Thirsk. £8ph plus overtime, 48hrs pw, Mon-Fri, plus weekend overtime. Must be multi-skilled, preferably with mechanical and electrical experience. Fork lift truck licence an advantage. Ref: NOE 18893. Pot washer, Northallerton
Dry clean operative, Stockton. Full and part-time available. Experience in similar position desirable but training can be given. Ref: STL 37629. Sales assistant/supervisor, Stockton. £4.50ph, 40hrs pw, 5 days out of 7 between 9am and 7pm. Experience required
ANGRY boss Steve McClaren slammed his under-performing Middlesbrough players last night after their defeat to struggling West Ham United. Boro slipped one place in the Premiership table, to 11th, after Manchester City's success over Sunderland - and in
ENVIROMENTAL officers are attempting to preserve one of the region's most endangered species. A conservation strategy to help safeguard the water vole is being created by Sunderland City Council's countryside team and the environmental services department
COUNTY Durham will take full advantage of a £459m project to make sport more easily accessible to every school child, say council leaders. The PE, School Sport and Club Links Strategy is a country-wide Government initiative contributing to the development
A CAMPAIGNER battling for action over noise from the Croft motor racing circuit, near Darlington, has won a small but significant victory. Derek Watson, who lives within earshot of the track, complained that Richmondshire District Council had failed to
IN the dark days of the Second World War, his musical talents were a source of entertainment and encouragement for weary troops. Now, more than 50 years after the end of the conflict, Charles Robert Young is continuing to perform with his accordion. The
PEOPLE campaigning against the proposed sale of comprehensive school playing fields are seeking fresh clarification of the plans from education chiefs. Darlington Borough Council has launched a public consultation exercise after announcing that it intends
DISABLED people can enjoy access to a popular Weardale nature path thanks to the completion of the Wheelchair Walk project. Wolsingham Wayfarers, a local volunteer group, has adapted a route along the River Wear to enable wheelchair users to visit one
DISABLED people can enjoy access to a popular Weardale nature path thanks to the completion of the Wheelchair Walk project. Wolsingham Wayfarers, a local volunteer group, has adapted a route along the River Wear to enable wheelchair users to visit one
TWO men were treated for smoke inhalation after a fire in the kitchen of a house in Buckingham Terrace, Leeholme, near Bishop Auckland, yesterday afternoon. Two appliances from Bishop Auckland went to thee house but the fire was extinguished before they
NERVOUS Newcastle suffered another setback in their push for a Champions League place as they sloppily lost the lead at St. James' Park to drop out of the Premiership's top three for the first time in over three months. Winger Nolberto Solano had given
ADULTS will receive a helping hand to get themselves back on the learning track next month during Adult Learner's Week. One of the people spearheading the campaign in south Durham is community learning officer Ingrid Hammond. Ms Hammond, who is based
Councillors are about to consider a controversial housing plan in a Yorkshire Dales village after deferring the issue two months ago to investigate alternative sites. The plan to build seven homes at Summerbridge, near Pateley Bridge, has already led
A POTENTIAL 2,000 jobs could be created if developers fill Cobalt Park, in Newcastle. Highbridge Business Park Ltd unveiled a new phase of three buildings on the site, which will generate a further 176,000 sq ft office space. The signing of Land Securities
A DEVELOPMENT in Durham City has won a national environmental design award. Durham Millennium City, developed by City of Durham District Council with Durham County Council, received a commendation in this year's Civic Trust Awards. The project, which
CHILDREN have been rewarded for their work in the community by Sunderland Football Club. More than 20 schools across County Durham have taken part in the club's Shining Through citizenship programme this year, which encourages youngsters to make a positive
TO most people it is simply a garage. But to the group of residents giving it a facelift, the building represents freedom. Each of the six people painting the walls of the garage attached to a large house in Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, is recovering from
CRAFTSMEN have completed a replica battleship to take part in a town's re-enactment of a naval battle. The ship, the Robert E Eves, has been built by Coates Marine boatyard, of Whitby, North Yorkshire, for the twice-weekly battle held in Scarborough's
A HISTORY group is urging a council to take pride in its town heritage following concerns that a link-road is to be built beside the world's oldest railway booking office. Norton Heritage Group said that the railway heritage of Stockton is non-existent
LEYBURN'S second Festival of Food and Drink will have an educational role this year, emphasising the close relationship between food and farming. Although entertainment is very much part of the programme between Saturday, May 3, and Monday, May 5, events
A COMMUNITY centre that has reopened after being gutted by fire is facing a financial crisis. Stanley Community Centre, in the town's Tyne Road, suffered damage estimated at about £750,000 in a fire in March last year. It reopened recently following an
A SERIES of craft workshops are going to be on offer at the Dorman Museum in Middlesbrough on Friday. A parent and toddler sessions will be held between 10am and 11am where tots can do a bit of glueing, sticking and painting. Children aged from five to
A LANDLORD is challenging drinkers to wax lyrical about his pub to mark the birth of Shakespeare. Robert Middlemiss, from the Church Mouse pub, in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, is calling on punters to put pen to paper and write a Shakespearean verse
TO most people it is simply a garage. But to the group of residents giving it a facelift, the building represents freedom. Each of the six people painting the walls of the garage attached to a large house in Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, is recovering from
IT is impossible to under-estimate the devastating impact the organ retention scandal at Alder Hey Hospital had on transplant surgery in Britain. Thankfully, there are signs of a restoration of the public's faith in the medical profession over this particularly
RETAIL property is the latest casualty in the fortunes of the commercial property sector, according to a survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. High levels of consumer spending meant the retail sector held up impressively last year, but
RADIO presenter Paddy MacDee has become patron to the Tiny Lives Fund, which provides essentials for premature babies. Paddy, who visited the special care baby unit at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, to see the work of the Tiny Lives Fund, decided
A humorous adaptation of a Viking legend is staged at Harrogate Theatre tomorrow. Thor the Giant Killer tells the story of the thunder god and his companion Loki the mischief maker, with performances at 1.30pm and 5.30pm. The show is ideal for children
NORTH-EAST protestors are planning to take part in a colourful demonstration calling for a fairer world trading system. As part of a national day of action called by the Trade Justice Movement, a rally will be staged through the heart of Newcastle on
A GIRL with leukaemia has gone on the holiday of a lifetime, thanks to kind-hearted readers of The Northern Echo. On Sunday, five-year-old Vicki Jones and her family set off for EuroDisney, in France, on a holiday that looked in doubt when an organisation
ENVIROMENTAL officers are attempting to preserve one of the region's most endangered species. A conservation strategy to help safeguard the water vole is being created by Sunderland City Council's countryside team and the environmental services department
OFFICIALS thought a charity balloon race competitor was full of hot air when he returned a reply slip - 19 months after the closing date. But then they realised the helium filled balloon had been on its travels trapped in the Jet Stream for more than
A FIRM of house builders will offer golfers the chance to swing into action when a roadshow comes to town. The Bryant Homes roadshow will visit the Asda store at Gosforth, Newcastle, on Friday, and then call at Baltic Square, Gateshead, on Saturday and
POLICE have warned businesses to be alert for a North-East company which is charging firms £100 to register with the data protection service. Detectives said businesses were being asked to pay the charge, even though it only costs £35 to register with
A NORTH-EAST student is taking part in the Round Britain Challenge yacht race. Ben East, 21, is spending his Easter holiday from Durham University competing in the race, which covers almost 2,000 miles. A fleet of eight 72ft yachts left Southampton on
A GROUP of teenagers is helping transform the arts scene in their area - and also map out its future. The youngsters are from the Jackass Youth Theatre Company, which was set up in the Crook and Willington area of County Durham 18 months ago. Their project
Ex CID chief, now Mayor of Middlesbrough, Ray Mallon, intends to send street wardens, under cover, into housing estates in the town armed with secret cameras, microphones and night vision goggles to spy on hooligans and drug dealers intimidating tenants
Annandale Hotel v Goldsborough: The two teams battled out a close fought game with both sides struggling to play passing football on a dreadful surface. Goldsborough pushed forward early on but found Bliwert in the Annandale goal in fine form on his return
Walkers are invited to take part in the Durham Town Trail next month. There will be about 20 churches and buildings to visit, as well as rickshaw rides on Palace Green, during the tour, on Sunday, May 11, from 2.30pm to 5.30pm. Refreshments will be served
OUT-OF-SORTS Middlesbrough handed West Ham United a relegation lifeline at Upton Park yesterday, as Trevor Sinclair's solitary goal proved enough to earn Glenn Roeder's men all three points. England winger Sinclair pounced with 13 minutes to go when he
DURHAM have handed Danny Law the chance to get his season off to a flying start against Somerset at Taunton tomorrow. In the final year of his three-year contract, the 27-year-old former Sussex and Essex all-rounder has plenty to prove after being out
THOUSANDS of angry steelworkers lay siege to Corus plants across Europe on Monday in the face of a renewed threat to their jobs. At the Corus steel plants at Redcar, Lackenby and Hartlepool hundreds gathered with symbolic red cards for chairman Sir Brian
Walkers are invited to take part in the Durham Town Trail next month. There will be about 20 churches and buildings to visit, as well as rickshaw rides on Palace Green, during the tour, on Sunday, May 11, from 2.30pm to 5.30pm. Refreshments will be served
Dominoes - Division One: Football Club played 25, points 61; Wheatsheaf 25, 60; Green Tree 25, 57; Duke Wellington 25, 57; Nags Head A 25, 51; Elders A 25, 51; WMC A 25, 50; WMC C 25, 50; County Arms 25, 48; Sportsmans Club 25, 46; Masons Arms 25, 44;
LET me ask you to make a great leap of imagination this morning. I'd like you to picture me, your crusty old Tuesday columnist, as a trendy young schoolteacher. Yes, it was once true. Twenty-five years ago I taught in a downtown school - it would have
MATHS should no longer be compulsory at GCSE in order to provide time for more "creative" subjects, a teachers' leader from the North-East said yesterday. The controversial proposal was made by the new national president of the National Association of
The race for the championship between Stokesley SC, Wolviston and Birtley Town goes on unabated. Birtley won both their mid-week matches and their rivals also collected maximum points from the one game they each played. Birtley started with a 2-1 victory
TEARS were shed yesterday at the funeral of a Royal Marine who grew up in Guisborough and died fighting in the Gulf. Chris Maddison was described by his commanding officer as 'a tremendous man who gave everything in everything he did.' After a moving
SCIENCE lessons are to be given a facelift thanks to a major building investment. Youngsters will be able to use the new, state-of-the art science laboratories at Bedale High School when they return after the Easter holidays. The purpose-built labs, which
PRISONERS of war were back behind the wire at the weekend. Eden Camp, near Malton, is one of North Yorkshire's award-winning museums, bringing the history of the Second World War to life. But, in 1942, it was where Italian PoWs survived in a tented village
Spennymoor assistant manager Jason Ainsley described Tuesday night's win at Workington as "unbelievable." Moors won 2-1 in Cumbria to go second in the table, and if results go their way, they could be promoted at the weekend. Ainsley said: "Considering
A NEW initiative, which aims to channel young people's energy into positive projects, is proving both popular and successful. Richmond YMCA was given a grant from the Local Network Fund for Children and Young People to launch Richmond Youth Focus. The
Crook and District The club had three representatives at the London Marathon. Gery Hehir ran 5 minutes quicker than his PB by finishing in 3hrs 16mins 28 secs.; Colin Everson ran 3:17:20 and Martin Lowrie finished in 3:24:10. In the London mini-marathon
MIKE Newell last night insisted he won't give up his fight to win the Division Three championship. Hartlepool United have seen a 14-point advantage over Rushden and Diamonds turned into a four- point deficit after yesterday's draw with Rochdale. With
A MEMORIAL is to be unveiled to North-East victims of a Second World War friendly fire tragedy. Forty-five men from the Durham Light Infantry, captured at Torbruk during the African campaign in 1942, were among the men who died when the Italian ship SS
NORTH-EAST protestors are planning to take part in a colourful demonstration calling for a fairer world trading system. As part of a national day of action called by the Trade Justice Movement, a rally will be staged through the heart of Newcastle on
Both Colburn Town teams went head-to-head with the B team coming out victors. Team Mean Machine again came back from two goals behind to snatch a draw. FC Spoons and Upex fought a cracking end-to-end encounter and Wathgill Wanderers and McDees were both
MIDDLESBROUGH Bears speedway team have returned to competitive action for the first time in seven years. Despite losing their Cleveland Park base to redevelopment in 1996, a group of enthusiasts have kept the club going via a website featuring the history
TWO aspiring rock and pop groups are recording their first professional CDs, thanks to The Northern Echo. Pop group Northern Haze are busy producing a seven-song CD at Sanity Multi-media Studio in Stockton, and rock band The Shining have just wrapped
DETECTIVES are hoping the actions of a pensioner who refused to open her door to a trickster will serve as an inspiration to others. Margaret Martin, of South Bank, was targeted by a lone female who knocked on her door. The girl asked Mrs Martin if she
POLICE have released an e-fit of the man who terrorised an Iranian family at knifepoint. The robber was one of a gang of three who held up an Iranian man, his pregnant wife and young child in Redcar on Friday night. The gang ran off with a small amount
THE silence of a man who spent more than a year of his life as a prisoner of war in Stalag Luft III has been broken with the release of a book, Survival. Based on the life of Bill Johnston, in the late 1930s and 1940s, the tale spans from his marriage
A CATHOLIC priest jailed for five years for sex attacks on an altar boy has been released from prison after only 19 months behind bars. William Jacks, 51, condemned as a "disgrace to the priesthood" for abusing the teenager, was freed from Acklington
RADIO presenter Paddy MacDee has become patron to the Tiny Lives Fund, which provides essentials for premature babies. Paddy, who visited the special care baby unit at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, to see the work of the Tiny Lives Fund, decided
THE new High Sheriff of North Yorkshire can safely claim to be a genuine high flyer. Air Commodore Simon Bostock became the first military man to hold the position when he was sworn in at a ceremony in York Crown Court. The retired RAF staff officer is
Spennymoor A put one hand on the Championship Trophy when they beat the visiting Brandon by the odd point to go into the final match of the season with a three-point lead over Old Shildon. The Moors took the first three frames of their home match with
A GROUP of teenagers is helping transform the arts scene in their area - and also map out its future. The youngsters are from the Jackass Youth Theatre Company, which was set up in the Crook and Willington area of County Durham 18 months ago. Their project
The weekend's biggest carp bag came off Raker Lakes Wheldrake where there was plenty of action seeing the top trio weighing in over 172lbs of fish. Lower Wharfe Angling's Dave Geldart set the ball rolling. Drawn on end peg 30 he recorded a cracking 64.12.0
A NORTH-EAST academic has been hailed as one of the UK's top younger scientists. Dr Russell Cowburn, of Durham University's physics department, was awarded the 2003 Westminster Medal and £500 at the annual Science Week reception, at the House of Commons
FUNDRAISERS are hoping to boost funds for cancer research next month with a coach trip to the museum of Scottish Country Life - Kittochside Farm. The £9m farm, the result of a partnership between the National Museums of Scotland and The National Trust
When Bedlington Terriers won the first of five successive Northern League titles in 1997-98, Brandon United finished third bottom of the second division. A dozen or so miles to the north, Kenny Lindoe was managing Annfield Plain to the Wearside League
Master of horror Stephen King tells Steve Pratt how he recovered from the horrific car crash that nearly killed him. FOUR years ago bestselling writer Stephen King was out for a stroll near his house when he was hit by a van and suffered horrific injuries
Bishop Auckland St. Mary's: The Under-14 junior side showed they are in top form as the climax to the season approaches with three victories last week. After winning 6-0 away to Brompton JFC in the quarter finals of the Teesside Junior Alliance League
Hutton Lowcross, Guisborough THE talk for the April meeting was billed as 'Monkish Habits', causing much discussion as to what the topic would be about. It turned out to be a very interesting and informative talk covering the daily lives of the Benedictine
Mick Channon's team exploded into life last week and the West Isley handler looks to have another likely sort in Analyze, who should give a good account in the Thank You To The Racecourse Vets Handicap over 1 miles at Newcastle today. The five-year-old
NOT even the deadly Sars virus could prevent one-bride-to-be's dream wedding in the North-East village where she was raised. Anne Bainbridge and fiance Timothy Stevens flew to England, from Hong Kong, two weeks earlier than planned to prevent the bug
Going into the last game of the season and having already secured the League title by winning every League game so far, Richmond Town Under-12s were on the verge a rare feat. One more win would have secured a 100 per cent League record, but then rivals
STEAM engines run by the North Yorkshire Moors Railway have been replaced by diesel locomotives to prevent fires on the moor. The steam engines running between Levisham and Goathland will be temporarily replaced. A spokesman for the railway said: "Due
FRESH evidence has been uncovered in an inquiry into a former policeman's claims that fellow officers set him up for a jail sentence. The material has been sent to the Crown Prosecution Service, which is already considering the findings of a three-year
ONE of the oldest bands in the region, the Stape Silver Band, from North Yorkshire, has achieved its highest accolade in its 119-year history. It is to represent the North-East at the final of the British Federation of Brass Bands competition at Dundee
Tyne Tees Girls Youth League - Under-12s, St Francis 2000 3 v 2 M'brough FITC: This was a game of end to end football played in good spirit, and was also a credit to girls football. The hosts played excellent football, and their performances over the
ONE of the region's MPs has launched his own website. Health Secretary Alan Milburn's site features the Darlington MP's regular diary dates in his constituency, news about how and details of how to contact him. There are also links to the Department of
Longhorn Hardware Darlington and District League Newton Aycliffe 2 v 1 Hole in the W. Both clubs struggled to field full sides and failed to trouble either goalkeeper until a shot from the edge of the box courtesy of Nigel Gamblin put Aycliffe ahead five
