BRYAN ROBSON, set to stake his claim for the managerial vacancy at Crystal Palace, could make Middlesbrough's Noel Whelan his first signing if he takes the Selhurst Park job. Robson, out of football since he was sacked by Boro nearly two years ago after
TV presenter Luke Casey put his best foot forward to launch Hambleton Strollers. The Tyne Tees Dales Diary presenter joined more than 70 members of the group for a walk around Northallerton. The Strollers are part of a national 'Walking the Way for Health
Newton Aycliffe made it a Cup double when six of the best were more than enough to clinch their latest Cup success. On Sunday they romped to victory in The Northern Echo Darlington Sunday Invitation League First Division Cup Final with a 6-0 win over
COASTGUARDS have called off their search for a wealthy businessman feared drowned after his yacht was found washed ashore on a North-East beach. John Hawe's abandoned 32-foot vessel, True Blue, was found by two walkers on the shore at Beacon Point, near
THE difficult task of helping those who have been bereaved by suicide is the subject of a regional conference this week. Organised by the Tees Valley branch of the Cruse Bereavement Care group, the one-day event, in Darlington, has attracted speakers
MARK Davies returns to serious action today in Durham seconds' first championship match of the season against Yorkshire at Stamford Bridge. The 22-year-old seamer was ordered to rest for two weeks after suffering a recurrence of his collapsed lung during
Terror In Moscow (C4) When masked gunmen stormed on to the stage during the performance of a musical in a Moscow theatre, the audience thought they were watching great acting. The behaviour of the weapons-carrying intruders and the terror on the faces
It is said that the Archbishop of Canterbury would prefer not to hold a Thanksgiving Service to commemorate victory in Iraq in case this should come to be seen as an occasion for triumph. Of course, it is likely that the Archbishop has been misquoted
A car parts manufacturer is expanding and creating more than 20 jobs with the help of a £240,000 grant from regional development agency One NorthEast. The Regional Selective Assistance grant will also safeguard 79 jobs at VC UK LP, on the New York Industrial
RARE three-wheeler cars that Del Boy would be proud to own will be on show in the region this weekend. About 50 Morgan cars will be at the Beamish Museum, near Stanley, County Durham, on Sunday. Among them will be versions of prize-winning, early three-wheelers
DEVELOPERS working on an office block in Darlington has been given permission to build a third £1.5m building, it was announced last night. The Hopetown Park development opened its second phase of building with the launch of Studio 2. The ceremony was
NEWCASTLE United footballer Kieron Dyer was handed a six-month driving ban yesterday for clocking up his fourth speeding offence in two years. The 24-year-old Newcastle and England midfielder was caught doing 63mph in a 50mph zone in his £40,000 four-wheel
HERE'S a question: where in the North-East is Holmedale? We'd not heard of it either, then stumbled across references twice in an hour - in a brochure for a farm shop and tea room and in an advert for the Shoulder of Mutton at Kirby Hill. "Magnificent
A NEW deputy headteacher has taken up her post at a Newton Aycliffe school. Staff and pupils at Woodham Community Technology College have welcomed Christine Forsyth in her new role. Mrs Forsyth was formerly head of modern foreign languages at the English
Norman Lees attends tomorrow's Farewell to Feethams with memories of the night he avoided a possible fire disaster. "It could have been another Bradford, I've no doubt about it," says the former Quakers defender. The affable Geordie had gone to retrieve
CALLS for a public meeting to allow villagers objecting to plans to build a block of flats to air their views have been rejected. Residents in Church View, Hurworth, near Darlington, believe the block of six flats proposed for the site of the village
A DAY after Bob Murray vowed not to bow to pressure from angry fans and quit Sunderland, Kevin Phillips is expected to confirm today that his six-year love affair with the club is over. Opinion among supporters may be divided on Murray, but what cannot
Just when it seemed that Vince Kirkup wouldn't leave the Little House on the Prairie for anything on earth, North-East football's longest-serving manager has resigned. "It's just become too much," he says. "It was a hell of a hard decision, but if I hadn't
Site manager, Thirsk. £14,000pa, 40hrs pw, including evenings and weekends. Required to supervise daily cleaning of food store. Knowledge of retail trade essential. Ref: NOE 19019. Trainee cook, Thirsk. £4.75ph, 9am to 3pm, Mon-Fri. Must be willing to
AN ARMY chef, who today admitted harassing and threatening to kill his former partner, was told he had escaped prison by the skin of his teeth. Magistrates in Richmond, North Yorkshire, were told the 29-year-old soldier found it hard to cope after the
OPERA singer Suzannah Clarke will be performing solo and as part of a North-East choir when she celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Samaritans. She is joining Middlesbrough Choral Group at a charity concert, which will include music from show classics
A TERMINALLY ill teenager has married the woman he hopes will carry his test-tube baby. Leukaemia sufferer Martin Black and Susan Smith, both 19, held an emotional service in front of 100 family and friends a month ahead of schedule because his condition
FREEMASONS have donated thousands of pounds to North-East charities which help people with cancer. At a ceremony at the Temperance Lodge in John Street, Consett, representatives of two masonic lodges - the Temperance Lodge No. 4115 and the Provincial
Longhorn Hardware Darlington and District League, Kingfisher Finance Trophy final, East End WMC 4, The Albion 3 (aet): A cracking match in which both teams gave their all with the result in doubt up to the final whistle. Albion struck after only two minutes
Durham Alliance: Brandon Station won at home to Seaham The Duke in a 5-4 thriller. The Duke went in front in ten minutes, Ross Pinder the first on the scoresheet. Tom Hanson levelled for Brandon in 20 minutes. Dean Anderson put The Duke 2-1 up and a brace
SHAMED police chief Kevin Pitt has taken the first steps towards clearing his name in the Lithuanian courts. The former chief superintendent was forced to resign from Cleveland police after being convicted of urinating against the Lithuanian presidential
HERE'S a question: where in the North-East is Holmedale? We'd not heard of it either, then stumbled across references twice in an hour - in a brochure for a farm shop and tea room and in an advert for the Shoulder of Mutton at Kirby Hill. "Magnificent
Wear Valley Ladies League: Crook Royal Sun clinched the league Championship in style when they only dropped one point on their visit to Crook Surtees. However the runners-up spot had a late twist in the tail when Crook Mill House vaulted over Crook Golden
The club held its first training session of the season on Wednesday night and chairman Dave Sparrow welcomed last year's players and new players to what he hopes will be a very successful season. Over 120 players attended and these have been placed in
THE financial problems of a museum are to be looked into by a Government minister. The move comes after the problems facing the Tom Leonard Mining Museum, in Skinningrove, east Cleveland, were brought up in the House of Commons. Museum volunteers have
MUSLIM leaders are facing legal action after using a flat as a makeshift mosque. The property, in Newcastle, has been used to stage prayer meetings three times a day for more than a year. Residents complain that, on some days, more than 300 people have
OPERA singer Suzannah Clarke will be performing solo and as part of a North-East choir when she celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Samaritans. She is joining Middlesbrough Choral Group at a charity concert, which will include music from show classics
KEEN walkers will be striding out in Wensleydale later this year for the county's Boots and Beer Walking Festival. The region made famous by television's All Creatures Great and Small will be swamped by 250 participants brandishing their walking boots
AN ambulance crew found a woman crawling around a field after she had endured a terrifying car ride at the hands of a drink driver, a court heard yesterday. Michael Hammond, prosecuting, said Deborah Dean was given a lift back to Harrogate by Mark James
PLANS to build 47 houses on a former industrial site are expected to be approved by councillors on Thursday - but with a hefty list of conditions attached. It will be the second time that developers McCarthy and Stone has put forward proposals to redevelop
HOUSEHOLDERS and workers were warned last night to keep their windows and doors sealed when thick smoke from a factory fire engulfed their neighbourhood. More than 40 firefighters battled the blaze at the Cascade engineering plant on the Bassington Industrial
MORE than 100 fare-dodgers on the Tyne and Wear Metro ended up in court thanks to a campaign by travel company Nexus. The 112 people, who were all caught last month, have been named and shamed by the firm, which runs the Metro, after they were found guilty
SW Durham Vets League: Willington made an excellent start to the new season when they whitewashed the visiting reigning champions, Spennymoor A. The home side came through with a comprehensive 62 shots to 42 and took all eight points. Rink scores (Willington
THE Northern Echo has joined forces with Cancer Research to promote its annual Race for Life challenge. On Sunday, July 13, hundreds of women will walk, jog or run a 5km course around South Park in Darlington to raise money for the cancer charity. The
A MAJOR drive to boost reading, writing and counting skills in the region is launched today. The North-East has the worst figures for literacy and numeracy in the UK. About 400,000 adults, more than a quarter of the population, do not have the reading
TWO women trapped after a car crash, a young couple beaten up at a Metro station and a drunk man who gets tangled up in his trousers are some of the real-life North-East medical emergencies to be shown on television this week. Camera crews from Tyne Tees
Hats off to the recent announcement that Royal Ascot could be moved to York for 2004. Heather Barron meets on enterprising ladey who can get you ahead in the fashion stakes. YOU'VE got the ideal outfit, matched it with the right shoes and handbag, and
A PRIMARY school will be able to buy sports and activity equipment for its after-school group, thanks to a National Lottery grant. West Cornforth Primary School has been given £3,500 in the latest Awards for All scheme. The money will be used to further
THE following cases were heard at South Durham Magistrates' Court in Darlington yesterday: DRIVER FINED: Paul James Scott, 34, of West Auckland Road, Darlington, admitted failing to stop at a red light and failing to produce his driving licence. He was
THE following cases were heard at South Durham Magistrates' Court in Darlington yesterday: DRIVER FINED: Paul James Scott, 34, of West Auckland Road, Darlington, admitted failing to stop at a red light and failing to produce his driving licence. He was
ORGANISERS of Saturday's Medieval Fair at Sedgefield have appealed for transport for the May Queen and her attendants. Jenny Dovaston, nine, and her companions Amy Miller, Kirsty Smith, Paige Challans and Courtney Brown will start the celebrations by
THE role of matron has been revived at two south Durham hospitals to improve standards in everything from cleanliness to patient care. Durham Dales Primary Care Trust has appointed two matrons to run Barnard Castle's Richardson Hospital and Weardale Community
A DARLINGTON store has been named the best shop in the region in its company awards. The Spar shop in Duke Street took the Best Store in the Northern Region title in the Spar Star awards. The store will now be entered into the national final on June 9
The Crown Inn, at Manfield, near Darlington has been named Country Pub of the Year by the Darlington branch of the Campaign for Real Ale for the second year. The pub, run by Peter and Karen Hynes, offers up to 20 real ales. The award will be presented
The Crown Inn, at Manfield, near Darlington has been named Country Pub of the Year by the Darlington branch of the Campaign for Real Ale for the second year. The pub, run by Peter and Karen Hynes, offers up to 20 real ales. The award will be presented
A £24,000 scheme to slow down drivers through Neasham is serving no purpose at all, the annual parish meeting was told. Chairman John Weighell said that it had campaigned for traffic calming measures for many years, but the package now in place had been
Two swimmers represented Billingham Swimming Club at the NEC Youth Long Course Championships at Ponds Forge, Sheffield at the weekend. Fifteen-year-old Jane Usher competed in seven events, the 400m free, 400m IM., 100m back, 50m free, 200m IM, 200m free
PUPILS have celebrated the end of their school year in style. Year 11 students from Hurworth Comprehensive School, near Darlington, who will be leaving once they have completed their GCSE exams, enjoyed a US-style prom event at Walworth Castle, near Heighington
ADULT Learners' Week is taking place this week to promote the value of lifelong learning. Free events are being held at various venues in Darlington to encourage more people to return to learning. The week began with a model aeroplane display at the central
ADULT Learners' Week is taking place this week to promote the value of lifelong learning. Free events are being held at various venues in Darlington to encourage more people to return to learning. The week began with a model aeroplane display at the central
A £3m housing scheme that is likely to become a model for future development has been officially opened. The Orchards, an extra-care housing project in Brompton, Northallerton, was formally opened by Richmond MP William Hague. It is the first of its kind
FULL match commentaries are to continue on all Sunderland matches on BBC local radio for the next two years, despite the club's relegation. A two-year deal between BBC Radio Newcastle and Sunderland AFC comes into force in August as the Black Cats bid
A CAMPAIGN for the return of a memorial to the men who fought and fell during the First World War is gathering pace. The large mausoleum that once stood in Chester-le-Street market place was dismantled in the 1950 by the then Chester-le-Street Urban District
IF you fancy being Poleaxed, trying a Fursty Ferret or supping a pint of bright green ale, Richmond's newest pub is the place to be this week. The Ralph Fitz Randal, in Queen Street, hosts its first real ale festival of the year all this week. Potent
A FASHION show is being staged to highlight the business and retail facilities on offer in Newton Aycliffe town centre. The event has been organised following a recent meeting of the Retailers and Community Workers Forum, the Town Centre Management group
A TERMINALLY ill teenager has married the woman he hopes will carry his test-tube baby. Leukaemia sufferer Martin Black and Susan Smith, both 19, held an emotional service in front of 100 family and friends a month ahead of schedule because his condition
A WARSHIP with close ties to a North Yorkshire community expects to be leaving the Gulf to resume usual patrols after playing a part in the Iraq War. HMS Richmond supported troops ashore in the opening days of the conflict, shelling positions inland,
Thompson Brown mixed open: Presented by Thompson Brown to commemorate his 1979 captaincy, this open competition always attracts a large field in spite of it being played so early in the season and this year was no exception. The lack of winners failing
A CHILDREN'S show, choreographed by its young stars, will be performed next week. The Talent Show, at Primrose Hill Community Centre, Stockton, next Tuesday, will feature a number of dance routines from children in the Primrose Hill community. Four of
COLLEGE bosses are seeking voluntary redundancies among its 600 staff. Darlington College of Technology said yesterday that a letter sent out at the weekend to both lecturers and support staff was part of a routine offer which had been made several times
ACCOUNTANT Dave Kilburn came out of retirement to start a new career as a restaurateur. Mr Kilburn decided to buy the Prickly Pear, in Esplanade Mews, Sunderland, which he operates as a cafe/bistro by day and a restaurant by night. The Prickly Pear was
Nine-a-side knockout, second round. To be played May 12 at house or club first named. 8.15pm deadline. Central WMC A v Central WMC B; Britannia A v Harrowgate WMC A; Victoria Soc B v Railway Inst A; Cleveland Club v Grey Horse Hau B; Nags Head v JUC;
Darlington's new ticket office will open its doors for the first time when season tickets for next season go on sale in just over a fortnight's time. With the club all set to move into its brand new 27,500 all-seater stadium on Neasham Road, fans will
A MAN who killed his work colleague after an argument about pay yesterday had an appeal against his conviction turned down by top judges. Ali Mahmood, 29, was jailed for life after being convicted of the murder of Mohammed Ali at Teesside Crown Court
A BOY with special needs is facing a 12-mile taxi ride to nursery every day after council officials ruled it was better than teaching him at his village school. Three-year-old Isaac Cain, of Lanchester, near Consett, County Durham, has been diagnosed
A REFUGE offering sanctuary to victims of domestic violence is opening in Darlington. The refuge, which is at a secret location, will house up to seven families. Each family will have their own unit in in the building, including two bedrooms and an en-suite
A DRIVER was pulled over by police after putting more than 100 wooden posts, each measuring more than five-feet, into his Ford Escort, a court heard yesterday. Graham Holdsworth, of Sunniside Terrace, Trimdon Grange, County Durham, admitted carrying a
SIR BOBBY ROBSON has identified a potential soulmate for Newcastle United's Portuguese star Hugo Viana - Sporting Lisbon's very own Ronaldo. Robson's connections with his old club have alerted him to Portugal Under-21 schemer Cristiano Ronaldo, a former
The first division programme began at the weekend and one game was staged on Saturday when Paragonians hosted Loftus. The home side were all out for 72 as Dixon captured six wickets for 30 runs and J Morrison had three for 22. Opening batsman Pearson
MUSLIM leaders are facing legal action after using a flat as a makeshift mosque. The property, in Newcastle, has been used to stage prayer meetings three times a day for more than a year. Residents complain that, on some days, more than 300 people have
IT was Denis Healey who famously said that being criticised by Sir Geoffrey Howe was akin to being "savaged by a dead sheep". If so, being attacked by Clare Short could now easily be compared to being gored by a sharp-horned, charging rhinoceros. Thick-skinned
THE Northern Echo's Communigate service is taking a lead role in Adult Learners Week. Tomorrow, representatives from Communigate will join other exhibitors at Stockton Central Library to promote learning opportunities. Communigate gives charities and
DOZENS of children from schools across Teesside have given up their lunchtimes to successfully complete a training course as student librarians. A total of 126 volunteer librarians from 19 secondary schools will be presented with certificates by local
A CHEMICAL plant has won a conservation award just four years after it was at the centre of a pollution incident. Tonnes of hydrochloric acid escaped from a fractured pipeline into the Greenabella Marsh at bird-rich Seal Sands, near Hartlepool, from the
IMAGES of life in the Far East at the end of the 19th and early-20th Centuries have gone on show. Tea, Rice and Cherry Blossom, a photographic exhibition at Durham's Oriental Museum, features people going about their daily lives in Japan. All are slides
PUPILS at a school in Hartlepool have proved how much they care for their environment by launching a blitz on litter. The year four children from Fens Primary School suggested tidying up a nearby shopping parade after hearing about a Spring Clean Hartlepool
GAZING out to sea every day, Dave Howe knew his life should have been perfect, but somehow it was not. The owner of a small franchise selling replica maritime paraphernalia on Hartlepool's Marina, he just could not get close enough to the water. So, one
EVERYDAY street cleaners may be given the power to fine litter louts £50 if a new get-tough policy does not work. In a first for the North-East Redcar High Street will be designated a 'litter-free zone' on Thursday. In the scheme community wardens will
The Asda store in Thornaby is looking for good causes that could use a helping hand. Causes may include renovating a playground, making over a garden or a day trip for someone deserving. Nomination forms are available from the store's customer service
MORE than 100 fare-dodgers on the Tyne and Wear Metro ended up in court thanks to a campaign by travel company Nexus. The 112 people, who were all caught last month, have been named and shamed by the firm, which runs the Metro, after they were found guilty
Major employers such as Marks and Spencer, Asda and Northumbria Police will be at a jobs fair for ethnic minorities. The Exploring Employability event takes place in Westgate Centre for Sport, West Road, Newcastle, tomorrow, from 10am to 1pm. It has been
DINERS and dignitaries gathered for a luncheon club's official launch yesterday. MP John Cummings and Peter Campbell, the Mayor of Seaham, joined older Dawdon residents for the launch at Dawdon Community Centre. Dawdon Diners meets every Thursday from
CHARITY Lent lunches organised by church groups from villages around Richmond have proved very profitable this year. Churchgoers raised £1,000 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and paramedics from the service landed at Easby Abbey, on the banks of the River
YOUNGSTERS and their parents put their best foot forward to take part in a sponsored toddle in aid of Stockton's Children's Centre. The centre, based at the University Hospital of North Tees, is a child development centre for young children with significant
Norton and Stockton Ancients: Norton Under-9s boys and parents had a weekend to remember after bringing home a Cup after a close Haggerston Castle Trophy Final win. Norton started the tournament impressively with a 5-1 win over Hartburn Juniors in the
BOB MURRAY renewed his war of words with Manchester United over David Bellion yesterday and revealed the Frenchman was offered to Arsenal in October behind Sunderland's back. As Murray vowed to do everything in his power to stop the debt-ridden club from
Firefighters used breathing gear as they fought a house fire yesterday. Officers were called to Aynsley Terrace, Consett, County Durham, shortly after 11.30am, after neighbours spotted smoke coming from the back of the house. The fire, which started in
A splendid story from Wear Down South, the magazine for sad old Sunderland's southern-based supporters, via film maker David Puttnam. Now Lord Puttnam of Queensgate, he is also chancellor of Sunderland University - in which capacity he recently presided
The only surprise about the resignation of International Development Secretary Clare Short was that it did not happen sooner. Yet, with Short now able to take shots at the Government as and when she pleases, Colin Tapping asks: Will Tony Blair be better
MOUNTAINEER Alan Hinkes is returning home this week after contracting a bronchial infection while attempting to conquer one of the world's highest peaks. The climber, from Northallerton, had to be flown from base camp to the capital of Nepal, Katmandu
ANYMORE for Spennymoor? If it comes to bad luck then it's definitely a case of 'certainly not' - the Brewery Field outfit have had more than their fair share. If it comes to success in the UniBond then United would give a resounding 'yes please' as they
The Kenny Ball Cup quarter-final Darlington Croft shocked newly-promoted probable division one champions Blackhall Hardwick by defeating them away from home. The Croft, who are one of the most improved sides in division one, have also gained promotion
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
An army of Russian musicians were so keen to sample a world-famous beer they demanded a detour during their European travels. Tales of Newcastle Brown Ale reached members of the Central Band of the White Russian Army, who were so eager to have a sup they
A POLICE crackdown on potentially dangerous vehicles is under way in the region. Durham Police are staging the two-week safety campaign to make motorists more aware of the need to maintain cars, vans and motorcycles in a roadworthy condition. A series
THE revolution in benefits payments will be fully explained at a Post Office roadshow in the North-East this week. The Carry On Collecting roadshow arrives at the Captain Cook Shopping Centre, in Middlesborough, on Thursday before moving to Morrisons
One of the referee's responsibilities during each match is to act as timekeeper and at the end of each 45 minutes of play he has to decide how much lost time to add on. The referee will decide on how much extra time to play mainly from delays caused by
An army of Russian musicians were so keen to sample a world-famous beer they demanded a detour during their European travels. Tales of Newcastle Brown Ale reached members of the Central Band of the White Russian Army, who were so eager to have a sup they
ENTRIES are going well for a competition in which the region's unsigned musical acts can win fantastic prizes. Revolution, The Northern Echo's music website, is running The Big Chance to find the area's top pop or rock act. The competition, in partnership
A MIDDLESBROUGH primary school has been praised by education chiefs for its good teaching and hard-working children. Ofsted inspectors also described North Ormesby Primary School as an effective and well managed school following a recent visit. The 252
TONY MARTIN: I MUST take issue with you over your Comment (Echo, May 9). Who came up with the nonsense that only reasonable force can be used to defend yourself, your family and property? I pose the question. Considering there were two thugs involved
Major employers such as Marks and Spencer, Asda and Northumbria Police will be at a jobs fair for ethnic minorities. The Exploring Employability event takes place in Westgate Centre for Sport, West Road, Newcastle, tomorrow, from 10am to 1pm. It has been
THE search for "super" carers able to look after troubled young people in east Cleveland has begun. The area's Child Placement Team manager Chris Priestman said there was an urgent need for people who can provide care to youngsters to come forward. The
RARE three-wheeler cars that Del Boy would be proud to own will be on show in the region this weekend. About 50 Morgan cars will be at the Beamish Museum, near Stanley, County Durham, on Sunday. Among them will be versions of prize-winning, early three-wheelers
Crook League: The deciding doubles took Howden Australian to victory over the visiting Crook Queen's Head B. The Aussie had singles wins from John Allott, Ron Flounders and Stephen Heyes, whilst the Queen's levelled with wins from Dave Heslop, Stephen
Shoppers have been given more tasty choices and better service following the investment of £800,000 into one of the county's supermarkets. Improvements to the Co-op store at Endeavour Wharf, in Whitby, include a 4,400 sq ft extension of the warehouse
DURHAM's credit union is hoping to boost membership by organising payroll deductions. Durham City and District Credit Union has attracted more than 70 members since it began at the start of the year. It has three collection points and wants to establish
A THEATRE group is taking to the stage with a production of Guys and Dolls. Riverside Amateur Operatic Society perform the musical at Park View Community Theatre, Chester-le-Street, from tonight until Saturday. The show tells the story of a group of New
A MANAGER has been appointed to run a sports complex that is expected to open in Billingham in the autumn. Chris Feenan is keen to establish links with local organisations and clubs that may be interested in taking advantage of the facilities at the Sportsdrome
The Asda store in Thornaby is looking for good causes that could use a helping hand. Causes may include renovating a playground, making over a garden or a day trip for someone deserving. Nomination forms are available from the store's customer service
PEOPLE living on a Thornaby housing estate will be able to have their say about plans to redevelop it. Questionnaires have been sent to almost 600 properties on the Mandale Estate asking residents for their views about the future of the estate, and what
Willington Ladies League: There were three surprise results in the quarter finals of the Darts Team Knock Out, where the only match to go to league placing form was the home win by Cottles over the Black Horse A. The biggest surprise came at Willington
Oxbridge Darlington and District League: Cockerton managed only 66 all out in 24.3 overs when they visited Middleton St George in division A. Dave Black scored more than half his side's runs contributing 36 with four boundaries before being run out. Dave
NORTH-EAST police officers have given a resounding NO to being armed with guns on Britain's streets. They have backed a Police Federation survey that showed 78 per cent of officers did not want to carry guns on everyday duties. The federation carried
Terror In Moscow (C4) When masked gunmen stormed on to the stage during the performance of a musical in a Moscow theatre, the audience thought they were watching great acting. The behaviour of the weapons-carrying intruders and the terror on the faces
MORE than 100 fare-dodgers on the Tyne and Wear Metro ended up in court thanks to a crackdown. The 112 people, who were all caught last month, have been named and shamed by Nexus, which runs the Metro, after they were found guilty of evading fares. They
Richmond and Zetland Harriers: Harriers' Elite Team made an immediate impact when they finished first in the opening fixture of the Harrogate Road Race League on Tuesday, April 22. The Summer League has ten clubs competing in five midweek races with individual
FAMILIES whose loved ones have been killed by dangerous drivers have welcomed proposals for tougher sentencing. An amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill tabled today will see an increase in the maximum sentence for causing death by dangerous driving
DAIRY group Robert Wiseman is planning to continue its growth with the help of a £5m distribution depot in County Durham. The 50,000sq ft operation, under construction in Chester-le-Street, will create more delivery options for the company. The development
Men and women who work at home making high quality craft items are to display their wares. Twelve of them are joining forces to stage their first exhibition of the year in Witham Hall, Barnard Castle, County Durham. The week-long display starts on Thursday
Major employers such as Marks and Spencer, Asda and Northumbria Police will be at a jobs fair for ethnic minorities. The Exploring Employability event takes place in Westgate Centre for Sport, West Road, Newcastle, tomorrow, from 10am to 1pm. It has been
HUNDREDS of nursery places have been created across the North-East by the latest round of National Lottery grants. The New Opportunity Fund handouts will be used to extend existing childcare schemes, as well as setting up projects offering nursery and
A CAMPAIGN against plans to turn an area where children play area into car parking spaces is being stepped up. People living in a cul-de-sac on Valley Road, Northallerton, have joined forces to fight to save an area of green space and have written letters
A 17-year-old youth is due to appear in court today facing charges related to the theft of vehicles from a compound. He will appear before Hartlepool magistrates charged with a number of offences, including aggravated vehicle-taking, driving while disqualified
SUNDERLAND Football Club chairman Bob Murray launched a savage attack on his club's millionaire flops last night as he confirmed he would not resign. After a disastrous season at the Stadium of Light, Murray condemned players such as £8.2m Tore Andre
The Readers Durham County League, Under-18s: Craig Usher hit the first ball he received for six and Trimdon five boundaries scoring 27 as Ushaw Moor totalled 86 against Willington. Craig Wilson added 22 but Willington went on to win by six wickets. Evenwood
Newton Aycliffe easily accounted for Coxhoe in division one bowling out the hosts for 101 in 34.2 overs. John Gledhill led the way in the Aycliffe attack capturing four wickets for 25 runs in 11 overs and Glenn Williams gave support with three for 10
Cook, Chester-le-Street. £4.50 to £5ph, Fri and Sat 16hrs pw. Required to prepare and cook meals and general cleaning. Experience and Health and Hygiene Certificate essential. Ref: CHM 15636. Banquet host, Chester-le-Street. £25 per shift 7-11pm, evenings
IDEAS on how a market town can shrug off a decade of malaise go on show this month. Richmond has always been popular with tourists but has recently been struggling commercially. It has also suffered because Catterick Garrison, which is now the British
The new combined team of Sedgefield and Lancaster Waterpolo players upset the favourites for the National Under-17 Championships, Cheltenham, with a tremendous 9-6 win at Walsall. Players from Sedgefield to play a part in the run to the final are Great
MUSIC fans can relive their glory days at a North-East venue, thanks to its new website. The new-look website for Newcastle City Hall goes on-line today and features a revamped memorabilia page, split into sections representing the Sixties, Seventies,
Durham Senior League Under-18s: Marsden enjoyed a ten-wicket victory visiting Hetton Lyons who managed only 75 for five as Martin Quinn claimed three for 22. Gregg Arundel led Marsden's reply finishing unbeaten on 42 and his opening partner Andrew Dougherty
DAREDEVILS can help charity by abseiling off one of a town's tallest buildings. The abseil - 80ft down the side of the University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton - is for the Royal National Institute for the Blind. To take part in the event, on Saturday
I was involved in two separate events last weekend, quite different in scale, but filled with inspiration in their own separate ways. On Friday, I was with MetroMail at Peterlee for the visit of Prime Minister Tony Blair who was presenting the company
CAR manufacturer Vauxhall has given hope to thousands of North-East workers by announcing it is to build the new Astra in Britain. The decision runs counter to the views expressed by Nissan chief executive Carlos Ghosn, who said any contracts coming to
Rohm and Haas JOC Hetton Youth League Lumley finally clinched the championship when they went into their final game of the season needing just one point. In the event, they defeated fellow challengers Herrington 5-0 after establishing a two goals interval
Emergency Services League: Tyne & Wear Fire Brigade secured their first trophy of the season, in their first season with the league, when they beat Saints in the Meredith Trophy Final. The match played at Nissan, got off to an eventful start, when
The new season commenced with the first round of the Harrison KO Cup. Hundens who were relegated from Division A last season provided the main shock of the round by defeating a strong E Park team. On this form they could make a swift return to Division
SHEILA Gibbin, of Bells Stores, was the runaway winner at an awards ceremony celebrating the achievements of businesswomen across the region. A human resources director, she has had to tackle enormous changes during the past 17 years. The Women in Business
A CHILDREN'S show, choreographed by its young stars, will be performed next week. The Talent Show, at Primrose Hill Community Centre, Stockton, next Tuesday, will feature a number of dance routines from children in the Primrose Hill community. Four of
The first ever three-day Festival on the prolific Woodland Lakes delighted sponsors Van Den Eynde when 90 of the country's top carp enthusiasts made for an instant sell-out. Decided on section points with nine sections of ten the event was spread around
A WATCHDOG has criticised energy providers after the North-East came top in the UK for complaints. Since April last year, Energywatch North-East has received 400 complaints from customers using prepayment meters for gas and electricity - nearly twice
DARLINGTON RFC hosted their 29th Festival of Junior Rugby at Blackwell Meadows last weekend. Clubs from all over the North took part in age groups from nine to 16 with well over 1,000 payers taking part. The Mayor presented some of the trophies, including
FULL match commentaries are to continue on all Sunderland matches on BBC local radio for the next two years, despite the club's relegation. A two-year deal between BBC Radio Newcastle and Sunderland AFC comes into force in August as the Black Cats bid
THREE firms have teamed up with Age Concern to offer "silver surfers" a free tour of the World Wide Web. Microsoft, Cable and Wireless and UK Online have all jumped on board to provide thousands of older people with the chance to sample what is available
All these years helping run the Northern League - seven as chairman and getting a bit scabrous - and for the first time last Thursday we got to visit FA headquarters in London. The hicks usually meet in the sticks, most memorably when Fleet, in Hampshire
A MAN was stabbed in the face, neck and chest with a screwdriver after opening his front door to an attacker. Ian Horner, 32, was attacked on his doorstep in Mowbray Drive, Acomb, York, on Sunday morning as local children played nearby. A neighbour said
ENGLAND'S leading nurse will be joining hundreds of health professionals from Teesside to celebrate local healthcare successes. Sarah Mullally, chief nursing officer for the Department of Health, is a guest at the fifth conference and exhibition for local
VILLAGERS were last night celebrating confirmation that the England football squad is on the way. The picturesque village of Hurworth, just outside Darlington, has become "the second home" of international football stars since Middlesbrough FC built its
Back to school, or at least to Darlington Sixth Form College, we were invited last Thursday to present the annual sports awards. They'd done awfully well. The college is the former Queen Elizabeth Grammar School. The Victorian hall in which the presentations
A NORTH-EAST soldier who was seriously injured in a road accident in Iraq has returned to Britain. Jane McLaughlin, a military police corporal, from Hartlepool, Teesside, suffered severe head injuries, a punctured lung, broken leg, ribs and pelvis, and
OFFICIALS at the Richard Neale inquiry have said only a dozen former patients are expected to give evidence. Inquiry secretary Colin Phillips said he had heard from more than 60 former patients, but only about a dozen were expected to give evidence. Mr
The two First Division games played on Sunday, there was a ten-goal thriller between high-flying Nestfield and relegation threatened Brinkburn. With Brinkburn creating early pressure and a mix up in the Nestfield defence resulted in an own goal, the home
Ken Houlahan, he who brought the appliance of science to Evenwood Town, led his team to the Craven Cup final at Horden - cold as Christmas - on Tuesday night. The experiment is working. They played the Colliers of Ashington, whose vociferous fans may
Full results Division A: Lockton 144-6 (M. Firth 61), *Ebberston 2nds 105-9 (C Beal 31, J Metcalfe 26; J Boyes 3-14, K Fields 5-35). *Muston 68-5 (M Pearson 27no), Snainton 2nds 67 (R Cooper 3-29, J Wood 78-29). Forge Valley 2nds 115-3 (D Beck 46 no),
ARMED robbers threatened a 22-month-old child with a machete during a sub-post office raid. One of the two men who burst into the shop in Ludworth, near Durham, held the 2ft-long blade above the head of sub-postmaster Peter Foster's grand-daughter Hannah
Black Horse 4 v 3 North Skelton: With just one game to go, the Black Horse finally broke their duck picking up their first league win of the season against North Skelton. The Billingham side did it the hard way having to recover from a 3-1 deficit at
A NORTH-EAST company which claims to help budding performers break into the entertainment industry is being investigated by trading standards officers. Darlington-based Big Break Magazine offers actors, singers, dancers and models a photo session and
REGULARS at a country pub are being given the chance to surf the net in a new computer room at their local. David and Susan Hawksworth, licencees of The Fox & Hounds, in Bullamoor, near Northallerton, have installed computers with free online facilities
LIKE many young boys, six-year-old Sam Johnson dreams of racing after criminals in a shiny police car. But after contracting a rare eye disease, he has already undergone more operations than most adults. As a reward for his bravery, Durham Police made
Saint Peters Low Fell went to the coast in the League Cup semi-final against Whitley Bay Churches. In a very hard fought match Andy Watson scored in the 90th minutes for St Peters with them waiting for the referee to blow the final whistle he popped up
A FAMILY have been left distraught after their pet dog ran into the path of a bus and was left dead in the road. Michael Saville, from Kelloe, near Durham, had been walking his dog, Jack, through fields near Coxhoe when the lurcher ran off, jumped over
Junior round-up: Northern Conference Under-11 squad won the Under-11 Junior Inter-Conference championship at Hull Ice Arena over the May Bank Holiday weekend. They did so without losing a game over the three days. To win the final they had to come from
Singles: junior girls; Katie Fletcher 21, Alishia Low 8; Junior boys Michael Bertram 21, Jonathan Forcer 19; men's Over 60s Rob Emmerson 21, Terry Barnes 10; Men's KO singles John Wells 21, Marc Squrrill 14. Pairs: C W Johnston Memorial Mixed Pairs; Pat
Firefighters used breathing gear as they fought a house fire yesterday. Officers were called to Aynsley Terrace, Consett, County Durham, shortly after 11.30am, after neighbours spotted smoke coming from the back of the house. The fire, which started in
Women wine drinkers are on the increase... and they know what they like. Women's Editor Christen Pears reports. THERE was a time when the relationship between women and wine was typefied by Bridget Jones swigging down a bottle of Chardonnay in an attempt
JUST two years after a £2m scheme of block paving was laid in Ripon Market Place the concrete is breaking up. Minster Road, Kirkgate and Duck Hill are also affected by the premature failure where work was carried out in 1999, said North Yorkshire County
Darlington based American Football team, the Tees Valley Cougars, host their very first home game at Eastbourne Sports Complex on Sunday and they would like as many supporters to turn up. Despite an unlucky start to the Cougars' first British Senior League
YORK unveil their brand-new £20m Ebor Stand this afternoon at the start of yet another magnificent season of world-class action on the famous Knavesmire. Built to improve spectator facilities, there are 1,000 viewing seats, a restaurant with capacity
AN all-girl parachute team have waited two years to make their first jump and raise hundreds of pounds for charity. Nicole Ward persuaded her aunt, Alyson Bell, and best friend Sarah Nevins to join her in the stunt but had to wait until she reached her
AN all-girl parachute team have waited two years to make their first jump and raise hundreds of pounds for charity. Nicole Ward persuaded her aunt, Alyson Bell, and best friend Sarah Nevins to join her in the stunt but had to wait until she reached her
DARLINGTON Primary Schools Football Association is hosting its first festival. Hundreds of young footballers will take place in the festival, which starts on Saturday with the annual Schools Cup Final. This year's final, involving 26 schools and 260 children
A man with a musical sandwich board will tour Barnard Castle on Saturday advertising rhythm and blues concerts taking place during the town's annual Meet. It will play songs by Marcus Malone, Pete Gilgan Band, Giant Killers and Hokum Hotshots, who will
MORE than 100 people attended a public meeting last week to show the strength of feeling against a proposal for a waste transfer station in Brompton-on-Swale. Yorwaste has applied to create a waste transfer station on the old landfill site on the edge
A Briton working in South Africa has been shot dead by car-jackers who stole his 4x4. Whitby man John Perry, 50, was gunned down on the outskirts of Cape Town. Police said he had gone to pick some friends up as a favour. Mr Perry was ambushed and his
HOUSEHOLDERS and workers were warned last night to keep their windows and doors sealed when thick smoke from a factory fire engulfed their neighbourhood. More than 40 firefighters battled the blaze at the Cascade engineering plant on the Bassington Industrial
TALENTED badminton player Luke Brudenell made a promising debut as an England competitor during the weekend. The Northallerton College student won two of the three doubles matches that he played in the team event against Denmark, Holland and Sweden, at
A cookery school will be opened later this month. Celebrity chef Rosemary Shrager has moved her cookery school to Swinton Park, near Ripon, from Amhuin-nsuidhe Castle in Scotland. Paul Theakston of the Black Sheep Brewery will open the school at a launch
THE Durham branch of Diabetics UK will meet in the Diabetes Centre of the University Hospital of North Durham, in Durham, tonight at 7pm. The guest speaker is Linda Wood, Diabetics UK's Northern and Yorkshire regional manager, who will give a talk on
Worthington Durham County Team Knockout: Wingate took the Team Knockout Cup with a decisive victory over Willington at Brandon in an entertaining final refereed by Dennis Payne of Coundon. Willington received two points start and made an excellent beginning
Another gem of an innings from Michael Lumb could not prevent Yorkshire losing by 166 runs to Derbyshire at Headingley yesterday in their first Championship defeat of the season. Derbyshire were on top throughout the game and their margin of victory was
Receptionist/admin assistant, Bishop Auckland, £10,500pa, full-time Mon-Fri, must have knowledge of Microsoft and Sage. Ref: BIS 12680. Nursery cook, Darlington, 11am to 1pm Mon-Fri, required to prepare and cook meals for up to 30 children. Experience
40 years ago: Despite Darlington Reserves fielding an inside trio of France, Lawton and Weddell they lost 1-0 to Ashington with Ronnie Heckley scoring the winner. Apart from the hard working Ray Fish on the right wing, the Reserves were poor and they
BLAYDON Shopping Centre is under new management after being bought by UK Land Estates. The centre, near Gateshead, has 40 tenants, including McDonalds, Greggs, Choices Videos and the Co-op, and there are nine units vacant. The western end of the 95,000sq
Following their victory over Darlington RA on Monday in the final of the Sunderland Shipowners' Cup, Wolviston maintained their title prospects defeating Redcar Town 3-0 on Wednesday when Andy Steele (2) and Paul Edwards scored. They are two points ahead
