Trooper Matthew Tapp came home from the war last week and met his son for the first time. He was met at Catterick Garrison's Cambrai Barracks by fiance Emma Jarrett, 22, and five-week-old Kieron. Trooper Tapp, 23, from Cwmbran in South Wales, said: "I'm
POLICE have arrested 11 people as part of an operation to stop drugs being smuggled into a young offenders' institution. Four inmates and seven of their friends and relatives have been charged with conspiracy to supply drugs to inmates at Deerbolt Young
AN early morning dash to a supermarket filled a prize raffle winner's cupboards with almost £700 worth of free food. Ian Stidwell, from Brandon, won a trolley dash around the Asda store, in Spennymoor, in a competition run by the town's Rotary Club. Money
A LOAN of £3.4m has been take out by an NHS trust because of a serious cash shortfall. The director of finance at Scarborough NHS Trust, in North Yorkshire, Bernard Flynn, said that despite making huge savings, the trust had still overspent by £3.4m at
A top-security prisoner blew his chances of early parole by threatening to kill a guard and his family. Keith Pringle, 33, was jailed for 15 years in 1992 after holding his ex-girlfriend at gunpoint in her Darlington home for 48 hours. The seige was only
REGIONAL development agency One NorthEast must be more focused and deliver major results soon if it is to fulfil its remit, according to business leaders. The Government-created organisation has made steps to improve the economic fortunes of the region
A MUSICAL spectacular featuring 3,000 drums will be the centrepiece of one of the country's largest youth festivals to be staged in North Yorkshire. Organisers are scouring the county for genuine and makeshift percussion instruments for the record breaker
Langbaurgh won their first ever trophy when they defeated Easington in the Wanless McConnell Shield Final. The match was played at Seaham Red Star on May 6. The first half was goalless, with Langbaurgh having the better chances. It took only two minutes
Durham Ladies' Selina Sinclair, 19, currently a student at Birmingham University, was awarded the Smith Cup for outstanding achievements with the Durham and Cleveland County Women's Team for 2002/3. The annual presentation ceremony of the County SRA held
THE financial problems of an East Cleveland museum will be looked at by a Government minister. The move comes after the problems facing the Tom Leonard Mining Museum in Skinningrove were raised in the House of Commons. Museum volunteers have several plans
A countryside chief has become the first person to walk the full length of Hadrian's Wall since Roman times. Richard Wakefield, chief executive of the Countryside Agency, is walking the Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail in advance of its official opening
BOMB disposal experts have issued a warning after an aircraft rocket was handed in to a police station. The man took the 28lb two-foot rocket to Middlesbrough Police Station because he had seen children playing with it. More than 100 officers and prisoners
A NORTH-EAST toddler who almost drowned in her garden pond was last night said to be improving in hospital. Katie Cooper, two, of Monkend Gardens, Croft, near Darlington, fell into the pond at her home last week. She is at Newcastle General Hospital,
As we approach the end of another long season there are only a handful of matches left with most local leagues finishing their season by playing their final few games. For some referees the football will continue for a few more weeks as there are a number
RICHMOND'S mayor has done such a good job that town council colleagues have asked him to stay in office for another year. Stuart Parsons, who also became a member of Richmondshire District Council on May 1, is the driving force behind the Richmond Pride
Northallerton-based Geoff Fell has been appointed to take over the duties of disgraced North Yorkshire coroner Jeremy Cave in the western district of the county. He has previously been the deputy coroner but has been fulfilling all Cave's duties since
A MOTORIST pleaded guilty yesterday to causing the death of a woman passenger in a car crash. George Harvey, 58, was driving a Ford Fiesta on the A688 at Westerton, near Spennymoor, County Durham, when it collided with a Ford Escort. One of his passengers
Durham Tigers recovered from an opening day defeat to demolish Whitley Bay Barbarians 68-10 North East Division of the Conference, newcomer David Kell scoring a hat-trick of tries and ten goals to end with a personal tally of 32 points - but still he
NO one disputes that senior company executives should be well paid. They are in positions of great responsibility and should be rewarded accordingly. The salary regime in the boardroom of GlaxoSmithKline, however, is obscenely excessive. The annual basic
Durham City Under-13 and Under-17 teams both won away to Catterick, the under-13s by 6-2 and the under-17s 10-6. For the Under-13 game, City fielded an untried team who had never previously played a competitive game. However, the players responded well
Spennymoor Spennymoor Under-13s sealed promotion with an excellent 4-2 win over league leaders Rickleton. Jason White took his season's total to 39 with two excellent goals and Ross Molloy took his total to 24 with a close range effort. Matthew Whittle
OLD Shildon swept the trophy honours with their third cup final victory over Thorns at Spennymoor United's Brewery Field last Sunday. Shildon comfortably beat them 4-0 after already beating them on penalties in the First Division Cup final - they also
FUNDS raised by supporters of a boarding school for Sherpa children in Katmandu have been personally delivered. The money was raised by pupils, parents and staff at Queen Mary's, an independent school for girls at Baldersby, near Thirsk. More than £1,000
Richmond and Zetland Harriers: The 2003 Track & Field season is now into its second month and Richmond and Zetland Harriers have had competition in three Leagues and more in recent weeks. The North Yorkshire South Durham (NYSD) League has been revamped
The parents of a North-East soldier who died in suspicious circumstances have made an emotional visit to the spot where he was found dead. Private Geoff Gray, 17, of Seaham, County Durham was discovered with two gunshot wounds to the head at Deepcut Barracks
If a football team plays on its stomach, as an army marches in its, the England fooball team should put in a great performance against Slovakia next month. IF the demented ghost of Bessie Surtees haunts the Redworth Hall Hotel - and everywhere worth its
The third round of the nine-a-side knockout will take place on May 19 at the first pub or club named. Railway Inst B v Victoria Soc B Britannia A v Cleveland Clb Nags Head v Rail Inst, Shildon Central WMC B v Sarahs The Captain's knockout will take place
A SHAKESPEARE play will be performed as The Bard intended when a touring theatre company returns to Richmond next month. Theatre Set-Up is no stranger to the town having performed at the castle in the past. On Sunday, June 29, an eight-strong cast will
County Super League: Bishop Auckland celebrated in style after they recorded their first win of the season with a two points success over reigning champions, Horden. The Bishops had two points from Dave Baird with Andrew Tuesday, David Jacomb, Ron Wright
Hinderwell enjoyed a comfortable victory at Norton in division one. Paul Theaker sent down 13 overs in the Hinderwell attack and bowled five maidens taking four wickets for 29, while Mark Swain had three for 35 from 17.3 overs including seven maidens
A CONFERENCE aiming to give advice to families with children who have special educational needs is taking place in the region. The North-East Parent Partnership Services organisation is hosting the event on Thursday, June 5, at Ushaw Moor College, Durham
If a football team plays on its stomach, as an army marches in its, the England fooball team should put in a great performance against Slovakia next month. IF the demented ghost of Bessie Surtees haunts the Redworth Hall Hotel - and everywhere worth its
Stuart Mitchie was in magnificent form for Newton Aycliffe against Medolmsley in the Division One game. Mitchie hit two sixes and 18 boundaries contributing 121 and Stephen Bell added 64, with nine fours, to the Aycliffe total of 276 for four amassed
The FA Cup Final Escape Committee (and Scotch Pie Fest) foregathered on Saturday in Musselburgh. No one had a radio or gave a monkey's; it's another country up there. Artfully advance booking, Sixer had bought the train tickets for £17. After breakfast
One of the North-East's rarest birds is being given a helping hand to help keep its tenous foothold in the region. Reporter and amateur twitcher Adrian Worsley discovers how. YOU'VE survived baking heat over the Sahara, sneaked past hungry raptors patrolling
Durham Coast League, Under-18s: David Morton captured four for a mere three runs as Houghton were dismissed for just 20 at Seaham Park who went on to win without conceding a wicket. Despite scoring a useful 99 for six Ryhope lost by six wickets at home
Yorkshire food producer Cranswick - which counts Thornaby company Lazenby's among its brands - has announced a 27 per cent increase in profits to £22.2m. The successful sausage plant continues to make a successful contribution to the annual results for
THE whale jawbones which stood on Whitby's West Cliff, in the shadow of the statue of Captain James Cook, are to get a home at the Whitby Archives Centre. The landmark bone archway was replaced by a set of bones from Anchorage, in Alaska, one of Whitby's
Marks and Spencer unveiled annual profits at the top end of expectations after the improved quality, availability and fit of its clothing ranges tempted more customers into its stores. Britain's biggest clothing retailer said yesterday that group pre-tax
FIVE east Cleveland students are among the best in the country at making potions fizz and gases bang in the chemistry lab. The teenagers at Prior Pursglove College in Guisborough, have just received national awards from the International Chemistry Olympiad
Last weekend also saw the semi-finals of The Northern Echo League Cup, with Division Three Hope Inn pulling off yet another giant-killing act. They secured their place in the Final with a golden goal against First Division Spraire RA although Hope must
Red-faced Yorkshire will decide today whether to go ahead and sign 21-year-old Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh who played a heroic innings for his country in the one-day international against England at Lord's last summer. Director of Cricket, Geoff Cope
AS he contemplates relaxing rounds of golf or lazy afternoons in the garden of his home near York, Mike Collier feels content that he has earned his retirement. As chief executive of one of nine fledgling regional development agencies, he has had to contend
In the Kenny Ball Cup semi-final, Darlington Croft lost 4-2 to Owton Manor. Darlington began in fine style putting the Manor under constant pressure with their all-out attacks and took the lead when John Dee latched onto a long clearance out of defence
STREET cleaners may be given the power to fine litter louts if a new get-tough policy fails. In a first for the North-East, Redcar High Street has been designated a litter-free zone. Community wardens will patrol the streets and use their existing powers
MARK JOHNSTON has vowed to give his 19-year-old jockey Keith Dalgleish more high profile chances and the teenager is all set to benefit from his elevated status aboard Nuit Sombre (3.15) in the richest race of the day, the £70,000 Showcase Handicap at
A STREET was sealed off and several houses lost their electricity supply following a car crash yesterday. It happened shortly after 6am when a 21-year-old man lost control of his Vauxhall Corsa, which left the road at Cedar Terrace, Fence Houses, near
WHILE I was away for a short break in Portugal, I heard that BBC Radio Four's Today programme had won a prestigious award for excellence in the broadcast media. I can't for the life of me think what they've done to deserve this. Any pretension to objectivity
SUNDERLAND goalkeeper Jurgen Macho is willing to join Champions League qualifiers Chelsea - but only if he is guaranteed an escape route from Stamford Bridge. The Austrian international, who will sever his links with the Stadium of Light when his contract
Worthington Durham County Summer League: Spennymoor A began the Summer League where they left off in the Winter league for they only dropped one point to the visiting Newton Aycliffe, who had John Briddick play a captain's role by taking their lone point
SIGNS of another gruelling year ahead for British Airways took the gloss off better-than-expected annual results from the battered airline. BA posted pre-tax profits of £135m - higher than City hopes - after racking up losses of £200m in the previous
VOLUNTEERS have been doing their bit to make life more pleasant in Northallerton. A team of volunteers from New Life Baptist Church took part in a day-long litter-pick around the town. It followed concern being expressed about the amount of litter on
PUPILS at Middlesbrough College overcame a series of physical and mental challenges to take first place in the annual Army Inter-College Competition. The event, held at Queen Elizabeth Barracks at Strensall, near York, saw 22 teams of ten pupils from
RESIDENTS are being urged to take a close look at road safety proposals that have been put forward for their area. The plans have been put forward following growing concern about speeding traffic in Beverley Road and Langton Road, Norton, near Malton.
WORK has begun on the latest phase of the South Stockton Link Road at Ingleby Barwick. Myton Way is single carriageway and will provide a link from Queen Elizabeth Way to the centre of Ingleby Barwick. This work is the latest phase of the road, which
NEWCASTLE are ready to hand Lee Bowyer the chance to be reunited with former Leeds teammate Jonathan Woodgate. Sir Bobby Robson has renewed his interest in midfielder Bowyer, who is available on a Bosman transfer following West Ham's relegation from the
FOOTBALL fans and art lovers do not usually mix in the same circles, but that could change because of a new exhibition. The Game Of Life, by Mackenzie Thorpe, one of Britain's most collected artists, is being staged at The Arthaus, Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough
The elderly are becoming increasingly afraid to venture onto the streets as their fear of crime grows, Age Concern has warned. A report by the charity has found that many pensioners are condemned to a life inside four walls because they feel vulnerable
YESTERDAY proved a turning point for little Megan Garbutt. It marked the first day she was able to sit down with her classmates for lunch at her school. The installation of a chairlift at Bankfields Primary School, Eston, near Middlesbrough, is now making
WIDE-ranging efforts to make life safer in communities across North Yorkshire have won further cash backing. County councillors have agreed to inject £70,000 into a campaign led by the seven Community Safety Partnerships in the county. The partnerships
ANYONE with a story to tell about Hartlepool's Headland is being urged to come forward. A search has begun for people to help with a new project to attract more visitors to the Headland and help them explore the area's heritage and traditions. The plan
WORK to improve security at a vandal-hit bowling green in Hartlepool has been completed. A 2.4m heavy-duty wire fence has been erected around the bowling green at Seaton Carew Park. Hartlepool Borough Council's grants committee contributed £3,000 towards
CONTRACTORS are moving in today to begin setting out the greens of a new golf course - the first to be created in Teesdale for more than 100 years. The tough nine-hole course is being formed on pasture land around Headlam Hall Hotel, near Gainford, with
Ian Stidwell, from Brandon, collected free food worth nearly £700 when he won a trolley dash around the Asda store in Spennymoor, in a charity competition run by the town's Rotary Club. Money raised through the event has been shared between Care of the
THE wraps came off rolling stock and stations yesterday as Wensleydale moved a step closer to a return to the railways. Wensleydale Railway Plc announced last week at hopes to run its first passenger services between Leeming Bar and Leyburn on July 4.
A SERVICE for people affected by adoption is starting on Teesside following the success of a scheme launched in Darlington. The service in Hartlepool, run by Durham Family Welfare, offers help and support to those trying to trace their birth parents or
A SERVICE promising to banish people's debts within four years has been launched in County Durham. The national debt counselling charity Christians Against Poverty (Cap) has teamed up with Durham's Emmanuel Church to open a centre at Front Street, Framwellgate
A FAMILY devastated by the death of a child to cancer are desperate for a holiday. Sandra Baker, from Mowden, Darlington, lost her son Darren, nine, to a brain tumour in May last year. Darren's sister Stacey, 13, was awarded The Northern Echo's Positive
CONTRACTORS are moving in today to begin setting out the greens of a new golf course - the first to be created in Teesdale for more than 100 years. The tough nine-hole course is being formed on pasture land around Headlam Hall Hotel, near Gainford, with
THERE were twice the usual celebrations when Mark and Catherine Leatherbarrow finally tied the knot. For the service was a double one as their daughter Chloe was christened at the same time. The couple, from Clifton, York, were brought closer together
BEGGARS are being cleared from streets in Middlesbrough. Only months after Mayor Ray Mallon vowed to rid the streets of beggars, numbers have dropped from 24 to four. Injunctions and applications for anti-social behaviour orders will be used against persistent
AN ex-fireman's son has done his father proud by rescuing two neighbours from their blazing home. Billy Forster, 33, awoke in the early hours of yesterday to the smell of smoke and the sound of his neighbours' shouts for help. He rushed to the bedroom
A FORMER nurse is the new chief executive of Tees, East and North Yorkshire Ambulance Service (Tenyas). Jayne Barnes, who started work as a nurse at Leeds General Infirmary 25 years ago, will take over on June 1. Mrs Barnes, 43, is director of nursing
VANDALS who overturned more than 70 headstones at a Middlesbrough cemetery have been condemned by police. The damage at Thorntree Cemetery occurred during the weekend and was discovered by staff from the cemetery yesterday morning. As well as damage to
A MAN jailed after attacking his seven-week-old son and leaving him with severe head injuries is to take his case to the Court of Appeal. Michael Faulder, 34, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years after being convicted of grievous bodily harm at Teesside
EXTRA services on the Shields Ferry will be provided on Sunday and Monday for people heading to the North Shields Fish Quay Festival. Metro operator Nexus, which runs the ferry, is operating additional sailings of the cross-Tyne service between 10am and
DESIGN students have been given an insight into the creation of a car, from the drawing board to the showroom. The design manager with Jaguar, Joe Buck, spent a day with students from Darlington College of Technology in a workshop designed to give them
Red Cross Cup: The opening two rounds of this spring and summer popular Stableford competition have now been played and players are coping with conditions very well although Tuesday nights will be better when evenings draw out a bit and the late players
WORK starts next week on a £25m development to transform Newton Aycliffe. The town is to get its first supermarket before Christmas after Durham County Council completed its biggest ever land deal. Developers CTP, from Manchester, move on to the former
JANE Stallwood has been named the winner of this year's Teesdale photographic contest and will have her scenic snapshot of the upper dale printed on the front of the district's 2004 calendar. The former social worker, who lives in Stainton, near Barnard
THE new Mayor of Great Aycliffe is hoping to use his year in office to benefit children with diabetes. Councillor Malcolm Iveson was presented with the mayoral chains at the council's annual meeting. Coun Iveson, who was also installed as deputy leader
The Albany Northern League have accepted an invitation from Darlington chairman George Reynolds to stage next year's Albany Northern League cup final at Neasham Road. This season's final, between Shildon and Billingham Synthonia was staged at Feethams
FAMILY and friends will gather this week to pay tribute to Centenarian Cissy Horner who died almost two months after her 100th birthday. Mrs Horner died peacefully at Barrington Lodge Nursing Home in Bishop Auckland, last Wednesday. Her niece, Marjorie
A NORTH-EAST college has completed a £300,000 investment aimed at equipping people with the skills needed to secure senior IT jobs. City of Sunderland Collegehas provided new computers, laser printers, and teaching aids such as interactive display screens
THE outgoing Mayor of Darlington performed her last official function last week, before stepping down from the post. Councillor Doris Jones presented a cheque for £5,000 to the local branch of the Alzheimer's Society - money which came from the mayor's
PLANNING officials in the Yorkshire Dales are quicker than most when it comes to making decisions, according to statistics released by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. Despite having to deal with an increase in the volume of work, the Yorkshire
A HALF-WAY house for elderly patients coming out of hospital has opened at Sacriston. The Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trust (PCT) is renting two flats in Graham Court sheltered housing complex for people who are not ready to return home.
MILITARY SHOW: A military vehicle and militaria show takes place at the Harperley PoW camp, near the A68 roundabout at Fir Tree, on Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8. Attractions include a Second World War searchlight display, vintage cars, vehicle spares
THREE East Cleveland beaches have made it into a new guide to clean beaches in Britain. Saltburn, Marske Sands and Coatham are included The Marine Conservation Society Good Beach Guide 2003. The publication mentions 421 beaches across the UK, 18 of which
A YOUNG mother is planning to sue chemical firm ICI after her 37-year-old husband died from an asbestos-related disease. Three years ago, Keith Abbey, from Stockton, died from malignant mesothelioma, a lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos fibres
CHIVALROUS students have been awarded antique silver crosses for valuable contributions to their college and community life. An election held among staff and students at Northallerton College determined which male and female pupil most deserved the Cuthbert
SW Durham Vets League: Sherburn moved to the top of the First Division following their whitewash home win over Crook Glenholme by 63 shots to 46. Rink scores (Sherburn names first): N. McDonald 23 R. Bibby 15; T. Burt 24 B. Richardson 16; R. Smith 16
ONE NorthEast hopes to have laid the footings for future growth in the region with the establishment of five centres of excellence. The agency plans to turn the North-East into a world-beater in the areas of process industries, digital technology and
FOOTBALL fans and art lovers do not usually mix in the same circles, but that could change because of a new exhibition. The Game Of Life, by Mackenzie Thorpe, one of Britain's most collected artists, is being staged at The Arthaus, Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough
TEACHING union representatives in the region last night backed renewed calls to abolish compulsory tests for primary school pupils. The newly-formed Primary Education Alliance wants the Government to abandon the Key Stage One Standard Assessment Tests
THE tranquillity of a Yorkshire country garden has been created in the hurly-burly of London. Visitors to the Chelsea Flower Show are being transported to the peaceful broad acres with an exhibit created for the regional development agency Yorkshire Forward
ONE of the North-East's most crucial developments is still on track, officials said yesterday. The future of the proposed Morton Palms Business Park, on the outskirts of Darlington, was secured in March by a deal which could create up to 1,000 jobs. Newcastle
AN early morning dash to a supermarket filled a prize raffle winner's cupboards with almost £700 worth of free food. Ian Stidwell, from Brandon, won a trolley dash around the Asda store, in Spennymoor, in a competition run by the town's Rotary Club. Money
THE Government was last night embroiled in a row over secret plans to convert existing bail hostels into centres for paedophiles. Home Office and probation officials denied reports that ten city centre hostels across the country - including one in Newcastle
POLICE have warned hotels and guesthouses to be on the alert for a con man who has already left a number of businesses out of pocket after staying with them for a few days. Giving the name David Taylor or Richard Healey, the man left without settling
A MYSTERY tour in a famous television bus has been arranged to raise money for a North-East mother attempting to beat a crippling disease. Ann Teasdale, from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, had to have a leg amputated after contracting the rare condition
TEESSIDE Hospice is holding a 21st anniversary fashion show lunch today, featuring local designers. It is being held at Marton Hotel and Country Club between noon and 3pm, with doors opening at 10.30am for pre-lunch drinks. Fashions from Sarah Jane, of
A MAN who befriended a schoolboy on an Internet chat room for teenagers has gone on trial accused of rape, taking explicit photographs and indecently assaulting the youngster. Petrol pump attendant Michael Britton, 51, claimed he was a 19-year-old when
BUSINESSES in Darlington are being asked to sign up to a new Flyers Code of Practice in an effort to reduce littering. The borough council is concerned about flyers - free literature used by businesses to attract customers - becoming a major source of
Cancer Research launches its Race for Life in Darlington this week. Women of all ages are being asked to walk, jog or run the 5km route around South Park on Sunday, July 13, to raise money for the charity's fight against cancer. All entrants in the race
A PENSIONER died after falling over twice in a matter of minutes in the care home where she lived, an inquest heard yesterday. Staff at Rydal Nursing Home, in Darlington, thought Gladys Thompson, 78, was unharmed after the first fall on May 8. But minutes
ARTWORK by students at Darlington's Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College has gone on display. The exhibition of work is being held at the art gallery in Darlington town hall. Wendy Hall, Darlington's visual and public arts officer, said: "It is a wonderful
TEN people have been arrested in connection with the pitch invasions during England's football clash with Turkey at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland. Northumbria Police and the Football Association came together last Wednesday to launch a hunt for the
A SPRING cleaning event has been organised for later this month. Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's countryside officers will hold the Tidy Up The Tracks event at the walkway from Normanby to South Bank on Wednesday, May 28, from 2pm to 3.30pm. Equipment
AN academic from the region has won one of the premier accolades for scientists from Britain and the Commonwealth. Professor Eleanor Dodson, of York University's chemistry department, has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society. She is the first
Ian Stidwell, from Brandon, collected free food worth nearly £700 when he won a trolley dash around the Asda store in Spennymoor, in a charity competition run by the town's Rotary Club. Money raised through the event has been shared between Care of the
A SINGER who played leading roles in musical shows for more than four decades has died. Baritone Vincent Vickers, from Bishop Auckland, County Durham, was a favourite with audiences around the North. He sang at Newcastle's Theatre Royal and Gateshead
A HALF-WAY house for elderly patients coming out of hospital has opened at Sacriston. The Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trust (PCT) is renting two flats in Graham Court sheltered housing complex for people who are not ready to return home.
A MAN is recovering after he was hit with a bottle in an unprovoked nightclub attack. The 35-year-old factory team leader, who has not been named, needed seven stitches to his head and will be scarred for life. He had gone into Monty's nightclub, in Front
Dealers are set to lose their homes under radical new plans to combat the drugs menace on North-East streets. Police have drawn up a tough new policy aimed at driving out dealers who make thousands pedalling drugs. Politicians are pressing the Government
HUNDREDS of thousands of pounds are to be spent bringing crumbling, historic streets back to life in the North-East. Run down areas of the region are to receive a £691,000 Government cash injection. This will concentrate on regenerating high streets,
An Army sergeant who smuggled a 13-year-old girl into his barrack room for sex was jailed for 15 months yesterday. Twice-married Michael Baker, 40, who was caught after her family found his letters hidden in her bedroom will be kicked out of the Army.
TEESSIDE Hospice is holding a 21st anniversary fashion show lunch today, featuring local designers. It is being held at Marton Hotel and Country Club between noon and 3pm, with doors opening at 10.30am for pre-lunch drinks. Fashions from Sarah Jane, of
A LANDMARK hotel has issued an open invitation to a party to celebrate the completion of an extensive facelift this weekend. The Bridge House Hotel, opposite Catterick Racecourse, was acquired by the Tadcaster Pub Company in April and has been undergoing
Florist Steve Pattinson plans to work through the night at the Chelsea Flower Show tomorrow to try to win a medal as a tribute to his late wife, Stephanie. He will travel to London from Darlington with a van load of orchids and other blooms and then spend
A century by Neil Fox and 58 from Keith Symington featured in Norton's innings at Stockton. Geoff Kean added 35 and Norton ended on 230 for nine with Mark Fletcher taking five for 56 in the Stockton attack. When Stockton made first use of the wicket and
TONY BLAIR: THE latest bomb attack in Saudi Arabia should surely convince the Americans that their Middle East policy is a complete disaster and is costing the lives of their citizens, among others. Since Tony Blair has allied our foreign policy to that
Darlington Church and Friendly League Both Darlington RA Youth and Shildon Elm Road WMC did the League and themselves proud in the League Cup Final on Darlington FC's Feethams ground where they dished up an excellent game of football, the only thing to
There's nothing like celebrating good news in fine company and that's exactly what I was doing last Friday night. The Hartlepool United Disabled Supporters' Association (HUDSA) held their end-of-season promotion party at the Old Boys' Rugby Club on Easington
THE new Mayor of Great Aycliffe is hoping to use his year in office to benefit children with diabetes. Councillor Malcolm Iveson was presented with the mayoral chains at the council's annual meeting. Coun Iveson, who was also installed as deputy leader
FAMILY and friends will gather this week to pay tribute to Centenarian Cissy Horner who died almost two months after her 100th birthday. Mrs Horner died peacefully at Barrington Lodge Nursing Home in Bishop Auckland, last Wednesday. Her niece, Marjorie
AN animal lover has won celebrity backing for the building of a sanctuary for strays. Prime Minister Tony Blair has sent a signed pen for an auction to raise funds for Saltburn Animal Rescue Association's (Sara) £300,000 appeal to build a shelter in east
THE outgoing Mayor of Darlington performed her last official function last week, before stepping down from the post. Councillor Doris Jones presented a cheque for £5,000 to the local branch of the Alzheimer's Society - money which came from the mayor's
NEW CHAIRMAN: Stanhope councillor Harry Irwin was elected chairman of Stanhope Parish Council at the annual meeting. He replaces Councillor Diane Sutcliff, from St John's Chapel. There are vacancies at Cowshill Lanehead, St John's Chapel and Frosterley
HARD-WORKING and bright pupils have been rewarded for their achievements as many of them enter the final weeks of their school careers. Peter Barron, editor of The Northern Echo, presented year 11 pupils at St John's RC Comprehensive School in Bishop
THE start of Test cricket in County Durham will bring a boost to the local economy, business experts believe. A report by Durham University Business School outlines the potential benefit of up to 60,000 spectators coming to Chester-le-Street during the
A GOVERNMENT-backed rescue bid that would safeguard thousands of North-East steel jobs has been ruled out. Unions had hoped ministers would step in to help to secure the future of the Corus plant at Redcar. The plant - which employs 2,900 workers - is
PLANS to built 47 houses on a former industrial site were deferred by Hambleton councillors who wanted more information. It was the second time that developers McCarthy and Stone had put forward proposals to redevelop the land in the centre of Bedale,
BOLDON overcame a stout Lumley side and very blustery conditions to lift the Tyne Tees Under-13 Challenge Cup at Seaton Carew. The South Tyneside team remain on course for a league and cup double at under-13 level following their 6-2 victory in last Sunday's
Mary Archer: My Life With Jeffrey (C4) SHE was "poised, very cool, jaw-droppingly beautiful". He was a "golden boy" intent on being a winner as an athlete. It wasn't love at first sight for her. She was intrigued more than bowled over. "I'm not easily
GIRLS across North Yorkshire are being encouraged to go football mad after news of a £50,000 grant from the Football Foundation. The cash from the foundation, the UK's largest sports charity, will fund a development officer to organise coaching and competitions
A GROUP of local entrepreneurs are backing a campaign to increase awareness of the way Business Link can help Tees Valley firms achieve their goals. They have benefited from the support of Business Link in a variety of ways in the past and are keen to
NEARLY 2,000 model Porsches are to go under the hammer when one of the largest collections in the world comes up for sale. The models were owned by the late Charles Kuell, former president of the Porsche Club of America, and are to be sold by Teesside
THE North-East could be slowly ridding itself of its reputation for being the country's top blackspot for cigarette smuggling, it emerged yesterday. After several years as the top regional target for organised crime gangs, customs officials are celebrating
A businessman who hoped to build a factory at a redundant cement works - creating 135 jobs - is now looking at a new site. Terry Simmons wanted to create a building board plant at LaFarge's Blue Circle Cement works, in Eastgate, Weardale, which closed
Slazenger Harrogate and District League: A remarkable 40-match unbeaten run by Northallerton has been ended. They were beaten 5-4 by Thirsk A team in Division Three, suffering their first defeat since joining the league four seasons ago. Each year they
A cunning conman set up a maintenance company which hired unsuspecting workers to steal two-and-a-half miles of railway track worth £250,000. Under the name KGT Enterprises Ltd, Glen Pendleton, 49, masterminded the scam to lift 350 tonnes of scrap in
THE region's newest cinema is to preview the latest Hollywood blockbuster. Matrix Reloaded is being released on Friday, but the 116-seat cinema at Durham's Gala Theatre will show the film from tomorrow night. Theatre bosses say the cinema, which opened
LIFE is a cabaret for east Cleveland drama students about to stage a major production. Redcar and Cleveland College's performing arts department will stage the classic musical Cabaret later this month. Starring 18-year-old Becky Wilson as singer Sally
Sunderland Arrows have gained promotion to the English U16 North A League following a draw and victory from two games at the weekend. Arrows had a win over Blackburn Eagles and a draw with Sheffield Greyhounds in the North Promotion/Relegation play-off
THOUSANDS OF children have been getting into step for national Walk to School Week. And schools and education authorities throughout the North-East hope parents will too. Only 12 per cent of children were taken to school by car in Britain in the mid-1970s
A BANNED driver who left a high-performance car embedded in the lounge of a house has been locked up. Three people in the house escaped injury when the S-Type Jaguar ploughed through the front window and wall. Brett Crawford, who ran from the scene, was
AN 82-year-old woman had her bag snatched by a man who sped off in a black car. A police spokesman said the thief struck in Lilac Street, Sunderland, at 3.15pm on May 14. The handbag was found in a back lane behind St Luke's Terrace, Sunderland, without
Mary Archer: My Life With Jeffrey (C4) SHE was "poised, very cool, jaw-droppingly beautiful". He was a "golden boy" intent on being a winner as an athlete. It wasn't love at first sight for her. She was intrigued more than bowled over. "I'm not easily
A COLLECTION of Victorian stamps, saved from being burnt and kept under lock and key for decades, is going under the hammer this week. The rare assortment - including a Penny Black - takes up about 20 lots in a sale at Tennants, in Leyburn, North Yorkshire
Division One, Acklam SW 5, Whitby Town Res 2:Acklam Steelworks entertained Whitby Town Reserves, who were playing their last match in the League following their resignation, shocked Acklam by taking the lead through a first of the season from Dean Dale
Arthur Reed Shield Final sponsored by Leven Bridge Engineering, Thornaby Mandale FC 5 v 0 M'bro St Mary's Coll OB: Thornaby Mandale picked up their third piece of silverware when they lifted the Arthur Reed Shield after beating St. Mary's College. The
THE Duke of Edinburgh award scheme annual presentation evening was held at Prior Pursglove Sixth Form College, Guisborough, on Thursday, May 1. Prior Pursglove Swing Band entertained an enthusiastic audience and the awards were presented by Catherine
HUNDREDS of thousands of pounds more will be spent providing better services and facilities for young people across the county. North Yorkshire County Council education service has agreed to increase the amount it spends each year on services for its
THE mother of a missing student has spoken for the first time about her heartache. Teesside University student Craig Hetherington, 22, of Guisborough, disappeared one Saturday night in February after leaving Middlesbrough's Cornerhouse pub following a
Great Broughton and Scruton were involved in a high-scoring game which the home side won by 49 runs. When they batted first they posted 192 for nine as Andre White hit one six and 11 boundaries in an unbeaten 77. Barratt was the most productive bowler
Two thieves who fled over fields to get away from police, leaving behind a lorry load of stolen goods, are being hunted. The pair were driving an old Ford tipper truck when police in a patrol car spotted them on a road near Woodland, Co Durham, at 1.20am
The Darlington based Tees Valley Cougars American Football team hosted their first ever home fixture at the Eastbourne Sports Complex on Sunday and the pressure was not only from the opposition, but also from the coaching team, who have put their side
A NORTH-EAST company which says it helps would-be performers break into the entertainment industry is being investigated by trading standards officers. Big Break Magazine, in Darlington, offers actors, singers, dancers and models a photo session and an
There was a time when talk of rollovers and jackpots dominated the nation's living rooms, but after yet another relaunch for the ailing game, Nick Morrison looks at why we have fallen out of love with the National Lottery. DOING it twice a week couldn't
Durham League: Ever Ready/Craghead shot to the top of the First Division after they whitewashed their visitors from Langley Park. This result moved them three points clear of Crook Glenholme and five points ahead of Sherburn Village. Ever Ready/Craghead
Colburn Health and Recreation Centre With seven weeks gone it couldn't be tighter. FC Spoons earned a battling draw against an improving McDees, both Colburn Town teams, Mean Machine and Le Maginot keep up pressure on Legionnaires. Upex beat an improving
CONFIDENT Malcolm Christie has told Middlesbrough's supporters 'there's a lot more to come'. The former England Under-21 striker became an instant hit on Teesside when he arrived in January. Christie scored three goals in his first five starts for Boro
TEN people have been arrested in connection with the pitch invasions during England's football clash with Turkey at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland. Northumbria Police and the Football Association came together last Wednesday to launch a hunt for the
WIDE-ranging efforts to make life safer in communities of all sizes have won more cash backing. North Yorkshire County councillors have agreed to inject £70,000 into the campaign led by the county's seven Community Safety Partnerships. The partnerships
CALLING all North-East cricketers! The Northern Echo today begins its search for the region's finest with the launch of the Cricketer of the Year Award. Opening up in association with sports equipment specialists Mike Gough Sports of Hartlepool, the competition
CUB reporters, editors and sub-editors at a primary school have made a real splash in an international competition. Northgate Junior School in Guisborough was one of 46 schools out of 2,500 to receive a international recognition for their school newspaper
Needles in haystacks, train times in Timbuctoo, may be found more easily than background information on Mr Ken Hodcroft. If it's flesh on bones that's sought, there's more meat on an anorexic spuggie. His website offers little more than name, rank and
Quakers RC: The first meeting of the North Yorkshire and South Durham Track and Field league took place recently at Middlesbrough's Claireville Stadium. Four of the clubs under 17s took part with three of them having moved up into a new age group. Julia
HUNDREDS of thousands of pounds are to be spent bringing crumbling, historic streets back to life in the North-East. Run down areas of the region are to receive a £691,000 Government cash injection. This will concentrate on regenerating high streets,
All Stars made up for missing out on the Second Division title when they took the divisional Cup on Sunday at Darlington's RA ground. In The Darlington Motor Factors Second Division Cup Final they met Bishop Auckland Derby who had finished fourth in the
THREE students have received silver crosses for their contribution to college and community life. An election was held among staff and students at Northallerton College to determine which male and female pupil most deserved the Cuthbert Crosses. The clear
Auckland CIU League: The final of the team Knockout will be between Cockton Hill and West Auckland to be played over a two leg home and away match. West Auckland won their way through by beating Tindale Crescent in a much easier manner than Cockton Hill's
WHEN George Hollis was involved in a car crash during a family shopping trip to York six years ago, it left him with severe whiplash injuries and speech problems, forcing him to give up his job as a college lecturer. Then a learning development manager
40 years ago: An FA amateur international tournament takes place in the North-East with Peter Lorimer of Leeds United included the Scotland squad. The early games see Scotland beat Eire 5-1 in front of 1,319 fans at Kingsway, while England, who have local
A North-East lingerie retailer is helping women who have had breast cancer find the perfect bra. Women's Editor Christen Pears reports on a special service. WHEN Valerie Anderson had a mastectomy two years ago, she thought she was restricted to wearing
Wear Valley Ladies League: The outstanding matches to qualify for Finals Night were held at two venues. At Crook Three Blue Bells, Howden Sunnydene Lodge qualified for the final of the team Knockout when they beat Crook Mill House 2-1. The Howden team
The league held its annual presentation evening at the working men's club, Northallerton, on Thursday, May 8. Mr Harold Bartram, who was compere for the night, opened the evening by welcoming every and congratulating the winning teams. He thanked the
Stanley Sunday League: Stanley FC are the Champions of Derwentside following a crushing win over Consett Stateside in the tri-league competition involving sides from the Stanley, Consett and Durham Leagues. After finding themselves a goal down inside
Whitehill FC lifted the League Challenge Cup with a 3-1 victory over Belford House. Whitehill with the wind behind them led after 18 minutes, A Michael Graver corner was headed in by Dave O'Brien. Belford cancelled that out three minutes later after a
A REBELLION by shareholders last night signalled the beginning of the end of "fat cat" pay deals in Britain's boardrooms. In an unprecedented revolt, City institutions and an army of small investors joined forces to reject a multi-million pound pay and
Middleton St George bowled out Raby Castle for 45 in 24 overs to win their Division A game by 57 runs. Dave McKenna claimed six wickets for a mere 13 runs in 11 overs, five of which were maidens and Amjit Hussein also had five maidens in 11 overs returning
Fourth division champions Brompton Juniors Under-14s completed their league campaign with a 4-3 win against Dormans Athletic. Adam Lister opened the scoring in the first minute with some neat footwork and an excellent finish, he added his second and Bromptons
TEENAGER Kimberley Stobbs got the birthday present she had been wishing for - being back at home with her family. The youngster, from Burnhope, near Consett, County Durham, was diagnosed with leukaemia in August. Her sister, Kate, ten, donated bone marrow
ORCA the golden retriever was hailed a wonder dog last night after saving its owner's life just like Lassie, the canine movie legend. Cheryl Smith, 22, was trapped for two hours in a rain-swollen ditch after her 300lb motorised wheelchair veered from
Northumberland and Durham Tyneside Senior League, Under-15s: Annfield Plain won a low-scoring game at Lanchester by just 16 runs after posting 78 for three which included 50 by Stephen Harrison. Replying Lanchester managed 62 for six as Brittain captured
THE centenary of the Institute of Directors (IoD) was marked in Yorkshire with the presentation of the Yorkshire Centenary Business Awards at the annual dinner at Oulton Hall in Leeds. GNER chief executive Christopher Garnett was the guest speaker and
HEADTEACHER Hugh Porter was left stomping mad after a hoaxer landed a sumo wrestler on his school doorstep. Man mountain Steve Pateman had been hoodwinked by an e-mailer masquerading as the headteacher. So when Mr Pateman arrived at the Joseph Rowntree
A POND is one of the features being created in the new-look arable area at a countryside show this year. The water feature for the Great Yorkshire Show, Harrogate, is intended to further increase the range of wildlife in the area and demonstrate different
A couple who remember their experience as the winners of the Evening Despatch's Spring Bride and Groom competition married exactly 25 years ago today. Women's Editor Christen Pears reports. TWENTY-five years ago, Linda and Macolm Reese won the Evening
THE management team at Gateshead MetroCentre has been recognised as the Northumbria Community Partner of the Year. A spokesman for the shopping centre said in the the 17 years since MetroCentre opened the malls had always been recognised as one of the
Darlington's Clive Cloke sealed a sensational victory during the Darlington BT AA Knockout Trophy split between Lane Fox and Willowgarth Ponds. Sat on the long platform at Lane Fox, Clive waggler fished red maggot onto the near shelf in 8 feet of water
