Archive

  • Injuries of 'attack victim' caused by crash

    A TEENAGE girl allegedly assaulted in a park was actually injured in a car crash, police have revealed. The 14-year-old from Annfield Plain, County Durham, suffered facial injuries and a broken collar bone after allegedly being the victim of a "vicious

  • McCarthy resting his stars

    MICK McCARTHY will rest a number of stars tonight after making the Premiership's £20m bounty his main priority. Marcus Stewart, Mart Poom and Julio Arca are among the first-teamers that could all be omitted for the visit of Huddersfield Town as McCarthy

  • It's a big chance for Henry

    AFTER a frustrating sequence of placed efforts, Henry Hall (3.45) has finally found the perfect opportunity to get his head back in front at Beverley this afternoon. As a result of being far too consistent for his own good, the handicapper has never given

  • The cricketers who may be in the Doghouse

    Formed forty years ago, Doghouse Cricket Club - of which the column is a vice-president - was so named because many of its married members would thereafter be playing on both Saturday and Sunday and not (shall we say) be in the best of odours at home.

  • Comeback kid becomes a champion

    The Tees Valley has a new champion modern apprentice to encourage youngers to stick to the trades. But as Ian Lamming finds out, he does not expect people to follow in all of his footsteps. IF Ben Alderson looks like he has been through a hedge backwards

  • Steelmaker inquiry win for MP

    A NORTH-EAST MP has won his bid for an investigation into the plans of steelmaker Corus. Ashok Kumar, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, has long battled to have a House of Commons inquiry into plans by Corus to axe steelworkers and plant

  • Ince issues a warning for Molineux visitors

    Darlington can expect anything but an easy ride at Molineux tonight according to Wolves captain Paul Ince. The ex-England midfielder pinpointed tonight's Carling Cup second round tie as an ideal opportunity to kick-start their disastrous start to the

  • Bhs boss confirms interest in Safeway

    BILLIONAIRE Philip Green confirmed yesterday that he is still prepared to go head to head with supermarket chain Morrisons in the battle for Safeway. The retail entrepreneur, who owns British Home Stores and the Arcadia fashion chain, was quoted at the

  • Comment from The Northern Echo: Not playing the game

    WITH many millions watching around the globe, Manchester United and Arsenal played the highest profile match of the football season on Sunday evening. The English league is the fastest, the most exciting, the richest, the most talked about anywhere in

  • Druken judge insulted police officers

    A DRUNKEN judge called police officers ''arseholes'' and said their behaviour would ''cost them £5,000'' as they marched him out of a late night kebab shop, a court heard yesterday. Deputy District Judge David Messenger, 49, was arrested at a takeaway

  • Estate is ready for tenants

    TENANTS are about to move into a new business park. UK Land Estates' Tyne Tunnel Estate consists of 11 trade counter units, and is next to the A19 Tyne Tunnel approach road and the A1058 Coast Road. The units give occupiers production and distribution

  • Team's green ideas inspire city planners Down Under

    ADVICE from an award-winning environmental team is providing a blueprint for planners Down Under. Guidelines drawn up for environmentally-friendly development by a partnership led by Durham County Council are being adopted by authorities in Brisbane,

  • Pylon protest widow in new conflict over access

    PYLONS protestor Rosalind Craven's long-running battle against the National Grid flared up again at her farm gate yesterday. The 62-year-old widow refused to unlock the gate at Home Farm, Huby, near Easingwold, North Yorkshire, to allow contractors to

  • Solicitor joins the Reg Vardy legal team

    ONE of the UK's biggest car dealerships, Reg Vardy, has strengthened its legal team with the appointment of Alison Jowsey. Miss Jowsey has been recruited for the newly created role of assistant group solicitor and is working alongside the group's company

  • 'We must become the first stop for processing'

    Advanced processing and exploiting new materials are among the tasks of the Centre of Excellence for Process Innovation. In the third interview with bosses of the regional centres of excellence, Business Correspondent Jonathan Jones met Nigel Perry. ADVANCED

  • Hoddle vows to hit back

    Glenn Hoddle last night expressed his ''shock and disappointment'' at losing his job as manager of Tottenham - but pledged to bounce back and return to football ''at the highest level''. Hoddle was sacked over the telephone by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy

  • Last Night's TV: A triangle to test the patience

    Too Good To Be True (ITV1): Premiere People (BBC1 - Newcastle/Cumbria): THEY look like the perfect family on holiday as mum, dad and two children frolic in the sea under the Spanish sun. But Too Good To Be True demonstrated that appearances can be deceptive

  • Campbell 'wanted to expose dossier source'

    ALASTAIR Campbell wanted to expose Government weapons expert David Kelly as the BBC's source on the Iraq weapons dossier, the Hutton Inquiry was told last night. Extracts from the outgoing No 10 communication's chief's secret diary show that he believed

  • Regeneration company boss 'worked for MI6'

    A BUSINESS boss given the task of bringing jobs and investment to the North-East has been revealed as a former MI6 spy. It was known that Middlesbrough-born Peter Middleton, chairman of the Tees Valley Urban Regeneration Company, worked in intelligence

  • Paul and Heather's little secret

    Sir Paul McCartney and his pregnant North-East wife Heather Mills know the sex of their baby and have chosen a name but it is staying a closely-guarded secret, the anti-landmines campaigner said today. Mrs Mills-McCartney, speaking on a US chat show,

  • Free-kick king Strachan is seeking a Cup upset

    THE WEST Midlands influence lives on for Gavin Strachan. Once a promising Coventry midfielder, Strachan tonight faces former Midlands rivals West Brom after finding regular first-team football at Hartlepool. A win tonight in the Carling Cup at Victoria

  • Sir Jimmy fixes it for car-free city streets

    SIR JIMMY Savile threw his weight behind a drive to reclaim the streets for pedestrians yesterday. In an event marked with street entertainment from musicians, jugglers and performance artists, Sir Jimmy opened Newcastle's first In Town Without My Car

  • 'Northumbrian Water is a safe haven for battered investors'

    What kind of reception can Northumbrian Water expect when it lists on the Stock Market today? Tony Kearney talks to the company's finance director, Chris Green. STABILITY is a term which rarely sets pulses racing among stock market investors, but it is

  • Festival cash up for grabs

    THE partnership behind a burgeoning Dales festival will share its success with communities in the area. The first Dales Food and Drink Festival was held in Leyburn last year, attracting crowds from across the region. But the success of the debut event

  • One more step towards the dictator state

    DAVID Blunkett wants to introduce legislation for compulsory identity cards for all. He claims this will help put a check on the soaring increase in the numbers of asylum-seekers - an increase, incidentally, which, until recently Mr Blunkett denied. He

  • Sarah proves she can cut it in the hairdressing world

    MODERN Apprentice Sarah Meggeson is proving she can succeed in the world of hairdressing before even finishing her training. The 18-year-old has almost finished an Advanced Modern Apprenticeship (AMA) in hairdressing, provided by Newcastle-based BL Hairdressing

  • Boeing holding informal talks with N-E firms

    REPRESENTATIVES from US aircraft maker Boeing are in the North-East for talks with contractors over future deals that could bring thousands of jobs. A delegation from the company was last night enjoying a traditional English pub meal with members of Northern

  • Eating Owt: Doing the diner culinary justice

    The Judges Lodgings, in York, may look splendid, but the food fails to live up to expectations. CITY of Vikings and of vennels, of spectres and of street wise cyclists, York is wiping its chin after a ten-day food and drink festival ended on Sunday. "

  • Fast-food shop hours extension bid

    COUNCIL planning officers are supporting an application for a fast-food restaurant to extend its opening hours in Darlington. Planning permission for the KFC drive-through restaurant, on a retail park in Yarm Road, was granted by Darlington Borough Council

  • Support group offers help to people with lung cancer

    A SUPPORT group is being set up in the area for people with lung cancer. The new group, which will hold its first meeting in Darlington next Tuesday, is part of an initiative to improve the care of lung cancer patients in South Durham. Every week four

  • Support group offers help to people with lung cancer

    A SUPPORT group is being set up in the area for people with lung cancer. The new group, which will hold its first meeting in Darlington next Tuesday, is part of an initiative to improve the care of lung cancer patients in South Durham. Every week four

  • Council homes upgrade plans

    Plans have been drawn up to spend £1,699,464 on improvements to council houses in Teesdale villages over the next two years. More than 300 homes are due to be upgraded under proposals expected to be approved by Teesdale District Council members tomorrow

  • TV review

    Too Good To Be True (ITV1) Premiere People (BBC1 - Newcastle/Cumbria) THEY look like the perfect family on holiday as mum, dad and two children frolic in the sea under the Spanish sun. But Too Good To Be True demonstrated that appearances can be deceptive

  • Air ambulance appeal lifted by firefighters' effort

    FIREFIGHTERS plan to give an appeal for air ambulance funds a timely lift. The lads from Blue Watch at Grangetown fire station will be joined by family and friends on Sunday when they carry a ladder to the top of Roseberry Topping, near Guisborough. The

  • Warning as man targets children

    POLICE have stepped up patrols around a school after a man tried to coax two 11-year-old boys away with him. His attempt was foiled when the youngsters, who were playing on the school field, ran off and told a teacher. Police are linking the incident

  • Fan chief issues warning about Turkey game

    A Fans' chief has warned England supporters of the risks in travelling to England's crunch European Championship qualifier in Turkey next month. Tyneside based Kevin Miles, who is international co-ordinator with the Football Supporters Federation, has

  • Air ambulance appeal lifted by firefighters' effort

    FIREFIGHTERS plan to give an appeal for air ambulance funds a timely lift. The lads from Blue Watch at Grangetown fire station will be joined by family and friends on Sunday when they carry a ladder to the top of Roseberry Topping, near Guisborough. The

  • Stylist Allison gets to work on fashion extravaganza

    Women's Editor Christen Pears on a fashion evening which showcased local talent. FROM classic tailoring to cutting edge student designs, Darlington has a wealth of fashion retailers and designers. A Show of Fashion, held at the new Atlantic Bar and Club

  • Students urged to chase success

    NEARLY 2,000 young people from across County Durham were yesterday urged to develop a passion for success. The teenagers, all year 12 students, attended a seminar at Newcastle Opera House aimed at raising their aspirations. Michael Heppell, a motivational

  • Doing the diner culinary justice

    The Judges Lodgings, in York, may look splendid, but the food fails to live up to expectations. CITY of Vikings and of vennels, of spectres and of street wise cyclists, York is wiping its chin after a ten-day food and drink festival ended on Sunday. "

  • Expect an early announcement on Safeway

    This week may see the future of Safeway supermarkets clarified, as hopes rise that the Government will consider making an early announcement, possibly by Thursday. It had been thought that the decision would not be made public until the week beginning

  • Internet misuse may not be gross misconduct

    MOST employers will not spend too much time thinking about pornography, at least not so far as their staff are concerned. After all, it's clearly gross misconduct to use company computers to look at pornography and any employee caught doing so deserves

  • Festival organisers launch £15,000 community fund

    THE partnership behind a successful dales festival has announced that it will distribute £15,000 to community groups. Leyburn hosted the first Dales Food and Drink Festival last year, attracting crowds from across the north. An estimated 18,000 people

  • Band strikes up once more

    After years of silence, a band from Leyburn could soon be playing at events across Wensleydale once again. Dwindling numbers seemed to have put paid to the town's brass band. However, with £1,000 in the bank and more than a dozen instruments still available

  • Drink-drive case delayed after report is criticised

    THE probation service was criticised in court yesterday for its report on a drink driver. Ian Stannard, 40, of Brecksfield, Skelton, York, had pleaded guilty to drink-driving, making off without paying for petrol, not having insurance or licence on two

  • News in brief: Turf ceremony rained off

    Torrential rain forced the postponement of plans for a turf-cutting ceremony marking the start of work on site for a £300,000 Sure Start centre at Middlesbrough, yesterday. Made up of a 12-place creche and support facilities, the centre is due to open

  • Housing tenants turn focus on service

    COUNCIL tenants across the borough of Stockton are being invited to help make a difference to their homes. Volunteers are needed to join the Repairs and Maintenance Focus Group, whose members include tenants and staff of Tristar Homes, which manages the

  • College rolls back years for birthday

    A SIXTH form college is celebrating its 30th birthday next month and former students and members of staff are invited to the party. Martin Clinton, who was a teacher at Stockton Sixth Form College in the late 1970s and who returned as principal earlier

  • I'm no bad boy, insists Boro's Queudrue

    FRANCK QUEUDRUE, the Premiership's biggest bad boy last season, has promised Steve McClaren that he has cleaned up his act. After marking his return to the Middlesbrough team on Sunday by helping them keep a clean sheet, Queudrue insisted he would ditch

  • Emergency technician Dave given award for long service

    AN emergency medical technician has received a long-service medal after clocking up 26 years with the Ambulance Service. Dave Buckland, 54, worked at Middlesbrough Ambulance Station for 25 years before he moved to Coulby Newham earlier this year. The

  • Fierce trading expected for Northumbrian shares

    TRADING in Northumbrian Water shares begins in earnest this morning as the company makes its long-awaited return to the big stage and full listing on the London Stock Exchange. The firm rejoins the premier league of British companies following an eight-year

  • Bringing hope across the water

    This year the international charity Mercy Ships celebrates 50 years of taking medical services to some of the world's poorest people. Christen Pears visits its flagship in Sunderland. FIFTY years ago, a luxury liner entered service, carrying wealthy passengers

  • Man with the golden touch reaches for the silver screen

    Having started successful chains of care homes and health clubs, Duncan Bannatyne is turning his back on money-making to concentrate on charity work and acting. Business Correspondent Jonathan Jones spoke to him about his future plans. Self-made millionaire

  • Guidelines will help firms assess HIV risk

    MEN applying for life assurance will face questions on their sexuality in a shake-up to identify those at risk of contracting HIV. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) wants companies to be able to assess the risk of an applicant contracting the

  • Praise for rose growers

    JUDGES at the Sedgefield and District Rose Society annual show praised the high level of entries. The event, held in the Golden Lion Inn, Sedgefield, at the weekend, was judged by Tom Johnson, of Ferryhill, and Adam Prest, of Sedgefield. Former Sedgefield

  • Comic helps venue re-open

    LEFT-WING comedian Mark Steel is one of the stars which new management at The Arc hope will turn the Stockton theatre's fortunes around. The newly reopened Arc arts centre, built with £9.5m of National Lottery cash, closed down last year after incurring

  • Children learn vital lessons which could save their lives

    RICHMOND MP William Hague yesterday welcomed the first of thousands of youngsters to an exercise that could save lives. Mr Hague officially launched the annual Crucial Crew safety campaign at RAF Leeming. Over the next two weeks, 2,000 youngsters from

  • Trust grants for students

    STUDENTS living in the Harrogate borough who are taking post-16 courses are being invited to apply for grant aid. The Haywra Crescent Educational Trust money could also help people at college or university outside the district. It has been made available

  • Inspiration for students

    NEARLY 2,000 young people from County Durham were yesterday urged to aim high and develop a passion for success. The year 12 students, from sixth forms and further education colleges, were attending a seminar at Newcastle Opera House. Helping to inspire

  • Sheep show seeking more community involvement

    ORGANISERS of a sheep show that survived the foot-and-mouth crisis, are encouraging the local community to get involved. For the first time, classes for flowers and vegetables and other local produce are being introduced at the Langdon Beck Show, in Forest-in-Teesdale

  • Team's green ideas inspire city planners Down Under

    ADVICE from an award-winning environmental team is providing a blueprint for planners Down Under. Guidelines drawn up for environmentally-friendly development by a partnership led by Durham County Council are being adopted by authorities in Brisbane,

  • Jail for violent schizophrenic who abused girlfriend

    A MAN who subjected his girlfriend to six months of violence was jailed for three-and-half years yesterday. Karl Wilson, 29, left Leigh Pittock bleeding and battered after repeated attacks between October 4 last year and March this year. Newcastle Crown

  • Fast-track heart patient tells his story to panel

    COUNCILLORS investigating the working of the NHS will hear an address from a double bypass patient today. Two years ago, Peter Szymik helped launch a national scheme to speed up hospital treatment for heart disease sufferers. Mr Szymik became one of the

  • People are the key to renaissance project

    THE woman behind the transformation of Edinburgh's old town and a United Nations advisor on the revitalisation of Lithuania's capital, Vilnius, has been appointed head of renaissance at regional development agency One NorthEast. Kirsteen Thomson, a chartered

  • Grant boost for out-of-school club

    AN out-of-school club has been awarded a grant for equipment. The club at Woodham Burn Infant School, in Newton Aycliffe, was set up in January to provide extra care for school pupils aged three to 11. Woodham Burn now provides care for pupils from any

  • In search of Santa Claus

    DURHAM Wildlife Trust is searching for people to play Father Christmas during December and raise money for conservation work. The trust manages a wildlife garden at Strikes Garden Centre in Lambton Park, Chester-le-Street, and runs an information cabin

  • News in brief: Police seek attack clues

    POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man was attacked in Easson Road, Darlington, at about 9pm on Sunday. The man suffered minor injuries. Anyone with information about the incident can contact police on (01325) 467681. BURGLARS STRIKE: Crime incidents

  • Ince ready to make it tough for Tait

    Darlington can expect anything but an easy ride at Molineux tonight according to Wolves captain Paul Ince. The ex-England midfielder pinpointed tonight's Carling Cup second round tie as an ideal opportunity to kick-start their disastrous start to the

  • Energy could be catalyst for dale's financial revival

    IT has been met with scepticism and dismissed by many as fanciful, but a proposal to redevelop a redundant cement works could be at the heart of Weardale's revival. The Weardale Energy Concept looks to use renewable energy sources on the site of LaFarge

  • Frank Bruno taken to mental hospital

    FORMER heavyweight boxing champion Frank Bruno was last night receiving treatment at a mental hospital after being taken from his home by paramedics. A police source said officers had assisted in removing the father-of-three from his home near Brentwood

  • Fencing worries are allayed by rail firm

    NETWORK Rail has allayed fears about inadequate fencing bordering the high-speed East Coast Mainline. Taxi driver George Jenkinson highlighted as a possible weakness a section of damaged fencing where Haughton Road crosses the East Coast Mainline on the

  • News in brief: Estate hit by arson attack

    A DERELICT estate plagued by young hooligans has suffered an arson attack. Three fire crews battled to control the blaze in two boarded up semi-detached houses in Slessor Road, Acomb, York. Police believe petrol was poured on to one of the back doors

  • Accolade proves artist Charlotte is a touch of glass

    A GLASS blower has been named as a top emerging artist in a regional contest. Charlotte Hughes works at the National Glass Centre in Sunderland, where she gives demonstrations to the public and produces one-off sculptures from her workshop. She was named

  • German students given a mayoral welcome

    FOURTEEN exchange students from Bremen, in Germany, met Darlington Mayor Councillor Ron Lewis yesterday. The students, aged 15 and 16, are visiting the town for two weeks of work placements at places including Radio Cleveland, Woodburn Nurseries, the

  • Crime scheme to watch over householders

    NEW neighbourhood watch scheme is being launched in Northallerton. The group will be the first established in sheltered accommodation in the Hambleton district. It follows a request from residents of the Broadacres Housing Association complex in Castle

  • We should welcome 'the toxic armada'

    FOR those critics who disbelieve most things they read in the newspapers, recent weeks have given them lots of ammunition. Journals as distinguished as The Guardian and The Observer have published stories that border on fantasy. The topic? The so-called

  • What can I do to stop my competitor undercutting me?

    Q I run a small thriving business, which sells products to a niche market. A competitor of mine has recently slashed its prices and there is no way I can compete. I am losing business hand over fist and really do not know what do to. Is there a way that

  • News in brief: Athletes win recognition

    THE achievements of ten athletes with learning difficulties have been honoured at an awards ceremony. The group all took part in the Special Olympic National Games in Portsmouth last month and between them won nine gold, four silver and four bronze medals

  • Career choice changes life

    A WORKMAN who gave up his career to become a student in painting and decorating said it had turned his life around. Balin Wheetman, of Hartlepool, decided to give up his job as an accounts consultant at the age of 29 after he sought advice from Hartlepool

  • News in brief: Athletes win recognition

    THE achievements of ten athletes with learning difficulties have been honoured at an awards ceremony. The group all took part in the Special Olympic National Games in Portsmouth last month and between them won nine gold, four silver and four bronze medals

  • News in brief: Athletes win recognition

    THE achievements of ten athletes with learning difficulties have been honoured at an awards ceremony. The group all took part in the Special Olympic National Games in Portsmouth last month and between them won nine gold, four silver and four bronze medals

  • Water bill set to increase

    THE region's biggest water company has warned that more spending is needed to meet tough new standards -- despite broad improvements in water quality. Northumbrian Water chairman Professor Sir Frederick Holliday said the company faced the need for further

  • Radio station's Russian link-up

    IT will be a case of to Russia with love on Durham's temporary radio station this morning. Durham Local Radio (DLR) will broadcast a live link-up with a station in Kostroma, the city near Moscow that has been twinned with County Durham for 35 years. Breakfast

  • Praise for rose growers

    JUDGES at the Sedgefield and District Rose Society annual show praised the high level of entries. The event, held in the Golden Lion Inn, Sedgefield, at the weekend, was judged by Tom Johnson, of Ferryhill, and Adam Prest, of Sedgefield. Former Sedgefield

  • Rare piglets delight leisure farm workers

    A LEISURE farm is celebrating the arrival of 11 rare piglets, which made their public debut yesterday. Proud parents Grange Farm Star and Arabian Rufus, from Newham Grange Leisure Farm, in Middlesbrough, are Gloucester Old Spots. The family is among several

  • Advice for shoppers

    VISITORS to a Hartlepool store will be able to add a new item to their shopping lists this week when crime prevention help is on offer. Colin Hopkins, formerly the local police crime prevention officer who now works in a similar role in the town's New

  • Bereaved father plans trek for rescue team

    THE father of a young soldier who drowned as he tried to cross a swollen river has pledged to hitch-hike round the UK within a week to help raise cash for the rescue team which tried to save his son. The Swaledale Fell Rescue Organisation helped search

  • Inspiration for students

    NEARLY 2,000 young people from County Durham were yesterday urged to aim high and develop a passion for success. The year 12 students, from sixth forms and further education colleges, were attending a seminar at Newcastle Opera House. Helping to inspire

  • Bruno taken to mental hospital

    Former heavyweight boxing champion Frank Bruno was last night receiving treatment at a mental hospital after being taken from his home by medics. A police source said: "It is my understanding that he has been sectioned." Bruno, 41, who went through a

  • Sheep show seeking more community involvement

    ORGANISERS of a sheep show that survived the foot-and-mouth crisis, are encouraging the local community to get involved. For the first time, classes for flowers and vegetables and other local produce are being introduced at the Langdon Beck Show, in Forest-in-Teesdale

  • Guardsman swaps ceremony for sea

    A COUNTY Durham soldier and his horse are taking a break from royal duty in London to enjoy some sea and sand. Gareth Kennedy's working day usually involves taking part in the Queen's Guard, performed by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment in Whitehall

  • Starring partners

    A Thirsk schoolboy beat 50 other youngsters to take the lead role in the musical Oliver! at The Grand Opera House in York. Richard Lyth, 12, a Year 8 pupil at Thirsk School, is appearing in the York Musical Theatre Company production until Saturday next

  • In search of Santa Claus

    DURHAM Wildlife Trust is searching for people to play Father Christmas during December and raise money for conservation work. The trust manages a wildlife garden at Strikes Garden Centre in Lambton Park, Chester-le-Street, and runs an information cabin

  • Grassroots: Crook

    LEEK SHOW: Results from the leek show at the Travellers Rest pub, Crook, were - Leeks 1 George Green, 2 Norman Longstaff, 3 Bobby Caile; intermediate leeks, 1 Ronnie Hall; 2 Ronnie Hall; 3 Joe Varty; large vase of flowers, 1 Ronnie Hall, 2 Bobby Caile

  • Job Search: Vacancies

    Cleaner, Darlington, £4.70ph, 10hrs pw, 5-7pm Mon-Fri, experience preferred but not essential. Ref: DAE 36295. Sales consultant, Darlington, 17.5hrs pw Mon-Sat, retail experience an advantage but training given. Ref: DAE 36154. Sales assistant, Darlington

  • The Greggs recipe for success

    Mike Darrington has been group managing director of Greggs plc for two decades. He told the Entrepreneurs Forum some of the secrets of the company's success. What are your tips for running a successful business? I have always been my own man and I am

  • Radio station planned

    Moves are under way to set up a radio station in Northallerton and Hambleton. A nine-day trial broadcast is scheduled this month and could be followed early next year with a 28-day, trial. The group behind the station, Harmony Broadcasting, is looking

  • Kane: a performer who's definitely able

    Once known as the Brookside actor who wed Linda Lusardi, Sam Kane is now a major musical star. He talks to Viv Hardwick. DESPITE becoming the must-see man of musical theatre, Sam Kane is seriously talking about taking a break after completing the tour

  • Second chance for former Sanyo plant

    New life is being breathed into the former Sanyo factory near Newton Aycliffe after two years lying dormant. Business Editor Mike Parker met the man bringing skilled jobs back to the region. WHEN Sanyo on Newton Aycliffe Industrial Estate closed its doors

  • Disappearance of girl, 14, and stepdad sparks nationwide hunt

    A NATIONWIDE hunt began yesterday after a man and his 14-year-old stepdaughter disappeared - days after her mother mysteriously vanished. Lisa Allen was last seen at school on Thursday and there are now fears for her safety. Police believe she may be

  • Charity ship attracts sightseers

    A MERCY ship that has provided vital aid to the Developing World has attracted thousands of visitors during its North-East stay. The MV Anastasis, which is run by the international Christian charity Mercy Ships, is two weeks into a three-week visit to

  • EMI in takeover talks with US rival

    TALKS have started over a buy-out between two of the biggest names in the record industry. EMI confirmed yesterday that it was talking to Time Warner about buying the US media company's music business. Any deal would require shareholder and regulatory

  • Council wants to close £4m school

    A COUNCIL planning to close a £4m school that has just opened says the building will still be used for education. Throckley Middle School, in Newcastle, which was built under the controversial private finance initiative, opened earlier this month. But

  • Cycling pioneer's trophy to be auctioned off by family

    A TROPHY won by a pioneering cycling champion goes under the hammer at a North-East auction house on Friday. Legendary Tyneside sportsman Jack Green blazed a trail in the fledgling world of cycle racing of the late Victorian era. The Felling Flyer was

  • Parent recalls son's mystery injuries at school

    THE father of an autistic boy said his school could offer no explanation when he came home bruised, a court heard. On a further occasion the boy appeared to have a cigarette burn, which his father could not remember being accounted for by anyone at Thornhill

  • Campaign to find foster carers

    COUNCIL chiefs launched a new campaign - to help to bring smiles to the faces youngsters in need of care. Help Us Raise 100 Smiles is the name and aim of a drive by North Yorkshire County Council to recruit 100 new foster carers. The campaign will tell

  • Not so famous five band together

    POP Idol reject Andrew Creelman is hoping to prove Simon Cowell and the rest of the TV judges wrong. The 20-year-old from Northallerton has joined forces with four other rejects from the TV show in a band called Outta Sync. The five will now help to launch

  • Police 'a step closer' in hunt for addict's killer

    DETECTIVES believe they could be near a breakthrough in their hunt for the killers of a 31-year-old heroin addict. A specialist police team carried out a fingertip search of an area close to where the decomposed remains of father-of-two Darren Manders

  • Woman quizzed after man stabbed in heart

    A WOMAN was last night being questioned by police after a man was stabbed in the heart during a parking row. Surgeons battled to save the life of the unnamed victim who was yesterday in a stable condition in hospital. A spokesman for Cleveland Police

  • Arson attack casualty 'stable'

    A MAN was on a life support machine in intensive care last night after an arson attack on his home. Police maintained a bedside vigil as David Walker, 37, received treatment for severe smoke inhalation. Detectives and the fire brigade are investigating

  • Why buy shares when gilts are a far safer investment?

    FEW investors took up their ISA entitlement last year, and fewer still are expected to do so this year. This could be a mistake. Personal taxes are rising, and interest rates are low and likely to go even lower. A capital and income tax-free home for

  • 23/09/03

    RAIL SERVICES: WITH reference to the King's Cross derailment, why if the points were set incorrectly did signals allow the driver to proceed? - G Gregg, Ferryhill. RUTH ELLIS OF COURSE Ruth Ellis should not have been hanged. She had been kicked in the

  • Mission to overcome shortage of drivers

    A RECRUITMENT drive is to be held next week in a bid to overcome a shortage of volunteer drivers in part of the region. A number of organisations in the Easington district are experiencing problems recruiting drivers and it is hoped that many people will

  • A triangle to test the patience

    Too Good To Be True (ITV1): Premiere People (BBC1 - Newcastle/Cumbria): THEY look like the perfect family on holiday as mum, dad and two children frolic in the sea under the Spanish sun. But Too Good To Be True demonstrated that appearances can be deceptive

  • Plans for railway heritage trail promise tourism boost

    A PROJECT capitalising on the North-East's rich rail history and aimed at boosting tourism in the region has been launched. The venture, led by Darlington Borough Council, will see numerous rail-related attractions linked together as part of a heritage

  • Ryan departs

    Yorkshire left-arm fast bowler, Ryan Sidebottom, has quit Headlingley after being unable to resolve a disagreement with the club. His departure is expected to be officially announced at tomorrow when Yorkshire announce their retained list which is likely

  • Wise Speke pioneers online voting

    THE region's biggest stockbroking and financial services firm is giving private shareholders the opportunity to have their say from anywhere in the world. Wise Speke is giving its clients an online vote in forthcoming annual meetings - saving them a trip

  • Top of the Pops teacher is a hit at school

    CHILDREN at a school got a surprise when they found out their new teacher had played on a hit record and appeared on Top of the Pops. Alan Mowle, the new director of information communication technology at Woodham Community Technology College, in Newton

  • Country skills contest

    ANYONE able to build a dry stone wall or lay hedges is invited to a countryside competition. They should head for the contest at High Park Wall Farm, at Marwood, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, on Saturday, November 1. There are cash prizes in open

  • When child's play became a serious business

    Toney Kearney talks to Scott and Victoria Hillary, whose idea for a safe play area for children has grown into a multi-million pound industry. WHEN playground bullies broke Scott Hillary's nose for the third time, it was the final straw. The teenager

  • Letters

    RAIL SERVICES WITH reference to the King's Cross derailment, why if the points were set incorrectly did signals allow the driver to proceed? - G Gregg, Ferryhill. RUTH ELLIS OF COURSE Ruth Ellis should not have been hanged. She had been kicked in the

  • It's a big chance for Henry

    AFTER a frustrating sequence of placed efforts, Henry Hall (3.45) has finally found the perfect opportunity to get his head back in front at Beverley this afternoon. As a result of being far too consistent for his own good, the handicapper has never given

  • Nigel Wright decides to keep North base

    A RECRUITMENT consultancy is moving to new offices and creating up to 50 jobs. Specialist consultancy Nigel Wright, based on Tyneside, is remaining in the North-East, despite a growing list of clients across the country. The firm, which employs 40 staff

  • Business centre project may create up to 50 jobs

    A FRESH drive to make the North-East a national leader in creative industries began yesterday. Construction is under way on the £4m Gateshead International Business Centre (GIBC). It was designed by Gateshead Council, in partnership with regional development

  • News in brief: Turf ceremony rained off

    Torrential rain forced the postponement of plans for a turf-cutting ceremony marking the start of work on site for a £300,000 Sure Start centre at Middlesbrough, yesterday. Made up of a 12-place creche and support facilities, the centre is due to open

  • Skipper named top man

    SKIPPER Jon Lewis was last night named Durham's Player of the Year at a Test match celebration dinner at the Gosforth Park Hotel. Lewis, captain since September 2000, was the members' choice after being top run scorer with 1,104 in the championship at

  • The woman with 120,000 volunteers

    This month, Durham University graduate Elizabeth Hoodless celebrates 40 years with the UK's largest volunteering charity. She talks to Women's Editor Christen Pears. WHEN Elisabeth Hoodless joined the charity Community Service Volunteers in 1963, she

  • Mother dreads facing medics who treated son

    The mother of a North-East holidaymaker who died in a Greek hospital after falling from a hotel balcony today said she is dreading facing five medics blamed for his death. Christopher Rochester died in a hospital in Rhodes after falling 30ft from a hotel

  • Church leaders join forces to oppose BNP

    CHURCH leaders have joined forces to fight a far-right party's bid to win a by-election. The British National Party (BNP) has put forward 36-year-old IT specialist Scott Morrison to contest a seat on Chester-le-Street District Council in a postal election

  • North's leaning tower to stand tall again

    THE North-East's own version of the Leaning Tower of Pisa is to be straightened - thanks to a £4m National Lottery grant. Work began yesterday on the first phase of a multi-million pound scheme to restore one of County Durham's most important 18th Century