Archive

  • Blaydon to watch final in style

    BLAYDON'S players have opted to pay their own hotel bills tonight so they can be sure of watching the World Cup final in the morning. Their National Three North match tomorrow is at Macclesfield and they were given the option of leaving at 7am and watching

  • Stars join fans for a charity bag pack

    TV STARS Alex and Dominic Beebe swapped the studio for the supermarket this weekend, to help with a sponsored bag packing. The 16-year-old twins, who play Adam and Luke in the hit BBC show Byker Grove, joined other members of Chester-le-Street Theatre

  • Sunderland Catholic Club Over-40s League

    In the Premier Darlington Croft turned in a fighting performance to win 4-1 at home against third placed Killingworth Arms. Croft took the lead after two minutes through Richard Hookway but Killingworth always chased the equaliser. Croft went 2-0 up before

  • Youths 'to blame' for pony tragedy

    THE owner of a prize-winning pony has criticised youths who he says chased the animal to its death. John Jimminson said his heavily pregnant mare, called Emma, had died in agony days after it had been chased in a field by youths with dogs. The mare had

  • Christmas is red and white

    SUNDERLAND captain Jason McAteer helped launch a red and white Christmas last night. The player was joined by team-mates Paul Thirlwell and Julio Arca, and stars of Sunderland Empire Theatre's pantomime, Cinderella, children's TV presenter Kate Heavenor

  • Boat house poses a danger

    THE Boat House at Waterside in Knaresborough has been declared a serious risk to health and safety. It has fallen into such a state of disrepair that a £52,000 revamp is needed, a council report concludes. Harrogate Borough Council officers are recommending

  • Hathaway and Cope Stokesley League

    Thornaby Mandale 4 South Bank U. 4: Thornaby Mandale and South Bank United shared the points as United came back from the dead in the last 15 minutes. Things looked good for the visitors when Anthony Gregory gave them the lead on ten minutes but by half

  • Recognition for maintenance team

    THE team that maintains school sports pitches, cuts grass and looks after shrubs and borders in public buildings in North Yorkshire are blooming with success. The county council's grounds maintenance staff have been rewarded for their hard work with the

  • Library to become a resource centre

    AN initiative is under way to create a community resource centre in Richmondshire. North Yorkshire County Council is planning to open a refurbished library and information centre at Colburn, near Richmond. The project will include a neighbourhood nursery

  • Protesters greet Bush

    Protesters are out in force to give US President George Bush a frosty welcome on a chilly morning ahead of his visit to Sedgefield this morning. The first protesters, students from Durham University, arrived in the village at around 8am. They were soon

  • Children send out boxes of love

    KIND-hearted youngsters from Teesside have sent their own bundle of presents to Eastern Europe so children suffering hardship can enjoy Christmas too. Their gifts of toys, clothes, toiletries, colouring books and crayons are destined to help those that

  • Lapp of honour for young language students

    A YOUNGSTER has Christmas wrapped up after winning a trip to Lapland to meet Santa and Rudolph. Ten-year-old Lucy Smith, from Holy Trinity School, in Stockton, beat off stiff competition to win first prize in a national junior language contest. Lucy was

  • Chalking up school awards

    STUDENTS at a Darlington school reaped the rewards of their hard work over the past year at a prize-giving ceremony this week. Branksome pupils received prizes for achievement in sport, subjects, or for excellent results at its annual awards evening on

  • Town prepares for Christmas Magic

    PLANS for a County Durham town's Christmas festival are well under way and promise to be bigger than ever. The theme of Barnard Castle's £16,000 Christmas festival is Christmas Magic and will boast a Son-et-Lumiere display, street entertainers and even

  • Darlington Mowden Park

    The Under-10s were playing against Westoe and Will Iles scored a good try in the first three minutes for Mowden and after good tackling from Dan Baxter prevented a Westoe try, another attack from Mowden allowed Steven Hunter to pass the ball to Liam Riley

  • Children meet the president

    A group of stunned school children were given an unexpected audience with the world's most powerful man yesterday. The kids had gathered to wave at President Bush as he arrived at the Dun Cow Inn, in Sedgefield. The president was charmed by the youngsters

  • Guild's cake aid

    The Derwentside branch of the British Sugarcraft Guild has handed over Christmas cakes to Consett Lions Club. The cakes will be distributed to elderly people across north-west Durham. Anyone interested in joining the guild can contact Margaret Swinburne

  • Villagers unite for a traditional Christmas

    PLASTIC Santas and flashing reindeer are being shunned by a village, which has taken a more community-minded approach to Christmas decorations. Sherburn Parish Council will be putting up its first Christmas tree on the village green soon, but wants residents

  • Pupils show they're made of the Wright stuff

    A GROUP of budding aero-engineers are proving high fliers in the model plane world. The six-strong team from St Leonard's School, Durham, are following in the spirit of flight innovators, Wilbur and Orville Wright. Sisters Elizabeth and Hazel Creaghan

  • Comment from The Northern Echo: Stemming the terrorists

    NO place in the world can truly declare itself safe from the threat of terrorism. Yesterday's suicide bombs in Istanbul followed attacks on synagogues in the Turkish city at the weekend which claimed the lives of 25 people. These outrages join New York

  • Appeal for childcarers

    ALMOST 3,000 childcare places will be created in the county in the next three years. And at least 800 carers will be recruited as part of a £17m investment that will help parents to return to work or take up training. County Durham's Early Years Development

  • Bush chats with family as he arrives at the Dun Cow

    Mr Blair and Mr Bush chatted today to a local family as they arrived at the Dun Cow pub, Sedgefield. Inside, between 80 and 100 of Mr Blair's constituents waited their turn to meet the two leaders, who also chatted to bar staff in the crowded lounge.

  • Chester-le-Street

    Playing at home against Darlington in round two of the Knockout Cup, the Cestrians took the honours despite being without several key players. This game was won in the first half as Chester used their pace to get in behind a strong, physical Darlington

  • South West Durham Leagues

    Tow Law Area League: Billy Row Club moved into second place in the table, just two points behind the leaders, Esh Stag's Head after they beat the visiting Sunniside Comedian by three points. The Club had singles wins from Bob Potts, Edna Dawson, Harold

  • Bush arrives at Blair's home

    President George Bush arrived at tony Blair's Myrobella home transported in Marine One followed by a Black Stallion US Navy helicopter at 11.55am. The aircraft landed on the green outside Myrobella where he and his wife Laura were greeted by Tony Blair

  • Rugby rivals square up

    TWO Durham businesses are benefitting as national rivalries grow in the run-up to Saturday's rugby union World Cup final in Sydney. The Walkabout Australian theme bar has been granted a special licence to open early on Saturday. The pub will open at 8.30am

  • My kidney and I would like to celebrate

    After suffering from renal failure in his forties, Tom Milburn has enjoyed 21 extra years of life, thanks to a kidney donor. He talks to Sharon Griffiths. TOM Milburn had a 21st party last weekend, with lots of cards to prove it. Not bad for someone who's

  • Games

    Auckland Area CIU League: The pool section is very tight with Cockton Hill and Old Shildon sharing the top spot when both made good wins. Old Shildon produced the better result when they whitewashed the visiting Evenwood with wins from Martin Aldworth

  • Inspirational Laura is our Local Hero 2003

    TEENAGER Laura Whitfield was last night crowned the Local Hero of 2003 at an unforgettable celebration of North-East grassroots sport. Laura, 13, from Sunderland, was the star of the Local Heroes Awards, powered by npower, at the Tall Trees Hotel, near

  • Operation Christmas Child swings into action

    GENEROUS council staff are once more doing their bit to help underprivileged children around the world. Operation Christmas Child is organised by the charity Samaritan's Purse, which is dedicated to relieving the suffering of homeless children abroad

  • Ferryhill's five star showing

    Ferryhill Town Youth: THE Under-10s played away to Stockton Town Athletic, winning 5-0. In the opening minutes Tom Olley took a corner and Reece Wooley scored the first goal by heading the ball into the back of the net. David Gibson struck an excellent

  • Protest groups descend on Blair village

    PRESIDENT George Bush faces an angry wall of protest when he arrives in the North-East today. Thousands of demonstrators will descend on the Prime Minister's Sedgefield constituency to voice their anger over his controversial state visit and the war against

  • Hambleton Ales North Yorkshire League

    Schoolboy Adam Hughes notched a remarkable double victory for two different teams within just over a couple of hours. Act One in the helter skelter performances came when the 15-year-old title holder in the North Yorkshire Division Three Championship

  • Opinions asked on services

    RESIDENTS are being asked to pass judgement on the performance of their council. Sixteen-page questionnaires are being delivered to 2,500 randomly selected homes across the East Cleveland area. Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council said it is carrying

  • Sir Bobby salutes role model

    SIR BOBBY ROBSON yesterday saluted England Rugby Union star Jonny Wilkinson and admitted: "I wish we had more like him in football.'' Newcastle United manager Robson, who has had to contend with controversial off-field incidents involving some of his

  • Badminton

    Inter-County Championships, Division Two A: Durham's first team's two fixtures to date have provided one win at home to Lancashire III by 12-3 and one defeat by neighbours Yorkshire III by 9-6. Durham 12, Lancashire III 3 (Stanley): MS- Richard Eaton

  • Thai-boxing: Darlington duo on the bill

    THAI-BOXING: For the first time two female Darlington fighters will represent their country when they take on two Scottish opponents next month. Jenny Blenkinsopp, 32, and Katie Ireson, 18, will be part of the England side which takes on a mix of Scottish

  • Santa's charity muddle sorted out

    THE spirit of goodwill reigned between Father Christmas and North-East police chiefs this week after a charity muddle left Santa facing court. Father Christmas, alias 51-year-old Frank Brown, had his furry collar felt by police as he collected cash for

  • Pensioner beats illiteracy to win

    THE achievements of a pensioner who went back to the classroom to learn to read and write were celebrated this week. Betty Hetherington, 72, of Stanley, was illiterate until ten years ago, when she enrolled on an Adult Basic Education course at Derwentside

  • Turnbull hoping for more of the Arena experience

    ROSS TURNBULL has not ruled out a return to Darlington after turning out for the England Under-20s in the World Youth Championships. The 18-year-old goalkeeper made an impressive League debut when he kept a clean sheet against Lincoln City last weekend

  • Tennis

    North-East Premier League Northern Division: Esporta Sunderland opened up a gap of five points at the top of the Northern Division following their whitewash of David Lloyd at the Leisure Centre, Thornaby. Even without their highest ranked player, the

  • Why there's no toppling the ITV twosome

    Terry and Gaby (five): This Morning (ITV) : SINCE the heady days of Ann and Nick on breakfast TV, the morning schedules have been dominated by couples. Now there are two vying for our attention - Philip Schofield and Fern Britton on This Morning and the

  • Pom-bashers running scared

    Pommie-bashing has long been Australia's favourite sport but with as the World Cup final looms closer the taunts are becoming even more frequent and ferocious. Chief Sports Writer Steven Baker reports... THERE is an adage that the most balanced Australian

  • When demand for change is not enough

    WHY is it that, in this country, it takes so long to bring about change despite faults being evident to all? The "double jeopardy" rule under which someone cannot be tried twice for the same offence is a case in point. I cannot believe anyone seriously

  • Time is running out for Stead to make a move

    MICK McCARTHY last night conceded he will not wait around forever in his bid to take Huddersfield Town front-man Jon Stead to Sunderland. The Black Cats boss has made Stead his primary transfer target as he seeks the scoring touch his Division One promotion

  • Longhorn Hardware Darlington and District League

    DGSOB 2, Grey Horse 3: Old Boys drew first blood taking the lead after 30 minutes. Grey Horse equalised through Peter Gormley, but found themselves behind again early in the second half. Matty Smith then hurt his former club with a second equaliser and

  • New hospital opens its doors

    PATIENTS and equipment are being transferred to a £10m hospital this week, following its completion. Building work on Chester-le-Street's new community hospital has been finished after more than two years of development. The hospital, built thanks to

  • A game to idolise for talent show fans

    POP IDOL. Publisher: Codemasters. Platform: PS2. Price: £39.99.: IF video games exist to help us play out our fantasies, then I guess there's no harm in something like Pop Idol. Experienced gamers will, no doubt, pour scorn on an electronic version of

  • Brits in killers' sights

    BRITISH interests around the world feared they were in the terrorists' sights last night after two massive bombs killed at least 27 people in Istanbul. The explosions wrecked the Turkish headquarters of the London-based HSBC bank and the British consulate

  • Even lords of the manor Burn struggled to pay highway tax

    THE magnificent Burn Hall lies on the eastern side of the A167 south of Durham City. It can be seen from the car, fleetingly glimpsed in the distance when heading north through Croxdale. It has a grand valley setting, almost encircled by the River Browney

  • 21/11/03

    IT'S a good job that there isn't a swear box on the touchline at Willington Under-15s' games. Because I would have been asking my bosses for an advance on my wages had I been paying £1 a time last Sunday. For 30 minutes of our League Cup tie with St Josephs

  • Crook and District League

    Leaders Evenwood White Swan's nine game league unbeaten run ended at Willington WMC. After a goalless first half Stephen Bradwell gave in-form Willington the lead. The visitors equalised but Willington went on to win 4-1 through Ian Woodhall and sub Malcolm

  • Stepy's Coaches Durham Sunday League

    The only game played in the Premier Division saw the bottom two clash. Chester Garden Farm travelled to Fishburn WMC both clubs with only one point each. The score was 1-1 with John Sexton scoring for the visitors and Michael Antropik got the equaliser

  • Kall Kwik Harrogate and District League

    The Ellis factor helped to further stoke Harlow's challenge for the title in Division One. Harlow's No1 Tom Ellis led the side to their latest victory - by 3-0 at Nomads - closing the gap on leaders Chapel Allerton, now down to four points. Just a couple

  • New safety system is a winner

    A LIFE-SAVING idea developed on the Wilton chemical complex has earned national recognition. Workers for SembCorp Utilities are using aerial mapping to guide fire engines to incidents on the 2,000-acre site, in the fastest possible time. The Geographical

  • Woman admits £23,000 bogus credit card spree

    A woman spent nearly £23,000 using bogus credit cards to impress her boyfriend, a court was told yesterday . Teresa Ellison, 34, ran up the bills in nine months after applying for five cards in the name of her boyfriend's previous girlfriend. It came

  • 'Outstanding' school saved

    PARENTS and staff were celebrating this week after their 'outstanding' city centre primary school was given a reprieve. Durham County Council's cabinet decided on Monday that St Oswald's Church of England Infant and Nursery School will not be closed in

  • Pool keeper heads for Swansea on loan

    OUSTED Anthony Williams last night returned to his homeland when he moved to Swansea City on loan. The former Wales Under-21 keeper played just one League game this season before losing his place to Jim Provett. With the chances of a first-team recall

  • Thief runs down boy on playing field

    The grief-stricken family of a teenager who died after being knocked down by a stolen car on a playing field paid tribute to their "quiet, football-loving" son last night. Fifteen-year-old Ian Gourley had met friends on the field at Eden Lane in Peterlee

  • Denny Cup Inter-Club All England Knockout Championship

    Arguably the most prestigious indoor bowls club competition for men is the coveted Denny Cup Inter-Club All England Knockout Championship which involves up to 400 club sides throughout England. Each team is made up of four rinks of four players. Two rinks

  • The Albany Northern League Today

    Durham City could be treading new ground by the start of next season - literally! City have revealed they're seriously looking at the possibility of laying an artificial surface at the Archibalds Stadium if a long running scheme to build an indoor soccer

  • The UniBond League

    Bishop Auckland chairman Terry Jackson believes they can meet ground requirements for the Premier Division. Bishops held a meeting last weekend to discuss the way forward for the club, and how to ensure a Premier Division place if they finish in the top

  • Bedale

    Winter Stableford: The first competition of the winter season took place last Sunday and an entry of 70 golfers proved the popularity of competitive golf over the winter months. Card countbacks were required to identify the placings in the results. Division

  • Fairs Tyneside Junior League

    Chester-le-Street have a clear lead at the top of the table following their victory over Whitley Bay and Seaham Red Star's defeat at West Denton. The Cestrians made no mistake in their home fixture with Whitley Bay and rifled ten goals with the Bay managing

  • Norton and Stockton Ancients

    Norton Under-14s lined up against league rivals St Mary's for the second time in as many weeks, the last encounter resulting in a decisive 8-0 win for Norton. St Mary's started the game with lots of pace and passing and threw everything at the Norton

  • County CIU Cup

    Preliminary round results: Tindale Crescent beat Quarrington Hill; Ellison Social lost to Lanchester. Belmont v South Hylton and Murton Victoria v Chilton and Windlestone still to play. First Round draw: Belmont or South Hylton v Consett Station; Murton

  • Blood row patient puts case

    A haemophiliac infected with the Aids virus by contaminated blood yesterday challenged a health authority's refusal to fund treatment he regards as "safe". Peter Longstaff, 45, from West Jesmond, Newcastle, has also been exposed to blood "prions" which

  • Man denies murder

    A TEENAGE father was stabbed to death through the heart while helping to protect his best friend, a court heard on Wednesday. Sean Matson, 20, appeared at Teesside Crown Court charged with murdering Chris Cave, 17, in June. The court heard that Mr Matson

  • Church packed for funeral

    SCORES of mourners packed a Darlington church yesterday for the funeral of a popular referee and father-of-two. So many people attended the service for Paul Adamson, 43, who died during a football match last week, that some had to stand outside St Mark's

  • Welcome to Tony's humble acres, Mr President

    America's only national newspaper, USA Today, asked The Northern Echo's Political Editor Chris Lloyd to give it an insight into today's visit to Sedgefield. This is his article which has been edited in the US for an American audience. SEDGEFIELD, England

  • Gertie's bubbly day

    ONE of the region's oldest people celebrated her 105th birthday yesterday with a glass of champagne and a slice of cake. Gertrude Hutchinson, known as Gertie, was joined by staff and friends at St Williams Residential Home, in Cornwall Avenue, Darlington

  • No MP but engagements go with flow

    MP Alan Milburn was unable to visit his constituency yesterday, as he had to vote in the House of Commons on key Government reform bills - including Foundation Hospitals. He was due to open the Broken Scar drinking water treatment works in Darlington,

  • Accused told uncle: I need someone sorting out

    A MAN accused of killing his uncle told a relative he wanted somebody attacked just days before the murder, a jury has heard. Newcastle Crown Court heard how Simon Tannahill asked to borrow a baseball bat as he told his other uncle, John Davison, he needed

  • Consett Sunday League

    It was honours even in the First Division when Chopwell shared the points and four goals against Station Ex Juniors. It ended 2-2 with Chopwell netting through Lee Fortnato and Steve Nixon while the Station replied with goals from Jamie Routledge and

  • Rivals eye Safeway stores

    SUPERMARKET rivals are lining up to buy Safeway stores in the Tees Valley, it emerged yesterday. Morrisons is believed to be preparing a firm offer for Safeway, ending an 11-month takeover saga. It is the sole candidate for the business, after three of

  • 'They've killed my husband. I have his brains in my hand.'

    It was the moment the hopes and dreams of a generation were shattered but, forty years on, the legends and conspiracy theories are as strong as ever. Nick Morrison looks at how the assassination of JFK changed the world. THE first one was mistaken for

  • Bush visit comes to an end

    President Bush left Teesside Airport at 4.05pm at the end of his four-day visit to Britain. The American President and his wife boarded Airforce One just moments after arriving back at Teesside International Airport from a four-hour visit to Prime Minister

  • Mendieta praises Juninho's patience and quality

    MIDDLESBROUGH'S Spanish star Gaizka Mendieta has praised Juninho's patient wait for a first-team recall, but warned he has no divine right to a starting role. Boro manager Steve McClaren sacrificed the Brazilian's verve and invention less than a month

  • Mining disaster remembered

    A VILLAGE has paid tribute to the men who lost their lives in a mining disaster 100 years ago. Hewers John Whittaker and Thomas McCormick died on November 16, 1903, in a flood at the Victoria Pit in Sacriston, near Chester-ler-Street. A third miner, Robert

  • Lifeboatmen are Santa's helpers

    SANTA will swap his sleigh for an inshore lifeboat for Redcar's Christmas lights switch-on. The town's lifeboat crew will tug Santa along the High Street when the Christmas parade sets off for the official switch-on by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's

  • Historic staithes damaged in blaze

    POLICE are investigating an arson attack which destroyed a large part of Dunston Staithes - an historic wooden structure on the Tyne. Seventeen fire engines and a fireboat were called to tackle the fire, which broke out in the early hours of yesterday

  • Boro skipper picks out the winners

    MIDDLESBROUGH FC star Gareth Southgate has given his backing to a charity funding research into a painful condition. The Boro captain drew the winning tickets in a draw for runners who took part in the Great North Run and raised more than £300 each for

  • Protestors score second victory in battle over flats

    A HOUSING development which attracted more than 540 objections is being sent back to the drawing board - for the second time. Applicant Cleveland Housing Aid Trust will again have to review its plan to build 20 two-storey self-contained flats at Wheatlands

  • Platform for folk-rockers

    A night of folk-rock music will take place at the Darlington Arts Centre this evening. The Revolution Platform event will feature Morgan from Bishop Auckland, the outstanding duo Eskimo from Richmond, and Dave Relton, a Richmond musician living in Amsterdam

  • Teesdale Talk: Dishing up tasty fare at Day Club

    If there's a tastier lunch on offer anywhere than the three courses served at the Day Club in Woodland Village Hall for £2, many a gourmet would love to hear of it. The scrumptious fare cooked by Tracey Turnbull - tomato and veg soup, fishcakes with peas

  • Teenager accused over crash death

    A TEENAGER appeared at Bishop Auckland Youth Court yesterday accused of causing the death by dangerous driving of a schoolboy earlier this year. The 16-year-old boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, is charged with causing the death of Liam

  • Casualty unit is safe says hospital

    HEALTH bosses last night moved to dispel fears that the accident and emergency department at Northallerton's Friarage Hospital is on the verge of closure. Some hospital staff say the department is suffering from severe staff shortages. But officials from

  • Spennymoor lift title crown on final day

    County Super League: Spennymoor landed the Championship by a single point after they made the ten points required from their re-arranged final match against the visiting Newton Aycliffe. However, the Moors made a nervous start when Gary Spooner took the

  • Green investment is key to revive urban wastelands

    A SCHEME to bring a bit of greenery to an industrial corner of Teesside was launched by the town's MP and the Countryside Agency yesterday. With tree-planting and landscaping, they hope the £30,000 initiative will improve the look of the Fairfields area

  • Fun night will help to foot repair bill

    TEENAGERS at a unique project that aims to keep excluded pupils in education are raising cash to repair their run-down school. The Creative Campus scheme, run by Theatre Cap-a-Pie, takes so-called 'problem' youngsters and helps them earn GNVQ qualifications

  • Part of chimney may be saved as mill monument

    CAMPAIGNERS who lost their battle to save a historic mill chimney now say they have secured part of it as a monument to the village's linen industry. Wilford's Linen Mill chimney, in Brompton, near North-allerton, is being dismantled by contractors after

  • Sir Bobby salutes role model

    SIR BOBBY ROBSON yesterday saluted England Rugby Union star Jonny Wilkinson and admitted: "I wish we had more like him in football.'' Newcastle United manager Robson, who has had to contend with controversial off-field incidents involving some of his

  • Council offices to get £141,000 refit

    A £141,000 refit of Hambleton's Civic Centre, in Northallerton, has been given the go-ahead by councillors. The move will see the creation of the authority's first one-stop shop for services and a contact centre for telephone callers. The work marks the

  • Shop Talk: It'll all come out in the wash (hopefully)

    SOAP powder is soooo last century - and more and more difficult to find on supermarket shelves, which are increasingly given over to tablets and capsules. Much of the shelf space, inevitably, goes to supermarket own brands, so this week, we've just concentrated

  • Students' play focuses on human psyche

    PERFORMING arts students from Redcar and Cleveland College will be delving deep into the human psyche in December with their own play called The Bridge. The drama focuses on two men standing on a railway bridge, one of whom is contemplating suicide, the

  • Models march for charity

    BATTLE lines are being drawn-up on Teesside. Regiments of warriors and serried rows of soldiers are preparing to fight in Stockton this weekend. But the combatants are no more than model armies, with their sights set on raising as much money as possible

  • Caldwell vows to prove his worth

    NEWCASTLE United defender Steve Caldwell has admitted his career is still in limbo. Centre-back Caldwell this week won praise from manager Sir Bobby Robson for helping to cover in the absence of Jonathan Woodgate. After two months out recovering from

  • Work set to begin on rival cafe bars

    TWO controversial cafe bars are to open at either end of a small market town it was confirmed yesterday. Businessman, Billy Walton, was yesterday granted planning permission to open a caf bar in Chester-le-Street. Meanwhile, Luminar Leisure, one of Britain's

  • Burton's Bytes: A game to idolise for talent show fans

    POP IDOL. Publisher: Codemasters. Platform: PS2. Price: £39.99.: IF video games exist to help us play out our fantasies, then I guess there's no harm in something like Pop Idol. Experienced gamers will, no doubt, pour scorn on an electronic version of

  • Planning go-ahead for school 'village'

    THE country's first £35m education village is likely to go ahead in Darlington next year after plans were approved. The super-school, which will be built next to Haughton Community College in the town, will incorporate the secondary school, Springfield

  • Prison does not help women -- report

    PRISON is not working for women offenders according to a new report. The report, carried out by an independent inquiry into women's experience of the criminal justice system, claims that the number of women in prison is soaring and that the majority of

  • Ace tennis coach Christine is named the best in England

    A TENNIS coach helping to serve up stars of the future has won national recognition. Sport England chairman Patrick Carter travelled to the North-East yesterday to present Christine Heppell with a medal for the female community coach category in the Coach

  • New call to shut 'She Wing'

    PRISON reformers have called for the closure of a women's wing after another death at a prison with one of Britain's worst suicide records. Wendy Booth, 35, is the eighth suspected suicide at Durham Prison in two years. Booth of Harehills, Leeds, had

  • I was set up, says man accused of rape

    A MAN who was arrested for the kidnap and rape of a teenage girl told police that she had set him up, a court heard yesterday. Steven Wilkinson said the girl had arranged to meet him on the night she later accused him of forcing her into his pick-up truck

  • Students' play focuses on human psyche

    PERFORMING arts students from Redcar and Cleveland College will be delving deep into the human psyche in December with their own play called The Bridge. The drama focuses on two men standing on a railway bridge, one of whom is contemplating suicide, the

  • Sedgefield sombre before Bush visit

    Sedgefield, on the frosty morning of President George Bush's visit, had an "almost funereal" atmosphere. Police erected barriers and checked gardens and side streets, as villagers, who had been asked to remove their cars, walked their children to school

  • Stanley Sunday League

    A last minute goal from Martin Frost saw Stanley Masons Arms SC to their first win of the season against Stanley RAFA. And, to make matters worse, the RAFA had a player sent off and Masons lost a player requiring hospital treatment. Low Fell Jolly Miller

  • Richmond and Zetland Harriers

    Several younger athletes have been in competition for their schools in recent weeks - some in the North Yorkshire Schools X-C Area Trials at The Allertonshire School Tuesday 4th and then for The Allertonshire School in the Regional Final of the English

  • Wellock's World: Rugby's big chance

    SUDDENLY everyone's a rugby fan. After watching England win the World Cup tomorrow morning, converts intoxicated more by the euphoria of the occasion than by the contents of the empty cans on their living room floors will throng the touchlines at Shildon

  • Durham Alliance

    Brandon Prince Bishop, the holders of the Durham County Trophy, won comfortably 5-0 away to Darlington DSRM. It took Michael Fort only a minute to put them ahead with a great volley from eight yards. David Fort hit the second with a thunderous shot from

  • Prime Minister pays tribute to his agent's 'true grit'

    TONY Blair made time to support his election agent at the launch of a book about him, when he returned to his constituency last night. The Prime Minister made a flying visit to Trimdon Labour Club, County Durham, to pay tribute to John Burton and sign

  • Cestrians lay down the Laws

    Chester-le-Street Town: Chris Laws took his tally to 20 goals this season when he hit five goals in last weekend's 10-1 demolition of former League Champions, Whitley Bay. Laws, who had just returned from a trial spell at Manchester City, helped the Cestrians

  • Men's hockey

    Wilton 1sts stretched their unbeaten run to five in the North-East top flight with a sturdy performance against Stockton 2nds. Stockton battled hard but fell victim to Wilton's strong attacking play. After 20 minutes Captain Peter Elgey fired a ball into

  • Hot Shots can prove a winner for the deadly team

    WHEN Mark Pitman and Timmy Murphy team up it normally spells big trouble for the opposition. The deadly duo are on duty at Ascot this afternoon, where Pitman has once again asked Murphy to do the steering aboard Hot Shots (3.10), an impressive six-length

  • Man to challenge murder conviction

    A MARTIAL arts instructor has won the right to appeal against his conviction for murder. Anthony Bottrill is serving life for the murder of Bryan Scott at Kirkleatham Showground, near Redcar, three years ago. The 44-year-old divorced father has won the

  • Paramedic in parking fine anger

    A DRIVER helping frail patients into an ambulance at hospital, has been issued with a parking fine for stopping on double yellow lines. Union representatives have reacted with disbelief after a warden slapped a £25 parking ticket on the ambulance as the

  • Force fights anti-social behaviour

    DURHAM'S new team of police inspectors have spelt out their intent to tackle anti-social behaviour and disorder. The 13 community inspectors have been given the task of specifically tackling what police describe as 'quality of life issues,' which includes

  • 21/11/03

    PRESIDENT BUSH: THE American people and President Bush have been treated diabolically by some factions in England. Bush has come to England cap in hand and, indeed, wished to meet families of those who have died in the Iraq conflict. He obviously feels

  • Wearside League

    Cleadon SC are clearly the surprise side of the season and manager Doug Key reckons they can go all the way after climbing into second position with last week's victory at Barnard Castle Glaxo. Currently, Cleadon are just six points adrift of leaders

  • More smiles than protestors

    THE Stars and Stripes were hung out across the region last night in preparation for the historic visit of US President George Bush. The most powerful man in the world is to visit Prime Minister Tony Blair's County Durham constituency later today. And

  • Basketball

    Durham League Division Two: Consett Steelers v Durham Saints: Both teams came into the game looking for a win and this was obvious in the first quarter with both teams trading baskets, keeping the game tied at 12 apiece after four minutes. The remainder

  • Owen leaves gap at football's top table

    Owen Willoughby - extraordinary, indomitable, incorruptible and fervent about football - died yesterday, aged 84. Just the day previously he had been told that he would be a guest at today's lunch with Tony Blair and George Bush. "He was so proud, really

  • President vows to defeat terror

    President George Bush repeated his vow to defeat terror today in the wake of the Istanbul bombings. Mr Bush, speaking alongside Prime Minister Tony Blair as the two leaders visited a sports college, also disclosed he had spoken to the Turkish leader to

  • New vision for city

    PLANS to make Durham City the 'jewel in the crown of the North' have been published by the ruling group on the city council. The controlling Liberal Democrats have produced a document called A Vision for the City of Durham around which their policies

  • A Hoggarth & Sons Eskvale and Cleveland League

    Goldsborough v Grangetown YCC: With the advantage of a strong wind at their backs, Goldsborough did not trouble the Grangetown defence. Grangetown opened the scoring when Millington beat the offside trap and rounded the keeper. Five minutes later Carling

  • South Cleveland Garages Teesside League

    Division One, Bedale FC 4, Thornaby FC 1: Bedale, with two straight wins behind them, pulled of the shock of the day when they entertained table topping Thornaby. The opening half hour was very evenly contested before the home side shocked the visitors

  • Bush heads towards Sedgefield

    President Bush's motorcade left Myrobella House just before 1pm and headed towards Sedgefield along roads which had been cordoned off by police. Before then, a number of speakers from the anti-war movement stood in front of the Crosshill Hotel at one

  • Mike Gough Sports Hartlepool Sunday League

    Premier Division: Athletic Rugby 2 Supporters Club 2; The visitors started the stronger and took the lead when Andy Braithwaite exchanged passes with Mick Gallagher and fired home. Athletic fought back with both Andy Blackett and Alan Hoey going close

  • Companies in favour of name-change proposal

    BUSINESSES across the region have pledged their support for plans to change the name of Teesside International Airport. The airport's major shareholder, Peel Airports, is considering creating a new identity and changing the name to Durham Tees Valley

  • Collapse of store chain may leave 1,200 counting the cost

    UP to 1,200 customers may be left out of pocket following the closure of the Northern Electric store chain. Northern Retail Ltd, which owns 25 stores in the North-East and Yorkshire, went into administration in October. Administrators KPMG yesterday announced

  • Vandals wreck toddlers' toys

    STAFF at a cash-strapped playgroup targeted by vandals believe the damage was caused by youngsters who once used the facility. Yobs smashed every pane of glass at Tanfield Lea Playgroup and Toddlers, based in the Old Junior School, Tanfield Lea, near

  • Wake up! Nell's here

    FORCES sweetheart Nell McAndrew paid a flying visit to the North East where she was surrounded by sailors. The blonde delighted sailors on board the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal. Commander Johnathon Stamper, 33, guided the model around the vessel, which

  • Cottles firm up title chances

    Newfit Services Willington: Willington Cottles emphasised their leaders position when they beat fellow visiting championship challengers, Byers Green Royal Oak by five points. The home side had singles wins from Kenny Louth, Stephen Robinson, John Barron

  • Teen killed in road smash

    A teenage girl has been killed in a road smash on Teesside. Eighteen year old Ashley Reed from Stockton was a pillion passenger on a Yamaha 600cc which collided with a BMW car on the A1027 Norton Ring Road at its junction with the Glebe estate, Stockton

  • All the President's pretzels

    A SNACK manufacturer helped President Bush feel at home on his visit to County Durham this week Union Snacks, based at Tanfield Lea, set up Britain's first pretzel production line in 1996 and now turns out more than 2,000 tonnes of them. It sent some

  • Handcuffs shame as Jackson arrested

    Handcuffs shame as Jackson arrested Michael Jackson (above) was arrested last night over child abuse allegations. The pop superstar flew into Santa Barbara airport in California from Las Vegas on a private jet where he was met by police officers and then

  • Man is questioned by murder case detectives

    A man was being questioned by murder-hunt detectives last night after another man was found stabbed to death at his home. Cleveland Police last night named the dead man as 54-year-old electrician George Evans. His body was found at his home, in St Barnabas

  • Jackson Anderson Accountants Spennymoor Sunday League

    MASONS Arms won the battle of the Masons with a thumping 10-0 win over their namesakes United. Striker Gary Dixon bagged five goals to help his side on to a convincing win that saw them leapfrog North Briton and into second in the Second Division table

  • Ice hockey, Junior round-up

    Billingham Wolves were 4-2 winners over Telford Trojans at the Forum Ice Arena in the English U19 North A league. Wolves were short-handed when Steven Pritchard put his side ahead in the fifth minute. Telford took advantage of a powerplay to equalise

  • Bush gets a cold reception in the White House

    Residents of Sedgefield borough's own White House will not be offering a warm welcome to the President. Opened in 1967, the White House Sheltered Accommodation, in Aycliffe Village, is home to 25 pensioners. There seems to be little excitement about the

  • Collapse of store chain may leave 1,200 counting the cost

    UP to 1,200 customers may be left out of pocket following the closure of the Northern Electric store chain. Northern Retail Ltd, which owns 25 stores in the North-East and Yorkshire, went into administration in October. Administrators KPMG yesterday announced

  • Prison staff relatives back plans for party

    PRISON officers' relatives have defended their £15,000 Christmas party at the taxpayer's expense. Staff at the high security Frankland Prison, in Durham City, are to celebrate at the nearby Ramside Hall Hotel as a reward for gaining High Performing Prison

  • Bridge loses a foothold as it's farewell to the river

    FOR 13 years it has enjoyed national recognition, constant attention and a place in the pocket of pretty much everyone in the land. But after today, one of Darlington's most famous landmarks, Skerne Bridge, and the part it played in the birth of the railways

  • North East Christian Fellowship League

    Consett Saint Patricks held on to top spot in a 3-0 win over Jesmond Parish Church. Andrew Murray, David Rowe and Rob Nichol knocked in the goals. Metro Church Sunderland got back to winning ways beating Ryton Churches 3-1, Anthony Ditchburn, Anthony

  • Calls to back away from wind farms power

    A LOCAL authority is urging the Government to support the development of alternative forms of energy, rather than wind power. Two sites in Teesdale are earmarked for windfarms - at Hamsterley Forest and between the A66 and the Stang Forest. However, members

  • Classy Graggs' new record

    Crook League: David Craggs had an unbelievable evening when he played for Crook Coach and Horses B against the visiting Stanley Earl Derby. In his singles game he put in a break of 62, then bettered it by making 85 when he played the doubles. After the

  • Norton and Stockton Ancients

    Norton Under-12 Girls once again produced a very good performance playing good quality football against Consett. Norton passed the ball well with excellent link up play from the midfield and the forwards. Defensively Norton were strong with good performances

  • Thirsk and Sowerby Harriers

    A clash of dates meant that the NYSD Cross Country fixture at Newton Aycliffe was not as well supported as it might have been. In the Under 15 boys William Hayward came 24th in 12.37 and Stuart McLaughlin 26th in 12.50. Steve Hepples of Loftus was again

  • Mendieta praises Juninho's patience and quality

    MIDDLESBROUGH'S Spanish star Gaizka Mendieta has praised Juninho's patient wait for a first-team recall, but warned he has no divine right to a starting role. Boro manager Steve McClaren sacrificed the Brazilian's verve and invention less than a month

  • Fish Tales

    A near capacity entry lined the banks of the Ure from Hutton Beck to Barn Island for the Ripon Piscatorials Open but a hard overnight frost checked sport for the 78 hopefuls. Armley Angling Centre's Steve Beckwith recorded the best weight of the day ten

  • President set for pub lunch

    US President George Bush arrived at Teesside airport for a £1m pub lunch with Tony Blair. A massive security operation began as Air Force One touched down with Mr Bush, his wife Laura and their enormous entourage on board. Roads around the airport were

  • When demand for change is not enough

    WHY is it that, in this country, it takes so long to bring about change despite faults being evident to all? The "double jeopardy" rule under which someone cannot be tried twice for the same offence is a case in point. I cannot believe anyone seriously

  • US president who became an honorary Geordie

    The previous visit to the region by a US President, in 1977, saw Jimmy Carter pull off a public relations masterstroke as he greeted the North-East with the words "Ha'way the lads'. Gavin Engelbrecht discovers that, 26 years on, the visit is still having

  • Darlington Church and Friendly League

    Darlington Archdeacons' good run was brought to an end when they went down to the odd goal of five to Hurworth Emerson Arms. In what turned out to be a nip and tuck encounter, Emerson took their chances early on to go two up with 'Deacon coming back to

  • Boddy Printers Sunday League

    Cleveland Inn kept up the pressure at the top with a 3-2 win away to Boosbeck St Aidens who led 2-0 after the minutes through Aaron Johnson and Liam Watson. Cleveland pulled a goal back on half-time through Roy Nigi. they levelled on 70 minutes again

  • Final warning for police force

    THE Government's police watchdog has given the Cleveland force six months to sort itself out. Unless Cleveland Police improves its performance by the spring, Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary Ken Williams will personally intervene to make the changes

  • Thief runs down boy on playing field

    The grief-stricken family of a teenager who died after being knocked down by a stolen car on a playing field paid tribute to their "quiet, football-loving" son last night. Fifteen-year-old Ian Gourley had met friends on the field at Eden Lane in Peterlee

  • 'It's not all doom and gloom'

    Brain cancer nurse Gill Hendry talks to Alex Mott about her demanding, but rewarding role. GILL Hendry is the first specialist brain cancer nurse on Teesside, a demanding role, but one which she obviously loves. As we sit in the coffee shop of the James

  • Day centres closure plan provokes protest campaign

    PARENTS have vowed to fight plans to close a flagship day centre for adults with learning difficulties. Durham County Council has revealed that the Durham Centre, at Aykley Heads in Durham City, which is used by about 100 people, will shut in the next

  • Final is just another game for Thompson

    Steve Thompson will strike a blow for the ''fat boys'' of rugby when he lines up for England in tomorrow's World Cup final against Australia. The Northampton star was transformed five years ago from an ordinary club flanker into an extraordinary international

  • Second set of ghost ships set to arrive

    WITH just four days to go before the second pair of Ghost Ships arrive in the North-East for a temporary stay, the Government agency at the centre of the storm appears to have backed down. When the Environment Agency (EA) realised the correct permissions

  • Durham City

    Durham City Ladies FC were too strong for a young Horden CW team and came out 8-0 winners after a fine performance. City got the best of starts when Charlotte Rimmer was brought down on the edge of the box in the first minute. The referree awarded a penalty

  • Billingham SC

    At the weekend two Billingham swimmers competed at the NEC BAGCAT Short Course competition at Leeds. Twelve-year-old Chris Wilkinson produced fantastic swims notching up gold in the 100m IM, Silver in the 100m fly and free, Bronze in the 200m free, fly

  • EIBA individual events

    Area three results: Singles: T Bousfield (Dton) 21, A Stephenson (Dton) 8. Pairs: Quickmire/Attwood (Gt Aycliffe) 19, Emmerson/Parvin (Hpool) 15; Bertram/Higgins M (Hpool) 15, Smith/Pierson (Thornaby) 19; Peters/Jones (Ferryhill) 15, Mansfield/Wells (

  • Rugby's big chance

    SUDDENLY everyone's a rugby fan. After watching England win the World Cup tomorrow morning, converts intoxicated more by the euphoria of the occasion than by the contents of the empty cans on their living room floors will throng the touchlines at Shildon

  • Appeal for childcarers

    ALMOST 3,000 childcare places will be created in the county in the next three years. And at least 800 carers will be recruited as part of a £17m investment that will help parents to return to work or take up training. County Durham's Early Years Development

  • More smiles than protestors

    THE Stars and Stripes were hung out across the region last night in preparation for the historic visit of US President George Bush. The most powerful man in the world is to visit Prime Minister Tony Blair's County Durham constituency later today. And

  • Losses spiral at Network Rail

    RAIL infrastructure group Network Rail yesterday announced half-year pre-tax losses had mushroomed to £233m from £3m. The not-for-profit company said the bottom line loss in the period between April 1 and September 30 came as it made an operating loss