Archive

  • City unveils first solar-powered traffic lights

    A CITY'S first solar powered traffic signs are up and running. The signs, warning motorists of traffic signals ahead, were installed on Heaton Road, 200 yards south of St Theresa's Church, in Newcastle, on Friday. They have a solar panel on top powering

  • Cycleway plan wins support

    THIRSK Town Council has decided to stand by its decision to back the route of a new cycleway being created on Stockton Road. Work has started on the track and several local people have objected, saying they suggested a different route on the edge of the

  • News in brief: Final call for curry contest

    Chefs in Middlesbrough are being reminded they have until tomorrow to return their application forms for Curry Chef of the Year 2003. Middlesbrough Council has invited curry chefs from around the town to enter the competition which will take place during

  • News in brief: Anyone for walkies?

    ANIMAL owners are being sought to take part in a sponsored dog walk next month. The walk will take place on Waldridge Fell, near Chester-le-Street, to raise money for the International Service Dog Service Fund, a not-for-profit organisation run by dog

  • Footballing hopeful appeals for support

    A POTENTIAL North-East football star is appealing for help so he can take up a once-in-a-lifetime chance to study in America. Paul Holloway, 19, has been offered a football scholarship at Heidelberg College, in Ohio, but needs to raise £11,000 to pay

  • Gardening experts visit

    GARDENING enthusiasts are being sought to take part in a radio show. BBC Radio Four's Gardener's Question Time is recording a programme at Durham County Cricket Club, in Chester-le-Street, on Monday, June 23, and is inviting local people to get involved

  • News in brief: Anyone for walkies?

    ANIMAL owners are being sought to take part in a sponsored dog walk next month. The walk will take place on Waldridge Fell, near Chester-le-Street, to raise money for the International Service Dog Service Fund, a not-for-profit organisation run by dog

  • Watercolour tips on offer

    BUDDING artists took up the offer of improving their skills at the weekend. A watercolour taster session was held at the Summerhill Centre, off Catcote Road, Hartlepool on Saturday. The course was led by an experienced local artist and was aimed at people

  • Factory site 'not safe for children'

    PARENTS are being urged to keep a close eye on their children during the summer following concerns that youngsters could be seriously injured or killed at a former factory site. The area, which is part of the former Hill's factory in Norton Road, Stockton

  • Need for more volunteers in litter clean-up

    A PROJECT aimed at tackling vandalism and litter is looking for volunteers. The Caretakers scheme, run by environmental group Groundwork West Durham, aims to clean up the Stanley Green Corridor, which takes in Craghead, New Kyo, South Moor, South Stanley

  • Harmison in no rush to see the old guard return

    STEVE HARMISON last night told Darren Gough and Andy Caddick: You can't have my England place. Harmison is adamant he deserves to be in the England team that faces South Africa in their next Test, at Edgbaston on July 24. A welter of pace bowlers - Gough

  • FA rejects fans' snub claims

    THE Football Association hit back last night at claims that England players snubbed supporters during a North-East training session. About 100 fans turned up to see their heroes in action at the Middlesbrough training ground at Hurworth, near Darlington

  • ICE HOCKEY: Junior round-up

    Billingham Bears finished a creditable third in the Peterborough Under-16 tournament at the weekend. A late pull out from Telford Raiders meant that seven teams competed and a reschedule of the games had to be made. Each team now had to play each other

  • Grand effort by port fundraisers

    CLIMBERS have raised more than £1,000 to help handicapped people and to restore Whitby's famous 199 Church Stairs- by climbing the landmark 199 steps 385 times. Forty people from Tees and North East Yorkshire NHS Trust climbed the equivalent of Mount

  • Roseberry Group North East Durham League

    Roseberry Group North East Durham League Newton Aycliffe are keeping the pressure on leaders East Rainton in the first division and they maintained their challenge with a seven wickets victory at home to Sunderland Hospitals. The visitors were restricted

  • From Tesco to the Ballroom Of Romance

    Annie Rigby may have been brought up with theatre, but she prefers to be on the dark side of the spotlights, she tells Setve Pratt. WHEN Annie Rigby acted in a student play in her first year at Cambridge, she realised that acting wasn't for her. Then,

  • Driver claims about Durham toll after van damaged

    A driver claims Durham's toll road system is too draconian after suffering more than £700 worth of damage to his van when he came to blows with it. Sean Kenny, from Tow Law, Weardale, claims he was unaware Durham's toll road, situated on the entrance

  • Gardening experts visit

    GARDENING enthusiasts are being sought to take part in a radio show. BBC Radio Four's Gardener's Question Time is recording a programme at Durham County Cricket Club, in Chester-le-Street, on Monday, June 23, and is inviting local people to get involved

  • Oxbridge Darlington and District League

    There could hardly have been a closer finish to the Division A game between Ingleton and Haughton which Ingleton won by just one run. When they batted first Ingleton ended on 153 for nine which included 32 by opener Graham Elgey, while Hutchinson carried

  • Girl raped in Billingham

    Two youths are helping police with inquiries after a teenager was raped when out walking her dog. Police said the 13-year-old girl was left so badly traumatised and injured, she had to undergo surgery. The incident happened between 6.30pm and 7pm on Saturday

  • Hylton take top spot

    Durham Coast League: AFTER brilliant sunshine on Saturday, the heavens opened yesterday with rain causing the abandonment of all six matches. The 12 teams were each allocated five points leaving Hylton narrowly in front of Murton at the top. Peterlee

  • Dairy depot plans for estate site

    A BID has been submitted to build a dairy and milk distribution depot on the Drum Industrial Estate in Chester-le-Street. If the plans receive approval, a storage building would be created from where milk would be sent to retailers. At a later stage the

  • Residents to fight on against hotel plan

    RESIDENTS in the childhood village of author Lewis Carroll will fight on against plans to close a historic hotel. The Coast and Country group, owners of the Grade II-listed Croft Spa Hotel, want to convert it into 39 flats and houses. Villagers in Croft

  • Boss denies 'dirt' claim

    A HOSPITAL chief said last night he was disappointed at national media reports that a North-East hospital was "disgusting". John Saxby, chief executive of County Durham and Darlington NHS Trust, spoke out in response to a report by a national newspaper

  • Bottle collectors show off their liquid assests

    AN array of antique bottles went on display at an annual fair at the weekend. The event, at Bowburn Community Centre, Durham, is the North-East's main opportunity for the public and collectors to see displays of Victorian and Edwardian bottles and associated

  • Angling by Jeff Herbert

    King of the Carp scene Tek Neek Trabucco Elton's Dean Smith had what can only be described as a remarkable four days on the match circuit recording three wins and a second place. Kicking off at the Woodland Lakes on Wednesday spectacular sport made their

  • Lumb unable to halt slide

    A career-best 77 from Michael Lumb and a rugged knock of 41 by Richard Blakey failed to halt Yorkshire's dismal losing sequence in the National League at Tunbridge Wells yesterday when they went down by 22 runs to Kent who registered their first win in

  • UniBond League round-up

    Former Spennymoor midfielder Jason Ainsley has admitted that it has been a big wrench for him to leave the Brewery Field. Just after leading Moors to promotion to the Premier Division of the UniBond League, Ainsley followed Pollock out of the Brewery

  • Man, 22, drowns in quarry pool plunge

    A 22-YEAR-OLD man who drowned after jumping into a deep quarry pool was last night described as "well liked and loved" by his grieving mother. Andrew Cousins left home in high spirits to go to Greenfoot Quarry, at Stanhope, Weardale, County Durham, to

  • Albany Northern League round-up

    Whitley Bay have made John Charlton their new manager. There were rumours that Andy Gowens could be reconsidering his decision to quit, but Whitley's committee appointed Charlton at the weekend. Charlton was manager of Blyth for part of last season, and

  • Esh back in frame after Tudhoe tamed

    The Readers Durham County League: Esh Winning are back in the title race following their run-laden victory over Tudhoe. Over 500 runs were scored for only 13 wickets before Esh came out on top by a margin of 33. They were given the best possible start

  • Sport Briefs

    FOOTBALL: The Hartlepool Hill Carter Hotel Saturday League are still looking for more teams to join next season. They currently have three new teams waiting to join and if they can get five the League will make two leagues of ten teams each. Applications

  • Yorkshire Diary

    Durham's Liam Plunkett was one of several Yorkshiremen to have got up the nose of their native county over the past couple of weeks or so. It was the 18-year-old Middlesbrough-born Plunkett, however, who possibly caused them the most grief with his five

  • International call-ups a testament to South Durham

    A Spennymoor gymnastics club were rewarded for their hard work when they provided two members of the Great Britain squad which won an international competition in Holland. Thirteen-year-olds Amy Fossheim and Leonni Jennison of South Durham Gym Club were

  • Tuffey in sight as pace replacement

    DURHAM have widened their search to New Zealand as they seek a replacement for Dewald Pretorius. But they have discovered that Jacob Oram, like Shane Bond, is injured, leaving Daryl Tuffey as the most likely Kiwi candidate. As usual, Durham are also talking

  • GRIDIRON: Gateshead Senators

    Senators took on Dundee Hurricanes at the weekend and came away wit a 55-6 victory. Played in glorious sunshine, the game kicked off with the Hurricanes receiving the ball. Staring from their own 19-yard line after a short return. After a couple of plays

  • Premier parties with his faithful

    TONY Blair celebrated 20 years as MP for Sedgefield by playing rock 'n' roll and making the occasional risqu joke at an exclusive party in his constituency on Saturday night. As the evening wore on, Mr Blair took up his guitar and joined his agent John

  • 12-year-old girl mauled by dog in playing field

    A TERRIFIED schoolgirl was mauled by a dog which may have attacked once before. The family of victim Amelia McGovern, 12, called for the animal, believed to be a Japanese Akita, to be destroyed before it attacks again. Amelia was left needing emergency

  • Officials vow to continue

    Auckland and District EBAC Youth League The Auckland and District EBAC Youth League has vowed to carry on after surviving a mid-season crisis when three clubs resigned to leave the under-18 competition with only six clubs still in membership. Chilton

  • 'Time has proved that Vaux brewery sell off was wrong'

    A FORMER brewery chairman today launches an attack on the company which sold it off, claiming that profits from the deal were grossly over-estimated. Sir Paul Nicholson says that four years after the Swallow Group closed Vaux brewery, in Sunderland, the

  • Langbaurgh League

    Broughton and Kirby raced to the massive total of 302 without losing a wicket in 40 overs when they hosted Skelton Castle. Jim Scott recorded no fewer than five sixes and 19 boundaries in an unbeaten 173 and Andrew Robinson also carried his bat with ten

  • Grassroot Memories by John Phelan

    50 years ago: Bishop Auckland Football Club hold their annual meeting and congratulations are extended to Corbett Cresswell who was chosen as a reserve for England and to Barry Wilkinson who represented England Youth. The attendance of 16,319 for the

  • Towse in the wickets as Guisborough climb table

    Darlington Building Society NYSD Premier League: Only two sides won on Saturday. Guisborough easily saw off the challenge from Northallerton who they despatched back to the pavilion for just 87 runs in 34.5 overs. The ever-reliable David Towse claimed

  • Taking no chances on toadstools

    I Have been picking mushrooms in the garden today. They have been popping up in my borders amongst the shrubs and flowers. I guess that the spores have come in on the woodchip that I use as a mulch to suppress the weeds. Now that we are having all this

  • Concern over difference in N-E diabetes care

    SHARP variations in the number of specialist diabetes consultants have been revealed in the region. Information released at the start of Diabetes Week shows that while the North-East is comparatively well off, there are big differences within the region

  • A dim light but still shining

    Q WAS there a Toc H club in South Church, Bishop Auckland? What is the origin of Toc H and the saying "Dim as a Toc H lamp"? - CB Dobbing, Bishop Auckland. A Toc H is a charitable, Christian organisation based in the UK and with branches all over the

  • New supermarket set to go ahead

    A MULTI-MILLION pound supermarket is to open in Chester-le-Street town centre by the end of summer, creating more than 200 jobs. Following years of delay, the new Tesco store is expected to be built near the town's market place by the end of August or

  • Neville aims to bury Belgian ghosts

    PHIL NEVILLE last night revealed his hopes of receiving a positive reaction from a vociferous North-East crowd as he continues his bid to lay the ghost of Charleroi to rest. The Manchester United star has struggled to shrug off criticism from the England

  • Offenders face graffiti punishment

    GANGS of offenders are to be used to clean up graffiti as part of their punishment. The anti-graffiti squad involved in the £100,000 scheme has been set up in Hartlepool with the aim of eradicating the problem in the borough by the end of its two-year

  • Bedale enjoy another productive season

    Bedale Under-11s completed a very successful season by becoming the Richmond and District League champions. They finished the season as undefeated champions, managing to win all but four of their 18 league games and drawing the remainder. With a goal

  • Platt tipping North-East trio to make the grade

    THREE North-East young guns have been tipped to make the step up to the England senior squad in the future by Under-21s boss David Platt. Middlesbrough full-back Stuart Parnaby and Newcastle United pair Darren Ambrose and Michael Chopra are all hoping

  • England anger as fans are kept at distance

    It should have been one of the proudest weekends in the history of Hurworth - the day the England squad came to the village. Instead, people will remember it with bitter disappointment. Peter Barron, editor of The Northern Echo and Hurworth villager,

  • Hussain backs Tourists

    NASSER HUSSAIN last night defended hapless Zimbabwe's right to play Test cricket after their Chester-le-Street capitulation marred the biggest occasion in Durham's history. The North-East's debut Test lasted less than three days on a benign Riverside

  • Magic McRoy of the Rovers

    Liam McRoy from Spennymoor scored four goals in the Russell Foster League Cup Final for Bishop Auckland College's Under-15s. Bishop, who are in the First Division, were underdogs in every round, coming up against and beating Premiership opposition and

  • Durham Senior League

    Although leaders Horden only managed a draw they increased their lead to 22 points when Felling inflicted a first defeat on Hetton Lyons, writes Malcolm Pratt. The irrepressible Chris Pleasants again was the matchwinner for Felling. After Barry Norman

  • Test cricket under way

    TICKET sales for the inaugural Test match at the home of Durham County Cricket Club rocketed this week. Extra seating has been mounted at Chester-le-Street's Riverside ground to cater for crowds of up to 12,000 during each day of the second Test. After

  • Addict's shame after bag snatch bid

    A TEENAGE heroin addict was so ashamed after trying to steal a pensioner's handbag that he gave himself up. Daniel Barnett, 19, of Darlington, was sentenced to two years in a young offenders' institution after admitting a charge of attempted robbery at

  • Fosters Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League Under-18s

    The Halliday brothers Greg and Dean swept Lanchester to an emphatic 116 runs victory in the home game with Shotley Bridge. Greg hit three sixes and eight boundaries carrying his bat for 92 and Dean had five fours contributing 34 as a total of 278 for

  • Weekend TV: No such thing as a quiet death

    Casualty (BBC1); Rockface (BBC1) MY first thought, when they found a dead body in the gents toilet, was that it would help the stressed-out staff in Holby Accident and Emergency Department. One less patient in Casualty was a good thing. Doctors and nurses

  • ATHLETICS: Quakers RC

    On Sunday, June 1, Hamsterley 10K was held to raise funds for Butterwick Hospice. On an extremely warm day Alasdair Tatham of the Quakers RC won the overall race in a time of 36.05. Results: 2nd Malcolm Ingram (Crook AC) 37.47, 3rd Andy Henderson (Quakers

  • GAMES: No 11 CIU League / Willington Ladies League

    Ferryhill pool team dropped their first points this season and went down by the odd point on their visit to Crowtrees. Alan Blakey put the home side ahead but Steve Wray levelled. Adam Blakey restored the home lead only to see Steve Webster square the

  • Fantastic five hope for a county call

    AT a time when the region is on the cricket map as the Riverside hosts its first ever Test match, a group of Darlington children have their sights set on a different stage. Five members of Darlington Cricket Club's Under-13s side are hoping to retain

  • ATHLETICS: Shildon R and AC / Crook and District

    Shildon R and AC: Warren Roberts continued his medal haul at Liverpool on Sunday, May 25 following his double silver at the North-East championships at Shildon in May. Warren, competing in the U15 boys 1500m in the North of England Track and Field championships

  • Pub-goer died crossing road

    A PUB-goer died after he was hit by a car as he tried to cross a dual carriageway to meet his fiance, an inquest was told. Harry Wilson, 55, from Chopwell, near Gateshead, died of multiple injuries after leaving the Chester Moor pub, at Chester Moor,

  • Town centre forum chairman steps down

    THE outgoing chairman of Newton Aycliffe Town Centre Forum has wished the group every success for the future. Councillor Terry Hogan's term of office came to an end when he decided not to stand for re-election to Great Aycliffe Town Council. His chairmanship

  • Trade centre work finished

    A BUSINESS centre built with small ventures in mind is a step closer to opening in south Durham. Construction of the £700,000 Wear Valley Business Centre- Innovation House, in Bishop Auckland, was completed last week. Wear Valley District Council, which

  • Talks to be held on fire service overhaul

    COUNTY Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Brigade is to consult communities on the most radical changes to take place in the fire service in 50 years. Consultation with the public will be held as a result of a Government directive to all fire authorities

  • Talks to be held on fire service overhaul

    COUNTY Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Brigade is to consult communities on the most radical changes to take place in the fire service in 50 years. Consultation with the public will be held as a result of a Government directive to all fire authorities

  • Young football champions celebrate

    A SQUAD of champions got their first taste of the turf at Darlington's new football stadium to reward them for their match-winning efforts. Darlington Football Club chairman George Reynolds joined in the celebrations after the Darlington College of Technology

  • Trade centre work finished

    A BUSINESS centre built with small ventures in mind is a step closer to opening in south Durham. Construction of the £700,000 Wear Valley Business Centre- Innovation House, in Bishop Auckland, was completed last week. Wear Valley District Council, which

  • Car park scheme brings protests

    A CAMPAIGN has been mounted against plans for a multi-storey car park to be built as part of Darlington's new £45m shopping centre. About 200 people have complained to Darlington Borough Council that the scheme, which is included in the redevelopment

  • News in brief: Helpful tips for charities

    CHARITIES are being urged to get help on how to make the best of their status at a seminar in Darlington today. David Brown, president of the Tees Valley Law Society, will tell local charities and voluntary organisations that they may not be making the

  • News in brief: Helpful tips for charities

    CHARITIES are being urged to get help on how to make the best of their status at a seminar in Darlington today. David Brown, president of the Tees Valley Law Society, will tell local charities and voluntary organisations that they may not be making the

  • Floral mathematics

    ENVIRONMENTALISTS carried out a count of rare orchids at the weekend. The study at the Whinnies local nature reserve, near Middleton St George, Darlington, was conducted to help build biodiversity records and plan management of the area. Members of Darlington

  • 'Time has proved that Vaux brewery sell off was wrong'

    A FORMER brewery chairman today launches an attack on the company which sold it off, claiming that profits from the deal were grossly over-estimated. Sir Paul Nicholson says that four years after the Swallow Group closed Vaux brewery, in Sunderland, the

  • Substance abuse advice

    A FREE course on dealing with drug and alcohol abuse is being launched by the County Durham Drug Action Team. The sessions are aimed primarily at people who have lived with someone who has had difficulties with drugs or alcohol and will result in a qualification

  • Final selections made for Big Chance play-off

    With the final three acts ready to battle it out to find the winners of The Big Chance, a great night of North-East music is anticipated for next week. More than 50 acts and artists from across the region have entered to win the prize of more than three

  • 'Murder victims' families must have voices heard'

    Families whose relatives have been murdered should have a right to say where killers live when they are released, according to a Government minister. Criminal Justice Minister Lord Falconer told families at the fifth annual conference of the North of

  • Match reports, results and cup draws

    Durham League: Wingate pulled off a great result when they visited the league leaders, Ever Ready/Craghead and won by two points. The visitors won three of the four rinks but lost on the overall shots score of 71-67. Rink scores (ERC names first): A Brown

  • Carers offered help at series of events

    EXHIBITIONS and displays are being held in Hambleton and Richmondshire during National Carers' Week, which begins today. Employers, community education officers, and carers centres hope to illustrate some of the issues which carers face every day. The

  • Second long-lost work of art found in North

    A PAINTING by a Victorian artist is expected to set a record when it is auctioned later this month. The painting, a scene from Leeds, is the second by Atkinson Grimshaw (1836-1893) discovered in the North-East in the past year. The first, a view of Hampstead

  • Musical thank you for city

    THE partnership which pioneered the restoration of Ripon's marina will thank the city with an evening of music at the nearby racecourse. Ripon City Partnership and British Waterways have linked up with Classic FM for an open air concert, featuring pieces

  • Microchip latest weapon in battle against horse thieves

    POLICE in North Yorkshire have unveiled an initiative designed to foil criminals who have been targeting the equestrian community. About £150,000 worth of tack was stolen from stables around the county in the first three months of the year alone. Saddles

  • Family fun days begin

    FATHERS and sons are being encouraged to spend time together at a series of events. While having a male theme, the events are open to other family members, and include football coaching, karate demonstrations, wellie throwing, and tug-of-wars. Events

  • Fan-tastic museum event provides a glimpse of oriental magic

    FAMILIES were invited to try their hand at fan-making at a workshop on Saturday. Hosted by the Oriental Museum, in Durham, the workshop formed part of the museum's latest exhibition of Japanese magic lantern slides, titled Tea, Rice and Cherry Blossom

  • Top award for school's newspaper

    YOUNG journalists from a Hartlepool school have visited London after winning a top award. Year six pupils from West View Primary School travelled to Westminster on Friday to receive their award, after beating off stiff competition from more than 2,500

  • MOTORSPORT: Breakdown can't stop Pinkney

    Richard Pinkney from Waskerley, Co Durham dominated Hartlepool Motor Club's tones Autotest on Sunday. Despite breaking down on one run with a fuel pump failure which cost him over 20 seconds he was fastest on 10 of the 12 runs which gave him victory and

  • Fears raised over plans to develop sports complex

    RESIDENTS have voiced their concerns about a plan to build a sports complex near their homes. Members of the South Billingham Residents' Association met on Friday to discuss the plans by David Scott to develop a 200-acre site stretching from the A19 slip-road

  • News in brief: Warning over handbag theft

    POLICE have warned a thief who stole a handbag at Jimmy's nightclub, Harrogate, not to experiment with the drugs inside. The black shoulder-bag went missing at about 12.30am yesterday while the owner was enjoying a night out with friends. As well as a

  • Taking steps to raise cash for charity

    WALKERS are being urged to take part in a fundraising event at a wildfowl park. This year's Yellow Brick Road sponsored walk, in aid of The Children's Foundation, will take place at the Washington Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre, in Washington, Tyne and

  • Deaths lead to call for new speed limit at road junction

    A HOTEL director has called for a 50mph speed limit to be extended to a stretch of road which has already seen several fatal accidents. However, police are opposing the move, saying the change would not help resolve the situation. Robin Smith, director

  • International feline show comes to town

    CAT lovers are in for a treat this week with an international championship being brought to Northallerton. The Millennium Cat Club is staging the event at the town's Hambleton Forum on Sunday. Cats on show will be pedigree and household pets, and unusual

  • News in brief: Anyone for walkies?

    ANIMAL owners are being sought to take part in a sponsored dog walk next month. The walk will take place on Waldridge Fell, near Chester-le-Street, to raise money for the International Service Dog Service Fund, a not-for-profit organisation run by dog

  • Youngsters inspired by brass band

    PROUD teachers told how young musicians rose to the challenge and excelled themselves in a brass masterclass. More than 55 children, aged seven to 16, gathered at Conset Junior School, for tuition from members of the world-famous Black Dyke Mills Band

  • £250,000 sports and arts centre for community opens at school

    PUPILS and staff at a school in Middlesbrough celebrated the opening of a £250,000 arts and sports centre. The sports ground has a sprung floor, art area, changing rooms, offices, a kitchen and storage area, and will help the children enjoy a range of

  • Scientific worlds are discovered at centre

    PEOPLE can sample some of the wonders of the scientific world at Teesside University this month. As part of the Science is Great week, being staged at the university from Sunday onwards, people can explore the world of science on Sunday, June 22, from

  • Residents urged to get fitter as centres revamped

    RESIDENTS in Stockton are being urged to get active at leisure centres across the borough. Activ8 is the new name for gym facilities in Stockton Borough Council's leisure centres. And visitors to the Splash facility, in Stockton, will soon be able to

  • Pupils' work goes on show

    A SCHOOL in Yarm is holding an exhibition of students' work. Conyers School is hosting the exhibition of GCSE, AS and A2 artwork. The display will enable the artists' parents and friends, as well as the school's governors and teachers to view the work

  • Action to stop rubbish being left in streets

    HIGH profile patrols are targeting people who dump rubbish in the back streets across the borough of Stockton. The 24-hour patrols are checking the borough's back streets to combat the problem of rubbish dumping. This includes bin bags and wheeled bins

  • Warning sounded about 'council' letter

    PEOPLE living in Stockton are being warned to be on their guard against an official-looking council letter that officers from the authority have described as a malicious joke. Stockton Borough Council has issued the warning following a complaint from

  • 86-year-old killed by hit-and-run driver

    AN 86-year-old woman was killed when a hit-and-run driver ploughed into a group of people leaving a party. Widow Betty Cooper, a mother-of-12, was one of three people struck by the car as she was getting into a taxi, shortly before 1am yesterday. She

  • History group gets into spirit of village's past

    MINERS, policemen and suffragettes wearing authentic costumes helped recall a village's past at the weekend. Wheatley Hill History Club held its third annual local history day, on the theme of Mining and the First World War, at Wheatley Hill Workingmen's

  • Good advice offered on beating abuse

    A FREE course on dealing with drug and alcohol abuse is being launched. The County Durham Drug Action Team sessions are aimed at people who have lived with someone who has had dependency difficulties. They will result in a qualification from the North

  • Cards will help pupils claim fares

    CARDS are being issued in County Durham to under-14s who look older, so that they can prove their age to bus drivers. Children up to 14-years-old in County Durham are entitled to half price fares, but many youngsters look older than they are and are not

  • Bass North Cleveland League

    Brotton were all out for just 38 visiting Hinderwell, who won by six wickets. Paul Theaker was in magnificent form for the home side and he claimed seven wickets for eight runs in 11 overs, including five maidens. Mark Swain gave excellent support and

  • Town schools face closure in reshuffle

    THREE schools in the Chester-le-Street area have been earmarked for closure as part of a massive education shake-up in County Durham. The schools were identified this week in a wide-ranging appraisal report published by Durham County Council, which is

  • SWIMMING: Billingham SC

    Billingham swimmers competed at the Open Meet at the Neptune Centre, Middlesbrough at the weekend and the swimming was of a very high standard. Billingham achieved a silver, fourth and eight position place and out of 40 swims 34 personal bests were achieved

  • Second long-lost work of art found in North

    A PAINTING by a Victorian artist is expected to set a record when it is auctioned later this month. The painting, a scene from Leeds, is the second by Atkinson Grimshaw (1836-1893) discovered in the North-East in the past year. The first, a view of Hampstead

  • Dynamos miss their chance as Hawks swoop

    Durham squandered a winning platform in yesterday's National League match at the Rose Bowl as they lost to Hampshire by seven runs. As they embarked on a run of eight one-day games, the likely opening pair for the Twenty20 Cup, Nicky Peng and Phil Mustard

  • War show a success

    HUNDREDS of visitors took a trip back in time as a former prisoner of war camp recreated the 1940s. About 100 military vehicles from the Second World War formed the centrepiece of the show at Harperley Prisoner of War Camp, in Weardale, County Durham.

  • BRIDGE: Bishop Auckland Bridge Club

    Results for Thursday, May 29 1 - A Race/T Mawston -71.56% 2 - R Carpenter/P Lisle - 61.11% 3 - J Dobson/I Gordon - 60.07% 4 - M Wiles/K Durkin - 59.06% 5 - E Wilkinson/J Bainbridge - 56.94% 6 - O Blenkinsopp/M Dexter - 56.25%

  • Great Ayton defeat fails to keep Wolves at bay

    Darlington Building Society NYSD Premier League Division One: Wolviston still lead the table despite losing for the first time when they went down to championship rivals Great Ayton, writes Malcolm Pratt. Geoff Peacock stroked six boundaries in a half

  • Crime alert as cars broken into at airport

    POLICE have reported a problem with car crime at one of the region's airports. Officers said there have been a number of incidents in recent weeks at Teesside International Airport. In the latest, on Friday evening, an Audi car was broken into in the

  • 09/06/03

    FOOTBALL: I FIND it interesting that, at this time when England football supporters are being urged to support their team in the most positive of ways, there is very little support or acknowledgement of fans by the England team themselves. A group of

  • 'Why my little girl has to speak for me'

    Youth worker Chrissy Coombe was struck dumb last year but has refused to let it affect her life. Women's Editor Christen Pears meets her. CHRISSY Coombe can't speak. Sitting on her sofa, an A4 pad on her lap, she scribbles down the answers to my questions

  • Public inquiry call goes to MPs

    THE grieving mothers of two soldiers who died at Europe's largest army base are to take their fight for a public inquiry to Westminister. Lynn Farr and Claudia Beckley-Lines will attend a public meeting on Wednesday, June 18, which will call for an independent

  • Weekend TV: No such thing as a quiet death

    Casualty (BBC1); Rockface (BBC1) MY first thought, when they found a dead body in the gents toilet, was that it would help the stressed-out staff in Holby Accident and Emergency Department. One less patient in Casualty was a good thing. Doctors and nurses

  • Holiday language courses

    FREE taster classes are on offer to people keen to learn a little of the language and culture of their Mediterranean holiday destination. Lessons in Greek, Spanish and Italian, designed to give tourists sufficient language skills to get by, are being

  • Mother of murdered Julie is promised Lords hearing

    A MOTHER who is fighting for justice for her murdered daughter has been promised a personal appeal to the House of Lords before they begin a debate on the ancient double jeopardy law. Ann Ming, mother of murdered pizza delivery girl Julie Hogg, received

  • Kimtai out of Blaydon races

    A RECORD field of nearly 4,000 runners will compete in tonight's big Nike Blaydon Race - including a string of top Africans. But four-time winner Kenyan Julius Kimtai will not be on the starting line outside Balmbras public house in the centre of Newcastle

  • Can reality TV damage your health?

    As the nation braces itself for a summer of reality TV, Nick Morrison looks at why we enjoy watching people humiliate themselves - and why we're lining up to be humiliated. A COMEDIAN peers at the contents of his recently-evacuated colon; a dinner party

  • CLAY PIGEONS: Cleveland and North Yorkshire Sporting League

    Week six: Stokesley continued their 100 per cent record with a marginal 181 to 180 away win at Hardwick Hall. Adam Wallace scored a perfect 25 for the away team whilst Michael Brown and Stuart Pheonix scored similarly for Hardwick Hall. Urlay Nook slid

  • Darlington Building Society manage a record 13 not out

    Darlington Building Society is proving that the number 13 is not unlucky for some as it continues to break local records as the longest serving sponsor of local cricket. This will be the 13th consecutive season that Darlington Building Society has sponsored

  • A Definite good night

    PONTEFRACT offers more than just good cakes - the standard of racing is also excellent at the popular Yorkshire venue. Well-known for attracting big crowds, there could easily be 10,000 spectators piling through the turnstiles this evening, some of whom

  • DOMINOES: Crook League / Tow Law and District League

    Crook League: Crook Belle Vue Club extended their lead at the top of the First Division to five points after they only dropped two points to the visiting Crook Coach and Horses A. The visitors only took one singles point when Brian Lee but they were able

  • South North duo punish Norton

    Foster's ECB North East Regional Premier League: Bottom-club Norton found Chris Hewison and Martin Speight in blistering form as they blasted South Northumberland to 299 for three. Reon King then took over with the ball to help send Norton to a 158-run

  • Spennymoor show no charity in Final rout

    Spennymoor Black & Decker have won the Darlington Charity Cup sponsored by Darlington Building Society by beating Hartlepool Arriva 8-0 in the final held at Feethams, Darlington. In a very one-sided game, Spennymoor showed no mercy to Hartlepool who

  • Rival traders launch a High Court bid to stop expansion

    A CONSORTIUM of traders has won the right to appeal to the High Court against a rival shopping centre's expansion. But centre bosses and the local authority, which is accused of illegally approving the development, vow it will proceed as planned. Prudential

  • Durham Diary

    THE Durham Light Infantry are obviously determined to march to a modern tune. That's why there was no sign of the biggest cup in sport when Durham beat Yorkshire for the first time in a championship match. The 4ft DLI Trophy has traditionally been at

  • Nursing duties for Giles

    ASHLEY GILES has promised to nurse his "lover" Michael Vaughan through the first test of his England one-day captaincy. Giles is one of England's most experienced limited-overs players and will be a pivotal figure as Vaughan takes the reins after the

  • Security warning as warm weather opens doors

    POLICE have warned people to keep doors closed after the weekend's hot weather brought with it an increase in burglaries. They say a rise in burglaries in Chester-le-Street, that has accompanied the hot spell, is partly because people are forgetting to

  • Comment: Time to listen to the people

    TODAY the Chancellor will deliver his verdict on the Treasury's assessment of the five economic tests for British membership of the euro. If, as expected, Gordon Brown announces that economic conditions are not right, we will be left with the same 'wait-and-see

  • The Readers Durham County League Under-18s

    Tim Smalley was in excellent all round form leading Tudhoe to victory at Ushaw Moor, writes MALCOLM PRATT. When the visitors batted first, Smalley starred with the bat scoring 70 of his team's total of 207 for one. Jonathan Taylor gave support and he

  • Majority of young drivers say they are a risk

    NEWLY qualified drivers in the North-East have complained they are not being properly prepared for the roads. A report, carried out by Autoglass, found that learner drivers in the region said they were being allowed to drive with too little training.

  • Police forces crack down on drug-driving menace

    POLICE forces across the North-East are today joining forces to hammer home the dangers of driving while under the influence of drugs. Police chiefs say that young people in particular are unaware of the risks and the penalties they may face if caught

  • Homes hit by flash flooding

    DOZENS of homes were affected by flash floods last night. The worst-hit area was County Durham, where at least 50 properties were flooded. At Lanchester, near Stanley, more than 40 shops, pubs and homes were flooded in and around Front Street, between

  • No extra funding for self-help groups

    FAMILIES of murder victims were left disappointed when a Government minister rejected their pleas for more money for self-help groups. Lord Falconer told families gathered at a conference that he had no money "in his back pocket" to fund groups such as

  • News in brief: Man rescued after 20ft fall

    A man was taken to hospital after he fell 20ft down a bank close to the River Tees at Middleton St George, near Darlington, on Saturday. Two fire crews from Darlington were called to the accident, which happened near Dinsdale Spa House at 2.50pm. Fire

  • Thousands attend 11th birthday party of offbeat music venue

    A DIVERSE mix of music marked the 11th birthday of one of the north's more unusual arts venues over the weekend. The Shed, at Brawby, on the edge of the North York Moors, makes up for what it lacks in size with a big reputation, attracting rave reviews

  • Spennymoor Sunday League

    THE League has published an end-of-season review magazine for its members for the second year running. Following another highly successful season, the league decided to publish the 16-page publication exclusively for its 25 clubs. The magazine, which

  • Classical stars to turn out for music events

    A SERIES of classical concerts are set to take place during the summer. Running from June until August, the British Waterways/Classic FM classical concert season will take place at the Tees Barrage, Stockton. A trio of concerts will feature artists including

  • GRIDIRON: Tees Valley Cougars

    The Tees Valley American Football Academy, whose senior team are the Cougars and play at the Easbourne Sports Complex in Darlington, were shown how to be winners by the academy's 12-14-year-olds American Flag Football team known as the Eastbourne Cardinals

  • A dim light but still shining

    Q WAS there a Toc H club in South Church, Bishop Auckland? What is the origin of Toc H and the saying "Dim as a Toc H lamp"? - CB Dobbing, Bishop Auckland. A Toc H is a charitable, Christian organisation based in the UK and with branches all over the

  • Taking steps to raise cash for charity

    WALKERS are being urged to take part in a fundraising event at a wildfowl park. This year's Yellow Brick Road sponsored walk, in aid of The Children's Foundation, will take place at the Washington Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre, in Washington, Tyne and

  • Family acts of heroism remembered

    A BIOGRAPHY of four brothers, who won medals, including the Victoria Cross, for their wartime bravery, has gone on sale. The Fighting Bradfords, by author and retired teacher Harry Moses, was launched at the DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery on Saturday

  • Villagers voice police concern

    VILLAGERS met last week to discuss their concerns about crime and policing in Lumley. The public meeting had been called by Great Lumley Residents' Association and Chester-le-Street ward councillor Audrey Willis, to address residents' fears that incidents

  • ECB approval a major boost to Durham's Ashes bid

    DURHAM have taken their first step towards hosting an Ashes Test in 2005 after receiving the thumbs up from the England and Wales Cricket Board. A near sell-out crowd at the Riverside on Saturday witnessed Nasser Hussain's England men overcome a struggling

  • Bedale / Bishop Auckland / North Durham Union

    Families Cup: A competition played with couples in any family relationship produced good scoring with the following leading scores. 66.2 Alistair and Maggie Ritchie (1 8.8hcp); 75.6 Eddie and Isobel Brown (19.4 hcp); 76.2 Chris and Liz Stubbs (15, 8 hcp

  • Thirsk Falcons

    Thirsk Falcons FC recently held their annual presentation evening at Jesters and it was one of the club's most successful seasons as they celebrated their 50th year of league football. Presentations were made by the club chairman Rudy Pearce, along with

  • Substance abuse advice

    A FREE course on dealing with drug and alcohol abuse is being launched by the County Durham Drug Action Team. The sessions are aimed primarily at people who have lived with someone who has had difficulties with drugs or alcohol and will result in a qualification

  • Bike rider proves he is king of road

    A KEEN cyclist has proved himself king of the road by winning a regional event. Richard King, 25, of Darlington, was victorious in the North-East Divisional Road Race Championship after a gruelling contest in Northumberland. His triumph, achieved in a

  • Thieves take footballers' match balls

    MORE than 200 youngsters turned out for their weekly football league games to find thieves had stolen their match balls. Managers at Shildon Six-a-side Scheme/Juniors Football Club were left trying to find enough footballs to carry on with the scheduled

  • Traders call for help to relocate

    TWO businessmen are appealing to their local council to keep its promise to relocate them. Mike Smith and Colin Mairs have been served notice by Wear Valley District Council to move their businesses from Colliery Yard, West Auckland, by July 31 because

  • Young football champions celebrate

    A SQUAD of champions got their first taste of the turf at Darlington's new football stadium to reward them for their match-winning efforts. Darlington Football Club chairman George Reynolds joined in the celebrations after the Darlington College of Technology

  • Students' artistry goes on show in gallery

    FINE art, photography and fashion designs have gone on show in an exhibition of work by college students. The Myles Meehan Gallery, in Darlington Arts Centre, is displaying work from Btec foundation art students from the town's Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form

  • Rooney and Owen to light up the Riverside

    STEVEN GERRARD last night backed close chums Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen to fire England to the European Championships. Gerrard has taken wonder-boy Rooney under his wing on the international scene, in a bid to help the Everton star feel at home with

  • Reunion plan for residents of lost village

    FORMER residents of a colliery village which was destroyed by floods in the late 1960s are being invited to a reunion. The Whitworth Heritage Group, which meets at Whitworth Parish Church, on the outskirts of Spennymoor, is holding the reunion as part

  • Reunion plan for residents of lost village

    FORMER residents of a colliery village which was destroyed by floods in the late 1960s are being invited to a reunion. The Whitworth Heritage Group, which meets at Whitworth Parish Church, on the outskirts of Spennymoor, is holding the reunion as part

  • Towse in the wickets as Guisborough climb table

    Only two sides won on Saturday. Guisborough easily saw off the challenge from Northallerton who they despatched back to the pavilion for just 87 runs in 34.5 overs. The ever-reliable David Towse claimed 6-34 in 17.5 overs, nine of which were maidens,

  • Contract threat to jobs

    A CONSERVATION group has lost the contract to maintain Darlington's nature reserves, putting three jobs at risk. The Darlington branch of the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) has carried out the work for 12 years, during which it helped

  • MP fears for baby units

    NORTH Yorkshire MP John Greenway has criticised threats to reduce the maternity service at two community hospitals. Scarborough NHS Trust is investigating the future of units at Whitby and Malton hospitals, after being told by the Audit Commission that

  • Taking steps to raise cash for charity

    WALKERS are being urged to take part in a fundraising event at a wildfowl park. This year's Yellow Brick Road sponsored walk, in aid of The Children's Foundation, will take place at the Washington Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre, in Washington, Tyne and

  • Final selections made for Big Chance play-off

    With the final three acts ready to battle it out to find the winners of The Big Chance, a great night of North-East music is anticipated for next week. More than 50 acts and artists from across the region have entered to win the prize of more than three

  • City unveils first solar-powered traffic lights

    A CITY'S first solar powered traffic signs are up and running. The signs, warning motorists of traffic signals ahead, were installed on Heaton Road, 200 yards south of St Theresa's Church, in Newcastle, on Friday. They have a solar panel on top powering

  • Cash helps Army's first nature reserve

    A £52,000 grant should help further secure the future of a wildlife reserve on military land. Foxglove Covert, at Catterick Garrison, was recognised as the first nature reserve on operational Ministry of Defence property, in April 2001. A field study

  • Every picture tells a story

    THE first Test to have been played in the North-East has been captured on canvas by one of Durham's former players, writes Chris Lloyd. Even without Zimbabwe's early capitulation, Martin Speight, who opened the batting for Durham from 1997-2001, would

  • Churches use flower power

    TWO North Yorkshire churches used flower power to boost their coffers over the weekend. St Michael's, in Malton, chose saints as a theme and St Mary's, at Haxby, was awash with colour as regular arrangers put their skills to work to help raise cash to

  • Fire service faces biggest changes since 1947

    COUNTY Durham and Darlington fire brigade is to consult communities on the most radical changes to take place in the service for 50 years. Consultation with the public will take place following a Government directive to all fire authorities to develop

  • Pensioner left badly shaken by intruder

    A PENSIONER was left deeply shocked after she was robbed and assaulted in her home. The incident happened as the 77-year-old woman was watching television in her living room in the Glebe area of Washington, Wearside, at about 2am on Saturday. She was

  • ATHLETICS: North-East juniors in medal haul

    Local youngsters were in medal winning form in the North of England Under-20 championships at Liverpool. Leslie Richards, the reigning schools and inter-counties champion, spun the 1.75kg platter out to 46.50m to win the discus title and Charles Hogarth

  • Recruitment call

    NEW members are being sought by the Stockton Pedestrian Group. The group pursues all aspects and problems of concern to pedestrians in the town. At present, the state of pavements, High Street traffic, local transport plans and Lustrum Beck flooding are