AN inquest will be held next week into the death of an Asian woman and her two children - a year after they were found dead in a burning car. Firefighters were called when a Vauxhall Astra was set alight on Walpole Street in Middlesbrough at 4.30pm on
A COUPLE from Newton Aycliffe celebrated more than just a new year. William and Elizabeth Elsdon, of Lumley Close, celebrated 60 years of marriage. The couple, known as Bill and Bessie, married at St Aidan's Church, Chilton, on New Year's Day 1944. Mr
A FREE internet service to help organic farmers buy or sell livestock, grazing and forage is being launched today by the Soil Association, in partnership with Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Food and Drink organic action plan. The Organic Marketplace
IT takes nerves of steel and an ability to smile in the face of adversity - but one plucky band of fundraisers proved they have just that. While most people stayed snugly indoors as winter held the region in its grip, they not only went out to the beach
URGENT measures to head off a parking crisis in Ripon have been put forward. Consultants have said the main priority in the short term is to replace the imminent loss of almost 200 parking spaces on a site west of the Market Place. The site is set to
BROOMPARK Loves edged a thrilling top-of-the-table clash after an eight-goal encounter with rivals Old Shildon. Division One leaders Loves extended their lead at the top to four points, although Old Shildon hold a game in hand. Old Shildon began brightly
EXTRA information about the "son of Star Wars" project at RAF Fylingdales has been demanded by the local authority, which fears the base could be used to house missile interceptors. MoD officials have assured the North York Moors National Park Authority
ONCE we get the two world darts championships and the interminable Dakar Rally out of the way there's quite a feast of sporting activity to look forward to this year. Hopefully the Rugby World Cup triumph will inspire a return to Rule Britannia as opposed
On Sunday, December 6 six Quakers competed in the 25 mile Rudolph Romp Race. Mike Wray was first home for the club to finish 37th out of 297 competitors in a time of 3 hours 59 minutes, followed by Dave Thompson, 64th, 4:27:00, Richard Tait, 104th, 5:
JUNE Beverley's evening meeting saw Mark Johnston pass the 50 mark for the year with a cracking four-timer. Attraction won the Hilary Needler Stakes. Events kicked off with Coolbythepool, continued with Great Scott and ended with Penny Cross. Epsom glory
DURHAM have given former England all-rounder Gavin Hamilton the chance to resurrect his first-class career following a two-year bowling nightmare. After ten years with Yorkshire, the 29-year-old Scot was released at the end of last season, having failed
Shotton manager Vince Kirkup hasn't given up hope yet at the bottom of the Second Division. Shotton are nine points adrift of safety, and tomorrow take on Norton who occupy third bottom spot. And with it looking increasingly likely that two clubs will
BRITAIN'S fastest rail line had to be closed yesterday - leaving hundreds of passengers to finish their journey by coach. Engineers ordered the closure of the East Coast Main Line - that runs between London and Edinburgh - when safety netting designed
THE North-East will be riding high on television next month when the region's Stepney Bank Stables is featured in a ten-part series. Cameras from Prism Entertainment spent from last June to September filming the children who take part in the Newcastle
THE work of the airborne doctors on the Great North Air Ambulance is the focus of a new documentary series from Tyne Tees Television. Flying Doctors was filmed over the summer and early autumn as the air ambulance attended emergencies across the North
WEARDALE farmer's wife Barbara Coulthard used to spend an average of three hours a day, for more than six weeks, bottle-feeding orphan and surplus lambs. Now an automatic feeder has slashed the task to just 20 minutes a day - and the lambs are said to
ONCE we get the two world darts championships and the interminable Dakar Rally out of the way there's quite a feast of sporting activity to look forward to this year. Hopefully the Rugby World Cup triumph will inspire a return to Rule Britannia as opposed
THERE is plenty to be debated at next week's Trident Feeds' Northern and Borders sheep fair at Hexham mart. Scrapie; identification and tagging; transport; wool marketing; parasite control; lamb price prospects; the CAP review implications; fallen stock
Air accident investigators are calling for better training for helicopter pilots after a crash which almost killed TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh. The accident could have been caused by freak storms, an air accident report has revealed. But investigators
MAGISTRATES gave an absolute discharge to the owner of a sports car who admitted driving without insurance, yesterday. Darlington Magistrates' Court heard that 23-year-old Robert Morris, had special reasons for driving his imported Toyota MR2 car without
PARENTS fighting council plans to close a popular nursery have recorded a minor victory. Darlington Borough Council had proposed the closure of Eastbourne and Heathfield nurseries in April, to make way for "foundation stage" departments at Dodmire Infant
A renowned North-East author opened a school's technology library yesterday. Children's writer Anne Fine, who penned Madame Doubtfire, which went on to become a cinema hit as Mrs Doubtfire, starring Robin Williams, visited The Hermitage School, in Chester-le-Street
FOOTBALL fans will be among tens of thousands of passengers facing transport chaos during a 24-hour stoppage on the Tyne and Wear Metro system. The strike will begin at 7pm, on January 18, with Newcastle United fans travelling to St James's Park for the
PLANS to withdraw three school buses were agreed last night. Stockton Borough Council's cabinet committee accepted a proposal in an attempt to reduce transport costs that are running at £454,000 a year, £47,000 above budget. The schools involved are Christ
EXPERT help will be available today for people who want to give up smoking. Darlington Primary Care Trust's "Stop Smoking Service" is holding a quitters fair in the town's Dolphin Centre. Free advice will be available between 10am and 3pm in the second
STAFF at a Durham bookmakers enjoyed a champagne day at the races after being declared the best in the business. The Gilesgate branch of Stanley Racing beat competition from more than 100 shops to win the title Regional Team of the Year in the firm's
A SERIES of transport projects are to benefit from a boost in Government funding. The announcement means that North Yorkshire County Council will receive £28.6m for 2004/5, compared to £26.4m for 2003/4. The increase was granted after the latest progress
DETECTIVES are investigating the murder of a teenager who was the victim of an horrific and sustained attack outside his home. A police spokesman said officers were called when 19-year-old Scott Pritchard was found unconscious at the back of his home
Division One, BEADS 5, Stokesley SC 3: BEADS took a 2-0 lead into the half-time break when Ian Swinnerton crossed for Steven Boyle to head home the opener against visitors Stokesley after five minutes. Thirteen minutes later Boyle scored his second of
POLICE have renewed their appeal for witnesses to a nasty and vicious armed robbery. Staff at the Bells Store, in Larkswood Road, Redcar, east Cleveland, were left traumatised when two men, one armed with a hammer and the other with an axe, threatened
PROPOSALS for a huge artwork to add to the attractions at the Shildon Railway Village went before a panel of judges yesterday. A nationwide search for a £90,000 landmark piece of public art in the grounds of the £10m attraction was whittled down to a
A VICIOUS racial attack on a woman in a pub has left her needing a metal plate in her face. Victoria Scott, 56, of Chester-le-Street, had been in the town's Red Lion pub on December 23 when she was assaulted. She was left with injuries so severe she had
A DETERMINED grandmother who couldn't read or write until she was 62 has returned to the classroom - as a teacher. Betty Hetherington, from White-le-Head, near Stanley, County Durham, left school at 14 without even the most basic of skills. It was only
Reality television took an alarming new turn this week with a gameshow based on depriving people of sleep. Barry Nelson looks at why a good night's sleep is important for everyone. THE heavily-criticised Channel 4 programme Shattered comes to a climax
BUDGET airline easyJet said more travellers were seeking a winter break than last year as the popularity of low-cost carriers continues to gather pace. The company, based in Luton, carried 1.7m people last month - up 16 per cent on December 2002. Arch
A CONMAN jailed for a multi-million pound fraud could help make legal history after winning the right to appeal against his conviction. Lawyers for Darlington fraudster George Steen will ask appeal judges whether they can question jurors about their discussions
HOMEOWNERS breathed a sigh of relief yesterday after the Bank of England voted to keep interest rates on hold at 3.75 per cent. The Bank's nine-member monetary policy committee (MPC) froze the base rate for the second month in succession after raising
VOLUNTEERS are working hard 50 hours a week to help ensure the opening of Winkie's Castle at Easter. Twenty people are helping to catalogue, clean and conserve the unusual curios collected by cobbler Jack Anderson who lived in a small, whitewashed cottage
THEY thought, designed and built big in those days. No half measures, no cutting corners, no plasterers or painters from hell as seen in modern television programmes. County Hall at Northallerton is a great elegant Edwardian lump of a building, ironically
FIFTY years of memories, anecdotes and church history are contained in a book launched on Tuesday - but that is only half the story. A Century of Service, Part Two 1947-2000, reflects the summer-long exhibition at St Cuthbert's Church in Darlington market
A GROUP of volunteers has won a national award for its environmental endeavours. Action North Skelton, which tackles environmental and social problems in the town, won a bronze award in the National Green Apple Environment Awards for community organisations
MINISTERS were warned last night they still face defeat over controversial moves to charge students up to £3,000 a year university top-up fees. It came as Education Secretary Charles Clarke attempted to quell backbench rebels yesterday when he presented
Seniors: Two further competitions continuing the festive theme following the Turkey Trot have now been played. Stableford No 1 With Christmas puddings supplied by club vice-captain and well known specialist grocer Tony Howard, seniors competed with enthusiasm
TENNIS star Greg Rusedski vowed to clear his name last night after revealing he had tested positive for a performance enhancing drug. The Canadian-born British number two said he was determined to prove his innocence, insisting the amount of nandrolone
POLICE forces have pledged to continue to clamp down on drink-driving after seasonal campaigns returned disappointing results in some areas. Traffic chiefs in North Yorkshire and County Durham have expressed disappointment at the numbers of people caught
JUNIOR golfers are starting the New Year in style thanks to a local car dealer. Romanby Golf Club Juniors, based at Northallerton, have won a sponsorship deal worth more than £2,000 with Simon Bailes Ltd. The youngsters are now sporting specially-designed
PRODUCERS who attend the monthly farmers' market in Thirsk had such a bumper Christmas that they are having to miss a month while they re-stock. The planned market in Thirsk, next Monday, which is held alongside the regular market, has been cancelled.
ON this very weekend 28 years ago - coincidentally my wedding anniversary - I published my first Countryman's Diary, taking over at rather short notice upon the death, at the age of 93, of Maj J Fairfax-Blakeborough. I understand he had written this column
ORGANISERS of 90-minute fitness sessions at Guisborough Forest and Walkway are looking forward to a healthy turnout. New Marske Harriers' coach Jill Sexton will be leading the six Sunday sessions between 10.30am and noon starting from the walkway this
A CONGREGATION is about to move out of a landmark church and use a nearby church hall as its permanent place of worship. An estimated £1m has been spent trying to solve structural problems at St Mary's Anglican parish church, off Cold Bath Road, Harrogate
Snow water pushed the Ure up by 18 inches during Ripon Piscatorials first Open of 2004 on Sunday and big weights were not expected but all that was soon to change. Ripon member Steve Beckwith hammered out an unbelievable 91.8.0 during an extraordinary
Something had to go in the Third Division's clash of the Titans when Burgoynes travelled to the Ball Alley. Freemasons were the unbeaten leaders while Ball Alley knew if they maintained their 100 per cent - the top spot would be theirs for the taking.
Norton and Stockton Ancients: Norton Under-14s lost out in the quarter-final of Durham Cup to Consett Blackfyne Juniors. In a well balanced game, played in good spirit, the away side just took the game with an extra time golden goal. Norton had started
Brandon Prince Bishop clinched all three points in a thrilling 3-2 victory away to Durham City Reserves. On ten minutes Durham went in front when Stephen Wilson's drive rebounded off the bar before falling to Barry Cook who slotted the ball home coolly
A DEAL has been clinched for a High Street shake-up in Northallerton. Bettys caf is moving next door but one to the former HSBC building and the owners of that are taking over the current caf premises. The developer behind the deal says a big name clothes
YOUNG tennis players have come second in the national finals of a competition - despite their school's struggle to secure decent sports facilities. Durham Johnston School, in Durham, is one of only a few state schools to reach the finals of the British
Sir, - I am grateful to Coun Fort for his prompt reply (D&S, Jan 2) to my letter about bus services in the Northallerton and Osmotherley area (D&S, Dec 26). Unfortunately, Coun. Fort seems to emphasise the attributes of the buses themselves, not
FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - At the meeting of the Northallerton Rural Council, Mr Yeoman touched on the Joint Isolation Hospital, pointing out that the Local Government Board Inspector strongly recommended the council to purchase an ambulance
CHRIS Jones sits with his friends from Rookhope in the bar of the village pub sharing coffee and biscuits. They are having a break between preparations for one of the many events that have were held at the pub throughout last year. Mr Jones, who manages
DURHAM have given former England all-rounder Gavin Hamilton the chance to resurrect his first-class career following a two-year bowling nightmare. After ten years with Yorkshire, the 29-year-old Scot was released at the end of last season, having failed
RESIDENTS at almshouses are hoping for a return of musical entertainment following the donation of a Wurlitzer organ. Retired ICI employee Stan Nelson has given his Wurlitzer to the residents of Sir William Turner's Almshouses at Kirkleatham, near Redcar
Forty-eight goals were scored in five matches. Top of the list being shared between the Big W 3 v 10 Cleveland Inn and Gables Manders 11 v 2 SIFC matches while Boosbeck St Aidens and Iceland shared nine goals. Also, there eight goals at Redcar Glazing's
AN AMERICAN tenor sets off this month on a marathon musical trek which will include performance stopovers at several places in North Yorkshire. David Pisaro plans to spend two weeks walking the 230-mile Coast to Coast route from St Bees to Robin Hood's
Crook Individual Knock Out Cup: David Craggs of Tow Law beat John Mason of Chilton in one of the finest pool matches seen in the area when they met in the final of the competition, which was completing a magnificent first year in Crook Coach and Horses
A company has been launched to help firms in the region overcome cultural differences with their European partners. Anette Diers, a German citizen living in Skelton, in Cleveland, has started European Business Cultures (EBC) after working for three years
Forester Peter Green is hanging up his axe after 43 years amid the trees he loves. At 59, he is one of the longest-serving foresters on the North York Moors, joining the Forestry Commission soon after leaving school. But his career has not just been about
MUTUAL insurer Standard Life was last night locked in talks with the City watchdog over the interpretation of new accounting rules. The society, based in Edinburgh, is in dispute with the Financial Services Authority over the interpretation of aspects
RESIDENTS in Yarm are up in arms over plans to increase the capacity of one of the town's nightclubs. The Keys, in the High Street, can accommodate 400 people but has applied to increase this to 490. Members of Stockton Borough Council licensing committee
Gateshead Reserves may be languishing in midtable but manager Alan Bell is confident he is fulfilling the brief given to him by chairman Mike Coulson. Bell took over during last close season when the International Stadium side's application to the Wearside
Mark Brookes will miss the remainder of the season as he recovers following a recent operation on his shoulder but Dave Alderson returns to the Darlington RA squad for tomorrow's Wearside League game against Gateshead Reserves at the International Stadium
DARLINGTON athlete Mike Trees has crowned a fabulous year by being voted British Duathlete of 2003. The 40-year-old was awarded the honour by the British Triathlon Association at a ceremony held at Loughborough University in November. Trees, who began
MANAGING DIRECTOR Roger Stokell has plenty to smile about at present as the horse he named after his Darlington-based manufacturing business, Smith N Allan Oils, won for the third time in as many weeks at Lingfield on Tuesday. Stokell is naturally delighted
Redcap (BBC1): The Hunt For The Camden Ripper (C4): AN SAS patrol in Bosnia is ambushed, there's a traitor in the British camp, and Tamzin Outhwaite's military policewoman Jo McDonagh is sleeping with the enemy. No change in Redcap, then, and no one could
A RARE letter from the doomed RMS Titanic is expected to fetch up to £10,000 at auction in Leyburn next month, after it was discovered being used as a bookmark. The four-page letter, written on the ship's headed notepaper by a woman passenger to her nephew
HOSPITAL chiefs have pledged to tackle over-crowding problems after closing an emergency department because it was too busy. Bosses at the flagship University Hospital of North Durham, in Durham City, are investigating the problem of bed-blocking - patients
Detectives are continuing the investigation into the murder of a teenager who was attacked despite being on crutches. Scott Pritchard, 19, of Hendon, Sunderland was found unconscious with head injuries outside the back gate of his home in Lindsay Close
Thursday's prices Dalgety Arable, Thorp Arch. - Wheat: Jan £109; Feb £110; Mar £111. Barley: Jan £95; Feb £96; Mar £97. Oilseed rape: Jan £178; Feb £179; £180. GrainCo, Tyne Dock. - Wheat: Jan £108; Feb £109; Mar £110. Barley: Jan £95; Feb £96; Mar £97
PROTESTORS have labelled plans to demolish the Forum Theatre in Billingham and build on one of the town's oldest parks as a disgrace. Residents are being urged to view the plans for the controversial Gateway redevelopment before a planning application
Hundreds of well-wishers ensured there was a warm welcome for the Prince of Wales as he arrived in the North-East today for a day-long list of engagements. Schoolchildren from across Sunderland were waiting outside the city's railway station to greet
BUSINESSMAN Alasdair MacConachie said he was 'madly excited' to receive an OBE in the New Year's Honours List. The 57-year-old has been honoured for his services to the community in Darlington, where he is chairman of St Teresa's Hospice, the College
EFFORTS to build a future for steel production on Teesside are being hampered by long-standing European rules, an MP has said. Vera Baird, Redcar MP, said rules governing the European steel industry stopped the Government granting regional assistance
SHOW me a minority and folding money says I'll be in it, but last weekend revealed a minority I'd be ashamed not to join. Pollsters, obviously short of political topics over the holidays, turned to the handiness of women about the house and, according
The mixed fours tournament and the men's High Fives events including pairs and triples competitions took centre stage at the Morrison Indoor Bowls venue over a Festive four days. In the mixed fours every team was guaranteed to play six games over two
A NEW bid to win a local radio licence for Northallerton takes to the airwaves tomorrow. A small team will start broadcasting from a supermarket car park and continue for 28 days round the clock, offering music, interviews, news, competitions, promotions
COMEBACK king Carl Llewellyn is enjoying a welcome revival this season, having looked as if he was on the verge of retirement during the early part of 2003. Twice successful in the Aintree Grand National, 38-year-old Carl, now one of the senior members
NORTH-EAST company SJD Architects has secured a series of contracts across the North of England. The company, which was created in March last year and moved to the Preston Farm Business Park, Stockton, in August, is gaining a reputation for new-build
Barnard Castle 5, Heighington 2: Heighington had booked a bus for the short journey to Barney intending to celebrate the New Year with a victory followed by a night on the town. Unfortunately, no one had thought to inform the Barney lads of their plans
The Ormesby Junior Table Tennis Club meets every Saturday morning at the Club's new headquarters at the Sports Hall of the former St. Anthony's School (now the Middlesbrough Teaching and Learning Centre) on Cargo Fleet Lane, Middlesbrough, between 10am
ANGRY members of the North-East's tourism industry have vowed to continue their fight to save the Northumbria Tourist Board (NTB). At a public meeting in County Durham, business members pledged to enlist the support of local authorities and councillors
Last year proved to be a fabulous 12 months for Darlington athlete Mike Trees - and he's hoping 2004 will be just as successful. He ended 2003 by being crowned British Duathlete of the Year after the former professional tri-athlete finished fourth in
Othe one Spraire Lads fixture took place and that involved the Under-13s taking on Seaton Carew Juniors in the TJFA League Challenge Cup. Spraire started the New Year in great style and built up a 3-0 lead very early on, courtesy of a Jonnie Ward hat-trick
Darlington Allstars: The Under-16s went through to the semi-finals of the League Cup after a nailbiting tie against Norton and Stockton. They travelled to Norton and Stockton for their first match of the New Year in the League Cup and the game was evenly
NEALE Cooper is looking forward to having Marco Gabbiadini back and bothering Division Two defenders in the near future. Hartlepool's seven-goal, 35-year-old striker is currently on the sidelines after undergoing knee surgery last month. He was expected
IS it worth £100? The Government wants to crack down on parents who take their children out of school for family holidays. They are considering fining parents £100 if they do so. There are many reasons to take children on holiday in term time - often
DARLINGTON-BASED preparation experts C S Automotive will be contesting the Silkolene-sponsored 1400cc BTRDA rally championship in 2004 with a pair of promising young drivers. Wakefield driver James Walker, 25, and team-mate Luke Pinder will contest the
THE owner of an animal refuge has been forced to build more kennels to keep pace with an influx of pets abandoned over Christmas. Chris Spedding, who runs the Hope Animal Sanctuary, in Loftus Bank, is looking after a dozen dogs and puppies, and an added
A CHORISTER has clocked up 83 years of singing in church choirs - and at 91 he has no plans to hang up his cassock and surplice. Rowland Guest, who sings at All Saints' Parish Church in the village of Ripley, near Harrogate, has been awarded a certificate
FARMERS must take advantage of "revolutionary" agricultural reforms which pave the way to a more profitable and environmentally sustainable future for the countryside. Lord Whitty, Food and Farming Minister, was speaking at the Oxford Farming Conference
REMEMBER the bad old days of 1999 when the owners of the Bowes Museum talked of closing it for two years for roof repairs? And a year before that, the spectre was raised of closing the museum during the winter. Those days came to mind on Sunday as Spectator
Sunderland and District Table Tennis Association has had further success in ETTA national competitions. In the Carter Cup, which is played on a group regional basis, Sunderland came second to Darlington and both will go through to the next round. As in
MUSEUM volunteers are taking advantage of the winter season to give one of their cherished exhibits a facelift. The refurbishment of the Yorkshire Air Museum's Lockheed/Canadair CT-133 Silver Star was made possible by a donation from museum supporters
Worthington CIU Snooker League: There was no festive spirit for Spennymoor A when they played their re-arranged match at Shotton Palms for they went down to their first defeat of the season when they lost the decider. This result left them trailing Wheatley
Sir, - Your report (D&S, Dec 19) about the deferred planning application for car boot sales at the Reynolds Arena makes dismal reading. The borough council, typically, seems anxious to deal with it before all the facts are known. If more information
TWO Bedale High School pupils have received their Yorkshire caps for cricket. Year nine pupil Bradley Elsworth, who represents the school, Hambleton and Richmondshire area, North Yorkshire, Bedale Juniors and Bedale second XI, played twice for Yorkshire
A COUPLE who were childhood sweethearts celebrated their diamond wedding in style at their favourite football club. Ivor and Marjorie Castor, 82 and 80, of Guisborough, met outside a dance hall in Grangetown when they were aged 15 and 13. They celebrated
Stanhope Town visited Stillington The Royal in the Minor Cup and went one down through Paul Cleary. A goal from Andy Lee made it 1-1 at half time but Stanhope lost Gary Parker with a hamstring injury and this proved a turning point. The home side took
PROPOSALS which could see rural planning controls eased have met with a mixed response in North Yorkshire. The Government is preparing the scheme in a bid to boost investment in hard-hit country areas. Tourism initiatives and farm diversification projects
AS the wit had it, we saw again that dj vu, as both Catterick and Newcastle were frosted off. This placed the emphasis on the all-weather, and as usual, certain of our trainers were quick off the mark. David Barron, long known for shrewdly placing his
Burn Valley Club 0 Athletic Rugby 0: Ia game which was an excellent advertisement for the League, both teams served up a highly competitive and exciting third round tie. Athletic started to get on top and win control after Burn Valley had a man sent off
Paul Lowe of Middlesbrough AC (Mandale) won the Guisborough Woods fell race over five-and-a-half miles finishing nearly one minute clear of Charles Stead of NFR, who had beaten him the last time the pair raced in the Guisborough 3 Peaks race in November
Comeback king Carl Llewellyn is enjoying a welcome revival this season, having looked as if he was on the verge of retirement during the early part of 2003. Twice successful in the Aintree Grand National, 38-year-old Carl, now one of the senior members
Inter-League competition: A large crowd watched the finals of the inter-league darts competition organised by the Newcastle Alliance League and held at the Fire Services Club and it was the Friday Night League which took the crown. This was the 50th anniversary
PSSST . . . have you heard? Gossiping at work is good for you! New research has revealed that chatting round the water cooler is an ideal way to let off steam and can help workers relax or even discuss ideas. Employers have now been urged to encourage
As Education Secretary Charles Clarke presented his Higher Education Bill to the Commons yesterday, The Northern Echo gauged the reaction from students, universities and MPs. A SUNDERLAND University spokesman said: "We have said all along that variable
THE vicar of Great Ayton, now Canon Paul Peverell, received a surprise and welcome e-mail at Christmas, which he read out to his congregation. It said: "The bishop, clergy and people of the diocese of Ho meeting at the first session of the first synod
Sir, - I support Coun Robinson's view that council taxpayers' money should be better spent improving pedestrian safety in Thirsk rather than the appearance of Long Street. (D&S letters, Jan 2) However, I do not agree with his view of the causes that
Sunderland Amateur Operatic Society presents Oliver at Sunderland Empire from Wednesday to next Saturday. Evening shows are at 7.15pm, Saturday matinee at 2.15pm, tickets are £12. Published: 09/01/04
Willington and District League: Ithe re-arranged top of the table clash Sunnybrow Brown Trout managed to stay at the top of the table when they recovered from a two points deficit against the visiting third placed, Willington Cottles. The visitors went
DARLINGTON'S first game of 2004 brought no change of fortune as they suffered a frustrating 1-0 defeat at Leyton Orient. Not for the first time this season Quakers were unable to convert their dominance into that vital ingredient - goals. Even home manager
A THRIVING riverside community will soon be created as plans get under way for a tidal barrage on the Ouseburn River. The barrage will breathe new life into the historic waterway and create a canal-like environment in the Ouseburn Valley by retaining
THE driver of a car that ploughed into a family-of-five will appear in court this morning charged with causing death by dangerous driving. Paul Lee has been charged with causing the death of eight-month-old Callum Taylor, who died three days after the
POLICE have arrested a man in connection with the murder of a 55-year-old man on New Year's Day. Former postman John Wells of Doncaster Road, Sandyford, Newcastle, was found bleeding to death from a stab wound to his neck at 8.38pm after he had bought
YOUNGSTERS from Hurworth School were given the chance to spend two days drawing Durham Cathedral this week. On Tuesday and Wednesday, year nine pupils from the school, near Darlington, travelled to Durham city to draw the building. Art teacher Clare Hagan
PUPILS at a Darlington school welcomed their new headteacher this week. Marie Green has taken over the reins at Polam Hall School. She has 26 years' experience in independent schools and was previously head of English at Witherington Girls' School, in
POLICE are appealing for help after missiles were thrown at three buses in separate incidents in Darlington. Two of the incidents took place at 4pm yesterday and involved Stagecoach's double-decker school buses taking Carmel RC College students home.
TEENAGERS can show their latest moves when Northallerton plays host to a dance night at a mobile nightclub next month. The initiative is the work of the Hambleton Community Safety Partnership, which is looking to provide safe meeting places for the under
Sunderland Amateur Operatic Society presents Oliver at Sunderland Empire from Wednesday to next Saturday. Evening shows are at 7.15pm, Saturday matinee at 2.15pm, tickets are £12.
MUTUAL insurer Standard Life was last night locked in talks with the City watchdog over the interpretation of new accounting rules. The society, based in Edinburgh, is in dispute with the Financial Services Authority over the interpretation of aspects
A PENSIONER has been injured after a man pushed her to the ground and pulled her handbag from her shoulder. The 70-year-old had been shopping in Safeway, in West Dyke Road, Redcar. She was returning home along Hanson Street when she was attacked at 8.30pm
New County North Durham Youth League: Leaders Cleveland Hall suffered a 9-1 defeat to third top Leam Rangers when the sides met in the Under-16 division. Lee Turnbull (3) John Sherlock (2) and Ryan Moore (2) were the principal scorers for Leam Rangers
PLANS to introduce a one-way system in a Hartlepool street have met with a mixed reaction from residents. Hartlepool Borough Council carried out a study into two accidents at the Queensberry Avenue and Elwick Road junction. It found poor visibility at
A NEW chairman has been appointed to lead a Teesside charity. The Cleveland branch of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen's Families Association (SSAFA) has appointed Gerry Caulfield as branch chairman. On retirement, following a 26-year Army career, Mr Caulfield
A CONGREGATION is about to move out of a landmark church and use a nearby church hall as its permanent place of worship. An estimated £1m has been spent trying to solve structural problems at St Mary's Anglican parish church, off Cold Bath Road, Harrogate
SUPPORTERS of a controversial cancer specialist have expressed shock that he is being sued for £5.5m by the family of the late Beatle, George Harrison. Dr Gil Lederman of New York, who has treated at least 30 patients from the North-East, was one of the
Ennis Square SC 2 Kings Head FC 0: Having finished 2003 on a high, King's Head came unstuck at Redcar where Ennis Square once again proved to be the Guisborough side's bogey team. Crucial to Ennis Square's win was debutant David Tait who capped a man
Bishop Auckland had mixed feelings after Sunderland withdrew from the Durham Challenge cup before their scheduled game on Tuesday night. Bishops were looking forward to the game against the second string reserve outfit of the Black Cats, but Sunderland
THREE people from County Durham are enjoying life in the Northern Gulf near Iraq. Marine engineers Chris Mole and Paul Blackburn, both of Darlington, completed training on HMS Raleigh and HMS Sultan. They have joined HMS Norfolk in Iraq for their year
SPORTS enthusiasts in Richmond have vowed to fight to save the town's sports centre, which they say is booked every night of the week. Users of the centre, off Gallowgate, are angry that Richmondshire District Council is considering closing it in a money-saving
THEATRE staff are celebrating a bumper year with record numbers of people attending performances. Audiences at the Town Hall Theatre, in Hartlepool, which is run by Hartlepool Borough Council, soared by a fifth in the 12 months to the end of November
A TEAM set up to tackle growing levels of bureaucracy has challenged Chancellor Gordon Brown to show he is on the side of business. The Red Tape Team, funded by regional development agency Yorkshire Forward and operated through Yorkshire and Humber Chambers
A CENTRE aimed at encouraging new musical talent in Darlington is nearing completion. A converted Victorian school at the corner of Borough Road and Brunswick Street, is set to undergo a £220,000 facelift to become a state of the art practice and performance
A PENSIONER'S appeal for information about her grandfather's heroic role in the North-East's worst pit disaster has brought to light new information about the tragedy. Brenda Hutchinson, 74, wanted to find out more about a medal given to her grandfather
DECEMBER, just for a change in this exceptional year, was a near average month both for temperatures and rainfall. Even so, here at Carlton, near Stokesley, mean maxima were the warmest in December for five years, though it was slightly on the cool side
DEPARTMENT store group House of Fraser could again be a target for potential suitors after recording a "creditable" festive trading period. The company, which includes the Binns group, delivered a 0.1 per cent rise in like-for-like sales during the 23
A CONSORTIUM linked to a possible takeover of crisis-hit Darlington Football Club has revealed that it wants to involve supporters in owning and running the Quakers. Businessman Mark Meynell, a lifelong Darlington fan, is heading a group which hopes to
STEWART DOWNING and Joseph Job have edged closer to earning new contracts at Middlesbrough. Both players are out of contract in the summer and are keen to extend their stays on Teesside. Teenage sensation Downing has held talks with manager Steve McClaren
Redcap (BBC1) The Hunt For The Camden Ripper (C4) AN SAS patrol in Bosnia is ambushed, there's a traitor in the British camp, and Tamzin Outhwaite's military policewoman Jo McDonagh is sleeping with the enemy. No change in Redcap, then, and no one could
National Premier League, North-East Region: Tennis World Middlesbrough moved off the bottom of the Northern Division table following a one game win over David Lloyd Newcastle recently at their Marton base. The two sides took two rubbers each, but the
The ever popular Jolly Holly Jog 10k at Ripon on a cold, bright morning, provided an opportunity for Harriers to run off some of the Christmas excesses. Martin Grainger of Darlington won the event and his time of 35.03 minutes reflects the hilly nature
TRAINING with the North East Chamber of Commerce has been the foundation of Katy Larder's success, helping her to gain promotion with a leading international clothing company. Miss Larder, 22, who works for Austin Reed at its support services site in
The former mining village of New Brancepeth lies in the Deerness Valley two miles north of Brancepeth village but, despite their names, the two places have little in common. Brancepeth is not even New Brancepeth's nearest neighbour, since Esh Winning,
Skipper Neil Maddison last night backed Darlington's misfiring strikers to come good. Second-bottom Quakers, who entertain Third Division high-flyers Hull City tomorrow, have failed to score in four of their last five games - and they have lost them all
A CLUB for people with mobility problems is hoping to attract even more members following a National Lottery grant. The Newton Aycliffe Mobility Club opened last year and now, with the help of a £5,000 grant from the Awards for All, the club wants to
THE new chairman of One North-East marked her first official duty with a visit to Barnard Castle. Margaret Fay met Northern Archaeological Associates, a commercial consultancy which has moved into energy efficient units on Harmire Enterprise Park, Barnard
A North Yorkshire squash side resumes its battle for the Yorkshire Premiership title on Wednesday, January 14 (7.30pm) determined to avoid a second banana skin. In their first match of the season against Pontefract's second stringers Harrogate Squash
Durham City finished runners-up to Sedgefield in both age groups at the North East Counties Water Polo Championships held in Catterick Garrison pool. In the Youth Championship Tournament for players born in 1987 and later, the young Durham side looked
Newton Aycliffe: Chris Gaffney produced his best run to date in the Great North Winter junior cross country run held at the Town Moor, Newcastle, on Saturday, January 3. Held in conjunction with the televised international races, 11-year-old Chris ran
Last minute withdrawals and late arrival at Blyth were not the ideal preparations for Bishop Auckland's return fixture in the Durham and Northumberland League Division Three. Bishops started with activity by the pack which was snuffed out as Blyth moved
NEWCASTLE United star Titus Bramble and Chelsea striker Carlton Cole will not face charges over an alleged "gang rape" of a 17-year-old girl, it was announced last night. The attack was alleged to have taken place in September at the Grosvenor House Hotel
YOUNG off-road motorcyclists in Darlington could be encouraged to change their nuisance behaviour with the promise of a safe and supervised place to ride. Firthmoor Community Safety Partnership hopes to develop a scheme to encourage young riders to use
PLANS to develop a Corporate Parenting and Child Protection Panel have been approved by Darlington Borough Council's cabinet. The panel is being established in response to recommendations made to all local authorities after Lord Laming's inquiry into
Braes of Derwent PC. - Feb 1: Indoor dressage at Holmside Arena. All classes open to non-members. For details send sae to Linda Middleton, Grange Farm, Sunnyside, Bishop Auckland DL13 4LZ. BSPS Area 3a. - Jan 25 & Feb 22: Novice winter shows at Northallerton
A GRIM reminder of its flooded past failed to bring any new year cheer to Neasham. Coun John Weighell, parish council chairman, told Monday's meeting that he was incensed by the arrival of an Environment Agency calendar in Christmas week. The picturesque
A MARKET town is experiencing an explosion in Latin spirit with salsa classes becoming increasingly popular. Laucinda Holland and Gareth Roberts set up salsa school Encuentro Latino at the start of last year, and since then it has gone from strength to
A PROJECT to develop information systems for the blind will be launched on Monday. The scheme, run in partnership between Stockton Borough Council, the RNIB and Vodafone, will equip blind residents in Stockton with technology to access information on
A SURVEY of wildlife killed on roads in what was once a relatively TB-free area of the country will provide valuable information about the spread of the disease, the NFU believes. The study of casualty badgers and deer in an area of about 180sq km in
EXPERTS have uncovered evidence of Iron Age houses and pottery dating from about 100BC to 100AD at a North-East development. Residents at the Newcastle Great Park development are learning about Iron Age history after the latest archaeological work on
THE ex-husband of a drug dealer jailed for the manslaughter of a vulnerable customer has been cleared of handling drugs money. David Storey, 36, has been found not guilty of taking £14,000, the proceeds of his former partner's lucrative drug dealing business
A TEAM from Teesdale School in Barnard Castle have won the Bishop Auckland Football Association girls under-12 trophy in a tournament held at Sunnydale School in Shildon. The girls qualified for the finals after winning their matches against Durham Johnston
PLANS to build a primary school and nursery on a greenfield site at Ingleby Barwick have come under fire from parish councillors and pressure groups. Stockton Borough Council has submitted an outline planning application for a 630-place school and 39-
The Tap and Spile in Guisborough has been awarded the title of Autumn Pub of the Season by the Cleveland branch of the Campaign for Real Ale. It recognises the pub's commitment to real ale and the beer's good condition. Licensee Angel Booth goes forward
CRAFTSMAN Lee Summers would be the first to admit he is the image of his father. For like his father Steve, Lee, from Linthorpe, in Middlesbrough, has become self-employed manufacturing made-to-order mirrors. The 25-year-old previously worked with his
DARLINGTON Council is urging tenants to have their say as consultation continues on the future management of council housing stock. A second letter is set to go out to all of the council's 6,200 council house tenants urging them to have their say before
A COLLECTOR is appealing for the return of her cherished china collection which was snatched by thieves from her home. Kathleen Corrigan had spent £15,000 over the past eight years building up a precious set of Aynsley porcelain which included several
THE man who was at the centre of some of the region's biggest dramas in recent years is to retire. Chief Superintendent John Lacy, the commander of the North Yorkshire force's central area, will step down in April after 35 years of service. He joined
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: OPERATION SURMA. Publisher: Atari. Formats: Xbox, PS2. Price: £39.99. THE year 2003 will go down as a vintage 12 months for sitting room adventurers. Metal Gear Solid 2 and Splinter Cell set the standard and continue to be the benchmark
A PAIR of international chocolatiers visited Darlington College of Technology to help a group of chefs develop some a tasty ideas. Idlo and Maureen Nicolello passed on their skills to a class of 30 students, made up of college students, as well as professional
BUSINESSES in Sunderland can find out how they can play a part in shaping the city's growth at a meeting organised by the North East Chamber of Commerce. Tom Macartney, chief executive of the Sunderland Area Regeneration Committee (arc) will be joining
DARLINGTON. - Mon. Fwd: 171 store & breeding cattle, 2 rearing calves, 308 store lambs, 301 fat lambs, 140 in-lamb shlgs. Steers: Lim £505, £412 JJ&JW Cook; BB £595(2) J Elsdon & Son; Char £538 JT Dunn; Fries £400 J Elsdon. Hfrs. - Lim: £550
This week's league and cup programmes were decimated by the weather with only one game being played. This was at Stillington where The Royal took on Stanhope Town in the Durham Minor Cup. The Royal were first off the mark when Lee O'Connell meet Paul
A STEELWORKER who used his redundancy money 24 years ago to launch Teesside's best-known bridal wear shop has passed the running of the business to his son. John Brady swapped "the muckiest job in the world for the cleanest" when he left British Steel's
THERE has rarely been any shortage of rugby talent coming out of Teesside and the third member of the Yarm-based Simpson-Daniel family is to follow his two elder brothers into the England Under 19 team. Mark, a scrum half now with Sale, is said to be
The achievement of Durham City's Anna Richardson in gaining international honours playing for the Great Britain Water Polo Youth Girls Team in Holland has been marked by the Northumberland and Durham ASA at the Association's Annual Dinner. Anna also picked
Sunderland Amateur Operatic Society presents Oliver at Sunderland Empire from Wednesday to next Saturday. Evening shows are at 7.15pm, Saturday matinee at 2.15pm, tickets are £12. Published: 09/01/04
WE have an instinctive dislike of university top-up fees. It is a crying shame that young people should have to begin their working lives in debt because they went to university. But the chronic underfunding of our universities by successive governments
It was 17 years since we'd met. Mick Jones, changed less dramatically than his circumstances, was pondering the reality of growing old. On so fretful and so fearful a subject, it may not be possible to wax philosophical. Perhaps you wane philosophically
THE man tasked with saving steelmaking on Teesside says he is 'highly confident' that thousands of workers have a secure future. Colin Muncie, managing director of the newly-formed Teesside Cast Products, said independent evidence proved that Redcar steelworks
THE Northumbria Tourist Board is stepping up its campaign to force the regional development agency to negotiate over the board's future. It is to canvass support from the region's MPs and local authorities in its battle to survive. The regional development
THE stand-off between the Northumbria Tourist Board and the regional development agency One Northeast is in danger of causing irreparable harm to the region's tourism industry. The two organisations are meant to be working together but have signally failed
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: OPERATION SURMA. Publisher: Atari. Formats: Xbox, PS2. Price: £39.99. THE year 2003 will go down as a vintage 12 months for sitting room adventurers. Metal Gear Solid 2 and Splinter Cell set the standard and continue to be the benchmark
The former mining village of New Brancepeth lies in the Deerness Valley two miles north of Brancepeth village but, despite their names, the two places have little in common. Brancepeth is not even New Brancepeth's nearest neighbour, since Esh Winning,
Athletes from Richmond and Zetland Harriers have been in action during the month of December, both locally and not-so-locally. Andrea Woodvine journeyed south to Poole, Dorset on Saturday 13 to compete in a 5K road race at Boscombe Pier and finished second
Stanley Royal maintained their place at the top of the league on goals difference following a crushing 8-0 victory at Felling Mulberry. Blaydon cricketer Mark Drake was the star of the show with a five-goal haul with David Robson and Ian Watson also on
WHETHER 31 years of marriage is cause for celebration depends on your view of the institution. But deciding we could still stand the sight of each other over the breakfast table, or in this case the dinner table, husband Peter and I opted to dine at the
IS it worth £100? The Government wants to crack down on parents who take their children out of school for family holidays. They are considering fining parents £100 if they do so. There are many reasons to take children on holiday in term time - often
TENNIS star Greg Rusedski vowed to clear his name last night after revealing he had tested positive for a performance enhancing drug. The Canadian-born British number two said he was determined to prove his innocence, insisting the amount of nandrolone
WORK has begun on dismantling a number of seasonal ice rinks forced to close prematurely after a leisure company ceased trading. The rinks, installed for the festive season, were rented by councils across the region including Darlington, Middlesbrough
Barrington Wanderers played at home against Farringdon Jubilee to win 7-3. The game was ill-tempered with the Christmas break showing on the home team. They went behind to an early goal and for the rest of the first half were constantly chasing the game
COUNCIL staff wanting to give something back to the community have raised more than £1,000 for good causes. Refuse collectors, community wardens, grounds maintenance workers, street cleansers, fleet management drivers, highways engineers and workshop
PROPOSALS for a huge artwork to add to the attractions at the Shildon Railway Village went before a panel of judges yesterday. A nationwide search for a £90,000 landmark piece of public art in the grounds of the £10m attraction was whittled down to a
COUNCIL leaders have submitted a £1m-plus bid for Lottery cash to refurbish one of the region's leading arts venues. Darlington Borough Council is hoping to learn by the end of the month whether it has been successful in its application for cash to revamp
THE National Beef Association agrees that a bigger and wider range of new and attractive retail beef brands will boost beef consumption and help to build more realistic prices for prime cattle. But it has warned that beef in every pack sold under a branded
A SENIOR North Yorkshire councillor has been spared the ultimate penalty for breaching the members' code of conduct. Carl Les, who could have been suspended for up to three months at a hearing at County Hall, has instead been censured and ordered to undertake
PEOPLE in Darlington making a New Year resolution to discover more about their family history can find help at the Crown Street Library. The Darlington Centre for Local Studies, which is based in the library, can supply information and advice about tracing
Sir, - I read with amusement your feature on the pressure group BAND (D&S, Jan 2) who wish to remove heavy goods vehicles and motorcycles from the Helmsley to Stokesley road. I live in the national park and am fully aware of their concerns. Excessive
Sunderland Scorpions have strengthened their lead at the top of the women's premier league with two victories to make it unbeaten in ten outings. Also keeping in tact a 100 per cent record Cardiff Comets were visitors to the Telewest Arena and in what
