ADVERTISING staff at the company which publishes The Northern Echo are celebrating after dominating an awards ceremony. Newsquest North-East landed the biggest number of honours at its parent company's annual advertising awards. The North-East winners
IT fell to me, his gran, to take my eleven-month-old grandson for his first MMR jab. His mother had wanted to spare me that. She'd arranged to take him one day when I was away on holiday, but he went down with a cold so it had to be put off. By the time
A FATHER-of-six has been jailed after he became embroiled in a pornographic video chain that sent explicit material to householders across the UK. Scotland Yard's Obscene Publications Unit, in London, launched an investigation after receiving more than
THE Bank of England's rate setting committee looks certain to raise interest rates to four per cent today following more positive economic data. Experts have speculated during the past few weeks that a quarter per cent rise was likely. Ed Balls, the Treasury's
Steve Pratt talks to Newcastle-raised Ben Price about his Beckham-like role in TV's Footballers' Wives. The actor admits it's the first time that his father will actually watch him perform. BEN Price is used to being asked about the Beckham connection
BATTLING cobbler Tony Martin hopes the story of his fight against bureaucracy will be on sale soon. Mr Martin's shop window in Claypath, Durham, has become well-known for its posters making allegations against Durham City Council. Mr Martin, who believes
THE DRAMA of a passionate Italian opera was recreated at Lumley Castle last week, when a stunt man plummeted more than 20ft from a hotel. The famous 'leap of death' in Puccini's Tosca, where the main character commits suicide by jumping from a castle,
AN ENERGY company was last night slated for "shocking and unethical" sales tactics after dozens of complaints from North-East customers. Representatives working for Southern Electric are alleged to have tricked their way into homes by claiming to be from
SOME of the proposed artwork and alterations for Chester-le-Street's town centre have been unveiled. At an exhibition which opened last Thursday at the Mechanics' Institute in the town, plans for the town's regeneration were unveiled to the public. The
A minute's silence will be held for FA Cup-winning manager Bob Stokoe, who died at the weekend, during performances of I Left My Heart at Roker Park - about Sunderland AFC - at The Customs House in South Shields this week. For ticket details call 0191
A £1m European funding boost is putting steam trains back on a rural railway this summer. More than half a century after the last regular passenger service ran through Weardale, County Durham, the track is re-opening in July with backing from the European
FEARS that young adults with mental health problems are not getting the help they need are behind moves to improve services. It could result in County Durham playing a leading role in a new approach to "young people-friendly" mental health services. A
A SUPPORT group for Army parents, who often have to cope on their own while their partners are serving overseas, has branched out to help more families. The Almond Tree Project, supported by the NSPCC, has been an important part of life at Catterick Garrison
A FIREFIGHTER knocked down a pensioner on his way to an emergency call after ignoring no entry signs and driving through a busy pedestrianised high street, a court heard yesterday. Mark McGuiness was found guilty of careless driving when he appeared at
SKIPPER Gareth Southgate last night maintained that Middlesbrough possess the star quality to match the mercurial Jay-Jay Okocha when they meet Bolton in the Carling Cup final at Cardiff. Nigerian international Okocha, who scored a sublime free-kick at
PETER MONTEITH'S stable has hit form with a vengeance over the past couple of weeks, pointing directly to prospects of both Colorado Falls (2.50) and Encore Cadoudal (3.50) at Kelso today. Starting at odds 100-1, precious few punters fancied the chances
Property People (BBC2) YOU knew from the start that it was going to end badly. The very idea that a former exotic dancer could successfully turn himself into an estate agent renting out exclusive lofts to the better-off in London seemed risky. The latest
A MOTHER-OF-TWO says toxic fumes are being spread across a Darlington housing estate by fly-tippers setting fire to rubbish. Elizabeth Mitchell, who lives on the Northwood Park estate, is calling on Darlington Borough Council to install closed-circuit
A minute's silence will be held for FA Cup-winning manager Bob Stokoe, who died at the weekend, during performances of I Left My Heart at Roker Park - about Sunderland AFC - at The Customs House in South Shields this week. For ticket details call 0191
BOWEL cancer sufferers and their carers in Darlington are working together to raise awareness of the disease. Teams of patients and medical staff from Darlington Memorial Hospital will take part in a six-hour sponsored spin, a fast-paced cycling exercise
A businessman will meet North Yorkshire highways bosses tomorrow to discuss a road safety package he says could kill off his trade. Ian Dyer, who runs the post office and shop in Reeth Road, Richmond, is among residents being consulted about a package
A COUNCIL believes its prudent housekeeping will help keep its pending tax rises to under three per cent. Easington District Council's Executive yesterday revealed it is recommending it increases its part of the council tax bill by 2.9 per cent. This
A SCHOOL is helping pioneer a scheme aimed at making its students more employable. North East Construction Training (NECT) has been developed to help youngsters gain key skills such as construction, highway maintenance, plant, fencing and management training
BOSSES at a new sports centre say they are not denying the public the right to use its adjoining playing fields - which some still regard as common land. The Colburn Community Partnership runs the health and recreation centre, built with help from Sport
A MAN accused of a street assault told a court yesterday his female victim attacked him first. Richard Hazell is accused of pouncing on the stranger after stalking her from a Metro on June 25 last year. During the assault, the 23-year-old is accused of
DETECTIVES investigating the murder of Scott Pritchard have made a last appeal to people seen on security cameras, who have yet to come forward. Scott was found unconscious with head injuries outside the back gate of his home in Lindsay Close, Hendon,
THOUSANDS of BBC staff will stage a nationwide protest today over the "attacks" on the corporation following the Hutton Report. The action comes after a day of protests over the report into the death of weapons expert Dr David Kelly and the appointment
LOYAL companies are being recognised for supporting members of staff who serve with the armed forces. Framed certificates signed by Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon are being presented to businesses which granted leave to members of their workforce to join
Calendar Girls (12, Buena Vista Home Entertainment, also available to buy DVD £19.99/Vhs £14.99) Starring: Helen Mirren, Julie Walters, Celia Imrie, Penelope Wilton, Annette Crosbie, Linda Bassett, John Aldridge, Philip Glenister BASED on the true story
Steve Pratt talks to actor Jack Black who rocks both on and off screen... and advises other hopefuls to do the same. SILENCE at the back of the class, Hollywood actor Jack Black wants to offer a few words of wisdom about making a career in the arts. "
A STINGING attack on the way Sedgefield Borough Council reached a planning decision was made by one of its own members yesterday. Councillor Keith Henderson was speaking at a public inquiry into the council's decision to refuse planning permission for
PEOPLE living in Hartlepool are urged to join the latest round of neighbourhood consultative forums. There presentations this week on a variety of topics, including an update on the background to Hartlepool Borough Council's budget position for 2004/2005
A 17-year-old has been charged with the murder of a mother whose body lay in her home for three weeks before being found. Christine Longworth, 33, was found dead with multiple stab wounds at her home in William Street, Chopwell, Gateshead, on Tuesday
THE number of people aged 65 or over who have taken up free flu jabs in Richmondshire and Hambleton has gone up to 78 per cent, figures have revealed. The success is being put down to hard work by GP practices and primary care staff in exceeding the Government's
FIREFIGHTERS answered a call with a difference - to help a museum keep its flag flying. A 999 crew from Richmond turned out to the nearby Green Howards Regimental Museum to fix the banner on to the building. The museum occupies one of the most prominent
LAURENT Robert has handed Newcastle United a boost after a scan on his injured knee revealed no serious damage to the joint. The French winger will start light training again today, and even has hopes of being fit to face Leicester at St James' Park on
A SUPPORT group for Army parents, who often have to cope on their own while their partners are serving overseas, has branched out to help more families. The Almond Tree Project, supported by the NSPCC, has been an important part of life at Catterick Garrison
AN ancient town has become the first in the North-East to be recognised for its work to promote fair trade in developing countries. Guisborough, in east Cleveland, is following in the footsteps of Newcastle, which last year was the first metropolitan
She may be almost 83 but Marion Way, whose remarkable life has included marriage to a bishop and running two hospitals in Tanzania, shows no signs of flagging. Some of her belongings will be auctioned for charity next week. MARION Way will be 83 next
A BRIDAL shop has reaffirmed its commitment to Bishop Auckland with a £20,000 investment. Aphrodite re-opened just over a week ago after work was completed on a new shopfront. Glenda Pedelty, who owns the Newgate Street shop, said the refurbishment was
YOUNGSTERS are being invited to dream up novel pancake toppings for Shrove Tuesday by the Asda store in Bishop Auckland. The competition is open to anyone under 11, with the winner receiving a £25 gift voucher for music and videotapes. Entries should
GROUPS and organisations of mainly of older and other vulnerable people are needed to become affiliated for the use of Sedgefield Borough Council's Carelink Coach for the financial year from April. The Carelink Coach provides the opportunity for groups
TWO teams from Darlington's Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College have won places in a national swimming championships. The teams will compete in the English Schools' Swimming Championships on Saturday, in Crawley, near London. They won their places after
A PUPPY had a lucky escape when a passer-by found her cowering at the side of a road on Sunday. At first the three-month-old dog was mistaken for a fox, but then the man realised it was a stray dog and took it to the Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre in Sadberge
HUNDREDS of legal firms that failed to reveal whether or not they were unfairly charging former miners and their families for compensation claims, have been removed from the Government's approved list. Last month, Nigel Griffiths, the minister responsible
EUROPE'S most productive plant looks likely to maintain its record of never having lost a day through strike action after reaching a compromise agreement with staff. Nissan workers in Washington, Wearside, had planned to strike over the company's decision
Viv Hardwick talks to Joseph Alessi about his part in playing comedy legend, although he feels he really isn't Eric Morecambe at all. The award-winning actor actually sees himself as more like Mussolini. ERIC Morecambe is probably Britain's top comedy
PREDICTABLY, I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! is attracting coverage in newspapers - including this one - and a great deal of moral indignation. The programme is getting media coverage because it is hugely popular. Perhaps it is attracting indignation
AN informal drop-in project to improve the health and well-being of school children has opened. The Health Zone is a project designed to help Year 5 and 6 pupils of West Cornforth Primary School learn about health and get emotional help. The project is
A TEESSIDE choir is looking for new singers. Stockton Male Voice Choir, formed in 1948, will take on singers. Experience and the ability to read music are not essential. The group practises on Mondays, between 7.30pm and 9.15pm, in Stockton Parish Church
BELLWAY forecast better than expected full-year profits yesterday after achieving most of its annual sales target six months early. The housebuilder, based in Newcastle, said trading remained strong across all areas, with 86 per cent of its sales target
THE restored Georgian Theatre Royal has announced details of its spring season. More than 30 events are planned at the Victoria Road venue, which won the Stage Award for Special Achievement in Regional Theatre last year. A performance by Uzbeckistan pianist
PETER MONTEITH'S stable has hit form with a vengeance over the past couple of weeks, pointing directly to prospects of both Colorado Falls (2.50) and Encore Cadoudal (3.50) at Kelso today. Starting at odds 100-1, precious few punters fancied the chances
IF Cherie Blair was appealing for widespread public sympathy, she used the wrong tactic when she complained about her children losing sleep in the run-up to the Hutton Inquiry. Because most people's thoughts will still be with those children and families
ACTOR Tim Healy's school days came flooding back, when he paid a visit to his former haunt. The Auf Wiedersehen, Pet star had been invited to Pelton Community Primary, near Chester- le-Street, to help the school mark a special occasion. Mounting repair
TUITION FEES: I AM delighted the Government won the vote on tuition fees, albeit by a small majority. The Tories thought they would take advantage of the situation by adopting a totally hypocritical position. How did they propose to give the universities
YORK City have won their battle to stay at Bootham Crescent after two long years of turmoil at the club. Plans to move to Huntingdon Stadium will now be scrapped following six months of behind-the-scenes negotiations to broker a deal. A statement from
A GROUP of students explored how to use light during a workshop in Hartlepool this week. They worked with Dutch artist Judi Gor at Hartlepool Art Gallery to use different reflective materials and types of light to show how light can create works of art
A UNIVERSITY is to invest at least £6m to boost its international research profile. The move by the University of Newcastle will include the appointment of 23 senior academic staff. It hopes to increase the pool of talent in the region, attracting more
A MAN accused of a street assault told a court yesterday his female victim attacked him first. Richard Hazell is accused of pouncing on the stranger after stalking her from a Metro on June 25 last year. During the assault, the 23-year-old is accused of
THIRTEEN flood warnings were still in place in North Yorkshire last night, but no new serious flooding incidents had been reported. North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said they had not been called out to deal with any flooding for the past two days, but
SKIPPER Gareth Southgate last night maintained that Middlesbrough possess the star quality to match the mercurial Jay-Jay Okocha when they meet Bolton in the Carling Cup final at Cardiff. Nigerian international Okocha, who scored a sublime free-kick at
New York led the way, then Ireland followed suit, and now cities across the UK are being uged to ban smoking in public places. Ian Willmore argues we should call time on smoking. SECONDHAND smoke is a killer. Whatever the tobacco industry and its allies
THOUSANDS of BBC staff will stage a nationwide protest today over the "attacks" on the corporation following the Hutton Report. The action comes after a day of protests over the report into the death of weapons expert Dr David Kelly and the appointment
CRUCIAL talks will be held next week to persuade the Government to back a Bill to jail doorstep "cold callers" for up to three months. Andrew Robathan, the Tory MP who has put forward legislation to outlaw the practice, said he would meet officials at
IT fell to me, his gran, to take my eleven-month-old grandson for his first MMR jab. His mother had wanted to spare me that. She'd arranged to take him one day when I was away on holiday, but he went down with a cold so it had to be put off. By the time
CONCERN was growing for the chemicals industry on Teesside last night following a number of negative reports from US corporations. They have increased fears that foreign companies are preparing to close down their UK operations. Eastman Chemical Company
England coach Sir Clive Woodward has already decided who will fill the boots of Jonny Wilkinson - but will wait for the weekend's medical bulletins before unveiling the identity of his fly-half. Wilkinson has been ruled out of the RBS 6 Nations opener
DESPITE viewing conditions more akin to In The Heat Of The Night, a large perspiring opening night audience enjoyed this gentle comedy dig in the ribs from the pen of Oscar Wilde. It is, of course, Wilde's women we admire most. Over-bearing, adorable
HALF of all calls to National Rail Enquiries (NRES) will be answered in India following a £100m contract agreed yesterday. The Association of Train Operating Companies said BT and Ventura had won the five-year contracts from April. The move, which was
THERE'S standing room only in Weatherfield Hospital's maternity unit as troublesome Tracy gives birth to an infant destined to become one of Soapland's craziest mixed up kids in Coronation Street (ITV1). Tracy goes into labour during an argument with
More than 150 pupils at St Michael's RC School, in Billingham, are taking part in the musical Fiddler on the Roof. It is the ninth musical to be performed by the school and follows productions of My Fair Lady, Oliver and Little Shop of Horrors. Head of
A CIVIC leader came face to face with an image of himself at a surprise presentation ceremony. Darlington Mayor Councillor Ron Lewis was presented with a caricature to celebrate his time in office, at the town's 41 Club. As a founder member of Darlington
THE work of schools in Hartlepool to encourage pupils to lead healthy lifestyles is to be recognised tomorrow. The celebration at the Education Development Centre (EDC), in Seaton Lane, aims to highlight the progress made by schools taking part in the
A COUNCILLOR has been ordered to stay away from town hall officers after complaints about his behaviour. Hartlepool Borough Council member John Marshall last night admitted he shouted at staff, but insisted it was because of his partial deafness and tinnitus
A NORTH-EAST man appeared in court on a murder charge. Michael Newton, 28, of Sceptre Court, Elswick, Newcastle, appeared before Newcastle magistrates yesterday charged with the murder of Sean Ridley. Mr Ridley, a father-of-two, suffered severe head injuries
THE row over plans to charge for parking in the centre of a market town is continuing, after councillors called for a thorough investigation of the proposals. Teesdale District Council is considering introducing parking fees for motorists using an area
TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of Philip Clifford, president of Darlington's oldest working men's club. Mr Clifford died on Monday, aged 67, after collapsing in Darlington's Cornmill Shopping Centre with a suspected heart attack. The loss
TENANTS are being urged to attend a meeting that will help decide the future of 8,000 council homes. As part of a review ordered by the Government, Derwentside District Council is looking at options for the management of its housing stock. Four proposals
BORO supporters from across the world are hoping to be among the 30,000 Middlesbrough fans at the final of the Carling Cup later this month. Ex-pats in the Far East and Europe are among those hoping to witness their team play Bolton Wanderers at the Millennium
A PUPPY had a lucky escape when a passer-by found her cowering at the side of a road on Sunday. At first the three-month-old dog was mistaken for a fox, but then the man realised it was a stray dog and took it to the Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre in Sadberge
CONVICTED gun runner Peter Bleach was released from prison in India yesterday after serving eight years for illegal arms dealing. The Foreign Office confirmed that the 52-year-old from North Yorkshire was released from jail yesterday morning and was being
A MEETING to decide how much North Yorkshire police will receive from the public purse is to go ahead near Selby next week, despite a Catterick councillor's criticism of the venue. Richmondshire district councillor Tony Pelton said the Quality Hotel,
THIRTY five schools across the region have been identified as "outstanding" in a Government report on education standards. The report by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools, David Bell, also flags up the successes of a number of previously failing
A COMMUNITY centre has completed a £56,000 refurbishment in time for a show premiere. Chester-le-Street Community Centre was awarded the grant by the Lottery Fund to install a lift that will allow disabled people to gain access to the centre and for general
THE family of murdered naturalist David Green forgave his killers at his woodland burial on Monday. More than 100 friends and loved ones gathered at Mr Green's graveside, in quiet countryside on the edge of Darlington. The ceremony paid tribute to an
Sean Leonard talks to Teesside's emerging metal band Exitbyname. EXITBYNAME front man Phil Saunders and bass guitarist Jason Robson are not exactly similar when it comes to personality. On one hand Phil is the typical energetic, opinionated front man
PHOTOGRAPHS and memorabilia of a former South Durham bus company have gone on show. Wilkinsons, of Sedgefield, operated a service between Stockton and Spennymoor, later extending to Willington, from 1919 to 1967. David Hillerby and Peter Cardno have written
COMPANIES looking to expand in the Tees Valley are about to benefit from a £178,000 influx of European cash. Following additional funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), a Teesside institution is extending its market research service
HUNDREDS of children will be taking part in dance festivals at two schools. The first will involve 250 children, aged four to 14, at Teesdale Comprehensive School, Barnard Castle, on Friday. Pupils from eight primary schools will join older children to
CONCERN is growing for the welfare of a missing teenage girl. Chantelle Marie Mowbray, 15, was last seen by her mother at their home in Eston, east Cleveland, at about 6.30pm on Monday last week. She has not been seen since. A spokeswoman for Cleveland
LIFE-SAVING kerbside injections of heart drugs are about to begin in the region. Rural areas of County Durham and Northumberland will be the first to see paramedics administering the drug within weeks. It means patients will be treated with revolutionary
THE selfish practices of David Brent, star of BBC TV show The Office, is a reality in business and threatens companies' competitiveness, a report has claimed. Companies risk losing business because of a "sloppy" approach to winning clients, the report
STRUGGLING Darlington Football Club has been bought time thanks to last month's celebrity match, which raised more than £120,000, £1,100 cash generated by the 5,689 fans who turned out to watch Saturday's game and The Northern Echo appeal. The club's
HALF of all calls to National Rail Enquiries (NRES) will be answered in India following a £100m contract agreed yesterday. The Association of Train Operating Companies said BT and Ventura had won the five-year contracts from April. The move, which was
FOUR days of winter weather has made a £500,000 hole in Durham County Council's yearly road maintenance budget. The council's highway engineers said that dealing with last week's arctic snap had cost them almost a quarter of the £2.1m annual maintenance
MOBILE phone group Orange boosted revenues by nine per cent last year as 11 per cent more customers signed up for its services, parent company France Telecom said. Total revenues rose to £12.25bn, while customer numbers increased to 49.1 million from
ONE of Teesdale's youngest entrepreneurs is encouraging other young people to fulfil their ambitions to become their own boss through a competitive business start-up challenge, the Enterprise Island. Twenty-year-old Marcia Norton, of Barnard Castle, has
DARLINGTON manager David Hodgson yesterday escaped an FA rap following his dismissal at Swansea in November. Hodgson was sent to the stands by referee Clive Penton for repeated use of foul and abusive language towards the fourth official during the 1-
FOUR days of winter weather has made a £500,000 hole in Durham County Council's yearly road maintenance budget. The council's highway engineers said that dealing with last week's arctic snap had cost them almost a quarter of the £2.1m annual maintenance
A NEW service for victims and survivors of domestic violence has been launched in Sedgefield borough. Services available at Number 31 and Soda, a one-stop shop based in Newton Aycliffe, are provided by a team of professionals and volunteers, all of who
SOCCER hardman Neil "Razor" Ruddock was last night the third star to be evicted from the jungle in ITV's I'm A Celebrity - Get Me Out Of Here! The viewers voted to boot out Neil, 35, after ten days in the Australian outback, leaving the remaining stars
Property People (BBC2): YOU knew from the start that it was going to end badly. The very idea that a former exotic dancer could successfully turn himself into an estate agent renting out exclusive lofts to the better-off in London seemed risky. The latest
A STAINED-glass window that once graced one of the region's leading art galleries is to be reinstalled tomorrow. The original window, which decorated the main staircase of Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle, when it opened in 1904, will be restored as part
PEOPLE living in the North-East and North Yorkshire are facing a postcode lottery when trying to get solicitors' help for employment, housing or family law cases, it was claimed today. Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) warned that one of the Government's flagship
