HOSPITAL staff are working to improve communications with patients by studying sign language. Harrogate Health Care NHS Trust is working to improve services for patients with disabilities and aims to raise awareness among staff of the needs of hearing
THE deputy leader of a local authority has survived calls to resign in a bitter dispute over the closure of Richmond's sports centre. Richmondshire District Council's community committee voted earlier this year to axe the facilities, to keep a council
SPOT checks have been carried out on taxis and Hackney carriages. Nine out of ten taxis checked in Hambleton on Wednesday were issued with defect notices. Two of the nine were given immediate notices taking them off the road. One had no hand brake and
SCHOOLCHILDREN, an MP and even another museum are the latest to put their weight behind the campaign to keep the Flying Scotsman in this country. They have each given their backing to the National Railway Museum (NRM), in York, which is trying to raise
Darlington at Sandal Festival: Darlington under 14s made a successful trip to Wakefield to play in the Sandal Festival at the weekend. Drawn in a strong group with Macclesfield and Fylde the games were going to be tough. First up was Macclesfield and
CLOSURE of Richmond sports centre had been "debated to death" and a line should be drawn under the subject, the deputy leader of Richmondshire District Council has said. Coun Richard Dunn told an emergency meeting of the authority that the proposed closure
THE man who earned the nickname "Fred the Shred" for his ruthless £2bn cost-saving measures has banked £1m in bonuses. Fred Goodwin, chief executive of Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), was responsible for integrating its larger rival NatWest into the group
PUPILS from a Teesdale school have won a competition to design an energy-efficient house. The year six pupils from St Mary's RC Primary School, in Barnard Castle, competed against other Teesdale primary schools in the Green Explorers Rural Challenge.
RESIDENTS in Stokesley are concerned that they could lose the town's post office when the current sub-postmaster leaves. Ian Mundell, who has run Stokesley post office for 26 years, plans to retire and has put his shop in the High Street up for sale.
MORE than 1,000 mourners packed a church and neighbouring parish centre to celebrate the life of a popular entertainer yesterday. More stood on the street as players and management of Hartlepool United formed a guard of honour as Frankie Baggs' coffin
NO ACTION should be taken on the suggested introduction of a 7.5-tonne weight limit on the A173 road through Great Ayton, North Yorkshire councillors have decided. The area committee for Hambleton has, however, agreed on other measures which could be
A TEAM of "spidermen" has begun checking some of the region's finest historic buildings. English Heritage has called in abseiling experts to help assess the state of 34 of its ancient buildings in Yorkshire and the Humber. On Wednesday, armed with camera
ART students have been flying the flag for northern architecture as part of a vocational project. The group of 28 students from Northallerton College, who are all studying for an Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education (AVCE) in art, have each designed
MORE than 70 people attended a public meeting to discuss plans to build 30 400ft wind turbines off the coast at Redcar. EDF Energy wants to build an offshore wind farm off Coatham Sands, Redcar, to generate enough energy to power 72,000 homes a year.
Byers Green St Peters are through to the final of the Weardale Cup after a semi final victory over Roddymoor. After a goalless first half Paul Brownson and Christopher Pickles gave St Peters a two goal lead. Roddymoor pulled one back late on but the home
MORE than 400 youngsters competed in the speech and drama section of the Darlington Festival for Performing Arts. Three Durham boys kept one category to themselves. Nathan Miller, seven, was first in the solo recitation test with Road Up by Norman Nicholson
A CONGESTED main road into Darlington is bringing complaints from drivers at peak times. Disgruntled motorists using West Auckland Road to get to and from town are becoming increasingly frustrated by long delays. The expectation is that those will become
A TEENAGE cross country runner has been chosen to represent England in next month's British schools' championship. Andrew Coffer, 15, of Waldridge Park, Chester-le-Street, will compete in Ayr, Scotland, against teams from Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
by Robin Twizell RMD Agriculture GRAIN prices have improved a little over the last week, following rises in US markets. The price rally has taken wheat back over the £100 mark but things do look a little nervous, with the EU balance sheet being finally
With the end of the season approaching fast, Derek Bell, Gateshead Football Club's Deputy Chairman is more optimistic than ever to a long and prosperous future for the club. Derek Bell is confident that the first team will finish in the top 13 stating
CAMPAIGNERS for a 30mph speed limit in part of Arkengarthdale fear the scheme may be jeopardised by a petition. But those who raised the petition are adamant that, far from wanting to stop the measures, they are pressing for a modified version. Arkengarthdale
CAMPAIGNERS are making a last attempt to save recreation land from a housing development. A fresh application has been made to have land near Broom Lane, Ushaw Moor, registered as a village green before the bulldozers move in. Durham Villages Regeneration
THE thoughts of communities across the Dales are with a family preparing to celebrate a birthday and the anniversary of the loss of a loved one. Royal Marine Captain Philip Guy, whose parents live in Bishopdale, was among 12 servicemen who died in a helicopter
Yorkshire's Anthony McGrath is praying for plenty of sunshine at Headingley next week so he can put the final touches to his preparations for England's one-day series in the Caribbean, which starts on April 16. McGrath, who stood down from the Yorkshire
Durham County and Hartlepool stalwart John Wells gained his second national title when he took the Warner Holiday's Champion of Champions singles at Haylign Island, Hampshire. Results: First round: Robert Tiller (Egham) 19, Richard Mason (Gallow) 21;
A REPORT drawn up with the intention of creating a new conservation area near Guisborough has been unanimously approved by the North York Moors National Park Authority. Following a public inquiry into the Local Plan which was attended by more than 100
NEWCASTLE United chairman Freddy Shepherd breathed a sigh of relief yesterday after figures showed the club's early Champions League exit was not the financial disaster many had feared. United missed out on the European millions when they went out of
Apollo Doors Gateshead Youth League: Low Fell C continued their useful form in the U11 league. They were involved in a high scoring game with Winlaton. Goals from Andrew Dodds (2) and Johnny Ward (2) helped their 5-3 win. Low Fell M retained top spot
The Northern Echo Sunday Invitation League: With no games in Division One this week the semi-final of the First Division Cup took centre-stage and saw Spraire RA edge out Newton Aycliffe Sports Club in a nine-goal thriller. Aycliffe dominated the early
Auckland Area CIU League: Old Shildon entertained West Auckland with the pool section title at stake as they shared the top spot. However after they drew, they meet again in the play-offs at Newton Aycliffe Horndale. Alan Bell junior and Michael Aldworth
MINISTERS from the Baltic states visited the North-East to learn how it has harnessed European cash to launch creative industries. Representatives from Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia were in Durham to see how its cultural quarter is developing, They had
SUPERMARKET group Waitrose is to increase its selling space by 20 per cent after announcing a deal to buy 19 stores from Morrisons. Morrisons is selling the outlets to satisfy conditions imposed by the Competition Commission when it approved the £3bn
Brandon United increased their lead at the top of the Premier Division to nine points from nearest rival Burnmoor Cricket Club, with a 6-0 away win at bottom club Fishburn WMC. Chester Garden Farm Currently in the second relegation spot earned a point
A North-East river could one day be as romantic as the Danube or Seine. That is the hope of the Tees Valley Tourism Bureau, which plans to launch a national campaign to promote the Tees as "un riviere d'amour". A bureau spokeswoman said a total of 21
Wilton Firsts, away to Newcastle Medics, were hoping for a clinical performance after the previous meeting between the teams ended 3-2 to the Teessider's. From the minute the game got underway Wilton took the initiative and, with some pulse-racing passing
THE Government has been accused of trying to cover up hefty council tax rises by ordering local authorities to issue "misleading" bills. Authorities have been told by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister to calculate their council tax rises by comparing
RUGBY legend Rob Andrew is backing a project aimed at providing young sportsmen and women with a top quality sports pitch. A £420,000 fighting fund was launched at Durham School last night to develop a multi-purpose artificial sports surface. The independent
THE driver at the wheel of an Arriva service bus involved in the death of an elderly pedestrian in Durham City is facing a driving charge, more than a year after the tragedy. Robert Harvey, 62, of Langley Park, who has retired since the accident, is accused
Quakers RC: Danny Gordon and Dave Thompson made the trip to Hull on March 14 to compete in their East Hull 20 road race, part of the Club Championship. Danny covered the course in an excellent time of 2:50:26, followed by Dave in 2:52:24. Congratulations
RAPIDLY rising rally star Guy Wilks overcame a lack of four-wheel drive experience as well as some top quality competitors to land an amazing victory on last weekend's Brick and Steel Border Counties Rally in Kielder Forest. The 23-year-old from Heighington
MORE than 400 disabled youngsters from across the Tees Valley were inspired by a world champion paralympian yesterday. Gold medal winning wheelchair athlete Tanni Grey-Thompson, OBE, addressed the youngsters at an event about the world of work for disabled
The weather played havoc with the fixtures for this weekend, three of the six first division matches were postponed. DIVISION ONE Bedale FC 2, New Marske SC 2 Bedale were looking to bounce back to winning ways after last week's home defeat by Hartlepool
CORUS shares soared eight per cent following the company's announcement it was increasing the price of its steel. Prices will rise by at least £50 a tonne in the UK from July, while customers in the rest of the European Union will face increases of up
Black Swan v Goldsborough Utd : Goldsborough won the toss and kicked off with the wind behind them. Goldsborough broke through from a wind assisted corner to take the lead. Defensive blunders then led to further goals for Goldsborough who were suddenly
Spennymoor Boys U14s: Spennymoor maintained their position at the top of Russell Foster Youth League Division One with a 5-1 victory against Willington. For the first time this season Spennymoor had a full squad available. However, this didn't help as
YESTERDAY, March 25, used to be known as Lady Day or sometimes St Mary's Day in Lent. Several festivals throughout the year were dedicated to the Virgin Mary, but Lady Day commemorated the Annunciation, which was the day Mary learned she was to be mother
On April 1 a new breed of health professional comes on line in Darlington and the Tees Valley. Barry Nelson finds out what the new emergency care practitioners will be doing. DRESSED in civvies and carrying a doctor's bag, there's little to tell the casual
POLICE in Bishop Auckland are preparing to tackle a mini-crimewave and clear the town centre of car theft. This month, police have had reports of 29 cars being broken into and items stolen, and a further 18 reports of criminal damage believed to be attempted
MORE than 500 runners turned out for a cross country race. The entrants battled their way around the course at Maiden Castle, near Durham, for the British Masters Athletic Federation (BMAF) Open Cross-Country Championship. It was organised by the Veterans
GOLFERS are closing the generation gap by offering free coaching to children. A partnership between Age Concern Durham County, Crook Golf Club, Wear Valley Sport Action Zone and volunteer agency 2D launched the after school coaching initiative yesterday
DOZENS of youngsters took the plunge last night in a swimming contest. The small schools swimming gala was held at the Dolphin Centre, Darlington. Competitors came from Rise Carr, St Augustine's, Hurworth House, High Coniscliffe, Bishopton Redmarshall
TONIGHT is the last chance to see a school stage transformed into a Chicago speakeasy. Pupils at Lord Lawson of Beamish School, in Birtley, near Chester-le-Street, are performing Bugsy Malone. Set in America during the 1930s prohibition era, a cast of
A MOBILE service that aims to make life easier for pensioners in north Durham will be launched next month. The Multi-Agency Resource Vehicle (Marc) will visit communities across Derwentside. A team of officers from Derwentside District Council, the Pension
TOURISM personnel from across the North of England have been introduced to Teesdale in an effort to increase the number of visitors. The event was part of Teesdale Marketing's Discover Teesdale initiative, which aims to attract special interest groups
A GROUP of fundraisers are running in the Czech Republic this weekend. The 17-strong party from Middlesbrough, which includes ten from Middlesbrough Council, is taking part in the Prague half-marathon, which is run round the old part of the Czech capital
ALLOTMENT holders have hit out at councillors who failed to attend a public meeting about rent increases. Gardeners renting plots at the Broom allotment site, in Ferryhill, invited members of Ferryhill Town Council to attend a public meeting to discuss
A RED-FACED surgeon has been forced to cancel a string of operations after slicing through his finger while de-stoning a slippery avocado pear. Gynaecologist Duncan Irons is usually top of the class when it comes to using a blade, but even he could not
AN auxiliary nurse who has cared for south Durham patients for almost 30 years has celebrated her retirement. Joan Harrison's colleagues at Bishop Auckland General Hospital threw a party to mark both her long service and her 65th birthday. She joined
Sir, - Yet more publicity in the D&S (Mar 12)for the Scotton Owl and Raptor Rehabilitation Centre being run without planning permission. Could someone please explain to me how charitable status has been granted to a business that does not have planning
AS good as it gets - Cheltenham on Thursday last: Best Mate winning his historic third Gold Cup for Henrietta Knight and her toughie-softie husband, Terry Biddlecombe, a thrilled jockey Jim Culloty and the irrepressible owner, Jim Lewis, who with his
Chester Le Street 17 Consett 0: Chester continued their fine run of form in this non league match against Consett team in absolutely shocking weather conditions. From the start the Chester front five of Laws, Evans, O'Conner, Wilson and Tidd dominated
CHILDREN will be able to make toys and games as part of a Victorian Country Childhood exhibition. Kirkleatham Hall Museum, at Redcar, is organising activities including free drop-in craft sessions, during the Easter holidays. There will also be family
THREE childminding networks were launched in County Durham yesterday. Parents in the Stanley-Burnopfield area and the Durham and Sedgefield districts can now access a flexible day care system, before and after school. There will also be care for children
POLICE sent out a stern warning to persistent fine dodgers yesterday with a series of early morning swoops. Officers called as early as 7am at the homes of fine defaulters in Darlington, Bishop Auckland, Newton Aycliffe and Crook. The blitz, which targeted
A POLICE force was facing a fresh crisis last night after its chief constable was gagged from admitting it was "spectacularly wrong" over a £7.3m budget deficit. Cleveland Chief Constable Sean Price was prevented from speaking out over the cash black
OK, the game's up. Those of you who note these things may have noticed that this is the third Italian restaurant your reviewer has visited in as many months. And given that this part of the world is not particularly renowned for the number of its Italian
EDWIN JOWSEY was unable to build on all of his good work in his latest outing. The weather was extremely windy and dry until 10.30am and then it rained heavy and it caused all drivers no end of problems. The cars were set up for dry weather and there
FORMER Hartlepool United chairman Harold Hornsey has died after a long illness. Mr Hornsey, credited with saving the club after taking control in June 1994, passed away yesterday morning. He sold the club to Increased Oil Recovery Ltd and current chairman
SIR BOBBY ROBSON faces a Dutch treat when he returns to former club PSV Eindhoven in a fortnight's time after Newcastle eased through to the last eight of the UEFA Cup. Two-goal skipper Alan Shearer killed off any lingering hope Real Mallorca had of salvaging
STAFF at a North-East museum are mourning the loss of a popular and highly skilled painting conservationist. Richard Hobson, who worked at Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, County Durham died this week following a short illness. He was 59. Mr Hobson joined
THE man who led Newcastle and Gateshead's campaign for European Capital of Culture has been asked to advise the Government on its Olympics 2012 bid. Paul Collard, 49, will join an advisory group tasked with looking at the cultural element of the games
THE last time Jill Campbell visited London she was a wide-eyed schoolgirl looking forward to seeing the sights. After her next visit to the capital, she could become the star of a new reality television show. Jill, 25, from Hartlepool, is filming 4 Go
EMPTY-NESTERS, their children flown and the house to themselves, have their dinner, sit down and watch television and are in bed by 10pm. How do I know? Well, there were reports of shock when the offspring rang me from a party at 11.30pm to ask about
The winter league knockout semi-finals were played on Sunday, 21st March. The results were as follows: K. Lee and C. Coleman beat D. Martin and S. Martin 5&4. The other semi-final went to the 19th hole where P. Hancock and S. Rice beat P. Byrne and
IN the nicest possible way, it is with great regret that my column lives on. When I first agreed to share my thoughts in The Northern Echo - ten weeks ago - it was on the understanding that it would exist for as long as the club was in administration.
THE first American Miniature Horse Association-sanctioned show in the UK - and only the second in Europe - is being held in Cleveland next month. The spring show, organised by area two of the Miniature Horse Club of Great Britain, takes place at Newclose
JOHN Mills, Defra's director of rural policy, announced at the NFU agm with some pleasure and satisfaction that eight times more civil servants live in the countryside than farmers. I have been convinced for some time that these people really run rural
Premier Division, Blackhall Cricket Club 2, Belle Vue 1: It was Burn's night at Blackhall as the colliery side beat Belle Vue thanks to a Scott Burns double. Both sides had several chances to open the scoring, before the deadlock was broken by Burns,
THE National Trust drafted in an unusual team of volunteers this week to help with repair work on Roseberry Topping. Six llamas, traditionally found on the slopes of the Andes in South America, were brought in to carry stone up Little Roseberry for dry
Auckland Area CIU League: Old Shildon entertained West Auckland with the pool section title at stake as they shared the top spot. However after they drew, they meet again in the play-offs at Newton Aycliffe Horndale. Alan Bell junior and Michael Aldworth
Billingham Bears are English U16 North A League winners after a 2-2 draw with Kingston Crunch at the Forum Ice Arena. Only Sheffield Rapiers can reach Bears' total, but Billingham have the better record against Sheffield. Bears had only one goal to show
A MAN has told a court that he was left brain damaged after taking just half an Ecstasy tablet. Andrew Lee, 21, was giving evidence at Newcastle Crown Court against Christopher Hartshorn, 20, who is accused of supplyinging Ecstasy to a youth who died.
County Super League: Horden had a very good six point victory on their visit to Crook Town A. The home side took three points in the first half, one with a clearance from the break by Neil Campbell and the others from Michael Burke and Doug Bowey. Horden
After scoring six times in each of their last two games, Stokesley SC are confident of landing silverware before the end of the season. A fortnight ago they hit Whitehaven for six to reach the semi-finals of the Sunderland Shipowners' Cup and last week
Tow Law Area League: The venue for the League Singles Championship has been changed to Cornsay Royal Oak but will remain on the arranged date - Monday, 29 March. The League Doubles Championship will be held at Esh Stag's Head on Monday 5 April. The League
Cleveland Billiards & Snooker League Sposored by Coors Brewers, Division 1: Guisborough T. A chalked up the result of the week as they held last year's champions, Redcar Workies A, to a respectable 3-3 tie. Richard Beckham won the first two frames
The North East's latest international sportsman has returned home defeated but not downhearted. Andy Finn, left, from Darlington, represented England under-13s in Ice Hockey's 45th World 'Pee Wee' Tournament in Quebec, Canada. The English side faced strong
THE state of the North-East's roads is having a serious impact on the regional economy, a survey has claimed. Despite a Government pledge to spend £180bn on the nation's transport infrastructure by 2010, bosses surveyed by the British Chamber of Commerce
HEADTEACHERS are joining police on weekend patrols in an attempt to catch underage drinkers. Heads are helping police to identify pupils, some as young as 13, who are out drinking in pubs, clubs and on the streets at night. The aim of the initiative is
Michael Rhodes of Durham moved to the top of the table with an odd point victory at Ashington against former England international, John McCallum in front of a good crowd. Rhodes went ahead by taking the first and added the second after needing a snooker
NEWCASTLE'S Laurent Robert landed himself back in Sir Bobby Robson's bad books last night after a petulant reaction to being hauled off in the 3-0 UEFA Cup victory in Mallorca. The French winger, who Robson says has given him more trouble than any other
A NORTH Yorkshire rider made a good start to the 2004 British Eventing season when she finished second in the top section to be held on the sport's opening weekend. Nicola Tweddle, based at Morton on Swale, near Northallerton, was competing at the Isleham
Hambleton Ales North Yorkshire League: Bedale have retained the Hambleton Ales North Yorkshire Squash League's First Division Championship. The secret of their success has been a regular team of Phil Martin, Dave Smiley and Alan Pierson who were on duty
MIDDLESBROUGH look destined to miss out on signing Bolo Zenden on a permanent basis after the Dutch winger revealed he intends to return to Chelsea in the summer. After a slow start, Zenden has proved a good signing by Steve McClaren and he played a big
SUNDERLAND striker Kevin Kyle last night tipped the club's wing wizards to provide the ammunition to fire the Black Cats into the Premiership. Mick McCarthy's side have struggled from a lack of genuine width at times this season, with John Oster and Sean
LANDSCAPE painter Sue Lawson, 34, who works in the Romantic English tradition, is in demand. Her pictures, which draw references from Turner, Constable and the Impressionists, are being snapped up almost as soon as she can complete them. "I've kept my
ANGRY residents have hit out at contractors who they say have left them living in a building site while their homes are refurbished. Tenants on the Lakes Estate, in Redcar, many of them pensioners, were delighted to hear their old kitchens were to be
FAMILIES across the North-East and North Yorkshire will be hit with hefty council tax rises, the Government admitted last night. Definitive figures published by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott revealed big above inflation increases for everyone. The
FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - Antiquarians will be interested in the announcement that the committee of the Whitby Cottage Hospital have decided to purchase Cook House, Grape-lane, Whitby. It was here that the late Capt Cook in his early days,
DARLINGTON continue their fight to avoid relegation tomorrow in good spirits after last Saturday's 1-1 draw at Division Three leaders Doncaster Rovers. They left Belle Vue disappointed that they hadn't secured all three points after the home side's late
INITIAL results from a random survey of 3,000 English sheep farmers by the the English Beef and Lamb Executive Better Returns Programme has shown that half of those who replied were less than satisfied with their ability to achieve better returns for
ARMED & DANGEROUS Publisher, Activision; Formats: Xbox, PC; Price: £40. Out now: WERE you one of the gamers who bought Giants: Citizen Kabuto? If you were, then give yourself a slap on the back. Despite a recent low cost re-release, Giants remains
Several events in the sporting world in the last couple of weeks really brought home to me how a sportsman's life can change overnight, sometimes for the better and sometimes sadly not. News of three of our local heroes who received international call
THE region's largest tourist board was officially dissolved yesterday. At a meeting in Newcastle, Northumbria Tourist Board (NTB) formally ceased to exist, and was incorporated into the regional development agency, One NorthEast. All 38 NTB staff will
SCHOOLchildren from Teesside enjoyed a day messing about on the water as part of a confidence building project yesterday. Tees Rowing Club members worked with groups of youngsters at the River Tees Water Sports Centre, off Portrack Lane in Stockton. The
A POLICEMAN called to an alleged murder scene, yesterday denied contaminating the clothing of a man accused of killing his next-door neighbour. PC Lee Morgan told a jury at Teesside Crown Court he did not pick up a pair of jeans at Christopher Hoyland's
A brave man trapped in torment The Boy Whose Skin Fell Off (C4) WHEN the hero of the story begins by declaring "My name is Jonny Kennedy. I'm interested in purchasing a coffin," you know instantly that this is going to be something extraordinary. "Remarkable
A NEW face has joined the team within the mental health department of a Darlington borough hospital. Ros Simpson has taken on the role as NHS liaison officer at Middleton St George Hospital. She has joined the Affinity Healthcare team, which offers mental
Bishop Auckland manager Brian Honour believes that his side will benefit from Monday's 4-0 thumping at home by North Ferriby. Bishops have missed a chance to climb higher up the table than 13th by failing to win any of their last five matches, and Honour
A THEATRE group planning a spring production has been stumped in its search for a vital prop - a Christmas tree. Consett, Blackhill and Shotley Bridge (CBS) amateur operatic society is putting on the hit musical Annie later this year. Producer Margaret
AN exhibition on the life of the Vikings will take place at the Margrove Heritage Centre near Guisborough, on Wednesday, April 7. Redcar re-enactment group, Anmod Dracan, is lending its costumes and artefacts, including a Viking tent and a large loom.
Hundreds of employees of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council have been mistakenly told their pay is being cut. Workers say they have been left confused and angry after a computer glitch and errors in information following a pay review. However, council
AN intensive practical course aimed at rehabilitating young offenders was praised by a Government minister when he visited the North-East yesterday. Minister for the Office for Deputy Prime Minister Phil Hope spoke as he visited Project Phoenix, at the
I WONDER how the faceless bureaucrat who decided to suspend a brain surgeon over a storm in a soup bowl is feeling today? I wonder if he or she has given a thought to the families of the three patients whose life saving operations were postponed, as a
EAST Cleveland is probably best known for its rich heritage of ironstone mining. But if Ian Coles has his way then the area could soon be known for wines not mines. The 49-year-old builder started making wine as a hobby at his home in Grove Road, Skinningrove
THE main farming organisations were this week united in their call for a three-tier single farm payment scheme. On Tuesday the National Beef Association and Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers both agreed to support the proposal. They, with the
ARMED & DANGEROUS Publisher, Activision; Formats Xbox, PC; Price £40. Out now: WERE you one of the gamers who bought Giants: Citizen Kabuto? If you were, then give yourself a slap on the back. Despite a recent low cost re-release, Giants remains something
League Cup quarter -final contestants had to put up with some rather windy conditions, it then came down to who mastered the conditions the better, even so there were still three very competitive ties. The duel of the Working Mens Clubs at Shildon where
DAVID Hodgson dramatically revealed last night that he believes he could hold the key to saving the Quakers - because he is personally owed millions by the club. The manager told a fans' forum at the Reynolds Arena that the debt could give him the power
Esporta Sunderland, winners of the Northern Division in the North-East section, have luckily reached the national eight-team play-off by a back door route. Their 3-1 win over Aberdeen, the Scottish winners, in last weekend's inter-section play-off afforded
A VILLAGE near Darlington has won a two-year campaign to get online. Residents of Middleton St George can now learn computer skills for free in the Women's Institute hut. The computer centre was due to open several months ago but it was delayed by a fire
SOLICITORS are being overwhelmed with a flood of compensation claims from sick and injured miners ahead of the closure of the biggest personal injury scheme in legal history. The Government-backed compensation scheme, which has paid out hundreds of millions
THE Yorkshire Sport Horse Committee are running a silent auction for nominations to four top class stallions as part of this year's campaign to promote breeding of quality stock. The stallion nominations on offer are to Mill Law, an advanced event stallion
Coxhoe Boys: COXHOE Boys Under 14s clinched the Russell Foster Youth League title in emphatic style last week. On Sunday - after Friday night's narrow one-goal victory against Fishburn - Bobby Orton's boys smashed eight past Whitburn without reply to
TWO people have been arrested in connection with an arson attack on a community centre. Police made the arrests yesterday after a meeting on the Skerne Park estate, Darlington, to discuss Tuesday's fire. The town's MP, Alan Milburn, attended the meeting
SOMEWHERE in the UK there is a lucky child who will win an all-expenses flight to South Africa as first prize in a foreign language competition. Last year's winner Lucy Smith, 11, a pupil at the Holy Trinity School, Stockton, mastered three languages
A BANNED driver who sparked a high speed police chase before smashing into two police cars was jailed yesterday. Kristopher Knox, 19, was only caught when he crashed the stolen Vauxhall Corsa into a brick wall. Newcastle Crown Court was told how he accelerated
Durham travelled to defending Under-20 County Champions Yorkshire at Hull Ionians RUFC, and were defeated 34-3 by a hard-working home side. Yorkshire were big and strong in the front five and pacey in the back-row. They used their forwards to good effect
POLICE sent out a stern warning to persistent fine dodgers yesterday with a series of early morning swoops. Officers called as early as 7am at the homes of fine defaulters in Darlington, Bishop Auckland, Newton Aycliffe and Crook. The blitz, which targeted
The Lady Members' season is well under way; the Men's Section start their competitions on Saturday 3rd April 2004. Latest Results: Ladies 4BBB Strokeplay Sunday 21st March 2004: 1st Margaret Nisbet & Ann Binks Nett 68; 2nd Tracy Pearse & Liz Nelson
A MAN has been taken to hospital with serious chest injuries following a road accident on Thursday night. He was driving a red Renault Clio towards Whitby on the A171 between the roundabout with the A169 and Four Lane End Garage when the accident happened
TEEN mags have been blamed for all the ills in society, concentrating as they do on sex, snogging and shopping. When we last looked, some years ago, they featured, memorably, explanations of oral sex and a picture of Take That's naked hairy bums. It's
The villages west of Durham City often owe their origins to the mining era but Esh Village or Old Esh as it is sometimes known dates to Anglo-Saxon times. Although it developed as an agricultural settlement it is often confused with the much larger mining
WEST Tanfield Memorial Tennis Club is offering new and existing members a unique opportunity to become an associate member of Ripon Spa Hotel Croquet Club. As lawn tennis was first played on croquet courts, combining the two interests is likely to be
A GOVERNMENT edict could fool Darlington householders into thinking their local authority has imposed only a 1.1pc council tax increase this year. The borough council has in fact put up its share of the tax by 7.9 pc, but bills landing on doormats this
HAS there ever been a police force so dogged with controversy as Cleveland Police? After the depressing days of Operation Lancet, and the millions of pounds of public money which went down the drain, the task of rebuilding public confidence in the force
A TRIVIAL but tantalising postscript to last week's story about the introduction of Apache attack helicopters at Dishforth airfield. Further research suggests that the original American design 30 years ago was the work of people employed by a company
IN Senior Women Division One North Durham and Cleveland retained first division status although placed third in the promotion play-off group in Derby recently. The very tight competition saw three counties win two matches each, but Derbyshire took the
A LEADING figure with the US maritime agency which sent the Ghost Ships to be scrapped in the North-East has defended the controversial move. Captain William G Schubert criticised reports suggesting the obsolete naval vessels were not fit to cross the
ASHLEY NICHOLLS has refused to rule out reviving his Darlington career when he returns to the club at the end of the season. The 22-year-old is currently on loan at Cambridge United, who appointed former Cameroon and Senegal coach Claude Le Roy as their
ONLY four races were possible before strong winds caused the abandonment on safety grounds of the Hurworth point to point at Hutton Rudby last Saturday. There was time for the two open races to take place and the men's event saw Mick Hill's Mademist Sam
Bishop Auckland captain Craig Langthorne believes the side can make history when it takes on Portsmouth in the final of the Under-15s English Schools Trophy. Bishops have been to the final once before, but on that occasion five years ago they lost to
Time for a little girl talk. But if there are 14-year-olds in the room, maybe they'd better get mum to cover her ears in case she gets upset... TEEN mags have been blamed for all the ills in society, concentrating as they do on sex, snogging and shopping
MASONS ARMS reached the final of the Second Division Cup last week to set up an interesting tie with Voltigeur. The Arms beat their namesakes, Masons United, 4-2 in a close encounter. Ian Crowe scored twice, with Michael Barrass and Andrew Elliott both
Ladies March Medal: In a good turnout, Gillian Petrie returned the best gross, but could only claim third place after her handicap. Leading scores, Division 1: 73 Julie Standen (16); 75 Pauline Morris (18); 78 Gillian Petrie (3). Division 2: 71 Dorothy
Bishop Auckland RFC, Sunderland 34, Bishop Auckland 10: Bishop Auckland's recent poor form resulted in an early exit from the Durham County RFU Challenge Trophy at the first round stage, writes Malcolm Pratt. They had lost three of their previous four
THERE was a big shock in Division Two when runaway leaders Burton House were beaten away to Blackhill Cricketers who themselves are striving for promotion to the First Division. The Cricketers always held the upper hand and were good value for their win
NORTHALLERTON. - Wed. Show & sale of 217 store & breeding cattle. Judge: G Newcombe. First prizes: bull £575 R&A Craggs; hfr£670 A&F Watson; bullocks £660 Miss E Wilson. Prices, bulls. - Char: £575, 3488 RA Craggs. Lim: £568 D Stockdale
Knowing that three points were needed to enable the Darlington Indoor Bowls Club veterans A team to qualify for the Durham County play-off, the players rose to the occasion in their home match against St. James Indoor Bowls club of Bishop Auckland. The
Northern League clubs could be looking at another reduction in FA Cup prize money. The FA reduced the amount of prize money in the early rounds by almost half in some cases this season, which was a disappointment to most clubs after the riches of previous
HOW do you become the Thirsk historian, when most of your life has been spent down south in Kent? "The answer, I suppose, is that while working I was always a frustrated historian and it wasn't until I retired and came to Thirsk that I was able to follow
Will Greenwood yesterday hailed France as the RBS 6 Nations form team but is still backing England to win in Paris. The old rivals meet in the final match of the championship at the Stade de France tomorrow evening in a repeat of the World Cup semi-final
THE Campaign to Protect Rural England published a rather strange survey this week. This survey, or "health-check", illustrated the point that England's small market towns were in danger of losing their character and hence their special qualities. The
In the Kenny Ball Cup, Division II side Langley Park Rams Head were in tremendous form, they defeated Division I side Moor House 5-1 at home. Kicking against the strong wind they not only contained Moor House but ended the first-half 1-0 up courtesy of
WINNING hurdler Rahwaan (1.50) has a big fitness advantage over most of his rivals in the Lakeside Handicap at Doncaster. Rahwaan switches back to the Flat after hammering a decent field of novice hurdlers at Catterick last month, a pipe-opener which
A SMALL gang of youngsters has brought intimidation and fear to the village of Sadberge. A special meeting was held in the village hall on Tuesday aimed at nipping vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the bud, especially on Friday disco nights. It heard
DURHAM'S Freemen have rejected claims that members will benefit financially from the temporary use of The Sands as a car park. The Freemen, whose roots lie in the Medieval craft guilds, have rights of grazing, or herbage, over the Durham City Council-owned
THEY may look a little out of place, but when it comes to traversing steep and rugged hillsides, llamas are a natural. Apart from being environmentally-sound, the South American beasts of burden are cheaper and far quieter than even the most sophisticated
A NORTH-EAST college has won a national award for using drama to promote health and safety. Stockton Riverside College beat nearly 2,000 other organisations to win the European Week for Safety and Health at Work Award. Organisations from public and private
STAINSBY Grange Equestrian Centre, Thornaby, hosted the final junior premier show of the winter season which attracted excellent entries and produced an electric atmosphere. The show, with courses designed by Walter Taylor assisted by Brian Candler and
A MAN has been jailed for drug dealing in East Cleveland. Kevin King, 25, of Errington Garth, Marske, was sentenced to three years at Teesside Crown Court, on March 18, for supplying heroin in the Marske area. This follows other lengthy sentences handed
Bishop Auckland Independent Supporters' Club this week launched their "Supporters' Stadium Fund" with the aim of raising much needed funds to help their club return to Bishop Auckland. Bishops have been ground sharing at nearby Shildon since they left
KIRKBYMOORSIDE Golf Club have emerged as champions following a nine-match series of winter league golf. Beating off fierce competition from the likes of Malton, Scarborough's North and South Cliff, Filey, Whitby, Driffield and Beverley, the Manor Vale
YOUNGSTERS from 25 countries will arrive in the North-East today for the 45th annual European Youth Parliament. More than 250 people aged 16 to 22 will spend a week in the region debating political issues, including human rights, child obesity and immigration
A FURNITURE retailer has been causing a stir in North Yorkshire after displaying a range of unusual products on its forecourt. Simply Dutch, at Leeming Bar, has used everything from knights on horseback to life-sized models of dinosaurs to catch the attention
AREA 2 national riding club cross-country qualifiers were held alongside the Darlington and Yarm riding club's joint hunter trial and SEIB BHS qualifiers at Foxberry Chasers recently. The weather held for much of the competition and the course stood up
ACCORDING to Ronald Reagan, he was a "mad dog". Former Egyptian president Anwar Sadat at first saw his neighbour as "a bit of a boy scout", before changing his mind, denouncing him as "100 per cent mad". Colonel Gadaffi may like to style himself as the
The Anglo-Scottish Tournament: The tournament took place at Ashington, and due to the weather a number of teams were unable to participate. Durham's team alone had three players making their County debut. However, the team came second, beating Northumberland
SHE may command the largest force for years and control budgets worth millions - but North Yorkshire's chief constable was turned away when she approached a superstore checkout with an armful of wine. Della Cannings was in uniform when she tried to purchase
The villages west of Durham City often owe their origins to the mining era but Esh Village or Old Esh as it is sometimes known dates to Anglo-Saxon times. Although it developed as an agricultural settlement it is often confused with the much larger mining
Worthington CIU Winter League: Wingate hit their best form with a home win over league leaders, Spennymoor A and in the process caused two of the Moors players to relinquish a share of the top spot in the race for the Individual Player of the Year. Eddie
Bishop Auckland RFC, Sunderland 34, Bishop Auckland 10: Bishop Auckland's recent poor form resulted in an early exit from the Durham County RFU Challenge Trophy at the first round stage, writes Malcolm Pratt. They had lost three of their previous four
High street giant Boots is to create 3,000 new jobs over the next year as it embarks on a £390 million expansion drive, it announced today. The health and beauty chain said it would be opening 60 new stores over the next year, including about 40 out-of-town
Kingfisher Finance Trophy 2nd Round; East End WMC 4, Heighington 0 : I nterrible conditions Heighington were much the better team over the 90 minutes but they failed to take their chances and East End capitalised with two goals in each half from Roy Winter
MANUFACTURERS' order books are at their healthiest for three years, a survey has found. Domestic and export orders improved sharply last month, despite the growing strength of sterling, said employers' group the Confederation of British Industry (CBI)
CAMPAIGNERS who have so far managed to block the opening of a waste transfer station near their homes in Barnard Castle are angry that new building work has been done at the site without planning permission. Durham County Council wants to erect and operate
The Annual Hartlepool AC Charity Open held on County Durham's Crookfoot Reservoir proved a hard match indeed for almost everyone as strong winds hindered sport on this normally prolific roach venue. Shotton Match Group's Derek Fox suffered a blank start
THE state of the North-East's roads is having a serious impact on the regional economy, a survey has claimed. Despite a Government pledge to spend £180bn on the nation's transport infrastructure by 2010, bosses surveyed by the British Chamber of Commerce
Though probably he was a bit of a hard case, it was because of the power of his right foot that all football knew Ralph Smith as "Bullet". A fireman and later engine driver on the LNER, he won six England amateur international caps, played 16 years for
EDUCATION authorities all over the country are queuing up to tap into Durham County Council's anti-bullying expertise. More than a dozen LEAs have already staked a claim to take part in a conference in the summer. The event will look at the local authority's
THE problem of flooding at a Hartlepool cemetery comes under scrutiny next week. Hartlepool Borough Council's environmental stewardship and regeneration scrutiny forum will discuss flooding at Stranton cemetery on Tuesday. Its drainage system is unable
MINISTERS from the Baltic states visited the North-East to learn how it has harnessed European cash to launch creative industries. Representatives from Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia were in Durham to see how its cultural quarter is developing, They had
Harrogate's home course advantage for the final round proved too much for Bedale ladies. Holders Bedale could not overturn Harrogate's two point advantage, and eventually finished ten points behind. The trophy was presented to Harrogate by Bedale captain
A TEACHER from a village school raised just over £100 for charity after taking part in a half-marathon. Stephanie Phillips, from Vancouver, in Canada, is teaching at Hurworth School Computing and Maths College, near Darlington, for a year. The PE teacher
RESIDENTS have taken to the streets of Darlington as part of a spring cleaning effort. Members of Havelock Street Community Centre responded to a request by the borough council on Wednesday to help pick up litter and clean road signs. Throughout this
FIREBUGS who set light to fly-tipped waste near a coastal beauty spot are posing a potential health hazard. The warning was issued following complaints of burning debris dumped on part of what has become known as the Durham Heritage Coast, at Warren House
TRAIN enthusiasts restoring a rural railway line were given a cash boost yesterday with the announcement of new funding from the Northern Rock Foundation. Weardale Railways Ltd is being loaned £418,000 to use as working capital for its project to reopen
CONVERSION of a barn in upper Wensleydale can go ahead after all because the Secretary of State has opted not to hold a public inquiry. The move brings to an end a 2 year battle by a local family to turn the building at Cams House, near Askrigg, into
POLICE and park rangers are joining forces to tackle the growing problem of illegal off-roading by vehicles in the Yorkshire Dales. National park staff have been flooded with complaints from people in the Richmondshire area about the irresponsible use
Sir, - I have followed the reports in your newspaper with regard to the possible closure of the minor roads crossing the A19 north of Crathorne. It is obvious that such crossings are not safe for a dual carriageway with a 70mph speed limit. In the long
REGIONAL GOVERNMENT: IN urging us to vote Yes for a North-East regional assembly, DW Lacey and David Taylor-Gooby (HAS, Mar 23) cite the example of Scotland and its parliament. What they omit to mention, of course, is the fact that the Scottish Parliament
DAN Miller will be a marked man if the two Darlington clubs meet again in the Durham Cup this season. While there is no video evidence that the Darlington prop inflicted Richard Arnold's nasty facial injury in last Saturday's derby, he is the one getting
CHRIS Cairns is not so much a chip off the old block as the whole tree trunk, and I still hope that before his career is over he plays at least one season for Durham. Around 25 years ago the young Cairns could be seen knocking up before North Yorkshire
John Davey Ltd moved into pole position on goal difference with a 7-2 victory over D and E Locksmiths. Karl Lilley put D and E ahead, but one JDL got into their stride the result was never in doubt. Chris Peacock levelled, Ken Kemp hit a double, Chris
A FARMING couple are reaping the rewards after striking away from a traditional dairy business. A chance decision by Paul and Kate Langthorne to buy a pair of water buffalo for milking has developed, over the past seven years, into one of the most successful
EASINGWOLD has been singled out as a success story by rural campaigners at a time when many other small market towns are said to be in danger of losing their distinctive character. Barnard Castle has also been praised for its market attractions and its
In the Semi Final of the Washington Aged Peoples Trophy Shildon Railway were knocked out of the competition by a competent Belford House outfit, although Belford left it until the last five minutes to turn a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 win they would have
IT'S said that, with regard to housework, a woman's work is never done, but one Teesdale man might challenge that. For Raby Castle assistant custodian Alan Welsh, who is due to retire shortly, is one half of a duo responsible for keeping on top of the
The Boy Whose Skin Fell Off (C4): WHEN the hero of the story begins by declaring "My name is Jonny Kennedy. I'm interested in purchasing a coffin," you know instantly that this is going to be something extraordinary. "Remarkable" is a word often used
A FLAGSHIP scheme to get criminals off drugs has flopped in the North-East with 72 per cent of addicts failing to finish treatment, a report says today. Only 28 per cent of drug treatment and testing orders (DTTOs), an alternative to a jail term, were
Richmond and Zetland Harriers had athletes from opposite ends of the rainbow of competition earlier this month. On Saturday 13th, six of their younger athletes were at Mote Park, Maidstone, Kent for the English Schools X-C Championships, on the same day
A MAN is seriously ill in hospital after he was savagely beaten up. If Patrick "Paddy" Stephenson, 34, survives, he will need 24-hour care for the rest of his life. He is in no position to tell detectives what happened to him and those who know who was
CHRIS Cairns is not so much a chip off the old block as the whole tree trunk, and I still hope that before his career is over he plays at least one season for Durham. Around 25 years ago the young Cairns could be seen knocking up before North Yorkshire
BARNARD CASTLE. - Wed of last week. Fwd: 891 sheep, 1 goat. Lt hoggs to 145.2p av 121.2p; std to 133.4p av 124p; med to 138.2p av 124.8p; heavy to 124.2p av 119.2p. Cont store hoggs to £38. Cast sheep: Cont to £66; Mule to £65; Swale to £42. Goat £46.50
WINNING hurdler Rahwaan (1.50) has a big fitness advantage over most of his rivals in the Lakeside Handicap at Doncaster. Rahwaan switches back to the Flat after hammering a decent field of novice hurdlers at Catterick last month, a pipe-opener which
Two North-East men who tried to smuggle more than 2.6 million contraband cigarettes into the country were jailed today. Former fitness boss Carlo Citrone, 38, was locked up for two years and long-time business associate William Howard, 41, was sentenced
Newfit Services Willington: Willington Cottles were hoping for a big win on their trip to Willington Club to boost their chances of landing the Championship. However they were hard pressed to come away with an odd point success, which leaves them eleven
A NEW brand name created to raise the awareness of Yorkshire food and drink proved a great hit at the country's leading food and drink exhibition, Expo Food, at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. The innovative brand identity "Deliciouslyorkshire
AN AUCTION mart dating back to the mid-nineteenth century has closed and been sold to a vegetarian food manufacturer. Stokesley Auction Mart, in Station Road, is believed to have been founded in the 1850s. Marlow Foods, which has a Quorn-producing factory
A CAMPAIGN has been launched to oppose a massive windfarm development off the North-East coast. The move follows a meeting attended by more than 70 people to discuss plans for 30 wind turbines. EDF Energy wants to build an offshore windfarm, off Coatham
BATTLING cobbler Tony Martin is marking the closure of his shop this Friday by bringing out a controversial book. Mr Martin, who has to leave his premises in Claypath because of large rent arrears, says Cobblers to the Council, the Rough Cut contains
CRITICAL ambulance response times are failing to hit target levels in parts of North Yorkshire. It has been taking crews about 12 minutes to answer life-threatening calls in Hambleton and Richmondshire - well short of the Government target figure of eight
A ROAD safety charity has criticised magistrates who failed to ban a police officer and international rugby player caught speeding. PC Susan Appleby already had nine points on her licence for previous driving convictions and faced a ban under the totting
FARMWAY, the regional farming co-operative, has enjoyed another year of growth. Turnover increased to more than £25m and profits rose to £300,000 in the year ending November 30. John Hutchinson, chairman, told a pre-agm press conference that steady progress
DONORS in the North-East are very good at responding to appeals for more blood, according to Dr Hazel Tinegate. A consultant in hospital liaison at the regional blood centre in Newcastle, Dr Tinegate says donors have an excellent record. "I think the
Durham City Ladies: Durham City produced a comprehensive display against Killingworth, and were unlucky to come away with nothing. After good play from both sides, Killingworth were awarded a penalty after a cross ricocheted off the elbow of City's Amanda
LET'S face it, nobody really likes the idea of having a needle put in their arm and nearly a pint of blood drawn off, and arriving at the church hall to give blood, I felt the familiar sense of apprehension. But the sight of more than 20 people patiently
Quarter finals in two of the Stokesley League cup competitions dominated last weekend's fixtures but unfortunately, so did the wind. All of the games were affected by the gales with the game at Dormanstown between Ennis Square and the Woodman's Arms being
THE NFU expressed deep frustration at last week's budget which, it said, would hinder farmers' plans to grow green biofuel for the nation. In spite of a call for a modest 2.8ppl reduction in fuel duty for biofuels, rates stayed the same at 20ppl. The
OLYMPIC track star Kriss Akabusi was under starter's orders yesterday - ready to pass on some of the secrets of his success. The retired athlete was in North Yorkshire to join local police during a leadership forum. The event, at the Parsonage Hotel at
NATIONAL park rangers are to work alongside police to tackle the problem of illegal off-road driving in the Yorkshire dales. And those who flout the law risk having their vehicles confiscated under new legislation. A flood of complaints from people in
Stanley Royal returned to their best form with a bang when they recorded a crushing 9-0 win at South Moor. Mark Patterson led the way in the spree with a hat-trick and there were a couple each for Ian Watson and Mark Drake with David Turner and Kraig
NORTH Yorkshire councillors have been criticised for an apparent lack of interest in a day-long conference on quarrying and archaeology around three scheduled ancient monuments near Bedale. The event tomorrow at the Golden Lion Hotel, Northallerton, has
I WONDER how the faceless bureaucrat who decided to suspend a brain surgeon over a storm in a soup bowl is feeling today? I wonder if he or she has given a thought to the families of the three patients whose life saving operations were postponed, as a
