THE Grosmont Gallery and caf has been sold to London buyers for an undisclosed sum. The gallery, opposite the steam railway station in Grosmont, near Whitby, North Yorkshire, has been sold through the Leeds office of specialist business agents, Christie
TEN people were being questioned by police last night following a series of anti-terror raids across the country. Seven of them, including one woman, were arrested in Greater Manchester, while three of the other men were arrested after raids in Staffordshire
THEATRE lovers are to get the chance to see two of the most little-known works by one of Britain's leading playwrights. The Northern Lights Theatre Company is touring with the shows The Lover and A Slight Ache, by Harold Pinter. The Lover was initially
Bar staff, Chester-le-Street. Meets NMW. 8-12 hpw, incl weekends. Must be 18 or over. No experience necessary as full training given. Working in a social club. Ref: CHM 16899. Waiting staff, Chester-le-Street. Meets NMW. 16 hpw shifts on rota between
A THIRSK firm has won a £1.4m contract to develop a new base for one of the UK's leading cycle clothing and accessory distributors. Severfield-Reeve Projects, of Thirsk, has won a contract to design and build a warehouse and offices at Thirsk Industrial
FOR me, the holiest part of the year is just starting. I mean of course the cricket season. For nigh on 50 years this has been my religion - a religion with many gods. These days, the exalted ones are Michael Vaughan, Ricky Ponting, Matthew Hayden and
MIDDLESBROUGH'S rising stars completed an historical double for the club last night when they lifted the FA Youth Cup. An instinctive finish from forward Jason Kennedy shortly after half-time confirmed an aggregate 4-0 win over Aston Villa at the Riverside
A unique testament to one man's courage in the face of almost insurmountable odds is helping tell the story of the greatest-ever seaborne invasion. Stan Hollis, a sergeant-major with the Green Howards, was the only man to be awarded the Victoria Cross
MUSIC lovers with disabilities will have easier access to a popular concert venue thanks to two grants. The North East Theatre Organ Association (Netoa) has been given £5,000 each by Awards For All North-East and Wear Valley District Council to spend
A TEAM of tenpin bowlers from the Royal Air Force have booked a place in the sport's European Championships. The four team members were crowned champions at this year's British Corporate Bowling championships at Nottingham's AMF Bowl. Team captain Pete
A STUNNING structure gracing the North-East skyline reached a milestone yesterday when the final panel of its roof was fitted. The spectacular curved steel roof of the Sage music centre in Gateshead weighs 750 tonnes and is made from 3,000 stainless steel
HAIRDRESSERS from around the North-East will descend on a show in the region next week. More than 500 trainee hairdressers will celebrate their successes and showcase their talent at the event at The Gate, in Newcastle. The event is being organised by
AN inquest has opened into the deaths of a North-East nanny and her boyfriend who died while diving in a 250ft -deep lake. Gloucestershire Coroner Alan Crickmore took evidence of identification on Janine Davison-Evans, 27, of Rochdale Avenue, Roseworth
TEENAGE tearaways causing havoc on a residential estate will become the first in a North-East county to be placed under a night-time curfew. An order under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act is to be imposed on the Deneside area of Seaham, in east Durham,
MORE companies are moving from the South-East to Northern England and Northern Ireland, according to a new survey. The survey, by Royal Mail, revealed that eight out of the top ten towns for business were in the North. Of them, Newcastle was the only
BILLBOARDS, posters and shop windows have traditionally been used to present the latest products to shoppers. But that is about to change with the floatation of a new type of advertising. Adwalker plc announced its shares would be traded on Ofex - a low
A TERMINALLY ill man had his longed-for wish to see his pregnant sister's baby fulfilled only days before he died. Johnathan Baker, who had suffered from a brain tumour since February 2000, died on Sunday evening, on the day his sister, Dawn, 28, was
A FOOTBALL fan arrested for being drunk when he fell asleep at a match said he was overwhelmed last night after winning an appeal against his conviction. Lifelong Middlesbrough fan Adrian Carr said it was like beating the Geordies to win the league when
DARLINGTON boss David Hodgson has warned his players to keep on their toes with league safety not yet assured. Despite opening up a six-point gap above the relegation zone after Saturday's 2-0 win over Oxford, Hodgson insists Quakers' fight against the
A PACK of nine sheepdogs may have been doped by thieves who stole a quad bike worth £2,200 from a farm. The dogs normally bark when any stranger calls at Streatlam Grange Farm, at Marwood, near Barnard Castle, County Durham. But farmer Ted Harrison and
AN amateur rugby league team is gearing up for one of the greatest challenges in its long history as it prepares to take on the mighty New Zealand All Blacks. But the contest will not be fought out on the pitch, instead the battle is over their nickname
VIEWERS switching on the BBC's newest channel 40 years ago were left in the dark. Never mind the promise of the first television pictures in colour to come in a few years, BBC2 couldn't manage anything but black on the opening night on April 20, 1964.
A MAN who was jailed earlier this year for terrorising his mother and stepfather was back in court yesterday after failing to stay away from them. James Maine, 30, was sent to prison for five months by Harrogate magistrates in February for harassment,
UNTIL the weekend, the Prime Minister and his senior colleagues were unequivocal on the question of a referendum on the EU constitution. It did not represent a significant shift in our relationship with Europe, and was therefore capable of being determined
IT is a case of life imitating art. In scenes reminiscent of Billy Elliot, young Johnny Stephenson was teased mercilessly when other youngsters found out he was learning ballet. The ribbing became so intolerable he kept his passion a secret, not telling
A THIRD Shell board member was ousted yesterday following the publication of an independent report into the oil group's miscalculations of its reserves. Finance boss Judy Boynton became the third boardroom casualty of the storm that followed the shock
MGM Mirage and a British developer have announced plans to build casinos in three cities and an entertainment complex in a fourth. MGM Mirage and Peel Holdings put the value of the developments in Manchester, Salford, Glasgow and Liverpool at £600m. The
AN ERA came to an end yesterday with the announcement that one of the most famous chocolate companies in the country is to close. Terry's of York, which can trace its history back almost 250 years, is to shut down with the loss of all 316 full-time staff
THE dispute between steelmaker Corus and Russian businessman Alisher Usmanov continued last night. Corus chairman Jim Leng said Mr Usmanov was sending contradictory messages that were distracting the company's board of directors. The row between the two
PARK and ride has a new meaning at the Cobalt office park, in North Tyneside. While waiting for completion of a £12m public transport infrastructure project, some users of Cobalt have decided to make their own arrangements for getting to work - people
TIME is being called on work-time drinking for a council's staff and members. The in-house bar at County Hall, Durham, will soon close during the day. The decision is part of an authority-wide policy on drugs, substance and alcohol misuse agreed by Durham
IT is a case of life imitating art. In scenes reminiscent of Billy Elliot, young Johnny Stephenson was teased mercilessly when other youngsters found out he was learning ballet. The ribbing became so intolerable he kept his passion a secret, not telling
A MAN who was jailed earlier this year for terrorising his mother and stepfather was back in court yesterday after failing to stay away from them. James Maine, 30, was sent to prison for five months by Harrogate magistrates in February for harassment,
CHEF Lyn Hall has cooked up a storm in her glittering career - not only has she created wonderful dishes for the famous, she's taught them as well. Prince Charles loved her crab souffle and wanted her to become his private chef, Princess Diana delighted
MICHAEL Bridges has received a glowing report from Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson as the loan-signing looks to kick-start his Newcastle career in this week's crunch UEFA Cup first leg clash with Marseille. Bridges came on as a substitute early in
The operators of a private North-East vaccination clinic have denied cashing in on public concern over MMR after a hefty price rise. The cost of immunising a toddler against mumps has crept up from £90 to £140 per shot in recent months. But there is no
YOUNGSTERS learned how to cook healthy and tasty food yesterday. Children aged eight and over visited Maidendale House, in Firthmoor, Darlington, for a cookery lesson with a difference as part of the Easter holiday play scheme. The boys and girls produced
YOUNGSTERS got the chance to handle some weird and wonderful beasts as part of Easter break activities. Children aged five to 14 had the chance to learn all about the creepy crawlies belonging to interactive animal workshop Zoolab. About 28 children from
A NORTH-EAST MEP is supporting a community's fight to stop a mobile phone mast being erected near a primary school, in what could be a landmark case. Orange has appealed after it was refused permission for the phone mast in Darlington, in November. Despite
A course on the making of storysacks starts this week at Clayport Library in Durham. Storysacks help improve the reading ability of children by bringing to life picture book stories which can be shared by parents and children. Their preparation involves
CHEMISTRY students from Prior Pursglove College, Guisborough, enjoyed a taste of university life. Sixth-formers Sarah Bishop and Alex Coates, both from Redcar, took part in the North-East Schools in Industry project at Durham University, working in collaboration
A TEENAGE girl is celebrating after being awarded a black belt in tae kwon do. Naomi Denton, 13, from Darlington, took up the sport less than three years ago and has already fought her way through ten other belt grades before achieving the first dan ranking
THREE Clydesdale horses will be among the attractions at an annual game fair next month. Hollystone Hawks and Heavy Horses, in South Shields, South Tyneside, will attend Teesdale Game Fair, at Witton Castle, Witton-le-Wear, County Durham, on Saturday
ANY further rain could cause the cancellation of this afternoon's meeting at Newcastle, however if the fixture survives then the soggy underfoot conditions will suit Karminskey Park (3.20) to a tee. Eleven months ago Tim Etherington's mud-lark won over
A DRUNKEN teenager who attacked a man working on a car was jailed yesterday. George Elcoate, 19, demanded the ignition keys from the Autoglass worker and then punched him, breaking his nose. As the owner of the Kia car watched from her home Elcoate walked
EXTRA investment is going into family health services in Durham and Chester-le-Street as doctors enter new working arrangements. The contracts give GPs greater control over their workload, which is seen as an important factor in recruiting more doctors
WHITBY Archives and Heritage Centre has launched a project to involve villagers in local history. Staff will be on hand to give information on local and family history when an exhibition takes place at Danby Village Hall on Saturday, from 1pm to 4pm.
CAMPAIGNERS battling to save a sports centre from the axe say they have not given in - despite the building closing at the weekend. Richmondshire Sports Centre, in Richmond, was earmarked for closure at a meeting of the local council in January. Richmondshire
COUNCIL chiefs are trying to speed up the process of paying for their supplies. An electronic invoicing system to speed up payments to suppliers is being adopted across North Yorkshire. Each year, the county council buys a range of goods and services
CHILDREN in small communities could lose their playgrounds if councillors approve a list of closures next week. Officers from Wear Valley District Council's community services department will recommend closing 32 playgrounds at a meeting next Monday,
DARLINGTON Football Club manager David Hodgson was among VIPs at an event to celebrate the success of young learners yesterday. It was held at the Cleveland Fire Brigade training centre and was aimed at recognising the achievements of 16 to 19 year-olds
BY tomorrow it could be good to talk again for 36 BT customers whose telephones have been out of action since last week. The first faults were reported in Bishop Middleham, near Sedgefield, on Friday, but it could be at least tomorrow or Thursday before
A CHILDREN'S nursery celebrated its fifth anniversary with a party for many of the youngsters who have attended over the years. About 80 children enjoyed party games with a magician at House of Eden Nursery, The Cottages, Rushyford, yesterday. For youngster
To mark its 40th birthday, BBC2 is looking back on its successes in a special programme. TV writer Steve Pratt reports. VIEWERS switching on the BBC's newest channel 40 years ago were left in the dark. Never mind the promise of the first television pictures
DETAILS have been released of a big public art programme in Hartlepool. A council report outlines the latest art and environmental improvement programme for the Headland area. The proposals include creating slender columns of light shooting into the night
EXTRA investment is going into family health services in Durham and Chester-le-Street as doctors enter new working arrangements. The contracts give GPs greater control over their workload, which is seen as an important factor in recruiting more doctors
TEN people were being questioned by police last night following a series of anti-terror raids across the country. Seven of them, including one woman, were arrested in Greater Manchester, while three of the other men were arrested after raids in Staffordshire
HARTLEPOOL United's reserve side were yesterday crowned league champions, writes Nick Loughlin. Martin Scott's side won 3-0 at Grimsby to lift the Pontins Holidays Reserve League East title. Scott, whose side have suffered just two defeats this season
A LIFESTYLE survey to discover the scale of health problems facing a North-East city is about to begin. Thousands of copies of The Health of Sunderland, a newspaper-style report, will be delivered to houses in the city in the next few weeks. It will include
A SAFE clubbing event for teenagers that will feature local DJs and bands is taking place on Friday. The SNAP night (Say No And Phone) is being organised by the Hambleton Community Safety Partnership and Crimestoppers and will take place at the Hambleton
A £2.5m music centre that will become a focus for performance and research opens today. The University of York's Sir Jack Lyons Music Research Centre will have areas dedicated to electronic music and digital art. Roger Wright, controller of BBC Radio
From Bard To Verse (BBC3) THERE'S a showbiz saying that inside every comedian, there's a serious actor who wants to play Hamlet. Usually, funny men aren't trusted further than playing the often-unrewarding comic roles in Shakespeare. This series remedies
Old enough for a bus pass, fit enough to do two games a day, football referee Billy Davies is just back from a tournament in Brazil. Nuts? "I loved every minute, they've already invited me back," says the 62-year-old coach firm owner from Spennymoor.
THE world's proudest fag-smoker and beer-swiller Andy Capp could soon be immortalised in his home town after all. Plans to commission a statue of the working-class cartoon hero were rejected last year due to funding problems. There were also criticisms
POOR North-East communities are bucking the national trend by hanging on to their small businesses, according to government figures. The region's most deprived local authorities have enjoyed a 1.6 per cent rise in the number of new firms, compared to
MEALS ON WHEELS: J ATKINSON ( HAS, Apr 10 ) singles out Durham County Council for criticism for withdrawing its funding from the meals on wheels service - even though every district council which was party to the scheme has already done the same thing
TERMINALLY-ILL children suffering from the after-effects of the Chernobyl disaster will visit the region later this year. A total of 30 children from the Chernobyl-affected Blears regions will spend a month on Teesside. They will be among hundreds of
A PENSIONER is fighting for his life after being trampled by a herd of cows as he walked his dog. Police said that Tom Craggs was attacked as he walked his pet through a field at Mickleton, near Middleton-in-Teesdale, County Durham, on Saturday afternoon
TOWN criers from across the country will be putting their vocal skills to the test when their national championships are staged in the region this summer. At least 25 criers, representing towns and cities across the UK, will head to Durham for a weekend
From Bard To Verse (BBC3): THERE'S a showbiz saying that inside every comedian, there's a serious actor who wants to play Hamlet. Usually, funny men aren't trusted further than playing the often-unrewarding comic roles in Shakespeare. This series remedies
Compensation payments to sick miners and their families have reached £2bn, the Government has said. The landmark figure is as a result of more than 780,000 applications under the lung disease and Vibration White Finger (VWF) schemes. Both schemes have
ANGRY shareholders in newly-merged ITV branded the £15m pay-off to the former chairman of Carlton Communications as obscene. Investors told the company's annual meeting that they believed Michael Green did not deserve the payout, which he received after
A WEEK of events designed to encourage adults to learn a new skill is being held next month. Options will range from taster sessions in numeracy and foreign languages to demonstrations and 'have a go' sessions in salsa dancing, car mechanics for beginners
It began as a simple local sweet shop and its products later became household names. But 11 years after being taken over by a huge multi-national, Terry's of York is to close. Mark Foster reports. WHEN citrus peel importers Messrs Bayldon and Berry joined
THE big-hearted Newcastle Falcons cup-winning team have given their £22,000 prize money to the family of a tragic former team-mate. The rugby union club's owner, David Thompson, decided the money from Saturday's Powergen Cup triumph should be given to
Store detective, Darlington and County Durham, £4.50-£4.75ph, 39hpw, 10am-4.30pm Mon-Sat. Aged 25+ with CCD licence essential. Must be able to provide ten-year checkable work record and references. Ref: DAE 38625. Care assistant, Darlington, £4.50ph,
ANY further rain could cause the cancellation of this afternoon's meeting at Newcastle, however if the fixture survives then the soggy underfoot conditions will suit Karminskey Park (3.20) to a tee. Eleven months ago Tim Etherington's mud-lark won over
MORE than 100 new affordable homes are to be made available in Richmondshire thanks to a £5.1m Government funding package. The lack of low-cost homes has been identified as a major problem in parts of North Yorkshire, particularly in rural communities
FROM the moment Buster Bloodvessel poked his tongue out on Top of The Pops back in 1980, Bad Manners' brand of ska pop gave them hit after hit, and they still remain a popular live act. Back in the North-East, promoting their current album Stupidity,
DAYS of heavy rain put rivers and becks on high flood alert yesterday, giving many residents a sleepless night as they watched the waters rising near their homes. Parts of North Yorkshire were badly hit, with Northallerton, Thirsk and Brompton all being
AN artillery unit based at Catterick Garrison has returned to Iraq for the third time. Orders from Whitehall arrived at 5 Regiment, Royal Artillery over the Easter weekend, putting troops on stand-by. Then 86 gunners flew out to Iraq to join Operation
ANGRY shareholders in newly-merged ITV branded the £15m pay-off to the former chairman of Carlton Communications as obscene. Investors told the company's annual meeting that they believed Michael Green did not deserve the payout, which he received after
YOUNGSTERS were given the chance to milk a model cow, grade eggs and take a computerised cowpat challenge last week as part of a food and farming roadshow. Run by the National Farmers' Union, the roadshow is designed to help children to find out more
BUSINESS leaders in County Durham are working with NHS Primary Care Trusts and GPs to improve productivity and employee attendance in Easington and Sedgefield, both County Durham. The North East Chamber of Commerce is appealing to local businesses to
EIGHT business starter units for small enterprises have been completed at a North Yorkshire industrial park. The starter units, ranging from 1,000sq ft to 2,500sq ft, at Canalside Business Park, Ripon, have been completed by Severfield-Reeve Projects.
From a single salon in Darlington to a franchise of 100, Saks celebrates its 30th birthday this year. Christen Pears goes behind the scenes at its famous training academy. IT reminds me of a practical science lesson. The stylists have listened to the
PROSPECTIVE candidates for the European parliament will be quizzed over the prospects for peace in the Middle East later this week. Durham County Palestine Solidarity Campaign has invited candidates from the leading parties for June's Euro elections to
Controversial footage of a woman undergoing an abortion is to be screened in a Channel 4 documentary tonight. Woman's Editor Christen Pears reports. A YOUNG woman undergoes an abortion at a clinic. The four-week-old foetus is sucked out using a vacuum
CENTERPARCS is considering developing a fifth UK holiday village. The company said the launch of another site was one of a number of options it was looking at. The news came as it reported a strong performance since last year's flotation. The options
YOUNG bucks Liam Plunkett and Mark Davies bowled Durham into pole position at the Rose Bowl yesterday, only for lack of faith in the back-up bowling to prove their undoing. At 52 for seven chasing 109 to win, Hampshire were on the point of capsizing.
TIME team presenter and former Blackadder star Tony Robinson will join Darlington MP Alan Milburn for an evening of debate tonight. The TV celebrity will appear in front of an audience at Darlington College of Technology at 8pm. The event, organised by
Middlesbrough Football Club lost one of its most famous sons yesterday when George Hardwick passed away at the age of 84. Chief Sports Writer Scott Wilson remembers the life and times of 'Gentleman George'. GEORGE Hardwick's professional football career
THE CONTINUED growth of the Barrons motorhome business has led to the opening of a sales offices at its main site in the North-East. The company has converted a static caravan into a new sales office accommodating five staff at its Burtree site, near
SPORTS and leisure facilities in the Sedgefield borough are to get a £2.7m transformation. Four lifestyle fitness suites in leisure centres run by Sedgefield Borough Council are to be extended and refurbished over four years. The scheme will see a complete
OWNERS and occupiers of historic buildings in Durham City have been invited to find out more about an economic regeneration scheme operating in the area. The public meeting for residents of Claypath and Gilesgate will be held at the Town Hall, Market
AN innovative multi-million pound initiative has received a huge boost with the appointment of ten mentoring co-ordinators. Hundreds of people from Teesside applied for the posts with the Connexions Tees Valley's Kick Start project, which are designed
AN innovative multi-million pound initiative has received a huge boost with the appointment of ten mentoring co-ordinators. Hundreds of people from Teesside applied for the posts with the Connexions Tees Valley's Kick Start project, which are designed
DARLINGTON Flower Club has raised £1,345 for Macmillan nurses following a series of fundraising events. The cheque was presented by Jane Currie, chairwoman of the club, to Mavis Curran, of the Macmillan nurses, before the club's open meeting was held
A TEAM of support workers have been presented with a national trophy. Durham County Council's Welfare to Work service provides people with support so that they can attempt training and paid work. It was named as the country's Social Services Team of the
THE first Rics North-East Renaissance Awards' Building of the Year Award has been won by the Devonshire Building, a University of Newcastle development that the judges forecast will go on to win worldwide acclaim. The awards were organised by the region's
PATRIOTIC staff at a rehoming centre have named their latest arrival George after the Patron Saint of England. And the workers at the Dogs Trust Darlington Rehoming Centre hope that come St George's Day on Friday, the young Doberman-cross will have found
SUNDERLAND Empire brought down the curtain yesterday ready for a £4m refurbishment. The Empire will be transformed into a venue able to stage bigger productions. The project has been made possible thanks to the theatre's owner, Sunderland City Council
DISABLED people have been giving their views on a range of taxis with wheelchair access that could be coming to the city's streets. Durham City Council wants to increase the number of hackney carriages that can accommodate wheelchair users. Only three
DETAILS have been released of a big public art programme in Hartlepool. A council report outlines the latest art and environmental improvement programme for the Headland area. The proposals include creating slender columns of light shooting into the night
THE Royal National Institute for the Deaf charity has 100 places available for people to take part in this year's Bupa Great North Run, on September 26. For a place, call Nancy Prior on (0207) 296 8399.
A MAN will cycle around 23 war memorials to raise funds to send veterans back to the Normandy region. Eric Howden, 59, of east Cleveland, will be met at all 23 locations by Normandy veterans, where a small wooden cross bearing a poppy will be laid as
LITTER louts have been fined in a crackdown on anti-social behaviour in Stockton. Twenty youths have been given £50 fixed penalty notices in the area. Stockton police and borough council enforcement officers joined forces to enforce the crackdown. The
RAILWAY enthusiasts can be treated to a special day-out on Grandparents Day tomorrow WED at a Darlington attraction. The town's Railway Centre and Museum is exhibiting toys and games from days gone by for older visitors to show to their grandchildren
PEOPLE are being invited to have their say about what really matters to them when it comes to local policing issues. The aim of Thirsk's Community and Police Group is to raise awareness and seek the public's support for the work of police through discussing
YOUNG footballers are about to embark on a sponsored walk to raise money for two charities. Players from Northallerton under-tens team will walk 13 miles from Osmotherley to Sutton Bank on Saturday, May 1. The proceeds will go to Joshua Peacock, a severely
STRIKER Kevin Kyle insists Sunderland must summon up the resilience and resolve that helped them cope with FA Cup semi-final heartbreak to keep their promotion push on track. The Black Cats' 1-0 home defeat by second-placed West Brom on Sunday as good
YOUNG bucks Liam Plunkett and Mark Davies bowled Durham into pole position at the Rose Bowl yesterday, only for lack of faith in the back-up bowling to prove their undoing. At 52 for seven chasing 109 to win, Hampshire were on the point of capsizing.
CHEMISTRY students from Prior Pursglove College, Guisborough, got the chance to work on a real industrial project for a week. Sixth form students Sarah Bishop and Alex Coates, both from Redcar, took part in the North-East Schools in Industry project at
STRIKER Kevin Kyle insists Sunderland must summon up the resilience and resolve that helped them cope with FA Cup semi-final heartbreak to keep their promotion push on track. The Black Cats' 1-0 home defeat by second-placed West Brom on Sunday as good
A TEENAGER armed with a set of garden shears threatened three people, police said. The youth, who was carrying the shears over his shoulder approached two brothers in Guisborough, east Cleveland, at 10.15am yesterday. He demanded money from the men, both
A NORTH-East council has joined forces with Age Concern to provide the country's first videophone link for the elderly. Sunderland City Council is providing six videophone systems in a pilot befriending scheme in which recipients can see as well as hear
AN empty shop in Redcar is to be turned into a bank or building society. Council officers advised that the property at 3 High Street should only be used for retail purposes and that an application for an amusement centre further along the street had been
A NEW venue for exhibitions has opened on Teesside with a mixture of photography and creative writing. The Museum of Hartlepool has created space for exhibitions in order to attract more visitors. Its first display is called Northern Grit and features
