YOU can tell it was an awfully long time ago, because there wasn't a single member of the Pratt family in North Bitchburn's cricket team. Shildon NER included Walter Tillotson, who many years later reached 100 and will ere long be joined at that milestone
THREE straight home defeats in eight days, four losses in the last four domestic games, and a drop down the table to tenth spot in the Premiership. The wheels may not have come off Graeme Souness's reign in charge at Newcastle but they'e certainly starting
Guisborough finally found their shooting boots as they boosted their hopes of avoiding relegation by thumping Peterlee 7-1 on Saturday. Guisborough are still bottom of the table this morning, but only five points cover the bottom seven clubs. Manager
After four miserable seasons, each bleaker than the previous, Darlington's fortunes have been showing signs of a turnaround. But for all their improvement on and off the pitch it's fair to say that in cup competitions they could still do better. To be
A DR WHO convention in the region left fans eagerly anticipating the return early next year of their time-travelling hero. Writers of the forthcoming BBC television series were questioned by the programme's followers at the fourth Dimensions convention
Jurors in an inquest into a serviceman's death after nerve gas tests 51 years ago are expected to be sent out to decide their verdict today. The hearing into the death of airman Ronald Maddison, 20, who died after being exposed to sarin in 1953 at Porton
A 17-YEAR-OLD student was subjected to a sex attack after being knocked unconscious and dragged off busy city street, it emerged last night. Detectives said dozens of students, who were near the centre of Durham City at the time, could hold vital information
TWO ceramic artworks created with the help of schoolchildren have been unveiled as part of a shopping centre. Pupils helped to create an 11.2-metre ceramic art wall, called Tyne Wave, as a focal point of the Red Mall at Gateshead's MetroCentre, which
THE re-opening of a North-East university art gallery has been marked with the arrival of a large bronze sculpture. The People Show, a 6.5metre bronze sculpture by Norwegian artist Nicolaus Widerberg, was yesterday standing outside the new wing to the
SCHOOLS in north Durham have been turning rubbish into creative artwork as part of a paper recycling scheme. The Derwentside Schools Paper Recycling Scheme, run by Groundwork West Durham and The WasteWise Project, has presented participating schools with
He is one of the greats of British comedy, but for nearly 20 years he has stayed away from the limelight. Now Ronnie Barker is making a comeback, and his biographer is claiming some of the credit. Nick Morrison reports. RONNIE Barker is good at playing
A national survey by the Coalfield Communities Campaign (CCC) has identified a corner of the North-East as having the worst funded health services in the country. And the damning findings have prompted MP John Cummings, who represents Easington in County
Spennymoor coach Graham Clark defended his use of substitutes after his side beat Lincoln United 1-0 at the Brewery Field on Saturday. After just half an hour's play, Clark took off John Toft and sent on Steve Hutt for tactical reasons. "The formation
THE Northern Echo asked for readers' views on the changes proposed for High Row and received numerous calls. All the people who contacted the newspaper were against the plan and felt overwhelmingly that Darlington was in danger of losing its "unique town
AN influx of travellers, claiming to have moved from Yorkshire to the North-East, has sparked protests from residents. A group of about 20 caravans, cars and vans, has appeared on a road just off Mercantile Way, on the Rainton Bridge Industrial Estate
FOUR people were taken to hospital with whiplash and minor injuries after a car crash outside Darlington police station on Saturday. A Nissan Micra and a Seat Ibiza collided in St Cuthbert's Way shortly before noon. The driver and passenger in both vehicles
POLICE are warning people to be on their guard after a spate of bogus callers. Cash was stolen from elderly people in Chilton, Ferryhill Station and Metal Bridge after they allowed men, who claimed they were from the water board, to enter their homes
A MASS grave where hundreds of British soldiers lost their lives in France during the First World War has been turned into a rubbish tip. Diggers are churning up the battlefield and war veterans say it is impossible to walk across it without standing
DETECTIVES are appealing for help to identify a thief who was captured on security cameras. Police have released an image of the man they think is responsible for the theft of six personal stereos from Argos, in Newton Aycliffe. At about 1.30pm on Thursday
CAMPAIGNERS have urged councillors to support their fight against plans for a wind farm which are set to go before a neighbouring authority. People protesting against an application to erect four wind turbines on farmland near Trimdon Grange asked members
A WOMAN who qualified in nursery nursing in north Durham has been appointed to a top position her company. The directors of Ashfield Nurseries and Early Learning Centre Ltd, owners and operators of three nurseries on Tyneside, have appointed 28-year-old
NINE organisations, ranging from schools to a rifle club, are celebrating after scooping windfalls from the National Lottery. The nine, from across the Hambleton district, have been awarded a total of £37,848 from the Awards for All scheme. They include
A MIDDLESBROUGH school that recruits parents to act as football coaches has won an award for its work encouraging youngsters to take part in sport. Green Lane Primary School has been granted the Activemark award from Sport England in recognition of its
A PLANNING official has ruled that an unsightly farm building in a North Yorkshire beauty spot has to be taken down. The ruling by Ryedale District Council over the building at Woodside Farm, Green Hill, Gilling East, has been endorsed by government inspector
Members of Leadgate Salvation Army will hold a Dickensian Christmas bazaar at its premises in Leadgate, at 11am, on Saturday. There will be a range of stalls and refreshments.
A WOMAN who qualified in nursery nursing in north Durham has been appointed to a top position her company. The directors of Ashfield Nurseries and Early Learning Centre Ltd, owners and operators of three nurseries on Tyneside, have appointed 28-year-old
FREE taster sessions for learners and cups of coffee are to help raise money for Children in Need. The Learning Network Project is holding the coffee mornings with a difference in Durham County Council's Annfield Plain Library and Burnhope Primary School
THE annual Christmas Traidcraft store will give people the chance to buy exotic and unusual gifts and help the finances of businesses in developing companies. The fairtrade company buys foods, crafts and handmade paper products from more than 80 groups
THE company at the centre of controversial plans for a £55m housing and leisure development has highlighted the need to get the public on its side. With protestors having taken to the streets in opposition to the plan for Coatham Enclosure, in Redcar,
POLICE have launched a crackdown on gangs of youths causing problems in a north Durham village. Chester-le-Street police commander Inspector Dave Marshall said the problem started about 12 months ago in Great Lumley and several youths were given warnings
DARLINGTON manager David Hodgson believes basic errors cost his side a guaranteed place in the second round of the FA Cup. Quakers will replay Yeovil Town on November 23 after Saturday's entertaining 3-3 draw at the Williamson Motors Stadium. After leading
FOUR young martial arts students came a step closer to visiting the Far East thanks to their families and friends. Christopher Clinton, 15, Faye Broadbent, 12, and Tom Short and Adam Hindle, both ten, from Darlington, are hoping to practice their taekwondo
A CAMPAIGN to inspire young people to be enterprising and turn their ideas into reality kicks off in Darlington today. The town's College of Technology is taking part in national Enterprise Week, which is supported by the Prime Minister and the Department
HELP The Aged charity shop, on Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, will hold a grand Christmas sale on Thursday, November 25. Staff and volunteers have put aside party wear, toys, books, games and Christmas decorations to sell during the event, from 10am
A FIRE gutted a shed on allotments at Skelton Green, Skelton, Saltburn, over the weekend. The blaze caused 50 per cent damage to the shed, as well as igniting three nearby scrap vehicles. The incident took place at 12.55pm yesterday.
BRYAN ROBSON became one of the first managers in this country to use foreign players en masse rather than in ones and twos during his days at Middlesbrough. So it was quite fitting that a Dutchman, Bolo Zenden, was the man to grab the winning goal at
DARLINGTON Mowden Park will have high hopes of continuing their winning run at Blaydon on Saturday as the clubs continue to move in opposite directions in National Three North. After starting the day on the same points as their visitors, Rugby Lions,
FORMER North-East 800m champion Tommy Brannon came out of a ten-year exile from athletics to win yesterday's Heaton Memorial 10K road race on Newcastle Town Moor. The North Shields Polytechnic athlete was one of the region's leading middle-distance runners
Great North Run organisers have been criticised by charity bosses because of the soaring cost of taking part. Charities have to buy one of four different packages to guarantee them a number of places in the race, ranging from 25 to 300. Prices for next
A post mortem examination is being carried out today following the discovery of a man's body near Durham City yesterday. The body of a man in his mid 40s was discovered late on Sunday afternoon in the kitchen of a house in The Grove, Coxhoe. Police said
North And South (BBC1): "YOU are bored, Miss Margaret?," someone inquired. "No, I am tired," she replied. I know how she feels. Another Sunday, another BBC classic drama serial. Still only another week to wait for the new series of I'm A Celebrity...
REGGAE artist Dubdadda, who released his debut album earlier this year, will be at The Forum, in Borough Road, Darlington, on Saturday. Doors will open at 7.30pm and admission will be £5, and £4 for members. Published: 15/11/2004
CAMPAIGNERS are urging people to claim compensation in the wake of a controversial decision to allow a phone mast to be built near three schools. The pressure group Campaign for Planning Sanity has reacted angrily to Friday's Appeal Court decision to
A NORTH-EAST soldier who suffered serious injuries when a US tank transporter rammed her vehicle in Iraq is suing the American military. The £1.2m claim, made by Corporal Jane McLauchlan, 33, from Hartlepool, along with two other soldiers from the Royal
STEVE McCLAREN was last night delighted that his Middlesbrough side overcame the Bryan Robson factor to climb into a Champions League place in the Premiership. A West Brom team determined to put on a good showing in front of their new manager, ex-Boro
A ST Bernard dog is in need of a loving home after her owner became unwell and unable to care for her. Three-year-old Molly has been at the National Animal Sanctuary's Support League, in Darlington, for three weeks. Spokeswoman Pauline Wilson said: "She
ON an afternoon when fans from both sides remembered Britain's wartime heroes and Leicester supporters the untimely passing of one of their own it was perhaps fitting that the game itself was the least memorable event. Ultimately, three points are three
TIMES were hard for Hilda and Albert Boughey when they got married 50 years ago. So much so, that after a simple wedding ceremony, they toasted their health with a cup of Oxo in their local tea shop. So this weekend, to celebrate their golden wedding,
NEALE Cooper yesterday got the FA Cup draw he wanted. Pool will meet Aldershot at home in the second round and Cooper, a four-time Scottish Cup winner with Aberdeen, was asking for a home tie. "All you want is a home game, that's all you can ask for,'
SO little between them, and Darlington should have won, but they were left in fear of relegation while Tynedale can still contemplate promotion. Second place behind champions-elect Halifax is wide open in National Three North, but so is the third relegation
NO sooner had the FA Cup draw been made and Lincoln boss Keith Alexander was fearing the worst; he probably couldn't have envisaged just how bad it was going to be. Hartlepool United eased their way past Lincoln, a team who are no mugs in League Two,
FOR the second successive home game Australian full back Matt Burke was the hero for Newcastle Falcons in a dramatic win against Leeds yesterday. Burke scored a hat-trick, but it was the centre who should have played for England on Saturday, Jamie Noon
TO HER rivals she is just another competitor, albeit a very good one. When she tackles the ups and downs of the trial bike course she is indistinguishable from her fellow riders. However, one thing marks Kathryn Wardle out from the rest - she is profoundly
SWEETS containing tobacco are putting children at risk of cancer, health officials have warned. Darlington Primary Care Trust is warning the town's South Asian community that chewing paan, a mixture of tobacco and betel nut, can cause head and neck cancer
A HERITAGE railway has honoured a small band of volunteers whose determination and dedication has kept it alive. During a simple ceremony at the weekend, inside an old platform shelter at Stanhope station, in County Durham, two plaques were unveiled in
A NORTH-EAST soldier who suffered serious injuries when a US tank transporter rammed her vehicle in Iraq is suing the American military. The £1.2m claim, made by Corporal Jane McLauchlan, 33, from Hartlepool, along with two other soldiers from the Royal
DARLINGTON'S new home had never been able to appreciate the romance of the FA Cup before Saturday. Still only a bairn in the big wide world of football, the Williamson Motors Stadium made its competition bow with aplomb. Six goals and incident aplenty
AN influx of travellers, claiming to have moved from Yorkshire to the North-East, has sparked protests from residents. A group of about 20 caravans, cars and vans, has appeared on a road just off Mercantile Way, on the Rainton Bridge Industrial Estate
THE artist who created sculptures of two North-East football legends is being considered to make a third. Tom Maley made monuments of Newcastle hero Jackie Milburn and Middlesbrough great Wilf Mannion and may now create an image of Sunderland's Bob Stokoe
GRAEME SOUNESS cut a frustrated figure after yesterday's Premiership clash against Manchester United. The 51-year-old Scot saw his side fall to a Wayne Rooney brace and a controversial Ruud van Nistelrooy penalty in a 3-1 home defeat. The loss was Newcastle's
A teenager who climbed between the carriages of a moving train was fighting for his life today after he fell off the late-night service, the operators said. Passengers saw the 19-year-old climb on to the coupler which linked two Tyne and Wear Metro carriages
A FORMER London Transport worker is appealing for help to trace a bus. James Purvis is looking for the No 7 vehicle, which he bought from Darlington Corporation in 1981 while working as a London Transport bus inspector. He and his colleagues used the
BORIS Johnson is a very funny, very clever, very interesting fellow. An ideal drinking buddy or dinner party guest. He has skilfully created an image as a bicycling buffoon which has made him the third most recognisable Tory MP after leader Michael Howard
The average age of first time buyers is set to drop, with those in their 20s expected to dominate the property market over the next couple of years, according to figures released today. Despite increasing student debt, low earnings and having to scrape
A WORN out village street is to undergo environmental work this week. North Road in Catchgate, near Stanley, County Durham, is a patchwork of different coloured tarmac with potholes, signs in the middle of the pavement and indiscriminate parking. Durham
THE artist who created sculptures of two North-East football legends is being considered to make a third. Tom Maley made monuments of Newcastle hero Jackie Milburn and Middlesbrough great Wilf Mannion and may now create an image of Sunderland's Bob Stokoe
CAMPAIGNERS have urged councillors to support their fight against plans for a wind farm which are set to go before a neighbouring authority. People protesting against an application to erect four wind turbines on farmland near Trimdon Grange asked Sedgefield
THE company at the centre of controversial plans for a £55m housing and leisure development has highlighted the need to get the public on its side. With protestors having taken to the streets in opposition to the plan for Coatham Enclosure, in Redcar,
ENERGETIC staff from a village nursery stepped out in aid of the national Children In Need appeal at the weekend. Ten staff from Smallworld Nursery, in Staindrop, dressed up as characters from popular children's stories to take part in a sponsored walk
NEW members are welcome to join a club that offers support and social events to people with mobility problems. Newton Aycliffe Mobility Club, which has just gained registered charity status, meets every fortnight at the British Legion Club in the town
PUPILS from 18 primary schools in Darlington proved their fitness at a cross-country event at the weekend. The event was organised by Darlington Quakers Running Club and Darlington Borough Council's sport development team and took place at Hummersknott
MICK MCCARTHY stressed the importance of partnerships when reflecting on his gameplan for Saturday's encounter at Leicester. The Sunderland boss was commenting on the introduction of Chris Brown for Marcus Stewart as the match at the Walkers Stadium entered
Business tycoon Richard Branson is considering putting his cash on casinos in his latest bid to expand the Virgin brand, it was confirmed yesterday. Sir Richard became a member of the British Casino Association last week after the recent launch of Virgin's
DOUBTS have been raised over the future of a town manager amid uncertainty about future funding. Colin Grant was appointed as Richmond's town manager in April 2002 to help regenerate the town's economy by attracting retailers and other businesses. The
COMMUNITY groups and voluntary organisations could get grants of up to £1,000. The money, from West Redcar Single Regeneration Budget fund, is available in the Coatham, Dormanstown, Kir-kleatham and Newcomen wards for projects that benefit the community
PATIENTS have been able to discover more about their medicines thanks to an initiative in Hartlepool. Experts from Hartlepool Primary Care Trust have been out in the community offering advice about prescribed drugs to mark national Ask About Medicines
DANBY WISKE-based permit holder Fred Kirby has a great chance of lifting the day's top prize at Leicester courtesy of his evergreen eleven-year-old, Forest Dante (1.20). Fred, who trains the near veteran at High Whinholme Farm, midway between Catterick
CALLS for more money to be spent on maintaining North Yorkshire's 6,000 miles of roads have been backed by the county council's highways department. The Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA) says that nationally it would take 11 years to bring the country's
YOUNGSTERS on Teesside were taken on an adventurous literary journey at the weekend when a diverse collection of children's authors and storytellers entertained. Among them was African storyteller Hilaire Agnama, who enthralled youngsters with colourful
Youngsters had a chance to see how work to build a children's centre was progressing this week. The children, from Honeypots Toddler Group, viewed the site, in the grounds of Haswell Primary School, Haswell, in east Durham. When complete, the centre will
THOUSANDS of people across the region remembered the nation's war dead yesterday when they observed the Armistice Day silence. The two-minute silence at 11am marked the moment the First World War ended, in 1918. However, men and women who have lost their
IT'S finally official - the county town of North Yorkshire now has its own skatepark. The Northallerton Wheelers - a group of keen boarders and bladers - were officially handed the keys of the new facility at the weekend. The fully-equipped park at Stone
DANBY WISKE-based permit holder Fred Kirby has a great chance of lifting the day's top prize at Leicester courtesy of his evergreen eleven-year-old, Forest Dante (1.20). Fred, who trains the near veteran at High Whinholme Farm, midway between Catterick
HUNDREDS of people have signed a petition objecting to plans to demolish Victorian features in Darlington's High Row. The town's Civic Trust collected more than 1,000 signatures from town centre shoppers on Saturday. The trust and Darlington's Conservative
VANDALS have caused hundreds of pounds of damage to a Darlington art gallery. Staff at Gallerina, in Duke Street, arrived at work on Saturday morning to find eight newly-installed outside lamps smashed and decking destroyed. The destruction had also caused
A CAR sales room will open next to a filling station in Newton Aycliffe. Businessman Gary Allen will convert a disused car maintenance workshop at the rear of Bluebell Petrol Station, Greenwell Road, into a sales room. On Friday, Sedgefield Borough Council's
SOME people may regard high fashion as total rubbish. Now, a group of youngsters have turned that idea on its head by turning junk into fashion. About 40 young people gathered at the Discovery Museum, in Newcastle, for a Junk Fashion creative workshop
EGGLESCLIFFE Parish Council is calling on residents to help block a planning application. Stockton Borough Council will decide on an application by George Wimpey North-East Limited to demolish the Rookery and Sunnymount, in South View, Eaglescliffe, and
THOUSANDS of pounds have been recovered from court debtors in a joint operation by police and bailiffs. In a series of early morning raids across County Durham, more than 100 police and court bailiffs with warrants collected in excess of £25,000 in unpaid
SHOPPERS could be forgiven for thinking they had wandered into the wrong country when the traffic took on a decidedly Gallic look at the weekend. The Citroen 2CV has for years been an icon of the culture across the Channel, as French as baguettes, garlic
A trip to in-form Histon awaits the winners of Darlington's replay at Yeovil - and the Cambridgeshire outfit will be relishing the prospect of hosting another League Two side after completing a giant-killing against Shrewsbury Town. The Stutes have now
THE Government's scheme to scrap pension books for elderly people is to be investigated by officials in Britain's biggest county. North Yorkshire County Council's older people champion, Shelagh Marshall, claims too many problems have come to light as
The Sainsbury's superstore complex adjoining the Great Yorkshire Showground, in Wetherby Road, Harrogate, has been refused planning permission for 11 signs at its petrol station. Borough council planners said the extra signs would create "visual clutter
FIFTEEN schools across the North-East have been recognised for their global outlook. They are among 120 schools in the UK that have achieved the International School Award this year, which is given for commitment to educating pupils about life in other
GENETIC experts believe the North-East is uniquely placed to carry out research into a crippling condition called dystonia. Thanks to the remarkable efforts of Dr Anthony Butler, from Middleton St George, near Darlington, the region has what is believed
A RIDING centre could be extended to provide a cafe, lecture room and a second indoor riding area if councillors give plans the go-ahead this week. The owners of Northallerton Equestrian Centre, John and Tracy Walker, have applied for permission to extend
A RIDING centre could be extended to provide a cafe, lecture room and a second indoor riding area if councillors give plans the go-ahead this week. The owners of Northallerton Equestrian Centre, John and Tracy Walker, have applied for permission to extend
IRAQ: I SUPPORT our troops in Iraq, not only there to defeat dictatorship and terrorism, but to uphold those in Iraq who want freedom from terror and injustice and the freedom to run their country through the ballot box, which as a democracy we must support
Stokesley and Darlington RA still share top position after the game between the two ended level at 1-1. It was the visitors Stokesley who made the first impression when Ian Bramley found the net after 30 minutes. RA pressed for an equaliser but this was
I'm becoming a compulsive matchmaker these days. In spite of being unreasonably choosy for myself, anything goes when playing Cupid for my friends. I find myself computing at lightning speed a single friend's potential compatibility with any nice, hapless
A TEENAGE boy has been taken to court after her won a £1 toy gun at a fair. Rory Casey was arrested by police after he pointed the cheap plastic gun, which he won at the Hoppings Fair, in Newcastle, at a block of flats. The 13-year-old was walking through
HOMELESSNESS in rural parts of the North-East is increasing twice as fast as in the region's towns and cities, a report claims. Charity Shelter said the rising cost of homes in the countryside was contributing to a huge surge in the problem. Shelter said
An inquest jury today returned a verdict of unlawful killing on the death of a young RAF engineer who took part in secret nerve gas tests 51 years ago. Ronald Maddison, from Consett, County Durham, died after having drops of Sarin dabbed on his arm at
A FIRST World War veteran died as millions prepared to gather to pay tribute to his fallen comrades. Tom Kirk, 106, was one of a handful of survivors from the Great War. The doctor, who served in the Royal Navy, had been invited to meet the Queen at Remembrance
A STORAGE site that was once part of the European grain mountain has been taken over by a group of travellers. The site at Clifton, on the outskirts of York, is on the market for redevelopment, but a group of travellers have moved a dozen caravans on
THE annual Christmas Traidcraft store will give people the chance to buy exotic and unusual gifts and help the finances of businesses in developing companies. The fairtrade company buys foods, crafts and handmade paper products from more than 80 groups
ENGELBERT Humperdinck fans must be distraught. They can still throw their knickers at him during his concerts but are no longer invited on stage to be serenaded and kissed by the sideburned sex-god of easy listening. The Hump, as he is also known, introduced
North And South (BBC1) YOU are bored, Miss Margaret?," someone inquired. "No, I am tired," she replied. I know how she feels. Another Sunday, another BBC classic drama serial. Still only another week to wait for the new series of I'm A Celebrity... Get
After years of longing for a family, Greg and Diane Cole finally adopted the Cambodian daughter they had dreamed of. Women's Editor Lindsay Jennings reports With their hearts pounding, Greg and Diane Cole opened up the email from the Cambodian orphanage
A MOTOR technician celebrated 25 years' service at a Middlesbrough car dealership by receiving a gold watch. Peter Burns, from Stockton, is workshop controller at Reg Vardy Renault, in Newport Road, Middlesbrough. He joined as a mechanic in 1979 when
