The last full week of the campaign, and Iraq has finally emerged as an election issue. But how much damage could it inflict on Tony Blair? Nick Morrison reports. IT'S the elephant in the living room: the one fact that can't be avoided but is nevertheless
YARM School has appointed NORMA BROWN as school manager. She joins the independent school from Magnet in Darlington, where she was group property solicitor. Mrs Brown was educated locally, has a law degree and has worked at a number of local firms of
Porn Shutdown (C4) THERE'S nothing like porn disguised as factual programming to help the late night ratings. Makers can show clips that stay just on the right side of what's permissable, on the pretext of illustrating the documentary. C4 is at it again
SOME people never learn do they? Motorcyclist David Robinson was caught travelling at 130mph on the A19 in the North-East - and then stopped 24 hours later for speeding at 107mph. In mitigation, Robinson's solicitor said he had not put other road users
TWO zoo keepers have become foster parents to a rare breed of baby monkey after she was rejected by her mother. Sophia, a White Crowned Mangabey, was born at Flamingo Land Zoo, near Malton, North Yorkshire, 11 days ago. The Mangabey is one of the most
Car and coach park attendants, Thirsk, 4 hrs 1 day, 11-45am-4pm. £5.50ph. Must be reliable and polite. Duties will be to direct traffic within the racecourse car and coach parks on race day. Dress code - dark trousers, collar and tie. Jacket provided.
ROGUE traders are cashing in on a craze for charity wristbands and taking much-needed money from worthy causes. Consumer watchdogs last night issued a warning to the public to make sure they buy from reputable and authorised traders to ensure their money
A MANHUNT was last night under way for a teenager who threatened police with a 3ft long Samurai sword and who has terrorised a North-East town. Armed officers and a helicopter were called to join in the search for the 17-year-old after he confronted officers
The Starburster by Berlie Doherty (Young Corgi, £3.99): ONE of the most enduring types of fairy tale is the 'changeling' story in which the fairies steal a human baby and leave a fairy baby in its place. This gentle tale brings the theme bang up-to-date
SOFTWARE services group TSG continued its expansion yesterday by buying an independent company. Newcastle-based Technology Services Group has bought Agenda Business Systems, in Barnsley, for an undisclosed sum. All seven staff at Agenda, which has 150
WORKERS from the region will be involved in aviation history tomorrow when the world's largest commercial passenger plane takes to the skies. The 240ft-long Airbus A380 will make its maiden test flight from Toulouse airport in Southern France. Three North-East
TWO men who tried to smash their way into a town centre shop at the weekend were foiled by a woman who looked out of her window. She saw them swinging a heavy object against a large window at the Woolworths store in the market place, in Barnard Castle
The Tees Valley office of Rok Stonecare, specialist in external building refurbishment works, has appointed LOUISE SIMPSON as a surveyor. The 26-year-old was recruited from Sembcorp Utilities, based on the Wilton International complex in Middlesbrough
NORTH-East based Oldfield's Restaurants has created two management positions following a review of the business. PETER WOOD has joined the company in the role of operations manager. The 28-year-old, from Easington, County Durham, brings catering and hospitality
NOBODY paid much attention to the middle-aged passenger on the flight home from Shanghai to London earlier this month. He made no fuss on the long trip back to Britain and kept his thoughts to himself. Slumped in his seat, he probably looked a bit glum
A JUBILANT John Fickling last night spoke of his delight at Sunderland's promotion to the Premiership, but revealed that all talk of celebration has been banned until the Championship trophy is safely locked away at the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats
FROM Friday there will only be one police non-emergency number available to the people of County Durham and Darlington. Over the past three weeks all the forces local office phone numbers have been phased out. Anyone dialling the discontinued lines will
A case of mistaken identity notwithstanding, the column enjoyed a memorable meal at The Three Horse Shoes, Running Waters. WITHOUT offence to the many good folk who propose places for this weekly once-over, a particular frisson arose - a tingle of uncommon
A MAN who downloaded child pornography from the Internet told police "this is what you're looking for", when two CD-roms were found in his pocket. Alan Francis Powers was arrested by police at premises attached to a video rental shop in Whitworth Terrace
A WOMAN who watched her frail, reclusive husband die of a drugs overdose told police his death was an ''unassisted suicide'', a court heard yesterday. Jill Anderson, 49, who denies manslaughter, told police that her husband, Paul, 43, had made his own
PUB WALKS IN COUNTY DURHAM AND TEESSIDE by Charlie Emett (Countryside Books www.countrysidebooks.co.uk, £5.99) WALK AROUND HISTORIC DARLINGTON by Charlie Emett (Francis Frith, £5.99) FORMER walks correspondent of The Northern Echo, Charlie Emett, has
FOUR years ago, the residents of three North-East town streets were plagued with crime, neglect and vandalism. They lived in fear that their homes, in Hartlepool, would be demolished - until they decided that they could change things. Now, the area has
FERRARI for the groom and best man... giant outdoor Jenga game for the children... chocolate fountain... ice sculpture... snowflakes. Snowflakes? Yes, snowflakes. Laurie Pilkington is a wedding planner. One of her first clients wanted a wedding on the
I said at the start that I'm not going to vote - and it's not out of apathy. I'm actually very enthusiastic about not voting. From my new standpoint of disinterested observer, I've begun to see things which, if I had been involved and partisan, I might
ARTISTS across the country are taking part in a painting protest to save the landscape from industrial development. Artists Against Wind Farms, who are campaigning to halt the construction of wind turbines, are to hold an event, called Paint it While
THE smiling face of a tragic ten-year-old girl looking up from the dashboard could help prevent North-East drivers from speeding again. That was the promise last night from The Northern Echo readers touched by the tragic story of Laura Burrows-Schofield
A fashion retailer launched its first store in the region at the weekend. Coast opened an outlet in the Red Mall of the Gateshead MetroCentre. The move is part of an expansion by the chain, which has recently opened ten stand-alone stores and 31 concessions
PRICE increases in the UK are helping to keep Nestl on track to meet its full-year targets. The Swiss group, which owns the Nestl Rowntree chocolate factory in York, said a 1.6 per cent rise in prices offset a 0.9 per cent fall in European sales between
NOVELTY chocolates will be launched worldwide this year, thanks to a County Durham firm. Chocpix, in Barnard Castle, produces white chocolate bars containing high resolution, 3D images. The bars can depict pictures with a resolution of one-tenth of a
TWO faithful council employees are making plans for their retirement. Street cleaner Eric Bell, 64, and refuse collector Aubrey Websdale, 65, have nearly 70 years of service for Richmondshire District Council between them. The pair are due to retire soon
Porn Shutdown (C4): THERE'S nothing like porn disguised as factual programming to help the late night ratings. Makers can show clips that stay just on the right side of what's permissable, on the pretext of illustrating the documentary. C4 is at it again
A BIKER caught doing 130mph was stopped just 24 hours later doing 107mph on the same stretch of the A19. David Robinson, 24, thought he had "nothing to lose" when he went out on his Honda Fireblade the day after being caught by police. Robinson, of Westbrook
A children's charity has issued an urgent plea to people in the region to donate vinyl records. Barnardo's charity stores are running low on the vintage discs, after being hit by an unprecedented demand from music lovers. Now the charity is appealing
NORTH-East businesses took Chancellor Gordon Brown and Conservative party leader Michael Howard to task over employment and transport issues yesterday. Two leading figures from the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) led the questioning of the politicians
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a stolen car was used in a ramraid on a pharmacy. Thieves stole a green Vauxhall Cavalier, registration M154 MRX, from Yarm Road, Darlington, before driving to Whinbush Way in the town. They reversed along a narrow
A SOLDIER was crushed between two four ton army lorries at the end of a battlefield exercise. Corporal Christopher Baker was checking that the tailboard of his DAF truck was secure when it rolled back into the lorry parked in convoy behind it, trapping
DARLINGTON chairman Stewart Davies has opened discussions, which he hopes will eventually see manager David Hodgson commit his long-term future to the club. Hodgson last night revealed talks have taken place with a view to extending his stay at the Williamson
IT IS a sector worth £8bn to North-East businesses every year and one in which the region is leading the country - and yet only five per cent of its companies are taking advantage of it. But more and more businesses are getting the message that taking
COMMUNITY leaders want to work with youngsters to bring an end to anti-social behaviour problems. Youths have been causing trouble in Middleton St George. Dozens of discarded cans of beer and lager, as well as drug-taking equipment, have also been found
NEWCASTLE-based construction recruitment specialists Protech Human Resourcing has appointed DAVID LUCK as recruitment consultant. He joins the Protech Architecture division with five years' experience of construction recruitment in the North-East. He
A THRIVING nursery celebrated its first birthday with some fun-packed activities yesterday. Maidendale Community Nursery, in Burnside Road, Firthmoor, Darlington, opened in April last year after securing tens of thousands of pounds of funding from the
MOTORISTS who drive without insurance in County Durham face losing their cars as part of a police-led clampdown. Durham Constabulary has teamed up with an insurance firm to launch Operation Takeaway. Anyone stopped while driving in the county who turns
YOUNG footballer James Pounder is heading for the US after being signed up by a university there. James, 18, of Houghton-le-Spring, who plays at centre-half for Durham Sixth Centre, where he is studying A-levels, has won a scholarship to the University
TRAIL-RIDERS have discovered an ancient road that could allow them to drive four-wheel drive scramblers across Jonny Wilkinson's garden. The off-roaders have claimed the legal right to use an 18th Century drovers' road, which leads across the rugby star's
A SENIOR paramedic has urged motorcyclists to stay safe on the county's roads this summer after a spate of accidents. At least four bikers were taken to hospital with serious injuries following collisions in North Yorkshire over the weekend. A 40-year-old
MORE action has been pledged to make a low-crime district even safer. Harrogate and District Safer Communities Partnership has unveiled its plans in a document spanning 2005/2008. It covers a 505 square mile area stretching from eastern fringes of the
A MANHUNT was last night under way for a teenager who threatened police with a 3ft long Samurai sword and who has terrorised a North-East town. Armed officers and a helicopter were called to join in the search for the 17-year-old after he confronted officers
REDCAR teenager DEAN SWANN has been recruited to work and study by Thornaby-based language charity Everyday Language Solutions. Mr Swann, who is in the second year of the Association of Accounts Technicians' three-year course, is a modern apprentice and
A TORY candidate in the forthcoming General Election has complained to police about his signs which have been torn down and stolen. Richard Bell, who is standing for the Conservatives in the Bishop Auckland constituency, has asked police to watch out
AN animal welfare charity is appealing for a home for two dogs and a cat because their owners are moving to Scotland. The National Animal Sanctuaries Support League, near Sadberge, wants to rehome Levi, Sheba and Ellie together but is conscious that it
A VILLAGE could benefit from a £2m care home if planners grant approval. Architects in charge of the project, on the site of the former social club at Stones End, Evenwood, near Barnard Castle, believe the development of the 67-bed care home could create
MORE than 540 years after they died, victims of the battle said to be the bloodiest ever fought on British soil have a new memorial. The Battle of Towton, near York, in 1461, led to the deaths of 30,000 men. The local beck was said to have run red with
A charity for people with learning disabilities is launching a fundraising drive to raise nearly £400,000 for new premises. Chopsticks, based in Northallerton, is delivering leaflets to 6,000 households in the Thrintoft, Romanby and Morton-on-Swale areas
MOTORISTS who drive without insurance in County Durham face losing their cars as part of a police-led clampdown. Durham Constabulary has teamed up with one of the country's biggest insurance firms to launch Operation Takeaway to target those who take
THE Army will be getting in a musical mood next month with the staging of a major annual charity concert. The Alanbrooke Concert 2005 is being organised by 40 Regiment Royal Artillery, the Lowland Gunners, at Alanbrooke Barracks, Topcliffe, near Thirsk
PEOPLE in the North-East are being warned to be on their guard against counterfeit banker's drafts. Northumbria Police believe a banker's draft has been intercepted, possibly in the post, and counterfeited. Officers believe drafts have been sent abroad
A MEMORIAL service to commemorate International Workers' Memorial Day will be held at Ripon Cathedral on Thursday, at noon. The service, in memory of those who have died or been injured through work, is supported by both the Health and Safety Executive
A STRIKER so talented he was heralded as "another Alan Shearer" has died of a heroin overdose. John Courtney trained at Newcastle United's Centre of Excellence. But aged 18, the Magpies trainee began to dabble with heroin. As a young striker, John was
POLICE are looking for a man who indecently exposed himself to two girls. The two 12-year-olds were walking towards Sunny Terrace on a track that runs alongside Oakey's Field, in Stanley, County Durham, shortly before 3.30pm on Friday. One of them stopped
VICTORIA DUNN has been appointed as manager of new client services at the Royal Bank of Scotland's commercial banking team in Newcastle. She has worked for the bank for 15 years and will lead a team that will project manage the services required by businesses
Rotters of Barnard Castle, the country's largest community composting centre, is hosting an open day on Saturday, May 7, and running a composting course on Sunday, May 8, to coincide with National Composting Week. During the open day, people can turn
THIS year's Pickering Traction Engine Rally will run from August 4 to 7 at the town's showfield.
A FAMILY spoke last night of their devastation after the man responsible for their 15-year-old son's death had his sentence cut at London's Appeal Court. Dean English, of Peterlee, County Durham, was jailed for ten years at Durham Crown Court last November
THE fight against anti-social behaviour is taking a step further with the introduction of a 24-hour telephone line. The line is being introduced from May 11 by Safer Communities Partnership: North Yorkshire Moors and Coast. It is particularly aimed at
A LOCAL council has appointed its first football development officer. David Burns has joined Hartlepool Borough Council to take up the role with its sports development team. The 25-year-old, who comes from County Durham, was previously football development
A record seven gold, 36 silver and 202 bronze Duke of Edinburgh awards have been won by young people in east Cleveland. Six of the gold award winners are former students of Prior Pursglove Sixth Form College, Guisborough. All will receive their awards
ROGUE traders are cashing in on a craze for charity wristbands and taking much-needed money from worthy causes. Consumer watchdogs last night issued a warning to the public to make sure they buy from reputable and authorised traders to ensure their money
SECURITY patrols are being stepped up around houses earmarked for demolition at the heart of Britain's arson capital. Signs have been put on some of the 150 houses to be flattened at South Bank making people aware they have been stripped of everything
RESIDENTS are mucking in - by the truck load - to ensure the success of a recycling scheme. People in Redcar and New Marske have provided almost 140 tonnes of recyclable green, garden waste for composting after two weeks into the launch of a recycling
NESTLED between empty houses with their boarded-up doors and smashed windows, a woman tends to potted shrubs covering a small patio. Two streets to the right, another woman pulls back her curtains and looks out at a row of derelict homes as the sun streams
A STRIKER so talented he was heralded as "another Alan Shearer" has died of a heroin overdose. John Courtney trained at Newcastle United's Centre of Excellence. But aged 18, the Magpies trainee began to dabble with heroin. As a young striker, John was
A RECRUITMENT consultant who campaigns for age equality in the workplace has gone into business himself at the age of 56. John Duffield, of Middlesbrough, took over Drumquay Ltd, a recruitment company, last year, having worked with the firm for four years
Forty years to the day since they reached the FA Amateur Cup final at Wembley, Whitby Town's class of '65 was back beside the seaside on Sunday. It was a brilliant occasion. Few had expected them to get so far, fewer still to beat Hendon, the metropolitan
You have found the man of your dreams, only to discover his talent for ignoring the washing up, leaving socks everywhere and neglecting the kids. But is it possible to change him? Women's Editor Lindsay Jennings looks at how to turn around a lazy partner
FOUR years ago, the residents of three North-East town streets were plagued with crime, neglect and vandalism. They lived in fear that their homes, in Hartlepool, would be demolished - until they decided that they could change things. Now, the area has
WITH renewable energy high on the Government's agenda, any company that can efficiently harness the power of the sea should be on to a winner. The latest contender is TidEl, a tidal generator designed and built by SMD Hydrovision, in Newcastle. The firm
Some parties are more jolly than others. As the politicians rush to the hustings, one party to have been acclaimed over the past two years has been taking membership of the FTSE party. Capital values increased by 24 per cent, without even taking into
THE ruby anniversary of one of the most famous walking trails in the country has been celebrated by hundreds of people. The 40th birthday of the Pennine Way was celebrated on Sunday with the Walk the Way in a Day celebration. The 268-mile trail was divided
ELECTRONICS company LG Philips turned down a £20m Government grant to invest in new technology at its Durham factory, The Northern Echo can reveal. The company announced the closure of its Durham plant with the loss of 760 jobs earlier this year. Hilary
PARADISE ISLE (4.35) has the class to send her supporters home happy in by far the most valuable race of the day, the £30,000 Listed Lansdown Fillies Stakes at Bath. Chris Wall's speedy individual easily accounted for Dame de Noche at Newmarket last autumn
THE region's growing life sciences economy has received a boost, after a specialist Cambridge company announced it was coming to the North-East. Ithaka Life Sciences, which provides consultancy and management services, is opening an office at Netpark,
HUNDREDS of bakery jobs have been saved after a buyer was found for part of Rathbones Bakeries, which went into administration last month. Administrators KPMG have reached an agreement to sell bakeries at Middlesbrough, Wigan, Wakefield, Leicester and
THE 2012 Olympic Games being staged in London would be a huge boost for North-East tourism, according to a study. The report, by the London 2012 Nations and Regions Group, said UK tourism would benefit from a rise in visitor numbers if the capital hosted
Waiting Staff/manager, 20-40hpw Mon-Sat between 5-11pm. £5ph. Must be 18+ and fully experienced. Managerial training given. Ref: CON 18370. Service/installation engineer, 37hpw, Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, £18,000 pa. Must have minimum of two years' security industry
FREE advice is on offer to help technology firms in North Yorkshire attract investment. Connect Yorkshire is running a series of workshops for entrepreneurs. Managing director Simon Browning said: "Understanding what investors are looking for is critical
YOUNGSTERS at a secondary school have used their business skills to help an African village. Pupils at Fyndoune Community College in Sacriston, County Durham, working with County Durham Business and Learning Partnership, have gone into business selling
TWO friends on a round-the-world trip have stopped to help build shelters for orphans made homeless by the Asian tsunami. Friends and family in Teesdale have raised money to help Darran Tunstall, from Bowes, and Rebecca Murdoch, from Barnard Castle, County
PUB WALKS IN COUNTY DURHAM AND TEESSIDE by Charlie Emett (Countryside Books www.countrysidebooks.co.uk, £5.99) WALK AROUND HISTORIC DARLINGTON by Charlie Emett (Francis Frith, £5.99) FORMER walks correspondent of The Northern Echo, Charlie Emett, has
DEVELOPERS across the region are being urged to back a scheme which can save them money while helping to preserve an endangered butterfly. The dingy skipper has suffered a massive decline over the past 25 years because of development of the brownfield
POLICE have issued an e-fit of a man suspected of robbing a 16-year-old of cash and cigarettes after they both boarded a train. The man and his victim both got on the Virgin train at Darlington. It left the station at about 1.20pm on Tuesday, March 29
An elderly woman who spent six months in hospital has stunned the staff by leaving £112,000 to help other patients. Ethel Brown, who was aged 92 when she was treated two years ago in the Richardson Hospital at Barnard Castle, County Durham, made the bequest
A WOMAN appeared in court yesterday accused of failing to ensure her daughter attended school. The 15-year-old daughter of Lesley Fountain, also known as Ann Madden, failed to attend Blackfyne Community School in Consett, County Durham, from the start
PETER Ramage might have been a total unknown before Sunday's trip to Old Trafford, but his team-mate Andy O'Brien expects even better things from the Newcastle novice in the future. Ramage, who is in talks over a new deal at St James' Park, made his first
A DIESEL engine manufacturer is celebrating its 40th anniversary by creating 30 jobs. Cummins Engines Company, in Darlington, is taking on 30 staff in anticipation of orders for its latest product. The jobs are a vote of confidence in the plant's future
CAR manufacturer Nissan celebrated a milestone in the turnaround of its fortunes yesterday after posting record results and clearing its debts. The Japanese automotive company sold 3,388,000 vehicles in the past year, which helped push its assets back
PARADISE ISLE (4.30) has the class to send her supporters home happy in by far the most valuable race of the day, the £30,000 Listed Lansdown Fillies Stakes at Bath. Chris Wall's speedy individual easily accounted for Dame de Noche at Newmarket last autumn
TECHNOLOGY finance company, NStar, has reached a milestone. The group has announced that its investments in technology and businesses in the North-East have reached £2m. NStar was established in September 2003, with funding from regional development agency
THE rise in Union Snack's fortunes has mirrored a growing consumer awareness about healthy eating. Relatively low in fat compared to crisps, the pretzel is a dieter's dream nibble and Union Snack is Britain's only manufacturer. The factory, on the Tanfield
THE Army stages an annual charity concert next month. The Alanbrooke Concert organised by 40 Regiment Royal Artillery, the Lowland Gunners, takes place at Alanbrooke Barracks, Topcliffe, near Thirsk, on May 14. Taking part will be the Harrogate Male Voice
The conviction for manslaughter of the loving widow of a reclusive husband who took a fatal overdose would be a ''travesty of justice'', a court heard today. Jill Anderson, 49, who denies the charge at Leeds Crown Court, listened as the jury was told
A RETIRING MP has welcomed Labour's use of all-women shortlists to increase female representation in the House of Commons. Derek Foster, 69, who has represented Bishop Auckland in County Durham since 1979, decided to make way for someone younger. His
A DELAYED Royal Navy shipbuilding programme is being put back on track, offering hope to thousands of North-East workers. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) yesterday confirmed it was moving forward with a project to replace naval oil tankers, known as Military
GENERAL Motors is huge. As the world's largest producer of cars, it collects motor companies like a child collects sweets. In Europe alone, GM lists Vauxhall, Opel and Saab among its trophies. It also owns Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Pontiac and
A TELECOMS operator that recently celebrated completing its 1,000th order has won another large contract. Executel, of Gateshead, will install a communications platform for the £5m Quadrus centre, at Boldon Business Park, South Tyneside. The deal, with
A father of two died from head injuries after trying to save a schoolgirl from being attacked by a gang of teenagers, it emerged today. Thomas Noble was allegedly struck on the head and fell awkwardly to the ground during the assault close to his home
DOZENS of drawings, etchings and paintings by one of the world's leading sculptors have gone on show. The work of sculptor Michel Sandle is on display at the Durham Light Infantry Museum and Durham Art Gallery, in Durham, until Sunday, June 5. One of
MORE than 60 local artists put their work on display in Richmond this weekend. The eleventh annual art exhibition opens in the Town Hall on Saturday with about 200 paintings to see until Monday. The customary preview is held on Friday, from 7-9pm, tickets
POSTAL VOTING: WHILE it is correct, as district returning officer Colin Turnbull says (Echo, Apr 21), that postal voting has increased turnout, it is certainly not good for democracy. We have now had two court cases - one in Birmingham and another in
BUSINESS owners are being warned to beware of a share scam. Fraudsters are approaching businesses offering to manage their share sales to the public. They then call people and sell them shares - but often pocket the investor's money and vanish. The Financial
NORTH-East law firm Ward Hadaway has made two appointments to its commercial litigation department. IT dispute practitioner TIM TOOMEY joins as a partner from IT law firm v-lex ltd, which he co-founded in 2000. PAULA MYERS joins as an associate from Robert
Cook. Applicants must have an NVQ level 2/3. Must also hold or be prepared to obtain basic food hygiene certificate and an intermediate food hygiene certificate. Experience in catering industry preferred. Ref: BIS 15945. Head chef. Must be qualified and
HEALTH chiefs have been urged not to shut a hospital's maternity department. Managers of the Friarage in Northallerton admit one of four options being considered is to close the maternity unit at the hospital. Options for the future of the service are
BUTTERFLY Conservation has welcomed the Government's new Environmental Stewardship (ES) scheme for farmers. Many farmers in the North-East and North Yorkshire already take part in ES projects. The new scheme has changed the way subsidies are paid so they
GEORGE Boateng has admitted that pride, as well as three priceless points, is at stake when Middlesbrough make the short journey to Newcastle tomorrow night. Last weekend's 4-0 win over West Brom improved Boro's chances of making next season's UEFA Cup
CHANGES have been announced to make it easier for companies to develop brownfield sites. The Environment Agency, working with Defra and the Cabinet Office, has announced changes to mobile plant licensing, to take effect in October. They will have an effect
MIDDLESBROUGH are closing the class divide on North-East rivals Newcastle, according to boss Steve McClaren. The Teessiders travel to St James' Park tomorrow looking to cement their position in the Premiership's top seven, an achievement that if sustained
SMALL businesses (SMEs) have been warned about their responsibilities after research showed they account for most of the country's environmental crime. A report by the Government's Environmental Audit Committee found that SMEs were responsible for up
WHEN Vera Yorke was born, the 20th Century was still in the future. As she entered the world, Queen Victoria was still on the throne, Lord Salisbury was Prime Minister and William McKinley was US president. But while those famous names have all long since
A five-a-side football centre operator unveiled flotation plans yesterday that are expected to net a windfall for its bosses. Powerleague is expected to have a value of about £40m - which is more than some Premiership teams are worth - when it lists on
DARLINGTON chairman Stewart Davies has opened tentative discussions, which he hopes will eventually see manager David Hodgson commit his long-term future to the club, writes LEE HALL. Hodgson last night revealed that talks have taken place with Davies
WESTERN Australia swing bowler Callum Thorp will taste his first action for Durham in a three-day Second X1 Championship match against Yorkshire at Headingley starting today. Thorp, 30, is from the same club and state sides as skipper Mike Hussey, who
THE Duchess of Northumberland's garden, at Alnwick Castle, in Northumberland, will be pitched against the best projects in the world after winning a North-East award for excellence. The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) voted for the garden
WHEN Roy Keane sulked away from the Republic of Ireland squad in the run-up to the 2002 World Cup, he felt compelled to part with a withering assessment of Mick McCarthy's managerial skills. "You were a crap player and you're a crap manager," blasted
PRIZE exhibits from a North Yorkshire museum are on the move - but only across the local market square. A "Flying Showcase" of items from the Green Howards regimental museum, in Richmond, has been set up in the town's King's Head Hotel. The idea is to
Motorists will face further traffic chaos in Darlington town centre over the next few weeks - as more work is carried out on the ring road. The borough council has been working on the road in recent weeks as part of its £6.5m pedestrian heart project,
THE race to be elected MP for Darlington will continue tomorrow at a public debate. The town's General Election candidates have been presented with a report by the local Churches Together group, outlining the issues it believes need to be addressed. The
CONTROVERSIAL plans to build an abattoir, cooking room and incinerator at a farm specialising in rare meats look set to be approved next week. Paul and Kate Langthorne of Crawford Grange, Brompton, near Northallerton, say the new building is vital for
PUPILS held a day of events to raise money for a boy with cerebral palsy to have the trip of a lifetime. Pupils at Hurworth School, near Darlington, raised £717 through a non-uniform day and a dance through the decades competition. The money was raised
THE stage is set for a floral bonanza in a town dubbed the nation's "horticultural hot-spot". Sam Cryer, chairman of the Harrogate Spring Flower Show, North Yorkshire, which opens its four-day run on Thursday, said the town had earned its name tag because
MOTORISTS who drive without insurance in County Durham face losing their cars as part of a police-led clampdown. Durham Constabulary has teamed up with an insurance firm to launch Operation Takeaway. Anyone stopped while driving in the county who turns
A SCHOOL wants to open on Friday nights in a bid to keep youngsters off the streets. The scheme at Branksome Comprehensive School, in Darlington, follows a police project to stop under-age drinking and anti-social behaviour. Police spent last week working
WEAR Valley District Council has approved various housing projects. Alexander Developments is building 65 detached homes on the Tow Law auction mart, off Church Lane. Farm buildings at Middle Musgrave Farm, St Helen Auckland, will be demolished to make
WEEKLY coaching sessions are to be started again for young cricketers at Barnard Castle Cricket Club, which will field three junior teams during the coming season. Young players who want to take part are being asked to register at the club tomorrow night
EXOTIC creatures and colourful dancers have taken over a school playground. Pupils at Ferryhill Station Primary School helped to create the many characters who feature in the 52ft mural, which is painted on the school yard wall. Staff from Percy's Teesside
A case of mistaken identity notwithstanding, the column enjoyed a memorable meal at The Three Horse Shoes, Running Waters. WITHOUT offence to the many good folk who propose places for this weekly once-over, a particular frisson arose - a tingle of uncommon
A BUSINESSMAN who complained about his signs being stolen has been told he must remove them all because they break planning rules. Colin Limond put yellow and black signs up in Consett to direct customers to the premises where he sells new and part-worn
PRIZE exhibits from a North Yorkshire museum are on the move - but only across the local market square. A "Flying Showcase" of items from the Green Howards regimental museum, in Richmond, has been set up in the town's King's Head Hotel. The idea is to
THE honesty of drivers parking in a North Yorkshire market place is paying for a town's first skateboard park. It is now almost a year since the parish council at Masham, near Ripon, introduced honesty box parking, suggesting a daily donation of only
AN attempt is being made to widen the appeal of a seaside town in the tourism stakes. Bucket-and-spade resort, Redcar, is hoping to attract visitors who like history. About 10,000 leaflets are being printed to promote a 90-minute history town trail of
A TEENAGER has appeared in court charged with the manslaughter of a North-East man. Thomas Noble, 53, of Moreland Street, Roker, Sunderland, died following an attack at around 8.50pm on Friday inRoker Baths Road. A post-mortem examinationn revealed he
TEESDALE Scouts spent a weekend learning about lead mining. Scouts from Barnard Castle and Gainford spent the weekend at Ninebanks Youth Hostel, on the Northumberland and Cumbrian border. On Saturday, despite a snowfall, they travelled to Killhope Lead
PARLIAMENTARY candidates were grilled about small business issues at a hustings event. Members of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) were in Durham to question candidates from five parties about small business services, the pensions black hole,
PUPILS from schools around Hartlepool painted the town red - and many other colours - as they took part in a national competition. Youngsters competed in one of the regional heats of the 2005 Children's Calendar Painting Competition run by Britain in
POLICE are appealing for information about a man missing from home. William James Cuncliffe, 52, of Newcastle, was last seen at 5pm on Sunday, riding a black pedal bike and wearing a green and yellow jacket. He is 5ft 10in, slim, with thinning, greying
SCHOOLCHILDREN have been working to improve the gardens of a north Durham care home. Fifteen pupils of Consett Junior School have been taking part in the project, which aims to brighten up small areas of the gardens at the town's Brockwell Court Care
A MAN who helps ensure the comfort and security of residents on a housing estate, has won the vote of his peers. Steve Westwood, manager of William Sutton Trust wardens at Middlesbrough, has been elected chairman of the North East Wardens Network for
POLICE are renewing their appeal for witnesses to a road traffic accident that led to the death of a pensioner. William Wright, 77, from South Moor, in Stanley, was struck by a LandRover Freelander as he tried to cross the A693 in New Kyo at 4.25pm on
PEOPLE in Teesside are to get the chance to see why a shop full of curios and oddities has turned thousands of heads. A hippopotamus skull thought to date back millions of years, a stuffed polar bear and the smallest cat and dog in the world are among
A CHARITY is holding a golf day to celebrate its 30th anniversary. The Chester-le-Street and District Voluntary Welfare Committee will stage the event, at the Southmoor Golf Club, near Stanley, on Thursday, June 9. The competition is open to both sexes
GUISBOROUGH'S Dennis Hobbs came home 12th in the first race of Sunday's British Superbike double-header at Mallory Park. The Team Nvidia Yamaha rider, in his first season as a professional, was 31 seconds behind race one winner Michael Rutter (Honda),
CHILDREN from Chester-le-Street came face-to-face with characters from a new educational book. Pupils at the recently-opened Pelton Community Primary School met Jeanette Duffy and Sonia McDonnell, authors of Shayped Island. They read part of their book
THE tourist industry in the Yorkshire Dales is doing its bit to preserve the environment, a survey has found. More than 1,000 questionnaires were sent to businesses involved with tourism to find out what they were doing to reduce their impact on the environment
RICHARD SMITH has been appointed as property manager at North-East pub company New Century Inns. The 32-year-old is a chartered surveyor who has spent his working life in the brewing and drinks industry. He joins New Century Inns from Avebury Taverns,
A recent Scottish case, Hoyland -v- Asda Stores plc, raised an interesting sex discrimination point. Ms Hoyland worked as a part-time customer services and events co-ordinator at Asda's Dumbarton store. She was away from work on maternity leave between
MICKY Nelson and his Hartlepool United team-mates are determined to make the most of their opportunity on Saturday. Pool entertain Walsall knowing a win could be enough to secure a place in the play-offs. If they don't win - or if they do and Sheffield
A BMW driver has admitted knocking down and killing a seven-year-old boy who followed a friend across the road for a drink of water. David Josh Cameron, seven, was hit on a pedestrian crossing as his friends looked on. The youngster had been playing with
FORMER England and West Ham star Sir Trevor Brooking was in the region last week to officially open a new £485,000 sports facility. He watched a series of tennis, football and hockey demonstrations at the new all weather pitch in Northallerton, before
