RUDE hotel manager Basil Fawlty has become one of TV's legendary characters. What a shame, say fans, that only 12 episodes were ever made of Fawlty Towers as co-writer John Cleese and then wife Connie Booth deciding to quit while they were ahead. The
Bishop Auckland manager Brian Honour will almost certainly be in charge of his last game when they go to Woodley Sports today. Honour, who has been in charge of Bishops for three years, says that the Cup exit at the hands of Skelmersdale in midweek has
A DETECTIVE appealed to one or both of the rapists to give themselves up last night. Appealing directly to the duo, who attacked the 65-year-old widow in her Marton home, Acting Detective Inspector Paul Richardson said: "If you read this I would urge
THOUGH his service to the Church of England has been long and distinguished, though he is affectionately remembered in many parts of what for ease we term the North-East of England, the Rev Harry Lee had hoped that the golden jubilee of his ordination
A JUDGE has criticised the use of "bladed" football boots made famous by David Beckham after a player was seriously injured during a charity match. Judge David Bryant described the Adidas boot, which uses bladed studs and can be metal tipped, as "offensive
TITUS BRAMBLE was regarded as one of Newcastle United's brat pack along with team-mate Kieron Dyer. Much-publicised trouble off the field and inconsistent displays on it hardly endeared him to the fanatical Magpies' supporters. But, under manager Graeme
ENGINEERING group Tanfield is back in the black following a major restructuring programme. Turnover has also more than doubled at the company, which employs about 300 people at its headquarters in Stanley, County Durham. The Tanfield Group's interim results
SUPER Sundays have become a thing of the past for Middlesbrough. And, unsurprisingly, manager Steve McClaren wants to find the cure for the Sabbath syndrome that has been plaguing his team ahead of tomorrow's trip to Aston Villa. Boro returned from Greece
ENGLAND embarked on its long love affair with Argentine footballers in 1978 when the South Americans - inspired by the maverick skills of Mario Kempes - lifted the World Cup on home soil. Prior to that, there was little love lost between the two nations
DURHAM University was celebrating last night after winning the title of University of the Year in an annual guide to universities. Durham was given the award by the Sunday Times, which publishes its University Guide 2005 this weekend, and for the first
A MAN has been arrested after an incident in which a teenager had her handbag stolen, apparently at gunpoint, near a town centre subway. The incident happened at about 11.10am yesterday in Bede Way, Peterlee, County Durham, as the 16-year-old victim was
LAST season Mick McCarthy had a few sleepless nights as he plotted Sunderland's escape from the Championship. And, after a run of six successive League games without a victory, it looked as if the condition was about to pay another visit as McCarthy sought
THE tree just leapt out at me, causing me to swerve quite severely. I drive that road daily, and it hadn't been there on Wednesday. But on Thursday it jumped out of the green hedgerow at me. Thursday was a crystal-clear blue sky day, the sun shining so
SUPER Sundays have become a thing of the past for Middlesbrough. And, unsurprisingly, manager Steve McClaren wants to find the cure for the Sabbath syndrome that has been plaguing his team ahead of tomorrow's trip to Aston Villa. Boro returned from Greece
EACH-WAY thieves seeking a slice of the action in this afternoon's £130,000 Cambridgeshire could do worse than concentrate on Spanish Don (3.55). The only people cheering 12 months ago were the bookies as Spanish Don snatched the spoils at odds of 100
JUSTIN Hoyte prepared for this weekend's visit of highflying West Ham by admitting he wouldn't rule out a permanent move to Sunderland. Hoyte has been a revelation since he joined the club on loan from Arsenal last month and displayed maturity beyond
A MAN's dream of having a giant hot tub in his back garden turned into a nightmare when the crane delivering it toppled and sliced the top of his house in two. Emergency services had to evacuate 20 surrounding houses when a gas main was severed as the
A TOP trainer had to be taken to hospital after he battled in vain to save two champion racehorses from an arson attack on their stables. Bob Johnson had to be treated for burns after the attack on a stable barn at Grange Farm, in Newburn, Newcastle.
Spennymoor play their first game in the FA Vase when they face Crook Town at the Brewery Field. The old Moors club made North-East history when they reached the semi-finals of the more senior FA Trophy in 1978, but manager Ken Houlahan knows his side
MOBILE phone microchip maker Filtronic is on course to increase production six fold on one of its lines. The company, which took over the former Fujitsu factory in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, five years ago, continues to employ record numbers of staff
Q My State Pension is £95.39 a week and my wife's is £54.98. My company pension is £420.16 a month after tax and we each have savings of £6,000. Can we get Pension Credit or any reduction in our council tax of £97 a month? A For a couple to get Pension
A CYCLIST was in a critical condition in hospital last night after a rush-hour collision with a car on a dual carriageway. The 41-year-old Wearside man was knocked from his bike in the accident involving a Vauxhall Vectra, on the A1231 Sunderland Highway
MP Kevan Jones struck it lucky when he joined a charity coffee morning yesterday by winning first prize in the raffle. The North Durham MP joined in the fun at Craghead Village Hall, near Stanley - part of the world's biggest coffee morning event to raise
A CHARITY shop worker is to be reunited with her Australian penpal of more than 50 years next week. Maragaret Pitt, 64, from Marske, will meet up with Margaret Hogg, 65, at Edinburgh Airport on October 5. It is ten years since the pair, who started writing
PEOPLE who walked, jogged or ran 100 miles for the Ton-Up Challenge in Wear Valley have been handed trophies and T-shirts. Doug Bellis was first to complete the Ton Up while Lorna Alderson completed the most miles, 192. Other achievers were: Under 15:
A HOSPITAL trust has been forced to undertake emergency cost-cutting after a multi-million pound pot of cash was withdrawn. It now looks likely that the County Durham and Darlington Acute Hospitals NHS Trust will go £2.5m into debt after £6.5m in financial
FREEMASONS are to be invited to a civic reception this weekend where they will hand over a donation to charity. The Mayor of Durham, Councillor John Lightley, is hosting a civic reception for the Universities Lodge of Freemasons today. Members of the
AN agency has been set up to help carry out home improvements for elderly and disabled home owners. Care and Repair Durham and Chester-le-Street, which hopes to improve up to 200 homes in the area by March, provides clients with help to adapt, improve
A TOWN is determined to take steps to stamp out anti-social behaviour which is plaguing its streets. Two public meetings have been held in Willington following spates of vandalism and anti-social behaviour. This week, Wear Valley Street Wardens, representatives
A DISQUALIFIED driver has been fined £320 after smashing his car into an off-duty policeman's vehicle. Fredrick Morrison, of Peaton Street, Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to failing to stop after an accident, driving otherwise than in accordance with a
A VILLAGE'S school pupils are inviting pensioners to tea to talk about their wartime memories. Pittington Primary School will hold a celebration to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War on Tuesday at 2pm. The children want villagers
A DURHAM school is celebrating after being praised by inspectors. Newton Hall Infants School was praised for its "very good leadership" and strong sense of teamwork. Standards have remained above average - year two is well above average in English, maths
DETECTIVES hunting two thugs who burst into a 65-year-old grandmother's home and carried out a degrading sex attack last night warned women: "Keep your doors locked." The rape of the widow from Marton, Middlesbrough, was so shocking that a senior detective
A PROJECT that provides activities and trips for youngsters could be forced to close after it was refused a £20,000 grant, leaders have warned. Ryedale Child and Youth Projects (RCYP) had hoped to secure the money from Ryedale District Council's community
BUSINESSES are bracing themselves for 12 new regulations coming into force today. Last night, the North-East Chamber of Commerce warned that the region's companies risked losing their competitive edge unless the Government addressed red tape. It said
START 'em young is one North-East town's motto when it comes to learning to read. And over the next year, all three-year-olds in Hartlepool will be given a free Treasure Box full of books at nursery. Hartlepool Borough Council is extending its successful
A TRIO of walkers have proved they are in a class of their own when it comes to fundraising. Norton School deputy headteacher Mark Tilling and technician Don Rose were joined by friend Dave Turner for a 26-mile walk to the school from Loftus. Staff and
DOGS are queuing up to become good citizens by enrolling on a course that will teach them good manners. Owners of puppies in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, are so keen to have some of the most well-behaved pets in town that they have inundated their
THREE old books presented to a school library yesterday speak volumes about the changes in education and society over the past century. The beautifully-bound and illustrated editions were prizes presented to two members of a family in Bishop Auckland,
A sports facility for schoolchildren and the local community was officially opened in Darlington yesterday. The £75,000 multi-use games area at Alderman Leach Primary School is one of ten to be built in Darlington with money from the National Lottery.
ALLOTMENT holders have told of their disappointment that their 80-year-old site is to be replaced with a multi-million pound development. Gardeners must quit Hundens Lane allotments, in Darlington, by the end of September next year. The site will be replaced
DURHAM University was celebrating last night after winning the title of University of the Year in an annual guide to universities. Durham was given the award by the Sunday Times, which publishes its University Guide 2005 this weekend, and for the first
THREE old books presented to a school library yesterday speak volumes about the changes in education and society over the past century. The beautifully-bound and illustrated editions were prizes presented to two members of a family in Bishop Auckland,
THE region's newest tourist attraction looks likely to stay in place until the New Year. Gateshead Council says it is close to reaching agreement with operators of the Gateshead Eye - the giant ferris wheel on the banks of the Tyne - to keep the attraction
VISITORS to a fundraising event in York got more than just a cup of coffee yesterday. Browns Department Store organised a lingerie show as part of the Macmillan Cancer Relief World's Biggest Coffee Morning. The event raised £250 for the charity. The store's
A COMMUNITY group has been given £1,000 from West Redcar Single Regeneration Budget's Community Chest. St Williams Ladies Group, which has monthly meetings in St Williams Church Hall, South Avenue, Dormanstown, near Redcar, applied for the money to refurbish
A SPECIAL school in North Yorkshire is celebrating a new-look sensory garden. The garden at the Dales School at Morton-on-Swale near Northallerton now has an improved pond, paving to provide year-round access, improved planting, raised beds for better
A PROMISING indie band have been voted the best in County Durham after winning a Battle of the Bands event. The Maginot Line beat 18 other bands to win the event, held at Aruba bar in Commercial Street, Darlington. They impressed judges with their psychedelic
AN anti-litter and dog fouling campaign has been hailed a success. Eighteen fixed penalties were issued for littering and three for dog fouling during the week-long Don't Trash Richmondshire initiative. Funded by the community safety partnership, the
A SURVEY investigating the condition of privately owned housing is being carried out. The owners of 3,000 homes in Richmondshire will be asked questions to establish the state of their properties. The survey is being carried out by the district council
POLICE claim plans to open a snooker club until 4am every day would lead to an increase in crime and disorder. Mixa Ltd, the owner of Castle Snooker Club on Tower Street in York, has applied to extend its opening hours to 9am to 4am each day. Alcohol
A prostitute hit on an innovative money-spinning scheme - by pretending by to an undercover vice squad officer. Shelley Anne Hill even made herself a fake police squad badge to con unsuspecting drivers out of hundreds of pounds. She charged a fine and
Britain's most successful Paralympian will be the guest speaker at a conference on social care next Friday. Dame Tanni Grey Thompson, from Redcar, will speak at the North of the River Conference at The Holiday Inn, Seaton Burn, Northumberland, from 1pm
TITUS BRAMBLE was regarded as one of Newcastle United's brat pack along with team-mate Kieron Dyer. Much-publicised trouble off the field and inconsistent displays on it hardly endeared him to the fanatical Magpies' supporters. But, under manager Graeme
A MAN who is addicted to sniffing petrol fumes has been jailed again for breaching an anti-social behaviour order - but will be allowed to walk free almost immediately. Brian Taylor had already breached the order given to him in January - which bans him
Northern Echo reporter Marjorie McIntyre was staying with a friend in The Grove, Marton, Middlesbrough, on Thursday evening. As she stettled down to a cosy night indoors she had no idea of the terrible events being played out yards away. THE Grove is
LAST season Mick McCarthy had a few sleepless nights as he plotted Sunderland's escape from the Championship. And, after a run of six successive League games without a victory, it looked as if the condition was about to pay another visit as McCarthy sought
DAVID HODGSON has turned to out-of-favour striker Clyde Wijnhard in his latest attempt to resuscitate Darlington's season at Northampton Town this afternoon. Wijnhard will be Hodgson's chosen one at the Sixfields Stadium, entrusted with breathing new
Furious parents are demanding an inquiry after pupils at a primary school had sugary drinks and snacks seized in raids on their lunchboxes. Dinner ladies at Wharrier Street Primary School, in Walker, Newcastle, have been told to confiscate unhealthy drinks
Three Wearside League teams play in the preliminary round of the Durham Challenge Cup and there is an all-league clash at Jack Clark Park between second-top Cleadon SC and Ryhope CW, who have lost just once. Cleadon welcome the return of Gary Brand, especially
A FORMER council officer will be sentenced in a month after child pornography was found on his work computer. Robin Andrew Hardy, 56, was arrested after police seized computer equipment from his office in the treasurer's department at County Hall, Durham
CONTINUITY is the key for Dimi Konstantopoulos. The big Hartlepool United goalkeeper kept a clean sheet in midweek - only Pool's second of the season - and knows a strong defensive display is vital today. Pool go to Ashton Gate to take on rejuvenated
DETECTIVES hunting two thugs who burst into a 65-year-old grandmother's home and carried out a degrading sex attack last night warned women: "Keep your doors locked." The rape of the widow from Marton, Middlesbrough, was so shocking that a senior detective
A JUDGE has criticised the use of "bladed" football boots made famous by David Beckham after a player was seriously injured during a charity match. Judge David Bryant described the Adidas boot, which uses bladed studs and can be metal tipped, as "offensive
NEWCASTLE United manager Graeme Souness heads to Portsmouth this morning 'excited' at the prospect of having Kieron Dyer available for selection once more. Dyer has been missing from the Magpies' side ever since he limped out of action against Manchester
TWO hackers from the North-East who helped launch a virus that caused computer chaos across the globe will be sentenced next week. Andrew Harvey, 22, and Jordan Bradley, 20, were arrested following a joint swoop by Durham Police and US secret service
THE phrase 'end of an era' is often used but seldom warranted. However, when Roy Keane announced to the world that he is likely to quit Manchester United at the end of this season, no other words better sum up his decision. Like him or loathe him, no
TOBY Flood has been going to Kingston Park since he was ten, watching first Rob Andrew then Jonny Wilkinson grace Newcastle Falcons' No 10 shirt. Now they will be closely watching the 20-year-old fly half from Morpeth as he makes his first start in the
A MAN whose driving led to an accident in which a friend was killed, was yesterday told to expect a prison sentence. Scott Killeen, 23, was given the warning after admitting a charge of causing the death of Michael Peter Blake by dangerous driving, and
FEW could dispute the fact that Redcar stages a tip-top card this afternoon, so be sure to get along to the course if at all possible to witness some superb racing, writes Colin Woods. The totepool Two-Year-Old Trophy forms the centrepiece of the fixture
FORMER Newcastle United chairman Gordon McKeag has died at the age of 76. A passionate supporter, he took over his family's position in the Newcastle boardroom in 1972 on the death of his father and in 1988 became chairman following the resignation of
THE barbaric rape of a 65-year-old widow is one of the worst crimes we have ever had to report. Even hardened police officers - who have seen the most sickening sides of life - have been shocked by the sheer brutality of the crime. What should have been
ENGINEERING group Tanfield is back in the black following a major restructuring programme. Turnover has also more than doubled at the company, which employs about 300 people at its headquarters in Stanley, County Durham. The Tanfield Group's interim results
TWO landmarks will be illuminated following ceremonies held next week. Veterans from the armed forces will march to Redcar's Cenotaph on October 5 for a 7.30pm service and switch-on ceremony. On October 6, the pier and cliff lift at Saltburn will be lit
CHRIS RIGGOTT is a man eager to make up for lost time and he wants to lead Middlesbrough's surge up the Premiership table. Having missed the first two months of the season with a knee injury, Riggott made his first appearance of the campaign against Greeks
SCHOOLCHILDREN did their bit yesterday to help make a charity coffee morning a massive success. North Road Primary School, in Darlington, was one of several places across the town to take part in the World's Biggest Coffee Morning, held to raise vital
A HOSPITAL trust has been forced to undertake emergency cost-cutting after a multi-million pound pot of cash was withdrawn. It now looks likely that the County Durham and Darlington Acute Hospitals NHS Trust will go £2.5m into debt after £6.5m in financial
HOME Secretary Charles Clarke has promised to review the case of a millionaire sex offender who has been living anonymously at taxpayers' expense on a North-East housing estate for the past six months. Convicted rapist Iorworth Hoare, who hit the headlines
A MUSHROOM and toadstool hunt is being held at a Teesside forest next week. The Forestry Commission and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council are inviting people to come face-to-face with fungi at Guisborough Forest and Walkways Visitor Centre at Pinchinthorpe
A FRAIL pensioner sexually abused a schoolboy after befriending him and allowing him to do odd jobs around his home. Retired steelworker Frank Thomas, 71, who was given a suspended jail sentence yesterday, later told police that the pair were just "playing
A HOSPITAL trust has been forced to undertake emergency cost-cutting after a multi-million pound pot of cash was withdrawn. It now looks likely that the County Durham and Darlington Acute Hospitals NHS Trust will go £2.5m into debt after £6.5m in financial
Dinner lady Violet Field was the centre of attention 30 years to the day after she first put on her pinny. Mrs Field, who works at Framwellgate Moor Primary School, in Durham City, had no inkling that a special presentation had been arranged to mark the
A GIRL who was barred from a shop after being caught stealing returned twice more to steal goods and daubed the outside of the building in graffiti, a court heard yesterday. The 14-year-old stole confectionery and cans of lager from the Darlington store
BAFFLED diners at a restaurant are having to use knives and forks to eat ice cream after thieves made off with its stock of spoons. Students have been earmarked as the main suspects by staff at Nando's, in The Gate, Newcastle. The cutlery thefts at the
LABOUR has held onto a seat on Derwentside District Council in a by-election. Carl Marshall comfortably held onto the seat of Stanley Hall in Thursday's poll with a majority of 400. Mr Marshall received 599 votes, way ahead of Liberal Democrat candidate
A TROUBLED teenage girl appeared in court yesterday charged with damaging property in her new home. The 16-year-old admitted that an alcohol problem had affected her behaviour and led her to damage a window frame and television. The girl, who lives near
ONE of the region's largest business parks is to welcome an international tenant that will bring 150 jobs to the North-East. North Tyneside MP Stephen Byers made the announcement yesterday as he launched the next phase of the Quorum business park, in
AN England table-tennis player is proving a smash hit with pupils at an independent school. Barnard Castle School, in County Durham, has recruited the England Schools U16 national champion to coach players at the school and pass on his expertise. David
A TOP trainer had to be taken to hospital after he battled in vain to save two champion racehorses from an arson attack on their stables. Bob Johnson had to be treated for burns after the attack on a stable barn at Grange Farm, in Newburn, Newcastle.
A 25-year-old man was left upset and shaken after a street robbery yesterday. The victim was attacked as he was walking along France Street, in Redcar, at about 2.30am after a night at the Aruba club. The robber pushed him to the ground and took his mobile
A NEWTON Aycliffe school is one of just 14 across the country to offer pupils an apprenticeship course in health and social care. Woodham Community Technology College now runs a Young Apprenticeship in health and social care for year ten and 11 pupils
SCHOOLS across Darlington are joining in International Walk to School Week from Monday. The theme of the week is the environment and pupils will be learning how walking to school can have a positive effect on their surroundings, their health and their
HUNDREDS of pupils have pulled out all the stops to organise a massive coffee morning in support of Macmillan Cancer Relief. About 800 students from St John's Roman Catholic School, Bishop Auckland, took part in the charity's World's Biggest Coffee Morning
TRADERS have called for action to revitalise a town market. Since Christmas, Malton Market has lost a cheese stall, a snack van and a stationery stall because of a drop in the numbers of shoppers. Traders say an injection of stalls and a promotional campaign
A NORTH Yorkshire scientist has won the highest award in his field. The International Carbohydrate Organisation is to present the Roy L Whistler International Award for 2006 to Professor Gideon Davies, of York University. Prof Davies is only the second
THE results of public consultation on the future of health services were unveiled yesterday. Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale Primary Care Trust (PCT) has spent six months meeting with the public to discuss health services in Whitby and the Esk Valley.
WINTER may be just around the corner but Hartlepool's Headland is already planning ahead for next spring. Thousands of daffodil, crocus, bluebell, tulip and snowdrop bulbs are being planted around the town. The planting is being organised by Hartlepool
A CAMPAIGN to keep a town's children safe is a decade old. The Crucial Crew project uses workshops to highlight a range of safety issues. More than 1,300 year six children from 29 Hartlepool schools are to attend this year's event at the training centre
A DRUG dealing mother-of-four who was arrested twice in a fortnight was jailed for two years yesterday. Teesside Crown Court was told that Amanda Sharp, 37, sold cannabis to friends to fund her addiction to amphetamines. Police found drugs and cash at
A PENSIONER has proved she has a heart of gold after donating a £1,000 prize to a hospice. Jean Oliver won the prize from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for her commitment in bringing back a strong community spirit to the Parkfield and Mill Lane
THE family of a man who died in a tragic accident are in training ready to run for charity in his memory. Richard Boston died of head injuries aged 36 after a fall at his home in Catterick Village in August. Despite his family still coming to terms with
HOME Secretary Charles Clarke has promised to review the case of a millionaire sex offender who has been living anonymously at taxpayers' expense on a North-East housing estate for the past six months. Convicted rapist Iorworth Hoare, who hit the headlines
Five police officers from Durham Constabulary have received awards for the way they bravely handled three incidents. PC John Lamb, 32, saved the lives of two teenage brothers from a house fire in December 2003 by fighting his way through thick smoke to
PARTY CONFERENCES: RE: the current round of political party conferences taking place. The minor parties such as the Greens, Respect, BNP, UKIP etc must be rubbing their hands at the prospect of next year's round of full council elections in May 2006.
Dickens used to be considered only good for classic adaptations, but now both theatre and film directors are cottoning on to his ability to tell a good story. Steve Pratt reports. CHARLES Dickens stands at the lectern in Newcastle's Assembly Rooms reading
IN March, I visited a County Durham school to sample the lunchtime menu condemned by Jamie Oliver in his television series Jamie's School Dinners. I found that the TV chef was right - the food being dished up to youngsters at Eden Community School, in
