FIRE-FIGHTERS battled for two hours today to bring a major oil fire at a waste processing plant under control. Crews were called to Premier Waste Management in Salters Lane, Shotton Colliery, County Durham, just after 4pm. It took 16 fire-fighters
A POLICE officer's future in the force is in jeopardy after his conviction for punching a woman while off-duty at a nightclub. Terrence Ottaway was accused of "drunken yobbery" after a court heard he landed the blow to the face of a 22-year-old woman
Publisher: Harmonix Formats: PS2 Price: £39.99 Family friendly? 12+ WHAT'S not to like about a game that turns you into a rock star? Anyone who's ever mimed to their favourite track or played
DETECTIVES in Ipswich today confirmed that the body of a fourth woman found on Tuesday was missing prostitute Paula Clennell, originally from Berwick.
YOU don't have to do this," someone tells Denzel Washington's agent. "Maybe I already have," he replies. He's preparing to go back to the past to prevent the bombing of a crowded New Orleans ferry using a sort of time machine that can replay the
FOR some reason movies about dragons haven't done well at the box-office. Eragon might just buck the trend not because it's a brilliant movie but because the book on which this fantasy adventure is based was a publishing phenomenon - a bestseller
Chelsea 1 Newcastle United 0 OF all the gifts Glenn Roeder received on his birthday, few could have been as precious as what he was on the verge of receiving as Newcastle United boss at Stamford Bridge last night. After an incredible defensive performance
MAKING IT REAL by David Beckham (Harpercollins, £12.99) THE David Beckham Academy in Greenwich, London is the largest sporting facility of its kind in Europe, comprising two full-size indoor third-generation football pitches and extensive state-of-the-art
Chief Sports Writer Scott Wilson makes his selection of the sports books for great gifts this Christmas Unforgivable. BLACKNESS: THE RISE AND FALL OF JACK JOHNSON by Geoffrey Ward (Pimilco, £8.99) A BIOGRAPHY of boxing's first black heavyweight champion
A reasonably priced McGuigan wine this week with a clear, light, golden colour and a bouquet of tropical fruit. On the palate there's a buttery texture to the guava and mango fruit. It's a medium to full-bodied wine of 13% alcohol which will keep for
TONY Blair was today questioned by police investigating the cash-for-honours affair, Downing Street said. The Prime Minister was not interviewed under caution, according to his official spokesman. He gave explanations of why he nominated individuals
A TEENAGER who stabbed his friend in the back with a kitchen knife has been found guilty of murder. The jury at the Teesside Crown Court trial of 19-year-old Martyn Ford returned a unanimous guilty verdict at 12.30pm today. Ford, who killed 23-year-old
A SOLDIER from the North-East has died in a training accident in the United States. Sergeant Andrew Jowers, of the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, was one of two people who died in a road accident in Arizona last Wednesday. The 36-year-old, from Ormesby
A NORTH Yorkshire soldier who died saving seven comrades from Taliban gunfire is expected to be awarded the Victoria Cross today. Corporal Bryan Budd, 29, from Ripon, was killed when he single-handedly stormed a Taliban position in Helmand, Afghanistan
HUNDREDS of people with painful knee and hip joints are needed for a major research project which could help millions of sufferers. Researchers at Newcastle University need up to 200 volunteers with early osteoarthritis of the knee. They are
A debut in Chekov and a wedding lie ahead for ex-EastEnder and all-singing, all-dancing actress Jill Halfpenny. But, as she tells VIV HARDWICK, headlining this year's Newcastle Theatre Royal will keep her on her toes. WITH filming over on the next
Third Test Match Perth Australia 244 (M E K Hussey 74 no, M S Panesar 5-92, S J Harmison 4-48) v England 51-2 MONTY Panesar led the England's fightback in the Ashes series with a five-wicket haul in the key third Test at the WACA. The left-arm spinner
LUCINDA Cowden, of Aussie soap Neighbours, takes the lead in this rendition of the story about the boy who never grew up. Her flying technique is exemplary; I've seldom seen such a graceful landing, but it wasn't enough to impress her young audience,
MEASURES to improve safety outside two schools have been given the go-ahead. School Zones are to be created in Elwick Road and Owton Manor Lane, in Hartlepool, to give greater protection to students attending High Tunstall College of Science and Manor
THREE teams from Durham Gilesgate Sports College bounced to the top in last week's Northern Schools Trampoline Championships, held at Temple Park Leisure Centre, in South Shields. The under-13 boys team, made up of Philip Jones, Luke Jury and Liam Snowdon
THE decision about whether a controversial lap-dancing club in Consett is allowed to open is to be made on Monday. It has emerged that the views of hundreds of people who have registered their opposition to Red Velvet are not being considered, because
SHOPPERS will be able to stock up on Christmas fare at an extra Durham farmers' market today. Durham Indoor Markets has added the event to the one planned for next week, to give people the chance to get their festive provisions. "The wonderful Christmas
PRIMARY school pupils have become fans of ballroom dancing after having two months of lessons. More than 60 year three and four pupils at Lanchester EP Primary School, near Stanley, have been learning dances such as the tango and waltz. The seven, eight
ONE of the largest pottery collections of its kind is coming up for auction early next year.More than 200 pieces will be up for grabs at the decorative arts sale at Tennants of Leyburn, in North Yorkshire, on January 27.The items were made at the short-lived
THE threatened Hill Farming Allowance (HFA) is to continue until 2010. Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale and chairman of the House of Commons All Party Parliamentary Group on Hill Farming, welcomed the news. He said: "This gives the Government
A TAXI was driven at a man in a street in a row over noise from a Boxing Day house party. The victim, wearing a Santa suit, was struck by Iain Archer's cab outside the house where the party was staged, in Perkinsville, near Chester-le-Street. A woman
PETS can look forward to a healthier new year after a caravan was donated to an animal charity.The vehicle was presented to the RSPCA by Catterick Caravans and will be used as a mobile base for advice sessions when free neutering and micro-chipping
A TOWN that has one of the country's best cemeteries also has one of the best places to spend a penny.In October, Chester-le-Street was a runner-up in the 2006 Cemetery of the Year Awards for its Ropery Lane site.Now Chester-le-Street District Council
A RAILWAY operator is offering enthusiasts the chance to realise a childhood dream by driving a train.A special guest tried her hand behind the controls of a train when she visited a heritage railway yesterday.Caroline Gardener, a former high sheriff
CHILDREN are being taught about fancy food in a travelling kitchen-classroom. Pupils from Tanfield Specialist College of Engineering and Science hopped on the Cooking Bus, currently touring the country as part of the Food Standards Agency's Focus on Food
PEOPLE will be able to find out what is planned for Chester-le-Street's market at an exhibition tomorrow. Work started in October to transform the market, in the Burns area of the town, as part of the district council's Civic Heart regeneration scheme
A MAN and two women were taken to University Hospital of North Durham yesterday after a car crashed into a wall. The accident happened at 6am on Hownsgill Industrial Estate in Consett. The fire brigade and ambulance crew gave first aid and oxygen treatment
LOCAL GOVERNMENT: SEDGEFIELD Borough Council operates a cabinet and three scrutiny committee system. Each scrutiny committee is made up of one-third of non-cabinet members, which means two-thirds have no vote on two-thirds of the council's business.
A FORMER senior investigating officer believes Suffolk Police are faced with a unique investigation. Detective Superintendent Jack Dees, a senior lecturer in law and policing at the University of Teesside, said: "Let's get one thing straight from the
COUNCILLORS have agreed to extend the opening hours of a pub, despite objections from residents. A meeting of Stockton Borough Council's licensing sub-committee yesterday approved the application by The Merlin, in Marsh House Avenue, Billingham. The
The UK's biggest coal-fired power plant is to be the subject of a £100m project aimed at cutting carbon emissions. The owner of Selby Power Station, Drax, said it intended to revamp turbines at the North Yorkshire site, in a bid to improve efficiency
A PRISON officer is going on the run for charity. Kevin Dixon, who works at Durham Prison, is asking individuals and businesses to sponsor him to run the 13-mile Paris half-marathon, with the money going to the NSPCC. Mr Dixon, 40, from St Helens, near
SCHOOLCHILDREN have been rising to the challenge after being taught how to bake in bulk by experts at Darlington College. Thirty year ten children from Staindrop Comprehensive School got their first taste of the new industrial kitchens at the college
FORMER Boro star Terry Cochrane took a trip down memory lane yesterday to help open a fitness trail and bridleway. Mr Cochrane, a wing wizard for Boro and Northern Ireland in the 1980s, joined international cyclist David Daniell, to promote the facilities
SPECIALIST glass maker Romag yesterday hinted at the further expansion of its County Durham base after recording a 300 per cent rise in sales of its solar product. The Consett-based company's full-year results showed its PowerGlaz sales had grown to
CONSTRUCTION specialist and Portakabin subsidiary, Yorkon, has announced details of a £1m airport contract. The York company was appointed to work on a terminal project to allow commercial flights to operate from Maes Awyr Ynys Mon Anglesey airport,
ENGINEERING group Amec yesterday vowed to grow its core businesses after putting its loss-making construction divisions up for sale. The group, which employs almost 1,000 people in the North-East, is to sell its building and facilities services businesses
UNEMPLOYMENT has fallen for the first time in 18 months, figures showed yesterday. Nationally, the number of people out of work fell by 7,000 in the three months to October to 1.7 million, although the total is still almost 200,000 higher than a year
RENTAL firm Reflex Vehicle Solutions has invested £3m as part of plans to grow its fleet to more than 5,000 by the end of next year. The Teesside firm has placed orders with local dealerships for 250 vans to add to its current fleet of about 3,500 cars
A CALENDAR featuring images of a County Durham town has found its way to destinations as far away as Australia, South America and Canada. The Crook Community Partnership's 2007 calendar went on sale last month after local residents were invited to submit
changes to the Gambling Act will bring new responsibilities to Hambleton District Council from September next year. The changes transfer premises licensing for casinos, racecourses, betting shops, bingo halls, adult gaming centres and family entertainment
A SPECIALIST college has been named as one of the top training providers in the country. David Sherlock, chief inspector of the Adult Learning Inspectorate, praised Henshaws College in Harrogate at the launch of his annual report for 2005-06. He named
POPPY sellers have paid tribute to charity givers after their appeal topped £45,000, beating last year's total. The amount raised by the Royal British Legion's annual street collections, poppy sales and house-to-house collections in York beats the £43,781
A CHOIR in Victorian dress will give a carols by candlelight charity concert next week. The Harp Singers perform at the Bolton Arms, Leyburn, next Wednesday, at 7.30pm. The concert, conducted by Roger Ohr, features old and new seasonal music, readings
Actress Cathy Tyson landed in North Yorkshire - to offer expert advice to students preparing for careers in the film industry. The actress, star of the movie Mona Lisa and TV series Band of Gold, was at RAF Linton-on-Ouse as part of an initiative by Screen
FELONS will have to reckon with a new superhero thanks to an imaginative youngster. Middleton Tyas Primary School's Michael Cullen won a poster competition after designing a cartoon character. The 11-year-old's prize-winning creation was Egghead - an
A RESIDENTIAL home in Northallerton has won a domino competition organised by the Rotary Club. The 27th annual Northallerton Rotary Club Residential Homes Domino Competition was held on December 5 at The Orchards. Teams from the Priory Close, Lascelles
THE wellbeing of children at a Ferryhill primary school has been recognised with a national award. Ferryhill Station Primary School has already received the local Healthy Schools award for a number of years. But, following a presentation from the regional
THE Northern Echo's Mike Amos MBE and Sharon Griffiths will be judging the best Christmas house decorations in West Auckland tomorrow night. The competition, run by the village's parish council, will see £50 given to the winner and £25 to the runner-up
A clean-up operation to tackle environmental crime and anti-social behaviour has uncovered a hoarder of bicycles. More than 200 rusting old bikes and two rotting cars were removed from one house in the fourth Operation Enable, spearheaded by Hambleton
A SUPERMARKET has been judged to have the best festive decorations in Bishop Auckland, thanks to the efforts of local schoolchildren. Youngsters from Staindrop Business and Enterprise College provided a festive display for Asda in Bishop Auckland, which
ANGRY residents of a leafy hamlet have launched a campaign to stop a power company from chopping down up to 40 trees. Villagers in North Close, near Spennymoor, say they are outraged at plans by electricity supplier Northern Electric Distribution (NEDL
A TEES Valley metro system could destroy a historic rail line, according to a union. Aslef, the train drivers' union, has said the proposed £150m train system that would link Saltburn with Darlington could spell the end of the Bishop Auckland to Darlington
HUNDREDS of youngsters have been rewarded for achievements. The first academic year for the renamed Macmillan Academy provided the best results since the college opened in 1989. The ceremony, held at the Stockton Road college, Middlesbrough, on Tuesday
FALLING pupil numbers could see a school closed as part of £90m revamp plans. Three options are to be put forward as part of Hartlepool's future schools plans. One could be reducing the number of secondary schools to five, with Brierton closing. Numbers
THE Forum has a winner in this bouncy, colourful production with an experienced, professional cast and a funny, topical script which appeals to adults and children alike. Darren Day managed to use his doubtful romantic past to his advantage by making
Newcomer Ed Speleers talsk to Steve Pratt about giving himself a year to make it as a Hollywood actor after dropping his A-levels to focus on the shooting of dragon movie Eragon. ED Speleers has had the kind of opportunity many teenagers dream about but
ALL those years of washing other people's dirty laundry in public finally sends the Queen of the Laundrette, Pauline Foultemper Fowler, off her shopping trolley in EastEnders (BBC1). She has no-one to blame but herself as she's been lying to everyone
FAMOUS FIVE: MY initial reaction to the return of the Famous Five (Echo, Dec 5) was "Jolly good. What fun." Then I noticed the warning - with a modern twist. Enid Blyton's much-loved characters, Julian, Dick, Anne and George, are to be succeeded, it
Denzel Washington had to conquer his fear of heights to appear in action movie Deja Vu. He also developed a huge respect for the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agent he studied for his character role. Steve Pratt reports. MOST people have experienced it
Steve Pratt talks to actor Stewart Cairns about bringing a flat cartoon hero called Stanley to life. GETTING to know his recent co-stars has been a tricky business for actor Stewart Cairns as they don't have a lot to say for themselves - they're puppets
Three Kings At War (C4); At War With Next Door (five): WHEN Queen Victoria died after her 64-year reign, her extended family spanned nine European thrones. You couldn't pop into a palace without encountering her children or their offspring, all members
LOOK out for crocodile tears today when the Government announces the closure of up to 3,000 sub post offices across the country. Industry Secretary Alistair Darling will say there is, sob-sob, no option but to take an axe to the network, because the people
THE Crown Prosecution Service is considering proposals to bring more serious charges against dangerous drivers. The worst offenders, who cause deaths on the roads, could be charged with manslaughter. And the idiots who tailgate and go round corners while
PUNTERS picking up on the good vibes concerning Tom Fruit (2.20) could well be in business at Catterick this afternoon. Tim Easterby's gelding was the subject a significant gamble when last seen out at Leicester, cash which wasn't entirely misplaced seeing
DANNY Wilson hopes the upturn in fortunes his side are experiencing will reap rewards in the new year. When the transfer window opens in January, Wilson is hoping to move players out as well as bringing some in and, hopefully, extend the loan spells
RESIDENTS of a Darlington village have expressed concerns about the time it has taken police to attend some incidents. At Middleton St George Parish Council's latest meeting, PC Boyd Rowe gave a report to members on crime in the village over the past
A VOLUNTARY organisation in Darlington has named its new chairman. Ian Scott has been elected as chairman for The Friends of West Park Hospital. Since joining the group, Mr Scott has been involved in setting up and updating its Communigate website, promoting
PLANNING ISSUES: I READ that Middlesbrough Football Club has been given planning permission for its golf course plan near the club's training ground at Hurworth Place (Echo, Dec 13). While not against it, I am bemused at how it has been approved. After
A CAR dealership in Darlington is appealing after the council refused to grant it planning permission for internally-lit signs. Reg Vardy, in Eastmount Road, was refused an application to erect internally-lit letter signs, two internally-lit directional
A PLANNING application has been made to Darlington Borough Council to build a conservatory on Skerningham Manor Cottage, Barmpton Lane, Barmpton, Darlington. The cottage is a listed building.
DEAN Whitehead is happy to accept his role as Sunderland's Mr Versatile - so long as he's playing every week. The central midfielder has become an emergency right back this campaign and has also filled in on the right wing as injuries have taken their
A PRIVATE school has avoided closure after being rescued by one of the top schools in the region. Raventhorpe Preparatory School, in Carmel Road North, Darlington, has been taken over by Yarm School. It will be renamed Yarm at Raventhorpe from the start
HORRENDOUS driving conditions caused scores of accidents and closed a 20-mile stretch of the A1M last night. High winds sweeping the region also brought down power lines and trees, loosened the roof at a motorway service station and left police dealing
AFTER witnessing a scratch Newcastle United side run Premiership champions Chelsea close at Stamford Bridge, manager Glenn Roeder was brimming with pride over his players' outstanding defensive performance. The Magpies, including teenage central defender
IT'S nearly three years since that fateful day when I broke my eldest son's ankle while out sledging. I dared him to go over a bump on the hill, he came a cropper and started making a right racket. I pulled his welly off, told him to wiggle his toes,
THE best thing about Christmas must surely be the parties, the get-togethers where you, colleagues, friends and family can let your hair down. While the booze helps a party along no end, it's the music that really makes it, getting everyone into the
A SCHOOLBOY who has fought his entire life to overcome the effects of profound deafness was yesterday presented with an award after being named among the country's bravest children.Nine-year-old Adam Churchman was presented with his award by the Duchess
UNITARY local government for North Yorkshire is inevitable, a council leader has said.Councillor John Blackie, leader of Richmondshire District Council and a county councillor, said resolve appeared to be weakening among district authorities, which have
ARTFUL pranksters certainly put a school firmly on the global map - after drawing a giant penis on the roof.For the outline of the appendage was so huge it was even spotted from space, picked up on satellite images featured on the website Google Earth.It
With the awards season just about out of the way - and well done by the way to the BBC for introducing a Bench Warmer of the Year prize on Sunday night just so that Theo Walcott could claim to have achieved something this year - it's time to turn our
ACTRESS Denise Welch, who is starring as the Fairy Godmother in the pantomime Cinderella, brought some Christmas magic to children at a shop in Darlington.The former Coronation Street star, who is appearing at Darlington Civic Theatre, joined pupils from
THE loss of a prized Crufts-winning dog was on a woman's mind when she took to the wheel of her car after drinking, a court heard.Liz Cudlip, 40, was seen driving erratically through Easington Village, County Durham, by police on December 3.As police
THE mystery of a British Army identification tag, found miles from home, ended yesterday when it was returned to a former prisoner-of-war from the North-East.The reunion came after a transatlantic search that started in the US and was solved by The Northern
Bitter rows and allegations of bullying and political dirty tricks have split Richmondshire District Council for the last two years. Jill Neill reports on the background to events which led to this week's remarkable scenes in the council chamber.JUST
FURIOUS North-East MPs last night accused Tony Blair of plotting to break Labour's 100-year link with trade unions as one of his last acts as Prime Minister.The MPs fear Mr Blair is preparing to back proposals - first aired by Tory leader David Cameron
A mine-clearing expert who lost his leg following an explosion in Lebanon has returned to his North-East home.But the 42-year-old is determined to get back to work as soon as possible and refuses to become a burden to people.Speaking from his home last
A BUSINESSMAN accused of abducting two men and threatening to kill them unless they gave him £600,000 walked free from court after he was cleared yesterday. Prosecutors said Volker Kappler had ordered a "professional gang of ruthless armed men" to abduct
MIDDLESBROUGH will agree to any offer from Sporting Lisbon for out-of-favour Brazilian midfielder Fabio Rochemback - but only after they have a ready-made replacement lined up. Sporting want to take Rochemback on loan in January with a view to a permanent
PROSTITUTES working in the North-East are being issued with panic alarms in the wake of the Suffolk serial killer claiming a fifth victim. The move comes as the mother of murdered Teesside prostitute Vicky Glass spoke of her fears that the Ipswich
RACING driver Jonathan Potts has signed a deal with a national tyre company after taking over part of his family motoring business. Award-winning driver Mr Potts now controls the tyre side of Gary Potts Motors Tyreserve North-East, near Durham, and has
There was a meeting of familiar faces from the North-East on Buckingham Palace steps when, after 41 years, man and boy, in the Inky Trade, you columnist was invited to London to receive an MBE. IT'S Her Majesty who has the honour in the end, and she
A COUNCILLOR has apologised for swearing and lunging at a political opponent during a heated meeting.Councillor David Morton was restrained and led from the Richmondshire District Council debating chamber, in Richmond, North Yorkshire, by the chairman.Tempers
MICROCHIP manufacturer Atmel has announced plans to sell off its North-East plant - putting about 800 jobs under threat.US-owned Atmel has put its site in Silverlink, North Tyneside, on the market as part of restructuring plans to save tens of millions
JAYNE was five when the abuse started. Her parents had divorced when she was a toddler. It was her new step-father who set her on her pathway to drug addiction and sexual exploitation. By the time she was 15, Jayne had left home and was hooked on crack
