CHELSEA 1 MANCHESTER UNITED 0 (AET) Chelsea became the first FA Cup winners at the new Wembley Stadium as Didier Drogba ended Manchester United's hopes of claiming the double in the final four minutes of extra-time. The African striker settled a
DETECTIVES are appealing for an 18-year-old man to give himself up after a young father was stabbed to death outside his home. Kevin Johnson, 22, was stabbed in the early hours of yesterday as he argued with a group of youths outside his home in Partick
I HAVE always been an ardent monarchist and would defend the Royal family (warts and all) to the death. I am, however, utterly dismayed to hear that Prince Harry is not to go to Iraq in support of the Oath of Allegiance he would make on taking
WHY is it that every time we pick the paper up Darlington FC manager Dave Penney is on about what he did at Doncaster Rovers? He is now fetching players in who played for him at Doncaster. I am beginning to think we should change our name to Doncaster
IT is good news for the Labour Party and the country that Gordon Brown does not have to face a leadership challenge now that he has received the support of 308 of his fellow MPs. A seven-week election campaign has now been avoided. The extent of
WHAT a pity David Lacey (HAS, May 14) resorts to cheap anti- Scottish jibes by saying: "We seem to be surrounded by deluded Scots". Scotland can stand on its own two feet very well - that is why it can look after its old people free of charge and
I HAVE already argued in HAS that the whole "carbon" theory is based on dodgy science and that no independent scientist would seriously claim the human race has anything to do with climate change. We may be heading for an energy crisis in the future
DW LACEY (HAS, May 17) raises some interesting points about the balance of power in a democracy that may be useful here in Britain. President George Bush has claimed the authority to refuse to comply with more than 750 laws enacted since he took
THROUGHOUT the 1930s it was those of the political left who opposed the fascists in Spain and desired Britain go to war to stop Hitler, while those of the political right not only funded Spanish fascism, but opposed war with Hitler as they had
RE your correspondence on the subject of homosexuality and Christianity (HAS, May 17). If religion is anything it is inclusive of deep respect for privacy and private conscience. I deplore the sexual prurience - whether disguised by "religion"
I RESISTED the temptation to watch Channel 4's Cutting Edge: Mind Your F-ing Language programme about schoolchildren's language last Monday. The subject material brought to mind an incident from when I was 12 in the 1940s when my cousin and I
The Northern Echo is working in partnership with the "Passionate people. Passionate places", North-East England campaign to promote this region as a fantastic place to visit. Following on from the publication of the 1,001 Great Things About North-East
Russell Brand's catchphrase 'The Swines' is about to ring out for audiences in the North-East "{PEOPLE who only know me from the tabloids think I'm just a swashbuckling, womanising twit. But I'm actually just a fragile, insecure man trying to make his
HIS dominance of the world's junior ranks shows no sign of stopping, but teenage table tennis star Paul Drinkhall has admitted that this month's senior World Championships represent one of the toughest tests of his fledgling career. The Loftus-based 17
MANY of the nominees for this year's British Academy Television Awards - the TV Baftas - are the real thing. Playing someone famous, or even infamous, is a good way of ensuring a mention at one of the TV industry's biggest nights of the year. John Simm's
HOLLYWOOD hopefuls dreaming of a life in the movies are being offered the chance to star in a new film. Aspiring actors are needed to appear as extras in an all-star film version of the Evelyn Waugh classic Brideshead Revisited, to be set at Castle Howard
I WAS about 19 when a craggy old farmhand leant over the bar where I was working and said: "You're losin' it, son. Them milkers in yon field, they're your best bet." This was his cure for baldness. You stood in a field in front of a cow, bent forward
Darlington have scrapped their proposed pre-season trip to China, instead choosing to host Premiership new boys Sunderland in their first friendly of the summer. Two months ago Quakers announced plans to play three games between July 10 and July 20 against
A TRAVELLING storyteller will have a more comfortable job thanks to an old-fashioned chair bought for her. Rhoda Fraser is well known in the Richmond area for leading ghost walks and taking part in operatic and drama productions. She is about to start
NEWCASTLE United boss Sam Allardyce yesterday promised supporters the club's unruly dressing room will be sorted out before the curtain raises on the opening day of next season. Allardyce has made it known work is already under way in preparation for
KIDNEY patients who need regular dialysis will soon be able to take advantage of a sophisticated unit closer to home. The £2m centre will be a satellite of Teesside's main renal unit, at The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough. Patients Claire
CARD players raised £1,675 for Yorkshire Cancer Research when they held a bridge day. The charity's Richmondshire branch organised the event on Thursday at the home of John and Pauline Hodges at Caldwell, near Richmond. The 18 tables were organised by
A NEW chairman has taken over the reins at Hambleton District Council. Councillor Margaret Skilbeck will be civic leader of the authority for the coming year. She has been a district councillor since 1995 representing the Broughton and Greenhow ward.
POLICE are hunting a man who stole money from an elderly woman during a walk-in burglary. The incident took place on Saturday, May 12, at 8.20pm, when the victim was in her living room, in Grove Hill, Middlesbrough, watching television. A man walked in
Former Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock has admitted he would jump at the chance to return to football with Hearts. The 58-year-old resigned as boss of the Blades this week following their relegation from the Barclays Premiership. He expressed a
ENGINEERING firm The Tanfield Group yesterday announced the appointment of an independent non-executive director. The Washington-based plc, which makes zero-emission vehicles, said Colin Billiet will play a central role in the next stage of the company's
The Federation of Master Builders is calling on apprentices to enter the Apprentice of the Year Awards 2007. The competition is run in conjunction with the federation's Master Builder of the Year Awards and is open to any UK apprentice in the construction
ACTIVITIES are taking place across Darlington in a crackdown on crime and disorder. The StreetSafe Action Week, co-ordinated by Darlington Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, will get under way today. Organisations, including Darlington Borough
EMANUEL Pogatetz is hoping to have his international ban overturned and get the green light to play for his country again. The Middlesbrough defender was banned from playing for Austria after receiving a red card during his country's World Cup qualifier
PEOPLE living in listed buildings in Darlington are being warned they could be breaking the law if they carry out home improvements without consent. In the last three months, officers from Darlington Borough Council have come across eight cases of listed
Nemanja Vidic is revelling in his cult-hero status at Manchester United - but laughingly insists he is no killer. After a difficult start to his United career, the tough-tackling Serbian has become a firm favourite with Red Devils fans, who love his no-nonsense
Medal-hungry Ryan Giggs has issued a stern warning to Manchester United's Premiership rivals - nine titles is not enough. After eclipsing former Liverpool duo Phil Neal and Alan Hansen by clinching his ninth league championship this season, Giggs is out
Football fans are to press ahead with a boycott of catering outlets at the new Wembley during today's FA Cup final. The Football Supporters' Federation (FSF) claim the action is to protest against the distribution and cost of tickets, along with the high
A WOMAN was fined after she was found guilty of dishonestly obtaining too much in benefit payments. Wendy Jane Wilkinson, 38, of The Crescent, Stainton Grove, Barnard Castle, stood trial at Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court, accused of failing to notify
WARDENS are to patrol Bishop Auckland's taxi ranks in an attempt to curb trouble from revellers in the early hours. The trial scheme is due to start next month. It will operate on Friday and Saturday nights in the Market Place, which is home to many
WARNER Music was yesterday reported to be lining up its latest bid attempt in the battle for troubled rival EMI. Warner, which has repeatedly tried to merge with the record group, which is home to stars including Lily Allen, Norah Jones and Robbie Williams
BUS PROBLEMS YOUR story about people crossing Priestgate, Darlington, in front of buses (Echo, May 11) gives me the chance to put forward my view. The bus drivers are doing all right. It's the pedestrians who should give more consideration to them, not
SKINCARE specialist Dermasalve is expected to make an announcement to the Stock Exchange next week after its share price dropped to a new low. The Newcastle plc made its last statement on April 12, when its share price slumped to 5.75p - down from 10.25p
Bid speculation relating to EMI, Yell and Emap will be put to the test when they join a number of heavyweight companies reporting results next week. Music group EMI is releasing results on Wednesday, but the focus is likely to be on the possibility of
ONE of the world's fastest growing international offshore drilling contractors is giving a talk to business leaders near Durham next week. Seadrill, based in Northumberland, will outline its projects at a talk on developments in the global oil and gas
THE majority of MPs who voted to exempt themselves from the Freedom of Information Act undoubtedly had genuine motives. They weren't interested in concealing their expenses, allowances or foreign trips. They were interested in protecting their constituents
A LONG-RUNNING row over three pub tables and few feet of pavement has been resolved in favour of outdoor drinkers. Landlord Harry Walker waited nine months before being given permission to put the tables and benches outside his pub, The Court Inn, in
A JOBLESS man described by a judge as a "borderline professional shoplifter" has been jailed for a spate of offences across the North-East. Joseph McGlade - first convicted at the age of 13 - was told community sentences had failed in the past and custody
Arsene Wenger believes Manchester United's momentum in chasing the double will give them the edge over Chelsea. The Arsenal boss believes that success will have instilled the self-belief that they are destined to triumph at Wembley. ''I think Manchester
WORTHY causes are better of to the tune of £1,000 - thanks to a scheme to encourage residents to recycle. Durham-based Premier Waste Management has donated £1 for every tonne of Sedgefield Borough Council's waste it has recycled. The company aims to
After 35 years in management, very little fazes Sir Alex Ferguson. But the Manchester United manager freely admits telling three players, who might have been expected to be involved, that they will not be starting today's FA Cup final against Chelsea
THREE businessmen and a company PA from the region are behind bars after police cracked a worldwide scam which netted tens-of-millions of pounds. All four took part in a complex invoice scam where they would borrow money from banks using fake invoices
A FILM about the history of a recreation ground that is almost 100 years old will be unveiled. The Bishop Auckland Town Recreation Ground is believed to have been built in 1912 and there are plans afoot to improve the facility. The film is part of a
A SPECIALIST cardiac nursing team from has been awarded second prize at a national nursing award ceremony. The coronary heart disease team, based at the Derwentside office of County Durham Primary Care Trust, was nominated at the awards for their Fit
POLICE are asking residents in the Spennymoor area who may be missing a lawn strimmer to get in touch. Earlier this month, officers recovered two yellow and black petrol-driven strimmers from the town's Rock Road. It is thought the machines, worth Â
There is a remarkable early season look to the table. With only three games gone Burnmoor and Whitburn are out in front with a yawning gap of 29 points separating the pair and third-placed Boldon. The two leading teams have pummelled opponents to reap
WHILE most attention inevitably centres around the leading sides, there is an intriguing bottom of the table clash today that is crucial to both teams and has the added extra spice of new faces on both sides. Rock-bottom Saltburn go into their home fixture
Esh Winning are top but their leadership credentials will be tested when they travel to Tudhoe. Their rise to the summit has been marked by strong team performances throughout, and today they are able to field their full-strength side. Tudhoe still have
STOCKTON COUNCIL RE your letter from councillors Lee Narroway and David Harrington about Stockton Borough Council (HAS, Page 10, May 17). I am puzzled by the reasoning in their objection to joining an executive on Stockton council made up of members from
A DOG found wandering the streets of Middlesbrough was in such an ill and neglected state, it had to be destroyed. Shocked animal welfare workers are determined to track down the owner of the black and white cavalier king charles spaniel, and are appealing
THE artwork of students at New College Durham will go on display next week. Art, design and media students will open their exhibition at the college, in Framwellgate Moor, in the east mall of the main building, from 5pm to 8pm on Monday. The work will
VEGETARIAN Week is being marked next week at the Clayport Library, in Durham City, with information displays, talks, food events and themed stories and crafts. On Monday, an information stall, from 11am to 3pm, will be set up by Edward Richardson, from
A CHARITY has turned a Darlington street into a "living hell", according to a resident. The 700 Club, based at Grange Road Baptist Church, houses vulnerable people. But Jo Griffiths, who lives between two 700 Club properties, in Station Road, near North
Frank Lampard will have to make one of the biggest decisions of his career if Chelsea fail to increase their contract offer to the England midfielder. The Blues' FA Cup final preparations have been hampered by speculation that the club have issued 'take-it-or-leave-it
If you want a bit more from your holidays than beaches, Bacadri Breezers and familiar Western culture, it might be time to visit the cultural odyssey that is Japan. Martin Halfpenny takes the plunge. JAPAN is a country us Brits say we want to visit but
IMPROVED transport links for community groups are now firmly on the timetable, thanks to a £70,000 windfall. Peterlee-based East Durham Community Transport has been awarded the funding, which will be spent on a new 17-seater adapted bus. The registered
A NEW local newspaper was launched in Durham City yesterday. The Durham Times is published by Newsquest (North-East) Ltd, publishers of The Northern Echo and the Durham Advertiser. The Durham Times is a quality broadsheet newspaper, published on a Friday
A POPULAR village pub has closed after the couple who were running it moved away. Ben Chambers and Gemma Paskin had spent about 18 months in charge of the Foresters Arms, in Middleton in Teesdale. Hugh Becker, of Romaldkirk, one of the owners of the premises
A TEENAGER will take part in a 200km Mongolian horseback trek for charity. Fiona Ellwood, 19, a childcare student at Darlington College, hopes to raise £2,500 for the trip. The money will help fund projects for under-privileged children around the globe
The rain-blighted programme of last weekend saw only one game reach a conclusion, with the result seeing the winning side take over the leadership. Seaham Park extracted full advantage when they crushed Peterlee in quick time to defy the elements and
Intrepid reporter Paul Pearson conquers his nerves on a day trip to one of the country's best-known theme parks. THE sun was shining brightly as we set off one Sunday in April for a family day out at Lightwater Valley theme park, tucked away in the North
A WOMAN brought to safety from perimeter railings on a busy road bridge was found in possession of drugs, a court heard. Police officers came across Fay Feetum acting strangely on Milburngate Bridge, over the River Wear, in Durham, on the night of November
YOUNG people are being encouraged to give dancing a whirl, at a one-day event staged by North-East students. Anyone keen to try is welcome to attend the workshops, in the professional setting of Dance City studios in Temple Street, Newcastle. Tomorrow's
TOMMY MILLER last night revealed the extent of his personal frustration during Roy Keane's title-winning first year in charge at Sunderland by claiming it was the worst season of his career. Miller, Kenny Cunningham, Kevin Smith and William Mocquet have
VILLAGERS are fighting to save their local pub from being closed and converted into a house. The owners of the Ship Inn at Port Mulgrave, on the coast near Whitby, say the pub is no longer viable and their attempts to sell it as a going concern have failed
A CHILD has the chance to become a civic dignitary and declare open a play area and garden. Youngsters who attend the opening of the development in Reeth Road, Richmond, on May 31, can put their names into a hat to win the honour. The winner will help
A TEENAGE boy has admitted starting a fire in a school gym which led to the evacuation of more than 900 pupils. The blaze spread to adjoining changing rooms in the gym block, at Easington Community School, causing damage that cost £15,000 to repair.
Matt Prior took just two days of his fledgling Test career to establish his credentials as England's long-term wicketkeeper by hitting a record-breaking century in the opening npower Test. Ever since the retirement of Alec Stewart in 2003, England have
POLICE are investigating two arson attacks in which members of the same family were deliberately targeted. Single mother-of-three Lisa Hunter, who lives in Teesdale Walk, Shildon, County Durham, was targeted by arsonists on Thursday morning, ten days
POLICE have issued a warning after a couple carried out a distraction burglary near Darlington. The pair - a male and female - knocked on a door in Hurworth Place and asked to borrow some paper, so they could leave a note for a neighbour. The householder
Racing at Redcar will return later this month, with confirmation that the Zetland Gold Cup will go ahead as planned. After two meetings were changed because work on a recently-constructed bend was not fully completed, chief executive Neil Etherington
Matt Prior lived out his boyhood dream with a memorable century on debut at Lord's, as England racked up a huge score against West Indies, writes DAVID CLOUGH. Prior's unbeaten 126 was one of four hundreds - only the second time in English cricket history
TWO worthy causes received a welcome gift from a city's mayor as he prepared to leave office.In one of their last official functions, the outgoing mayor and mayoress of Sunderland, Councillor Tom Foster and his wife, Brenda, made cash awards to the city's
MYSTERIOUS faces and lavish costumes will take centre stage during a charity summer ball.The Midsummer Masquerade has been organised by Teesside Hospice, in memory of Christine Chamberlain, who died of breast cancer last year.Ms Chamberlain was a nurse
DOZENS of college students are celebrating after their contribution to school and community life was rewarded.Pupils at Northallerton College received a host of accolades for their voluntary work and sporting achievements.Top honours went to Leigh Garside
SCHOOL staff are planning a gruelling cycle race to raise funds for the benefit of their students.Staff from the pre-prep department of St Martin's Ampleforth School, at Gilling Castle, near York, will be racing from Land's End back to the school.The
The Northern Echo's Deborah Johnson - who is holidaying in Portugal - describes the major impact Madeleine McCann's abduction has had on the AlgarveUntil recently, the Algarve was regarded as a popular, yet unremarkable tourist destination. A haven for
BLIND Peter Elliott is preparing to take part in his 20th fun run - having raised £30,000 for charity over the years.The 54-year-old used to take part in the Barnard Castle Meet fun run - but when it ended, he switched to the Raby Castle 5km run. He will
A MARATHON music concert is to breathe new life into a once-struggling football club.X Factor heart-throbs Journey South are among the line-up taking to the stage during the nine-hour event.Party on the Pitch, which takes place next Saturday, will be
STUDENTS at Darlington College have been given firefighter training for their course.The students attended the Serco International Fire Training Centre (IFTC), at Durham Tees Valley Airport, as part of their National Certificate in Public Services qualification.The
SOLDIERS were greeted with hugs and kisses as they returned home safely from Iraq early yesterday.About 300 men and women from the Queen's Royal Lancers flew into Durham Tees Valley Airport.Their families were waiting to welcome them home at their base
WOMEN workers from one of the region's wartime munitions factories were reunited at a party yesterday after Canadian researchers put them back in touch. About 17,000 workers were employed at Royal Ordnance Factory 59, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham
Warwickshire v Durham (County Championship) : Day Three GRAHAM Onions yesterday confirmed that when England want to blood another paceman off the Durham conveyor belt he will be ready to step up.The 24-year-old seamer took a magnificent eight for 101
A KILLER has been told he is facing a life sentence for the murder of his ex-wife.Joseph Iley, 54, stabbed Margaret Iley, 57, repeatedly in the garden of her home in Smillie Road, Horden, County Durham, on February 9.At the time of the stabbing, Iley
A STUDENT is celebrating after winning £50 worth of shopping vouchers in a geography contest.Patrick Nash, 16, won the annual award at St Bede's Catholic School and Sixth Form College, in Lanchester.He was presented with the award, sponsored by Hays Travel
Game of the day takes place at South Shields where the surprise package of the season so far take on a Sunderland side beginning to show signs of being genuine title contenders.Both teams secured vital wins last weekend as Shields surged into a 20-point
HIGH-FLYING students are throwing themselves into a rigorous training programme - after being selected to fly frisbees for their country.Four teenagers from Northallerton College, North Yorkshire, will make up a quarter of the under-17 Great Britain side
A FIRST World Cup medal made it a marvellous May for Katy Livingston but the Redcar-born modern pentathlete is hoping to enjoy an even more joyous June by booking a place in next year's Olympic Games in Beijing.Livingston has been named in the British
NEARLY 100 MPs - including ten from the region - were accused of shaming democracy yesterday after forcing through a Bill to exempt Parliament from the Freedom of Information Act (FoI).The legislation, which means MPs will not have to reveal the contents
AFTER a year-long planning wrangle, work has begun on a care home complex on Teesside's most exclusive residential estate.Billy Morgan, the developer who finally won the go-ahead to construct the £7m venture, at the Wynd, at Wynyard, near Sedgefield,
A SCHOOL is in a class of its own when it comes to special needs.Abbey Hill School and Technology College, has scored a unique hat-trick, by winning accreditation for the third year running.The 230-pupil school in Stockton's Ketton Road has also won the
NATURALIST David Bellamy has helped children at a Darlington school protect the environment.Dr Bellamy helped pupils at Mowden Junior School plant 20 trees. The trees have been donated by the Tree Appeal, a Bishop Auckland-based group that helps companies
SIX men were starting prison sentences last night after police broke up a £300,000 drugs operation based in a quiet village.The six, including four illegal Vietnamese immigrants, were sentenced to a total of ten years in jail for their part in running
STUDENTS at a Darlington school have launched a Fairtrade smoothie bar for fellow pupils.The bar is the latest part of Carmel RC College's campaign to raise funds to build a school in Cambodia.Drinks are made using Fairtrade ingredients and, before going
A TEENAGER with size 18 feet has succeeded in his search for cricket shoes to wear for the new season.Sports-mad Alan Toward, 14, from Middleton-in-Teesdale, near Barnard Castle, has had to search far and wide to find footwear for his super-sized feet.Earlier
BRINGING jobs to rural towns and villages is key to reviving the region's economy, business and political leaders said yesterday. Speaking at the launch of a plan to get more people into work, key figures from the region vowed that County Durham and North
Yorkshire v Loughborough UCCE (University Match) : Day Two Nick Thornicroft helped save his side from a caning against Loughborough University by claiming career-best figures of six for 60 at Headingley Carnegie yesterday.But in a breathtaking finish
DETECTIVES last night revealed a catalogue of more than 80 sex crimes dating back three decades they hope to solve using advances in DNA technology. News of the cases, from across the North-East, followed the jailing yesterday of a rapist for the brutal
A heavy goods vehicle driver stole £12,000 from his father's business before going on holiday to Thailand. Liam Coatman, 20, forged the signature of his father, Robert Edward, on six £2,000 cheques, which he made out to himself over a six-week period
TWO schoolboys were robbed and threatened with screwdrivers during a terrifying street attack. The boys, aged 13 and 15, were walking across a grassed area between Portobello Lane and Fulwell Road, in Sunderland, when they were targeted on June 26 last
Hundreds of youngsters will be taking to the woods for the second National Den Building Day later this month. Dalby Forest, near Pickering, on the North York Moors, will be hosting the day, on May 28. The rustic DIY jamboree was originally devised to
ABOUT 100 staff have been made redundant after a North-East training company plunged into administration. Tees Valley-based City Centre Training (Northern) Ltd (CCT) collapsed after hitting financial difficulty and called in administrators Tenon Recovery
MORE than 300 jobs were saved yesterday when two North-East department stores were bought out of administration. New venture Vergo Retail Limited has acquired Joplings, of Sunderland, and Robbs, of Hexham, 11 weeks after parent company Owen Owen collapsed
IT was a crime Thomas Noble thought he had got away with -the rape of a woman walking home late at night. The assault prompted police to launch a major hunt and produce a photofit that was a striking likeness to Noble. However, no one linked the two and
Romanby's next to Northallerton, if not subsumed by North Yorkshire's county town - a subsummation, by most accounts, devoutly not to be wished - then at best just semi-detached from it. If Romanby weren't built in a day, it certainly seems to have spread
As the 60th Cannes Film Festival gets under way, Steve Pratt looks at this celebration of high art and low commerce and just why it's lost its celebrity edge Hear the word "Cannes" and the images that flash through the mind most likely progress across
EARLIER this week, after Sam Allardyce had been confirmed as the new manager of Newcastle United, one of the most vilified players in English football started to question his own position at Bolton Wanderers. El-Hadji Diouf suggested that Allardyce's
A SEPTIC tank was yesterday examined by police searching for the body of murdered teenager Jenny Nicholl.Police cordoned off a small field containing the underground tank at Woodhouse Farm, near Richmond, at about lunchtime.Officers spent about five hours
THE last time Martin Boylett went to Wembley, he was a spectator as Darlington lost the Third Division play-off final in 2000.Now, he's back for the FA Cup Final - but this time he won't be sitting in the stands, he will be in the sky.Corporal Boylett
