A SEA cadet volunteer was attacked in his office after an affair with a married colleague. Scott McKelvie suffered a fracture to a bone in his face and needed an operation after he was pounced on by Steven Hunter, 35, and his nephew Brenton Hunter,
In what has become a celebrity obsessed culture, I'm told that our children now believe that talent manifests itself in an ability to sing or kick a football rather than excel in other areas including academically. Whilst I can't claim to have any
A FORMER North-East couple have been killed in an horrific accident in the south of France. Retired businessman Fred Barrass and his wife Jeanette died on Saturday when they were crushed by their car as it slid down a steep slope and pinned them against
A CAGE fighter dubbed 'The Machine' could find himself behind a different type of bars as he faces huge tax fraud charges. Ian Freeman, 41, is a big name in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), but has been accused of cheating the taxman out of
A TERRORIST scalded a fellow inmate with boiling oil and water in what was the third in a series of attacks at a high-security jail in the North-East. Omar Khyam today admitted wounding armed robber Malcolm Cruddas with intent to cause grievous bodily
SCULPTOR Sam McGeever has reinvented pop art - by building an Angel of the North from Coke tins. It took 10,000 recycled cans to build the mini angel in the shadow of its big brother. The aluminium angel - three and a half metres high and with a wingspan
FORECASTERS are predicting up to two inches of rain could fall tonight. Thunder storms are moving their way across the country throughout the evening, and meteorologists are warning morning rush-hour drivers to take extra care. MeteoGroup weather forecaster
A GAMING group at Darlington's Crown Street Library is looking for members to join a new battle game. The Necromunda campaign, organised by The Mobius Gaming Club, takes place at the library on Mondays from 4.30pm to 7pm. It is a tabletop battle game
A COUNCIL has been accused of wasting public assets after a school building which was sold for £590,000 less than a year ago went on the market for £1m. Developers Darlington Homes bought the former Harrowgate Hill Infants School site from Darlington
A tattooist found himself in the dock after it was revealed his client was girl of 14. Steven Henry thought he was within the law to ink the girl as he thought she was 16 - though the legal age is 18. But his mistake came to light when the girl's
POLICE are trying to trace a mental health patient who has not been seen since he left a North-East nursing home last Tuesday evening. They are concerned about 45-year-old Graham Henderson's health because he suffers from a number of medical conditions
TRIBUTES have been paid to a "bright, lively" teenager who died when her car, which was carrying six passengers, collided head-on with a tree. Gemma Elizabeth Snell, 19, from Huby, in York, died at the scene of the crash, on Sunday morning. She is thought
A BRUTE who savagely attacked a stranger he befriended in a bar was yesterday jailed for seven years. Lee Weston slashed Craig Carter with a broken bottle after going back to the victim's house in Darlington. Weston then tried to persuade witnesses
AN opera project expected to involve more than 300 children has been awarded National Lottery funding. The scheme, being run by Ampleforth College and the North Yorkshire Music Service, will involved pupils from primary and secondary schools in a production
A NATIONAL heart charity is calling on people across County Durham to take fundraising to new heights by entering a hill walking challenge. The British Heart Foundation has a few places left for teams entering the Hearts First Britain's Biggest Mountain
POLICE are seeking three youths in hoodies, after an apparent arson attack left a cricket club pavilion severely damaged. The fire, at Harrogate Cricket Club, in North Yorkshire, was reported at about 11.30pm on Friday. An investigation into the cause
FORMER Newcastle United footballer Paul Gascoigne has been released from hospital after being sectioned under the Mental Health Act. Gascoigne was sectioned yesterday after approaching a member of the public in an agitated state in Hemel Hempstead, Herts
WORK has got under way to clean up an 18th Century bridge, which had become a target for fly-tippers. The grade II-listed bridge over the River Wiske, near Great Smeaton, is close to a lay-by on the A167, between Darlington and Northallerton. Contractors
STARTLING new evidence has been unearthed which has shed fresh light on the glory days of one of the region's great monastic ruins. Byland Abbey, near Coxwold in North Yorkshire, was once one of the largest Cistercian monasteries in England and even
A SINGLE mother who admitted drug dealing has been given a suspended jail sentence and was ordered to go on a drug rehabilitation course. Mother-of-two Hannah Wilkinson, 29, was warned by the judge that her earlier refusal to stop smoking cannabis could
The Redcar Bears face the Mildenhall Fen Tigers in Premier League action at 7.30pm on Thursday evening at the South Tees Motorsport. Both sides enjoyed an entertaining encounter in the Knockout Cup in April with overall victory to Redcar but the Suffolk
THREE North-East sportsmen have teamed up to set up an overseas property company. Durham cricketer Neil Killeen, former Darlington Football Club captain Kevan Smith, and Newcastle Falcons rugby player Tom May have established VS Property, which
A SUCCESSFUL business leader has been appointed chairman of the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) North-East. North-East Chamber of Commerce chief executive James Ramsbotham will take up the role. His appointment comes as the LSC prepares to
MANUFACTURING firms are continuing to defy the economic gloom by reporting their tenth consecutive quarter of healthy growth, according to research published today. The Engineering Employers Federation (EEF) said that an increase in domestic orders
A WHITE water course in the region could be transformed to Olympic standards within a year. The family running the Four Seasons white water course at the Tees Barrage, near Stockton, said a bid for funding could be submitted shortly to make it
Dave Stewart is known as one of the most talented songwriters and musicians. In an exclusive interview, Deborah Johnson finds out why the Wearside-born legend believes it's cool to be crazy. I'M in Dave Stewart's hotel room in Gateshead, on
The cost of living is soaring, yet we are still throwing away more unused food than ever. At the start of national Recycle Now Week and European Green Week Ruth Campbell speaks to one woman about how getting the most out of your weekly shop will not only
THE recent outcry from hauliers and car users regarding diesel and petrol prices and the need for government action to reduce the level of duty is a valid request. Government could easily reduce the price of a litre of fuel by at least 25p and
THANK you for your article about The Strand Palace Hotel, London (Echo Travel, April 19). This article gave my aunty and uncle, Syd and May Miller, of Hartlepool, who are 89 and 90 respectively, much pleasure as they reminisced about the honeymoon
JOURNALISTS and politicians are working themselves to exhaustion talking about why the nation is in the state it is, who can and who can't pull us through, what the polls say, why the recent Crewe by-election was lost or won, what needs to be done
I AGREE with Geoffrey Bulmer that the world would be a better place without abortion (HAS, May 26). But abortion happens too often and for far too "casual" reasons. The public and GPs agree. This fact was ignored by MPs during their recent vote.
CHRISTOPHER Wardell and John Riseley made interesting points concerning voting in the Eurovision Song Contest (HAS, both May 28), but I have another idea. Britain has produced countless artists and bands whose music continues to influence people
THE Middleton St George Memorial Association will hold its annual reunion this weekend with a memorial service on Saturday, June 7, outside the St George Hotel at Durham Tees Valley Airport. The memorial is situated at the front of the hotel with
YOUR story about the return of Springwatch, the BBC's wildlife reality show (Echo, May 27), referred to it being fronted by "British institution Bill Oddie". If it wasn't for this irritating man, who doesn't know when to stop talking, there would
A BELATED thank you for your feature article on the 50th anniversary of the death of our brother, Keith Barraclough, in a coal mining accident at Brussleton Colliery, near West Auckland, County Durham (Echo, April 29). When I first called you I
It easy to rely on Sat Nav alone, but with motorists driving into rivers and across fields, they must remember to switch on their brains as well. WITH 100,000 Sat Navs sold every month it's hardly surprising that, according to a recent poll, satellite
BRITONS could face even longer queues to send packages and parcels if today's warning that thousands more post offices face closure comes to pass. The reluctance of Post Office Ltd to agree on a minimum network size of 11,500 branches is a dismal
Tough new laws have been drawn up to tackle fathers who refuse to pay for their children. But are the powers a step too far? Joe Willis talks to a leading North- East solicitor who thinks they are IT COULD almost be anti-terror legislation - the
POLICE investigating a road collision in which a 19-year-old woman died say the small car she was travelling in had seven occupants. The woman, from the York area, was driving a black Vauxhall Corsa between Tollerton and Alne, near Easingwold, in North
FORMER Newcastle United footballer Paul Gascoigne has been sectioned under the Mental Health Act. A Hertfordshire force spokesman said today: "Police were called just after 12.30pm on Sunday following a report that a 42-year-old man had approached a
A WARM welcome to the first of many Monday columns and what a week to start with. Two of the big Classics are coming up, the Oaks on Friday and the big one, the Derby, 24 hours later. With dual 2,000 Guineas winner Henrythenavigator looking likely
NORTH-EAST fashion designer Scott Henshall inspected the progress of a best friend's wedding dress at the weekend, and used the occasion to cut the ribbon at the bridal shop helping with the fitting. Mr Henshall helped relaunch Mon Ami, formerly
AN unpaid army of men and women who help to shape the community in their own time will be celebrated this week. National Volunteers' Week, which began yesterday, shines the spotlight on often unsung volunteers around the country. There are more
A NEW police chief taking over command in a County Durham community today has pledged to become a familiar face as she and her staff forge closer links with local people. Stanley community Inspector Amanda Cathrine, 47, said she hoped she and
YOUNG drivers are warned that a free safety course is coming to a close. The last four Young Driver Training courses will be held in County Durham this month. About 300 young drivers have taken the training, operated by Durham County Council's
PEOPLE living on a housing estate will have the chance this week to say what improvements they would like to see in their neighbourhood. The almost 200 tenants and leaseholders in the Birtley East estate, Birtley, near Chester-le- Street, can
MEMBERS of a community centre are celebrating after learning they are to receive a £337,000 grant for the building's refurbishment and extension. The grant, funded by the Office of the Third Sector (Cabinet Office), and delivered by The Big Lottery
AN initiative to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour on an estate gets under way today. It is the first of four projects called Operation Clean Sweep to be held in Middlesbrough this summer, as part of a three-year programme. A range of organisations
A FESTIVAL has been hailed a success by its organisers. The WorldFest Festival, which is now in its third year, had a wide mix of bands and acts, including an Afro-pop session at the Arc, in Stockton, a number of local indie rock bands and dance
A CAMPAIGN is urging people to report their neighbours if they suspect them of drink-driving. Cleveland Police announced the message: Don't let your neighbours get away with drink or drug driving this summer. The aim is to reduce road crashes.
THE two-day Teesside Model Air Show had to cancel its second day because of bad weather. But about 2,000 visitors were entertained by acrobatic planes in Redmarshall, near Stockton, on Saturday. Pilots from all over the country landed helicopters
FROM today, motorists can pay for car parking through their mobile phones. The technology is in place at council car parks in Stockton, Middlesbrough and Hartlepool. The joint initiative, called Tees Valley Connect, uses a system called RingGo
IT was a golden weekend for the Saunders family as boxing brothers Bradley and Jeff both recorded career-best performances on opposite sides of the world. Bradley, of South Durham ABC, confirmed his status as one of the favourites for the lightwelterweight
In the 3D Durham Coast League on Saturday, Murton stayed in front of Ryhope by a margin of eight points with Castle Eden just a point further behind. The Castle won by just two runs against Dawdon. Murton defeated Washington and Ryhope won against
Shildon Railway made it six wins out of six in the Readers Durham County League. Hemanth Boteju took six wickets to have Langley Park out for 124. Then with 35 runs from the Sri Lankan and an unbeaten 42 from Martin Ferguson they romped to victory
Philadelphia's reign as leaders of the Warmseal Durham Senior League didn't last long and there's a more familiar look about the top of the table with Burnmoor back in pole position. Extra points in their third win of the season against Boldon
The magnificent form of Swalwell in the Wellstream Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League continues. They won their seventh consecutive game to extend their advantage as leaders from 16 to 25 points as they beat Newcastle City. Ryton, promoted
THE revival of Norton and Stockton in the Northern Rock North East Premier League lost its drive when both were beaten in unpredictable finishes. Norton were the most unfortunate, losing by just one wicket to Blaydon, especially as they bravely
VILLAGERS are celebrating after securing a huge grant to create a modern "community hub." Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe, near Thirsk, has won £218,621 from the Big Lottery Fund to replace its dilapidated village hall. The money is the village's slice
Yorkshire v Lancashire (County Championship) : Day Two/Three YORKSHIRE wicketkeeper Gerard Brophy yesterday spoke of his surprise at being awarded his first team county cap at Headingley on Saturday. The 32 year-old from Orange Free State in South
WINLESS Redcar put an end to a disastrous run of seven defeats but fell further behind the teams above them in the fight to avoid relegation. Now, with a third of the season gone, they are in a perilous position some way adrift at the bottom of
THE seagull has landed for Will Smith. Just when doubts could have crept in about the future of the 25-year-old Durham batsman fortune suddenly smiled on him. He survived a straightforward chance to first slip on five at Hove on Saturday and went
DESPITE a consistent afternoon in trying conditions, Harry Vaulkhard was disappointed with the outcome of his debut at Croft. The 22-year-old, who drives a Chevrolet Lacetti for the Boldonbased Robertshaw Racing Team, notched two 13th places and
IT APPEARS that there are good grounds for worrying about the future of horse racing in this country. The prize money on offer for winning races looks to be diminishing almost on a weekly basis. Indeed, it is becoming common to see races having
I FOLLOWED England during the European Championships in 1988 and sampled the Germans' wonderful culture, people and beer in cities such as Cologne, Koblenz, Boppard, Frankfurt, Stuttgart and Dusseldorf, then returning again for the World Cup in
I HAVE written in support of Neil Wainwright before, and I am sorry that he will not be around next season. While he may not be the player he was, he could have been a useful squad player - and he is certainly as good as many of the signings
AS AN ex Darlington fan I would like to comment on the way the cost of football is spiralling out of control. For example, £37 the average cost of a Premier League season. I used to think I could afford non-league football but even that is out
I FOUND Paul Fraser's article about the recent departure of Newcastle United chairman, Chris Mort most interesting (Echo Sport, May 23). It was an insightful piece that touched on matters not usually dealt with in a sporting sense. After an uncertain
RADE Prica is targeting a return to his homeland after a failure to establish himself in Sunderland's first team cost him a place at this month's European Championships. Prica was a notable absentee from the 23-man squad Sweden coach Lars Lagerback
HAVING watched Stewart Downing spend the last seven days on international duty, Afonso Alves last night claimed the Middlesbrough winger was the key to regaining his own place in the Brazilian national side. Alves scored six goals in 11 Premier
NEWCASTLE boss Kevin Keegan will use the money from Emre's departure to Turkish side Fenerbahce to fund a swoop for out-of-favour Liverpool fullback John Arne Riise. Emre left Turkey's European Championships training camp at the weekend to discuss
A CAT used one of its nine lives, after its owner accidentally poisoned it with a flea treatment. Oscar, an 18-month-old Persian, from Ripon, in North Yorkshire, had a lucky escape after his owner noticed the fleas and applied some repellent cream.
A TEENAGE dancer has taken the next step towards her dream of becoming a classical ballerina, by being cast in a national theatre group's next production. Talented Lucy Benson, from North Yorkshire, will perform with the English Youth Ballet,
A UNIQUE piece of a town's railway history has been returned to its rightful home 50 years after it was used as an impromptu weapon. In the Fifties, Jack Cudbertson was forced to pick up a shovel to defend himself at Bank Top Station, in Darlington
A DRIVER was killed when her car went out of control and collided head-on with a tree. The 20-year-old died at the scene of the incident, at Carrholme Bridge, between Tollerton and Alne, near Easingwold, in North Yorkshire. The driver's black
THE number of North-East patients having weight-loss surgery has risen by 34 per cent in a year, according to figures. The NHS paid for 129 obese patients from the region to undergo gastric bypass surgery in 2005-6. Last year, that figure rose
A MARSHAL escaped serious injury when he was hit by a car during a high-speed accident at Croft Circuit yesterday. The incident happened in heavy rain during the first of three races of the HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship at the track
Have you ever noticed how adults always think that young people can't be stressed. Their forever saying that we have nothing to be stressed about but we as young people get put under so much pressure to get better and better results in test and in life
A NATIONAL campaign to encourage people to recycle cartons is being backed by a district council. To coincide with recycling week, which starts on Monday and runs until Sunday, June 8, Hambleton District Council has joined forces with packaging company
Sussex v Durham (County Championship) : Day Two/Three DURHAM yesterday emphatically underlined their title credentials by inflicting Sussex's first home defeat in the championship since the final match of 2004.The champions were beaten by seven wickets
THE Government faces calls today to suspend the post office closures programme amid fears that thousands more could soon face the axe.A powerful Commons committee warns of more closures to come in a hard-hitting report published this morning.The Business
A POPULAR amateur footballer who died after he fell from a viaduct has been posthumously named the Northern League's player of the year.The family of John Jackson, a goalkeeper with Billingham Synthonia, were given a standing ovation as they collected
PAUL GASCOIGNE'S sister has made an emotional appeal to fans not to buy him a drink.Speaking to a national newspaper as concerns continued to grow over the former Newcastle United and England footballer's mental health, Anna Gascoigne said anyone who
RAIN failed to dampen spirits as thousands of people flocked to enjoyed scores of live acts at a free music festival yesterday.Middlesbrough Music Live attracted yet another big crowd, with a number of stages at locations across the town centre catering
MAT Jackson was involved in a thriller on a dramatic day of racing in the HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship at Croft Circuit yesterday.The North Yorkshire track was playing host to rounds 13, 14 and 15 of the championship.And heavy rain meant the
A baby given only weeks to live is about to celebrate his first birthday.Celvin Tiplady, from Darlington, has confounded medical experts by continuing to fight against the rare genetic disorder nemaline myopathy.Celvin's mother, Melissa Regan, is planning
TRIBUTES have been paid to a teenager who died in the early hours of Saturday as he tried to cross a busy road.Anthony McGuiness, from Spennymoor, County Durham, was walking along a footpath on the south-east side of the A688 when friends travelling in
England's footballers beat Trinidad and Tobago 3-0 in a friendly game in Port of Spain, which finished early this morning. The team, which began with Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing in the line-up, and David Beckham as captain, won with goals from
