A RUGBY player who was paralysed in an accident during a game four years ago died today, the Rugby Football Union confirmed. Ali Johnson, 28, from Haltwhistle, in Northumberland, was paralysed when a scrum collapsed on him. The accident, in September
A WOMAN was talked out of jumping into the River Wear by police officers tonight after a short standoff. Around 6pm the Sunderland lifeboat joined the coastguard and officers from Northumbria Police after reports that a distressed woman was sitting on
For some reason, Germany seems to provide more than its fair share of stories for the Headline Game on TFM radio. The story for tomorrow morning's game is about a man being banned for life from a bathroom shop in Bochum, Germany, for relieving himself
A FORMER North-East student was announced as this year's £25,000 Turner Prize winner tonight, with an exhibition that included cartoon characters such as Homer Simpson. Felix the Cat, Garfield, and the Titanic movie also appeared in a film by Mark Leckey
SEVEN of Team GB's Olympic gold medallists have been included on the shortlist for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2008 award. Chris Hoy, who took three first places in Beijing, is one of four members of the dominant cycling team to make the ten-strong
Premier League football clubs are ripping off thirsty fans by charging too much for a pint of beer, the Liberal Democrats said today. Prices at all but one of the country’s top sides are higher than the national average of £2.76 a pint, the party found
TALENTED young footballers are celebrating after netting coveted places in a North-East squad. Five boys from Hurworth House School, near Darlington, have been chosen to play for the Independent Schools' Football Association's (ISFA) regional squad
A former serviceman who bit off part of a victim's ear during a city centre brawl has been put behind bars. Andrew Robinson gave Darren Green a black eye and cut lip before he sank his teeth into Barry Cougle's ear. Newcastle Crown Court heard
A NEW clinic giving young people advice, support and treatment on sexual health and contraception is set to open in Darlington. The contraception and sexual health clinic (CASH) will run its first session at Park Place Health Centre on Friday between
THERE’S a video on YouTube in which he of the seemingly constantly miserable face, Fernando Alonso, drives a Twingo Renaultsport around a racetrack. As he gets himself comfortable in the cockpit, he allows himself the briefest of brief smiles.
IF WE conveniently ignore the TT (which is more accurately a two-seater anyway), Audi has been without a coupe contender for more than ten years. In that time BMW and Mercedes have pretty much carved the market up between themselves while the
A GROUP formed to demonstrates the benefits of walking has celebrated a major milestone. Heather Stanley, from Brompton, Northallerton, has become the 1,000th person to walk with the Hambleton Strollers since the group began in 2002. The 52-year-old
AREAS of Darlington with the worst dental health records will benefit from an £860,000 investment into services. NHS Darlington will use the money to open one new practice and expand another existing surgery. The investment was originally announced
At the end of Roy Keane's last Sunderland press conference (by 'last' I mean most recent rather than final - but you never know) he was asked about his beard. Once as neatly trimmed as a stately home hedge, the growth on Keane's chin has been
The latest book in the Dad At Large series went on sale today - and it seems to be going well. "Dad At large 4 - The View From The Doghouse" is based on my column about the highs and lows of fatherhood. It's three years since the last book so it's a
DETECTIVES in Hartlepool are urging residents to be more secure and keep doors locked after a number of burglaries occurred over the weekend. The seven burglaries were in The Rift House and Rossmere areas of the town, between mid-afternoon
Teesdale District Council planners have had the the application for the conversion of a barn at Holbeck Farm into a private residence, withdrawn. The application had received numerous objections from Ingleton villagers and organisations, including
YOUNGSTERS at a North Yorkshire school have found a name for their police force’s latest - and cutest - recruit. Shadow, an 11-week-old German Shepherd puppy, is the newest member of North Yorkshire Police’s dog section. Children at Sowerby Community
A 26-YEAR-old man will appear in court tomorrow morning charged with attempted murder. Steven Maillard was formally charged by detectives in York this afternoon and has been remanded in custody. He has been charged in connection with an incident in
Stars: Reese Witherspoon, Vince Vaughn, Robert Duvall, Jon Favreau, Mary Steenburgen, Sissy Spacek, Jon Voight Running time: 88 mins Rating: Two stars FACED with having to celebrate Christmas four times in a day with divorced parents and their
. AFTER six months of hard work children and adults from a coastal community have completed a mosaic seat inspired by their seaside location. Art co-ordinator at Westlea Primary School in Seaham, Vicky Cathrine yesterday explained how the venture
Stars: Robert De Niro, Robin Wright Penn, Sean Penn, Catherine Keener, Kristen Stewart, Stancy Tucci, Bruce Willis, Michael Wincott, John Turturro Running time: 102 mins Rating: Three stars HOLLYWOOD isn’t very good at laughing at itself but What
AN event hosted by Darlington Borough Council to gauge public opinion on bus services has been branded "farcical" by participants. A group of residents are unhappy that their questions remained unanswered after the council's Talking Together bus consultation
MOTORISTS are being warned to take extra care at a road construction site - or face the possibility of fines and penalty points on their licences. North Yorkshire County Council is constructing a new roundabout at the Treebridge junction of the A172
Stars: Angelina Jolie, John Malkovich, Jeffrey Donovan, Michael Kelly, Colm Feore, Jason Butler Harner, Amy Adams Running time: 141 mins Rating: Four stars THE story is so amazing that you may find it hard to believe that Changeling,
A CONTEMPORARY office development has been named as the venue of a hospice's annual Christmas concert. St Teresa's Hospice Christmas Cracker concert will take place on Saturday, December 20, at the Meadow development at Lingfield Point business park
The film begins just 10 minutes after Casino Royale and therefore starts with some action. With Bond still hung up on revenge the film is jam packed with exciting and enthralling bits. However I feel that the storyline is lost amongst all the action
Dancing is my passion and my life. I love to dance. The types of dancing I do are tap modern and ballet.In ballet im on pointe and i really enjoy that. IT can be painful at times but it looks amazing.I have been dancing for 11 years now and I still love
THE re-trial of a woman accused of murdering a two-year old by banging his head on a banister has begun today. 38-year-old Suzanne Holdsworth is accused of killing the toddler whilst babysitting him at her home. Prosecutor Andrew Robertson QC told Teesside
MOTORISTS are being urged not to get behind the wheel whilst under the influence of drink or drugs this festive season. Police forces across the region launched their annual drink drive campaign yesterday (mon) and warned the risks for innocent victims
My youth is at the dolphin centre (Darlington).You can do alot of things there like: Nintendo wii, Football, swimming, squash and some other stuff what is inside the dolphin. The staff are great there they are kind funny and they help your way
Twilight is a powerful romantic novel following a seventeen year old Bella, who has just moved to the American city called Forks to stay with her Dad Charlie, who’s a police officer. On her first day of school she experienced a super natural boy
A BISHOP has officially opened a school refurbishment project which allows children freely in and out of the classroom. Barton Primary School's new extended classroom was first drawn up over a year ago by the former head teacher. Work started on the
Pokémon Diamond is one of the best games out on the D.S. which loads of people enjoy. The new addition to the Pokémon series is even better than the last one. The game is set out as it always is you meet a professor and your childhood friend becomes you
SEVEN young people from Bishop Auckland and Barnard Castle saw their hard work pay off after being presented with Princes Trust awards. The 16 to 25-year-olds - Steven Bowditch, Joanne Martin, Sophie Garrett, Louise Ferris, Chris Horn, John Sedgwick
PEOPLE can dedicate remembrance messages to loved ones on Christmas trees in Wear Valley this Christmas. The Light up a Life appeal, raising money for the Butterwick Hospice, was launched this week, as Christmas trees of remembrance were unveiled in
SEVEN signposts, each featuring sculptures of different kinds of footwear, from walking boots to trainers, are decorating a nine-mile stretch of the well-known walking route. They will be dotted along the Teesdale Way, from South Bank to Coatham Marsh
CHILDREN who were struggling to read made “spectacular” improvements after a trial scheme was run for just 30 minutes a day in some of the region’s schools. Academics hailed the success of the ‘Every Child a Reader’ project, which was tested on six-year-olds
THE Wensleydale Railway is laying on a series of Santa Specials for children and their families this month. The trains run between Leyburn and Redmire on December 7, 13 and 22. Santa Specials run between Leeming Bar and Bedale on December 6,7, 13 and
STUDENTS are preparing to become plant food in a comedy musical that will have the audience reaching for the weed killer. Alan Menken’s The Little Shop of Horrors will be staged at Richmond School from December 4 to 6. Centrepiece will be a giant plant
THE SON of a school caretaker has been warned to expect jail, after being convicted of unlawfully making a bomb. David Riding was found guilty of manufacturing a 13cm-long pipe bomb without a lawful purpose at Durham Crown Court today, following a three-day
A SPURNED husband cheated death after blowing up his house days after splitting from his wife. Sean Cavens set gas leaking into his house before hiding under an upturned settee and lighting a match. The 27-year-old's mental health was "fragile" after
A HISTORIC walled garden in North Yorkshire has scooped £50,000 after beating a parish council on a TV show. The Helmsley Walled Garden, close to Sutton Bank, won the money after it appeared on the People’s Millions show. The show picked eight finalists
SCHOOLCHILDREN are helping provide stray dogs with a comfortable bed this winter. Darlington Borough Council dog wardens look after strays for up to a week, until they are either reclaimed or sent to a rehoming centre. Wardens need fresh bedding for
Ingleton Church fete will be held on Friday 5th December from 6.30 pm at the Village hall. Santa will be there 'early doors' to listen to youngsters' Christmas present wish list - without making any promises, of course. The event, held every
A LONG-STANDING Hartlepool charity is seeking a volunteer to join its board of trustees. The Henry Smith Educational Charity offers grants to children and young people living in Hartlepool to help them buy vital equipment, such as books to aid their
PUPILS and teachers are celebrating after their school was described as "outstanding" following a visit from Government inspectors. The Office for Standards and Education (Ofsted) said St. John Vianney RC Primary School in Hartlepool was like "one big
PLANS for a £15m refurbishment of a North-East leisure centre have moved a step closer with the announcement of a contractor. Stockton Council has appointed Morgan Ashurst as the contractor to carry out the multi-million pound refurbishment of Billingham
PEOPLE living in a Teesdale village can find out how to reduce their fuel bills by attending an event this afternoon. The Green Neighbourhoods event will take place in Middleton-in-Teesdale village hall from 3pm until 7pm. There will be information
A SURVEY of more than 7,000 people in the region suggests that more people are embracing a healthier lifestyle - but heavy drinking is increasing. The survey of residents living in the Derwentside area of County Durham was carried out by NHS
MORE than 100 people have been arrested in the last eight months after being caught on camera in the Hambleton district. A total of 113 arrests were made in the Northallerton, Thirsk, Bedale and Stokesley areas thanks to the network of closed
The Football Association are to investigate allegations that Newcastle supporters directed racist chanting toward Middlesbrough striker Mido on Saturday. The Egyptian forward was targeted as he warmed up during the 0-0 Tees-Tyne derby at the Riverside
THE Pigeon Detectives hail from Rothwell in Leeds and, for a five-piece band, they make one hell of a sound. Plenty of fans piled in to the Academy to see if the gang of Northerners could pull it off live. The band stormed onstage in a flurry
What are you doing!? Saturday 15th November saw the launch of Darlington Youth Service’s new mobile facility, the www bus. We were in the town centre during the day, speaking to young people about what they do on their Friday and Saturday
THE beginnings of what has become known as The Boosh lie in the Wycombe Swan theatre in Buckinghamshire when Noel Fielding saw Julian Barratt perform stand-up. Much like Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer before them, they discovered a shared surreal
Sex, Drugs and Rock ’n’ Roll: The 60s Revealed (five, 9pm); Filthy Rich and Famous (BBC3, 10.30pm). FORTY years ago TV presenter Bernard Braden filmed a series of interviews with the top personalities of the day, everyone from pop stars to politicians
Burnout Paradise is a fast paced racing game. With the well loved road rage and the new challenges and burning routes it is even better than ever before and its rival car games haven’t a chance of being better. The licence system allows you to
Jon Adamson wears a frock and Sean Jones is in short trousers on stage in Yorkshire this week. They talk to Steve Pratt about dressing up for their art. JON Adamson is beginning to worry what his young daughter will say when people ask her what
The African Aids pandemic has largely been forgotten by the world media. But one charity is still working with those most affected by the virus – the children. Jim Entwistle reports. "Only undertakers and weeds prosper up here,” says South African
I MUST agree with Peter Barron in his From the Editor’s Chair column (Echo, Nov 24) when he concurred with Tory leader David Cameron that the importance of having a local newspaper cannot be overstated as they really do contribute a great deal
WHENEVER a round of fare increases is announced by the rail companies the talk is always of the extra revenue being needed for capital projects and to improve the infrastructure of the railway system. This was the chant taken up recently when
GOOD news for Christmas. Global temperatures have remained the same for the past ten years. We’re actually about to experience global cooling. It was all due to sun spots after all. It has also been found by many independent scientists that reducing
IN among the donors contributing to Labour’s forthcoming election battles, according to Electoral Commission figures, we see the name of discredited former Prime Minister Tony Blair. Apparently, he has earned an estimated £12m since Gordon Brown
A LOT is expected of the Government, but inactivity over the economic crisis is not an option. Paying for the catastrophe in the financial markets and some irresponsible banking has never been in doubt. There is also no doubting that buying yourself
HUGH Pender says “surely in this day and age the idea of Royalty is outdated” (HAS, Nov 22). This type of comment frustrates all Royalists simply because it is not true. Our monarchy and Royal Family is what makes Britain special and unique from
THERE has been far too much bad news lately. Hardly a day has gone by in recent weeks without news of further job cuts – including a significant number here at The Northern Echo – having to be reported. And then, last Wednesday, the news
An appeal that started when a North Yorkshire man watched the Ten O’Clock News has now raised more than £110,000 for children in Iraq suffering from leukaemia. Owen Amos meets the man behind it and reads the Iraqis’ messages of thanks.
NEWTON Aycliffe continue to power ahead at the top of the table and opened up a three-point lead recording their 12th win in 15 attempts, this time at Hartlepool. Pools struck first when Stephen Chapman delivered a clinical finish from outside
DURHAM City kept their unbeaten league record intact with victory at Warrington – but it came at a price. City are unbeaten in 11 UniBond League games, but they lost striker Gavin Cogdon to injury late in the game. Manager Lee Collings said:
AS freezing fog enveloped the Riverside Stadium during the second half of Saturday’s Tees-Tyne derby, there were times when it was difficult to make out what was happening in the distance. But for Gareth Southgate and Joe Kinnear, standing
Middlesbrough 0 Newcastle United 0 WITH more than £38m worth of attacking talent on show at the Riverside Stadium, two signings of a more economical nature were responsible for delivering defensive displays that ensured the 120th Tees- Tyne derby
MIDDLESBROUGH midfielder Julio Arca is hoping Saturday’s goalless draw with Newcastle marks a new beginning in a personally disappointing campaign. Arca made only his second start of the season as the Tees-Tyne derby honours were shared at the
AT A time when the club’s annual accounts have revealed debts of more than £93m, Middlesbrough’s manager Gareth Southgate admits he has ‘more targets, than funds’ ahead of the January transfer window. Southgate accepts that he will have to be
WHILE controversy rages on all sides over the heavy-handed arrest of shadow immigration minister Damian Green, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith turns the spotlight on binge-drinking today. New laws aimed at putting an end to the all-too-familiar sight
IN returning to action Tim Ryan has already achieved one aim this season, now he wants another – to win over the Darlington fans. A serious knee injury meant the Stockport-born defender’s career was in jeopardy when his contract expired at the
Portsmouth 3 Blackburn Rovers 2 FURIOUS Paul Ince kept his Blackburn players back in the dressing room for nearly an hour after a 3-2 defeat at Portsmouth before emerging to admit: ‘‘I’m frustrated, disappointed.’’ The former England midfielder
SHAY Given last night urged Newcastle’s money men to back Joe Kinnear in January’s transfer window. Having signed a contract until the end of the season on Friday, Kinnear is hoping to receive the funds required to purchase two or three players
Manchester City 0 Manchester United 1 SIR Alex Ferguson defended Cristiano Ronaldo over the red card incident that has soured the week in which he is expected to be crowned European Footballer of the Year. Ronaldo seems certain to pick up the
Tottenham Hotspur 0 Everton 1 DAVID Moyes marked his 300th game as Everton manager with victory over Tottenham but reaching his milestone was overshadowed by an Achilles injury ruling Ayegbeni Yakubu out for the season. Yakubu fell awkwardly
HISTON’S stunning victory over Leeds did not bring them the FA Cup third-round rewards they were hoping for. The Blue Square Premier promotion chasers were 1-0 winners over League One Leeds United in the second round but were visibly disappointed
Chelsea 1 Arsenal 2 CHELSEA manager Luiz Felipe Scolari called for referee Mike Dean and his assistant to make an apology for allowing Robin van Persie’s offside goal which turned yesterday’s Premier League clash against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge
PHIL Bardsley urged Sunderland supporters to get behind the team rather than voice their disapproval. After leaving the field to a chorus of boos in the wake of Saturday’s fourth consecutive home defeat, the fullback called on the Stadium of
DANNY Wilson was left to rue his side’s long-standing defensive frailties, despite earning a spot in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday. Pools won 3-2 at Conference North side Fleetwood Town, but trailed after 14 minutes and faced an uneasy
Fleetwood Town 2 Hartlepool United 3 WHAT better example of the magic of the FA Cup than two goals from Hartlepool United’s very own magician? Michael Mackay was given a chance to impress in Saturday’s game at Fleetwood Town, a team some 75 places
Sunderland 1 Bolton Wanderers 4 ROY Keane told reporters prior to this game that at Sunday morning mass he puts a £20 note in the collection plate – £50 if his side have endured a poor result. On the evidence of Saturday’s 4-1 mauling at the hands
THE absence of four players at the Dubai Sevens allowed Blaydon to keep some of their fringe players involved and they came away with a 24-14 win from Southend. Charlie Rayner took his chance at full back with a good try, while two others they
A DECISION on the future of Inglis Drever is not expected for at least a month following the hock injury he sustained at Newbury on Saturday. The triple World Hurdle hero was pulled up by Denis O’Regan in his bid to win the Long Distance Hurdle
MADISON Du Berlais could step up in class following his victory in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury on Saturday. David Pipe may consider conditions races for the sevenyear- old, who sprang a 25-1 surprise when giving the trainer his first victory
JAMES Fanshawe did not enjoy the best of seasons this summer but he can strike on the all-weather at Wolverhampton today with Royal Encore. It all started promisingly for Fanshawe as Spacious ran a massive race in the 1000 Guineas, finishing
Darlington Mowden Park 38 Halifax 31 THE return of two Barnard Castle School products helped Mowden Park to a vital victory which they hope will kickstart their recovery. While it was ex-Richmond School prop Dan Miller who finished off two tries
GARETH Southgate has urged the Football Association not to be too hard with Newcastle United after Saturday’s Tees-Tyne derby was blighted by terrorist taunts aimed at Middlesbrough striker Mido. For the second season in succession, a small minority
ENGLAND will today learn their 2011 World Cup fate after being left on a probable collision course with one of the Tri-Nations heavyweights. Manager Martin Johnson will not shed a tear if England are grouped with 2007 World Cup semi-finalists
Wales 21 Australia 18 WORLD player of the year Shane Williams weaved his magic to leave Australia spellbound. But Wales’ chief sorcerer now has a mercurial apprentice. Lee Byrne confirmed his status as Wales’ best full back since the legendary
England 6 New Zealand 32 MARTIN Johnson is determined to ensure the ‘‘heartache’’ of England’s hattrick of comprehensive autumn Test defeats to Australia, South Africa and New Zealand will not have been in vain. But the straight-talking manager
OLYMPIC bronze medallist Tony Jeffries has accused amateur boxing chiefs of a “lack of respect” after signing a deal to turn professional this weekend. Sunderland-born Jeffries signed his first professional deal on the Stadium of Light pitch
INTERNATIONAL Cricket Council chief executive Haroon Lorgat has urged England to return to India for next month’s two-Test series. The tour is in doubt following the terrorist attacks in Mumbai that killed 174 people. The squad arrived back in
DESPITE Roy Keane confirming that he’s not ‘a quitter’ his immediate future as Sunderland manager remains uncertain. Keane has enjoyed unequivocal support from the club’s board since being persuaded by Niall Quinn to revive the Black Cats’
A COUPLE who stepped in to save their village post office from closure are making a success of it – with the help of a lending library they have launched. Daphne and Pete Bowman were saddened when it was announced nine months ago that the service
A CONTROVERSIAL fence has been put up at a village community centre to prevent a neighbour taking legal action. The 2.4m-high fence was erected at The Grange Community Centre in an effort to resolve a long-standing legal dispute between Hurworth
ECOLOGIST Dr David Bellamy visited a community project to present the prizes for The Northern Echo’s environmental competition Making a Difference. Now in its tenth year, and sponsored by regional development agency One NorthEast, Making a Difference
LOCAL authorities must pass on the VAT cut announced in last week’s Pre-Budget Report to help sustain small businesses and the local economy over Christmas, a business support organisation has said. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said
A BABY diagnosed with a brain tumour when she was four months old has inspired her father’s former school to raise money for other young cancer sufferers. Nicole Agar’s parents, Andrew Agar and Lyndsay Fitzgerald, both 21, took their daughter
A TOWN’S reliance on services and the public sector have helped protect the local economy so far giving rise for hope, a conference of business leaders was told. Delegates at the conference were told there were “green shoots” of optimism in Darlington
AN invention to remove potentially harmful chemical waste from manufacturing processes has been developed by a North-East company. The process, developed by Integrated Effluent Solutions (IES), of Spennymoor, County Durham, has taken 18 months
A 20-YEAR-OLD who started out in business in his parents’ garage is on course to hit £5m turnover within the next 18 months. Dan Foskett set up his online fitness equipment business Connection Fitness in 2006 and within the space of two years
A FAMOUS silver swan is preparing for its first public performance today following three months of restoration. The 235-year-old musical automaton will once again enchant audiences at the Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle. Its twice-daily show
AN education expert has criticised flagship Government plans to introduce report cards for schools. Professor Peter Tymms said giving schools a single grade would hide information parents might be interested in and “does not make a lot of sense
A year ago today, one of the North-East’s most intriguing stories began to unfold. Neil Hunter takes a look back. WITH three decades of police service and hundreds of major inquiries behind him, Tony Hutchinson thought he had seen it all. The
NEW laws to tackle bingedrinking will be unveiled today, which Home Secretary Jacqui Smith hopes will end scenes of “people lying on the pavements and being sick”. Pubs, clubs and shops face a ban on “irresponsible” price promotions and being
CHILDREN are invited on board a trip to see Santa Claus in his grotto until Christmas Eve. The Weardale Railway began running Santa Specials at the weekend, travelling from its station in Wolsingham, County Durham, to Stanhope. Youngsters
TWO North-East men arrested and accused of illegally importing gun silencers into the US may be allowed to return home later this week after a meeting today. George Hope and Garry Latcham, of Howden-le-Wear, County Durham, remain in a North Carolina
A HOSPICE has highlighted its record of helping people achieve their dying wish of spending their last days at home. Butterwick Hospice chiefs have spoken out amid national concerns about the relatively small number of terminally- ill people
A GRANDMOTHER has been jailed for two-and-a-half years after she stabbed a neighbour during a three-year-old girl’s birthday party. The celebration, in the front garden of Christine Robson’s home, was spoiled when a car drove up and people began
A MAJOR manhunt involving police across the country came to an end yesterday when officers arrested a man in the North-East. Steven Maillard, 26, was arrested in connection with a stabbing in York early on Saturday, which left a 20-year-old woman
UP to 1,300 jobs could be created within two years after plans for an airport business park were approved. The site for business startup units related to airport industries is one of two applications to have been approved at Durham Tees Valley
A NEW category has been added to an award ceremony to recognise the achievements of Darlington's unsung heroes. The search for the winners of the Best of Darlington Awards 2009 starts today. Volunteers, community groups, careers and
Saturday, November 30 2008 Elite League: Coventry Blaze 9-2 Mincoffs Newcastle Vipers FOR the second night running, the Vipers threw away a lead and fell to a heavy defeat in the Midlands as the Coventry Blaze ran out 9-2 victors at the Skydome
