A GERMAN man was today jailed for eight-and-a-half years after he admitted trying to smuggle more than three kilograms of cocaine worth £500,000 through Newcastle Airport. Sascha Zimmermann, 29, a German national of no fixed abode was stopped
In these troubled economic times, with public sector cuts about to have an impact on us all, there are plenty of reasons to feel gloomy. But there is an event taking place this weekend which is something to celebrate. It makes us smile, it makes us feel
IF YOU’RE a Peugeot designer it’s been a tough few years. The 306, the 407 and the 206 were all decent enough cars in their own way - but they didn’t exactly set your pulse racing did they? We now know that Peugeot’s stylists were casting envious glances
A MAJOR scheme to build 283 homes on the outskirts of Northallerton needs to be perfect locals warn to avoid it been a disaster for the town. A joint bid for the former York Trailers site, off Yafforth Road, has been put forward by both Yuill Homes and
THOUSANDS of dog lovers from across the country have attended the opening day of the region’s top canine event. Darlington Dog Show celebrated its 42nd anniversary at Newby Hall, Ripon, North Yorkshire, with around 8,000 entrants. The three day event
FIVE men arrested by police investigating a suspected plot to harm the Pope were working as street cleaners, Westminster City Council said today. The men were arrested by officers from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command shortly before 6am.
Two of Darlington's fringe players have left the club on loan. Winger Chris Moore has joined Spennymoor Town while teenage midfielder Corey Barnes has gone to Whitby Town. Moore played against Moors on Tuesday in a friendly and is likely
A JUNIOR rugby team has launched an urgent appeal for kit sponsorship after losing its initial benefactor to the recession. The Durham Tigers Rugby League Club needs about £1,600 to buy full strips and tracksuits for the 22 players in its under-18s
HOUSEHOLDRERS have been put on the alert and police are carrying out reassurance patrols after bogus water officials tricked their way into the homes of elderly people. Three incidents were reported to police on Thursday, one in Carlton Miniott near
A PROLIFIC shoplifter who plagued a number of shops in the county town of North Yorkshire has been “named and shamed” by the police. Graham McDonald, 34, has become the first subject of a new scheme aimed at highlighting the behaviour of offenders who
POLICE have launched a new initiative in North Yorkshire in an attempt to ensure young drivers are safe behind the wheel. Officers at Easinwgold have set up a driving education programme to make sure young people have the knowledge and support
THE Great North Road was expected to re-open this lunchtime following an early morning smash that caused hours of chaos for motorists. Both lanes of the A1 just south of Scotch Corner were closed after the two-vehicle smash at around 8.50am today. The
FIVE men were arrested today by police investigating a suspected plot to harm the Pope. Scotland Yard officers swooped on several people after information emerged that Pope Benedict XVI could be in danger. A multimillion-pound operation
Sharon Griffiths visits the new outlet of a self-confessed foodie. TRACEY Cottrell is a total foodie, loves cooking, won through the first rounds of Masterchef. When she eats out, she tries to work out the recipe and when she’s on holiday, she brings
From agate to amber, a designer has a gem of a business. THERE’S something hypnotic about watching jewellery maker Judy Burberry, as she uses tiny tools to create exquisite pieces from stones and gems sourced in some of the world’s most exotic
WHAT’S your favourite West End musical? Bet they’ve got it covered in this marathon production, nearly 50 of the best-known musical shows from the Thirties to present day, presented by seven all-singing, all-dancing young performers who will
IDEARLY wish I knew sign language. There was a signed performance of this Tamasha and Harrogate Theatre production on Wednesday and those following the signer probably made more sense of the drama than the rest of us. A combination of poor
Something made me gasp today. It wasn’t the first time I’d seen it, but such a sight never becomes any less shocking (or at least I hope I’ll never reach the point where it ceases to shock me). From the relative comfort of my seat in the taxi, I watched
THE future security of Britain will depend on big decisions made in the next five years. Our politicians want to spend many billions of pounds to keep Britain’s ability to wage nuclear war. In theory, Britain’s Trident missiles can destroy Tokyo
TRADE union leaders say that their members didn’t cause the near collapse of the banks so they shouldn’t have to accept job losses and cuts in wages in order to prevent a double-dip recession. They should remember that banks, not the unions, created
THE Governor of the Bank of England, Mervyn King, recently confirmed that greedy and irresponsible bankers (on a global basis) were to blame for the current economic crisis which is afflicting the United Kingdom. He also expressed his surprise
The Inbetweeners (C4, 10.55pm); QI (BBC1, 8.30pm); The Rob Brydon Show (BBC2,10pm);Would I Lie to You? (BBC1,10.35pm); Eight Out Of Ten Cats (C4, 10pm). THE rude and raucous sixth formers from The Inbetweeners took the smile off Simon Cowell’s face
AS the head of volunteer fundraising at the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, I am writing to let people know about a brilliant new fundraising initiative called Come Dine with Us, fronted by TV presenter and chef Simon Rimmer. Come Dine with Us is
WHILE no one would disagree that Government debt is quite high at the moment, running at around 70 per cent of GDP, it is a complete myth to suggest the debt is out of control. It is worth remembering that between 1920 and 1960, government debt
REGARDING recent letters criticising the Liberal Democrats for their place in a coalition government (HAS, Sept 15). Ask one very simple question: “Are the spending cuts fairer with Lib Dem input than they would have been without it?” Christopher
BARBARA WINDSOR is a great actress, who has played Peggy Mitchell in Eastenders since 1994. Over the years she has appeared on TV, stage and films with nine Carry On movies and others including On The Fiddle, Sparrows Can’t Sing, The Rag Trade
I’M a natural born competitor. To say I don’t like coming last would be an understatement. So the report that labelled Middlesbrough the least economically resilient area in the UK made me extremely concerned and, more importantly, very determined
WE welcome the Pope to Britain. We hope that not only is he able to reach out and build bridges, but also that he is able to hear the very real criticisms of his church. The argument about whether or not the state should pay is largely spurious
Weather expert Liz Bentley is coming to the North-East to enrol people in an experiment to chart climate change. Steve Pratt talks to her. SIX-MONTH-OLD Liz Bentley was lying in her pram in the garden at her family’s Yorkshire home as storm clouds
EUROPEAN 110metres hurdles champion Andy Turner will captain England at the Great North CityGames tomorrow – and has promised to buy a round of drinks if the team triumph. Turner feels he is not worthy of the captaincy honour ahead of England
DELEGATOR faces his moment of truth as he makes a belated return to action in the Dubai Duty Free Cup at Newbury. A topclass miler last season when his efforts included a second to Sea The Stars in the 2000 Guineas, he has not been seen since finishing
A MAD 44-minute period cost Yorkshire the title. This was the view of Martyn Moxon, after the Tykes fell agonisingly short of their first silverware since 2001. When he made the remark, after Yorkshire had been beaten by four wickets by Kent
IT is little more than a year since the tennis world was rising to acclaim Roger Federer as one of the all-time greats. Having finally claimed his maiden French Open title to become only the sixth man in history to complete a clean sweep of
YORKSHIRE are leading the race to sign England swing bowler Ryan Sidebottom. White Rose captain Andrew Gale has spoken glowingly about the Nottinghamshire bowler, who was celebrating County Championship title glory last night. Sidebottom, the
STEVE Harmison described Andrew Flintoff’s retirement as a ‘‘sad day for English cricket’’. Flintoff has confirmed he has played his last game of professional cricket after being told his body would not be able to cope with his planned comeback
PAUL COLLINGWOOD insists the days of England doubting they can be the best in the world are a distant memory ahead of today’s third one-day international with Pakistan at The Oval. Collingwood captained England to World Twenty20 glory in May
IT was like turning back the clock two years to that wonderful day when Durham had to wait for Nottinghamshire’s match at Trent Bridge to end before they could officially be crowned champions for the first time. But while those who made the pilgrimage
DARLINGTON have one new face in the ranks for tomorrow’s game at Bath City but they remain without captain Ian Miller due to injury. Striker Leon King signed on Tuesday and he travels with the squad that sets off today and trains at the University
DESPITE dropping Kris Boyd for Tuesday night’s win against Burnley, Middlesbrough boss Gordon Strachan believes it is still too early to judge the striker’s ability in the Championship. Strachan signed the Scottish international in the summer
Second Division Northallerton have signed "Mogger". No, not the former Boro centre half Tony who is currently looking for a job in football, but his brother Darren, who is a striker and has signed for Northallerton after moving from Billingham Synthonia
THE A1 is closed in both directions after a serious crash between two cars at 8.50am this morning. Emergency services are at the scene of the accident, half a mile south of Scotch Corner, in North Yorkshire. The Great North Air Ambulance
MICK WADSWORTH takes his Hartlepool United side to Brentford this morning, with his future no more clear than it was four weeks ago. Since Chris Turner quit, first-team coach Wadsworth has taken caretaker control of the first team. Tomorrow
PERSISTENT suggestions that Andy Carroll could leave Newcastle United have led to an angry Chris Hughton insisting the club’s new No 9 remains integral to his long-term plans. Carroll was the subject of a bid from Stoke City in the summer, prior
EVEN though he has seen his captain sent off twice in the space of four matches, Steve Bruce will be telling his Sunderland players not to be afraid to bare their teeth in tomorrow’s home game with the artisans of Arsenal. Lee Cattermole will
As the North-East positions itself as a hub for electric vehicle research and development, business correspondent Andy Richardson reports from the Cenex national low-carbon vehicle event in Bedfordshire, a major showcase for the sector. THE Government
A CONTRACTOR has been appointed to carry out the transformation of a derelict toffee factory into a £6m centre for creative businesses. It is expected to take a year for Sunderlandbased Brims Construction to transform the former Maynard’s
NISSAN’S involvement in a project to improve the performance of environmentallyfriendly cars has received a financial boost from the Treasury. The Government’s award of £9.5m towards the REEVolution green transport project represents the only
A LEADING County Durham green transport business is about to expand its operation after buying a new factory and revealing plans to build a two-seater sports car and a utility vehicle. Consett-based Elecscoot began life in 2006 producing battery-assisted
MORE than 160 jobs could be created with work on a new centre converting household waste into electricity which is ready to start following a 25-year contract award. Sita UK won planning permission for its £120m North- East Energy Recovery Centre
SIR Bobby Robson’s widow has paid tribute to the legacy left by her husband as it was announced the cancer charity set up in his name has topped the £2.5m mark. Speaking at the Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre, Lady Elsie said the former
A PROPOSAL for new houses which had the support of villagers and local councillors has been refused planning permission. The application to build 34 homes on land off Albion Terrace, in Witton Park, was considered by Durham County Council’s area planning
PLANS to re-allocate space at a young offender’s institution (YOI) to cater for up to 60 adult inmates have been announced by prison chiefs. The Prison Service is configuring a wing at the YOI it runs in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, to house
A CROOKED businessman who master-minded a near-£1m fraud was last night starting a two-and-a-half-year jail sentence. Mark Downes lied to mortgage lenders and stole the identities of genuine customers to make bogus car finance applications.
THE chairman of Darlington Football club has hinted he could quit if the local council does not help it become more financially viable. Raj Singh wants to make the Blue Square Bet Premier club’s Northern Echo Arena a money-spinner, but fears for
A YOUNG woman who survived cervical cancer against all the odds is campaigning, together with Jade Goody’s mother, to have the screening age lowered. Lisa Askew will be handing in a 10,000 signature petition to 10 Downing Street with Jackiey
HOSPITAL parking charges are here to stay after the Government scrapped Labour’s pledge to offer free permits to family and friends. The decision, which will cost people visiting patients in the region up to £1m a year, was condemned by one cancer
A FAMILY is offering a £50 reward to help recover two missing puppies worth £2,000. Diesel and Princess, two Dog du Bordeaux aged 12 months and 11 months, were seen being put into a green Peugeot estate in Collingwood Street, Coundon, near Bishop
A PENSIONER who was spared jail after committing a sex act on a horse has appeared in court again after he was spotted approaching and stroking ponies. David Walter Chamberlin was banned from approaching tethered animals as part of a sexual
DAVID MILIBAND warned that a “crackers” health shake-up would be the next big blow to strike the region – as he denied his campaign to lead Labour was in trouble. In an interview with The Northern Echo, the long-time favourite launched a fierce
POLICE have declared war on people who persecute birds of prey after another rare hawk was shot and injured in the region. North Yorkshire has one of the highest levels of bird persecution in the country and local police have joined forces with
In the STL Northern League , Shildon could return to the top of the First Division if they beat Whitley Bay at Hillheads. Manager Gary Forrest could make changes to freshen his team after their FA Cup replay win over Tadcaster in midweek, and he will
In the second division, promotion chasing Newton Aycliffe have strengthened their squad by signing full back Brian Fairhurst. Fairhurst has a huge amount of experience, having played for several Northern League clubs, including Shildon and West Auckland
54,000 people line up this weekend at the start of the 30th Bupa Great North Run – equalling last year’s record entry. Mark Summers sets the scene for Sunday’s spectacular and meets some the participants. • Buy Great North Run Photos
Bishop Auckland’s hopes of a good FA Vase run starting on Sunday against Chester-le-Street have been dented with the news that star striker Wayne Gredziak could be on his way to Bedlington. Bishops have been looking to Gredziak for some firepower since
A MAN could be jailed for killing a dog in what a veteran RSPCA inspector described as one of the worst acts of animal cruelty he had seen. Paul Hinton, 34, from Pensbury Street, Darlington, pleaded guilty at the town's magistrates' court yesterday
TENS of thousands of people, including many from the North-East, greeted Pope Benedict XVI as he began a historic visit to Britain yesterday. Arriving in Scotland, the Pope praised the UK as a “force for good”, but also delivered a warning about
A BUSINESSMAN who sold sex near York Minster has been ordered to hand over more than £265,000. Barry Abrahams ran a brothel behind the front of a legitimate tanning salon in Little Stonegate, charging thousands of men £55 a time for sex with
MIDDLESBROUGH footballer David Wheater has been involved in an accident while driving his Ferrari. The 23-year-old defender, dubbed the “Redcar Rock”, was involved in an accident with a Vauxhall Corsa. The accident happened on Wednesday in
A MERGER of firearms and road policing functions between two police forces could lead to fewer officers. A collaboration between Cleveland and Durham forces to create a joint firearms and road policing unit was confirmed yesterday. It is expected
As soon as I left Delhi airport I knew that I was in for an experience, whether good or bad only time will tell. Delhi as a city I have been in Delhi now for three days and so far I have loved every minute. It has been shock to the system
