IN the summer, an editorial comment in The Northern Echo questioned the Government's decision to close Remploy factories employing disabled workers. The comment recognised that, in an ideal world, the theory behind the closures, and spending Remploy's
CHEICK Diabate ensured Newcastle will have to take their chances in the draw for the knockout stages of the Europa League as Bordeaux finished top of Group D. The Mali international striker headed home Fahid Ben Khalfallah's 29th-minute cross and
A NORTH-EAST MP has asked for assurances about the future for hundreds of workers employed at a factory that makes Flymo lawn mowers. Phil Wilson MP was dismayed by plans announced last month by Sweden-based Husqvarna to close its research and
Newcastle Falcons have suspended James Hall for two weeks after the forward was found guilty of striking an opponent in last week's 31-15 win over Plymouth. An internal disciplinary hearing was convened after Hall was accused of throwing a punch
COMEDY NIGHT: Comedians Jason Cook, Barrie Dodds and Steffen Peddie will perform at Inside Out, in Darlington, on Sunday, December 23, at 8pm. Doors open at 7.30pm. PANTO TIME: Sleeping Beauty, starring husband and wife Linda Lusardi and Sam Kane
DURHAM City MP Roberta Blackman-Woods has welcomed Durham County Council voting to set up a working group to consider the affordability of introducing a ‘living wage’ for its lowest paid workers. The Labour MP said she hoped the working group would
YOUNGSTERS are preparing to stage an all-singing, all-dancing show with the help of their local vicar. The Bradley School of Dance, at Great Ayton, will be staging a production of Annie next week at the Parochial Hall in the town. Joining them
A SCHOOL mascot has joined a team of explorers led by Sir Ranulph Fiennes who will endure a six month trek across Antarctica. Staff and pupils at St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, gave a small woollen mouse to the
DURHAM County Council has rejected claims that it did not anticipate recent snowfalls as hundreds of commuters took hours to complete journeys that normally take minutes. Many drivers found themselves stuck in nose-to-tail traffic on Wednesday
PLAY SPORT: More than 760,000 people in the North-East take part in sport at least once a week, according to figures from Sport England. It said participation in sport was rising and had increased by 60,000 on last year.
NOT many fundraisers would devour maggots, ragworms and cockroaches merely to publicise an equally tough event – jumping into the North Sea on New Year’s Day. But Ron Gordon, 58, who has been organising dips to the sea at Redcar for more than 30
FRANKIE DETTORI last night pledged to ‘‘rebuild his reputation’’ after he has served a six-month ban for taking a prohibited substance when riding in France. The three-times British champion jockey, 41, tested positive for what is believed to be
MARTIN O’NEILL will find out the extent of Steven Fletcher’s injury in the next 48 hours, but should he lose the striker for a period of time, the Sunderland manager could call on Connor Wickham to spearhead the Black Cats attack. Fletcher went
ONE of the most famous names in North-East football has given his backing to the region’s latest singing sensation. Both Tony Mowbray, manager of Middlesbrough FC, and James Arthur, X Factor finalist, are from east Cleveland and the football man
AN orchestra is to celebrate its 21st year at with a new year spectacular at Darlington Civic Theatre. The London Gala Orchestra show, on Monday, January 7, at 7.30pm, will be full of Viennese musical delights, including sparkling waltzes, fiery
A MAN charged with carrying out half a dozen crimes in Darlington has appeared before the court. Daniel Dodsworth, 27, of Stanhope Road, attended Darlington Magistrates’ Court today (Thursday, December 6) and admitted offences including taking
A NORTH-EAST university has announced a consortium with industry to provide stem cells for drug discovery research. The project called StemBANCC is one of the Innovative Medicines Initiative's biggest projects with a total budget of £55.6m.
POLICE are offering free catalytic converter marking in response to a spate of thefts. Earlier this month (December 3 and 4), three vehicles had their catalytic converters stolen in Hutton Rudby, near Stokesley. On the same night, thieves also
LIGHT Up The World begins with a song that sounds like it was rejected from Grease – the sequel. History Is Made At Night is not the track I would have chosen to announce a return to the stage for this cheesey quintet. For the record, I am not at all
A COUNCIL leader has hit back at the chairman of a parish council who deliberately landed himself with a parking fine to test the legality of parking in his home town. Jason Hadlow, chairman of Yarm Town Council, parked without a disc in Yarm High
RECORDED on tour, this is the kind of music I imagine I’d listen to with a good book and a bottle of wine if I didn’t have three kids charging around the whole time. It’s the perfect wind-down, lights dimmed, music by someone with an obvious mastery
A PLAN to convert a Grade II-listed building would “ruin” an historic courtyard in one of Teesside’s most historic town, a councillor has claimed. A planning application to convert an early to mid-18th Century property on Yarm High Street into
THE first track on this album, Driftin’ Back, is close to 28 minutes long. Twenty-eight minutes! I haven’t listened to anything that long since my mam lectured me after finding my stash of uneaten packed lunches in the loft. Unlike on that occasion
IT’S still hard to accept that Eva Cassidy is no longer with us. Some artists receive undeserving posthumous praise for their work, but in Cassidy’s case it is all justified. This 20- track album showcases her beautiful vocal talent and includes the
THIS is not just a special edition, it’s the deluxe special edition from everyone’s favourite modern-day crooner. The album was a multimillion seller before this latest makeover, which now includes a Christmas greeting from the man himself and four
AUSTRALIAN rockers, The Getaway Plan, have put together a polished album that offers little in the way of out-and-out originality, but is highly recommended nonetheless. Produced by David Bottril, who has previously worked with the likes of Muse, Placebo
A BURGLAR who got a rude awakening when he was tackled by a naked man as he snooped around his home was today jailed for four years. Delroy Daley came off worse in his clash with nude Tom Best when they traded blows in the hallway of the bar manager's
LIKE me, it’s highly unlikely you were able to get to the gig itself, so this live recording of their 2007 O2 Arena gig is perhaps the closest you will ever get to Robert Plant and company. More than 20 million people applied for tickets, but just
FORGOTTEN man Nile Ranger will get a chance to prove his credentials in Bordeaux tonight as manager Alan Pardew hands him a Europa League start. The 21-year-old striker, whose off-field antics and persistent lateness had seen him fall dramatically
As the renowned ‘silly son’ of York Theatre Royal pantomime since 1984, Martin Barras tells Steve Pratt he was the ideal choice for West End hit farce One Man, Two Guvnors. But it wasn’t easy hanging on to the role YORK panto regular Martin Barrass
THIS is probably the hardest column I’ve ever had to write –- but after more than 30 years, our relationship is finally over. We’ve tried to make it work, to see each other’s point of view, but it’s over. No, not the marriage – the tennis partnership
A BUDDING North-East rugby star is setting his sights high after making it into the under 16 northern squad. Joe Craggs, a year 11 student at Hummersknott Academy, in Darlington, is one of 46 young players from across the country to make it through
Lilia Kopylova talks to Viv Hardwick about how she and partner Darren Bennett have forged another career out of Strictly after the bombshell of being dropped as competitors TWO years on from her controversial departure from Strictly Come Dancing
THE Doghouse, cricket’s answer to the Kennel Club, celebrated its 50th anniversary last Friday with a dinner at the Tall Trees, near Yarm. Geoff Cook, England man and former Doghouse denizen, was among several speakers and told a very good Kevin
AFTER reading Aled Jones’ letter (HAS, Nov 27) regarding the transportation of animals in the most cruel and appalling conditions, I am in total agreement with him. Obviously these poor animals will be heading for the abattoir but we make them
I WAS pleased to read (Echo, Nov 27) that James Wharton MP had the guts to stand up to David Cameron regarding gay marriages. The principle of marriage is for a man and a woman to live together legally and, hopefully, to have a family. If they
A CHEF with a taste for the wild is fast becoming a culinary TV star. James Burton has been dazzling judges to win a place in the finals of a top-rated show. And all next week the foraging Yorkshireman will battle it out in the closing stages
HAS the Church of England shot itself in the foot after the Laity rejected the call for women Bishops? The majority of the clergy were in favour. After all, God created men and women equal. If there is discord in the Church it will have little
WE can’t turn back the clock, but most British people will acknowledge that the European Union has ended up as a disaster both for the United Kingdom and Europe. We don’t want to lose our sovereignty and right to selfdetermination to Germany, albeit
Helen Brown sets the scene as the ghosts of Christmas are about to invade Fountains Abbey in a last bid to save the soul of Scrooge. For one day only, Dickens travels to Ripon JUST when you thought there couldn’t be any more Christmas shows to
COUNCILLOR Ben Ord continues his pernicious denigration of the progressive modernisation of the Electrolux site at Merrington Lane (HAS, Nov 26). May I remind him that during 2000-05 Spennymoor was recognised as the tenth most popular small town
THE number of teenagers giving birth in the North-East declined by 10.5 per cent last year, according to new official figures. Last year a total of 3,233 teenagers aged between 13 and 19 gave birth in the region, compared with 3,574 in 2010-11.
I WAS horrified to read that the Government is proposing to relax the rules on doorstep calling (Echo, Nov 28). As if we didn’t have enough problems with unwanted and intrusive phone calls. Many of us will now be reluctant to answer the door
RECENT flooding of the East Coast Main Line, in particular north of Darlington, caused untold misery for rail travellers (Echo, Nov 27). Network Rail and the train operators resorted to replacement buses. This would have been unheard of when we
CHARITIES are asking “welloff” pensioners to donate their winter fuel allowance to the needy. Surely they should send this request to all our MPs sitting (cosy and warm) in the Houses of Parliament. Their recent antics include travelling first
D HARRISON criticised Darlington Borough Council’s plan to introduce wheelie bins (HAS, Dec 1). In my opinion he has hit the nail on the head. Wheelie bins are a waste of money. They are totally unsuitable for some premises. As for the re-development
THEFT OFFENCE: Adrian Raper, 25, of Station Road, Darlington, will appear in court to face a theft offence. He also faces two charges of possessing a bladed object in public. His case was adjourned today (Thursday, December 6) until December 10 when
A MOTORIST more than twice over the legal drink drive limit had a passenger in his car when he hit another vehicle, a court heard. Hamilton Chiwaya, 18, who gave his address in court as Westgate, Thirsk, appeared before Darlington Magistrates’
NEW research has shown that molecular changes to people's genes are driven mainly by ageing but are also affected by what they eat. The study, which involved scientists from Newcastle University and the Institute of Food Research, showed that while
THE CITY of York Council has warned it is likely to have to cut 220 jobs in the next few years. In an e-mail sent to staff, chief executive of the authority, Kersten England, said the council will lose an extra two per cent of funding in 2014 /
AN ancient ruin will echo to the sound of festive music and song next week. Rievaulx Abbey, near Helmsley, North Yorkshire, will be the setting for an al fresco carol concert on December 16. Bilsdale Silver Band will be joined by the choir
Durham City’s Labour MP Roberta Blackman-Woods will give a talk about her work to youngsters at Browney Primary School tomorrow, Friday December 7, as part of the school’s Raising Aspirations projects. HOME FAIR St Margaret’s Nursing Home, Crossgate
Joe Willis manages to ignore his quarrelling fellow diners to enjoy an evening at Filini in Durham A WEEKEND away would once have meant London, the seaside or the Lakes. These days we are just happy to leave the street. We have come to realise
Some imaginative and varied arrangements of familiar Christmas songs provide a great showcase for this very polished big band. Mostly instrumental, there are features for Gregory Tardy (tenor), Tim Green (alto) and Dan Trudell (Hammond B-3). knoxjazz.org
Some of the master drummer’s finest small group sessions from the 1950s are rescued from the archives here. The first sextet session alone is worth the price with Charlie Shavers, Ben Webster, Bill Harris, Teddy Wilson and Ray Brown in great form.
With over two-and-ahalf hours of music on this double CD you get a very generous selection of the distinctive tenor saxophonist accompanied by Ruby Braff, Jack Teagarden, Pee Wee Russell and many more. As so often with this series it’s a mix of the
THERE’S another fine week of folk ahead for the region, starting tonight at Darlington’s Copper Beech, where local chanteuse Flossie Malavialle is the star attraction. I hear that tickets might be hard to come by for this show, but Flossie is also
IF you’re an avid watcher of the TV series King Of The Hill, you may know that the voice of Elvin is provided by the chart-topping country artist Trace Adkins.. That same voice has also featured on 13 award-winning albums. His latest album features
Pianist Jonathan Plowright introduces two important works from 19th Century Poland. The unique Piano Quintet of Polish pianist composer Zarebski brims with musical ideas. The work is coupled with the passionate and lyrical Piano Quartet of Zelenski
Ex Cathedra and Jeffrey Skidmore present the music of Giovanni Gabrieli in his 400th anniversary year. These superb liturgical settings from the heart of the Venetian polychoral tradition are full of drama, wonder and extraordinary spatial effects
The acclaimed Takacs Quartet joined by cellist Ralph Kirshbaum perform Schubert’s hauntingly beautiful String Quintet. Also recorded is the Quartettsatz, a sterling fragment of a String Quartet in C minor abandoned by the composer. Highly recommended
A WILDLIFE garden was officially opened by a Middlesbrough footballer yesterday (Wednesday, December 5). Middlesbrough Football Club star Connor Ripley opened the wildlife garden in Normanby as part of a festive event that also featured visits
ADVICE has been issued in the battle to control the spread of the norovirus bug. South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has launched a ‘Say NO to NOrovirus’ campaign that aims to stop the spread of the highly contagious winter vomiting virus
SO the Government is to have a consultation regarding the minimum unit price of alcohol, possibly on the same basis as that of the old American wild west when an outlaw was given a “fair” trial – then hanged. The Government will “consult” with
PLANS have been unveiled for an ambitious re-development of the National Glass Centre in Sunderland. Following the successful completion of phase one in September, which saw the National Glass Centre re-model its glass studio and shop, the second
TIME after time, when the Conservatives are in trouble, a toadying backbencher leaps up and condemns Labour’s failure to back the benefits cap. For David Cameron, the issue is like a big boot downfield by a flustered centre back -–a surefire way
THE Autumn Statement contained a genuine surprise – and what a welcome announcement the A1 upgrade proved to be. Of course, it should be remembered that George Osborne actually cancelled the same plan two years ago, but times have changed.
RECORD numbers of people in the region are now playing sport, official figures show. According to Sport England, 760,000 men and women in the North-East are taking part every week - an increase of 60,000 on last year. Nationally, 15.5 million
Universal acclaim greeted the news that William and Kate are to become parents, but the Duchess of Cambridge is in hospital for the next few days because of a severe form of morning sickness. Health and Education Editor Barry Nelson finds out more
VOLUNTEERS are joining forces to help elderly and vulnerable residents keep mobile during extreme weather this winter. As part of Darlington Snow Patrol, which is now in its third year, a number of volunteer groups have joined together to help
A MAN caught with two "trophy" bullets in his home walked free from court after his barrister highlighted the case of SAS hero Danny Nightingale. Police found one of the shells when they visited the house in Stockton to speak to Darren Pattison
THE first Military Covenant Networking event for veterans took place last week. The event, which was held on November 28 at the Dolphin Centre, was part of the new proposals agreed in Darlington Borough Council's veterans action plan to support
NORTH-EAST firms are being encouraged to look east to export by the region’s largest business membership organisation as it leads a trade mission to Japan. The North East Chamber of Commerce is offering ten companies the opportunity to join a regional
CHRISTMAS came early for a group of pensioners who were treated to a seasonal lunch by Rotarians. Chester-le-Street Rotary Club held the event for 22 old folk who may be on their own this Christmas at the town’s Parish Centre in Middle Chare today
YOUNG people can ready themselves for a military life thanks to new courses being launched in Teesside. A Military Preparation Course that has been launched in Middlesbrough will offer specialist training to help 16 to 24-year-olds prepare for
POLICE investigating the theft of a Poppy Appeal collection tin from a North-East museum have released CCTV footage of the crime. The 22-second video appears to show a man entering the cafe at the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) museum, in Aykley Heads
A TYCOON has been cleared of bribing a Vietnamese bank governor by paying for his son to attend Durham University in exchange for a £90m printing contract. Bill Lowther, 73, was accused of footing the bill for the son of Le Duc Thuy, the boss of
A PLAN for tackling domestic abuse in County Durham has been launched. The Safe Durham Partnership’s Domestic Abuse Strategy 2012-15 outlines how member organisations will work together to reduce domestic abuse and support those affected by it.
A NEW television channel covering the North-East is due to launch next year after being granted a licence by Ofcom. Made in Tyne & Wear TV will broadcast on Freeview to 900,000 households in Newcastle and Sunderland, although will also be available
A LEADER of a council is to step down, saying his deafness had done him ‘more harm’ than he realised. Keith Knaggs has led Ryedale District Council and its Conservative group for the past 17 years. But now the councillor, who is registered
A CITY centre will be transformed into a heavenly haven with ice sculptures lining the streets next week. York’s Festival of Angels returns for on December 15 and 16 and will run across the Minster Quarter, including Low Petergate, Stonegate, Kings
A WOMAN tried to drive the wrong way through a McDonald’s drive through while she was twice the legal alcohol limit, a court heard. Katie Howe, 22, of Mellanby Crescent, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, tried to access the McDonalds, at Coatham
CARE home staff were advised not to use a lift by an engineer who removed a part two days before a 92-year-old resident fell down the shaft to her death, a court heard. Paul Thompson was called to the North-East nursing home after staff smelled
TRANSPORT bosses have been warned against upgrading the A1 “on the cheap” after it emerged the new scheme could differ from the plans axed in 2010. Officials confirmed today (Thursday, December 6) that the proposed improvements would need to go
REGULARS at a city centre bar have extra cause to raise a toast, after it won a prestigious award for the second consecutive year. Varsity was named Durham City’s best bar and overall winner at the annual Best Bar None awards. The Saddler Street
A YOUNGSTER injured when a car crashed onto a railway line is still fighting for his life. The 11-year-old boy, who has not been named by police, was a passenger in a Range Rover that careered off the A69 near Haltwhistle, Northumberland, and ended
RESCUE centre staff are seeking a home for a dog that has recovered after almost being starved to death. The RSPCA inspector who found boxer-cross Julia inside a car tied to the handbrake thought she was dead because she was so emaciated. Julia
PRIMARY school children from across Darlington joined together for a special Christmas carol concert at St Cuthbert’s Church. Youngsters from Cockerton, Gurney Pease, Heathfield, Mowden, Reid Street and West Park schools all took part in singing
COULD these be the region’s most impressive homespun Christmas lights? Julie and Jeff Wright have been attracting attention with their display at their home in West Auckland Road, Darlington. The flamboyant decorations include more than 3,000
CORONER APPEAL: Teesside’s Coroner is appealing for relatives of Keith Hendry of Tweed House, Stockton to come forward. The 55-year-old died at the address on Tuesday, December 4. There are no suspicious circumstances. Any family members can contact
A MAN arrested after low-speed police chase involving a JCB has appeared in court. Stephen Seaman faces a number of criminal damage and driving charges arising from the incident on Wednesday last week. The 27-year-old did not enter any pleas
A CHRISTMAS Tree Festival is being held over the weekend to celebrate the 200th year anniversary of Bondgate Methodist Church. The celebrations get under way on Friday (December 7), at 6.30pm There will be a special guest appearance by Carmel RC
EXPORTS from the region have reached another record high, bucking the national downward trend, with the North-East’s annual total coming in at £14.125bn. The region is once again leading the way when it comes to exports, with HM Revenue and Customs
A MARKET scheme to help retail businesses get off the ground has signed up four enterprising women. Curve Clothing; Soap and Soul; Cosy Craft Spot and Cinderella’s Boutique are all trading from Middleton Grange’s Indoor Market in Hartlepool, as
TRIBUTES have continued to pour in for a long-serving Darlington councillor and the driving force behind the town’s annual carnival, who died this week. Jackie Maddison had been a member of Darlington Borough Council since 2003 and involved with
POLICE are appealing for information following the theft of power tools worth several thousand pounds from a locked garage. The haul was stolen from a garage at Baldersby Park, near Ripon, between 5pm on November 22 and 8.45am the next day – although
A NEW national survey has shown that North-East accident and emergency departments are as good - and in some cases better - than the national average. A survey of people using A&E departments in England showed that waiting times are getting
A MOTORIST clocked at nearly double the 30mph limit on a Darlington road has been fined £200. Jordan Senior, 19, of Merrybent Drive, Merrybent, near Darlington, pleaded guilty to speeding via a letter read at Darlington Magistrates’ Court today
A SINGLE mother who claimed mental health problems were behind her persistent shoplifting has been warned she faces jail. Katrina Bensley, 27, of Eldon Street, Darlington appeared at the town’s magistrates’ court today (Thursday, December 6) to
EXISTING comprehensives have nothing to fear from a planned new free school, a project director has insisted. In a strong defence of the Durham Free School scheme, director and chair of governors David Glover said he was not in the business of
A WORLD champion Thai boxer has packed a punch with pupils by encouraging them to reach their full potential through sport. Students at Darlington School of Mathematics and Science (DSMS) were put through their paces by Harrogate-born Rachael MacKenzie
POLICE are searching for two people suspected of stealing alcohol from a petrol station. Officers have released CCTV footage of a man and a woman who were caught on camera putting alcohol into a bag at the Co-op garage on the A59 between York and
Residents of Northgate will get the chance to discuss crime in the area and meet their neighbourhood police officer and police community support officer at the next Police and Communities Together (Pact) meeting for the ward. The meeting will take
A COMMUNITY centre is looking for aspiring musicians for a new rock school. The Park View Community Association in Chester-le-Street hopes to host RocksCool Academy, which has centres throughout the region. It will teach students to play guitar
NEEDY youngsters around the world will receive a touch of festive cheer thanks to Teesside school children. Students at The King’s Academy in Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough rallied together to support the Operation Christmas Child appeal. The
A COUNCIL boss is stepping down from his role, claiming he no longer has the full confidence of his party. Conservative councillor Keith Knaggs has led Ryedale District Council for the last 17 years but said his resignation was now in the best
A SPECIAL Christmas tree symbolising support for asthma sufferers has received a blessing. Northallerton and District Lionesses held a dedication day for their Tree of Hope, which this year was in aid of Children’s Asthma UK. The festive tree
MISSING chef Claudia Lawrence and others from around the region who have disappeared from their homes will be remembered next week. The first Missing People Northern Carol Service will take place in York on Monday and has been organised by Peter
THE major project to create a new home for Richmondshire District Council has finally got underway. Contractors have moved on to the former Lower School site in Richmond and expect to have the new base ready by summer 2013. Plans to create
A SCHEME to keep elderly and vulnerable people safe in winter is seeking volunteers. The Snow Angels was launched last year in Chester-le-Street by the police and social landlord Cestria Community Housing. The aim is to ensure the elderly and
12:42pm CHANGES are being made at the top of Ryedale District Council with Tory leader Keith Knaggs quitting, saying he does not have the full confidence of his party. He has stepped down as leader of Ryedale District Council
We have already started to experience bad weather with recent flurries of snow so I hope that the next few weeks leading up to Christmas don't mean that vulnerable people will be suffering. Can I encourage all those who are in a position to do so,
We have already started to experience bad weather with recent flurries of snow so I hope that the next few weeks leading up to Christmas don't mean that vulnerable people will be suffering. Can I encourage all those who are in a position to do
CROFT Circuit is gearing up for its final motor sport event of 2012 - the single-venue Christmas Stages Rally on Saturday, December 29. Organised by the Northallerton Automobile Club, the Christmas Stages Rally generally attracts more than 80 crews in
TONY Mowbray insists there is no need for Middlesbrough to change their positive attacking approach despite conceding three goals in two of their last three matches. After slipping to a surprise 3-1 home defeat to Bristol City towards the end of last
FIVE North-East youngsters have been selected to compete in January's Australian Youth Olympic Festival (AYOF) in Sydney. The AYOF will see 1,700 athletes aged 12-20 competing across 17 Olympic sports in many of the venues that were used to host the
WORK to renovate one of the region’s most famous landmarks is now underway. Construction has started on a new viewing area at Middlesbrough’s Transporter Bridge. Installation of the new Winding House Viewing Area and a revamp of the attraction
A BUSINESSMAN whose chain of estate agencies blazed a trail for others to follow has died, aged 70. Trevor Southern, who lived with his wife Pat in Durham City, passed away peacefully in Newcastle's RVI hospital earlier this week, surrounded by
Matt Westcott talks to Rou Reynolds of British post-hardcore band Enter Shikari, ahead of their visit to the O2 Academy in Newcastle on Sunday. Their album, A Flash Flood of Colour, is out now While proper bands don’t write albums to win awards
Paul Dixon and David Hammal, senior tax advisors at PwC, in Newcastle, give an expert view of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement YOU could be mistaken for thinking that George Osborne’s Autumn Statement was actually this year’s Budget. Not only
PETER and Carla are back in Weatherfield. But don’t put out the bunting or organise a civic reception and, whatever you do, don’t open a bottle of bubbly to mark the couple’s return in Coronation Street (ITV1). The pair swear they’re off the booze
CONTROVERSIAL plans to change a family home into a residence for children with behavioural problems have been withdrawn. Around 170 people had objected to the proposed change of use of Lilac House in Hunwick with 430 also signing a petition against
STAFF at a St Helen Auckland supermarket will be “cycling to Lapland” this weekend to raise money for Cancer Research UK. Tesco stores across the country are taking part in the fundraiser, which starts tomorrow (Friday, December 7) and runs until Sunday
ROBBIE Williams tribute artist JK will make a return visit to Butterknowle Village Hall for a pre-Christmas charity show on Saturday, December 22. It will be the third time JK has performed Robbie's string of hits in the village and organiser,
MOVE over The Commitments – when it comes to soul, there's no beating a group of Teesdale youngsters. The 18-strong Teesdale Soul Band are about to launch their first CD, called It Happened. The band draws its members from Teesdale School,
A TEESDALE couple have been told their youngest children don't qualify for free school transport – because the route isn't dangerous enough. Neil and Kelly Kirkby's daughter, 11-year-old Ebony, currently enjoys a free ride to Montalbo Primary School
THE parents of a seriously ill toddler are hoping he will be well enough to make a special guest appearance at a party being held to raise cash for his care. Scott and Joanna Denton's world was turned upside down when their three-year-old son Joshua
A SMALL rural County Durham primary school has been judged top class by Ofsted inspectors. Hamsterley Primary was rated outstanding – the highest mark possible - after a two-day inspection in November. The school, which has 27 pupils, is one
CLASSIC sounds of the 60s will entertain rhythm and blues fans at Mickleton Village Hall on Saturday, December 8. The show will feature Animals & Friends, successors to the legendary The Animals, who became the second British band after The
DARLINGTON Labour councillor, Jackie Maddison has died. The Borough Council's leader, Bill Dixon, announced the news on the social networking site, Twitter. He tweeted: "Sad news, Jackie Maddison. Labour Cllr in Darlington died peacefully in
