CHARLEY Boorman is a modern day adventurer and travel writer. He came to prominence when he joined up with his friend, Hollywood movie star, Ewan McGregor for their Long Way Round and Long Way Down motorcycle adventures. He has since branched out
THE Toyota GT86 harks back to the golden age of sports cars. Say hello to the most fun you can have for under £30,000. On the road: ONE touch of the accelerator is all it took. Wha-hey-hey! It was like being in a 1970s cop show. By the second
WHEN you make a car your 'Car of the Year' it doesn't leave much scope for objectivity so stand by for 600 words of gushing praise in honour of the big-booted Beemer. On the road: FROM the front the Touring looks identical to its saloon
THE Veloster’s debut presented us with the proverbial sheep in wolf’s clothing. So does the addition of a turbo ensure this new range-topper has the ‘go’ to accompany the ‘show’? On the road: THE Veloster has always been a great looking car
THE original Auris was so dull you’d forget it’s name within seconds of locking the door. It was as memorable as that programme on ITV on a Saturday night, starring that little chap from the Olympics and those people you swear you’ve seen somewhere
THE Ampera is billed as the first electric car you can use every day. It’s a claim others have made, but have failed to live up to. So can the Car of the Year provide a shock to the system? On the road: THE first thing to say is that the Ampera
WELL-run village halls could be thrown into crisis and their future put in doubt by a council grants shake-up, it has been claimed. Durham County Council officials have ruled to be eligible for a share of the £260,000 Community Building Grant Scheme
A MAN in emotional turmoil after he was spurned by his girlfriend brandished an axe outside a pub where she was with friends. Durham Crown Court heard that Michael Dale Wilson was upset when she ended the 19-month relationship on September 30.
A FORENSIC pathologist giving evidence at the trial of a father accused of shaking his baby son to death said it was very unlikely the child’s injuries were caused by accident or infection. Home Office pathologist Dr Mark Egan said “vigorous shaking
BIRD SIGHTING: One of Britain’s rarest birds has been sighted at a North East nature reserve. The Bittern, a herron with pale brown plumage, has been spotted at Durham Wildlife Trust’s Low Barns Nature Reserve, Witton le Wear. The bird can be seen
TWELVE men have been charged with drugs crimes following dawn raids. Around 200 officers were involved in the raids on Wednesday morning (January 30), which led to 11 men being arrested in County Durham and Wearside and two men on Merseyside.
ANNUAL MEETING: The next meeting of the Cleveland and Darlington Astronomical Society’s (CaDAS) next meeting its annual general meeting followed by members’ presentation on Friday, February 8 at 7.15pm, for a 7.30pm start. The venue is The Planetarium
THE enormous sports stadium which stands on the edge of Darlington has had an eventful history since it was erected more than a decade ago by George Reynolds. Football didn't work out and now it is rugby's turn to try to make a success of a site
AN independent school in Darlington has announced plans to expand after strong inspection results and the proposed closure of a nearby school. Polam Hall, in Grange Road, said it will invest in its facilities to allow two first year classes to
WORKERS at a North-East company got more than they bargained for when they discovered black widow spiders hiding among industrial goods that had been delivered to them. Ecology specialists from Naturally Wild were called in to try and safely catch
A MAN has been arrested after a report that threats were made to school children. Police were called after a man had been using abusive and threatening language towards secondary school children in the areas of Jesmond Dene and Osborne Road in
Durham Indoor Bowling Club stages the first of its popular in-house fifty-fifty dance nights tomorrow (Saturday February 2). The usual fortnightly Saturday night dances prove a draw for both non-members and members at the venue, off Abbey Road,
A POLICE officer has vowed to continued the fight against organised crime and anti social behaviour in north Durham. Chris Davis is the temporary community inspector for Consett, having taken over from Dave Turner, who has been promoted to Chief
JOBS CASH: Harrogate Borough Council has secured £63,000 to support the creation of 40 new apprenticeships in small to medium sized businesses in the district. The funding has come from the council’s membership of the Leeds City Region which has secured
Police appeal to find missing 15-year-old girl last seen boarding a train in Doncaster which was bound for Newcastle. Fifteen-year-old Matila Kanika, from Town Moor, Doncaster, is described as black, slim build, 5ft 7ins tall and was wearing a
A MAN who is alleged to have conned members of the public out of hundreds of thousands of pounds by posing as a wealthy man with terminal brain cancer has had his case adjourned by a court. Jonathan Price, 42, of no fixed address, appeared via
A HOLIDAY club for children struggling with their weight is starting up in North Yorkshire. The free MoreLife (CORRECT) club is for overweight and obese young people and aims to help them lose weight and learn skills that will enable them stay
A FORMER university student has been jailed for 18 months for making and taking indecent photographs of young children. Police found hundreds of images on Gavin Charlton's computer after suspicion was raised about his activities. He admitted
A TEESSIDE firm has landed a £112m contract to turn 140,000 tonnes-a-year of County Durham’s rubbish into green energy – enough to power 17,000 homes. Sita UK has sealed a deal to convert waste from tens of thousands of households across County
THE Education Secretary, Michael Gove, told supporters of a new free school in Ingleby Barwick that he is "very supportive" of their campaign. Mr Gove, a passionate exponent of controversial free schools, met supporters of the Ingleby Manor Foundation
A MAN on trial over a series of child sex charges has walked free from court after a jury found him not guilty on all counts. Paul Needham, of Hartington Way, Darlington, thanked the jury at Teesside Crown Court after they delivered their verdict
A man has been charged after two robberies at newsagents in Hebburn, South Tyneside, on Wednesday, January 30. The 25-year-old man from Jarrow, has been charged with two robberies and two offences of possessing an offensive weapon.
A SERIAL shoplifter breached previous court orders on a supermarket meat-stealing spree. Paul Thomas Cox was seen near meat products aisles at Sainsbury’s Local stores in both Framwellgate Moor and Gilesgate, Durham, within 90 minutes on January
TRIBUTES have been paid to a long-serving councillor, who has died. Margaret Robinson, known as Maggie, was a member of Cassop-cum-Quarrington Parish Council for 28 years, including 13 years as chairman. She was also a member of Durham City
BUDDING David Beckhams could find they have the world at their feet with the launch of a new initiative that could pave the way to scholarships in America. Redcar and Cleveland College has teamed up with GlobalSport Agency to offer an elite Football
A drunk teenager caused a four-hour blackout after smashing his dad's £11,000 Jaguar into a electricity pole. William Haswell was almost three times over the limit when he set off at 6.40am to get breakfast from a McDonald’s drive-through.
A SHOPPING centre is looking to crown its own prince and princess for Valentine’s Day. Prince Bishops shopping centre, in Durham City, is asking couples to send in pictures of themselves in a pop-up board featuring caricature royals. The peep-through
A MAN who believes his mother died from asbestos-related cancer caused by washing her husband’s overalls wants his father’s workmates to help his fight for justice. Elsie Winter, 83, died in October 2010 from mesothelioma – believed to have been
A MAN banned from driving has been given a reprieve after magistrates heard he was on 24-hour call for a kidney and pancreas transplant. Jonathan Farrell appeared before the court to urge justices to lift the three-year disqualification he received
FOUR intrepid cyclists are preparing to tackle some of the world’s best mountain bike tracks in a mammoth fundraising mission. The team, made up of Peter Wilson, 41, and Steven Shepperson, 46, from Darlington, Paul Simpson, 32, from Romanby, Northallerton
A TEAM of butchers in the North-East is celebrating after winning a clutch of awards. Sixteen awards for pork products were given to Knitsley Farm Shop, near Consett, Cuonty Durham at the BPEX Roadshow in Harrogate earlier this week. Haggis
A CHEF has made his first appearance at Newcastle Crown Court charged with attempted murder after a man was stabbed during a frenzied attack at a public gym. Dale Pipe, 20, of Thornfield Road, The Grove, Consett, County Durham, is accused of attempting
THE women who kept the country supplied with timber during the Second World War will be recognized by a new project. The Heritage Lottery Fund has given £29,056 For the an 18-month project, called The Story of the North East’s Lumber Jills.
THE twin passions of football and TV soaps will be catered for at a fundraising event in York later this month. A team from TV’s ever-popular Emmerdale will be taking on opponents from the Royal Mail in a charity soccer match at the York Railway
A COUPLE whose car was destroyed by a rising bollard have won a four year court battle against a council for compensation after the authority's own CCTV evidence proved it had malfunctioned. Claire and Ashley Savidge have accused Darlington Borough
WELL wishers gathered at a North East church to pay their respects to a much-loved organist who died aged 101. Emlyn Warder, of Sandringham Court, Darlington was described by the Revd Canon John Dobson as “one in a million” following his funeral
A NOVICE shepherd has been angered by thieves who stole the trailer he uses to transport his flock. Lorry driver Philip Shellhorn, of Ferryhill, County Durham, began shepherding a year and a half ago after watching sheep dog trials at a country
Royal salute: A 21-gun Royal Salute will be held in Museum Gardens, York, next Wednesday, to mark the 61st anniversary of the Queen’s accession to the throne. The public are invited to watch the midday ceremony where three 105mm light guns will each
FOURTEEN primary schools have contested an indoor football tournament. The annual Durham City School Sport Partnership competition was held at Soccarena, in Belmont, Durham, on Wednesday, January 30. Esh CE, Pittington, Bluecoat CE and St Godric
A NEW cardio dance fitness class will start on Thursday, February 7 at Hummersknott Academy, in Darlington, with instructor Mel Hutchinson. The classes will also include 15 minutes of high intensity Tabta training, which quickly tones and burns
A series of free interactive workshops and one-to-one business mentoring sessions are being offered to Ryedale businesses. The workshops are run by Ryedale District Council in partnership with Science City York (SCY). The workshops are available to
Fake notes: Police are warning local people that a number of fraudulent £20 notes are in circulation in Malton and Norton. Shop owners and businesses are also urged to be on their guard and contact police if they have any concerns. Camera cash:
THE Dolphin Centre's gym will close at 7pm tomorrow (Saturday, February 2) to undergo a month-long refurbishment. A temporary gym will open in the Fitness Studio from Monday for the duration of the works and the Eastbourne Sports Complex will extend
MORE than 1,000 people attended a service to remember Sir Marcus Worsley, the former Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire and brother of the Duchess of Kent. Family, friends and acquaintances crowded into York Minster to pay their respects to the
SIGNS showing the change in ownership of a North-East sports stadium have been installed, the day before competitive sport returns to the venue. Darlington Mowden Park rugby club hosts its first game at The Northern Echo Arena, against Bromsgrove
A MAN accused of an arson attack on a town pub has had his case adjourned. Peter French, 55, of Canterbury Close, Spennymoor, is accused of targeting The Weardale pub, in the town on December 28. He faces a charge of arson with intent or to
A WOMAN is hoping to get back in touch with her cousin who lives in Darlington. ELLEN BRADLEY is searching for her cousin, HUGH MCCARROLL, who was born in 1931 in Govan, Glasgow. He moved to England in the late 1950s and now lives in Darlington
AN MP has taken the unusual step of writing to every councillor on a local authority on the eve of a planning decision on a multi-million pound development. Members of Durham County Council’s County Planning committee are due to vote on Tuesday
POLICE searching for a missing woman today (Friday, February 1) searched open land near a popular tourist area, as the search entered its fifth day. Barbara Colling was last seen walking along the A1257 near Abbotts Hag and Rievaulx at 9.30am on
POLICE are hunting a gunman who targeted a pub in the middle of a housing estate in the early hours of this morning (Friday, February 1). Shots are believed to have been fired at the Park End Public House in Middlesbrough at around 4am but police
A POLICE and Crime Commissioner has delivered on his pledge to ‘hit the ground running’ after attending 140 meetings in his first 41 working days. Barry Coppinger has visited local communities and agencies involved with Cleveland Police on tackling
KICK ABOUT: Half term football training sessions will take place at Meadowfield Leisure Centre, in Durham City, on Wednesday, February 20 and Thursday, February 21. Sessions for children aged five to seven years take place from 10am to noon and cost
BUSINESS owners are being urged to be vigilant following reports of counterfeit money in circulation. Police officers in Darlington are investigating after a number of counterfeit £20 notes were reported in the town. Sergeant Andy Jackson said
WILD BOAR reintroduced to the grounds of a medieval castle are to feature in a popular television programme. The wild animals at Bolton Castle, near Leyburn, will feature on Sunday's (February 3) BBC Countryfile. The boars are classified as
A WOMAN has denied stealing money while working for an estate agent and property management company. During a short hearing at Durham Crown Court today (Friday February 1) Michelle Anne Armstrong pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the theft of £13,450 from
MORE homeowners than ever are turning to auctions to secure the best price for their properties. With properties as valuable of £500,000 having been sold at auction recently, there is no longer an association between auctions and rundown homes
SITUATED in North Road, Durham, this much-improved end terrace house in a block of three is ideally suited to buyers looking for a family home and investors seeking property for student letting. The ground floor comprises a spacious entrance hall
A SELF-help road safety drive for communities concerned about speeding traffic is being launched by North Yorkshire County Council. But parish and town councils will have to pay for action themselves by hiring speed warning signs - paying up to
THE property market is full of challenges at the moment, with selling prices around the country looking set to remain relatively flat. For this reason, thousands of people have resolved to dive into the only housing sector that s truly booming
A WOULD-be burglar is being hunted after he was interrupted as he tried to break into a house. The raider was using a crowbar to force his way through a downstairs window of a house in Middleton Tyas, near Richmond, North Yorkshire, when he was
THE family of a man who died ten days after being attacked in the street have spoken of their devastation at their loss. Keith Wright, who was 50, died in hospital on Thursday morning. He had been on a life support machine since he was attacked
FUNDS RAISED: A ladies’ group from St Bernadette’s Church, Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, has raised £4,000 for reconstructive surgery charity Interplast UK. A fundraising night was held at Marton Country Club on Friday, January 25. They have thanked all
THE man whose mission is to help every Beamish Museum visitor have a good experience is in line for a tourism Oscar. Anthony Gales, head of operations at the popular award-winning attraction near Stanley, County Durham, is shortlisted for the title
BUYERS looking for a quintessential English cottage full of charm and character would have to look long and hard to find anywhere to better Ivy Cottage. This delightful grade II listed home includes a wealth of ‘cottagey’ features, including a
A WOMAN from Teesside has become the 1,000th patient to undergo transplantation of her own bone marrow stem cells at the Freeman Hospital, in Newcastle. Anne O'Neill, from Stockton, was diagnosed with lymphoma - a type of blood cancer - in her
HOUSEHUNTERS can visit Wimpey’s Hunley Manor development in Brotton this weekend, when the developer will be launching its new-look Berwick show home. Visitors can look around the revamped four-bedroom detached home – available from £189,950 at
NICK & Gordon Carver Residential recently moved into the company’s new head office at 18 St Cuthberts Way, Darlington, adjacent and connecting to the Carver Commercial office. Both Nick and Gordon Carver have relocated to the new office, which
TAKING your first step onto the property ladder can be a daunting prospect, but for 26-year-old Rachael Johnson the dream of buying a home is now a reality thanks to Dunelm Homes. For her first home, Rachael chose the two-bedroom Lincoln house
The Queen’s Head in Stokesley has received top marks for its hygiene standards. The pub, situated on the High Street, was awarded five stars by North Yorkshire County Council’s environmental health department, the highest level that can be achieved
A GUEST house which offers well-being breaks is hosting a tailor-made weekend for women diagnosed with breast cancer. The Orange Tree, in Rosedale near Pickering, is hosting the relaxation weekend from April 12 until April 14 in a new initiative
CARLTON Green Hall has stood proud through more than a century and a half of change since it was built in 1846 as a farmhouse for the Duke of Northumberland. During that time it too has changed considerably, never more dramatically than when the
TWO men have admitted burgling the home of an elderly woman last weekend. Christian Allaker, 54, and 40-year-old Edward Albert Thomas Short made a brief appearance in a preliminary hearing at Durham Crown Court following their arrest after the
AN American football club is bringing the sport to Darlington in the hope of finding fresh young talent to feed its teams. The DC Presidents, who train in Peterlee and play in Durham, are holding rookie sessions at the Eastbourne Sports Complex
BUYERS looking for a large family home – or a property that could be used as the base for a bed and breakfast business – should make sure to view this substantial Richmond property. Situated in Maison Dieu, it retains a wealth of period features
EXERCISE SESSION: An exercise class for the over-50s is held at the Chester-le-Street Community Centre, Newcastle Bank, on Thursdays between 1 and 2pm. For details call 0191-388-4752. WEIGHTY MATTERS: A Weight Watchers group meets at the Fulforth
On Sunday February 10 Durham Rambling Club will do nine and 12-mile walks in Bilsdale , North Yorkshire . All are welcome. The cost is £10 including coach. For coach pick- up details and to book, phone/text 07706 871812 or phone 0191- 373 3429.
SHOP DAMAGE: The shop windows of SemiChem and Thornton’s, on Northgate, in Darlington town centre, were damaged between 6pm and 9.30pm on Friday, January 25. Police suspect that the damage was caused by someone using a drain cover. Anyone who witnessed
A LEADING Air Cadet has been picked to accompany a Lord Lieutenant on official duties. Sunderland College sports student Jill Watson, 17, from Castletown in Sunderland, has been Selected by Sir Paul Nicholson, who holds thepost in County Durham
A WOMAN accused of running a £620,000 iPad fraud has been further remanded in custody. Kirsty Cox, 36, of Hamsterley Road, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, faces five charges of fraud by false representation. Ms Cox appeared on video link at
A FREE dyslexia awareness event aimed at parents and carers of children with the condition will be held this month. The Darlington branch of educational charity Dyslexia Action will host an evening session at the Dolphin Centre, on Thursday, February
VIEWS are sought on a new plan to meet the changing needs of a conservation area. Hartlepool Borough Council is asking residents from the town’s Stranton area to put forward ideas to protect buildings with special architectural or historical interest
SPRING CLEAN: The Kirkleatham Owl Centre near Redcar s asking for volunteers to help with a big spring clean on Sunday February 17 from 11am. Hot drinks and soup will be provided to those willing to help with the day of painting, gravelling, bark spreading
A RETIRED civil servant, who claims her life has been ruined by a faulty replacement hip joint, said she is not surprised at new revelations about the implants. Margaret Davie, of West Auckland, County Durham, is convinced that her health was ruined
A TRAINING scheme has been launched to help raise awareness of the importance of dignity for elderly care home residents. Members of GOLD - Growing Older Living in Darlington – developed the course to give carers an extra qualification and to put
A SOD cutting ceremony was held by social landlord livin to start work on the development of affordable homes in Newton Aycliffe. Durham County Council approved the demolition of the disused Greenfields Nursing Home on Greenfield Way, to develop
Spennymoor manager Jason Ainsley says that the Vase favourites won’t fear Lordswood when the Kent League side arrive at the Brewery Field this afternoon. The league champions are flying and are still in four competitions, but alleged comments by
TEACHERS and pupils at a Darlington school braved a mass leg wax as part of a student’s gap year fundraising mission. During the event - dubbed a waxathon - at Carmel College, ten teachers and 15 sixth form students had their legs waxed to raise
ONE of the biggest names in opera is to help recreate the wartime Blitz in the North-east. County Durham-born Professor Graeme Danby is working with actors and dancers on a production of Lionel Bart’s Blitz. But instead of being set in wartime
A HEROIN addict with a drug habit spanning a decade has appeared in court for possessing £240 worth of amphetamine. Police officers found 24 grams of the drug along with some needles when they stopped and searched 42-year-old Grant Trodden in Darlington
POLICE have arrested two men after a Vauxhall Astra was chased by a Ford Ranger 4x4 along a road and the vehicles collided. A grey Vauxhall Astra carrying two adults and three children was followed along Maude Terrace, in St Helen Auckland, near
A COMMUNITY club for youths and adults with learning difficulties has received a financial boost thanks to a £1,500 donation. The Ragworth Neighbourhood Centre received the funding from the social landlord Tristar’s Stockton North Reaching Out
IT was a triumphant opening night for the returning Russian State Ballet of Siberia, who chose the often-overlooked comic ballet, La Fille Mal Gardee to kick off their 4-day programme at Darlington's Civic Theatre. Hot on the heels of the pantomime
A CHARITY dinner is to be held by a town’s mayor to raise funds for the Great North Air Ambulance. Councillor Elizabeth Bruce, mayor of Chilton, and her consort Councillor Alan Bruce, will also raise money for Chilton-based groups at the Mayor’
GIVEN the choice, what would you put into Room 101? Well, Cilla Black, Hugh Dennis and Mel Giedroyc have their own share of personal bugbears, and they’re more than happy to vent on this week’s show. But it’s host Frank Skinner who’ll be making the
ANY self-confessed “townies” – especially those who regularly listen to The Archers – probably imagine that farming is a largely family affair, with land being passed from generation to generation. However, as First Time Farmers has proved, there
FOR some, the Ice Road Truckers regulars aren’t the most likeable people in the world, with opinions that will leave some tutting. However, Lisa Kelly is always good value for money, adding much needed glamour and resourcefulness to a show that could
NATALIE CASEY wasn’t able to let the chance to appear in the new Dolly Parton musical 9 To 5 slip through her fingers. “I’m a massive fan of these late 1970s/early 1980s female empowerment films, usually with Lily Tomlin in them. I knew they had
I WATCHED Bill Gates’ recent Dimbleby lecture with total admiration, amazement, and an equal measure of disbelief. The idea that one man and his foundation can act as a catalyst to totally eradicate polio from the planet in as little as six years
A FAIRTRADE shop has donated £4,000 to a development charity. The Gateway World Shop, on Durham Market Place, presented the money to Traidcraft, the Gateshead-based firm which sells Fairtrade goods and products. Gateway has been trading in Durham for
NISSAN and Mercedes Benz are working together to develop a hydrogen fuel cell that will be emission-free except for water vapour (Echo, Jan 29). It is true that vehicles running on hydrogen fuel cells will not emit carbon dioxide gas but the hydrogen
A VILLAGE cricket club has won approval for the ground move it says is vital for its survival. Burnopfield, near Stanley, is where the legendary England batsman Colin “Basher” Milburn cut his teeth and Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram got his first
RECENT letters about snow took me back to winter of 1962-63. I started playing rugby at Durham City that autumn and one evening, when the snow had been down about two months, the players had a snowball fight. I came up with a crafty plan and
STUART LANCASTER has bit back at Jim Telfer’s jibe that England are arrogant and insisted: “It is not in our culture”. Telfer, the former Scotland coach, lit the blue touch paper ahead of tomorrow’s Calcutta Cup showdown at Twickenham by accusing
WHILE Newcastle Falcons play at Cross Keys this evening, Kingston Park will stage an England Saxons match with Scotland A (8pm). Jonny May and Matt Mullan both come into the Saxons starting line-up. May (Gloucester Rugby) takes over from Christian
ON A recent visit to Darlington, I found the market toilets closed and securely boarded up with no notice as to the reason. One day the councillors who did this may suffer prostate or bladder problems. I long to see them scuttling to the Dolphin
I NOTE that no one was available to comment on The Northern Echo’s report about the constructive dismissal case brought against Ferryhill Town Council by the authority’s former senior officer Jamie Corrigan (Echo, Jan 29). It was independent town
AFTER his side’s best weekend in their history as a BBL club, Durham Wildcats’ guard Keith Page hopes they can continue their winning record this weekend. Wildcats return to action tonight when they travel to One Health Sheffield Sharks for another
THERE are some things that they don’t tell you about on BBC Radio 4’s Gardener’s Question Time – jumping onions for instance. When my wife first planted her allotment one of our tasks each morning, was to go up and water it then put the onions
A PRIMARY school playground is looking shipshape thanks to a £10,000 cash boost from the National Lottery. St William’s RCVA Primary School in Trimdon Village, near Sedgefield, is now the proud owner of a colourful pirate ship, which is proving
A WINE merchant has vowed to cut down on his drinking after being caught driving at nearly three times the legal alcohol limit. Thomas Lilico, 32, of Craig Street, Darlington, had 100mg of alcohol in his breath when he was stopped near his home
A NEW village boxing club is hoping to punch above its weight. The club began in Brandon, near Durham, on Tuesday (January 29). Sessions will be held in Brandon Carrside Youth Club, on Carr Avenue. Over 11s are welcome on Tuesdays from
A TOURING production exploring the idea of self-sacrifice comes to the North-East this weekend (Sunday, February 3). Riding Lights Theatre Company will present A Different Drum at Belmont Parish Hall, in Belmont, Durham City, on Sunday evening.
AS a football fan, I found D Brearley’s letter about the behaviour of players interesting (HAS, Jan 28). There is so much money involved in the game that it’s now a business first and a sport second. This means supporters do not receive the
PETER MULLEN writes in defence of the tax avoidance practised by Starbucks and other multi-national companies (Echo, Jan 29). Perhaps he practises what he preaches and has become a nondom whereby, though apparently living in Harrow, he is domiciled
LIFE isn’t full of surprises. For most of us, it’s full of routine, mainly linked to the task of earning our daily bread. But sometimes things happen that change our lives, attitudes and expectations. We call them “big bang moments”, although they
SOMETIMES avoiding being stricken by the winter ailments can feel like a rabbit dodging pellets, but aromatherapy and Chinese medicine are some of many complementary therapies that can help boost the body’s own natural defences. TRADITIONAL CHINESE
JIMMY GOPPERTH will make his 100th appearance for Newcastle Falcons at Cross Keys in the British and Irish Cup tonight. The two-time Aviva Premiership Golden Boot winner will lead his charges out knowing that victory over the Welsh outfit will
ROY HODGSON is not expecting David Beckham’s high-profile move to Paris St Germain will herald a return to the England fold. After quitting the Los Angeles Galaxy in November, Beckham has now returned to Europe and yesterday joined the cash-rich
DAVID BECKHAM completed his move to Paris St Germain yesterday and announced he will donate his entire salary – believed to be in the region of £2m – to a local children’s charity. The former England captain, 37, signed a five-month contract with
CAMPAIGNERS have vowed to continue their fight to block plans to build wind farms across east Cleveland. Developer Banks Renewables has planning permission from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council to erect 60m test masts on the site of the proposed
WRITERS' SESSION: Authors Michael Stewart and Cassandra Parkin are to meet fans at a Literary: Read Regional event. Mr Stewart’s debut novel King Crow was recommended for World Book Night 2012 and Ms Parkin’s New World Fairy Tales won the 2011 Scot
A TEESSIDE MP is calling for urgent rent reforms after reports of soaring costs in his constituency. Research recently released from housing and homelessness charity Shelter shows rent in Middlesbrough has increased 3.4 per cent in a year, rising
A HIGHLY-respected amateur dramatics group will return to the stage next week (February 5-9). Durham Musical Theatre Company (DMTC) will present the musical Sweeney Todd at the Gala Theatre, Durham City, from Tuesday to Saturday. The show,
IT was, as expected, a quiet transfer deadline day at Hartlepool United, with nothing going on. It doesn’t mean John Hughes is stuck with what he has got, as emergency loan signings are permitted from next week. And the Pools boss is pleasantly
THE sight of a Mike Ashley's helicopter arriving at Newcastle's training ground on transfer deadline day might have suggested a late flurry in the market. However, one of the busiest days of the season passed by with the squad celebrating their new
A MOTHER-of-two who stole a mobile phone from a probation officer and repeatedly shoplifted to fund her drug habit has been jailed. Darlington Magistrates’ Court heard on Thursday (January 31) that 30-year-old Katie Carruthers of Tom Raine Court
The Middlesbrough manager said: “It arose in my mind on Tuesday listening on the radio to the negativity shown towards Danny when he came on for Swansea at Sunderland. I was unsure whether it would cause a problem for the Sunderland deal so I made
HARRY REDKNAPP managed to secure three of his transfer targets for QPR yesterday, but it was the man he did not get who attracted the most attention. In the wake of Christopher Samba signing for a club record fee believed to be in the region of
FOOTBALL’S January transfer window closed last night and the scramble for new signings has been another reminder of the incredible amounts of money that change hands at the highest level of the game. It is a world apart from normality for the vast
HOAX callers are being given short shrift by a North-East police force, helping to curb the number of potentially time-wasting offences. The new “robust approach” to hoaxers is believed to be saving Durham Police thousands of pounds a year.
MARVIN EMNES will join new signing Kieron Dyer in the Middlesbrough squad for tomorrow’s trip to Ipswich Town after Swansea City decided against a cash-only deadline day move for the Dutchman. Emnes would have gone in the opposite direction had
IT has become an established part of the sporting calendar, indeed Sky Sports yesterday described it as “one of the most important days of the year”. But what does a Chief Sports Writer do if he's spending transfer window on a day off looking after
SIGNS showing the change in ownership of a North-East sports stadium have been installed, as it edges nearer to hosting competitive sport once more. Darlington Mowden Park rugby club hosts its first game at The Northern Echo Arena, against Bromsgrove
THE North-East’s best tourist attractions have been recognised at an awards ceremony celebrating the region’s best places to stay, eat and relax. Among the winners at theNorth-East England Tourism Awards was Rockliffe Hall, in Hurworth, near Darlington
A HUSBAND and wife team have opened a new Italian restaurant – with a little help from their daughter. Chris and Gemma Holloway have launched Lucia's Italian Kitchen on the site of the former Joe Rigatoni's restaurant in High Street, Yarm, which
BUSINESSES in the North-East can now benefit from super-fast broadband coverage. Companies in Sunderland are able to use 4G fibre broadband from network EE, which runs five times faster than 3G. The 4G coverage is now available in 27 towns
THE stars of an international ballet company have arrived in the North-East for a series of performances. The Russian State Ballet of Siberia, joined by the Orchestra of Siberia, has returned to Darlington’s Civic Theatre to perform three different
BUSINESSES across Darlington and Teesside have benefitted from a Government mentor scheme. More than 350 mentors are working in the region, offering advice and support to small businesses and entrepreneurs. The scheme, part of the Government's
A FAMILY has paid tribute to a “loving and caring” 30-year-old woman who died hours after being diagnosed with a brain tumour. Claire Gardiner tragically passed away in hospital after the tumour spread and left her blind in one eye. Miss Gardiner
CHILDREN with nothing to do during the school holidays are being invited to attend football training session across the region. The sessions in County Durham are aimed at helping youngsters aged between five and 14 years old – including the most
THE RNLI will visit County Durham Primary Schools to give life-saving advice in memory of a boy who died in the River Wear last year. Soon after his death, friends and family of Ian Bell launched a campaign to ensure the tragedy that befell the
A CANCER survivor has given more than £10,000 to a hospital to repair a microscope used in her breast reconstruction. The £75,000 operating microscope at University Hospital of North Durham has had a broken part for 18 months which has meant only
FULL details on the 12 projects vying for the Elite money in Crook can now be found online. A public vote will be held on Saturday, February 23, to decide which groups will get all or some of the £500,000 left over from the cancelled refurbishment
PLANS to turn a former car showroom into a flooring shop next to a proposed cinema development have been approved. The mainly glass building at Tindale Crescent in Bishop Auckland has been empty since County Durham Ford dealership Holiways closed
