Archive
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Chow reaches 200 landmark
Whitley Bay striker Paul Chow scored his 200th goal for the club in their 4-3 win over Bedlington in the Northumberland Senior Cup semi final last night. Chow reached the landmark when he opened the scoring early in the game, and he added two more
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Subsea array cable installation begins at one of Europe’s largest offshore
A SUBSEA engineering company has started the latest stage of a £40m contract to build one of the largest offshore wind farms. Stockton firm Reef Subsea Power & Umbilical will connect 161 turbines to two offshore substations already installed
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Mapps success is based on friendly local service
A FAMILY insurance firm has shown that you don't need a flashy advertising campaign to survive and thrive against much larger competitors. Mapps Mortgage and Insurance is run by brother and sister team Peter Mapp and Vivienne Page. Mr Mapp set up
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Two changes for Pools at Oldham
JOHN Hughes makes two changes for Hartlepool United’s must-win game at Oldham. Steve Howard replaces Charlie Wyke, while Nathan Luscombe is in for Ritchie Humphreys, who has suffered a calf strain. Pools sit two points behind The Latics in the
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200 jobs at risk at Newton Aycliffe electronics factory
HUNDREDS of North-East jobs are at risk after an electronics firm announced plans to close a factory. RF Micro Devices (RFMD), in Newton Aycliffe, today revealed it was pulling out of the region and moving production to America. The company
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Yorkshire chairman appointed to senior role at ECB
YORKSHIRE'S Colin Graves has been officially elected as the England and Wales Cricket Board’s new deputy chairman after winning a recent election for the prestigious post. Graves, the Yorkshire chairman, beat Essex’s Nigel Hilliard in a ballot
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Police appeal for witnesses after two pedestrians struck by van in Darlington
POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a crash in which a van collided with two pedestrians, leaving them with serious injuries. Paramedics and police were called to the incident which happened on North Road, in Darlington, directly outside Morrisons
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Music For Cuthbert to mark Shadforth church's refurbishment
A CHURCH is throwing a concert to celebrate the feast day of its patron saint and the completion of an internal refurbishment. St Cuthbert’s Church, in Shadforth, near Durham, has had its old pews removed and replaced with comfortable seats, been
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Man who admits Ferryhill stabbing apologises to victim after receiving suspended prison sentence
A WOULD-BE Good Samaritan who stabbed a man six times after intervening in a violent dispute, today (Tuesday March 19) spoke of his relief after walking free from court. William Edward Wetherell said he wanted to apologise to his victim who suffered
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'Relax parking regulations,' MP tells council
TEESSIDE’S Conservative MP has called on Stockton Council to relax parking penalties. James Wharton, MP for Stockton South, echoed comment by Eric Pickles, minister for local government, calling on authorities across the UK not to penalise people
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Durham shopping centre administrators 'axe manager'
ADMINISTRATORS running a struggling shopping centre have axed its manager, The Northern Echo understands. The Gates shopping centre, in Durham City, has been in administration since September last year, when Grant Thornton UK LLP were appointed
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Cash raised for swans
North East Swan Rescue, the group that looks after the swans on the River Wear at Chester-le-Street’s Riverside Park, has been given £30 by the town’s North End Residents Association, who raised the money with a raffle at a recent meeting.
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BT apologises over phone book errors
BT has apologised after a council complained about out of date and inaccurate information in its latest phone book. The errors occurred in the latest Durham and Wearside edition of the phone book which includes listings for Durham County Council
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Sid is still dancing at 90
A PROFESSIONAL dancer will take to the floor tomorrow night (Wednesday, March 20) to prove he is still nimble at 90. Sid Robson, who was born on March 20, 1923, is celebrating his landmark birthday with his partner, Anne Milburn, as well as friends
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Man arrested over Virgin Media bomb scare
A 34-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a bomb scare which caused more than 300 workers to be evacuated. At around 10.55am this morning (Tuesday, March 19) police received an anonymous report that a suspicious package may be located
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89-year-old revisits her childhood in manor house attic
AN 89-year-old has returned to the attics of a manor house, where she spent much of her early childhood, to see it opened as a public attraction. Susanna Richmond today (Tuesday, March 19) visited Mount Grace Priory manor house, near Northallerton
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Drug user 'self medicated' with heroin
A DRUG user ‘self-medicated’ on heroin, cannabis and diazepam after injuring his hand, a court heard. Simon Keith, 50, of West Crescent, pleaded guilty to possessing the drugs when he appeared before Darlington Magistrates’ Court today (Tuesday
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A67 to be closed until further notice after further landslip
A BUSY road is to be closed to traffic after engineers investigating a landslip discovered further movement in the land. Temporary traffic lights were put in place on the A67 at Low Carlbury, between High Coniscliffe and Piercebridge, near Darlington
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Riot in Middlesbrough as BBC films George Gently episode
THERE were 40 rioters hurling bricks, bloodied policemen, two bulldozers and a fire blazing in an alleyway. This was the scene greeting surprised passers-by in the Gresham area of Middlesbrough, today (Tuesday, March 18). However, they needn
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Changes to Chester-le-Street mail delivery
MAIL delivery times will change under a new system being introduced in Chester-le-Street. From today, Tuesday, March 19, postmen and women will start to follow new routes in the DH2 and DH3 postcode areas. The changes have been made to reflect
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Bike ride to pay for gym gear
A CHARITY bike ride is being held to raise money for a community gym. Volunteers and members of Leadgate Community Centre are riding 100 miles on an exercise bike on Good Friday. The event is to raise funds for the £5,000 needed to pay for
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Police appeal as boy, 14, goes missing
POLICE are trying to track down a missing teenager and are appealing for the public’s help. Ewan Corbett, 14, was last seen at his by his carers in the village of Fellbeck between Ripon and Pateley Bridge early last Sunday evening, March 17.
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Search for former Salvation Army choir members ahead of reunion
FORMER members of a long-running children’s choir have been invited to take part in a reunion celebration. The Darlington branch of the Salvation Army has had a choir since 1935, with almost 300 members over the decades. The organisers of a
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'Bizarre' vandalism carried out on cars parked at Darlington train station
A SALES advisor admitted he could not explain “bizarre” acts of vandalism in which he ripped the window wipers off parked cars. Darlington Magistrates’ Court heard today (Tuesday, March 19) that Gerrard Bland, 38, of Bank Top Mews, pulled the wipers
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Honour for Catterick Garrison commander
YEARS of dedicated service by one of the region’s most senior soldiers have been recognised by the Queen. Colonel Nick Millen, 54, was appointed an OBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List and has now been invested with the honour at Buckingham
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Cousin's plea for help led to driving ban
DRIVING to a relative's aid after drinking at home led to a Darlington man losing his licence. Darlington Magistrates’ Court heard today (Tuesday, March 19) that Scott Holmes, 24, of North Road received a text message from his cousin in the early
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Seaham man mounts angry defence to claim he "considered killing" disabled nephew
A MAN accused of killing his parents for a £230,000 inheritance has angrily denied that he considered killing his disabled nephew, a court heard today. Stephen Seddon, 46, has told a jury that he drove from his home in Seaham, County Durham, to
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Woman sentenced for Facebook harassment of missing toddler's family
A WOMAN who harassed the family of a toddler who vanished more than 30 years ago was branded “pure evil” today (Tuesday, March 19). Donna Wright, of Spennymoor, County Durham - who suffers from mental health problems - was spared jail when her
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Work on Whitby's historic swing bridge nears completion
A MAJOR overhaul of an historic swing bridge used by thousands every day is nearing completion. The bridge across the Esk estuary at Whitby dates back to 1909 and is being upgraded by the county council at a cost of £250,000. The work has been
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Enthronement beckons for Justin Welby
THE new Archbishop of Canterbury will be enthroned on Thursday (March 21). The Most Reverend Justin Welby, who was previously Bishop of Durham, will complete his move to become earthly leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion in a 3pm service
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Joey Barton comment leads to Darlington pub fight
A FIGHT broke out after a man was told he looked like former Newcastle United footballer Joey Barton, a court heard. Shaun Beckwith, 21, and Maxwell McStravick, 40, both admitted using threatening behaviour after the pair came to blows outside
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Patient opens new pharmacy at doctors' surgery
A LONG-standing patient of a doctors’ surgery has been given the honour of opening its new pharmacy. Bob Rippon, who has been a patient of Denmark Street Surgery, in Darlington, since 1957, was asked to cut the ribbon on the Late Night Pharmacy
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Police hunt toothbrush thief
POLICE are hunting a toothbrush thief. The man stole several packs of toothbrush heads from Boots, in Durham Market Place, on January 11. He entered the shop at about 2.45pm, turned so his back faced the CCTV camera and put the items under
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Search for dealers following drug farm raid
POLICE have uncovered a North-East drugs farm as a national charity launched Scratch and Sniff cards to help people recognise cannabis cultivation in their neighbourhoods. Officers raided a house in Harperley Gardens, Stanley, recently and found
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Students to compete in major sports competition
A GROUP of 31 North East students will compete in the national finals of a major sports competition this weekend. The students - from Darlington’s Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College - will travel to the University of Bath on Friday March 22 to
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Farmer's relief as missing spaniel found
A SEMI-RETIRED farmer has been reunited with one of his two dogs which were stolen last week. David Amsden, of Preston-under-Scar, near Leyburn, North Yorkshire, travelled to Darlington on Tuesday (March 19), where 14-year-old Sally had been handed
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Drunk man arrested after trying to 'help' police officers
A DRUNK man who wanted to help the police arrest someone ended up in handcuffs himself. Darlington Magistrates’ Court heard today (Tuesday, March 19) that Darren Cummins was outside a pub on Houndgate on March 10 when he approached police officers
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Care home creates traditional high street in corridor
RESIDENTS of a North-East care home will be able to take a walk down memory lane after one of the corridors in the facility was transformed into a traditional high street. Staff at the Lakeside Care Home, in Darlington, decided to revamp the dementia
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Fancy a smartphone at a smart price? Take a look at the Ascend G330.
WILL 2013 be the year smartphones become an impulse purchase? You may not have heard of Huawei but it's already one of the biggest telephony companies in the world. Until recently, this Chinese giant has been content to build handsets for other
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Hundreds to contest gym event
GYMNASTS from across the region will take part in a North-East championships this weekend (Sunday, March 24). The North East Tumbling National Development Plan (NDP) championship will be held at Temple Park Gymnastics Centre, South Shields, South
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Choirs combine for concert
NORTHALLERTON Male Voice Choir is to play host to a visiting all-female group of singers in a joint concert. The show at Northallerton Forum marks the second time the NMVC and Newcastle-based ladies’ choir the Gibside Singers have sung together
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Moors bus service restarts
A BUS service to transport residents and tourists through the moors restarts on Sunday, March 24. The North York Moors National Park’s bus network begins again on Sunday, March 24. The Moorsbus will operate on Sundays and bank holidays from
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FA will not punish McManaman for horror tackle on Newcastle's Haidara
THE FA have revealed that Wigan attacker Callum McManaman will not receive any punishment for the tackle that seriously injured Newcastle defender Massadio Haidara on Sunday. Referee Mark Halsey failed to even award a free-kick for the reckless
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MP urges communities to explore Tour de France options
AN MP whose constituency will feature in the opening stage of next year’s Tour de France will hold a series of meetings to discuss how best to showcase the area. Skipton and Ripon MP Julian Smith, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for
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Elaine finds work, thanks to charities' help
A LONG-term unemployed mother has returned to work, with the help of a community foundation. Elaine Winter, from Coxhoe, County Durham, had been out of work for some years after becoming a mother. She had lost confidence and was uncertain of
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Ghost hunt in Darlington
GHOST HUNT: Medium Richard Batey will be at a ghost hunt taking place at the Foresters Arms, in Darlington, on Sunday, March 24. The event starts at 9pm and finishes at 2am. Tickets are available by calling 01325-320565. DANCE CLASS: Darlington
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Fund-raiser for chairman's charities
THE chairman of Richmondshire District Council is hoping to swell his charity coffers next month. Coun Clive World is inviting local people to drop in for a chat at a coffee morning on April 6 at Richmond’s town hall from 8am until noon. During
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Search for young sports stars
NOMINATIONS are being sought for an awards scheme for talented young sports people. The Richmondshire Local Sports Association awards recognise and support young sporting stars for their contribution to sport and the recognition they bring to the
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Voter registration call
PEOPLE in County Durham are being urged to ensure they are registered to vote for county and parish council elections on Thursday, May 2. The deadline for returning registration forms and postal vote applications is Wednesday, April 17. For more information
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Scout leader to parade at Windsor Castle
A YOUNG Scout leader will join a parade at Windsor Castle next month after being awarded the movement’s highest honour. David Baker, of Carlton Miniott, Thirsk, said he was proud to receive the Queen’s Scout Award after 14 years as a member of
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The Budget: Live
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Sixty minutes of darkness for Earth Hour
LANDMARK buildings across the region will be plunged into darkness for ‘Earth Hour’ this weekend (Saturday, March 23). Between 8.30pm and 9.30pm, the lights will be turned off on museums, churches, businesses, schools, homes and more. The exterior
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Alcoholic mother could not remember stealing from pub
A MOTHER-of-four caught red-handed stealing from a Darlington pub was too drunk to remember her crime, a court heard. Kelly Ward, 28, of Dickinson Street, Darlington, admitted burgling the Copper Beech pub on Neasham Road when she appeared before
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Boy attacked outside homes by robbers
A 13-YEAR-OLD boy has been left traumatised after being attacked by robbers on a busy residential street. As the boy walked along Water Lane, in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, at 5pm on Monday (March 18), at least two people approached him from
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You're pollen my leg! Buildings are turned into beehives
AN ARTIST is causing a buzz on Teesside as she plans to recreate famous concrete buildings as beehives. Cath Keay, an artist from Newcastle, is building hive-sized replicas of Steel House, Redcar, Kennedy Gardens Flats, Billingham, and the old
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Former Darlington heroin addict returned to drugs during hard times
A FORMER heroin addict who turned back to drugs to help him through a bad patch has appeared in court. Mark McVay, 34, of Hammond Drive, Darlington, appeared before the town’s magistrates’ court today (Tuesday, March 19) to plead guilty to possession
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Hundreds flock to site celebrating ghostly Darlington
THE SPOOKY SIDE of Darlington is being celebrated online. Lovers of the paranormal have flocked to a new webpage set up to explore and report creepy goings-on in the town. More than 300 people signed up to the Supernatural Darlington Facebook
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More Pittington opencast exhibitions planned
A MINING company has organised two further exhibitions to showcase its plans for a new opencast. Hargreaves Surface Mining wants to extract 500,000 tonnes of high quality coal and 83,000 tonnes of fireclay from a 133-acre site known as Field House
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Theatre group sets itself mystery challenge
AN AMATEUR theatrical group is preparing to stage a costume drama following performances of the Calendar Girls which raised £1,700 for a cancer charity. Masham Players donated the funds to the Wensleydale branch of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research
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Darlington garage owner appeals for information on stolen Mini
THE owner of a classic car garage has appealed for information after a vintage Mini was stolen the forecourt. Simon Robinson, owner of Ketton Garage, off the A167 near Darlington, had taken delivery of a 1979 Mini 850 Super deluxe on Friday, March
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One-off date for Durham one-act play
A ONE-act play will be staged at a city theatre this weekend (Sunday, March 24). Durham Dramatic Society will present Brother and Sister, by the great German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, at the City Theatre, Back Silver Street, Durham, on
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Chancellor is sum donor
FORMER Sunderland AFC chairman Bob Murray is launching a scholarship for accountancy students. The Consett-born businessman, who led the club to the Stadium of Light in 1997, is the recently-appointed chancellor of Leeds Metropolitan University
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Sambuca shots prove costly for Ferryhill driver
TWO shots of sambuca led to a two-year driving ban for a single mother. Darlington Magistrates’ Court heard today (Tuesday, March 19) that Rachel Weir of North View, Ferryhill, had been to watch a band with friends on March 9 and drank two shots
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Extension to region's biggest outlet shopping centre given green light.
A MULTI-MILLION pound extension to the region’s biggest outlet shopping centre has been given the final go-ahead - paving the way to the creation of 500 new jobs. The second phase of the Dalton Park complex, near Murton, County Durham, will proceed
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Injured jockeys centre - architect selected
A NORTH Yorkshire firm is planning for expansion after winning the contract to design a new centre for the treatment of injured jockeys. Harrogate-based Townscape Architects has been selected to design a new £3.5m centre for injured jockeys on
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Take in some Durham heritage at Easter
DURHAM Heritage Centre and Museum, on North Bailey, Durham, will be open from 2pm to 4.30pm over Easter weekend. For more information, visit durhamheritagecentre.org.uk or call 0191-386-8719. EASTER FUN: An Easter egg hunt will be held at Low Burnhall
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Police ask County Durham vicar to save snow footprints after lead theft
A VICAR reporting the theft of lead from a church roof was startled when police asked her to preserve footprints in the snow. Wrought iron gates and lead from the porch was taken from St Thomas’ Church in Harelaw, Annfield Plain, near Stanley,
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Campaign to bring a motorcycle track to Darlington
A BIKER is campaigning for a dedicated off-road motorcycle track to be created in Darlington. The police regularly receive complaints about motorcyclists riding on public land and 24-year-old biker, Phil Carlsen, of Branksome, says the situation
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Councils' £20m broadband scheme
EIGHT North-East councils are working together on a £20m project to extend broadband internet to rural areas. Darlington, Durham, Stockton, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, Hartlepool, Sunderland and Gateshead councils have together matched
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Voluntary organisations join prison garden scheme
A number of voluntary organisations have joined a project to convert prison land in Northallerton into a new garden for the town. The initiative, between Northallerton Environmental Enhancement Initiative (NEEI) and HMP Northallerton will involve turning
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200 North-East jobs could go at electronics firm
ABOUT 200 North-East workers could lose their jobs after an electronics firm announced it was moving to the US. RFMD, in Newton Aycliffe, this afternoon told staff their jobs were at risk, after the firm said it was transferring work to its plant
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Town and Village Round-up. Stokesley, Great Ayton and Northallerton
STOKESLEY Hackfall regeneration talk. - Stokesley Society will be hosting a talk by David Rodway on the regeneration of Hackfall near Grewelthorpe, Ripon. The landscaped garden contains follies, temples and water features and dates back to 1750
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Measles outbreak continues
THE NUMBER OF people who have fallen victim to a measles outbreak in the North-East has risen by 30 in a week. Figures released today (Tuesday March 19) show 164 confirmed cases and 158 suspected cases of measles have been reported in the region
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Barnard Castle cricketers hope to bowl supporters over with launch of Premier Club hospitality package
A COUNTY Durham cricket club is hoping to boost support by offering hospitality packages. Barnard Castle CC is hoping fans will sign up to its 2013 Premier Club package. Three home games – against Stokesley on May 18; Great Ayton on July 25
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Richmond film postponed because of illness
A PLANNED showing of a nostalgic film looking at 50 years of Richmond’s history has had to be postponed. Mike Porter’s film Richmond Through the Look Glass was due to be screened on Saturday, March 23, at the town hall to raise funds for local
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'No evictions because of bedroom tax' in Darlington, says council leader
NO council tenant will be evicted from their home because they can’t afford to pay the so-called 'bedroom tax', the leader of Darlington Borough Council has pledged. Bill Dixon said there was “no need” for anyone to lose their home as a result
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Canal hit by ash dieback disease to be restored
RESIDENTS and boat owners have backed a campaign to restore the banks of an 18th century canal hit by ash dieback disease. The Canal & River Trust said the £1,000 donated to a fundraising appeal for Ripon Canal, which traditionally was used
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Hundreds turn out to say goodbye to popular Darlington mother
HUNDREDS of mourners turned out to say farewell to a popular mother-of-one today (Tuesday March 19) who died in a car accident earlier this month. There was standing room only at St Cuthbert’s Church, Darlington, for the funeral of 28-year-old
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Search continues as hundreds of workers at Virgin evacuated on Teesside after 'suspicious package' call
AROUND 300 workers at a Virgin Media centre on Teesside were evacuated this morning after reports of a suspicious package were received. Both the Virgin premises on Preston Farm, Stockton, close to the A66, and the company's store in Middlesbrough
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North Yorkshire News In Brief
GROWING CONCERN: Thirsk Clock is inviting 12 to 18-year-olds to join an allotment group which will be responsible for planning and maintaining vegetables. The group will meet five times during the Easter holidays. When school resumes meetings will
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Woman who thought she was missing Hartlepool girl, Katrice Lee, sentenced for harassing family
A WOMAN who harassed the family of a Hartlepool girl, who has been missing for more than 30 years, has today escaped jail. DISAPPOINTED: Richard Lee holds a treasured photo of his daughter, Katrice, who went missing 32 years ago. He was supported
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Health and safety charges after Shotton man's death
A MAN has appeared before magistrates accused of a breach of health and safety regulations following the death of a guest house resident from carbon monoxide poisoning. Ray Iley, 57, was found dead at the Albert Guest House in Shotton Colliery,
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Big plans for Coxhoe microbrewery
A MICROBREWERY is expanding after just six months in business. Since opening last autumn, the Sonnet 43 Brew House, in Coxhoe, County Durham, has exceeded expectations for sales of craft ales and beers. Now it has moved into bigger offices,
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Newton Hall route made gritting priority
A MAIN road through a large housing estate has been made a priority gritting route. Carr House Drive, in Newton Hall, Durham City, has been reclassified as a Priority 1 gritting route by Durham County Council. The change came into force on
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Durham charity plans biggest ever book sale
A CHARITY is planning its largest ever book sale for this week (March 22-23). The sale will be held in the Pemberton Rooms, Palace Green, Durham City, on Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. All proceeds will go to the Durham Palestine Educational
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Durham Police commissioner's pledge after Darlington refuge visit
A SENIOR police official has pledged to make reducing domestic abuse a priority, following a visit to a women’s refuge in the region. Durham police and crime commissioner, Ron Hogg, met with members of the Darlington Domestic and Sexual Abuse Network
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Choir wow crowds in Darlington
ALMOST 100 people visited a Darlington church to see a performance by a choir. Hartlepool Male Voice Choir performed at Northgate United Reformed Church on Saturday (March 16). The show took 18 months to arrange after some of the Northgate
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Areal charmer in the heart of town
BUYERS looking for a substantial home that’s both beautifully presented and packed full of period charmshouldmake sure to view this three-storey Victorian property in the heart of Northallerton. Briefly, the accommodation comprises an entrance
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Society celebrates 90 years
THE Richmond Operatic Society is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. As part of the celebrations there will be a three-course dinner with entertainment at the King's Head Hotel, Richmond, on June 15 at 7.30pm. It is hoped many past
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Edwardian property full of character
WHENit comes to design excellence, few family homes could surpass Derwent Mount, a substantial Edwardian townhouse in Malton which oozes style and sophistication. Extensively refurbished and finished to the highest standards, the property showcases
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Romantic painting classed as "plant and machinery"
A ROMANTIC painting by the great Sir Joshua Reynolds has been classified as “plant and machinery” by a High Court judge. But the unromantic term has brought to an end a long-running tax battle over the artwork – giving victory to Castle Howard,
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Advice for shoppers after spate of purse thefts
SHOPPERS in Darlington have been warned to be on their guard after reports of a number of purse thefts in the town centre. A number of the incidents have taken place when the victim left their handbag unzipped, leaving the purse easily accessible
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Feel the charm of The Coach House
HOMEBUYERS for whom the call of the countryside is strong could quite easily create their rural idyll at The Coach House. This country house has been well loved and cared for by its present owners – from the immaculate interior presentation to
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Award for CCG’s work on stroke prevention
APIONEERING initiative to look at ways in which to improve stroke prevention care in County Durham has won national recognition. Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefield Clinical Commissioning Group (DDES CCG) was presented with a Personalisation
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Light therapy could change lives
ALIFE-CHANGING treatment is helping scores of people in the region thanks to the expertise of a local college. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has evolved as a highly successful treatment for people who have experienced trauma
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Victims need our support, conference told
VICTIMS of sexual abuse are ready to face the criminal justice system with the same fortitude as they faced their rapists, a conference was told – but they need the understanding and support of professionals and to have the process explained. “
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Choirs join forces to raise cash
TWO celebrated choirs are to join forces to sing for a cause close to their hearts. The Sing for Life Choir will be joined by the Thorpe Thewles Pop Choir in a performance to raise money for the British Lung Foundation. Music fans are being
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Comedy duo returns to Durham
A COMEDY duo who met in the North-East will return to the region later this week (Thursday, March 21). Ray Peacock and Ed Gamble, who met at a gig at Durham University, will bring their show ‘Don’t Want to Be on Telly Anyway’ to the Gala Theatre
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Scientist gives talk to Rotarians
SCIENTIST Peter Harrison gave a presentation entitled Petrol from the Air at a recent meeting of Darlington Rotary Club. Mr Harrison, a former president of Darlington Bondgate Round Table, now works for manufacturing company Air Fuel Synthesis.
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A call that saved Jack’s life
WHEN she picked up the phone to call NHS 111 mum of two Sonia Ellis, pictured right, had no idea the call she was about to make would not only change her family’s life forever but also save the life of her nine-year-old son, Jack. “When Jack started
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Summit focuses on the future
CLINICAL leaders from across the county have come together at a landmark health summit to help to develop more effective ways of working together. Lead GPs and managers from County Durham and Darlington’s three CCGs met with clinicians and managers
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Public meetings will update residents on healthcare plans
ANEW health commission is set to stage a series of public meetings to update residents on their plans to improve local healthcare. North Durham CCG will hold a series of stakeholder events across its three constituencies in Stanley, Chester-le-Street
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Information appeal after three burglaries in Darlington
POLICE in Darlington have appealed for information about three separate burglaries in which a number of electrical items were stolen. The first incident occurred overnight on Saturday, March 16, at a house on Beaumont Hill, off the A167, Darlington
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GPs work together to offer top-quality local healthcare
GPS in North Durham have set out their proposals to work together with communities to improve the health of local people. The new commissioning board will work alongside doctors in the locality’s 31 practices as well as with its partners: Durham
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CCG asks patients for their views on health services
NEW NHS commissioners have tasked local people to help to plan and develop healthcare services for their own communities. Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefield (DDES) Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is working with patients and local community
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Six of the worst: Football's most dangerous tackles of all time
In the wake of Callum McManaman’s horror tackle on Newcastle defender Massadio Haidara, Chief Sports Writer Scott Wilson selects the six worst challenges of all time 6. MARTIN TAYLOR on Eduardo (2008) Just three minutes had gone when Birmingham
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Darlington CCG unveils its plan for local healthcare
DOCTORS in Darlington have outlined their five year plan to invest £130m in the future of local healthcare. Following a rigorous national assessment process, Darlington CCG will take over full responsibility for the planning and purchasing of health
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Faulty boiler leaves Darlington grandfather with no heat or hot water since Christmas
A GRANDFATHER has spent the last three months without heating or hot water after council contractors failed to fix his faulty boiler. Retired gardener, Fred Kipling, from Darlington, has been without hot water and heating since Christmas last year
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Texting service helps parents with poorly children
THOUSANDS of families across Darlington have been given access to health information at their fingertips. A pioneering texting service that directs parents and carers to the right help and advice for common childhood illness has proved invaluable
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Whessoe Parish Council to hold first meeting in revamped hall
PARISH COUNCIL: The members of Whessoe Parish Council will meet on Monday, March 25, at 7pm in Whessoe Parish Hall. The meeting is open to all residents of the parish. It will be also be one of the first opportunities for residents to view the new
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National art tour to begin in Durham
A COLLECTION of paintings commissioned to record the British landscape at the outbreak of the Second World War is to start a national tour in the North-East. The Recording Britain collection of drawings and watercolours, owned by the Victoria and
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Police hunt children's clothes thieves
POLICE want to speak to two women after children’s clothes were stolen from a high street store. The women entered Bambinos, on Framwelgate Bridge, Durham City, between 3.45pm and 4pm on January 15. One distracted the shop’s only member of
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Preparing for the new NHS
WORK is underway in County Durham and Darlington in preparation for unprecedented health reforms that will pave the way for the new NHS to be safely under doctors’ orders. Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), led by local GPs and other health
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Hudson to leave Falcons in the summer
JAMES Hudson will swap Newcastle Falcons for Gloucester this summer, but the former skipper is determined to sign off his Kingston Park career by helping his current employers back into the Premiership. Hudson, who has made 11 starts and five replacement
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Father and son take to the skies for special RAF Leeming anniversary
An RAF fighter pilot faced the ultimate challenge when his high flying dad celebrated a half century milestone. Fifty years ago to the day Rod Dean made his first solo flight from RAF Leeming in a Jet Provost and courtesy of the North Yorkshire
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Takeaway boss knifed after he refused customer tomato sauce on his chips, court told
A TAKE-AWAY boss was knifed after a drunken customer flew into a rage when he was told he could not have sauce on his chips. Tarlocham Singh was slashed across the arm when Javed Khan Hussain returned to the Teesside shop following the late-night
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"Severely provoked" van owner who stabbed drunk walks free from court
A VAN owner who stabbed a man after his vehicle was damaged walked free from court as a judge said he had been "severely provoked". Stephen Joy, 43, claimed he had simply gone to remonstrate with the suspected vandal and his own nephew but was
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Samsung will take Whessoe forward
THE future of a famous North- East engineering firm has been secured after it was bought by a major Asian company. Whessoe Projects, which has its roots in Darlington dating back to 1790, is now part of Korea-based Samsung C&T (Construction
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Jobs hopes thanks to Heseltine’s growth plan
The Government has said it will adopt a report from Lord Michael Heseltine, which calls for a dilution of centralised funding to give regional organisations greater power to stimulate the economy. Deputy Business Editor Steven Hugill looks at what
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Pope's Falklands comments
POPE Francis has already angered some people in this country by openly showing support for Argentina’s claim to sovereignty over the Falkland Islands. The Pope has considerable influence around the world, particularly within the Americas, and only
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Acohol
BELIEVE the vast majority of people would be delighted if the Government does go ahead and shelve its minimum pricing policy on alcohol. Unlike Reverend Peter Mullen (Echo, 15 Mar) I don’t think this U-turn has much to do with the marketing budgets
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Specular society
WHILE Eric Gendle (HAS, Mar 15) is correct when he writes that that I should have talked about a “secular democratic society”, I was referring to the secular society in which we all live. Ours is a society where we all have the right to think,
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Press gag
COULD the enthusiasm of some MPs for tighter regulation of the press have anything to do with a desire to keep their own affairs, such as expense claims, hidden from public gaze? Peter Elliott, Eaglescliffe.
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Development
WHILE no one would wish to see the wholesale development of the countryside, Sir Simon Jenkins’ comment to the Home Builders’ Federation, that young families have no right to a home in the village where they were born, is a view that could hasten the
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Wrong number
SEVERAL high-profile politicians have come a cropper recently after being caught exceeding the speed limit and/or using mobile phones while driving. Why do more millionaire businessmen, politicians, film stars and premiership footballers not do
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Racing cruelty
WITH the Grand National fast approaching, I feel I have to write to draw people’s attention to the alarming amount of horses that have to be destroyed at race meetings. Week after week, year after year, it goes on, yet it seems as though nothing
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Cuts
CAN anyone explain why, when people who have never worked or paid taxes are being given free accommodation and benefits etc, the disabled children’s services are to be cut? As a grandmother of a sixyear- old disabled child, I have seen the difference
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Folk club
TODAY’S column was to have kicked off with a few paragraphs from St Patrick’s night at the Red Lion in Trimdon Village. Snow and woe, the latter particularly pestilent, meant that we stopped at home. It was a gig by Skerne, familiar for getting
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Arm the rebels? Not a good idea
JUST look out, will you, because something very stupid and dangerous is about to be done in your name. The 27 countries in the EU have all consistently refused to send armaments to the Syrian rebels – until now. Last Friday, David Cameron and
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Poring over Leveson deal
After days of wrangling politicians have finally agreed on a new system of press regulation – but what does it mean? Nigel Burton reports THE deal was hammered out in the early hours of yesterday morning after five hours of discussion held over
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Freedom of speech - tell the councils
"Freedom of speech" is the buzz phrase in the news this week because of the frantic efforts to draw the Leveson proposals on press regulation to some kind of satisfactory conclusion. It's ironic really because there's never been a time in my 30
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Paul thanked for ten years' service
AN OUTGOING charity group chairman has been honoured for his decade of service. Paul Purdom was presented with gifts from members of the North Durham branch of Parkinson’s UK after the group’s annual general meeting. Mr Purdom has retired after
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Uplifting music can boost mental alertness, Northumbria University study reveals
Uplifting music can boost mental alertness and concentration, according to North-East researchers who studied the effect of Vivaldis The Four Seasons. A group of 14 young volunteers listened to the concertos while performing a challenging mental
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Police release photo of suspect's car in search for missing Chester-le-Street gran
DETECTIVES investigating the disappearance of Chester-le-Street grandmother, Pamela Jackson, have released a photo of the car driven by the man charged with her murder. Officers would like to hear from anyone who may have seen the car, a silver
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Newcastle United's Steven Taylor called up to England squad
NEWCASTLE United defender Steven Taylor has been called up for England's World Cup qualifier against San Marino on Friday after Chelsea defender Gary Cahill was ruled out with injury. Taylor, whose only previous involvement with the senior squad
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Sad day for the press
IT is a sad day for freedom of speech and freedom of the press when politicians introduce measures into Parliament to control newspapers. It is a sad day when a few rotten apples have behaved so badly that politicians feel they can step into the
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Mowbray hopes ping-pong will get Boro back on song
TONY Mowbray has unveiled an unlikely weapon in his ongoing battle to salvage Middlesbrough's season - ping-pong. Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Birmingham made it just one win in the last nine matches for Mowbray's misfiring men, a run of form that has left
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Final countdown starting tonight for Hughes
JOHN HUGHES hopes to still be talking of beating relegation in a month's time. If the Hartlepool United boss is doing so then his players will have exceeded mid-season expecations. They will also have most likely won at Oldham tonight. This
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Vaughan admits Sunderland are suffering from 'crisis of confidence'
A FRANK David Vaughan has admitted Sunderland's players are suffering from a crisis of confidence as they attempt to turn their season around. The Black Cats slipped to within four points of the relegation zone in the wake of Sunday's failure to beat
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Newcastle ready to launch Hall of Fame
SOME of the biggest names from Newcastle United's illustrious history will return to St. James' Park tomorrow as the club's official charity, the Newcastle United Foundation, celebrates its inaugural Hall of Fame dinner. Magpies heroes including Alan
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Newcastle angry at Whelan's defence of McManaman horror tackle
WIGAN chairman Dave Whelan has infuriated Newcastle United officials by claiming that Callum McManaman's horror tackle on Massadio Haidara was "clean as a whistle". And in a move that would cause further controversy, the Football Association could
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Mark can't help falling in love with Elvis
IT’S now or never for a North-East Elvis impersonator, after he landed the gig to star as ‘the King’ in the official tribute act of Presley’s old record label. Mark Elvis Nixon, who added his middle name by deed poll aged 17, is set to tour the
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Scalextric 'summit' starts town-wide initiative to boost science in schools
AMBITIOUS plans to turn a North-East town onto the thrills and spills of slot-car racing - and boost manufacturing and engineering skills in schools - are under way. The idea is to make Darlington the first town in England where every secondary
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Wheelchair company invests in website to continue expansion
A WHEELCHAIR manufacturer, which makes bespoke products for customers, has invested thousands of pounds on a new website to continue its expansion. Greenacre Mobility, whose factory was opened by Princess Diana, uses its website to allow customers
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Engineering firm fined £2.4m for financial failures
FIRM FINED: Offshore engineering company Lamprell has been fined £2.4m for failing to inform investors about its financial position. The Financial Services Authority (FSA) said the firm was too slow to react to trading issues, when its shares dropped
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Communications firm on right wavelength after fire service deal
A NORTH-EAST technology firm continues to grow after after agreeing a deal to supply life saving equipment to firefighters. Eemits, based in Billingham, near Stockton, has supplied 200 digital radios to Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, which
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North-East local enterprise partnerships praise Government plan to hand greater powers to region
THE Government has said it will adopt a report from Lord Michael Heseltine, which calls for a dilution of centralised funding to give regional organisations greater power to stimulate the economy. Deputy Business Editor Steven Hugill looks at what
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Dragons' Den star's health club business reports rise in profits
A LEISURE business headed by Dragons' Den star Duncan Bannatyne has returned to profit and increased membership numbers. Bannatyne Fitness, which operates health clubs across the North-East in Darlington, Durham, Chester-le-Street, Coulby Newham
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Invitation to electric car open day ahead of Nissan launch
PEOPLE can test drive a new electric car which is being built in the North-East. Stockton Council has organised an event for people to try the Nissan Leaf, which is expected to roll off the production line at the Japanese company's Sunderland plant
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Electrical contractor saves eight jobs after buying firm
AN electrical and mechanical contractor has saved eight jobs after buying an ailing building services maintenance company. John Cullerton and Sons, in Durham, has taken on R Levitt Ltd, which fell into administration in January after experiencing
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Teesside University column: The business benefits of knowledge transfer
ACCOLADES like the recent Tees Valley Best New Business Awards are a great way to celebrate the enterprise and innovation of our high-flying young companies, writes Laura Woods of Teesside University. Every one of the award winners – two of them
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Social care shake up will continue to fail elderly and disabled
A SHAKE-up of social care will continue to fail elderly and disabled people in the region without big changes, an investigation by MPs and peers warns today. The alarm is raised over gaping weaknesses in flagship reforms to cap the cost of residential
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Health chiefs call on government not to back down over minimum alcohol pricing
DOCTORS from across the North-East are urging the government not to U-turn over introducing minimum alcohol unit pricing. In two open letters to the Secretary of State for Health, the North East’s Directors for Public Health and Clinical Commissioning
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Improvements made to mental health hospital
IMPROVEMENTS to patient care have been made at a North-East mental hospital following an inspection last year. Inspectors from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) called for changes after visiting Auckland Park Hospital, in Westfield Road, Bishop
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Funding agreed for improvements to upper Teesdale ski slopes
OFFICIALS at a County Durham skiing area are planning improvements to ensure winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy a perfect piste. The Harwood Ski Federation has operated two 500m slopes near Langdon Beck, in upper Teesdale, for more than 50 years
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Changes made to homeless apartments to combat anti-social behaviour
NEW measures are being put in place to combat anti-social behaviour at a residence for homeless youths in Bishop Auckland. Home Group took on a three year lease of 28 apartments in two blocks of the former old people’s home General Bucher Court
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Paralympic hopeful devastated after thieves steal swimming gear
A HEARTBROKEN Paralympic hopeful was left unable to train after thieves stole swimming gear from his family’s car. Lyndon Longhorne’s mother said the 16-year-old swimmer is devastated after a bag containing his training equipment was pinched from
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Salvation Army fears 'bedroom tax' will lead to more hunger in Crook area
THE Salvation Army fears more residents in Wear Valley will be turning to its food bank as a result of the so-called 'bedroom tax'. From April, residents deemed to have spare bedrooms will have their housing benefits cut under Government plans.
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Crook children bring the Scottish play to life
VISITORS to a primary school have been walking through the story of Macbeth thanks to more than 200 children and the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). Seven schools from Crook and Willington have taken part in the RSC project with their efforts
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Easter fun on offer in Escomb
THERE is a packed programme of Easter entertainment planned for youngsters at Escomb Village Hall and playground on Thursday, April 4, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Activities will include fancy dress, craft and bird box workshops, Easter egg hunt and
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Market traders unhappy over Bishop Auckland Food Festival plans
FOOD festival organisers have been given a roasting after telling market traders they must make way during the popular two-day event. Regular stallholders have been allowed to trade as normal in the Market Place during the Bishop Auckland Food