Archive
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A167 closed overnight as firefighters monitor acetylene cylinders following Croxdale garage blaze
Firefighters will remain overnight at the scene of a garage blaze to cool down several volatile acetylene gas cylinders. They were very close to a car found on fire inside the Croxdale Fast Fit Autocentre in Croxdale, between Spennymoor and Durham
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Severe blaze at unit on Harelaw Industrial Estate, near Stanley
Four fire crews are currently tackling a "severe fire" in a single storey factory unit on Harelaw Industrial Estate. Harelaw, near Stanley. An aerial ladder has also been requested. The alarm was raised at 10.30pm after reports of smoke coming from
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Fire crews cool down acetylene cylinders after blaze at Fast Fit garage in Croxdale
A blaze which broke out at a garage in Croxdale, near Durham, has been extinguished - but fire crews remain at the scene to cool down a number of acetylene cylinders. The A167 is closed until the area can be made safe and police advised people
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Bishops lose to three goals in five minutes
Bishop Auckland missed a chance to go into the top six of the ENL First Division when they lost 3-2 at home to Durham City last night. Both teams hit the bar in the first half, before Bishops took the lead through Andy Johnson after 71 minutes
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Volunteering benefits doers and receivers - Bishop
A BISHOP has extolled the values of volunteering as he blessed a town’s oldest charity. The Right Reverend Mark Bryant, the Bishop of Jarrow, said volunteering helps individuals to stand in others’ shoes and “grow in compassion”. “And that
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New £8m plant turning food waste into energy nears completion
A £8M plant converting food waste into energy has moved a step closer to completion. The Emerald Biogas anaerobic digestion facility, on Newton Aycliffe Industrial Estate, County Durham, is the North-East's first commercial food-to-waste facility
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Hurworth's Got Talons
In my Monday column in The Northern Echo, I featured a picture taken by my neighbour, Ron Twigg, of a bird of prey catching a pigeon. It was a little gruesome but I took the view it was nature in action and not nearly as bloody as the kind of thing
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Dozen lager cans and a bottle of whiskey next to North Yorkshire woman's bed, inquest hears
TWELVE cans of lager and a bottle of whisky were found next to the bed where a 35-year-old woman was found dead the day before she was due to be evicted from her Army accommodation at Catterick Garrison. Susan Turnbull had a long history of alcohol
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Parish meeting
PARISH MEETING: The annual parish meeting for Bedale Town Council will be held on Tuesday, May 7 in the Methodist Chapel at 7pm. Guest speakers are Mick Jolley, Head of Bedale High School; Julia Mulligan, North Yorkshire Police Crime commissioner,
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Former teacher died after fall
A FORMER teacher died after falling down the stairs of the cottage which had been her home for more than 40 years. An inquest was held into the death of 89-year-old Gwendoline Rita Lee of Highbury Cottage, Noulton, near Richmond. Police broke
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Bike stolen from train station
POLICE have released CCTV footage of the moment a cycle thief stole a bike at a railway station. The bike was taken from Thornaby station, Thornaby, near Stockton at about 3.40pm on Saturday, March 2. British Transport Police have released
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Kayaker relives tragic ordeal
A MAN has relived the harrowing fight to save a fellow kayaker's life after he became trapped underwater in a freezing Yorkshire Dales beck swollen by melting snow. James Pullen, from Darlington, told the inquest into the death of Matthew Baird-Parker
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National honour for caring Lesa
A CARE manager has been named among the best in the country. Lesa(CORR) Kell, manager of Rose Beck Cottage, in Durham, was shortlisted in the Front Line Leader category at The Great British Care Awards, held at London’s Grosvenor Hotel on Saturday
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Celebrating Britten
MUSIC TRIBUTE: A concert at Ampleforth Abbey, near Helmsley, to celebrate the centenary of composer Benjamin Britten on June 29 will raise funds for leading dementia charity Lost Chord. It starts at 7.30pm and has a programme that includes Britten’
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Restored pit banner to return to ex-colliery community
EX-MINERS and their families are to welcome a restored lodge banner permanently back to a former colliery community. North-East Euro MP Stephen Hughes is the guest figure at Friday’s (MAY 3) night of nostalgia, in Sherburn Village, near Durham.
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Cinema chain could face investigation into takeover
CINEMA chain Cineworld could face a full competition investigation over its £47m takeover of art house firm Picturehouse. The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has referred the deal to the competition commission after revealing worries it could limit
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Soldiers' marathon effort for bereaved youngsters
SOLDIERS from 5 Regiment Royal Artillery, based at Marne Barracks, Catterick Garrison, will compete in a marathon on Thursday (May 1) to raise funds for children who have lost a parent in action. The runners will visit 12 North Yorkshire schools on
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Invite to get involved in a major Tees Valley carnival
ONE of the largest community celebrations in the Tees Valley is calling on people to take part. Stockton Community Carnvial, which will take place on Saturday, August 3, is part of Stockton International Riverside Festival. Each year the carnival
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Homes plan in Fulford, York, could create 2,500 jobs
DEVELOPERS plan to start work on a huge new housing scheme within six months - and say the work will create 2,500 jobs. Persimmon Homes and Hogg the Builder were granted planning permission last week for the 655-home Germany Beck project in Fulford
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Vandals blamed for major power cut
VANDALS are being blamed for a power cut to 13,000 homes and businesses. Police are investigating after the incident, which affected properties in the Chester-le-Street, Birtley and Washington areas of County Durham, Gateshead and Wearside at about
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North-East lecturer to co-edit world's first 'Porn Studies' academic journal
A NORTH-EAST lecturer is to co-edit 'Porn Studies', the world's first academic journal to study this controversial subject. 'Porn Studies' is expected to be published by the Routledge publishing group early next year. It will be co-edited by
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Laing returns as Sunderland's development side wins friendly
LOUIS Laing made his first start since October as Sunderland's development side claimed a 2-1 victory in a friendly match at Burnley. Laing played the first 45 minutes as Kevin Ball's second string came from a goal down to triumph at Turf Moor thanks
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North-East duo named in disability swimming squad for World Championships
North-East duo Josef Craig and Nicole Lough have been named in the British squad for this summer's IPC Swimming World Championships in Montreal. Craig, who won a gold medal at last summer's Paralympic Games and was the joint-winner of The Northern Echo's
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Gala night boosts Weardale children's charity
AN EVENING of dance and comedy has raised more than £300 for a children’s charity. The Big Green Gala, held at the Gala Theatre, in Durham City, on Wednesday, April 24, raised £330 for Tabitha’s Toys. The charity, based in Frosterley, Weardale
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Man arrested after Middlesbrough rooftop drama
A MAN who clambered onto the rooftops of terraced houses after escaping from police has been arrested. Paramedics and firefighters were called as a precaution while dozens watched as police tried to talk the man down from roofs in the Woodlands
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Plans to transform Newcastle Central Station and surroundings
PLANS to transform Newcastle Central Station and its surroundings as part of a multi-million pound regeneration project have been unveiled today (Tuesday, April 30). Newcastle City Council, Network Rail, East Coast NE1 Ltd propose to create a magnificent
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Man in court accused of killing his wife at their North-East home
A MAN appeared in court today (Tuesday May 1) accused of the murder of his wife at their North-East home. Alan David Baker is alleged to have killed Christine Baker at their mid-terrace home on a residential estate in Cramlington, Northumberland
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York country house to hold 1940s Bank Holiday weekend
A COUNTRY house is delving into its history with a 1940s weekend this Bank Holiday. Beningbrough Hall and Gardens, just outside of York, is putting on a weekend of nostalgia events with guest exhibitors and activities for all the family. From
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Centre's walk for little Fraja
MEMBERS of a centre for adults with disabilities and learning difficulties are taking part in a sponsored walk to help a sick child. People who attend the Ebony Day Centre, in Leadgate, are undertaking the three-mile challenge to Oxhill, in Stanley
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Labour attacks Cable's comments on Local Enterprise Partnerships
LABOUR has seized on “extraordinary” comments from Business Secretary Vince Cable after he ruled out giving Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) multi-million pound pots of money to spend. Mr Cable’s argued that big decisions on funding must be
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Former prison to host paranormal investigation event
Ripon Police and Prison Museum will offer visitors the chance to use the latest electrical ghost hunting equipment and take part in séances, ouija board and table-tipping experiments on May 11, from 9pm to 3am. For tickets, which cost £49 and include
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Disused Middlesbrough library burns down
POLICE are investigating after a disused library in Middlesbrough burned down last night. (Monday, April 29). Six fire engines and several police officers were called to Thorntree library, on Beresford Crescent, at 8.40pm. It took them more than
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Chance to help keep village clean
HEIGHINGTON Parish Litter Group will hold at litter pick around the village on Saturday, May 11. Meet at 10am outside the village hall. Refreshments will be served at noon. ANNUAL MEETING: The Friends of St Cuthbert’s Church will hold its annual
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Hundreds of violent North-East offenders let off with "soft" policing
HUNDREDS of violent thugs are being let off by “soft” policing across the region - and allowed to simply say 'sorry', or offer compensation, to their victims. Labour attacked the growing use of “community resolutions” for violent attacks, calling
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Shock 72 per cent rise in number of middle aged women with liver disease
MIDDLE-aged women are at increased risk of liver disease caused by alcohol and often do not realise they are drinking too much. New figures have revealed that over the last ten years cases of liver disease in the region involving women aged 30-
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Takeaway on Teesside fined for poor hygiene
A TAKEAWAY in Stockton has been fined for poor hygiene. Moien Mehra, 56, of Thorpe Larches, Sedgefield, the owner of The Parmesan House on Yarm Road, Stockton, was ordered to pay £2,230.81 after pleading guilty to three offences under the Food
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Catherine fundraising for South America trip
AN 18-year-old student is flying out to a remote village in a South American rainforest to teach maths and science. Catherine Lewis, an A-Level student at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form, in Darlington, was delighted to have been accepted for a place
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Walk for health with deafness charity
DURHAM Deafened Support, a charity which helps people suffering with hearing loss in County Durham and Darlington, has organised a series of short walks in the area. Tai Chi groups are also available. For more information, call 0191-518-3358. FASHION
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Pensioner punched in face following "road rage" episode
A PENSIONER was pushed and punched in the face during a “road rage” episode in County Durham yesterday (Monday, April 29). The 72-year-old man was left shaken and bruised with a bloody nose following the unprovoked attack which happened after his
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Npower faces fresh fire over tax affairs
ENERGY giant Npower has rejected fresh claims that it is avoiding its tax obligations in the UK. The company admitted earlier this month – following questioning from Northumberland Labour MP Ian Lavery – that it has not paid corporation tax in
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City gears up for Tour de France visit
BUSINESSES and community groups are being urged to join a drive to ensure a city benefits from being included on the 2014 Tour de France route. The world’s largest single sporting event will pass through Ripon city centre on July 5 next year after
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Hospice Midnight Walk unveils sponsors
THREE businesses are supporting a hospice’s biggest fundraising event of the year. The Midnight Walk 2013 of St Cuthbert’s Hospice, in Durham City, has attracted sponsorship from Sunderland Marine, Swinburne Maddison and the Vardy Property Group
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Petition against bridge closure plan
A PETITION has been launched against plans to close one of the main river bridges in the region’s tourist capital. The Labour-run council in York wants to close Lendal Bridge between 10.30am and 5pm every day for a six month trial period. The
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Durham curry chef aims for Michelin star
A MULTI-award winning curry chef has set his sights on bagging the restaurant industry’s ultimate accolade – a Michelin star. Syed Zohorul Islam, executive chef at The Capital and Spice Lounge restaurants in Durham City, met a number of Michelin
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Whist and domino drive by over-60s club
DOMINO DRIVE: Kirk Merrington Over 60s Club is holding a whist and domino drive in the village hall at 2pm on Saturday, May 4. Admission is £2, including refreshments.
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Iconic Stockton music venue given a temporary facelift
A BUILDING “wrap” has been installed on the Globe Theatre in Stockton as a temporary facelift. Jomast, the company behind an estimated £4m redevelopment of the venue, has stopped work on the refurbishment of the music venue and the brightly-designed
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woman suffers early hours robbery
Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman was robbed in Newcastle at about 1.20am this morning ( Tuesday April 30). The 21-year-old was walking near the city walls, at the rear of Stowell Street when her handbag was snatched She was approached
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Blues in the Park
MUSIC lovers can enjoy a free Blues in the Park event at North Lodge Park on May 5. Musicians will perform in the bandstand from 12.30pm to 4.30pm and there will also be refreshments available. Further Blues in the Park events will take place
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How much is that doggie in the auction? Less than £2
A MALNOURISHED crossbreed puppy, sold for less than £2 in the ‘last chance section’ of a livestock auction, has been found a loving home. Dog lover, Hazel Richards, 26, from Teesside, gave puppy Lottie the chance of a new home when she bought her
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Alison to teach western-style riding
A COWGAL from the North-East has become qualified to teach folks to ride their ‘hoss’ western-style. Alison Johnson, 40, from East Hedleyhope, near Crook, in County Durham, believes she is only instructor north of Derbyshire to teach American cowboy
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Get walking in Durham
DURHAM Ramblers is holding a short walks festival starting this weekend (Saturday, May 4). The Get Walking Week is part of the national Britain on Foot campaign. A series of short walks of less than five miles is planned. A three-mile walk
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Missed insurance payments lead to fine
A DRIVER who had not realised his insurance had lapsed due to non-payment has been fined a total of £200. Speaking through a Polish interpreter, Krzysztof Masztalerz, 52, of Thames Way, Darlington, pleaded guilty to driving without insurance but
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Durham University teams up with IBM
A NORTH-East university is strengthening its links with a multinational corporation with the signing of a new agreement later this week (Thursday, May 2). Durham University is to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with technology giant IBM
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Nottinghamshire v Durham (day two, tea)
TRENT Bridge fans are not used to this. Normally runs flow and wickets fall, but in the afternoon session Durham added 66 runs for the loss of Ben Stokes. Will Smith is still there, having faced 211 balls for 73, and Paul Collingwood has contributed
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Drunk man climbed over top of building
A DRUNK man who used scaffolding to climb over the top of a town centre building has pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly. Prosecutor Lynne Dalton told Darlington Magistrates’ Court today (Tuesday, April 30) that a drunk 20-year-old Alexander
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Man tells of unprovoked attack during night out on Teesside
A MAN faces the possibility of surgery to his face after being headbutted and kicked in the head for no reason on a night out. Mark Sloan, 27, from Stockton, is also in agony due to a damaged nerve in his cheek and has vowed never to go out in
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Cricket car boot sale
CAR BOOT: A car boot sale to raise funds for Richmondshire Cricket Club will take place on Sunday, May 12 on Gilling West cricket field. Sellers can arrive from 9am and buyers from 10am. For enquiries or to book a space for a car £6 or van
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Cleveland Police fires baton round at man making threats in Middlesbrough
A BATON round was fired a man who police say was making serious threats against himself, police and the public. The 49-year-old was arrested and detained by Cleveland Police in the Redcar Road East area of South Bank, Middlesbrough, just after
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Planning inquiry resumes into Stokesley White House Farm development
A PLANNING inquiry into the development of 193 homes in Stokesley has today (Tuesday, April 30) resumed in Northallerton. The proposals to build 193 homes and business premises on land at White House Farm, Stokesley, were refused outline planning
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Darlington Cares launches bike amnesty
A PROJECT that aims to encourage workplace volunteering has launched a bike amnesty. Members of Darlington Cares, which was launched last year, travelled around the region collecting old and unwanted bicycles on Tuesday (April 30). They have
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Charity's summer fund-raiser
SUMMER BALL: North-East children’s charity Hope 4 Kidz holds it Summer Ball at Lumley Castle, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, on Friday, June 14. The event has a Moulin Rouge theme and includes live entertainment, four-course meal, auctions and
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World premier at Durham Cathedral
THE WORLD premiere of a new choral work by award-winning British composer Gabriel Jackson will be the centrepiece of a concert at Durham Cathedral. The City of London Sinfonia, under the baton of Stephen Layton, will unveil the specially-commissioned
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Durham lad Chris named in England boccia squad
A NORTH-East boccia player has been named in the England squad for two forthcoming international matches. Chris Jackson, 22, has been playing the wheelchair sport, similar to boules, since he was at school. Now Mr Jackson, who has muscular
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Pair fined for no insurance
A WOMAN who let her ex-boyfriend drive her car in Darlington without insurance has been fined more than £600. Darlington Magistrates’ Court heard today (Wednesday, April 30) that Danielle Horton, 29, let her ex Liam Cook, 26, drive her Peugeot
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Free screening of The Killing Fields
NORTH-EAST film fans are in for a rare treat, when legendary film producer Lord David Puttnam will present a free showing of the Oscar and Bafta-winning film, The Killing Fields. The film, which was produced by Lord Puttnam, won three Oscar and
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Shopping centre staff to raise funds in support of sick colleague
A COLLEAGUE with terminal cancer has inspired staff at a Darlington shopping centre to raise funds for St Teresa’s Hospice. Staff at the Cornmill centre decided to come up with the fundraising ideas, after the centre’s service yard supervisor Russell
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Permission granted for new house
Planning permission has been granted for a detached dwelling at Plot 4, East Murton Farm, Station Road North, Murton. Durham County Council planning officers made the decision using delegated authority. FACTORY EXTENSION: Durham County Council
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Airborne paramedics turn their talents to design
FLYING paramedics and doctors have helped design medical kit bags now being used to treat patients both on the ground and in the air. The medical teams at the Yorkshire Air Ambulance worked with manufacturers to produce the revolutionary pouch
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Call for region's verges to be turned into nature reserves
OVER-zealous gardeners have joined climate change as two of the biggest threats facing the region’s wild flowers. Householders obsessed with pristine lawns have gone into overdrive, taking powerful ride-on mowers along the region’s highways and
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Figures show more than 10,000 violent criminals escaped conviction
More than 10,000 people who committed a serious violent crime last year were let off without a formal conviction, new figures show. The offenders were instead dealt with by 'community resolutions', which range from apologies to offers of compensation
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Gym instructor completes qualification to work with cancer patients
A DARLINGTON gym instructor is one of only 200 people in the country to gain a qualification on coaching cancer patients in exercise. Michael Hodgson, who works at the Dolphin Centre, studied for the Cancer Rehabilitation Level 4 Specialist Qualification
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Centre's looking bright and cheerful
A COMMUNITY centre has a bright new look thanks to volunteers and a paint project. For years Great Lumley’s centre in Front Street has not been redecorated due to a lack of money. But regeneration charity Groundwork nominated it for a Dulux
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Bridal store to close after trade falls
AN independent trader has revealed it is closing down, blaming the rise of online shopping for putting it out of business. The Kate Saint bridal boutique on Grange Road in Darlington is due to close in the next three months, once remaining stock
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Olympic long jumper Chris Tomlinson backs Sedgefield running track bid
AN Olympic long jumper has backed ambitious plans to build a high-quality running track in Sedgefield. Team GB athlete Chris Tomlinson is supporting Sedgefield Harriers' £450,000 Back the Track campaign to create a synthetic running track at Sedgefield
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Polish up your parenting skills on shine course
ADULTS have the chance to polish up their parenting skills on a five-week course. Parents of children aged under five are encouraged to sign up for the course which explores confidence, self-esteem and positive thinking. The Learn to Shine
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A boring start, but it picks up . . .
IN January 1938, 2,200 people turned out of Darlington’s biggest religious meeting to find the sky illuminated by pulsating pencils of light. Visible all across the North- East, and as far south as Spain, it was probably the most vivid show of
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Darlington man tasered after assaulting police officer
A DRUNK man who was tasered after trying to strangle a police officer has been sentenced for his "disgusting" behaviour. Darlington Magistrates’ Court heard today (Tuesday, April 30) that 23-year-old Craig Durham had drunk 15 pints of lager and
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Government figures reveal jobs market postcode lottery
BUSINESS development experts say they at a loss to explain why some areas of the region appear to be weathering the economic downturn much better than others. Office for National Statistics figures for the number of private sector jobs between
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Armed police fire baton round at man in street incident
ARMED police fired a baton round while trying to detain a man making serious threats against himself, officers and members of the public this morning. Cleveland Police were called to the incident in the Redcar Road East area of South Bank, Middlesbrough
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Fun for all at Vintage Vehicle Rally
A VARIETY of rare and unusual vintage vehicles from across the North-East and Yorkshire will be on show in Darlington. The Head of Steam Museum’s annual Vintage Vehicle Rally family fun day will feature cars, buses, military vehicles, motorcycles
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Flower group to display work at Shildon Library
FLOWER CLUB: Shildon and District Flower Club will support National Flower Arranging Day on Saturday (May 4) with a display in Shildon Library. There will also be information about the club on show. The group’s next meeting is on Monday, May 13, at
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Sister of fatal house fire victim urges people to install smoke alarms
THE sister of a man killed in a house fire has made a tearful plea for people to install smoke alarms in the hope of preventing further tragedies. Father-of-two Alan Andrew Peacock was pronounced dead by paramedics outside his home in Gladstone
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Celebrating a century of building engines
TODAY’S front cover is promotingh an exhibition which celebrates 150 years of engine-building at Darlington’s North Road Works. The exhibition has opened at the town’s Head of Steam Museum, and runs until June 2. The shops, as the works were known
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Nottinghamshire v Durham (day two, lunch)
BACK on the ground where he began his first-class career, Will Smith dug in for dear life this morning and was on 43 out of a total of 143 for four at lunch. Dale Benkenstein looked back in form after scoring 100 runs over his two innings against
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Athletes limbering up for triathlon
DARLINGTON athletes are limbering up for the annual Rotary Club triathlon this weekend. More than 150 competitors have already signed up for the event, to be held at Darlington School of Mathematics and Science, on Sunday (May 5). Many more
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Error on Bronte sister's grave corrected after 163 years
VICTORIAN novelist Anne Bronte has been given a new gravestone after 163 years to correct an error on the original. After a service of dedication in Scarborough, The Bronte Society said it had installed the plaque alongside the original headstone
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Day centres in Redcar and Cleveland area to shut as user numbers fall
A DECISION has been made to close two day care centres for people with learning disabilities as attendance figures continue to fall. Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council’s cabinet members voted unanimously to start the consultation process with
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£368k extra care housing scheme black hole is plugged
COUNCIL officers overseeing a drive to replace residential homes for the elderly with flats linked to support services have been urged to thoroughly assess their budgets after a flagship scheme developed a £368,000 black hole. North Yorkshire County
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Scotch or Scots . . ?
Memories 122 featured one of the earliest photographs of a train crash, taken on August 10, 1880, when ‘the Flying Scotchman’ was wrecked at Marshall Meadows, near Berwick. ACCORDING to the Echo, there were three casualties: driver Thompson of
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Joe sets his sights on the Paralympics
TALENTED sportsman Joe McKechnie has a new goal – and it could take him all the way to Rio. The 23-year-old apprentice with Hambleton District Council is aiming to represent his country at the 2016 Paralympics in Brazil. Joe – who works in
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Sale of illegal tobacco in North-East has halved in a decade
THE sale of illegal tobacco on the streets of the North-East has almost halved in the last decade, according to the latest figures. Despite the recession, tougher action to reduce the supply and demand and stop dealers selling has resulted in illicit
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Youngster beats the rush to ensure he gets a special Spennymoor Town Wembley shirt
AN excited young football fan queued for an hour to ensure he managed to get a special Spennymoor Town Wembley shirt. Six-year-old TJ Glen beat the rush by queuing outside of the Spennymoor Town Football Club’s Wembley shop from 8am despite doors
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In the line of duty
Exactly 250 years ago, an army of 100 people, headed by axe-men but led by a chap from Cockfield, began hacking their way across the virgin territory of America AS well as the axe-men , the army included tentmen, supply- men, horsemen, masons and
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Credit card insurer, fined for mis-selling products, reveals £20m annual loss
A CREDIT card insurer, which needs £40m to repay lenders, has revealed annual losses of £20m. CPP, in York, which was previously fined £10.5m for mis-selling products, says it continues to face significant financial challenges after seeing a drop
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Man dies as car overturns on North York Moors
A MAN died after a car overturned on the North York Moors early this morning. A Ford Mondeo crashed and landed on its roof on the road between Ruswarp and Sleights near Whitby. The incident happened at around 6.35am today (Tuesday, April 30
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Style and space at Ferndale Court
GLEESON has started work on 22 new homes in its Ferndale Court development in the village of Wingate, and is inviting buyers to visit its sales office now to find out more about the development and reserve a new home on it. The spacious two and
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Ideal home for first-time buyers
THIS well-presented two-bedroom home in Bennions Way, Catterick Village, would be ideal for first-time buyers. On the ground floor is an entrance vestibule, lounge with large bay window, modern fitted kitchen, rear hall and conservatory, which
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Estate agent launches new property app
AFTER tapping into the potential of the latest technology by launching The Northern Echo Homes Property App at the end of January,Newsquest North- East is nowhelping local estate agents to create and develop their own apps. The Northern Echo app
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Coroner rules drug abuse is responsible for Newton Aycliffe man's death
A CORONER has ruled that a man who was found dead in a Newton Aycliffe guest house last year died as a result of drug abuse. Ian Jarvis, 37, was found dead in his bedsit at Bury Road Guest House on November 17. At an inquest at Crook Coroners
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Sedgefield Racecourse spices up for Bollywood day
A NORTH-EAST racecourse is proving variety is the spice of life as it prepares to host its first ever Bollywood themed raceday. On Thursday, May 2, Sedgefield Racecourse in County Durham will host a Bollywood themed raceday, complete with Indian
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Ministers scapegoating benefits claimants - leading churchman
MINISTERS are scapegoating benefits claimants – many of whom cannot help themselves – for ideological reasons, a church leader told a welfare summit today (Tuesday, April 30). Rev Dr Philip Bee, chief officer for the Churches’ Regional Commission
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Successful pointers scheme revived for expected busy tourist season
A PILOT project, pointing people in the right direction around a popular tourist city, is to be repeated this year. Following the success of Durham Pointers last summer, organisers are recruiting volunteers to help visitors find their way around
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Durham's warship returns to North-East
COUNTY Durham’s adopted warship will arrive in the region tomorrow (Wednesday, May 1) for a week-long visit. HMS Bulwark will sail into North Shields for a visit which will see crew members visiting schools and hospitals and a friendly rugby match
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Home that has it all!
IT’S NOT uncommon for property brochures to refer to homes as ‘having it all’ – but in the case of Geneva Lodge, this description is certainly not undeserved. Situated in Maison Dieu, in the heart of Richmond, Geneva Lodge offers buyers not only
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Road closure delays are unacceptable
THE direct route between Darlington and Barnard Castle might not be restored for 18 months (Echo, Apr 27) following a partial collapse of the A67. This is totally without precedent and wholly unacceptable. Action must be taken now by the Highway
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Care Homes
CANDIDATES hoping to win reelection to Durham County Council keep telling me what a wonderful job they have done in the past. My memory is not so short. Durham County Council closed Shafto House care home, in Shildon. This was long before the
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Economy
IT was really encouraging to read press reports about Lord Adonis’ recommendations to reinvigorate the North-East economy (Echo, Apr 12). However, I would have liked to have seen more coverage about the potential economic contribution of construction
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Trolly Services
I WAS interested in the article about the decision to discontinue the trolley service at the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, written by Emily Flanagan (Echo, Apr 6). I bought the trolley many years ago at an auction house in Thirsk and members
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Strike
I WAS involved in the Miners’ Strike as a young operational police officer on picket lines both in County Durham and elsewhere I witnessed incidents where young pickets (who were not always miners but sometimes just individuals who turned up to cause
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Keep your tanks off my lawn
ARCHBISHOP Justin Welby says: “There should be exams for those who want to work in the banking industry.” He thinks bank employees should be overseen by a professional body: “Banks have the capacity to have such an impact on the wider economy,
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Man arrested on suspicion of drugs and money laundering offences
MAN ARRESTED: A 23-year-old man was arrested this morning (Tues April 30) on suspicion of conspiracy to supply controlled drugs and on suspicion of money laundering. Police have been looking for the man for several weeks and arrested him in Bishop
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Economy falling and sliding
GLOOM in the economy and in the weather saw Balfour Beatty and bakery firm Greggs slide in the FTSE 250 after both issued profit warnings. Balfour Beatty fell nine per cent and Greggs by eight per cent though the FTSE 100 was more resilient, rising
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Coining it in for 30 years
The pound coin is celebrating its 30th anniversary having entered circulation in April 1983. To celebrate, Stuart Arnold takes a look down memory lane and presents a few facts about this most durable of coins WE take it for granted now, that small
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The eat is on
WHEN the latest series of MasterChef began, some fans may have been worried that the show had lost its hold on the public’s imagination. After the success of Great British Bake-Off, on which Paul Hollywood telling someone their tart had a soggy
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Alex Polizzi – The Fixer Returns (BBC2, 8pm)
NOT only does the former Hotel Inspector Alex Polizzi have a wealth of experience when it comes to customer service, she also knows the pressures that come from working with relatives. All that was put to good use last year when she helped assorted
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Saxophonics, St Cuthbert’s Centre, Crook, County Durham
THE Saxophonics launched a season of jazz at the venue, and the foursome with their selection of saxophones will be a tough act to follow. Jazz is new to me, and I was amazed how the four players, playing a variety of saxophones, from the bass-like
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Sweat the Small Stuff (BBC3, 10pm)
WITH all those early starts for the Radio 1 Breakfast Show, you could be forgiven for thinking that Nick Grimshaw has not got time to present a new TV series as well. But you would be wrong. “Being the host of a panel show is what self-centred
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Cradle talk
IN the cradle of the railways, on the site where thousands of wagons rolled out, a remarkable renaissance quietly, still metaphorically, gathers steam. Class G5 tank engines, nameless but by no means anonymous, were workhorses with a proud bloodline
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Durham Senior Cup final called off as Mowden short of forwards
The Durham Senior Cup final, which has not been held for several years, appears to have bitten the dust yet again. Blaydon were due to host Darlington Mowden Park tonight, but the game has been called off because Mowden are unable to raise sufficient
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Couple with deaf son thank charity for help
A COUPLE have spoken of their heartache at learning one of their twin sons had lost his hearing – and how a charity has helped make a difference to their lives. John and Danielle Williams of Denecrest, The Dene, near Consett, plan to hold a coffee
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Muirfield's popularity to be tested
Muirfield’s popularity among players as an Open venue will be tested by an extra 158 yards and ‘‘plenty’’ of rough for this year’s Championship from July 18- 21. New tees have been added on seven of the holes, taking the distance of the course
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Can Wiggins pull off the ultimate cycling double?
SIR Bradley Wiggins believes he is capable of a Giro d’Italia and Tour de France double this year. Wiggins, who became the first Briton to win the Tour last year before adding Olympic gold days later, has made the 3,405-kilometre Giro – which begins
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Police hail knife amnesty a success
A KNIFE amnesty across Derwentside, which netted items including Samurai swords and axes, is being hailed a success. Neighbourhood policing officers ran the campaign throughout March to enable people to hand bladed weapons anonymously and safely
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Warburton to skipper the Lions
SAM WARBURTON is set to be unveiled as British and Irish Lions captain – and lead the largest Welsh contingent on tour for 36 years. The Cardiff Blues flanker has already skippered Wales to a World Cup semi-final and Six Nations Grand Slam during
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Rocket Ronnie returns
HE FELT invincible in sealing his fourth world title 12 months ago but defending champion Ronnie O’Sullivan insists he will need to improve if he is to make it five. The 37-year-old entered the draw as the defending champion and top seed despite
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Rail scheme to fast track 50 graduates
THE rail industry is seeking 50 graduates to join its paid work placement scheme, Track & Train. Graduates are employed for three, six-month placements: one at Network Rail and two at either a passenger or freight operator or another company
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Latvian couple rescued by lifeboat crews after being trapped by incoming tide at Saltburn
A COUPLE from Latvia were rescued by lifeboat crews last night (MONDAY) when they were cut off by the tide beneath cliffs at Saltburn. They were spotted by a member of the public at about 4.45pm stranded at a notorious cut-off point under Huntcliff
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Homeowner chases thieves who stole garden lights
LIGHTS THEFT: Youths were chased by a homeowner after they stole two solar powered lights from his garden on Glaisdale Gardens, Shildon, at 10pm on Friday, April 26. The youths escaped as they ran towards Cleveland Avenue. Anyone who can help with
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In a right old muddle
IT is becoming increasingly difficult to know which way to turn on the Government’s plans for how money is spent in the regions. Last October, Lord Heseltine – in a study requested by David Cameron – called for local enterprise partnerships (LEPs
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Free ride for passengers who sign up to bus app
BUS company bosses are offering passengers a free ride as part of a campaign aimed at getting more people to use public transport. Arriva is offering a free day or family day saver ticket when customers buy a mobile phone ticket during Catch the
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Di Canio: It’s unacceptable
PAOLO DI CANIO berated his side’s “unacceptable display” as Sunderland’s relegation fears resurfaced in the wake of their heaviest defeat of the season. On a disastrous night at Villa Park, the Black Cats slumped to a 6-1 defeat that saw Aston
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Spennymoor captain devastated after break ends Wembley dream
SPENNYMOOR Town defender Danny Moore last night revealed his heartache at missing the FA Vase final on Saturday, but he still intends to lift the silverware. The popular skipper and centre half, nicknamed Bobby, will not play in the Ebac Northern
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Watching Brief
ANOTHER children’s book by David Walliams is being turned into a BBC1 film. The adaptation of Gangsta Granny comes from the Baftanominated team behind the filming of another Walliams book, Mr Stink, shown at Christmas. The comedy drama – written
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Why have Pardew's Newcastle dropped so low?
WHEN Alan Pardew thinks of last season, he will remember being awarded manager of the year by both the League Managers' Association and the Premier League's sponsor, Barclays. Twelve months on and the Newcastle United manager has greater things
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Council inquiry as former Tory mayor at centre of Twitter row
A FORMER mayor is under investigation after being accused of tweeting insulting comments about a neighbouring council and making offensive jokes over the killing of Oscar Pistorius’ girlfriend. Tory Derek Adamson, who represesents Carlton Miniott
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Nottinghamshire v Durham: Day One (County Championship)
Day One Nottinghamshire v Durham LV County Championship UNLESS Nottinghamshire suffered one of their hara-kiri days it was always going to be tough for Durham after losing the toss at Trent Bridge yesterday. They stayed afloat, however
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Yorkshire v Derbyshire: Day One (County Championship)
Day One Yorkshire v Derbyshire LV County Championship What a difference a couple of days make. After Yorkshire celebrated one of their finest County Championship victories in seeing off Durham at the Riverside on Saturday, they were
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Pools draw up their retained list
HARTLEPOOL United can expect to announce their retained list in the coming days. And boss John Hughes admits the financial landscape offers a different outlook in League Two. After relegation to the bottom division, Pools' budget, hardly lavish
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Quakers expect a sell-out
Darlington's final match of the season tomorrow is expected to be a sell-out as there are currently just under 300 tickets remaining. Following the game with Guisborough Town at Heritage Park (7.30pm), Quakers will be presented with the Northern
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Boro boss Mowbray happy to go for loans again
MIDDLESBROUGH'S loan signings have returned to their parent clubs early but Tony Mowbray will not be afraid to dip in to the temporary transfer market again next season. Josh McEachran, Ishmael Miller and Sammy Ameobi have all left Teesside even
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Mystery as hundreds of video tapes dumped in field near Darlington
MYSTERY surrounds the appearance of several hundred video tapes in a remote County Durham field. A jogger contacted The Northern Echo after noticing the haul – which includes Hollywood titles and an entire collection of Carry On movies – while
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North Yorkshire ice cream maker bought in new deal
A NORTH Yorkshire ice cream maker, which employs hundreds of North-East workers, has been bought by a private equity firm in a deal that will strengthen its international presence. R&R Ice Cream, based in Leeming Bar, near Bedale, North Yorkshire
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Firm behind £1.2bn North-East waste deal secures London contract
A CONSORTIUM, led by a firm behind a £1.2bn North-East energy deal, has been chosen as the preferred bidder for a £900m London waste contract. Sita UK will manage about 300,000 tonnes of household waste every year from West London, which will be
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Family's courage after Fraja scans reveal surgery risks
HUNDREDS of people have voiced their support for a five-year-old girl battling a rare cancer after scans revealed removing her tumour carried major risks. Surgeons said while they hoped to be able to remove the whole of Fraja Simpson’s neuroblastoma
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North-East fire offshore energy service provider enters into new partnership
A FIRM providing scaffolding and protective coating services, employing about 250 North-East workers, has signed a deal with the world's largest independent insulation and fire protection company to safeguard its future. Opus Industrial Services
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North-East offshore wind farm starts producing electricity
A NORTH-EAST offshore wind farm, capable of powering about 40,000 homes, has started producing electricity. The Teesside wind farm, off the coast of Redcar, is now supplying power to the National Grid after the first three turbines were switched
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Community rallies to the aid of Teesdale farming family who lost everything when fire destroyed their home
A RURAL community has rallied round to help a family who lost everything when their remote hill-top farmhouse was destroyed by fire. The drama began on Sunday afternoon when Stuart and Susan Rigg's seven-year-old son Thomas spotted smoke billowing
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North-East cements reputation as animal cruelty capital of Britain
THE North-East has cemented its reputation as the animal cruelty capital of Britain with horrific incidents of neglect and abuse taking place across the region. The RSPCA annual report reveals that more than 190 people were convicted of animal
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Football-mad schoolboy keeps smiling despite battle with leukaemia
SCHOOLFRIENDS of a courageous six-year-old boy have created a video of jokes, songs and messages to help keep a smile on his face as he fights leukaemia. Cobie (CORR) Woods, six, has been absent from Cockton Hill Infants School, in Bishop Auckland
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Changes to homeless centre in Bishop Auckland lead to improvements for neighbours
MEASURES put in place to combat anti-social behaviour at a residence for homeless youths are believed to be having a positive impact. Home Group took on a lease of 28 apartments in two blocks of the former old people’s home General Bucher Court
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North East postal staff to go on strike for fourth time
DOZENS of postal staff across the region will go on strike for the fourth time next week as part of an ongoing argument with Post Office chiefs. About 140 workers at the North East’s Crown Post Offices will strike on Tuesday, May 7, the Communication
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Wheel stolen from van in Howden-le-Wear
STOLEN SPARE: A spare wheel was stolen from a Ford Transit van parked opposite Valley Terrace in Howden-le-Wear some time between Wednesday, April 24, and Saturday, April 27. A cable beneath the vehicle was cut enabling the thief to take the wheel.
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Lamb visit brightens up Willington care home
SPRING has sprung at a Wear Valley care home following a visit from four lambs. Raby Cottage based at The Willington Care Village welcomed the baby animals for an afternoon to celebrate the new season. Residents, members of staff and their
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Man spared jail after admitting drunken assaults
A MAN who assaulted his ex-partner and a police officer while drunk has been spared prison. Stephen John Moore was given a suspended prison sentence by magistrates in Newton Aycliffe. The court heard that the 43-year-old from Bishop Auckland
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Twin Falls will take to stage at Great North Country Music Theatre night in Barnard Castle
COUNTRY MUSIC: Duo Twin Falls are guests of the Great North Country Music Theatre, which meets on Sunday, May 5, at the Glaxo Sports and Social Club, Barnard Castle. Doors open at 7pm and membership of the Glaxo club is not required to attend the event
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Problem solving pupils from Teesdale School, Barnard Castle, could help 3M factory save up to £100,000 a year
PROBLEM solving pupils have been highly commended for their work on an engineering project which could save the County Durham manufacturing base of global giant 3M up to £100,000 a year. Four sixthformers from Teesdale School, Barnard Castle, worked
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Frankland Prison in Durham "making progress, despite challenges"
A TOP security jail faced with “considerable challenges” is reported to be “making progress”. Frankland, at Brasside, Durham, is said to have “maintained equilibrium”, with inmates feeling safer there than at other similar jails in the prison establishment
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County Durham Elections 2013: Tow Law and Willington
A NEWSPAPER editor, experienced councillors and founder of a village cinema are standing for the newly created Tow Law ward. Five candidates will battle it out for the ward’s single seat on Durham County Council. Anita Atkinson, editor of the
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Award for staff at St Helen's Care Home
STAFF at a County Durham home who look after residents with dementia and mental health problems have been given an award. Staff at St Helen's Care Home received a Recognition of Care and Kindness (ROCK) award from Four Seasons Health Care, which