PEOPLE are being asked for their views on whether council meetings in County Durham should be available to watch online. Durham County Council is running a public consultation on whether to broadcast some of its meetings so they would be available for
A FARMER of 50 years accused of an EU subsidy fraud has left court with her good name intact.Linda Margaret Knight, of The Cottages, White Hurworth Farm, Wingate, County Durham, was alleged to have made fraudulent claims for single payment from the Common
FOUR legs good and two legs bad united for an altogether different spin on a traditional Shrove Tuesday competition in County Durham. Dogs at Newton Aycliffe day care centre K9 Pursuits on Tuesday took part in an inaugural pancake race contest
THE front of Oxfam stores bear slogans telling of its good work. The charity grows vegetables, fills classrooms, builds wells, fights poverty and empowers women, the signs say.Expanding on these posters, Oxfam’s slick website goes into great detail about
No-one likes to write the same story but as Elise Christie was sent flailing across the ice it was all just a bit eerily familiar.There’s no filter with Christie. What you see, is what you get and what we got yesterday was tears and raw emotion.No hugs
I DISAGREE with Lord Carlisle who said the two British men suspected of being members of an Islamic State execution group should be sent back to the UK to face trial. I believe the majority of people in the UK would like them to suffer the same
AFTER watching Wednesday’s episode of BBC1’s A1 motorway programme, I thought I should warn your many millions of readers. One young man in a rush to get to work on time was driving through a 40mph zone on the A1 where all the cones were on the
IT is marvellous the lengths that Darlington Borough Council will go in their attempts to move the library, lock stock and barrel from Crown Street, where 90 per cent and more of library users want the library to stay, to the Dolphin Centre. The
FURTHER to the article headlined Deeds, not words emphasising the views of Redcar Labour MP Anna Turley (Echo, Feb 10). What one has seen on a regular basis is various proposals for the redundant steelmaking area in and around Redcar, and several
DURHAM County Council is again pleading poverty and is going to increase council tax by 2.99 per cent. Yet it insists on building a new county hall in Durham city centre, at a reported cost of £46m. This will result in increasing needless congestion
FIRST there was Operation Fear to try to bully the voters into remaining in the EU. That battle was lost. Now the remoaners are putting all their energies and a lot of money into the “we’re all doomed” campaign. Do they really believe we will
CHRIS COLEMAN has paid tribute to Sunderland’s “magnificent supporters” and wants his team to turn in the sort of performance worthy of their backing more regularly. The Black Cats head into this Saturday’s visit of Brentford. Home fans on Wearside
A ROAD-RAGE maniac mowed down a stationary motorcyclist at 60mph after the biker accidentally bumped the door of his cherished Audi. Car-proud Robbie Cheetham, 23, was enraged at the minor damage to the door because the previous day he had repairs
A SAFE containing a large quantity of cash has been stolen by a gang of thieves who broke into a betting shop in an early hours burglary. Police stated that "a number of offenders" jumped out a vehicle that had pulled up outside of a Ladbrokes
FORMER Middlesbrough defender Gary Pallister is tipping winger Adama Traore to become a star on the Premier League stage, after proving he has what it takes to shine at the Riverside. After a difficult 18 months on Teesside after moving from Aston
A HIT-AND-RUN driver who mowed down two friends and drove over one of them will be out of prison in just 16 months for his sickening crimes. Hit-and-run victim, 18, begged police: 'Don't let me die' Luke Mason was left in a coma and
WE appear to be going from one crisis to another as the Tory Government struggles with the infighting over Brexit. The NHS is in the spotlight but also in the news are the problems being encountered by dozens of academies. Apparently many are
A LANGUAGES tutor has set up a new link with partners in Middlesbrough’s German twin town.Peter Samson, of Cafe? Pierre Languages, based in Middlesbrough, recently returned from Germany with a new partnership in Oberhausen. Mr Samson, who teaches German
Entries into the Working Dogs (guide, PAT, assistance dogs) category in the Love Your Dog competiton with The Northern Echo and Durham Animal Feeds. Enter the competition at northernecho.co.uk/loveyourdog
Entries into the Canines With Character category in the Love Your Dog competiton with The Northern Echo and Durham Animal Feeds. Enter the competition at northernecho.co.uk/loveyourdog
THE annual Sedgefield ball game has been held every Shrove Tuesday for hundreds of years. Reporters Paige McDermott and Georgia Banks joined the locals as they scrambled to take part in the fun. HEAVY wind, rain, and even some snow failed to stop
TRIBUTES have been paid to one of Middlesbrough Football Club’s oldest former player who has died at the age of 88.Joe Scott made 99 appearances for the club between 1954 and 1959, playing alongside the likes of Brian Clough and Alan Peacock.Boro boss
CAMPAIGNERS and residents are calling on the Government not to let a controversial opencast coal mining project go ahead.In a letter to Communities Secretary Sajid Javid, people from County Durham and the Coal Action Network campaign have urged him to
STUDENTS at Bedale High School enjoyed an inspirational day with three times British Champion shot putter Scott Lincoln.Scott, who lives in Brompton, Northallerton, delivered a motivational assembly and then led several circuit sessions with students
POLICE investigating a suspicious letter delivered to an office in the Houses of Parliament found it contained white powder which was "non-harmful", the House of Commons said. Counter-terror detectives from the Metropolitan Police were called in
MOTORISTS are being warned of the short-term closure of a County Durham road bridge.Whorlton Bridge, over the River Tees near Barnard Castle, will be closed from tomorrow to allow Durham County Council to carry out essential maintenance work.While the
A HUSBAND and wife have picked up a coveted regional award for dedication to their community. Malcolm and Julie Williamson, from Malton, were announced as the winners of the 2018 Yorkshire Housing Good Neighbour Award. The retired couple were praised
LENNARD Hofstede is a 23-year-old Dutch rider with Team Sunweb Why do you cycle? Because it’s my passion and I love to travel around the world while racing! It is my passion because I grew up with it because it is in the family. My favourite
FUNDRAISERS looking to take on a red-hot challenge will be given a warm welcome at a Firewalk in aid of a local hospice.St Teresa’s Hospice is seeking hardy souls to take on a sponsored challenge which will see them walking over hot embers for the charity.So
A PROPOSAL to build an airstrip at a village on the North York Moors has been turned down by a Government planning inspector for the fourth time after he ruled protected birds would be at risk.Robert Walker wanted to create a grass runway and pilot restroom
TIME is running out for former British Steel workers with life-limiting conditions to join a group taking legal action against their former employers. Victims of deadly respiratory diseases have just over a week to take part in a High Court battle
A NORTH-EAST packaging firm has saved more than 100 jobs after taking on a Yorkshire rival. Encore Envelopes has bought Great Northern Envelope Company after the Leeds-based business fell into administration following prolonged trading difficulties
A FAMILY tea and coffee business has launched an apprenticeship drive to strengthen doorstep delivery services. Ringtons wants new workers, including one in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, to help continue meeting customers’ needs. Bosses say
A WANTED man is being sought by Bishop Auckland Police following reports of several incidents. Officers want to speak to Craig Yorke, 22, who is believed to be in the area. If you have any information contact the Safeguarding Department at
A WOMAN has been branded the worst ever at hide and seek after trying to escape from police by putting a washing basket on her head. Derbyshire Police tweeted a picture of the wanted woman with her arms, torso and legs stll sticking out of the
A MAN who was knocked down by a car is in hospital with serious injuries. The 38-year-old, from the Consett area, was struck by a VW Polo on the A692 Consett Bypass shortly after 7pm on Monday night. He was taken to the RVI in Newcastle and
FROM the difficulties of treating syphilis to Hitler's rise to power; more than 150 students descended on a Teesdale school last week as leading historians gave a special day of lectures.That's as the second annual Teesdale School History Lecture
AN injured man had to be cut free from his car through the roof after his vehicle was involved in a crash. Firefighters were called to the incident at around 7.40am today on the A165 in Scarborough, near the South Cliff roundabout. A spokesperson
EIGHT in 10 people in the North-East think the UK’s relationship with alcohol is “unhealthy”, a major report has revealed. Nearly six out of ten (58 per cent) of people quizzed also believe the Government is not doing enough to tackle the problems
MARCH 2018 is the 60th anniversary of Buddy Holly’s only ever tour to the UK. In March 1958, he and The Crickets headlined a variety bill compered by Des O’Connor. On a tour of 25 back-to-back dates they performed two, and sometimes three, shows a
AS a female guitar prodigy, Chantel was told by a major label that she had a "great voice, but girls don't play guitar like that!" Wisely she ignored their comments, and instead enrolled at the Leeds College of Music and became the first student
SNOW is causing problems for drivers in County Durham. Our photographer Sarah Caldecott reported hazardous conditions on the A688 between Bishop Auckland and Darlington. Police officers were called to a two-vehicle collision in which a white
A MAN is to undergo surgery after being suffering serious injuries in what is believed to be a knife attack. The 56-year-old was assaulted following a night out in Hartlepool shortly before 1am on Sunday morning. He suffered serious injuries
A RAIL museum is preparing to restart its dementia-friendly sessions.And the Head of Steam – Darlington Railway Museum is promising a warm welcome.The sessions, hosted in the cafe at the museum, are for those living with dementia and their family or carers.It
A WOMAN must pay more than £600 after failing to remove rubbish from her garden. Lesley Iveson, from Lingey Close, Sacriston, was asked by Durham County Council to get rid of mattresses, wood, dog faeces and other general waste in her garden following
DURHAM cricketer Ben Stokes will travel to New Zealand to join the England squad after appearing at court charged with affray. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that the all-rounder will depart on Wednesday and arrive "ready to
WEATHER conditions will determine when rescuers resume their search for a hillwalker who has been missing since Thursday. Police and rescuers say an "accumulation of snow" has forced search teams to call off their search for Neil Gibson, 63 after
DAPHNE is a very determined woman. For years she’s been trying to get the column to the Richmond Methodist pantomime and clearly wasn’t going to take “Oh no he won’t” for an answer.So, finally, I gave in. Snow White and the Magnificent Seven, last Friday
POLICE are appealing for help to trace a woman who has been missing from home since Monday morning. Linda Allen has not been seen since around 11am on Monday, when she was in the Seaton Burn area, near Newcastle. Anyone who has seen her or
FARMERS and workmen whose vehicles leave mud on roads are being reminded they could face action if they do not clear it up. Over the winter months agricultural and building vehicles are more likely to leave trails of mud in their wake, causing
THREE men were plundering a house under renovation, trying to steal wiring and copper pipe, when police came on the scene, a court heard. But only one of the trio was detained by officers responding to calls from neighbours in Easington Colliery
A FORMER County Durham shopkeeper who abused a girl decades ago is starting an 11-year prison sentence after hearing how his victim continues to be haunted by his crimes. Raymond Wild was told by a judge at Teesside Crown Court: "I cannot accept
A BIKER has died following a crash between his motorcycle and a lorry. The 25-year-old was killed when the vehicles collided at the Wolviston roundabout at the end of the A689, near Hartlepool. Tributes to 'talented' and 'quirky' Aaron
TAKING a holiday alone has never been more popular. According to a recent survey by the travel website 101 Singles Holidays, the number of people who chose themselves as travel companions rose by 14 per cent in 2017.Findings suggest this boom is being
KIND-hearted children have handed over hundreds of pounds to a charity that looks after poorly people and their families.Pupils in the Emeralds house group at Cockfield Primary School led a series of fundraising initiatives in aid of Butterwick Hospice
A TEENAGER was punched and kicked to the ground and had his phone stolen from him in an evening attack. The 15-year-old boy was robbed on Merlin Way in Hartlepool at around 7pm on January 29 after being approached by three males. One of them
CHILDREN are asking people to imagine how much nicer their world would be if they all took better care of it- then to follow their example and make it happen.Pupils primary schools in Ferryhill and Chilton have teamed up to launch a campaign to tackle
GEORGE FRIEND has described how the utter devastation of Premier League relegation is driving Middlesbrough on to secure a swift return to the top level this season. After closing the gap to the play-off places to four points on Saturday by defeating
FIVE students at Yarm School are thrilled to have received offers of places at the prestigious Oxford University.They will be studying a wide variety of subjects at the world-renowned university, including economics and management, German and Russian,
MORE than 80 drivers have been stopped as part of a police operation targeting vehicles carrying dangerous goods.As part of four days of action carried out last week, 82 vehicles were assessed for faulty brake lights, under-inflated wheels, document offences
THE British Sociological Association has confirmed its commitment to the region by announcing expansion plans. The association, the largest sociological network in the UK, has bought Chancery Court on Belmont Business Park, Durham, a property around
A MULTI million pound action plan to boost over 45 miles of the North Yorkshire Coast is being recommended to councillors.The Priority Projects Plan, aims to inject up to £6.5m in development of the area from Whitby to Scarborough particularly on tourist
AN inspirational weight watcher is encouraging others to donate excess chocolates and snacks to a military charity.Beki Bulmer, from Catterick, aims to donate Christmas left-overs to The Beacon, a charity for homeless ex-servicemen and women on the Garrison.The
THE secrets of what makes a magical musical performance will be explored when concert pianist and teacher Anthony Williams leads a masterclass.Piano pupils, from beginners to advanced grades, will be taking part in the event at Durham’’s North Road Methodist
DURHAM University’s Oriental Museum will host a Lunar New Year celebration on Saturday, February 24, from 6pm to 8pm.Lunar New Year is celebrated across Asia with two weeks of festivities and visitors to the museum can celebrate the Year of the Dog by
JAMAAL LASCELLES claims Newcastle United’s hunger and desire were the key to Sunday’s memorable 1-0 win over Manchester United, and remains confident the qualities will ensure the Magpies mount a successful survival battle in the final three months
A BUSINESSMAN has appeared in court after pleading guilty to grooming and child sex offences. David Lionel Baker, of Startforth, near Barnard Castle, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday. The 43-year-old, formerly of The Moody Baker
A HISTORIC plot of recreational ground is being regenerated by a group of devoted volunteers.In 1930, Darlington grocer and former parish councillor Frederick Fryer - described in one obituary as “quite a personality in the rural district” – gifted a
THE ruins of Fountains Abbey, Britain's best preserved and largest Cistercian monastery, near Ripon, attracted over 414,000 visitors last year, an increase from 373,000 the year before. The National Trust site, which is also a world heritage centre
HUNDREDS of thousands of people marched through London 15 years ago this week for a mass-rally organised by the Stop the War Coalition.Scores of people from the North-East and North Yorkshire joined the march to protest against Tony Blair's hardline
A PANTOMIME cast have raised £1,787 with their unusual take on a traditional favourite. Wesley Pantomime Society staged three performances of Snow White and the Magnificent Seven at Richmond Methodist Church.The cast of 25 entertained around 300 people
PERMANENT replacements have been found for bus services formerly operated by a North Yorkshire coach firm, after it suddenly ceased trading. North Yorkshire County Council has finalised permanent transport contracts for school and public bus services
A NEW homework club is offering free after-school help to children in Richmond. The club, for youngsters aged between seven and 16, is held at the Influence Church between 4pm and 6pm on a Thursday during school term time. It is run by Jemma
A NEW effort is being made to protect fragile eco-systems on the North York Moors by improving water quality.The Call of Nature Yorkshire effort is focusing on the River Esk and surrounding coastal streams catchments. The waterways are home to rare species
WE often use the phrase “cold hands, warm heart” as a term of endearment, but for the estimated ten million people in the UK who suffer from Raynaud’s syndrome, this may be received with less amusement. Talented teenager's tragic death sparks
THE towering Angel of the North was erected 20 years ago this week. Over the last two decades, it has become one of the defining symbols of the North-East. Hundreds of people turned out to see the 200 tonne sculpture take shape on the site
A GRAND redesign and the ambitious renovation of two theatre houses have put the North-East on the map. The refurbishment, remodelling and extension of the Grade II listed Edwardian theatre saw the rebirth of the Darlington Hippodrome, alongside
AN adventurous bear and three kind-hearted bikers are setting off a mammoth European mission to raise funds for a cancer charity. Byker Bear has developed a large following on social media in recent months as the new mascot of the Chyrelle Addams
A CRAFTSMAN who has made hundreds of sledges for children in County Durham has carved one for a Royal recipient. Malcolm Rolling makes the sledges in his garage at his home in Carrville, Durham. Mr Rolling, who has been invited with his wife
FOLLOWING the tragic death of a teenager, a charity has warned of the dangers of taking more medication than prescribed. Talented sportswoman Holly Monk was just 18 when she died after collapsing at a hockey match in November. Last week, an
AN engineer ready to play her part in building Britain’s most powerful steam locomotive has moved more than 1,000 miles from her home to work on the project. Daniela Filova has swapped the Czech Republic for Darlington to offer her skills and expertise
SUNDERLAND is preparing to welcome the French navy to the Tall Ships Race 2018.SIX more ships, including four Class B and two Class C vessels have pledged their support for event. The new registrations bring the current number of ships taking part to
A FARM-based children’s nursery has chosen the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) as its charity of the year for 2018.The charity was chosen by High Bank Day Nursery in Stapleton, near Darlington, following a vote by parents and staff.And the nursery
A HOSPICE is to celebrate its tenth annual Midnight Walk – which this year will take on a regal theme.St Leonard’s Hospice in York will be running its popular walk on Saturday, June 9, which this year will be taking place in the red, white and blue of
GIANT versions of the game Jenga will be used to support a hospice's bereavement counselling sessions.Butterwick Hospice Care thanked business people who worked together to get a giant version of the game Jenga for use in bereavement counselling sessions.The
AN army veteran is helping to deliver an innovative programme to help his ex-colleagues.Chris Childs has joined Richmondshire’s Healthy Horizons team with Ryan Rutherford, who has been working as a lifestyle officer.The scheme aims to improve the physical
AN avid explorer has been selected to take part in a new project to help make the nation appreciate the outdoors.Matthew Kettlewell, from Askrigg, is one of 60 people across Great Britain selected as an Ordnance Survey GetOutside champion for his ability
A TALENTED computer scientist has been tackling the moral and safety issues around artificial intelligence after being selected to attend Oxford University as one of an emerging elite. Richmond School and Sixth Form College student Matthew Masterman was
VISITORS are once again being invited to see behind the scenes at an historic North Yorkshire racing stables this year.The popular Middleham Stables Open Day will return on Good Friday, March 30. Thirteen yards will again be opening to the public, and
STUDENTS are helping out with dozens of community activities next week as part of a national volunteering drive. Durham students will be helping out at 38 sessions across the county, including a spring-themed children’s party and Olympic sports day with
A LITTLE boy who is in remission from a rare form of cancer is fronting a charity appeal to help other sick youngsters. Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, which supports families with a seriously ill child, is calling on people to take part in this
OXFAM should hang its head in shame and stop trying to pretend there was not a cover-up in 2011 over some of their staff enjoying ‘full-on Caligula type orgies’ with young prostitutes in Haiti, where they were supposed to be dealing with a devastating
TEN-YEARS-AGO this week, the artist behind the Angel of the North said the statue has set the agenda for accessible art, as his creation marked a decade since being erected.Antony Gormley's 200-tonne steel figure, on top of a hill next to the A1 in
COMMUNITIES across the North-East and North Yorkshire were full of flipping fun five years ago this week, as pancake races and traditional events took place.In Bedale, Reverend Ian Robinson challenged hundreds of children from local schools in an annual
THOUSANDS of homes across the region can now benefit from superfast broadband connection following the launch of a new antenna.EE has unveiled its new 4G home broadband antenna which has the capacity to connect more than 4,600 homes across North Yorkshire.The
THE chairman of a historic working men's club spoke of his relief last night after an energy company was ordered to pay back thousands of pounds it wrongly charged the venue. Harry Ellison, chairman of Cockton Hill Working Men's Club (WMC), in
THE Northern Stage will present H.G.Wells' The War of the Worlds, at The Witham, in Barnard Castle, on Friday, February 16.The performance is part of the NORTH programme which offers four emerging actors from the North-East the chance to perform with
A CAMPAIGN group set up to stop the closure of a museum dedicated to County Durham’s historic regiment is hoping the creation of a new history centre could be a step forward.The Faithful Durhams, a group which was set up to fight the closure of the Durham
AN MP has reassured her constituents that she will continue to fight for their interests as a working mother after announcing she is expecting her first baby. North West Durham Labour MP Laura Pidcock told The Northern Echo that she and her partner
