Archive

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County Durham-born actor Rowan Atkinson to honour man who inspired Mr Bean

Rowan Atkinson will honour the French comedian who helped inspire his most famous character, Mr Bean. The Consett-born actor and comedian will appear at an event celebrating filmmaker, actor and mime Jacques Tati, whose largely wordless comedy

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Red Arrows confirm Great North Run flypast will go ahead

The Red Arrows have confirmed their planned appearance at the Great North Run will go ahead, despite concerns following the cancellation of an air display earlier this week. Doubts emerged after the RAF display team pulled out of Wednesday’s Guernsey

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Amanda Owen to reveal exclusive first look at new Our Farm Next Door series at event

Amanda Owen will give fans an exclusive preview of the new Our Farm Next Door series at a North Yorkshire event. The Yorkshire Shepherdess will appear at Everyman Northallerton later this month for a behind-the-scenes celebration of the hit More4

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Body found in River Tyne in search for missing 20-year-old man

A body has been found after a week-long search for a missing 20-year-old man from Gateshead. John was reported missing on September 2 after last being seen in Newcastle. Northumbria Police carried out extensive enquiries to locate him, including

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Man jailed for 15 years for petrol bombing and shooting at house in County Durham

A man involved in a targeted shooting and petrol-bomb attack on a County Durham house has been jailed for 15 years. Iain Boddy was part of a group that fired a suspected pump-action shotgun and hurled three petrol bombs at the Burnhope property

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Newcastle and World Cup hero Dan Burn to officially start Great North Run 2026

Newcastle legend and World Cup hero Dan Burn will officially start this year's Great North Run. The club captain will take to the starter’s platform on September 13 to launch the 45th edition of the iconic half marathon, which will see a record

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Dad charged with assault at funeral of his son killed in horror A66 crash

A man has been charged with assault and obstructing police at his own son's funeral. The Teesside Crematorium service for 17-year-old Cole Worthy, one of the five young men killed in the VW which smashed head-on into a police car on the A66, was

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Durham Reform UK leader Andrew Husband says allegations about him are a 'farce'

The leader of Durham County Council has brushed off allegations made against him as a ‘farce’. Cllr Andrew Husband has hit back at the accusations made by former Reform UK councillors about his conduct, which included that the party did not take

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Durham County Council warns of £80m shortfall and suggests possible tax hike

A council has warned it faces a budget shortfall of more than £80 million. Durham County Council is predicting an £83.662 million funding gap over the next four years and says major savings will be needed to balance the books for 2027/28 and beyond

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Supported housing scheme for homeless people approved despite residents' concerns

A new supported housing scheme for homeless people has been approved in Sunderland. The scheme, set to be developed at The Elms West, Ashbrooke, will offer seven bedrooms and 24/7 on-site support to help residents transition to independent living

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Ancient woodlands and river paths await as popular North East 'BIG Walk' returns

A popular family walking event is set to return, offering scenic routes through countryside and ancient woodland. The BIG Walk will return to Wearside's Herrington Country Park on Sunday, September 27, with four routes available, including a gentle

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Special screens to show messages from family to runners along Great North Run route

Thousands of runners taking part in this weekend’s Great North Run will be greeted with messages of encouragement from friends, family and supporters as they make their way from Newcastle to South Shields. Rail operator Lumo has teamed up with

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North Yorkshire MP accuses PM of ‘class warfare’ over asylum seeker housing

A North Yorkshire MP has accused the Prime Minister of engaging in “class warfare” over suggestions that asylum seekers should be housed in middle-class areas as he stepped up his opposition to plans for a migrant centre at former RAF Linton-on-Ouse

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Popular Street Food Carousel to return to North East seaside town this month

A popular street food event is set to return to the North East this month after two successful runs in August. The Street Food Carousel will be back at Church Square, Hartlepool, on September 19 from 4pm to 8pm. Due to ongoing regeneration

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Hundreds gather to say goodbye to fallen police officer PC Tom Clough

Hundreds of mourners stood in silence as PC Tom Clough made his final journey through Kirkleatham, honouring the much-loved police officer killed in the line of duty. His coffin, draped in the Union Jack and surrounded by flowers, was carried down

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44 pictures from emotional funeral for police officer killed in horror A66 crash

Hundreds of mourners gathered to pay their respects to PC Tom Clough, who was killed in the line of duty on the A66. The officer died alongside his colleague, PC Matthew Blades when their marked police car was hit head-on by a VW going the wrong

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Why Regis Le Bris made key Kevin Danso call - and message defender sent in window

REGIS LE BRIS admits it was a calculated gamble to throw Kevin Danso straight into the starting line-up at Brentford, but the Sunderland boss was always confident the deadline-day signing from Tottenham would be capable of hitting the ground running

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Police call handler tipped-off his drug dealers about Durham Police inquiries

A police call handler with a drug addiction kept his dealers “onside” by passing on confidential information. Cameron Clifford, who had ran up large drug debts, abused his position with Durham Police by telling dealers whether they were on the

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Darlington marketing firm lands international deal with Irish leisure network

Darlington marketing firm MBM has landed a major international deal. Myk Baxter Marketing has struck a landmark partnership with PALI, a non-profit representing more than 120 independent Irish leisure businesses. MBM will roll out custom-built

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Matias Fernandez-Pardo Newcastle selection hint & Amar Dedic latest ahead of Leeds

MATTHIAS Jaissle says Amar Dedic's hamstring injury "doesn't look too serious" in what is a major boost for Newcastle United. But Jaissle hinted that he will resist the urge to hand Matias Fernandez-Pardo his first start at Leeds United next Monday

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Tourist tax powers handed to North East mayors despite hospitality fears

Metro mayors in the North East will be given the power to introduce a new tourist tax. North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen will be among the local leaders allowed to charge a new levy on overnight stays across the

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Lewis Hall response Newcastle supporters will love after Man Utd's failed pursuit

MATTHIAS Jaissle is "in love" with what he's seen from Lewis Hall so far - and believes there's even more to come from the young defender at Newcastle United. Hall was wanted by Manchester United in the summer but Newcastle made it clear the left-back

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Juan Angulo breakthrough as Regis Le Bris reveals new plan for deadline-day signing

SUNDERLAND have finally resolved Juan Riquelme Angulo’s visa and international registration situation, with the forward due to travel to England before the weekend. The Black Cats completed Angulo’s capture on deadline day, with the 18-year-old

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Traveller site misses enforcement deadline as MP warns of rising frustration

Residents are becoming increasingly frustrated over alleged breaches of planning at a controversial traveller site in North Yorkshire, an MP has warned. Sir Alec Shelbrooke has raised concerns about Bridge House, on Oxmoor Lane, Biggin, near Selby

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Two arrested as murder probe launched after man dies in North East

A murder probe has been launched after a man died in a late night 'altercation' in the North East. The incident happened on Drysdale Crescent in Brunswick Village around 10.50pm on Wednesday, September 9. Police were called to reports of an

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Unlucky North East lottery winner misses out on £1m failing to claim ticket in time

A winning North East lottery ticket worth £1 million has gone unclaimed, with the owner now having missed the deadline. The EuroMillions ticket, bought in Hartlepool for the March 13, 2026 draw, had a winning Millionaire Maker code of JLZG97793

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Man in his 20s arrested after alleged knife-point robbery at high street Post Office

A man has been arrested on suspicion of robbery after allegedly entering a post office armed with a knife. Police were called to the post office on Stockton High Street at around 2.20pm on Wednesday (September 9). A 24-year-old man was arrested

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Plastic nurdle cleanup changes tactics as suction equipment 'no longer effective'

Environmental recovery efforts are entering a new phase following the major nurdle spill on the UK coastline. The spill happened when the Wind Orca struck the berthed BG Orange at the Port of Tyne, resulting in the injury of a crane operator and

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Brute battered woman with frying pan and threatened to kidnap and rape her

A man who battered a woman with a frying pan and threatened to kidnap and rape her must wait to learn his fate. Lewis Monaghan attacked the woman after accusing her of stealing money from his mother, despite being barred from going to her home.

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Firefighters tackle blaze behind former pub left derelict for more than a decade

Firefighters tackled a blaze behind a former pub which has been derelict for more than a decade. Cleveland Fire Brigade were called to Sheraton Street in the Oxbridge area of Stockton around 8.30pm on Wednesday (September 9). The fire is understood

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Newton Aycliffe man slapped with £900 fine after failing to tidy up rubbish in garden

A Newton Aycliffe man was ordered to pay more than £900 after leaving his garden strewn with rubbish. Durham County Council said a man from Whinlatter Place was taken to court after failing to comply with requirements to clear the waste. Pictures

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Emergency bus timetable launched due to historic bridge closure following HGV strike

A bus service linking Middleham, Leyburn and Ripon is operating to an emergency timetable following the closure of Middleham Bridge. Service 159 has been affected after a heavy goods vehicle struck the historic bridge, resulting in a diversion

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Tribute to 'loving' grandad who died in A1(M) crash on way back from family trip

The family of a “kind-hearted” grandad who died in a crash on the A1(M) near Darlington on the way back from a family trip have paid tribute to him. Emergency services blue-lighted to the southbound side of the major road on Friday (September 4

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Darlington headteacher pays tribute to 'wonderful' former teacher PC Matthew Blades

The headteacher of a Darlington school has paid tribute to former teacher and "wonderful role model" PC Matthew Blades, who was tragically killed in the A66 crash. PC Blades died alongside PC Tom Clought when their marked Cleveland Police car was

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Car bursts into flames on A1(M) near Darlington during rush-hour

A car burst into flames on the A1(M) near Darlington during the evening rush hour. Emergency services were called at around 5.39pm on Wednesday (September 9) to a car fire on the southbound carriageway of the A1(M) near Darlington. A spokesperson

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Man appears in court accused of 44 child sex offences after arrest at airport

A man accused of 44 sexual offences involving children has appeared before magistrates. Robert Esterbrook, 79, of no fixed abode, was arrested at Leeds Bradford Airport on Monday evening (September 7) on his return to the UK following his departure

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Jobs lost as major UK restaurant chain closing all 106 sites after 52 years

A major UK restaurant chain is shutting all of its sites across the country after more than five decades in business. All 106 Beefeater restaurants will close this week as parent company Whitbread restructures its business. Whitbread announced

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Jet2 reveals new feature being added to certain aircraft in 2027

Jet2 has revealed a new feature coming to its aircraft next year to improve travel for customers, The budget airline, which operates from airports across the UK, is set to upgrade its passenger experience with in-seat power points from next year

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UK travel agent ceases trading after nearly 20 years - is your holiday affected?

A UK travel agent has closed after nearly 20 years in business. Barnes Worldwide Travel Ltd, founded in 2007, was an independent travel agent offering holidays to destinations worldwide, including: New York Egypt Turkey Las Vegas

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Seven-year-old Rose to run Mini Great North Run for cystic fibrosis team

A seven-year-old is set to take on the Mini Great North Run to raise funds for the team that has supported her since she was a baby. Rose Durant, from Billingham, was inspired by her mum’s efforts in the main race last year and will run this weekend

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Kim Hellberg's 'unusual plans' for later in month and why changed approach is needed

KIM HELLBERG admits moulding Middlesbrough’s new-look squad in the early weeks of the season has been a major challenge – and is viewing the forthcoming lengthened international break as an opportunity for a ‘second pre-season’. Boro brought in

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Bowes Museum launches curator-led book club linking literature and art

A curator-led book club is inviting readers to discover the magic of literature and art through discussion and objects. The Bowes Book Club, held at The Bowes Museum in its Conversation Space, invites book lovers to spend Sunday afternoons exploring

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REVEALED - Secondary school named best in North Yorkshire region in new rankings

A Richmond school has topped a new North Yorkshire ranking of state secondary schools based on inspections, exam results, pupil progress and attendance. St Francis Xavier School on Darlington Road came first among North Yorkshire’s 41 state secondary

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23.5 tonnes of ash to be removed from huge mound near Drax Power Station

Plans to extract up to 23.5 million tonnes of ash from a huge mound next to Drax Power Station have been approved with limits on when the site can be worked. North Yorkshire Council’s strategic planning committee has approved the application by

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Darlington food waste bins already 'make a difference' as council thanks residents

Darlington’s new food-waste bins have kept hundreds of tonnes of rubbish out of landfill, the council said. About 50,000 households received new food waste bins and caddies earlier this year and after a shaky launch which saw bin deliveries delayed

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Former North East Debenhams store hits market again five years after closure

The former Debenhams store in Middlesbrough has hit the market once again.  The prominent town-centre building, at the corner of Newport Road and Linthorpe Road, is seeking offers above £1.75 million. The six-storey building has stood empty

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Metro train replica finds new home teaching thousands of children railway safety

A full-size Metro train replica is now helping teach thousands of children about railway safety. The mock-up cab, part of the Tyne and Wear Metro’s new fleet, has been installed at the SafetyWorks! education centre in Newcastle, where it is part

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North East beer lovers go the distance as fundraiser reaches 10th year milestone

Beer lovers across Teesside have helped raise thousands of pounds for the Great North Air Ambulance Service by pushing barrels more than 50 miles. The annual pALEgrimage, organised by Stockton micropub The Golden Smog, marked its 10th year as breweries

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Man threw scalding coffee over mental health worker leaving him screaming in pain

A man threw scalding coffee over a mental health worker leaving him screaming in pain. Jack Cunningham was winding up another patient when a staff member intervened, a court heard. As the worker moved Cunningham away from the 30-year-old, he

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Suicide prevention partnership launched to help stop avoidable deaths

A SUICIDE prevention partnership has been launched to help stop avoidable deaths and build a more supportive community. Darlington Borough Council has joined forces with If U Care Share, a charity based in the region, to deliver two years of suicide

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Bishop Auckland bakery 'blessed' to be shortlisted for Best Bakery award

A Bishop Auckland bakery has been shortlisted for a North East award. The Hedgehog Bakery, on Newgate Street is in the running for The Northern Echo’s Best Bakery award. The bakery offers a wide selection of products, including cookie pizzas

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Our Yorkshire Farm's Reuben Owen takes on new TV show and it's airing soon

Fans of the popular TV series Our Yorkshire Farm will be excited to hear that Reuben Owen will be back on their screens soon. Reuben Owen is one of Clive and Amanda Owen’s children, who has created his own business running a heavy-plant machinery

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Traffic, travel and weather news - Live updates for County Durham and North East

We'll be bringing you all the latest live traffic, travel and weather updates from County Durham and the North East. Live updates on roadworks and traffic incidents in Darlington, Bishop Auckland, Durham and the wider North East- including the

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Nominations open for 2027 BUSINESSiQ Awards to be held at Raby Castle on 29 April

At last, we can reveal the venue and date for the 2027 BUSINESSiQ Awards - and nominations are now open. We started planning the day after this year's event, searching for a venue worthy of an unforgettable night celebrating the North East’s great

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Middlesbrough star shortlisted for first monthly award of Championship season

WILL LANKSHEAR’S superb start to his Middlesbrough career has led to him being shortlisted for the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month award for August. Having moved to Teesside in an initial £10m move from Tottenham, Lankshear hit the ground

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Funeral of 'so full of fun' officer killed in A66 crash held today as tribute paid

A police federation chair has paid tribute to an officer who was "so full of fun" ahead of his funeral today (Thursday, September 10). PC Tom Clough, 38, and his colleague, Matthew Blades, 37, died when a Volkswagen Passat which had been pursued

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Darlington Round Table donates £500 to charity supporting children in hospital

A North East charity which provides arts and crafts activities to children in hospital has received an early Christmas present from Santa. Darlington Round Table has donated £500 from the proceeds of its annual Santa's Sleigh to Forever Eight,

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Dates confirmed for Yarm Fair 2026 - here's when rides will roll into town

Thrill seekers have just weeks to wait until the annual Yarm Fair returns to town.  The event, which dates as far back as 1207, will be returning to the High Street cobbles from Thursday, October 15, to Saturday, October 17, Yarm Town Council has

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Woman says 'time is of the essence' as vital drug for rare disease is unavailable

A woman living with a rare condition that has progressively robbed her of her ability to walk says she feels "isolated" as she fights for access to a vital drug she believes could slow its devastating effects. Georgia Hart, 29, from Hartlepool,

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County Durham secondary school rated ‘Strong’ by Ofsted across all inspection areas

Ofsted has rated Sedgefield Community College 'Strong', praising pupils’ academic success and the school’s culture of respect and inclusion. Inspectors found pupils took “immense pride” in their work, with attainment usually above the national

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Former Durham High School up for sale just 10 weeks after controversial closure

The former Durham High School site has been put up for sale by administrators just weeks after the independent school's controversial closure. The independent school closed its doors on July 2, less than 10 weeks ago, leaving 281 pupils stranded

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Mysterious archway uncovered outside Darlington Market sparks tunnel rumours

Conspiracy theories, secret tunnels and long-forgotten passageways have all been suggested after an ornate archway was uncovered during works outside Darlington Indoor Market. The discovery, revealed as contractors carried out excavation work in

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National Trust property in North East opening for free this month

Ormesby Hall will open its doors to the public for free this month as part of Heritage Open Days. The National Trust property in Middlesbrough will offer complimentary entry across two weekends in September, inviting visitors to explore its wider

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Cricket club secures new kit sponsor in ongoing partnership with housebuilder

A County Durham cricket club has secured a new kit sponsor. Housebuilder Gleeson Homes is backing Langley Park and Bearpark Cricket Club as part of its ongoing support for the community, building on earlier contributions including the installation

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Busy County Durham pharmacy snapped up by growing regional operator

A community pharmacy in County Durham has been sold to an experienced group operator. Lumley Pharmacy in Great Lumley dispenses an average of 15,550 items per month and offers a range of healthcare services, including Pharmacy First, blood pressure

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Darlington charity set up to honour girl, 8, shortlisted for Pride of Britain award

A Darlington charity has said it is an 'honour' to be shortlisted for the Tyne and Tees Pride of Britain Awards. The Forever Eight charity was set up in memory of eight-year-old Amelia Davies, who tragically died from cancer during the Covid-19

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'Mr Haughton' remembered after lifetime serving Darlington as councillor and mayor

Family, friends and former colleagues have paid tribute to former Darlington Mayor David Lyonette as being “Darlington through and through”. Mr Lyonette, who represented Haughton during a 46-year stint on Darlington Borough Council, died on August

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Ultimate guide to Great North Run 2026 - times, travel and what runners need to know

Everything you need to know ahead of this weekend’s Great North Run. Thousands of runners and spectators will descend on Newcastle's city centre as the Great North Run kicks off on Sunday (September 13). Start and finish line Start line

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'Heavy workload' warning as complaints about North Yorkshire councillors rise to 183

Council officers are continuing to face a “sustained heavy workload” dealing with complaints about the conduct of councillors in North Yorkshire. A report to North Yorkshire Council’s standards and governance committee reveals 183 complaints were

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'Domineering' Darlington ex-soldier displayed 'disturbed thinking' towards women

A former soldier dragged his partner by the hair and choked a boy to the point he couldn't breathe as he tried to stop a second attack. Carl Fitzgerald left them “walking on eggshells”, fearing his reaction at the slightest thing, usually when

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Darlington garden centre which boasts nine themed gardens praised in customer reviews

A Darlington garden centre, home to nine themed gardens, has received glowing reviews from customers. Paddock Farm Nursery and Water Gardens has an almost perfect rating of 4.5 stars from nearly 1,000 Google reviews. The centre, on West Lane

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McDonald's confirms opening date for new Darlington drive-thru - here's when

McDonald’s has confirmed the opening date of its new Darlington drive-thru The fast food giant has announced that it will be opening the doors to its Faverdale restaurant, on Faverdale Industrial Estate, on Wednesday, September 23.  The venue

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Part of Ferryhill road to be stopped up to allow development to go ahead

Part of Haig Street in Ferryhill is to be stopped up under a new Department for Transport order. The Secretary of State has made the “Stopping up of Highway (North East) (No.12) Order 2026” under Section 247 of the Town and Country Planning Act

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'We will react against it' - Sunderland midfielder makes vow after dressing-room talk

CHRIS RIGG has become the latest player to admit that outside negativity is fuelling Sunderland’s players to prove people wrong again this season. This time last year, pretty much everyone outside the Stadium of Light were tipping the Black Cats