PARENTS and staff were in tears last night after a decision to close a primary school. More than 50 attended a special cabinet meeting of Stockton Borough Council to protest against plans to close Tedder Primary School, in Thornaby, Teesside. There have
BAILEY the Belgian shepherd has become top dog at Britain's most prestigious agility competition. The three-year-old dog took first prize in the Pedigree All Stars ABC (anything but collies) final held at the Olympia international show jumping championships
A HEAVILY pregnant young woman has told of how she has suffered from depression since her thumb was nearly severed in a work accident. Christina Walling, 20, told of her ordeal outside Derwentside Magistrates Court in Consett where her employers, Ravendale
Sir, - North Yorkshire County Council's leader, Coun John Weighell, promises another large increase in council tax. This time, it is 10.25pc which makes 25pc over the last three years. In stark contrast, most people have had to make do with just 6pc over
A MEETING is due to take place today in an attempt to build bridges between a local authority and a small group of travellers. The travellers have set up an unauthorised site at Warrenby, near Redcar, even though there is an official site at South Bank
HAVE you ever dreamed of owning a racehorse but thought you couldn't afford to join the rich and famous? The Northern Echo is offering a cost-effective opportunity to get involved in the Sport of Kings. Shares are available in a bay filly called Local
A STOKESLEY farmer has been told that he must put his farm up for sale before he can run a bed and breakfast business on his land. Mr Len Webster is embroiled in a battle with Hambleton District Council over his right to run the guest house at Chestnut
A WOMAN accused of trying to steal a pensioner's bag yesterday denied the accusation. Elizabeth Ness, 35, of Emerald Street, Saltburn, is standing trial at Teesside Crown Court facing a charge of attempted robbery. Mrs Ness denies the charge and yesterday
POLICE admitted they were baffled last night after a search following reports of a blazing plane failed to turn up any wreckage. Witnesses saw what they thought was a stricken aircraft flying low and then plunge to the ground in fields to the west of
A DURHAM City swimmer will become the youngest ever to represent Britain in the sport's World Cup series this week. But her achievement coincides with a high-level discussion on the country's lack of competition-sized pools. Stephanie Proud, 13, a member
A THEATRE club member has cancelled an order for 30 tickets for a newly-opened theatre after failing to get through to the box office. Keith Stitt, 68, a member of Sunderland's Royalty Theatre club, claims he made more than ten phone calls to the Gala
FRED Scholefield was the life and soul of the party. The big, out-going ICI technician, loved socialising and liked nothing better than working out the odds on a rank outsider at Newmarket. Happily married to Teresa, Fred grabbed the chance to take early
THE successful efforts of employees at 3M to reduce the amount of energy used has won the County Durham plant a national award. The 3M site, at Newton Aycliffe, has achieved accreditation under the Energy Efficiency Accreditation Scheme, which is managed
TAILOR-made computer courses and better transport are among the priorities of a worker appointed to co-ordinate efforts to improve life for 1,600 residents in the Yorkshire dales. Mrs Carol Lewis was employed as community development worker by the Two
IF, as was claimed, the military attack on Afghanistan was just, then the United States must act justly. The Taliban and al Qaida suspects detained at the naval base in Cuba must be treated with some degree of dignity, according to the criteria agreed
Middlesbrough's hopes of signing Diego Forlan appear to be over after the striker revealed he intends to sign a four-year contract with Manchester United. The 22-year-old Uruguayan was due on Teesside this afternoon to discuss terms over a £6.9m move
WHEN you get dragged along to all those parent-craft classes, no-one mentions the fact that you'll have to become an expert in sign language, do they? Like the time my wife was watching Hannah, aged nine, in her ballet exam rehearsal. In between her pirouettes
The Countryside Agency survey on the state of the rural economy post foot-and-mouth has highlighted contradictory aspects of North Yorkshire. While most people's perceptions are of an area enjoying a good standard of living, with low unemployment, good
BASKETBALL and rugby stars squared up for yesterday's launch of an Internet learning scheme. Ian White, who plays basketball for the England and Newcastle Eagles teams, and Danny Brown, of the Newcastle Falcons, were at the Cornerstone Community Centre
LIKE a missionary in reverse, headteacher Judith Lees travelled to Africa determined to stop the locals becoming civilised. She revelled in the heat and dust and grew to love life without the constant squawking of mobile phones and children fighting for
Reviews: Soul Reaver 2. Format: PS2. Publisher: Eidos. Price: £44.99 HAVE you seen The Lord of the Rings? If the answer to my question is yes, you will be all too familiar with the concept of a cliffhanger ending. The second instalment of Lord of the
With glamorous grannies and bonny babies, knobbly knees and cabaret shows, the allure of the classic Butlins break has brought millions of holidaymakers flocking to the renowned resorts of Minehead and Bognor Regis. From its somewhat humble origins in
Rod Stewart could have unwittingly landed himself in trouble after taking sides in the fever-pitch world of North-East football. The soccer-mad singer runs his own football team in Los Angeles, and decided to buy some new strips for their new season on
A DENTIST is hoping to bring an impossible dream to North-West Durham - Consett Airport. Dentist and entrepreneur Les Smith already has his own air strip outside his restaurant and trout farm at Knitsley Mill, near Consett. Now he has applied to Derwentside
WHEN you get dragged along to all those parent-craft classes, no-one mentions the fact that you'll have to become an expert in sign language, do they? Like the time my wife was watching Hannah, aged nine, in her ballet exam rehearsal. In between her pirouettes
Tommy Taylor has dropped his interest in St Mirren's Christoper Wreh after the striker failed to turn up for training at Feethams yesterday. After weeks of talks with the player's agent, former Wimbledon striker John Fashanu, the 26-year-old former Arsenal
THE owner of one of the region's most successful rural office developments has been given the go ahead to start work on renovating another building for business use. There has been such a demand for the offices at the Aske Stables, near Richmond, North
DETAILS for a powerful regional assembly are "on target" to be published by the end of March, a Government minister said last night. In an interview with The Northern Echo, Regions Minister Nick Raynsford said an elected North-East assembly would not
The heartbroken mother of a teenage drugs victim had a dramatic doorstep confrontation with a suspected dealer - just days after her daughter was found dead. Helgi Brown confronted the man after 17-year-old Lilli, was found dead of suspected heroin overdose
TWO Teesside octogenarians have proved that age is no barrier when it comes to learning. Bob Walker, 88, and Bob Hamlett, 80, have just picked up university certificates after completing short courses in IT and local history. Mr Walker, a former chartered
POLICE chiefs in the region are backing national calls for a more radical overhaul of the criminal trial process in England and Wales. The Association of Chief Police Officers says the public is losing faith in a system that alienates victims and witnesses
OFF-FARM income is likely to be ever more necessary for the survival of many family farms. Farming was in his blood, a farmer who has successfully diversified told the seminar. "I want to keep doing it but the only way is through off-farm income," said
POLICE and social services are investigating an allegation of neglect at a popular North-East nursery. An inquiry has been launched at The Play Hut in North Road, Darlington, following a complaint by the parents of a seven-month-old baby. Graham Dymond
SHOTGUNS have been stolen from a house in a burglary. Two unloaded double barrelled guns, one a 12-bore Westley Richards, the other, a 12-gauge Smallwood, were stolen, together with a deactivated Smith and Weston revolver. Cleveland Police said there
Sir, - Oh, to be in Oman, now that winter's there! Brian Redhead's report from Oman (D&S, Jan 4)evoked many interesting memories of my time there as an education officer in the Royal Air Force of Oman. I well remember those baking hot summers, when
PEOPLE interested in adoption are invited to attend information sessions. Barnardo's New Families adoption unit is holding two sessions for those interested in learning more about adoption and long-term fostering. Lasting two hours, they will be informal
THE Government last night announced a £16m cash injection aimed at boosting the pensions of thousands of poverty stricken ex-pitmen. About 12,000 of the poorest former miners in the region will receive additional one-off payments ranging between £200
A TEENAGER has combined scientific and artistic talents to win a poster competition. Sarah Murphy, 13, from St John's RC School, Bishop Auckland, enjoyed an all-expenses-paid visit to London last month to take part in a Secrets of Life lecture, which
ANYONE thinking of opening a farm shop must think very carefully before going ahead. That advice was given by Mr Sam Blacker, who sold his farm and opened Ainsty Farm Foods beside the A59 York to Harrogate road at Kirk Hammerton. Mr Blacker explained
A THIRD man was helping police inquiries last night following a crash which left a motorist fighting for his life in hospital. The 33-year-old victim, a married man, remained in a critical condition in Newcastle General Hospital last night, six days after
A VOLUNTEER worker collapsed and died after suffering an epileptic fit, an inquest heard yesterday. Nicholas Vaughan, known to his friends and family as Nicky, was found slumped against railings on a path below the castle, in Barnard Castle, on January
TWO small hospitals could face closure as part of plans to modernise care for elderly patients who are recovering after treatment. Health officials are recommending that South Moor Hospital, in Stanley, and Homelands Hospital, Crook, should come under
PARENTS and staff were in tears last night after a decision to close a primary school. More than 50 attended a special cabinet meeting of Stockton Borough Council to protest against plans to close Tedder Primary School, in Thornaby, Teesside. There have
A MINIBUS driver who stopped to change a wheel died after being struck by a car yesterday. Eric Sockett, 52, was taken to Middlesbrough General Hospital where he was pronounced dead, after the accident just before 7am on the sliproad to the A174, near
The Northern League will resist pressure to increase its membership to 44 clubs. League officials met with their counterparts from the Wearside and Northern Alliance Leagues last week, and told them that they had no intention of extending the league to
A WOMAN who has forged links with an African community is appealing for medical equipment for a small hospital. Liz Rose, from Darlington, first visited Africa in 1966 as a volunteer with the Methodist Church. She flew out again in December to visit church
SECOND Division Brandon Brawns Den pulled off the shock result of the season when they knocked the mighty Newton Aycliffe out of the B&A Trophy. Aycliffe, twice winners of the trophy, missed a glorious chance to progress into the semi-finals when
Durham League - Ushaw Moor Catholic Club continued their very good run and carried on their move up the table with a fine victory at the impressive Bowburn Oak Tree B. The early stages of the match went point for point with the home side opening through
A controversial motor racing circuit is facing yet another investigation amid claims noise is affecting the health of people nearby. At least ten neighbours from the village of Dalton-on-Tees, south of Darlington, claim noise from the track at Croft is
Tow Law Bass - Tow Law New Market A needed a maximum home win over Sunniside Moss Inn in order to get back in touch with the leaders. They started off in good form by taking both the trebles and then the first three singles with wins from John Parkin,
TWO nature reserves that lost thousands of visitors during the foot-and-mouth disease crisis last year have been awarded funds to help win them back. Durham Wildlife Trust was dealt a devastating blow during the epidemic that gripped the region last year
A DATE has been set for an appeal hearing a dead man's family hope will lead to a longer prison term for his killer. Alfred Welch was jailed for three years by Teesside Crown Court in July last year, after admitting man-slaughter. His victim, Paul Simpson
Councillors have put themselves on a potential collision course with English Heritage after voting overwhelmingly to widen a narrow, flood-damaged 18th Century bridge. English Heritage is opposing any widening of the humped back Grade II-listed Creet's
THE Health and Safety Executive (HSE) was last night continuing to investigate the deaths of two men who were electrocuted at roadworks. Fred Cook, 38, and John Crimmins, 33, were killed by a 20,000 volt shock on the A66 east of Bowes, County Durham,
A £1M push to fund the demolition and rebuilding of a well-known Darlington landmark has begun. For 115 years, the citadel in Northgate has been home to the local corps of the Salvation Army but, as its Victorian bricks continue to soak up water, the
THE EASING of foot-and-mouth restrictions has led to a welcome return to business for one North Yorkshire farm. The disease is estimated to have resulted in half the national Swaledale flock being culled - and in a huge demand for fresh stock. For pedigree
AN ASYLUM seeker from Montenegro was found with two stolen Israeli passports when questioned by police over possible drug possession. Zoran Markovic, 25, a former member of the Yugoslav security forces, claimed he had been given the passports by two local
Lee Bennett has earned his reward for some impressive performances on artificial slopes this season. The 16-year-old, a student at Gilesgate Sixth Form College, Durham, has gained selection to attend an English Schools Ski Squad training camp and will
WHITE Close Hill is a small isolated farm high on the North Pennines at Bowes, near the Durham-Yorkshire border. Winters are usually long, often bleak, and occasionally severe, which makes tending to the needs of livestock a thankless task. Imagine then
A LAWYER is calling for a change in divorce laws to avoid acrimonious proceedings. Peter Medd, principal solicitor for Redcar's Cygnet Family Law, said that despite the Government's commitment to the aims of "no fault" divorce, allowing a divorce to go
A HEAVILY pregnant woman chased thieves and recovered a stolen motorcycle - only to be landed with a £63 bill. Sue Cammish received the cash demand after Durham Police had the bike removed for forensic tests. Sue was stunned - but police have now torn
BUSINESSES in the North-East have been invited to boost their performance by bidding for a share of £5m in Government cash. The cash is intended to help businesses tackle workplace problems such as long hours, rigid shift patterns and absenteeism. The
A man was certified dead on arrival at hospital following an incident outside a house in Brignall Road, Stockton, in the early hours of New Year's Day, an inquest heard. Housewife Vicky Arnold, 33, of Sadberge Road, Stockton, gave evidence of formal identification
Darlington Mowden Park - Mowden Park's Under-16 team were narrowly beaten in a hard fought game at South Tyneside College. The two sets of forwards were evenly matched throughout, in a game played in the rain, on an already saturated pitch. Neither back-line
The Birtley Town bandwagon rolls on but manager Dave Smith is keeping his fingers crossed that the story does not end where it began. His side's low point came in a 2-2 draw at home to Annfield Plain when Smith admits that it was the worst performance
Reviews: Soul Reaver 2. Format: PS2. Publisher: Eidos. Price: £44.99 HAVE you seen The Lord of the Rings? If the answer to my question is yes, you will be all too familiar with the concept of a cliffhanger ending. The second instalment of Lord of the
A GRIEVING couple last night told of their pain at losing their daughter to the drugs menace as a second teenager lay seriously ill in hospital. Heartbroken Nigel and Helgi Brown spoke out after their 17-year-old daughter, Lilli, died of a heroin overdose
A REFUGE for rabbits, which has saved hundreds of animals, has been awarded charity status after a two-year wait. Gwen Butler's devotion has put Bunny Burrows, in Richmond, North Yorkshire, in the media spotlight around the world. The story of rabbit
YOUNG skateboarders and cyclists in Thirsk suffered a setback yesterday when plans for a dedicated park off St James's Green were thrown out by Hambleton councillors. The development control committee agreed by ten votes to five that a scheme prepared
RECALLING last week's notes about the identification of wintering trees, I took a long walk in freshly fallen snow and was surprised by the variety and number of footprints left by wild creatures. Even within a very short space of time, the birds and
A LOCOMOTIVE involved in two rail disasters is back in use on the East Coast main line. The electric engine, which was part of the trains involved in the Hatfield and Selby tragedies, has been refurbished and given the name City of Durham. But bosses
A coroner has denied stealing more than £170,000 from the estates of dead people. Jeremy David Cave, 52, appeared before Teesside Crown Court charged with 10 counts of theft. Cave, of The Grange, Balk, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, was suspended from
BOBBY ROBSON has saluted the role of unsung hero John Carver in Newcastle United's Premiership resurgence. First-team coach Carver has acted as Robson's right-hand man since Mick Wadsworth defected to Southampton last summer before moving on to take charge
PLANS to add mobile phone equipment to a police radio mast in Northallerton were rejected by Hambleton councillors yesterday. There was applause from the public gallery as the development control committee went against the advice of planning officers
UNDER the spotlight of the world's media at the Autosport International Show in Birmingham last week, Ford Racing announced that local drivers David Henderson and Guy Wilks will spearhead their newly-formed Ford Junior Rally Team in this season's British
A MALE voice choir is to fold because of a dwindling membership. Cockfield Methodist Male Voice Choir, which is based in Teesdale, County Durham, was formed more than half-a- century ago. It will disband later this month after a series of recruitment
Police are asking a vital witness to a crash which left a man in a coma to get in touch. Kulver Singh, 33, who runs a fast food take away in The Avenue, Seaham, sustained serious head injuries in the incident on Princess Road, Seaham, last Friday. His
YARM will not enter this year's Northumbria in Bloom competition, the town council has decided. And some councillors felt local businesses should play a stronger role in planting or supporting the town's flower displays. The town council heard that a
A BOOK on hill farming by a retired Teesdale vet is to provide a £5,000 boost to help families hit by foot-and-mouth disease. The money was raised from sales of the book Hill Farmer: A Working Year in the Fells by Neville Turner. Dalesman Publishing,
Sir, - I refer to your front page report about market towns being amongst the county's poorest areas D&S Jan 11. Your correspondent, Dan Jenkins, is to be congratulated for highlighting the phenomenon of rural deprivation. However, I would like to
ORANGE plans to cash in on the growing youth market for mobile phones. The plans were outlined by John Allwood, executive vice- president of Orange UK, on a whistle-stop tour of the telecoms groups operations in the region. Mr Allwood was visiting the
A PUB landlady will soon be selling stamps alongside pints as she launches a post office service in the village of Skeeby, near Richmond. Miss Sue Powell, who runs the Traveller's Rest, was among residents who were dismayed when the local post office
THREE miles on soft ground looks just the ticket for Tim Easterby's dour stayer Dunraven (1.00) at Uttoxeter. Dunraven is no world-beater, but then neither are any of his 16 opponents in division one of the P&C Morris Maiden Hurdle at the Midlands
Hartlepool manager Chris Turner was an interested spectator when Bishop Auckland took on Spennymoor in the UniBond League Cup group match on Wednesday night. Turner's interest centred around Spennymoor keeper Jim Provitt, and centre half Joe Weir, two
The National Trophy again sits proudly in the TVL Mohawk's trophy cabinet after the Eston Sports Academy based side crushed Worthing Thunder by 22 points in Sunday's final at Sheffield Arena The wins means the Mohawks have now recorded a record-breaking
A FORMER nursing home near Darlington could be converted into eight apartments overlooking the River Tees. Carlbury Hall, at Piercebridge, will be altered and slightly extended, and the grounds of the building restored, if Darlington Borough Council grants
A TAXI driver accused of sexually assaulting a passenger in the back of his cab has been cleared of the charge. Cab firm owner Denis Failes spoke of his relief after a jury at Teesside Crown Court returned a not guilty verdict on a charge of indecent
THE son of a North-East Labour MP looks likely to escape a jail sentence after he admitted stealing cheques from a prominent backbench politician. Malcolm Bell, 19, son of Middlesbrough MP Stuart Bell, fell into a spiral of crime to "escape a life that
SHOPPERS turned spectators as canine training took place at the MetroCentre, in Gateshead, yesterday with West Midlands search team officer Jackie Marshall and dog Buster, above, leading the way. The centre is supporting Durham Police's sniffer dog training
THE dog warden service in the Ryedale area of North Yorkshire has, for the second time, won national recognition for its work. The Good Dog Campaign - a national initiative promoting responsible dog ownership - has awarded the service a certificate of
A NORTH Yorkshire pig farm is celebrating after winning two national trophies - one for the second year running. Mount Pleasant Farm, East Rounton, won the supreme bacon championship and supreme pork title at the recent National Festival of Meat held
WAS anyone really surprised Prince Harry got drunk and smoked some cannabis when he was left at home, largely unsupervised, for two months during the summer? Wasn't he only doing what many 17-year-olds would do in similar circumstances? If Harry had been
A MAJOR investment could soon lead to the creation of jobs in one of the region's unemployment blackspots. The Caterpillar plant at Skinningrove, east Cleveland, has announced it will be adding new equipment to increase its capacity and eventually hopes
FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - One of the finest pleasures to a benevolent mind is that of imparting pleasure to those without the means of commanding it. Mr C Peacock and his coadjutors must have derived a pure satisfaction from the evident delight
After an unscheduled festive break due to the poor weather conditions of late, most teams returned to league action this week. However, the break seems to have done Spraire RA more harm than good, as they lost their game against Newton Aycliffe Sports
THE prospect of another interest rate cut was raised as official figures showed retail sales fell last month for the first time since early 2000. The shopping spree in the run-up to Christmas failed to match the blistering pace set in November, said the
As Europe gets to grips with its new currency, historians have discovered that the euro's design has been around for more than 2,000 years. Experts have discovered ancient Roman denarii bear a remarkable resemblance to the new coins. The Romans gave us
Letters from The Northern Echo GALA THEATRE THIS week has seen the opening of Durham City Council's Gala Theatre, with a wide-ranging programme of shows to cater for all tastes. The Gala Theatre is a multi-purpose facility that can be converted within
Energy Minister Brian Wilson will be tackling steel giant Corus over the plan to close its research and development centre on Teesside. The promise was made in the Commons to Ashok Kumar, MP for South Middlesbrough and East Cleveland. He told MPs that
NORTHGATE plc has launched a website to bring van rental to the Internet. The vehicle rental business, in Allington Way, Darlington, has launched Wannavan.com. The venture is aimed at business or retail users who needs to rent a basic van, but prefer
A FORMER headteacher who received an Order of the British Empire in the Queen's New Year's Honours' List returned to school to celebrate with his former students. Brian Jones, formerly headteacher at St John's RC Comprehensive School, in Bishop Auckland
EQUESTRIAN businesses supplying stabling and livery services together are now exempt from VAT. The new Customs and Excise policy follows a tribunal last summer which found that the principal element of livery was in fact the stabling, which is in most
DETECTIVES investigating the murder of a Korean student, whose body was found dumped in a suitcase in a North Yorkshire country lane, arrested a man last night. Police swooped to arrest a 30-year-old in the west end of London in connection with the death
A former nursery nurse seeking damages for libel over allegations branding her a paedophile told the High Court that there was not a grain of truth in the "incredible" claims against her. Dawn Reed, 31, went into the witness box at London's Law Courts
SPEEDING motorists who use a housing estate as a short cut are endangering lives, say residents. Residents of Sunnydale, Shildon, say someone could be killed if something is not done to stop drivers from speeding along their street. Chairman of the Shildon
NEXUS, the company behind the Tyne and Wear Metro, confirmed last night that a small amount of asbestos had been discovered in a rail tunnel. But it said the amount of asbestos found in St James' tunnel, between Monument and St James' Station, was well
YOUNG achievers have been rewarded for their efforts at a special awards ceremony this week. On Wednesday, Sunderland's Barbara Priestman School hosted its annual awards evening. The awards ceremony, which was attended by businessman Sir Tom Cowie, recognised
MO THE meter maid is a hit with at least one motorist. Parking wardens usually come in for abuse, not praise - but a Whitby couple were so pleased with the way she dealt with them they have put their thanks on record. Mrs Mo Penson, above, of Riverside
JAMES Paterson adapts traditional painting skills to create big, fresh canvases about pop culture and the mass media. The 24-year-old former pupil of Carmel school in Darlington studied art at Queen Elizabeth sixth form college in the town and then went
HEALTH and beauty chain Boots has posted a small spark in festive sales, but said it was not satisfied with trading over Christmas. Like-for-like sales were 2.4 per cent ahead in the three months to December 31, a period when most high street players
CHARLIE Chaplin on a visit to Durham was told that, during the 1920s, he'd appeared at a theatre in the city's Walkergate area. "I don't remember it," the comic is said to have replied. That's not going to happen to the newly-opened £14m Gala Theatre
AN 80-YEAR-OLD competition addict has won free gas and electricity for a year in a Northern Echo contest. Honor Lee, of Brandon, near Durham City, has filled her home with prizes from dozens of competitions, which she completes with her son, Michael.
POLICE and BT investigators arrested four people suspected of Internet fraud during raids across the North-East yesterday. Officers carrying swooped on five homes in Washington and Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne and Wear, at breakfast time. Two men and two
A STEWARD at the centre of a working men's club row will learn soon whether he has a future there. Members are furious and bar staff have walked out after Malcolm Jones, steward of Langley Park club, near Durham City, was suspended for alleged breach
STUDENTS and staff at Guisborough's Prior Pursglove College hoped to rock the boat this week with their production of Guys and Dolls. Three members of staff and more than 30 pupils aged between 16 and 18 will perform the classic musical at 7.30pm today
A DURHAM City swimming sensation will become the youngest swimmer ever to represent Britain in the sport's World Cup series this week. But her achievement coincides with a high-level discussion on the country's lack of competition-sized pools. Stephanie
COUNCILLORS are holding surgeries in the following Redcar and Cleveland wards: Today: Coatham, the 9 O'Clock Club, 42 West Dyke Road; Guisborough, Stumps Cross Community Centre and Maltby Court Community Centre; Newcomen, the 9 O'Clock Club; Redcar, Laburnum
A MINIBUS driver who stopped to change a wheel died after being struck by a car yesterday. Eric Sockett, 52, was taken to Middlesbrough General Hospital where he was pronounced dead, after the accident just before 7am on the sliproad to the A174, near
HEALTH Secretary Alan Milburn is facing a new row about private finance in the NHS after claims that two new hospitals will have to merge because of bed shortages. A few days ago the Darlington MP was being barracked by Labour MPs over his plans to bring
THE surprise offer of £20,000 from a village trust could be the answer to a bitter division over the proposed sale of the Middleton St George play park. The cash, from the sale of the former youth centre, would go towards replacing condemned equipment
A town's voluntary clubs have been canvassed for support for a project deemed worthy of the Queen's golden jubilee. The vision of the Demesnes jubilee project, which has set up a steering group in Barnard Castle, is to pick up the aspirations of the town's
A COUNCIL training agency which set thousands of Wear Valley teenagers on the path to employment has folded after nearly 30 years. Wear Valley Training's current crop of 64 young students have been promised their courses will not be affected and were
THE European Parliament has accepted a Yorkshire Euro-MP's call for an EU-wide inquiry into Britain's foot-and-mouth crisis. Mr Robert Goodwill, Euro MP for Yorkshire and the Humber, farms near York and was delighted with Wednesday's decision. The 12-
So what is ahead on Gala nights in Durham? Today: Alan Ayckbourn play FlatSpin about romantic and dangerous, strangers, opens at 7.30pm. Tomorrow: Official opening of the cinema. Showings start at 12.15pm. Adults, £5.25, concessions £4.25, children under
COULD this be the year when Tim Henman casts off his image as a nice, smiling also-ran and achieves something which will persuade hundreds of children to take up tennis? The signs are good, not just because he's doing well in Australia, but because John
COULD this be the year when Tim Henman casts off his image as a nice, smiling also-ran and achieves something which will persuade hundreds of children to take up tennis? The signs are good, not just because he's doing well in Australia, but because John
A GREAT Ayton builder, who is converting the Rosehill theatre into homes, has claimed the parish council irrationally opposes planning applications - particularly from newcomers. Mr Christopher Scarff, of Chapel House, described the council as bizarre
THE Friendly Tory got a dressing down by his left-wing pals this week, in the name of charity. Former Conservative mayor Mr Bob Hoggarth wore trainers, a baseball cap and a communist badge - to raise cash for Guisborough town pride. Mr Hoggarth is always
FRONT-line health care providers across North Yorkshire are expected to be given their biggest cash boost next week. Overall, the health organisations in the county will get more than £50m of extra funding for the next financial year. That represents
I DO not own much in the way of sporting antiques - an Alken print of water spaniels and a Landseer (the lesser Landseer) print of pointers, though my partner has recently acquired a 39p mug from the local Help the Aged shop celebrating France 98, which
QUAKERS allowed a glorious opportunity to book a fourth round FA Cup date with Newcastle United to slip from their grasp against Peterborough United on Tuesday night. Leading 2-0 with half an hour to go at Feethams, Darlington fans were beginning to believe
Mud, mud, glorious mud... The recent mucky weather is bound to leave its mark - probably on your floor and carpets as people trail it in with them. Even if they wipe their shoes, the mud still sneaks in. Add to that the spilt wine and beer stains, whatever
The penultimate round of the Yorkshire Winter League on the Ouse around Fulford saw leaders Anglers World still firmly in command and barring a complete disaster the title and semi-final beckons, writes JEFF HERBERT. Bream showed for the leaders from
Darlington and District Motor Club have received a quality entry for their Jack Frost Stages Rally, which takes place at Croft circuit tomorrow. The annual event forms part of both the ANCC Stage and North of England Rally Championships and has attracted
The man convicted of causing the deaths of ten men in the Selby train crash is to appeal. Solicitors acting for Gary Hart, 37, have lodged papers for an appeal against his conviction for causing the deaths by dangerous driving, said a spokesman at the
SCHOOLS are being made a sporting offer by a roofing firm which has ten of the best seats to give away for Darlington Football Club's home match on Saturday. MDK Roofing, from Cockton Hill, Bishop Auckland, has ten box tickets for the game with Southend
A COUPLE brought together by dancing classes more than six decades ago have been in step ever since. Sam and Doris Turnock celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary yesterday, and like almost every celebration over the past sixty years it was a family
A YOUTH worker has been given a special presentation as a thank you for the work he has done in Ferryhill. Andy Coulthard, youth development officer at Sedgefield Borough Council, has worked on several projects in the town, but he is about to start a
PUPILS at a Newton Aycliffe school have taken part in an innovative careers event geared towards the arts. Greenfield School Community and Arts College was holding the year nine opportunity awareness in the arts event for the fourth year. The conference
PEOPLE are outraged that local government regulations prevent their councillor from representing them in a battle over supervised housing. Next Tuesday, Wear Valley district councillors will vote on whether to allow Three Rivers Housing to build three
A FORMER headteacher who received an Order of the British Empire in the Queen's New Year's Honours' List returned to school to celebrate with his former students. Brian Jones, formerly headteacher at St John's RC Comprehensive School, in Bishop Auckland
The body of a man found in woodland in County Durham has still to be identified. Officers believe it is missing pensioner Robert English, 77, of Station Cottages, in Middleton-in-Teesdale, who disappeared on November 26. A full post mortem examination
PRODUCERS at one of the region's leading theatres are looking for a sheepdog for the next production. The border collie is needed to appear on stage at York Theatre Royal in the John Steinbeck drama Of Mice And Men next month. "We're looking for an older
FRAIL and sick pensioners were given just 48 hours to find alternative accommodation after hearing of a privately-run nursing home's closure. Despite a written requirement that four weeks' notice be given, The Old Vicarage Nursing Home, in West Rainton
Worthington CIU Team Knock-out Cup - The Knock-out Cup second round produced some tight matches but just one point put out Tow Law, whilst Shotton Palms went out by just two points. Sherburn Village went down by nine points, Belmont by 11 and Wingate
THE makers of a new BBC television comedy-drama about a Newcastle family are confident Geordies won't be offended by it. Breeze Block has been written by the Glaswegian writer Ian Pattison, creator of Rab C Nesbitt. He based the six-part series on his
A JUDGE hearing a High Court libel trial said yesterday he would take into account hearsay evidence relating to 27 children it is claimed were abused by two workers at a Newcastle nursery. Mr Justice Eady said the evidence, much of which will be given
CHILDREN'S TV star Kirsten O'Brien returned to her roots yesterday morning to open a child care centre. The BBC presenter, who is originally from Middlesbrough and currently appearing as Peter Pan at the Sunderland Empire, visited the new nursery in Guisborough
FIVE men and two women have been arrested after smuggling their way to the North-East on a lorry. Staff at a trailer manufacturers caught three of the suspected illegal immigrants after they ran from the truck at the Schmitz Cargobull factory in Hare
A YORKSHIRE peer is celebrating a new landmark in her breeding of Highland ponies. A wedding gift of a single pony called Corrie in 1959 marked the start of a remarkable hobby for Lady Masham, who has been confined to a wheelchair since suffering spinal
A NORTH-EAST village has been selected to take part in a pilot scheme which could determine the future of local banking across the country. Sedgefield, in County Durham, is one of only ten places included in the scheme, which should benefit thousands
A MUSICAL tradition spanning more than half a century comes to a reluctant end later this month. Cockfield male voice choir, which can trace its roots back to the autumn of 1947, has regretfully decided to disband after unsuccessfully trying to recruit
Mud, mud, glorious mud... The recent mucky weather is bound to leave its mark - probably on your floor and carpets as people trail it in with them. Even if they wipe their shoes, the mud still sneaks in. Add to that the spilt wine and beer stains, whatever
Bobby Smith wears badly. He hobbles to the top of the stairs, curses the four limbed gout that makes even a bed sheet painful, collapses back onto the sofa with the controlled precision of a bag of sea coal being thrown over a bicycle crossbar. He awaits
Bobby Smith wears badly. He hobbles to the top of the stairs, curses the four limbed gout that makes even a bed sheet painful, collapses back onto the sofa with the controlled precision of a bag of sea coal being thrown over a bicycle crossbar. He awaits
A VILLAGE playground, which had a £6,000 revamp last year, has been condemned as unfit to use. Vandalism at the play area, which is tucked out of sight on the cricket field, has made Etherley parish councillors and residents wring their hands in despair
THE Cheltenham Festival is the destination for two of Tim Easterby's stars after a big race double at Ascot and Newcastle on Saturday. Turgeonev, who is flying up the ranks of two-mile chasers, landed the Victor Chandler Chase, a Grade 2 event, in impressive
Spectator took to the hills last Saturday, along with many other people taking advantage of the first decent weekend weather of the new year. The area round Osmotherley was particularly popular, but there was still plenty of confusion over some footpaths
A PENSIONER died after years of exposure to asbestos, an inquest heard yesterday. The 78-year-old widow had worked at Darlington Chemical Works for more than 40 years. Relatives told the inquest hearing in Darlington that she was exposed to asbestos every
Quakers RC - Alasdair Tatham won the alternative Jolly Holly Jog held Sunday, December 30 in a remarkable time of 31:26. Graham Park also had a fabulous run finishing second Quaker and 21st overall in 36:07. The only lady running for the club was Helen
LEYBURN auction mart plans to bounce back by expanding its weekly prime livestock sales. Mr Stephen Walker, auctioneer, said on Tuesday that the Wednesday sales had shown a steady increase before the foot-and-mouth crisis. Now it hopes to attract fresh
POLICE were trying urgently last night to trace the mother of a stillborn baby found behind a pub yesterday morning. Detectives said the premature baby's mother would be in need of medical attention and gave an assurance they were not considering pursuing
COMMUNITY groups in the North-East are being invited to bid for Government cash to help child victims of poverty. Home Office Minister for Children and Young People John Denham announced yesterday that County Durham will receive funding for the first
New County North Durham Youth League - One game went ahead in Division A at Under-16 level and Leam Rangers hit South Shields Abfad 9-2, both Andrew Heslington and Daniel Graham scored hat tricks. Adam Carr was the scorer of both the South Shields goals
HUTTON Rudby was celebrating yesterday after plans for a new and larger village hall were finally given the green light. The parish council was left disappointed last November after original plans for a new hall, in the village conservation area on the
DETECTIVES investigating a brutal robbery in a darkened alley, which left the victim needing hospital treatment, have described it as a "cowardly" attack. The robbery was committed by two men as the 22-year-old male victim was walking through the unlit
ACCIDENT chiefs are continuing to investigate a chemical leak at a Newton Aycliffe factor which left four people in hospital. The incident, which happened at about 8pm on Monday, January 7 at Great Lakes Manufacturing (UK) Ltd, on Newton Aycliffe Industrial
DURHAM could find themselves on a collision course with some clubs after advising them that Saturdays not originally scheduled as league days have priority for playing county cup competitions. Clubs have been instructed to play the outstanding first round
SCHOOL children are being asked to recycle their Christmas cards to help create more trees in the Tees Forest area. Pupils in schools across the region are being asked to collect old Christmas cards, which will be recycled into paper and cardboard products
POLICE have launched a hunt for a lone arsonist believed to be responsible for a series of attacks at haulage yards that have cost an estimated £15m across the North-East. Detectives said it was a miracle no one had been killed in at least six attacks
WAS anyone really surprised Prince Harry got drunk and smoked some cannabis when he was left at home, largely unsupervised, for two months during the summer? Wasn't he only doing what many 17-year-olds would do in similar circumstances? If Harry had been
A MISSING Korean student visited the North-East just days before the body of a second Korean woman was found dumped in a suitcase in a country lane, it emerged yesterday. In Hea Song, 22, made a bus journey from London to York in November - a matter of
Sunday marks the first anniversary of George Bush's inauguration, following the most controversial pesidential election in US history. Nick Morrison looks at the turnaround in the President's fortunes - and asks how long can it last? AMID the driving
BCTG. - Jan 28: Dressage clinic with Patsy Bartram (subsidised for members), open to non-members, tel 01325 332685 for details. For membership details, tel Hilary on 01325 326262. Bedale Hunt. - Jan 28: Show jumping, Richmond EC, 11am, details 01677 450229
SUPERMARKET group Asda has revealed plans to create up to 10,000 jobs this year. Asda, owned by US shopping company Wal-Mart, said it would hire a mixture of full and part-time workers, bringing the total head count up to 130,000. The jobs will be created
PLANS to build a housing estate could be approved despite opposition from conservationists and neighbours. House builder Barratt of York wants to build 24 three and four-bedroom homes at Shackleton Close in the Upper Bauldbyes area of Whitby, but the
WHEN you get dragged along to all those parent-craft classes, no-one mentions the fact that you'll have to become an expert in sign language, do they? Like the time my wife was watching Hannah, aged nine, in her ballet exam rehearsal. In between her pirouettes
PARENTS are being encouraged to learn more about the dangers of drug-taking among youngsters by attending a major event tomorrow. They are being invited to a drugs awareness evening, being staged at Northallerton town hall, from 7pm to 9pm. The event
