The Northern Echo : News, Sport, Business, Leisure from the North East and North Yorkshire

The North East | Archive | 2002 | February

Stories for 18 February 2002

Darlington,Newton Aycliffe,Sedgefield,Barnard Castle News

Former headteacher backs school's sport bid

A FORMER headteacher, who celebrates his 74th birthday today, is backing his old school's campaign to raise £25,000 in just over a week. more...

Addiction support service relaunched

AN innovative service for drug and alcohol addicts in the Sedgefield area has been relaunched. more...

Master plan for deprived area

A MASTER plan is being drawn up to provide the framework for improving a deprived area of Newton Aycliffe. more...

Darlington and South Durham news in brief

Overseas trips for students more...

Initiative for older people to be launched

AN initiative to improve services for older people in Darlington is to be officially launched this month. more...

Male voice choir to sing at museum

A MUSICAL concert is to be held at a North-East museum this month. more...

Young stars staging Cabaret

THE hit musical Cabaret is coming to Darlington's Art Centre. more...

Master plan for deprived area

A MASTER plan is being drawn up to provide the framework for improving a deprived area of Newton Aycliffe. more...

Opening of cattle mart is delayed

A CATTLE market which closed during the foot-and- mouth epidemic will not be reopening today as planned. more...

House fire treated as suspicious by police

POLICE are treating as suspicious the cause of a fire which destroyed the living room of a house. more...

Search for footballers of future

AN international football competition to find stars of the future came to Darlington at the weekend. more...

Community classroom proves a hit

A NEW community classroom is proving popular with students of all ages. more...

Name change is celebrated

A GROUP of slimmers are celebrating the successful change of their company's name. more...

Durham,East Durham News

Residents to get their say on services

DURHAM City Council is launching a scheme to find out what people think of its services. more...

Access charge to be levied on city centre street

Restrictions are to be introduced at the gateway to a world heritage site, despite traders' objections. more...

Voices raised in praise of Wesley

A TINY dales community, steeped in the history of Methodism, has been paying a musical tribute to the founder of the religion, John Wesley. more...

Party banishes the burglar blues

A girl whose birthday was ruined by burglars has been given a party to remember. more...

Wishes come true as stone restored

THE wishes of generations of people have come true as part of the £1.4m redevelopment of a park. more...

Hundreds of new nursery places

MORE than 600 nursery school places could be created in the most deprived areas of County Durham. more...

Truants' parents could face jail

EDUCATION chiefs have warned that they are prepared to take increasing numbers of parents to court if they fail to send their children to school. more...

Move to replace eyesore factory

PLANS to demolish a disused factory in the middle of a Ferryhill housing estate have been welcomed by residents. more...

Store wants old jewellery

A store is hoping to turn unwanted jewellery into cash in aid of a national charity. more...

Animal charity moves to new shop

SHOPPERS will have a bigger opportunity to help animals when a new RSPCA charity shop opens in Durham today. more...

Anti-truancy project praised

A SCHEME to cut truancy and permanent exclusions from schools in County Durham has been recognised by a European award. more...

Durham,East Durham,Consett,Stanley,Chester Le Street News

North Durham and Tyneside news in brief

Learn lesson of school run more...

Plans for village redevelopment go on display

PLANS for a village centre development will be put on display this week. more...

Family join to wish martha happy 100th birthday

MARTHA Mason was joined by a dozen grand-nephews and nieces from across the country as she celebrated her 100th birthday yesterday. more...

East Cleveland News

Modern-day vikings answer the invasion call

A VIOLENT period of history was brought back to life at the weekend as the Vikings returned to the region. more...

Newton Aycliffe,Bedale,Bishop Auckland,Barnard Castle,Darlington,Durham,East Durham,East Cleveland,H News

Teen drowning inquest opens

An inquest opened today into the deaths of two girls who died after they were swept away in a fast-flowing stream while on a school trip. more...

Blind killer's campaigners seek Royal Pardon

Campaigners fighting to clear the name of blind killer Yvonne Sleightholme are preparing to seek a Royal Pardon - and are being backed by her prison chaplains, it has emerged. more...

'Metric Martyrs' lose High Court fight

A group of market traders who have become known as the Metric Martyrs this morning lost their High Court battle for the legal right to trade in pounds and ounces. more...

Newton Aycliffe,Bedale,Bishop Auckland,Barnard Castle,Darlington,Durham,East Durham,East Cleveland,H Sport

'West didn't deserve to lose' insists Oliphant

THERE was no elation, not even relief for Kevan Oliphant when he landed a tricky conversion with the last kick of the game to heap more agony on his old teammates on Saturday. more...

Blaydon slip to disappointing Tynedale defeat

BLAYDON followed their best performance of the season against Dudley Kingswinford with a poor display in a 19-10 defeat at Tynedale. more...

Region's roads shamed in report

DANGEROUS roads across the region have been named and shamed as some of the worst in Europe by a damning report. more...

No cup joy for the returning hero

KEVIN KEEGAN returned to Newcastle and gave Bobby Robson the type of fright he can do without at the age of 69 as ten-man Manchester City took the Magpies all the way in a nail-biting FA Cup fifth-round tie at St. James' Park. more...

Nogan goal might spur Pool for Quakers clash

GETTING fired up for a derby game shouldn't be a problem. But if Hartlepool United needed a slight gee-up it may have came at Bootham Crescent on Saturday. more...

Reid secures promising stars on new contracts

SUNDERLAND manager Peter Reid is casting a worldwide net for new players - but he has also acted quickly to tie down two of his young stars. more...

Hudspith has major target to repay parents

FORMER Commonwealth Games marathon bronze medallist Mark Hudspith anchored Morpeth Harriers to a hat-trick of victories in the Royal Signals North-East Road Relay Championships. more...

Boro to change targets

MIDDLESBROUGH manager Steve McClaren is reassessing his options after Muzzy Izzet rejected a £6m move to the Riverside. more...

Patched up Quakers find Stags too tough

WITH players being forced to play out of position in a patched-up side picked from the remaining fit members of the squad, Darlington's trip to promotion-chasing Mansfield was always going to be tough and so it proved. more...

Jair du Cochet chases bonus

There's a £25,000 bonus for any horse that wins the Collins Stewart National Spirit Hurdle over two and a half miles at Fontwell today then goes on to be placed in the stayers' hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. more...

McClaren's men have luck of Cup winners

FIVE years ago Middlesbrough reached the FA Cup final when many fans thought their name was on the prestigious trophy - but dejection followed with defeat to Chelsea. more...

Ehiogu looking to fire himself into World Cup

MIDDLESBROUGH goal-hero Ugo Ehiogu believes finding the net more often will force him back into Sven Goran Eriksson's England plans. more...

'It was no penalty' - Maddison

David Kelly was the key in Darlington's defeat on Saturday as he scored twice and was consistently instrumental in Mansfield's best attacks. more...

Newton Aycliffe,Bedale,Bishop Auckland,Barnard Castle,Darlington,Durham,East Durham,East Cleveland,S News

Former nursing home back on market for higher price

A nursing home that caused controversy when it was closed is back on the market for £245,000. more...

Newton Aycliffe,Bishop Auckland,Barnard Castle,Darlington,Durham,East Durham,Sedgefield,Consett,Stan News

Magpie reserves set to boost Auckland FC

Premiership title chasers Newcastle United are bringing a multi-million pound line-up to lowly Bishop Auckland FC next week as a favour to a former player. more...

Northallerton,Richmond,Hawes,Bedale News

Witnesses sought after sex assault

A GROUP of youngsters who saw a teenage girl only minutes before she was sexually assaulted could hold crucial evidence, police said yesterday. more...

Future of CCTV system is secure

THE future of a crime-busting spy camera system has become clearer after council chiefs announced plans to take over the successful scheme. more...

Split over return of cross

PLANS for siting a giant commemorative cross have been given the go-ahead by the North York Moors National Park Authority - but only on the casting vote of its chairman, Philip Shaw. more...

Teenagers gain from project X

TEENAGERS in a remote area of the North York Moors are being given cash help towards a youth project. more...

Grants bid for village facilities

VOLUNTEERS aiming to improve facilities for village youngsters are pinning their hopes on winning grant aid. more...

Landfill site may become power station

PROPOSALS for a landfill site near a Ryedale village to be converted into a gas-powered electricity station have been unveiled. more...

Groups share £50,000 with Lottery fund

COMMUNITY groups in North Yorkshire have shared a National Lottery windfall of more than £50,000. more...

Busy times at restored hall

TRUSTEES of 19th Century hall say its turnover has soared from £3,000 to £20,000 in its first year since it was redeveloped. more...

North Yorkshire news in brief

Trawlermen angry at plans for fishing bylaws

TEMPERS have flared in a confrontation between fishermen and their industry leaders over plans for new bylaws on fishing off the Yorkshire coast. more...

Schools urged to put forward sport proposals

NORTH Yorkshire schools are being urged to put forward ideas to boost their sporting facilities and cash in on a £3.4m handout. more...

Water quality boost

Yorkshire Water's £500,000 waste water treatment plant in the Heartbeat village of Goathland, on the North York Moors, is due to be completed in about six weeks. more...

Cottages make way for green homes

UP to a dozen energy-efficient homes look set to replace a row of old cottages and their adjoining paddock. more...

National title for brass band founder

A MAN whose enthusiasm for brass band music has rubbed off on his family has received a national award. more...

Stanley,Chester Le Street,Wearside,Wear Valley,The North East News

Policemen force out after street fight

Two police constables have been booted out of the force after a street brawl with two Asian taxi drivers. more...

Teesside News

Winnings will go to charities

NURSING home staff who won their company's monthly raffle are handing the £500 prize to charity. more...

Opposition to holiday car park scheme

PLANS to create an airport car park for more than 500 vehicles have met opposition. more...

Woodland burial site planned

PLANS to extend a cemetery and create a woodland burial site on Teesside look likely to be approved. more...

MP pays tribute to college staff and students

STUDENTS at the Hartlepool College of Further Education were honoured during the annual celebration of achievement evening. more...

Gardens are one of region's hidden gems

VISITORS from all over the region took the chance yesterday for a peek at one of its hidden gems. more...

Seaside resort conservation growth

PLANS to expand a seaside resort's conservation area will be discussed today. more...

Musical instruments recovered in police raid

POLICE are searching for a modern-day George Formby, after recovering a ukulele during a raid on a house. more...

Mobile phone mast approval expected

PLANS to erect a mobile phone mast look likely to be approved, despite the concerns of parents. more...

Repaircare service for elderly proves popular

A NEW scheme in Hartlepool aimed at pensioners who often injure themselves on slippery surfaces and going up and down stairs is proving to be so popular that there is a waiting list. more...

Artists in spotlight for £50,000 project

A NEW partnership is leading to the creation of a public arts project in Middlesbrough. more...

Teesside news in brief

Blaze hits block of flats more...

Designer on track for award

A DESIGN for an art train which it is hoped will make art more accessible to everyone could spell success for a North-East man. more...

North actor's delight at nomination

AN actor from the North-East was celebrating this week after a film he appeared in was nominated for an Oscar. more...

'Precinct is taking away business'

A NEW shopping development in Stockton has been criticised for taking business away from the High Street. more...

'Perfect' work placement for Doug

FORMER University of Teesside student Doug Hewitson has graduated into the "perfect job" helping rural businesses recover from the foot-and-mouth crisis - thanks to an innovative work placement scheme. more...

The North East Features

The Monday poem

Golden Jubilee more...

Hear all sides; Ray Mallon: the jury's still out

CLEVELAND POLICE more...

How the average working woman loses £250,000

THESE days, women have it all - or so we are led to believe. Nicola Horlick was held up as a shining example and nicknamed superwoman for the way she managed to combine her high-flying career in the City with bringing up a young family. But, according to one pressure group, she's an exception to the rule and most women are still lagging behind their male counterparts both at home and in the workplace. more...

Comment from The Northern Echo; The truth, the whole truth...

THE volcano that is Cleveland Police erupted again over the weekend showering the landscape with clouds of dust and accusations but, once more, shedding no light whatsoever. more...

From China with love

China's orphanages are struggling to cope with millions of abandoned children. Women's Editor CHRISTEN PEARS meets a North-East mother who adopted a Chinese orphan. more...

The North East Leisure

Cold comfort memories

Q: I remember the severe winter of 1963. Is it true that it froze every night for three months? - LD Wilson. more...

The North East News

Where prisoners painted scenes of the Fatherland

SIXTY years after prisoners of war were locked away on a secluded North-East hillside, an enterprising couple are hoping they can attract willing guests to spend some time there. more...

Needle in a stack of concerns

LITTLE Melissa Morris barely flinches as a nurse injects her with a needle containing the rubella single vaccine. more...

Father's concern over declining health of jailed charity worker

THE father of a deaf charity worker, jailed in India for possession of drugs, fears his son could die in prison after reports that his health was declining seriously. more...

Bogus callers on the prowl, warn police

ELDERLY people have been warned to be on their guard after bogus callers tried to trick their way into homes. more...

Labour 'asked Mallon to stand'

LABOUR members made an informal approach to controversial former detective Ray Mallon about standing as the party's candidate for mayor of Middlesbrough, it emerged last night. more...

Where prisoners painted scenes of the Fatherland

SIXTY years after prisoners of war were locked away on a secluded North-East hillside, an enterprising couple are hoping they can attract willing guests to spend some time there. more...

It's hard to swallow, but sheep can be killers

IT is a traditional picture of rural charm sheep peacefully nibbling grass on moorland roadside verges. more...

Police appeal over baseball bat robbery

A BUSINESSMAN was beaten over the head with a baseball bat and robbed of his laptop computer and money at the weekend. more...

Patients to monitor own health at home

A SERVICE which would enable vulnerable patients to monitor their health at home is to be launched. more...

Family tells of lost body torment

HOSPITAL managers have apologised to the family of a pensioner who lay dead for more than five hours while his distraught relatives were repeatedly assured he had not been admitted as a patient. more...

Court ruling on metric trading

CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save imperial measurements will today learn the long-awaited outcome of a High Court battle waged by the so-called metric martyrs. more...

Permanent 'separate jabs' clinic

A PRIVATE health care company has announced plans to open a permanent clinic in the North-East offering separate vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella. more...

Galaxy's promise of star line-up

A NORTH-EAST radio station is aiming to raise thousands of pounds for the Prince's Trust with a 38,000-ticket concert at the Gateshead Stadium on June 29. more...

Watchdog warns of deceitful practices

AN energy watchdog has warned consumers in a North-East town to beware of unscrupulous sales agents operating in the area. more...

Nowaxing lyrical for Tussaud's northern cast-outs

FORMER Tory leader William Hague may have been beheaded, but at least he's fared better than poor old Gazza. more...

Royal sketch inspired by Echo image

A FAN of the Royal family has discovered a sketch she made of Princess Margaret as a child. more...

Website crooner is a hit with fans

A PRACTICAL joke has turned a North-East man into an overnight singing sensation with a growing army of fans. more...

Parents warned of crackdown on truancy

EDUCATION chiefs have warned they are prepared to take increasing numbers of parents to court if they fail to send their children to school. more...

King Kev's kiss for old Tyne's sake

KING KEV blew a kiss to the fans on his return to St James' Park last night, but his home-coming did not go as planned as his Manchester City side were knocked out of the FA Cup by Newcastle. more...

Two new events for cancer road races

AN ANNUAL series of road races in which women raise cash for cancer research will include two new events this year. more...

Police to step up security for derby

POLICE are to step up security to prevent clashes between rival fans at tomorrow night's North-East football derby between Darlington and Hartlepool United. more...

Smile - and be successful

TEMPORARY workers at a North-East recruitment agency are being told to smile more often. more...

Mother's message to PM

A MOTHER who believes her son became autistic because of the controversial MMR vaccine has called on the Prime Minister to give parents the choice of single jabs for their children. more...

Youngsters' stage honour

THREE youngsters were stars of the stage when they appeared in a musical. more...

The North East,Echobusiness Business

'Precinct is taking away business'

A NEW shopping development in Stockton has been criticised for taking business away from the High Street. more...

Calls for £45m to tackle 'divide'

UNION leaders have called on the Government to give an extra £45m to One NorthEast to help tackle the North-South divide. more...

Strike off as workers vote to end dispute

A LONG-RUNNING industrial dispute ended yesterday when employees voted to return to work. more...

Last-ditch bid to save jobs with Paris protest

A DELEGATION of workers from a doomed cement factory is preparing to travel to France in a last-ditch bid to save their jobs. more...

Tyneside,Wearside News

Celebrations after waste plan scrapped

RESIDENTS who have been fighting plans for a waste recycling plant were celebrating after they were withdrawn. more...

Refuse collectors clean up with stars

REFUSE collectors employed by a North-East council have scooped up another top accolade after Government watchdogs found the service was the best they had seen. more...

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