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Stories for 5 April 2004
Consett,Stanley,Chester Le Street News
Plans for offices at empty building
A REDUNDANT building that has cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of pounds could be brought back to life. more...
£500,000 project to tackle smoking and child obesity
MORE than £500,000 is to be invested in schemes to help young people in deprived former mining communities become fit and healthy. more...
Grant helps new bowls club buy equipment
A CLUB in Chester-le-Street has been given a donation to buy more equipment. more...
Regulars raise cash in Mark's memory
MORE than 40 men went under the clippers this weekend to raise money in memory of a friend. more...
Bird farm bid ruffles feathers
CAMPAIGNERS have donned bird costumes to protest at a planned free range duck and poultry farm. more...
Free courses launched at centre
A COMMUNITY centre has unveiled its spring programme of free courses. more...
Charity walk back on track
ABOUT 80 people yesterday joined a charity walk that had not run since the foot-and-mouth outbreak. more...
Darlington,Newton Aycliffe,Sedgefield,Barnard Castle News
Council teams called in to clean up estate
COUNCIL teams undertook a wide-scale clean-up of a Darlington estate in response to complaints from residents. more...
New owner sought for Sandy
AN eight-month old labrador- cross dog is in need of a new home. more...
High hopes for childhood game
A MAN his hoping his idea to market a simple pen and paper game he recalls from childhood will be a winner. more...
Former rugby star to launch golf course
FORMER England rugby star Tony Underwood is to take part in a teeing off ceremony at a nine-hole golf course in Teesdale. more...
Travellers may lose out over bus pass delay
BUS passengers in Darlington could be paying twice for passes following a delay in delivery of new ones. more...
Awards scheme launched to recognise volunteers' work
DARLINGTON people who work tirelessly to improve their communities and help others are to be celebrated. more...
Durham,East Durham News
Help for debt payers
A CHARITY is urging residents in the Durham area worried about debt to get in touch. more...
Restored sculpture takes pride of place
A FORGOTTEN statue of one of the most important figures in early North-East Christianity has found a new home. more...
East Cleveland News
Athlete is among grant recipients
Veteran athlete Jim Caddy has received £1,000 towards his travelling expenses to the World Veterans Championships, in New Zealand, this month. more...
Plans for school may involve demolition of youth club
THE future of a youth club and sports centre is uncertain following plans to create a 1,000-pupil school. more...
Anvil and Danny provide the laughs
THE Funny Bones Comedy Club show will be performed at 8pm on Thursday, at Windsors, Windsor Road, Saltburn. more...
Alice celebrates 104th birthday
ONE of the region's oldest residents celebrated her 104th birthday yesterday, with the mayor and a local singer, and family and friends. more...
Northallerton,Richmond,Hawes News
Whit carnival organisers tempt more entries with cash prizes
ORGANISERS of the annual Whit carnival in Richmond are hoping a cash prize will tempt more entries. more...
Students enjoy success on technology course
THE efforts of a diverse range of students have been rewarded after they successfully completed a Government-funded computer course. more...
Fund helps counselling service reach patients
LOTTO chiefs have given new hope to people who are in need of counselling and live in outlying rural areas. more...
Sports groups told to unite
SPORTING groups are being urged to get together to explore ways of improving facilities for people in their community. more...
£3.5m of Europe funding for skills
EUROPEAN funding of £3.5m is to be invested in learning and skills development across England's largest county. more...
Teesside News
Teens warm up for match
A game of football is to be played tomorrow to forge community spirit. more...
Creative fun for children at Easter events
Children can join in the fun at Easter events for youngsters this week. more...
Safety initiative launched
AN initiative that aims to make a town safer for young people has been launched. more...
Fire crews' home safety checks
FIREFIGHTERS are carrying out daily visits to homes in Teesside as part of a safety campaign. more...
The North East Business
£3.5m of Europe funding for skills
EUROPEAN funding of £3.5m is to be invested in learning and skills development across England's largest county. more...
Meeting over marina site
WHITBY Town Council is holding a meeting this week over the marina site. more...
Discount on breaks in holiday
PARENTS are being offered cut-price holidays to stop them taking children out of school during term time. more...
Award given for upgrade to plant
A NORTH-EAST company has been honoured for its work to upgrade a water treatment plant. more...
Store boosts school funds
A SCHOOL has thanked a local supermarket for helping to make its Easter fair a success. more...
The North East Entertainment
When life is a Cadbury's Flake advert
Inspired by the landscape around her, North Yorkshire artist Sue Lawson is establishing a reputation for her paintings. She talks to Women's Editor Christen Pears. more...
Full steam ahead as Scotsman is saved
THE battle to save the world's most famous locomotive for the nation has been won after an overwhelming show of support from all over the country, it will be announced today. more...
Youngsters to be entertained by Russian tale
A RUSSIAN adventure play is to be staged at Darlington's Arts Centre next week. more...
History but not as you learnt it
Historyonics (BBC1); The Bodyguards (C4): EDWARD the Confessor was living up to his name. He was confessing which, to be honest, is about all he was good for. "I'm not feeling well," he said. more...
Jazz piece performed
A piece of orchestral jazz by a North-East composer will be performed in Durham Cathedral on Saturday, April 17, at 7.30pm. more...
Panto pair
Comedy double-act Cannon and Ball will be appearing in pantomime at Darlington Civic Theatre later this year. more...
A viking warrior's last stand
THE dramatic re-enactment of the last stand of a Viking warrior is among the highlights of the holiday entertainment in a North City. more...
Village backs Heartbeat
RESIDENTS of Goathland, the backdrop to the television series Heartbeat, have given their backing for the programme to continue being filmed there. more...
The North East Features
05/04/04
REGIONAL GOVERNMENT: ALRIGHT then Mr Tague (HAS, Mar 30), the regional assembly will get us out of the complicated mess of quangos your party put us in. more...
Comment from The Northern Echo: Defeated yes, losers no
IT is our sad duty to report that Sunderland were yesterday knocked out of the FA Cup.This news will undoubtedly cause much heartbreak across the North-East, and there were undoubtedly tears on the final whistle. more...
When life is a Cadbury's flake advert
SUE Lawson's idea of bliss is standing on a hillside in the middle of nowhere with a storm brewing around her. She doesn't notice the wind or the lashing rain. In fact, she is oblivious to everything except the darkening skies and the way the light suddenly breaks through the clouds. more...
The plants that love going to pot
I WAS e-mailed during the week by a Northern Echo reader who wants to know what type of clematis would grow in a pot with a frame in it, and also, what other plants were particularly good in pots. more...
The words no Westerner expects to hear
After setting out to work as a volunteer at a leper colony in India, Leah Pattison has made helping outcast female victims of the disease her life's work. She talks to Sarah Foster about her amazing mission. more...
Why we should bin this waste of money
In October, the people of the North-East and Yorkshire will be asked to vote on whether they want to establish regional assemblies. more...
Why a week with 'the girls' was enough
I WENT on a press trip to Kenya last week and before I was due to meet the other journalists, I was told that I was to be going in a big gang of women. more...
TV review
Historyonics (BBC1) more...
When life is a Cadbury's Flake advert
Inspired by the landscape around her, North Yorkshire artist Sue Lawson is establishing a reputation for her paintings. She talks to Women's Editor Christen Pears. more...
The North East Leisure
The plants that love going to pot
I WAS e-mailed during the week by a Northern Echo reader who wants to know what type of clematis would grow in a pot with a frame in it, and also, what other plants were particularly good in pots. more...
Two tall trees, three men and a wedding
Echo Memories tells how two examples of the largest living organism on Earth came to grace Darlington's South Park more...
The North East News
Blood donation rule comes into force
From today, patients who have received transfusions since 1980 are banned from giving blood amid concerns over the human form of BSE. more...
Report calls club outstanding
AN out-of-school club has become only the second in the country to be named outstanding. more...
Alarm will help parents to sleep
THE parents of a boy with epilepsy were looking forward to their first full night's sleep in six months on Saturday, thanks to the donation of a £1,000 alarm. more...
Double delight for milkmen
TWO brothers - both milkmen - pulled more than a pint in their local pubs and are celebrating a special delivery. more...
Security fears push move for one North-East fire brigade
ONE fire brigade to cover the whole of the North-East could be established within two years. more...
Missing man's body found in stream
THE body of a man missing from home since last Tuesday has been recovered from a stream. more...
Officials count cost of arson attack on football ground
OFFICIALS at a football club were yesterday counting the cost of an arson attack at the ground. more...
Trainee chefs savour competition victory
TRAINEE chefs from the North-East are savouring the smell of success after winning a cooking competition. more...
Successful anti-bulling scheme extended to schools nationwide
A SCHEME in County Durham that recruits children as young as six for school anti-bullying patrols is being extended across the country. more...
Two arrested over stabbing
A 14-YEAR-old boy and an 18-year-old man have been arrested following the alleged stabbing of a teenager in Stockton. more...
Lightning strikes leave 200 N-E homes without power
A MASSIVE lightning storm that raged across the North-East left more than 200 homes without power. more...
Legal bid after rail cutbacks
A NORTH-EAST transport chief is threatening to take legal action against the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) for failing to consult on the latest train service to end in the region. more...
Fighters gather for battle of hard men
SOME of the toughest fighters in the North-East will take on the pick of Europe's hardest men this weekend. more...
Vets set to raise money for charity
A LOCAL champion female body builder has organised a race night to help raise money for Guide Dogs for the Blind. more...
Swashbuckling action as pirates invade quay
VISITORS were confronted by pirates taking part in a fierce battle at Hartlepool Historic Quay at the weekend. more...
Winner Lee back in the saddle
FRESH from winning the Grand National watched by millions of TV viewers, jockey Graham Lee was back in the saddle yesterday - at rural Hexham. more...
Full steam ahead as Scotsman is saved
THE battle to save the world's most famous locomotive for the nation has been won after an overwhelming show of support from all over the country, it will be announced today. more...
Man in court following student death
A DARLINGTON man appeared in court over the weekend charged with the murder of student Lee Walker. more...
Duck protest at stores
ANIMAL rights protesters staged demonstrations outside North-East city centre supermarkets this weekend. more...
Benefits push to help elderly
A PENSIONER'S charity is launching a drive to ensure old people get all the benefits they are entitled to. more...
Barney return from rugby final bloodied but unbowed
THEY may have been on the wrong end of a rather unflattering 48-0 scoreline, but you would never have known it. more...
Late documents submitted to Neale inquiry
CAMPAIGNERS have praised the Neale inquiry for agreeing to look at documents submitted late. more...
Misery as cup run ends in tears
THE tears welled up in his eyes as he tried to put into words the disappointment of seeing Sunderland crash out of the FA Cup Semi-Final. more...
Rescue worker dies as backpacker saved from gorge
AN emergency worker was killed during the dramatic rescue of a Yorkshire backpacker from a remote Australian gorge. more...
Equality for women in the clubs is only matter of time
WOMEN fighting for equality in the male-dominated world of the working man's club have once again had the door slammed in their face. more...
Police question four over stabbing
FOUR people were being questioned last night over a stabbing that left a man fighting for his life. more...
The North East Sport
Boro book play-off
MIDDLESBROUGH ensured a home play-off for promotion back to North One when they won 27-5 at home to Morpeth on Saturday. more...
Greening praises Boro's foreigners
JONATHAN Greening has paid tribute to Middlesbrough's crop of continental stars by declaring: 'These boys have proved they will fight for the Boro cause.'' more...
Newell's return takes on added importance for Pool
LOSING two games in succession is a rarity for Hartlepool United these days. more...
Unibond League: Honour's penalty anguish
Bishop Auckland manager Brian Honour was livid after his side were denied victory against third-placed Lincoln United at Dean Street on Saturday. more...
We must do better - Hutchinson
DARLINGTON defender Joey Hutchinson last night called on his teammates to do all their talking on the pitch. more...
We can't afford to let defeat get us down
MICK McCARTHY has warned Sunderland's defeated and deflated FA Cup semi-finalists to pick themselves up and ensure their primary goal of promotion to the Premiership is achieved. more...
Mowden cup fear
WITH five of their first-choice pack injured, the rate at which Mowden were shunted backwards in the second half scrums could accelerate their withdrawal from the county cup. more...
McCarthy defends decision
SUNDERLAND boss Mick McCarthy last night hit back at suggestions that he hindered his side's chances in the FA Cup semi-final defeat to Millwall by substituting striker Kevin Kyle. more...
Family affair for Cup hero
MILLWALL match-winner Tim Cahill last night revealed how his impoverished father had taken out a loan to send him over from Australia for a trial with the Lions which has led to the realisation of an FA Cup dream. more...
McAteer exit caps Cats' agony
DENNIS WISE had the last laugh on Jason McAteer as their feud ended with Sunderland's club captain being sent off and the destruction of the Black Cats' dreams of FA Cup glory and Europe in a bruising semi-final battle at Old Trafford. more...
Application is key to success at Riverside
THERE won't be an open-top bus parade to celebrate it but, in its own small way, Saturday's 2-0 Premiership win over Bolton said as much about Middlesbrough's new-found application and resolve as their epic Carling Cup final success over the same side in February. more...
Newcastle keep their faithful on tenterhooks before claiming win
ONE down and seven to go. Sunderland may have failed to reach the FA Cup Final yesterday but, according to Alan Shearer and all his teammates, every Premiership game Newcastle play until the end of the season might just as well be staged at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium. more...
The Albany Northern League: As Dunston edge towards title Briggs makes case for defence
Dunston moved closer to the title with a single goal victory at Guisborough and assistant manager Perry Briggs has put their success down to their defence. more...
We paid penalty - Ritchie
Ritchie Humphreys admitted a slack second half cost Hartlepool United dearly at Brighton on Saturday. more...
We can't afford to let defeat affect us, says McCarthy
MICK McCARTHY has warned Sunderland's defeated and deflated FA Cup semi-finalists to pick themselves up and ensure their primary goal of promotion to the Premiership is achieved. more...
Quakers' basement battle threatens to go down to wire
MAKE no mistake about it, Darlington's season is going to the wire. more...
Watching Brief: McAteer's the loser in the Old Trafford battle of the battlers
IF this was Jason McAteer's last chance to finally get his hands on an FA Cup winner's medal then he has blown it. more...
Wise winner hopeful of another Cup final upset
AN ecstatic Dennis Wise, with four-year-old son Henry sat upon his knee, has now set his sights firmly on Millwall causing one of the biggest FA Cup shocks of all time. more...
Falcons shrug off Noon blow to tame Tigers
AN afternoon of gripping drama in front of Kingston Park's second capacity crowd of 10,000 was marred by a second minute injury to Jamie Noon, of all people. more...
Smith sees promotion as the only remedy for fans' disappointment
TOMMY Smith last night pledged to banish the disappointment of FA Cup semi-final defeat at the hands of Millwall by helping fire Sunderland back into the Premiership. more...
We must cure away-day blues - Given
GOALKEEPER Shay Given has warned his Newcastle United teammates they must find an instant remedy to their travel sickness, before it costs them a Champions League place. more...
Cup defeat fails to take gloss off Wearsiders' rise from the ashes
LOSING in an FA Cup semi-final is supposed to be the worst feeling in football but, for Sunderland, yesterday's 1-0 defeat to Millwall still represented something of a redemption. more...
Conditions to suit Sharpastrizam
Sharpastrizam, who is suited by two miles on a soundish surface, has conditions to suit and looks the best bet in the Pat De Clermont Handicap Chase over two miles and one furlong at Kelso, writes Richard Young. more...
Mowden cup fear
WITH five of their first-choice pack injured, the rate at which Mowden were shunted backwards in the second half scrums could accelerate their withdrawal from the county cup. more...
Wearside League: Postponement sees Stokesley slip
Championship-chasing Stokesley SC now have six games in hand on leaders Birtley Town after their fixture at Ryhope CW was postponed on Saturday. more...
The North East, Business
Financial services sector gaining strength
Optimism among financial services companies grew by the strongest level in five years between December and March, the CBI said today. more...
The North East, News
Ricketts counting blessings
Middlesbrough striker Michael Ricketts was counting his blessings today after a miraculous escape from a motorway smash. more...
Caroline's mother set to marry soul-mate
The mother of the teenage backpacker whose murder two years ago shocked the nation is to marry the man who helped her through the crisis. more...
The North East,Teesside News
Men charged with kidnap on bail
Two men charged with the kidnap of two young sisters from Middlesbrough have been released on conditional bail by magistrates. more...
Campaign to recruit lifeguards after boy's death
A campaign has been launched to recruit beach lifeguards for the summer school holidays at a North-East resort following the death of an eight-year-old boy who was swept out to sea last August. more...
Dream tearoom set to open
For 22 years businesswoman Diane Wright has cherished a dream of opening a tearoom celebrating the life and culture of the County Durham dale where she and her family have lived for five generations. more...
Tyneside News
Duck protest at stores
ANIMAL rights protesters staged demonstrations outside North-East city centre supermarkets this weekend. more...
Wear Valley,Bishop Auckland News
Benchmark addition
COMMUNITY spirited youngsters have helped design seating to brighten up the streets in Tindale Crescent. more...
Store boosts school funds
A SCHOOL has thanked a local supermarket for helping to make its Easter fair a success. more...
New owner sought for Sandy
AN eight-month old labrador- cross dog is in need of a new home. more...
High hopes for childhood game
A MAN his hoping his idea to market a simple pen and paper game he recalls from childhood will be a winner. more...
Decision looms on farmer's controversial composter
A FARMER'S controversial plan for a composting facility is to be considered by council planning officials this week. more...
Former rugby star to launch golf course
FORMER England rugby star Tony Underwood is to take part in a teeing off ceremony at a nine-hole golf course in Teesdale. more...
Centenarian celebrates milestone with family
A RETIRED businesswoman who originates from Crook has celebrated her 100th birthday with her family in south Yorkshire. more...
Wearside News
Duck protest at stores
ANIMAL rights protesters staged demonstrations outside North-East city centre supermarkets this weekend. more...
Trainee chefs savour competition victory
TRAINEE chefs from the North-East are savouring the smell of success after winning a cooking competition. more...
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