Billingham: Eighteen competitors from Billingham travelled to Scarborough to compete in the A & B graded Gala at the weekend. Medals being awarded for the first six places in each grade. There was success all round with 16 medals in the A grade and
Readers Durham County League, Under-15s: Brandon made the formidable total of 157 for five when they entertained Washington who replied with 93 for the loss of five wickets, writes Malcolm Pratt. Tom Orton top scored with an unbeaten 44 hitting six boundaries
POLICE were last night continuing their investigation into the death of a soldier. Officers confirmed that the dead man was Andrew John Browne, a 24-year-old trainee Coldstream Guard. They said his body was found in a dormitory at Vimy Barracks, in Catterick
TWO rare tortoises have been found crammed into a shoe box and pushed under the hedge of a park. The pair were discovered in Horden Welfare Park, near Peterlee, County Durham, by a woman walking her dog on Monday and are thought to have been illegally
CLEVELAND police hope to launch a scheme to crackdown on alcohol-fuelled violence in Guisborough. Under the banner No Winners in this Fight, it would use CCTV cameras in town centre pubs, plus publicity material, to get the message across to drinkers.
THOUSANDS of travellers could face chaos this summer after a flight wholesaler went into administration. Many business passengers and holidaymakers will see their flights cancelled after Cyberes, based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, called in administrators
Darlington's Keith Murray sealed his second title in four years in the Teesside SPOCO (Sporting Courses) Series when he won the final round, a hilly 8.7-mile event at Stokesley, North Yorkshire. Murray, captain of the Science in Sport.com team, who won
SPECULATION that planned autumn referendums could be postponed were brushed off last night. The Government is awaiting the outcome of an inquiry by the Electoral Commission into all postal voting, which it is believed could force a delay in the vote.
Darlington host relegated Grimsby Town in their League Two curtain-raiser. The Mariners, managed by former Scarborough boss Russell Slade, have suffered back-to-back relegations. Quakers, who yesterday confirmed they were reverting to the old club badge
A PALOMINO pony based in County Durham made a stunning debut in a national show earlier this month. Brynbella Twm Twm, a three-year-old Welsh Section A colt owned by Karen Dickinson, from Eggleston near Barnard Castle, returned with an impressive haul
Middlesbrough 51-0 v Darlington RA, match abandoned Guisborough 11-2 v Wolviston, match abandoned Marton 148, Hartlepool 135 Great Ayton 132, Seaton Carew 133-0 Marske 220-4, Redcar 125-9 Richmondshire 204-7, Northallerton 205-0 Barnard Castle 221-6,
Two boy burglars who battered a deaf mute man with hammers were both jailed for four years today. Judge Roger Scott allowed the media to name and shame Daniel Thompson, who was 14 at the time of the incident, and Anthony Hinchcliffe, who was 15, and he
EVERY picture tells a story and as Pat Maycroft thumbs through her collection, the anecdotes flow. "The taxi drivers thought I was mad with this one when I asked them if I could project an image from their windows upstairs," she recalls. It's easy to
THE maternity unit at Guisborough General Hospital re-opens today, 18 months after it was closed owing to staff shortages. South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust, which is responsible for the unit, has managed to recruit new midwives, despite a national shortage
CAMPAIGNERS have reacted angrily to suggestions that the much-delayed inquiry into disgraced surgeon Richard Neale might not be published until the autumn. The inquiry into the former Northallerton gynaecologist was expected to have been completed before
THIS is the column which won't mention you know Roo. Except, that is, to observe that the Croxteth Kid has obliterated the Ashington Express from the headlines. Stephen Harmison has been a sensation this year, and it is going to be fascinating to see
THREE Darlington cabinet members are on the temporary governing body which will appoint the headteacher of the newly-merged Whinfield Primary School. Councillors Bill Dixon, Stephen Harker and Nick Wallis join existing governor Coun Tom Nutt on the recommendation
Durham and District League: Wingate's bubble burst when they visited Crook Glenholme with six consecutive victories behind them and holding the top spot in the First Division but were whitewashed by their hosts. This allowed champions, Leeholme to take
THE Preston Park Vintage Fire Engine rally will be held this weekend. The two-day family event tomorrow and Sunday, organised by Stockton Borough Council and fire brigades from the North-East, will include stunt events and displays. The aim of the weekend's
BRITAIN'S most successful high-altitude climber has described how he was nearly shot by gun-toting soldiers as he returned from conquering the world's seventh highest peak. Alan Hinkes was speaking at his first appearance back in the North-East after
THE leaking roof of a medieval castle is to be fixed as part of a £7m restoration programme. The programme is the first phase in a conservation scheme for Durham Castle, owned by Durham University. The Northern Rock Foundation pledged £450,000 towards
Rail chiefs today welcomed a rise in the number of trains running on time - even though they are still less punctual than before the Hatfield crash more than three and-a-half years ago. Three of the North-East's major train operators recorded year-on-year
A WOODLAND drama called Yew Wood, wouldn't you? is on a five-week tour in the Tees Valley. The tour has been organised by Tees Forest, and the play is performed by Blaize Theatre Company which will visit 38 schools with a total audience of more than 5,700
The Scruton reaches of the River Swale produced the biggest opening weekend river match weight in the region when Northallerton's Trevor Craddock lifted the Northallerton & District AC Non Plus Cup with a terrific chub bag of 51.6.0. Fishing the streams
The two Byers Green Under-10s have had great seasons and they were rewarded on Saturday night for their hard work and effort throughout the year. Peter Storey organised a fun-filled night that everyone enjoyed. Lewis Wheatley picked up top honours on
A WIDOW whose husband played his part in the Suez crisis 50 years ago has finally received a medal recognising his efforts. Dennis Luckhurst was serving as an apprentice blacksmith/engineer near Inverness in the early Fifties, before joining up for three
MOURNERS gathered under leaden skies yesterday to mark the last journey of a railway stalwart. People came from all over Yorkshire to pay their respects to Walter Hartley, from Leyburn, North Yorkshire. Mr Hartley, 69, was instrumental in the reopening
IN the 1800s, Sacriston was empty moorland, broken up into fields by acts of enclosure in 1809. There were scattered remnants of coal workings throughout the area, dating in some cases to medieval times, but there was no mining village. There were several
A YOUNG tennis player from Carlton, near Stockton, has served notice she could be a future Wimbledon star by winning a national title. Twelve-year-old Abi Curry, who is a member of the Tennis World club in Middlesbrough, won the 12 and under national
Croft Circuit will play host to not one but two World Champions when round two of the North-East Club Motor Cycle Racing Club's increasing popular championships take place at the North Yorkshire track this weekend. In the solo ranks, Kendal's James Ellison
THE idea of the North-East playing a significant part in the production and use of wood fuel in the future was unveiled at a seminar in Teesdale last week. Woodfuel - Getting it Right, held over two days at the Jersey Farm Hotel, Barnard Castle, looked
Last season Seaton Holy Trinity could not get a team out but then Seaton councillors, businessman Gus Robinsn and local chip shop owner, Mrs Bee, all helped the club and managed to get players to join. Since then they joined Division Two of the Mike Gough
HEALTH Secretary John Reid made a big promise yesterday: by 2008 no-one will have to wait more than 18 weeks for a GP referral to hospital, compared with the current nine-month maximum. Shadow Health Secretary Andrew Lansley responded with an even bigger
Roseberry Group North East Durham League: Washington maintained their position at the top of division one with an eight wickets victory at Medomsley, writes Malcolm Pratt. The home side made an indifferent start and the first three batsmen contributed
CHILDREN from across the Darlington area displayed their athletic prowess at one of the town's major sporting events. The Darlington Primary Schools' Athletics Championships were staged at Eastbourne Sports Complex on Wednesday, with competitors battling
Children in Darlington will take part in a litter picking event today. Pupils from Mount Pleasant Primary, Alderman Leach Primary, Whinfield junior and Abbey junior schools will be taking part in Bin it Friday, organised by Darlington Council and McDonalds
CHARITY bosses got the chance to help shape a Government Bill at a conference with Darlington MP Alan Milburn yesterday. The event in Darlington saw about 60 representatives from charities and community organisations give their views on the draft Charities
Sir, - With respect to Mr Keeble's article (DST, June 11), what a good ploy. Tell people most emphatically that you love horses, then attack them and their owners viciously. I think we are far from plague proportions although this may seem so if viewed
Gainford Children's Sports day takes place tomorrow and is open to children from the village and surrounding area. The day starts at 1.30pm with a fancy dress parade, followed by a race programme of novelty and trophy events. Trophies will only be awarded
by Robin Twizell RMD Agriculture CEREAL markets seem to be entering that period of masterly inactivity, with old crop more or less done and dusted and new crop prices slowly drifting, as we start Northern Hemisphere harvests. A similar situation applies
FUNDRAISERS aiming to buy and safeguard 88 acres of open land around Richmond were horrified to learn that the deal could be based on a lease rather than freehold. Richmondshire Landscape Trust and its fundraising arm, Richmond Open Spaces Appeal, immediately
BY-ELECTIONS will be held on July 15 for seats on two North Yorkshire councils. In Cayton ward, Tory John Blackburn, already a member of Scarborough Council, will take on Labour's Simon Turner for the North Yorkshire County Council seat vacant since the
A MAN stole his elderly father's bank card and went on a four-day spending spree, a court heard. Michael Strong, 40, pleaded guilty at Harrogate Magistrates' Court yesterday to theft and three counts of obtaining property by deception. He asked for seven
BUSINESSES in Yarm High Street were hit by a power cut for the third time in two weeks on Tuesday The electricity supply was lost along a stretch of the busy street for about 11 hours between 8am and 7pm Shops, pubs and restaurants were again forced to
CAMPAIGNERS are on the verge of winning a seven year reprieve for a row of 100-year-old horse chestnut trees in a North Yorkshire village. North Yorkshire County Council had intended to chop down the seven horse chestnuts at Bishop Monkton, near Ripon
Heatpac 4bbb Medal: 1st - N. Todd & M. D. Cook net 63; 2nd - J. Notman & D. Radford net 64. Swan Medal 7: 1st- A.Robson . 80-16 = 64 net; 2nd - P. Roberts 74 - 8 = 66 net; 3rd- G. Swales 80 - 13 = 67 net.
Twenty years ago on Thursday, a North-Easterner become one of the first UK patients to undergo a heart transplant. Remarkably, Joe Burnside is still fit and well and enjoying his retirement. Health Correspondent Barry Nelson meets him at his Darlington
ENGLAND'S penalty shoot-out jinx struck again last night as they crashed out of Euro 2004 in a storm of controversy. The dramatic exit against host nation Portugal came after England had been denied what appeared to be a perfectly good winning goal seconds
THIS is the column which won't mention you know Roo. Except, that is, to observe that the Croxteth Kid has obliterated the Ashington Express from the headlines. Stephen Harmison has been a sensation this year, and it is going to be fascinating to see
The deciding doubles cost Willington Brewer's Droop a share of the top spot in the Second Division when they lost by the odd point at Stanley Earl Derby, who pulled off a spectacular recovery. The Brewer's raced into a three-nil lead with wins from Jimmy
A JURY has convicted a teenager of robbing a man in his own home. The 17-year-old was found guilty of taking an active part in the raid after a two-day trial at Teesside Crown Court. It was alleged the youth, who cannot be named, held a knife to the throat
RESEARCH in the North-East suggests that health campaigns could be run more effectively. A team of health professionals from Sunderland and Newcastle used "social marketing" techniques to try to increase the number of pregnant women signing up to give
TWO dogs are looking for a home after their owners found they could no longer look after them. Two-year-old saluki-deerhound cross Beattie and 12-week-old lurcher cross Jenny have already won the hearts of the volunteers who are caring for them at the
TAXI drivers in Durham City were due to stage a lightning strike last night. Members of the city's two taxi associations planned to stop work at 10.30pm in pro-test at a council decision to issue more hackney carriage licences. The action, the first of
INTERNATIONAL rider Nicola Tweddle, from Morton on Swale near Northallerton, produced two fine performances from her rides at the Bramham three-day event in West Yorkshire. Her best results came with the 16.3hh bay Diable Au Corps, who she rides for racehorse
Bedale moved out of the relegation zone in the First Division with a 5.5-3.5 away win over Harrogate Spa. The victory lifted Bedale to third from bottom following what was only their second win of the season in six matches. Spa remain bottom with The
AN international sporting event comes to the North-East this weekend. Newcastle-Gateshead is playing host to the Corporate Games, previously been held in Australia and Turkey. It aims to raise funds for the RNLI and kicks off today with a golf competition
Connections to all stations but response from precious few, Shildon Railway FC - formerly, famously, the BR - marks its 50th anniversary in August. Attempting to speed up the celebrations, club officials wrote to other "railway town" clubs - Crewe Alexandra
Fosters Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League, Under-15s: Sacriston enjoyed a ten wicket victory when they hosted Shotley Bridge who they restricted to 72 including 34 by Donnelly with two sixes and four boundaries. Star of the night was Sacriston's
George Mann Cup: Wolsingham Club almost guaranteed themselves a place in the knockout stages after they won a very tight match against Wolsingham All Stars. The Club batted first and reached 124 for six when their 20 overs ran out. Percival hit 28, White
MOST villages have to fight hard to hang on to services and facilities and even harder to attract new ones. All credit then to the folk of Middleton Tyas who have worked so hard to gain the necessary permissions and finance to build a sports area for
AFTER a summer of change at Newcastle Falcons, Rob Andrew fired a warning to the rest of Europe last night by insisting: "We are ready for the Heineken Cup." Falcons' director of rugby is determined to build on the success of last year's Powergen Cup
POLICE will not be "heavy-handed" with new powers to crack down on nuisance youngsters. That was the pledge given to Northallerton councillors this week as the town's officers became the first in the county to have dispersal orders at their fingertips
A TWO-WEEK public inquiry into a blueprint for the future of Hartlepool gets under way in the town next week. A Government planning inspector will hold the inquiry to look at any remaining objections to the revised version of Hartlepool's Local Plan.
About 70 children will take part in events starting next week to teach them how to behave when travelling on buses. The Crucial Crew events, run by Cleveland Police, and supported by Arriva North East, will give children information and advice about how
A LONG-running campaign by parents and youngsters in Kirkbymoorside for a skateboard park has been successful. The town council agreed by one vote to allow the town's play areas association to carry out a £250,000 refurbishment of the Old Road playing
RESIDENTS have been awarded more than £30,000 in grants after uncovering a wildlife haven in the middle of a housing estate. North Billingham Residents' Association has teamed up with Stockton Borough Council, Billingham Forward and Tees Valley Wildlife
A DELEGATION of housing officials from the Far East visited Middlesbrough this week to see first-hand how housing and regeneration issues are dealt with in the UK. The ten-strong team from the Hong Kong Housing Authority includes housing managers, surveyors
HOUSEHOLDERS are being offered the chance to have a free smoke alarm fitted. Ei Electronics is providing Cleveland Fire Brigade with 140 alarms as part of the national fire service campaign How Will You Get Out Alive? Mark Whelan, director of operations
WILLIAM Hague MP was described as inspirational by some students when he visited the Wensleydale School in Leyburn - mainly because of his honesty. This included admitting to under-age drinking when he was at school and revealing that he was probably
A kerb-crawler who was arrested twice in just over an hour had his driver's licence withdrawn yesterday in a bid to stop him shopping for sex. Police in Middlesbrough first caught Craig Stuart Golightly at 8pm on January 26 after he had picked up a prostitute
STEVE McCLAREN has allowed Robbie Stockdale to leave Middlesbrough on a permanent basis. Redcar-born Stockdale has signed a three-year deal at Rotherham United after being told by Boro he would only be a reserve player next season. The 24-year-old spent
There were two competitions held this week, the first was a midweeker stableford played on Wednesday. A large number of members took part. Excellent scores were recorded and the winners were: 1 A Peacock 43 points; 2 H Sutton 42; 3 K Thompson 41. On Sunday
CIU League: Crook Belle Vue strengthened their chances of repeating their darts championship win after they beat the visiting second place Cockton Hill for the loss of only one point. Byers Green remain as a possible threat as they recorded a similar
Worthington CIU Summer League: Stanley Central opened out a two points gap at the top of the Second Division when they beat the visiting fellow title contenders from Coundon A for the loss of only one point. The Central started in fine form when they
THREE children who have battled against serious illness have inspired other pupils and their families to join a sponsored walk. Two of the youngsters, from St Bede's RC Primary School, Marske, have suffered from brain tumours while another who is undergoing
AIR pollution linked to damage to unborn children worsened dramatically in North-East towns in last summer's heatwave, Government figures have revealed. People living in Redcar suffered 80 days last year when pollution was "moderate or higher", compared
SMASH COURT TENNIS PRO TOURNAMENT 2. Publisher: Namco. Format: PS2. Price: £39.99. Out now: NAMCO'S sequel to one of the best loved of all sports simulations couldn't have been more timely. No matter how well - or badly - Tim Henman plays at Wimbledon
England tumbled out of Euro 2004 last night after a penalty shoot-out in Lisbon. The winning spot-kick came from goalkeeper Ricardo after crucial misses from first David Beckham then Darius Vassell. It was a nerve-shredding end to a controversial night
EVENTS have been held across the region to mark Architecture Week. One NorthEast has been encouraging people to join in and appreciate the many architectural places of interest and importance throughout the region. Events include exhibitions, talks and
A POST office in Skelton closed temporarily on Monday following the resignation of the subpostmaster. The Post Office said it would do all it can to re-open the Skelton High Green branch as soon as possible. In the meantime, customers are advised to use
A MEMORIAL stone for six military policemen killed a year ago in Iraq was dedicated in a ceremony last night. The stone bears the names of the men who died in an ambush on a police station in al-Majir al-Kabir, 120 miles north of Basra, where they had
THREE men have been arrested after raids on Teesside uncovered drugs with a street value of £21,000. Officers from Cleveland Police, taking part Operation Sabre, also recovered £22,000 in cash following raids in Middlesbrough. Four ounces of crack cocaine
RETIRED police officers may soon be able to return to work for Durham Constabulary. The force is looking at the possibility of introducing the 30-plus scheme, which has already been piloted in a number of forces around the country. Managers could retain
THREE teenagers have been arrested after a teacher was robbed in daylight. The 32-year-old supply teacher from Yarm, near Stockton, had his laptop-style bag, containing paperwork and a Bible, snatched when he was attacked from behind, at 12.50pm on Wednesday
DURHAM'S eyes remain firmly fixed on the day when the might of Australia visit Riverside for an Ashes Test. The ECB announced on Wednesday that the Aussies will be coming to the North-East for an historical one-day international with England on June 23
TWO of the region's police forces have suffered sharply contrasting fortunes in the battle to stem the grim death toll on the roads. Although deaths from all types of road accidents in the region remained steady in both 2002 and last year, in Cleveland
A 60FT illuminated tower, designed as a landmark gateway to County Durham, has been described as an "eyesore" by the Mayor of Sedgefield. The sculpture, bearing the words COUNTY DURHAM down its length, was fixed in place alongside the new A689 Sedgefield
JUST ten weeks after breaking his leg and arm in a smash at Lydden, Northallerton rallycrosser Dave Bellerby made a sensational return to the sport when round five of the MSA British Rallycross Championship visited Croft circuit last weekend. With his
On June 4 Derbyshire Under-17s played host to Durham at Shipley Hall CC and the visitors lost the toss and were put into bat. Durham scored 117 all out with Danielle Hazell scoring 44 and Faye Dale scoring 21. Derbyshire batted but only reached 37 runs
INDOOR sport fans were bowled over when a £500 cheque was presented towards equipment. The grant to Hawes Carpet Bowls Club came from North Yorkshire county council's Richmondshire area committee budget and was presented to members by Coun John Blackie
REGIONAL GOVERNMENT: WHAT is becoming very clear is that the Government is stalling and obfuscating on the issue of regional government because its agenda is being slaughtered on all fronts. I was surprised that what was billed initially at the launch
A kerb-crawler who was arrested twice in just over an hour had his driver's licence withdrawn yesterday in a bid to stop him shopping for sex. Police in Middlesbrough first caught Craig Stuart Golightly at 8pm on January 26 after he had picked up a prostitute
YARM Town Council has joined forces with residents to pay for the cost of a 90m security fence. The council received a proposal from residents in Hawthorn Grove and Lansdowne Road who are prepared to give £1,000 towards the cost of a security fence between
THE first day of the Premiership will see Middlesbrough and Newcastle lock horns in a Tees-Tyne derby. But it is a week earlier when the action begins in the newly-named Coca-Cola League and Sunderland will start their quest for honours in the Championship
PUBLISHER Bloomsbury said last night that a strong publishing programme for the second half should push up profits. Upcoming titles, including actress Sheila Hancock's book The Two of Us, about her late husband, actor John Thaw, are expected to be big
A CLUB dedicated to perpetuating the memory of the old Darlington-based United bus company celebrates its 20th anniversary with a special event next month. The United Enthusiasts' Club, which has published a monthly newsletter for members since it was
BANK of England Governor Mervyn King has dismissed claims that the monetary policy committee (MPC) has abandoned a gradual approach to interest rate changes. He told the Treasury Select Committee that two consecutive rises in the cost of borrowing to
THE streets of Durham City will be filled with the sounds of international music next week. Russian accordions, foot-stomping Samba beats and French vocals will greet visitors to the city on Saturday, July 3 and Sunday, July 4. International Music in
RAIL and bus company Go-Ahead last night reported a better than expected performance from its trains in the second half as it forecast satisfactory full-year figures. Go-Ahead said particularly encouraging revenues and continued good cost control at its
BARNARD CASTLE. - Tues. Fwd: 80 store & breeding cattle. Lim cows & bull calves to £840; AA cow & hfr calves to £650; Herefd cow & hfr calves to £550; Char cows & hfr calves to £575; AA hfrs & hfr calves to £760; Simm cow incalf
TWO of the region's police forces have suffered sharply contrasting fortunes in the battle to stem the grim death toll on the roads. Although deaths from all types of road accidents in the region remained steady in both 2002 and last year, in Cleveland
Andrew Lee of Stanhope Town is the Crook and District Football League player of the year. He won the award despite missing games in the latter stages through an injury that could see him ruled out for the start of next season. Gary Dowson of Evenwood
PROJECTS to tackle crime and grime around the North-East, backed with £80,000 of Government cash, were unveiled yesterday. Five areas in the region are set to benefit from cleaner, greener and safer neighbourhoods, Home Office Minister Hazel Blears announced
CONFIDENCE in the manufacturing sector recovery has been dented by reports that orders fell this month. Companies reported demand for products was down on those placed last month, according to the Monthly Industrial Trends survey from the Confederation
Harrogate Town has defended a major hike in prices for their new season with general admission charges rising from £7 to £10. But the club say the rise is necessary to meet increased costs of competing in the newly-established Conference North League.
IT is rare in life that you get the chance to effectively wipe clear the mistakes of the past and start again but the new licensing regulations provide just such an opportunity. In many of Britain's towns and city centres a yob culture seems to take over
VICTIMS of two North-East businessmen who fled with customers' cash claim their complaints to trading standards officers were ignored. Gary Upson and his son Ryan are being investigated by Durham Police's fraud squad after disappearing from their horse
Hunwick Club celebrated the league's first sponsorship deal with a good two points home win over Crook Mill House to keep them in equal third place. The home side had two points from Dave Bennett and one each from Paul Maddison, Dave Rusby, Alan Brownless
Shopkeepers across the UK are to miss out on a spending splurge after England was robbed of victory on Thursday night, analysts are predicting. The failure of the England team to qualify for Euro 2004's semi-finals could cost the retail trade millions
Willington Under-18s held their presentation evening at the Kensington Hall Hotel in Willington on Friday and manager Robert Lee said: "When I first started the team nine seasons ago I remember a club official saying we would be five-day wonders. "Well
A father who admitted killing his son as he towed a car across a dual carriageway has escaped jail. Paul Marshall, 56, was banned from driving for three years and given a 12-month suspended sentence when he appeared at Teesside Crown Court. Marshall admiited
IT has been heralded as one of the most environmentally friendly business developments in the North-East, but insiders believe it may have a more controversial future in store. Planning officers have approved proposals for the £5m Rivergreen Centre, an
FRESH from their jaunt across the Atlantic to contest the Rally Barbados last month, Leeming businessman Kevin Procter and co-driver Mick Gilby, from Northallerton, were once again on top form when they contested round six of the BTRDA Rally Championship
VICTIMS of two North-East businessmen who fled with customers' cash claim their complaints to trading standards officers were ignored. Gary Upson and his son Ryan are being investigated by Durham Police's fraud squad after disappearing from their horse
Junior round-up: Helen Stowe was the recipient of three individual Sunderland Scorpions awards at the Sunderland Ice Hockey Club annual presentation night held at the city's Crowtree Leisure Centre. Stowe received the player of the year, most improved
The Nightwatchmen CC secured their first victory of 2004 by beating The Gudivers at Rockcliffe Park. Batting first in a 30 over match, Nightwatchmen got off to a great start with openers Craig Hardy (25) and Andy Baldwin (20) putting on 35 for the first
Richmond and Zetland Harriers competed in their second Young Athletes League Division One fixture on Sunday 6 at Woodbourne Road Stadium, Sheffield. Up against Hallamshire, Rotherham and New Marske, there were several performances of note including Shane
A SPORTS star visited a Durham school that has netted two awards. England netball player Deborah Percy presented Blue Coat Primary School in Neville's Cross, with an Active Mark Sport Award and a Healthy School Award and chatted to children about her
Norton Under-9s went into the Mount Pleasant tournament full of confidence after winning the Haggerston Castle Trophy the month earlier and they started the competition against Bedale, taking the game to their opponents with Will Turton, David Roth going
A FANTASY Football League is thriving at Thirsk floodlit pitch and the latest winners were the Sowerby Scorchers, made up of players aged 11 to 14 from Thirsk School. The Easter Cup League was won by the Canvey Island Juniors. This league was open to
Young tennis star Abi Curry of Stockton has become a National champion. She won the 12 and under National Championship title in a tournament held at the weekend against the very best players from around the country. Abi, 12, who trains at Tennis World
TEN-YEAR-OLD Rebecca Henderson (pictured above) of Richmond Dales ASC was in sparkling form at the recent North Eastern Counties Long Course Championships held at Ponds Forge, Sheffield. The young swimmer produced two personal best times to return home
SINCE pre-Christian times, all the birds which belong to the crow family have been disliked or even feared due to the belief they were associated with evil or with the devil himself. Perhaps the most reviled was the raven, the largest of the group and
HARROGATE is getting up a head of steam to re-open its famous Turkish baths next month after a major refit. The baths, often featured in films and on television, have been restored to their Victorian splendour, and are one of only three similar baths
Planet Snooker Premier League: David Craggs of Tow Law made a great recovery in his home match against Mike Dunn of Redcar, the world ranked number 54, despite having to sit and watch an impeccable break of 134 in the first frame, bringing tumultuous
A SUCCESSFUL farm ice-cream business won the international seal of approval this week. Brymor Ice-Cream was visited by a 20-strong delegation from the Guernsey Cattle Society, who saw the farm's two new robotic milkers in action. Members from Australia
THE new ambulance station at Bainbridge has opened for business. The £250,000 development on the site of a former garage serves the upper and mid-Dales and replaces 50-year-old premises in the centre of the village. The building includes space for a police
NEWCASTLE University is leading a £12m project to investigate why the taste and nutritional value of food is decreasing - and why organic farming can be a solution. Scientists are growing test crops of cabbages, lettuces, carrots, potatoes and wheat at
Sir, - We now know that while the chief constable of North Yorkshire was huffing and puffing about improvements and her intention to make the force the best in the country, it was teetering on the edge of being classified one of the worst forces nationally
ORGANIC farmers need to be more organised and professional to make a good living in the modern food market, according to Ralph Human, managing director of the Organic Livestock Marketing Co-operative. While food scares such as BSE and the foot-and-mouth
Patients were yesterday promised a more personalised NHS with shorter waits, greater choice and a bigger role for the private sector in ambitious plans unveiled by the Government. Health Secretary John Reid, presenting the NHS Improvement Plan to MPs
PARENTS are unwittingly putting their children at risk because they don't know how to use seatbelts, according to new research. Researchers discovered that many parents were unaware that it is illegal for a child below the age of three to get into a car
County Super League: Spennymoor moved back to the top of the table when they beat the visiting Newton Aycliffe by four points, but their two leading players, Ronnie McAloon and Gavin Witton both dropped a frame and so they failed to take a share of the
HEALTH experts in the region have given the Dr Reid's five-year plan a guarded welcome, but there is debate on whether it is achievable. Carole Langrick, director of performance for County Durham and Tees Valley Strategic Health Authority, was upbeat
Durham Fell Runners, Steve Lumb and Stuart Ferguson travelled to Strathcarron in north west Scotland and competed in the two day Lowe Alpine Mountain Marathon. The two runners were hampered by strong winds, rain and even snow on Saturday and heavy drizzle
THE hunt for the murder weapon used in the killing of Julie Smailes was called off yesterday. A specialist police search team spent yesterday and all of Wednesday digging up a garden behind a semi-detached council house in Briardale, Delves Lane, near
STEVE McCLAREN has allowed Robbie Stockdale to leave Middlesbrough on a permanent basis. Redcar-born Stockdale has signed a three-year deal at Rotherham United after being told by Boro he would only be a reserve player next season. The 24-year-old spent
THE UK part of steelmaker Corus is expected to make an operating profit for the first time. The Anglo-Dutch producer has had a turbulent time since the merger of British Steel and Hoogovens. But sharp rises in the cost of steel and long-term deals on
CARLISLE breeders J C and S E Little of The Guards, Ireby, led the summer Limousin sale of bulls and females with their bull entry, Guards Troy, above, at 6,200gns. Troy, an August 2002-born son of Calrossie Rodin and out of a Sarkley-bred mother, Sarkley
It was no pantomime as Woodham Mens Scratch Team rubbed Aladdins lamp and out popped a 14-0 whitewash-ington over George Washington GC in their North Durham Union League match on Tuesday, June 22. Club Captain Steve Haslam, was hoping for a comprehensive
THE first day of the Premiership will see Middlesbrough and Newcastle lock horns in a Tees-Tyne derby. But it is a week earlier when the action begins in the newly-named Coca-Cola League and Sunderland will start their quest for honours in the Championship
POP STAR Madonna's newest fans are hundreds of Yorkshire farmers and landowners. She and her film director husband, Guy Ritchie, won the major part of their appeal against incorrectly-mapped public access land on their Ashcombe Estate under the Countryside
AIR pollution linked to damage to unborn children worsened dramatically in North-East towns in last summer's heatwave, Government figures have revealed. People living in Redcar suffered 80 days last year when pollution was "moderate or higher", compared
Darlington host relegated Grimsby Town in their League Two curtain-raiser. The Mariners, managed by former Scarborough boss Russell Slade, have suffered back-to-back relegations. Quakers, who yesterday confirmed they were reverting to the old club badge
MIDDLESBROUGH Bears contined their recent good form with another dramatic last heat victory on difficult track conditions against hosts Hull Angels at Craven Park last week. There were a number of alarming spills but thankfully no-one was seriously injured
CATTERICK races are back under starter's orders after a three-month lay-off to carry out improvement work. Racing returns to the North Yorkshire venue on Wednesday after the Catterick Racecourse Company spent more than £600,000 redeveloping its stable
A YOUNG musican is back in the region for his first gig this year on home turf. Singer-songwriter Pete Shoulder, 20, of Waldridge Fell, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham, will be playing at The Archer, Archbold Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle, on Monday
MORE than 10pc of arable land could come out of production as a direct result of CAP reform. That figure arose from a survey conducted by the Royal Agricultural Society of England and Deloitte in April, but released last week. It involved members and
Darlington CC under elevens made it nine wins from nine North Yorkshire league matches by defeating Seaton Carew on Saturday. The seasiders had won six out of eight before entertaining the Quakers, narrowly losing to Stockton and Norton earlier in the
SMASH COURT TENNIS PRO TOURNAMENT 2. Publisher: Namco. Format: PS2. Price: £39.99. Out now: NAMCO'S sequel to one of the best loved of all sports simulations couldn't have been more timely. No matter how well - or badly - Tim Henman plays at Wimbledon
A 19-year-old motorcyclist died when he was in collision with another machine on a minor track at Downhill Quarry, Sunderland. Police last night named the dead man as Richard Owens, of Blackwood Street, Sunderland. A police spokesman said the man had
BROTHERS Graham and Mark Rowell called the tune as Ryton charged to an emphatic First Division win over Old Record Players. Graham led the way with 54 while Mark was unbeaten on 30 as Ryton totalled 142-6 before restricting Old Record Players to 87-7.
A TAXI driver says he will take a council to court for refusing him a licence. Darlington Borough Council said John Stoddart, of Galaxy Cars, had the wrong kind of tinted windows in his vehicle. But Mr Stoddart says the tinted windows on his Ford Galaxy
A consumer awareness roadshow will visit Darlington's Cornmill Centre next week. The event, on Tuesday and Wednesday, aims to promote the work of the Consumer Support Network. Darlington's network was launched at the start of the year, bringing together
A £3m assembly hall was opened at a Darlington school by the town's MP yesterday. Alan Milburn opened Carmel RC Technollogy College's assembly hall and technology block, built by Miller Construction. The hall will be known as the John Caden Hall, after
HAVING blind - or "visually impaired", as they don't call themselves - friends opens your own eyes. For a start, you learn that "registered blind" doesn't always mean totally without sight. Don't assume that you, or what you are doing, can't be seen by
CHILDREN are taking part in a campaign to improve health and fitness across Darlington. Staff and pupils at Skerne Park Primary School are supporting the Chance to Live campaign launched by The Northern Echo, Darlington Primary Care Trust and Darlington
A GROUP of craft workshops, designed to boost tourism and employment in a £600,000 development, has been officially opened. Five workshops have been built in Silver Street, in Reeth, by Richmondshire District Council and have proved so popular that four
A CONTROVERSIAL move to drastically cut the financial package for leaders of opposition parties on Middlesbrough Council has been turned down. A recommendation to cut the annual salary for the Conservative group leader, from £4,000 to £1,500, and that
About 70 children will take part in events starting next week to teach them how to behave when travelling on buses. The Crucial Crew events, run by Cleveland Police, and supported by Arriva North East, will give children information and advice about how
A CHARITY has bought a seven-seat minibus to take people with special needs on outings. Breathing Space, at the Mencap Centre, in Northallerton, was given a £24,000 grant from the Hambleton and Richmondshire Primary Care Trust's learning disability fund
MAGISTRATES' courts in the North-East have been named as some of the best in England and Wales at collecting fines. Three magistrates' courts committees in the area collected 90 per cent or more of all court-imposed fines in the past financial year. They
A BANK worker has received a national award for her outstanding contributions to the community. Tracie Smith from Barclays, in Chester-le-Street, was given the honour at the Barclays Chairman's Awards at the Tate Britain in London. She will receive a
THIRSK hostel, which provides accommodation for the homeless, is to be refurbished at a cost of £175,000. Hambleton District Council cabinet recommended approval on Tuesday of a grant of £79,200 towards the work after hearing a report prepared by Eric
A serial killer has finally admitted his guilt - eight years after murdering three teenage boys. Steven Grieveson, who became known as the Sunderland Strangler, always denied his crimes. But he has dramatically written a letter to the parents of his victims
WORK on a new-style office for Durham City Council has started. The Liberal Democrat-controlled authority is building a £2m one-stop shop at Lobley Hill Road, Meadowfield. When the building is finished in March, people will be able to access a wide range
Cleveland and North Yorkshire League: Oak Lodge completed their first half of the season unbeaten with a convincing 15 point victory over near rivals Urlay Nook. Oak Lodge scored the highest score of the evening with a score of 186. Oak Lodge's Ian Hutchinson
A CHURCH and Inland Revenue building are targeted for demolition to allow a second large store in Darlington's £45m Commercial Street shopping centre. Planners are recommending that Darlington Borough Council planning committee allow the former United
AN eight-year-old boy is preparing for a VIP trip to Wimbledon to take part in Saturday's Olympic Torch ceremony. William Spencer, from Malton, will be one of the youngsters lining the route taken by the torch as it travels through the tennis arena as
THE wet weather failed to dampen the enthusiasm of youngsters taking part in a mini-Olympics event yesterday. About 380 children from 22 primary schools in the Wear Valley and Weardale area took part in a host of sporting activities at Durham University's
PEOPLE campaigning for an independent parish council have asked for a poll of all villagers. The debate over whether Aycliffe Village should separate from Great Aycliffe Town Council has been raging for months. A public meeting in the village this week
DARLINGTON Borough Council has been named as the region's "Best for Business" by the North East-Chamber of Commerce. The award recognised the support the council provided to existing businesses and its pro-active approach to raising the profile of the
CAMPAIGNERS fighting the proposed closure of a community hospital yesterday revealed a legal document they claim will save the building. County Durham and Darlington Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is consulting residents over the possible closure of South
PLANS for a drive-through food outlet in Spennymoor town centre are causing a stir among traders and residents. The proposal, to build a 60-seat restaurant with a drive-through terminal behind the Festival Walk shopping precinct, has caused mixed feelings
Federation Special Durham Senior League, Under-15: Jonathan Shurben and Jarvis Play were both in outstanding form for Chester-le-Street against Sunderland at Ropery Lane, writes Malcolm Pratt. Batting first, the Cestrians made the formidable total of
Spennymoor United have launched a search for a new manager after Tony Lee resigned last week. Moors are now looking for their fourth manager in 18 months after Lee's departure, and the search is all the more urgent with pre-season training due to start
Tennis: its fun and an fantastic way to keep fit. As British hopeful Tim Henman plays his second match of this year's Wimbledon, John Ives reveals everything you need to know to get you started. WIMBLEDON is here - so why aren't you out playing too? It's
MOVES to revive a farmers' market in Bedale could be fast-tracked. A watchdog committee of councillors is to consider what can be done to bring the farmers' stalls back to the town. But at a meeting of Hambleton Council's cabinet on Tuesday, one member
IT is rare in life that you get the chance to effectively wipe clear the mistakes of the past and start again but the new licensing regulations provide just such an opportunity. In many of Britain's towns and city centres a yob culture seems to take over
THERE aren't enough superlatives, there aren't enough adjectives to describe Attraction, the wonder filly who, in her eighth unbeaten race, landed the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot last Friday. She won in her usual front-running fashion, the third
I love to go a-wandering along a mountain track And as I go, I love to sing, my knapsack on my back Fal da re-e-e, Fal da ra-a-a... OK, hands up who remembers Family Favourites and that awful children's choir? We can't now get that silly song out of our
A VOLUNTEER is taking part in the adventure of a lifetime to help raise money for poor children in the former Soviet Union and eastern Europe. Yesterday, a group of 20 volunteers were due to leave Heathrow to take part in Trek Romania to raise funds on
A PILOT scheme designed to improve the basic skills of the unemployed to help them find work has been praised by a minister. The project, at New College Durham, in Durham City, is aimed at long-term unemployed people and people eligible for New Deal 18
A HEADY mix of wildlife, hills, castles and coastline will be brought together for a summer of walking events in County Durham. Durham County Council has put together a new series of guided walks over the next three months which cover around 400 miles
ORGANISERS are preparing for what is expected to be the biggest Durham County Show yet. Sunderland City Council staff will be on hand to marshal the thousands of people expected at Herrington Country Park, between Chester-le-Street and Sunderland, on
TIME is running out for parents to register for a summer play scheme. The scheme, for children aged five to 11, gets under way in Hartlepool on Monday, July 26 and runs until Friday, August 20. This year there will be four venues: Bridge Youth Centre;
ALRIGHT. There is something you should know from the outset. Deep breath, here goes ... The Waiting Room is a vegetarian restaurant. But surely it is not a big deal these days? After all, at least one in 20 people is supposed to be vegetarian. OK, vegetarianism
Portugal's victory over England last night could have been predicted, according to North-East academics. By beating England on home territory Portugal illustrated a scientifically proven phenomenon. Two years ago researchers at Northumbria University
RESEARCH in the North-East suggests that health campaigns could be run more effectively. A team of health professionals from Sunderland and Newcastle used "social marketing" techniques to try to increase the number of pregnant women signing up to give
Phil Jaques lifted the deep depression which had been hanging over the Rose Bowl yesterday with a stunning unbeaten 193 as Yorkshire climbed steadily to 268 for three on the second day of their Championship match against Hampshire. He will resume today
ENGLAND'S penalty shoot-out jinx struck again last night as they crashed out of Euro 2004 in a storm of controversy. The dramatic exit against host nation Portugal came after England had been denied what appeared to be a perfectly good winning goal seconds
BUSINESSES, beat bobbies and more than 50 young children got together under a police sporting initiative. The gala tag rugby tournament had been arranged by Durham Constabulary as part of its on-going Street Safe scheme. Spearheaded by beat officers from
Marske's new boss Darren Trotter wants promotion in his first season in charge. The club suffered its first relegation in the Northern League when they finished in the bottom three of the First Division last season, and now Trotter, appointed a fortnight
PREDICTING the outcome of the Gosforth Park Cup is never easy, however at least in siding with Piccled (7.25), punters can expect a serious run for their money. Conditions for the Northern Rock sponsored five-furlong dash at Newcastle this evening have
It's the time of year when we're most likely to be heading for the hills but which rucksacks are best for shipping those essential supplies? Shoptalk investigates. I love to go a-wandering along a mountain track And as I go, I love to sing, my knapsack
GOLFERS are being urged to tee-off in an open competition in aid of a civic charity next month. The new Mayor of Durham, Coun Mary Hawgood, hopes her chosen charity, St Cuthbert's Hospice, will receive a huge boost from the annual charity golf open event
A RURAL support group, whose work during the foot-and-mouth epidemic was praised by Prince Charles, may have to curtail some of its newly-opened facilities because of a funding crisis. UTASS, Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services, expanded into
OUTSIDERS Durham are prepared to fly Robert Dinwiddie back across the Atlantic in a bid to succeed in the National Finals for the first time in the county's history. Dinwiddie was the star of the show in the Northern Counties Championship at Seaton Carew
Several games were cancelled because of the weather and in division three only three started, writes Malcolm Pratt. Rockliffe Park managed to beat the rain and their opponents when they secured a four wickets victory at Ingleton, who were all out for
MOURNERS gathered under leaden skies yesterday to mark the last journey of a railway stalwart. People came from all over Yorkshire to pay their respects to Walter Hartley, from Leyburn, North Yorkshire. Mr Hartley, 69, was instrumental in the reopening
MORE than 300 young musicians took part in the third annual Samba Extravaganza at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium. Pupils from 12 primary and two comprehensive schools from the Eston area brought the sounds of Brazil to the stadium under the direction
THE late Sir Peter Ustinov opposed the closure of a department at Durham University where he was chancellor. A few months before his death, the actor and racconteur wrote a letter expressing his views about Durham University's decision to axe its Department
Darlington Spraire Lads have been awarded Charter Standard by the Football Association. By achieving a Charter Standard club award Spraire say they are demonstrating to all members, parents and the public that the club are a well organised, safe club
THE shake-up in the batting order brought rich rewards for Durham yesterday as Gareth Breese launched the innings with 76 and Marcus North made a glorious unbeaten 190. Batting at No 4 for the first time after opening the innings with modest success,
BLAST furnace manufacturer VAI UK is creating 100 jobs after winning a multi-million pound contract in Brazil. The company, which has offices on the site of the former Head Wrightson steelworks, in Thornaby, has won an order worth £120m. The contract
PUPILS from Hurworth School Maths and Computing College will be putting their talents on show tomorrow. Three acts from the school have reached the final of the TalentSTAR competition, which will be held at the Newcastle Opera House. The event is supported
It's hard to believe its summer with wall-to-wall football on our screens at the moment but somewhere out there the cricket season is in full swing! The County Inter-Cricket finals took place recently at Durham's picturesque Riverside ground. Inter cricket
A terrific five kilometre run after moderate swim and bike ride took 41-year-old Thomas Doughty of the Sun City Tri club to victory in the Weardale Triathlon at Stanhope, the first time he has contested the event. Trailing former champion Scott Holmes
THERE is no doubt where the match of the day is in the premier division tomorrow. Guisborough, winners of the championship in three successive seasons, are second to Saltburn, who have a slender two-point lead. A blow to Guisborough's chances is the news
Human Face Transplant: An Equinox Special (Ch4): I SUPPOSE the title of this programme should have given a clue not to watch it while eating your dinner. But, naively, I settled down with my microwave meal to learn how close we really are to space-age
Super-fit St Mary's School under-11s have become the most successful football team in the school's history - and they say a new training regime has helped propel them to the top of the league. The Barnard Castle primary school remained unbeaten in the
A TEAM of five amateur cyclists are to race stage ten of the Tour de France to raise funds for charity. Last week, the riders were dealt a blow when the vehicle pledged to them for transport to France would no longer be available. Comedian Roy Chubby
Convenience store chain Bells has beaten off competition from BMW and British Gas to clinch a national training award. Bells, based in the Tees Valley, won the Large Employer award at the National Modern Apprenticeship awards, organised by the Learning
A NORTH Yorkshire brewery which recently returned to the founding family's ownership has marked the event by brewing a Celebration Ale. T & R Theakston of Masham has brewed only 1,500 bottles of the bottle-fermented beer with 6pc alcohol by volume
A DELEGATION from the Asia Pacific area will visit the region tomorrow to forge new business links. The Malaysian High Commissioner to the UK will lead the delegation of Malaysian development and tourism companies, with the help of UK Trade and Investment
Earlier this month Casey Shogren was named as the summer's first monthly winner of this year's The Northern Echo Cricketer of the Year competition and nominations for the June accolade are flooding in. Casey took the April/May honour after recording figures
A HEALTHY diet is a luxury that many of the North-East's low-income families simply cannot afford, according to a new survey. The report, Going Hungry, reveals that lack of money sometimes makes it impossible for parents to feed their children healthily
Sir, - The Boundary Committee is at the final consultation stage of its review of North Yorkshire County Council divisions, which they suspended last June. I would like the residents of Hutton Rudby and surrounding villages in the district council Rudby
THE current exhibition at the Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle - Boudin, Monet and the Sea Painters of Normandy - has attracted, deservedly, national attention, but the whereabouts of the town are obviously a mystery to our national media colleagues. A
Bedale & West of Yore PC. - July 22: ODE at Newfield, Mickley, PC and open classes, sae to secretary Mrs F Blaine, 7 Stoneybrough Lane, Thirsk YO7 2LS. Braes of Derwent PC. - July 11: senior horse trials at Houghall, Durham, open to non-members, novice
Langbaurgh League: The weather played havoc with the programme last Saturday and only two games went the distance, writes Malcolm Pratt. Kirby Sigston maintained their position at the top of the table winning for the tenth time in 11 outings when they
Red Cross Cup No 7: A fine night for this week's round of the stableford competition which was reflected in the score of Kevin English who finished with 47 points. Leading scores: 47 Kevin English (17); 41 Mike Mayman (8), Mark Edmondson (16) card countback
CLEVELAND'S Chief Constable has expressed his disappointment at the damning assessment the force received from Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabularies (HMIC). Sean Price told police authority members that he is determined to put matters right. Speaking
TRAIN services between the North-East, Yorkshire and London were back to normal yesterday after a freak storm led to severe disruption for passengers. Lightning struck overhead power lines at Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, on Wednesday evening, bringing
DURHAM City Council is pressing ahead with controversial changes to taxi licensing, despite opposition from drivers and the city's MP. The Liberal Democrat-controlled council is to allow an extra nine hackney licences, all for wheelchair-accessible vehicles
Harriers are being kept very busy with many and varied races available to enter. The latest fixture in the HDRR League took place at Otley, and Ian Fisher of Otley AC was once again the winner, in a time of 32.24 minutes. Gary Dunn was again the first
IN the 1800s, Sacriston was empty moorland, broken up into fields by acts of enclosure in 1809. There were scattered remnants of coal workings throughout the area, dating in some cases to medieval times, but there was no mining village. There were several
Sunniside Comedian slipped up at home to the new league leaders from Tow Law New Market A, who were never headed in the match. Tom Dowson put the Market ahead but Keith Race levelled. Goff Bramfitt restored the visitors' lead only to see Dave Walton equalise
Durham City: Durham enjoyed a successful weekend at East Dunbartonshire's Three Nations event, returning home with silver medals in both the junior and senior tournaments. The event involved teams from East Dunbartonshire, Hamilton, Dunfermline, Dundee
